Soundman and Runeknight

"That guy..." Soundman muttered, GMO shattering in a small explosion of light.

Soundman turned to Runeknight, and scratched the back of his head. "Um... I'm sorry, about what happened to Arion. I should've healed him or shielded him or something. But..." Soundman broke off for a moment, and looked at the black mark on the floor where Pariah last stood, "...at least he's gone now. ...I hope."
((Ahem, I'd like to refer Steve to the massive stone sword in my post. Runeknight's BigHammer1 takes the form of a zanbato carved from obsidian and engraved with runes.))

"No..." Runeknight turned to Soundman with a sigh. "No worries, my friend. Arion was stunned from the earthquake and could not dodge properly. It is not your fault that his connection to our world was severed. I shall allow him to rest for now. He has earned it."

Runeknight bent down to grab his share of leftover data and transmit it to Zan before speaking once more.

"I too hope that Pariah is gone. He is a dangerous foe and, if alive, I have no doubt that he will kill many more." Runeknight turned to Ozho. "Commander, that was a well timed strike. I applaude your skill. What would you have us do? The battle rages on, but I have concerns over Pariah's farewell speech. what did he mean about his boss releasing "it"? It may be some small boast, but I fear there may be more than we know."

((Also, woot. I leveled!))
"Yeah, we've won the battle, but I doubt the war's over yet." Trenn piped in suddenly, a small viewscreen appearing and showing his face. "By the way, um... I didn't catch your operator's name I don't think, Runeknight, but how about we exchange E-mail addresses? I wouldn't mind teaming up again some time."

Soundman looked back and forth between Trenn and Runeknight, and nodded. "Yeah! We make a good team, you and I." Soundman then only semi-awkwardly gave a pose and a thumbs up, then scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
A viewscreen opened up next to Runeknight, showing a man in his late twenties with dark hair and bright eyes behind a pair of spectacles. There was a light coating of stubble along the man's cheeks and chin. He gave a light hearted salute before speaking.

"Hello there. Sorry I couldn't introduce myself earlier. The name's Zanallen, but you can call me Zan."

Zan hit a quick couple of keys, sending Trenn his email address.
Trenn returned the gesture with a smile, chuckling. "My name's Trenn. It's good to meet you too." He tapped two keys, one to accept the incoming email address, and the other to send his own, then turned his gaze to Ozho. "So... what now?"
Ohzo wasn't listening, his hand was to his ear, as if receiving a transmission. Obviously, this was the case, as he was talking to himself. Reporting to his superiors, perhaps?

"Understood... Yes, there are some civilians here... Right... Yes, sir... Unknown... Yes... No trace... Can't confirm..." he mumbled into the air.

Suddenly, the look on his face changed. Instead of a smug look, a mask of sheer horror became painted over his brow. "WHAT? ... That shouldn't be possible! ... They what? ... Those fools! ... Yes, sir... On my way!"

At this, he looked up at the duo. "There has been a... development. I highly suggest you jack out now. The NetPolice thanks you for your assistance..." With that, he dissolved into light, and shot off in the direction Soundman and Runeknight were facing.

As if on cue, something shuddered underfoot. On closer examination, the ground itself seemed to be contorting, vague ripples flitted across it's surface. Then, suddenly, like a hammer through glass, the entirety. The ENTIRETY of the net shattered. There was no where to go, because everywhere was gone. And Runeknight and Soundman found themselves falling...

As they fell, a blueish green web arced overhead, trying to repair the damage, but all it did was quarantine the area so no one else would fall in... with a jack out barrier.

With a soft fump, and a cloud of dust, our heroes crashed down onto solid ground. An old grimy sign lay half crumpled under some rubble. The only writing discernable on it is "-el-me -- E--ct-wn Net" The area looks very similar to the one they had just left, but there was no denying that it was also very different in a very wrong way. The ground itself seemed to emit an air of darkness through the almost ancient and dank air.

What do you do?
Soundman groaned and got up, looking around. "Where... where are we, Runeknight? I've never been here before..."
"Urgh..." Runeknight groaned as he shook his head to clear away the grogginess. "I must confess that I know not."

The duo had fallen a long way, the very ground shattering beneath them to deposit them in some hellish version of Electown Net. A dank mist hung over the ground and an unnatural darkness blanketed the Network. Where were they?

"Sire?" Runeknight asked tentatively.
Soundman let out a breath and surveyed the landscape. It almost seemed... not gloomy... musty was the word he was looking for. Unused. Abandoned. Like some old factory on a crumbling pier.

And then there was that sign...

"-el-me -- E--ct-wn Net", Soundman read aloud, wondering. "Well, if we fill in the blanks a bit..." Soundman willed a marker into existence and wrote for a moment over the letters on the sign, spelling something out, "...It becomes 'Welcome to Electown Ne-"

Soundman stopped with a jolt, eyes widening as he read and re-read what lettering he had unwittingly filled in. "There- there's no way that can be right, can it, Runeknight? ...Trenn?" When he received no response from either, he gestured upward at the poor excuse for a wireframe that was all that was left of Electown Net. "We just CAME from Electown Net! This- what the heck is going on here?! AAAARGH!" Soundman cried out loudly, flopping back down into a sit. "What the heck are we supposed to do, then...? This doesn't make any sense."
"I must once again confess my ignorance," Runeknight replied.

The knight was cut off by a burst of static that roared in his head. He held up a hand to his skull in an attempt to ward off the blast of blistering sound.

"S-Sire," Runeknight stuttered. "I...I can't...It's all sta-static."

The roar stopped suddenly, much to Runeknight's relief, and was replaced by a quieter variety of static. Runeknight though he could make out a few words, but nothing particularily intelligible.

"Bzzt...Knight....Cssssft...Hearbzzt...Beast. Repeat: Csssssssftzzzt...Town Net. Can you he......BZZTCFFFFFFFSSSSSST."

"I'm sorry Sire, but I hear not. There is some interference blocking your words. It may have something to do with the wireworks that has set over the hole we entered through. Mayhap a recalibration is in order?"

There was another brief buzz of static that Runeknight took for assent. The knight turned away from his one-sided chat and turned to Soundman. The Navi was examining their surroundings and Runeknight moved to follow suit.

"Mayhap we are in some sort of illusionary version of Electown Net? Some trap set by our enemies within the Mafia? Does your NetOp know anything?"
Trenn bit his lip. He honestly didn't know anything about this... after all, who would honestly believe a tale about some sort of phantom copy of a network below the real deal?

Nonetheless, he wet his lips and sucked in hard breath, then spoke, his voice being broadcast to Runeknight as well, "I've got no idea about any of this..." He said simply, his line to Soundman seemingly unhindered from his end, "...But the first ridiculous idea that comes to mind is... maybe this was Electown Network at some point in time, and someone just covered it up with the Electown you two were in a moment ago?"

Soundman piped up then, a question forming on his lips, "But... who would have the power to make an exact copy of a network... and why would they? There doesn't seem to be any reason for it."

Trenn shrugged, then, realizing he was on audio only, spoke again. "I don't know, Soundman. But for now... go scout around a bit. Carefully."

Soundman nodded at this, then turned to Runeknight. "Well, I guess there is no point in just staying here... come on, let's go!"
"Aye," Runeknight agreed.

The knight still had not regained complete contact with his NetOp, but it seemed that Trenn had little trouble contacting Soundman, so it was probably only a matter of time before Zan reestablished connection. The issue was probably due to the distance between where Zan was, SciLabs, and the Electown servers where the fatal systems crash had occured. Still, it was best to remain cautious and so Runeknight produced his spear in a flash of cobalt flames.

"Let us explore our newfound surroundings."

((Uh, I assume we are ready for a battle?))
((Sorry, yesterday was my 3rd anniversary, so I was preoccupied. And, I forgot.))

The area, while still mostly well lit, still gives off a dark, decrepit feel as the Navi's wonder along.

But, other than that, it is an almost perfect replica of the Net that was previously above it. There was some damaged portions that had never been repaired, but it still seemed to be in mostly working order. Nothing is in use, however, which makes it odd that there are several moving things beside a building.

Upon noticing the duo, one of the moving things look up, with dark, menacing eyes. Several more pairs follow. Viruses! The look mostly like they should, but something IS a bit odd about them...

As the viruses shamble up to these new Navis, it can be seen what they had been previously crowding over:

A severed arm, mostly eaten, wearing an armband that clearly shows the NetPolice insignia, lying in a puddle of loose transmitter coding, it looks quite new in this olden setting...


BarkA: 200
BarkB: 200
SillyA: 160
SillyB: 160
Cacty2A: 150
Cacty2B: 150

Runeknight: 135
Soundman: 100

BATTLE 4, BEGIN, IF YOU CAN!
((No worries Schtief. Did you have a good time?))

"Bah," Runeknight cursed as he saw the viruses approach and the meal they had left behind. "This looks bad."

"Bzzture does," Zan replied.

"Sire?"

"Can you hear me now? Good."

"It seems you have reconnected."

"Yeah, the fall knocked out my voice pick-up. I've fixed it so there shouldn't be any problems."

"I am relieved," Runeknight sighed. "But do you have any idea of what is going on?"

"Yeah, and I'll tell you all about it, but not just now. Those viruses seem peeved that we dropped in so unexpectedly. 'Course, I'm sure they'd love to have us for dinner."

"Then we must disuade them."

"Damn straight, but take it slow. Those guys look like they mean business."

"Aye, Sire. Soundman, I would discuss a plan. These viruses look to be savage versions of the normal elemental viruses that I am used to dealing with. As such, they should have similar weaknesses. I believe that I can dispatch those cactus beasts quite easily and am more than a match for the electrical fiends. However, I am afraid that those fish will be the death of me. I pray you to focus on defense, protecting us both. However, if you have an electrical attack, I would ask you to use it on the fish creatures. What say ye?"

[Turn Splice]
"Hmmm..." Soundman looked the viruses over, "There's also always the option of trying to kill the... erm..." Soundman quirked an eyebrow and sighed, unbelieving that there was a virus called this, "...Barks, in ((one turn)). But... I can do defense if that's what you need."

Trenn looked over their reservoir of chips and hmmed for a moment. hand lightly scratching his chin. "Well, we don't have any Elec attacks, but we do have some Fire and one Aqua attack. That leaves the sword as our best option for taking out the Barks, but... we'd only be able to take out one ((This turn))."

"Well they have to be at least somewhat tough, I'm sure you can all see what's left of that corpse they were munching on just as well as I can. And if his landing was anything like ours, he didn't die from the fall." Soundman muttered, crossing his arms. "Either way, if you want me on Defense, I can handle that. Are you sure, though?"

((Turn Splice))
Runeknight listened to Soundman's words, judging their merit, and shook his head. His comrade's plea held worth, but Runeknight could not afford to allow them to take chances with these viruses. Deep down, he knew that he would have to strike hard and fast if they were to have a chance of coming out of this alive. These strange new viruses, so much alike, but so vastly different from what he was used to, would not give them much room for mistakes. They were savage, vicious, and would tear him and Soundman apart without a second's remorse. These were the true viruses, the true monsters that lurked within the deepest shadows of the net. The fiends that Runeknight had felled in his career were nothing but cubs compared to these beasts.

"Perhaps," Runeknight conceded. "Perhaps you should attempt to strike at those fish with your newly acquired sword. However, I shall have focus on offense, using everything I have within me, and can afford little thought to protecting myself. I would trust in you for this. I have seen you shield Arion and those fallen NetPolice officers. I would have you do the same for me as I rush into this fray. Whatever strength you can spare, I will appreciate. But hearken, for there is little time left. If I should fall, then flee. Think not of vengeance for I would not have your life end here. Now, if we are agreed," Runeknight turned back to face the oncoming viruses. He thrust his spear skyward in defiance. "TO WAR!"

Runeknight charged.

The viruses awaited their meal.

Tonight, they would burn in hell with empty stomachs.

The dark knight rushed toward the snarling creatures, his soul aflame as he stared down the pair of cactus-headed beasts on his right. They would be the first to fall. Runeknight called upon the power that lurked within him, summoning forth the fiery energy that yearned for release. Runeknight could feel Zan's strength amplifying his own, his lord's mystical energy mingling and calling forth the ancient weapons that were sealed within the Rune Sphere.

Wings of cobalt flame emerged from Runeknight's armored back, ten feet of fire enveloping him in either direction. The knight shouted an intelligible cry, a word of command that dominated the spirit of the flames. The inferno lifted from Runeknight's body, taking form to become a phoenix that soared a few feet above the charging Navi. The phoenix shrieked a piercing cry that rends the air. The fiery spirit picked up speed, surpassing Runeknight and swooping in front of him to lead the charge. It hurdled through the air, a swiftly moving inferno that was bearing down on the duo of cactus creatures. The flaming bird dived down, its fires scorching the earth and charring anything it its path, and banked to the left, it's path taking it straight for one of the fish creatures that lurked on the opposite side of the viral horde.

As the phoenix took flight, Runeknight adjusted his course. The knight pivoted to his left and fell into a sidelong roll that brought him up a few yards from the electrical fiends. As Runeknight regained his feet, he stomped the earth with one armored boot. The ground in front of him shattered under the force of the blow and a submerged tree stump rose from the earth. As the stump rose to chest height, Runeknight lashed out, pumping his arm in a devastating right cross. His mailed fist smashed against the wood, splintering it into three pieces and sending two wooden projectiles hurdling toward the savage viruses.

Runeknight caught the third piece of splintered wood in his grasp and focused his power into a surge of cobalt flames. The fire licked the wood, consuming it and reshaping it to Runeknight's will. In his hand, Runeknight now held a black lacquered boomerang banded with blue steel at each end. The knight hefted the boomerang and moved in a tight pirouette before releasing it to spiral toward the electrical viruses and another of their fishy counterparts.

Finally, Runeknight lowered his hand, crossing his arm over his body so his left hand dangled by his right side waist. A blast of cobalt flame soared from his fingertips, extending four feet beyond his back. The flames writhed in his grasp, churning like the fires of creation, before bellowing out and vanishing altogether. In the fires wake was a majestic sword crafted from blackened steel with a silver crosspiece and hilt wrapped in black leather. A single sapphire sat in the pommel of the sword, shining with an inner light that mirrored the ethereal glow of the runes carved in the four foot blade.

Runeknight held the sword aloft, tip poised to piece the sky, and shouted once more.

"Sire, send me your strength to vanquish these foul beasts!"

In response, the sky darkened and a bolt of silvery lightning flashed. The electricity struck the sword and spiraled along the blade, dancing in a continuous arc and imbuing the sword with its power. Runeknight smiled grimly beneath his visor and glared across the battlefield at the two fishlike beasts that awaited him. He spun the sword in a quick spiral, loosening his wrist for the fight that awaited him, and dashed forward. He came within a few feet of the fish and twisted, spinning lightly on his heels, and flashing the sword in a wicked backhand slash. The electrical charge flew from the sword in a wave, slicing through the air as it made it's way toward the monstrous fishy fiends.

Summary:
(Rune of Vigor is active: +25 HP Regen)

1. PhoenixShot(80 Fire DMG) to Cacty2A, Cacty2B and BarkA
2. RingLog(50 Wood DMG) to SillyA and B
3. Boomerang(60 Wood DMG) to SillyA, SillyB and BarkB
4. WideSword(80 Slashing DMG) to BarkA, BarkB and SillyA
5. Lord's Judgment(50 Elec DMG) to BarkA and B
By the time Runeknight had charged, Soundman was already healing himself, already buffing up his companion's defenses--

Sure, it sounded really really annoying playing Metal *and* Classical music out of his speakers at the same time, and there was the fact that there was enough sheet music flying around to give Mozart more than a few music-induced fevers, as well, but there were times when you made the music sound pretty and times where it was just more important that it was played, Soundman rationalized.

As both songs became downright bellowing, seemingly fighting for vocal dominance inside Soundman's speakers as they neared their end, the musical blueprints called sheet music zipped and zagged and generally flew in every which direction in an absurdly violent crescendo of- not quite epic proportions. He was only a one-man band, after all. Not an Orchestra, or something.

...Right?

The music finally died down around that point, sheet music becoming not-quite-so-frantic as it dashed into its' pre-programmed positions; in Soundman's case, this was *into* him, repairing and fixing and generally just making him healthier overall. In Runeknight's case, this was forming a large sphere around him, the bottom of which simply intruded into the ground, making it appear as though Runeknight was covered by a dome. ...Of sheet music.

The sheet music that had collected into a protective bubble around Runeknight by this point seemingly ceased existing, only appearing in split-second patches whenever something attempted to strike him, accompanied by a not-quite-flash of expression on Soundman's face, and a not-quite-dimming of the singular note that hung in the air, an utterance that promised protection as long as it held.

And then Soundman charged. With a cry of "Widesword, Trenn!", he brandished a giant, would-be-two-handed blade, and sped past Runeknight. He would face the two Barks head-on, it had seemed, had he not jumped into the air. Momentum from his time on the ground pushed Soundman through the air like some form of virtual human projectile, and as he began to fall he reeled his sword-arm back...

...And made a wide, sweeping slash at both of the Barks. Somewhere during the slash, Soundman's Widesword had switched arms, as well, and he took the opportunity to make a second quick swipe at the two aqua-based viruses before he, quite frankly, got the fuck out of dodge.

((And of course, Zan completely dominates my post length this round. >>; ))

1: Heaing Serenade (60 Heal @ Soundman)
2: Restez (80 HP barrier @ Runeknight)
3: Widesword (80 @ Bark A and Bark B)
4: Widesword (80 @ Bark A and Bark B)
Runeknight and Soundman quickly spring into action, healing and launching an offensive. Unfortunately, the viruses are faster. Much faster. A Cacty slams his head into Soundman, lifting him bodily from the ground. The other Cacty flings his head forwards, but slipped up in a bit of the Navi goo still on it's mouth, and it spins out of control. One Silly launched a ball of electricity towards Runeknight, electrifying him. A Bark, moving erratically, launches a tidal wave of water, which crashes over the party, almost sending Runekight to the next net, so to speak.

Luckily, that was the end for these viruses. Though battered, the navis onslaught strikes true, obliterating these savage viruses from existence.

BarkA: DELETED
BarkB: DELETED
SillyA: DELETED
SillyB: DELETED
Cacty2A: DELETED
Cacty2B: DELETED

Runeknight: 26 (80HPBarr) (Stunx1)
Soundman: 30

VICTO--

Suddenly, a scuffle is heard from behind a collapsed building. "Hey! They've found us! RUN!" Three Navi's explode outwards, darting towards the pair. Two of the Navi's are clearly NetMafia, one is even clutching a glowing blue Mystery Data, no doubt loot from the battles prior. The third is just as clearly NetPolice, but he seems to be injured and is moving slower than the others. Behind them are several more viruses, thirsty for blood.

The Police Officer stumbles and falls, and gives out a cry for help. The Mafia Navi not carrying anything hesitates as his partner bolts onwards. Turning, the Mafia Navi runs back, grabs the fallen Officer, and half carries, half drags him onwards.

The trio meets up with the pair just as these new viruses converge on them.

Runeknight: 26 (80HPBarr) (Stunx1)
Soundman: 30
MafiaGoonA: 100 (Carrying BMD: 10HP)
MafiaGoonB: 120
PoliceOfficer: 60

Metool2A: 100
Metool2B: 100
Metool2C: 100
Swordy2A: 120
Swordy2B: 120
OldHeaterA: 130
OldHeaterB: 130
OldHeaterC: 130

Battle Four, Part Two!
CONTINUE!
"Si-Sire..." Runeknight stuttered as the electricity pumped through his body. "Ha-ave we de-de-defeated-ed them?"

"That group is down for the count, but it looks like another is hot on their trail."

"How c-can we pre-prevail?"

"No worries. Those last viruses were a little too quick for us, but it looks like Soundman managed to place a barrier around you. We'll use that to lead the charge. Just watch out 'cause Soundman is a little worse for wear and we'll need to do what we can to see him through this."

"An-nd the NetPo-Olice?"

"Not much we can do. Unfortunately, it looks like we're on our own here. We'll protect him if we have the chance, but right now I am more concerned with getting you and Soundman out of harm's way. Same goes for the Mafia. If we get the chance, we'll go for the apprehension, but our resources are spread a little thin."

"I wo-woul..."

"I don't like it any more than you do, but we do what we must in order to survive."

"As...As you s-say, S-Sire."

"Now, you still have your sword so make use of it. Cut down those overzealous Metool and then go to work on whatever those fiery furnace things are. It isn't much, but I'll send you the Recov30 for Soundman. Do you best and try not to let those bastards drag you down!"

Runeknight nodded in grim determination as he stared down the viruses that confronted him and his companions. Electricity still surged throughout his body, jolts of white lightning that danced along his jet black armor, while Soundman's barrier settled over him as a faint blue shimmer of light. Runeknight twirled his sword in his hands, its ebony form leaving a faint afterimage as it spun about, as he planned his strike. The metool were obviously the weakest of the viruses, despite their surge in power from what he was accustomed to, but were they weak enough to be felled by a single blow from his sword? The Navi doubted that this was the case. Still, if he weakened them enough, perhaps Soundman could finish the deed.

Runeknight charged forward, his cobalt cape billowing in the tainted wind of the dark network. The runes engraved on his sword flashed brightly, the Rune of Breaking flaring to life and shining brighter than all the rest. Runeknight bore down on the first Metool, his sword flashing across in a horizontal slash at the diminutive creature. He hoped to cleave the virus in twain, but he was no longer sure of the power that he held within him compared to these denizens of the deep net. Another Metool reared before him and Runeknight pivoted to his left, bringing his sword down in a wicked backhand chop. A third Metool rose to confront him and Runeknight smashed down with his sword, both hands gripping the leather wrapped hilt to decimate anything that stood in his way.

Doubting his success, but knowing that he dared not spend too much time in melee range of the viruses, Runeknight leaped away from the trio of Metool. He felt that perhaps he should concentrate on the fiery viruses that stood to the right of the group. Runeknight summoned his reserves of strength, channeling the remnants of his energy into his blade. A shimmer of aqua light spread across the jet black blade, a liquid sheen that rippled of its own accord. The knight took aim at the trio of flaming viruses, steeling himself for what he was about to do. Runeknight took three steps forward and then pivoted to his left. The Navi spun into a short pirrouette, slicing the sword though the air in a backhand motion, and released the hilt to send it hurling toward the viruses.

Runeknight didn't bother to watch the blade spin toward its mark, instead running over to Soundman and producing a small crystal vial filled with a light blue liquid. Runeknight offered the vial to Soundman with a quick smile.

"This isn't much, but it should relieve some of your wounds."

Summary:
Rune of Vigor is active(Heal by 20)
1. STUN'D!
2. WideSword(Break Imbued 80 DMG) to Metool2A, B and C
3. Dodge
4. Wideshot(60, Aqua) to OldHeaterA, B and C
5. Recov30 to Soundman
((Yeah yeah, quit'cher bellyachin'. I was busy this week. Apologies.))

"Thanks." Soundman said graciously, grasping the vial and popping its' cork off. He pulled the small container to his lips with a thirst in his eyes, and drank the whole of its' contents in one swift, loud gulp.

He pulled the tiny glass vial away from his lips once he'd emptied it with a sigh, then went to hand it back to Runeknight- only to discover it was gone. Huh.

Soundman blinked for a moment, bewildered, then dismissed his train of thought and tilted his head towards the enemies, casting a calculating glance across the battlefield.

"Trenn." He said simply, eyes steeling as he looked onward.

"Yeah. We can't just curl up and die now, can we?" In the real world, Trenn grinned as he checked over Soundman's stats. "You should be able to take a decent hit or two if you charge, but the threat I'm worried about most is those Swordy. They're close-combat masters, if I remember right... and that doesn't bode well for either you or Runeknight."

"I can see the point of that, Trenn, but... what about the other viruses? I don't think Runeknight's attacks will quite finish them off." Soundman said worriedly over the now-private line, the harsh look in his eyes faltering.

"We'll take out those after we've smacked up the Swordy viruses a fair bit." Trenn seemed to just smile past Soundman's worries, and this showed heavily in his voice, but in truth the operator was worried. His- heck, his everything was sweating, he was rapidly tapping his foot on the ground without any sort of pace or rhythm, and he found himself glancing at the Jack Out button far too often, despite the fact that he knew it wouldn't work.

"Go ahead and take out those Swordy viruses, and we'll see what we can do from there. Just try not to get hit." Trenn said, pulling up a small third-person view of the battlefield.

"Alright Trenn." Soundman replied, determination flaring in his eyes once more. "Let's go!"

And so Soundman charged. His feet seemed to leave the ground entirely as he sped forward, the constant, unwavering hum of his Restez sig like blood music in his ears as he ran into what he knew could be his death. What should, given his odds, be his death. And yet he still charged anyway.

He neared the Swordy viruses far too quickly, right arm cocked left across his chest, and let out a guttural roar of battle as he stopped, using his residual momentum to cut a deadly, left-to-right arc through the air with his Widesword. The blade pushed the virtual air out of its' way- no, that was incorrect, it rent the air in two, Soundman would rationalize later, with a small, nearly-imperceptible whistle as his arm propelled it through the air towards his right.

Soundman's sword-arm snapped back at the end of the arc with far too much force, pulling on his shoulder with enough power to rip it clean off if he were human. But that was a big 'if'. His digital muscles pulled and strained to move his arm back forward into an acceptable position, and he let out a small cry as he brought his sword-arm back forward to strike again.

The Widesword seemed brilliant when he brought it back through the air again, shining as it continued back towards him with that same, deadly promise. But this time Soundman would not allow his own force to be turned against him. This time, he would use it to his advantage.

Soundman spun with the strike, the momentum making him do a full 360 before he managed to get it under control. He didn't stop for one singular second, but turned instead towards the Metool. He suddenly thrust his arm out to the side and glared, then ran, full-tilt, towards the Metool.

Soundman knew that he should stop, his mind was screaming for him go back to Runeknight and defend for all he was worth, but his body wasn't listening. His legs still pulled him forward, his arm still tensed as it steeled itself to clothesline the Metool viruses that he was racing towards.

Soundman finally reached the Metool after what was, in reality, a short dash, but seemed to him to be an eternity. He ran past the Metool in a classic clothesline with a new twist- that being his blade. If the little things didn't preemptively duck below their helmets, this would cut them in two. His senses numbed as he completed the run, Widesword disappearing off of his arm as he stopped suddenly, then backflipped.

Time slowed to a stop. Soundman watched the battlefield for forever and a day as he hung, upside down, gazing at his work. A chip suddenly reached him, and he knew exactly what to do next. What would finish his run, what might, just might, god-willing, finish the last of the viruses. His arm shot outward in slow-motion, index finger outstretched like a gun, and a small, crystalline, sapphire orb shot from his fingertip toward the ground near the OldHeater viruses.

Time started again with a jolt, and Soundman suddenly found himself sprawled out on the ground, defenseless. He silently prayed that he had gotten them all...

1: Widesword (80) @ Swordy2 viruses
2: Widesword (80) @ Swordy2 viruses
3: Widesword (80) @ Metool2 viruses
4: Icewave1 (80 Aqua) @ Any of the OldHeater viruses

--Sig Cooldowns--

Healing Serenade: 1 TCD
Restez: In Use