Metabees9

Outside. The vast unknown that lay past the familiar walls of their small apartment. All three of the yellow beetle figures had seen plenty of pictures showcasing the world's wonders far beyond their tiny reach. Saikachis sat beside Little Bee on the windowsill, staring at the tall green-needled trees across the way. He wondered what it would be like to go out and touch it. While happy with his friends, the new model had started feeling a bit confined in his home. He bent his knees up and leaned forward, wrapped his arms around the legs and placed his chin upon them.

The smaller of the two tilted his head at this, wondering if something might be wrong with his companion. Saikachis gave no further indication to his mood. Little Bee stayed put, thinking, looking around for clues. It had been a fine day for all of them; nothing had occurred that should have put one in such a state. Feeling troubled, with a continuous sinking sensation, the little bug simply knew that the other was unwell. It became apparent to the small one, however, that the new model had not taken his eyes off of the same spot. What could he possibly be watching?

Little Bee stared at the same spot, expecting something to happen. Ten minutes passed by with no activity. He was about to give up, when at last he had an idea. Perhaps it was simply what was right in front of them. Once the thought came through, the little one began to understand. He, too, had felt the longing of wanting to know more about the outside. So had Big Bee.

The more the little Metabee figure thought about it, the more he was certain that it was indeed the issue. He stood, pat Saikachis on the shoulder, and left to find the third. The new figure remained at the sill, having no desire to follow. Big Bee sat at the desk, quietly scribbling on the tablet. He was attempting to draw himself in a superhero cape, though his skills had not improved much since his last drawing. The smallest figure walked up beside him, and Big Bee gave an excited wave, pointing at his latest masterpiece.

Little Bee gave an enthusiastic thumbs up, then leaned over and motioned for the other to clear the screen. The larger one shrugged and did so, handing over the pen afterwards. He got up to leave, but the smaller insisted he stay, then spent a solid five minutes trying to explain. Eventually the plan was agreed upon between them, and the two set to work. They spent half an hour each on their project, and all the while Saikachis stayed seated where he was. Once the two older figures were satisfied, they picked up the tablet and carried it as far across the desk as space would allow.

The two of them then tried to get the new model's attention. Big Bee stomped his feet as loud as he could, and Little Bee followed suit. The annoyance crept through to Saikachis' conscience, and the model turned around. He saw the others acting oddly; he decided he may as well find out why. The model made his way to the desk so the others could finally show him what they'd done. Displayed on the screen were two vastly different pictures.

On the left, Big Bee's drawing; an erupting volcano, with contrasting dark rock and bright magma. On the right was Little Bee's picture; a soft grassy plain dotted with pastel-colored flowers under a bright blue sky. They waited anxiously as Saikachis examined them. The new model grabbed the tablet and helped them set it down. Then he brought the other two towards him, and took one in each arm, giving as big a hug as he could manage. Big Bee resisted the urge to pull away this time, allowing himself to accept it this time. Little Bee returned the gesture by wrapping his smaller arms around the waists of the other two.

All three could enjoy the outdoors from inside together.