Disclaimer: All copyrighted characters in Rockman.EXE and its American version, Mega Man Battle Network, are owned by Capcom, the original creators and their distributors. No infringement of any of the rights of the aforementioned creators or distributors is intended. This is a fan-created story for the enjoyment of other fans only, and it may not be distributed for profit in any way. No money is being made by me in any form from this fanfic or any others I have written.

Author's Note: This might best be considered an AU, as I'm probably going to end up taking bits of manga, anime, and game continuity and squishing them together messily. Not to mention that I actually haven't played the games. ^^;; So mails/reviews telling me I messed up the continuity probably won't help, as I already know. ;) Oh yes, and I use the Japanese names for everyone, and the matching honorifics.

Pushing the Limits

a Rockman.EXE fanfic

by Hoshikage

Prologue

"I just don't think it's natural! My son's obsessed with that Navi of his. He cried for a week when someone stole the toy it's kept in, until we finally got it back. I just don't think it's healthy for a child to be so focused on a computer program."

A Navi, no matter how much it may act like a human, is only a program. It can pretend to joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, but it can only act within the limited bounds of its AI.

"Well, actually, at your son's age, it's not all that surprising. No, hear me out... A Navi, in these days, provides a special kind of companionship to a growing child. Like an imaginary friend, except better, because it can be seen and heard. It's also almost like having a pet - since these days, hardly anyone has the space and time to provide a pet with a good home. A Navi is much easier to keep."

There is one exception to this rule... though almost no one knows about it, and even those who think they know tend not to appreciate the true complexity of the situation.

"Well, I suppose I didn't think of it that way... I'm just concerned, I don't want him growing up unable to do anything for himself, you know. I wonder if he'd remember his homework without that Navi telling him about it."

I wonder what they'd think, if anyone found out about a Navi that really can think for itself? One that has no limits?

"Yes, of course I understand your concern. But in my experience, children tend to become more organized, not less, with a Navi's guidance - in fact, I hear that even adults are starting to use them more and more now, to keep track of work-related documents and meetings! I think you don't need to worry about an unnatural dependence at this stage."

Worse yet, of course, if they knew why that Navi is so special...

"Well, I suppose I feel better now. I was just about to throw the thing away, to be honest. But I suppose it'll be all right after all."

A program, after all, is only an object, a piece of intellectual property. It can be cherished and treasured, but never loved. It has none of the protection in the real world that a human would.

"Of course, you just want the best for your son. Do try to remember, though, that it's programmed to help your son, not harm him. And, really, it is just a program..."

Is it an act of evil to sentence a human to carry on existence as a mere program, no matter how exceptional? A gross breach of ethics, no matter what the alternative would have been?

"Well, thank you very much for your time."

If they knew, would they look at this Navi and see an abomination, a creature that should never have been created?

"Not at all. Feel free to come see me again if you have more concerns."

Hikari Yuuichirou watched as the unfamiliar woman left his office, apparently comforted by his sympathetic speech.

No one must know. Ever.

--To Be Continued--