Neko Saviors AA/R/Hu *Finished*

[Yue-chan]

oh, very ominous. I do not like the dark tone that Dhruv is taking. But I love the chapter. great update, neko.
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"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Neko]

Netto snuggled deeply into his sheets, desperately trying to ignore the rocking of the boat. “I’m not here-nya,” he said softly trying a trick Rockman taught him. “I’m at home and not in the middle of a huge sea. No wait, that didn’t come out right-nya.”

Eventually he fell asleep much to the relief of Rockman who went into stasis mode soon after. They slept happily through half the night. Then Ocelot slipped in and shook Netto on his shoulder in an effort to wake the sleepy boy up.


“Nh, go away-nya,” he muttered.

“Come on kid, we’re going somewhere,” she said softly.

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow-nya?” he whined.

“Sorry Koneko, time to get up,” she said softly.

Netto groaned at sat up, rubbing his eyes sleepily. “Ocelot, it’s really late-nya,” he said.

“I know,” she said gently pulling him out of bed.

“Where are we going-nya?” he asked.

“To see Dhruv,” she said while leading him down the narrow corridors of the boat.

“What happened-nya?” Netto asked.

“Nothing, he just wants to be a jerk and pull you out of bed at three in the morning,” she said.

“Oh-nya,” Netto said.

“That was sarcasm, Koneko,” Ocelot said dryly.

“And you think I know that at three in the morning-nya?” he hissed, a little more awake now.

“We’re here,” she said instead of answering his question. She made to knock on the door but decided against it and burst inside.

“Well, well, well, welcome young kitten,” Dhruv said when they came inside.

Netto glared at him but didn’t retaliate. Mostly because of the tightening grip on his shoulder.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you for awhile now,” he said standing up from his desk and crossing the length of the room in several graceful strides.

“And you couldn’t wait until night was over why-nya?” Netto shot back.

Ocelot resisted the urge to cover his mouth and settled for tightening her grip even further. Netto winced but didn’t back down from Dhruv’s glare.

“Well, you see the lovely Princess Pride might,” he paused. “Object if she knew that I summoned to talk with you alone.”

Netto glared at him, “So three in the morning is better for you-nya?”

“Why yes?” Dhruv said happily. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

Netto opened his mouth furiously but was stopped just in time by Ocelot throwing him a hard look. Unfortunately for the both of them, Dhruv noticed and nodded at Ocelot. “You have done enough, you may go now.”

“Sir, I must object…” she started.

“I said, you may go now,” he repeated in a tighter voice.

Ocelot sighed and released Netto’s shoulder. She gave a polite bow and said, “As you wish, sir.” She turned on her heel and left the room, she chanced one last worried glance over her shoulder before she left for good.

“Now that she’s out of the way I wish to talk to you, Netto Hikari,” Dhruv said.

“About what-nya,” Netto said crossly. He didn’t take kindly to being woken up at three in the morning.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve heard why you’re here,” he smiled.

Netto’s eyes widened briefly but he covered the reaction as quickly as possible. “No, I thought I was here because Poipu asked me to-nya.”

“Don’t play the dumb one kid, it’s not becoming. You and I both know you’re smarter then you let on. Now I’ll make this as quick as possible, you and your navi will help me.”

Netto scoffed, “You can’t make me and Rockman do anything-nya.”

Dhruv eyes glittered with a malice that sent a shiver down Netto’s spine. “Try me,” he said in an icy voice.

Netto’s tail puffed slightly and he returned Dhruv’s glare with one of his own. “I will. I’m here because Poipu asked me to be. She is the one who needs me-nya.”

Dhruv laughed. “You really think that?” he laughed. “Oh that’s beautiful. Your little princess is just using you as a life support.”

“Only because you’re messing with her-nya,” Netto hissed. “She wouldn’t need me if you weren’t here.”

“Would you be upset if that happened?” Dhruv asked.

“What do you mean-nya?” Netto asked.

“If I wasn’t here and your Princess wasn’t hanging all over you, would you be upset?” Dhruv asked.

“She’s not my Princess-nya,” Netto muttered while blushing.

“I’m sure,” Dhruv said with a small smile gracing his lips.

Netto slammed his hands on Dhruv’s desk. “She’s not anyone’s princess dammit-nya!” he yelled. “She’s a human being, with feelings and human needs-nya.”

Dhruv jumped at the outburst from the human but quickly regained his cool. “Well then, she’s not anyone’s princess. That means if she became mine you wouldn’t care?”

Netto blinked and paused.

“I thought so,” Dhruv grinned. “You’d have to be an idiot to not realize the fact that she has feelings for you, and apparently they’re returned.”

Netto blushed and looked away, “She’s just my friend-nya.”

Dhruv laughed and Netto glared at him. “Kids are so cute.”

“I’m not a kid-nya,” Netto hissed.

“Yes you are. You haven’t even hit your teens yet. You don’t know how chaotic love can truly be. Pride is what, two, three years older then you? What makes you think it’s okay to be in love with a princess? There are responsibilities to take, kitten. There is more to it then what you can comprehend,” he said.

For the first time that night, Netto was speechless and Dhruv coughed. “Yes, well, that’s just fact. Now, back to the reason I called you here.”

“I’m not helping you-nya,” Netto cut him off.

“You might change your mind,” Dhruv said.

“Fat chance-nya,” Netto scoffed.

Dhruv sighed and rubbed his head. “Very well, this conversation in over for now. But I’ll be keeping my eye on you, kitten. So you better be careful.”

Netto glared at him and made his way to the door.

“My name’s not kitten-nya!” he yelled and slammed the door.

Outside of the small hallway the five mercenaries waited nervously. “He’s going to do something, I know it,” Ocelot hissed.

“Do what-nya?” Netto asked.

Ocelot saw the small Neko Boy come out and she gathered him in a hug. “God, I thought Dhruv had lost it and was going to hurt you,” she said.

Netto struggled in the bone crushing hug and no one else said anything. “Y-you’re over reacting-nya,” Netto said breathlessly.

“No she’s not,” Panther said quietly.

Ocelot let Netto go and he silently gasped for breath. “No I’m not Koneko. Dhruv is a dangerous person. If he wants something then he will do anything to get it. I just didn’t think he would make a move so soon,” she said.

“Well, then we’ll just have to be extra careful-nya,” Netto said.

Tiger laughed and clapped Netto on the back. “That’s the spirit!” she said.

“Aren’t you all a over reacting just a little-nya?” Netto asked again.

“Sorry kid, my information is never wrong,” Ocelot smiled. “Besides, I think you’ve grown on us more then we care to admit.”

Netto laughed, “You don’t need to worry about me-nya. I can take care of myself.”

“If the way you talked back to Dhruv was any indication of how you react in certain situations then I think we have a lot to worry about,” Ocelot said good-naturedly.

“Hey-nya!” Netto said.

“But that’s over with for now. Time for you to go back to bed,” Ocelot said pushing Netto down the hall.

Netto stuck his tongue out at them and went into his room.

“Something is wrong,” Ocelot said. “Dhruv is getting more and more ambitious. What is going to happen?”

Leopard shook her head. “I don’t think we know, Ocelot.”

“Aren’t we just trying to open out own business?” Panther asked.

“What business will there be to open if Dhruv creates the kind of monopoly he wants on the world?” Ocelot asked darkly.

“Good point,” Tiger murmured.

“Besides, I wasn’t lying. That kid and his friends are too nice of people to just let fall by the wayside.”

“Then we’ll do what we can, I’m behind you 100%,” Cheetah said.

Ocelot looked around as her comrades nodded. She smiled sadly, “You know this may spell the end of our dream?” she asked.

“You said it yourself, what world is worth living in with Dhruv at large?” Panther asked.

“Okay, we’ll need to plan this out,” Ocelot said softly.

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

Dhruv looked at them through the monitor on his computer and smiled. “Plan all you want kitties, I’m always one step ahead.”

~~~~~~~~

I rather liked this chapter.
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[Yue-chan]

Oh, nice chapter. Wonder just what Dhruv is gonna do to Netto. And I still feel bad for Pride, being caught in the middle. and Ocelot and friends rule!
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"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Roy Tanaka]

[HubHikari]

OMG! Perfect!!!! this chapter was excelent and having the Navi's switch to Nettos side was a great idea Great chap once again ^_^!

[Neko]

“Okay, just try and speak normally,” Pride said gently.

Netto made a face. “It’s hard-n…” he paused. “See?”

“You didn’t say it there,” Pride said.

“B-but, when I don’t think about it I say “nya” when I do think about it I do,” Netto shut his eyes in frustration. “It’s annoying-nya.”

“That’s why you came to me for help. Now, try not to think about it then,” she said patiently.

Netto sighed; it was true that saying “nya” was annoying. Not only annoying, but it could also be dangerous in the wrong situation. Pride in her credit was extremely patient with Netto and trying her best to help him.

“Maybe if we took a little break,” she said.

“Okay!” Netto said brightly and ran out of the room.

Pride smiled and noted that he didn’t use the “nya” on the end of his sentence.

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

“So, what will we do for now?” Tiger asked softly.

“Bide our time and keep quiet until we get to dry land,” she muttered. “Dhruv heard our little conversation last night. We need to play it safe; we’re on extremely thin ice.”

Tiger nodded. “I’ll spread the word.”

“Oh, one more thing,” Ocelot said.

“Yes?”

“Tell everyone they can go into the net if they want.”

Tiger nodded, even though they both knew no one would.

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

Netto and Pride were on the deck drinking tea. Or trying to at least. Netto wasn’t exactly happy with the sea around him and Pride noted this after a few minutes. “Do you want to go below?” she asked.

Netto shook his head firmly. “No, it’s nice being outside,” he said.

“Glad to see the practice is taking effect,” Pride smiled.

“What practice-nya,” Netto asked.

Pride shook her head and tried not to laugh, “Never mind.”

Netto looked at her with a puzzled expression but decided not to pursue it. They finished their green tea in silence and then went below where Netto was noticeably more comfortable.

“How much longer?” Netto asked.

“Hm?”

“How much longer do you think we’ll be on the boat-nya?” he said again.

Pride frowned. “Well, let’s see, Dhruv said we’d be here for two days and we’ve been out for one and a half. So my guess is we’ll see land tomorrow morning.”

“How right you are Princess!” Dhruv cooed.

Netto and Pride spun around to see the prince coming towards them with his arms spread out like vulture wings. Netto’s tail unconsciously puffed out and Pride’s frown deepened. Dhruv noted both details with great amusement.

“So, tomorrow then?” Pride asked stiffly.

Dhruv nodded. “Yes, we will dock at Denaht within 16 hours. So get your rest, and see you tomorrow.” He turned on his heel and strode down the narrow hallway as if it was Buckingham Palace.

“He is so annoying,” Netto hissed.

Pride nodded. “Well, we have a few more hours left till sundown, what do you want to do?” she asked.

Netto thought about it and asked, “Do you want to play a game?”

“What kind of game?”

“I don’t know-nya,” Netto said.

Pride frowned thoughtfully. “Do you know how to play chess?” she asked.

Netto slowly shook his head.

“Then I’ll teach you!” she said brightly and led Netto to her room.

Once inside she brought out a very old chess board.

“Wow,” Netto said.

Pride nodded and patted it fondly. “This belonged to my great grandpa. It’s a family heirloom, I have a lot of those,” she chuckled. “But this one has the most sentimental value.”

Netto nodded and she opened the small drawers on either side and pulled out the pieces. She set them up on the board and pointed to each one, explaining what it did and how it moved.

“So it’s a strategy game-nya?” Netto asked.

“Yeup-nya!” said Rockman, coming into his PET.

Netto jumped, “Where did you come from?” he asked.

“I was just talking to Knightman-nya,” Rockman said.

“Knightman?” Pride asked into her PET.

“Yes, Pride-sama-nya?” he asked.

“Did you learn anything?”

“Learn what-nya?” Netto asked.

Pride blinked, “O-oh, nothing really. I just asked Knightman if he knew anything,” she laughed nervously.

Netto gave her a suspicious glance and Knightman replied, “Nothing valuable, Pride-sama-nya.”

Pride nodded, “I understand.”

“So, learning to play chess-nya?” Rockman asked.

“Yeah, do you know how to play?” Netto asked.

“A little,” Rockman admitted.

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me-nya?”

“I didn’t think it would be something you would be interested in-nya,” Rockman said simply.

“Che, that’s not fair, Rockman.”

“You didn’t bother learning after we played against Tora-nya,” Rockman said.

“That’s different-nya!”

Rockman shrugged and grinned silently.

“Well, shall we continue?” Pride asked.

Netto nodded and looked at the board again. Pride pointed to the knight. “This one moves like this,” she placed it on one square. “Or here,” she placed it on another in the side-ways “L” shape.

“Eh?” Netto said in a confused voice.

Pride laughed, “You’ll get the hand of it. You’ve already played Tora from what I’ve hear.”

Netto blushed, “Well, Meiru-chan really played him,” he muttered.

Pride smiled, “Well now it’s your turn. You make the first move.”

Netto moved his left most pawn forward two places.

Pride nodded and moved her right most pawn one place.

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

“Awwwww, isn’t that cute,” Ocelot said looking at them through a crack in the door.

“What is?” Cheetah asked.

“They’re playing chess,” she said.

“Is that all?” Cheetah asked.

Ocelot straightened up and rolled her eyes. “You have no romantic side do you?”

Cheetah flashed her an annoying grin, “I don’t know, you tell me. You’re the one with the information.”

Ocelot growled briefly then laughed. “Come on, we should get some rest before we dock tomorrow.”

Ocelot and Cheetah went to their rooms and met up with the other three. It was time to strategize.

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

Dhruv smiled, “You can’t say anything I don’t know.”

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

Ocelot smiled and winked at the others in a knowing way. “And that’s our plan. Any questions?”

Everyone shook their heads and smiled. Everything was going according to plan.

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

Netto stretched and yawned. Pride noted and said, “I think we should go to bed. It seems tomorrow might be a big day.”

Netto nodded and stood up. He stretched again and walked out of Pride’s room. “Thanks for teaching me-nya,” he said sleepily. “See you in the morning.”

“Good night Netto, see you tomorrow.”

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

Ahhh, nice chappy here. Hope you all liked!
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[Yue-chan]

aww, sweet chapter. So cute. NEtto learning to play chess, = funny.
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Neko]

Pride went into Netto’s room to wake him up. She almost didn’t want to when she saw him buried under the covers in a tight ball but she figured that setting foot on dry land would make up for it. “Netto,” she whispered.

“Hn… five more minutes-nya…” he groaned.

“Netto, we’re five minutes from docking,” Pride said.

Netto’s eyes flew open, “Why didn’t you say so!” he said and jumped out of bed. Pride hid a smile behind her hand and followed Netto out of the room.

Netto ran out on deck and saw a giant city looming ahead. “Wow,” he said. “That looks like it could be as big as Ameroupe.”

“Bigger,” Dhruv said snidely behind Netto. Netto jumped and twirled around glaring a Dhruv. Dhruv looked down at Netto with a mocking glance. “Aw, does the kitty not like to be startled?”

Netto growled but was silenced from any retorts by a hand placed on his shoulder. He turned around to see Pride looking straight into the eyes of Dhruv. “Most people don’t appreciate being snuck up on, Dhruv,” she said in an icy voice.

Dhruv shrugged and smiled. “Ah me, well it’s not like I did any harm is it?”

Netto felt Pride’s grip on his shoulder tighten. Up at her and saw that her glassy blew eyes were narrowed and glaring at Dhruv’s retreating back. “Poipu?” Netto asked.

Pride jumped at the sound of her old nick name. She glanced down and saw that she was gripping Netto’s shoulder and she let go quickly. “Netto, I’m so sorry. It’s just, that man he…” Pride shut her eyes in frustration. “Ugh,” she finished, there was no word in her vocabulary to describe Dhruv.

Netto smiled and attempted to cheer Pride up. “Well, it’s been four days already, who knows, maybe it will be fun,” he tried to sound optimistic.

Pride sighed, then she gave a bright smile that was obviously fake. “Yes,” she said brightly.

Netto smiled to the best of his abilities when he knew Pride was just putting up a farce for his sake. “Don’t worry, I’m sure something will happen soon,” he said.

Pride dropped her smile and looked out to the rapidly incoming coast line, “Yes, I’m sure it will,” she said softly.

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

“Where do we go now?” asked Enzan. He had long since taught himself to drop the ‘nya’ and glared at anyone who brought it up when he forgot.

“Well, from what I’ve heard they are headed towards Denaht at this very moment,” said Mejin.

Enzan winced. “Something wrong?” Laika asked.

“I hate Denaht,” he said.

“Why?” asked Madoi.

“That place loves Dhruv. He poured a lot of money into that city to make it one of the largest port cities in the world. They are all loyal to him and my god if you’re not loyal to him too. That place in almost impossible to get a deal signed in,” Enzan said tightly.

“Dhruv loyalists?” Hinoken asked in surprise.

“Oh yeah, major loyalists. He promised them the world and they want it,” Enzan said. “And they will do anything within their power to take it.”

“They have a lot of power too,” Laika mused.

“I hate Denaht,” Enzan said again.

“I wonder why?” Madoi asked sarcastically.

“Well too bad,” Mejin said. “Because we’re going there anyway.”

Everyone nodded but not one face looked very happy about it.

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

They docked rather quickly and made their way along the bustling streets. Ocelot and the others had long since disappeared making Netto and Pride vaguely wonder where they were.

“This is the port city of Denaht,” Dhruv said using his arms to give a sweeping gesture. “This city is my pride and joy.”

“Why, did you rob these people of their cash crop too?” Pride hissed.

Dhruv fixed Pride with an icy stare which she gladly returned. “I would hold your tongue in this city if I were you princess,” he said evenly.

“As you wish, Dhruv,” Pride said back in the same tone.

Netto looked from one to the other and decided to just leave it alone.

“They’re very similar personality wise-nya,” Rockman observed.

Netto frowned, “What do you mean?” he whispered back.

“Pride-san and Dhruv-san are both very head strong, strong willed people. Pride just uses her talents to improve her country, Dhruv uses his to improve his life-nya,” Rockman replied.

Netto frowned, “That’s a funny way to think about it.”

Meanwhile Dhruv and Pride were having their silent battle.

“Dhruv-sama!” someone shouted. All of a sudden, many faces turned towards them and Netto nervously pulled his hat tighter around his head.

Dhruv flashed a brilliant grin and waved. The crowd murmured with excitement and bustled around Dhruv who gladly shook hands and signed autographs as if he was a celebrity.

“Disgusting,” Pride hissed so only Netto could hear.

Netto shrugged his shoulders; there wasn’t much they could do to change the mind of an entire city.

Dhruv held up his hands and all activity ceased. “Great citizens of Denaht,” he said in a loud voice that somehow carried over the entire crowd. “I am here to show off this beautiful city to the lovely Princess Pride!” he motioned to Pride and all heads briefly turned towards her then looked back up at Dhruv. “Therefore, I kindly ask you to put your best foot forward for the next few days and show the ruler of Creamland what you people are made of!”

His speech was greeted with a loud roar that lasted several minutes and gave Netto and Rockman a headache. Pride crossed her arms; no city would win her over like that.

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

They finally reached the castle and Pride was ushered away by Dhruv so that they could talk about what she had seen in the city. This was done quite against her will but they couldn’t argue in a city where everyone worshipped Dhruv as some kind of demi-god. Pride went along leaving Netto quite alone in a very large castle. The first words out of Rockman’s lips were, “No exploring-nya.”

Netto crossed his arms, “You take the fun out of everything,” he said sulkily.

“No exploring-nya,” Rockman said again.

There was a laugh behind them and Netto turned around to see Ocelot walking towards him. “Smart move Rockman,” she said grinning.

“Thank you-nya,” Rockman said.

“What on earth are you people afraid I’m going to do?” Netto asked hotly.

“We don’t know,” Ocelot said. “That’s why we’re worried.”

Netto stuck his tongue out at her and she caught him in a head lock. “Ah ah, I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” she said as Netto squirmed in her grip.

“Let go…” he said in a muffled voice.

Ocelot let go and Netto sent himself flying onto his butt. “That wasn’t very nice,” he muttered.

“I see you lost the ‘nya’,” Ocelot smiled.

Netto blinked and tried to go with the rather sudden subject change. “Yeah, Pride helped me.”

“Smart girl,” Ocelot murmured.

“Why’s that?” asked Netto.

Ocelot shook her head, “Never mind. Hey you want to go play a game?” she asked.

“Sure!” Netto said.

“All right, let’s see how much you learned in chess with Pride,” Ocelot grinned.

“Ha, I think I got pretty good,” Netto scoffed.

“Netto-kun,” Rockman said warningly.

“Oh?” Ocelot raised an eyebrow. “Show me,” she said.

They went to Ocelot’s room where after all of two minutes all of the Cat Navi’s were there crouched around the board. Netto made the first move and Ocelot moved almost instantly after him. Netto made a second more hesitant move and Ocelot moved lightning fast and made her move. Netto growled and made a third move which was followed seconds by another move by Ocelot.

“Would you stop that?” Netto asked.

“Stop what?” Ocelot said innocently.

“Pride said this game was slow and about strategy,” Netto said.

Ocelot shrugged, “Not everyone plays slow kid. Now your move,” she smirked.

Netto growled and moved his next piece which was followed by another annoyingly quick move by Ocelot.

Within twenty minutes Ocelot had defeated Netto in a crushing victory which included her capturing every singe one of Netto’s pieces and keeping all of hers safe from Netto.

“I warned you-nya,” Rockman said.

“How?” Netto asked while staring at the board.

The other navi’s laughed. “Ocelot in one of the best chess players in the world,” said Tiger.

“Yeah, even Panther can’t beat her,” Cheetah said.

Panther glared at Cheetah darkly and picked up a book and pretended to read it. Everyone else noted with amusement that the book was upside down.

Ocelot smiled, “Well, I am one of the best, there is not doubt about that,” she smiled.

“Confident much?” Leopard laughed and playfully punched Ocelot.

“I’m allowed to be confident in chess,” Ocelot smirked. “Want another go kid?” she asked Netto.

Netto narrowed his eyes, “Always.”

Rockman sighed and twenty two minutes later the second game ended the same way as the first.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

:3 Yay! This was a fun chapter.
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[Neko]

O_O I double posted the chapter twice. Sorry people ^^; (And admin)
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[Yue-chan]

oh, nice chapter. heh, anyone playing chess with Netto would have an easy/semi-easy time beating him. nice update.
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"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[NotJim]

Hmmm. Losing a game of chess without taking A SINGLE ONE of your opponent's pieces is VERY absurd... but then again, Netto ain't very bright.

EDIT: KINGMAN/TORA ARE STRONGER THAN ANYONE ELSE AT CHESS *shuts up*
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[Neko]

Dhruv looked at everyone in his monitors. Netto and Pride were asleep and Ocelot and her people were awake and talking quietly. Dhruv pressed his fingers together and glared at the screen over top of them. He just received news from his spies in Faranea that Mejin, Enzan and other Net Saviors were on their tail. He only had a few days left before they would catch up with them. Dhruv bit his lip; it looked like he would have to put his next plan into action quicker then he thought he would.

He closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair. He had every navi infected with the Neko Virus and then some. One common link, one program joining millions and millions of navis all over the world. Yet, the Neko Virus wasn’t something that could be controlled, not easily anyway. He may have been a leader and a prince, but a programmer he was not. Pride was smart and could probably pull it off, but he needed to be careful with what he made Pride say and do, as Creamland was a very important part of his ideal future. He sighed and called in Ocelot.

He continued to sit in his chair with his eyes closed until the tawny navi came into the room. “You called, milord?” she asked silkily.

Dhruv nodded, “Ocelot, do you know what I plan to do?” he asked.

Ocelot’s eyes widened, “Of course not, milord,” she said in a fake innocent voice.

Dhruv smirked and opened his eyes. “No, of course not,” he repeated. “I could tell you,” he said. “And you’d still have to work for me, because at this point I pull all the strings, you know that, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Ocelot said tightly.

Dhruv’s lips curled in a cruel smile. He got out of his chair and started to pace the room. “As you know you are my main confident. I tell you orders, you carry them out and in the end you help me take over the world for the right price. And I know you can’t do anything about that contract,” he said.

“I know,” Ocelot replied.

“So, you already doubtless have figured out my plan to use the brat and his navi to reprogram the Neko Virus to take over all navi programs infected with it, right?”

Ocelot didn’t respond.

Dhruv grinned, “I thought so. Well, you see, I need Pride to marry me before I can carry out the second half of my plan. I need Creamland; it’s one of the biggest port industries in the world. If I have that tiny country I can control 80% of the Mid-Atlantic trading routes. Pride is being very, very stubborn about this and I figured, well maybe there’s something wrong with my plan, what do you think, my dear?” Dhruv asked Ocelot.

“I think you’re insane,” Ocelot said saucily.

“Now’s the wrong time to jump ship,” Dhruv said dangerously. “Do you want your business?” he asked.

“Yes,” Ocelot said.

“Then act like it,” Dhruv hissed. “Now, what do you propose we do?”

Ocelot knew what they could do to win; it’s what made her such a good mercenary. Whatever side she and her friends joined would win, and Dhruv knew that. He also knew which buttons to push and how to get his way. “I…”

“Yes?” Dhruv asked impatiently.

Ocelot sighed, “Use Netto to get to Pride,” she said coldly. “She cares for him and I’m sure if you threatened him then you could get her to do almost anything.”

Dhruv smiled, “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.”

“Be careful though,” Ocelot warned. Dhruv raised an eyebrow at her, “Pride won’t break so easily,” Ocelot said softly.

Dhruv nodded, “Yes, I know. Well, once I get Pride’s consent I can finally push ahead with my plans. I knew I could count on you, Ocelot,” he said.

“It was my pleasure,” Ocelot said tightly and turned to leave the room.

“Ocelot?” he said right before she left.

“Yes?” Ocelot asked with her back still turned to him.

“Bring me the kitten and his navi after my outing with Pride,” he said. “I want to have another talk.”

“As you wish,” Ocelot said and left the room.

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

The next morning Netto woke up and Pride was already gone. He yawned and sat up in bed rubbing his eyes. “Good morning, Netto-kun-nya,” Rockman said happily.

“Morning,” Netto said sleepily. “Why so happy?” he asked.

Rockman opened an e-mail and showed it to Netto. His eyes widened as he read it, “Yes!” he cheered.

Ocelot walked into the room, “What with the cheering?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Netto said happily.

Rockman closed the e-mail and Netto grabbed his clothes. “I’ll be out in a second,” he said.

Ocelot looked at Rockman, “Why are you two so happy?” she asked.

“No reason-nya,” Rockman said.

Netto came back out tying his bandana loosely around his neck. “Why are you here?” he asked Ocelot.

“I just wanted to talk, Koneko,” she said.

“About what?” Netto asked.

Ocelot sighed, “Well, about Dhruv,” she said.

Netto sat on his bed and Rockman sat down on the floor of his PET. “What’s up?” Netto asked.

“Dhruv is planning to make his move soon. Netto, if you don’t want to get caught in the middle of this you should leave,” Ocelot said in a dead serious voice. “I can’t disobey direct orders from Dhruv, if he tells me to do something to you; I will have to do it.”

Netto bristled, “You want me to abandon Pride?” he asked.

Ocelot sighed, “No, I don’t. But Dhruv is getting nervous. Listen Netto, if you stay here you and your navi are in danger, do you understand?”

Netto nodded coldly, “I’m not leaving Pride here,” he said.

Ocelot sighed, “All right, I get it. So much for that tactic,” she said under her breath.

“Is Pride okay?” Netto asked.

“She’s fine, but not for long. Netto, I’m telling you this is about to get dangerous, are you sure…”

“Absolutely,” Netto said. “Right Rockman?”

“Right-nya,” Rockman replied.

Ocelot sighed, looks like she needed a new plan.

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

Pride and Dhruv walked the streets of the city. It was a factory city with soot and pollution pouring into the sky from every which way. But the people seemed happy and content. “Why do they live like this?” Pride asked herself.

“Because their lives before were much worse,” Dhruv smiled.

Pride looked at him with a puzzled glance.

“I’m not as evil as you think I am. This was once one of the biggest cities in the world with huge production turn outs. But once there was no more use for it, the country abandoned it and millions of people. So, I took it over, opened back up all the factories and now this city provides 75% of Darkland’s resources. You see, I know how to run a country,” Dhruv said smarmily.

“You abandoned that other place,” Pride hissed.

“It was of no use. I mean apples are nice an all but still,” Dhruv said airily with a wave of his hand.

Pride resisted the urge to smack him again. She got the feeling she wouldn’t be applauded for it in this place.

“Now my dear, I’m going to give you one more chance for me to be nice,” Dhruv said, fixing Pride with an icy glare. “Will you marry me?”

Pride glared back, “Never,” she hissed.

“I have my ways of getting what I want,” Dhruv said. “I can take over your country by force if necessary.”

Pride wavered.

“Ah, you don’t want a war I see, very smart. Well, truth be told I don’t want one either, so why don’t you just make this easy and say yes.”

“Never,” Pride hissed again.

Dhruv rubbed his forehead in a relaxed irritation, like Pride was saying ‘never’ to the question of “Now will you do your homework?” He smiled and then gave an exaggerated sigh. “Oh well, how unfortunate. You know Princess, I do have your friend and navi back at my castle with my mercenaries, all it would take is one little phone call…” he let the threat hang in the air.

“You would never!” Pride yelled.

“I would, and I will,” Dhruv said in a deadly voice.

Pride stood there in shock.

“I said I have my ways of getting what I want,” Dhruv said icily. Then he smiled, “Now, Princess, will you marry me?”

Pride looked at him and took in a shuddering breath. “I will,” she said softly.

~~~~~~~~~~~

And now Neko Saviors is on it's last arc.

Hell of a long arc though XDDDD
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Kitty-Chan]

Cheap jerk!! That guy needs to die. Kill him, pretty please?
_________________
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)*

[Yue-chan]

NO! She can't marry him! *hisses at Dhruv* This was a good chapter, Neko, I really like it.
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Neko]

As soon as they got back to the castle the first thing Pride did was run as far away from Prince Dhruv as she possibly could. Dhruv smirked and walked on into his study, now that Creamland was his, he needed to set the rest of his plan into motion.

Pride ran right to the one person she knew would be there.

Netto’s ear’s flicked back as he heard a rapid knocking at the door. He looked up from the manga that he was reading and looked at the door. “Who is it?” he wondered out loud.

“Maybe you should answer it-nya,” Rockman said.

Netto put down his manga and walked over to the door where whoever was on the other side was still knocking rapidly. He opened it and Pride stood there looking very lost. “Netto…” she said softly.

“What’s wrong, Poipu?” he asked using the comforting nickname she had given to him as her name once so long ago.

Pride hugged Netto around his shoulders and he could tell she was trying not to cry. “Netto… I… just…”

“What?” Netto asked again, wondering what was wrong with Pride.

“Dhruv… he…” Pride let go of Netto and she looked him dead in the eye. “Netto, I just agreed to marry Dhruv to save Creamland,” she said softly.

Netto’s brown eye widened in shock. “What-nya?” Rockman asked.

Pride’s eyes looked sad as she relayed most of the story to them. Leaving out the part where Dhruv threatened Netto, she said everything then was silent. “Netto… I feel like I’m helping this man get what he wants but…”

Netto swallowed hard but still gave Pride a comforting pat on her shoulder. “It’s okay,” he said.

Pride sighed and she looked at the door. “I… just thought I’d tell you. I’m going to go back to my room,” she said and got up.

“Okay…” Netto said.

Pride left his room and Netto sighed. He collapsed onto his pillows and looked at the ceiling. “Rockman?”

“Yes Netto-kun-nya?” Rockman asked.

“Pride…” he paused, unsure of what to say.

Rockman gave his operator a small smile, “Don’t worry, something will work out-nya.”

“Really?” Netto asked.

Rockman nodded, for Netto’s benefit. “Something always does-nya.”

“Hm…” Netto said thoughtfully.

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

Dhruv smiled at Ocelot, “Well, looks like I can finally set this into motion. I want you to bring me Netto and Rockman; we’ll see how this works out.”

“Yes, your highness,” Ocelot said silkily and bowed out of the room.

Netto was fast asleep on his bed even though it was only three in the afternoon. Ocelot walked into his room and shook him awake. “Netto, get up.”

“Five more minutes,” he muttered and turned over.

“Netto,” Ocelot hissed, “Get up.”

Netto’s ears went back in irritation. “I don’t want to…” he sighed.

“Netto-kun-nya…” Rockman said softly.

“Netto you have to get up, come on,” Ocelot said and forced Netto into a sitting position.

Netto rubbed his eyes and glared at Ocelot. “Why do I have to get up?” he asked.

“Because, Dhruv wanted me to get you,” she muttered.

“Wha?” Netto asked.

Ocelot sighed, “Kid, just go with it for now, I’ll think of something.”

Netto’s mouth twisted but he grabbed his PET and followed Ocelot anyway.

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

“How much longer?” Mejin asked the pilot.

“I’d say three hours, give or take,” the man said. “There’s so much cloud cover in this area flying any faster could prove to be very dangerous.”

Mejin sighed and sat back down. “This is perfect,” he muttered.

Laika sat across from him. “At least we know where they are,” he said.

Mejin nodded, “Now comes the part where we can’t be detected by Dhruv’s equipment. We’re going right to him which is probably what he wants us to do.”

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

“This is the last thing I want them to do!” Dhruv hissed at the footage of the airplane flying towards the city. “This is just… perfect. I have three hours to get what I want, or maybe…” he smiled; a plan was beginning to form.

He heard a knock on the door, “Come in,” he said silkily.

Ocelot opened the door and Dhruv gave Netto a wide grin. “Hello again kitten.”

“My name is Netto,” he hissed.

“Yes, yes,” Dhruv said. “You may go now,” he said to Ocelot.

Ocelot nodded and left the room.

“So, kitten, I’m sure you’ve been told of my plan.”

Netto crossed his arms, “I have. But if you think I’m going to do anything for you, you’re out of your mind.”

“I’m perfectly aware that you are quite the strong willed brat,” Dhruv said icily, “One thing I do not do is underestimate my opponents.”

Netto crossed his arms, “Then why did you bring me here?”

“There are more then one or two ways to achieve a goal, kitten,” Dhruv replied. “I know forcing you won’t do anything, but I also know you have quite a bit of pride and more honor then most.”

“What are you getting at-nya?” Rockman asked warily.

“How about a little contest,” Dhruv said smoothly, not missing a beat.

“What do you mean?” Netto asked.

“A contest,” Dhruv said again, “Who ever wins can request one favor from the loser that the loser may not refuse.” Dhruv grinned, “I may not look it but I have honor myself.”

Netto snorted, “Yeah right,” he said.

“You don’t believe me? All right, if you won what would you request from me?” Dhruv asked.

Netto’s eyes widened and he blushed, “I’d ask for you to not marry Pride,” he muttered.

Dhruv grinned, “Fine.”

Netto blinked, “You’re lying.”

Dhruv shook his head, “I am not. I have never broken a promise in my life.”

“Netto-kun, you can’t trust him-nya,” Rockman said only loud enough for Netto to hear. But Netto wasn’t listening.

“What kind of contest?” he asked.

“I’m aware you’ve recently learned how to play the strategy game of chess,” Dhruv smiled. “How about a match against me?”

Netto crossed his arms and stared at Dhruv trying to make sure he wasn’t joking. “You’re basing your entire plan on a game of chess?” he asked incredulously.
“Why not? I always did love a good challenge, and this is much better then just threatening your life or the lives of your loved ones because chances are you’d be able to get out of it. I’m not stupid, kitten.”

“My name is Netto,” Netto retorted through gritted teeth.

“All right, Netto, do you accept?”

“Rockman?” Netto breathed.

“Netto-kun… I don’t know-nya…” Rockman replied.

“I could just always threaten to bring down the plane that is holding your friends that is currently crossing into lands occupied by me,” Dhruv said with no warm tone in his voice. He was dead serious.

“What plane?” Netto asked.

“Your Net Savior friends are currently flying towards my castle and about 2 and a half hours away. However I can always bring them down.”

“You can’t do that-nya!” Rockman yelled.

Dhruv smiled, “No? They’re officially trespassing onto my lands, I can do whatever I want. So, your answer?”

Netto’s fists shook. “Fine,” he muttered.

“That’s a good kitten,” Dhruv smiled.

Netto glared at him but didn’t retaliate. He was getting into a battle that didn’t include Net Battling, it was a different kind of strategy and he needed to think about what he had just gotten himself into.

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

Yay! Like only one or two more chapters here :3
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Kitty-Chan]

That guy is such a jerk. He must die soon. *pauses* Can I kill him? *pulls out Dad's knife collection* I've got some great ideas for him...
But really, I love this. NVM (Neko Virus Madness) rules! :D
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

“Netto-kun, what are you doing-nya?” Rockman hissed.

“Buying Mejin-san and the others some time,” Netto muttered back. “It’s the best plan I’ve got.”

Rockman blinked at the simple and surprisingly good idea.

“Well Kitten, are you ready?” Dhruv said from across the room.

Netto gritted his teeth, “My name is Netto.”

Dhruv smirked and sat down at a chess board. “You go first,” he said while motioning to Netto’s white pieces. Netto sat down and looked at the board. He had yet won a game on his own, Pride always beat him in about 10 minutes and Ocelot 2, he needed to stall for as much time as he possibly could without giving Dhruv any sign as to what he was doing. He picked up the third pawn from the right and moved it one space forward.

Dhruv grinned and picked up the second pawn from the left and moved it two spaces forward.

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

“How much longer?” Mejin asked.

“I’d say about an hour,” the pilot said. “But I’m not getting any clearance to land in any of the air ports.”

“It’s okay. Just land where you can. We’ve got to get there soon.”

“Blues, how much longer until we’re within distance?” Enzan asked.

“About five minutes, Enzan-sama,” Blues said quietly.

“What are you planning to do?” Laika asked.

“Set the navi’s free before we get there. Maybe they can buy us some time before anything really bad happens,” Enzan said while looking at the small device that would transport Blues to the castle. “Only problem is…”

“The data lag,” Laika finished.

Enzan nodded, “Yeah. No said this was going to be easy.”

Laika gave a short laugh and both boys waited patiently for five minutes to pass. When the time came Blues disappeared in an infrared flash into the device. “Good luck,” Enzan said.

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

Dhruv raised an eyebrow when Netto captured one of his pawns. “You’re better then I thought you’d be.”

“I’ve been practicing,” Netto muttered.

“Ah yes, my lovely fiancée has taught you, I know.”

“She’s not yours,” Netto growled warningly.

Dhruv smirked and moved his left rook two spaces forwards. Netto stalled and looked at the board pretending he was thinking about his next move when all he really was trying to do was buy time. Finally, after about 45 seconds he moved his bishop diagonally two squares to the left.

“Interesting move,” Dhruv murmured.

Netto blinked, he didn’t know what he just did. He just moved the piece for the sake of moving it.

Now Dhruv sat there quietly actually analyzing the board. Apparently whatever Netto had did, he did it well because Dhruv was now eating up his own time and he didn’t even realize it.

Netto typed a small message into his PET while Dhruv was staring intently at the board. ‘Rockman, leave now and go into the net. Free everyone else and try to warn Pride.’

Rockman read the message and left his PET quickly to try and set things right.

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

“Well girls, this is it,” Ocelot said while she paced in front of her four friends in the Net. “I can’t do anything, as a direct order from Dhruv but I recently found out both Rockman and the Net Savior Blues are coming here to release their navis. I’m asking you to help them.” The other four nodded, “Meanwhile I’ll keep an eye on the kid. If this all works out maybe we can still beat Dhruv.”

Tiger gave Ocelot a feline grin. “All right chief.”

“Don’t call me that,” Ocelot said while rubbing her forehead.

“Let’s go girls!” Tiger said heartily while ignoring Ocelot’s plea. Together all four logged out of the server to do anything they possibly could to help.

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

Blues came through the link and appeared in the castle comp. He quietly infiltrated the system and found where he thought the other navi’s might be held. He quickly linked himself to the part of the net and when he got there he found everyone free and four other navi’s standing there, grinning.

“Hello,” one of them said while holding out her hand, “My name’s Cheetah. You must be Blues.”

Blues was rather taken aback by the turn of events but he was damned if he let them know it. “They’re trying to help-nya,” Searchman said who appeared next to Blues.

Blues smirked, “You trust them?”

Searchman nodded.

Blues looked at the still offered hand and took it. Cheetah grinned and let go. “Come on, we know where the Neko Virus is,” she said.

“Enzan-sama?” Blues asked and waited several moments for the reply.

“Go ahead,” Enzan said.

Blues nodded and they all linked out of the computer.

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

Rockman went silently through the net and linked himself into Pride’s computer. “Princess-nya?” he called out.

Pride was on her bed looking somewhat worn. When she heard the familiar voice of Netto’s navi she sat up and looked at her monitor. “Rockman! Where’s Netto?”

Rockman gulped, “He’s trying to buy some time. The Net Saviors are coming in about forty minutes-nya.”

“What do you mean, ‘buy some time’,” Pride asked him evenly.

“He’s… playing chess-nya…” Rockman said falteringly.

Pride couldn’t help it, she put her face in her palms for a second to let the information sink in. “Well, at least we can do something now.” She picked up her PET and let Knightman into the net. “Knightman, help Rockman in any way you can. I’m going to try and contact the plane they’re on.”

“Yes ma’am-nya,” Knightman said and together he and Rockman linked out of the net.

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

Netto was loosing but not nearly as bad as he thought he would. Apparently not as bad as Dhruv thought he would either. The clock was ticking and Dhruv knew it, but he couldn’t just abandon the game, in his own need to feel superior he made a bet that might just unravel his plans.

“I’m better then you thought,” Netto said while glaring at Dhruv.

“Ah, but how do you know I’m not setting up a trap?” Dhruv asked.

Netto looked at the board for something that might or might not be there. Dhruv smirked, ‘It’s just luck. The whole thing is luck.’

Netto glared at the board and used his rook to take Dhruv’s Bishop and Dhruv used his knight to take Netto’s rook. And so it continued, the game of cat and mouse, but it was rather difficult to know who was the cat and who was the mouse.

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

“Here,” Tiger said while pointing at a multi layered firewall. “I don’t know how to get though it though, sorry.”

Blues sighed and scanned it. Unless they had a human helping them from the outside there was no way they could break through it.

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

Enzan looked at Blues’ scan results and scowled. Over a rush of static they could hear someone trying to contact them but Enzan ignored it trying to figure out the small problem they were currently having.

“Hello?” a voice asked.

Laika recognized it instantly. “Princess Pride?”

“Laika!” her voice sounded relieved. “How far away are you?”

“About twenty five minutes away from your current location,” Mejin said after hearing the commotion in the back of the plane.

It was then that Enzan got an idea, “Princess Pride, listen to me. All the navi’s are currently free and are trying to capture the Neko Virus but it’s behind a firewall. Are you good at programming?”

“Somewhat,” Pride said.

“Is Netto there?” Enzan asked, thinking the job might be a little more suited for the brunette.

Pride sighed, “He’s… keeping Dhruv busy while you get here. Which is why you should hurry,” she said.

“We’re trying,” Mejin said.

Enzan nodded, “Look, for now, try and get the firewall down and Blues can route the Neko Virus’ log out point to the computer in here.”

Pride’s voice adopted a tone of determination, “All right. I’ll try my best,” she said and the connection was shut off.

Pride ran through the halls as fast as she possibly could. She would not sit by and be the damsel in distress, not in a million years.

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

One more chapter /o/
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Kitty-Chan]

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

[Neko]

Pride ran through the hallways, looking for the small chamber that was pointed out by a large red icon on her PET. “To your left-nya,” Knightman said.

“Thank you, Knightman,” Pride said and turned a sharp corner, skidding a little because she was running so fast. ‘Almost there,’ she thought.

“The room should be about ten feet away from you,” Laika said from her PET.

Pride saw the door that was outlined on her PET and ran up to it. “Plug in, Knightman, transmission!” she yelled and swung her PET at the door.

Knightman went inside and easily made it through the lock that was guarding the door. Pride ran inside and plugged Knightman into the main computer. “Do you need help, Princess?” Laika asked.

Pride thrust her chin forward in a defiant gesture; she was done playing the helpless princess. “No,” she said as she pulled out a battle chip.

Laika looked a little put out by the Princess’ cold answer but he nodded and cut off the link.

“Ready, Knightman!” she asked.

“Yes, Princess,” Knightman replied.

“Let’s finish this,” she hissed and pushed a stone cube battle chip into her PET.

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

“You’re going to loose,” Dhruv said silkily as Netto glared at the board.

“So?” Netto asked. “You don’t know that.”

“Ah but I do. You see, no matter what you do, I can finish you in ten turns at most,” Dhruv grinned.

“I don’t care,” Netto said while picking up his remaining rook and moving it one space forward.

“Does the princess mean that much to you?” Dhruv asked as he captured the rook with a knight.

“Poipu is my friend, and she deserves better,” Netto hissed as he started glaring at the board again.

“Aren’t you touchy about her,” Dhruv said silkily.

“Shut up!” Netto yelled.

Dhruv grinned at Netto who glared back. “It’s your move, Kitten,” he said.

Netto fought to regain his temper and he moved his queen forward one square to protect the king.

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

The Neko Virus glared at the intruder. It meowed loudly and launched it’s self at Knightman.

“Royal Wrecking Ball!” Pride and Knightman yelled as he launched his mace right into the head of the Neko Virus.

The cat yelped as it was sent spiraling across net. It growled angrily and sprung back up while Knightman was reclaiming his mace.

The Neko Virus pounced on Knightman and sent him into the wall. “Knightman!” Pride yelled. “Stone Body, battle chip, slot in!” she yelled as the Neko Virus made to bite her navi.

The cat’s teeth broke on the toughened data and it cried out in pain and anger. The overload of the sensitive equipment made the small castle almost have an electrical failure. “One more,” Pride said.

“Yes, Princess-nya,” Knightman said.

“Stone cube, random formation,” Pride yelled and Knightman sent the large rocks to pile around the Neko Virus. Then he sent one final cube in the center where it hit the Virus and forced it to log out into Laika’s laptop.

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

“She did it,” Laika said.

“Thank god,” Mejin said as he sat down.

“We’ll be landing in five minutes,” the pilot said.

“You heard him!” Mejin said loudly. “Get ready people, this is it!”

Everyone nodded; it was time to end it all.

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

The lights flickered over head and Netto looked up. Dhruv was concentrating on the board so hard that he didn’t even notice it. “Well, well, well,” he said.

“What?” Netto asked.

Dhruv grinned, picked up his bishop and put it diagonally one square from the king. “Checkmate,” he said.

Netto glanced at the board and immediately he knew Dhruv was right. But was the time he bought enough?

“Well, good game Kitten. You’re a lot better then I thought you’d be, but now you lost and so you’re going to help me,” Dhruv said with a smirk.

Netto scowled at him and stood up. Dhruv merely opened the door and called Ocelot in. “Time to go, my dear,” he said.

Ocelot looked anything but happy as she nodded. “Ocelot?” Netto asked.

“Sorry koneko,” Ocelot quietly said to him, “I can’t disobey direct orders.”

“Let’s go,” Dhruv said. “We’re running out of time.”

“You’re out of time,” Pride said from the doorway.

“Ah Princess, so glad you could come to witness the downfall of your kingdom,” Dhruv said icily.

“It’s over,” Princess Pride hissed. “The Neko Virus isn’t here anymore.”

“You’re bluffing,” Dhruv replied.

Pride gave Dhruv a merciless grin Netto had never seen before. “You’re wrong. Your arrogance was your downfall, Dhruv.”

Dhruv stood stock still, not daring to believe what the princess was telling him. “No, you’re just a princess, you couldn’t…”

“I couldn’t what? Defeat you? Because why?” Pride asked, getting angrier and angrier. “Because I’m a spoiled little princess, isn’t that right? I’m such an easy target because I’m weak, well let me tell you something,” Pride went on as Netto and Ocelot gaped at her. “I am just as strong as you are, actually, I’m stronger Dhruv. I’ve defeated you and there is nothing you can do about it.”

Dhruv started to look angry. “Is that so, Princess?” he said mockingly. “I still have control of you, or if you don’t remember why you became my fiancée?”

At that moment the door burst open and WWW and the Net Saviors came in. “Stop right there, Dhruv!” Mejin yelled.

“All right Mejin-san!” Netto cheered.

“No need for the ‘san’,” Mejin muttered under his breath.

“This doesn’t change anything!” Dhruv yelled.

Pride took three smooth strides up to Dhruv and slapped him across the cheek so hard that he staggered and fell to the floor. “It’s over, you jerk,” she hissed.

Everyone stood there in stunned silence until Netto gave out a loud cheer, “Go Poipu!”

Pride blushed and stepped aside to let the agents arrest Dhruv. She spotted Netto next to Ocelot and ran over to him; giving him a big hug and making the smaller boy turn a bright red. “Thank you, Netto,” she said happily.

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

Three days later everyone was cured, Dhruv was in jail and the Neko Virus was back in Sci Labs under level ten security.

“Glad that’s finally over with,” Netto sighed.

Madoi ruffled Netto’s hair, “Ah, I don’t know, I think you looked better with the ears,” she said.

“Ha ha,” Netto said dryly.

Rockman laughed in his PET. “She’s just teasing you, Netto-kun,” he said.

Netto pushed Madoi away, “I know that,” he said while crossing his arms.

Everyone else in the room laughed as well. Rockman received an e-mail at that moment and he opened it. “Ah Netto-kun, Princess Pride just sent an e-mail, she says she’s leaving tomorrow and would like to talk to you.”

“Oooohhh…” Madoi said knowingly.

Netto blushed and walked to the door. “Shut up, Madoi,” he muttered.

Madoi smirked, “Awww, they really do make a cute couple,” she said.

“Couple?” Enzan and Laika asked together.

Madoi raised an eyebrow, “You two are as dense as he is…”

Netto shut the door to Madoi arguing with Enzan and Laika. “Where is she?”

“At her hotel, packing, apparently,” Rockman said.

Netto sighed and started to skate towards the hotel. When he got there he quickly went up to Pride’s room and knocked on the door softly. “Come in, it’s open,” Pride said.

Netto came into the room to see Pride surrounded by a pile of clothes and an open suitcase. “Hey,” she said.

“Hi…” Netto said back.

Pride stood up and walked over to Netto. “Netto, I just want to thank you for being there the whole time. I don’t think I could have made it through that without you.”

“You’re welcome,” Netto said while blushing profusely.

“Are you sure?” Tiger asked Ocelot.

“Positive,” Ocelot murmured back. All five of them were in the Hotel’s main computer, spying on Netto and Pride.

“Positive about what?” Knightman asked.

“Shhhh,” The other five said.

Pride rubbed her arm and she started to blush too. “Look, Netto, I… ummm…”

Netto blinked but didn’t say anything.

“I have to go back to Creamland, because I’m its ruler but… since its summer break and all, if you would like to come for a little while…” she said.

Netto grinned, “I’d have to ask my parents,” he said.

“Well, yes of course, but…” Pride said.

“Yeah?” Netto asked.

“Come on…” Ocelot muttered.

Pride turned a bright pink as she leaned over and kissed Netto directly on the lips.

“YES!” Ocelot cheered.

“Pride-sama…” Knightman said in a small voice.

“Wasn’t it obvious?” Tiger said while slinging an arm around Knightman’s shoulders.

“Yes…” Knightman said.

Pride broke contact with Netto who looked a little dazed. “Thank you so much,” she said again.

“No problem…” Netto said wistfully.

“I knew it!” Ocelot said loudly from the computer.

“Ocelot!” Netto said in surprise.

“Ha, I called that one,” Cheetah grinned.

“What are they doing here?” Rockman asked.

“I gave them permission to start a navi based company in my Kingdom,” Pride said with a small smile.

“Awesome!” Netto cheered, the shock of the kiss starting to wear off a little.

“Shouldn’t you go ask your parents?” Pride asked.

“Right,” Netto said. “I’ll be back soon!” he waved as he left the room.

Pride waved back, “I know,” she said softly. “I know.”

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

It's done! Yey, yey, yey, /o/ \o\
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Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Yue-chan]

awwww, that was such a cute ending, Neko. I really liked it. Heh, Enzan and Laika as dense as Netto, there's an amusing thought. This was an excellent fic, Neko, I really enjoyed it.
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"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling