So, I finally finished! It took a while for me to one, get back into RockmanEXE, and two, find the episodes. The site I was using before lost all their videos, so there was a hunt for the subtitled version instead of the dubbed (honestly, it was more complicated than it needed to be). Funny story, I actually completed this story at the same time as completing Feel Better, but I didn't want to overload you guys with two stories at once, so I only released the shorter of the two. But here this one is at long last!

I'm warning you now, this story gets kinda dark. Anyone who's watched Axess will know that it was more mature than EXE was and knows what I'm talking about.

A few normal warnings, just off the bat: swearing; nothing too graphic, but violence; uh... There is another one, but it's buried in the story. You'll know what I mean when you see it. Without further ado, onwards!


Episode Eight

It had been almost a year since Rockman had last heard of or from Blues. Yeah, okay, he knew that IPC's vice president had to travel from place to place, but he and his NetOp had never dropped off the face of the Earth before.

The next time Rockman even heard a word about Blues was when the two had gotten a mission to delete the viruses at Akihara-cho's Technology-History Land. They were going through the mirror maze when Netto had spoken up.

"It's full of me's!" Netto shouted in excitement. They had come across a mirror that showed many Netto's. He started to ramble about getting taller, so Rockman chose this time to speak up.

"You've grown, Netto-kun," Rockman said.

Netto blinked and looked at his PET.

"Rockman!" he said. "You came back?"

Rockman decided to ignore the question. "Not just physically, but in spirit and strength as well. You've learned Soul Unison and Cross Fusion and were also appointed as a Net Savior. Netto-kun, you're certainly growing!"

Netto laughed softly. "That's definitely thanks to my friendship with you, Rockman! Let's keep getting stronger from now on, Rockman."

Rockman's eyes teared up. "Netto-kun!"

"I wonder how much that guy has grown. My eternal rival."

"Rival?"

Rockman's eyes hardened slightly. Just the thought of him made him want to cry. But he put on a happy face to please his NetOp.

"I wonder if that guy's gotten better or just more disagreeable in the past year?"

Rockman shook his head. No, he wasn't about to cry. He would never—!

"Once I'm done checking the Mirror Dome, the mission will be complete. I'm going now!" Rockman called out.

~!~

It was in the middle of the battle when he had to bring up his memories of him. Of Blues. Or, more specifically, Enzan.

"Netto-kun, answer this," he said to both the real and fake Netto. "Your eternal rival, tell me! Who is the genius net battler?"

"W-what?" they both demanded. "Why are you affirming our friendship at a time like this?"

"It's fine, just answer!"

"That's—" their next answers were different. "Ijuuin Enzan!" "Higure Yamitarou!"

"I have you."

He had to bite back a grin when he saw Netto's surprised face when he blasted the fake Netto's screen.

~!~

The viruses were in the real world. Rockman was deleting any that were still in the net. He heard a crash and was about to ask what happened and if Netto was okay when he heard it.

"You're," Netto breathed out. "Ijuuin Enzan!"

"Enzan-kun!" Meiru said as well.

"It's been a while, Netto," Enzan said. "Blues!"

Wait, if Enzan was here, then that meant…

Suddenly, all the viruses were deleted behind him, and Rockman's breath caught in his throat.

"You're here," he barely managed to breathe out. He said it so softly that he knew Netto didn't pick up on it, but Blues did.

"Mmmhmm," Blues said equally as soft.

Rockman blinked back his tears. He walked up to Blues who stayed still. Rockman reached up to touch his pale face, opaque sunglasses, red helmet, silvery hair, and sturdy body. He was here. He was real.

"Rockman," Blues said. Rockman felt gentle hands touch his cheeks, blue helmet, black hair, and delicate body.

"Blues," Rockman murmured against Blues' palm. "Don't go. Don't leave."

"I have to, but I swear to visit later," Blues promised. "Go, Rockman. To where Netto is."

He nodded, but first, he went on his tiptoes and kissed Blues' lips hard, barely holding back a moan when he felt Blues do the same. He was satisfied when he pulled back and found them red.

~!~

"That was magnificent, Netto," Enzan complemented behind Netto.

By then, Rockman and Netto had cross-fused and saved the day (again).

"Thank you, Enzan!" Netto said. "We were saved thanks to you. But suddenly coming out of nowhere like that, you really surprised me! Why were you here?"

Enzan didn't respond verbally as he simply took his PET and flashed the Net Savior symbol up.

"Geh! That's the Nat Savior's mark! I didn't know you were a Net Savior too," Netto said.

"However, I knew you were," Enzan replied.

"Eh? Is that right?"

"I'm conducting a secret investigation of the Dark Chips in the net world. This is my mission. However, when I returned temporarily during my search, the system found a trace of a Dark Chip. So, I was watching the place, and you just appeared there, rather nonchalantly."

"Is that right?"

"Netto. The Darkloids seem to be depending heavily on Dark Chips. Be prepared. Take care of yourself."

"You don't need to worry! You saw us back there! Mine and Rockman's friendship power is invincible!"

"It's true; you two also have a friendship that enables you to perform Cross Fusion. But have you not been lazy with your friendship and forgotten to polish your skills?"

Netto took a mental step back.

"If so, you will not be able to become stronger! A faint-hearted friendship, it will only hinder your growth!" Enzan said.

"What did you say?!" Netto shouted.

"The thing that binds an Operator to a NetNavi is not just friendship. What ties Blues and myself is the fact that we're strong! Our strength is our bond!"

Netto once again took a mental step back. "Enzan."

Enzan then just walked away.

"WHAT—WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" Netto screamed. "Saying whatever he wants to! Does he have a grudge against me or something?!"

"That's wrong, Netto-kun," Rockman finally spoke up.

"What do you mean, Rockman?"

"He wanted to say that friendship is important, but that it also is likely to lead to collision as well. So, don't be negligent."

"Rockman… But saying it like that when it's been so long since we last met—!"

"Saying a strict thing like that to you directly… Maybe that was a form of friendship for Enzan."

"For Enzan?"

Netto looked back at the doors Enzan walked through.

"I've decided!" Rockman said. Since he was happy again, he figured he'd poke fun at his NetOp. "Being strict is a form of friendship! So, from today, we need to start helping Netto-kun with his homework, right?"

"Ehhhh?! That's not it, Rockman!" Netto shouted.

"Stop! I've decided already!"

"Dammit! That Enzan, saying such an unnecessary thing! Don't ever come back! Moron!"

Rockman could only laugh at his misfortune. But he noticed how the sadness, stress, and moodiness simply vanished. Speaking of which, he did feel tired…


Non-Episode One

"Rockman? Are you here?"

Rockman blinked his tired eyes open at Blues' voice. He sat up on the couch and called him over.

"Yeah! Here!"

Blues sat next to the blue Navi, hugging him tightly. Rockman smiled in content and closed his eyes in fatigue.

"I missed you so much," Blues breathed out on Rockman's neck.

"As did I," Rockman whispered.

Blues pulled away slightly and hummed in concern.

"Are you feeling okay, Rockman?"

"Hmm? I'm fine," Rockman murmured, exhaustion making his voice thick.

Blues cradled him against his chest. Rockman let out a soft gasp but left it be.

"Go to sleep, babe," Blues said.

"But I wanna stay up with you," Rockman whined. "I've missed seeing you."

"It would make me happier if you went to bed. When was the last time you slept?"

"Last night."

"An hour nap doesn't count as sleep."

"Oh. A week, maybe?"

"Rockman!"

"Whaaat?"

Blues felt a stab of affection go through his heart as he carried Rockman bridal-style over to his bed, tucking him in. He kissed each of Rockman's eyelids and chuckled when the small, blue Navi barely stirred before frowning at the bags now showing under his eyes. Overhead, the clock read nine at night, and Blues gently kissed Rockman's left temple.

"Good night, Rockman."

What he didn't expect was for Rockman to sit up slightly and kiss him softly on the lips.

"G'night, Blues-koi."

He then settled back down under the covers and was out like a light. Blues smiled before returning to his own PET, feeling better that he had at least seen Rockman again if only briefly.


Episode Twelve

Now, Rockman didn't see Blues, but he met someone who reminded him of him. The Navi had deleted all the Navi's in the area, except for Shadowman. Looking cross, he had military green armour around his legs up to his mid-thigh. It was also on his wrists, hands, shoulders, and upper chest. The rest of his body was covered in a skintight dark grey bodysuit. Atop his head was a military green and grey helmet. Green face paint adorned his chin and the bridge of his nose. The Navi had orange hair that went to his chin and piercing red eyes, a blue scope over his left orb. His right hand was configured as a sniper rifle.

"Who are you?" Rockman asked him.

The Navi didn't respond.

"Rockman? Who's he?" Netto asked.

"Netto-kun! He's helping us with this emergency! He's the Navi of a Net Savior from Shaaro," Meijin-san said.

"Then, he's on our side?"

The Navi's faceplate disappeared.

"I'm Searchman, the Navi of a Net Savior from Shaaro," the green Navi said. "My orders were to chase down the culprit who has tried to destroy my country's Control X. His goal is to destroy the global Control X system. And so, today's demonstration definitely lured them here. This is the target he was going after."

"Why?" Rockman asked, his face hard. "Why did you delete the security Navi's?!"

Searchman's face didn't twitch, but Rockman could see a twinge of surprise run through the red eyes.

"Why did I delete them?" Searchman repeated. "Did I have any other choice?"

"That's—" Rockman started.

"The only way to save those infected by a Dark Chip is to delete them."

"But—!"

Searchman aimed his gun at him.

"There's no place for mercy in a fight," the rifle lowered. "Your worthless compassion nearly cost your life."

Rockman's mouth contorted to one of pain when he felt a stab in his heart and gut, his eyes presumably reflecting it. He quickly hardened his face as he stared the other Navi down.

"I don't fight in order to delete Navi's!" he shouted.

Searchman closed his eyes and grinned. "Fine. But you'll just get in my way. Your reasons for fighting don't concern me. I'll eliminate anything or anyone who gets in the way of me carrying out my orders."

Rockman felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. This Navi reminded him way too much of Blues. The air suddenly grew cold (for Searchman, not Rockman). He glared one last time before the alarm went off, the air gradually warming up again. Netto told him to get control of Control X.

"Searchman, let's go!" Rockman called. The green Navi stayed in his place. "Searchman."

"I've got my orders," he said. "I'm staying here."

"You're staying here?"

"He's after Control X, and he's trying to get us away from here. In order to defeat my target, I cannot leave from here."

"That may be true, but—"

Rockman grabbed Searchman's arm only to be flung back. He landed on his feet and looked at him again.

"Aren't you worried about those people's lives?!" Rockman shouted.

"My orders are absolute," Searchman replied. "I have a mission to carry out. I don't have a choice."

"You don't have a choice? The lives of people versus your orders. Can't you see that people's lives are much more important than any orders?"

"My orders are absolute."

"WHY?! I can't understand you!"

Searchman turned around abruptly and stared at Rockman with cold eyes. Rockman hardened his features and kept his composure. If Blues had taught him anything, it was how to stay calm and do it adequately.

"What are you doing, Rockman?" Netto asked from the PET. "Hurry! We don't have much time!"

"Right," Rockman said, his voice monotoned (something else he'd become skilled at doing). "I'm going now."

He turned from Searchman and ran to where Netto needed him to go, but not before he got his point across.

~!~

Rockman was scared. He was about to get deleted (unwillingly this time, mind you). Shadowman swung his sword up.

"Prepare yourself!" Shadowman shouted.

Flinching, Rockman closed his eyes.

'This is it,' he thought. 'I'm done for. It's over.'

Suddenly, a pink flash of light hit Shadowman's arm holding the sword, his arm from the elbow down gone. Rockman blinked his eyes open in disbelief. He was okay! But not for long. Shadowman picked his sword up with the other arm, his eyes having a fire to them that Rockman had never seen before, and it terrified him.

Shadowman almost got him, but his arm got cut off by the pinkish light. Then, it hit him through the chest, deleting him. Rockman sat up fully and took a breath. His breathing was quick and shallow, tears poking at his eyes, but he was alive. He released a sob of relief. Searchman had come to his rescue.

~!~

"Searchman! Thanks for saving me!" Rockman said.

"It was never my plan to save you," Searchman said bluntly.

Rockman's nose and cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink.

"Even so, back then. Sorry for being so rude to you."

"It's fine if you don't understand me. Carrying out orders is the most important thing to me."

"I was just letting you know I was grateful," Rockman turned to the side, crossing his arms, and puffing his cheeks out—and no, he was not pouting. "Why are you telling me off?"

Searchman walked by and patted Rockman on the back. In that one pat, he understood what he meant. Yes, you're right, I may or may not have considered your previous words before, and I accept your apology.

How did he know that? Let's just say that Blues taught him well.


Episode Thirteen

The next day, Netto ran into Enzan, allowing the two Navi's to talk.

"Your advice really helped me yesterday," Rockman said.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Blues asked.

"The poker face. The ability to look at the eyes to know what a Navi's feeling or thinking. The knowledge to know what someone is saying through touch. All of that."

"And may I ask why you had to use all of that?"

"Well, there was this Navi from Shaaro, and he had a stone-cold face and everything. His name was Searchman."

"Oh?"

"Mmmhmm. Searchman patted me on the back when I asked him if he was telling me off. I also looked at his eyes to see that he was surprised that I stood up to him."

"You said he was in the military?"

"I suspected so, yes."

They lapsed into silence.

"Wait, I didn't say anything about—"

"I read your eyes," Blues smirked. "By the way, how did you sleep the other night?"

"I slept very well. Netto-kun had to wake me up early," Rockman said.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"Not really, no. It's all kinda hazy. I remember you walking in, us talking, then you carrying me to bed. I don't remember much else, though."

"Ah."

Enzan then left the cafe they were talking at. Blues looked reluctant to go, but Rockman smiled and waved him off.

"Go, Blues. To where Enzan is," Rockman said.

Blues smiled back. He gave Rockman a peck on the cheek before running off. And Rockman couldn't have been happier.

~!~

After Enzan made a surprise appearance, Rockman and Blues spoke more.

"So, how did it feel to Cross Fuse with Enzan?" Rockman asked.

"It's different, but exhilarating as well," Blues replied. "Does it feel like that with Netto?"

"Mmmhmm."

Blues eyed Rockman with concern.

"Are you sure you're okay, Rockman?"

"I'm sure, Blues. I'm completely fi—"

He fell forward with a gasp. Blues took a step and caught him around his middle. The blue Navi rested his cheek against the red Navi's emblem.

"S-sorry, Blues," Rockman gasped.

"What are you sorry for? I'm just worried about you," Blues said.

"I know, but you don't have to be. I'm fine."

"Right, like I'm gonna believe that after you fall over."

"Touché."

Blues rolled his eyes and steadied Rockman.

"I'm coming to your PET tonight to help you sleep, got it?" Blues ordered.

"Got it," Rockman answered.

~!~

Later that night, Blues plugged into Rockman's PET.

"You came," Rockman said while attempting to hide a yawn.

"Of course," Blues said.

Blues lay down on the bed and waved him over. Rockman smiled and climbed in, his head resting on Blues' chest. Their legs intertwined with one other.

"I did say I'd help you fall asleep, didn't I?" Blues whispered while rubbing the smaller Navi's back.

"You did," Rockman hummed. He was practically purring under the taller Navi's touch.

"Go to sleep, Rockman. I'll wake you before I leave."

"M'kay."

Rockman nuzzled close, the light thump-thump of Blues' digital heartbeat putting him at ease. Soon, he drifted off to slumber.

~!~

As promised, Blues woke Rockman up before he had to run.

"Rockman, get off of me," Blues scolded gently, affection in his tone.

"Nooooo," Rockman whined. Blues was comfy and warm, and he didn't want him to go.

"At least let me get up so I can leave. You know I have to."

"Fiiiiine."

Blues chuckled as Rockman rolled over, his nose burying itself into the nearby pillow. He doubted Rockman would remember this later. Although, since the blue Navi did sort of remember the other encounter, there was a chance of him remembering this. The red Navi kissed Rockman's forehead and took his leave when a small hand gripped his.

"Love you," Rockman slurred out.

"And I love you," Blues said while holding back a laugh. "Go back to sleep, love."

He then left the PET like he was never even there.


Episode Nineteen

Rockman didn't see Blues, but he did see Searchman again. His NetOp, Laika, kept dissing Netto, and Rockman couldn't help but feel insulted. He wasn't worthless! He would prove it to Laika! Currently, they were tracking down a culprit. Something had been stolen, but Rockman couldn't tell you what (money, was it? He hadn't been paying attention).

"An abandoned factory? Was there really a response here, Rockman?" Netto questioned.

"Yeah," Rockman said back. "There was a strong response here earlier."

"Okay! Plug-in, RockmanEXE, transmission!"

Rockman glanced around and saw magma under his feet in a container. Sure, it wasn't a volcano, but it was definitely something.

"That's…" Rockman gasped. There, far from the magma, "Desertman? Of course, he must be commanding the Mettools."

He then watched as Desertman used a Dark Chip and used his power to raise sand columns from the ground. Some Mettools were waiting in a line. As they walked between the purple-coloured pillars, they turned invisible. Rockman could only gape. He heard Netto do the same.

Some other Mettools returned with the money. Desertman got mad at them because they'd been traced back.

'Searchman,' Rockman thought.

He watched as a case of money fell into the vat of magma and dissolved. Rockman had had enough of Desertman scaring the poor Mettools.

"Desertman!" Rockman shouted from the balcony.

The sand Navi looked up at him.

"Rockman?!" he shouted back.

"I won't let you continue stealing the data!"

"Guess you were followed. Take responsibility!"

The Mettools ran away through the purple pillars.

"With the Dark Aura data and this invisible form, you can defeat Rockman!" Desertman shouted. "Show me that you can!"

"Rockbuster!" Rockman yelled out.

He tried to aim at something, anything, but there was nothing there. He could hear them, and it was scaring him a little bit. He felt them hit him in the back, so he turned around to see… Nothing. He was attacked from all sides, so he shot blindly only to turn up empty-handed.

"What's wrong?" Desertman taunted. "Just because you can't see them, you can't handle them?"

"Whether we can see them or not, we'll still have no problem fighting them!" Netto shouted. "Battle chip, Air Storm! Flame Sword! Double slot-in!"

Rockman watched as a cyclone of air and fire sucked the Mettools with it. He was then able to delete them.

"I can't see them, but I can beat them!" Rockman stated.

"What?" Desertman questioned.

Rockman landed in front of Desertman, his hands up in front of him. "The only one left is you!"

"Nice work, but the viruses aren't the only ones that can become invisible!"

Rockman felt the white-hot fear run through him as he stepped back.

"What?"

"Desertman too!" Netto said from outside.

Rockman could only stand still, fear keeping him from moving. "Where is he?!"

"I'm here," Desertman said from behind him.

Rockman was then thrown to the left side.

"Of course! Water attacks should stop him from moving!" Netto reasoned. "Battle chip, Tsunami! Aqua Sword! Double slot-in!"

He used Tsunami first. It hit Desertman, so he jumped up and slashed the water with his Aqua Sword to find…

"Not here!" Rockman said.

"I know my own weakness! Arijigoku!"

Rockman gasped and flipped backwards to get out of the way of Desertman's attacks.

"Heavy sand!"

A cube of sand appeared over him, and Rockman felt the fear increase. He wasn't scared, he was terrified.

"Battle chip, Break Hammer! Slot-in!" Netto said.

He used the Break Hammer to destroy the sand cube only to find that there were two. The fear increased dramatically.

"Did you think there was only one?" Desertman taunted.

He heard Netto scream in worry. He crawled from the hole he made with his Break Hammer with a wince. That was close. Too close. He panted, trying to get his heart rate back down. But then, Desertman picked him up with one hand.

"Clever trick," he muttered darkly. "I'll just have to crush you like this!"

Rockman screamed as the grip tightened.

"That's enough!"

Rockman nearly cried in relief when he saw Searchman.

"Go ahead and shoot!" Desertman shouted. "If you shoot me, Rockman will fall headlong into this. I'll burn him!"

The blue Navi felt the heat of the magma hit his body, and he tried to get away from it. He widened his eyes in white-hot fear. Rockman understood that he was going to die and accepted it. He knew that with his NetOp here, Searchman wouldn't save him a second time. He didn't move, though. In fact, a Lion Head from Desertman hit him, getting a shout from Laika. He knew that Searchman was debating whether to save him. Another Lion Head hit him, and he heard Laika shout at him about orders.

A tense silence followed. Rockman opened his left eye, the one that hadn't changed to brown. That was another flaw. Sometimes, his eyes flickered to the original colour when he was scared or nervous. Yuichiro had worried about it, but Rockman assured him he would cover it up.

His heart jumped into his throat when Desertman simply dropped him, causing him to scream in terror. He sent a silent apology to Netto, to Enzan, to Blues.

Next thing he knew, he was landing on solid concrete, not in boiling magma.

"It's frozen?" he asked aloud. Maybe he was delirious? There was no way he could still be alive, right? "Searchman!"

He looked at Netto to see that he was gaping at Laika.

"That's Freeze Bullet? Impossible!" Laika shouted. "Searchman disobeyed his orders?!"

Rockman ran to Searchman who was slowly losing data. He placed his hand on the taller Navi's back and helped him sit up.

"Searchman!" Rockman breathed out. "Searchman, why?"

He caught Searchman by the shoulders when he fell forward. He watched as Searchman placed his hand next to Rockman's chest. Their emblems began to glow. Rockman gasped.

"Go, Rockman," Searchman said, his face lit with a smile.

"Searchman, let's fight together," Rockman said as he felt Searchman's powers come to him. He looked very much like Searchman except for his eye colour and hair. He hit the Lion Head advancing at him and Desertman. Desertman went invisible, trying to maybe throw him off, but Rockman simply aimed down at his feet. He heard Desertman scream in pain, but he couldn't find it in him to care. He was still breathing, Searchman was alive (but barely), and they had won.

He heard Netto cheer in the real world.

~!~

"Thank you, Searchman," Rockman said before he had to go to Shaaro.

"I'd have regretted not saving you," Searchman said. "That's all."

Rockman blinked before smiling. He caught on to what he meant. He was pleasantly surprised when Searchman smiled back.

"Are you busy on Friday?" Searchman asked.

"No, why?" Rockman questioned.

"Meet me at the Universal Tower Cafe at eight o'clock sharp."

"Like a date?"

"I just want to get to know you better."

Rockman nodded with a shy smile and watched as Searchman plugged-out.

"DON'T COME BACK!" Netto shouted at the plane as it left for Shaaro.

"See you around, Searchman!" Rockman said.

Rockman slowly felt his heart sink. What did he get himself into? How was he gonna explain this to Blues?


Episode Twenty

"Enzan!" Netto said while running up to the dual-colour haired boy with Meiru, Rush, and Chisao. "You captured Desertman?"

"Yeah," Enzan replied. "The scientists are studying him right now."

"When did you get back to Japan?"

"Yesterday. I was in pursuit of an overseas mission. I was a little late and showed up at Commissioner Kifune's office, but," Enzan paused to get his cup of coffee from the machine. "Just then, Desertman broke into the Net Police's contraband computer. He was aiming for the Dark Chips."

"Dark Chips?" Meiru asked.

"The things the Net Police have been confiscating until now."

He took a sip of his coffee, allowing the other three to let the information sink in.

~!~

"It's as Enzan-kun said. Desertman is having a reaction to the Dark Chips," Yuichiro said.

"Reactions?" Netto questioned.

"As you know, in exchange for giving NetNavis abnormal strength, Dark Chips present a danger of addiction. Eventually, the NetNavi's data decays. It's an evil chip. He is already, without the Dark Chip, unable to maintain his data."

"During the Dark Chip investigation, I saw a similar NetNavi who was almost too disgusting to look at," Enzan spoke up.

"But this is the first case of a Darkloid," Commissioner Kifune said.

Rockman decided that he would add to the conversation.

"Netto-kun?"

"What is it, Rockman?" Netto asked after taking the PET out of its holster.

"Now that I think about it when we defeated Beastman… Remember? Wasn't he acting weird?"

"I see! At the time, he had been taken over by the Dark Chip."

"To the Darkloids, I thought it was an advantage," Manabe spoke.

"It is true that the Dark Chips are a reassurance to them," Meijin said. "But to think that they would even decay a Darkloid's data… Maybe they don't know that yet."

Suddenly, there was a scream from the monitor as Desertman grasped the bars of his cage.

"Let me out of here!" he screeched.

They ignored his comments and instead just looked at him.

"Darkloid data is very intricate and complex," Yuichiro said. "It's disappointing, but to have a complete analysis, I'll need more time. But…"

"But?" everyone replied.

"Every so often, he says that Rockman is a human's puppet. Isn't that right, Rockman?"

Rockman blinked in surprise. "Yes. That's right."

"I have come up with my hypothesis…"

"I don't care," Commissioner Kifune said, "Because there's going to be a meeting this afternoon, right now we want any kind of information."

"Rockman and Blues… All NetNavis are programs made by humans. But the Darkloids, without the help of human intervention, were created in the spontaneous electric world. Yes, they may be beings of data."

"Beings of data?" Enzan repeated.

"Beings of data…?" Netto asked, not quite following along.

"Pharaohman's data that was recently destroyed also had started to regenerate," Meijin said, "which then turned into Forte. But their programs were originally created by humans."

"Yes," Manabe nodded. "To have data beings that were created by a spontaneous nature. It's hard for me to believe."

"It's just my hypothesis," Yuichiro stated. "I don't even have any proof of it myself."

Suddenly, an alarm went off. Next thing Rockman knew, he was slaying viruses that had gotten in. But as he destroyed one wave, another came in.

"There's no end to it!" Rockman shouted. "Netto-kun!"

"I understand. Bamboo Lance, slot-in!"

The bamboo spears deleted the viruses.

"We did it!" Rockman said.

He knew it was a trap. He knew it. So, when Flashman walked in and released Desertman, Blues was waiting for him.

"How unfortunate," Blues said, his voice even.

"What? Can it be?" Flashman commented. "Th-this is… A Kawarimi?"

"That's how it is."

Rockman shouted at Netto about a Program Advance. He felt the Cannon, Hi-Cannon, and Mega Cannon replace his forearms.

"Zeta Cannon!" he shot the viruses that had come in.

He looked over at Blues. He couldn't help himself.

"Prepare yourself!" he shouted at Flashman.

"What?!" Flashman cried.

Blues stabbed at Flashman, only for it to get blocked.

"Remember this!" Flashman yelled as he plugged out of the area.

~!~

"You seem tense."

"Hmm."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, Blues."

"It is something, Rockman. I know you've learned how to hide your emotions behind a mask, but since I taught you, I know when something's up."

"Don't worry about it."

"Do not lie to me."

"I'm not."

"And if I find out you are?"

"You won't, because I'm not."

"Tsk, right."

"I'm not! Really, I'm not!"

"Will you tell me the truth on Friday?"

"But it's Thursday. Besides, you're always busy Friday nights."

"I can find a way to come see you."

"I have plans. Netto and I are doing something tonight."

"Okay, then I'll come see you Saturday night."

"Alright. You win."

"Don't I always?"

"Shut up!"


Episode Twenty-One

Currently, both Enzan and Netto were inside of a factory that supposedly made the Dark Chips. Blues had just pointed them in the direction of the elevator, but when they stepped inside, the elevator dropped.

"What the?! What's going on?!" Netto shouted.

"You idiot! What did you do?!" Enzan yelled back.

"I didn't do anything!"

Then, Netto used the Yoyo battle chip on the broken elevator cables while he grabbed Enzan's arm with the other hand. They watched as the elevator crashed to the bottom.

"That was close," Netto muttered.

He and Enzan jumped down.

"For the time being, I'll say thanks," Enzan said.

"For the time being, eh?" Netto retorted.

~!~

They had defeated Gravityman, but they had gotten attacked by Shademan. Enzan and Netto had also lost their transformations. Enzan placed a hand on Netto's left shoulder while Netto placed his own hand on his other shoulder. Enzan seemed to shield Netto from anything that would come in.

"What's up with that Darkloid?" Enzan muttered darkly.

"He's… Overwhelmingly strong," Netto responded.

Enzan simply nodded. He then turned to Netto.

"Are you alright? You took quite a beating from Gravityman."

"I'll be alright. I'm just glad you were here to help."

Enzan and Netto shared a smile. Blues and Rockman could only share a look.


Non-Episode Two

It was almost seven-thirty when Blues came to Rockman's PET.

"Gah! What are you doing here?!" Rockman whisper-shouted.

"Uh, I told you I would come here?" Blues said, confusion clear in his voice.

"No, you said you'd come on Saturday."

"Are you going to tell me what's really going on, or do I have to guess?"

By then, Blues had his hands on Rockman's shoulders while Rockman was trying to look away. Finally, Rockman gave a small sigh.

"Promise you won't be mad?" Rockman murmured.

"Never at you," Blues replied just as softly.

"You remember that military Navi Searchman, right?"

"Yes?"

"Well, he asked me to meet him at the Universal Tower Cafe tonight. He says he wants to get to know me better. He's saved my life twice, so I couldn't say no."

"Ah."

"You're not mad?"

"No, but I get why you wanted to hide it from me."

"Yeah."

"Tell you what. I'll come with you. Searchman says he wants to get to know you better, right? So, what better way than for your boyfriend to come with too?"

"That's a great idea! Thank you, Blues."

"Always."

~!~

The two Navi's walked in at seven fifty-nine. They found a table for four and sat next to one another. When the clock hit eight, Searchman walked through the doors. He walked over to where Blues and Rockman were sitting and smiled at Rockman.

"You came," Searchman commented.

"I did," Rockman replied. "I hope you don't mind that I brought my boyfriend."

"Not at all. To be honest, I would have been surprised if you had been single this entire time. You're too pretty to not be noticed."

Rockman blushed while Blues chuckled.

"Searchman," the green Navi introduced himself to the red Navi.

"Blues," he replied. "I've heard a lot about you. Thank you for saving Rockman's life."

"I never would have been the same after."

"Hmm."

Just then, a waitress Navi walked up to their table.

"Any drinks for you boys tonight?" she asked while eyeing Rockman.

"Just a black coffee for me," Searchman answered.

"Cappuccino for me, please," Blues spoke next.

"A caffè mocha, please," Rockman replied last.

The waitress took their orders and winked at Rockman before walking away. When she was gone, Rockman buried his face into Blues' shoulder with a groan while Blues laughed. He could also hear Searchman chuckling as well.

"That wasn't funny!" Rockman whined.

"Yes, it was. I've never seen you freeze up so much," Blues said between chortles.

Rockman hit Blues' shoulder with a glare and a hiss.

"Are you two always like this?" Searchman asked, entertained by the duo's act.

"Yes! He's an asshole, Searchman!" Rockman said with no heat behind his words. Blues scoffed.

"Asshole? I believe you're the one at fault here," Blues said, an eyebrow raised and a grin on his lips.

"It's not like I chose to look like this!"

Searchman simply chuckled. Their drinks came, and the waitress gave Rockman a slip of paper. This made Blues laugh harder when she walked away. Rockman shushed them and opened the note. He blushed when he saw what was on there.

"What's it say, Rockman?" Blues asked when he could speak clearly again.

"It says 'Nice catch. It's not easy to find someone like him'," Rockman read off.

Blues stopped laughing and blushed pink, which made Searchman smile and Rockman giggle at his misfortune. They talked well into the night. By the time they went back to their PET's, it was midnight.

~!~

"Why did you hide him from me?"

"I was afraid that you would think he was stealing me from you."

"If that was the case, I would have made him see that you're mine."

"I was also afraid that you'd go with him since he's more your type."

"Rockman, get that thought out of your mind. You're mine, and I'm yours, got it?"

"Got it. Blues?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for coming with me."

"I'd do anything for you. You deserve it."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Need help getting to sleep?"

"Maybe a little."

"Come on, blue boy."

"Okay, you ass."

Blues barked out a laugh while poking Rockman's sides. He tucked Rockman in and waited until he fell asleep before taking his leave, the slip of paper the waitress gave them in his hand.


Episode Twenty-Three

"What stubborn viruses!" Netto muttered. "They're like cockroaches!"

"Don't complain, Netto," Enzan chastised gently. "This is the duty we're assigned to."

"I know that! But why are these guys coming at us with such incredible new assaults?"

"It's not obvious to you?"

"Well, excuse me!"

Currently, Rockman and Blues were attacking and deleting viruses.

"Because they don't want humans carrying out their research. If that's so, the sooner we destroy them, the better," Enzan said. "The important secrets that would be troubling for us to know are hidden in this thing. In the enemy's dimensional converter!"

~!~

"Who's coming, Enzan?"

"An assistant to cooperate with the dimensional converter research."

A man came up the escalator.

"He's arrived," Manabe spoke up.

"Welcome, Dr Regal," Commissioner Kifune said.

"Thank you, I'm happy to be here," Dr Regal replied.

"Dr Regal?" Netto questioned Enzan.

"He's Kingland's genius scientist. He's the best one suited to study the energy core," Enzan explained.

"From this point, our Net Police and these two Net Saviors will escort you," Commissioner Kifune said.

"Oh? What cute Net Saviors," Dr Regal said.

It took everything in Blues and Rockman not to burst out laughing.

~!~

Rockman was inside the dimensional converter at the top of the stairs. Balls of white light advanced towards him, causing him to gasp.

"Rockman, what's happening?" Netto asked worriedly.

The white lights turned into ghosts. One of them went through Rockman's chest, and he dropped to his knees with his hands covering his ears, hoping, praying the moaning would stop. He whimpered and shook violently. He only looked up when something up ahead lit up. Another ghost appeared in front of him, and he screamed. He was relieved when he was plugged-out.

"Are you alright, Rockman?" Netto asked, worry colouring his voice. "Did you see ghosts; was it ghosts again?"

"Yeah," he admitted reluctantly. He was hiding to the left of his screen.

"Ghosts? That's ridiculous," Dr Regal said.

"Even so, every time I go in there, I hear mysterious noises and start to see things."

"Blues will go instead of him," Enzan said.

'No!' Rockman thought. 'Blues can't go there too!'

"You're welcome to, but your NetNavi will feel the existence of whatever's there as well," Dr Regal said.

"The endless moaning and constant suffering," Rockman murmured. "All I feel is heartbreak and sadness… Right, it's like I'm completely surrounded by the cries of a thousand NetNavis."

"The cries of NetNavis? Oh, it can't be! The energy source for the dimensional converter—!"

"Did you figure something out, Regal-san?" Netto asked.

"But if that's the case, I might be able to repair it…"

Dr Regal then ran out of the room.

"Ah, Regal-san!" Netto shouted.

"Dr Regal!" Yuichiro yelled after him.

"Regal-san…"

~!~

"You sure you're okay, Rockman?"

"Yeah, Blues, I'm fine."

"You seemed really spooked."

"I was."

"I can hear your heart rate from here. You're breathing is also erratic. I know you've hidden it from the others, but you can't hide it from me."

"I know. I'm just still getting over the shock of seeing ghosts like that."

"If you say so."

"I say so."

~!~

Both Blues and Rockman were plugged into the top of the tower-like area inside the dimensional converter.

"Let's go, Rockman," Blues spoke while keeping his voice even for show.

"I'm not afraid of ghosts!" Rockman willed out loud to himself. They then both went after the Navi that had gotten in.

"Wait!" Rockman shouted.

"You bastard," Blues said.

"You came," the Navi said. Suddenly, it was like a force was taking something away from them.

Rockman dropped to his hands and knees. Blues was barely on his feet hunched over.

"My strength is fading," Blues said softly.

Rockman and Blues barely heard what the others were saying, but the next thing they knew, they were synchronizing with their NetOps. They immediately knew their NetOps would feel it too.

They were proven correct when Netto and Enzan went down in a similar style they had.

"The power gauge is…" Netto said.

"Netto-kun, both our hit points are being depleted," Rockman stuttered out. "Our strength won't last long."

"What?!"

Rockman didn't really remember much after that until the dimensional converter was destroyed.


Episode Twenty-Four

There was something wrong with the power plant near the onsen Netto was visiting. So, it was a surprise when Enzan showed up.

"Uh, Enzan?" Netto asked.

"Netto?" Enzan questioned back.

"Why're you here?"

"I'm on a mission. At the core of the power plant, various parts of its Cyberworld are under attack. I should ask why you're here."

"I'm visiting an onsen."

"Onsen?"

"Moreover, I have to straighten out this boat."

"Yeah."

~!~

Inside the Cyberworld…

"Bubbleman," Rockman said as he and Blues were plugged-in. "What are you doing now?"

"Whoa, you're fast puku," Bubbleman said in shock. "Now we'll never destroy the human world!"

"Surrender quietly or else!"

Blues and Rockman readied their sword and Rockbuster, respectively.

"I will never give up on getting Dark Chips!" Bubbleman said. "Take this!"

He shot an arrow gun at the two, who dodged.

"Rockbuster!" Bubbleman was hit back three times.

"Puku! Net Saviors are really nothing to be afraid of, puku," Bubbleman said.

Blues suddenly came up behind him, "oh?"

He slashed his sword, throwing Bubbleman back. "I'll remember this, puku!"

He then plugged-out of the area.

"Bubbleman ran away again!" Netto shouted.

"What a useless Darkloid," Enzan muttered.

Blues and Rockman watched as the bubbles faded away from the system.

"That Bubbleman, is he always like that?" Blues asked while turning to Rockman.

"Yeah, kinda," Rockman admitted.

Suddenly, the two were plugged into the power plant's computer.

"You're the Darkloid?" Blues questioned.

"Net Savior, hmm? You're too late," Burnerman said. "Burning Jet!"

Rockman and Blues separated. But then, Burnerman went after Blues. "BURN!"

Blues slightly sidestepped, but the flames were hot. He was then attacked by blue flames, engulfing his entire body.

"You Net Saviors are pathetic," Burnerman said.

Rockman heard Netto give him a Bubble Shot chip, which he used immediately. Blues used his Sonic Boom attack, knocking Burnerman back.

"Give up, Burnerman!" Rockman said.

"Your plan to destroy the power plant is finished," Blues reiterated. Burnerman began to laugh, "what's so funny?"

"I didn't think I'd obtain a Dark Chip at this level of power," Burnerman snarked. "Take this! Burn, burn!"

From there, Rockman knew he was synchronized with Netto and that it was hot wherever they were (a volcano, Enzan [or was it Netto?] had mentioned). Afterwards, he was just lucky to be taking a nap on Blues' lap cooling off while their NetOps were in the onsen. Roll and Iceman were off doing who knew what, so Rockman wasn't worried. Besides, it wasn't like Blues wasn't napping himself (which, Rockman had to admit was pretty cute).


Episode Twenty-Five and Twenty-Six

"ROCKMAN!"

From where Rockman was, it looked horrible. See, there were many copies of himself running around the net world, and there wasn't much he could do about it. Currently, Rockman was on his hands and knees, his back flaming in pain. He heard Netto shout his name before the slash of a sword hit his ears. However, the pain never came. Gasping, he looked back to see that the copy had a large gash in its body before dissolving into data. Standing behind him was…

"Blues!"

Blues smiled softly before helping him up.

"It's not cool getting deleted by your own self," Blues teased.

"It was so quick; I was just surprised…" Rockman defended.

"Fighting is supposed to be quick."

"Hmph."

The hug that followed their mini argument made all the teasing worth it.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again," Blues murmured in his ear.

"I'll do my best," Rockman replied.

They smiled at one another. Most of the day was spent away from one another as they had to get rid of the other Rockmen. In the end, it was just as well since they got to watch Star Potter Two as a mini date.

~!~26~!~

"Are you alright, Blues?"

"Of course."

It all happened quickly. There was a false fire, Needleman appeared, Blues almost got turned into a Darkloid… Yeah, it was not a fun day. Anetta got taken, and Needleman was defeated. They also learned that Dr Regal was the one responsible for making the Dark Chips. However, the whole thing dredged up old memories for Blues.

"You wanna talk about it?" Rockman asked once they were settled in an area of the network that no one else would bother them.

"I don't know where to start," Blues admitted after a while, his head resting on Rockman's shoulder.

"Well, I know the story, but I don't know it from your perspective."

"She was… She was beautiful. Determined. Stubborn. Kind of like you, actually."

"Silk?"

"Mmmhmm. And yet, Silk also wasn't like you. She was… Feminine, for lack of a better term."

"Most girls are."

"You know what I mean."

"I do. Tell me more. I know Silk… Helped you with deleting her, but how did it make you feel?"

"I wanted to kill myself right then and there."

Rockman stopped his rubbing along Blues' back.

"Why?" was all Rockman questioned.

"Baby, I'd just killed a Navi," Blues said. "By my own blade. And not a Navi who had malicious intent. Silk saved everyone, but at the cost of me killing her. If I could have done something, anything, to save her so Anetta would be happy…"

Rockman didn't know what to say to that. Tears were in both of their eyes, but neither male had the heart to do anything about them. A sob escaped Blues' throat, and it took all of Rockman's training of hiding his own emotions to keep from breaking down like his boyfriend. He knew saying sorry or giving pity wasn't something Blues wanted right now. So instead, he spoke a soft "I'm here."


Episode Twenty-Seven

Today was the worst day of Rockman's life.

Sure, he knew he'd said that before, but this one was seriously the worst.

Netto and Enzan found a ship that belonged to Dr Regal. They also cross-fused, but they did so for too long. A blast was all it took for both Netto and Enzan to be separated from their Navis. Now, in the present, Rockman was on his hands and knees while Blues was being beaten up. He knew there was only one option. He didn't like it, but they'd run out of options.

"Netto-kun, use the Dark Chip on me!"

"What?" Netto questioned.

"Normal battle chips don't work on Shademan. So—"

"Don't be an idiot! If I use the Dark Chip, you'll be—"

"Maybe… I'll be your enemy—"

"Rockman!"

"I really don't want to do this!" Rockman cried, tears streaming down his cheeks. "But it's better than you dying on this boat! I'm begging you, Netto-kun! The boat's going to explode. We don't have any more time to waste!"

Netto was silent. More teardrops dripped down his face. He couldn't let Blues die from him doing nothing! If he could save him, it'd be worth everything.

"Hurry up!" Rockman sobbed. "Put in the Dark Chip!"

"Rockman!" Netto screamed.

A moment's hesitation.

"Dark Chip, slot—"

A gasp of shock.

"Forgive me, Blues!" Enzan spoke softly.

"No," Rockman murmured.

"Dark Chip, slot-in!"

As soon as the dark energy rushed through him, Blues yelled in triumph. He easily defeated Shademan, but he quickly grasped the front of his helmet in pain.

"Blues!"

"Don't come near me!" Blues ordered; his sword raised at Rockman. He dropped onto one knee.

"Blues! Blues!" Rockman screamed.

"Rockman, delete me. Before I lose myself! Enzan-sama."

"What is it, Blues?" his NetOp spoke.

"I will always remember that I was your Navi."

"No, Blues!" Rockman cried. "I can't delete you!"

"Don't hesitate, Rockman! Otherwise, I'll become your enemy…"

"Blues!"

Blues screeched in agony. Rockman felt like screaming, too. His boyfriend was in pain, and he couldn't do anything! Suddenly, their emblems on their chests began glowing blue and red respectively when a hand grabbed his helmet, picking him up off the ground. His helmet began to crackle and pop.

"Die!" Shademan said.

The larger Navi hit Blues aside while Rockman helplessly kicked his feet.

"Rockman!" Blues spoke.

Blues deactivated his sword. He placed his hand on his emblem where it was glowing.

"Take… My… Power!" he shouted.

He threw the glow at Rockman. From there, Rockman felt warmth and safety bundle him up in a Blues-Esque style suit. His boots, gloves, shoulders, chest, and helmet were now red with plated armour something akin to Blues' own. Green-tinted glasses were attached to his helmet, and his hair fell to his mid-back.

"Let's go, Shademan!" he shouted before attacking with the speed and precision of Blues.

The Darkloid flew through the air before disappearing in a puff of smoke. A scream of pain from his lover broke his thoughts, though. Dark energy took Blues up and up into the air following Shademan's trajectory.

"Blues! BLUES!" Rockman screamed.

Right there, he fell to his knees and sobbed. He didn't care if he was ugly-crying. His heart felt ripped in two. How? How could he?! How could he leave?! Why? Why did he have to go?! Why did the world love to take people from him?!

Rockman knew he was plugged out from the ship, but he didn't register anything else. He felt numb, the pain was so great. The blue Navi had run out of tears to cry, but it didn't mean the agony stopped. For now, all he could think was why it couldn't have been him instead.

And suddenly, he understood Blues' pain of wanting to kill himself.


Episode Twenty-Eight

The pain never got any easier. In fact, it got worse with time. Everything Rockman did reminded him of Blues. Every place, every word, everything. It got to the point that, if Rockman wasn't a Navi, he probably would have lost a lot of weight from not eating anything. He didn't speak unless he was spoken to. Rockman didn't go anywhere unless it was necessary. Yuichiro tried to get Rockman to crack, but all he got was a blank stare, a hollow shell of a son. Currently, Netto and Rockman were visiting Yuichiro at the lab.

"Netto, I'm sure you already know, but…" Yuichiro paused to take a breath. "We still haven't found any way to revert a Navi once corrupted by a Dark Chip. Furthermore, the Dark Chip that Enzan-kun used on Blues was a special kind. The Science Labs have raised all their efforts to research it, but…"

He stopped at the sound of sniffling. Both father and son turned to Netto's PET to see Rockman with a shadow covering his eyes. He wasn't there at all. Rockman couldn't get the scene out of his memory. It was all he ever thought of.

'Blues! Blues!'

'Rockman, delete me.'

'What?!'

'Do it before I lose control of myself!'

'Forget it, Blues! I can't delete you!'

'Don't hesitate, Rockman! Otherwise, I'll become your enemy…'

Blues screeched in agony. Rockman felt like screaming, too. His boyfriend was in pain, and he couldn't do anything!

'Blues!'

"Blues," Rockman whispered. His eyes closed as he held in tears. Netto had since put him away, so the blue Navi allowed a few droplets of water to escape. He brushed them away. He had to stay strong.

For Blues.

~!~

Rain fell from the sky, soaking Netto and his PET. He couldn't take it anymore.

"Netto-kun?" he called out tentatively.

The boy brought him out of the sleeve.

"Um, can I go out for a bit?"

Netto blinked.

"You're going to see Enzan?" he asked.

Rockman hummed lightly in affirmative. "I just… I've got to see him myself. Something's calling me to him. I don't know what, but…"

Netto nodded in understanding.

"Alright, Rockman. Go ahead. Be careful, okay?"

"Always."

~!~

Rockman plugged into Enzan's PET. Enzan had a look of hope when he picked it up, but it fell when he saw Rockman.

"Rockman," Enzan said in a monotone. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure how to say this," he began, "but part of me felt as if I had to come here."

Rockman was being held up by Shademan.

'Die!' he said.

Blues deactivated his sword. He placed his hand on his emblem where it was glowing.

'Take it! My strength!' he shouted. He threw the glow at Rockman.

"Perhaps it was the part of Blues inside of me that felt the need to return here. Can I stay here for a while?"

Enzan closed his eyes. He set the PET back on the table.

"Do as you like," he said.

They sat in silence for a long while.

"I've meant to ask you something for a while, Rockman."

"Yes?"

"When you had gotten deleted after the N-1 Grand Prix, why did you jump in front of Blues?"

Silence followed by a very soft "I don't know."

"Why did you say his name after saying Netto's?"

Another quiet "I don't know."

"Why did he give you his power before succumbing to the Dark Chip?"

Rockman felt tears slide down his face when he murmured a watery "I don't know."

"Why have you done everything in your power to get the Science Labs to find a way to reverse the Dark Chip's effect on Blues?"

Rockman barely managed to choke out an "I don't know" before a sob escaped past his lips.

"Why?"

"I DON'T KNOW, OKAY?!" Rockman finally shouted before shrinking back. He murmured something else before the blue-clad Navi couldn't speak anymore, the sobs were so bad. Enzan's eyes softened a bit.

"Oh, Rockman," Enzan whispered before pressing his finger to the screen. Rockman could almost feel the pressure. "You've been hurting as much as I have, haven't you? Maybe more."

Rockman wasn't sure whether to nod or shake his head, so he stayed still.

"You really cared about him, didn't you?"

This time, he nodded his head.

"You jumped in front of him because you couldn't stand to see anyone get hurt, knowing that it'd hurt Netto."

A nod.

"You said his name after Netto because you felt the need to. Because you cared deeply for him."

Another nod.

"Blues gave you his power to you before he was taken over by the Dark Chip because he felt the same way about you, didn't he?"

Rockman felt even more tears slide down his face as he nodded.

"You've done everything in your power to get the Science Labs to find a way to bring Blues back to me because you know it'd also mean bringing him back to you."

The Navi sank to his knees. What more could he say?

"He may have a good poker face, but I taught him everything he knows. I know you two were careful with what you said in front of Netto and I, but I know you meant more than what you said. He was very much in love with you, just as much as you were with him. I need to know, Rockman. Am I right? Were you two together?"

Silence.

"Were you two in love?"

Carefully, Rockman looked up at Enzan. Enzan could see every emotion running through Rockman's eyes.

Love, pain, sadness, guilt, and fear were swimming in his (glamour covered) multi-coloured orbs.

Slowly, very slowly, Rockman nodded his head as new sobs shook his frame.

"We didn't want to tell you or anyone until we were ready," Rockman said through his cries. "I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner."

Enzan waited patiently until the cries weren't as strong before speaking.

"I can understand why you two would keep it secret from Netto and me," Enzan said softly. Rockman wiped his face as best he could. "I trust your judgement as well as Blues'. I wish you two had told us sooner, but I'm not upset."

Relief ran through Rockman's eyes.

"I'm gonna guess that Netto has no idea?"

"N-no," Rockman replied with a watery laugh, "he doesn't."

Enzan finally gave a genuine smile.

"I won't tell him if you aren't ready," the boy promised. "As long as you don't keep any secrets from me, including meetings between you two."

"I promise!" Rockman said. "Thank you. For everything."

"Of course. We've got to look out for each other now, right? Might as well learn about ourselves to be able to trust one another, right?"

"Right."

They sat in silence once more, but it was a good one this time.

~!~

Enzan watched as the models fell over limply.

"Sparkman, you've failed," Yuriko hissed.

"It's game over," Enzan said.

"A player doesn't have that kind of mood."

Enzan gasped as she disappeared, her cloak falling to the floor.

"So, it's to be continued, then…"

The green computer gem lit up as another message went through.

"I dropped by to give my greetings," the Navi said.

Enzan grit his teeth. Blues wasn't the same person.

"Blues!" he cried.

"Don't address me so warmly!"

Netto soon ran inside the room. Rockman felt his breath stop.

"Blues!" Rockman shouted.

Enzan could detect the desperate tone in his voice and caught the message underneath. Come back to Enzan, he heard, come back to me!

"I'm not the Blues I was before," Blues said as if Rockman was nothing. "Vowing loyalty to Laserman-sama, I'm a leading member of Nebula. Farewell, Enzan."

He disappeared, and Enzan ran forwards to where he was standing before. He was hugging the air.

"That can't be… Blues…" Rockman whispered.

"Blues," the dual-haired boy murmured. His shoulders shook with tears. "BLUES!"

The blue-clad Navi's heart went out to Enzan. He would have done the same thing, but there was no point to it. He had to stay strong. He had to.

For Blues.


Episode Twenty-Nine

"Mama?"

"Yes, Rockman?"

"I'm worried."

"About?"

"Well, you just said that Enzan is coming over, right?"

"Yes?"

"It's just that… I don't think Enzan's had a lot of time to settle down since… Since he's lost Blues. Do you think that you could… That could get him to relax a little?"

"Of course! If I may, why are you so concerned about it? Netto-kun doesn't seem to be—"

"I've just watched a little closer, is all."

"Alright."

~!~

The doorbell rang fifteen minutes later.

"Yes! Yes, yes, sorry to keep you waiting!"

"Good afternoon," Enzan greeted.

"Welcome, Enzan-kun. I've heard the story from Yuichiro-san. Please, come inside."

"No, thank you. I'm only here to pick up the disk. I'll leave as soon as I pick it up. Otherwise, Netto will—"

"Don't say that. Come on in."

Haruka gently grabbed his shoulder and led him in.

"See?"

"Alright. Sorry to bother you," Enzan said.

She waved him off and made a pot of coffee.

"Say, how many?" Haruka asked in response to sugar.

"Ten," he said softly.

"Ehhh? So many? If you make it too sweet, it won't go well with the cake. Maybe just one little spoonful."

Enzan gaped at her.

"Um…"

"Oh, Netto? He hasn't come back yet. But you've got good timing anyways. Here now… See? It just finished baking!"

"Um, what about the disk?"

"Leave that for later. Look, it just finished baking and is piping hot. It tastes the best that way."

She set a slice of cake in front of him.

"Please help yourself."

His belly vibrated under his fingertips. He talked over the noise in the hopes Haruka wouldn't hear.

"Once I pick up the disk, though, I'll be going—"

"If you don't eat, I won't give it to you."

His stomach rumbled loudly, and Enzan couldn't resist as he picked up the fork.

"Well then, itadakimasu."

One forkful quickly turned into a second until the slice was gone. Enzan hadn't quite realised just how hungry he was.

"You're eating well," Haruka said happily. "There's more."

"N-no, um…" he stammered. "Please give me the disk."

"It's really like Yuichiro-san to be so careless."

"I-I don't think it's like that."

"Alright, and now, a quiz. Where was this very important disk left?"

"U-um, it wasn't his work desk?"

"Wrong!"

"On top of the TV?"

"Wrong!"

"The kitchen?"

"Wrong!"

"The porch?"

"Wrong!"

"The bathroom?"

"Wrong!"

"Um, I give up."

His head was slightly spinning at the fact that the cake and coffee was the only thing he'd had to eat in three days. He hadn't been eating well since Blues turned evil.

"The answer is… The pocket of Yuichiro-san's pyjamas."

"I see…"

"My, I was about to wash them, too. Well, it's good that it's safe. I was very careful with it."

"Thank you very much," he said sincerely.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome home."

"Huh? Enzan?"

The boy in question looked up to see that Netto had come inside.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"It's for work," Haruka said. "He came to pick up something that Papa forgot."

"Is that so?"

"With this, I'll be going now," Enzan said.

"Really? You're going already?" she asked.

"Thank you for having me."

"What's this?" Netto questioned. "You should stay longer!"

Blue eyes turned to look into chocolate brown.

"Netto, I'd like to talk with you for a bit," Enzan said.

"Huh?"

He turned to look at Haruka. "Sorry for bothering you."

"Hey! Wait up, Enzan!"

Netto got up to follow, but his mom stopped him.

"Oh, Netto, can I borrow Rockman for a bit?"

"What?" Netto asked dumbly.

"The two of you are going to have a talk, right? It's okay in that case, isn't it? Rockman can help me search for tasty recipes this way! Please?"

"Ah! Hey-hey-hey, Mama!"

"Is it okay with you, Rockman?"

"Mama," Rockman sweatdropped. He knew what she was doing, so he left it be.

"Look, Netto. Enzan-kun is waiting."

"Er, then, just for a little while! I'll be going now!"

He then ran off, leaving Rockman with Haruka.

She turned to look at Rockman who had his head down.

"Talk to me, Rockman," she said.

He smiled slightly. Leave it to Haruka to know when there was something wrong.

"Just thinking is all, Mama," was all he said.

"You're worried about Enzan-kun, yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Don't worry. I made sure he ate."

He sweatdropped once again at the smile she had.

While Navi's didn't have to eat, Rockman knew that humans did. He remembered how often Netto would complain about being hungry after only an hour. How Enzan managed to go for so long without eating irked the blue Navi.

"How are you holding up?"

"Huh?"

"Enzan's not the only one who's been through something so tough."

Rockman looked away.

"I-I've been alright. Enzan's been through more than I have. I couldn't imagine losing Netto-kun to evil," Rockman said.

Haruka smiled sadly.

"I already had to lose someone, but it wasn't Netto," she said.

"And who was that, Mama?"

Haruka didn't reply, but she did give him a meaningful look and began to walk out of the house. Rockman recognised it as the way to the park. As they got closer, he heard a scuffle. She stopped and turned the PET around to watch. From there, he could hear everything both Enzan and Netto were saying.

"What's with you, you bastard?!" Netto shouted.

They shoved each other before falling to the ground, Netto on top of Enzan.

"Do you know how much I—?"

"That's right," Enzan said.

"—about you guys—"

"I'm the one who's wrong!"

Both boys stopped struggling.

"That was all my fault!" Enzan continued. "Blues is… Blues is an enemy! I'm responsible for everything!"

Rockman could hear how Enzan's voice implied that he was crying.

"Enzan," Netto said softly.

"I'm… not qualified to be Blues' Operator. You saw it too, didn't you? Blues is an enemy!"

"That's wrong!"

"Blues is an enemy!"

"Blues is your Navi, isn't he?! What will happen if you give up? Blues will be lost!"

Netto's eyes filled with tears, a drop falling on Enzan.

"You're the only one that knows the true Blues! If you give up trying to reach Blues, we'll never be able to get him back! I… I don't want that to happen!"

Netto sat up and wiped his face of tear tracks. Enzan stayed still though.

"Is that so…?" he murmured.

Netto got off Enzan and leaned back, the wind ruffling their hair.

"It'll be alright," Netto said softly. "Blues will definitely come back."

They sat in silence once more when Enzan broke it.

"The cake was delicious."

"Huh?"

"Tell her that."

Rockman smiled as Enzan got up. The dual-colour haired boy stood up.

"My ride's here. I'm going back to the company."

Netto stood up as well and dusted the seat of his pants off.

"So long, Netto."

"Okay," Netto said. "See you."

Enzan walked away. The PET was turned around again to face Haruka.

"Don't you think Netto's become just a bit more like an adult, Rockman?"

"Yeah," he admitted.

"He's gotten stronger!"

She let out a soft laugh that made Rockman smile genuinely. He tried not to think about how it had been a long time since he'd done that.


WARNING! While I did not specifically go into detail, it is hinted that Rockman is... Assaulted. So, if you are not comfortable with this, skip over it. I completely understand. Next A.N. will let you know when it is safe to go :)


Non-Episode Three

Rockman yawned. After all the excitement over three days, he felt tired. He pulled the covers over his lithe frame when he heard a soft laugh.

"My little Rockman."

Rockman sat up with a sharp gasp. In front of him was Blues himself in all his (now) Darkloid form.

"B-Blues!" Rockman stuttered.

"Rockman," Blues said softly.

The red Navi cupped Rockman's face. Rockman didn't move in fear that the Navi turned Darkloid would kill him if he did. Blues smirked.

"Does Rockman miss him? Miss the old Blues?"

The blue Navi kept his mouth shut, but his breathing did pick up.

"Don't be shy, little Rockman. Blues won't hurtcha."

"You're lying!"

As soon as the words escaped from his lips, Rockman looked away, his eyes clenching tight in fear. Blues paused before laughing. He grabbed Rockman's chin between his forefinger and thumb before pulling his chin up roughly to make him look the Darkloid in the eyes.

"Aw, don't tell me that Rockman is afraid of me."

Rockman chose not to reply.

"If it makes you feel any better, you're the first person to see the new me."

The smaller Navi felt tears form. Whatever Blues was doing, he didn't like it. He felt Blues move his own face closer to his, the Darkloid's breath tickling Rockman's neck.

"Ya know, if you wanted, I could make. You. Mine," Blues said, his tongue flicking itself on Rockman's left cheek. The blue Navi shuddered in disgust and fear.

"N-never! Y-you can't!" Rockman said. "NETTO-KUN! HEL—MMPH!"

Blues wrapped one hand over Rockman's mouth and nose while the other was a sword pressed against the blue Navi's neck.

"Ah ah ah, can't have you shouting for precious Netto, can we? Sorry, babe, but you'll have to stay silent. Got it?"

Rockman didn't move in fear of Blues killing him. He could hear the threat Blues told him.

"Now then, here's what's going to happen. We're going to have a little fun, and you're not going to tell anyone about what I'm doing. Are we clear?"

Tears were now streaming down his face, but Rockman nodded his head once more. Blues continued to smirk with a Cheshire grin.

"Good. Now, let the fun begin…"

Rockman let out a scream of fright and anguish before Blues gagged his mouth. He wasn't sure how long it was, but Blues finally pressed one last rough kiss to his lips.

"Until next time, Rockman."

Blues left shortly afterwards. It was then that Rockman conjured a mirror to look at the damage done. He slowly drank in his appearance and hissed when he saw the numbers of abrasions to the smooth, pale skin. Bruises, large and tiny, covered every inch of skin. Lacerations, big and small, littered his back. His neck was black and blue from Blues' abuse. Nothing was spared other than his face except for the red slap mark where Blues hit him for talking "when he wasn't supposed to". The worst bruises were the ones that adorned his waist and hips where Blues held him in a death grip.

It was then that Rockman sank to his knees and allowed himself to cry.


Alright, the actual thing is done with. Now, it's the aftermath. I feel this is safer than above, however, if you still don't feel comfortable, next A.N. will be the next safe spot. I promise.


Rockman opened his eyes with a hiss of pain. He'd fallen asleep on the floor, and it was five-thirty in the morning according to his body clock. It was also a Saturday, which meant that Netto wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. Slowly, he pulled his bodysuit up and put his helmet on his head. A glamour fell over his face, erasing any trace of bruising.

He knew he had to tell someone, but who would listen?

As much as he loved Netto, the poor boy was too dense. Papa was working. Mama would freak out. Meiru-chan would still be sleeping, Tohru, Glyde, Yaito, and Mariko-sensei as well. Iceman, Dekao, Gutsman, and Roll weren't people to talk about this sort of thing with. Not really. Enzan…

Well, Enzan would listen. He would be awake now. He would be someone to talk about this sort of thing with. And, if anything, the dual-colour haired boy deserved to know what his Navi had done.

Rockman hoped he was right as he soon was arriving at Blues' old PET. He peeked into the room he was in to see that the boy was getting dressed. The PET chirped, alerting Enzan.

"Who's there?"

"It's me," Rockman said softly.

All the screaming had made his voice rough. Enzan quickly pulled his red vest on and ran to the PET, concern visible in his dark blue eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Why do you ask?" Rockman countered.

"For starters, you came to me instead of Netto."

Rockman looked away with a sad sigh. Enzan had him there.

"Is it bad?"

A nod.

"Was it a Darkloid?"

Another nod. The blue Navi closed his eyes and felt the tears run down his cheeks.

"Was… Was it Blues?"

Rockman couldn't breathe. He nodded before succumbing to sobs.

"Hey, hey, hey, easy, easy," Enzan said softly.

"H-he… H-he—!"

"Shh, let your emotions go first. Then you can tell me what happened."

Five minutes passed before Rockman was able to breathe.

"Alright. Why don't you tell me what happened?" Enzan asked gently. "Take your time."

Rockman took a shuddering gasp of breath in before beginning his tale.

"I-it was late last night when he came into my PET," he said. "He was telling me how he wouldn't hurt me and that I shouldn't be afraid of him. I told him that he was lying, so he said that, if I wanted, he could make me his."

He took in another shuddering breath before continuing.

"I told him no and began to shout for Netto-kun, but he cut me off. He told me that I had to stay silent. That I couldn't be calling out for Netto-kun. His hand was over my mouth, his other a sword against my neck."

He stopped. He couldn't go on. What was he thinking? Enzan must think he's weak!

"What happened next, Rockman?" Enzan prompted.

Silence.

"Rockman."

Nothing.

"Rock—"

"He hurt me."

Silence followed his near-silent confession. Tears were spilling down his face faster.

"He told me that we'd have fun, a-and that I wouldn't tell anyone afterwards. He beat me, Enzan. There were so many bruises. I don't know what to tell Netto-kun. What would I tell him?"

"Let me see."

"What?"

"Let me see what he did to you."

Neither of them moved.

"Rockman, I need to know how bad this is if it's something I should tell Dr Hikari—"

"NO! Don't tell anyone! Please, please, please! I'll do anything for them not to know!"

"I can't just not tell them!"

"Promise me, Enzan. They can't know—!"

Enzan sighed deeply through his nose.

"It'll depend on how bad he hurt you," was all he said.

Rockman hesitated before nodding.

"O-okay then."

Rockman gently tugged his helmet off. He knew that his black hair turned light brown, and he felt his right eye turn chocolate brown. He gave Enzan a moment to process what he'd seen.

"Open your eyes, Rockman," he urged lightly.

He obeyed. He heard Enzan choke.

"Blues' eyes do that too when he takes his helmet off. That's why he keeps them covered," Enzan said off-handedly.

"What colours are they?" he asked.

"With his helmet on, they are both blue like mine. With his helmet off, his left eye was green kinda like Roll's, and his right eye was still blue."

Rockman smiled lightly before carefully removing the suit. He stopped at the belly button.

"He got my torso and back," Rockman informed Enzan.

He heard Enzan inhale sharply.

The bruises were still dark in colour. Most of the lacerations were scabbed over, but one of the deeper ones were still sluggishly leaking data. The handprint on Rockman's cheek wasn't red anymore as much as it was just a bruise on his cheekbone.

"I'll only tell Dr Hikari," Enzan promised. "He needs to know what happened to his son's NetNavi. Even if you never tell Netto, I think it's best we tell Dr Hikari."

"Yeah," Rockman said distantly, the numbness sinking back into place.

Enzan sighed.

"I know that you don't want to tell anyone because you feel like it's your fault that this happened, but none of it is. It's all on Blues. He was the one who willingly threatened you and abused you. He's the one who stopped you from telling Netto right then and there. It's all on him.

"I wouldn't be a good friend if I just let it slide. A good friend makes sure their friend is okay. A good friend tells someone when their friend is getting hurt. A good friend does their best to keep it from ever happening again."

Rockman gave a hollow nod. Time from there moved quickly. He knew Enzan left a note for Netto to find explaining that Rockman was with him. After that, they were on their way to the labs.

"Ah, Enzan-kun, how are you this morning?" Yuichiro smiled.

"I-I've been better," Enzan spoke honestly, "but I'm not here for me. It's for Rockman."

"Rockman?"

"Mmm. He was… Attacked."

"Attacked? Who—?"

"Blues."

He watched the scientist stiffen.

"What happened."

It wasn't a question, and Enzan knew it. From there, he plugged Rockman into the systems to allow Yuichiro to see the damage done. The soft gasp fell from his lips.

"Blues… Blues did this?" he asked, his voice in denial.

"That's what Rockman tells me, yes," Enzan nodded grimly. "Rockman, would you—?"

The helmet and top half of his uniform was soon off to show the data leaks and bruising. What Enzan noticed this time around, though, was the bruising that seemed to continue from his waist. He turned around, his back facing the Navi.

"You lied to me about the bruising," Enzan spoke evenly. "It's not just your chest and back, is it."

A sniffle.

"No."

It was so soft that Enzan thought he imagined it.

"Show him. Everything."

It wasn't a question, but it wasn't a direct order. After a few moments, Enzan heard gasping from the creator.

"How bad is it?" Enzan asked gently.

"He wasn't just attacked," Yuichiro said in a voice just above a whisper. "He was attacked."

Quiet sobs sounded from the computer monitor. Enzan stiffened. How was he gonna explain this to Netto?!

"Netto-kun…" Rockman murmured. "He'll hate me."

"No, he won't," Yuichiro answered immediately. "He will always love you."

"He won't understand."

"Maybe not, but he will be willing to listen if you let him."

"But—"

"But nothing. It's entirely up to you on whether you tell Netto-kun. I am glad, however, that you told me."

Rockman didn't reply and simply nodded.

"Enzan-kun, you're welcome to go back home, if you'd like."

"I'll leave it up to Rockman," Enzan spoke softly. He then turned his full attention to the half-nude Navi. "Do you want me to stay, or do you want me to go?"

"Stay," Rockman responded. "Please."

"Okay. I'll stay."

Light smiles were exchanged.

~!~

Hours later, Enzan received a call from Netto.

"Netto," the dual-colour haired boy answered.

"You have Rockman, yes?" Netto questioned.

"I do."

"Where are you?"

"The lab. Something came up, and Rockman wanted to hang out here with me, so he stayed."

"Is Papa there too?"

"Mmmhmm. Rockman's helping him with something."

"Oh."

Silence took up the space.

"How are you holding up?" Netto asked.

"I've been better," Enzan admitted. "And you?"

"I dunno. I feel bad about everything."

"None of it was your fault."

"Perhaps not, but if I hadn't hesitated… You wouldn't be in as much pain as you're in."

"Maybe, maybe not. Besides, you've already lost your Navi before. I figured you wouldn't want to experience that again."

"Not if I could help it. I just… Enzan—"

"No, Netto."

More silence.

"I'm on my way over there."

"Wait, if I can save you the trip—"

"No no, I've been meaning to come by later today anyway."

Enzan glanced up at the monitor where Rockman was currently in a dream-like state, his helmet off while his suit was replaced with what looked like medical scrubs.

"Well, if you insist."

"I do. I'll see you soon!" Netto beamed.

"Yeah."

Ending the call, Enzan felt panic set in as he found himself asking the same question from earlier.

How the ever-loving fuck was he gonna explain this to Netto?


Okay, now it is officially safe. Well, as safe as it's gonna get. There will be light mentions, but not like above. So, without further ado, continue :)


~!~30ish~!~

The healing went well, the bruises and leaking data gone, but the poor Navi's memories would forever haunt him. Such was the case a week after Blues' initial meeting in his PET. The case Rockman and Netto were working on caused some… Difficulties to happen.

"So, wait, lemme get this straight," Enzan blinked from the other end of the phone. "Aquaman was saved by Rockman and wouldn't let him go, so Roll got clingy and tried to help as did you and Aquaman's NetOp. You guys played hide and seek causing Aquaman to cry and flood the New Net City, so Rockman had to calm him down. And after that, Rockman had to face off Burnerman, all while protecting Aquaman and Roll."

"Oh, and don't forget the part where I got a new Soul Unison!" Netto added.

"Is that everything?"

"Well, yes. Although, there was a whole other thing where Aquaman got attached to Roll. That was an easier transition, though."

"And you're calling me about this… Why?"

"Because Rockman trusts you more than me."

"Come again?"

"It's… I dunno, Rockman seems so much more closed off than before. He won't tell me what's wrong, and I'm worried about him."

"I'm sure he'll tell you if something was wrong."

"Maybe. But can you talk with Rockman? He might tell you what's wrong before he tells me."

"What makes you say that?"

"Just… Something tells me that. And I'm not upset about it, either."

"You're not?"

"No. I'm glad he found a friend in you. Sure, the other Navi's are nice and all, but he isn't ever open with them like he is with Mama or Papa or me. With you, he's… He trusts you as he does me. And I trust you, too, which is why I'm asking you to help me with him."

Enzan fell silent. He wasn't sure what to say to that. Finally, he nodded.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah. I'll help," Enzan told Netto.

"Oh, thank you!" Netto grinned.

It took a few moments, but Enzan allowed himself to smile.

"You're welcome, Netto."

They hung up after a few extra goodbye's, but his PET dinged once he did.

"Rockman," Enzan greeted.

"Enzan," the Navi simpered. "Netto told you? About Aquaman?"

"He did."

"Look, I know he sent me out here to talk, but I don't know where to start."

"How was Aquaman clinging onto you?"

"Like a belt. And on my back. Roll-chan tried to pry him off me, but her touches weren't… Pleasant. She's nice and all, but—"

He paused.

"You couldn't help but think about Blues," Enzan continued for Rockman when he couldn't.

"Mmm."

"You still haven't told Netto, have you?"

"I want to, but I don't know how," Rockman confessed.

Enzan felt a stab of sorrow go through him. The blue Navi had his arms crossed over his upper abdomen; his eyes not nearly as bright as they used to be. It was almost as if Rockman was shutting down in front of him.

"Rockman, do you want to stay? Just for tonight?" Enzan asked.

"Are you sure?" Rockman countered.

"Wouldn't have offered if it wasn't okay. Sleep. I'll wake you when it's time to go."

The blue Navi stiffened a little.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, no," Rockman answered. "It's just that... You sound just like Blues."

"Who do you think taught him?" Enzan teased lightly.

The corner of Rockman's lips twitched up into a half-smile which Enzan counted as a win.


Episode Thirty-Three and Thirty-Four

Netto and Rockman were still cross-fused together when Blues appeared. They'd just defeated Gravityman with the help of Enzan and the Battle Chip Gate when the Darkloid started laughing. Enzan and Netto's eyes widened while Rockman froze in place. Blues looked vastly different, though. His suit now consisted of dark reds and dark purples and blacks; his sunglasses tinted blood red. His hair was now a wild mess compared to what it was before.

"Blues?!" Netto and Enzan shouted.

The Navi chuckled.

"My appearance surprises you…?" he taunted.

Enzan felt a cold chill go through his body. So, this was the monster who took advantage of Rockman, who attacked him, who—

He didn't continue the thought.

"It's one of the many Darkloid factors that stem from the Dark Chip you used," Blues continued smoothly.

"What?" Enzan breathed.

"That's right. I'm not a Net Navi anymore. I have been reborn as a complete Darkloid."

"Blues, you—!" Netto spat.

"Attack him, Netto!" Enzan yelled.

"Enzan—"

"Attack!"

Netto gaped at him. Rockman understood why he did, but he also understood why Enzan reacted the way he did. His Navi wasn't a Navi anymore, and it was the same one who hurt him and Rockman. Netto just didn't understand. Not like the blue Navi gave him the option to.

"… All right!" Netto spoke finally.

"Battle chip, Vulcan! Slot-in!" Enzan called out.

Shooting the gun at the Darkloid did nothing but allow Blues to run. The cross-fusion dropped as did the dimensional area. Enzan stood in shock while Rockman fought to keep tears in, his body shaking.

It was the first time in a long time where he wanted Blues. Not Darkloid Blues, but boyfriend Blues; his Blues. Rockman wanted Blues to tell him it was okay, to assure him that it was all just a bad dream. Rockman wanted Blues to hug him tight and never let go, to hug him and feel safe. Rockman wanted Blues to kiss him in apology, to kiss him in regret, to kiss him in longing.

He was able to keep the wail from escaping his lips, but he couldn't stop the onslaught of tears.

~!~34~!~

Prisman and Misaki were turned to the dark side; Rockman cursed the dark synchro chip that caused it. Now, it was up to Netto and Rockman to defeat him and bring him back. The catch was, however, that they had to aim for the chest emblem. Break it, and the energy would be released.

And then, Blues showed up.

Blues.

Fricking. Blues.

While he was in the real world, he was also in the network in front of Rockman.

"Blues," Rockman murmured.

He couldn't help the shiver that went down his spine when the Darkloid smirked, dark energy swirling around him nearly choking the blue Navi.

"Why don't you join me?" Blues offered. "Good things, those Dark Chips…"

"Shut up!" Rockman screamed. "Snap out of it! Blues!"

While Netto was getting beat up, Blues and Rockman had a staredown. Soon, Rockman was on his hands and knees as was Netto in the real world.

"Please, please, please," Rockman begged. "Come back. Come back to Enzan. To me. To us."

Blues stood over him (Netto and Rockman), his sword over his neck.

"That all you can do, Rockman? Hikari Netto?" Blues teased.

Suddenly, Enzan was there giving the chips needed to get away.

"Blues! You're fighting ME!" Enzan shouted.

"Enzan, huh?" Blues snarked.

"Battle chip, Stone Cube! Slot-in!"

While the Darkloid was distracted, Netto stood up.

"Thank you, Enzan!"

The dual-colour haired boy smiled in return. Quickly, Netto called for a long sword and attacked Prisman. In the end, the sabre pierced Prisman's emblem while the staff Prisman was using cracked Netto's own. Enzan's eyes widened as he gasped. Blues, in the real world, seemed to freeze. In the net world, Rockman felt great pain hit him worse than he'd ever felt before, and all Blues did was watch. Misaki tumbled out of the transformation while his PET lay next to him.

"Useless human," Blues drawled before disappearing.

"Netto!" Enzan grinned.

"We did it!" Netto beamed back.

He suddenly gasped in pain as his emblem shattered. The transformation collapsed and sent Netto flying back, his near-broken PET crashing into the ground. He crawled to Rockman carefully.

"Are you alright, Rockman?"

Rockman could barely hear him. Everything was fuzzy and distorted.

"Ne-Netto… Kun…" was all he managed to stutter out before falling unconscious.

"Rockman. Rockman! ROCKMAN!" Netto screamed.


Episode Thirty-Five

Inside the labs, Enzan had to keep himself from flashing back to the last time Rockman was in this position after Blues got him. Bits of data were floating from his whole body, but primarily his right leg and both arms. After he knew Rockman was safe in Netto and Yuichiro's hands, he left for Ameroupe to help with the new PET. If anyone deserved it now more than ever, it was Rockman and Netto.

~!~

"Papa!"

Currently, Netto, Raoul, and Laika were in Commissioner Kifune's office when Yuichiro called.

"Netto, come to the Science Lab," he spoke.

"Science Lab? Did something happen to Rockman?!" Netto questioned, worry in his features.

"I need your body."

"Mine?"

"No time to explain now."

A gentle shove in his back made him look up.

"Raoul."

"Hurry up and go," the elder male said.

Netto nodded, a gentle smile on his lips. He looked at his father.

"I'm on my way!" he told him before running off.

~!~

Once at Science Labs, his father hugged him. From there, Netto was instructed to strip other than his undergarments and to lie on a table.

"We will use your body which synchronises with Rockman's Cross Fusion," Yuichiro explained. "This way, the repairs will go faster."

Rockman materialised next to Netto on the table next to his.

"Rockman…"

"However, using a human as a base to repair Navi's is a first," the scientist continued. "If you feel weird at all, push that button. We will immediately stop."

"Mmm."

"Let's start."

Placing the synchro chip into the computer, it started its scan. It began to put bits and pieces of Rockman onto Netto's body. It was then that Netto felt a bit weird, but not to the point of needing to stop.

"Rockman…" he breathed.

And suddenly, memories flooded Netto's mind, but they weren't his.

~!~

The instant attraction to Blues when they first met. Rockman's feelings about how he was treated by Blues, the words "you're just a burden" on repeat. The number of tears Rockman shed every night when Netto was asleep.

The feeling of relief when Blues admitted that he too liked Rockman. The feeling of wanting to protect Blues from deletion.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Floating in the darkness. Would Netto want him? Would Blues want him? Revival and happy greetings. The slight disgust from Roll touching him. Being a twin to his NetOp. Rockman's hair turning light brown, his bangs parted down the middle and spiked up in the back. Rockman's right eye turning chocolate brown, something akin to Netto's own.

"Open your eyes, Rockman."

"Are you sure you want me to?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure."

Fear of rejection aside, he opened his eyes. A gentle gasp from Blues.

"They're beautiful."

The kiss that followed. The love and happiness that was emitted from Rockman's heart.

~!~

Netto reeled in the information he was given. The boots were now covering his feet, the gloves half-way done.

Rockman loved Blues? And Blues loved him back? Was that the big secret Rockman and Enzan were hiding? More memories assaulted his head.

~!~

Ms Millionaire and her game. The fear and pain of Rockman's time in it. The handbag being delivered and knowing that it was from Enzan and Blues. Another kiss.

Magnetman. The whole switcheroo with money. Rockman's systems freezing to the point of crashing. The care from Blues afterwards while Enzan and Netto talked.

Ku-Chinatown. The Cutman Brothers. Shadowman. The pain and love.

"I can't help that I look like a girl!"

"No, but you don't look like a girl."

"No?"

"You look like a feminine boy."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"No."

"Whatever."

The car race. The Coliseum. Forte. Gospel. Forte stealing Rockman. The terror of Blues getting deleted. His power getting drained before a big boom. Internet City getting fixed. Crying, anger, relief, and kisses.

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"Blues."

"Rockman."

Kisses that gave loaded promises. Kisses that meant safety. Kisses that felt like home.

~!~

Netto blinked back into reality. The padded shoulders and backpack were now in place, the gloves having finished long before. The bodysuit was still materialising in some spots.

"How're you doing?" Yuichiro spoke.

"I'm fine," Netto replied absent-mindedly.

Silence followed his words, but Netto didn't mind as more memories surfaced.

~!~

Blues disappearing without a trace. The many long nights spent staying awake in the hopes of Blues' return. The crying and exhaustion that followed. The mirror dome. Blues turning up after nearly a year of absence. The sleepy, foggy memory of Blues putting Rockman to bed that same night. Many more following that example.

Searchman. The talk of Cross Fusion. Desertman. The little get together Rockman, Blues, and Searchman had.

The want to keep Blues safe. The onsen. Dozing on Blues' lap. Blues napping on Rockman.

The many, many copies of Rockman. The unplanned movie date with Star Potter Two.

Anetta. Silk. Blues' memories being dredged up. Rockman and Blues sitting in an area no one else was, Blues' head on Rockman's shoulder, Rockman rubbing Blues' back.

"You wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know where to start."

"Well, I know the story, but I don't know it from your perspective."

"She was… She was beautiful. Determined. Stubborn. Kind of like you, actually."

"Silk?"

"Mmmhmm. And yet, Silk also wasn't like you. She was… Feminine, for lack of a better term."

"Most girls are."

"You know what I mean."

"I do. Tell me more. I know Silk… Helped you with deleting her, but how did it make you feel?"

"I wanted to kill myself right then and there."

Pause.

"Why?"

"Baby, I'd just killed a Navi. By my own blade. And not a Navi who had malicious intent. Silk saved everyone, but at the cost of me killing her. If I could have done something, anything, to save her so Anetta would be happy…"

Silence. Both had tears in their eyes, but neither male had the heart to do anything about them. A sob escaped Blues' throat, and it took all of Rockman's training of hiding his own emotions to keep from breaking down like his boyfriend. He knew saying sorry or giving pity wasn't something Blues wanted right now. So instead, he spoke a soft "I'm here."

Suddenly, all Netto felt was the loss, regret, betrayal, hurt, anger, frustration, and grief. Blues was gone. The numbness that followed for days, weeks, months.

Going to Enzan, the sense of Blues strong from the dual-colour haired boy's PET. Telling Enzan about the relationship with Blues. The small feeling of acceptance and belonging.

And then, pain. Terror. Helplessness. Blues' new Darkloid form. The attack and assault. Pain. White-hot pain laced through Rockman's body and mind. Passing out. Running to Enzan. Telling him everything but the more sensitive topic. Going to Science Labs to get looked at by Yuichiro. Admitting to everything. Getting healed physically. Netto could feel the mental scaring the attack had left.

Aquaman and Roll's constant touches making Rockman be in a constant state of panic. Confessing it aloud to Enzan. The numbness coming back.

And then, the slap to the face to see Blues once again while cross-fused with Netto. More crying. Blues' offer.

"Why don't you join me? Good things, those Dark Chips…"

"Shut up! Snap out of it! Blues!"

Rockman on his hands and knees just like Netto in the real world.

"Please, please, please," Rockman begged. "Come back. Come back to Enzan. To me. To us."

Finally, the battle that caused the mess in the first place. The excruciating pain of the Hikari emblem breaking. Fuzziness. Dizziness.

"Ne-Netto… Kun…"

Darkness.

~!~

The helmet was the last thing that needed to be put in place. However, it seemed as though the scan and Cross Fusion was taking its sweet time.

"Netto-kun? Are you alright?" Yuichiro questioned. "You've been silent this whole time."

"I'm fine, Papa," Netto replied. "Just remembering things I shouldn't."

"Rockman's memories?"

"Yeah. I'm learning a lot about my Navi I didn't know."

"Like what?"

"Like how much Rockman loved Blues; how much fear and protective instincts there are."

"Anything else?"

"Papa, I know. About everything."

Yuichiro went quiet.

"Son, I wanted to tell you, but Rockman—"

"—Didn't want to tell me just yet, I know," Netto cut him off. "But it makes some of Enzan's words and actions make sense. When he told me to attack Blues with no hesitation… It makes sense now."

"When Rockman gets better, you two can talk about it, but let him tell you what he wants to tell you," the scientist spoke. "Don't push. It'll just make Rockman not want to talk."

"I understand."

Finally, the computer dinged, and all of Rockman's suit was on Netto's body.

"Just a few more minutes, and you'll be good," Yuichiro smiled. "You handled it all very well. Any pain?"

"A bit, but I didn't really feel it since I was lost in thought," Netto admitted.

A few more minutes, and the suit dissolved off. With that, the boy carefully sat up and put his clothes back on. Netto raced over to the computer to see a large "OK: restoration was completed" on the screen. He took a large breath of relief.

"Thanks to you, the repair to the body is done," Yuichiro said. "Now we just wait for him to wake up."

Netto nodded. He looked back at Rockman.

"Rockman…"

"Now, we have to hurry and complete the new PET," the scientist spoke aloud mostly to himself.


Non-Episode Four

The new PET was a success. For a while, Rockman had to endure Netto's constant bragging of how great it was. In the end, Rockman was exhausted and bruised from how hard Netto had pushed him, from fighting Enzan, Raoul, and Thunderman, but also from Swordman. All he wanted to do was curl up and sleep.

"Rockman."

"Netto-kun?" Rockman answered.

"I wanted to talk to you," Netto said.

"Okay. About what?"

Pause. "Blues."

"May I ask why?"

"When you were… When I used my body to help build yours, I saw your memories."

The blue Navi blinked and froze. "You did?"

"I… I had no idea about you and Blues. And… I just want to say… I'm okay with it."

"Really?"

"Really."

Both NetNavi and NetOp smiled at one another.

"There is another thing I saw," Netto started. "You don't have to tell me anything, but… That night with Blues, right after he turned into a Darkloid…"

"Don't apologise for something you didn't do," Rockman cut him off.

"I wasn't going to. All I was going to say was that it should never have happened to you."

"Come again?"

"I won't push, and I won't ask. But, if you ever want to talk to someone other than Enzan, I'm here. I'll be there for you, just like you are for me."

"I… Thank you, Netto-kun."

"Always, Rockman."

They lapsed into silence once more when Netto's eyes lit up and a smirk set on his lips.

"So, you and Blues, huh?"

"Netto-kun!"


Episode Forty-Six and Forty-Seven

It'd been a long while. Summer vacation started only a few weeks ago, leaving Netto and Rockman plenty of time to talk about Rockman's relationship with Blues. The blue Navi was now able to be touched without thinking about that day. Enzan, Netto, and Rockman had a bond that made them practically inseparable. Laika and Netto had a mutual understanding of one another and were able to call one another a friend.

Currently, Enzan was with Anetta in the Control X room to find Dr Regal's satellite, but a dimensional area appeared. Cross-fusing with Netto, they ran to find Blues ready to strike. Netto tackled Blues into the wall, the red Darkloid yelled out a "what the!?" in surprise.

"Netto!" Enzan shouted.

"Hurry, Enzan!" Netto replied. "While I keep Blues busy!"

"Gotcha!"

Blues struggled in his grip before shoving Netto off him with a "get off!". Then, a sword battle. It ended with Blues victorious. While the dual-colour haired boy did find the satellite that was Dr Regal's, he wasn't able to stop Blues from destroying the machinery.

"No!" Enzan yelled.

"Too bad, Enzan," Blues smirked, and then he was gone.

All hope was not lost, however, as Anetta remembered the number sequence for the satellite. Enzan and Netto looked at one another and smiled.

~!~47~!~

Netto was in Dr Regal's satellite, the dimensional area up in place.

"So, you've come. I admire your courage and impulsiveness, Hikari Netto," Dr Regal spoke while being lowered in a motorised chair.

"Dr Regal!"

"Welcome to my Nebula."

"Dr Regal! I won't let you do as you wish," Netto promised.

"High-spirited as usual. I'm not your opponent, however."

And suddenly, Blues was there. While Rockman before had flinched away from him ever since the attack, now he could only stare. When the thoughts of pain weren't associated with Blues, the Darkloid was admittedly handsome. His dark red boots, gloves, chest plate, and helmet, the dark purple and gold accents within them. The dark grey-black bodysuit with the blood-red opaque sunglasses. The wild, poofy grey hair that made Blues look much like the ruffian he now was.

"Blues," Netto breathed.

"Don't interfere with our plans!" Blues smirked. "I won't let you go any further."

His right hand turned into a sword and swung it down. The resulting explosion happened right behind Netto.

"So much power!" the boy murmured.

"Netto-kun!" Rockman spoke up as more attacks rained down. Netto was able to deflect them with the Mettool Guard chip.

"Hmph, well done," Blues said. "But…"

And then Blues moved. As handsome as Blues was, Rockman knew he was out for blood. Even with Area Steal, Blues was able to keep up. A Stone Cube barrier in front of Netto was made to deflect Blues' sword.

"You mean to block my attacks with this? Wide Sword!"

The stone had no effect, and even Rockman was amazed.

"The Stone Cube was cut to pieces?" Netto muttered.

"Feel the power of the Dark Aura," the Darkloid drawled.

Suddenly, Blues was right up close and personal with Netto, their helmets nearly touching. Rockman too, but in the net world.

"Stay put!"

Blues' left hand grabbed Netto's (and Rockman's) emblem, and there was pain that came from his grip. Dark energy poured into Netto's body causing the boy to scream in agony, Rockman too once he registered it. Blues chuckled.

"Goodbye, Hikari Netto."

He paused slightly.

"And Rockman, why play the foolish Navi and stick with this human?"

"I'm not a foolish Navi!" Rockman yelled. "Netto-kun and I trust in each other."

The 'just like you and I used to' went unsaid.

"It is in our bond as Operator and NetNavi that we can fight!" Netto added. He grabbed Blues' left forearm. "Blues! You and Enzan also!"

Rockman could see Blues think about this a little as Netto barged on.

"Enzan will never give up on you."

"Shut up!" Blues shouted.

"He's waiting for you!" Netto continued. "Rockman's waiting for you!"

"BE QUIET!"

He put more energy into Netto, and Netto screamed out more, but not in pain, in concentration. Rockman watched as the power reflected towards Blues.

"What?"

Good energy was poured into Blues, and Rockman observed as it turned Blues' left arm up to his shoulder back to the way it was before. Blues, startled, let go, and Netto and Rockman fell to their hands and knees.

"The Dark Aura was absorbed?" Blues questioned in confusion.

"Enzan and Rockman will never ever give up on you," Netto repeated.

"Persistent brat! I am me, Darkloid Blues!"

He swung his sword at the ground, the shockwave sent at Netto. The boy jumped to avoid it.

"Wrong! You're Enzan's Navi. Rockman's—"

"Shut up! Shut up! Die here and now! Stop your preaching!"

Blues lashed out, but he was gone before he could deal the final blow, the dimensional area falling. Netto fell to his knees in pain and tiredness.

"Sorry to interrupt your duel," Dr Regal spoke.

"Regal! Get down here!" Netto shouted.

"I have no time to play with you. I have to prepare for my next strategy."

"Next strategy?"

"Nothing to worry about. Please, stay here while I crash this satellite."

Dr Regal pushed a button, and Netto and Rockman could hear the rockets turn on, the artificial gravity gone.

"Farewell, Hikari Netto."

With that, Dr Regal's chair lifted into the ceiling and disappeared.

"Wait!"

The boy flung to the wall as explosions burst forth.

"Netto-kun!" Rockman yelled. "If this keeps up, the oxygen will—!"

"Dammit!"

Netto floated towards the double doors, but his breathing was laboured.

"Netto-kun, hang in there!"

The doors opened, and behind them were Meiru, Yaito, Chisao, and Dekao, the latter holding Netto's spacesuit.

"Netto!" Meiru said.

"E-everyone," Netto replied.

Just as he started to lose consciousness, he was in his spacesuit, oxygen flooding his lungs. Meanwhile, Rockman attempted to stop the descent to Earth, but he came up empty-handed. There wasn't anything he could do.

"It's no use," he regretfully said. "We're headed straight for Earth, and the controls aren't responding."

"What will happen to us, then?" Netto asked.

"It will be dangerous for you when we hit the atmosphere, and the temperatures rise."

"What?"

They were thrown into the glass panes, and Rockman knew no more as his systems overheated and crashed.

~!~

"R…man! Roc…n! Rockman! Rockman!"

Blinking, he was surprised to see Enzan.

"Enzan?"

"You're awake! Thank God," Enzan breathed. "You gave us quite a scare."

"Us?" Rockman repeated.

Behind the dual-colour haired boy stood Yuichiro.

"Papa."

"Rockman," the scientist smiled.

"How's Netto-kun? The others?" Rockman asked.

"Better off than you," Enzan answered. "Netto and the others are at home. Yuichiro, you, and I are the only ones who aren't."

"Oh. Why are you still here, Enzan?"

"Who do I have to go home to? Blues isn't here, and you guys are my family."

"We are?"

"Yes."

Creator and created beamed at one another. For the moment, the world was at peace.


Episode Forty-Nine

Rockman couldn't believe it. He just about fell to the ground in tears at the news. The Vaccine Chip and Dimensional Converter were up and running, which meant that Blues could come back!

"Rockman, are you ready?" Netto asked him quietly.

They were in the labs, their dimensional area up ready to trap Blues to cure him.

"I'm ready," Rockman replied. "Ready as I'll ever be."

"Good."

Netto walked up behind Blues. The Darkloid had destroyed the carbon copy.

"The Dimensional Area is only for us Darkloids," Blues drawled.

"I wonder about that!" Netto spoke. Blues turned around, surprise in his features. "I've been waiting for you, Blues!"

"You bastard! Hikari Netto!"

"Synchro Chip, slot-in!"

Rockman felt the familiar rush of cross-fusing with his NetOp go through his veins. He was also giddy with glee, but could you blame him?

"Blues, the one you just destroyed was a fake! It was only to lure you!" Netto said.

"What?!" Blues yelled.

"Your exit was destroyed. You won't be able to escape to the cyberworld, Blues!"

"Hmph! You think you can beat me?"

"I will defeat you! You, who was devoured by evil. I will return you back to normal today, Blues!"

Blues glared and shot at the dimensional area wall.

"You treat me like a fool. Don't think I'll let you leave alive!" Blues snarked. Netto froze. "What's wrong? You lost your will? There's no way to turn me back. You're just good at running away instead of fighting. I'm the one who always won."

The Darkloid started to laugh. Netto dropped his arm and allowed it to transform into his hand.

"What are you doing?" Blues questioned.

"Rockman," Netto spoke. "We'll stop his Dark Aura!"

"Netto-kun," Rockman replied. "I thought the exact same thing!"

"Stop it, Netto!" Yuichiro shouted through his earpiece. "There's no way you'll be safe if you handle that Dark Aura!"

"I can do it!" Netto argued. "I did it back then! That's the only way to save Blues!"

He held his arms out in front of him, the silent sign of surrender.

"Hmph! Useless prattle," Blues said. "Die! Netto, Rockman!" his arm changed into a sword. "Dark Neo Variable!"

Dark energy was released and collided into Netto and Rockman. Netto started screaming while Rockman focused on absorbing the power away from his Operator. The energy dissipated, and Yuichiro hit Blues with the Vaccine Chip. Blues' appearance changed to look more like the Navi Blues when something changed. He was back to normal, but the Dark Energy came back to claim him, the Darkloid Blues returning.

"The Vaccine Chip didn't work!" Netto cried out.

"Too bad," Blues drawled. "My Dark Chip has the ability to learn and has evolved to be independent. It won't fall for the same trick again."

"N-no way!"

"That's what you get for coming up with such a stupid plan. I'm gonna kill you!"

"Vaccine Chip, slot-in!" Enzan shouted from above. Netto watched as the chip embedded itself into his gun arm. "Netto! Fire that Vaccine Chip!"

"E-Enzan?! Why are you here?!" Netto screamed.

"You bastard!" Blues yelled.

"Just shoot! Hurry!"

"Right!"

Netto shot it at Blues' emblem, but no effect.

"It's useless!" Blues smirked. "Even if you were able to return me to my previous form, that won't happen again. I am a Darkloid!"

"We'll go together!" Enzan spoke when Blues jumped up at him. "Once together, I'll destroy the evil that plagues your heart!"

"Enzan!" Netto shouted.

"Synchro Chip! Slot-in!"

"Cross Fusion?!"

"Enzan is fusing with Blues to try to turn him back to normal!" Rockman realised.

The cross-fused Enzan started to chuckle darkly.

"No! It's not Enzan!" Netto said. "He died… Enzan… It can't be!"

Enzan suddenly attacked Netto, caught him around the throat, and squeezed. Netto brought his hands to the red-clad wrist.

"Enzan… ENZAN!"

He grabbed the other boy's chest emblem and yanked at the Dark Energy. He could only hope that Enzan was doing his part.

~!~

Meanwhile, Enzan was trapped in Blues' memories, but they were all shrouded in darkness. Enzan stood face to face with his Navi.

"Blues."

"How weak of you, Enzan. Before you died, you remembered the house you were born in. On top of that, because I seemed to have mixed in my heart, the scenery has changed considerably. I'll set your heart at ease!"

Blues shot Dark Energy at Enzan, but he sidestepped to reveal a much younger Enzan holding his then-brand-new PET.

"Foolish!" Blues shouted while Enzan's eyes went misty. "Did you think showing me this would change my heart? You idiot."

Another shot destroyed the memory. Tears filled the boy's eyes.

"It's time for you to disappear, Enzan! What's with that look?"

Once Enzan was able to clear his head, he smiled. He then frowned in concentration.

"It seems that nothing else will work," Enzan spoke.

"So what?!" Blues yelled. He swung to hit the boy, but he disappeared. With a confused "what?" Blues followed him to the roof of the place they were in. "That's right, this is the world we both share in our mind. Whatever we think of will take shape. The victor will be the one with the strongest heart. Then, I will be the victor!"

Small energy waves slashed through Enzan's clothes, but he walked towards his Navi anyway. Another larger ball hit, but Enzan kept going.

"Damn you!" Blues screamed. "DIE, DIE, DIE! ENZAN!"

Nothing he shot was even close to Enzan. Soon, Enzan's Cross Fusion look was on him.

"Why?!" Blues cried. "Why won't you fall?! WHY?!"

A fatal shot to Enzan's heart made half of the sunglasses shatter as he gasped for breath. He stayed standing, however, and kept walking.

"What the hell is this?!" Blues questioned; his anger now tinted in fear.

"No matter what form you take—" Enzan started.

"Stay away! Stay away from me!"

"No matter how much you break my heart and Rockman's—"

"STAY AWAY!"

Enzan suddenly yanked Blues to his chest in a hug, tears threatening to fall.

"Blues, you are my Navi," Enzan murmured as the Cross Fusion fell away.

The Darkloid suddenly turned grey.

"En…zan…" he gasped.

He turned to dust, but Enzan knew Blues, the real Blues was here to stay. The darkness was gone. He walked to where he knew Blues would be.

"You were sealed away, the true you. Let's go home, Blues."

Enzan rested a hand on Blues' helmet and let the tears he'd held back go as Blues glowed white.

~!~

In the real world, Netto lay sprawled out on the floor face-down. In the cross-fused dark-Enzan stood normal cross-fused Enzan.

"Ne-Netto-kun," Rockman breathed. "Blues isn't vanishing."

"Why?" Netto asked.

"He's alive! Blues is—!"

The dimensional area fell, and everyone ran inside, Netto's name being shouted as he stood up.

"Netto…" Yuichiro murmured, worry and relief in his tone.

"Papa," Netto gasped. "Blues is… Back…"

He then fell unconscious. Rockman was about to cry out in worry when Yuichiro spoke again.

"You did well, Netto. Thank you."

~!~

Around the corner sat Enzan with his PET.

"Enzan-sama," Blues began. "Forgive me. I've done so many things—"

"You don't have to say anything," Enzan told him.

"Yes."

Enzan leaned back and closed his eyes.

"Thank you, Netto," he whispered.

He then allowed himself to succumb to blissful sleep.


Non-Episode Five

Many days were spent in the hospital section of Science Labs for Netto, Enzan, and Blues. Rockman spent a lot of that time doing everything he could to help Blues recover quicker. He even volunteered to allow Yuichiro to use his Navi physique to heal Blues as Netto had done for him.

"We're doing everything we can to help him, Rockman," Yuichiro would always say. "You're doing plenty as it is."

"But I know there's more I can do!" he'd always argue back.

On and on, but he never fully answered why he was so worked up about this. Finally, Yuichiro had enough.

"Something's bothering you that you aren't telling me," he said. "What's wrong, Rockman?"

"I just—" Rockman began before stopping as tears blocked his voice. "Seeing him all normal, but also very hurt, it just—"

The tears started to fall, and Rockman brushed them away. He had to stay strong, for Blues. All the weeks of sleepless nights and tireless days were adding up, but Rockman couldn't let go until the blue Navi knew Blues was safe. He'd worked too hard for this. He couldn't just let it go to waste.

"I love him," he said after many moments of composing himself. "I don't know what I'd do without him. I've waited just as long as Enzan has to have him back, but now he is—"

This time, he didn't stop the flow of teardrops, but he kept the sobs in. He couldn't break down yet, not until Enzan, Blues, and Netto got all the attention they needed.

"It's okay to let yourself cry, Rockman," Yuichiro murmured. "I know you've probably been holding them in for a long time now."

"I've been so numb this whole time to it all. And now all these emotions… I don't know what to do with them."

"Let them go. It's okay to not be okay all the time. And it's okay that you're with Blues. I had a hunch after… You know. It's okay that you love another Navi like Blues. You might be Netto-kun's Navi, and you're also my son, and I will always love you, Saito. No matter what."

That did it. Ugly sobs and wails came from Rockman's throat as he sank to his knees and hugged himself, all the mental walls he'd built up came crashing down.

"I-I tried so hard, t-to stay strong for Blues," he cried.

"I know you did, Saito," Yuichiro spoke softly. "I know you did. But now it's time to let the feelings you've denied yourself for so long go. Blues will understand."

Any words that Rockman said for the next ten to fifteen minutes were nothing but babbles. Yuichiro kept murmuring sweet nothings back. Soon, Rockman fell into an exhausted sleep, and Yuichiro put him in stasis mode. The poor Navi had neglected to take care of himself for far too long, and the deep slumber forced upon him would help with the healing process. It would be a while before he was one hundred per cent better, but he would be given time.


Episode Fifty-One

Two days later, Netto was able to get up and walk around without anyone worrying about him passing out or falling over. Later that day, Enzan was up and moving, but he really shouldn't have been. Even though he had saved Netto's ass, it still wasn't worth the pain of seeing Enzan aching. And then, Shademan reappeared to find Dr Regal. Of course, he was found, but not before Dr Regal used a Dark Synchro Chip to cross-fuse with Laserman and deleted him. Now, Dr Regal was destroying buildings left and right.

"Papa!" Netto asked. "Isn't there a way to stop this?"

"Maybe we can use that security hole," Yuichiro replied, thinking.

"Security hole?" Commissioner Kifune repeated.

"A series of tunnels that Shademan used to bypass the Science Labs' firewalls. If we alter that a bit, we just might be able to go through Regal Tower's firewall."

"Hikari-hakase, we've predicted Regal's destination!" a lab tech spoke. "If he keeps up this direction, he'll be headed straight for the Science Labs!"

"Let's go, Rockman!" Netto announced.

"Netto-kun?" Manabe questioned.

"Even if it's just for a minute or two, Rockman and I'll buy you that time. So, please, Papa, get working on that security hole."

"Ah, Netto!" Yuichiro yelled just as his son ran out of the room.

Enzan soon followed, but they didn't question his motives. All Rockman could think was how much he wanted to protect the Science Labs, even if it was all futile. At least he'd have done something. Blues was still in there, and he'd be damned if he let anything happen to his boyfriend.

Yes, through everything that had happened to Rockman, he still thought of Blues as his. Even from the assault to Blues turning into a Darkloid. He could only hope that Blues felt the same when he woke up. Rockman was brought out of his thoughts when Netto entered the elevator to the top of a building.

"Netto-kun, those chips—" the blue Navi said. "If you use those in Cross Fusion, Papa will—"

"We need more power," Netto cut him off. "Since he used five Dark Synchro Chips, we'll counter with five Soul Chips!"

Rockman closed his eyes as Netto added them into the PET.

"Dr Regal! Stop destroying the city! Synchro Chip, slot-in!"

From there, Rockman immediately felt the powers from the different Souls. Searchman, Thunderman, Fireman, Metalman, and Blues.

"Brat!" Dr Regal growled. He swung his fists down at Netto. "What's wrong? Already finished?"

"No," Netto muttered before pushing up against the hands, Metal Soul in full effect.

"Impertinent brat! Star Break Laser!"

"Fire Arm!"

While he was used to the pleasant rush of the Soul Unisons, Netto was not. Rockman tried not to let Netto get the full brunt of the power as his NetOp panted for breath.

"What incredible power—!" he murmured in awe. He quickly jumped up as Dr Regal shot a beam at his feet. "Elec beam!"

Netto watched as Dr Regal's foot sank into the Earth.

"Rockman, the Soul Chips are working perfectly."

"But it wears you out too much," Rockman pointed out.

"We have no choice but to do whatever we can," Netto told him grimly. "Scope gun!"

His vision doubled, but it soon cleared enough where he could take the shot at Regal only for it to have no effect. A short cry of "no way!" later, Netto was on his hands and knees.

"Netto-kun!" Rockman shouted. "Netto-kun!"

"My body—" Netto grunted. "It's heavy as lead—"

"What happened to all those powers?" Regal questioned. "What's the matter, brat? Can't match me?"

"What?"

"You have that potential. You did defeat all those Darkloids, didn't you?"

"Shut up! Who do you think you are?!"

"You think I'll answer that? Die!"

Netto closed his eyes in defeat.

"Area Steal!"

Rockman felt gentle, firm hands and arms carry him away from Regal. Although he couldn't move, he did recognise Enzan's voice. Knowing his NetOp was safe, he collapsed, his head resting in his arms. A sudden thought went through his head.

Wait a minute.

Enzan wasn't in the cyber world.

"Let's go, Blues," Enzan spoke.

"Yes, Enzan-sama."

No. It couldn't be.

A large wave of emotion gripped Rockman's heart.

There was no way it was him. There was no way

"Wait, Enzan," Netto gasped as he looked up. "The both of you… Haven't completely…"

"For Blues and I, this fight is our penance," Enzan told him.

"Penance…?"

Rockman sat on his knees, crystal tears threatening to spill over his cheeks.

"It's only right, after all," Blues answered. "I've been engulfed by evil and have been lending them my abilities."

"Blues," Rockman struggled to keep it together.

"Enzan!" Netto shouted as the dual-colour haired boy sprang into action.

Blues disappeared, but not before giving Rockman an apologetic look. With that, the tears fell, but he kept the sobs in. Brushing them away, he focused on the matter at hand. Netto needed the strength to get up, but also to fight.

Feeling movement, he looked up to see Netto attempting to stand up, but he quickly keeled over in exhaustion and pain before passing out, his eyes closed.

"Netto-kun," Rockman murmured.

Now more than ever did Netto need the power! Now was when Rockman would find any energy reserves he could to feed them to Netto. Now was when Rockman would give Netto his remaining strength to finish the fight, even if it meant passing out himself. Now was when Rockman would do just about anything to help Netto.

But he couldn't.

Any reserves he had remaining were depleted, and any he could find were gone. The only thing he could find to help the boy even remotely was doomed to fail.

The tears he held back were now returning with full vengeance.

He'd failed. And not just Netto, but the world, Papa, Mama, Meiru-chan, Roll, Yaito, Glyde, Toru, Iceman, Dekao, Gutsman, Laika, Searchman, Enzan, Blues—

Oh, God, Blues.

Blues must hate him. Why did he ever think that Blues would get back together with him? Rockman swallowed a cry.

"Why?!" he screamed. "Why Netto-kun?! Why ME?! What did we do to deserve this?! Where did we go wrong?!" he pounded his fist into the ground before turning his attention heavenward. "I can't do it! I can't save Netto-kun! I don't—I want to help Netto-kun! I need to! If I fail—!"

Another wail left his lips. He knew the ugly-cry was back, but he couldn't stop the tears.

"If I fail, Netto-kun's world is doomed," he rasped in a near-whisper. "If I fail, my world is doomed. And there would be nothing I could do to save it."

More sobs followed. Rockman tried to keep it together, but it was too much. The numbness he was so used to went out of the window as emotion after emotion washed over him. Rockman clutched at his emblem with both hands as his heart ached and he cried.

Rockman mourned for the losses he'd encountered. He grieved for the heartbreak of losing Blues, getting him back, and almost losing him again. He wept for the emotional pain he had desperately tried to keep in.

He laughed bitterly.

It always seemed that when he was remotely close to being okay, something else happened to crash that reality. Even when Rockman ran out of tears to cry, the sobs kept coming. He knew he could very well make himself physically sick, but he just could not stop.

He was soon swept into a loving hug, and he clung tightly to the warm body. The scent of Blues did little to stop the cries, but it did calm him a small bit.

"Oh, baby, shh, shh, you're alright," Blues soothed. "I've got you."

"But E-Enzan—!" Rockman stuttered.

"He'll be okay without me for a moment. You need me more."

Rockman couldn't argue with that.

"Talk to me, love," the red Navi murmured.

"I can't save them," the blue Navi whimpered. "Netto-kun is counting on me, and I can't do anything to save everyone. My and the PET's reserves are gone, and nothing else can work to help!"

Blues hummed and tilted Rockman's face to look him in the eye. The taller Navi wiped the tear tracks away, and the smaller Navi nuzzled into his touch.

"You're already doing so much for the world, for Netto," Blues crooned. "For me. You saved the world from me, and you saved me from the darkness. I dunno about you, but that takes a Hell of a lot of strength and determination. You never gave up on me, even when you probably should have. And I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend.

"I was horrible to you as a Darkloid, and yet, you're still welcoming me with open arms. The love you hold for Netto and the others is incredible, and I know it's because of your faith in humanity. You see the best in people, even when they don't see it themselves. Your heart is as pure as can be, and the only one who can't see it is you.

"Rockman, you're the best damn thing that ever happened to me. I will always be there when you need me, and I will always love you."

A gentle kiss was placed on Rockman's lips. The smaller Navi managed to give Blues a little smile.

"Thank you," Rockman murmured. "I needed that."

"I know," Blues replied with a shy grin. "Now, go get 'em, love. I'll be there when it's over."

With that, the taller Navi ran his hand over Rockman's cheek once more before reluctantly returning to Enzan.

And then, Rockman heard them.

He caught murmurs dancing in the wind, barely there, but enough so that Rockman recognised them. He felt Netto begin to awaken, his energy levels slowly rising.

"I hear their voices," Rockman spoke.

"Voices?" Netto asked.

"All those Navis. Listen. The voices… They're cheering us on."

Indeed, they were. Golden specks of light shone from the sky and rained down on Rockman and Netto, the voices all saying the blue Navi's name.

"I can hear them," Netto said. "I can hear them, too. Your power… Lend us your power… To fight Regal! Your power—!"

And then, Rockman felt more energy than he ever had as the golden glow engulfed them. Sprinting, Netto stopped atop the Science Labs roof. He aimed and fired Searchman's gun at Regal's arm. It came clean off.

"You're—" Dr Regal garbled. "—Rockman! Hikari Netto!"

Another shot and another piece of Dr Regal's armour fell.

"Where did you go?" Regal shouted.

Netto roundhouse kicked in between his eyes. His Variable Sword lodged itself into Dr Regal's arm, but a giant hand squished him.

"You brat! You're asking for it! What?!"

"Super Sonic Boom!" Netto yelled as he broke free.

The slash hit directly at Dr Regal's chest sending him back. More power was diverted into Netto and Rockman as friends new and old joined in the chanting, Blues' loudest of all.

"Rockbuster!" Netto shouted. "Charge Shot! GO!"

With a scream, the blast went through Dr Regal's chest. Dr Regal shrieked a "this can't be!" as he was deleted, his body nowhere to be found. With that, the dimensional area dropped, and Netto returned to normal. Rockman dropped to his knees in relief, adrenaline rushing through him. They did it! They actually did it!

In the distance, he heard his friends running to him. Joyous laughter rang out from Netto as he was embraced in many hugs. In the cyberworld, Rockman was receiving the same treatment. This time, Rockman knew it would be okay. As day turned into night, they all gathered on the balcony to watch the shooting stars. Netto kept bugging Meiru while Gutsman kept bugging Roll, but Rockman took it in stride. He stayed close to Blues the whole time, not wanting to leave his sight.

"Why do all boys lack all delicacy? I hate that! Right, Roll?" Meiru asked Roll.

"It's so true, Meiru-chan," Roll replied, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Eh, what?" Rockman blurted out before he could stop himself. A gentle thwack in the shoulder from Blues made him smile, though.

"Puku—" was heard in the background. All the Navis turned their attention to the sound. "Oops, puku."

"Bubbleman!" Rockman called out. "Quit hiding, come over here."

He did, but behind his back was a Rush that was purely raw data. Apologies and goodbyes were spoken, but Rockman merely snuggled closer to Blues. He was right where he wanted to be, and he wanted to stay there forever and ever.

~!~

As people and Navi's began to leave one by one, Rockman felt more at ease and more relaxed than he had felt in a long time. Lazily, he blinked up at Blues and pouted. His boyfriend wasn't giving him any attention, and Rockman wanted it now. Searchman, who was the last one left, chuckled when he caught Rockman's gaze.

"Your boyfriend doesn't look very happy," the green Navi teased.

Blues looked down at Rockman to give him a guilty smile.

"Well, I guess I'll have to remedy that, then," he joked back before placing a peck to Rockman's forehead. He laughed at the lazy grin that spread over his boyfriend's lips.

"I'll leave you two be," Searchman said. "Stay out of trouble, you two."

"No promises," Blues sing-songed as Searchman plugged out.

Grinning, he turned his full attention to Rockman.

"Hi," the red Navi spoke.

"Hi," the blue Navi replied.

"How're you feeling?"

Rockman shrugged, and Blues rolled his eyes.

"Rockman."

"I'm fine," he insisted.

"Are you sure about that? You look ready to pass out," Blues pointed out.

"Can you blame me?"

"No, I cannot. You and Netto have been through a lot."

"So have you and Enzan."

"You got me there."

The two Navis lapsed into silence once more, Rockman relaxing under Blues' touch and the thump-thump of his digital heartbeat.

"Why did you do it?" Blues asked out of the blue.

"Hmm?"

"Why did you save me?"

"Because you're my boyfriend," Rockman answered.

"But I did so many horrible things to you and Enzan."

"Yes, but you weren't you."

The red Navi turned confused eyes to the blue Navi.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when you were Darkloid Blues, you didn't care about what happened as long as you got what you wanted," Rockman told him. "You did all those things because you could. You wanted to cause pain and destruction. You desired to hurt those who stood in your way. Darkloid Blues could give a shit about me, or Enzan, or Netto-kun, or anybody but himself. Darkloid Blues was a monster and one that I would have never wanted to be near. But you're not Darkloid Blues. You're NetNavi Blues.

"NetNavi Blues does the things he does because he wants to protect those who can't protect themselves. He wants to help others and stop the bad guys. He only does what he must because innocent people could be hurt otherwise. He cares about his friends and family, and I hope he loves his boyfriend just as much as I do."

Blues' lips quirked into a smirk.

"Of course, I do, dumbass," the red Navi teased. He grasped Rockman's hands with his own, and his face sobered. "I hurt you, and that's not something to be taken lightly. You should hate me."

"Yes, you did," Rockman allowed, "however, I already forgave you."

"Why?"

"Because, as I said, you weren't you. Darkloid Blues took advantage of me because he could. You're not him, and that's why I forgive you."

"But you shouldn't!"

"Blues, you're a sweet guy. I know you'd never hurt me intentionally, right?"

"Never!"

Rockman smiled.

"See? I knew you wouldn't. You want what's best for me, just as I want what's best for you. You take care of me when I can't, and you know that I'll do the same. You've shown me what it feels like to be loved. Not just as a friend or a brother, but as a lover."

The blue Navi couldn't deny how much he enjoyed the blush that went across Blues' cheeks.

"I guess I just want to say that I love you."

"And I, you, which is why I wanted to do this."

At 'this', Blues took something out of his pocket, and Rockman gasped. In his hand was a small, black box.

"Th-this is-s—" Rockman stuttered, his eyes shining.

"When you were first deleted, I worried that I'd never see you again or have the chance to tell you that I loved you. Then, when I was a Darkloid, you never gave up on me, and you never let me get away with things I shouldn't have. You've been by my side just as much as I've been by yours, and I cannot thank you or tell you enough just how much that means to me."

"B-Blues—"

The red Navi got down on one knee then. Opening the box, Rockman saw a white-gold ring sitting next to a yellow-gold one. The white-gold ring had small inlay emeralds and sapphires surrounding a medium inlay smoky quartz. The yellow-gold band held tiny inlay rubies surrounding a medium sapphire and jade gem.

"Rockman, will you give me the honour of calling you mine?"

"I—yes!" Rockman sobbed. "Yes!"

Blues released a sigh of relief as he embraced Rockman tight. Slipping off his left glove, Blues put Rockman's ring on his finger while Rockman did the same to Blues, both boys smiling wide with tears running down their cheeks.

"B-bastard," Rockman chuckled. "You've made me cry."

"Here, lemme kiss it better," Blues replied before doing just that.

When they came back up for air, they heard Yuichiro, Netto, and Enzan cheering and clapping, but it didn't change the mood. Instead, Rockman showed his ring with joy and excitement. Netto started bawling, and Yuichiro teared up. Even Enzan's eyes weren't dry.

"So, when's the wedding?" Netto asked once everyone got their composure back.

Rockman and Blues eyed one another.

"We haven't decided yet, Netto-kun," Rockman answered finally.

"But we'll let you all know when we do," Blues added.

Twin grins appeared on their lips. For now, the world could wait.

(Completed - January 27th, 2021)


Jesus, was this thing long or what? Many more words were in this one, that's for sure! So, in Google Docs, the page count was up to 53 or something close to that. In Word, it jumped up to 77 pages total. Like, holy shit. I thought the previous numbers (for the EXE rewrite) were impressive, but nope, this story had to cap out. Anyways, apologies for it being so dark, but I was just harnessing the darker vibes Axess naturally gave off and fed off them. Oops?

Anyways, how was it? You can kind of tell where my old writing clashes with the new. While I did my best to fix it, I just couldn't quite scrub the evidence away. That's what happens when I leave a story hanging for, what, two years before I come back to it?

~*MegaMon2580*~