Rust is the New Spice

Chapter 3: Names

Rust is the New Spice

Chapter 3

Names

He liked this, it felt nice too. Another flew toward him and he let it pop against his nose. Bubbles floated around the room as he lightly kicked the bath water around. Zane walked back over with yet another warm bucket of water. Dumping the sudsy mixture onto the younger nindroids head. Echo spat and sputtered for a moment running his fingers over his face to get the water from his optics.

"Apologies." Zane said, handing him a washcloth. The older of the new sat down on a stool and picked up a scrub brush and started to wash his back as he leaned forward running his fingers over the bubbles. Letting them pop as he touched them.

"He's...but a child." Wu said, looking around at Borg. "How did this...how did he get into computers like that?

"Well when we turned back on the computers and machinery in Borg tower after the Sons of Garmadon inhabited it he might very well be an echo of Zanes very own creation. But...we may never know the whole story behind this.

"No...I was on an island...in a lighthouse. Father built me there. Then hid me inside a back room when he saw someone coming. I stayed there until father was taken away and I was alone...he never returned." Echo said as he splashed around. He smiled and chuckled as the suds floated up and he was able to try to bite the bubble as it flew by. He gagged at the flavor and stuck out his tongue.

"Bubbles to not have a nice flavor Echo. Please do not eat more." Zane said. Echo nodded.

"I agreed, that was not pleasant." He said as he felt the warm water slide down his back as his brother dumped another bucket of water to wash the suds from his scrubbed back.

Jay walked into the bathroom and looked at Echo. He leaned in and then looked at Zane.

"But, if you were on the island, how did you get into Borg Tower? How did you end up in their database?" Jay was skeptical that this was their Echo.

"I do not know. All I know is that I allowed a woman into the lighthouse after they ship wrecked. She wore green, and had white hair. She looked sick and injured. So I allowed her inside. I fed them, and gave them tea. When we went to sleep that night..." Echo paused like he was ready to say something more, there was a choked sound that came out of his vocal processor. He gasped, grabbing the side of the bathtub and he held his throat.

"Echo?" Zane asked, holding his brother up as he threw up onto the bathroom floor.

"Nindroids can barf?" Cole asked as he watched Zane rub his brothers back whispering that he was there now. He didn't have to worry about anything.

"So...Harumi...again." Lloyd growled looking at the young nindroid.

It was all too apparent what had happened now. Just like Harumi had done with Pixal to make her attack the Bounty and its occupants, she took him over.

"So...you were Mr. E..." Zane asked looking at his brother who slowly sat up looking at him. Echo shook his head and pointed to himself.

"I don't want that name. I do not like it...I don't." His bottom lip quivered. "I am..."

"You're Echo...a counterpart to Zane. Mr. E is gone now and you can do whatever you want now." Nya said, running her fingers over the droid's cheeks. Oil for tears...Nya just wanted to make him feel better. Poor guy.

"She is right. You are who you choose to be. We will stand by you to make sure you do well, and to help." Zane helped his brother up. Running the cloth over his chin to clean up anymore expel from it. Pulling a large white fluffy towel around him and helped him from the bathtub. He would have to come back in to clean up that mess.

He helped Echo into his room and realized something pretty fast. Echo would have to share a bed with him at least until they had another bed. He walked over and pulled back the blanket and lay his brother down.

"Get some sleep little brother. You had a long day." Zane leaned over putting his head against his brothers. "Tomorrow, we will go to the mall and pick you out some clothing. You...can not run around naked. You'll have to wear my clothing till then." Shopping, that was a new concept...he read about it in books and magazines that his father had.

"I do not have any money." He told his brother. Zane shrugged as he turned off the light.

"It is alright. I have a little saved up." It wasn't like he had to buy food so he saved up whatever he could. Mostly for maintenance, and upgrades to himself...presents for Pixal.

"I can't wait to see the stores. I've never been." Zane smiled at the cute childish nature.

"Good night, Echo." Zane walked out the door. He still had to clean the bathroom.

Echo closed his eyes and started his shut down procedures.

Just as his eyes began to shut they glowed a familiar red hue.