Netto walked into his house and sighed. Being stressed was not a new thing for Netto but being stressed over the prospect of dancing with one of his best friends was something new, Netto had to admit. As he took off his shoes in the main hall Netto called out a dull "I'm home." To anyone who might be there.
Haruka, who was in the kitchen and currently making some white sauce spaghetti, heard Netto when he shut the door. "Welcome back, honey!" she said.
Netto walked into the doorway of the small kitchen. "I'm going upstairs, I'm a little tired." He said faking a yawn.
Haruka looked concerned. "You're not hungry, dear?" she asked
Netto shook his head. "Maybe later." Then he left the kitchen and went upstairs. Netto shut the door behind him and Haruka wondered what was the matter with Netto.
Netto walked into his room and plugged Rockman into his computer. Then he did a belly flop onto his bed pushing his face into his comforter.
"Netto-kun, are you okay?" asked Rockman
"Mmphmmphmphm mhppm mhpphmhm…" said Netto
"I'm sorry, I don't speak bed." Said Rockman hinting a smile.
Netto brought his face out of his bed and turned so he faced Rockman. "I said 'I wonder if Enzan had thought about us dancing.'"
"Still thinking about that?" asked Rockman
Netto nodded and flipped onto his back. "I mean, it's just weird. He's my best friend and now we're practically going on a date, you know? It just makes me think."
"Does it hurt?" teased Rockman
Netto stuck his tongue at his brother, then he looked thoughtful "Ne, Rockman, do you ever think about Blues?" he asked suddenly.
Rockman looked startled. "W-what do you mean?"
"I don't know, like being more than friends or something." Said Netto
"You're being awfully insightful tonight, Netto-kun." Said Rockman; obviously avoiding the question.
Netto shrugged. "I don't know, I mean I just had to spend the whole day pretending I was a girl. It just made me wonder that's all."
Rockman nodded and Netto turned on his side away from Rockman. There was complete silence for about ten minutes before there was a soft knock at the door. Netto turned over and looked at the door. "Netto, can I come in?" asked Haruka.
"Yes." Said Netto. Haruka came in bearing a tray of her cooking and set it on the table next to Netto's computer.
"Are you all right?" asked Haruka. She came over and sat on the bed, obliging Netto to sit up. When he did Haruka put a hand to his forehead. "Are you feeling sick?" she asked. Rockman sniggered; Netto threw him a dirty look and shook his head. "Well, are you feeling all right, is anything wrong?"
"I have a," Netto paused, searching for the right phrase "difficult mission tomorrow." He finished.
Haruka smiled sadly. Contrary to what she showed her sons, she was in an almost constant state of worry, for her two boys to be so young and yet have such huge responsibilities. She always worried that they might get into some kind of trouble that they couldn't get out of one day. To hear Netto talk about a mission, albeit vaguely was a rare occurrence for Haruka. She knew they hid most of the details from her, so as to not worry her, although it only made her worry more. She pulled Netto into her arms and was surprised when he didn't try to escape or complained when she did so. Instead Netto sighed and leaned into her embrace surprising Haruka even more.
"Care to elaborate on your 'difficult mission?'" she asked.
"Netto-kun and Enzan-san have to split off from me and Blues. They're pulling it solo tomorrow." Said Rockman, saving Netto from thinking of an excuse.
"I see." Said Haruka. She certainly did see; she knew there was more to it then that. Netto wasn't nervous and neither was Rockman. She was sure it had something to do with the fact that Netto would be with Enzan alone. Although she didn't push for an elaboration on the comment, she decided that she would find out exactly what was going on from Mejin-san.
Haruka smiled tightening her loose embrace into a hug. Netto didn't protest and Haruka ruffled his hair. "Well, can you blame me for thinking you were sick? Turning down dinner like that, you almost gave me a heart attack." She joked.
Netto smiled and pulled out of her grip and went over to the plate of food she brought in. He looked down at its contents and smelled it. "Smells great mama, I'll eat it as soon as I finish talking with Rockman."
Haruka nodded. "All right, make sure you tell me when you're leaving tomorrow, all right?"
"Yeup!" Netto said brightly, returning to his old self. "Thanks for the food, mama!" he said cheerfully.
Haruka seemed to get some peace from Netto's mood twist and went back downstairs, shutting the door behind her.
Netto picked up his fork and started to eat the delicious noodles. Rockman laughed, "I thought you we're going to talk to me, Netto-kun."
Netto swallowed a large bite with some difficulty. "Yeah, well, it smelled too good. Anyways, I didn't think you would mind."
Rockman pretended to be indignant and crossed his arms. "Well, fine then!" he said. In truth he was glad that Netto had returned to his normal personality, maybe they would get through it after all.
After eating his dinner, Netto decided to get ready for bed. Soon he was under his covers and really to fall asleep, but not after asking Rockman one more time.
"Ne Rockman, you never answered my question. Do you think about Blues?" he said looking at Rockman in his PET.
Rockman sighed. "Yes, Netto-kun, I do. Now, go to sleep, big day tomorrow." He said
Netto snorted into his pillow. Then he pulled the covers around his shoulders and up to his chin, twenty minutes later he was asleep.
Rockman though about his answer for a few hours after Netto had drifted into dreamland. Lots of things to think about, yet they could most likely wait until after their mission. After Rockman was tired of his could searching, he entered into stasis mode until morning came.
Netto woke up the next morning to his curtains being pulled back. The blinding light went through his eyelids as if they weren't there. Netto winced and rolled away from the window pulling his covers more tightly around him.
Enzan, who had come into Netto's room three minutes prior sighed. "Netto, wake up, we need to get ready."
"Mphm mhm mhmmphm…." Said Netto sleepily.
"What?" asked Enzan
There came no reply, only a soft snore telling Enzan that Netto had fallen back asleep. "Come on Netto." He said shaking Netto's shoulder. "We need to go get our costumes and leave, or we'll never get there on time."
Netto woke up enough this time to talk semi-coherently. "Enzan, it's morning, we have until 5 to get ready." He said preparing to go back to sleep.
"Netto, it's 11:30, you need to get out of bed now!" he said
Netto registered the fact that it was almost noon, and then he decided he didn't really care. "Whatever." He said
Enzan viciously pulled the covers off of Netto making him curl up into a ball so as to avoid the incoming cold. Enzan thought this looked invariably cute but decided to ignore that thought. Wait, did he just think Netto was cute?
"Go away." Netto groaned.
Enzan dropped Netto's sheets to the floor and pushed him off the bed. He landed with a loud thump on the sheets that Enzan threw down before. Netto, sensing an opportunity pulled the sheets over him and pretended to go back to sleep. Enzan sighed "Get up Netto, we have to get ready." He said in an almost pleading tone.
Netto sighed and picked himself off the floor. "Fine, let me just get dressed first."
Netto was dressed and ready to go in five minutes, a lot shorter then Enzan thought. Rockman finally came out of stasis mode when Netto picked up his PET. "Ready to go, Rockman?" asked Netto
Rockman rubbed his eyes and gave Netto a sleepy smile. "Yeup, let's go Netto-kun." Netto laughed and put his PET in it's holder around his belt.
Netto went downstairs and said the promised good bye to his mom. Haruka ruffled Netto's hair. She was surprised that it wasn't in its trademark bandana, but she didn't say anything. "Good luck, Netto."
Netto nodded and gave her a broad grin. "Don't worry mama, I'll be home pretty late but I'll see you soon."
Haruka gave him a quick hug before he went out the door. Enzan gave a polite bow to Haruka and followed Netto.
Netto got into Enzan's car first and was followed by Enzan. As they went to the dress place Netto thought of something. "Enzan, how did you get inside my house?" he asked.
"I knocked on the door and your mother let me in. I sent you an e-mail to meet me at ten. When you didn't come by eleven I went over your house." He said
"Oh."
The rest of the car trip was spent in silence.
Netto and Enzan were once again sent to separate rooms to get ready. First Netto had his hair messed with by Kira to make it a little curlier. "Your hair needs body," she said "You don't want it sticking straight up at a ball." Then Netto had to once again put on the 'death dress' as he dubbed it and came out to Kira. She gave a squeal of delight and handed Netto his mask. "Oh you look stunning, dear!" she said
Netto blushed. "Th-thank you…" he mumbled.
"Aren't you going to wear the shoes that go with your dress?" she asked.
Netto looked at Kira, hoping she wouldn't notice. The dancing shoes that were supplied with the dress didn't look very comfortable, and since the dress reached the floor he felt that it was somewhat redundant to wear them.
Kira noticed Netto's silence and tutted. "Come on, they go with the dress, and it will make the dress easier to walk in, I hemmed the bottom to fit with the shoes."
Netto sighed and put on the shoes in front of Kira, maybe he could switch later. "Much better!" Kira cheered. "Now, you don't want to be late so I suggest you get going."
'Be late? It's only 1:30, we still have a lot of time.' Thought Netto. He would have to ask Enzan about it later. Carrying his mask he made his way to the door. Only too stumble and almost fall. Kira managed to catch him before he went face first into the carpet, but that wasn't saying much.
"My goodness, you act like you've never worn dancing slippers before." She said
'I haven't.' thought Netto irritably. "Well, the dress is kind of hard to move in." he said through his teeth.
Rockman allowed himself a small giggle at Netto's expense.
Enzan finally finished putting on his costume and looked in the mirror. He didn't look bad, he just wasn't very comfortable.
"Enzan-sama, are you ready?" asked Blues
Enzan nodded. "Let's get this over with." He said. Enzan left his room and walked into the main hall where Mrs. Worthington was waiting.
"Oh! You look so handsome!" she said in her loud voice.
"Thank you." Enzan said, trying not to sound impolite.
"Well, now if Hikaru-chan would come out, we could send you off." She said smiling. "Though I'm sure the wait will be worth it."
"Yes, I'm sure." Repeated Enzan, might as well be as monosyllabic as possible, he didn't want to say the wrong thing.
The door knob to Netto's room turned and a blushing Netto stumbled out. Enzan's eyes widened as Netto vainly tried to straighten himself. He felt a fine heat creep over his cheeks as Netto looked at him.
"What are you looking at?" asked Netto
Enzan decided not to answer the somewhat rude question, and he was saved by Mrs. Worthington's gushing.
"Oh! Hikaru-chan, you look so lovely! I'm sure you two will be the best looking couple at the ball, if I do say so myself." She said. Netto blushed and nodded. He didn't even want to think about anything but the mission being over. "Well, does Enzan-chan have anything to say?" prompted Mrs. Worthington.
Enzan tried to keep a straight face, and simultaneously he tried not to blush as he said "You look very nice, Hikaru."
"Thank you Enzan." Said Netto coldly.
Mrs. Worthington either didn't notice or chose to ignore the obvious little battle going on. "Well, it seems that you two should go, don't want to be late you know!"
"How far away is this thing?" asked Netto
"About three hours." Said Enzan. "So we need to go." He turned and started to walk towards the door.
"O-oh…" said Netto. Three hours was a long car ride, especially with Enzan. Netto started to follow but one of his shoes got snagged on the hem of his dress and he started to pitch forward again. Netto gave out a little cry but he found himself wrapped tightly in Enzan's arms. Netto looked up at Enzan, their faces were very close, Netto started to panic and he felt his temperature rise several degrees. Netto stood up and gently pushed Enzan away. "Th-thank y-you…" he said.
"N-no problem…" came Enzan's reply.
Together they quickly walked out of the hall and into the waiting car, not saying a word.
"Awww, wasn't that cute." Said Mrs. Worthington
They entered the car red faced and dead silent. They sat facing each other in the limo but quickly avoided each others gaze. Netto set his mask on the seat next to him and looked out of the window, trying to gain what little composure he had left. The first hour and a half was spent in silence, which amazed Rockman. Never before had Netto been awake, and not talking. Enzan was also surprised, but glad for the time to think, he was busy building a strategy in his mind and he needed absolute quiet, not something he got around Netto very often.
After so long, Netto started to get antsy, he couldn't help it. He twisted his hands under the folds of his dress. Not that he'd ever show Enzan, but he was very nervous about the upcoming mission. Seeing Enzan's costume made him feel much better though, Enzan was right, his costume was pretty bad. At least Netto didn't have to wear tights. Thinking of the good things and the "at leasts" made his mood lift considerably. The prospect of dancing was still looming in his mind but he brushed it aside with thoughts of the dinner that mama was cooking upon his return.
/ Netto-kun, we're probably not going to make it home for dinner./ Said Rockman
/Aww, Rockman, don't spoil my good mood./ Said Netto, giving Rockman a mental grin.
The action seemed to put Rockman at ease for the first time in over 24 hours. Netto seemed to be regaining his normal personality again. What a mixed blessing.
Enzan watched Netto "talk" with his brother. Truly it was fascinating to watch, He wasn't sure if Netto know, but he made some of the most amusing faces when they talked. Most of the time it was undetectable and Netto just sat there, unnaturally silent and still. But everyone once in awhile Rockman must end up telling Netto something that either makes him laugh or angry and he would make the most hilarious faces. They lasted only about a second and Netto was very good at masking when he was talking to Rockman, and of course Rockman couldn't be seen. Enzan never even noticed that when he looked at Netto, watching his "chat" that Netto was watching him as well.
/Hey Rockman, why is Enzan staring at us/ asked Netto
/Well, technically he's staring at you, but I have no idea./
/It's kind of creepy, maybe he fell asleep with his eyes open./ Netto thought for a second. /Is that possible/
/Yes, Netto-kun, but Enzan is conscious. I think he might only be zoned out or something./
/Oh…./ Netto sighed out loud. Then he leaned over to stare at Enzan to see if he really was awake. His dress made a "whoosh" sound as the air escaped the immense folds of fabric. Enzan blinked, Netto either missed this or chose to ignore it. Instead he waved his hand in front of Enzan's face. "Helloooooo?"
Enzan jumped as the giant hand invaded his personal space. When he looked up he say Netto leaning towards him, his boyish face was offset by his unusually tame hair. It seemed that Netto had actually let someone near his hair with a brush. An amazing turn of events as far as Enzan was concerned; Netto didn't let anyone tell him what to do with his hair, not even Rockman.
"Hello?" Netto asked again
Enzan zoned out a lot, caught up in his own thoughts but he was jerked to his senses by Netto's loud voice. "Yes?"
"You were staring at me." Said Netto
"Oh; sorry. I was thinking about how your hair was actually brushed."
"Yeah, yeah." Said Netto; falling back into his seat making his dress fan out and crossing his arms.
Enzan gave a small grin in spite of himself. "You know, sitting like that will make it harder to breathe in that dress."
"I don't care." Muttered Netto; avoiding eye contact with Enzan.
There was a silence that stretched for several minutes.
"So, are you nervous?" Enzan asked suddenly.
Netto looked at Enzan, a little surprised by the question. "W-what do you mean?"
"Well, there are a lot of things that could go wrong with this mission. Are you scared at all?"
Netto snorted. "Not likely, I'm more worried about getting embarrassed."
"Netto-kun, I don't think you need to worry about that." Said Rockman sarcastically.
"Why not?" asked Netto, missing the sarcasm in its entirety.
Enzan was highly amused as Netto fought to understand the private joke at his expense.
"Rockman, answer my question!"
"Netto-kun, I did. Think about it."
Netto opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Enzan. "Netto, what did you mean by embarrassment?"
Netto opened and closed his mouth trying to think of an answer without saying something he might regret later. "Well, you know……"
"No, I don't. Or I wouldn't be asking you."
"Well…" Netto looked to the side, unsure of what to say. "What if we have to dance?"
Enzan blinked, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind. Netto was right, what if, under some odd circumstance, they had to dance? What would they do?
Netto guessed what Enzan was thinking. "Never thought about it, did you?"
Enzan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Well, let's just avoid that circumstance."
"And if we can't?"
"Well, dance I guess. You do know how to dance, right?"
"Yes, what kind of question is that?"
"No, I mean, do you know how to waltz?"
"Waltz?"
Enzan resisted the urge to facefault. "Yeah, we're going to a ball. Normally at balls people dance ballroom dances, waltz, foxtrot, etc."
Netto looked at Enzan like he was speaking a foreign language. "Then no, I've never danced like that before."
Enzan shook his head. Netto though dancing was bouncing in time to music, he had no idea what a waltz was, how close you had to be. Enzan's face burned just thinking about it.
"Enzan?" Netto asked
"Never mind, if it really does come to that then just follow my lead."
"Is that all?"
"Well, I really can't teach you in here. If you want to learn, find out yourself."
Netto blushed. "No thanks."
"Okay then. Now we'll be there in about ten to twenty minutes, get ready to send Rockman into the mainframe undetected."
Netto giggled. "Yes, sir!" he said jokingly. This earned his a withering glare from Enzan.
/Well, the car ride is over./ said Rockman.
Netto sighed mentally. /Yeah, and that was the easy part./
Rockman "smiled" / My advice, hide in a corner and pray no one sees you./
/Some advice./ Netto snorted.
Thirteen minutes later they pulled up to a huge mansion, with a night sky of lights shining upon the colored river of guests going inside. Netto stared out the tinted window in wonder, looking at the amazing colors and interesting costumes.
"Shot your mouth and put on your mask. It would be bad if someone recognized you."
Netto flipped around in his seat and grudgingly put on his mask.
"So, ready?" asked Enzan
Netto nodded.
Netto and Enzan walked up the large marble steps into the large marble hallway. Netto dancing slipper clicked on the marble tile and Enzan haled silently along. They had about a two foot distance between then, Netto looked around and saw all of the couple around them; the females clinging to their partners' arms and all of the males wrapping their arms around the females' waists. 'Like hell that is gonna happen.' Thought Netto
They emerged from the vast hall into a glorious ballroom. Crystal chandeliers dotted the ceiling every ten feet, a large food table stretched along the west wall, people danced to live classical music and they picture perfect host greeted the newcomers. Netto tried to sneak past the pompous youth to make it to an internet connection. The whole "going to a ball with one of my best friends: thing was kind of pointless if Rockman and Blues didn't get into the bet. But, Netto was quickly spotted by the host and slithered over to make his greeting to the younger "girl." Netto looked into a pair of icy blue eyes, and found himself being the subject of a warm smile that did nothing to chance the temperature of his vision. "Hello miss, are you here alone?" he asked, extending a white, long fingered hand.
Netto gaped at the offered hand, at a loss for words. Enzan looked around and saw Netto's current predicament, a sigh escaped from his lips not even a minute there and he was already ankle deep in trouble. Netto continued gaping openly at the offered hand, Enzan glided over and stood next to Netto. "She is my partner." Said Enzan
The host slowly withdrew his offered hand and overlooked Enzan amusingly. "You don't look like a couple."
Netto finally found his voice. "We are NOT a couple."
"So you're free?"
Netto blushed scarlet and Enzan grabbed his hand. "Come on." He said. Netto nodded and for the first time in his life, followed someone willingly.
When they had gotten out of earshot of the "gracious host" Enzan laid the verbal smack down. "Netto, you need to be more careful, he probably knows to look out for Net Saviors and policemen here. Stay away from him."
Netto growled. "Enzan, I did. The guy is like a friggin snake!"
Enzan sighed, a small laugh coming at the end. "All right, let's just get the first part over with. Ready Blues?"
"Yes, Enzan-sama."
"You ready, Rockman?"
"Yes, Netto-kun. Just be careful okay?"
Netto grinned. "Will do."
Enzan put a finger to his lips, indicating that they were too loud. Netto nodded and continued to follow Enzan.
/Netto-kun, there's a port over by the sound equipment./ said Rockman
"Rockman says that there is a port by the sound equipment." Said Netto quietly.
"Okay, we'll just pretend we're going to get something to eat."
They walked to the far side of the wall and walked to the west wall, on the way sending two invisible infra red beams into the sound cards. /Good luck, nii-san./ said Netto
/I promise. Just don't get into any more trouble./
Netto grinned. /Hey do I ever/
Rockman groaned, then closed off the link. "They've started." Said Netto
Enzan nodded.
Netto and Enzan were both doing very good jobs of being wallflowers. Amazingly enough neither had been bothered, most likely because they were two twelve year olds. Most of the people in the room ranged from mid teens to mid twenties. Netto and Enzan were in the minority.
"Yeah, our age definitely helps us blend in." said Enzan after scoping out the other people in the room.
Netto sighed, ignoring the sarcasm from Enzan. "Please tell me I don't have to dance."
Enzan smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. As long as we say we're a couple, people will leave us alone."
"Thank god."
"Ummmm… Netto? Can you contact Rockman?" asked Enzan
Netto looked at Enzan. "Not when we're far apart. I can sense him, but as far as exchanging thoughts go, I would most likely only get a bad headache."
"Is it really that hard?"
"Well, duh! Can you read Blues' mind?"
Enzan thought about it. Netto was right; there must be some kind of mental repercussions to be able to do what they could. If distance played a factor, then Enzan wasn't surprised.
Netto placed his elbows on his knees and cupped his chin in his palms. He looked out at the couples twirling around the dance floor. Enzan prodded him. "I'd sit up if I were you. That can't be comfortable."
Netto made a face. "I don't care.
Enzan sighed. "Fine. I'll just go get some punch then."
"Whatever."
Enzan got up and walked over to the far end of the hall to get the referred drink. As soon as he was out of ear shot, Netto found himself looking at a hand place in front of his face. He looked up into the arctic eyes of the host. Netto must have worn a puzzled expression because the host said "Care to dance?"
Netto was tired of being polite and being nice; without Enzan there to tell him what to do he just out right shoot his head, but saying a word. A glimmer of amusement flashed across his eyes as he withdrew his hand. "May I inquire as to why not?"
"I don't know who you are, you're at least five years older then me and I don't know how to dance."
He laughed loudly at the last comment and looked at Netto with a strange air of respect. "Well, my name is James Menson, I an indeed 17 years old and I can teach you if you wish.
Netto became speechless at the retort and his brain seemed to shut down in a desperate attempt to understand what was going on. In his moment of weakness, Netto felt himself being pulled towards the ballroom floor. Netto pulled on his hand stuttering. "W-wait a minute…" Thankfully, Enzan came to his rescue holding two glasses of punch. Netto had never been so glad to see Enzan in his life.
"My friend and I were going out on the balcony to have some punch." Enzan said coolly.
James flashed a dazzling movie star grin. "Well then, I guess we'll have to dance some other time," he winked "Hikaru-chan."
Netto became furious as James turned his back, but before Netto could yell something he might regret; Enzan put a hand on his shoulder. "Netto, please. Just come with me and don't say a thing." He whispered into his ear.
Netto grudgingly followed Enzan out side. He took the drink that was offered him and drank the fruity liquid gratefully. After a few silent minutes, Enzan spoke. "Netto, you have to be more careful. That guy is probably already suspicious that we are spies."
Netto snorted. "Yeah right. We're not spies; we're two kids with PET's that know how to use them."
Enzan raised his eyebrow. "Since when do you have modesty?"
Netto laughed. "Modesty? I don't have any idea what you're talking about. What I meant was that we've never gone to a special school to learn our skills. We're geniuses!" Netto punched a fist into the air to emphasize his point.
For the first time since Enzan could remember he burst out laughing. Netto stares in shock at his shaking frame. "Uhhhh…"
"Never mind." Enzan calmed down. "I swear, you say the weirdest things."
Netto crossed his arms. "Gee thanks." He said dryly.
"I was meant as a compliment. Now, to make sure that guy doesn't come back; think we should try one dance?"
Netto shook his head. "No, because there is still the issue that I can't dance.
Enzan sighed. "I could teach you…" he said slowly.
Netto had a worried look on his face. "I don't know…"
"Do you want to dance with the creepy guy?"
"Hell no!"
"Well, maybe if he sees us dancing he'll leave you alone."
Netto thought it over. "Well, as long as you promise to never tell anyone."
Enzan nodded. "You promise the same thing."
Netto nodded back and they walked into the loud room together.
Netto and Enzan were standing awkwardly in the middle of the room an arm's length apart. "I can't believe I agreed to this." Said Netto through gritted teeth as a waltz began.
Enzan smiled weakly. "Well, at least no one is looking."
"Yeah, right."
"Just be quiet and follow my lead." Enzan held Netto's hands and started to lead him in time to the music. After a few stumbles Enzan finally said "Netto, count. Waltzing is by threes."
"I'm trying. Did you think I was kidding when I said I couldn't dance!"
Enzan vainly hid a grin. "No, but at least try."
"Again, I am!" he hissed.
Some girls looked at the awkward dance. "Isn't that cute! They've got to only be like 11 or 12."
"The girl isn't doing very well." One observed. The other two nodded in agreement.
James came over and clapped his hands on two of the girls' shoulders. "Well, how are you fine young ladies doing tonight?"
The three giggled simultaneously. "We're fine. Just watching the kids dance." Said one
James looked over to where Netto and Enzan were dancing. "Well, isn't that cute?"
Netto and Enzan stopped after one dance and sat back down on a couch.
"Let's never do that again." Said Netto, blushing.
"Agreed. You really can't dance can you?"
"S-shut up." Said Netto, glaring at Enzan.
"Was it really that bad?"
"No…" Netto said slowly. "It would have been better if those girls didn't point and giggle the whole time."
Enzan nodded. "I agree with you there."
Netto sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "I wonder how Rockman and Blues are doing?"
Blues and Rockman were having a very successful mission up to that point. No problems, encodes were easy to decode, no viruses, everything was a hacker's dream. Every reason was given to them to be at ease, but if anything they were even more nervous. The tense air became even more think as they met little resistance into the main chamber where the data was kept.
"It's a trap." Whispered Rockman
Blues nodded his agreement and silently glided over to the capsule holding the data. The files floated easily with no resistance or showing of any security programs. Blues tripled his senses and did an in depth virus scan.
"Anything?" Rockman asked.
Blues nodded. "There's a Freeze Frame virus in the capsule holding the data. The slightest pressure could cause it to explode."
"Anything else?" Rockman wasn't quite ready to relax.
Blues shook his head. "Nothing my sensors can pick up."
"Are you sure?"
Blues gave a small grin. "Not really."
Rockman almost facefaulted. "Gee, thanks for the support. You're really calming my nerves." He whispered loudly.
Blues didn't answer, but allowed himself a small laugh. Then he reached down and slowly pulled the clear capsule off, taking great care not to actually trigger the virus encased inside. Rockman went over and picked up the data, being just as careful, just in case.
"Got it?" asked Blues through gritted teeth. Rockman nodded not taking his eyes off the data. "Okay, let's get out of here…"
"I don't think so." Said a haughty voice.
Blues and Rockman looked up to see the face of the teenage human that had terrorized Netto when they first came in. He gave a small smile and his eyes glittered with malice. "Oh, don't worry. Your operators will soon be joining you." He pressed a button off screen and the container Blues was holding desinigrated. The small data pieces latched onto the .EXE programs; the two navis never had a chance. Rockman and Blues collapsed on the floor quickly and went into emergence repair mode to prevent further damage.
/Netto-kun…"
Netto gave a start as the gentle presence was abruptly cut off.
Enzan looked at Netto, surprised by his jump. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know..." Netto decided to try to contact Rockman. /Rockman…/ he pushed his thoughts through the link, but the distance made it difficult to do anything, even one word was hard to communicate. After three more tries Netto reached his mental limit and was forced to open his eyes.
Enzan looked at him, a little worried. "Can you…"
Netto shook his head. "Rockman is in come kind of sleep mode, he won't respond."
"Crap. They must've been caught."
"Maybe Blues got away?"
Enzan looked very upset. "I… have no idea." Then he looked at Netto. "Are you okay?"
Netto was caught off guard by the question. "What do you mean?"
"You said it was hard to contact Rockman over a large distance. Did you meet any problems?"
Netto shrugged. "I have a have ache, but that's not important. What about Rockman, and Blues? They could be in big trouble!"
Enzan sighed. "Okay, I'm gonna sneak into the back to see if Blues is still online. If he isn't then we'll gave to call for backup."
Netto looked pretty upset; he hated giving up. But, he nodded his consent to the plan.
"I'll be back in ten minutes." Said Enzan. "If I'm not back by then, go for help." Then before Netto could respond he took off towards the doors.
Neither one noticed that they were being watched.
Enzan walked down the empty hall peeking in doors and looking for anything that might lead him to the missing navis. He thought that if he was caught snooping then how could just say he was a wayward dinner guest looking for the bathroom. As he wandered deeper and deeper into the halls he began to wander if he really was lost, the place was built like a maze. He eventually found the main hall and the only unlocked door; he became very nervous because he knew that it was a trap. 'Well,' he thought 'It's always worth a chance.'
Famous last thoughts.
The second Enzan stepped into the room, he say two monitors where Blues and Rockman were being held. The two navis were still in stasis mode as Enzan cautiously walked over to them. He figured if he could wake up Blues then he might have a chance. He would just have to take the chance that he wasn't being monitored.
Enzan linked into the computer with his PET and started to reboot Blues' frozen flies. Some were too damaged by the virus to be unfrozen, but luckily none of the files were too major or necessary.
"Blues, come on." Enzan said in a pained whisper.
On the main PET screen he saw Blues' "vitals" rise and come online. "Okay… just a little more." Enzan coaxed.
"Oh, I don't think so." Said a voice.
Enzan spun around and came face to face with James. "You!" he gasped
Jason took a mock bow and spoke with a flagrant tone. "It is I! Indeed, you certainly are a slippery little brat. I still managed to catch you though, and soon we'll catch your little girlfriend too."
"You leave N… Hikaru out of this!"
"Awwwww, aren't you protective?" he took a step towards Enzan, making his take a step back. "Don't worry, you'll see her soon. I've been expecting Net Agents for some time. Though," he said with a laugh "I must say I never expected a pair of kids!"
Not much got under Enzan's skin, but being called a kid was definitely one of his pet peeves. He glared at his captor, his hands shaking.
James held up his own hands in a mock gesture of being scared. "My my, don't we have a short temper? However, it doesn't matter, I happen to be the one on top of this situation." He slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out an unmarked disk. "And this is staying with me. So now, I bid you goodnight." He gave another bow and left the room, the door hissing shut behind him. Enzan ran over in a vain attempt to escape.
"NO!" he yelled, in a rare fit of temper. But before he could even react to that, he heard the hiss of gas entering the room. Before he lost consciousness, he did the only thing he could do. Warn Netto.
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FEAR the long chapter FEAR IT I SAY!
I'm sooo sorry for not updating this one faster. I hope you liked it
