Mind of a Child: Hu, AA, PG Warnings Inside *Beast Spoilers*

[ChibiForte]

I'm sure yer forgiven, Bassman, everyone makes mistakes...
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Sig made by me. <3

[Bassman4566]

thanks ChibiForte anyway whats coming up next this story is good

[Rockie]

Aw, adorable chapter. I look forward to seeing what comes next ^_^
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Thanks for the avatar hobbit_hunter!

[Yoshiman]

Very interesting Neko, the fact that Netto is gradually remembering more and more of his life is like he is actually growing up. The reintroduction of Rockman was very sadening, because unlike the first introduction, Netto actually knew but was unable to remember. The PET scene was very reminiscent of an actual young child. I could really feel Rockman's concern and love for Netto. The way things are going, I am going to like this story more and more.
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Current story-Elemental Maiden

[Neko]

The next morning Rockman woke up Netto a little after Enzan had gone to work for the sake of consistency with school. “Come on,” Rockman chided him.

“But it’s so early,” Netto complained.

“You need to get up,” Rockman told him.

“Why?” Netto asked.

Rockman sighed, “Because.”

“Because why?” Netto said into his pillow.

“Because I said so,” Rockman said.

“Why?”

Rockman felt the tiniest bit annoyed, “Because I’m your older brother and you should listen to what I say.”

Netto sighed into his pillow and somewhere deep in his mind he knew he wasn’t going to be left alone till he got out of bed. “You’re annoying,” he muttered as he jumped out of bed.

“I’m annoying?” Rockman asked.

Netto yawned and walked out of the room, “Yeup,” he called back.

Rockman sighed and exited into the main security system.

“Netto?” Laika asked as he came into the kitchen.

“Morning,” Netto said darkly.

Laika gazed at the ticked off kid over his morning cup of coffee, “Did Rockman wake you up?” he guessed.

Netto yawned, “Unfortunately. Where’s Enzan?” he asked.

“Enzan had to work,” Laika explained.

Netto blinked, “But… he’s only your age. Why isn’t he in school or something?”

Laika shrugged, “Age really doesn’t matter with him,” he said simply. “Or me,” he added.

Netto gave Laika a puzzled look. “Huh?” he asked.

Laika sighed, “Enzan is working because that’s his life. And I’m a solider for Sharro; I don’t go to school either. And there’s really nothing wrong with that.”

“Oh,” Netto said. “Laika…” he murmured.

“Yes?” Laika asked.

Netto blinked and a memory slowly came to the surface of his mind. ‘We may not be strong, but we can think…’ a voice said. “Huh…” Netto mused.

Laika glanced down at him sharply, “Are you all right?” Laika asked.

Netto looked up at Laika, “I’m fine. So, what are we doing today?” he asked cheerfully.

Laika had no idea how to explain to Netto that they couldn’t go anywhere because he was supposed to be dead. “Um… well, I thought maybe we should wait for Enzan to get home,” Laika said while looking away from Netto.

“He’s dumping it on Enzan-san…” Rockman said slowly.

“Laika-san…” Searchman said in a disbelieving voice.

Laika heard the navis although Netto seemed not to. He pretended to ignore the comments and sipped on his coffee instead.

“When does he get home?” Netto asked.

Laika sipped some more coffee, “That’s a good question…” he muttered.

“I don’t want to stay here all day,” Netto said huffily. “Can’t we go somewhere?”

Laika sighed, “I don’t think we really can go anywhere.”

“Why not?” Netto asked.

Laika looked down at him, “You ask too many questions,” he said.

Netto crossed his arms, “And you avoid answering all of them.”

“He’s pretty smart for a kid,” Searchman muttered to Rockman.

Rockman shrugged, “He’s always been like that. He just doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”

Searchman nodded as he watched Netto and Laika bicker, “I can see that.”

“Look, we can’t go out today… just…” Laika strained his early morning addled brain to think of an excuse. It was no use; he just hadn’t had enough coffee yet, “because.”

Netto eyed him, “You know, that may work with Rockman but definitely not for you,” he said crossly.

Laika raised an eyebrow, “What?” he asked.

Rockman rubbed the back of his head, “I use that too much Laika…” he admitted.

Laika sighed and drained his coffee cup, then poured himself another. It was going to be a long day.

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

After a few hours Netto had retreated to the couch to watch TV, although he wasn’t happy about it. Rockman went with him to console his little brother and Laika remained in the kitchen, having moved onto tea once the coffee pot was gone. “Laika-san, that can’t be healthy,” Searchman noted.

“I don’t care,” Laika said darkly. “I know he can’t help it but… damn he’s annoying,” Laika hissed.

“Laika-san, if I may… you’re not really helping,” Searchman pointed out.

“Hm?” Laika asked while taking another sip of green tea.

“Netto-san is confused; he doesn’t know who he is, or where he came from. Or at least he didn’t. To him he doesn’t know why he’s being kept inside and Netto-san really seemed like the kind of person who enjoyed staying inside.”

Laika sighed, “I can’t tell him why he can’t go outside,” he muttered. “For heaven’s sake, he barely even remembers who I am at this point.”

“I know Laika-san, but you have to admit you’re not being easy on him,” Searchman pointed out.

Laika nodded, “Give me a few more minutes.”

“I think you drank too much coffee,” Searchman told him.

Laika looked at the ceiling, “Really? I don’t.”

Searchman opened his mouth to reply but his PET began to ring before he could reply to Laika’s comment. “Hello?” he asked.

Manabe appeared on the screen, “Laika, I’m sorry to call you back out into the field so soon, but can you take on a mission?” she asked.

Laika looked to the side, “Um… well, I don’t think that will be possible right now.”

Manabe sighed, “I know, I know it’s early but I need to pair someone up with Princess Pride. She’s very upset Laika-san and she needs support.”

“Why on earth is she being sent on a mission?” Laika snapped. Everyone knew that Princess Pride had a weakness for Netto. Last time he saw her she had cried herself sick in his arms.

“Not a mission from us, her country. She’s still royalty,” Manabe told him. “She’s going to a diplomatic mission today and I need someone to escort her, and since you two…” Manabe trailed off.

Laika looked to the side and blushed. “I see,” he said slowly.

“Will you please take it?” Manabe asked.

As much as Laika wanted to help he knew he couldn’t. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I have other duties to fulfill at the moment,” he said sharply.

“I… see…” Manabe replied, then she sighed. “I’ll ask someone else, thank you for your time.”

Laika nodded and the screen went blank.

“Laika-san?” Searchman asked.

“This is difficult,” he muttered and took another sip from his cup. Then his PET rang again. “Hello?” he asked coolly.

Pride’s face came into view. She looked unkempt and distraught although she managed to give Laika a small smile. “Laika,” she said in greeting.

“Princess?” Laika asked.

Pride nodded, “Laika, I’m…” she sighed. “I’m sorry; I know this is just as hard on you as anyone but… I can’t do this alone,” she looked down. “I know you don’t want to help, but will you please think about it?” she asked.

It was one thing for Laika to say no to Manabe, it was another thing entirely to say no to Pride’s face. “I…” he said slowly.

“I know this is selfish,” Pride plunged on.

“Not at all,” Laika exclaimed.

Pride gave him a tiny grin, “You lie horribly,” she muttered.

“Princess Pride…” he said softly.

“Laika?” Pride asked.

Laika sighed, “I’ll…” he looked at the clock. “When is it?” he asked.

“In about an hour,” she said.

Laika’s eyes widened. “That soon?” he asked.

“Yes,” Pride answered. “Can you?”

Laika looked a bit upset, “Laika-san…” Searchman said softly as if to remind him that there was a reality.

“I’m…” he sighed. “I’m afraid I ca…” the screen started to have random spurts of static go across it.

Pride on the other end blinked when it went fuzzy. “I…d…can…” it started to break up some more.

“Oh Laika, that’s wonderful, you have no idea what this means to me,” Pride said with a little lighter note in her voice. “I’ll come pick you up in thirty minutes.” Then the screen went blank.

“What?” Laika asked. “What did she say?” he asked his navi.

“It appears she is picking us up in thirty minutes,” he said slowly.

“Oh no…” Laika muttered.

Back in the living room Netto backed away from the TV after it started to loose it’s picture. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Rockman blinked at it, “I have no idea…” he muttered.
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[Midnight]

Weird.

Just when I thought things were beginning to clear up, they again become nebulous and almost puzzling. I'm unsure as to what is exactly going on...but then again, the rest of the chapter did seem to pan out. Poor Netto....
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

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

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

[Kitty-Chan]

Oh boy; Laika's in for it. He should probably just let her in on it; that way, she can help cover for them.
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[YaminoMiko]

Poor Laika! This is getting interesting!
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I wanna sleep, but I don't wanna sleep at the same time. @_@.
Repetition(RnREXE)

[Bassman4566]

This is getting good Neko Princess Pride wow that wasn't predictable and and shocking to well got too go working on fic.

[ChibiForte]

Yay! Laika gets high on coffee? *scribbles down idea for new chapter in fic* Hmm... I wonder... Laika'll get coffee hyper on his date with Shia... MUAHAHA!!!
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Sig made by me. <3

[Bassman4566]

thats funny chibiforte

[Neko]

Thirty minutes later, in lieu to her promise, Pride arrived at Enzan’s mansion. She knocked on the door and waited calmly outside while inside Laika was trying to find a solution that didn’t exist. “Oh man,” he muttered when he heard the knock.

“Laika?” Pride asked.

Netto looked up, “Who,” Laika covered his mouth.

“Shhh,” Laika said. “She can’t know you’re here.”

Netto’s eyes widened and he struggled in Laika’s grip. “Laika-san…” Searchman sighed.

“Laika, I think you should let him go,” Rockman said nervously.

Just then the watch Laika was wearing around his wrist began to spark as Netto continued to struggle. Finally Laika was forced to let Netto go in order to pull the watch off his wrist. “Ow…” Laika said.

Netto eyed Laika apprehensively, “Why…”

“Just… don’t talk,” Laika muttered.

“Laika?” Pride called through the door.

“Searchman?” Laika asked.

Searchman shook his head, “The solution I have you won’t like.”

Laika sighed, “I was afraid of that. And what happened to my watch.”

“Huh?” Rockman asked.

There was a louder knock, “Laika!” Pride said again. “Are you in there?” she sounded slightly worried.

“Netto-kun?” Rockman asked. “What was that?”

Netto shrugged, “I just wanted him to let me go,” he said.

“Laika-san?” Searchman asked.

Laika held his head; there was just too much going on.

“Laika!” Pride said through the door.

“Who is that?” Netto asked.

“She’s… wait, Netto you…” Laika groaned. “I… have no idea what the hell I’m gonna do.”

Rockman smiled nervously, “Poor Laika-san.”

Searchman nodded.

Finally Pride had enough on her end. “Plug in, Knightman, transmission!” she said and plugged her navi into the system to open the door.

Laika blinked as Pride wrenched open the door. “Laika!” she yelled.

“Hi…” he said slowly.

Netto looked over the couch and blinked. “Who…”

Pride looked back at Netto. “WHAT?”

“Explanation?” Knightman asked inside the net.

Rockman and Searchman both sighed, “Ouch,” Rockman muttered.

“Huh?” Knightman asked.

“Th-th-that’s…” Pride said while pointing a shaking finger at Netto.

“It’s Netto,” Laika said in a low voice. “Shut the door and I’ll explain things to you.”

Pride kicked the door closed then rushed over to the five year old. “Netto?” she asked.

Netto looked up and her, then smiled, “Poipu!” he said with a grin.

“Oh my god,” Pride said in a whisper and gathered Netto in a hug. “You’re alive,” she said and held him tightly.

“It takes him a day and a half to remember me and three hours to remember Enzan,” Laika said, “And yet he remembers her in two minutes.”

“Huh,” Rockman said simply.

“Jealous?” Searchman asked so only Laika could hear.

Laika didn’t dignify that with a response.

“How?” Pride asked while still clutching the five year old.

“We’re not quite sure,” Laika admitted. “We do know that he’s not… human. And… I think he may have some kind of powers but don’t hold me to that.”

“Why?” Pride asked.

“I’ll explain my theories later,” Laika muttered to her in a low tone.

Netto remained in Pride’s tight grip but he really had no wish to be let go and Pride really didn’t seem to want to let go. “But he’s alive,” she said.

“So it would seem,” Laika replied.

“Oh thank you god…” Pride said and hugged Netto even tighter.

Rockman smiled, “Yeah, that was my reaction.”

“But why is Netto-san five?” Knightman asked in a low tone.

“We’re not sure,” Rockman replied. “It’s all speculation up until now.”

Pride looked at Netto then back at Laika, “We can’t leave him here alone,” she said.

“Yeah,” Laika agreed.

Pride sighed, “He can come with us, it’s merely a meeting between me and the Ambassador for Electopia. They don’t know Netto so it should work out fine.”

Netto blinked, “We’re going outside?” he asked.

“For a little bit,” Pride said with a grin.

“Finally!” Netto cheered.

Rockman laughed, “Yay,” he said in a small voice.

“Is that all right?” Pride asked.

“Are you sure?” Laika replied.

Pride nodded, “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“All right,” Laika sighed.

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

The three arrived at the building where Pride was to meet the Ambassador. “This will be fun,” she sighed.

“Hm?” Netto asked.

Pride looked to the side, “Ah, nothing.”

“What was that about?” Rockman asked.

“The Ambassador does not think that she is fit to rule because of her age,” Knightman said.

“Ouch,” Rockman replied.

“Pride-sama takes it in but she doesn’t like the meetings here,” Knightman explained.

“I can’t say I would blame her,” Rockman admitted while Searchman nodded.

Once inside they went into a large room where a man in his mid sixties sat in a chair at the end of a long table. “Pleased to see you again,” Pride said silkily. “This is my Net Savior escort, Laika and this is my…” she sighed. “Friend’s cousin,” she said motioning to Netto who blissfully kept silent.

The man eyed Netto then looked at Pride. “I was afraid you weren’t going to show up Princess.”

“Hm?” Netto asked.

‘Crap, he forgot that part,’ Rockman realized.

Pride nodded and sat in a chair, “Well I beg your forgiveness,” she said.

“All is forgotten. So, you’re here to plead with the trade organization,” he said with a grin.

“Plead is too strong a word, sir,” Pride said icily. “More like request. My country does depend on the Electopian trade in my waters and your decision to pull it to Darkland is quite unsettling.”

“Well, Darkland has better prices, Princess. It’s merely a matter of making the right decisions and…” he said but Pride cut him off.

“Oh don’t candy coat it sir, it’s a matter of making money, isn’t it?” she snapped.

Netto and Laika both were rather taken aback by Pride’s response.

“If… you would like to look at it that way, then yes,” he said with a grin.

“Very well,” Pride said smoothly. “Then I will pull all program funding from this country.”

The man’s eyes widened, “You can’t do that!” he said.

Pride looked at him with hard blue eyes, “Oh sir, I am the leader of my country. I can do whatever I please. If my people will starve then I will route the money to pay for trade from Namaste. Do I make myself clear?”

The man growled, “Crystal.”

“So, will the trades remain open?” she asked.

“For the time being, princess,” he said.

“I thank you for your cooperation,” Pride said and stood up. “Have a good day sir,” she said with a small bow and picked up Netto who looked rather surprised to be in her arms once again.

Once outside Pride gave Netto and extra squeeze and let her breath out in a long sigh. “Oh my I don’t like that man.”

“That was amazing,” Laika said.

Pride blushed, “Not really. And if Netto wasn’t… I mean if I didn’t know I don’t think that would have worked out the way it did.”

“Who was he?” Netto asked, not really understanding what had just happened.

“Nothing,” Pride said with a grin. “He doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Oh…” Netto said. “Why are you carrying me?” he asked.

Pride smiled, “Because,” she said.

Netto made a face, “I hate that word.”

Rockman laughed in his PET while Laika asked, “Now what?”

Pride frowned, “Now… I think I’ll stay here for a bit. It seemed to me like you could use some help.” She leaned in to Laika, “And I’d like some questions answered,” she muttered in his ear.

Laika nodded, “Enzan should be back soon, we’ll talk then.”

Pride nodded, “All right.”

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

Hectic chapter XD
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[Yoshiman]

Nice chapter Neko, I liked how you gave Pride another side to the coin, making her all harsh, and blunt. And I have to say the ending part was adorable.
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Current story-Elemental Maiden

[Reina]

ROFL ! Yes, why does Netto remember so quickly?

Anyways, cute chapter. :3 I would have thought Laika would have tried nearly every way possible to hide Netto from Pride for the time being. ^^; But's that's too predictable, so I guess it makes sense.
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Never call me a midget or else something will happen..to you!

[kuro-kitsune]

.... O__O

omg so cute~! *dies*

anyway, can i guess you put pride here to help enzan and laika with netto, the same way with roll in your other one? (behold, my crapptastic comments! \o/ )

this fic is my favourite one, right after always watching. :D (or TWIN. >__> )

update soon! (though not nessecarily for this one. XD )

~kuro-kitsune~

[Kitty-Chan]

Pride is in charge! *cackles* Jealous Laika is so amusing. ^_^
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[YaminoMiko]

Oh dear... poor Laika... He's jealous!! XP
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I wanna sleep, but I don't wanna sleep at the same time. @_@.
Repetition(RnREXE)

[HubHikari]

I LOVE IT, this keeps getting more and more interesting can't wait to read more Keep up the Great Work Neko-chan!!!!!
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[Midnight]

Hehe.

Anyway....hooray for minor character development! As many have pointed out before me, I very much enjoyed that you decided to add a little substance to back up Pride's character. Not much is known about her in the games nor anime, so I guess going out-of-character was to be expected, but the way you executed it seemed to be quite natural. Good for Pride for being cutthroat and poignant.

The jealousy, albeit fleeting, was also a nice touch, as it placed a brief moment of comic relief in an otherwise serious and perhaps more ominous mood. Another excellent job.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

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

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

[Neko]

A few hours later Enzan came home from work to see Netto and Pride playing cards on the couch and Laika reading a book. “Um?” he asked.

“Hi Enzan!” Netto said cheerfully. “Poipu came by,” he said with a grin.

“What happened?” he asked

“Don’t ask,” Laika growled from his book.

Enzan sighed, “Oh boy,” he muttered.

Pride smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything,” she said.

“Say what?” Netto asked.

Everyone looked at Netto, suddenly finding themselves at a loss for explanations. “Netto-kun, why don’t we go play upstairs,” Rockman said hastily.

Netto blinked, then stood up, shrugging, “All right,” he said and cast a wary glance over Pride, Enzan and Laika before running upstairs with his PET.

Enzan sighed and sat down on the couch, on the far end from Pride, “So,” he said, “What happened?”

Laika and Pride both sighed at the same time. “It’s my fault,” Pride said. “I asked Laika to accompany me on a diplomatic mission and I heard his answer incorrectly. When I came I found Netto,” she said with a small smile.

“Oh,” Enzan said simply.

“What happened?” Pride asked.

Enzan looked at the ceiling, “I have no idea. We can’t tell what happened. For some reason, when Netto was… attacked, we think the link may have just split off and formed another body. However, Netto doesn’t have any memory.”

Pride nodded, “I noticed that,” she murmured.

Enzan nodded, “Anyways, that’s all we know so far,” he said. “But the thing is, we can’t tell anyone. Not yet, because we don’t know what’s going on, and for all we know the people that did this might still be out there.”

Pride nodded again, “That makes sense,” she said. “I don’t blame you.”

“So, now what?” Laika asked.

Pride looked around, “Well, I’m here on diplomat duty in Electopia for a few weeks to improve trade routes between Creamland and Electopia.”

“I noticed,” Laika said dryly.

Pride blushed, “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Laika shook his head, “No, I’m glad you can stand up for yourself like that.”

Pride smiled, “I need to be strong, or my country won’t survive.”

Enzan cleared his throat, “What were you getting to earlier?” he asked.

Pride nodded, “I’ll stay here if you want,” she said. “From what I saw earlier it looks like you may need some help.”

Enzan and Laika exchanged looks and nodded, “Yes,” they said.

Pride laughed, “All right then. I’ll stay here for the time being,” she said.

Laika and Enzan nodded their consent then Enzan stood up to make tea.

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

“Rockman?” Netto asked from his place on the bed.

“Yes, Netto-kun?” Rockman replied.

“Why did we come up here?” he asked.

Rockman smiled sheepishly, “Because, I uhh…” Rockman was saved from answering the awkward question by a knock on the door.

“Yes?” Netto called out.

“Can I come in?” Pride asked.

Netto shrugged, then he realized that Pride couldn’t hear a shrug. “Sure,” he said.

Pride opened the door and came in, “Are you all right?”

Netto flipped over onto his stomach and propped his chin in his hands, “I’m fine. Why?”

Pride shook her head, “No reason,” she said.

Netto gave her a five year old grin, “You’re weird,” he said.

Rockman coughed while Pride laughed out loud. “Am I?” she asked.

Netto nodded and sat up. “Yeah, you are,” he said. “Before you were angry and upset but now you’re really happy. It’s kinda weird that you can change your moods so fast. When I get upset I stay upset,” he pointed out.

“Yeup,” Rockman said dryly.

Pride smiled and sat on the bed next to Netto. “Let’s just say that I’m happy for a reason,” she said. “And nothing could really make me upset right now.”

“Why?” Netto asked.

“It’s a secret,” she said with a wink.

“Aw, come on!” Netto said, “Tell me!”

“Nope,” Pride answered.

“Why not?” Netto asked.

“I already told you,” Pride told him. “It’s a secret.”

Netto crossed his arms, “That’s not very fair.”

Pride shrugged, “Not much is.”

“Huh?”

Pride smiled and pulled Netto into her lap, “Nothing.”

Netto thought about wriggling free but when he looked up, Poipu seemed so upset that it just wasn’t worth it. “Are happy or sad?” he asked finally.

Pride shrugged, “I can’t really tell yet,” she murmured. “I am however, very grateful.”

Netto looked puzzled and Rockman couldn’t help but smile at his operator’s obvious confusion.

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

The next day Netto woke up later then normal because Rockman finally allowed him to sleep in. When he finally got out of bed the sun was fairly high in the sky and he couldn’t hear anyone else in the house. “Rockman?” he called out.

“Over here!” Rockman called from the wall monitor.

Netto pulled his vest over his head and walked over to where his navi was, “Where is everyone?” he asked as he reached for his bandana.

“Princess Pride is downstairs, Laika-san is on a mission and Enzan-san is at work,” Rockman said.

“Oh,” Netto stated and waked out of the room.

Rockman followed him in the hallway monitors, “Are you all right?” his navi asked him.

Netto smiled, “I’m fine,” he told his navi.

“Then why are you so quiet?” Rockman pressed.

“Maybe I like being quiet!” Netto announced.

This brought a long laugh from both ends and when the giggled finally subdued Rockman said, “No seriously, what’s wrong?”

Netto shrugged, “I don’t know. I seem to remember a lot of things that don’t make very much sense.”

“Like what?” Rockman asked.

Netto looked up, “Well, I didn’t know who Poipu was until I saw her, but when I did it’s like I remembered a lot of things about her and about me that I didn’t before. There are times when I remember things about Enzan and Laika that I don’t remember hearing or seeing before. It’s… kinda confusing,” Netto admitted.

Rockman smiled sadly, “I’m sorry,” he said. “But remembering things is good,” he stated.

“Is it?” Netto asked.

Rockman nodded, “It is,” he said.

Netto grinned, “Okay,” he said brightly.

When the two got downstairs they saw Pride sitting at the table with a cup of tea and reading a newspaper. “Good morning Poipu!” Netto said happily.

Pride looked up a little startled then smiled at Netto, “Good morning,” she said. “So you’re finally up.”

“Yeah,” Netto said while climbing into a chair and reaching for a piece of toast that was on the table. “I remembered a few things last night.”

Pride raised an eyebrow, “Oh?” she asked. “Tell me.”

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

“Searchman, behind you!” Laika yelled into his PET.

Searchman jumped into the air and sailed over the viruses that had just tried to delete him. Then he used his scope gun to take them down before they even had time to react.

Behind them there was a slow applause, “Very good,” a voice said. A voice that they knew.

Laika’s eyes widened as Lunar and Solar both came into the light. “You thought just because we killed your best friend that we were done?” Lunar asked with a smirk.

Laika clenched his fist and brought up a chip, but the next thing that Solar said made him drop the chip onto the ground.

“Or maybe your friend is still alive,” he finished for Lunar.
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