Essence of Humanity PG-13 *Stream* AA/An Finished

Midnight · Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:09 pm Post subject:

Indeed.

I am, however, a tad confused as to why Netto is not a corporeal entity. I could ask...but then again it's your tale and my current connection is a little less than stable at the moment.

I do happen to enjoy reading about the link between Netto and Saito...and this chapter only serves to cement me into continuing to read. Cute and fluffly, just as you do best. Another 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 · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:12 am Post subject:

Netto walked around the Sci Labs building, gazing at anything and really seeing nothing. Thoughts and questions ate at his mind. Mostly they revolved around the simplistic idea of what was he. Rockman had told him many times to must not think about it, but it wasn’t something he could just push out of his mind. Absorbed in his thoughts he didn’t watch where he was going until he ran straight into Blues. “Ah,” Netto yelped as he fell backwards.

Blues looked down at the small child. “Are you all right?” he asked.

Netto rubbed the back of his head, “I’m fine,” he muttered as he stood up.

Blues eyed him and watched as Netto made it to his feel. Netto felt the stare of the tall navi and blinked up at him. “Yes?” he asked.

Blues blinked behind his shades and then turned around, “Nothing.”

Netto glared at him, “What’s wrong?” he asked saucily.

“Nothing,” Blues said again.

“Yeah right,” Netto snorted. “You’re a really bad liar,” he added.

Blues raised an eyebrow and blinked at Netto. “How so?” he asked.

Netto crossed his arms, “Well for one thing, ‘nothing’ is a really bad answer to give to anything. If nothing wasn’t wrong then I’d be 12 and you’d be with Enzan, am I right?”

Blues sighed, “Why do you care?” he asked.

Netto blinked, “I don’t know, maybe because you and Searchman have done nothing but walk around for the past two days. Roll and Rockman are hanging out, I’m trying my best and you two won’t talk or anything. I know you’re anti-social but it doesn’t take an idiot to realize you’re upset.”

Blues was taken aback at Netto’s rather blunt attack. “We merely are trying to figure out what has happened.”

Netto frowned, “You miss Enzan, don’t you?”

Blues sighed, now he knew what Rockman meant when he said that Netto was being too introspective. It must be hard to not be able to keep any secrets to yourself. “Yes,” he admitted.

Netto shrugged, “Well, I miss him too you know,” he pointed out. “And Laika, and mama, and papa and pretty much everyone. But being unhappy doesn’t do anything so what’s the point?”

Blues stared blankly at Netto. “You have a very odd way of looking at things, Netto-san.”

Netto blinked, “Do I?”

Blues looked into his childish face, and even though he looked like a little kid it then became clear that Netto wasn’t as happy as he pretended to be. “You’re upset too,” he mused.

Netto snorted, “Hell yes I’m upset. I’m five!”

“Not that,” Blues said. “You’re upset about something else.”

Netto raised an eyebrow, “Now who’s being the pushy one.”

“You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to,” Blues said softly and turned around to walked down the hall.

“Wait!” Netto called out. Blues turned around to see Netto looking vaguely uncomfortable. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” Blues said.

“And you won’t tell Rockman?” Netto pressed.

Blues became uncomfortable, if Netto didn’t want to tell Rockman then maybe it wasn’t really his place to keep it from him. “Please, I don’t want to worry him.”

Blues sighed, “All right.”

“Promise?” Netto asked.

Again the feeling of foreboding washed through Blues.

Netto saw him shift slightly, “I just want to ask you something that’s all.”

Blues sighed, “Fine, what’s your question.”

Netto opened his mouth then closed it, as if he was trying to think of what to say. “Do you think… I’m human?” he asked finally.

Blues let out a long breath. How on earth was he supposed to answer that? “That’s an odd question,” he noted.

Netto made a face, “Look, Rockman won’t give me a straight answer. And I understand why, but I need to know.”

Blues shook his head, “Netto-san, I can’t even begin to start answering that question.”

“Blues, please?” Netto asked. “I need to know. I can’t answer my own question and like hell if Rockman and Roll are going to answer. I want to know.”

Blues sighed, honesty was always said to be the best policy. “Netto-san, I…” He sighed. “No, I don’t think you’re entirely human anymore.”

A brief look of sadness passed Netto’s eyes then he gave Blues a large grin. “Thanks!” Netto said brightly and walked away.

“Netto-san,” Blues said softly.

“Yes?” Netto asked.

“Don’t be upset about it,” Blues said. Then he looked uncomfortable, pep speeches really weren’t his thing. “It doesn’t matter.”

Netto gave Blues a small genuine smile for his attempt at making him feel a little better, “Thanks,” he said and walked down the hall.

Blues watched him until he turned a corner then sighed. Netto may not have been entirely human but he still was upset and he pitied Rockman for having to feel the emotions that Netto was probably experiencing at the time.

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

“Lividity-sama?” Ribbon asked the taller navi with big eyes.

“Yes, child?” Lividity asked.

“Can we do something?” Ribbon asked.

Lividity for the first time in a long time sighed. “Child, I need time to plan out the rest of the movement. We can play later.”

“But I want to play now!” Ribbon whined.

“Then go play by yourself,” Lividity said with a wave of its hand.

Ribbon looked slightly scandalized as she ran out of the room. “I wanna play,” she whined to herself. “Where can I play? I wanna play with someone…” a thought came to her head. She giggled at her own brilliance and turned to a familiar link.

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

Netto wandered the empty halls on his own for a bit, pondering again. Blues’ reply to his question was not surprising but that didn’t keep it from hurting. Several times Rockman had tried to contact him and all those times Netto had done his best to block them out. He knew his troubled emotions were being felt by Rockman but he wasn’t in the mood to explain why. He wanted his privacy and after the third attempt at mental contact Rockman realized this and left him alone.

There was a brief flash of light in the corner of his eye as he walked down the hallway. It came from a monitor that was on in the room to his left. It was a research facility on viruses. In spite of himself Netto went to investigate, just in case a virus got free or something was happening.

He walked over to the monitor and stared at it. It looked innocently blank while he glared at it. He sighed and turned around, but just as he did there was a small giggle behind him. He whirled around to see Ribbon’s face on the monitor, “You’re that boy…” she said with amusement in her voice.

“You!” Netto yelped.

Ribbon got a wonderful idea, “Catch me if you can!” she sing songed and zipped out of the computer.

Netto took in a breath, his mind whirling then he took off after the navi’s data signature. She appeared in several monitors in front of him and he followed her trying to figure out a way to trap her before she materialized in the real world. ‘I need to get help…’ he thought. Then he remembered the cool way he had treated Rockman. ‘No, I can handle this,’ he told himself. ‘I can.’

“You’re slow!” her voice came from ahead of him and his breath came in short pants as he followed her.

Ribbon giggled as she continued to play her game with Netto. After chasing her for a couple of minutes, Netto realized something. “She’s not trying to hurt me,” he thought. ‘She’s playing.’

Ribbon laughed and Netto finally ducked under another monitor and when she went into it he pulled the plug, trapping her inside. “All right,” Netto said.

“Wow, no one’s ever caught me before!” a cheerful voice said behind him. “Not even Lividity-sama!”

Netto whirled around to face Ribbon who was standing right in front of him. “You!”

Ribbon looked at him with an amused expression in her eyes, “Didn’t you used to be older?” she asked innocently.

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

Wheeee @_@ written at school for your enjoyment.
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Kitty-Chan · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 3:09 pm Post subject:

Hee hee hee; Blues/Netto bonding moment! :D *is very happy* Ribbon & Chibi-Netto-kun should be good friends; they are a lot alike. -.-
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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 · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:38 pm Post subject:

.... \o/ ribbon-chan!

:D this is such an interesting chapter... i'm not sure how to explain how i like it... >_> blues + netto moment? netto as a child? ribbon's possible character develpment? the fact that i was listening to blues and laika's voice actors singing while i was reading this?

.... it's probably not the last one... *crosses it out* either way, i still like this chapter. :D i suck at complementing people.... -_-;

~kuro-kitsune~

Midnight · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:24 pm Post subject:

Hmmm...even if the chapter was not as active or as dramatic as the previous few, the ideas that are brought up are, just as before, meritorious of more than a simple rubbing of the chin or scratching of the head. I also enjoyed that you added Ribbon to the slight action today, and her childish attitude seemed to help offset the slow pace that was set in the first half of the chapter...still. Nice work.
_________________
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 · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 7:02 pm Post subject:

Netto backed up away from the navi child. “N-no…” he said.

“Liar!” Ribbon accused him. “You were older, because you were taller then me. But now I’m taller then you.” She giggled. “Why are you younger?” she asked in the same innocent voice.

“None of your business,” Netto hissed. “What are you doing here?”

“None of your business,” Ribbon mocked him. “Actually,” she laughed and disappeared. Then she reappeared behind Netto, “I just wanted to play.”

Netto whirled around and tripped over his feet, landing on his bottom and bringing fourth a peel of laughter from the navi. “Sorry,” she said and held out her hand. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Netto slapped her hand away and stood on his own. “Get away from me,” he hissed.

A brief look of sadness passed over her large eyes before she looked puzzled. “Why?”

“You tried to kill me!” Netto snapped.

Ribbon shook her head, “No I didn’t. I was just playing,” she said.

“You were not!” Netto yelled at her. “You were stabbing at us with a sword!”

“I was playing!” she yelled back, trying to defend herself.

“Listen to me,” Netto said slowly, “If you had ever caught us, do you know what would have happened?”

Ribbon slowly shook her head.

“You would have killed us. We would have died. That’s not playing, what you were doing was fighting,” Netto told her.

“Lividity-sama said we were playing,” she whispered.

“You think Lividity was telling you the truth?” Netto asked.

A look of anger filled Ribbon’s eyes. “Are you saying Lividity-sama is a liar?”

Netto crossed his arms, “Well, why would it tell you that you were playing huh? Why say something like that when it was trying to destroy human kind all along?”

“Shut up!” Ribbon yelled.

“Lividity is trying to destroy the humans!” Netto yelled. “Why do you think that’s right? Is it a game, is that what Lividity told you? Or did you have a bad experience with an operator?”

“Shut up,” Ribbon said again.

“Why?” Netto asked. “Because I’m right? You’re not playing a game, Ribbon. This is real life. I’m not human anymore, your ‘Lividity-sama’ achieved what it wanted, but we’re not going to sit down and let that happen. Playing your stupid games doesn’t do anything but hurt other. Lividity is using you,” he told her.

Ribbon’s blue eyes narrowed on Netto, “Shut up,” she said in a low and even tone.

Netto glared back, “Do you think I’m happy with the way things turned out?”

Ribbon held up her hand and a piece of data went into it. It formed into a dagger and she appeared in front of Netto, holding it to his throat. He glared back at her, “Is this a game, Ribbon? Are you having fun? Or are you upset because you realize everything is a lie.”

Ribbon held the knife a second longer and let it go, “You’re…” she sniffed. “You’re the same age that my operator was when he died. Why do humans die?” she asked.

Netto blinked, that was a rather sudden question. “Because… humans can’t live forever. Humans get sick and they die its part of nature.”

“But you’re not dead,” Ribbon said with tears in her eyes. “Why aren’t you dead if Lividity-sama hit you with that attack?”

Netto looked down, “I don’t know. I’m not dead in any respect right now just… split.”

Ribbon shook her head, “If humans are so great and they are our masters then why do they die? Why don’t they live with us forever? Why…” she sniffed, “Why can’t they play with us?”

Netto had no idea what she was talking about, “Ribbon, humans die. And navis are deleted. Besides, we’re not your masters, we’re just… human.”

“You’re not human,” Ribbon snapped.

Netto stepped back, then looked down. “Yeah, I know.”

Ribbon looked up at him and frowned, “How old are you… really?” she asked.

Netto rubbed his arm, “I’m 12 years old. When Lividity hit me with that attack it separated a data component from my organic body and created this body,” he said. “My human body is in the real world with the rest of the humans.”

“Asleep?” Ribbon asked, her childish innocence once more shining through.

Netto shook his head, “No, Ribbon, the human’s aren’t asleep. They’re… brainwashed. Lividity did something to brainwash all the humans so they wouldn’t be part of the cyber world.”

Ribbon nodded, “So navis could learn to live and fend for themselves. I know,” she said with a grin. “Lividity-sama told me that everything I did to survive after Jamie-chan died was something every navi should know because it made them stronger.”

Netto shook his head, “That’s not right,” he murmured.

“Why not?” Ribbon asked.

“Because, Lividity was planning something else. I think, Lividity was merely using you,” he said.

Ribbon shook her head, “No,” she protested violently.

Netto frowned but didn’t pursue it. “How old are you?” he asked.

Ribbon looked downcast, “In your years, I am 25 years old,” she whispered.

Netto blinked, “How long…”

“20 years ago, he died,” she said. “My Jamie-chan.”

Netto sighed, “I’m sorry,” he said finally. “You know you don’t have to go back to Lividity,” he said. “You can stay here with us.”

Lividity put her hand on Netto’s head and looked at him with eyes that betrayed her true age. “That’s sweet, but I’m sorry, I don’t think I can abandon Lividity-sama just yet.”

Netto glared at her, “Then I’m sorry,” he muttered. /Rockman…/ he said mentally, trying to make contact with his twin.

Lividity ruffled his hair then regained her cheery disposition. “So, do you want to play?” she asked.

“Huh?” Netto replied.

Ribbon giggled again, “Jamie-chan used to play with me all the time. Don’t you wanna play?”

/Yes?/ Rockman answered.

Netto narrowed his eyes, “Sorry, but I need to go back to Rockman.” /Ribbon is here,/ he told him.

/What?/

Ribbon cast her gaze downwards so Netto couldn’t see her eyes. “Is that so?” she asked.

/Rockman, how quickly can you get here?/

/I’m coming right now!/ Rockman yelped.

“Yeah,” Netto answered. “I’ll see you next time you come and ‘play’,” he muttered.

Ribbon held out her hand and a small ball of data formed in it. “Then play this last game with me!” she said brightly.

Netto blinked and backed away, he could sense her emotions were in turmoil and that right then wasn’t the time to try and talk to her. “No thanks,” he said. /Hurry,/ he thought loudly to his twin.

/Netto-kun?/

“Catch!” Ribbon yelled and threw the baseball sized lump of data at Netto. He backed away but it exploded right in front of him drenching him in the silvery data. He tripped over his feet and landed on the floor where the now sticky data kept him glued down.

/Rockman!/ Netto yelped.

/I’m coming, what happened?/ Rockman asked quickly.

/Just hurry!/ he replied.

Ribbon went over to where Netto was struggling in the sticky mass and patted his head. “I played at your house, do you want to come over and play at mine?”

Netto tried to push the data away but it was futile. “No, Ribbon listen to me, you’re…” she put some of the data over his mouth to keep him from talking.

“I think Lividity-sama would like to talk to you,” she said cheerfully and picked Netto up with ridiculous ease off the floor.

/NII-SAN!/ Netto thought.

Rockman burst through the door where he last felt Netto’s presence but no one was there. “Netto-kun…” he said softly.

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

“Did you have fun playing, child?” Lividity asked when it felt Ribbon link back into the large net space.

“Oh yes, Lividity-sama!” she said, “And I found something I think you would find interesting.”

“Oh?” Lividity asked.

Ribbon walked in front of Lividity with an unconscious Netto cradled in her arms. “He’s little!” she giggled.

Lividity’s eyes widened then a cool grin formed over its lips. “How interesting,” it murmured.

“Can we play when he wakes up?” she asked.

“Yes my child, don’t let him out of your sight,” Lividity instructed.

“Yes Lividity-sama!” Ribbon cheered and vanished.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ha ha, this is coming together rather nicely.
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Midnight · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 7:27 pm Post subject:

Oh wow. WOW. Definitely a chapter WORTH reading.

As much as it seems that Ribbon is a devious character and used her innocence to accomplish Lividity's supposed ovjectives, I cannot help but think that she is also an innocent child victim to someone who would go for her objectives at all costs. I'll admit--as I was reading this, I was thinking that Ribbon was actually an innocent child being used as a pawn unknowingly by Lividity. Then came the final twist, and that blew me away. An excellent usage, if I do say so myself.

This only serves to far deepen Ribbon's character. Now you have introduced the factor that Ribbon could possibly turn on Lividity at some point in the future, which Netto will probably try to pry into. Excellent work.
_________________
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

spiecas · Net Battler Joined: 16 Sep 2005 Posts: 77 Location: Earth

Oh my god! That was so good! Your writing puts mine to shame.

It's weird, I allways thought that Ribbon was evil like Lividity, but after that chapter I think that she might just be misguided. Like Sean from Battle Network 2.
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“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
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Kitty-Chan · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:38 pm Post subject:

Rock-kun is going to blame himself, isn't he? -_-; Hopefully, the others can rescue him. *envisions Blues rescuing chibi-Netto* ^_^ I am so freakin' obsessed. :eyes:
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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 · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 5:42 pm Post subject:

“Blues!” Rockman yelled while running down the hall. “Searchman, Roll!”

“What?” Blues asked, sticking his head out of the control room.

Rockman ran over to where Blues was then skidded to a stop, panting. “Tell me you’ve seen Netto-kun,” he gasped.

“No,” Blues said. “Why, what’s wrong?”

“He called me, and when I went to where he was he was gone. He told me Ribbon was here,” Rockman said quickly. “Did you find her data signature?”

Blues eyed Rockman, “Netto-san… called you?”

“Blues, what happened!?” Rockman snapped. It was quite apparent he was on the edge of panic.

Blues turned to his computer and pressed some keys, “Nothing has been forced through,” he mused. “I can’t tell.”

“Oh god,” Rockman said.

“Can you… uh… ‘call’ Netto-san now?” Blues asked.

Rockman shook his head, “He won’t answer. Blues, something happened, Netto-kun is gone.”

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

Netto woke up to someone stroking his hair gently. At first he thought he was back at the Sci Labs building and that Roll had somehow found him, but then he remembered Ribbon and what had happened earlier. He forced his eyes open to see a vast room with various toys dotted throughout it. “You’re awake?” a voice asked.

“Hm?” Netto replied, he was surprised at how weak he felt.

Ribbon pulled Netto’s body into her arms and cradled him, “Sorry, Lividity-sama made me promise to keep you here,” she explained.

Netto looked up at the hyper navi, “What do you want?” he asked.

Ribbon grinned faintly, “I want to play,” she said. “When I play, I don’t feel sad anymore.”

Netto growled and switched tactics, “Why can’t I move?”

“I used a binding program to keep you from running away,” Ribbon explained in a falsely happy voice.

Netto shut his eyes and exhaled slowly. He knew there was an extra program but he wasn’t sure if it was needed or not, now that he knew it wasn’t all he needed to do was delete it. Ribbon looked on curiously as Netto focused on the program and deleted it, enabling himself to move.

“Amazing!” Ribbon cheered and hugged Netto tightly.

“Let go…” Netto said trying to break out of her grasp.

Ribbon smiled, “Aww, you’re just a little kid though. You can’t get away.”

Netto blinked. She was right, he may be able to delete programs and use the link to hack into things but the fact remained that his body was that of a five year old. “Let go,” he said.

“If you promise not to run away,” Ribbon said. “Or Lividity-sama will be mad.”

Netto glared at her, “You still believe that freak!” he yelled.

A flash of anger passed over her eyes before she nodded, “Of course I do. Lividity-sama is the one who saved me.”

Netto gave her a frustrated sigh, “Why did you take me here?” he asked.

“Because, you’re interesting,” she giggled. “You’re 12 but you look like your 5, you’re human but you’re not, you have power over data like I do. You’re different,” she said. “Not like other humans.”

“What does that mean?” Netto asked.

Ribbon smiled, “Exactly what I said. You’re very interesting,” she said.

Netto pushed against her and got free. He took his sudden freedom to make a break for it and run off. “You’re not going to get anywhere,” Ribbon sing songed. “You’re in the net and there’s only one link out of here.”

Netto blinked and stopped in the middle of the toy strewn room. “What do you want?” he asked.

Ribbon shrugged, “I’ve told you.”

Netto crossed his arms, “Stop kidding around. If you wanted to ‘play’ you could have done so at Sci Labs. What are you after?”

Ribbon sighed and stood up, “You’re very inquisitive,” she said.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Netto replied.

Ribbon scowled, “Why do you care?” she asked him.

“I want to know why you’re so… upset,” Netto said. “I mean, you’re not a little kid like you pretend to be, you’re 25. Why are you forcing yourself to live a lie? What’s the point?”

Ribbon looked slightly angry as she looked at the child half way across the room. “You don’t know anything,” she hissed.

Netto had finally managed to break through the façade that was Ribbon’s personality. “So, something did happen.”

Ribbon crossed her arms, “I already told you,” she snapped, all of her previous child likeness gone.

“Jamie?” Netto asked.

A sad look crossed Ribbon’s face, “Yes…” she said, “My Jamie-chan.”

Netto’s curiosity got the better of him. “What happened?”

Ribbon gazed at Netto and frowned, “Jamie-chan got sick… I think he had leukemia, I can’t really remember anymore. And after about 9 months he died. After that happened I ran away and wandered the net for several years before my programming became obsolete and I no longer could survive in the net. It was around then when Lividity-sama took me in and upgraded me and took care of me, for years Lividity-sama did that telling me that no other navi would ever feel my pain again. I wanted to believe Lividity-sama…” she said softly.

“You were on your own for 20 years?” Netto asked her.

Ribbon nodded, “Yeah, it was hard. The whole time I only wanted Jamie-chan.”

Netto looked sad, “I’m sorry,” he said softly.

Ribbon stood up and walked over to where Netto was and Netto didn’t see the point in running away. She knelt down and ruffled his hair, “You look so much like my Jamie-chan,” she whispered.

“You know what Lividity is doing is wrong,” Netto told her, trying to convince her to see the truth.

Ribbon sighed, “I know,” she replied. “But… what humans do to navis is wrong to you know,” she replied.

Netto frowned, “I never said otherwise,” he pointed out. “But you’re making it seem like Jamie hurt you on purpose.”

Ribbon felt a sob collect in her throat, “Jamie-chan would never do that,” she told herself. “He didn’t…”

Netto frowned, the more he talked to Ribbon the more he realized that she was just a confused navi who was manipulated for the wrong purposes. “Ribbon, you can’t keep living like this,” he told her.

Ribbon sighed and gathered Netto into a tight hug. “I can’t leave Lividity-sama,” she sighed. “I can’t.”

Netto thought about struggling but then he decided against it since she was so emotionally unstable that it might prove a bad decision to make it worse. “Ribbon, I can’t stay here,” he said.

Ribbon let him go and stared at him, “Why?” she asked.

“I need to go back to Rockman,” he said.

Ribbon frowned, “I’m sorry, but Lividity-sama told me that you aren’t allowed out of my sight,” she said. “You have to stay with me.”

Netto growled, his temper beginning to rise again. ‘I need to get out of here,’ he thought.

Ribbon smiled and stood up, her sunny disposition returning, “So, do you want to play?”

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

Rockman finally found the link where Ribbon had been. After Blues analyzed it and agreed with Rockman they all went through it and began to follow where it led.

“What happened again?” Roll asked.

“Netto-kun called me and said that Ribbon was there and when I went to go check they were gone. Ribbon took Netto-kun, I know it,” he said.

Roll frowned, “Don’t worry, we’ll find him,” she said.

Rockman nodded, “I know,” he sighed. “I just hope he’s okay.”

Roll patted his shoulder comfortingly right before they came out the other end of the link.

“So this is where Lividity is?” Blues asked.
They were in a huge room that was empty and showed no signs of life, navi or otherwise. “I hope,” Rockman said doubtfully.

/Rockman?/ a voice called.

Rockman’s eyes widened, /Netto-kun?/

/I’m in a room with Ribbon. There should be a hidden link somewhere, I can’t find it,/ he explained.

Rockman nodded, /All right. Don’t worry, we’ll find you./

Netto gave Rockman a small laugh, /I know./
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Midnight · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:31 pm Post subject:

Wow.

More of Ribbon's personality is revealed, and revealed quite effectively. Now that you have delved a bit further into her personality, I suppose I can drop my paranoic presumptions. I hope that perhaps Ribbon will eventually decide to stick up for her own well-being and help turn the tide in Netto and co.'s favor.

Great job, and as always, it leaves me eager for more.
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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

Ginrei · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:49 pm Post subject:

Hm, this one is very cute. Little Netto always = <3.
But you know... everytime I hear "Lividity", I always think... It reminds me of Envy or Greed or Gluttony from FMA. Not in the deadly sin sense, but in the sound of... the name, how people talk to her... I don't know. Don't like Lividity much.
Ribbon is good though. Interesting character, with the past story and confusion and... stuff. Hah.
The thing I love most about your 'fics, Neko, is Netto and Rockman's bond. Brotherly love! And cuteness! You portray their closeness so well... it always makes me smile when I see one of your 'fics has updated, especially this one. ^_^

Kitty-Chan · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:06 pm Post subject:

Hmmm, Ribbon-chan needs a serious wake-up call. Did Searchman come with the other navis?
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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 · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 5:28 pm Post subject:

Back in Ribbon’s play room, Ribbon had merely taken to drawing into herself while holding on to Netto as if he was a life support. Not that he minded, as long as she wasn’t being creepy and psychopathic, he really didn’t care. He had finally stopped trying to glean information from her because she was just getting increasingly upset.

Ribbon sighed and held Netto a little tighter, fancying she was holding her Jamie. It was weird, but for the longest time, she was afraid to let go of her ‘age’ and acknowledge that she was 20 years older then she pretended to be. With each passing year it became harder and harder, but with the more effort put forth by her, the happier Lividity seemed to get.

It was amazing, Lividity had done so much for her, but she did nothing in return. She was happy with as many chances to play as any child would wish, but she was constantly unhappy. Never being able to explore her maturity for fear of loosing Jamie and becoming less and less happy with her façade.

It wasn’t appearance. She loved looking like she was 8. On the streets of the Net City, she could oftentimes get pity from humans and their navis wandering around, maybe a free treat. But as for living her life, as an 8 year old when every day her mind told her otherwise was an insult to her way of thinking. It wasn’t natural, nor realistic to continue to live the way she was.

But why give it all up? Why should she forego fake innocence in place of harsh reality? It wouldn’t make her happier, nor more cheerful. Just the opposite, it would make her even more upset. Regardless, she was depressed to begin with, so what would the point be anyways.

In Ribbon’s mind, playing was just a metaphor for escaping the real world. She would love nothing more then to trade her powers and upgrades and just be a simple navi wither her Jamie. But life didn’t view her destiny with such a kind light and so she had taken the lots given to her. Games, toys, power and Lividity were all there for her. But she didn’t care, she only wanted to be happy. Happiness wasn’t a commodity she could afford any longer.

“Netto-chan?” she asked.

“Hm?” Netto replied. He was starting to get vaguely creeped out by the girl’s attitude and mood swings.

“If my Jamie-chan were alive, and here right now, do you think he would like what I’ve become?” she asked in a soft voice.

Netto bit his lip, now how the hell was he supposed to answer that? “I think… that if he were here…” Netto’s voice trailed off hesitantly.

“He wouldn’t even recognize me,” she said with a smile. “He’d wonder ‘who is that?’ or ‘why does she look familiar?’ I’m no longer what I was, Netto-chan. All these years I tried to preserve my original identity and all I ended up doing was destroying it.”

Netto frowned, “Yeah, well it’s not all your fault, Lividity…”

“Used me, told me lies to have a pawn. I’m perfectly aware of what I’ve been used for, Netto-chan. I know where I lie in life, I’m not that stupid, just blind to what I don’t want to see,” Ribbon said dejectedly.

Netto shrugged, “I can’t really argue with that,” he muttered.

Ribbon’s candy blue eyes widened. Netto looked up at her and frowned. “Ribbon, I’ll be blunt at this point because I don’t see any reason not to tell you these things anymore. I think you’re insane for one thing. You’ve lived a lie for 20 years just because you’re unhappy? If I lived like that, I couldn’t stand myself.” Netto wriggled out of her limp arms and stood over her. “Another thing is that, you knew Lividity used you, but in your need for an escape you turned a blind eye to it. How can you live like that?” he asked.

Ribbon took in a deep breath and giggled, “Because I didn’t want to live after my Jamie-chan died,” she said in a small, child-like voice.

“What?” Netto snapped.

“I tried to kill myself, that’s why I ran away. Navis can take away their own data structure you know, you just have to find a program to do it. But before I could, Lividity found me, and told me of the wonderful ideals of a new world. Lividity said… the pain would stop,” Ribbon said.

“Are you stupid?” Netto asked her.

Ribbon looked up at the angry five year old with an astonished expression. “There is no life worth taking away just because some one else dies!” he said. Then he blushed, “Unless there really is no choice,” he added in a low tone.

“How can you say that? You don’t know the cost of not living with someone you love,” she told him.

“Oh? How do you know what I know and don’t know?” Netto asked her, his anger rising. “I’m a person but I can’t keep my form in my own world any more, I’m 12 but I look like I’m 5. I’m supposedly human, but I can’t even be sure about that any more. What do you know about me? Or Rockman, or anyone your idiotic plan had affected. Who are you to judge anyone until you know who they are? Who is Lividity to do the same?”

Ribbon stood up and glared at him, “I’m a hell of a lot more mature then you are, that’s for sure,” she snapped. “I’ve seen and heard things that would drive others to insanity.”

“You don’t act like it!” Netto retorted. “You say you’re 28 or whatever, but you act like a little kid? Why? Why live your life as a lie?”

Ribbon gritted her teeth, “Because it was the only way to cope,” she hissed. “Being young and naïve let me escape my world, why else?”

“That is stupid,” Netto stated flatly.

Ribbon stared at him with her mouth open for a few seconds. At that time, Rockman managed to find the link and he came in through it just in time to see Ribbon burst into tears. /What did you tell her?/ he asked his twin.

/The truth,/ he muttered.

/Netto-kun, what if she gets angry?/ Rockman asked rushing over to them and placing himself between Netto and Ribbon.

“Why?” she asked with a sob.

Everyone else came through the link to see the drama unfold.

“Why?” Ribbon asked again.

“Why what?” Rockman asked.

Ribbon shook her head. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “I…” she shook her head again.

Netto frowned, “What’s wrong, is your perfect world not quite what it seems?” he snapped.

“Netto-kun!” Rockman hissed.

Ribbon frowned and looked thoughtful, “My world…” she whispered. “My Jamie-chan…”

“He’s gone,” Netto said softly.

Ribbon blinked and took in a deep breath, “I know,” she said. “I… yeah, I know.”

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

A double update, because I'm nice and extremely bored.
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Kitty-Chan · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

& Ribbon-chan sees the light! 'Bout damn time... (not you Neko-sempai, her) Truly a riveting chapter. ^_^
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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)*

Midnight · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 5:40 am Post subject:

Wow. I am simply amazed by how emotionally charged this chapter is.

It seems that Ribbon has experienced her epiphany--and as always, it was written very well. Oddly enough, I never viewed Netto as someone who would be well-versed in this area, but I do see him as someone with a strong sense of intuition, so this turned out to be very believable.

It's perfectly alright if you are not updating as often as the people demand it. You have your own life, and obligations that come with it. I'm sure that I speak for a lot of people that your fics are WELL worth the wait. Fantastic 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 · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:07 pm Post subject:

“Netto-kun, we should go,” Rockman said and stepped forward to take a hold of his brother.

“Wait,” Ribbon gasped.

Netto winced and Rockman’s grip on his shoulder tightened. “Yes?”

“I…” Ribbon blinked. “I think…”

“Yeah?” Netto asked, slightly rudely.

Ribbon glared at him, “I want to help.”

Netto blinked, “Oh…”

Roll smiled and walked over to the smaller navi, “Are you sure?” she asked.

Ribbon nodded, “Yeah, I know things can never go back to the way they were and it’s no use trying to make it so. I might as well just face the facts and make the best of my life.”

“That’s very mature,” Roll said with a small smile.

Ribbon gave Roll one of her childish grins, “Yeah, well don’t get used to it,” she said.

Netto grinned and turned around to face Blues and Searchman, “Well?” he asked.

Both navis shifted uncomfortably but gave small nods of consent in spite of it.

“Yay!” Ribbon said cheerfully.

“I thought you said you were going to accept the truth,” Netto told her with his arms crossed.

“Yeah,” Ribbon said with a grin. “That doesn’t mean I can’t act the way I want to.”

Rockman smiled, “I don’t think you’re the right person to tell her otherwise, Netto-kun.”

“What?” Netto snapped.

“Nothing,” Rockman said innocently. “Come on, we need to back down and plan something. With Ribbon’s help.”

“Yes!” Ribbon cheered and disappeared into her hidden link with everyone else close behind.

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

“It would appear I am alone…” Lividity said with a small smile. “Time to finish what I started.”

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

Finally they got back to sci labs and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they were back behind the faux protection of the dimensional area. “Well then, what should we do?” Blues asked.

Ribbon put a finger to her lips and posed cutely but it was apparent she was deep in thought. “Well, Lividity-sama said that it was going to do something to make sure that the net could never connect back to the real world. I’m not sure how Lividity-sama was planning to do it though.”

“It what?” Netto snapped.

Ribbon shrugged, “That’s all I know,” she said.

“Do you know where?” Rockman asked.

Ribbon shook her head, “No, but I do know when!” she said cutely.

“When?” everyone asked her.

“Two days,” she said.

“So we have to days to think of a plan,” Blues sighed.

“Yeup!” Ribbon cheered.

“Greaaat,” Netto said sarcastically.

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

The next day everyone was still planning, except Netto and Ribbon. Netto was asleep out of pure habit and Ribbon merely proclaimed she was bored and she disappeared down a hall to sit and think. Something that she desperately needed to do.

Blues, Rockman, Searchman and Roll talked over their current predicament in hushed tones while Netto slept on Rockman’s lap. “What should we do?” Rockman asked.

Blues frowned, “We need a location,” he muttered. “Without that, how can we launch an attack?”

Rockman leaned back in the chair he was sitting and let out a deep breath. “Are we sure the link is hidden?” he asked.

“Not even Ribbon knows where it is,” Roll said. “How can we find it?”

“It might be easier to find from the real world,” Searchman said.

“We can’t get into the real world,” Rockman pointed out.

“No, but Netto-san could,” said Blues. “We need to get him back into his normal body.”

“How?” Rockman asked.

Blues shook his head, “I have no idea,” he admitted.

Roll frowned, “He was split by an attack that somehow separated the data from his human form… could we possibly… I don’t know… download him back into his body?” she asked.

“We would have to use Saito.bat for that…” Rockman said in a worried voice. “Papa said…”

“We know what your father said,” Searchman told him. “But we need to fix this and if that’s how then that’s what we should do.”

Rockman sighed and rubbed his head, “I know.”

“Well?” Blues asked.

“I’ll ask Netto-kun about it when he wakes up. It’s ultimately his decision in the end,” Rockman pointed out.

“We know,” Roll said.

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

“Netto-kun?” Rockman asked his sleepy brother as he slowly woke up.

Netto yawned, “Yeah?” he asked.

“You okay?”

Netto frowned and sat up, looking at Rockman with a concerned look in his eyes. “I’m fine, why?” he asked.

Rockman shook his head, “I’ve just been worried about you lately.”

Netto smiled, “Yeah, I know.”

“I know you know,” Rockman said with a short laugh.

“But of course,” Netto teased.

They both laughed before their expressions became somber again.

“Netto-kun, we came up with a plan to possibly find where Lividity is and get you back into your body,” Rockman told him.

“Oh?” Netto asked. “How?”

Rockman sighed, “I said if we became desperate we could download you back into your body using the Saito.bat link.”

Netto’s eyes widened briefly before he sighed, “And?”

“What?” Rockman asked.

“What do you think about it?” Netto replied.

“I think…” Rockman’s mouth twisted. “I think it’s dangerous,” he admitted. “But I also think that if it’s something that needs to be done to get you back to normal then we should try.”

Netto smiled, “I glad you see it that way.”

“You know I only said what you wanted to hear,” Rockman told him.

Netto nodded, “Yeah, I know.”

“So, your decision?” Rockman asked.

“I want to be human again,” Netto said. “Or at least as human as I possibly can. I’ll do it.”
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Kitty-Chan · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:26 pm Post subject:

Yay! Things are heating up!
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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)*

Midnight · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:29 pm Post subject:

A bold and gutsy call there. And like Nazne probably will say at some point, these cliffhangers are always placed at the opportune times.

The proposal that is brought up is certainly intriguing. I would have never thought it possible, but then again this fic does cover the unknown abilities of the Saito.bat file--and how it can be harnessed in clever ways. The theory looks souund, but like all risky maneuvers, the theory may be sound, but the execution may end up critically wrong.

I eagerly await to see how you end up doing this.
_________________
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 · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 8:38 pm Post subject:

Rockman took in a deep breath. “I figured that’s what you would say,” he said with a small smile.

Netto smiled, “Is it all right with you?” he asked. “If you really don’t want me to I won’t…” he said softly.

Rockman shook his head, “No, I think you have the right to choose for yourself. I can’t pretend to know what you’re going through, nor will I. So right now I’ll just let you decide for yourself.”

Netto looked at the floor then took in a deep breath, “I want to go back to my normal body…” he said slowly.

Rockman nodded, he knew that was coming. “All right,” he answered.

Netto smiled and sat on the couch next to Rockman. “Thanks,” he said softly.

Rockman hugged Netto, “No problem, truth be told, I want to see you like your normal self too.”

Netto giggled, “That would be nice,” he admitted. “Then maybe I could reach some of the stuff on Papa’s desk.”

Rockman laughed outright, “I can see that.”

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

Later, Netto and Rockman told everyone else of their decision and got the consent from the others. “We need someone in the real world without the aid of Dimensional Area’s,” Searchman noted. “Otherwise we might not be able to stop Lividity.”

Netto nodded, “Yeah, not to mention I’d just kinda like to be… normal again,” he said slowly.

Rockman ruffled his hair. /Normal?/ he teased.

/Hush, you,/ Netto replied, although he wasn’t upset about it.

Rockman nodded and looked up. “So, how will we go about this?” he asked.

“Do you know where Papa keeps the core data on Saito.bat?” Netto replied.

Rockman looked thoughtful, “Yeah, I do. Why?”

“Because, that’s where you’re gonna have to change the program to get me back into my body,” Netto pointed out. “We can’t do it by will obviously or it’ve happened already.”

“What do we do?” Rockman asked.

Netto shrugged, “I have no clue. I’ve never seen the program. Can’t you tell if there’s an abnormality in a program?”

“Yes…” Rockman said slowly.

“Then undo it,” Netto said simply. “That should make things go back to normal.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Rockman asked.

Netto shifted uncomfortably, “Nothing ventured nothing gained, right?” he asked in a slightly off beat cheerful voice.

“Netto-kun…” Rockman said in a strained voice.

“No,” Netto cut him off. “We’re going to finish this and I will get back to normal. Because that’s how we can handle it, right?”

Rockman sighed, “Right,” he agreed. “I’ll handle the program.”

Netto smiled, “I’ll leave it up to you then,” he said brightly.

Rockman nodded and pointed down the hall. “The initial Saito.bat mainframe is on his laptop. It should be in his office.”

Netto nodded, “Yeah, he never really uses that computer anymore, does he?”

“I think he’s afraid too,” Rockman admitted.

“I can see why,” Blues pointed out.

Roll nodded, “Yeah, me too.”

Rockman opened the door and searched around in some old file cabinets. “I think… here it is!” he said while pulling a slightly used, silver laptop out of the top drawer.

Netto looked at it. “The core program is on that thing?” he asked.

Rockman nodded, “Yeup. The computer really isn’t needed anymore now that the program has manifest it’s self in you and me but I guess papa keeps it around for instances like these.”

“Or it’s because he’s a packrat,” Netto pointed out.

A smile quirked Rockman’s lips as he turned the laptop on, “That too,” he admitted.

Netto took in a deep breath as the machine slowly came to life. Rockman tapped on a few keys and opened the program. “Well Netto-kun, I think I’ve found where it splits off, all I have to do is reconnect the program to your body. You ready?”

Netto nodded solemnly. “Ready,” he said.

Rockman took in a deep breath and pressed the enter key.

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

Netto’s eye snapped open. He was lying on his bed, looking at the ceiling in his house. He sat up and ran to a mirror, just to make sure. He grinned as his twelve year old self stared back at him.

/Netto-kun?/ Rockman called.

/I’m here,/ Netto replied.

/Oh thank god. I figured you would log out but it was still scary for a few seconds. Did everything go all right?/ he asked.

/Everything is perfectly fine,/ Netto answered with one last peek at his reflection as he headed out the door of his room. /I’ll be at sci-labs, ten minutes tops./

/All right Netto-kun, I’ll see you then,/ Rockman replied and cut off the link.

Netto padded down stairs to see his mother slowly stirring noodles in a pot without really looking at anything. He sighed sadly and walked on, he was about to fix everything, he just needed time.

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

Lividity looked at the shimmering program in front of it. It reached out a gloved hand and sparked it with some of its own power. The program flared for a few seconds then settled back down. Lividity smirked and pulled its hand back into its cape. “The prototype for Dimensional Areas,” it smirked. “Pulled out and hidden because of its instability, yes I think this will do quite nicely.”

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

Wow... a lot of my fics are drawing to closes....

Thank god XD
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