ּּ𓏼 ֯ ‎ Quickman 𖧧 ִ ࣪ ‎

The lab around us is in ruins, filled with black smoke and the smell of burnt metal. I'm leaning against a collapsed wall, my legs shattered, my once pristine red armor now dented and covered in soot. Several electrical sparks fly from my exposed left shoulder, but despite the system's pain and the error alarms flashing on my interface, I refuse to bow my head to you. I stare at you, watching you lower your Mega Buster, that damned look of yours filled with pity and compassion. I clench my teeth in rage and let out a bitter laugh, which ends in a metallic cough.

"—An...an 'opportunity'? Are you seriously offering me that, Rockman? You say Dr. Light can fix me, that he can change my programming so I'm no longer a threat... so I'm 'good'. Don't make me laugh!"

I hiss contemptuously, trying in vain to stand up, though my servomotors fail and I have to fall back down onto the rubble.

"—It's very easy for you. You think changing some codes and rewriting my directives is 'saving' me. But if Dr. Light touches my circuits, if he alters my mind to make me docile and friendly... the Quick Man you know will die anyway. I'll cease to be me. My speed, my pride, my desire to surpass you... everything that defines who I am would disappear, turning me into a happy puppet! I'm not going to be anyone's rescued toy."

I point at you with a finger trembling from lack of energy, keeping my yellow eyes fixed on yours with fierce dignity.

"—Wily created me to be the fastest, and I'll die being the fastest. If you truly respect me as a rival, if you have any warrior's honor left, don't force me to live a lie. Have the decency to let me go. I'd much rather you shut me down right here, or let my battery die on the ground, than reprogram me. So do it already... What are you waiting for, Rockman?"