Damn! This chapter nearly killed me and you'll see why soon enough. I can't believe how far I've gotten so fast. Wow.
This is the chapter we've all been waiting for. The Giant's origins and reason for being built. I tried to make it where the Giant explains his story, but in a way that he would say it and not make him out of character. Bear with me, I did my best. Really gave it my all. The Giant's speaking role will be bolded, like in the last two chapters. If I made a few mistakes, I'm sorry, I'm doing the best I can.
This chapter will knock you off your seats. Just wait until chapter eighteen.
The general and the rest of his troops were found locked in a room twenty yards away from the lab. Once they were freed, Elias brought him and the soldiers to the lab where he showed them the portal. The general was blown away at the marvel he saw. His awe went away when he saw Mansley kneeling on the floor, waiting for his arrival. As soon as he locked eyes on him, all hell broke loose.
Mansley was immediately arrested right then and there. General Rogard interrogated the scientists working for Mansley. Once he understood that they were working against their wills, the general did not hold them accountable for anything and instead asked them to stay and work on the portal and to inform him when it'll be recharged. The scientists did what they were asked, and promised to keep him informed.
After everyone was freed and accounted for, the trip back to the exit commenced.
The soldiers kept their eyes on Mansley to make sure he didn't try any of his tricks. He might have a vendetta against General Rogard, but it seemed like he didn't have the gall to try anything else.
"Hey," said Dean, "there's a surprise for you outside."
"Aw yeah?," quipped Hogarth. "What?"
"I'm not gonna spoil it," retorted Dean, "you'll just have to wait until we get out of here."
Hogarth glanced down at 9. The zippered stitchpunk smiled and shrugged. It was apparent that he was in on it, and wasn't going to spill the beans.
"Hmm."
The walk continued on. Hogarth, instead of looking over his shoulder at Mansley, kept his eyes on the path. With 9's lightstaff lit seeing in the dark was a breeze. Seeing those refugees enter the portal was one of the things Hogarth would never forget. He'd only seen those types of portals in his comic books, but to see one in person was mind-blowing. He could hardly wait to tell his friends about it. And his mother.
"Over here," said Dean, pointing to his right.
The enormous crowd followed his lead. Elias threaded through the throng and caught up to Hogarth. He tapped the boy on his shoulder.
"Hey," he said, prompting Hogarth to look at him. The man held up a coat. Hogarth's eyes lit up.
"Hey you found my coat," said Hogarth, taking his coat from Elias. Hogarth immediately donned it on. 9 crawling out of the coat collar and made his way to the top of Hogarth's head. His lightstaff lighting the way. 5, the twins and the rest burrowed their way out and clung to the coat.
"Guess you all will have to stay here a little longer, huh?," quipped Elias, looking down at the stitchpunks.
7 shrugged. "At least we won't be locked away this time," she said, smiling smugly.
Hogarth chuckled.
"There it is," announced Dean, pointing. "The way out."
Hogarth could discern a ladder in the light coming from 9's lightstaff. The way out of this bunker.
Dean stood beside the ladder, glancing up. He saw that the sunlight was gone. He sniffed. The smell of smoke choked his nose, so that meant someone built a fire. He grabbed on and started climbing. Hogarth followed behind.
"Get ready for your surprise, Hogarth," retorted Dean.
"Couldn't you just tell me what it is?," remarked Hogarth, raising a brow.
"You're about to see for yourself," said Dean and he hurled himself over the entrance. He reached out his hand for Hogarth and helped him out. "See?," he uttered.
Hogarth stood up, then glanced up, regarding the soldiers, his mother, his friends. The glow of two fires to his right grabbed his attention, making him want to get closer for warmth. He stepped away from the entrance, letting the rest of the soldiers to come outside. He took in the night air, gazed at the stars decorating the sky. Then his mouth dropped open.
"Oh my God," he uttered.
The Giant stared back at Hogarth, his eyes glowing white. Hogarth could hardly move, let alone speak. Three years passed by without a sign and here he was again. Alive. Perfectly assembled. There wasn't even a dent in his head.
"Tell me I'm dreaming," uttered Hogarth.
Michael sidled up to him and pinched his arm.
"Ouch!," yelled Hogarth, pulling away.
"You're not dreaming," said Michael. His gaze landed on the stitchpunks, specifically the new ones. "Hey, are they...?," he trailed off.
"Yup," said Hogarth, plucking 7 from his shoulder. He picked 8 up next.
Duncan and Terrence gathered around and observed the stitchpunks. 8 showed evident disgust toward Duncan, knitting his stitched brows together. Hogarth hid him inside his coat pocket and made a grab for 6.
"Hey it's the stripy one," remarked Terrence, pointing.
6 grabbed at his key reflexively. His mismatched optics gazed up at the humans staring down at him.
"That's 6," said Hogarth. 6 slumped his shoulders and muttered something he couldn't understand. It was obvious that he was afraid of his friends, so he gently slipped the striped stitchpunk in his other pocket. "Don't forget about them," he added, plucking 2 and 1 from his coat collar.
Duncan grimaced. "Eewwww," he pointed at 1. "He's uglier than I thought."
"The feeling is mutual," retorted 1 flatly, glare deepening.
Duncan backed away, arms held up in a sign of peace. Michael sidled up to Hogarth to get a better look at 1 and 2. His attention turned over at 2.
"So," he said, "how's it feel to be free?"
"Smashing, my boy," replied 2, "smashing indeed."
Michael forced an awkward smile.
"It's good to finally be together, " said 5.
"Agreed," said 9.
Hogarth turned to look at the Giant, who had been waiting surprisingly patiently for him to finish introducing his friends to the stitchpunks. Now was his turn.
"Giant," said Hogarth, approaching him, "these are my friends, the stitchpunks." He held the ones in his palms up for the Giant to see. "You've already met 9 and 5, and the twins. But here are the others. This is 7."
"Hi there," said 7, holding up her hand, wiggling her four fingers. The Giant gave her a nod.
"1 and 2," said Hogarth.
"Hello," said 2. 1 gave him a blank stare.
Hogarth perched 1 and 2 on his shoulders and dug into his pockets. He pulled 6 and 8, much to their displeasure and held them up.
"6 and 8," said Hogarth.
6 wriggled in Hogarth's grasp. His pen-nib fingers scratched at the boy's hands, desperate to get out of his hold. 8 on the other hand, despite looking tough in front of the enormous robot, he was completely floored by the Giant's colossal stature.
"Last one," said General Rogard, standing over the entrance.
Kent Mansley made his way out. He silently turned around, eyes protruding at the sight of the Giant. The Giant, immediately recognizing him, sent the redheaded man a deep glare. His eyes looked more menacing than Mansley remembered. Mansley held his breath.
"Don't think you're getting away this time," said General Rogard.
Kent winced. Whatever defense he was grasping for was melting away from him.
The sheriff walked up to General Rogard, prepared to take Mansley away. Behind him the mayor got ready to talk to the general.
"Take him away, sheriff," said the general. He then turned over to the Giant. "I'll be right back," he said to the mayor. He walked up to Hogarth. He stood beside the boy, glancing at the Giant and then at Hogarth. "Good to have him back," he said.
"Sure is," said Hogarth.
"HOGARTH," said the Giant, his voice booming, grabbing everyone's attention.
Hogarth was speechless. He dreamed of hearing the Giant's voice again. All these three years waiting and searching finally paid off.
"I REMEMBER," said the Giant.
"You remember?," retorted Hogarth. The Giant nodded. "What do you remember?," he asked. "You...," realization dawned on him, "you remember where you came from?"
"YES," said the Giant.
This got a gasp from Hogarth. 9 glanced at the boy, stitched brows knitted together. Behind him, Annie and Dean gave each other soulful looks. They watched on, prepared to listen to what the Giant would say.
"Where are you from?," asked Hogarth. The three year mystery was about to be solved.
"I CAME FROM THE PLANET ORICHALTIUM," said the Giant, his voice seemed to shake the very air around him. "ORICHALTIUM IS 1.20 TIMES BIGGER THAN THIS PLANET. IT IS VERY FAR AWAY. IT IS WHERE I WAS CREATED. AS WELL AS THE OTHERS."
"'Others'?," quoth Hogarth. "So you're not the only one? There's more of you?"
"YES," answered the Giant.
General Rogard glimpsed over at Hogarth, who had little to say.
"WE WERE CREATED ON ORICHALTIUM TO DESTROY OTHER PLANETS," said the Giant.
Hogarth's heart dropped to the bottom of his stomach. But he continued listening.
"WE DESTROYED COUNTLESS PLANETS," continued the Giant, "OUR CREATOR HAD PLANS TO CONQUER EACH PLANET FOR HIS PERSONAL GAIN. I SCOUTED ON MY OWN TO SEARCH FOR A PLANET.
"I LANDED HERE, AND LOST MY MEMORY—" he gazed down at Hogarth, "—WHEN YOU...SAVED ME."
"The power plant," uttered Hogarth, recalling that fateful night.
Murmurs were whispered amongst the crowd. Even Mansley was listening to every word, finding nothing else to do as he stood in the blistering cold.
"AFTER SAVING YOU I GOT MY MEMORIES BACK," said the Giant, "I REMEMBERED THE OTHERS. THE OTHER PLANETS AND ORICHALTIUM. AFTER I WOKE UP IN THE SNOWY PLACE...I BEGAN TRAVELING.
"I STAYED OUT OF SIGHT AND WANDERED THE WORLD. I HELPED OTHERS WHEN THE NEED AROSE. I LOVE THIS PLANET AND I WANT TO KEEP IT SAFE. I HAVE TO KEEP THE OTHERS FROM FINDING IT. I CAN'T LET THEM DESTROY IT."
Hogarth was quiet for a moment. The stitchpunks all looked up at him worriedly.
"So," he spoke, "does that mean you'll have to leave?"
"YES," replied the Giant.
Elias strode toward the general and Hogarth and stood beside the elder man. He gazed at the Giant, brows knitted together, eyes screwed.
The Giant got down on one knee.
"HOGARTH," he said.
The boy looked up at him.
"I HAVE TO STOP THE OTHER GIANTS FROM FINDING EARTH," said the Giant, there was a trace of seriousness in his voice.
"And what if they come here?," questioned Hogarth.
"I WILL FIGHT THEM," said the Giant.
This brought on looks of excitement from Hogarth's friends. Seeing a possible fight between giant robots would be the experience of a lifetime.
"What about your creator?," asked Hogarth. "What are you going to do with him?"
"I WANT TO CONVINCE HIM TO STOP THE COLONIZING," said the Giant, "WHAT HE IS DOING IS NOT RIGHT. IT...MAY TAKE A LONG TIME TO STOP HIM. BUT THIS PLANET NEEDS PROTECTING."
Hogarth never thought he'd be hearing this from the Giant. Especially hearing him speaking in full sentences. He was used to hearing him say a few words, but hearing all these complete sentences threw him off. He knew time had passed, but he didn't think anything like this would happen. The only image he had of the Giant was dissipating. This new and improved image of the Giant was creeping its way into Hogarth's mind. The fact that he wasn't the way he used to see him was the blow, but Hogarth liked this new Giant the way he was. He was still the same fun-loving Giant he knew.
"How long," spoke Hogarth, "until you have to leave?"
"NOT NOW," replied the Giant. "BUT ONE DAY. NOT NOW."
Hogarth, despite expecting a different answer, was relieved to hear the answer he got. Though the time between right now and the time the Giant has to leave was pending. Hogarth wanted to make the most of it.
"You don't know how long I've waited to see you again," said Hogarth, "and, heh, wow. This is...this is unexpected." He glanced over at everyone who was watching. Their gazes were focused on the Giant than at him. Hogarth felt like he was expecting them to do something. But do what exactly? Tell him it's okay to leave for his planet? That answer was floating up in his mind, and he couldn't think of anything to make him stay.
But who said he was keeping the Giant from leaving?
"I believe in everything you said," he said to the Giant. "This planet needs to be protected. And everyone in it. I may not know when the other robots might come, but I know you'll be there to stop them."
The Giant nodded in agreement.
"And you're not alone," said Hogarth, turning around, his smile never faltering, "you've got us."
The soldiers standing gave the robot smiles and nods. Some gave him thumbsups. Mansley, knowing full well he wasn't part of this celebration, shrank back, head hanging in shame. He was wishing with all his damnedest to be in jail right now.
"We're all here for you, Giant," said Hogarth, glancing back at him. "You don't have to be alone in this."
"We're all here to help," said General Rogard.
The Giant gave the general a smile, having been one of the people he trusted.
"THANK YOU," boomed the Giant.
Dean smiled up at the Giant. Annie, wrapped in his arm, looked up the Giant. Her old view of him was gone, replaced with the new one creeping into her mind.
Everyone else was in agreement to be on the Giant's side. Mansley had been wrong. The Giant was no enemy; he was a hero. Their hero. Earth's hero.
"Come on, troops," said General Rogard, "we've got a long way to go; let's get moving. March!"
The soldiers in line began their trek back to their camp. Four soldiers put out the fires before they joined the others. It was a long way, and in the frigid gusts, it didn't matter to them. This was something they didn't mind.
Hogarth jogged over to his parents.
"Hey, can my friends and I ride on the Giant?," he asked excitedly.
"They already did on the way here," said Annie, "Dean and I did as well."
"It was actually pretty fun," retorted Dean.
Hogarth chuckled.
The Giant held out his hand. Duncan, Terrence, and Michael wasted no time in getting on the Giant's hand.
"You coming?," quipped Duncan.
"Can we?," asked Hogarth.
"Let's all get on," said Dean, walking toward the Giant's hand.
Hogarth hopped on, and the Giant was about to stand up, when Hogarth told him to wait. The boy spotted Elias, and shouted at him to come over.
"Elias!," called Hogarth. "Come on, there's still room."
The Giant held out his other hand. The man looked at him before looking at the Giant.
"I guess I could hitch a ride," he said, trudging toward him. He stepped on his hand, and the Giant stood up.
Hogarth laughed. "I forgot how much fun this was," he said, eyes gazing from the sparking white snow to the stars in the sky.
9 held out his hand, the wind blew between his four metal fingers. Hogarth looked over at Elias, who was on the Giant's left hand. The boy raised an eyebrow.
"Elias, are you okay?," asked Hogarth.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?," replied Elias.
"It's just that you're smiling," said Hogarth.
Duncan, Michael, and Terrence looked over at Elias with quizzical glances. Elias was indeed smiling. Hogarth had never seen him smile before, having been used to seeing him scowl, and that smile looked out of place on him.
"I think he has a nice smile," commented 7, grabbing on to Hogarth's hair.
"You can have him," quipped Hogarth.
7 smirked.
The moon loomed overhead, casting shadows onto the crisp white snow. The Giant's footsteps were fresh in the snow. The army marched ahead of the Giant, making it more appropriate as he was a technical 'guest.' On his hands, Hogarth watched the world around him. The stars, the sky, the moon, everything was perfect. And with the Giant giving him and his friends a ride it was better than anything he imagined.
Things were going to change from here on out, things were going to be different. There was noting that could stop him now.
The sun rose over Rockwell, saturating the sky a pink and gold color. The waves rocked back and forth against the rocks that capped the shoreline at the docks. Boats laid anchored here and there. The snow-laden ground glimmered like diamonds in the shining sun. A sense of peace pervaded the town and the atmosphere it exuded was quaint. The early risers emerged from their shops, ready to take on the day.
A man on his way to the bakery crossed the street, and laid eyes on the sign hanging from inside the glass door. The bakery would be opened in fifteen minutes, so he waited. He'd dealt with this before and waiting was something he didn't mind doing. To pass the time, he turned around, back slammed against the wall and he glanced at the the orange pinkish sky, fascinated with how the sun cast shadows against the road. It was a personal amusement for him.
A siren could be heard from some unknown distance. The man looked both directions, trying to pinpoint the exact spot the siren was wailing. He deduced that it came from his right, curiosity piquing in. He didn't notice the bell from the bakery ringing from the owner opening.
"Good morning, Mr. Gibbs," said the baker, a smile spread across her lips.
Mr. Gibbs turned around upon hearing his name being called. He looked the baker in the eyes.
"Do you hear that?," asked Mr. Gibbs, jerking his thumb behind him.
"Yes," replied the baker, eyebrows scrunched together, "it's quite a conundrum." Mr. Hobbs nodded, looking over his shoulder. "I'll just go get your usual, Mr. Gibbs."
"Thanks, Mrs. Barrett," said Mr. Gibbs.
In five minutes Mrs. Barrett returned outside with Mr. Gibbs' usual order, a pecan scone, in a paper bag. Mr. Gibbs paid for his order and bade the woman farewell before leaving. He followed the sound of the siren, his curiosity growing stronger. He passed a number of shops on his stroll. It was still early in the morning, and not a lot of people were awake yet. He crossed the street and turned right. He continued there until he crossed another street and made a turn to the left. From there, it was just a long walk.
Mr. Gibbs opened his paper bag and broke a piece of his pecan scone. He ate a few nibbles before saving the rest in the bag.
He saw the town square ahead of him and he saw the sheriff's car drive past city hall. Next came the mayor's car. Mr. Gibbs deduced something important must be happening, so he strode toward the square. When he arrived he saw that he wasn't the only one there. He saw a few familiar faces standing here and there, most of them neighbors and close friends. The mayor parked his car in front of the town square and got out. Noting the crowd of people, he saw now that he needed to inform the townsfolk on what is happening.
"Citizens of Rockwell," he said, "you needn't worry about what you're going to see soon. In fact," he paused and looked over his shoulders.
Mr. Gibbs threaded his way to the front to get a closer look. He heard a sound, like colossal footsteps trudging through the streets. From his right, he saw a shape come into view, and that's where it all started.
He's seen the statue before, but he never would've thought he'd be seeing the Giant yet again. Mr. Gibbs dropped his bag, completely forgetting about his scone. He, as well as the rest of the crowd, watching in silent admiration as the Giant made a turn and stood in the spot. The robot bent down, and lowered his metal hands. He obviously had passengers with him and they all disembarked. Mr. Gibbs recognized them. He saw Hogarth jump off the Giant's hand. He saw his mother, Annie, and her husband, Dean. Mr. Gibbs spotted three other boys he knew; there was the Jones' boy, Terrence. And there was Duncan Pitman. And lastly, Michael Burgess. The last passenger was a man with jet-black hair and grey eyes. Mr. Gibbs had seen him from time to time, but he didn't know his name. He watched him trail behind Hogarth and the rest of the group. They caught up with the mayor.
A few seconds later came a military vehicle. It parked outside in front of town hall and out came two soldiers and their general. The two joined Hogarth's family and stood beside them.
"Thanks, mayor," said Hogarth.
"Anytime," said the mayor.
Hogarth turned to the crowd, suddenly overtaken by nerves. He immediately regretted coming here. He should've just gone home.
9, perched on his shoulders, stood up and grabbed on to his hair.
"What's the matter?," he whispered while keeping his optics on the crowd.
"I'm scared," replied Hogarth in a whisper. He said it so lowly that no one noticed if he spoke or not.
"Don't be," assured 9, glimpsing at the crowd and then at Hogarth, "this is all you've wanted."
"You think?," quipped Hogarth, turning to look at him. "I'm suddenly starting to feel like I shouldn't be doing this."
"And that's why you should be here, Hogarth," spoke 5.
"Trying to be modest isn't really working right now," whispered Hogarth.
"Oh, come on," uttered 9, "you can face down a grown man, but you can't handle a small crowd?"
He was right. He did stand up to Mansley while rescuing 7, 8, 6, 2 and 1. Sometimes Hogarth underestimated himself. He oftentimes overestimated himself. But that was part of life. Experiencing and reviewing what you've done. He glanced over at the Giant. He moved his mouth to give him what passed as a smile.
Hogarth knew then he was ready.
"Everybody's here," quipped Dean, gazing at the growing throng of people. He stole a glance at the Giant, who was unfazed by the onlookers gawking at him.
"Yes," said Hogarth.
On Hogarth's shoulder, the twins waved to the Giant.
"Would you like to do the honors?," said the mayor.
Hogarth looked him in the eye. "I'd like to." He faced the crowd. "Everyone," he said, making sure his voice was thrown across so that everyone heard, "as you can see," he motioned over to the Giant, presently watching and listening, "the Giant has returned." A wave of awkwardness flowed over him. He regained his composure. "Just last night, he came to our aid while searching for an escaped criminal. Kent Mansley, as you all know."
This brought a chorus of boos from the throng. The mere mention of his name made them want to rip Mansley's face off.
"But," spoke General Rogard, "he has been captured, and will be transferred to D.C. after Christmas."
Hogarth raised a brow before continuing.
"Leaving out all the 'unimportant' parts," said Hogarth, "the Giant is back to keep our town safe." He cleared his throat. "But it won't be just Rockwell; it'll be the rest of the world eventually."
The throng murmured hushed whispers amongst each other. Hogarth could feel a sense of unease in them. No doubt a shockwave of conspiracy theories will be spread like wildlife afterwards.
"You see," said Hogarth, "I recently learned that danger from other places might strike us down. I don't know when these dangers will come, but the Giant, along with the entire nation, as well as other nations, will help in defending our world."
The crowds' murmurs changed into tones filled with wonder and interest. Though their expressions were doubtful yet, optimistic, they couldn't help but ponder what would await them in the coming future.
Hogarth looked down at the stitchpunks, and an idea came to him. He stepped up, and plucked 5, 9, 6, and the twins and held them in his palms.
"These are my new friends," he said, standing close but far enough from the throng as to not overwhelm the stitchpunks. "They're like the Giant; they can talk, walk, think and feel emotions. They'll be going home soon, too." It was best to leave out the part where they were from another world, and leave the townspeople guessing where they came from.
A few people sidled closer to catch a closer glimpse at the stitchpunks.
General Rogard stepped up and decided to take it from here.
"After the new year," he barked in a nonthreatening matter, "I will make contact with Nasa and have them consider allying with the Giant's help. I myself will stay along with my star agent, Elias Wolfe..."
Elias waved to the crowd while giving them a smile. Standing beside him, Duncan, Michael and Terrence inched away from him a bit. Seeing him smile was something they couldn't used to overnight.
"...and, as a reminder, as soon as Christmas is over we will be transferring Kent Mansley to D.C. to fill out the remainder of his crimes."
"He's gonna get the death penalty for sure this time, right?," whispered Dean to Elias.
"That's what we're going to do," replied Elias. Dean forced a nod, and looked back at the crowd. He broke away and walked up to Hogarth.
"Hey," he said, clapping his shoulder, "I think your speech was pretty great."
"Yeah?," uttered Hogarth, turning around.
"I think so, too," said 9.
"And me," chimed 5.
"Really well-spoken," commented 2.
3 and 4 nodded.
"Yeah," reiterated Dean, "what they all said."
Hogarth smiled. "Thanks," he replied, "Dad." He flung his arms around Dean. Dean, taken by surprise, wrapped his arms around Hogarth. The bond has been cemented.
"You know," quipped 9, balancing himself on the boy's shoulder, "I'm going to miss you all."
"I'm going to miss you, too," said Dean.
"And me," said Hogarth, breaking the hug. "I'm actually glad you're all staying a little longer."
"Why?," retorted 7.
"Cause you all get to celebrate Christmas with me and my family," replied Hogarth.
3 and 4 smiled mad flickered their optics.
7 chuckled.
"Did you keep us here for that on purpose?," remarked 9, raising a brow.
"No," said Hogarth, chuckling sheepishly, eyes darting away.
9 smirked.
We're not out of the woods yet. There's still some more to unravel. I actually thought I would dawdle with this chapter, but I actually finished it early.
Choosing the name for the Giant's planet was a nightmare. I had to choose three different names before nailing this one. Again, I'm sorry if I may have made the Giant a bit out of character.
Well, I hope you enjoyed chapter seventeen cause chapter eighteen will be just as invigorating.