Burninate!

"Damn," Runeknight cursed as he backed away from the egg. "Our ploy has failed, Sire."

"You win some and you lose some," Zan answered. "However, this fight is far from over."

Zan attempted a quick scan of the egg, but found no discernable results. He had no real idea of what was growing within the egg, but he doubted he really wanted to find out. The egg still held about a third of its remaining power, and he was quickly running out of BattleChips to feed into the PET. And worse yet, he spied some movement amongst the other severed wings.

"Damn!" Zan shouted. "Look out Runeknight! We've got more of those serpent creatures on the way."

"Aye, Sire." Runeknight answered. "I see them. How shall I proceed?"

"Well, we still have the WideSword. Four strikes with that blade should wipe out the wings and allow you to concentrate on whatever is within that egg. Of course, I'd rather you started out with a DblBeam. It is a little random, but either effect would benefit us at this point."

"Aye, Sire." Runeknight agreed. "I shall follow your plan."

Runeknight could feel the surge beginning. It was a familiar, comfortable feeling that meant that his lord still held the power to aid him in this battle. However, Runeknight doubted that it would last. He knew that Zan had precious few BattleChips left and that they were burning through them quickly against this powerful foe. Once this last sword was used up, he'd be using his weapons in earnest, attempting to finish off the beast before his arsenal ran dry.

The knight guided the surge of power into his palm, a small cube forming from a blast of flame. The cube was relatively small, about the size of Runeknight's closed fist, and each side was colored either red or blue. The cube floated just above Runeknight's palm, twisting and turning slowly while it pulsated with crimson and cobalt light. The knight lifted his hand higher, gently tossing the cube into the sky. The cube grew as it rose, spiraling faster as it rose into the air. The cube would continue flashing, spreading contrasting light across the battlefield, until it stopped randomly. It would either heal Runeknight and Arion, or it would harm the blob and its wings. Either effect would benefit Runeknight, but it was all up to chance.

Runeknight paid no heed to the cube as it left his hand, instead concentrating on the winged serpents that were spread out before him. The egg and what lay within was the obvious threat, but he could not ignore the trio of serpents. If he allowed them to surround him and attack, they could possibly overcome him before he could finish off the egg. No, he would need to take out the serpents and then destroy the egg. With luck, the creature within the egg would not emerge before he had the chance to slay the winged beasts.

A jet of flame extended from Runeknight's left hand, forming a sword crafted from jet black steel. It resembled the blade he had been wielding earlier, though lacked the fiery strength imbued into the other sword. Runeknight took aim at the closest of the wings, taking stock at the beast, and charged. His feet pounded against the dirt as the knight sought to clear the dangerous terrain between himself and his foes. The sword flashed once, twice, thrice, chopping through the air toward the first of the wings.

Runeknight turned into a pivot and leaped into a sidelong lunge, thrusting the sword at the center of the next serpent. The knight ripped the blade to the side, reaching back to deliver a devastating diagonal slash and then followed it with a backhand strike. The other serpent was behind him and Runeknight pivoted to his left, twirling about and strafing to place the creature between himself and its companions.

The blade flashed again, carving an ebony streak in the air, as Runeknight attacked the third wing monster. His sword hummed as he delivered a second strike and then leaped forward to thrust the blade into the center of the beast. Runeknight backpedaled fast. If any of the serpents survived his onslaught, then he would need to be wary to avoid their counter strikes.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor is active (Heal for 30)

1. DBLBeam (40 DMG to all enemies or 30 Heal to all allies, Mod choice)
2. Dodge/Stay on normal
3. WideSword (80 to WingA, B and C)
4. WideSword (80 to WingA, B and C)
5. WideSword (80 to WingA, B and C)
6. Dodge/Stay on normal

Arion: Attempt to break free/Dodge
((Bump!))
((I need to bump this so I can be above Pocket and his diabolical tennis game))
((Bump))
((Buuuuump....))
((Demon went to Canada. And got lost. He is very sorry.))

Runeknight unleashes a massive relentless wave--of healing bliss. Aron is pleased. He neighs.

His swordplay, mainly thrusts, manage to mutilate all three wings--but leave them at the edge of life. They retaliate. And whiff.

The "egg"... explodes. Or it feels like it explodes, as waves of liquid fire wash over everything in a wide circle around it. Aron whinnies as the lava pricks a hoof, but stops right there. The wings take the blunt of the wave, blocking some of the blazing death for Runeknight by pure accident and ingenious placement on Runeknight's part.

As he lowers his arms and wipes off his energy visor, Runeknight stares into the remnants of the egg--and finds a lone figure standing in the wreckage...

Navi-like in shape, the mysterious program's new form resembles a medieval jouster, stripped of his weaponry and shield. Its immaculate chalk-white armor is riddled with etchings in a long-lost language, scribed in the color of recently-dried blood. Its helm is in the shape of a dragon, the open maw enclosing the head. A solid faceguard drops down from the top jaw, with only piercing ruby eyes staring through a slit near the top. The dragonhelm itself seems to be alive, sporting opal eyes that seem to dart to and fro across the landscape.

The program flexes, and Runeknight notices another disturbing aspect--completely not in accord with its mockery of chivalry theme. Across its abdomen , the armor has completely come apart, with the torso plate and the leggings held together only by a matrix of violent energies. Near the fissure, the armor is constantly chipping away, resulting in the appearance of a jagged jaw. Red-white flames constantly spew from the maw, singeing the air and creating a menacing aura of heated air around the white knight.

A chilling silence fills the area, with only the sound of light flames flicked by the wind keeping it from total soundlessness. Runeknight's opponent points a clawed gauntlet at Runeknight, a silent declaration of a duel, before plunging the same hand into the flaming vortex of its chest, drawing from it a massive bone blade engulfed in living fire. Twirling the bastard sword lightly with it one hand, it gestures to Runeknight with its free hand, two fingers curling up and back in the universal expression to "bring it".

Unknown Program (Knight): 1580
WingA: ROAST'D
WingB: ROAST'D
WingC: ROAST'D
WingD: BURNINATED!
Runeknight: 243
Aron: 50 (SNARE'D!)

Terrain: 5% Pungi (Scattered between Runeknight and Unknown Program); 10% Snare (Same as Pungi); 5% Poison (5 panel Cross, centered under Runeknight's staring position); 15% Grass (Scattered, notable clumps around Unknown Program); 20% Normal (Scattered); 40% Lava (Wide circular area around the Unknown Program); 5% Volcano (Cross centered on where the Unknown Program's currently standing)
Runeknight stood back in shock as the waves of lave spread across the battlefield, enveloping the tall grass and hard packed dirt alike. Arion whinnied in terror as the pool spread toward him, halting within inches of the stallion's ensnared hooves. Runeknight glanced at the stallion, assuring Arion's survival and assessing the situation, before turning his attention back toward the remains of the egg. A figure emerged from within the lava, a knight clad in draconic armor.

"Sire," Runeknight murmured. "I believe we have met the child from within the egg."

"Yeah," Zan agreed. "And he doesn't look to happy to see us."

The NetOp paused as he examined the situation. The pseudo-knight looked formidable and wielded a weapon that Zan could only assume to be the FireSword the blob had consumed. Still, the situation wasn't as bad as it could have been. The egg had sent a wave of lava that consumed most of the battlefield, destroying many of the various snares and traps that had littered the ground. Zan doubted that the lava would bother the dragon knight, but it wouldn't bother Runeknight either and would allow his Navi to move easier across the molten ground. Zan glanced at Runeknight in time to see his Navi back into the small pool of purplish liquid that was bubbling and emitting fumes.

"Runeknight!" Zan shouted. "Get out of the poison!"

"What?" Runeknight leapt forward at his lord's command. "I had not realized..."

"No worries. Look, try and stay within the lava. It won't be able to melt through your armor and it'll keep you safe from those various traps."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight strode forward, his armored legs wading through lava that was ankle deep. Zan had been right; though the lava felt warm against his feet it did not burn nor melt through the ebony armor. Runeknight moved toward the dragon knight, rune carved blade glinting darkly in the light of the molten stone. Runeknight stood in the field of lava, observing his opponent as the dragon knight hefted his massive, fiery blade.

"Sire," Runeknight spoke over their private line. "What is that wound in the warrior's chest?"

"I'm not sure," Zan answered. "However, it looks like it is eating away at his armor."

"It is consuming him...Though I doubt it will prevent him from attempting to slay me first."

"So stay on your toes."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight watched as the dragon knight beckoned him forward, a challenge if he had ever seen one. Runeknight responded in kind by saluting with his free hand, fist pounding against his chest. If the strange warrior wanted a duel, then Runeknight would be happy to oblige. He raised his sword into a standard guard position as he stalked toward his opponent.

Runeknight twirled the blade with a quick flick of his wrist. The ebony sword whistled as it sliced through the air. Runeknight gauged his opponent's movements, keeping an eye on the hand that carried the massive, flaming skeletal sword. The fiery weapon gave the dragon knight incredible reach and he had to wield immense strength in order to fight with such a weapon. Runeknight would have to be quick and strike decisively in order to defeat this adversary.

Runeknight dashed forward suddenly, swinging the up in a diagonal arch that would serve to either cleave the dragon warrior in twain or at the very least knock his sword away so that Runeknight's next strike would find his mark. The sword left a dark streak as it sliced through the air, angled to strike just below the warrior's ribs and cut deep into his side and hopefully whatever served as his heart.

Runeknight reversed his strike, slashing the sword in a devilish backhand strike meant to lop off his opponent's sword arm. The ebony blade was poised to intercept the warrior at his armpit, gliding across the length of his arm and hopefully severing the dragon knight's arm at the shoulder. He didn't know if his strike would work, but with any luck his adversary would be disarmed...Literally.

The dark knight leapt away from his opponent, swinging his sword back and forth in a quick "X" to prevent the dragon warrior from charging him. Runeknight glanced at his blade, taking note of the various dents and nicks in the ebony steel. It would not last much longer. He doubted that the weakened blade could withstand a single blow from his enemy's massive sword.

Runeknight made up his mind in an instant and dashed forward. He held his sword before him, poised to thrust the blade deep into the warrior's chest. Runeknight lunged, blade held as an extension of his arm. The tip of the ebony sword was aimed straight for the center of the warrior's chest.

Runeknight released the hilt of the sword, knowing that the blade was useless to him now, and strafed along the bed of lava. He doubted that his strikes would defeat the demonic knight so easily and so he was determined to avoid any counterstrikes.

Meanwhile, Arion struggled against his bonds, striving to keep as far away from the lava as possible.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor ((Heal of 30))

1. Dodge to lava terrain
2. WideSword (80) to Dragon knight
3. WideSword (80) to Dragon knight
4. Dodge
5. WideSword (80) to Dragon knight
6. Dodge

Arion: Keep out of the lava
Runeknight steps into his home terrain, into the lair of the beast...

The draconic knight doesn't even bother to attempt to block Runeknight's precise blows, the Widesword cutting deep into the red-streaked armor. Runeknight's strike at the arm is rewarded with only dismay, however, as the strange armor sealed up nearly immediately after the strike. In that second of indecision, he feels the ground beneath him shake as he is knocked aside by a fiery meteor. He feels a chilling flame at his side--chancing a glance, he sees the massive bone sword buried where he would have been, the Volcano panel cracking and shattering from the brutal impact. He runs back, only to gather his courage and thrust violently at the core of the white knight, making sure to avoid the now shattered panel. As the blade digs into the flames, a jet of white-hot fire spews across like a flamethrower from the massive gash across knight's chest, washing over Runeknight. The Navi had already decided that he would lose his sword, and was already backing up. He avoided the worst of the flames, but his cape is set aflame!

His adversary doesn't seem to notice the blade stuck into his chest--in a few seconds, the Widesword disintegrates, consumed by the white fire. In that instant, a void is formed in the flames, and Runeknight sees... a massive, red scale, in the center of the knight's body. What could it be?

Silently, the white knight rips his blade out of the destroyed panel with both arms, and rushes Runeknight with a powerful overhead cleave. Runeknight feels another whoosh, as the blade again barely misses him and cleaves another panel, this time slicing cleanly through it. He slashes again, catching Runeknight in the shin. Even though he channels flames, Runeknight feels as if he is being burned alive at the spot, the white flames clashing horribly with his cobalt theme.

Through the pain, he sees the knight's leggings slowly charring to a caramel color. Perhaps he should keep his adversary in the lava for a little longer?

Unknown Program (Knight): 1090
WingA: ROAST'D
WingB: ROAST'D
WingC: ROAST'D
WingD: BURNINATED!
Runeknight: 128 (CAPE ON FIRE!)
Aron: 50 (SNARE'D!)

Terrain: 5% Pungi (Scattered between Runeknight and Unknown Program); 10% Snare (Same as Pungi); 5% Poison (5 panel Cross, centered under Runeknight's staring position); 15% Grass (Scattered, notable clumps around Unknown Program); 20% Normal (Scattered); 39% Lava (Wide circular area around the Unknown Program); 4% Volcano (Cross centered on where the Unknown Program's currently standing); 2% Cracked (SMASHED)
"Damn!" Runeknight shouted as the searing white flames licked his side. "His strength is enormous."

"Don't worry," Zan cautioned. "Just keep out of range of that sword and we'll be fine."

"Bah," Runeknight muttered. "My cape is aflame."

The dark knight strafed to his left, circling around his opponent and keeping them both firmly entrenched within the fiery terrain. He reached at his shoulders with his hands, unclasping his burning cape and allowing it to slide down to the bubbling lava. Flames sprung up to engulf the cape as the knight moved away. Runeknight tried to keep the edge of the lava between himself and his opponent, not wishing to continue the battle amidst the trapped terrain.

"Runeknight, look!" Zan advised. "The lava seems to be charring his armor."

Runeknight glanced at the legs of his opponent, seeing the ivory armor coving his legs darkening to a light brown. The dragon knight wasn't immune to the searing heat of the lava and it was slowly consuming him. Runeknight smiled beneath his visor, suddenly far more confident in his victory. In truth, he would just have to avoid defeat and eventually the fiery ground would do his work for him.

"It would be best to keep up the heat," Zan said. "If we can keep this guy in the lava, we shouldn't have any trouble. I'll send you a few choice chips to stoke the flames."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight could feel the surge of power swell within him as his lord instilled the energy within him. Heat welled within his chest, growing hotter with each passing moment. The heat spread to his arms, channeling along his biceps and into his fingertips. A haze spread from within his palms, radiating out and washing Runeknight in a waft of heat. A small orb of flames materialized in the center of the gap between his palms.

"Lord of the eternal flame," Runeknight intoned. "Harbinger of destruction and pathway of rebirth, heed my call."

A line of flame erupted along the outside of each of Runeknight's arms, billowing outward like scarlet feathers. A high pitch shriek ripped through the air in response to the knight's summons.

"Searing flame, rise and scorch the earth. I summon thee, Phoenix King!"

Runeknight reached back with both arms, the flames roaring higher and burning hotter. Runeknight shouted, his voice rising to an ear piercing screech, and slammed his hands together, smashing the orb of flames between his hands. The wings of flame surged forward and met with a shockwave of energy, forming a bird of prey crafted from a scarlet inferno.

The fiery phoenix surged across the battlefield on wings of crimson. The bird screeched and flapped its wings, moving swiftly toward the draconic knight. It moved in a blur, cleaving a waft of destruction across the field as it soared straight for the heart of the demonic knight.

Runeknight charged within the phoenix's wake, his left fist aflame with a cobalt inferno. The ebony armor encasing his upper arms flared brightly, runes burning with an intense light. Runeknight dashed forward, cobalt flames spiraling around his gauntleted fist, with his tight fist drawn back and ready to strike. Runeknight aimed his fist at the knight's head, his strengthened fist a hammer of devastation, hoping to shatter the knight's mail and crush whatever lay within. An impact and a jet of flame obscured Runeknight's vision.

The dark knight scrambled back, moving away from his opponent to gain a better grasp on what had happened. Had his fist struck true? Was the knight defeated?

"What is that?" Runeknight murmured.

The Navi gazed within the void that bisected his opponent. Within the searing white flames was an object. It looked to be a crimson scale of massive proportions, as though it had been shed by a massive lizard of some sort. Was that what was granting the dragon knight such strength? Perhaps, but Runeknight needed confirmation before he risked such an assault.

"Sire," Runeknight called. "There is some form of scale within the knight's armor."

"A scale, eh?" Zan paused. His memory flashed back to a message board post he'd read a few months back, but it was foggy and his thoughts refused to come together. "I've got nothing. Perhaps it's some sort of weak spot? Maybe we can attack it for massive damage or something? Or...Maybe it's a trap and attacking it will trigger explosions or something. In any case, we'll continue to follow our current strategy. We should be able to take this thing out without having to worry about any giant, red scales. If something changes, we'll deal with it then and there."

"As you say," Runeknight nodded as his crossbow appeared in his hands.

The bow was a wooden affair with little mechanical embellishments, painted with black lacquer and carved with various runic markings. There was already a quarrel locked within the bow, and Runeknight wasted no time in taking aim at the ivory knight. With a muttered word, the tip of the quarrel was alight with scarlet flames. Runeknight sighted his adversary, taking aim and adjusting for possible movement, and squeezed the trigger. The arrow was released from the stock, leaving a trail of flame as it streaked through the air.

Runeknight strafed once more, keeping his eyes on the knight and attempting to steer him away from the lava's edge.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor is active (Heal for 30)

1. Remove Cape
2. PhoenixShot (80, Fire)
3. FireHit (70, Fire, Break Imbued)
4. Dodge Away
5. HeatShot (50, Fire)
6. Dodge

Arion: Pull Away From Lava Terrain
Runeknight discards his cloak, the cobalt shroud lasting barely a second before disintegrating upon the burning land. He unleashes a fiery assault, the Phoenixshot washing into the white knight and the flaming fist pounding past the raised sword.

As if in response to the rending flames, the scale pulses with newfound life, bathing the area in a ruby light. A final transformation was about to occur.

Across the program's entire body, red draconic scales sprout from the runes, overlapping across the platemail to cover the entire body of the knight. At its onset, the constant hissing as the lava corrodes program's leggings--which Runeknight had not noticed until now--fades away. A flaming arrow slams into the scaled side--and bounces off harmlessly?

A pair of dark batlike wings erupt from the knight's side, flapping uselessly in the wind. Shrugging off its final transformation, the program slashes into the lava with its blade, sending a molten tsunami at Runeknight as it presumably rushes afterwards...

Unknown Program (Knight): 740 (FIRESCALE ARMOR!)
MOTHER OF GOD MOLTEN WAVE!!! 100 HP

Runeknight: 158
Aron: 50 (SNARE'D!)

Terrain: 5% Pungi (Scattered between Runeknight and Unknown Program); 10% Snare (Same as Pungi); 5% Poison (5 panel Cross, centered under Runeknight's staring position); 15% Grass (Scattered, notable clumps around Unknown Program); 20% Normal (Scattered); 39% Lava (Wide circular area around the Unknown Program); 4% Volcano (Cross centered on where the Unknown Program's currently standing); 2% Cracked (SMASHED)
"The hell?" Zan shouted as the wave of lava rose in response to the scaled knight's sword swipe. "Quick, Runeknight, Arion is a sitting duck. I'm sending you some BattleChips that will help you smash through that wave, but you need to get into position."

"As you say, Sire." Runeknight shouted as he charged through the lava to get between it and his entrapped warhorse.

Runeknight moved through the fiery terrain swiftly, dashing to his left in order to protect Arion from the torrential flames. The knight felt a sudden rush of energy as Zan inserted a series of BattleChips. The power surged through him as he ran, channeling through his armor and down into his fingertips. Runeknight slid to a halt between Arion and the wave, facing the oncoming wash of destruction. A light blue aura flared around the Navi's arms and Runeknight summoned forth the power of the BattleChip. The Navi aimed his hands toward the oncoming wave of lava; fingers spread wide and alight with cerulean energy. A torrential blast of water exploded forth from the space just beyond Runeknight's palm, heading straight toward the wave and whatever lay beyond.

Runeknight couldn't be sure, but he suspected that his opponent would be traveling in the wake of the fiery wave. He hoped the armored knight would charge right into the blast of water that sailed toward the Navi and his horse, but he'd settle for the water to carve a path into the lava wave and leave Arion unharmed.

Runeknight could feel a second surge of energy and summoned it forth into a sphere of light blue crystal. The orb was deathly cold, spreading a layer of frost across his hand even amidst the intense heat. Runeknight took aim at where he believed his adversary to be and hurled the icy orb forward. The sphere struck the earth and exploded into a wave of ice and snow that rivaled the surge of lava that the dragon knight had created. The avalanche surged forward, spreading across the ground and heading toward the winged being that had challenged Runeknight.

With any luck, the ice would freeze the draconic knight in his tracks; and with that in mind, Runeknight focused on inscribing the Rune of Breaking into his next strike. He would freeze the knight's scale armor and then shatter it like shale. Lightning flashed in the sky above and thunder rumbled ominously. Electricity hummed and bolts of energy surged around Runeknight's armor, dancing from plate to ebony plate.

"I judge thee guilty," Runeknight muttered.

A bolt of lightning shot across the battlefield, sizzling through the air as it headed straight toward the draconic being. The Rune of Breaking flared to life across Runeknight's armor as the blast of energy surged forward. If the knight had succumbed to the freezing winds, the lightning would be charged enough to shatter its armor. If not...Then the fight would continue in earnest.

Runeknight stalked across the battlefield, searching for his opponent. He would be ready to strike when the knight showed itself, ready to deliver the final blow. A final surge of energy whirled through Runeknight and he channeled it into his arm. An ebony and cobalt shield formed along the length of his upraised arm. The shield flared with a golden light for a brief second as the enchantment set in and Runeknight steadied himself to counter the dragon knight's next strike. He'd defeat this knight if it was the last thing he did.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor is active (Heal for the 30)

1. Move to in between Arion and the lava wave
2. Bubbler (50, Aqua) to Wave; Spread (50, Aqua) to Knight
3. IceWave1 (80, Aqua) to Knight (Possible Freeze?)
4. Lord's Judgment (100, Elec, Break Infused) to Knight (Double DMG if frozen)
5. Dodge
6. Guard1 to self

Arion: Dodge/Struggle with snare
Runeknight's "wet, then freeze, then shatter" strategy works perfectly. The wave is scattered at the shot of the Bubbler, stopping quite short from the confined Arion. Closely following behind, the draconic knight is soaked, causing the lava beneath him to explode--then immediately frozen, and after that nuked with a bolt of lightning. The wave, however, had washed over much of the area, turning it *all* lava. Is it just Runeknight's eyes, or does the knight seem to... burn brighter with the increased lava? The gaping wound across the unknown program's chest had evolved to more of a fanged mouth, and the golden markings across his chest looked as if they could be amber eyes.

CLANG! He's knocked out of his concentration, as a thrust barely misses him. No time to relax, however, as a lightning fast sideswipe then shatters his Guard, the shield barely reflecting a tiny bolt back to the assailant. It responds with a burst of flame from its core, bathing Runeknight in white fire as it continued its onslaught, slashing across Rune's chest in a sadistic manner, attempt to mark Runeknight like it. The wound festers with white fire, stubbornly refusing to go out...

Unknown Program (Knight): 160 (FIRESCALE ARMOR!) ((LAVA BONUS! +20 Damage!))
MOTHER OF GOD MOLTEN WAVE!!! ((Scattered.))

Runeknight: 28 ((ON FIIIIIIIRE!!))
Arion: 50 (SNARE'D!)

Terrain: 5% Snare; 5% Poison (5 panel Cross, centered under Runeknight's staring position); 5% Grass (Scattered, notable clumps around Unknown Program); 5% Normal (Scattered); 74% Lava; 4% Volcano (Cross centered on where the Unknown Program's currently standing); 2% Cracked (SMASHED)
Runeknight staggered way from his opponent, shield shattered and useless. Wounds burning with white fire ravaged his body, the jagged jets of intense flame contrasting with the ebony armor. Runeknight shook his head in an effort to clear away the pain; however, he didn't have long to recover as the knight was still out there and ready to deliver the final blow.

The dark knight's ploy had worked, to an extent. Arion was still alive and Runeknight had been able to scatter the wave of lava and injure the dragon knight in the process. However, the white knight had shattered Runeknight's shield and left jagged wounds that burned with a searing fire. Runeknight was on his last legs, injured and barely able to stand, let alone fight. However, he doubted his opponent had much left either and knew he'd have to push himself if he wanted to finish this battle.

"Sire..." Runeknight groaned.

"Relax," Zan answered. "You need to heal for now and then we'll finish this bastard off. We're running low on weapons, but we should have enough to take this guy out."

"Aye," Runeknight nodded.

Runeknight summoned up his will, channeling his energy into a bright azure aura that encompassed his body. The light struggled to seal the wounds burning across Runeknight's body, to numb the pain that was draining him of his strength. Runeknight took all that pain and suffering and ball it up into a writhing sphere of ebony flame. The dark knight hurled the fiery ball toward his opponent, intent on giving the dragon knight a taste of the pain he'd been dishing out. The sphere sailed through the air, exploding into a pillar of jet black flames as it passed over the dragon knight, threatening to engulf the creature.

Runeknight raised his left hand and a vial of azure liquid materialized in a small puff of cobalt flames. The black knight uncorked the vial and brought it to his lips, downing the potion in one gulp. The healing drink wasn't terribly powerful, but it should keep him running until he could finish this battle once and for all.

Runeknight moved through the lava, his eyes locked on his opponent as he circled around the battlefield. He kept on the move, watching the dragon knight and wary for any aggressive movement. He waded through the lava, legs submerged up to his mid calves as he strafed around his adversary. A blast of flame spiraled out from Runeknight's left palm, his crossbow materializing in the fire's wake. The bow was a wooden affair, lacquered black and glossy. More importantly, it was already locked and loaded with a steel tipped quarrel. As Runeknight waded through the lava, he set the stock of the bow against his shoulder and took careful aim. With the dragon knight centered within his sights, Runeknight squeezed the trigger. The arrow zipped through the air, soaring across the battlefield toward the knight. Seconds before reaching its target, the arrow exploded into a cloud of shrapnel that would tear through anything in its path.

Runeknight held out his free hand and a clip of miniature arrows appeared within his grasp. Runeknight slammed the clip against the bottom of the crossbow, a small slot opening to accept the five quarrel clip. The first of the five arrows loaded on its own, the crossbow suddenly becoming an automatic weapon. Runeknight took aim once more, steadying his grip on the bow as he set himself to reduce the recoil of the weapon. Runeknight squeezed the trigger once, the miniature arrow escaping the bow and sailing toward the knight. The recoil sent the second arrow into the lock, readying the crossbow for repeat firing. Runeknight kept his aim, making sure the knight was still dead in his sights, and squeezed off the last four rounds. With as much luck as skill, his arrows would pierce the armor of his foe and lay him flat.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor is active (Heal for 30)

1. Rune Purge (80 Fire DMG to Knight, 30 Heal to Runeknight)
2. Recov30 to Runeknight
3. Dodge
4. Dodge
5. Shotgun (50 DMG) to Knight
6. Vulcan2 (5x10 DMG) to Knight

Arion: Dodge
((Bump?))
Kablam. Ptunk. Ptunk. Ptunk. Runeknight's shots hit true, and the bleached knight collapses upon his sword, his form melting away back to the gelatinous being that Runeknight had first faced.

Then... it began to swell, with an angry red light at the center. Arion's senses warn it far before Runeknight, and it bolts out of its snare, running as far away as possible.

Runeknight gets floored by a fiery crescendo.

As he wakes, he sees in the center of the pit where the mysterious program was... Another Blank Support Program.


Unknown Program (Knight): DELETE'D
Runeknight: 1
Arion: 50
"Huff...Huff..." Runeknight panted as he gazed across the battlefield at the rune covered orb that had been the knight just a few moments before. "It is done."

"Yeah, but we sure took a beating," Zan said as he examined the damage Runeknight had sustained. "Do you want to head out to rest?"

Runeknight paused for a bit before answering.

"Yes." The knight answered. "Shall we return later then?"

"Yeah, as soon as your repaired."

As Runeknight jacked out of the Net, Zan transfered the blank data orb to his item folder, wondering what he'd create this time.

((Leave this topic open. I'll be right back. Thanks for the modding Demon))
((Back at battle 1...))

Runeknight jacked back into Yumland.Net, ready for action.
Runeknight wanders across the familiar grass filled terrain, searching for a fight.
He soon comes across a couple of pinecone-like things, and some apple-like things, playing cards, apparently bored enough to not cause destruction.
Looking up at Runeknight, they glance at each other and grin, throwing away the cards and facing the navi.
The three apples stay in front, hiding in shells, while one Bagworm, sneakily hides in the forest canopy.

AppleSamuA: 70 HP [IronBody]
AppleSamuA: 70 HP [IronBody]
AppleSamuA: 70 HP [IronBody]
BagwormA: 80 HP
BagwormB: 80 HP (In Ceiling)

Terrain: 100% Grass

Runeknight.exe: 300 HP

-BATTLE 1, GO!-
Runeknight had appeared in Yumland with little effort no issues. Zan had used the Blacksmith Prog to fully repair Runeknight's armor, during which Runeknight had had time to rest and prepare himself for the battles to come. There were still many more viruses in Yumland Net and his Lord's coffers were low. He needed to collect the bounty on as many viruses as possible if they were to rebuild the zenny stores that they had acquired from the issues in Electown.

"Bah," Zan sighed. "If only these damn upgrades weren't so expensive."

It seemed that his Lord's thoughts mirrored Runeknight's own.

"Do we truly need to increase our strength?" Runeknight asked.

"Well, we are pretty high powered in comparison to most of the Navi there, but there are plenty of warriors within the Net that outclass us. Given the results of that last battle with the Mystery Program, I feel our damage potential is lacking. I want to purchase some stronger BattleChips and perhaps expand the capabilities of your Rune Sphere. Unfortunately, you still haven't regained all of the abilities you had before the Sphere shut down. I can't help but feel that if I spent more time working with the Sphere, you'd be a lot more powerful."

"It isn't your fault, Sire. It is miraculous that the Sphere reactivated at all after that day..." Runeknight paused, momentarily lost in his memories.

"Well," Zan broke in after a while. "In any case, we need to beef up if we are going to go against anything more powerful than that damn dragon knight."

"Sire, that reminds me. Did you finish your work on the Support Program data?"

"Actually, yeah, I did. In fact, I want you to meet someone."

Runeknight looked up as a circle of flames appeared along the ground a few yards in from of him. The flames dissolved into pillars of azure light that in turn died down to reveal the petite figure of a girl. The girl gazed at Runeknight, a bright smile spreading across her face, and bobbed down into a brief curtsey.

"Runeknight," Zan spoke. "This is Ashlynn. She's going to be your new apprentice."

"Nice to meet you," Ashlynn's voice was cheerful and filled with general delight. "I hope to learn as much as possible about the wonders of the mystic arts."

Ashlynn was young, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, with snow white skin and platinum blonde hair that hung to the small of her back in twin pigtails. She was clothed in a blue dress embroidered with various runic symbols along the hems in silver thread. She wore a stereotypical wizard's hat with the steeple bent back just above the halfway point. Light blue ribbons decorated her body in various places and she gripped a wooden staff with one, delicate hand. All in all, she looked young, inexperienced in the ways of battle, but Runeknight knew that looks could be deceiving. This girl had the potential to become a powerful mage.

"It shall be my pleasure to instruct you in the ways of Rune Magic." Runeknight nodded to the girl.

"I'll fill you in on all the details of her current abilities later," Zan interrupted. "However, you should know that the PET doesn't currently have enough power to support multiple Support Programs at one time. So, for now, you have to choose between Ashlynn and Arion."

"As you say, Sire." Runeknight nodded. "I believe Ashlynn and I shall travel together for now so that I may gauge her skills for myself."

"And it looks like that chance will be sooner rather than later," Zan said. "I'm picking up several viral signatures just beyond that ridge."

Runeknight nodded and waved Ashlynn forward. The pair moved toward the hilltop and caught sight of a quintet of viruses engaging in some form of game. The viruses, comprised of a trio of armored apples and two silken worms, saw Runeknight and Ashlynn as the Navi saw them. They dropped their cards and went immediately into combat routines. The apples shelled themselves, becoming all but immune to damage, while one of the worms hid upon the roof and the other prepared for battle.

"Be wary Ashlynn," Runeknight cautioned the girl. "As a mage, your place is in the rear of the battlefield. I shall occupy these beasts' attention while you aid with whatever you have learned. If the creatures grown near, back away until you are safe."

"Sure thing," Ashlynn said. "I mean...As you say, Master Alistair."

Runeknight glanced at the girl, taken aback at the use of his real name.

"I gave her permission," Zan answered the unanswered question.

"As you say," Runeknight spoke as he summoned his willpower. "Watch and learn Ashlynn. I shall use my Lord's arsenal and combine it with the Rune of Breaking to shatter the defense of those apples."

Runeknight could feel the power coursing through him and wasted no time channeling it from the core of his being, throughout his body and into his palms. An aura of azure light expanded from his armor to encase his hands, shining brightly and casting strange shadows. Runeknight raised his hands; index fingers outstretched, and sketched a shape in the air. The aura hung in the air, tracing the outline the knight drew, and formed into the shape of the Rune of Breaking. The runic symbol floated in the air and Runeknight gathered his strength before taking aim at the glowing mark. He slammed both palms into the rune, expelling the built up power into the rune and releasing Zan's BattleChip.

A jet of cobalt flames exploded outward, converging hungrily upon the armored apples. The flames surged forth, raging across the grasslands toward the fruit-like viruses. The fires threatened to consume everything in their path, melting through even the hardest of armors.

Runeknight moved across the battlefield in the wake of the flames. He stalked forward, intent on using the wave of fire for cover as he moved in closer to the remaining viruses. The prone worm caught Runeknight's eye and he moved in for the kill. A glove of flames encased the knight's hand as he charged forward, dancing along the length of his ebony armor.

"Ashlynn," Zan called. "Empower Runeknight with your spells. Show him what you know."

"Yes sir!' Ashlynn shouted as she pumped a fist into the air. "Alright Master Alistair, prepare to be amazed!"

Ashlynn slammed her wooden staff into the earth, summoning forth a circle of azure light that wrapped itself around her. The young magician began a low chant, murmuring a series of arcane words and incomprehensible syllables. She closed her eyes as she shouted the final verse and then pointed her staff toward her master. Her eyes opened, releasing a brief flash of silver light before returning to her natural hue.

As Runeknight bore down on the lone worm, his fist aflame, he took aim and prepared himself to slam his fist into the back of the strange virus. Runeknight cocked his hand back and then pumped it forward with all his strength. As it surged forward, a latticework of runic symbols wrapped itself around the fiery fist and imbued it with extra power. It Runeknight's attack struck true, the bagworm was toast.

Runeknight leapt backward away from the viruses, his eyes scanning for the hidden worm that had vanished from the battlefield. His feet shuffled through the grass, moving swiftly and surely, as Runeknight crossed the battlefield.

"Ashlynn," Runeknight called. "In battle, one should always be on the move. A prone warrior is an excellent target. If you continue to move across the battlefield, you make yourself harder to strike, thus improving your odds of survival."

"Got it, big guy!" Ashlynn gave Runeknight a thumbs-up as she followed suit, strafing across the grasslands.

As Runeknight moved, he felt a tingle of energy and willed the BattleChip into existence. A shield formed along his lower right arm, weighing him down but proving uncanny defense. The shield was enchanted to turn any average attack. If the worm struck, the knight would be ready.

Summary:
Rune of Vigor ((Passive Heal for 30))

1. Summon Ashlynn
-- Free Action: Imbue Break to Flameline1
2. Flameline1 (80, Fire/Break) to ApplesamuA, B and C
3. Dodge
4. FireHit (80, Fire) to BagwormA
5. Dodge
6. Guard1 to Self

Ashlynn: Dodge
-- Free Action: Untapped Power to FireHit1
((Bump))