Disclaimer: All official MegaMan characters are property of Capcom.

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MY LONELINESS

Net Friends

"Happy birthday, Sean!" Andante called from his PET as Sean finished lighting all nine candles on the cake that sat on the table in front of him.

"At least it's happier than my several previous ones," Sean replied. He leaned back in his chair for a moment and closed his eyes. It had been a couple of months since the night he ran away from his relatives' home and arrived at Kotobuki. Part of his fortune had already been spent on computer servers, which now occupied a great deal of his penthouse apartment.

"Well, aren't you going to blow them out?" asked Andante. Sean slowly leaned forward, drew in a breath, and then blew out the candles. The only sound of applause in the room was that coming from his PET.

"Happy birthday to me," the young boy said to himself solemnly.

"Don't feel so down, Sean. I've still got a birthday present for you," said Andante. He opened up a window and displayed it on his screen for Sean to see.

"I've got the replies to the message you posted on the net." Sean's face instantly brightened up.

"Really?" he asked his Navi.

"I vowed that I would never betray your trust," Andante replied.

"Upload them onto my computer quickly," said Sean as he jacked his PET into his laptop. A short moment later, the messages appeared on the screen and Sean read through them all.

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Subject: RE: Cruel Society

Sender: NS-Man

Dear sir, I know how you feel. My parents died and my brother and I were taken into separate families. He was taken into a rich family while I was stuck with a poor one. Ever since, I've always felt that the people of this world are the ones responsible for all my shortcomings. But I didn't let that stop me. I worked hard to earn plenty of money and now I own as vast fortune and even my own company. However, there's still a place in my heart that can't forgive society. Your message intrigued me when I came across it one day. You and I seem to have much in common. Perhaps our NetNavis can meet online sometime.

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"So? What do you think?" asked Andante.

"Trace the source of this one," ordered Sean. Andante nodded and started scanning the net for traces of where the message came from while his operator read the next message.

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Subject: RE: Cruel Society

Sender: Speedy

Everyday people go about their daily lives in the cities, but they have no concern for the environment. Day in and day out, they continue to use up all our natural resources and dump all their waste into the rivers and lakes. Every time I look up, I can see smog rising up into the air. Deforestation is also a common sight. The people of this world have no idea that what they are doing is wrong. If only they could be stopped, but I don't know how to go about it. When I read your post, I thought you might have some answers, which is why I've replied to your message. If you can help me save the environment, I will be eternally grateful.

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"This guy sounds like a real nature lover," Sean said to himself between mouthfuls of cake, "Let's see what the next one has to say."

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Subject: RE: Cruel Society

Sender: Arashi

This may sound petty, but please hear me out. I was once the CEO of a very big company. We were among one of the top manufacturers in the world. But one day, we were bought out by an even larger corporation and in the downsizing I lost my position and my job. Now I can never stand those greedy bastards basking in their wealth all their lives. People who have more money than the rest of us shouldn't be allowed to be given higher authority just because they possess such wealth. That only entices them to fatten their wallets even more. All in all, we would be much better off if these people had never even heard of money.

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"Cold hard cash. The language of the capitalist system," Sean thought out loud as soon as he finished reading the message, "So this guy hates people who have more money than he does. Why does that not surprise me?" Sean then moved on to the last message.

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Subject: RE: Cruel Society

Sender: Princess

Hello. Before I say anything else, I must tell you some background history about my country. You see, I am from Creamland. We were among one of the very first nations to have the net. You might even say we were pioneers of the system. Soon, other countries followed. We thought that we could finally keep in contact with people all over the world. However, something happened that we did not expect. The other countries began to develop too quickly. Soon, they surpassed Creamland and we were quickly forgotten. What we had striven so hard to achieve, the others took for granted. Not once have I found Creamland mentioned anywhere on the net. If you can help me put my country back on the map, I shall greatly appreciate it.

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"Andante, is that it?" Sean asked.

"That was it," the Navi replied.

"Four replies. At least we're getting somewhere." Sean got up and went to put his dishes in the dishwasher, "Andante, send messages to all the senders and make arrangements for me to meet up with them. I'll see them in the order they replied to my message. Give them all the passcode to my personal homepage."

"I'm on it," Andante replied. As he began working on the invitations, the mysterious Navi that had influenced Sean to leave home appeared on his laptop screen.

"I see things are going smoothly," he said.

"Grave!" Sean turned around and looked at his computer, "I didn't expect you to come in today."

"After hearing what you were just up to, I had to stop by," Grave replied, "So, you're planning to have an online meeting with these people."

"Yes."

"Then I suggest you take care of a few things."

"Like what?"

"For starters, your NetNavi," Grave answered, "He's just a standard model. When they see him, they're not going to take you seriously."

"Then what do you suggest I do?" Sean asked.

"You're going to need a custom Navi. Maybe even two."

"And how do you suppose I go about doing that?"

"I have this." Grave opened up an inventory window and pulled out an icon. It displayed a white hexagon inside a black circle.

"You can customize your Navi with this," Grave continued. Sean looked at him for a moment and then over at Andante.

"Sean, do what you must," said Andante.

"But Andante," Sean walked over and picked up his PET off the table, "if I customize you, you won't be the same."

"It doesn't matter what happens to me, Sean. As long as you get what you need, I'm willing to make the sacrifice."

"Alright." Sean plugged his PET into its charger, which was hooked up to his main computer. He then hooked up his laptop to it and transferred the programs over. He selected the one icon and began to download the data. As soon as the download was complete, he uploaded Andante from his PET onto the computer.

"Do it," Andante whispered. Sean nodded. He took one final look at his Navi and then initiated the upgrade. Andante closed his eyes and bowed his head as lights started flashing around him. Pixel by pixel, his body began breaking up into bits of data. Sean watched as though he was deleting him. At last, the final traces of Andante vanished and the icon flashed. New data began forming around it. Sean could make out a humanoid frame, but it was still too blurry to make out the figure. A dark blue torso soon appeared with icy-blue legs ending with dark blue boots. Icicles began appearing on his shoulders, feet, and wrists. The head soon formed and two short icicles shot out from the sides.

"The upgrade is complete," said Grave, "Say hello to your new NetNavi."

o o o

At around noon the next day, a large red Navi resembling a magnet appeared inside Sean's homepage.

"This better not be a joke," he muttered, "I'm very busy so whoever called me here better show up."

"Don't worry. I was the one who called you here." A chilling wind seemed to blow through the area as the icy Navi walked in, leaving traces of frost on the floor with each step he took.

"Permit me to introduce myself," he said, "My name is FreezeMan. And I believe you are MagnetMan."

"That is correct," said MagnetMan.

"My operator wishes to discuss the matters that were mentioned in the message he posted," said FreezeMan.

"Hold on just a sec!" MagnetMan interjected, "How can you be trusted?"

"How do I know that I can trust you?" FreezeMan rebutted, "Who can we trust, after all? There is no sure way to know if someone is trustworthy or not."

This is getting nowhere, Sean thought as he buried his face in his hand, Looks like I'm going to have to do something about it. He picked up a headset with an attached microphone and put it on. Then he picked up a voice synthesizer that he had bought a few weeks ago and tinkered with it. After a few seconds, he attached it to his microphone.

With this, they won't know that they're talking to a nine-year-old boy, he thought before speaking.

"FreezeMan!" The two Navis stopped their little argument as soon as Sean's disguised voice boomed over the area.

"Sir?"

"Your operator, I presume?" MagnetMan asked.

"Yes," FreezeMan replied.

"FreezeMan, I'll take care of this," Sean said through his voice synthesizer.

"Of course." The icy Navi stepped back and allowed his operator to speak.

"MagnetMan, I can assure you that you can trust us just as we trust you and your operator."

"You're trusting me and my operator?" the magnetic Navi asked.

"Our goals are the same, are they not? What more do we need for a foundation?"

"Uh…"

"Please, allow us to make the first move. We will gain your trust by giving you ours."

"Sounds fine to me," MagnetMan replied, "Alright, then."

"We'll call on you again later for another meeting," informed FreezeMan. MagnetMan nodded with understanding and logged out.

MAGNETMAN LOGGING OUT

Sean removed his headset and sighed heavily.

"That was close," he mumbled to himself. He leaned back in his seat and stretched out his muscles. In doing so, he couldn't help but let out a big yawn.

I should probably go to bed early tonight, he thought to himself, I've been sleeping late a lot recently. As he laid there on the couch, his stomach began to rumble. Sean slowly hauled himself onto his feet and made his way to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he glanced inside and saw that it was almost bare save for a box of apple juice and a pudding cup. He sighed again and closed the door.

"FreezeMan, we're going grocery shopping." Sean disconnected his PET from his laptop and placed it in its case before putting on his shoes and left. Just as he did every week since he arrived at Kotobuki, the grey-haired boy walked over to the nearby Koto Mart and upon entry grabbed a basket and started moving up and down the aisles, stopping every now and then to get something down from the shelves. A few minutes into his shopping, Sean was struggling to get something down from a higher shelf but without any luck.

"Stupid out-of-reach box," he muttered.

"Would you like some help?" a store worker offered.

"Yes. Could you please get down a box of chicken-flavored ramen cups for me, please?" Sean asked.

"Sure thing, kiddo." The store worker reached up and grabbed a box with ease and brought it down, "Here you go."

"Thanks." Sean took the box and resumed his shopping. Finally, he got everything he needed and waited in the check-out line. When his turn finally came up, the cashier scanned all his purchases.

"That comes to a total of 10,000 zenny," she informed him, "How will you be paying?"

"NetCash." Sean pulled out the jack from his PET and plugged it into the register. He uploaded the necessary amount before jacking out.

"Have a nice day," the cashier said sweetly as Sean took his groceries and headed back to his apartment. The walk back took more time than the walk to the store since his arms were weighed down by his load. Though thanks to the short distance between the two locations, it wasn't that much of a difference. Upon his return, he noticed a man wearing a delivery uniform talking to the manager at the front desk.

"I have a package for a Kei Yuki," said the delivery man as he read the order on his clipboard.

"He sure seems to be getting a lot of packages these past months," the manager observed, "Unfortunately, he's out right n… Wait, there he is. He's just come in." The delivery man turned around and saw the young grey-haired boy walking into the apartment lobby with his groceries.

"Excuse me. Are you Kei Yuki?" he asked.

"That's right," Sean answered.

"I need you to sign for this package."

"Okay." Sean set his bags down on the floor and took the clipboard and pen from the delivery man. After signing along the dotted line on the bottom, he then grabbed his bags and asked the delivery man to bring up the package for him. The two of them rode up to the top floor and got out. Sean opened the door to his apartment and walked inside. After setting down his purchases on the kitchen counter, he returned to the door and took the package.

"Thanks for bringing this," he said to the delivery man.

"No problem. It was my pleasure." The courier tipped his cap and headed back downstairs as Sean closed the door and locked it. Finally back in his apartment, he put away his groceries before proceeding to open his package. A few days after he had finished moving in, Sean had devised the name Kei Yuki as a means of hiding his true identity. As he was in hiding, the last thing he wanted was for his relatives and former schoolmates to find him. As time went on, he pulled together enough information to create a fake background for himself to cover up his own past from others. So far, he had established "Kei Yuki" as an elite researcher from the Netopia Institute of Technology who had earned his Ph. D. at ten years of age. His reason for lying about his age as well was so that people would be willing to take him more seriously, even if the difference was only by one year.

Sean finally managed to remove the packaging and took out yet another piece of equipment he had ordered for his massive server.

"Good thing my parents' fortune has lasted long enough for me to afford all this." After installing the new equipment, he flopped down onto his bed and took a deep breath. As he laid there, he suddenly became aware of an unusual smell. Sean sat up and began sniffing around. He took a quick whiff of himself and immediately drew his head back wearing a look of disgust on his face.

That's right, he thought, I've been so busy establishing my server that I haven't had time to have a decent shower. And I haven't changed my clothes for three days now. Getting up off the bed, Sean walked into the bathroom, closed the door, and stripped off his clothes. After a long relaxing bath, he walked back to his bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. As it turned out, they were the only clothes he had left that were still clean. The rest were piled up in a corner in his room.

"I better take these to the laundry room," he said to himself. Grabbing a laundry basket from the closet, Sean stuffed his clothes into it and took his PET, his laptop, and some spare change with him down to the apartment laundromat in the basement. Only a couple of people were present when he arrived. Making is way across the room, he stuffed his clothes into two washers based on lights and darks before loading in the detergent and inserting a few quarters into each. As soon as the machines started up, he sat down on a bench and opened up his laptop.

"FreezeMan, when's our next meeting?" he asked as he took out his PET from its case.

"We're scheduled to meet up with 'Speedy' and his Navi at four o'clock," the icy Navi reported. Sean took a look at the wall clock.

"It's one-thirty right now," he observed, "My laundry should be finished by three at the latest." True to his words, the dryers finished in the mentioned time and Sean gathered up his laundry and returned back up to his penthouse. After he finished folding and putting away his clothes, his clock read four o'clock. He stuffed the last of his socks into his drawer before walking over to his laptop sitting down in front of it.

"FreezeMan, it's time to meet our next recruit."

o o o

The red-armored Navi input the password and the security cube opened up and allowed him access. He flew in and landed inside the server and looked around. The dim light gleamed off the yellow blades on his arms as he walked around.

"Are you the Navi called QuickMan?" a cold voice asked.

"Yeah, that's me," the red-armored Navi answered. A chilling wind seemed to enter the area as FreezeMan entered and introduced himself.

"I am FreezeMan. It is a pleasure to meet with you, QuickMan."

"Likewise," QuickMan replied, "So, can your organization help my operator in his cause?"

"It is a noble cause, indeed," FreezeMan mused, "My operator and I can guarantee that we'll provide all the financial and material support you require."

"We don't care what you provide for us," said QuickMan, "Our only aim is to get the word out."

"Trust me, our methods will be most effective in that department," FreezeMan replied with a devilish grin.

The two Navis continued talking for several minutes while Sean watched on his laptop screen, keeping himself hidden the whole time. When QuickMan finally left, he jacked out FreezeMan and shut down his computer. A glance at the clock and a soft growl from his stomach alerted him that it was time for dinner. As he got up and made his way to the kitchen, he suddenly didn't feel like cooking.

Maybe I'll just order take-out or something, he thought as he walked over to his phone and looked through the countless take-out menus that lay strewn across the table next to it. It didn't take him long to decide on what to eat and dialed the number. He placed his order and hung up before walking over to his kitchen and sitting down at the counter as he waited for his dinner. About forty-five minutes later, his food came by and he paid the delivery boy before taking it into his apartment and sitting back down at the counter.

"Nothing beats Chinese take-away," he said contently as he took the containers out and opened them. After half an hour, he threw the empty containers into the garbage and walked to the bathroom. After he had finished brushing his teeth, he changed into his pajamas and climbed into bed. FreezeMan watched from his PET as Sean grabbed a book off his dresser and started reading it.

"FreezeMan, what are the plans for tomorrow?" the grey-haired boy asked without looking up from his book.

"I've scheduled a meeting with the Navi of this Arashi person at ten-thirty tomorrow," the icy Navi answered, "In the afternoon, we'll be meeting with 'Princess' and her Navi at exactly three o'clock."

"Thank you, FreezeMan. Go into sleep mode until tomorrow morning."

"Of course, Master Sean." The PET screen went blank as FreezeMan followed his operator's orders and went into sleep mode. Sean let out a yawn and he set his book on his bedside table. He fluffed up his pillow and rested his head against it as he laid down. He turned off his lamp and pulled the covers up to his neck.

Another day gone by, he thought as he closed his crimson eyes and drifted off to sleep.

o o o

At nine o'clock the next morning, FreezeMan came out of sleep mode and switched on the PET alarm. Sean moaned as he turned over and slowly propped himself up on his elbows. His hair hung like a mop as he yawned. He quickly threw off the covers and sat on the edge of his bed. Hauling himself to the bathroom, Sean went about his morning routine and had a quick breakfast before he changed into his day clothes.

"FreezeMan, did you give Arashi's Navi the passcode?" he asked as he zipped up his hoodie.

"Yes, Master Sean," the icy Navi replied.

"Good. I'm going downstairs to check my mail, so if anyone calls, just put them on hold." Sean grabbed his key off the table and exited his apartment. As soon as he arrived downstairs, he saw another delivery man standing at the front desk talking to the manager.

"Yes, I'm looking for Kei Yuki."

"He's just come down the elevator," the manager answered. Sean walked up to the delivery man.

"I assume you have a package for me," he said without much emotion in his voice. For the past few months, he had been using that exact same line at least thrice every day as his orders came in. The delivery man looked down at the crimson-eyed boy.

"I was expecting somebody older." Sean frowned and held out his hands. The delivery man handed him a clipboard and a pen and the grey-haired child quickly read through the form and signed his name. He handed them back and took the box back up to his apartment. He set it down on the floor and opened it before taking out the computer server that was inside and carrying it into the next room. It took about ten minutes for him to finish setting it up and hooking it up to the rest of his network.

"Master Sean," FreezeMan called out to his operator, "at this rate, we're going to run out of room."

"Yeah, I've noticed. I'll have to talk to the manager and see if I can rent out any of the other empty apartments. Anyway, how long have we got until our next meeting?"

"AirMan should be coming by shortly," the icy-Navi reported.

"AirMan," Sean repeated thoughtfully, "So you found out who Arashi is, then?"

"I did a search last night and found some information. It's mostly just what he said in the message he posted. The only new information I found was the name of his Navi."

"Well, we shouldn't keep him waiting." Sean walked around his desk and sat down in his chair, "Let's go, FreezeMan."

o o o

FreezeMan tapped his foot against the floor of Sean's homepage as he waited patiently. Ten minutes had passed since the appointed time and still no sign of AirMan. He opened up a clock window and checked the time.

"He's late," he mumbled as he closed the window. Another fifteen minutes later, a blue Navi with a large fan in the center of his chest arrived.

"Are you FreezeMan?" he asked.

"Correct. And you are AirMan."

"That's right."

"You're late."

"I'm two minutes early," AirMan argued.

"Your clock is slow. You're actually twenty-three minutes late."

"How is that possible? I checked it last night and it was working fine."

That would explain a bit, FreezeMan thought.

"Anyway, I asked you to meet with me was because of your message."

"Yes, I was expecting this when my operator had me reply to your post."

"Tell me, what do you and your operator hope to gain by joining our organization?"

"My operator wants revenge on everyone with more money than him," AirMan explained, "Quite a few names come to mind, actually. Gabcom, IPC, GasTech…"

"Fine, no need to list them all," FreezeMan interrupted.

"And you say you can help us?" asked AirMan.

"We can guarantee that you will accomplish your goal. However, we also have a strict policy against failure. If you fail your assignment, you and your operator will be terminated. No second chances." AirMan seemed to gulp, but he showed no other signs of uncertainty or discomfort.

"I understand."

The meeting dragged on for another hour as AirMan got as much information as he could while FreezeMan continued to ensure that the fan-armed Navi and his operator would dedicate themselves to the organization. Finally, when there was no more business to take care of, AirMan logged out and a window displaying Sean's face appeared behind FreezeMan.

"Well executed, FreezeMan," Sean complimented.

"Tank you, Master Sean."

"When's next our appointment?"

"Princess' post stated that she lives in Creamland," FreezeMan answered, "Due to the time difference, I've had to make an appointment for tomorrow night."

"That's good enough, FreezeMan. Jack out." Sean's window closed and FreezeMan logged out and returned to his PET.

Back in the real world, Sean leaned back in his chair and sighed.

"Three down, one to go," he muttered, "Once this last one is over, I should probably have a meeting with all four of them so they can get to know each other." With no more appointments for the rest of the day, Sean wheeled himself over to a table on the side. Several tools and parts lay strewn across the surface. He picked up a device similar to a wristwatch in appearance and resumed working on it.

The next day came and as usual, Sean received more packages. After he had finished signing for all his orders, he turned to the manager behind the desk.

"Excuse me."

"How can I help you, Kei?" the manager asked.

"My apartment is running out of room due to all the servers I keep ordering. Are there any vacancies? Preferably near the penthouse?" The manager thought for a moment and turned to his computer.

"Let me check." About five minutes later, he turned back to the grey-haired teen.

"We do have an empty apartment one floor below yours," he said, "The occupants moved away last week."

"I'd like to rent it out as storage space." Sean took his PET out from its case and jacked into the computer. A few seconds later, the cost of the apartment had been transferred over and he plugged out before taking his new key and heading up the elevator with his parcels.

"Master Sean, you've been working hard for these past few days," FreezeMan said to his operator, "Perhaps you should take a break. After all, our appointment isn't until tonight."

"I kind of like that suggestion, FreezeMan," Sean replied as he opened the door into the empty apartment and pushed his things inside. After he had set them up, he went back downstairs and stepped outside. He immediately brought up his hand to shield his eyes against the sunlight.

"This is what I get for staying inside an apartment with closed blinds all day for several days," he mumbled as he let his eyes adjust to the brightness.

Sean walked around town for a while until he reached Kotobuki Park, where he made his way over to the playground and sat down on one of the swings. The place was completely devoid of all people except for a few people out either for their morning exercise or walking their dogs.

This is like the park my parents used to take me to, he thought as he scanned his surroundings. A tear rolled down his cheek at the thought of his parents. His light grey hair waved in the breeze has he lamented his past. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small black wallet and took out a photo. It showed him and his parents just before they left on their trip and died in the plane crash. The words of the Official still echoed through his head and the tragic news still continued to haunt him. He tried his best to think of something else, but that only caused him to think about it more. And the more he thought about it, the more it pained him. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He got off the swing and crawled under a piece of playground equipment where he curled himself into a fetal position and started crying, his hand still clutching the photo.

o o o

It was late when Sean finally returned to the apartment building. The manager was just getting ready to close the main office when he entered through the front door. Noticing the redness in the boy's face and eyes, he could tell that he had been crying.

"Are you okay, Kei?" he asked from the other side of the desk.

"I'm fine," Sean replied as he wiped his eyes off with his sleeve and sniffled.

"Why don't you come inside?" the manager offered. Sean was in no mood to argue so he just went along. When they reached the inner office, he was offered a seat and he sat down in silence.

"Here, have some tea." The manager placed a steaming cup of tea on the coffee table in front of Sean.

"Thank you." Sean took the cup and held it in his hands, allowing the heat to warm them up.

"You always seem down, Kei," the manager brought up as he went about performing various tasks around the room, "I'm worried about you."

"It's nothing," the crimson-eyed boy assured him, "I'm fine." He took a sip of tea as the manager took a seat across from him.

"I only want to know what's wrong so I can help you."

"I appreciate your concern, but it's not necessary." The manager sighed and laid back in his chair. A sudden prick in his backside caused him to jolt a bit and he reached back to scratch it. Sean took notice of this action. Now it was his turn to worry.

"Are you okay?" he inquired.

"I'm okay," the manager answered, "Just one of those feelings you get when it's too hot."

"You mean like a sharp prick?"

"Yeah, like that." Sean looked down at his tea and went deep into thought. Over the past few days, he had noticed an increase in the level of radiation in the area based on the readings he had received on a Geiger counter he had purchased two weeks ago.

I should probably tell him about the radiation, he thought, But I don't want to cause a panic. But if I withhold that information, people will get hurt. When that last statement passed through his mind, Sean quickly tried to shake it out of his head.

Who am I kidding? Society was what hurt me in the first place! he scolded himself mentally, What should I care what happens to them? He finished his tea and placed the empty cup back on the table.

"Thanks for the tea." Sean got up and bowed to the manager before leaving the office and heading up the elevator back to his penthouse apartment. After a quick shower, he changed into his pyjamas and climbed into bed.

"FreezeMan, what have we got scheduled for tomorrow?" he asked.

"More deliveries are expected to arrive tomorrow," FreezeMan answered from his PET, which was sitting on its charger, "We also have a meeting with Princess' Navi tomorrow at nine at night."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Thanks, FreezeMan. Turn yourself off for the night."

"Yes, Master Sean." The PET screen went dark and Sean shut off his light and laid down in bed. He closed his deep red eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

o o o

Just as FreezeMan had stated, more deliveries came in for Sean the following day. The deliverymen were coming in all day and the boy led them upstairs to his newly-rented apartment, where the servers were deposited. By the time the last one had left, the entire room was filled. After a quick lunch, Sean spent the whole afternoon setting up the servers and hooking them up to one another. He checked all the connections and such repeatedly. His network had to be perfect. He couldn't afford any flaws. By the time he had completed his work, it was nearly time for dinner. He went back up to his own apartment and made himself a bowl of ramen, which he quickly finished off within a few minutes. After that, all that was left to do was wait. FreezeMan had already gone ahead onto the net, so Sean was left on his own. Picking up the Geiger counter he kept stored beneath his desk, he switched it on and waved the sensor around. The ticking was much faster now than it was yesterday.

I have to finish that radiation suit quickly, he thought.

o o o

A few hours passed and eventually the meeting time arrived. FreezeMan stood inside the server and waited. He looked ahead and saw a large Navi wearing thick heavy armor approaching him. His structure was extremely sturdy and his only weapon appeared to be a giant mace attached to his right arm.

"Are you he who requested my presence?" he asked of FreezeMan.

"Correct."

"My name is KnightMan."

"FreezeMan. Now to business. I've studied up on Creamland's history. Being left behind in the dust of progress must be frustrating."

"My operator certainly thinks so," KnightMan replied, "Our country has fallen behind so much since everyone's forgotten about it. Without trade and commerce with other nations, we've come upon hard times. The people are living in poverty and my operator cannot bear to watch them suffer any longer."

"Your operator wouldn't happen to be the princess of Creamland, would she?" asked FreezeMan. KnightMan was taken aback.

"How did you…?" he began.

"The way you described your operator's concern for the people gave it away."

"Oh."

"Do not worry, KnightMan. When you join our organization, we shall provide all the necessary funding to Creamland," FreezeMan assured.

"The princess will be most grateful. You have our sworn allegiance." KnightMan bowed deeply and stood back up. The two Navis delved further into the topic for a while longer until KnightMan mentioned he had to leave and logged out.

"That was good, FreezeMan," Sean commended, "That's all four of them. Now we just have to find a time to get them all together so they can get to know one another."

"By the way, Master Sean, we've managed to recruit an independent Navi to help us, as well," FreezeMan notified his operator.

"Excellent, FreezeMan. I've also found a mercenary we can hire." Sean flipped through his windows and brought up the information he had gathered, "He's a highly-skilled assassin. I think he'll be a great asset to our future needs."

"Very good, Master Sean." FreezeMan logged out from Sean's homepage and returned to his PET. For the rest of the evening, he watched as his operator searched around for any information on the operators of the four Navis that they had met with in the past couple of days. A lot of surface information he was able to find without much difficulty. For more personal information, he had to hack into several systems while FreezeMan exploded the depths of the Undernet.

"Looks like I've made some formidable allies," he smirked as he sat back after completing his search and revised all the information he had gathered.

"What have we got, Master Sean?" asked FreezeMan.

"Quite a variety of people. Gauss Magnets, the CEO of Gauss Inc. His company is one of the most powerful corporations in the world. With him to provide our funding, we'll have all the resources we want in our hands.

"'Speedy' Dave Hayami, an environmental activist. His protests have constantly been ignored by the large companies who care about making a profit at the expense off the environment. He thinks that they'll never listen to him, so he wants to stop their development by wiping out civilization so nature can takes its course without inhibition. We could use that kind of pep.

"Arashi Kazefuki, the former CEO of a company that was later bought out by a larger corporation and left him jobless. His hatred for people with more money than him has continuously grown since then. Well, his reasons are pretty petty but at least he's motivated.

"Princess Pride of Creamland. KnightMan explained the situation that was happening in her country. She really cares for her people and she's willing to do absolutely anything to help them.

"Mr. Dark, mercenary for hire. No other information has been given."

"Most excellent recruits, Master Sean," FreezeMan commented, "However, they may not take you seriously since you are just a child. And you will have to meet with them in person sometime."

"I'm working on that, FreezeMan." Sean turned away from his desk and rolled his chair over to a small worktable in the corner. He switched on the attached lamp and resumed working on the device that was sitting on top of the table.

"With a big of tweaking, I should be able to generate a hologram that also doubles as a radiation suit." Recruiting people to help him was only the first step, but Sean still had a lot of work ahead of him and he knew that well.

"In the end, this will all be worth the effort," he whispered to himself.

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Had several cases of writer's block, but I finally finished this chapter. The tragic story of Sean Obihiro is not yet over.