Mega Man X
Backstory:
Dr. Light's Magnum Opus and the successor to the original Mega Man, he was designed to be able to have completely free will to bridge the worsening relations between humans and robots. Dr. Cain, the archeologist who discovered X's capsule, attempted to further this dream by creating a line of robots based on X's design, making X the proverbial father of all Reploids. Unfortunately, the noble Maverick Hunter Commander Sigma went rogue after being infected by the Maverick Virus contained within Zero's capsule, forcing X to take to the battlefield to defend humans and Reploids from the ever-growing threat.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Inorganic Physiology (Type 2),
Self-Sustenance (Types 1, 2 and 3. Can breathe underwater and in space),
Gun Protrusion,
Statistics Amplification (Through the use of various Parts, Chips and the Mother Elf),
Healing (He can heal himself through the use of Sub Tanks. He can also heal himself without them),
Weapon Creation (Can recreate the materials needed to use the copied weapons with his Variable Weapon System),
Afterimage Creation,
Absolute Zero Ice,
Gravity Manipulation,
Fire Manipulation (Said fire is hotter than the Earth's core),
Elemental Weapons (Of the Lightning, Water, Earth, and Air variety),
Light Manipulation,
Can render himself virtually invulnerable through various Special Weapons,
Flight,
Homing Attack,
Explosion Manipulation,
Forcefield Creation,
Black Hole Creation,
Danmaku,
Crystal Manipulation (Can create crystals to shield himself),
Expert Martial Artist (Can use various martial arts moves such as the Hadoken and Shoryuken),
Forcefield Negation (Can negate forcefields with his Charge Shot),
Rage Power (He gains a power boost when notably angered),
Resistance to Mind, Soul, and Biological Manipulation (Is explicitly immune to the various strains of the Maverick and Nightmare Viruses, which can affect the Mind, DNA and Soul of Reploids),
Absolute Zero (Unaffected by the ice weapons used by various Reploids, which exceed the potency of weapons used by Robot Masters like Cold Man and Concrete Man, who could reduce things to absolute zero and turn things brittle enough to shatter with a touch respectively),
Space-Time Manipulation (Was completely immune to Zero's use of the Dark Hold and is far superior to the original Mega Man, who could effectively fight while under the effects of Time Man's Time Slow),
Gravity Manipulation,
BFR (Gravity Beetle's Gravity Wells don't work on him),
Black Holes (Is unaffected by Gravity Antonion's Squeeze Bomb, even in the singularity),
Magnetism Manipulation (Via being superior to Rock),
Paralysis Inducement (He could break out of Vile's paralysis),
Corrosion Inducement (Survived in Acid Rain for a significant amount of time),
All of previous plus Information Manipulation through the use of the Mother Elf, which allows for Status Effect Inducement (Such as Paralysis, Transmutation, Health Reduction and Erasure of foes), Mind Manipulation, Matter Manipulation, Soul Manipulation, and Biological Manipulation on a planetary scale (Possesses the Mother Elf, which can cure the Maverick Virus and manipulate the DNA, souls, and bodily structures of robots at will),
Regeneration (At least High-Mid going by the manga: The ability to regenerate from being blown/cut to pieces, brain included, or from a small piece of the user's body, such as a finger, or the heart.)
Weaknesses: X is powered by sunlight so remaining without it for extended periods of time could prove dangerous (though he has large reserves). He can be pacifistic to a fault at times. His special weapons have a limited number of shots.
Optimus Prime
Backstory:
Optimus Prime is the strong and courageous Autobot leader who feels his role is the protection of all life, including Earth-life. He fights unceasingly to defeat the Decepticons, though not without honor. Optimus values peace over chaos, and life over destruction, often using words before weapons. Many have remarked that if he was more ruthless, he would be a better military leader. But if he was more ruthless, he wouldn't be Optimus Prime.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Large Size (Type 0; 6 meters tall),
Transformation (Into a Freightliner FLT-9664T truck cab),
Weapon Mastery (Highly capable of wielding his Ion Blaster with high precision, such as blasting several Decepticons while somersaulting in mid air),
Space Survival,
Martial Arts (Has displayed himself to be a capable close combatant),
Weapon Creation (Capable of creating energy constructs such an axe, made out of pure energy),
Energy Manipulation (With the Ion Blaster and Energy Axe),
Acrobatics,
Energy Projection (Optimus is capable of firing beams of energy from his eyes and Ion Blaster),
Longevity (Has lived for over 9 millions years)
Immortality (Type 2; even after getting sliced into pieces, Optimus still remained functional),
Self-Sustenance (Types 1; Cybertronians do not require oxygen in order to survive. And 3; Cybertronians cannot tire physically due to their mechanical nature),
Inorganic Physiology,
Explosion Manipulation (With armaments),
Dimensional Storage (Can keep his weapons or Trailer in a sub-space storage pocket),
Body Control (Can control his own body parts even while broken apart, and can rotate his hands rapidly),
Resistances to:
Temperature Manipulation (Can resists incredibly harsh temperatures. Should be comparable to other Cybertronians, who can tank re-entry without burning up, which would have a temperature of 3000 degrees F. Was able to move in Jupiter's atmosphere, which has an temperature of -238 degrees F. Also should be comparable to Thundercracker, who could survive being near the epicenter of a nuclear explosion, with a nuclear explosion being as hot as 1.8 million degrees F),
limited Mind Manipulation (During his brief resurrection, Optimus was controlled by the Quintessons. However, the Matrix of Leadership purified his mind, and he was able to regain control of his own body),
Data Manipulation, limited Dimensional Travel and limited Soul Manipulation, Astral Projection (Able to send his own consciousness to his battle deck on the verge of death. Can send his soul and mind to the mysterious region known as Infraspace),
Supernatural Willpower (Resisted the will of the D-Void through sheer will when many other bots fell victim to it),
Ice Manipulation and Absolute Zero (Was able to walk through a place with temperatures approaching that of Absolute Zero. Can walk through extremely cold environments. Can easily move around in space),
Radiation Manipulation (Capable of surviving Jupiter's atmosphere, which contains a radioactive atmosphere of 100 million X-rays. Should be comparable to Thundercracker, who could survive being near the epicenter of a nuclear explosion),
Biological Manipulation, Poison Manipulation and Disease Manipulation (Due to his Cybertronian physiology, should be immune to biological attacks),
Weaknesses: His sense of honor can get the best of him and can make him naive. Optimus tends to hold back against most enemies, to prevent collateral damage. Optimus' dislike of violence can get the better of him, as well as Megatron stating that when Optimus hurts others, he hurts himself, and Megatron claiming he knows Optimus better than anyone, which Optimus seemed to agree with.
Song: Primed for X
In a futuristic city of advanced innovation and towering structures, a radiant blue beam descends from the heavens, gently touching down upon the unfinished surface of a central highway. Megaman X materializes, his X Buster rising instinctively, his sensors scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Seeing no immediate threat, X's shoulders relax, and he lowers his weapon. X nodded to himself, murmuring softly,
"No traces of Maverick presence detected in the vicinity."
With caution, he took measured footsteps, searching for the reported vehicle devoid of a driver. As he scanned the surroundings, the sound of an approaching engine rumbled through the area, prompting him to turn and see the sight of an 1984 Freightliner FLT semi truck coming his way. From his observation, it seemed he had located the object of his search.
X detected an unfamiliar energy signature originating from the truck, deviating from the patterns he had encountered in previous encounters with thousands of Mavericks. However, duty compelled him to engage the truck if necessary. With a hint of resignation, X declared,
"Locked and loaded. Engaging target."
With a charging of powerful energy, X aimed his X Buster and unleashed a devastating blast of blue energy straight toward the approaching truck. The attached trailer separated from the truck, allowing the vehicle to evade the blast by ascending a short makeshift ramp. To X's surprise, the truck began transforming, countless pieces rearranging themselves to reveal a stunning cybertronian transformer, identified as Optimus Prime. Prime spoke firmly, his tone commanding and authoritative.
"You have attacked without provocation. I am granting you one opportunity. Retreat."
X held his X Buster firmly, his expression a mix of determination and weariness. He responded with conviction,
"I would gladly do so if I could, but until your true intentions are confirmed, I must treat you as a potential danger to the people. I cannot allow you to leave while you remain an unpredictable threat."
Optimus Prime affirmed,
"You have made your choice."
He charged at X, firing his Ion Blaster at the mechanized warrior. X dodged and dodged, returning fire with his own X Buster. The battle continued, with both combatants dodging and firing until they closed the distance to melee range. Optimus Prime readied his energy axe for a strike, but X adeptly slid underneath the attack, exploiting his smaller stature to gain the upper hand for a moment.
Despite being smaller and less bulky, X had honed his agility and maneuverability to navigate battles against larger foes. With Optimus Prime standing at an impressive 20 feet tall, X utilized his smaller stature to dodge and weave through the massive mech's attacks. He took advantage of the larger target's larger size, delivering quick, weaker shots in between charging powerful bursts.
Despite his impressive size, Optimus Prime was not just a hulking mass of power. With precise timing and skill, he swung his axe, sending X hurtling backwards into a nearby truck. Landing on his feet, the Maverick Hunter changed his color to green, activating the Green Spinner. He fired a round of bamboo-like missiles: one aimed at the Autobot leader, and the other into the sky.
Optimus Prime braced himself, crossing his arms to defend against the missile directed at him. However, the explosion was more powerful than expected, sending him stumbling backward. Looking up, Optimus spotted four missiles hurtling downward, aimed at him. To dodge them, he swiftly transformed back into his semi-truck mode, narrowly evading the plummeting missiles by rolling out of harm's way.
X attempted to fire another bamboo missile, but it lacked the necessary charge. Optimus Prime pushed right through it, slamming into X and launching him backward. The impact sent X reeling, colliding with heavy obstacles as the Autobot leader continued driving into them. Despite the onslaught, X managed to climb onto the roof of the truck's cabin.
X changed his color to a vibrant yellow and white scheme. He charged up his Shining Ray laser, releasing an energy orb that exploded into a flurry of radiant projectiles. The blinding attack overwhelmed Optimus Prime, causing him to swerve off course, crashing through the barriers of the central highway.
X jumped off the speeding truck, shifting into a dark, shadowy form. Optimus crashed to the ground, transforming into his bipedal form with a groan, just in time to see X firing a barrage of dark projectiles his way with Shadow Runner. With quick reflexes, the Cybertronian whipped out his Ion Blaster, neutralizing each projectile with precise shots.
X reacted swiftly, adjusting tact, transforming into an orange and brown pattern. Optimus Prime fired more ion shots, only for them to be deflected by X's crystal wall, which sent the shots ricocheting back and damaging the Autobot leader. Reeling, Optimus lost grip of his Ion Blaster. Quickly readjusting, he formed an energy axe and sliced through the crystal wall, but X had already repositioned, staying out of reach.
X switched his color scheme to a chilly ice blue and white, firing bursts of icicle-like snowflakes known as Drift Diamonds. Despite the frosty onslaught, Optimus Prime pressed forward, his chassis and paint job gradually covered in rime. Undeterred, he charged on foot, unfazed by the icy assault. Even when X attempted to encircle himself with snow as a defense, it proved powerless to deter the Autobot leader. With a powerful kick, Optimus knocked X down the street, his body sliding across the asphalt like a discarded can.
Despite suffering the blow, X slowly pushed himself up, wincing in pain. He turned to see Optimus Prime had transformed back into his semi-truck form, bearing down on him. X swiftly shifted to a red and orange scheme, activating his Melt Creeper attack, unleashing a wave of fire towards the Autobot leader. However, the flames merely melted the ice off Optimus' body, having little effect. Unfazed, Optimus accelerated, crashing into X and slamming him into a sturdy metal pillar of the highway.
Optimus stepped back, transforming into his bipedal form as he observed the Maverick Hunter embedded in the metal column. He leaned in, grabbing X by the head, and lifted him effortlessly, holding him up to eye level. Despite the dire situation, X defiantly tried to raise his X Blaster, but it proved futile. Optimus crushed the weapon like a mere toy between his thumb and finger, reducing it to a sparking disc of scrap. X groaned as he witnessed the destruction of his main defense, defeat becoming increasingly inevitable. Optimus Prime spoke with a tone of finality, declaring the battle over.
"You have been defeated. Walk away with dignity."
He dropped X onto the ground, preparing to retreat. However, the Maverick Hunter refused to accept defeat. X quickly shifted his other hand into another X Buster, changing his color scheme to magenta and purple. He prepared himself for one last resort. With fierce determination, X declared,
"Defeat this."
He unleashed a powerful Squeeze Bomb, creating a localized black hole. The gravitational pull gripped Optimus Prime, causing him to struggle against its force, grounding himself by digging his fingers into the ground. Searching for an opportunity, Optimus slowly clawed his way towards his lost Ion Blaster, regaining access to his weapon.
With unwavering accuracy, Optimus Prime aimed his Ion Blaster at the black hole, unleashing a barrage of relentless fire. The singularity attempted to absorb the onslaught, but the concentrated energy proved too overwhelming for it to contain. The artificial black hole detonated with explosive force, unleashing a shockwave akin to that of a hydrogen bomb. The resulting destruction caused massive devastation to the surrounding area.
Optimus Prime, though injured, pushed himself to his feet, the weight of his actions heavy on him. He surveyed the devastated city, his spark heavy with guilt. This was not the outcome he had envisioned. As the dust settled, the Autobot leader looked over to see X emerge from the debris, visibly battered but swiftly healing, displaying impressive resilience.
X unleashed his Ultimate Armor, enhancing his combat prowess with powerful new armaments. With calculated force, he fired a plasma bolt at the Autobot leader, but Optimus was undeterred. He nimbly leaped over the plasma attack, activating his trailer deck. In a rapid transformation, the trailer deck transformed into a formidable jetpack arsenal, securely attached to his back. With fierce determination, Optimus Prime declared his stance with his signature line,
"One shall stand, one shall fall."
X readied his powerful Plasma Busters, countering with defiant resolve,
"As long as I stand, I will defeat you!"
With the assistance of his Ultimate Armor, X received reduced damage from Optimus's ion blasts, but he did not become complacent. Skillfully evading the attacks, he gracefully maneuvered around the ion bolts and dodged incoming rockets.
As X unleashed a powerful melee attack, driving into Optimus Prime and blasting a plasma bolt at his midsection, the Autobot leader retaliated with a forceful punch, sending the Maverick Hunter hurtling backward into a nearby building, causing it to collapse upon him. X struggled to retaliate, but Optimus seized the opportunity and forcefully stamped onto his body amidst the debris, keeping him pinned down.
On the brink of delivering a crushing blow, Optimus found himself unexpectedly interrupted by X, who swiftly counterattacked with an uppercut, propelling the Autobot leader airborne. With remarkable prowess, X pursued the momentum, executing his robust Nova Strike, tearing through Optimus Prime's lower abdomen. The impact reverberated through the Autobot leader, eliciting a pained groan.
X halted his movement, prepared to deliver another Nova Strike, but what unfolded next was unforeseen. Faced with imminent defeat, Optimus Prime made a drastic move. He unhesitatingly opened his chest, revealing the sacred Matrix of Leadership, unleashing a brilliant beam emanating from it. The beam was a force to behold, possessing destructive power capable of annihilating even small stars.
Despite his valiant attempt to resist, X found himself overwhelmed, launching a barrage of Nova Strikes against the powerful Matrix beam. However, the tremendous strain took its toll on X's Ultimate Armor, expending an unsustainable amount of energy. As his reserve dwindled, the armor's integrity faltering, X was left vulnerable to the Matrix's relentless power. With a final cry of resignation, the Maverick Hunter succumbed to the force, his armored form shattered to mere fragments, leaving only his fragile core to plummet to the ground.
With a solemn air, Optimus Prime closed his chest cavity, carefully placing X's core into the barrel of his Ion Blaster. In one fluid motion, he fired the core straight toward the distant moon, ensuring that it would not pose any further threat. He then transformed into his semi-truck form and drove away from the aftermath of the devastating battle, leaving behind a city laid to waste.
Strength: Both of these robots are stronger than meets the eye. Gen1 Optimus may not look like it, but his strength is such that to harm Megatron, he would need to output more than 323.4 Ronnatons of TNT. But X can certainly match the power and beyond. At his best, he can survive hits from Lumine's second form, who can snuff out regular sized stars. Such an output would need to require 15.2 Quettatons. Which makes the Reploid 47X stronger.
Speed: However, Optimus Prime is faster. X can percive attacks from the Mother Elf up to at least 500 million times light speed. That's impressive, enough to travel from one end of the Milky Way to the other in almost 2 hours. But in the g1 continuity, Cybertron is outside of the Milky Way Galaxy, where characters between Earth and Cybertron travel with no indication of too much time lapsing for any character. Assuming Cybertron is in the Andromeda Galaxy, and travel time takes between an hour or two, Optimus's reaction and movement speed must be 16.5 billion times light speed, 33X faster than X.
Skill: Optimus Prime has been in active combat for 9 million years, so he definetely has X beat in martial skill.
Experience: While Optimus is certainly older, I'd say that they're both even in the variety of robots they fight, since they both fight foes with numerous, often repeating abilities.
Powers: It's easy to assume that X has the superior versatility, and he does, but the majority of them would not be able to be extremely effective on him. Any heat based weapons can't exceed the heat of a nuclear blast that Optimus survived, nor would could anything ice related since he survived absolute zero. Most projectiles he has has limited range, which Optimus can either outrun in truck form, or shoot away with his Ion Blaster. Even the Mother Elf wouldn't be enough to beat him, as his supernatural willpower and the Matrix of Leadership protects him from being mentally or spiritually manipulated. Finally, X's Ultimate Armor may provide him with greater attack rate and virtally unlimited Nova Strikes, it pushes him beyond what he's typically capable of, and will damage him if abused.
The winner is Optimus Prime. And for the record, I don't get why he's paired with Optimus Primal. Yes, he's more animal themed and thus on point, but if Mega Man Volnutt of all people can put up a challenge against him, then what's even the point?
Next time:
"Control is an illusion. It can be even more blinding than the inability to see."
"If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than who you are."