#jade-green-butterfly | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jolienjoyswriting · 1 year

Text

Untitled Story (ft. The Chou Numbers)

An untitled Rockman fan fiction story.

A decision is made and the die is cast. Will it change anything? Only time will tell…

Word count: 5,819 – Character count: 33,605 Drafted: March 8th, 2023 Revised: March 8th / 9th, 2023 –

I lied. This is the last entry of the reboot. I didn't even bother with a title because that's how little interest there was.

Rockman, the "Rockman" series, and related characters and concepts created by and © Capcom Co, Ltd. Brietta Chou, Mikan Chou, and related characters and concepts created by KaitlinEXE (I think) Sidney Chou, Farfalla Chou, Persephone Chou, Quartz Chou, Dr. David Chou, "Dr. Chou Numbers" series, and related characters and concepts created by and © jade-green-butterfly

[ ↶ Prev. Story | Next Story ↷ ]

"Tensions are on the rise in the wake of Dr. Wily's latest attack. Anti-robot protests have been breaking out worldwide! Many have gathered outside of Right Laboratories in Denver, claiming that the once-revered doctor's robots are the root of the problem. Many other robot laboratories, both privately owned and publicly traded, are seeing their share of protesters, as well. Even here at the home of the wealthy industrialist Dr. David Chou, protestors can often be found outside of his manor's gates to peacefully object to the robotics projects he funds. We tried to get in contact with the reclusive inventor but were unable to reach the doctor for comment.

Will robots and humans ever be able to peacefully coexist? Only time will tell." –

"Aaand… clear." "Good. The sooner we leave, the better. That robot butler of theirs gives me the creeps." "Excuse me…"

Outside of Chou Manor, the home of Dr. David Chou and his creations, a local news company was reporting. There, a reporter with yellow hair and glasses was just wrapping up his presentation of an ongoing story: the revolution against robot-kind! As the reporter and his camera crew packed up their equipment, they found themselves approached by a tall, somewhat intimidating man in formal attire…

"Well, speak of the devil!" the reporter said, turning to face the man. "What do you want now, 'Jeeves'?" "My name is not 'Jeeves'," the tall, steel-skinned man told him. "My name is–" "Cut to the chase, 'Carl-tron'." "Mm… indeed." The man, who was indeed the butler of Chou Manor, had arrived on the scene as he had many times in the past. He had asked the news company to stop filming in front of the manor on the hill at the request of his employer and creator. However… "Look, we told you before, 'Alfred'…" The reporter was adamant about choosing that location.

"'Freedom of the Press' gives us the right to report the news when and where we want to," he told the robotic butler. "'Freedom of the Press' does, indeed, give you the right to film the news as it happens. However, I must, once again, politely request… on behalf of Dr. David Chou… that you cease using Chou Manor as the backdrop for your… if I might say… somewhat biased reporting on the growing anti-robot sentiment." "We're not actually reporting from your private property, 'Geoffrey'…" the reporter countered, "so you can just 'bugger off'. Ta ta, then! Tea and scones, wot!" The butler did not appreciate being made fun of. Especially since he didn't have the English accent the reporter was poorly mimicking.

"I feel that we have been more than patient up to this point," he told the reporter. "If you do not cease using the manor as your backdrop for anti-robot news, we will be forced to call the authorities." "Call 'em!" The reporter shrugged as he climbed into his news van. "We're not doing anything wrong!" Not long after, the news van drove away. "Mm." And the butler returned to the manor.

"How'd it go, 'Big Sid'?" "About as well as expected, I'm afraid." As the robot butler entered the manor grounds, he turned his attention to something that was flittering and fluttering around his head. It bore the shape of a small girl with pink hair, insect wings and antennae, and a colorful outfit. She, too, was a creation of Dr. Chou. "Well, chin up, pal!" the girl said as she flew around him. "Someday, all this 'no robots in my backyard' stuff'll be done 'n over wid! Then, maybe we can stop hidin'!" "No one is 'hiding', Miss Brietta," he countered as he walked through the manor grounds. "Those of us who have jobs outside of the manor are continuing to serve the public." "Okay, but what about da rest of us? Doc said we ain'a s'posed ta leave da manor if'n we ain't gotta! And-and-and," the fae-like robot girl asked in a cocky tone, "how's come th' Doc ain't been outside in months, neither?" "You would have to ask him yourself, I'm afraid. He has been… as you might say… 'holed up' in his office since the recent attack on the manor grounds." "Oh, yea'…" Brietta brought one oversized sleeve to her chin in thought. "That did happen, huh?" "Indeed." The butler reached to his vest, retrieving a gold pocket watch on a chain. "Mm. I should begin preparations for dinner. Would you care to assist me?" "Ain't that what Persis was built fer?" "I shall take that as a 'no'. Very well." The butler slowly bowed to Brietta. "Take care, Miss Brietta." "Youse too, Big Sid!" The taller of the two continued toward the manor while the smaller robot fluttered on the spot. She had her arms crossed and was doing some thinking…

"This sucks!" she said to herself. "Bein' on lockdown 'n stuff… I wanna go flippa-flap t'rough the concrete jungle 'n catch firebugs in da woods! Wish Doc Dad hadn't told us ta stay put… Gah! I'm so jelly'a Big Sis 'Fallafly' 'n Li'l 'Spooky' Sis! Wonder what they're up to right now… Oh!" Brietta clapped her sleeves together, then put her sleeved hands on her head. "Maybe if I concentrate hard 'nuff, I can imagine it! Hnnnnng…!!" –

"No way! No flipping way! I'm not gonna let some… some fake person touch me!!"

It was late in the afternoon when a familiar little clinic got a visitor. The man alleged that there was a ringing in his ears that wouldn't go away. He thought he'd hit the jackpot when a cute nurse with nice legs and a short skirt was sent to tend to him! However, after a little back-and-forth… he found out that she was a robot. At that point, chaos ensued.

"Sir, please!" an orderly said, trying to talk the man down from standing on an examination bench. "We can assure you that Nurse Farfalla Chou is one'a the most qualified practitioners'a medical science we have, yeah!" The man swung a chair at the orderly and the nurse, intentionally missing both. "Get away from me you robot in sheep's clothing!" "Security! Hey, security!! Where th' heck is that security, yeah?!" "Sir, just… just calm yourself!" Farfalla said, gesturing to the man. "There's no need for this sort of behavior!" "Stay back or I'll… wha– whoa…!" "Sir!" As the man slipped on the vinyl material covering the bench's padding, Farfalla darted around and held her arms out. She was quick to catch the man and even quicker to dive forward, letting the chair he was holding fall on her as she hit the floor.

"Sir…? Ouch… Sir, are you alright?" The man stared at the nurse, wide-eyed with surprise. "You… you saved my life?" Farfalla blushed a little. "I saved you from getting a nasty bump on the head, maybe…" "But… but you're a robot!" The man scowled with confusion. "Robots can't be trusted! The news media says so!" "Does she look 'bad' or 'scary', yeah?" the orderly said, helping the pair to their feet. "I thought she looked pretty cute before I found out she was a 'bot…" The man rubbed the side of his mouth. "She's still cute, I guess… B-but she's a robot! And…" He shook his head. "No, no, even if you saved my life–" "I didn't…" Farfalla meekly corrected, hiding her blushing face. "– I just can't trust you. N-nothing personal! It's just–" "'Robot bad, humanity good'. We get it, yeah," the orderly interrupted. "Hey, there you are! Have this man escorted off the premises." A shorter man in a security guard's outfit stepped into the room. "You want me to rough 'im up?" he said with a knowing smirk. "Lorenzo, just… just get him out of my sight, yeah?" "Aye aye, Mon Capitan. C'mon, you." The guard helped the man out of the examination room – whether he wanted it or not. Once he was gone, Nurse Chou put the chair back where it belonged – in front of a desk in the corner – then walked over to the bench and leaned against it with a loud, frustrated sigh.

"Why is it so hard for people to trust me once they find out that I'm a robot?" she asked, crossing her arms and looking at the ground. "What difference does it make what I am? Does that suddenly make me less qualified to do my job or something?" "I'd say it'd make you more qualified, Falla." The orderly smiled. "You were literally made for this job, yeah?" She jerked her head at the orderly and snapped, "That's not funny!" The orderly just chuckled to themselves. "Listen, hun," they began, "some people are just… dumb, yeah? They see all these news reports 'bout that Dr. Wily guy and those copycat dopes… robots runnin' 'round, destroyin' stuff all over the place… and they just start thinkin' dumb thoughts. Like I said, their brains get set to 'robot bad, humanity good'. That's how the media makes its money, yeah?" They placed a hand on Farfalla's shoulder, offering a smile. "Not everyone's like that… You know that, yeah?" "Most people never even learn I'm a robot…" she commented. "But then, this one person appears every once in a while that just… argh!" The nurse shook her head before sighing again. "How am I supposed to help people when they won't let me help them, Brie?" "That's one'a life's great mysteries, yeah?" Brie continued to smile. Eventually, Farfalla found herself smiling, too.

"How's your back? Chair do much damage, yeah?" "I'm alright," the nurse said. "Thank you for asking." "Good, good…" Brie nodded. "Weeell… it's gettin' close to 'go time' for you, yeah? If ya wanna duck out a li'l early… I can cover for you, yeah?" "Now, Brie…" Farfalla stood up, putting her hands on her hips and smirking. "You know that's not how I was raised." "Your poppy didn't raise no quitter, yeah? Well… ya ain't got any more patients scheduled for today, so…" The nurse smiled, crossing her arms. "So, I'll spend the rest of my shift straightening up and filing paperwork." "There's that smile I like!" Again, Brie nodded. "Call if ya need anything, yeah?" "I will. Thank you, Brie." The orderly bowed their way out of the room, drawing a soft giggle from the nurse. With them gone, she decided to start on that paperwork she'd mentioned.

The last thirty minutes of Farfalla's shift went by in a flash. She finished her paperwork right on time and pulled away from her desk, stretching and cracking her metallic joints. "Ow…" One hand came to the small of her back… right where that stray chair had landed. Though she'd told the orderly that she felt fine, in truth… the pointy leg of her old, wooden chair had seemingly done a little damage to her frame. She didn't look forward to explaining that to her family when she got home, but she figured she'd cross that road when she came to it. She still had to get there, after all…

"Have a great night, yeah?" "You, too, Brie!"

Farfalla walked out of the clinic's main building around the stroke of 6 PM, carrying her purse over her shoulder and a small suitcase in her other hand. She walked down the small stairs to get to ground level then opened the suitcase and retrieved what appeared to be a bundle of pipes, metal slats, and gears. With the press of a button, it unfolded from a small bundle of parts into a full-sized bicycle complete with a 50cc motor, solar-powered headlight, and a small, collapsible basket for cargo. It was the perfect way to get around the city without having to wait for traffic. There were even bike lanes in some of the areas she had to travel, which made things all the more convenient. "Alright…" she said as she hopped onto the collapsable bike, putting its case and her purse into the basket. "Time to head home!" With a flick of a switch, the small motor sprang to life. She revved the engine, making it purr, then she released the break and began her journey home.

Farfalla always enjoyed driving after work – especially during the colder months of the year. Driving home at sunset was always a treat! The lights of the city looked beautiful and even the lights of the cars driving through were somewhat charming. As it was, winter was coming up, so the days were growing shorter and the lights were becoming more prominent. When traffic was bad, she would turn the engine of her bike off and use the bike lane, pedaling with the flow of other cyclists. When traffic was somewhat less of a mess, though, she enjoyed driving in the proper lanes, engine on. The congestion on the roads was generally a mix of both, so she usually ended up taking both the bike lanes and traffic lanes back to the house on the hill. Even if some of the drivers of the city didn't appreciate it… it made her happy.

It was around 7 PM when Farfalla arrived near the manor. She stopped to admire how majestic it looked from a short distance away. "Picturesque as always…" she happily sighed. The nurse drove up to the front gate and turned off her engine before wheeling up to a nearby panel. Reaching into her purse, she retrieved a small card with a magnetic strip and slid it through. Two chirps and a green light signified that the card had worked, then the gates slowly opened for her. She pedaled into the expansive grounds as they closed behind.

"I'm home!" Once she arrived at the front door of the manor, she collapsed her bike and stored it, then let herself in. Looking around, she didn't see anyone, but the foyer was as brightly lit as ever. "Persephone? Sidney? Brietta?" she called. "Anyone?" "Nyooooom!!" Farfalla squeaked in surprise as she was suddenly pounced on by the energetic pixie 'bot she called a little sister.

"Welcome home, Fallafly!" Farfalla hugged her sister as the little lady did the same to her. "Hello, Brietta!" she said with a big smile. "How was your day?" "Boooring!" the pixie answered before fluttering backward. "Alls I did was float 'round da garden aaall day! I had no one to play wid! What a bummer." "Really?" Farfalla tilted her head. "Where was Quartz?" "Me 'n Quartz…" Brietta curled her lips, looking irritated. "We ain't on th' best of toims, right now." Farfalla rested her suitcase on a nearby wall. "Still?" she asked. "Dang mutt dug up my orchids!" The pixie flapped her sleeves with an exasperated look. "Dat's some 'never forgive' action, right dere!" Farfalla frowned at her sister. "Brietta…" Brietta threw her hands up. "I know, I know…! We're family, 'n family gots ta stick togethah… But-but-but, I woiked hard on dem flowers! It's my spe-ci-a-li-ty, ya know!" The nurse 'bot smiled. "And I'm sure Quartz is very sorry he dug them up!" Brietta crossed her arms. "He ain't apologized yet." "Quartz can be… stubborn," was the response she got. "Give him time and I'm sure he'll come around." "Hrreeen." "Oh, come on…" Farfalla smiled. "Don't roll your eyes like that, Brietta." "What about like dis?" Brietta leaned in close and started spinning her eyes. Farfalla laughed in response. "You're such a silly thing, sister!" "Pixies be silly, 'n I be a pixie!" When Brietta wiggled her genie pants-clad bottom, Farfalla laughed even more. The two shared a smile before moving on to the next topic.

"So, where is everyone?" Farfalla asked. "Far's I can tell," Brietta explained, "Spooky Sis went on an overnight thing up north, Quartz is keepin' dad company, Big Sid was makin' foods, 'n 'Persis' was off cleanin' some empty wing'a th' house. What's th' point in cleanin' a place where no one goes, I ask yas?" "A tidy home is a happy home?" "Poisenally," she continued as she leaned in with a sneaky expression, "I think Persis is just tryin' ta keep busy so she don't get bored! Do ya know what a drag it is bein' housebound all day? It's enough ta drive a pixie mad – mad, I says!!" Brietta zoomed around the foyer for a few seconds, swerving under the stairs and spinning around the chandelier before coming to a stop in front of her older sister once more. "Gosh, I'm bored…" Farfalla pulled her little sister into another light hug. "I know… and I'm sorry." "It ain't your fault 'Zippo's' gots th' hots fer ya, Fallafly!" "What? No. I mean, it was my fault that Dr. Wily almost got away with all of Dr. Chou's notes and his family's fortune…" "Oh, yeah!" Brietta scowled. "You was th' one who let Zippo in here, weren'tcha?" "N-not in so many words, but…" "Brietta, stop."

Brietta pulled away from her sister and hovered just out of reach, looking down at the new arrival. Farfalla looked in that direction as well. A young, blue-haired woman wearing a traditional maid outfit had walked into view.

"It's okay, Persephone…" Farfalla sighed. "If I hadn't let Heatman in for repairs, Dr. Wily wouldn't have–" "'Dr. Eyebrows' wouldn't've used Zippo ta teleport other robots in 'n attack th' manor!" "Brietta!" Persephone glared up at her sister. She was doing the backstroke in the air… "Eh, pobody's nerfect!" she told Farfalla. "We all make mistakes! You didn't know that Zippo was a Wily 'bot! You was jus' doin' what you do best 'n tryin' t' heal da woild!" She zipped down and floated in front of her brown-haired sister. "There ain't nothin' wrong wid dat!" Farfalla looked down. "B-but, if I hadn't…" "Looket me." The pixie squished Farfalla's face in between her sleeves and looked her right in the eye. "You. Did. Nothing! Wrong." she firmly stated. "You are a good poisen!" "S-so… why do you keep constantly reminding me of my mistakes?" She floated back and wiggled her finger at her sister, winking. "'Cause I love yas!"

"Brietta Chou!" Persephone interjected. "There are certain things you simply do not tease someone about! Dr. Wily's attack on the compound is one of them!" "Blah-blah-blah, Persis!" Brietta zipped over to the maid 'bot. "Fallafly's a big girl! She'll get over it! 'Sides, s'not like anyone got hoit!" Farfalla looked away, rubbing her arm. "That's only because Oilman was here…" "Hey, how is 'Oil Slick', anyway?" Brietta grinned as she asked, "I hear he's been keepin' ya puh-retty well oiled…" Brietta waggled her eyebrows as Persephone deeply blushed. "Th-that's none of your business, Brietta!" she shouted with a furious glare. "Hey, like I'm one ta talk!" She twirled as she flew upward. "I had my hands full wid Funnyface! Ah, what a doll… Always good fer a laugh, my li'l Funnyface!" The pixie slowly lowered down until she was at eye level with her sisters. "We gotta get outta here… It's been so long since I been wrapped up in Funnyface's arms… An' believe me, he's got plenty ta wrap me up in!" Persephone scowled as Brietta jingled and vibrated, hugging herself. "Makes me all tingly jus' thinkin' 'bout it…!" she excitedly whispered. "What is wrong with you?!" the maid 'bot shouted, clearly not approving. "She misses her 'clown prince' dearly."

The lights of the manor suddenly vanished, leaving the three sisters in the dark. All eyes turned to the front door of the manor as they dramatically flew open. As a mysterious fog poured in, a figure began to appear from the darkness, slowly stepping into the foyer… "Hiya, Spooky Sis!" Only for Brietta to completely ruin their entrance by announcing them.

The lights turned back on and the fog immediately dispersed, revealing a tall figure draped in a white kimono-like top with detached sleeves and red, pleated slacks. She had long, body-length, raven hair and sleepy eyes as red as her slacks. She also wore a soft smile and emanated an air of calmness, though her eyes seemed somewhat… "lifeless".

"Hello, Brietta," the figure greeted. "Hello, sisters." "Hello, Mikan," Persephone greeted, looking unsettled. "B-back from your trip early?" "Yes," Mikan answered simply. "How'd it go?" Brietta asked. "It went well." The tall woman closed her eyes, nodding. The doors closed behind her. "The spirits were very grateful." "We can see that…" Persephone dryly noted. Mikan's gaze and her eerie smile turned Persephone's way. "Can you?" she asked. "I can!" Brietta chimed, flying over to her tallest sister. "Hiii, spooky spirits!" As she waved to seemingly nothing, both Persephone and Farfalla looked at each other. They knew there was something there… something only those in tune with the spirit realm could see. It was weird, having two spirit-sensing sisters… especially since one was pure chaos and the other was pure order. They did kind of balance one another out, in that regard…

"The spirits say 'hello' to you as well, dear sisters," Mikan told the two. "Hiii…" Persephone said dismissively. "Look–" Without any warning, Brietta suddenly burst into laughter! "Oh, gosh, dat's a good one!!" she laughed, rolling on her back in mid-air and kicking her legs. "Tell 'em, Spooky Sis! Tell 'em what da spooky spirits told us!" Mikan's air of calmness gave way to a sudden shyness. She rubbed her index fingers together and blushed a little, looking down. "I'm… not very good at telling jokes…" she confessed. "I'll tell it!" Brietta cleared her throat, looking at the other two sisters. "So… a priest, a rabbi, and a Buddhist monk all walk into a bar…" "Thinking about it…" Mikan interrupted, "this joke does not make a lot of sense." "Whaaaaa…?" The pixie tilted her head, then her whole body. "Why-come?" "Buddhism encourages the avoidance of alcoholic beverages and drug use." "Maybe da Buddhist monk ordered a glass'a water?" She shrugged. "So's anyway–" "A second thought occurs." "Whaaaaat." Brietta huffed, starting to lose patience. "Is this joke an appropriate one to share at this time? The energy of the room is in flux. There is sadness and frustration within…" "Sounds like da poifect time ta tell it! So anyways… they gets ta talkin' 'n–" "Something else occurs." The pixie quietly growled, flying over to Mikan. "Keep interruptin' 'n I'm gonna zap ya wid my pixie dust! Kapow!!" "Understood. However…" Mikan gestured once more. "Our audience has dispersed." "What?" Brietta looked around. "Whoa! Dey're gone! How dey do dat?" The priestess smiled, tucking her hands into her long sleeves. "'How' indeed…"

On Persephone's suggestion, she and Farfalla had left the foyer and found themselves walking in the western halls of the manor. There, they began a conversation that was, in the former's objective opinion, "far more productive" than listening to their younger sisters' antics. "How was your day, sister?" she asked as they walked through the empty hallway. "The same as usual, I guess…" Farfalla softly shrugged. "I had someone threaten me with my own chair." "Goodness!" Persephone frowned. "Are you alright?" "Just fine!" The other girl smiled. "Thank you for asking." "Why was someone threatening you with a chair?" "Because…" She looked down. "I'm a robot." Farfalla explained the events of the last part of her shift to Persephone. She listened intently, taking in every word and occasionally nodding…

"So, he still didn't trust you to look into his ear problem even after you broke his fall?" "Sadly, no…" She sighed, shaking her head. "This anti-robot movement needs to end." "It may only get worse before it gets better…" Farfalla perked. "What makes you say that?" "Well, think about it." Persephone stopped walking and turned to face her sister. "What if some deranged person comes to your workplace and makes threats against your employers? Or worse… what if they actively try to dismantle your workplace?" The nurse 'bot covered her mouth, going wide-eyed. "I… I hadn't thought about that!" she gasped. "C-could that actually happen…?" "Farfalla…" Persephone gently held her sister's hands. "Every time you simply do your job, you're putting yourself… and your workplace… in danger. It would be much safer for everyone if you would consider staying home with your family." "I-it would, yes…" She paused. "B-but, I can't simply quit doing what I love… what I was created to do… I can't simply quit my job! I would be letting down my friends and co-workers! What if someone really needs me?" "There are humans who can do your job, aren't there?" "Y-yes… but…" "So…" Persephone looked somewhat worried. "Let the humans tend to their own. There's someone here at home who needs you more than anyone." Farfalla went wide-eyed, again. "I-is something wrong with Dr. Chou?" "He hasn't left his office since the attack… You know that." "Is he getting worse, though?" Panic began to show on Farfalla's face. "I-is he eating? Is he staying hydrated…?" "Farfalla…" Persephone brought a hand up, touching her sister's face with a warm smile. "Farfalla… you were his first. You are his pride and joy. He needs you more than any one of us. Please… talk to him." Persephone leaned in, offering her sister a soft hug. She then curtsied before wandering off to seemingly do some more cleaning, leaving Farfalla to ponder what she'd just been told. –

"Dr. Chou? It's… it's me. Farfalla."

Thirty minutes had passed since Farfalla and Persephone had their conversation. In that time, the little nurse 'bot had a lot of time to think.

Two months had passed since she inadvertently let Dr. Wily's forces into the manor grounds. It if hadn't been for Oilman's visit, things might have gone far worse than they did. Between him, Rockman, and Rightot, they were able to put a stop to any plans of grand larceny that Wily had in mind. No one was harmed and anything that was damaged could be replaced. Despite that… Farfalla had kept herself separate from those who would let her. Since the attack, she had blamed herself for letting it happen. In her mind, she was the reason everything happened the way it did. If Brietta, Persephone, and Quartz hadn't twisted her arm to stay, she probably would have left the manor and found somewhere else to live. Things seemed to settle into normalcy shortly after… with one exception.

She couldn't bring herself to face Dr. Chou. Not after what she'd "done".

"Go. Away." That was the response Farfalla got that night. Somehow… she wasn't surprised. Rather than insist she be let in… she just sighed and leaned against the door. "Dr. Chou… We're all worried about you. You haven't left your office since… well… since two months ago. We aren't even sure you're eating or sleeping… Sidney claims the meal trays always come back spotless, but we suspect that Quartz has been eating your food…" The nurse 'bot glanced at the doggie flap built into the doctor's office door and sighed. "My point is that your creations… your children… care deeply about you. We're worried. And most importantly… we miss you…" "Why?" The question was so blunt… so simple… that Farfalla felt taken aback. "Be… because… we're your children and we love you!

"Dr. Chou…!" Farfalla slammed her hand against the large, oaken door to her father's office. "What you're doing isn't fair! It's like you're punishing us for… for seemingly no reason! They need to see your face! Hear your voice! Know that you're healthy and alive!! Why do you keep hiding yourself from the world? Don't punish them… Punish me! It's my fault!" "No." He paused. "It's my fault." "Wh-what?" "I'm sure you've read the news or seen it on TV…" the doctor continued. "There's a worldwide anti-robot movement. And I'm part of the problem!" "Dr. Chou…?" The young woman nervously laughed. "I don't understand…" "I. Make. Robots. Farfalla. So, I'm part of the problem…" "You make good robots, though, not bad ones…" "Good and evil are subjective. You remember reading about Thomas' robots, I'm sure. It was what set this whole bloody chain of events off…"

"Dr. Chou…" Farfalla whispered. "You're not like Dr. Light… and you're definitely not like Dr. Wily! You're a good man who just wants to make the world a better place!" "Farfalla…" Dr. Chou sighed. "Dr. Wily wants to make the world a better place, too…" "N-no!" She shook her head again. "Dr. Wily wants to control the world!" "And… make it a better place." "You– you can't possibly… N-no, I refuse to believe…" Tears started to well in Farfalla's eyes. "Are you… are you defending that evil lunatic?!" "Good and evil are subjective," the doctor calmly repeated. "Dr. Wily thinks he can make the world a better place by leveling it and remaking it in his image. I don't agree with that…" "S-see?" The woman shakily smiled. "That makes you good and him evil!" "Disagreeing with his methods doesn't automatically make him evil, Farfalla…" "But–" "Besides," he continued, startling Farfalla, "some of his ideas do have some merit…" "Wh… what?" "He's right that the world powers, as they are, are corrupt. He's right that things need to change. He's right that robots could potentially be used for bad things. Most anything can! That's been the whole idea behind his attacks. Dr. Wily wants to show the world that robots should be mindless, obedient automatons built purely to serve humanity. He has no interest in robots that can disobey or revolt, much less ones that can think for themselves." "B-but, Heatman was one of Dr. Wily's creations, right…?" Farfalla sniffled. "He might be evil and not care about humans, but Dr. Wily still gave him the ability to think for himself… If Dr. Wily doesn't believe in that, then why would he make his Robot Masters intelligent…?" "Honestly?" Dr. Chou chuckled from behind the door. "I think he gives his original robots the ability to think because he knows it'll mess with Rockman's head." "R-Rockman…?" "Mostly, yes. Breakman doesn't share the kind of… uh… 'sense of justice' that Rockman has. And of course, any time Forte stops his creator, it's purely an act of egotism… With Rockman, though… The robots can talk to him… make him feel as evil as he thinks they are. It's clever if you really think about it…

"Farfalla… Everyone is capable of good deeds. Everyone is capable of evil deeds. Labels like 'good' and 'evil' are subjective, as I've said. Saving a village might seem like a good idea, but if saving one village somehow disrupts the way of life for another village… well…" The doctor paused again before sighing. "I'm tired… I'm going to bed, now. Good night." "Dr. Chou?" Farfalla perked, standing up straight and turning to the door. "Dr. Chou…?" There was no answer from the door. "Dr. Chou! Wait! Come back!" Again, there was no answer. "Dr. Chou!" Tears retired to the girl's eyes. "You're… you're not being fair!" "Life isn't fair, Farfalla. Go to bed. That's an order." "Y-you can't do that!" She shook her head. "You can't just tell me that Dr. Wily is right… that robots… you… are part of the problem… and then… and then… just leave like that!! I… I won't allow it!! I demand that you open this door and face me! Right now!!"

A chilling air fell upon the hallway after Farfalla had made her command. She knew that she had gone way too far. She was Dr. Chou's creation… his invention… and in a sense, his daughter. She had no right to order him to do anything! Yet… she had meant what she said. He couldn't possibly stay locked in that office for the rest of his life. He had to come out… he would come out! Even if the entire family had to drag him kicking and screaming, they… she… would get Dr. Chou to come out of that office and…! And…

And… that's when Farfalla realized something. Just what do I expect him to do after he comes out?

It began to dawn on Farfalla that Dr. Chou wasn't the end-all, be-all answer to all of life's problems. She missed her father, sure. All the Chou Numbers did! But once Dr. Chou was out of the office and they'd had their tearful reunion… then what? Dr. Chou couldn't change the world's opinion about robot-kind. Dr. Chou couldn't even stop the local news outlets from running negative stories about the potential danger of robots running wild. When it came right down to it… Dr. Chou was just as powerless to change the world as anyone else. Not even Dr. Right, the world's foremost expert on robots, could do it! And he made Rockman! So… just what did she expect from her father? And more importantly… what did she want…?

"I just want this all to stop…"

Farfalla sat against the door, pulling her knees to her chest and hiding her crying face. "I want all the hatred to stop… I want all the confusion to stop… I want all the anger to stop… I just want to help humans feel better and lead healthy lives. I want Brietta to be able to fly around the city, making children of all ages happy with her silly antics… I want Mikan to travel the world and help all the lost and wayward spirits pass on… I want Persephone and Sidney to be able to go shopping without having things thrown at them… And, I want Quartz to be able to go to any park he wants and play with the other dogs, again." The girl sniffled, closing her eyes. "I want normalcy… I want peace… And… and I want love. Love for all living things. Humans… Robots… Everything. I know it sounds like a lot to ask… but I just want to be able to live my life without worry. Even if it's just… just for… a little… while…" "You really do want to heal the world, don't you…?"

Dr. Chou stood in his open doorway, smiling down at his sleeping creation. He and his little robot pomeranian, Quartz, had checked on her shortly after she'd stopped talking. "Of all my creations, I think it's you that feels the most at fault when the world tears itself apart, even though it's not your fault," Dr. Chou said. "We humans are just a bunch of confused monkeys, throwing mud in a panic whenever something doesn't go our way…" The doctor reached down, softly stroking Farfalla's hair. Quartz found a place by her side and settled in. "You'll always be there to heal the hearts of those who need it the most… but who can you turn to when your heart is full of sorrow? Sleep well, my dear…"

The doctor quietly slipped back into his office, leaving his creation right where she was. As she slept… there was a calmness in her heart… and a peaceful smile on her face.

1 note · View note