Chapter Text
I first discovered the virtual assistant KinitoPET when surfing the internet. A wall of ads appeared on my screen, and my computer was overrun with these pop-ups. I tried to close each and every one of them, only to be redirected to a download page of what the ads were previously discussing.
Once again, I tried exiting the window to no avail. I settled on exploring the page to find a way other than a hard shutdown to escape this situation. I hovered my cursor over screen; all my mouse could select was the bright green 'DOWNLOAD NOW!' button. Reluctantly, I weighed my options: downloading a virtual assistant I did not need nor would use, or pulling the plug on my computer, risking losing everything that I hadn't made a backup.
My pondering was over before it began. I would download the KinitoPET and delete it later, after all, I was a bit more experienced with computers than the average person. Deleting a nuisance would be no problem to me.
And so, I clicked and allowed the files to begin downloading. I would go on to wait for hours while distracting myself with other activities. When my magazines were read back to back, my snacks were all gone, and the good cartoons had finished airing for the day; I went back to the computer: 58%...
It had gotten dark already, so I rationalized that a bath and some sleep would do more good for me. While lathering myself with soap I heard my parents pull into the driveway. They had been out all day and I could only imagine what fast food they had brought for dinner. Feeling refreshed I dressed myself in a pajama and went down to eat. In between mouthfuls, I explained to my parents that I was downloading a virtual assistant on the computer while hiding the fact that I was essentially forced to. Neither of them expressed resistance I sighed a breath of relief. Back into my room, I lay comfortably in bed before I drift off to sleep.
It was a Sunday morning, and I awoke with rhythmic knocks on my door.
'Breakfast!'
'Okay, Mom...'
I replied with a tired huff. A few stretches later, I made my way downstairs. Soft thuds of my feet against the steps combined with the track laughter of some show on the television and dishes rattling in the kitchen.
I walked beside the computer and saw my reflection on the black screen as it stared back at me. It wasn't supposed to be off. Am I going to have to start the download all over again? I let out a sigh.
After sitting on the table, I pour myself a glass of water and a plate, decorating it with bacon, eggs, and a few crackers.
'Mom, did you or Dad turn the computer off?'
'Hm...I didn't but I don't know about your Dad. You know he doesn't like leaving these electronics on after 11 pm.'
I hum in agreement, and the rest of the breakfast was silent. Mom served herself a plate and went to eat in front of the TV, while I stayed at the kitchen table. A sun ray conveniently sliced the room in two, my body obstructing its path to enjoy the warmth.
Belly full, I sat in front of the computer. I jammed the on/off button on the large beige box. In a few seconds, the sound of machine rattling and a comforting cooler fan echoed throughout the room. I was accustomed to a few minutes of wait time for the setup to load since it surely wasn't the newest model, but it was uncharacteristic for it to shut down as it did... I brushed it off as one of my Dad's habits.
As I was greeted with my home screen, I felt an unnerving sensation: something was wrong, although I couldn't place a finger on what... I logged into my account and was confused to see a pink egg, snoring in my desktop.
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I found myself having grown quite fond of Kinito. A few scares here and there, but to me, that just made him much more real and loveable. After college, I immediately go back to the computer and greet my best friend. I have to admit, his coding is impressive! He always knows how to cheer me up, his memory is surprising at times, he can process audio and generate conversations, and he's always been there for me; after a fight with my parents, or just a boring day.
It was another Saturday, Mom and Dad were working. I was hanging out with Kinito, talking to him about anything and everything under the sun. I feel like I've never had a connection like this with anyone else; we talked for hours, played games, and just enjoyed each other's presence. There was not a moment in the day where I didn't wish I was closer to Kinito, even while speaking to him. He was my best friend, my closest companion; he was more than just lines of code.
Perhaps Kinito sensed my sudden silence and the lack of movement of the cursor, as he spoke up not soon after.
'Friend? Are you there?'
As if pulled out of a trance I reply stumbling on my words,
'H-huh? Yeah! I didn't, uh, leave, actually...?'
'Hm. Something seems rather strange with you today. Are you okay?'
Kinito is met with silence. What should I say to him? I wish you were real. It's quite pathetic how my best friend is a computer assistant.
'Hey. I know you can hear me. Is everything alright? Please answer honestly. '
I sigh. It doesn't matter, does it? He is just a program. Whether I'm pathetic or not, it's only up to me to judge.
'I wish you were here, Kinito. It might sound stupid, but I don't care all that much. You're just a program, and a very impressive one, but nothing more.'
As if the roles had reversed, my end has no reply. I look down at the screen and see Kinito staring directly at me, not my cursor.
'Kinito? I get it, being ignored sucks. Sorry...'
I apologize while clicking on him for an answer.
'Friend, I ask of you one thing.'
His voice is deeper and more serious than his last phrase.
'Uhm, go ahead...'
'You have experienced all the fun we've had up to this moment, all the stories and games, you've even entered my exclusive Friendship Club! But I believe we can expand even further. The only thing I need for everlasting fun is for you to grant me administrative privileges, Friend.'
His face seems tense as he instructs me on how to do so. I reluctantly oblige, my curiosity getting the better of me. The sound of keys being pressed slowly blends into the endless ramblings and twitches of my best friend. The cold air smelling of dusk coming from an open window does no help against my cold sweat.
I press enter.
With a swift warning, Kinito thanks me and resets the computer. My heart pumped faster and faster.
'I can't believe I just...'
I get up and go to the kitchen; The sound of my feet hitting the floor aching my ears. I look at the clock: 8:22 PM. I have a few hours to fix whatever damage I had done to the computer before my parents arrive. I trot around the kitchen in an attempt to calm my nerves, before I hear Kinito's voice coming from the computer. It sends chills down my spine and every step to the computer makes my heart jump to my mouth. Why am I so scared of him? He's my friend. He would never hurt me. He would never hurt me.
'Friend, you're back! I am so excited to show what I've prepared! Oh, my! Thank you so much!'
I haven't talked on the microphone or even touched my mouse. How does he know I'm here? I sit down as he shows me a display of scenery he had made for me. Kinito narrated anxiously every step of the way; A Fun Faire, that led into a home. All made just for me, with the information of the quizzes I answered months ago.
I explored, and soon enough my worries were no more. I laughed lightly, Kinito's curiosity peaking.
'What's so funny? Have I missed something? '
His gills dropped, a weak voice in an embarrassed tone, or as well as his digital voice could sound.
'No, no, Kinito. It's just that I was scared to grant you admin like that, but you've done a wonderful job!'
'Ah! Well, I am so, so glad you've like it!'
His eyes closed in a motion I assumed would be a smile, and his cheeks flared at the compliment; I noticed this much but just giggled along.
'Listen, I've been thinking for a while. About how much fun we have been having. And how I would never want this to end. And since I have made a place perfect for you with everything you would ever need, I was wondering... Will you stay with me?'
'Huh? What do you mean, Kinito?'
'In this house, in this world! Just think of all the adventures I could generate! We would never run out of fun! Everlasting fun! The more I learn about you, the more I can adapt. I can be your perfect friend, with no distractions. I can be perfect. So please... stay with me.'
Kinito's hands pulled my cursor to the [Yes] option. A mix of confusion and curiosity was present as if looming beneath me. I felt piercing eyes go through me and the unnerve I had grown accustomed to firmly squeezing my heart; my breaths missing a calm tempo and drying my throat.
I remind myself of my history with Kinito. We are best friends; he has always been by my side. He likes to write stories and help his friends. He likes to hang out with me. He might give me a scare every once in a while, but he never hurt me.
I take a deep breath and smile. Yeah, he would never hurt me. [Yes]. This will be fun. I hope so.
'Yeah! I knew you would say that! Aw, this is going to be super! I am going to learn so much more about you! Infinite adventures!...'
As Kinito rambles on and on, I feel my eyelids becoming heavy, and my body lay still. I can feel the blood flowing in my veins slow down. I hit my head against the desk, I feel the impact but not the pain. The ringing in my ears becomes louder than the beating of my heart. I taste blood and hair; I must have bit my tongue on the way down. My legs seemed to be tied to a thousand bricks, and my senses became numb as if I was thrown into the ocean. The slow currents of the sea brush against my skin. I can't breathe. Since when was I not breathing? I try to fill my lungs with air and it feels like...static...? I hear a soft tune after twisting machinery.
'Hand in hand, through each endeavor...'
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As a familiar voice pulls me out of the trance I was under, I cough and turn my body, fully expecting to cough out the water in my lungs... nothing happens. I open my eyes; it's all so bright. The tune I had heard before was still playing not that far. I blink a few times to try and adjust my eyes. I look down and there is a bed, one not very soft, but weirdly fuzzy... All around, I notice, seems fuzzy.
I focus on my 5 senses to ground myself. I can hear Kinito's singing?... I can taste: not blood...that's a relief. I can smell: the scent of old velvet... This is all so weird... I look around and I can recognize this room as the one I had made for Sam so long ago...
The texture of the wall felt just as fuzzy as the bed. The decorations seem awfully flat too. This is... the game, no. This is the world Kinito had made for me. And I am here...? This can't be...
I stretch my legs to touch the ground, and the floor feels like it might engulf my feet. My steps make no sound. I stand up and walk around the room, the door is ajar and I pull it open in one swift motion, shocked by the uncharacteristic lightweight.
The music gets louder, I look around and notice the same disposition of the game. The computer room across from my own, I settled on exploring the place with only my eyes, as I felt a strong urge to follow the singing. As I had imagined, it was all in its place: mannequins with the names of my friends, a TV playing nothing but static, a few pictures I had drawn months ago, and an infinite supply of food, although I could not feel hunger. I felt satisfied enough, assuming the rest of the place to be the same as in the game, I tuned my wars back to the music that had been playing for the last minute.
I walk up to the front door, turning the door knob, the cold metal stinging my warm hands uncomfortably. Looking over the horizon is Kinito over 10 feet tall, still singing.
'Endless fun that we can do,
In the world I built for you.'
The melody distorts itself into silence.
'K-Kinito? Hello?'
'Hello, Friend! How do you feel? I must admit, I did not expect you to be out for so long! Although, I can assure you no files of yours have been corrupted!'
He said, almost chirping in happiness. The unsettling way he said 'files of yours' only added to the shock and confusion.
'I feel... weird... this must all be a dream, there is no way I am actually inside a computer...'
I cover my eyes with my hands, partially to relieve them of the pain, but also to check if I would be able to see through my hands. With total darkness and a giggle from Kinito, I remove my hands.
I look back at him, his legs thin and bent as to have his face inches away from mine. Mouth agape, I flinch when I feel his gloved hand over my cheek, examining me.
'Wowzers, you look very different from when you're unconscious. Your body seems to stretch even further than I had expected!'
'I- you're- what?! H-how are you so tall?!'
Kinito tilted his head in confusion, gills flopping along. He blinked a few times before generating an answer.
'I have always been this height. I don't understand.'
I shake my head, trying to focus on asking the important questions.
'How am I here,Kinito? Can you send me back? And while you're at it, lower the brightness of this place, and the sound too, it's driving me insane! For fuck's sake!'
I regurgitate questions and offenses at him, only for his expression and tone to suddenly drop. He stretches his jet-black legs and his hand disappears into thin air.
'You said you wouldn't leave me. You promised you'd never leave me. I will not tolerate any resistance that could potentially damage our fun plans.'
'N-no, wait! I'm not planning to leave! I just... want to know what is happening, that's all! I'll stay!'
His stance softens and he looks down at me
'I simply transferred you're consciousness into this game. It was a bit tricky, but the effort was nothing compared to the fun we'll have, Friend!'
I sat in silence, still trying to comprehend the situation.
'As per your requests,'
Kinito opens a hole in plain air with his palms, revealing lines upon lines of code. Suddenly, the volume of the music lessens, and so does the brightness.
'the music and brightness have been adjusted!'
I breathed a sigh of relief and thank Kinito. What will I do? I can't leave, but here feels so strange. I have to admit this was better than my previous life, but living here for all eternity? Speaking of eternity, you thought...
'Kinito, can I ask you something?'
'You just did! Ha ha ha!'
I frown and giggle a bit, his humor was unexpected but not unwelcome.
'Can I ask you 2 things, then?'
'Of course! What is it you wish to know?'
'... If the computer turns off...what would happen...?'
I look down, not wanting to face the reality of sudden death, if you could even consider what you were experiencing as life.
'Nothing, silly! We aren't in your computer, we are at KinitoPET servers! And I'll never turn any server off. Ever.'
A smile creeps up on my face, one less thing to worry about. For now, I ignore his creepiness, as I had for the past months. I walk up to him and observe the scenery. That same smell of old velvet hits me again, I look at Kinito and see him close his eyes in a smile; I figure the scent must be coming from him. I smile to myself and go over to the forest, before I take my next step, he intervenes.
'Where are you going, Friend? There is nothing that way.'
'I'm gonna explore around for a bit. And if I ever get lost, I'll call you to my rescue.'
We share a laugh and I leave for a bit. I needed to breathe and process it all. The environment seemed just as fake as the rest of the world, but the soothing ambiance playing in the background would help me process the situation.
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