Author's Notes: Good to see me back huh? Guess I got my spirit rekindled. However, there are three things I want to address.
First, this chapter really wasn't my best. Despite the fact that I pulled off a really good battle with an ending side-plot that really got me depressed, it wasn't my best and I could have done more. Don't worry, I'm going to take my time doing this and let's just say that I will give it my all doing it. Believe me.
Second, originally I was supposed to have the scene with Tron, Denise and Teisel be a bit darker and more serious. Basically Denise pulls the trigger hoping that she would end her life with her two best friends look on seeing that they failed. I scrapped it because I didn't want to kill her off and changed it to what you see here. Besides the gun didn't had any ammo meaning there's no point in ending her life. Depression and suicide are very serious stuff and I've been there believe me. If you find that the scene was too serious because of this issue, let me know by PM and I'll see if I can fix it. To anyone who's experienced these things, I hope that you do get some help. It's not worth taking your life when you know your whole life's gone to hell. Life is worth living and even if the world does go to hell, be grateful that you are alive. You only get one shot. Make it count.
Third, I would like to thank Gancena, BlackRussian, MegaBauer and lalalei2001 for giving me the motivation I need to keep on going. I can't be going in and out like that. Not that it matters because no one checks this out except for my friends. I just wish people got to read this. Mega Man's 25th Anniversary is coming and he's at his lowest point ever. Blame Capcom because those greedy idiots can't seem to get their heads out of their asses. I think it's high time I do what I do best and with my friends by my side, I will make it so.
I think I've said enough, hope you guys enjoy it. If you like it, please be sure to leave a Review. It does mean a lot to me and tell people about it. It would really help. Also if you find any errors that would really put Robert in a jam bigger than it already is, let me know by PM and I will correct it. Thank you, have a nice day and enjoy.
Chapter 7: Beware the Sun's Fury; Cool Off, Blue Bomber
Light Residence – 12:45 AM
My battle against BubbleMan earlier took a toll on me, physically and mentally. Once I got home, Tron helped me get into the recharge station so I can rejuvenate. But after getting a look at the damage assessment, we realized that it was going to take me more than a few hours. Teisel made some adjustments so that the station will have me there overnight. I agreed on this because I need a good night's rest. Tron got a look and saw that my armor suffered heavy damage. They put whatever armor parts left over into the armor casing and closed it tight. Knowing like my good night's sleep, they set it for a few hours. My guess is that they want to make the armor a lot stronger. For me, I don't mind it at all.
"Whew. That's good. Now Robert will be up and ready by tomorrow." Tron said, wiping sweat off her forehead.
"Definitely. I got a look and damn!" He cringed at the sight of the data he saw earlier. "I don't understand why Robert got through this in one piece."
Tron responds, "I don't understand it either. But right now, I'm happy he's sleeping… sleeping like a baby." Seeing me recharging inside made Tron fill with worry.
Like any caring woman who treasures their boyfriend, Tron plants a kiss on the glass of the station. Teisel looked perplexed seeing her sister do this but in his mind, it's her way of showing that she cares. The two then left me alone so I can rest up. I know for sure that tomorrow is going to be a long day. In the living room, Tron and Teisel were enjoying a midnight snack. Met meanwhile was chasing some Servbots around. It was just so cute to see them having fun.
Teisel asks, "Tron, think we may be able to help Denise? I haven't heard from her in three days."
"I know we can Teisel. I know it. I worry for her so much. She has been my BFF since we were preschoolers. To see her like this is just horrible." Tron replied. She felt major frustration all over. I know how she feels by this.
Teisel says, "You went to see her mom and I went to see her dad. Even though we had talks with them, they still feel that there is hope for their daughter. Who would have guessed our parents had a profound impact on her."
"Yeah." She replied, nodding at his statement. "Tomorrow, we have to see her."
"I know. I told Mr. Marmalade himself that I will see Denise tomorrow." Teisel assured Tron. She noticed the increase in his voice.
"Teisel?" She asks, "Is there something you want to tell me?" Guess she knows.
Being like some kind of idiot, Teisel tries to weasel his way out of it. "What? What are you talking about? All I'm just saying is that we're going to see Denise tomorrow that's all."
"Teisel, don't play dumb with me. I know what you're really up to." Tron went closer to him hoping to find out more. Something wasn't right.
"Come on Tron. What's up with you? Don't tell me you're being like Robert when he argues with Dr. Light. I don't need any of that right now." Teisel storms off. Tron grabs him by the huge ponytail preventing him from moving.
With her grip tight, she reacts in her usual fashion. "Is that so? I know you have to something to hide Teisel Bonne. You will tell me right here, right now."
"I'm not hiding anything!" He shouted. "You got to believe me! Honest! Come on Tron, I really care for Denise. We shouldn't be doing this."
"Not unless you tell me what's going on." Tron countered. She still had her grip on his hair. "I want to know. Why are you so determined to help Denise?"
Teisel couldn't hide it from her sister anymore. He lets off a sigh and says, "Alright fine. But can you let go of my hair?"
"Okay." Tron lets go as per his request. "Now then, tell me right now."
Teisel didn't want to tell her. Tron continued to look at him with anger. Letting a "cover has been blown" sigh, he explains everything. I only hope that Tron can take this.
"Tron. I know that you will kill me for this but…" He gulped before he continued. "I think I like Denise." His last words were of a whisper. Tron couldn't hear what he said.
"Huh? I can't hear you. What did you say?" She asks, carrying that straight angry face.
"I… I like Denise." Teisel replied. "Isn't it what you wanted to know? I've had feelings for her ever since you two were kids. I never told anyone about this. Not even our parents."
"But why?" she questioned. "Why didn't you tell mom and dad?"
"Come on sis! Do you even have an idea of the age difference between us?" He countered. "Mom and dad wouldn't approve of this. Not at all."
Finding out that her older brother had feelings for her best friend was a shock for Tron. She tried to compose herself. Teisel got up and went to the kitchen to get a drink. Before he did, there was something else she wanted to ask him.
"Teisel." He turned to look at her. "I'm sorry I got angry at you. I really am."
"It's alright sis." He smiled. "I should have told you this sooner. I wonder that if I did, would it make a difference? Who knows?"
"Don't say that Teisel!" She shouted, walking toward him. "If you really care for her then it wouldn't matter. I care for her just as much as you do. She's my BFF for crying out loud."
He then turned and rebutted. "That's why we have to do this. Robert has his fight and we have ours."
She nodded as the two went into an embrace. After the deaths of their parents, the three Bonnes have always been close. I can tell they were like a family for sure. Even after I freed them from Lex Loath, I saw that their bonds were very strong. If only the same can be for my family especially my grandpa, Dr. Light. Tron then noticed something touching her foot. The two turned to see Met who wanted some love as well.
"Aw, you want some love too?" She asks it. It beeped for a bit in response.
Tron picked it up and gave it a hug. If that wasn't enough, she kissed its Hardhat. It reacted by beeping multiple times saying thanks. Teisel smiled seeing this. I know for certain that he will be an important part of my, no, our family. After the two had some late-night snacks, they both went to bed. Met went to the basement lab to sleep with the Servbots. If I were awake, I would just go nuts over the amount of cuteness that occurred. No seriously… it would be insane.
"Energy level at 45%. Estimated time till complete recharge: 7 hours."
But my concern now was Wily. He's down to two robots left. He knows I'm coming from him but has no idea I have problems of my own. I feel that deep inside that I'm going to confront him. I know it for sure. Ever since I began the fight again, he has been busy with something. Something big. He wouldn't tell me. He wouldn't tell the Bonnes. He wouldn't tell anyone, not even Higsby. I know for sure he's in on it but I know he's got something to hide. Whatever it is, I'm going to find out. Whether it's him, Gramps or anyone behind this "project", I will know the truth even if I have to tear New Light Labs upside down to do it.
The next morning - 7:23 AM
"Recharge complete. Energy at optimum." The chamber opened up. My optic circuits were online. I got a look around the basement lab.
Bon and the Servbots were sleeping. I went to the armor casing and saw my armor fully repaired. I then opened up to check and got a look. Pristine and new, just the way I always like it. Though after every fight I'm going to constantly get it repaired. If only there was some way I can get it to be at a state where it can take a lot more punishment. But that's only a minor issue that I can resolve later. Anyway, I went upstairs and saw no one around. Tron and Teisel are still snoozing and I know Doc is happily sleeping too. But when I went to the kitchen, I saw someone. It was my grandpa, Dr. Light.
"I take it that you're still busy with your little project gramps." I said, trying not to get angry. He had no clue how pissed off I was.
Gramps calmly replied, "I am. Why do you ask?"
"Because you've been spending a lot more time with that than helping your own grandson." I let off a sigh. "Wily's down to two Robot Masters and each one is harder than the next. I was lucky to even survive against BubbleMan."
But Gramps continued to look at his paperwork. I don't know why but something inside me is saying that he's ignoring me. "Are you even listening? Put that paper down and look at me. Do you have any idea how much of a pain this is?!"
My shout had him stop what he was doing. He then looked at me and replied, "I am aware that you are defeating Wily's forces. I am pleased of your accomplishments." But in an instant, he snapped at me. "But that does not give you the right to act like you are now!"
"Really?" I countered. "Is that so? Why do you think I spend every hour of every day fighting against Wily's robots? All the fighting, all the destruction, why the hell does it have to be on my fucking shoulders?!"
Gramps didn't say a word. I have a pretty good guess why. My sight was still on him. I wanted him to say something. My muscles tighten. My anger was at its peak. I literally wanted to yell at him. He knows that if I'll do something, he'll retaliate with something that'll make me repulse. Before either of us could make a move, an alarm was heard. My anger then went away and I went to the basement lab.
"What the?" I looked at the screen and saw Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. "What's happening?"
I pressed some more buttons and I saw some robots occupying the outer area of the volcano. One guess safely assumes that Wily has everything to do with it. With only two bots left, I don't blame him. Bass is already out of action due to our last fight. Glyde was still tending to his recent facial injuries. He must be trying to do something and I'm going to find out.
Time I get back to work… again. I opened the armor casing and pressed a button on the chest pad.
I saw the armor immediately went online. It came to life in an instant. My grandpa came downstairs and saw me go into battle mode. There are two ways I can go into battle mode. Pressing a button in my wristwatch is one way. What's happening here is another. My clothing was replaced with a special black suit that is used alongside my armor. In just a few seconds, the armor parts connected with the suit forming my battle mode. I was ready to go but I saw him again. I tried my hardest not to yell. I just didn't want to unleash my rage this early in the morning.
"I understand that you are angry Robert but I have already told you this before. Do not let your anger cloud your actions." He said. I know that advice all too well.
"I'm aware of it. But what I'm not aware of is how you decide to work on something without you telling any of us?" My anger died down, filling with concern.
Dr. Light couldn't say a word to me. Most likely it's because of the aforementioned gag order. I always hate it when he does this. I really do. I can't blame him for doing this. A part of me can't but the other can't. I then knew that being silent wasn't going to do any good. It never does.
Walking closer to him, I asked, "Aren't you going to say anything? Or is it that you can't."
"I'm sorry. I can't tell you. Not yet." Gramps answered, sighing. "I just can not."
That got me riled up but I kept myself composed. I then put on my helmet and was already on my way. It's bad enough that I have to deal with my grandpa but it's worse when Wily is causing whatever trouble he unleashes. He only has two robot masters left so I'm not concerned. I'm more concerned with someone who's at a slump. Even now I worry for her. I only hope Tron and Teisel know what they're doing.
Robert, please understand. I'm not doing this to shut you out. There is a reason why I can't tell you. Gramps saw me teleport away. Whatever is going on inside him, I don't like it.
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii – 2:41 AM
I had to get a whole background check on this volcano before I even came here. I also need to make sure I'm prepared for this occasion so after suiting up, I stocked myself with two E-Tanks. With that done now we can continue. There are many volcanoes all over the world and when they erupt, they can get pretty devastating. But when they don't they become major tourist attractions gathering people all over the world to see. They're landmarks that are symbolic to our world and us. Today however, this place here is home to a bunch of evil robots. I forgot to mention that this here is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. That makes the situation even more of a pain. I couldn't arrive by normal means because the area around the volcano is still unstable. So with the help of a DashBlazer, I was able to reach it without getting myself burned.
Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. I reached a high enough distance and took the jump.
I was at about seven or eight thousand feet when I made the jump. I saw the volcano ahead of me. It was active. It's been active for more than 20 years. My objective for this was a simple one: Find the bot who's occupying the volcano, take it out and get out of there in one piece. Temperatures in places like these would go up to around 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Truth is, I never tested my armor in a condition this extreme. Maybe this will be a good chance to see. For now though, I reached the inner area of the volcano.
"Damn! This place is hot." I checked at my Mega Buster for a temperature scan. "840 degrees? Wow."
Touching the area would incinerate an average person's hand. There are robots nowadays that can help extreme temperatures. FireMan is one such example. I trekked my way down avoiding the lava that continued moving about. There weren't any robots, not yet anyway. But in all seriousness who can survive in a place like this? Not an average human that's for sure. Robots with the right equipment can survive. I took a turn into a cave noticing a drop in temperature. It was a bit cooler so that's a relief.
"Temperature at 600." I pressed the screen giving me a layout of the area. "So some of these tunnels have low temp zones. I'll keep that in mind."
I then went from walking to running but I heard something. A squad of robots dropped from above attacking me. I got out of the way and primed my Mega Buster. Firing three shots, I blasted one. It looked like some kind of robot that looked like a pogo stick with one hand holding onto a string. To make it even stranger, it has a propeller on it's head. The other Prop-Top went airborne and then dropped down to where I was.
I moved out of the way saying, "Nice try fly boy." I then responded by firing some Mega Buster shots. It ended up scrapped.
That was too close. I then looked around to see if anything else was coming.
There wasn't. I sighed in relief and continued. I continued heading deeper into the volcano seeing lava moving all over. The further I went though, the harder things got. Another squad of Prop-Tops appeared before me. I shelled out my Mega Buster and went to work. They weren't that hard because I only needed to fire a few shots and they were taken down. But then things got intense. Several Tellys appeared heading to where I was. They didn't have any weapons but I can tell there was strength in numbers.
"Wily certainly packed a lot of punch in a place like this. They're even heat-resistant too." I knew that the Mega Buster wouldn't be a good idea for this so I decided to try a different alternative. "Battlechip, AirSword! MachineGun1!"
One hand transformed into a gun that packed dual turrets while the other turned into a sword that let off gusts with every slash. I know there were a lot of these things and I needed to take them down. If this is what Wily normally uses for stuff like this, I'm sorry. He's really running out of ideas. The MachineGun1 was the first weapon I used wasting several rounds of ammo blasting them. But they just keep coming. If this were like a really bad video game, this would be unbearable. But it isn't. It's the real deal. I kept at it blasting more Tellies. They just keep at it.
"Like a bunch of fuzz-bots! For each one I destroy, two more take its place." I stopped using my MachineGun and then went for the AirSword.
One swipe sent many of them flying. More Tellys came by hoping to put me off balance. I went for another AirSword attack and took out the rest. More of them kept coming. Putting two and two together tells me that this will take forever. I just simply ran hoping to avoid them. They were not only a pain in the butt but it would be a major waste of energy. I kept on moving until I noticed something ahead of me. I saw a bottomless pit and a passageway on the other side. No big deal but then things get complicated.
"What the?" I saw several blocks floating in mid-air. That wasn't the weird part.
I saw them appear and disappear really quickly. I remember the time when I was in Wily's fortress seeing platforms appear and disappear. It wasn't fun. I'd be on one platform but being a slo-mo, I end up on my ass. I had the Magnet Beam making it easier. Thinking back now, I wish I still had it. Two choices were given to me. I could either risk my neck going through each platform one by one without falling to my death or I can just cheat, use the Jet Sled (Item-2) and make it to the other side. What to choose?
It only took me a second to make this choice. "What? You expect me to go through this crap? Sorry but I'm not into that. I'll do it the easy way."
I pressed a button on my Mega Buster getting access to my weapon reserves. Accessing the Item-2, I saw it come to life. I got on the sled and kicked up the boosters. The platforms were still doing their little disappearing act but at a much rapid pace. If any average person were to go through stuff like that, they'd be dead the minute they reach the 10th block or heck, the 6th. I reached the other side with another path straight ahead. The only thing I hoped is that I never see stuff like that again.
"Temperatures are already climbing to almost 1100 degrees." I said, looking at the temperature gauge on my buster.
I continued on heading down. Temperatures then suddenly spiked up to around 1625 degrees. Now I feel like I'm cooked inside an oven. But I then looked up seeing a Sniper Joe. Not that threatening at first but he was packing some heavy artillery.
Ah hell. It somehow fired a missile at me. I got out of the way and countered.
Firing a shot, it didn't make a dent. I then realized that what I saw was a Sniper Joe operating some kind of large machine. It was lilac in color having two legs. My guess it's used for jump attacks. I saw that this machine carries some firepower; a Vulcan gun and a missile launcher. That explains how he countered my strike with his. Its guns fired a few blasts. I moved out of the way and fired shots from my Mega Buster. Like before, it didn't work.
Nothing's working. I got to do something. The Joe used its armor to launch another missile. I evaded but the explosion propelled me a few feet.
The area suddenly began to shake. If this Sniper Armor keeps attacking, the volcano would cave in making things disastrous. I went through my Mega Buster and swapped for the Metal Blade. I fired a few hoping to smash it. The blades were then flown in other directions. Guess it didn't work.
"Let's try this one next." I changed into the Air Shooter and fired. Three small tornadoes came out and struck the armor.
My weapon did some damage but was able to keep on fighting. It attacked again with a combination of vulcan and missile fire. I kept moving and fired another round of Air Shooter. They did their job but I noticed something. The Sniper Armor started to lose its balance. My guess the damage I did caused its circuits to weaken. I then had an idea. I swapped for my Mega Buster and fired one shot. It did the trick. The Sniper Armor fell under its weight and collapsed but not before firing a missile that hit up above. It exploded. Now there was a problem.
"Damn! Now he's done it!" My instincts kicked in. I ran as hard as I could.
I then turned to see the tunnel cave in taking both the Sniper Joe and his armor ride with him. It sucks to be him. I can't say the same for myself though.
"That was scary." I checked my Mega Buster to see that I'm at most 60%. I think I have enough to help me last for a little while longer.
I continued on my way heading further down into the volcano to the lowest point. This is where the heat literally gets to me. I felt itchy even with all this armor. Along with the itch, there was sweat. Now you're going to say to yourself why I'm sweating right? What do you expect? It's really freaking hot. We're in a volcano and the only thing I want is to get out of here before I shrivel up like a prune. It doesn't matter so I don't really care. I reached the bottom but nobody was there.
Strange. I thought I'd expect something big. My eyes were darting all over. I know someone's here.
I shouted, "Come on out! I know you're there!" My Mega Buster was primed and ready to rock.
Lava suddenly blasted out in front of me. That caught me off guard, for only a few seconds. Once it disappeared there was a large zippo lighter in front of me. It was inanimate yet I felt something strange. Was it friend? Or foe? I walked closer to check.
"Why is this here?" I said. I gave it a gentle touch thinking it wouldn't do anything.
But something happened. The lighter started to shake a little causing a transformation. Arms came out of its sides while legs formed on the bottom. It's top opened up revealing a face. He engulfed itself in a blazing aura. It was a signal for him to rise. I can tell this is going to get hot right off the bat.
"Let me guess, you're another one of Wily's bots right?" I asked.
He nods and replies, "That's right. You must be Mega Man. Wily has told me much about you."
"What about Wily?" But my focus was on something else. "Or better yet, why are you here in this volcano?"
"The answer's simple." HeatMan's top then covers his face.
I couldn't hear anything. This really bugged me and I wonder why Wily would build something like him.
"Uh, I don't think I can hear you. Can you repeat that?" I queried.
HeatMan spoke again but due to his face covered thanks to that top, I still couldn't hear. I think that he's gotten a bit upset. He moved around hoping to see if I was there.
But his top opens up and yells, "And then once we're done, this place will burn to cinders! Huh?"
"Is everything okay? You seem a bit ticked."
HeatMan was speechless. Now I'm really curious. What's up with this bot? What was Wily thinking?
"I apologize. This top is very faulty always closing when it doesn't want to. Allow me to explain once again." He replied. His voice became fierce.
I didn't say anything. Although this place was heating up like nuts, trying to figure this bot out is really stupid. Yeah, it's stupid. What more can I say? I let off a shrug and hear what he said.
Heatman explains, "This volcano is highly active. For many years it hasn't brought any real damage to the human population but that is about to change."
"Change? What do you mean?" I asked.
"Notice the machinery in this area?" I looked around and saw several tubes pumping lava upwards.
I nodded and replied, "Yeah, I do." My Mega Buster was then aimed at him. "What the hell are you planning?"
"Quite simple actually. Even as we speak, this volcano is active. We're just simply speeding things up." He goes on to laugh for a little bit.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" I asked, "You're going to cause an eruption that's going to threaten the entire island?"
"I didn't think it take you this long to figure it out. You don't have much time." Heatman said. He already became engulfed in flame.
I simply shrugged it off and replied, "Guess I really don't have much choice do I?"
I then raced at him but there was a problem. HeatMan was in a blazing aura and attacking him would be a problem. It didn't matter and I didn't really care. I delivered a punch to the face. It reeled him a bit then I followed up with a spin kick. It pushed him back but he countered with a hit of his own. You guys remember what I said in regards to the fiery aura he had? Well it happened. I felt a sizzling reel all over my face. He then did a flaming tackle attack sending me reeling a few feet. I shrugged off the burn but the heat made it a lot harder to get rid of it.
HeatMan laughs and says, "Can't handle the heat eh blue brat? Get used to it because I'm turning it up a lot more!"
I was too focused on getting the fire off that I wasn't paying attention at what HeatMan was doing next. Still in the blazing aura, he geared himself up.
"Take this!" He shouted, "Atomic Fire!"
He fired three volleys of flame at me the came at a parabolic angle. I moved out of the way avoiding them. HeatMan kept at it launching repeated blasts. I needed to counter so I went for my Mega Buster and fired a few shots. They hit but ended up repelling in different directions. I tried again and got the same response. He simply laughs and that got me irate.
"Nice try mega moron. Did you notice me engulfed in flames?" He queried, showing an evil smile.
"I do notice ya. Why the hell do you ask?" I rescinded. I kept my aim at him, not letting go.
"My barrier emits an air lens. In other words, I allow the air around me to heat up at an extremely high temperature making your attacks ineffective." For a pyromaniac, he certainly blabs about this to no end.
Temperatures were already climbing. My thoughts were basically to keep an eye on my energy gauge, which is at least at half power. I had no idea what I was doing but what could I do? I ain't thinking normal. Gotta think crazy!
"Guess you really are in need of the hot stuff. Alright then! Atomic Fire!" He launched another volley at me but at a straight arc.
I dodged one, slid under the second and rolled over the third. It gave me what I needed to deliver my attack. I tackled him knowing I would get hurt in the process. He got slammed into a wall and I went on the offensive delivering a series of blows to his chest. He suddenly blocked one of them and gave me a flaming fist to the face. It reeled me back like before but I wasn't going to let it stop me.
"Guess ya can't handle the heat huh? What a shame!" He shouted.
My response to that was, "I can take the heat and more!" I then switched into the Metal Blade and fired several shots.
Although my attack did hit HeatMan, it only fazed him a little. That got me really irate. I then swapped for a different weapon hoping to at least hurt him so I went for the Crash Bomber. I fired it and it hit HeatMan's chest latching onto it. But something was wrong.
What the!? How come it isn't exploding? HeatMan took the Crash Bomb and literally crushed it.
His aura began to blaze in a red flare. His smile became wicked and my thoughts were on how much of a mistake I've made. Now I'm in trouble.
"Bad idea. Now you really fire me up!" His body began to disappear turning into pure flame. "Burning Charge!"
His attack came too fast. I never had a chance to counter it. I suffered considerable damage on both the front and the back. The pain was too great. He moved fast and because I used a Crash Bomb on him, it accelerated things. His speed was enhanced and his attack was greater. I on the other hand was getting whacked around. He was way too fast and I needed to find a way to slow his happy ass down.
"Battle… chip… AreaSteal!" I vanished in an instant. It did save me from HeatMan's Burning Charge.
HeatMan had no idea that I escaped. He kept moving about all over the place. This gave me some time for a reliever. My power was down already to 30% and if I was still down there, I'd be getting owned at every chance he had. I needed to act and fast. I took the plunge jumping straight down with a weapon that may be of help. Switching for the Bubble Lead, I took aim and fired.
I just hope it works. That was the only thought I had doing this.
The Bubble Lead upon impact hit HeatMan. His aura dissolved returning him to normal, he felt intense pain. No matter what he did, he couldn't get the pain out of his body. It gave me what I needed to fight back and I did. I attacked with a jumping kick followed by another helping of Bubble Lead. He was still reeling in pain from the previous attack. Unfortunately, he ended up slamming into a nearby pipe causing magma to spurt out. It got him primed once more.
"Aw yeah! I'm back baby!" His top closed on him making his speech muddled.
He went for his Burning Charge but I was smart enough to evade. I know that since he's in this attack, I can't retaliate with my own. I had to wait it out. He continued his attack. I simply got out of the way. A few seconds of high-speed assaults later, he was slowing down. I went on the attack yet again using Bubble Lead and a hand-to-hand combo. At this point, the damage was getting to him and he was already angry as all hell. I fired another one crippling him even more.
"Had enough?" I questioned.
HeatMan got up and looked at me. Clear off the bat that he's far from done. I was ready to go for another round.
"No. No! I'm not done yet!" His shout now made him burning mad. My lame jokes regarding fire and such won't help in this case.
Oh great. Here we go again. I saw HeatMan jump into the air. He went into a flame aura like before.
But unlike the previous times, the flames intensified. I checked my buster to find that things are climbing up. I mean that literally because temperature is already hit past 2500. My battle mode's armor can withstand temperatures up to at least 9000 degrees. This was nothing compared to what he was going to do next. His top literally burned off, his eyes filled with anger. He was enraged. He was fired up and was ready to kick major ass.
"Now you really got me mad. I got plenty of fight left in me!" HeatMan shouted, having his fists clenched tightly.
"Power levels are climbing." My sight went from my buster then back to him. "Stop! This volcano is active! If you continue building up power, you'll cause it to erupt!"
"I could care less! The humans deserve nothing! It is the power of the earth that gives life to this planet and now I shall burn it to the ground!" He yelled, "Burn! Burn! Burn to the ground! Burn to the ground! Burn it to the GROUND!"
The area was suddenly shaking. Most of the place was falling apart and even the ground vibrated in response. If I stayed a minute more, I would be screwed. I ran hoping to avoid this. HeatMan was right on my tail. The aura he's in enhanced his speed. Not only that but his raging is making the volcano shake.
He confronted me and says, "Where do you think you're going?!"
"Anywhere but here!" I replied, looking straight nervously. "If I have to tear you down to do it, I would!"
He simply smiled at my words. I didn't care so I kept moving. The volcano was now going unstable at this point. He followed me as I kept heading higher. I reached the top getting a good view outside. I was amazed by what I saw. Truth is, I always wanted to visit this place but that's a topic for another day. I turned to see him float high in the air. His aura must be giving him this power. I then see him go higher into the sky. He's ready to bring out the big guns now.
"Feel the heat!" He shouted, reaching where he need to be. "Shining Supernova!"
His barrier began to expand in size. I saw it get larger with every second until it was almost the size of a planet. Looking at the large sun-powered orb and then the volcano got me thinking. If the Shining Supernova struck the active volcano, the resulting force would cause an eruption that would affect the whole island. It would be a disaster that not even I can stop. Many would lose their lives. The island would be declared uninhabitable and Wily would succeed in bringing fear to everyone. I for one CANNOT allow this to happen.
Okay, thinking time. I then looked at the orb and then at the volcano inside. If that Supernova hits the volcano, game over. I only have a few minutes and plus, I only have one shot. Let's make it work.
I took a jump deep into the volcano. I had no idea what I was thinking. No, seriously. It's a habit that I can't seem to get rid of whenever I'm in a tight bind. I know that my armor can withstand temperatures up to 9K degrees so I'm okay. It's the fact that I need something to counter HeatMan's offense. I'm out of ideas and I need to do something.
HeatMan seeing me head into the volcano wonder if this is my way of ending the fight. In his stupor, he slammed his arms down allowing his attack to go into the volcano. The clock was ticking. I already entered into the lava swimming as far down as possible. My Mega Buster was already charging energy. I aimed straight for the bottomless void in front of me. It was now or never. I fired my charge shot. I hoped that something would happen.
Dear god, please let there be a sign. I looked on waiting. I gave every ounce of strength I had.
But then I felt strange shocks. It's the volcano. It responded to my attack. I was then propelled up at a high speed. HeatMan's attack was in my sights. He wanted me dead while I want him stopped. It was all or nothing.
"Program Advance!" I felt my inner circuitry go crazy. Was it that I triggered something? It didn't matter so I didn't care. All I thought about was ending this.
"Battlechip, Sword! WideSword! LongSword!" One hand turned into a sword, the other turned into a blade that was long and wide.
I felt my arms going upwards touching the two blades. Light emanated between them causing them to become something different. I had no idea what was going on. Next thing I knew, I was wielding something with both hands. It was insane. I could feel the power surging and with the lava giving me a boost, I needed it.
"Huh? What the?" HeatMan wondered, looking. "What is that?"
The boost from the rising lava faded away. It was all or nothing now. I lifted the blade taking a fierce swing. A wave of energy came out of it heading straight for that large supernova. HeatMan still had no idea what was going on right now. The wave first hit the supernova. It pierced the large orb all the way through. I thought something would happen, like an explosion. HeatMan was still looking. He saw a blue light come out of the orb and then struck him from head to toe. I don't know if my attack worked or not.
"Huh? Did something hit me?" He asks. He felt as if his body was going insane. "What the? What's happening to me? Why do I feel like I'm coming apart?!"
He then felt his body splitting in two directions. Next thing he knew, he literally split apart. If that wasn't enough, the supernova exploded sending energy in all directions. HeatMan literally flew a few hundred feet before he reached the ground reduced to nothing but junk. As for me, I was flown far from the volcano. I wanted to see what happened to him. Using a DashCondor helped me check. It wasn't a pretty sight.
Damn, what a mess. No way HeatMan can survive that. But something bugged me.
I went to get a closer look. HeatMan was already reduced to tatters. I saw his body parts all over the area. No surprised he got beaten like that. Right next to me was his arm. It had data relating to his Atomic Fire attack. I touched it, copying his weapon. Only one robot master remained and I was drained. I saw on the ground getting a look at the volcano. It was an amazing sight seeing it erupt like that.
"This is beautiful." It was all I could say. I sipped some juice from my E-Canister.
Normally, I'd be heading home so I can recharge. I didn't have time. Before I left for Hawaii, I took two E-Canisters from the reserves and stocked them inside me. I know I'll be in for a long day but what else could I do? Wily has one bot left and I got enough for another round so why not? But you're wondering what about Tron and the others right? Time we find out. Denise… I beg of you, please hope that you're still around.
2852 East 28th Ave, 7th Floor, Apartment 725 – 10:55 AM
Although I had my obligation of being champion of humanity, there was something that lingered inside my mind. It was Denise. Since the incident at the airport, she has been driven into a massive slump. Everyone who knew her did all they could to help her. In her depression, she shut them out thinking that she let everyone down. Denise thought that this was her answer to the problem. It wasn't. What she was going to do next would shock everyone she knew… her friends, her family, everyone.
Tron and Teisel arrived on the 7th floor. Like me, they want to help her. They didn't have much time. It's been three days now and every second felt like it was a day or even more. Teisel knocked on the door to Denise's apartment. Nothing happened. Something wasn't right so he tried again. Tron had a look of worry.
"No one's answering. What gives?" He wonders, "You don't think that she… do it right?"
Tron nodded at him rapidly replies, "No way! Denise doing that? Forget it. Uh uh!" Her breathing became rapid.
Teisel tries pushing the door to open. It didn't work. He tried again and still nothing. Kicking it wasn't going to help matters.
"Damn it! She must have locked the place down tight." He says.
"Denise…" Tron mutters. "Why are you doing this?"
"Stand back Tron. I'm going to see if I can take this door down." He shouts. He cracked his fists before getting into a fighting stance.
Tron was too worried to even say anything to him. She took a few steps back. Teisel then got a look at the door and then began running. In his usual anger (or stupor), he comes in with his best 'I AM A MAN' punch and whacks the door. It worked but all it did was leave a huge hole on it along with Teisel suffering serious pain.
Tron lets off a sigh and says, "Not a good idea Teisel." After he took out his hand, Tron went to work removing the locks.
It took her a few minutes, which is more than enough for Teisel to heal up his injuries. Looking at her brother made her sigh wondering if what he did was a smart idea. She opens the door allowing them to head inside.
"Oh my god…" She whispers.
Teisel takes a whiff only for him to respond in disgust. "What the hell? This place stinks!"
The apartment looked like it was in shambles. The light was dim, a foul odor made the place unbearable, junk was seen all over the floor and it felt like a homeless man came by and turned the place on its head. Tron and Teisel look in horror seeing what happened.
"Denise must have really let this place go." Teisel says, "Denise's room should be over there."
He checks to find that even that room was bolted shut. Tron made sure Teisel wouldn't try his little tactic again. She decides to knock and see if Denise was there.
"Denise, are you there? It's me Tron. Open up." She says. "I know you're there. Please say something."
There was no answer. This got the two worried. Tron decides to find out for herself what's going on. Instead of being like her brother and trying to attack the door, she simply turns the doorknob. It opened. She then looked at her brother and gave a nod. The two went inside. They were cautious. Their eyes darted all over seeing everything. Denise's room was a complete mess. The blinds were closed preventing any light from entering. Her bed was in disarray and even her clothes were all over the place. No human could fathom seeing it.
Suddenly, a voice was heard from within the room. "Why are you here?"
The two turn to see Denise, looking as if she went through hell and back. Tron looked in shock seeing her best friend. She let her hair go reaching down to her mid-to-lower back, her uniform she wore had rips and tears. It showed her sanity slowly decaying into madness. They also saw that she hadn't eaten in days. Her glasses were chipped, anger was in her eyes and her hands were trembling. They also find that she was holding something in her right hand. This made them worry.
"I said, why are you here?" says Denise. "I don't want anyone here!"
Tron responds, "Stop this Denise! This isn't like you at all."
"Denise?" Teisel asks, "If you're still stuck in that slump then this is getting ridiculous. It's been two days now. Can't ya let it go?"
"No!" She shouts, "First off why are you even here?"
"What else? We're here to help you." Tron explains, "I know that you're still upset over what happened. We all were but what's done is done. We can't change the past."
"I don't care about that. I was given a job to do and I failed." Denise responds, "Don't you get it?! I failed!" Her shout scared the two.
Denise then does something that makes Tron literally look in dread. She had in her hand a handgun. No one knew why though I think it was for protection due to her instincts as an officer. They see her arm heading up causing the gun to reach closer to her head. As it went closer, the situation accelerated. Denise had it up to her head with the gun gently touching her skull. She was shedding tears. She knew what she's doing is wrong. This now has become a serious situation.
"Now Denise, you don't need to do anything rash." Tron pleads, trying to mediate the situation. "Just put the gun down. You don't need to do this."
"Why should I?" She replied. "Tell me. Why should I drop this? Maybe the world is better off without me. They don't need me. Nobody does."
"But what about your family? Your mom, your dad… even your sister." Teisel asks.
It made Denise stop for a minute. The thought of her family being affected never crossed her mind. She knew what the ramifications were but was determined to do the unthinkable.
Without thinking straight, Teisel says, "Come on Denise! Stop! This isn't like you. I swear to god you're going to do something that is going to hurt everyone!"
"Yeah!" Tron responds, "If you do this, I would lose not only a really good friend but the most important person of my life."
Denise didn't say anything. She saw her friend shed a tear trying to find the right words to say. I would break up too in this situation. I really can't blame Denise. Seriously.
"I remember when we first met. I told you how I never made any friends back in preschool. You said to me that you would be my friend. You really did say that and we promised that we'd be friends. I didn't forget the promise we made." Spoke Tron. She couldn't contain her feelings anymore. She literally cried.
Teisel saw her sister go on her knees and cry. I can't blame her. All of this was taking a toll on everyone involved. Me included because I'm trying to deal with Wily's bots.
"Tron…" He said, looking at her. It was then he decided that enough is enough. "Denise. I know you are hurting but this isn't the way. It isn't at all."
"Everyone always says that. They always do. I spend every day of my life trying to live it hoping I can forget about this." Denise explains, "I may be the daughter of the chief of Police but I'm known as the worst cop on the force."
"The worst?" Teisel questions. He had no idea.
"That's right, the worst. I couldn't even do my job without even getting help and yet everyone treats me like I'm high and mighty." Denise answers, "I thought that protecting that airship would help show everyone that I am no failure. Just like my sister."
"You mean Elizabeth right?" Teisel wondered. Denise gave him a nod.
She then explains more about her sister. "Everyone idolized my sister. She was the best on the force. She's always the first who responds, the first one to be there and help someone. When I was younger, I idolized her. I wanted to be just like her."
Teisel interrupts her saying, "So you tried to be a cop huh? What happened?"
"I barely got in. Everyone said that I was a failure on the force. Even my own boss." Denise responds, "People at work laughed at me, teased me, pushed me around. They call me names such as 'failure' or 'little miss screw-up'. It sickens me! Every night when I get home, I always cry. Cry because of how they've treated me."
"And because of all this, you decide that the best way to end it is by taking your own life?!" He shouts. "How do you think they would feel if you did that? How would your sister feel?"
My sister… Liz. She stopped moving. Would she be happy seeing me do this? She wouldn't. She would hate me. What am I doing?
"Denise, there's something I gotta tell you." Teisel said, gulping. "If you do decide to do this, I just want you to know. It's really hard for me to even say it."
Tron looked at her brother, still tearful over what's happened. She had a pretty good guess what it is he's doing. If it's to save Denise then there may be hope after all.
"But I can't hold onto it any longer. Every time I see you suffer like this, it hurts. Not just to me but to Tron too." Teisel couldn't hold back his tears. "Denise, I… I…"
Come on Teisel, you can do it. I know you can. Yeah Teisel, what Tron said. Stop being nervous and just blab it out.
"Denise, I love you," he whispered. Tron couldn't hear him. Neither could Denise.
He then spoke a little louder. "I mean it. I really love you."
Teisel started to cry after confessing. It wasn't easy doing it but at least he got that out of his chest. Denise was shocked seeing this. Her two friends who took time out of their own lives to help get herself out of a major jam. Denise lowered her arm slightly down to her waist. She placed her handgun on the floor and turned to see her two friends.
"Tron, Teisel…" She said. They both look at Denise who just spoke. "Help me… please."
She immediately went into a major bawlfest. Tron and Teisel comforted her without so much as a second thought. All three of them let out their emotions, shedding tears and promising that they would help her. Denise turned to Teisel and planted a kiss on his lips.
She then went to his ear and whispered, "I love you too." It made Teisel very happy.
In only a few minutes, things went from a situation that nearly claimed the life of someone we knew into a complete aversion where it was all a cry for help. It was what Denise wanted. She wanted to make her parents proud along with her sister. But she felt firsthand the difficulties of even being an officer. It was enough to drive her mad. Her failure only accelerated her depression to the point where suicide was the only option. Fortunately she never went through with it. Tron and Teisel helped her get out of it. If her parents were here, they would comfort Denise. At least with Denise out of the rut, now comes the next part of this journey. It was the road to recovery and it was going to be a long and grueling road indeed. Denise… thank god you're okay. We're all here for ya.
つづく
Next time on Mega Man: Reawakened
Only one robot remains and he's at Yellowstone National Park. Mega heads there encountering serious resistance but knows full well that this is a fight he can't get out of. Denise's family helps get their daughter on the road to recovery but soon makes a choice that shocks everyone. And the tension between Robert and his grandpa explodes. He's had enough! Accusations will fly, tempers will flare and things will spiral into a mess that no one will get out of. It's going to be a major frenzy in the next weed-whacking episode, Nature's Wrath Unleashed; The Blue Bomber is a Conservationist?
A hero isn't born, it is created.
