♛👌 ᴰᵘᵈᵉ⋅⋅⋅ ᴵ R O C K ! 🔥

Yo nice to meet u all! Name's Metabee world robattle champion && future owner of ur medaparts. decided to make a blog for all u adoring fans to enjoy! Go ahead and ask me stuff and don't forget to follow!! //indie ask/slice of life/rp blog for Metabee.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[metabeefcake]

medaknight-rokusho:

terebasita:

Tere’s eyes widened and she stood straighter, young girl forgotten, as she watched Rokusho approach. He looked like a different person, someone beaten and broken, and it was only that Metabee approached him first that kept her from rushing over.

That, and knowing her urge to sweep him up and into the safety of the shadows was being held back by rapidly-fraying reins. She had to listen to what he wanted. He would decide.

She walked closer, measuring her steps. She didn’t know what Metabee’s and Ikki’s house was like. She imagined something warm and comfortable, probably usually filled with noise and energy from the two boys. Maybe that was what Rokusho needed: distraction, family.

She couldn’t offer the feeling of a family home, but she could offer peace, space, and quiet. And, if he needed it, layers of security.

Arika and Brass drew closer as well, determined to be of help if Rokusho asked. They liked him too.

@metabeefcake​

Rokusho looked between his friends solemnly and made a small, rather quiet sigh. He looked at Metabee and mumbled, having lost both the energy and care to really speak up, “Let’s… go home.” The words sounded empty, as if they were spoken from another person.

As much as he would have hated to say so out loud, he no longer considered anywhere with Hushi “home,” anymore. After what happened, that man may as well have been a complete stranger. How could so much have changed?

Indeed, the Tenryous’ household, though rather lively for a reserved bot like himself, felt much more like home: comforting and loving… Perhaps the love within that household would be enough to fill the void he felt had split wide open within his medal, after having been pushed back so far, estranged by the one whom he felt was like a father to him.

Seeing and hearing Rokusho in such a state broke Baton’s heart. In fact, upon seeing the total damage that had been done, he had to hold himself back from crying, his medal going out to the KWG. The second time that Rokusho would be forced out of his own home couldn’t have been at all easier than the first, even if they were under extremely different circumstances.

Baton cycled a deep vent.

He needed to be strong, to be the big brother Rokusho deserved.

“Thanks, everyone. From the both of us.” After tonight’s display, he knew now that he could count on this group of motley friends to be there when Rokusho needed them. He spoke quietly to Metabee, “Will you be okay with him?”

He meant a little more than he could say, with Rokusho right there. He couldn’t help but worry that Metabee’s house might not be the best place for a completely broken being to mend.

Green optics brightened lightly as Rokusho made his mind. He was happy his friend had decided to stay over. Having lived with them for a few months, things were likely going to get brighter. In due time of course, but still. Metabee had lots of positivity radiating through him. Some was bound to get to Rokusho... right?

Hesitant, the bot stopped for a second before curling his arm around the other’s back, comforting him.

❝ It’s gonna be okay... ❞ But was it really? He would only hope so.

Ikki approached again, staying by Rokusho’s side, while Metabee adressed Baton’s question. He paused for a few seconds, not too sure how to respond.

❝ Hey, We lived with you guys for a while. ‘S gonna be fine. He just needs time, an’... ❞ He sighed.  ❝ I can’t... really process what he’s goin’ through right now, but Imma do my best. How ‘bout you, though? You comin’ with? ❞

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[metabeefcake]

medaknight-rokusho:

terebasita:

Tere repressed a smile. Mostly. Metabee’s stubbornness, coming through his enthusiastic mannerisms, was oddly endearing.

Amakaze Arika’s enthusiasm was less so, only because it was a bad choice of time. ‘Miss Reporter, I’m going to ask you to leave the questions for now. We can talk another day.’

That wasn’t terribly effective. Tere politely fielded the girl’s questions, but refused to dismiss her - that was no thing to do to a child. She felt sympathy for the medabot with the girl, though. Trying to rein in someone this lively had to be a herculean task.

Hushi’s name caught her attention. ‘If he’s still there,’ she called over. If he’d followed them she might take her turn punching him.

@metabeefcake​

Baton shrugged, slightly misinterpreting the question. “Honestly, Hushi can handle himself, and right now, I don’t care what he’s doing. He probably went home, I don’t know. Don’t worry. I’ll give him a lot to think about when I get back.”

As Rokusho drew closer, he heard familiar voices, changed his direction accordingly, and approached at a faster pace, though he was still rather silent even as he came to see the search party more clearly. He didn’t exactly know what to say, nor feel like saying anything…

In short, he looked like a completely different Medabot. His optics had dimmed to a duller red, looking downwards, his expression  somber. Even his very stature no longer held its previous noble solitude, hunched despondence taking its place. He somehow looked… smaller; about as good as one would expect of someone whose spirit and meaning had been completely crushed.

@terebasita​

Medabot’s expression filled with sympathy. Watching one of his best friends on such an awful emotional state did quite the toll on him. He was not sure whether to comfort the other or to just leave him be. For once, Rokusho was being honest with his feelings, even if he was currently nonverbal.

KBT approached KWG, maintaining the silence for now. Bot simply placed a hand onto the other’s shoulder, his expression filled with sympathy, but relief at the same time.

❝ I’m glad yer back... ❞

Typical loud and raspy voice was soft and and calm. What else could Metabee say? Now wasn’t the time to pester Rokusho about where he wanted to stay, but it was growing late, and they weren’t about to sleep outside like this.

❝ So... Where d’ya wanna go? ❞

Deep down, Metabee was hoping his friend would pick his place, as he was more than certain would be safer and warmer there. At least safer from Hushi.

Child watched from the side as everything developed.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

‘I’m staying at the church Rokusho used to live in,’ Tere said mildly. ‘It’s been renovated.’ Pause. ‘Also there are more buildings. My people needed the room.’

She didn’t bother hiding her amusement with Metabee. She admired that amount of vitality.

[arikabrass]

‘Waaaaait a second, that’s where Metabot Corp. put up that fence! I’ve been trying to get in there for ages!’ Arika practically teleported over to the strange woman that apparently everyone but her knew, Brass following in her wake.

She focused her camera on the stranger, noting she seemed off-balance suddenly. Excellent! ‘Amakaze Arika here with one of the people from the mysterious compound built over the last few months by the Medabot Corporation! Ma’am, what can you tell us about what’s going on back there?’

‘Now, wait a minute….’ The woman held up a hand, palm out with fingers gently curled. Not a hard “stop” then. Room to work!

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Baton paced, also a bit fidgety. Unlike Rokusho, he didn’t possess that much patience.

“Eh… are you guys sure now is a good time for an interview?” As if on cue, Hushi’s Medawatch beeped, its screen switching to a black display. In the center was a green dot (probably what was used to indicate Baton) and in the far edge of the screen was a blue dot, what could be assumed to be Rokusho’s location.

“Hey, what was that?” Baton looked towards Metabee, who still had the Medawatch. “Is Roku here?” he asked very eagerly.

[metabeefcake]

“Aww, maaan...” Metabee glanced to the side, his expression still one of an annoyed bot. “That church ain’t cozy at all. No way he’s gonna go back there. Even if it got renovated, never beats a warm bed.” 

“Metabee, let’s let him decide.” Ikki added.

“I still stand my case.” Metabee insisted, followed by a loud sigh from his medafighter.

Listening to Baton’s request, Metabee glanced at the Medawatch, noticing both dots. The blue one currently moving towards the green one. “Looks like Rokusho’s gon’na be here soon.” He commented.

“What’re we doin’ with Hushi anyway? We jus’ gonna leav’im there?”

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere opened her eyes, focusing on Baton. ‘There’s room at my place, too, if you want it. We can keep Hushi well away.’ Security staff and fences were so useful.

Oh, she could say the man’s name without immediately wishing violence on him. How she was coming along at the whole self-control thing.

[arikabrass]

Arika scratched her head. ‘I’d offer,’ and it did sound as though she meant that, ‘but I’d have to check with Mom first.’

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Baton nodded appreciatively. “Thanks, you guys. I know you’ll take good care of him. I don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow, or even after that, really… but I guess we’ll have to figure that out somehow.”

It was only a matter of time until the Medawatch detected Rokusho in proximity, a red dot blinking slowly on the screen. Until then, Rokusho was rather quiet, likely still thinking about everything that had happened.

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

“Dude, where d’ya even live?” Metabee asked inappropriately only to be elbowed by Ikki who said his name in a ‘That’s not the kind of thing you say to someone’ tone.

“What? I doubt she’s homeless, but she ain’t exactly from here.” Ikki just facepalmed and apologized to Terebas. “... He means well, don’t take it too personally...”. “Che, jus’ wanna know where he gets taken in case he picks her offer.” the KBT crossed his arms firmly over his chest. His expression was that of a pouty bot. He didn’t know her all too well just yet. Gotta earn that trust. She seemed cool in his book, though. He just wanted to make sure Rokusho was in good hands. And no hands were more trustworthy than his own and his family’s. After what happened, it was essential that he was in a good home.

“C’mon, Rokusho. Bust a move.” the shooter was getting slightly impatient. He still had some adrenaline left from earlier, which caused him to become restless. “For someone who said he’d be all night waiting, you sure are impatient.” Ikki added. “Well soooo-rryyyy I don’t take his word for fact an’ rather see if he’s okay with my own eyes.”  “I know, but please try to stay calm? It’s not gonna help him.” “Alright, alright. I’ll try.” Not for long, though. Not a second later, Metabee was tapping his foot on the ground. Still better than loud complaining.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere backed up, opting to lean against a large tree to wait. She was weak with relief - and now that Rokusho was talking and trying to come back, she was starting to think of Hushi again, and how very badly she wanted to hurt him.

She breathed evenly, crossed her arms, and tried not to think.

[arikabrass]

Arika patted Brass on the shoulder, leaving her hand there. He was coming back.

Brass reached up to put her hand on Arika’s arm, offering the same comfort. ‘What will we do when he gets here?’ Her voice was soft, but clear enough to carry to Metabee at least.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Rokusho stood and turned to head back, yet sparing a long stare down at the dark drop beyond the cliff that seemed to beckon to him. He tore his gaze away before trudging back in the direction of where everything had fallen apart.

Baton, at the very least, was glad that Rokusho was okay. Regarding everything else, however… Well, it would be best if they took one step at a time.

“… I’m sorry for distressing anyone, at all,” came Rokusho’s voice from the Medawatch. It sounded as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn’t.

“Don’t worry about it, bro. Just do what you have to.”  Baton rested his hands behind his head. “Never would have thought this would happen…” he muttered.

“Aw man, I just realized I can’t take him back home… He’ll have to go with one of you guys. I need to know what happened with Hushi back there.” He chuckled mirthlessly. “I’ve got a lot of chewing-out to do.”

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

“Ahh, dude, don’t sweat it. I don’ blame you at all. I mean if I went through that I... Don’t even know how I’d react myself...” Metabee’s voice trailed off slightly at the end. How would he react?? He didn’t want to find out.

Before his thoughts could go any further, the Medabot pushed them aside, immediately offering to take him in. “ I’ll tak’im. An’ you too, birdy boy. Even if you ain’t a parrot no more, there’s still room for ya.” Metabee pointed at Baton, winking at him. “ Not for Hushi though. He ain’t welcome. Nuh uh. Door’s closed. No can do.” The KBT waved his index finger left and right as a “no” gesture, his optics closed.”

Ikki remained silent, but agreed with the beetle type. Rokusho and Baton were always welcome. Their mom would be delighted to welcome them back, even.

[metabeefcake]

knock knock

who's there???

nobody cuz this place is effin dead >:/

[metabeefcake]

y’all got any tips for a bot lookin’ for a good costume?? halloween’s right round the corner yo!! gotta win that costume contest aaaan’ look fly as hell!!

[metabeefcake]

spooky scary tinpets send shivers down ur spine

uhh that sounded better in my head

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere exhaled slowly and softly in relief, eyes closing as she lowered her head. Rokusho was outright lying when he said he was fine, that was obvious, but he was talking. That was something.

She waited to hear his answer.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

There was a pause as Rokusho mulled over Metabee’s proposition.

Were they really going to wait for as long as he needed? Knowing how stubborn Metabee could get, Rokusho knew the answer almost immediately. Despite himself, he couldn’t make them do that…

“I’ll… try to make my way towards you.”

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

Metabee meant every word he said, although he’d face protests from his best friend, Metabee wasn’t about to give up on Rokusho. Ikki could catch on his sleep later. He wasn’t the one who just got crushed and spat on, right? So he could suck it.

“A’ight, man. We’ll be waitin’ here. Take ya time.” Metabee reassured.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere listened to Metabee, but was losing track of the words. The others were only a distraction. She had no way to reliably seek Rokusho, no connection strong enough to work magic with. But maybe her connection to him was strong enough for something else.

She approached Metabee and held out her hand for the watch. ‘Let me try,’ she said.

[arikabrass]

Brass made a frustrated sound. ‘I think he’s out of my range.’

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

“Rokusho, c’mon. We jus’ wanna know if you’re okay. We’re here, man an’ we jus’ wanna help. Don’t be runnin’ on us. We on your side,” came Metabees voice.

The KWG looked up at the moon, which seemed to look down, quietly observing everything that happened.

The Medawatch lit up, quiet for a second before Rokusho’s voice came through. “I’m… Fine.”

Well, that probably wasn’t true, but it was something.

Relieved, Baton asked, “Hey, buddy. Are you gonna be okay by yourself? Where you at?”

There was another pause. “… There’s a cliff.”

Real helpful, Roku, Baton thought. But still, he couldn’t blame him.

“So… I guess he wants us to find him?”

[metabeefcake]

Metabee released a large amount of air from all of his openings “Man, what a relief.” It felt like a giant boulder was off his back. Of course Rokusho wasn’t going to heal from this one anytime soon, but time and patience would help. Or at least he hoped.

“So... should we join ya or you wanna be there on your own? We ain’t goin’ nowhere without you, ya hear? If it takes ya all night then so be it.”

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere listened to Metabee, but was losing track of the words. The others were only a distraction. She had no way to reliably seek Rokusho, no connection strong enough to work magic with. But maybe her connection to him was strong enough for something else.

She approached Metabee and held out her hand for the watch. ‘Let me try,’ she said.

[arikabrass]

Brass made a frustrated sound. ‘I think he’s out of my range.’

[medaknight-rokusho]

Baton was about to ask for the Medawatch when Terebas beat him to the punch. He really wanted to look for his brother, but he had to admit that Metabee had a point.

The parrot Medabot warily looked at the new acquaintance, unsure about what she was going to do, but he was curious.

“Awh, thanks anyway, Brass…”

“Rokusho, c’mon. We jus’ wanna know if you’re okay. We’re here, man an’ we jus’ wanna help. Don’t be runnin’ on us. We on your side,” came Metabees voice.

Was he okay? No, how could he be?! His own Medafighter told him he had been a failure all this time! How could he trust anyone?

Again, the Medawatch was silent.

[metabeefcake]

Metabee sighed, giving the Medawatch to Terebas. “Sure, go ahead.” He said with a slightly irritated tone. If Rokusho wasn’t gonna respond to him, what made her think he’d respond to her? “He probs needs some time on his own. If he ain’t gon’ reply to me, that means he jus’ needs quiet. Once ya done, hand that to Baton.”

Metabee trailed off from the path the others were following. Of course, Ikki accompanied him. Both took a seat.

Metabee’s expression was gloomy. Those words, although not spat towards him, left quite an impact. he couldn’t imagine what Rokuso would feel like.

“Man, I...”

“What is it, Metabee?”

“Did’ya hear what he said?? Dude I jus’... can’t believe it. It feels so unreal, that... Hushi’d say that kinda stuff to Rokusho. I always made him the bad guy but this... Ain’t no bot deserve this kinda treatment...”

Ikki looked down, understanding how much this affected his best friend.

“I mean... jus’... tell me ya don’t think that...?”

“What??” Ikki asked surprised “Of course not, Metabee. I would never! We’ll stay buds forever. Till we grow old. I promise. I don’t think that of you. You’re my best friend and I can’t imagine my life without you. Please believe me...”

Metabee gave the child a reassured look and smiled. “Thanks, Ik.” Metabee held both of the 7th grader’s hands with his in gratitude. The boy smiled back. “I can only imagine how Rokusho must be feelin’. I mean... I can’t, cuz. I was real lucky y’know? He never got that love he deserved. ‘S onn’a the reasons I dragged him t’ live with us. So he could... kinda know what’s like to have a rad family like ours. I’unno if he felt at home, but can’t say I haven’t tried.”

“Guess we’re gonna be having some permanent guests.” Ikki added with a smile.

“Hehe, now we talkin’!” Metabee said enthusiastically. “Man, we becomin’ like mama. Come right in. The door’s open.” Both chuckled at the idea. 

“Alright, let’s join the others.” Ikki suggested. Both got up and met the group. 

“Any luck?” Metabee asked.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

‘I’m staying,’ said Terebas, standing a little further away. Her voice was firm and final.

[arikabrass]

‘Who is that?’ Arika hissed aside to Ikki.

She wasn’t sure what to do. Rokusho had seemed so hurt, but Metabee knew him better than she did….

Brass was scanning.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Rokusho sat upon the edge of a cliff, looking out upon the rest of the world as the moon lit the tops of rocks and trees.

He was completely distraught and had no idea what to think. It was too much.

By the time Metabee’s voice crackled through his head, Rokusho didn’t register what had been said until a while after Metabee had finished. Did he want them to come? Did he want them to leave him?

He couldn’t understand… How could he feel both at once?

“Brooo, nooo!” Baton grabbed both of Metabee’s shoulders. “We can’t just leave him! Remember the last time he was sad? HE! TRIED! TO! DISABLE! HIS! E-MO-SHUNS!” Baton shouted as he shook Metabee. “We can’t let him be by himself! Even I don’t know what he’s gonna do!”

[metabeefcake]

“Woah woah woah feather bag!” Metabee reacted to the bird Medabot’s strong shaking. “Relax. He ain’t near any tech. He can’t do much, can he? We can’t rush into this. He jus’ gonna keep runnin’. I ain’t tellin’ any’a you to stop searchin’ jus’ giv’im some tiiiime.”

Metabee turned to the medawatch one more time, as he didn’t get a response from Rokusho. “Rokusho, c’mon. We jus’ wanna know if you’re okay. We’re here, man an’ we jus’ wanna help. Don’t be runnin’ on us. We on your side.”

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere’s expression darkened, and it was clear she definitely did not want to hand over the watch … but then she shook it off and looked at Metabee for a careful moment, before giving it up to him.

She spared one glance for Hushi. ‘Stay away from him.’ Her voice was so flat, even emotionless, that it carried a threat of its own.

Then she took off after Baton. She sometimes wished she had the super-speed some people had, and now was one of those times. What she did have was training and had excellent night vision, so she covered the distance to the forest at surprising speed for her size, shouting up to Baton to call out his position so she could follow. She hit the forest at top speed and vanished into the darkness.

[arikabrass]

Brass actually moved first, Arika taking longer to get past her shock. The two raced toward the forest, reporting the last thing on thier minds.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

As everyone tore away from the field, Hushi said and did nothing as he was left alone.

Due to the growing density of the branches, Baton was forced back onto the ground. He called, “Roku! Roku, where are you?”

Upon hearing the others call out for him, he ran towards the voices. Undoubtedly his loud coloring would let them see him even in the darkening wood. Creatures of the night were stirring and not only because of their ruckus.

“Hey, guys. Normally splitting up is a good idea, but the forest is a place that only Roku tends to know like the back of his hand, especially at night. It might not be 100%, but I’m pretty confident he’s somewhere here. The forest is like his haven.”

“… There’s a chance that we won’t find him and we just end up getting lost, so I’m warning you before we go any deeper.”

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

As they kept searching, Metabee looked at the medawatch hoping Rokusho would hear him from whatever distance he was.

“Rokusho c’mon man, don’t pull this one on me. We all worried. I know you probs want time alone but at least let us know you alive? Please.” He spoke near the device. “I promise we’ll leave ya to think if you want us to. We ain’t leavin’ leavin’, but we gonna let’cha process all’a this, k? We’re here if ya need’us. Jus’ give us a sign that you’re a’ight. ‘S all I ask.”

“Guys jus’ stop lookin’. I ain’t givin’ up on’im but the more we look the more he’ll run. We wanna keep’im close, but giv’im space ya feel me? I got my Rokusho encyclopedia down. He lived with us all those months after all.” He winked.

Metabee looked back at the Medawatch, hoping to receive some kind of response from the other.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

She stood, releasing his arm as she did. With her height and him on the ground she loomed particularly menacingly, face shadowed and eyes hard. ‘You’re a fool,’ she said, voice filled with icy disdain. ‘And you’re not worthy of him.’

[arikabrass]

Arika gaped, camera trained on the confrontation but forgotten in her hands. Brass had dropped her own equipment and run forward a few steps, but stopped when she realized she had no idea what to do.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Hushi didn’t resist or get angry when the others rushed to Rokusho’s aid, even when Metabee’s fist hit his stomach with a clonk!

“Oooh, totally forgot you were a robot,” Baton commented before quickly following after Terebas. “It’s like we don’t even know you, anymore. What the hell happened to make you think that way?!”

Hushi glanced in Rokusho’s direction. The KWG had seen it all and felt guilt course through him. This had all happened because of him. He closed his eyes, and a bubble of spacial distortion replaced where he had been sitting, and he vanished.

Baton saw it, too, and he reached out to his brother to no avail. “Aw, Roku, don’t– Awwwh.” He turned to the professor. “As much as I’d love an explanation, I need to look for my brother, but first…” Baton flitted over to where Hushi’s communicator sat. At last, after many failed attempts, Baton opened out his feather-shaped blades and sliced the communicator in two.

Hushi took a deep breath and asked the parrot Medabot, “You, too, Baton?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I did it for Roku. It’s about time you did something for him, too.” The professor looked down out of remorse, and Baton turned to the others. “Come on. Rokusho tends to do very irrational things when he’s upset.”

He started flying towards the forest, not waiting for much of a response.

Hushi remained there, contemplating his own actions.

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

Metabee stepped back, still shooting nasty glares at the professor, but finally releasing extra air pressure through small white clouds sent out from his horns.

The KBT sighed as he noticed Rokusho teleported away “Aw man...” and stepped towards Terebas. “Yo, can I have that?” He glanced at the Medawatch. “Ik can use it to track down Rokusho. Ain’t like a GPS but if we close enough we can hear him.” Metabee stretched out his hand hoping the alien lady would cooperate. “Ya can come too if you wanna.” 

Ikki quickly joined Metabee. “Are we gonna look for Rokusho?”

“Oh you bet we will. No way Imma let that bot do what he thinks he’s gonna do. Whatever that is, an’ I sure don’t wanna find out.”

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

/So I wasn’t the only one,/ Tere thought. Following Metabee’s dialect was hard, but she got the gist. In contrast with him, her tone was civil, even conversational, but for a slight edge. ‘Before you say whatever you’re thinking, think about the suffering Rokusho has put himself through for your sake, and why he might have thought it necessary. All things considered, you still owe him that much, no matter how you may feel right now.’

She’d been witness to - and participant in - too many ugly scenes not to recognise the signs.

[arikabrass]

Arika lowered her camera. ‘Oh, no way.’ Raising her voice, she called out: ‘Rokusho doesn’t do things like this! If he’s doing it then there must be a good reason!’ She knew too much about him to think he’d break a critical component lightly. /Poor Rokusho…./

Brass had nothing to add, but pressed one fist against her chest in an attitude of distress.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Finally, Baton added in his two cents. “Professor, you’ve been avoiding any serious topics since you got here. Please. Both of us want you here.”

All sides had chipped in, and there was a silence. Even the crickets had quieted, as if sensing the heaviness in the atmosphere.

The professor stood and walked right up to the KWG, towering over him, and Rokusho seemed to shrink back as he looked up at his Medafighter.

“Do you really want to know why I didn’t come back all this time?” Hushi addressed Rokusho. The KWG’s hands were back at his sides, balled up anxiously. He didn’t dare speak, but the professor continued. “At first, I really did think you had died in that fire. When I came back, you were nowhere to be found. Seeing only the ruins of our home, I left this world with bitter sorrow: it had nothing left to offer me but that. It was only after a year later when I saw that you weren’t gone forever… through Baton’s eyes.”

“… What?” Baton interjected looking utterly bewildered.

Hushi nodded. “It was an old functionality that I planted in Baton’s old parrot body; I was able to tune into his particular frequency and survey Earth while I was off-world. Once I found out that Baton had somehow come online with little explanation, I tuned in to see… well, everything. It was only a matter of time before Baton finally met up with you.”

“I remember being so delighted to see that you were alive, but soon, I realized how much you had changed. I wanted to come back to you, but what would you say? Would you resent me? How would you feel about it? … Thus, I simply watched to see if I could answer those questions, myself.”

The professor took a step forward, prompting Rokusho to step back.

“What I found… was disappointing. I found that you had become more violent than when I last saw you. Attacking others who didn’t act as you wanted? Attacking a ten-year-old? Attempting to murder Dr. Aki? How many times have you terrorized someone in your anger? How many times have you taught someone to fear you when you’re enraged?”

The professor had stopped advancing, but Rokusho still stepped back, his eyes wide with anguished attention.

“It wasn’t long before I realized that you were a danger to everyone on Earth, and it would have been best for you to be put down to ensure that those around you were safe. However, I was a coward. At first, I told myself to wait. Maybe you would change your ways. There were times when I could convince myself that you had reformed, but I ultimately knew as the years passed that you had not improved, at all.”

Rokusho’s hands trembled, and his chest ached as if someone had reached into him and started crushing his medal. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.

Hushi sighed. “The idea when creating you was that if a Medabot who had previously been a dangerous warlord before could become more… civil, then there was hope for all medals… It turned out that such a hope was for naught. Out of all of my creations, you had become my greatest failure.”

This struck the greatest blow for Rokusho, and he crumbled to his knees. Only one word could describe him right then as he lifted his hand to his face in the realization that Hushi… seemed to be right: crushed.

“I wanted to leave because I didn’t want you to know or find out, but the right thing to do would be to fix this. Don’t worry, old friend, I won’t destroy you. Maybe I’ll find a way to fix you… Until then… I’m going to eject you. Please… don’t resist.”

As Hushi raised his wrist with his Medawatch, Rokusho didn’t respond, but his posture told all that he wasn’t going to.

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

Metabee could not believe his audio receptors. How... How was Hushi such a terrible person? How could he ever think of Rokusho in such a way? His fists clenched harder and harder as he kept hearing those harsh words and being a victim of Rokusho’s rage himself, he still didn’t agree. Medabots weren’t perfect. Himself included. They had their bad moments. Nothing could be done. Humans were the same way. Worse even. How was this guy any better.

Metabee’s rage grew bigger. He couldn’t take it. Not like this. He wasn’t just gonna let this disgrace of a human being take Rokusho’s free will. Over his lifeless tinpet.

As he saw the professor on his way to eject Rokusho’s medal, that was the final straw. The KBT bolted faster than ever before, delivering a heavy blow onto the professor’s gut. He did hold back however not to cause damage. He knew his strength thanks to all those fights with Ikki. A human was a fragile being. His intent was not to hurt the professor... too much, but enough.

He stepped near the now fallen old man, giving him the nastiest glare he could. “I knew it. You’re a stupid selfish bastard. You may’ve created Rokusho but y’know what? He’s his own Medabot now. Who needs friends when there’s people like you roamin’ around? Yeah, Rokusho may have gotten a li’l carried away sometimes, don’t mean you gotta define’im by those bad moments. I sure didn’t. Who are you to do it, huh? What makes YOU any better? How are humans any better, HUH?? D’ya watch the news?? What you people do to this place an’ everyone else?? Course ya don’t. You’re too busy out there to even CARE!! You spy on Rokusho an’ you don’t say nothin’? He been lookin’ for ya all this time and THIS IS WHAT YA HAVE??? I tried... I swear i tried puttin’ my faith in ya, but I couldn’t. And boy was I right. Man, do us all a favor an’ piss off. An’ never even step back here again, or you an’ my gun barrel gon’ have a talk. Got it? You dun enough as it is. I can’t imagine how Rokusho must be feelin’ right now. Tha’s gonna leave a mark that’s for sure.” Metabee was bursting with rage. His voice was shaky, his body tense. Not even Ikki has seen him like this. He did however feel Metabee’s emotion coursing through his body. He grew misty eyed and whispered his name. He knew some people were horrible, but he didn’t know to what extent.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

metabeefcake:

Terebas was more or less hovering protectively over Rokusho and did see it. Her eyes widened ever-so-slightly, but that was all, and only for a moment.

Inwardly she was smiling and frowning at once, as one could do that inwardly.

[arikabrass]

Arika and Brass had split up (Brass was backing up for a wide angle, while Arika darted around to get closer shots). Neither were in position to see what Rokusho was holding.

Arika panned her camera over Hushi’s device and any parts or tools, which was her version of helping to look. ‘I don’t see anything,’ she said.

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

Baton side-eyed Rokusho for a bit because he knew that something was off, but for Rokusho’s sake, he didn’t inquire quietly or come closer.

Hushi stopped and looked up to answer first Metabee. “Metabee, of course I care about my Medabot, and, since you’ve been with him and only him for so long, I can see why you would be very concerned for him. It’s safer for Rokusho to stay on Earth, and I don’t think he needs old me to tell him what to do. He’s already grown far from that point.”

He explained to Ikki, “The conducting piece is a very instrumental part of the communicator. It serves to amplify signals in order to reach a greater magnitude and speed. It is a bit heavier than the rest of the pieces that connect to it, so it may have been jostled loose.” Hushi nodded appreciatively at Arika. “Thank you, anyway.”

“…” Rokusho had been quiet all this while, deciding what to do. At last, he cycled a long vent.

He tightened his grip on the brittle bulb, and it crackled. Loudly.

It was loud enough to attract Baton and the professor’s attention. It was even loud enough to startle Rokusho. As he looked up, only now did it strike the professor how Rokusho had stood back a distance, hand behind his back.

“Rokusho,” the professor called, “Could you come here, please?”

Had Rokusho the capability, he would have been sweating bullets.

The KWG released the coil’s remains, and they fell to the grass, disappearing. He repressed a shudder as he walked to his Medafighter with both his hands clenched, sensing all eyes on him. Act natural, he told himself as he walked very unnaturally.

"Y-yes, professor?” he asked upon reaching conversation distance.

“Show me your hands.”

“…” Hesitantly, Rokusho lifted both of his palms face-up. His right hand was blackened by the carbon. “I… I’m sorry, sir. I was only going to do it for a little while. You haven’t even told me why you were gone all those years. Please. I need to know the truth, and I know you weren’t telling me the truth before.” There was a long silence, and a shadow seemed to pass over the professor’s face. “P-professor?

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

“Have ya ever stopped an’ thought you’re only considerin’ what’cha think?? Y’know Rokusho, man. He’s the kinda bot who puts err’yone else abov’im. As long as you’re happy, I’m too. Except I ain’t.” ‘Bee crossed his arms firmly over his chest, still disappointed by the professor’s answer.

Ikki silently agreed with Metabee, only to be interrupted by none other. “C’mon, Ik. Back me up on this!! You of all people. Am I right or what?”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah, you definitely are. Took the words right out of my mouth.” Ikki agreed, still feeling sad for Rokusho.

“Now that’s more like it. Could add a li’l more spice t’ that, but I’ll roll with it.”

Ikki then attentively listened to the explanation Hushi gave him, only not to understand 90% of what was said. But he let it go. He simply pretended to be mildly interested on what Hushi was doing. But Metabee had already shown his disappointment. No use faking it anymore.

The duo’s attention was turned to Rokusho, after that loud cracking sound no ear, or audio receptor could ignore. Metabee narrowed his eyes as he fixated his stare on Rokusho. He must be hiding something, and after that thud, heard just before he got up to meet the professor up close, Metabee had no doubt about it.

After the reveal that Rokusho was in possession of the device, and might just have broken it, Metabee was surprised, but not that much. He exchanged a look with Ikki, before approaching. “Yup, Saw this happen a mile away. I mean, I never thought Rokusho would steal somethin’ apparently so important, but a Medabot’s gotta do what a Medabot’s gotta do, right?” Metabee said in his thoughts before he started speaking loudly again. “He couldn’t hold that sadness forever. Y’lied to his damn face. You disappear for years straight an’ expect’im to be okay with it? Gimme a break, old man. Jus’ ‘cuz Rokusho’s all ripe n’ grown up, don’t mean he’s better on his own. You’re so absorbed in your own thoughts an’ in whatever ya think he thinks ya didn’t stop for a sec t’ consider him, right? Man, legit, whole body’s made’a metal but I got a softer heart’n you!” Metabee ended it with a sharp, judgmental index finger pointing at the old man.

[medaknight-rokusho]

[It Was Not Your Fault but Mine.]

[terebas]

Tere gave Baton a smile and a firm handshake. ‘Likewise,’ she said. ‘Avi mentioned you, but he said you were a parrot. Body switch?’ She hadn’t known he was a medabot.

She noticed Metabee’s anger, and he got a look of distinct approval. At least someone was as angry at Hushi as she was.

[arikabrass]

‘This is historic, Rokusho! …I won’t ask anyone for interviews,’ she said. Arika was a reporter, but she was also more sensitive than she’d been at ten. ‘We’re just going to record it all, okay?’

[medaknight-rokusho]

@metabeefcake

“Heh, yeah. The prof did all the magic. Feels good to finally have opposable thumbs.” Baton could feel the vibe in the air that everyone was giving Hushi the snake-eye, and he felt out-of-place for praising him. He sympathized with both parties. While what Hushi was doing seemed wrong (so wrong), Hushi was also his friend, and there had to be… something to explain everything.

“Ah…” Rokusho didn’t outwardly approve or disprove what Arika was doing, but he seemed uncomfortable, though that could have been attributed to many variables.

Before Rokusho could say anything more, the professor called out, “Rokusho, have you seen the conducting bulb?” (Unfortunately for Metabee, he had not caught the glare).

Rokusho turned to the voice and instinctively held his right hand behind his back, revealing that he had been holding a black coil. “Ah, no, sir. I don’t believe so…”

“Are you sure? It’s a bit small, black, grainy, and brittle. And it’s in the shape of a coil.” Yep, all of those descriptions matched what was held in Rokusho’s right hand.

It was at that moment he realized his mistake of nerves and looked to see who had noticed to give them a brief pleading look. “Ah, yes. I’m quite sure…”

[metabeefcake]

@terebasita

Metabee attentively observed Rokusho and how tense he was. He didn’t give much away, but his discomfort was still very evident. He did not notice the other hiding the device, however. “Man, you guys always gotta record everythin’, don’t cha?” Metabee brought a hand to his helm, scratching it in second hand embarrassment. “At least ya ain’t so obnoxious ‘bout it as you were back then. Wooweeee.” Subtle as always, that Metabee “What’s the device for, Professor?” Ikki asked in a curious tone, when Hushi asked for the gadget.

“You sure you wanna do this, man?” Metabee interrupted. “Did everythin’ I told ya jus’ fly by your head??” He said, disappointed.