.hack//SIGN Fan Fiction / .hack//LIMINALITY Fan Fiction / .hack//Legend Of Twilight Bracelet Fan Fiction ❯ Episode Three: .hack//Liberty ❯ Dothackers INC ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter Five- Dothackers INC- The Real World
 
He was led to his room. A door joined it to theirs. He took a long, hot shower, washing the grime, filth, and sin off of him. At least, that's what he felt like he was doing. He looked at the clothes that Ryo bought for him.
Most of them were dark. Ryo must have asked Vanessa. He had matched the boxers so they wouldn't be conspicuous if they were seen. Dan laughed at the meticulous care that was taken.
“I guess Ryo is a bit of an OCD.”
“You said that right.” Ryo walked into the room. “I'm here to help you get dressed. I hope the clothes all fit.”
“I'm sure they will. Who d'you ask, Vanessa?” Dan asked.
“I didn't ask your girl, I spoke with the managers of the shops, and they not only gave me one hell of a deal, but gave me ideas. They even had a model try the clothes on so I could see what they look like.” Dan looked at what had been laid out.
“You bought me a skirt.”
“No. This is what karate fighters wear. The fabric is free enough, and not too tight. I got you three pairs of them, in red, black, and blue. They are good to wear now because they won't hurt your wounds.” Dan smiled.
“Did you get me toiletries?” Ryo nodded. “Where are they?” Ryo fished out a toiletry bag. “Thanks, for doing this. AND for just making me feel stupid.” He hobbled over to the sink.
“You aren't getting dressed?”
“Not yet. It isn't like anyone is looking.”
“You have a very casual attitude towards your sexuality.”
“Hey, well, it isn't that big of a deal. Not between us, anyhow. Isn't like there's a surprise.” Ryo nodded.
“Hai, you're right.” He sighed. “In a few days we have to go.”
“Where?”
“To one of the Safe Houses, mine. That is where Dothacker INC is based.”
“Dothacker INC?” Dan asked before brushing his teeth.
“Yeah. It's pretty much everyone. A lot more catchier than what the Knights called us. What was it, the United Dothacker Front?” Dan chuckled.
“The Dothacker Guerilla Liberation Front.” He said in reply. “Oh, an electric shaver?”
“Hey, with CC Corps buying, spare no expense!” He said. Dan nodded as he shaved his face.
“Yeah. They deserve it, the bastards.” Dan sighed. “Has it been reported yet?”
“Yeah. They called it the work of a disgruntled ex-employee.” Dan laughed.
“So, they aren't saying a word about us?”
“Nope. They have no proof, and with us having the computers, and blowing theirs up, they have no resources there. They might even close the facility down.” Dan applied his after-shave. He grabbed the hair tie, and after drying and combing his hair, pulled it into a ponytail. He walked back over to Ryo.
“Okay. Be gentle.” With Ryo's help, he put the clothes on. They were the perfect size. Dan smiled at Ryo again. “Thanks. For everything.”
“No problem.”
 
Two days passed in which Dan caught up on current events, talking with Vanessa, learning card games from Junichiro and Mai, and learning about The World's history from Tsukasa. Ryo was his favorite person to talk to, however. He was intelligent, and well read. He was able to keep up with Dan's conversations concerning life, philosophy, and other topics in ways he had never thought. Ryo enjoyed it as well.
“You have enlightened me on many things. I thank you for that, my friend. Now, are we ready to go?” Ryo asked. Dan nodded. He had all of his clothes, already washed, packed into his suitcase. He strapped on his new cane, one that strapped to his arm, along with having a handgrip. It was black. He liked it. It was easier to use than the other one.
Junichiro took Dan's wallet. He took out his identification card and replaced it with a new one.
“To everyone else in the world, you are now Jeremie Claude, French native. This is your American girlfriend, Emily Tanner. Okay?” Dan nodded. “Here are your passports. As you can see, they are pre-stamped. Thank the fates we have a stamp that can do that.”
“Now, we will be heading to my house.” Tsukasa said.
“Until you pay the bills, it's my house.” Ryo said.
“It's pretty big. You'll have your own wing.” Tsukasa said. Dan looked at the card.
“It says that I am twenty one.”
“Same here.” Vanessa said.
“Well, you are, according to records.” Ryo said.
“Ah. Helba did this?”
“Yes. Now, there are a few special things about these cards. They have a tracing chip in them, just in case CC Corps tries anything again. They can also open up any card swipe door necessary. Just In Case!” Dan nodded. “We will be going to my summer house in France.” Ryo said. “You are my nephew. With me so far?”
“Okay.” Vanessa said.
“I'm good.” Dan said.
“You were hurt in a boating accident. Okay?”
“Yep.”
“Well, I think that's all. You two, of course, are invited to come.” He said to Junichiro and Mai.
“Can't. Have to return to Japan. Our visa may expire.” Junichiro said.
“Never. Helba won't allow it to do so!” Mai said. “I can't come, unfortunately. My mom will freak if I stay gone any longer! I didn't exactly tell her I was leaving.” Ryo nodded at Mai.
“Then this is a parting of ways. Good luck, Junichiro. Mai, enjoy your break.”
“Same to you Ryo.” The two said, bowing. Tsukasa waved.
“Thanks.” Vanessa said.
“Thanks for everything.” Dan added.
“No problem. Stay safe.” The two grabbed their luggage and walked out. Dan smiled.
“I liked them.”
“Yep.”
“Well, if we're to make it through security, then we have to get to the airport. Now.” Ryo said.
“Everyone's packed up.”
“Good.” Ryo picked up the phone. “Yes, I need a bellhop to rooms ten and eleven. Yes, thanks.” He hung up. “It'll take a minute.”
There was a knock on the door.
“How `bout a millisecond?” Vanessa posed. Ryo laughed.
“Guess I'm wrong.” The bellhop loaded the cart and wheeled it to the waiting car.
“Where's the van?” Dan asked. Ryo gave him a look that said to be quiet. Dan nodded. He'd get an explanation later. Ryo gave the man something, and got a clap on the back.
“Thanks VERY much, sir.” The bellhop said as he walked away with the empty cart. They boarded the car, which took them to the airport. After the ridiculous two hour security check, they boarded the plane, a one-way flight to Paris, France.