Robo-Parents

“Oh there’s more than just Grand Slam and Mountain Dew. A lot more.” Mikhail chuckled before perking up as Needle Man and Albert returned.

“It’s a nice sweater Needle Man.” Mikhail said before he laughed at Albert’s question. “Well, it’s quite the story, want me to tell it to you guys while I fix the device? It may take me a while.”

Whilst Needle Man is being giddy in the background, Albert just takes one more good look at Mikhail, before he’d just shake his head. “S-Sure, whatever… now, what is the device you need to have fixed?” he’d ask as he’d heft up a large toolbox that he’d brought with him, putting it down on the table as it’d open up and reveal a dime a dozen of different tools.

“Mikhail claims it’s a dimension travel device, made out of both ancient Earthen and alien technology.” Freeze Man fills Albert in on the goings-on. At first, Albert seemed to be in disbelief, as Freeze merely adds; “Yeah, trust me Pops, I didn’t believe it either. But, I think Mikhail can give a better explanation.”

He puts his hand in the toolbox and fishes out a couple of tools while getting to work, first by cleaning off the Mountain Dew. “The previous universe I went to before arriving here is the same, a Core Universe with Rank-S stability. However, that world’s universe is very, VERY different.”

Once he finishes cleaning, he took a swig of water before continuing, “There’s only one thing to know about this universe that explains everything about it: In that universe, absolutely anything can happen, it’s only a matter of when. It could be why it’s so stable in the first place. So with that said—“

“When I arrived back to that universe, I was attacked by a goose with a knife that was on Bounce Man’s body, said body having been split.”

Mikhail sighed, “Yeah, you’re right… I need to take it a step back, there are other people who are defending the multiverse like the XOver. I sometimes forget that.”

“I think that’s why I went to that universe again. For some reason, it helps me step back on the responsibility.” He muses, finishing his Grand Slam. “That universe reminds me to slow down, relax and enjoy, even if it’s insane and made my device somehow malfunction from Mountain Dew.”

What kind of universe did Mikhail went to?

“Oh, I can only imagine what goes down in that universe if it consists of Grand Slam meals and Mountain Dew.” Freeze Man chuckles softly. Jokes aside though, he did feel a bit alleviated that Mikhail listened to him. He only said it out of concern for him, after all. Mikhail’s had that effect on him and all. It’s why he even managed to forgive Albert, and was now staying at his base. Speaking of–

“Hey guys, we’re back! Sorry it took so long, I uh… ehehe, I kinda got excited to give Papa an early Christmas gift, hehe…” he chuckles nervously, and right after him… enters Albert himself, wearing possibly the most wondrous, self-knitted Christmas sweater anyone could think of. “I-I’m still so glad you like it, Papa…”

“Oh it is, it is.” Mikhail said with a nod before going silent at Freeze Man’s question. It seems that he was considering his choice of words before he answers.

“Yes, it is very dangerous. And don’t remind me of that Eggman, those two together were a nightmare.” He would know, Thomas told him.

“As for what I’m using this tech for, mostly for observing and researching different universes, timelines are a little tricky since most are very fragile.” He continued, “Though, often times, I have to stop people from messing things up. I’m not the only one who can dimensional travel, there are many different universes with people who are in possession of that ability too. I have to stop them before they permanently mess up a timeline and universe or did a crossover with someone. There were times I witnessed massive crossovers, like how Mega Man teamed up with those from different worlds with their own different rules of reality.”

He muttered something under his breath, sounding exhausted, “It feels like the weight of the multiverse rests on me a lot of times…”

Once again, Freeze Man would just listen in on Mikhail’s explanation, and also his woes about how he felt responsible for the multiverse, as he’d sigh again. “And that’s what I was worried about as soon as you started talking about dimension traveling…” he said, as he’d just adjust himself a bit.

“Look, Mikhail… I’m gonna be somewhat– no, really blunt with this; I think you should take a step back off of the whole ‘responsibility’ thing. At least for a week or so. What you do is admirable, not just regarding this whole multiverse deal; you take in wounded, discarded, and/or abandoned robot masters from all over and give them a new home. You tend to all of their needs. You constantly throw your life on the line for others. All of that’s real admirable, but sometimes… we all gotta know our boundaries.”

“I think that’s why I went to that universe again. For some reason, it helps me step back on the responsibility.” He muses, finishing his Grand Slam. “That universe reminds me to slow down, relax and enjoy, even if it’s insane and made my device somehow malfunction from Mountain Dew.”

“Wait, you didn’t? I thought you knew.. I guess it never came up so I didn’t really tell you but—“ Mikhail picked up the Grand Slam again and ate as he explained, “Basically, yes I can dimensional travel and have been doing it for a while, before the 4th takeover incident so about five years I believe.”

He took out a bottle of water and drank it before continuing, “Basically, one day Pharaoh Man found some suspicious ancient technology and brought it to me to research it. As I did, I accidentally tampered with something that caused me and the tech to get teleported to another world. That was my first dimensional travel, albeit accidentally.”

“From there, I discovered that one part of the tech is a data-log for the multiverse while the other was a device to travel between worlds. Using the tech and some things I found in the other world, I was able to travel back but it wasn’t until after the Stardroids did I manage to do it again with the help of some stardroid tech. I did some experiments and managed to travel to a different world again, a little more similar than the last. I also learned about Core Universes, how some universes are unstable and what not, but that’s another story that has it’s own clockwork.”

“So, to sum it up, I have been able to dimension travel using ancient and alien tech for about five years.” He summarised, waving his hand around nonchalantly.

Freeze Man did his best to take in all of it whilst Needle Man was off fetching Albert, and to the explanation, he could do naught but let out a deep, unsurprised sigh, followed by a chuckle.

“Hmh… using ancient and alien technology for dimensional travel, eh? I’d say it sounds absolutely ridiculous and surreal, but… here ya are, Pops. Gotta say, sounds like a hell of a wild ride, hopping between dimensions.” he’d say, before he’d ask something a bit more serious;

“Yes, it is very dangerous. And don’t remind me of that Eggman, those two together were a nightmare.” He would know, Thomas told him.

“As for what I’m using this tech for, mostly for observing and researching different universes, timelines are a little tricky since most are very fragile.” He continued, “Though, often times, I have to stop people from messing things up. I’m not the only one who can dimensional travel, there are many different universes with people who are in possession of that ability too. I have to stop them before they permanently mess up a timeline and universe or did a crossover with someone. There were times I witnessed massive crossovers, like how Mega Man teamed up with those from different worlds with their own different rules of reality.”

“Huh? Freeze Man? Needle Man? What are you two doing here? I thought you guys went to live with Albert.” Mikhail asked, confused when he finally noticed the two robot masters. Them and Gemini Man went to go live with Albert since he’s redeeming, so why-

It took a moment for Needle Man’s words to sink in, and when they did he put aside his Grand Slam and double facepalmed in frustration. “Oh darn it, I teleported into the wrong place!”

He took out some kind of watch-like device that seemed to have been drenched in… Mountain Dew?

“I should have known there was something off, I don’t even have the tools to fix it!” He then sighed and stood up, brushing some goose feathers off his clothes. “Sorry about that, my device malfunctioned and miscalculated my dimensional travel. Is Albert here? I may need to borrow some of his tools to fix this.”

Wait… Dimensional travel?!

Okay, now the two robots were really starting to get confused… and a bit worried as well. Dimensional travel? Since when has Cossack been capable of that? Or perhaps… for how long? Freeze, of course, took initiative as he’d ask;

“Uh… sorry doctor, but did we just hear correctly? ‘Dimensional travel’? You never told us about being capable of such a feat.”

He took out a bottle of water and drank it before continuing, “Basically, one day Pharaoh Man found some suspicious ancient technology and brought it to me to research it. As I did, I accidentally tampered with something that caused me and the tech to get teleported to another world. That was my first dimensional travel, albeit accidentally.”

“From there, I discovered that one part of the tech is a data-log for the multiverse while the other was a device to travel between worlds. Using the tech and some things I found in the other world, I was able to travel back but it wasn’t until after the Stardroids did I manage to do it again with the help of some stardroid tech. I did some experiments and managed to travel to a different world again, a little more similar than the last. I also learned about Core Universes, how some universes are unstable and what not, but that’s another story that has it’s own clockwork.”

An event that happens somewhere else

(@robotiic-natiion)

There was some sort of strange energy circulating around the room, evidenced of that energy’s presence came in the form of peculiar light particles floating around in the air.

Those same light particles start to circulate, drifting together, closer and closer to each other. It was nothing anyone have ever seen before. They gained mass, turned solid as strange electric-like currents danced around it like they are the rings to the particles’ Saturn. And then there was a sudden bright flash—

The particles and currents dissolved, and in their place was Mikhail. He wore his usual lab coat but what’s odd was that it was covered in soot and weird stains. There were goose feathers clinging onto his shirt and pants, a green soldier helmet with five gold stars on it rests on his head and in his hands were a Denny’s custom Grand Slam meal.

Despite this, he nonchalantly sat down and ate like it was a normal day for him and he didn’t just appeared out of the light particles.

As soon as Mikhail just appears out of nowhere, there is a moment of silence, before–

“Uhh… hi, Dr. Cossack?”

Turns out that Mikhail had accidentally warped himself right into Wily’s new hideout, and Freeze Man and Needle Man were right before him as he had just warped into existence!

It took a moment for Needle Man’s words to sink in, and when they did he put aside his Grand Slam and double facepalmed in frustration. “Oh darn it, I teleported into the wrong place!”

He took out some kind of watch-like device that seemed to have been drenched in... Mountain Dew?

“I should have known there was something off, I don’t even have the tools to fix it!” He then sighed and stood up, brushing some goose feathers off his clothes. “Sorry about that, my device malfunctioned and miscalculated my dimensional travel. Is Albert here? I may need to borrow some of his tools to fix this.”

Atsuko held back a laugh when Yonda talked about his son but frowned when he listened to why he didn’t.

“Your son may forgive you one day, he may not but what matters now is to keep going. You may hate that part of your life, but you are no longer a part of it anymore and the best thing to do keep going.” He says before shutting his mouth. “My apologies, I do not mean to talk too much.”

 “Tch… these tattoos say otherwise.” Yonda scowls slightly, addressing his tattoo of Enma once more. “You know what that is, right? Enma; The Judge, and the Guardian of Naraku (Hell). That’s what they called me; Hacchi ‘The Judge’ Yonda. I was the leader of the Suzaku family, and it was always I who’d mete out justice among those who’d dare turn their back on us, or screwed up a job.”

“I’ve got a lotta blood on my hands, kid. It’ll take my whole life to wash it off.” he’d then lean back into his seat as he’d press a button, and a robotic voice spoke out from the car’s panel; ‘Auto-Drive Mode; Engaged’ and with that he’d lean back and reach into the hand compartment, pulling out a warm bottle of Sake, whilst two shot glasses popped up near the gearbox.

“Yes, please, if that is alright with you Yonda-San.” He said.

“Ah, I’m sorry.” Atsuko flinched, doing a little bow in the process. He listened intently before breathing out a sigh of relief, “Alright. It is a 2 hour drive from where we are now to my home, the fastest route is to take the road on the right to get to Nagano then—“

The instructions came in clear but kind of fast but it was easy to understand and follow them. After he finished explaining, he wrote the instructions down just in case (he didn’t want to forget) before perking up when Yonda asked about Origami. “Yes, he is my second son, younger than Torch by a few years.”

Atsuko was quite surprised to hear that Yonda has a son, “I didn’t know you have a child Yonda-San.”

Yonda would follow the instructions clearly, and memorize them as well. Good thing his roboticist years has made his mind as sharp as any blade. But watching Atsuko write them down made him nod a bit absent-mindly. Smart move. But he would nod as he heard Atsuko ask about his son.

 “Yeah. He’s a smart kid, like me. Problem is, he’s a smart-ASS, too. And a constant fuckin’ pain, lemme tell you. But ‘dere’s a good reason I don’t talk a lot ‘bout him.” he said, as he’d look out the window for a bit. “You might’a figured it out already, but I… used t’be part of the damn Yakuza, myself. And I was fuckin’ excellent at my job. But that meant I had to keep my son in complete secrecy. No official records of anythin’, even down to having to shred documents of his own frickin’ birth certificates, and making sure the only copies existing were in my possession. Yakuza ain’t nothing to fuck with, kiddo. They’ll take anything, ANYTHING they can to get the upper hand on ya, and ensurin’ your loyalty to the clan.”

Atsuko stared at the sound of the approaching commotion before he hops into the front seat of the car with no questions asked, quickly shedding off his bag to be put underneath it before fastening his seatbelt. He flinched at the high speeds they were going but soon relaxed and answers,

“I do have a place of my own, but I am concerned that the people after me knew where I lived.” He looked very indecisive. “But at the same time, they could break into my home and try and track Torch down.. It has security but.. They would only attack me, right? So Origami is safe?.. or is he not? He’s in England but what if…….”

The poor guy was debating with himself, muttering out his options and trying to figure out what to do, the panic and fear started to settle in. His body was trembling, and he felt his head spin.

Yonda looked over at Atsuko as he was starting to panic, as he’d just roll his eyes a bit. He wasn’t used with getting ‘chummy’ with people, even if they were on the brink of a nervous breakdown. “Ey, get a grip of yourself, will you? Can’t make decisions if you’re constantly worrying.” he did try something to alleviate the stress though, as he’d push his finger to an earpiece he had. “Yamato. Any traces of followers?”

“Negative, Yonda-Sama. Our hasty escape seems to have made them give up. They had no vehicles registered for the convention’s garage system either.”

“Huh, weird… guess they thought the lil’ geek would be easy pickings. Well, good thing we were here.” he let’s go of his earpiece. “Well, lucky for us, they ain’t chasing us. Which means they won’t know where we’re going. Which then, in turn, means your home should be safe. Just tell me where to drive, and we’ll go there.”

The instructions came in clear but kind of fast but it was easy to understand and follow them. After he finished explaining, he wrote the instructions down just in case (he didn’t want to forget) before perking up when Yonda asked about Origami. “Yes, he is my second son, younger than Torch by a few years.”

Atsuko kept running, only to stop when he found the two vehicles. Confused, he looked around to see if there are other vehicles in the area, but there are none. This must be their way of escape.

Right as he caught his breath, he noticed Yonda and Yamato Man approaching and nods at Yonda’s remark, trying to ignore the blood on the bo-staff while questioning how he was so buff. When he saw the tattoo of Enma, he was puzzled.

He heard of a Yakuza with such a tattoo before but he never knew anything else, just that. He didn’t really thought much about it, especially after why Yamato Man had said.

“That makes a lot of sense.. I should have known there would be a ripple effect towards Wily revealing the Double Gear System.” He said before he sighed, “I do not want to get my son wrapped into this, he is already going through enough.”

“So.. Should we go?” He asks, a little awkwardly.

As Atsuko asked if they should go, there was a bit of a pause before, from upstairs, the trio could hear a loud commotion, as more agents were starting to run down the stairs. “Yeup. Sounds like a good idea!” Yonda exclaims as he’d retract the bo-staff and toss it into the back of his car, dropping the katana he had acquired and stepping into the driver seat, whilst Yamato Man mounted up on the three-wheeled motorbike, already revving its engine.

“I do have a place of my own, but I am concerned that the people after me knew where I lived.” He looked very indecisive. “But at the same time, they could break into my home and try and track Torch down.. It has security but.. They would only attack me, right? So Origami is safe?.. or is he not? He’s in England but what if.......”

Atsuko jumped when he was shoved but nods in understanding before he went off with a sprint, running downstairs to the garage. He ran and ran until he finally made it, allowing himself to stop and take a breather, only to grip his kendo sword tightly as he looks around.

He isn’t alone. Looks like they followed him.

Immediately after spotting one of the attackers, he rushed over and whacked them with his kendo sword, knocking them out in one fell swoop before he continued his rampage, fighting off anyone who attacks him and leaving a path of unconscious bodies in his wake.

This was some good practice.

As Atsuko kept rushing into the garage, he’d soon find a rather fancy, silvery Nissan GT-R with a large, three-wheeled motorbike parked next to it, something that seemed like it could take Yamato Man’s size. And soon enough, Yonda and Yamato Man would march up towards him and meet him.

 “Yo. You seem to have left some damn fine carnage behind ya. Left a lil’ something behind myself, but glad to see you can hold your own, heh.” Yonda chuckles as he would now be wielding both his Bo-staff and a katana he had snagged from an agent, blood still dripping from it. He was now bare-chested, and as he’d turn around to view the unconscious bodies again, the tattoo of Enma was in full view of Atsuko.

Right as he caught his breath, he noticed Yonda and Yamato Man approaching and nods at Yonda’s remark, trying to ignore the blood on the bo-staff while questioning how he was so buff. When he saw the tattoo of Emma, he was puzzled.

He heard of a Yakuza with such a tattoo before but he never knew anything else, just that. He didn’t really thought much about it, especially after why Yamato Mab had said.

“That makes a lot of sense.. I should have known there would be a ripple effect towards Wily revealing the Double Gear System.” He said before he sighed, “I do not want to get my son wrapped into this, he is already going through enough.”

Atsuko merely nods before he stops when he saw the men approach Yonda, caution overtook him and that caution was magnified when he heard the alarm for the ‘diner bell’, causing everyone else to go out of the mess hall. He jolted when he saw Yonda pull out an bo-staff which hit the man square in the face. He paled, struck with shock—

Only for his current state to go a complete 180 as he whips out his kendo sword and smashes it into the 4th agent’s face with a sickening crack before bringing it down onto his head, effectively knocking him out.

“I believe it is time for you to go, have a nice day..” He said to the Yakuza, his voice was polite with a sharp edge weaved into it.

The two remaining agents were a bit shocked as their 4th surprise teammate was struck in the face by Atsuko’s kendo sword. They just screamed and began to open fire on Yonda, but Yamato Man quickly dove in-between the two as his armor deflected the shots, the bullets harmlessly pinging off of his frame whilst Yonda would just look back at Atsuko with a grin.

 “Not bad…” he’d mutter as he would then grab and shove Atsuko in the direction of the downstairs exits. “Head down to the garage! I’ve got our getaway there, I’ll take you somewhere safe, yeah? Go!” he said as he and Yamato Man would follow quick behind Atsuko, making sure to protect his escape as there were suddenly more agents starting to flood the exhibition area.

Two agents tried flanking Atsuko, but as he was dealing with one of them, Yonda flung himself in the path of the other one, a flash of steel streaking through the air as a katana got a solid hit on Yonda, but he’d just grimace through the pain as he’d knock the agent wielding it unconscious too. He’d look down at his suit jacket to see it sliced open, to which he’d just grunt and grab a hold of it. “Tch, was in the way anyway…” and with one swift pull, he’d rip the jacket off, revealing his torso; he was surprisingly muscular and strong-looking for someone in their early 60s, and his whole back was covered with tattoos, just like a Yakuza would be. Was he too a Yakuza?!

But one tattoo that stood out, that stretched all over his upper back and shoulders, was the depiction of–

He isn’t alone. Looks like they followed him.

Immediately after spotting one of the attackers, he rushed over and whacked them with his kendo sword, knocking them out in one fell swoop before he continued his rampage, fighting off anyone who attacks him and leaving a path of unconscious bodies in his wake.

Curious, Atsuko nods as he shakes the man’s hand, only for his eyes to widen as he was pulled close and told him those words.

Was that why he was here? To warn him? Why?

When he saw the men in black suits, he steadied his breath and speaks in his language, “I would most definitely appreciate the help, it looks like there is company…”

Pulling away, he acted normal and placed a sign that says, “Out for now” before he grabbed his bag, acting completely natural but he knew of the men’s presence. He glanced over towards Yonda, his eyes filled with worry, but not for himself yet behind that was determination and readiness.

 “Good.” was all Yonda said before he’d pull away, acting normal as well as he’d speak in English again; “Very well, I appreciate the discussion. Farewell.” and he’d snap his fingers as Yamato Man who’d turn and follow, but he was stopped by the three men.

 “Halt. Sorry sir, but we’d like to ask some questions, regarding your conversation with that young man.”

Just as Yonda was about to answer, an alarm rang out through the complex; it was essentially the convention’s ‘dinner bell’, reporting for all of the attendees to arrive in the mess hall for a sponsored dinner. Everyone began to flood out of the building, until it was just Yonda, Atsuko, and the three men remaining. Either it was perfect coincidence upon their arrival… or this was a set-up.

 “Hoh? I am sorry, my fine gentlemen. But I do not think I’d like to share.” Yonda answers with a bit of a smirk. “It’s strictly business talk.”

“Whether or not it was only business, we have been tasked to keep the order, and that–” *CRACK*

The loud noise of bones shattering rang through the air as all of a sudden, Yonda had pulled something out from his suit sleeve, which turned out to be an extendable iron rod, taking the form of a Bo staff, which he had then swung to dislocate one of the men’s jaws, as the other two backed off and pulled out handguns. All while Yonda loudly declared with laughter;

 “You’re all getting so fuckin’ sloppy, Yakuza rats!”

Only for his current state to go a complete 180 as he whips out his kendo sword and smashes it into the 4th agent’s face with a sickening crack before bringing it down onto his head, effectively knocking him out.

Dr Senkōkichi Atsuko had just finished fixing a circuit board when he saw the man approach him. He didn’t recognise him, but he did recognise Yamato Man. He must be his creator, that is the most logical reason.

“Yes? That is me.” He nods, “Is there anything you need sir?”

The man would tilt his glasses upwards a bit as he’d look over Atsuko. He was a lot younger than he had expected, or perhaps it was because the man himself was so much older? Regardless, he’d nod once. Noting the Japanese accent on Atsuko’s voice, the next sentence he’d speak was in their native tongue;

 “I am professor Hacchi Yonda. Creator of Yamato Man here. And it’s not a question of whether I need anything, doctor.” he’d then flicker his gaze back and forth, before he’d reach his hand out, asking for a handshake. But if Atsuko were to grab his hand, he’d pull the younger man in close, whispering to him; “You are not safe here, doctor. There have been people patrolling here all day… observing you. Looking for a moment to strike. But I’ll be more than willing to help you out.”

Was that why he was here? To warn him? Why?

When he saw the men in black suits, he steadied his breath and speaks in his language, “I would most definitely appreciate the help, it looks like there is company...”

An annual robotics convention was being held this year in Tokyo, Japan, as it was the mecca of anything robotic or technological in general. Robotic scientists and inventors, not just from Japan itself, but from all over the world were present for the events that were to unfold, and to display their newest creations. But this year was a bit different, for the presence of one certain individual had caught the attention of some very powerful, and dangerous people…

One such man was currently wandering down the hallways, looking like an elder, well-dressed man, who was accompanied by a larger, samurai-themed robot master; none other than the Japanese X Tournament champion, Yamato Man. The man would skim over the convention with his eyes, seemingly scanning the great halls for someone… until he’d stop, and turn to approach one of the rented-out spots.