The Jester and the Mutant

An RP/Ask blog for Rubirules and Neomutant from TOME: Terrain of Magical Expertise

[fiery-hero]

(d-buggers) Amber, could you come back to the base for a moment? I would like to speak to you. -Rubi

She read the message over and over. She didn’t know why, but something about the shapeshifting Netking always creeped her out. I mean, he was the one behind the hackers. Were the other Netkings really okay with that? Nothing about it felt right. But she still liked him. He was pretty fun from time to time…

Flying up to the moon, the young AI walked around. “He’s probably up where Papa and Mama work…” She held her hands to her chest, and went up to the top of the base.

[d-buggers]

Rubi looked down at Amber. He could tell she was getting nervous being here alone, which caused a ping in his chest. He couldn’t have that: he needed her to trust him for this to work.

“I wish I could answer that for you kiddo…but to be truthful, I don’t know where they are right now. But I did tell them I wanted to give you this patch…Kizuna gave it a once-over herself the last time I saw her.”

He purposefully pulled up that part of the code for Amber to see.

“But I also added something a little more to it. Mainly cosmetic, and I wanted to show it to you before anyone else.”

[fiery-hero]

Looking over the section the Netking pulled up, she didn’t really understand what it meant. But she nodded, glancing off to the side. She couldn’t help but be curious though. What did he mean by cosmetic? Change how she looks? More then likely she’d ask to stay the way she is, but for now, she had a different request.

“If it’s possible…could we wait? I’d…feel more comfortable with Mama and Papa…” Nothing against Rubi, but it would calm her nerves to have the direct creators of her AI to be there when it’s updated.

[d-buggers]

Rubi blinked. that was a bit unexpected, he was sure that information would work and put her at ease. he didn’t like how this was unfolding…

“Your Mama and Papa already looked the main update over. They worked hard on it, went over it very carefully, and gave me permission to give it to you if I saw you first. It’ll be fine, but if you really don’t want it immediately, we can wait a little bit… But may I show you what I’ve been working on?” 

[d-buggers]

Neomutant wanted to immediately retaliate against that statement, saying it wasn’t about Stephanie at all…but the girls words held some truth. he basked in the uncomfortable air around him for a second before he responded.

“Not entirely. But it involves both you and her. Since you’ve been around her for a while now, I assume you’ve seen how she is around me, or when her real life comes into the picture…but I also want you to know me for yourself. And in a way, I wanted to know what -you- thought of me.”

Neomutant felt his stomach flip. it was terrible to put Amber in such a position, but his curiosity couldn’t stand it anymore.

[fiery-hero]

He was nervous. Even if she couldn’t sense the emotions of others, she could pick that up plain as day. Of course he’d be curious, but she didn’t truly expect him to come up to her and ask. Amber stayed away from the hackers her parents hired for the most part, the only other one she actually spoke to was Ravenfreak.

Looking down, the girl started playing with her ribbon. “Honestly…I didn’t like you at first. Mainly because I first saw you through Flamey…and she doesn’t really like you…” At all, but she didn’t add that part. “I thought you were kinda creepy…but I try not to let first impressions be the final judge.”

Everyone had a nice side. That’s what Amber believed. So if Neomutant wanted to talk to her, maybe she could get to know that side of him.

[d-buggers]

it was just the response he had anticipated...Neomutant couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

“I can see her reasons why she wouldn't like me..and perhaps this character model doesn't help for the ‘creepiness’, considering how I've acted in the game..” he turned his head to face her.

“But I appreciate your honesty, and your willingness to understand more than one view...I would like to apologize for anything I did that may have given you those impressions. I just..get worried easily, especially when it comes to   Steph- er...Flamey....and despite our real life issues, I still care about her.” 

“And while it may be hard for her to see that right now..I appreciate you giving me a chance.”

[fiery-hero]

(d-buggers) Amber, could you come back to the base for a moment? I would like to speak to you. -Rubi

She read the message over and over. She didn’t know why, but something about the shapeshifting Netking always creeped her out. I mean, he was the one behind the hackers. Were the other Netkings really okay with that? Nothing about it felt right. But she still liked him. He was pretty fun from time to time…

Flying up to the moon, the young AI walked around. “He’s probably up where Papa and Mama work…” She held her hands to her chest, and went up to the top of the base.

[d-buggers]

Rubi couldn’t help but smile at Ambers returned greeting. Her voice was softer than usual, but just the right tone of politeness..and the small stroke to his ego certainly added to that. Its not every day he’s appreciated by someone else not in his department. However, as he looked at her, he could see the empty air settling in, causing her to fidget just a little…he couldn’t remember the last time they were alone, if at all.

‘makes this all the more perfect’ he thought to himself, keeping his smile warm an genuine.

“Yes, I did want to see you. Thanks for coming here on such a short notice too!” he turned his attention back to the monitor, motioning Amber to come closer. “As you know, we’ve added a lot of patches to the antivirus program since its initial creation.Mostly small improvements, better efficiency in output… but I really think I made a breakthrough with this last patch..”

[fiery-hero]

She never liked these updates. Of course, she knew it was important. Always improving, so that she could take on the virus. But the feeling was similar to a child going to the doctor. You know you have to do it, and it’ll help in the long run, but that doesn’t mean she has to like it. What always made her extra nervous was the fact that without the antivirus, she wouldn’t be able to function. So if any of these patches had some kinda bug in them…

Zetto and Kizuna always assured her it would be fine, though. But this time they weren’t here. Imagine having to go to a doctor’s appointment all alone as a kid. Scary, huh?

Giving the man a small nod, she walked over. She looked over the screen. Despite being an AI, she couldn’t understand coding that well… But she knew it was just an update.

“If you don’t mind me asking…where are Papa and Mama…?”

[d-buggers]

Rubi looked down at Amber. He could tell she was getting nervous being here alone, which caused a ping in his chest. He couldn’t have that: he needed her to trust him for this to work.

“I wish I could answer that for you kiddo…but to be truthful, I don’t know where they are right now. But I did tell them I wanted to give you this patch…Kizuna gave it a once-over herself the last time I saw her.”

He purposefully pulled up that part of the code for Amber to see.

“But I also added something a little more to it. Mainly cosmetic, and I wanted to show it to you before anyone else.”

[d-buggers]

continued from here with @fiery-hero

He could actually feel his breath heighten as his character model stayed still. the small hand in his was trembling slightly, trying to withdraw- the shake went on for a few beats too long. and with the look on her face, she could also feel the awkward tension hanging heavy in the air.

he felt a small shock of realization running through, and withdrew his hand, taking in a deep breath. 

“So..we haven’t really spoken or know a lot about each other. I would like to fix that now…Theres some things i would really like to clear up with you, specifically.” he said as he made his way to the edge again, sitting down and patting the floor next to him.

[fiery-hero]

Nodding slightly, she walked over, sitting next to him, but not too close. Amber looked down. It seemed like there was no end in sight. Nothing but more platforms, stairs, and darkness. Personally, she didn’t get why they always kept the moon so dimly lit… Just aesthetics, she guessed. 

The young girl fiddled with the end of her ribbon in one hand. Her legs swinging on the edge of the platform. There was a good few moments of silence, though neither of them enjoyed it. Finally, Amber decided to speak up.

“It’s something about Flamey…isn’t it?” It was only a guess, and she’d feel rude if she turned out to be wrong. Humans are so complicated… She just really hoped he wouldn’t be offended.

[d-buggers]

Neomutant wanted to immediately retaliate against that statement, saying it wasn't about Stephanie at all...but the girls words held some truth. he basked in the uncomfortable air around him for a second before he responded.

“Not entirely. But it involves both you and her. Since you've been around her for a while now, I assume you've seen how she is around me, or when her real life comes into the picture...but I also want you to know me for yourself. And in a way, I wanted to know what -you- thought of me.”

Neomutant felt his stomach flip. it was terrible to put Amber in such a position, but his curiosity couldn’t stand it anymore.

[d-buggers]

“....”

“Block them?”

“Immediately.”

[d-buggers]

Rubi, what are your thoughts on Amber, exactly?

“My thoughts on Amber are....rather mixed. On one hand, she's proven to be a pretty big asset to the Antivirus program, since through her, the targets wielding of it becomes easier. Not to mention the others side ‘project’ with her, treating her as a child, almost like how we treated...” his voice trailed off.

Rubi sighed and shook his head. “Thing is though, The antivirus is only meant for one thing: to cancel out the virus. A virus that hasn't been seen anywhere before. Its not meant to be wielded on a small scale...the antivirus code we’ve written so far is pages upon pages long. Ambers AI code can't measure up to its full extent, as her own program is meant for more...different purposes.”

“I took very little part in writing Ambers code at all. Neomutant and I focused on the main program as the others began their little ‘side experiment’. Call it a hunch, but I don't like working with code that I didn't write or review myself....so from that standpoint, its hard. I know Amber means a lot to them...and as an AI, I can see her potential...but I fear that people may be putting her over the main objective.”“...but if I can view her code myself, and make her better...more helpful to the rest of that cause...maybe that will give her have a different purpose.”

[d-buggers]

Let's just say you need to tread carefully

“...We will then.”

Neomutant pondered for a moment...He still didn't know what exactly these grey faces knew. but if they have knowledge about alternate events, he had no choice but to trust them for now. Perhaps this time, in this particular perception of reality, things can be avoided...

[d-buggers]

Your futures are going to be very interesting

“Oh? I wonder what makes you say that....do you Anons know the future too?”

[fiery-hero]

(d-buggers) Amber, could you come back to the base for a moment? I would like to speak to you. -Rubi

She read the message over and over. She didn’t know why, but something about the shapeshifting Netking always creeped her out. I mean, he was the one behind the hackers. Were the other Netkings really okay with that? Nothing about it felt right. But she still liked him. He was pretty fun from time to time…

Flying up to the moon, the young AI walked around. “He’s probably up where Papa and Mama work…” She held her hands to her chest, and went up to the top of the base.

[d-buggers]

Rubi looked over the monitor in haste, his eyes scanning over the code he had just completed. his fingers were a blur, as he picked over the code with the precision of a fine toothed comb. A parameter applied here, a float value there, and a boolean to start it all….he smiled as he saved his work, sighing in relief. “There. that should do it..” he said, his eyes nearly glowing over his work. however, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw movement- a small flash of pink approaching the top of the base.

“Ah, theres the girl of the hour! It’s good to see you again kiddo.”

[fiery-hero]

Smiling lightly at the crystal Netking. “Likewise.” Her voice was soft, like a flower just starting to bloom. She moved over to where he was. Even if he was a bit suspicious for hiding all this from his co-workers, it was a bit understandable. He probably didn’t want them to worry…

“So…um, you wanted to see me, sir?” This was a first for her. She’s only met Rubi a few times, and she was always with Zetto or Kizuna. This is the first time she’d be alone with him. Not that it was a bad thing. It was just awkward.

[d-buggers]

Rubi couldn’t help but smile at Ambers returned greeting. Her voice was softer than usual, but just the right tone of politeness..and the small stroke to his ego certainly added to that. Its not every day he’s appreciated by someone else not in his department. However, as he looked at her, he could see the empty air settling in, causing her to fidget just a little…he couldn’t remember the last time they were alone, if at all.

‘makes this all the more perfect’ he thought to himself, keeping his smile warm an genuine.

“Yes, I did want to see you. Thanks for coming here on such a short notice too!” he turned his attention back to the monitor, motioning Amber to come closer. “As you know, we’ve added a lot of patches to the antivirus program since its initial creation.Mostly small improvements, better efficiency in output… but I really think I made a breakthrough with this last patch..”

[fiery-hero]

(d-buggers) Amber, could you come back to the base for a moment? I would like to speak to you. -Rubi

She read the message over and over. She didn’t know why, but something about the shapeshifting Netking always creeped her out. I mean, he was the one behind the hackers. Were the other Netkings really okay with that? Nothing about it felt right. But she still liked him. He was pretty fun from time to time…

Flying up to the moon, the young AI walked around. “He’s probably up where Papa and Mama work…” She held her hands to her chest, and went up to the top of the base.

[d-buggers]

Rubi looked over the monitor in haste, his eyes scanning over the code he had just completed. his fingers were a blur, as he picked over the code with the precision of a fine toothed comb. A parameter applied here, a float value there, and a boolean to start it all....he smiled as he saved his work, sighing in relief. “There. that should do it..” he said, his eyes nearly glowing over his work. however, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw movement- a small flash of pink approaching the top of the base.

“Ah, theres the girl of the hour! It’s good to see you again kiddo.”

[d-buggers]

continued from here with @fiery-hero

He could actually feel his breath heighten as his character model stayed still. the small hand in his was trembling slightly, trying to withdraw- the shake went on for a few beats too long. and with the look on her face, she could also feel the awkward tension hanging heavy in the air.

he felt a small shock of realization running through, and withdrew his hand, taking in a deep breath. 

“So..we haven't really spoken or know a lot about each other. I would like to fix that now...Theres some things i would really like to clear up with you, specifically.” he said as he made his way to the edge again, sitting down and patting the floor next to him.

[fiery-hero]

(dbuggers) Hello...Amber, right? I don't think I've seen much of you since heard of your "creation". May I speak to you back at base? I would like to get to know you better. -Neomutant

No. She didn’t like this at all.

Amber “grew up” seeing things from Flamegirl’s perspective. She saw the world through her eyes, and felt what she did. Flamey didn’t like Neomutant, and neither did Amber.

Even without the mental link, Amber still wouldn’t like him. The mysterious player was unsettling to her. But…everyone should get a second chance. Sighing lightly, she went up to meet him.

[d-buggers]

Neomutant paced near the edge of a platform, running over situations in his head. He never really bothered with Amber since her creation. It wasn’t his job to: she was just an add on to the main program. But something with his last encounter with Stephanie didn’t sit well with him.

His partner Dustbunny and himself were powerless when the shield broke. The antivirus-and Amber, by extension- was their only saving grace. Did having Amber make it easier for her to channel the program?

and how much have they shared with each other?

He sat on the ledge, looking down into the abyss of the moons interior. “I hope I make a good impression…”

[fiery-hero]

She made her way to where Neomutant was, seeing him sit on the ledge. Naturally the child was nervous, for various reasons.Though as she got closer, she started picking up on his emotions. He felt…worried? Anxious?

Taking a breath, she spoke up.

“U-Um…” That was more of a squeak. “Hello…you wanted to see me…?” Amber finally managed to say. Maybe he would just want to talk.

[d-buggers]

Neomutant nearly jumped. This girl was quiet mover. ‘play it cool, play it cool’ he thought to himself as he turned to see her.

She was so small, her pink outfit still saturated against the inner glow of the base. Had Neomutant not known better, he would have mistaken her for some new player that just waltz’d into the base from ;Sanctuary.

“Ah, I did. Thank you for coming so quickly.” he got up from the ledge and faced her. His old instincts kicked in as he extended his hand, his back straightening, as if he was trying to be professional as possible.

“It’s nice to see you again..” he smiled through his mask, as his mind was screaming from the mental velocity his thoughts have reached.

[fiery-hero]

(dbuggers) Hello...Amber, right? I don't think I've seen much of you since heard of your "creation". May I speak to you back at base? I would like to get to know you better. -Neomutant

No. She didn’t like this at all.

Amber “grew up” seeing things from Flamegirl’s perspective. She saw the world through her eyes, and felt what she did. Flamey didn’t like Neomutant, and neither did Amber.

Even without the mental link, Amber still wouldn’t like him. The mysterious player was unsettling to her. But…everyone should get a second chance. Sighing lightly, she went up to meet him.

[d-buggers]

Neomutant paced near the edge of a platform, running over situations in his head. He never really bothered with Amber since her creation. It wasn’t his job to: she was just an add on to the main program. But something with his last encounter with Stephanie didn’t sit well with him.

His partner Dustbunny and himself were powerless when the shield broke. The antivirus-and Amber, by extension- was their only saving grace. Did having Amber make it easier for her to channel the program?

and how much have they shared with each other?

He sat on the ledge, looking down into the abyss of the moons interior. “I hope I make a good impression…”

[d-buggers]

do you know what kind of effect the antivirus will have on it's user?

“Based on our findings, especially from the tournament, we know that the antivirus is effective in small doses. Seems that the girl Neomutant chose is gaining more control over it too...which could be a good and bad thing.”

Rubi paused for a moment, pulling up a window and readying a keyboard.

“But if its to be fully effective, its results gotta get bigger. Theres only so much a user can do on their own. Nobody has gotten hurt so far from it, and if we keep going in this direction, we’ll be fine.”

He began typing a message.“Thats why we need to do more tests.”

[d-buggers]

Why do you two have a blog?!

“Couple of different reasons, actually. The main one is I proposed a few ideas to Neomutant about testing the antivirus in small amounts. He suggested this place to me. Apparently theres a lot of isolated incidents between players on here, which would work perfectly for what we are looking to do.”

[d-buggers]

Do you two know a "player" named Amber?

The Netking jumped at the mention of the “player”, only known to a select few.

“…We do, yes...but I'm surprised an anon like you knows about her.”

“...and thats concerning. ‘wonder how much else you anons know...”

[d-buggers]

I wonder what you two could be planning...

“A lot.” They say in unison.