Oh, the IQ Difference...

(( OOoooh... You've been sick. Sorry. You coulda told us, though. :/ ))

"Alright." Jay started, looking at the damage that the team dealt to the group of viruses. "Let's hit those stragglers with both our remaining chips."

"Sounds good to me. Maybe WE'LL finish the battle this time." Big replied, glancing at Enigma. Jay placed in the last two chips that they had; a Rageclaw and a Cannon. Big took the data, and decided to utilize the cannon first.

The gigantic bazooka appeared again, which Big carried on his shoulder effortlessly. For the first time, Big noticed a small scope on the side of the weapon, which he promptly peered through. He took aim using the cross hairs inside the gun, making sure that the small dot on the middle rested juuuuust between the unscathed Met's eyes. Once Big had a satisfactory aim, he pulled the trigger, and fired the blast of data.

Immediately after firing, the Cannon disappeared, and the next chip began loading. Once the Rageclaw had been fully transfered into Big's weapon slot, nothing happened at first. Big looked at his hands, trying to spot something different, but could not find anything. Angrily, he stared up at Jay's monitor and shouted, "What're you tryin' ta pull, huh? You gave me a broke chip!"

"I didn't know it was broke!" Jay replied, just as loud. "I wouldn'tve [Hybrid contraction for: 'would not have'] slotted it in if I did..."

"Bah! Whatever! Do we have any other-....huh...?" Big began, but was abruptly cut off by a tingling sensation in his hands. The tingling grew more predominant, and soon, visible fluxing data was showing up in both of Big's hands.

"Jay... wha's goin' on?" Big muttered, staring at his rematerializing hands.

"I dunno... I thought the chip was broke!" Jay whimpered back as he read the chip description again. "Somethin's bound ta happen, though."

"B-b-but...what?" Big stuttered. Then, it happened. The fluxing suddenly stopped, and a surge of pain shot through Big's arms. Both arms appeared to be translucent for a split second, but for that time, a stream of data heading from the left arm to the right was clearly visible. After a moment of this pain, Big looked at left hand it terror; it was shrinking! He watched in slowly reduce in side until it was...proportionately correct. (THE TERROR)

Gradually, Big transfixed his gaze on his other arm which happened to be... even larger. Massive, in fact. His right arm was now double Big's size and weight by itself, and maybe some more. Big, now completely astonished, grumbled, "...So the energy from my left arm moved over ta my right 'un?"

"Sounds about right. " Jay said casually, shrugging. "Now how about ya USE the darn thing?"

Big smiled without a world, and dashed forward at max speed... before being jerked back by his own arm. It was almost too heavy for Big to move now, but thankfully, Big had a plan. He began to trudge slowly towards the viruses, dragging his arm along the ground slowly. He began to accelerate, becoming faster and faster, and being able to do so by racking up momentum. Soon he as at a relatively good speed, his arm still trailing behind.

Big was coming up quickly on the last remaining virus. As soon as he got into sticking distance, however, he stopped, and lifted his arm high into the air using his own momentum. The shadow from the massive appendage was cast down onto the Met, before the arm simply dropped onto it.

Using the same strategy as before Big returned to his place, so he could (attempt to) dodge any incoming attacks.

_______
1. Cannon(40) > MetC
2. Rageclaw(40) > MetEX C
3. Dodge
((I DID tell Hiko in the chat, I believe. Not my fault he didn't listen.))
= You told me when, exactly? If you'd told me that, I wouldn't have been so impatient. It's just that you'd been on these past few days, but hadn't modded me. =

Enigma grinned. Sure, sure, go for it-- but RageClaws aren't so accurate, he cautioned, and then looked to the stunned Met with a glint in his eye. Ceres? Can I get a Bighammer down here?

All yours, bud, Ceres grinned, sending him the Bighammer with relish. You really are one for overkill, aren't you?

I s'pose, Enigma replied meekly, and then grinned as the colossal mallet began to form. In preparation, he put the arm which would be turning into the hammer backwards, letting the three-Enigma-length weapon trail behind him, just like Big had done with his arm. I think you got everything, bud, but just in case there's anything left...

I'll send you a Cannon afterwards, just for good measure, Ceres laughed. Come to think of it, I'm beginning to enjoy this-- that battle back in Yoka was just plain freaky.

Yeah... this is going so much easier, especially with Big here to help, agreed Enigma, and with that last bit of conversation finished, he rushed into the fray. Again. Holding the Bighammer up in the air just as effortlessly as if it was a toy he'd won at a fair, he proceeded to actually sprint toward the Mets-- with legs! As he approached, he carefully lowered the hammer down horizontally so that it was at the stunned Met's height, and skidded to a halt. Full count, and the bases are loaded... Enigma wound the hammer backwards... the pitcher gives a fastball, and it's a swing-- the hammer begins to rush through the air-- and it's a home run! Enigma laughed as he let the hammer swing through where the Met was, at least. Overkill at its finest-- and, look! More needless violence! Enigma grinned, and then began to laugh quietly to himself as a Cannon arranged itself neatly on his arm. You know what-- that's boring, Enigma murmured, and then disappeared. Completely. The floating Cannon then began to move backwards slowly until it was a good distance away from the last Met-- and then something very curious began to happen.

The Cannon seemed to be having something formed around it. First, it was pointed almost directly upwards, and then its barrel was augmented by a series of data blocks, which were, of course, colored Enigma's purple. It now had a decently long barrel, somewhat like a tank's, and then the Cannon was enveloped in the purple, forming a triangular stand that looked almost like a camera's stand. Eventually, the data formed around the Cannon to look like a piece of modern artillery-- which was exactly what Enigma was going to use it for. The barrel moved down and left slightly, as if aiming-- and then a thunderous explosion went off, sending a burst of data upwards and then spiraling downwards upon the Met. As soon as the Cannon dissipated, the artillery did as well, and formed itself back into a dodge-rolling Enigma, which would probably be thoroughly unnecessary. Can't be too careful...

=-=-=

Enigma.EXE
HP
: 120
1: Bighammer > MetEXC [160 DMG + Impact + Break]
2: Cannon > MetC [40 DMG]
3-4: DO A BARREL ROLL. [Dodges]
With crushings and doom, do the metools fall. When the dust clears, there is nothing left but the scrap data.

Reward: 370z
FXP:1

[Modlocked]
Enigma did a traditional fist-pump, and then ventured even further into the Net. You got to do the honors that time, Big...

= BATTLE 4: GO GO GO! =
Big attempted to give Enigma a high-five, but saw that he was already heading further in. With a sigh, Big followed.

[Poor Big. He just wanted a high-five. Next battle plox.]
Big and Enigma stumble across a group of Metool EXs seemingly conversing with each other in their meep-y language, all of them wielding not pickaxes, but...

...

Inflatable plastic swords?

One of the Mets bops another one on its' helmet with the sword, causing the entire group to burst into a strange, meeping laughter.

Metool EX A: 70 (Plastic sword!)
Metool EX B: 70 (Plastic sword!)
Metool EX C: 70 (Plastic sword!)
Metool EX D: 70 (Plastic sword!)
Metool EX E: 70 (Plastic sword!)
Metool EX F: 70 (Plastic sword!)

Big: 100
Enigma: 120
= Twi has refused Harbin's modlock.
It's super effective!
XD =


Enigma, as he approached the newest group of Mets, began to get very worried indeed. Does this seem... odd... to you? he said to no one in particular, although he turned to Big as he said it. I would've been suspicious just with the Mets, but the swords, too? This feels like a setup.

I don't know, they just look like normal Mets, but with custom weapons... Ceres muttered in absentminded reply, hurriedly tapping some buttons on his PET in rapid succession in an attempt to learn more about the new Mets.

I don't know... it seems almost like they're mocking us, Enigma replied, watching with a sort of wary curiosity as the Mets played with their interesting "weapons"-- if they could even be called that. I'm going to take this one niiiice and slow.

What? Just take them out like you did the others. They're not that much stronger... Ceres shrugged, a bit shocked at Enigma's sudden loss of confidence.

It's not like it hurts me at all... plus, what harm can come from treading softly? Enigma snapped back, beginning to get angry.

Well, for one that's so anxious to get stronger, it's certainly important to get more rewards for them. Isn't it mainly based on speed? Ceres shot back, adding an irritated edge to his tone as if telling Enigma to "back off, bud."

It won't help me to get stronger if I'm deleted, Enigma growled, and then turned his back to Ceres. I could just end up like your little brother's navi, you know-- deleted by some unknown force...

Last I checked, Mets with fake swords aren't exactly Cybeasts. Ceres growled, stung slightly by his navi's reference to the events of not-so-long ago.

Say whatever you like, but I'm not rushing into this one, Enigma snapped (again), walking over to Big in a bit of a defiant sulk. I'm losing the legs for this one, Enigma muttered to himself, and destroyed his legs with a simple internal command as he moved over to Big, shifting from walking to "blobbing" in one swift motion.

Fine, you little ungrateful... Ceres grumbled, trailing off aimlessly as he crossed his arms to watch his navi work things out.

Well, Big, you can plan if you like. I've sent you my chipfolder and my other data so you know my capabilities-- just tell me what to do... Enigma announced, and grinned as Ceres gasped. But... what?!

Well, then, you'll just have to work with them, won't you? In all honesty, Jay and Big haven't done much yet. I want them to do something. Otherwise, I just feel like I'm dragging them behind, Enigma explained, and then crossed his arms. Again.

I... I suppose so... Ceres muttered, but then grinned. I get one move though, he laughed, and then slotted in a Shotgun. At the very least, let's see what they can do.

Hey! I didn't ask for... Enigma exclaimed, but then smiled slyly as the Shotgun assembled itself speedily as it always did. I could never turn down a weapon, he admitted with a grin, and then investigated said weapon with a good deal (one would even say too much) of delight. He decided to do something different-- again. Of course, just like with the Cannon-artillery scene, he disappeared at first, leaving simply a hovering Shotgun to point itself at the two leftmost green sword-wielding Mets. As it carefully aimed itself right between the pair, Enigma began forming himself around it again. First, the barrel of the Shotgun lengthened and doubled, creating the classic double-barrel hunting gun. After this was completed, the stock began forming; it looked genuinely wooden, from the finish to the grain of the wood, except that it happened to be purple. As it continued to form, a sight (tick-mark and circle), trigger, safety, and even an arm strap began to appear as the blocks of Enigma's data scrabbled to fill the holes in the design. Once it was completed, the (purple) shotgun looked like something that could actually be used to hunt animals-- or Mets. PULL! Enigma's voice cried from seemingly nowhere, and the double-barreled Shotgun gave an ear-shattering blast as thousands of data bursts spewed from its end, speeding towards the duo of Mets like horizontal rain. I think that's a tad better than inflatable swords, Enigma grinned, for his face had already begun to re-form itself after the Shotgun had dissipated. Also... it's your command, Jay and Big, he reminded his allies, and turned to them inquisitively. Tell me what I shall do next, O Master...

=-=-=

Enigma.EXE
HP
: 120
TURN SPLICE
1: Shotgun >MetEXA [50 DMG], Spread > MetEXB [50 DMG]

= Zero, just tell Enigma what to do. Actually, tell me in person or on AIM first. :'D Big's doing the planning here, although I'm not so sure that's the smartest move...

Heh. I got one thing in though. =
(( Just tell me if this is illegal, and I'll repost. I don't think it's godmodding- ))

Big immediately charged forwards after Enigma- a shotgun in hand, preloaded before the battle. As he watched Enigma choose his targets, Big decided to go after the ones on the other side of the pack. As Big ran, feet pounding small craters into the ground, he moved to the right side of the group and shot the viruses as he passed- never stopping. Once he got to the other side, he stopped to look at what he had done to the viruses.

He called over to Enigma, yelling, "Yo! Use those two Heatshot-things ya got to finish off the viruses we just hit! That way, we'll only have two left!..."

Suddenly he stood as still as a statue, simply looking at the virus' possessions- their small swords. Big inched closer, until he finally just shouted, "DUDE! Those swords are awesome! I gotta get one of 'em!"

He dashed over to the viruses with no regard for the danger that they posed. While the viruses remained engaged in their panic, Big slowly reached over and attempted to pilfer one of the squeaky swords. He held tight onto the sword and pulled, in hopes that he could get a souvenir of his own.

_______
1. Shotgun(50) > MetC (Spread)> MetD
2. Grab Sword (Dodge/Joke around)
3. Dodge
Enigma watched his partner navi with some interest as he went about his business of attacking the virii. Noting mentally that tanks need healing, Enigma smiled slightly as he heard Big's command--

Quote (Big)

"Yo! Use those two Heatshot-things ya got to finish off the viruses we just hit! That way, we'll only have two left!..."

Alright, sounds good enough to me, Enigma replied, nodding. Ceres, oblige me, would you? Enigma said in a mock-sweet tone.

Sure, pal, Ceres grumbled, and went into a bit of a sulk as he slotted the chips in.

Thanks, Enigma said succinctly, watching as the Heatshot assembled itself on his right arm in a lateral downpour of incoming data. I still love the design on this thing, Enigma remarked (rather absentmindedly) as he surveyed the weapon with all of the care and interest of a creator of the things. I'm not doing anything interesting with this one, just for the record, he laughed, and then lowered the weapon to his side, finished with his investigation.

Well, gee, there's a surprise, Ceres put in caustically, showing some outward signs of amusement.

Yes, well, I'm pretty much out of inspiration for now; pretty soon, I'll get bored of using all these chips, and use a special attack or something... Enigma replied politely, smiling at the thought of all of the things he was able to do. I can make custom guns, I can make custom medieval-esque weapons, I can make bombs... frankly, I can do whatever, he laughed, and disappeared. Again. Well, momentarily, at least. After he'd blinked out, bits of his data reappeared here and there around the Met group-- first to the left, then to the right, then behind, then to the left again... it eventually got to the point where it was nearly random. As he did this, he groaned, watching Big and his quest for a battle souvenir. Dammit... if I don't kill them fast, he's going to take damage, however much those swords can do... he thought irritably, his good mood temporarily spoiled. Re-appearing directly behind the Met in question, he raised the firearm almost robotically and fired, noticing that it was the Met he'd fired at previously, along with its partner to its right. Raising the weapon up with a gleam in his eye, he pulled the trigger mechanically. Flames roared from the armament like a burning dinner, enveloping the Mets' position (or, at least, previous position) in bursts of flame. That's much cooler than a Shotgun, Enigma smirked, and then watched the Heatshot disappear before doing the same himself only seconds later. Flashing in and out of existence around the Mets, he eventually appeared in front of the two that Big had fired at right after he had. Receiving the second Heatshot, he smiled slightly. I don't see how this happens; one or two of these little buggers always survive my attacks!

Maybe if you took more careful aim, it wouldn't happen, Ceres snapped, still a bit angry at Enigma.

True, true, Enigma responded with a sigh. He raised his third spreading weapon up with the most meticulous and impeccable care that it seemed to take eons; at least, in Ceres' mind. Really, it took Enigma about three seconds, and he was well out of reach of the group, so there was no need to worry about getting surprise attacks. If something lunged, he'd have time-- Make a dive for me, and I delete you, Enigma threatened, then stopped. Wait... I'm deleting you anyways. Oh, well, he chuckled, and pulled the trigger. The flames roared from the barrel of the Heatshot with a passion, covering the distance to where the Mets were stationed faster than the eye could track. Who wants roasted Met~? Enigma called out in a playful, singsong voice, and grinned as the flames and his weapon disappeared. Moving back to survey his work, he smiled again-- he seemed to be in an awfully good mood today.

If you didn't screw up, that should be four down, two to go, Ceres remarked.

I hope so... Enigma replied, his smile fading a bit. I wonder if the Net has anything more interesting than Mets to face us off against, anyways? Granted, the swords did give me a bit of a laugh, but...

I'm sure there's something worse out there; don't you worry...

=-=-=

Enigma.EXE
HP
: 120
TURN SPLICE 2: REMAINING ACTIONS USED
2
: Heatshot > MetEXB [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]], Spread > MetEXA [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]]
3: Heatshot > MetEXD [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]], Spread > MetEXC [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]]
4: Teleportation + Backpedaling. [Dodge]
((*Quickly posts this before the board shorts out again*))

Enigma's shotgun catches two of the Metool EXs by surprise, and then Big attempts to attack two NORMAL mets before realizing that there aren't any here. He decides to attack the Metool EXs of the same letters, and hits. Enigma then obliterates four of the still-in-shock Mets, causing the last two to drop their swords and flee, allowing Big to pick up the sword he wanted.

Metool EX A: DELETED
Metool EX B: DELETED
Metool EX C: DELETED
Metool EX D: DELETED
Metool EX E: ESCAPED
Metool EX F: ESCAPED

Big: 100 (Plastic sword!)
Enigma: 120

Rewards: 130z
Enigma groaned as he looked over to Big. You imbecile! You could've given me some fair warning that you were going to do that, he snapped, then walked away in a huff, angry that Big had caused two of the Mets to escape.

= Battle 5 please.

Also, two questions:
1. No FXP? Still? I know you're 'bad with it,' but it's not really fair to us. We're trying for a cross somewhere along the line.
2. 130z...? D: I'm pretty sure we got more or about the same for three normal Mets. =
"D'aaaaawwwww.... Cheer up Enigma." Big said, following closely behind. "We can share the sword." Suddenly grinning, he prodded Enigma in the back of the head with the sword, and continued to do so as they walked.

[BATTLE 5! MINIBOSS!]

(( Yeah, really though. No Fxp or anythin'? Talk about cheap. .___. ))
((Last battle you got 1 FXP. This battle you got none because you hadn't killed 5 enemies yet, and STATIC FXP here is 1 for 5 enemies.

Or so I'm told.

You want non-static FXP? ACT LIKE TEAM, BISHES. Shouting one snapped order isn't teamwork, it's 'I can't decide, order me'.

Either way-))

Big and Enigma come across the two Metools from before, seemingly talking to another, plain-looking Metool.

Hmm.

Metool A: 40
Metool EX A: 70
Metool EX B: 70

Big: 100 (Plastic sword!)
Enigma: 120
= Ohh. .__. Wait. Battle 1, we got 3 FXP. Battle 2, none. Battle 3, 1. Battle 4, none. Hrrm. Oh, well. I get it now anyways.

Also, apology in advance for crappy post, but you can't do much with four actions of dodging. =


Enigma clenched his teeth as he felt the inflatable sword prod the back of his unstable skull. Stop... now...

Alright, now things are weird, Ceres admitted, frowning at the trio of conversing Mets.

I agree with you, for once, Enigma grumbled, and stopped a good distance away from the group. Big? We're going to wait this one out and see what happens-- let's not get hurt just yet, he advised, and moved backwards nervously. Hello? Little Mets? Sorry for, er, killing your friends... Enigma called awkwardly and hesitantly.

For no reason whatsoever other than material gain, Ceres added in helpfully, smiling slightly at the irony.

Yeah, I'm really sorry about that...

Also, Jay-- please don't have Big do anything bad, Ceres requested politely.

I'm going to say this again, guys: WAIT FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN. If we're careful, we can get through this without getting hurt... Enigma chimed in with Ceres, looking over at Big and his new toy icily. Also, you may want to try offering the new Met that sword as a peace offering, he grinned. What if it wants revenge for its fallen comrades?

=-=-=

Enigma.EXE
HP
: 120
1-4: CAUTION N' STUF. [Dodges]
(( HALF-ASSING, GO. ))

Big frowned and looked at his sword. He frown became larger as he looked up at Enigma and said, with tears in his eyes, "B-b...but I got it fair n' square....d'awww...."

Looking between the sword, Enigma, and the Mets in rapid succession for a few moments, Big finally gave up. With a sigh, he explained, "I guess I'll just toss it over. I'll get a new one later, one that don't smell like Metools."

He tossed the sword in the general direction... but more accurately pitched it. He basically hurled the thing at them, forgetting his own strength.

_______
1-3. Toss Sword back/Dodge
The sword hits the plain-looking Metool in the face for- 40 damage?! It covers both its' eyes for a short moment, then falls away to the ground. Enigma and Big's eyes are drawn to it, and they look up from the sword only to see a bright, all-encompassing flash.

Then came the theme music. The annoyingly-catchy, bright, cheerful, some kids would say 'justice-filled' theme music. And the light cleared to reve-

...Hoo boy.

Where the plain Metool stood before, now stood a much less plain, much more epic (Or silly, depending on your opinion) looking Metool, wielding a gleaming sword that looked eerily similar to the plastic one, and with a red, billowing cape.

The two Metools he was talking to start cheering.

"Meep meep, meep meep meep!" Cried the Metool Hero, dramatically pointing his sword at Big and Enigma. The two (And their operators) notice a translation inside a small text bubble, with a tail leading to the Metool Hero;

"Prepare to be defeated, heartless villains!"

--Heroes of Justice--

Metool Hero: 1960
Metool EX A: 70
Metool EX B: 70

--Heartless Villains--

Big: 100
Enigma: 120
As soon as he saw the sword fly out from Big's grasp, catapulting at the unfortunate Met, he knew there would be trouble. YOU FREAKING-- he started to yell, turning on Big, before he saw the valiant Metool Hero... or, rather, heard the music, then saw his adversary. If there's more of that, he can expect swift deletion, he growled, twitching visibly.

I'm running tests on him right now, Enigma... Ceres announced informatively, pressing buttons on his PET speedily. Let's see... the two MetEX's are normal, I think, Ceres thought aloud, and then pressed some random buttons thrice more to bring up the Metool Hero's status. I... I can't get anything, really, except that it has 1960 HP, he proclaimed, slightly shocked. The rest is mainly either ASCII or random letters.

Well, I suppose we'll have to wait for it to attack before we get anything on that... Enigma murmured in reply. The bastard actually looks powerful!

Yeah, I'm kinda worried too, Ceres agreed, putting his chin on his fist in the traditional "thinking man's" pose. If the plastic swords did 40, then how much can the real sword do?

I'm thinking something on a greater scale; I'm not even going to bother with reasoning, Enigma said, looking to the trio of unusual Mets warily. Big! The first thing I want you to do is attack those MetEX's, Enigma called over bossily, then corrected himself. Actually... first, use a Shotgun, then be careful. Although I can heal you, I'd prefer to use the attack power on our MetoolMan, here. Enigma then got closer to Big so that he could talk in a less stressed manner.

Yeah, that sounds good-- as for you, Enigma, save your more powerful chips for later, Ceres advised, scrolling through his chipfolder anxiously. We don't have that large of an arsenal...

Yeah, yeah, I know, Enigma grumbled, a bit upset at having to save his "big guns" for later. Seriously though, what is with all of these weird Mets? Did someone make them for shits n' giggles or something?

I'd assume so; could the autographs on the previous Mets' helmets have been from... er... "Metool Hero"? Ceres pondered, eyes brightening with realization. It's like... Spiderman, or something, except... with Mets.

I guess so, Enigma responded, shrugging. I don't really care about whether he's got a fanbase or not, honestly. Also, Big, I'm going to go do what I do best; please, please don't make me have to heal you overly much, Enigma pleaded, trying to sound as sincerely concerned as he could. Just don't do anything without asking me or Jay first, alright? We don't want to screw this up so early on...

Or me, Ceres chimed in, frowning slightly. Yeah, Big, just get rid of those weaker Mets for now, please, and watch your back while you're doing it...

I've got an idea, Ceres-- if you give me two Heatshots, I can hit each MetEX once and the "hero" twice, Enigma suggested. Then, Big can Shotgun the last Mets and use those crazy arms of his on the "hero".

Well... I guess that works, Ceres admitted, and prepared the two Heatshots. Before I do that... let me do some math, he requested, and then closed his eyes. If you completely waste your RageClaw, you have about 1100 damage you can inflict with just chips; that's not as good as I'd like...

Well, don't forget about Big! Enigma reminded him. He may not have as much firepower, but he will still have a Cannon, Zapring, and RageClaw left after this... plus whatever those huge arms can do.
And your physical attacks, so I think we're OK-- let's get it over with, Ceres sighed, and slotted in the two Heatshots with the look of one who's losing a truly valuable possession. Nine chips left...

I'll be fine, relax, Enigma asserted, and smiled as the Heatshot began transferring from the PET to his arm. Thank'ee kindly, he said to Ceres politely, and received a nod in return. Well, off I go, Big-- remember: don't do anything stupid. Just kill the Mets, alright? Enigma enforced, and rushed off without waiting for an answer. He noticed that the Metool Hero stood slightly in front of the pair of MetEX's, creating an almost triangle-like figure. Darting around to the left side, or, rather, "blob-porting," he readied the large, fire decal'd Heatshot to the height he'd need to fire with. Closing in from the left flank, he grinned savagely. Beginning to hum "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash, he aimed the Heatshot as he drew closer to the trio. Burn, he hissed, and grinned even more savagely as he pressed the "BURN" button conveniently located on the left side of the Heatshot. A small rumbling noise emanated from the cylindrical armament, as if firing up some internal oven; then, without warning, flames shot from the circular opening, spreading outwards in a small "v" shape, moving to the left at the first MetEX and to the right at the Metool Hero and everything in-between. After a good three seconds of "decontamination," the Heatshot began to fizz and smoke, and the flames dissipated, along with the Heatshot itself after Enigma dismissed it and backed off from his enemies.

That's just mean, grinned Ceres, still slightly shocked at the sheer violent power the weapon possessed. Sending the other one... hold on...

I really can't blame them for thinking I'm a "villain," Enigma laughed, and inclined his head slightly to acknowledge Ceres' sending of the second Heatshot. I'll just get this other one, then... Enigma muttered to himself, and then warped himself around the group repeatedly, squinting at the Metool Hero warily. I wonder how much it'd hurt to get hit by that sword...? he wondered, then stopped his movement on the group's right flank. Smiling again, always happy to delete, he moved forward with the Heatshot like a reverse firefighter. Holding it up with a complete absence of remarks, he instead jacked up his grin another few notches, as uncharacteristic of him as it was, and pressed the "BURN" button for the second time in a very short time period. He noticed with a good deal of interest that these flames did the exact same thing as the Heatshot before them; a "v", enveloping just two of the enemy. Making a mental note that Heatshots' flames adjusted to where and how many of the enemy there were, he watched with mild interest as the flames died down, and got rid of the Heatshot promptly. He then moved back to his former position, near Big, and looked over to him again. I hate to be so bossy-- however, I'm going to say this one last time. For now, you are using a Shotgun, then you are dodging, and then you are waiting for further instructions. I mean that in the nicest way possible. OK?

It doesn't sound like it, Ceres noted.

Well, I'm sorry, I just don't want to get hurt or have him get hurt just yet, Enigma snapped. I'm trying to formulate a plan here; in a bit, just tell me whatever you have planned, guys, he requested, then watched the Metool Hero rather more nervously than before.

I am curious to see his capabilities; stay back for now, Ceres advised, a bit of a fatherly tone creeping into his voice.

Yeah, thanks, I wasn't sure if I should try to get hit or not, Enigma grumbled sarcastically, and then got ready to dodge, should anything come his way.

Such vehemence... Ceres sighed, and got no reply from Enigma.

=-=-=

Enigma.EXE
HP
: 120
1: Heatshot > MetEXA [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]], Spread > Metool Hero [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]]
2: Heatshot > MetEXB [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]], Spread > Metool Hero [40 DMG, [color=red]Fire[/color]]
3-4: Unused! Well, dodging n' whatnot. [Dodges]
Strike of the Gods: Ready!
Data Influx: Ready!
Data Vampirism: Ready!
As his valiant new adversary arrived in his corny pillar of light and fanfare, Big turned to Enigma and said, "My bad. Mebbe we shouldn'tve deleted all those Mets..."

"Well..." Jay said, slotting in the appropriate chips. "Ain't no turning back now. We might have wronged this dude, but we gotta get stronger. Seems like your partner wants us to attack those MetEXs first... so let's do that. His plans seem to work a lot."

Big began to advance on the small enemy group, when he overheard Ceres relaying the statistics to Enigma.

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I'm running tests on him right now, Enigma... Ceres announced informatively, pressing buttons on his PET speedily. Let's see... the two MetEX's are normal, I think, Ceres thought aloud, and then pressed some random buttons thrice more to bring up the Metool Hero's status. I... I can't get anything, really, except that it has 1960 HP, he proclaimed, slightly shocked. The rest is mainly either ASCII or random letters.


Instantly, Big froze.

"1960....hp...?.... Jay, we ain't never even SEEN that much!" Big murmured.

"I-I know, Big." Jay said in just as much shock. "But we gotta take 'im, one way or another. So let's get a move on!"

With a sudden spark of motivation, Big smirked, and took up his charge again. As the shotgun formed into his right hand, Big continued forward until he was a few feet away from the viruses. With one mighty swing, Big brought the Shotgun in front of him in a wide arc, and pulled the trigger. Due to the gun's movement, the bullets were launched in a wide, fan-shaped pattern, hopefully shredding the the Mets into junk data.

Only when Big jumped back to relative safety did he hear the last of Enigma's words:

Quote ()

... then you are dodging, and then you are waiting for further instructions. I mean that in the nicest way possible. OK?


As he landed in his spot, he glanced over a Enigma, and with a gleam in his eye and a smile of his face, nodded.

"I compl..coplet....totally understand." Big said, turning back to viruses. "With the two of us workin' together, we can beat this guy down."

________
1. Shotgun(50) > MetEX A (spread) > MetEX B
2. Dodge
3. Dodge
Big and Enigma rather handily deleted both of the Metool EXs and scratched the Metool Hero's armor with their Heatshot/Shotgun combo.

The Metool Hero seemed to simmer for just a moment, then lashed out with unnatural speed. In an instant, he had cleared the space between himself and Enigma, and was visible for but a moment, already halfway through a vertical slice, before time seemed to jump again and he had already turned away, having completed a second. (60) (60)

The Metool Hero turned enraged eyes towards Big, and simply slammed his sword, blade-end-first, into the ground, releasing a wave that seemed eerily similar (albeit more spiky somehow) to a Metool's shockwave at Big. Big quickly dodged out of the way- but the wave turned in a way that defied physics towards Big, and went straight under him... spectral blades seemed to leap upward from the wave of energy, piercing Big countless times before the wave simply disappeared. (100)

The Metool Hero turned his back to the two 'Villains', and spoke, still in that strange meeping language. The same text bubble popped up as before, but this time it read... 'Leave this place. You are not worth staining my blade with blood for.' The Metool Hero seemed to pause for a moment, then turned to face the two 'Villains'. 'I am a hero to these child-like Metools, and yet you slaughtered them despite them not attacking you. I should-' The Metool Hero seemed to pause for a moment before the text bubble continued scrolling, '-end you where you stand, but I will not unless you force my hand. Enough life has been lost. Go.' The Metool Hero stabs his sword into the ground at this, and stares down Big and Enigma.

This is slightly out-of-character for him, judging by the circumstances...

--Heroes of Justice--

Metool Hero: 1880
Metool EX A: DELETED
Metool EX B: DELETED

--Heartless Villains--

Big: 1
Enigma: 1