Archive of Our Own ^beta

The sun was dipping low over St. Petersburg, casting a golden glow through the large windows of Dr. Cossack’s maintenance facility. Kalinka tightened the collar of her jacket and glanced around, a smile playing on her lips despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

“This is where my brothers live,” she said quietly, glancing at the group behind her — Rock, Roll, Blues, Tempo, and Vesper Woman — who looked curiously at the dozen figures lounging, working, and tinkering inside the spacious room.

Bright Man spotted her first, waving a hand enthusiastically. “Kalinka! You’re late, little sister! I’ve been running diagnostics on the new flash module.”

Kalinka laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “And you’ve been talking too much, as usual.”

Bright Man shrugged with a grin, “Talk is how I invent.”

Toad Man bounced over, his cheerful, bouncy gait punctuated by a bright “Ribbit!” He held out a small vial of sparkling liquid. “Thought you might like some rain-flush tonic. It’s still a bit acidic, but it’ll clear your circuits.”

Kalinka took it, shaking her head fondly. “Thanks, Toad. I’m not sure if I should be drinking this or watering plants.”

Drill Man lumbered up next, wiping grease from his arms. “You’ve got to stop hanging out with these nerds, sis. Come dig something with me instead. Living on the edge is the only way.”

Pharaoh Man leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, his sharp red eyes scanning the room with a quiet, almost amused expression. “If you want to live on the edge, don’t stand too close to my flamethrower.”

Ring Man appeared next, spinning a boomerang idly on his finger. “Overconfidence is the first step to victory, Kalinka. And you’re lucky you have me on your side.”

Kalinka smiled wider now, feeling the warmth of their presence wrap around her like a shield. “You’re all a mess, honestly.”

Dust Man shuffled forward, holding a vacuum hose like a trophy. “Messy or not, someone has to keep things clean around here. Including your chaotic energy.”

Dive Man surfaced from a side door, rubbing his neck. “Sorry I’m late. The currents were rough today. Anyone up for a swim?”

Skull Man shuffled awkwardly, adjusting his skull-patterned scarf. “If you need a skull barrier, or just someone to not talk too much… I’m here.”

Finally, Tundra Man glided in on his skates, cool and steady. “I’m just glad to be here. You know, skating helps clear my circuits.”

Kalinka’s eyes glistened as she took it all in. “I never said it before, but you’re my brothers. Each of you. You saved me — more times than I can count.”

The room grew quiet. Then Bright Man stepped forward, flashing his ten-million-watt grin.

“That’s what family does.”

The scene flickered to a cold, dark underground facility. Kalinka huddled against a metal wall, fear biting at her circuits as distant footsteps approached.

Suddenly, a bright flash burst forth, temporarily blinding the guards. Bright Man’s voice echoed: “Run, Kalinka!”

Toad Man’s acidic rain hissed against the floor, corroding barriers to open their escape path. Drill Man drilled through locked gates, Pharaoh Man’s sensors detected traps, and Ring Man’s boomerangs disarmed explosives.

Dust Man vacuumed up hazardous debris while Dive Man covered their watery escape route. Skull Man shielded her with his barrier, and Tundra Man slid along icy floors to distract pursuers.

Kalinka, breathless and trembling, looked at them all — her family in this fractured world.

Back in the present, Kalinka’s voice softened. “I call you brothers because you never let me face those dark moments alone.”

Bright Man stepped closer, voice sincere. “And you’ve made us better — more than any upgrade.”

The others nodded, some with teasing grins, others with quiet affection.

Roll smiled warmly at Kalinka. “Found family is the strongest family.”

Kalinka stood taller, her heart steady. “Thank you, brothers. For everything.”

The group gathered for a loose embrace — imperfect, noisy, and full of love.