BEEP BEEEP!
Nos groans, but surely wakes up to the alarm.
"Five more minutes…." He mumbles but hears the door open and knows who it is already and gets up.
"Papa! It's time to wake up!" Vanet came into his room excited; she ran to awake him and brought him energy bars to eat.
Nos yawns but is waking up and accepts an energy bar to drain. "I will be down soon. Go get ready for school."
"Ok!" She hurries to her room, but Nos slowly sees the time.
5:45 am Friday, Jan 10.
"There is a new Peace Alliance today." He grumbles but gets up and gets dressed for work. He does not regret taking Vanet to school but why does it have to be so early?! 'It is ludicrous!'
He changed to his organic form and chose the cufflinks Vanet and his tata gave him after working for the GAF for 6 months. He can say these months have changed him but he was proud of his accomplishments as a father and an agent. He will admit, training with Ryder and his father helped him learn outside of Buzz's fighting skills.
He goes down stairs and hears his tata cooking and he sees his tata had his lunch ready as well as Vanets. He smiles to see Vanet's height mark on the doorframe, some height difference from the past months.
"Fiu will you be alright? You look tired." Nosfer asked.
"Just some last minute changes to the security plan, nothing serious." Nos answers and hears Vanet come into the kitchen, adorning her uniform but wearing the cloak. He was thinking of getting it tailored as she grew up so that she can keep it with her.
"Ready for the test today?" Nos asked.
"Yes! I cannot wait to pass it." Vanet grins, she had been studying it for the past week and excited that when she passes the test, she can choose a movie she wanted to see at the theater.
"And I have faith you will pass the test." Nosfer can tell Vanet was excited. "Remember if something happens, you call me if your papa is unavailable."
She nodded and finished eating. "Come on papa!"
"Right behind." Nos grabs his coat and opens to see it was snowing in the forest through the window. He puts a heavy coat on her and walks her out to the pathway he made for them to walk but sees Ryder standing out wearing his trench coat.
"Tell me why and how can you withstand the cold? And you missy, need a thicker coat."
"Unlike you, I used to be in space a lot. It also helps that I lived here for the past year. Since Vanet likes that one, I altered it a bit to keep her warm and cool due to the weather." Nos glares as Vanet hurries to Ryder's ride. Nos sits in the co-pilot as Vanet sat in the back.
"Well, you seem to have her prepared. Listen, I received a call, I got good news and bad news." Ryder starts his ride and begins to depart.
"What is the bad news?" Nos raised a brow.
"Team Lightyear will be joining us in the rear. He insisted on working with GAF but they are to keep outside. This is our turf in the manner of speaking."
Nos was feeling uneasy, the fact Lightyear is coming was bothering him. Out of all the time, why insist on being in this event? "What is the good news?"
"Well good news for me is I am finally going to get XR's autograph." Ryder answers.
Nos tenses even more hearing that and calms himself. 'This is fine! I can do this!"
"I cannot do this." He said to himself when he saw it was Lightyear and his team came to protect the ambassador of some planet he could not care to remember, came here to make peace.
"As you can see, I requested Buzz Lightyear to protect me. I cannot simply trust these Agents-"
Nos closes off the conversation but can see Buzz was staring him down. He just merely ignores the stare down but he was wondering just why he is staring at him?
Ryder waits with Nos and keeps his laughs in. It was hilarious how Buzz Lightyear was threatened by Nos just because Nos has been successful at his job. As of late, Star command has been not called for being part of the peace treaty but word on space, ever since Nosferatu Atu appeared, the peace has been more successful and any time Zurg tried to intervene, GAF has been the very defender against the interference. It was as if someone had been reading his every move.
There were already many Ambassadors requesting for Nos and him to be their protection. Ryder knew Nos was an introvert, hardly takes a compliment but everyone in the GAF enjoyed getting the glory he shares. It was funny, the same agents that tried to put the jump on him are loyal to him.
"So I insist on having Lightyear by my side." The ambassador grins, his nose pointing to the air with some authority to it.
"We will agree if you follow the conditions we hold." Nos showed the hologram through the pad. It was a mod of the peace room but also revealing the levels of security. "All guards that are hired must be in the outer area because outside Protection can do damage and even enact war."
"Excuse me but we can handle any threats. In case you don't remember, I'm Buzz Lightyear who-"
"Last I recall, you shot down an assassin here." Nos glares at the hero. 'An he calls me arrogant.'
Buzz grins. "So you have heard of my-"
"You took a risk of almost assassinating and destroying a peace treaty. Had the truth not been found, you could have ruined and deface this alliance."
"But I-" Buzz stops and sees the ambassador Newton look uncomfortable. "I proved my theory was right."
"By chance, it was dangerous. By doing that you have also decreased to make peace here. So, it is best that space rangers are to be kept outside of the building." Nos stated, Ryder kept it cool but he was enjoying this! To see Lightyear being told off by one of his enemies was priceless.
"Either you and your team stay outside of the area or you will enforce a void treaty and either cause a war, and ban Space rangers." Nos reminded himself of the protection for Vanet and the chance to get rid of this so-called tyrant is the objective. He thinks a force of some kind hates him so much, it brings his former enemies to his home world. He was reminded that the star command was sending their best but he did not see XR. 'I am a bit relieved and still nervous.'
"Fine, but we will by the entrance. Come on team." Buzz and his two team members follow him. He didn't get how or why this guy was bothering him and something about him didn't sit right.
"He seems pretty serious Buzz, but he seems nice." Booster said.
"I wouldn't call him a nice guy Booster," Mira crosses her arms. He could pass for a tangean but she didn't sense anything from him. In fact, it was like some barrier he had on that reminded her of grounders but even there was some level. "He was pretty rude."
"Either way, we need to show these Agents we as space rangers are at their level." Buzz started ignoring his rivalry towards the blue alien agent. He felt this will be a great day.
"What I miss?" XR treads over to them, not seeing the two agents went inside with the ambassador nor did they see him.
"Just met with the agents but we need to get inside and show them we Space rangers are as capable as them. They're probably doubting us right now but we'll show them!"
"Damn, I wanted his autograph." Ryder spoke as he stood by Nos who was eating small energy pods that looked like candy. "Welp, guess I'm heading home early or we could go hangout at the shooting range. Heard Warp is around." Ryder and Warp became good friends and despite their annoying need of picking on him, the two became his most trusted allies.
"I have to pick up Vanet after school. If you wish to join, by all means." Nos didn't pay him mind as he waited with his partner inside the entrance but ten minutes passed and they have yet to come in to speak, much less plan out the plans.
'Typical.' Nos thought. "That is if nothing shocking happens." Nos looked around but saw a figure walking to the hall. He was using his sensors to detect their energy reading from afar and found they were suspicious. He made his walk as if he was stretching his legs. He pretended to be ignorant when he was pulled in.
Ryder ran after him but just around the corner, Nos had the attacker pinned down and cuffed him. "Smooth move." He was impressed how well Nos's training paid off.
"Go look around, there are possibly more than one assailant here." Nos got up and used his liquid metal to bind the attacker. "We need to act quickly and swiftly." Nos stated.
Ryder held his stun blasters. "Alright then. Let's head out, they are in a meeting so nothing cannot interfere with the peace meeting."
Nos nodded and was already heading away looking and scanning the areas around and not long caught the three others while Ryder caught the other two. "I found a total of four."
"I found three- four. Looks like a tie."
"Must this be a game?" Nos asks while attacking another assailant. They tried to punch and kick him but he swiftly deflected and knocked him out. "5."
"And I'm the one making this into a game? 6."
Nos chuckles and moves to the next hall but dodges the blast. He goes to attack but froze when he sees the infamous Lightyear aiming his ray at him. "The space rangers took down the current assailant."
"Same on my end. I swear these guys are ruining my count."
"Who are you? There shouldn't be anyone on this floor." Buzz did not lower his weapon down and neither did Nos who glares. He calmed his circuits and stood tall, despite the slight height difference. "I am agent Atu," he shows his badge. "Space rangers are to be kept outside of the embassy, not raising an alarm." He glares but internally he feels the great surge of power being higher than Lightyear. He can already see Lightyear was not exactly happy, something they had in common. "As head of this operation and patrol, you are supposed to be outside." He felt a thrill of telling the infamous Lightyear to leave.
"Like I follow your orders. I have been protecting this galaxy-"
"And yet there are more criminals roaming out in the galaxy. Quite a reputation." Nos smirks, how it felt good to take down Lightyear's ego a peg. "I was ordered by madam president to keep this situation in control. You disobeying a GA agent is disrespecting madam. So," He leans forward, "Get out." He would record this and he is, but it was soon ended when madam president walks in from the main hall. Nos stood straight and gave a bow.
"Nos! I see you met Lightyear." Madam president smiles.
"Madam president," both Lightyear and Nos spoke but lightyear stood straight but Nos gave a curt bow. Nos controlled his emotions, not going to lose it over Lightyear but he felt that familiar rage build up when Buzz stood up in front of him.
"I understand that we were to keep patrol outside, but it seems your agents-"
"Are doing an amazing job!" Madam smiles, interrupting Buzz. "Buzz this here is Agent Atu, the best of the best but also the newest agent that has been keeping the top safety protocol and took down more assassins than anyone mhave."
Nos smirks standing firm. "I do value the safety of peace. And to bring peace and order to the galaxy. From infinity to beyond." Nos was not lying, he wanted peace in his life, he was just using that ridiculous catchphrase just to piss off Lightyear. And seeing him steamed was just a bonus. Before he could add more salt, he freezes sensing a bomb and runs in speed. Ignoring whatever Lightyear shouted as he was reaching out to Ryder.
"Ryder, find if there are any more assailants around. There is a bomb somewhere in the building."
"I'll let you have that, I'll start getting people away from the aftershock if it happens." Ryder made his way as Nos hurried around scanning the area before finding the bomb in the storage room. He looked around the area to see no one around and was ready to grab the bomb and take it to space.
"Hold it!"
Nos froze and tense when he heard that familiar voice. He was glad he didn't hold it but he wished he could have disappeared faster.
"You can't touch that! It'll react to your bio heat signature!"
Appearing across from him was XR who zoomed to his side. He almost forgot he has his organic form on.
"Let me take a look!" XR saw the man move away but when he got a look at his eyes, he thought of the energy vampire for a second. He shook his head. 'He's gone!' "I can stop it but it'll take some time." He took out his tools and began to operate on the bomb but saw it was a bit more complex.
Nos watches him, never has he seen the little one be serious as he analyzes the bomb. The bomb was more high tech meaning it was possibly harder to find the wire. He thought it would be simple to drain the energy out but he cannot with little one here. But alas he waits and sees him do his job and keeps a watch if any intruders come. That was when he sensed something was coming and Nos stood firm and walked over to the entrance, keeping XR behind him.
Nos uses just the tip of his claw and drew a circle big enough for XR and set the device barrier around him
XR was a bit confused but tried to focus on the bomb but it was hard to focus. He was getting overwhelmed after being out beaten by his girlfriend in defusing a bomb from the past missions. He wondered if he even has the skills to do this before thinking he can do something else from keeping the bomb exploding. 'Maybe I can contain the bomb…' he stopped for a moment.
Nos sensing the nervous bot, hesitated but patted his arm. "You can do this, it is a job only you can do because you have the skills. I will keep the coming attackers away from you as long as possible. You got this." Nos tried to keep his composure but he felt that was the best to say under these circumstances.
"Thanks." Was all XR said and went back into disabling the bomb. 'I can do this.'
Nos kept watch as he became a lookout in case any enemy came. Nos sensing them, he kept ready and attacked the first intruder that came barging in and swiftly kicked him back away into another intruder before attacking and shielding XR from a blast by using the door frame and seeing XR was not watching, he disabled the weapons before zooming in to attack. He deflected and fought the attackers before fighting another that charged in. He made sure none got close to XR and just when one was about to step past him, Nos grabbed the man and flung him against the wall. The said man falls but reveals to be a droid as it stands back up. Nos could now detect the energy and saw there were three droids. "Good I will not have to be easy on you three." Nos extends his claws out, he smirks and goes to attack the first one that lunged forward. He ducks and pierce through the metal and breaks the main power source and took the chance to round house kick the other droid and saw it was sparking. He however dodges the third one. Detecting the energy, it was making him hungry and he sensed he was starving.
"Almost done…!" XR shouted, he was doing his best to beat the clock.
Nos growls, controlling his hunger, once again fends the third droid off. He could not let his hunger stop him nor let this droid overtake him. He growls but senses the other two droids standing. He was now struggling to keep control of his hunger.
"Catch!"
Nos catches the blaster and shoots the last droid that attacks and watches it fall before shooting the other droid and the third. He sensed each one offline and heard the beeped from the bomb.
"I got it!" XR grins at his triumph. "That was close. Hey thanks!" He turns to his, well he can say hero. "You really helped me out-!"
Nos struggles to stand, trying to keep a firm control but he was using so much control from eating the closest thing to him in this room. His mind was almost gone when he felt someone help him up. He looks to see it was XR but feeling the fear of turning on him, he activates his fail safe to turn off his system before his hunger takes over like before.
"Are you hurt? Let me do a scan on you." XR was going to start a scan but he was stopped by Nos covering his optics. "Hey!" He pushes his hand away. "I need-" but he stops when he sees eyes glowing red and orange staring at him when the sunglasses fall. He felt something too familiar about those eyes.
"I-I'll be fine, please get away from me…" Nos was slurring a bit but he wasn't able to process what he said as he passed out.
XR pulls away and shakes. 'I need to leave! Get to Bu-' He stops and sees the mess of droids and thought back. He knows better to do the right thing! Tell his team that-
You can do this, it is a job only you can do because you have the skills.
He stops, looking at the offline Nos-4-a2, the same guy who saved his life. The very same guy that protected him! "You could have just taken the bomb. Why didn't you? Why even give me some encouragement- Just why?" He knows Nos won't respond.
"XR do you read me?"
XR was startled, but hesitated for the first time! "H-he-hey! Is everything okay?"
"XR where are you now? The robot agent said there might be a bomb."
XR pauses and looks at Nos and then answers. "There is but I diffused it."
"Great work! where is it so we can-"
"Yeah about that…. Those agents already took it. That Atu guy was keeping me safe, but he got hurt."
"See he needed-"
"Buzz, these droids were unlike Zurg's Hornets! They acted like a pack of wolves and if he hadn't been there, I would have been scrap. He single handedly protected me while I was stopping the bomb."
"Why didn't you call for us?!"
"I," he pauses. "I couldn't because of a communication jam." He lied. "And he was there before me so we just," he looks at Nos. "Worked together. Look I'm heading to you now so wait for me." He hangs up and looks at the passed out energy vampire and turns away and treads out.
Nos woke up to what he saw was the infirmary room. He didn't know how long he was out, but was relieved that he sensed no danger.
"Good, you're up." Nos looked up with a migraine, his system was starting up but it was lagging a bit. He sat up groaning but a sense of relief filled him until it was disturbed when Ryder grabbed him by the collar.
"Why didn't you tell me you needed batteries?! You could have been shot or destroyed or sent to prison!" Ryder's voice was stern and loud, making the energy vampire falter and hold his head.
Nos glared at his partner. "I do not know what happened. I was fighting these droids and then suddenly I was drained." He once again faltered. He hadn't recalled wanting to devour energy as such and it was bothering him. "I had to shut myself off-"
"Well you're lucky I found you first. If I hadn't, Lightyear would have seen you and probably blast you to smithereens." Ryder crosses his arms. "Next time this happens again, I'll let that pompous, gloating spaceman go and shoot you." (he wouldn't)
"There was no one there with me when you found me?" Nos was startled knowing well XR was there with him. "XR was there-"
"You got to be with him!?" The agent shouted in shock.
Nos rolled his servos, but he still felt a bit of glee. 'It was nice to not be his nightmare for once.' He thought, which he remembered. He needed to report to the madam president about what happened. "I need to get going, I still have to report about the droids." He was then forced back to the berth.
"About that," Ryder sat next to him on the chair. "Madam president wants to see you after you recharge. And team Lightyear is there too."
Nos was dreading this already, he was feeling his systems were gonna go haywire, already his mind converting to possibilities of what to come. He tried as best as he could to calm himself but he was already afraid that Lightyear and his team would want his head if they did find out about his existence. The worst was wondering if XR found out who he is.
"Look,"
Nos felt his partner pat his shoulder. "Nothing won't happen to you. You got, what did Vanet say, a murder of bats? Look, we all got your back."
Nos took a deep breath and nodded. 'Whatever happens, I will be fine.'
Nos, as Ryder ordered, being his senior, recharged to max and made his way to see the Madam. He paused, feeling anxious because down to the end of the hall was the Madam's office with Lightyear and his team in it. He already made his choice and actions, he will see this through. He enters the office to see the space rangers and Madam but he was relieved to see no one raising their weapons.
That meant they didn't know.
'Hopefully.'
"Mr. Atu, I hope you are doing well, I was just listening to space ranger XR's explanation." Madam president urged him to sit.
He however stood, not liking to be seated around Lightyear. "I am, my apologies for passing out-"
"Sweetheart, it's fine." The MP smiles, all three heads look at her surprised. "He told me that the droids almost overpowered you but you took them down while he was defusing the bomb. He went to his team after the droids were already destroyed thanks to you. He also told me another agent came in and helped you after you passed out."
Nos stood quietly and listened to Madam, but he looked at XR for a split second. He couldn't tell what was going on in that little head but he hoped his identity was not exposed. Either way he cannot ask without exposing himself. "Madam, were there any hints who sent the droids?"
"We believe it was that no good Evil emperor Zurg!" Buzz stood forward with confidence. Nos however stood, not going to even argue about it.
Nevermind, this was a good chance. "I object to the assumption."
"What do you mean you object? This isn't a courtroom." Buzz was startled.
"I'll allow it. Nosferatu, you may explain your reason." Madam wished she had popcorn.
"Thank you. The droids that were sent are not just the norm Zurg would make. Just fighting them, I noticed these droids were fighting like feral animals. Zurg does not implement this style in his machines-"
"There were some, and remember Nos-4-a2? He made the wirewolves! He could have used that onto these droids." Buzz stated.
XR was quiet but looked at Nos, he wouldn't say he was worried, he'd deny it, he was scared of what he'd do.
"It is possible, I will admit that, but it seems unlikely. Zurg does not like to use a failed plan, much less from someone who kicked him out of his own planet." He recalled Zurg's pride has no limit. "There are chances it could be from the tyrant overlord, but we need to make sure-"
"Listen agent, you may be the top of your organization, but we the space rangers have experience with these machines. And like all machines of evil, they will be thwarted and destroyed." Buzz glared.
XR would have agreed with Buzz, and be even indifferent to evil mindless robots, but he couldn't help but feel his friend and team leader wasn't in the right this time.
"What about the ones made of flesh and blood and bones? They too are just as bad and if you are going to eliminate evil machines, why not the ones that seem to not redeem themselves. And let me add on to that; the droids could have been manufactured by a planet being ruled over by Zurg so are we to declare destruction on them for being enslaved?"
staggers not ready for that and he felt he stepped on a trap. "That's not what I meant! It's different! Robots that are programmed-"
"Please spare me the one sided excuse. Yes there are some that were programmed but they were not given a choice. You think anything made by Zurg is evil, or even turned over to him are evil but given exceptions if they were from star command." Nos glares. "I must take my leave before I lose my patience with him. Good day madam." He bows and goes off to leave. Getting far away, the energy vampire was annoyed by that arrogant Buzz Lightyear! He cannot understand how people are so fanatic over him!? He made his way to the exit through the entrance. He saw the time and it was near 2:45pm. He did promise Vanet-
"How did it go?" Ryder was already by his side.
"It was nothing negative, but it seems Lightyear believes Zurg is the cause of this attempt." Nos was already feeling annoyed from saying his name.
"But you doubt it's him. I think those droids were targeting you." Ryder was pulling out a cigar. "In fact, they even went past a certain ranger; it might be dealing with the kid. This Drac is possibly targeting you."
"Really? They pass Lightyear to get to me? I feel so special." Nos knew now this was not Zurg. "We can rule out Zurg but it may be possible this Drac can reach out to Zurg for aid."
"Agree, was there anything different about them?" Ryder asked.
Nos paused, "I felt my hunger increased more than usual from the energy they had. The last time it happened like that was back in the Canis Lunis…. Up to doing an autopsy on the droids?"
"What am I looking for since you're not joining?" He opens his mouth to puff some smoke.
"I cannot go in if Lightyear is there, he will find out my identity so anything unusual that is to be alarming." Nos crosses his arms. "Sorry I cannot help much more than give you a sample reading if that helps."
"Naw, I'll see what I find, tell Vanet and your pops I said hi." Ryder goes back inside, Nos was ready to leave when he nearly falls back when he senses XR coming up on the corner. He practically goes to hide in the bush in a haste.
Nos waited for a bit, he was not entirely ready to talk to him and he cannot just-
"Why are you sitting in the bushes?"
Nos shuddered and turned to see XR raise a brow. He stood up and cleaned his slacks. "Taking a break, smelling the prismonian roses is a nice way to end this day, don't you think?" He smiles at him.
"Riiiiiiiight."
Nos only smiled, his mind was screaming to leave, sensing this excuse was failing.
XR knew Nos was not much of a plant lover, that was a known fact. 'Then again, he's a little different.' "I wanted to say thank you for protecting me from the droids. You know I faced all types of robots Zurg threw out, and some of them terrified me." XR crossed his arms and Nos did not have to guess, he knew who he meant. "But these guys seemed really different. They were looking for someone specific." XR crosses his arms. He was curious if those droids were after the energy vampire.
"Who can say?" Nos ask, it made him feel a bit better. Talking to XR without him running away was quite a good change. "They were not exactly the normal robots Zurg sends out and he is not one to hide his plans that well but they could have been sent to stop anyone from defusing the bomb."
He didn't think that. "Yeah…. Have we ever met?" XR asked.
Nos was quiet until he answered. "Probably not." Nos said and about to walk away but the space ranger bot was already in front of him.
"You said something before you passed out to me but I didn't hear it." That was a lie again. Why did he lie to him?
Nos stops in his tracks. He turned around and all he could think of was trying to make up something. "I cannot recall unfortunately. I tried to stay awake as long as I could after fighting them off." He bows lightly. "By the way, are you alright?"
"Yeah, thank you for that." XR was now the one jumbling his words. "Do you want to hang out and get a drink? I do owe you one." This is the perfect opportunity to get him alone! figure him out!
Nos was surprised until he was nervous. It was something he did not ever think could happen but here he is given a chance. However he felt he would be lying to the space ranger. "I apologize but I cannot."
XR gave a surprised look. "Can I ask why?"
"I have to pick up my daughter." Nos was not gonna hide that. "I recently adopted her and have been busy. I will also be leaving soon for a while." Nos added. He was not lying about leaving, he is still determined to destroy this enemy. One fact in Nos core, he felt he did not deserve the friendship.
"When are you coming back?" XR asked. "We can hangout then and talk."
Nos didn't know how to explain that answer, he was going to take down a possible tyrant who has the same power and resources as Zurg. 'Perhaps even far more dangerous than Zurg.' "I am uncertain because it is an unexpected trip."
XR gave a skeptical look but gave up not long after when he got a call from Buzz. "I guess I better go then." He takes his leave and heads out. He goes inside but instead he hangs up and messages his team he'll meet them at star command.
Nos watched him go in and take his walk down to the school that was 20 minutes from here but took an unneeded breath. He knew he made the right choice. 'I need to keep my focus on the target. Gather any information.' He held his hand out and his fingers became claws. "And end him." He gets far enough and flies out.
XR took a distance And followed behind.
Nos waited by the entrance, clearing his mind until he heard the bell ring. He looks to see children leaving and running to their parents.
"Papa!"
Nos smiles and kneels down but did not expect the jump. Vanet jumps and hugs him and luckily Nos has embraced the impact. "Did something good happen?"
"I got an A!" She holds out her test.
"I see you did." Nos smiles at the grade. "You know Vanet, would you like something else instead? You worked hard on the test, you should get something for achieving this grade."
Vanet perked and thought about it and opened her bag to open it and took out a flier. "Can you go to the winter night gala with me? It's where the parents dance with their kids and show their artwork."
Nos was surprised and looked at the flier and showed it would be on January 21. The last day to enter would be on jan 17. "Then we must get three things. A dress, a camera and dinner to eat." Nos chuckles as her eyes shone and he picks her. "But first, I was thinking we can stop by the bookstore?" Nos asked and Vanet was excited.
XR peeked and saw Nos was carrying a kid to the book store not far but was not convinced. 'Probably a decoy bot.' He scanned the image of the girl but found her file from- he faltered. 'She lost her mom in an accident, her dad died of murder. And says here Nos is her guardian, adopted father….' He didn't know what to say but decided to leave for now and gather information.
"Where have I seen his name…" He looked through records in the computer record room but because Nos works for GAF, He couldn't bypass the main firewalls. "I know he did that." He groans.
"Heya XR,"
XR looks to Savy bringing her recent report as a space cadet. He took her report and was startled to see his name there! "Savy do you know this guy?" XR pointed to the name.
"Mr. Atu? Yeah he owns a shop I usually sell to him at. He's-"
"I know who he is and I just want to know why he is hiding." XR saw Savy was quiet, giving him a sense she knows too. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"He said "it is better he(you) doesn't need his nightmare around him. He is already happy.' Look, I told him you deserved to know."
XR was startled, 'This is just,' he couldn't process this! Nos-4-a2, an energy vampire, a robotic monster that was evil, is living and hiding away! This wasn't- he couldn't be! 'But he is.'
"Well he doesn't know that I know and I need to know just what is he up to or if-"
"If he's after you?" Savy asked. "I heard from him he's after the killer that killed that kid's mom." She pauses and thinks about it. "XR if star command finds out Nos is alive, the girl will be taken under star command-"
"I don't want to take away his adopted daughter, Savy. I mean you probably think I'm crazy but I saw him being a dad! Something that is like seeing something once in a lifetime." He couldn't help but like seeing Nos in this new life, not being a terrorizer. "Look Savy, I get that you want to help the kid but there's something else and there's a reason why he adopted her. I want to find out everything. But this stays between us."
"XR, why can't we just tell the commander about this? He's aiming to eliminate some powerful tycoon and keeping her will only get her killed."
"Savy, I know that and he probably knows that. Look I knew him, he's strategic and smart enough to know how to hide. But he has a reason and I don't think he's hiding her because of him." He thought about it and decided to show her Vanet's file.
Savy read it but didn't think twice. "We know it wasn't an accident. Star command can protect her-"
"Savy, today droids attacked the galactic alliance today. Targeting Nos."
"More reason to-"
"He was protecting me while I was disabling a bomb. He put himself to protect me and he was still struggling to keep standing. He protected me from himself and I know the signs." XR felt weird talking good about him. "That is why I need to know. Please don't tell anyone." XR had to plead.
Savy was annoyed by the fact XR didn't side with her. But she understood the situation. "Fine but if things get dangerous-"
"I know." XR sees Savy leave. 'First try to get close. No problem.' He thought and got a message his girlfriend was going to stay on the planet for the mission and she'll be back in a couple days. He frowns,
-be safe and love you
….
-You too, gotta go.
He felt happy but didn't feel the same. "I really hope she's ok…" He looks up to the view and decides to call it a night and turns off the computer and heads to the lab to sleep in his charger.
…
"Alright this is the perfect spot." It was near sunset time and Nos brought her to a hill where the sun was setting near the mountains. He set the blanket down and Vanet sat down. They have been taking pictures since school ended and used 3 rolls so far. The 4th and last roll was almost done and Nos thought it would be perfect with the snowy mountains.
"Can you fly out papa?" She asked.
"Of course." He extended his wings but felt her tug on his sleeve.
"In your real self? I want to take cool photos of you flying." Vanet asks and sees Nos changed but keeps his clothes on and notices he has legs too. She watches him walk down and she begins taking photos of him flying out and she smiles taking more. Just when her papa did a loop, a cauldron of bats came out of the mountains and saw her papa flying around with them. She wished she could show how cool her papa is but knew she couldn't. She didn't want to lose him. She stops and saves the last few when Nos returns.
"That was cool!" She smiles but soon it becomes night.
"Time to head home now." Nos safety up the blanket, and held his daughter on the other hand before flying off.
"Thank you papa." She clings to him.
"Always." Nos felt today was a good day as he carried her home. He keeps her in his cloak, heating his body up to keep her safe. He senses it will keep cold until March. He hopes by then, not only will he end the mastermind, but he can live quietly with his family. Hoping nothing gets in the way of his plans.
Nos was walking into the town Square, it was early in the morning and he intended to finish the piece after dropping off Vanet to school. It has been two days since the incident and so far it has been going well. Just as he arrives, He pause to see a very familiar little robot that got him to hide away so the space ranger could not detect him (he still has his randometer). He was trying to understand just whatever reason XR was here. He, perhaps, could go home and hide away. However, that could push back his plans. He could wait him out right? It was his only idea or just stay home for the day.
Of course it did not work. Nos hid for an hour and 20 minutes, he was already feeling annoyed with himself but his cause of this turmoil was over by the entrance to the shop. 'This is just ridiculous.' He had no choice but to bite the bullet as his Tata once told him. He makes his way and sees XR grinning.
"Morning uh…. Is it Mr. Atu?"
"You can call me Mr. Atu." Nos was not going to make any connection or bonds with l- the space ranger. If he tries to be friends with him, it will add guilt and complicate things. He unlocks the door and opens it, only to have XR push forward through. The energy vampire couldn't help but feel rather irritated by this unexpected visit. Just what is going through that head of his. 'I doubt I could find the answer from both X brothers.'
"Mr. Atu? Pretty short." XR teases.
"Bold coming from someone who's short." Nos walks past him and makes his way through.
"Nice one, so tell me why can't we be friends? Is it because I'm a robot?" XR follows him up to the front desk that blocks the path to the back. "Because that's a bit hyprootypical."
"It is because I am not fond of space rangers." Nos response but he felt XR guessed he was a robot. "And although you seem nice, I am certain you and I will not get along."
"Tough crowd. Look if you're afraid I'll arrest you, I won't because it's my day off." He raised himself a bit to lean over the counter but saw Nos close the door. "Hey I'm gonna stick around! We can talk later!"
Nos was massaging his temples before starting back to his previous work from the other day. He worked for hours until it was merely close to 1 pm. He looked at what he needed and decided to go to the gemstone shop in town to collect some stones. Stepping out he found XR was still around. He grabs his messenger bag and clears his throat to catch his attention.
"Where are you headed?" XR was already by his side as he saw the owner taking out his keys as he walked away.
"To the gemstone shop in the city, I need stones." Nos answers but already saw the bot held the door for him. "Thank you." He walked past him and waited to lock the shop after the little bot step away. When he did, he was soon followed by the said bot, already by his side. He did not, for the life of him, can process why XR was here with him. "Why are you here with me? I can assume you have more important things to do than to be here."
"For your information, I really don't. My girlfriend is working on a mission and my team, except Buzz, are back at home spending time with their family. Originally Buzz was supposed to be here."
Nos gets annoyed hearing that name. It was bitter at the mere thought of Lightyear. He was surprised to hear he didn't join his girlfriend.
"L-l-like I said, I didn't have anything to do so I wanted to thank you for helping me but you seemed pretty upset with Buzz."
Nos looked at the little bot, gave a small smile. Alas, the idea of Buzz coming bothered him.
"So how long have you lived here?" XR sounded curious to Nos.
"For a year now I believe." Nos was reminding himself he was alright to tell enough. "It was not my first choice but I do not regret coming here." He smiles.
"So what were you before coming here?"
"I was not a good person, space ranger." Nos was not going to tell him who he was. "I will admit I did horrible things, but I came here to change for the better." Nos felt he was being almost honest with XR. "I like the life I have made for myself."
"Do you ever miss the old life?" XR asked.
"I miss traveling through space. Watch the stars shine." Nos looked up. "But if you meant about my past work; I do not miss it. I enjoy this new job better. My adopted father told me even the most wicked can redeem themselves." He smiles, recalling the few lessons he had learned and had discussions about.
"That's a good way to look at that." XR spoke, Nos can tell he has more questions than a conversation. "So why are you leaving? I mean you build your life, you enjoy it. What is so important that's making you leave?"
Nos was quiet, contemplating on telling him. He figured telling him enough would not deter him from his plans. "My adopted daughter lost her mother because of a horrible monster. I am going to hunt this person down, and end him."
"You know you can get in trouble for that," XR reminded him. "Plus wouldn't it be smart to report Zurg? I'm a space ranger, star command-"
"You think that star command can simply stop this monster? He is not like Zurg." Nos glares at XR, he stops to look at him. "Forgive me but what can Star Command do that will stop this villain when they have yet to stop that idiot Zurg?"
XR raises himself up to be eye level with Nos. "We can stop this bad guy from any chance at hurting her."
"Yes, every chance given because you have the infamous Hero of the galaxy! Oh villains tremble in fear from his name!" Nos waves it off. "Yet he can't succeed in sending Zurg, a moronic tyrant, to prison." Nos glares at him and towers him. "Tell me, has this famous hero freed the many planets?"
"Hey you may think Buzz is a failure, I'll have you know he took down a lot of villains!" He towers back, "In fact he even destroyed the monstrous Nos-4-a2!" XR stops and lowers himself. "I mean- "
"He had defeated a monster, but has he truly stopped all the other monsters?" Nos looks away. "I am keeping to my plan, and if you want to tell your so-called hero what I am planning, fine! Go ahead, but tell him this: do not get in my way." He stares down at XR . "I must ask that you leave now, before I say something else that can be regrettable for the both of us or is this enough to not come near me?" Nos crosses his arms before taking his leave. He does not hear XR following him and felt perhaps it was for the best that they parted ways.
XR was back at star command, feeling guilty but annoyed. Guilt over the argument but annoyed at the same time at how Nos thinks he can do this alone!
"Hey bud." Booster was walking from training but he saw his friend looking down. "You ok?"
"Yeah just- how do you stop a person from making a mistake?" XR asked
"Well," Booster had to think. "Talk to them about it."
"Right but say you tell this friend- acquaintance, you don't want them to go and cause trouble. You talk to them, you insult them but they aren't bothered by it but they want to protect someone they have only been a dad to for half a year."
"Well that's different then." Booster spoke.
"Not you too!" XR groans.
"XR, my parents help me save and work hard for me to be a space ranger. Maybe this acquaintance is trying to do what's best for his daughter even if she's adopted. I really admire that he cares about her." He hopes whoever this guy is, seems to be a good guy.
In GAF
Office
"Achoo!" Nos somehow sneezed but covered his face when the rest of the agents were surprised to hear the monstrous Energy vampire sneeze like a kitten.
"Hey let's ignore the fact our agent sneezes like a cat and move on to important matters, reinforcing the protection barriers."
Nos did not know how but this was unexpected to have. He waves it away as nothing important and listens on.
Back in star command
Parents will protect their children XR, it's just that way for any loving and caring folks."
"So I'm still in the wrong?" XR crosses his arms but thinks about how happy Nos is. "Is protecting her just because that's his happiness?"
"Probably but just try to understand: maybe he thinks it's the only way but you can give him more options."
XR was quiet but nodded and thanked his friend. "Well I have to go but thanks pal." He tread away but had to first figure out those options but he could keep Nos busy with his job. "He'll thank me."
"I want to destroy this piece of trash."
It had been over a week since that troublesome dispute and Nos had yet to see XR around nor as far as he sensed him. He has been finishing any work but since that dispute, the ex villain put more focus on training and finishing any commissions to move forward with his plans. He could have hoped that his work here was done.
That was until there was a new and unexpected commission that was taking longer. It was driving him mad even because it was finished within a day, only for the commission to change it! To put it in simpler terms, this one work kept changing whenever it was almost done. Although this anonymous patron paid extra for changing their mind, the energy vampire's patience was running thin to the point he was ready to throw in the towel. He called it a day and headed to pick up someone very important.
"Papa!"
Nos, in his disguise, was happy to see Vanet was adapting to the new school. He could not help but like being her father, it was different caring for someone and being in their life. The most important to him was that Vanet was accepted and felt safe here. He waited and saw the young child ran to him and hugged him, something that became an accustomed routine for the robotic vampire. "Did you have fun today?"
"I did!" Vanet took his hand and followed him, telling him about her day. She told him they even had an unexpected guest.
"Really, well that is quite good but remember what we talk about with strangers?" Nos made it important to teach her to be aware of her surroundings.
"But aren't space rangers good guys?" Vanet asked, confused since she once looked up to them but she looks up to her papa now. He was there when she was in danger.
Nos did not show it but that made him almost flinch but he dare not show that to her. "You are right, but there are people that can impersonate one." He should know, he did that a few times. 'Not my best moments.' "Vanet dear, can you describe the said guest?"
"Sure papa. He was a small robot with a floating head," She continued explaining, not seeing the unreadable expression her guardian displayed.
Nos did not have to guess or even question, not when the said guest in question was in their path. He did not know whether to get mad at the space ranger or lead Vanet to a different direction.
"Fancy seeing you here!" XR smiles at Nos who he saw was neither happy nor mad at him. 'That's a good sign right?' he asked himself. He can see Nos was unreadable but after thinking back on the argument, XR knew he was in the wrong that day to Nos. He felt bad to the point it was eating him and the fact Nos was putting himself in hasn't told his team nightmare was alive. Not even his pops or his big brother about the whole Nos is back or 42! He did think he could pay the energy vampire back a bit for the torment. Today he hoped he could make it right. 'At least I hope I can. I mean he can't be that mad still, right?'
"Afternoon, Space ranger." Nos forced a smile but his eyes said otherwise.
'Ok he's still pissed.' XR should have thought of this plan better but he's gonna wing it. "Hi and sorry to come here unexpectedly but I came here for a commission I ordered-" He stopped to see Nos was tense, 'If looks could kill.'
Nos was beyond mad, but he could not just show it. "Let me take my daughter to her grandfather first, then we can have a bit of a chat." He almost growls but controls himself.
If XR was human, he'd gulp, wondering now was this still a good idea being alone with an- the agent? But he was surprised how despite being mad, he was keeping a cool head for that kid.
The said space ranger couldn't ask any faster when Nos already went with the little girl to be dropped off and not too long came back, walking to his shop. The space ranger took it as a hint to follow. Throughout the walk, XR kept a few feet away from Nos but he wasn't expecting his ex enemy to be happy or calm. He was feeling bad enough about his ridiculous ruse of a commission to keep him here, he couldn't let the energy vampire expose himself and ruin his chance of freedom! The bigger question was why did he care?
"Look, I want to say I'm sorry for-" but he stopped when Nos held his hand up to stop talking. He looks away and simply follows Nos to the shop. When they entered, Nos led him to the back and into his workshop. It was filled with a lot of stuff he was lost for words to say.
Nos walks over to the table and leans against it. "How much do you know?" He had to think of all the possibilities but the one that stuck the most were two reasons.
XR prolongs his plans to keep him from leaving.
Or
He knows who he is and keeps him long enough so star command can arrest him.
The only reasons he thought of the 2nd one as the more reasonable answer was of his behavior towards him and of all villains he chose, he picked him. Not to mention his wording was too obvious and it bugged him since.
XR pauses but tried to think of some excuse but looking at Nos, he couldn't. "Look Nos, I knew-"
"So you knew who I was." Nos growls, changing his form to himself, but his clothes were on. "Perfect! Smashing! You played me like a fiddle! Do I have the right for a lawyer before your team is here? Must I wait here or will you give me a running start? Get your revenge on me-"
"I didn't do it for that!" XR glares nearly a foot away. "Believe me if I did, you'd be arrested already since that bomb incident! And no I'm not gonna arrest you! I should be, but I'm trying to be understanding!" XR was not gonna feel guilty for a lot of this. "Look, I want to say I'm sorry for that petty argument! I shouldn't have been rude. A-and about the commissioning you. stalling you away from this plan long enough to find this guy before- hear me out!" XR held his arms out.
Nos crosses his arms. "Start explaining."
"For starters, if you go out there, you'll once again be hunted down like an animal again. They won't care if you change or become a good guy! You'll be sent to prison and that kid will be without protection unless you let me help you but you're so stubborn! Plus, that also means whatever this monster you want to find will get her if you're in prison! She'll be defenseless if you're not there!"
Nos listened and as much as he dislikes being wrong, he could not disagree with the space ranger. There was possibly a chance this tyrant tycoon has been hatching plans he may not counter back. He has yet to get information about the said tyrant aside from his father but he could only get it when he's successfully out of probation and has earned the trust as an agent. If he wants to know his enemy he needs to find any information he can get.
XR went on but can already see Nos was already planning away. He didn't want Nos to go and get blasted. Just seeing the girl happy with Nos gave him the reason to keep the energy vampires' secret. He needed to have Nos stay here- that's when he had an awful but a good idea. "You know, being a space ranger, I can get you as much information as you need." He saw Nos look up, catching his focus. It was so different having Nos look at you skeptical.
"You are going to help me?" Nos raised the question, not truly accepting that the space ranger, he once harmed and tormented, wants to help him. "Why?" He was not going to simply accept his help.
XR paused on that, he was wondering why he was going to put himself in trouble for Nos, his walking nightmare. "Maybe it's cuz you changed? After protecting me from the droids? I guess, I can understand where you're coming from maybe?" He couldn't really answer him. "But I'm only helping you for that kid. She needs you, and whoever is this guy, he sounds really bad the way you're so determined to end him. And you're still going to plan away so I can't stop you but I can try to help."
Nos eyes him but accepts the answer as it is. And he can't be picky with his choice of help. "Thank you."
"H-hey! You still got a lot more to prove to me, ok?" XR glares. "That means you need to stay here!" XR said affirmatively but faltered a bit to see Nos agreed.
"Now we have to deal with that problem." Nos changed the subject.
"What other problem?" He asked but forgot that problem. His constant changing commission the past week. "I was using this as an excuse to keep you here but I was going to cancel- and pay too!" He sees Nos claws extended out. "I'm sorry ok!" He turns away, ready to run out but he hears a screeching and crumbling sound. He turns to see Nos had destroyed the ridiculous sculpture.
Nos was more than relieved to be rid of that commission and he didn't have to finish it. "Now that is dealt with, I need to leave. You should as well." He changes his form.
"S-sure…. Can I come by often? Not like to patrol or to pester you…. Just to, uh, talk?" XR didn't know if he sho
39uld even ask at this point.
"I will leave that to you." Nos pushes the door for him to go first. "I really need to close up shop and take Vanet home."
XR tread out but felt maybe they were a bit better than before. "I'll see you next time!" He hurries off.
Nos watches him go and takes his leave, wondering did he do right about this? He will have to find out tomorrow.