The year is 20XX. After years of ups and downs, steps forwards and missteps backwards, a breakthrough was made when the first truly intelligent robot was created. A robot that showed emotion, intelligence, and kindness towards both its creators and those around it. A robot capable of giving its own thoughts, but due to how new such programming was, the robots were programmed with Isaac Asimov's rule of robots in place:
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, by interaction, allow a human to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except when such orders conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
With these guidelines, the world evolved with these robots, becoming more normalized in everyday society. But today, one of the greatest minds of that generation, Dr. Thomas Light was getting ready to unveil his latest work. One that would take the world by storm… though not in the way he hoped…
A TV broadcast begins as two figures sit at a table, a man and a woman. On the front of their desk were the letters "RCN".
Man: "Hello, Robot City, and welcome back to Robotic Central News. My name is Dan Shells."
Woman: "And I'm Jessica Aubrey."
Dan: "Today's a fine day in our fine city. Blue skies, clear weather. Perfect for those family picnics, right, Jessica?"
Jessica: "Perfect indeed. But this fine weather also brings another very big piece of news. Forefathers of robotics and two of the greatest minds of their generation, Doctor Thomas Light and Doctor Albert Wily, are at Ein Park, getting ready for an unveiling. We have on-site reporter, Felicia Tobida, ready to cover what's happening. Felicia?"
A small screen appears with what looks to be a younger girl holding a mic while behind her, a crowd of people form in front of a large stage.
Felicia: "Felicia here, live at Ein Park where a crowd is waiting in anticipation for the big unveiling. Dr. Light has been working on this project for a long time so we are excited to see what comes from it."
Behind the stage curtains, a robot resembling a young, fair skinned, black-haired boy was seen straightening a tie on a much older, long white bearded man in a lab coat. The older man seemed to be quite nervous as he heard the crowd outside.
Old Man: "Oh boy. Sounds like a full house today… I hope things go well…"
Boy Robot: "It will, Dr. Light. You've worked hard on this project. Only you have a say if it's ready or not."
Dr. Light: "Well said, Rock. Well said. Where's Roll, by the way?"
Girl's Voice: "I'm here, Dr. Light!"
Another robot, roughly the same height as Rock, ran in, this time being a robot girl with blonde hair, a red dress, and a ribbon tying her hair in a ponytail. She smiles at the doctor.
Roll: "I just got done giving refreshments to the waiting crowd outside. There's a lot of people, but me and Auto managed to make everyone happy!"
Dr. Light: "Excellent work, Roll. And same to Auto as well."
Grouchy Voice: "Yes, yes. A fine work indeed."
The trio turn to see a balding man, roughly Light's age, wearing a lab coat as well. His hair was certainly his most defining feature.
Dr. Light: "Hello, Albert. You look ready for this unveiling. Anything you need before we start?"
Dr. Wily: "Just to see if you're ready, Thomas. And maybe some extra shine on my shoes. After all, it's not often I dress this nice for the occasion."
Rock: "I can take care of the shoeshining, Dr. Wily."
Rock starts to shine up Wily's shoes, which the old man rolls his eyes at. He then returns his attention to Light.
Dr. Wily: "My creations will become the talk of the town, yet I'm not the one on stage to give the speech? I find that unfair, Thomas."
Dr. Light: "Now Albert. I get that you did a lot of the planning and your RM core is certainly a big help, but this is a shared project between me and you. And… Well… Last time you were on stage…"
Light got very sheepish as the last presentation they went to, which ended in Wily tripping over himself on his own words.
Dr. Wily: "Th-That was just practice! But fine… I'll not argue over it today. As long we both get the credit."
Wily extends a hand, which Dr. Light accepts with an earnest smile.
Dr. Light: "Of course, old friend."
Roll peeks out of the curtains and sees the time.
Roll: "Dr. Light, it's time."
Dr. Light gulps as he tugs at his shirt, still very nervous. Wily though simply puts an arm over his shoulder, encouraging him to break a leg. Rock and Roll walk out with the two doctors as the presentation begins. Rock listens intently as Light begins by going over, briefly, his history with robotics and how far they have come as a group. But as Light went through his speech, Rock's eyes drift as he sees a figure beyond the crowd and news people. While it was common to see people just not take an interest in such events, this figure was staring intently at Dr. Light. What Rock could recognize was the figure was a human, but other details couldn't be seen.
Roll: "Rock? Something wrong?"
Rock: "Hm? Oh, no. I thought I saw someone staring at Dr. Light."
Roll: "Pfft. You dummy. Of course people are staring at him. He's giving a very big speech and presentation."
Rock: "No, I mean…"
Rock looks back, but finds the figure gone. He scans the general area, but the person was just… gone.
Rock: "They're… gone?"
Roll: "Do we have to get Dr. Light to give you a check up? You might be seeing things…"
Rock: "N-No… I'm fine. Really…"
Roll and Rock then hear Dr. Light close in to the end of the speech, prompting them to go to the opposite ends of the stage and grab a rope.
Dr. Light: "...And so, it is with great pleasure that I introduce to the world… The latest in robotics and the future! The Robot Masters!"
The duo of robots pull the ropes, sliding the curtains apart as they reveal six different robots, each modeled differently and with special quirks about them.
Dr. Light: "In order from DLN-003 to DLN-008: Cut Man, a robot built to help in clearing forests by the blades atop his head; Guts Man, built for construction sites by using his strength and mass to lift and carry debris and materials; Ice Man, built to withstand cold temperatures to help research teams stationed in icy climates; Bomb Man, demolition expert with bombs made to destroy unwanted locations; Fire Man, whose fire can dispose of wastes and help forges; and Elec Man, a high powered robots that can discharge electricity to help with nuclear power plants. Collectively, they are called Robot Masters, named their RM Cores, which enable them to control other robots within their area. Dr. Wily? Would you like to give your insight on the RM Cores?"
Dr. Wily walks up to the podium as Light stands aside. He then clears his throat as he begins his explanation.
Dr. Wily: "The RM Cores built by Wily Labs is a robot core created for the sole purpose of allowing a Robot Master to direct their fellow robots to their given assignments. These cores also give a surplus amount of energy to the Robot Masters to allow them to never tire, minimizing breaks and oil costs. A truly incredible invention if I do say so."
People were impressed by the invention, but not so at Wily's stroking his own ego. Light places a hand on his shoulder, nonverbally telling him that he said enough. Begrudgingly, Wily complied and stepped off the podium.
Dr. Light: "Tomorrow, these Robot Masters will be shipped off to begin their assignments in earnest. But I am willing to take any questions right now."
As the crowd begin to ask their questions, Rock and Roll high five each other as it seemed like the presentation was a success.
Later that night at Light Labs, a green humanoid robot with orange eyes is seen cooking a meal in the kitchen while humming to himself, complete with chef's hat. In the dining room, Light is relaxing as he places his lab coat on the coat hanger, sitting down with his robot helpers and kids.
Light: "That was nerve racking… I've been to many events, but it never gets any easier to present to a crowd."
Roll: "You did great though, Dr. Light! Even though Rock was being a distraction."
Rock: "Was not! I just saw some figure standing in the park in the distance. They looked pretty strange as they stared at you."
Rock says to Light, but the old man just laughs it off.
Light: "Today was a big unveiling so of course there would be many eyes on me. Perhaps that person was just shy and didn't want to be in the crowd! Nothing wrong with that, my boy!"
Roll: "By the way, where's Dr. Wily?"
Wily: "Unless you're selling me something, I wouldn't be calling my name all willy nilly."
Wily says as he walks out of the garage, where the Robot Masters were stored for shipment. Light smiles as he stands up to greet his friend.
Light: "Is everything up to par, Albert?"
Wily: "Yes, yes. Don't forget who helped make them, Thomas. A fresh tune up and all… They are ready for shipment for sure now."
Light: "Good! Our clients will be quite thrilled to hear that. Will you be joining us for supper?"
Wily: "No thanks. I have better things to deal with. I'm sure you understand, Dr. Light."
Light was a bit disappointed, but he nods and sees Wily off as Auto enters the room.
Auto: "I made some good spaghetti! Enough for four!"
Rock: "Um… Well… Dr. Wily just left, so…"
Auto: "...Aw man…"
Outside the Light Labs estate, Wily walks down the sidewalk, hands in his lab coat pockets as a sly grin creeps onto his face.
Wily: "Yes, Thomas… I did make some last minute adjustments… to better my own plans instead of your's…"
The next day came as the Robot Masters were shipped off to their appointed locations to begin work. The day passes without incident. However, the day after, Dr. Light is seen washing the dishes with Roll as Rock cleaning the living room and Auto was wiping down the dining room table. A sudden news broadcast catches their attention.
Dan: "Hello, and welcome back to Robotic Central News. I'm Dan Shells."
Jessica: "And I'm Jessica Aubrey."
Dan: "Today's report is a crucial one. Earlier this morning, newly built Robot Master, Guts Man, has been seen terrorizing the construction site he was assigned to. No one has been hurt, but the damages caused could-"
Light: "What!?"
Light drops a plate at hearing Guts Man terrorizing his assigned work place. He moves closer to the TV as Roll, Rock, and Auto join him.
Jessica: "This just in… Ice Man, sent to the Antarctic ice caps, has taken the researchers there hostage, freezing them in blocks of ice!"
Dan: "Oh the humanity! Has Dr. Light turned to a life of evil? Or is this a glitch in their systems? Either way, the authorities won't…"
The screen starts static before the news signal is hijacked. A fashionable 'W' symbol appears, spinning as a familiar voice echoes with a maniacal laughter.
Voice: "Oh, don't think Dr. Light has anything to do with this, fools. I did this of my own volition!"
Wily then appears, letting out a laugh as he directs a message to the entire world.
Wily: "My name is Albert Wily, the true creator of the Robot Masters! I have instructed them to take control of various parts of the world in my name. Be warned, fools… The Robot Masters are still held back by their programming, but with the flip of a switch, I can have them cause so much mayhem and destruction! Surrender and I'll spare your lives. It's that easy. What will you do?"
Wily lets out a chuckle before bursting out into a full laughter fit as the broadcast ends. Everyone in the Light Labs household was left speechless. But Light just turns off the TV and rubs his eyes, more so in disappointment at Wily's actions.
Light: "Ugh… Albert… I knew you were ambitious… but this is taking it too far…"
Roll: "Dr. Light, what will we do? The police will think you're in cahoots with Dr. Wily!"
Light: "I'm aware, my dear. Which is why I'm planning on turning myself in."
Rock: "What!?"
Light: "Don't worry. With any luck, I should be able to prove my innocence by just complying with their questions."
Auto: "But what about the Robot Masters or Wily!? Who's going to stop them!?"
Rock: "I will!"
Everyone looks towards Rock, Roll looking the most annoyed.
Roll: "Stop kidding around, Rock."
Rock: "I'm serious. I was built to help people. It's in my programming… But more than that, I hate seeing my brothers being controlled like puppets by some madman… So please… Let me stop Dr. Wily!"
Light gives a serious look to Rock before approaching him, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders.
Light: "You are aware of what this will mean, right? That you will have to stop your brothers by any means necessary…"
Rock: "I know… This hurts me more than it should… But I have to try, Doctor… If not me, then who?"
Light gives it a pause to think before smiling, nodding.
Light: "Very well. Auto? I'm going to need your help. If Rock is serious about this, then he'll need to be battle ready."
Auto: "Y-Yes, sir!"
Roll still looked unconvinced, but she stopped pressing the issue. Rock is taken to the lab, put into standby mode as his body was modified. His model doesn't change, but certain pieces needed to be exchanged in order to give him the ability to fight against this new threat. Light opens a box containing a new core, labelled a 'Copy Core'. Installing the core, Light and Auto prepare new armor for Rock, a slick blue armor and a brand new buster cannon for his left arm. By the end, a new hero was born… A boy became a man… A Mega Man.
Elsewhere, in a brightly lit lab in an unknown location, a young girl is seen drinking tea as a broadcast had just ended not too long ago. Nearby, leaning on a wall, a figure stands in the shadows, a distinct scarf to his side and a pair of stylish shades.
Figure: "...Sounds like trouble. Need me to take care of it?"
Girl: "No. I still need to help your core adjust to your new upgrades before you are truly battle ready… Please understand…"
Figure: "...Sorry… I guess I am a little impatient…"
The girl stands, wearing a simple gray nightgown as she approaches a pod labeled 'DSN-001'. Pushing in a combination of numbers, the pod opens.
Girl: "You are needed. Consider this your first on-field test. Do not do anything reckless…"
To be continued…