Mega Man and Bass: Frenemy Mine

Proto Crisis!

Mega Man still shook as he stood there and watched the continuing broadcast. Proto Man had long left the scene, but his eyes still seemed to be locked to the screen.

He didn't even notice Bass when he came back from his latest mission. In fact, the world seemed to be dead to him until he heard the commotion surrounding his returning brother.

"...might strain it... "

"This looks bad, Doctor! How's he even moving the way he is now?"

Upon realizing what was happening, Rock whirled around, about to launch at his brother and embrace him in a hug. He had to stamp out this instinct when he learned just how unwell Proto Man was.

Rock rushed over to his side. As if trying to ignore his injuries, the scarfed hero spoke for what was really the first time.

"Whoever this 'Rap' character is, he's mean! I wouldn't take lightly anything coming from the man who made him... "

Bass stood in a corner, his arms crossed. "The bear I just fought...he said that whoever's behind this was the 'real Dr. Wily'... He called the Wily we know 'fake'."

"This guy must be really full of himself. That, or really good at his job." Proto Man's sunglasses kept their reflective quality to them, even when cracked.

The scientist finally commented as he was working on repairing his first creation. "I'm curious why he didn't just keep you for ransom. After all, since it isn't beyond the realm of possibility that Albert would kidnap or frame one of us as part of his plans, why wouldn't this 'Wily' do the same?"

"Maybe he wanted to send a message. Human mobsters used to do that all the time."

Light nodded solemnly at the guess. It certainly sounded reasonable, so far as it went. "Some still do that." His features hardened as he looked at the Blue Bomber.

"You need to move out on your next mission, Rock."

"But... " The boy protested.

"I know it hurts to see your brother this way. Unfortunately, more people are put at risk the longer we stand still. We'll all be in touch." He turned to the black and purple robot. "Bass, you follow him."

He grumbled something under his breath, but obeyed.