Little Predicaments Hu/R PG-13 : *finished*

[Midnight]

Yay for character development!

It's nice that you spent this chapter developing the personaes of your side protagonists. It only makes your characters pop out in the mind of the reader a lot more. Andrew seems a lot more animate now.

I hope that you'll do the same for Cathy, eventually. Another great read.
_________________
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]

Heheh, poor Netto-kun. I feel her pain; I positively abhore dresses, along with make-up, clothes shopping, &pretty much everything the average female likes.
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[DarkMega]

Ooooo, Andrew likes Netto!!! What an interesting twist in the plot. I like Andrew's character. You seemed to have developed him quite well. Also, the whole Enzan walking in on Netto/ Enzan nosebleed was quite hilarious! I must admit, I didn't think that was going to happen! Good fic, good fic.
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Justice has many faces, but this one just happens to be hilarious.
Thanks for the siggy, Hikari Angel!

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

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

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

[Neko]

“Come on kid, get up,” Cathy said while knocking on Netto’s door.

“Oh please don’t make me get up, not yet…” Netto groaned.

“Come on, today all you have to do is look nice do what the man tells you too and then you’re home free.”

“And tonight?” Netto asked, sensing an underlying threat to the words.

Cathy sighed, “We go to a ball in honor of the pageant.”

Netto shoved his face into his pillow and didn’t come out for a few more minutes just to express silently his opinion on what he was just told.

When he finally did come out Cathy patted his shoulder and gave him a small grin, “Don’t worry, at least the beginning of the day won’t be too hard.”

Cathy was right, the day was uneventful at most and Rockman had to keep on yelling at Netto mentally in order to keep him awake.

“Boring,” Netto yawned as they went back to the hotel.

Neil nodded, “No kidding, I was almost asleep at my PET.”

Netto smirked, “I’m amazed I didn’t fall asleep.”

“Me too,” Enzan and Laika said together.

“Well kids, day two isn’t over. We already predicted this,” Cathy said warningly. “We’re all going to the ball tonight,” she said matter of factly. This earned her a groan from Netto but everyone else nodded. “That’s where our hacker may attack tonight. There’s a judges table where the crown worn by the winner this year will be on showcase, I expect something to be there but we can’t be certain until we get there. Till then, suck it up, and I expect you four to meet us here in about an hour.”

“An hour?” Netto asked.

“Yeah, you want to rest don’t you?” Cathy asked.

Netto gave her a grin and nodded, “Thank you…” Rockman said softly.

“Is Netto a little testy?” Blues asked.

“A little?” Rockman scoffed. “Ha, understatement of the year,” he said and left the main computer to go into his PET.

Netto trotted upstairs behind Cathy, “Think we can catch whoever this is tonight?” Netto asked.

Cathy grinned at him, “One can only hope!”

Netto laughed and they disappeared into their own rooms. Netto flopped onto his bed and gazed at the ceiling, “Wow today was boring,” he said matter of factly.

Rockman nodded, “No kidding. I thought you were going to fall asleep no matter what I did.”

Netto laughed, “Aw, I was trying,” he said to his navi.

Rockman smirked, “I know but I swear you still dropped off for a few minutes there.”

Netto shrugged, “Ah well, hopefully tonight we can end it.”

“Don’t get too hopeful it might be a trap like last time,” Rockman pointed out.

Netto made a face, “I hope not, I kinda want a break and you know maybe catch Dr. Cunningham and the virus.”

Rockman nodded, “I know,” he sighed.

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

Back at the hotel where Manabe and Yui were staying Manabe was typing furiously on a laptop and Yui was running back and forth around the room answering phone calls, bringing Manabe papers that were being faxed and every once in awhile, falling over.

“Um, Manabe-san, it’s Haseyawa-san on your cell phone?” Yui asked with her hand over the receiver.

Manabe held out her hand while still typing on the computer with one. She put the phone to her ear, “Yes?” she asked.

“I heard you want to get your hands on a signal breech paper,” he said with a laugh.

Manabe sighed, “In New Amsterdam, can you help me?” she asked.

“Can you give me a sample?”

Manabe eyed the computers from Sharro and Jawaii, “I think we can provide you with something,” she said.

“Hmmm… I don’t know, this seems pretty tough,” Haseyawa said in a drawl.

Manabe sighed, “Can you, or can’t you do it?” she asked.

“Dinner and a movie?” he asked.

“Dinner and… we’ll see,” Manabe said with a smile playing on her lips.

“You’ve got yourself a deal, how much time do I have?” he asked.

“I’d ask for it as soon as possible.”

“Two days it is!” he said cheerfully. “I’ll call you when you get back in Electopia.”

“All right, thank you,” she said.

“No problem, I owe you one anyway,” he said with a laugh.

“Then why am I having dinner with you?” Manabe asked.

“Because of my charm, wit and wonderful demeanor. See you,” he said and hung up.

Manabe sighed and hung up as well. “Now we can just search for the virus,” she murmured.

“Manabe-san?” Yui asked.

“Yes?” Manabe replied.

“There’s a call for you on your cell phone again,” Yui said while pointing to the ringing device at Manabe’s foot.

Manabe sighed and picked it up, “Two days, huh?” she sighed.

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

Netto looked at the dress. It wasn’t bad in its own right it’s just that it was… a dress. The garment was a pale blue color with sleeves that went all the way down his arms and pointed at the base of his middle finger. The over sleeves and the skirt were made of a very fine pale blue chiffon that reached all the way to the floor. The bodice was embroidered with silver and lavender and it stopped at his upper chest where the sleeves and bodice were connected with a semi see through, shimmer fabric that fastened at his neck. “It’s not bad,” Cathy said while eyeing her simple, renaissance-esque dress.

“It’s a dress,” Netto said flatly.

“Oh well,” Cathy sighed, “Like I said before, suck it up and put it on.”

Netto sighed and went into the bathroom to wrestle into the dress. The skirt got entangled around his legs but he managed to get it on after a few minutes of struggle. He came back out and Cathy grinned, “Well, at least you look good.”

Netto stuck his tongue elegantly at her, “Thank you,” he said.

Cathy laughed out loud and handed him his PET, “Come on kid, let’s go there thinking it’ll be over tonight.”

“Yeah!” Netto cheered and put on simple silver dancing slippers before following Cathy down to the lobby where the other four boys were waiting.

Just as the night before, Enzan and Andrew stared openly while Neil grinned at them both and Laika gave no notice except for a tiny red tinge on his cheeks. “I hate dresses,” Netto muttered.

Laika gave him a small grin, “Ah well, it’ll all be over soon.”

Netto nodded, “Yeup,” he said.

Neil strode up to Cathy and even though she was easily four inches taller then him he bowed and offered her his arm in a goofy manner, “Milady?”

Cathy laughed out loud, “Oh you’re such a little brat,” she teased.

Neil smiled as she took his arm in jest and they walked out of the hotel together.

Netto rolled his eyes, “Ha, cute,” he said sarcastically.

Enzan shrugged, “Well, we are here to work,” he said softly.

Netto nodded, “Yeah, I know. Let’s go.”

Laika and Enzan went out in front and Netto came up in the rear with Andrew. “Shy?” he teased.

Andrew blushed, “Kinda,” he admitted.

Netto smiled at him, “Don’t worry about it, we’ll be in and out in no time. Just think of it as going to work.”

Andrew looked Netto up and down and his blush deepened, “Yeah…” he said so softly that Netto had to strain to hear his voice.

“Are you all right?” Netto asked.

Andrew nodded, “Thanks for listening to my writing last night,” he said suddenly after a long pause.

Netto grinned, “No problem, it was really nice.”

Andrew gave Netto a small grin and averted his eyes back to the ground.

/What’s up with him?/ Netto asked Rockman.

/No idea…/ Rockman answered.

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

Heh \o/ Yay for getting Netto into as many girly clothes as I possibly can >3
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Well...

I have an idea of what you are going to try to pry into next, and if what my predictions have told me turn out to be true, then there is room for a LOT of WTF in the next few chapters. Otherwise...it is of the same quality that you have presented in the previous few chapters.
_________________
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]

Yay; more crossdressing! It's high time guys learn what we go through! :D I'm still waiting for Laika to land himself in a highly embarassing & amusing (to us) situation, but other than that, great job!
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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)*

[kuro-kitsune]

.... *keels over in pain*

oh mah gawd... i put netto in that type of dress once.... i killed that pic, it was so.... ugly...

you know, i think i might just have another go at drawing it. if only to get andrew (love the guy. so... huggable. O_o ), enzan and laika in the background.... good times... :D

great chapter, can't wait for the next one.

c'mon, who honestly doesn't want to shove some uke guy in a dress.... or sailor fuku. >D

~kuro-kitsune~

[HubHikari]

Wonderful! great style and always interesting Excellent chapter neko-chan can't wait for more ^_^.
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[sugoi sukafu]

True, it's always fun to stick a guy in a dress for a giggle or two, but you laugh harder with Netto because he struggles with it and curses under his breath. Enzan or Laika would either refuse to do it or would be silent and look very pissed off the entire time. *Pictures them in dresses* Though it would work get in a pic but not so good for stories. That and it's just fun to pick on Netto, putting him in one weird situation after another.

Another great written sequence Neko. More please!
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Fear the scarf! It's a mite peckish at the moment...

[Neko]

They arrived at the building five minutes later. The first thing Netto did was hide behind Enzan to make sure no one would see him and possibly ask him to dance. “I never pictured you to be anti-social,” Enzan teased him.

“Ha ha,” Netto said dryly. “Really funny.”

Laika merely sighed but decided that it was in his best interest not to intervene.

“Hikaru?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah?” Netto replied.

“Aren’t you going to dance?”

Netto snorted, “Not likely. I can’t dance, nor do I particularly want to.”

“Oh,” Andrew said softly and edged away quietly.

“Netto,” Rockman said softly.

“What?” Netto hissed. “I am not dancing.”

Rockman sighed and decided to leave his irritable operator alone for the time being.

“Are you all right?” Enzan asked Netto.

Netto gave him a look that said ‘Do I look okay?’

“Sorry,” Enzan muttered under his breath.

“Netto, I think those are judges,” Laika said while nodding at a woman and a man headed their way.

“So?” Netto asked, crossing his arms.

Enzan and Laika rolled their eyes and merely watched the unfolding drama.

“Hello dear,” the woman said in a cheery voice.

“Hi,” Netto said flatly.

The woman faltered a bit but the man plunged into the dead conversation, “So, how are you my dear?”

“Fine,” Netto said simply trying his damndest to keep his answers one word.

The man wasn’t giving up as easily as his comrade, “May I ask your reasons for competing?”

Netto blinked, there was a curve ball. /Uh…/

/Well say something,/ Rockman urged.

/I’m a undercover agent who’s really a boy and just doing this to pass the time while we’re looking for a lunatic scientist?/ Netto snapped.

/I’m not talking to you right now,/ Rockman said slowly and cut off their mental link.

Netto sighed, “Because,” he said slowly.

Enzan and Laika just both stared at him openly at this point.

A small grin passed over the man’s face. “Good answer,” he whispered as they moved on.

“Really?” Enzan asked.

“Shut up,” Netto said quietly so the retreating judges couldn’t hear.

It took all of Laika’s self control to not laugh out loud. “Maybe you should… do something to avoid that again,” he suggested with the barest hint of amusement in his voice.

Netto glared at him, “Like what?” he snapped.

Laika figured his best tactical decision was to back off at that point. Netto on the other hand could tell he was starting to get a little annoying so he walked away over to a secluded corner where he could simmer without pissing anyone off. Except maybe Rockman, but they would talk again soon, eventually.

Netto sighed, /I hate this./

/What?/ Rockman asked.

/Waiting,/ Netto said sulkily.

/So that’s what you’re upset about!/ Rockman said.

Netto blinked, /Yeah, what did you think I was upset about./

/Never mind,/ Rockman said. /You were awfully snappish to Andrew./

/I’m not dancing,/ Netto muttered.

Rockman laughed, /All right, fair enough. I thought the dress was bugging you./

/It is bugging me,/ Netto replied. /But sitting here like targets is even more annoying./

Rockman nodded, /That it is./

The twin’s conversation was interrupted by Andrew walking over and blushing madly. “Hey,” he said while avoiding Netto’s eyes.

Netto nodded, “Hi,” he said. “So, find out anything yet?”

“What?” Andrew asked.

Netto gave him an odd stare, “The mission?” he asked.

“Oh!” Andrew said. “R-right. Neil said that he hasn’t found anything yet but he’s keeping his eyes out.”

“Darn it,” Netto sighed. “I was kind of hoping something would happen.”

“Don’t like waiting?” Andrew guessed with a small smile.

Netto made a face while Rockman said, “Bingo.”

Just then Jade cleared her throat. “O-oh, right… Hikaru?”

“Yeah?” Netto asked.

Andrew began to turn several more shades of red, “W-would…” he took in a deep breath and said, “Would you dance with me?” really quickly.

Netto was caught off guard, “What?” he asked.

“I…well…” Andrew’s nerve finally failed him. “Never mind,” he said quietly and turned around.

Netto frowned, “Wait… I was just wondering what you said.”

/You didn’t hear that?/

/He said it so quickly…/

“Would you like to dance with me, Hikaru?” Andrew said slowly.

It was Netto’s turn to blush a bright cherry red. “I…” /What do I say?/ he asked.

/Well… uhhh… one dance couldn’t hurt. I mean he really did try hard to ask…/

Andrew could feel the tension in the air grow during the silence.

Netto blinked, then sighed. “All right…” he said apprehensively.

Andrew’s face brightened. “Really?”

Netto nodded, “Sure, but only once.”

“You don’t like to dance?” Andrew asked.

Netto shook his head, “Not like this.”

Andrew smiled as they walked towards the dance floor. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I’m not good,” Netto pointed out.

Andrew shrugged, “It’s all right, I’m not either.”

Netto and Andrew both laughed and proceeded to dance together, badly.

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

“Is that… Netto-san?” Blues asked.

Enzan looked out at the dance floor. “Oh my god…” he muttered.

“What?” Laika asked.

“He’s actually dancing… with Andrew…” Enzan said slowly.

Laika glanced at him, “Well it does let them talk to other people. I’m not quite sure that’s what was in mind but…” He looked at Enzan’s face and something dawned on him, “Why, jealous?”

“What?” Enzan yelped. “N-no! I’m not… what in the hell gave you that idea?”

Laika lifted a glass of punch to his lips, “I just pulled it out of thin air,” he said sarcastically.

Enzan glared at the minty haired boy. “Laika…” he growled.

“Enzan, I’m sorry but at this point it’s damn obvious,” Laika said bluntly. “I’ve noticed it, your navi has, my navi has hell everyone has but Netto and Rockman because by some magic they can remain oblivious to everything they want to until it’s said outright to them.”

Enzan’s glare intensified, “Are you saying that I…” he blushed, “like him?”

Laika raised his eyebrows and sipped his punch, “I don’t know, do you?”

Enzan opened and closed his mouth then without another word stalked away.

“Laika-san…” Searchman said slowly. “That was kind of mean.”

Laika shrugged, “It was beginning to annoy me.”

“Laika-san you’re…” Searchman looked for the right word, “amazing.”

“Thank you,” Laika said. “I was going for that.”

Searchman rolled his eyes but decided then wasn’t the time to argue with his operator.

~~~~~~~~~

Note to self: Write more Laika pissing off Enzan, tis fun to plot out >3
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Wow. THAT was satisfying.

The charged part is obviously the last exchange with Laika and Enzan. I'm surprised that Enzan actually allowed himself an opening for Laika to pry. Usually he is a lot more reserved and keeps his guard active.

I suppose I should feel good for Andrew...since he seems to be following his true feelings. However, I hate to see what would happen when he finds out he was in a rather...ummm...controversial relationship, to say the least.

There's a lot that can possibly happen as of now, and it's building to a climax. Great 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

[JoshuaBlack]

Now that was fun to read and poor Chaud even though he knows that Lan is a guy he still falling for him. Can't wait to see if either of them make a move at last ^_^
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I seen what that mad man can do. Trust me we got to stop him. Joshua Black talking about Dr.Regal

[Kitty-Chan]

*cackles* Laika wins that one! We still need something absolutely mortifying to happen to him, though...
_________________
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]

When the dance ended both Netto and Andrew were bright red. “Th-thank Hikaru,” Andrew said softly as they walked back to the side of the room. “I know you didn’t want to dance.”

Netto smiled, “Well, it wasn’t that bad…” he tried to admit.

/You hated it,/ Rockman giggled.

/Shut up, nii-san,/ Netto said in a good natured way.

/You can be really nice sometimes, you know that Netto-kun?/

/Don’t tell anyone,/ Netto said with a mental grin.

/Netto-kun…/ Rockman said in a laughing voice.

“Hikaru?” Andrew asked.

“Hm?”

Andrew blushed, “Never mind,” he said. “Is that Enzan?” he asked.

Netto blinked and saw Enzan over by the refreshment table looking more then a little upset. “Oh boy,” Netto sighed.

Andrew blinked, “Is he all right?”

“Andrew, I’m going to go see what Enzan is upset,” Netto said.

Andrew nodded, “All right, I’ll go check in with Neil to see if anything has happened yet.”

Netto rolled his eyes, “One can only hope.”

Andrew laughed and nodded, “I’ll contact you if anything has changed.”

Netto nodded and they parted. “What is up with Enzan,” Netto muttered.

“Netto-kun, don’t make a scene,” Rockman said in a warning tone.

Netto waved his hand, “I won’t, don’t worry.”

Rockman smiled nervously, “Right,” he said, as if trying to convince himself.

Netto walked up to Enzan and tapped him on the shoulder. “What is wrong with you?”

Enzan spun around, turned bright red and gaped at Netto. “I…”

“Enzan-sama…” Blues said slowly.

Netto waved a hand in front of his face, “Hello?” he asked.

Enzan looked slightly annoyed, “Why were you dancing?”

“What?” Netto asked.

“Why were you dancing?” Enzan repeated.

“Because, he wanted to dance and…” Netto groaned, “I have no idea. Because I felt like it,” he snapped.

“You hate dancing,” Enzan said.

“Why do you care?” Netto yelled.

Enzan blinked and turned a bright red, “I… um… well… never mind,” he hissed.

Netto gave him an odd look, “What is wrong with you, Enzan?”

Enzan sighed, “Nothing,” he muttered.

Netto opened his mouth to say something else but his PET began to ring. Netto pulled it up to see Neil’s face. “We’ve got a problem down here,” he said.

“What happened?” Netto asked.

“We’ve found a person who isn’t on the guest lists and she has a PET,” Neil said.

“I’ll check it out,” another voice said.

“Cathy?” Netto and Neil asked.

“You kids stay out until I call you,” Cathy said. “I need you to stay alert until we know something is going on for sure. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes,” Netto and Neil muttered.

Cathy turned off her PET and made her way over to the woman she noticed a half hour ago. She walked over and tapped the brunette on the shoulder. “Hello, Lisa,” she said.

The woman called Lisa spun around and looked at Cathy. Then she gave her a big grin and hugged her tightly, “Cathy! Oh it’s been ages!”

Cathy hugged her friend back and looked at her with a big grin, “You’re a sight for sore eyes. What are you doing here?”

“I’m…” Lisa looked apprehensive.

“You’re about to sabotage this pageant with a virus attack, just like the door yesterday and all the other problems as of late,” Cathy said with a sharp gaze.

Lisa grinned, “You were always so smart. How did you figure that out?”

“Actually, my team did. Lisa, what the hell are you doing?” Cathy hissed.

“I’m stopping the glorifying of looks among women. This has to end, pageants are nothing more then showing off good looking girls and making them base themselves off their looks,” Lisa replied haughtily.

“You’re going to hurt innocent people!” Cathy screeched.

“You hate these things just as much as I do,” Lisa said to her friend. “And you know it.”

Cathy growled, “I would never, ever think of hurting people. Also, I have an undercover agent in this thing to make sure you don’t hurt anyone. What are you thinking?”

“I already told you, Cathy, come on,” she pleaded. “There was a time when you would drop everything and help me.”

“I’m not like that anymore,” Cathy said and glanced around nervously. “And you shouldn’t be either,” she told her quietly. “This is wrong.”

Lisa looked upset, “I had hoped you would help me. So you’re going to stop me, then?” Lisa asked.

Cathy touched her PET, “I will if I have too.”

Lisa grinned, “Fine then, I’ll see you tomorrow, I hope you can find me.”

“What?” Cathy asked.

Lisa nodded and a loud explosion sounded behind her. “That would be several electric viruses blowing up the sound stage,” she said with a grin. “Will you follow me or do your job.”

Cathy hissed softly then ran for the sound stage.

Lisa laughed and disappeared in the panicked crowd.

“Kids, it’s the sound stage!” Cathy yelled into her PET. “Plug in now!”

Everyone plugged in, and in a matter of minutes the viruses were gone, but the night was pretty much ruined. They all managed to get out of the ball room full of crying girls and nervous parents and started to walk towards the hotel quietly.

Once they got back Netto muttered, “I’m going to my room,” and disappeared down the hall.

Laika raised an eyebrow and Enzan merely left without a word at all.

“Cathy, are you all right?” Andrew asked.

Cathy sighed heavily, “I’m just tired. Oh, and I have a tip, keep your eye out for tomorrow,” she said.

Andrew and Neil nodded then retreated to their own rooms. “What a night,” Cathy sighed.

“Who was that woman you were talking to?” Laika asked her.

Cathy looked at Laika, startled, then she grinned. “You don’t miss much, do you?” she asked.

Laika shook his head, “I saw you.”

Cathy nodded, “She’s an old… acquaintance. I know her from college, and trust me, she will be brought down tomorrow.”

Laika nodded, feeling the answer was good enough and left for his own room.

“Lisa…” Cathy sighed.

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

Netto took off his dress and threw it in a corner. He sighed and pulled on a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt. “Rockman?” he asked.

“Yes, Netto-kun?”

“Should I go talk to Enzan?”

Rockman thought for a minute, “Yeah. He seemed pretty upset,” Rockman replied.

Netto sighed and put on a pair of shoes. “All right, I’ll be back soon,” he said.

“Okay,” Rockman replied with a grin.

Netto walked out of his room and maneuvered his way to Enzan’s. When he got there he knocked on the door. When Enzan opened the door he said, “We need to talk.”

Enzan blinked, “About what?”

Netto crossed his arms, “About you being upset tonight for no reason. What is up?” Netto snapped.

Enzan opened his mouth a turned a bright red. “N-nothing,” he said slowly.

Netto sighed, “Yes there is. Enzan, something is bothering you, and I couldn’t really call myself a friend if I didn’t notice that you were acting like a jerk tonight!”

“Gee, thanks,” Enzan said dryly.

Netto smiled sweetly, “Well it’s true.”

Enzan sighed, “Netto, I have no idea why I’m in such a bad mood,” Enzan lied.

Netto glared at him, “Oh please. Come on Enzan, what’s wrong?”

Enzan blushed, “I… don’t know,” he said again.

Netto shook his head, “Well when you decide to tell me what’s wrong, I’ll be in my room. Good night,” he said.

“Night,” Enzan replied. Then he went back into his room.

“Enzan-sama, if I may, you’re a horrible liar,” Blues said.

Enzan sighed, “Yeah, I know.”

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

Lisa looked around the corner where Netto was currently explaining a few things to Cathy before he turned in for the night. “So that’s the undercover agent,” she said. "Hmmm..."

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

Okay, next chapter /o/~
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Interesting.

Enzan is still stoic as ever, but he's going to have to confess his feelings sooner or later. This COULD present a problem later on between our two "suitors"...

As for Lisa's character, she seems to be a tad shallow. Her purpose is, well, one that I've seen quite a lot--to protest the objectification of women. Since it IS the first chapter that she is featured in, I suppose I can forgive.

Great job.
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

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

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

[Neko]

Lisa is a characetchure. She really isn't suppoused to *have* a personality. She exists to be like that and to give depth to Cathy
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[JoshuaBlack]

Poor Chaud...it's hard to show feelings when ya train to hide them good chapter :]
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I seen what that mad man can do. Trust me we got to stop him. Joshua Black talking about Dr.Regal

[Kitty-Chan]

Poor Enzan; he is so screwed. Still waiting for Laika's "Moment of Stupidity," but other than that, great job! ^_^
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

The next day was nothing short of hell for any one of them, especially Netto. Cathy’s emotions were in turmoil, and Netto was upset, making Rockman upset. Everyone else noticed their moods meanwhile Enzan was trying to ignore what Laika told him but he found that he couldn’t. In short it made for an interesting morning.

After that Netto and Cathy went into the dressing rooms while Laika, Enzan, Andrew and Neil went to hide in various places to get ready to take down the hacker.

Netto groaned and bit his lip, “Well?” he asked.

Cathy smiled and patted him on the head, “I expect the hacker to attack rather early on. So, what I want you to do is just pull through the opening and we’ll take it from there,” she said.

Netto nodded and sighed. “So… what do I have to do?”

“Eveningwear,” Cathy said. “You can wear the same dress you wore last night, no one will care.”

Netto groaned, “Is that really what it is?” he asked.

“Be thankful it’s not swimwear,” Cathy said with a small smile.

Netto went from red to white rather quickly. “Yeah,” he said.

/Heh… almost makes you grateful,/ Rockman said.

/Yeah… almost,/ Netto muttered.

Cathy sighed, “Can you get ready on your own?” she asked suddenly.

“I guess,” Netto said slowly. “Why?”

“Because, I have something I need to do,” Cathy said simply. “Don’t worry, you can handle it.”

“Um…” Netto said as she walked out of the room.

“Don’t worry,” she said with a wink and left.

“You can handle it,” Rockman said.

Netto looked at the dress, “Yeah but I don’t know how to zip that up on my own,” he said.

“Oh,” Rockman said slowly.

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

“All right, I’m in position,” Laika said into his ear piece.

“See anything yet?” Neil asked.

“Not yet,” Laika replied. “I haven’t seen anything suspicious.”

Neil groaned, “So, we’re going to sit here possibly for this whole thing?” he asked.

“At least you’re not up there,” Andrew said softly before anyone else could say anything.

“True, true,” Neil said. “But I’m also stuck in the vents. Remind me to never draw straws again.”

“You told me to tell you that last time,” Andrew said with a faint grin. “I told you last night, but you didn’t believe me.”

“Next time, get it in writing!” Neil replied.

Laika and Enzan both resisted the urge to roll their eyes but let the two friends have their conversation.

“It’s starting,” Enzan said quietly.

Everything went quiet and there was a hiss as the dry ice machines were started.

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

“Lisa!” Cathy hissed. “What are you doing?”

Lisa turned around and smiled weakly. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I have to do this.”

“No you don’t!” Cathy yelled. “I have an agent who is due to go out there in 5 minutes!”

“Don’t worry, it’s only a statement. No one will get hurt,” Lisa said.

“But, it’s wrong!” Cathy cried.

“This whole thing is wrong!” Lisa yelled.

“I know that,” Cathy replied. “But this isn’t the way to deal with it.”

Lisa held her PET behind her and let her navi into the dry ice machine. “It’s my way,” she said.

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

“Someone shoot me now,” Netto growled.

Rockman smiled, “Come on Netto-kun,” he said.

Netto sighed and put his PET inside a small pocket in his dress. “All right, let’s just get this over with,” he muttered.

Netto walked out into the hall and made sure he was at the end of the line just in case anything happened. “Well,” he breathed. “This is it.”

Extremely cheesy music was started that forced Netto to roll his eyes and he was very grateful no one could see him. Before the line got halfway through however there were screams and panicked yells. Netto grinned and headed out, /Ha, I didn’t even have to show myself,/ he cheered.

/Thank god for little miracles,/ Rockman asked.

/Exactly,/ Netto said and ran out into the panicked crowd. Billows of fake fog were filling up the room and no one could see past a certain point.

“Netto-kun, level’s of carbon dioxide are in the red zone,” Rockman said. “If there are people too far in, they can’t breathe.”

“It’s that bad?” Netto asked.

“It’s that bad,” Rockman replied. “Be careful,” he said quietly.

Netto nodded, “Where’s the origin?” he asked.

“Ten meters straight ahead, make sure not to take too many breaths, this is dangerous.”

“All right,” Netto said and walked into the fake cloud cover.

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

“Okay, I’m hearing screams,” Neil said.

“The dry ice machine malfunctioned,” Enzan said.

“So a huge machine is now pumping out massive amounts of CO2 into a confined area?” Andrew asked.

“I’m already at the scene,” Laika said. “We need to evacuate before anything else happens.”

“Keep contact open, I’m at the scene too but I can’t see anyone,” Neil said.

“I’m almost there,” Andrew said.

“I’m there,” Enzan replied. “Where’s Netto.”

“Netto?” Neil and Andrew asked.

Enzan almost slapped himself in the forehead, “The third member of our usual team is Netto, I meant Hikaru,” he said.

“Oh,” Andrew said. “I don’t know, I can’t contact her.”

“Perfect,” Enzan muttered.

“She can take care of herself,” Laika said pointedly. “Stick to your mission.”

“Don’t worry,” Enzan replied. “I am.”

“Keep the link open,” Neil reminded everyone then headed onto the stage.

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

In the background Cathy heard screams. “What did you do!” she snapped.

“I merely caused a disturbance,” Lisa said. “Just to make a statement.”

Cathy growled, “Lisa, I know we’re friends, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to place you under arrest.”

Lisa’s eyes narrowed, “I’m sorry too,” she said then she turned around and ran.

Cathy sighed exasperatedly, “Perfect,” she hissed and took off after her old friend.

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

“Netto-kun?” Rockman asked.

“The origin is right ahead!” Netto said.

“Plug me in, quickly,” Rockman said.

Netto held up his PET, “Plug in, Rockman.EXE, transmission!”

Rockman appeared in the net where a generic navi stood messing with the controls, opening vents and keeping the machine running far past what it was supposed to be run at. “Hey!” he yelled.

The navi turned around and summoned a cannon. “Stop!” it said.

Rockman held up his hands, “Please, don’t! I don’t want to hurt you.”

It fired off several shots trying to make Rockman back off.

“Netto-kun?”

Netto coughed, “Sorry, we need to stop this,” he said. “Rockman, just make it log out.”

Rockman nodded, “Sorry,” he said and held up his own buster.

The generic navi fired several times but Rockman merely jumped over to the other side and fired off two volley shots that forced it to log out. “Rockman, can you fix it?” Netto asked.

Rockman felt a wave of dizziness wash over him and he knew something was wrong with Netto. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“Turn it off and I’ll get out of here,” he said in a breathless voice.

Rockman nodded and placed his hands on the files, making sure to shut down the entire machine, since it was beyond help. “Okay, Netto-kun.”

Netto turned around and looked to see where he should go, “I can’t see anything,” he muttered.

“Just go straight behind you,” Rockman said.

Netto managed to take several steps before collapsing. He heard Rockman’s yells before he blacked out.

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

“Got you!” Cathy hissed and grabbed Lisa. She led the protesting woman to the police and left them with instructions to place her under arrest.

“You’ll regret this, Cathy!” Lisa said.

Cathy sighed, “Yeah, I know,” she muttered.

“Cathy,” Sky said softly.

Cathy shook her head and returned to her team, “Is everyone evacuated?” she asked.

They nodded, “We got the last person out two minutes ago.”

“And Hikaru?” she asked.

Everyone stopped, they had forgotten about Netto because of all the panic. Enzan managed to keep his cool and he put Blues into the system. “Find Rockman,” he instructed.

Blues nodded and disappeared. “I’ll get her,” Enzan said and went into the foggy room.

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

Yar! I'm almost done with the arc /o/
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Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[JoshuaBlack]

Oh my Netto in trouble and his Red Knight coming to save him. Enzan that is :]
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I seen what that mad man can do. Trust me we got to stop him. Joshua Black talking about Dr.Regal