Chapter 33: Doubtful Directions

They took a detour to Madame Merriam’s store before they arrived at the party.

He’d made sure to message Tiffany that he’d be late. In response, he got a screenshot of a packed room. It would be another lively night. This time, though, he’d make sure Happy Hour didn’t let him sleep in the game.

That was probably a bad habit to continue.

The gargoyle door slid upwards almost as soon as they knocked. Jester’s eyes adjusted to the different light, as he watched the various outfits float around overhead. Once again, the sequined ballerina outfit caught his eye.

It really was a beautiful piece.

“Welcome. You’re here for Whiskers then, boy?”

Jester nodded and followed as Happy Hour moved inside. Even after all this time, his hands still shook. It really was hitting him. That was three out of the four fights done. One more to go. No big surprises were going to come from his opponent, either.

They could research. Plan. Make something that would guarantee a win.

His excitement was obvious in his voice, but he didn’t care.

“We are indeed. Then the party. Are you walking over with us?”

“Perish the thought. I intend to be fashionably late.” Madame Merriam sniffed. “Come, let us get your cat.”

Whiskers was playing in a corner. A half untangled ball of green yarn surrounded him. Threads wrapped around his tail and back paws as he rolled and batted about. When his blue eyes landed on them, he stopped and let out a soft meow.

“Hey Whiskers,” Jester said as he knelt down. “You ready to go?”

Another meow, and some wiggling later, and he’d managed to get the robopet untangled. By the time the robotic cat was free, Madame Merriam returned. In her hands, she held a few straps of leather.

“You made him a harness?”

“I did,” Madame Merriam agreed. “You said you want something simple that you can use to keep him close. I have a lead too.”

“Thank you.” Jester took the pro-offered gear. “Do you mind if we try it here?”

“Be my guest.” She waved him away. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to get ready for.”

“A true reason for joy!” Happy Hour exclaimed as she raised a fist into the air.

“Yes dear. Do get changed before then, won’t you?”

Jester tried not to smirk at the wince that crossed the older woman’s face. It was her own fault, really. In short order, he turned to Whiskers. The cat doing its best to look adorable while it exposed its metallic belly.

“You’re not going to like this, are you?” He asked, as he reached down with the harness.

Whiskers couldn’t answer with words. Not that he needed to. Their attempt to run was all the answer Jester needed.

It took some doing, but eventually got the harness fastened around the cat. Even as it squirmed in Happy Hour’s grip. Brown bands of leather wrapped around the cat, crossing over at its back and stomach.

All placed such that none would impede its movements. With a swift motion, he attached the lead. Whiskers mewled and struggled, but Jester ignored him.

The deed was done. Now, Happy Hour could make sure the robopet wouldn’t get away again.

Plus, there was what DollmakerMC said to consider. His warning about keeping Whiskers close. That, combined with the flash of purple, had Jester worried. It was one reason he’d left the robopet with Madame Merriam.

Whatever rage form was, he didn’t want it interfering in this fight.

Not until he had time to test it.

Lead and harness in place, he let go of the struggling Whiskers. Two paws swiped the air at his face, but he dodged them with ease.

“Cut that out you,” he said.

Whiskers hissed at him again.

“Do not fret citizen.” Happy Hour patted Whiskers on the head. “You shall not feel this way forever. It shall grow on you as joy grows on us all.”

To his relief, he saw Whiskers start to calm. The cat’s tail no longer flicking as she gently put him down.

“Now, I must change. Will you be fine on your own?”

Jester nodded.

“Of course.”

She vanished, following through the same door as Madame Merriam. He looked down at Whiskers, who stared up at him. Jester sighed as he saw the flash once more. A hint of purple as Whiskers bared its fangs.

“How did they fix you?” He asked.

No response came, and he shook his head. It didn’t matter; he supposed. As long as they’d fixed him. Though, a wary feeling remained. There was something there. He simply couldn’t figure out what.

To distract himself, he busied himself tidying up the ball of yarn Whiskers was taking apart. With quick motions, he wound it back up. The yarn coarse under his fingers.

By the time he was done, Happy Hour was back once more. The stars on her skirts swirling as she walked towards them. He handed her the leash, and in two bounds, Whiskers was on her shoulders. Jester winced, worried something would happen.

However, nothing did.

“Are you alright Jester?” She asked.

“Yes, sorry. I was thinking about what DollmakerMC said about Whiskers. Was worried it might activate something.”

“Oh, don’t fret.” Happy Hour smiled at him and reached up to pat the cat. “It’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

“I hope you’re right.” He shrugged and headed towards the door. “Still, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. We have won our third match.”

“Yeah, one more and you’re a champion.” He laughed as they headed for the door. “Another, what? Month?”

She beamed at that, and even Whiskers seemed excited. “A month, yes. To think you once found me abandoned in The Junkyard.”

“No one’s going to make that mistake again.”

Jester was sure of that. Even if something happened, and he lost her, someone would pick her up. Debrah would probably have performed somewhere, if nothing else. Happy Hour would never again find herself in that junk pile.

That was something he knew he could be proud of.

“Their mistake was your gain. I’m glad for it.”

“Me too.”

“Isn’t that sweet?” Lexington called out

“What do you want?” Jester could feel his smile die as he saw the smug face of his rival standing across the street.

He was in full get up, even wearing the riding helmet with all its straps done up. His hands were on his hips as he stared at them.

“Me? To congratulate you, what else?” Lexington didn’t move any closer. “This was your third victory, after all.”

“Ahh, so coming to see where skill can get you over money?” Jester asked. “I can tell you it feels good.”

“Skill?” Lexington scoffed. “Please. You’re up against junk bots and cobbled together ideas. Rippertooth has been downing real opponents.”

“And all it cost you was what? I’m guessing, next year’s birthday money?”

“You watch your mouth.”

“Or what, Lexington.” Jester stepped forward, and he knew Happy Hour followed suit. Even Whiskers let out a small hiss. “You think you can beat us? We’ve been winning with style. You’ve probably been bullying your way through. How did you even manage in the maze?”

“Maze?” Lexington laughed. “Please. They don’t need gimmicks to make our fights entertaining. They’ve been shoving their beta testing onto you lesser players.”

That surprised him. Did that mean they wouldn’t be showing off these events for the Final Cup either? If so, that was interesting.

“Well, be interesting to see if that streak continues.” Jester shrugged. “Otherwise, your little pup may not like what he finds.”

“Please. We both know Rippertooth can handle anything your toy can. I heard you’ve even been playing dress up with her? That’s cute.”

“We’ll see how cute you find it in the finals.”

Lexington smirked and turned away.

“No, I don’t think we will. Your luck won’t last that long.”

“I’m not the one relying on luck!” Jester called at his retreating back.

Once the younger man vanished, Happy Hour placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Come on, we have a party to get to.” Her voice held no signs of malice, but her grip tightened.

“Yeah, I know. Still, annoying git.”

Happy Hour didn’t laugh, though he saw a flicker of a smile.

“The young master surely wishes he could be from a house as strong as yours. That is worthy of pity, not scorn.”

“Did you claim that he’s jealous of me?”

“I believe Tiffany is waiting for us, Jester.”

With a laugh, he nodded. If he ever met DollmakerMC again, he’d need to thank them for giving Happy Hour her personality.

“Right, let’s get going.”

***

Happy Hour made good on his request.

As tempted as it was to once again fall asleep on Tiffany's shoulder, she was there to keep him awake. Either with a soft word, or pulling him once again on the dance floor. Sometimes she would join them at their booth, and together they would simply people watch.

Even after all this time, the sheer variety of Androids impressed him.

“So, what’s the story behind that one?” He asked as he pointed into the crowd.

“Which one?” Tiffany asked. She took another sip of her drink. A concoction that smelled like a berry mixture and tasted like chocolate.

“The vine monster.”

It was the best way he could think to describe it. Green and brown cables were twisted and braided into a humanoid form. The robot towered over the woman dancing with it, easily standing at seven feet tall.

No clothes adorned it, and he was sure he could see lights glowing from inside it.

“Oh, that one.” Tiffany laughed as she gestured. “Someone told Madeline she couldn’t make an Android without skin look good. She took that personally.”

“But there are plenty of Androids here without skin?” Happy Hour looked confused. “I can see three nearby her.”

“Well, she’s never been one to back away from a challenge. Spiteful, some would call her.”

“I think it looks cool,” Jester said.

“Oh yeah, the design’s great. Not my favorite, though.” Tiffany put her drink down once again. “See the man in the pink toga?”

Jester scanned the crowd for a second before he nodded. “By the bar, yeah?”

Tiffany nodded. “Yeah. His robot is this tiny little flying rat pixie hybrid. Some of the most intricate butterfly wings I’ve ever seen.”

“The flight update was one of their better ideas. Pity it never stuck in the arena.”

He could still remember when it’d first arrived. The designs needed for the machines to fly were intricate. A lot of body weight calculations were required. Anything out of whack and the robot would come crashing to the ground.

One robot called Meteor used that to its advantage. Huge, round and with a multitude of arms, it would rise into the air and simply drop on to its foes.

It worked for a time. Until someone figured out, it didn’t have any real air maneuverability. At that point, everyone designed against it. The mechanic who owned Meteor quit shortly after. A shame, they were always fun fights to watch.

But that was how it goes. He couldn’t feel too bad. There was no chance he wasn’t going to do the same thing.

If he could find out all of Inectorz's weaknesses, he would.

Which reminded him, he needed to talk to both Madame Merriam and Kylee as soon as he could. There needed to be some kind of outfit they could put together.

“Jester?”

“Hmm?” He looked at Tiffany. “What’s up?”

“You zoned out there, you alright dude?” She waved a hand in his face.

He laughed and pushed it away. “Fine, sorry. Was thinking about the upcoming match.”

“Worried?” She nudged her glass against his.

“No actually. I’m feeling pretty confident about this one.”

Jester took a sip from his drink. A chocolate and mint milkshake. It burned a little going down, but not in a bad way. He’d need to thank Dam13n for the suggestion.

“We have been doing well,” Happy Hour said.

“Plus, we have a great team.”

His eyes scanned the floor as he spoke. Kylee was slow dancing with a well muscled man wearing a tank top. She was laughing at something he said. Dam13n was on the other side of the club. Arms full of two different women, both wearing gothic attire.

Their entire group had taken over a corner booth, and he didn’t look like he wanted to be disturbed.

Which Jester could appreciate. He was doing the same, after all.

“I have to admit, it’s nice to hear you sound so confident.” Tiffany reached over and squeezed his hand.

“It’s nice to be confident. After the curveballs of the rest of these fights? One being what I expected is refreshing.”

Jester laughed and took another drink.

“A proper dance will be a delightful change of pace.” Happy Hour stood. “Speaking of, Tiffany?”

“Me?” Tiffany asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Pretty sure Jester will say no if I attempt to drag him out again.” A grin showed on Happy Hour’s face. “Plus, you think he’ll complain?”

Both of them giggled and slipped out of the booth, leaving him alone. He shook his head as they went. He still couldn’t believe Tiffany asked him for that drink sometimes. However, he couldn’t deny how glad he was for it.

Even his boss mentioned he seemed more chipper lately.

“Jester.”

“Debrah. How are you?”

The faun smiled as she created a chair out of thin air. A throne made of red and gold that came into being with a puff of smoke. She sat and ran a hand through her long blonde hair.

“I’m well. It’s nice to see the place so full once again. You’re certainly holding up your end of our bargain. My profits have never been higher.”

“Well, as long as I’m being useful.” He looked down at the purple suit. “I really should thank you for this again. Though I have a question.”

“Oh? And what is on your mind?”

He explained what he’d been thinking, and she sat back. With a snap of her fingers, a serving robot was by her side. A plump woman, with a smile and a pitcher of wine. As soon as she left, Debrah nodded to him.

“Would my design still be prominent?”

“I’m sure Madame Merriam could manage it.” Jester nodded.

He was too. There was a little clothing wise he’d put past the woman at this point.

Debrah paused and took a sip of her wine. Her cloven feet tapped at the ground as she thought. Then she nodded.

“Fine, I do like the idea of it. However, I would ask for you to hold off. You’re matched against Glasshopper will get views. No question there. The match against Lexington, though? If he makes it through. Well. That will be something else.”

“So you’re suggesting I wait?”

She tapped at the table.

“You’ve done a good job of taking my advice to heart. At using spectacle to draw attention. This is an extension of that. Wait, and when you stand victorious on that stage, it’ll cause quite an uproar.”

He knew she was right. The question was if he could beat Rippertooth. Jester leaned back as he thought. Without the maze, provided what The Troll said was true, would have ended with him fighting people who spent a lot of money.

Money given freely to watch him lose.

Lexington would do the same thing.

His ability to stay in was more because of his friends and allies. Their items allowing him to bridge the gap. Not enough he could take on someone like Captain Rocket. That gap was too large.

The question was if it would be enough to take on Rippertooth.

He figured, yes. Lexington’s robot wasn’t a complicated design. Nor did it incorporate anything particularly rare. That should be a gap he could bridge. As he took a sip, he looked at Happy Hour.

She was dancing with Tiffany, both of his girls laughing as they spun each other about. Or was he their boy? That made him smile.

“Debrah, can I ask you something else?”

“Of course.”

“Can I win?”

She paused and looked at him.

“I’m assuming you don’t mean against Glasshopper?”

“No.” Jester shook his head. “I mean against Rippertooth.”

“As you are? Maybe.”

“But I could make it a certainty.” His gaze refused to leave Happy Hour. “She’s not made of the best parts. Don’t get me wrong, I love her design. However, we could upgrade it. Better metal for the limbs, and such. But…” He trailed off.

“You’re worried about how it would change her?”

“Have been for a while. I don’t want her to be changed in such a way we can’t change her back.”

Debrah leaned forward and clasped her hands in front of her. Jester did his best to meet her eye. This was important, and he wanted to hear what she wanted to say.

“Do you want to change her that much for a simple victory?”

He wished he could give her an answer.

***

Whiskers meowed as the paint brush ran over his back.

It’d take a few attempts, but Jester shut down the robopet’s ability to move. An act that put him in a partial sleep mode. It made him easier to work on.

He’d talked to Happy Hour over the week about his idea. She was standing next to him now. Red eyes watching intently as he finished the purple nightgown. They’d decided on sleepwear. Which made sense, considering how often they found him curled up somewhere.

Whiskers meowed again.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re almost done.” Jester dipped his brush into the paint pot again. “What do you think? Stars?”

“It would match my outfit,” Happy Hour agreed.

“Stars it is then.”

As he went back to painting, he couldn’t help but shoot another glance over at Happy Hour. Not for the first time, either. His conversation with Debrah was still playing in his mind. He’d messaged Kylee outside the game. She’d been cautious about the idea.

“We don’t know how it would change her. Is that a risk you want to take?”

In all honesty, he didn’t know.

True, any loss to Lexington would be intolerable. The git would be smug about it for all time. However, as he listened to Happy Hour talk about star patterns, he wondered if that mattered.

They went for a simple spread of stars in the end. Jester trying his best to disperse them around the robotic body. Each was a more stylized design, reminiscent of a child’s drawing. Cute and big to make them easy to see. It gave him the appearance of being wrapped in a blanket.

Maybe one a toddler gave them to tuck him in.

“Anything else you think?” Jester asked as he stepped back.

Whiskers meowed.

“Not from you.”

Happy Hour shook her head. “I think that’s fine. He’s cute in his little Pj’s.”

“Isn’t he?” Jester chuckled.

“Plus, we don’t want to change him too much. Mrs. Shivit may not appreciate it.”

That caught him off guard, and he looked towards her. “What?”

“Well, he is still her cat. Even if we are looking after him for now.” Happy Hour reached out and patted Whiskers, earning her a small purr. “You’re a good kitty, yes you are.”

“You say that like you don’t want to give him back.” Jester raised an eyebrow.

She paused in her attentions and turned to him. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“I like Whiskers.”

“Me too.” Jester looked at the cat, who turned his blue eyes towards him.

He smiled and patted the cat as he switched him back to his more active mode. When the switch was complete, Whiskers jumped to his feet. His tail swished as he pawed at the air, and then meowed at them.

“You look dapper indeed.” Happy Hour smiled at the robopet. “Shall we show you off around town?”

“I’m not sure if that’s the best idea,” Jester said as he looked out the window.

The stream of people wasn’t as vast as it had been. Most interested in the new update had already explored The Junkyards to their heart’s content. Not that it meant the streets were empty.

Even from where he stood, he could see Chimera-bots roaming around. There were two distinctive types, depending on who was leading them. Those following any player with an arm band were bare of any accessories.

However, it seemed those of greater means were already decorating theirs.

One Chimera-bot made from an amalgamation of crushed cars wore a series of ribbons. There player sporting similar ones in his own hair.

“Are you worried about the virus?” Happy Hour asked, seeming to track where he was looking.

“Yes, and this rage form. Plus, some other stuff.” Jester shrugged. “There’s a lot to think about.”

“Perhaps we should test that out?” Happy Hour asked.

“The rage form?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “We could ask one of the union members to fight us. If I let their Chimera-bot hit me, perhaps that will activate it?”

He couldn’t deny his curiosity.

Besides, it would be the safest way of doing it. If it activated in the middle of a fight that held real stakes? That could be disastrous.

“Sure, the sounds good. Want me to see if I can find Andry?”

“Andry has a robot?” Happy Hour looked shocked. “I didn’t know that.”

“He doesn’t bring it out often.” Jester shrugged. “It’s an older design.”

“Is it an Android?”

“Ha, no. We won’t be fighting him, anyway.”

He turned away from the window and packed the paints away. With how generous Mr. Markal was being, he didn’t want to leave the place a mess. Within moments, Happy Hour was joining him.

Once he’d stored everything away, he gave a nod.

“Alright, lest go find Andry.”

It didn’t take long.

Even with all the people around, the man’s voice still boomed about the rest. All they needed to do was follow the sound. Soon enough, Jester spotted him. He was standing around lecturing a group of younger looking players. None of them were being followed by a Chimera-bot.

“And that, my friends, is some ways the union can help you get started on your journey,” Andry was saying as they approached.

“Can they get me a Chimera-bot?” One boy asked. His sandy hair was messy, and he wore the basic t-shirt and jeans starting gear.

“We can indeed!” Andry motioned. “We also have some celebrities in our guild.”

Jester tried not to curse under his breath as they all turned his way. Happy Hour, in turn, gave them a small curtsy.

“Hi Andry, giving the speech?”

“I am indeed.” Andry beamed. “They’ve been quite attentive.”

“Need any help? Because I could use a favor.”

“Of course. How can I be of assistance?”

Jester eye’d the potential new recruits. They were watching him with intent gases, and he knew the questions would come any time now. Best to get what he needed out in a hurry. Besides, he might kill two birds with one stone.

“I need to have Happy Hour to fight a Chimera-bot. To test some stuff.”

“I see.” Andry nodded. “Then perhaps we can help each other.”

“Oh, we’d be happy to be of assistance.” Happy Hour waved. “How can we help?”

“These recruits wished for the opportunity to get a Chimera-bot of their own.” Andry turned to them, his smile flashing full force. “How would you like to fight Jester here after it’s done?”

“I’ll do it,” the sandy-haired one said.

Jester shrugged. “That works for me.”

Andry laughed and clapped his hands. His armor clanking as he did so. “Fantastic! Shall we head off, then?”

The small group of recruits nodded and fell in behind Andry. Jester took up the rear to make sure none got lost on the way. He wouldn’t stop them from choosing to leave if they wished.

The Union forced no one into a membership. Even if Andry’s speeches sometimes felt like it.

Still, this place could be confusing for newbies. Better to have someone monitor them.

By the time they got to Gero, he’d need to stop them from taking two wrong turns. An unwatched Chimera-bot almost trampled one. Another got into a minor argument with a Geartown resident.

Andry paid their fee, and they made it across the bridge.

They stopped on the other side as Andry raised his hand.

“Now, follow me. Stick close and don’t wander off. Who wanted to get their new robot first?”

A young girl with fiery red hair done up in braids raised her hands.

“Excellent. In that case, come. We have hunting to do.”