Phighting: TAKEOVER!

CHAPTER TWELVE - The Search Begins

> Medkit POV.

As the room was swallowed by the darkness, Medkit finally shifted in his seat. His brow creased in worry. He had a theory, but he didn't want to believe it. 

Was he responsible for this, in a way?

Blackrock, a place that was meant to be his home, was now likely off limits, especially after he'd made such a mess. What was going to happen to his lab partner? Was Subspace dead? He probably didn't appreciate Medkit accidentally driving a crystal into his eye. At least they were even now. 

"All right, I say we go outside and fix the lights before we all--" Medkit noticed the glowing blue outlines of a suit and helmet in the corner. "What--"

"That's me," Hyperlaser waved his arms, and then there was a thump. "...I hit something on my nine o'clock."

"That was me, bluey!" Scythe's mechanical eye whirred to life, the faint blue immediately beaming a tiny spotlight right into Vinestaff's face. She shielded her eyes, proceeding to elbow her brother in doing so. For the next ten minutes, the group awkwardly shuffled around and followed the lights of Hyperlaser's suit and Scythe's eye out into the hallway and then finally out of the hideout. 

The rain had died down, revealing a world of rolling plains and the occasional ruins of clay buildings. They were in Lost Temple territory, or at least somewhere close. 

Katana adjusted the folds of his clothing and crossed his arms. "I suggest we search for anyone who might know about this."

"Really now? Yer interested?" Scythe grinned, flaunting her gold fang. "I didn't think you were gonna help out. Honor and loyalty weren't ya thing, eh?"

Medkit watched them with mild interest, yanking the bad thoughts into the back of his head. He'd have to wait and see if he was right. He noticed Katana's hand snaking toward the hilt of his katana, but Hyperlaser stopped him. "Not worth it."

"I have an idea," Skateboard picked at his teeth. "Is there anyone who knows anything about robots around here?" 
Scythe snorted. "Broker's off limits, for yer information. Wish there was someone else who could help, though. I need to get this fixed," she flexed the stump of her missing arm. 

Medkit anxiously swallowed a little too hard and suddenly all eyes were on him. 

"What's wrong?" Vinestaff queried, picking off thorns blooming from her cursed arm. "Is everything okay?"

Medkit squashed down a flare of caution and blurted it out. "I worked with... robots."

That would do. He'd tactfully left out that he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew exactly what kind of robots were terrorizing Inphinity, but he needed to find out more. Once he got enough information, then maybe everyone else would be able to know what was going on... IF he was right.

"I can stay and fix your arm if you like," Medkit said after a moment's silence. "Uhm... maybe you could get me a few photos of the robots. I could try and distinguish the... model." Yes. Perfect tactic. Stay safe, stay out of the way, and get the information through the others. He repeated motivational messages in his head, wishing he'd utilized the Workplace Wellbeing program while he'd still had a job.

"Sounds like a plan," Hyperlaser coughed. "We'll go scout, you stay and figure things out. Let us know if you find anything." he took part in a swift salute and trooped off with Katana in tow, singing cheerfully. "Oh, away with the whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-leeeeeeeeeeers!"
Vinestaff and Shuriken exchanged confused frowns. Shuriken spoke up. "I think we should stay here. Just in case."

"Well, I'm goin'," Scythe gave Medkit a thankful nod. "Yer in charge. Keep an eye on those two."

Medkit watched Scythe's mouth quirk in a knowing grin. "And I better not catch ya stealin' my loot. I ain't a fan of booby traps, but let's just say I had a little fun with riggin' my important stuff."

The two siblings responded with equally terrified stares. Scythe laughed and turned on her heel, gallivanting off behind the others to get some answers.