Posts made by Omega

Di barely noticed the box as it fell into his hands, fumbling to keep it from falling on the ground. It wasn't a very big container, but the prize inside wasn't large either. He gave a smile and a glance towards Lyn. "Well that paid off, I think. And really, sticking around isn't a big deal. I've got no-"

Suddenly, Di disappeared, box and all.

On the other side of the partnership, Akua was scrambling to get back towards the computer to no avail. A few employees had dragged him out as he made the case that "Closing time doesn't mean leaving time!", but of course the not-so-bright teen's words wouldn't break through his capture's skulls. The cafe was closing, and Akua had already ignored the last few warnings to leave before the staff had to take action. The result was an emergency Jack Out for Di as the PET's connection to the net was broken, although the aquatic navi still had his rewards from the dealer. Di scolded Akua for his irresponsibility as his partner stared at the cafe's door from the outside, bitter at the way he had been treated. "You could have given me a warning or something. I didn't get a chance to properly say goodbye to Lyntael, and if they had taken you a second sooner we would have walked away empty handed."

"Hey, it's not like I didn't try," Akua defended. "They were stubborn about me leaving, although I swear I wasn't the last one in there. I think they just didn't like me."

"Probably because you were yelling half of the time we were in there."

"That has nothing to do with it!"

"Sure. Right."

"Whatever!"

[exit]

[Obtained Mist Convergence 1]

Di let out a sigh of relief from his correct call. It was really just a shot in the dark, but it seemed to be exactly what he needed in order to wrap this game up. A smile and a confident nod accompanied his move, his whole demeanor changing as fortune began to smile down at him. He threw both of his cards on the table as he gave an almost arrogant reply. "Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Spades. That wraps this game up." Akua couldn't help but chime in at his partner's victory, heard only be the aquatic navi. "It's about time! You would have won this game ages ago if you just listened to me! Some partner you are."

A hand went to rub Di's neck as he glanced over at Lyn. This game felt like it had taken eternity, and he was glad that at least that match was over. But didn't they have one more to go? Di wasn't about to ask. "Maybe I should just let you play both hands next time. I'm not sure I can take another one of these games seriously."

Di didn't want to get rid of one of his cards, since he could safely get rid of both if the right card popped up. The longer the game went on, the more unprepared the Navi felt to play the game. It seemed he needed the Pixie pixie to help him win at this point, and maybe her blessing would be over her after this next move. So hey, why not?

"I'll call."

---

Move: Call
Hand: AD, AS

Di thoughtlessly looked at his cards before playing the first thing that seemed reasonable. When it came to strategy in this game, the navi was hopeless. "3 of Clubs" he said distantly before he half listened to Lyn. It was getting late, and he had already had a busy day, but he held on as best as he could.

"You can thank Akua for that. I'd much rather be helpful than wander around this city while my partner eyes everything. And don't worry about the money. It's not a big deal, and we can still win it back."

"Not the way you're playing!"

---

Move: 3C (3C)
Hand: AD, AS

Di shrugged at Lyn's question, unsure himself on how the specific mechanics of the game worked. "I guess it doesn't matter either way, since he doesn't pick his move back up. Either way," he directed his glance at the dealer, "I'll throw down my three of spades and you can give me three cards, unless there's some weird rule that makes it and the five of hearts connect."

---

Move: 3S (throwing it away, pretty much)
Hand: ??, ??, ??

"All the time." Di eyed the dealer before offering his move, paying more attention to Lyn than the game. "I'll call." He looked over to the electric Navi as he gave a nod, explaining his response. "Akua always wants me to do stuff for him that I don't want to do. Wandering around this town is just one of them. He usually bugs me about something, I ignore his childish behavior, then either he or I gives in, depending on how set one of us is in our stance. It usually ends in me giving in and doing what he wants, but it's never really a big deal. Sure, I don't want to do it, but it's selfish of me to only do the things I want to do and ignore what my partner wants. It would be nice if it worked the other way around, too."

"Hey! I listen to you sometimes. It's not my fault you're a giant stick in the mud."

"That doesn't seem to be your problem, though." Di habitually checked his cards, diverting his eyes from Lyn. "You seem to put what your partner wants over what you want all the time. I don't think I could ever be that devoted to Akua."

"Heh." Di couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at Lyn's remark. "Akua would be helplessly lost without me. To be honest, I wish he'd show a little more effort and act like he cares instead of coasting along on my hard work."

"Hey! I do stuff too, you know. It's not like I'd die if you weren't around! I'm 18 for crying out loud!"

Di ignored his partner as he tried to correct himself to Lyn, placing his hand face down as he focused more on the conversation at hand instead of the game. "Whether he shows it or not, Rogan needs you, I'm sure of it. He takes care of you, sure, but you also do things that he can't do on his own. For instance, he can't travel the Net like you, can't physically interact with this world like you, and I'm sure he can't use his battle cards without you. You're useful to him whether he shows it or not, so cheer up." With kind words passed, Di quickly took a look at his hand, knowing what his move would be. He laid down three cards.

"5 of Clubs, 2 of Clubs, 2 of Spades"

---

Move: 5C, 2C, 2S
Hand: 3S

Di was beginning to get absorbed into the game, but he took notice of Lyn's question as he picked out his move. "You mean Akua? He's okay, I suppose. He likes to drive me crazy by dragging me into things I don't necessarily want to do, but that's just part of being partners. He can be pretty immature, but he's got a good heart. It doesn't excuse him from doing whatever he wants though. The kid has a lot of growing up to do, that's for sure." He grabbed his card and put it facedown on the table confidently, looking at the dealer's eyes as he did. "Ace of Spades"

----

Move: AS (Actually the PIXIE)

Hand: 2C, 3S, 5C, 2S

A look of disappointed crossed his face as the owner picked up his cards. Luck just wasn't on his side that game, and Akua reveled in the fact he was right. "Hah! See? I told you to play the joker! Maybe you should keep your eyes off of that girl and starting listening to me!" Di rolled his eyes as he acknowledged the dealer's victory in a brief phrase. It looked like he was giving an attitude towards the dealer, even if he meant his aggravated mood to be directed at his partner. "Good move."

Di watched as the dealer re-dealt the cards, picking up the pile to his left. Even with the pixie last game, it didn't make much of a difference. The aquatic Navi wasn't as good as card games as he though, not that he thought he was great or anything.

Di couldn't help but grin at Lyn's first win, her energy rubbing off on him. He moved his hand closer to Lyn so she could see, but made sure it stayed covered from the dealer. Di could feel the heat from her body, and although he was indifferent about her gender, he couldn't help but feel his cheeks blush ever so slightly. He didn't let the moment linger for long before he decided to make his next move. "3 of Diamonds and 7 of Diamonds." Both cards were placed confidently and quick, almost a little too quick. Di was trying to give off the impression he had a good legit move, but he wasn't sure if he came off as too forceful. He wasn't doing too bad so far.

While Di played his card game, Akua couldn't help but roll his eyes at his partner. Here he was playing cards and flirting with a girl, all while denying Akua the chance to get involved. He wanted to speak up in defiance, to get his own word in, but his partner was in a world all his own. For a moment, he felt like Di.

"Play the joker!" Akua had to at least try and insert himself into the game, even though only Di could hear him. "Do it! It's a good move! I bet, at least."

----

Move: 3D, 7D (Actually 2C)

Hand: 5S, PIXIE

Di kept a stone cold expression on his face. The dealer certainly had a lot of hearts, but the aquatic navi missed that the dealer played the seven of hearts twice. Di was sure he was lying, but he didn't know if he was lying to both of them or not. Since Lyn didn't bring it up, Di would. "I'll call."

----

Move: Call

Hand: 2 C, 3 D, 5 S, PIXIE

Di had no reason to think the dealer was lying. It was the first move, after all. Why start out on a lie? He gave the dealer a suspicious look, but played a card down confidently as he declared his move. "Ace of Hearts." Better start out telling the truth before moving on to the gutsy calls.

---

Down: A H

Hand: 2 C, 3 D, 5 S, PIXIE

Di eyed the dealer's black suit, not finding his comment towards him the least bit humorous. With a heavy hand and a handful of zenny, Di gave a curt reply. "She's not my date." He picked up the hand of cards on his right and took a glance at it, then looked back over to Lyn as he lightened up. He wasn't trying to be offensive, but a reassuring nod was his only indication that he didn't mind being around the electric Navi. Akua couldn't help but crack up at Di's response.

The aquatic Navi ignored his partner's hysterical laugh as he waited for further instruction from the dealer. The rules might have been posted on the sign next to him, all of which was generally easy to understand, but this was still a new game to Di. He might not be that great at card games, but his poker face isn't all that bad. That didn't mean he'd do well, of course, but it was better than nothing.

"Ready when you are."

Di was apathetic about playing, although his curiosity was peaked by the game. He wasn't that great at card games, but he was certainly better than Akua was. Eyeing the sign and pondering the opportunity, Di gave a small nod as he made up his mind. "Sure, I'll play, but only if my friend has enough zenny." He turned to Lyn, a strange feeling rising in his chest as he offered a polite gesture. "I'll pay for it if you want to play. I only have enough for one game though, so you'll be on your own. Don't worry about me, though. I'm terrible at these sorts of games, so you'll probably do much better than I could."

"Hey!" Akua spoke as the reasonable one this time. "We don't have a lot of zenny, and you're blowing it on her? Sheesh, you're practically drooling over this girl, and you act like you don't even care!"

Di gave a small chuckle and a slight shake of his head. Akua just didn't understand.

Di took Lyn's hand, reluctant at first but decided to give it a go anyway. Now that the Electric Navi was in control of her emotions, there wasn't anything to worry about. Akua snickered at the consensual gesture since Di really wasn't the touchy-feely type, but Di ignored his partner's jeers and followed along with Lyn. It's not like holding hands meant anything especially to Navis.

The rush of the city wasn't Di's ideal scenario. The lights were as annoying as ever, and the passing stares of other Navis wasn't welcomed, but it was certainly more tolerable going through the city with someone else. Di didn't really care to look around, but he did it anyway to keep his partner's curiosity happy. It was more of the same: shopping centers, flashing neon lights, busy streets. A few games in particular caught Akua's eye, making Di stop as he looked at the battling game show.

"That seems pretty cool. You should give that a shot, Di. You could certainly use some combat practice, plus winning free stuff sounds good to me."

"Out of the question," Di said under his breath. The game show didn't bother him, but he knew Lyn didn't exactly like fighting, so it wouldn't have done her much good. To offer another suggestion, Di pointed to the street corner Navi inviting people to play a card game. He gave a glance at the now energetic Lyn, offering a grin at her newly improved attitude. "Why don't we try that out? It seems simple enough, and I bet you could win something from it. It wouldn't hurt to give it a shot."

"It's alright." Di finally had a chance to get a word in. Lynael's mood was starting to lighten up, and Di was beginning to see just how talkative the perky girl's personality was. It didn't bother him one bit. "I'm used to listening to people. Anyway, I'd be happy to help you around town. To be honest, I still don't know this place all that well, or even where we are in relation to the rest of the city. I can at least give you company, and you'll be better company than my partner is." Di caught himself, raising his hand defensively at his remark. "Don't get me wrong. Akua isn't a bad guy, and I certainly don't hate him. I know I haven't said much good about him, but we do get along just fine. I've spent entirely too long with him, so I don't want you thinking he's abusive or that I'm a lousy Navi."

Di stood to his feet, shooting Lyntael a glance that he was ready to go. He didn't want to look for too long, because the prying eyes of Akua weren't something that should be given opportunity. Rubbing his scorch mark one last time, he nodded in the direction of the park they had entered. "Shall we?"

Di could sympathize with Lythael. Maybe not on the same level as her, but he knew what it was like to be responsible for yourself and someone else, yet be completely alone. Akua was hardly worried for himself, which left Di to be the parent of the duo. We need a place to stay, Akua. We need money to live off of, Akua. You need food to survive, Akua. Even back home, it was always like that. Sure, his parents helped, but Di was responsible for the details. He was built for this kind of thing, so it didn't bother him that he was essentially a one man team. That's just the kind of Navi he was.

"Personally, I think it's harder to be the Navi. Our Operators have it easy compared to the things we've got to do. Fight viruses, deliver emails, schedule appointments, fetch information. We're essentially their messengers. If you think about, without us, they'd essentially be crippled in their society. I'm not sure Akua, my partner, would last more than a few days if he didn't have me around."

"Hah! Yeah! Whatever!" Akua gave a snide reply. "I bet YOU couldn't last a day without me. Maybe I should leave you in this network and see who can last the longest." It might have sounded like a threat, but Di knew his partner was only joking. "My point is," Di continued, "don't be so hard on yourself. Maybe you should do something to relax instead of worrying about Rogan all the time. Whenever Akua doesn't need me, I like to get in an isolated network and just relax. I prefer my solitude to rejuvenate, but you might like something else. Maybe you could relax and help your Op by finding a job you like. In a city like this, there's bound to be some place that could use a little extra processing power."

Di backed away as Lyntael reached out to touch him, not wanting another shock. The girl meant well, but her emotions and abilities were out of control. "It's fine, really," he reassured. "You're scared. I'm a stranger. Your body is just trying to protect you. Be glad you have an ability like that instead of nothing." He let go of the burn mark to show it to Lyntael, even though it still stung. The burn wasn't that bad, but the mark looked rather large on the light blue armor of his forearm. "See? You just nicked my armor. It'll take a lot more than that to do any real harm to me, I promise you." It might not have been true, but he didn't want her to worry about it.

For the most part, Di followed what Lyntael was talking about. Rogan sounded like her Operator, and Eric sounded like one of his friends or something. He wasn't sure about the two Navis, but it hardly mattered. Di felt a little bit of pride swell up in his chest for being one of the first Navis she met, even if it didn't mean anything. If it meant that he was helping her, he was okay with that. In the silence that followed, Di took a glance at Lyntael, finally getting his first good look at the young girl. He knew she barely had any clothes on, but he didn't think they covered so little. Her yellow skirt offered little protection, and although she didn't have much to offer up top, the vest wasn't much better. At least she had good legs and nice eyes, even if her hair was in a mess. Overall, she was pretty cute.

"That's more I like it." Akua finally had his chance. "She doesn't look too bad. Lower your head a little more so I can see what's underneath."

Di quickly looked away, blushing as he looked down and twiddled his thumbs. He had forgotten his partner was still watching, and looking at Lyntael too long meant Akua got what he wanted. Without thinking about it, Di had fed his partner's immaturity. He gripped his hands together as frustration flood his being for a moment. Who's brilliant idea was it to let Operators see what their Navis see? Di had no interest in the girl, not caring for physical attraction or the choice in clothing Navis were given, but with Akua watching everything he did, Di had to be self aware of what he did. It was embarrassing to say the least.

"It's not a problem," he replied. "I was just wandering around the town and checking out the sights for my partner. Apparently the real Electown isn't enough for him, so I'm forced to be his trolley." Di bit his lip. He had said too much about his partner, and now Lyntael might know Akua was watching too. For being the responsible one of the pair, Di was certainly dropping the ball. He cleared his throat before changing subjects. "So your partner isn't with you? I'm sure he'd appreciate you doing things on your own, but he would probably hate it if something happened to you. This is a dangerous place, especially at night. How were you trying to help, anyway?"

A spark from the girl's body found its way to DiDiver's arm, giving the Navi a good jolt. It wasn't a serious injury, but his aquatic nature didn't help soften the pain. He could feel the electricity pass through his body, his arm burning from the spark. A hand went to grip his injury as he let out a soft grunt. It was clear that it was a defensive reaction caused by the girl's panicked state, so Di didn't think too much of it. It sure hurt like hell, though.

"It's okay," Di managed. "I'm just a concerned Navi is all. This is a big place filled with Navis who think they can do whatever they want because they're made of data. Apparently being made of 0's and 1's gives you the right to do as you please, which isn't true. I can understand why a girl like you would be worried." Di motioned to the the opposite end of the bench where the girl sat, rubbing his arm as he asked to take a seat. His voice was almost fatherly as he tried to comfort her. "Would you mind if I sit?"

"Hey!" Akua's voice rang in Di's head. "Don't forget to get a good look! I know you're just as curious too!" Di rolled his eyes as he took a seat, if the girl allowed. He wouldn't look at her, though. It was obvious she didn't want people staring at her right now, plus he couldn't feed Akua's curiosity. Instead, he watched the street, looking at the faces of passing Navis. He offered a few more words to try and ease her. "I would think that an electric Navi would love it in a place called Electown, but I know how you feel. This is a whole new place for me, and frankly I hate it. I prefer quiet networks away from others. You know, the general stereotype you can expect from a water Navi. More room to move about, less Navis to deal with."

"Come on, Di! Turn and look already! You don't have to keep flirting with her, just look!"

"My name's DiDiver," he said with a sigh. Di didn't want to push the girl too much, especially since she was a sniveling mess at the moment. To be safe, Di kept an eye towards the street, watching for anyone who might try something that was less than honorable. He rubbed the black spot from the spark, the pain slowly beginning to ease off.

[From [url=http://z10.invisionfree.com/RockmanChaosNetwork/index.php?showtopic=9041&st=0&]PET House[/url]]

In the midst of the ever bustling roadways of Electown Net, DiDiver walked. He had been walking for some time, steered by his partner to "go check that out!" and "get closer to that sign!" for the past few hours. It was amazing how Akua still kept the same amount of excitement since they first entered Electown, and it was starting to grate on the Navi's nerves. It was one thing when Akua wandered the streets on his own, but now that he was sitting comfortably behind a computer monitor, it only reminded Di how childish his partner could be. After another command to make another unespected stop, Di finally protested.

"Akua, we can't keep walking around forever. If there's something we need to do, then let's do it. I'm tired of wasting my time feeding your curiosity, especially since I disagree about you being here at all. Let's just go home, okay?"

The static filled voice of Akua echoed in Di's helmet. It sounded like he was talking through a radio, one that only his partner could hear. "We've been over this. I'm not going back home, not for awhile. You know that I don't want to become a fisherman like Dad, so you might as well give up on it. There's so much more out there, and I know there's a place for me somewhere. Now turn a little bit to your right so I can see that store."

"How can you even see what's around me?"

"There's a program on this computer that lets me see what you're seeing. It's pretty cool. Now hurry up and turn!"

Di sighed. He turned to look at the ornate neon sign of a flower shop, which hardly made sense in a world lacking nature, but Akua seemed fascinated by the paradox. Di wouldn't get much of a chance to look before a girl ran passed them, clad in yellow and a small amount of clothing. The Navi's eyes followed the girl, more concerned than interested in her appearance. People didn't run like that for fun. Something was wrong.

"Who was that girl?" Akua was the first to speak.

"I don't know, but she looks like she's in trouble. Should I follow her and find out?"

"Hah! You're offering to do something? You must have liked what you saw."

"It's not like that! I'd rather make myself useful instead of being on your leash any longer. If she's in trouble, it's our duty to help if we can."

"Suuuuure it is. Just make sure you get a good look at her. I want to see what she's got!"

Di picked up his pace as he followed the girl, although it was only a brisk walk. Running after her would only cause her to panic more, so his best bet was to blend into the crowd. He tried to keep his eyes on her, but the crowded streets made it difficult. Lucky for Di, she had reached the end of her run, breaking through the crowds into a pleasant park area. There was still a considerable distance between the two, but at least she had stopped. As he walked, Di took in the scenery around him. It wasn't a very big area, but the grassy ground and lack of neon made it a gem in the middle of an otherwise robotic town. By the time Di was in the park, the girl had curled up on one of the benches as if she was trying to escape the city. Di gave a gentle response, trying not to alarm the girl.

"Are you okay? Is someone after you?"