Lord Cynic: "Greetings, humans!... sorry. I've been taking in comments from my first Megaman fanfic. I must say, I didn't expect such a wide spectrum of reviews. Nonetheless, I'm grateful to everyone for their time and suggestions.

Before I go on, the wisest thing to do is to somewhat reply to what people said about "Sparring and matchmaking can mix."

First off, I know the dream sequence is tacky. Heck, it's been done to death so many times yet is resurrected even more. I apologise if anyone thought it looked or sounded stupid, but I don't apologise for incorporating it into the fanfic. I am a self-confessed king of clichés, and the dream sequence seemed like the perfect cliche to use. (End half-sarcasm). Seriously though, I needed something that would make Lan think about what would happen if he pushed aside his feelings as if they didn't matter. Unless you think it's better if Megaman and Roll played out some sort of vision to Lan dressed as him and Maylu, I think that's the only way I could do it. I apologise if this sounds like I'm going back on my "comments and criticism's all cool" motto. I just want to clear my name on that aspect of the fanfic.

Second of all... actually, nope, that's the only 'criticism' I got (although it's justified). All righty, that's enough of my rambling on the first story.

As for this story, it is not a sequel. I don't write this as a series like my Golden Sun fanfics, they are all separate from each other. I just thought I'd clear that up."

Lord Cynic: "Now, as for reviewers, here are your replies."

"Midnight Critic"

I'm glad you're satisfied with how this is going so far. No, to my knowledge Ms. Mari isn't trying to play matchmaking. She was just miffed at Lan for being late and trying to catch her out. Like I said before, "School" is separate from "Sparring". Neither is a sequel to the other.

As for the typo, the way I intended neither of us got it right. Whoops!... I should really use a thesaurus next time. I guess the only thing to do is to edit the chapter. Bleh...

review lord

Yo, thanks for the rave reviews in "Sparring". Yeah, I think she does need to constantly do that. But don't ask me, they're in control of their own fates. You can shoot the sheriff, but don't shoot the deputy!... moving on... If you haven't seen NT Warriors and the episode I referred to, I guess it's understandable that you haven't seen Maylu really, really, really... angry... shudder...

"A fan of megaman"

Ah, yes... well, they'll just have cameos in this from now on. They won't involve themselves in their NetOps' situations, just talk amongst themselves about what's going on between Lan and Maylu. If I can get this fanfic finished soon enough (it's intended for a three-shot, no more, no less), I can do maybe a one-shot of Megaman and Roll. I have played Megaman Battlechip Challenge. Great game, great anime shots during "Slot in" sequences. Fill me in on the couple you're thinking of, I'm listening...

"Esty-chan"

Heh, thanks for the punctuality. I got the story in while Fanfiction's servers were on the fritz. Darn thing wouldn't let me edit... not the case now... muwahahahahaha... okay, I'm done.

"Shadow Dark-Blade"

Heh, yours was the last before the update. ... Congrats?

Michael Bulaich"

Strangely enough, this was the same review you gave me for "Sparring"... hmm...

Chapter 2: Late morning - Afternoon: Mind games

Recess in the playground was a quiet affair for the quartet of Netbattling and World 3 fighting friends. They were eating under the same old tree, but it still appeared like Lan was alienated from the rest of his companions. None of the others were speaking to him, so it pretty much felt like he was alone under the large oak tree. He had tried to spark some conversation, but the hostile silence from his friends signalled that he was only talking to himself. In the end he remained silent, quietly chewing on his sandwich as he contemplated the catastrophe of the morning.

It had taken Lan a long time to comprehend the antagonism from Dex and Yai. It didn't take a genius to know why Maylu wasn't speaking to him, but he was hoping for at least some support from someone. He initially guessed Maylu's anger rubbed off on those two, then it hit him: Dex and Yai were both indirectly affected by Maylu's punishment in their own ways.

Dex's reasons for his contempt for Lan were rather obvious: his crush on the redhead (almost as intense as Lan's) meant he became overprotective of her. If Maylu was in trouble or received unjust treatment, Dex would deal with the culprit the way he always did: fist first, questions later. Lan thanked the stars that he was Dex's friend or he would've received a shiny fist long ago.

Yai's reasons for ignoring Lan were based more on loyalty to her best friend. Girls stick together like insects to flypaper, and Yai was always on Maylu's side no matter what. The girls were their only sources of feminine and emotional support to each other, so naturally Yai agreed with Maylu that what happened was Lan's fault. It took all of her self-control not to just give Lan was a sharp whip on the head to make him choke on his sandwich. She knew that if anyone were to inflict bodily harm on the boy, it would have to be Maylu.

Maylu on the other hand understood Lan better than anyone. She had been his best friend for many years, and living next door to him gave her insight into aspects of his character that no one else knew. Physical pain wouldn't be enough to teach Lan a lesson. Everyone heals from physical wounds eventually, but psychological suffering was the key if you wanted someone to truly regret their actions. She didn't hate Lan, none of them did, but still it didn't keep her from wanting Lan to understand how she felt about her unfair punishment.

She took a crumpled-up piece of paper out of her pocket and smoothed it out. It was the picture she was drawing before Ms. Mari caught Lan, about her and Lan. She began to wonder if it was wrong to imagine a world like the one the paper versions of her and her crush seemed to live in. It seemed too perfect, too magical, too... unrealistic. If pictures are worth a thousand words, then that one picture could tell Lan everything she ever felt for him. However, not even someone as dense as that boy could understand something so obvious if it struck him on his thick head. She tried to show him how she felt so many times, but each and every time he looked away or changed the subject. It infuriated her so many times, that he could disregard something so important so easily. Nonetheless, she would always love him, no matter what...

However, first Lan was going to pay for her punishment. Maybe then he won't be so selfish and, most importantly, oblivious to other people's feelings.

Lan never felt so alone in his life. However, he thought it would be pointless to leave the others to their own bitter silence. They wouldn't want him to leave their sights, no matter how angry they were with him. He wished there was something he could do to change things and make everything better. Unfortunately, it didn't look like anyone would listen to him if he tried offering suggestions. He contemplated negotiating with Ms. Mari, but he wasn't clever enough to offer any proposals or deals in return for taking back Maylu's punishment.

Megaman was absent from Lan's PET, determined to force Lan to solve his problems for once. While the boy was partially grateful for the chance at independence, he really needed some advice. It would never come though, and Lan was resigned to his fate as the loner of the group.

The end-of-recess rang a few minutes later, and Maylu was swiftly on her feet and walking back to the classroom before anyone had moved. Dex and Yai also made to walk back, but Lan remained seated against the tree. The former two glanced at each other, then Dex nodded as Yai resumed her walk towards the school building.

Lan was staring at the ground, so he was oblivious to what was going on. Suddenly, he found himself hauled up by his collar and being dragged towards the classroom by Dex.

"H-Hey! What are you doing?" he asked between coughs as he was dragged along the grass.

"Just because we're not talking to you doesn't mean we want you to get into more trouble than you're in already in," Dex replied. "If you're late again, we'll get in trouble again. You don't want that, do you?"

Lan had his mouth open to reply, but the last sentence dropped on him like an atomic virus attack. He shut his mouth, then indicated to Dex that he could walk himself. Dex released him, and Lan trudged behind the bigger boy, wondering just was going to happen to him later.

Lan was safely in the classroom with time to spare. As soon as he entered people stared him strangely, and it was obvious that the early morning's incident was still on everyone's minds. Some students wore expressions of bemusement, while others were still unimpressed after Lan got Maylu in trouble. Nonetheless, Lan glared at them all, until sincere faces looked in the direction of the front left corner of the classroom. He followed their gazes to his and Maylu's desks, where the redhead was sitting stiffy in her seat. Her head was tilted down to her desk, and her mouth was straighter than her school record.

The glare from Lan's face vanished instantly, and a look of sorrow replaced it. He received some sympathy glances, but he was more concerned about an alternate seating arrangement. He did not want to risk returning to his seat, where he was certain Maylu would just give him the cold shoulder for the rest of the day. He could take the silent contempt from Dex and Yai, but he didn't want to bear that sort of contempt from his best friend.

Lan's eyes scanned the rest of the classroom, desperate to find an empty seat. They eventually fell on a vacant desk in the back corner. It was situated right next to a window, and Lan was genuinely astonished that such a perfect spot remained occupied. It was as if he was the only one who saw it, but he shook the thought aside quickly.

He was halfway towards the desk when Maylu's voice called out in the silence. Lan froze on the spot as she spoke.

"Where are you going, Lan?"

Some students giggled as Lan stared at the now-smiling girl, who'd swivelled in her chair to face in his direction. He didn't quite understand the sudden change of expression, and he was almost certain it wasn't a good thing. He knew her grudges didn't disappear so soon and wondered if she had deleted his homework again like he did otherwise. Oh wait; he was holding his computer under his arm... never mind.

"I'm... I'm just finding a place to sit," he said hesitantly.

"Why?" Maylu asked innocently. "You sit next to me, remember?"

Students giggled and laughed again as Lan scratched the back of his embarrassedly.

"Oh, that's right."

Lan sheepishly made his way to his proper desk beside Maylu's. Ignoring the sniggers from his classmates he slid in cautiously next to her, doing his best to avoid eye contact with her. However, he needn't have worried; as soon as he seated himself, she returned to staring at the desk. She was trying to mess with his head, and it seemed to be working. He didn't know why she went from acting all pleasant to being hostile, and already it was freaked him out. He hoped she was on her way to forgiving him. Unfortunately, as long as school was in session Maylu wasn't going to be done anytime soon.

Finally, Ms. Mari arrived at the classroom to a crowd of expectant faces. However, it wasn't for the start of the lesson, but for the battle of mind games between Lan and Maylu. Ms. Mari realised this, and coolly said,

"Well, this little show has been mighty fascinating, but I do believe this is class time. Now, everyone turn to me so we can start. Thank you."

The students groaned quietly, having been pulled away from their source of entertainment. Lan and Maylu had other things on their mind, though, and their faces remained bent down at their desks. Ms. Mari was occupied with the blackboard, so she wouldn't notice the two not paying attention.

Lan felt absolutely horrible. His stomach was doing somersaults and 720-degree flips, and his mind was racing desperately. Maylu's bizarre mood swings were starting to take their toll on the boy already. What is she playing at? Is she still angry with him, or is it all behind her now? Is she trying to spite him or simply playing with him? It didn't make sense, and he felt he was running out of time.

Maylu was on the same frame of mind as Lan. She was just going to pull on his strings for a while, to see how he reacts. So far she'd manage to swap and switch between her anger and her normal cheery self to mess with Lan's head. Everything was going to plan, but there was still the last period of the day after lunch, then the detention. She wasn't done by a long time, no way.

She unfolded the picture she'd drawn earlier. Bright skies, smiling faces, seemingly perfect times for the Maylu and Lan in the picture. How distant fantasy can really be from reality...

Megaman and Roll sat at a Cyber cafe in the Net. Both were concerned about the way things were going between their NetOps and most of their conversation centred on the treatment of Lan by Maylu and the others.

"This is starting to get a little out of hand," Megaman said. Roll nodded with concern.

"Are you sure we shouldn't give them advice? Talk things over with them?" she asked. Megaman smiled.

"No, I think it's best they solve this issue by themselves. They'll be better for it."

"I hope you're right." Roll placed her head on her hand in thought, and Megaman slouched back in his seat.

'Yes, I hope I am right, otherwise this is the end of something that could've been much more...'

A few hours later, the bell rang for lunchtime. Everyone groaned tiredly and arose from their seats to depart from the room. Yai and Dex were among the last to leave for the cafeteria, but as they passed Maylu and Lan's desks they gave them both a fleeting look. However, they said nothing and quietly exited the room.

Maylu glanced at Lan briefly, then arose and left for the cafeteria. He hesitated for a few seconds, then lifted himself out of his seat and followed with heavy steps.

Lunchtime in the cafeteria was another quiet affair. However, the different was that Lan had fenced himself off from his friends and found himself a solitary table to eat at. Despite the freedom but the hostility, plus protection from stone cold glares from his classmates, he still felt caged in, like his emotions at that point. He was usually capable of being independent, especially when virus busting or fighting World III, but this sort of 'independence' was enough to crumble a person. Lan liked being with his friends, so it hurt to be alone like this.

He stared down at his food, as if it was the most fascinating thing in his life, and absent-minded prodded it with his fork. His mind was still elsewhere, and for a few moments he wondered how he got to his situation. Then the events of the day cycled through his thoughts and his feelings of desertedness returned. He still didn't have Megaman with him, and became suspicious of the blue navi's absence. Then Megaman's words ran through his head: "It's up to you to work this out. You made this mess, now you have to make things right, or you'll lose Maylu forever."

Megaman's words spurred some motivation into the lost-looking, brown-haired, blue headband-wearing boy in the corner. Lan swerved in his seat to check whether anyone was watching him. Luckily, heads were either down and eating, or chatting to one another, so for once he wasn't on anyone's mind. Taking great care not to raise heads, he arose from his seat (and uneaten burger) and strode quietly to Ms. Mari's table.

It took Ms. Mari a while to notice a student requesting her attention. When she did, she stopped eating her salad so he could speak. Her interest was attracted when he spoke in a pleading tone.

"Please, Ms. Mari, don't punish Maylu for my mistakes. She doesn't deserve this."

Ms. Mari took this in briefly, then returned to her salad.

"I'm sorry, but the answer's no," she said shortly.

Lan stared at her incredulously, and desperately tried again.

"I don't want people treating me like a criminal. I can't take this anymore, especially when Maylu's an innocent victim. I'm sorry I was so late this morning, but it's no reason to involve Maylu in this. Just, keep her out of this, please."

Ms. Mari did not look up.

"I'm sorry, but the answer's still no. Don't be late next time, that's all I can say. It's sweet of you to think of Maylu though."

Lan didn't hear the last comment, as his mind was frozen in disbelief. However, he admitted defeat and traipsed back to his table. A few heads lifted as he ambled across the cafeteria, but Lan couldn't care whether or not he received empathetic or disapproving glances. He was completely engrossed with the possibility of losing his friends forever. Especially Maylu. What can he possible do to fix things and see her smile naturally again? Lord, he'd do just about anything to see that beautiful smile of hers, if only -

He mentally and physically halted himself right there. Did he just think that about his best friend? There were a few titters from the students, and Lan raised a hand to his cheek. Yowza, hot! His cheeks were burning hot from the prospect of possibly being in love.

Love... four innocents letters (A.N: "Yeah, not words… thanks for the clear up, Shadow Dark-Blade") that, when combined in that order, create an almighty force. A force that had crept up on Lan, and without his awareness blessed (or cursed) him with deep feelings for his best friend. It seemed so subtle and so sudden at the same time. And yet, it felt natural, as if it was a budding seed that was blooming majestically inside of him.

Sitting down at his table, he stole side-glances at Maylu, who was sitting on the other side of the cafeteria. Dex and Yai were talking animatedly to her, but she seemed to take no heed or pay no attention to their words. She appeared to be listening, but on closer inspection (as close as possible from his seat) Lan could see her mind was elsewhere. She may fool the other two, but he knew she was distracted. He knew here long enough to recognise the truth behind her disguises. He wasn't as dense as people thought... not much.

Lan suddenly became aware that he was now staring at Maylu. Fortunately, no one caught him, so his gaze returned safely to his burger covered in fork marks. Suddenly, as he stared at the punctured burger bun an idea clicked in his brain. He knew how to repair the damage he'd caused, and also hopefully tell Maylu how he felt about her. He just needed some help from his nowhere-in-sight navi. Where was Megaman when you needed him outside of World III trouble?

Just then the bell rang for the final session of the day. Lan groaned inaudibly and lifted himself from his seat. His stomach grumbled hungrily, but he couldn't comply with its needs at that moment. He needed some help from rescuing himself from his predicament, and there was only one navi to turn to. One navi to rule them all. Lan just hoped it wasn't too late...

Lord Cynic: "Eh... sorry if it sounds like Lan-bashing to some extent. I guess I might've gone overboard. Anyone else think so? Anyways, there's the next chapter. Kinda long-winded, but the finale will be next, focussed mainly on the detention. Dun dun dun... Lord Cynic, logging out."