I finally did it. You may not recall, but I've wanted to do a fanfic about this for quite some time. I always said I would, and I've complained about the choppy, unfinished storyline of Mega Man more than enough already. So here's my rendition of Mega Man 9. The story Capcom was too afraid to tell. This is the way it really would have or should have happened.

The True Story of Megaman
by Androcles
Part 1 - The Beginning of the End

Dr. Wily has been misbehaving as usual, and once again Megaman went to his fortress to go stop him. Currently, Megaman is floating through a series of Wily's standard traps like it's a breeze. He's done this so many times over the years that he already knows just where to jump, slide or shoot. Those dematerializing platform-blocks have always unnerved him, but he even manages to feel his way through these, as he carefully times his jumps.

But Megaman got a little overconfident this time, and he wasn't prepared for Wily's newest trap. As he jumped over a long row of spikes, an electromagnet underneath them began to pull Megaman down! Just in time, Megaman's faithful sidekick Rush swooped underneath him and prevented Megaman from hitting the spikes. But as a result, Rush got sucked onto the spikes himself, and was destroyed.

“Ruuuuuuuuush!!!!!” screamed Megaman.

He quickly spotted the power mechanism for the trap, and blasted it with his megabuster. But it was too late. Rush was gone...

Megaman made his way through the rest of the fortress, and then furiously knocked down the door to Wily's chamber. He spotted the mad scientist sitting inside a massive set of battle armor.

“You'll pay for this Wily!” shouted Megaman.

pow

POW

POW!

Megaman finished Wily's last war machine in record time. The old man came crashing to the ground as it exploded.

“Uh oh. Looks like I am beaten again,” Wily grumbled. “Okay, I've learned my lesson for the day. You can take me to jail so I can get waived through the system again.”

“It's not that simple!” shouted Megaman. “Not this time...”

“What are you babbling about?” scoffed Wily.

“Rush died in one of your stupid traps, you psycho!” growled Megaman.

“Whoops! Too bad for you,” Wily chuckled, sarcastically.

“Even worse for you,” Megaman coldly replied, as he aimed his megabuster at Wily and began to charge a shot.

“What are you doing?!” cried Wily. “A robot cannot harm a human being!”

Megaman slowly lowered his buster and dissipated the charge.

“That's right. You can't defy your built-in code of ethics,” said Wily. “That's why I always get away in the end, and you will always be my b****.”

“Don't you test me old man, 'cause I'm tired of teaching ‘lessons’!” warned Megaman.

“Oh? And what are you going to do, little boy blue?” taunted Wily.

“What you don't know is, Dr. Light made a little upgrade to my A.I. a while back,” explained Megaman.

“What do you mean?” asked Wily.

“This!” yelled Megaman.

BOOM!

And so, on what started as a routine mission to Dr. Wily's lair, Megaman lost his longtime companion Rush, snapped, and murdered Wily; causing him to be decommissioned (dismantled) by the government. A ban was placed on Dr. Light's revolutionary robotics technology. Members of the public called for Light to be prosecuted for designing something so dangerous, and the district attorney began building a case against him as new laws were already being formulated on the matter.

But unbeknownst to Dr. Light and everyone else in the general public, Dr. Wily had a chip implanted in his head, which transmitted all neural data from his brain to the main computer in his laboratory. Upon his death, the computer stopped receiving this data and was then signaled to boot up a virtual copy of Wily's mind in the computer. This enabled Wily to manipulate various machinery in the building. Before long, Wily's lab was up and running again and operations soon commenced on a new project: The Completion of Zero.

What do you think so far? I'm interested in your comments.

Well... I have a few concerns about this. Let's start with the premise.

Now, you may not have intended this, but you come off sounding rather pretentious. First of all, there's the title. "The True Story of Mega Man". I'd like to draw your attention to "The True Story". Now, naturally this isn't much to go on, since many people could name their stories that and not seem such. Secondly, there's the matter of the next part.

Now again, this might be just for the hype. And in fact it most likely is. But read in a certain way it sounds like you are completely certain that the only reason it hasn't happened this way is because Capcom's afraid of the rating. Once again, I am well aware of the fact that I may be grossly misinterpreting your statement.

One more:



Two things on this one: Firstly, it once again brings my earlier statements. Again, maybe for the hype. All three elements together though may have just been a smidgen overdone.

Secondly, I disagree with the statement itself, though this is far more subjective. I think your premise departs too much from the atmosphere of the MM Classic world without quite knocking it into the X Series atmosphere.

But that's quite enough of that. Onto the actual writing itself. Now keep in mind, that I am not a professional, and I'm just in High School. Nevertheless, writing is something I enjoy, even if I hardly finish the projects I start. (I haven't abandoned either story!)

First of all, I like that you didn't overuse said. You branched out in that area and I want to give you kudos for that.

However, you switch tense from present to past at least once in the paper, and you fall victim to the trap of telling instead of showing. Let's take the "Pows" for instance, try elaborating on them a bit more.

I mean sure, Megsy fires a shot. So what? What does it look like? You'll probably only have to go into detail the first time on that one, though. But does it hit? Who does it hit? Does it ricochet? These are the kind of questions you want to answer. Try using sensory details, colors, smells, images. What you want to accomplish in your writing is to be able to not just report the events, but also to paint a picture in our heads.

Of course you can go overboard in that department (Scarlet Letter, I'm looking at you.) so try to find a happy medium.

Edited by Mega X.exe on October 23, 2007 at 23:36:29.

You're quite right on all counts. I intentionally added some hype for a sort of stylized bravado, but I figured I had gone overboard. Then again, maybe overboard is my style. Just wait till part 2. LOL!

I do try not to overuse "said", but occasionally even I get lazy about that. I also agree that I do too much telling instead of showing. I think that's the main flaw of my writing, even in my other stories. I'm always tempted to jump ahead to the "good parts". Oh well, I'll have the conclusion of the story up soon. Thanks for the comments and (if anyone is interested in doing so) keep 'em coming!

Gah! My previous post read that the change in style not being fitting was 'for more objective'. That should have read "far more subjective'. Lest someone get the idea that I'm claiming that style can be objectively rated.

Well, it's quite interesting. Short indeed, and I would like it to be longer, but not as long as, say, over ten pages long.

I guess the reason for that is the same as why people tend to write short chapters: people don't really want to spend a lot of time on such things. When writing, people just have an idea in their mind for a chapter and they try to work that out. When they have done that, they quickly finish their chapter and put it up. If they have written a lot on the chapter already without getting to the main idea, they get bored with it and quit. At least, that's how I've seen it with a lot of others, including myself. When you want to write a good story, it's 5% inspiration, the rest is just hard work.

That being said, although it is short, I kinda liked reading this. It's not that I absolutely loved it or would give it a really high rating, but it's fine. A fine chapter. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the comments guys! It's more than I even expected. I appreciate both criticism and compliments.

Now Part 2 of the story is a little... well, you'll see. Anyway, let's just say there's a bit of domestic drama, or something like that. And obviously there's some tragedy. Here goes:

The True Story of Mega Man
Part 2

One worrisome day, at Light Labs:

In his despair, Dr. Light became an alcoholic in the weeks following the incident. He starts speaking in the slurred, Elmer Fudd voice from the english version of Megaman 8. Today, Dr. Light is brooding in his armchair, reflecting on his recent troubles and the loss of Megaman.

“Dr. Light, are you feeling okay?” asked Roll.

“Ah... Dwear, sweedt Woll,” sighed Dr. Light, in slurred speech. “I still 'ave you, don' I? Hic!”

“You don't look so well Dr. Light,” observed Roll. “Are you sick?”

“Jus' a bwit chilly...” replied Dr. Light.

He takes a swig from a bottle of scotch and sighs with satisfaction.

“Ahh... HIC! Come ovah here an' sid on Dad's lap to wum him up.”

“Dr. Light, you said you'd stop drinking!” cried Roll.

“Nevuh-mind thad... HIC!”

He get's up and stumbles toward Roll.

“Lemme 'ave a clo-sah look at you girlie. Docta' haz to give you a checkup. Urgh...”

“Dr. Light... No!” Roll cried.

“Ungh!” she grunted as the portly old man collapsed on top of her and passed out.

“Oh Dr. Light...” said Roll, sorrowfully.

Just then, Protoman happened to be stopping by to see how Dr. Light and company were holding up. He teleports into the scene.

“Hey Dr. Light, I just stopped by to... huh???” asked a stunned Protoman. “Dr Light?! What are you–“

“Protoman!” cried Roll, in embarrassment. “Um, Dr. Light was drinking again and got a bit frisky,” she explained.

“What?! How long has this been going on?” demanded Protoman.

“He's not always like this,” explained Roll. “But ever since Megaman...”

“I see,” Protoman sighed.

He helps lift the pathetic old soul off of her, and she puts him to bed.


Late that night, at Wily's lab:

“Zero, my masterpiece. You are finally complete,” Wily proclaimed.

Zero's eyes open as he sits upright.

“Now you will carry out my revenge on the one responsible for my death,” continued Wily. “Our rivalry is what gives me motivation in life, and so I have returned from the grave for this purpose. I will not rest until I have finally defeated him.”

Zero stares up blankly as he listens.

“Now go!” commanded Wily. “Destroy him! That's an order.”

Zero grabs hold of his saber and leaps into action.


Early the next morning; at Light Labs:

“Good morning Roll,” said Dr. Light, groggily.

“Dr. Light, you're awake!” said Roll. “Are you feeling any better?”

“I will as soon as you hand me that bourbon,” replied Dr. Light.

“But Dr. Light...”

“I didn't build you to give me lip!” yelled Dr. Light. “Now hand over the bottle, you little house-wench!”

Roll reluctantly complies, against her better judgement.

GULP, GULP, GULP. Dr. Light chugs down some of the whiskey. “Hoo-wee! Thadt'z gud stuff!”

Within moments Dr. Light is tipsy again, although only half as drunk as last night.

“Come here Roll,” instructed Dr. Light. “I have somethin' to show you. HIC!”

“Dr. Light, please don't. I don't want to see it!” pleaded Roll, as she started to back away from him.

“Will you just follow me to the workroom!” snapped Dr. Light.

Roll just stood there, looking hurt.

“Look, I know I haven't been the easiest person to be around lately, and I'm sorry for that,” said Dr. Light. “But what I have to show you is of the utmost importance. No one outside of this lab must know what's being stored behind that door.”

“Oh, I get it!” said Roll. “Yes, I thought you had been building something new recently.”

“That's right, it's my most important project yet,” said Dr. Light as he took another gulp of whiskey. “Follow me.”

The two of them enter Light's secret workroom, sealing the door shut behind them. There is a capsule in the center of the room. Dr. Light unveils the cover to reveal...

“Megaman?!” asked Roll, in surprise.

“Not quite,” explained Dr. Light. “Lying before you in this capsule is the most advanced wobot known to man.”

“Wobot?” asked Roll. “Oh! you mean robot?”

“Just listen!” snapped Light. “I've designed this new-model robot in the likeness of Megaman as a sort of memorial to him. It's my way of giving him a second chance. But he'll have to stay in this capsule for 30 years so diagnostics can be run on his system to insure he will remain loyal to humans. I might not be around for that long, especially with the way I be drinking. So when the time comes, I want you to activate Megaman X and help him to wield his considerable power wisely. Do you understand your responsibility?”

“Wow Dr. Light, I don't know what to say,” answered Roll. “This is some heavy stuff you're laying on me. I might need a swig of that whiskey you got there!”

“Oh no you don't!” said Dr. Light, as he held the bottle out of Roll's reach. “This is only for grownups. And besides, I hear somebody at the door. You'd better go see who it is.”

“Oh, all right,” Roll said, with a grin.

Roll heads out to the front door and sees a red armored robot with long blonde hair waiting in the foyer. He has his saber, but it's in the off position so there's no blade visible.

“My, what a cute guy!” Roll exclaimed. “I wonder who he is?”

At the same time, Beat flew out of Auto's workshop to come see who was at the door. The bird twitters up beside Roll as she walks forward to greet their guest.

“Excuse me sir, can I help–”

Zero puts his finger over Roll's lips.

“Hm?” Roll wondered.

Zero leaned in closer to her face, causing her to blush. He took the bladeless hilt in his hand and pressed it up against Roll's abdomen.

“Wh- What are you...” she moans.

Zero interrupts her again, this time with a kiss. He moves the saber hilt further up towards her chest and...turns it on!

BZZZZZZzzzwish!

“Ahhh!” Roll shrieks; a stunned expression on her face.

“Mwah ha haaa!”, Zero laughed maniacally. “You stupid little fool!”

With the blade still piercing through her chest, Roll slumped backwards.

“I- I've failed you Dr. Light...,” she gasped.

The energy of the saber pulses through Roll all the way up to her skull, completely blowing her brains/CPU out. Her chest explodes open and she collapsed to the ground.

“Humph! That's a real heartbreaker!” Zero chuckled.

“Tweet!” Beat frantically flees from the scene. He makes his way all the way back to Auto's workshop.

“TWEET TWEET TWEET!” Beat cried.

“What's gotten into you, you silly little birdbrain?” asked Auto.

“TWEET! TWEET!” Beat tries to tug on Auto to lead him out of the workshop.

“Alright, alright!” said Auto. “Let's go see what's gotten you so worked up little fella.”

Beat leads Auto back into the front room where Roll's lifeless body is sprawled out on the floor.

“What the-?!” exclaimed Auto. “Somebody f***ed Roll up!”

“You have no idea,” came a voice from behind.

“Huh? NO!” cried Auto. “Urghh!”

Shortly thereafter, Protoman stops by to check-in on everyone at Light Labs again. As he enters the building he's met with a horrific sight. Auto is just sitting there on the floor... dead. The remains of Beat are shoved down his throat. Roll is still lying there next to him, totally fried.

“No way!” gasped Protoman. “How can this be?!”

He dashes through the lab searching for survivors or intruders. The lab is disheveled as if someone has already been searching through it, furiously. He comes to the door of Dr. Light's workroom and sees that it's sealed shut.

“Dr. Light! Are you in there?! It's Protoman!”

The door opens and Dr. Light quickly pulls Protoman inside.

“Are you all right doctor?” asked Protoman. “It looks like someone tore through here and... they got Roll and Auto.”

“Yes, I know,” said Dr. Light, gravely. “Protoman, something terrible has happened! The lab is under attack by the most wickedly powerful robot I've ever seen. It looks like one of Wily's!”

“He must have had a sleeper unit programed to activate in his absence,” said Protoman. “I'll have to go confront it.”

“Wait Protoman! Its power is like nothing you've ever encountered in the past. It rivals the next-generation model I just finished building in this capsule. This thing is way beyond you.”

“Hold on,” said Protoman. “You have a robot in here that could beat this thing?”

“Perhaps, but he's not ready,” Dr. Light explained. “I'm still running tests on him to determine his loyalty.”

“Can't we test him on the battlefield right now?!” urged Protoman.

“I must know if he will uphold the laws of robotics!” Light insisted.

“Then that leaves me to face this guy alone!” said an exasperated Protoman

“No!” said Dr. Light. “You must flee, Protoman. You're no match for him.”

“I'll determine that for myself!” said Protoman. “Anyway, it doesn't look like we have much choice. Sounds like he found our hiding place.”

BANG! CLANK!

Zero was outside the fortified door, trying to pound his way in.

“Don't worry Dr. Light, I'll find a way,” said Protoman, as he stood at the ready. “Megaman always did...” he said somberly.

Dr. Light cowered in the back of the workshop.

“I've got to preserve X at all cost,” thought Dr. Light. He rushed to the capsule and started typing a message on the keypad.


WARNING:

"X" is the first of a new generation of robots which contain an innovative new feature - The ability to think, feel and make their own decisions. However this ability could be very dangerous if "X" were to break the first rule of robotics, "A robot must never harm a human being". The results would be disastrous and I fear that no force on Earth could stop him.

Approximately 30 years will be required before we can safely confirm his reliability. Unfortunately I will not live to see that day, nor do I have anyone to carry on my work. Therefore, I have decided to seal him in this capsule, which will test his internal systems until his reliability has been confirmed. Please do not disturb the capsule until that time.

"X" possesses great risks as well as great possibilities. I can only hope for the best.

September 18, 20XX

T. Light


“There. 30 years worth of loyalty ought to do it,” said Dr. Light, as Zero was already roughing Protoman up at the other end of the room.

BAM! Protoman crashed into the wall from one of Zero's blows.

“You- you're strong,” coughed Protoman. “Maybe my stregnth wasn't enough after all. But I won't back down!”

Protoman leapt from the ground, landing a solid blow against Zero. But the harder he came at him, the more Zero seemed to be enjoying the fight! Dr. Light saw everything from the back of the room.

“He's merely toying with him,” observed Light. “That monster robot could end this fight at any moment, but he's taking pleasure in the combat! It won't end well...” he concluded.

With that, Dr. Light initiated the self-destruct function of the lab, destroying the entire structure. The blast also finished Protoman off, and left X and Zero buried underground. They laid there unconscious for years to come; the living legacies of two of the greatest scientific minds in history. What fate would await them in the future? Only time would tell.

The End...

...for now.


Well it ain't exactly "canon", but hopefully it was at least entertaining. I really believe it's a sensible way for the story to have unfolded. I showed a darker side to some characters, especially Dr. Light and even Megaman. I believe that for a series-ender like this, it makes sense to have the characters unravel a bit. It's a story that could have only ended tragically. My next fanfic is an X story which is sort of a sequel to this. It needs a bit more work, but I'll post it here before long.

Anyway, let me know what you thought of this story.

Ah yes, the saber. I thought about that too, but Zero is so much cooler with it. As for Auto, I'd like to think that he's not still around because if he is alive he's seriously slacking off on his duties. It would seem wrong for him not to contact X, although that might explain all the new capsules X finds in every game! ...Actually nothing can explain that.

Thanks for your comments doctor! Anyone else can feel free to continue posting comments for as long as the story is up. I'd be glad to read them.

There's an expanded version of this story now available on fanfiction.net. Check it out if you're interested.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3970400/1/End_Of_An_Era

Edited by Androcles on August 17, 2009 at 8:59:44.