Dispatch AU Prelude PT I
TW: Grief, Suicidal ideation, depression
The first daughter amongst the Robertsons, she was conceived by her mother before Mecha Man Astral's passing. Eun-Mi, her mother, couldn't take care of her without being tracked down by the Red Ring. The only person she knew who could protect her and was her blood was Robert Robertson III── her son.
Robert Robertson: Early 20s to mid 20s years
Prime Mech Years; Prequel PT 1
The phone rang as Robert sat morose on the couch. It was the same couch his father was killed near. He only got it back from the authorities once they finished investigating. Ringing twice, three times, and then four── he finally answered.
"...Hello?" His voice mellow as he murmurs.
A whisper fills his ears, "아들, I have serious news. Please come."
"Eomma... Are you sur-"
"Emergency. Please."
His hand twitched when he held the phone. His mom did only call during emergencies or family meetings. No wasn't a viable answer. Shaking his head, he replied, "I'll be there tomorrow, okay?"
"Thank you."
The drive to his mother's estate was awkward with sentimental tension. Despite his parents divorcing, they talk a lot. The mind allowed him to wander to simpler times. His parents were both heroes, but his mom was around way more. Although Robert didn't say it with words── she spoke with actions. The way her eyes softened when he pouted or her lips curled to a frown when he cried for his dad or for her to come home early.
He didn't realise how ephemeral time his childhood was. His mind was as if he was in an endless maze of his father's legacy. Fragments frozen in time that could not be seen again. Pursuing hope
until he saw his mother's house.
"My son, come." She grinned, hugging him immediately. His whole body melted against hers── tightening the hug as quickly.
He whimpered against her shoulder, "...I missed you so much, mom." Tears in his eyes fought his will to pour out.
His mother reassured, "I know... Come, come in."
That's when the news was given. His mother was pregnant, and she wasn't safe ever since Robbie died. There was no other choice she had other than him; nobody she trusted other than her son. Every hit to his emotions to another felt like a trainwreck. First his father, now his mother?
"I understand." He said, his voice gruff with frustration.
"Please know that everything I do is for her and your safety. I am unsure if I will be able to contact you, but if you ever need a place to go... I will mail you my address." She smiles, holding his shoulders.
A collapse wanes the weight of each word. Biting his lip, Robert nodded. The tears had won this time. Dripping against his mother's shoulder── an exhausted groan croaked from him. All that was given is her comforting cooing. Melancholy was a voice that haunted him, too, giving its soft melody of pain towards his childhood. Regression to an age where he cried for his dad. The bump on her stomach curved his body while being held.
Don't be afraid. Don't be scared, my son. Just listen to the lullaby.
...
His mom provided him with many things. Occasional company, home, and now a sibling. A month passed with much brooding during his patrols. Ambivalent thoughts transpire intrusively towards the echo of voices in a subconscious Robert long forgotten. Yet no matter how much he tries to focus, it rings like church bells. After securing the mech suit in the garage, another ring buzzes his phone. Tapping the accept button, a professional voice was heard.
"Are you Robert Robertson?"
...
The sharp wailing pierces everyone's ears, exasperated sighs from the doctors, and nurses were heard after. "Congratulations, Mrs. XXXXXXX. What will her name be?" The doctor asked, cutting the umbilical cord.
Her fatigued gaze was fixed on her baby girl before muttering, "Re... Renna. Her name is Renna."
Everything happened in a flurry, and Robert's mind was racing with everything that just happened right now. Snapping until reality at this moment, Renna caught his eye. The bewailing newborn, now swaddled, being handed to Eun-Mi. Tranquillity falls through the room as his footsteps echo near the little one. Holding his hand out, he watches intently while the baby slowly nuzzled its body near his hand.
.
.
.
Everything felt like colours mixing with others to create new hues. The inability to comprehend everything before heading the baby wailing. His little sister— Renna— the little girl who was a constant reminder of their father. Shaking his head, he held the little girl in his arm and went to the garage. That looming figure stood there.
Blue, with faux glory, felt like a familiar symphony. That mech was the heartbeat of his father and grandfather. Sometimes, he wondered if his father had a heart for anyone at all but the legacy. Although his ambivalent pondering between taking care of his little sister and becoming Mecha Man. Doing both couldn't be that hard.
Right?
