Astro Boy: Core Collision

Episode 2: A New Enemy

Astro flew toward Hamegg's place to hang out with Cora and the others. He thought to himself about how he always wanted a sibling, but not so suddenly. Maybe he would get along with Cobalt if he actually hung out with him. Other thoughts began to race in his head.

"Hey, Astro!"

Cora called out to him and waved. He waved back and safely landed on the ground.

"Sorry, a lot has been on my mind lately."

"Really?" Cora replied with curiosity in her eyes. "Tell us!"

"Yeah, tell us!" The twins cried out.

Astro sighed. "Guys, I ha-"

His phone started ringing. He answered the call with an annoyed "hello?".

"I almost forgot! This is important! Elefun had a few extra components to make another blue core, but it's a bit smaller than yours, so he'll need to recharge his energy by either sleeping or eating."

"How is Cobalt gonna eat? He can't digest!"

"The thing about that, I tested this theory where you ate your breakfast a few days ago when you thought you were still Toby, and I found out that your core can actually digest food as well, just like a human stomach."

"What?!? How is that possible?"

"I think it's the energy in the core. It can mimic a lot of human things it seems."

"So that's why I can sleep and eat?"

"Yes, and so can Cobalt! This is great! Amazing even!"

Astro still seemed confused, but nodded. Alright, what else did you need?"

"Oh! I'm about to Send Cobalt over, I gave him a tracking chip so he can tell where you are, but don't worry about privacy, just tell him when you need space. I know that's what you're thinking, right?"

"How did you know that?"

"I'm your father, us dads just know, I was a teenager once to-"

Astro hung up the phone and rolled his eyes.

Cora crossed her arms and looked at him. "What's that all about?"

Astro sighed again and looked down.

"I have a sibling now, he's a robot just like me, and his name is Cobalt."

"That's not so bad! Why are you so upset about it?"

"BECAUSE!" He shouted at her, his face turning red. He realized he snapped at her and immediately calmed down. "I dunno, it's just so sudden. I just killed the Peacekeeper yesterday, and now I just suddenly have a sibling!"

"It seems like your dad planned this out for a while."

"I mean, one of Toby's memories I have, he did mention something about getting a sibling, even if dad had to build one for him."

"Wait. Toby?"

"Yes, why?"

"That name sounds familiar, like when we rescued you from the R.R.F.!"

"Yeah, that's because my dad created me in memory of him. I was meant to be his replacement."

Meanwhile, in an old, dark abandoned castle on the surface, a tall, handsome man stood in front of a bunch of computer screens used in Metro City. He noticed a picture of a certain robot boy flying through the air with a look of determination.

He called out to the distance. "SKUNK!"

"WHAT!?!"
Another man called back to him.

"Is project A.T.L.A.S. ready yet?"