ちょびっツ [Chobits] Series by CLAMP

Hideki is used to getting the short end of the stick. He can't get into school, his parents cut off his allowance, and he's a 19-year-old virgin. So when he found a perfectly good humanoid computer - a persocom - lying in the garbage, it seemed like his luck was finally starting to turn around. Chi isn't like any other persocom ever created. She is self-teaching - a true artificial intelligence - and best of all, she's hot. Hideki should have know it was too good to be true... moreHideki is used to getting the short end of the stick. He can't get into school, his parents cut off his allowance, and he's a 19-year-old virgin. So when he found a perfectly good humanoid computer - a persocom - lying in the garbage, it seemed like his luck was finally starting to turn around. Chi isn't like any other persocom ever created. She is self-teaching - a true artificial intelligence - and best of all, she's hot. Hideki should have know it was too good to be true. The diagnostics said that Chi's memories were erased, but something, or someone, is hidden away in her cybernetic soul, and now it is trying to contact her. If Hideki doesn't figure out her mystery soon, he may lose Chi. .. to herself. Chapters 13-24. less

Computers are supposed to make people's lives easier, but as Hideki is quickly finding out, taking care of your computer can be a full-time job! Regardless, Hideki is thrilled to have a persocom of his own - the enigmatic Chi - even if she isn't as user-friendly as other computers. His friends tell him that Chi is a supercomputer, possibly a legendary Chobit - an AI. That would explian why she acts so human. Maybe she's a little too human... moreComputers are supposed to make people's lives easier, but as Hideki is quickly finding out, taking care of your computer can be a full-time job! Regardless, Hideki is thrilled to have a persocom of his own - the enigmatic Chi - even if she isn't as user-friendly as other computers. His friends tell him that Chi is a supercomputer, possibly a legendary Chobit - an AI. That would explian why she acts so human. Maybe she's a little too human. The more time Hideki spends with Chi, the more it feels like an actual relationship. But as Chi's feelings for Hideki intensify, she begins to unlock the secrets of her past. .. secrets that are better left forgotten. Chapters 25-36. less

Computers can do almost anything these days. In addition to the usual online functions, data processing, and graphic applications, the new persocom models with increased AI and increasingly human appearances can function as workers, friends. .. even lovers. Take Chi, for example. Since Hideki found her she has learned to go shopping, do basic chores, and she's even managed to get a job at a bakery... moreComputers can do almost anything these days. In addition to the usual online functions, data processing, and graphic applications, the new persocom models with increased AI and increasingly human appearances can function as workers, friends. .. even lovers. Take Chi, for example. Since Hideki found her she has learned to go shopping, do basic chores, and she's even managed to get a job at a bakery. She's not the first persocom to do these things by any means, but her potential hasn't even begun to be tapped. Because there's a good chance that Chi is a Chobit - a self-learning, feeling, AI. Chobits are the computers of legend, so rare that is one was found some collectors would resort to any means to get their hands on one - even kidnapping. Now that word of Chi has leaked out, that's exactly what happens. Chapters 37-48. less

If a persocom's memories are stored on a hard drive, are they real? After all, a hard drive can simply be erased. This question has been driving Hideki mad as he searches for his kidnapped 'com, Chi. Hideki has always maintained that persocoms are just machines, but his heart tells him that there's something special about Chi, and he can't let her come to harm... moreIf a persocom's memories are stored on a hard drive, are they real? After all, a hard drive can simply be erased. This question has been driving Hideki mad as he searches for his kidnapped 'com, Chi. Hideki has always maintained that persocoms are just machines, but his heart tells him that there's something special about Chi, and he can't let her come to harm. As Hideki and friends follow the kidnapper's online footprints to his lair, a mysterious duo keeps watch on the proceedings with great concern. Chi has proven once before that she holds the potential to be quite dangerous, despite her innocent exterior. Should her self-defense mechanism activate again, it could prove even more destructive. The clock is ticking, both in Hideki's search for Chi and Chi's search to complete herself. Chapters 49–60. less

For most people, persocoms represent technology at its finest - after all, they can do anything you program them to and they make great looking companions. But for Yumi Oumura, persocoms bring out her deepest insecurities, and not without reason. Just as people once became addicted to their computers, many people are now addicted to their persocoms to the exclusion of other human beings... moreFor most people, persocoms represent technology at its finest - after all, they can do anything you program them to and they make great looking companions. But for Yumi Oumura, persocoms bring out her deepest insecurities, and not without reason. Just as people once became addicted to their computers, many people are now addicted to their persocoms to the exclusion of other human beings. Because persocoms look so much like people, it's more than just addiction - it's an emotional bond that some would call love. Ordinarily this love would be considered one-sided, as how could a computer love a person back? When the persocom in question is the mysterious Chi, perhaps it's not such an impossibility. Chapters 61–72. less

Can a computer ever replace a human being? Minoru Kokubunji built Yuzuki to replace his sister after her passing. While Yuzuki certainly feels like a sister to Minoru, the more time he spends with her, the more he loves her for who she is. Chi was also built as a substitute family member. Back then she was known as Elda, and she and her "sister" Freya were built to be the daughters of their creator and his wife. They behaved and looked like real children, and they even had the ability to love... moreCan a computer ever replace a human being? Minoru Kokubunji built Yuzuki to replace his sister after her passing. While Yuzuki certainly feels like a sister to Minoru, the more time he spends with her, the more he loves her for who she is. Chi was also built as a substitute family member. Back then she was known as Elda, and she and her "sister" Freya were built to be the daughters of their creator and his wife. They behaved and looked like real children, and they even had the ability to love. But something went wrong - very wrong. Now Chi must find her "someone just for her" before an even worse disaster strikes. Chapters 73–81. less

Chi has developed quite a bit since Hideki found her lying in the garbage one fateful morning. She's learned to speak, work in a pastry shop, go shopping. .. and, so it would seem, to love. After much soul searching (if a persocom could even be considered to have a soul) Chi comes to the realization that her feelings towards Hideki, her "someone just fer her," are nothing short of love. Only two obstacles stand between her and happiness... moreChi has developed quite a bit since Hideki found her lying in the garbage one fateful morning. She's learned to speak, work in a pastry shop, go shopping. .. and, so it would seem, to love. After much soul searching (if a persocom could even be considered to have a soul) Chi comes to the realization that her feelings towards Hideki, her "someone just fer her," are nothing short of love. Only two obstacles stand between her and happiness. First there's Hideki; he's been struggling with the idea that a person can have feelings for a machine. Can her return her love? Second is the mysterious Zima and Dita. Having run out of patience, they're quickly closing in to deactivate Chi before her strong emotions pose a threat to persocoms everywhere. Chapters 82–88. less