ASTROBOY FANFICTION- "ATLAS RETURNS" Part 1.

[Legeremain99]

Well, here it is guys. The first installment of the story "Atlas Returns".
Enjoy. I hope everyone likes it. Here yah go.

ATLAS RETURNS ART ONE

Astro and Reno were trotting down the sidewalk, a few blocks from the Ministry of Science. They had been taking care of a problem downtown, with a couple of robots that had some programming malfunctions. It had been an easy task and hadn’t taken them more than thirty minutes to complete. They were on their way back to meet Dr. Elefun, who had some work for them at the Ministry.

The two were talking, as they trotted along the side of the street on the walkway. Reno gazed at Astro, and said, “I don’t know why they wanted both of us on that job. It wasn’t necessary. I could’ve repaired both of them, without a problem…and it probably wouldn’t have taken any longer than it did.”

“I’m not sure either, Reno. I didn’t really give you any help, except maybe hold a couple of things out of the way, while you made a few adjustments. Sometimes I really have a problem understanding the way people do things, but it’s really not mine to question,” Astro replied to his friend.

They continued to trot along, heading back to the Ministry, when there was a bright flash of light just ahead. Astro jumped in front of Reno to protect his friend, in case there was any danger. The two friends had stopped dead in their tracks and were staring at what the flash had revealed.

What they saw befuddled them both. The two of them were open-mouthed in their awe of the sight before them. It was Atlas…returned from deep space where Astro had thought he’d been destroyed, during the final attack on the aliens. The robot was no longer large in stature, but had been reformed and looked to be a teenager of about fourteen. He was still a golden color, but no longer had a sense of menace about him and did not seem to pose a threat to either Astro or Reno. In fact, Atlas had a pleasant smile on his boyish face and actually had an air of friendliness about him. He wasn’t wearing any sort of top, but did have on what looked to be a pair of red running shorts that came to just above the knee. He no longer carried the sword and also had on a pair of black boots.

Astro and Reno regained their composure. The little robot motioned for his friend to remain where he was and approached Atlas with caution. Atlas watched Astro, as he came closer, and could tell he moved with prudence. He thought he’d better put his brother’s mind at ease, before something unwanted transpired.

Atlas’ smile broadened, and he said in a mellow voice, “Hello brother. I’ve returned from the stars and I’m a completely changed robot. My Omega Factor has been removed and I’ve been totally rebuilt for good. I’m no longer a threat to you or the humans of this world.”

Astro had stopped about ten feet from Atlas. He had listened to what the robot had to say. What he’d heard he wanted to believe, but his expression showed distrust and he remained where he was; uncertain of how to proceed.
“How do I know you’re not just trying to trick me? What gives me the assurance that you’re telling me the truth, brother? I’ve got no reason to trust you,” Astro said, suspicion filling his voice.

“You are correct, Astro. You don’t have a reason to trust me, but I have no malice or hate within my heart. I am no longer a villain to this world. I am here to offer my help to robotkind and humankind alike. I know I must earn your trust and do not expect you to take me at my word, brother. I only ask that you give me a chance to prove myself,” Atlas replied in an assuring tone.
Astro thought for a few moments trying to decide the best course of action. Atlas sounded sincere, but he still wasn’t convinced the robot was telling him the truth. Reno had come up beside Astro and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. Astro turned his gaze toward his friend.

“I don’t know what you think, but my intuition tells me Atlas is being sincere in what he’s saying,” Reno commented.

“Reno…you don’t know him like I do. Yes…he’s my brother, but he can be very tricky at times. If you don’t keep a close eye on him, he just might pull a fast one, before you realize it,” Astro said, a bit agitated.

Atlas had listened to what they’d said, and felt he should comment, “Listen…you two hash this out. I’m gonna go sit down, while you decide what you’re going to do, Astro. I’ve told you what I’ve become. It’s all I can tell you for now. I’ll be right over here, when you make your decision.”

Atlas indicated a Metro Public Transportation stop that was near to where the three stood. There was a long bench for the patrons to sit on, while they waited for the tram. Atlas strode over and took a seat, leaning against the back of the bench, in a relaxed position. The two friends watched as he did so. Astro positioned himself, so he could keep a watchful eye on the other robot, while he and Reno discussed the matter.

Astro Boy was somewhat angry that Atlas had had the nerve to just show up unexpectedly. He seemed to have the knack of annoying him. He did care for Atlas and wanted more than anything to believe him, but just couldn’t convince himself that his brother was telling the truth. His experience with the robot wouldn’t let him.

Astro decided he should question him more about what had happened after the Crystal Ship had disappeared into space with the aliens. At the time it had torn a hole in his heart, when Astro thought he’d lost his brother. He’d been over it now for some time, but Atlas’ return had reawakened those memories. He wondered what had become of Livian. Had she survived or been destroyed? Astro didn’t know. If she was still in existence, then why wasn’t she here with him? He decided he would discuss this with Reno, before approaching Atlas with any further questions.

Reno could tell his friend was lost deep in thought over something, but wasn’t sure what and thought he should ask. Reno tapped Astro again on the shoulder, bringing the robot out of his reverie.

Astro looked at the boy with a questioning expression, and said, “Huh? What is it Reno? I’m sorry I was thinking over some things about this situation.”

“Its okay, Astro. I was wondering what you were so wrapped up in? You looked as if you were a thousand miles away or something. Is anything wrong?” Reno inquired.

“No, no. Everything’s fine. I was just remembering what had happened to Atlas. It’s not a very pleasant memory. He did help me in the end. I’ve told you the story before, Reno. I’d like to ask him exactly what did happen, when I witnessed his ship’s disappearance in space. I also want to know what happened to his mate. What do you think, Reno? Should I pursue this or not?” Astro asked his longtime friend.

Reno could tell by the robot’s expression, he really needed an answer. Astro seemed confused about how to follow up with Atlas from that point. Reno pondered on it for a few minutes. The boy knew Astro was much smarter than he and wasn’t sure why his friend had asked him for such advice. He would try to assist him as well as he could.

The boy pursed his lips, while he thought of what to say. Astro was looking at him expectantly, as he waited for an answer. Finally it hit Reno. He knew what Astro should do. The little robot was correct already.

Reno placed his hands on Astro’s shoulders and looked down into his friend’s big brown eyes with an expression of confidence. He said, “Astro, I know what you should do. Do what you feel in your heart, my friend. You asked me if you should ask about what happened…I believe you should. Ask Atlas whatever you feel you should ask him. If he’s what he says he is, and has truly changed for the better…there’s no reason in the world why he shouldn’t give you the answers you require.”

“You know, Reno. You’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what I’m gonna do…follow my heart. Why didn’t I see it before? It was so simple. Let’s go talk to him. I’m very curious about this.” Astro replied.

Astro gestured for Reno to follow and the two boys walked the few steps over to the Metro bench. They both took a seat next to the now dozing Atlas. Astro sat closest to him, with Reno to his right. They were amazed that Atlas had fallen asleep while he waited.

TO BE CONTINUED.


-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Thanks Legeremain99 for the story- love Astroboy- hugs- this looks to be a very good story- thanks

[Legeremain99]

Hi guys. Just a quick update. Part 2 of "Atlas Returns" will be posted this Saturday the 14th. Thanks to everyone who's reading my story.


-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Thanks Legeremain99- please can our stories be happening at the same time- hugs

[Legeremain99]

ATLAS RETURNS - PART II

Astro turned to his friend, and said, “I can’t understand why he’s asleep. This makes no sense at all. He was wide awake just a few minutes ago. I’m going to wake him. Get ready to move fast, in case he takes a defensive attitude and tries to attack. I still don’t trust him.”

“Shoot! I’ll be outa here so fast all you’ll see is a blur, dude. I ain’t getting hurt on anyone’s account. Don’t worry about me, Stro. You just make sure you’re out of the way. You’re my best friend and I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Reno replied.

“No worries here, my friend. I’ll fight if I have to. I told you I’ll protect you, Reno…and don’t get yourself wound up…I’m not going to get hurt. I’ve fought Atlas plenty of times and always came out on top,” Astro assured his companion.

The little robot turned back to the sleeping Atlas, reached over with his left hand and gently shook his leg. He hoped it would be enough to bring him around. Atlas stirred slightly, muttering something and then his eyes popped open. He sat up and shook his head to clear the sleep from his circuits.

Astro and Reno were both poised to bolt, just in case the need arose, but it didn’t. Atlas blinked his eyes a few times and turned his gaze toward his brother.

He smiled at the two sitting next to him, and said to Astro, “Well, brother, have you decided anything? By your position, you look as if you’re both about to take off any second. Afraid old Atlas is going to pull a fast one? I don’t think you’ve got to worry about that any longer. Ask me anything you like, brother. I’ll be quite pleased to tell you what I know.”

Astro’s expression reflected his uneasiness, but Atlas could also tell he was full of questions. Reno sat there staring at the larger robot, with a look of sheer curiosity and was eagerly waiting for Astro to begin his queries.

Astro looked thoughtful, and then asked, “Atlas…what exactly happened during the transition when your crystal ship disappeared and seemed to draw in the alien craft along with it? Since your being here tells me you weren’t destroyed, you must’ve escaped.”

Atlas’ expression changed from one of a passive nature to one of pain, as he reflected on what had transpired. He replied, and said with hurt in his voice, “This is very difficult for me talk about, brother…but I will attempt to give you all the facts that I can recall. First of all, from what your said, you did not stay to witness what happened later on. If you recall I told you, before heading toward the aliens, that my Crystal Ship possessed a power like none had ever seen. I termed this power a phase inversion device. As Livian and I drew closer to the alien ships I activated this device. This caused my ship to become out of phase with our dimensional continuum, making it seem to disappear. At the same time, this action began drawing the other ships into our dimensional field like a magnet. As they were each drawn in and disappeared from view in normal space, they were each obliterated into nothingness. It was like normal matter coming into contact with anti-matter…total and complete annihilation.”

“Everything was going well, up to this point. You had already returned to Earth, thinking I had been destroyed, but that wasn’t the case. What happened next was what has caused me the most pain I have ever experienced. There was an error in the programming routine that actuated the Crystal Ship’s return to normal space from its out of phase condition. When I engaged the device to bring us back into phase the ship exploded.”

“Livian, my wonderful mate, was destroyed when this happened. To this day, the pain of her demise still fills my heart. Our crystal ship was totally disintegrated, nothing left. I was lucky enough to be blown clear, if you can call it luck. I was barely functioning. My legs had been destroyed, along with both of my arms. My torso was full of shrapnel and holes. My electronics within, were no longer functional. The only thing still working was my power supply, which kept the only thing intact, my electronic brain, still working. My face had been ripped in two and my optical implants no longer functioned. I was hardly even in a conscious state and don’t remember much after that point. I only know, I was rescued by a passing robotics repair ship from another galaxy. I do not have the memories of this or what I’m about to relay. All of it was told to my by the captain of the repair ship.”

Atlas had paused in his dissertation and Astro could see the terrible pain in his brother’s expression, as he had told them of Livian’s demise. If Atlas had been able to shed tears, they would have been streaming down his face that very moment. Astro felt sympathy for his brother. He could not help it. The pain the robot must be feeling had to be unbearable. Atlas’ hands were shaking, as they rested on his lap. Astro wanted so much to embrace his brother and try to comfort him, but thought better of it. He knew if he didn’t let Atlas finish his story now, they would probably never know the conclusion.

Reno sat next to his friend in total awe over what he’d just heard. He waited for Atlas to continue, but at the same time felt compassion for the teenage robot over what he’d been through.

After a moment or two of silence, Atlas let out a long sigh and continuing, said, “I floated in space alone for almost three earth days, before the repair ship found me. They brought me on board and began repairing and restructuring my body. There were humans and robots on this ship, working together in complete harmony. I had never seen such unity between man and machine. I did not learn of this until I had been repaired extensively, as I was barely aware prior. They had immediately removed the Omega Factor from my brain…telling me at a later time that it was counter-productive programming. They said if it had been left within my program structure I would never be able to live in harmony with humans, therefore it was necessary to remove it. I agree with them wholeheartedly now. I would never have done so before I was injured.”

“After they had repaired me to the point of full self-awareness and had replaced my optical implants, I was asked if I wanted to be returned to an adult robot. They had scanned my memories and had learned that I began life as a boy, but because of the Omega Factor I had rebuilt myself to become more powerful. When they asked me this, I thought about it for several hours. Without the Factor in place, I had no desire to be selfish power hungry robot any longer. I told them that I didn’t want to be a boy, but I didn’t want be an adult either. I told them to restructure my body into what you see before you…a teenager of about 14.”

“The captain of the robotics repair ship taught me many things, during the journey back to Earth. He showed me, how aboard their ship, robots and humans lived in complete harmony as equals. Every robot or human I met treated me with respect and courtesy. The captain said it was the same on their home world. He decided it was best not to disclose their planet’s location, since Earth had a long way to go in their learning, as he so aptly put it. I agreed with him. I have gained so much knowledge being with them for the short time that I was. It was shortly before our arrival here, that I made my decision to help the Earth achieve the same harmony, as they possess. When we reached a point close enough for me to be beamed to the planet, without being detected, they located you, Astro…and sent me to where I materialized in the flash you witnessed. That is my story, brother. Do you believe I am a changed robot, or are you still uncertain? Tell me.”

(Note: See Below. Had to post in two sections. LM99)

[Legeremain99]

(Here's the 2nd half of Part 2. LM99)

Atlas’ demeanor had changed when he began talking about the people and robots he’d been with on the repair ship. The pain had gone from his expression and he actually had a look of satisfaction mingled with compassion. He had a pleasant smile on his face and showed no malice whatsoever. Atlas settled back on the bench once again, while he waited for his brother’s reply.

Reno had become relaxed also and had leaned against the back of the bench to get comfortable. He could tell Astro Boy was still a bit unsure of what to say to Atlas. Reno thought he’d better leave this alone and let his friend figure out things for himself. The boy’s heart told him Atlas was sincere, but knew Astro was having a much harder time convincing himself of this.

The little robot had a look of concentration as he sorted through everything Atlas had related. He remained silent for almost ten minutes, before he opened his mouth to speak. When Astro did his voice sounded confident.

Astro looked into Atlas’ eyes, and said, “Brother…I’ve done a lot of thinking about what you’ve told me. I’ve gone over the data several times. My heart says to trust you, but my past experiences with you won’t let me completely. I guess I’m gonna have to have to go with my intuition and give you the benefit of a doubt. Reno, what do you say? Should I trust my feelings?”

Reno’s eyes widened as his friend had turned to him with the question. Reno put his hand up, and said, “I’m not sure if I wanna touch that one, Astro. This is between you and your brother. You guys need to work this out.”

Astro’s eyebrows rose slightly, and he said, “Reno…I really want to know your opinion. You always give good advice. Please, Reno…at least tell me how you feel about Atlas.”

Reno put his hand back in his lap, smiled at his friend, and replied, “Okay. Okay…I’ll tell you what I think. My heart tells me to trust him. I listened to your brother and I feel inside myself he’s completely sincere in what he’s told you, Astro. Trust me, when I tell you this…Atlas is what he says he is…a changed robot. I’ve got no doubt. If you don’t believe me, then why don’t we take him to Dr. Elefun and let him run some tests? Heck, I’ll run them when we get to the Ministry, if the doctor’s too busy.”

“Thanks, my friend,” Astro said, as he turned back to Atlas, and then said, “Atlas…I’m going to take your word. I respect Reno’s opinion…and if he says you’re okay, then I believe him. It just confirms my feelings. I have one thing I want to know... if you’re really who you say you are, you won’t mind at all.”

Atlas had listened to the two friends and already knew what his brother was going to say. The robot smiled at Astro, and said, “Of course I’ll let you run some tests. I’ve got nothing to hide. Whether the doctor does them, or you, Reno…it doesn’t matter. You’ll see everything I’ve said is the truth. Brother…I can’t blame you for not trusting me fully. If I were in your shoes, I would probably feel the same way. So…you guys ready to go see Dr. Elefun?”

Astro was feeling much more at ease, now that his brother had agreed to the tests. He actually smiled at Atlas, when he nodded his agreement. Astro stood and turned to Reno, who was still sitting.

“You ready to go, Reno,” Astro asked enthusiastically.

Reno nodded at his friend, grinned and answered, “I sure am. Let’s go.”

The boy stood next to Astro and waited for Atlas to get up. When he did he took a position next to Reno. Reno was surprised that Atlas was only just slightly taller than he. When they first saw the robot earlier Reno swore Atlas was at least a foot higher in stature, but he was wrong.

Atlas smiled warmly, indicated the walkway in front of them with his right hand, and said, “Well…shall we go? We’re certainly not getting anywhere standing here.”

Astro looked over at the other two, standing beside him. His eyes alight, he laughed and said happily, “Well, if you guys are just gonna stand there I’ll take the lead.”

With that Astro Boy took off walking toward the Ministry at a fast pace. Atlas and Reno hurried to catch up, as the three of them headed down the walkway. The Ministry of Science was just a few blocks, so it wouldn’t take long for them to get there.

The three trotted along in silence. Astro thought as they moved along, “I wonder what the doctor’s reaction to Atlas is going to be. This should be interesting. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to say, when he meets my brother.”

TO BE CONTINUED.


-Legeremain99

[Legeremain99]

In answer to your question Tonigirl1000...I'm uncertain as to how our two stories could happen at the same time, since they are completely different scenarios and are two different story lines. If you'd like to colaborate on one in the future...then it may be possible to have things happen at the same time on that one. Let me know what you think.

-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Thanks Legeremain99- in my story Atlas would be changed to fit your story but he still kept his sense of humor that he displayed in my story. His help will be needed as well as the now friendly Legeremain99 robot against Astroboy's greatest challenge- the Masters. thanks and hugs Legeremain99