AN: Okay... Here we go... the final chapter of this first part... Mama... It's a really piece of cake... or salt I guess. Man. After everything that had happened hehe I'm a little bit stressful but, I have to put a big warning.
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME VIOLENCE THAT MIGHT MAKE YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, LIKE BLOOD OR BODY HORROR. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT DESCRIPTION ABOUT VOMITING, SO THOSE WHO ARE EMETOPHOBIC ARE ALSO WARNED.
Good luck now.
Chapter 20: Please, give me wings
To carry on is to carry a burden
Even if it's to lose to fear
I won't turn back
Netto wiped his eyes, slowly descending the stairs while yawning, as if emerging from a deep sleep. His eyelids still felt heavy as he approached the table where Kohaku and Sota were having breakfast. An odd expression appeared on their faces, arousing the child's curiosity as he squinted, trying to understand.
"Oh, hello Netto!" Meiru's voice echoed, making him jump. She appeared, holding a glass of water and a pill in her hands.
Netto turned around and saw Meiru approaching, her face marked with a worried concern.
"Hello!" he greeted warmly, scanning all the guests with his eyes. But he couldn't miss the faint murmurs emitted by the two boys, particularly those of Kohaku, who seemed annoyed.
"Is everything okay?" he inquired, perplexed.
"You should ask your buddy that..." Kohaku retorted grumpily, looking upset.
Sota timidly nodded his head, his cheeks slightly red. "It was cute..." he murmured almost inaudibly. Netto raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while a soft laughter escaped from Meiru's lips.
"Don't worry, Netto, it's nothing," she reassured him, placing the glass on the table. She dropped the pill into the water, watching it dissolve slowly. "It's the last day, after which you'll finally be free!" she added, handing him the glass.
Netto furrowed his brows and took the glass reluctantly, a disgusted expression on his face. "Yes... Meiru-Onee...chan," he articulated, swallowing the liquid in one gulp. He coughed briefly under the bored gaze of the young girl.
"You know, you don't have to drink it all at once... Take your time," Meiru pointed out, looking annoyed.
While gently patting his back, they were interrupted by a noise at the door. They turned and saw Rockman entering, his strange expression catching Netto's attention. His eyes were pleasantly rounded, different from usual, and a slight blush tinted his cheeks. His operator quickly stood up, clearly delighted to see him.
"Hey, Rockman!" he exclaimed, blinking to better discern the Navi's unusual expression. "Rockman?"
The Navi seemed embarrassed, looking away, then bent his knees to be at the boy's eye level. With his cheeks reddened, Rockman removed his mask and approached the child's head, gently nibbling on his cheek and sometimes in his hair. Netto tried to break free, perplexed by this unexpected situation.
"R-Rockman?! What are you doing?" he retreated, puzzled.
Netto struggled as Rockman held him firmly, despite the child's whimpering protest. He was completely bewildered by this situation, unable to understand what was truly happening. However, he noticed that Rockman seemed...incredibly happy. Meanwhile, Meiru slightly averted her gaze, her cheeks also turning pink but she kept a smile on her lips. She approached them, hands hidden behind her back.
"Netto?" she called out, prompting the boy to finally break free from Rockman's embrace and look at her while the latter affectionately rubbed his head against him. "Saito gave me a message for you."
As soon as the name Saito was mentioned, a strange gravity came over Rockman, who ceased his affectionate gestures while Netto bit his cheek, worried about what it might mean.
"What is it?" he asked weakly, fear evident on his face.
"He wanted to tell you that tonight, he will reveal the whole truth to you. He has finally found the courage to tell you," Meiru added with a certain joy in her voice.
From the corner of his eye, Rockman observed Netto, his mouth slightly open without expressing any reaction. He remained silent, lost in his own world. Seeing the lack of response from the child, Meiru blinked, perplexed.
"Netto?" she called out to him.
Finally, he lowered his gaze, clenching his fists.
"I... That's great," he murmured.
Meiru frowned, crossing her arms.
"Don't make that face! When he reveals the whole truth to you, you'll understand why it was so difficult for him to tell you!" she declared firmly.
Netto looked up, but his expression remained unchanged.
"But he told you everything..." he replied.
Meiru growled. "Netto, his secret is extremely important to him. You have to understand that if someone is involved in all of this, it's you! I can't tell you more, but please, try to understand. When he reveals the whole truth to you, I sincerely hope you'll take it well because it's fantastic news."
Netto opened his mouth, unsure of how to react. He turned his gaze to Rockman, who also nodded. Taking a deep breath, he eventually nodded with a slight smile.
"Alright... I'll wait, and I'm excited!" he declared with growing enthusiasm.
Meiru felt happy again and nodded as well. Unbeknownst to her, Rockman had stood up and approached her, doing the exact same thing he had done with Netto. He held her close, gently nibbling on her hair. Meiru's face instantly turned red.
"R-Rockman, stop..." she murmured, visibly embarrassed.
Netto furrowed his brows once again, finding this new behavior from his Navi annoying.
"Tada!" Meiru announced, waving Netto's blue cape between her hands.
"My cloak!" he exclaimed, touching the fabric.
"It was in a sorry state! I did my best to clean it," she explained.
Netto gently took the garment back, looking at it with shining eyes. It was evident that he sensed a better smell coming from it. He also glanced at his pile of clothes, which he would finally be able to put on again. Once Meiru had left the room, he quickly dressed, putting on all his old clothes. He finished with the blue bandana he hadn't worn since his arrival. He felt good. Since he was in this world, his clothes had become an integral part of him.
Netto stepped out of the room, holding his cloak in his hands. He began to run to reach the lower floor, then turned around, raising his arms. "Look, Rockman!" he exclaimed.
The Navi, sitting at the table between Akane and Yusaku, raised his thumb in satisfaction, happy for Netto. Akane exclaimed as she looked at him.
"Wow!" she exclaimed at length, pointing. "You have a sun!"
Netto chuckled and raised his blue cloak, pointing it towards them. "And I have this too!"
"That's so cool!" the little girl responded with enthusiasm.
Yusaku also nodded in approval. "It's really stylish. Where did you get it?"
Netto pulled back his cape to admire it better, remembering Ann Elecitel, the kind lady who had given him all these clothes.
"An old lady gave it to me," he explained.
Yusaku nodded while Netto tightened the cape around him. He was eager to go home, that's all he was waiting for.
"Show me how it fits you," Meiru asked, discreetly observing him from a corner of the room.
Netto blinked and adjusted his cloak, leaving a few wrinkles. Meiru approached him and smoothed out the cape, making it as smooth as possible. The child took a few steps, spinning around happily with his cloak.
"Oh! You look like a bird!" Akane exclaimed, applauding.
Netto blushed slightly, scratching his temple.
Later on, Meiru began to prepare various dishes, some of which were meant for Netto for his departure with Rockman. The boy sat in a corner next to his Navi, who continued to move in a strange manner. Netto glanced at him from the corner of his eye, wondering what could have happened for him to behave like this (unless it was because of their departure). He tried to think.
"Hey, Rockman," he started. The Navi looked at him, eyes wide open. "What exactly is Saito going to tell me?"
Rockman pulled his head back, surprised by Netto's reaction. But eventually, the Navi raised his finger and moved it, signaling that he didn't want to say anything. Netto started to get frustrated.
"Huh?" He furrowed his brows again. "Come on, Rockman! You know his secret, don't you? What should I expect?"
Instead of answering verbally, Rockman took Netto's head and shook it gently, making Netto grind his teeth.
"Aaah! Rockman!" he exclaimed.
Meiru, who was in the kitchen and heard everything, chuckled softly. These two were truly like brothers.
Everyone was seated at the table, eating at their own pace but with one exception: they were watching television during the meal, paying attention to any news that could be important, especially for Netto and his Navi. At one point, the journalist mentioned Prosecutor Roppo, and a photo of him appeared on the screen. The children in the house stuck their tongues out at him, and Netto—noticing their reaction—imitated them while Rockman stuck out his tongue and growled slightly because he still had food in his mouth. Meiru said nothing, simply holding her rice bowl close to her, letting it happen.
"Do you know that we're being pursued by that guy?" the brown-haired boy declared, staring at the screen.
Meiru startled, her eyes wide open. "What?"
Netto nodded, pointing his finger at the television. "Yeah, he found out about Rockman, and he wants to capture him just because he looks like Gregar..."
With a muffled growl, Meiru stared at the Navi, dumbfounded. Rockman remained impassive, averting his gaze. He had been hiding something from her, but it didn't seem so important to him...yet it was crucial to her. She growled inwardly.
"At the same time, when you look like Gregar, a lot of questions arise," Kohaku interjected casually.
"But he's not Gregar! Besides, I don't know why he's in that form," Netto retorted, casting a worried glance at Rockman, who only let out a sigh.
Meiru clenched her fists, still staring angrily at the Navi.
"So you're going to cross the country, probably as fugitives..." she concluded, saying it as if she were addressing the Navi directly. "And you didn't tell me?"
Netto flinched, his teeth clenched, trying to calm the tension. "Listen, Meiru-chan, I promise you that nothing will happen to us! As long as we stay on the right path… And besides, I think that's why Saito is going ahead, after all!" he tried to explain.
Meiru probably gave him the most annoyed look she had ever given. "Oh, yes... If you only knew..." she replied sarcastically.
She stood up and took the empty plates to the kitchen. The child felt a pang of sadness for her in that moment. Of course she was worried about them, but he would have preferred if she hadn't found out. It would have been better for her.
"We interrupt this report to bring you more serious news."
All the children at the table looked up upon hearing that sentence. Their gaze froze on the television screen as they saw a massive green virus approaching. It was a very rare type of virus, one that Netto had probably only seen once, but the terror was clearly written on his face.
"A Dream Virus has just appeared and is heading straight towards the village of Gohaya! We urge all residents to evacuate immediately or take cover, as this poses an extreme danger!"
Hardly had they heard those words when Meiru hurriedly exited the kitchen and found herself in front of the television, kneeling down and anxiously scrutinizing the details. Her eyes trembled as she looked at the frozen children. Mouth agape, she remained silent, seemingly trapped in her thoughts. Nothing seemed to come to her mind, but seeing the expression of fear on Sota's face made Meiru's heart race.
"Meiru-nee..." Yusaku began, getting up and approaching her.
"We need to..." She stared at the hidden trapdoor under the carpet, but realized she wouldn't be able to reach all the children due to the cramped space. She clenched her fists.
"Meiru-chan!" Seeing her panic grow, Netto approached her, closely followed by Rockman. Meiru gently brought her hands to her head.
"I... I don't know what to do... I don't want to flee, but I..."
The Navi brought his head closer to Meiru, forcing her to look at him, but she struggled to refocus. Seeing how close Rockman and Meiru were, Netto bit his lip before an idea came to him.
"Rockman... I know you can face this!" Netto declared with determination.
Both of them turned to him, equally troubled.
"I know you're capable of it." He clenched his fists. "I know we should stay hidden, but... If we eliminate this virus, we'll save many lives, not just here."
Rockman gently released the girl and started emitting a strange growl.
"Rockman, I can't just sit here and watch a virus—especially a legendary virus—destroy an entire village!" the same child exclaimed, raising his voice.
This time, Meiru stood up, breathing heavily, overwhelmed by panic.
"No, Netto! You said it yourself! Rockman is being pursued, and not by just anyone, by Prosecutor Roppo!" she almost hysterically exclaimed. "If Rockman goes there, he could be spotted, and Variety might come here!"
Netto opened his mouth, but no words came out. He looked at the other children, realizing the gravity of the situation if Variety were to come here. He lowered his gaze.
"But... If Rockman doesn't do it... What will happen to all of you? If you don't have a home anymore, Meiru-chan..." Netto asked in a low voice.
Meiru stared at the ground, lost in her thoughts, unsure of what to do in this situation.
"Meiru-chan... Let us go..." Netto reiterated, pleading more and more.
She furrowed her brow upon hearing him and raised her head, looking at the boy frantically. "Us?"
Netto gritted his teeth and took a step back. "Uh... Yeah, Rockman and me! After all, we've always been a team!"
The girl straightened up completely, staring at the child with an almost angry expression on her face. "You want to go too?!"
He felt really bad and blushed with shame as he looked at her, searching for his words. "I... Yes... I mean, Rockman and I, we shouldn't be separated..."
Meiru covered her face as Rockman straightened up, displaying a similar expression to the girl. "Netto... You can't go, it's way too dangerous for you!"
"But I've already faced a virus like that! I promise it won't be a problem!" he replied, trying to be convincing. He looked at his Navi, hoping that he could understand. "Rockman, what would you do?"
The Navi took a moment to think, with Meiru's accusing eyes and Netto's hopeful ones fixed on him. Finally, he placed his hands on his hips, shook his head, and raised two fingers in a sign of approval.
Netto's own eyes began to sparkle with joy. "You agree to go face that virus?" he asked, hoping it was the right decision.
Rockman silently nodded, and Netto let out a cheer. Meiru sighed in disappointment and looked at the Navi, exasperated.
"I'll get ready!" the child exclaimed.
"I told you no!"
Even Rockman shook his head, indicating that he agreed with Meiru.
"But... But why?" Netto asked.
"Netto... Don't you understand?" Meiru began, her voice trembling with emotion. "Look at yourself, you're too little to go! You would easily be put in danger!"
Netto's cheeks reddened, not with embarrassment, but mostly with the anger that was starting to rise within him.
"This...isn't fair... I'm Rockman's operator! I have to go with him to operate him!"
Although Rockman didn't like seeing Netto in this state, he lowered his gaze and made a sound to show his disagreement. He made a strange hand gesture that struck the child like a stake through the heart. He slowly backed away and also remembered the state of his PET. He clenched his mouth, preventing any other sound from escaping. He looked at the two taller figures, feeling betrayed.
"It's not fair..." he murmured.
"Netto..." Meiru tried to reach out to touch him, but he fled and quickly went back up to his room, slamming the door to the panicked gaze of the other children. Kohaku shrugged. The girl sighed and turned her gaze to the Navi, who no longer showed any expression. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"Meiru-nee, what should we do?" Yusaku asked, still concerned about the situation.
"Rockman...will try to slow down the Virus...and if he manages to defeat it, we'll be saved... But if it gets closer to here...we won't have any choice but to flee..." she replied.
Sota slowly approached the girl, his eyes filled with distress.
"I don't want to leave..." he said, snuggling against her.
"I know..." she replied, embracing him tightly.
Rockman watched them, closing his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath. He surveyed the room, then the surrounding objects, and finally the children. Meiru stared at him, trying to guess what he had in mind.
Rockman stared at the door, alone in the entrance. He patiently waited for the opportune moment to act. The Dream Virus was near the city's border according to what he had heard. Meiru slowly descended the stairs, hoping the children would stay in their rooms, sheltered from the terrible news.
"Netto seems to be silent again. He didn't respond when I called him... At least he didn't lock the door..." Meiru said as she approached Rockman, looking at him lost in his thoughts. "The truth will make him feel better," she supposed, and he finally looked at her.
He noticed that her eyes were trembling, betraying a certain fear she was trying to hide.
"Why didn't you ever tell me that you were wanted?" she began in a calm voice. "Why did you hide it from me?"
He averted his gaze, almost ashamed, refusing to look at her. She bit her lip.
"Is that how you are with everyone? You hide problems until they disappear? Like with Netto, thinking that once you get home, everything will be fine... And now with me, when you will leave..." she continued, her voice growing weaker.
Rockman lowered his gaze, filled with shame, while Meiru was on the verge of tears. He gently took her shoulders to make her turn towards him, wanting to comfort her. He slowly shook his head, and through his red eyes she could sense his sincerity.
"You're such an idiot..." she murmured without really meaning it, which elicited a whimper from Rockman. She finally sighed, trying to regain control of her emotions. "I trust you with this battle...but don't be desperate... If the virus is too strong for you, come home!"
Rockman slowly shook his head, expressing his disagreement. She furrowed her brow, her mouth twisted, and then Meiru raised her hands to touch his face.
"Netto needs you, don't sacrifice yourself in vain. You have to go home, Saito."
A surprised gasp escaped from Rockman. With her thumbs, she gently removed the mask covering his nose and mouth, revealing his entire face. He kept his mouth closed, revealing a small fang protruding from his lip. Standing on tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his, and Rockman accepted the kiss by closing his eyes and holding her hands. As they pulled apart, with slightly flushed cheeks, Meiru displayed a more timid expression. Saying that they had kissed yesterday was easier, but there was a certain strange difference now that he was in his Navi form.
"This isn't a goodbye kiss...right?" she asked as he slowly shook his head.
"I have more planned for tonight, it'll be a celebration for Netto and you..." she said playfully. "And tomorrow... I..." She let out a sad sigh but quickly composed herself.
She heard a soft purr emanating from Rockman as he pressed against her, their foreheads touching. A few minutes later, the Navi straightened up and released her, then headed towards the door. Meiru opened it and he walked out, slowly moving away before finally turning around to look at her one last time. With a smile on her lips, Meiru raised her hand, waved at him, and...closed the door.
Rockman's heart leapt strangely in his chest, and he instinctively placed his hand on his chest to try to calm it while a small smile formed. His mask reappeared on his face as he set off, but he didn't notice the sheets gathering into a long rope at the window of the upper floor. Netto skillfully exited, wearing his usual clothes and his cape once again, his bag hidden underneath. He landed with a thud and immediately searched for his Navi with his eyes. Seeing him moving away, Netto opened his mouth wide and rushed towards him, calling out.
The Navi abruptly turned around, shocked to hear the voice, but before he could react otherwise, the boy clung to his leg, hugging him tightly.
"Rockman!" the child shouted once again.
Rockman growled and pointed at the house, but Netto shook his head.
"No, I won't leave! We've always been a team! It doesn't matter if the PET is broken, I want to come with you!"
But the Navi's growl intensified, his eyes contorted in anger. He growled more fiercely towards Netto, who responded in the same manner, like a smaller wild animal. This behavior annoyed Rockman, as fear didn't affect him. He shook his leg, trying to free himself from the boy's grip.
"No! I won't let go of you! I'm coming with you!" Netto cried out once again.
The Navi clenched his fists, becoming an imposing presence. He emitted more wild roars, hoping to make the child relent, but it was in vain. Netto stared at him with furrowed brows and a tight-lipped expression.
"It's over, Rockman. You won't scare me anymore," he replied with determination. "I've realized that you've returned to yourself. I now know that I have nothing to fear from you anymore. And that's why I won't run away."
The Navi began to calm down, especially as he observed the determined eyes of the boy. It was impossible to make him leave and he knew it. Netto was persistent; no matter how many rejections he faced, he would always find a way to end up in situations where he shouldn't be. Finally, Rockman gave up, lowering his leg to the ground while the child wore a victorious smile.
"I promise I won't be a burden. I'll stay hidden, but I'll be there to observe your battle! I'll guide you, giving you a different perspective... We've always been a team, you and me."
The Navi cast a gentle gaze upon Netto, observing the child's illuminated face. Finally, he decided to firmly pat his head, powerless in the face of the situation. Netto burst into laughter and took the lead.
"Come on! We have to go save all those people!"
Rockman nodded, a little annoyed. He resumed walking, following the child, but he felt a presence by his side. As he turned his head, he thought he caught a glimpse of the purple and red Navi from before when he had fled the rebel base... He looked behind him and around, desperately searching for that form he had glimpsed earlier. However, he found it nowhere. Perhaps it was just an illusion of his mind.
Continuing their progress along the path, following the child ahead, they were assaulted by the shrill cries of several distressed individuals. In the distance, wisps of smoke billowed from the ground. When they reached a higher vantage point, Netto and Rockman stood frozen, astounded by what they saw. The Dream Virus was colossal compared to the viruses they had previously faced. This monster was undoubtedly as tall as a four-story building. It attacked everything around it, unleashing deadly lasers from the center of its body. Each object struck turned into a devastating explosion of flames.
Netto's face expressed absolute terror. He tried to approach, but was quickly held back by Rockman who grabbed him by the shoulder. The NetNavi positioned himself in front of him, standing at his eye level to be able to look him directly in the eyes. With a simple negative movement of his head, he clearly indicated his refusal.
"Rockman..." murmured Netto, realizing that he could no longer follow him from that moment on.
Standing up, Rockman pointed to a place where he could hide. The child looked at him with a slightly sad expression, but nodded with determination. He concealed himself behind a low wall that allowed him to see the whole scene. Rockman turned slowly and approached the gigantic green Virus. He suddenly froze, then took a deep breath before letting out one of the fiercest roars imaginable.
From behind his hiding spot, Netto watched the scene, intrigued to see his best friend reclaiming some of the savagery he once had. The Dream Virus turned its head, fixing its gaze on him from its position. Without hesitation, it summoned several water towers from the ground and charged straight at the wild Navi. Rockman managed to jump high enough to evade the various attacks coming from all directions. However, he was unaware of another attack that would catch him off guard.
"Rockman, behind you!" shouted Netto as he continued to observe the scene.
Rockman turned around and saw a wood tower rapidly approaching him. He managed to get rid of it by using the blades on his arms. After landing on the ground, he crawled towards the Virus, exhaling a burst of fire that struck it. The flames died out and he used his blades once again to deliver a single powerful strike to the monster. Despite this, the Dream Virus still stood, although it had likely lost a significant portion of its health.
The wild Navi remained there, annoyed to see that the Dream Virus wouldn't disappear. Suddenly, without warning, a tsunami surged in front of him, heading straight towards Rockman who didn't have time to escape and was engulfed by the devastating wave.
"Rockman!" screamed Netto, helplessly witnessing the scene.
Rockman reappeared, leaning against a wall, completely weakened. His eyes narrowed in pain, bearing witness to his suffering. Netto rummaged through his bag, desperately searching for his PET. He tried turning it on over and over again, hoping to have even a chance of getting the recovery program to work and help Rockman get back on his feet. But nothing happened, the machine stubbornly refused to turn on. Netto turned his head to his friend, who was struggling in vain to stand up.
"Come on, Rockman..." Netto whispered, his eyes squinted. "You've faced worse than this..."
Despite struggling to stay upright, the gigantic green virus unleashed a new attack in the form of a tsunami. Rising up with determination, Rockman retaliated by exhaling a burst of fire against the tsunami, destroying both attacks simultaneously. In a swift motion, he rushed straight at the Dream Virus. However, as he neared the monster, it fired a laser that narrowly missed the poor Navi. He heard another cry from Netto, but thankfully, he hadn't been hit. Transforming his arm into a buster, Rockman managed to continue as planned and hit the spot where the laser emanated, completely destroying it.
The Dream Virus seemed to panic, emitting inhuman screams. Rockman clenched his fist and advanced, his blades gleaming in the sunlight. He dashed forward at lightning speed, producing a crystalline sound, and swiftly sliced the Virus's body in half with pinpoint precision. Amidst another inhuman cry, the virus fragmented into several pieces of data, vanishing into the skies.
A cry of joy escaped the child's lips as he rushed towards Rockman, a radiant smile illuminating his face. He embraced the Navi's chest, leaving him little time to react.
"You did it! You did it even without the PET! I'm so happy!" he exclaimed, almost on the verge of tears.
Gently, Rockman stroked the child's head. However, he looked up and noticed that some humans were watching them, both amidst the flames. Each of them stared at the scene wide-eyed, shocked by what they saw.
"What is that thing?!" exclaimed an adult nearby.
Rockman lowered his gaze with sadness, but Netto turned around and looked at the others, raising an eyebrow.
"Kid... Get away! It's probably a Zoanoroid!"
Netto clenched his fists and grimaced. "He's not a Zoanoroid! He saved your lives!" he responded angrily.
"That won't bring back what we've lost..." someone murmured from the crowd.
The child remained silent as they continued to verbally attack the Navi.
"If you're alive, it's thanks to him!" he shouted with all his might.
However, despite his efforts, two hands rested on Netto's shoulders. He looked up to see Rockman nodding and lowering his gaze, indicating they needed to move away. Netto understood and bowed his head, disappointed that these people weren't grateful for what he had done for them. They held hands and walked away together, finding a place out of sight. Netto let go and grimaced in anger, his teeth clenched.
"Arrgh! These people... They're incapable of being grateful!" he exclaimed, fists clenched. "In our world, the people we saved were grateful for our help! And here, they can't tell the difference between a good Navi and a Zoanoroid!"
The child held his head, overwhelmed by the situation. The Navi approached him and gently tapped his head.
"Rockman... These people... No, these adults, they're always afraid... But Meiru's children, they love you so much!" he lowered his gaze, slightly blushing. "Even though I find it strange...I wish there were more people who could see you the way I see you."
Rockman nodded slightly, grateful for Netto's words, even though he couldn't respond verbally. However, with what he was about to reveal to him tonight, he hoped it wouldn't disturb him too much.
"Come on... Let's go back to Meiru's...to tell her that you made it and they have nothing to fear anymore," the child said, stepping away, but he started trembling. "I might have a hard time when she sees me outside," he added to himself.
Rockman made a sound that resembled a chuckle. As they moved forward, thick smoke rose in the sky, obscuring the heavens. Netto was struck by this disconcerting sight, wondering if the smoke came from the direction they were heading. Suddenly, he realized they were close to the road leading to Meiru's house. His eyes widened abruptly and he quickened his pace, overwhelmed by the anxiety of whether it was her house or not.
"Meiru-chan!" he shouted, starting to run.
Rockman watched him, trying to understand why he was rushing like that, and he also noticed the smoke hanging in the sky. He stood still, frozen in place; his first thought being that it was nothing serious, that it wasn't where they needed to go. His heart began to beat rapidly in his chest, paralyzing him.
"You have the smell of death ingrained in you." He heard it and he turned around, eyes wide open, but there was nothing. He was alone, it was...just his mind playing tricks on him…
Netto rushed at full speed, his fears materializing as he beheld the engulfed house before him. The flames danced with devouring intensity. He froze, his eyes filled with horror at the sight. In front of the blazing residence, humanoid silhouettes took shape. Some were Heel Navis while only one person was human, but clearly not a resident of the house. However, lying motionless on the ground, one person caught his attention. He instantly recognized her, even amidst the chaos.
"Meiru-chan!" he shouted with all his might, rushing towards her.
Meiru lay on the ground, face down. Her hair matted her face, partially obscuring her head, while her body was stained with blood and deep marks. As he approached, Netto could discern more gruesome details, prompting him to call out to her once again. However, just as he reached out to touch her, an invisible force grabbed him from behind.
"Let me go!" he cried out, making a desperate plea to his assailant.
"Well, well, well, look who we have here!" he heard behind him, recognizing that voice in a strange manner.
He was captive, immobilized by that girl, Chirol, who wore a mocking smile on her face. Netto shivered in terror upon seeing her, even as anger boiled within him.
"So, you were alive all this time!" she asked him with a horribly childish voice, as if taunting him. "And on top of that, you were living with this girl!"
He grimaced as he tried to free himself, but to no avail.
"So you were not ignorant, were you?" she sneered. "After all, concealing abominations like these children is punishable under OUR laws!"
His eyes widened further, frantically scanning the surroundings. Where were the children? Where could they possibly be? His gaze settled on the burning house, and then the realization began to dawn on him. Indescribable horror painted his face.
"No..." Netto whispered, slowly shaking his head, his eyes stubbornly fixed on the same spot. "No..." he repeated in a mechanical voice, like an automaton.
"Indeed... They had to be eliminated quickly, after all!" Chirol retorted sarcastically, relishing the sight of the child she held captive beginning to shed tears. "And now... It's your turn, for you're nothing but an accomplice! Just like that girl over there!"
She shook her arm as he continued to weakly struggle, casting a disappointed gaze towards the young girl lying on the ground. "I thought I would offer her a job right from the start... What a waste," she murmured to herself.
She brandished a blade as thin as a katana, a tanto. Pointing the tip towards the child's neck, he realized the imminent threat and froze, making no sound, his heart nearly stopping.
"If… I can have… One wish… To come true… Right now..." a weak voice was heard, like a melodic whisper.
Chirol and Netto looked up at Meiru, who had her eyes half-open, almost vacant, using the last of her dwindling strength. Blood also escaped from her mouth as she tried to speak. The girl with the twin tails and the Heel Navis stared at her, all perplexed by what she was trying to accomplish.
"I want... A pair of wings... Please... Grant me white wings..." she managed to continue, her voice trembling. "On my back... Like a bird..."
Chirol released the child, leaving him dazed on the ground, then stepped forward towards Meiru, visibly annoyed. She tightly held her tanto, gripping it in her hand.
"After all the torture, you're still not dead? Very well, I'll spare you a slow death! But shut up!" she declared in a sharp tone.
With a swift motion, she plunged her tanto into Meiru's throat. No sound escaped from her open mouth, and her eyes drained of all life. Netto remained frozen, his mouth agape with horror, while his pupils dilated completely in the brown ocean of his eyes. The scene twisted his stomach to the point where he could feel something rising in his throat, and he quickly placed a trembling hand over his mouth.
"Oh my God, what... What is this?!" exclaimed a Heel Navi.
"It's the Navi that Roppo-sama is searching for!" another one continued.
Chirol turned around and came face to face with Rockman, who stood behind her. Her eyes widened as she saw him, completely frozen, staring straight ahead. Terror distorted her face, her mouth hanging open, releasing erratic breaths. The Navi approached slowly without uttering a word while the assassin recoiled, relieved to see that he was only interested in the corpse. He knelt down and observed the young girl with pink hair stained with blood. His gaze shifted to her neck, and with extreme slowness, he gently brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. No reaction, no sign of response to his gesture.
A sound escaped Rockman's throat, his chest heaving as the impact of the shock dissipated. At first, it resembled sobs, then transformed into a ferocious scream that distorted his eyes with rage. Swiftly, the Navi rose to his feet, heading towards the nearest Heel Navi, slashing and tearing it apart with his claws and blades, causing it to explode into fragments. He continued to do the same with the next one.
Netto watched the scene, still in shock, a tear sliding down his cheek. But gradually, terror began to take over as he observed Rockman's behavior, obliterating the other Navis in a way he had never seen before. He fought like a wild animal, consumed by rage. Slowly, Netto attempted to stand up despite his weakened legs. He tried to approach Meiru's lifeless body but dared not touch her. He was simply devastated to see his best friend in such a state, and tears began to flow slowly.
Chirol, who had tried to escape, also found herself trapped under Rockman's claws. He stood over her, pinning her to the ground. His hand was raised, ready to strike, while his mask had disappeared and his menacing mouth opened, like a tiger about to pounce. Netto looked up at him, seeing what he was about to do.
"No, Rockman!" he cried out, interrupting the Navi in his motion. "Please, Rockman, don't do this!"
The young woman trembled, knowing she had no means of escape left. The boy had become her only chance for survival. Netto approached the Navi, his teary eyes trembling, trying to hold onto his moral compass.
"I beg you, Rockman, don't do this. You're not a monster like them! Please, don't let yourself be consumed by anger!" he pleaded through his sobs.
In a silence enveloped by the flames devouring the house and Chirol's groans, Rockman found himself hesitating. His breathing was labored, and he looked at Meiru's lifeless body behind the child, then at Netto himself. His vision blurred as he tried to see...the one who had committed this unforgivable act.
The rage was far too powerful.
Opening his mouth wide, he swiftly pounced on the unfortunate woman, who let out a scream of pain, as if tortured by an executioner. Then her cries abruptly ceased. Rockman had a piece of flesh in his mouth, which he spat aside, continuing what he had started. Blood spurted from every direction.
Recoiling almost weakly, Netto found himself overwhelmed by an emotion he had never wished to experience. If earlier in the day he had declared that he would never be afraid of Rockman again... Well, that was false. In this very moment, considering everything he had witnessed, he had never felt such terror in his life, and it came from his own Navi. He turned around, almost collapsing to his knees, letting the strength drain from his muscles. A nauseating sensation rose from his stomach to his throat. He let it all out, coughing violently, the smell doing nothing to ease his nausea, and tears continued to flow without him realizing.
Behind him, Rockman continued his grim act, like a predator slowly tearing the flesh of his prey between his teeth. Blood sprayed in all directions. Finally, he stopped and observed what remained of the lifeless being. Then he turned around and caught sight of the sobbing child on his knees, wide round eyes staring at him like a new prey he could snatch. As he began to slowly move away from the corpse on which he stood, his gaze once again fell upon the lifeless body of the girl with pink hair, freezing him in place.
Unbeknownst to him, the sun set on the horizon, and a brilliant light illuminated his entire body.
Netto silently sobbed and sensed a strange light behind him. Through his teary eyes, he turned around to see what was happening. Slowly, he was taken aback to find Saito standing in front of Meiru's body with no sign of Rockman on the horizon. The Navi had vanished. The child mustered the strength to stand up despite the pain gripping his chest, approaching the older boy.
"Saito..." he murmured, his voice so weak that the tears made it almost inaudible.
No response. As he got closer, he noticed the vacant expression on Saito's bloodied face. He remained silent, staring into the boy's empty gaze while attempting to reach him out.
"Saito..." he repeated, trying to come closer and make contact.
Pain and sorrow flooded Saito as he finally knelt before Meiru's body. He gently cradled her upper body in his arms, his free hand still caressing her cheek, without uttering a word. Tears began to flow, distorting his face in anguish. Suddenly, he let out a heart-wrenching cry filled with grief and despair, a cry so powerful that it could have been heard for miles. Netto recoiled, terrified by Saito's cry of distress, which troubled and touched him deeply.
The elder boy lowered his head and held Meiru's body tightly, seeking solace in that embrace, despite the blood invading his nostrils and driving him nearly insane. Netto didn't know what else to do but to stand there, watching and crying himself. He wished he could do something, or that Saito could come back to himself so they could support each other. The absence of Rockman also brought him relief as he dreaded a confrontation with him.
When Saito's sobs subsided, he stood up while still holding onto Meiru's body. Netto, finally noticing his movement, approached, Meiru's head tilting to the side.
"Saito... What are you doing?" he asked, his voice broken.
The older boy said nothing, advancing to circumvent the blazing house, facing the intense heat, and reached the garden that was still untouched by the flames.
"Saito?" called Netto with a broken voice, tears still streaming down his face.
Saito gently placed Meiru on the ground before entering the small wooden shed to retrieve a shovel, gripping it firmly in his hand. Netto understood then what Saito intended to do, but the words escaped his mouth.
"Saito... You're not going to..." His voice broke, unable to articulate the question.
With a sudden movement, Saito thrust the shovel into the soft soil and ripped out a piece. Netto noticed that the more dirt he removed, the more agitated Saito became.
"Saito..." he called out, receiving no response. "Saito... Meiru-chan was my friend too..." He turned his gaze towards the lifeless body of the girl. A nauseating smell filled his nostrils, and a bitter taste invaded his mouth, causing his sobs to resurface. "Please, Saito... I loved her too... I'm here! I just want to help you! We have to face things together! I also wish it didn't happen like this! But please, answer me! Don't leave me!"
"Stop!" Saito yelled in a tone he never thought he would hear coming from his elder.
Netto lifted his head, shocked by the anger he saw in the boy's eyes. "Saito..." he murmured, a tear streaming down his cheek.
"Stop it! Leave me alone!" he screamed. "I don't want to hear you anymore! Leave me be!" Rage trembled in his voice as he tore the soil from the ground. At one point he looked up at Netto, his eyes tinged with red, reflecting all his anger.
The words stabbed at Netto's heart, causing him to retreat. No sound came out of his mouth, but his tears flooded his trembling eyes. He abruptly turned around and fled without saying a word, escaping from the house, away from Saito. He found himself deep within the forest, trying not to pay attention to everything around him until he collapsed against the trunk of a tree. Slowly leaning against the rough bark, he placed his arms and head, letting out screams of emotional distress. Sobs overwhelmed him as his tears repeatedly soaked the wood he clung to.
This was all just a nightmare; he would wake up soon. Yes, he would wake up, and it would all be over.
I sighed that I lost something precious
I know that there may never be
An end to the price that we pay for our dreams
It can never be repaid
In the twilight, we're praying for the lost
Fight all our grief, fight all our pain
To the fallen, we're hurting for the lost
Still we try to find solace, hand in hand together
In the twilight, we're going down this road
Full of our hope, full of our faith
To the fallen, we're going down this road
My journey has to go on with you
To be Continued… in A Beautiful Dreamer.
End of Part 1
AN: So... You survived ? I'm glad to see you here, welcome in my world. This chapter was a warning for you, no one can be spared. Meiru played the role of the victim of all this madness, I wanted her to be a Nina Tucker (FMA) or a Prushka (Made in Abyss) like. Just the innocent girl being a victim of the cruality of this world. I used her to play the new love for Saito to make him develop, cause he needed someone else then Netto to finally feel human, with Netto he could only think like "okay let's go home, I will protect him even if I have to die, but the best is to never tell him the truth" while with Meiru who is someone who don't come from his own universe, he can feel what's being a human and finally says the truth... Now... It's sadly the start of something darker for the twins...
Don't be scared, the real shits are finally coming. (Also the lyrics used at the end of the chapter are from Forever Lost from Myth and Roid)
I'm really happy I have done a lot for this fic, it really make me happy, and the next part we will have more characters we don't usually see in fanfic, mostly underrated characters I really like. I hope you will appreciate it! I can't believe originally this story was just supposed to be a 10 short chapters story without any other characters hehe.
Thank you everyone! This fanfic will now take a break of ONE month, the new chapter will be posted the 9TH JULY! So be waiting you can read "A Beautiful Dreamer" which is a story that happen on the original world focusing on Meiru and Roll (and... Forte!) dealing about Netto and Rock's disappearance... Yes the original Meiru, the one who isn't dead lol
See you next time!