The Dark Knight Returns Once More!

The insane cacklings from above turned into a shout of strangled fury as the blizzard sent the RootVirus reeling. Its howl was lost amidst the temporary screeching of the frigid wind. The massive virus seemed to quickly collect itself, though, and leapt into the air with surprising agility for such an unwieldy-looking specimen. It came crashing back down, sending a huge shockwave rolling across the ground toward Runeknight, but the Navi had already warped to safety behind the RootVirus.

His BigHammer came down on its backside, smashing it into the panels underfoot. Roaring in supreme ferocity, it whirled on a dime and spat what seemed like an entire tree forth from its gullet. The log crashed into Runeknight, sending him stumbling. He followed up with a Rune Blast that set the RootVirus aflame, and the strange, mutated creature took off in circles around the Navi, yelping as it extinguished the fire that had been attempting to consume it. Runeknight thought that he had managed to distract the RootVirus for the time being, but suddenly he was smacked in the side of the head by the virus's long, slobbering tongue.

RootVirus: 470 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 90 HP
Runeknight stumbled to his left as the long tongue smashed against his helmet. He was dazed, but he managed to stagger toward the wall and regain his balance. All of his strikes had found their mark, but the strange virus had retaliated with incredible ferocity. The Navi would have to finish the virus quickly if he wanted to survive this battle.

"Runeknight!" Zan shouted. "Are you alright? That crazed virus can dish out some pain."

"I am fine, Sire," Runeknight answered. "Though I am a little dazed from that blow to the head."

"Well be careful. You are down to less than two thirds of your system efficiency."

"Then let us improve my chances."

The Navi gestured with his left hand, a large wooden crossbow materializing in his grasp. The weapon was already loaded and a glass scope was attached to the top of the stock. Runeknight took aim quickly, allowing the enchanted scope to zero in on the circling virus. A targeting reticule appeared within his visor, hovering over the virus before locking on and flaring a deep crimson. Runeknight slid his finger over the trigger, squeezing softly, and a blast of energy exploded from the crossbow. The bolt of energy ripped through the air toward the large virus.

Without missing a beat, Runeknight tossed away the crossbow as his spear appeared within his hands. He pivoted on his left foot, taking a full spin as his spear flashed with an aquamarine light. A wave of energy separated from the shaft of the spear, sailing toward the virus like a wave of pure water. Runeknight's spear vanished in a flash of cobalt light as the wave hurtled toward the virus.

Runeknight began a low chant, reaching with one hand toward the virus, armored fingers spread wide. A circle of darkness opened below the virus, the surface churning and bubbling with malign intent. Runeknight armor shined with an azure light, restoring his vitality and repairing his armor. As his chant reached a crescendo, black flames erupted from the dark circle. The flames reached high, attempting to engulf the virus.

Intent on protecting himself from the viral onslaught, Runeknight raised his arm to block. A black and cobalt shield appeared on his arm and he held it high. With any luck, the virus would harm itself when it tried to strike his shield.

Summary:
~ Knightly Aura is active
1. MarkCannon(70) to Root Virus
2. Wideshot(80) to Root Virus
3. Rune Purge(70) to Root Virus with heal(25) to Runeknight
4. Guard1
The MarkCannon locked on and blasted a leg straight off the RootVirus. The huge amalgamation of viruses looked totally shocked for a split-second, and then seemed to get right over the pain of losing one of its appendages. Its jaw yawned open, and it vanished entirely. Runeknight knew that it would show up behind him, trying to catch him off-guard, and whirled around. However, the RootVirus wasn't there, and the creature reappeared right in the place where it had disappeared from. A huge sphere of molten rock crashed into Runeknight from behind. Turning around again, Runeknight returned the attack with a well-placed Wideshot, quickly followed by his signature Rune Purge. His Guard came up just in time to reflect a spinning ring of electricity that the RootVirus had hurled in his direction.

RootVirus: 210 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 55 HP
"Runeknight!" Zan shouted as his Navi stumbled back.

"I am fine," Runeknight stretched his arm as the shield data shattered. "This creatures offensive is impressive and far stronger than I had given it credit for, but my shield held."

"You are down to thirty three percent of your full power. Your armor won't hold against many more impacts."

"Worry not, Sire. He shall not hit me again."

The Navi took off at a forty five degree angle toward the left side of the amalgamated virus. His cape billowed out behind him as he ran, the fluttering cobalt cloth obscuring his form. A small golden ring appeared in his hand and Runeknight clutched it tightly as he ran. The Navi leaped through the air, tumbling into a roll that left him facing the virus. He hurled the ring, the electrical device pucking up incredible speed as it soared toward the virus.

Within seconds, Runeknight's crossbow appeared in his hand. A flaming arrow was loaded into the weapon and Runeknight took careful aim. The flames danced along the arrow and Runeknight used the fires to guide his hand. He slipped his finger over the trigger and gave it a light squeeze. The fiery bolt exploded from the crossbow, leaving a streak of light hanging in the air as it sailed toward the virus.

Runeknight brought up his shield once more, blocking his body from the strange virus' retaliation. This monster he faced was quite powerful and he had little doubt that it would delete him if given the chance. He had to protect himself from its strikes, or else this creature would live to fulfill its master's wishes of harming the Net.

Summary:
~ Knightly Aura is active
1. Dodge
2. Zapring1(40) plus stun to RootVirus
3. Heatshot(40) to RootVirus
4. Guard1
The gigantic virus that the twisted scientist had produced to destroy Runeknight was definitely looking as though it was in some seriously bad shape. Despite the multiple gashes, burns and abrasions that covered it, though, it let out a frenzied roar and snapped its neck downward. Its entire head rotated on a pair of bolts on either side of its neck, falling down like a cover that had been lowered to expose a cannon that protruded from its throat. With a resounding boom the virus fired, but Runeknight jumped right around it, avoiding the shot entirely. He returned the offensive with a carefully aimed Zapring. The circle of electricity caused the RootVirus's entire body to seize up in the action of flipping its head back up.

Runeknight capitalized on the opening he had been given, delivering a follow-up Heatshot that burnt off a large part of the virus's robe. His Guard came up, but the RootVirus was just recovering from its paralyzation, unable to attack any further at the moment. Wisps of coding were drifting off the shield, and it wouldn't last much longer..

RootVirus: 120 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 55 HP [Guard equipped! It'll last until the end of your first action!]
"This is the end," Runeknight smiled beneath his mask. "Once I slay this strange beast, I shall turn my blade onto its creator. Sire, let us finish this."

"You got it." Zan smirked as he slotted in a last few BattleChips.

The knightly Navi nodded as he stood his ground, facing the monstrous creature as it howled in rage. Runeknight held his shield high, blocking his chest and neck while serving the dual purpose of concealing his other hand. The enchantment of the shield was fading fast, the magnificently crafted steel quickly deteriorating. He doubted that it could even absorb another hit, but it could serve him in other means.

Hidden behind the shield, a wooden crossbow materialized within the Navi's hand. It formed from a mass of sparkling, cobalt data, the black lacquered wooden frame worked with intricate silver carvings. Attached to the bottom of the crossbow was a wooden block filled with crossbow bolts. The clip was designed in such a way as to allow Runeknight to fire the weapon in rapid succession. The Navi steadied his arm, ready to aim.

In an explosion of movement, Runeknight swung his defending arm out to the side, tossing the shield away in an effort to distract the virus. From behind the cover, Runeknight raised the crossbow to shoulder level. He slipped his finger over the trigger and squeezed tightly. A hailstorm of arrows exploded out of the crossbow and ripped through the air toward the virus. Runeknight held his arm steady, using his other hand to keep the crossbow from shifting as it pumped out arrow after arrow.

A final, massive arrow loaded itself into the crossbow. This arrow gleamed with a crystalline light that shined obsidian. Cobalt flames erupted along the length of the arrow, glowing brighter as Runeknight began a low chant. Shouting a final word of command, Runeknight pulled the trigger and launched the arrow toward the virus. It left a burning blue trail as it sliced through the trail.

Summary:
~ Knightly Aura is active
1. Toss Guard aside to distract the virus.
2. Vulcan2 (5x15) to virus
3. Vulcan1 (3x10) to virus
4. Rune Blast(90) to virus
As Runeknight tossed the Guard aside, the snarling RootVirus suddenly went sprinting off after it, its metal feet clanking loudly as it loped across the laboratory. It slid into the flying Guard's path and hopped into the air, catching the shield in its mouth. As it landed again, it seemed to be almost wagging its tail...

Then Runeknight's Vulcan shots slammed into the RootVirus, sending it spiralling back into its feral state of mind once more. It was thrown head over heels, tumbling across the floor. Runeknight showed the RootVirus no mercy; he followed with another, although less powerful, version of the first chip. In a final, desperate attempt to destroy its foe, the RootVirus sent its leafy ears flying off its head. As they floated serenely toward the ground, the two leaves split themselves into a storm of smaller fragments, all of them carried on a sudden and unseen wind toward Runeknight. His Rune Blast was put momentarily on hold as the flurry of sharp-edged leaves cut through armour and data alike with surprising effectiveness.

Runeknight rolled back to his feet and brought up his crossbow once again. The RootVirus, sparking from every joint, could only watch as the deep blue fire rushed toward it, sending it reeling and inducing a chain reaction that caused every part of the RootVirus to systematically explode...

Once the blasts of fire had been extinguished, there was nothing left...

RootVirus: DELETED!

--VICTORY ASSURED! BOSS ANNULED!--

Get: 2000z!

Runeknight wasn't done yet, though. He was still on the alert for the scientist that had caused all of this in the first place. A screeching whine of misery from the steel beams that served as rafters above told him that the scientist was still about...

Mysterious Scientist: ??? HP

Runeknight: 15 HP [[color=red]WARNING! APPROACHING DELETION THRESHOLD! WARNING![/color]]
The razor-edged leaves had twirled around him like a tornado, slicing through his armor as though it were cloth, but it was done. Runeknight's enchanted arrow had found its mark and the beast was no more. Now only the monster's creator remained to be caught, but Runeknight, the dark blue light of his core data seeping through the cracks in his armor, was nearly spent.

"Sire," Runeknight panted. "What would you have me do?"

I want you to jack-out and heal up," Zan pleaded. "But I know that isn't what you want to do."

"We may never have another chance to apprehend this fiend. I am dearly wounded, but...I need to pursue."

"Alright, but if your undershirt kicks in, I'm pulling you out of there."

"Agreed."

"Just dodge for a bit, until you can lure him out of those rafters alright? Stall for time until I can get your Purge operational again."

"Yes, Sire."

Despite his words, Zan slotted in a single BattleChip. It was a long shot, but it may be able to help Runeknight out of this predicament. The data surged though the Navi's systems, coalescing into the form of a small cube that appeared in his hand. The cube fit perfectly in his palm, hovering slightly as it rotated slowly and flashed with an alternating red and blue light.

The cube hovered into the air, expanding as it rose until it was as large as the Navi himself. The alternating lights bathed the entire area in splashes of red and blue. Runeknight was unsure of what the BattleChip would do, its outcome based entirely on luck and required little skill, but a lot of faith.

Unconcerned with the floating cube, Runeknight began to stalk around the room while staring into the rafters. He had heard the wicked scientist whining from up above him. The spider-like Navi was crafty and quite nimble. Runeknight was determined not to be caught unaware in his weakened state. His eyes glanced around as he moved around the room, searching for the Navi and intent on protecting himself from any sneak attacks. He just had to buy Zan some time.

"Come on out, vile Navi." He shouted up into the rafters. "Your beast is gone and now you must pay for your crimes. Face the justice of the NetPolice or else be deleted where you stand."

Summary:
1. DBLCube(30) heal to Runeknight or (30) damage to Scientist.
2-4: Dodge
The DBLCUBE shifted through its colours, and suddenly halted on a searing red. A wave of crimson light swept up into the rafters. It cut through the steel beams as if they were made of toothpicks, and sent a tsunami of metal falling down toward the laboratory below. Runeknight dashed off toward one of the edges of the wide platform upon which he stood, just able to clear the avalanche of steel in time. The metal hit the ground with a series of resounding crashes, throwing up a huge cloud of digital dust that completely obscured Runeknight's vision.

The dust slowly settled again. Nothing in the huge pile of broken steel moved--no, except for the plate near the middle that was wiggling slightly. A huge, clawed, black hand smashed up from underneath the plate, sending it flying high into the air and off the edge of the platform. The black arm, made entirely of muscle and tendon, groped around for something to hang on to, seized a handful of broken steel, and hauled its owner out.

The scientist had been shredded by the DBLCUBE and the subsequent fall. Large patches of his armour were completely missing, revealing the tight black skin underneath. His four clawed arms spread out and forced the scientist up, allowing him to swing his feet underneath his body. The arms lowered him down, letting him stand upright under his own power. The corrupted Navi swayed dangerously from side to side, though, doing nothing about the vast streams of coding that were trickling off of its body.

"326J HATE YOU," it shrieked at Runeknight. "326J SURRENDER NEVER TO POLICE OF NET! PERISH, POLICE OF NET!"

All of a sudden, yet another virus capsule was in one of its huge black arms. It hurled the capsule to the ground halfway between itself and Runeknight, but instead of producing another challenge for the NetPolice Navi, it simply spewed a think black smoke that engulfed Runeknight in a choking cloud. The Navi fought his way out of it, coughing, just in time to see 326J tottering up the side of the pile of steel rather than going around it. A metal beam caught his foot, tripping him, and he hit the ground hard. The corrupted Navi exploded into a billion particles of crystalline light, which ascended to the heavens, leaving Runeknight alone in the ruined lab.

326J: EMERGENCY JACK-OUT!

Runeknight: 15 HP [[color=red]WARNING! APPROACHING DELETION THRESHOLD! WARNING![/color]]

--VICTORY ASSURED?--
"Well damn," Zan was shocked. "He ran? He must a lot weaker than he looks."

"A coward," Runeknight panted. "One who hides behind the innocents he turns to monsters."

"Yeah, but don't worry. We'll get him. I placed an APB with his description. If anyone spots him, we'll know about it."

"Thank you, Sire. Now, if you would?"

"Oh? Did you want to jack out?"

"Not at all. If you would patch me up a bit, I am more than willing to continue on. It is our duty to patrol as far as we are able."

"Yeah, let me just grab an EnergyPack."

Zan searched through his BattleChip container and pulled out a small package containing some SubChips. He tossed a few of the chips aside, finally singling out an EnergyPack. Despite Runeknight's bravado, Zan knew that his Navi was critically wounded and that not even the EnergyPack would restore him to his full capabilities. He slotted in the chip and activated it.

A light blue circle surrounded Runeknight and the Navi was bathed in a healing blue light. The gashes in his armor sealed shut and the scorch marks from the virus' fiery breath were cleared away. As the light faded, Runeknight stood tall. He was just Purge away from being fully restored.

Runeknight summoned his spear in a flash of cobalt light and headed out of the ruined laboratory. What other horrors awaited him deeper in the Network?

Use: EnergyPack

((Battle 11))
((Bump))
S Brigade. Oh snap.

SpookyA: 50 HP
SpookyB: 50 HP
SpookyC: 50 HP
SpikeyA: 90 HP
SpikeyB: 90 HP
SpikeyC: 90 HP
SeedbatA: 50 HP
SeedbatB: 50 HP
SeedbatC: 50 HP
ShrubbyA: 50 HP
ShrubbyB: 50 HP
ShrubbyC: 50 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 115 HP

--FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE!--
Runeknight slowed his pace as he observed the mass of viruses approaching. There had to have been at least twelve in all, with four groups each holding three different viruses. It was a powerful force allied against the Navi, but Runeknight heaved a sigh of relief. At least they were not the fusion viruses of 326J, proving that the lunatic Navi was no longer in the area.

Runeknight's spear appeared in a flash of cobalt light and the armored Navi began to spin the weapon. It was slow at first, but he gradually picked up momentum until the jet black spear was a blur of movement. A cerulean aura grew along the shaft of the spear as Zan slotted in a trio of BattleChips. The surge of energy flared within the spear, the the aura taking on its own shape and form. With a quick pivot, Runeknight released his grip on the spear with one hand and twisted to the left. The spear swung in a wide arch, the aura separating from the shaft to sail through the air toward the snarling, wolf like viruses.

The Navi's spear vanished as quickly as it had come and a jet black crossbow appeared in its place. A flaming arrow was already lodged within the stock of the bow and Runeknight took careful aim at the leafy bats fluttering over the battlefield. They moved quickly and with random spurts, but Runeknight was experienced in dealing with the strange viruses. He slipped his finger over the trigger of the crossbow, squeezing softly. The arrow streaked out of the weapon, leaving a blazing trail as it soared toward the viruses. The arrow exploded inches from its target, the flames expanding in an effort to set the closest bats ablaze.

Runeknight took up a low chant, the words leaving his lips with a rhythmic cadence. As his chant grew louder, a blue light shined across his armor and a black pit opened beneath one of the ghost-like viruses. As his words reached a crescendo, pillar of dark flame erupted from the pit, threatening to engulf the virus even as the blue light healed the remaining damage to Runeknight's armor.

With a final action, Runeknight brought up his trusty shield. He was intent on blocking any attacks from the remaining viruses, on taking as few hits as possible in order to conserve his strength for the trials to come.

Summary:
1. Wideshot(160) to Spikey group
2. Heatshot(80) to SeedBats A and B
3. Rune Purge(70) to SpookyA plus heal(25) to Runeknight
4. Guard1
((Bump))
The viruses were barraged and found themselves falling very quickly to RuneKnight's attacks; wide blasts of aura sliced through Spikies, flaming arrows skewered Seedbats, and a certain pit consumed a certain floating ghost-like virus. RuneKnight felt his strength replinished as he rose a shield to defend himself.

The one remaining seedbat was too busy saving its hide to react. The Spookies quickly saw the error of staying in one place for too long, and moved forward to attack. One missed, but the other hit RuneKnight's shield, only to have its attack reflected into its own skeletal face. The shrubbies, feeling confident as the only group not to be attacked, let forth a constant stream of logs. RuneKnight felt two connect, but shrugged them off easily. Even his mighty shinguards, however, left through a little twang of pain with the last log's connection

SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: 50 HP
SpookyC: 40 HP
SpikeyA: DELETED!
SpikeyB: DELETED!
SpikeyC: DELETED!
SeedbatA: DELETED!
SeedbatB: DELETED!
SeedbatC: 50 HP
ShrubbyA: 50 HP
ShrubbyB: 50 HP
ShrubbyC: 50 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 130 HP
Runeknight felt a small twinge of pain as a trio of logs smashed against his armored legs. He stumbled forward, but managed to keep his balance and maintained a steady, if awkward, charge around the group of viruses. The knightly Navi broke into a zigzag pattern, pivoting to the left and right to throw off the aim of the attacking creatures. He hoped that he could finish the battle without any further trouble.

His crossbow appeared in his hands in a flash of cobalt light. It was perfect timing as the pair of ghostly viruses loomed ahead of him. As Runeknight strafed the viruses, he took steady aim with his crossbow, hoping to catch both of the viruses with the explosive loaded in his bow. He slid his finger over the trigger and squeezed lightly. An arrow zipped from the stock of the jet black bow and sailed through the air, only to explode into a hail of iron pellets a few feet from the ghostly duo. With any luck, both of the ghosts would be shredded by the buckshot hailstorm.

"Alright Runeknight," Zan called. "Let's try out this new BattleChip I just received in a trade."

"Yes Sire." Runeknight answered with an affirmative nod.

Runeknight tossed aside his bow, the weapon vanishing in a flash of light seconds before striking the ground. He held his right arm out to his side as the BattleChip energy surged through his body. It was an instinctive move, almost a suggestion from the enchantment of the chip itself. Crimson flames sprouted from his armor, cascading down to wreathe his armored fist in a growing inferno. The Navi charged toward remaining Seedbat, the fluttering creature hovering just within his reach, and leaped into the air to deliver a flaming uppercut. Runeknight could feel the rush of flames, but no connection. Had the virus burned up on impact? Or had he missed? Runeknight wasn't sure and now was not the time to care.

As he landed, crimson flames turned to cobalt as they drifted across his armored frame to settle in the palm of his left hand. Runeknight pivoted to the right, bringing his arm around with his palm pointed toward a huddling Shrubby. The Navi shouted a word of command, willing the mystical flames to react. The cobalt fires erupted from his hand, reaching out in an attempt to engulf the leafy virus.

Summary:
1. Dodge
2. Shotgun(50) to SpookyB and C
3. FireHit(60x2) to SeedbatC
4. Rune Blast(90) to ShrubbyA
The Shotgun blast ate up the targeted Spooky before it could warp clear of the blast zone. A Seedbat was consumed by the unusually red fire of Runeknight's Firehit, and the explosion of more normal blue flame tore apart a rather horrified-looking Shrubby. A Spooky that had evaded the wrath of the Shotgun teleported in behind Runeknight, but he simply ducked underneath the virus's swinging tongue.

SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!
SpookyC: 40 HP
SpikeyA: DELETED!
SpikeyB: DELETED!
SpikeyC: DELETED!
SeedbatA: DELETED!
SeedbatB: DELETED!
SeedbatC: DELETED!
ShrubbyA: DELETED!
ShrubbyB: 50 HP
ShrubbyC: 50 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 130 HP
Runeknight saw the spectral virus approaching, read its intent in its slobbering expression. The creature had teleported away to dodge the spread of his explosive arrow and now it would teleport again in an effort to strike back. A small surge of energy rippled through his body as Zan slotted in another BattleChip and a small golden ring materialized in his left hand. Electricity crackled along the Mobius loop of the ring as it gave off a low hum. Sensing danger, Runeknight ducked low as a tongue, dripping ghostly slobber, sailed over his head. He retaliated, launching the small ring at the virus with blinding speed.

The knightly Navi fell into a roll, landing in a crouch a few feet from the Spooky. He ignored the annoying virus, launching himself to his feet and pivoting to the left. The remaining duo of Shrubby quivered helplessly a few yards away. Runeknight's crossbow appeared in his hand, a large clasp of arrows attached to the jet black, wooden stock. Runeknight took careful aim, one hand held on the top of the bow to steady it. He pulled the trigger and the weapon came to life with a multitude of twangs. A hailstorm of crossbow bolts ripped through the air toward the two shrub-like viruses. Runeknight fanned the weapon left and right, attempting to mow down both of the viruses with the mass of arrows.

His clip finally expended, Runeknight tossed aside the crossbow and summoned his spear in a flash of cobalt light. BattleChip energy flooded through the weapon, twisting its frame and molding it to a new form. The metallic shaft seemed to wilt just inches above Runeknight's grip, the tip of the spear falling to touch the ground as the long, metal rod reformed into a jet black chain. The spear tip morphed as well, rounding out into a perfect sphere with a series of wooden spikes jutting from it.

Runeknight stalked toward the viruses, swinging the spiked ball above his head by the steel rod attached to the chain. The twirling weapon shrieked through the air as the Navi approached the viruses and Runeknight guided his hand toward the left most Shrubby. The spiked ball sailed through the air in a wide arch, threatening to smash the virus within its sweeping reach.

Summary:
1. Zapring(40 + stun) to SpookyC
2. Vulcan2(5x15) to ShrubbyB
3. Vulcan1(3x10) to ShrubbyC
4. Cactiball(3x20) to ShrubbyC
The final remaining Spooky spasmed madly as the Zapring's electricity overrode its movement systems and blew out the rest of its programming. One Shrubby leapt behind the other, and rolled a log toward Runeknight; the medieval Navi was nearly taken right off his feet by the attack. A flurry of high-speed buckshot tore apart one of the Shrubbies, while a combination of a smaller spread of offense and a cactus head knocked out the last.

SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!
SpookyC: DELETED!
SpikeyA: DELETED!
SpikeyB: DELETED!
SpikeyC: DELETED!
SeedbatA: DELETED!
SeedbatB: DELETED!
SeedbatC: DELETED!
ShrubbyA: DELETED!
ShrubbyB: DELETED!
ShrubbyC: DELETED!

Runeknight.EXE: 120 HP

--VICTORY ASSURED!--

Get: Recov10, 550z!
"Hm," Runeknight said as he bent down to pick up the data that lay before him. "This seems like some sort of healing spell, Sire."

"Oh?" Zan scanned the BattleChip. "Yeah, it's a Recover10. It's not very powerful, but it has it's uses."

Runeknight nodded and continued deeper into the Net.

((Battle 12...Feeling so uninspired right now))