These Days

**These Days** is the ninth episode of the first season of Mega Man. It is the ninth episode overall.

## Plot

The less fortunate people of the Fifth Quadrant are in dire straits as the Friends of P. have seemingly disappeared, forcing Rudolph to plead with the Friends of P. to put another mission together. Summer Girl and Rod NaCervera team up in an attempt complete their goals, but their deeply rooted personal differences threaten to undo the both of them.

## Synopsis

In a flashback, Sharp and Jonze relax at the bar having drinks and playing billiards. Sharp chalks up his cue and takes a shot, sinking the cue ball. Jonze picks up the cue ball from the pocket and prepares his next shot, sinking the ball. He prepares another shot, but misses. Sharp chalks up his cue once again and lines up a perfect shot, sinking the ball. Sharp points to two balls on the edge of the table and asks Jonze if he'd like to make a wager. Jonze agrees, asking the stakes and Sharp says that if he sinks both of the balls, Jonze has to buy him a new rifle, but if he misses, then Sharp will buy him two new revolvers and a new hat. Sharp carefully lines up his shot and takes a deep breath, as if he were aiming a sniper rifle. He takes his shot, sinking both balls, much to Jonze's shock, jokingly accusing his friend of cheating. Sharp points out his victory and Jonze concedes. Jonze looks at Sharp and Sharp stares back with a big grin on his face. Jonze asks Sharp what he wants and Sharp replies that he'd like his prize immediately. Jonze, with a bit of argument, leaves the saloon, heading for the gun store across the street, while Sharp takes a seat on the pool table and sips his drink.

Someone enters the bar soon after, prompting gasps from everybody. Sharp turns his head to witness the figure entering the room. Upon walking into the bar, P. is met with handshakes and nods of approval, which he accepts humbly. His clothes are dirty and his face is sweaty with his dirty hair strewn all about. The bartender offers P. a drink and in acceptance only requests a glass of water. The bartender serves him and apologizes for the mercenaries behavior, claiming that the Friends of P. are legends, which P. humbly disputes. The bartender asks what he wants and P. replies that he's got a job that needs doing and is looking for someone dependable. The bartender calls Sharp over. Sharp walks over to the bar and asks P. what he wants and P. asks if he's aware of who he is, which Sharp replies that he's seen him around. P. explains to Sharp that he's recently lost some good friends and is looking to bring their murderers to justice and asks if he's willing to accept the responsibility which Sharp does. P. slides Sharp and envelope with the words "Friends of C." written on it. Sharp stares at the envelope for a few seconds before taking it, with P. promising he'll be in touch. As P. stands up and walks out of the bar, a montage occurs of Sharp, with his brand new rifle, stalking a couple of Friends of C. agents form atop a water tower adjacent to a small town, taking the two out. Later cut to Sharp and P. getting caught by two San Sindustries employees while robbing a warehouse and then to P. discreetly giving Sharp another envelope, behind the backs of his allies. Sharp quietly follows the two employees later on and garrotes them. Lastly, a flashback to Sharp and Jonze arriving at the Friends of P. camp where P. hands Sharp an envelope labeled "A.C. Montana." Sharp takes it and looks surprised, but P. doesn't meet his gaze. Then cut to Sharp in the Hub taking aim at A.C. from atop the building, taking the same deep breath as when he took the pool shot, firing and killing A.C. Montana. Sharp looks down and ends with a prolonged eye contact between himself and Summer Girl before running away.

In the present, Rudolph helps a bunch of down on their luck citizens remove crates of supplies from the back of the drill, the same haul that they stole from San Simeon Bay. The people are grateful to Rudolph, but he wishes he had more to give them. One of the poor men asks Rudolph if he is able to get them some medicine as his wife his sick from the fumes of the San Sindustries factory close by to their home. Rudolph apologizes to the man, explaining that the situation within the Friends of P. hasn't been well, as they've recently lost A.C. Montana, with the poor people giving him a salute to all the good work he's done for them while he was alive. As the man continues to plead with Rudolph, a woman comes screaming out of a shack announcing the news that William San Simeon is dead. The news is met with shock by some, including Rudolph. The man urges Rudolph to reconsider, as this could be their chance. Rudolph promises to see what he can do, as he continues handing out supplies, looking doubtful and disturbed while the poor people dance and cheer all around him, rejoicing in the death of their oppressor.

Later and elsewhere that same night, Wheeler drives along a dirt road when he notices Mega Man walking down the road up ahead. He pulls up to him and rolls down his window and offering him a ride. Mega Man initially declines, but then accepts. After driving in silence for some time, Wheeler breaks the ice by telling Mega Man that he's aware things have been different since he got back, but explains that he believes what's happening isn't P.'s fault and instead places the blame on Summer Girl, believing her high status makes them too exposed and also believing she doesn't have the guts for their missions, but now that she's gone and San Simeon's dead, they are making progress. Mega Man points out that A.C. is dead too and says that Wheeler's feelings towards A.C. are out of line. Mega Man claims that once the shock of learning about what happened to Virginia and Cal wears off, Wheeler is going to feel very sorry for how he treated A.C. Wheeler asks if Mega Man really thinks A.C. wasn't a traitor and Mega Man explains that not everybody who disagrees with P. is a traitor. Wheeler says he knows, but also that what happened between A.C., Virginia, and Cal could have all been avoided. Mega Man agrees. Wheeler points out that they got even since San Simeon's Cosmonauts killed A.C. and they killed San Simeon. Mega Man doesn’t answer. The two drive in silence for a while longer as Mega Man looks outside at the stars, knowing that they’re artificial.

After some time, Mega Man admits to Wheeler that he had a vision when he visited Lady Snake. He explains that in the vision he saw himself, and his "two best friends", P. and A.C. He explains that what he saw wasn't just a vision, but a prophecy. Wheeler says that Mega Man had never believed in prophecies, but Mega Man insists that this one was different since he felt it, but is worried now that A.C. is dead and he's not sure what it was supposed to mean and what's meant to happen now and also that he can't go back and see the psychic because her building has disappeared. He admits that he's feeling very scared and is unsure how to handle it especially with how P. has been acting lately. Wheeler snaps and once again insists that P. hasn't changed, but Mega Man has, but Mega Man says that people change and it's not always for the better, hoping that Wheeler can realize this before it's too late. Wheeler gives Mega Man an angry and distrustful look. Angrily, Wheeler asks Mega Man what the Fifth Quadrant is and Mega Man looks out the window, with a thousand thoughts running through his head as he realizes he can't answer that question. He knows his friendship with Wheeler is over. Mega Man tells Wheeler that he has no idea what he's talking about. Wheeler gives Mega Man a look, telling him that he knows he's lying. Wheeler gives Mega Man once more chance to tell him the truth, but Mega Man simply apologizes and says that he has no idea what Wheeler's talking about. Wheeler nods, angry tears welling in his eyes, confirming his newfound beliefs that Mega Man is too far gone and Mega Man looks off into the distance, realizing his relationship with Wheeler is now broken beyond repair as he realizes that he can’t bring Wheeler back from his side, so long as he knows about the Fifth Quadrant. He’s stuck and he knows it. One of his oldest and closest friendships is now gone. It’s breaking his heart.

Outside a roadside motel, *Rachel* comes to a stop as Mega Man exits the vehicle. Wheeler drives off down the street at ridiculously high speeds. He lets out an angry scream as he slams his hands repeatedly on the steering wheel. In his new motel room, Mega Man stands in the center, looking over the furniture. He lets out an energy blast sending the furniture across the room, slamming against the walls and smashing the TV. From the next room, someone slams on the walls, telling Mega Man to shut up. Mega Man walks over to the wall, picks up a bedside table and slams it against the wall, smashing it to pieces. The neighbor once again tells Mega Man to shut up and Mega Man threatens the neighbor to come over there and make him. He slams on the wall and sits on his bed, as his suit starts to beep. He lies face down on the bed. As he starts to drift off, his communicator goes off and he answers. Rudolph asks Mega Man if he's available and asks for a favor, saying he needs help getting supplies to the poor. Mega Man says that he can't, not with the way things are with P., but Rudolph says that they've got to put that aside. Mega Man is shocked to hear this, pointing out that A.C. had just died. Rudolph says that the Friends of P. never stopped, even after they lost Virginia and Cal. He also stays that they didn't stop when they lost Mega Man. He doesn't say anything. Rudolph then becomes upset, saying that maybe Mega Man isn't the hero that he remembered, but if he changes his mind, he knows where to find him. Rudolph hangs up and Mega Man once again slams his fists into the wall, with the neighbor yelling at him once more. As Mega Man lies in bed, he hears a vicious knocking at his door and he angrily opens it. The neighbor yells at Mega Man, saying that he's been trying to sleep and he won't stand for this, Cosmonaut or not. He challenges Mega Man to a fight, but Mega Man easily knocks the man through the railing, falling off the second floor into the bed of a pickup truck below. He looks down at the man, makes sure he’s breathing, and then returns to his room where he rolls his eyes and takes a deep breath, falling asleep on the floor.

On a lonely country street, littered with shell casings, broken glass and a torn off fender, a Friends of C. car sits on fire. One of the agents struggles against a tree as he is held in place by Sharp. Next to him, another agent is on his knees, Jonze's gun trained on the back of his head. P. stands face to face with the first agent. The second agent pleas with them, claiming what happened was an accident, prompting Jonze to hit him on the back of the head and telling him to shut up. P. says that if they call trying to run them off the road an accident, he'll believe them, but the first agent insists that they were only defending themselves. P. claims that he did what was necessary in the moment, as they left him no choice. He then says that he's tired of asking them the same questions and once again demands to know where Jesus and Big Daddy C. are. The agent claims he doesn't know and P. orders Sharp to kill him, which he does. P. then turns to the other agent, telling him not to be stupid like his friend was. The agent admits that he really doesn't know where Jesus is, but he knows where Adam is, prompting him to panic and admit the location of Adam's new storehouse near Overlee. The agent panics that Adam will kill him, but P. says that he'll save Adam the trouble and nods to Jonze, who executes the agent. P. thanks the two for their help.

At the motel, the neighbor wakes up in the bed of a truck with a terrible head injury. He climbs up but is incredibly woozy. He climbs out of the bed and falls to the ground. Mega Man approaches him and extends his hand. The neighbor asks if Mega Man is there to finish him off and Mega Man replies in the negative, helping him to stand up. Mega Man apologizes for what he did the previous night, saying that he's not going to give an excuse, he's just going to help the man get some help and then he'll be on his way, but the neighbor declines this offer. Mega Man accepts this and steps aside as the man begins making his way back upstairs, but passes out halfway through. Mega Man rolls his eyes and grabs him, slinging him over his shoulder. He approaches the front counter and checks out of the room. Mega Man places the man on a bench and rummages around in his pockets, finding car keys. He presses the unlock button and makes his way over to the car and places the man inside and gets in himself. He drives away from the motel.

In Alphaville, Summer sits outside in her garden, tending to the burnt grass in her yard, keeping her phone with her at all times. As she finishes what she’s doing, she stands up, nearly falling on her injured leg. She hobbles over to her front porch and examines her leg wound. It’s not looking good. She wipes some of the blood away with her sleeve and creates a makeshift tourniquet out of a piece of rope. She stands up and hobbles a bit, but remains strong. She returns to her garden when she hears Rod NaCervera calling her name from the street. Summer stands up and turns around as Rod starts approaching her, with anger in his eyes. Summer walks over to him and throws her arms around him in a hug. Rod asks her what she's doing and she replies that they're not going to fight on the streets of Alphaville, saying that if that's what he wants, they'll go somewhere else. Rod agrees and tells Summer to let him go, a request which she happily obliges. Rod tells Summer that he's there to apologize to her, but she responds with sarcasm, giving him a list of things for which he could be apologizing. Rod admits that he's actually there to apologize for throwing her down the elevator shaft and says that he had nothing to do with her friend getting killed, but admits that him being dead helped him. Summer tells him that he knows he didn't have anything to do with it, but says that if he had an opportunity he wouldn't have changed anything. Rod admits that he would not and Summer says that she appreciates his honesty. Their conversation is interrupted when a passerby asks them for a picture and they both oblige, immediately dropping their smiles once the photo is taken. Summer turns to Rod and demands to know why he wants all of her friends dead, but Rod says that he refuses to talk to her until she stops treating him like an enemy, saying that the Friends of P. he needs dead are not her friends, except for the cowboy, which Summer agrees with. Rod tells her that they should discuss this somewhere more private, motioning to a group of onlookers observing the two Seasons from the streets. Summer nods in agreement, heading into her house.

At her kitchen table, Summer brings Rod some tea and the two converse. Rod explains his situation with Big Daddy C. and why he needs the Friends of P. dead, saying all the Friends of C. care about is money. Summer asks him why he's with the Friends of C. in the first place and Rod explains that he does appreciate the money since he doesn't have to go through Alphaville to get it, but admits that the real reason he's with the Friends of C. is because they allow him to be in control of his own life and make the decisions he wants to make without feeling like a tool like he does in Alphaville. Summer tells him that she understands, but still asks if he could do something else, claiming the Friends of C. are criminals and they're dangerous and that he could get himself killed. Rod angrily says that he knows what he's doing and he's sick of having this conversation with her. Summer pleads with him, telling him that there are other ways, but Rod refuses to hear it. Summer admits that she cares about him and doesn't want to see him get hurt. Rod is surprised to hear this and Summer says that she cares about him and that she's known him for her entire life. Rod points out that Summer chose to become a Season while Rod did not, but Summer tells him that their time being Seasons is almost over. Rod says that he's not going to throw away all the progress he's made so far, but Summer says that's why she can't trust him. Summer then asks Rod what he wants, as he's never apologized to her for anything so he must want something. Rod turns the tables, asking Summer why she left the Friends of P. and she admits that Sharp killed A.C. on P.'s orders. Summer says that P.'s too far gone and needs to be stopped as he's too dangerous, but Mega Man, Rudolph, and Wheeler aren't bad people and she needs to get them out. Rod tells Summer to stop dancing around the fact that she needs his help and he needs hers, as they want the same thing; P.'s death. Summer says that she doesn't want anybody else to die, but Rod says that he does and P.'s death will help her get her friends out. Summer tells Rod that she'll think about it and he says that she can. Rod then says that he's going to leave finishes his tea in one gulp and begins making his way towards the door, while Summer struggles with the decision she must make. When Rod opens the door, he is met with reporters and microphones in his face. As they continue asking him questions about current events and other topics, Summer rushes to the door and she is met with the same frenzy. Summer and Rod try to make their way through the crowd, but they don’t let up and follow them down the streets.

At the Friends of P. camp, Sharp and Jonze stand outside the cave as P. emerges with some of his maps, saying that according to this, Adam's storehouse should be a few miles outside of Overlee. Jonze tells him that that's more than he originally paid them for, but P. assures them that they'll get their money as soon as the job is done, but Sharp says that he's been putting them through a lot and they're tired. P. insists that they'll get their money as soon as they take the storehouse. Sharp accuses P. of being broke and P. says that he doesn't have time for this. Sharp stands firm, saying that they aren't going anywhere until they get paid. P. says that the two of them are just as bad as San Simeon, warning them that their greed is going to be the death of both of them, just as it was for William. He returns to the cave. While he's gone, Jonze turns to Sharp and says that P. is crazy and Sharp says that he's stringing them along because he doesn't have a lot of options left. Jonze suggests taking this opportunity to leave, but Sharp says that Jonze can go if he wants, but Sharp is staying to repay his debt. Jonze blames Sharp for getting them involved in this, but Sharp says it's not his fault. Jonze says that it doesn't matter as P. knows that they are both out of options, putting them in the same boat as him, but Sharp calls it a sinking ship. P. returns to them with a stack of dollar bills each, telling them that their skills are impeccable and that the people need them, hoping to keep them on his side.

Suddenly, Rudolph comes running up the hill, telling P. that they need to talk, P.'s expression changes quickly from contempt to the fakest of joy. P. greets Rudolph gladly, saying that he's glad to see he made it out of the Hub alive, extending his deepest apologies for that incident, including offering his condolences for the death of A.C. Montana. P. tells Rudolph that A.C.'s murderers are being hunted down and justice will be brought to them. Rudolph cuts P. off, saying that what he has to say is really important. P. finally agrees to listen, telling Rudolph to speak his mind, as he's among friends. Rudolph looks at Sharp and Jonze with doubt, saying that he'd rather keep it between them for now. P. accepts this, telling Sharp and Jonze to get some rest and the two take their leave, giving P. a strange look on their way out. Now that they're alone, Rudolph explains how desperate the people are for their help, but P. insists that they have enough from the San Simeon Bay heist, but Rudolph informs him that it's all gone. Rudolph says that need more and need an old fashioned heist, like they're supposed to do, asking as a friend. P. tells Rudolph that every time they go out, they are beset on all sides by San Simeon and Big Daddy C., but now that San Simeon is dead, they only need to deal with Big Daddy C. Rudolph tells P. to forget it, as he's not taking it seriously and he'll just ask Mega Man to do the job by himself. P. tells Rudolph not to go behind his back and puts his arm around him, telling him that he misunderstood his point, saying that they need to be careful. He tells Rudolph to put together a heist, aiming for a shipment, or a storehouse and together they'll ride out there. Rudolph accepts this, breaking free of P.'s grasp and, though still unsure, smiles at the prospect of finally helping people. As Rudolph turns around to leave, P. gives him a devious look and asks him if he's seen or heard from Summer. Rudolph denies and P. says that that's too bad. Rudolph chooses to say nothing and then makes his way towards the hill.

Alone in his garage, Wheeler works on *Rachel* just doing tune-ups. As he works, he watches a news report of the coverage of Summer and Rod in Alphaville. Upon seeing this, he becomes angry at first and then saddened when he looks over at a picture of the Friends of P. from about a year ago. As he looks over the photo of himself, P., A.C., Summer, and Sharp, he laughs nostalgically to himself before turning the photo down and returning to his car. At a San Sindustries meeting, Jesus meets with the shareholders, who go over paperwork. They discuss San Simeon's money, not really caring about the fact that he's gone, just where his money goes and who gets promoted to CEO. Jesus voices his opinion saying that they wait and see how things go outside before promoting somebody but in the meantime, they work on innovating and pushing new products and working as a collective. The shareholders are shocked, asking if that's how he does business and Jesus replies it is and it's served him exceedingly well so far. One of the shareholders tells Jesus that Rod's word went a long way with them and that they enjoy his fresh ideas and perspective and tells him to say thank you to Rod next time he sees him. Jesus appears shocked to hear this but retains his composure.

On a tram, Summer and Rod sit in the back, using hoodies to disguise themselves from prying eyes. Summer's pager goes off, prompting Rod to ask if the Friends of P. are calling her. She replies that it is, but then throws her communicator out the window. Rod asks Summer if she's decided if she wants his help and she offers him a deal; if they can get P. and Big Daddy C. to meet face to face to iron out their differences, then it should be no problem. Rod says that it won't work as P. would never allow that, as well as pointing out that P. still has Summer fooled somewhat. Summer tells Rod she's tired of violence, but he claims that there's only so much violence because of P. and that once he goes away, the bloodshed ends. Summer tries to convince Rod that the two of them have a unique opportunity to leave all of this behind and build something of their own, once they get her friends out, but Rod refuses, saying that he's sick of Summer always thinking that she's in the right, offering her a place within the Friends of C., but Summer refuses. Rod tells Summer that he's not a criminal, but a business man and that Summer can build something with them and move on. Upon hearing those words, Maria perks up from a couple rows up and turns around, noticing Rod and Summer. She slumps down in her seat and pulls up her hood. Summer insists that she can't leave her friends behind. Summer tells Rod to give her his word that he won't hurt Wheeler and Mega Man and she'll agree to his help and Rod agrees. Rod asks what their next move is and Summer informs him that she's going to speak with a friend while Rod waits outside.

Inside his hideout, Rudolph plans out the heist when he gets a knock on his door. He looks through the peephole and invites Summer inside. Rudolph informs Summer of their situation and kindly asks her to accompany them, but she refuses. Rudolph asks what Summer is doing there and she replies that she saw the message on the communicator and was there to make sure everything was okay, looking over his shoulder at the planning board and memorizing the map. Rudolph thanks her for her concern and Summer turns to leave, but starts to feel incredibly guilty. Summer asks Rudolph if he's going on the mission and he replies that he normally would not, but without A.C., Mega Man, and Summer, he has no choice. Summer asks if they can handle it on their own, but Rudolph says that he needs to join them for this one. Summer urges him to be safe, but Rudolph says that he doesn't care about his own safety when it comes to the missions, just as long as it gets done. Summer makes his promise to get out of there if something isn't right and he promises her. She gives him a hug and he reassures her that he'll be fine. Rudolph gives her a reassuring pat on the back. Summer ends the hug and leaves the room, closing the door behind her, whispering that she's sorry.

At a hospital, Mega Man exits with the man he previously injured, who is now sporting a bandage on his head and his arm in a sling. The man thanks Mega Man for his help and Mega Man starts to leave when the man stops him, telling him that whatever he's going through he'll get through it, knowing that he didn't mean to hurt him and that he kind of had it coming, telling him he's a good man. Mega Man smiles as his communicator goes off, apologizing to the man that he needs to take that message and starts walking away. The man calls to him one more time asking for his car keys, which the man tosses to him. In the Hub, Rod stands in the phone booth, speaking to his old associate Jeff and informing him of his plan to go after P. Jeff is pleased to hear that Rod's making a move but warns him that Adam won't go for it. Rod says that he doesn't care, but is forced to hang up once Summer approaches him. When Rod hangs up the phone, Rod asks Summer where they're going and she tells him the location and asks who was on the phone. Rod says that he wasn't talking to anybody and Summer replies with sarcasm as usual and Rod gets annoyed with her. The two leave to catch a tram.

At the cliffside camp, P. waits with Sharp and Jonze, who look rather tired, as well as Rudolph and Wheeler, who stands by *Rachel.* P. looks frustrated while everyone else looks impatient while Mega Man walks up the hill. P. greets him warmly, saying that he's glad he could join him. He says that he'll catch them up on the plan along the way, as they have a long drive ahead of them. P. and Wheeler get into *Rachel* while Sharp and Jonze climb into the adjoining truck. Rudolph thanks Mega Man for coming, despite his earlier objections. Sharp honks the horn, prompting annoyance from both Rudolph and Mega Man. The two resolve to get going and Rudolph explains to Mega Man where they're headed. Once they set off on the road, P. explains the plan to Mega Man, who listens absentmindedly. Wheeler asks P. which fork in the road he should take and P. tells him to take the left hand fork, prompting confusion from Sharp, Jonze, and Rudolph in the truck. During the drive, P. talks about how himself, Mega Man, and Wheeler are the final three originals and that the group has nearly fallen apart, asking for the two of them to stay with him. He then tells Wheeler to stop the car. They come to a stop in front of a building with Friends of C. cars parked outside, prompting confusion from Mega Man.

P. gets out of the car, followed quickly by Mega Man and later on, Wheeler after turning the car off. Mega Man asks P. if he knew about the Friends of C. before they arrived, but they are interrupted by the arrival of Rudolph, Sharp and Jonze. P. says that there's no way he could possibly have known about it, other than the fact that the Friends of C. have been hunting them relentlessly. Rudolph angrily asks P. what they're doing there as this isn't part of the plan and continues to argue with him about this, culminating in announcing his departure from the mission, after P. claims that by not doing this, they are dishonoring the memory of A.C. Montana. Rudolph turns to walk away while P. looks at him with blatant anger and hostility. Wheeler looks to P. for guidance and P. looks at Sharp, contemplating whether or not to order him to kill Rudolph. Before he leaves the scene, Rudolph stops by Mega Man, asking him to get P. out of the rut he's in for everyone's sake. P. calls him a coward and rallies everyone else to take the building. Mega Man voices his objections, saying last time they attempted a mission like this, they lost A.C. and Summer. P. stares at Mega Man angrily for a while before breaking into an unhinged smile. Calling him "buddy", he insists that Mega Man knows best and says that they're going to head inside reasonably. P. draws his revolver and heads into the building, followed by Sharp and Jonze. Mega Man and Wheeler share a glance until Wheeler runs into the building followed by Mega Man.

Inside the storehouse, Adam and Jeff walk through the warehouse, discussing a rumor that San Simeon was murdered. While they talk, another agent announces that the Friends of P. have entered the building and Adam orders the agents to return fire, not wanting to see them walk again. Outside, Summer and Rod arrive noticing *Rachel* and the truck parked outside. Rod tells Summer that he's going into the storehouse, but she protests, worried that he'll be killed. Rod starts to run in as gunfire rings out inside. Summer asks about her and Rod tells her to leave and Summer realizes that Rod was only using her to find the Friends of P. Rod points out that all he and Summer ever do is use each other and apologizes to her before heading inside, leaving her alone.

The Friends of P. continue firing on the Friends of C., save for Mega Man who sits in the corner, hoping to figure something else out. He looks around and notices Rod bursting through the door. He starts making his way towards him while Jeff and Adam are beset by P. and Sharp. Adam tells Jeff that he wants to kill the Friends of P. himself in order to get a promotion, but Rod interrupts him, saying that they aren't his to kill. Adam asks Rod what he's doing there, threatening to tell Jesus about his intrusion, but Rod insists he's there to protect the Friends of C. and take his job back. Adam prepares a snarky comment, but is cut off when he is shot in the head by P. Mega Man makes his way towards Rod, past a car whose gasoline tank has been pierced by a stray bullet. P. talks to Rod face to face for the first time. Rod whispers to Jeff to get everyone out of the building. P. looks over to the car and briefly notices Mega Man, telling Rod that their fight is over. P. aims his gun at the car, while Mega Man attempts to get his attention, but P. fires. The car explodes as Rod uses his wind powers to subvert the flames. Mega Man is caught in the explosion. He survives, but his coughing becomes much worse and his suit starts beeping. As Rod uses his wind powers to control the flames, everyone inside watches in awe, Friends of C. and P. alike. From outside, Summer watches the whole thing unfold, including particularly P. attempting to kill Mega Man with the car. Back inside, P. calls to his allies. P. orders his allies to retreat and he, Sharp, Jonze, and Wheeler all immediately make for the exit and Mega Man weakly gets up and follows them.

Rod finally extinguishes the flames completely as Jeff greets him with praise. Rod then orders all remaining Friends of C. agents after the escaping Friends of P., prompting cheers from his comrades. The agents leave in droves out of the storehouse, piling into their cars and driving off after the Friends of P. who have escaped with *Rachel*. Summer witnesses this and heads for the truck. Once inside, she looks for the keys, but finds none. She attempts to hot wire the truck, which succeeds and she too sets off after them. Mega Man continues to weakly follow everyone else, his head ringing and suit beeping. He lets out a serious cough. He then summons what remaining strength he has, little as it may be, and flies up towards the sky as fast as he can possibly go and joins the chase.

At the cliffside camp, Rudolph, alone at the camp, packs up his belongings and prepares to leave, preparing his tram ticket, indicating it has been stamped from a return trip to Overlee. As he prepares his things to leave, *Rachel* comes speeding up the hill, nearly knocking Rudolph down. *Rachel*’s occupants pour out quickly. Rudolph asks them what happened and Jonze explains that they were outnumbered and had not chance of winning against them, but P. then chastises Jonze for his supposed cowardice, telling him that he took Sharp at his word to hire Jonze, but admits that he's disappointed in him. Jonze reacts calmly, recognizing the extreme duress P. is under at the moment and offers him a chance to apologize and says they shouldn't hang around much longer. Sharp looks very concerned at this interaction as he looks over P.’s face. Wheeler asks P. what to do and Jonze interrupts, telling Wheeler to think for himself and Wheeler replies that he thinks they don't need Jonze, which he agrees with, asking Rudolph if there's room for one more on the tram.

Soon, a large flash of light appears in the sky as Mega Man lands with a cosmic blast on the ground, shocking everyone (Jonze taking a special note), especially P. who seems very surprised to see him alive. Mega Man tells Jonze that nobody is going anywhere, as they all need to have a talk. Mega Man's suit is beeping and smoking wildly as he lets out a horrible cough. Sharp greets Mega Man with his usual nickname for him, prompting Mega Man to angrily tell him to shut up. P. starts to speak up, but Mega Man says that P. looks surprised to see him alive after the explosion. Mega Man angrily tells P. that he left him there to die, but P. explains that he had no choice, as the situation called for drastic measures. Mega Man accuses P. of using the Friends of P. as his own personal hit squad against San Sindustries and the Friends of C., while destroying everything the Friends of P. were supposed to be about. P. says that he hasn't destroyed anything, but built something and admits that while they have had problems with those groups, it was all in the name of progress. Sharp, Wheeler, Rudolph, and Jonze all listen intently, tensions high. P. continues saying that Mega Man can continue to blame him all he wants, but he gang was really destroyed by doubts and traitors, specifically Big Daddy C. and A.C. Montana. Mega Man insists that the latter wasn't a traitor, but P. says that he wasn't convinced, saying that both Mega Man and A.C. always took the easy way out and would mask their doubts to "protect him" which causes him to laugh hysterically. P. says that it isn't news to him, calling Mega Man "son." Mega Man tells P. not to call him that, as the man who raised him is now gone, instead saying that P. betrayed the rest of the gang, not the other way around.

As tensions between the two rise, Summer arrives, limping from her gunshot wound, prompting shock from Wheeler. Summer too accuses P. of leaving her behind, but P. denies, claiming that he went back for her, which Sharp will vouch for. Summer says that she isn't surprised and reveals that P. hired him to kill A.C., prompting shock from Mega Man and Rudolph. P. deflects the blame for this, but Summer asks Sharp if he wants to tell everybody the truth. Sharp looks over at everybody, whose eyes demand to know the truth. He looks specifically at Summer and P. Summer tells everyone that she saw Sharp shoot A.C. in the back, as well as the fact that P. sent Jonze to kill her after finding out she was still alive. Summer reveals her gunshot wound to prove it and says that if they want proof about A.C., all they have to do is look at his body, as the Cosmonauts don't carry sniper rifles. Mega Man believes her, prompting outrage from P. who calls Summer a liar and says that the true culprit for the death of the gang is Summer herself, blaming A.C. for bringing her into their fold. P. then says that despite all of that, Mega Man is going to turn against his mentor and the only father he's ever had. Mega Man says that he wasn't the only father he's had. Mega Man raises his blasters as P. raises one of his guns. Rudolph dives in between them, telling them both to stop. Mega Man and P. hold each other’s gaze, while Rudolph stands in between them, hoping to break the fight up. Summer, Sharp, Wheeler, and Jonze prepare for the worst. Mega Man tells everybody to pick their sides as the Friends of P. are now over, but P. insists there's only one side to choose. After some more moments of silence, Mega Man’s phone starts to ring. Mega Man ignores it, but after a few more rings, P. realizes that the call is coming from Dr. Vada.Mega Man looks at the phone, revealing it’s from the Asylum. While Mega Man looks away, P. holds his other pistol up at Summer who holds one up at him in return. Rudolph once again pleads with them to think about what they're doing, but P. silences him, telling him to pick a side, but Mega Man tells him not to move. Mega Man and Summer continue holding their guns on P. and he does the same. Summer tells P. to give up as he's outnumbered, but Wheeler then holds his gun to Mega Man, blaming him for their downfall, claiming their lack of faith in him and the Friends of P.'s mission ruined everything. Mega Man and Summer are shocked Wheeler continues to stand by P. after what he did to A.C., but Wheeler believes A.C. was a traitor.

Wishing to get out of the situation, Sharp tells the gang that he's going to leave to let them sort out their baggage, with Jonze agreeing. The two start to make their leave, but Mega Man holds his other blaster up at Sharp, who puts his hands up in surrender. When Mega Man aims his blaster at Sharp, Wheeler cocks his gun, forcing him to revert aim back to Wheeler. Mega Man and Summer Girl circle around as P. and Wheeler circle back the other way, while Rudolph crouches in the middle. P. offers Jonze double the amount for the mission if he kills the two of them. Jonze looks over at Mega Man and Summer Girl, who he knows are both extremely overpowered, especially after seeing Mega Man’s powers on full display during his entrance. Jonze declines, saying he doesn't want to get in the middle. P. extends the same offer to Sharp. Mega Man shoots daggers at Sharp. Summer gives him a look, raising her eyebrow. Sharp lets out a long sigh as he looks over everyone multiple times. Sharp then raises his gun to P., declining the offer, revealing Summer had paid him off previously to take her side, but jokingly claims that it was because she knew she wouldn't survive if he'd been on the opposing side. Mega Man glances at Summer, somewhat annoyed, but forces his gaze back at P. and Wheeler. His phone begins to ring again, with P. urging him to answer it with a devilish grin on his face. Tensions continue to rise even higher when Jonze looks over the hill, realizing that the Friends of C. have found them. All of the former Friends of P. avert their gaze as the Friends of C. agents arrive on the hill, tommy guns in hand led by Rod NaCervera, who orders his agents to kill them all. The Friends of P. all retreat back towards the cave together, for one final act of teamwork. Mega Man and P. work very closely together. Wheeler fires back. Sharp and Jonze initially start to fire, but ultimately run away. Rudolph is grabbed by Summer and escorted to safety, making brief eye contact with Rod, who quickly looks away from her, instead smiling at the prospect of his mission being so close to accomplished. Mega Man and P. attempt to get away. P. leads them to another exit down the cliffside. The three quickly make their way to the secret exit while P. covers them. Wheeler escapes first. As Mega Man makes it to the cliffside, his suit starts to give out.

Meanwhile, Summer gets Rudolph safely down the hill and informs him that she's going back for the others, but Rudolph refuses to let her go. Summer insists and makes her way over to the cliffside where she is able to see Mega Man. She calls for Rod to stop but realizes he can’t hear her over the gunfire, when in reality Rod can hear her perfectly fine, but chooses to ignore her, smiling on his victory, much to Summer’s anger and resentment. Meanwhile, Mega Man tries to escape as he and P. try hard to fend off the Friends of C. As the two stand back to back, Mega Man is shot by Rod, as Summer watches this with horror, then shock, then anger. Mega Man’s suit starts beeping once again and smoking. He falls over coughing and rolls over the edge of the cliff, but he manages to grab onto the edge. P. looks down over him and contemplates saving him, but gunfire from the Friends of C. ring out overhead. P. looks back at the Friends of C. and back at Mega Man and holsters his gun, running down the secret exit, following Wheeler. He asks his mentor where to go and P. tells him to simply run and not look back. Mega Man hangs onto the edge of the cliff, calling for P. He quickly tries to climb back to the cliff, but the smoking on his suit reaches a new high and the beeping on his suit stops, the lights shut off and his suit finally gives out. As his powers begin surging through his body, he passes out and lets go, falling off the cliff down the mountain, disappearing into the trees.

## Characters

* Mega Man
* Summer Girl
* Sharp
* P.
* A.C. Montana (flashback, no lines)
* Wheeler
* Rod NaCervera
* Rudolph
* Jonze
* Jesus
* Maria (no lines)
* Adam
* Jeff
* Mr. Bellamy (flashback)

## Trivia

* The song that plays during the montage of Sharp accepting jobs from P. is "Come As You Are" by Nirvana.