X.EXE: I, Saito [PG-13] [Ch 06: The Fine Line]

[ManxoChu]

Usual Disclaimers. Rockman.EXE-tachi isn't owned by me. Enjoy!
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X.EXE--I, Saito

By ManxoChu

Chapter 00: Prelude

I awoke to the sound of the plane’s captain announcing our arrival in Akihara, Japan. I stretched as best as I could in the cramped seat by the window. The sky looked rather peaceful, bringing some ease into my battle-ravaged bones. What wasn't right was what was there with the clouds but I'll discuss that later. Even a deep breath wasn't enough of a reprieve because my PET beeped. I brought my left wrist up and gazed down at the next-generation PET strapped to it.

"Good morning, Saito-sama. You have email," replied the grey program in there. "One from Hikari-sama and another from Akihara middle school."

"Thank you, Elgoog." I couldn't decide on a good name for the little guy when I recieved him about six months ago and I was browsing a website detailing ancient search engines. "Please bring up the emails." I read the email from the school first. It contained details about school policy and the usual stuff. It's no different than Akihara Elementary except for a few more rules.

The email from Papa was another matter. It was a mix of professional and personal things: Net crimes, new battle chips, the success of the new X-PETs (short for Xtreme-PET) after being on the market for two months, Net Savior business, and Mama's curry spaghetti she's invented. Heh, curry spaghetti. Guess I'll try it out.

"Anything else, Saito-sama?" Elgoog piped up soon after I filed away the emails. He seemed rather chipper for a basic PDA program.

"Just that you could call me 'Saito-kun.' If we're going to be working together, it's the least you could do." Elgoog's eyes seemed to triple in size at that suggestion.

"But I mustn't, Saito-sama! It's against my nature to disrespect you in that way!!" I shook my head in disbelief. I thought only navis were capable of such loyalty. My thought was interrupted when the man next to me nudged me and pointed at my X-PET.

"Hey, that's the new X-PET, isn't it? How about you and I NetBattle?" The guy just flashed a big grin. "Loser pays for the winner's soda when we arrive at the airport, yeah?"

I raised both hands in surrender and smiled. "I'm sorry, sir, but I only have a PDA program in here. No navi to NetBattle with, I'm afraid. Besides, I've only got Hi-Cannon chips purely as a defensive measure. This X-PET's purely business." This seemed to satisfy the guy, for he sighed and went back to sorting his battle chips. "If you like, we could discuss your battle chips. I was rather experienced with them before I switched."

After talking with the guy, a Mr. Will Gater I believe was his name, we parted ways once we arrived in the airport. It was a short hop from there to the subway then to Akihara itself. Home sweet home. It was late morning, so the streets were rather empty. I reached back and pulled my skateboard out of my backpack, unfolding it into its proper shape. I sped towards the house, the same house as it's always been, just a year or so older.

Not one second passed after entering the house did I get glomped by Mama. I forgot how strong a grip she had, or so I was told. "Mama... You're cracking my spine." She'd let go after a minute.

"Saito-kun, I'm sorry. I just missed you so much. It's been over a year and now look at you, you've sprouted like a weed. Have you eaten yet? I bet those airline snacks were just dreadful." Mama sure hadn't changed, although she seemed more tired. "I made curry spaghetti. Shall we?"

Curry spaghetti was a new taste. It took several sodas to get the taste out of my mouth. I spent the rest of the day catching up with the events here. When I told Mama about my exploits this past year she was giggling at the thought of having a daughter-in-law. Sadly, I don't have time for romance right now.

Getting ready for bed, I paused in front of the mirror without my shirt on. Seeing the scar made me wonder if I'm truly ready for this. Before turning in I looked at the blue band on my right wrist. The Hikari family crest on it appeared to be on fire in contrast to the blue band. I can't believe he's really gone.

School tomorrow. I don't know how Meiru-chan will react when she sees me. I set the alarm real early and took one last look outside at the rather translucent hexagon-patterned night sky before turning in. Despite my denials, I was told I tend to snore in my sle... Zzzzz...

End Chapter 00
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First off, my many many thanks to Megawoman.EXE for beta-reading for me. You were tons of help and helped give me some more ideas.

Please bear with me and my fic for I haven't written one in a long time. I like my idea (including making it first-person) so enjoy!

C&C appreciated. =3
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[Megawoman.EXE]

You're welcome Manxo. I enjoyed reading it. Just remember to take all constructive critisem while you create ficts. It will help you become a better writer. I can't wait to see what you'll come up with next. Keep up the good work.
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[Saito-Rockman]

Did you get Elgoog from the site, or did you just use Google backwards?

It's a bit confusing right now since it sounds like Netto's dead or something, but I'm pretty sure that was intended. I also like your idea of using first-person, although I've never read a fic using it.
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[ManxoChu]

Saito-Rockman, yes I got it by spelling Google backwards. :] It's my first time writing first-person, but the inspiration for first-person was 'I, Jedi' which also gave me the idea for the title. Hopefully as I write more, it'll become more clear, including the plot.

Megawoman.EXE, thanks for the encouragement. I'm already working on Chapter 01.
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[Axl.exe]

This fic was actually pretty good and like one of the previous reviewers said this is quite unique with its first person POV. Although it's quite strange how the character is called Saito which could possibly mean that Netto is gone. This further confuses as how Rockman also known as Saito got into the real world.

[Lido Azn Girl]

You have a nice beginning for a story. A little confusing, but really good.
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Thanks for the sig, DrkX~! ^^ You're the best!!! <3

[ManxoChu]

Amazing how a few good responses can get the creative juices flowing. :D Now on to Chapter 01! :]

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X.EXE--I, Saito

By ManxoChu

Chapter 01: New Day, New Perils

BEEP BEEP BEEP...

BEEP BEEP BEEP...

I slowly rose from my slumber feeling rather sluggish. Sleeping that way just didn't feel right, especially the part where you wake up. What's worse was the sound of Elgoog's chipper voice.

"It's 5 AM, Saito-sama. Good morning," he said with a happy tone. Boy did I wish he came with a mute function. "I hope you remember that you have an early morning meeting with you-know-who in an hour, then you have school starting at 8 AM."

"Thank you, Elgoog. Please send a message to you-know-who that I'll be there on time." I did a few stretches before I got ready for my day. My scar itched, up from the upper-right of my chest down diagonally to my lowest left rib. Damn that Forte... I continued getting ready, picking out my clothes for today: blue denim shorts, a navy blue T-shirt, skateboarding shoes to match my shirt, a light gray tech vest, and a pair of green wrap-around glasses to somewhat conceal my eyes.

Breakfast was a small event. Mama was misty-eyed while Papa comforted her. "Mama, Papa, what's wrong? How come you're up so early?" Mama cleaned herself up a bit before putting on a smile and served breakfast: bacon, eggs, and toast.

Papa sat down and started on his food. "Saito-kun, Mama's just happy and sad to see you at the same time. I think we all are." He looked at me as if he was trying to look inside me. "Please understand, son. It might have been a year but there's still a lot of adjusting to do."

I nodded and finished up my orange juice. "I know, Papa, Mama. I have to go meet you-know-who before I go to school for you-know-what business. It appears that net-crimes are on the rise again." Papa nodded while Mama walked over and glomped me again. At least she popped my somewhat-stiff neck loose. "Thanks for popping my neck, Mama." I slipped out of her grip and dashed outside, grabbing my board and backpack on the way.

The trip to SciLabs was dull, but at almost six in the morning that's understandable. Only the truly dedicated, or truly insane, worked at this early time of day. Upon seeing Meijin-san, I still wasn't sure which of the two he fell under. "Good morning, Meijin-san." I couldn't help but smile at his dismay.

"Just Meijin, remember?" Of course he knew I remembered. "First of all, welcome back to Akihara, Hikari Saito. Many still believe you're either not ready or too dangerous to be reinstated to active status, but I feel otherwise. Had any problems getting here?" We both sat down near the head of a large conference table.

"No problems getting here. I was told I had at least another year before full reactivation of my Net Savior status." I nursed a frappucino. It tasted like a decent MiniEnergy SubChip. "I'm grateful for your confidence but a big problem must be going on if you're asking for me."

He merely smirked and activated the screen. "The big problem is the apparent re-emergence of the NetMafia Gospel. The word on the net is that they now prefer to call themselves 'Omega-Gospel.' We don't know if this has anything to do with Neo-WWW yet, but it seems they're using the aftereffects of 'F-Day' to their advantage. They've been able to introduce viruses into the real world." He produced a slideshow of various viruses attacking the real world. Not only were they destroying whatever's in their path, they were also stealing items, including... Oh no... "Yes, Saito, those were Rare Metals. They've already succeeding in making a number of Dark Chips. What's worse is this next screen."

I took a closer look at the navi brought up. "He looks somewhat like Burnerman. Are you saying they made Dark Synchro Chips?" If Dark Synchro Chips were being manufactured, then that spelled big problems for everyone. "How many can still use Cross Fusion?"

"Net Saviors Ijuuin and Laika, along with one Net Savior we didn't exactly want to recruit." He showed the Net Savior's ID on the screen. "She and her navi decided to take up your steed when all that was left at the scene of 'F-Day' was your Synchro Chip. You don't really use a Synchro Chip per say anymore."

I sighed and pulled out the blue chip with the red crystal core. "Papa developed this X-Synchro Chip to unlock my X mode. Even with all my training, I can't extend my limit." I hung my head shamefully with the memory. The Shaaro Incident. It's a shear miracle that Shaaro didn't declare war on Creamland because of my mistake. "I might just meet our newest Net Savior today, if I'm unlucky. Not many people will be happy to see me, you know."

I didn't bother to wait for his response. I left for Akihara Middle School. I got there with a full thirty minutes when I recieved another email. "Elgoog, open it up please." When he opened it, the attached file self-activated and latched onto Elgoog. "Elgoog? Elgoog, no!" In a few moments, the program I knew for almost a year was gone. In its place was... a net kitty?

"Reow!" said the green cat. Well, so much for a program that spoke human. "Rreow!" It pointed at the email, which read:

[Megawoman.EXE]

Good job Manxo. This chapter kinda' explains what's going on, and I like the Tengo navi. It's so kawaii! X3 nya! Keep it up.
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[TheWebbuilder]

To think I just about skipped this one.

Its turning out to be a very good story; now that we know who we're dealing with, I'm starting to get a picture of what's happening. I'll be awaiting the next chapter. I love the first-person POV.
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[Zodiac]

Huh, this is pretty cool. So, you're apparently not afraid to do bad things to good people. Since you're getting Megawoman.EXE to read it first, I was considering putting it onto o Word doc. and doing a few grammar fixes I saw, then sending it back to her. What do you think?
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Caboose: I think so. That guy Tex is a robot, and you're his boyfriend. So that makes you... a gay robot.
Church: ... That's right... I'm a gay robot.

Red Vs. Blue

[white-devil]

this is actually the first fanfic I ever read, and I enjoying reading it a LOT. I will wait for the next chapter
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Im the lover of many things, Mostly cheese and helping people, but mostly cheese.

[Saito-Rockman]

That was a great chapter. I like all the things you put in there, like Gospel returning and Meiru having a Synchro Chip. Although, I wonder, who could be running Gospel now?
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[ManxoChu]

Action sequences aren't my forte (pun slightly intended). Still, I'm happy to post this one. Usual disclaimers apply. Enjoy!
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X.EXE--I, Saito

By ManxoChu

Chapter 02: Hope in Scarred Blue

I watched as this new version of Burnerman burned more and more of the school parking lot and a few buildings. He laughed as he did that last time I faced him in battle. "HA HA HA! I know you're here, Net Saviors. Come face me and burn, burn, BURN! AH HA HA HA!" That's definitely the same rabid cupcake. What I didn't understand is how he knew I had returned. It didn't matter as I watched Meiru-chan perform Cross Fusion with Roll-chan and leapt into battle in front of Burnerman.

"Burnerman! What do you want? The Dark Loids along with Nebula was already destroyed. Stop this madness or we'll defeat you!" During all this, Meiru-chan had her Roll Arrow aimed at our rabid cupcake. "What's your choice, Dark Loid?" It seemed that his rather trademark was his answer.

"I'm not a Dark Loid. I'm an Omega Loid, of Omega Gospel. It's my mission to seek out and delete you sniveling Net Saviors. Heh heh heh… It seems too easy to lure you and your new boyfriend out for deletion, but at least I'll get rid of one Net Savior. Another innocent human deleted is no problem for me. Heh heh heh." In Meiru-chan's rush to delete him, her aim was off. It only struck Burnerman's shoulder, taking off a few mere pixels. "Heh heh heh... BURN!"

The flames intensified, as if to answer Burnerman's battle cry. Meiru-chan and Burnerman locked into battle, while I just sat back and watched. Was she strong enough to handle him? How come Burnerman looked different? I only hoped this version of Burnerman wasn't some new form of Dark Cross Fusion. My X-PET beeped and I answered the call. "Meijin-san?"

"Argh! Just Meijin! What are you doing?" he screamed from the other end. "Get in there and fight Burnerman. Meiru's not experienced enough to face him!" He's right, what was I thinking?

"I'm on it, sir." I walked away from the protection of the brick wall. Meijin-san's call gave enough time for Meiru-chan to suffer a number of hits. I don't know if she could hold Cross Fusion for long. "Hey! You in red! Did you get an oven dial stuck on your head or are you really that ugly?" That got his attention, stopping his attack on Meiru-chan. "Leave Meiru-chan alone. I'm the one you really want." I walked slowly towards the two.

"You're a brave one, calling me that. Last guy who insulted me got turned to ash. You could at least offer me your name so I'll have the satisfaction of knowing who I burned." I shook my head at his so-called threat. Time to make Burnerman burn instead.

"If you're really the Burnerman from before, then let Meiru-chan go and listen to my voice. You'll know who I am." Apparently both of them knew my voice, for Meiru-chan nodded and moved away. Burnerman, however, stood there rather slack jawed and looked a shade paler.

"It can't be... Rockman? You were deleted along with your operator!" I pulled out the X Synchro Chip and readied myself for what was to come. Keep it under twenty minutes, Saito. "I'll make sure you're deleted!"

"You Omega Loids are the ones I'm deleting. X Synchro Chip, slot in!" With a backhand swipe, I inserted the chip into the X-PET's leftside chip port. Immediately, my human form pixilated and began to change. "X Mode, ACTIVATE!"

A blue bodysuit covered me while the gauntlet-like gloves and knee-high boots formed, with red jewels to cap my knees and elbows. Blue armor covered my upper torso, the family crest in the center. The scar showed on the armor, cutting through my crest. The faceplate and ear armor formed, but the rest of the old helmet was gone. Instead, a long headband formed and tightened around my head, a square red jewel blazed upon my forehead. The change took all of less than a second. "There's no Rockman; the name's X!"

"Your name's 'toast' after I'm through with you! Burning Jet!" The red fire-type navi ignited his multiple jets and rocketed towards me head-first. In a screen that popped up in my peripheral vision, I saw Tango pick out a few chips, including two that proved useful. Good idea, Tango-kun! The crazed dialhead was nearly on top of me. "I gotcha, Rockman!"

"Wrong! Battlechip: Slasher, WideShot!" The sword formed on my right arm while the oddly shaped water cannon formed on my left. When Burnerman was about to strike, I let him have it with the Slasher blade. Shock and pain was the look on his face as I sent him flying backwards. I didn't give him a chance to recover and leveled my second attack on him. "WideShot!" I cried out and unleashed the crescent wave at him, striking him center mass. He flailed about from the second hit, parts of him pixilated from the damage he'd taken. He wasn't logging out, just standing there seething as he changed his arms into cannons.

"You can't beat me! I'm Omega Fusion Burnerman! I'll burn you all to the ground! Burning Soul!" He attacked repeatedly, pressing his assault on me. I leapt out of the way. If he's really a Dark Cross Fusion, I have no choice but to break him out of it. I don't want to hurt the operator, but I have no choice! If he's part human, then he has human weaknesses now. I sidestepped another Burning Soul and got right in front of him. I capitalized on my newfound advantage and delivered a kick into his stomach then used the new foot placement to leap away from him while forming my X-Buster. On the way down, I started charging it. "You can't beat me, Rockman!"

I planned to prove him wrong. "Think again. CHARGE SHOT!" I fired at him, sending a large bright blast of energy at him, hitting right on target. When the smoke cleared I was shocked to find him on one knee, still in what he called 'Omega Fusion.' Not good. I had to use another attack.

"I told you that you can't beat me, Rockman, for I'm Omega Fusion Bur--" I didn't let him finish his statement. I formed a second X-buster on my left arm and brought both charged weapons to bear on him.

"Shut up. DOUBLE CHARGE SHOT!" I attacked with both fully charged busters, firing a combined shot that made a Giga-Cannon Program Advance look like a penlight. I heard his scream of pain and said a silent prayer to the survival of the operator. Again the smoke cleared, but this time all that was left was the operator. His moaning was a welcome relief. I walked over and lightly nudged the foe with my foot to make sure he was really still alive.

"Netto!" I heard Meiru call out as she ran over, already changed back into her human form. "Netto... Is it really you?" She took hold of my arm and squeezed lightly, as if to make sure that I'm no illusion.

"...Yes and no, Meiru-chan. It's only physically that I'm Netto-kun." I knelt and checked the pulse of our rabid dialhead's operator. "He's still alive." I looked around to see the fire department started in on putting out those fires. Changing back into human form, I put the X Synchro Chip away. Meiru-chan was pale and silent, but I heard Roll-chan from her X-PET.

"...Rockman? You're alive? But how?" Her voice clearly strained with heartbreak. Everyone thought both Netto-kun and I were deleted. I still wish it was me and not him.

"Rockman's been reformatted. I'm called 'X' now, or 'Hikari Saito' in this human form." I felt a weight on my head, along with a loud purring sound. "Huh?" Plucking the mass off my head I took a look at the newfound intruder. "...and this is Tango-kun." In all the chaos, the Net Police detaining Burnerman's operator, and the smoke and ash, the deafening squeal of a girl and her girl navi echoed throughout the campus.

"KAWAII!!" The more things change, the more they stay the same, right? I did my best to ignore their ogling the green kitty-navi while reporting in to Meijin-san.

End Chapter 02
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Thanks again to Megawoman.EXE for the beta-reading! The 'dialhead' remark is courtesy of my friend AnimeWriter.

PH34R the cuteness of Tango-kun. =3
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The glitched navi that likes to randomly baleet others. =3

[Megawoman.EXE]

Yay this is getting good. I'm glad to be your beta reader. I have to admit it must've been hard to write the action parts for a first person storyline. Keep up the good work Manxo. *Meg gives a thumbs up to ManxoChu*
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[Saito-Rockman]

I thought the writing for it was great. Or did you mean actually getting it to be like that? Also, is the headband supposed to be Netto's, I don't recall X having one.
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[ManxoChu]

The headband's similar to Netto old headband, except it's as long as Blue's hair and instead of the Hikari crest, there's a square red jewel in its place to match the jewels on X.EXE's elbows and knees.

The forte pun is somewhat intended. I've never considered myself good at writing action sequences, and this is my first time writing in 1st-person POV. So you can imagine the double whammy placed upon myself. -.-
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[ManxoChu]

Sorry for the long delay, but I've finished Chapter 03. Read and enjoy! XD Chapter Updatto Chip, Slotto in!

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X.EXE--I, Saito

By ManxoChu

Chapter 03: Crucial Pursuit

Upon finishing my call to Meijin-san, I started on my way home. Tango-kun stayed with Meiru-chan, whether he wanted to or not, for the poor thing was being glomped. Fortunately the kitty-navi proved to be a good enough distraction for my disappearance from the scene.

"Netto!" Meiru-chan called out from not too far behind me. So much for the distraction. "Netto! Wait!" She was gaining on me fast with her scooter. I took out my skateboard and tried my best to evade her. Never underestimate the determination of one Sakurai Meiru. She's almost as bad as Netto-kun in a few aspects. There were a few times I'd almost lose her. The subway was out of the question because the wait for the next subway would had given her the time to catch me. First chance was at Akihara Park, where there were several people walking their dogs. I skated through the group in order to cause a panic, creating a large scene I hoped would distract Meiru-chan long enough. What I didn't expect was that Meiru-chan simply ignored the dogs and their entangled owners in order to follow me.

She gave chase for over an hour before I finally gave up. She knew where I lived and eventually I had to return there. I thought it'd be best to talk to her at least on my terms. I returned to Akihara Park and stopped in front of the giant squirrel statue. She arrived moment later, panting for air as I was.

"Netto... Don't leave me again, Netto." She said through panted breath. "Please say something. Anything. Just don't run, please?" I answered her plea by folding up my skateboard and tucked it away in my backpack.

"There's a lot to talk about, Meiru-chan. I just didn't want to start talking so soon." I walked her over to a bench where we both sat down. I fished out a water bottle for her to take a sip from. "Net Saviors are ready for anything, right?"

She nodded while taking a sip. "...What happened to you, Netto? Why do you sound like Rockman? Where's Rockman now?" She took hold of my wrist and looked at the screen on my X-PET. "Is Rockman on a Net Savior assignment? What's going on?" Her cheeks were flushed and she was nearly in tears. She wanted all these answers but I don't know if she's ready to hear them.

"I don't know if you can handle it if I answer you. Do you really want me to answer, no matter what?" I looked at her directly in the eyes, making sure she understood the weight of the her answer. She took a few moments then nodded slowly. I took a deep breath, ready for the worst. "Alright. I sound like Rockman because I am Rockman." I raised a hand before she could say anything. "I'll tell you what you want to know, but let me finish."

"Rockman? You're alive? But how?" Roll-chan piped up from the pink X-PET. She soon covered her mouth knowing I was already about to explain.

"A lot happened during F-Day; a lot you don't know about. Netto-kun and I fought Forte that day and something awful happened. We were able to defeat Forte and force him to log out, but the price was too high. Netto-kun... N-Netto-kun sacrificied himself to generate a strong enough Charge Shot and defeated Forte." I felt Meiru-chan take a tight hold of my hand.

"This is some sort of joke, right? You can't be Rockman! Netto, please say it's a joke. Rockman's a navi, not human." I put Meiru-chan's hands in mine, massaging them so as to soothe her frazzled nerves as best I can before the worst is told.

"Long ago, Mama and Papa had two twin boys, Saito and Netto. Saito died due to HBD, a rare and then-fatal heart condition, leaving Netto-kun all alone. Papa already had a project going to create a new type of navi using human DNA as the base code, so as to create a stronger bond between operator and navi. Papa created a navi using Saito's DNA and gave the constructed navi to Netto-kun. That navi was Rockman."

"I don't understand how that has to do with your disappearance. For that matter, how does this tie with Netto?" Meiru looked at me with worried eyes, which I often saw when Mama's worried about Netto-kun, myself, or Papa.

"I'm about to get to that." I took the water bottle and sipped a few times. "When Netto-kun focused everything into that Charge Shot, he was already in bad shape. If he were a navi in the net he'd be a whisper away from total deletion. We all know Netto-kun and what he'd do, so he did it. He put all he could into that attack and then some and it worked. The colliding forces of the Charge Shot and Forte's Darkness Overload were enough to make Forte log out. However..." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, taking off my glasses. "...Meiru-chan, it was too much for Netto-kun to bear. I'm sorry but Netto-kun died in order to stop Forte." I looked into Meiru-chan's eyes for the first time without my tinted glasses. "Because Netto-kun and I were originally twins, my data fused into Netto-kun's body completely and... well, here I am." Her eyes welled up and the tears poured forth then she collapsed into my arms, sobbing and crying out for Netto-kun. I know how you feel...

While Meiru-chan cried tears of sorrow, Roll-chan's tears were both sadness and joy. "Rockman, you're alive. You're really alive. I thought I'd never see you again, but... you're stuck in the real world now?" I was about to answer when I received an e-mail from Meijin-san. The e-mail stated we're to meet up at SciLabs for a debriefing on the Omega Fusion Burnerman incident today. The classified e-mail was then shredded by Tango-kun. Just like a cat-navi to come and go as he pleases, huh? Tango-kun seemed to answer my unspoken question by curling up for yet another catnap.

The trip to SciLabs was a quiet one, all due to Meiru-chan and Roll-chan silent absorption of the information I gave them earlier. We took our seats in a large conference room, much like the one I was in this morning. We began to give our accounts of what happened when dealing with Omega Fusion Burnerman, or OF-Burnerman for short. Meijin-san seemed pleased with our reports, although he was a bit upset with my hesitation in fighting.

"Saito-kun, I can understand why you didn't want to fight but we just don't have the luxury anymore. Omega Gospel's become a viable and lethal threat to not only Net Saviors but to both the real and net worlds." He typed a few commands on a keyboard to bring up a screen showing our enemy from before, only now he was behind bars. "The operator you defeated is called Atsuki, a hot-tempered arsonist from Sharo. Seems odd, I know, but he's originally from Sharo. Saito-kun, what you don't know is that today wasn't Atsuki and Burnerman's first attempt at a Net Savior. His previous target was Laika." He brought up fought of the attack at a Sharo military facility.

"Any ideas on what's Omega Gospel's next move?" Meiru looked at her X-PET to bring up a file of current Net Saviors. "There's only four who can use Cross Fusion while the rest can only work with their navis traditionally. It only stands to reason that Enzan will be next on their hitlist." I could feel my blood boil at the mention of Ijuin Enzan's name, even if I was the one saying it. He backed off when Netto-kun pressed on against Forte. That bastard... Despite this, I knew that Enzan would need my help.

"Just because they can't use Cross Fusion doesn't mean they're not viable targets. Meijin-san doesn't use Cross Fusion and yet he's a vital part of the Net Saviors. Along with Kifune-san and Manabe-san they would make great targets for Omega Gospel, right?" I could feel Meijin-san glaring at me even without my looking. "I'll fire off an e-mail to Enzan, provided he's still using the same e-mail address from before." I was about the bring up the e-mail window in my X-PET when Meijin-san waved for me to stop. I guess he's already been informed. "Laika knows about me already." Meiru-chan gave me a disbelieving look, now knowing she wasn't the first to learn about me. "Long story, but Laika does know about me."

Meijin-san shook his head. "I already sent a priority e-mail to Laika due to his previous engagement with Burnerman. Enzan's in town on business so I placed an urgent call, but he was in a meeting. Back to Atsuki, you'll be interested to know that while he was in... Omega Fusion, right? Anyway, it seems that Atsuki wasn't the one in control during Omega Fusion. I'm sure you both found it odd that it was the voice of Burnerman when he told you he was a new form of Cross Fusion." We both nodded, although I already had a similar thought about that during my fight with OF-Burnerman. "I'm hoping this is the exception and not the rule when it comes to Omega Fusion because if this is how it works it could spell disaster for friends and foes of Omega Gospel alike." Meijin-san was about to continue when the door opened. His style of clothes hadn't changed much but I knew he was: Ijuin Enzan.

"Sorry I'm late, Meijin. I got here as soon as I could. I couldn't get out of my IPC meeting any sooner." Everyone started greeting him. I didn't say a word; merely stood up out of my chair and walked over towards him. My whole body trembled as he observed me. "You must be new to the Net Saviors. I'm Ijuin E--" He never finished his greeting as my fist connected with his jaw, flooring him rather effectively. I watched and waited until he looked at me. I took off my glasses and looked at him right in the eyes.

"The name's Hikari Saito, and that was for Netto-kun." I walked out of the conference room, with a great feeling of satisfaction, not bothering to wait for a reply from anyone. That was for you, Netto-kun. I started on my way home, reading the instruction file that came with Tango-kun, wondering if Mama would make me some chicken curry. A smile came to my face as I read a particular section in the file.

I wonder if Roll-chan likes chicken curry...

End Chapter 03

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Hope you liked it. Replies appreciated, as usual. Arigato again to Megawoman.EXE for the beta-readingness.

Later! Escape Chip, Slotto In! *vanishes*
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The glitched navi that likes to randomly baleet others. =3

[Megawoman.EXE]

Wow that was an amazing chapter. I feel sorry for Roll and Meriu right now. I wonder how this will effect their relationships.
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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

[ManxoChu]

X.EXE--I, Saito

By ManxoChu

Chapter 04: Curry for two

I see why Netto-kun liked curry so much. "The chicken curry's delicious, Mama." Dinner with Mama and Papa was quite interesting. We talked about our days, which sparked a little discussion.

"Why on earth did you hit Ijuin Enzan?" Papa started in on me. "Last I checked he's a Net Savior like you, Meiru-chan, and Laika. He's not the enemy." I sighed in a bit of frustration.

"You weren't there on F-day, Papa. Netto-kun kept fighting while Enzan stepped back. If he had stayed with Netto-kun to fight Forte I think Netto-kun would be here us now, alive and well."

"He's still your friend and colleague, Saito-kun," Mama piped in. "You and Netto-kun respect him very much. He was in no condition to continue, based on what you and Papa told me."

".....So was Netto-kun." I began making another helping of chicken curry, placing it in a sealed food container. "I'll be bringing this over to Meiru-chan's place later on. Is that okay?" Mama smiled and nodded.

"So it's Meiru-chan now? What about Princess Pride?" I almost dropped the container at Mama's insinuation. "It seems to me that the Princess has taken a great liking to you." Mama smiled with such... um... pride.

"We're just friends, Mama. Really! Besides..." I looked at an old picture on the kitchen counter, back when the four of us were together. "She wants Netto-kun, as does Meiru-chan. I'm just a Netto-clone as far as they're concerned."

Papa walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder. "You're no clone, Saito-kun. You always were and always will be Netto-kun's big brother. F-day just proved that he would protect you just as you would protect him." He smiled for a moment then tilted his head in wonder. "So if you're not bringing the curry to Meiru-chan then who?"

I smiled and gently shook my X-PET. "To Roll-chan, actually. It's somewhat of an experiment. I'll tell you the results later. Tango-kun, wake up please, it's time to get some work done." I walked over to my room, although I overhead Mama and Papa arguing in jest as to whose son I was. I laughed as I plugged Tango-kun onto what I now guess would be my homepage. "Alright, Tango-kun, I'll need you to do a few important things." Tango-kun nodded with a loud meow. "That's great. Okay, first off I want you to..."


...............


When Tango-kun returned, I was worried he wouldn't return. He might have been distracted by a Ratty virus, or even chased by Rush. "So the old link still works. Great! Just place the item by the link and I'll do the rest. Thank you, Tango-kun, you did great. Now just come out into my room and leave the hole open, then you can nap on my be--" Tango-kun didn't let me finish, for he was already napping on my bed, having left a hole in my bedroom floor large enough for me and my chicken curry. Before leaving, I went through my checklist:

-Chicken curry: check
-Spoons and napkins: check
-Pink flowers: check
-Old link to Meiru-chan's homepage: check

All set to see Roll-chan. Hope she likes how I look.

I waited until it was near midnight so as to not alert anyone to my actions. With the curry next to the hole, I slotted in and activated the X-Synchro chip. Ten minutes, Saito. I grabbed the package and made a quick leap into the hole. It's been so long since I plugged into the net that I almost forgot the joy of traveling online.

Upon materializing on the homepage, I made a break for the link. I smiled as I picked up the e-flowers and hopped onto the large tile that looked like a teddybear. In a flash of light, I was on Meiru-chan's homepage. Looking around, it seemed that it hasn't changed much. I held the food package in front of me, spoons and napkins on the lid, and the flowers behind me. "Hello?" I looked around but no one was in sight. "Hello?" Roll-chan, where are you?

My answer came when the curry package exploded in my hands, covering me rather well in bits of chicken, curry sauce, and rice.
"*KOFFKOFF* ...Crap."

"Stay where you are! Who are you?" The pink navi appeared from the shadows. "Nobody's allowed to use that link except..." She stepped closer. "...Rockman?" Tears came to her eyes as she ran over. "You're here! You're really here!" She pounced and held onto me tight, not caring that she now got herself covered in what was a curry chicken dinner for two.

"...Uh... Hi." Smooth move, Hikari. "Flowers and dinner?" She pulled away so I could offer the flowers. She blinked and waited a moment.

"Dinner? What dinner?" She took a look at the food bits on us both then covered her mouth in shock. "Oh my gosh! Rockman, I'm so sorry! I didn't know. I thought you were an intruder with an e-mail bomb so I used my Roll Arrow and--" I stopped her rapid apology by giving her a good long hug.

"I missed you too, Roll-chan." She melted into the hug, hugging me back as well. Before long, I felt her giggling. "What's so funny?"

She pulled away and pointed at me. "You, covered in all that food." She continued giggling and it was very contagious, for I was soon laughing with her.

"You're covered in chicken curry too." Soon we were laughing hard enough to have our sides hurt.

"How'd you get here? I thought you're human now?" She took a once over on me, focusing back onto my eyes. "Well you're different now but you're still Rockman, right?"

I nodded while wiping off as much of the curry off my face as I can. "Think of it as an required upgrade to deal with new power issues. You looks great, though, curry and all." She giggled at the joke.

"How long can you stay?" Crap! I felt the color drain from my face as I accessed my internal timer. Two minutes. That can't be right!

I sighed and hung my head lower. "Two minutes. I only have ten minutes when I'm on the net." Upon saying that, Roll-chan held onto me tightly.

"Don't go! Rockman, please stay with me! I missed you so much." I held onto her in silence, not wanting for it to end...

...Then time ran out. The pain started to course throughout my body. The icon on my chest as well as the crystals on my elbows, knees, and forehead started blinking. One minute until I lose it! "AGH! Roll-chan, I need to plug out and fast! I need a plug out point."

DESTROY.

No!

DESTROY.

Roll-chan helped me over to her plug out point. She held onto me a few more seconds then backed up off the portal. "Don't be gone long, Rockman." She waved as I dematerialized off the homepage...

...and crashed into Meiru-chan's bedroom rather loudly. I fell out of X-Mode and laid there for a while, clutching my chest. The DS within me tried to take over again. I took a deep breath and sat up.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! BURGLAR!!!" Before I could respond, I saw Meiru-chan's servbot doll flying at me, then all went black.

End Chapter 04

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Hope you liked it. Reviews welcome.
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The glitched navi that likes to randomly baleet others. =3

[Lido Azn Girl]

This is getting good. Keep up the excellent work! :D