It took a bit before all the insanity died down at the clinic. The fire was put out after an hour or so and everyone was transferred safely to another clinic and were under the careful watch of the police force.

Now, Obake, Tadashi and Trina found themselves in the back of a large ambulance with a team of paramedics, on there way to some unknown destination.

One of the paramedics, Connor, couldn't stop staring at Obake's robotic twin, fascinated by the invention.

"So, it mimics everything you do?" he asked.

"To a point." Obake kept his eyes locked upward on a light in the ceiling of the ambulance. "More so it does what I tell it to do through electric pulse signals I send to it with an implant in my skull. It can mimic me when I need it to but with enough orders it can basically act on its own and can fight for me if I happen to be out of commission."

"We need one of those for driving this sucker so SOMEONE can stop trying to kill us!" Another one of them, Dominic, spoke up.

"I will turn this thing around and kick you out!" Warned the driver.

"Hey, I gotta go home with her later." Connor warned. "Don't get my wife mad at me, please."

Obake chuckled.

"Truth be told, it's a refurbished concept. Much more efficient than it was."

Far more effective and less nightmare inducing.

"So, where are we headed?"

"We got our butts kicked pretty hard so we all need some adjustments." Kuro rubbed the back of his neck, wincing a little. "I'm not looking forward to our mechanic's reaction to this one."

"Oh?"

"Nice guy but very no nonsense when it comes to getting things fixed… and we're honestly repeat customers. These are still my first set but the others well… there were incidents."

"Too many." Connor grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? I couldn't help it."

"Suuuure." Kuro nudged him a little. "Keep telling yourself that, Connor."

"Hey!"

Tadashi shook his head.

"Glad to hear some things are still the same at least… Though I have to ask. How long has… this been happening? The crazy robot thing? Or was it just today?"

"The fires have been happening for awhile now. Really picked up about three months ago… The attack, THAT is brand new." Connor shuddered. "Came outta nowhere."

"We've been having arson lately, more than usual. We thought it was going to quiet down but the robot seriously threw us for a loop. It just kept screaming about taking our prosthetics and even went as far as to throw a freaking fire truck at us. It didn't really care if we were alive or dead when they were done." Kuro added in, a tired look coming to his eyes.

Tadashi winced.

"That's insane… Why didn't you tell me about the fires?"

"They weren't bad enough to tear you away from Saga. We could handle them. Homicidal robot? Different story."

"I see… Well, I'm glad you called, because I think we might have an idea of what's going on."

"We just need to be sure. We'll find out soon just working on the details." Obake said. "And get you all taken care of."

"Don't worry. Lance will do that just fine."

The ambulance soon came to a stop, arriving at the destination.

Outside was a nicely sized house laboratory hybrid. It was all blocked shape, right down to its windows and even walkways. What stood out most was a crest that was right above the entryway. It was a gauntlet with a cybernetic theme to it with the initials L.W. written on the back of the hand.

"Welcome to Wylie Prosthesis Research and Development Labs." Kuro grinned, leading everyone out of the ambulance. "Small but very efficient and pump out quality prosthesis."

"I've… never heard of them." Obake commented, raising an eyebrow at this. "I'm assuming small company and not a lot of publicity?"

"Try it's a four man company… or rather… three men and a woman." Dominic crossed his arms. "And yeah, they don't like to make a big show about themselves either. Only way you hear of them is through word of mouth or they find you."

"Charming with that last bit."

"It's true." Kuro shrugged, helping Connor out of the ambulance. "He found each and every one of us."

"Seriously, you'll like him."

They headed up to the door, Kuro pressing a button next to it.

"Who is it?" A woman's voice came over an intercom as a security camera fixated on the group.

"Toshio, it's the team. Mind letting us in for a repair session?"

"One second! Also, would it kill you guys to come by just to say hi or something?"

"We love you too. Next time I'll bring food from Mari's cafe."

There was a buzz before the door opened.

"Come right on in and head straight to the lab bay."

"Thank you."

Kuro gave a gesture, leading everyone inside.

Obake let his eyes wander, noting while things had a bit of organization to them… it was also chaotic. The walls were strewn with all kinds of blueprints for different kinds of prosthesis… even artificial organs.

Trina moved closer to her father, wrapping an arm around him.

"Should we be concerned?"

Obake brought an arm around her.

"No. I know an unsettling lab when I see one. I had one for a time and well… I've seen Scyorax. Honestly… this feels like home."

She giggled, keeping close.

"Yeah, now that you mention it, reminds me of yours." She looked around, huddling close. "Same chaotic but homey feel."

"Indeed. I'm eager to meet the man himself behind all of this."

"You just want ideas to update O-Bot-Kae."

"I did NOT name him that missy."

"You didn't but I did."

They soon came to the lab bay. The area in question was definitely neater than what they had seen. Tools were all set up properly, exam tables were kept nice and clean and the floor didn't have a single thing obstructing it. The lighting was a nice gentle blue mixed with some yellow, giving a calm feeling. Monitors and machines were all on stand by, set up all around the room.

"You knuckleheads better have a good excuse as to why you're all showing up at my doorstep."

All turned, seeing a man approach. He had messy dark blond hair that gradieted from blond to black in the back. He had gentle green eyes and was dressed in a loose blue collared shirt that had all matters of oil smudges and stains in it. Glasses sat on top of the man's head and he had a set of dark colored gloves that went up to his elbows.

He crossed his arms, giving a small grin.

"Though regardless, glad to see you all." He eyed Obake, Tadashi and Trina. "And am curious as to who these strangers are."

"We got jumped." Ebony dead panned, sitting on one of the exam tables, holding up her right arm, a metallic hand hanging barely on by the wires. "And we got the tar beaten outta us."

"It's a… long story." Kuro grinned sheepishly. "And we'll be glad to tell it after?"

"Mm-hm. I expect a lot of good excuses of why my masterpieces got damaged." He smirked before starting to gather up his tools. "Sit your butts down and rest up. I'll go in accordance of worst to just needs a touch up."

The paramedic team members nodded, all going to sit on their own exam tables, Obake, Trina and Tadashi choosing to stand off to the side, wanting to observe.

"Ebony first since her hand is not even functioning anymore, then Dominic for his hands, since both of them got broken, then me since the plating on my legs got roughed up and then Connor."

"Duly noted. Toshi? Can you get the spares from the back?" He called over his shoulder.

"On it!"

"Thank you, Love!"

Obake moved a bit closer.

"Is it alright if I observe?"

"Fine by me. Got a name?"

"Bob Aken but I prefer Obake."

"Ah, pleasure. Well, observe away." Lance got right to work, starting with Ebony. "What brings you to my lab along with your comrades?"

"We were the calvary to make sure these five didn't lose their limbs or their lives." Obake answered. "We're currently in the middle of an effort to stop some scientists who are working for a company known as Scycorax."

Lance stopped, his hands freezing up, earning a hiss from Ebony.

"Hey! Watch the nerves!"

"A-Ah, sorry." Lance corrected the mistake. "Just… That name… That brings back bad memories."

Obake raised an eyebrow.

"That so?"

"Yeah… Let's just say they were a bit… too invested in what I wanted to do for the future. Or rather… they had a very twisted way of looking at my work."

"Sounds like Liv… Though her aside, does the name Naoki Takeuchi ring any bells?"

Lance was silent for a moment before he spoke again.

"How do you know that name?"

"He's someone of interest to me… and was associated with someone named Dragoness who was just recently detained. What they both have in common is they are working for Liv Amara, along with two other people, all working to give her some form of research in exchange for something she can promise them. Think you might know what she could possibly give him and why he would be targeting those with your product?"

Lance narrowed his eyes.

"I'd love to answer all those but right now, I need to focus on healing. I can't do that when I'm angry so I would kindly ask you please drop the subject until I am done. Understood?"

"Loud and clear."

Lance fell quiet, going back to work, his hands moving at a remarkable speed. Diligent but fast as before long, he was finished with Ebony's hand and had moved onto Dominic's prosthetics.

Obake moved back over to Trina and Tadashi, crossing his arms, remaining silent as Lance carried on with his treatments.

Soon enough, he was done.

So fast.

"Phew… Alright, you're good." Lance wiped his brow, stepping away from Connor. "Just take it easy next time a call like that goes out… Also," Lance held a wrench to Connor's face. "I don't ever want to hear about you taking your back out again. It's an artificial spine not a spaghetti noodle. Got it?"

"Got it, got it, geeze! Put down the wrench!" Connor put his hands in a surrender pose. "No need to threaten me."

Lance smirked, lowering the wrench.

"Just making sure my warning sticks."

Lance put his tools away, looking over to where Obake, Tadashi and Trina were.

"I will be with you all in a moment, just need to go check on something. Toshi? Care to show them to the guest room?"

"Right away." Toshio grinned, giving a wave, signalling everyone to follow her.

Everyone filed after her, Obake being the last one to leave. He took a glance behind him, taking note which was Lance was going. Where the hallway he was going down lead to… he wasn't sure.

But I'm sure in due time I will.

oooooo

As Lance promised, he soon joined the group in the guest room, sitting down in one of the chairs that faced across from them.

"Start where ever you like." Lance said, resting his chin on his hands. "I'll do my best to answer."

Obake nodded.

"As I asked earlier, Naoki Takeuchi. What do you know about him and his goals and why he's associated himself with Sycorax?"

Lance narrowed his eyes, sighing.

"I know a lot about him… more than I'd like to admit."

"I feel like I've heard that name before somewhere." Kuro hummed in thought.

"You probably have if you're up to date with medical research in my field." Lance closed his eyes. "Naoki Takeuchi is a man of innovation when it comes to prosthesis research and development. He knows how to build a prosthetic and how to budget, he's just not very fast at it or good at designing and is more skilled in being a good speaker and presenter to companies and hospitals who want to invest in what he has to offer. Investors like Liv Amara."

"I see." Obake narrowed his own eyes. "Continue."

Lance sighed again.

"From what I understand,Naoki is working with Liv in trying to develop close to life like prosthesis, as in, limbs that might as well be detached and made of organic material kind, something close to my work but "better". Only problem is he doesn't exactly know how mine work."

"So the freak that was trying to maim us…?" Ebony sneered.

"Was probably his creation. While he might not be the best at designing advanced prostheses, he is skilled in basic work that's suited for an android."

"I get the feeling it doesn't stop there." Obake kept his eyes locked with Lance's. "I have to say, you know a lot about him. I'm kind of surprised you know details in regards to his partnership with Liv. Not exactly something that's been publicly stated."

Lance glanced to the side.

"Word gets around quick in the community I'm in."

"Oh, I'm sure, it's how any science based community is, especially medicine. However… it's more than that, isn't it?"

"... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Then allow me to ask this. Any idea WHY he decided to partner with Liv? After all, I'm sure it's not something he's doing out of the kindness of his heart."

Lance went dead silent, his body tensing up.

"Lancelot?" Kuro gave a concerned look. "What's the matter?"

Toshio put a hand on his back.

"Lancey?"

Lance got up.

"I need a moment."

Lance hurried out of the room, leaving everyone in shock.

"What's gotten into him?" Tadashi asked.

"Don't know, but I'm going to find out."

Obake got up, hurrying after him.

"H-Hey! Wait!" Toshio tried to grab his arm to stop him, barely missing it by a second.

"As am I."

Kuro followed after him.

"KURO!"

Toshio let out a frustrated sigh, chasing after the two.

"YOU TWO GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"

Obake and Kuro ignored her, keeping up their pace, following far enough behind Lance to not draw attention, but staying far enough of ways from Toshio's grasp.

"So you have no idea either?" Obake asked Kuro.

"None. Lance doesn't really talk about personal matters to me and the team. He just does his job and that's that."

"Keeps to himself. Understandable but sadly, I need to know for the sake of knowing what to do."

Lance soon approached a door, inputting a code before rushing in, the door closing as soon he entered.

Obake, Kuro and Toshio stopped at the door.

"Ha… You… You can't get in without the passcode." Toshio grinned. "Now you two idiots come straight back to the guest room with me."

Obake smirked.

"Child's play."

"... Come again?"

The left side of Obake's face glowed a faint purple.

"Lock coming undone in three… two… one."

Click.

The door opened within moments.

"... Oh you gotta be kidding me!"

"I am not. Now, excuse us."

Obake hurried in, Kuro following after him.

"W-Wait! Don't!" Toshio chased after them. "This is a private area!"

"All the more reason for me to see what's in it!"

Obake and Kuro soon came to a stop, seeing where the hallway they were running down lead to. It was a small room… a bedroom. Or at least, what appeared to be a bedroom.

The room was painted a pale purple, shelves filled with a mixture of children's toys and medical supplies, lining the wall. A desk at the far right, along with what looked like a balance bar used for psychical therapy or ballet.

Stars and butterflies covered the walls in decals, as their gaze moved about the room. It was virtually the perfect room for a child… Except for the monitors and machines, that littered the room, surrounding the bed.

Lance was standing beside it, his back to them, his hand resting on the side of it. Unlike the rest of the room, this was a hospital bed at an incline.

What in the world…?

Obake and Kuro approached, shrugging off Toshio's attempts to stop them, their eyes widening.

Lying in the bed was a young girl of eleven or twelve years of age, connected to the machines in question, her eyes closed, a quilt tucked up to her chin, hiding the rest of her body from view.

"So, do you plan to explain this?"

Lance jumped, looking in their direction, anger entering his gaze.

"How did you get in here!? This is a restricted area-"

Obake had his implant glow, silencing Lance.

"I have my ways. Now… answer me this." Obake eyed the child. "Where does this little girl fit into all this?"

Lance's anger faded away quickly, slight shame coming to his eyes as he turned to the girl, lowering his head.

"Her name is Nozomi. She is a special patient of mine I've been treating for awhile now. I've been working day and night so that she can lead a normal life again. It hasn't been easy but… I've made leaps in bounds with her treatments… but now I worry I may not be able to do what I intended."

"Why not?"

"Because… Naoki wants her back."

Obake's eyes along with Kuro's widened.

"What?"

"Why would he want her?" Kuro asked.

"One simple fact alone."

Lance turned to face them, his expression cold and full of sorrow.

"She's his daughter."