Astro boy the movie (the novel)

CHAPTER 4

Over the next few weeks, Dr. Tenma never left his lab. He worked day and night on his new robot-a robot that looked just like Toby.

Dr. Tenma had created every kind of robot there was. But this-this would be his masterpiece. He used whatever spare mechanical parts and weaponry he could find in his lab. He found a strand of Toby's hair inside the hat, and used that to upload Toby's memories into the robot. He didn't take a break-and he didn't let his assistants slow down, either.

He would not stop until he had Toby back.

Dr. Elefun arrived at the Ministry of Science one night, carrying a steel case. He headed up to the lab to find Tenma and his scientists busy at work. An older male scientist wearing glasses and a beret approached him.

"He hasn't eaten or slept in days," he told Dr. Elefun.

"I know," Dr. Elefun replied.

He lowered his voice. "He's gone crazy, hasn't he?"

"If your son dies like that, and you don't go crazy, you're not human," Dr. Elefun answered.

He moved on toward Dr. Tenma. The two scientists locked eyes.

"Clear the lab," Dr. Tenma ordered his assistants.

As the scientists quietly left, Dr. Elefun saw the robot skeleton on the lab table behind his friend. He gasped. The shape of the robot looked just like Toby.

Without a word, Dr. Tenma activated a machine next to the table. A laser net made up of criss-crossed strands of green laser light moved over the robot skeleton. As the net passed over the robot, it left behind a realistic layer of skin. Now the robot looked even more like Toby.

"It looks just like him, doesn't it?" Dr. Tenma asked. "A perfect replica. Plus, I've uploaded all of Toby's memories.

It'll think it is Toby."

"Don't expect too much, Tenma," Dr. Elefun warned.

"It has the most advanced defense system ever created," Dr. Tenma said proudly. "I won't lose him again."

He paused. "Did you bring what I asked?"

"I couldn't refuse a grieving father," Dr. Elefun replied.

He placed the steel box on the table and opened it to reveal the Blue Core glowing inside. Then he gripped Dr. Tenma by the shoulders. His friend had such high hopes. He didn't want him to be disappointed. He had been through so much pain already.

"The core is ... unpredictable," Dr. Elefun told him. "I can't guarantee what effect ... "

Dr. Tenma was not about to give up. "It's going to make it perfect-perfect! Just like Toby was."

He took the core and faced the robot boy. Dr. Tenma placed the Blue Core in an opening in the robot's chest.

Nothing happened for a moment. Then ...

Cables lowered from the ceiling and attached themselves to the robot's head and back. Then the cables began to retract, lifting the robot with them. Bursts of energy shot from the robot's core chest.

Bam!

A huge explosion rocked the lab. The table collapsed underneath the boy. He rolled onto the floor, landing flat on his back.

The room quieted down. The two scientists stared, unable to move.

The robot's eyes opened. They looked blank and lifeless. He turned to look at the two men. He stared blankly at them for a moment as the complicated program whirred to life inside his robot brain.

Suddenly, his face lit up with a smile. He looked as human as any real boy.

"Dad?" the robot asked.

"Toby," Dr. Tenma said, breathless.

The robot stood up and took a few unsteady steps. Then he leaped into Dr. Tenma's arms.

"Dad!"

Dr. Tenma wrapped the robot boy in a blanket.

"Welcome back, son," he said tearfully. "Thank you, Elefun. I'm going to take it ... him home now. Quality time. Bonding. All the good things."

Dr. Elefun gazed curiously at the new Toby, as Tenma carried him to the door.

"Bye, Dr. Elefun," the robot said cheerfully.

Dr. Elefun was startled-the robot even sounded like Toby. "Uh ... bye ... Toby."

He watched them exit the lab, shaking his head.

"Incredible," he muttered.

Poor Toby Tenma was gone forever. But thanks to his father, he would live on in robot form.

Astro Boy was born!