MM Reawakened: Chapter 12

Chapter 2: Dr. Light is in Trouble; Investigate for the Truth

Light Residence – 3:25 PM

I reached my house after that debacle at New Light Highway. My fists were clenched and my eyes were sharp. I spend a week of my revived life trying to stop Wily and now he's escaped. I feel like I've let everyone down. Still upset, I tried to contemplate everything that has happened. Even if I turned on the news, it wouldn't make any difference. But then I heard something that really grinded my gears.

"We have just received breaking news. Former scientist Dr. Albert Wily has escaped police custody today after a group of red robots attacked a group of New Light Police units. Though our fair hero Mega Man has successfully drove off the robots, Wily was able to elude police. Authorities have arrested 57-year old Thomas Light claiming that he may be involved in the escape attempt. We will have more on this story within the hour. Back to you-" I turned off the TV in anger.

I tried to stay calm over everything that has happened but I just can't do it. Why? What's happening to me? Is it because that I couldn't help my grandpa? Damn it! I felt like I wanted to throw something in disgust. Taking the nearest thing I can get my hands on, I grabbed it and threw it across the room. The item (which was a cup) shattered into pieces but I was still angry. I then grabbed the next thing I can find… the remote control. But before I did throw it, Higsby was standing next to me looking concerned. Seeing him made me stop what I was doing. Putting the controller down, I sat and needed a breather.

"Robert… what's happening? Where is Dr. Light?" I looked at him and didn't want to speak. I was still steamed. But I knew that clamming up wouldn't help anyone.

"Dr. Light is in federal custody. Wily had escaped and the cops think that gramps is involved with his escape. I tried to stop Agent Peterson but if I did that, it would make things worse." I shook my head in pure aversion. Higsby sat next to me as we talked.

"I know. I share your pain Robert, I really do. But for now, you need to get your mind cleared up. Why don't you get something to eat or drink? It'll at least help your body get at ease." For once, Higsby's right. I nodded as I went to the kitchen and gathered some grub.

I took my sweet time eating. With every bite, I began to feel less mad and more serene. Maybe Higsby has a valid point on this situation. Instead of trying to contemplate over the situation, I should do something about it. But first, I needed to eat. I haven't eaten since breakfast anyway.

"So with Wily on the run and your grandpa in custody, what are you going to do now?" I thought about it for a quick minute. "There has to be something you can do." Well, not a bad idea Higsby.

"I think there is something I can do… I know that Wily escaped for sure." I then got up and made me wonder about something. "But if I was Dr. Wily, where would I go?" I continued eating while trying to think.

Higsby and I tried to figure out possible locations where Wily would be found. However, we weren't making any progress. I eventually finished eating and cleaned up. That's when I decided to put my brain to work. I looked at Higsby and nodded at him. He let off a smile seeing I was feeling much better.

"I got to contact the Robot Masters. I'll be right back. Higsby, you stay here and keep an eye on the house until I return. With Gramps in custody, we don't have much time." He nodded as I transformed into Mega Man and went outside.

I became a blue light heading for the 6th District of New Light City. The robot masters would still be there taking care of repair work. I didn't have much time to waste. Every second wasted will reduce my chance of clearing Dr. Light's name and saving his reputation. Okay, I may have a dislike for his reputation but this is now personal. Dr. Thomas Light is all I have left in my family and if I lose him, I'll be all by myself… again.

Lex Loath's Loaning Lair – 3:40 PM

Lex Loath was sitting down on a chair glimmering in gold being filled with many jewels. His "place" was like some kind of royal quarters with pictures of himself seen throughout the room. His assistant was preparing some tea nearby. When it was done, he then provided Lex his tea. The guy drank it calmly enjoying every sip. Taking a deep breath, he seemed real pleased with his day somewhat. He looked at his assistant with a happy glee.

"That was some enjoyable tea Glyde. Well done." Lex said as his assistant bowed in kindness.

"Thank you Mr. Loath. You're very kind." Glyde put the tea set away. "By the way, aren't you expecting any customers today?" Lex seemed curious about that.

"I'm not. There's only one customer I'm interested in… Dr. Wily. His offer seems to interest me greatly. He wants 2,500,000 Zenny for this… and in exchange, he would give me what I need to control New Light City's underworld. I would be happy to accept though he said to make some adjustments." Glyde went to Lex wondering in curiosity.

"What adjustments? Also, why 2 and a half million Zenny? Does that man really need that much for a simple loan? I believe 1 million Zenny would be a beneficial solution. Having to lend Wily that much Zenny would be bad for your business. Did he consider?" Lex got up and decided to explain things.

"He did consider though the alternative of 1 million Zenny though he wanted a base of operations so he can begin production. I provided him what I can offer and he gladly accepted. I have to present the money to one of his subordinates at this very moment." The two then saw what appears to be an hour and minute hand. It began to spin rapidly until it revealed it to be the purple robot master that helped Wily escape.

"Greetings gentlemen. I am here on behalf of Master Wily since he's running late. He requests the check for 1 million Zenny and access to an area where he can begin operations. He promises that in exchange, he will have an army for you ready under your command." Lex hands the check to the robot. He smiles seeing that things went well.

"Thank you Mr. Loath. You are too kind not to mention on time. Wily promises to provide you with what you need in exactly one week. I must bid you adieu gentlemen." TimeMan disappeared by causing a hour and minute hand to appear spinning in different directions. Lex and Glyde both looked at each other with perplexing stares.

"Are you really certain about this Mr. Loath? I don't think this is a good idea." Lex however disagreed with him.

"Silence! Wily will make good his end of the agreement. After all, it's the robots that are my interest. If I am to conquer the New Light underworld, I must get rid of the top dog himself… that accursed Rupert Thorne." Glyde backed away a bit. Lex laughed like a mad scientist.

Okay, Wily teaming up with a loan shark/mobster really paints a sad picture here. No wait, what am I saying? Sad picture? Uh uh, more like freaky if you ask me. Those two are trouble and having to ally with Dr. Wily is even more trouble. Now it makes me really want to think of this as some serious freaky shit. But I'm more focused on trying to find answers.

Factory #3751 – 3:45 PM

Turning on the light revealing a factory that was abandoned and beat up. Many of the conveyor belts weren't functioning; junk was seen all over the place and all Wily had on his face was a look of disgust. Though in my opinion, it's enough to make me hurl major chunks. The purple Robot Master appeared from behind making his usual entrance. Wily was pleased by his presence.

"I have arrived as you requested Master Wily. This is for you." He hands the check to Dr. Wily. "Are you certain this factory will help you provide what you need?" He turned to see the Robot Master as calm as ever.

"Yes. This factory will provide me what I require to rebuild my army. Sure, it's a mess but what can you do? Did you bring me my trusted outfit?" The robot nods giving him his usual clothes.

Putting on the tie and then the white jacket, he became the mad scientist once again. But the hint of orange from his prison jumpsuit sort of makes it disappointing. Wily wouldn't give two shits about it.

"Excellent. Now then, we must get to work on getting this factory up and running. Where is that other one?" Wily was clenching his fists as the purple robot let off a sigh of discomfort.

"I swear… he is making serious problems to my schedule. If only he was on time, we can get underway." Fortunately, there wasn't any need for it.

"Whassup, folks! OilMan in the house!" Wily and the purple bot saw OilMan with looks of shock. His entrance didn't amuse them both.

"You are late OilMan. Don't tell me you are wasting time with your little antics were you?" Wily went closer to OilMan who didn't seem the least bit surprised.

"Cut me some slack Dr. W. At least I'm not late unlike Dr. N. Tropy over there." That wasn't a nice thing to say OilMan. I can sense an argument going on.

"For your information Hakan, you are approximately 34.29854 seconds late. I despise lateness especially coming from you." Wow, real smooth. OilMan seems too wound up.

"Hey, I hate being called by that. I'm OilMan, not that Turkish olive oil-obsessed muscle-bound freak." He took a deep breath after letting that out. "But anyway, I just wanted to have a little fun. Mega Man isn't a threat so long as Big Badass Wily's here right? Huh? Right… right?!" OilMan tried as much as he could but failed. My guess the purple bot didn't feel like getting his drift.

"Yes… true. But your lateness made me revise my organized schedule multiple times. And I despise lateness… you know this." But the bot had one other thing to say. "One more thing OilMan. I am not Dr. Nefarious Tropy… it's TimeMan! Get my name right!" That's a big shout right there.

"I gotcha Tropy." But OilMan went closer to TimeMan. "But dude, you are wound too tight. You got to loosen up a bit. Relax before all that organizing shit blows your circuits." He gently touches one of Time Man's bells letting off a ring. That wasn't a very smart thing to do Hakan.

"You incessant, irresponsible fool! I should rip you apart just for your lousy drivel!" His hand started to gather strange energy. OilMan didn't seem to mind because he always loves a good fight.

"So now you want to fight huh? Want me to clean your clock Rain? Okay, fine! Let's go!" They were ready to rumble and kick ass. But Wily didn't want any of it. So he takes both their heads and rams them toward each other.

"Enough!" Looks like the pain sort of "rung out" on them both. "Your quarrels are a hindrance to my plan. Cease your fighting and get to work! I want this factory up and running NOW!" Wily's shout ordered the two robots to get to work. Looks like they got the message. He let off a sigh wondering if they'll be any better than my grandfather's robot masters.

TimeMan and OilMan… these two robots were meant to be part of Dr. Light's Robot Master Series. However, they were deemed failures due to stupid reasons. He looked at TimeMan repairing the conveyor belt. TimeMan was made as part of a project involving Time Travel. But due to the project being ongoing, he was deemed incomplete and he was a failure.

"OilMan, pass me the transistor please. I need to get this up and running." TimeMan got the transistor and was able to get repair work done. Wily had his sights now on OilMan.

OilMan was designed to end the ongoing oil crisis that is plaguing this foolish planet. If he were to be completed, the world would have been a better place. But having a robot like that would put all oil companies out of business. Wily let out a sigh though he was stern. So the project was scrapped all cause of human greed. They are all fools! None of them will understand my genius… and my Powered Up Robot Masters. Wily continued to watch OilMan and TimeMan getting the factory up and running. At this point they were finishing up.

"Master Wily, we have the conveyor belt up and running. Will it be enough to help you build robots?" TimeMan said while OilMan nodded. He saw the machine functioning letting off a smile.

"It isn't enough. I need more but they are all in my old fortress. OilMan, TimeMan! Head to my fortress and recover the equipment. With it, we can be able to build our army and make it stronger than before!" But OilMan was concerned about this.

"One question boss man… what if Mega Man gets in our way? Permission to engage?" He would know if I would get involved, things would get real dirty. He had a solution fortunately.

"Permission denied…" He thought about it for a bit realizing that it would be inevitable. "On second thought, permission granted… only if he engages you. Now go! There is work to be done." But then TimeMan had something to say.

"One last thing Master Wily. It's about the money you received from Mr. Loath. What do you plan to do with it? Also, will you be fulfilling your end of the agreement?" Taking a sheet of paper out from a desk, TimeMan reads it. "The end of the agreement states that you need to build his own personal squad of robots so he can rule the New Light City underworld. Humans these days… relying on geniuses like yours for idiotic purposes." He put the paper back and looked at his master. OilMan does the same awaiting his orders.

"Mr. Loath is a fool… but I have no choice. I must fulfill my half of the agreement requested. But regardless… You know what needs to be done. Now go!" OilMan and TimeMan went off to Wily's old base. Wily meanwhile sits down hoping to get at least some peace and quiet. He then smiles seeing that soon, he'll make his move… it's only a matter of time.

New Light City 6th District – 4:01 PM

While this is going on, the Robot Masters were enjoying themselves. GutsMan had a large steel beam that he used as a baseball bat. BombMan was on the other side with a large boulder. I can tell this must be their version of baseball when they're bored. Sucks that I have to come in and ruin it.

"Batter up GutsMan! Let's see if you still got that swing." BombMan uses his Hyper Bomb to blast the ground.

GutsMan whacked it with that steel beam sending it flying. The other robots saw it going… going… going… gone. That is until I blasted it with a charged Mega Buster shot. They all looked to see where it came from. GutsMan was the first to notice. How quaint.

"Huh? Mega Man? Was it you who blasted that?" Of course I was you dummy. Geez!

"Guys, we need to talk. We have a very big problem." I reached where they were and explained everything.

They all listened as I detailed everything that happened. And for those that didn't read the last chapter, you may as well listen too. We need to be up to speed with this so listen well. Gramps along with Agent Peterson, Officer Marmalade and I were escorting Wily to the courthouse for his trial. We went through New Light Highway and everything was going good… until a couple of Red Sniper Joes showed up. They blocked our way making me having to get in there and kick ass. I put up a decent fight and took them down. If only I had a clue what would happen next.

When it was over, we find that Dr. Wily had escaped. Right off the bat, Agent Peterson has Dr. Light charged with assisting in his escape. I tried reasoning with him and that didn't go well. I was going to lay a haymaker on him but it would only make things worse. So after letting him go, he put my gramps in cuffs. But he told me that I have three months to clear his name because if I don't find a shred of evidence, my gramps will spend a long time in jail. It made me pissed off but doing that wouldn't help. So I contacted Higsby, went home and after eating decided to find the Robot Masters. Now that we're up to speed, let's continue.

"From what I can assume, Mega… you're telling us that with Wily escaping custody, he may plan something right?" I nodded positively. ElecMan seemed to get the message. "I thought as much. Something isn't right… I can sense it. Whatever he's planning, it isn't good." GutsMan cracked his knuckles. My guess he ain't convinced at this.

"I say we crush that wimpy Wily. He has no army so what's the difference?" We all weren't amused by that comment. "What? We can't let Wily get away."

"True. We cannot… however; we cannot abandon our effort in repairing the city. Do you have any ideas Robert?" Fortunately, I have an idea.

"I have one. We split into two teams to find out the truth. CutMan, IceMan, you both are with me. The rest of you can finish up here. After that, head back to the Light Residence. With Wily on the run, we can't take chances." The other robots nodded as IceMan and CutMan went with me.

"Good luck y'all. Hope you find what ya seeking. Yee-haw! Let's get back to work fellas!" FireMan spoke with a side of conviction. Nice job dude.

The other Robot Masters got to work doing repairs on the 6th District. Sure, they have a long way to go but this is at least a start for them to do what they are originally programmed for. CutMan, IceMan and I vanished off in lights of orange, light blue and dark blue. With my gramps still in custody, I'm worried that something may happen. But I have no time for worry about him. God damn it! Why Wily? Why do you have to do this? Was the truth too much for you to handle? No wonder you despise my grandfather so greatly… and I wouldn't be surprised that you hate me too.

Skull Fortress – 4:56 PM

Last time I was here, I was ready to take Wily down and stop his plans. Here, it's quiet different. His fortress was still standing though most of the place has been beat up. All of this is giving the three of us serious chills. We all have different reasons why but it seemed… too quiet. I have a bad feeling about this.

"Jeez, this place gives me bad vibes. Trust me, I ain't kidding." At least he didn't have to pull out some dumb cookie-cutter joke to ruin it.

"I know. My heart just sank looking at a place like this. It's all too chilling to think about." I share your pain IceMan but either way, we can't let feelings bother us.

"I know we all are scared seeing this again but we need to put that aside and get to work. Wily's old base may have what we need to find out what he's planning." However, I was concerned with IceMan. Since he now had a new personality, he seemed much different. That to me is better than his old persona but I'm worried if he'll suffer another change.

"We should stay together IceMan… assuming that new identity of yours will most likely draw attention. You know not all of it will be very welcome." He looked at me as if he saw a ghost. Like I said, I was concerned.

"You're right about that Mega Man… but ever since that bug rewrote my personality, it made me feel much more at ease. Regardless, assuming this new identity is the best way to be rid of who I was." No wonder you seem to like this new persona. I guess I'll have to make sure you stick with it.

"I see… I can tell you made the right choice. With the three of us together, we can be able to find out the info we need. For now, let us proceed then… Sub-Zero." He nodded with a positive look. We were on our way to enter Wily's abandoned fortress.

"I can tell that Wily may have some defenses left over. We should be on our guard." However, I had to disagree on that.

"I doubt it. The place has been abandoned since I captured the bastard and brought you guys home. This will be easy." If only it was easy… why do I have to be the one to say stuff like this?

"Yeah. Let's just go in, find what you need and go home. Simple right?" CutMan seems to have the right motivation. I like that.

"Yes but still… Wily may have some defenses somewhere. We just need to be careful okay?" The two nodded. We were on our way to Wily's fortress.

We kept our guard up in case Wily had some last minute surprises in store. Entering inside, the place was quiet. Most of the place was damaged after my little invasion. No surprise there because I had a field day with that. IceMan was able to use his Ice Slasher to freeze a portion of the wall. CutMan (or Kung Lao if you are an MK fanatic) felt the wall a bit and used his Rolling Cutter to slash the frozen wall a few times. The result caused a portion of the area to break apart and collapse. We got inside but encountered some trouble.

"Looks like Wily did have some extra bots hanging around. Ready for a little target practice?" CutMan and IceMan nodded. They were excited big time and fortunately, I was too.

We used our weapons to take down Wily's extra junk (consisting of a few hundred Flea robots) that he left behind. There were a lot of them and my guess the mad freak ran out of storage space. Wily must be some sort of fucking packrat if he kept stuff like that. Anyway, we had a little fun destroying the Flea bots and we moved on. Before we did though, we took a small break.

"Hmmm, I can tell the next room is dead ahead. Any ideas guys?" CutMan and IceMan were pretty clueless. I thought they would know more about the old fart's fortress. Guess maybe gramps must have purged anything involving Wily from their memory circuits.

"Come on guys. I need a little help here. Don't make me cut this close. I can't do this alone." CutMan came up to me with a possible idea.

"Maybe we should head to that hole right there." I saw an opening straight ahead. Why did I not notice that? Eh, whatever. May as well head there.

The three of us went inside that hole. One look from the place gives me some very bad jujus. And if you don't know that, you really are as dense as a rock… I'm only kidding. It's the place where I fought the Copy Robot and eventually Dr. Wily. The three of us saw the area as decrepit as it was the first time; the room being beat up, holes were seen all over the room including the big one where Wily made his entrance and that damaged helmet on the floor where the Robot Masters destroyed him.

"Look at this, it's that Copy Robot's helmet. I'll never forget the time we destroyed that duplicate." I know because the fight lasted only 15 seconds. Not to mention that "Shang Tsung" ordered your asses to stop me but you ended up defeating the wrong me. Amazing how things can change in a heartbeat.

"Hey IceMan, let me wear that helmet." However I had a feeling those two would go at it… all for a beat-up helmet. Jeez, these guys need their circuits rewired.

"Uh guys… what's up with this? Where does this lead?" The fighting stopped and the two took a look.

"I don't know. Wily didn't tell us about this." I wouldn't be too sure CutMan. Wily must have told them something about this place.

"My guess this may lead us somewhere underground. Maybe during the fight you had with Wily, some blast must have struck here. That may be a possible theory." True… but I ain't convinced about that.

"Even so, this may lead us somewhere. Come on guys, we have work to do." I led the way with IceMan and CutMan behind me.

It was a very long fall and there was no end in sight. I had no idea Wily had a hidden place like this. But as we kept going, the area became darker. Eventually, we reached the bottom and the place was pitch black. Activating a light in my helmet, we kept going. It was too quiet and I had a feeling someone or something was watching us. Looking in all directions, there wasn't anything like that in sight.

Strange… it's too quiet. What is Wily hiding in a place like this? CutMan and IceMan also thought the same thing.

"I'm nervous… real nervous." CutMan spoke trying to keep his composure. I didn't think he was "cut out" for this type of thing. Okay, that was a bit low.

"Look!" We all got to see the lights go off. With the room brightened, we wondered if Wily knew we'd be here.

"The lights are on. That's not good." We all saw the room brighten up. That's when we were in for a big surprise.

A squad of Wily's robots appeared and began to attack us. The force consisted of three groups of Octopus Batteries, several Fleas as well as a ground squad of Sniper Joes and Hard Hats. My guess this must be where Wily kept his backup robots. We were going to be in for a long haul but I held my ground not letting something like these pests get in our way. I couldn't say the same for CutMan and IceMan as they were a bit scared. I had to toughen them up because I can't do this alone.

"Come on guys, don't chicken out. We can take these rejects no problem. Let's do it!" They looked at me and nodded knowing we can do this.

IceMan went into his traditional fighting stance as CutMan took out his Rolling Cutter. I was beside them ready to lead the charge. We ran toward them making the robots react and attack. Those bots unleashed everything at us but we kept going. I led the way firing shots from my Mega Buster while IceMan used his Ice Slasher to freeze some of the bots. CutMan then followed and decided to go Kung Fu Shaolin on them using his Rolling Cutter as a projectile. Many of the bots were taken down but more were coming. Things were going to get bad.

"Mega Man, there's too many of them! We can't take all of them on." For once, I agree with you CutMan. Luckily, I have a solution in mind.

"I agree. If they overwhelm us, we're done for. Sub-Zero, give those bots a serious case of the chills." He looked at me and nodded. This was going to be fun.

IceMan began to gather huge amounts of ice energy concentrating it on a single place. CutMan and I did whatever we could to buy him time so he can use his attack. But there were too many of them and things really got nasty. There were too many Octopus Batteries and more were piling on. CutMan and I looked at each other with nervous glares. Now we were in trouble.

"Frosty, we're being overwhelmed here. What's taking so long?" I was struggling with trying to deal with the endless supply of Octopus Batteries. CutMan also was in the same predicament.

"Yeah, we're overwhelmed here. Come on IceMan!" He looked at the both of us in a serious manner. I can tell he's already gathered enough. We both got out of the way as he took over. I can tell things are about to get chilly.

"I think its time you all… take a chill pill!" Gathering all the energy he needed, IceMan made his move. "Take this! Polar Blast!" He fired the blast at the oncoming robots giving them a serious deep freeze.

CutMan and I moved far away back as possible mostly because we didn't want to get the cold shoulder. Unlike the last time (where I dealt with IceMan and that happened in Arc 1, Chapter 3), IceMan had full control of the attack completely freezing the area. Temperatures began to drop though it didn't bother us. Once it was over, I pat IceMan on the back for a job well done. We continued onward deeper into the tunnel. At least with the robots frozen solid, we ran past them like they were nothing. But something was bothering me… I don't know why but I was hearing something.

"Wait… you guys hear that?" I closed my eyes and my hearing became stronger. I heard a sound that was far away.

"I don't hear anything." CutMan replied. IceMan didn't hear anything either. Shrugging it off, we all continued but the sound got louder making me stop and hear it again.

"There it is again… and it's louder." But CutMan wasn't interested in that and it got me annoyed. "Whatever it is, it's not good."

"Enough of that. I don't hear anything and neither does Sub-Zero." CutMan… You're. An. Idiot. The sound got louder until eventually…

"You were saying scissorhead?" The three of us simply saw water rushing in fast. The oncoming torrent of water drenched us all and we tried to keep together.

"Put me up front. I'll see if I can freeze the water." CutMan and I pushed IceMan forward. He then used his Ice Slasher to freeze the oncoming water.

His little move worked somewhat though I know it won't last. IceMan used every ounce of his attack to freeze the water and make a blockade. Wow, not bad Sub-Zero.

"That… should keep the water from overwhelming us." IceMan was panting heavily. I took out a spare E-Tank and gave it to him.

He drank it allowing him to recharge but then the ice wall began to crack. We all saw the ice wall shatter and suddenly, we were pushed by the water yet again. Eventually, we reached an underwater area. Looking around, this looks like some sort of tunnel system. As I looked around, CutMan and IceMan were having an argument.

"What in the hell was that? I thought your little trick would have helped out." IceMan tried to provide an explanation. He goes on to say, "Please. I was doing what I can to prevent the water from dragging us here."

"I hate to be so clear-cut on this but you… you fail! IceMan, I am disappoint." Wow, that's harsh. But IceMan didn't care so he decided to explain.

"Really? Maybe you should use your little hat to cut the water. I'm certain it would have worked." The two were about to have a fight. But I interrupted it and made them look at something that that is making me cringe.

"Guys, I hate to interrupt… but do y'all know what the hell this is?" They looked at it all right and it wasn't going to be good. "Why I say that is because whatever this thing is isn't friendly."

We saw a large robot encapsulated in a giant bubble. It looked like some kind of drone created from leftover robot parts. But the most startling shock of it all is the eye in the middle. It was watching us waiting to wonder if we'll make the next move or not. I couldn't do anything… I'm speechless just by seeing it. Goddamn, this day just got worse than it already is.

"INTRUDERS… BAD. MUST ELIMINIATE INTRUDERS. IDENTIFY YOURSELF." I didn't do anything so I decided to speak.

"I am Mega Man and this is IceMan and CutMan. Please let us pass. I need to find information relating to Dr. Wily." The large robot drone didn't say anything… but then it attacked by firing a laser from that eye of his.

We got out of the way but I had a feeling that whatever it is, doesn't want me to find what I was looking for. Now we really had to get to work especially since we're underwater… of all places.

"MEGA MAN INTRUDER. YOU WILL NOT PASS. PREPARE FOR TERMINATION! ALL INTRUDERS ARE TO BE ELIMINATED!" the robot attacked by firing its laser beam. We got out of the way and evaded the attack.

CutMan and IceMan used their attacks on it but they were of no avail. The bubble repelled the attacks making them useless. I fired a few shots and even that didn't work. I looked around and saw some large dump blocks nearby. That's when I had an idea. Switching to the Super Arm, I grabbed one of the blocks. Using all my strength, I threw it at the giant underwater robot. The impact damaged the barrier and did some serious damage. CutMan and IceMan looked at me and smiled. Seems that it worked but whatever that thing is ain't done yet.

"INTERNAL DAMAGE TO OUTER SHELL. ESTIMATED POWER RESERVES ARE AT 75% AND DECREASING. MUST ELIMINIATE ALL INTRUDERS AND CONSERVE POWER." The robot enveloped itself in that barrier and attacked again.

We got out of the way evading the attack. I went to get another block while CutMan and IceMan used their attacks to distract the drone. It fired its laser again and the two got out of the way. I threw another block at it destroying the barrier and doing even more damage to the drone. It was working all right but my gut tells me that it may have something planned. The three of us kept our guards up as it was ready for another round.

"OUTER SHELL ENERGY RESERVES DEPLETING. POWER IS AT 45% AND DROPPING. INITIATING OVERRIDE SYSTEM." That's not good. The drone has an override system? I can tell it's not good!

After it was enveloped in the barrier, it fired its laser beam again. Except this time, it aimed upwards toward the ceiling. I wonder to myself why it would do that but my gut didn't like this one bit. The blast left a mark on the ceiling but it didn't do anything. That was when CutMan noticed the ceiling being weakened somewhat. He showed me this and that concerned me. That's when I had an idea. Swimming upward to the ceiling, I tried to get the drone's attention.

"Hey drone fart. Let's see if you can hit me now!" Switching back to the Mega Buster, I fired a few shots attracting his attention.

He didn't like that so he fired his laser again. I got out of the way causing the beam to follow my movements. It damaged the ceiling some more and suddenly, a large portion of it fell hitting the drone. That was all we needed for the three of us to strike back.

"CutMan, IceMan, now!" I shouted as the others made their move and attacked.

We used our signature attacks to damage the drone. Hoping that we would take it down, the three of us kept at it using everything we had. The drone tried to evade our attacks. But because of its huge size, it couldn't. All it could do was take the attacks like a man and try to find a way out. But due to our combined attacks, it couldn't.

"POWER RESERVES FAILING… SYSTEMS SHUTTING DOWN… ENERGY LEVELS AT 10%. FAILURE IMMINENT…" I then decided to finish the fight and raced straight for the drone.

"Time we end this fight once and for all! Battlechip, VariableSword!" My hand turned into a glowing sword with a long and wide blade.

Letting off a slash generated some sort of Sonic Boom that struck the droid. The resulting impact reduced it to a pile of junk. CutMan and IceMan came to me and exchanged high fives for a job well done. I told them to move back and I used the VariableSword to strike the ceiling. The ceiling broke down even more revealing a passageway. We swam upwards and saw a door nearby. Getting out of the water, we dried ourselves up by shaking the water from our systems. Once that was done, we went to the door that was locked. Since I had some energy left, I used the VariableSword to tear the door down. We entered the room to find that the next room was in fact the central quarters for Wily's fortress.

"No way… we're in Wily's control room. This is where Wily always tell us where to go and what to do. Thinking about it now… it's scary. I ain't cutting myself up over it but still… scary." IceMan agreed with him and nodded. Looks like those two didn't want to remember these times.

"Yeah. Not pretty especially when you have to deal with a madman as well as that robot Bass." Hearing that made me cringe but it didn't make a bit of a difference.

I reached a computer nearby and pressed a few buttons. Hoping to find any and all information on Wily, I accessed the computer's main memory. I continued pressing a few buttons until I saw something that was encrypted. I accessed it but it needed a password. This made me think for a quick minute.

If I know Wily, there's only one password that would best be used on something like this. I typed the password revealing it to be "OLGA". It gave me access into Wily's encrypted files.

I took a disk and inserted it into the computer causing it to download all the files he had. I accessed one of them and it showed Wily with two robots. They were much different than the Robot Masters but my gut tells me they may be a new type of robot. But then I remembered something that gramps said about the rejected robot masters; OilMan and TimeMan. It made me put two and two together and realized that Wily was in possession of the two robots. Getting all the data I needed, I ejected the disk and placed it in my storage arm. CutMan and IceMan looked at me and I nodded knowing that I got what I needed. We were about to leave Wily's fortress but we heard something fall down and crash. The three of us reached where the crash was heard and checked it out.

"The hell… I knew I heard something but there's nothing here. Strange… let's go guys. The more I'm in this place, the more it makes me want to puke." CutMan and IceMan nodded as the three of us teleported out of here. When we left, OilMan and TimeMan came out relieved that they didn't get caught.

"Whew, that was close. Can't believe we had to hide from that blue brat." TimeMan took a long pipe and whacked OilMan. Serves him right for doing something that dumb. "Ow! What the fuck's your problem man?"

"You insolent whelp! If you weren't so careless with those parts, he wouldn't have come by to find us. You are seriously jeopardizing this mission with your antics. Consider it lucky I'm not reporting this to Dr. Wily. I don't have the time to deal with his manic outbursts." TimeMan replied while OilMan was reeling in pain after that hit.

"Geez man, you have no taste. Seriously, you are so wound up that I can't stand your ass. Can we just take this stuff to Wily already?" TimeMan didn't say a word as they both vanished off taking some of Wily's equipment on tow. I had no idea what they were planning but I was more concerned with trying to clear my grandpa's name. I need to at least get some downtime when this is over.

Meanwhile… Factory #3751 – 5:35 PM

"What?! Mega Man was in my fortress?! I figured as much." Wily was walking for a bit. He's trying to come up with a reason why I would do that.

"So what now big man? Do we take on Mega Man or what? If he finds you, our asses are going to be grass." Wily seemed to tolerate the swearing coming from OilMan.

"I am already aware OilMan." He walked around some more until he had an idea in mind. "I believe now its time for me to make my move."

"What would you like for us to do Master Wily? Would you like us to engage against this Mega Man character? I hope he doesn't waste my time." Wow, that's kind of punchy TimeMan. However, Wily nodded in disapproval.

"If you two were to engage him right now, I would have to deal with more than just this." He showed them the factory having been repaired but is missing the equipment needed to build robots.

"Yeah… you want us to buy you time so you can rebuild your army right?" Wily's serious look sort of gave OilMan the message. He just basically shut up afterwards.

"OilMan, TimeMan… you will issue a challenge to the blue dweeb. Once it is done, you two will head to the coordinates I have uploaded into your neuron circuits. I need as much time as possible for this to work. Do whatever necessary to defeat that incessant blue pest understand?" They nodded in approval after hearing Wily's orders.

OilMan and TimeMan vanished off ready to get to work. Wily sat on a chair trying to contemplate the situation but then Glyde showed up. Apparently, Wily asked Glyde to come meet him. Something ain't right and I can tell just by the smiles those two had. So basically, I was able to find some information relating to Dr. Wily. But though I have all the information, I'm unable to decipher any of the files. Wily seems to know what he's doing having to triple, no quadruple-encrypt the files. Just my rotten freaking luck! But either way, I have a job to do and it's to find Wily and clear my grandpa's name. Looks like it's time to get cracking.

つづく

On the next Mega Man: Reawakened

Higsby receives a message stating that two new Robot Masters are attacking New Light City. Even worse is the fact that they issue a challenge to Mega Man. Thinking that Wily did have something planned, Rob decides to investigate and find out for himself. He travels first to a clock tower hoping to find some info. But soon he faces off against an opponent that has a knack for time and tells him that his end is near. Can Mega Man give this imperfect Robot Master a time out or will he be trapped in time's fury? The clock is ticking for our fair hero in the next tick-tocketing episode, Time Be Still; The New Threat Appears.

A hero isn't born, it is created.