How close are we, Atom? Hizoran asked.
Not too much longer, Atom replied, obviously a bit worn out.
Hizoran noticed Atom seemed to be getting a little tired.
Do you think we can walk the rest of the way?
I thought youd never ask.
Atom and Hizoran landed on the ground and started walking. Suddenly, they encountered some strange creatures. They were large behemoths of men, beast, things, with greenish skin, bulging muscles, and red eyes. They were dressed in various ripped pre-war outfits.
What are they?
Doesnt matter! We need to attack they or run away, your call. I suggest running away myself, Hizoran seemed scared.
Why? They look vaguely human and aren't harming us.
They aren't human! They're monsters!
Atom scanned their hearts and found that they were filled with darkness.
Youre right. They once were human, but they arent anymore.
The boys right arm then transformed into a cannon and charged it up. Hizoran looked at the scene and blinked.
H-Huh? W-What!?
Once it was charged, he then fired the cannon at the beasts and killed them instantly. Hizoran was dumbfounded.
Woah ..what power!
Atoms hand then turned back to normal, and he wiped his forehead.
Whew...havent done that in a while.
Hizoran was still stunned by Atoms power.
H-How did you do that?
Atom put his finger on his chin.
Um, I just did, Atom shrugged.
Hizoran nodded as they continued to walk toward the toy store. He was still stunned by Atoms power but was also scared. What if he turned on him? Would he be willing to take that risk? However, one look at the robot child as Atom looked back at him and smiled eased his mind.
He would never hurt me, Hizoran thought.
They soon arrived at the ruins of the old toy store. It still looked kinda intact, but it was obviously not like it used to be. The door was half open and half shut, but the glass on it was shattered. On the building hung a sign that read Metro City Toys.
Metro City? I thought this was Tokyo.
It is, but would you really have gone to a store called Tokyo Toys? Atom giggled.
They walked into the store, and what they found inside was rather disheartening. Various toys in many states of disrepair including teddy bears, toy cars, action figures, toy robots, and other items. It almost appeared that a large group of kids came in and were playing but forgot to pick up their mess. Atom then walked to a toy robot that looked nearly intact and picked it up.
Professor Ochanomizu would take me here a lot after school. I miss him Tears began to well up in Atoms eyes.
Hizoran blinked, not quite understanding who this Professor Ochanomizu was. Wasnt he created by someone named Dr. Tenma? He then deduced that this Ochanomizu must have been like a father to him. Atom turned around and ran to Hizoran. He then hugged Hizoran and cried into his chest. The teen hugged him close and stroked his head. Half of him was impressed that Atom could cry, while the other half felt sorry for the boy.
Shh, its alright
At that moment, Hizoran truly realized that Atom was more than a robot: he was a child. He might have not been human, but he was exactly like a real boy.
This boy is more than just a link to the past. He's my little brother,Hizoran thought.
With this realization, Hizoran finally had something to live for. He finally has something of a family (aside from Shojin). No longer was he simply surviving for himself but surviving for Atoms sake too. He was grateful that he found Atom when he did, as life was beginning to become dull.
Atom sniffled and looked up at Hizoran as he wiped the boys tears.
Its okay, little brother.
O-Onii-chan?
Yes, Atom?
I want to go to the cemetery and visit Dr. Tenma and Dr. Ochanomizu.
Hizoran teared up and smiled, happy that Atom was remembering more of his past.
Sure, we can do that, buddy.
Atom took Hizorans hand, and they walked out of the store. Hizoran looked down at Atom as they walked out. He started wondering what Atom would think of him once he gets his memory back fully. Would he reject him since he reactivated him without his permission, or would he forgive him? However, would he even remember that he willingly had himself deactivated? There was the possibility that those memory circuits were completely failed. Hizoran stopped think about that for now. The only thing he needed to be concerned about, to him at least, was that he had a grieving child that needed to be consoled.
When they arrived at the cemetery, he was surprised that there were no bodies or body parts sticking up in the ground. This made Hizoran feel a bit at ease, as he did not want Atom to see either of his father figures bones out of the blue. Atom then led Hizoran first to Professor Ochanomizus grave. The headstone read:
Kazuhiko Ochanomizu
Beloved father, grandfather, scientist, and friend
Dedicated his life to the rights of all robots everywhere.
Beloved father, grandfather, scientist, and friend
Dedicated his life to the rights of all robots everywhere.
Atom began to sob as he read this. Hizoran put a hand on the boys shoulder as he too was getting a bit choked up.
He saved me when I thought I had no hope, nothing to live for, and freed me from my slavery, tears trickled down Atoms cheeks.
The boy then tearfully lead Hizoran to the grave of his creator, Dr. Tenma. Hizoran then thought about what Atom said. Did Atom once again feel abandoned? Hizoran did not think so, as he was trying his best to treat Atom with the respect, love, and care he needs and deserves, the care his own parents were unable to give him at Atoms age.
Run, Hizoran, run!
The boy heeded his fathers instructions as he fled, only looking back for a moment as his parents were ripped to shreds by hulking beasts.
MOM! DAD! The young boy cried.
However, it was too late. The beasts had already killed and devoured his parents.
No...no...NO! Hizoran ran as fast as he could away from the beast.
He continued running until-
Hizoran, you okay? Atom asked.
Hizoran, a little surprised, soon realized they had arrived at Dr. Tenmas grave and looked at Atom.
Y-Yeah, Im fine, Hizoran replied.
They then examined Tenmas headstone, which read:
Dr. Umataro Tenma
A man with a vision that changed robotics.
A man with a vision that changed robotics.
Hizoran realized they were referring to the creation of Atom, as the boy was even in his time highly advanced. Once again, tears rolled down Atoms cheeks. However, another emotion emerged from the boys pain: anger.
Hizoran, why did you reactive me?
The teen sighed, fearing that he was going to ask that.
Initially, I reactivated you to see if you had any information about the world before the war.
The robot boy became angrier as he gritted his teeth.
So, Im just a tool to you? The whole older brother thing was an act!?
Atom, please, listen, He tried to place his hand on Atoms shoulder, but the boy slapped it away.
No! I'm not your walking encyclopedia!
Hizoran was shocked, never having seen this side of the boy before.
Atom, calm down.
Do you even realize why I had myself deactivated!? I willing did so after everyone I cared about was gone because I didn't want to be alone with just my memories to keep me company.
Hizoran was about to explain his revelation to the boy, but angrily, he flew off into the sky. He feared that this would happen. Once again, he lost someone close to him, but this time, the beast that killed Atom was himself. Tears welled up in Hizorans eyes as he realized what he had done.
Atomu!