Chapter 12 - Transformations

En route to Neo-Venice, Megaman and Bass readied their weapons in case of an attack, which they
were fully expecting. They also had something else on their minds...

"Mega," said Bass, "that human, Anthony, what do you think of him?"

"What do you mean, Bass?"

"He doesn't exactly seem like the type of person to become the new Gamemaster, does he? He's
reluctant to accept the title, seems more interested in gathering data on these worlds than
helping them, and, let's face it, with those glasses he looks like an accountant! Not exactly
hero material."

"Well neither was I to begin with," said Megaman, looking straight into Bass's eyes. "I was
originally built as a design for a housekeeping robot, but when Dr. Wily started going crazy as
a result of that mind-altering experiment I decided to accept the role of protector and was
upgraded to my current model because the need arose. Anthony's in the same position, he only
just found out about Arcadia and his bloodline's role in its restoration. I'm sure he'll come
around."

"Perhaps..." Bass said, looking out of a window. "If so, I hope he gets to meet Protoman."

"Me too. Proto was originally created using the Adaman equation, and thus should be able to
use Adaman's Descendancy Power if Anthony can revive them. Odd that Adaman's is the only Power
than can be used by artificial beings..."

"They probably need an emotional tie to use them, Mega. Maybe your Dr. Light can..."

Roll's voice suddenly blared on the intercom. "We're almost at the site guys. Get ready to
disembark."

"Will do. Rush, jet mode!" "Treble, jet mode!"

Both robodogs made their transformation as Roll opened a side door in the vehicle. Megaman and
Bass then climbed on them and sped off through the opening.

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"Rather interesting games your 'Capcom' developed based on this world, Anthony," said Dr.
Light, looking over the disks.

"I know. The idea of using the enemies own weapons against them was unique at the time. Seems
to still work for the games to have lasted 10 years."

"Indeed. But aren't you afraid of showing me these 'Megaman X' titles? They seem to indicate
our future."

"Not really, since it's just a possible future and not the definite future. Besides, knowing
you, you already have X in development and hiding somewhere in this building."

"Well...you're right. It is essentially a more advanced version of Megaman, and includes a
refined version of the Adaman equation."

"Speaking of which, I'm curious. How is it that Adaman was able to use Descendancy Powers? I
mean...he was a construct, and didn't have 'ancestors'..."

"True. But, according to the legend he was able to draw upon the combined scientific knowledge
that was created in the past and was used to create him and used that to improve himself. It
is said he became more advanced through the use of the Powers. Only robots with the Adaman
equation can use this world's Descendancy Powers. Unfortunately..."

"What?"

"Besides X, who I'm not activating yet, I only made one robot with the formula: Protoman.
Megaman, Roll, and Rush only have a somewhat diluted form of the equation, giving them some
personality, but not many emotions. When Protoman was activated, he wanted to find his own way
rather than have me tell him what he can or should do. Nowadays he appears time and again to
help Mega, but stays far away from us despite frequent offers to stay with us so he wouldn't
have to fend for himself. I decided not to make another robot with the formula until I found a
way to refine it."

"I see...and you have no way to contact him."

"I'm afraid not...it seems..."

Suddenly a voice sounded behind them, "You don't have to."

The two of them turned around and gasped as they saw Protoman standing behind them. He seemed
to look at Anthony with particular interest.

"So you are the new Gamemaster, huh?" he started. "Not exactly what I expected, you look like
an accountant."

"Again with the 'I look like an accountant' line? You'd be surprised, Proto, and please call
me Anthony."

"Fine," he said then turned towards Light. "Reminiscing on old times, Doc?"

"I'm guessing you overheard our little conversation, Protoman."

"Indeed, and you're probably wondering why I decided to make an appearance."

"The thought had crossed our mind," said Anthony, surprised that he was actually sensing
something from Protoman resembling emotions.

Protoman looked towards Anthony. "You're the reason, Anthony. Since the portals are being
opened I figured I'd better introduce myself, since I'm the only one able to use Adaman's
Descendancy Powers. Also, I wanted to see just how good you are. I heard about your fight
against Quickman, and think the two of us should join Mega and Bass at the site of that
protophyl spring."

Anthony looked concerned. "Expecting trouble?"

"Yes, and I suspect Wily will be there himself, which means he might bring a small armada to
protect himself." He then turned toward Light. "I think you should give some new armor to
protect our fledgling Gamemaster, Doc. He could use a nice upgrade."

"Actually," said Light, stroking his chin in thought, "based on these games Anthony showed me,
I might have just the armor plans in mind..."

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Megaman and Bass were surprised at what they saw at the site of the protophyl spring. Woodman,
Plantman, Darkman, and nearly two dozen minor mechs were checking out the spring and filling a
large container with the substance. They then turned their attention towards the incoming
herobots.

"I see we have company..." said Darkman, then turned towards the others with him. "All units,
open fire!"

Megaman and Bass found themselves dodging blast after blast while only managing to get a stray
shot in towards the mechs. Unfortunately, Woodman's and Plantman's shields were protecting the
mechs, making it near impossible to score any hits. They eventually had to take cover near a
walled area to rethink their battle plans.

"Any ideas, Mega?"

"Just one. Try to fire when Woodman and Plantman fire their shields towards us, since they may
try to use them to weaken this wall further."

"And...if they don't do that?"

The two ducked when a large blast took out a section of the wall above them, and then Megaman
said, "Then hope your parts are insured!"

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Anthony was trying on the new armor that Dr. Light managed to construct fairly quickly. It
resembled a red plate armor breastplate with what looked like a high tech backpack.

"Nice work, Doc! How were you able to create this so quickly?"

"It's a modified version of some protective armor I created for Megaman. I think you will find
it's features quite remarkable."

"What features?"

Dr. Light pointed to the "backpack" on the armor. "This unit in the back utilizes the same
technology which allows Rush to convert to his various modes. I programmed it to create 4
'devices' based on the devices used in the Megaman 2, Megaman 4, and Megaman 5 games you showed
me."

"Huh? Which devices, and how can they all fit in this small space?"

"Rush's body uses replicator technology to create various components on his body, while at the
same time 'storing' the remaining parts for when he changes back. In your case, the pack
contains information for a hover platform, a rocket sled, a wall climber, and a jet watercraft.
These devices are numbered 1 through 4, just like MM2 with device 4 representing the watercraft.
They can be called up with a vocal command. Try device 1 by saying 'device 1, activate'."

"Alright...device 1, ACTIVATE!"

A small platform appeared below Anthony's feet, forcing Anthony up to make room over the floor,
and started to rise toward the ceiling. Anthony had to act fast to avoid hitting the ceiling.

"Whoa! Device 1, DEACTIVATE!"

The platform disappeared and Anthony fell to the ground.

"Oof! That'll leave a mark," said Anthony, rubbing his hindquarters. "Nice! What else can
this do?"

"Well," said the doctor, pulling out a small diagram, "as long as you aren't using any of the
devices, it can form a full suit of body armor which provides several protections, including a
grappling weapon in the left arm and two retro rockets in the back, both of which will activate
via the synaptic connections that are in the helmet that forms. Just think it, and it will do
it! There is also a force field generator for extra protection and a biosignature masking
field which can allow you to mask the fact you're human."

"That will definitely help in Mobius! They're fighting a war against someone who turns
everyone into robotic slaves, and uses robotic soldiers who lock onto any bio signatures."

Light looked at Anthony with a shocked glance. "WHAT?!? Robotic slaves? How can they do such
a terrible thing?!?"

"A device called the Roboticizer. It was originally used for medical uses like limb
replacement, but Robotnik found a more sinister use."

Protoman was shocked. "That son of a BITCH!! You can count me in to help, Anthony." He
turned towards Light. "Better tell the world governments about this to see what soldiers you
can get."

Light nodded. "Alright. I'll have them assembled near the Mobius Portal in Neo-Sydney. Once
you open their portal, Anthony, we'll file in and set up a camp to await orders from whoever's
in charge there."

"Wait...I wasn't ready for this to turn into a war!" Anthony said, with a look of worry on his
face.

"It won't be," said Light. "We'll just send soldiers there to add additional support when
needed."

"Good," Anthony said, adjusting his new armor. "See if you can also equip Gardenia and Hylas
with some weapon upgrades as well, since neither world is really high tech. I was planning to
have them send some additional help as well."

"Very well..."

Suddenly, an alarm blared, and Light turned toward his comm panel.

"It's Mega's emergency alarm! Looks like they do need your help!"

Anthony turned towards Protoman. "Got fast transport to Neo-Venice handy?"

"My hoverjet is outside. Let's move!"

The two left Light and ran towards the exit.