The story excerpt this pic is based on...
In the second to last chapter, The Sons of Fate, Mega Man and Protoman stand face to face, arguing over whether or not humanity is even worth saving. Protoman remembers his betrayal and the way they so quickly cast him aside. He remembers their apathy and unwillingness to fight for themselves. Mega Man still sees hope in humanity, if they only had a leader.
Mega Man begs to change his brother's mind. Protoman has given up on mankind and no one, even his brother, can change his mind. The chorus of human voices rises up and calls for Protoman's death. It is the only way now.
There is a single flash of light, and Protoman falls. Mega Man immediately runs to his side, to hear his last words: "these people tell this story to their children as they sleep, then maybe someday, they'll see, a Hero is just a man who knows he's free." His brother is dead.
The crowd tries to comfort Mega Man. This was the only way, they say. Protoman was weak. He was unable to help them when they needed it the most. Over the crowd's triumphant screaming, "You are our hero!", Mega Man utters one simple phrase. "You are the dead."
Mega Man has lost hope in humanity, just as Protoman did. They aren't worth saving if they won't fight for themselves. Mega Man stands, removes his helmet, and walks away, his eyes glaring in rage and despair.
The evil robots remaining don't know what to do. Mega Man is leaving them. They look to Dr. Wily for an order, and he gives it. The crowd is to be punished for their rebellion. The ensuing slaughter is grotesque, the screams of women and children not even enough to cause Mega Man to turn around and fight for them again. He is sick of being their hero. As he walks away, he hears the dim shouts echoing his last words, "We are the dead!" and only then does he look back at the burning city.
All various works contained herein are copyright to Tara Lei Welker unless stated otherwise.