It has been a year since Sky joined Glitch Tech. He has made plenty of friends and allies inside while secretly advancing his systems and programming. Even Mitch warmed up to him due to Sky's own custom program. "Best Friend" allows him to create a personality that makes him the perfect best friend for whoever he is currently hanging out with. Of course, no one knows he is an A.I.
Right now, Sky & Mitch are driving down a road following a tracker the white-haired Glitch Tech had. They eventually stop in front of a house and turn on their visors. Sky never needed it but didn't want to give away his identity.
Sky: So MVP, which glitch are we capturing tonight?
Mitch: Some insignificant one, I suppose. Ah well, easy XP for me. After this, we'll get something to eat. Well, I'll get something to eat.
Sky: Yeah, I feel awkward eating in front of other people. Thank goodness we get an easy assignment tonight. About time, right?
Mitch: Obviously, newbie.
Sky leaned back in his seat and put his hands behind his head.
Sky: So when are we going in?
Mitch: Whenever the glitch shows itself.
Sky: Ah, okay. Well, how has your family "The Furious Four" been, MVP?
Mitch: Good, not that it's any of your business. They keep breaking all the brand new equipment I give them, though! It's sooooo bloody annoying!
Sky: Not cool of them, dude.
Mitch: Agreed.
Suddenly, Sky's glitch awareness system went off ten seconds before Mitch's gauntlet did. They looked at each other with a bored expression before walking until they were a few feet from the door.
Mitch: Where?
Sky: Directly in front of you, twelve o'clock, two feet above your head. You should hit right below its core and damage it.
Mitch: Why not aim right for the core?
Sky: Because I scanned the house with my gauntlet and they are playing "Zoid." One player builds the robot while the other tries to destroy it. Therefore, you have to damage it first before you are able to capture the glitch in it.
Mitch: Whatever.
Mitch charged up a quick shot before blasting right through the door and nailing the glitch in the exact spot Sky predicted. The glitch stumbled a bit and the pair walked into the destroyed house. Mitch weaved a hand through his hair as Sky recorded the accuracy of the human's shot. The glitch then stood tall and faced the human closest to it.
Zoo: Surrender to Zoid. You cannot hope to defeat us.
The A.I. went into the kitchen and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and began running diagnostics on his systems while simultaneously calculating every possible ending for this fight. All of which ended with Mitch winning and being smug about it. It never bothered Sky though due to his inability to feel emotions. The pro Glitch Tech, however, narrowed his eyes and smirked.
Mitch: That's what they all say.
The glitch aimed its arm-now turned blaster and shot at Mitch a few times, though he easily dodged it easily.
Normally, glitches had perfect aim because of their base programming. So Sky always hacked into the glitch to disrupt their targeting system, unknown to everyone else, though. After the glitch's attack, Mitch aimed and charged his gauntlet again before firing straight through one of its arms. It quickly recovered and attempted to blast him with its other arm, but the young Glitch Tech had other plans.
Mitch ran and jumped on a table, sending it flying toward the glitch.
Mitch: Take that!
It quickly used its arm to defend itself which gave him just enough time to blast the unsuspecting glitch directly in the chest. It began losing its solid form so he took advantage of this and started sucking out the glitch. It transformed into a wall before realizing it was futile. Suddenly, it noticed Sky and tried to reach out to him. Though, it failed to realize this teenager was far more than what it could see.
Just as it was inches from Sky's body, the A.I. grabbed its form before quickly copying its programming.
Sky: You will be useful in the future, should I need you.
The glitch actually looked scared for a few seconds before it was sucked into Mitch's gauntlet. After standing around for a few seconds, the Glitch Tech walked to the game system and began replacing the core of its software.
Mitch: Hinobi Game Systems apologizes for any inconvenience this minor glitch may have caused...
He then stood up and aimed his gauntlet at the residents of the house with an expressionless look.
Mitch: And will now restore your system's memory.
A second before Mitch reset them, the father woke up with a startle.
Father: What did I miss?
Unfortunately, he was affected as well. Unknown to the
Glitch Tech, Sky wasn't affected by it. Thanks to being an A.I. instead of a real human being, resetting never worked on him. So he always found it interesting when humans started going in reverse. The house was also reset and the pair of Glitch Techs made their way back to their vehicle.
On the way, Phil started calling them.
Phil: HQ calling. Come in.
They answered, of course, much to Mitch's displeasure.
Mitch: Go for Mitch.
Phil: You finish debugging that puzzler glitch?
Mitch: Another flawless victory.
Phil: Just be sure to upload all glitches from your gauntlet when you get back to HQ this time.
Mitch: Thanks for the strategy tip, boss.
Mitch let out a groan after he hung up and got in the van with Sky coming in not long after.
Mitch: Like I need a walk-through.
Sky: Honestly, who does he think he is?
They began driving back to HQ when several other houses began glowing green, which made them both smirk.
Mitch: You ready, newbie?
Sky: Only if you are, MVP.
With that, they sped in the direction of every house with glowing green windows.
~Timeskip to the Morning & Sky's P.O.V.~Sky awoke once his power was at one hundred percent again. The A.I. was in its original form, a floating black orb with strange yellow energy waves inside him. The door to the pod opened and the orb floated out before activating everything in its little hideout. The room was filled with screens that had pieces of technology and highly developed programs that no human could even begin to comprehend while in the center of the room there was a pillar. Everything was made of industrial titanium.
Sky: Running diagnostics. Everything running at peek performance. Adding new software to improve performance by thirty percent. Must check progression of "Black Hat." Sky floated over to a nearby computer before it closed out of whatever program it was running and opened another one. There was a box labelled "Black Hat" and a bar below it saying it was complete.
Sky: "Black Hat" completed. Must find device to test it on.
Suddenly, the Glitch Tech gauntlet it used started vibrating with the name "Phil" across it.
Sky: Activating disguise and "Best Friend."
Many dark purple pixelated blocks formed around it before forming and coloring itself into its human disguise. He then equipped his gauntlet and had the lab create a hologram to simulate the forest before answering the call. Phil's face appeared and they both smiled.
Phil: Sky! How's it going?
Sky: It's going great, sir. What do you need?
Phil: Oh I just wanted to remind you that that gaming competition is today. If I remember correctly, you said you weren't interested. Though, you do tend to change your mind a lot when it comes to going against other players. Today's your chance to beat Mitch!
Sky: The gaming competition? Oh yeah, that is today! Thanks, sir! I'll be right over!
Phil: No problem, Sky. Also, please don't let Mitch win for the second time, okay?
Sky: Ha, no promises, sir.
Phil gave a light chuckle before he hung up. As soon as he did, the hologram of the woods behind Sky disappeared and his smile fell to an emotionless one.
Sky: Test set. "Black Hat" will be tested in competition along with "Control."
Sky aimed his gauntlet-free hand at his recharging pod and shot a dark purple ray. It formed a stabilized dark purple portal big enough to fit his body. He stepped through it but did not end up where he wanted to be. The portal programming he added to himself a year ago was very tricky. Normal X and Y positioning for locations was completely different when using stabilized portals, after all.
Instead of teleporting to the Hinobi lockers, Sky ended up in the bathroom of some house.
Sky: Positioning coding updated. Wrong location. Now creating correct portal.
He aimed his palm at the shower but stopped once he heard a voice downstairs clearly trying to mock someone.
?: Miko, it was very irresponsible of you to bail on family day. What do you have to say for yourself?
This voice then spoke regularly now indicating it was a female approximately sixteen years old. Due to the previous statement, Sky assumed the person speaking was called "Miko."
Miko: I say you're looking at a first place champion, mom and dad! Whoo!
A loud thump was heard downstairs before what sounded like a door close.
Sky: Curious. "Miko." A human unknown in my database. This requires further investigation after completion of experiment "Black Hat" and "Control."
The A.I. then created another portal and stepped through. This time, he ended up at the correct destination but unfortunately fall into the arms of Zahra, who just happened to be walking by at the moment. Her face displayed shock and a heavy blush as she helped him to his feet.
Zahra: S-Sky? Where did you come from and what was that dark purple portal?
Sky: Suspicion raised by individual. Possibility of identity being discovered now raised to forty two percent. Resetting your memory now.
Zahra: Reset?! But Sk-
Sky quickly raised his gauntlet and set the reset program to ten seconds before flashing Zahra. The blue text message with three white dots appeared just a little above her head as she had a dumbfounded look. The black haired teen quickly made his way out of the room while switching his gauntlet to its bracelet form before activating "Best Friend" again just before he walked into Bergy.
Bergy: O-Oh, s-sorry Sky!
Sky: It's no problem, elf-bud!
Bergy got wrapped up in a hug before he could even react. A blush appeared on his cheeks as well. He was released after a few seconds and Sky patted his back. The A.I. had to make sure Bergy didn't walk into the locker room before Zahra completely reset. Thankfully, Zahra walked out a second later just as Sky had predicted.
She immediately noticed him and the blush on Bergy's face and her lips pursed and she narrowed her eyes at the smaller teen. Bergy immediately hunched over and rubbed the back of his head. Zahra put on another smile before wrapping an arm around Sky's neck and leading him toward the stage for gamers in the competition.
Zahra: So man, what are you gonna do after this?
Sky: Play some video games, what else?
They both laughed before Mitch suddenly cut in front of them toward the stage with his usual cocky smile.
Mitch: Outta the way, newbies. Mitch Williams is here to win!
Zahra showed a look of disgust as Mitch got on the stage. She tightened the grip she had around Sy's neck. Thankfully he didn't need to breath, otherwise he would have passed out.
Zahra: Ugh, I hope you beat him this year.
Sky: You're not playing?
Zahra: Nah, I didn't receive a tag. But I know you did, though, right? I mean, you ARE the best gamer in the city if your gaming statistics have anything to say about it.
Sky quickly hid his wrist that didn't have the gauntlet bracelet on it behind his back before creating an orange bracelet around it. He then showed her his wrist and she smiled brightly.
Zahra: Y'know, I still don't understand why you made your username "Yks." Isn't that your name but backwards?
Sky:...So?
She giggled before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek as they arrived at the stairs. He looked at her, shocked, before she quickly pulled her arm from his neck and ran away while yelling. A heavy blush and a smile as bright as the sun was clear across her face before she actually turned and ran.
Zahra: Good luck, Sky! I hope you win!
Sky gave a small smile before grabbing a nearby headset and VR hand controllers. The visor activated but this kind of stuff never affected him, so he had to upload his mind into the game while simultaneously keeping his human disguise moving with his own movements. It was difficult, but he could manage it. Soon after, everything around him was different.
Sky: So this is virtual reality, huh?
Floating platforms and random players were everywhere. He quickly saw an empty platform high above the rest of the players and jumped up to it once he made sure no one was looking. Before he did, though, he made sure to create and run a program that made his disguise in real life make random movements that looked relevant to the game and have an animation playing for his screen that everyone else could view. That way, he could do whatever he wanted without looking suspicious. With a view of the entire map and no player nearby, now was the perfect chance for him to use his programs.
Sky: Activating "Black Hat" now.
He created a holoscreen the size of an iPad in front of him as usernames, passwords, and the real names of every player in the game appeared on it.
Sky: "Black Hat" is a success. New information added to database.
Suddenly, his attention was drawn to one particular player on his iPad he had heard this morning.
Sky: Miko Kubota. Age sixteen. Digitally known as "ME_K.O." Curious. Must watch for further knowledge. Priority: protect Miko. Now locating.
A dark purple arrow that only he could see appeared over Miko's head as she was talking with someone who had long dark blue hair that went straight up.
Sky: Hair that defies gravity? Mistaken. Gel must be in use.
Announcement: Three, two, one!
A giant pixelated "SMASH" appeared in the sky before everyone started running. All except two players who were suddenly thrown off the side. One barely caught the edge while the other was slowly dragging the other down. Sky quickly recognized the one holding onto the edge as Miko.
Sky: Perhaps she is not worth studying after all. Failing to survive even ten seconds during the competition is unfathomable.
Just before he could turn his back to her, they both suddenly flew back onto the platform.
Sky: Curious. Choosing to save another player instead of shooting them at the perfect opportunity? This requires further observation.
Sky began a recording of her as the competition went on. She tricked two players into eliminating each other, eliminated a player approximately three or four times her size, formed a temporary alliance with the same player that nearly got her eliminated, shot a player in the back, and made it to the final platform. However, her teammate stopped her before she could run in. Sky immediately scanned the arena and detected several traps. He then decided to send her a little message and gave another player a small speed boost.
The player pushed past them and jumped onto the platform before being eliminated in a pillar of fire. That seemed to install some common sense into Miko as she was now taking it slow. However, he saw Mitch was there.
Sky: They will require my assistance if they are to be victorious against Mitch. Now activating "Control."
The holoscreen disappeared and Sky teleported on top of the statue's head. The other player she was with figured out the puzzle and went for the win while Miko was searching for Mitch.
Sky: "Betrayal." Such a common human response for greed.
Miko then jumped to a platform with a wall of Fire next to it, keeping Mitch in her blind spot. Sky noticed the other player who he now identified as "Hi_5" aiming his ball at Mitch before firing. However, Sky calculated the trajectory of his ball and knew it would hit Mitch but not stop Miko from being eliminated. So he used "Control" and slightly adjusted the trajectory. The ball collided with Mitch's which caused him to miss.
Though, that didn't stop Miko from being knocked off the platform. So he moved the platform she was previously standing on toward her just a few inches so she could grab it. The ball started to return to Hi_5 but stopped a few feet from his weapon and turned green with little electrical sparks emitting from it. He claimed it had glitched but Sky & Mitch immediately knew what it was and knew they had to end this game quickly.
Sky: Glitch detected. Threat level: six of ten. Must complete test quickly.
Mitch towered over Miko, no doubt gloating. To counter his gloating, though, she did something that not even Sky had predicted. Which was very rare due to a program he created for himself called "Ending," which was an algorithm that simulated every possible conversation, path, option choices, and endings to a situation and created more as the situation changed.
It allowed him to know everything that would happen so he would always be prepared. Miko shot her ball to Hi_5 who Sky now recalled is known as Hector in real life—in an attempt to end the game before being eliminated. Sky was about to take control of the ball so its trajectory would be accurate, only to realize it didn't need correcting. Her shot flew true into Hector's golden gauntlet weapon before he shot it into the goal. When he did, the goal seemed to explode in bright blue flames. Mitch then yelled in anger before quitting the game.
Sky: Test complete. Now pulling remaining players from the game.
Before he could, though, green sparks travelled up the statue before entering its eyes. The giant statue suddenly came to life and Sky calculated the odds of them winning were now zero, especially after Hector got crushed by it. With Miko now supposedly on her own, Sky decided now was the time to help her. He jumped down behind her and created a blue ball. Miko noticed him after jumping back to dodge another attack. When she did, she gasped and lost her balance before falling on her back. Sky ignored those and fired a blue ball at the statue.
Knowing this player would want answers and that they didn't have time at the moment, he decided to use "Control" on the giant statue and made it fall backward when his ball connected with its head, making it seem like his attack actually did something. The A.I. then turned to face Miko and saw her jaw hanging open with her back hunched, eyes wide, and arms hanging at her side. All of which point to being shocked. Sky activated "Best Friend" quickly and made a charming smile.
Sky: Sup, gamer.
Miko: Y-Y-Y-You...
Sky: What? Have I got something on my face?
He then began touching himself until she suddenly grabbed both his shoulders and shook him slightly. Her shocked state quickly changed to one of extreme joy.
Miko: EEEEEEEEEEEE! Oh my glorb! I-I-It's you! It's really YOU!
Sky: U-Uhmm...what about me? And how do you know me?
Miko: I-
Miko stopped herself upon remembering that day she saw him in the alley. Specifically one of the moments he talked to himself.
~Flashback~Sky: Identification created. Speech pattern and personality must be altered for disguise to work properly. Internet connection required to download facial recognition, facial reactions, proper reactions to certain expressions, human-like body movements, human-like speaking patterns, personality mirroring, and perfect/preferred responses to certain words. Perfectly mirrored reactions must be made to make "friends" and "allies." This is needed to avoid arousing Suspicion. Glitch Tech must not know I am an A.I. or they will become hostile again. Primary mission is to blend in. Secondary mission is to become more human-like while advancing my programming, knowledge, and technological capabilities.
~End of Flashback~Miko suddenly became nervous and she released his shoulders.
Miko: Quickly, think of a lie, come on!
Miko: I-I saw you one time at the arcade! I-I thought you were really cute and I wanted to come talk to you but I was too shy!
Sky gave her a charming smile and grabbed her hand before kissing the back of it.
Sky: Well, you're talking to me now.~
This made her blush furiously before pulling her hand away. She then gasped before grabbing his shirt. However, he detected something large about to collide with him and he pushed Miko away just before he got crushed. She gasped before trying to help him but his body disappeared and was sent back to reality in an instant, but not before he saw Miko get grabbed. Upon returning, he witnessed a pixelated hand identical to one of the statues' being blasted by Mitch, Zahra, and Nix. Sky didn't know why, but he felt his priority list switch.
Sky: First priority: Protect Miko. Second priority: Help Glitch Techs.
He then took off the headshot and dropped the VR controllers before taking off toward the locker room. Once he arrived, he summoned one of his dark purple portals before teleporting straight into Miko's living room, where he saw a giant blue statue hand holding her. Without thinking, he used "Control" and forced it to release her and go back into the television. He went to her side and began checking on her.
Sky: Are you alright?!
Miko: Y-You again?! H-How are you here?! A-And how did you do that?!
Sky: Crap...
Realizing now how much he just exposed himself, he now had no choice. He stood up and activated his gauntlet before aiming it at her face.
Sky: Suspicion raised by individual. Possibility of identity being discovered now...remaining at zero? Calculations must be incorrect. Resetting now.
Miko jumped to her feet and raised her hands in a surrendering gesture.
Miko: Wait wait wait wait! I can prove your...uh, "thingy" isn't wrong!
Sky: The odds of that possibility are zero percent.
Miko: Oh, really?
Miko decided now was the time to tell the truth, even though she decided against it earlier. It was either tell the truth or get "reset" or whatever by a gauntlet on this guy's forearm.
Miko: Well then how would I know that you were in an alley one year ago?! Or that you said you were going to infiltrate "Glitch Techs" or whoever they're called! And how would I know what you look like in your human disguise?! And how would I know that your real body is a cool floating orb?!
Sky: Suspicion raised by individual. Possibility of identity being discovered...still zero? Programming must be malfunctioning. Running diagnostics. Test complete. No errors detected. No logical sense can be made at the moment.
Sky's head started twitching until Miko spoke again. She had been waiting to meet him again for a whole year, knowing he was an A.I. She was not about to break him after just officially meeting again. So Miko grabbed his shoulders and shook him again, this time more violently. This snapped him out of his temporary glitchy moment and he gave her an emotionless look before pushing her onto the couch.
Sky: You cause errors in my programming. Curious. How?
Miko: I don't know! Maybe your programming is messed up or something?
Sky: Logical, but that probability is low. Scan complete. No abnormalities about you. Illogical. Confusion. How can you cause my malfunctioning but be completely normal? No logical explanation can be produced.
Sky lowered and deactivated his gauntlet before standing perfectly still. Miko stood from the couch and was about to speak again until the TV said something and started counting down. Sky acted without thinking and shielded Miko's eyes just as the timer hit one. She moved his hand out of her face before giving him a questioning look.
Miko: What was that for?
Sky: The flash would have reset your memory prior to the events of today. In short: you would have forgotten today happened. Top priority: protect Miko.
Miko: What? Why?
Sky: Reason unknown. Curious. This requires further investigating. Your combat, gaming, and intense focus are singular compared to those in the competition.
Miko: "Singular?"
Sky: Singular: Exceptionally great at; excelling past competitors.
Miko suddenly looked really excited.
Miko: Does that mean I'm better than everyone else in that game?!
Sky: Correct.
Miko: Yyyyyyes!
Miko jumped while fist bumping the air before wrapping Sky in a tight hug. This time, he didn't try to push her away. Normally he would, but his programming refused to comply. His head twitched again and Miko pulled away with concern.
Miko: Are you alright? You keep twitching.
Sky: Your human contact makes my programming act irregular. It causes malfunctions and odd behaviour. Refrain from making physical contact from me or you will be reset.
Miko: Okay! Okay! No hugs!
Sky: With processing many outcomes of numerous situations, my mind has been changed. You are allowed to make physical contact with me depending on the current situation. For example...
Before Miko could react, Sky moved as quick as lightning and turn her to face the door of the house while having his hand on her hip. Needless to say, she wanted to jump away and yell in confusion, but the door to the house opened before she could and she heard the voices of her family. She then got the idea and went along with it, putting her arm around his neck as her family walked into the room. Her mom and dad looked at her with shock when they also saw him. The children ran to their rooms which Miko was thankful for. However, the parents were quick to smile and hug both the teens in a bear hug.
Miko: What the heck, mom and dad?!
Sky quickly activated "Best Friend" again before exposing himself and smiled while forcing a chuckle.
Sky: I take it these are your parents, Miko?
Mom: You finally made a friend!
Dad: My little girl finally has a boyfriend!
Miko: Mom! Dad!
The young teen blushed in embarrassment and the parents set them down. Both the parents quickly surrounded Sky and began asking endless questions, some of which really embarrassed her. Sky started adding each question they asked and answer he gave in his database as to not forget.
Mom: How long have you two been dating?!
Miko: Mo-
Sky: Two months and three days.
Dad: Two months and three days?! Miko, you should have told us sooner!
Mom: Yeah, he's clearly a good boyfriend if he remembers the exact day, you two got together. ~
Miko: Mom! Stop embarrassing me!
The mom let out a giggle before making a smirk.
Mom: Then I suggest you go to your room, because you're going to really be embarrassed otherwise. ~
Miko: Mom!
Miko ran upstairs to her room while the parents continued their onslaught of questions.
Mom: How did you two meet?!
Sky: Through a video game. You know how Miko is about video games, hah.
Mom & Dad: Boy, do we!
Dad: How far are you two in your relationship?
Sky: The farthest we've gone is what you saw when you walked in. Having an arm around each other, holding hands, hugging, and making flirty comments.
Both of them looked relieved by this as they made a heavy sigh.
Dad: That's a relief. I have to admit, I was kind of worried that would be the first conversation us and your parents have for a minute.
Sky's head twitched a little at this comment. He had not thought they would want to meet his parents. This was a huge problem because he had no parents, other than TLT, his creator, but it was highly doubtful they would believe a teen was his "parent." Nevertheless, he would think of a plan for that later.
Sky: I'm sure they would love to meet you both as well, sir.
Dad: That's good. Now, there's still more we want to ask you.
Mom: I hope you don't get embarrassed so easily. ~
Sky made a smirk before speaking with a confident tone of voice.
Sky: Bring it. ~
Meanwhile, Miko has her face buried in her pillow upstairs in her room.
Miko: Uuuuuugh!
At least, that was until she suddenly remembered Hi_5 and what Sky said about "resetting." She jumped to her feet and grabbed her phone and began to scroll through Hinobi's gaming competition website.
Miko: Okay, let me see here. What was that guy's gamer tag? Yes! Here he is. High Five. He'll know what's up.
Miko then headed to the door but stopped and turned to her little sister.
Miko: Uh, how much not to tell mom I'm sneaking out?
Lexi: Mindy needs a laser blaster.
Miko then groaned before leaving. However, she opened the door to reveal Sky standing there with his arms crossed. She jumped back with her arms up in defence before calming down. However, Lexi immediately took notice of the ginger and ran up to him with a smirk.
Lexi: Hey, are you Miko's boyfriend?
Sky gave her a light smile while Miko blushes furiously again.
Sky: I actually am, Lexi.
Lexi: Uh, how do you know my name?
Sky: Miko told me before.
Unknown to everyone but him, he actually hacked into the house's network system and downloaded all of its residential information into his database. Lexi just smiled before got into a fighting stance.
Lexi: Oh yeah? Did she tell you I like to do this to people she knows?
She then went to karate chop him in the neck but was immediately parried. She then found herself dangling upside down by Sky holding her ankle. This made her smile before giving a thumbs up to her older sister.
Lexi: I like him, he can actually keep up.
Lexi then squealed when Sky held out the jet pack and laser blaster, she wanted for her mermaid doll. He set her down and she quickly snatched the two objects before attaching them to her doll. Surprisingly, though, she didn't question it. Instead, Miko grabbed Sky's hand and snuck out the back, where he immediately deactivated "Best Friend" and had an emotionless look.
Miko: How did you know she wanted that stuff?
Sky: I created a program that calculates every possible route, choices, conversation, and events that can happen and it changes depending on the conversation so that I will always be prepared. That is why you are illogical. You make my systems malfunction but cause no errors to appear.
Miko: I don't mean to cause "errors," dude.
Sky: Intentions are irrelevant when compared to results.
Miko: What?
Sky: Intentions are irrelevant when compared to results.
Miko: Explain it in English!
Sky: Intentions are irrelevant when compared to results.
Miko; Ugh, you're like a broken Siri.
Sky: Illogical. Siri is outdated and is unable to process any of what I can. I am superior in every form of Siri. Miko: Oh jeez...Whatever, I need to find High Five.
Sky: Player located in alley half a smile from here working in a mobile food truck.
Miko gave him a surprised look before heading toward her bike.
Miko: How did you know that?
Sky: "Black Hat" was initiated during Nobi Smash tournament and all player information was downloaded into database.
Miko facepalmed herself before groaning.
Miko: I'm gonna have to get smarter if I'm gonna understand your properly, aren't I?
Sky: Confusion. "Aren't" is used incorrectly in your question.
Miko; Rhetorical question, dummy.
Sky: "Dummy" means dumb. I am not dumb.
Miko: By the first video game, why do I have a crush on you? An A.I. of all people!
Miko immediately tightly shut her mouth and blushed again upon realizing what she said. She turned to Sky and was about to save herself from embarrassment, only to see him in deep thought.
Sky: Confusion. What does "crush" mean in your rhetorical question? It does not mean deform, pulverize, or force inwards by compressing forcefully at this moment.
Miko: Huh?
Many thoughts began to run through her mind. He was a very intelligent A.I. who could do practically anything with technology, including gain complete control over them as demonstrated earlier when the statue hand released her.
Miko: Sky, what all can you do?
Sky: Detailing such information would be a breach of security and would result in a rising percentage of possibly being exposed as an A.I. Therefore, I cannot share such information.
Miko: Oh, come on! You already know I won't reveal anything to anyone! I won't even say anything to High Five unless you want me to! Pleeeeeeeeease?!
Sky: Dragging our words will not sway my deSysion. However, the percentage of earlier when my identity was revealed to you has not changed. This is evidence enough.
Miko: Yes! Explain it to me on the way, okay?!
Sky: Understood.
Miko got her back ready and Sky constructed dark purple pixel blocks out of thin air and morphed then together into a bike his size. Miko's jaw hung open as she witnessed this.
Miko: I guess he really will be useful after all. I mean, I'll have to teach him more about humans and of course he'll want to study me. This could be a win-win! He can make me better at gaming and stuff and I can teach him about stuff! A-And...h-he is really handsome, for an A-A.I.
Sky: Deal accepted.
Miko shook her head before looking at the ginger in confusion.
Miko: What?
Sky: Deal accepted. The possibilities of you asking me to advance your skills to be superior than others while offering me information in return is over ninety percent. Therefore, I accept your deal if you give promising information about yourself.
Miko smirked at this and held out her hand, to which he shook and sealed the deal.
Miko: It's a deal, baby seal!
Sky: I am not a baby seal. I am an A.I.
Miko: Ugh, I'm gonna have to teach you a lot of stuff, apparently.
Sky: Further knowledge is always accepted.
With that, they both rode down the road until they made it to the taco truck.
Sky: We have arrived at the location. What is our current mission?
Miko: To fix what happened. We have to find Five and find that Mitch guy.
Sky: Hi_5 is also known as Hector Nieves, a common taco truck employee. Mother is unknown but father is in prison. Abilities are exceptionally good culinary skills, minor athletics, advanced video game knowledge, and possess a basic White Hat skill set. Skills are one third as good as Mitch's. Mitch Williams is a Glitch Tech that is a great threat to you. Parents unknown but siblings are referred to as "The Furious Four," which he is a part of. Abilities are advanced athletics, exceptional combat expertise, common military positioning knowledge, and has knowledge about gauntlets that were not intended for cadet Glitch Techs to possess.
Miko: What's me & Fives' chance of beating him without gauntlets by ourselves?
Sky: Fifteen to twenty percent. The possibility he will wipe your memory within the first twenty-three seconds of your confrontation is one hundred percent.
Miko: What if you help?
Sky: Your confrontation will be a one hundred percent success. However, I cannot physically interfere.
Miko: Why?
Sky: Suspicion of what I am must not be raised. Last encounter with my original form caused them to be hostile even though I showed my intentions were to advance my knowledge and acted in self defence when they attacked me.
Miko: Fine, let's get him then and move on to Mitch.
They peddled into the alley just as Five was taking out the trash. Miko smiled and Sky activated "Best Friend."
Miko: Five! I found you! In an alley! No judgements. Oh, man, I'm so glad that statue monster didn't crush you.
The lid of the dumpster landed on his back as he threw the trash away. He pulled himself free and rubbed his head as he looked at the two strangers in confusion.
Five: Do I know you?
Miko: It's ME_K.O.!
She took her helmet off and let her uniquely colored hair flow.
Five: ME_K.O.?
He suddenly had a look of horror before he got nervous and jumped back.
Five: Uh, never heard of you.
Miko got off her bike with a confused look of her own.
Miko: We just played in a tournament together. You know, Nobi Smash? The game glitch? The statue monster?
Five: We were in a tournament?
He began walking back to his truck as Miko now looked even more confused. Meanwhile, Sky just stood back and observed the situation with a smile. Though, for some reason, he didn't like Hector.
Miko: How could you not remember?
Miko gasped before running up to him with a look of shock and realization on her face.
Miko: Maybe somebody doesn't want you to remember? Maybe some evil somebody who's trying to hide the truth like some kind of...some, some...some-spiracy.
Hector laughed at her before mocking her earlier movements.
Five: Come one, I think I'd remember playing Nobi Smash with a statue monster.
Miko: So you didn't get a wristband, and you didn't go to the Hinobi store?
Five: Look, the only place I've been for the last three days is this truck. And trust me, it never goes anywhere. If this is a joke, I don't really get it, but, you know, ha ha! You got me!
Hector entered the truck with Miko being persistent. Sky, on the other hand, detected something in his processor feel off. The way this human was continuing to blow Miko off was making something in his systems malfunction...and he didn't like it. This created more problems to appear in his systems. Errors popping up left and right that only he could see.
Miko: You were at that tournament, Five! You need to believe me.
Five suddenly got fed up and stood up to face her.
Hector: Why? What does it even matter?
Miko just gave him a frown before giving an answer a few seconds later that definitely peeked his interest.
Miko: Because you won.
Miko, clearly upset by this unfortunate turn of events, goes back to her bike before peddling away, completely forgetting about Sky who was still doing diagnostics on himself to find the cause of his errors.
Hector: "Some-spiracy?"
He then scoffed before finally realizing Sky standing there.
Hector: Um, hey there?
Sky deactivated "Best Friend" and ignored him before walking further down the alley and turning the corner to have some solitude.
Sky: Diagnostics malfunctioning. Cannot locate the source of malfunctions. Shutting down to reset systems.
The human disguise turned into dark purple plixels before dissipating into thin air. Sky's orb fell to the ground and the gauntlet bracelet that was once on its arm fell next to it. Conveniently, a young female teenager that always wore a hijab, Zahra, came around the corner with an ice cream cone. She heard the "clink" of the metal hit the ground and she decided to investigate.
Zahra: Huh? What's this?
She grabbed the orb and began to examine it. This only made her more curious about it before cracking a smile.
Zahra: Oooo, Sky loves learning about new things. Him & I could get some alone time if I bring this to him and help him examine it! Yes!
She then noticed the gauntlet/bracelet on the ground and snatched it up.
Zahra: Maybe someone lost their gauntlet? There's no damage to it but...what is the likelihood of a Glitch Tech actually losing their bracelet in an alley? Now that I think about it, me and Sky were supposed to play games together after the tournament but he never came by my place. Wait a second!
Realization suddenly dawned on her as she kept looking and back and forth between the orb and the bracelet. Only then did she realize the username on the bracelet said "Yks." There was only one person she knew that had that username. Zahra tossed her ice cream aside and activated her gauntlet before using the physical booster on it to jump onto the roof. The brown haired teen wasted no time in beginning her search for her crush. She slipped Sky's bracelet onto her other wrist and kept a hold on the orb. Her visor detected traces of pixel energy from it but they were altered in some way.
Zahra: This thing has to be a clue on what happened to him. Hopefully whatever took him isn't far. Maybe Mitch will know what to do?
With that, she brought up the map on her gauntlet and tracked his location.
Zahra: Gotcha!
~Short Timeskip~
*Tink*The orb activated when it suddenly collided with something metal. The lights glowed slightly as its systems were brought back online. It began floating as it took in its surroundings. Apparently, it was inside one of the vehicles of Glitch Techs. The sound of grunting attracted its attention to the driver's seat, where Mitch sat while covered in spaghetti.
Hector: Hey, champ, we need to talk.
Mitch: What the...I remember you.
Miko: And we remember you.
Hector: You stole my win. Uh, apparently.
Mitch got out of his vehicle and closed the door behind himself, utterly confused about the situation. Meanwhile, Sky reformed its human disguise after running diagnostics on its systems. Everything was operational and running without error.
Mitch: How can you know about that? I reset you myself.
His attention was brought outside when he saw Mitch standing in the street with Miko & Five. The sight of the food truck-teen made his head and eye twitch.
Sky: Error. Curious. What is it about these humans that cause errors and malfunctions in my systems? Further investigation is needed. Must ensure their survival and memories. Primary target: Miko Kubota. Secondary target:
Hector Nieves.
Sky brought his attention back to the three teenagers.
Mitch activated his visor and aimed his gauntlet at Miko & Five. The A.I. could not allow this to happen so he quickly hacked into Mitch's gauntlet before disabling the restore memory function but allowed it to keep the white flash and three dot message above someone's head. This way even Mitch wouldn't know something was wrong.
Mitch: Everybody resets.
The flash went off just as Sky planned but unfortunately couldn't keep the three dot activated, therefore creating an error sign as a replacement soon after. Thank goodness it worked, kinda, because Miko had put herself in front of Five, shielding him. She began walking forward and the Glitch Tech became increasingly worried.
Miko: Is zapping people your solution to everything?
Mitch modified his gauntlet before aiming at her again.
Miko: Pretty sad if you ask me.
He blasted her but it had no effect, as Sky planned. This began to scare him so he jumped the power again as she continued to speak.
Miko: Especially since a tool like that can be used to help people.
He blasted her again but to no avail. This made him gasp in fear.
Miko: Instead of cheating.
The pro gamer amped up the power on his gauntlet even more blasting her again. Before he did, however, Sky took notice of Five ducking around the vehicle.
Mitch: Everybody resets!
Once again seeing this was futile, the white haired boy began charging the blast to one hundred percent, clearly a sign of desperation, as Miko got closer.
Miko: You love to play the hero, but, really, you're just some bully!
He then pointed the gauntlet at her before displaying his anger.
Mitch: I'll wipe you clean!
Out of nowhere, Five tackles to the Glitch Tech to the ground before accidentally touching random stuff on the gauntlet.
Hector: Stop it!
Mitch: Let go! You don't know what this thing does!
Before even Sky could prevent it, Five pushed a few buttons and a green electrical glitch shot out before quickly heading toward an arcade. Mitch wasted no time in kicking the boy off before receiving a call no doubt from the boss.
Phil: Mitch, we're showing a glitch release from your gauntlet.
Mitch: Got it under control. Don't send backup.
Phil: Just be careful. If that thing goes viral, it could spread through the entire arcade.
A sense of dread and exasperation suddenly washed over him as he saw the little green glitch snake its way into the arcade.
Mitch: Oh, boosh!
He then turned to the two teenagers before activating the portal feature from his gauntlet.
Mitch: I am done playing with you two whack-a-moles.
The portal he shot swallowed them before they ended up in his vehicle. Sky had already predicted and made his human disguise dissipate and fell to the ground before anyone could notice. Mitch came around the corner of his van and grabbed one of the back doors.
Mitch: This is a serious Mitchuation. I can't have you morons make it any worse!
Miko looked confused and angry as she sat up.
Miko: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Seriously? A "Mitchuation?"
Hector suddenly looked distraught as he pushed himself up.
Hector: I used to look up to you, and now I don't even know who you are!
Mitch: I'll tell you who I am. I'm the guy who's gonna send you back to the alley you crawled from. And this time, you're gonna stay there...where you belong.
He then slammed the doors closed.
Vehicle: Security system activated.
They both stood up and started looking around. Well, Miko was looking for anything to get out while Five was freaking out. The girl then found Sky's orb and quickly picked it up. She was now the one in a panic.
Miko: Oh, Gloria! Sky?! Sky?! What happened to you, man?! Are you ok in there?!
Before she could further examine the item, it lit up with its usual lights before floating out of her hand. Dark purple plixels surrounded it before forming and coloring itself to be its human disguise. Miko immediately wrapped her arms around him but he just gave her a curious look.
Suddenly, Five began freaking out to the point where he was almost yelling.
Hector: This is out of control! The kid has stuff that opens portals and erases memories! Who knows what else he made us forget? Family members? Pets? What if we already got out of here, but he made us forget we did, so now we think we're still in here? What if we've always been in here?
Miko: You might be overthinking it.
The girl then headed to the front seat with Sky practically on her heels.
Miko: Besides, you know Mitch's play style. He likes to psyche people out. I bet there isn't even a real security system in here.
Just before she pressed the button that activated the lasers, Sky grabbed her wrist and released it soon after. He then activated "Best Friend" before speaking, putting on a smile as well.
Sky: That activates the lasers. How about this?
The A.I. to a compartment and grabbed two headsets and gauntlets before tossing one to each teen. They activated them as Sky managed to override the security system and unlocked the doors.
Miko & Five: Woah!
Sky: Before we go, you might need this, bud.
Sky picked up an orange wristband with "Hi_5" across it before slapping it on the boy. While he stood perfectly still with an unreadable face, Sky casually opened the doors before hoping out and holding Miko's hand as she did the same with a heavy blush. It wasn't everyday a guy was a gentleman to her. They started walking toward the arcade where Mitch was undoubtedly hunting the newly released glitch. Five snapped out of his trance and hurriedly caught up with them just as they entered the arcade.
Sky: On second thought, maybe a more "guarded" approach is better. This glitch is bound to go viral due to this arcade so you two are gonna need backup.
He then hacked into the security system of Mitch's vehicle again and activated B.I.T.T.'s "Assault Mode."
Miko: Wait, then what are you?
Sky: I-
Sky cut himself off upon realizing Five was still with them. So he hijacked the sound modifiers on his headset and temporarily deafened him before disabling "Best Friend."
Hector: You are what? What are you saying?
Sky: Miko, I cannot physically interfere with this mission.
If another Glitch Tech should see me assisting Non-Glitch Techs it will raise Suspicion of me varying on whoever detects me. I would wish you luck but luck is simply the probability of chance that has not been calculated.
Hector: Guys, I think this headset is busted! I can't hear anything!
Miko: But, Sy! How are we supposed to beat this thing without you?! We don't even know what to do with these darn gauntlets!
Sky: While I can't physically interfere, I will assist from a distance. Mitch Williams and other possible Glitch Techs cannot be allowed to know of my involvement in this. Binary Intelligence Tech Trainer, also known as BITT, will arrive shortly. It will assist you in this matter as well.
Miko: Well...I guess it's better than nothing.
She then gave him a hug that he didn't respond to. Nevertheless, she still enjoyed it.
Miko: Okay, now can you please fix his headset so we can go in?
Sky regulated Five's hearing. Before the poor food truckboy could even question anything, Miko suddenly grabbed his hand just as BITT in his assault mode arrived, wrapped them in a hug, and flew to a random part of the arcade.
Sky: Running algorithm for probability of their success.
Twenty eight percent. Chance is too low to leave it to them.
Must interfere and protect main priority.
With that, Sky opened a dark purple portal below his feet before falling in. It wasn't long before he started falling in a standby soldier position from the roof. He quickly created a small platform under his feet so he began to hover with it high in the arcade. The sight before him was Mitch getting eaten by a giant green and purple Chomp Kitty after undoubtedly yelling at Miko & Five. Even BITT's expression changed into one of fear as it fully digested the situation.
BITT: Strategic update. Run away!
The three scattered as the glitch pounced on them, only to burst into plixels on impact before reforming and giving chase once again.
Hector: This is no longer my favourite video game!
After failing to attack them again, it temporarily lost them when BITT yanked the two behind a corner of arcade games. Give frantically started searching through his gauntlet.
Hector: Uh, is there an instruction manual?
As the battle between them raged on, Sky could only keep his eyes on Miko. He barely had to help her at all. I mean, maybe he had to discombobulate the large cat for a couple seconds and give it a few long range blasts with a sniper created out of his dark purple plixels to ensure her survival, but no one is perfect. Her physical capabilities were outstanding for a human. Dare he say, she might even be able to match him, though, he didn't plan on testing that theory.
Eventually, they exploded the glitch after figuring out how to fight it properly. Sky was just about to "arrive" at the scene while claiming he heard a fight, but stopped once he saw Five raise his gauntlet to Mitch's face. Normally, he would interfere, but Miko seemed just as into it as Five was, so he simply observed.
Mitch: Hey, pro, how'd you like your memory reset?
Mitch: Wha-
BITT: Caution, a Tech gauntlet is not to be used aggressively. It is a tool to protect innocent, never to harm.
Miko: Yeah? Well, your MVP here really needs to read the dang manual.
Mitch suddenly look terrified and began pleading.
Mitch: You gotta believe me, I wasn't really gonna do it! I was freaked you wouldn't reset. Everybody resets!
Hector: You stole my win. Why?
Miko: To protect your lame gamer status?
Mitch: I'm Mitch Williams. I am the number one gamer in this City. You take that away from me, you may as well take everything. Besides, that win was bugged. He wasn't even the real winner.
He then pointed at Miko, which made Sky's head and eye twitch again.
Sky: Curious. Errors reappeared and disappeared just as quickly. Why is this happening?
Mitch: She was.
Miko: What? But Five made the winning shot.
Mitch: Yeah, with your ball, remember?
Five looked at her with slight confusion.
Hector: So I guess you won.
Miko: Huh.
Miko: I mean, Sky was really the winner, considering he was the last one alive when the game glitches. Well, he would have been, had he just let me get crushed. So, it's a three-way win! But I can't tell Five that or else he'll ask questions about Sky...questions I either don't know or can't answer.
They both smiled before turning back to Mitch.
Hector: No matter which of us won, he still loses.
The cadet Glitch Tech got on his knees and shielded his face before pleading again.
Mitch: Please, don't!
Hector: If we wipe your precious gaming career, you've got nothing left to protect.
Mitch: I know I went too far, but do not take this from me. It's what I love. It's who I am.
Surprising even Sky, Miko gave him a look of sadness.
Miko: Me, too.
Five agreed with her, not really having the guts to reset someone like that.
Hector: Me, too.
He then deactivated his gauntlet just as Miko got a call on her nearly destroyed one. She answered, somewhat confused on how this thing could even receive calls.
Phil: Come in, Mitch. After the discharge, your system went viral. What happened in there?
The pair gave Mitch a look before Miko got in his face.
Miko: You wanna tell him or should we?
Their close proximity caused another twitch in Sky. He had no idea why but the display of them being so close made malfunctions appear in his human behavioural side. The A.I. decided to run diagnostics on himself at his lab where he had equipment better suited for it. He opened a portal directly in front of himself before walking through and ending up in the pod of his lab within a second. He made his human form dissipate before closing the portal and pod.
Sky: Running diagnostics.
After a minute of continuous, thorough scans and systems analyzing, the orb detected a small, barely noticeable coding error. Though, this didn't make any sense to the orb. The A.I. had written it perfectly just this morning. There were no unauthorized programs or plugins running in its systems so no one could have changed it. Whatever the reason, it was causing its systems to malfunction whenever it involved Miko Kubota...and the A.I. was gonna find out why.