Chapter Text
I'll Raise You (Like a Phoenix)
Chapter 1: A New Start
It had been months since Robert and the Z-Team had defeated Shroud. Robert had just finished another shift where the team had had surprisingly good success on their calls. He had just been thinking about taking Courtney out for dinner when a text came through from Blazer.
(Mandy): ‘Hey Robert, could you stop by my office? There's something I need to discuss with you.’
(Iron Giant): ‘Sure I'll be there soon.’
Robert hoped this wasn't anything serious but a feeling in his gut told him it might be. He pocketed his phone and made his way towards Blazers office. She had a bit of a pensive look on her face. If Robert could place it it looked almost remorseful. An odd feeling churned through his gut.
“Hey Robert please sit down.”
Robert sits down reluctantly and takes a deep breath. “What's this about? Corporate doesn't wanna cut someone again do they because I'll go to bat for them this time.”
Mandy immediately reassures him. “No no it's not that. The team has been doing great. You've really helped them out. This is..” She hesitates.. “Something else..” Mandy takes a deep breath. “Corporate wants you to relocate.” Roberts breathe hitches. “Excuse me, relocate?”
Mandy looks remorseful as she replies to him. “Yes you and the Z-Team. Corporate wants to branch out internationally. They wanna try to compete with the hero scene in Japan.”
“The Hero Scene in Japan? How do they even expect us to do that? It's more saturated than it is here.”
Mandy sighs like she doesn't really like this either. “They've already constructed a building in Downtown Musutafu. I'm really sorry Robert I wish I had more say but I don't..” She takes a deep breath. “I got them to at least pay for transportation for you and the rest of the team. You'll leave in two days to get everything in order. I'm sorry that's all I could get you.”
Robert sighs, “Thank you for doing what you could I'll gather everyone tonight and let them know… I haven't been to Musutafu in a long time. The last time I was there was about 7 years after becoming Mecha Man.”
Mandy raises an eyebrow. “So you're familiar with the area then?” “Yes I am I was only there for a few months but it's been a very long time.” Robert replies.”Anyway I'll let the team know tonight. Thank you for trying to advocate for us Mandy.”
Robert walks out of her office and stops by his desk to grab beef and head home. He's not necessarily happy about having his life uprooted after finally getting a sense of normalcy but he has his team behind him this time along with Beef, Chase and Mandy and he hopes that will be enough.