Mistical Mirage

Sure has been a while since I've been here, huh.

Oh boy! You'll never guess who just showed up! Steam! The Thief of Thieves! Here! In the Medical Realm!

NO WAY.

YES WAY. We better go check it out before he makes his escape!

Yeah!

A...thief? So there's a robbery in progress?

I need to get to the bottom of this. If there's a thief about, those kids are in danger!

Now, where did those kids run off to...

Huh. What's going over there?

I am the terror that sneaks without a squeak!

I am the illusion that fuels your disillusion!

I am Steam! The thief of thieves! It's robberin' time!

YEAH!! It's ROBBERIN' TIME!! Hey Steam! Do the thing!

Sure! Er... Okay, kid. Have no fear, the thief of thieves is here! When the bad guys swipe your smile, Steam steals it back in style.

SO COOL!

We're countin' on ya, Steam!

Hey, mind if I ask you something?

What is it, citizen? Do you have...uh...

Dewey? That you?

...ALDO?!

I knew it! Almost didn't recognize you with that getup and the whole hero voice you're doing.

I didn't expect to see you here! Aw, now I'm kinda embarassed.

What's all this about you stealing things?

Wait, you don't actually think...

Well I came here because some kids were talking about a robbery...

Oh boy. That's so you, Aldo. This is a superhero meet and greet. You'd fit right in!

Meet...and greet? I don't follow.

We get all dressed up as heroes for the kids here.

See?

They're all dressed up like superheroes, right? The kids told us their favorites, and here we are!

That's pretty cool.

When you're sick, it's hard to be positive, ya know? So we dress up like heroes to make them feel like there's a brighter future for them out there. Give them courage, that kind of thing.

Okay, then is Steam a superhero? Or is he a thief?

He's both! But he doesn't just steal from anyone. He seeks justice for the downtrodden! Peace for the oppressed! He gives joy back to those whose smiles have been stolen by evil!

Kids really dig an anti-hero, and Steam is super popular!

Huh, that explains the voice you were doing then. I couldn't even tell it was you!

If you're gonna play the role, you gotta go 100%.

But, you're right, Steam seems pretty far removed from how I am usually. A little too cool for Dewey, eh? Funny thing is, the character is actually modeled after...

Mister?

What is it, young man?

......

Got it!

Hey that's my...

What do you think you're doing, kid?!

HAH! Take that, Steam-beans! If ya want your precious little trinket back, you'll have to come get it! I'll be waiting in the Industrial Ruins. If ya don't show, then the trinket gets it!

So, uh, is this a bit?

No. The kids aren't allowed outside the medical realm.

Hmm... Let's entertain the idea that this is just a kid playing a prank. The Industrial Ruins is way too dangerous for a kid his age, yeah?

Maybe so, but he had this desperate look in his eyes that makes me think he actually went. I'm gonna go after him. If he actually went to the Industrial Ruins, then he's gonna need our help.

I'll come with.

...I hope that was enough to get Steam to follow me...

Mmmm... I dunno, maybe I should go back and...

You've been caught red handed, thief.

...You came!

Are you glad?

Er... I mean! Gaha! I must say, I expected you run away like the Steamy-weenie you are. But now that you're here, if you want your little precious back, you're gonna have to help me get a few things. By stealing them, that is! Gaha!

Hey, how about we go back to Elzion and talk about this? These ruins are no place for a kid.

Kid? You think we're playin' pretend here, guy? This isn't pretend, this is a stick-up! And if ya don't give in to my demands, I'm gonna...

Hey! Don't if you squeeze that thing it's a...

Where'd all that mist come from?!

I was just about to say...

Urgh... What... Cough...

That thing is a smoke bomb. And if you squeeze it too hard it'll burst...

Wait, you cosplay using live smoke bombs?

The tailor insisted on using the real deal. They said, "if you're gonna BE Steam, then you need a real set of working vapotech!" They work, but they aren't dangerous or anything!

You okay? How about we go back to Elzion, like my friend said.

No way! I'm not going anywhere until you do what I say! And...

Besides... Ain't nothin' for me back there anyways.

What do you mean?

Cause... I ain't got...

Got what?

I'm from the slums... So I ain't got no one that can help me out, ya know? And I'm just a kid so in order to make it out there I gotta do all I can to not get noticed. Live like I'm the invisible boy or somethin'.

Well then, Invisible Boy, what is it you want me to steal?

You mean...you'll hear me out?

Steam never hears a backstory, you know that right?

I need you to steal back... A doctor.

You're what?

This doctor...he helps out people like me. He's a good doctor, and the bad guys kidnapped him.

I tried to save him myself, but I ended up gettin' nowhere. He helped me so much, and I... and I...

Don't cry little guy, Steam is on the case.

Really? You'll go find him for me?

You bet I am.

Even after I...you know...

It's okay. You know, I was just like you when I was a boy.

And besides, I'm Steam, the thief of thieves. When the bad guys swipe your smile, Steam steals it back in style.

And all I need when I'm done is a grin as bright as the sun.

But you knew that already, didn't ya?

Yeah...

Do you know where they took him?

So...actually...

They took him...here. I'll show you the way, just follow me, okay?

Hey! Wait for us!

Let's hurry up before he gets into trouble.

I think we lost him...

Hey, what do you think about all this? I dunno about you, but something feels off.

You too, huh? When he was talking about how he needed me, I got the feeling he may not have been talking about Steam.

But who would be looking for you?

You don't think...

The Professor? I thought about that. But if it was him, surely he'd find a way that guaranteed I would show up, right? Something less...obvious?

So then what do you think the kid wants?

No clue. What I do know is there's something else to the story. He had this look in his eyes... Like he had just given up on life.

You said he was just like you when you were a boy. What did you mean by that? I don't see it all.

Because I was talking about the me before I met you, Aldo.

You mean when you were still in the hospital?

Yeah. Day after day lying in bed, never knowing when I might die.

Dewey...

Every day, Aldo. Before I went to bed, will this be it? If I close my eyes will they stay shut forever? Am I doomed to live a life of nothing? Die without so much of a trace of my existence? It's all I ever thought about.

I was scared to die, but I was just as scared to live. Forget about believing I actually had a future.

The Professor's nano machines are what cured you, right?

Yeah, but I didn't believe it at first.

When they said I could go home, I just thought I was going to die. Like, there was nothing more they could do for me, so they just let me spend my final days at home.

So, I decided to be brave. If I was going to die, then I wanted at least one thing. One thing so that my life wasn't this empty void. That's why I broke out.

Heh! I did it! I know mom and dad are gonna worry...

But it's just the one time, right? What's the harm in that?

Cause I mean, what else do I have...

ACK!

You okay?

Don't worry about me, please just catch that thief!

I... I couldn't... I can't...

There is something in that bag that is very important to me! Please!

Hm?!

(I'm...running? How?) (My heart feels fine...what is going on here?)

(You know what, I can think about that later, I need to catch that thief!)

Give it up! I've got you cornered!

Oh, so the little kid thinks he's a superhero, eh?

Hngh...

Wait!

...What...did I just do?

Oh!

Huh?

My bag! You got it back! Thank you so much! I...say could tell me your name? I can't do it now, but I'd like to repay you someday...

I'm... Uh... (What do I do? If I tell her and people find out I broke out everyone's going to have a fit...)

I...can't. It's a secret! Nobody knows I'm here, so I gotta go! Sorry!

......

Okay, I think that's far enough...

And I still feel...fine? Usually I'd be out of breath after two steps.... Maybe I'm cured after all? It wasn't a lie? I...can live?

I...can live!! I get to live! I can't believe it...

Turns out the woman I helped was a famous comic book author. And because I left without saying my name, she found another way to show her appreciation. A comic book.

"To the steam-wielding hero who saved my day, I dedicate this comic to you." "A story about a thief who steals for justice."

Wait, you don't mean...

That's why this outfit means a lot to me.

I was so happy when I found out... I had never done anything for anyone up until that day. And it was the day I found out I was going to live...

Up until that moment, "life" was something I thought wasn't for me.

Dewey...

And the fact that I stand here now is the result of miracles inside of miracles.

The Professor said there was a one in 2,000 chance you'd live...

Exactly. I'm fortunate to be here at all. It was a miracle the nano machines worked. It was a miracle I was born in this age. But I know that there are countless others out there for who these miracles didn't happen.

So I decided I'm gonna do whatever I can to make them happen for others.

That boy's true intentions are irrelevant. I'm gonna save him.

Hey, is that the elevator?

A synth human?

So this is the only human to survive the nano machine experiment?

...Yes. You're gonna free the doctor, right? You promised.

Heh heh... Yeah, I'll free him all right.

Now that we have no more use for his dead body!

...What?

Pathetic, really. He couldn't even handle a little questioning from my companions. He broke like a twig.

You...

Smoke? Stupid humans. I have built in heat sensors! I don't need to see where you are!

Well then let's see how those heat sensors handle a little ice!

Vapotech engage! Frostbite Prison!

Another victory stolen from jaws of defeat... Sorry, probably not the best time for catchphrases, huh?

You okay, kid? They hurt you?

...... Why do you care? I...

Kid, I knew from the moment I saw you that something was up. I came here because I knew something was up. Got it?

......

I know Steam over here said no backstories, but, for my sake, you mind telling us what is going on?

So, I told you I'm from the slums, right? Us slum folks ain't got the money to go to no fancy hospital... And so everyone was gettin' sick. Dyin' left and right. It was just a matter of time before it was my time... And that's when I met the Doc. Said, if I help him with his nano machine research, he could cure me.

So, it was the Professor after all.

And so, how did it go? You feel okay? Any weird reactions?

Whaddaya mean? I'm fine. He said he gave me the new and improved version so there's no side effects. Said that the old version had em, most of em bad, but some good. The new version had neither.

He really told you that?

Yeah, but the thing is, the improved version didn't work. I thought he'd just disappear after that, but he stayed and treated me with normal medicine.

Hmm...

Then the synth humans got word of his experiments and when they came for him, the Doc... To save him I told the synth humans I know somebody that got the nano machine treatment and it worked. A boy that woulda been dead if it weren't for those nano machines. I got 'em to promise to let him go if I brought you here...

And so you went out to find Dewey.

Listen, kid. I appreciate you telling us the truth. But I am not happy about this.

Hm?!

Not because of you, because of the villains that put you in this position.

I just want to live! And... And... I wanted to help. And this was the only way I could do it. But in the end, I didn't help nobody. Not me. Not the Doc. Nobody...

Then how about we go through the deal as planned? You give me to them.

You crazy, Dewey?

It's the only way we can save the Professor, right?

Yeah, but...

My mind is made, Aldo. Now, take me to the Professor.

...And don't worry, kid. I'm gonna save the day. Just watch.

......

The Doc should be just ahead...

Now, hand over the nano machines and we'll let you live.

My answer is the same as it was five minutes ago, synth human. How many times must I repeat myself?

I'll keep asking until either you tell us, or you die. It's up to you. The nano machines you made contain loyalty circuits, do they not? We plan on using them to bend humans to our will. Meat puppets for our own entertainment.

You must be joking. Such a small-minded idea.

Oh yeah?

With all the advanced technology I thought synth humans were supposed to have superior intellect. Perhaps you were built with inferior parts.

Tough talk coming from a human!

Ergh!

STOP!

Well, this is a surprise. I thought for sure you were never coming back.

I brought the working nano machines, just like I promised! Now let him go!

How did you find... Are the nano machines reacting to each other?

Thanks for confirming he brought the real deal, doc.

A deal's a deal. Take your precious doctor.

Heh heh. All that's left is to rip the nano machines from that pathetic pile of flesh and bone.

......

Professor! Are you okay?

Professor...?

Look at what they did to you...

You're not...

Still as sharp as ever, eh? Get behind me, the show is just about to begin.

What did you just say?!

Okay Aldo, I got the Professor! You ready?

You bet!

What is the meaning of this?!

Say hello to Mistical Mirage, the latest in vapotech! These little guys spray nano particles that project any kind of image I want.

Then how about we go through the deal as planned? You give me to them.

You crazy, Dewey?

It's the only way we can save the Professor, right?

Yeah, but...

Don't worry, I got a plan!

Okay, so we just pretend like we're giving them what they want, and then we attack 'em from both sides?

Exactly. All I ask is that you just take care of the kid until I know the Professor is safe, okay?

Got it. Be careful, all right?

You thought you finally had me in your hands, but all you had was a "Mistical Mirage"!

Hmf. It was a clever trick, I'll give you that. But now that you've revealed yourself, all I have to do is kill you and take your nano machines!

Resistance is futile, human!

...So this is the power of nano machines...I won't let you get away...

Not on my watch!

Our lives are not yours to steal!

Heh... If my self destruct protocol is stopped, an automatic signal is sent to call for backup...

Just try...and escape...

There's gonna be more of those guys?

They won't find us if we get out of here quick.

Exactly. Come on guys, we gotta run.

You go...I will stay...

Weren't you listening? Those synth humans are going to be here any second!

It appears that attack I suffered did quite a bit of damage to my legs... This is fate...

We gotta go, Dewey! There's no way we can protect these two and take on all those synth humans at once!

Take the kid and run, Aldo!

What? If anyone is staying behind, it's me!

Listen, Aldo. I've solved every case I've been on. Steam, the thief of thieves ALWAYS gets the job done. And I mean always. Don't worry about me. I get out of this. Just get the kid back to Elzion and wait for me!

Okay, if you insist. Hey, kid! We're gettin' out of here!

B-But...

Steam's the best thief in the business right? If he says he's gonna make it, he's gonna make it.

Stop this foolishness and go... You are my only success... My most precious research... You must live, so that progress can continue...

What are you saying?

It is disappointing I could never finish my work...but my life is worth nothing compared to yours... Leave me here, and go...

This is what I hate about you, Professor. You take life so lightly you'd just give up your own before even lifting a finger to save it!

The research is all that matters? Give me a break! Yeah, there might be others who could take up your research, sure. But to me, there's only one you. And no one can take your place! You gave me life! You gave me a future!

I'm standing here today all because of you, Professor! You're MY hero!

Dewey...

I'm not gonna let you give up, Professor! I'm going to steal you away from here, so be ready!

...Well, if you insist. Go on, thief. Steal.

Heh. You got it!

I am the terror that hides outside the watchful eye! I am the smoke that is no joke! I'm Steam, the thief of thieves! And there's nothing I can't steal. Come on, Professor. We're going to Elzion.

You think they're okay?

They're fine kid. This is Steam we're talkin' about, remember? He can't lose.

(Right, Dewey?)

You made it!

What did I say? Steam always gets the job done.

Doc!

I see they didn't hurt you, hm?

Yeah! Thanks to Steam, they didn't so much as lay a finger on me!

Now that we're out of the clear, you mind telling us what you plan on doing with this kid? You're not gonna do any more nano machine experiments on him, are you?

Well, how should I put this... I will continue my research, but I'm afraid my latest model had no effect on him. So I have no reason to keep him around.

Why would you say something like that?

...I was not finished. I will need to keep watch over the boy for the long term... So I talked with a peer of mine and he agreed to let him to his orphanage.

...Oh. Okay...

Lemme guess, you were thinking "It only makes sense he doesn't want me to stay.", right?

How'dja know?

Remember when I said you reminded me of myself when I was a boy? Never get your hopes up cause you know you'll only gonna get let down? I gave up on so many things, I even gave up on myself. But, I can tell you now, you don't have to give up. You're alive, aren't ya? If you're alive, then that means there's still hope.

......

Listen, if you ever get lonely, just call on Steam, eh?

Well then. I shall take my leave of you all.

......

One second, Professor. You said you're gonna continue your research, yeah?

Nanomachines are my life's work. I will do whatever it takes to see it through. If it takes the lives of hundreds, or even thousands of test subjects, it makes no difference to me. ...Do you intend to stop me, Dewey?

I don't think I'll ever understand the way you think. To me, life is a miracle. A life lost is devastation. Which is why I do whatever I can to make sure I can save those in danger.

But you saved my life, and his. So as long as you don't take anyone elses life, I won't get in your way.

Hmm...

Thank you, Professor. For giving me a future. To that boy who spent his days counting the hours till his death, you were a hero.

A hero? I have no interest in the dreams of children, however... We scientists are united in our belief in the betterment of all mankind. If my research achieved that in your eyes, then I suppose... I'm glad to have been of help.

Think it was a good idea to just let him go like that?

Yeah, I think it's gonna be okay.

It doesn't seem like he's changed all that much from our last run-in though, don't you think?

You don't think so? Last time he didn't listen to a word I said. This time, he looked me right in the eyes, and even said he was glad! If that's not a changed man, what is? It's only a matter of time before I steal his way of thinking and replace it with something better.

Said like a true thief, eh?

There's nothing Steam can't steal. All I need is time...