-Mega Man Battle Network
--Shadows of the Past
---Chapter 2: Demonstrations
During my stay in ACDC Town, I was beginning to like PETs more and more. It seems Shadow Man doubled as an alarm clock as well getting me up at the right time to get ready for school. I got dressed, brushed my teeth, etc. Then went to the table where my breakfast was waiting. Turns out when I went into my room last night, my dad finally came home as well. He was a tall silent guy with a lot of my physical traits only older. Because he was so quiet most of the time, it always made me wonder how he got married to my mom. Their explanation was always, "because we loved each other". I told them they would have to do better than that, and got a laugh.
Dad was sitting at the table reading a paper on his PET. This was the moment I was waiting for. I wanted to show him what I had brought home, and Shadow Man as well. But there was no way I was going to tell them what the auctioneer told me.
"Morning dad. Hey, I wanted to show you my PET I got from that auction."
He looked up from his PET and gave a warm smile. He was always happy to see me. Dad set his down and stood up walking over to me as I did to him. I handed him mine and watched him look over it. Shadow Man did his usual greeting and caused my dad to smile a little bit wider.
"Frankly, I'm surprised son. You got a customized Navi, that's usually pretty pricey up here, but you got a deal. Must be my business sense rubbing off on you."
I couldn't help but simile as well, he must have been in one of his good moods cause he barely ever went out of the way to brag like that. Mom soon got us concentrated back on breakfast and we ate at our new table, in our new house. Well, it was nice while it lasted, cause I had to go to school now. But it was a short walk, just up the street and through some gates. Kind of reminded me of my old school, but they didn't have PETs and I had to climb up a bunch of hills.
"So, Shadow Man. Do you know anything about this school?"
"No." He answered frankly. "I'm going to it for the first time, like you."
That was kind of reassuring. I wonder if the teacher will do one of those "here's our new student, say hi to him" kind of routine. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for talking but I feel put on the spot when they do that, like I'm supposed to perform a trick or something. By the time I got up to the gates, there was a bunch of people entering the building of all ages and shapes. Why shapes? Cause there was this huge guy walking along with these three other people. Frankly, I was kind of intimidated and the way I heard him talk made it sound like he knew it too.
My room was upstairs, in the room with the big guy I mentioned earlier. Damn, that made me a little uneasy. The teacher was Ms. Mari and she instantly wanted to see me before school started talking to me right outside the door.
"Hello, Rioichi. Your our new student huh?" She greeted in a gentle voice. "I'm Ms. Mari, your teacher."
"Hello," I started slowly. "But, could you call me Rio?"
"Of course, Rio it is then. Let me introduce you to the class."
Well, I guess I predicted right. Couldn't be too bad could it? She opened the door and led me in standing me in front of the class. I could see that big scary guy sitting behind a cute looking girl who was walking with him to school. To the left of her was another guy who was part of their group with a bandana and looking overall pretty friendly. The last member was in the back of the room, pretty small but still looking pretty mean. Hm... Maybe I should try becoming friends with them?
During my scheming, I had completely ignored Mr. Mari's presentation about the "new kid" and suddenly found myself standing with every eye on me. So I wasn't paying attention, I really didn't know where we were in the scheme of things.
"Say your name." Shadow Man whispered.
"I'm Rioichi Lon, but uh... You can call me Rio. This is kinda new for me. I've actually never been in a town that depends upon PETs. I just got mine yesterday..."
I rambled on like a crazy man, I knew it. But I couldn't stop. Giving a quick glance down I could see Shadow Man in one of his silent laughs. I would have smacked him, uh... If I knew what button you would press to do that. Ms. Mari eventually called me off and sent me to my seat, behind the bandana guy and next to the big scary one. Not my most favored seat in the house. The first exercise was virus busting exercises. Virus busting? This I had to see. During the time I was jacking-in Shadow Man, big scary guy was giving me all kinds of looks, like he wanted to start something. I really didn't look forward to the end of class.
Anyway, through the screen on my desk I could see the other people's Navis. Some people had plain ones like my dad. But there was other customized Navis as well. The girl in front of the scary guy had a pink Navi, next to her was a blue looking one. And I gulped seeing the hulking Navi that the big guy had. I noticed though, that Shadow Man had his arms crossed like he didn't want to be there.
"What's wrong?" I asked him.
"I can't possibly begin to tell you how uninterested I am in these exercises."
Like I said, to the point always.
"Well, make it quick and you won't have to worry about them."
While I was coaxing Shadow Man into following along with the class. I could see the other Navis taking quick glances at him. Some seemed interested, and some, like that blue one seemed deeply disturbed seeing Shadow Man standing there. I admit, he looks kind of sinister, but then so does that huge guy. Frankly, I would be more concerned about him. Finally it was my turn to bust a Metool virus. Some little thing with a hardhat on and carrying a big pick ax. All eyes were on me, but Shadow Man wasn't going to have any part of it.
"Come on, come on. Just delete it all ready." I asked again, this time with a little more encouragement.
"Fine." He gave in.
With a flick of the wrist and the appearance of a dangerous looking ninja star, he tossed it and cut the virus in half within seconds. After words he calmly explained to me that they were called Shadow Blades. Wow, it was so fast I think I had to do a double take. And he was still standing there with his arms crossed looking as uninterested as ever.
"Wow, that was a great job Rio." Ms. Mari congratulated. "Have you done this before?"
No, I haven't. And as far as Shadow Man's concern neither did he. I got a little nervous. Maybe his previous abilities gained from his criminal experiences weren't erased during the reformatting? The rest of the class period was uneventful, but I couldn't get that lighting quick motion out of my head. It seemed the guy in front of me with the blue Navi couldn't either looking back and muttering to his own Navi. Why did I suddenly feel like I was being ganged up on?
My suspicions were confirmed as a bunch of people came up to me. But none of the group I was hoping to join. They asked me a bunch of questions like where I moved from or what I did without a PET. Some asked about Shadow Man and I responded that I was honestly as surprised as they were about his virus busting abilities. After that, the huge guy and the rest of the gang came up to me.
"So, your the new guy huh? I'm Dex! And me and Guts Man like to welcome all the new guys with a Netbattle!"
"I'm sorry... A what?"
I heard him right, a netbattle. What the hell was that? And why did it sound so dangerous? Personally, I didn't like walking into things I knew nothing about, but this Dex guy was pushing me, if not full out shoving.
"A Netbattle. It's a show of immaturity at its best. Your Navis face each other in a friendly battle. No harm done." A little girl to the right of Dex explained. "Oh by the way, I'm Yai. But you can call me Miss Yai."
"Ok, Miss Yai."
Heh heh, I made her blush. I bet she didn't see that coming. But Dex took the spotlight again taking a step forward and holding his PET in his hand. The other two kept their distance, I wonder what they were waiting for? Probably for Dex here to move, he was huge! A truck I tell you. Now he wanted me to fight his lumbering Guts Man.
"Hold on for a sec... Hey Shadow Man, do you think it's a good idea fighting this Dex guy?"
"Chances are that if you don't fight him. He won't respect you." Shadow Man answered simply. "Fighting is the only way to prove one's worth in a world like this."
Thanks a lot. I was looking for something along the lines of. Maybe you should take a number? Or, I don't feel like it. Something to get the incredible hulk away from me and off my back.
"Uh... Ok..." I answered finally.
"All right! Time to get a pounding!" He laughed.
"What if you get deleted or something? I've only known you for a day." I tried to reason with him.
There was another uncomfortable feeling. Why did I feel like he had more control than I did? His position remained unchanged.
"Then you'll run backup data and I'll be restored. It will take time you understand."
"Yeah I guess so."
Dex was getting impatient.
"Come on! Enough talking all ready! Let's go!"
We jacked into Yai's desk, with her permission of course and entered the virtual class room. Shadow Man was in first, and the huge Navi Guts Man was in second. It looked like if Shadow Man was touched once he'd be done for.
"Guts! Guts! Guts! Time to get smashed!" Guts Man laughed cruelly.
"What ever you say..."
Shadow Man wasn't impressed obviously.
"You can take the first shot." He said again.
Now that was just plain crazy and Dex gave a cruel smile hearing it. Guts Man shuffled up to Shadow and brought his fists up into the air with another deep laugh before bringing them down. Shadow Man didn't move an inch and I cringed. But surprisingly enough, Guts Man's fist went right through Shadow Man and created a hole in the ground. I'm just plain confused, and it only gets more confusing when two other Shadow Man's come out of no where and surround Guts Man. Three of them? This had to be one of his programs or something.
Anyway, Guts Man was spinning around and the three Shadow Men just taunted him. He threw punches at one and tumbled right through, just like the other one. I was learning with Guts Man, now I knew the remaining one had to be real. But he didn't let Guts Man take another swing and leaped up into the air letting fly three gargantuan Shadow Blades as they went right into Guts's back making a buzz saw sound as they went. I could see Dex's eyes nearly pop out as his Navi began to stumble around like a wounded animal. I never figured I would feel sorry for him.
But my Navi didn't stop there, oh no. The other two doubles had drawn swords and began to close in on Guts Man. Dex shouted something and pulled a chip from his pocket.
"Don't worry Guts Man, I got something that will help right here." He laughed.
"Hey? What's going on?"
Then just like that, Guts Man looked completely healed and he decided to pound the ground again this time sending out a shockwave that ripped the two doubles into shreds and leaving nothingness.
"Your cheating!" I declared only causing him to laugh.
"Battle chips aren't cheating kid."
Ok, now I wanted Shadow Man to hang his Navi's head on the mantel.
"All right Shadow Man, enough play. Take him out!" I think I yelled just a bit too angrily.
"As you wish." He replied in a cruel manner.
Now it was on, and I could sense it. I hope that big lug Dex could too. Cause the three Shadow Man routine returned and they didn't stay still. They leapt about and drew their swords taking swings at Guts Man as they went. But he threw his punches around like tossing seeds and quickly sent one of the doubles into submission. It dissipated and out of the smoke came more Shadow Blades this time pegging Guts Man in the face. I couldn't help forming a smile and taking in more of the delicious action. The three Shadow Men were dancing around Guts Man and carving him up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
"Oh! Ow! OW! Stop with the swords!" Guts Man cried out before swinging his fist wildly.
It was so close that he easily creamed all three causing the two fakes to disappear and leaving the real Shadow Man to go sliding across the battlefield. Then he didn't move and I lost my smile.
"Seems like your Navi can dish it out but can't take it in!"
There was a moment of silence as Guts Man trudging up to Shadow Man with a satisfied grin. But when he looked down he seemed shocked and we all saw why. He jumped backwards as Shadow Man leapt up onto him and locked Guts' head between his legs and brought his sword up bringing it down and striking Guts Man over and over again. Up and down, up and down, I nearly got dizzy. Soon Dex's voice penetrated the hypnotic moment of Shadow Man's sword.
"Stop it! You won all ready! Cut it out!"
"Shadow Man, stop!" I commanded finally.
I was partially afraid he would keep going but he stopped and slid the sword back into his scabbard. He still had Guts' head locked in-between his legs and then somersaulted backwards tossing the hulking Guts Man at the same time. I heard a loud plunk and then watched as he was jacked out. Even though I won, I felt pretty bad. Shadow Man actually looked like he enjoyed it. By the time I jacked Shadow Man out and looked up, there was no one left around me. They had all left as soon as Dex did. Somehow I felt like I had alienated myself from everyone else and I looked back down at him.
"What's wrong Rio?" He asked calmly, but I knew I couldn't answer.
During my stay in ACDC Town, I was beginning to like PETs more and more. It seems Shadow Man doubled as an alarm clock as well getting me up at the right time to get ready for school. I got dressed, brushed my teeth, etc. Then went to the table where my breakfast was waiting. Turns out when I went into my room last night, my dad finally came home as well. He was a tall silent guy with a lot of my physical traits only older. Because he was so quiet most of the time, it always made me wonder how he got married to my mom. Their explanation was always, "because we loved each other". I told them they would have to do better than that, and got a laugh.
Dad was sitting at the table reading a paper on his PET. This was the moment I was waiting for. I wanted to show him what I had brought home, and Shadow Man as well. But there was no way I was going to tell them what the auctioneer told me.
"Morning dad. Hey, I wanted to show you my PET I got from that auction."
He looked up from his PET and gave a warm smile. He was always happy to see me. Dad set his down and stood up walking over to me as I did to him. I handed him mine and watched him look over it. Shadow Man did his usual greeting and caused my dad to smile a little bit wider.
"Frankly, I'm surprised son. You got a customized Navi, that's usually pretty pricey up here, but you got a deal. Must be my business sense rubbing off on you."
I couldn't help but simile as well, he must have been in one of his good moods cause he barely ever went out of the way to brag like that. Mom soon got us concentrated back on breakfast and we ate at our new table, in our new house. Well, it was nice while it lasted, cause I had to go to school now. But it was a short walk, just up the street and through some gates. Kind of reminded me of my old school, but they didn't have PETs and I had to climb up a bunch of hills.
"So, Shadow Man. Do you know anything about this school?"
"No." He answered frankly. "I'm going to it for the first time, like you."
That was kind of reassuring. I wonder if the teacher will do one of those "here's our new student, say hi to him" kind of routine. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for talking but I feel put on the spot when they do that, like I'm supposed to perform a trick or something. By the time I got up to the gates, there was a bunch of people entering the building of all ages and shapes. Why shapes? Cause there was this huge guy walking along with these three other people. Frankly, I was kind of intimidated and the way I heard him talk made it sound like he knew it too.
My room was upstairs, in the room with the big guy I mentioned earlier. Damn, that made me a little uneasy. The teacher was Ms. Mari and she instantly wanted to see me before school started talking to me right outside the door.
"Hello, Rioichi. Your our new student huh?" She greeted in a gentle voice. "I'm Ms. Mari, your teacher."
"Hello," I started slowly. "But, could you call me Rio?"
"Of course, Rio it is then. Let me introduce you to the class."
Well, I guess I predicted right. Couldn't be too bad could it? She opened the door and led me in standing me in front of the class. I could see that big scary guy sitting behind a cute looking girl who was walking with him to school. To the left of her was another guy who was part of their group with a bandana and looking overall pretty friendly. The last member was in the back of the room, pretty small but still looking pretty mean. Hm... Maybe I should try becoming friends with them?
During my scheming, I had completely ignored Mr. Mari's presentation about the "new kid" and suddenly found myself standing with every eye on me. So I wasn't paying attention, I really didn't know where we were in the scheme of things.
"Say your name." Shadow Man whispered.
"I'm Rioichi Lon, but uh... You can call me Rio. This is kinda new for me. I've actually never been in a town that depends upon PETs. I just got mine yesterday..."
I rambled on like a crazy man, I knew it. But I couldn't stop. Giving a quick glance down I could see Shadow Man in one of his silent laughs. I would have smacked him, uh... If I knew what button you would press to do that. Ms. Mari eventually called me off and sent me to my seat, behind the bandana guy and next to the big scary one. Not my most favored seat in the house. The first exercise was virus busting exercises. Virus busting? This I had to see. During the time I was jacking-in Shadow Man, big scary guy was giving me all kinds of looks, like he wanted to start something. I really didn't look forward to the end of class.
Anyway, through the screen on my desk I could see the other people's Navis. Some people had plain ones like my dad. But there was other customized Navis as well. The girl in front of the scary guy had a pink Navi, next to her was a blue looking one. And I gulped seeing the hulking Navi that the big guy had. I noticed though, that Shadow Man had his arms crossed like he didn't want to be there.
"What's wrong?" I asked him.
"I can't possibly begin to tell you how uninterested I am in these exercises."
Like I said, to the point always.
"Well, make it quick and you won't have to worry about them."
While I was coaxing Shadow Man into following along with the class. I could see the other Navis taking quick glances at him. Some seemed interested, and some, like that blue one seemed deeply disturbed seeing Shadow Man standing there. I admit, he looks kind of sinister, but then so does that huge guy. Frankly, I would be more concerned about him. Finally it was my turn to bust a Metool virus. Some little thing with a hardhat on and carrying a big pick ax. All eyes were on me, but Shadow Man wasn't going to have any part of it.
"Come on, come on. Just delete it all ready." I asked again, this time with a little more encouragement.
"Fine." He gave in.
With a flick of the wrist and the appearance of a dangerous looking ninja star, he tossed it and cut the virus in half within seconds. After words he calmly explained to me that they were called Shadow Blades. Wow, it was so fast I think I had to do a double take. And he was still standing there with his arms crossed looking as uninterested as ever.
"Wow, that was a great job Rio." Ms. Mari congratulated. "Have you done this before?"
No, I haven't. And as far as Shadow Man's concern neither did he. I got a little nervous. Maybe his previous abilities gained from his criminal experiences weren't erased during the reformatting? The rest of the class period was uneventful, but I couldn't get that lighting quick motion out of my head. It seemed the guy in front of me with the blue Navi couldn't either looking back and muttering to his own Navi. Why did I suddenly feel like I was being ganged up on?
My suspicions were confirmed as a bunch of people came up to me. But none of the group I was hoping to join. They asked me a bunch of questions like where I moved from or what I did without a PET. Some asked about Shadow Man and I responded that I was honestly as surprised as they were about his virus busting abilities. After that, the huge guy and the rest of the gang came up to me.
"So, your the new guy huh? I'm Dex! And me and Guts Man like to welcome all the new guys with a Netbattle!"
"I'm sorry... A what?"
I heard him right, a netbattle. What the hell was that? And why did it sound so dangerous? Personally, I didn't like walking into things I knew nothing about, but this Dex guy was pushing me, if not full out shoving.
"A Netbattle. It's a show of immaturity at its best. Your Navis face each other in a friendly battle. No harm done." A little girl to the right of Dex explained. "Oh by the way, I'm Yai. But you can call me Miss Yai."
"Ok, Miss Yai."
Heh heh, I made her blush. I bet she didn't see that coming. But Dex took the spotlight again taking a step forward and holding his PET in his hand. The other two kept their distance, I wonder what they were waiting for? Probably for Dex here to move, he was huge! A truck I tell you. Now he wanted me to fight his lumbering Guts Man.
"Hold on for a sec... Hey Shadow Man, do you think it's a good idea fighting this Dex guy?"
"Chances are that if you don't fight him. He won't respect you." Shadow Man answered simply. "Fighting is the only way to prove one's worth in a world like this."
Thanks a lot. I was looking for something along the lines of. Maybe you should take a number? Or, I don't feel like it. Something to get the incredible hulk away from me and off my back.
"Uh... Ok..." I answered finally.
"All right! Time to get a pounding!" He laughed.
"What if you get deleted or something? I've only known you for a day." I tried to reason with him.
There was another uncomfortable feeling. Why did I feel like he had more control than I did? His position remained unchanged.
"Then you'll run backup data and I'll be restored. It will take time you understand."
"Yeah I guess so."
Dex was getting impatient.
"Come on! Enough talking all ready! Let's go!"
We jacked into Yai's desk, with her permission of course and entered the virtual class room. Shadow Man was in first, and the huge Navi Guts Man was in second. It looked like if Shadow Man was touched once he'd be done for.
"Guts! Guts! Guts! Time to get smashed!" Guts Man laughed cruelly.
"What ever you say..."
Shadow Man wasn't impressed obviously.
"You can take the first shot." He said again.
Now that was just plain crazy and Dex gave a cruel smile hearing it. Guts Man shuffled up to Shadow and brought his fists up into the air with another deep laugh before bringing them down. Shadow Man didn't move an inch and I cringed. But surprisingly enough, Guts Man's fist went right through Shadow Man and created a hole in the ground. I'm just plain confused, and it only gets more confusing when two other Shadow Man's come out of no where and surround Guts Man. Three of them? This had to be one of his programs or something.
Anyway, Guts Man was spinning around and the three Shadow Men just taunted him. He threw punches at one and tumbled right through, just like the other one. I was learning with Guts Man, now I knew the remaining one had to be real. But he didn't let Guts Man take another swing and leaped up into the air letting fly three gargantuan Shadow Blades as they went right into Guts's back making a buzz saw sound as they went. I could see Dex's eyes nearly pop out as his Navi began to stumble around like a wounded animal. I never figured I would feel sorry for him.
But my Navi didn't stop there, oh no. The other two doubles had drawn swords and began to close in on Guts Man. Dex shouted something and pulled a chip from his pocket.
"Don't worry Guts Man, I got something that will help right here." He laughed.
"Hey? What's going on?"
Then just like that, Guts Man looked completely healed and he decided to pound the ground again this time sending out a shockwave that ripped the two doubles into shreds and leaving nothingness.
"Your cheating!" I declared only causing him to laugh.
"Battle chips aren't cheating kid."
Ok, now I wanted Shadow Man to hang his Navi's head on the mantel.
"All right Shadow Man, enough play. Take him out!" I think I yelled just a bit too angrily.
"As you wish." He replied in a cruel manner.
Now it was on, and I could sense it. I hope that big lug Dex could too. Cause the three Shadow Man routine returned and they didn't stay still. They leapt about and drew their swords taking swings at Guts Man as they went. But he threw his punches around like tossing seeds and quickly sent one of the doubles into submission. It dissipated and out of the smoke came more Shadow Blades this time pegging Guts Man in the face. I couldn't help forming a smile and taking in more of the delicious action. The three Shadow Men were dancing around Guts Man and carving him up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
"Oh! Ow! OW! Stop with the swords!" Guts Man cried out before swinging his fist wildly.
It was so close that he easily creamed all three causing the two fakes to disappear and leaving the real Shadow Man to go sliding across the battlefield. Then he didn't move and I lost my smile.
"Seems like your Navi can dish it out but can't take it in!"
There was a moment of silence as Guts Man trudging up to Shadow Man with a satisfied grin. But when he looked down he seemed shocked and we all saw why. He jumped backwards as Shadow Man leapt up onto him and locked Guts' head between his legs and brought his sword up bringing it down and striking Guts Man over and over again. Up and down, up and down, I nearly got dizzy. Soon Dex's voice penetrated the hypnotic moment of Shadow Man's sword.
"Stop it! You won all ready! Cut it out!"
"Shadow Man, stop!" I commanded finally.
I was partially afraid he would keep going but he stopped and slid the sword back into his scabbard. He still had Guts' head locked in-between his legs and then somersaulted backwards tossing the hulking Guts Man at the same time. I heard a loud plunk and then watched as he was jacked out. Even though I won, I felt pretty bad. Shadow Man actually looked like he enjoyed it. By the time I jacked Shadow Man out and looked up, there was no one left around me. They had all left as soon as Dex did. Somehow I felt like I had alienated myself from everyone else and I looked back down at him.
"What's wrong Rio?" He asked calmly, but I knew I couldn't answer.
