The next morning later Laika was shaking them both awake, "Get up," he said.
"Wha?" Netto asked sleepily. He noted Enzan's arms around him and jumped up.
Enzan yawned and stood up as well not realizing what had happened. "What's going on Laika?"
"Storm's done," Laika said simply and pointed to the door. "Time to go back."
Netto and Enzan nodded and Laika stepped out into the snow wincing from the bright light being refracted of the sugary looking powder. Netto and Enzan stepped out as well, both shading their eyes as soon as they got outside. "Well, was this a bust?" Netto asked.
Enzan shrugged, "Let's just get back," he sighed.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Yui pounced on the boys as soon as they walked into the door. "We were so worried!" she gushed.
Netto smiled and pulled Yui's arms off him. "We're fine Yui-nee-san," he said giving her a smile.
Yui smiled back and Manabe took charge, "Did you find anything?" she asked.
They all shook their heads.
Manabe gave them a small smile, "Well it's not like the information we got last time but I managed to contact Cunningham's friend who lives in Sharro. Peter Harrison is his name, a long time friend and college of our Cunningham."
"And?" Netto pressed.
"Well, Cunningham never stopped by, but Harrison did try and tell him about the virus. I don't think he got the information, but we know where he's going next."
"Yes?" Rockman asked.
"Ameroupe," she said simply.
Laika looked at her with an eyebrow raised, "That place is huge and has the largest country population in the world. Are the coordinates any more specific?"
Manabe nodded, "Apparently he has a city he likes to go to, New Amsterdam."
Enzan sighed, "Okay, that narrows it down to… eight million people."
Manabe sighed, "Well boys, it's a start at least."
Netto, Enzan and Laika nodded, and two hours later they were on another plane.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Netto stretched in the muggy heat of the over populated city. "Well, it's not a blizzard," he said while looking at the tall buildings.
"It's very big," Yui said while looking at the massive sky scrapers.
Enzan looked around with an almost content look on his face. Netto noted it and grinned, "You like this place?" he asked.
Enzan looked at Netto with an airy look, "This is one of the best cities for deals," he said. "I spend a lot of time here."
Manabe put her hand on Enzan's shoulder and smiled, "Good, then you can show us around," she said.
Enzan nodded, "I know the financial district the best," he said.
Manabe nodded, "Good, that's where we'll get the most information anyway. Here I'm going to try and pull some strings to get into the archives of the police building. If Cunningham has any equipment that lets out more energy then a conventional lap top you can bet that they know about it."
"Why?" Netto asked as they walked to the hotel they were going to stay at.
"Because, this city is so big and everything is so close together that if anything gives off too much energy it can interfere with other people's things. So they have to be careful about it," Manabe explained.
"And until you can pull the right strings?" Laika asked.
"I've got something for you boys to do. If we're careful, we can catch Cunningham here. This country has such tight security that it's next to impossible for non police force or military personnel to get in and out of the country in any less then a week," Manabe said. "Fortunately, we're both."
Netto laughed and clasped his hands behind his head, "Ah well, this place shouldn't be so bad," he said.
"What are we going to do?" Laika asked.
"I've already created a profile for a 'Hasakaiwa Hikaru' who has recently joined the net saviors," Manabe said looking at Netto. "You three will be taking on missions with New Amsterdam's branch of Net Saviors and getting any information you can."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Enzan asked.
"I'm pretending I'm a girl again?" Netto asked.
Laika looked at Netto with a touch of laughter in his eyes, "Netto, you are a girl."
Netto gave Laika a looked that made him falter slightly in his step.
Manabe nodded, "Don't worry, this police force is so wrapped up in it's own trying to keep a big city like this safe that I don't think they knew there was a Japanese branch, let alone who it's agents are. Just one thing, can you three speak English?"
Enzan, Laika and Netto all nodded.
Manabe smiled, "Good, then you shouldn't have any problem."
"This will be interesting," Enzan said so only Laika and Netto could hear.
"I can't believe I'm gonna be girl again. At least in Sharro you couldn't tell," Netto muttered.
"Would you rather be stuck in a snow storm?" Laika asked coolly.
"No," Netto admitted.
"Then be quiet," Enzan finished.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They all checked into the hotel and they all got their rooms. Manabe looked at Yui, "Well, can I trust you to keep my notes in order while I try and do this? This will be your first real secretary job with me."
Yui saluted her almost comically because she was so serious, "Yes ma'am!" she said proudly.
Manabe gave her a warm smile, "Okay. I have some people I want to call first, but if they can't come through then I'm afraid I might have to dig a little deeper on my own."
"What about us?" Netto asked.
"They have your PET frequencies," Manabe said. "You should be getting a call soon."
Netto sighed and walked into his room and set his PET on the bed. Rockman smiled at his wanly, "Maybe you should change so you can fit the part of 'Hikaru'" he suggested.
Netto nodded and opened his suitcase that was delivered to the room. He pulled out a loose orange t-shirt, a pair of jean shorts and a bra with distaste then went into the bathroom.
Enzan and Laika came into the room. "At least we're always busy," Enzan said, setting his PET next to Netto's.
Laika nodded, "Its better then sitting around. I think here we have a real chance at catching this guy once and for all."
"Than what?" Searchman asked.
"Then while he's wrapping his brain about how to fix the virus, we can catch it," Enzan said. "But we need to catch him first."
Netto came out of the bathroom, pulling his bandana out of his hair. Enzan and Laika looked at him but wisely decided not to say anything.
Netto sighed and plopped on Enzan's bed. "Well?" he asked.
"Well what?" Rockman replied. "It's not like it's going to take very long before we get a call."
Netto looked at the ceiling and Enzan opened his mouth to say something but he was cut off by all three of their PET's simultaneously ringing.
Netto groaned and used his legs to gain enough momentum to get himself off his bed. He picked up his PET and pressed the button. "Hello?" he asked in English.
"Hello!" A gruff looking man greeted him in a fairly happy voice. "You must be the Electopian recruits. Glad to have ya on board!"
"It's our pleasure," Enzan said politely.
The man laughed, "Well, anyways, I gots a construction site system malfunction on 89th. I've got a team there already but it seems they need some back up. Can you three go help?"
All of them blinked. It wasn't an order; the man was actually asking them if they wanted to do it. Enzan and Laika were used to taking orders but Netto decided right then and there he liked the big man. "Yes sir!" he said cheerfully.
The man chuckled, "That's the spirit little lady!" Netto blushed, forgetting his current appearance. "I'll give yous a map and I'll see yous back here soon to give a report. Bye!" The screen went blank.
"Well, shall we?" Enzan asked.
"Little lady?" Netto asked incredulously.
Enzan and Laika rolled their eyes and each grabbed one of Netto's arms, steering him out of the hotel. "Get over it," Enzan said.
Netto glared at them and broke free from their grip and walked ahead of both of them.
They followed the directions to the street that was only a few blocks away. When they got there it was obvious that it was a virus attack. The heavy machinery was rolling around and the ports were all crackling with electricity.
Netto, Enzan and Laika plugged in their navi's quickly. A tall brawny youth jogged up beside them. "You guys the new recruits?" he asked.
The three nodded.
He gave them a warm grin, despite the current circumstances and stuck out his hand. "Hey, I'm Neil, nice to meet you."
For lack of anything better to do Netto took his hand and shook it firmly, "Hi, I'm N… I mean I'm Hikaru, that is Enzan," he motioned to Enzan, "And that's Laika."
He nodded at both Enzan and Laika. "Well, we've got bit of a mess here, be careful not to use any water or electric based battle chips."
"Why?" Netto asked.
"Because, this equipment is very valuable and expensive, we don't want to damage it," Neil explained.
"Is that why this has taken so long?" Laika asked.
Neil nodded, "The runner of this firm is a good man and can't afford any new equipment. Please try not to damage it."
Netto gave him a broad grin. "We'll do our best."
Neil smiled warmly, "Thanks Hikaru."
Everyone's attention turned to their PET's. "You hear that Rockman?" Netto called.
"Loud and clear!" Rockman chimed back.
Netto nodded and pulled out a sword battle chip, "Then let's get this done."
He slotted in the battle chip and Rockman ran through five viruses taking care not to run through anything that looked electrical.
Searchman proved to be their greatest asset as he was able to snipe the viruses with ease without damaging anything. Netto watched them and hit himself on the forehead, "Of course!" he said sheepishly.
"What?" Neil asked him.
"This," Netto replied and slotted in the Search Soul Unison Chip, "This should make things easier."
"Woah," Neil said.
Rockman started to snipe the viruses as well and finally, after a few tense minutes there was no trace of the viruses left. The equipment died and everything was silent.
"Whew," Netto said.
A boy who looked to be about Neil's age and a tall blond woman in her early thirties jogged out from behind the building. "Well, that was something else!" The woman boomed. "Who's the op of the blue navi?"
Enzan and Laika both pointed to Netto. She gave him a grin, "Well, am I glad to see another girl is at the head of a team."
/Girl/ Netto asked.
"Head of the team?" Enzan and Laika both asked.
The woman laughed. "Nice to meet you, my name is Cathy and I'm the supervisor of these two," she said and clapped her massive hands on Neil's and the other boy's shoulders. "You've already met Neil, and this is Andrew."
Andrew had black hair and blue eyes and he blushed when he looked at Netto. Netto blinked but didn't think anything of it.
"What do you mean, 'supervisor'?" Rockman asked.
"Every net team in New Amsterdam has a supervisor, usually an adult, and two subordinates, usually two kids. It's all according to strength though so age doesn't matter," Cathy explained.
"So, you must be really strong then," Netto said.
Cathy laughed and clapped Netto on the back almost knocking him over, "Aw, you're sweet kid. What are your names?"
Netto was too busy trying to breathe so Enzan took over the reigns of introduction. "My name is Enzan," he pointed to Laika, "That's Laika," and he looked at Netto, "And she's Hikaru."
Netto glared at Enzan but didn't say anything.
"So, Electopian recruits. Well, this should be fun, what are you here for anyways?" she asked.
"We're here to help on a secret mission for Electopia," Enzan quickly said before Netto had a chance to say anything he shouldn't.
"So, you're here for awhile then?" she asked.
"So it would seem," Laika said.
"Well then, until we get another call how about we go back to Head Quarters and introduce you guys to some people. Knowing the right people makes missions go by a lot faster."
"What do you mean?" Netto asked.
Cathy smiled at Netto, "Well, for example, if you're nice to Earl, who is the head of communications and a total computer whiz, he fixes up my PET when I ask him too. I'm not much of a fixer upper myself."
"Not at all…" Neil muttered.
"I heard that," Cathy said with an eyebrow raised. "Don't forget that I'm your superior."
"Yeah, I know," Neil said.
"So, you three up to meeting some people?" Cathy asked.
Netto grinned, "Sure."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They walked into a huge, grey building in between two other larger, even more grey buildings. "This place is so big…" Netto said looking up at the ceiling.
"We need a big place for our Head Quarters because we've got so many agents," Cathy explained, "New Amsterdam is a large city."
"I knew that," Netto said.
Cathy laughed, "I know, I know. Come on, I want you guys to meet the big cheese around here."
"The wha?" Netto asked.
"It's an expression, she means the boss," Andrew explained in a quiet voice.
"Oh," Netto said, and then he looked at Andrew. It just dawned on him that up until that point he hadn't heard Andrew talk. Andrew caught his gaze then looked away blushing. /He doesn't like me very much, does he/ Netto asked.
/Apparently not/ Rockman replied.
"Hm," they both said out loud.
"What is it?" Enzan asked.
"Ah, nothing," Netto replied.
They walked up a flight of stairs and came to a large oak door with frosted glass so you couldn't see on the other side. Cathy knocked on the door, "We've got some visitors!" she yelled.
"Come in!" a voice boomed.
Cathy opened the door and a large red faced man greeted them. Netto instantly recognized him as the man who had given them their mission. "You!" he said.
The man smiled, "Ah, the little Electopian lady." Netto turned a bright scarlet, "So, I take it all went well."
"You better believe it, old man!" Cathy said brightly.
The man gave a mock sigh, "See how my employees treat me? And Cathy's the worst of em all!" he said giving Cathy a fatherly grin.
Cathy smiled, "Yeah, you need people who can take you off your high horse, dad."
"Dad?" Netto asked.
Cathy nodded, "Yeup, this is my old man. But you can call him Mr. Peters."
Mr. Peters grimaced, "But that makes me sound so old!" he whined. "Just call me Red," he said.
Cathy rolled her eyes. Enzan and Laika were unsure of what to make of the strange man, Netto on the other hand instantly liked him.
"Nice to meet you Red-san!" he said cheerfully and stuck out his hand over the man's paper filled desk.
"Ah, you don't need to use the 'san' little lady," he said and took Netto's hand in a firm shake.
Cathy looked distastefully at her father's desk. "Daddy, you haven't been doing your paperwork," she said warningly.
Red looked instantly uncomfortable, "Well, I was just getting to that," he boomed nervously.
"I'm sure," Cathy said dryly.
Red cleared his throat, "Well, as you know I'm a busy man…"
"Daddy…" Cathy said again.
"I'll start it as soon as you leave."
Cathy crossed her arms, "You better," she said. "Come on, time for our navi's to meet each other."
"Sounds fun!" Netto cheered.
Cathy clapped Netto on the back again, "I like you Hikaru!" she said loudly as they left the office.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They went downstairs to a large holographic dome. "You can plug in here," Cathy said pointing to a black dome. Netto aimed his PET into it and Rockman appeared in real life size in the dome. "Cool!" Netto breathed.
Enzan and Laika followed suit and Blues and Searchman also appeared.
"All right," Cathy said and pointed her PET at the dome. A navi dressed in a pale blue jump suit with long green hair and a visor that hid his eyes appeared in the net. "This is Sky, she's normally a female but we all know what happened," Cathy smiled.
Sky blushed but didn't say anything.
Neil and Andrew plugged in as well. Another male and a female appeared. The male was wearing a pastel and dark green jumpsuit with a skirt making up the lower half of the battle armor. His hair was shoulder length and also green and his helmet had a clear visor on it that showed large blue eyes. "H-her name is Jade, I customized her myself," Andrew said shyly.
"Hi Jade!" Netto waved at the navi. She gave him a grin and waved back. Jade was obviously a little less timid then her operator whose blush deepened when Netto waved at his navi.
The female was dressed in bright yellow and black armor and her face was almost completely hidden by her helmet. She had two flat blades sticking out of her shoulders that looked slightly like wings. Neil grinned, "This is Hornet, my navi."
Hornet nodded at the threesome. Rockman walked over and held out his hand, "Nice to meet you," he said.
Hornet took his head in a firm grip. "I saw you battling, you're very strong. It is an honor to meet such a powerful navi."
Rockman smiled and rubbed the back of his head, "Th-thank you…"
"Well! Now that we're all acquainted, how about something to eat?" Cathy asked.
"Sounds great," Netto said.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
New Chapter new characters, so what do you think?