AN: Hello! It's been a while. Since these recent times, I've been mostly working on my school project, which has taken a toll on my mental health. Unfortunately, I am on antidepressant medication, as prescribed by my psychiatrist. I'm finally getting the help I need. But anyway, by the time this chapter is posted, my project will be submitted, which is why I posted this chapter on Tuesday. I do regret that this chapter is less horrific and more focused on mental psychology, which I enjoy doing, but I hope you'll like it!
Chapter 33: What is love if it's not being hurt
Do you know that restaurant that makes pies?
Yes, I think I've heard of it! They say the pies are really good!
People say it's run by a witch who lures children in to eat them!
The morning had passed in a flash since their early departure from the city. Saito had transformed into Rockman unbeknownst to the young child. Netto, with heavy eyelids, dragged his feet along the path. The sleepless night he had just endured weighed on his shoulders. Yet, despite his fatigue, he proudly rejected any offer of help from the Navi, loudly proclaiming that he was old enough to walk on his own.
Iris, on the other hand, lost herself in her thoughts. Since deciding to follow these boys, her adventure had led to surprising discoveries. She had learned Saito's secret: he was the wolf threatening to destroy their world, a revelation that had filled her with dread. Then, she had crossed paths with Dark Scyth, the ruthless assassin who pursued the older boy with his deadly Navi. She had sensed in him the cunning and danger of a serpent, convinced that their paths would cross again. And as if that wasn't enough, they had encountered Enzan, the prodigy of the Iijuin family, like a graceful peacock. Variety saw immense potential in him, while the Iijuin family had unwavering trust in his advice.
At the heart of this turmoil was Netto. His cape, reminiscent of the softness of a lost chick, contrasted with the surrounding chaos, like a ray of innocence amid the storm.
The Navi, with a feminine appearance, regretted their encounter with the Iijuin prodigy. She recognized many qualities in him, but his tendency to be protective and bellicose could jeopardize their next mission. She closed her eyes for a moment, aware that her choice could come at a high cost.
Out of the corner of her eye, Iris saw Netto, who appeared preoccupied. He was whispering in Rockman's ear, and Rockman was listening attentively. Intrigued, she approached discreetly, eager to hear their conversation. However, Netto noticed her and his eyes widened in surprise. He quickly turned his head, his cheeks flushed.
"Is there a problem?" she asked softly.
Netto froze, his shoulders tense, avoiding her gaze. Next to him, Rockman scrutinized him with narrowed eyes and crossed arms, as if waiting for his response. Iris moved closer, looking patient as her eyelids blinked slowly, like a camera lens capturing every detail.
"Well," Netto began, uncomfortable, scratching the back of his head.
"Are you hiding something?" she inquired, her voice filled with gentleness.
Caught off guard, Netto straightened up abruptly, his arms raised in a sign of surrender. His wide-open eyes betrayed his panic. He fidgeted, gesturing to find the right words and dispel the misunderstanding.
"It's... It's not what you think! It's just...complicated," he stammered, casting a desperate look toward Rockman, who remained impassive, avoiding taking a stance in this delicate situation.
"I..." Netto started, searching for his words, his eyes darting up and down, nervousness evident on his forehead.
"Is it related to what happened earlier?" Iris asked, her tone sounding more like a statement than a genuine question.
The young boy swallowed hard, realizing he couldn't hide the truth any longer. "It's about Enzan," he confessed, his hands clasped, and his gaze avoiding her.
Iris displayed a surprised expression, not expecting the heir of the Iijuin family to be involved in Netto's concerns.
"In fact, in my world, Enzan and I know each other," he finally confessed, his voice trembling.
Iris remained silent, her face showing no surprise.
"You..." Netto began, locking eyes with the bright green of the young girl, "Did you suspect it?"
"A little," she replied softly, her calm demeanor contrasting with the boy's agitation.
The child nearly collapsed, his mouth hanging open, looking completely dejected. By his side, Rockman—arms still crossed—silently nodded, as if to say that there was no hiding anything from the other Navi.
"You seem to have a lot of knowledge, Netto-kun. I wouldn't be surprised if you knew other people we're going to meet," Iris stated evenly.
Netto straightened up abruptly, his fists clenched tightly. "But I'm talking about Enzan!" he exclaimed, his voice betraying his emotion. "He's my rival!"
"A rival?" Iris repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Netto scratched the back of his head, searching for his words. "Well...yes, we're also friends, but I consider him my rival. He's very talented, but he has this annoying tendency to want to do everything on his own."
"I understand," Iris responded thoughtfully. "He sounds a lot like the one in this world."
"Exactly! The Enzan in this world is a spitting image of mine, at least in character," Netto exclaimed before letting out a small grunt of annoyance. "He can be really unbearable at times."
The young boy's memories flashed before his eyes, recalling the many times the Iijuin heir had made him feel inferior. Despite those moments, Enzan had proven to be a loyal friend. Seeing him here, not recognizing him, broke his heart. It was like going back to the early days when they didn't really know each other. Just like with Meiru; in this world, Enzan didn't know him. Netto's eyes landed sadly on Iris, knowing she was the only one with a special connection to the black-and-white-haired boy and his Navi, Blues.
"It's curious," Iris responded after a moment of contemplation, "even though he's spoken to me many times, he's never seemed unbearable to me."
The boy in the cape offered a timid smile, "Maybe it's because you're closer here, isn't it?"
Iris tilted her head slightly, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Enzan-kun is very expressive with me. He talks about everything and nothing."
Netto widened his eyes, surprised by this revelation. "You mean he...talks a lot?"
She slowly nodded, confirming his words. Netto and Rockman's reactions were almost synchronous: a mix of astonishment and incomprehension.
"That's not at all like Enzan to talk so much!" Netto exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.
"However, with me, he's very open. He smiles, relaxes, and willingly shares his thoughts and feelings," the young girl explained in a neutral tone, further bewildering the young boy.
Iris's revelation brought recent memories back to the child. He remembered what Meiru had told him about the time she had spent with Enzan and how he was different with her. He had also noticed this behavior when he interacted with Anetta. It was as if Enzan naturally felt more comfortable and open with girls.
Rockman, in a thoughtful gesture, scratched the back of his head while keeping his eyes closed. Netto briefly observed him before turning his attention back to Iris.
"And Blues, how is it between you two?" he asked, curious.
"Blues? We have a certain closeness, but he always maintains a distance. I believe he primarily respects me because I am the priestess and close to his operator. His loyalty to Enzan-kun is unwavering," she explained, still with her even and composed tone.
Netto nodded gently, tinged with a hint of melancholy. It seemed that Blues, the Navi with the reddish appearance and silver hair, hadn't changed at all. He made a small grimace and looked away, then, with some hesitation, locked his eyes with Iris's.
"And how about you? How is it between you and him?" he asked, even though the idea of the answer might disturb him.
"I listen to him," Iris simply replied.
A silence settled between them. Netto waited, hoping she would add something, but there was nothing. Only the gentle breeze broke the stillness that had settled.
"That's all?" Netto finally asked, his eyes filled with questions.
"That's all," confirmed Iris, letting the wind carry their thoughts away.
Netto, his eyes filled with curiosity, tilted his head. "You never share your thoughts with him? You don't talk to him about your day or how you feel?"
"He never asks," she simply replied.
Netto bit his lower lip, torn between understanding and frustration. In his mind, he thought Iris could take the initiative to share, just as he sometimes did. He felt a surge of empathy for her, realizing that she probably kept a lot to herself. His fists involuntarily clenched.
"So, tell me," he said eagerly. "What do you do as a priestess?"
Iris seemed surprised by the question, as if she had never considered that someone might be interested in her in this way. "My role is to provide comfort... I receive many letters from Navis sharing their worries and fears. During the rare in-person meetings, I see how much they are affected by their relationships with humans. My duty is to listen and soothe."
Netto furrowed his brow, absorbing her words. After a while, he wore a softer expression. "Well, then, talk to me. If you feel the need to share, I'm here to listen." He blushed slightly, "I... I want to know more about you."
In the silence that had settled, everyone waited for a reaction from the young girl. Rockman, typically so impassive, now appeared attentive, scrutinizing the young female Navi and Netto. Iris's eyes, initially downcast, slowly lifted. She nibbled her lip gently and then began to speak in a soft and composed voice.
"Dr. Wily created me thirteen years ago," she revealed, taking Netto by surprise. "He designed me to develop like a human. Here, I take on the appearance of a thirteen-year-old girl, but my development will stop at the age of twenty-five."
Netto, with wide-open eyes, displayed a shy smile, relieved to hear Iris open up to him. Rockman, on the other hand, seemed equally surprised, blinking several times to assimilate the information. The child approached her, fascinated by her revelations.
"That's amazing... He really designed you to resemble a human," Netto marveled, to which Iris responded with an affirmative nod. "But why exactly twenty-five years?" he asked, intrigued.
She tilted her head slightly, searching for her words. "I'm based on Colonel's data. Twenty-five is the age he is supposed to represent. When I reach that age, I will take on my final form."
Netto looked at her with admiration, circling around her to examine every detail of her appearance. "It's truly impressive! Dr. Wily did an outstanding job. You're so realistic, so human. And we're almost the same age!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Iris remained silent, her eyes fixed in the distance. Rockman, standing beside her, gazed at the horizon, trying to make sense of the situation. Netto took a step back, clasping his hands behind his back.
"You grew up with Dr. Wily, didn't you?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "What was your life like with him?"
"We lived in Kaikyou, near the generator. There was only us," she began, her voice betraying a palpable emotion. "Dr. Wily wanted to spend his remaining days there, away from everything. All his knowledge, he had recorded it in his library. I spent years devouring those books."
Netto's eyes widened in surprise. "You read?" he asked, astonished.
Iris hesitated, searching for her words. "I... Yes, I love to read," she confessed in a timid voice. "Books allowed me to discover what humans left behind. But I have a weakness for plays."
Netto, still surprised by her words, blinked. Rockman listened attentively while Iris looked away, seemingly lost in thought. "Yes... I love the theater," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Netto approached her and reassured her in a gentle tone, "It's not a problem, you know."
She sighed, her eyes drifting into the void. "It's not that..." She paused, suddenly overcome by melancholy. As if an old film had just started playing in her mind, a distant memory washed over her.
"Oji-san, I don't understand this book. It seems so different from the others," young Iris said as she approached the door of Wily's room.
The old man, seated in his wheelchair, looked up to her. With a gesture, he invited her to come closer. She advanced, clutching the book firmly in her small hands. Wily took the book and examined the title. He opened the pages and found a script, a dialogue among several characters. He observed the little girl, who had a mind different from what her appearance might suggest. With a simple press of a button, his wheelchair started moving, and she followed obediently.
They arrived in the living room where an old television and a VCR were set up. Wily inserted a VHS cassette and invited Iris to sit on his lap. She nestled there, her gaze full of questions.
"This book is not like the others," Wily began. "It's not meant to teach you but to entertain you."
"Entertain?" she repeated, trying to understand.
Wily nodded gently. "It's a script. A plan that actors use to perform what's written on the stage."
The television then turned on, revealing an animated scene. Several people stood on a stage adorned with magnificent scenery. They interacted with each other, eliciting laughter from the audience. It was a theatrical performance, and Iris, fascinated, displayed a broad smile. She snuggled even closer to her grandfather, her eyes fixed on the screen, marveling at this new world opening up to her.
Iris seemed lost in her memories, nibbling her lip with emotional intensity. The faces of Barrel and her older brother came to mind, where she shared her readings with them. "Barrel-san promised me that one day he would take us to see a play," she whispered.
Netto, touched by her confession, lowered his head, disturbed. Unconsciously, he kicked a small pebble, which rolled a few steps away. "And I suppose you never had the chance to see one..." he guessed, his voice filled with compassion.
Iris nodded gently, her gaze distant. The child's heart swelled with sudden determination, and he exclaimed, "Then I promise to take you! Before I leave, we'll go see a play together!"
Iris's eyes settled on him, seeking sincerity in his words. "Netto-kun..."
"I swear!" he insisted.
But Iris, with one arched eyebrow, challenged him with her gaze. "Do you already have an idea of what you'd like to show me?"
Taken aback, Netto stepped back slightly, stammering, "Well... I have to admit, I'm not a big theater connoisseur... In fact, I've never seen one either." Behind him, a soft stifled laugh could be heard. The young boy turned to find Rockman, who seemed to have trouble containing his amusement. Annoyed by this reaction, Netto turned back to Iris, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Let's just say I'm more into blockbuster movies and mecha anime," he confessed.
Iris looked at him with an inscrutable expression. "I see," she said, making Netto feel like she was judging him.
Netto attempted to explain himself, "But you know..."
"There's no need to make promises, Netto-kun. After all, our time together is limited to this journey," Iris interrupted, resuming her walk.
Netto stood frozen in place, as if he had been transformed into a statue of ice. His mouth wide open, he felt like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Rockman, concerned for his operator, approached to check on his condition. But inside that frozen statue, Netto felt shattered, as if every part of him had broken into a thousand pieces. As he almost lost his balance, the Navi caught him just in time, holding him firmly.
"Rockman..." Netto murmured weakly, "I'm really bad at this..."
Taking a deep breath, the child straightened up and began to run towards the female Navi, determined to explain. "Hey, Iris! I promise you that I—" He stopped abruptly, interrupted by a loud growling sound coming from his stomach.
A heavy silence settled between them as she turned around, then, in an impassive voice, Iris stated, "It seems you need to attend to your human needs."
Netto, embarrassed, didn't know what to say. His embarrassment deepened when Rockman approached him, nodding while tapping his own belly in an exaggerated manner. Apparently, he also felt some hunger. Faced with this situation, the child grimaced, while Iris cast a curious glance at his PET.
"There's a small restaurant right over there," she suggested. "They offer a variety of pies."
Netto, regaining his composure, forced a smile. "Pies? That sounds perfect to me!"
Iris darted off, followed closely by the other two. The youngest, with a dark expression on his face, struggled to hide his discomfort, especially in the presence of the female Navi. He took a deep breath, his steps leading him to an imposing facade reminiscent of the countryside houses of Eastern Amerope. On the sign, he deciphered "MadPie" and noticed hanging pigtails above the name. A frown formed between his brows, an eerie sense of déjà vu.
Rockman discreetly stepped aside, indicating that he would wait outside. Netto and Iris silently acquiesced. Upon crossing the threshold, they were struck by the total absence of customers despite impeccable cleanliness.
Suddenly, a high-pitched, theatrical female voice rang out, "Oh, customers?"
Double doors swung open abruptly to reveal an adult woman. She wore a maid's dress with a white apron, and two imposing pink pigtails held by white fabric adorned her head. Netto almost widened his eyes when he recognized her: it was Madoi, once a member of the World Three group alongside Hinoken and Count Elec! As she approached, all smiles, her two customers noted a peculiarity: her protruding belly, significantly more prominent than the rest of her silhouette.
"Hello," she greeted mischievously, hands clasped behind her back. "Just you two?" she added with a wink.
Iris, seemingly about to decline, was interrupted by Netto, who remembered Rockman's order. "Yes, two people!"
Madoi led them to a table near an open window. The two youths sat facing each other, and she placed a menu in front of them before heading off to the kitchen.
"Signal me when you've made your choices," she said, raising her hand.
Netto was deeply troubled. He wasn't so much surprised to see Madoi as a waitress—after all, in his world, she worked for Maha Jarama and his curry restaurant. But here, everything was different: her attire, her confident stride, and most notably, that abdominal roundness.
"Wow..." he muttered, absentmindedly picking up the menu in his hands.
"She looks familiar to you, doesn't she?" Iris asked, her fingers lightly brushing the table, the menu still untouched in front of her.
Caught off guard, Netto attempted to hide his surprise with a nervous laugh. "Yeah, I know her."
"I'm not really surprised," she replied in a neutral tone.
He sighed, still looking at the menu. "You know, you'd be really surprised if, for once, I didn't know someone here." After a pause, he continued, "The guy who was looking for Saito... Kiri-something."
"Dark Scyth," she interrupted.
"Yeah, him... I don't know him in my world. I only met him here," he continued.
He watched the female Navi, looking for a reaction. She seemed momentarily surprised, her mouth slightly agape before lowering her gaze.
"You never know what life has in store," she murmured, thoughtful.
Netto displayed an amused smile before looking towards the kitchen and then back at the menu. "The woman you just saw is Madoi-san. In my world, she was an enemy."
Iris widened her eyes. "Really?"
"Absolutely! She was part of the World Three, a terrorist organization. But now, that organization is not what it used to be. They've reinvented themselves and are running...well, a curry restaurant!" he said with a hint of humor in his voice.
Surprise painted on Iris's face, her eyes sparkling with amazement. "A curry restaurant?"
Netto nodded. "Isn't it incredible?" He paused, hesitating before continuing, "And guess who was the leader of that organization?"
She shook her head, encouraging him to continue.
"Doctor Wily," he revealed with a chuckle.
Iris looked down, clearly affected by the revelation. Netto, realizing his misstep, tried to steer the conversation away to lighten the mood.
"So… What are we going to order?" he asked, feigning enthusiasm as he looked through the menu.
"What you're going to eat..." she murmured.
He shook his head gently, correcting, "No, what Rockman and I are going to eat!"
Suddenly, Rockman's head appeared at the window, scanning the surroundings with a wary expression.
"Ah, there you are!" Netto exclaimed, visibly relieved to see his friend. The wild Navi made a sound that resembled a hungry growl, and the child turned back to Iris. "Could you place an order for him? It would make us look less suspicious!" he suggested with a big smile.
She found herself speechless and then nodded, unsure if it was the right thing to do. The child waved the menu at Rockman to choose a dish. After some silent exchanges and a few nods from the Navi, they reached an agreement. Rockman then discreetly retreated behind the window. Iris rested her elbow on the table, supporting her head with her hand, assuming a more relaxed posture. Netto, on the other hand, felt a slight unease rising in him.
"It's a bit strange to eat in front of someone who doesn't eat," he confessed softly, carefully choosing his words not to seem impolite. "Food is one of the great joys of human life, you know!" he exclaimed with a light laugh.
"I've read some cookbooks," she admitted, impassively.
Netto flashed a teasing smile. "So you've never had the urge to taste all that?"
Iris hesitated for a moment, looking around before responding. "There are some pastries I would have liked...to try."
Netto's beaming smile revealed a profound understanding. For an organic entity, expressing a desire to taste a pastry might seem trivial. But for Iris, a digital entity, it was much more complex. She couldn't experience human sensations and desires in the same way, and yet she had just expressed curiosity and a craving. It was proof that, despite her digital nature, she felt and expressed emotions, even if they were different from those of humans.
However, in the kitchen, the atmosphere was different. Filled with whispers, a grating voice rose.
"There's a young child here, Madoi-chan!" The voice sounded excited and somewhat mocking. "How exciting."
Silence briefly fell, broken only by a sinister chuckle from the same voice. Madoi glanced at the floor as if avoiding accusatory glances. She took a deep breath and emerged from the kitchen with a notepad in hand, displaying her usual smile.
"So! Have you made your choice?" she inquired, her voice radiating cheerfulness, as if nothing had happened.
The young girl remained silent, lost in thought, gazing at the grain of the wooden table. Madoi looked at her with slight confusion, raising an eyebrow. Netto, on the other hand, set his menu down, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"I'll have a cheese and beef pie!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Very well!" agreed the pink-haired woman as she noted the order. She then turned to Iris, waiting for her order. "And for the young lady?"
Iris seemed like she wanted to answer but just slightly opened her mouth without making a sound. Seeing her hesitation, the boy quickly intervened, "She'll have a potato and bacon pie!"
After recording the second order, Madoi bid them farewell with a smile and disappeared into the kitchen. Netto sank comfortably into his chair, letting out a contented sigh.
"Sorry," Iris murmured, raising her gaze to him. "I didn't know what Rockman wanted."
Netto waved his hand casually. "No problem! When it comes to human choices, I've got it covered!" he said with a little laugh.
A familiar sound caught their attention: Rockman, emerging again from his hiding spot behind the window, growled softly, a sign of his growing hunger.
"Yes, yes, Rockman, it's coming!" Netto responded, feigning annoyance.
In the shadow of the kitchen, Madoi stood leaning against the wall, lost in thought, her cheerful face far from reflecting her true mood. Nearby, a giant Navi worked on preparing the dishes, humming as he worked.
"They'll eat well! Their last meal!" he joked, swaying slightly on his feet.
Madoi remained silent, deep in introspection. Intrigued by her silence, the shaggy blue-haired Navi turned his head toward her. "Sing with me, Madoi-chan. It's not the first time, after all!"
The woman jumped slightly, her heart racing. "Well...I've been thinking... Maybe we should...take a break?" she stammered, her hands nervously clutching her dress.
The Navi's face darkened as he rolled slowly towards her. His massive hands framed Madoi's face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Are you telling me you want to stop our mission, Madoi-chan?"
She couldn't respond, her eyes widened in fear. The Navi continued, his voice becoming softer, almost mocking. "But if you really want to stop... That's okay. I'll wait for you, until you give birth to that child. And then, I'll take it from you. You didn't really want it, did you?"
Panicking, Madoi instinctively placed a protective hand on her belly. "No, I'll be fine," she murmured, trying to conceal her fear.
The Navi tilted his head, appearing both curious and amused. "Really? Do you want to keep it?"
"I said I'll be fine!" she exclaimed, determined. "I've got it."
A bit later, Madoi emerged from the kitchen with two steaming plates. She approached Netto and Iris's table, placing the dishes in front of them.
"There you go!" she announced cheerfully, trying to hide her unease. "Cheese and beef pie for the gentleman, and potato and bacon pie for the young lady!"
Netto actively thanked the waitress, firmly holding two sets of utensils. Across him, Iris remained still, her vacant gaze fixed on her plate, as if she were absent from the world. Madoi observed the young girl with curiosity, wondering why she showed no reaction. But before she could ponder further, Netto's sharp gaze fell on her belly, making her furrow her eyebrows.
"Have you gained weight?" he blurted out without a filter.
Shocked and offended, Madoi exclaimed with indignation, "What an ill-mannered child!" She quickly turned on her heels, her cheeks flushed with anger, and disappeared into the kitchen.
Perplexed, Netto blinked, trying to understand the cause of this explosive reaction. However, his attention was diverted by Rockman, who had slipped his head through the window, drawn by the aroma of the pies. Without hesitation, the operator moved Iris's plate to the window, offering the Navi a perfect view of the still-steaming pie.
"Enjoy, Rockman!" he exclaimed cheerfully, tapping his cutlery on the table. He dug into his own plate, devouring the pie with gusto, while Rockman grabbed it with both hands, devouring every bite ravenously.
Next to them, Iris silently observed the scene. Her gaze turned to Netto, who savored each bite with evident delight. In a soft voice, she asked, "Is it good?"
With a radiant smile, he replied, "It's incredibly delicious! I've never tasted savory pies so tasty. I'll ask my mom to make plenty at home!"
She made a soft sound from her mouth, her eyes fixed on Rockman who devoured his portion with insatiable voracity. Her curiosity piqued, she examined the pie's composition more closely, trying to identify the ingredients. When they had finished, only a few scattered crumbs remained on the plates. Rockman, content, closed his eyes and purred with pleasure, letting his head sway gently from side to side, savoring the moment.
Suddenly, the clatter of the kitchen doors sounded, causing the Navi to startle. He quickly hid behind the window. Madoi, the waitress, appeared with a radiant smile. However, a furtive glance towards Netto betrayed her lingering irritation from his rude remark.
"Perfect!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands with satisfaction. "I see that everyone enjoyed it!"
Her gaze lingered on the plate placed near the window. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, intrigued. Why was Iris's plate there when Netto's was right in front of him? She shook her head, dismissing these thoughts, and once again wore her professional smile.
"So, how about dessert?" she suggested, her eyes gleaming.
Netto, enthusiastic, clapped his hands on the table in approval. "Absolutely!" he exclaimed.
"I recommend our dessert of the day: raspberry pie," she announced.
Excitement was clearly written on Netto's face. His cheeks took on a rosy hue at the thought of enjoying raspberry pie. On the other side of the window, Rockman's impatient noises also revealed his enthusiasm. Madoi, intrigued, raised an eyebrow in the direction of the source of the noise. Wanting to divert her attention, the child quickly raised his hands.
"Two slices, please!" he requested eagerly.
The waitress nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. Netto slumped back into the seat, looking dreamy, anticipation of the dessert almost making him salivate. Across from him, Iris remained silent but equally observant.
"Does it always affect you like that?" she finally asked.
Without hesitation, Netto replied, "Absolutely! Cakes, especially the ones my mother used to make, have always had that effect on me." He paused, a touch of nostalgia filling his face, "It makes me feel nostalgic."
Iris, captivated by this new insight into her friend, murmured softly, "Nostalgic..." Her eyes reflected a hint of curiosity mixed with empathy.
Lost in her memories, Iris vividly remembered the day when, leafing through a cookbook, she had asked Wily the question. Curiosity had driven her to understand why Navis, despite their ability to simulate so many human emotions and experiences, couldn't savor food like humans.
Wily's response, although simple, had resonated deeply within her. "Navis don't have a physical existence, so they don't need tangible experiences," he had said.
"Then why am I here?" she had asked, seeking to understand her own existence.
"Because I had a deep desire to see you exist," Wily had replied, his words filled with genuine affection.
These memories, although distant, were still fresh in Iris's mind. At the time, she hadn't fully grasped the depth of those words, but with time, she had come to realize the profoundness of Wily's feelings and the complexity of her own existence as a Navi.
Netto, observing his friend, noticed her absentminded expression and interrupted her thoughts. "Iris?" he asked gently, pulling her out of her reverie. She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a deep melancholy. "You seem lost in thought," he said with a hint of concern.
Without saying a word, Iris delicately placed her hands together on the table, gathering her thoughts before responding. "I was thinking," she murmured, her voice soft, betraying a myriad of emotions.
Madoi reappeared, emerging from the kitchen with a slightly hesitant gait. Something seemed to have disrupted the usual balance between her and the kitchen. However, what instantly captivated Netto's attention was what she held in her hands. Two plates, bearing delectable slices of raspberry pie. Juicy raspberries rested on a delicious layer of cream cheese, and beside them, a scoop of vanilla ice cream was slowly beginning to melt, its creamy texture contrasting with the pie.
Netto's eyes lit up with a nearly childlike gleam, his pupils dilating with excitement. Before Madoi could even place the plates on the table, he had already grabbed his spoon and dived in, savoring each bite with evident delight. Madoi, without a word, discreetly withdrew, her melancholic expression going unnoticed by their eyes.
At the window, Rockman, drawn by the alluring scent of the pie, emitted a growl of impatience. Netto handed him the plate that Iris wouldn't take, which the Navi devoured with relish. Meanwhile, Iris remained motionless, observing the scene with her usual gentle passivity.
After finishing his portion, Netto gently pushed his empty plate aside. A yawn escaped his lips, and he stretched languidly. His eyelids began to grow heavy, and he slumped onto the table, his head resting on his crossed arms.
"All of this has tired me out... I think I'll take a little nap," he murmured, his voice tinged with fatigue. "Do you mind, Iris?" But before she had a chance to respond, he had already fallen asleep, immersed in peaceful slumber.
She stared at him, wide-eyed in surprise. Abruptly, she got up and headed to the window to check on Rockman. There, she found him, asleep and leaning against the wall. Iris furrowed her brows, a strange sensation washing over her.
Coloredman burst into laughter, brandishing a knife, his voice echoing in the kitchen as he washed the dishes. "Another prey for my collection!" he exclaimed, letting a plate drop skillfully into the sink.
Madoi remained motionless, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. She let out a tired sigh, another ordinary day for her. She knew they would take the child, and Coloredman would lead him toward an unknown fate. As for the girl, deemed too old for her Navi, they might leave her in the forest or worse. She just hoped her Navi would be in a merciful mood.
"Can you check if they're asleep? Let's do this quickly," the Navi ordered, turning his back to her.
Madoi obeyed without a word, leaving the room. When she returned after a while, she found Iris standing, casting anxious glances at the sleeping child. The girl's eyes lifted to meet hers, her furrowed brows betraying her concern.
"You..." Madoi began, but her words were lost in her mouth. Still, she glanced at the two empty plates. "You didn't eat?"
"What were you trying to do?" Iris retorted coldly, displaying her displeasure.
The waitress was frozen in place. How was it possible that this young girl was still standing? Did she have a natural resistance to the sleeping drugs they had put in the pies? When Iris turned her full attention to her, Madoi felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Despite her discretion and meek attitude since their arrival, it was clear that Iris was not someone to be crossed.
Suddenly, a snoring sound coming from the window followed by a growl interrupted their standoff. Rockman, evidently still affected by the sleeping drugs, got up and rubbed his head, looking disoriented.
Madoi recoiled abruptly, her eyes widening in terror. She brought her hands to her mouth, muffling a surprised cry. Iris's reaction was more measured. Although she seemed surprised to see Rockman awake, she quickly understood that his hybrid nature might have allowed him to resist the effects of the drug.
The wild Navi, intrigued by the situation, surveyed the room. He took note of his operator, asleep on the table, and then fixed his gaze on the waitress, whose eyes reflected palpable fear. Initially grumbling in irritation at being discovered, he then tilted his head, seeking to understand the situation.
From the kitchen, a rolling sound was heard and a Navi, perched on a massive ball, made his appearance. "Madoi-chan," he inquired with a curious tone, "is there a problem? Are we encountering resistance?"
Iris and Rockman's eyes locked onto the distinctive emblem of Falzar on the Navi. Coloredman, staring at them in turn, shifted his expression from surprise to deep hostility.
"Gregar..." he murmured, his voice hoarse, revealing tangible tension.
Sensitive to this growing hostility, Rockman growled deeply, his internal circuits seemingly vibrating with anticipation. Iris observed his erratic movements and deduced that the effects of the sleeping drug hadn't entirely worn off yet, judging by the way he struggled to maintain balance, gripping onto the window.
"Rockman, take Netto-kun to safety. I'll hold them off," Iris ordered, displaying unwavering determination. Without delay, she positioned herself in front of the Zoanoroid, ready to deflect any imminent attacks. Madoi remained at a distance, paralyzed by fear.
Suddenly, Iris's appearance changed; her sword transforming into a luminous blade. She engaged in combat with Coloredman, forcing him to parry her attack. The intensity of their confrontation was such that the Zoanoroid almost toppled from his ball. In a desperate move, he thrust both arms forward, producing two miniature clones of himself. The clones rushed behind Iris, striking her simultaneously with different attacks, causing such intense pain that she nearly cried out.
Attempting to regain the upper hand, Iris reached out towards Coloredman, immobilizing him with a mystical force. He stiffened, his hands going to his head in a gesture of pain. But before she could solidify her grip, the two clones returned to the fray, breaking her concentration and leaving her vulnerable.
While observing the battle between Iris and Coloredman, Rockman wavered between the urgency of protecting the sleeping child on the table and rescuing Iris. Then, a bold idea sprouted in his mind.
Iris, despite her exceptional skills, was struggling to hack into Coloredman's system, given that the Navi bore the Falzar emblem. As their confrontation raged on, a sinister growl followed by sounds of terror filled the room. Turning their heads, the priestess and the Zoanoroid were met with a horrifying scene: in a desperate act, Rockman had seized the pregnant waitress, placing one of his sharp blades under her throat, threatening her quite explicitly.
Despite Coloredman being the enemy, Iris couldn't ignore the cruelty of Rockman's maneuver. She would have never imagined that the hybrid Navi would resort to such extremes, especially involving a human, whether affiliated with a sect or not.
However, instead of diffusing the situation, this move seemed to exacerbate Coloredman's fury. His eyes frantically shifted between Rockman, who held his operator hostage, and the sleeping child, vulnerable to any attack. In a fit of rage, Coloredman transformed, deploying imposing wings of fire. The "Beast out" process was underway.
Anticipating his next move, Iris displayed impressive swiftness. She rushed to Netto, cradling him in her arms, and swiftly moved away from the danger zone. Almost simultaneously, the Zoanoroid, possessed by devastating rage, charged towards the wall, shattering it into a shower of debris, ending up outside and leaving chaos behind.
Amidst the chaos, swirls of dust enveloped the scene before gently settling. Iris, off-balance, had collapsed to the ground, clutching young Netto tightly. His painful groans pierced the air, betraying his consciousness despite the effect of the sleeping drug. On the other side, Rockman supported the waitress, who was breathing erratically, her hand pressing against her belly, as if to soothe some pain. The Zoanoroid, in his haste, had miscalibrated his attack, narrowly missing her.
Madoi attempted to rise, her eyes filled with terror. But the wild Navi immobilized her with a menacing growl. She instinctively stepped back, her gaze pleading with Rockman to spare her life. The female Navi sprang up abruptly, calling out desperately, "Rockman, we need to leave!" But he seemed incapable of releasing his grip on the young waitress.
Rockman displayed a peculiar demeanor. Anger blazed in his eyes towards Madoi, probably due to her sect affiliations and her attempt to kidnap Netto by putting him to sleep. However, no signs of violence emanated from him. Rising, he gently pulled Madoi close to him, while intensely staring at the opening through which the Zoanoroid had escaped.
In the distance, the menacing silhouette of the Zoanoroid prepared for a new attack. Iris, seeking an escape, swiftly passed through the main door. Her attention was immediately drawn to a vintage car typical of the early 20th century with its convertible roof. She spotted a sign indicating that she could start the engine with her PET. Without hesitation, she rushed towards the vehicle, followed by Rockman, who was firmly holding Madoi. The Zoanoroid watched them from the rear, his focus now on his operator, who seemed calmed by his presence. With surprising agility, the wild Navi leaped into the car, taking the young woman with him. Her cries echoed through the air, desperately calling for Coloredman's help.
The car roared to life, and in its wake, the Falzar soldier leaped in pursuit, summoning his two clones in red and blue hues by his side. Standing in the vehicle, Rockman held on firmly, facing the imminent threat. In a defiant cry, he shot a burst of flames towards the Zoanoroid, amidst Madoi's horrified screams. Coloredman, in a spectacular leap, soared so high that he narrowly missed crashing onto the car, dodging the blazing attack just in time. His clones, like menacing shadows, emerged from each side.
Behind the wheel, Iris was tense, every muscle in her face revealing her worry. Seated beside her, Netto, in the passenger seat, began blinking his eyes, gently wiping them, the cool wind caressing his face.
"Are we going bumper cars?" he murmured with childlike innocence.
"Netto-kun!" Iris exclaimed as she recognized him. In a sudden motion, she grabbed his arm and pushed him towards the steering wheel. "Drive!"
"What?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment. "I'm twelve, not eighteen!" His eyes remained fixed on the road, displaying his confusion and concern.
Ignoring Netto's protests, Iris leaped to the back, conjuring her sword to assist Rockman. She made a precise strike towards one of the Zoanoroid's clones, the blade whooshing through the air. Madoi, stuck and panicked, felt a sharp pain in her belly, causing her to wince. She glanced forward, where she saw young Netto gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled hands, his face reflecting his fear of driving.
She struggled her way forward, approaching the driver's seat. Upon seeing her, Netto turned his head, observing her outstretched arm towards the steering wheel.
"Calm down, kid. I'm taking the reins now," she declared, trying to conceal her panic with a falsely calm voice.
Netto furrowed his brow, distrustful.
"If Iris said I should drive, then I'm driving!" he retorted, his voice tinged with defiance.
"Hand me that wheel now!" Madoi insisted, her patience wearing thin.
Netto displayed a frustrated look, reminiscent of past clashes with Madoi. The two engaged in a heated dispute over control of the wheel, an ego battle that dangerously veered them off course. The car swerved and zigzagged, narrowly avoiding flipping over. Iris's cries echoed, but she was abruptly interrupted by Coloredman. With a sinister smile, he spun around, extending his fiery wings toward her.
Rockman, though concerned about the clones, knew the true threat was the original Zoanoroid. However, defending against two distinct types of attacks simultaneously complicated the situation. From the corner of his eye, he saw Coloredman grab Iris by the neck. In a quick and precise movement, she managed to push him away, leaving him stunned.
Retreating, Coloredman's fiery wings unfurled, launching an attack towards the car. Fortunately, due to Netto and Madoi's erratic driving, the attack missed its target. After disposing of the clones, Rockman directed his attention towards Coloredman, but an imminent danger awaited: the car was hurtling towards a large tree.
Without wasting a second, Rockman propelled Iris out of the vehicle and grabbed the two front passengers, eliciting a surprised cry from them. He pulled them out of the car's path just in time. In his momentum, the Zoanoroid, too focused on his prey, failed to notice the car heading straight for a tree. With no time to react, he was engulfed in the explosion resulting from the impact.
The wild Navi, in a disadvantageous position, chose caution and dropped to the ground. He released his grip, allowing Netto to land on his feet, while Madoi could only kneel, clutching her belly in pain. The child, staying close to Rockman, regarded the young woman with confusion. He couldn't understand why she was here. However, since Coloredman was a Zoanoroid, it was highly likely that she was also on his side.
Iris stepped in, pointing her sword at Madoi, who widened her eyes at the threat.
"His PET, quickly!" she ordered in a stern voice, one that Netto struggled to reconcile with the gentle female Navi.
Madoi trembled, gritting her teeth in fear. She shook her head slightly.
"I... I don't have it," she managed to say.
Iris closed her mouth in discontent. "Strange, I thought Zoanoroid operators were trustworthy for their sects."
Though he said nothing, Netto felt a strange sense of pity for her. He looked at her sadly while remaining against his Navi's leg, who huffed sharply.
"I'm not...a sect member," the waitress finally admitted, her eyes fixed on the ground, filled with sorrow. "I didn't want to, but... It's probably because of me..." She ended up clutching her hair in anxiety, biting her lower lip.
Iris didn't respond immediately, but her annoyance was palpable. The child could clearly sense how much this kind of conversation irritated her.
"Whatever..." she eventually replied, giving the impression of lacking conclusions.
Madoi, ashamed, averted her gaze. Then, a noise sounded, making Rockman growl. She simply closed her eyes, aware of what was about to happen.
"He'll come back..." she said softly.
"For you?" Iris continued.
"N-not really..." Madoi glanced toward the boy hidden behind Rockman's leg, providing answers to several of their questions.
The priestess sighed, then turned.
"Then let's go."
"W-wait!" the waitress suddenly cried.
Netto and Rockman looked at her in surprise, while Iris showed no emotion.
"Don't leave me alone with him. He won't like this failure! Please!" she pleaded while placing her hand against her belly. Rockman halted, and, more importantly, noticed her belly that she was protecting. Somehow, he managed to understand her fear. Iris, on the other hand, didn't react, but Netto timidly approached her.
"Iris, maybe we should stay with her for a bit..." the young child murmured gently from the back of the Navi priestess.
There was no response from Iris, just a sigh.
"Fine, I'd like to hear the story," she added before continuing her walk.
They walked away from the accident site, just in case Coloredman regained his senses. They settled near some rocks, Iris maintaining her Navi form as she stood with her arms crossed, Rockman balanced on a tree, and Netto sitting on the ground, waiting. The young woman, on the other hand, sat in seiza, her knees against the ground. She seemed ashamed, her eyes lowered, and the child might have believed she was humiliated, which stirred his pity.
"I'm listening," Iris finally said in a very neutral voice.
Madoi bit her lower lip, clasping her hands against her dress.
"Coloredman didn't become a Zoanoroid to be a follower of Falzar..." she began softly in a low voice. "He did it because he didn't think he was powerful enough to protect me."
Rockman and Netto were the first to react. The child gasped in surprise, while the Navi simply raised an eyebrow beneath his helmet. As for Iris, she remained still, showing no real reaction.
"I..." she began softly, her hand resting on her belly. "I had a violent boyfriend, and when he found out," she bit her lip, her eyes welling up with tears, "he wanted to get rid of it..."
While everyone understood what she was talking about, Netto only realized at that moment that the man she mentioned probably wasn't Coloredman...
"I tried to make him leave myself, but I couldn't. I couldn't escape his grip, and Coloredman couldn't say anything about it. The man's Navi was a powerful brute," she announced, still filled with shame.
She abruptly stopped, looking at the priestess in search of a reaction, but still, there was no sign of a response from her. The feeling that she was talking into thin air overcame her, even though the other two seemed to react.
"That's when Coloredman chose to become a Zoanoroid, to be able to defeat that Navi and get rid of that man..." She let out a small sob. "He thought he was doing the right thing, but the Beast Factor drove him mad, to the point of almost killing him."
Madoi sniffled, shedding a few tears.
"I didn't want him to become like this, but he did it to save me... However, I've been living this hell for five months now... As a Zoanoroid, he has to fulfill his mission, abducting those children..." She lowered her head shamefully, clutching her hands. "Yet, I've never felt compassion for the children... If I weren't pregnant, maybe I would have continued not to have any... But his methods, they terrify me. Especially what he does to the parents of his victims..."
A distorted grimace appeared on her face as memories overwhelmed her. When a child was brought with their family, they sometimes left them in the wilderness, or worse, disposed of them in a cruel manner. She had trouble holding down the contents of her stomach.
"So why not refuse? If he still has attachment to you, why doesn't he listen to you?" Iris asked then.
"That's precisely what I'm saying! If I ever disobey him, he'll often threaten me by saying if he doesn't get my help, he'll take the one I'm expecting! That's the price! That's the real trade!" she cried out.
Netto felt his eyes widen. He turned his gaze from the young woman to Iris, trying to appear hopeful.
"Wait!" he began, getting up and standing between the two women who were facing each other. "Rockman can save him! He has already saved Navis from the Beast Factor in the past!"
Madoi, sobbing, looked up, her wide eyes trembling as she stared at the wild Navi who nodded.
"It's not possible," Iris said without even looking at him.
"How?" Netto said, taking a step back.
Netto looked at the Navi, his tense face revealing latent concern. "Rockman is Gregar's incarnation. This Zoanoroid serves Falzar. Were the Navis he healed imprinted with Gregar's Beast Factor?"
Memories flooded Netto: Elecman, Videoman, and that mountain Navi were all servants of Gregar. But Plantman and that fiery Navi... Had he truly saved the latter? Plantman had been erased from his existence. Stunned, he stepped back, his own reality unsettling him. Rockman gazed at him with palpable sadness.
"Can we really not save Falzar's Zoanoroids? Is there no other way?" Netto whispered, his weak voice betraying his despair.
Silence settled in. Madoi, her eyes moist, fought back tears. The sun was setting, casting an orange hue over the landscape. Suddenly, Rockman collapsed to the ground and retreated, leaving Netto shaken, unable to digest this cruel truth. His shoulders slumped, his lower lip caught between his teeth.
The solitary Navi had vanished.
"What do we do now?" The child's voice trembled. "We can't just wait for Falzar's reincarnation to free him, can we?"
Iris remained silent. Madoi, her eyes still glistening with emotion, looked at each of them in turn. "I don't understand everything about these reincarnations," she admitted, turning to Iris. She knelt, her forehead touching the ground. "I beg you, grant my request... Delete him!"
Netto had barely time to react to Madoi's desperate plea when a dull sound emanated from further behind. He turned his head to confront a figure behind the kneeling young woman. Sensing the atmosphere change, Madoi lifted her tear-soaked face. She saw Netto and Iris, their gazes fixed on something, or rather someone, behind her. Following Netto's gaze, she understood that there was another presence.
Turning around, she found Saito, whose features resembled those of Netto, but more mature. His piercing gaze scrutinized her, as if trying to delve into the depths of her soul. She felt a weight in her stomach, as if she had just crossed an unforgivable line.
"You..." Saito murmured, disbelief tinging his voice.
His steps were slow but determined. In a matter of seconds, he was in front of Madoi, gripping her firmly. "Do you truly understand the weight of your words?!" he thundered.
"S-Saito! Stop!" Netto exclaimed, attempting to intervene.
But Madoi, shaken by Saito's hold, struggled to find her words. "I... I..."
"How can you abandon Coloredman? After all he's done for you?" Saito spat out his words, each syllable infused with cold rage. "He was there for you even when all seemed lost!"
Shaken by his words, Madoi could only gasp, desperately searching for an answer. The young boy struggled to free the woman from Saito's grip. "Let her go, Saito! That's enough!"
It was then that Iris finally intervened. "Saito-san," she murmured before delivering a precise blow to Saito's chest, causing him to step back and release his grip. Silence fell, heavy and oppressive, with only the ragged breaths echoing in the air.
Saito stood tall, his head bowed towards the ground, every muscle in his fists tensed, his teeth softly grinding. A few steps away, Iris watched each of his movements with intense focus. Netto felt a weight in his chest, empathizing with his elder. However, he struggled to grasp the extent of the wound that Madoi's words had inflicted on him.
"Never say that again," Saito murmured, his voice trembling, without lifting his head.
Madoi's lips twisted in a grimace, her eyes flashing. "So, what's your solution? I can't wait any longer! You haven't seen his actions! The horrors he's committed! This situation may be a sign that he's beyond redemption!" Her voice rose, trembling and hysterical, tears blurring her vision.
All movement ceased in Saito, as if time had frozen him. His wide-open eyes quivered under the weight of Madoi's revelations. A deep, guttural sound escaped his mouth as the implications of her words intertwined with his own past. He sensed an eerie familiarity in them.
"She still had enough consciousness to beg me to delete her before it was too late... And that's what I did." Meiru's words echoed in his mind, recalling what had happened to the Roll of this world. A searing pain engulfed him, almost unbearable.
Coloredman, once a feared enemy like all the members of the World Three, had managed to turn the page on his sinister history to lead a perfectly ordinary life. Saito had rejoiced in their new lives, cherishing the moments when he could join them when Netto came to enjoy curry. Elecman had adopted a more pleasant personality, Fireman held a sincere respect for him, Magicman remained just as serious, and Coloredman revealed an unexpected sense of humor. Among these four former enemies, he felt a sense of peace for having saved Elecman in this new world, but the fact that Fireman had been deleted before their arrival haunted him. He was unaware of Magicman's fate and hoped he was doing well, but for Coloredman, he knew that his redemption was out of reach.
He only longed for hope. This parallel world deserved happiness, and Iris, in some way, had managed to make him understand her purpose.
Saito looked at the desolate young woman, staring at the ground. She had no choice but to flee from her Navi for the rest of her life, waiting for Iris's plan to come to fruition. However, the journey to Kaikyou would be long. Along the way, he had deleted a considerable number of Zoanoroids, without knowing if he had perhaps eliminated Navis who were possessed against their will, leaving their desperate operators behind forever.
He held back his tears, feeling the distress overwhelm him. He looked up at Netto, focusing his gaze on Madoi, who had recoiled, then looked down at his hands. His hands, which had erased...and even taken lives.
Iris approached him, her attention split between Netto and Madoi through her helmet. Then, she spoke with a controlled voice, "I will delete him, if that's what you wish."
Saito suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide. He winced, remembering the promise he had forced Iris to make. "No, wait!"
The priestess gasped.
"Rockman... will do it," he finally managed to say, although his eyes trembled.
Netto blinked repeatedly, while Madoi let out a sigh. As for Iris, she remained silent, simply observing them. Saito knelt in front of Madoi, fixing her with an unparalleled intensity.
"But say it, tell us you loved him!" he exclaimed with renewed strength.
"Love."
Madoi slowly nodded. "With all my being, I loved him."
The others remained silent. Iris stepped back, averted her gaze. She clenched her fists, accepting Saito's decision.
Much later, after the tension had dissipated and Iris had returned to her normal form, she wished to discuss with the older boy about his reaction.
"Why did you stop me from deleting him? I was going to do it; it was torture for his operator," she asked.
Saito shook his head firmly. "You're the priestess of the Navis; you mustn't delete Navis out of vengeance..."
"Saito-san..."
"I'm telling you as a Navi, don't do it; it's not your role!" he insisted. "I've already destroyed many Navis, even in my world... It's my responsibility to bear."
Iris looked annoyed hearing this, clenching her fists. "I find it hypocritical of you to say that when you yourself made me promise to delete you if you ever lose control," she retorted in a venomous tone.
Saito shook his head in disagreement. "No, it's not for me; you have to do it to protect Netto! He's the one you must save, not me."
The girl softened, although her face still showed some irritation. "Isn't it the same as with that woman?"
He didn't answer but mumbled without fully acknowledging it, "It's not the same..." Then, he took a deep breath, clenching his fists with increasing intensity. "I'm not a Navi from this world," he finally articulated in a barely audible voice.
Netto observed them in silence, staying by Madoi's side, who averted her gaze. He tried to break the tension by starting a conversation, noting her waitress outfit, a rare occasion to see her in a dress.
"So... Do you enjoy working in the restaurant?" he asked, remembering her alter ego who worked in a curry restaurant.
Without looking at him, she simply nodded. Netto didn't respond immediately, choosing to take a deep breath. He looked down at her well-rounded belly, which he had initially mistaken for something else.
"And for...the baby, do you know if it's going to be a boy or a girl?" he asked hesitantly, despite the forced smile that appeared on his face.
Madoi gasped for a moment, then shook her head. "I'm keeping it a surprise," she admitted.
The child nodded, accepting her decision. He glanced at Madoi, who remained silent, and Saito and Iris came closer, sitting near a rock and huddling.
"We need a plan for tomorrow," Saito began.
Iris nodded, then spoke up. "I have an idea."
Coloredman zoomed on his balloon, a sinister smile stretching across his face. He searched everywhere he could for the small group he had glimpsed the day before. He wouldn't let a child escape, no matter the consequences. He moved like a furious motorcycle, abruptly stopping when he found himself facing a familiar silhouette. In front of him stood his operator, Madoi, hands hidden behind her back, a faint smile on her lips.
"Coloredman..." she began in a weak voice.
"Madoi-chan... Did you abandon me?" he concluded with a bitter tone, making the young woman gasp at his words.
"No! I tried to stop them from leaving! You know it was complicated... But I couldn't..." she finished, looking down at the ground.
A heavy silence settled between them, the wind blowing gently. Madoi raised her head, trying to regain a smile.
"It's alright! We'll do better next time..." Madoi attempted to convince him.
However, the Zoanoroid tilted his head so abruptly it seemed like he would knock her over.
"Madoi-chan... For Falzar's glory, I cannot fail." He slowly approached her, forcing her to step back, her eyes wide. "If I don't succeed, then there must be a price to pay."
Madoi watched Coloredman with apprehension, her protective hands on her belly. Coloredman's eyes slowly narrowed in response to her reaction.
"Madoi-chan... Why are you so sensitive? You don't care about the kids! Should I remind you that you weren't enthusiastic about having one!" the Zoanoroid stated in a terribly slow and icy tone.
She shook her head, looking him straight in the eyes.
"I... I accepted this child; I made this choice! Remember? And then I..." She lowered her head, biting her lip. "I've had enough of these activities! Please, let's move on, I beg you, Coloredman!"
Without waiting, he grabbed her arm and pulled her abruptly toward him, his eyes filled with dark anger at her words. His face was sinister.
"How dare you..." he began with a heavy voice. "You agreed with me; you accepted to fulfill the Cybeast's wish!"
She shook her head, her teeth grinding. Finally, she lowered her head, appearing completely broken by what she had just heard. She had tried everything, so there was no way out. Madoi bit her lower lip, barely holding back her tears.
Suddenly, like an arrow, a powerful force charged at Falzar's Zoanoroid, knocking him brutally to the ground and separating him from his large blue and white ball. It was Rockman, his tail wagging and gaze determined. Surprisingly, Coloredman showed no fear at the sight of this intruder. Instead, he formed a slow smile. Unbeknownst to him, the large ball returned to him as if attracted by a magnet, and the wild Navi didn't realize what was happening.
He received the ball violently in the face, thrown backward, while Coloredman retrieved his ball, merging with it to become one. He confronted Rockman, appearing intimidating, as the wild Navi roared like a beast. Iris charged towards them in her Navi form, brandishing a sword on her right arm. The two opposing Navis attacked the Zoanoroid, dodging his strikes and counterattacking with various types of attacks.
Madoi had withdrawn, watching the battle with great concern. She didn't know what to think, but deep down, she secretly hoped that Coloredman would lose the fight, hoping to bring him back to his senses. However, her gaze shifted to the young boy who was hiding, manipulating his PET to control one of the battling Navis. An idea crossed her mind, wondering if she should seize this opportunity to take him with her. Perhaps she could regain Coloredman's trust by using the child as bait, preventing him from capturing other children. But she quickly dismissed this thought, shaking her head. Nevertheless, this battle made her deeply uncomfortable. She couldn't help but worry about Coloredman's fate, even though she had no choice but to stop him. She placed a hand on her belly, torn between conflicting emotions.
"I'm pregnant," she murmured angrily, discovering the news as she stared at the stick she held. Nothing had annoyed her as much as this revelation, the sudden responsibility, and especially the idea of having a child to raise.
"Madoi-san, you shouldn't be so angry; it seems like a happy event," Coloredman had told her, long before his corruption.
She sighed, annoyed. She didn't really like kids, at least not until they bothered her. For Coloredman, it was the opposite, as shown by his pronounced playful side.
"I can take care of him if you don't mind. I think he'll be an excellent little rascal by my side!" he added.
"I don't need one!" she snapped. "Especially because... How am I supposed to tell him?" She started talking about someone else, someone who gave her the creeps.
Her ex-boyfriend was a gang member, and it was his "Bad Boy" side that had initially attracted Madoi. But the longer she spent with him, the more she realized he was just as bad with her. Why did she stay with him? She had no answer...except that she loved him. Then one day, they had an accident...which had significant consequences.
Madoi didn't have the strength to tell him the news; she had visited several medical centers multiple times, seeking to get rid of what she saw as a burden in her belly...but each time, she ended up backing out at the last moment.
"Maybe deep down inside...you want to keep it, don't you?" Coloredman had mentioned, trying to comfort her, but she shook her head. "I promise, Madoi-san, I'll be his beloved Uncle Clown!"
She didn't really want to believe it, but she thought that if she told her partner the truth, it might set her free. However, it didn't go as she had hoped. He had beaten her, furious that she could do this to him. Several times, she had tried to defend herself, but in vain.
Coloredman had witnessed it all, and the mischievous smile on his face had vanished forever. He couldn't help her; the man's Navi was far more powerful than the clown on his ball. So, Coloredman had chosen to make a deal with the devil, to use the powers of the Zoanoroid to delete that Navi and render that man defenseless. This was how Madoi had finally gained her freedom.
However, the consequences were more than terrible. In exchange for this new form, Coloredman was compelled to deliver innocents for his new cult. They had opened a pie restaurant, which was the Navi's original dream, but used it to kidnap children and commit other heinous acts against adults. Madoi hated him for it. If she tried to oppose him, he threatened to take away the child she carried in her belly and offer it to Falzar. Madoi had never felt such a strong protective instinct until this day. She was willing to do anything to protect this child more than anything else in the world.
As she thought it over, she realized that Iris was about to pierce him, and her eyes widened. She got up hastily, trying to stop them, her head clouded with confusion. But Coloredman gave a sinister smile and tried to use her as a shield. The realization struck her immediately, and she began to regret her decision very quickly.
Fortunately, Rockman appeared from the side and brought him down to the ground. He dealt several blows before determinedly grabbing the emblem on his chest. Overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions, the young woman cried out, "Stop!"
Rockman turned to her. Madoi stood there, fists clenched, head bowed. Netto emerged from his hiding spot to watch her, his mouth wide open, empathizing with her distress.
"Can I...say goodbye to him?" she stammered, her words catching in her throat.
Rockman didn't move, remaining still, focusing on Coloredman to make sure he didn't get up. Madoi approached, and the Zoanoroid on the ground stared at her with wide, bewildered eyes. She gently placed a hand on his face.
"Coloredman..." she began with a weak voice.
The young woman tried to push away all the negative memories associated with him, focusing only on the good ones. She remembered how he had always been a strong support for her, how he had often tried to protect her well-being by interceding between her and her boyfriend, how he was the resident prankster for the others, and how the delinquent moments they had shared were the best. But all of that now belonged to the past, and Madoi knew deep down it was time to close this chapter.
"You have to stop..." she said as tears welled up in her eyes. "It needs to end... I know I can never save you... I'm sorry..." Her sobs intensified.
"Madoi-chan..." began the motionless Zoanoroid, who stared at her, aware of what was about to happen. "Have I been a good friend?"
She sobbed in response, tears streaming down even more. Then, she forced a smile. "Yes... My best friend!" she almost shouted, her voice broken.
Coloredman didn't react, except to gently close his eyes. "So that's all that matters to me... For what's left of me," the Zoanoroid added before ceasing to move.
She whispered his name and burst into tears. He weakly raised his arm, despite Rockman's growls, and pointed it toward his operator's belly. "Keep protecting mini-you from people like me," he said one last time.
The pink-haired woman nodded with a heavier burden on her shoulders, then looked up at Rockman, who was watching the scene with a sad eye. Through her gaze, he understood that it was time to act. With a determined gesture, he tore the emblem from the Zoanoroid, who transformed into a data firefly.
At first, seeing those colors and lights, she felt almost...reassured. However, as she felt the warmth of the data, Madoi burst into tears, her head held high, her arm against her eyes. The other three watched her, each expressing their emotions in their own way. Netto, being particularly sentimental, shed a few tears too. He touched the fabric of Iris's long coat, seeking comfort by hugging it tightly.
She turned her head toward him, her mouth slightly open, not knowing how to react. Then, gently, she placed a reassuring hand on his head, comforting him. After a while, she removed her hand and, with her own hands, formed a strange symbol, as if she were praying. Netto blinked his eyes, still filled with tears.
Meanwhile, Rockman didn't look at the young woman. His head was turned toward the sky, watching the last lights disappear into the dimensional area.
The small group had left Madoi at her restaurant, and it was time for them to depart. Netto still felt uneasy, while Rockman remained distant, lost in his thoughts about what had transpired. In contrast, Iris was surprisingly quiet after the events. Returning to her normal form, she placed a hand on her chest, feeling a shock in her data. It was a strange sensation for her, although she had felt it in the past.
When she had held Wily's hand on his deathbed, she had experienced a similar emotion. She almost wished she could cry, like a human. Her fingers tightened against each other. She didn't know these people, yet she felt a deep empathy for them, especially after witnessing the strong connection between Madoi and her former Navi. She looked up, now wondering what destiny held in store for her.
Meanwhile, on Madoi's end, she was in her restaurant, sniffing repeatedly. After hours of doing nothing but feeling empty, she finally made the decision to take a broom and clean up every piece of debris, sweeping away the dust caused by the wall's destruction. Now, she had to contemplate how to live without her chef. Too many questions swirled in her mind. Yet strangely, a smile crept across her face. A weight had been lifted deep within her, and she was about to start a new life. Perhaps complicated, but finally a fresh start, free from crime and delinquency, only a life of responsible adulthood alongside her child. Madoi secretly prayed that the child would be a girl.
As she continued her household chores, the young woman didn't notice someone entering her restaurant. She almost jumped when she saw a shadow looming in front of her.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" apologized the intruder, a slender woman dressed in a traditional red jacket with a long blue ponytail.
Madoi furrowed her brows and waved a dismissive hand. "Sorry, we're closed until further notice," Madoi replied without looking at her.
However, the young woman tilted her head and offered a friendly smile. "Actually," she raised her hand, trying to be more amicable, "I'm looking for a kid in a blue cape who looks like a little bird and has quite a special Navi... You wouldn't have happened to come across him, would you?" she asked in a friendly manner.
Madoi widened her eyes, realizing the significance of her words. She opened and closed her mouth, then became cautious.
"I don't take in cult members—"
"Oh, no!" she interrupted. "I'm not here for that! This kid has something valuable, and my colleagues would like to find him!"
To be Continued…
AN: A chapter about Madoi, Wren will be pleased! Unfortunately, it will be her only chapter, as Madoi won't be a recurring character, except perhaps for small cameos. I don't know what you think of this story; I know Madoi is a proud and haughty person, but here, she's different due to her pregnancy. Unfortunately, her boyfriend isn't Hinoken, and fortunately, I should say, given what she went through. I wanted to bring up another issue, to denounce very abusive and toxic relationships, often people don't break up because they think, "Oh, but I still love them, maybe it will change, and everything will go back to normal," and unfortunately, it doesn't happen.