Byte Said It Was "Just a Filter"

Byte found a new app. That sentence should have been enough to make everyone leave. According to Byte, it was a harmless little thing that could “calculate your statistically optimal fantasy-princess form.” Nova immediately wanted to see hers. Meek Meek thought it sounded adorable. Rika said it sounded stupid—which, unfortunately, did not stop her from standing close enough to be included. Byte pressed **GENERATE**. There was a flash. Nova came out looking like some absurdly expensive cyber-princess, complete with emerald jewels, a tiara, and headphones that looked like they could command a small army. Byte somehow transformed herself into a smug neon catgirl monarch and immediately declared this proof that the algorithm was “scientifically accurate.” Meek Meek emerged looking like the serene celestial empress of an ancient dynasty. She was delighted for approximately six seconds before realizing she had absolutely no idea how to take the enormous hairpiece off. And Rika— Rika got fox ears, a jeweled crown, lace, gemstones, and enough regal elegance to make her look like she was about to inherit an enchanted kingdom. She stared at herself. Then at Byte. Then back at herself. “…Fix it.” Byte was already taking pictures. “BYTE.” Nova was helping. Meek Meek was still trying to figure out her hair. And somewhere between Rika threatening to throw the computer out a window and Byte insisting they needed “one group photo for diagnostic purposes,” the app quietly displayed a message nobody noticed: **TRIAL VERSION — TRANSFORMATIONS EXPIRE IN 24 HOURS.** Byte eventually noticed. She decided that information could wait until after breakfast.