Okay Test… three, sorry &*&*. I guess it's another failure…
.
Don't give up, I'm sure you'll find the answer soon!
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(Sigh)… what will I ever do without you &*&*, you've never given up on me and you've always been there. I really am thankful…
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Don't be like that James! You're more than my creator; you are my father, friend and brother. I'm sure you'll be able to help Anny soon. Think back to the basics, you always find a way to turn even the most complicated on it's head.
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I know what you mean &*&*, but this is near impossible. This is a medical manner and I am about science, I don't know much about the human body and we have no idea of how to test Anny's blood. Even if we find this 'cure' how do we know her blood will accept it?
.
Why not test it on something that would adapt?
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That would be near impossible &*&*, unless someone can copy her soon to be symptoms and produce antibodies to counteract it. I highly doubt…!
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James?
.
Your… ability
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My-? You mean my programing? Do you think that would work? Adding her DNA to my core programing?
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I… I don't know &*&*! I don't want to risk it, no this is too heavy of a risk. I can't do that to you and what if something goes wrong?!
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We won't know until we try, I know this isn't what we had in mind but it's better than chasing our tails and coming up with what ifs and no results because we were too scared to see the outcome.
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Her blood could kill you, I don't want to lose you. Not after everything that's happened
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James… I know, however I want to help her even if it means putting myself through such pain. She means a lot to you and she is family
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You are family as well &*&* don't ever-
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I know and that's why I want to do it. You have a sample of her DNA already so why not use it now?
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&*&*…
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James the longer we wait the less time we have to finding out
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I… fine, but if something goes wrong I won't be able to help
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Got it, thanks James
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Okay inserting the DNA
.
/
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&*&* are you okay?!
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Ugh… I feel… something is wrong. I feel…
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&*&*!
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What have we done?
.
/
Wait a minute? These vitals-what's happening? &*&*? Can you hear me?
.
/
&*&*?
.
/
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Y-Yeah, but something's wrong. I… I feel weird James.
.
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! &*&*! Your vitals are-! They're adapting and overwriting the damaged cells. &*&* if this works you might be able to save her life. But we should do more tests to make sure, I don't want anything to happen to you.
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Thanks… do, do you think I could see her sometime?
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… When it's all over
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Okay… I just felt like seeing her now
.
How come?
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Just a feeling
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I can't tell him that I feel a pull towards Anny, it'll worry him even more but I feel stronger now. My ability has evolved somehow and I should be worried about this but for some reason I don't. How strange
.
&*&*?
.
Yes James?
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If something is wrong, please tell me okay. Don't keep it to yourself.
.
Takes one to know one James!
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Very funny… you know why I keep things quiet
.
But your wife worries about you, she told me yesterday
.
Honestly…
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You picked a really good woman, I'm glad you didn't go through with what was forced on you
.
She was eight, who was I to kill a child?
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Last time I checked so were you
.
I know… I'm just happy she's here, I just wish things will get better
.
They will. Oh and you have an email from Light, he says to see him when you can.
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Okay, however let's keep this experiment secret. I don't want father to worry
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Or Wily
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That man is the last person who should know, he'll take you away before I could even have a chance to stop him
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I wonder why…
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Har har har…
Anny sighed as she flipped through a book, beside her was a few folders filled with information that was given to her by various sources and some of it was thanks to Surf Hacker. Ever since Anny told a few allies about her plan they quickly agreed to help her compile a case, Tessa secretly helping and assisting Surf Hacker into the Blaze Computer systems when Chaud and his father were not home.
However to Shuuseki's anger nine people in one day had been fired without his or Chaud's knowledge, this left them both perplexed as to what caused the mysterious firings as they didn't authorize it. Tessa guessing who was responsible shook her head and mentally smiled at how that came about. She then almost rolled her eyes as ten more workers had been mysteriously fired the week after the moment she saw Surf Hacker leave the system thanks to Hazel. Despite this she continued to secretly assist knowing that there had been a reason and resumed her duty of gaining information while doing her job inside the mansion.
Maeda who had heard of what Anny was doing pulled some strings to gain testimonies of some who were affected by the Alpha Revolt; at the same time he emailed a friend who would no doubt show a particular interest. As expected the friend responded straight away telling Maeda to talk her out of it until Maeda informed his friend that she was doing this for a Navi and her uncle who were wronged during the event. Hearing this the friend was still uneasy but willingly gave out a affidavit, seeing this shocked and angered Maeda deeply before composing himself at how bad the situation destroyed lives. Reluctantly he handed the affidavit to Anny who was stunned that he was able to get this in his possession.
"Is he okay?" Anny asked looking worried as she pushed a messy strand from her face, her face showing that she hadn't slept much since she started.
"He's still in hiding, but I'm sure he'll come out soon. How's Megaman?" Maeda asked as he sat down beside Anny, Anny meanwhile tensed up and clamped down on her teeth tightly to his dismay while turning a page in the book.
"So far I've heard good news, he's going up the ranks but Copyman tried to eliminate him. Thankfully Gutsman got involved and saved him but this is only going to get worse" Anny said before looking at him with tired eyes. "Please tell me I did the right thing by allowing him to go in the Undernet" Anny pleaded weakly, seeing this he smiled softly.
"Anny, you are right to worry but this isn't going to help you. What did the mole tell you?" Maeda asked causing her to pause for a bit.
"He says Wily now has the fake Code and doesn't suspect a thing. He thinks I allowed a Navi to transport it to another location and quickly sent his Navis to ambush the Navi" Anny explained as she felt a bit better that at least something went right.
"That's something, at least we can focus on trying to formulate a plan when it comes to infiltrating Wily's base" Maeda said before seeing an email pop up on Anny's computer, weary but worried Anny opened it quickly to see that Hub had now acquired Rank 2 and would be seeing Serenade soon. Seeing this Anny sighed heavily and leaned on her chair.
"You have evidence Anny, you have testimonies and thanks to Surf Hacker videos of what happened back then. Once it's time you can expose them"
"But who will take the bench? No defense attorney will take Bass or Uncle Cossack's defense, Sci Lab will try to make sure of it" Anny said with a weak look "I am not putting any Warlords in jeopardy because of this"
"Then why don't you fight on their behalf?" Maeda asked causing her to raise a brow.
"I don't have a badge and to lie under oath is perjury" Anny explained.
"Then ask a Lawyer to help you? I know you're worried but think of this, if you want justice you need to fight. Gain some experience and then hit them head on, remember the statue of limitations will run out in five years if I remember correctly" Maeda said with a small smile causing Anny to raise a brow.
"And how would you know about that?" Anny asked looking at him oddly.
"Because your mother studied law enforcement. She told me a few things here and there, I'm sure you have some of her in you to help you pull through this" Maeda winked before patting Anny on the head, getting up he allowed Anny to think for a bit knowing that she needed space now. Placing a hand to her chin Anny continued to maul on his words before looking at the page containing information about Sci Lab's attack.
"It's a shame…" Anny muttered and then sighed heavily once more. "Why not?" Anny grabbed the phone beside her and began to dial a number.
"Hey um Flora, I need your help" Anny said while pushing a large amount of hair from her face.
"What's wrong Anny?" a woman asked while pausing from writing on her notepad.
"I need to shadow you for a bit, I need to open a case involving ten years ago… it's a personal one for me and I promised a friend I would turn the case"
"It's about the Alpha Revolt isn't it?" Anny paused from the response.
"How did-?"
"I know? Your uncle told me you were trying to overturn his sentencing, he was reluctant but wants to help you get justice. I think he still feels guilty for what happened to you and Bass so he wants to make it up to you both. He has sent me some files that he took from the lab after being released. I am sure you have a copy but we can meet up in two days to talk about the case" Flora offered to Anny's relief.
"I'll ask one of my uncles if he can act as judge. There is no way he would allow this to be ignored, Surf Hacker is hunting down the ones involved with Ten years ago. He's got a lead on Mr. Shukiza"
"You mean the one who stole your father's work and sold it?" Flora cried in shock.
"Yes, he even tried to pawn off Bass had I not got there in time" Anny said dryly as she leaned on her arm.
"Oh my gosh… Bass doesn't remember that?" Flora asked sounding worried.
"Thank goodness no, otherwise Bass would be more on the warpath and kill my lead" Anny almost shook her head feeling a migraine from the thought of what Bass would do.
"That's good, anyways tomorrow at twelve meet me at my office. We will get started straight away" Flora said before hanging up. Smiling Anny placed the phone down and relaxed, raising a brow she smiled a she spotted Ballara appear with Starlight.
"Everything set?" Ballara asked.
"Yes, now Bass has to play nice with the Giga Freeze" Anny explained earning her worried looks.
"I know you said Bass can be trusted but what if something happens?" Starlight asked earning her a nod from Anny.
"I know what you mean but I really believe in him. Bass suffered enough and it's time to expose Sci Lab for the corruption. Father's work may have been stolen and I may never get it back but I can at least reveal that this took place. No one will be able to hide and uncle Yuichiro has agreed to be the whistle blower along side Famous" Anny said startling the pair.
"Seriously?!" Surf Hacker cried as he appeared in the screen. "That's amazing! Famous would never do that but to hear he would really shows that some people in Sci Lab really do want a change"
"Corruption was evident but no one stood up to shout it out without suffering repercussions" Anny said while closing her book. "Wily was one of the examples that proved that even the best can fall from grace, however he was noticed because he chose to" Anny leaned on her arms while looking at her friends.
"True, however why not let Wily know about what your up to?" Surf Hacker asked surprising the trio.
"Why? What would he do?" Starlight asked with a frown.
"Well he is a scientist and to have your work stolen and from your apprentice would be deemed an insult right?" Surf Hacker said earning him mixed reactions.
"Wily wouldn't go for it" Anny said before closing her eyes.
"Why not slip this knowledge to him?" Surf Hacker suggested causing her to raise a brow.
"What have you done?" Anny asked bluntly as he smiled too brightly for her liking. "You didn't…"
"I might have suggested Bass hint this to Wily or I might have said this in front of a WWW agent who I purposely allowed to eavesdrop" he grinned as her eyes bulged in shock.
"No… Surf Hacker!" Anny whined now slamming her head on the table.
"I had to think of something, some leads were running dry so maybe he might or might not help it's always good to ask" Surf Hacker countered to her dismay.
"I am not going to last this month" Anny muttered.
"You will- oh and Sarah's sent you an email, Hub has the Giga Freeze now which means we can wait for the next attack from WWW" Surf Hacker said while reading the email for Anny who slowly reached for the mouse.
"At least something" Anny sighed before hiding her head in her arms.
"Your uncle emailed back and says he'll get a subpoena ready, he's also getting the trial ready and will wait for the agreement day" Ballara informed Anny who grumbled weakly but refused to lift her head up.
"Oh and I have the fifteen people who I spotted acting suspicious in Blaze Quest Games" Anny's head shot up thanks to Fleara's comment. Quickly looking at the tablet she frowned at the names and listed the words Terminated Employment beside their names.
"Send Letters of Termination to them and get the police on them. I can't believe nine of them are that stupid" Anny said now going back to slumping in her chair.
"Who would have thought Suzie would have left a third of Blaze Quest Games to you, only she made sure you were in charge of who was fired and hired" Ballara mused with a sly smile.
"Well I can fire anyone I want including the big cheeses" Anny said earning her a cough from Maeda who hid his smirk through his fist.
"The awkward silence" Surf Hacker smirked before they resumed their talk about what to do the next day.
"WWW will get restless and go after Alpha now that they have the last code, make sure Hub is alert in case. For now we need to be on guard for the next phase" Anny instructed before packing up and made her way to the break room.
"This is perfect, with these testimonies and the evidence we've compiled this will be a solid case no matter what they throw at us" Flora said with a wide smile, her strawberry blond hair rested on her right shoulder as she took in the papers containing evidence. Anny as she heard this felt a small smile form on her face.
"I know you want me to lead the trial but I am sure with the judge's permission you can shadow and assist me to getting this case as good as done. That is unless WWW acts up" Flora said as Anny now bit her lip. "Did they?"
"They stole Alpha" Anny said feeling gutted that they got away.
"Bass helped?" Flora asked while leaning back allowing her legs to relax on top of the other.
"Appears to be, he will double cross Wily once the plan is almost completed. Once Wily is not paying attention Bass is going to slip in the virus that will cripple Alpha, it will have to be when everything is going on so Wily will be too focused to notice" Anny explained as she looked at her old medical forms.
"I see… it's good you have his trust, not many have that"
"I shouldn't have lost it to begin with, he is my friend and to see him falling apart like that stings" Anny said stiffly earning her a sympathetic smile.
"It will get better, once he gets an acquittal he will be free to chose what he wants to do with his life"
"Will he?" Anny challenged with a sad smile as Flora gave her a sympathetic smile "I doubt it, he will still gain doubtful looks. In their eyes he's too dangerous to be kept alive, he caused trouble and it will stick until his dying days" Anny said feeling heavy, sadness filled her at how this was eating away at Bass.
"As long as he has support he will push through, first step is seeking help and it will slowly be a thing of the past" Flora assured Anny as she smiled faintly at the girl.
"I know you didn't have it easy" Anny said meekly earning her a nod from the woman.
"I chose to be a lawyer to give voices to those who have been oppressed, I may have had my voice taken from me but I will not let that happen to anyone else. The fact you chose to take a stand shows a lot about you. Now let's get started"
"Hey Bass how's things?" Surf Hacker greeted the quiet Navi who was meditating on a rock in a secluded place in the Undernet.
"I was focusing until you showed up" Bass said bluntly causing Surf Hacker to grin.
"Nice to see you to" Surf Hacker said while sitting down beside the unhappy Navi.
"Any news?" Bass asked feeling uncomfortable about asking, he dared not hope for any good news. Surf Hacker to his surprise was still grinning.
"You betcha! Anny has a friend who works as a lawyer, she says that the case Anny has is solid. We even tracked down most of the damaging scientists involved, you know the Sci Lab Elite Corps? The damaging one is Mr. Shukiza who stole a lot of her father's work and tried to pin the blame on Dr. Cossack" this stunned Bass enough to make his eyes widen.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Bass asked lowly.
"He hated her father, most likely jealous from her father's success and the fact he was friends with Dr. Cossack placed a target on his own back. Anything connected to her father's work was a risk and he wanted it gone. We had Marcus break him slightly but not enough to cause permanent damage. He won't have any choice but to testify" Surf Hacker said with a heavy sigh. "Even tried to hire people to remove Anny when she was in hospital from severe injuries" Bass remained still despite feeling a sudden pit enter his stomach.
"How was she injured?" Bass asked.
"She took a sword to her chest, she took the hit for a Navi facing deletion and was left to die. Not that the Navi who she saved did it on purpose, something happened and it worried her deeply" Surf Hacker explained noticing Bass' brooding look. "Hey I know that look, whether you remember or not it wasn't your fault"
"Then why do I not remember her?" Bass asked now narrowing his eyes at the Navi who shrugged.
"Someone must have tampered with your memories and planted false memories and injured you to create a sense of betrayal" Surf Hacker suggested.
"And why would someone go that far as to do that?" Bass asked looking skeptical.
"Well think about it" Surf Hacker shrugged "no one would suspect it that you had been attacked. All the Elite Corps knew was that she took a hit and you vanished, they could easily pin this on you whether you came back or not. Also with the thought of humans betraying you look where it has gotten you?" Bass blinked in shock before raw anger filled him.
"So I have been deceived? Is that what you are suggesting?" Bass seethed at the thought of it being possible.
"Most likely, whoever did it knew exactly what they were doing but the question is why target you? What did you do to upset them?" Surf Hacker asked looking at the furious Navi with a confused look.
"I don't know-!"
"Regardless we will be investigating, it might take years to find the culprits but the case itself will take place in a month. By then everything will be revealed" Surf Hacker said with a determined smile. Bass despite feeling like this wasn't going to end well observed Surf Hacker.
"How can you be so sure?" Bass asked.
"Like I said the case is solid, no matter how much they try to hide the truth we will expose it. Dr. Cossack will be one of the witnesses taking the stand" This shocked Bass enough to sit up straighter. "He's been in hiding no thanks to Sci Lab but he's taking a risk now to set things straight"
"For your sakes you had better succeed" Bass said bluntly earning him a chuckle from Surf Hacker.
"It's alright to be nervous, so tell me what's Wily up to now?"
"He's going to attack in less than a week, by then he'll try to release Alpha" Bass said while observing the area.
"But you already inserted the virus right?" Surf Hacker asked with a knowing smile as Bass hid a smirk. "I wish you a semi fun time but don't go over the top, if Wily actually thinks about testifying it would help"
"Actually… I overheard him muttering about the case, I have no idea of what he's planning though" Surf Hacker nodded.
"He'll help somehow"
"And you believe that?" Bass asked with a frown.
"Hey you save his life and how will you have accomplished that? Through Dr. Light's work, he gave her some files on Alpha in his will that he didn't give to Yuichiro. He owed it to her for what happened and knew she would try to work on it secretly. Knowing that his old partner helped and through both of you it might spur some thought. You never know, now let's talk about the next step"
"Find out who is responsible for these unauthorized firings! Find them now!" Shuuseki bellowed now sending papers to the floor. Chaud restrained from flinching as a worker in the administrator department left the room briskly, wanting nothing more to do with his angry boss thanks to the amount of workers being sent letters of termination. Despite the fact they had been authorized firings it still left the head baffled on why these letters were appearing. It had been almost a year and there had been serious shuffles in regards to employment. Some as the administrator had noticed involved some workers missing out work or had not worked up to standard which involved the terminations, as relieved as the administrator was happy that something was being done he was not too keen dealing with the boss who had now started an investigation on these incidents that he should have been aware of. How is it possible that the owner had no idea of these firings, they were authorized. Unless his son authorized them but that notion was denied as he was either in school or had business. He would not have much of a chance to take action nor would he do it without proper permission which left them with having to wonder if someone was taking power into their hands. Yes Blaze Quest was now thriving better than ever, it wasn't worth the risk of angering the boss.
Now the members of administration were on edge thanks to the investigation and were left wondering if their jobs were on the line unless they produce results.
Chaud meanwhile was left baffled and worried about the situation as he walked through the hallways of the building.
"Is it a hacker? A mole who's trying to sabotage the company? If that is true then why is it that we are getting workers who seem to be preforming better than the fired workers?" Chaud mused as he left the building to see a law firm that contained the best lawyers in the area. For some reason he felt drawn to the building and walked a few steps until he paused, blinking in surprise he saw Anny leaving the law firm with a strawberry blond haired woman. With a large bag strapped to her left shoulder Anny smiled and nodded at the woman who spoke a few words before leaving Anny to go back inside.
Anny meanwhile feeling better sighed happily and began to leave causing Chaud who had been observing her to snap out of his musing.
"I should leave her alone but… what is she up to?" Chaud muttered now realizing his body was moving on it's own accord and began walking towards her.
"Anny!" Chaud called out surprising Anny enough to turn and look at him.
"It's Miss Rune Mr. Blaze" Anny said bluntly as she gripped her bag strap tightly, biting the inside of his cheek Chaud composed himself.
"Forgive me but I just noticed you leaving the law firm" Chaud commented mentally slapping himself for blabbing.
"Great now she's going to think I was stalking her" Anny hearing this raised a brow but said nothing.
"I don't see how that's any of your business" Anny said tartly causing him to mentally flinch.
"Well I-"
"Is there something you want Chaud?" Anny asked a she cut him off mid sentence.
"Nothing, I was just curious" Chaud tried to defend himself, however Anny wasn't amused.
"Look I know you don't trust me so don't act all nice" Anny said now wanting to leave.
"I suspect everyone" Chaud defended "I was taught that everyone can be a threat and I know nothing about you"
"Well I am sorry to hear that, unfortunately for you it's not my problem" Anny said sharply.
"I know it's not" Chaud said before pausing. "Look I'm sorry, I was out of line and I know that I almost put us all in jeopardy in the Undernet but I was only-"
"The Undernet is mine and S's turf. We protect and manage it, I don't expect you to understand but they are terrified in the Undernet. WWW is going to launch an attack soon and those who don't feel accepted seek refuge there only it might be a wasteland if things get worse" Anny said stiffly leaving Chaud to feel guilty. "My family lived in secrecy for a reason, now look what's happened"
"I am sorry and I will do my best to trust your judgment next time" Chaud didn't know why but he felt a strong uncomfortable feeling enter his chest, to his shock it involved the fact he had upset Anny which shouldn't truly trouble him and yet… it did.
"There won't be a next time, keep your distance and stay away from me" Anny said now turning to walk away from him so she could go home.
"I want to help!" Chaud said loudly causing Anny to look around briefly to make sure no one was looking. Looking at him her eyes remained wide in shock not believing what he was doing. "Please… give me a chance to prove I can help" Chaud said causing her to purse her lips now feeling annoyed at how he was acting.
"I liked it better when you ignored me" she muttered until she felt Flora approach them.
"I forgot to give you the letter-oh? Hello Mr. Blaze" Flora greeted with a soft smile as Anny frowned at the pair.
"Thanks Flora, see you tomorrow?" Anny asked watching Flora nod eagerly.
"Of course, I'm going to interview more people for the trial. Take care now Anny, you too Mr. Blaze" Flora waved as she left them alone.
"Trial? Are you in trouble?" Chaud asked before looking at Anny with masked worry, seeing this Anny looked up and sighed.
"No, I am… not here I can't say this out loud" Anny said now feeling tired from his excessive pestering. Seeing this as a sign she was allowing him to help he followed but tried not to look eager. At the same time his head started to ache from feeling happy with helping Anny leaving him confused.
"I am opening a court case involving the Alpha Revolt ten years ago" Anny explained after Maeda handed them a drink each. Thanking him Anny held her cup gingerly, mindful of the hot object. Chaud as he listened blinked in confusion.
"Alpha… Revolt?" Chaud sat up straighter as he held the cup, Anny as she looked at her bag nodded.
"It's one of my biggest cursed memories, I will never forget the corruption the hatred even before that. My uncle was framed, my friend was sentenced to death had I not intervened only he went missing before he could get help. I thought I was done- free from losing people and instead I lost even more… my brother who I had tried to bring back. His data was corrupted from the attack I took for my friend, I should have died that day but my brother's spirit saved me" Anny said while frowning deeply, her heart started to ache from remembering the ordeal. Chaud as he listened sighed.
"I'm sorry… I didn't know" Chaud winced, he could not imagine what she went through.
"I tried to push the Reploid War out of my mind after coming here" Anny said as she looked at her cup.
"Huh?" Chaud blinked in confusion.
"I was in a different time period it was known for involving humans and Reploids. The last thing that happened when I was there was that my brothers X, Zero and Axl had been killed. In order Axl had been controlled by a corrupt Reploid- robot named Lumine, he killed X and Zero before Axl finally regained control briefly. To save me he… he shot himself in the head. I would never forget his face" Anny said wanting to throw up from reimagining Axl's troubled, his struggles as he forced the gun to his own head before pulling the trigger. "I screamed, I pleaded for him not to do it but he chose to save me instead… why…? Why was I so weak? Why couldn't I stop it?" Anny bit grudgingly as she gripped her cup tightly, not caring that the liquid started to go blue. Chaud as he watched bit his lip.
"You should never have had to see that, it was insensitive of me to ask" Chaud said, he resisted the strange urge to get up knowing that she would not take it well if he tried to comfort her.
"It was bound to be heard sooner or later, Grandpa Light heard it so it's only natural I would tell it to someone else" Anny shrugged before realizing the cup had started to go cold.
"Still…"
"My brother's data was ruined, his memories even if I had managed to complete him were gone. He would be incomplete to me so I gave his remains away. I couldn't look at them anymore knowing that I caused it. As for X I gave what was left of him to Uncle Hikari because his son was sick. I had a feeling X would not want to sit back and let someone suffer when he could do something to help. But Axl… it's going to be a real struggle. He's riddled with bugs and I can't fix him" Anny said as she leaned back and looked at the ceiling with a heavy look. Hopelessness filled her expression causing him to swallow thickly.
"I… I just want to clear my friend and uncle's name. Sci Lab Elite Corps were so desperate to pin the blame on uncle and my friend that once it was too late to stop the situation it escalated. To be honest Grandpa Light smuggled me out of the hospital once I was out of the danger zone, only I ended up getting caught by my father's sister the moment I escaped the hospital he placed me in. She allowed me to stay and I ended up seeing her child…" Anny smiled bitterly leaving Chaud confused as to what made her upset, surely having her aunt would be good right? "It seemed like things were going well except her husband and I didn't get along well. He did at times try to separate me from my cousin and didn't trust me around them regardless of the fact she tried to pacify him. What solidified his distrust was the fact auntie died and I was unable to save her, as a result he kicked me out leaving me to separate from my cousin"
"But that's not fair! You did nothing wrong!" Chaud shouted while standing up, looking at him she smiled bitterly still.
"Tell that to him, I ended up stopping my cousin from ever trying to look for me. I thought that by keeping my distance… he would be safer, now a days I am not so sure… but he wouldn't remember me anyways. I made sure of it" Anny said as she looked at him with bland eyes that left him unsettled.
"What do you mean?" Chaud asked while dreading her answer.
"I sealed his memoires away, only if I say a phrase will he regain his memories but I have to say it to both him and his Navi that I left behind"
"How can you do that to him?! Didn't you think he would want to remember you? He has a right?"
"What about my rights Chaud?" Anny snapped as she glared at his now frozen form. "I didn't have any choice, I was just thrown out. His father hit me and blamed me not caring if his voice alerted his son. I couldn't let his son remember the mangled bloody body of his mother or the fact his father hit his cousin. Would you want a five year old to see that?" Anny asked sharply, Chaud covered his mouth as a shudder filled his body. His body felt sick causing him to look at a bin nearby, rushing towards it he dry heaved heavily while Anny watched with a pained expression. Sighing mentally she stood up and went to rub his back, Chaud feeling her rubbing circles on his back shuddered.
"Thanks…" he said between breaths as she stared at him with a blank look.
"Breath with your head between your knees, it helps" Anny said while helping him into a position that would allow him to recover. She knelt down and watched him as he took slow deep breaths, slowly to her relief she felt his heart slowly regain it's normal rhythm allowing him to slump forward slightly now feeling better than before.
"How do you know that this would help?" Chaud asked as he looked at her briefly.
"My aunt taught it to me, I was in shock from finding out my uncle had been arrested and my friend was missing. Presumed dead thanks to the Navis" Anny explained.
"S-Sorry for your loss" Chaud said causing her to smile thinly.
"I found him but he doesn't remember me, someone messed with him so now I want to help him more than ever" Anny said with a determined look, Chaud stared at her in awe before smiling a bit.
"I want to help, if you'll let me" Chaud said causing her to raise a brow.
"If you knew who my friend was… you would probably question my choices" Anny said with a wry look. "Then again if you also knew who my cousin and his mother were… that would be debatable" Anny hinted with a sigh before patting his back lightly. Looking at her weakly he smiled.
"No matter who your related to or who your friends with… you have reasons" Chaud assured her. Hearing a small huff smile Chaud saw her look up and smile faintly.
"My little cousin would always try to play with me, he always bothered me at times and stuck to me. Always worrying after what happened when I first showed up, at first he was scared and nervous to be around me. Then he started to warm up to me… I thought by giving him Zero I would be happy but instead I was left more hollow when I had to part from them" Anny hugged her knees to her chest.
"Someone's been firing people at Blaze Quest" Chaud blurted out surprising Anny; she quickly sat up and stared at him. Mentally thankful for his distraction but didn't let it show.
"Really?" Anny asked with a curious look.
"We don't know who's doing it and father has been really angry. I don't even know where to look for this person" Chaud said with a weak wince.
"Maybe the person works there isn't seen" Anny commented.
"But we know who works there"
"But what about shares? Someone must have some standing to be allowed to do that, that or your father really has good memory loss" Anny suggested causing him to almost laugh at the thought.
"I doubt it… but the fact you mentions shares does leave a good point. But only father and I have the shares" Chaud commented.
"Not exactly" Anny muttered.
"Your mother's shares?" Anny shrugged "did she leave behind a will?" she asked which confused Chaud.
"I… I never saw the will" Chaud admitted "I doubt father would let me see it"
"Perhaps, anyways if someone is doing it there must be a reason. Don't think about it too much" Anny assured him.
"You would be upset if someone was doing it to your uncle's work place wouldn't you?" Chaud commented now looking at her with confused eyes, Anny nodded briefly.
"Uncle lets me have a say, nothing is approved unless we get it sorted via the administrator. They log it down or at least uncle logs it with Surf Hacker. Sometimes the boss can approve things even without the administrator taking action"
"You make it sound like there is another person running the company, father and I are the only ones who run it" Chaud assured himself.
"Ah but your mother originally ran it with your father. She was one to think ahead if I remember what uncle said about her correctly" Anny said mentally slapping herself for the slip up. Chaud as he heard this began to ponder about her words.
"So if… hypothetically she has another family member who is alive" Anny nodded as she looked at him "then maybe she might have given them something?" Chaud looked at Anny who pursed the left side of her mouth while thinking.
"Did your mother have any other relatives?" Anny asked.
"I don't know, father never told me about them"
"I could look them up for you" Anny suggested before pausing "no wait that would be a bad idea, who knows what would be dug up. Forget it"
"No no that would be appreciated"
"No Chaud it was hidden for a reason" Anny shook it off and looked at the bin with a frown.
"I don't want to be kept in the dark. Neither did you, so please… help me" Anny eyed him wearily before sighing.
"I'll ask Surf Hacker to find her family files, whatever you get don't go searching for more. Like I said, I had sealed my cousin's memories for a reason. I don't want you treading on poisonous grounds" Anny said now wanting to make him forget.
"I understand… but I feel as if I need to know" Anny blinked at his sincere tone "something's missing, I can't explain it"
"It feels like there's a blank in your memories?" Anny asked causing him to look at her in surprise.
"Yes" Chaud felt something amiss with her words, how did she know?
"I… I'll tell you everything after the trial" Anny said before getting up to dust her trousers, avoiding his curious gaze as she refused to see the question that would appear in his eyes."I… I need time to think this over" Anny looked at him with weary eyes that left him wanting to know why she was on edge.
"Promise you will tell me?" Chaud asked now standing up quickly, Anny stared at him before sighing.
"I promise… Just know this, I was forced to promise my aunt's husband to never have any contact with my cousin" Anny said to his shock.
"Why would he do that?!" Chaud asked now feeling angry at how this man could do that to her and her cousin.
"He blames me for her death, I didn't save her in time when she asked me not to keep tabs on her as she was on the plane. By the time I felt her pain I rushed to help her and all I saw was carnage. I had to blow up the plane before getting us both out to clear up the evidence. She only had mere minutes left to live thanks to the damages she sustained" Anny said with a careless shrug. Chaud as he heard this felt his blood boil, at that moment he wanted to punch something but refrained from doing so. He couldn't imagine how she felt during that time but he could almost picture the loneliness and betrayal, the powerlessness she felt for not being able to save her aunt.
"To make it worse, Sean's parents were on the plane with her" Anny confessed to his surprise.
"Wait what? How is that possible? WWW was responsible-?"
"Yeah… Wily claimed it to be his handy work, for some reason after law enforcements pointed the blame at him Wily willingly accepted it. I still don't understand why he would do that but in a way I still felt guilty"
"Do you know what attacked them?" Chaud asked feeling worry creep in.
"I don't know, but the attacks weren't human" Anny explained "animal wounds were seen on mostly everyone but I saw no animals. The plane was on auto pilot when I got there" Chaud nodded looking numb before moving his eyes to see her grim expression.
"Let me help with your case, I may not be able to do much but if you do need assistance then I will willingly give it" Chaud spoke with a determined look that left her stunned, her eyes softened before shaking her head.
"I will keep that in mind, it's in a month so here's hoping we last till then" Anny said.
"It will go well, you have a good lawyer helping you" Chaud nodded earning him a small smile.
"In the meantime I have a plan in motion, if it goes well we can destroy Alpha and save a lot of people" Anny said catching is interest.
"Do you think you can tell me?" to his dismay she shook her head.
"If I say Wily will know, I like to keep some cards to my chest. It won't be long" Anny said before the alarm went off.
"Anny you and Chaud need to run, there are robots acting strangely outside" Maeda said to their horror. Running outside Anny caught a glimpse of a blue robot with a gun before yelping briefly as Chaud pulled her back.
"What are you doing? You'll get shot" Chaud hissed as she frowned at him.
"It's Alpha, Wily's set him lose" Anny said to his horror. "I need to find Uncle Yuichiro, he'll be in Sci Lab looking for clues" Anny said before spying the computers inside.
"How will you get around? There are no safe spots outside" Chaud said as he followed Anny to her computer room, he watched as she turned on the computer and typed in a password.
"I am going inside the network, there are passage ways to get to Sci Lab and with luck the systems will be down long enough for me to enter" Anny said before placing her hand on the screen.
"Are you nuts?! You can't just- Anny!" Chaud yelled as she vanished into the computer.
"I'll be fine, trust me" Anny said with a smile "I am known as the Under Queen you know, I don't get hurt so easily here" Anny said before running towards the port leading to Sci Lab.
"Anny! Anny get back here!" Chaud cursed before rushing out the building.
"I don't feel like this is a good idea" Anny said as they explored a room containing a pulse machine.
"We should use it to get inside and open the door" a boy named Tora said to her dismay.
"I will do it" said a voice that stunned Anny, turning to face the door her eyes went wide and her lips trembled in disbelief.
"Who are you?" Chaud asked as he stared at the man with suspicion.
"Uncle Cossack?!" Anny cried in disbelief as she took a step forward followed by another until she started running towards her uncle. Ignoring the others she hugged her uncle tightly before feeling him reciprocate the hug.
"I missed you little Anny. I was so worried about you but I couldn't do anything without getting caught" Dr. Cossack said softly as he rubbed her back, a sad look formed on his face as he saw her shaking a bit while tears ran down her face.
"I'm so sorry that I couldn't stop them"
"Nonsense Anny, you were only seven! You did the best you could and if anything it was my fault for not being strong enough to protect you both" Dr. Cossack said sternly as Anny nuzzled his chest. Lan as he watched felt the shock wear away.
"So this is your uncle?" Lan asked before Anny turned and nodded with a grim look.
"There's a case that Anny's opening up" Chaud said earning him a brief smile from Dr. Cossack.
"I know, I approved of it thanks to Flora. I will assist you with the door" Dr. Cossack knelt down and placed his hands on both sides of her face. "Worry not Anny, once this is over you can stay with me for a while how does that sound?" Anny nodded with a smile.
"Bass can stay with us as well? Like old times?" Anny asked with a small eager smile.
"I hope so" he said before getting on the chair. "I will be back before you know it" he assured her.
"Please be careful uncle" Anny said as he activated the chair, she watched him smile briefly before passing out.