Seeking Lost Inspiration

The Champu wasted no time in continuing its flurry of attacks, striking with another pair of punches. Durandal easily managed to avoid the first, then struck with a fist of his own...which landed square in the path of the second burning punch, causing both some pain. Or at least, that's what would've normally happened. The RageClaw managed to protect the Navi's hand, preventing the heat from reaching the knuckles proper. His second punch provided the knockout blow, with the Champu dissipating as it landed on the platform.

While not especially pleased at the handy defeat of its partner, the second boxing virus moved up for its turn. Strangely, it moved right in front of Durandal, then gently tapped its fists against his in a show of sportsmanship before floating towards the back. However, it didn't seem to completely head back, instead settling into a backish area.

The OldStove belched more flame, signaling the start of Bout 2. Hopefully the judges had new scorecards ready. Even though they didn't actually exist.

-- ENEMIES --
Champu A: Round 2 KO
Champu B: 60 HP (platform, middle-ish)
OldStove: 50 HP (to the side of platform)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 140 HP (platform, middle)

-- TERRAIN --
40% Normal (Circular Raised Platform)
60% Normal (Everywhere else)
Durandal grunted as the first of the Champu fell to his left hook. The RageClaw had done its job and allowed the Navi to compete against the boxing viruses. Now he just hoped that they would hold up for the next engagement. He tapped gloved with the next Champu and the next round began.

Durandal dashed forward, closing the gap between him and his opponent. He decided to start things off strong and unleashed a haymaker directed at the tip of the Champu's chin. He knew the virus was fast and doubted the blow would be enough to lay it low. Durandal backpedaled, guard raised to protect his head, in order to avoid a counterpunch. As he moved back, the Navi threw out another jab in an effort to break up any combo the Champu might try.

Summary:
1. Improvised RageClaw Haymaker (40 to Champu)
2. Dodge
3. Improvised RageClaw Jab (40 to Champu)
Starting the second part of the duel, Durandal lunged for the first strike, but didn't manage to land anything, as the Champu dashed towards his side and landed a powerful double blow to his side. (10x2) Trying to leap away, Durandal got in again and threw a jab, which barely managed to hit the Champu before the virus went into a defensive position.

-- ENEMIES --
Champu A: Round 2 KO
Champu B: 20 HP (platform, middle-ish)
OldStove: 50 HP (to the side of platform)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 120 HP (platform, middle) (RageClaw 2/6)

-- TERRAIN --
40% Normal (Circular Raised Platform)
60% Normal (Everywhere else)
"Tch," Durandal muttered as his jab barely made contact with the fleet Champu.

This opponent was obviously more skilled than his predecessor. The Navi would have to be on his toes if he wanted to avoid anymore of the Champu's rocket punches. He kept his guard up as he backed away from the virus and began circling around the platform.

"This guy is good," Katherine echoed her Navi's thoughts. "You'll need to watch his movements to anticipate his punches and counter with your own. At least, that is what my martial arts reference book said."

Durandal nodded to himself. He wasn't sure where his lady had learned enough about boxing to give advice, but her words were sound and mirrored his own thoughts on the matter at hand. He kept his gaze on the virus in front of him, looking for any sign that the Champu was about to strike. He tightened his fists within his RageClaw strengthened gauntlets, preparing to make a strike of his own.

Durandal waited to make his move before lashing out with a powerful left cross. The punch was aimed at the Champu's head. He took a step with his left and then shotgunned his right fist into a gutpunch.

Summary:
1. Observe Champu's movements
2. Improvised RageClaw Cross (40)
3. Improvised RageClaw Body Blow (40)
Durandal made a lock on the Champu's movements, each warrior keeping a close eye on each other while the Oldstove made its way toward the knight.

Durandal made the first move, lashing out with his rageclaw, causing the flaming boxer to teleport right in front of the knight....

...where he shotgunned his fist into it, sending it flying and dematerializing into thin air.

...The Oldstove was getting closer.

-- ENEMIES --
Champu A: Round 2 KO
Champu B: UPPERCUT'D
OldStove: 50 HP (moving to middle of platform)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 120 HP (platform, middle) (RageClaw 4/6)

-- TERRAIN --
40% Normal (Circular Raised Platform)
60% Normal (Everywhere else)
"Whew," Durandal breathed heavily as the second Champu vanished. "He was more skilled than I had thought. A most worthy opponent."

The Navi raised his fist to his chest in a brief salute to his fallen opponents and then turned to glance at the third virus. The OldStove was approaching him from the edge of the ring. He kept himself from tensing, though he was unsure of the virus' intentions. With luck, the virus would merely congratulate him. At worst, the virus would seek revenge for its comrades and Durandal would be forced to put it down.

Durandal glanced at his gloves. The black steel was coated in soot and parts were warped from the heat from coming in contact with the Champu's fiery bodies. It wasn't painful, but the RageClaws were spent and all but useless. If this came to a fight, he would need to draw his sword to have a chance in battle.

"They were worthy opponents," Durandal said to the virus as it approached. "Quite skilled in their field. I commend them and their trainer." The Navi held up a hand to the OldStove, an offering of peace.

He wanted to leave this platform without fighting the virus. He had no real reason to. However, he knew that most viruses were unpredictable and he was ready to take action if the OldStove attacked. He planned to dodged to his right and keep moving, circling around the virus to leap from the platform and gain distance from the fiery creature.

Summary:
1. Offer hand in mutual respect
2. Prepped dodge to the left if attacked
3. Prepped dodge to jump off platform if attacked
((Bump))
((More bump))
The OldStove saw the peace offering of the hand, and wiggled its stumpy ones in response. Seems it couldn't do anything about that. Instead, it bowed down respectfully and dropped a packet of zenny data in front of Durandal.

-- ENEMIES --
Champu A: Round 2 KO
Champu B: UPPERCUT'D
OldStove: Bowed out

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 120 HP (platform, middle) (RageClaw 4/6)

-- TERRAIN --
40% Normal (Circular Raised Platform)
60% Normal (Everywhere else)

-- BATTLE 02, VICTORY!! --

-- REWARDS --

300 Zenny
Durandal accepted the zenny packet graciously and transferred the data to Katherine. He saluted the virus once more and then stepped down from the platform.

"Shall I continue?" Durandal asked Katherine. "I have yet to encounter the situation of thy need, but I am sure something will develop."

"No," Katherine said. "I have arranged something different. I have found a partner for you to team up with so that I can observe some group combat."

"That sounds interesting. Then I shall return for now."

Durandal vanished from ACDC Net.

[Jack-Out for Now]