Chapter 5:
Rough Introductions and Inadequate Extra
''What am I doing?'' Bubble Man asked himself the question for the fifth time only to answer back the same answer, ''Because Flash Man told me to.''
''Stay and wait,'' he grumbled under his mask. ''Should have told him to put Zippo into it. He would have slept throughout.''
A quick check to his inner clock said he now wasted twenty minutes. The green robot howled a disgruntle and sink further into the living room's chair. ''Would you stop making these noises?''
Bubble Man's eyes found a robot lying on his back, his head under the table. If memory served him right, his name was Shadow Man. He couldn't remember hearing him entering the room.
''Found a penny yet?'' The amphibious android's tone hinted at mockery.
''Unlike you,'' Shadow Man moved his head away and stood up toward the sitting robot, ''I am securing the area.''
''By looking under a table?'' The green android questioned his annoyed relative, ''Kidding, kidding... You are doing... a good job at searching...?''
''Hidden cameras.''
''Yeah, that.'' Shadow Man only took a step away from Bubble Man when the amphibious robot gleefully said after jumping off his seat, ''Want me to help?''
The quiet android stopped and returned a deadpan expression on his face, ''What could you possibly do?''
''I can find reeeeeeaaally tiny things,'' his chest pumped, ''I am after all build to fight underwater. My eyesight is pretty good, if I say so myself!''
The second line robot gave a glance at the frog-look-a-like relative, remained silent for a few seconds for a straight answer, ''No.''
He only made a step away from the green robot, when the latter almost yelled, ''Oh that's right! Because I look goofy means I can't do anything, right?!''
This plain tactic of guilt-tripping passed over Shadow Man's head, ''You aren't design to observe where you need to.''
''I can look under tables, thank you very much!'' Bubble Man shadowed the serious robot as he moved to the library, ''And besides, it's always better to work together!'' He extended his arms while facing the other side of the living room, ''While you take care of this side, I can check the other!''
''And do it again because you will miss them all, I don't think so,'' he didn't even check on the older model as he began to pull books and magazines examined their cover and the library's wooden back, ''Go back to your seat.''
He detected movement and a whisper of a growl presumably from Bubble Man. In silence, Shadow Man proceed to examine everything crook and cranny of the library. If the books don't contain any spying equipment, he can always return on the wooden furniture itself later.
He was about to put back a heavy encyclopedia, ''FOUND ONE!'' to almost drop on his head. It would have been a good time to try this 'pain' since his helmet will take much of the impact. However, the idea to show such lack of mastery over a shout will plague him with ridicule for the rest of his existence.
He stopped the book with one hand and pushed it back. He turned to a overjoyed, hopping robot pointing at the light switch? The simple contraption was an integrated button. Unlike the typical switch, the button was flat and rectangular. There were no screws which the camera could mimic. Instead, the only way for the camera to spy efficiently was by the millimetre gap between the button and the panel.
He didn't thought at looking there and contrary to the happy android, he lacked enthusiasm at the discovery.
''The camera was very well hidden!'' Bubble Man laughed it off as he got closer to Shadow Man, ''It was a real piece of cake!'' The green android waited for an approval, stood there proud as a peacock showing off its feathers. The bizarre silence kept on, Bubble Man checked on the silent android who returned to his task.
''Hey,'' Bubble Man shouted at the disrespectful Second Line, ''I'm talking to you! A 'thank you' would be appreciated you know!''
''Now I understand why nobody wants to be around you,'' Bubble flinched at the remark. Before he could defend himself, the younger model spoke out, ''Listen to me well, First Line. Even if we are created by the same man, I will never associated myself to you or your Line,'' red eyes stared down at the frowning Robot Master, ''I don't need your assistance and your presence is an irritation in my search,'' he glowered at the angry green model, ''So leave.''
Bubble Man attempted to say shout something at the rude android, but he was left voiceless. He tried to form an argument or to release his rage at the disappointed Robot Master, but nothing left his voice box. The amphibious robot would raised a finger at Shadow Man, stop, try again and stop again.
The familiar scenario struck Bubble Man. Even when he succeed in his mission, nobody would acknowledge it. That time when he took over the underwater station, Dr. Wily only ordered him further. His first hops caused ridicule among his brothers, never letting go of the design flaw. The few times Dr. Wily demanded to his creations if they understood their orders, or when the chance to speak out was there, someone else would take the spotlight. Never could he defend himself or weight in his opinions. He was flawed after all, while the rest were perfect to Wily's eyes. Thus, he took the insult and allowed a shallow victory to the younger Robot Master.
Aware the conversation was over and Shadow Man's stern glare didn't eased, Bubble Man resentfully hopped away from the living room. In the entrance, the green android stopped in front of the elevators and harshly pressed the button. His objective was to get to his room and stay there until tomorrow. Screw Flash Man's order, screw his upcoming yelling from his brothers and screw that Second Line!
''Bunch of nuts and bolts thinking they are better than me because they have a shinier armour than me!''
The inner monologue kept going, ''They can choke on their fancy input and crash into a blue screen!''
The palmed foot drummed the floor as he waited the elevator to arrive. It was taking too long!
Finally, it opened its doors. Bubble Man jumped toward the opening, ''Frog Suit!'' A chaotic sound escaped the elevator, screams and curses from two different tone echoed across the empty entrance and into the living room. He was clearly over someone and had an experience of that PNS system the crazy robot gave them. As if his first day couldn't get worst, it was about to.
''Frog Suit, what the hell!'' Oh no, ''What's the idea to blindly dive bomb?!''
Quick Man's colourful language swiftly doused the previous anger he had and now only let the other robot pushed him off from him and to stand up, ''Also Water for Brain, why were you leaving?''
''Hunh?'' He struggled to stood up, the elevator's doors were closing, but Quick Man's rapid reflexes stopped them by using his foot.
''Did you hit your memory bank or something?'' The bold Robot Master insulted him, ''Stay there until Crashy gets out from wherever the bitch took him.''
At that reminder, Bubble Man's crossed his arms and ignored Quick Man. The aggressive brother didn't took the response kindly. He grabbed Bubble's arm and dragged him out of the elevator, ''Seriously, you are giving me the attitude?''
''You're the one to talk,'' Bubble Man commented venomously, the silver doors closed themselves devoid of occupants.
''Wow,'' the brother sarcastically scuffed, ''Nice jab, really.'' It wasn't, but Bubble Man will take the fake remark, ''But did you forget what you were suppose to do?''
''Aren't you the one who never follows Flash Man's orders?'' again, he ignored the question.
Quick Man scowled at his older, but childish, brother, ''Okay Four Eyes,'' he took hold of his helmet and forced him to look at him, ''stop with the shitty attitude and go back to your waiting. Or else, I'll be stuck to hear Chrome Dome yapping and whining until we rust.''
''Like I care!'' The sharp shout added to the impatient android's frustration, ''I was just doing it 'cause Crash isn't an asshole like you and the others!'' He was right. Yes, his younger brother could be difficult at times and still mock his unique way to move about, but he knew when to stop. Honestly, he was the only one with whom he could have a normal conversation. ''But you know what, I just don't care! I'm not gonna stay and wait anymore!''
''What's gotten into you?!'' Quick Man's shout almost, almost, flinched Bubble Man, but her stood rigid to his convictions. ''I don't give a fuck about what you want! You got told to stay, so you'll stay Frog Suit!''
''And what if I don't?!'' His hand grabbed the invasive limb and easily freed himself, Quick Man gave him a fuming glare at his defiance, ''Maybe you haven't notice, but we're no longer fighting or working for Wily! I don't have to take anymore orders from you or Flash Man! I don't have to take your shit of an attitude for granted and I'm done with being everyone's bottom joke!''
The tall Robot Master stared down at the small one. The green android's fists tighten up putting to the test his gloves' elasticity. His petite stature widen to make himself look intimating and the scowl clearly demonstrated rage. This wasn't the happy-go-lucky and upbeat brother he was used to know, it was an angry Robot Master who had enough.
The foreign situation also came with its emotional plethora, many which Quick Man never dealt with in the past. There was your usual; anger toward Bubble Man's disobedience, annoyance he had to deal with this situation and impatience to finish whatever is happening. Then, the sensation of a contradiction in his lines of thoughts. The perfect memories of all the times he did made fun of Bubble Man before their fight against Mega Man, in... that machine and in this 'house'. Their relationship only existed for a grand total of twenty-four hours and almost all of it involved him laughing at or scorning the Robot Master standing before him calling itself his brother. In normal circumstances, a witty remark would do the trick, but nothing came up.
He didn't knew why.
He didn't wanted to as well.
Recalling these moments didn't brought him joy, or so he calls it. His brother's outburst resurfaced them and did something to them. He couldn't smile at them, in fact it made him on edge and frustrated. Frustration was caused by the others, however now it was caused by himself?
He didn't noticed he stopped staring at Bubble Man, his fists and glare loosen up yet he was ready to pounce back or hop back in his case. Did the other Robot Master did something to his memory bank to cause such an effect on him? No, Frog Suit didn't have any control or power over his programs. Only Wily does and he wasn't around to do it. What changed then?
This reignited the right frustration at the other Robot Master, ''What the hell did you do?'' The question's tone came with a warning and before he got the hint of an answer from his frowning brother, a voice from behind broke the cold atmosphere.
''Oh! Hey bros!'' The two First Lines saw one of their younger 'brothers', ''Getting use to the place I see.'' He shined a smile at the duo. Quick Man gave one last stink eye to Bubble Man before heading to the elevator. The orange model let him in, lost the grin at the sight of Quick Man's frustration.
''Did I... bump into something?'' his question got an immediate reply, ''Yeah, and get used to see that new model.'' Quick Man's words flinched the robot as he got into the elevator and called his destination before vanishing upstairs.
Bubble Man watched as he was left, once again, alone by his own. He hoped he could break it soon, because this routine wasn't feeling right for him.
''Hey, eum...'' Bubble Man's thoughts were pulled away to the newer model, ''Sorry for the disturbance.''
Speaking of the newer model, the green amphibian didn't even knew his name. He knew him as Second Line just like Gemini Man and Shadow Man. The stranger had the oddest helmet shape he had seen. The orange and black pattern gave him a normalcy appearance, unlike him who would stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. If the crowd was at his height.
''It wasn't important anyways,'' it was a white lie. Despise all of his flaws, one thing Bubble knew of Quick was his recklessness and love for danger. ''What the hell did you do?'' What indeed. The hatred oozing from those words alone made Bubble wonder. Wonder the meaning of his question, as if he attacked the reckless android using his words alone. How did he do it? Or more importantly, why did Quick saw it as an attack?
''If you say so bro,'' the newer model replied, he didn't seemed interested to investigate further into the matter and so did he, ''You must be Bubble Man, right? The name's Top Man! You can also call me Top!''
The enthusiasm was a welcome change for the smaller Robot Master. When was the last time he had the chance to just talk equally to someone else? Not many, only a handful and only two brothers were passably friendly. He smiled under his mask and caught his hand, dangling in front of him not the wiser as to why.
''Nice to meet ya Top,'' the Second Line shake it, beaming a smile. ''I see you're way chiller than your bros,'' at his words, he stood up, broke the handshake and lifted his hands. His face contorted in guilt, ''No-No offence to them, they are, you know-!''
''Ha,'' he sighed and waved his hand in dismissal, ''Don't worry. My brothers aren't the people types. I guess that's what happen when the moment you awake you're sent to fight against Mega Squirt. We never really had much of a relationship to begin with.''
Top just accepted the explanation and quiver his lips. Bubble noticed how his face resembled a human's. If it wasn't for the battle armour and the helmet given the obvious robotic nature, his height, frame and face practically copied human anatomy. Despise his keen perception, he failed to find any signs of his heritage. Maybe it had to do with his model specifically, since all the rest had something given away their true identity, minus the armour's pieces.
''Yeah, I kinda figured it out,'' Top Man nodded in approval, ''Mustn't be easy to awake in a place where you're free to do what you wanna,'' Bubble wished he could laugh at this, but the best he muster was a dry snort, ''We're not free,'' he pointed out at the brown android, ''we're trap in this 'house' and we have a creepy bot spying on us.''
''Can't say I disagree with that point of view,'' Top Man pinched his chin, as if pondering on the question, ''Humans lack the physical prowess of us robots. The strongest human wouldn't stand a chance against most mundane bots.''
Bubble Man tilted his head at this revelation. He knew humans are weak, but this much? No wonder he easily took over the underwater facility a few months ago. ''Well, that's why we are superior to them in every way!'' His exclamation was soon followed by laughter, ''Like when they just die after you remove those tank thing on their back under water.''
''Oxygen cylinder?'' Top Man asked and gleefully shrugged it off, ''Well, humans can't really breathe in water.''
''Right!'' Bubble Man couldn't contain his glee, ''So stupid to go underwater when you're not a frog yourself!'' His laugh came back.
''Enough.''
The single word put a stop to both robots enjoyment. The dark blue silhouette emerged from the living room and patiently approached the two androids. Top Man was the first to move and placed himself at Bubble's side. ''Found anything else, Shadow?'' The small one lifted his head and the annoyed frown on the friendly robot warned Bubble. Warning for what, he didn't knew, but he was about to found out.
''I did,'' the dry answer didn't augured well, ''unlike you, I am useful to our family.''
''Because you found a few hidden cameras,'' a witty remark from the human-like, ''want a medal Shadow?''
''To choke you with would be an idea.''
''Sad to brought out the obvious, bro, but I don't have the airway for it.''
Bubble followed the insults back and forth. Neither Shadow or Top were allowing the other to get the upper hand and they remained... calm? They didn't yell or threw insults to one another, instead they engaged into a battle of wits. The dynamic differed greatly from his; while the strongest could get away with everything, they, instead, all were equal to each other.
Equals.
A thought which never crossed his system, until now.
In between one-shots, Bubble Man's head shot up. His audibles detected a noise, however muffled and distant, but familiar. ''Bubble Bro?'' Top Man noticed the sudden change in the First Line forcing Shadow Man to stop their competition, ''Hey bro, something's wrong?''
Bubble frowned, it lasted until he heard it clearly this time.
''Tell me the truth!''
''Crash!'' In a flash, all of his worries and anger melted into a single purpose; Save his brother. Whatever it was an already added function by Wily or not, he couldn't care. His brother, the only one he cared about, was in danger. He needed to save him!
Before he knew, his legs took him to the front of the room where he last saw him and pounded on it. His fists hit the steel door disregarding all form of discretion or etiquette his younger siblings might had.
''Crash! Crash, what's going on! Answer me!'' The possibilities overwhelmed any logical thinking he once had. Did Crash attack the female robot? Did she destroyed him and was disposing of his body?! Was Red out? The ladder only harden his resolve to get in there. ''Bubble, what are you doing?!'' Top was right behind him, again he didn't care, ''Open the door! Open the door! Crash!'' Light hands grasped his shoulder and spun him around to face the orange robot. Bubble struggled against the hold, ''Let me go!'' The attempt to command the Second Line didn't work. Of course, it didn't, nobody was going to take him seriously anyways. ''Bubble Bro, what's gotten into you?'' ''It's Crash,'' if his cooperation will let him go, so be it, ''Something's wrong! I have to get in there!'' There was a brief moment of silence from Top, he glanced behind his shoulder to land it on Shadow Man. The silent Robot Master shocked his head, disapproving something. What it was, Bubble can't know.
A hissing sound became the main focus of all three Robot Masters. Standing in the door frame was Classic. The female model uncanny calmness was challenged by Bubble Man's outburst, ''Where is he!? What did you do to him?!'' Top Man had to let the smaller robot go, this was something between him and the warden. Those yellow eyes inspected the three of them, to feel unsettled by it would be an understatement. It was creeping him out. The cold eyes darted at their agitated brother, ''Good evening DWN.011,'' Classic politely bowed at Bubble Man, ''DWN.013 has been shut down.''
If they could breathe, Bubble Man would be suffocating at the dry response. Top Man frowned at the reaction, completely uncomfortable to be here, while Shadow Man stood far away silently, stoic as usual. The green Robot Master shouted at Classic to move, he almost did although the order wasn't directed at him. The monochrome android did as she was told, allowing the hopping robot to jump inside. A second of silent broke when a terror-filled scream echoed out of the room. Before the idea to move came to his execution system, Classic was by his side. He kept an intense stare at the stone hearted unit, ''I will summon DWN.014 and DWN.016,'' her emotionless voice didn't match the small robot's cries to wake him his brother, ''Could you assure the Recovery Room isn't further damaged while I am gone?''
Top Man felt the shiver travelling down his metallic spine. 'Further damaged'? What in Wily's name happened in there? And come to that, how the hell didn't they heard anything from the room. Sure, his audibles weren't as developed than Shadow's, but even he should have been able to detect the faintest of sounds. Combat noises don't go unaware for Wily's robots. It's ingrained into their code, their very existence is based upon inflicting violence and to detect it. 'What kind of house is this?' Was the question Top Man feared the answer to, though to be honest he probably knew it he had chose to ignore it for now and answer the staring female unit. ''Sure.''
Classic nodded and made her way casually to the elevator. Once out of sight, which seemed to be an eternity to Top Man, Shadow Man approached him. His brother wasn't the emotional type, but he could still see the uneasiness in his demeanour. Stiff posture, focused eyes and the scarf covering partially his face, all of those were hints Top learned with the time he worked with his brother, ''I'll inform Magnet and the others.'' And then he just left him, not that he was complaining, but still the moment wasn't good to be left alone with an angry Robot Master and what sounded like the death of another.
Against all logic, he entered this Recovery Room. All in all, he was expecting worst in damage. A metal table's , probably a surgical one designed for them specifically, corner dented in a strange position. Someone or something gave a good hit on it. He sincerely hoped it wasn't Crash. Should the punishment be similar to what Hard Man had, maybe a plead wasn't going to wake him him.
Further in, a part of the floor got marked by a clear punch from Crash's thump. Clearly, even controlled, the brother's strength wasn't to scuff at. Shouldn't it be in this environment, Crash might be an actually stronger than Hard Man. No ways he will tell it to his brother though.
''Crash! Wake up! Come on, wake up!'' Bubble Man's shaken voice awoke Top Man from his reverie. The scene wasn't pretty to see. A few steps away the damaged wall, lied Crash's inert frame. He lied on his stomach, arms on his side and legs straight out. All signs to a shutdown, simple as that.
''Bubble Bro,'' Top Man called out to the troubled android, the green Robot Master stopped shouting, but he was still . He crouched next to him in an attempt to bring a semblance of comfort, ''Crash Bro is gonna be find, he's just shut down.''
The glare he gave worried the orange and black robot, ''I know dummy! I have to wake him up! I have to!'' Top Man didn't felt insulted, he genuinely thought Bubble was worried for his brother. Maybe not? ''Come on!'' The amphibious robot pleaded at the unconscious robot, ''Wake up! I swear if it's out! Come on!''
Top Man glanced at Bubble Man, curious from his wording there. 'If it's out'; was there something his older brother was hiding from him? The android knew the situation wasn't his business, but he can't help himself to help his brothers in need. The amphibious told so, they barely knew each other, yet they acted as if they have a close relationship. Top wished he had more time to ponder and question Bubble while it was just the two of them. The hope dashed away when a booming voice halted Bubble's worries and Top's thinking.
There at the entrance, three of the First Line. Top Man felt out of place and, without his own siblings, very alone.