CHAPTER 16: The Fire
When Protoman goes into the living room, Rock and Cutman are already up watching TV on the couch. "Morning, Blues!" Rock waves.
"Morning." He sits between them, using them as shields to ward Elecman off when he emerges from the bedroom shortly thereafter.
They make very effective barriers. As soon as Elecman enters the room, he knows he can't pursue his revenge with the "younger" bots present. He instead sits on the floor. Rock looks at him curiously. "Elecman, what are you doing here? Don't you have to go to work?"
Elecman huffs. "No, I don't. I quit."
Protoman tilts his head. This is the first he's heard of this. "Quit? Really?"
Rock frowns. "Already? But why?"
The bot crosses his arms huffily. "Because the people there treated me terribly, and I refuse to put up with it for another day."
"Suit yourself." Blues shrugs and flips the channel.
"I'm sorry, Elecman...Are you going to find another job?" Rock handles the news much more supportively.
The robot master sighs. "I don't know yet...I can't say I'd expect to be treated differently anywhere else." He turns his attention back to Blues. "Isn't there something you had to ask the doctor about?"
"...Is there?" He hasn't the slightest idea what you are talking about, nope.
Elecman shrugs and leans back, vaguely wondering where the doctor is in the first place. "He's probably working at the lab. I think he forgot about breakfast," says Rock. "Which probably means he forgot to eat anything himself."
Elecman then looks to the orange bot who has been sitting oddly quietly at the other side of the couch. "So. How do you feel after your first night here?"
Cutman shyly averts his gaze, which is unusual for him. "O-oh... You know... " He doesn't want to admit that he had a nightmare and went to spend the night in the doctor's bed.
"What's the matter? Didn't like the couch?" He looks to Protoman. "Maybe he'd like the pallet better."
"Maybe," he answers vaguely.
"I'm sorry, Cutman," says Rock. "You can even sleep in my bed if you want. I have room to spare."
Cutman flushes. "N...nah it's fine."
"Ah. Okay. If you're sure," says Rock.
They watch TV for about an hour and a half, then Light abruptly bustles in. "Ah... Right right... Here he is... I'll put him on..."
He hands the phone he has been speaking into to Elecman. "Son? It's for you. Mr. Miller called... I told him that you were quitting, but he is insisting that he wants to speak to you."
They all turn their attention to him, curious about who he could be talking to.
Elecman sighs in aggravation, scratching his head, but he takes the phone. "Hello?" He braces himself for a heated lecture.
"Is it true? You're quitting?"
"Yes, Sir."
Mr. Miller grunts on the other end. "And I don't suppose you are willing to tell me why?"
Oh he's willing alright. "Because your workers do not treat me with any respect."
Miller tuts on the other and of the line. "So they didn't leave you alone yesterday after I warned them not to disturb you while you worked?"
"Actually, no, they did leave me alone. They completely ignored me and offered me no directions on what I was supposed to do.
"...Uh HUH..." his voice rings with understanding. Oh now he gets it.
"I don't intend to waste my days where I am not wanted, sir."
"Right then... Well. You are free to go. Right as soon as you drop by my office and we get your termination paperwork filled out. And I'll have to get you your compensation check. Can't be avoided. How soon can you come by?"
Elecman sighs. "I should be able to leave now." He glances to the doctor.
Light nods. "Fifteen minutes."
"Fifteen minutes." Elecman repeats.
The phone call ends and the two go down to the car, wasting no time in leaving. It is a quiet trip over. The doctor asks Elec if he is okay but the black and yellow bot simply nods. As long as he doesn't have to go back, he can handle himself in any unpleasantness that this last trip poses.
When Elecman and Light get there, Light parks his car just outside the entrance.
"Would you like me to come in with you?"
"Mm...no, that shouldn't be necessary."
"Alright... I'll be out here if you need me."
Elecman nods in thanks and heads inside.
It is dark and strangely quiet when Elecman enters the plant. There is the soft sound of rustling from somewhere ahead in the locker room where everyone has to get dressed appropriately before heading into the hazard zone, but otherwise it is eerie how calm it is...
...
Elecman slows to a stop. His body grows tense. This isn't right at all. It's supposed to be much louder and busier around here. And brighter. What's going on? Has something happened? Another malfunction?
The door ahead to the main room is ajar and it is even darker inside... But his sensitive optics detect movement ahead, even if he can't make out what it is.
Elecman braces himself and heads for the open door.
As soon as he walks into the large, dark room every light bursts on, blinding him. There's an enormous racket as small bursts of popping noises go off around Elecman, who's showered in confetti and colorful string.
"SURPRIIIIIIIISE"
There are dozens, maybe a hundred hard-hatted workers all crowded into the foyer.
!
Elecman jumps back as he's blinded and then suddenly "attacked" with small weapons that cover him in...tiny colorful bits of paper? He looks over himself and then to all the workers, confusion plain as day on his face.
Mr. Miller, thick comb-shaped mustache and all, walks up to him as the rest of the workers continue to hoot and holler and applaud. The ones closest to him come up to shake his hand and tell him "good job" or "good work" or "thank you."
He blinks, suddenly realize what's going on. This is...for him? "Sirs?"
"Hey kid." Miller says. "Sorry I lured you here under false pretenses. Sad to hear you're leaving us, but everyone thought you should at least get the send-off you deserved after what you did. A man's alive because of you. This is just our way of saying thanks... And actually, I think he'd like to tell you that himself." He guides Elecman's shoulder and turns him around.
Across the room there's a table with a big cake on it, and by that table, sitting in a wheelchair, is none other than Jo. An attractive woman stands by his side. She smiles when Elecman makes eye contact.
Elecman approaches him once he spots him, still too shocked to think of anything to say to Mr. Miller. They threw a party for him to say thank you and goodbye. They're unhappy to know he's leaving. Did saving that man cause this radical change after all? Elecman gives a nod to Jo once he stands in front of him. "I'm glad to see you are recovering."
Jo looks a bit... Emotional? It's hard to say. "I ah... I gave you a hard time the other day. Was a bit of an asshole, I guess. Sorry... Elecman? I didn't... Well I don't have a good excuse. But I'm grateful for what you ah... They tell me if you weren't on the scene yesterday, I'd Uh... Well, I'd not be here..." he finishes sheepishly.
The woman at Jo's side kneels down and puts her arms around the bot, hugging him close. "No he wouldn't... And I can't ever repay you for that. You've saved a husband and a father... Thank you so much."
Elecman tenses briefly in surprise when he's hugged. Well...this was what he wanted, wasn't it? An apology, a showing of appreciation, and this is really beyond any amount of thanks he expected to get. And yet now suddenly it...doesn't feel quite right to be receiving all this. "This...this isn't necessary. I only did what I am naturally programmed to by order of the first law."
After the awkward silent moment in the car the other day, he has put two and two together. Maybe his actions weren't as much his own generosity as he believed.
The woman holding him paused briefly, confused. "The first law?"
"The first law of robotics, ma'am: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm."
...
She pulls him into a hug again. "Young man, it's okay if you did it because you had to... The end effect is the same. My husband is alive."
Jo looks uncomfortable though. The bot probably didn't want to save him.
"...You are welcome, ma'am. Whether by my own choice or not...I'm glad I was able to help." And oddly, he truly is. He glances away from the woman and back to Jo, noting the discomfort in his eyes. That makes his own reflect anxiety. No doubt the human must not feel quite as grateful after his admission.
Just then a bright, blue-eyed child peeks from behind her father's wheelchair. Elecman blinks at her. He was not expecting a human imp to be here.
His boss cuts back in suddenly. "The doctor told us you could eat human food," Miller explains as the girl approaches Elecman. "I hope you like cake."
"Oh, yes, that's correct. I have tried desserts before...I rather enjoy them." He tilts his head curiously at the little girl as she moves closer.
Her father watches her as well but doesn't stop her as she walks up to the robot.
"...are you the hero that saved daddy?"
Elecman blinks again. "I...yes, I saved him."
"Oh."
Wordlessly she latches onto his leg and hugs it. That's his second hug for the day.
"Ah..." His cheeks might be turning a bit pink. In the past his attitudes towards children have been those of disgust for the booger covered, dirty, unsavory things. But this one doesn't seem disgusting. And the emotional display instantly endears him to her. "You're welcome, little one."
Around him, people are moving. The humans begin to cut the cake and Elecman is handed suddenly finds the first large slice handed to him on a paper plate.
The little girl clinging to him looks at it enviously and hurries back to her father's side to beg to have some too.
Elecman mutters a thanks to the person who gave it to him. He can't help but smile at the girl's behavior before he takes his first bite. The sharp sweetness tickles the top of his mouth as he struggles not to grin even wider.
There is a lot more back patting to be had-and congrats and regrets and what have you. Eventually some of the workers begin to filter back out of the room to resume their jobs.
Elecman comes to enjoy being the center of attention as he expects to. By the time everyone is through, he's grinning like the day he first saw the plant. When people start to leave and he gets his fill of cake, he goes to find Mr. Miller.
Miller is off to the side talking to Benny, who turns to kneel down and shake Elecman's hand as well. "Hi there. I know I didn't say it to you yesterday in the thick of it all... But thank you. Jo's a good guy. I'd be lost sometimes without him."
Miller pulls his sagging pants up a little higher and waves to Elecman. "Alright... Let's see about getting you your check. Then you can kiss this place goodbye." He pauses and flashes the robot a thoughtful look. "…There'll always be a place for you here if you ever get the urge to come back, though."
"O-oh yeah?" Elecman fidgets. The bubbly feeling from earlier is quickly fading, and now there's a hard knot of conflict in the pit of his tank.
When they get to his office, Mr. Miller hands him a check for roughly 160 dollars. "Take rest of the cake home too, if you want it," he offers with a grin and gives his stomach a pat. "Most of these guys certainly don't need any more of it."
"U-um..." Elecman squirms. This is it. He's free to leave now.
He hunches his shoulders.
"Something wrong, boyo?" The man probes.
Now or never. Elecman, with difficulty, swallows his pride. "I think I've...changed my mind."
"Oh?" The man's tone rises with interest.
Elecman can't bring himself to meet his eyes as he nods. "Yessir."
Miller is beaming when Elec looks back up. He'd kind of been hoping that would be the case. "Well then... Welcome back aboard!"
Elecman's insides melt in relief. Just like that? Thank god. Then realizes something. Dr. Light is still expecting him to return. "Do you mind if I just tell my, um, my ride that I'll be staying for the remainder of the shift?"
"Of course. No problem at all."
Light is ecstatic when Elecman comes out and gives him the news (and a piece of cake). He waves his son goodbye for the day and promises to be back later.
When Elecman returns, he goes straight back to Mr. Miller. "Now then...where do you need me today?"
"Weeeeeeell..."
Elecman is out to work in earnest. There's a lot to be done, especially around the big generator where they are just starting to get an idea of the design flaw that cause the disaster the other day. But he doesn't mind at all. Here working with the constant low hum of electricity ever present in the background, he is finally in his element. He enjoys organizing cables, rerouting power to different systems, and even perusing the design diagrams for the generators and helping the humans grapple with new and exciting technical problems. Now that his skills are being used to their full extent and the previous hostility has vanished, he can finally enjoy his time. A few of the human's chat him up while he's on shift, interested to learn more about him and see just how advanced he is. He even gets an invite to go join some guys after work.
When he leaves at 5:00 that day, he is glowing.
Protoman looks up at Elecman with interest later when the black bot returns to the apartment. He has been multitasking, playing "strip poker" chinese checkers with Cutman and Rock (who are almost totally exposed where he has lost nothing), reading the newspaper, and watching the news on television. "You seem awfully happy."
Rock and Cutman hurriedly latch back up before Light gets through the door.
Elecman smirks knowingly at the three of them. "So Rock finally convinced you to play checkers while I'm not around to join? Now that isn't fair." Elecman takes a seat on the couch, a proud smile still on his face. "The humans have seen the error of their ways and straightened out their act. Now I get the treatment I deserve, and I've decided not to quit."
Blues scoffs softly.
"What?"
"No no" he says, smirking. "Nothing. Glad your rear is finally being pampered like you wanted."
Elecman's features twist into such an offended pout. "This wasn't about being pampered! It was a matter of respect!"
"Sure sure..." Blues gets up from the couch and stretches. "Now that the adult is back, I'm going to stop babysitting and go run some errands."
Now it's Rock's turn to be offended. "Hey! What do ya mean babysitting?"
Cutman jumps up. "Protoman can I-"
"No"
"But-"
"No"
Cutman sinks back to the floor and pouts. He wanted to come.
When Rock gets over himself, he looks up to his brother with concern. "Will you be coming back soon?"
"Maybe. Depends on if I find any leads."
"Aahh. You're going to look for more of them." Elecman nods in understanding. "Can I come?"
Blues's head dips lopsidedly to the side to lock eyes with him. A weird, forced smile is plastered onto his face—some strange mixture of annoyance at having to answer this question and vindictive glee in the answer he gets to provide. "No."
The black bot's eyes narrow. He scowls but doesn't press it.
Rock sighs. They tried. "Okay...be safe."
Cutman takes to clinging to Elecman and asking him a million questions while the afternoon wears on. When he finds out Elecman got cake today he is intensely jealous.
"Hey doctor!" He calls into the other room, "When can I get a job!? I want cake!"
"Oh? You want a job too?" asks Elecman.
"I wanna get congratulated and eat cake!" Cutman cries to the ceiling and smacks his fists petulantly on the couch cushions.
Elecman huffs, "Getting a job doesn't get you cake. Saving a human's life gets you cake."
"Oh? Even better! There are plenty of humans all over the city."
Roll facepalms. "Both of you are wrong! Making or buying a cake gets you cake! Saving someone's life or getting a job should be done for different reasons!"
"Nuh uh," Elecman waggles his finger at her, "I didn't make or buy that cake, but I still got it. So clearly there's more than two ways to acquire cake."
"I'm telling you, you're not getting it! That was a single act of gratitude, it's not guaranteed and you shouldn't count on it!"
At that she launches into a lecture on economics and ethics. It doesn't end until an hour and a half later.
Elecman leans closer to his brother, ignoring her ranting. "Cutman, saving someone's life may not be necessary, but if you want humans to give you cake, you have to do something to make them love you."
Cutman groans. "Well how do I do that?"
Rock, overhearing them, rolls his eyes. Not the best moral compass, but at least they're learning. He and Iceman pay more attention to the news until Iceman suddenly remembers something. He goes to Roll's room.
Light, by that point, has dinner cooking. He ventures out to watch the evening headlines on TV as well.
When Iceman reemerges, he quickly shuffles past Rock while holding a small monitor to his chest. He finds Dr. Light in the kitchen entryway and tugs on his coat. "We got some footage you'll like." He holds out the monitor to him.
Light gently waves it away. His eyes are fixed on the screen. "Not right this moment. I want to hear this story."
There is a flash of red and orange on the screen amidst a sea of black smoke as a news helicopter films the overhead of an enormous fire surging out of a small corporate office building. For several moments the aerial vehicle pans around, capturing a 360 view of the blaze. Then, in the corner of the screen on the ground, there's a brief moment when a red-clad figure can be seen carrying people out of the flaming disaster area. The doctor gasps.
"This is Katy Kelp on the scene live in Southwest Mega City's commercial district where the disastrous PolyCom fire rages on. Firefighters now on the scene are doing what they can to contain and quench the blaze. The fire reportedly began 15 minutes ago after a sizable explosion. Sources on the ground speculate a gas leak or equipment malfunction to be the cause, but the fire chief has yet to issue a statement. We now take you up close where it appears that a single robot is aiding firefighters in rescuing the building's inhabitants."
There is no mistaking that shield. It's Blues. He is only visible for a moment more before he plunges back into the smoking entrance.
Rock immediately jumps up. "Blues!" Darn him for saying he couldn't come and help. "Dad, I should be there helping him!"
Light is already moving. "Of course! I'll fire up the teleport-"
Oh, that's right. They don't have the teleporter anymore. It was blown up in their old house.
"You... You might just have to take the subway."
"Let me come too, Rock!" Iceman hops to his feet as well. "I can help put out the fire!" Realizing he's right, Rock looks to the doctor for permission.
Cutman and Elecman look between themselves. Should they go? They don't have ice powers or Megaman's copy ability. They don't immediately step up to volunteer.
Light hesitates a moment but nods. "Y...yes… Just BE CAREFUL you two. I'll grab my car and be there as soon as I can."
"You don't have to do that, Dad." says Rock. "We can take the subway like you said. We'll be okay."
He frowns, but kneels down to hug both of them. "Alright... I'm proud of you two."
There's suddenly the sound of another explosion on TV, and as the Light family watches in horror the top floor of the flaming building collapses.
They stand in shock, but Rock is the one to grab Iceman's hand. "Come on! We have to hurry!" He pulls the robot master out the door with him.
It takes 10 minutes on the express line to reach the southwest commercial district. When they are there, the flames are still pouring out of the building but less so thanks to the efforts of the fire department.
Once they make it to the scene, Iceman is quick to offer his arm so Megaman can download his ice slasher. With their weapons ready, the two boys begin cooling down the entrance so they can enter.
The police and fire fighters, recognizing Mega Man, don't stop them. Once they are inside, everything is a chaotic miasma of flames and smoke but no immediate signs of life.
Then there is a scream from above.
-BOOM-
The entire foundation of the building trembles as something above them explodes, and a massive sound as another level of the building collapses. Fire gushes down from the stairwell towards Megaman and Iceman.
The two robots are quick to avoid being seared, and once they are out of immediate danger they begin concentrating their efforts on moving upwards are they go along.
It is not long before they find their progress blocked. The door to the second floor is mostly choked off by flaming debris. They could probably get in if they tried... But the third floor is hopeless. Everything is totally obstructed.
Not wanting to turn back now, Megaman forms a plan. "We can try breaking through. You freeze everything, I'll shatter it." Iceman nods and begins covering everything with ice. When everything seems effectively frozen, Megaman charges up a shot and tries to break it all down.
Success! With the entranceway cleared, they are free to progress. And just in time too. There's another scream. A woman's.
They both move in the direction of the scream. "Don't worry, ma'am! We're coming!"
What they find isn't perhaps what they expected. It is Blues. And a female fire fighter-the source of the scream. The woman's leg is trapped under a steel beam that Blues is doing everything he can to lift. Beside them, an elderly man in a janitor's uniform is on the ground-unconscious.
And between Megaman/Iceman and Blues is a sea of flaming cubicles, carpet, and wreckage of a collapsing building.
"YOU SHOULDNT BE HERE! Go!" Someone screams. In the chaos it is impossible to tell who.
Rock knows that they need to put out the fire separating them out before they can help the others. Once again the two smaller robot masters work together to begin extinguishing the flames as fast as they can.
It's slow progress. Tall sheets of fire spread back where they were almost as soon as they are put out. Poor Iceman, who wasn't built for this kind of temperature, is on the verge of overheating. Once again the voice shouts over the roar of the flames.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? I told you to LEAVE! You're going to get HURT!"
"We have to help!" Megaman shouts, though he's still not sure who he is responding to. But then he notices Iceman's condition. "Iceman!" He puts a hand on the bot's shoulder. "I don't want you to be badly damaged here. You've helped me a lot, but you have to get out now before you risk shutting down!" The robot master shakes his head though. "No! There's not enough time! We need to keep working together!"
There really isn't much time. The building is creaking again. It sounds like another collapse could be on the way.
Panicking, Megaman gives Iceman the order to keep working on the fire. The flames have been significantly weakened since they started, and he figures it should be enough for him to pass through safely. Megaman takes a running start before leaping through, shielding his face with his arms. He winces as the flames lick his body, but his armor does his job and he only takes a minor amount of burn damage-nothing that can slow him down once he makes it to the other side. Once he spots Protoman and the woman again, he runs over and gives the metal rod pinning her a cool down before trying to help his brother lift it.
Protoman gasps. "R-...Rock!? What are you-"
Another tremor.
"N-never mind! On three. One...two...HEAVE!"
They both push upward with all their might and the beam shifts slightly. The moment some of the pressure's off, the female firefighter pulls her leg loose and staggers shakily to her feet. "C...c'mon... I'll get the old man we have to get-"
She tries to take a step forward but crumples back to her knees. "Aagh!"
"Don't try to be a hero. It's broken," Blues barks, "I heard the crack. Rock's got the old man, I'll get you. Rock? Ice me. I'm overheating. Here."
Megaman immediately sprays Protoman with a light flurry of ice to bring down his core temperature. As soon as he is sure his brother is safe. Megaman moves towards the unconscious janitor.
With Megaman and Iceman bridging the gap together, they carefully make their way through the flames with the humans. Then there is another huge rumble.
"ICEMAN!"
The blackened ceiling above the light blue bot begins to crumble.
"NO!"
Before Iceman is crushed, an orange blur comes out of nowhere. He is shoved out of the way as the interloper is buried in rubble.
Iceman stands in shock for a moment. "W...was that...CUTTY!?" The robot master begins desperately trying to freeze the rubble to break it away. Megaman wants badly to help, but he has to get these people out of here. "Iceman, we can't stay here!"
"I'm not leaving Cutty! You go on and get them to safety!"
Blues grabs the old man from Rock. "I've got them. Hurry. This building could come down at any second."
With no further ado, firefighter clinging to one side and janitor slung over his other arm, he puts his shield out in front of him and rushes the nearest window, smashing through it and into the open air. There's a scream from the crowd outside but Blues and the two humans land on an inflatable that he knew was out there.
With the humans taken care of, Megaman can help Iceman break apart the rubble.
They work quickly, but as the chunks of plaster and rafter are tugged away, it is not Cutman that they uncover... Instead the rounded form of Bombman emerges from the wreckage.
"Bombman!?" Iceman gasps. He tries to rouse his brother.
But Bombman is completely nonfunctional, which isn't particularly good, because he's a heavy guy... They're going to have to carry his bulky frame to get him out of here in time. Under the roar of the flames, there is deep moan that sends tremors through the foundation as metal beams give way to the heat.
Rock immediately runs over to help Iceman pick him up. "We gotta go now!" He looks to the window Protoman ran through. Iceman gulps. "You can't be seriou-!" Too late. Rock is already leading them on a running start.
The cushioned inflatable is waiting for them when they fly through the open air-and just in time too. Not moments later, the next level of the building collapses and the whole thing comes down.
Blues is waiting to the side where he is helping the paramedics with the female firefighter and the old janitor.
He looks just as surprised as they were to see who Iceman's savior was. "Bombman? ...I should have known those explosions were suspicious... He probably set the building on fire to begin with."
Both Iceman and Megaman frown sadly at the thought. "He...he still saved me," Iceman counters defensively. "We gotta take him to Dr. Light. We can have him repaired and fix his programming." The smaller bot looks cagily between Rock and Protoman as though expecting them to deny Bombman this.
Blues nods. "You should get him out of here... These were the last ones in the building, I'll-!"
His new firefighter friend suddenly cries out and tugs on his scarf as the paramedics set her leg into a splint. "Urk!" His words are choked off.
He stays by her side while they get an oxygen mask on her.
Rock gives a nod to his brother before turning back to Iceman. "Come on. Let's move him somewhere safe. I can call Dr. Light to get us all home."
Luckily he doesn't have to. Despite saying that he would stay, the doctor arrives there on the scene after a couple of minutes and pulls his car around near the blockade. "Rock! Iceman over here! I saw what happened, are you two alright!?"
The boys immediately run over, lugging Bombman with difficulty. "We're okay!" Rock pants, his vents working overtime to try to cool down his hot and overtaxed frame. "Iceman got pretty heated, though. And look who we found."
"Oh dear..."
Light helps them move the heavyset bot into the back of the car, which visibly sags under his weight. The doctor doesn't miss this. "I'm not sure we'll be able to bring him into the apartment, but let's get him to the lab." Bombman still displays no signs of consciousness. There is a sharp dent around his forehead where he was hit by rubble.
"H-he got buried...saving me." Iceman sniffles in between his own wheezing. "But Protoman thinks he's the one that started the fire."
Suddenly Rock remembers. "I heard him yelling. He tried telling us to get out and that we weren't supposed to be there."
"Really? How odd... " Light drives away from the yellow taped street side where the flames are finally dying down and turns to head back to the university. "Tell me everything that you remember."
They explain as best they can the events that transpired during the fire-the explosion from above, the building collapse, the blocked stairs, Blues and the humans, the voice, and the fateful moment when Iceman was almost buried.
As they do, Light and the boys get back and get Bombman inside the lab. Light begins plugging him up to diagnostic devices. "Let's see... He doesn't seem to have been damaged by the fire... He was made to withstand extreme heat and physical abuse. Didn't want him blowing himself up, you see. It looks like he took a heavy blow to the head, though... It dislodged some key components but his core systems are stable. Unfortunately... Most of the damage he took was to his random access memory. I'll do what I can for it, but his short term memory, especially around the time of the accident, may be lost."
"That's not so bad." says Rock. "Are you going to repair his programming now that we have him?"
Light nods. "Of course. I would prefer to ask his permission first... But while I'll be tinkering with his head anyway I might as well do it. The other three masters we've rehabilitated give me no reason to believe he will be upset with my doing so afterwards."
"I don't think he will be." Iceman says, but he can't exactly be sure with Bombman.
Light spends the better part of the afternoon working on Bombman's repairs. It is not that they are extensive, he just makes sure to be very careful when repairing the bot's mind, trying to do so in a way that preserves as much of his memory as possible. When he is finished with everything, including ridding his creation of Wily's tampering, he leaves Bombman in the lab to recalibrate. The estimated service time is two hours. He goes back to the apartment to check on his children.
Iceman is still in the middle of telling Cutman the story of his heroic venture with Rock into the burning building to save the last few trapped humans. Rock listens from the other side of the couch as he sips on a can of fuel.
Blues is sitting in the corner of the room, heavily charred. Some of his paint is melted clean off. Roll is at his side, tending to him despite his protests, dabbing at the charred spots with a cold wet cloth to at least clean him up a little.
"So what kind of cake did you get!?" Cutman asks. Roll groans. "I told you boys that's NOT how it WORKS!" Then she spies Light. "Daddy THERE you are. Is Bombman done? Blues needs some new-"
"-No I don't-"
"-and his paint is messed up too, he'll need a fresh coat, do you wanna work on him now or later? I can help if you tell me what to do."
"We're not gonna get cake, Cutman. That's not the reason you should help people in danger." says Rock. Knowing Blues is in his sister's capable hands, he leaves him alone. "How is Bombman doing, Dad?"
"It's hard to say with certainty before he's online, but his systems check out. He is in the lab recalibrating and should wake up in a little less than two hours."
Light goes over to inspect his son, who pouts at his approach. "I know what you're going to say, but you don't dictate my life. I get to decide what I do with my-"
"No no," The doctor puts his hands up. "I don't think you did anything wrong. You couldn't have known that the building would catch fire when you went out, but you acted with haste and goodwill. I believe there are people who owe you their lives today, Protoman... And as your... Ahem... I couldn't be more proud."
Surprise flashes across Blues's face, and then a flush. "Oh... W-well... "
He keeps still while the doctor checks him over for damage and helps Roll wipe him off.
Rock smiles at the exchange. "Oh!" Iceman perks. "Now that you're done I can finally show you!" He dashes out of the room to grab the monitor he had before he left.
Rock stares after him, mildly bewildered. "What's that Iceman?"
"Just some fooootage~ You'll like it, sir."
Rock blinks curiously.
Blues, Roll, Light, and Cutman look curious too.
"Hey. Let me see too!"
"You already saw it, Roll," He gives a quick wink to the girl.
When Blues hears that, he realizes what they must be talking about. Shit. He transforms his arm into a blaster and points it at the entrance of Roll's room as though he is holding it out for inspection. "Actually doctor, I ah... I have sort of a concern. My blaster arm doesn't feel quite right, could you check on that?"
"Hm? Of course son... Let me see..."
Light begins poking and prodding at it as Blues waits for Iceman to emerge.
Iceman appears from the doorway shortly, the monitor safe in his hands. Rock watches carefully, still clueless as to what's going on.
Light gasps in surprise as Protoman's weapon suddenly discharges weakly, shooting Iceman off of his feet and onto the ground.
"Ack! I'm sorry Iceman!" Blues gasps, feigning innocence. Bullseye.
"Hey!" Iceman pouts as he stands back up. "Oh no, I dropped it..."
"Oh no... That's such a shame," Blues sounds just heartbroken. "Is it okay?"
He prepares to fire again if he needs to.
Iceman picks it up and tries to boot it up again. "Ah...okay, I think it is okay..."
"Oh thank goodness, I'm glad I didn't-"
-PSHEW-
"Oh I... I am SO sorry..."
"HEY!" Luckily Iceman suspected he might still be trigger happy, and he is ready to dodge the shot. "Okay I knew it! You're doing that on purpose!"
"What? Psh... On purpose? Iceman..." Blues gets up and moves towards him with his arms outheld. He transforms his blaster arm back to normal "I would never try to hurt you..."
He kneels down to give Iceman a big hug.
...
Squinting, Iceman runs right past him, the monitor held close to his chest until he's in front of Dr. Light. "He's trying to stop you from seeing this!"
Protoman growls and gets up when his ruse is discerned. He's leaving. No way he's sticking around for what is to come.
Now Rock is looking nervous. "Wh-what is it...?"
Blues slams his way out of the room even as Roll runs after him. "H-hey you need repairs!"
Rock frowns and gets off the couch. Before Iceman can hand it over, he snatches the monitor himself. "What's even on this anyway?" As Iceman shouts after him, Rock runs to a corner of the room to take a look at what Blues would try so desperately to hide.
...
Rock's lips form a tiny "o" as the video plays and his face flushes beet red in seconds.
"GIVE IT!" Suddenly Iceman is reaching around him to take it back, but Rock hugs the monitor tight. "NOOOO!" he squeals, squirming past before breaking away and making a run for his own room.
Light frowns as the scene unfolds. "Now boys... I don't know what this is all about, but if you are teasing Rock and Blues, that's not kind...
Iceman huffs. "I don't know why they're so embarrassed! It's just them playing!"
The doctor sighs. "I'll go see if I can convince Blues to return."
By the time the doctor is gone, Rock is safely locked in his bedroom. Iceman knocks and tries to get him to open up and give the tablet back to no avail.
Cutman pouts. "So much for that."
They wait around the living room for a while. It is quite dark out now. When Rock reemerges much later, he is looking quite proud of himself.
All of the others just stare at him. Then Roll notices the time.
"Ack! Bombman should be waking up!"
She rushed out the door. Cutman follows. "Hey I wanna see Bomby too!"
Rock sighs in relief when something else diverts everyone's attention. Even Iceman and Elecman become much more interested in their brother than the recording.
They all troop out to the lab where Light and the recovered Blues are greeting a newly-awakened Bombman.
"Ah..." The doctor says. "Here they are now, see? If you need reassuring I'm sure your brothers can offer it."
Bombman is sitting up on the lab table, rubbing the formerly dented spot on his head tenderly. Cutman instantly runs up to and jumps up on him.
"BOMBYYYYY"
Following Cutman's lead, Iceman quickly joins to hug him as well.
The new robot master hugs the two back, somewhat relieved. Particularly with Iceman. "I... You were... There was some sort of trouble, wasn't there? I... I remember something falling towards you... Are you alright, Icy?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. You saved me, Bombman."
"I did...?"
He hugs Iceman even closer, picking the smaller bot up against his chest.
"I was so scared... Like as scared as I had been in my entire life..." the big bot mumbles. Then he leans in a little closer and murmurs. "S...so is it really true? That you're not working for Wily anymore? None of you?"
Iceman nods. "We got fixed, Bombman. And so did you."
Bombman's mouth twists a bit. He's obviously confused... And contemplating.
"Well... Okay bro. If this is what you all decided I... I'll give it a try."
Iceman and Cutman smile up at him.
He grins and gently cuddles his two little bros close... He doesn't remember a lot right now, but he knows he missed these two... And Elecman. He opens up his arms to the black bot as well.
"Bro?"
Elecman's face cracks into a grin, and he comes to join the embrace as well.
The reunited brothers are the picture of happiness.
"Can Bombman sleep with me on the couch, Doctor Light?" Cutman asks. Light's smile falls. "Er... Well... About that..."
Three minutes later, Light finishes explaining why the building can't support Bombman's weight for the fourth time to Cutman, who is still upset regardless but finally announces "FINE! Then I'll just sleep down here with him!" Which Blues has no issue with because it means he gets his couch back...
"Aww...are they gonna be okay here?" Rock asks.
"I'll drag a mattress down for the two of them, and some blankets." Says Light. "Or rather..." He smiles sheepishly, "I might have to ask for your help with that, Rock."
Rock doesn't hesitate to nod and smile. "Yeah, I can help with that!"
Blues stays behind, and at Light's insistence allows himself to be repaired (while he is still conscious, of course).
Rock takes care of fetching a mattress for the robot masters in the meantime. He manages to get Cutman and Bombman settled with a mattress, pillows, and lots of blankets. Bombman is grateful to say the least. Everything he touches, it's like he is feeling it for the first time. Emotions weren't the only thing Wily's programming numbed. So many textures and emotions and sensations he was deadened to before... The warm glow of affection dominates as he holds Cutty in his arms while they bed down. "It's just temporary." Light warns. "When our new house is finished, you will be able to come inside."
"Yeah! You're gonna love our new huge house!" Roll chimes.
###########################################
The next morning, Blues hugs Elecman's waist as they lie together in bed. He is not entirely sure why he decided not to spend the night on the couch, or how he ended up spooning his companion, but if he had to make an educated guess... He has a feeling it has to do with the warm, gentle charge he's getting when he touches the other bot.
He was probably baited.
Elecman is beyond delighted to have his bed companion holding him this way. He keeps thinking back to the fact that Blues did not end up asking Dr. Light to remove that protocol as he said he'd do, even when the doctor was already giving him other repairs. He has to wonder if it simply slipped his mind with everything that happened, or if he is having second thoughts about it after all.
Even though Blues would never freely admit it, Elecman's suspicions are correct, although it is questionable whether Blues is having second thoughts because he doesn't want to lose the protocol or because he doesn't want any more tinkering from Light than he can avoid.
He inhales softly, getting the smell of Elecman's hair in the process. It's... Not bad. It smells like the other robot has cleaned it recently, because he can detect the soft, soapy scent of shampoo.
Elecman can't help but give a small smirk when he can tell Blues is smelling him. To mess with him a bit, he decides to move his head back a bit, just enough to brush his hair against Blue's face.
!
Blues sneezes softly when he gets a nose full of hair... But he doesn't pull away. It's kind of nice... And warm.
Elecman has to resist giggling. God, he can feel the heat of his blush radiating from his skin. He's so damn cute.
Blues breathes warm against the back of Elecman's neck. He slowly nods back off. It won't hurt to sleep a little longer.
He can't help but sigh softly and contently. Unfortunately for Elecman, though, he won't have much longer to savor this. Soon he will have to get out of bed to get ready for another day at work.
There are voices from the next room over, and soon smells. Breakfast is on the way. And Light is making a whole schmorgesboard for his growing family-piles of eggs, dozens of cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, and all that good stuff.
When Elecman picks up on the sounds and smells, he becomes curious enough to want to investigate. He begins trying to carefully slide himself out of Blues's embrace.
Nope. No go. Blues is back awake the moment Elecman starts to move and he hugs the bot right back against himself and nips the back of his neck teasingly before letting him go. "Race you to the kitchen"
When he is released, Elecman's face is a few shades redder. He may have made a soft, undignified squeaking noise.
Blues grins and gets up hurriedly to beat him to the table where Roll, Rock, Cutman and Iceman all wait.
Cutman is busy loading up a plate to go. "I'm sure Bombman will love this!"
Elecman pouts, disappointed to have lost a chance to beat Blues in a race. He makes his way to join everyone else. Rock already has a loaded plate with a bit of everything on it. "I'm sure he will. Dad and Roll make the best breakfast."
"Is there a special occasion for this, Doctor?" Elecman asks.
Light nods. "Yes, Bombman moving in with us is certainly a special occasion, wouldn't you agree? We are only missing Fireman and Gutsman now before the original robot masters are reclaimed."
The electric bot smiles. That is starting to feel like a very real possibility. He left Wily's side ready to wash his hands of his line-mates, but that was when it felt forced and something like the setup they have going now an impossibility. Maybe soon they will all be reunited. And then… who knows? They could at least give this family thing a try.
Elecman eventually checks the clock again. "Ah. I had better get going."
"Very well! Let's go," The doctor starts getting up to drive him to his job.
"Oh, Doctor, wait. You shouldn't have to drive me every day. I think it's time I start using public transport instead. If Rock and Iceman can navigate it, I'm sure I can as well."
"Oh? Are you sure?" Light smiles. What a young adult he has. "Very well... Just remember, I always have my phone. You have my number, right? Comm me if you have any problems."
"Of course, sir. But I'm sure there will be no problems." He smiles and bids everyone farewell.
Blues snatches up a cinnamon roll for himself and heads out the door. "Later. I'm going out too."
"Where are you going, Blues?" asks Rock.
"Eh. Just exploring town. Nothing specific."
As he leaves their apartment, he follows Elecman down the hall.
Elecman glances behind him. "Ah. Out to go on some more errands today?"
"Something like that." Blues replies cryptically inbetween bites of roll.
He continues to follow the black bot as he heads down the block, quietly munching.
"I take it you'll be using the subway as well?" He asks when he realizes that Blues is still traveling in the same direction.
"Mhm," he hums with his mouth full.
Elecman tries to match his speed to Blues so that he can walk with the other bot rather than be followed by him. "And where are you heading?"
"Oh I dunno. Wherever the wind blows me."
"Whatever you say."
As they get further into the city, Blues is the first to spot a guy hunched on the street corner with his hands open, begging for spare change. He quickly opens up a storage compartment and rifles through it until he finds the other 21 dollars he earned the previous day.
"What are you doing?" Elecman asks with genuine surprise. "How much money did you just hand over?"
"20 dollars."
Elecman shakes his head. "And you just gave it away. I'd believe you having such little value for money if you lived with Dr. Light the way Rock does, but I know you need it more than that. Why give it up?"
Blues shakes his head. "Nah. I've got a full tank, several roofs that I could crash under if I had to, and ways to make some more money and get fuel if I need it. He probably doesn't have any of that. He needed it more than me. He didn't even have shoes..."
Elecman's mouth tightens a bit as he considers what Blues says, and he doesn't question him further.
They hop a subway train and since it is mostly empty, Blues used two seats to lay down and kick his feet up, right at home.
Elecman chooses to simply sit next to him. He remains quiet, paying close attention to the stops to make sure he won't miss the one nearest to the plant.
As soon as they get to Elecman's stop Blues gets up and stretches. "Mmm... I think this'll do it for me."
He gets off first.
Ironically (or perhaps not) he heads ahead in the same direction Elecman needs to go. What an odd coincidence.
Now Elecman is starting to grow suspicious, but he keeps any accusations to himself for now, thinking he could still just be coincidentally wanting to go to the same part of town.
Sure enough, Blues walks slightly ahead of him aaaaaall the way up to the power plant.
...
There is no trace of amusement on Elecman's face. "Okay. What are you doing here. There is no reason for you to walk all the way here. You have no business at this plant."
"It's a free country, I can go where I want." Blues goes inside.
"H-hey!" Elecman quickly catches up to him. "There are places that not everyone is allowed to go and this is one of them!"
"Bah, I don't see any "intruders keep out" signs, I'm just going to the reception area! Think I might like to get the grand tour."
Elecman huffs. "Fine, whatever. You have your tour while I report for duty." He turns and heads out to clock in for the day, intending to separate from Blues now.
Blues waits until he's gone and the heads out of the building after a quick look around the foyer/open access areas. Really he just wanted to find out exactly where Elecman was working to keep it in mind. And maybe mess with him just a tad. He might be back later, but for now he has a hospital to pay a visit to.
When Blues arrives at the hospital, Ethyl is quick to smile and wave to him. "Hello again, Protoman. I was worried you might not be able to make it this time after the night you had. I'm glad to see you're alright."
"Night I had?" He looks at her confused before remembering the fire. "Oh... OH!" He looks at himself. Dang. He's still missing paint in places. "Yeah that... I had totally forgotten."
"Forgot?" She chuckles and shakes her head. "Now how could you forget something like that?" She gives a nod towards the playroom. "We showed them the news footage that featured you, so they're gonna be especially excited for story time today."
"Ooh boy I bet they will. He hikes the cat he picked up on the way over just a little higher on his shoulder and heads in to face his adoring audience and... A blue waste bin?
He stares in confusion at the large trash can in the middle of the room that the children are crowded around. When the first kids see him enter they squeal in laughter, barely able to contain their mirth. His entrance is greeted with a lot less "yay" and a lot more giggling than usual, but he's hailed with enthusiasm nonetheless. The kids take the cat from him and he starts giving out his pats and hugs and handshakes in prep for today's show, wondering what the joke is.
When Blues takes the stage and the children crowd around he starts his usual routine, striking a heroic pose. "Good morning everyone! Who's ready to hear another daring tale of how Mr. Kittypants and I SAVED THE DAY!?" Cheers erupt from all around as he launches into the tale. There he was-patrolling the city in the dark of the night when BAM! A security alarm goes off! He and Mr. Kitty fly to the scene and rush into the building only to be ambushed by a mysterious figure!
Blues omits some of the more gruesome parts like the fact Cutman was torn in half but embellishes others, his quick skirmish turning into a ten minute long battle royale. All things considered, his week has been a bit more quiet than usual, but he's gotta keep it interesting. Somewhere during all this he notices the garbage can wiggle slightly of its own accord. Aha... So that's what's up. Well, he'll act surprised anyway so they can have their joke.
He wraps up his tale in about 20 minutes-quicker than usual-and then does his after-show sound off of the Proto-motto before they break into play time. That's when someone decides it's time for show and tell.
"Pwotoman, Pwotoman!" A little boy runs up to him, tugging on his scarf and pointing to the garbage can. "We. We gots a pwobem! You gotta help us!"
"Oh? Whatever it is it's no match for me! Let's see it then!"
He walks up to the closed can and gives it a few experimental taps with his foot, fully expecting a jump scare. All the kids gather around giggling. Oh yeah, something's about to happen.
What he doesn't expect is who exactly is inside. Because when the lid of the can pops off, he's confronted with not one or two but three familiar faces. He gasps and topples backwards.
"R...rock!? Iceman? CUTMAN!?"
The children roar with laughter.
"We got you! Hahahaha!"
Now Blues's cheeks color bright in embarrassment. He wasn't expecting the fam to be here.
The Light bots all join in the laughter as well. As they climb out, the children all give them congratulatory high-fives for a prank well done. Rock then offers his brother a hand up. "I hope you don't mind. I remembered today's the day you visit them, but they—" He motions to Cutman and Iceman, "-wanted to go into town with me.
"When we got here, you hadn't made it yet." Iceman grins proudly. "So I thought of a way to surprise you."
Blues makes a sour face, one eyebrow visibly twitching in annoyance... But he accepts his brother's hand and quickly resumes character. "Ah, how clever! Such tricky allies I have. No wonder you are always so good at hide and seek!"
Several kids gasp.
"I WANNA PLAY I WANNA PLAY."
Iceman, Cutman, and Rock find themselves dragged away by energetic children while Blues goes over to the arts and crafts table after some girls request to repaint his missing patches that were scalded off. Soon he is covered in red finger paint, along with some green and yellow and pictures of birds and dogs and flowers and everything anyone can think to paint him with.
Rock is happy to play hide and seek with the children, especially since it is Iceman and Cutman's first time playing. Iceman is quickly elected as the first one to be "it", and as he counts, Rock leads Cutman to find a good hiding spot while all the other players scatter.
Unfortunately, some of the kids scatter towards the robots rather than away from them. Several of the younger ones, in fact, who aren't the quietest or stealthiest. It is thus that Megaman, Cutman, and Iceman are found almost instantly for the next few rounds, but all in good fun of course.
Megaman is happy to see the kids gravitating towards him. Soon everyone elects him to be "it", and he covers his eyes in one corner of the room and starts counting. When he is ready to begin his search, he glances to see if Protoman is still working at the craft table, somewhat worried. He remembers that grimace when they first surprised him.
Blues is watching him, amused, as he is covered in layer after layer of paint. He considers inviting his brother over to be painted too.
The smirk on his brother's face relieves Rock. He turns back to where everyone should be hiding. "Okay~ I'm gonna find you guuuyysss~"
Iceman proves tricky to track down this time. Somehow he manages to evade Rock all the way to the end and even after Rock searches around the entire large room for him. Everyone is laughing by that point at some mutual joke the blue bot has yet to figure out.
Megaman looks to the kids. "Hmmmm...you guys know where he is, don't you?"
Some of the kids practically screech with laughter when he asks but suddenly Iceman appears in his peripheral vision.
"Peekaboo! You really need to learn to watch your six."
! "Ack! ...eheheh, okay, you got me." Rock grins sheepishly.
Iceman pats his back. "Okay I'm sick of this game, I wanna color!"
Megaman watches in amusement as several kids happily lead him and Cutman to the drawing table. He takes the chance to go join his brother at the craft table.
Eventually Blues beckons Rock over for some painting time to admire his own artwork while Iceman and Cutman impress the kids with other things.
"So... Is this going to become a regular thing?" he queries.
Rock gulps. "I-I'm sorry...I know I should have asked first. And I don't know...It doesn't have to be. If Iceman and Cutman want to play with humans we can find other places to take them to do it."
"It's alright... No harm done. I was just surprised is all." And maybe a bit embarrassed. "Playtime's about to wrap up. Are you going back home after?"
"Not sure yet. For all I know, they'll find something else they wanna do in town."
Blues nods and gently taps the corner of his lip. "Well... If you want my suggestion I have ONE idea of what we can do."
"H-huh? What's that?"
Blues smiles.
A few hours later it is lunch time at the power plant and Elecman's popularity is lasting. Unlike the previous days, he is invited to the tables of different workers who take to asking him all sorts of questions about his functions and life and whatnot. Benny is among them, the man sticking closer than ever after the previous day's near-fatal events. Jo isn't around though. Benny informs Elecman that he has been ordered to take it easy for the next week. "So what was it like when that mad doctor controlled you? Do you remember it?"
Elecman nods. "Very clearly. The thing about it is that 'controlled' almost isn't the right word for it. His program didn't force me to do things against my will. It was more sinister than that. It truly bent my will to give me a desire to do as he told me. For a time, at least."
Benny seems troubled by that. "So what was it like when you ah... When you 'woke up'?"
"Well...that's the odd thing. Even before I 'woke up', his code seemed to be failing on me. I had wanted to escape him before. So when I first came back online, I did not feel very different. It took some time to realize that I was responding to things differently than before."
"Oho? How so?"
"The biggest change was my capacity to feel empathy had been restored."
"The second biggest is that he is a cuddler in bed now." Blues pokes in.
! Elecman jolts up, clearly shocked to see him back. "W… What do you think you are doing here!?"
Blues waves, along with his posse-Rock, Iceman, and Cutman. They are all wearing bright green "visitor" passes.
"We're on a tour!" Cutty interjects. "This place is neat!"
Elecman groans. "Ugh...well fine, whatever. I guess as long as you don't cause me any trouble..."
Blues grabs a can of fuel from the cafeteria line while Benny snickers softly. "Are these some of your robot friends?"
"Ah, well...sort of. You could also call them my brothers." He sheepishly gestures to Iceman and Cutman. "These two used to work for Wily as well. And you might know Megaman here." The boys all smile and wave.
After introductions are had and the plant workers finish up lunch, they return back to work.
Blues keeps following Elecman around for the rest of his day, taking amusement in his "brother's" discomfort long after the younger boys head back home. He lingers at the plant until the end of the day and escorts Elecman back himself.
Elecman is pouting at him so hard when they head out for the train station. "Was that really necessary?"
Blues's only answer is a sly grin.
END OF CHAPTER