Guardian Angel: Heavily AU other warnings inside

[Kitty-Chan]

Oh, Saito's gonna kick some serious ass! As for Laina...am I allowed to call her a total bitch?
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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)*

[DarkMega]

I like Laina! She's an awesome character! So....evil. -_-;; Incredibly evil, and somewhat sadistic. I think that's why I like her so much. XD. Nice chapter. I can't wait for the upcoming action!
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Justice has many faces, but this one just happens to be hilarious.
Thanks for the siggy, Hikari Angel!

"I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before."

"He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard deserves to be kicked by the foot."

My livejournal- http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=dragon_denae (Knock yourself out.)

[spiecas]

You know...the more of your story I read, the more I think that Laina seems like a female version of Dark Rockman. She gives me the same sweetly creepyness Dark Rockman has.
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“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
—Albert Einstein

[RollSoul]

Yes...I agree...
Saito...Angel...someone should make some fanart clips of this story...
Ask Planty Neko...She doesn't take request from people she doesnt know.
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NOTICE: This user no longer uses this account, they made a new account cuz they dont like the name of their account anymore =3

[Neko]

Jesus, no! Planty is one of my best friends, why on earth would I ask her to take her time to draw me pictures for a story when she gave me a website, has her own and already does me tons of favors.

I mean if someone would want to fanart any of my fics all they have to do is ask permission and undoubtedly I'll grant it. But unless it's like me and Roll doing the one shot illistration thing I will never ask someone to fanart my fic unless I have a 'request free' pass or something.
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[RollSoul]

Oh Planty set up ur site?
I didn't know that :D :D
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NOTICE: This user no longer uses this account, they made a new account cuz they dont like the name of their account anymore =3

[Neko]

Saito flew through the air silently as he headed towards where he had felt Laina’s presence. Only a fool would go near her base but he was certainly fool enough at that point. He wanted his friends back and he wanted to make sure that something like what had happened wouldn’t happen again. He knew that going directly after Laina himself was the only way to make anything happen.

With a start he realized that he had missed the feeling of being in flight. It was something that he had taken for granted over the years. He never even realized that he missed it until he had taken back to the skies.

If everything worked out he knew that he would have to go back to his life of being a guardian. He didn’t want to, no matter how much he loved flying he was willing to give up anything to stay with his family. Maybe, just maybe he could talk to Lady Eleanor when it was all over.

First he needed to save Netto and Rockman.

With a resolute look on his face he ploughed through the chilly night air towards his final destination.

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

Laika lay back in his chair and took in a deep breath. “These better help,” he muttered. “Because they are the most pain in the ass things I have ever constructed.”

Enzan frowned at the screen he was currently writing a simple OS on. “This is more Netto’s kind of thing. Or at least the making and putting together a program thing is. He’s more into the building stuff then we are.”

Laika picked up one of the spheres and looked at it. “Yeah,” he agreed.

Adrian smiled and walked over to Enzan and Laika. “You kids almost ready?”

Enzan tapped the enter key and stood up. “Yeah, we’re ready.”

“Good, because I can’t just teleport us there,” Adrian told them. “We’re going to have to go on our own.”

“Meaning?” Laika asked.

“I hope you kids have a way to get there,” Adrian told them.

Laika smiled, “I think we do,” he said.

“Huh?” Enzan asked.

“Enzan, you don’t mind riding in airplanes, do you?” Laika asked him.

Enzan shook his head, “No, I’ve never had a problem with it. Why?”

“Because, I know a way we can get there but you better not get airsick,” Laika said coolly while standing up to make his exit.

“Huh?” Enzan asked again.

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

“Laika?” Enzan called from the passenger cockpit of the jet that Laika had used to get to Electopia in the first place. “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Yeah,” Laika replied. “I have the right to judge whether or not the situation is emergency enough to call for its use.”

“And when you’re asked to explain what are you going to say?” Enzan replied. “That we got caught in the middle of a battle between angels and demons?”

“No, I’m going to say that my companion was captured and I needed fast transport to where he was being held,” Laika replied calmly.

“Ah,” Enzan said. “Makes sense.”

“Clever,” Adrian smirked as he flew along outside. “Very interesting humans, these kids.”

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

Netto sighed as he looked down at the floor. “Rockman?” he murmured. A million things were going through his head, but all he really wanted at that point was a friendly face to talk to.

“Yes, Netto-kun?” Rockman answered in his own quiet voice. He could almost feel Netto’s anxiety through his PET.

“Think Saito’s okay?” he asked suddenly.

Rockman blinked. Of course Netto was worried about Saito, after what had happened but it was still odd for him to be so… concerned when he was really the one in danger. He wasn’t about to say this out loud of course. “I’m sure Saito-kun is fine,” he assured Netto with a half-hearted grin. “I’m willing to bet he’s more concerned for you right now.”

Netto nodded and drew his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. “Probably,” he agreed. After a moment’s silence something else came to him. “Rockman, if all this is resolved, will Saito have to go away?”

“I…” Rockman blinked. “I don’t know,” he said truthfully. “Maybe.”

“Hmm…” Netto said softly.

“You’re concerned about that?” Rockman asked him. “Shouldn’t you be more concerned about the demon lady outside?”

Netto smirked, “Yeah, probably. Can’t really do anything until she gives an opening though.”

Rockman nodded, “You need to get back that crystal.”

“If this place was connected to the internet we would have been out of here hours ago,” Netto growled.

Rockman laughed softly. “Somehow I doubt someone from an ancient race of evil beings would have a lair connected to the internet.”

“That’s inconvenient,” Netto sighed.

Rockman shrugged, “You can’t always depend on me, Netto-kun.”

“Oh darn,” Netto said half jokingly earning himself a tiny smile from Rockman.

“Feeling better?” his navi asked, obviously concerned.

“As good as I possibly can given the circumstances,” Netto replied truthfully. “So, what do you think we should do?”

“Wait,” Rockman said simply.

Netto looked irritated. “That helps.”

“Don’t worry, Netto-kun. I’m sure someone will be here to help you soon. It’s not like anyone would abandon you,” Rockman assured him. “Just wait. And don’t mouth off Laina.”

Netto ran his fingers through his hair and sighed, “You’re making this very difficult you know,” he half-teased.

“I’m aware,” Rockman replied. “But seriously, lay low and be patient.”

“All right,” Netto replied. “I’ll wait.”

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

Below him, Saito spotted the building he knew to hold Laina. “Okay,” he told himself. “It’s now or never.”

He hovered hesitantly in the air as he gazed down. “I will do this,” he assured himself. “And I will win.”

With a nod he flew down and lit on ground lightly.

“I’m coming, Netto-kun.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Lalala~ /o/
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Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[RollSoul]

Yay another chapter and DAMN stupid cliffhangers!
Oh well at least we got an update :D :D
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NOTICE: This user no longer uses this account, they made a new account cuz they dont like the name of their account anymore =3

[Midnight]

It's building up...

Anyway, this is a great setup for the oft-quoted "epic conflict" that seems to happen in some of your fics. There is definitely energy that is being built up here, charging like a dynamo until it is ready to be released.

I await when you finally do release it. Great work. :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

[Kitty-Chan]

This one is always a pleasure to read.
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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)*

[Frost.EXE]

Wow! This has to be the best fanfic of Rockman.EXE I've read so far. The guardian angel concept is really intriguing. Saito netbattling was a sight to behold. ^^
I can't wait for the next update!
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Jack-in! Frost.EXE! Execute!

[Quatre Winner]

Ye gods, this fic needs to be published. You deserve cash more than a silly review, but sadly... I have none. So I hope this will do.

This is one of the most original fics I've read, and I've read a lot. Wrote some too. Saito is a cutie~ I want him. With the wings.

I can't wait until you continue this. I wanna see~

Wings ftw \o/
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Avatar made by me in paint. Whoo
Phantom Fans: Where shunned fans gather



I blame Sol u.u

[Neko]

“I’m coming, Netto-kun.”

Laina was propped on the wall, seemingly asleep as Netto and Rockman chatted quietly. She had no idea what was being said but she figured it wasn’t anything she should be concerned about. It wasn’t like they could escape on their own, so why should she care. A small pinprick of angelic energy announced Saito’s entrance on her turf as loudly as any alarm. With a grin she got up and crossed the room fully aware of Netto’s discomfort. She turned and gave him a cruel grin, “You know your twin is here? I figured he would be here soon, looks like I was right.”

Netto scowled at her, “Don’t think he’ll go down easily. Saito’s better then that.”

Laina held up Netto’s crystal, “Oh child, I don’t have to fight him. All I’ll have to do is show him this and he’ll give in to me easily. He would never jeopardize the life of his precious twin.”

Netto tried to jump at her but he was in no position to be fighting. Laina grinned mercilessly and chuckled. “Don’t worry, dear, I’ll make sure you two see each other one last time before you die. It’s the least I could do,” she said with a frigid undertone to her voice that told Netto she would do no such thing.

Netto had enough time to throw her one last glare before she left the room to face off with Saito.

“I hate that woman,” Netto hissed.

“Glad to hear that, most sane people do. You okay kid?” a voice said from the far corner.

Netto blinked and turned, “Adrian!” he said happily.

“Hey kid, your friends are outside. What say we go join them?” the tall angel asked him amiably.

Netto nodded, “I’m ready. Can you get me out?”

Adrian shut his eyes and his weapon appeared with a glow. “I don’t know, but we’re about to find out,” he replied with a grin.

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

Saito summoned his weapon and took a deep breath. “All right, I’m ready.”

“Good, because I’ve been ready for years,” a cool voice said behind him.

Saito gasped and turned around. “Laina!” He backed away; unsure of where she came from or even if she was real.

“I’m not an illusion, brat. Did you honestly think you could sneak up on me in my own territory?” she smirked. “Please don’t be so naïve, Saito-chan,” she sneered at him mockingly.

Saito quickly pulled out an arrow and fitted it to his bow. “S-stay away,” he said, his voice shaking. “Tell me where Netto-kun is.”

“He’s inside, but that is the least of your worries right now,” she said with a smirk. “You have me to deal with,” she hissed and launched herself at Saito.

Saito let his arrow loose with deadly accuracy, and it skimmed Laina’s face as she tried to dodge. Saito barely managed to escape her own blow as he took to the air and hovered well out of reach.

Laina’s dark blood dribbled down her cheek and a cold light filled her eyes. She stuck out her tongue and tasted her blood; the sight made Saito shiver involuntarily. “It’s been years since I’ve bled. I knew you had to have some skill in order to touch me. I’m glad you’re so adept.”

Saito took out another arrow and fitted it to his bow, his hands shaking. “Where is Netto?” he asked again, a slight tremor in his voice.

Laina chuckled and pulled out Netto’s crystal. “You don’t have to worry about him. Fight me, destroy me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “End my pathetic existence or your precious twin will die,” she laughed and bathed the crystal in a dark energy.

Inside, Adrian managed to destroy the force field keeping Netto trapped. As soon as he did so, Netto doubled over and Adrian dropped his weapon to catch the smaller child. “Woah, are you okay?”

“Ow,” he hissed. “Laina’s doing something! I don’t know what…”

“Does she have your crystal?” Adrian asked worriedly.

Netto nodded, “She took it when she caught me.”

Adrian swore and let his weapon vanish. He then supported Netto and helped him towards the door. “Hang in there kid, we’ll get it back.”

Back outside Saito stared at the crystal in horror. “Stop it!” he cried out.

“Kill me then,” Laina replied in a low voice. The edge to it made Saito wonder about her sanity, or lack thereof. It slowly became clear to him that Laina was no longer in her right mind.

“Your power has consumed you,” he shot back and let loose his arrow. Laina dodged and appeared to Saito’s right, still holding the crystal. “Did you want to defeat me that badly?”

The dark energy that was covering the crystal expanded to cover her whole body. It radiated off her like fire, making her hair fan out and waver around her. “Yes. I would do anything to defeat you, you who should have just destroyed me all those years ago. I DO NOT NEED YOUR MERCY!” she screamed as she hurled a ball of dark energy at Saito.

Saito dodged one and shot down another one with an arrow. He twisted in mid air and shot three arrows in rapid succession, trying to shoot the crystal from her hand but she was too quick. She turned and hurled another energy bolt at him. This time Saito was not quick enough and the shot hit his arm, forcing him to drop his arrow. Laina grinned and took the opening, the next attack catching Saito square in the chest.

Saito fell from the air and landed heavily on the ground. Weakly he tried to generate another arrow but Laina was already standing over him. With a grin that showed an insane delight she put her heeled foot on Saito’s hand and pushed down. Saito cried out in pain and Laina laughed. “Awww, does it hurt?” she asked. She pushed down harder to hear another cry, “Well, does it hurt?” she asked. “I don’t know if you don’t answer!” she laughed and pushed down again.

Saito took in a deep breath when Laina let up the pressure but before he could say anything she pushed down again and he cried out once more. “If you don’t say anything how am I to know when it HURTS!” she yelled and pushed down on his wounded hand.

Laika and Enzan came upon the scene and exchanged one glance and a quick nod before splitting off and getting on either side of the insane woman. “Now?” Enzan whispered through his PET.

Searchman pressed a few buttons, putting the flash bombs they had made online. When he nodded to Laika, Laika whispered a hurried “Ready,” to Enzan and hurled his own bomb with deadly accuracy.

Both of the spheres landed on either side of Laina and exploded in a dazzling flash of light. Laina screeched in pain and cried out as her power was interrupted by the sudden burst of daylight that appeared in the clearing.

Saito wrenched his hand free and slammed into Laina, forcing her to drop the crystal. Saito heard the small object fall to the ground but he had no idea where it was because he too was blinded by the sudden change of light to dark ratio.

Laika was all over it and jumped into the fray with specialized sunglasses on. He grabbed the crystal that was dropped; not knowing whom it belonged to. Anything that was dropped he was ready to snatch up, just in case. Before Laina could recover, he helped Saito up and jumped out of her reach, as the light began to fade away.

Just then Netto and Adrian came out of the lair and ran towards the scene. “What’s going on here?” Netto gasped.

“Netto-kun!” Saito gasped and pulled himself from Laika’s grip to jump onto his twin. “I’m so sorry, Netto-kun. I never meant… I mean…”

Netto looked at Saito and blinked. “You’re okay,” he murmured. As if he snapped out of a daze, he returned the hug fiercely. “You’re okay,” he said again.

“Are you all right?” Rockman asked.

Saito nodded, “I’m fine. Or I will be, at least.”

“We still have our immediate problem, boys. Let’s leave the reunion for later,” Adrian warned as Laina rubbed the light from her eyes.

Enzan hurled another light bomb, sending Laina into another fit of angry shrieks as she tried to escape the sunbursts. Laika held up his catch, “This look familiar to anyone?” he asked as Enzan made his way over.

Netto took it, “Thanks,” he said happily.

“Yours? She had it?” Laika asked.

Netto nodded as he summoned his weapon. “Yeup. But not any more. How many more of those things do you have?” he asked Laika, referring to the bombs.

Laika pushed the worry that had wallowed up in his stomach away. He could worry later. “I’ve got two more, Enzan has one. Got a plan?”

“Not really,” Netto admitted. “But if things get bad we might need those to get out of the way. Save them though, she’ll be expecting it from now on.”

Enzan and Laika both nodded. Adrian re-summoned his own weapon and Saito summoned an arrow. “Well?” Adrian asked. “You kids think you can handle this?”

“Of course,” Netto grinned. “We have to, right?”

“Right,” Saito agreed. “I don’t want to have to go through with this any more,” Saito adopted a serious look. “It’s time to end this. Now.”

Laina rubbed the light from her eyes and pulled her sword out of her shadow. “I couldn’t have said it better, dear,” she said wickedly.

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

Laina be so very incredibly creepy XD
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Kitty-Chan]

Yeah! Kill the bitch! Sorry, couldn't resist. I sense a climax rapidly approaching. A truly great chapter.
_________________
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)*

[Midnight]

...the plot grows thick and lot more dark.

As I've said in the IRC channel, enjoying this fic is almost like enjoying a cheesecake--the plot and development of the characters is akin to the luscious texture and subtle flavors of the filling. This is a feast for the imagination, and you would definitely be one of the top chefs in that respect.

I can tell that you're getting towards the usual "epic conflict" portion of the fic, and I look forward to seeing how that pans out.

Excellent work.

Addendum:

[Neko]

“Netto-kun,” Rockman said softly.

“Mm?” Netto asked, keeping his eyes on Laina while trying to listen to what his navi had to say.

“She’s close range, Netto-kun. Your weapon will be the most effective against her,” Rockman said in a loud enough voice for Saito to hear as well. “However, if Saito-kun was behind you, giving support, you might be able to defeat her.”

Netto smirked, “Teamwork?” he asked coyly.

Rockman gave a short laugh, “Something like that,” he agreed. Then his voice adopted a more serious tone. “Seriously, Netto-kun, you can go up against her with the most ease, but without some kind of back up, there is no way you can beat her.”

“Her power are the shadows and we have three more hours of pitch black left,” Adrian said softly. “However, even if she isn’t human, she has a weak point. We all do,” he said while motioning to his necklace. He flashed a tiny grin in the direction of the twins, “We just have to find that.”

Saito fitted the arrow and crouched down, getting ready to take off, “Leave that to me,” he said and took off.

Laina yelled angrily and got ready to launch after him but Netto was too quick. After nearly a year of fighting net navis in any way possible, including crossfusion, he was used to battle and even more used to the conditioning it took to keep up some kind of stamina. It’s not like crossfusion was easy on the body. If anything, he preferred having his own weapon rather then summoning a new one every two minutes, even if it did have its limits.

Laina glared at him for a second before her ugly sneer turned into a wicked grin. “Fine, if you wish to die first I’ll be more then happy to oblige!” she screamed and thrust her sword forward.

“Netto-kun!” Rockman yelled, almost as if a signal. He saw Laina’s attacks much more openly then Netto did, and it turned to be to Netto’s advantage that he was the one who took her on. He twisted the glaive so that Laina’s sword ran down the smooth shaft, away from his body. He then pushed to the side, knocking her off balance in mid air and pushed away so he could get away before she recovered.

Adrian let out a slow whistle and Saito waited for the dust to settle before letting his arrow loose into the most obvious place. Laina screeched angrily as a pale arrow sprouted in her chest, right where her heart would be if she were human. She sneered and pulled out the arrow, leaving only an empty hole and not much else. “Brat!” she screamed. “You’ll have to do better! I’m not like you, I don’t have a body like that,” she laughed.

Saito shivered, “It was worth a shot,” he murmured and summoned another one as Netto ran forward again before Laina could target Saito.

Laika gripped his remaining bomb and looked for an opening. He knew there was more to her then what it seemed and he knew, somehow that it would be some form of light that would be her downfall.

In the shadows, Enzan caught his eye. They both nodded at one another, understanding the same thing. When the time came, their decision of when to act might turn the outcome of the battle.

Laina deflected Netto’s attack rather easily but it didn’t mean she was on top of the matter. His weapon was double sided and before she had time to blink the pointed end came up and around and she barely avoided the thrust as she jumped back. She cursed herself for her moment of weakness and jumped at Netto with more vigor then ever. Adrian took her opening and threw his own weapon at her, catching her in the side and throwing her onto the ground.

She rolled over several times and stood up just in time to catch the arrow Saito had let loose in her bare hand. She gritted her teeth and growled angrily. “Isn’t three against one a little unfair?” she hissed in a pretend cutesy voice that made everyone shiver involuntarily. It almost sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

Netto regained his composure and sank into a battle position, “And since when are you fair, lady?”

Laina’s cool eyes rested on him and she flashed her teeth in a grin before pulling a second sword out of the ground. “Touché, brat,” she laughed. “You’re right, I’m not.”

Adrian yelped as a shadow clone materialized behind him and nearly impaled him on the end of a crudely formed limb. He threw the end of his weapon at it and watched as its body merely formed around it, absorbing the shock.

Netto turned around to look at what was happening but Laina appeared in front of him. “It’s rude to turn your back on a guest,” she sneered mockingly and brought one sword down near Netto’s shoulder. Netto barely managed to block it and he was unable to do anything as the second sword came up and under.

Laika saw a quick nod and the two of them lobbed the last of their weapons. The one Laika was holding freed Adrian from the shadow and the other two landed near Laina, giving Netto enough time to dodge and escape.

Laina cursed her lack of awareness as she blinked the spots from her eyes. “Stupid brats,” she growled. “You’ll pay for that.”

Netto ran in and blocked both of her swords with the length of his weapon. “No, you won’t,” he hissed in return. “You’re not going to hurt anyone.”

“I’ll kill you first,” she snapped in return. “That way you won’t have to watch. Think of it as my going away gift!” she yelled and pulled a sword free to bring down on Netto.

Saito let loose another arrow and buried its self into her wrist and kept her from striking Netto. Netto in turn, jumped back to assess the situation and to stay off the wrong end of her sword.

Laina growled and pulled the weapon out of her wrist and threw it to the ground where it slowly vanished. “Are you two brats done yet?” she asked in a sickly sweet voice that almost sounded genuine.

“Watch out,” Rockman said softly. Netto nodded in reply and sunk into a defensive position while Saito hovered just out of reach over him.

Adrian continued with his own fight, trying to break the thing’s hold on his weapon but its formless nature almost seemed to be a defense in and of its self. It was difficult to do anything because whatever was thrown at it was merely absorbed and then dished back out to him.

Netto yelled out as he launched another attack and Saito hovered, trying to find her weak spot. She had to have something that was keeping her together, something that held the energy in one piece. He just didn’t know where it was. Netto flipped over to avoid another sword thrust and he caught a glimmer of something he never saw before. When Netto dodged another attack his eyes widened as he slowly realized where her source was.

“Netto-kun!” he yelled, “Aim for her weapons! Her power is hidden in her weapons!”

Netto’s eyes widened as he finally realized too, what Laina was doing. Her power was never in her body to begin with. Instead of risking being injured in the place she kept her power she put it in her weapons in order to protect it and to let her weapons keep their shape. That was how she controlled the shadows.

“Oh,” Adrian grinned, finally realizing how to defeat his own opponent. “So that’s it, huh?” he asked.

Saito summoned another arrow and took careful aim. He nodded and pulled the string taut, “That’s it,” he murmured.

Laina’s eyes widened in a showing of actual fear. “No,” she whispered, taking a shaky step back.

Netto jumped forward, bringing his glaive down on the sword in her left hand as hard as he could and it shattered on impact. Saito let his own arrow loose and it buried its self in the base of the blade, shearing the dark blade cleanly into two. Finally, Adrian took aim and thrust is own weapon through the torso of his enemy, destroying its center of power.

“NO!” Laina screamed. “NO! I CAN’T DIE! I…” she began to vanish. “I can’t…”

Saito landed gently on the ground and stood behind Netto. He looked at the vanishing woman with a sad frown, “How can something not living, die?” he asked.

Laina looked at him and smirked, her remaining moments to be spent mocking the one being she hated above all others. “How indeed?” she asked. “How indeed, Saito-chan,” she said and vanished completely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Oh battle scenes, how you torment me ;o;

Ah well, hope you enjoyed it at least XD
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Oh come, Neko, that was fantastically done!

The revelation was brief, and I can't help but think that the entire battle went up to that, but it certainly is quite a clever combination, if I may say so myself. I just find it kinda hard to believe that even after so long, no one figured out Laina's secret.

Nevertheless...we seemed to have reached the climax, and the end seems to be nigh. I only hope that the fic ends just as well as it began. Good work, my friend.

OMG 2500
_________________
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

[Kitty-Chan]

Bravo! I think it's fitting that Saito figured out her weak spot & killed her; he finished what he started. Great chappy, Neko.
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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]

Saito shook his head and walked away from the spot where Laina had vanished. “Well, that’s it then,” he said softly.

“Not quite,” Adrian told him. “We still have to deal with the attack on the gates. Or at least, we have to wait for Lade Eleanor to deal with the attack on the gates.”

Netto yawned, “Well then, why don’t we go home?” he asked. “We’ve been up all night and I am tired.”

Laika and Enzan nodded their agreement. “That sounds like a good plan.”

“She’s gone,” Saito said softly. “After all that,” Saito shivered. “How can you be so casual about it?”

Netto walked over and led Saito away from the area. “Well, we’re kinda used to this. Navi’s, bad guys, they get deleted and disappear all the time. And really, Saito,” Netto paused and giggled, “nii-chan,” he added, “I’m so tired and honestly right now Laika could start singing the Electopian National anthem and I wouldn’t bat an eye.”

“There’s a scary thought,” Enzan said quietly.

“Shut up,” Laika muttered. “We’re all tired, let’s just leave it at that.”

“Exactly!” Netto said cheerfully and slung an arm around Saito’s shoulders. “So, let’s go home and be all shocked and surprised tomorrow after we get sleep.”

“You take things so easily,” Saito said softly. “You’re a wonder, Netto-kun.”

“Oh yes,” Laika said quietly enough so that only Enzan and his own navi could hear. “Yes, indeed.”

Enzan’s lips quirked upwards in a small smile. “Well, it’s what makes him somewhat easy to deal with in the aftermath of battles,” he pointed out. “A whole lot easier.”

Laika shrugged but didn’t concede on the point. He just decided to agree with it silently.

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

Netto stretched out on his couch and lay back into the pillows. “Oh man that was tough,” he yawned. “Think mom’ll make us go to school tomorrow?” he asked.

“You should try,” Rockman said doubtfully.

Netto glanced down at his PET and checked the time. “It’s 4:56 am,” he muttered.

Rockman sighed. “Sleep then, I guess mom will understand.”

Netto nodded and sat up. He walked over to Saito who was nodding off in a chair. “You can sleep in your bed you know,” he said with a small grin.

Saito took in a deep breath and jerked awake. “Wha?” he asked sleepily. “Where are we?”

“Home,” Netto answered. “Laika went to his hotel, Enzan went home and Adrian went back to… wherever the hell you come from. And we’re home. Why not go to bed?”

Saito yawned and brought the back of his hand to his mouth to cover it up. “Yeah,” he said in a soft voice. “That sounds great.”

Netto followed Saito up the stairs and went into his own room. He plugged Rockman into the recharger and fell into bed. “You have my permission to chase away anyone who tries to get in,” he muttered and pulled the blankets over his head.

Rockman yawned and got ready to go into stasis mode. “Take care of it yourself,” he said a little grumpily. “I’m sleeping too.”

“Night,” Netto murmured.

“Good night,” Rockman replied.

Within ten minutes both of them were fast asleep. A few minutes after that Haruka looked in, smiled and shut the door quietly. She had already seen Saito fast asleep in his own bed. Questions and answers would come later, she was just happy they were back.

Later that morning, afternoon really, Netto felt someone shake him roughly on the shoulder. “Go away,” he whined and buried himself deeper into his sheets.

“Come on kid, Lady Eleanor wants to talk to you,” Adrian said kindly.

“She can talk to me when I’m not crabby and have had more sleep. Go away,” Netto said flatly.

“I agree with Netto-kun!” Rockman said from his PET before he went back into stasis mode.

“There you go,” Netto said from under his covers and pulled them tightly around his body.

Adrian sighed and scratched his head. “I can make you go,” he said finally. “The bed sheets aren’t some magical force field you know.”

“Oh damn!” Netto said sarcastically, his voice raising. “And here I thought I had perfected the magical bed sheets of doom technique!”

“You’re not very nice in the morning, are you?” Adrian asked.

“No,” Rockman’s voice could be heard again. “And usually I have to listen to it. Can you please come back in a few hours?”

Saito walked into Netto’s room and sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s just an hour or so. You can sleep as soon as you get back. Come on,” he chided and shook Netto on the shoulder.

Netto groaned and curled up into a ball. “I’m tired!” he whined.

“I’m aware,” Saito said, a little annoyed. “But it’s rude to keep someone waiting. Let’s go.”

Netto was still and didn’t reply to Saito’s last plead.

Saito rolled his eyes and pulled the covers off of Netto’s body. He took Netto’s arm as he reached up to pull the covers back over him and smiled coyly. “We’re going,” he said simply and vanished with his twin.

Adrian whistled and vanished as well in pursuit of the two. Rockman fell back into stasis mode, knowing that Netto and Saito were perfectly fine.

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

They appeared in front of Lady Eleanor and Netto mumbled something about not getting enough sleep. Saito hushed his twin and Adrian grinned. “Hello,” he said to Lady Eleanor cheerfully. “I brought them.”

“Good job,” the formidable woman said kindly and waved her hand. Three chairs appeared and the three of them sat down. “Now, as you know we’re doing our very best to beat back the enemy. They are almost gone, or at least enough so that travel between the worlds is now possible. So, here’s my problem. Saito seems to have grown attached to his real life and undoubtedly Netto would be unhappy if Saito returned to his normal duties. However, Saito is dead so there isn’t much I can do about it.”

Netto and Saito both opened their mouths to protest before Adrian put his hands on their shoulders. “Except?” he asked.

Lady Eleanor smiled. “Ah Adrian, you know me too well. Except, perhaps I can assign Saito as Netto’s permanent guardian angel. And if you are clever enough, perhaps you can live the life that you wish. Although I don’t think Netto and his friend Rockman will allow for that.”

“Really?” Saito asked breathlessly.

“Why didn’t you say that in the first place?” Netto asked hotly.

Lady Eleanor’s lips curved up in a cat-like grin. “Allow and old woman her jokes, dear,” she replied with a laugh. “Now, if you don’t mind I think we’d all be happier if I held onto your crystal.”

“Gladly,” Netto said and took it off. In the blink of an eye it appeared in Lady Eleanor’s outstretched hand.

“Very good, dear,” she smiled. “You’ve still quite a bit of work to do as a mortal,” she said with a nod. “However, added protection can’t hurt. A lot is waiting for you, in the future, Netto Hikari.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Netto asked rudely.

Lady Eleanor stood up and walked over to them. “You’ll just have to wait and see, dear,” she said and laughed. “Now, I need to talk to Adrian so you two can shoo now,” she raised a hand and Netto found himself back in his bed. He blinked once, then lied back down.

“You there?” Saito called from his room.

“Yeah!” Netto replied, then frowned. “That was like, ten minutes! She couldn’t wait a few more hours for that?”

“That’s not how she works!” Saito replied. “And if you’re so tired, then why don’t you just go back to sleep!”

“Fine,” Netto muttered and pulled the covers over his head. “I will.”

“Everything work out?” Rockman asked sleepily.

Netto yawned and nodded. “Mmhm, Saito-nii-chan gets to stay, I gave the woman back the weird thing and everything is all right.”

“For now,” Rockman said with a short laugh.

“Shut up and sleep,” Netto sighed and Rockman did just that.

Saito looked at the ceiling of his room for a little while, smiling to himself. He hadn’t been so happy in years. Just thinking about the possibilities made him happy and staying with Netto and Rockman and his family was a gift he never knew he could have. And all he had to do in return was what he would gladly do anyways.

He would always be a Guardian Angel.

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

Finished~

Thanks to all who read this. I quite like how smoothly this one ended. No open ending, or at least I don't think so. It just kinda... came to a stop. I like it when that happens XD
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Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

*applause*

And another great fic comes to a close. I must admit, Neko, that it was quite a nice and appropriate finish to the fic. Congratulations on finishing yet another great piece of work. Cheers!
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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

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