Puppet - (Complete V/V parts)

[Sol]

Dark Rockman POV. AU between Stream 43 to Stream 46.

---

Oh Rockman...you silly, silly little navi...you have no idea what you're messing with, do you?

I smirk as I watch through a screen as I sit on my throne, watching you battle through waves of viruses with your operator. It is very amusing to watch, especially when you have no idea what I'm going to do.

I am impatient. In fact, I am so impatient for waiting for my plan to come to fruition that I am actually keeping track of the very seconds that I have to wait. It feels like an eternity just waiting. However, this time, I can tolerate it. Just the thought of your face, etched in horror, keeps me shivering in delight.

Oh, how I can't wait...I see you struggle against some common viruses, and your operator slots in a few battle chips to help. You're so pathetic, you know that? You cannot even get by without your precious operator there with you. But with you, that is to be expected. You don't have the power to fend them off yourself, while I do. The dark power is a marvelous thing; you were an utter fool to reject it.

Then again, had you not rejected it, I wouldn't be here. It is quite strange, is it not? I am part of your very soul, and yet, I want to destroy you. To crush you utterly, grinding your face into the ground with my boot as I stand on top of you, laughing. How I wish for that moment.

Still, I cannot do that. Not until I can shatter your spirit so completely that death will be welcome. And you know what I will do? I shall let you live. I will let you live in your pain, your personal hell, and I will watch from afar and savor every minute of it. Your despair, your helplessness...I shall laugh at you. All the while, I will continue to hold what is most dearest to you in front of your eyes while you can only look on.

That is right, little navi...I plan to take Netto-kun.

Already, I can hear you asking why would I want your operator? Surely, he means nothing to me. Why would I, your better half, want such an inferior person?

Oh, the answer isn't even obvious, is it? I want him not only to make you suffer, but because I truly want him for myself. You see, little navi, I was also you at one point, much to my disgust. I feel for him too...however, I want him solely for the power he possesses. I want him for that spirit of his. And lastly, I want him because it would put me one step closer to fulfilling Regal-sama's plan.

If there is one thing that I despise about you so much, it is your bond with our brother. Why you? Why do you get to be near him? If anything, he should be near me! You are not worthy! I shall make sure he is mine! You hear me?!

...it seems that I temporarily lost control of myself. Stopping my shoulders from shaking in rage, I sigh and look back at the screen. It seems that you stand triumphant over the viruses, with Netto-kun cheering behind you. Once again, I can only smirk. Enjoy your victories while they last, my other half, because once I am through, you will be kneeling in defeat, despair taking over your form.

At his point, I chuckle, before going out into full-blown laughter. I cannot help it; the time that I have been waiting for, the time for the beginning of your never ending pain, draws ever closer. Once I have Netto-kun, anything that I want, I will get. Anything that he doesn't have, I will give. I will bestow upon him the power of darkness, and he will like it. He will bask in its energy, drawing it into his body until he sees the truth of this world, where only the ones with the most power win.

I smile as I turn off the screen. I am so close to my goal, my desire, that I am visibly trembling in excitement. Calming myself down, and uncross my legs and stand up, grinning down as I see one of my subordinates kneeling at the base of the stairs.

"Dark Rockman-sama," came Cosmoman's voice, my most powerful warrior of the four; "Preparations are ready and are ready to move out at any moment. I am only awaiting your orders to proceed." he said as he knelt before me.

I could only grin. "Excellent..." I say as I slowly move down the stairs, "We shall move out in an hour. Tell that to the others, and be ready. I shall accept no failures on this mission, remember that!" I bark out. Cosmoman only bowed and moved past me to tell the others.

Soon, it will begin. Soon, Rockman's despair will begin. Soon...

Netto-kun will be mine.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

Dark Rockman POV. AU between Stream 43 to Stream 46.

---

Oh Rockman...you silly, silly little navi...you have no idea what you're messing with, do you?

I smirk as I watch through a screen as I sit on my throne, watching you battle through waves of viruses with your operator. It is very amusing to watch, especially when you have no idea what I'm going to do.

I am impatient. In fact, I am so impatient for waiting for my plan to come to fruition that I am actually keeping track of the very seconds that I have to wait. It feels like an eternity just waiting. However, this time, I can tolerate it. Just the thought of your face, etched in horror, keeps me shivering in delight.

Oh, how I can't wait...I see you struggle against some common viruses, and your operator slots in a few battle chips to help. You're so pathetic, you know that? You cannot even get by without your precious operator there with you. But with you, that is to be expected. You don't have the power to fend them off yourself, while I do. The dark power is a marvelous thing; you were an utter fool to reject it.

Then again, had you not rejected it, I wouldn't be here. It is quite strange, is it not? I am part of your very soul, and yet, I want to destroy you. To crush you utterly, grinding your face into the ground with my boot as I stand on top of you, laughing. How I wish for that moment.

Still, I cannot do that. Not until I can shatter your spirit so completely that death will be welcome. And you know what I will do? I shall let you live. I will let you live in your pain, your personal hell, and I will watch from afar and savor every minute of it. Your despair, your helplessness...I shall laugh at you. All the while, I will continue to hold what is most dearest to you in front of your eyes while you can only look on.

That is right, little navi...I plan to take Netto-kun.

Already, I can hear you asking why would I want your operator? Surely, he means nothing to me. Why would I, your better half, want such an inferior person?

Oh, the answer isn't even obvious, is it? I want him not only to make you suffer, but because I truly want him for myself. You see, little navi, I was also you at one point, much to my disgust. I feel for him too...however, I want him solely for the power he possesses. I want him for that spirit of his. And lastly, I want him because it would put me one step closer to fulfilling Regal-sama's plan.

If there is one thing that I despise about you so much, it is your bond with our brother. Why you? Why do you get to be near him? If anything, he should be near me! You are not worthy! I shall make sure he is mine! You hear me?!

...it seems that I temporarily lost control of myself. Stopping my shoulders from shaking in rage, I sigh and look back at the screen. It seems that you stand triumphant over the viruses, with Netto-kun cheering behind you. Once again, I can only smirk. Enjoy your victories while they last, my other half, because once I am through, you will be kneeling in defeat, despair taking over your form.

At his point, I chuckle, before going out into full-blown laughter. I cannot help it; the time that I have been waiting for, the time for the beginning of your never ending pain, draws ever closer. Once I have Netto-kun, anything that I want, I will get. Anything that he doesn't have, I will give. I will bestow upon him the power of darkness, and he will like it. He will bask in its energy, drawing it into his body until he sees the truth of this world, where only the ones with the most power win.

I smile as I turn off the screen. I am so close to my goal, my desire, that I am visibly trembling in excitement. Calming myself down, and uncross my legs and stand up, grinning down as I see one of my subordinates kneeling at the base of the stairs.

"Dark Rockman-sama," came Cosmoman's voice, my most powerful warrior of the four; "Preparations are ready and are ready to move out at any moment. I am only awaiting your orders to proceed." he said as he knelt before me.

I could only grin. "Excellent..." I say as I slowly move down the stairs, "We shall move out in an hour. Tell that to the others, and be ready. I shall accept no failures on this mission, remember that!" I bark out. Cosmoman only bowed and moved past me to tell the others.

Soon, it will begin. Soon, Rockman's despair will begin. Soon...

Netto-kun will be mine.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

I chuckle as I stand on a nearby pile of crates, watching all the action unfold down below. Everything has gone according to plan so far, and I am pleased.

The plan seemed so simple at a glance, and in reality, it actually was. Have Cloudman and Swallowman attack several parts of the city while having Cosmoman attack the warehouses at the edge of the town, not only inflicting damage onto the city itself, but destroying some precious supplies in the process. However, that is not my true goal.

The bigger part of the plan involved splitting up all of the netbattlers that could Cross Fuse. With so few in the city, they probably couldn't afford to split their strength. Yet they have no choice as they move out, confronting each one of my warriors as they come across them.

Sure enough, the one I have waited for has arrived. He skated into the area, immediately taking out his PET and calling for a Dimensional Area. I could hear Cosmoman scoff loudly. I frowned; as good a warrior as Cosmoman was, he underestimated his opponents too much. So much so, in fact, that even one surprising manuever from his opponent would leave him reeling. I shook my head then; I knew Cosmoman wouldn't be winning this one as long as he kept that attitude up. But then again, his job wasn't to win at all.

"Cross Fusion!" I heard the combined voices of Netto and Rockman cry as a bright light enveloped them. When the light stopped, the familiar form of the two's fused form welcomed me. I narrowed my eyes as I growled lightly. I always hated seeing them like that. Forcing myself to calm down again, I reminded myself I wouldn't be seeing it any longer after this.

The battle got underway as both Darkloid and netbattler met with their weapons. Cosmoman had the clear advantage of power as his Cosmo Ring made Netto jump back quite a distance. A flurry of Rock Buster shots came Cosmoman's way, which made the golden navi have to jump quite a bit to dodge them. The two moved around the best they could with a limited area, although Cosmoman's large size limited him.

As if making up for that fact, he held his arms out. "Cosmo Buster!" he bellowed, numerous satellites shooting out and flying towards Netto. The boy grimaced as he took some damage, but immediately held out his right arm.

"Battle chip, Samurai Sword!" he yelled out, his arm changing to a sharp and deadly blade. Rushing in, he swiped at Cosmoman several times, the navi hard pressed to dodge. Sure enough, Cosmoman's roar of pain greeting my ears as Netto managed to make a deep gash on his left arm. I can see Netto smirking for a moment before being knocked away from Cosmoman by a large fist.

"You little brat..." I heard him murmur from my position, "You're going to pay for that!" he said as he held his hands above him, as if he was summoning something. "Cosmo Gate!" he yelled as a large black hole opened in the sky, meteors falling out at a rapid rate. I saw Netto's eyes widen as the first meteor touched down, explosions and smoke filling the area he was in.

I saw Cosmoman smirk, and I held back the urge to tell him off. However, I then saw the shock on his face as Netto appeared behind him.

"Battle chip, Area Steal..." I heard him say as he smirked, "Battle chip, Senshahou!" he then said as a large cannon appeared on his arm. Before Cosmoman could say or do anything, the powerful bullet ripped into his back, sending him sprawling and yelling in pain. Now that he had taken too much damage, he was forced return to the cyber world, not having any more energy to maintain himself in the real world.

Netto lowered his arm as the cannon disappeared off of his arm. "We did it, Rockman!" he cheered, pumping his fist up into the air.

"Yes, but keep alert Netto-kun. I have the feeling that he wasn't the only one in the area." I heard Rockman's voice warn. I sneered; it was a bit too late for that.

Using an Area Steal myself, I appeared behind Netto. "Too late for that, Rockman." I hissed. Netto's eyes widened in surprise as he turned around, ready to face me. However, he was a bit too late and I shot him in the chest with the force of a Charge Buster.

He was blown back, screaming as he hit the ground. His form glowed for a moment before he returned to his normal self, Rockman being forceably returned to his PET. It seemed that I knocked both of them out with that one shot. I shook my head in disgust; Rockman was so weak.

Walking slowly over to the boy's prone form, I let myself smile as I looked at Netto's face. "Everything begins now..." I murmured to myself. I glimpsed at the blue PET lying next to Netto, the screen filled with static. Sneering, I kicked it away rather forcefully. True, I could have easily stomped on it and crushed it, but where would be the fun in that?

Picking up Netto, I grinned madly. Everything was falling into place, and I couldn't be happier. Laughing, I disappeared into the nearest Dimensional Converter. I'm so close to bringing Rockman's pain, that I could taste it at the tip of my tongue. Soon...
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

I chuckle as I stand on a nearby pile of crates, watching all the action unfold down below. Everything has gone according to plan so far, and I am pleased.

The plan seemed so simple at a glance, and in reality, it actually was. Have Cloudman and Swallowman attack several parts of the city while having Cosmoman attack the warehouses at the edge of the town, not only inflicting damage onto the city itself, but destroying some precious supplies in the process. However, that is not my true goal.

The bigger part of the plan involved splitting up all of the netbattlers that could Cross Fuse. With so few in the city, they probably couldn't afford to split their strength. Yet they have no choice as they move out, confronting each one of my warriors as they come across them.

Sure enough, the one I have waited for has arrived. He skated into the area, immediately taking out his PET and calling for a Dimensional Area. I could hear Cosmoman scoff loudly. I frowned; as good a warrior as Cosmoman was, he underestimated his opponents too much. So much so, in fact, that even one surprising manuever from his opponent would leave him reeling. I shook my head then; I knew Cosmoman wouldn't be winning this one as long as he kept that attitude up. But then again, his job wasn't to win at all.

"Cross Fusion!" I heard the combined voices of Netto and Rockman cry as a bright light enveloped them. When the light stopped, the familiar form of the two's fused form welcomed me. I narrowed my eyes as I growled lightly. I always hated seeing them like that. Forcing myself to calm down again, I reminded myself I wouldn't be seeing it any longer after this.

The battle got underway as both Darkloid and netbattler met with their weapons. Cosmoman had the clear advantage of power as his Cosmo Ring made Netto jump back quite a distance. A flurry of Rock Buster shots came Cosmoman's way, which made the golden navi have to jump quite a bit to dodge them. The two moved around the best they could with a limited area, although Cosmoman's large size limited him.

As if making up for that fact, he held his arms out. "Cosmo Buster!" he bellowed, numerous satellites shooting out and flying towards Netto. The boy grimaced as he took some damage, but immediately held out his right arm.

"Battle chip, Samurai Sword!" he yelled out, his arm changing to a sharp and deadly blade. Rushing in, he swiped at Cosmoman several times, the navi hard pressed to dodge. Sure enough, Cosmoman's roar of pain greeting my ears as Netto managed to make a deep gash on his left arm. I can see Netto smirking for a moment before being knocked away from Cosmoman by a large fist.

"You little brat..." I heard him murmur from my position, "You're going to pay for that!" he said as he held his hands above him, as if he was summoning something. "Cosmo Gate!" he yelled as a large black hole opened in the sky, meteors falling out at a rapid rate. I saw Netto's eyes widen as the first meteor touched down, explosions and smoke filling the area he was in.

I saw Cosmoman smirk, and I held back the urge to tell him off. However, I then saw the shock on his face as Netto appeared behind him.

"Battle chip, Area Steal..." I heard him say as he smirked, "Battle chip, Senshahou!" he then said as a large cannon appeared on his arm. Before Cosmoman could say or do anything, the powerful bullet ripped into his back, sending him sprawling and yelling in pain. Now that he had taken too much damage, he was forced return to the cyber world, not having any more energy to maintain himself in the real world.

Netto lowered his arm as the cannon disappeared off of his arm. "We did it, Rockman!" he cheered, pumping his fist up into the air.

"Yes, but keep alert Netto-kun. I have the feeling that he wasn't the only one in the area." I heard Rockman's voice warn. I sneered; it was a bit too late for that.

Using an Area Steal myself, I appeared behind Netto. "Too late for that, Rockman." I hissed. Netto's eyes widened in surprise as he turned around, ready to face me. However, he was a bit too late and I shot him in the chest with the force of a Charge Buster.

He was blown back, screaming as he hit the ground. His form glowed for a moment before he returned to his normal self, Rockman being forceably returned to his PET. It seemed that I knocked both of them out with that one shot. I shook my head in disgust; Rockman was so weak.

Walking slowly over to the boy's prone form, I let myself smile as I looked at Netto's face. "Everything begins now..." I murmured to myself. I glimpsed at the blue PET lying next to Netto, the screen filled with static. Sneering, I kicked it away rather forcefully. True, I could have easily stomped on it and crushed it, but where would be the fun in that?

Picking up Netto, I grinned madly. Everything was falling into place, and I couldn't be happier. Laughing, I disappeared into the nearest Dimensional Converter. I'm so close to bringing Rockman's pain, that I could taste it at the tip of my tongue. Soon...
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

"And so, everything shall begin..." I said as I finished securing the clamps that held Netto in place. It seems I had been saying that a lot, repeating it to myself over the course of the last hour. It was the truth, as everything was in motion. I let my gaze travel down again, to look upon the boy spread eagled beneath me.

Currently, he was lying on a metal examination table, unconscious. I had taken the liberty of removing his top clothing and that accursed bandanna of his, seeing as they would only get in the way. I allowed myself to let one hand stroke through his hair. I would allow Netto a few moments more of unconsciousness, because when he awoke, he would wish he could fall back into nothingness.

Smirking, I moved away to start securing that other parts of the device. I hooked up several wires to a node I placed on Netto's chest earlier, while fitting a helmet-like device with wires connected to it, which resembled a circlet more than anything else, over his head.

At this point, all I have to do is wait. I could start right now if I really wanted to, but I needed to have a few words with him first. Pacing around the table, I placed something near the console of the control box I would be using soon. I am beginning to get impatient; whenever I needed something, I went out and got it with a snap of my fingers. But this...this was a true test of my patience.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the boy started to moan and his eyelids started to move. Once he opened his eyes, he looked around in confusion before he noticed what he was strapped to. "W-what?!" he gasped out, looking around as best he could.

"Oh, so you're finally awake..." I drawled as I walked to the edge of the table. I saw his eyes widen in shock, and maybe some fear, as I approached. "Netto-kun."

Immediately, as if someone flipped a switch, his look of shock was replaced by a glare in my direction. "Don't you dare call me that!" he growled out.

"Why shouldn't I, Netto-kun?" I teased, making him growl a bit more. "After all, am I not your navi too?"

"You're not Rockman!" he retorted. I smiled evilly, slowly leaning over to look him in the face.

"You're right, I'm not Rockman;" I whispered meancingly into his ear, "I'm far more of a navi than that pathetic lump of mass you call Rockman will ever be." I saw his eyes widen again in shock, but the fear was also present this time. It looked like he was starting to get a grip on the situation.

The boy shook his head as I continued to stare at him. "You're wrong. Rockman will always be more powerful than you!" he said. I shook my head in amusement.

"Simple words..." I said as I grinned again. "Are they meant to frighten me, or simply to reassure yourself?" I asked dryly. When he did not answer, I laughed.

Netto squirmed again against his bonds, trying to free himself. "What are you up to? Why did you bring me here, and what am I hooked up to?" he asked as he struggled against the metal clamps, to no avail.

I smirked. "Well now, I guess I'll have to discuss it with you after all;" I said as I started to pace around the table once again. "You see, Netto-kun...I was born from the darkest pits of Rockman's heart program, the part that he kept buried as time went on..." I began, keeping careful note of the expression on his face, "So let me just tell you that I have all of his memories. Are you following me?"

Netto only shook his head slowly, not answering as he was still absorbing the information. I chuckled. "Let me just say that I have an interest in you, Netto-kun..." I breathed, staring into his face again. "I want you to be my operator. I want you to leave behind my weaker half...because I can give you anything in the world that you desire." I said. I saw his eyes flash in anger as he tried to lunge at me; a failed attempt considering his situation.

"Join you? Abandon Rockman?" he asked incredulously, "Even if you were part of Rockman, you're absolutely crazy to think for a moment that I would join you!" he shouted.

I could only chuckle. "I was expecting that..." I murmured as I moved away. I moved over to the console and held up the item I placed there earlier. "Do you know what this is?" I asked. I heard him gasp.

"A dark chip!" he said, his eyes going wide. I smiled sinisterly.

"Yes, a dark chip;" I repeated, still holding it up; "With this, it is the gate to a new power...power beyond your imagination. With this, you will be recognized by everyone, and anything you want will be yours." I said. I saw him stare at the chip in confusion, blinking at it.

"That little-" he started, but I quickly cut him off.

"Oh, it's not so little..." I said, "It is a very big thing. Don't you wish to be accepted by everyone? Don't you wish to be recognized as a threat by your enemies? Don't you wish to have the power to protect everyone?" I asked seductively.

Time seemed to freeze as Netto stared at the chip in my hand intensely. "Protect...everyone..." he murmured. At that, I blinked in confusion. Was he seriously considering my words?

"Yes, you would protect everyone..." I muttered softly, "No one would be able to challenge you. Absolutely no one;" I repeated. "Don't you wish to have this power? I can give it to you...all you have to do is ask."

His head bowed for a few seconds as I couldn't see his eyes through his hair, but it suddenly shot back up as he grinned.

"You can take that offer and shove it;" he said with confidence. I was taken aback; wasn't he actually considering it a few moments ago? It then dawned upon me that he was only playing with me, and I fumed in anger. How dare he? "I want to protect my friends and family, but not with corrupted power, especially out of your hands!"

This was the reaction I was initially expecting. "You're so silly, Netto-kun;" I replied back as I chuckled, "Who said I was giving you a choice in the matter?" Before he could say anything, I slammed the chip into the small slot on the console and activated it. Almost immediately, dark energy flowed through the wires and into the nodes on both the chest module and the helmet. Dark electricity began flowing around the two devices, showing that the energy was indeed flowing into Netto. All the while, Netto was screaming at the top of his voice, apparently in pain.

"Yes, that's right Netto-kun," I said as I looked upon his pained expression in enjoyment, "Scream. Scream for me. I want to hear your screams of pain, so I know you're still with me." As if he heard me over the cackling electricity, his screams of pain hightened.

I could only laugh maliciously. "Rockman, do you feel that?" I asked to no one in particular, "Do you feel our brother's pain? What you feel might not be as intense or painful as what he is going through, but you can still feel it, can't you? And I know what you're feeling right now...you're feeling helpless, aren't you? You're trembling in horror and anguish at the pain that Netto-kun is enduring. You're blaming yourself for letting him fall into my hands. That is exactly what I want you to feel!"

Laughing again, I turned back to the writhing boy on the table, the electricity cackling around him. "But it isn't enough. I want you to feel more! I want you to feel utter terror! I want you to be on the brink of absolute despair, the likes of which you cannot imagine! And only after that, will I truly have everything I want...both Netto-kun and the pleasure of completely breaking you." I finished sinisterly. While Rockman could not hear me, I am sure that Netto-kun did. And whatever he feels or hears, Rockman is sure to know.

Satisfied for now, I leaned back against the nearest wall and continued to watch the energy stream into the boy, his screams a symphony to my ears. While I did want him for myself, I wasn't above breaking him. I would have him one way or another, it didn't matter.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

"And so, everything shall begin..." I said as I finished securing the clamps that held Netto in place. It seems I had been saying that a lot, repeating it to myself over the course of the last hour. It was the truth, as everything was in motion. I let my gaze travel down again, to look upon the boy spread eagled beneath me.

Currently, he was lying on a metal examination table, unconscious. I had taken the liberty of removing his top clothing and that accursed bandanna of his, seeing as they would only get in the way. I allowed myself to let one hand stroke through his hair. I would allow Netto a few moments more of unconsciousness, because when he awoke, he would wish he could fall back into nothingness.

Smirking, I moved away to start securing that other parts of the device. I hooked up several wires to a node I placed on Netto's chest earlier, while fitting a helmet-like device with wires connected to it, which resembled a circlet more than anything else, over his head.

At this point, all I have to do is wait. I could start right now if I really wanted to, but I needed to have a few words with him first. Pacing around the table, I placed something near the console of the control box I would be using soon. I am beginning to get impatient; whenever I needed something, I went out and got it with a snap of my fingers. But this...this was a true test of my patience.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the boy started to moan and his eyelids started to move. Once he opened his eyes, he looked around in confusion before he noticed what he was strapped to. "W-what?!" he gasped out, looking around as best he could.

"Oh, so you're finally awake..." I drawled as I walked to the edge of the table. I saw his eyes widen in shock, and maybe some fear, as I approached. "Netto-kun."

Immediately, as if someone flipped a switch, his look of shock was replaced by a glare in my direction. "Don't you dare call me that!" he growled out.

"Why shouldn't I, Netto-kun?" I teased, making him growl a bit more. "After all, am I not your navi too?"

"You're not Rockman!" he retorted. I smiled evilly, slowly leaning over to look him in the face.

"You're right, I'm not Rockman;" I whispered meancingly into his ear, "I'm far more of a navi than that pathetic lump of mass you call Rockman will ever be." I saw his eyes widen again in shock, but the fear was also present this time. It looked like he was starting to get a grip on the situation.

The boy shook his head as I continued to stare at him. "You're wrong. Rockman will always be more powerful than you!" he said. I shook my head in amusement.

"Simple words..." I said as I grinned again. "Are they meant to frighten me, or simply to reassure yourself?" I asked dryly. When he did not answer, I laughed.

Netto squirmed again against his bonds, trying to free himself. "What are you up to? Why did you bring me here, and what am I hooked up to?" he asked as he struggled against the metal clamps, to no avail.

I smirked. "Well now, I guess I'll have to discuss it with you after all;" I said as I started to pace around the table once again. "You see, Netto-kun...I was born from the darkest pits of Rockman's heart program, the part that he kept buried as time went on..." I began, keeping careful note of the expression on his face, "So let me just tell you that I have all of his memories. Are you following me?"

Netto only shook his head slowly, not answering as he was still absorbing the information. I chuckled. "Let me just say that I have an interest in you, Netto-kun..." I breathed, staring into his face again. "I want you to be my operator. I want you to leave behind my weaker half...because I can give you anything in the world that you desire." I said. I saw his eyes flash in anger as he tried to lunge at me; a failed attempt considering his situation.

"Join you? Abandon Rockman?" he asked incredulously, "Even if you were part of Rockman, you're absolutely crazy to think for a moment that I would join you!" he shouted.

I could only chuckle. "I was expecting that..." I murmured as I moved away. I moved over to the console and held up the item I placed there earlier. "Do you know what this is?" I asked. I heard him gasp.

"A dark chip!" he said, his eyes going wide. I smiled sinisterly.

"Yes, a dark chip;" I repeated, still holding it up; "With this, it is the gate to a new power...power beyond your imagination. With this, you will be recognized by everyone, and anything you want will be yours." I said. I saw him stare at the chip in confusion, blinking at it.

"That little-" he started, but I quickly cut him off.

"Oh, it's not so little..." I said, "It is a very big thing. Don't you wish to be accepted by everyone? Don't you wish to be recognized as a threat by your enemies? Don't you wish to have the power to protect everyone?" I asked seductively.

Time seemed to freeze as Netto stared at the chip in my hand intensely. "Protect...everyone..." he murmured. At that, I blinked in confusion. Was he seriously considering my words?

"Yes, you would protect everyone..." I muttered softly, "No one would be able to challenge you. Absolutely no one;" I repeated. "Don't you wish to have this power? I can give it to you...all you have to do is ask."

His head bowed for a few seconds as I couldn't see his eyes through his hair, but it suddenly shot back up as he grinned.

"You can take that offer and shove it;" he said with confidence. I was taken aback; wasn't he actually considering it a few moments ago? It then dawned upon me that he was only playing with me, and I fumed in anger. How dare he? "I want to protect my friends and family, but not with corrupted power, especially out of your hands!"

This was the reaction I was initially expecting. "You're so silly, Netto-kun;" I replied back as I chuckled, "Who said I was giving you a choice in the matter?" Before he could say anything, I slammed the chip into the small slot on the console and activated it. Almost immediately, dark energy flowed through the wires and into the nodes on both the chest module and the helmet. Dark electricity began flowing around the two devices, showing that the energy was indeed flowing into Netto. All the while, Netto was screaming at the top of his voice, apparently in pain.

"Yes, that's right Netto-kun," I said as I looked upon his pained expression in enjoyment, "Scream. Scream for me. I want to hear your screams of pain, so I know you're still with me." As if he heard me over the cackling electricity, his screams of pain hightened.

I could only laugh maliciously. "Rockman, do you feel that?" I asked to no one in particular, "Do you feel our brother's pain? What you feel might not be as intense or painful as what he is going through, but you can still feel it, can't you? And I know what you're feeling right now...you're feeling helpless, aren't you? You're trembling in horror and anguish at the pain that Netto-kun is enduring. You're blaming yourself for letting him fall into my hands. That is exactly what I want you to feel!"

Laughing again, I turned back to the writhing boy on the table, the electricity cackling around him. "But it isn't enough. I want you to feel more! I want you to feel utter terror! I want you to be on the brink of absolute despair, the likes of which you cannot imagine! And only after that, will I truly have everything I want...both Netto-kun and the pleasure of completely breaking you." I finished sinisterly. While Rockman could not hear me, I am sure that Netto-kun did. And whatever he feels or hears, Rockman is sure to know.

Satisfied for now, I leaned back against the nearest wall and continued to watch the energy stream into the boy, his screams a symphony to my ears. While I did want him for myself, I wasn't above breaking him. I would have him one way or another, it didn't matter.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

I sighed as I leaned back against the wall. Any amusement I had in the previous few hours had run out. Netto was no longer screaming in pain; instead, he was only grimacing, trying to hold back his screams. Occasionally, a whimper would come out, but other than that, he was silent.

It was quickly growing boring just watching the dark energy flood into Netto. It seemed that he had figured out that his screams were only giving me enjoyment, and had set up a passing resistance towards me. It didn't stop the energy from seeping into him, but it was annoying me. Nothing irked me more than having something taken away from me after I was enjoying myself.

Suddenly smiling, I started to walk slowly to the table. Netto did his best to glare at me, despite the obvious pain he was going through. "W-why?" he whispered out.

"Hm? What's that, Netto-kun?" I asked as sweetly as possible, mocking him. I noticed that although he was glaring at me, his eyes held another emotion in them. Was he actually sad?

"Why are you doing this?" he asked softly. It seemed his voice had groan hoarse throughout all of his screaming, so all he could manage was to whisper like this. A shame; his screams of pain were quite exquisite.

"Do I need to tell you twice, Netto-kun?" I questioned as I leaned over him again, "I'm doing this because I want you. I want you by my side as I crush those pathetic Net Saviors. I want you to sever all ties with Rockman and pledge yourself to me..." I said, grinning maliciously at him.

Netto closed his eyes and whimpered again as a particularly strong surge of energy shot throughout him, his entire body quaking in pain. Opening his eyes, he resumed glaring at me. "You didn't answer the question..." he whispered, "Why? Why me?"

I blinked before smiling again. "Has it slipped your mind already? I was part of Rockman once before, why wouldn't I want you?" I asked in amusement, pacing around the table again. "You are so intriguing, Netto-kun. Such spirit, such energy, such strength...what navi wouldn't want you as their operator?"

"Plenty." Netto replied as dryly as he could.

I smirked. "That doesn't matter now, does it? I want you, and that's what counts." I said. He resumed glaring at me before whimpering again. The shots of pain were becoming more frequent now. The darkness should take over him soon.

"Tell me, why don't you want me? I am everything that Rockman is, and far much more..." I drawled, leaning over him once again. "He cannot give you power, and he cannot give you happiness. I can give both of those to you."

"Like hell you can;" he quickly retorted, wincing in pain again. I frowned; he certainly was resisting me with everything he had. "I prefer to make myself strong, not take it. I can't do that without Rockman. And you cannot give me happiness," he said forcefully, "Only my friends and family can do that."

I chuckled. "Do you really believe that, Netto-kun?" I questioned, "How do you know that I can't give you happiness? How do you know that you wouldn't be a better operator if I was your navi?"

Netto glared at me again. "Yes, I believe that. I have too many people believing in me to betray them." he retorted, then cried out as the energy continued to spread throughout him.

"That is such a silly belief, Netto-kun..." I said as I stroked the side of his face. He winced and tried to move his head away from my hand, but couldn't. "Why not believe in me, instead?"

"Like I could believe anything you say." he shot out. I smiled in amusement.

"Oh? If you believe in Rockman, you can surely believe in me as well." I countered, smiling sinisterly.

He gave me the fiercest glare he could. "Rockman is my partner. You aren't." he growled. I could see his body twitching now; a sign that it was almost time.

For some reason, I felt a surge of anger upon those words. Holding myself back, I allowed myself to grin madly. "That will soon change..." I murmured, "When you finally feel the power swelling into you, you'll beg me to let me be your navi. And I will, because in the end, that's all I want."

His breathing was starting to become somewhat labored, and his eyes were starting to lose focus. The dark power was starting to take its toll on him, and he could only hold out for so long. Walking back up to him, I chuckled. "Why don't you make it easier on yourself and accept the power, Netto-kun?" I asked as I took his hand in one of my own. The lack of response meant that it was almost done. "You'll see everything in a whole new way, and you'll see the truth of my words."

Netto shook his head to try and clear it, which was in vain as his eyes were starting to droop. "No...I'll keep fighting it...to the end..." he gasped out. I could tell it was a losing battle, as I could see his eyes starting to slowly go blank.

"It is futile, Netto-kun;" I chuckled, a grin slowly forming over my face. "Just accept it. Everything will be fine from here on out."

"No...it won't be," he murmured tiredly, his eyes steadily going blank; "Where...where is Saito-niisan? I need him..." he said, moving his head about in an effort to find him.

I smiled and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm here, Netto-kun. Don't worry about a thing."

He shook his head the best he could. "No...you aren't Saito-niisan...you're...only a fake..." was the last thing he murmured before his eyes totally went blank, the dark power finally overcoming his resistance.

I felt myself shake a couple of times, my eyes narrowing in anger. I could no longer hold back my fury. "Only a fake?!" I asked, enraged. "You're wrong! I am Rockman, you hear me?!" I said fiercely as I took Netto's chin in my hand and stared at him. Blank brown eyes only stared at me back. "I am Saito! I will always be!" I roared. When there wasn't any response, I struck Netto as hard as I could across the face. The resounding slap was hard enough to draw blood, but I knew Netto couldn't feel it. I made sure he couldn't.

Breathing heavily, I stalked over to the console and shut it off, the electricity finally disappearing. I stared at my hand, which now had a small amount of Netto's blood on it. How dare he say I am not his brother...I am Saito...

"Am I?" I ask myself before shaking my head violently. Of course I am Saito! I am the true Rockman! Given that, I am Netto's true brother! No one else!

Taking a deep breath to calm down, I began to unfasten Netto from his bindings and dressed him. He moved when I told him to, as if he were a puppet and I was the one holding a strings.

"Yes, that's all what you are now, isn't it?" I asked softly, "A puppet. And as a puppet, you will need guidance...which I will provide." I muttered. He nodded softly, although I don't think he understood what I meant. Oh well...he would learn in time.

As I began to guide him out of the room, I noticed the blue bandanna still on the table. Closing my eyes in contemplation, I wondered what I was going to do with Netto. Opening them, I immediately formed my buster and shot the bandanna, incinerating it. Netto's expression didn't change. I chuckled and put one of his arms around my shoulders.

"Don't worry Netto-kun..." I murmured to him, "I'm always here."

For a moment, I saw a small change in his eyes, as if something was struggling to be let out, but I dismissed it as a dim light effect. Slowly, I began to guide him into my throne room, where I would place him.

Surely, Rockman has felt the pain Netto experienced by now. Is he wallowing in the pits of despair now? Or is he blaming himself for even letting this happen? I must find out soon...I am so anxious, that I shiver in excitement again.

I almost have everything...Netto-kun is now my puppet, and Rockman must be experiencing pain beyond any sort of pain he has ever experienced. I cannot wait to deal that final blow to his psyche, to send him sprawling to the deepest pits of despair...to finally break him. I only have to go on a little more, and everything will soon be complete.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

I sighed as I leaned back against the wall. Any amusement I had in the previous few hours had run out. Netto was no longer screaming in pain; instead, he was only grimacing, trying to hold back his screams. Occasionally, a whimper would come out, but other than that, he was silent.

It was quickly growing boring just watching the dark energy flood into Netto. It seemed that he had figured out that his screams were only giving me enjoyment, and had set up a passing resistance towards me. It didn't stop the energy from seeping into him, but it was annoying me. Nothing irked me more than having something taken away from me after I was enjoying myself.

Suddenly smiling, I started to walk slowly to the table. Netto did his best to glare at me, despite the obvious pain he was going through. "W-why?" he whispered out.

"Hm? What's that, Netto-kun?" I asked as sweetly as possible, mocking him. I noticed that although he was glaring at me, his eyes held another emotion in them. Was he actually sad?

"Why are you doing this?" he asked softly. It seemed his voice had groan hoarse throughout all of his screaming, so all he could manage was to whisper like this. A shame; his screams of pain were quite exquisite.

"Do I need to tell you twice, Netto-kun?" I questioned as I leaned over him again, "I'm doing this because I want you. I want you by my side as I crush those pathetic Net Saviors. I want you to sever all ties with Rockman and pledge yourself to me..." I said, grinning maliciously at him.

Netto closed his eyes and whimpered again as a particularly strong surge of energy shot throughout him, his entire body quaking in pain. Opening his eyes, he resumed glaring at me. "You didn't answer the question..." he whispered, "Why? Why me?"

I blinked before smiling again. "Has it slipped your mind already? I was part of Rockman once before, why wouldn't I want you?" I asked in amusement, pacing around the table again. "You are so intriguing, Netto-kun. Such spirit, such energy, such strength...what navi wouldn't want you as their operator?"

"Plenty." Netto replied as dryly as he could.

I smirked. "That doesn't matter now, does it? I want you, and that's what counts." I said. He resumed glaring at me before whimpering again. The shots of pain were becoming more frequent now. The darkness should take over him soon.

"Tell me, why don't you want me? I am everything that Rockman is, and far much more..." I drawled, leaning over him once again. "He cannot give you power, and he cannot give you happiness. I can give both of those to you."

"Like hell you can;" he quickly retorted, wincing in pain again. I frowned; he certainly was resisting me with everything he had. "I prefer to make myself strong, not take it. I can't do that without Rockman. And you cannot give me happiness," he said forcefully, "Only my friends and family can do that."

I chuckled. "Do you really believe that, Netto-kun?" I questioned, "How do you know that I can't give you happiness? How do you know that you wouldn't be a better operator if I was your navi?"

Netto glared at me again. "Yes, I believe that. I have too many people believing in me to betray them." he retorted, then cried out as the energy continued to spread throughout him.

"That is such a silly belief, Netto-kun..." I said as I stroked the side of his face. He winced and tried to move his head away from my hand, but couldn't. "Why not believe in me, instead?"

"Like I could believe anything you say." he shot out. I smiled in amusement.

"Oh? If you believe in Rockman, you can surely believe in me as well." I countered, smiling sinisterly.

He gave me the fiercest glare he could. "Rockman is my partner. You aren't." he growled. I could see his body twitching now; a sign that it was almost time.

For some reason, I felt a surge of anger upon those words. Holding myself back, I allowed myself to grin madly. "That will soon change..." I murmured, "When you finally feel the power swelling into you, you'll beg me to let me be your navi. And I will, because in the end, that's all I want."

His breathing was starting to become somewhat labored, and his eyes were starting to lose focus. The dark power was starting to take its toll on him, and he could only hold out for so long. Walking back up to him, I chuckled. "Why don't you make it easier on yourself and accept the power, Netto-kun?" I asked as I took his hand in one of my own. The lack of response meant that it was almost done. "You'll see everything in a whole new way, and you'll see the truth of my words."

Netto shook his head to try and clear it, which was in vain as his eyes were starting to droop. "No...I'll keep fighting it...to the end..." he gasped out. I could tell it was a losing battle, as I could see his eyes starting to slowly go blank.

"It is futile, Netto-kun;" I chuckled, a grin slowly forming over my face. "Just accept it. Everything will be fine from here on out."

"No...it won't be," he murmured tiredly, his eyes steadily going blank; "Where...where is Saito-niisan? I need him..." he said, moving his head about in an effort to find him.

I smiled and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm here, Netto-kun. Don't worry about a thing."

He shook his head the best he could. "No...you aren't Saito-niisan...you're...only a fake..." was the last thing he murmured before his eyes totally went blank, the dark power finally overcoming his resistance.

I felt myself shake a couple of times, my eyes narrowing in anger. I could no longer hold back my fury. "Only a fake?!" I asked, enraged. "You're wrong! I am Rockman, you hear me?!" I said fiercely as I took Netto's chin in my hand and stared at him. Blank brown eyes only stared at me back. "I am Saito! I will always be!" I roared. When there wasn't any response, I struck Netto as hard as I could across the face. The resounding slap was hard enough to draw blood, but I knew Netto couldn't feel it. I made sure he couldn't.

Breathing heavily, I stalked over to the console and shut it off, the electricity finally disappearing. I stared at my hand, which now had a small amount of Netto's blood on it. How dare he say I am not his brother...I am Saito...

"Am I?" I ask myself before shaking my head violently. Of course I am Saito! I am the true Rockman! Given that, I am Netto's true brother! No one else!

Taking a deep breath to calm down, I began to unfasten Netto from his bindings and dressed him. He moved when I told him to, as if he were a puppet and I was the one holding a strings.

"Yes, that's all what you are now, isn't it?" I asked softly, "A puppet. And as a puppet, you will need guidance...which I will provide." I muttered. He nodded softly, although I don't think he understood what I meant. Oh well...he would learn in time.

As I began to guide him out of the room, I noticed the blue bandanna still on the table. Closing my eyes in contemplation, I wondered what I was going to do with Netto. Opening them, I immediately formed my buster and shot the bandanna, incinerating it. Netto's expression didn't change. I chuckled and put one of his arms around my shoulders.

"Don't worry Netto-kun..." I murmured to him, "I'm always here."

For a moment, I saw a small change in his eyes, as if something was struggling to be let out, but I dismissed it as a dim light effect. Slowly, I began to guide him into my throne room, where I would place him.

Surely, Rockman has felt the pain Netto experienced by now. Is he wallowing in the pits of despair now? Or is he blaming himself for even letting this happen? I must find out soon...I am so anxious, that I shiver in excitement again.

I almost have everything...Netto-kun is now my puppet, and Rockman must be experiencing pain beyond any sort of pain he has ever experienced. I cannot wait to deal that final blow to his psyche, to send him sprawling to the deepest pits of despair...to finally break him. I only have to go on a little more, and everything will soon be complete.
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

Hours have passed. How many, I do not know, but I do know that at least a day has passed. All I have been doing was sitting on my throne, legs crossed and smirking, as I glanced at the figure at the bottom of the stairs. Netto was right there kneeling before me, as I told him to. The perfect puppet, if I may say so myself.

I chuckled. Everything was going according to plan, and I was sure that Rockman had to be languishing in his own sorrow at this point. With the bond between the two, Rockman has to know what has happened. I am sure that just seeing Netto like this would bring him closer to the brink.

A sudden opening of the doors caught my attention as I heard footsteps rush into the room.

"Dark Rockman-sama!" Swallowman cried, looking anxious. I narrowed my eyes; my warriors never looked anxious unless something unexpected was happening. "The Net Saviors have found us...we've been hit with a surprise attack!"

"What?!" I bellowed, standing up. The sudden movement made Netto look up at me, but I ignored it. I did not like surprises at all. "Do the others know about this?"

"Yes, they're holding them off for now, but it doesn't look good;" Swallowman said, looking nervous now, "It seems that many of that boy's companions have come and have attacked full force. Cloudman has been forced to plug out already!"

I growled. It seems that I didn't hear the sound of the Dimensional Area materializing around this building, too caught up within my own thoughts. "Very well then..." I said as I walked down the stairs, "I've been waiting for this moment. I cannot wait to exterminate those pests." I said calmly. I put a hand on Netto's shoulder then and leaned down near his ear.

"Stay and watch me destroy your former companions, Netto-kun. It shall be an enjoyable sight." I whispered gleefully as I walked to the center of the room, waiting. Sure enough, Cosmoman was knocked through the doors and right into Swallowman, both of them struggling to get off the ground.

Looking through the doorway, I saw that many of Netto's friends were here. It seemed that both Enzan and Laika had come back from Ameroupe and Sharro to help the others, while all of the ones that had gained the ability of Cross Fusion were also here. Even Dark Miyabi and Yuriko were present. However, it was the figure at the front that I was most surprised about.

It was Rockman, his buster extended and smoking. He looked utterly furious.

Despite myself, I was annoyed. The Dimensional Converters, once figured out, could be used by any navi. I will have to mention that to Dr. Regal later. "So, you found me...big deal." I yawned out. Rockman narrowed his eyes and stepped forward boldly, with the others slowly trailing behind him.

"Where is Netto-kun?" he ground out, suppressing his rage. The others, while not saying anything, brought their weapons into a ready position. I chuckled; it seemed that he didn't know what happened after all.

"Look for yourself!" I said as I stepped aside, revealing the kneeling Netto, who had changed directions. There was a collective gasp as they caught sight of his eyes, which were staring at the lot of them blankly.

"Netto-kun..." I heard Rockman whisper in shock before he furiously turned towards me, his buster raised. "What did you do to him?!"

I could only grin. "Let's just say that he wouldn't see things my way..." I let out.

Rockman's eyes widened as he picked up on what I was saying. "You...how dare you!" he said dangerously as he stepped forward.

"Rockman, stop!" Enzan called out before turning to me. "What do you want with Netto?" he asked lowly, getting his own blade ready. I smirked; despite the cool exterior he was showing, he was about ready to explode in rage himself. Most of them were.

"Me? I want him for myself, of course;" I answered simply as everyone leveled their glares at me, "I mean, who wouldn't? Netto is such a strong operator...so strong, in fact, that his talent is wasted on the likes of Rockman. I simply decided to get rid of that little problem." I answered.

Everyone shifted angrily, but Rockman stepped forward again. "That is not the reason, and you know it. Why did you take Netto-kun?" he asked forcefully.

I couldn't help but let the annoyance creep up into my expression. Rockman wasn't reacting the way I thought he would react. "You want the truth?" I asked as I readied my buster, "Too bad. You'll have to force it out of me. Attack!" I yelled as both Cosmoman and Swallowman attacked from behind the group, both of them already have regained their bearings.

While most of the group split up to fight my two warriors, Rockman, Enzan, and Laika attacked me full force. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Meiru and Jasmine move to move Netto out of the way, but I could think no more as Rockman launched a flurry of buster shots at me.

Skillfully dodging all of them, I returned the shots in kind at the three, which they all dodged. I growled. It seemed a wrench was thrown into my plans. I did not count on Rockman being this angry or willing to fight.

I nearly missed Enzan pulling out a Neo Variable Sword and shooting a sonic boom at me. Dodging that, I was unprepared for Rockman suddenly appearing before me and punching me with as much strength as he could. I fell to the ground in a heap, but I quickly sprang back up to my feet, more than a little incensed. Rockman should not be acting like this!

"Mugen Vulcan!" I heard Laika cry out as numerous bullets began to rain down upon the area. Quickly jumping backwards, I immediately activated a Dark Sword to at least give me something to attack with. Sure enough, Enzan came up close and personal as the two of us engaged in a sword fight. He had skills, sure enough, but he wasn't as near powerful or skilled enough to handle me forever. With a quick parry, I knocked him off to the side as I jumped at Laika next. He shot numerous Scope Gun shots at me, but I either sliced through them or dodged, and with a quick slice, managed to knock Laika down.

Now looking around, I tried to find Rockman. I heard a shout of pain followed by the familiar sound of something plugging out. My eyes widening, I saw that Rockman had just assisted Dingo, Miyabi, and Yuriko in taking out Swallowman. Cosmoman was also in a dire situation as Nenji, Pride, and Charlie steadily pushed him back. Before I could even move to help him, a dual attack of a Tornado Arm and Royal Wrecking Ball finally forced my most powerful warrior out of the fight. All the while, Meiru and Jasmine had moved Netto to near the throne, trying to get him to say or do anything. He wasn't responding, much to their helplessness.

Now that my warriors were gone, all the attention was focused on me. By this time, both Enzan and Laika had recovered from being knocked down earlier, and were standing with the now assembled group. I growled angrily; everything wasn't turning out like I envisioned it to be. I did not like making miscalculations.

I held no delusions that I would be able to hold out against several navis. Despite all my power, I could only keep track of so many enemies at once. However, that didn't mean I wouldn't be so easily defeated. "You haven't won yet..." I let out, raising my hand above my head. "Dark Meteor!"

As soon as I spoke, meteors started to rain down upon the group. However, my attack was quickly countered.

"Battle chip, Dream Aura!" Pride called out as a protective aura materialized and protected everyone. I cursed underneath my breath. No, I wouldn't win as long as they had those various chips with them. I knew when not to fight.

Jumping back to gain some distance, I looked over at the boy. "I've had enough...Netto, we're leaving!" I cried out. At my cry, Netto looked up and stood, slowly walking over to me. After getting over their surprise, Meiru and Jasmine quickly restrained him from moving, although he was still squirming. Growling, I was about ready to jump over and incapacitate the both of them when I felt something press up against the back of my head.

"You're not going anywhere, Dark Rockman." I heard my counterpart say angrily. I chuckled dryly, although I was furious inside. It seemed that I had made a grave miscalculation about Rockman.

"Bah, a mere lapse in concentration;" I said to myself before allowing myself to grin. "You don't have the nerve to even shoot me."

"I will if you don't tell me what you did to Netto-kun, and why you're doing this all in the first place." Rockman growled out. Restraining my fury, I could only chuckle again.

"You really wish to know the truth?" I asked, looking over my shoulder at him, "Very well. I did this to get to you. I wanted to see you miserable; to see you in despair and to see you broken. And then I would have Netto-kun, while you would have nothing. That is why I did it."

By this time, everyone had gathered around Netto, trying to get him to snap out of whatever daze they thought he was in. Fools...

I felt the barrel of Rockman's buster dig deeper into my neck. "If you were trying to do that, then I can tell you that will never happen;" Rockman replied dryly, "Have you even thought of the bond between Netto and myself? Do you really think that I would sit around moping while Netto was in trouble? You really are insane if you thought that," he said angrily, "In any case, you have lost."

I smirked. "Oh? I seem to still have won here. Netto is still mine, and he will not respond to anyone else." I laughed.

Rockman seemed to falter for a second before narrowing his eyes. "You really don't know Netto at all, do you? You only wanted him as a trophy." he whispered.

I growled. How dare he assume? "Never. I wanted him as my operator, not as something to show off." I hissed back.

Rockman shook his head. "That would never happen. Netto is a fighter to the end, and he won't let what you did to him win over him."

I smirked again, although I could still feel my anger bubbling up inside me. "Do not forget this is all your fault for letting this happen to Netto-kun." I said, trying to rile him up.

Rockman growled. "Even so, what kind of navi would I be if I abandoned him because of my feelings? I would not only be betraying Netto-kun's trust in me, but I would be insulting him as well. And not only that..." he trailed off as he leaned down to my ear, "What kind of brother would I be if I left my little brother to the likes of you?"

At that moment, it seemed that those very words Rockman whispered to me struck a chord within Netto as he looked up, his eyes wide. I was in shock; the bond was still there, even after infecting Netto with the dark power?

"What kind...of brother would I be..." he whispered, repeating what Rockman had said only moments earlier. Startled, everyone looked at the boy, who started to move down the staircase.

"Netto-kun?" both Rockman and I said at the same time.

"Saito...Saito-niisan..." he let out again, silent enough so that only Rockman and I could hear it. I could see the blankness in his eyes start to fade, my eyes widening.

"Netto-kun!" both Rockman and I said at the same time, but the blue navi managed to act before I could move. Why couldn't I move? Surely Netto-kun was asking for me?

"Saito-niisan...Rockman..." he mumbled out as he fell forward into my counterpart's arms. At that moment, I wanted to roar in indignation, cry out that he wasn't Saito. I was the true Rockman...As everyone gathered around him, I silently backed into the shadows to observe what was going on.

Jasmine checked over Netto's form before gasping. "The extent of the damage Netto has taken...he needs serious medical treatment now!" she cried. "And that's only his body. I don't want to imagine the psychological damage Dark Rockman inflicted on him..."

Enzan interrupted her. "You can fill us in as we get out of here. Netto needs help now!" Everyone nodded and started to rush out of the building, although Meiru stopped and looked back.

"Rockman, what are you waiting for?" she asked. Rockman turned to look at her.

"Don't worry, I'll plug out. I need to take care of something first." he replied. She frowned for a few moments before nodding and making her way out.

Sighing, Rockman turned in my direction. "Dark Rockman, I know you haven't left yet. Come out so I can see you." he growled out.

Smirking, I walked out of the shadows. "Impressive, keeping note that I was still here," I sneered, "So, you wish to have a fight to the death? That is one thing I can still do right now."

Rockman glared at me. "We will have our reckoning someday, but Netto-kun takes priority;" he said with barely restrained anger. "But know this. You hurt Netto-kun, and that is the only thing that I can never forgive. If I had any qualms about destroying you, they are gone now." he growled out.

I smirked again, although I was still withholding my anger as well. "I look forward to the day I can crush you...which may come sooner than you think." I replied back.

He only glared at me once more before plugging out, the Dimensional Area finally disappearing.

As I recalled the the entire conflict, I couldn't help but punch the ground in rage. All of my carefully laid plans were ruined. I didn't have Netto-kun. Rockman was not broken as I thought he was. And finally, Netto had chosen him over me after all.

Why? Am I not the more powerful of the two? Why would he choose him? These questions...they continue to plague my mind as I growl and plug out of the building too. I cannot grasp why Netto-kun would choose him...

...am I inferior after all?

No! I am superior in every way! This was only a temporary setback...nothing more.

However, Rockman isn't so easily crushed, and Netto-kun not so easily taken. No matter. I will take careful note of this in the future.

Next time, I will be truly successful. Netto-kun will be mine.

And you, Rockman, will be eradicated.

---

And that's the end. First time trying to fic in a first person perspective. \o\
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<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

Hours have passed. How many, I do not know, but I do know that at least a day has passed. All I have been doing was sitting on my throne, legs crossed and smirking, as I glanced at the figure at the bottom of the stairs. Netto was right there kneeling before me, as I told him to. The perfect puppet, if I may say so myself.

I chuckled. Everything was going according to plan, and I was sure that Rockman had to be languishing in his own sorrow at this point. With the bond between the two, Rockman has to know what has happened. I am sure that just seeing Netto like this would bring him closer to the brink.

A sudden opening of the doors caught my attention as I heard footsteps rush into the room.

"Dark Rockman-sama!" Swallowman cried, looking anxious. I narrowed my eyes; my warriors never looked anxious unless something unexpected was happening. "The Net Saviors have found us...we've been hit with a surprise attack!"

"What?!" I bellowed, standing up. The sudden movement made Netto look up at me, but I ignored it. I did not like surprises at all. "Do the others know about this?"

"Yes, they're holding them off for now, but it doesn't look good;" Swallowman said, looking nervous now, "It seems that many of that boy's companions have come and have attacked full force. Cloudman has been forced to plug out already!"

I growled. It seems that I didn't hear the sound of the Dimensional Area materializing around this building, too caught up within my own thoughts. "Very well then..." I said as I walked down the stairs, "I've been waiting for this moment. I cannot wait to exterminate those pests." I said calmly. I put a hand on Netto's shoulder then and leaned down near his ear.

"Stay and watch me destroy your former companions, Netto-kun. It shall be an enjoyable sight." I whispered gleefully as I walked to the center of the room, waiting. Sure enough, Cosmoman was knocked through the doors and right into Swallowman, both of them struggling to get off the ground.

Looking through the doorway, I saw that many of Netto's friends were here. It seemed that both Enzan and Laika had come back from Ameroupe and Sharro to help the others, while all of the ones that had gained the ability of Cross Fusion were also here. Even Dark Miyabi and Yuriko were present. However, it was the figure at the front that I was most surprised about.

It was Rockman, his buster extended and smoking. He looked utterly furious.

Despite myself, I was annoyed. The Dimensional Converters, once figured out, could be used by any navi. I will have to mention that to Dr. Regal later. "So, you found me...big deal." I yawned out. Rockman narrowed his eyes and stepped forward boldly, with the others slowly trailing behind him.

"Where is Netto-kun?" he ground out, suppressing his rage. The others, while not saying anything, brought their weapons into a ready position. I chuckled; it seemed that he didn't know what happened after all.

"Look for yourself!" I said as I stepped aside, revealing the kneeling Netto, who had changed directions. There was a collective gasp as they caught sight of his eyes, which were staring at the lot of them blankly.

"Netto-kun..." I heard Rockman whisper in shock before he furiously turned towards me, his buster raised. "What did you do to him?!"

I could only grin. "Let's just say that he wouldn't see things my way..." I let out.

Rockman's eyes widened as he picked up on what I was saying. "You...how dare you!" he said dangerously as he stepped forward.

"Rockman, stop!" Enzan called out before turning to me. "What do you want with Netto?" he asked lowly, getting his own blade ready. I smirked; despite the cool exterior he was showing, he was about ready to explode in rage himself. Most of them were.

"Me? I want him for myself, of course;" I answered simply as everyone leveled their glares at me, "I mean, who wouldn't? Netto is such a strong operator...so strong, in fact, that his talent is wasted on the likes of Rockman. I simply decided to get rid of that little problem." I answered.

Everyone shifted angrily, but Rockman stepped forward again. "That is not the reason, and you know it. Why did you take Netto-kun?" he asked forcefully.

I couldn't help but let the annoyance creep up into my expression. Rockman wasn't reacting the way I thought he would react. "You want the truth?" I asked as I readied my buster, "Too bad. You'll have to force it out of me. Attack!" I yelled as both Cosmoman and Swallowman attacked from behind the group, both of them already have regained their bearings.

While most of the group split up to fight my two warriors, Rockman, Enzan, and Laika attacked me full force. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Meiru and Jasmine move to move Netto out of the way, but I could think no more as Rockman launched a flurry of buster shots at me.

Skillfully dodging all of them, I returned the shots in kind at the three, which they all dodged. I growled. It seemed a wrench was thrown into my plans. I did not count on Rockman being this angry or willing to fight.

I nearly missed Enzan pulling out a Neo Variable Sword and shooting a sonic boom at me. Dodging that, I was unprepared for Rockman suddenly appearing before me and punching me with as much strength as he could. I fell to the ground in a heap, but I quickly sprang back up to my feet, more than a little incensed. Rockman should not be acting like this!

"Mugen Vulcan!" I heard Laika cry out as numerous bullets began to rain down upon the area. Quickly jumping backwards, I immediately activated a Dark Sword to at least give me something to attack with. Sure enough, Enzan came up close and personal as the two of us engaged in a sword fight. He had skills, sure enough, but he wasn't as near powerful or skilled enough to handle me forever. With a quick parry, I knocked him off to the side as I jumped at Laika next. He shot numerous Scope Gun shots at me, but I either sliced through them or dodged, and with a quick slice, managed to knock Laika down.

Now looking around, I tried to find Rockman. I heard a shout of pain followed by the familiar sound of something plugging out. My eyes widening, I saw that Rockman had just assisted Dingo, Miyabi, and Yuriko in taking out Swallowman. Cosmoman was also in a dire situation as Nenji, Pride, and Charlie steadily pushed him back. Before I could even move to help him, a dual attack of a Tornado Arm and Royal Wrecking Ball finally forced my most powerful warrior out of the fight. All the while, Meiru and Jasmine had moved Netto to near the throne, trying to get him to say or do anything. He wasn't responding, much to their helplessness.

Now that my warriors were gone, all the attention was focused on me. By this time, both Enzan and Laika had recovered from being knocked down earlier, and were standing with the now assembled group. I growled angrily; everything wasn't turning out like I envisioned it to be. I did not like making miscalculations.

I held no delusions that I would be able to hold out against several navis. Despite all my power, I could only keep track of so many enemies at once. However, that didn't mean I wouldn't be so easily defeated. "You haven't won yet..." I let out, raising my hand above my head. "Dark Meteor!"

As soon as I spoke, meteors started to rain down upon the group. However, my attack was quickly countered.

"Battle chip, Dream Aura!" Pride called out as a protective aura materialized and protected everyone. I cursed underneath my breath. No, I wouldn't win as long as they had those various chips with them. I knew when not to fight.

Jumping back to gain some distance, I looked over at the boy. "I've had enough...Netto, we're leaving!" I cried out. At my cry, Netto looked up and stood, slowly walking over to me. After getting over their surprise, Meiru and Jasmine quickly restrained him from moving, although he was still squirming. Growling, I was about ready to jump over and incapacitate the both of them when I felt something press up against the back of my head.

"You're not going anywhere, Dark Rockman." I heard my counterpart say angrily. I chuckled dryly, although I was furious inside. It seemed that I had made a grave miscalculation about Rockman.

"Bah, a mere lapse in concentration;" I said to myself before allowing myself to grin. "You don't have the nerve to even shoot me."

"I will if you don't tell me what you did to Netto-kun, and why you're doing this all in the first place." Rockman growled out. Restraining my fury, I could only chuckle again.

"You really wish to know the truth?" I asked, looking over my shoulder at him, "Very well. I did this to get to you. I wanted to see you miserable; to see you in despair and to see you broken. And then I would have Netto-kun, while you would have nothing. That is why I did it."

By this time, everyone had gathered around Netto, trying to get him to snap out of whatever daze they thought he was in. Fools...

I felt the barrel of Rockman's buster dig deeper into my neck. "If you were trying to do that, then I can tell you that will never happen;" Rockman replied dryly, "Have you even thought of the bond between Netto and myself? Do you really think that I would sit around moping while Netto was in trouble? You really are insane if you thought that," he said angrily, "In any case, you have lost."

I smirked. "Oh? I seem to still have won here. Netto is still mine, and he will not respond to anyone else." I laughed.

Rockman seemed to falter for a second before narrowing his eyes. "You really don't know Netto at all, do you? You only wanted him as a trophy." he whispered.

I growled. How dare he assume? "Never. I wanted him as my operator, not as something to show off." I hissed back.

Rockman shook his head. "That would never happen. Netto is a fighter to the end, and he won't let what you did to him win over him."

I smirked again, although I could still feel my anger bubbling up inside me. "Do not forget this is all your fault for letting this happen to Netto-kun." I said, trying to rile him up.

Rockman growled. "Even so, what kind of navi would I be if I abandoned him because of my feelings? I would not only be betraying Netto-kun's trust in me, but I would be insulting him as well. And not only that..." he trailed off as he leaned down to my ear, "What kind of brother would I be if I left my little brother to the likes of you?"

At that moment, it seemed that those very words Rockman whispered to me struck a chord within Netto as he looked up, his eyes wide. I was in shock; the bond was still there, even after infecting Netto with the dark power?

"What kind...of brother would I be..." he whispered, repeating what Rockman had said only moments earlier. Startled, everyone looked at the boy, who started to move down the staircase.

"Netto-kun?" both Rockman and I said at the same time.

"Saito...Saito-niisan..." he let out again, silent enough so that only Rockman and I could hear it. I could see the blankness in his eyes start to fade, my eyes widening.

"Netto-kun!" both Rockman and I said at the same time, but the blue navi managed to act before I could move. Why couldn't I move? Surely Netto-kun was asking for me?

"Saito-niisan...Rockman..." he mumbled out as he fell forward into my counterpart's arms. At that moment, I wanted to roar in indignation, cry out that he wasn't Saito. I was the true Rockman...As everyone gathered around him, I silently backed into the shadows to observe what was going on.

Jasmine checked over Netto's form before gasping. "The extent of the damage Netto has taken...he needs serious medical treatment now!" she cried. "And that's only his body. I don't want to imagine the psychological damage Dark Rockman inflicted on him..."

Enzan interrupted her. "You can fill us in as we get out of here. Netto needs help now!" Everyone nodded and started to rush out of the building, although Meiru stopped and looked back.

"Rockman, what are you waiting for?" she asked. Rockman turned to look at her.

"Don't worry, I'll plug out. I need to take care of something first." he replied. She frowned for a few moments before nodding and making her way out.

Sighing, Rockman turned in my direction. "Dark Rockman, I know you haven't left yet. Come out so I can see you." he growled out.

Smirking, I walked out of the shadows. "Impressive, keeping note that I was still here," I sneered, "So, you wish to have a fight to the death? That is one thing I can still do right now."

Rockman glared at me. "We will have our reckoning someday, but Netto-kun takes priority;" he said with barely restrained anger. "But know this. You hurt Netto-kun, and that is the only thing that I can never forgive. If I had any qualms about destroying you, they are gone now." he growled out.

I smirked again, although I was still withholding my anger as well. "I look forward to the day I can crush you...which may come sooner than you think." I replied back.

He only glared at me once more before plugging out, the Dimensional Area finally disappearing.

As I recalled the the entire conflict, I couldn't help but punch the ground in rage. All of my carefully laid plans were ruined. I didn't have Netto-kun. Rockman was not broken as I thought he was. And finally, Netto had chosen him over me after all.

Why? Am I not the more powerful of the two? Why would he choose him? These questions...they continue to plague my mind as I growl and plug out of the building too. I cannot grasp why Netto-kun would choose him...

...am I inferior after all?

No! I am superior in every way! This was only a temporary setback...nothing more.

However, Rockman isn't so easily crushed, and Netto-kun not so easily taken. No matter. I will take careful note of this in the future.

Next time, I will be truly successful. Netto-kun will be mine.

And you, Rockman, will be eradicated.

---

And that's the end. First time trying to fic in a first person perspective. \o\
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Plantman]

That was definitively awesome, Sol. First person is really hard to draw, especialy first person with abundant present tense.

While the feeling of the whole evolution of the actions feels sometimes a bit... overdone due to the first person perspective -too many details described in the fraction of a moment by a single person and even describing the chips/attacks used feel a bit unnecesary.

Nevertheless, the story itself and the character developement were fantastic, a very good fic with an even more wicked vision of everyone's favorite villian.
_________________
Hecha en MÉXICO - Avatar by Me.
"Logic is the Ultimate Weapon."

[Plantman]

That was definitively awesome, Sol. First person is really hard to draw, especialy first person with abundant present tense.

While the feeling of the whole evolution of the actions feels sometimes a bit... overdone due to the first person perspective -too many details described in the fraction of a moment by a single person and even describing the chips/attacks used feel a bit unnecesary.

Nevertheless, the story itself and the character developement were fantastic, a very good fic with an even more wicked vision of everyone's favorite villian.
_________________
Hecha en MÉXICO - Avatar by Me.
"Logic is the Ultimate Weapon."

[Midnight]

Plant's evaluation of this fic is quite accurate--I found myself drawn to it from the start.

The perspective that you take from the beginning is reminisicent of the works of Edgar Allan Poe--most notably, "The Tell-Tale Heart." The way that Dark Rock speaks of his situation as though he were perfectly logical--when in fact, he was suffering from illusions of grandeur--is very realistic and sticks with the reader. It continues through the next portions of it--how he explains in detail (and what immensely succulent detail too--nothing too excessive about it) his plans, and how he implores to the reader and to Netto that he is in the right...

An absolute feast for the imagination. It will surely be enjoyed for years to come. I...I'm at a loss of adjectives to use here.
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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

[Kitty-Chan]

A chilling yet heart-warming tale. I think I would enjoy a sequel to this; a what-happens-next of sorts, dealing with the aftereffects Dark's meddling had on Netto, not to mention an explanation of the Saito-niisan bit to inquiring Net Saviors.
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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]

This story sent shivers down my spine.

Great work, Sol. I can't wait to read your other upcoming fanfics.
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I wanna sleep, but I don't wanna sleep at the same time. @_@.
Repetition(RnREXE)