AN: This chapter will surely delight many of you, otherwise, it's a bad day for Saito, which should really be the title of this chapter. There's a lot of mention of blood and other violence, so you've been warned as usual.
Chapter 32: The one I wished I couldn't see again
Rockman moved with the agility of a feline, his eyes locked on the spiky Navi in front of him. Every time he set his gaze on this Navi, a feeling of familiarity mingled with an underlying suspicion. Although Needleman had once evolved from enemy to ally, his presence here was unsettling. The hybrid Navi knew he had to be on guard. He had advised Netto time and again not to get involved in others' affairs, but this time, something in the air felt menacing; a heavy shadow threatening all present.
The Navi who bore the image of Gregar headed towards a towering building where the spiky Navi had hidden. While staying alert, Rockman spotted a window and slipped through, chasing Needleman who skillfully navigated among the crowd of humans in suits and security Navis. His mocking, almost taunting smile remained etched on his features.
As Needleman headed for an elevator, Rockman, swift and silent, slipped into a ventilation duct. He traveled down the shaft to arrive atop the elevators, hiding in the shadows. At the sudden halt of the elevator, he emerged stealthily, his ears catching the ominous footsteps of Needleman. He could almost feel that sinister smile, even without seeing it.
The doors slid open quietly to reveal a large room, dominated by a foreboding generator. Rockman quickly went prone, creeping forward, using the slight noise of the doors to mask his presence. Needleman, engrossed in his preparations, noticed nothing.
The room buzzed with activity. A dozen Heal Navis were busy, each with a specific task around the generator. Rockman, hidden in the shadows, watched every move, trying to piece together the puzzle in front of him.
Needleman's shrill voice broke the relative silence. "Are the devices in place?" he asked, turning to the surrounding Navis.
One of the Navis bowed respectfully. "Everything is ready, Needleman-sama," he replied deferentially. "We are just waiting for the signal."
Needleman, with a sardonic smile playing on his lips, seemed to relish the turn of events as Rockman desperately tried to understand the bigger picture. The oppressive aura of the generator suggested its purpose was far from noble.
Basking in the attention of his subordinates, Needleman resumed, "Do you know what I noticed during the festival?"
The present Navis exchanged puzzled looks before shaking their heads, awaiting his revelation.
"I spotted that kid our bosses are so keen to find! With that blue cloak, he's so easy to recognize!"
At these words, Rockman felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, his claws scraping the floor in tension and leaving visible marks. His breathing quickened, each heartbeat amplifying his anxiety.
Needleman, with a heightened sense of theatrics, continued, "Of course, he's not my priority right now, so I didn't really care!" He accompanied his words with a mocking laugh, letting a sense of uncertainty linger in the already charged atmosphere.
In the shadows, Rockman tensed, every fiber of his being on high alert. Needleman had this knack for stirring a storm of emotions in those who listened.
"Anyway," Needleman continued, his tone slowly turning more sinister, "we might not need the boy after all..." he slowly turned his head, his smile stretching ominously. "...Especially when the Navi of Gregar presents himself."
Before Rockman could react, Needleman hurled two massive spikes in his direction. With astonishing speed, the hybrid Navi leaped, landing gracefully on a nearby railing, letting out a menacing roar at his opponent.
Needleman's laughter echoed in the room, a sound both mocking and triumphant. "Ah, so you're the supposed reincarnation of Gregar? You seem so frail compared to the legend that was the real monster."
Rockman, eyes burning with rage, let out a deep growl, but Needleman was not at all fazed.
"It's not exactly my goal," he continued mischievously, "but I'm not sure Darkman would appreciate finding out his precious reincarnation has been reduced to insignificant data fragments."
With incredible agility and speed, Needleman charged at Rockman, his massive sharp spikes ready to strike. Despite his astonishing reflexes, Rockman couldn't escape the multitude of spikes that erupted from both of his opponent's arms. He felt intense pain as the spikes dug into his flesh. Needleman seized the opportunity to deliver a powerful kick to the wild Navi, pushing him further back.
Rockman felt blood ooze from his wounds, dripping onto the floor. He tried to cover the gashes with his hands as best he could. Needleman, on the other hand, watched with morbid fascination as the blood flowed. His eyes shone with a malicious gleam, as if the sight of blood gave him some sadistic pleasure.
"So this is it... A hybrid," Needleman murmured with a sneer of disdain. "A Navi that bleeds like a human. You are more than just an anomaly; you're quite the spectacle."
Though injured, Rockman didn't waste time. His wounds began to heal due to his suit. As Needleman continued his taunts, the hybrid looked for an opening to counterattack.
"I'm beginning to see why Killerman and Kirisaki-san find you so intriguing," Needleman added, his smile widening in an almost grotesque manner.
The mention of Killerman and Kirisaki ignited a flame of rage in Rockman's heart. Without a second's hesitation, he lunged at Needleman, eyes ablaze with anger. The provocation had achieved its aim, and the white and blue Navi—noticing the change in the wild Navi's eyes—began to concoct a devilish plan.
However, the other Navis in the room watched the confrontation with deep concern. "Needleman-sama! You might cause damage!" exclaimed one of them, fear evident in his voice.
Ignoring the warnings, Needleman advanced with formidable determination, locking eyes with Rockman, cold and cruel. "Unlike Killerman, I have no intention of playing with you," he stated, lunging at Rockman. With astonishing speed, one of his spikes embedded deeply into Rockman's side, causing a torrent of blood to spurt.
Throbbing pain surged through Rockman. His legs wobbled as the ground seemed to sway beneath him. His eyes were clouded, but through his blurred vision, he could make out Needleman's triumphant smile. The look of satisfaction in his opponent's eyes wounded his soul far more than his physical body.
Needleman's sneer echoed in Rockman's mind, each syllable deepening his apparent defeat. "Come now, Gregar," Needleman teased, emphasizing each word with playful cruelty, "be a good dog and lie down. After all, we don't really mean to harm you."
Pain, as sharp and unbearable as it was, began to fade behind the turmoil of his thoughts. Despite his desire to fight, Rockman recognized his opponent's superiority. Acting impulsively had been his downfall, and he regretted his haste. Needleman's biting laughter, combined with the certainty that he was being hunted, gave him all the more reason to make a quick exit.
He dashed into the dark corridors, weaving through the maze, his swift steps leaving bloody trails on the floor. But his wound, as severe as it was, began to close as his suit worked to heal him.
As exhaustion threatened to overtake him, a brilliant light emanated from his emblem. Startled, Rockman halted, realizing that day had given way to night without him noticing. Under the light's effect, his suit disintegrated, and he reverted to his human form. Saito, gathering his senses, checked his side apprehensively. To his great surprise, there was no sign of the wound. Everything seemed to have returned to normal, as if the clash with Needleman was just a distant nightmare.
He caught his breath, let out a sigh of relief, inwardly grateful that his hybrid part had saved him. But he knew the danger was not over, and he needed to find Netto and Iris before it was too late.
Leaning against the wall, Saito sensed muffled noises behind him. His muscles tensed, suspecting the presence of Needleman and the Heel Navis. Seeking refuge in a niche between two walls, he silently observed. The Navis marched past him, oblivious to his presence, except for the blue and white Navi who eyed him with an inquisitive gaze. When the last Navi had left his sight, Saito let out a sigh of relief. He touched the spot where his wound had been, feeling phantom pain despite the wound's absence.
Making a hasty decision, he ventured into a hallway and almost immediately stumbled upon an elevator. A smile of relief spread across his lips. However, when he pressed the button and the doors opened, his heart skipped a beat. His breath turned irregular, his throat tightening as if submerged underwater. Standing before him was a familiar silhouette draped in black: Yuriko, Needleman's operator.
Though Saito didn't share Netto's personal link with Yuriko, his operator's teacher's long-lost twin sister, he knew of her reputation. He had heard of her schemes and how she had outwitted Netto more than once. And Needleman, with his powerful reliance on Dark Chips, was a non-negligible threat. Here, in this world, he noticed a similar power in the Navi, but its source remained a mystery to him.
Saito felt in his bones that Yuriko and the blue and white Navi would be obstacles for them, just as they had been in their original world. But what were Yuriko's motives here? In their world, she had been manipulated by Regal. Was she under the same influence in this dimension? And was Regal still alive? Furthermore, Mariko's presence in this city raised other questions. Was it possible that, unlike in their Terra world, Mariko and Yuriko interacted here? The complexity of this new reality made Saito's head spin.
The young woman raised an intrigued eyebrow at the sight of Saito, who looked like a fish out of water, his mouth opening and closing without emitting a sound. She gracefully stepped out of the large metallic box and stood before him.
"What are you doing here, kid? This place is off-limits to civilians," she stated in a voice so icy that Saito felt a shiver run down his spine.
He took a slight step back, clutching his chest, and his cheeks turned pink under the intensity of the moment.
"Well… I got lost," he hastily replied with a feigned cheerful voice, "I just found the elevators! I'll be on my way immediately, sorry for the inconvenience!"
He tried to sidestep her without meeting her gaze, but she fixed him with an intense stare, tilting her head slightly.
"Hold on," she said in a commanding tone, stopping him in his tracks. Saito froze just before the elevator doors closed. "You don't know anything, do you?"
Saito felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple, nervously biting his lower lip. "I-I know nothing…" he replied.
As Saito was about to step into the elevator, Yuriko, with surprising swiftness, grabbed his wrist, twisting it behind his back and pinning him to the ground. The young boy cried out in pain, vainly attempting to break free. But against the woman's strength and his own injury, his resistance was futile.
"I doubt you're here by accident; you're a terrible liar," she said, an amused smile forming on her lips.
In a panic, Saito's eyes widened, realizing his mistake. He still tried to defend himself, shaking his head vigorously.
"Who sent you? Are the rebels resorting to children to go unnoticed?" she inquired, trying to unravel his secret.
"I know nothing! I'm on no one's side!" he exclaimed, anger mingling with his fear, "Let me go!"
His plea only intensified Yuriko's grip, to the point where he thought his arm would snap. She leaned close to him, a sardonic smile curling her lips.
"Even if you were innocent, so many children go missing that the loss of one more wouldn't raise any suspicions," she whispered venomously.
A cold weight settled in Saito's chest. Even if he believed in his ability to escape, he had a feeling unforeseen obstacles would make his evasion all the more perilous.
The eyes of the female Navi, visible only under her helmet, were hugely dilated. She was staring at the red Navi in front of her, his silver hair dancing around him as if carried by the wind. On his part, Netto was in shock. His eyes frantically scanned the surroundings for the operator of the Navi, but he was alone, absolutely alone.
"Of course!" suddenly exclaimed Midorikawa in her studio, eyes glued to the live broadcast. "Iijuin Enzan-san is a regular at this festival. Every year he comes out victorious! And true to himself, this discreet young man prefers to stay in the shadows, despite his huge popularity with the ladies."
The man beside her nodded in agreement. "The female Navi will have a tough time against Blues. She will need to seek out less formidable viruses if she hopes to score more points."
However, Iris paid no attention to the commentators being broadcast on the surrounding giant screens. A quiet anger was building within her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in a voice tinged with aggression.
Blues tilted his head slightly, clearly amused by the question.
"Haven't you heard?" he replied, a smirk distorting his lips. "We come here every year to win the festival. I thought Enzan-sama had informed you."
She bit her lip, suddenly recalling that conversation. She had never imagined that this small piece of information, which she had overlooked, would come back to slap her in the face.
"And you, what are you doing here? Participating in such events isn't really your style," he taunted, a mocking smile on his lips. "Don't you have responsibilities as a priestess?"
Anger surged in Iris. Her fists clenched and her eyes flashed behind her helmet.
"I don't take orders from anyone," she retorted coldly. "I have a much more critical mission to accomplish."
Blues gazed at Iris with intensified focus, a hint of concern piercing through his usual stern demeanor. "I don't know what you have in mind, Iris-sama, but I strongly advise you to return to your place."
Iris stepped back slightly, her tone dripping with disdain. "I need no advice from you," she spat, each word cutting like a blade.
Netto watched the exchange, puzzled. Although he hadn't found a clue about Enzan's location, he clearly perceived the familiarity between the two Navis. It was unusual to see Blues so communicative with someone. The young operator had never witnessed such an interaction.
Iris's attention was drawn to a fleeting expression on Blues's face, almost a grimace. She scanned the surroundings, searching for a clue—a sign of Enzan's position, given Netto's apparent isolation.
"Where is he?" she inquired, her voice taking on darker shades.
Blues smirked playfully. "You know how Enzan-sama is, always quick to play with the element of surprise."
His smile made Iris's eyebrows furrow. She felt that a confrontation with Enzan was inevitable, sooner or later.
Netto felt torn. Should he trust Blues and Enzan concerning Iris? He wanted to learn more, but suddenly a piercing noise from his other PET—the one belonging to Rockman—pulled him out of his thoughts. Hurriedly pulling it out of his bag, he discovered, to his horror, that the inside reflected the damage his Navi had received. An emergency signal had been sent, accompanied by a GPS location.
His entire body trembling, a panicked Netto rushed to the glass separating the arena from the audience. "Iris! Rockman is in danger!" he yelled, pounding on the glass. "We need to help him! Please!"
Iris slowly turned to him, her gaze meeting the young operator's. She exchanged a brief look with Blues, then whispered, "Enjoy your victory." Without waiting another second, she leapt out of the arena, easily clearing the barriers, and grabbed Netto to take him with her.
"Iris-sama!" cried Blues, reaching out to the rapidly receding priestess. But it was too late, she was already gone.
"Oh my god! The female Navi has chosen to forfeit!" exclaimed Toadman while Midorikawa, in her studio, watched the scene with a melancholic gleam in her eyes.
Iris sprinted, holding Netto close, lifting him as one would a princess. The warmth of a shy blush colored her cheeks, yet her eyes remained fixed on the PET he held firmly, tracing the origin of the Gregar Navi.
"What happened?" she asked, catching her breath.
"I have no idea! Rockman must have encountered members from Variety!" Netto exclaimed, trying to provide an answer.
She whispered, more to herself than to him, "I thought he was more discreet..." These words startled Netto, who raised his eyebrows, surprised by her remark.
His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, then settled on a towering skyscraper. He pointed at it with certainty. "It's there! Rockman is inside!"
Iris paused, her eyes fixed on the skyscraper, gently biting her lower lip. How had Rockman ended up there? Although several scenarios floated in her mind, she knew she would discover the truth by confronting Saito.
"Let's go," she stated, heading towards the building. She glanced over her shoulder, noting that dusk was approaching. Soon, their concern would not be the Navi, but the human hidden inside who, she sensed, would be at the heart of the problem.
As they drew closer, Netto's PET began showing signs of malfunction. Its flickering light grew more pronounced as the sun set below the horizon, eventually going out completely.
"No, not now!" Netto murmured, fighting the urge to shake the device in frustration.
Iris noticed his distress but remained silent. Their immediate challenge was to determine the floor where Rockman was located, but the PET gave them no indications. Then, the device shut off completely, leaving them in the dark.
"Oh no! Rockman!" Netto cried out, his voice trembling.
"Don't worry, Netto-kun," Iris reassured, trying to display some semblance of confidence. "We know he's inside. We just need to find the floor."
Upon reaching the entrance, Iris hid behind a bush, reverting to her human form before gently placing Netto on the ground. Together, they observed through the glass doors, studying the movements of people and Navis entering with badges or their PETs.
Iris looked at Netto and extended her hand. "Netto-kun, please give me my PET."
He swallowed hard, a hint of sadness in his eyes. Hesitating for a moment, he handed the PET to Iris, who examined it closely.
"What are you planning to do?" Netto asked, curiosity mixed with concern evident in his voice.
"I'm going in," she replied, her eyes still fixed on the screen. "I'll hack their systems to allow us access inside undetected. You stay here."
Indignation flashed on Netto's face. "No way! I'm coming with you. I don't want to stay out here alone!" His voice conveyed both his determination and his fear of being left isolated outside.
Iris frowned, her eyes intensely scanning the busy crowd inside.
"Netto-kun, you realize you could easily get spotted, right?" Her words carried palpable anxiety.
"So what?" Netto shot back, a daring carelessness painting his words. "We're here to save him. They already have Rockman, what could they possibly do to me?"
Netto's words shocked Iris. She seemed caught off guard, trapped. Lifting her gaze, her focus settled on a man wearing a massive backpack. A spark of realization crossed her eyes.
"I might have an idea."
With a bulky backpack, similar to the one worn by the man she'd spotted, Iris stepped forward confidently. Despite her assurance, some heads turned her way, curious eyes scanning her. She hoped to divert the attention of the Navis, but she couldn't control the reaction of the humans. Inside the bag, Netto remained silent, showing remarkable discipline. And that was a good thing: the last thing Iris wanted was to be suspected of kidnapping a child.
Approaching the turnstiles with determination, Iris deftly slid in her PET. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring her move went unnoticed. A green light illuminated the turnstile moments later. The gates silently parted, clearing a path in front of her.
Without hesitation, she headed for the elevators, hoping she could maintain this discretion. However, upon arrival, a surprise awaited her. As soon as the doors opened, she dropped her bag to the floor.
A small head that belonged to Netto emerged from the bag, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Wow!" he exclaimed, trying to catch his breath. "I thought I was going to suffocate in there!"
Iris stood in front of the illuminated floor display, perplexed and uncertain. She was trying to guess where Saito could possibly be. Beside her, young Netto stepped forward, his eyes also getting lost in the array of glowing numbers, but his gaze betrayed his worry over Iris's indecision.
"Which floor are we going to?" he asked.
"I don't know…" admitted Iris, still fixated on the buttons, as if one of them would spontaneously light up to show the way.
While they were deep in thought, the silence of the corridor was disrupted by muffled voices. The conversation, although attempting to remain discreet, was loud enough to be heard through the elevator doors.
"On the fifty-eighth floor. They say the reincarnation of Gregar is there," whispered a voice.
"Do you really believe that nonsense? As if such a creature would show itself so openly," retorted another voice, skeptical.
On a hunch, Iris firmly pressed the button for the fifty-eighth floor. The elevator started moving smoothly, ascending at a steady pace. Moments later, it stopped, and the doors slid open.
"Rockman?" began Netto, but before he could continue, Iris quickly placed a hand over his mouth, giving him a serious look.
"We need to be discreet," she whispered, and Netto nodded in understanding of the gravity of the situation.
They moved cautiously, each step measured, each breath held. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly in front of them. Iris, with a firm but reassuring grip, held Netto by the shoulder, ensuring he stayed close to her.
Distant murmurs reached them, growing clearer with each step. A familiar voice piqued their interest, prompting them to quicken their pace. They finally arrived at the entrance of a vast room, where a disturbing sight played out before them.
In the center, a woman with a long braid, authoritative and menacing, oversaw two heel Navis tying a familiar young boy to a generator. The latter, eyes full of determination mixed with fear, tried desperately to break free. The Heel Navis stepped back, revealing the face of the captive: Saito. His eyes burned with a combative glow despite his precarious position.
Netto felt a scream rising within him, but he held back, knowing it could endanger everyone. For now, discretion was their best ally.
"Let me go! I swear I know nothing!" shouted Saito, his voice tinged with desperation.
Yuriko stepped forward, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "You can play innocent," she said in an icy voice, "but I'm sure you're not here by accident."
Tense muscles writhing, Saito struggled, veins evident on his forehead. Yuriko raised a graceful, calming hand, signaling the Heel Navis to step back. As one, they nodded and withdrew in silence. Her slender fingers slid over her PET, revealing something that drew a smug smile from her.
"Just a bit more time before Mariko gives her prize..." she whispered, savoring every word.
Saito's eyes narrowed, "Mariko?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
She leaned in, her voice sultry. "You're a fan of that singer, aren't you? What a shame... She might lose one admirer." Mocking laughter escaped her lips. "But then again, you probably won't be the only one."
Saito stared at her, eyebrows furrowed, seeking meaning in her words when suddenly, Netto burst out behind Yuriko, seething with indignation.
"What do you mean by that?!" he exclaimed, positioning himself in front of everyone.
Yuriko pivoted with surprising agility; her notice of Netto making her jump. Iris, reacting quickly, grabbed Netto by the arm, her face showing frustration at his carelessness.
"What the—?" she exclaimed, flustered.
"Netto?!" Saito, equally taken aback, called out to him, fear evident in his voice.
Iris, eyes devoid of their usual spark, clung to the child while rushing towards the other boy. She brushed past the woman in black with such velocity that their contact was fleeting, and she hurriedly began untying the boy from his restraints. Yuriko's artificial laughter echoed in the air, sharp as a blade.
"Oh, I see." She said with a sinister smile, "You're connected to the Gregar Navi with his operator present here."
Netto, eyes wide in astonishment, slowly turned to Yuriko. A dull pain throbbed in his chest; in his world he was happy to see her as an ally, especially after reuniting with her twin. But the Yuriko standing before him was a ghost from the shadows of their past.
"W-where's Rockman?" his voice, shaky and uncertain, betrayed his distress.
Yuriko raised her arms, a mock innocent expression painted on her face. "How should I know? He managed to disappear!"
Netto was taken aback, mouth agape, but Saito's reassuring hand on his shoulder anchored reality. "Don't worry," he assured him, his voice as solid as steel, "I made sure he's safe."
Yuriko tilted her head, her eyes piercing Saito. "Now it's clear," she played theatrically with her finger. "You're really not as innocent as you claim to be!"
Saito growled, a latent threat in his voice. Netto, with a tense face, became a source of amusement for Yuriko.
"Look at yourselves," she mocked. "If one of you were the same age, I might have believed you were twins!"
The atmosphere was electric. Saito was barely recovering, his cheeks still tinged with a crimson hue. Iris's gaze filled with unyielding coldness, and Netto, bubbling with suppressed anger, struggled to keep his composure.
Yuriko, savoring every moment of her dominance, spoke in a honeyed voice, "I know you're no threat to me. But now that I have you here, I don't intend to let you go. And you, little operator... You're coming with me."
The declaration made Netto instinctively step back, huddling against Iris, eyes wide open from both shock and fear.
Yuriko continued, triumphant, "Don't you want to be reunited with your Navi?"
"Of course I do! But never with you!" Netto retorted, his voice revealing fierce determination.
A predatory smile stretched across Yuriko's lips. "Your friends will stay here. They'll be the first witnesses to our grand project."
Iris stepped forward decisively, shielding the child against her. "What are you planning to do?!"
Yuriko burst into laughter. "It's just going to go boom!" And with a snap of her fingers, she heightened the suspense.
Iris felt rage rise within her. Facing her, Yuriko radiated twisted pleasure, a smirk so intense it seemed she was almost savoring the situation. In a corner of the room, Saito fixed his gaze on the generator, a horrifying realization crossing his mind. Could it be...?
Yuriko, growing impatient, cut through the tension. "If I have to take the kid myself, I will." The threat was clear, and time was of the essence.
In a burst of light, the blue and white Navi appeared, wearing a mischievous and triumphant grin.
"You know what needs to be done!" Yuriko shouted, her authority undisputed. The Navi nodded in agreement.
As Iris prepared to intervene, Saito sprang forward with surprising speed, seizing the Navi's two thorny blades before they could inflict damage. Needleman looked taken aback by the boy's audacity.
"You're brave..." he noted, pushing Saito away with force. "Most kids your age hide behind their Navi, but you..."
Saito struggled to catch his breath, the painful echoes of previous confrontations with this Navi when he was Rockman resurfacing. Despite his fatigue and the danger, the idea of seeing Netto taken by this foe was unbearable.
"No matter your age, I'll show you no mercy," Needleman threatened, launching an attack that seemed inevitable.
In a flash, Iris grabbed Netto, hugged him, and tried to flee. However, only a few steps from their starting point, Yuriko stood in front of them, making them halt.
She smirked condescendingly. "Is there really a need to resist?" she whispered in a saccharine voice, hinting at a veiled threat.
The green reflections in Iris's eyes betrayed fierce determination. She perceived a gap in Needleman's concentration, raising her hand to control his movements. The Navi struggled, teeth grinding in rage, as under Iris's constraint, he lunged at Yuriko.
The scene was chaotic. Yuriko, caught off-guard by her own Navi's attack, had no time to react. Iris, taking advantage of this distraction, quickly moved towards Saito. The latter, understanding the situation, grabbed her wrist, and the two took off.
But, despite the urgency, a growing concern gnawed at Iris. She stopped abruptly, pulling Saito to her side. "Wait... This generator..."
Saito nodded slowly, his gaze gravely set on the strange machine. "There's something inside. Something that shouldn't be."
Netto, cradled in Iris's arms, seemed lost in thought. "Yuriko-san... In my world, she was manipulated. She wasn't truly evil on her own..."
Saito gave the boy a compassionate look. The pain of seeing an acquaintance in such an antagonistic role was palpable.
Iris regarded him thoughtfully. "Do you think she might be manipulated here too?"
Netto shook his head, furrowing his brow. "I don't know... But she worked for a man named Regal."
The mention of "Regal" immediately alarmed Iris, her expression deeply troubled. However, before they could discuss further, Heel Navis appeared out of nowhere, surrounding the trio, with Needleman leading the pack, an angry expression on his face.
Yuriko, with her elegant and threatening stride, advanced. Her piercing gaze settled on the three, specifically on Iris, and a menacing aura emanated from her.
"Ah... The priestess," Yuriko chuckled, a mocking tone in her voice. "I had forgotten she was with you. However, I was unaware she could present herself in this form."
Almost imperceptibly, she slid a small blade from her sleeve. With startling speed, Yuriko darted toward Iris. She hit her mark, and like a video in slow motion, the eyes of the female Navi widened to let out a cry, collapsing. Netto was flung back by the force of the impact, and when he rose, his face was full of terror and pain.
"Iris!" His voice was tinged with despair as he rushed to her, holding her tightly against him.
The pixels escaping from Iris's wound looked like stars extinguishing in the void. Netto, tears blurring his vision, stared at the mark on Iris's hip, unable to comprehend or accept what had just occurred.
"Well, it was about time I took care of this," Yuriko declared in a triumphant voice. "My orichalcum dagger is precise. It won't kill you directly...unless I decide it."
Netto's face went even paler at the mention of orichalcum. Painful memories of the day he was forced to mine this material came flooding back.
Iris, though weak and injured, managed to raise her hand and grasp Netto's. "N-Netto-kun..." her voice was gentle, but there was an underlying urgency. Netto's heart skipped a beat as he saw Iris hand him her PET. "I...trust you," Iris murmured, her eyes clouding over but filled with determination.
She disappeared in a flash, and in panic, he stared intently at Iris's avatar inside the PET. Even if he could still feel her presence, the relief was fleeting, as the gravity of the situation remained palpable.
Saito, on the other hand, had observed silently. His posture, previously defensive, straightened to adopt a silent threat. His dark eyes were lowered, but when he raised his gaze to Yuriko, they burned with contained anger. Painful memories overwhelmed him, particularly of a young girl with pink hair, infiltrating his mind.
"Aren't you ashamed?" he murmured, each word imbued with deep resentment.
Yuriko, ever unflappable, gave a slight mocking smile. "Oh, have I hit a sore spot?"
Netto got up, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and determination. Iris's PET was held tightly against him, like a protective talisman. "Why? Why all this? Why bring back these monsters, these abominations that destroyed your own world? Why spread terror?"
His voice trembled, tears threatening to flow. He seemed on the verge of collapsing under the weight of his emotions. "I hate you all," he whispered, the words pouring out of him like an uncontrollable torrent.
Saito felt consumed by boiling rage. A fiery blaze roared within him, each flame fueled by the child's venomous words. The term "hate" had never found a place in his vocabulary, and yet there it was, as real and sharp as a blade.
Yuriko let out a venomous chuckle that resonated with contempt. "And what better homage could there be than to see a six-year-old child hate us?" Netto clenched his teeth so hard that the grinding echoed in the heavy silence. "How adorable!"
Saito, body tense like a bow ready to release its arrow, slipped in front of Netto. Every muscle, every fiber of his being was saturated with rage he struggled to contain.
In a low voice, shaking but determined, he whispered to the child, "Netto... On my signal, I want you to run as fast as the wind…" Netto, eyes wide with surprise, was taken aback.
"But…"
"Please."
A chilling cold crept into Netto's veins as he backed away, but his gaze was inexorably drawn to the Heel Navis surrounding them and Needleman, who looked like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
"Saito…" Netto began, his trembling voice betraying his concern.
"I know you can do it, Netto. Remember who you are," replied the older boy with shaky confidence.
The next moment, a silent transformation took place in Netto. His eyes, initially hesitant, hardened, a spark of determination shining deep within. A bold and unpredictable idea was forming in his mind. Saito, sensing the shift, clenched his jaw. His eyes, reflecting a storm of tumultuous emotions, settled on the boy.
"Go!"
The two boys burst in opposite directions, each carving their own path through the peril. Netto, swift and agile, nimbly dodged the Navis that stood in his way. With a sudden thrust, he leaped and used his momentum to audaciously slide between the legs of his foes. In a split second, he broke the encircling trap and took off, propelled by sheer adrenaline.
The Heel Navis reacted almost immediately. A commotion arose as they shuffled about, giving orders to track down the elusive boy. However, in their haste, they made a fatal mistake: they neglected Saito. Like a big cat protecting its cub, the teen, fueled by rage and determination, lunged at them from behind.
Netto sprinted, each stride underscoring his determination. His lungs burned, his muscles strained, but he dared not glance back. The image of Saito, with that dark expression, etched in his mind, urging him onward. Part of him wanted to turn back, to aid Saito, but that deep, ominous voice had made it clear that it was time to go.
"Netto-kun?" Iris's voice echoed from the PET.
He quickly raised his device, his eyes lit with burgeoning hope. "Iris!"
"Netto-kun, did Saito let you go?" She asked, though her eyes hinted she already had an idea.
Without a word, Netto's tense face already gave an answer. He nodded, gazing deeply into Iris's digital eyes, his palpable concern shining through.
"And you? How are you feeling?" he inquired, trying to switch topics.
In a calm but weary voice, she replied, "I'm alright, Netto-kun. But my recovery will take time, especially after being hit by orichalcum."
Netto swallowed, slowly processing this information. He tried to pull himself together, to sound reassuring. "We'll get through this. But for Saito..."
Iris gently interrupted him. "Wait, Netto-kun." He slowed down, his full attention on the digital figure on the PET screen. "Go back to that generator. I need to see it for myself."
Netto bit his lower lip, eyes scanning every nook and cranny. The enveloping silence confirmed they were alone. He determinedly traced a path back to the generator room. At its entrance, he exhaled in relief seeing the room was vacant. He approached the massive machine with resolve. Meanwhile, Iris was poring over every data point displayed on her screen.
"Place my PET on the main panel," she instructed.
Without a word, Netto complied. A series of pulsing lights illuminated at the base of the generator. Iris, surrounded by holographic screens, scanned them with intense focus. A gasp of horror escaped her when a detail caught her eye.
"N-Netto-kun..." Her voice, usually so assured, was tinged with palpable dread, sending shivers down Netto's spine.
"What is it?"
"This isn't just a regular generator," she replied, voice quivering. "It's...a massive dimension bomb."
Netto's eyes widened at hearing those words, so shocked he nearly lost his balance.
"They intend to..." His voice faltered, the horror of realization overwhelming him.
"They plan to detonate it during the award ceremony, where everyone will be gathered," she revealed.
Netto's breathing quickened, each inhalation heavier than the last. The sight of the generator made his head spin, his hands trembled, and his legs threatened to betray him.
With remarkable speed and precision, Saito took down every Heel Navi that got too close. His fists and feet were a blur, striking again and again. Was the apparent weakness of these Navis only due to Saito's overwhelming superiority? Yuriko, both awestruck and concerned, watched this display of power. Her eyes settled on Needleman, sending him a gaze laden with a silent command.
"It's time to stop, kid!" yelled Needleman, charging at Saito.
The speed of the attack was such that Saito couldn't turn in time. A purple flash emanated from his body before he was brutally thrown against a wall. The sensation cruelly reminded him of the blow he received as Rockman, a deep wound in the abdomen, similar to the one inflicted by Killerman. In a cloud of dust, Saito collapsed, a crimson liquid slowly seeping from his lips.
Yuriko approached the convulsing body of Saito, her fingers intending to brush the young fighter's hair strands to lift his head. But Saito, with unexpected vigor, grabbed Yuriko's wrist, halting her motion. He slowly lifted his head, his eyes shining with a bright scarlet glow. Terror danced in Yuriko's gaze, but before she could pull away, the boy painfully rose, and his fist shot into the young woman's abdomen with wild force.
Yuriko was thrown backward, a muffled scream escaping her lips. Needleman yelled her name before lunging at Saito, rage etched on every feature. His razor-sharp spikes were ready to end the boy's life.
But Saito was quick and cunning. He raised his arm, and instead of the vulnerable skin of a teenager, Needleman met the solid steel of Rockman's armor. The honed blades joined in defense, warding off the lethal blow. Needleman gasped, caught off guard. His arm was the only part combined with Rockman's armor, everything else remained normal. With astonishing agility, Saito leaped, his foot rocketing towards the blue and white Navi. A brutal impact. Needleman was thrown back, surprise and pain lighting up his features.
The spiky Navi retreated as Heel Navis swarmed Saito en masse, but the assailants were no match for the young fighter aflame with rage. Each strike was precise, lethal; his mechanical arm enhancing his power, making each attack even more devastating. Needleman tried to intervene, but Saito was an elusive whirlwind of anger and raw power. The blades on his arm sliced through Needleman's shell, releasing a dark, viscous liquid.
"What kind of creature are you?" murmured Needleman, his hateful gaze locked on Saito.
Saito's muscles tensed as a low growl emanated from his throat. His swift steps propelled him towards the blue and white Navi, the two sharp blades leading, ready to lodge into the arm of his target. He hadn't counted on the intervention of a black-clad figure who, like a storm, deflected him off course and sent him to the ground.
Yuriko, her face contorted with rage, broke free from the boy's grasp and quickly regained her balance. Saito's jaw tightened as he struggled to stand, but sharp pain stopped him in his tracks. Glancing down at his hip, he discovered a dagger's blade deeply embedded in his flesh, Yuriko's hand still on the hilt.
Saito remained suspended in the moment for a while, his eyes wide open, the pain and the sight of his own blood bringing him back harshly to reality. A shrill sound, he gripped the handle and forcefully pulled out the dagger, causing blood to flow onto the floor.
The deep wound in his hip throbbed with sharp pain, but it wasn't the only sensation overwhelming Saito. A creeping burn seemed to spread inside his body, rising from the injury toward his head, threatening to engulf him. Every breath was punctuated by an overwhelming sensation, as if he had been struck brutally with a brick.
Despite the veil of pain clouding his vision, Saito refused to yield. Bracing himself on his trembling legs, he slowly rose, the knife still firmly in hand. The image of Yuriko floated before him, a threat he refused to ignore. Gathering his strength, he desperately attempted to attack her with the knife.
But his body betrayed him. A throbbing pain took hold of him, and a metallic taste invaded his mouth. Blood escaped from his lips as he collapsed, his head striking the ground harshly. Rockman's powerful arm disintegrated, revealing his vulnerable human form. Saito's eyes grew dim, darkness gradually engulfing his vision.
"Come with us..." he heard in his head before he lost consciousness.
With fierce determination, Iris quickly pounded the keys, seeking to understand the internal workings of the bomb. Her insight quickly revealed the absence of immediate activation: a lever must be the key. Her fingers skillfully glided across the interface, sending codes to disrupt any remote mechanisms. As she delved deep into her hacking attempts, a broad smile lit up her face when she managed to neutralize the remote activation program.
"The bomb can no longer be activated remotely," she announced with palpable confidence.
Netto, his worry still etched on his face, held up the PET to scrutinize the screen. "What about local activation? Can they trigger it from here?"
She shook her head slowly, indicating a negative response. "That would require a kamikaze act. However, I've added an additional layer of security with a password."
Netto let out a sigh of relief that dissipated into the air, only to be replaced by anxiety barely a heartbeat later. Brutal sounds, accompanied by Netto's piercing scream, broke the silence of the virtual world.
Turning around, he saw the remaining Heel Navis and Yuriko invading the room. Needleman, despite his imposing stature, lay behind her, seriously injured. The sight was shocking, but what truly quickened Netto's heart was the sight of Saito, cruelly held by the collar by Yuriko.
With brutal coldness, she threw Saito to the ground in front of them. Netto rushed to him, his face paling as he noticed the crimson stains on his elder's clothes. His trembling hands gently shook Saito, tears filling his eyes.
"Saito! Saito, answer me! Please!" Tears rolled down his cheeks as he implored, "We have to go home together, please!"
But then, a slender ray of hope shone through the despair. Netto felt Saito's faint but steady breath against his cheek. He was still alive. Curling up against Saito's body, Netto looked up with a heart full of terror at Yuriko. He knew her cruelty and manipulations, but he had never imagined she would be capable of shedding blood. She had spared him, yes, but at what cost? And for how long?
Yuriko's menacing stride came to a halt when a figure stood before her, acting as a barrier between her and her prey. Netto's heart rate accelerated, sensing imminent danger. The Heel Navis, sensing the threat, rushed to neutralize the intruder, but one by one they were eliminated, swept away by this figure as swift as an arrow.
At a respectful distance, a scarlet figure emerged from the shadows, a gleaming blade of vibrant pink raised and aimed squarely ahead. The determination in the gaze behind those black glasses left no doubt about their intentions. Recognizing the figure, Netto felt his heart surge with relief and surprise.
Blues stood there, tall and unwavering on the side, observing the two remaining figures. Yuriko, taken off guard, wavered between anger and fear, her emotions clearly painted on her face. Netto's lips moved, seeking words, but no sound came out.
"I-Iijuin?!" Yuriko stammered, disbelief tinting her voice.
The response came from a deep voice familiar to Netto, resonating with authority. "I don't know what an assassin is doing here; I thought low-level matters weren't your concern."
Stepping out of the shadows was a young boy he knew all too well, dressed in traditional attire with a long coat in shades of blue, red, white, and green that floated behind him, grazing the ground with each step. While his face remained unchanged, the novelty lay in his hairstyle: a neat ponytail with shades of white and black that stretched elegantly behind him.
As Enzan advanced with determined steps, Yuriko seemed to lose confidence, retreating from this new threat. Her eyes flashed with incredulity. "Why are you here?!" she demanded sharply.
Without lifting his gaze, as if the world around him didn't matter, Enzan replied evenly, "I was curious. I heard a friend was here."
Yuriko shot Enzan a sharp look, then her gaze shifted to Netto's PET, perhaps searching for a clue or a reason for this unexpected intervention. She brandished her own PET, clutching it to her like a shield.
"I've heard about your confrontation with that kid," he taunted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I never would have thought a child could give you so much trouble."
Yuriko's face twisted into a displeased expression. "Needleman!" she ordered, calling her ally to action.
Needleman, despite his obvious pain, rushed toward Enzan in a show of loyalty to Yuriko, but Enzan, previously still and detached, suddenly sprang into action. His eyes, once veiled, lit up with fierce determination. In a fluid, almost artistic motion, he drew his katana, its blade gleaming with a sinister light.
Time seemed to slow down. In an instant, Enzan had charged, his sharp sword aimed straight at the blue and white Navi. Needleman, unprepared for this speed, could only watch in horror as the steel approached.
The shrill beep of Yuriko's PET echoed through the room, indicating her Navi's distress. She acted swiftly, recalling Needleman into the PET, saving him from imminent elimination. Frustrated and defeated, she struck the ground in anger before hastily retreating.
Blues began to follow, but Enzan's voice stopped him in his tracks. Turning, he saw Netto with tears blurring his eyes, desperately holding Saito and looking for any sign of life in his elder. A silent moment stretched between them, their gazes locking—the intense azure of the boy with white and black hair against Netto's deep brown. Enzan approached, his face neutral. Extending his hand toward Netto, he seemed to offer his support, but his words revealed another intention.
"The priestess's PET," he declared imperatively, his request sounding like an unquestionable order.
Netto swallowed, his trembling fingers tightly gripping the PET.
"It's okay, Netto-kun, you can give it to him," Iris encouraged gently. With some hesitation, Netto reached out, handing the device to Enzan.
Shame washed over Netto, bringing a rosy tint to his cheeks. In this reality, he was nothing to Enzan—not a friend, not an ally. He was simply a stranger, and all their past adventures were distant memories of another world. Iris's soft voice, filled with gratitude, broke the silence. This simple address surprised Netto even more, adding to the complexity of the situation.
"Please, Enzan-kun, help these boys too," Iris begged, her eyes shimmering with undeniable sincerity.
Enzan's gaze shifted from the PET to the two boys, probing their faces, perhaps weighing the options before him. Netto nervously bit his lower lip, feeling that the hours ahead would be full of uncertainties and challenges.
Saito's heavy eyelids gradually opened, offering his eyes a glimpse of the world he had temporarily left behind. A dull pain throbbed in his head, making every movement slightly painful. The warmth of a hand intertwined with his reassured him, providing an anchor to reality. Turning his head, he recognized the tired silhouette of Netto, the dark circles under his eyes bearing witness to his worry and lack of rest.
"Netto?" Saito murmured, his voice hoarse.
Netto lifted his head at the whisper, and a bright smile illuminated his tired face. "Saito!" He leaned in impulsively, wanting to embrace his friend, but Saito's grimace of pain made him hold back.
"Hey," Saito whispered, signaling to Netto to be gentle.
"Are you okay?" Netto asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Making an effort to sit up despite the lingering pain, Saito replied, "I think I'm...okay."
Netto's voice softened, almost a whisper. "You scared me so much. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but...your injuries...they're gone."
Netto's words hit Saito like a ton of bricks. Slowly, he lifted his shirt, revealing the once bruised and bloody area. There was no trace left, as if the skin had been freshly woven. Saito knew he had a regeneration ability, but he couldn't determine if it was due to his hybridization or Gregar. The revelation of this secret left him speechless in front of Netto.
"I guess...they didn't really touch me," he admitted, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty and confusion.
Netto remained silent, letting Saito's words echo in the room. His eyes roamed the extravagant décor of the living room, dazzled by the predominance of red. The richness of the décor, too opulent, threatened to overwhelm him. However, a familiar silhouette intrigued him more than anything. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized Blues, standing near a door like a vigilant guardian.
Blues turned slightly, his inquisitive gaze briefly settling on Saito. The fleeting eye contact was enough to send a shiver of apprehension through the older boy. Netto, sensing his friend's silent alarm, hastened to reassure him.
"Don't worry," he whispered, trying to bring some calm to the situation. "We're safe here."
But even in this supposed safe haven, the absence of a familiar figure weighed on Saito's mind. "Where's Iris?" he asked with a hint of concern.
"She's with Enzan..." Netto admitted, his voice trailing off, revealing a mixture of fatigue and bewilderment. Faced with Saito's questioning look, he realized he needed to clarify the situation. "Oh, in my world, Enzan is both a friend and a rival," he explained softly.
With a discreet gesture, Netto pointed to the Navi who had resumed his stoic posture. "That's his Navi, Blues. He gets along well with Rockman. But here, in this world… Well, I'm afraid we're strangers to them. Just like with Meiru," he said, melancholy tingeing his voice.
Saito reached out, his hand wavering for a moment before gently resting in the child's hair, offering a comforting caress. Inside, he struggled with his own emotions, saddened that Blues was no longer the person he had known.
"But they seem to know Iris..." Netto murmured, his trembling voice betraying his emotions. Saito felt a pang of heartache at this confession. "Enzan and she… They seem close..." Netto nervously nibbled on his lower lip.
Faced with this revelation, Saito searched for his words while continuing his tender caress.
"Do you think she'll stay with him?" Netto asked, fear evident in his eyes.
"Who can really say?" Saito replied. "We can't force her to stay. It's her choice to join us."
"For a good reason!" Netto exclaimed.
Saito's eyes locked with Netto's, discerning the storm of emotions swirling within. Worry about Iris's decision gnawed at him, and Saito understood the depth of his attachment.
In the adjacent room, as silent as a secret, Enzan stood near the window, gazing at the nighttime sky. His hands clasped behind his back betrayed a rigid posture. Behind him, Iris, finally freed from her PET, held the device gently against her, like a fragile treasure.
Enzan's words broke the silence, "So the rumors were true." Turning towards her, a veil of disappointment darkened his features. "You ran away with them..."
Iris remained silent, her eyes fixed on the floor, captive to an emotion she didn't wish to reveal. With feigned gentleness, Enzan approached her, closing the distance between them. "Why?"
The young girl seemed engulfed in her emotions, her head even more bowed, as if weighed down by the burden of her secrets. "There are...several reasons," she finally admitted.
The gaze of the black-and-white-haired boy hardened. After a moment, it shifted to the door as if trying to uncover its mysteries. "Is it true that this young boy has a special Navi?" His voice, though assured, betrayed a hint of concern.
Iris's eyes, filled with newfound determination, lifted to meet Enzan's icy gaze. "What else do you know?" she asked, tension palpable in her voice.
Enzan appeared irritated, his jaw clenched. "That he has a unique Navi, but that I shouldn't concern myself with it. My duty is to bring you back."
Iris's heart constricted at those words. In an instinctive move, she gripped her dress fabric more tightly. Enzan approached, kneeling to her level. "Iris, you must return to your responsibilities."
She shook her head gently, a glint of defiance in her eyes. "I can't, Enzan-kun. I've chosen my path... These boys need my help to go back."
Enzan's reaction was immediate, a mixture of surprise and disappointment shaping his face. "Since when do you care so much about mere humans?"
With renewed energy, she challenged him with her gaze, her eyebrows slightly furrowing. "Since I learned certain truths." A shadow passed through her eyes, which began to flicker, revealing deep concern. "Something is wrong with Variety."
Enzan frowned, forcefully straightening his posture and placing his hands on his hips. "So, you know nothing, then?" she asked, a spark of hope dancing in her eyes.
"Ignorant of what? That many of them are frauds?" he admitted.
She shook her head, lips pressed tight. "No! They've been manipulating the sects from the beginning!"
Enzan's face remained stoic, showing no reaction.
"At the top of that tower, in that generator, there's a bomb! You must take a look!" she exclaimed, urgency in her voice.
Enzan crossed his arms, unwaveringly fixing his gaze on the young girl.
"Agents are already on the scene. I can't dwell on it, unfortunately," he stated.
"But they'll destroy all the evidence! Enzan-kun, please!" she insisted.
A sigh escaped Enzan, and she lowered her head, helpless.
"Anyway..." she murmured, her voice trembling, "I know how to thwart their plans. I have to bring these boys back safely."
Intrigued, Enzan tilted his head slightly. "Where exactly?" he asked.
She straightened up, her gaze both weak and potentially carrying a thousand meanings. "I have to take them to Kaikyou."
He threw his head back, eyes widened. "What? How could their homes be there? Unless... Are you hiding something from me?"
Iris, after a slight hesitation, raised her bold gaze to him. "They're not from here."
The realization hit Enzan like a ton of bricks. "The Beyondard..."
A nod of confirmation from Iris, and he sighed, disarmed. "I'm at a loss for words."
Iris, standing with imposing assurance, towered over him with her piercing gaze. "Trust me, that's all I ask."
He emitted a muffled murmur, almost a growl. Gently, she touched his cheek. "Everything will be fine. Let me handle it."
Unable to form words, he remained speechless. As Iris prepared to leave the room, he called out to her, his voice tinged with worry. "Don't go near the generator, okay?"
Stopped at the door, she caressed the handle, her lips pressed in thought. She turned slowly, her green eyes gleaming with intense determination.
"I know what I'm doing."
When Iris pushed the door open, she was greeted by the sight of the two boys, already standing in anticipation of her arrival. The younger one, his eyes filled with hope, rushed towards her.
"Iris!" he exclaimed, barely catching his breath. "You're not stuck in the PET anymore?"
She responded with a slow, gentle negative shake of her head. "I'm feeling better now." Looking up, she spotted Saito approaching them. "And you, Saito-san? How are you feeling?"
"A bit better," he admitted, shrugging modestly.
Iris's response was a nod, although her eyes betrayed a hint of suspicion. Behind her, Enzan's silhouette appeared, and Netto's expression darkened upon seeing him. Sensing the palpable tension, Iris intervened to try to ease the atmosphere.
"Netto-kun, Saito-san," she began, introducing Enzan with a wave of her hand, "this is Iijuin Enzan-kun, a very dear friend. And the Navi who accompanied you is Blues, his own Navi."
The two boys remained silent. Enzan, with his characteristic reserve, conspicuously avoided eye contact with Netto. However, despite Enzan's apparent coldness that Netto had already experienced in the past, the latter made an effort to break the ice. Advancing hesitantly, he extended his hand, a hopeful smile on his lips.
"I'm Netto," he introduced cheerfully. "And that's Saito right behind me!"
The atmosphere was heavy with tension. Enzan, with his familiar cold detachment, scrutinized Netto with his gaze. Saito, sensing the situation escalating, felt palpable discomfort.
"Do you really want to burden yourself with him?" Enzan challenged Iris, a hint of defiance in his voice.
Netto's mood shifted. His fists clenched and a growl escaped his throat. Saito, anticipating a confrontation, quickly grabbed his friend's shoulders to hold him back.
"Enzan-kun," Iris said, raising her eyes to him, her gaze hardening. Enzan sighed, exasperated, turning away from Netto to face her. His usual coldness was punctuated with a glimmer of embarrassment.
Netto stopped when he noticed this and let out a sigh, his cheeks puffed up. The Enzan in front of him was just like the one he had first met, yet his relationship with Iris seemed so different. The way they were together, he seemed so...open with her, somewhat like he had been with Anetta or even Meiru. It might mean that they were just as close as he had known Enzan, but looking at Iris with a tinge of sadness, he felt...jealous.
"Iris, I know you're hiding something," Enzan declared, cutting short Netto's thoughts. The others remained frozen, hanging on his words. "But I'll respect your wishes for now. However, be aware that the High Master has approved a crucial mission for my father, and it's imperative that you're a part of it. I hope you understand the importance."
Iris did nothing except turn her gaze to meet Saito's, who looked back with suspicion. Blues walked over to join his operator and paid no attention to the two brown-haired boys, which left a pang of sadness in the older boy's chest. Their fragile friendship never existed in this world, and he would have to live with that; he would find the real Blues in his own world, anyway.
Inside the room, the closing of the door resonated like an echo of the palpable tension. Enzan, with an expression that betrayed a hint of confusion and curiosity, turned to Blues.
"Don't you think it's a bit early to leave?" he asked, seeking some support.
Blues, ever enigmatic and reserved, simply shrugged, unwilling to speculate further.
Outside, the trio silently made their way through the deserted streets. The glow of streetlights created regular halos of light, illuminating their path. Netto seemed to be dragging his feet, with each step reflecting his exhaustion. His shoulders were slumped, and he appeared to be carrying the weight of the world.
Saito, his loyal and caring friend, immediately noticed this. "Netto?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.
Netto let out a sigh, heavy with fatigue. "I'm...so tired," he admitted, rubbing his tired eyes.
Iris, ever vigilant, came to a sudden stop and turned around, her expression filled with concern. "Didn't you get any sleep?" she asked, her eyes searching his.
The boy slowly shook his head, a sad smile briefly lighting up his face. "I couldn't sleep a wink until Saito woke up. And Blues being there... It felt like he was watching me. It made me nervous."
Saito flashed a teasing smile, and before Netto could react, he pulled him into a reassuring hug, lifting him off the ground for a moment. Netto's eyes widened in surprise.
"Rest a bit. We'll find Rockman," Saito declared, his voice filled with determination.
Netto hesitated but ultimately acquiesced, his movements sluggish with uncertainty. The older boy then turned to Iris, who had lost all interest in the two of them and seemed lost in her thoughts.
"How do you know this boy?" The questioning burned in Saito's eyes, catching Netto off guard.
Iris watched the two boys, her expression fading into a distant melancholy. "Five years ago," she began, her eyes fixed on a point beyond the present reality, "when Colonel and Barrel sacrificed their lives, my destiny as a priestess was revealed to me. Enzan was among the first humans I encountered on my journey, and his kindness towards me deeply moved me."
Netto remained silent, his emotions a turbulent sea beneath an impassive surface. Saito was waiting for a response, but all he received was heavy silence. The child's lips pressed together, an unspoken admission of the unexpected closeness between them. A shadow of disappointment crossed his face, his eyes shifting to the ground.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Iris wondered, sensing the tension in the air.
Netto's head shot up, his widened eyes betraying his surprise. "Y-yes!" he stammered.
A sigh escaped his lips. Iris, who had stayed silent, was already turning, her steps carrying her away from them, leaving an air of incompleteness behind.
Saito, with a sidelong glance, scrutinized Netto. This silence, this reaction, were uncharted territories in their relationship. "Netto, something's not right," Saito remarked, his tone infused with growing concern.
Forcing a smile, Netto averted his gaze, engaging in a dance of avoidance. "Sorry...it's probably just stress and fatigue," he admitted, scratching his head, a gesture betraying his unease.
Saito felt the tension in Netto and took a calm breath, trying to maintain composure in the situation. But Iris's return, hands full of money, made Netto's heart leap with fear.
"What are you doing with all that?" he exclaimed, his voice betraying his alarm.
"It's a precaution," Iris explained calmly, the crumpled bills between her fingers. "Withdrawing money now avoids using my card in the days to come and being tracked."
As he grabbed the bag, a clear realization struck Saito. "So, you didn't manage to win?" His voice oscillated between concern and curiosity.
Netto nodded, disappointment clear in his eyes. "Blues was just too fast for us."
Saito sighed slightly. He knew that all too well, after all. Iris carefully filled the bag with the money, the weight balanced on her slender shoulders. Then, she stopped, her eyes fixed on the urban horizon with an intensity that puzzled.
"Iris?" Saito gently called out to her.
Without haste, she turned back to them, her face as composed as a calm sea. "I'm sorry," she murmured, "I just wanted to see the city one last time."
Netto tried to reassure her with a smile that was meant to be encouraging. "I see... You can always visit its network once everything is over."
Iris's eyes once again lost themselves in the cityscape, nostalgia clouding her gaze. The city lights sparkled, a bittersweet reminder of what was and perhaps what could be again.
To be Continued…
AN: Here he is, finally, the boy everyone loves but not me, lol. Like I said, just because I don't like a character doesn't mean I'll mistreat them. People seemed quite satisfied with how I wrote Enzan and Forte in ABD, for example, and that makes me happy. This Enzan will be a bit closer to the Enzan in the game. By the way, he knows Iris well, I know some people like them together. There won't be a chapter next week, sorry, real-life issues come first.