( Enker is almost tempted to say something more, but once they make it clear they want to be left alone, he just nods. )

I won’t cross that boundary, then. I hope that you find peace, Maestro… and that we will speak again sometime soon.

( He forces himself to turn and head back into the woods. )

( He looks up towards Maestro again. )

I know I fight for my /own/ reasons now… and perhaps you haven’t found yours yet. But for me, the search was worth it.

I don’t want to see you wither away in this place. I want to /help/ you, and I’m sure Darma does as well.

( He frowns, gazing away again upon seeing that he isn’t helping Maestro’s mood. )

Your concern and care for your loved ones is yours.

If you cannot trust yourself to protect all others, then… the ones you care for would still be a reasonable start. But isolating yourself isn’t the answer.

/You/ do not have ulterior motives behind it, unlike Ra Moon, as far as I know.

You would not forcefully control other robots to complete that task... right?

Not /intentionally,/ though, correct?

You cannot be held at fault for something outside of your control; and certainly something you weren't aware of.

apocalypse, i see them reaching for my soul.

But you /are/ different than that. You would never harm anyone undeserving… that I know for myself.

Your origins do not define who you are now, Maestro.

( Enker can say this from experience. He hopes that helps a little. )

Every day, I fear the idea that Dr. Wily may try to reclaim me…

( He sighs. )

Is Ra Moon still out there, in that temple?

( He raises his eyebrows, expression growing even more concerned. )

Why do you say that…?

( Enker picks up on the pause. He’s too observant not to. )

I believe you. But… will you allow me to ask why?

( He wonders what they were looking at; or if they were looking at anything at all. It’s too dark in there for him to see. )

If you insist. I apologize for being overbearing.

( He’s silent for a few seconds before he decides to tell them. )

… You always have a place among me and my family, if you require alternate housing.

That isn’t meant to patronize you. I simply… worry for you, staying out in this freezing weather.

Y-Yes, I’m fine.

( It’s an awful lie. )

Perhaps I worry a bit /too/ much, that is all…

I see that now. You have always been quite resourceful, it’s very impressive.

( His voice is quiet. He’s clearly holding back a few words. )

I see... I'm very sorry to hear about that.

( Enker returns to sitting down, this time against the wall of the cave entrance. )

... If you need anything, you know you can contact me.