F4: New Beginnings

Chapter 1: Recharging Memories

Jack wrapped Elmo's tail around the white pole, shutting the metal clamp at the top around its tip. He pulled the handle, and blue energy flowed through the pole and sparked along the unconscious rat's tail.

“There, he's all plugged in. Now we gotta check his power levels.” he pulled on a pair of rubber gloves, then carefully rolled up Elmo's sleeve. He ran his fingers along the different watches for a moment, then clicked the side of one. It snapped open to reveal a power meter, the hand wobbling in the red.

Jack winced “Yep, that's gonna take a while.” he sat down with a pout. Reginald wrapped a leafy arm around his shoulders, patting his friend's back.

Bud, who had been standing quietly by the door to Elmo's bedroom-turned-workshop, cleared his throat. “Ah- Liquidator Brand Water takes full responsibility for this little liability issue, and promises to make reparations. Guaranteed.”

“Oh, Likky…” Jack shook his head. “There's nothing to be sorry for; it was an accident. This isn't the first time he's shorted out, and it won't be the last. You two should probably go, though.”

“Go?” The Doc looked a little hurt.

“His memory problems get worse for a while after a short out.” Jack sniffed. “He might not remember you, so he'll panic.”

“But he'll remember you?” Reginald asked.

“No, not necessarily.” Jack held up Mr Banana Brain, allowing the possessed doll to speak.

“But he still trusts him anyway, May.”

“Y-yeah. Even that time he, he forgot me for a week, he still felt safe around me.” the toymaker chuckled. “He says he never really forgets the things that are instincts, so deeply engrained that they're a part of him, even if he forgets their names and stuff. Like breathing, or the electromagnetic spectrum, or… me.”

“You really love him, don't you?” Reginald asked.

“That obvious?” Jack grinned weakly. “We've been dating since highschool.”

“Called it!” Bud laughed.

“Huh, I was betting it was a new thing.” Reginald shrugged. “But either way, the two of you aren't that great at hiding it.”

“That's not a problem, right?” Jack scooted away from Bushroot, staring at the other two. “Us both being guys and stuff?”

“Nah, m-my wife's sister's g-g-g, a le-le- like that.” Bud smiled.

“And I'd be kind of a hypocrite if it was.” Bushroot winked at Jack. “Rhoda's not the only colleague I had a crush on, after all. Well, before he started bullying me, that is.”

“One out one watery mutants agree, I'd rather not be here when he wakes up!” Bud pointed to Elmo, who was starting to move and groan. “Liquidator Brand Water is unfortunately ill-equiped to deal with multiple shocks a day.”

“Alright, we'll get out of here.” Reginald hugged Jack and stood up. “Call us once you know how he's doing, okay?”

“Sure thing.” Jack waved goodbye. The moment they left, he turned back to the still-moving yet still-asleep rodent. “Alright, Sparky, guess it's time to play the Waiting Game. Ugh, how boring.”

“Don't… call me… Sparky.” Elmo muttered in his sleep, rolling over.

Jack blinked, staring at the rat. A grin spread across his beak, widening as he broke out in a fit of laughter.