Chapter 6

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Mega Man woke up that morning to a buzzing in his right ear. He heard tiny snippets of speech slice through the noise, before the sound cut off.
Gradually, his vision focused. He stuck his legs straight out to stretch them, as they'd been hanging off the end of the bed. It took a moment before he felt the dried substance on his hand. He sat up.
His pants were still on the floor, but there was no underwear to be found, because apparently his captors assumed he wouldn't need them.
He made a face, picking some of the stuff off the comforter.
He remembered what he'd done last night, but he still didn't know why. So early in the day, and his mood was already dampened.
He walked over to the dresser, where he'd found his pajamas, and saw that his suit had been returned to him, freshly laundered with his armor polished. He hadn't even heard anyone come in.
Gathering his clothes, the android walked into the bathroom to take a hot shower. It felt amazing. The scalding water loosened his robotic muscles and made him feel truly clean. At least, for now.
The washed every inch of himself, noticing for the first time the strawberry scent of the body wash. Did he really need to smell like a fruit for someone to want to fuck him?
He paused. The realization was like a slap to the face.
Today he had customers.
It would be different this time.
Rose told him they had to keep a "legal" appearance. To everyone else, he was there on his own will. This meant, undoubtedly, that he would have to act consenting.
How could he possibly do that?
As much as he'd like to avoid ending up as a pile of scraps, pretending to want sex just didn't seem like something he could do. How were any of these perverts going to believe someone so inexperienced wanted the same things they did?
Then again, it probably wouldn't matter to them. As long as they all got a piece.
He shut off the water, suddenly feeling very cold, and dried quickly. As he stared at his suit, he wondered if he shouldn't just wear something else. The welcoming committee had put together an extensive wardrobe for him, and he really didn't want to soil his suit.
He sighed. And of course, they hadn't returned his underwear.
He might need those, if only so he could pull them off later.
Mega Man shuddered.
He really didn't want to think about it. The image made him dread it more.
As he'd predicted, the top drawer of the dresser was filled with nothing but women's underwear and lingerie.
Was that really necessary?
Truthfully he wanted to pull some kind of practical joke just to get back at them. He could put on twenty pairs of underwear and spend every session taking them off one by one. He chuckled humorlessly, selecting a pair of white frilly briefs (as if the color mattered) and slipping them on without a second thought.
It took a lot of adjusting things, but he finally was able to find a position and placement that didn't feel too uncomfortable.
He turned, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, and paused.
"Ugh," he muttered, making a face.
It looked good on him. How disappointing.
"Mega Man?" Someone knocked softly on the door. He recognized Daisy's voice.
"Come in," he answered distractedly, his eyes still fixed on the mirror. He saw Daisy enter behind him and close the door. She watched him from across the room, her cerulean eyes full of pity.
"How are you holding up?" she asked after a moment, clasping her hands over her dingy dress. Mega Man placed his hands on the edges of the mirror, staring into his own eyes. He studied the electric cyan stemming through cobalt blue, shaking his head a second later.
"I'm fine. I'll be fine," he responded, turning his back on the mirror. Daisy's disapproving frown told him she didn't believe him.
"Well, regardless...I'd like to talk to you about something."
Mega Man jumped onto the bed, blushing and quickly folding the blanket over where he left his mess from earlier.
"..okay, I'm listening."
The princess kept her eyes on the carpet, tucking a lock of auburn hair behind her ear as she drew a breath.
"I have this..coping technique I want to share with you."
Mega Man bristled visibly, making Daisy jump to her own defense.
"I don't care what you say about it. It may be useful to you. Maybe it'll help keep you sane, like it did for me."
The android slumped. This kind of talk was making him feel queasy. He didn't want any of it. He wanted to shut it as long as possible.
"I-if you find yourself in a place where you just can't handle it...just imagine it's someone else."
"What?" he yelped.
"Pretend it's someone you love, someone you trust. Someone you know would never hurt you."
She swallowed.
"It helps."
Her face tinted a little pink from holding back tears. The air conditioning kicked in above her head, making her hair ruffle and dance. Mega Man caught sight of something on her bare shoulder, and nearly jumped at the chance to change the subject.
"What's that?" He pointed. Daisy clasped a hand over her shoulder self-consciously, shame in her eyes. She rubbed a few times, then let her hand fall back to her side, revealing a fiery orange dragonfly tattoo with iridescent wings.
She chuckled.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Daisy rubbed it again.
"It's a brand. I'm surprised you don't have one yet."
She looked him over.
"I wonder what you'll get."
Mega Man rigidly shifted, feeling restless at the thought of having his body bar-coded like that.
"And how's that decided?" he asked in a pitched tone. Daisy gave him a look of concern, so he ducked into the bathroom and busied himself with getting dressed. She followed.
"I like to think they go by attitude. That way you can be fitted with the right clients..."
"You like to think?" he echoed.
Daisy hesitated, leaning heavily on the doorframe.
"Someone told me it...symbolizes what you're willing to do."
Of course.
"They didn't bother to ask you," she gasped.
It wasn't even a question.
"Will they?" he squeaked, feeling his chest cave with apprehension. He felt exactly like he swallowed a snowball. He didn't want to know all this. He couldn't handle it right now.
The princess furrowed her eyebrows.
"I doubt it," she grunted honestly.
"They asked me because I was interested at first. For you.."
"..they won't care," he finished, meeting her eyes despairingly.
"How am I supposed to pull off this act?"
"Like I told you," she started..
He didn't look over, trying to hide the wall he was putting up in the conversation. The idea was impossible. Disgusting.
"Your brain will do things to preserve your sanity," she added more gently. "But you need-"
"I appreciate you trying to help, Daisy," Mega Man interrupted in a harsh tone, pretending to inspect the right arm plate before he snapped it into place. He shoved the helmet over his head. "But I can take care of myself. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
As the robot started for the door, he heard the princess huff frustratedly behind him. Even though his sense of dread was back, and she was a welcome way to deliberate, it was too late to feel sorry about it.
When did he get so prideful?
He kept his head down until he was out in the hallway.
"Good morning!" a female voice chittered brightly, making him jump. In front of him stood a tall blonde, with some sort of strange religious medallion hanging around her neck. She wore little makeup and flat shoes. She didn't look like a prisoner.
Mega Man didn't respond. The woman pushed through the silence with another smile, brushing her hair out of her face.
"My name's Tara," she continued. "I've been sent to take you to Mr. Gillian's estate for a night of passion and romance!"
Mega Man wanted to throw up.
"You'll spend the day-"
"Psst. Cynthia," the robot hissed quietly, tapping the side of his helmet. Tara droned on and on about her master's plans, oblivious.
"Who's Gillian? Do you know anything about him?"
"Oh, yeah. Most newbies are sent to him as a test. I've never heard about what happens if you don't pass, though. Nobody who's come through has failed."
"That's good to hear."
"Don't relax just yet. He knows about our operation here. He's in on it. He knows just as much about you as Rose does. You may pass the test, but only time will tell if you truly are victorious."
Mega Man straightened when Tara flashed her smile again.
"R-right. Let's go."

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It was strange to walk out of the building. It felt normal, but it wasn't. He wasn't free anymore.
A sleek, black car with tinted windows pulled up to the building, which turned out to be much bigger than he'd originally thought. The whole thing was set inconspicuously in the middle of some city unknown to him. If he wanted to escape, he needed to know the area.
Tara said nothing the whole ride, but still smiled like she was waiting for a conversation to start. Mega Man was told everything would be explained when they arrived.
They drove for nearly an hour, exiting the city into a luxurious neighborhood with tall houses and flashy cars. He laughed, wondering, with his status, why he still lived in a lab. In fact, after the tournament he could be set for life.
Maybe he could retire.
The idea was enough to distract him so much that he barely noticed being brought into one of the houses and sat down in the parlor. There were two windows, both with curtains shut, and a small fireplace crackling nearby. He sat on one of the three leather couches, feeling small in such a big house. Tara scurried off to find her master, leaving him with his thoughts.
The mission isn't even over. Did he want to quit because of the mission? Is it already starting to take a toll on him?
"Mega Man."
The android looked up, surprised to see a rather young man with short, dark hair, a neat suit and clean shave. He wasn't at all the disgusting pig he'd envisioned. In fact, he was even a little handsome.
Mega Man watched him, choosing not to respond.
"Known in Japan as Rockman, creation of Dr. Light, and 'advocate for robot equality'," he chuckled at that last part. "Unfortunately, from now on you will not be treated as an equal."
He sat on the couch across from the robot, interested.
"My name is Eric Gillian, and Rose has made me aware of your situation. You're not going to be around long," he sighed. "Seems we caught you at a bad time."
He perked up quickly.
"However, today is still necessary for statistical purposes. There are matchmaking reasons too, but really, I don't see what there isn't to like."
He smiled.
Mega Man huffed with irritation.
"I'll show you something you won't like, I promise."
Gillian only smiled wider, and clasped his hands.
"Let me tell you the rules, since apparently nobody has bothered to. While you're here, you're Rose's property first and foremost. Rose is selling a product, which in case you didn't know, is your body."
The robot flinched at those words.
"She wants to make sure she's selling a good product, so she's made a few rules."
He stood and began pacing, his hands behind his back.
"You will make yourself look presentable at all times. You will never disclose about our operation and you will never act like there is one. You'll never tell a customer no unless we say so, and you'll do everything in your power to make their experience the best. But like I said, with a name and a face like yours, I doubt they'd be picky. Still, we have an image to uphold."
He stopped.
"There are far more rules, but I'm sure you already know them. The consequences for breaking the rules here are the same as with Rose. Only here, you'd treat me as you would a customer."
The android kept silent.
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
He thought about it.
"Well I'd hate to say something that might get me in trouble," he said honestly, leveling his gaze with the man.
Gillian laughed.
"Smart boy."
He pulled out a pen and pad from his pocket, settling in on the couch once again. He wrote for a minute.
"Alright, the first part of this test is a short interview. Can you tell me how old you are?"
"28."
The man chewed his pen.
"So...shota.." he mumbled as he scribbled it down. "And do you still receive routine hardware updates?"
"Yes."
"Good. Software?"
"Yes."
"Are updates self-administered?"
"Are you asking if I can adapt, Mr. Gillian?"
"In short, yes."
Mega Man smirked, throwing his arm across the back of the couch.
"Of course."
Gillian smiled too.
"Excellent." He wrote some more.
"Are you a virgin?"
"Was."
The man looked up, making a face.
"Damn, can't Rose control herself?"
"Apparently not. And apparently neither can you."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean instead of using your resources," he gestured at the lavish room. "For something productive, you spend your time hooking up unsuspecting perverted lowlifes with captured heroes," he spat.
The man stood. He chuckled darkly.
"You yourself are here, captured, but think you're still a hero. I wonder why that is."
"Because that's what I've always been."
Suddenly Mr. Gillian leaned in close, grabbing him by the front of his suit.
"Well traumatic events have a way of changing a person."
The robot was pulled to his feet.
Gillian stepped back and put his hands on his hips.
"Take off your clothes."
Mega Man bristled.
"No."
"You don't get to say no."
"I'm saying it anyway."
He could feel his body building with rage and fear, nearly shaking in front of him. The man sighed.
"Let me make this crystal clear. If the media were to find solid proof that you were on Rushmount, you may find it difficult to return to your tournament. Especially now that you have a little boyfriend. The media went nuts over that. I wonder how Pac-man would feel when he learns about your nasty, twisted sex life."
Mega Man froze dead, clenching his fists.
"You leave him out of this! He knows me better than that!"
"Does he? It seems to me like you two haven't been together long."
"Shut up!"
"I will. After you take off your clothes."
He was starting to feel crazy again. Alarms were going off in his head, preventing him from moving until he was sure he wouldn't hit him.
Finally, the robot exhaled, starting to take off his armor.
"There will be punishments for your disobedience. You're going to do the rest of the interview in your underwear, and you'll wear this." He slipped a small leather strap with a bell on it from his pocket, holding it out cheekily.
Mega Man turned away slightly as the suit came off, hating himself for not looking for his own underwear.
Gillian stared at him openly, rubbing his face.
"They look cute."
The robot growled in response, snatching up the collar, his face pink with embarrassment. He stared at the floor, finished.
"Now come sit on my lap," the man instructed, taking a seat and patting his knees.
"Not a chance," the android snapped, pausing his movement when the collar jingled.
"I'm sorry, was I not clear earlier?"
Eerily quietly, Mega Man scooted over and slid into his lap, trying to arrange himself in the least awkward position. Gillian wrapped his arms around his shoulders, pulling his back to his chest, and traced his fingers over the faint seams at his hips. This went on for a moment, Gillian too absorbed and Mega Man so in shock that they both stayed quiet.
"It's unbelievable how real your skin feels. You're a true imitation robot, equipped with the same senses and parts as any human, though not all of them are necessary. If I didn't know better, I'd even say you were designed for sex."
Mega Man kept his eyes on the carpet, every circuit screaming protest as the man's fingers roamed freely over him. He pinched a nipple, delighted at the muffled noise the other gave.
"Sensitive too," he commented.
The robot closed his eyes tight, trying to push back the feeling of a caged animal. His thoughts began to spiral, dragging him back to the suffocating anxiety he felt the day before.
"This is another part of your test. I figure I can save some time by doing two at once. Now I assume your preference is males.."
He only nodded, holding his breath. He could feel Gillian's erection against the back of his thigh, and had trouble focusing on anything else.
"Any species preference?"
"N-no," he stuttered, shifting slightly. This only moved the problem to another area. He shivered. Gillian kissed his neck.
"What about toys? Bondage? Anything that you want?"
His voice was growing husky.
"..no.." Mega Man flinched at the next kiss.
"Take off your helmet," Gillian demanded quickly. His hot breath hit the back of the robot's neck in a way that made him hesitate.
"Now."
He did as he was told, trying to push it into his lap to block Gillian's fingers playing with the seam of his underwear. Mega Man stared blankly the couch where his clothes lay.
He felt the other lean over his shoulder, lips seeking. Mega Man trembled as he glanced at him. Slowly, he turned his head, pausing a moment, and brushed their lips together. He looked guilty, like some disobedient pet.
Gillian pulled away.
"Good."
The andriod found it hard to move. The slightest flinch provided unwanted friction. He bit his lip, refusing to look at him, trying to seem angry even though he was terrified.
"Come with me," Gillian stood, easily picking up the robot and sliding him to the floor as if he didn't weigh 300 pounds. Mega Man didn't even notice the lights dim. He pushed himself up, only for his knees to give out under him. He hit the carpet, his weight making the floor creak.
Gillian grinned like the devil himself, taking out his pad and pen once more to write something down.
Mega Man froze. Was this what it was going to be like for him? Was he going to shake like a teenage girl every time someone touched him? He felt cheated. His legs were betraying him. He wanted to cry.
The lights came up again.
"Come on."
He tugged at the collar, finally taking a ragged breath to calm himself, and climbed to his feet.
"Yes sir."

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My lovely reviewers will now get responses!

Yumi Sekaii, thank you for reviewing and shipping c: I'll try to keep your interest!

To Sango; I was away in the military for a couple months, but now I'm back and am trying to get back into the story.

Villager-lover; I'm glad you picked up on that! Ness and Duck Hunt will play a different kind of role. I might actually make them the comic relief xD. As for Pac-man, he has some things still yet to be revealed. I know I haven't put him in there as much but I'm going for a certain image of him right now.

Anyway, thank you all for reviewing and please keep reading! c: