Ch8
Enzan sat in his office his arms folded as he watched Laika enter. The soldier of Sharo wore his usual green uniform while his gaze was as cold and steely as it always sorry. "Glad you could come."
Laika nodded and sat down across from him. "Dark chips again?"
Straight to the point as always. "That and a slew of grisly murders." He sat back in his chair and turned his computer's monitor to show Laika the images of the various dead bodies that had been cumulating in the morgue.
"Looks like the enemy is more gruesome than before," Laika said. "Have there been any other darkloids new or old?"
He shook his head. "Only Shademan and he's stronger than before."
"I see." Laika folded his arms. "Have Netto and Rockman been of any help?"
He noticed the bit of condescension in Laika's voice. While the soldier grew to respect Rockman he saw his operator as more of an annoying coworker at best. "They have," he said. "He also has a new friend."
"New friend?" Laika asked.
"Yeah his name is Django and he's the operator of Solaris." He frowned as he thought of Django, something was off about him and deep down he felt cautious around the guy. The few times he met his gaze it was like looking into the sun "Seems a bit off but he's close with Netto."
"He picks up like minded people everywhere," Laika said. "But his navi looked like it could fight well, will we cooperate with them?"
He paused and looked at the images of the battle he had recorded on his computer. "He's cooperating with Netto for now but we'll keep an eye on him for anything suspicious." Deep down something about the guy was off and he was annoyed at how Netto seemed so close to him.
"Well either way we should do all we can to stop these dark chips from spreading," Laika said. "Do we have leads on who could be behind Shademan? Any benefactors?"
"None," he admitted.
"There must be something you just have to look harder," Laika said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Of course," he said. Deep down he had to admit that Laika was a bit condescending at times. "With you here we'll have more people to help with the search for any clues."
"I'll have Searchman look into any leads you have," Laika said firmly. "Oh by the way will Dingo and Tomahawkman be helping us."
He paused and nodded. "He will be, I invited him over but that is something I think should be kept between us." He reached out to Dingo in private with a deal since he was in need of money.
"Oh? Now why is that?" Laika asked curiously.
He paused and looked at the images of Solaris and Django on his screen. "Just think of it as a way to get some intelligence." It was a gamble but he didn't like being kept in the dark.
996,997,988,999, 1000 Django sighed as he finished his pushups and quickly jumped on his feet.
He reached for a towel, wiping away the thin layer of sweat that glistened on his skin. I have to be in shape for the future. Turning toward the mirror on the wall, he paused and stared at his reflection. His figure was lean and defined with muscle from his large biceps and firm pecs to his six pack abs all of which were covered in the scars of the various battles he had been in.
"Strong, but never strong enough." He sighed, reaching for the plain black shirt draped over a chair nearby.
It was then that Otenko-san popped up from the ground. "Don't push yourself too hard, this world is different even if our enemies are the same."
He nodded. "I know." Grabbing his PET he put it to his side. "But don't worry I know the Count well, we'll defeat him and whatever his plans are." He had been training with Solari these past few days both in netbattling and in cross fusion, so far he was enjoying his navi.
The sharp ring of the doorbell broke his focus, followed by the muffled sound of Netto's voice downstairs. Guests? He looked at Otenko-san who quickly disappeared into the ground.
He quickly exited his room and headed down stairs where he saw Netto eagerly greet someone. The visitor wore a blue jacket over dark pants and an athletic build with tan skin.
Netto's eyes lit up. "Hey! Django, come here. I want you to meet someone."
Django stepped forward, his movements calm and measured. Netto gestured enthusiastically. "This is my friend Dingo.
The two exchanged polite nods, their gazes locking momentarily. "Django," he said politely.
"Dingo." Then he pulled Netto into a hug. "Missed you man it's been forever!"
His brow twitched as he watched Netto hug Dingo back. "Come on, let's catch up!"
Of course. A twinge of what he could only describe as envy built up inside of him as he watched Netto and Dingo together. Calm down it isn't like he doesn't have other friends. The three of them settled onto the couches where he and Netto sat across from Dingo.
Dingo leaned back and grinned. "It's been forever, how are things with you and Rockman?"
Netto nodded. "Well, Django and I have been handling the dark chip problem. It's been... intense, but we're managing."
Dingo raised an eyebrow, "Oh, yeah? How's that been working out for you? Me and Tomahawkman have also been busy with these strange Darkchips that have been appearing lately."
"We've got things under control," he said politely.
"That so?" Dingo's voice carried a hint of challenge, though it remained casual. He turned to Netto. "You really think you two have it handled?"
Netto nodded, his confidence unshaken. "Yeah, but hey, if you're free, we could use the extra help. You in?"
Dingo grinned. "Sure, why not? It's not like I can sit back and watch you two mess it up."
His jaw tightened. Oh I'm more than capable than you know. Deep down that bit of envy seemed to grow stronger, he didn't need someone to tell him how to do things. Besides he and Netto were already capable of working well together.
"You can crash here if you want?" Netto offered.
Dingo shook his head quickly. "Thanks, but I've got a place nearby. Don't want to impose."
The refusal was almost too quick, he couldn't help but notice how Dingo's eyes avoided Netto's gaze.
Dingo stood, brushing off his jacket. "Thanks for the offer, though. I should head out. Netto, let's catch up again soon."
Netto jumped up and pulled Dingo into another hug. "You got it. Don't be a stranger!"
"Yeah see you around," he said politely. But we have our own things to worry about too. "So you've known him for a while?" he asked once Dingo left?"
Netto nodded. "Yeah Dingo's pretty cool, he's much easier to work with than other people I know."
"Good to know," he said.
"Yeah. Anyway I found a lead that might be interesting," Netto said as he sat across from him. The brunette pulled up a map on his PET. "All the warehouses that have been attacked have been found to be holding minerals used to create dark chips."
He nodded as he carefully analyzed the data. "Are there any other warehouses that store this mineral?"
"I've been checking and apparently a warehouse will be receiving a shipment in a few days," Netto said as a smile spread across his face. "If you want we could plan an attack?"
He quickly nodded. "Sounds good. We'll be prepared this time." I won't let the count get away no matter what.
The next day they quickly went to Scilab so he could practice cross fusion. "I'm going to check if there is any information about dimensional areas in the area," Netto said.
"Great." He stepped into the chamber and the dimensional area in the room soon activated. Taking a deep breath he looked at his PET. Alright lets do this. "Synchro chip slot in!"
Solaris's presence around him reminded him of the sun as his armor formed around him. "Django-san are you ready?" The navi asked in his head.
He nodded as he looked down at the armor around his body. Looking up he saw various digital targets form in the air. "Already lets do this. Solar Flare!" He raised his hand in the air and a beam of solar energy hit the targets.
He summoned a solar sword as more targets formed around him. The solar blade easily cut through them as more targets appeared in the distance. "Gun del Sol!" His signature gun formed on his arm and blasted the targets at smithereens.
Well that was stronger than usual. His weapon was powered by the sun itself and could easily defeat most enemies.
With that he continued to practice fighting while crossfused. The various targets and enemies that were summoned were easy to take out with his combat knowledge. After a while the dimensional area turned off.
"Well that was something," he said as he held his PET in his hand and smiled at Solaris. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
Solaris nodded. "As do I Django-san. I'll assist you in all of your goals."
"Good." He put his PET into his case as he exited the chamber. "We'll crush these vampires out here or in the cyber world."
He walked through Scilab looking around curiously at the world's technology until he found Netto sitting at a computer desk intensely looking over some data.
"Hey have you found anything?" He asked.
Netto sat back and folded his arms. "I've been trying to trace where that dimensional area from our last fight with the Count came from but it's been difficult." The brunette stood up and sighed. "I'll try and see if we can track the coordinates of the next enemy dimensional area. How was your training?"
He shrugged. "Can't complain, I think I'm getting the hang of it."
Netto smiled. "Good. It'll take a while to get used to but I'm sure you'll do fine. Anyway lets call it a night."
With that they quickly headed outside where they were greeted by the cool dark night sky. "Alright lets go," he said as he got onto his bike and Netto quickly got behind him and wrapped his arms around him.
The hum of the engine filled the night air as they cruised through the quiet streets. The city lights blurred past them as they drove through the city. As they drove through the roads the hairs on his neck suddenly stood up.
"Hey Django I think we're being followed," Netto said.
He looked through his rearview mirror and frowned as he saw a few humanoid figures charging at them on all fours. "Great vampires." The creatures charged at them madly their red eyes glistening with madness as they tried to catch up to the bike.
Netto sighed. "So much for a quiet ride, lets take them out now before they hurt anyone else."
He nodded. "Hold on tight!" With that he hit the accelerator, and the bike roared to life as they sped down the city and towards a more secluded part of the city.
Twisting the throttle the bike surged forward as they weaved through traffic. Horns blared in protest, but he didn't slow down he went faster. I don't know how to deal with these thing but if they want us badly they'll have to find us.
"They're getting closer!" Netto said urgently.
He swore as he saw the vampires were slowly gaining traction. Taking a sharp turn that left a trail of sparks on the asphalt as they headed towards an old abandoned park.
Perfect.
He slid the bike to a stop, kicking up a cloud of dust as he dismounted and grabbed his gun. Lets end this. He could see the vampires slowly approach them their red eyes lighting shining brightly in the area.
Netto stepped off, his hands already morphing, the symbiote shifting and twisting like living ink. A sleek, sharp blade extended from his arm. "Lets do this!"
He unsheathed his sword, moonlight danced on his blade while his other hand hovered near his gun holster. "Don't' let any of these bastards get away."
One of the vampires lunged, moving faster than the eye could track. He sidestepped just in time, his blade flashing as it cleaved through its skull turning it to dust while another one tried to lunge at him from behind.
He quickly drew the Gun del Sol and fired it. Sunlight filled the area as it incinerated the vampire in one go."
To his right Netto used his symbiote to fight off the enemies. With a sharp swing, the symbiote blade extended, slashing across the chest of another vampire. The creature staggered but recovered quickly and charged at him.
"Watch it!" he called out the gun del sol and incinerated it.
"Thanks," Netto said as he willed the symbiote to knock back another vampire.
The remaining vampires split up, trying to flank them. He spun, blocking a claw strike with his sword before delivering a precise upward slash that severed the arm entirely. A quick kick sent the vampire stumbling back.
Netto, meanwhile, engaged another, his movements agile as the symbiote formed a shield to block an incoming attack. With a fluid motion, the blade reappeared, piercing the creature's abdomen.
Damn bastards. He slashed at one of them with his sword turning it to ashes. May their spirits rest in the afterlife.
The third vampire snarled and leapt at him. He dropped low, sliding beneath its strike and firing upwards. The bullet found its mark, and the vampire disintegrated mid-air.
The final one hesitated, its predatory instincts overridden by caution. Its gaze darted between the two of them, weighing its odds.
"Smart move," he muttered, stepping forward.
The vampire hissed, retreating into the shadows, but he wasn't about to let it escape. With a flick of his wrist, he fired a tracking shot, the projectile embedding itself in the creature's leg.
"Go," Netto urged, motioning for him to finish it.
He closed the distance in seconds, his blade slicing clean through the vampire's neck. Its headless body crumpled before turning to ash.
"Is that all of them?" Netto asked as the symbiote retreated from his face.
He nodded, wiping the blade of his sword clean before sheathing it. "For now."
They stood in silence for a moment, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. Netto broke it with a laugh, shaking his head.
"You know," he said, "this wasn't exactly how I thought tonight would go."
"Same," he said as he carefully holstered his gun.
Netto punched his shoulder lightly. "You're not so bad at this, you know. Maybe we do make a good team."
He met Netto's gaze, the words sinking in. "I know we do." Looking into Netto's gaze his insides warmed up. I'm really starting to like this place.
Netto paused and looked up at the sky. "These vampires, how can we stop them?"
He looked at the ground as a pang of sorrow hit his heart. "When we kill the count there won't be any more I promise."
The brunette looked at the ground and nodded. "Good."