Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Rockman.exe or any of its characters.
Mark of the Beasts
Netto's telepathic communication 'blah'
Saito's telepathic communication "blah"
Chapter 11
The next morning came and the occupants of the safe house poured into the living room to watch the morning news.
-News-
"Good Morning DenTech City! It's your favorite News Reporter Midorikawa Kero and boy do I have a story for you this morning."
"The latest on the Hikari family search has thus far turned up nothing as the family has gone into hiding for protection."
"Which is a good thing mind you. As it turns out the story broadcast yesterday was based on one man's delusions. That's right Eugene Hughes as it turns out is a crackpot reporter from the old days."
"It's been several years ago today, but Mr. Hughes is the reporter who bares the greatest sin one can commit in this line of work. His publishings during and after the DarkLand Mafia investigation lead to the deaths of the informants that helped bring down the famed 'Black Talon' syndicate after over 130 years of terror to the DarkLand community."
"As a result of his heinous actions Hughes was booted out of Journalism in his own country and many others throughout the World. In a desperate act to reclaim his 'days of glory' Mr. Hughes fabricated evidence alleging the Hikari family had committed such an unethical act."
"Brought to our attention by a Meijin Eguchi and the manager of DNN Jenrya late last night we at DNN would like to offer our sincere apology to the Hikari family where ever you are."
"The scandal fabricated by a deprave man has finally been brought to an end only after extensive damage was done to the implicated family's reputation and their property."
"Here you can see the barely standing home of the Hikari family after only day of chaos."
Scenes of the family residence. Bullet holes can be seen on the outside walls and all the windows have been broken out. Written on the structure are things such as: 'May God have mercy on your wicked soul', 'Destroy the abominations against God', and 'You will pay for your sins'. The trashcan is still burning next to a completely destroyed car and the remains of a mailbox.
"The damage caused in Yesterdays acts may even have destroyed the trust of the NetSavior Netto Hikari, who has saved our world many times with the help of his Ultra power navi Rockman. Officials with the NetSaviors are refusing to comment at this time on the current relationship between the shattered family and the public which it has served for many generations."
"At this time Eugene Hughes is facing federal charges pending a full scale investigation by Net Police. His current whereabouts are unknown, so if you have any information please call us here at the station. The number is 1-800-DNNNEWS. I say again 1-800-DNNNEWS."
"This is Midorikawa Kero, DNN news."
-End News-
The twins were staring at the TV in shock after having witnessed the destruction of their home. Haruka pulled her sons to her own body trying to offer them whatever comfort she could. Enzan and Laika were both clenching and unclenching their fists while Meiru wanted to take away Netto's pain, but found herself drawing a blank on how to make that happen.
Meijin's reaction was concealed behind his shades, but on the inside his blood was boiling thinking about how easily the people of DenTech city had turned their backs on the Hikaris after everything the family, especially the youngest two, had done for the world. As Kero had said Netto and Saito had saved the entire world many times more than people five times their age. "They are true heroes and this is the thanks people give them. I wouldn't blame them if they never forgave the people of this city."
Trill didn't really understand what was going on around him, but he knew that his 'brothers' were suffering the most because of whatever it was. Attempting to alleviate some of the pain the yellow navi walked over to the twins and tugged on Saito's pants leg.
The green eyed teen looked down and heard, "You two will always have me your sides." Netto who had also heard the statement bent down and picked Trill up returning to the embrace.
Yuuichiro was angry, frightened, and hurt that so many people would do such things to his family. "Even if Eugene's story has been covered up...the damage has already been done.", the old man thought as he turned to look out the window. "What do we now?", he muttered gazing into the black rain clouds.
Enzan moved in next to the old man and offered, "Your family are welcome to stay at my mansion." Yuuichiro tried to interrupt, but was cutoff by the young Vice-President, "And I won't take no for an answer. Your family has always taken care of the rest of the world...Now it's our turn to help you."
Dr. Hikari was impressed with the teen's quick words, "Spoken like a true businessman. I never really had another option, did I?"
The NetSavior shook his head and walked out the door after Laika.
"Well now that that's settled...", the Commissioner began.
'We're going to be living with Enzan?...'
"It won't be that bad Netto. He's our friend and I'm sure his staff will keep any secrets they discover. That's not the type person to hire untrustworthy people."
'I know, but still...Enzan?'
"We know. We know...you'd rather be with Meiru."
'What! I never said that...'
"No...but you were thinking it. And that. Does Papa need to have 'The Talk' with you?"
'All I thought about was a simple kiss...'
"A kiss involving the tongue maybe..."
At this point if looks could kill Saito would be six feet under. "I'll get you for that Saito.", he vowed loud enough for his sibling to hear.
Outside the safe house Enzan was standing in front of Laika who was leaning against the house. "I'm waiting on an explanation, Laika.", he barked.
The green haired youth's mouth trembled as he began his story, "Do you remember what Dr. Hikari said about Eugene's past?" He watched the other boy give a nod before continuing, "...My parents were among those...killed by his report."
Suddenly the other NetSavior's hatred of reporters became crystal clear. "What about the gun?", he asked.
Giving a sour look he answered, "I was going to shoot the bastard", he watched Enzan's eyes widen and said, "But Searchman talked me out of it before I could pull the trigger. I was leaving when you caught me and attacked me."
Indeed the Vice-President did remember how he reacted knowing the soldier had been in possession of a sniper rifle. He was certain that the taller boy was going to kill the reporter in cold blood, which is why he followed in the first place. "I'm sorry, but I'm also glad that you didn't go through with it. You truly would have lost everything to that scum then."
He began shedding tears and said with a strong voice, "I was with my uncle when it happened. These thugs broke into my home and...they gunned down my father." By this time his voice was getting shaky, "My mother didn't get off so easily...According to the medical examiner...-takes a deep breath- she was raped before being shot point blank range in the head." Laika wiped the tears from his face and said, "None of the neighbors heard anything. They must've used silencers on the guns and other than the DNA evidence nothing useful was ever recovered."
Enzan didn't know what to say after hearing the story. Put in that position he was certain he would've caved and shot the reporter many, many times.
"I spent my life following leads. Hoping to find something, anything that pointed to the killers. This NEVERWOULD'VE HAPPENED IF EUGENE HADN'T BEEN ALLOWED TO PUBLISH THAT STORY!", he shouted not caring if the people inside heard him or not.
The two professionals stayed outside talking for nearly an hour longer before coming back inside to prepare for tomorrow.
Elsewhere in the city Shademan had taken the body of a Copyroid sent to him by Falzer. "Now Rockman. You will face me and know my humiliation for what you did to me.", the vampire vowed as he flew deeper into the city.
Mariko and Dekao had watched the news from Yaito's mansion. In the mob scene yesterday the small group had received many bruises and cuts. Dekao was a injured worse as he'd broken his arm fighting the crowd to buy the twins time to escape.
The young blonde mumbled, "I hope that everyone's ok."
Dekao being in higher spirits said, "Of course it'll be ok. The story has been pulled and they even apologized. What could possibly be wrong?"
Yaito reached over to the fat boy and slapped him hard. "It's not that simple yo simpleton."
Ms. Mariko nodded, "She's right. There will still be suspicions and rumors floating out there. Some of the damage can't be so easily fixed."
"Like their home you mean?", the boy asked.
Shaking her head the teacher explained, "Yuuichiro's reputation has been tarnished by the statements alone and the emotional backlash will be there for a long time to come. Some scars never fade away..."
Finally understanding what his teacher meant the teen's spirit was crushed by the revelation. "Why do good things happen to good people like the Hikaris? I just don't understand why so many people could so quickly turn on their heroes. Why?"
