Note: This A/N is more of an explanation of my thought process in writing this.

Truth be told, I was having difficulty in that I was dissatisfied with the story's tone. Yes, I'm trying to be in line with the show, but I found that the cursing and inappropriate jokes didn't fit well with what was originally a kid's show. True, said the show had death traps and perilous situations, but it never went too extreme.

I found that, as I was writing Limitless Potential, the story was more fitted for darker elements such as heavy violence, conflicting dilemmas, and overall a sadder tone, more in line with the X series. There's an entire city that gets dropped on another city in the fourth game, and in the fifth one, the world was practically going to end!

I'll admit that this Ruby-Spears-based story has been more difficult for me, as I feel that I started out wanting to emulate more well-known stories such as Defend of the Human Race and Recut, both of which are darker takes on the show. But I found that, as I went along, I found that my first version of the story was too divorced from the show. True, it could be serious if it wanted to be, but, for me, the show will always be one of those batshit insane experiences that you either love or hate or love to hate because of its insanity. For me, it's a guilty pleasure. I love it, but I'm aware of its many, MANY flaws. And boy, are there many.

Hence why I wanted to write my take on things, albeit I wanted it to be in the same universe as the show. In that, this isn't a rewrite, but more of an alternate continuation, as Mega X never happened. That episode completely assassinated X's character. Not to mention he's ridiculously tall and just overall too muscular, even for Ruby-Spears. It's sort of like comparing every version of Optimus Prime versus Michael Bay's version of him, where he's super violent.

And stories like Defender of the Human Race are very dark and have lots of death and destruction, but I found that, when I was writing the first version, I was trying too hard to have the same tone. MegaBaur has their unique version of the show, and I need to have mine. Even if their story has elements that I disliked from the show, that in itself is more of a fault of the show itself. They just went with what the show did.

One thing I hated about Ruby-Spears was how the Robot Masters were nothing more than dumb mooks with little to no personality. True, Wily's not that good at programming, but I would get bored if I had to write them that way throughout this "what if" Season 3. Thus, I had Dr. Cossack update their programming while he was Wily's hostage. There's an in-universe reason, and it's plausible within the context of the story. Plus, I'll admit, while I like Mega Man himself, my favorite characters were always the Robot Masters. They're all so varied and unique, both in look and personality.

Something I'm very excited about playing with, especially in the Mega Man 6 Saga.

Also, there will be a change in the relationships, as I found, looking back, that some of them were bland and/or unhealthy. Originally, I just went with them because it was the opposite of what Defender was doing, but thinking it over, I found I needed to switch things around. Rest assured though, everyone will get a chance to get to interact with each other.

What are those relationships? I'll show you later.

Also, I plan to have a lot of inside jokes regarding the work of the voice actors, so expect references to those other projects. And expect references to anime. I'm sorry, I'm a weeb. Although, it's clear that Ruby-Spears was fashioned after a more anime look, seeing as they could've gone with Bad-Box-Art Mega Man. Eugh.

Anyway, while my Season 3 (and subsequent seasons after that) fic will have a somewhat darker tone, I hope it isn't too far from the actual show. True, Dr. Cossack's childhood wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but things like that are prevalent in what was considered kid's media then. Especially Disney. But I want to have this series be more of a TVY7 rating than PG-13.

That said, we can finally get started! Thank you all for sticking with me so far, and I hope to please you all with this chapter!

Let me know if you see any contradictions, as it's been a while since I wrote this.

Fabric Fiasco

When Mega Man entered the next chamber, he found himself placed in a room with a ground of dirt instead of a floor, and the interior appeared to be fashioned like that of an underground tunnel. Although, given who he saw ready to face him, perhaps the setting was fitting. Across from him stood an orange Robot Master with a green gemstone on his chest, yellow sections on his limbs, and a pair of drills in place of his hands, and his head was shaped into a drill as well. Had it not been for the face covering, it would've possibly been easy to mistake this android for Crash Man, seeing as both bore hands fashioned with spinning weapons. Mega Man suspected that, like Crash Man, this guy would have bombs as well.

"So, Drill Man," Mega Man greeted the Robot Master. "Who else am I going to run into next?"

"Don't get cocky," Drill Man said, folding his enlarged arms. "If I recall, the last time we met, you nearly lost to that strange spirit Wily released from the box."

"Oh yeah! I remember that!" the Blue Bomber said. "One of the more...interesting incidents that have happened," he then murmured. "Although, I'm still trying to decide if those Lion Men were weirder."

"Look, enough beating around the bush!" the recently upgraded and reprogrammed DCN demanded Mega Man's attention. "Let's fight!"

"Ok, ok, don't have a fit!" the azure android said. "Although, I've got a few things to ask Dr. Cossack."

The orange machine was puzzled. "Like what?"

"Indeed, such as what?" Dr. Cossack's voice echoed throughout the small chamber.

Mega Man placed his hands on his hips. "You know, for a supposed mad scientist, you're pretty courteous."

"I appreciate your words," the unseen human answered. "But flattery means nothing to me. You still have challenges to overcome."

"Yeah, about that," the Blue Bomber continued. "I've got some requests."

"Requests?" Dr. Cossack questioned. "You have a lot of nerve asking that," he said. "I may not be as unhinged as Wily," Mega Man couldn't have been sure, but he swore he heard a small voice protest in the background. "But I am a man of my word. And this challenge is for you and you alone. If you're asking if that robotic canine can come in with you-"

"No, no, I'm not talking about Rush," the cerulean robot clarified. "I'm talking about dealing with your boys here."

Dr. Cossack was silent for a few moments, pondering the DLN's words. "All right," he finally spoke. "What is it you wish to say?"

"Well, for one, I'd like to keep the power I've copied, unless I decide to change it out." Mega Man answered.

Dr. Cossack, as well as the unseen and unknown Wily, were confused. "And why is that?"

"Consider it adding a challenge for myself," Mega Man explained. "Plus, I'm on a time limit, right? I've got to get creative if I'm going to beat the clock."

"True, it is afternoon already," the Russian (partially Ukrainian) scientist observed from the hidden control panel deep within the citadel. "All right, this, I shall grant," he answered. "You shall have this. But only this. Bear in mind, you are still at my mercy."

"Yeah, I'm aware," Mega Man said, getting into position to combat Drill Man. "Although, I'm starting to think you're not exactly a bad guy."

Dr. Cossack went silent upon hearing that. Then, there was a small BLIP! and the communication was cut off.

"All right, enough talk!" Drill Man said, his namesake beginning to spin rapidly on both his "hands" and head. "Time for a dirt bath!" Then, the Robot Master jumped up at a surprising height before he dove into the dirt, drilling his way until he concealed himself in the ground.

"I told you, you need to keep yourself in check," Dr. Cossack told Wily. "What good is this if Mega Man discovers you're behind it?"

The balding German wanted to argue but only huffed in response, crossing his arms. "You had better crush him into a tin can when he gets up here."

"Trust me, I shall do whatever is necessary."

"Ahem?!"

Suddenly, Dr. Wily and Cossack were alerted of Proto Man's presence in the room. A scarf-less Proto Man. Truth be told, without it, he appeared to be somewhat insecure and bashful. If he didn't have such contempt for the robot, Cossack would've perhaps felt sorry for him.

"Ah, right, that," Wily said. "Now, what exactly happened, my boy?" he folded his arms. "You lost your scarf?"

"No! I didn't lose it!" Proto Man barked back. If he had the ability, his face would've been as red as his helmet. He was quite thankful that his eyes were hidden behind his visor. "That brat took it!"

The brunette, green-eyed scientist raised a brow. "She stole your scarf?" he questioned. Proto Man nodded. "Hm. Good girl."

"This isn't funny!" Proto Man protested. "She won't give it back!"

"So what?" Dr. Wily questioned with a shrug. He couldn't believe it, but he agreed with Cossack's dismissive attitude regarding the matter. "It's your scarf, you go get it back. Although, if I may say, it's getting a little grimy."

"Look who's talking, Doc," the red and green robot scoffed. "When was the last time you changed out of that lab coat?"

"I think all of you need basics in hygiene," Dr. Cossack said. "You all either smell of sweat or old oil," he then directed his attention to Dr. Wily. "And, in your case, both."

The older robotics expert grumbled. He then looked at Proto Man. "Well, you heard him," he said, eyes shifting to look at Cossack. "It's your scarf, go and get it back."

"But-" Proto Man began to argue.

"She's just a kid! It'll be easy!" Wily answered. "Now, shoo. I'm in the middle of watching Mega Man finally getting his blue keister kicked!"

Proto Man growled and went back in the direction he had come, back to the way that would lead him down to the underground tunnel. "Stupid brat," he snarled. "There had better not be a single thread missing, you hear?!" Although, knowing her, she'd probably do it out of spite. Proto Man tried to not think of the worst, but he couldn't deny his anxiety at the fact that his prized possession was in the hands of one who hated his internal wiring. Not exactly guts, but close enough.

He could only hope that Cut and Guts Man could keep the yellow piece of cloth safe from the sixteen-year-old drama Queen's wrath.

"Darn it, just give it back!"

"No!" Guts and Cut Man were situated outside of Kalinka's cell, the young woman huddled in a corner while she clutched the stolen scarf. "And you can tell that glasses-wearing jerk that he's not getting it back anytime soon!"

The red, scissor-headed Robot Master sighed, shaking his head. "This is ridiculous," he said. "It's not like keeping it is going to somehow get you out!" he argued with the girl. "Besides, I doubt Proto Man will leave Wily alone until he gets it back." he groaned.

"Guess again, Cut Man," a familiar voice growled. Proto Man turned the corner and laid his eyes on their blonde prisoner, concealed optics seething with hatred. "You haven't gotten it back from her?"

"We can't just go in there!" Guts Man said. "Dr. Wily said to keep her locked up, which means we can't go into the cell! She could get out!"

Proto Man was silent for a few moments before bringing a palm to his face, a low sigh coming out. "You dolt!" he rolled his eyes from beneath his visor. "She's, what, a hundred or so pounds?" he asked both Robot Masters. "You can just hold her down and take it!"

"But that would mean opening the cell!" Cut Man argued. "And Dr. Wily specifically said that," he then cleared his throat. "If any of you bolt brains let her escape, then I'll have you shoved head first into a trash compactor!" he recited the mad doctor's words, complete with an imitation of the human's accent.

"Uh, we're robots. She's a squishy bag of organs. I think we can take her," Proto Man replied. He then went over to the cell door and let himself in, entering the confined space.

Kalinka noticed that Proto Man had returned, and was somewhat startled at first, but put on a brave and defiant face. As far as she was concerned, she had the upper hand. "Any closer, I rip it!" she threatened, holding the yellow cloth before the red and grey machine.

"Yeah, try it," Proto Man sneered. He couldn't let her know that he was scared out of his mind for his precious garment. "No, seriously, try it."

Kalinka stood still, unsure of what the robot meant. Still, seeing as she already had the scarf, and he DID technically tell her to do it, she saw no reason not to. But, before she could, she felt the robot seize her arm and hold her firmly. The girl struggled, hitting at the red forearm that held her firmly. Then, before she knew it, the scarf was taken from her grasp, and she was sent to the ground.

The impact wasn't painful, but it did give her quite a start. "You...you pushed me down!" she cried out, seemingly unable to believe what she had just experienced.

"Oh relax," Proto Man rolled his eyes, putting his scarf back on. "That wasn't enough to hurt you," While she was still on the ground, he exited the cell and closed the door, locking it once again. "If anything, considering the stunt you just pulled, you're lucky I don't drag you up to Wily and let him deal with you."

"Ooooh, I am terrified. No, truly," Kalinka scoffed, her shock slowly transforming back to anger. "You can't hurt me," she said, rising and dusting herself off. "But have you no shame? Treating a lady like me so shamefully!" she then crossed her arms. "Why, what would your brother say?"

Proto's smirk immediately soured. "None of your business, brat."

Kalinka was surprised at his reaction. True, she expected him to say something snarky back to her, or maybe an insult, but her rhetorical question seemed to strike a nerve with Wily's top man. Why was that? Unfortunately, she didn't get the chance to pry further, as she then saw everyone duck behind some rocks, the human puzzled as to what they were hiding from. Then, as if to answer her question, a small object flew inside, its large eyes peering down at her from above.

"птичка?" Kalinka questioned, but then saw that the bird was too small to be her avian companion. "No," she shook her head. "But, you ARE one of Papa's creations, right?" she then peered behind her, wondering just why her three wardens weren't attacking the Swallon. "Then, someone is here to help!" she then waited for any sort of move from her three guards, but still, they didn't move from their hiding places. "Hurry! Go tell them I'm here! Better yet, tell them all about Papa! Tell them that this is all Wily's fault!"

The Swallon nodded, accepting the human's orders. It gave a small, mechanical chirp in response.

"Ok, great! Now, go!" Kalinka said, pointing at where the bird had just come through. "Hurry! I don't know if Mega Man's reached him yet!"

With that, the Swallon went off, its small thruster leaving behind a small smoke trail as it flew away. Guts, Cut, and Proto Man all emerged from behind the rocks. "Good, that bird brain didn't spot us." Guts Man remarked, thankful he was able to hide his girth.

"Well, it won't do you any good!" Kalinka barked back. "Someone knows I'm here, and they've sent help!" she said. "And, knowing how our government values my Papa, it's probably one of their best!"

"Oh, we don't doubt that, Princess," Proto Man retorted. "Our feathered friend is tracking that other little birdie," he informed the Russian.

"And that's not all," Cut Man added, wanting to get in another point against their brat of a prisoner. "Some of Wily's best also know that we possibly have an intruder!"

"Yeah!" Guts Man jumped in. "And they've been keeping in touch with Wily's new pet!" Annoying as that new invention was, so far, he served his function well. "Either way, whoever sent that bird will get the message that no one is going to get through to all of us!"

Kalinka was silent, her brows furrowing. "I'm going back up," Proto Man then stated. "There's got to be some way he'll let me in with the rest of Cossack's robots." he then turned to walk away, but before he could do so, he felt a hand grasp at his scarf. However, unlike before, Proto Man was able to intercept Kalinka's attempted theft, the scarf now the subject of a tug-of-war between the both of them. "Hey! Let go!"

"What was that about Papa's robots?!" Kalinka shouted. "I demand answers!"

"I'm not telling you a thing! Now, let go!" the red and grey robot shouted back. He would've used more force to wrench the scarf from her grasp, but it was being pulled rather tight. As much as he hated to admit it, he was fearful that it would rip any second.

"What about Papa's robots?!" Kalinka demanded again. "What has Wily done to them?! What has he done to my friends?!"

"Darn it, brat, let go!" Proto Man ordered.

"Tell me!"

"Let go!"

"No! Not until you tell me!"

"Let go of the scarf, you brat!"

"Tell me whether or not they're ok!"

"Here, we'll help!"

"Wha-GAH!" Proto Man felt himself being yanked off his feet by Guts Man, who held him by the waist. "What are you doing?!"

"Yeah, what ARE you doing?" Kalinka questioned.

"Cut Man, help me out!" Guts Man called to the scissor-headed Robot Master.

It was when Cut Man got behind Guts Man and began to pull did Proto Man realize what was going on. And, at that moment, he got a good look at his scarf. In the very center was a small tear. The little brat had gone and made a tear in his scarf! But, when he saw she wasn't letting go, and neither was he...and Guts and Cut Man were...oh no. No, no, no, no, no!

"Wait!" Proto Man called out. "Guys, wait!"

"Ok, pull!" Guts Man said.

"Stop!"

"NOW!"

"STOP!"

It was too late. Even Kalinka realized just what was about to happen, but she couldn't stop it. No one could. A loud tearing of cloth echoed throughout the cavern, reverberating off the walls as the yellow garment was torn in two, along with Proto Man's metal heart. Although, he would openly proclaim he didn't have one. The three robots were thrust onto the ground, Cut Man was unfortunately crushed underneath Guts Man's bulk. Yet, if anyone were to ask Proto Man, he would say he had the biggest injury of them all.

Getting up, Proto Man grabbed and held the torn piece of yellow cloth, halved by the efforts to retrieve it. From inside the cell, Kalinka held the other half in her hand. She looked up at him, rather shocked as if she hadn't expected it to truly rip apart. Guts and Cut Man were baffled as well, their unusual jaws hanging agape as they saw Proto Man's fingers begin to curl into a fist.

"I..." she stammered. Then, she drew closer to the bars, albeit hesitantly. She did not like Proto Man's silence. "I...uh," she then tossed the half of the scarf she had through the bars. "Here!" it landed at Proto Man's feet. "So...you can just...sew that back together, right?" she asked. "I mean...surely Dr. Wily's ripped a few lab coats here and there...?"

Proto Man didn't answer. Despite the visor concealing his eyes, Kalinka felt his intense stare from behind the dark glass. He was silent for an uncomfortably long time, the girl backing up from the bars and to the corner of her prison. She didn't allow herself to completely submit, refusing to curl up on the floor, but she was beginning to fear that the robot would enter her cell. And what then?

"Cut Man," Proto Man finally spoke. "Guts Man?"

"Uh, y-yeah?" Guts Man asked, nervous as well. Even if he was the largest of the three in size, that still didn't stop those like that blue pipsqueak from taking him down. And Proto Man, even if he was the Blue Bomber's complete opposite, was Mega Man's brother. The same abilities ran through their circuitry.

"I'm going up to see the Doc," Proto Man said, his plans seemed to remain the same as before. "Watch her for me."

"Huh?" Cut Man's puppet-like mouth hung partways in confusion. "H-Hey! Wait!"

Despite the other Robot Master's calls, Proto Man continued on his way. But not before making a few calls. Specifically to a couple of Robot Masters and a certain bird.

From all three of their places in different parts of the mine, Ice, Elec Man, and the unknown Wily bot hidden in the shadows were alerted that they had received a new message.

"This is Elec Man," the black-dressed Robot Master answered.

"Ice Man, reporting for duty, sir!" the Inuit-based android responded, adding a small salute.

"Gotcha call!" the unseen figure squawked, voice high-pitched and bird-like. "Whatcha got?"

"We've got a situation," Proto Man told all three of them. "And I need our feathered friend to show you which way to go," this part of the message was for that feathered friend only. "Follow that other bird. Ice and Elec Man can follow you from your directions. Don't stop for anything."

"Roger, roger!" the squawky voice answered, giggling in anticipation. "Gotcha, gotcha!" the voice then snickered wickedly. "Gotta go! Birdy to catch!"

"Follow him, understand?" Proto Man asked.

"Very well," Elec Man responded. "We shall be off."

"Understood, sir!" Ice Man answered. "We will perform our duty to the best of our ability!"

"Look, just getting going, would you?" Proto Man groaned. He was NOT in the mood. "And stop calling me, sir! It makes me feel old." That was better suited for the Doc.

"Yes, sir," Ice Man said. "Oops! I apologize, Proto Man, sir! Oh, I mean..." silence fell in between the robotic Eskimo and the shades-wearing robot.

"Just get on it. Out." Proto Man then cut the communication off. "Stupid brat," he held the halves of his scarf in his hands. "I should let Wily do whatever he wants with you!" indeed, the sight of the blonde Russian in one of the mad doctor's various death traps brought a grin to his face. "That'd serve you right."

Then, he stepped onto a circular tile and was enveloped in green light. Then, his form disappeared.

Citadel

DLN, Dr. Light. Thomas, his friend. One of his only friends, one of the few he could trust. All of that would be gone after this. But it was all for her sake. True, if he knew anything, he knew Wily was adept at lying, but so far, he had gone through with everything he said he would do. As much as it pained Cossack, he couldn't do it. He couldn't just let his daughter fall into the same fate as he would've had in his own country.

And, ironically enough, in doing so, he was temporarily condemning her to such a fate. But hopefully not forever.

"Why are you so always so antsy whenever that blue dweeb fights one of your robots?" Wily questioned, watching as Mega Man continued to fight against Drill Man.

"Hm?" Dr. Cossack raised a brown brow. "Oh, that's right, you just stole them before they could even truly shine out in the world," he told Wily. "You never gave them the chance to make the world a better place."

"Oh stop with all that love and peace talk! You sound like one of those annoying New Age gurus!" Wily spat.

"Or maybe like your dear friend, Thomas Light?" Wily didn't say a word. "But, seeing as you're so unsure as to why I hold reservations for my machines being destroyed, it's because, unlike you, I care for their wellbeing."

"Hey, I care too!" Wily protested. "They've got to be in top shape whenever I've got something I've been working on ready to put to use," he then went giddy. "Speaking of, those other projects we worked on together will be wonderful! If only you'd let those out for a whirl instead of making everyone come to your country! We could've taken the fight right to Mega Man in New York!"

"My daughter is here, and so shall I be," Dr. Cossack answered. "But, as I was saying, the reason I care for these machines runs deeper than that," he said. "Even if I treat them as equals, I know that they are different than us, and that, ultimately, we could never relate on some things. But Kalinka...she's never seen them like that. The eight that I made."

Wily was puzzled. "And just what DID you make them for?"

The bearded Russian lowered his head. "My child had no friends," he explained. "So, I made her some."

Note: Ending it here for now! Next up is the history of Kalinka Cossack herself, as well as Proto Man's musings about his torn-up scarf. Don't worry, it'll survive.