Chapter Two:
Demon Mirror! GuardiaMan!
(A/N: To clear any doubt, the PET used in Shadownet is the PET3)"Striker, do you have the data?"
"But of course." Striker bowed. He drew a black disk from his coat, setting it on the table of the masked man in front of him. "I suppose you'll get doc' to decipher this?"
The man nodded. "I notice Blademan seems to be missing. Tell me what happened."
"Seitamashii Kojuro and two other boys fought him," Striker said, rising. "I expect a chance for revenge in the near future, just so you know."
"Don't worry." The masked man smiled. "We're sending Mirror after one of them. The boy will learn to not play hero after seeing what we do…"
--
"Trinku, snap out of it." Kit punched the young man in the side. Trinku jerked from the blow, giving Kit a venomous glare. Trinku had been in a bad mood since the attack that took place last night at the school. And one line constantly repeating in his mind afterwards: "You're battle style is sloppy--"
"ARG! Damn that Kojuro!" he shouted, pounding his hands on to his desk. However, the class bell drowned out his words and quickly students flooded the halls. Grumbling, he picked up his back. "I think I'll just go eat lunch…"
"And you should stop talking to yourself," Shinigami muttered. "You're starting to scare the hell out of me." He added rudely. Trinku ignored his black clad navi, propping down next to Kit at an outside table. Muttering some incoherent babble, he drew a small lunch box (not the lunch pail, a lunch box) from his bag.
"Trinku…give it a rest." Kit groaned. "Your whining is getting annoying." Trinku chomped a rice ball, glaring at the blonde boy. "Kojuro's kind of a serious guy anyway. Maybe he was being nice…"
"Kojuro? Nice?! HAH!" Trinku shouted, rice falling out of his mouth. "He was taunting me, the jerk!"
"I just think you don't like him." Gelbman spoke. "Kojuro's actually a cool guy. I don't see why you hate him."
"Jealousy," Shinigami shrugged. Trinku glared at him, hand inching to rip out the black clad navi's batteries. "Then again, Trinku doesn't like anyone who is better than him."
"He is not better than me!" Trinku shouted. "And I'll prove it! I'm joining the ONBA!"
(ONBA: Official Net battling association).
"..." Kit and Gelbman gave him a look that almost made Trinku feel stupid. "Exactly what is that supposed to prove? I mean, anyone can join the ONBA." Trinku sweat dropped, obviously not thinking that far ahead.
"Well...uh...I'm gonna be the best!" Trinku shouted. "Yeah, that's it...the best..." He said to himself, trying to keep the little bit of pride he still had left. Kit began to ask "Just how," but the two were silent as a girl walked past, obviously lost. "Um...are you lost?" Trinku asked, denser than the average person.
"Um.... yes..." She bowed in a soft voice, a light French accent on her voice. "Do you know where I can find...Um.... 'Trinku Matanoa?'" She asked. Trinku pointed to himself.
"Y-You're Trinku?" He nodded.
"Um...why are you looking for me?" He asked. Then, "...You're new here right? What's your name?" She blushed, obviously forgetting to introduce herself.
"My name is Uriko Coivei," She smiled, bowing. (Oo-Ree-Koh See-Oo-Vay). "And I've been looking for you because of this." She said, reaching in her bag. Digging for a while, she held a note in her hand. Taking it, he read it aloud.
"Trinku,
This girl came by the house looking for you with suitcases. It seems like dad's up to no good again. Be nice to your new fiancé, Trinku.
Your Darling Sister,
Yumi Matanoa"
"...Fiancé?" Shinigami looked up at his operator. "Your dad is nuts..."
"Crazy Ideas?" Gelbman asked. "What does your dad do? I mean, we've never seen him ourselves..." Trinku ignored him, taking a hard, long look at Uriko. Long strawberry blonde hair, pale jade eyes, light mocha skin and curvy figure...
"Well, at least she looks good," Trinku thought to himself. "Hey, Uriko. Exactly what do your parents do for a living?" He asked. She suddenly put on a shocked look, causing him to be slightly confused. "Did I say something wrong?"
"You mean you haven't met them?" She asked. "I mean...I've met your parents plenty of times. Our parents are good friends, after all..." Sadly, Trinku was still confused, but she continued. "My mother is a layer and my father is a chief programmer on a project with the ONBA."
"I thought so!" Shinigami shouted. "You're LOADED! No wonder your dad picked her, Trink." He shouted rudely. It was Uriko's turn to look confused as Trinku sighed. "Looks like dad needs funding for his project..."
"What...are you talking about?" She asked, as Trinku gave a weak smile.
"Sorry about this, but my old man is running an independent program of his own in Ameurope. He and my mom have been there for a few years, making a few breakthroughs and stuff... but the funding is a bit too low."
"The Mr. and Mrs. must have thought up a plan with their friends support..." Shinigami thought, imagining the scene...
--
"...How would you like for your darling daughter to marry my son, Pierre?" Domon Matanoa smiled. "It'd be a great union, wouldn't it?"
"Yes...and the ONBA would see that we, a newly joined family, would need funding to support out families and projects." Pierre Coivei grinned, stroking his chin. "Cela est brilliant, mon ami!" (That is brilliant, my friend).
"I know. I just hope our kids don't find out..."
--
"Pere, que etaitent tu pensée?" (Father, what could you have been thinking) Uriko sighed. Shinigami gave a loud cough, as well as Kit and Gelbman. For some odd reason, though, these coughs sounded like 'scheming parents'.
--
"Mirror in place. Leaving the area now," A man spoke into his jacket, turning to leave the Matanoa house. The man smiled sweetly to a young woman no older than twenty. "Maintenance is complete, ma'am."
"Right. Though you never told me what the maintenance was for..." She smiled, cigarette in hand. Her face radiated with youth, beauty more than evident. However, her eyes seemed cold; cold enough to stop a man's heart in his chest. And this man could feel the effects of these piercing, evil eyes. "So...what was that mirror thing you were talking about?" She asked in a kind tone.
"Oh, that," He smiled, sweating. Damn, she heard that? "That's a security program. It's been applied to every household so far," He smiled. "Nothing to worry about, Ma'am. I'll be going no-"
"Don't call me Ma'am. I'm only twenty-one." She interrupted coldly. "And if you're leaving, go." She added. The man smiled back, quickly leaving as the door opened. Trinku walked in, followed by Uriko as he went out.
"Who was tha...never mind. Yumi, you've met Uriko," Trinku said, not needing to introduce them. "So...uh...where is she staying?" Yumi raised a finger, a step ahead of her younger brother as usual.
"She came in earlier with her bags, remember?" Yumi reminded him. "So she's in the guest room (yes we have one). And yes, it's bigger than yours." She added. "Now I don't have to worry about you two..."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Trinku asked, offended.
"It means you might sneak a peek at her at night, pervert." Shinigami laughed. Before Trinku could respond, Uriko's head rested against Trinku's shoulder. "Uh..." he blushed, while both Yumi and Shinigami sweat dropped.
"She must not be used to the time zones yet," Yumi suggested. "Help her to bed, Trink'."
"What? Why me?" He whispered, trying not to disturb the girl.
"Because you're a gentleman," Yumi hissed. "Now do it!" Finding it pointless to argue, he helped the creamlandian girl to her room.
--
Later that night, Trinku typed away at his computer, running a diagnostics test on Shinigami.
As per usual of this monthly check up, Trinku sent the data to his father via e-mail (because he was a terrible programmer himself). Reactivating the navi, he leaned back in his chair and relaxed.
"Weekends," Trinku yawned, grinning. "Don't have to worry about class for a few days." Shinigami ignored him, face showing deep thought. "...What's wrong with you?"
"So..." Shinigami looked up at Trinku slyly. "Pretty little thing, isn't she?" Trinku was taken by surprise by the suddenness and directness of the question. "Well, she's attractive...but I hardly know her."
"Uh-uh. You're not thinking that," Shinigami waved a finger. "You think she's really sexy. You're wondering how a guy like you lucked out and got a sexy cream land chick in his house." Shinigami grinned as Trinku blushed; he was surprised his navi knew him so well.
"Well--" Trinku began but stopped. Sniffing, he said, "I smell something funny..."
"Nice obvious change of subject." Shinigami rolled his eyes. "My turn. LOOK, AN ALIEN!" He shouted, pointing at a window.
"No, it smells like..." Trinku stood up. "Gas! Something's wrong!" His eyes widened. "Oh no, YUMI!" Running out of his room, he saw his sister pull out her lighter. In slow motion, he dove, slapping it out of her hand. The girl glared at her little brother as he shouted. "OUT OF THE HOUSE NOW! IT'S FILLED WITH GAS!" The girl nodded, rushing out as Trinku drew his black PET 3. "Now Shini! Find the problem and delete it quick! Plug-in!!"
--
Shinigami landed with a bang in the household network with his scythe in hand. An odd mirror lay before him, gleaming wickedly. As he stepped towards it, it began to glow an ominous red color.
"...That...is odd..." He thought, but quickly leapt aside as a bolt of black shot from the mirror. A light, child-like giggle filled the area as a navi stepped out of some convenient shadows. A small navi in knight armor stood before him, plucking the large mirror out of the ground. It transformed into a rather large mirrored shield as the little navi grinned.
"Well, if it isn't the navi in black." He wheezed. "Nice to finally meet you in person."
"Riiight... and just who are you?" Shinigami asked. An operators face appeared behind him, startling both Trinku and Shinigami in his appearance. The operator wore make-up and had a large red and white Afro, for one. The blue eye shadow and lipstick didn't help for masculinity, as it gave a very clown like appearance.
"...Ewww..." Trinku gave a shudder, feeling dizzy just from looking at him. "You must be the man...woman...PERSON running this!" Trinku shouted pointing accusingly. The operator smiled.
"Precisely," The operator spoke, voice very womanly. "I am 'Mirror', and this is my demon mirror navi, GuardiaMan!" The little navi waved. "Now...um...DIE!" GuardiaMan charged, shield attaching to his arm. The little navi aimed, firing a burst of black energy at Shinigami. The black clad navi dived to the side, but the bolt of energy followed him.
-Cue Futatsu no Mirai-
"Battlechip: Metguard!" Trinku shouted, dragging the Metguard icon to Shinigami's back. "Slot-in!" Shinigami raised his arms as a large mettaur helmet formed in front of him. The black energy slammed into the shield, dispersing in a second as Shinigami tossed the shield to the side. Drawing his scythe, he swung fiercely at the little navi, connecting with the shield. There was a brief pause...then Shini was sent flying backwards!
"Ow...the heck was that?" He groaned while Mirror and GuardiaMan grinned. Trinku didn't wait for the little navi's counter attack, however. "Battlechip: Cannon! Double Slot-in!" He shouted, bringing the chips to his navi. Shinigami's arm changed into a large cannon, firing a large shot at the armored navi. Bringing up the shield again, the shot slammed into it...then flew back at the trench coat clad navi! Diving, the blast flew over his head, leaving the navi wide-eyed.
"Damnit..." Trinku coughed, then thought about something. "...I feel as if I didn't do som—OH NO!" He shouted, remembering his newest resident: she was asleep in her bed, probally surrounded by gas! "Battlechip: Quickmove! Battle Chip: Air Hockey 1! Slot-in! Wing it!" He shouted, running down the hall (and leaving Shinigami to fight for himself).
"Wing it?! How the hell am I supposed to fight him with this chick--"
"CHICK?! How dare you? I'm a man!!" Mirror shouted, leaving Shinigami to collapse in shock. The gender-confused operator folded his arms. "I strive to keep myself stylish! Even this plan to gas you to death was original and stylish!"
"Give me a break! This is the most unoriginal household attack in the world!" Shinigami shouted.
"What're you talking about? Mirror does everything original! Haven't you seen what he's wearing?" GuardiaMan shouted back.
"Bull! Send someone on for maintenance?" Shinigami held up a finger. "World three did it! Suffocation through gas?" Shinigami pointed his scythe accusingly at the two. "Gospel did it!"
"Oh no... HE'S RIGHT!!!" Mirror shouted, horrified. "My well thought out plan has already been done! I feel like such a fake!" Shinigami watched the tiny little armored navi try to console his operator, grinning. Activating the QuickMove, he was directly in front GuardiaMan... Air Hockey puck in hand. Tossing it, it bounced off GuardiaMan, to the wall, then back to him again. And this time, Shinigami felt no recoil.
"Heh! That shield is what's doing it!" He shouted, as the little navi glared back at him. "What a friggen coward..."
--
"Uriko!" Trinku pounded on the girl's door. Ramming it, he found the door was unlocked and opened. Falling on the floor he found himself on to of a soft, warm object...a passed out Uriko! "Damnit!" He swore, lifting her on his back. Rushing out, he hit the cool night air, setting her on the grass next to a concerned Yumi. "Shinigami! Let's end this!"
"Right!" Shinigami shouted, swinging the butt of his scythe into Gurdiaman's shield. Sending it clattering away, he grinned. "This is gonna hurt you a lot more than its gonna hurt me!" Shinigami shouted.
"Battlechip, Area Steal! Battle Chip, wide sword! Slot-in!" Trinku shouted. Shinigami ran forward as the thick sword formed on his left arm. Giving a powerful double swing with both Scythe and Sword, GuardiaMan flew backwards. Throwing his Scythe, he shouted. "STINGER!"
"ACK! NO!" GuardiaMan began to shout, but Shinigami was behind him in an instant, jamming the wide sword into his back. "ARG!" He shouted. The scythe slammed into GuardiaMan's chest as Shinigami yanked the sword out. Collapsing, the little navi gasped, glaring up at Shinigami. "You big idiot..."
"We'll be back!" Mirror shouted, as the little navi logged out. "Count on it!"
-End music-
The hiss of the gas silenced inside the Matanoa residence. Trinku clicked a button on the side of his PET, shutting off the holo-screen in front of him and rushing to Uriko's side. "Oh no… She's not breathing!"
"Give her CPR!" Yumi shouted, causing Trinku to stare up at her.
"W-why me?" He stammered.
"Because I'm a smoker, idiot!" She shouted, grabbing the back of his head. Pressing his lips to Uriko's, Trinku pinched her nostrils and breathed the best he could with his sister's fingers digging in to the back of his head. Filling her with air, the girl's eye's shot open, taking deep gasping breaths.
"Wha..." She quickly realized she was on the grass outside the house. "...Um...did something happen?"
"You stopped breathing." Yumi said, tossing her limp brother aside and lighting a cigarette. Taking a long drag, she smiled. "You had us worried. Trinku thought it was necessary to give you CPR."
"Actually, he was too much of a coward to 'kiss' you..." Shinigami muttered under his breath.
"C...PR? Really?" Uriko looked at him. Trinku blushed, as did she. "Um...Merci...thank you." She smiled. Yumi and Shinigami cleared their throats as the older girl took her brother's PET, going back inside the house.
"W-well...I had to do it," Trinku explained. "I couldn't just let you die there..." She smiled, leaning and giving the boy a kiss on the cheek.
"Faire ne pas detresse autour il." She smiled. As she left (leaving Trinku to wonder what that meant), Yumi came out, handing him his PET.
"You have mail." She said. "The ONBA is looking for you. They say they accepted your application, but found you battling the intruder." Trinku's eyes lit up happily. "And they already have a job for you."
"Already? What is it?" He asked excitedly.
"We're to find out what group that guy and the guy at the school belonged to and bring them in." Shinigami grinned. "And commit navicide, for lack of better term. I said you accept." His grin grew.
"You said I accept?" Trinku's grin became a look of pure anger. "AFTER MY HOUSE IS FILLED WITH GAS, YOU SEND ME TO LOOK FOR THE GROUP WHO DID IT? THAT MEANS MORE STUFF LIKE THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN!!!"
Shinigami tried to smile, but a single thought went through his mind after seeing his operator: "A devil! A devil in the wreckage!"