Angel and Leo
Disclaimer: I don't own The Big O even though I wish I did. Even if they screwed us
over by only making thirteen episodes so that people like me with active
imaginations can finsh the job for them.
Last Chapter: Angel and Leo are now older and now more problems start to arise. Leo,
who once apon a time was devoted to his mother Dorothy, seems to despise
her for reasons she doesn't understand, but after Angel clues him in he
shapes up and agrees to apologize. Speaking of Angel, the so called dead
one is back and she has some business that she needs Leo to help her with.
And finally Big O shows up when an unknown megaduce shows up. Why have
have the megaduces shown up again? Does it have something to do with
Angel or is there another Rosewater in their midsts?
Chapter 4: The Hidden Truth (part2)
There my children sat. In silence next to Dorothy on the couch. Dorothy had an amused
look on her face as to how I was to explain this. I expected the children to get impatient and forget
about asking me but it seemed as thought that wasn't going to happen. I sighed in resignation. That
meant that I would have to tell them everything, even about Dorothy because they don't know she's
not human and I'm worried that will put a further strain on her relationship with Leo and start one
with Angel. Angel. Leo told me she was alive. At first I didn't believe him but then he told me what
she said and that sounded like her personality. I paced the room for the hundredth time until Leo
interrupted my thoughts.
" Stop stalling would ya? It's not like you're telling us about sex or something," he mused.
I saw Angel blush and Dorothy stifle a laugh. She really was no help when I was put into tense
situations. She helped when she though her aid was necessary and never before. " I understand your
logic Leo, but telling you about Big O is like talking about sex. Even though I do think sex is an easier
subject," I retorted. Dorothy couldn't help but laugh now. Leo growled in annoyance then turned to
Dorothy. " Mom, can you tell us what's going on please? You never were one to beat around the bush," he
said. Leo did have a point. Unlike me Dorothy was always straight forward but I could see her coming
to my defense.
She smiled at him. " I do wish to tell you Leo, but I feel as though it's not my place. Big O is
apart of your father's history so you have to let him tell it. Although I could never get a straight answer
out of him to save my life," she said. I expected Leo to get upset with her too but he just smiled back
at her. I grinned. I suppose Angel talked to him on the ride to school. " Dad please tell us," Angel pleaded.
I never could resist my babygirl. " But you might find out some things you can't handle. It'll change
everything," I said. " We understand so please tell us!," Leo said.
I sighed again but decided it was time to tell them the truth. " Big O is my megaduce which I'm
sure you are aware of. I've had it since before Paradigm's memories were blocked out meaning I don't
recall how I got it or why I fight with it. About seventeen or eighteen years ago before you two were born
this city had a big war with the megaduces. It was then I found out their value; they had memories of things
before forty years ago. A man named Rosewater wanted those memories so he hired your pal Angel. At
first we were enemies and all she did was start trouble which I see she does even from beyond the grave.
We changed our opinions of her when she sacraficed her life to save me when we killed Rosewater," I
explained. " But why are they back?," Angel asked. " And why did Angel sacrafice herself for you?," Leo
inquired.
I knew those questions were going to pop up. I knew Leo had a soft spot for Angel and I wasn't
sure whether I should tell him the truth. I figured that I should because if Angel tells him he'll never trust
me again. " In reference to your question Angel, I don't know why they've come back. I thought I finished
them all a while ago and in reference to your question Leo, that has several possible answers. Angel was
a mysterious woman and she never told you everything until she deemed the time was right. One possible
reason was that she was in love with me. She confessed that before she died. Another could be she wanted
you two to have a father because that same night you were being born. She had a family of her own once
and she didn't want the same outcome for you two. Or it could be that her and Dorothy started to bond near
the end and she felt as though it was an obligation to her friend to save me. And finally, the one that I
believe is that she lived through too much pain and sorrow and just wanted it to stop so she did it," I said.
The children were silent. That was a good sign. Maybe they wouldn't ask any more questions but it
was too soon to rule that out. " And some how you managed to fit Mom in the equation. How is that possible?
Dad told me once that you helped with the war. How did you help?," Angel asked. I knew my heart stopped.
I didn't mind telling my past but Dorothy was another story. How would the kids react if they found out the
truth? I was going to comment but Dorothy stopped me. " You told your story Roger, it's time to tell mine," she
said. I was going to protest but she stopped me again with a smile. I nodded and allowed her to speak. " I
do warn you children you will find out some surprising things about me. Do you still wish to hear?," she asked.
They nodded slowly not quite sure what to expect. I thought Dorothy would be tense but she was strangely
relaxed and had a smile on her face.
" Well, to be truthful, I first met Roger when my father had him negotiate to get me back. I was
kidnapped and Roger was the one handling the case. The thing is, I wasn't that mans daughter because he
knew I was an android," she explained. The kids gasped in surprise but said nothing. She took this as a sign
to continue. " After that Roger thought he was done with me but I found him and hired him to protect me
whether he wanted to or not and boy was he lousy at that. Since I was an android I didn't care and we dispised
each other. Everyday I made Roger get up by playing horrible music and I let him know that he wasn't perfect
every chance I got. All and all, we couldn't stand each other and to this day I'm still not sure why he put up with
me. Norman says it's because he was intrigued by my attitude and that's what I've come to believe," she said.
The children were silent for a moment then Leo spoke up. " I've met a few androids and they are exactly
like you describe them. Emotionless beings that roam the city for various purposes but you're different. I even
know for a fact that androids can't bear children," he stated. His arms were folded over his chest and one of his
eyebrows were lowered in suspicion. He didn't believe her and neither would I if I found out my mother was an
android. " You are correct. Androids can't create babies and have emotions but bio-androids can. Don't you know
your Uncle Walter? His business is creating bio-androids that's why I go to visit him so often. I have to make
sure that I am fully functional at all times," she replied.
Leo was content with her answer and remained silent. Dorothy sighed then continued again. " I can
understand if you don't wish to speak to me again. I should have told you a long time ago but the issue never
came up so I forgot. Even so, I am who I am and I can't change that for anyone. I am just a human as you only
I have a lifetime gurantee," she mused. The children still remained silent but continued to look Dorothy over
to find some trace of her non humanlike qualities. She had no objections to this. " Roger, I'm going to go help
Norman with dinner. I trust you can handle this?," she inquired. I frowned at her. Even though she is bio-android
she never passes up the chance to make me feel young. " I'm sure I can manage dear," I said with mock sincerity.
She smirked then left the living room.
Still, the children sat not saying a word until Leo spoke up. " You lied to us," he stated calmly. I grinned.
" No I didn't. I witheld information for your own good. At least until you were old enough to understand like you
are now," I contradicted. His brow knitted into a frown. " Or until we found out by default. I don't believe you
did this! I thought you of all people wouldn't treat us like children!," he retorted. I shook my head in disapproval.
This was why I didn't tell them anything. They have my temperment meaning that they would blow things out
of proportion but try to keep it logical. " Some things don't need to be told. Big O and the megaduce war was none
of your affair. It was before your time therefore you didn't need to know. As for Dorothy, as it stands she is still
your mother and you have always loved her," I quipped.
Leo chuckled bitterly. " Yeah, until we found out she was a doll," he said gravely. My anger began to
flare at his comment. His words were becoming to disrespectful and tasteless. I swore never to strike my children
and I wouldn't start now. " A doll you say? That 'doll' brought you into this world. How dare you say such a thing
about her. She loves you dearly still even though you treat her so badly and I was defending you and your actions.
Why she still bothers is a mystery to me. Angelo you have a lot to learn and until you do I want nothing to do
with you," I said. His eyes widened in shock at my words. Maybe he never intended for me to go that far. Neither
did I, but he had to learn. He claimed he was a man, now was his chance to prove it. I knew it wouldn't take him
long.
I kissed Angel's forehead then left the living room to find Dorothy. I didn't have to look too far because
she was waiting outside the room. Tears were already sliding down her flushed cheeks but she wasn't sobbing. The
tears were silent. She had no more cries to give. " That could have gone better," she mused. I smiled back sadly.
I wondered how she could still have a sense of humor. " Dorothy,... what he said...," I began. She placed a finger
to my lips to silence me. " It's alright. I anticipated this from him. He reminds me so much of you," she said. I
frowned. " I would never act in such a manner," I protested. She quirked a thin eyebrow. " How do you know? I
believe you would Roger Smith. He's just coping with it. He'll learn and he'll probably come to you within a weeks
time," she assured. I shook my head in confusion. " How can you continue to forgive that boy?," I asked. She
smiled sadly as more silent tears fell from her eyes. " Because he is my son and I will always love him no matter
what he does," she replied. I nodded finally understanding the bond that she has to him. " Come on, let's go eat
dinner," I said escorting her out of the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Leo sat in silence. After Dad's lecture and actions he had nothing left to say. Even I'm sorry to say
that he deserved it. I don't know what has gotten into him these past couple of years. I continued to stare at him
not exactly sure what to say. I found the words when I saw a tear fall down his face and fall on his balled fist. I
scooted over to him then hugged him tightly like he did when I worried about him too much. He leaned into the
embrace but still said nothing. After a few minutes I decided to break the silence.
" Why did you say that about mom?," I inquired. " Because it's true," he retorted. I began to frown
now. I can see why dad became annoyed but he's my brother so I couldn't turn my back on him. " It's not true
Leo and you know it. You've hugged her before and she was warm and full of life," I said. He scoffed at me.
" Artificial," he retorted again. I pushed him away standing up. His eyes grew wide again and I saw a fear in
them that he possessed when Dad turned his back on him. " What? Are you going to leave me too?," he asked.
His proud voice was cracking. It was true that I was his backbone to keep him straight. " No I'm not leaving
you Leo, but I don't know who you are anymore. You never used to talk about Mom in such a way. She loves
you still and I know she heard everything you said," I stated.
He became silent again and I sighed in resignation. He reminded me of a scared child now who needed
his mother. " Leo, you can't turn your back on her or dad. Until you learn you'll be the one who suffers not them.
She loves you too much to let you go but she won't beg you. She's too proud for that," I explained. " I know,
I know. When did shit get so complicated?," he asked. I smiled at him sitting next to him. " It got complicated
when you made it that way," I replied. He smiled back and hugged me again. He finally understands like I knew
he would. All he need was a reality check.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Well past midnight now. To others this time is known as the 'Bewitching Hour'. To me, it was when the
Smith household came alive. Angel went with Mom to talk about me more than likely. I went to find Dad and try
to earn his forgiveness. Even I don't know what has gotten into me these past couple of days. I feel like I've turned
my back on everything I once knew and people I loved dearly. All because of the woman named Angel. I can
understand now why Dad stayed away from her. She seems harmless enough but something about her makes a
stupid boy like me do dumb things. A boy, that's what I am even though I claimed to be a man. I have a lot to learn
about that so I knew Dad was right.
I asked Grampa Norman where Dad was and he showed me a secret passageway. I followed it until I
came to a huge room. My gasp echoed as I stood before the huge megaduce that Dad called 'Big O'. I smirked.
It was big alright. When I looked up at the cockpit I saw Dad sitting in it staring at me. His features held a look
of indifference and amusement. He knew I was going to come tonight. An uncomfortable silence plagued between
us until he spoke up. " Do you want something?," he asked coldly. I expected that type of reation from him
considering what I said about Mom. " I want to talk," I said. He chuckled bitterly. " I thought you did all the talking
upstairs big man," he retorted. I sighed in resignation at his words. I knew that it would be a while before he agreed
to talk to me in a civilizied manner.
" Listen! I'm sorry about what I said to Mom and as soon as I'm done here I'll go talk to her but it's up
to you when that happens. I'm just as stubborn as you and I can do this all night if necessary," I warned. I heard
him laugh at my boast from the cockpit. He stood up and jumped from to the groung landing with the sleek flexability
of a cat. He stood up straight in front of me towering me by a few inches. His arms folded over his chest wrinkling
his black suit. " Well, you want to talk, talk," he said. I swallowed hard at his tone. He's never been this serious
with me before and it intimidated me. I could see why he won all of his negotiating battles.
After my nervousness subsided, I spoke. " I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I suppose I was just
a bit shocked and disappointed that you kept this part of your life away from us. I was more upset with you than
with Mom. You always were the one who told us things like it was and didn't care if we couldn't handle it. I suppose
I lost some respect for you when all of this happened. I didn't mean to insult you or Mom. I suppose my mind hasn't
been right for a while. Please don't turn your back on me," I pleaded. He took all of this in nodded thoughtfully to
my revelation. Never in my life had I been so humiliated and felt so weak but I knew I had to admit to this or I
would never get over it.
Silence filled the room yet again but he spoke to me again. " I understand. I suppose every man goes
through a transition such as this and I'll admit I didn't mean to keep Big O a secret from you two nor did you Mom
want to keep being a bio-android to herself. I must tell you Leo that your recent behavior is ripping at her heart. As
soon as we are through here talk to her. Another thing, I forgive you," he said. I smiled truly now and he smiled
back the same way. " I only have one more question. What will you do with Big O now?," I inquired. He sighed
looking up at the giant megaduce. " What else can I do but keep fighting? I do figure that I should train you to
pilot him to just in case something hinders me from doing so," he suggested. My eyes widened in shock. " Really?
You mean it?," I asked. He nodded. " I do, but let me warn you. Big O will let you figure out somethings about
yourself and plus he has a mind of his own," he warned.
I nodded back looking up at the megaduce as well. It's eyes glowed then it faded back to black again. I
blinked again to make sure I wasn't seeing things but it turns out I wasn't. " I'll tell you more tomorrow. Go talk
to your mother," he said. I smiled then left the secret room. I was nervous talking to dad but I had a feeling that
it would be worse talking to mom. Her eyes seemed like they knew everything and since I treated her so badly I
knew that I wouldn't find the words right away and to make it all worse she is so damn understanding. I want her
to get mad and scream at me but I know she won't. She never does.
I peeked into the room and saw her sitting on the floor in front of the blazing fireplace. The fires light
highlighted her pale skin making it flushed with it's heat. Her hair, which was usually in a long braid, was untied
and cascaded down to the floor around her. Her eyes were focused on the fire taking in it's beauty or was the fire
taking in hers. She was beautiful, even I could admit to that and I was glad dad found a woman like her. She
reminded me of Angelic' in so many ways. She pulled her knees up to her chest and I noticed a silver tear fell
down her cheek. I did cause her so much pain and for what? Because she was different or because things weren't
as normal as they used to be.
I knocked politely on the door to alert her of my arrival. She turned to face me and smiled sadly motioning
for me to come in. I went in and sat beside her on the floor. We didn't say anything for a moment. There was no
need, but after a peaceful moment she spoke. " Is something wrong?," she asked softly. Her voice was timid and
I noted a hint of fear. Why would she be afraid of me? Was she afraid that I would make her feel terrible again? I
immediately felt bad for everything I had done over the past few months. The rude comments, the ungrateful attitude
all of it. " Yes it is," I replied. She nodded slowly waiting for me to continue and yet her eyes were still focused on
the fire.
I sighed then continued. " What's wrong is me. I never meant to hurt you mother I swear it. I don't know
what's been happening to me lately. I want things to go back to how they were. I'm so sorry Mom can you forgive
me? I can understand if you don't. I don't deserve your forgiveness," I said humbly. I lowered my head in shame
and she said nothing for a moment. I was brought out of my world when I felt her hand on my cheek. Her hand
wasn't cold and lifeless like an android but it was warm and vibrant like a humans. How could I have doubted that
she wasn't real? Even if she had machinery inside of her she was as human as a person could possibly get. I looked
up at her and noticed she was smiling at me. She hasn't done that for a long time.
" I forgive you Leo. I was starting to wonder if you even cared about what I thought," she confessed. I
smiled back holding her hand to my cheek with my own. " Of course I cared. I was just going through something.
Like an identity crisis of some sort," I said. She laughed a little. " I figured that but it was still eating away at
my heart and soul all the same. You are my baby boy and I was wondering why you just shoved me away all of
a sudden," she said. " I don't know why. I guess I figured that you wouldn't understand me or some stupid shit
like that," I replied. She laughed again taking her heand away from my face. " You remind me so much of Roger.
I feel sorry for the woman who falls in love with you," she said.
I frowned playfully. " And why is that?," I inquired. " Because she'll be devoted to you no matter
what stupid shit you do," she said. I chuckled now. " I know. I guess I should let you get to sleep," I said standing
up. She stood up as well. " That's fine, but can I do one last thing?," she asked. I quirked an eyebrow but nodded
yes. She came over to me hugging me tightly. I was stunned at first not quite used to this type of contact by her
but then I relaxed and hugged her back. She was definitely human in more ways than one. I burried my face in
her hair smelling the scent of her strawberry shampoo. " I missed you mom," I said softly. " I missed you too
Angelo," she said. She pulled away looking into my blue eyes. I smiled then left her room so she could sleep.
As I made it to my room I saw Angel in the hallway grinning. " Thanks Leo," she said. I nodded. " No.
Thank you for letting me see the error of my ways. Why didn't you tell me sooner that I was acting like a jackass?
It could have spared me off all this stress," I said. She smirked. " You needed to figure it out for yourself and
I'm glad you did big brother," she said kissing my cheek. " Me too," I said. She smiled then went into her room.
Her door closed with a silent click and I sighed again. " Now, all I have to figure out is Angel and then my life
will be easy," I said to myself. Contemplating that, I went into my room and went to sleep.
TBC...............
End chapter 4. Sorry it took me so long to get this out but hey it happens. I appreciate the reviews I am recieving
for this. It's nice to know that some people are still with me on this. Anyway, I hope that this brotherly and sisterly
love stuff isn't too sickening. I know people with siblings are like 'if only my sisters or brothers were that cooperative.
Believe me I know, I have five sisters of my own and we aren't half as nice to each other as I made Leo and Angel
out to be. Anyway, like always read and review, no flames but constructive critism only. ~LS~