Tales Across the MultiBurst

Funtime is Over

In which we see a universe where the Snake Pit is not a cold, desolate training facility for Bladers, and the place Shu Kurenai goes to be corrupted by Ashtem, but where it's a fun, cheerful arcade where children of any age can go and have fun with friends and family.
Not to say this place is entirely pure...

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"Ashtem, what was your motivation behind making the Fun Pit?" The reporter asks, holding their microphone out to me.

"My motivation was simple." I answer, smiling politely at her and her cameraman. "I wanted to build a place where children of any age could come and have fun, as well as be perfectly safe and happy."

"Safe, sir?"

"A lot of children nowadays need a place to come to for an escape from the troubles in our world, and the dangers in New York. Maybe even their life at home..."

"An escape from their life at home? Like... If they were being abused, sir?"

I nod slowly, without saying anything. She waits for me to, but when she sees that I'm waiting for her to ask another question, she does. "Did you know anyone like that growing up?"

"No, ma'am." I lie. "But I wanted to give any such person a place to go because I know it means a lot."

Neither of us can think of what to say now, so after a moment I clear my throat and ask. "So... You wanted to discuss the animatronics, yes?"

"Oh, yes!" She nods, clearing her own throat and standing up straight. "So, Ashtem, who designed and built your animatronics?"

"I did." I answer, allowing myself a small smile. She blinks several times, surprised.

"Wow... That's incredible, sir."

"Thank you."

"And you designed and built the games, as well?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"You're quite the genius, then! Where did you learn to do it all?"

"Just college, really. I got my Masters' in engineering, computer science, and mathematics."

She lets out a soft 'oh', wearing an admiring smile. "And... What are some special functions of your animatronics?"

"Ah, well... They all have pre-programmed lines for general activities and services, but they're also programmed to feel human emotion, form connections, and have real conversations with the customers."

"And do they really make connections and feel emotions?" The cameraman asks bluntly, and I can see some doubt in his eyes. "Or do they just say 'you're my best friend' at most?"

"Well... Due to their varying personalities, some of the animatronics haven't formed lasting connections, yes... But Red Eye is a prime example of the ones who have formed true connections. Every Saturday he and his genuine best friend will play arcade games together all day. When it's time for his friend to go home, he does get considerably blue. One time he asked to let his friend spend the night, actually."

"Aw..." The reporter cooes. "How sweet."

I look at the cameraman, still seeing the doubt in his eyes. "Feel free to come on your day off and see for yourself. I'll even give you half-off everything if you feel that the animatronics are less than human."

"Do... Do they ever get frustrated, sir?" The reporter asks.

"Only with each other." I chuckle. "But with the children they're very patient."