Almost done. Just… Easy does it.

Yuichiro's eyes were narrowed in concentration as he finished up the code in front of him. It was a delicate procedure. One mistake and it would be all over. It would be one thing if he was coding a security system or a website.

This… This was different than anything he had ever done before.

He glanced over at his second monitor, seeing the image of a sleeping net navi being held up by spinning rings. His frame was still pixels in some areas but he was almost complete.

All that was left to do was finish his core.

Soon… Soon, I'll see your eyes open once more.

This net navi… This child, was the culmination of his life's work.

Every pixel, every coding sequence, it had to count.

There were no such things as "try again" with this project.

Only perfection.

His hands flew across his keyboard, his mind drifting back for a moment to what prompted this whole thing.

"Haruka, I promise, I'll do all in my power so we can see him again. Just please, hold on for me. Hold on for Lan too. We'll get him back."

"Do you promise?"

"On my life."

"Zero, run diagnostic protocol and read back to me the reports."

"Running diagnostic protocol now." answered a voice from on of Yuichiro's monitors.

It was silence between Yuichiro and Zero as the test began. Only the beeps of the test could be heard along with the humming of the scans. After a particular beep, Zero spoke.

"Diagnostic results: vitals stable, core data formed, frame complete, DNA and memory of Hub Hikari accepted. Experiment was a complete success, Yuichiro. You did it."

Instantly, the man's gaze faded from serious to a look of relief as he slumped back in his chair, his gaze trailing to the second monitor.

"Thank you." He whispered, sighing in relief.

It hadn't been for nothing. The long nights, the time spent at the lab instead of home.

All of it had been worth it.

He entered one final command.

"Net Navi: Hub Hikari, coming online." Was written across the screen as the rings faded.

The net navi stumbled forward before their eyes flew open as they caught themselves, confusion in their gaze, turning around as they took in their surroundings.

Where am I?

Zero appeared on screen behind the net navi, a gentle look in his violet blue eyes.

"Hello there, Hub." He said.

Hub whirled around, stumbling a bit before falling backwards, landing on his back. He looked up at Zero with confusion and a slight bit of fear in his features.

Zero knelt down to his level, giving a small smile.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. My name is Zero. I'm your father's net navi."

Hub was quiet as his eyes widened, reaching a hand up shakily. His system raced as he tried to comprehend what was happening. He couldn't remember ever even being able to do that without shaking like crazy.

"You're okay now. I promise." Zero took his hand, squeezing it gently. "There's nothing to be afraid of anymore."

Hub nodded, his other hand going to where his heart would've been if he had it.

"No more pain?"

"No more. Ever again."

Zero helped him to his feet, looking towards the monitor that displayed Yuichiro.

Yuichiro kept his eyes locked on Hub. Tears were streaming down his face but he was smiling as he beheld the net navi. Zero lead Hub over, letting the boy go once they were close enough.

Hub looked at Yuichiro, putting a hand to the screen. Yuichiro put a finger where his hand was, his voice trembling as he spoke.

"D-Do you remember me, Hub?"

Hub tilted his head, recognition in his eyes. His memory bank flashed with soft voices, half whispered songs… and warmth.

A smile bloomed across his face, giving a nod.

"Papa! Of course I'd remember you! You're my papa!"

Yuichiro nodded, laughing a little.

"That's right, and you're still my little boy. Oh, Hub, I'm so glad it worked. Haruka is going to be so happy."

"Mama… right?"

"That's right. She misses you so much kiddo. She can't wait till I bring you home."

She misses me.

It was strange, being able to process everything so quickly. His body was actually stable, there was no constant flickers between being fine or being in pain…

He was, for all intents and purposes… normal.

Different, but normal.

"I know this is all strange for you but… this was the best I could do for you. I wanted to honor your memory, Hub and… this was the best I had. I didn't think the success of one of my projects would be at the cost of losing you but… I guess I didn't in this regard." Yuichiro kept his finger over Hub's hand. "You're safe and alive, that's all that matters."

Hub nodded, his fingers curling around Yuichiro's finger.

"It's… weird being able to talk and walk and… be bigger. But… I kind of like it. I can help around the house now… Well, least whatever net navis can do anyway."

"And I know you'll be great." Yuichiro smiled. "We're still making adjustments as we go, but for now, the basic work is done. I can bring you home."

Hub nodded, resting his forehead against the monitor, content to stay right there for now.

"I can't wait."

Zero walked over, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"You're gonna do just fine kid. Anything you need to know about being a net navi, just ask ol'Zero and Airisu for that. Alright?"

"Okay, Papa." Hub sighed happily. "I will. I promise."

"Good." Yuichiro picked up an empty PET, hooking it into the computer. "Jack out, Hub."

Hub disappeared from the screen, reappearing in the PET monitor. The boy looked around in wonder at his new surroundings. It was a simple little cyber set up with floating monitors, wallpaper that had the design of the Hikari family crest with hexagon patterns, there was even a bed set up with a little toy lion sitting on it.

"I know it's not much but I promise I'll add more later." Yuichiro said. "Do you like it?"

Hub giggled, running to the bed and throwing himself across it, sighing happily.

"Like it? Papa, I love it!" He sat up after a moment, his eyes full of joy. "This is the neatest thing ever!"

"Do you need anything else for now? I can download a few extra things if you want."

"Hm…" Hub looked around, noting that aside from the lion, he had a few puzzles in boxes. "A ball?"

"Sure thing." He inserted a chip into the PET as a soccer ball materialized before him. "This isn't a battle chip, so it'll stay for good."

"Thanks, Papa!" Hub leaped off his bed, already starting to kick it around his little space, making note of each movement he was able to make.

It was different, it was a little weird…

But he was alive! He was actually able to kick around a ball! He was able to walk!

"I love you, Papa!"

Yuichiro smiled softly.

"I love you too, Hub. Have fun exploring the PET. I need to finish up a few things then we can head home."

"Okay!"

Yuichiro chuckled, putting the PET into sleep mode, putting it in his PET holder, switching it out with Zero's.

"Jack out, Zero."

Zero appeared in his PET, a smile on his face.

"You did great Yuichiro. Haruka and Airisu are going to be very happy."

"That's the hope." Yuichiro nodded, cleaning up his work area, turning off his monitors. "Just have to wait and see their reactions when we bring Hub home."

"Right… by the way. Not that I am against it but is he going to be sticking by his old name even as a navi?"

"Yes and no." Yuichiro answered. "While at home we can most certainly call him Hub, I believe it's best that he has a different alias to go by as a safety precaution. Hub isn't exactly a name you give a net navi. The only people who will know will be me, you, Haruka, Airisu and… when he's old enough to understand, Lan."

Zero nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes. The Hikaris were rather well known in the scientific community. He could understand why they would keep it under wraps.

"Then, what will his other alias be?"

Yuichiro glanced down at the PET in his holder before smiling.

"Megaman."