The room was cold, just like most rooms in the MeCloud, however this room always felt more unforgiving to MePhone4. The phone sat upon a harsh metal table, his legs dangling off, MePhone4 slightly swung them to get his mind off things. The walls of the room were a grey more on the black side, a stark contrast to the bare white tiles below. Workbenches lined the walls, only stopping to make way for the signature Meeple sliding door. The only light sources around the room came from the lamps evenly placed along the workbenches or the light that hung overhead him. However Cobs only had the lamp above MePhone4 and the lamp the CEO worked near, on.
MePhone4 eyed Cobs cautiously as the corn man scribbled down a few notes onto a clipboard. Today the robot's schedule of usual tasks had been cleared.. to make room for a check-up day... MePhone4 felt a pit grow in his systems, it was festering inside of him, twisting his fears into something grander. Forcing the robot to start drumming his metal fingers across the metal of the bench he sat at. The silence between the two was long and deafening , which was a weird thing coming from MePhone4, he usually liked the serenity that came with silence. But no- this was a different type of quiet. This quiet was the kind before something bad happened, whilst you waited for your misfortune to arrive. Thus it all felt suffocating, as the thought of it ending ate you up inside.
MePhone4 could feel the small ache from the cracks running through his screen. The lingering pain sparking through his body, it was duller.. but it noticeably was still there, just like the pain in his wrist and his right arm... At least now he'll he free of it all.. hopefully Cobs would fix him.. and not throw him away.
Cobs let out a sigh, snapping MePhone4 violently away from his thoughts. His creator looked up from the clipboard he held, scanning over MePhone4 thoughtfully. Before he took one step towards the robot, and MePhone4's metaphorical heart stopped. The robot gripped at the edge of the bench, as Cobs walked before him. Tall and imposing as he scrutinised MePhone4's form.. Cobs scribbled something down on his paper, before he put that all down beside MePhone4. Resulting in the robot tensing up, as Cobs came way to close to him. MePhone4's gaze locked on Cobs' hands.. he knew what they could do.. he knew from experience.. and he wanted them far away from him as possible.
Cobs straighten up, jolting MePhone4 out of his transfixed eye contact. MePhone4 felt utterly unsure as he gazed at Cobs. The corn man loomed over him, reaching out for the robot. MePhone4 flinched, as Cobs grabbed his right arm roughly. Stretching out the limb, his hand running along it... Cobs had his thinking face on as he inspected the damaged arm. MePhone4 could feel that pit in his systems spark up again, at the thought of admitting what happened to him.
Cobs grumbled under his breath, his eyes flickering up to analyse the cracks that mutilated MePhone4's face. The CEO narrowed his eyes, clearly not liking what he saw. But MePhone4 couldn't help it, he wouldn't have the scars on his screen if it weren't for Cobs...
"You'll need a new screen.. you look absolutely hideous," Cobs sighed, running his hand across his face tiredly.
MePhone4 forced himself to stay quiet, he couldn't risk huffing out a retort that'll annoy Cobs. As that risked for more pain to be inflicted upon MePhone4.. as well as the guarantee that his scars won't be fixed.
"Then I suppose with your internals exposed, I can get a good look in what needs repairing.." Cobs muttered.. mostly to himself, he always was a verbal thinker, "hmm- although- it would also serve prime time to install the updated tracker I've built for you..."
The corn man chuckled to himself at the idea, MePhone4 was already tense, but the apprehension grew. "I-is that really necessary?" MePhone4 stuttered, the throbbing pain across his body coming back with a vengeance.
"Is that really necessary?" Cobs scoffed, repeating the words MePhone4 uttered to him in a mocking tone, "yes it is. This tracker will prove useful to me. Since it'll be a physical thing implanted into your systems, you can't just remove it yourself. This will actually calm my concerns of you running away again," Cobs smiled. But it was so fake and demeaning, as he pushed MePhone4 down onto the table. Forcing the robot to lay down, staring up at the blinding light above.
"Now- I see that your right arm has a few dents in the metal.. no matter, I'll fix that right up," Cobs spoke again, his voice moving towards the other side of MePhone4. The side where his buttons were located.. where the CEO could easily turn him off-
MePhone4 panicked internally, petrified that Cobs wouldn't repair him, but instead throw his body away- that seemed more like a Cobs thing to do. Then waste valuable time and resources on an outdated model. MePhone4 was about to sit up, until he felt Cobs' rough hands touch his on/off button. MePhone4's breath hitched, as he dung his nails into metal bench. Cobs must've noticed MePhone4 start to scratch the metal as his creator swatted MePhone4's hands away. The slap was sharp and quick, knocking MePhone4 away from whatever he was doing.
"Behave yourself 4," Cobs hissed before his hand returned to the robot's on/off switch, "now relax, you'll wake up again soon enough, then we can get to the real fun."
Those were the last words MePhone4 ever heard.. before his consciousness started to drift away. Slipping out of his grasp as the robot fell into the void that was his programming.. slowly losing his sense of self, it fell away under itself till-
(-------)
The Meeple logo was all he saw at first, secondly the first sounds he heard again were that of his systems starting up. These sounds were that of whirling fans, of beeping circuits. Thirdly he started to feel the ice cold metal beneath his body. MePhone4 blinked awake, his screen returning to normal, as a piercing bright light glistened above him, causing the robot to hiss out in pain. Squinting his eyes shut, a hand gripped at the top of his phone body, forcing MePhone4 up into a seating position.
Coming to it all again now as he sat, MePhone4 let out a sigh, thankful he was conscious. And not a floating piece of code in a digital void, he hadn't even realised he was something during those hours. It all felt so surreal to think back to.. was that what he was before he first woke up? How long did he spend as a piece of code in a hard drive? MePhone4 doubted Cobs would answer his questions, as the corn man stood before him once again.
"Good- your systems are running smoothly," Cobs stated evenly, writing down on his clipboard, "your internals were fine- outdated- but fine. I'll worry about improving them later."
MePhone4 nodded his head, still feeling quite out of sorts from the experience he had prior.
"Now- as I was poking around I decided to run a few tests on your energy core," Cobs continued on, "your energy.. it seemed to have grown stronger.. which I'm honestly not complaining about, that is good, it means your core is performing just how it's intended to."
MePhone4 kept nodding his head, only somewhat following what Cobs was talking about. He still felt like his mind was drifting in that void, weighed down by the fog.
"I think the best thing from here is to do a few physical tests that relate solely to your core," Cobs looked up at MePhone4, "which means we'll be testing your abilities again. Which is always fun."
Cobs smiled, but it was fake, it always was, and it always bugged MePhone4... But the robot knew he couldn't speak out of line, otherwise he'll have to answer to Cobs' back hand.
Cobs gestured for MePhone4 to follow, as he started to make his way out of the stuffy room. MePhone4 begrudgingly followed like the obedient machine he was. Falling into line behind Cobs easily, his past training coming back to his programming. MePhone4 trailed behind the CEO as they strolled down the bare halls of the eighth floor. At least no one would ever have to witness this display of compliance MePhone4 was practicing. The embarrassment he would feel inside his systems if anyone from the show saw him- scratch that- if MePad saw him now... MePhone4 sensed his limbs start to weigh him down at the thought of the other robot.. no-
MePhone4 shook himself up, forcing his mind to focus on the right things. Instead he thought about how his screen no longer ached or how when he glanced over to his right arm. It was no longer littered with the dents he inflicted upon himself. MePhone4 forced himself to smile, to take this and be grateful. His life was fine, and MePad was happier without him... MePhone4's smile fell away to something sadder, at least the other robot was living the life he wanted. MePad could have been dragged up here too, but in MePhone4's last act, he saved MePad. The last good deed he ever did when free... now he was a slave.
The two came to a door, Cobs scanned his key card, as it slid open, MePhone4 stared out. The dome.. walking inside felt nice. The deprived senses he now experienced were nice. The grass against his metal feet, the air actually was fresh and not the stuffy stuff around Meeple- MePhone4 looked up, the sky was beautiful, it feels like it's been ages since he saw it. MePhone4 let out a content sigh, taking it all in.. before his eyes trailed over to the large blue tree that stood proudly in the middle of the whole dome. MePhone4 wanted to approach it, he desperately wanted to relax beneath it, but Cobs had other plans. The corn man yanked at MePhone4's left arm, dragging MePhone4 away from the tree.
Once far enough, Cobs let go, "now- let's focus on the easy stuff you can do. Generation, I'll say something random, you generate it, and we'll test your quickness," Cobs pulled a stop watch out of the pocket of his lab coat. It was weird to see the long white coat against his corn body... MePhone4 nodded his head, letting Cobs know that he understood him.
"Great, I did hope you would be familiar with this test, as you used to perform it all the time," Cobs smiled, "let's see if you can out perform your past self."
MePhone4 knew he would, he used to struggle to generate items but now- he could generate a whole house if he wanted to. But he wouldn't, as that would drain too much of his energy too quickly. And he rather not pass out in the open, where rain could easily fall upon him.
Cobs coughed then the test began, the corn cob would utter random items that MePhone4 would generate rather briskly afterwards. This was a breeze for the machine, who had mastered his generation ability. This also impressed Cobs, as the items progressively got bigger. MePhone4 was still easily doing it all, surpassing his past self, who would have failed by now. This felt good for once- Cobs was actually staring at him like he meant something- like he could be useful... MePhone4 wanted to be useful for once.
"Good, good MePhone4, it seems that nothing can best you.. so far," Cobs chuckled, his smile sly, "but anything bigger would be too much for this space, so we'll have to move on for now."
MePhone4 nodded his head, snapping all the objects away with a click of his fingers, they all disintegrated into particles of energy.
"It's a good thing you've improved this skill, it'll be such a shame and a waste if you hadn't," Cobs stated, writing down a few more notes before addressing the robot again, "how about we move onto your nightlights? I wanted to test something out.. I want to push this skill to be greater and stronger."
MePhone4 tilted his head, "what do you mean Cobs? Isn't my nightlights just apart of my generation ability?"
"I thought I- no," Cobs huffed, annoyed by the robot's question, "no no- it's something else entirely- didn't I explain this to you before?"
MePhone4 fiddled with his fingers nervously, "probably- but you know me," MePhone4 chuckled sheepishly, feeling stupid.
Cobs groaned angrily, "of course- of course you would- doesn't matter."
Cobs sighed, gesturing for MePhone4 to raise his arms, which the robot obeyed. MePhone4 extended his arms, his hands open palms up.
"Good good- now, make me one of those 'nightlights', make it as big as you can," Cobs ordered, narrowing his eyes critically at MePhone4, as he judged the robot's every move.
This unnerved MePhone4, he never did any good under pressure, but none of that mattered here. This was Cobs- he was in Meeple- he'll always be under pressure- he'll always feel stressed... But that shouldn't stop him from doing a good job. Letting out a shaky sigh, MePhone4 centred himself, his fingers curled up, as he moved his arms closer to himself. He clasped his hands together, he focused the energy that coursed through his body into his palms. MePhone4 watched it softly start to glow between the cracks of his clasped hands. As well as the LED lights that circled around his robotic limb's start to pick up a brighter glow.
MePhone4 forced more energy into this point, as he slowly moved his hands back. Letting the orb grow and grow, keeping it in its circular shape. The orb kept growing, but as it did, MePhone4 started to realise he was losing control over it. As it surpassed it's typical size, a size he was most stable with. His hands felt like they were slipping, eventually he had to let it go. The orb wobbled once he snapped his focus away, it became to much for him to handle. The nightlight floated up, it's size was much bigger than he thought he could make.. and now his systems felt drained.
The nightlight itself was a orb of pure blinding energy. It was mainly white, however MePhone4 could perceive a tinge of a shimmering blue colour glisten around the edges. Tainting its otherwise clean white glow that the orb produced. The light the nightlight emitted always did well to calm him, it always helped stabilise him.. MePhone4 ached to reach out and grasp at its familiarity.. but he knew he couldn't.. Cobs wouldn't appreciate him acting out like that.
MePhone4 blinked, looking over towards Cobs, waiting for his disapproval or approval.
Cobs put his hand up near his chin, analysing the nightlight that floated before him. "I-is it any good?" MePhone4 asked, nervously holding his own hands.
"Well- I would have hoped you could make a bigger one.. but this is a start," Cobs sighed, "I'm guessing you've never learnt how to utilise this ability nor have you trained to use it properly. That'll need time and practice."
Shaking his head, Cobs readjusted his thin glasses, "no matter- let's move on. Let's see what you can do and what you can't. That is the whole point of a test," Cobs chuckled dryly, his eyes still narrowed at the robot. MePhone4 sensed shivers run down his systems at the hard glare, unsure of what he done wrong..
"Can you shape it?" Cobs inquired, causing MePhone4 to blink confusedly.
"Shape it? The nightlight?" MePhone4 didn't understand what Cobs was on about, "how?"
"How??" Cobs replied incredulously, "4, have you never experimented with this at all??"
"I- I didn't even realise it was something different than my generation ability till- today," MePhone4 muttered back, his tone of voice defensive.
"My god-" Cobs groaned, rubbing at his face again, MePhone4 shifted on his feet uncomfortably, "4- how about this, you should feel some sort of connection with it- with the energy of the nightlight- hence you should still have control over it."
"What- control? I lost it when I let go," MePhone4 mumbled, scared that Cobs wouldn't react positively to this.
Cobs grumbled profanities under his breath in response, before composing himself to address MePhone4, only with a edge of bitter anger, "4. Can you please walk away from the nightlight, till I say to stop?"
MePhone4 had no idea why Cobs wanted him to do this.. but he knew it was best to just listen. Nodding his head, MePhone4 took a few steps back, then a few more.. he blinked, confused on how the nightlight always stayed at the same distance away from him.
"There you have it- you do have control over it," Cobs huffed, crossing his arms, "you just don't notice it, as it's just an innate ability you posses. Now- come closer,"
MePhone4 walked forward, moving closer to the orb, the nightlight itself didn't move an inch. MePhone4 reached out for the nightlight, holding it gently between his two hands. Cobs didn't speak, MePhone4 knew what he had to do.. he had to.. change its shape. MePhone4 personally thought this was idiotic, but he held his tongue like always. MePhone4 instead thought of ways to get this nightlight to re-shape.
His first idea was to stare intently at the orb, concentrating some of his internal energy at it through his mind?? MePhone4 had no idea what he was doing, but he couldn't make Cobs disappointed. MePhone4 started to move his hands away, having them clawed as mentally he imagined himself pulling at the energy contained inside the orb. MePhone4 gasped in surprise as it actually worked, the orb shuddered as it's form started to stretch out. Although MePhone4 found himself struggling to keep his grip on it, as his hands shook. MePhone4 tried to keep his control over the nightlight as it stretched.. but his fingers eventually snapped back to being straight, his attention stripped away from it.
Instead of being a circle.. the nightlight was now oval... MePhone4 was surprised, he actually did what Cobs wanted! Maybe it's not that good- but it has to be something!
MePhone4 diverted his gaze away from the nightlight, focusing it on Cobs' thinking face.. apprehension tugged at his internals, MePhone4 feared for what Cobs thought about what he has done. MePhone4 hoped that his creator would be somewhat proud.. maybe.. hopefully...?
:(
Cobs chuckled, readjusting his glasses, his gaze floated away from the orb, so that he stared at MePhone4. "Well- you had me worried that you didn't have enough control over it but-" Cobs smirked, his expression appeared accomplished, like he just re-shaped the orb himself, "you've did a good job MePhone4, you were able to do something. I hope we can achieve more later- keep working on this."
Cobs gestured over towards the orb, before stepping closer to MePhone4. The robot shrunk back slightly, even if the words Cobs spoke actually made him feel good inside. MePhone4 still feared his creator. Cobs placed a hand on the robot's shoulder, patting it softly, "good job 4. Now- let's improve this so that you can do better... You do want to do better of course?"
Cobs asked that question, but he already knew the answer. MePhone4 nodded his head positively, "o-of course I do! I can like- do better. I know I can master this new ability."
Cobs chuckled, "you've always had this ability MePhone4, you've always been able to wield it.. you just needed someone to assist you in mastering it.. but I know you can do great."
Those words touched MePhone4 deeply, he hadn't realised how much he craved his creator's approval. But once he got it- MePhone4 didn't want to come down from this high, be wanted to continue to make Cobs proud- he wanted more of this warm fuzzy feeling- he liked knowing he was doing a good job.. MePhone4 smiled, nodding his head.
"I'll master it. I know I can! This will be a breeze," MePhone4 grinned confidently, acting cool, like that he knew what he was doing... Sure- it was all a façade, but he can't let Cobs know how scared of failure he was. MePhone4 needed Cobs to see how useful he can be!
Cobs blinked, his gaze travelling up and down the robot as his thinking expression slowly crept back across his face.
MePhone4 didn't know what he had to think about, but he didn't let the thought of the possibilities tear down his façade. MePhone4 only reinforced it in response, forcing his body to relax and stand at attention. Cobs however didn't halt this analysing look, as he scrutinised the robot that stood next to him... MePhone4 found the look odd.. so he held up his current façade. He had to make Cobs proud.
Eventually Cobs shook his head, chuckling amusedly to himself, before patting MePhone4's shoulders again. The robot would never voice it out loud, but he actually liked the comforting touch.. it wasn't hurting him at all.. it was nice for his creator to be gentle with him for once. MePhone4 only wished Cobs would be like this all the time... But he knew that wish was hopeless and childish.. Cobs could never, because MePhone4 was so- him.
"Hmm," Cobs hummed thoughtfully before shaking his head in amusement, "suppose- the best course of action from here is to slowly work yourself into the groove of it. I say the first thing to master is the ability to stretch it."
The corn man waved his hand dismissively, "I want you to continuously stretch then un-stretch the nightlight, till you can preform the move effortlessly as well as flawlessly, don't stop till then," Cobs commanded, before he turned around, "This may take awhile.. thus I'll return to my usual duties, however even in my absence, I hope you'll keep at it. As I'll test you tomorrow to see if you mastered this skill. If you haven't mastered it by then, I know you didn't do it till you could, which meant you disobeyed my orders.. and you know what happened when you do, don't you MePhone4?"
MePhone4's face dropped, the thought of receiving another punishment froze up his systems. Blinking, trying to compose himself, MePhone4 spluttered out, "O-of course Cobs- I'll keep at it like you wanted."
MePhone4 couldn't see the CEO's face, but he could sense the corn was smiling as he continued to speak, "ah- I hope so 4, make me proud, don't disappoint me."
Cobs' departing words cut through the robot like a dagger, MePhone4 feels his limbs shake, the tension in the air suffocated him. The idea of failing in Cobs' eyes scared him.. he has to do this. Cobs held himself up high, his arms behind his back, as he strolled leisurely across the open field of the dome. His creator moved to the door, exiting the room with one beep of a scanner, the door thudding behind him. MePhone4 let out the breath he was holding in, feeling shaken up, MePhone4 knew he had to get to work. He needed to master this, he needed to avoid punishment, but most importantly.. he needed to hear Cobs utter those words again. MePhone4 needed to bear witness to his creator voice his pride in MePhone4. The way those words boosted his self-esteem, and made him think he could do anything- god- he needed oh so desperately to reach that high again.
MePhone4 would do anything to reach that high again.
MePhone4 zoned out as he pushed himself to complete what Cobs asked him to. He fell into the motions, sure they were strained- and he struggled to get a grip. Every push of his arms took a considerable amount of pressure in his joints to actually cause the nightlight to change shape. But eventually as it all settled into place, MePhone4 realised he was getting better. Which caused the robot to feel better about himself, pushing him to try harder. Thus MePhone4 kept going and going- watching the nightlight stretch out into an oval, then be moulded back into a circle. Eventually as night fell, the action became too repetitious, and his limbs screamed out in agony. That didn't stop the robot, since making the nightlight an oval became to easy for him. MePhone4 started to pull it out further, snaking the energy into a long tube, before twisting it all back together.
MePhone4 thought it would be a good idea to start attempting to control two at a time. Creating another nightlight, his arms feeling like they would give out on him. MePhone4 started to experiment with the two nightlights, attempting to mould them each into individual shapes, getting funky with it. Although that didn't stop MePhone4 from forming more practical shapes. As his internal clock hit three o'clock, MePhone4 felt utterly drained, his arms shook, no longer any use, they dropped to his sides. The phone then dropped to his knees, panting, everything ached. MePhone4 gazed dizzily up at the two orbs, their luminosity sickening to his eyes. He blinked.. his blinking started to slow, the world around him started to blur.. it all swayed back and forth, pushing his physical body with it. MePhone4 knew his cameras became unfocused, he tried desperately to refocus, to get back to work, but nothing cooperated with him. Instead his mind was clouded with a fog of dizziness, his system felt like they had been run under water.
MePhone4 could sense the faint feeling on wind passing by his body before hitting soft, lush grass.. but those feelings quickly left him as they came by. His camera and sensors only met the swift ease of darkness, as the smooth lull of his beating aching pain sent him into an uneasy sleep mode. Plagued by the frizzling static overlaid atop a background of peaceful blackness...
(-------)
"Augh-" MePhone4 groaned, his face full of grass, the blades tickling at his screen.
The robot pushed himself up, wondering how on earth he got in that position. Filing through his hazy memories of the previous night, MePhone4 slowly worked it all into a story that made sense. Letting out a disappointed sigh, MePhone4 forced his body to get up, now standing... God- MePhone4 felt so heavy- and weak- and drained. He knew he couldn't let these feelings get to him, he has Cobs to impress.. Wait- it was the next morning wasn't it? His internal clock told him it was nine.. Didn't Cobs want to speak with him? He said to meet him the next day.. but when? Did Cobs mention a when? MePhone4 didn't think he did.. either way.. he needed to master this skill, so that they can build upon it, and MePhone4 can be like what Cobs wanted-
MePhone4's systems ran cold at the thought- at the idea- when in his life has he ever- oh god- MePhone4 clutched at his screen... he hadn't realised that- MePhone4 shook his head in shame, unbelieving that he was so stupid to- crave the approval of that horrible man- why would be ever want to make his abuser proud?! What sick and twisted- Grumbling under his breath, MePhone4 figured it was best to check in on Cobs now rather than later. In case the CEO wanted to see him earlier.. or- even if he didn't.. what did it matter? MePhone4 knew he had mastered this skill... so at least the robot was interrupting him for a good cause... MePhone4 hoped that Cobs would share the sentiment.
Walking across the field, MePhone4 returned to the bare and sensory dull hallways of the MeCloud. His heart heavy as he put the first foot in.. Each step the robot took was loud, no longer muffled by the lush grasses, instead it was metal on tile. Two hard objects routinely clashing together as he made each hurried step. This loud noise worked hand in hand with his anxious mind, what if Cobs had wanted to see him early? And the corn punishes him? What if MePhone4 hadn't achieved enough?! What if Cobs wanted more?! What if MePhone4 un-learnt all the techniques he practiced yesterday?! What if his arms gave out mid presentation, disgracing himself in front of his creator...?!
Where this fears childish? Yes.. but that didn't stop his over-active imagination from conjuring up this horrid thoughts. MePhone4 froze up, coming into a complete halt as he now stood before the door to Steve Cobs' office... raising a tender arm, MePhone4 knocked three incessant knocks, surely alerting the Object inside of his presence.. MePhone4 stumbled back, the door had opened suddenly.. but that wasn't what sent his systems into disarray. No- what really scared him, was the looming figure that now stood before him. This figure that was staring at him with an expression riddled with scorn. All these factors sent his metaphorical robotic heart into cardiac arrest. The figure's hand shoot towards the robot, gripping at his arm and pulling MePhone4 harshly into the dimmed down room. The door emitted a metal thud behind him as it closed and Cobs dragged MePhone4 deeper into his office.
"Well-?!" Cobs hissed, glaring pointed dagger at MePhone4, "what do you have to say for yourself?!"
MePhone4 gulped, pushing down that feeling of uncertainty and fear that permeated in his systems. Threatening to rise up the back of his throat like bile, it left a foul taste in his mouth. MePhone4 willed himself to respond, even if his voice cracked fearfully, "I- I lost track of time- I- I can do it Cobs- I can show you- and I did more than you asked me- just let me show you!" He knew his voice spluttered and stuttered, but MePhone4 didn't dwell on it. As the robot shrunk back, twisting his eyes shut, expecting a swift hand... his words were only met with.. nothing, a lack of anything.
MePhone4 squinted open his eyes after a few brief moments of receiving zero pain, slowly he started to analyse his creator's face... Cobs didn't look too displeased now. The corn man had his arms behind his back, as he waited patiently for MePhone4 to stop whatever foolish/childish action he was currently doing. Carefully MePhone4 recollected himself, pretending that nothing happened... which was something MePhone4 was good at.. "So- uh- m-may I start?" MePhone4 asked hesitantly, still carefully eyeing Cobs, noting any sudden movements the Object may take.
Cobs nodded his head, "go on. I want to witness the fruits of your labour."
The robot nodded his head, taking a deep breath, MePhone4 steadied himself, preparing his throbbing limbs for the strain he'll put them through once again. The easiest part in the process was the initial creation of the nightlight, that always came natural to him. Plus the robot had years of practice in this skill. Once grasping onto the orb gently, MePhone4 first demonstrated how easily he could stretch the nightlight out into an oval. Watching Cobs hopefully, his creator nodded his approval, egging MePhone4 on to continue. Which MePhone4 did eagerly with great pride, as the oval returned to a circle, then out again, into a long line. A line that MePhone4 used arm motions to twist freely back into a circle. Cobs appeared amazed with how the robot did it hands-free, enamoured by the dazzling light each form produced in the sparsely lit room.
Once MePhone4 finished his spectacle, Cobs stayed still, silent and thinking... before he opened his mouth to speak, "..well done 4.. I'm surprised you actually stuck to what I said- and went beyond so.. huh- maybe you can be something.." Cobs chuckled after that, shaking his head, he recollected himself with a smug grin, "of course I always knew you were something special- you are my creation. You will be able to do such great things.. but only if you have me to guide you."
MePhone4 nodded his head, hanging onto each word with bated breath. The robot has achieved that high again.. but he's hungry for more... "Of course- Uh- yes- I'll- I'll be great."
Cobs chuckled again, the laugh was dry.. a tad condescending, however MePhone4 didn't pick up on that. Too focused on the words said then the tone they were said in to care. "Yes I know you will- and I know you'll keep listening if I- ahem- keep doing good MePhone4, keep making me proud." Cobs smiled softly at MePhone4, his hand placed gently on the robot's shoulder. MePhone4 felt his hands shake slightly, as he held them close to his screen, repressing them from getting to erratic. He didn't want to make himself a fool in front of his creator, not when MePhone4 just received his praise.
"I'll- I'll try to Cobs," MePhone4 promised, eagerly nodding his head along with Cobs' song... allowing himself to be lulled into this false sense of security.. MePhone4 was finally getting that feeling he hopelessly craved for.
Cobs' grin widened into something sinister, but MePhone4 didn't mind, as his creator patted his shoulder affectionately, "that's a good boy. Now- how about you get on with your tasks for the day- ey?"
MePhone4 nodded his head, the high he was on steadily going down, "right- of course Cobs."