Chapter Text
The gentle blue hum of the glowing screen washed over a tired doctor’s face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes and the wrinkles that formed with them. Yuuichiro Hikari sluggishly typed away at his keyboard as he had been writing a brand new thesis involving the connections between humans and Net-navi's. Yet deep within himself, something from a past conversation was eating at him, constantly bugging him and making concentration a pipe dream at this point. The threat of the WWW would then creep into his mind followed by the sudden remembrance of his wife’s words echoing in his mind. ‘They surely are your children… Truly, they are both Hikaris.’ Taking off his glasses, Yuuichiro rubbed his eyes to relieve some of the stress but upon opening them again, he set his weary gaze onto the picture frame glistening in the same light that bathed him. Reaching out to grab the frame, he brought it close to himself to have a better look, his eyes softening as he caught sight of two infant boys within the picture… His expression would fall into one of regret and confusion before venting to himself quietly, the disdainful words towards himself being whispered under his breath.
“...Have I really done the right thing for you two..?” he wearily asked as the weight of the stresses in his life started to finally crush him. A cold looming silence filled the laboratory while thoughts of recent events flooded his mind and swarmed about how things gradually spiraled out of control with every waking moment. Now, his own sons are heavily involved and have to be for the sake of the world, both carrying this impossible burden that he would have never wished upon anyone else. The sound of his tongue clicking against the roof of his mouth would break the deafening silence as the inevitable realization hit him… He knew he needed to speak with his boys.. Yet before he could even bother to bring Netto into the fray, he had to address Rockman first.. Gently placing the picture frame back in its rightful place, he would let his fingers graze the glass of the photo before taking a deep breath and retracting his arm close to his chest. Before he knew it, he could feel his hands trembling and his heart racing, so he took a moment to calm himself and steady his breathing, grabbing his glasses once more. With a look of determination, he sent a request out to Netto’s PET with the hopes that Rockman alone would receive it. It would only be a matter of time before he would warp into his father’s PC and begin their tense conversation...
… Gazing at the clock module, Rockman could see it reading 2 A.M. and yet he still hadn’t gone into sleep mode. Glancing back through the screen of the PET, he could see his brother tossing and turning in bed as if he were having a pleasant dream for once.. Oh how he enjoyed his sleep… It always gave him some time to think to himself while Netto laid sound asleep and without worry. It felt like it was just yesterday that he was tasked to be Netto’s personal net navi, and he already risked his life to save the people he loved from danger with the help of his operator. Although his main objective was just to be a good net navi for his partner and to always be prepared to help him, there was always that small piece of anxiety that lingered for longer than it should… After all, he felt like he had every reason to be afraid of what was to come as the secret behind their strong relationship slowly started becoming harder and harder to keep over time.. The truth being that his net-op was actually his biological twin brother. A buzzing feeling grew in his chest, causing him to grip his Navi symbol lightly.. His gaze soon drifted down towards the digital floor he stood on, emerald green eyes dulling from the trepidation that toiled within him. He himself had been quiet about the matter, as instructed, but deep down, he felt saddened that he had to hide something so important and meaningful from the person he had grown close with... He had always said they were a team and could do anything together but were they really a team if he was constantly lying to himself and Netto..? Would he even use him as a proper net navi if he found out what he really was all along? With every dreadful question clouding his mind and overloading his senses, he slumped down onto his knees and clenched his hands into fists, closing his eyes while feelings of anger and agony swelled inside. Just as he was in the midst of having what felt like his first panic attack, a notification would ring out and bring his crisis to a halt. Snapping out of it the best he could, his head whipped up to see what he received only to see that… papa was calling him to visit. But… why…? Papa never calls this late at night, and he never calls for Rockman specifically unless… Was he going to scold him for not being careful enough..? Was his behavior unbecoming of a net navi enough to consider replacing him..? He didn't know the answers to any of the questions that kept bugging him but he knew that this was a sign that he was becoming irrational under his own doubt.. His own father wouldn’t replace him…would he? Despite not needing the ability to breathe, he took in a deep breath regardless and started hyping himself up, pumping his fists and rubbing his face of any emotional wrinkling. Finally feeling confident enough to accept, he reached out to the pop up and clicked yes, instantaneously being jacked out of the PET.. Hopefully, Netto wouldn’t wake up before he could get back inside.
[Flashback to a month after becoming Hikari Netto’s Personal Net Navi]
Yuichiro had been at his computer as he had been extensively reviewing some documents that he received from IPC in regards to the PET upgrades that were being developed at the time. Scratching at his freshly shaven chin a bit he knew that he would need to continue adjustments to his current work. Sighing deeply he reached over to grab some documentation from his desk when he heard a notification pop up. Pivoting himself towards his computer screen he saw a familiar face. “Oh, Rockman, it's you.”
Rockman had stared at the professor with a look of unsureness written across his face. His body language remained lax yet it retained some tenseness as he looked directly at Dr.Hikari through the screen. “...........Good afternoon Professor, I apologize if my visit was unexpected. There is just something I would like to ask you.”
Yuichiro seemed interested as he truly wondered what Rockman wanted to ask him as it was customary for him to ask questions. Placing his documents to the side, his full focus now diverted towards the blue navi that stood in his screen. A soft expression washed over his face as his gaze rested upon his computer screen. “Oh? What would you like to ask me, Rockman?”
Rockman twisted his foot on the digital floor he stood upon as he thought of what he was trying to convey his thoughts. This question had been on his mind for some time and in his opinion he personally felt it was preventing him from performing his duties as a Net-Navi properly. Finally, he spoke as politely as he could, his soft voice picked up by the speakers.“I have been meaning to ask you something Professor. It is about Netto-kun and I-I… couldn't help but notice something while I was spending time with him.” Internally he had felt turmoil as he had not known the truth of his origin but even he knew something was different with him compared to other Net-Navis. “I have to report that recently I've been experiencing something similar to memories that I can't find an explanation for. All of them are related to Netto-kun somehow. It's as if I knew of him before I became his personal Net-Navi.” His innocent green eyes had not lost eye contact with the doctor the entire time.
Yuichiro looked taken aback at this revelation. He personally did not know how becoming a Net-Navi would affect his son. But for now he knew more than anything all he could do was listen to Rockman. Thus he remained quiet as he continued to listen to his child.
Rockman began to pace a bit back and forth as he continued to talk. His mind racing with what he had been feeling had now spilled out, he couldn't hide it anymore. “Professor, you told me I was a one of a kind Net-Navi…a Net-Navi with a DNA. Is it…possible my soul, who I once was, had known him? Am I more than just a Net-Navi, with how I'm feeling, is it possible that we are more than this? I have not been able to shake off this feeling. Every time I am operated by Netto-kun…” Stopping in his tracks he stared at his own distinct gloved blue hands. “I feel like we have this connection… as if something within me resonates with him. Why is that?”
Yuichiro had given Rockman a soft expression, one that was kind yet laced with sadness. As he scooted closer to the computer he needed a moment to collect himself. Tapping his finger next to his keyboard he thought long and hard before answering him. “Rockman… You could say the connection you have with Netto-kun is very special, one that no Net-Op or Net Navi share. A connection that surpasses even the best Net-Ops.“
Rockman stood there in confusion as he listened to the Professor before him. He wondered to himself how his connection with Netto could transcend even the best Net-Ops? Was it truly the bond that he shared with him up to this point that special? A soft smile appeared on his face as he truly did enjoy being in Netto’s presence. However, this was when his smile faltered as he had another thought arise from within his mind. “Is this bond that we share the reason why I feel so many things, Professor? I fear as if this is affecting my ability to perform properly as Netto-kun’s Net-Navi. This feeling I have makes me feel as if I knew him even before we met. Even now I feel as if I can't leave his side because deep within myself something is telling me it has happened once before. It's unusual as it does not seem to be a program that is installed within me, much more is happening to me. Whenever he is sad I am sad. When he is happy I am happy. Whenever he is doubting himself I doubt myself too. It's almost as if we are twins…” As those words left his lips Rockman finally felt a sense of relief. His expression had softened significantly as if a huge weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.
Yuuichiro sat there shocked, his eyes widening as he listened to this confession. Yet, once he regained his composure he calmly spoke up once Rockman finished as he knew had to address the situation. He knew that this predicament required him to word himself in a way that would not overload Rockman. Fixing his glasses slightly, he began to speak. “I find what you told me touching in a way Rockman. It shows to me how close you have become with Netto. I want you to know that I am proud of what you both have been able to accomplish together. Just remember this, there will be a time where you will find out the genesis behind these feelings and what you are experiencing. Until then all I ask is that you remain patient, Rockman. I promise you when the time is right you will see how it will bring our family back together again…” It was then he stared at the photo on his desk which showed an image of two baby twins that were just born. His expression showed hints of pain which reflected within his chestnut colored eyes.
Rockman stared at the professor in a confused manner. A torrent of questions rushed through his mind as he watched the man before him. What did he mean by this? No, he couldn't accept this answer as he gave Dr.Hikari a more incredulous look. “I'm sorry Professor, I cannot accept that answer. Please tell me what you do know! I promise to keep it a secret, I am troubled by your response. You said a net-navi that can’t follow orders is a bad net-navi. I know I am defective by simply doing this, I just… I just… I want to be the best I can be.” He knew he was disobeying orders by doing this. That by doing this, it had made him a defective Net-Navi and yet the anxiety he felt could not be easily shaken off. Standing there his grip on his Navi symbol tightened, his lime green eyes pleading for answers.
Yuuichiro fidgeted slightly as he couldn't help but see how much he had grown. As much as he would have wanted to keep it a secret he scooted up closer to his monitor. Finally turning towards his screen again he truly overcame his trepidation. "Very well, just know what I say must remain between us and Haruka." There had been a long pause as he gathered the strength before he finally spoke up. "It all began with the Navi Project…."
[End of Flashback]
Rockman had successfully warped into his fathers PC comp. Standing there, he waited politely, doing his best to keep his burdens to himself. All his worries, pain and struggles were swallowed up as he did his best to appear stable, responsible but most importantly the best he could be at that point in time. The moment he saw Dr.Hikari, he greeted him with a warm yet soft smile. "Good Morning, Papa!"
The sound of coffee being poured into a cup could be heard through the Microphone. Yuichiro had a 9 o'clock shadow due to his lack of upkeep. It was clear he did not have a wink of sleep that night let alone the night prior. "Good Morning, Rockman. I am surprised you are up this early. Were you going through any upgrades or maintenance by any chance?" Taking a sip from his coffee, he recoiled a bit as it was too hot. "Hot hot hot!" He had to reach into his fridge to put an ice cube in his mouth to alleviate the burning.
Rockman nervously stared at the man before him. The interaction he had been witnessing was regular yet he used this to his advantage as he lied just a little. "Yes! I have been making sure I didn't have any bugs in my system. Can't be too careful after all!" He had been worried a bit about what was to come but all he could do was stand there, waiting patiently as he had always done. With some worry in his tone he took note of how his father acted. "Will you be okay, Papa?"
With another ice cube in his mouth he answered in a muffled tone. "I will be just fine, give me one moment." Crunching the ice he finally felt some sort of relief. He for sure was fully awake after experiencing this, rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes he had looked up at the ceiling. "I had a talk with Mama. I think it's time we let Netto know the truth about you." He tapped his fingers on the table as his own worries and thoughts raced through his mind. "You're both fighting so much against a threat that has endangered many lives. You have performed …no excelled much more than I could have ever imagined. Making sure not only you were safe but working with Netto to make things a reality. Yet I feel after all that's happened it is time for him to know the origin of your creation.”
Rockman felt pounding within his Navi symbol. His heart program sped up a bit as one of the fears he had in the back of his mind swelled up. "B-but if he…if he finds out wouldn't he not want to use me? I don't want that, not at all! Papa, do we really have to tell him? With all that's happened I'm scared of what will happen. What if other people find out about this?" All he had been trying to suppress began to spill out slightly. Tears he tried to hold back had welled up in the corner of his eyes once more. Warnings familiar to him were flashing through his interface, he didn't want to start crying on the spot. Doing his best to keep his feelings in check he had bit the side of his cheek and closed his eyes.
Quickly typing into his computer Yuuichiro was looking through the diagnostics and had clearly seen the strain on the boy before him. Worry written across his face he quickly spoke up. "Rock…no, Saito, I need you to think. With such a strong bond between you and your brother, do you really think he would put you aside?"
Upon hearing his father his eyes shot open as if he had a realization. Should he weigh his fears over something logical? Yet the possibility of it happening remained which is why he had been in so much turmoil. Not wanting to drag it on he shook his head as he knew he needed to make a choice. "No, I don't think he would. Yet the possibility of him worrying about me and not using me as it has been still remains. I would want him to know, I just don't know if I'm ready to tell him."
Taking in a deep breath, he nodded. “Very well, I will give you tonight to think about it. But- I am going to need an answer by the afternoon. It will give you plenty of time to think about it as there's only so little time before you enter the N1 grand prix. He has a right to know but I'll leave that decision up to you. For now I think it would be best if you return to the PET. We wouldn't want to worry Netto. Try to get some rest, you will need it."
"Mhm," that's all he could say as he finally was able to warp out of the PC comp. Even once he returned back to his PET his eyes seemed glossy, a slight frown plastered on his features surfaced as he wasn't so sure what to do. Staring at his brother who at this time seemed to have seemed troubled in his sleep had only furthered his fear. Guilt setting in as he knew his emotions were affecting Netto he finally began to run the sleep program within his systems. Closing his eyes he finally let the darkness take over as he went to sleep in the hopes of finding the answer within himself sometime soon.