Disclaimer: I don't own MegaMan, just this horribly alternate-universe
storyline.
Author's Notes: It could take quite a while for the next chapter, just so you know. Thanks to all who reviewed. Enzan will be coming in a future chapter, but not as what you might think. And I tried doing dialogue separate, it's hard. I'll do it when I learn how. This may be horribly formatted. It's the computer I used to type it on.
Chapter 13; Christmas Presents
MegaMan was walking through the streets, observing other families through the windows of their homes. Children were given gift-wrapped boxes from under the tree, and when they opened them, inside were toys, coloring books,crayons, stuffed animals or dolls... a surprise that seemed to fit their personalities exactly. Some of the families were praying over dinner, before dishing out the food at the dining room table.
If only he could have that kind of dinner with his operator's family. He wondered a lot of things... he felt a lot of things were his fault... he felt terrible for running out and having not turned back when Netto had called him... he felt terrible for losing it at the kitchen table... felt terrible for staying out of the PET for so long... but what else could he have done? Held it in? There wasn't space in there anymore... With the demon threatening to take control again, it took nearly everything he had to keep it locked inside... it was slowly becoming a losing battle, what with all the negative thoughts and events going on lately...
MegaMan walked towards the center of ACDC town, where he stopped to look at the magnificent [INSERT SIZE HERE] tree, decorated with green and red lights, along with a string or two of white. A golden star was placed on the top, and from where he stood, it looked like it blended in with the rest of the stars in the sky.
He sighed, and was about to leave the sight when a hand placed itself on his shoulder. Startled, he turned to face whoever it was that was present there with him. Surprised, he found that it was Netto's dad. He backed up after brushing his hand off his shoulder, and looked a bit upset. Yuuchirou raised his hands to calm him down. "Hold on, I just came to talk." He said. Mega thought about it, before coming a bit closer.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your dinner like that... I know that it's an important part of the holidays." MegaMan said, and Yuuchirou shook his head. "Forget about it. It's nothing. That's not the reason why I want to talk with you. You see... you're MegaMan, right? The NetNavi?" MegaMan stiffened, and looked to be about ready to start a fight, like he was defending something. "What if I am?" He said. Netto's dad simply smiled. "Relax, I'm on your and Lan's side." Mega seemed to believe him, since he wasn't suspicious about him or anything like Netto's mom had been.
"There are many people out there who want you deleted." Yuuchirou broke the news to him. Mega's eyes widened, stunned. "What?!" "All of the Officials want you dead, after you destroyed the Net. All the programs and NetNavis on the Net know about it, and will report to the Officials when they see you. But they couldn't find you yet, because I suppose you've been out here in the real world with Lan."
Mega took in all this information. He'd had no idea that the NetBattler Association would want to delete him, but it made sense... he was the one who annihilated the Net in that rampage...
"I don't know how you were able to gain a human form, but I'm glad that you did. Lan told me how you helped him get better after he got sick, and how you helped him out on his homework when he couldn't get to school. He told me so much about you, but never anything out of the ordinary. He wouldn't talk about the incident... not even a word. It seemed really important that the details be kept secret." He continued. MegaMan let out a sigh of relief; he was glad that Netto hadn't told anyone about that event and what had followed.
"He did tell me that you two were involved in the fightings with the WWW. Though I am mad about that, I'm sure that Lan just wanted to do something about the NetCrime issues. I suppose that they're out chasing you?" Yuuchirou asked. "Yes, they are. It's been peaceful lately, though." MegaMan said. "They want you badly, from what the Officials have observed. It may be peaceful now, but they're just taking the time they need to hatch their new plan." Dad said. "Do you have any idea why they would be after you? Maybe I could help you shake them, if you tell me." Came the question.
Mega looked him in the eye, and sighed. "It's something I'd like to keep secret for now..." He said. Dad frowned. "They're going to keep chasing you..." he said. Mega looked at him again, and dad took a step back. "...Fine. There's problems with my memory... I don't know what my purpose was... and I might be directly involved with the WWW." MegaMan said. Dad listened with utmost interest.
"When they brainwashed me, there were memories that came back... me in the lab being experimented on by them, me being used... and when I came to again I was certain that the WWW had created me... and they must want me back. It must have something to do with whatever my creation was intended for..." Mega said aloud. Dad gaped at what he had just told him. "Have you told Lan any of this?" He asked. Mega shook his head rapidly. "No! He must not know. I do not wish to hurt him in any way. I am afraid that what I feel will seriously hurt him... especially the fact that I could be a part of the whole WWW's scheme." He nearly shouted. Dad was silent. MegaMan shook his head again. "I... I don't know. He has to be told, but just not now..." Yuuchirou placed a hand on Mega's shoulder again.
"What do you say we go back? Dinner's getting cold." He smiled at the troubled NetNavi, who looked up at him with a surprised look on his face. "Really?" "Yes. Right after we find Lan though, he's still out there looking all over for you." Dad said. Green eyes widened before they tore away from Dad. "NETTO-KUN!!!!" Mega yelled in the streets, running where he felt Netto would be. Dad followed him, but was falling behind; the NetNavi was making too much distance in too short a time.
"Netto!! Where are you?!" MegaMan again called his name. He'd already been down several streets and was about ready to cover another. He crossed through an alleyway and took a look at the street before him. A person was bundled under a snow-covered stop sign at the end of the road, coughing as if trying to regain their voice. "Me...ga...man..." Mega barely heard the whispering call of his name. "Netto-kun!!!" MegaMan ran to the fallen figure, who tried to pull himself up at the sound of his name. "Netto!" Mega threw his arms around the stiffly frozen Netto, his jacket covered with white snow. "Where were you?! I was worried sick!" Netto rasped. Mega looked at him, smiling. "Sorry... now let's go back... dinner's waiting..." Netto slung his arm over MegaMan's neck, and they both met dad halfway.
"Geez Netto-kun... don't come running after me..." Mega scolded him. He didn't like his best friend to be sick because of him. Netto shook his head, and laughed a bit, trudging along in the snow with the assistance of his friend. "It's my responsibility to bring you back home... that's where you belong, Mega." He said. Mega smiled a knowing smile. "I'll always come back, Netto-kun."
Netto and MegaMan sat back down in their seats at the kitchen table. Dad had talked mom into being more tolerant of the NetNavi during his stay here, but she still had her worries. Especially if Mega was the one who caused the damage on the Net. But it was Christmas dinner... No matter who was eating with them, they sure were welcome to. "Now, we can all dig in." Dad said. Mom had heated all the food back up again in the oven, so it was nice and piping hot.
Mega was the one who cut the Christmas goose, since he was the honored guest at the time. Dad was a close second. Netto watched him as the NetNavi cut the side of the goose, who was nervous at said peoples watching him so attentively. There was a huge sweatdrop forming on the side of his head, and Netto sure wasn't helping any with his drooling mouth looking at all the juices coming from the goose. MegaMan slipped a finger under his mouth and closed it for him, then smiled and put a slice of the juicy white meat on his operator's plate. He then passed the slices around after he had made enough cuts, and the food was passed around accordingly.
MegaMan cut into his goose politely and forked a chunk of it, and was about to put in into his mouth when Netto caught his eye... stuffing his face, as usual. Mom and dad weren't watching, since their eyes were locked in a loving gaze. MegaMan leaned over and tapped Netto on the shoulder, "Netto- kun, this is Christmas dinner!", and Netto stopped stuffing piece after piece of food in his mouth. With attentive eyes he watched as MegaMan showed him how he ate, and he followed his example. Slice, cut, chunk, mouth. Piece after piece. Netto thought it much better than scarfing the food down, and he began to feel embarrassed at the way he had eaten earlier. MegaMan smiled at him as he quickly finished his helping. Netto cast his eyes as his friend, and MegaMan knew that he was thanking him. Mega nodded his head as a 'you're welcome'.
The family ate a peaceful meal, greatly enjoying each other's company. Netto and Mega were helping mom in the kitchen wash the dishes and put the leftover food away for tomorrow's dinner. Dad was in the living room watching sports, or whatever he was watching. Mom was too busy to keep an eye on Netto's friend, though she had been told not to be so suspicious of him anyway.
After the last plate had been put back into the china cabinet, the family gathered in front of the tree. Dad sat in the chair while mom sat in a chair she had pulled in from the dining room. Netto kneeled down on the floor, while Mega followed his example, sitting cross-legged. He guessed this was the time when they would open presents, from what he had seen walking about the town. Somehow he knew that he would just be watching them open their gifts, that there would be no way that he would get one of his own.
Netto handed his mom a small box while he handed dad a long box that was giftwrapped in bright red paper. Mom covered her mouth in astonishment as she held up the colorful beaded bracelet than Netto had made for her. She promptly hugged him and kissed him as a thank you. Dad lifted up his present, which was a black and blue tie. He remembered that Netto had been with him when he'd glanced at it in the store. He gave his thoughtful son a big hug, and Netto smiled, returning the hug.
Netto then was handed his own present by his mom, that dad and her had bought him together. He excitedly opened the wrapping, after customarily shaking the box first, and opened the medium-sized box that was wrapped within. In it were school supplies and stationary, such as notebooks, pencils, pens, stapler, etc.! Being the A+ student that he was, Netto was way happy with what he got. He got up and hugged both his parents happilly.
MegaMan smiled cheerfully at his operator's happiness. It made him feel good that he was so joyous and happy. He shuffled the box in his hand around behind his back. He didn't know what Netto would think about it if he gave it to him, because of all that nice stuff that his parents got him. But Mega got up anyway, after telling himself to give it a shot, and handed it over to Netto, smiling as he did so. Netto's face lit up even more as he accepted the gift from the NetNavi, who was anxiously awaiting his reaction, whatever it might be. Eyes widened as he lifted the lid off the box. Inside was a blue and yellow book, that upon opening the covers, revealed white lined paper pages. "Oh my god! How did you know I wanted a journal?!" Netto exclaimed as he joyfully threw his friend into a loving hug. Mega was blushing a bright pink, and thankfully neither of Netto's parent's noticed.
"I was thinking you could write in there, and not in your notebooks all the time..." Mega said. Netto smiled up at him. "Thanks for thinking of that! Anyway, here's -your- present now!" Netto gleefully handed him small box from under the tree that was neatly covered in green giftwrap. Both his mom and dad watched them as they exchanged gifts. Mega was speechless, his mouth hanging open for some time now as he tried to regain the use of words. If this was his reaction now, who knows what his reaction will be when he opens it!
Netto was highly anticipating the opening of the gift, as Mega carefully undid the purple Christmas bow that was tied around it. The giftwrap was tossed with the other giftwrappings, and MegaMan was holding a gold box in his hands. Opening it, his eyes met with the distinctive shine of silver. A silver chain necklace... Mega felt the silver chain with his fingers, feeling its smooth texture. A wide smile was on his face the entire time, his eyes practically glistening with happiness. The last thing he thought that Netto would do would be to have gotten him a present.
"What do you think, Mega?" Netto's voice brought him out of his thoughts. Mega looked into his thoughtful and kind brown eyes, and smiled genuinely. "This is the first present I ever got... Thank you!" Mega embraced him in a big warm hug of appreciation, nearly knocking Netto over and on to the floor. Netto returned the hug, both friends smiling happilly. And while both boys were busy, mom and dad had gone into the living room to share a loving kiss between each other. This was one holiday that MegaMan wouldn't soon forget. After the hug was broken, the two of them were ready to go upstairs to prepare for bed. It was already past midnight, and there was a full day of fun awaiting them just around the bend.
Mega glanced up at the doorframe above the stairs. A cluster of green leaves with small red berries were hanging suspended from a small wire. Before he could ask Netto what they were and why they were hanging from up there, he was astonished to find that Netto had leaned over and kissed him on the cheek while he was in a daze. Netto pulled away after laughing lightly, and dashed up the stairs, leaving MegaMan flabbergasted. A hand moved itself up, brushing his cheek lightly, as if he would find something there. The spot still felt warm. A twinge of feeling rushed through the confused and hopeful NetNavi as he ran upstairs.
He opened the door, to find Netto on his bed on his stomach, laughing hysterically. Mega stood looking at his operator quizzically [puzzedly] from the doorway. "You should have seen the look on your face!" Was all Netto could get out, before he gave in to another bout of wild laughter. A tomato-red blush appeared on MegaMan's face. "Why did you do that back there?" He asked him when he had calmed down a bit. "Tradition is, you kiss whoever's under the mistletoe." Netto could only hold his laughter in for another second before he burst out again at the event. "Haha, you should have seen your face!" Again Netto fell to laughter. So those green leaves and berries were called mistletoe, huh. Mega was still blushing, Netto was still laughing, but the two gradually calmed down.
Mega sat down on the end of the bed next to Netto's feet. He was about to ask Netto what the kiss meant to him, even though it was only a mock kiss he guessed, but decided against it. Netto was still very high on sugar cookies and cake. Plus, he did know that Netto was very dense when it came to feelings of love. Which was very strange, since as a poet, Netto wrote very much about the subject. "Netto-kun, are you done laughing yet?" Mega muttered to him. Netto didn't answer him, and Mega looked over at him to see his friend jotting down an entry in his new journal.
Mega smiled, knowing that his friend was occupied at the moment, and took the necklace that was still clutched in his hand to his face. Looking at it, it was a chain of links that was nearly choker-style, but was still long enough to be hanging down the neck a bit close to the chest. MegaMan was about to put it on when he heard Netto say his name. "Mega, wait, before you put that on..." The now more quiet boy reached into his bed table's drawer, and brought out two rings. He handed the both of them to the speechless Navi, who rolled them around in his hand. Netto sat up, and taking the necklace, put the chain with the rings added on to it around his neck.
MegaMan looked down at the two rings dangling from his necklace. It was definitely weird having something around his neck, but he would most likely get used to it if he wore it for a bit. He was truly a lot happier with the two rings acting like pendants. Both were silver, but one had black crosses as a design, and the other was a high school ring with a blue gem in the middle. How Netto had gotten a hold of that one, he didn't know... but wasn't about to ask, either.
Mega threw his arms around him appreciatively, and Netto found himself blushing a color like that Christmas ornament that was hanging on the Christmas tree. Mega broke the hug to turn on the cd player in Netto's room, filling the area with rock music.
| Gob :– For the Moment
Go away, I'm afraid
With you, there could be no escape
I have no faith, I've seen truth and reason go down the drain
But I cling to you for survival and I know that you are my Bible
Get out, I'm scared, for the moment
But I know you'll be there
Well I'm scared for the moment
But I know you'll be there
By the way, things you say
Freak me out, I go out of my head
I feel no shame when I turn my back and walk away
But I cling to you for survival
And I know that you are my Bible
Get out, I'm scared for the moment
But I know you'll be there
Well I'm scared, for the moment
But I know you'll be there |
And then another song came on after that one had finished. Since it was a burned cd that the two of them had ILLEGALLY made, there were mixed songs on there. Netto wrote in his journal book, filling the pages with his neat writing, as the songs played. Megaman was sitting on the floor, leaning his back against the bed. Thoughts ran through his mind, though the songs were driving them out as quickly as they came. A daydream, that something would happen soon.
Glancing over at Netto, he was still writing in the new journal he had gotten him. Geez, he had a lot to write, having filled five pages already with sentences and words. Probably writing down all that had happened to himself during the past year. Secretly, Mega wished that he, too, had gotten one... but he didn't have the money. It was too dangerous for him to keep one, anyway. Where would he keep it? Oh well. Even if he didn't have a journal, he was glad that he had given Netto one. He desperately needed one, what with him writing his poetry in his school notebook and having the teachers getting him in trouble. Yawning brought him out of his thoughts, and he put his head down on his chest, realizing that he had been nodding off quite a while ago.
Netto's brown eyes cast themselves on the drowsy NetNavi, and he smiled. It had been a very busy and exciting day for the both of them. The only reason he was awake was because of the gigantic amount of sugar he had taken, and the desire to write as much of his thoughts down as he could. Glancing at the alarm clock on his dresser told him it was nearly 3'o clock in the morning. The sun would be up at 6am, welcoming a new day. Knowing that if they didn't get to bed soon, they'd be too exhausted to go sledding down the hill in the afternoon.
Placing an extra blanket over Megaman's shoulders, he was answered with a slight murmur. Holding back a light smile, Netto put his journal and his pen underneath his pillow for safe keeping, to keep others from reading it while he was asleep. Switching off his lamplight, the room was enveloped in darkness, the only light present was the light of the half-moon bouncing off the white snow on the ground outside. Placing his head on the pillow, he closed his eyes. A big day was lying ahead of him. Oh, if only he knew just how big a day it would be. But before Netto succumbed to the inviting sleep, he turned on the portable cd player on his dresser, and made it so that it would shut off after the song had ended. He thought, that a nice lullaby would do on Christmas Eve...
Digital Monsters: Christmas Illusion –
| We were always together no matter what, it all started with believing in each other
We were able to become stronger because we were together
Just for today we'll take a break from battles
Let's decorate the town on this holy night
Look, the stars are shining, let's begin, come on, let's begin
Let's sing, our Merry Christmas, let's paint the light of dreams
With the two of us and everyone together
Let's soar away, Merry Christmas, on our song
This joy will continue forever, wherever...
If one wish is granted tonight, it would be cool
If Santa Claus, bringing smiles, gave me a friend like you as a present
Reach out, Merry Christmas, everyone hold hands
Ring the bells to be heard all over the world
Let's sing, our Merry Christmas, with our strong feelings
We'll keep singing forever, wherever
Only tonight is Merry Christmas
Many lights are enfolding us, making us one
With love, Merry Christmas
We'll continue to sing a never-ending song, from our hearts, from our hearts |
Author's Notes: It could take quite a while for the next chapter, just so you know. Thanks to all who reviewed. Enzan will be coming in a future chapter, but not as what you might think. And I tried doing dialogue separate, it's hard. I'll do it when I learn how. This may be horribly formatted. It's the computer I used to type it on.
Chapter 13; Christmas Presents
MegaMan was walking through the streets, observing other families through the windows of their homes. Children were given gift-wrapped boxes from under the tree, and when they opened them, inside were toys, coloring books,crayons, stuffed animals or dolls... a surprise that seemed to fit their personalities exactly. Some of the families were praying over dinner, before dishing out the food at the dining room table.
If only he could have that kind of dinner with his operator's family. He wondered a lot of things... he felt a lot of things were his fault... he felt terrible for running out and having not turned back when Netto had called him... he felt terrible for losing it at the kitchen table... felt terrible for staying out of the PET for so long... but what else could he have done? Held it in? There wasn't space in there anymore... With the demon threatening to take control again, it took nearly everything he had to keep it locked inside... it was slowly becoming a losing battle, what with all the negative thoughts and events going on lately...
MegaMan walked towards the center of ACDC town, where he stopped to look at the magnificent [INSERT SIZE HERE] tree, decorated with green and red lights, along with a string or two of white. A golden star was placed on the top, and from where he stood, it looked like it blended in with the rest of the stars in the sky.
He sighed, and was about to leave the sight when a hand placed itself on his shoulder. Startled, he turned to face whoever it was that was present there with him. Surprised, he found that it was Netto's dad. He backed up after brushing his hand off his shoulder, and looked a bit upset. Yuuchirou raised his hands to calm him down. "Hold on, I just came to talk." He said. Mega thought about it, before coming a bit closer.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your dinner like that... I know that it's an important part of the holidays." MegaMan said, and Yuuchirou shook his head. "Forget about it. It's nothing. That's not the reason why I want to talk with you. You see... you're MegaMan, right? The NetNavi?" MegaMan stiffened, and looked to be about ready to start a fight, like he was defending something. "What if I am?" He said. Netto's dad simply smiled. "Relax, I'm on your and Lan's side." Mega seemed to believe him, since he wasn't suspicious about him or anything like Netto's mom had been.
"There are many people out there who want you deleted." Yuuchirou broke the news to him. Mega's eyes widened, stunned. "What?!" "All of the Officials want you dead, after you destroyed the Net. All the programs and NetNavis on the Net know about it, and will report to the Officials when they see you. But they couldn't find you yet, because I suppose you've been out here in the real world with Lan."
Mega took in all this information. He'd had no idea that the NetBattler Association would want to delete him, but it made sense... he was the one who annihilated the Net in that rampage...
"I don't know how you were able to gain a human form, but I'm glad that you did. Lan told me how you helped him get better after he got sick, and how you helped him out on his homework when he couldn't get to school. He told me so much about you, but never anything out of the ordinary. He wouldn't talk about the incident... not even a word. It seemed really important that the details be kept secret." He continued. MegaMan let out a sigh of relief; he was glad that Netto hadn't told anyone about that event and what had followed.
"He did tell me that you two were involved in the fightings with the WWW. Though I am mad about that, I'm sure that Lan just wanted to do something about the NetCrime issues. I suppose that they're out chasing you?" Yuuchirou asked. "Yes, they are. It's been peaceful lately, though." MegaMan said. "They want you badly, from what the Officials have observed. It may be peaceful now, but they're just taking the time they need to hatch their new plan." Dad said. "Do you have any idea why they would be after you? Maybe I could help you shake them, if you tell me." Came the question.
Mega looked him in the eye, and sighed. "It's something I'd like to keep secret for now..." He said. Dad frowned. "They're going to keep chasing you..." he said. Mega looked at him again, and dad took a step back. "...Fine. There's problems with my memory... I don't know what my purpose was... and I might be directly involved with the WWW." MegaMan said. Dad listened with utmost interest.
"When they brainwashed me, there were memories that came back... me in the lab being experimented on by them, me being used... and when I came to again I was certain that the WWW had created me... and they must want me back. It must have something to do with whatever my creation was intended for..." Mega said aloud. Dad gaped at what he had just told him. "Have you told Lan any of this?" He asked. Mega shook his head rapidly. "No! He must not know. I do not wish to hurt him in any way. I am afraid that what I feel will seriously hurt him... especially the fact that I could be a part of the whole WWW's scheme." He nearly shouted. Dad was silent. MegaMan shook his head again. "I... I don't know. He has to be told, but just not now..." Yuuchirou placed a hand on Mega's shoulder again.
"What do you say we go back? Dinner's getting cold." He smiled at the troubled NetNavi, who looked up at him with a surprised look on his face. "Really?" "Yes. Right after we find Lan though, he's still out there looking all over for you." Dad said. Green eyes widened before they tore away from Dad. "NETTO-KUN!!!!" Mega yelled in the streets, running where he felt Netto would be. Dad followed him, but was falling behind; the NetNavi was making too much distance in too short a time.
"Netto!! Where are you?!" MegaMan again called his name. He'd already been down several streets and was about ready to cover another. He crossed through an alleyway and took a look at the street before him. A person was bundled under a snow-covered stop sign at the end of the road, coughing as if trying to regain their voice. "Me...ga...man..." Mega barely heard the whispering call of his name. "Netto-kun!!!" MegaMan ran to the fallen figure, who tried to pull himself up at the sound of his name. "Netto!" Mega threw his arms around the stiffly frozen Netto, his jacket covered with white snow. "Where were you?! I was worried sick!" Netto rasped. Mega looked at him, smiling. "Sorry... now let's go back... dinner's waiting..." Netto slung his arm over MegaMan's neck, and they both met dad halfway.
"Geez Netto-kun... don't come running after me..." Mega scolded him. He didn't like his best friend to be sick because of him. Netto shook his head, and laughed a bit, trudging along in the snow with the assistance of his friend. "It's my responsibility to bring you back home... that's where you belong, Mega." He said. Mega smiled a knowing smile. "I'll always come back, Netto-kun."
Netto and MegaMan sat back down in their seats at the kitchen table. Dad had talked mom into being more tolerant of the NetNavi during his stay here, but she still had her worries. Especially if Mega was the one who caused the damage on the Net. But it was Christmas dinner... No matter who was eating with them, they sure were welcome to. "Now, we can all dig in." Dad said. Mom had heated all the food back up again in the oven, so it was nice and piping hot.
Mega was the one who cut the Christmas goose, since he was the honored guest at the time. Dad was a close second. Netto watched him as the NetNavi cut the side of the goose, who was nervous at said peoples watching him so attentively. There was a huge sweatdrop forming on the side of his head, and Netto sure wasn't helping any with his drooling mouth looking at all the juices coming from the goose. MegaMan slipped a finger under his mouth and closed it for him, then smiled and put a slice of the juicy white meat on his operator's plate. He then passed the slices around after he had made enough cuts, and the food was passed around accordingly.
MegaMan cut into his goose politely and forked a chunk of it, and was about to put in into his mouth when Netto caught his eye... stuffing his face, as usual. Mom and dad weren't watching, since their eyes were locked in a loving gaze. MegaMan leaned over and tapped Netto on the shoulder, "Netto- kun, this is Christmas dinner!", and Netto stopped stuffing piece after piece of food in his mouth. With attentive eyes he watched as MegaMan showed him how he ate, and he followed his example. Slice, cut, chunk, mouth. Piece after piece. Netto thought it much better than scarfing the food down, and he began to feel embarrassed at the way he had eaten earlier. MegaMan smiled at him as he quickly finished his helping. Netto cast his eyes as his friend, and MegaMan knew that he was thanking him. Mega nodded his head as a 'you're welcome'.
The family ate a peaceful meal, greatly enjoying each other's company. Netto and Mega were helping mom in the kitchen wash the dishes and put the leftover food away for tomorrow's dinner. Dad was in the living room watching sports, or whatever he was watching. Mom was too busy to keep an eye on Netto's friend, though she had been told not to be so suspicious of him anyway.
After the last plate had been put back into the china cabinet, the family gathered in front of the tree. Dad sat in the chair while mom sat in a chair she had pulled in from the dining room. Netto kneeled down on the floor, while Mega followed his example, sitting cross-legged. He guessed this was the time when they would open presents, from what he had seen walking about the town. Somehow he knew that he would just be watching them open their gifts, that there would be no way that he would get one of his own.
Netto handed his mom a small box while he handed dad a long box that was giftwrapped in bright red paper. Mom covered her mouth in astonishment as she held up the colorful beaded bracelet than Netto had made for her. She promptly hugged him and kissed him as a thank you. Dad lifted up his present, which was a black and blue tie. He remembered that Netto had been with him when he'd glanced at it in the store. He gave his thoughtful son a big hug, and Netto smiled, returning the hug.
Netto then was handed his own present by his mom, that dad and her had bought him together. He excitedly opened the wrapping, after customarily shaking the box first, and opened the medium-sized box that was wrapped within. In it were school supplies and stationary, such as notebooks, pencils, pens, stapler, etc.! Being the A+ student that he was, Netto was way happy with what he got. He got up and hugged both his parents happilly.
MegaMan smiled cheerfully at his operator's happiness. It made him feel good that he was so joyous and happy. He shuffled the box in his hand around behind his back. He didn't know what Netto would think about it if he gave it to him, because of all that nice stuff that his parents got him. But Mega got up anyway, after telling himself to give it a shot, and handed it over to Netto, smiling as he did so. Netto's face lit up even more as he accepted the gift from the NetNavi, who was anxiously awaiting his reaction, whatever it might be. Eyes widened as he lifted the lid off the box. Inside was a blue and yellow book, that upon opening the covers, revealed white lined paper pages. "Oh my god! How did you know I wanted a journal?!" Netto exclaimed as he joyfully threw his friend into a loving hug. Mega was blushing a bright pink, and thankfully neither of Netto's parent's noticed.
"I was thinking you could write in there, and not in your notebooks all the time..." Mega said. Netto smiled up at him. "Thanks for thinking of that! Anyway, here's -your- present now!" Netto gleefully handed him small box from under the tree that was neatly covered in green giftwrap. Both his mom and dad watched them as they exchanged gifts. Mega was speechless, his mouth hanging open for some time now as he tried to regain the use of words. If this was his reaction now, who knows what his reaction will be when he opens it!
Netto was highly anticipating the opening of the gift, as Mega carefully undid the purple Christmas bow that was tied around it. The giftwrap was tossed with the other giftwrappings, and MegaMan was holding a gold box in his hands. Opening it, his eyes met with the distinctive shine of silver. A silver chain necklace... Mega felt the silver chain with his fingers, feeling its smooth texture. A wide smile was on his face the entire time, his eyes practically glistening with happiness. The last thing he thought that Netto would do would be to have gotten him a present.
"What do you think, Mega?" Netto's voice brought him out of his thoughts. Mega looked into his thoughtful and kind brown eyes, and smiled genuinely. "This is the first present I ever got... Thank you!" Mega embraced him in a big warm hug of appreciation, nearly knocking Netto over and on to the floor. Netto returned the hug, both friends smiling happilly. And while both boys were busy, mom and dad had gone into the living room to share a loving kiss between each other. This was one holiday that MegaMan wouldn't soon forget. After the hug was broken, the two of them were ready to go upstairs to prepare for bed. It was already past midnight, and there was a full day of fun awaiting them just around the bend.
Mega glanced up at the doorframe above the stairs. A cluster of green leaves with small red berries were hanging suspended from a small wire. Before he could ask Netto what they were and why they were hanging from up there, he was astonished to find that Netto had leaned over and kissed him on the cheek while he was in a daze. Netto pulled away after laughing lightly, and dashed up the stairs, leaving MegaMan flabbergasted. A hand moved itself up, brushing his cheek lightly, as if he would find something there. The spot still felt warm. A twinge of feeling rushed through the confused and hopeful NetNavi as he ran upstairs.
He opened the door, to find Netto on his bed on his stomach, laughing hysterically. Mega stood looking at his operator quizzically [puzzedly] from the doorway. "You should have seen the look on your face!" Was all Netto could get out, before he gave in to another bout of wild laughter. A tomato-red blush appeared on MegaMan's face. "Why did you do that back there?" He asked him when he had calmed down a bit. "Tradition is, you kiss whoever's under the mistletoe." Netto could only hold his laughter in for another second before he burst out again at the event. "Haha, you should have seen your face!" Again Netto fell to laughter. So those green leaves and berries were called mistletoe, huh. Mega was still blushing, Netto was still laughing, but the two gradually calmed down.
Mega sat down on the end of the bed next to Netto's feet. He was about to ask Netto what the kiss meant to him, even though it was only a mock kiss he guessed, but decided against it. Netto was still very high on sugar cookies and cake. Plus, he did know that Netto was very dense when it came to feelings of love. Which was very strange, since as a poet, Netto wrote very much about the subject. "Netto-kun, are you done laughing yet?" Mega muttered to him. Netto didn't answer him, and Mega looked over at him to see his friend jotting down an entry in his new journal.
Mega smiled, knowing that his friend was occupied at the moment, and took the necklace that was still clutched in his hand to his face. Looking at it, it was a chain of links that was nearly choker-style, but was still long enough to be hanging down the neck a bit close to the chest. MegaMan was about to put it on when he heard Netto say his name. "Mega, wait, before you put that on..." The now more quiet boy reached into his bed table's drawer, and brought out two rings. He handed the both of them to the speechless Navi, who rolled them around in his hand. Netto sat up, and taking the necklace, put the chain with the rings added on to it around his neck.
MegaMan looked down at the two rings dangling from his necklace. It was definitely weird having something around his neck, but he would most likely get used to it if he wore it for a bit. He was truly a lot happier with the two rings acting like pendants. Both were silver, but one had black crosses as a design, and the other was a high school ring with a blue gem in the middle. How Netto had gotten a hold of that one, he didn't know... but wasn't about to ask, either.
Mega threw his arms around him appreciatively, and Netto found himself blushing a color like that Christmas ornament that was hanging on the Christmas tree. Mega broke the hug to turn on the cd player in Netto's room, filling the area with rock music.
| Gob :– For the Moment
Go away, I'm afraid
With you, there could be no escape
I have no faith, I've seen truth and reason go down the drain
But I cling to you for survival and I know that you are my Bible
Get out, I'm scared, for the moment
But I know you'll be there
Well I'm scared for the moment
But I know you'll be there
By the way, things you say
Freak me out, I go out of my head
I feel no shame when I turn my back and walk away
But I cling to you for survival
And I know that you are my Bible
Get out, I'm scared for the moment
But I know you'll be there
Well I'm scared, for the moment
But I know you'll be there |
And then another song came on after that one had finished. Since it was a burned cd that the two of them had ILLEGALLY made, there were mixed songs on there. Netto wrote in his journal book, filling the pages with his neat writing, as the songs played. Megaman was sitting on the floor, leaning his back against the bed. Thoughts ran through his mind, though the songs were driving them out as quickly as they came. A daydream, that something would happen soon.
Glancing over at Netto, he was still writing in the new journal he had gotten him. Geez, he had a lot to write, having filled five pages already with sentences and words. Probably writing down all that had happened to himself during the past year. Secretly, Mega wished that he, too, had gotten one... but he didn't have the money. It was too dangerous for him to keep one, anyway. Where would he keep it? Oh well. Even if he didn't have a journal, he was glad that he had given Netto one. He desperately needed one, what with him writing his poetry in his school notebook and having the teachers getting him in trouble. Yawning brought him out of his thoughts, and he put his head down on his chest, realizing that he had been nodding off quite a while ago.
Netto's brown eyes cast themselves on the drowsy NetNavi, and he smiled. It had been a very busy and exciting day for the both of them. The only reason he was awake was because of the gigantic amount of sugar he had taken, and the desire to write as much of his thoughts down as he could. Glancing at the alarm clock on his dresser told him it was nearly 3'o clock in the morning. The sun would be up at 6am, welcoming a new day. Knowing that if they didn't get to bed soon, they'd be too exhausted to go sledding down the hill in the afternoon.
Placing an extra blanket over Megaman's shoulders, he was answered with a slight murmur. Holding back a light smile, Netto put his journal and his pen underneath his pillow for safe keeping, to keep others from reading it while he was asleep. Switching off his lamplight, the room was enveloped in darkness, the only light present was the light of the half-moon bouncing off the white snow on the ground outside. Placing his head on the pillow, he closed his eyes. A big day was lying ahead of him. Oh, if only he knew just how big a day it would be. But before Netto succumbed to the inviting sleep, he turned on the portable cd player on his dresser, and made it so that it would shut off after the song had ended. He thought, that a nice lullaby would do on Christmas Eve...
Digital Monsters: Christmas Illusion –
| We were always together no matter what, it all started with believing in each other
We were able to become stronger because we were together
Just for today we'll take a break from battles
Let's decorate the town on this holy night
Look, the stars are shining, let's begin, come on, let's begin
Let's sing, our Merry Christmas, let's paint the light of dreams
With the two of us and everyone together
Let's soar away, Merry Christmas, on our song
This joy will continue forever, wherever...
If one wish is granted tonight, it would be cool
If Santa Claus, bringing smiles, gave me a friend like you as a present
Reach out, Merry Christmas, everyone hold hands
Ring the bells to be heard all over the world
Let's sing, our Merry Christmas, with our strong feelings
We'll keep singing forever, wherever
Only tonight is Merry Christmas
Many lights are enfolding us, making us one
With love, Merry Christmas
We'll continue to sing a never-ending song, from our hearts, from our hearts |