Chapter 9: Heartbeat

Blu struggled against his bindings but he was tied up so tight he couldn’t move. Red Spy walked around him, looking him over.

“So, you thought zat you could sneak in here and take my son again? You machines should have never come after him in zhe first place. Now zat you’re our prisoner, you’re going to wish zat you stayed home.” He said stopping in front of Blu.

Blu squirmed as he tried to speak.

“You’re not going anywhere, machine. Your days of killing people and coming after Blu are over.” His father said, loading his gun.

Blu stopped squirming when his dad placed the barrel against his metal forehead.

D-dad…

The gun cocked. Red Spy’s hand was on the trigger.

Blu went limp. He was too exhausted to try and fight back. The ropes and chains that were binding him tightly weren’t helping either.

“You’ve given up already? Pathetic.” His father sneered. “Good bye.”

Blu then waited for the end.

“NO DAD, DON’T!”

Red’s voice screamed suddenly as he came running in at full speed. Red Spy looked over at him just as Red slammed into him. Red Spy flew back and hit the ground hard as Red then stood in front of Blu.

Blu sighed with relief.

“Red, what zhe hell are you doing?!” Red Spy shouted angrily getting to his feet.

“You can’t kill dis bot.” Red replied.

“Oh no? Why can’t I?” his dad snapped.

Red looked back at Blu.

“Sorry I took so long. Ma had to talk to me. But I’m here now.”  He told him.

“Red, get out of the way. Zhis does not concern you.” Red Spy said, marching back over.

“You bet your ass it does. I’m not letting you kill him.” Red snapped back.

“What is zhe matter with you? Zhis is a machine! One zat took your brother and had come after him again. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill it.” Red Spy said, his eyes narrowing.

Red looked back at Blu again who nodded.

“Red’s changed sides! He’s been with the robots all along!” someone shouted.

“After everything that machines have done to you and Blu, you don’t want to kill them?”

“Red, what’s wrong with you?”

“Let us kill it! It’s just a damn scout-bot!”

“SHUT UP!” Red suddenly shouted angrily.

Everyone went quiet.

“Y-you can’t kill him because…” he broke off and looked at his twin again. “It’s Blu.”

Silence.

“What zhe hell are you talking about? It’s a murdering man-eating machine, not your brother.” Red Spy said. “It’s not possible. People don’t turn into machines.”

Red tried to hold back his tears of rage.

“No, it’s Blu. Its-its what Gray Mann did to him. He turned Blu into dis.” He said.

Gasps of shock came from the crowd.

“Why would he do that? It doesn’t make any sense; turning a scout into a machine.” Fem-Engie shouted from the back.

“I don’t know. We’re still tryin’ to figure dat out.” Red said.

“You’re making zat up!” a medic shouted.

“Red’s a machine lover!” Demo-man shouted.

“I’m not! It really is Blu!” Red exclaimed back. Red Spy came up to him.

“Red, move. If I have to tie you up in order to do so, I will.” he said. Red glared at him and stood his ground.

“I’ll prove it.” He said.

Red Spy looked at Blu then back at Red.

“Fine, prove zat zhis machine is him. But if you can’t, I’m killing it.” He said.

“Look at him. He’s not behaving like a normal bot. They would keep fightin’ back even if they were completely tied down. They’ll do anythin’ to kill us. He’s exhausted, he’s showin’ emotion. Bots don’t get exhausted.”

Nobody looked convinced.

“He’s got the same arm and shoulder plate as Blu. Normal bots have three fingers; he has all five of his. His eyes are also blue, not red like the others.” Red said.

“He’s an advanced bot.” someone called.

Red’s shoulders dropped.

“He understands me. He knows what I’m sayin’.” He said.

“I’m sorry Red, zhat isn’t enough. Now move.” His father said.

Red didn’t move.

“No.” he said.

“Fine. You want to spend the night in ropes, be my guest. But if zat is zhe only way for you to be pulled away from zis thing, I have no choice.” Red Spy said. He motioned to Red Heavy to come forward. Heavy did but was hesitant.

Red backed up.

“I ain’t done yet.” He said. “There’s one more thing.”

“What?”

“He won’t hurt me. I’ll show ya dat he won’t.” he said. Red then turned and faced Blu.

“Red, stay away from it!” his father said, moving forward.

“No, dis is the only way I can prove it. I’ll walk up to him. He won’t try to eat me.” Red said.

“Red…” his dad said, his voice becoming worried.

“And if he does, I’m wrong. But I know he won’t.” Red then walked over to Blu who looked up at him. “Alright Blu, show ‘em ya won’t hurt me.” He said walking up and then he knelt down by Blu and put a hand on his metal face.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” He whispered. Blu’s body creaked and groaned as he leaned closer to Red then he dropped his gaze and turned away.

“It’s not attacking him.” someone whispered.

Red Spy stared at Blu, his eyes wide. Blu looked up at his father.

“Deep down, I know you know its Blu.”

Red Spy looked into Blu’s eyes. In them was a look that was familiar. Too familiar. His little boy was now looking up at him. His eyes were wide and scared, the same way the scout-bot was looking at him now.

“My god.” Red Spy gasped. He came up to Blu and knelt down by him, putting a hand on his face. “Blu…what happened to you?”

Blu’s body creaked again as he shifted his weight.

“Gray Mann did dis. Blu told me everything.” Red said. Red Spy then looked back to Blu.

“I’m so sorry son. Please…please forgive me.” He said. “I didn’t know.”

Blu shifted again, his body trying to break free again.

Red stayed down by Blu as Red Spy stood up and faced the others. “Cut him loose.”

Blu Fem-Sniper and Red Heavy immediately came forward.

“Wait, just hold on a second.”

Everyone turned and saw Saxton Hale come forward.

“You have the machine pinned down. Just kill it right now. If you let the damn thing go, it’ll come right back in.” he said.

Red Spy faced him. “Did you not just see and hear what happened? Zhat is my son.” He said. “So what? He’s also still a bloody machine.” Hale responded.

Red Spy went to say something but then suddenly a loud roar made them all stop. They all turned in the direction the roar had come. Gasps came from everyone.

“Oh shit, Blu, they’ve caught up to us.” Red gasped, staring in horror up at the wall.

The heavy-bot rose over the top of the wall, its mouth open into a snarl. Its red eyes glared down in the base and saw them all. Its gaze then saw Blu bound. It smiled wide and started to laugh. It was mechanical, rough, and completely terrifying.

Blu growled deep in his throat and tried to break free.

“Where did zhat come from?”

“Rrgh mrm hrrr!”

Red Spy turned and pointed to it.

“Move! Everyone defend zhe wall!” he shouted. “If zhe heavy-bot breaks it down, we’re all dead!”

The mercs all ran off. Red ran to Blu’s side and tried to pull the ropes and chains off. Blu pulled against them trying to get up.

“Hold on Blu. We gotta break ya free first.” Red said, cutting the ropes. Another growl rose in Blu’s throat. The ropes fell off so now only the chains remained. Red tried to lift them up but they wouldn’t budge.

“Urgh, they’re too heavy!” he grunted.

Blu tried to get up again.

“Heavy will help!” Red Heavy suddenly appeared by Red along with Blu Pyro, and Fem-Sniper, and Red Soldier. Red Spy also joined along with Red Medic, and Blu Fem-Engie.

The heavy-bot roared again.

Blu growled deeper.

The chains were pulled free and Blu, with the chains still hanging off his arms, immediately ran at full speed towards the wall.

“Blu, wait! You’re still exhausted! You can’t take him! Blu!” Red shouted as his twin took off.

Blu pulled off the chains and tossed them on the ground. He hunched over, picking up speed as he approached the wall.

The mercs ahead of him shouted about him incoming, and dived to the side as he ran past. 

The heavy-bot looked up as Blu then leapt over the wall and kicked him away from the wall with his two feet.

The heavy regained its balance and turned to face Blu who landed.

The two stared at each other waiting for the other to make the first move.

Red pushed past everyone and ran on top of the wall, looking out at his brother. His father and the other mercs joined him.

The full moon reflected off both their metal bodies.

Red could see Blu was panting. Why did he go out to face the heavy? He didn’t have the strength.

“Dad, you gotta-“ Red started to say but was cut off as the heavy-bot roared and charged at Blu. He swerved out of the way and kicked the heavy as he flew back. But the heavy-bot grabbed Blu’s leg and threw him up then slammed him down on the ground.

Blu shook his head clear and quickly rolled out of the way as the heavy punched the ground, missing him by inches.

Blu then leapt to his feet only to be punched by the heavy-bot. he stumbled backwards trying to catch his balance. His lip stung. Blu felt with his fingers a cut that dripped blood. Growling, Blu then lunged at the heavy but the bigger bot ducked out of the way. Blu slumped over. He was so tired. Why did he come out here again? He was in no condition to fight.

“Blu, look out!” Red’s voice shouted.

Blu lifted his head just as the heavy-bot snuck up from behind and bit down hard into his shoulder. Blood sprayed into the air.

Blu let out a mechanical shriek as the heavy-bot dragged him backwards snarling viciously. His arm twitched and jerked as he tried to pull free. The heavy’s teeth dug in deeper. The metal where the teeth dug in cracked. More blood gushed out. Blu shrieked again as the heavy grabbed Blu’s other arm, digging its teeth in deeper. Blu shrieked again, twisting and turning as he tried to pull himself free.

“Dad, do something! You gotta do something! It’s killing him!” Red shouted, watching with horror as the heavy tore the metal away and continued to lock its teeth in Blu’s shoulder. His brother’s shrieks echoed in his ears.

Nobody was doing anything. They all just stared and watched as the heavy tore into his brother. Red looked at them, then back to Blu. His twin had gone limp as blood dripped from the huge hole in his shoulder. A weak cry met Red’s ears.

He was dying. Blu was dying.

“S-Somebody….please….” Red begged, but still no one moved. Not even Red Spy. Red looked at them again and finally got fed up.

With an angry yell, he ran across the wall towards Red Soldier who stared like the others. Red snatched his rocket launcher from his hands and fired a missile at the heavy-bot. it hit the heavy in the side making it fall over but kept its bite into Blu.

“You bastard! Let go of him!” Red snapped angrily firing another.

The heavy-bot dodged it but that gave Blu what he needed. He pulled his opposite arm free and started pounding his fist into the heavy’s face trying to get it to let go of his shoulder. It only made the heavy-bot bite deeper, making something crack.

Another shriek came from Blu.

Red was about to fire another missile but Blu gave one more final hard punch. The heavy-bot finally released him as the force from Blu’s punch knocked it back. Its jaw broke on one side making it hang crookedly. It then, with its busted jaw, roared loudly and the other bots, including the heavy-bot, then vanished into the night.

Blu collapsed on one knee, gripping his bloody and torn shoulder. Red dropped the rocket launcher, panting.

There was a loud groan as Blu shakily got to his feet. Still gripping his shoulder, he turned and limped back towards the base.

“Blu…” Red gasped.

Blu’s shoulder sparked, making his eyes dim. That then caused him to stumble and fall to one knee again. His body convulsed, shaking violently. His eyes went dark as he collapsed onto his stomach and didn’t move.

“Oh god, no.” Red said. He immediately turned and ran as fast as he could down the wall and towards the gate.

Red pushed the button and it rose up. He ran through it and headed for Blu who still lay unmoving on the ground.

Only now he was human.

Tears formed in Red’s eyes as he sped up towards his unmoving brother. As soon as he was by him, Red fell to his knees and picked Blu up, hugging him tightly. Blu’s shoulder was bleeding so badly from the wound the blood dripping from it made Red’s shirt darker from the stain.

Blu was also so limp and pale, Red didn’t know if he was even alive.

Was he?

Red then put his ear against Blu’s chest, listening for the sound of a heartbeat.

Please Blu, don’t die on me. He thought. Come on.

Th-thump…th-thump…th-thump.

Red gasped when he heard it.

With his head still laying on Blu, Red hugged him tighter. Tears ran like rivers from his eyes as he listened to Blu’s heartbeat.

He was still alive.

Red couldn’t hold back anymore as he choked on sobs. His tears were coming so fast and so thick, both his and Blu’s shirt were soaked.

“I..I’m…s-so…oh god…Blu…I’m…I’m so sorry.” He cried. “You don’t deserve dis. I-I wish it was me.” He then held onto Blu who remained limp, as he wailed loudly into the night sky.

The others looked at each other then back out to the two scouts as Red continued to wail. They all watched, not knowing what to think as Red cried into his brother’s chest.

Some were frightened by what they had just seen. Others just stared not knowing what to do or think.

And that was all they could do.

 

Blu groaned immensely as he slowly blinked his eyes open. He tried to sit up but everything was stiff and it hurt to move.

He groaned again.

“Just lay still, Blu. Don’t try to move too much.” His father’s voice said. Blu slowly turned his head and saw his dad sitting next to him.

“D-dad? W-why does..everythin’ hurt?” Blu groaned. He once more tried to sit up but pain erupted from his shoulder making him cry out.

“Blu just lay back. Your body is still healing.” Red Spy said.

Blu groaned as he laid back down on his bed.

“W-what…happened?” he asked weakly. 

“You don’t remember? You had the shit beaten out of you by zhe heavy-bot. It bit down into your shoulder and ended up breaking your collar bone. But it let you go after you hurt it. After you passed out, Red Medic and I brought you here. You’ve been out for three days.” His dad told him.

Blu gasped and looked at him, eyes wide.

“Th-three whole d-days?” he exclaimed weakly. He tried to get up again but pain made him stop once more when it erupted throughout his body.

“Blu, please. Just remain here. Your body has healed almost completely but you are still weak. Your collar bone and shoulder are still injured.” Red Spy said.

Blu, realizing his dad was right, laid back down.

“W-where’s Red?” he asked.

“He’s up on zhe wall. We’ve had to up our watches ever since zat horde arrived. Do you want me to get him for you?” his dad asked.

“Uh, no..d-dats…okay.” Blu replied.

His dad nodded and sighed deeply. Blu looked at him and finally saw how horrible his father looked.

“D-dad, you a’right?” he asked.

Red Spy smiled and put a hand on Blu’s head, ruffling his hair gently.

“I’m sorry Blu.” He said.

“W-what for?” Blu asked.

“For zhe way I treated you back zhen. I-I almost killed you, not knowing about…your ability. Red tried to tell me zat it was you but I didn’t listen. If I had hurt you or worse, I would never forgive myself.” He said.

Blu reached out with his robot hand and placed it on his father’s.

“It-its okay dad. You didn’t…k-know. But I’m o-okay.” He said smiling.

“I’m just glad you woke up. Your injury was so bad and you were so exhausted, it-it frightened me, Blu. Even with your healing abilities we still had to stitch you up. You lost so much blood. But your busted collarbone is still healing and is getting better. So zat’s a good sign.” Red Spy said.

Blu nodded. “Yeah, I g-guess.” He said quietly.

“Is zat how you escaped the pyro-bot?” his dad asked.  Blu looked at him then looked away again.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Your bot form. Is zat how you were able to get away?” Red Spy repeated.

Blu shook his head. “Not exactly.”

“Can you tell me?”

Blu shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t want anybody to know, especially his father.

“Um…..” was all he said, shifting his mechanical arm.

“It’s okay, I understand.” His father said.

“N-no…I-I can. Its…its just hard.” Blu replied.

H went quiet but then took a deep breath. Red Spy grabbed his robot hand.

“You, uh, heard what R-Red said about the pyro-bot…” he stopped. “..it crushed me b-but it…it didn’t kill me.” He said.

“What do you mean?” Red Spy asked.

“Um, I-I, um, after it, uh gave the final squeeze, I-I blacked out. When I regained consciousness, it-it was dragging m-me by my arm. It-it-it-it uh, I don’t know where it was taking me.” Blu said, his voice shaking tremendously.

Red Spy squeezed Blu’s hand as thick tears started to run down his face.

“Blu.” He said gently.

“I panicked.” Blu said, sniffing. “I wanted to get away. I wanted to go home so I pulled against it. T-the bot realized I was…still a-alive. Dat made me panic m-more. I had to get away.” He paused. “Adrenaline suddenly kicked in. I kept pulling and pulling…” he paused again. “My shoulder dis-dislocated. It-it hurt so bad. T-the bot tightened its grip on m-my arm. I-I gave one last pull…a-and my arm ripped out of its socket. I-I ripped my arm out and then I ran…” Blu said, his voice cracking.

Red Spy hung his head. “Oh Blu.”

Blu sniffed again and wiped his eyes, shaking his head. “It’s done. There’s nothing we can do.”

There came another quiet gasp from the doorway. Blu and Red Spy turned and saw Red. His eyes were wide and he had a hand on his cheek.

“Red.” Blu said, wiping his eyes again.

“Holy shit Blu.” Red said.

“Uh, it-it aint as-wait. What happened to you?” Blu asked when he saw a huge black bruise under Red’s left eye on his cheek bone. It was also swollen.

“Huh? Oh, dis is-uh, there was a fight on the wall.” Red said, putting his hand down.

“What about?  A bot?” Red Spy asked.

Red shrugged. “In a way.”

Blu understood what Red was saying when he looked at him.

“Who was it?” he asked.

“Uh, just Sniper. He said somethin’ about you dat just sent me over the edge. I hit him. He hit me back. It-it got worse. I called him something I shouldn’t have. Sniper got ahold of my bat and he hit me with it.” Red replied.

Red Spy sighed and face palmed.

“Red, we’ve talked about zis.” He said. “You can’t lose your temper.”

“Sorry, but he called Blu a-.” he broke off and looked at Blu. “Well, he insulted him, so I kicked him in the groin. Hard.”

Red Spy sighed again.

“Go to Medic, Red. Get your bruise healed. I’ll talk to Sniper.” He said.

Red nodded.

“Glad to see you’re up Blu. I was really worried about ya. I’ll come back.” He said then turned and left.

Red Spy then turned to Blu himself. “You going to be alright?”

“Yeah I will. I’ll just rest.” Blu said smiling.

“Hungry?”

“Uh, yeah sure I’ll eat.” Blu said.

“Alright, I’ll get you something. Rest your shoulder. I’ll be back.” His dad said, smiling, and then left the room.

Blu then sat in silence going over in his mind what had happened to Red.

People were starting to fear him, Blu knew they were.

His gut got an uneasy feeling.

If some of the others were starting to beat on Red, then it was only a matter of time before they turned on him.