[ When Hani is teleported to a new area, it takes a moment or two for their server to load, and when it does, they'll find themself somewhere new. Rogue AI roams the cramped metal streets of the Net Slum, a low level of light filtering in through the small pieces of space between buildings where the sun can actually poke through. Everywhere Hani looks, they'll see building upon building stacked up on another, build haphazardly by what they can presume might all be the work of rogue AI.
With the dim lighting and tall buildingsm, it's dark, but not uninviting, and Zelkova looks like he's at home. ]
[ the first thing hani does is grab both of zelkova’s hands in gentle greeting, if they’re allowed. it’s been a while since they’ve been face to face like this. ]
Thank you for all the warm words and nice places you’ve sent us. [ then with a smile, as they let go: ] Hello.
[ not only to zelkova but to any AI that passes by. the closest ones, hani bows to politely. ]
They're not family, but I think we can relate to one another.
[ Zelkova is much more advanced than any of the AI roaming about, but even so, there's a camaraderie there. ]
Not me, but other old data remnants built it. I have no idea how long it's been.
[ Months, years, days? Who knows.
It's clear after a certain point that Zelkova is taking Hani somewhere specific. It looks like some kind of hub, a place where Zelkova has clearly spent a lot of time. ]
[ Even as an AI... Zelkova likes that idea. His world is numbers and codes and learning whatever he can, but the thought that he was meant to meet certain friends? It's a nice one.
Just like that, he thinks he understands humans a little bit more. ]
Nope. You can give it a name if you want. It's yours now.
[ He grins. ]
Oh, but make sure you give it a little hug too. That's important!
[ a hug - hmmmm. hani looks between zelkova and the grunty doll. assessing priority of friendship…
then: ]
Zelkova-kun first. [ they hug him loosely, a little warm and a little awkward. but they like the hug and they hope he does, too.
then it’s the grunty’s turn. but they do realize they can do both so everyone gets one more hug, together this time. ]
I think I will call this child, “Ki.” From the Japanese word for tree after the zelkova elm. But it’s also the first syllable of “hope.” [ as in kibou! ]
[ He isn't expecting the hug, but he does welcome it, even briefly wrapping his arms around Hani. It makes sense now, why people like hugging. It's warm and affectionate.
And it's also why he doesn't mind the second hug with the grunty doll. ]
That's a great name, Hani.
[ Zelkova approves!
And, once hugging the doll, Hani will notice that they no longer feel the effects of the illness that has been spreading amongst everyone. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Net Slum
With the dim lighting and tall buildingsm, it's dark, but not uninviting, and Zelkova looks like he's at home. ]
Here we are. This is the Net Slum.
no subject
Thank you for all the warm words and nice places you’ve sent us. [ then with a smile, as they let go: ] Hello.
[ not only to zelkova but to any AI that passes by. the closest ones, hani bows to politely. ]
Is this your special place?
no subject
You could say that. It's the place where I feel most at home.
[ Zelkova starts to lead Hani through several alleyways, giving them plenty of time to look around if they so choose. ]
If I'm not in one of the towns or at the guild, I'm here.
no subject
Then... everyone here is family to you?
[ curious as they are, hani peers at everything they can. smiling at AI, taking note of the signs, the structures. ]
Oh - you all built this place perhaps?
no subject
They're not family, but I think we can relate to one another.
[ Zelkova is much more advanced than any of the AI roaming about, but even so, there's a camaraderie there. ]
Not me, but other old data remnants built it. I have no idea how long it's been.
[ Months, years, days? Who knows.
It's clear after a certain point that Zelkova is taking Hani somewhere specific. It looks like some kind of hub, a place where Zelkova has clearly spent a lot of time. ]
no subject
This place - this world goes back further than just us players. I see...
[ more than just flavor text and contrived scenarios written in to make it seem like fragment had lore behind it. ]
I'm glad to have learned about their efforts. I hope we can protect it from the glitches.
no subject
[ Zelkova makes his way over to a large console and starts pressing a few buttons. ]
You seem to like it here, Hani.
no subject
[ they just look at everything with bright curious eyes. ]
I do - because I’m learning more about a friend. And I do love this beautiful world.
no subject
[ Whatever that means, Hani will have to interpret for themself.
After messing around with the console, Zelkova pulls a little Grunty Doll out of his inventory and holds it out to Hani. ]
Here, take this.
no subject
[ they don’t really question that because zelkova is zelkova and hani is hani. ]
Does it have a name?
[ they take the doll with both hands and hold it up to observe. so cute… ]
no subject
Just like that, he thinks he understands humans a little bit more. ]
Nope. You can give it a name if you want. It's yours now.
[ He grins. ]
Oh, but make sure you give it a little hug too. That's important!
no subject
then: ]
Zelkova-kun first. [ they hug him loosely, a little warm and a little awkward. but they like the hug and they hope he does, too.
then it’s the grunty’s turn. but they do realize they can do both so everyone gets one more hug, together this time. ]
I think I will call this child, “Ki.” From the Japanese word for tree after the zelkova elm. But it’s also the first syllable of “hope.” [ as in kibou! ]
no subject
And it's also why he doesn't mind the second hug with the grunty doll. ]
That's a great name, Hani.
[ Zelkova approves!
And, once hugging the doll, Hani will notice that they no longer feel the effects of the illness that has been spreading amongst everyone. ]
no subject
Thank you - for sharing.
[ this place, the new AIs, the doll… ]
Can we stay here a bit longer? And should I tell the others about your special place?
[ the doll they will surely share, but if zelkova doesn’t want them to mention this place, they won’t. ]
no subject
[ It's a tenuous place, after all. He can't let everyone pile in here. ]
But you're welcome to stay a little while longer.
[ They seem to enjoy being here, after all, so Zelkova isn't about to kick them out. ]