Chapter Text
It’s a busy day at SciLabs. Many NetNavis traveled and delivered data to their destined network or recipient, whether it’s located within or outside of SciLabs’ netscape. Among the traffic, a two-toned blue and gray NetNavi, that had a scholastic design, hummed as they carried text data with a small pep in their step. A few SciLabs NetNavi noticed the individual passing by them.
“Hm? Aren’t you usually stationed when SciLabs host occasional field trips to the schools around here?” One of the NetNavis asked.
“Tutor.EXE at your service and yes! You’re quite inquisitive!” Tutor chirped.
“You live up to your occupation as well.” An Official NetNavi hummed, which caused Tutor to tense up and become flustered.
“S-sorry! When you work and show kids around the place, that enthusiasm tends to stick!”
“But aren’t you kind of far away?” One of the SciLab NetNavis asked.
“Yes but for all good reasons: I’m, personally, assisting Dr. Hikari with his NetNavi that he just created!” Tutor explained.
“I’ve heard about that. He worked for days on end to the point he looked like a disheveled mess, rumor has it.”
“Are they completed?” Another NetNavi asked.
“They are but Dr. Hikari would like the young one to have a bit more development, and that’s where I come in!” Tutor hummed. “So, who knows? You might see the young one running around here not too long! Speaking of, I can’t keep him waiting! Cheery bye and keep up the good work!” He said he skipped off.
“Call me crazy but it seems like he was bragging towards the end.” The Official Navi said as they sweat dropped as the others nodded in agreement. Tutor, eventually, walked up to a link portal that had a data image of a yellow and red circle with a line going through the red, smaller circle.
“Ah, here’s my stop! Hopefully, the young one would enjoy this batch of data. He seems so eager to learn!” He hummed as he stepped on the link and teleported into Dr. Hikari’s homepage. The atmosphere is a light blue color with a calming feeling to it, even though it’s a digital space. The Hikari symbol moved along the wall space as well as a few accessory data that fill the homepage and would give one the hint that a child NetNavi resided here: floating chairs and tables, a sleep cycle that Navis use for a bed, and data crystals that were filled with toys and games and books that filled a shelf. Tutor looked around the homepage and noticed a group of Mr. Progs huddled into one spot and whispered among them. “Ah, Mr. Progs! Keeping well this afternoon?” The small programs tensed up from his voice and scurried to the scholastic NetNavi as he sat the data on the table.
“OF COURSE, PROG!” One of the Mr. Prog hummed.
“WE’RE KEEPING EVERYTHING RUNNING LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE, PROG!” Another Mr. Prog explained with a nervous laugh.
“Excellent!” Tutor chirped as he clapped his hands together. “So, where’s my star student? Mr. Hikari gave me data plans for him to install for today, including some that’ll help improve his speech!” There was an awkward silence between the programs as no answer was given. Tutor noticed small beads of sweat forming on the Mr. Prog’s head as well as nervous tittering coming from them. “What’s going on here? You lot are being very strange, and, more importantly, where’s Dr. Hikari’s NetNavi?” Tutor interrogated as he crossed his arms and stared down at the small programs.
“W-WELL…PROG…”
“THE THING IS, PROG…”
“IT’S A FUNNY STORY, PROG!”
“Oh really? Enlighten me, if you don’t mind.” Tutor huffed.
“OKAY! SINCE YOU ASKED, PROG!” Mr. Prog beamed with a smile. Suddenly, the busy atmosphere of SciLabs was disrupted by a yell of shock and confusion coming from Dr. Hikari’s home page.
“How?! How can you lot lose track of a NetNavi?!” Tutor exclaimed at the sulking and cowering Mr. Prog.
“IT WASN’T ON PURPOSE!” One of the Mr. Prog whined.
“THAT’S RIGHT! WE ONLY TOOK OUR EYES AWAY FROM MEGA FOR A FEW MINUTES TO HANDLE SOME INCOMING MESSAGES AND EMAIL FOR DR. HIKARI, PROG!” Another explained as their colleagues nodded in a panicked session. Tutor turned to the last Mr. Prog who tensed up in nervousness.
“And what’s your excuse?” Tutor hummed.
“W-WELL…I…I FELL ASLEEP, PROG…” Mr. Prog whined as he held his down in guilt. Tutor face-palmed himself as the other Mr. Prog sighed in unison. “I’M SORRY! WE WERE WAITING FOR THE OTHERS…AND MR. MEGAMAN STARTED RUBBING MY HEAD! HE’S SO NICE AND WARM, THAT I FELL ASLEEP, PROG!”
“EH?! NO FAIR!” One of the Mr. Progs hissed at their colleague.
“I’M JUST FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT DR. HIKARI GAVE US, PROG!” The small program giggled.
“Apparently, not well enough if you let MegaMan slip away from here!” Tutor grumbled.
“WE’RE SORRY! DON’T BE MAD! SO VERY SORRY, PROG!” Mr Prog said in unison as they bowed.
“I won’t be as crossed if you help me find MegaMan.” Tutor sighed. Mr. Prog cheered as they circled around the scholastic NetNavi. “Okay, okay! Send an email to the scientists and NetNavi in each department to be on the lookout for young Mega Man.”
“Yes, sir! You can count on us!” Mr. Prog said in unison before walking off. In another part of SciLabs’ cyberspace, small humming was heard as curious, jade eyes observed their surroundings. The footsteps stopped as the jade eyes looked at their reflection on a reflective surface: A small, blue NetNavi with dark blue gloves and boots, as well as a device on his back that looked like a child’s backpack. The yellow accents on his shoulder matched the trim of his Navi Mark, which were the same as Dr. Hikari’s. The young Navi looked up and tugged at the chocolate-color on his head.
“A-Ah, I have to hid_ my hair!” Mega Man said but instantly covered his mouth after hearing his broken speech. He reached for his ear comm, causing his hair to glow bright blue before making his helmet appear on his head, which had the same coloration as him. He gave a small smile before leaving his spot. Several moments passed since leaving Dr. Hikari’s homepage, Mega Man, arrived at the center of SciLabs’ cyberspace.
MegaMan’s eyes lit up as he saw many NetNavis coming and going to different spots of the establishment. It gave off the feeling of a small city to the blue NetNavi as he walked up SciLabs’ HUD that showed the map of the area. “Been th_re…I _now that place already. Hmm_?” MegaMan blinked as he tilted his head as his eyes stopped on a word that was plastered in different spots on the HUD. “C-Cyber…W_rld…” As the blue bomber was focused on the word, Dr. Hikari’s words echoed in his memory file. It was a few days after being created but he still remembered their conversation.
“I know you’re eager to explore the vast CyberWorld. While it’s exciting, it’s also fraught with danger. Please give your father a little time before we can start to feed that curiosity of yours.” Dr. Hikari’s soft laughter echoed in MegaMan’s mind as he hummed and looked around.
“W-ll, m-maybe a small p-eak won’t h-rt.”Mega Man said as look to the side. His eyes lit up quickly as he noticed a path was close by. “P–fect! A link just a f–w feet awa–!” The small, blue NetNavi walked through the halls, trying not to engage as much due to his speech and shyness. “A-Almost th–re…!” He hummed. Tutor was another tier of the webspace as he looked around. He looked down among the sea of NetNavis and spotted Mega Man, walking towards the access to the CyberWord.
“There he is. Mega…! MegaMan.EXE!” Tutor shouted. The Blue Bomber looked around as he heard Tutor call out again. “Up here, young one!” He looked up to see the scholastic NetNavi waving at him.
“T–utor!” Mega Man said softly.
“Found you, my boy I’ll be there lickety-split!” Tutor shouted before running off. The small, blue NetNavi’s eyes lowered as he waited for him. He heard footsteps behind him as a security NetNavi walked up to him.
“You must be the young NetNavi that wandered from your homepage, right? We received a panicked email about the situation. ” The security Navi explained. Mega Man stayed silent as he looked away as he heard the NetNavi chuckle. “Shy, aren’t we? I understand that, but it seems like the crisis has been averted.”
“Ah! There you are, Mega! It’s a good thing we found you!” Tutor said as he ran up to both NetNavis. “Thank you for your assistance, I’ll take it from here, good sir.” He said as he bowed towards the Official NetNavi, who gave a small salute as they walked off. “Now then, I’m pretty sure that was enough excitement for today. Let’s head back to Dr. Hikari’s homepage.” Mega Man stayed quiet as both started walking off. He tuned out the scholastic NetNavi as the link to the rest of the CyberWorld is disappearing over the horizon and buried with the sea of Mr. Progs and NetNavis. He stopped in his tracks, which grabbed Tutor’s attention. “Hm? What’s wrong?”
“S-sorry….I’m s-sor–y.” MegaMan said softly.
“Oh? This isn’t something to fuss about!” Tutor chirped. “All water under the bridge, and sometimes our curiosity gets the best of us.”
“N–t that…” The Blue Bomber said, looking at Tutor with, now, determination in his eyes. “S-sorry but I’m n–t going back jus– yet!” Suddenly, Mega Man took off running which surprised Tutor. He tried to reach for the scurrying Blue Bomber but fell over.
“Wait! MegaMan, come back!” Tutor exclaimed. The small, blue NetNavi ran and dodged other NetNavis as well as jumping over a small group of Mr. Prog. He reached an access area, where he saw other individuals come to SciLabs from established links. As he looked around at each portal, he started jogging in place to signify his flight or fight mode was activated.
“Which one? Wh–ch one?” He whined.
“Wait! Come back here, young man!” Tutor exclaimed as he ran towards MegaMan.
“N–thing venture is nothing g–ined!” Mega Man exclaimed as he entered a random link. Tutor watched as the small, blue NetNavi disappeared in a flash of yellow light to another area.
“Oh…This is going to be a very long day, isn’t it?” Tutor sighed in defeat.
—ooo—
“Delete! Delete!” Ominous voices chanted in a dark void. Suddenly, glints pierced through the cloak, along with the sound of marching. Suddenly, a virus horde charged at a group of security and Official NetNavis, who were guarding a part of SciLab’s server. One of the NetNavis’ Operators appeared next to their Navi, via screen.
“Here it comes, partner! Hi-Cannon, battlechip! Download!” The Official exclaimed as he slotted his battlechip into the PET. His NetNavi’s arm turned into a red-colored cannon and released strong projectiles at the horde. Explosions were heard and seen from a distance as some half the fleet was deleted.
“Heh! This is almost too easy!” The Official NetNavi boasted.
“Don’t let your guard down! There’s more incoming!” The security NetNavi exclaimed. Among the thick cloud of dust, more viruses charged at the defending NetNavis. The small battle engaged between NetNavis and the virus horde. Among them, Swordy viruses, along with their aqua and fire variants, clashed blades with some of the Officials that managed to counter their attacks, while some got injured and had to do a forceful log out.
“LongSword, download!” A female Official exclaimed as she sent the cyber sword data to her two-toned, purple NetNavi. They charged and cleaved through the small horde.
“We’re making an effort but they’re still coming!” The purple NetNavi exclaimed.
“My NetNavi and I have been practicing Program Advances! This’ll put an end to their little invasion!” Another Official chimed. “You’re all set, buddy?”
“Fire away!” The soldier NetNavi exclaimed.
“Cannon, Hi-Cannon, and M-Cannon!” The Official exclaimed as he slotted in the battlechips in his PET. A symbol appeared on the screen as his NetNavi arm dimly glowed. “Downloading: Zeta Cannon!” He exclaimed as he pressed the symbol. The soldier NetNavi watched as his arm changed into a bigger version of the M-Cannon battlechip and held himself steady, as a powerful blast was released. The soldier Navi strained as he gave it all to maneuver the continuous attack in a sweeping motion.The viruses were deleted, one after another from the immense power of the blast until the area fell silent.
Fragmented and fracture data particles were mixed in with the billowing dust cloud. The soldier Navi breathed heavily, as he fell to his knees, “That took…a lot out of me!”
“Program Advances are still being studied, so it’s not surprising there might be some Navis who’ll get drained as an after effect.” A SciLab scientist said as he appeared on a screen.
“Well, at least the job is done.”
“Are you really that short sighted? The only thing you’ve done is let their leader slither in.” A young voice huffed.
“What did you say?!” The two-toned purple NetNavi said in shock.
“What’s that coming?!” One of the Officials pointed out. Through the heavy, thick cloud of dust, a pair of yellow eyes gleamed through the darkness and honed directly at the minute NetNavis, followed by a monstrous hiss that echoed the area. The group were blindsided by the sweeping motion of a long tail, striking the NetNavi force and causing half of the Operators to perform an emergency log out. The intruder revealed itself to a giant snake-like virus that charged at the remaining NetNavis.
“Heads up!” One of the SciLabs scientists exclaimed as their NetNavis dodged out of the charging serpent’s path. “That’s an Anaconda virus. Rumor has it these things dwell in the UnderNet!”
“So, it somehow slipped out from that domain! Let’s send it back!” Another security NetNavi cried out.
“SonicWave, battle chip! Download!” Their Operator cried out as a fast shockwave swam to the charging serpent and while damaged, it continued its rampage towards the purple NetNavi, only for it to screech as it made contact with a light blue barrier. The sound was similar like glass being broken as the barrier dissipated into glowing, blue particles.
“Tch. Well, it did its job.” The same young voice scoffed. The purple NetNavi looks to see a young teen NetNavi, adorned in black with purple accents along his suit as well as gold gauntlets to white gloves and anklets with his black and white-soled shoes. His helmet resembled bat’s wings, with a gold underside, and a NetNavi symbol that was a stylized forte music note.
“Bass?!” The purple NetNavi cried out. The young NetNavi said nothing as he walked towards the Anaconda virus until he broke into a sprint, and, finally, a full run, as his arm morphed into an inflamed blade. The Anaconda virus charged at the mysterious NetNavi, only for Bass to jump out of its way at a breakneck pace.
“You’re done!” Bass exclaimed. Red streaks ran across the serpentine virus as the young Navi landed in front of his opponent with his back towards it. The Anaconda charged at Bass, only for it to erupt in flames, before it was completely deleted. A small smirk formed on Bass’ face as his arm turned back to normal. “Not even much of a challenge.”
“SIMULATION OVER! SIMULATION OVER!” The system’s voice chimed repeatedly after a buzzer sounded. The area’s cyberspace turned back to normal as images of SciLabs’ Officials and a few of their scientists appeared.
“Nice work, everyone. We got the data we need about this virus horde.” One of the scientists complimented.
“You’re welcome, though it seemed like you threw everything and the kitchen sink at us. It got a little hairy towards the end stretch.” The purple NetNavi chuckled.
“They aren’t like the small fries when Alpha was the current OS of the CyberWorld. New netscape, new viruses, and an all around fun time for me to have.” Bass scoffed.
“Of course someone like you would get a cheap thrill out of something like that.” One of the security NetNavis huffed at the young NetNavi. Bass said nothing but gave a small smirk before walking off. He was stopped by one of the Official NetNavis, which caused an annoyed expression to be painted on his face.
“What is it now?” He groaned.
“You knew that the Anaconda virus was lurking around, didn’t you?” The Official Navi questioned.
“And if I did?” Bass sneered.
“You know, that kind of information could’ve been more useful! It would’ve made this situation end faster!” Another Official Navi chastised the teen Navi.
“Are you sure about that?” Bass hummed. “Let me ask you this, do your operators have the necessary, elemental chips to deal with a virus of that caliber? Let alone if it was strong enough. And asking for a spare one would’ve too much time for it to gain the upperhand. Plus, since stronger weapon chips are now being developed, it's a limited stock to pick your poison.”
“There was still the Program Advance I performed. That could’ve easily deleted it!” The other Official NetNavi interjected.
“I’m more surprised that you pulled that off at all.” Bass huffed.
“What’s that supposed to mean?!”
“It means that you need more training and management before you can masterfully wield it, which might take a few years.” Bass watched as his colleague stomped towards him and thrusted his fist towards him, only for it to be caught by the young teen.
“Look runt! You’re not the only Solo Navi here, now! So, don’t talk down to us like you’re all high and mighty!” One of the Soldier Navis growled. Bass pushed him away, effortless as he placed his fingers on his chin as his face was in a pondering state.
“Well, that is true. I should be a little more considerate to those around me.” Bass hummed.
“Oh? The Dark Shadow finally updated with some decency and common sense.” One of the SciLab scientists said in surprise.
“Well, if I used my abilities at my full power, around 75% percent of you would be wasting space in my eyes.” Bass chuckled.
“Why, you insensitive little sh—!
“That’s enough, Bass.Exe!” A voice exclaimed, causing the young NetNavi to tense up all over. His ruby eyes, timidly, glanced behind as he saw a blonde, bearded man with glasses over his green eyes. He donned a green suit jacket over a brown sweater vest and yellow collar shirt. His folded arms match the crossed expression aimed at him.
“Dr. Cossack…Did you…”
“Hear everything? Yes, I sure did!” Dr. Cossack hissed as he lowered his glasses. “My goodness, I don’t know which is deadlier: your powers or that mouth of yours! Where did it come from?! Certainly not from me!” Bass just lowered his head more as he received the scolding from his creator. He shot a glare at his colleagues, who laughed among themselves at Bass’ embarrassment. Dr. Cossack sighed, “Go on, apologize to them.”
“Eh?! You can’t be serious, Dr. Cossack!” A scientist hissed, which he tilted his head at his colleague’s protest. “You might as well be asking for a tiger to change its stripes! He never means it at—”
“Please accept my apology for my behavior, everyone.” Bass spoke softly.
“Eh?!?!!?!” Everyone, except Dr. Cossack, cried out in shock. The young NetNavi kicked his feet and averted his eyes as a demure expression was across his face.
“My words were very harsh when it wasn’t needed. I, truly, appreciate the hard work everyone is doing. I’ll improve for future projects.” Bass bowed as he concluded his apology. Everyone was completely dumbfounded by the sudden switch in Bass’ demeanor. Dr. Cossack couldn’t help but to chuckle at them.
“See?” Dr. Cossack soothed. “No need for hostility. Bass just gets a little excited when these things happen. It’s him pushing his abilities to a comfortable pace.”
“I guess. Just don’t let anyone get caught in the crossfire for future tense.” One of the scientists sighed.
“I won’t.”
“Now that’s settled, we have other business matters to tend to. Excuse us, everyone. Plug out, Bass.” Dr. Cossack said. As Bass turned to log out, he looked towards his colleagues. They watched as his demure expression vanished into a cocky expression as he stuck his tongue at them.
“Bass, logging out.” The system chimed as the teen Navi disappeared into a flash yellow light. One of the Security Navis growled and stomped their foot in annoyance.
“Damn brat!” They exclaimed. “I feel sorry for Dr. Cossack have to deal with that constant headache!”
“As intolerable he can be, he’s one of our best Solo Navis.” A SciLab scientist hummed.
“And he’s only needed when it’s necessary. Plus, most of his time is spent with Dr. Cossack, so we hardly see him now and then.” An Official added to the conversation.
“Well, at least it’s peaceful.” Their NetNavi hummed. “But I’m curious what they’re working on. Even Dr. Hikari has been seen in the lab with them.”
“That’s right. Both of them are pretty chummy for a while. With those two grinding gears together, who knows what they’re cooking up?”
—ooo—
“Can’t you be a little more cordial for my sake?” Dr. Cossack sighed as he spoke to Bass through his PET as he walked down the hall.
“I don’t use my abilities to its fullest extent so I’m on ‘even ground’ with everyone. I think that’s as cordial as they come.” Bass huffed.
“That’s not what I mean kiddo.” He said as he lowered his glasses towards the young Navi. “You know what I mean.”
“Agh! That’s easier said than done! The current ones I don’t see eye-to-eye and any newly created ones, I’m cordial enough to let them have the honored title as, ‘colleagues’ but that’s it.” Bass explained.
“Hm? It doesn’t go beyond that?” Dr. Cossack questioned.
“Why bother? No matter how fancy and advanced they become, they’re always going to be the same with me: little dolls with glass eyes.”
“Seems like anyone who comes across you has to be of some high, quality of standard to be called an acquaintance, let alone your friend.”
“Of course!” Bass scoffed. “Take you for an example. You may be my creator but I see you as my father. And whoever becomes my friend, well, they have to at least match a fraction of the trust we have.” A small whine escaped Dr. Cossack as his eyes lit up. Suddenly, the Sha’Ro programmer covered his eyes as he pretended to loudly bawl, which grabbed some passerby’s attention.
“Boo-hoo! Such an honor for you to consider me as one! Oh, I can die happily with a nugget of knowledge!” Dr. Cossack said in between fake sobs.
“Sizzling circuits, old man. You’re such a drama queen, you know that?!” Bass hissed. The young Cossack Navi heard his creator’s cries turn into laughter as he stuck his tongue at him.
“Face it. You enjoy my brand of humor!” Dr. Cossack boasted.
“That’s debatable.”
“So stubborn! But I’ll admit, I wouldn’t mind if someone tries to take my spot as your partner in crime. I actually welcome it.”
“You may welcome the challenge but I’ll laugh at their failure!” Bass said with a smirk.
“Ha! And WHEN they succeed, I’ll be there, watching you eat your words with salt!” Dr. Cossack laughed proudly. He watched his young Navi face become flushed with a red color as he poked his tongue at his laughing creator. His face turned back to normal as heard the PET chimed off.
“Email for you, Dr. Cossack. Looks like it's from Worker Bee.” Bass said.
“Yuichiro is expecting us. He wants to see how our project is coming along. Let’s not keep him waiting, son.”
“R-right.” Bass said with a flustered expression. No matter how many times Dr. Cossack calls him as his son, it always managed to cause his face to become red. Minutes later, Dr. Cossac arrived in the lab, where Yuichiro Hikari was there with a few others. They were setting up reflective panels as the others typed on their computers and monitored them. Yuichiro looked up from the screen and waved at Dr. Cossack, who came over to the young scientist.
“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting long, Yuichiro.” Dr. Cossack said as he bowed towards the young scientist, who shook his head in protest.
“Not at all. I just arrived myself.” Dr. Hikari said. His eyes soon fell to Bass, who gave a quick bow to him. “Hey there, Bass. How did the simulator go? Smooth sailing?
“Smooth sailing for me but for the others, it’s going to take a couple terabytes for them to catch up.” Bass boasted with a smirk and crossed arms. He cried out and fell over as Dr. Cossack shook the PET a bit.
“It seems like the only thing that needs improving is his modesty.” Dr. Cossack said with a sweat drop and Dr. Hikari laughed.
“Hopefully, he’ll be merciful with us with the project you two have going on.” He said.
“Hey, don’t single yourself out, Worker Bee. You’re just as interested and involved in the DCS project as well.” Bass hummed.
“DCS?” A SciLab scientist questioned.
“Dimensional Converter System. The main function of this is to allow our NetNavis to be in the physical world via hard light holograms.” Dr. Cossack explained.
“Amazing! And everyone will have access to this program?” A female scientist asked.
“That’s the plan.” Dr. Hikari hummed. “But before that could happen, we’re putting it through some tests like today. Mikhail?”
“The coding for today’s beta testing is here.” Dr. Cossack said as he pointed to his PET. “That way Bass and I can gradually change and update the coding if needed. Plug in, Bass! Transmission!” The Sha’Ro scientist exclaimed as he plugged his PET, allowing his NetNavi to enter the lab’s cyberspace. The young NetNavi accessed the program file that was labeled, “DCS_BETA.EXE.” Purple, digital interfaces surrounded Bass as he monitored and read over the data stream that graced his ruby eyes.
“It’s set up on my end. How about on your side?” Bass asked.
“We can see the file on our end.” Dr. Cossack said as he and Yuichiro saw it displayed on Dr. Hikari’s computer terminal. “Let’s test something small.”
“I have an idea.” Bass hummed with a smirk. Suddenly, A Spookee virus appeared by his side, which caused of the Mr. Progs and Navis freak out a little.
“Absolutely not!” Dr. Cossack protested as he tensed up. “Do you want to cause a panic in this lab?!”
“Tche! Killjoy!” Bass grumbled underneath his breath.
“How about something a little less mischievous? Maybe a Mr. Prog?” Dr. Hikari suggested.
“Meh, I guess.” Bass huffed. “So, which one of you pipsqueaks want to—GAH!” He was interrupted as a Mr. Prog landed in his arms.
“I DO! I DO, PROG!” Mr. Prog said happily.
“All right, all right! Settle down, pipsqueak!” Bass hissed as he set the small program down. He tapped on a few buttons on the interface. A symbol of SciLabs’ logo with yellow swirls appeared in cyberspace with them. “The link is set up. All you have to do is activate your side.” He instructed.
“Right. Ready to come to the real world, little one?” Dr. Hikari asked.
“UM…THIS WON’T HURT, WILL IT, PROG?”
“Don’t worry, my little friend. It’s the same as being plugged in and out through a PET.” Dr. Cossack chuckled.
“OKAY, PROG!” Bass, along with everyone in the CyberWorld, watched as the little program stepped into the link. The swirls spinning around them, now turned a green color and became faster in motion. Dr. Hikari’s fingers danced across the keyboard as an interface popped up with the prompt asking, “ACCESS DCS_BETA?”
“Activating the DCS program!” Dr. Hikari exclaimed as he pressed the ‘Access’ option. The computer started up the machine that had a cylindrical pylon in the room, causing hexagonal lights to shine on the inside. All of a sudden, the Mr. Prog disappeared which caused shocked gasps inside and outside the CyberWorld.
“He’s gone!” One of the SciLabs’ NetNavis exclaimed.
“WHERE DID HE GO, PROG?!” Another Mr. Prog asked.
“Over here!” One of the workers pointed out. Everyone turned to see the digital, 3D frame of the Mr. Prog before the small program, fully, materialized.
“PROG? PROG! THIS IS THE REAL WORLD! THOUGH IT’S A LITTLE SMALLER THAN WHAT I IMAGINED!” Mr. Prog said with excitement, which everyone chuckled at, including Dr. Cossack and Hikari.
“You’re just in one of our labs but the world is much bigger than you know, little one.” Dr. Hikari hummed. The small program hummed as he was greeted by a few scientists, some who shook the hands on his head while another commented how small Mr. Progs are compared to them.
“Looks like the small fry is a one-hit wonder of the area.” Bass hummed.
Mr. Prog continued to walk around and, before, too long, the small program started to head towards the door, gleefully.
“W-wait, small one! Don’t leave this area!” Dr. Cossack said in a panic. A few scientists tried to grab Mr. Prog but it was too late. As he took his first step outside, his image reverted back to a 3D frame before disappearing in front of their eyes.
“It’s gone!” One of the scientists gasped.
“Does that mean it’s gone permanently?” Another asked. Suddenly, the Mr. Prog appears back in the CyberWorld and in the arms of a SciLab Navi.
“EH? WHAT HAPPENED? DID I DO SOMETHING WRONG, PROG?” He asked.
“Sorry about that, small one. We tried to warn you.” Dr. Hikari apologized.
“For the sake of testing, we only limited the DCS range to this lab only. In other words, going outside the given space and you’re back in the CyberWorld, similar to plugging a Navi back into their PET, like mentioned before.” Dr. Cossack explained.
“So, are we going to try and use NetNavi in the next go around? If this is supposed to be used by everyone in the future, it's best to test it on our partners.” One of the workers hummed.
“How about Bass, then?” Dr. Hikari suggested which caused Dr. Cossack off guard. He had a concerned look as he turned to Bass’ image on the screen.
“Well…that’s up to you, Bass. You want to take one for the team?” Dr. Cossack asked hesitantly.
“I don’t mind. And hey! That was quite a half-hearted tone in your question!” Bass huffed with his hands on his hips. “The DCS is a team effort and I have to put a little more effort into it than coding and security maintenance. I mean that’s the whole point of this project.”
“He’s got you there, Mikhail. His mind is made up.” Dr. Hikari chuckled as Dr. Cossack gave a sigh.
“So it seems. I can’t have it both ways.” He said. “The DCS is still active, so just walk up to the link.” Bass nodded as he walked to the access link and the digital swirls enveloped the young, Cossack NetNavi as he disappeared. Seconds felt like an eternity as Dr. Cossack waited for Bass to appear.
“Come on, son.” He spoke softly.
“Dr. Hikari, Dr. Cossack!” A female scientist cried. Both scientists turned to see Bass’ digital frame appear before he fully materialized in the lab. Dr. Cossack walked up to see him, slowly opening his ruby eyes.
“Bass, are you okay?” He asked. Bass’ only response was a smirk with a nod. He held his hand out towards his, which Dr. Cossack took it firmly. Instead of shaking it as Bass anticipated, he pulled the surprised NetNavi into a warm hug. Bass blinked a bit before slowly reciprocating the motion.
“It’s nice to finally interact with you too, doctor.” Bass laughed timidly.
“Sorry about that!” Dr. Cossack chuckled as he released the young NetNavi. “I guess it took me back to when I first created you.” He watched as Bass blushed from the sprinkled laughter coming from the scientists. This caused him to get behind Dr. Cossack and peak from behind his father figure.
“I think you embarrassed him, Mikhail.” Dr. Hikari hummed.
“Good! Call it payback for the times he embarrassed me for his personal kicks!” Dr. Cossack huffed as he rubbed Bass’ head.
“Horrible old man.” Bass grumbled as he grabbed Dr. Cossack’s hand and shooed him away.
“So, how does it feel to be in the real world?” Dr. Hikari asked.
“Pretty cool. Though the gravity is different than in the CyberWorld.”
“How so?” Dr. Cossack questioned. Bass hummed before giving an answer.
“Well, at most times it has gravity similar to earth but other instances, like traveling through cyberspace or doing any athletic feat, it gets lighter. Sorry if that doesn’t make quite as much sense.” He explained.
“I think I got the picture. It seems that it’s a lifestyle that most NetNavis will have to adjust to if they choose to traverse our world.” Dr. Hikari said.
“Say, Dr. Hikari, don’t you have a newly created NetNavi? Why don’t you bring them to test the DCS as well?” One of his colleagues suggested.
“I do but they’re currently going through some updates. So maybe next time.” Dr. Hikari answered.
“Hopefully we’ll get to meet them soon! I want to tell all the embarrassing stories of their creator.” Dr. Cossack chuckled.
“Hey, don’t be cruel.” Dr. Hikari said with a sweat drop and flustered expression.
“Welcome to my world, Worker Bee.” Bass sighed. “I know you’re eager to put some tweaks on the program but when was the last time you ate? Or exposed to sunshine?” Dr. Cossack whistled innocently, avoiding his NetNavi’s eyes and listening to Dr. Hikari laughed to himself. “Thought so. Sorry, you’re officially taking a break.”
“Looks like he’s in charge now, Dr. Cossack!” One of the scientists hummed.
“Ha ha! He wishes but I’m still the head honcho around here. Which means I can confine you to your room, young man!” Dr. Cossack as he pulled Bass’ cheeks.
“I like to see you try, you old fox!” Bass hissed. Both creator and NetNavi poked their tongue at each other until they heard not only, Dr. Cossack’s stomach growling but also Dr. Hikari. He tensed up when he saw both his friends stare him down.
“And when was the last thing you ate, Worker Bee?”
“An…Energy Mate bar and ice coffee.” Dr. Hikari laughed nervously as he scratched his head.
“Sheesh, you two are equal messes!”
“Come on. I’m pretty sure Tadashi will haunt me if you pass out here.” Dr. Cossack chuckled.
“Fair enough. Dad was scary sometimes. Do you want to join us, Bass?” Yuichiro asked.
“Hm? Nah, I’ll just be on my homepage, tinkering away or just relaxing.”
“Fair enough.” Dr. Cossack chuckled as he rubbed his son’s head. He transferred him and the DCS program in his PET and back to his office. He jacked Bass back into his PC, who carried the prize program in a locked data prism. “I shouldn’t be long.”
“Take as much time as you need. The pipsqueaks will keep me company.” Bass hummed.
“All right, my troublemaker.” Dr. Cossack chuckled. The young NetNavi watched as his creator left his office before sitting in midair and started monitoring his PC, as well as the departments. His fingers danced and swiped the digital UIs as he hummed.
“Seems quiet on this side. How is it with you guys?” Bass asked.
“ALL GREEN, PROG!” One of the Mr. Progs chimed.
“EVERYTHING SAFE AND LOCKED UP, PROG!” Another one chirped in confidence.
“In other words, another quiet afternoon, then. Maybe I’ll venture outside of SciLabs’ netscape.” He hummed.
“IF YOU DO, YOU KNOW THE RULES: ANYWHERE BUT—”
“The UnderNet. I know, I know. But one can't help but be curious and see what it’s like there. Even if it’s a small glance.”
“SUCH A BAD BOY! TRULY A BAD INFLUENCE, PROG!” Mr. Prog bounced up and down.
“”Ah, you’re too kind, my adoring public.” Bass smirked at the small programs. They tried to chastise the young, Cossack Navi, only to scamper away as he hissed at them. He chuckled as went to another part of the PC and accessing a training program that Dr. Cossack designed for him. “I think I have a little fun in my own way and pace.” He hummed as his fingers danced across the neon interface before it disappeared. All of a sudden, his environment changed into a projection of an area around him. Popping and static noises were heard as electric sparks shot across the ground, which Bass dodged with ease.
The young teen looked up to see a horde of viruses charging towards him. He gave a smirk before charging towards the fray and, with no time wasted, the simulated invaders started to drop like flies. Accessing his GetAbility with no restrictions, intense heat danced around and engulfed the viruses as he used the data from the RedWave chip. Numerous electric-themed viruses were deleted instantly as Bass pounded the ground and caused wooden spikes to protrude as the data from WoodTower was used. “Hmph, not too shabby.” Bass proudly huffed. The Progs in Dr. Cossack’s webspace paused working to see the NetNavi’s training going underway.
“HIS SKILLS ARE AMAZING, PROG!” Mr. Prog said in awe.
“SCARY GOOD! NO WONDER HE’S CALLED THE DARK SHADOW AROUND HERE!” Another one hummed.
“THOUGH THAT DOESN’T MEAN HE HAS TO GET AN EGO, PROG!”
“THE BIGGEST THING ABOUT HIM SINCE HE’S SMALL!” The little programs laughed among themselves only for it to be halted by a loud screech. They tensed up and trembled as they saw the data of a serpentine-like dragon virus that was fiery red in color.
“TH-THAT’S A LAVAGON!” Mr. Prog cried out.
“I HEARD THE OFFICIAL WHO ENCOUNTERED THAT BEAST BARELY RETURNED, PROG!” Another whimpered. The Lavagon roared again, causing the Progs to scamper off and hide. The draconic virus spewed a torrent of fire towards Bass, which the young Navi activated a barrier as the intense heat swarmed him and slowly and started cracking it.
“Using your weakness would be insultingly easy for us.” Bass said as he saw the barrier shatter completely and escape the Lavagon’s flames. The draconic swiped its tail towards Bass, which the young NetNavi jumped and ran up its body. “I’ll take you out in my own blaze of glory!” He exclaimed as he jumped in the air as both his arms turned into busters. “AirBurst!” A torrent of buster fire struck the Lavagon in an array of yellow and orange explosions.
Pained screeches came from the draconic virus as it and Bass landed on the ground. The data of Lavagon disappeared in a flurry of red, digital particles as Bass walked away from it and the area shifted back into the normal webspace. “Heh, that was fun! Let’s see if Dr. Cossack has something a bit more challenging installed.” He teleported back to his creator’s homepage to access the training program data again. Suddenly, he noticed someone accessing the homepage area. “Great…company.” He sighed. Bass heard small footsteps behind him, which prompted him to sink his shoulders.
“Dr. Cossack isn’t here at the moment.” Bass said, not facing the person who entered the homepage. He held his hand out, while in the same position and continued on, “Just leave whatever email with me and I’ll make sure to hand it to him.” Still not looking, he heard the footsteps stop and clasp his hands repeatedly. He blinked in confusion as he didn’t receive anything.
“S–rry, no email…” A voice spoke out.
“What?” Bass said as he quickly turned around. “Then what’re you doing…here…?” He expected to see one of SciLabs’ NetNavis or a Mr. Prog, but instead he was met with green eyes, looking at him, and belonging to MegaMan and stepped back a bit from Bass’ action. A single word escape from the Cossack Navi to match his confused expression.
“Eh?!”
-TO BE CONTINUED…-