Disclaimer: I don't own Rockman; this fic is only for entertainment purposes, etc, etc.


The Adventures of Rock Light - Chapter Three

It was a small crowd that gathered around the coffin that day; everyone was equally somber and quiet. The sky was gray and overcast, threatening to rain as if nature itself was voicing its opinion. A chilly wind made everyone draw their coats tighter, even the robotic siblings huddled their arms close to their chests.

Rock glanced around at those assembled. The rest of the Light household was there, of course. Himself, his sister, Auto, Eddy, Rush, and Tango were all lined up on one side of the coffin. He and his sister were both dressed in formal black, something Auto had chosen to imitate by painting his chassis black for the occasion.

Rock stood beside the head of the coffin, his family alongside him. He continued looking around. On the other side stood his friend, Bobby. That's the only suit I've ever seen him wear. Looks good on him. He seems a little uncomfortable though. He's the best person to report this story. I guess in a way, Dr. Wily and I are both responsible for his career. He just happened to be in the right spot at the right time when Wily made his first attack, and when I showed up, he got an exclusive. ... Of course then the press completely butchered my identity and my story, but he was the only one who got them both right.

Standing next to Bobby stood Rick. I know he's only here because he feels he still has an obligation to Dr. Light, but I'm glad he's here all the same. Dad did a lot for him, helping jumpstart his business when one of Wily's first attacks destroyed it. He's done more than enough for us, but he still thinks he 'owes' us. Our contract with him in the new developments that the Light Foundation built since its inception has been almost exclusive on our part, and the media popularity of the Light Foundation did wonders for his sales.

The next guest was Dr. Cossack. He was by himself. I invited the entire Cossack household, but I can't blame any of the others for not showing up. Kalinka and the robots still feel too much resentment at Wily for using them in his scheme to take over the world. However, Dr. Cossack is a scientist, and understands the importance of Wily's early work. I hope his family understands his decision.

The last attendee was a man wearing a long overcoat, with a matching navy blue fedora. His grizzled grey beard made him appear older than he actually was. No doubt the stress caused by acting as the Light Foundation's leading lawyer for so many years... Nolan Eviston has been the reason the Light Foundation is so successful, helping out both in its inception and still today. We also owe him for successfully clearing dad of all charges due to his connections with Wily when he turned traitor... He's been at the lab so much he's almost like a member of our family now.

"We are gathered here today," the minister began. He paused as the faint, haunting melody of a flute drifted in on the wind. The rest of those gathered looked around, perplexed, but Rock and Roll shared a knowing smile.

After a moment the minister cleared his throat and began again. "We are gathered here today, to mourn the passing of Doctor Albert Wily. For many of the last years of his life, he was intent on ruling the world. However, before that, he was an ingenious inventor, and someone Doctor Thomas Light called friend. It is that man that we honor here today.

"Doctor Wily and Doctor Light had been close friends since college, and both shared a common dream. To build a fully function, autonomous humanoid robot. Doctor Light's contribution was his advanced artificial intelligence designs. Doctor Wily's contribution was his revolutionary new designs in machine hardware that enabled highly accurate replications of detailed human functions and senses. Many of his inventions are considered the standard now, and are employed world-wide. They have enriched many lives, not only in the robots that perform our dangerous work, but in the prosthetics formed from his technology that have restored so many people's quality of life.

"This man worked so hard in his time for the betterment of others. It is my hope that his accomplishments will be remembered, and that for those, his soul will find rest." Everyone fell silent for a few long moments. "Now, before we proceed, does anyone have anything they'd like to say?"

All eyes turned expectantly to Rock, who cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Although it is not commonly spoken of, Wily's intention in trying to control the world was to unify it. He sought to correct many of the flaws he saw in society and our governments. The truth was that he succeeded, by unifying the world against him. For that, I believe he also deserves to be recognized in some fashion.

"In my last meeting with him, he seemed... Regretful of the decisions he had made. He gave me the means by which I could undo some of the damage he had caused, as some form of atonement. Because of that, I believe that he and my father will see each other again someday. Friends again, as it should have been for all these years."

Rock stepped back, and Roll reached over to squeeze his hand in encouragement. Rock returned her smile, and then turned his attention to the minister.

"If nobody else wishes to speak, we will now commit the body of Albert Wily to the ground for his final rest."

Rock, Auto, Doctor Cossack, and Nolan all stepped forward, each grabbing a handle on the coffin. Lifting together, they carried the coffin over the grave and set it onto the waiting hover-cart. With a single button push, the cart sank deep into the ground, and then permanently shut off.

"We pray for the safety of Albert Wily's soul, whatever path it may lead. This concludes the service."

Rock turned to offer the minister a hand. "Thank you. This really means a lot to me. Nobody else I called was willing to..."

The minister just smiled and held up a hand to gently silence the robot, and then shook his hand firmly. "It is not my place to judge. That duty belongs to someone upstairs, hm?" He clasped Rock on the shoulder. "Have faith. Albert has a great advocate to speak for him."

Rock let out a pensive sigh and smiled. "Yes, he does. The best one I know."

The minister gave Rock a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "If you'll excuse me, I should get going before the rain catches up to me."

"You don't have to go. We're having a small gathering at the house, and you're more than welcome to join us."

"Oh my, no thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I have other things that need tending to."

"Take care then." Rock turned to the other guests. "We have a small dinner planned at the house. Please come and make yourselves comfortable. I'll be up shortly."

The gathered all turned and made their way to the walkway that would lead up the hill to the Light compound; Roll stayed behind.

"You're not planning on replacing the dirt now, are you?"

Rock shook his head. "No... I just wanted a moment to think."

Roll reached up to give her bother a tight hug. "Okay, but don't be too long. It's cold out here."

Smiling, Rock nodded. "I promise." He watched his sister walk away, hastening to catch up with the rest of their guests. He turned to look t the still open plot and walked over, kneeling down beside the tombstone to gaze at it. He patted the tombstone and stood up, turning around to look at his father's grave.

Father, there's not a day that goes by when I don't think of you... And I always try to do what would make you proud of me. I always try to follow the examples you set for me, to show others so to help make the world a better place. Your friend is interred next to your plot, just as you wanted it. I understand what he meant to you, even after all that fighting. It broke your heart, and I know in the end, that's why you died.

I... I'm ashamed to admit it, but I hated him then, when you died. I hated him for what he did to you, the way he betrayed your trust. It was an uncomfortable feeling, like my veins were going to burst out of my head or something. All this emotion just pent up with nowhere to go...

I still haven't repaired that wall. I keep the crack I made there to remind me not to give into the anger again. It was hard, but finally I came to terms with what he had done, by remembering what you told me. Without your memories and recollections... I hate to think what I could have done to him, if I had still hated him the last time I saw him.

Thank you, Dad. Even now I'm still learning from you.

I love you, and I miss you.


Doctor Albert Wily

1935 - 2017

A dear friend we lost, but found again