Affinity -EXE5 SPOILERS-

[Sol]

Chapter 13: The Extreme

Netto sighed as he sank back into one of the chairs. That battle with Cosmoman had been far too close, and he was glad that battle had finished without either of his two navis being injured. However...he still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

What was it that I felt a few minutes ago? Netto thought, absentmindedly rubbing his arm. It felt like some sort of blow, but...that's impossible. I couldn't have felt the same thing Forte did, right?

Shaking his head, the brunette stared at the two PETs. I already know that the situation is far more dangerous than we thought, but...what is this feeling of foreboding? he thought, growing worried. If something happened to Rockman or Forte...

Netto shook his head. “No, they'll be fine. I shouldn't think like that.” he muttered softly to himself, taking a deep breath.

Regal noticed the boy's apprehension. “Is something wrong?”

“Ah...I'm just worried,” Netto said truthfully. It would do no good to make false assurances at this point in his mind. “We've been surprised at every turn, and now that we're at the last area, who knows what awaits us?”

“I see,” Regal muttered as he nodded. “It is normal to be worried in a situation such as this. We have no idea what is ahead...and despite being prepared, there is one surprise after another.”

Netto sighed. “Exactly. That's why I'm worried.”

Regal shook his head. “Yes...but you're also worried about your navis,” Netto looked at Regal in surprise, who only shrugged. “How do I know? It's written clearly over your face, Netto-kun.”

The brunette shifted uneasily. “You're right. I trust both of them...but I'm always worried!” he said, turning to the scientist, “What if something happens to them? What if I can't help them when they need it? What if...”

“Nothing is ever solved by constant 'what ifs', Netto,” Regal said smoothly, “You just have to believe they can do it, and do your best to help them.”

Netto took a deep breath and sighed again, still looking uneasy. “Yeah. Thanks, Dr. Regal.” he muttered as he turned back to the screen.

The scientist gave the boy a small smile. “Now, you have to concentrate. We're all counting on both you and your partners.”

Netto gulped. The fact that everyone was relying on him yet again had already sunk in, but he could never remember feeling like this. A terrible feeling was welling up in him, but he couldn't quite place it...what was going to happen?

-----

“It's gotten a lot more silent down here,” Rockman muttered as he cautiously walked into the dark abyss. “I don't like it.”

Forte only nodded in response. The loud static that had been in the past areas had started to dim somewhat as they kept going, and just totally fall silent as they approached the core. “Hm...I wonder...” the cloaked navi muttered to himself.

“Wonder what?” Rockman asked, looking over at his companion.

“I'm wondering if it's so dark down here that it's drowning out all the light and sound.” he answered, looking around.

The blue navi blinked. “Now that you mention it...it has gotten a lot darker since we've gotten in here.” he muttered.

“Indeed,” Forte continued. “We're very close, so we have to prepare ourselves for anything.”

Rockman looked to the distance, silent as he ruminated over something. “Hey, Forte...” he muttered, getting the other navi's attention, “Who...or what do you think is waiting for us, anyway?”

“Good question,” Forte grumbled. “I've been trying to figure that out myself.”

The blue navi gave a low hum, mulling over possibilities. “It doesn't seem like any human could control this...for that fact, any other navi other than yourself either.” Rockman quickly berated himself when he saw the cloaked navi wince. “Ah, sorry! I didn't mean-”

“No, it's alright,” Forte interrupted, “I'm well aware of that fact. Anyway, I'm unsure of whatever is causing this is either human or navi, to be honest.”

“Neither?” Rockman asked, somewhat surprised.

The cloaked navi nodded. “Yeah. I just have this feeling...you know?”

Rockman stared at him for a long while before slowly nodding. “I see. Yeah, I've gotten those feelings too.”

“Rockman,” Forte started, his face very serious and his tone almost commanding, “We must be ready. Whatever we're dealing with may be even more powerful than either you or I have ever faced.”

The blue navi nodded. “Got it. I'll be careful.”

Forte sighed as they started walking back into the depths. Something...didn't feel right at all. For the first time, the cloaked navi felt uncertainty. The darkness ahead of them didn't bode well for them, and...he actually felt slightly fearful.

No, calm down! Forte told himself, trying to get his emotions under control. Taking a few deep breaths, he finally managed to get the shaking feeling out of his body. Am I actually scared of going in there? he thought incredulously, glaring ahead at the distance. I can't afford to feel afraid now. I'm going in there!

Rockman stopped suddenly and looked over his shoulder. “Forte?” he asked softly, sounding slightly worried for his companion. “Are you alright?”

The cloaked navi shook his head and walked past Rockman. “Yes. We have no time to waste, so let's go.” he said curtly, and possibly more forceful than he meant to.

Rockman only stared at his partner. There was obviously something bothering Forte, but he kept his curiosity to himself as he caught up. He didn't want him upset before going into battle, after all.

The two continued walking, both of them oddly silent. They were fast approaching their final destination, and Forte was mentally preparing himself. He couldn't believe it, but he still felt jittery somehow.

“Hey...Forte,” Rockman piped up suddenly, stopping only a few feet away from the large platform, “I have one last thing to ask. Can you hear me out, please?”

Forte only gave the blue navi a long look before sighing and nodding. “Go ahead.”

Rockman ran through the question in his head again before taking a deep breath. “This has been bothering me for a while...and before we go in there, I'd like to have it answered if possible.” he breathed out.

“So? Spit it out already.” Forte growled.

“Why did you change?” the blue navi quickly asked, avoiding his gaze.

Forte blinked. “Eh?” was all he could sputter out.

“Just as I asked. Why did you change?” Rockman repeated, still avoiding the cloaked navi's staring eyes.

Forte bit his lip. To be honest, I don't know how to answer that. he thought to himself. Sighing, he tried to think of something to say. “Well...” he began, “When I changed wasn't all that long ago, really...but you're asking why I did, huh?”

At Rockman's nod, he took a deep breath and continued. “I suppose...well, I suppose it has to do with the other world again. Everything has to do with it, to say the least,” he said, looking away from his companion. “Netto was the first one who had found me. Although we didn't want to, we had to work together to survive, you know?

“I know, you and Netto-kun have told me this before...” Rockman muttered, but was cut off by Forte's snort.

“Then you should see what I'm getting at, right?” he said grimly. “Even though we couldn't really stand the other during our travel, Netto-kun was the only one I could ever remember that didn't fear me, and instead, actually worked with me even though I was resisting to the end. I didn't know why he didn't fear me, why he didn't care that I nearly killed both him and you during our last encounter, or why he didn't leave me behind like so many other people have.” Forte sighed again, but Rockman could sense the small amount of sadness that the cloaked navi held back.

“Maybe that's why...no,” Forte then shook his head, more to himself than anything. “It is why I protected him when that blast was about to kill him. He had trusted me the whole way, and at the time, I think I subconsciously knew what I had to do.”

Rockman stood silent for a few moments before making one last inquiry. “...did you really want to protect him, or did you just think you owed it to him?” he asked, steeling his voice.

Forte noticed the sudden apprehensiveness and decided that it was now or never. “...I really did feel that way.” he said quietly.

“What?” Rockman asked, blinking several times to make sure he heard correctly.

“I've also thought a lot about it,” Forte muttered, staring off into the distance once again, “I really believe that I wanted to protect him...the one that didn't care about my past at all, the one who put his life on the line to help me...it would be an insult to him to say that I only did it as a favor. I did it because I wanted to.” he finished simply.

Rockman was speechless. Not only at Forte's reason, but rather from what his companion was doing. Was he...shaking? “Forte?” The cloaked navi must have noticed what he was doing and immediately straightened up, turning back to look at Rockman.

“That's my reason. That's why I changed. All because he gave me a chance.” he finished. Rockman looked down at the ground, somewhat shamed.

And here I was, having doubts! he thought angrily. Netto and Forte were trusting him, and here he was, not being able to put something so simple behind him.

“Sorry.” Rockman said with his head still bowed. Forte only stared at him.

“Why are you apologizing? It was only a simple question, so...” the cloaked navi started, but was cut off as Rockman stared at him with something akin to remorse showing in his eyes.

“No, that's not why I'm apologizing;” he said slowly, “I thought I had put all my doubts behind me a while ago. But I didn't, I still doubted you despite everything that we've been through.” Sighing, he looked away once again. “I let myself believe something was off, something was wrong with you. I've been horrendously stupid...”

“Rockman, enough;” Forte said sternly, “You don't have to feel sorry.”

“What?” Rockman gasped, looking up at the cloaked navi. “But-”

Forte shook his head. “You've had all the reason in the world to doubt me. I'm not surprised at all...had our positions been switched, I would actually feel the same way.”

When Rockman stayed silent, Forte could only sigh. “Come, we've wasted enough time here. Let's get moving.” he said gruffly before turning around. He heard Rockman sigh as he followed, and could only shake his head. Emotions were a complicated thing.

---

Netto leaned back in his chair, his gaze still focused on the two PETs in front of him. Unbeknownst to the two navis, the boy had heard every single word of their conversation. Needless to say, it pained him terribly.

I had no idea that Rockman has been suffering like this, Netto said to himself in his head, grimacing. Even worse, I haven't even approached him about it. What kind of brother am I?

The operator could only sigh and hold his head in his arms as he mulled over everything. Dammit, how could I let this happen? I was trying to be careful... the boy thought as he mentally beat himself up.

Suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks. That was it. In trying to be cautious with Rockman about the whole deal with Forte, he didn't dare ask him about his opinion of the other navi...or maybe he was just scared.

Yes, that was it. He was scared of broaching the topic with Rockman, because he didn't know how he would react. He had kept telling himself that he would do it eventually, but now he realized that it was a bit late for that. At that moment, Netto felt like driving his head right into the wall, but refrained from doing so. Oh god, I'm so sorry, Rockman...

And yet...Netto couldn't help but be surprised when Forte had talked about his reasons.

All because I gave him a chance... Netto thought solemnly, biting his lip. He had to wonder if he truly knew about the losses the cloaked navi had suffered throughout his early life, even with the flux of Forte's memories.

Failing to hold back a sniffle, Netto knew what he had to do when everything was resolved. It would be time to talk to both of his navis and resolve everything between them.

To hell with his fears; nothing would stop the boy this time.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Netto pushed it all to the back of his mind. As eager as he was to try and start making amends now, he still had a job to finish. A job that he and his navis were going to do together.

“Rockman, Forte...can you hear me?” Netto winced at how his voice cracked for a moment before he managed to bring it back to normal. Something told him that everything wouldn't be so easy after this.

No matter. They had all the time in the world when it was all over.

---

Both navis looked upwards, relieved to hear their friend's voice after so long. “Netto-kun, how is everything on your end?” Rockman asked, showing concern for what was happening in the real world.

“It's starting to get under control, but Papa's and Dr. Regal's efforts will be in vain if we can't stop it here.” came the reply, Netto's voice conveying his anxiousness.

“Then we'll stop it here,” Forte remarked simply. “I won't give it a chance to escape!”

Netto was silent for a few long moments before speaking up again. “Regardless...Papa says the area you two are in has the largest concentration of chaotic energy, and there's no doubt that the source is there.” The boy paused for a few seconds before continuing, “But please, be careful...something is very off, and I don't know what it can be!”

Forte was going to ask what he meant when he felt it. “This energy...” he muttered to himself, “Why does it feel stable?”

“What's wrong?” Rockman asked, turning to look at his partner.

The cloaked navi looked nervous. “Chaotic energy isn't supposed to be stable in one spot. Just as its name implies, it is always supposed to be fluctuating, not ever staying in the same spot for a period of time.”

Rockman paled. “Then...that means...”

Forte nodded. “While we already knew this before, what we're dealing with isn't normal by any means. But to think that it is a being of chaotic energy...” Shaking his head, he grunted. “No, we don't have time to ruminate on this. We need to get going!”

“I agree. If you two are ready, go ahead and head in...just be careful, alright?” Netto ordered, sounding somewhat hesitant. Both navis nodded.

“We will, Netto-kun.” Rockman said softly. Turning to Forte, he nodded, and both of them walked forward onto the platform.

“Ugh!” Forte grunted, bringing his arms in front of him as if he was trying to ward something off. “I didn't expect it to be this strong here!” Rockman also braced himself, also feeling the effects. While the energy was indeed strong, the two navis managed to force their way through, even though it took several minute of struggling to walk to do so.

Finally, they made it to the middle of the platform, where they both stopped to pant. That was when Rockman noticed something.

“That's odd...why can we move freely over here?” he asked, holding his chest. There was some sort of sizzling sensation going through him, but the cause of it escaped him for the moment. Forte nodded.

“I'm not liking this. It's letting us through for some reason.” Forte growled, looking around.

“What is that?!” Netto exclaimed in surprise. The two navis looked around quickly, and found what Netto was talking about.

“A giant flame...?” Rockman questioned, squinting his eyes at how bright it was. “Here? What is going on?” Walking towards it, Rockman suddenly cried out as he clutched his chest, stepping back in recoil.

“Rockman! What happened?!” Netto cried in alarm. When Rockman stopped moving, he took a few breaths before looking up.

“I...I don't know. My chest was hurting sometime before this, but when I stepped towards that thing, it just became unbearable...” he whispered. Forte looked concerned for a moment before they heard Regal's voice.

“I imagine that being due to the program being overloaded...” the two navis heard him murmur, “We did not have such a concentration of energy in mind when we made he program...or rather, we couldn't make it so that it could protect against such strength. We didn't have enough time to do so...”

Forte grunted. “That's fine, but now what do we do? If Rockman can't proceed...” he trailed off. Netto opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a grunt from the blue navi.

“It's fine...” he said slowly, “I'm fine. However...if I can't even get near that barrier, then what are we going to do?” Rockman asked, glaring at the flaming wall.

“I don't know...” Netto said, trying to think of anything. It was always one thing after another!

Rockman looked over the scene once more and got an idea. “Hmm...hey, Forte;” he murmured, waving the other navi over to him, “If I can't get near it, maybe you can. Papa did say that you were used to the energy before we came in here.” he suggested.

Forte blinked at Rockman's observation before deciding there was no harm in it. Cautiously, he slowly stepped towards the barrier, wondering if there was anything to expect. To both his and Netto's surprise, he walked all the way up to the flaming wall with ease. “What the hell?” he asked in mild surprise.

“I see...” Rockman breathed. “I was right. The energy beyond that barrier is far too strong for the resistance program to handle. So...”

Netto narrowed his eyes. Rockman was up to something, and he didn't like it. “Rockman, what are you saying?” he asked in a low growl, having a good idea where this conversation was going.

Rockman opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by the rumbling of the ground. “What the-?”

Forte grimaced. “Get back! The energy...whatever that thing is doing, it's making all the chaotic energy in the area fluctuate wildly!” he shouted. Both he and Rockman retreated to the center of the platform, looking around frantically.

“So, you finally got here. You have kept me waiting too long...” came a low voice out of nowhere. Rockman's head snapped up, his eyes wide.

“That's it!” he cried, realization dawning in his eyes. “That was what I heard last night! It's that voice!”

The voice continued as if he hadn't heard Rockman at all. “I commend you for reaching here. To think, you two could fight off the hatred of the navis that drifted here...”

Forte looked confused. “Hatred? What do you mean?”

There was a booming laugh that reverberated throughout the area. “I can sense your unease...how wonderful! While the bodies of those navis had perished long ago, their hatred still lived on...eventually, I took that and gave them physical bodies once more, existing only in this dimension.”

Both of the navis understood what the voice was saying. “...they were phantoms, then.” Rockman stated stiffly.

They could have sworn that the voice laughed. “How perceptive! Their hatred against you, Rockman, was what kept them going! They might have not have been totally who they once were...but they all remembered enough that their desire to delete you was above all else.”

“But why?” Forte asked, growling at the air. “Why would you go to the trouble of creating such things? Why would you revive the dead?”

“Because, my dear little navi, I need pawns to use to create chaos in the world. I thrive on it, and the more there is, the more I am fed,” the voice purred, making everyone shiver. “The more I am fed, the more power I can generate, leading to even more chaos. It is truly exquisite.”

“That's the reason why it's doing all of this?!” Netto exclaimed in horror. “All just to take over the whole net with chaos?”

“You misunderstand me, human;” it said in amusement, “I don't seek world domination or anything trivial like that. All I want to see is this whole miserable net world filled with such chaos that the world above will feel it too! After all, it should be fitting for the real world to become undone by the very thing they have created, would it not?”

“Like hell we'll let you do that!” Forte snarled.

Rockman nodded in unison. “We're going to stop you! We're not going to let you destroy everything just because you want to!”

The voice laughed again. “Interesting. As much as I would like to entertain you two, I'm simply afraid that you've become too much of a threat since you've made it this far.” When the voice stopped speaking, as if on some command, six shadowy figures appeared around the two navis, who immediately tensed and slid into their battle stances.

Rockman instantly noticed something was wrong when he glimpsed at the figures. “It can't be...Colonel?!” he cried.

“What...?” Netto said in shock as he got a closer look at the figures. “Tomahawkman, Shadowman, Knightman...even Numberman and Toadman! What are they all doing here!?”

Forte growled again. “That's not them! Look at their eyes!” In unison, both Rockman and Netto looked at Colonel's eyes and gasped.

They were blank, void of any emotion. In fact, all of their eyes were red, and they were transfixed on the two navis they encircled.

“You bastard! How are you doing this!?” Netto roared from his postion. The voice merely chuckled.

“Oh, it was simple, really. Anything that enters the Ura Net at any time is subject to meeting with chaotic energy, no matter how small. I can create copies of anything that has been in contact with it, even if it was only for a scant second. I just modified the ones you see before you to my liking!”

The two looked over all the copies again and found that their color schemes were much darker, even inverted from the ones they knew. “Only copies...” Rockman murmured, not knowing when they would attack. All of the copies looked like they were about to pounce, and even with their strength, six to two odds weren't very favorable to them.

Chuckling once more, the voice seemed to start fading out. “Now, kill them! Leave nothing!” it ordered as it entirely went away. In unison, all of the clones pounced, their weapons aimed right at the two.

Rockman and Forte both dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the combined strike. While both had their busters out, the last thing they wanted to do was attack. Not because they were afraid, but scattering them would be the worst possible thing at the moment. Better to keep all enemies in sight. Forte thought quickly as both he and Rockman took the chance to hide behind a large piece of debris.

Netto bit his lip. “What to do, what to do...” he repeated to himself, trying to decide whether to slot in a battle chip or wait to analyze the situation.

Meanwhile, Rockman knew what he had to do. This is the only chance we have...and I have to do it now, or it'll never happen!

“Forte, when I go in there to engage them, I want you to run to the barrier and pass through it, okay?” he whispered quickly, raising his buster. Both Forte and Netto looked at him in shock.

“What the hell are you talking about, Rockman?” Forte hissed, glaring at the blue navi. He was somewhat taken aback when he didn't respond.

“This is our only chance to get through this! You're the only one who can get through that barrier, and we don't have much time!” he retorted.

“Are you insane, Rockman!? I'm not going to leave you behind!” Netto all but roared at his navi. Rockman only gave him a small smile.

“I know you don't, Netto-kun, but we don't have a choice. If we stall any longer, then there is no way we can take out that source! Please, we have to do this!” he pleaded, not taking his eyes off the enemies.

Netto noticed that the clones were starting to look around for the two navis, and he then felt conflicted. Still, he needed to try to convince Rockman out of this crazy plan. “Rockman, even I'm not foolhardy enough to engage six really powerful navis at once. Even if we decide to go through with this, you won't survive!”

The blue navi smirked, which to Forte looked reminiscent of Netto himself. “Don't worry. I'll survive. I always do, after all.

“Of all the cocky things to say at a time like this-!”

“Netto,” Forte said softly as he disengaged his busters. “As much as I don't want to admit it, Rockman's right. We have to trust that he'll survive, right?” he asked. Rockman chuckled and nodded.

The boy looked uneasy. “...fine. Rockman...I'm counting on you. Don't die on me.” he said reluctantly.

“Right, Netto-kun...” came the answer. As if on cue, Rockman jumped out and fired multiple shots at the assorted navis, causing them to back up. “Forte, now!”

The cloaked navi made a break for it as soon as he saw Rockman shoot, and he sprinted towards the barrier. While he didn't exactly know how to destroy it, he decided to wing it. Well, can't know unless I try, right? Forte thought as he charged up an Earth Breaker in his hand. With a shout, he released it right as he was a short distance from the barrier, lobbing it towards the flames. As the attack connected, Forte had to shield his eyes as a bright light emitted from the point of the attack. When the light died down, he found that the barrier was gone.

“That seemed too easy...” he breathed, but shook his head. “I can't dawdle here, though. Rockman is counting on us.” Forte then started running up the long ramp, away from the fierce battle that was taking place below.

“Rockman...” Netto whispered. Forte frowned.

“Netto, he will be alright. We need to concentrate on eliminating that thing.” he muttered. There was a long silence before the boy responded.

“You're right. Besides, the faster we deal with it, the faster we can go help Rockman...” Another silence. “Let's go, Forte!”

Forte nodded and continued to rush up the long ramp, wondering what exactly would be waiting for him at the top. After several long minutes, Forte finally reached the top, panting slightly as he looked around.

“There's nothing here...” Netto trailed off, but Forte shook his head.

“No, it's here. The energy is at its strongest up at this point.” he replied as he readied his busters.

“My, how perceptive. So you've come alone, little navi?” the voice mocked, “How brave of you! But your own foolishness will be your downfall.”

“Tell me...” Forte started, staring at the space ahead. “What exactly are you? You may have told us what you were doing, but what the hell are you, anyway?”

The voice laughed again. If anything, it was more amused than before. “Ah, so the one who forsakes the darkness wants to know what I am! Very well then. I am chaos incarnate, the very source that resides in the nexus between worlds. I had never dreamed that such fortune would come to me that day months ago, and here we are now! I really must thank that meddling goddess sometime.”

“I could do without your stupid titles, thanks;” Forte snarled before something odd caught his attention. “Wait, a day that happened months ago...you can't mean...!”

Netto caught onto what Forte was getting at and gasp. “No way! This thing isn't even a program!?”

“I see that you have realized it,” the voice remarked sardonically, “But in that aspect, you are also wrong. Chaos exists everywhere. Not only in the human's world, but this mockery of it as well. I am the one who simply shapes it and uses it to my whims. I can meld into this world more easily because of the fact that it holds so much more chaos for me to absorb. It's simply wonderful!”

“It's insane...” Forte muttered beneath his breath.

“Chaos incarnate, huh? Why not just call it the Lord of Chaos and be done with it?” Netto said snidely. “It said something about a meddling 'goddess', didn't it? Does that mean...”

Forte snarled. “Sera.”

“The one who started off this whole mess in the first place. Figures we're still cleaning up her mess after what she did.” Netto growled angrily. The Lord of Chaos just laughed.

“When she had opened up the gateway, however briefly, I took that chance to escape. I'm quite surprised a goddess would risk such punishment, but the gods have always been arrogant.” Then it sighed. “But it won't matter. Maybe once I deal with you two, I'll show those gods that their meddling has severe consequences.”

Forte couldn't resist a gasp of shock as he felt the power start to form in front of him. “Netto-kun, it's beginning! Get ready!” he cried.

Netto could only nod as he got his battle chips ready. With a malevolent laugh, the Lord of Chaos took form in front of Forte, one with which Netto was very familiar with...

“Nebula Grey!” the brunette gasped. The familiar purple and orange flaming being was back in front of his eyes. “He can copy other forms!?”

Forte snorted. “Apparently. Tell me what you want to do, Netto-kun!” Netto nodded as the giant form of Nebula Grey roared, summoning several flames and sending them at the cloaked navi.

---

Rockman panted as he dodged Knightman's Royal Wrecking Ball, and then had to roll out of the way of a Tomahawk Swing. “Really fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time,” he muttered to himself as he ran to avoid some Dice Bombs headed his way. “Taking on something like this is supposed to be Netto-kun's thing, not mine!”

He suddenly chuckled as he fired off some more buster shots to ward off Toadman and Colonel. “But I know both of them can do it. I have to trust in them...” Rockman then gasped when he heard a whoosh behind him and cursed.

“Shadowman!” The ninja said nothing as it struck at Rockman with a Shadow Blade, causing the blue navi to quickly backflip away, but not before the blade nicked his arm.

Rockman gave a small cry of pain at the blow, but was otherwise fine. Unfortunately, that also alerted the other clones in the area and they charged at him once again. He grimaced. “This isn't good at all...” he murmured as he tried to look for any advantage in the terrain. I have to think of something quickly before I'm overwhelmed... Rockman then gave a slight yelp when he had to literally dive for cover as Colonel used his Colonel Cannon against him, causing a mighty explosion behind him.

I can't last forever Netto-kun! You need to hurry and take that thing out!

---

Netto winced when he heard Rockman's cry of pain, but couldn't take his eyes off the current battle. Forte was dodging all of the flames Nebula Grey was throwing at him, and had some close shaves with its hands. Even as he sent a battle chip to Forte, he couldn't help but glance at the screen on Rockman's PET, grinding his teeth in frustration.

“Why can't I do anything?” he growled out, his attention divided. Despite what he said to Forte, it was too hard to keep from worrying about the blue navi. “What am I going to do?”

“To have your attention divided in such a situation is not something you should be doing, Netto-kun.” came a deep voice behind him. Startled, Netto looked back to see Regal behind him. “But at the same time, it's too hard to concentrate on one battle while you know your friend is in trouble in the other one.”

“Dr. Regal...” he muttered, trying to see what he was getting at. “What should I do? I trust Rockman to survive, but those six navis...or clones, or whatever they are, they're way too powerful together!” he exclaimed.

The scientist sighed. “At this point, I only have one suggestion, but I don't know how you'll like it...” Closing his eyes and contemplating for a few seconds, he looked down at the boy. “Let me operate Rockman, if only for this battle. I will make sure he survives.”

Netto looked at him, his eye wide and looking like they were going to fall out. “Y-you!?” he sputtered, “But...but...!” He couldn't seem to come up with an objection, yet...

“Netto, please trust him!” Yuuichirou yelled from the back of the lab. He was working furiously at the computers, “I know you have some hesitations, but like both Regal and Rockman have said, you have to concentrate on Forte's battle!”

Netto bit his lip again before he hesitantly nodded and handed Rockman's PET over to Regal. The scientist gave the boy a small smile before pulling out a small deck of battlechips.

“Leave Rockman to me, Netto-kun. He won't fall as long as someone is operating him.” Regal said. Netto nodded again and turned back to the battle with Nebula Grey.

Regal looked down at the blue navi. “Rockman, can you hear me?”

Rockman seemed to tense up as he heard the voice. “Dr. Regal? Why are you...”

“We don't have any time to discuss the specifics. Right now, Netto has agreed to let me operate you for this fight, because you won't last long at your current state.” he interjected quickly before the blue navi said anything.

Rockman sighed as he realized that Dr. Regal was right. “Alright,I'll follow your orders. Let's go!”

Regal nodded. “I might not be the battler that Netto is, but I think I'm sufficient enough to deal with these shells!” he said as slotted in a chip. “Senshahou, Slot-in!”

---

Forte frowned. Any attack that he tried kept getting repelled, and the giant flame entity wasn't even giving him a chance to get off some of his more powerful attacks. Right now, he was waiting for assistance from Netto, but the boy seemed preoccupied with something.

Of course, Forte couldn't blame him. Having your attention divided across two fronts is the worst possible situation one could find themselves in. The fact that it was happening right now with both of the navis was probably even worse. But nevertheless, he would be in a fix soon if Netto didn't intervene soon.

“Forte, you alright?” Forte did not think he would have been any more relieved to see his operator now.

“I am. But this thing won't go down...” he growled. Netto narrowed his eyes.

“The last time we dealt with this thing, the only way we could even hurt it was its core...” he muttered as he slotted in a Wide Shot for the cloaked navi.

Forte looked around. “The core...?” he muttered as he looked at the beast again. That was when he saw it. A glowing blue flame that was very different from the others, hovering away from the battle.

Wasting no time, Forte immediately leapt up and fired off the Wide Shot, striking the core and dispersing any flames that were heading toward him. Acting quickly, he formed an Earth Breaker in his hand and headed towards the core again.

“Have to make this one count...” he murmured to himself as he raised his arm. “Earth Breaker!” Releasing the energy from his hand, he brought it down on the floating core, a large explosion echoing throughout the area. However, Forte was not content as he immediately raised his busters and shot at where he thought the core was repeatedly.

His efforts were rewarded as he heard Nebula Grey roar in pain and slump down. “That's right, stay down!”

Netto, on the other hand, didn't look happy. “...it's not over, that was too easy...” he muttered.

A loud laugh boomed out where Nebula Grey was, as the large entity vanished as if it wasn't there. “Ah, amusing as always! I suppose that form was far too weak...” it trailed off as Forte felt the chaos energy gather in one place again.

“...so, I suppose I should take another one.” came another voice, sounding dark and malevolent, but at the same time...familiar.

Familiar enough that Netto and Forte looked at it, shocked.

“Rockman...?” Forte whispered, staring at the smirking figure in front of him.

Netto blinked and shook his head. “No...Dark Rockman. I can't believe it...”

“So, how does it feel to see an old friend?” Dark Rockman purred menacingly, his eyes glittering dangerously.

Forte felt that his fight just became a whole lot more complicated.

---

Next Chapter: Mighty Blow: With a surprising turn of events, Regal is left to operate Rockman while Forte and Netto face off against the blue navi's dark counterpart. But even with everything the heroes throw at it, the Lord of Chaos does not fall so easily...especially when unwanted memories decide to assault Netto at the worst time.

---

Author's Note:

Wow, has it really been close to four months? Unbelieveable.

There are all sorts of excuses as to why this chapter was so horribly late. Work, school, laziness, writer's block...you name it. I finally got off my ass to get this one out, and it wasn't easy.

I'm hoping that it doesn't take as long with the next two or three, because I really want to finish this story.

Anyway, until next time, keep watch.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

Chapter 13: The Extreme

Netto sighed as he sank back into one of the chairs. That battle with Cosmoman had been far too close, and he was glad that battle had finished without either of his two navis being injured. However...he still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

What was it that I felt a few minutes ago? Netto thought, absentmindedly rubbing his arm. It felt like some sort of blow, but...that's impossible. I couldn't have felt the same thing Forte did, right?

Shaking his head, the brunette stared at the two PETs. I already know that the situation is far more dangerous than we thought, but...what is this feeling of foreboding? he thought, growing worried. If something happened to Rockman or Forte...

Netto shook his head. “No, they'll be fine. I shouldn't think like that.” he muttered softly to himself, taking a deep breath.

Regal noticed the boy's apprehension. “Is something wrong?”

“Ah...I'm just worried,” Netto said truthfully. It would do no good to make false assurances at this point in his mind. “We've been surprised at every turn, and now that we're at the last area, who knows what awaits us?”

“I see,” Regal muttered as he nodded. “It is normal to be worried in a situation such as this. We have no idea what is ahead...and despite being prepared, there is one surprise after another.”

Netto sighed. “Exactly. That's why I'm worried.”

Regal shook his head. “Yes...but you're also worried about your navis,” Netto looked at Regal in surprise, who only shrugged. “How do I know? It's written clearly over your face, Netto-kun.”

The brunette shifted uneasily. “You're right. I trust both of them...but I'm always worried!” he said, turning to the scientist, “What if something happens to them? What if I can't help them when they need it? What if...”

“Nothing is ever solved by constant 'what ifs', Netto,” Regal said smoothly, “You just have to believe they can do it, and do your best to help them.”

Netto took a deep breath and sighed again, still looking uneasy. “Yeah. Thanks, Dr. Regal.” he muttered as he turned back to the screen.

The scientist gave the boy a small smile. “Now, you have to concentrate. We're all counting on both you and your partners.”

Netto gulped. The fact that everyone was relying on him yet again had already sunk in, but he could never remember feeling like this. A terrible feeling was welling up in him, but he couldn't quite place it...what was going to happen?

-----

“It's gotten a lot more silent down here,” Rockman muttered as he cautiously walked into the dark abyss. “I don't like it.”

Forte only nodded in response. The loud static that had been in the past areas had started to dim somewhat as they kept going, and just totally fall silent as they approached the core. “Hm...I wonder...” the cloaked navi muttered to himself.

“Wonder what?” Rockman asked, looking over at his companion.

“I'm wondering if it's so dark down here that it's drowning out all the light and sound.” he answered, looking around.

The blue navi blinked. “Now that you mention it...it has gotten a lot darker since we've gotten in here.” he muttered.

“Indeed,” Forte continued. “We're very close, so we have to prepare ourselves for anything.”

Rockman looked to the distance, silent as he ruminated over something. “Hey, Forte...” he muttered, getting the other navi's attention, “Who...or what do you think is waiting for us, anyway?”

“Good question,” Forte grumbled. “I've been trying to figure that out myself.”

The blue navi gave a low hum, mulling over possibilities. “It doesn't seem like any human could control this...for that fact, any other navi other than yourself either.” Rockman quickly berated himself when he saw the cloaked navi wince. “Ah, sorry! I didn't mean-”

“No, it's alright,” Forte interrupted, “I'm well aware of that fact. Anyway, I'm unsure of whatever is causing this is either human or navi, to be honest.”

“Neither?” Rockman asked, somewhat surprised.

The cloaked navi nodded. “Yeah. I just have this feeling...you know?”

Rockman stared at him for a long while before slowly nodding. “I see. Yeah, I've gotten those feelings too.”

“Rockman,” Forte started, his face very serious and his tone almost commanding, “We must be ready. Whatever we're dealing with may be even more powerful than either you or I have ever faced.”

The blue navi nodded. “Got it. I'll be careful.”

Forte sighed as they started walking back into the depths. Something...didn't feel right at all. For the first time, the cloaked navi felt uncertainty. The darkness ahead of them didn't bode well for them, and...he actually felt slightly fearful.

No, calm down! Forte told himself, trying to get his emotions under control. Taking a few deep breaths, he finally managed to get the shaking feeling out of his body. Am I actually scared of going in there? he thought incredulously, glaring ahead at the distance. I can't afford to feel afraid now. I'm going in there!

Rockman stopped suddenly and looked over his shoulder. “Forte?” he asked softly, sounding slightly worried for his companion. “Are you alright?”

The cloaked navi shook his head and walked past Rockman. “Yes. We have no time to waste, so let's go.” he said curtly, and possibly more forceful than he meant to.

Rockman only stared at his partner. There was obviously something bothering Forte, but he kept his curiosity to himself as he caught up. He didn't want him upset before going into battle, after all.

The two continued walking, both of them oddly silent. They were fast approaching their final destination, and Forte was mentally preparing himself. He couldn't believe it, but he still felt jittery somehow.

“Hey...Forte,” Rockman piped up suddenly, stopping only a few feet away from the large platform, “I have one last thing to ask. Can you hear me out, please?”

Forte only gave the blue navi a long look before sighing and nodding. “Go ahead.”

Rockman ran through the question in his head again before taking a deep breath. “This has been bothering me for a while...and before we go in there, I'd like to have it answered if possible.” he breathed out.

“So? Spit it out already.” Forte growled.

“Why did you change?” the blue navi quickly asked, avoiding his gaze.

Forte blinked. “Eh?” was all he could sputter out.

“Just as I asked. Why did you change?” Rockman repeated, still avoiding the cloaked navi's staring eyes.

Forte bit his lip. To be honest, I don't know how to answer that. he thought to himself. Sighing, he tried to think of something to say. “Well...” he began, “When I changed wasn't all that long ago, really...but you're asking why I did, huh?”

At Rockman's nod, he took a deep breath and continued. “I suppose...well, I suppose it has to do with the other world again. Everything has to do with it, to say the least,” he said, looking away from his companion. “Netto was the first one who had found me. Although we didn't want to, we had to work together to survive, you know?

“I know, you and Netto-kun have told me this before...” Rockman muttered, but was cut off by Forte's snort.

“Then you should see what I'm getting at, right?” he said grimly. “Even though we couldn't really stand the other during our travel, Netto-kun was the only one I could ever remember that didn't fear me, and instead, actually worked with me even though I was resisting to the end. I didn't know why he didn't fear me, why he didn't care that I nearly killed both him and you during our last encounter, or why he didn't leave me behind like so many other people have.” Forte sighed again, but Rockman could sense the small amount of sadness that the cloaked navi held back.

“Maybe that's why...no,” Forte then shook his head, more to himself than anything. “It is why I protected him when that blast was about to kill him. He had trusted me the whole way, and at the time, I think I subconsciously knew what I had to do.”

Rockman stood silent for a few moments before making one last inquiry. “...did you really want to protect him, or did you just think you owed it to him?” he asked, steeling his voice.

Forte noticed the sudden apprehensiveness and decided that it was now or never. “...I really did feel that way.” he said quietly.

“What?” Rockman asked, blinking several times to make sure he heard correctly.

“I've also thought a lot about it,” Forte muttered, staring off into the distance once again, “I really believe that I wanted to protect him...the one that didn't care about my past at all, the one who put his life on the line to help me...it would be an insult to him to say that I only did it as a favor. I did it because I wanted to.” he finished simply.

Rockman was speechless. Not only at Forte's reason, but rather from what his companion was doing. Was he...shaking? “Forte?” The cloaked navi must have noticed what he was doing and immediately straightened up, turning back to look at Rockman.

“That's my reason. That's why I changed. All because he gave me a chance.” he finished. Rockman looked down at the ground, somewhat shamed.

And here I was, having doubts! he thought angrily. Netto and Forte were trusting him, and here he was, not being able to put something so simple behind him.

“Sorry.” Rockman said with his head still bowed. Forte only stared at him.

“Why are you apologizing? It was only a simple question, so...” the cloaked navi started, but was cut off as Rockman stared at him with something akin to remorse showing in his eyes.

“No, that's not why I'm apologizing;” he said slowly, “I thought I had put all my doubts behind me a while ago. But I didn't, I still doubted you despite everything that we've been through.” Sighing, he looked away once again. “I let myself believe something was off, something was wrong with you. I've been horrendously stupid...”

“Rockman, enough;” Forte said sternly, “You don't have to feel sorry.”

“What?” Rockman gasped, looking up at the cloaked navi. “But-”

Forte shook his head. “You've had all the reason in the world to doubt me. I'm not surprised at all...had our positions been switched, I would actually feel the same way.”

When Rockman stayed silent, Forte could only sigh. “Come, we've wasted enough time here. Let's get moving.” he said gruffly before turning around. He heard Rockman sigh as he followed, and could only shake his head. Emotions were a complicated thing.

---

Netto leaned back in his chair, his gaze still focused on the two PETs in front of him. Unbeknownst to the two navis, the boy had heard every single word of their conversation. Needless to say, it pained him terribly.

I had no idea that Rockman has been suffering like this, Netto said to himself in his head, grimacing. Even worse, I haven't even approached him about it. What kind of brother am I?

The operator could only sigh and hold his head in his arms as he mulled over everything. Dammit, how could I let this happen? I was trying to be careful... the boy thought as he mentally beat himself up.

Suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks. That was it. In trying to be cautious with Rockman about the whole deal with Forte, he didn't dare ask him about his opinion of the other navi...or maybe he was just scared.

Yes, that was it. He was scared of broaching the topic with Rockman, because he didn't know how he would react. He had kept telling himself that he would do it eventually, but now he realized that it was a bit late for that. At that moment, Netto felt like driving his head right into the wall, but refrained from doing so. Oh god, I'm so sorry, Rockman...

And yet...Netto couldn't help but be surprised when Forte had talked about his reasons.

All because I gave him a chance... Netto thought solemnly, biting his lip. He had to wonder if he truly knew about the losses the cloaked navi had suffered throughout his early life, even with the flux of Forte's memories.

Failing to hold back a sniffle, Netto knew what he had to do when everything was resolved. It would be time to talk to both of his navis and resolve everything between them.

To hell with his fears; nothing would stop the boy this time.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Netto pushed it all to the back of his mind. As eager as he was to try and start making amends now, he still had a job to finish. A job that he and his navis were going to do together.

“Rockman, Forte...can you hear me?” Netto winced at how his voice cracked for a moment before he managed to bring it back to normal. Something told him that everything wouldn't be so easy after this.

No matter. They had all the time in the world when it was all over.

---

Both navis looked upwards, relieved to hear their friend's voice after so long. “Netto-kun, how is everything on your end?” Rockman asked, showing concern for what was happening in the real world.

“It's starting to get under control, but Papa's and Dr. Regal's efforts will be in vain if we can't stop it here.” came the reply, Netto's voice conveying his anxiousness.

“Then we'll stop it here,” Forte remarked simply. “I won't give it a chance to escape!”

Netto was silent for a few long moments before speaking up again. “Regardless...Papa says the area you two are in has the largest concentration of chaotic energy, and there's no doubt that the source is there.” The boy paused for a few seconds before continuing, “But please, be careful...something is very off, and I don't know what it can be!”

Forte was going to ask what he meant when he felt it. “This energy...” he muttered to himself, “Why does it feel stable?”

“What's wrong?” Rockman asked, turning to look at his partner.

The cloaked navi looked nervous. “Chaotic energy isn't supposed to be stable in one spot. Just as its name implies, it is always supposed to be fluctuating, not ever staying in the same spot for a period of time.”

Rockman paled. “Then...that means...”

Forte nodded. “While we already knew this before, what we're dealing with isn't normal by any means. But to think that it is a being of chaotic energy...” Shaking his head, he grunted. “No, we don't have time to ruminate on this. We need to get going!”

“I agree. If you two are ready, go ahead and head in...just be careful, alright?” Netto ordered, sounding somewhat hesitant. Both navis nodded.

“We will, Netto-kun.” Rockman said softly. Turning to Forte, he nodded, and both of them walked forward onto the platform.

“Ugh!” Forte grunted, bringing his arms in front of him as if he was trying to ward something off. “I didn't expect it to be this strong here!” Rockman also braced himself, also feeling the effects. While the energy was indeed strong, the two navis managed to force their way through, even though it took several minute of struggling to walk to do so.

Finally, they made it to the middle of the platform, where they both stopped to pant. That was when Rockman noticed something.

“That's odd...why can we move freely over here?” he asked, holding his chest. There was some sort of sizzling sensation going through him, but the cause of it escaped him for the moment. Forte nodded.

“I'm not liking this. It's letting us through for some reason.” Forte growled, looking around.

“What is that?!” Netto exclaimed in surprise. The two navis looked around quickly, and found what Netto was talking about.

“A giant flame...?” Rockman questioned, squinting his eyes at how bright it was. “Here? What is going on?” Walking towards it, Rockman suddenly cried out as he clutched his chest, stepping back in recoil.

“Rockman! What happened?!” Netto cried in alarm. When Rockman stopped moving, he took a few breaths before looking up.

“I...I don't know. My chest was hurting sometime before this, but when I stepped towards that thing, it just became unbearable...” he whispered. Forte looked concerned for a moment before they heard Regal's voice.

“I imagine that being due to the program being overloaded...” the two navis heard him murmur, “We did not have such a concentration of energy in mind when we made he program...or rather, we couldn't make it so that it could protect against such strength. We didn't have enough time to do so...”

Forte grunted. “That's fine, but now what do we do? If Rockman can't proceed...” he trailed off. Netto opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a grunt from the blue navi.

“It's fine...” he said slowly, “I'm fine. However...if I can't even get near that barrier, then what are we going to do?” Rockman asked, glaring at the flaming wall.

“I don't know...” Netto said, trying to think of anything. It was always one thing after another!

Rockman looked over the scene once more and got an idea. “Hmm...hey, Forte;” he murmured, waving the other navi over to him, “If I can't get near it, maybe you can. Papa did say that you were used to the energy before we came in here.” he suggested.

Forte blinked at Rockman's observation before deciding there was no harm in it. Cautiously, he slowly stepped towards the barrier, wondering if there was anything to expect. To both his and Netto's surprise, he walked all the way up to the flaming wall with ease. “What the hell?” he asked in mild surprise.

“I see...” Rockman breathed. “I was right. The energy beyond that barrier is far too strong for the resistance program to handle. So...”

Netto narrowed his eyes. Rockman was up to something, and he didn't like it. “Rockman, what are you saying?” he asked in a low growl, having a good idea where this conversation was going.

Rockman opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by the rumbling of the ground. “What the-?”

Forte grimaced. “Get back! The energy...whatever that thing is doing, it's making all the chaotic energy in the area fluctuate wildly!” he shouted. Both he and Rockman retreated to the center of the platform, looking around frantically.

“So, you finally got here. You have kept me waiting too long...” came a low voice out of nowhere. Rockman's head snapped up, his eyes wide.

“That's it!” he cried, realization dawning in his eyes. “That was what I heard last night! It's that voice!”

The voice continued as if he hadn't heard Rockman at all. “I commend you for reaching here. To think, you two could fight off the hatred of the navis that drifted here...”

Forte looked confused. “Hatred? What do you mean?”

There was a booming laugh that reverberated throughout the area. “I can sense your unease...how wonderful! While the bodies of those navis had perished long ago, their hatred still lived on...eventually, I took that and gave them physical bodies once more, existing only in this dimension.”

Both of the navis understood what the voice was saying. “...they were phantoms, then.” Rockman stated stiffly.

They could have sworn that the voice laughed. “How perceptive! Their hatred against you, Rockman, was what kept them going! They might have not have been totally who they once were...but they all remembered enough that their desire to delete you was above all else.”

“But why?” Forte asked, growling at the air. “Why would you go to the trouble of creating such things? Why would you revive the dead?”

“Because, my dear little navi, I need pawns to use to create chaos in the world. I thrive on it, and the more there is, the more I am fed,” the voice purred, making everyone shiver. “The more I am fed, the more power I can generate, leading to even more chaos. It is truly exquisite.”

“That's the reason why it's doing all of this?!” Netto exclaimed in horror. “All just to take over the whole net with chaos?”

“You misunderstand me, human;” it said in amusement, “I don't seek world domination or anything trivial like that. All I want to see is this whole miserable net world filled with such chaos that the world above will feel it too! After all, it should be fitting for the real world to become undone by the very thing they have created, would it not?”

“Like hell we'll let you do that!” Forte snarled.

Rockman nodded in unison. “We're going to stop you! We're not going to let you destroy everything just because you want to!”

The voice laughed again. “Interesting. As much as I would like to entertain you two, I'm simply afraid that you've become too much of a threat since you've made it this far.” When the voice stopped speaking, as if on some command, six shadowy figures appeared around the two navis, who immediately tensed and slid into their battle stances.

Rockman instantly noticed something was wrong when he glimpsed at the figures. “It can't be...Colonel?!” he cried.

“What...?” Netto said in shock as he got a closer look at the figures. “Tomahawkman, Shadowman, Knightman...even Numberman and Toadman! What are they all doing here!?”

Forte growled again. “That's not them! Look at their eyes!” In unison, both Rockman and Netto looked at Colonel's eyes and gasped.

They were blank, void of any emotion. In fact, all of their eyes were red, and they were transfixed on the two navis they encircled.

“You bastard! How are you doing this!?” Netto roared from his postion. The voice merely chuckled.

“Oh, it was simple, really. Anything that enters the Ura Net at any time is subject to meeting with chaotic energy, no matter how small. I can create copies of anything that has been in contact with it, even if it was only for a scant second. I just modified the ones you see before you to my liking!”

The two looked over all the copies again and found that their color schemes were much darker, even inverted from the ones they knew. “Only copies...” Rockman murmured, not knowing when they would attack. All of the copies looked like they were about to pounce, and even with their strength, six to two odds weren't very favorable to them.

Chuckling once more, the voice seemed to start fading out. “Now, kill them! Leave nothing!” it ordered as it entirely went away. In unison, all of the clones pounced, their weapons aimed right at the two.

Rockman and Forte both dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the combined strike. While both had their busters out, the last thing they wanted to do was attack. Not because they were afraid, but scattering them would be the worst possible thing at the moment. Better to keep all enemies in sight. Forte thought quickly as both he and Rockman took the chance to hide behind a large piece of debris.

Netto bit his lip. “What to do, what to do...” he repeated to himself, trying to decide whether to slot in a battle chip or wait to analyze the situation.

Meanwhile, Rockman knew what he had to do. This is the only chance we have...and I have to do it now, or it'll never happen!

“Forte, when I go in there to engage them, I want you to run to the barrier and pass through it, okay?” he whispered quickly, raising his buster. Both Forte and Netto looked at him in shock.

“What the hell are you talking about, Rockman?” Forte hissed, glaring at the blue navi. He was somewhat taken aback when he didn't respond.

“This is our only chance to get through this! You're the only one who can get through that barrier, and we don't have much time!” he retorted.

“Are you insane, Rockman!? I'm not going to leave you behind!” Netto all but roared at his navi. Rockman only gave him a small smile.

“I know you don't, Netto-kun, but we don't have a choice. If we stall any longer, then there is no way we can take out that source! Please, we have to do this!” he pleaded, not taking his eyes off the enemies.

Netto noticed that the clones were starting to look around for the two navis, and he then felt conflicted. Still, he needed to try to convince Rockman out of this crazy plan. “Rockman, even I'm not foolhardy enough to engage six really powerful navis at once. Even if we decide to go through with this, you won't survive!”

The blue navi smirked, which to Forte looked reminiscent of Netto himself. “Don't worry. I'll survive. I always do, after all.

“Of all the cocky things to say at a time like this-!”

“Netto,” Forte said softly as he disengaged his busters. “As much as I don't want to admit it, Rockman's right. We have to trust that he'll survive, right?” he asked. Rockman chuckled and nodded.

The boy looked uneasy. “...fine. Rockman...I'm counting on you. Don't die on me.” he said reluctantly.

“Right, Netto-kun...” came the answer. As if on cue, Rockman jumped out and fired multiple shots at the assorted navis, causing them to back up. “Forte, now!”

The cloaked navi made a break for it as soon as he saw Rockman shoot, and he sprinted towards the barrier. While he didn't exactly know how to destroy it, he decided to wing it. Well, can't know unless I try, right? Forte thought as he charged up an Earth Breaker in his hand. With a shout, he released it right as he was a short distance from the barrier, lobbing it towards the flames. As the attack connected, Forte had to shield his eyes as a bright light emitted from the point of the attack. When the light died down, he found that the barrier was gone.

“That seemed too easy...” he breathed, but shook his head. “I can't dawdle here, though. Rockman is counting on us.” Forte then started running up the long ramp, away from the fierce battle that was taking place below.

“Rockman...” Netto whispered. Forte frowned.

“Netto, he will be alright. We need to concentrate on eliminating that thing.” he muttered. There was a long silence before the boy responded.

“You're right. Besides, the faster we deal with it, the faster we can go help Rockman...” Another silence. “Let's go, Forte!”

Forte nodded and continued to rush up the long ramp, wondering what exactly would be waiting for him at the top. After several long minutes, Forte finally reached the top, panting slightly as he looked around.

“There's nothing here...” Netto trailed off, but Forte shook his head.

“No, it's here. The energy is at its strongest up at this point.” he replied as he readied his busters.

“My, how perceptive. So you've come alone, little navi?” the voice mocked, “How brave of you! But your own foolishness will be your downfall.”

“Tell me...” Forte started, staring at the space ahead. “What exactly are you? You may have told us what you were doing, but what the hell are you, anyway?”

The voice laughed again. If anything, it was more amused than before. “Ah, so the one who forsakes the darkness wants to know what I am! Very well then. I am chaos incarnate, the very source that resides in the nexus between worlds. I had never dreamed that such fortune would come to me that day months ago, and here we are now! I really must thank that meddling goddess sometime.”

“I could do without your stupid titles, thanks;” Forte snarled before something odd caught his attention. “Wait, a day that happened months ago...you can't mean...!”

Netto caught onto what Forte was getting at and gasp. “No way! This thing isn't even a program!?”

“I see that you have realized it,” the voice remarked sardonically, “But in that aspect, you are also wrong. Chaos exists everywhere. Not only in the human's world, but this mockery of it as well. I am the one who simply shapes it and uses it to my whims. I can meld into this world more easily because of the fact that it holds so much more chaos for me to absorb. It's simply wonderful!”

“It's insane...” Forte muttered beneath his breath.

“Chaos incarnate, huh? Why not just call it the Lord of Chaos and be done with it?” Netto said snidely. “It said something about a meddling 'goddess', didn't it? Does that mean...”

Forte snarled. “Sera.”

“The one who started off this whole mess in the first place. Figures we're still cleaning up her mess after what she did.” Netto growled angrily. The Lord of Chaos just laughed.

“When she had opened up the gateway, however briefly, I took that chance to escape. I'm quite surprised a goddess would risk such punishment, but the gods have always been arrogant.” Then it sighed. “But it won't matter. Maybe once I deal with you two, I'll show those gods that their meddling has severe consequences.”

Forte couldn't resist a gasp of shock as he felt the power start to form in front of him. “Netto-kun, it's beginning! Get ready!” he cried.

Netto could only nod as he got his battle chips ready. With a malevolent laugh, the Lord of Chaos took form in front of Forte, one with which Netto was very familiar with...

“Nebula Grey!” the brunette gasped. The familiar purple and orange flaming being was back in front of his eyes. “He can copy other forms!?”

Forte snorted. “Apparently. Tell me what you want to do, Netto-kun!” Netto nodded as the giant form of Nebula Grey roared, summoning several flames and sending them at the cloaked navi.

---

Rockman panted as he dodged Knightman's Royal Wrecking Ball, and then had to roll out of the way of a Tomahawk Swing. “Really fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time,” he muttered to himself as he ran to avoid some Dice Bombs headed his way. “Taking on something like this is supposed to be Netto-kun's thing, not mine!”

He suddenly chuckled as he fired off some more buster shots to ward off Toadman and Colonel. “But I know both of them can do it. I have to trust in them...” Rockman then gasped when he heard a whoosh behind him and cursed.

“Shadowman!” The ninja said nothing as it struck at Rockman with a Shadow Blade, causing the blue navi to quickly backflip away, but not before the blade nicked his arm.

Rockman gave a small cry of pain at the blow, but was otherwise fine. Unfortunately, that also alerted the other clones in the area and they charged at him once again. He grimaced. “This isn't good at all...” he murmured as he tried to look for any advantage in the terrain. I have to think of something quickly before I'm overwhelmed... Rockman then gave a slight yelp when he had to literally dive for cover as Colonel used his Colonel Cannon against him, causing a mighty explosion behind him.

I can't last forever Netto-kun! You need to hurry and take that thing out!

---

Netto winced when he heard Rockman's cry of pain, but couldn't take his eyes off the current battle. Forte was dodging all of the flames Nebula Grey was throwing at him, and had some close shaves with its hands. Even as he sent a battle chip to Forte, he couldn't help but glance at the screen on Rockman's PET, grinding his teeth in frustration.

“Why can't I do anything?” he growled out, his attention divided. Despite what he said to Forte, it was too hard to keep from worrying about the blue navi. “What am I going to do?”

“To have your attention divided in such a situation is not something you should be doing, Netto-kun.” came a deep voice behind him. Startled, Netto looked back to see Regal behind him. “But at the same time, it's too hard to concentrate on one battle while you know your friend is in trouble in the other one.”

“Dr. Regal...” he muttered, trying to see what he was getting at. “What should I do? I trust Rockman to survive, but those six navis...or clones, or whatever they are, they're way too powerful together!” he exclaimed.

The scientist sighed. “At this point, I only have one suggestion, but I don't know how you'll like it...” Closing his eyes and contemplating for a few seconds, he looked down at the boy. “Let me operate Rockman, if only for this battle. I will make sure he survives.”

Netto looked at him, his eye wide and looking like they were going to fall out. “Y-you!?” he sputtered, “But...but...!” He couldn't seem to come up with an objection, yet...

“Netto, please trust him!” Yuuichirou yelled from the back of the lab. He was working furiously at the computers, “I know you have some hesitations, but like both Regal and Rockman have said, you have to concentrate on Forte's battle!”

Netto bit his lip again before he hesitantly nodded and handed Rockman's PET over to Regal. The scientist gave the boy a small smile before pulling out a small deck of battlechips.

“Leave Rockman to me, Netto-kun. He won't fall as long as someone is operating him.” Regal said. Netto nodded again and turned back to the battle with Nebula Grey.

Regal looked down at the blue navi. “Rockman, can you hear me?”

Rockman seemed to tense up as he heard the voice. “Dr. Regal? Why are you...”

“We don't have any time to discuss the specifics. Right now, Netto has agreed to let me operate you for this fight, because you won't last long at your current state.” he interjected quickly before the blue navi said anything.

Rockman sighed as he realized that Dr. Regal was right. “Alright,I'll follow your orders. Let's go!”

Regal nodded. “I might not be the battler that Netto is, but I think I'm sufficient enough to deal with these shells!” he said as slotted in a chip. “Senshahou, Slot-in!”

---

Forte frowned. Any attack that he tried kept getting repelled, and the giant flame entity wasn't even giving him a chance to get off some of his more powerful attacks. Right now, he was waiting for assistance from Netto, but the boy seemed preoccupied with something.

Of course, Forte couldn't blame him. Having your attention divided across two fronts is the worst possible situation one could find themselves in. The fact that it was happening right now with both of the navis was probably even worse. But nevertheless, he would be in a fix soon if Netto didn't intervene soon.

“Forte, you alright?” Forte did not think he would have been any more relieved to see his operator now.

“I am. But this thing won't go down...” he growled. Netto narrowed his eyes.

“The last time we dealt with this thing, the only way we could even hurt it was its core...” he muttered as he slotted in a Wide Shot for the cloaked navi.

Forte looked around. “The core...?” he muttered as he looked at the beast again. That was when he saw it. A glowing blue flame that was very different from the others, hovering away from the battle.

Wasting no time, Forte immediately leapt up and fired off the Wide Shot, striking the core and dispersing any flames that were heading toward him. Acting quickly, he formed an Earth Breaker in his hand and headed towards the core again.

“Have to make this one count...” he murmured to himself as he raised his arm. “Earth Breaker!” Releasing the energy from his hand, he brought it down on the floating core, a large explosion echoing throughout the area. However, Forte was not content as he immediately raised his busters and shot at where he thought the core was repeatedly.

His efforts were rewarded as he heard Nebula Grey roar in pain and slump down. “That's right, stay down!”

Netto, on the other hand, didn't look happy. “...it's not over, that was too easy...” he muttered.

A loud laugh boomed out where Nebula Grey was, as the large entity vanished as if it wasn't there. “Ah, amusing as always! I suppose that form was far too weak...” it trailed off as Forte felt the chaos energy gather in one place again.

“...so, I suppose I should take another one.” came another voice, sounding dark and malevolent, but at the same time...familiar.

Familiar enough that Netto and Forte looked at it, shocked.

“Rockman...?” Forte whispered, staring at the smirking figure in front of him.

Netto blinked and shook his head. “No...Dark Rockman. I can't believe it...”

“So, how does it feel to see an old friend?” Dark Rockman purred menacingly, his eyes glittering dangerously.

Forte felt that his fight just became a whole lot more complicated.

---

Next Chapter: Mighty Blow: With a surprising turn of events, Regal is left to operate Rockman while Forte and Netto face off against the blue navi's dark counterpart. But even with everything the heroes throw at it, the Lord of Chaos does not fall so easily...especially when unwanted memories decide to assault Netto at the worst time.

---

Author's Note:

Wow, has it really been close to four months? Unbelieveable.

There are all sorts of excuses as to why this chapter was so horribly late. Work, school, laziness, writer's block...you name it. I finally got off my ass to get this one out, and it wasn't easy.

I'm hoping that it doesn't take as long with the next two or three, because I really want to finish this story.

Anyway, until next time, keep watch.
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<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Exar_Kun]

Beautiful, Sol

I'm glad that you finally managed to update this, as it remains one of the finest fanfictions I've ever read.

I hope that you manage to continue to update this in the future.
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"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

"Baby dragons can't understand humans - If they didn't want to be killed, why were they made of meat and treasure?" -Furnace Whelp

"Those who would trade freedom for temporary security deserve neither." - Benjamin Franklin

Better known as Templar of Rockman.exe's IRC channel

[Aries the Fire Phoenix]

Dark Rockman! Yays!

I love this fic!!!! Its beautiful, amazing, and so interesting to read! You explain everything in perfect detail and a lovely display of emotion. I really enjoy reading this fic Sol. It should be published when its finished.(literally! ) I want to read it again and again everytime i read it. Keep writing Sol! You are my role model of writing fanfics!(and Neko )

*Jump up and down* SOL IS AWSOME!
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Okay, lets stop abusing sonic now people. XD

SSBB Friend Code:
Ruby
3308-4368-0665
Main Brawler: Sonic

[Kitty-Chan]

I do so love this fic. Heheheh, Forte & Netto are going to have problems.
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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)*

[Kenshiro1119]

That's a pretty good work of FanFiciton you got there, better than anything I could write.

[Megawoman.EXE]

Bravo! *uproarious applase* *pant, pant*(and finally caught up) It's been a while since I last posted here. Everything I've read between my last post and now is awesome. Keep up the good work Sol. I look foward to the next chapter while I wait for my own editor to get out of his edit slump. I guess the war can have durastic effects on people. I hope this doesn't last too long.

But still keep up your wonderful work!
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"NetAngel Style Change Activate"
Megawoman (Lyne)

Avatar made by Serenade.exe

And feel free to post here too artists if inspired
Lan and Lyne Art Thread

[Sol]

Chapter 14: Mighty Blow

“This can't be happening...” Netto breathed uneasily as he took in the sight before him. Even in his wildest dreams, he would never have imagined nor expected to see Dark Rockman ever again. “This isn't real. You can't be the real Dark Rockman.”

“Oh, is that so, Netto-kun?” the dark navi purred, eyes glinting maliciously. “I'm as real as you can see. There's no room for doubt here.”

Forte narrowed his eyes. “Don't call him that,” he snarled, taking a step forward. “You have no right to!”

Dark Rockman let off a laugh. “And what are you going to do about it, o fallen one?”

The cloaked navi promptly fired off a buster shot, which Dark Rockman easily dodged. “I didn't think you were that sensitive..this will be more fun than I thought!” he grinned insanely, bringing up his own buster.

“Netto-kun, are you alright with this?” Forte asked lowly as he dodged a barrage of buster shots from the dark navi. “Are you just going to let him stand there and mock us?”

There was a bit of silence before the boy answered. “Don't worry, I know that he isn't the real one. The real Dark Rockman is long gone...” Forte heard Netto take a deep breath, supposedly in hesitation. “That's only a fake! Forte...no mercy.” he uttered.

If Forte was bothered by Netto's answer, he didn't show it. However, he quickly pushed it to the back of his mind as he brought his busters up again. “As you wish!”

Dark Rockman grinned again.

---

Rockman panted as he dodged a Royal Wrecking Ball, and immediately had to dive for cover as a Number Die was tossed at him. “What have I gotten myself into...?” he asked himself, readying his weapon. “Last time I think I can take on six navis all by myself.”

“Rockman, to your left!” Regal barked. The blue navi gave a quick leap backwards, barely avoiding a Screen Divide. “That was too close.” he heard the scientist mutter.

“This isn't working!” Rockman grit his teeth as he tried to think of a way to fight against the dark navis. He frowned as no good ideas came to mind. “Dammit...” he said under his breath, keeping his distance from the navis. For some reason, they were all just standing there, waiting for him to move again.

“At this point, you only have two options;” Regal muttered. “You can either take them out one by one, or try to take them all out at once. Which one do you think will work?”

Rockman lightly snorted, the answer obvious. “The first one, clearly. The problem is trying to hit them without being surrounded in the process.” He glanced at the dark navis again, who were readying whatever weapons they had.

The blue navi could almost feel Regal nod. “Indeed. That's why we have to divide and conquer.”

That does make sense... Rockman thought as he ran through whatever options he had left. But... “That just brings us back to square one. How am I supposed to do that without being able to out speed them?”

“You are right about one thing. You can't outrun them when they're grouped together. That's why I have a plan.” Regal said smugly, swirling a battle chip within his hand.

Rockman blinked. “Alright, tell me the plan then.”

---

“Hold still!” Forte growled out as Dark Rockman avoided his shots with ease, dancing between each volley unharmed. Snarling, the cloaked navi pulled back a little, raising his arms to block a vicious punch from the clone.

“Is this the best you can do!?” Dark Rockman laughed as he started to kick at Forte's defenses rapidly. “I expected a lot more!” One kick slipped past Forte's guard, and the cloaked navi grunted as he flew back onto the floor.

Growling, Forte stood up and rolled out of the way of a heavy punch, which cracked the ground upon impact. The kick didn't hurt at all, Forte noted, but something was very off about his opponent. Not only was he faster and stronger than Forte, or Netto, remembered him, but there was something about the way he was attacking...

That's it; Forte suddenly thought, staring at his chuckling opponent. Dark Rockman might have been powerful, but he was still Rockman. He would definitely have the same fighting style. This isn't him at all, so...of course! His eyes suddenly widening, he grinned maliciously as he thought up his next plan of attack.

Netto's smile was grim. “I see we have the same idea, Forte.” he said, wincing a bit as he clutched his head. Apparently, both he and his navi realized the exact same thing.

The copy in front of them wasn't Rockman, or even the Dark Rockman that they knew. The Lord of Chaos seemed to be able to mimic the blue navi's counterpart...but it missed something very important when assuming that form.

Netto then shook his head to try and clear it, but there was a weird static noise that kept pestering him. Granted, it was low enough not to cause a headache, but it was very annoying, nonetheless. “Alright Forte, you know how to-”

That was when the static in his head drowned out everything else.

“...be gone...!”

“Isn't it obvious...? I'm going to kill you!”

“Such pathetic creatures...”

“Die...!”

“I will...I will have my revenge...!”

“...perish!”

“Arrrrrrgh!” Netto roared suddenly over the communication, resisting the urge to slam his head into the wall. His head was pounding...!

“Netto-kun!?” Forte exclaimed in surprised, temporarily looking away to look at the screen beside him. What just happened!?

A harsh laugh met his ears once he did, and growled once again. He just screwed up.

“You fool! Don't take your eyes off your opponent!” Dark Rockman taunted, having formed a large cannon with his two hands. Before Forte could do anything, he fired.

---

Rockman grunted as he got hit with a potshot from one of the navi's busters, but shrugged it off. Ducking back behind a piece of debris, he gently nursed his aching arm while running over the plan again in his head.

I just have to get them to group together before I use 'that' chip...and then use the time they are confused to try and delete one of them. Rockman thought, repeating the exact words that Regal had said to him only moments before.

Grimacing, he allowed himself a peek of what was waiting for him, and it wasn't good. They were spread out; close enough to make an attempt, but far enough apart that it would prove difficult. To get them together, he would need to reveal himself within the next minute, or else it would be futile to even try the plan.

Satisfied that his arm didn't hurt as much as it was, Rockman took a deep breath. “Rockman, hurry! Delaying it any further will only make you lose in the long run!” Regal said gruffly, preparing the chips needed for the assault.

Nodding, Rockman leaped over the debris and fired off a few shots to get them to go in the direction he wanted. He allowed himself a small smile as he saw that it worked; he was managing to corral them into a single group.

That was when he noticed that Colonel was beginning to move. I have to do this now...!

“Dr. Regal, now!” he shouted, placing a palm on the ground while mentally activating a program he had installed.

“Right!” he exclaimed. “Deathmatch 3, slot-in!”

Immediately, the ground started changing from where Rockman laid his hand down, morphing from an ordinary platform into a murky, purple swamp. Before the dark navis could do anything, they were ensnared by their feet.

Got them! Rockman thought in triumph, thankful that Netto installed a Hover Shoe program in his customizer hours beforehand. He had to be quick, though. They would soon free themselves from the swamp, and-

“Behind you!”

A sudden noise behind him startled him, and it took both Regal shouting at him to roll out of the way and his own long-term memory before he realized what was going on. As it was, he barely avoided the sword that now stuck in the ground where he was.

He had forgotten that Shadowman also had Hover Shoes. Growling, Rockman brought up his buster. Time was running short, and he couldn't afford to let the dark ninja prevent him from his attack.


---

“And you were supposed to be the ultimate navi...” Dark Rockman said wryly, grinning as the smoke started to fade away. “How weak...what!?” he growled in surprise as he didn't see a deleted navi, but a fallen cloak.

“Got you.” came a deep voice from behind the dark navi. Dark Rockman had no time to react as an Earth Breaker slammed into him, sending him flying to the other edge of the platform. When he looked back up, Forte stood there, a bit beaten up but otherwise in one piece.

Dark Rockman grit his teeth. “So, you survived it after all.” he muttered, displeased with the situation.

“Of course, I always do.” Forte said cockily, smirking down at the kneeling form of the dark navi. His assumption had been correct; while the Lord of Chaos knew Dark Rockman's attacks and personality, it couldn't mimic the dark navi's style or tactics.

From what Forte could remember from Netto's memories, Dark Rockman loved to savor the helplessness of his opponents and took great pleasure in wearing them down.

This...fake was trying to kill him as quickly as possible, which went against the Dark Rockman that was in Netto's memories.

“Like it means anything,” Dark Rockman snarled, his cool demeanor vanishing as if it never existed. “You will not survive long to gloat about this!” he roared as he brought his buster up and formed a Super Vulcan.

Forte was once again put on the defensive when multiple shots came his way. Netto frowned as he observed, finally able to shove the influx of voices and memories in his head aside. “He can use other battle chips now too...how?”

“Netto-kun, are you finally alright?” Forte called out, evading another shot before he heard Dark Rockman snarl in irritation. He had run out of bullets.

“For now, yes...” came the reply. Forte immediately understood; this was going to happen again, and soon. He had to get rid of Dark Rockman as fast as he could. “I'm sending you a few chips, be ready!”

“Got it.” he muttered before activating the first one, a Neo-Variable Sword. Forte looked at his enemy coolly, watching as he formed yet another giant gun with his hands.

Dark Rockman grinned again. “Dark Wide Shot!” he bellowed, sending out waves of dark energy heading at Forte.

Concentrating, Forte swung his sword multiple times, creating his own waves of energy that flew towards Dark Rockman. It had just the effect he wanted as they collided with the Dark Wide Shot and canceled each other out.

The dark navi was not so pleased. Forte could tell that he was losing his patience, but why? Why did he need to kill him so quickly? The cloaked navi had no more time to observe as Dark Rockman suddenly straightened up and laughed.

“This has gone on long enough...” he chuckled, his red eyes gleaming with insanity. “It's time to make sure you perish!”

“Forte, watch out!” Netto cried as he watched Dark Rockman form a Dark Sword and immediately charge towards his friend at extraordinary speeds.

The navi grunted as he narrowly dodged an overhead swipe, but was surprised when Dark Rockman swung again, nicking his arm. Grunting in surprise, Forte kicked the dark copy backwards before charging forward, continuing his own assault. He couldn't let Dark Rockman gain any more momentum.

Netto could only watch only as the two navis clashed, trying to keep the voices in his head from overwhelming him. As it was, it felt like his head was going to explode any minute. Grimacing, he prepared another battle chip, focusing on helping Forte out before he sorted out his own problems in his own head.

He just hoped he could hold out long enough.

---

Rockman grunted, fending off another thrust from Shadowman's sword and rolling to the side. He was running out of time...if the other dark navis managed to get out...

“Barrier, slot-in!” Regal suddenly shouted, as Rockman blinked in surprise as a green barrier went up around him. He only realized what happened as he saw some of Shadowman's shuriken bounce off the protective shield. “Rockman, you have to concentrate! You're letting everything get to you, and you're not going to get out of here alive if you can't focus!” the scientist chided, grabbing another battle chip as he did so.

The blue navi took a deep breath and nodded. Regal was right, he was still trying to push things to his advantage, but kept getting distracted whenever things didn't go his way. “Yeah, you're right. Just tell me when you're about to send it.” he said, charging up his buster. He could already see that the navis were almost out of the swamp, and it would be ineffective as soon as they got themselves unstuck.

“Alright, but you must do something about that ninja.” came the reply, and Rockman found himself nodding. Concentrating, he stood still as he relaxed his body, waiting for that single moment when Shadowman would appear. If there was anything he learned from fighting alongside the ninja navi, it was to follow his instincts when they screamed at him.

At that moment, they were roaring at him.

There!

Quickly turning around, Rockman let off a charged shot, catching the ninja totally by surprise. The dark Shadowman went tumbling to the ground, unmoving. Resisting the urge to watch and see if he got back up, Rockman immediately turned back to the swamp. They're almost out...! “Dr. Regal!”

Regal nodded at the confirmation. “Earthquake 3, slot-in!” Rockman felt the heavy weight appear in his hand, but he didn't dwell on it. Right now...right now, it was when it counted. With a great cry, he threw it as hard as he could towards the group of dark navis. They saw it coming, but only a few were able to avoid it.

Numberman wasn't one of them.

As he watched the golden weight fall onto them, he watched with trepidation. As the dust cleared, his eyes widened as he watched the dark Numberman's data explode, signifying his deletion. Knightman managed to survive, but looked worse for wear.

Yes! he howled with triumph in his mind, glad to see that things were starting to go his way. With at least one navi out of the picture, it would get a bit easier. His face turned into a frown, however, as he watched the swamp disappear. One is down, but five more to go... he said to himself as he started to evade rapid buster shots and another Royal Wrecking Ball. In a one against many situation, always take out the support first... the blue navi recited to himself. He immediately looked at Toadman. Well, there's my next target.

“Great job Rockman, but don't celebrate yet. You still have too many more to go through.” Regal lightly rebuked, noticing the field going back to normal. “I suppose you know who to go for next?”

“I do. Send me any Elec elemental chips when you can!” he said as he shot back at the dark navis. It was still going to be a long fight ahead.

---

The fake Dark Rockman, Forte observed, had gone berserk. What the dark navi was doing was nothing short of a kamikaze attack. No matter how many times Forte shot at him with his busters, Dark Rockman would keep charging in, hoping to get a swipe in. Some of them actually connected, and Forte had to admit, they had stung.

“You alright, Forte?” came Netto's voice, sending him various chips to try and ward off the dark copy's attacks. So far, they were not working as well as they had hoped.

Forte grimaced. “Yeah, for now at least. Keeping this up any longer isn't going to end well for us, however.” he muttered. Netto grimly nodded. Even if Forte was incredibly strong, he could only hold out for so long.

“Just...buy me a few minutes, please...I'm trying to think of something to work, but...” He left the last word unspoken. Forte knew what he meant; Netto was trying to divide his attention between him and drowning out the memories in his head.

Nevertheless, Netto would have to overcome that, and soon. They were in a battle, and the longer he delayed, the worse it got for them. “Alright, but please hurry, Netto-kun.” he said softly, watching as Dark Rockman started to charge in again.

“Don't worry, we'll get through this. I just need the right chip...” Forte didn't hear any more of Netto's muttering as the clash of two swords rang throughout the silent area. Dark Rockman was grinning again; but this time, it was an insane, evil grin that told him what the dark clone was up to. He was totally focused on trying to kill him as fast as possible.

“You can't dodge forever!” Dark Rockman cackled as he thrust the sword at Forte again, who evaded it. “Your stamina will eventually give out!”

Forte frowned as he said that. I know that! But why doesn't Dark Rockman seem worried about his own? he thought in worry, noticing that the dark copy didn't even looked winded at all. Was this another of the Lord of Chaos' abilities?

Whoops! Forte grunted as he was nicked yet again on his side by the Dark Sword. It stung, but he immediately pushed that to the side and countered the swipe by landing a direct hit to Dark Rockman's arm with his own sword. He smirked as Dark Rockman roared in pain and backed off a bit to check his wound. Forte didn't let up, however, as he immediately pushed his advantage and sent rapid strikes at the dark copy.

He saw that Dark Rockman was hard pressed to fend off his strikes; perhaps he had done more damage to his arm than he thought? Testing it, he feinted a strike, and smirked when Dark Rockman brought up his sword to defend. The dark copy was shocked when Forte didn't strike there, and on reflex, brought the sword where it was really going to strike.

Unfortunately, his reflexes were too slow from the strike Forte hit him with earlier.

Forte grinned when he saw Dark Rockman scream in pain as his left arm hung uselessly at the side. Great, with one arm out, he could...

“You scum!” Dark Rockman roared in anger, “I'm going to rip you apart!” he screamed as he brought up his working arm and formed another blade, charging at Forte in blind anger.

“Netto-kun, I hope you have that chip!” Forte yelled out, bringing up his own sword to defend in preparation.

“I do!” Netto exclaimed finally. “I'm sending it to you right now. This is it!”

Forte felt the chip come to him, and his eyes widened slightly as he realized what it was. “Okay, just have to time it right...” he muttered as Dark Rockman sped towards him.

The brunette watched as Dark Rockman approached Forte, each of his footstep seeming like a countdown to what was going to happen. “Almost...two...”

“One...” Forte breathed, instinctively activating the chip he had with him.

Now! both of them thought in unison as Forte unleashed the power of the chip, just as Dark Rockman was upon him and ready to attack.

“Iai Form!” Forte roared, swinging his blade one last time at a speed no one could see. It knocked Dark Rockman's sword aside, and left a deep cut on his body.

Dark Rockman roared in pain once again, staggering backwards. Holding his wound, he stared blearily at Forte, trying to find the willpower to move his body, but couldn't. “Urgh...no...!” he cried, unable to even lift his sword.

“He's finished.” Netto stated, breathing heavily. Something odd had happened when Forte unleashed his attack...had he actually felt himself doing it? No, that couldn't be... Shaking his head, Netto glared at the dark copy. “Finish him off before he does anything else!”

Forte nodded, a bit perturbed at Netto's attitude. Before he could even take a step, however, Dark Rockman let off another horrifying laugh, his eyes filled with madness.

“You think you have beaten me!?” he bellowed, his voice changing from the insane one of Dark Rockman to the loud, booming voice of the chaos. “We're just getting started!”

Netto nodded slowly. “I knew it. I knew that wasn't even Dark Rockman, or even a perfect clone of him...it was just the Lord of Chaos trying to throw us off guard.”

“Too bad it didn't work.” Forte scoffed, staring intently at the barely standing figure.

“You've amused me so much...I would have never thought you could even beat a form I assumed, let alone two!” it cackled, standing up straight. Forte took a step back in shock; wasn't he supposed to be critically wounded? “I see you've noticed. I cannot be killed! Not even a wound as deep as you inflicted would be able to destroy me!”

Forte chuckled. “Immortal? Nothing is immortal in this world. Not even Serenade, for all of its power, is immortal.”

The voice boomed with laughter again. “Have you already forgotten that I do not come from this world? I am a being far beyond your puny comprehension! Nothing you do will harm a millenia old being such as I!”

“It sure is full of himself...” Netto remarked dryly. “But if what it says is true...how are we going to handle this?”

“Don't worry, we'll get to that as it comes.” Forte growled. This thing couldn't be immortal, could it? It just couldn't be...!

“And now, my friends, I think this has truly gone on too long. Prepare, as I show you my true power!” it cackled as chaotic energy began cackling again and covering Dark Rockman's form. Forte had to avert his eyes from the energy, not to mention struggle to stay standing.

“This power...! It's so oppressive...” he growled out as it felt like he was being smashed from the pressure.

“Hang in there!” Netto cried as he immediately sent a Barrier to Forte. The black navi sighed in relief as the pressure lightened, but it didn't totally disappear.

“Ha ha ha...” came the laugh as both navi and operator looked at the swirling mass of energy. “Be honored that I have to use this form to kill you. I will take great delight in erasing you from existence.” As the energy cleared, both of their eyes widened in shock.

“No...no! Is this even possible!?[i]” Netto cried in shock, slamming his hands on the table.

Forte took another step back, eyes wide. “This...this can't be! How!?” he stuttered, not believing the sight before him.

“Nothing is impossible for a being like me...including this. Your surprise is absolutely wonderful to behold!” it laughed as it's red eyes gleamed. Netto gulped before trying to calm himself.

“[i]Forte...can you really fight that...thing?” he asked shakily. Forte nodded, although Netto noticed he wasn't as enthused either.

“...yeah.” he said bluntly. Turning back to the Lord of Chaos, he grit his teeth. “You're going down for even daring to assume that form!”

The Lord of Chaos merely grinned and raised a hand, already gathering energy for its attack.

---

Rockman was breathing hard. He managed to cut down the numbers into something more manageable but...

Taking out Toadman was harder than it seemed. He was surprisingly agile and a misstep would paralyze Rockman, which meant he had to be extremely careful in dealing with him. To his luck, however, the dark Toadman was too busy trying to attack him with Dark Wide Shots to even think about supporting, allowing him to get in and deliver a Custom Bolt 3 right to his face. Inside, he felt a twinge of sympathy as he saw Toadman being deleted, but reminded himself that these were only mere copies, not the real thing.

Knightman was easier, if anything. True, his Royal Wrecking Ball made it a challenge to get close, and his Stone Body would make anything Rockman threw at him neigh useless. However, he had sustained heavy damage from the Earthquake 3 he had thrown earlier, and was moving even more sluggish than usual. It just took some dodging and some feints before he got close and deleted him with a Drill Arm.

That was the easy part. Now, however, Rockman found himself being forced back by a double team of Shadowman and Tomahawkman. The two dark navis worked surprisingly well together, which only meant that Rockman knew he was in trouble.

“Rockman, try to create an opening so you can get some breathing room!” Regal ordered, searching through his chip folder for the right one.

The blue navi grimaced. “Even if I did, Colonel would be on me in a second once I got enough room!” he retorted. He had wondered why Colonel was just hanging back, a question that had been answered once he got enough space between him and the dark navis. Rockman had been forced back into the fray when the dark Colonel had shot a Screen Divide at him, making him leap right into Shadowman and Tomahawkman. That hadn't gone over so well, and he came out worse for it.

Regal grunted in acknowledgment. “Urgh...there still has to be something you can do!” he said. Rockman was already feeling the effects of the battle, his body starting to get exhausted, but he still had to go on.

Ducking a tomahawk that was thrown by Tomahawkman, Rockman racked his brain for any sort of strategy. If he could just delete one more of then...but who? Blinking, the blue navi glanced over the dark Tomahawkman. Dingo had always said that he hated fire...

That's it! Rockman thought. Tomahawkman had an aversion to any sort of fire, from what he remembered. If he could land one good hit on him, then his life would be a little bit easier. Dodging a combined Muramasa Blade and Tomahawk Swing, Rockman started to fire back. “Dr. Regal, I need a powerful Fire chip, and quickly!”

“You have a plan?” he asked, but readying a chip nonetheless.

Rockman nodded. “I do. It's risky, but it has to be done.” He gulped when he saw Shadowman back off and Tomahawkman leap into the air. Something bad was coming his way. “Hurry!”

Regal slotted two chips in just as the dark Tomahawkman came in with a Tomahawk Rolling. Rockman knew he had to stop him here, or else the damage that would be done would be disastrous. When he felt the two chips come to him, he smiled. Perfect. These two were exactly what I needed!

As the rolling body of energy got closer, he activated the first chip. “Heat Body!” he cried as a blaze of fire ignited around him. Tomahawkman slammed right into it, his attack struggling against the searing flames. The flames eventually won out, and Tomahawkman dropped to the ground, burned all over.

That was exactly the opportunity that Rockman needed. He activated the second chip, rearing his fist back as it erupted in flames. “Fire Punch 3!” he cried as he slammed his fist into the dark Tomahawkman's face. He grimaced as he felt the data collapse under his fist, the sign of a navi being deleted. I'm sorry...

“Excellent job!” Regal congratulated, marveling at the way Rockman handled himself in a tight situation. “You still have two more to go, however...are you feeling alright?”

Rockman was feeling far from alright; his body was nearing the point of exhaustion. However, giving in would be his deletion. “I'm...fine. Just keep supporting me, doctor.” he breathed out. He saw Regal nod, and then readied himself against Shadowman. The ninja was quite possibly the biggest annoyance, and would have to be taken out before he could finally move onto Colonel.

He was almost done. Just two more to go...

That was when he felt a sudden chill shoot up his spine. This feeling... he mentally gasped. Netto-kun, Forte! What's going on!?

---

Bolts of energy were raining down, and Forte was frantically trying to dodge them. It didn't help that he was still in disbelief about what he was facing. Netto was yelling at him to concentrate, but he just couldn't for some reason.

“Against a foe like me, I guess it would be common to feel something like fear, no?” it asked, raising its hands again as it charged up. Forte snarled, but could do no more as he was forced to dodge yet again.

“Forte, you have to attack!” Netto cried as he tried looking over his battle chips. He hadn't prepared for something like this!

“I know, I know!” Forte retorted as he brought his busters up and tried shooting at the Lord of Chaos. He grit his teeth when he found that he missed. “It's not working...!”

The figure laughed. “It's useless. There is no way you can hit me with such pathetic attacks.” it sneered. “Let me show you power!” Holding up one arm, Forte saw a black energy form within his palm before making a motion to throw it at him. “Hell's Rolling!”

Forte's eyes widened as several disks of dark energy just flew out of the figure's palms and rolled right at him. Growling, he jumped around to try and avoid them, but was surprised when they changed directions right at him. “Netto-kun!”

Luckily, his partner was there to answer the call. “Dream Aura, slot-in!” he hastily said as he sent the data to Forte, who immediately cloaked himself in the protective aura. The dark wheels collided with the aura and vanished, the aura managing to repel them. Forte let off a small sigh of relief before turning back to the smirking figure.

“How...that shouldn't even be possible!” Forte said, glaring at the floating figure in front of him. That attack...not even he could do it!

The figure smirked evilly. “How many times must I tell you? I can do stuff that not even a puny creature like you could do...but if you're wondering why I can do it, I can answer that easily.” it said as it walked closer. Forte growled as he came clearer into view, trying to think of a plan.

“After all...I'm who you could have been.” the figure said as it grinned madly, red eyes gleaming.

Netto was extremely worried. “Forte...what do we do now?” he asked desperately.

The black navi couldn't take his eyes off of the figure. “...I have no idea, Netto-kun.” he muttered helplessly. What could he do?

After all, he never had fought against a mirror image of himself.

---

Next Chapter: Battle with Myself:

“Forte...we can't...lose here...!”

“No...I'm not going to lose him...!”

“There has to be something I can do! Anything!”

“...just believe, Forte.”

---

Author's Notes:

So...I should probably stop saying when the next chapter will be out, because I can't force myself to get it out by then. Sigh.

Unfortunately, the only excuse I can make at this time is that my life has been horrendously busy yet again. There have been so many things that I had, and still have to, take care of, that writing took a backseat priority yet again.

Not only that, when I did want to write, I got a nice little case of writer's block. Wonderful.

In any case...three more chapters, one of which being the epilogue. Just that much more before this thing is done once and for all.

And yes, I do suck at fight scenes, thanks for asking.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

Chapter 14: Mighty Blow

“This can't be happening...” Netto breathed uneasily as he took in the sight before him. Even in his wildest dreams, he would never have imagined nor expected to see Dark Rockman ever again. “This isn't real. You can't be the real Dark Rockman.”

“Oh, is that so, Netto-kun?” the dark navi purred, eyes glinting maliciously. “I'm as real as you can see. There's no room for doubt here.”

Forte narrowed his eyes. “Don't call him that,” he snarled, taking a step forward. “You have no right to!”

Dark Rockman let off a laugh. “And what are you going to do about it, o fallen one?”

The cloaked navi promptly fired off a buster shot, which Dark Rockman easily dodged. “I didn't think you were that sensitive..this will be more fun than I thought!” he grinned insanely, bringing up his own buster.

“Netto-kun, are you alright with this?” Forte asked lowly as he dodged a barrage of buster shots from the dark navi. “Are you just going to let him stand there and mock us?”

There was a bit of silence before the boy answered. “Don't worry, I know that he isn't the real one. The real Dark Rockman is long gone...” Forte heard Netto take a deep breath, supposedly in hesitation. “That's only a fake! Forte...no mercy.” he uttered.

If Forte was bothered by Netto's answer, he didn't show it. However, he quickly pushed it to the back of his mind as he brought his busters up again. “As you wish!”

Dark Rockman grinned again.

---

Rockman panted as he dodged a Royal Wrecking Ball, and immediately had to dive for cover as a Number Die was tossed at him. “What have I gotten myself into...?” he asked himself, readying his weapon. “Last time I think I can take on six navis all by myself.”

“Rockman, to your left!” Regal barked. The blue navi gave a quick leap backwards, barely avoiding a Screen Divide. “That was too close.” he heard the scientist mutter.

“This isn't working!” Rockman grit his teeth as he tried to think of a way to fight against the dark navis. He frowned as no good ideas came to mind. “Dammit...” he said under his breath, keeping his distance from the navis. For some reason, they were all just standing there, waiting for him to move again.

“At this point, you only have two options;” Regal muttered. “You can either take them out one by one, or try to take them all out at once. Which one do you think will work?”

Rockman lightly snorted, the answer obvious. “The first one, clearly. The problem is trying to hit them without being surrounded in the process.” He glanced at the dark navis again, who were readying whatever weapons they had.

The blue navi could almost feel Regal nod. “Indeed. That's why we have to divide and conquer.”

That does make sense... Rockman thought as he ran through whatever options he had left. But... “That just brings us back to square one. How am I supposed to do that without being able to out speed them?”

“You are right about one thing. You can't outrun them when they're grouped together. That's why I have a plan.” Regal said smugly, swirling a battle chip within his hand.

Rockman blinked. “Alright, tell me the plan then.”

---

“Hold still!” Forte growled out as Dark Rockman avoided his shots with ease, dancing between each volley unharmed. Snarling, the cloaked navi pulled back a little, raising his arms to block a vicious punch from the clone.

“Is this the best you can do!?” Dark Rockman laughed as he started to kick at Forte's defenses rapidly. “I expected a lot more!” One kick slipped past Forte's guard, and the cloaked navi grunted as he flew back onto the floor.

Growling, Forte stood up and rolled out of the way of a heavy punch, which cracked the ground upon impact. The kick didn't hurt at all, Forte noted, but something was very off about his opponent. Not only was he faster and stronger than Forte, or Netto, remembered him, but there was something about the way he was attacking...

That's it; Forte suddenly thought, staring at his chuckling opponent. Dark Rockman might have been powerful, but he was still Rockman. He would definitely have the same fighting style. This isn't him at all, so...of course! His eyes suddenly widening, he grinned maliciously as he thought up his next plan of attack.

Netto's smile was grim. “I see we have the same idea, Forte.” he said, wincing a bit as he clutched his head. Apparently, both he and his navi realized the exact same thing.

The copy in front of them wasn't Rockman, or even the Dark Rockman that they knew. The Lord of Chaos seemed to be able to mimic the blue navi's counterpart...but it missed something very important when assuming that form.

Netto then shook his head to try and clear it, but there was a weird static noise that kept pestering him. Granted, it was low enough not to cause a headache, but it was very annoying, nonetheless. “Alright Forte, you know how to-”

That was when the static in his head drowned out everything else.

“...be gone...!”

“Isn't it obvious...? I'm going to kill you!”

“Such pathetic creatures...”

“Die...!”

“I will...I will have my revenge...!”

“...perish!”

“Arrrrrrgh!” Netto roared suddenly over the communication, resisting the urge to slam his head into the wall. His head was pounding...!

“Netto-kun!?” Forte exclaimed in surprised, temporarily looking away to look at the screen beside him. What just happened!?

A harsh laugh met his ears once he did, and growled once again. He just screwed up.

“You fool! Don't take your eyes off your opponent!” Dark Rockman taunted, having formed a large cannon with his two hands. Before Forte could do anything, he fired.

---

Rockman grunted as he got hit with a potshot from one of the navi's busters, but shrugged it off. Ducking back behind a piece of debris, he gently nursed his aching arm while running over the plan again in his head.

I just have to get them to group together before I use 'that' chip...and then use the time they are confused to try and delete one of them. Rockman thought, repeating the exact words that Regal had said to him only moments before.

Grimacing, he allowed himself a peek of what was waiting for him, and it wasn't good. They were spread out; close enough to make an attempt, but far enough apart that it would prove difficult. To get them together, he would need to reveal himself within the next minute, or else it would be futile to even try the plan.

Satisfied that his arm didn't hurt as much as it was, Rockman took a deep breath. “Rockman, hurry! Delaying it any further will only make you lose in the long run!” Regal said gruffly, preparing the chips needed for the assault.

Nodding, Rockman leaped over the debris and fired off a few shots to get them to go in the direction he wanted. He allowed himself a small smile as he saw that it worked; he was managing to corral them into a single group.

That was when he noticed that Colonel was beginning to move. I have to do this now...!

“Dr. Regal, now!” he shouted, placing a palm on the ground while mentally activating a program he had installed.

“Right!” he exclaimed. “Deathmatch 3, slot-in!”

Immediately, the ground started changing from where Rockman laid his hand down, morphing from an ordinary platform into a murky, purple swamp. Before the dark navis could do anything, they were ensnared by their feet.

Got them! Rockman thought in triumph, thankful that Netto installed a Hover Shoe program in his customizer hours beforehand. He had to be quick, though. They would soon free themselves from the swamp, and-

“Behind you!”

A sudden noise behind him startled him, and it took both Regal shouting at him to roll out of the way and his own long-term memory before he realized what was going on. As it was, he barely avoided the sword that now stuck in the ground where he was.

He had forgotten that Shadowman also had Hover Shoes. Growling, Rockman brought up his buster. Time was running short, and he couldn't afford to let the dark ninja prevent him from his attack.


---

“And you were supposed to be the ultimate navi...” Dark Rockman said wryly, grinning as the smoke started to fade away. “How weak...what!?” he growled in surprise as he didn't see a deleted navi, but a fallen cloak.

“Got you.” came a deep voice from behind the dark navi. Dark Rockman had no time to react as an Earth Breaker slammed into him, sending him flying to the other edge of the platform. When he looked back up, Forte stood there, a bit beaten up but otherwise in one piece.

Dark Rockman grit his teeth. “So, you survived it after all.” he muttered, displeased with the situation.

“Of course, I always do.” Forte said cockily, smirking down at the kneeling form of the dark navi. His assumption had been correct; while the Lord of Chaos knew Dark Rockman's attacks and personality, it couldn't mimic the dark navi's style or tactics.

From what Forte could remember from Netto's memories, Dark Rockman loved to savor the helplessness of his opponents and took great pleasure in wearing them down.

This...fake was trying to kill him as quickly as possible, which went against the Dark Rockman that was in Netto's memories.

“Like it means anything,” Dark Rockman snarled, his cool demeanor vanishing as if it never existed. “You will not survive long to gloat about this!” he roared as he brought his buster up and formed a Super Vulcan.

Forte was once again put on the defensive when multiple shots came his way. Netto frowned as he observed, finally able to shove the influx of voices and memories in his head aside. “He can use other battle chips now too...how?”

“Netto-kun, are you finally alright?” Forte called out, evading another shot before he heard Dark Rockman snarl in irritation. He had run out of bullets.

“For now, yes...” came the reply. Forte immediately understood; this was going to happen again, and soon. He had to get rid of Dark Rockman as fast as he could. “I'm sending you a few chips, be ready!”

“Got it.” he muttered before activating the first one, a Neo-Variable Sword. Forte looked at his enemy coolly, watching as he formed yet another giant gun with his hands.

Dark Rockman grinned again. “Dark Wide Shot!” he bellowed, sending out waves of dark energy heading at Forte.

Concentrating, Forte swung his sword multiple times, creating his own waves of energy that flew towards Dark Rockman. It had just the effect he wanted as they collided with the Dark Wide Shot and canceled each other out.

The dark navi was not so pleased. Forte could tell that he was losing his patience, but why? Why did he need to kill him so quickly? The cloaked navi had no more time to observe as Dark Rockman suddenly straightened up and laughed.

“This has gone on long enough...” he chuckled, his red eyes gleaming with insanity. “It's time to make sure you perish!”

“Forte, watch out!” Netto cried as he watched Dark Rockman form a Dark Sword and immediately charge towards his friend at extraordinary speeds.

The navi grunted as he narrowly dodged an overhead swipe, but was surprised when Dark Rockman swung again, nicking his arm. Grunting in surprise, Forte kicked the dark copy backwards before charging forward, continuing his own assault. He couldn't let Dark Rockman gain any more momentum.

Netto could only watch only as the two navis clashed, trying to keep the voices in his head from overwhelming him. As it was, it felt like his head was going to explode any minute. Grimacing, he prepared another battle chip, focusing on helping Forte out before he sorted out his own problems in his own head.

He just hoped he could hold out long enough.

---

Rockman grunted, fending off another thrust from Shadowman's sword and rolling to the side. He was running out of time...if the other dark navis managed to get out...

“Barrier, slot-in!” Regal suddenly shouted, as Rockman blinked in surprise as a green barrier went up around him. He only realized what happened as he saw some of Shadowman's shuriken bounce off the protective shield. “Rockman, you have to concentrate! You're letting everything get to you, and you're not going to get out of here alive if you can't focus!” the scientist chided, grabbing another battle chip as he did so.

The blue navi took a deep breath and nodded. Regal was right, he was still trying to push things to his advantage, but kept getting distracted whenever things didn't go his way. “Yeah, you're right. Just tell me when you're about to send it.” he said, charging up his buster. He could already see that the navis were almost out of the swamp, and it would be ineffective as soon as they got themselves unstuck.

“Alright, but you must do something about that ninja.” came the reply, and Rockman found himself nodding. Concentrating, he stood still as he relaxed his body, waiting for that single moment when Shadowman would appear. If there was anything he learned from fighting alongside the ninja navi, it was to follow his instincts when they screamed at him.

At that moment, they were roaring at him.

There!

Quickly turning around, Rockman let off a charged shot, catching the ninja totally by surprise. The dark Shadowman went tumbling to the ground, unmoving. Resisting the urge to watch and see if he got back up, Rockman immediately turned back to the swamp. They're almost out...! “Dr. Regal!”

Regal nodded at the confirmation. “Earthquake 3, slot-in!” Rockman felt the heavy weight appear in his hand, but he didn't dwell on it. Right now...right now, it was when it counted. With a great cry, he threw it as hard as he could towards the group of dark navis. They saw it coming, but only a few were able to avoid it.

Numberman wasn't one of them.

As he watched the golden weight fall onto them, he watched with trepidation. As the dust cleared, his eyes widened as he watched the dark Numberman's data explode, signifying his deletion. Knightman managed to survive, but looked worse for wear.

Yes! he howled with triumph in his mind, glad to see that things were starting to go his way. With at least one navi out of the picture, it would get a bit easier. His face turned into a frown, however, as he watched the swamp disappear. One is down, but five more to go... he said to himself as he started to evade rapid buster shots and another Royal Wrecking Ball. In a one against many situation, always take out the support first... the blue navi recited to himself. He immediately looked at Toadman. Well, there's my next target.

“Great job Rockman, but don't celebrate yet. You still have too many more to go through.” Regal lightly rebuked, noticing the field going back to normal. “I suppose you know who to go for next?”

“I do. Send me any Elec elemental chips when you can!” he said as he shot back at the dark navis. It was still going to be a long fight ahead.

---

The fake Dark Rockman, Forte observed, had gone berserk. What the dark navi was doing was nothing short of a kamikaze attack. No matter how many times Forte shot at him with his busters, Dark Rockman would keep charging in, hoping to get a swipe in. Some of them actually connected, and Forte had to admit, they had stung.

“You alright, Forte?” came Netto's voice, sending him various chips to try and ward off the dark copy's attacks. So far, they were not working as well as they had hoped.

Forte grimaced. “Yeah, for now at least. Keeping this up any longer isn't going to end well for us, however.” he muttered. Netto grimly nodded. Even if Forte was incredibly strong, he could only hold out for so long.

“Just...buy me a few minutes, please...I'm trying to think of something to work, but...” He left the last word unspoken. Forte knew what he meant; Netto was trying to divide his attention between him and drowning out the memories in his head.

Nevertheless, Netto would have to overcome that, and soon. They were in a battle, and the longer he delayed, the worse it got for them. “Alright, but please hurry, Netto-kun.” he said softly, watching as Dark Rockman started to charge in again.

“Don't worry, we'll get through this. I just need the right chip...” Forte didn't hear any more of Netto's muttering as the clash of two swords rang throughout the silent area. Dark Rockman was grinning again; but this time, it was an insane, evil grin that told him what the dark clone was up to. He was totally focused on trying to kill him as fast as possible.

“You can't dodge forever!” Dark Rockman cackled as he thrust the sword at Forte again, who evaded it. “Your stamina will eventually give out!”

Forte frowned as he said that. I know that! But why doesn't Dark Rockman seem worried about his own? he thought in worry, noticing that the dark copy didn't even looked winded at all. Was this another of the Lord of Chaos' abilities?

Whoops! Forte grunted as he was nicked yet again on his side by the Dark Sword. It stung, but he immediately pushed that to the side and countered the swipe by landing a direct hit to Dark Rockman's arm with his own sword. He smirked as Dark Rockman roared in pain and backed off a bit to check his wound. Forte didn't let up, however, as he immediately pushed his advantage and sent rapid strikes at the dark copy.

He saw that Dark Rockman was hard pressed to fend off his strikes; perhaps he had done more damage to his arm than he thought? Testing it, he feinted a strike, and smirked when Dark Rockman brought up his sword to defend. The dark copy was shocked when Forte didn't strike there, and on reflex, brought the sword where it was really going to strike.

Unfortunately, his reflexes were too slow from the strike Forte hit him with earlier.

Forte grinned when he saw Dark Rockman scream in pain as his left arm hung uselessly at the side. Great, with one arm out, he could...

“You scum!” Dark Rockman roared in anger, “I'm going to rip you apart!” he screamed as he brought up his working arm and formed another blade, charging at Forte in blind anger.

“Netto-kun, I hope you have that chip!” Forte yelled out, bringing up his own sword to defend in preparation.

“I do!” Netto exclaimed finally. “I'm sending it to you right now. This is it!”

Forte felt the chip come to him, and his eyes widened slightly as he realized what it was. “Okay, just have to time it right...” he muttered as Dark Rockman sped towards him.

The brunette watched as Dark Rockman approached Forte, each of his footstep seeming like a countdown to what was going to happen. “Almost...two...”

“One...” Forte breathed, instinctively activating the chip he had with him.

Now! both of them thought in unison as Forte unleashed the power of the chip, just as Dark Rockman was upon him and ready to attack.

“Iai Form!” Forte roared, swinging his blade one last time at a speed no one could see. It knocked Dark Rockman's sword aside, and left a deep cut on his body.

Dark Rockman roared in pain once again, staggering backwards. Holding his wound, he stared blearily at Forte, trying to find the willpower to move his body, but couldn't. “Urgh...no...!” he cried, unable to even lift his sword.

“He's finished.” Netto stated, breathing heavily. Something odd had happened when Forte unleashed his attack...had he actually felt himself doing it? No, that couldn't be... Shaking his head, Netto glared at the dark copy. “Finish him off before he does anything else!”

Forte nodded, a bit perturbed at Netto's attitude. Before he could even take a step, however, Dark Rockman let off another horrifying laugh, his eyes filled with madness.

“You think you have beaten me!?” he bellowed, his voice changing from the insane one of Dark Rockman to the loud, booming voice of the chaos. “We're just getting started!”

Netto nodded slowly. “I knew it. I knew that wasn't even Dark Rockman, or even a perfect clone of him...it was just the Lord of Chaos trying to throw us off guard.”

“Too bad it didn't work.” Forte scoffed, staring intently at the barely standing figure.

“You've amused me so much...I would have never thought you could even beat a form I assumed, let alone two!” it cackled, standing up straight. Forte took a step back in shock; wasn't he supposed to be critically wounded? “I see you've noticed. I cannot be killed! Not even a wound as deep as you inflicted would be able to destroy me!”

Forte chuckled. “Immortal? Nothing is immortal in this world. Not even Serenade, for all of its power, is immortal.”

The voice boomed with laughter again. “Have you already forgotten that I do not come from this world? I am a being far beyond your puny comprehension! Nothing you do will harm a millenia old being such as I!”

“It sure is full of himself...” Netto remarked dryly. “But if what it says is true...how are we going to handle this?”

“Don't worry, we'll get to that as it comes.” Forte growled. This thing couldn't be immortal, could it? It just couldn't be...!

“And now, my friends, I think this has truly gone on too long. Prepare, as I show you my true power!” it cackled as chaotic energy began cackling again and covering Dark Rockman's form. Forte had to avert his eyes from the energy, not to mention struggle to stay standing.

“This power...! It's so oppressive...” he growled out as it felt like he was being smashed from the pressure.

“Hang in there!” Netto cried as he immediately sent a Barrier to Forte. The black navi sighed in relief as the pressure lightened, but it didn't totally disappear.

“Ha ha ha...” came the laugh as both navi and operator looked at the swirling mass of energy. “Be honored that I have to use this form to kill you. I will take great delight in erasing you from existence.” As the energy cleared, both of their eyes widened in shock.

“No...no! Is this even possible!?[i]” Netto cried in shock, slamming his hands on the table.

Forte took another step back, eyes wide. “This...this can't be! How!?” he stuttered, not believing the sight before him.

“Nothing is impossible for a being like me...including this. Your surprise is absolutely wonderful to behold!” it laughed as it's red eyes gleamed. Netto gulped before trying to calm himself.

“[i]Forte...can you really fight that...thing?” he asked shakily. Forte nodded, although Netto noticed he wasn't as enthused either.

“...yeah.” he said bluntly. Turning back to the Lord of Chaos, he grit his teeth. “You're going down for even daring to assume that form!”

The Lord of Chaos merely grinned and raised a hand, already gathering energy for its attack.

---

Rockman was breathing hard. He managed to cut down the numbers into something more manageable but...

Taking out Toadman was harder than it seemed. He was surprisingly agile and a misstep would paralyze Rockman, which meant he had to be extremely careful in dealing with him. To his luck, however, the dark Toadman was too busy trying to attack him with Dark Wide Shots to even think about supporting, allowing him to get in and deliver a Custom Bolt 3 right to his face. Inside, he felt a twinge of sympathy as he saw Toadman being deleted, but reminded himself that these were only mere copies, not the real thing.

Knightman was easier, if anything. True, his Royal Wrecking Ball made it a challenge to get close, and his Stone Body would make anything Rockman threw at him neigh useless. However, he had sustained heavy damage from the Earthquake 3 he had thrown earlier, and was moving even more sluggish than usual. It just took some dodging and some feints before he got close and deleted him with a Drill Arm.

That was the easy part. Now, however, Rockman found himself being forced back by a double team of Shadowman and Tomahawkman. The two dark navis worked surprisingly well together, which only meant that Rockman knew he was in trouble.

“Rockman, try to create an opening so you can get some breathing room!” Regal ordered, searching through his chip folder for the right one.

The blue navi grimaced. “Even if I did, Colonel would be on me in a second once I got enough room!” he retorted. He had wondered why Colonel was just hanging back, a question that had been answered once he got enough space between him and the dark navis. Rockman had been forced back into the fray when the dark Colonel had shot a Screen Divide at him, making him leap right into Shadowman and Tomahawkman. That hadn't gone over so well, and he came out worse for it.

Regal grunted in acknowledgment. “Urgh...there still has to be something you can do!” he said. Rockman was already feeling the effects of the battle, his body starting to get exhausted, but he still had to go on.

Ducking a tomahawk that was thrown by Tomahawkman, Rockman racked his brain for any sort of strategy. If he could just delete one more of then...but who? Blinking, the blue navi glanced over the dark Tomahawkman. Dingo had always said that he hated fire...

That's it! Rockman thought. Tomahawkman had an aversion to any sort of fire, from what he remembered. If he could land one good hit on him, then his life would be a little bit easier. Dodging a combined Muramasa Blade and Tomahawk Swing, Rockman started to fire back. “Dr. Regal, I need a powerful Fire chip, and quickly!”

“You have a plan?” he asked, but readying a chip nonetheless.

Rockman nodded. “I do. It's risky, but it has to be done.” He gulped when he saw Shadowman back off and Tomahawkman leap into the air. Something bad was coming his way. “Hurry!”

Regal slotted two chips in just as the dark Tomahawkman came in with a Tomahawk Rolling. Rockman knew he had to stop him here, or else the damage that would be done would be disastrous. When he felt the two chips come to him, he smiled. Perfect. These two were exactly what I needed!

As the rolling body of energy got closer, he activated the first chip. “Heat Body!” he cried as a blaze of fire ignited around him. Tomahawkman slammed right into it, his attack struggling against the searing flames. The flames eventually won out, and Tomahawkman dropped to the ground, burned all over.

That was exactly the opportunity that Rockman needed. He activated the second chip, rearing his fist back as it erupted in flames. “Fire Punch 3!” he cried as he slammed his fist into the dark Tomahawkman's face. He grimaced as he felt the data collapse under his fist, the sign of a navi being deleted. I'm sorry...

“Excellent job!” Regal congratulated, marveling at the way Rockman handled himself in a tight situation. “You still have two more to go, however...are you feeling alright?”

Rockman was feeling far from alright; his body was nearing the point of exhaustion. However, giving in would be his deletion. “I'm...fine. Just keep supporting me, doctor.” he breathed out. He saw Regal nod, and then readied himself against Shadowman. The ninja was quite possibly the biggest annoyance, and would have to be taken out before he could finally move onto Colonel.

He was almost done. Just two more to go...

That was when he felt a sudden chill shoot up his spine. This feeling... he mentally gasped. Netto-kun, Forte! What's going on!?

---

Bolts of energy were raining down, and Forte was frantically trying to dodge them. It didn't help that he was still in disbelief about what he was facing. Netto was yelling at him to concentrate, but he just couldn't for some reason.

“Against a foe like me, I guess it would be common to feel something like fear, no?” it asked, raising its hands again as it charged up. Forte snarled, but could do no more as he was forced to dodge yet again.

“Forte, you have to attack!” Netto cried as he tried looking over his battle chips. He hadn't prepared for something like this!

“I know, I know!” Forte retorted as he brought his busters up and tried shooting at the Lord of Chaos. He grit his teeth when he found that he missed. “It's not working...!”

The figure laughed. “It's useless. There is no way you can hit me with such pathetic attacks.” it sneered. “Let me show you power!” Holding up one arm, Forte saw a black energy form within his palm before making a motion to throw it at him. “Hell's Rolling!”

Forte's eyes widened as several disks of dark energy just flew out of the figure's palms and rolled right at him. Growling, he jumped around to try and avoid them, but was surprised when they changed directions right at him. “Netto-kun!”

Luckily, his partner was there to answer the call. “Dream Aura, slot-in!” he hastily said as he sent the data to Forte, who immediately cloaked himself in the protective aura. The dark wheels collided with the aura and vanished, the aura managing to repel them. Forte let off a small sigh of relief before turning back to the smirking figure.

“How...that shouldn't even be possible!” Forte said, glaring at the floating figure in front of him. That attack...not even he could do it!

The figure smirked evilly. “How many times must I tell you? I can do stuff that not even a puny creature like you could do...but if you're wondering why I can do it, I can answer that easily.” it said as it walked closer. Forte growled as he came clearer into view, trying to think of a plan.

“After all...I'm who you could have been.” the figure said as it grinned madly, red eyes gleaming.

Netto was extremely worried. “Forte...what do we do now?” he asked desperately.

The black navi couldn't take his eyes off of the figure. “...I have no idea, Netto-kun.” he muttered helplessly. What could he do?

After all, he never had fought against a mirror image of himself.

---

Next Chapter: Battle with Myself:

“Forte...we can't...lose here...!”

“No...I'm not going to lose him...!”

“There has to be something I can do! Anything!”

“...just believe, Forte.”

---

Author's Notes:

So...I should probably stop saying when the next chapter will be out, because I can't force myself to get it out by then. Sigh.

Unfortunately, the only excuse I can make at this time is that my life has been horrendously busy yet again. There have been so many things that I had, and still have to, take care of, that writing took a backseat priority yet again.

Not only that, when I did want to write, I got a nice little case of writer's block. Wonderful.

In any case...three more chapters, one of which being the epilogue. Just that much more before this thing is done once and for all.

And yes, I do suck at fight scenes, thanks for asking.
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<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[CrimsonZero]

Glad to see you update this fic. Am I hinting at Forte Cross Rock (or was it Rock Cross Forte? I can't believe I can't remember! XD)

[Kitty-Chan]

This is well worth the wait. I find it amusing to see how Rockman handles being operated by Regal. One question, does Regal know exactly who & what Rockman is?
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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)*