#tome softdi

[nylocke-dragonofthecoldsteel]

At times I wonder about Sir Gamecrazed...

Or would it be Lady Gamecrazed? Or Lady Softdi?

No matter! I want to get to know more about him! Or her! Or them! For I am...

NYLOCKE! DRAGON OF PURSUING MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS!

[kudotsurugi]

While the TOME RPG is still being worked on, fans of the TOME webseries will know that yesterday, February 20th 2020, was the in-series release date for the fictional MMO.

So in celebration, I decided to create some chibis of the Alpha and the group, using my 'Season 3' fan designs.

Once again, we're passing through points in fictional history. Crazy huh?

[kudotsurugi]

Here’s Part 2 of our TOME ‘What-If Season 3′ story. I’m splitting the written story into separate posts based on the art the writing is associated with, so that will be why some story bits will be shorter/longer than others.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1) (You are here) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

After the battle, and Kirb changed back to Zetto using a pose that reminded Alpha of some certain transforming superheroes, Zetto explained to Alpha that he, Nylocke and Flamegirl were invited to HOME by one of the Netkings, Kindarspirit, to called SOFTDI’s birthday, and Nye and Flamey were already waiting for him.

When they arrived, they were witness to the sight of Nylocke, Flamegirl and Kindarspirit collectively fawning over a more human-looking SOFTDI.

“Wow, that’s a good look on her” Alpha smiled, “Did you design that for her, Zetto?” Zetto paused for a moment. “It was the least l could do”, he sighed, “Considering how much happened because of my screwups over the past year, I want to make up for it however I can”. 

Alpha placed a hand on his shoulder, “Don’t worry”, he assured him with a thumbs-up, “You’re doing good here. It was a great idea for a present.”

[kudotsurugi]

And finally, for the last part in the TOME ‘Season 3 What-If’ story, we see a broken bond slowly start to mend.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(You are here)

“...Why?”

After Giga and Rubi left, that question was the first words to leave Kizuna’s lips. SOFTDI turned to face her, “What do you mean?” she asked.

“After what I’ve done, what I’ve said to you in the past. You’re an AI that knows what everyone is thinking, and you know how I feel about that, about you...,” she briefly glanced at Zetto, “…about him. So why? Why were you trying to protect me earlier? Even when you know how I feel, why would you stand up for me?” 

SOFTDI was hesitant but looked to Nylocke who gave her an encouraging smile as if to say, ‘good luck’. She returned a nervous smile and looked back to Kizuna.

“Reading minds... can only tell me so much”, she began, “I could rattle off a list of things going through your head like you asked. But that wouldn’t help me understand you any better. Back then, I didn’t know what it meant to have privacy... or know love. But the past year I’ve spent as Gamecrazed, I’ve learned more about the people in this game than I would have just reading their minds, and I’m honoured to say that they are some of the closest friends I’ve ever had.”

“Where are you going with this?”

“I... I wanted to say I’m sorry for what happened back then,” SOFTDI continued, “if I wasn’t so afraid of that monster, the virus wouldn’t have possessed it. I know could never make up for what’s happened to you or Zetto.. but I..”

Kizuna then noticed SOFTDI’s face. She had tears in her eyes.

“I… wanted to make it up to you”, she concluded, stammering, “and I want to get to know you, properly... if y-you’ll let me.”

Kizuna couldn’t believe her eyes. Despite the fact in her mind that SOFTDI was an AI, designed to translate the players thoughts into code, that in her mind she wouldn’t know what it’s like to be human, here she was standing in front of her... crying. Maybe... maybe she wrong. Maybe SOFTDI did know what it meant to be human, at least emotionally. Maybe it wasn’t entirely her fault for creating that virus. And for what it was worth, SOFTDI was trying to give Kizuna a second chance. Maybe it was time she did the same. 

“It’s funny...”, she sighed, “I didn’t think I’d see a day when a robot would cry. I guess the other Netkings were right about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“A friend told me something recently” Kizuna began, “that forgetting something doesn’t change the fact that it happened, and that it’s easier having a friend to help you than shouldering your problems alone. She wanted to help me, give me a second chance, just like you are now.”

“Kizuna...”

“And I know I haven’t been exactly… mature about you, to put it extremely lightly, but now I think that virus wasn’t entirely your fault.” Kizuna extended a hand to SOFTI, “If you’re willing to try make up for past mistakes... I think I should start growing up a bit and make up for mine.” 

Kizuna was expecting a handshake from SOFTDI. What she got instead was a hug and the brightest smile that she had ever seen. 

“Thank you,” SOFTDI beamed, with a few tears still in her eyes.

“Whoa there, easy”, Kizuna teased, “I can actually feel that hug. Although, I guess that isn’t so bad.”

Alpha and Flamey breathed a sigh of relief, fearing the worst, which thankfully hadn’t come to be. Kizuna looked over to Zetto, “I can see now why you like these guys so much”, she conceded. 

“They do grow on you,” he agreed, “especially the big guy”, he pointed to Nylocke, who looked like he was about the burst at the seams with joy.

“Oh, I am overcome with Joy yet again!” the dragon warrior bellowed in delight, as he proceeded to comically drag everyone into a group a hug, “Once again, I am... Nylocke! Master of Overflowing Affection!”

This was a long day, Kizuna thought, a day full of firsts. She did a lot of things today she thought she wouldn’t be doing, and it was pretty crazy. But right now, at this moment, it wasn’t all bad. Because for the first time, she felt at ease.

The ‘FLUX’ mission could wait, dealing with Rubi could wait. The world right now, as it was, could wait.

Because now, she could truly relax, and enjoy TOME for what it was and was always meant to be: A fun game enjoyed by people from all over the world, and something she can enjoy it with her new friends.

Continue?

[kudotsurugi]

Here’s Part 10 of the TOME ‘Season 3 What-If’ story, our second last entry in the story, where we get some insight into Rubirules’ motives behind partnering with Giga.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (You are here) (11)

“Before we go”, Rubirules spoke up, “I want to set my record straight on why I did what I did.” He took off his cracked glass mask, turning to Alpha and the others, “I don’t regret my actions from that day. I did what I felt was right. The only reason I didn’t stop when you asked me was because I thought you were pulling a fast one on me.”

“Fine,” Alpha replied, “but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna forgive you so easily.”

“Look kid, I’m not asking for your forgiveness,” the former Netking declared, “Like I said, I did what I felt was right, and my goals remain the same. I’m still going to change the world and revolutionise the world’s technology. But this time, I’ll work through the government and I won’t let any obsessive backstabbing stalkers ruin it for me.”

Alpha knew all too well who Rubi was talking about. In the past, Rubi had taken on a hacker by the username Neomutant, who was a former classmate and stalker of Flamegirl, to help create an anti-virus to combat the Forbidden Power, but he withheld information from Rubi about how its carrier would be put in danger.

“I only found out about what Neomutant kept from me after I got brought in for interrogation,” Rubi continued, “Needless to say, I am more than angry at his betrayal and the fact that he’s still out there.”

“He’s WHAT?”, Flamey was taken aback by this news, as were the others, “I thought he got arrested the same time you did!”

“That made two of us,” Rubi agreed, “but that’s why I’m here. Giga made me an offer I couldn’t refused: Help him investigate this ‘FLUX’ program and find Neomutant or waste my time in a cell. He had me at ‘find him’. You brats only got in my way because a jilted stalker got drunk on revenge. So, I’m more than happy to help catch that psycho”.

“For once,” Alpha smirked, “something we can agree on.”

Rubi then noticed SOFTDI with her arm stretched out in front of Kizuna. “Wow, she really likes you, doesn’t she?” he teased, “what is she, like, a robot guard dog for you now?”

“Drop. It.” SOFTDI snapped at him, “she’s been through enough because of your actions, so back off.”

Rubi was surprised at this development, and from the looks of it, so was Kizuna. They both knew that SOFTDI didn’t have the best relationship with Kizuna... so why? Why was SOFTDI acting so protective of her? Despite his curiosity, he figured it was an answer best saved for another day.

“Alright alright, down girl”, he relented, “’I’ve gotta leave anyway”. He turned away and walked towards Giga but turned his head back towards Alpha. “If that psycho shows up to try something- “

“Don’t worry,” Alpha assured him, “You’ll be the first to know. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?”

“Heh. Glad we could reach an understanding... Alpha.”

And with that, Giga and Rubirules took their leave from HOME, logging out through beams of light.

[kudotsurugi]

We end our group’s heart-to-heart chats in Part 7 of the TOME ‘Season 3 What-If’ story, but we have a few more parts to go before we can wrap this story up.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (You are here) (8) (9) (10) (11)

“Honestly Alpha”, Kirb lamented, “I wish things between Kizuna and I were back to normal, before all the hacker stuff, before that virus, just enjoying TOME for what it is. I wouldn’t have been to do it without you and others and I want to share that with her too. But as things are now, I guess I’d be crying for the moon, huh?”

Alpha stood up, “Kirb,” he began,” l think we just need to give her some space for the time being. Flamey’s gone over to talk to her, but whatever comes of it should just play out for now.” 

Kirb nodded in agreement. “Besides, if she’s as stubborn as you”, Alpha teased, “it’ll be like telling you not yell your opening attacks.” 

“Don’t tell me how to play my game, man!” yelled the flailing imp, as Alpha laughed in amusement. “C’mon, how about we fight some folks at the mansion?” he offered, “that’ll cheer you up”.

“Alright, alright, let’s beat down some chumps”, Kirb agreed, jumping off the bench, “And Alpha?” Alpha turned to see Kirb with a fist raised in his direction, “Thanks for hearing me out, man.”

“Anytime,” Alpha assured him, “That’s what friends are for.” With that, the two shared a fist-bump and made their way to the mansion.

____________________

“Do you think”, SOFTDI asked, “Kizuna would ever accept me as I am?”

Nylocke, after hearing her plight, couldn’t confidently give her an answer. “Honestly, my lady,” he began, “I’m afraid I can’t give you a straight answer.”

SOFTDI sighed, “Sorry if l was asking so much of you”.

“However,” he continued, “in the time that I’ve known you as Sir Gamecrazed, I’ve seen that you show a deep care for the people of this game. As I understand now, so did Zetto & Kizuna, despite our differing methods of showing it.”

“Where are you going with this?” SOFTDI inquired.

“Instead of focusing on the past and what makes you different,” Nylocke finished, “focus on what you have in common and show her how you’ve grown and matured.”

SOFTDI pondered on this for a bit. “Well… I suppose it’s worth a try”, she noted, “maybe we can talk about this again in the future?”

“But of course,”, Nylocke approved, "I would be most honored to help you as you helped us in the past, for I am... NYLOCKE! Master of Helping Those in Need!”

SOFTDI gave a soft chuckle, “Thank you, Nylocke,” she confided, “you really are a good friend”.

___________________

“Say Kizuna”, Flamey offered, “Do you wanna have a battle before you head off?” 

Kizuna was slightIy taken aback by this offer. “Oh, umm... Okay”, she accepted, “is there a particular reason why?”

“Not really. I just thought it’d be fun”, Flamey admitted, “although… would we really call our match at the Gemini Tournament a proper battle?” she added with a sly grin.

“I see,” Kizuna smirked, ”Okay then, Flamey. Will we go one round or best of three?”

“I’m good with best of three if you are. Think you can handle it?”, Flamey teased.

“Well, Iet’s load up the grid and find out,” the Netqueen replied in earnest.

This was a new feeling for Kizuna. Up until now, she treated her battles with cold determined precision for the sake of the mission, deleting the virus created by SOFTDI. But now, battling with a player with no stakes (except maybe pride), no hackers, just pure enjoyment, it felt like a weight off her shoulders. 

Interacting with SOFTDI could wait, interacting with Zetto outside work could wait, any problems she had on her mind could wait. 

Because, for the first time, since developing the game, she was starting to enjoy TOME as it was meant to be

For the first time, in a long time, she felt free.

[kudotsurugi]

Now here’s Part 6 of the TOME ‘Season 3 What-If’ story, where all the groups are starting their heart-to-heart chats, which conclude in Part 7.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (You are here) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

The trio decided it would be best to have some heart-to-heart chats with the others: Alpha would chat with Kirb, Flamey with Kizuna, and Nylocke with SOFTDI. 

Alpha found Kirb at bench in the woods, “Hey, mind if I join you?”

“Nah, it’s cool. Go ahead”, the imp allowed, as Alpha made his way behind the bench. “So.. how are things with you and Kizuna? Is everything okay?” 

“It’s… been complicated,” Kirb explained, “We haven’t really talked since what happened with the virus and SOFTDI. We’ve been able to get along well for work, but outside that... it’s been awkward.”

___________

Nylocke and SOFTDl decided to sit down at one of the campfires.

“It’s rare that l see you troubled, Lady SOFTDI of the Lavender Shadows,” the dragon warrior inquired, “Might it have something to do with Zetto & Kizuna’s now aloof relationship?” 

SOFTDI sighed, “More than you know. When TOME was being made, l didn’t quite understand what love was. Or… privacy, to be more precise. Kizuna was scared that I could read her thoughts, and I didn’t know it was bad to say I could. In hindsight, it was my own fault, but I don’t know if she’d forgive me for what happened to Zetto”.

____________

Kizuna had just reached the wastelands when she heard someone from behind: “Kizuna, wait up!” It was Flamegirl, just coming out of the woods. “Look,” Kizuna began, “I already told you, I-” 

“I know you don’t want to hang out with the group”, Flamegirl interrupted, “but is it okay if we just talk about what happened back then?” Kizuna turned her gaze away, “I’m sorry, but I honestly don’t”, she objected, “I just want to forget it ever -” “Forgetting about it won’t change the fact that it happened.” Kizuna turned back to face Flamegirl, where she saw a worried smile and a hand reached out. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy dealing with what’s happened”, Flamegirl consoled her, “but I learned having a friend there to help you has been a lot easier on my life than shouldering my problems alone.  I want to do the same for you. If you give me the chance.” 

Kizuna had almost forgotten, that because of their actions in the past year, Flamegirl had gone through similar lengths for Alpha as she did for Zetto. “I don’t feel like I’m ready to talk about it quite yet”, she relented, “but… thank you for reaching out to me, Flamegirl”, and she extended her hand in response. “Anytime. My friends call me Flamey”, she chuckled as they both shook hands.

[kudotsurugi]

Here’s part 5 of the TOME ‘Season 3 What-If’ story, and just because Kizuna’s back in the fold of the Netkings doesn’t mean that everything’s sunshine and rainbows just yet.

Links to Parts 1-11:(1) (2) (3) (4) (You are here) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

After the celebrations ended, the group decided to hang out in the woods of Lavendera. “Y’know”, Flamey pointed out, “this’d actually be a good opportunity to know Kizuna better. Does anyone mind if I send her a PM?”

“I don’t see why not”, Alpha encouraged, “Verily! It would be most considerate to invite Lady Kizuna of the Wandering Bonds”, Nylocke chimed in, “I feel it would help to know a fellow warrior in arms”. 

Soon Kizuna arrived, but she didn’t seem to be in the most chipper of spirits. SOFTDI approached her, but Kizuna turned her back to her. “Is everything okay?” SOFTDI asked cautiously. “You know it’s not”, she sighed, as she then turned her eyes to the group.

“Listen”, she apologized, “I appreciate you inviting me to hang out with you like this… But I haven’t completely gotten over what happened those 4 months ago. I just... need some time to think.” 

She turned to Kirb and gave an unsure smile, “See you tomorrow for work?” “Sure”, he responded in kind, “see ya.’ And with that, she walked away to the entrance of the woods, as Kirb walked further in, leaving SOFTDI disheartened, and Alpha, Flamey and Nylocke briefly unsure how to handle the situation.