Note: I'm trying to work in the personalities of the Robot Masters as well as keep some of Mega's snark from the sow.
Plus, there's a character that comes from a very, VERY weird source. But I think I found a way to make her work here.
Blinded by the Light
When Mega Man returned to the chamber, he was surprised to see that the middle platform in the center had risen. Atop of it rested a single energy can as Eddie could produce. The sight immediately confused the Blue Bomber, he approached it cautiously, buster drawn. Yet as he got closer, he came to see that it was just that: an energy can.
A note was attached to it with a piece of tape as if it had just been put there recently. A challenge should be fair, so take this.
Mega Man quirked a brow. "Well, he's certainly a better host than Wily, I'll give him that." he thought aloud. Then he saw that something else was written on the back of the note.
PS: I'd suggest you keep Toad Man's weapon for a bit longer.
Just then, one of the platforms, the one opposite of him, lit up. As if it were signaling for the blue robot to come towards it.
Something's up. Mega thought.
And maybe it's too soon to say; before he then went over and stepped on the platform, he gulped down the contents of the can. Then he stood on the circular area, the warping functioning activating. I've got a feeling Wily's somehow got his hand in this.
Roll
Abandoned Mine
"State your name and business." a female voice commanded, having a unique Russian accent.
Roll was quiet for a moment, trying to get at least a small look at who was holding a buster to the back of her head. "How about you answer a question of mine first?" the blonde asked. "Are you one of Wily's goons?" she was answered with a push from the cannon nozzle her interrogator wielded.
"I'LL ask the questions here!" the voice said harshly. "I won't tell you who I work for, but I will say that I am in no way related to Wily."
"Then who are you?" Roll questioned.
"I said I'LL ask the questions here!"
Beat then fluttered up and perched himself atop Roll's head. "Hey, lady, cool down! We're on your side!"
Roll turned around when she felt the nozzle of the cannon move away from her head. Before her stood a cloaked figure holding what she now saw as not a blaster but a plasma pistol. The rest of her was hidden, yet the figure's hand holding the pistol was tan and covered in a black, fingerless "glove" with red plating resting over the knuckles. She was a robot, but Roll didn't get a chance to ask anything as the cloaked figure began speaking again.
"You?! What are you doing here?! You were given strict orders not to interfere!" the figure told the bird.
"You're not Dr. Cossack, are you?" Beat asked sarcastically. "Besides, I'm not breaking any commands. Her life might be in danger, so I'm able to speak of what's going on."
The figure sighed. "How much does she know?"
"Honestly, not much." Roll answered for herself. "But I know that Wily's responsible for all of this." It was somewhat funny really. Who knew her brother's "Wily Alarm" would be right, despite Cossack being at the helm.
"Eddie not know either," Eddie added. The cloaked stranger went around the blonde robot and saw the even tinier green robot in her arms. He then saw the figure's jawline and red, full lips. He smiled. "You a pretty lady."
The figure backed up a bit, not expecting to hear such a thing come from Eddie. After a few moments, hidden eyes surveying Roll, Beat, and Eddie, a sigh came from them. "Well, this just further complicates things, doesn't it?" Then, seeing no further use for the disguise, the figure pulled off the thick cloak and presented what lay underneath before the three.
Mega Man
Citadel
Mega found he was sent into complete darkness, unable to see anything past a few feet in front of him.
"Hm? Ah, yes! You're here!" a rather unique (though if Mega was honest, it sounded comical to him) voice said, clearly pleased that he had been "chosen".
A small source of light emanated from the far corner of the room. It then spread out, the Blue Bomber's optics shutting off due to a triggered safety feature. He knew well who was awaiting him here. When he could see again, Mega saw the room he had been transported to looked plainer than Toad Man's, but the chamber was covered in what appeared to be very reflective material. Mega Man went over to one of the walls and saw sequentially placed mirrors.
"I knew that you would've come to face me first!" a very familiar Robot Master told his opponent, the lightbulb on his head a dead giveaway.
Mega Man placed his hands on his hips, ready with a one-liner for the (apparently) reprogramed DCN. Though the Blue Bomber was beginning to have his doubts. "Sorry, but I just got back from visiting your froggy friend. So first come, first serve, Bright Man."
Bright Man fumed, the filament in his bulb glowing red hot and his cheeks puffed out. If anything, he more resembled a toad or frog than Toad Man himself. "You destroyed Toadie?!" he shouted, clearly enraged.
"Toadie?" Mega Man said aloud, then chuckled. "Yeah, that DOES sound fitting. Heh."
"You…you horrible monster!" Bright Man roared (though his voice didn't make him sound intimidating). "First you destroy Toadie, then you joke about it?! And you call Wily a psycho!"
"Destroy?" Mega asked. "Now hold on, I didn't destroy-"
"Don't try to weasel your way out of this now!" the Robot Master shouted, shaking his fist. "Don't worry, Toadie, I'll give this blue creep a piece of my mind!" he then smiled darkly. "In fact, how about I shed some light on the subject!"
Then, the giant bulb lit up, the light it produced reflecting off every one of the mirrors embedded in the walls and lit up the entire room, Mega Man's optic safety feature kicking in again, leaving him in a void of pure white. At first, while this wasn't exactly in his favor, Mega Man didn't worry too much about it. After all, shining that blub was all Bright Man could do. It wasn't as if he had any-
"Oof!" the Blue Bomber felt a burning sting in his chest, the force of the blast knocking him back against the wall. When he slumped to the ground, Mega Man realized that, indeed, he had been shot at, yet from where?
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention," the room returned to its standard lighting, Bright Man presenting a buster that now replaced his left hand. "I've got a few new upgrades, just for you!"
Roll
Abandoned Mine
Before the three stood a tall, tan-skinned woman with dark, medium-length hair, dark brown eyes, and a pair of ruby-red lips. She "wore" what appeared to be a short-sleeved leotard with a turtle neck, her shapely thighs uncovered as well as her upper arms. Despite having the appearance of a human woman, she was still clearly a machine, with a pair of red boots and gauntlets, along with what appeared to be red iron knuckles on her. A couple of white knee and elbow guards were situated on her armor, attacked to a darkly colored joint that allowed for motion. A white belt was around her waist and two holsters for two plasma pistols, clearly prepared for trouble if it should come her way.
And perhaps this blonde robot meant that trouble was coming her way.
Wow. Roll thought, looking at the other robot. Eddie wasn't lying. Indeed, she WAS a pretty lady. Roll then looked herself over, wondering if she was presentable.
"I suppose the only logical thing to ask is obvious, but it needs to be said: who are you?" the other robot inquired, still having one of her plasma pistols drawn.
"You don't know me?" Roll asked in return.
"Should I?" the red-haired robot asked.
"Well, I mean, I AM at nearly every social event the Doc's been to," she said. "So somebody's bound to have noticed me. Just once at least," she murmured the second part of her statement. It seemed that this tip didn't give the other robot any clue. "I'm Roll. DLN 002?"
"DLN?" The red-haired robot raised a brow. "You're a creation of Dr. Light?" she thought about it for a moment yet still looked the blonde over for any sign that she was planning to stab her in the back. Or more likely, blast her. Then, she drew back her weapon. "All right," she said. "It's clear that you're unarmed and stand no chance against me." she then turned her back to the blonde. "Take her and leave this place." the robot commanded Beat. "It'd be best if I continue this mission alone."
Mega Man
Bright Man's Chamber
While the sight of a buster caught him by surprise, Mega Man quickly got to his feet and smirked. "Impressive," he remarked. "But do you even know how to use that thing?"
"I do too!" Bright Man retorted. "Here! This'll shut that mouth of yours!"
Bright Man shot forth blast after blast, all to hit the Blue Bomber. Yet despite this, Mega Man proved that, while he wasn't Quick Man, he could perform boosts of speed when necessary. True, he couldn't dash, yet making use of his agility also included a series of jumps, rolls, and slides to avoid any blasts coming his way.
This is a way better start than a short while ago. Mega Man mused, now just mere feet away from the bulb-headed Robot Master. He then slid forward, knocking Bright Man off his feet. The more stout robot flew over Mega Man, landing on his back. Quickly rushing over, the Blue Bomber unscrewed the bulb from the other automaton's head. Bright Man staggered up and saw that his signature weapon had been taken from him. "Don't think I've forgotten," Mega Man began, holding the bulb right in front of Bright Man. "You're not exactly good at taking what you dish out!"
Yet, instead of the bulb lighting up and blinding the Robot Master, the object didn't light up at all.
Bright Man chortled goofily, but Mega Man noticed a twinge of darkness in it. "Like I said," Bright Man said, a pair of shades very akin to Proto Man's coming over his eyes. "I got a FEW new upgrades." the bulb then began to glow, the Blue Bomber realizing too late that he had, to his utter shock, fallen into a trap. A trap that Bright Man of all bots set.
He didn't get much time to fully absorb this revelation as, once again, the world around him was engulfed in white, his optics shutting off and leaving him vulnerable again.
Roll
Abandoned Mine
"Whoa, hey! Wait a minute!" Roll shouted, running after the other robot.
The redhead whirled around and clapped her hands around the blonde's mouth. "What are you doing!? Shut up!" she hissed. "This mission is top secret!"
"Mmph hmph, hmph hmmph!" Roll said, speech muffled. The other robot removed her hands. "I said, I'm not going anywhere," she said definitely. "I'm staying right here. Or rather, I'm going to check this place out."
"What?! Absolutely-" The tan-skinned robot bit her lip. Looking around, it seemed that no one had heard her. "Absolutely not!" she whispered. "I have enough to deal with as it is!" she then looked at Beat. "And now that you've gone and blathered everything, this just FURTHER complicates matters."
"It's not like you're going to have to babysit me. I can take care of myself fine!" Roll assured. "Right Eddie?"
Eddie's blue eyes shifted, not entirely sure of how to answer. True, Roll had thrown herself into the action ever since Rock had become Mega Man, but she also had a bad habit of getting herself into trouble.
Roll then looked at Beat. "You think I can take care of myself fine, right?"
Beat thought for a moment, "scratching" his "chin" with his uninjured wing. "I just met you; I don't know."
"Oh, come on!" the blonde robot said. "Surely you've at least seen me on the news or something! Does YouTube exist here in Russia?" true, she wasn't in a lot of them, but there had to be some footage of her out there doing something cool! Who knew how many excellent shots there were of her brother out there?
"Whether you can or can't doesn't matter." the red-haired robot said. "I was assigned this mission, and I intend to complete it. You would just get in the way." she then drew out one of her pistols. "Don't follow me."
"But," Roll didn't get to finish, the robotic woman rushed off into the mine. "H-Hey! Wait!" Roll called out, but the Russian android was long gone down the mine tunnels.
Mega Man
Bright Man's Chamber
The blasts of hot energy met his chest and sent him flying back, the Blue Bomber sliding across the floor until his helmet hit a wall.
When the light died down, there stood Bright Man, triumphantly cheering himself on. Glad you're happy. Mega Man thought, yet there was no time for some witty comeback for the moment. He had to analyze his situation correctly.
This entire chamber had mirrors in the walls, so Bright Man's already blinding weapon was made infinitely more potent by the light reflecting everywhere. And as he learned, not only had Dr. Cossack fitted the Robot Master with a buster of his own, he had proved that he had complete and total control of the giant bulb atop his head.
I've got to find a way to get rid of that bulb! Mega thought. Or at least short it out.
Short it out. It was just something that came to him on the fly, but Mega Man found what he said stuck with him. Sure, it'd take care of his problem, but how? It was then that he remembered he still had Toad Man's copied and had seen firsthand that, along with the acid rain, there was a cleansing rain as well.
It's possible. The Blue Bomber told himself. But I have to make that shot count. I can't afford to have my optics fail on me again.
"Hey, what are you up to?" Bright Man inquired. "Are you ignoring me?"
"Oh no, you've had my attention the entire time." In fact, he had come up with something JUST for the bulb-headed blabbermouth
Bright Man scowled. "You're mocking me, aren't you? It's the bulb, isn't it?"
Mega shrugged. "You're the one who said it, not me," he answered. True, it might've been a little mean, but the Robot Master did blast him in the chest twice. "But seeing as you are 'Bright Man'," he then pointed his blaster forward. "Try figuring out what to do with this!"
A grenade-like bomb shot forward from the robot's Mega Buster, Bright Man promptly catching it. "Ha! I know what you're trying to do! You can't fool me!" he then opened his hands. "What is this, anyway?"
The moment he opened his hands, he was met by a burst of moisture, the thick fog surrounding him and enveloping him entirely.
Roll
Abandoned Mine
The Russian agent bot surveyed her surroundings, dark eyes shifting around and taking in anything of note. The overhead lights provided just enough lighting so she didn't have to switch her optics to night vision, and while she wasn't affected much by temperature, she could feel that this place had heat radiating through the tunnel as she continued on.
Either Wily's bots fit him with a new hiding place, or it's to keep someone already here warm. So the agent thought, continuing to look around.
So far, so good. There was no sign of anyone so far, but she doubted that Wily's bots would leave this place unguarded. Assuming the madman made use of Cossack's skills during the Russian's time of captivity. Whatever the case, if that bird's intel was correct, then she could just go in and collect the person of interest. Then she could go to the citadel and-
She stopped, the tunnel was dead silent. Despite this, she sensed that she wasn't alone. She whirled around and looked to see that, indeed, she was right.
She was being followed.
Mega Man
Bright Man's Chamber
Bright Man was sent into a coughing fit as the thick mist blinded him, everything becoming covered in a dense fog. The fog then rose up to the ceiling and moisture began to fall. "What is this?" the Robot Master asked, confused. "This isn't Acid Rain."
"No," Mega Man answered. "But I wouldn't get your hopes up just yet."
"Oh yeah?" Bright Man's cheeks puffed out, very much resembling Toad Man again. "Well, how about we clear this rain up with a little sunshine!?" he then prepared to brighten his bulb, intending to fill the room with light.
Only, it never came.
"Huh?" Bright Man tapped his bulb. "Ahem! I said, how about we clear this rain up with some sunshine!?" again, nothing happened. "What the?!" he took the bulb off of his head and shook it. Still, nothing happened.
"Need to take a rain check there?" Mega Man questioned, quite pleased that things were swinging in his favor again. At least, that's how things seemed at the moment, but he still had to keep his guard up.
"Ooooh, you!" Bright Man angrily screwed his bulb back on his head. "You're going to pay for that!" he then pointed his buster forward. "Don't forget Dr. Cossack fitted me with this too!"
"Oh no, I didn't forget." Mega Man said, chest still stinging from the blasts he had suffered before. Ouch, that hurt! Still, he had to give Bright Man props for keeping him on his toes (even if he technically didn't have any). "In fact," the Blue Bomber fired a freshly made plasma blast from his buster. "How about trying a few of my blasts? They're fresh out of the oven!"
The plasma shots hit Bright Man square in the chest, sending him flying back up against the wall, the force of his impact causing the mirrors embedded within to vibrate. He didn't stay down long, quickly getting back up and shooting bolts of energy in Mega's direction. Thankfully, with the bulb's light out of the way, he could focus on making the right shots and just being careful to avoid his opponent's.
The only question was, for how long, as the Blue Bomber was being pressed for time.
And perhaps Bright Man knew that.
Roll
Abandoned Mine
Dark brown eyes met wide, blue ones, like the one she had sensed behind her raised their hands up. The blue bird-bot on her shoulder flapped his wings in surprise, very nearly hitting the blonde robot in the face.
"Whoa, hey! Hey!" Roll waved her hands so the other robot could see she was unarmed. Well, technically, if you didn't count her utility arm. "Put that thing down! I'm on your side!"
The Russian robot was caught in a state of shock and anger, her brow furrowing as she continued to glare at her target. "You damn fool!" she hissed. "I could've killed you!"
"Yeah, you seem like one of those 'shoot first' types," Roll responded.
The red-haired robot put the plasma pistol back in its holster. "I told you that this mission is mine!" she then looked at Beat. "No matter what you've been told."
"I've been told that Wily's behind everything," Roll said. "And I know that you're looking for Cosssack's kid." the Russian bot was about to speak, but Roll continued. "And I also know that my brother, whether it's Wily or Cossack, is definitely in some sort of trouble."
The Russian agent looked at the bird-bot on Roll's shoulder." So she doesn't know much, huh?"
"Well, she doesn't know EVERYTHING," Beat said. "Like Cossack's favorite food, what he likes to do on the weekends," it was clear the redhead wasn't amused.
"Look, this place is big, and I doubt that Wily's just got one of his bots in here," Roll said, looking around. So far, she had seen nothing, but it never hurt to double-check. "And besides, even if you don't need somebody else, I'm not going anywhere, so you'll just have to get used to it."
The red-haired robot bit her lip and furrowed her brow. Then, after a short time of silence, she spoke. "Fine." she sighed. "Have it your own way." she seemed to treat Roll with the same energy (or lack thereof) a mother would when they gave in to their child having a tantrum. "But this mission is STILL assigned to me. Follow me if you wish, but stay out of the way."
"Fair enough," Roll answered. Even if the other robot wasn't too keen on her company, at least she didn't have to worry about getting shot in between the eyes by accident. Then she realized that the other robot had gone without her. "Hey! Wait!" she quickly caught up. "So, given that we're going to be working together in a sense,"
"We are NOT partners." the other robot said firmly.
"Well, then how about you tell me your name at least?" Roll asked. True, this robot wasn't exactly someone she'd like to hang around with either, but as the blonde said herself, she was going with the redhead, whether she liked it or not.
Upon being inquired of her name, the other robot continued walking but ultimately did answer Roll's question. "When you say 'name', I don't exactly have that," she explained. "But if you must call me something, then call me 95," she said. "Natsenka Unit 95."
Mega Man
Bright Man's Chamber
From one buster shot a flurry of shots, and in response, another fired back. This exchange between Mega and Bright Man had been going on for a short while now, and Mega knew that he had to wrap this up fast.
"Stop moving around so much!" Bright Man shouted, continuing to fire at Mega Man, all the while using his internal heater to hopefully dry out his bulb.
"How about you stop shooting so much?" Mega Man shot back, sliding under another barrage of shots that flew over his head.
"You first!" This went back and forth between the two until, finally, Bright Man found that his bulb had dried completely. "Ha!" he cried out, triumphantly. "Now," he grinned sinisterly at his blue opponent. "Time to show you the light!"
Now! Mega Man had figured a short time ago that unless that bulb was taken out, there was no way that he was going to get out of here any time soon. And given that his shots seemed to bounce off of it (Cossack must've coated it with something), the Blue Bomber suspected that he was going to have to be a little more "physical."
With a quick duck and roll to the left, Mega Man was able to get close enough to where he could make his move.
CRACK!
His blue fist met the glass of Bright Man's bulb, hoping that he had used enough force to accomplish what he was expecting. The Robot Master was knocked off his feet by the blow, but the most damage Mega Man had done was give him a migraine. "Oooh." he moaned, shaking his head. True, a fist was better than a plasma blast, but the Robot Master felt something was "different." He then screwed off his bulb and saw a large crack running down the center to his horror. "AHHH!" he cried out, eyes wide in shock. "My bulb! My beautiful bulb!" he then glared daggers at Mega Man. "You think this will save you?" he then screwed it back on, Mega Man seeing that he was beginning to use it again. "I have total control over this thing! You can break the entire bulb, and my light will shine on!"
"Oh, I don't doubt that." Mega Man said. "But I think you forgot to check the forecast for today." He had a few more shots left, so he had to make it count. "Because they're calling for some heavy showers!"
A grenade-like device was fired from the Mega Buster and hit the cracked spot in Bright Man's bulb, the device released thick, white mist and moisture, yet unlike before, the vapor didn't rise. Instead, a good amount of it seeped in through the cracks on the bulb, the object full of fog.
"What the-" Bright Man man said, but he didn't get any further before sparks of electricity began flying out of him, his entire body shaking violently. He was unable to get anything out save for high-pitched sounds as he was quite literally being electrocuted.
He continued to shake and fizz out until the Robot Master was finally blown apart, his limbs flying across the room. His head was propelled in Mega Man's direction, the Blue Bomber catching it. Bright Man was clearly still functioning, but his eyes were spinning in his head.
"Hope Cossack isn't grading me on time." Mega Man said, knowing well that his time with Bright Man had cost him. So he had to hurry up unless he wanted the Russian scientist to go through with his plan.
Still, he was beginning to doubt that the Doctor was the only one involved. And if someone else was, they were more than likely pulling the strings.
Note: Natsenka comes from a Brazillian Mega Man comic that, believe it or not, was even more insane than the show. I'll admit that I'm planning on throwing in and making a lot of references to Mega Man lore in general, as well as from other Capcom properties.
Let me know if you see any errors I missed, and I hope you enjoyed it!