(backdated to ghost event)

[akito]

[ Akito has admittedly forgotten to check up on the network, if only because he spent so many years without communication that it's hard to adjust...

But he needs help, even if he's scared to ask. He's hiding out in the burrow he made for himself under the pond, so it's dark save for the light that Woo gives off.


Unfortunately the deceptively friendly-sounding ghost of the doctor who made him followed him into said normally cozy burrow. ]

How do you make them go away? This isn't normal, is it?

[ Rinta-ghost begins asking him for a blood sample (again) - 'wanting to see the effects of a new environment and diet on the potency of your blood', apparently. Akito also is sporting a few deep gashes, similar to what a scalpel would leave behind, but he's not going to mention those. They're going to heal by tomorrow anyway...

Dr. Minami is usually not very considerate of his status as a sentient being, but he at least used to be considerate enough to treat him like a particularly smart pet. Meaning nine times out of ten if there was going to be pain, he was given warning and treated kindly, if not anesthetized.

Whispered, somewhat panicked and... almost desperate: ]


He died a long time ago, so why won't he leave me alone?

Comments

[10_20_15_5_50]

Hell.

Akito? Are--

[Nevermind that; this has 'not alright' all over it.]

How are you holding up? It's not normal, no.

[akito]

I would be holding up much better if he was tangible to me. I would punch him in the face.

[10_20_15_5_50]

And I would hold his arms for you. Where are you, kiddo? I don't know what'll work, but you've got a couple of options to set up a safe space.

[akito]

My hideout.

[10_20_15_5_50]

Okay.

[locked]

Where is that? I ask because my best recommendation to you is to scatter a mix of salt and fennel seed around the room. If it doesn't get rid of a ghost---which it might not---it's supposed to make it harder for them to manifest, harder to make any noise, move stuff, even appear.

locked

[akito]

It won't be secret if I tell someone.

I can get the salt easily, but I don't know about fennel seed..

[locked]

[10_20_15_5_50]

To be fair, you didn't say that it was a secret hideout. [Still, Sam doesn't say so unkindly, and she offers Akito a little smile. Sharing an apartment with Hiro has only added to her inclination to beak off---which was bad to begin with.] But I gotcha. The Pantry should have a supply, and I'm sure Irja could hook you up if you asked, if you're nearer the farm. Third option? I can run some out to you if you'd want to meet up somewhere.

[locked]

[akito]

Isn't that what a hideout is..? Secret?

Um... [ he flinched away from another determined swipe by his ghost, the dead man continuing to request samples. ]

I could meet you somewhere.

[locked]

[10_20_15_5_50]

Some are not-so-secret, some are totally secret. There's some wriggle room, but I'm sorry--it's not important. What's important is where you'd wanna meet. Your call; I got my stree'doo, so I can get just about anywhere in good time.

[locked]

[akito]

Is by the pond alright?

[locked]

[10_20_15_5_50]

Sure thing. I'll be there ASAP!

[locked]

[akito]

Thanks. I will be waiting there.

[and action]

[10_20_15_5_50]

[Sam actually manages to arrive in a surprisingly short time, zipping towards the pond on her stree'doo---and making a mental note to thank Wheeljack for the sturdiness of the mod job. She slows, seeing Akito, and lifts a hand in greeting as she pulls up to park.]

Hey. How're you doing?

[video]

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[Frowning.] You too, huh kid? No, this isn't normal.

You want me to come get you? I don't think that'll make him go away, but at least you won't be alone.

[video]

[akito]

Meet me at the pond, if that's okay?

[video to audio to action]

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

On my way.

[The image cuts as he changes into his alt and heads out...but he doesn't cut the feed entirely. He keeps it open in case something changes. And so he can announce his arrival a short time later. Thank Primus for ground bridges.]

I'm here, kid.

[He's by the bank, still in car form, and door open for Akito.]

[akito]

[ akito is already waiting for breakdown, curled up near the edge of the pond, still wet from his resurfacing. He isn't surprised by the car form anymore, and though he heads over closer to meet him he makes no move to hop inside the car. Somehow he thinks it would be rude. ]

Hi, Mr. Breakdown.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Hey, kiddo. You want a ride?

[He waggles his door a little.]

[akito]

[ that actually makes him stifle some giggles, but he's equally as curious as he is amused: ]

Isn't it strange to have someone sitting inside of you?

FFFffff Too many cute feels, Ahk!

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Heh. Very, actually, but not...in a bad way? I dunno. I'd never carried passengers before I got here and I've only done it one other time so far. Feels weird, but not bad.

[He'll wait with door open for Akito to climb in if he's going to.]

mr breadown, his robo friend!

[akito]

If you're sure it's okay...

[ he'll step closer as though to get in, but hesitates just to make sure it really is okay before doing so.

It's strange to think that he's sitting inside of Breakdown right now... yet it also makes him feel very safe. ]

Is it okay if I sleep for a little bit..? I didn't want to fall asleep by myself, with him there...

they're adorable.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

I'm sure.

[Once Akito is in he'll close the door. As he said before, he can't promise to keep the spirit away, but at least the kid won't have to deal with it alone.]

Yeah, that's fine. You get some rest.

[He's gonna start back for his place....boy...Knock Out's gonna love this...]

breakdown returns home with a stray human can we keep him knock out??? plz???

[akito]

Un... Thanks, Mr. Breakdown. Wake me up when I need to move, ne?

[ luckily enough, akito does in fact have a blanket now, tucked safely away in his waterproof backpack. He pulls it out and curls up in it quite securely, hoping to catch up on rest before the doctor finds him again.

It says a lot as to how much he trusts breakdown that he's fast asleep only moments after he's tucked himself in comfortably. ]

So uh....found this kid, and uh....he's just gonna stay for a little while.....okay?

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[Wake him?! Naaah. Breakdown will take his time driving back to his place, avoiding the ground bridges so Akito can sleep without interruption for a couple hours. When he does get back, well...he still doesn't wake the kid. Instead he'll very carefully transform, making sure Akito ends up securely in his hand. That done, and assuming Akito doesn't wake up startled, he'll go sit and watch some TV with the boy cradled in his hand.]

SOME TIME LATER~~~~

[automobileenthusiast]

[Knock Out rolls his shiny ass in, picking branches and leaves out of his left shoulder. His paint's a little scraped up too OH IT'S SO TRAGIC.]

I swear, the next time some tortured soul wanders into the middle of the street while I'm driving, I'm going to... Breakdown, what's that?

[BUSTED, BIG GUY. What manner of critter do you have there?]