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<i><b>Disclaimer-</b> Capcom owns Mega Man, I don’t. Too bad, or I’d
re-release ALL the old NES games on Super Nintendo, and make an ORIGINAL
SERIES Mega Man game for N64. Ah well. This fanfic is rated PG by the Motion
Picture Association of America for violence, language, and a couple scary
sequences. This story is set in the universe of the Mega Man cartoons and
is a sequel to my other two stories, “Trinity†and “Flip Side,†and should
be read after those two. Hard sci-fi fans take note: This one gets
a little mystical, which fans of my other work, especially Power Rangers,
should have been expecting.</i>
<p align="center"><b>Power of Three<br>
by: Ellen Brand</b></p>
<p>Although she spent a great deal of time fighting the evil plots
of Dr. Wily, Roll Light had not originally been designed as a fighting
robot. None of Dr. Light’s creations had originally been military in designation.
Rock and Blues had been welders, lab assistants for Dr. Light and Dr. Wily.
Roll, on the other hand, had been designed as a housekeeping robot. A bit
sexist, perhaps, but considering that they’d been robots, it didn’t really
matter that much. Of course, once Dr. Light had realized that his three
creations were self-willed to an almost human degree, he’d released them
all from assigned duties. To force them to perform tasks unwillingly, the
scientist had declared, would be akin to slavery. He’d also, by dint of
extreme persistence and some friendly pressure applied to the mayor’s office,
managed to get all three robots established legally as people, with all
the rights that entailed. Rock, Roll, and Blues had all taken “Light†as
their last name, claiming the scientist not only as their creator, but
as family. And they’d continued to work for him, not because their programming
demanded it, but because they cared about him and genuinely enjoyed their
jobs.
<p>Mega Man didn’t do much lab assisting anymore, although he could
still wield a wrench with the best of them. Most of the time, however,
he was occupied either with Wily’s current plot to take over the world,
or acting as Dr. Light’s escort and bodyguard at any and all of the conferences,
demonstrations, and engagements that demanded the scientist’s presence.
Not only was Dr. Wily a threat to the older man, but Dr. Light was a bit
of a trouble magnet, a trait he’d somehow passed onto his robotic “son.â€
<p>Roll, on the other hand, still spent a lot of her time keeping
the house in order. She liked to clean and to cook, even if she couldn’t
really eat most of it. And between one absent-minded scientist and one
somewhat disorganized robot hero, there was always something to manage.
<p>Today was spring cleaning, always a bit of an adventure. Unlike
previous years, however, this time the family had Protoman aboard to help
with the heavy lifting.
<p>No, not Protoman, Break Man, Roll reminded herself. She’d been
a bit wary at first of the red robot’s sudden change of allegiances, considering
that the three of them had already been taken in once by a similar ruse.
But he had saved Mega Man from a very painful demise, and for that matter,
her as well. And then Mega and Break Man had wound up in that strange gray
dimension, and both had escaped. Mega Man trusted him, and so did Dr. Light.
That was enough for Roll to at least try. It wasn’t as easy for her, though.
Mega had told her about the memories she had lost, Wily’s attack that had
changed all their lives forever. Maybe if she shared those memories, she
could trust Break Man, see him as her brother. But for now, those stories
were merely that, stories. Still, she was trying, and so far he seemed
completely sincere. In fact, he could be quite charming and funny, especially
when he and Mega Man were bickering. She liked him well enough... she just
wasn’t sure she could rely on him.
<p>Roll sighed. At the moment, the boys were outside cleaning the
gutters, and Dr. Light was finishing up the last bits of organization in
the lab. She was tackling the hall linen closet, the last chore before
she was done with the whole thing. Dr. Light, like many scientists, was
a bit of a pack rat, and tended to shove things into boxes on the top shelf
of the closet, and then forget about them. This particular closet was unusually
bad, and Roll made a note to have her creator go through the boxes and
organize their contents as soon as she was done dusting.
<p>As she stretched to pull the last of the boxes down off the shelf,
she jerked a little too hard and sent the box tumbling towards the floor.
At the last second she caught it, but it was so overloaded that the top
item in the box tumbled to the floor with a clatter.
<p>Curious, Roll knelt down to see what had fallen. It was a framed
8†x 10†photograph, covered in a thick layer of dust. Brushing the dust
off, Roll saw two people, arms around each other and smiling for the camera.
One was obviously Dr. Light, but a much younger version of the man. His
hair was a rich brown, and he hadn’t yet grown the beard Roll always associated
with him.
<p>It was the second person who held Roll’s attention. The woman
was a few inches shorter than Dr. Light, with wide blue eyes, blond hair,
and a bright smile. In fact, in some ways, the woman resembled Roll herself.
<p>“You know,†Roll mused, “They kind of look like me and Mega...â€
She stopped as something hit her. More appropriately, she and Mega Man,
and Break Man, looked like the two people in the photograph... much the
same way as children resemble their parents.
<p>“Her name was Charlotte Drake,†Dr. Light said quietly, causing
Roll to spin around. The scientist stood behind her in the hall, an unreadable
look on his face. “You-- all three of you-- have her eyes. They were always
the most striking things about her, the first thing anyone noticed.â€
<p>Roll looked down at the picture, then back up at the scientist.
“Who was she... to you?†she asked quietly.
<p>A sigh was the response, as Dr. Light came to take the picture
in his hand. “We met in college. I was just beginning to become interested
in cybernetics and robotics. She was a music major, of all things. She
had an absolutely lovely voice. I met her when a friend of mine brought
her to the lab to record some vocal samples for a project he was working
on. It so happened that we had the same taste in music, and we went to
a concert together.
<p>“After that, things simply came together. I’d never fallen so
hard or so fast for anyone. We were nearly inseparable, and we planned
eventually to marry, once we were done with college and somewhat established
in the world.â€
<p>“What happened?†Roll asked quietly.
<p>“There was a car accident, one night when she was heading back
after the Christmas holidays. The road was icy, and she lost control. According
to the investigators, she struck a tree and died instantly. At least there
wasn’t any pain.
<p>“After that, I retreated into my work, somewhat. I didn’t become
a complete hermit, but it was the way I found to deal with my grief. And
so, when I created the three of you, I made your appearances a mixture
of mine and hers. It was, perhaps, the only piece of her that I would have
left to me. In a sense, I suppose... she was your mother.â€
<p>Roll looked at the picture once more. “Would-- would she have
liked us?â€
<p>Dr. Light smiled softly. “Oh, Roll, she would have been very proud
of all three of you.†Then, taking the photograph, the scientist retreated
to his lab, leaving Roll alone with her whirling thoughts.
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>Mega Man ducked as a ball of plasma hurtled towards him. “You
have to do better than that, bro!†he cried, diving behind a rock. From
his perch in a nearby tree, Break Man grinned.
<p>“Trust me, Mega, I intend to.†Leaping from the branch, he let
off a hail of plasma shots, all of which missed as Mega Man vaulted into
the air, returning fire as he did so. Break Man threw himself to one side,
as Mega’s shots tore up the ground where he had been standing.
<p>After Break Man had moved into the lab, one of the first things
the two robots had done was set up a training ground in one area of the
lab’s spacious grounds. Prior to this, most of Break Man’s practice had
been on simulators in Wily’s lab, while Mega Man usually contented himself
with target shooting. Most of the time, Wily could be counted on to give
his skills a workout anyway.
<p>Now, however, things were very different. The training ground
had been Dr. Light’s idea, after he realized that Mega and Break Man were
going to need some place to work off high spirits or aggressions. The two
robots had immediately pounced on the idea, because they DID argue, as
often as they got along. Not to mention that the years spent fighting each
other had given them a bit of a competitive streak. So the training ground
was a godsend for all concerned.
<p>Today’s match was just a friendly competition, more a way of unwinding
from the stress of spring cleaning than anything else. While neither bot
objected to helping keep the lab and house clean, it wasn’t what they had
been built or programmed for, and they couldn’t help chafing at it, just
a little.
<p>As Mega Man and Break Man traded fire, the blue robot didn’t duck
quite quickly enough, and a plasma shot sent him spinning head over heels.
As his balance sensors reasserted themselves, he looked up to see his brother
offering him a hand, smirking slightly.
<p>Grinning, Mega Man took the offered assistance, levering himself
to his feet. “You know, this is a lot more fun when I don’t have to worry
about losing,†he remarked, dusting himself off.
<p>“No arguments there, little brother,†Break Man replied. “It’s
probably the only reason I won, either. You’re a lot more vicious when
it comes to real stakes.â€
<p>Mega Man cocked an eyebrows at his brother. “You’re admitting
I’m better?†he asked slyly.
<p>The other robot seemed to consider that for a moment. “I’m admitting
you’re better motivated,†he replied. “Or at least you were. Wily and I
could always come back for more if we lost. You didn’t have any other choice.â€
<p>“Sorry to tell you this, bro, but that’s your situation now, too,â€
Mega reminded him. Break Man grinned.
<p>“It’s worth it,†he replied fervently. “I haven’t been this happy
in... years.†He slung an arm around his younger brother’s shoulders.
<p>“I missed you,†he added.
<p>Mega smiled. “Yeah, I missed you too. And I’m glad you’re happy
here.â€
<p>Releasing his brother, Break Man sank down to sit on a rock. “I
missed all of this, even when I couldn’t remember it. Wily’s fortress was
always cold and lonely, and even though the programming Wily put in said
that I liked it that way... I didn’t, not completely. I missed you, and
Dr. Light, and Roll, but most of all, I missed being treated like a PERSON,
rather than a weapon. But I was so screwed up, I didn’t have any idea that
I was. All I knew was there was this hole inside me, and it got worse every
time I faced off with you.â€
<p>“It’s over now,†Mega Man reassured his brother. “You’re home,
and we’re all going to fight to keep you here. It’s where you belong.â€
<p>Break Man smiled. “Thanks, little brother. I don’t plan to forget
again.â€
<p>Just then, Mega Man’s communicator beeped. “Mega, Break Man, this
is Dr. Light. I need you to come to the lab immediately. There’s something
you two need to see.†The transmission cut off as abruptly as it had started.
<p>Mega Man and Break Man exchanged looks. The red robot sighed.
“Why don’t I like the sound of that?†he asked rhetorically. “Come on,
we’d better move.â€
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>“What’s wrong, Doc?†Break Man asked, as the two robots entered
the lab. Dr. Light’s expression was grim as he beckoned them over to the
computers, where Roll was already waiting for them.
<p>“I recently picked up some energy readings that I think you should
take a look at, Mega,†the scientist explained, gesturing to a screen.
<p>Mega Man squinted at the screen for a second, then his eyes widened
in shock. “Those are the same readings we got from that hole, the one that
dumped me in that weird gray place!â€
<p>Dr. Light nodded. “And no doubt the gate that swallowed Break
Man gave off similar readings, although we didn’t get a chance to study
it.â€
<p>“My apologies,†Break Man replied sarcastically, but he was grinning
as he said it.
<p>“You think it’s another gate, Dr. Light?†Roll asked, concerned.
<p>The human shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s not likely to be anything
so simple or easily dealt with, Roll. These readings are several orders
of magnitude higher than the gate Mega Man went through before.â€
<p>“So it’s a really BIG gate,†Break Man deduced, his mouth drawn
into a flat line.
<p>“Or a very powerful source of the same energy,†Dr. Light replied.
“Whatever it is, I would feel much better if the two of you would investigate.
This is not
<br>something we need Dr. Wily getting within arms length of.â€
<p>“Amen to that,†Mega Man agreed fervently. “Bro, why don’t you
go get the Jet Sled and meet me out front? We’ll need to get there fast.â€
<p>Roll stepped forward, raising one hand. “And what about me? If
he’s got the Jet Sled, what am I supposed to ride?â€
<p>“You’re not going,†her brother replied flatly. Before she could
even begin to protest, he raised a hand to cut her off. “Don’t argue with
me, Roll. The last time I went through one of these things, Break Man and
I BOTH nearly died. And besides, that... guy on the other side said he
wanted to study us, study robots. Now, I don’t know how much information
he got running us through his maze, but I don’t want to offer him any more.
And since you’re different from either of us, you represent a gold mine
of information, Sis. You’re staying here, and that’s final.â€
<p>Mega Man rarely wore such a serious expression, and seeing his
determination, Roll quickly gave in. Folding her arms over her chest, she
leaned against the wall.
<p>“All right, you have a point,†she sighed. Then her mouth turned
up at one corner. “But I don’t have to like it.â€
<p>Break Man laughed. “Why doesn’t that surprise me? Come on, bro,
we’d better get moving.â€
<p>A sharp nod was Mega Man’s answer. “Right. And Roll?†He looked
back over his shoulder as he headed for the door of the lab. “Stay put.â€
<p>She stuck her tongue out at him, but he knew she’d do it.
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>Upon reaching the cave system where Dr. Light had detected the
energy coming from, Mega Man leaped off the Rush Jet, while Break Man parked
the Jet Sled. Looking up at the cave mouth before him, Mega gently patted
Rush on the head, as the robot dog moved to stand beside him.
<p>“Not this time, buddy,†Mega Man told the dog. “What I told Roll
goes for you, too. Thanks for the ride, but now you need to go back to
the lab.â€
<p>Rush growled, obviously not liking his instructions one bit. He
looked at the cave and growled again.
<p>“I hear you, and any other time, I’d be grateful for the extra
backup,†the blue robot explained patiently. “But I don’t want to
take ANY chances on whatever’s in there. Bad enough he wanted to study
us, but I REALLY don’t think you’d like having someone other than Dr. Light
poking through your inner circuitry.â€
<p>With a whine, Rush licked Mega Man’s hand, causing the blue robot
to let out a frustrated growl. Shaking his head, Break Man came over to
join the pair.
<p>“Let me handle this one, bro,†the red robot said. Kneeling down,
he turned Rush’s head so that he could stare directly into the canine’s
eyes. “You’ll go back to the lab with Dr. Light, just like Mega Man said.
If you don’t, I will tell Dr. Light how much I’d LOVE it if he’d make that
pet robo-panther he’s been talking about.â€
<p>Rush whined, but Break Man didn’t release him.
<p>“Think about it,†Break Man warned. “Three hundred pounds of cyber-feline,
running around YOUR turf. You wanna call my bluff?â€
<p>With a sharp bark, Rush pulled away from the other robot, transforming
into jet mode as he did so. He streaked away into the sky, disappearing
from view almost immediately. Rising to his feet, Break Man dusted off
his hands.
<p>“You just have to know how to motivate ‘em,†he explained. “I
got a lot of practice with Guts Man.â€
<p>“I bow to the master,†Mega replied, grinning. “Come on, let’s
check this place out.â€
<p>Gingerly, the two robots made their way into the cave system,
Mega Man in the lead. A hand-held tracker displayed the direction of the
energy readings, and the two of them were able to follow the trail deeper
into the caves. After a few minutes of walking, they came out into a large
chamber.
<p>The first thing Mega Man noticed was the large hole in the floor,
surrounded by three crystal pillars. Air was rushing out of the hole and
in that current floated a shadowy shape that Mega remembered far too well.
<p>The first thing Break Man noticed, on the other hand, was the
Robot Masters closing in on them from either side of the door. Mega Man
saw them almost as soon as his brother did, but neither of them were able
to react fast enough to avoid being apprehended. Guts Man held Mega Man
aloft, so that the squirming robot could not get any purchase on the floor
of the cavern. Nearby, Break Man was in a similar position, courtesy of
Hard Man.
<p>“Wily!†Break Man snarled. “I should have known!â€
<p>“Indeed you should have, Protoman,†the scientist sneered. “Apparently
becoming a do-gooder has made you a bit slow.â€
<p>“Lemme down, and I’ll show you slow,†the red robot threatened.
“And it’s BREAK Man now.â€
<p>Wily rolled his eyes. “Hmph. Blues, Protoman, Break Man... I think
you’re developing multiple personalities.â€
<p>“Ask nice, and I’ll loan you one. It’d be a definite improvement.â€
<p>Turning away from his former henchbot, Wily’s attention fell on
Mega Man. “What’s the matter, Mega Dweeb? Nothing to add to the conversation?â€
<p>Mega shrugged, an impressive feat, considering Guts Man’s grip
on his shoulders. “I think he’s pretty much covered it all, actually.â€
<p>“Enough of the ‘witty banter,’†the shadow creature hissed. “Let’s
get down to business, shall we?â€
<p>“Oh, indeed,†Wily agreed, rubbing his hands together. “After
all, I invited you two to this party for a reason.â€
<p>“Our stunning good looks?†Break Man asked blandly.
<p>“Our scintillating conversation?†added Mega Man, as he and his
brother were placed rather roughly in front of two of the pillars.
<p>A third voice answered them from the shadows. “Well, you can bet
it wasn’t your senses of humor,†Bass replied, stepping into the slightly
brighter light of the cavern. He strolled to stand beside the third pillar,
smiling savagely.
<p>“I’m hurt,†Mega Man announced, as Guts Man forced his hands into
two slots on the crystalline structure before him. “Aren’t you, bro?â€
<p>“Crushed,†Break Man agreed, as he was placed in a similar position.
<p>The shadow hissed. “If you are QUITE finished... Bass?â€
<p>The black robot grinned. “It’s SHOWTIME!†With that, Bass placed
his own hands on the pillar before him.
<p>A surge of energy ripped through him, and Mega Man cried out in
not-quite-pain. Dimly, he could hear similar cries from his brother and
Bass, but he could spare them no attention as a veil of bright blue light
enveloped him.
<p><i>Light,</i> he heard a disembodied voice declare.
<p>Another yell came from Break Man, as he began to shine with a
brilliant red light. Even his visor seemed to glow with it as he struggled
fruitlessly to remove his hands from the pylon before him.
<p><i>Shadow,</i> the same voice intoned.
<p>Last was Bass, who unlike the other two almost seemed to be enjoying
his experience. His cry was more triumphant than agonized, as a caul of
black energy seethed around him, radiating darkness as if it were light.
<p><i>Darkness,</i> finished the voice. <i>Trinity.</i> With that
declaration, the pain died down, although Mega Man noticed half groggily
that he was still glowing, and he could not let go of the crystal pillar.
<p>In the center of the chamber, a more drastic change was taking
place, however. The hole in the floor was beginning to let out not only
air, but a strange, white, actinic light, cold and unwelcoming. In the
center of that light, the shadow was growing larger and more defined, and
Mega thought he noticed a red glimmer where the eyes should be.
<p>“This is bad...†Break Man murmured, only half-consciously. Mega
would have to agree with him.
<p>“Excellent,†the shadow mused. Its voice had already begun to
fill out, sounding deeper, richer. “You’ve done well, Wily. Now, for my
end of the bargain.†Waving a hand, the shadow sent a bolt of energy surging
down a side tunnel. Almost immediately, Mega could hear the sound of metal
on rock, like stamping feet. A LOT of stamping feet.
<p>“Your Robot Masters are ready, Wily,†the dark creature announced,
sounding amused.
<p>Mega Man’s jaw dropped. ALL of them? Wily usually only had the
power reserves to run five or six at a time. If Wily had activated all
of his robots... How many was it now, thirty-nine? Something around that,
at any rate. Break Man would know. A quick glance at his brother’s clenched
jaw told Mega that whatever the exact number was, it was bad news.
<p>The creature gestured again, and a thin ribbon of white light
went winding up another corridor. “Your battle machine, however, will take
a little longer.â€
<p>Wily shrugged. “That’s all right. With the gate open, we have
all the time in the world. Don’t we, boys?â€
<p>Mega Man and Break Man just gave him identical glares
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>“Oh dear.â€
<p>Roll had never liked it when Dr. Light said “Oh dear.†Somehow,
the scientist could convey in two little words what it took other people
several very colorful sentences to get across. Right now, his tone carried
the type of worry that generally preceded nuclear detonations. Rising from
her seat against the nearest wall, Roll moved to stand beside her creator,
Rush trailing in her wake.
<p>“What’s the problem, Dr. Light?†she asked, looking over his shoulder.
Energy readings had never been her strong suit, but even she could see
that they’d changed recently.
<p>Dr. Light looked even grimmer than he had when the whole mess
had started. “The energy readings just took a significant upsurge, I’m
afraid. An exponential increase.â€
<p>“And that’s bad, isn’t it?†Roll didn’t know a lot of science,
but she did know trouble when she saw it.
<p>“Extremely. And to make matters worse, I can’t raise either Mega
Man or Break Man on the communications systems. It’s as if the signal were
being jammed somehow.â€
<p>“Knowing Wily, it probably is,†Roll agreed.
<p>“I’m very much afraid that this is beyond even Dr. Wily’s capabilities,
Roll. This isn’t something I’m very familiar with, but I believe Mega and
Break Man may be in a bit over their heads.â€
<p>Roll made a face. “I think we’d better go after them, Dr. Light.
I know Mega told us to stay here, but if they’re in trouble, which is practically
a no-brainer, they’re going to need our help.â€
<p>Light sighed. “You’re right, I believe. We’ll take the two-man
jet, I think. There should be room for Rush in the back.†With that, the
three of them hurried for the lab’s hangar.
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>“We have GOT to get out of here,†Mega Man muttered, trying fruitlessly
to jerk lose from the pillar holding him. Bass had let go of his pillar
almost immediately, but the other two were still held fast.
<p>Break Man sighed. “I’m open to ideas, bro. Got a jackhammer handy?â€
<p>“No,†Mega Man replied, a smile spreading across his face, “but
I may have the next best thing.†In a slightly louder tone, he asked, “Hey,
Break Man, do you know how to make Guts Man’s eyes light up?â€
<p>For a second, Break Man wondered if his brother had gone insane,
but he decided to play along. “No, how?â€
<p>Mega grinned. “Stick a flashlight in his ear,†the blue robot
answered. Break Man nearly choked on a spurt of laughter as the subject
of the joke whirled around.
<p>“Hey!†Guts Man moved to loom over Mega Man as threateningly as
possible. “Are you saying I’m stupid, you blue runt?â€
<p>Obviously uncowed, Mega simply stared back at the larger robot,
smirking. “Do you REALLY need me to answer that one, Big Bot?â€
<p>With a growl, Guts Man drew back a fist and struck Mega Man with
a powerful haymaker punch. Connected to the pillar as he was, Mega wasn’t
able to dodge, but he’d spent enough time fighting the larger robot that
he was able to turn and take most of the blow on his shoulder. Even so,
the force of the blow sent him reeling back across the floor-- tearing
his hands loose from the pillar as he did so.
<p>Years of experience allowed Mega Man to turn his tumble into a
controlled roll. Coming up on one knee, he let off a shot at Guts Man,
and was surprised to see the blast shimmering blue-white. It looked like
a charged-up shot, but he hadn’t held it at all. Nevertheless, the plasma
bolt was more than enough to send Guts Man crashing into Cut Man and Hard
Man, the other two robots that Wily had left on guard.
<p>“I think we got a power boost, bro,†Mega Man informed his brother
breathlessly. Reaching out, Mega Man ripped Break Man’s hands free from
their confinement with relative ease.
<p>“Might explain why we look like a couple of night lights,†Break
Man agreed. Just then, Wily and Bass re-entered the cavern, several more
Robot Masters behind them.
<p>“What? Oh, for the love of-- STOP them, you idiots!†the scientist
screamed, almost tearing his hair out in frustration.
<p>Break Man grabbed his brother by the arm. “We’re kind of outnumbered
here, power boost or not! We need to regroup and come up with a strategy!â€
<p>Mega Man nodded. “No arguments here, bro. Come on!†With that,
they dashed off down the nearest tunnel.
<p>“Don’t just STAND there!†Wily growled, glaring daggers at Guts
Man and company. “Go AFTER THEM!â€
<p>“Patience, Wily,†the shadow creature soothed. “They are of little
consequence next to my power.â€
<p>The human snorted. “Oh yes? I wonder why that sounds so familiar?
Perhaps because I’ve said it a time or two myself!â€
<p>“But you are of little consequence either,†the dark thing replied,
a tone of oily satisfaction creeping into its voice.
<p>“I freed you!†Wily did NOT like where this conversation was heading.
<p>The thing smiled obscenely. “Yes. And for that, I shall let you
live... for the time being. But your army... is MINE.†The creature waved
its hand again, and all the Robot Masters suddenly developed red, glowing
eyes. As his creations closed in on him, Dr. Albert Wily had a sudden,
very vivid image of Pandora’s Box.
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>Like Break Man and Mega Man, Roll and Rush were equipped with
optic sensors that easily compensated for the low light in the cave. Dr.
Light was not so fortunate, and had to rely on the services of a flashlight.
The powerful halogen handlight was of the scientist’s own design, of course,
and was long enough and heavy enough to double as a weapon should things
become unavoidably ugly. After years of working with heavy machinery and
solid metal, often unassisted, Dr. Light had developed a very respectable
set of arm muscles. Roll felt sorry for any Robot Master that got in the
path of that flashlight.
<p>Currently Rush was leading the group. Not only could he track
by scent, like an ordinary dog, but he was also capable of following energy
traces. That mean he could trail robots and vehicles by their unique power
signatures. At the moment, he was following the path Mega Man and Break
Man had taken into the cave.
<p>Suddenly Rush’s head snapped up, and he growled softly, staring
down the tunnel ahead of him. Cocking her head to one side, Roll put out
an arm to halt Dr. Light, who was coming up behind her.
<p>“Better put out that light,†she whispered. “I think we’re about
to have company.â€
<p>The scientist did as she suggested, and the three of them waited
in the darkness. With the light out, it was easy to see the tunnel growing
brighter, as a purplish light approached. The light was accompanied by
the sounds of running feet and plasma fire.
<p>Suddenly Mega Man and Break Man raced around the corner, nearly
colliding with Roll as they did so. Skidding to a stop, Mega Man reached
out a glowing hand to help his sister to her feet.
<p>“Roll? Dr. Light? What are you two doing here?†the blue robot
asked incredulously.
<p>“The energy readings took a tremendous upsurge, and we couldn’t
raise either of you on the communicator,†Dr. Light explained. “We assumed
you were likely in trouble, and decided to come and see if we could help.â€
<p>Mega Man shook his head. “I shouldn’t be, but I’m glad you’re
here. Things have just taken a severe turn for the weird around here, and
we can use all the help we can get.â€
<p>“I hate to break up this little party,†Break Man interjected,
peering around the corner he and Mega had just turned, “but can we move
this conversation somewhere else? We seem to have given Wily’s bots the
slip, but I wouldn’t count on that lasting for any length of time.â€
<p>Roll nodded. “Let’s get outside. We can watch for ambushes better
out there. And then the two of you can explain why you’re glowing?â€
<p>With a grin, Mega Man agreed. “Like I said, Sis, things have taken
a serious turn for the weird around here.â€
<p>“I look forward to hearing about it,†Dr. Light responded. “I
believe the exit is this way.†He pointed, but before any of them could
move, a new voice cut through the air.
<p>“Sorry to disappoint you, but the only place any of you are going
is oblivion.†Bass stepped out of the shadows, Quick Man and Skull Man
bracketing him.
<p>Break Man’s mouth quirked in disgust. “They FLANKED us!†he spat.
“When did these idiots get that smart?â€
<p>“About the same time they got the red, glowing eyes?†Mega Man
theorized, moving slightly in front of his creator. Break Man moved to
similarly block Roll.
<p>Bass’s mouth twisted into an evil grin. “You’ll find a lot of
things have changed around here,†he informed them. “Destroy them.†At
his command, Skull Man and Quick Man attacked.
<p>Quick Man’s speed was phenomenal, even for a robot. When he really
got moving, he could move at a velocity that rendered him little more than
a blur to the naked eye. When he attacked Break Man with a lightning flurry
of blows, he assumed the battle was ended right there.
<p>He was wrong. Break Man evaded the other robot’s punches with
ease, throwing back a few of his own, along with a couple plasma blasts.
None of those connected, but it was a very near thing. Rethinking his strategy,
Quick Man backed off and launched several Quick Boomerangs at his target.
The projectiles were solidified energy, moving at near-ballistic speeds,
capable of tearing through metal effortlessly. Break Man leaped into the
air, did a back flip, and came down again, with one of the boomerangs clenched
in his hand. Holding it up in the air, he smirked. “Lose something?†he
asked.
<p>Quick Man just whimpered.
<p>Meanwhile, Mega Man had squared off with Skull Man. The gray-and-black
Robot Master had no truly offensive weapon, only his Skull Shield. Of course,
if those orbiting skulls came into contact with Mega Man, that could do
some real damage right there. And as long as the shield was up, Mega Man’s
shots couldn’t do any damage to his adversary.
<p>That was the normal way of things, any way. Now, however, Mega
Man’s shots were sailing through Skull Man’s barriers as if they weren’t
even there, and so was Mega Man himself. The last thing Skull Man saw was
a blue fist, heading directly for his face.
<p>While the fighting was going on, Roll and Dr. Light were huddled
against the cavern wall, trying not to get in the middle of the battle.
Suddenly Bass appeared out of a shadowed area that Roll could have sworn
was empty a moment before. An almost casual shove sent Dr. Light sprawling
on the cavern floor. Grabbing Roll, Bass shoved her up against the wall,
shoving his arm cannon under her chin. Staring into his red eyes, Roll
noticed that he too was glowing, but in a strange, light-absorbing black.
And there was something new in his eyes, something darker and far more
frightening than the last time they’d met.
<p>“Sorry I have to do this,†he said, almost conversationally. “It’s
nothing personal, but the key to victory’s locked inside that pretty little
head of yours, and I have to make sure you never find it. Don’t worry--
it’ll only hurt for a moment.†Then Roll heard the unmistakable whine of
an arm cannon powering up, and shut her eyes.
<p>They flew open again at Bass’s startled yell. Looking down, Roll
saw that Rush had chomped on the black robot’s ankle, and didn’t seem to
intend letting go any time soon. Before Bass could recover from his shock,
Dr. Light caught him along the side of the head with a neatly swung flashlight.
The blow couldn’t really hurt Bass in his current state, but it was more
than enough to knock him away from Roll. A hail of plasma fire from Mega
Man and Break Man convinced him to retreat into the shadows once more.
With Bass gone, silence fell in the cave.
<p>“Well,†Roll said finally, her voice shaking, “that was interesting.
What was that all about?â€
<p>“I’m not sure,†Mega Man replied, “but I think we’d better figure
it out.â€
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>The five quickly made their way out of the caves, stopping only
long enough for Mega Man to copy Skull Man’s weapon, while Break Man did
the same for Quick Man. After all, Robot Master weapons often came in quite
handy while fighting the other members of Wily’s squad.
<p>Once in the relative safety of the sunshine, Dr. Light immediately
began examining his two charges, popping open the panels on Mega and Break
Man’s backs. Although he only had one small handheld scanner, he seemed
to be learning something, since the robots could hear him murmuring softly
to himself as he poked around inside their main cavities.
<p>“Well?†Roll asked anxiously, as the scientist straightened up,
closing the panels as he did so.
<p>“It’s most extraordinary. The two of you seem to have become energy
siphons, although what the source of the energy is, I couldn’t imagine.
However, your systems are drawing it in and concentrating it. That explains
your enhanced strength, speed, and weapon power. I’d imagine that the copied
weapons are at a higher power level now, as well.â€
<p>Break Man fired off a test boomerang. It glowed so brightly that
none of them could look at it, and swooped around so quickly, the watchers
half-expected to hear a sonic boom. As the projectile dissipated, the red
robot grinned.
<p>“I think you’re right, Doc,†he replied.
<p>“And as for the energy source,†Mega Man added, “this all started
when Wily used us to open that gate.â€
<p>Dr. Light’s eyebrows rose. “Gate?â€
<p>Quickly, Mega Man and Break Man related what had happened in the
cavern, from their capture up until their escape. Their creator listened
intently, a thoughtful frown on his face.
<p>“Well, it would appear that somehow you two and Bass were used
as parts of a... key, of sorts, that somehow opened this gateway. And you’re
sure it was the same creature you met in the gray dimension?â€
<p>Mega Man shivered. “Trust me, Dr. Light, that guy isn’t the type
of thing you forget.â€
<p>“Hmm. Perhaps his maze was designed to test your physical capabilities,
to determine whether you could be used as... capacitors, to complete an
energy circuit that would somehow open the lock that kept it out of our
dimension. That would explain why Bass seems to have taken a similar boost,
and also why the three of you remain in your “charged up†states, as it
were. You’re still a part of the circuit, and will be until the gate is
closed again.â€
<p>“Yeah?†Break Man asked. “Somehow I doubt Bass is going to just
blithely help us re-create the key and lock that thing away.â€
<p>Cocking his head, Mega Man chewed thoughtfully at his lip. “Probably
not, bro,†he agreed slowly, “but I get the feeling that there’s more going
on here than we’re seeing right now.â€
<p>His brother snorted. “What, the current situation isn’t complicated
enough for you?†the red robot complained good-naturedly.
<p>“Well, I’m not sure it really matters,†Dr. Light broke in. “We
must shut that gate, that’s the bottom line. That creature is not something
I want loose in our world, and especially not at Dr. Wily’s disposal. I’m
sure there was a reason it was locked away in the first place.â€
<p>“Can you get us back to the chamber?†Roll asked.
<p>The other two robots exchanged looks. “We remember the way,†Mega
replied cautiously.
<p>“Whether we can get there or not... that’s up in the air,†Break
Man finished. “But, you never know until you try! Come on, let’s go.â€
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>Mega Man led the group through the tunnels, while Break Man brought
up the rear. Between the two glows, the way through the caverns was sufficiently
lit that Dr. Light’s flashlight was not necessary, at least, not for light.
The scientist still carried the piece of equipment, since it was his only
defense should things get ugly.
<p>Suddenly Mega Man stopped, holding up a hand to halt the rest
of the party. Gingerly, the group peered around the corner, trying to locate
the sounds that had made Mega Man stop.
<p>Snake Man, Elec Man, and Crystal Man were escorting Dr. Wily down
the tunnel, and from the sounds of things, he was not going willingly.
In fact, he was whining his head off.
<p>“Cheer up, Wily,†Snake Man hissed, a mockery of a smile on his
strange face. “You could so easssily be deccceassed by now.â€
<p>Crystal Man nodded. “Lucky for you that our Master wants you alive
for the time being.â€
<p>“Of course, that’s always subject to change,†Elec Man finished.
“Think you’ll get a charge out of that?â€
<p>Mega Man pulled back around the corner. “Guys, I hate to suggest
this, but I think we need to help him.â€
<p>Cocking his head, Break Man gave his brother a sardonic look.
“Are you forgetting how the last truce came out?â€
<p>“Not hardly. But this time, we’re holding almost all the cards.
He’s got no robots, he’s got no transport, he’s got no chance-- we’re the
only way he’ll get out of this alive. And we DO need him, or we’re never
really going to figure out what’s going on here.â€
<p>Break Man sighed. “I don’t like it, but you do have a point. Dr.
Light?â€
<p>The scientist made a face. “Much as it pains me to admit it, I
believe we will indeed require Dr. Wily’s help to finish this.â€
<p>Roll shook her head. “Is it me, or does this day just keep getting
weirder and weirder?â€
<p>“No arguments there, Sis. Think you can handle Snake Man?†Mega
asked.
<p>Roll’s expression flashed with sudden irritation at being assigned
the slowest and weakest of the three bots, but it quickly cleared and she
nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.â€
<p>“I’ll take Crystal Man,†Break Man volunteered, a boomerang materializing
in one hand.
<p>“Which leaves me with Elec Man,†finished Mega Man. “On three,
hit ‘em. One, two,-- three!â€
<p>The attack was fast and furious, and over very abruptly. Three
hyper-charged boomerangs tore through Crystal Man in swift succession,
putting the robot down for the count almost immediately. A barrage of plasma
fire cut down Elec Man almost as quickly. And a jumping kick on Roll’s
part promptly knocked Snake Man into Never-Neverland. Dr. Wily was still
staring around in astonishment when Break Man strode over and picked the
scientist up by the collar.
<p>“What’s going on here, Wily?†the red robot wanted to know, his
voice like steel.
<p>“That thing took over my Robot Masters! It just... waved a hand
and took control of them somehow!†Wily explained, his accented voice quavering.
<p>Dr. Light looked thoughtful. “Hmm. Probably a result of being
the source that powered most of them in the first place. Easy access.â€
<p>Mega Man snorted. “Okay, but what is that thing, exactly?â€
<p>“I- I’m not really sure,†Wily explained, still quite conscious
that his feet were not touching the ground. “I was looking for a power
source for my new Skulker and I found the readings in this cave. When I
got here, the creature was waiting, and we struck a deal. It needed Bass
and the two of you to open the door that held it back, and in return it
would power my army. And we’d both be rid of you two do-gooders!â€
<p>“You didn’t even know what this thing was, and you struck a deal
with it?†Roll was incredulous. “For a guy who’s always bragging about
his genius, you can be pretty dumb, Wily.â€
<p>A metallic footstep rang through the passage, only to be followed
by several others. Mega Man raised his cannon, eyes narrowing. “Looks like
the shadow’s sent reinforcements,†he remarked.
<p>Dr. Light nodded. “And a great deal, by the sound. I doubt they’re
interested simply in recapturing Dr. Wily.â€
<p>“They’ll destroy me!†the mad scientist hissed, obviously on the
verge of panic. His feet kicked in midair, which only caused Break Man
to tighten his grip further.
<p>“I’d say you finally bit off more than you can chew, Wily,†the
red robot said caustically. “Hey, bro, you think if we fed him to the Robot
Masters, it would slow ‘em down?â€
<p>Mega Man made a face. “I doubt it. And, much as I’d love to leave
him here, we’re probably going to need him later.†Thinking hard, the blue
robot finally came to a decision.
<p>“The chamber’s just a little further down this passage. Dr. Light,
you take Roll and Dr. Wily with you and get that gate shut down. We’ll
hold the Robot Masters off.â€
<p>“We will?†Break Man shot his brother a look, but released Dr.
Wily and formed his arm cannon anyway.
<p>“But- there must be thirty of them, at least!†Dr. Light protested.
<p>“About... thirty-four, wouldn’t you say, bro?†Mega Man asked.
<p>Break Man did some hasty mental arithmetic, then nodded. “Yeah,
about that. Don’t worry about it, Doc. We’re old pros at the ‘outnumbered’
thing.â€
<p>“Besides, there’s so little room to maneuver that only a couple
can come at us at once,†finished Mega. “Now get moving, or we’re all in
trouble!â€
<p>With one last glance at his two creations, Dr. Light turned and
hurried down the tunnel, Roll, Rush, and Dr. Wily in hot pursuit.
<p>Mega Man swallowed. Despite his confident words and the power
boost he’d taken, thirty-four Robot Masters was going to tax even the two
of them. But stalling the army here was the only way things were going
to get fixed. As the first of the Robot Masters stepped into the light
cast by the twin battle auras, Mega Man threw a look at his brother.
<p>“Well... it was nice knowing you, bro?â€
<p>Break Man smiled. “Yeah. Same here, little brother.†Then the
battle began, and there was no more time for talk.
<br>
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>“Tell me, Dr. Light, do you find suicidal tendencies to be an
asset in your robots?†Wily asked snidely, as the group entered the gate
chamber. The energy beam coursing out of the gate was unoccupied, a fact
which was both reassuring and unsettling. With the shadow absent, there
was a much better chance of closing the gate unmolested, but the fact that
it could leave the space of the gateway meant that its power was increasing.
And that was a very bad thing.
<p>Dr. Light shot an irritated glance over his shoulder at his former
partner. “Dr. Wily, if you wish to remain healthy, I think it would be
a good idea for you to be quiet.â€
<p>Roll nodded, folding her arms across her chest. “Or I’ll shut
you up myself,†the female robot promised. Female she might have been,
but Roll was still a good two times as strong as most human beings, and
possessed the same programming loopholes that made Mega Man and Break Man
so unique. If she felt strongly enough about it, Wily knew, Roll could
tie him into a pretzel without much effort. He shut up.
<p>Turning away from the now-sulking mad scientist, Dr. Light began
to examine the wall behind the gate. The room had already been lit by moveable
light pylons, a leftover from when Wily had first set up operations there.
The light was not particularly intense, however, and when Dr. Light turned
his handlight on the wall, a set of ideographs suddenly became visible.
<p>“Fascinating!†the scientist declared. “It appears to be an ancient
form of the Lemurian dialect, dating back to the early Bronze Age. The
Lemurians were supposedly an advanced race, with powers and a technology
of a type unknown to modern man. From this gate, I’d say that at least
some of the stories were true.â€
<p>“Can you read it?†Roll asked, drifting over to stand by her creator.
Mega Man, as Dr. Light’s assistant, had been programmed with the ability
to read several ancient languages, but she’d never been given that skill.
Idly, she wondered if Break Man had it or not.
<p>Dr. Light smiled. “It’s a rather archaic form of the ideographic
language that I’m used to, but yes, I believe I can decipher it. It will
take a bit of work, however.†The two of them were pretty much ignoring
Dr. Wily by this point. With Rush watching him like a hawk, there was little
chance of the evil scientist being able to cause trouble.
<p>As Dr. Light began to examine the carvings in more detail, Roll
sank down to sit against a wall. She wasn’t prone to muscle fatigue, but
standing up DID require some energy, and she had the feeling they were
going to be there for a while.
<p>“Ah, here we are. It appears to be some type of poetry. ‘Beware
the shadow that beckons thee with ancient power, the power of three.’â€
He stopped, looking around.
<p>“Power of three. Roll, have you noticed the structure of this
room? It’s vaguely triangular, with three tunnels leading out of it. There
are three pylons surrounding the gate, and I’ll bet that this inscription
is repeated two more times, once on each of the walls. This whole room
is based around the number three.â€
<p>Roll immediately saw he was right. “But why would they do that?
What’s so special about three?â€
<p>The scientist was obviously deep in thought now, beginning to
pace as he lectured. “Many ancient civilizations have believed three to
be a number of power. Ancient religions worshipped a Triple Goddess, who
incarnated the three aspects of the moon. Morning, noon, and night, land,
sea, and sky-- the old superstition that bad luck comes in threes, all
of these reflect a long-standing belief that the number has some mystical
quality.â€
<p>“Light, Shadow, and Darkness. Mega Man, Break Man, and Bass,â€
Roll said slowly. “They’re almost identical, all based off of the same
set of plans. They’re all fighting robots, and they were somehow the key
to the gate.â€
<p>Dr. Light nodded. “The gate must be based around the concept of
three somehow, but I’m not sure exactly how. If I can figure out the concept
behind it, perhaps I can find a way to close the gate without Bass.â€
<p>He turned back to his work, leaving Roll with her thoughts. Faintly,
she was beginning to be able to make out the sounds of fighting down one
of the corridors. She didn’t think either of the humans could hear it yet,
but then, her hearing was far more acute than theirs. It worried her that
the battle seemed to be approaching, but she was also reassured. If her
brothers had fallen, there wouldn’t be any battle sounds, only the ring
of marching feet.
<p><i>Power of Three... Trinity.</i> That’s what Mega had said the
shadow referred to the three of them as. Mega, Bass, and Break Man shared
a bond, and the shadow had been able to use that to open the gate. But
something was bugging her...
<p><i>The key to victory is locked up inside that pretty little head
of yours.</i> Bass had said that. But how could she help? What did she
have to bring to this equation?
<br>Power of Three. In the beginning, Dr. Light had three robots;
Rock, Roll, and Blues. Then Wily had broken them apart, making Blues into
Protoman, erasing Roll’s memories, and hurting Rock so badly, he tried
to become someone else entirely. But now things were turning around. Protoman
had become Break Man, coming back to his family again. Mega wasn’t back
to normal, but he wasn’t hiding anymore. They were together again, but
they weren’t quite whole.
<p><i>But we could be three,</i> Roll realized. <i>Bass, Mega, and
Break Man might share a configuration, but I share their plans, too. And
I’m not a fighting robot, but I’m Break Man and Mega’s sister.</i> But
she wasn’t, not yet. Not as long as her memories lay out of reach, behind
a wall of nothing.
<p>Taking a deep breath, (more out of the habit of emulating humans
than from necessity,) Roll closed her eyes. Break Man had said that remembering
was simple, if not easy. You just concentrated on calling the memories
up, and didn’t let anything stand in your way.
<p>At first, there was nothing. Then, slowly, Roll felt like she
was pushing through a cloud of screaming static. It was painful, and for
a second, she considered giving up. Then the stubbornness that all three
of Light’s robots possessed took over. She gave one last mental shove--
and the darkness fell away.
<p>Dr. Light was drawn out of his study of the carvings by a strange
humming sound. Turning, he found Roll glowing with a brilliant yellow light,
similar to those enveloping her brothers.
<p>“I remember,†she said wonderingly, looking at her hands in astonishment.
Then her head snapped up and she gazed down the tunnel where the battle
was raging. “And I think they need my help. Hold down the fort here, Rush.
I’ll be back.†And with that, she dashed out of the cavern, leaving her
very confused creator behind.
<p>
<hr WIDTH="100%">
<p>After Roll’s abrupt departure, Dr. Light had returned to his translation
with renewed vigor. Even he could hear the sounds of battle now, and it
was evident that he didn’t have much time.
<p>“’Trinity to open, Trinity to close,’†he muttered. “Yes, yes,
the gate’s based on three, I know that. Let me see. ‘Three in one is the
key to the ancient locks on the gate of Three.’†The scientist snorted.
“Well, that’s a great help.â€
<p>Straightening up, he began to pace along the rocky floor, thinking
hard. “Three in one. Trinity. It all keeps coming back to that concept.
And somehow Roll managed to insert herself into the circuit... so does
that make it four? Or... two circuits of three?†Dr. Light’s eyes lit up.
“Of course! That’s it! That’s how to close the gate!â€
<p>“Congratulations, Thomas Light,†a dry voice intoned. Dr. Light
turned to see a shadowy figure hovering in the beam of light that poured
from the gate. Wily gave an inarticulate cry and attempted to wedge himself
further into the corner he was occupying.
<p>“You have discovered the key to my prison, something that this
oaf couldn’t do, even with prompting,†the creature continued. “I am...
impressed.â€
<p>Dr. Light folded his arms across his chest. “Yes, well, forgive
me if I find that of little importance.â€
<p>The shadow chuckled, the sound sending chills up Dr. Light’s spine.
“Ah, such defiance. Rather like your ‘sons,’ I see. And now that you have
discovered the key, I suppose you intend to lock the gate and send me away
from the light once more?â€
<p>“That was the general intention, yes.†The scientist fingered
the communicator in his hand.
<p>“And what if I asked you to refrain? There is much I can offer
you, Thomas Light. My power is beyond comprehension.â€
<p>“And your promises worthless, as Dr. Wily discovered.†A wave
indicated the still-cowering scientist. “Besides, there is nothing I lack
in my life, nothing that you could offer me.â€
<p>The shadow floated a little closer to the ground. “No?†Balls
of light began to coalesce in front of the gateway, slowly forming a human
shape. As the image resolved, it became a woman with blond hair, blue eyes,
and a warm, wide smile.
<p>
Power of Three By Ellen Brand