Old Friends: Hu/AA *Beast Spoilers*

[Neko]

Heh, so in the channel today I was like "It would be awesome if Laika, Netto and Enzan met up with Commander Beef, Miyuki and Saloma." And now this. So, new fic for your reading pleasure.

Enjoy :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Netto looked up at Manabe with a startled expression, “Huh?” he asked.

Manabe’s lips twitched in a small smile. “Have you been paying any attention this past half an hour?”

Netto yawned and leaned back in the chair he was sitting in. “Kinda,” he said sleepily.

Rockman appeared on Netto’s shoulder and smiled. “Netto-kun and I were sent on a mission really late last night. Then school today, believe it or not this time it’s not his fault.”

Netto glared at his navi, “Thank you so much,” he muttered to Rockman.

Rockman nodded, “It’s true,” he said with a small smile.

Laika and Enzan both shifted in their seats. “You could at least stay awake for the time being,” Enzan told him.

Netto shrugged, “I am.”

“Well then, try and pay attention,” Manabe told him kindly. “This is your new mission assignment.”

“And?” Netto asked with a yawn.

“You’re going to team up with an old Net Protection Police Unit and help them solve several net crimes that have appeared over the internet,” Manabe explained to them.

“And they are?” Enzan asked.

“The Net Agents,” she said. “They were active here about a year ago. They are led by a man named Commander Beef.”

“Huh?” Laika asked.

“No way,” Netto gasped. “Seriously?”

Manabe raised an eyebrow, “You know of him, Netto-kun?” she asked.

Netto nodded happily, “Yeah, they helped with the whole N1 Grand Prix thing. Back when Enzan was a jerk,” he teased his friend.

Enzan coughed discreetly, “So we’re to help his team solve some Net Crimes?”

Manabe nodded. “Yes, you’re to meet up with them in an hour so you kids can go have lunch while I set up the briefing.”

Netto’s stomach chose that time to growl loudly. Netto blushed, “That sounds good,” he said with a silly grin.

Enzan smiled in spite of himself while Laika merely shook his head as they stood up from the table to head down to the cafeteria.

Netto bit into his hamburger happily while Laika put pepper onto his salad. “Who is this ‘Commander Beef’?” he asked dubiously.

Enzan took a bite of his own salad and sighed. “A loud, annoying and obnoxious man,” he muttered.

Netto swallowed hard, “That’s not true,” he protested. “He works hard and he’s a really good Net Battler.”

Rockman nodded, “Yeah, his navi Sharkman is really strong. So are Skullman and Woodman, the navi’s of his subordinates.”

“So, they’re at least competent?” Searchman asked.

Rockman nodded, “Definitely.”

“Why the name Commander Beef?” Laika asked.

Netto shrugged, “No idea. It’s just their thing I guess. I got to battle with him in the N1 Grand Prix and he was a really good tag team member.”

“Just really annoying,” Enzan muttered.

Laika was vaguely confused, unsure of whom to listen too. So instead he decided to wait to form his own opinion once he met the man.

Netto took another large bite of his hamburger and chewed thoughtfully. “It’s been while, huh?” he asked his navi softly.

Rockman nodded, “Yeah it has. This should be fun.”

Netto nodded his agreement happily before finishing off his lunch.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Later the three boys went to the room that Manabe had told them to go to before they went to lunch. It was empty so they sat down in the chairs and waited for everyone else to arrive.

Netto sat in his seat shifting excitedly and moving his chair around. Laika eyed him, “Excited are we?” he asked.

Netto grinned at Laika, “Yeah, a little,” he said happily. “I looked up to Commander Beef in the N1 Grand Prix. He was a good Net Battler and really strong. And he helped us a lot.”

Rockman nodded, “Yeah, he did,” he agreed. “It was different when I was first activated and we weren’t that strong yet.”

Enzan nodded, “This is very true,” he agreed.

Netto latched onto Enzan, surprising the other boy. “You’re not one to talk about how you were a year ago,” Netto teased him.

Blues let a small smile play on his lips for a second. “True,” he said softly so that only Rockman and Searchman could hear. “Enzan-sama is a different person now.”

Rockman nodded, “I think we’ve all changed for the better in the past few months.”

Searchman and Blues nodded their agreement.

The door to the room slid open and Commander Beef as well as Saloma and Miyuki came into the room in all their costumed glory. Netto looked up and let go of Enzan to straighten up and wave happily to them. “Hello!” he said cheerfully.

Commander Beef broke into a smile, “It’s been awhile,” he said kindly to Netto.

Netto nodded, “Yeup, and we’ve gotten a lot stronger too!” he said with a big grin.

Saloma and Miyuki both shared small smiles and sat at the table.

Netto took his seat between Laika and Enzan while Commander Beef took his own seat across from them. Laika sat there and gaped at the newcomers discreetly.

Enzan side glanced to see Laika’s expression. “Told you,” he muttered.

Laika blinked, “Why is he wearing a fish helmet when his name is Commander Beef?” he asked softly.

Netto shrugged and Enzan shook his head. “No clue,” he replied.

Manabe went to the front of the room and smiled kindly at them. “Okay, I trust my Net Saviors will treat their elders with the kindness and respect they deserve,” she said while glancing at Laika and Enzan who both nodded sullenly.

She smiled, “All right, with that out of the way, I’ll let you all know now that this is a team up based on a request from our government so please take that into consideration before you make any drastic decisions.” She tapped a manila folder, “This has several missions that have been assigned and not completed because the target or targets in question have vanished. We’ve been seeing this a lot in the Undernet lately, one or more navis on the wanted list disappearing right from under us, along with our agents.

“I want you to know that right now this mission is entirely research. I don’t want anyone becoming a target, yet. We need to find the common link between these navis and who is leading this operation. We called in Commander Beef and his subordinates because they’ve had experience with this mission and have been on it for several weeks. So, for right now Commander Beef is the team leader. Your orders come from him, understand?”

“Yes,” all three boys answered.

Manabe nodded, “Good, I’ll leave now to let you get acquainted with them. Please give me a report every day. Netto,” she said while turning her eyes onto the brunette. “I want one report from each of you. Don’t shirk on them, okay?”

Netto avoided her gaze, “All right,” he said.

She smiled and left the room.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of it,” Rockman said with a grin from Netto’s shoulder.

Netto looked at his navi, “I don’t doubt it,” he said with a laugh.

Laika sighed and stood up, “My name is Laika Slovski, I am a private from the 13th Net Corps division in the Sharro army. Pleased to meet you,” he said politely to them. “My net navi is Searchman,” he nodded at his navi who appeared on his shoulder in holographic form.

Enzan stood up. “Undoubtedly you remember me,” he said coolly. “But I am Enzan Ijuuin and my net navi is Blues.”

Commander Beef smiled, “I remember you quite well, Ijuuin-kun.”

Netto smiled, “You know who I am.”

Commander Beef smiled warmly at him, “Of course Netto!” he said happily. “I’m glad to be working with you,” he said as he held out his hand.

Netto took it in a firm shake. “We’re happy to,” he said in reply. “Right?” he asked his friends.

“Ecstatic,” Enzan told him.

In the internet the greetings were going a bit more smoothly. “Nice to see you again, Sharkman,” Rockman said kindly.

Sharkman nodded, “It’s nice to finally be fighting together again,” he agreed. “It’s been awhile.”

Rockman nodded then motioned to Searchman, “Oh, this is Searchman. He, Blues and I usually work as a team along with Netto-kun, Enzan-san and Laika-san.”

Searchman nodded curtly while Sharkman, Woodman and Skullman nodded in return. “It seems like some interesting battles lie ahead,” Woodman noted.

/I hope not,/ Rockman sighed. /I kind of just want this mission to go by on its own without too much happening./

/Awww, now what fun would that be?/ Netto teased him.

Rockman snorted. /Nothing says fun like being in danger,/ he muttered.

/I was kidding,/ Netto laughed. /Don’t worry; it’s purely research right now. With Commander Beef I doubt much will happen. I mean it’s not like we’re going to be sneaking into a secret party like we did during the Gospel incident./

Rockman chuckled at the memory, earning him odd looks from Sharkman, Woodman and Skullman. /This is true./

/Just relax and enjoy seeing them again. I’m sure they have some great stories,/ he said with a smile.

/Yeah,/ Rockman agreed and cut off the mental conversation.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

The small meeting ended quickly with instructions for them to meet at the HQ around 3:30 the next day. On the way out Enzan touched Netto’s shoulder gently. “Netto?” he asked.

“Hm?” Netto replied while turning around to come face to face with Laika and Enzan.

“Did you and Rockman ‘talk’ earlier?” Enzan asked him.

Netto nodded, “Yeah, why?”

Laika shook his head, “I wouldn’t if I were you,” he said softly.

“Why?” Netto asked.

“Because, they might notice,” Enzan said just as softly. “And I don’t think you want to explain that kind of thing to them.”

Netto blinked, “Oh right. Okay, we’ll keep it to a minimum then.”

Enzan and Laika both nodded. “Good,” they said.

Netto then went up behind both of them and put his hands on their shoulders. “So… a new ice-cream stand opened two blocks away from here about a week ago…” he said slowly.

Enzan and Laika both looked down at him. “And?” Laika asked.

“Wanna go?”

Enzan and Laika both looked a little apprehensive.

“Plllleeeaaaassseeee,” Netto begged. “Come on, you two never do anything!”

“That’s a bit harsh,” Enzan said with a small laugh.

“Please?” Netto asked again.

Enzan sighed, “All right. If you stop whining.”

“Agreed,” Laika said.

“I’m not whining,” Netto protested.

“Yes you are,” Laika teased.

Netto crossed his arms and followed his friends out of the building. “Am not!” he retaliated.

Commander Beef chuckled, “Glad to see those kids are still human.”

Sharkman nodded, “Indeed.”
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[..:Koro_Jay:..]

This is such a cute story! :D I especially enjoy Laika's take on Commander Beef, seeing as it's his first time meeting him

[Plantman]

Oh my, I can see the mess that is about to come. It's interesting and funny to see how the very unconventional team of Net Agents will fare with the 'prodigy kids' that Laika and Enzan are XDD

Can't wait to see more of this!
_________________
Hecha en MÉXICO - Avatar by Me.
"Logic is the Ultimate Weapon."

[Plantman]

Oh my, I can see the mess that is about to come. It's interesting and funny to see how the very unconventional team of Net Agents will fare with the 'prodigy kids' that Laika and Enzan are XDD

Can't wait to see more of this!
_________________
Hecha en MÉXICO - Avatar by Me.
"Logic is the Ultimate Weapon."

[Midnight]

Indeed. This definitely has the potential to become something that can be brain-splittingly good. It's been a while since that team from the original EXE has gotten any focus, and I'm glad that you decided to revive them for the hell of it. I look forward to seeing how you view their interactions with each other. Great job. :D
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Unknown Neo]

Cute and very funny. Another great job from neko.

[kuro-kitsune]

senpai has gotten me addicted to fics again.

This is a very interesting idea, what with the old Net Agents showing up again. ^__^

I love the last name you made up for Laika (or is it canon?? o.O ) and the way he introduced himself. It's just so... Laika. His assesment of Commander Beef was humorous as well. I can't wait for the next chapter!!

~kuro-kitsune~

[Neko]

No no, I made up Laika's last name ^^;

He needed a last name, to be frank. So when he gets a cannon one I'll be sure to switch to that X3
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[kuro-kitsune]

oh??

Then I'll have to say, it's one of the better names I've seen people make up for Laika. Senpai's naming skills rock!

Hahaha, I just find my last statement completely awkward. Haha.

~kuro-kitsune~

PS: Will try to successfully work on your doujin... As soon as I finish Mandarin. T_T

[Kitty-Chan]

This fic holds great promise. I think I shall enjoy what is to come.
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

The next day Netto came into the Net Saviors HQ with his hands behind his head and a tiny grin on his face. The epitome of the average grade school kid without a care in the world. He walked into the room where Enzan and Laika were busily typing away on their keyboards. “Hello,” he said cheerfully.

“Hey,” they muttered back sullenly.

Netto frowned, but then shrugged and sat down at an extra computer. “Find anything?” he asked them as he put his PET into its slot by the computer.

Laika and Enzan both shook their heads. They both knew that because it was the first day of looking for information it was not very likely that they would really find anything worth investigating, but every journey began with one step.

Netto sighed and let Rockman appear in the internet. “You know the routine,” Rockman told him gently. “Let’s just stick out the first few days and see what happens, all right?”

His navi’s words cheered him a bit and Netto nodded back with a grin, “Right.” He entertained the thought of putting on some music for boredom’s sake but he knew better then trying to get on Enzan and Laika’s nerves so early in the information gathering stage. Their annoyance could wait until they were closer to their goal.

“Hello kids!” a cheerful voice came into the room. Laika and Enzan winced simultaneously while Netto leaned back in his chair until he was looking at Commander Beef upside down.

“Hey!” Netto replied cheerfully. He really did look up to the older man. He was one of the first role models he had aside from his father to look up too when he was younger, him and Masa.

Commander Beef nodded and Netto then took a survey of the room. “Find anything?” he asked.

“No,” Laika said tightly. It’s not that he didn’t have respect for the man in the fish helmet, it’s just that he didn’t feel like dealing with the whole faux superhero bit for the time being. “We’ll tell you when we find anything.”

“O-kay,” Commander Beef said slowly as he walked out of the room and let the door slide shut.

“You’re not going to get them to talk, ever,” Netto muttered by his elbow.

Commander Beef jumped back and looked at the child who had just snuck up on him. He never remembered Netto being quite so… stealthy before.

The brunette gave him a large grin, “Don’t worry. Give them time, they’ll grow on you.”

“Aren’t you looking for information?” Commander Beef asked him.

Netto shrugged, “I am. But Rockman can do this kind of thing on his own. I don’t have to be in front of a computer screen to navigate him.” /Isn’t that right?/ Netto asked mentally.

/Right,/ Rockman replied, playing along in their little mental game. /Of course if I’m attacked then I’ll blame you./

/Rockman, if you’re attacked in the sci labs database then we have a lot more to worry about then viruses,/ Netto replied haughtily.

/This is true,/ Rockman admitted.

Netto blinked as Commander Beef waved a gloved hand in front of his face. “Hm?” he blinked and looked up at the taller man.

“You spaced out on me there, kiddo. You okay?” he asked with a touch of concern. He hadn’t seen Netto for awhile, so it was only natural to believe that his young protégé could have changed in the past years.

Netto nodded and gave him the smile that he had grown used to over the years that he had known him. “Yeah!” he said cheerfully. “Wanna get something to eat or something?” he asked.

Masa’s stomach growled and he patted it. “Do they have fish?”

Netto gave him a skeptical look that read ‘I still suspect you’ before nodding. “Yeah, lots of fish but its all fried. Not much healthy stuff in the cafeteria.”

Masa frowned, “You need your calcium boy,” he growled. “Or you’re not going to grow up the way you should.”

“Uh huh,” Netto told him while eyeing him again. “Trust me, I get plenty of food from my mom.” This was certainly true, as Haruka had been making sure that Netto had plenty to eat ever since day one of cross fusion.

Masa smiled down at him, “Good. Glad to see that hasn’t changed.”

Netto crossed his arms, “You talk an awful lot like Masa-san,” he muttered.

Masa looked away, “Beeeeffff!” he said suddenly and walked down the hall laughing nervously leaving a very confused Netto behind in the middle of the hallway.

Netto blinked, unsure of what to say or how to react to Commander Beef’s rather random action and merely trotted to catch up with him. Together they went into the cafeteria and got food for lunch.

Netto got a salad, hamburger and a chicken sandwich from the buffet line and bought his items at the register. Commander Beef raised an eyebrow at Netto, “Hungry?” he asked.

Netto giggled, “Not this much. I’m getting stuff for Laika and Enzan. I know they probably haven’t eaten for awhile.”

/From what Blues is telling me, try since last night at the ice cream stand,/ Rockman noted.

Netto blinked, /Seriously?/ he asked while grabbing some chip bags for good measure.

/Enough to warrant Blues’ worry,/ Rockman replied.

/Huh,/ Netto replied and got several drinks as well. It was best to make it a meal if that was true.

Masa peered over Netto’s shoulder. “You care for them don’t you?” he asked.

Netto nodded, “Someone has too,” he said with a wicked grin.

/Netto-kun!/ Rockman yelped. Netto chose to ignore that reply.

Masa chuckled, “I remember when you and young Enzan were something of bitter rivals, if not enemies.”

Netto nodded, “I remember that too,” he said kindly while paying for his lunch. “But he changed,” he said softly. “Laika did too, but it’s harder to tell unless you’re around him a lot.”

“Maybe they just changed for you,” Masa suggested.

Netto blinked and picked up his purchases. “What do you mean?” he asked.

Masa ruffled Netto’s hair as he paid for his fish sandwich. “You’re a good kid, Netto-kun, and a better friend. Not many would want to give that up.”

Netto laughed, “Yeah, but Laika tells me at least once a day that I’m the most annoying person on the planet.”

Masa shrugged, “But he’s still your companion.”

Netto nodded, “That’s true. I never thought about it that way.”

“You wouldn’t,” Masa said softly.

“Hmm?” Netto asked.

“Nothing,” Masa said quickly as he adjusted his helmet nervously. “Let’s head back.”

“Okay,” Netto said cheerfully as they walked back down the hall.

A few minutes later Netto went back into the room where Laika and Enzan were typing away on their computers. “I’m back bearing food!” Netto said in an obnoxiously happy voice.

Enzan and Laika both turned around to see their friend. Neither one realized he was even gone, let alone getting something to eat. “Isn’t it a little early for lunch?” Laika asked.

“It’s 12:05,” Netto said dryly.

Laika glanced down at the clock on his computer. “So it is,” he replied softly.

Enzan’s stomach growled loudly, “What’d you get?” he asked.

Netto reached down into his bag and handed Enzan the sandwich, a bad of chips and a juice, “Here,” he said with a grin. “I heard you haven’t eaten since last night.”

“Where would you hear that?” he asked while shooting a furtive glance at his monitor.

“Never you mind,” Netto snapped while handing Laika his lunch. “Just eat.”

Enzan shrugged and bit into his sandwich. “Thanks,” he said to Netto.

Netto nodded and sat down with his own lunch. “Find anything?”

“Nope,” they answered.

“Damn,” Netto sighed as he took another bite.

Back in the room that Commander Beef and his subordinates were in he was holding something of a different meeting. “We need to find out what’s doing this and quick,” he said as he took another huge bite of the sandwich. “Then go after whoever it is!”

“Those aren’t our orders sir,” Saloma said quietly.

“We don’t take orders,” Masa growled. “We’re the Net Agents. Tell me as soon as you find anything, all right?”

“Yes sir!” they saluted him.

Masa finished off his sandwich and looked at the computer screen. “We’re not letting them get away a third time,” he growled. “Not again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note, I switch between Masa and Commander Beef depending on whose view I'm in at the time. Masa is Masa when its his view or someone who knows its him, it's Commander Beef when Netto is the view I'm in.
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

That was quite nice. And thanks for the explanation of the change of names at the end--t seems to be quite clear, but there's still something I'm a little bit shaky about...

Anyway...I found this to be an entertaining read. You did a good job of developing Masa's character (since the anime does practically nothing to do that on its own) and leaving Netto still in the dark about who Beef really is.

[Wackoman.EXE]

Hmmm. An interesting concept. One that I think should be developed in the anime, I miss Saloma and Woodman. T_T It's a great fic so far Neko, I particularly like Enzan's occasional sarcastic humor. Netto balances out Laika and Enzan's personalities perfectly and you've done an excellent job portraying them.
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Transcendent Super Spiral Dreadnought Gunmen

[Unknown Neo]

That's a great new chapter neko. I wonder if the net agents would come back? (and I mean the real ones)

[Kitty-Chan]

I just love this.
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[kuro-kitsune]

...

I just absolutely adore this fic!! The conversation between Masa and Netto at the cafeteria made be go 'Aww~' It seems so suitable that Enzan and Laika have someone like Netto to balance things out for them.

The story seems to be progressing nicely and your skill at character development makes me envy you. o^o I want to have your writing skill!!

Can't wait for the next chapter!

~kuro-kitsune~

[Neko]

Netto tapped repeatedly on a key and gazed at the monitor with a slack jaw expression. Rockman noted this as he scanned information and turned his gaze back to the data, /Bored?/ he asked.

Netto jumped and looked around before realizing who it was that talked to him. /Yes,/ he groaned. /Is there anything yet?/

Rockman shook his head, /No, not yet. I doubt we’ll find anything the first few days you know,/ he told Netto earnestly.

Netto tapped the space bar and few times and looked a bit sour. /Yeah, I know,/ he muttered to his navi.

“Bored?” Enzan asked out loud.

“What do you think?” Netto asked while hiding a well placed yawn behind his hand. “We’ve been sitting here for hours, Enzan. Nothing has happened. You can’t tell me you’re not bored either.”

Enzan shrugged, “Not really. No.”

“Not even a little?” Netto asked dubiously.

Enzan shook his head. Laika looked around from his own computer, “Netto, we’re a bit more used to this kind of thing then you.”

Netto stuck his tongue out at Laika. “I do this for eight hours every day. It’s called school,” he reminded his friend.

“You fall asleep at school too,” Rockman muttered softly.

Searchman and Blues let small smiles on their faces as they continued to scan data, looking for anything that might help them.

Netto stretched his hands over his head and leaned back in the office chair he had been sitting in for the past five hours. “I hate this part of missions,” he sighed.

“Deal with it,” Laika and Enzan told him at the same time.

Netto looked irritated as he stared at the ceiling. He opened his mouth as if to say something but he was interrupted by someone coming into the room.

“Yes?” Enzan asked coolly as Commander Beef strutted into the room followed by his two subordinates.

“We found a lead,” he said with a grin.

Netto blinked and spun his chair around excitedly. “Really?” he asked. “You found out something?”

Laika held a hand in front of Netto before the boy could get up. Netto looked at the hand then at Laika who had fixed Commander Beef with his steely gaze. “And did you get permission from Manabe to investigate your info?” he asked.

“I don’t recall ever being told to answer to anyone,” Commander Beef said haughtily. “I am in charge of the Net Agents and I act as I see fit. You kids can come if you want because you’re technically working under me for this mission, but we’re leaving immediately.”

Netto, Enzan and Laika exchanged glances. “Commander Beef…” Netto said slowly, picking out his words carefully. “I know you’re the one who is in charge of the Net Agents, but sometimes it’s better to run info through Manabe-san first.”

Commander Beef raised an eyebrow at the normally rather gung ho boy. “He has changed,” Saloma murmured behind him.

/You’re being awfully mature,/ Rockman noted.

Netto made a face. /As much as I hate to admit it, finding something on the first day sounds too much like a trap./

Rockman nodded, /I know. That’s what I’m worried about./

Commander Beef shook his head. “I’m sorry, Netto-kun but this is rather urgent. We found a note for a scheduled abduction that is to take place later today. Either we act now or that poor navi will be kidnapped.”

Netto looked at Enzan and Laika who glanced uneasily back. Netto nodded his head slowly, even if it was a trap it was something that was rather urgent and they couldn’t afford the three days for the paperwork. “Okay,” Netto said while standing up. “I’m going.”

Laika and Enzan both sighed and stood up simultaneously. “All right,” Laika muttered. “I’m going.” Enzan nodded behind him.

“We’re only going to make sure you don’t get into trouble, I feel uneasy about this for some reason,” Laika murmured into Netto’s ear.

Netto grinned, “Thanks, I appreciate it,” he said softly. “But don’t think I need it.”

/No, not you,/ Rockman said good naturedly.

Laika watched with amusement as a tiny look of annoyance flickered across Netto’s face. /Hush,/ Netto muttered.

“Let’s go,” Laika told him while looking a bit less uptight.

“All right,” Netto replied and followed him as he brushed past Commander Beef. He looked up into the man’s face and smiled before he vanished around the curve of the door.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

The group peered around a stack of crates at the jack in port they had just sent their navis into. They were at a construction yard where the target had been said to have worked. His name was Façade and he was said to be a hardy looking navi who was very powerful with lots of hit points. Or at least this is what the letter they had found said.

Netto’s nerves were humming loudly. He could feel it was a trap. The yard was silent and nothing seemed to have been touched for days.

“Are you all right, Netto-kun?” Saloma asked him. She expected him to turn around, laugh and assure her that he was fine, but he merely frowned and ‘hmmed’ a bit before turning his gaze onto his PET.

“Netto?” Laika asked.

“Something’s wrong,” he muttered.

“I figured that,” Laika said exasperatedly while rolling his eyes. “Any clue what?”

Netto pointed at two security cameras, “We’re being watched for one. There’s live feed in both of them. I can’t find the third one, but there is at least one more camera. I’m not sure, but this place isn’t being run on normal construction programs, they’re… different. Can’t place them, but they’re different for sure.”

“How would you know that?” Commander Beef asked, obviously impressed.

Netto giggled, “There’s a reason I’m a Net Savior while still being 12,” he said haughtily.

Enzan tapped the top of Netto’s head hard enough to sting but not enough to bruise, “Save the ego trip for later. We need to take out those cameras before we do anything else.”

“Ow,” Netto muttered while rubbing his head. “Fine… Rockman…”

Saloma touched his arm. Netto turned around and Salome held up her PET and winked, “Leave this one to us,” she told him.

Netto nodded and pulled back his PET.

“Where’s the third camera?” Miyuki asked Netto softly so that the others couldn’t hear.

“Why?” Netto replied in the same quiet voice.

“I won’t tell,” she murmured.

Netto blinked, then smiled. “Okay. It’s hidden, on purpose inside the top crate. I’m guessing it’s a heat finder rather then a picture camera.”

Miyuki nodded, “I don’t know what has happened in the few years that we’ve been gone, but if you need someone to talk to we’re going to be here awhile.”

Netto gave her a grin and a thumbs up. “Will do,” he said cheerfully.

“Skullman,” Miyuki said softly. “Aim.”

“Yes!” he hissed happily as he stood up to his full height. He aimed at the location specified in the PET and held out his arms. “Bone stalker!” he yelled out in his husky voice and threw his arms at the data point. They disconnected and hit it, destroying the camera that Netto had pointed out to Miyuki.

“Good job,” Commander Beef said. “Sharkman go!”

“Fin cutter!” Sharkman yelled and the fin on his back glowed as it sliced through the camera over head.

Saloma nodded and Woodman held up his hands, slamming them onto the ground. “Woody tower!” he yelled out.

The wooden spikes came out and pierced the final camera clean through, destroying it as well.

“All right, let’s go then!” Commander Beef said while getting up to head forward but Enzan stepped on the back of his bright red cape forcing him to halt in mid rise.

“No,” he said simply. “This is a trap, based on faulty evidence. We’re leaving now.”

Miyuki and Saloma nodded and let their navis plug out. Everyone else followed suit and Commander Beef stood up adjusting his cape. “Very well,” he said with dignity. “I know when to admit defeat. Let’s go.”

“So soon?” a voice asked behind them.

Everyone turned around to see a tall, thin, rat like looking man behind them. He was dressed in a dark blue over coat that covered most of his body and he had on a baseball hat that fell over his eyes. He wore tennis shoes, a black t-shirt and jeans under the coat and his greasy dark green hair came to his shoulders. The effect of his outfit was… interesting to say the least.

Commander Beef stepped forward and glared at the man. “Guy,” he hissed. “I should have known.”

“You know him?” Rockman asked.

Commander Beef nodded. “I do. He’s the top man of the organization who have been abducting the navis as of late. He works directly under the head boss himself.”

“Ah you flatter me,” Guy said as he took off the tattered baseball cap and gave a sweeping bow. He looked up at them with cold black eyes and grinned. “So, what’s it been old man? Three months, four? You’ve been ignoring me you know,” he said as he shook a finger. “I don’t appreciate it.”

“Guy, let’s get a move on!” a voice yelled from a PET strapped to the man’s waist under his coat. “We were supposed to clean this up an hour ago!”

“I’m working on it,” Guy said with a smirk. “I can’t believe you teamed up with the legendary Net Savior trio. Those kids are famous in the Undernet you know. Epically their navis.”

Netto glared at the man as his he shivered under the cold, hard stare. “What are you doing with those navis? Why do you need them?”

“Would you like to find out?” Guy asked creepily as he smirked at Netto.

“Shut up,” Laika growled as he pulled Netto back and positioned himself so he could keep Netto from doing anything rash.

“Alas, this is where our meeting ends, dear friends,” he said silkily. “I bid thee farewell and good luck,” and with that Guy vanished.

Netto could feel what was coming, as could everyone else who was standing around him. “Get down!” Enzan yelled right before the stack of crates next to them blew up.

Guy watched the smoke drift into the sky with a happy grin on his face. “You better have lived through that, old man. Because I’m coming to get you myself one day.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love Guy and Facade XD

Wait till they get scenes together, they're gonna be hilarious XDDD
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[Midnight]

Mmm, and now the antagonists are revealed.

Guy. I wonder what compelled you to name him that. Whenever I think of that name I think of a stereotypically silly man, but I digress...

I found it surprising that you had Beef go out on his own after finding a false lead--from the anime it doesn't seem that he is THAT haughty. Nevertheless, this is your universe, and it is somewhat believeable...

Good work. I look forward to seeing how your client and antagonist develop.
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Neko]

Nah, I just had Commander Beef be like that because you have to realize he's been on this case for months, he hasn't found anything and likewise he's getting frustrated.

Therefore, while being somewhat upset AND being told what to do, he's not taking it kindly.

After this chapter he's gonna change a bit XD I just needed a plot device to intoduce the bad guys.
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[Kitty-Chan]

I love the interaction between the two teams.
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

Netto sighed as he watched Commander Beef pace around the room while Enzan finished dressing a small cut he had gotten in the explosion. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” Commander Beef answered through gritted teeth. “That man…”

Saloma came over and handed Netto a cup of rose tea, which he took gratefully. “He’s always like this after meeting up with Guy. He’s gotten the better of our group several times now.”

“Mmm,” Netto said while sipping the tea. “How did he know you were here? I mean, didn’t you just transfer back over here?”

Saloma nodded, “Yes. That’s what’s frightening about that man. He has the biggest information network in the Undernet. He and his navi, whom we still haven’t seen, always seem to be one step ahead.”

Enzan frowned and leaned back in the couch, setting the first aid kit on the floor. “So, he’s the one behind the kidnappings?”

Saloma nodded, “Yes. He’s the one who takes the navis.”

“But why?” Netto asked. “Why are they after those navis?”

“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Saloma said softly. “We don’t know.”

Commander Beef sat down in a chair and sighed. “I’m sorry kids, I haven’t been much of a clear headed leader lately. I just… want to keep any more innocent navis from getting captured.”

Netto nodded, “Undernet, police navis, civilians… they don’t really seem to discriminate, do they?”

“In a way, yes,” Saloma replied. “All the navis they’ve taken have some kind of power or something that makes them, special in a way. Powerful fighters, strong healers, data analyzers, something, anything that would make the navi more powerful makes the navi a target.”

“Scary,” Netto murmured as he finished his cup of tea.

“So, all we know is that they’re targeting powerful navis but we have no idea what they’re doing,” Laika summarized.

“Pretty much,” Saloma said as she set the teapot on the table in front of them. “If we find out any information, chances are Guy either knows it’s been leaked or he himself gave it to us. We don’t have any motives and there seems to be no stopping point.”

“Why can’t we set our own trap then?” Netto asked simply as he poured himself another cup of tea.

“Well, that’s simple, but who would be foolish enough to risk their own navi, and even if so, doesn’t your organization frown on that kind of thing?” Saloma asked.

Netto shook his head, “That’s not what I meant. Do we know who the human operators of the Mafia are?”

“Two,” Miyuki said in her quiet voice. “Besides Guy, who is only seen when he wants to be.”

Enzan could see where Netto was going with his train of though and he took over. “High or low ranking?” he asked.

“The woman is fairly high ranking, but we’ve been unable to tag her with any listening devices, the man isn’t and he hasn’t been told anything of consequence,” Commander Beef answered before Saloma or Miyuki could.

“Do you know anything about her schedule?” Enzan asked.

Saloma shook her head, “She hadn’t slipped up yet, but she’s getting messy in her personal e-mails, she mentioned where she works a few times. Other then that, no other leads.”

Netto sighed and set his teacup down, “Well, can’t you just hack into her e-mail account and read the company ones?”

“None of us are able to hack like that, Netto-kun,” Miyuki said quietly but a tiny glimmer of laughter shone in her eyes. “Are you suggesting something?”

Netto looked at Rockman who just appeared on his shoulder. “I will if we get permission first. I will not get yelled at again, not after what happened two months ago.”

Commander Beef’s curiosity was piqued. “What happened two months ago?”

“Nothing,” Netto and Rockman answered quickly together so as to avoid any explanation. Meanwhile Enzan and Laika both looked highly amused at their rather weak cover up.

“Hm…” Commander Beef replied with a rather skeptical look on his face.

Netto stood up and pulled his sleeve down. “Anyways! Why don’t we get Manabe-san’s permission and see what we can do,” he said loudly and quickly made his exit.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Manabe looked up from her paperwork and sighed. “Are you sure there’s no other option?” she asked.

“Ma’am, we’ve been tailing them for months, I can assure you in all that time they haven’t slipped up once. If we really can get into this woman’s account then we might get the break we’ve been looking for,” Commander Beef said imploringly.

Manabe looked at them then eyed the several bruises that they were all sporting, “And you’ve all done nothing but research up until now?” she asked.

/Sharp woman,/ Rockman chuckled.

/Oh yeah,/ Netto replied.

Everyone nodded but they knew that Manabe didn’t buy it for a second. She sighed and picked up a form. “All right, I’ll let you hack into her account but Netto-kun, please don’t do anything beyond reading her e-mail. I don’t want a lawsuit on my hands.”

“Yes ma’am,” he answered brightly.

She nodded, “Okay, good luck. I hope that for your sake you find something.”

“We’ll try,” Rockman answered as Netto left the room.

Manabe shook her head amusedly and bent back over her work papers.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

“Are you sure you can get into the e-mail account?” Commander Beef asked Netto.

Netto nodded and turned on his own personal laptop that he had gotten for Christmas that year from his father. “Yeup,” he answered.

“Where did you learn something like that?” Commander Beef asked him. Learning that Netto was a good enough hacker that everyone at the Net Saviors obviously trusted him with the job was still a bit of a shock to the older man.

Netto grinned, “I’ve been able to hack forever. Actually, since before I got Rockman I’ve been able to hack. Papa taught me how to program then I kinda taught myself how to bypass security programs on already bought stuff so I could re-write them.”

“Glad to know you spent your childhood doing something productive,” Rockman teased.

“Shut up,” Netto replied good-naturedly. “You know you’re doing half the work when we hack like this.”

Rockman shrugged and opened a screen inside his PET. “I’m aware, but I never denied the fact either.”

Netto rolled his eyes. Sometimes Rockman could be just a big of a pain in the butt as Enzan or Laika. “Find the IP address yet?” he asked.

Rockman scanned the public connection file for a bit, “Not yet, she must have a rotating IP.”

“Most people do,” Commander Beef said while looking at the computer screen.

Netto shrugged, “Yeah but normally they only have 5 or 6 IP addresses. This lady probably has hundreds.”

“Private?” Enzan asked while leaning over to see the screen as well.

“So it would appear,” Netto replied while tapping a few keys to try and help eliminate some choices for his navi.

“Obviously she would be secretive about it if she has files and other things she shouldn’t on her computer,” Laika pointed out.

Netto nodded in agreement and opened his mouth to reply but Rockman jumped into the conversation before he could say anything. “Found it!” he cheered.

“All right Rockman,” Netto cheered and put in the address and followed it to her computer.

Rockman went into the tunnel and looked back as it closed off behind him, “Looks like its set to rotate every few minutes.”

Netto whistled, “Wow.”

“I can’t believe you got so far. We couldn’t even get a list of her addresses,” Commander Beef said in wonder.

Netto smiled, “We’re just that good,” he said smugly.

“Yes, everyone has to be good at something,” Enzan teased.

Netto pouted at him, “That’s mean.”

Enzan grinned and merely pointed at the computer screen in reply.

Netto sighed and turned his attention back to the screen. Rockman came out in her computer and looked at the e-mail files. “A lot seem to be decoys,” he said. “Some have viruses and some have trap programs.”

“Paranoid much?” Netto asked while manually scanning each e-mail to make sure Rockman wasn’t caught.

“Well, wouldn’t you be if you were in a mafia?” Enzan asked. “She’s breaking the law on a daily basis.”

Netto shrugged and found an e-mail that didn’t have anything attached to it. It was titled ‘meeting.’ “Rockman, open that one,” he directed his navi to the newest e-mail.

Rockman scanned it and opened it, taking care to make sure that the icon didn’t show that it had been tampered with. “Meeting during the Marksman Benefit Ball,” he read out loud. “Make sure you’re not followed, 9 pm, code to enter is G2fsWl98s4. See you then, Guy.”

Commander Beef’s face lit up with delight. They finally had a break.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wheee~ new chappie~
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