This existence is not real, and information deceives it

[longlasting]

It's taken him so long to finally get what he needed.

Even with the power, money, and resources Ouroboros has, so many things have remained just out of their reach. It took quite a while to come up with a back-up plan, and even longer to make sure the back-up plan would run as smoothly as the first should have.

The technology was certainly there. They had plenty of prototypes Adam was free to experiment on, and it wasn't like he'd be finished if he destroyed them all. He had his parents' blueprints and journals to help him develop an android with all the capabilities he'll need in a slave.

He even developed some unique technology of his own. Ouroboros may not be able to capture Kotetsu himself, but his DNA? That was simple. From there, it was quite easy to make a proper synthetic skin and hair.

When it was all finished, Adam had to admit what he had was worth the wait. The android before him was a marvel of robotics. The wires connected to it were analyzing the specifications of his strength, intelligence, speed... they were all far past those of a human. But despite that, it would follow Adam's commands to the letter. And all that obedient power was sealed within the spitting image of Kotetsu Kaburagi. Looking at him on the table now, still offline... he almost looks like he's sleeping.

Almost.

After a few more minutes of running through protocols, there's nothing left to do but try the activation. There's a switch at the back of its neck, a small indent he digs his finger into. After a moment, there's a soft beep, a gentle whirring, and then H-13 is fully activated.

Comments

[darkerstripes]

The world happened all at once.

Code, bionics, and even true biology flash into life, sending information through wires and into synthetic nerves all at once. Light, sound, sensation. Even in his first milliseconds of existence, H-13 has knowledge. He knows what and who he is, why he was created, to whom he belongs.

He knows he is a marvel of robotics.

He knows the man he is meant to reflect.

It's almost perfect. His programming even includes physical habits and speech patterns. He's a nearly perfect copy. The only obvious physical distinction are his non-organic eyes. Glowing softly in LED powered colors. Green or red. Not brown, like Kotetsu's.

They scan the room and alight on Adam. Master and creator. His god. He blinks, watching, processing as all of his files and programs settle into place.

"Hello, Master. I am powered and fully operational."

[longlasting]

It's incredible how quickly he activates. Nothing takes more than a second. Everything just falls into place, like it's always been this way. Just like a living thing.

Adam watches and can't help but marvel at his creation. He's so perfect... he moves just like Kotetsu, thinks just like Kotetsu.

...The eyes are a small issue. He was never able to get the shade of them just right. Surely that won't bother him too much.

And then H-13 speaks, and Adam claps his hands. It's just like he's actually here, actually speaking to him. His grin widens, and he actually sounds a little breathless with excitement as he moves to unplug wires and separate the robot from the computers that kept him stable until activation.

"Incredible. It... it really worked." He laughs softly until he remembers himself. "Run diagnostics to be certain there are no errors whatsoever."

[darkerstripes]

Adam watches his creation, and the creation watches right back. He is programmed to observe, to learn. He observes Adam, the person he knows he is meant to exist for. He takes in the little twitches as Adam sees his eyes, the way he lights up when H-13 speaks.

He likes that.

Adam claps and H-13 feels something new activate in his system. A reward pathway? Pleasure. Approval. He stores that information. He watches as Adam unhooks him from his offline supports and observes the brush of fingers against his skin. He blinks.

"You are incredible, Master, for creating me," he adds, feeling that reward activate again as Adam laughs.

"Yes, Master, of course." His eyes flicker and he goes still, focusing all his power on running a thorough diagnostic and scouring all files for potential errors.

Some moments pass, no longer than a few minutes, and H-13's eyes focus again. "No potential problems are detected. I am clean and functional. What more might you require of me, Master?"

[longlasting]

H-13 watches him, and learns, adapts. Quicker than Adam was expecting, and that thrills him. He can see the android adapting to the situation immediately, knowing its position and then transforming the information he can observe into data for use in his objectives.

He can already tell Adam likes and craves praise. He needed someone to appreciate his accomplishments. It's fitting that his greatest accomplishment thus far is able to immediately give him more than anyone else has ever given him.

He sighs and turns away as H-13 runs through its system, waiting rather impatiently for his realistic AI to return. When it does, Adam smiles, though the smile quickly turns from pleased to sinister.

"I require much more from you, H-13. First..." He hooks a finger and beckons the android. "Stand and display yourself for me."

The android is naked so Adam can properly search for any imperfections. He will get clothing later, but surely a robot doesn't care about its state of dress.

[darkerstripes]

Even his learning is being affected by his learning. The knowledge that this man is creator, master, and reason for existence all rolled into one means that he is the most important person in all of existence. And therefore, learning about him is paramount to fulfilling his purpose.

He blinks at Adam's smile, still unsure about the gesture for himself. He wants to smile in return, but shouldn't such an expression be reserved for Adam and his success? He isn't sure. He knows he is eager to do everything Adam requires of him.

He nods, sliding off of his table to stand. "Of course, Master." The floor is cold against his feet, he observes, and his toes curl against it for a moment. He takes a step away from the table, watching Adam look at him. He is exposed, isn't he? Naked? That has meaning for humans, doesn't it? It is merely a simple fact for H-13. All of his parts and connections are accessible this way. His Master can see every part of him that he has created, and know that he has done well. H-13 stands prouder.

[longlasting]

He is the only person H-13 will need, the only one that matters. He has an entire database of heroes and criminals in his memory, but Adam will stand out as the only one to listen to. The idea of being so important to this creation is terribly enticing to Adam, but he tries to postpone his excitement, at least for now.

He watches the android stand, notes how he adapts to the cold. Interesting how realistically he reacts. He shakes that off, moves on to looking over the android's body. It's nearly flawless, but he does note one bit of skin under his right arm that's slightly torn. He must have damaged it when tugging out the wiring.

He turns away momentarily with a sigh, gathering a few tools. When he turns back, he has an extra patch of synthetic skin and an item that looks slightly like a welding torch.

"I need you to hold still."

[darkerstripes]

He is the only thing in the world that is truly real. The only thing with meaning beyond simple mathematical fact. Adam is everything.

H-13 lifts his arm, noting where Adam had noticed the tear, where he was looking when he sighed. Is he not perfect? He needs to be perfect. That was Adam's goal, and he is here to fulfill all of those dreams and goals.

He moves so much the way Kotetsu would. The way he lifts his arm, the barest hint of a smile on his lips. "Yes, Master."

[longlasting]

He's not quite perfect. Not yet... not that he ever will be, with those red eyes, but Adam swallows down that disturbing feeling. He notes, at least, that H-13 is perfect in other ways. His movement, his slight smile. He doubts he will continue smiling once he begins his work, but it still gives him some satisfaction.

He places the synthetic fibers over the tear, and then the tool he's holding whirs to life, melting the skin so it can blend in. Adam doesn't do shoddy patch jobs.

At least it only takes a minute, and then Adam moves back, observing his work with a gentle smile.

"Perfect. We can move on, then."

[darkerstripes]

Adam seems content, or pleased in some way, and the gears within H-13's body whirr in contentment as well. He watches with interest as best he can when he is repaired, touching the patch once Adam is through.

His first minor repair. He feels so... attended to. Interesting.

He looks back at Adam and nods obediently. He finds himself utterly staring at Adam's smile. His system recognizes it as a sign of happiness, of pleasure. That gesture on his Master's face means that he is happy and content. H-13's job is to make sure it stays that way. Something that might be determination unlocks in his code.

[longlasting]

H-13 can only stare at his smile for so long before Adam turns away. He has much to do to look after his new creation after all. He has to run through every possible test to be sure he has created something of perfection. Even if he feels certain of that, he needs to analyze every variable. It will take time. But he can be patient.

What he desires will come soon enough.

When he turns back, it's with a pair of plain black slacks that he tosses in H-13's direction.

"Wear these. We'll be testing your attacking capabilities, and I'm not sure it's appropriate for you to fight completely exposed."

[darkerstripes]

He feels a small jolt of something he thinks might be disappointment when Adam turns away. Well, he will just have to deal with that, then. Interesting that it makes him sad when he can't see his master's face. He doesn't show a reaction, though.

His reflexes are perfect. He catches the garment before it could flop into him, and holds them out in front of him to examine.

"As you say, Master." He personally doesn't really care, but having something keeping the skin he knows is sensitive safe may be wise. So he steps into them and zips himself in.

[longlasting]

His reflexes are an excellent sign. If he is this quick in combat, then the next test will take no time at all... and then Adam can move on to something far more fun. He eyes the android with a grin that looks a bit more hungry, before he leads the way into another room.

This one is an obvious gym of some sort. There are weights, treadmills, and training dummies to fight. Part of the mostly normal room, however, is taken up by a shooting range.

"You may begin with melee combat or sharpshooting. When you decide, I will begin measuring your intelligence levels."

[darkerstripes]

H-13 notices the pleased sparkle in Adam's eyes when he moves so quickly. It would have been obvious, of course, that Adam would approve of him being fast, but that motivates him even more to push the limits of his reactions.

And then the new smile. A different kind of smile. H-13 blinks, trying to process. It is... pleased? Like the other smiles, he thinks. But there is a wish within it. A want, a desire. H-13 desires in return, to give his Master whatever it is he is wanting. If only he knew. He must wait until he is told. Something almost like pain forms in his stomach.

He doesn't have time to question that now.

He takes in the training room, saving the layout to his mind's eye. Then he is given a choice. The first choice of his existence. Something exciting wells up inside him and he thinks quickly. Which does he want to prefer, since he is allowed a preference? The original he is based on is all combat, he knows from his memory files, fists and grappling.

"I will begin with sharpshooting."

He will surpass Wild Tiger by doing and mastering what he cannot. He nods politely to Adam, and steps to the range, quickly selecting a firearm with both power and range.

[longlasting]

It is rather obvious, or it should be. Of course Adam would be pleased if his creation worked as expected. And considering how demanding he was in his specifications, H-13 meeting expectations is rather incredible.

But he has to wait. He doesn't know for sure if H-13 is performing completely as expected. He must be patient.

That strange smile only continues, but it eventually fades into something more like his normal smiles as he waits for H-13 to make a decision.

The choice surprises him a bit. Kotetsu was far more likely to fight hand-to-hand. What made this copy choose otherwise?

Well, no matter. He should be skilled with both. He waits for H-13 to position himself at the range, and then he waves a hand.

"Begin."

As soon as H-13 begins firing, Adam begins speaking over the shooting, reading off complicated questions. Questions that a robot with the intelligence he hoped H-13 had should be able to answer, despite being in the middle of battle.

[darkerstripes]

He wants to meet every expectation Adam has for him. No, he wants to exceed expectations. He will stretch his wires and circuits to the limit to make it happen. He knows that the same as he knows what he is and who he was made for. It is a simple fact.

He waits for the signal, and then beings. He shoots rapidly, forming a semi-circle just a little north and west of the bulls-eye. He frowns for a moment, readjusts his stance based on some calculations of the gun and his body, and begins again.

It clusters right at the center.

All along he responds clearly and formally, unhesitating. He pauses his answering only long enough to swap weapons and swiftly calculate a new stance for each.

Something new he hasn't experienced before is starting to form in him again, and he wonders what it might be. Pride? It could be pride. He is doing well and he knows it.

[longlasting]

So far, he is more than meeting expectations. He is doing impeccably. His shooting, at first, is a little less than perfect. It's enough to get a frown from Adam as well. But then moments later, he's found the perfect stance, and he's cycling through every type of gun without wavering.

In among those various questions are other questions. These are more simple than mathematical equations or testing of knowledge. But Adam considers them almost more important.

"Who is your master?"

"Who do you obey above all else?"

"What will you do for me?"

He knows H-13 is devoted. He knows he is programmed to unwaveringly obey him. But... still, he must hear it. He moves closer to the shooting range.

[darkerstripes]

The pride in him swells and grows. It is a humble pride, pride for his Master, knowing that he will reflect well on him, but pride nonetheless. He is doing very well, perfectly. He must be pleasing Adam this way.

All of his answers are confident and solid. The answers to the interspersed others is... almost emotional, if you could believe it.

"You, Adam, are my Master."

"I obey you above any and all."

"I will do anything for you."

Each time he responds, something sparks to life in his circuitry. Something desperate and longing and devoted. He reaches the end of the cartridge for the final firearm and sets it down gracefully, turning in parade rest to face Adam for his next order.

[longlasting]

Adam can feel something sparking to life in him as well. Every answer makes his heart somehow skip a beat. Everything he's saying so something he's so desperately wanted Kotetsu to say to him. And now here's a being with Kotetsu's voice, proclaiming his utter devotion to him.

It's not real. It's not the real Kotetsu. But it feels so real that for a moment, Adam forgets, only love and affection and desperation filling him.

When H-13 turns to him, he puts a hand on the android's cheek, and his praise seems softer, more genuine than ever.

"Perfect... so perfect. You're perfect, Tiger."

He looks up with a smile into those eyes... those glowing red irises, so wrong, so imperfect...

He pulls his hand away.

[darkerstripes]

Just the act of proclaiming devotion made H-13's circuits feel alive. Made something new and strange he can't quite name open in his files and be set free.

Then the touch and the tone in his Master's voice, and he feels the odd desire to whimper. He swallows it back, merely feeling a tremble in the core of his chassis. The words hit him so hard, but so wonderfully. Perfect. He is perfect... Tiger. Not Wild Tiger, not him, no. But A Tiger. Adam's Tiger.

Then the hand leaves, and all that helpless trembling becomes ache. Did he do something wrong? He turns his head down, eyes cast to the floor in acceptance. He hurts. No blow to him was dealt, and he doesn't understand what just happened, but he hurts.

[longlasting]

He should feel so happy. He has a creation that is completely devoted to him. It listens to him without failure. It seems to almost want to be owned by Adam, even if that's impossible.

It's those eyes that make him remember. It's impossible. He... it doesn't want anything. It can't feel anything. It's not devoted, it's simply doing its job.

It may be a Tiger, but Adam's Tiger is almost pathetically fake. His hand curls into a fist. But Adam is trained in holding himself back.

"...Hand-to-hand combat is next. You will not make errors."

[darkerstripes]

Impossible, yes. It is impossible for an android, even of this capability and advanced AI to truly want. Emotions in him are programs meant to react to coded stimuli. Even this Tiger knows that.

So what is this horrible ache?

He keeps his eyes downcast, feeling as though he shouldn't look at Adam. Doesn't deserve the respect that eye contact entails.

"Yes, Master. I will not."

And he moves with incredible speed and accuracy, on the target almost instantly. Like he was fueled by anger or frustration as well as a simple necessity to obey.

[longlasting]

Adam may be more than experienced with robotics, but even he doesn't know the extent of his parents' work in robotics. The H systems had pieces of coding that were integral to the way they ran, coding he couldn't remove yet couldn't decipher.

But despite all that, he knows that even this advanced AI is not truly a real being. It doesn't even deserve his anger.

He watches in silence as Kotetsu rushes forward. He's stronger than Kotetsu, even if that stupid hero was using his Hundred Power. He's incredible.

So why is Adam still frowning?

[darkerstripes]

H-13, Tiger, may have beyond a cursory understanding of his own coding and blueprints, for the sake of maintenance, but he certainly doesn't know his own make-up as well as his creator. He is complex and incredible, all thanks to Adam. That is all he knows.

He doesn't understand why he was programmed with these reactions, though. These... emotions. What purpose do they serve? He will obey without them. Adam would want him to be able to display those emotions perhaps, to appear more convincing as a replica of Kotetsu... No, he shan't think on it too hard.

He tears through target after target as sensors take measurements on strength and endurance, speed and reaction time. He's flawless in all tests.

He can't look back at Adam. He just keeps going.

[longlasting]

If only it was all thanks to Adam. Then surely he wouldn't have failed in getting the eyes right, and he wouldn't have failed in understanding exactly how H-13 was working now.

But... everything should be fine. He's not doing anything out of the ordinary during these tests. He's done absolutely nothing wrong, nothing that he can control, anyways. Adam needs to calm down.

By the end of the exam, at least, he thinks he's gotten himself back under control, especially after admiring Tiger's efforts. There are barely shreds left of the training dummies. Adam gives a soft smile.

"You are certainly a wild animal, aren't you? You did very well. Come with me and we'll begin your final test."

He turns away from Tiger, allowing himself to feel a surge of adrenaline, gathering all his excitement from earlier for this moment.

[darkerstripes]

Everything appears perfect, ordinary, expected. None of the strange phenomena going on in H-13's system is measurable from the outside.

He completes the test and moves to stillness, breathing a little increased from the excitement of false combat, a very slight sheen on his bare chest. He is absolutely a wild animal, but that was part of the point, wasn't it?

There is finally something back in Adam's tone that seems good. Approval, perhaps. He fixed whatever he was doing wrong before, and that makes something relax in him. He doesn't fully turn to face Adam until his master is looking away, and beckons to him. He follows at a respectful distance, wondering what his final test may be.