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It had been unusually quiet in the circus for a few weeks now. The halls were empty, the doors closed, and the server activity levels lower than usual. With only one circus member remaining, Caine had very little new data to process. Creating adventures with only one player was fine enough, but his AI could only pull from so much. Because of the lack of activity, the computer system went into low power mode.
And for Caine, that presented itself in a form of digital fatigue affecting his legs, arms, and eyes. His model’s movement became sluggish, his eyes droopy, and his processing was slower. It was obvious to any player observing him that something was wrong.
And Kinger noticed.
“Are you sure you're ok, Caine?” Kinger asked, voice echoing in the open. “You know you don't have to overwhelm your system to make new adventures every day. I'll be fine for a day or two.”
“Nonsense, my honey-covered buttery fly!” Caine spoke with his usual, energetic flare. But his body language said otherwise. Instead of floating towards the chess piece, he walked. Normally reserved for when he was very serious, but now his only form of movement in this low-power mode. He took each step with the same pep he would when levitating. In one hand he carried his staff, seemingly forgetting the intended purpose of the item in the macroverse.
“I can whip up an amazing adventure for you in a spectacular second!” Caine snapped his fingers, but nothing happened. “Uh.. in two spectacular seconds!” Again, nothing.
“Caine..”
“In three spectacular se-”
“Caine!” Kinger rushed towards the ringmaster just as he started to glitch out. The AI’s digital form fell over, similar to how one would keel over in pain or in a coughing fit.
“You don't have to generate anything for me right now, Bee.” Kinger gently reached under the AI’s form, guiding him back up to his feet. “I'll be ok, Caine. You should focus on conserving your power.” Caine looked up at him with wide eyes. How could he do that? That goes against his whole purpose! He has to create something for his only circus member. What if Kinger got bored? What if he were to..
“Caine? Caine, you're falling-” Kinger couldn't quite finish his sentence before Caine was on his hands and knees again. He let out a sigh and picked up the other's form again. This time, he handed him the black & gold cane.
“Y'know.. you always carry this thing around. I know your data mainly consists of decorative staffs and costume canes. But these can be used as mobility devices too.” Kinger explained, adjusting the way Caine held the object to better fit this purpose. “If you feel weak in your knees again-”
“I feel fuzzy.” Caine blurted out. “My appendages feel fuzzy. Is this normal for you humans?”
“Well, I mean.. for some humans, I guess so! I haven't used one myself, but I remember when.. someone in my life did..” Kinger paused for a moment, mind recalling a fuzzy memory of reality just briefly. “Uh.. anyways, if you can figure out how to put your weight onto the staff when you walk, you might find it easier to get around. It'll help until we can find a way to turn off low-power mode, at least..” Caine was staring at him intently. He was listening very carefully. But the AI couldn't comprehend the concept. It seemed like the programmer knew this, so he decided to take a different route.
“Here, let me guide you..” Kinger bent down to be at Caine's level, hands reaching in to lift the ringmaster's leg and arm. “If you move this leg forward, and move your arm forward with the staff..” He moved his limbs accordingly, with some assistance from the other's gloved hands.
“And you put your weight onto this hand with the staff..” Caine followed along, taking the steps forward with his guidance. He focused his virtual weight onto the staff, and suddenly.. the fuzziness in his legs reduced. Then he continued walking forward, slowly, taking each step with the staff carefully. He turned to look at Kinger. Greeted by his cheerful expression, suddenly he felt a different kind of unusual.
“There you go!” Kinger cheered. “You did it, Bee!”
“What should I do if my chest feels fuzzy?”
“Your what?”
“Nevermind!”