Façades

[Proto Man]

The wait had done wonders for Proto Man. Most of his systems were functioning within their normal parameters, and now that his wireless adapter was working again, he was able to access the Dataverse. As Whirda had skulked in the darkness, the preteen machine had been busy trying to rescue a princess from the clutches of a giant ape with a soft spot for throwing barrels. After a few days of having people try to kill him, it was a nice to be able to sit in the dark and enjoy one of the simpler things. Playing the game on his internal display reminded him of when Roll and he had tried finishing one of the rpg games they’d summoned from their world.

Much like that experience with his sister had ended; Proto Man by himself was just as unlucky with his attempts to save the girl. As the sun rose, the android had recommended they set out toward Darkshire, and although she didn’t seem up for the travel, Whrida went along with him.

Another nearly full day of silence followed as the two started to pass familiar landmarks. Every now and again, Proto Man would glance back to make sure that the woman was doing all right. He had to remind himself that she was still flesh and bones, even if her heart left a little to be desired.

When they saw the familiar sight of Darkshire’s city gate, Proto Man started to walk a little faster. He knew that Whirda wasn’t matching his pace, but he didn’t expect her to. She had done so much to help the city after arriving in the Omniverse, and Darkshire’s garrison had driven her from its walls with little hesitation. As they drew closer to the city, the android’s enhanced vision detected that the garrison atop its walls was becoming more active. He saw the usually inert skeletal guards turned in their direction and ready their weapons.

“Who goes there?” Someone shouted from atop the walls.

“I am Blues, and this is Whirda,” Proto Man shouted as he stared up at the armored man. The quality of his clothes and the insignia he wore indicated that he was the garrison’s equivalent of a junior officer.

“That woman cannot enter the city,” the soldier replied. “We have strict orders to prevent any infected individuals from mingling with the general population. You must understand.”

When Proto Man’s hand cannon started to hum to life, the officer and his human compatriots exchanged nervous glances. Before he said anything, the android dug into the pouch at his side and pulled out the chunk of monster and tossed it toward the gate. The piece he had was mundane, unlike the one that Whirda wore as a small shield. “We killed the Tarrasque, and she and I helped break up what could have easily been the makings of an army of evil, underground elves. Your options are simple… you can go retrieve Dobson Skendor immediately, or I will obliterate this gate and break the legs of anyone who tries to prevent this plague-addled hero from entering this city. You should pick your next words wisely, because I have been known to get a little trigger happy.”

As the men atop the walls scrambled to sort out the situation, Proto Man glanced over his shoulder and saw a rare smile on Whirda’s usually melancholy features. When he returned his attention to the town’s entrance, he saw that there were fewer men up on the walls.

“They’re going to retrieve Commander Skendor immediately. He should be here in a few minutes.”