Disclaimer: Megaman and all the characters from the Classic Series, the X Series, the Zero Series, the ZX Series, the Legends Series, the Battle Network Series and the Starforce Series are the property of Capcom and Kenji Inafune. I figured that I can mix things up a little and try to make the story more interesting plus I would like to thank my co-writer Lily Nadesico for her help in working on the story.
PS: I was surprised that X and Zero were in the Project X Zone game for 3DS and that they are currently in the new game Project X Zone 2. Then again Zero was in Marvel vs Capcom 3/Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 as well as Onimusha Blade so that's pretty cool.
Not only this but I heard great things about Mighty No. 9 and I found out that Megaman Legacy is out which makes me hope that it will be worth it, still bummed about Megaman Legends 3 being cancelled but oh well.
Megaman Battle Network: Online Wars
Chapter 6 – Elecman's Blackout
By EmperorDraco7 and co-written by LilyNadesico
"Hmm, what you're telling me is quite interesting, girls." the voice of a middle-aged man said, as soon as he had read the reports from his two female companions. "This Lan kid, that Net-Navi known as Megaman, and their group of friends have actually managed to hold their own against the WWW for so long... and they foiled their plans so far. That's impressive."
"Indeed it is, Mr. Masa." Miyu answered in her calm, controlled tone of voice. "Sal and I have tested Lan Hikari and Megaman on occasion as well, and they've always been up to the challenge."
"We believed you would be interested in knowing more about them." Sal continued.
The man sitting at a table in front of and Sal nodded slowly as he finished reading their reports. He was a funny-looking man about in his late forties, almost completely bald save for two croppings of very short hair at the base of his head, and an oval face with large lips and a thin mustache that made him look somewhat like a fish. He was dressed like a traditional Japanese fishmonger, with a blue long-sleeved shirt and dark green trousers, white gloves and boots, and some sort of dark grey apron, decorated with the depiction of a fish, tied in front of himself, as well as a plain white headband. "And you thought right, Sal. I'm getting convinced that these kids have a brilliant future ahead of them." he answered. "They might just be what we need to turn the tables on those Net-criminals. What do you think, Sharkman?"
The man called Masa turned to his PET, showing a rather unusual Net-Navi looking like a small blue-skinned shark with a white underbelly and yellow highlights around the fins... only, he was standing on two legs, and his front fins split into large, triangular fingers that made them function as hands. His face was always smiling, showing rows of triangular, razor-sharp teeth. "Well, if that Megaman guy was able to defeat both Woodman and Skullman, he surely is not someone to sneeze at." he answered in a rough voice. "Tell you what, Masa, I'm kinda interested in meeting these kids. After all, as you said, they might be key to defeating WWW. And it's been a while since I've had a good battle anyway."
"Good. Then, it's settled." Masa answered with a cunning smile. "Thanks for the information, girls. Please keep an eye on Lan Hikari and his friends... I'm personally interested in meeting this kid."
"Alright, Mr. Masa." Sal answered. "Just... make sure Sharkman is not too rough on them, okay?"
The shark-like Net-Navi laughed heartily. "Hahahaaa! Don't worry, girls, I'm not gonna go all out on them. At least, not immediately." he answered. "I'm just interested in seeing how well Megaman fares against me, just like you did."
Several days had passed since the traffic light incident where Lan and Megaman, along with their friends, had foiled yet another plot of the WWW agents and had defecate yet another member of the evil organization… and for the past two weeks, WWW seemed to have decided to lay low and avoid attracting unwanted attention. However, Lan and his friends were sure they would soon be back and strike again…
Which of course didn't do much to keep Lan from slacking off whenever he could get away with it!
That day, in particular, Lan and Megaman were enjoying some relaxation at ACDC Town's park, near the same place where they had met Iris. The sun was already starting to settle beyond the horizon, bathing the small town in a comforting orange glow, and several people were walking up and down the main street, mostly workers who were on their way home, or students coming back from their respective schools.
"Maaan, I'm starving…" Lan said, hearing the unmistakable rumble of his stomach! "I wonder what's for dinner tonight…?"
"But Lan, you ate one heck of a big lunch at school, didn't you?" Megaman asked incredulously. "Really, sometimes it looks like your stomach is a black hole… it can never be filled!"
Both Net-Navi and operator chuckled at this. "Well, it's not my fault… I mean, I can't just recharge once per day like you do, Megaman!" Lan answered with a short laugh.
"Okay, okay… We gotta get home anyway, since "the Bonne Bunch" is about to start…" Megaman began to say, before being distracted by a beeping sound, the telltale sound of a mail that had reached him. "Huh? Well, looks like you've got mail, Lan! And it's from Dad!"
Lan perked up at that, as he was always glad to hear from his father, especially since Yuuichiro Hikari was always busy with his work at SciLab. "Really? Let me take a look at that, Megaman!" he said enthusiastically, switching to his e-mail and intently scanning his father's message. The handsome, smiling face of his father, wearing his telltale glasses, seemed to greet him warmly as he opened his mail.
Email: From: Dad
Subject: Dinner?
Lan, how have you been? I'll be seeing you today! That is, you'll be coming to see me... There's a party at the Government Complex. I'm inviting you and Mom to join me for dinner! And of course, your friends are welcome to come, too! Let's meet at 7 in front of the TV in the SciLab lobby. Say hi to Mom for me, and let her know about tonight! – Dad
"Alright! We get to see Dad! And Mayl, Dex and the others can come with us too! I'm gonna eat until I drop tonight!" Lan exclaimed enthusiastically! "Megaman, can you send a mail to Mayl, Dex, Tory, Yai, Shuko… and Iris as well, if you can reach her?"
"As if you were on a diet yesterday…" Megaman said with a chuckle. "As for our friends… well, I can reach them alright, but I'm afraid I can't send an e-mail to Iris. Remember, she doesn't have a Net-Navi, and she doesn't have a PET as well."
"Oh… that's just too bad…" Lan answered, rubbing his forehead as he tried to think of a way to tell Iris about the important news… but as luck would have it, he was surprised when he saw the pretty brunette popping up from behind him, looking at him with curiosity! "Ah! Iris… is that you? Hehehee… what a coincidence, I was just thinking about you…"
This comment made the brown-haired girl flush a bit, it was the first time anyone thought about her since the first time they met but never the less she's glad to see Lan's again. "Is that so?" she asked him while somewhat curious on the matter which made the young man nod his head without giving a verbal response then remembered something that he's been meaning to tell her.
"Well in any case, I'm glad you're here as Megaman and I were just about to inform Mayl, Dex, Tory, Yai, Shuko and you about the party that my dad's having at the Government Complex... it'll start around 7pm."
"Wow, sounds like fun!" began the brunette with a hint of curiosity, this was actually the first time she's been invited to a party and Lan figured he should tell her in person due to her not having a Net-Navi of her own like with the others from his school plus he still was glad she and Mayl weren't hurt from the events with the traffic lights. "I really appreciate the kind gesture by the way, thank you."
"Anytime, I should be able to get the emails ready before I head back to tell my Mom" responded Lan, getting the emails for Mayl, Dex, Tory, Shuko and Yai ready to send in hopes that Roll, Gutsman, Iceman, Aquaman and Glyde would be able to receive them without too much trouble as it made him curious on if he should dress nice as oppose to wearing the same outfit. "Alright, that should do it."
Seeing the PET that Lan's using, it piped Iris' interest and the fact she had seen Mayl and the young boy named Kai using theirs back on the bus to deal with the viruses and Colorman made her even more curious to know."That electronic device in your hand... what is it?"
"This thing?" asked Lan, rather surprised that Iris had never seen a PET before but it couldn't be helped and showed it to her along with his Net-Navi Megaman in order to better explain what it was as well as what uses it has. "It's a Personal Terminal or PET for short... My grandfather invented it though I wish I could have met him before..."
He stopped himself from finishing as his grandfather Tadashi Hikari died years ago before his grandson's birth and it devastated both Yuuichiro and the at the time pregnant Haruka... something that they could never forget even to this day. "I see... I never knew much about my own family, especially my older brother..." she replied with a hint of sadness which gotten Lan's attention as Iris never actually mentioned any members of her own family until now.
"Iris..." he tried to speak up, unsure of what he could say as he can tell that the girl was showing some sadness of her own and this made him wonder how to respond to it, then again he didn't have any relatives himself and Megaman tends to act like the brother he never had. "Try not to think too much about it okay..."
Giving a slight nod, Iris gestured for him to continue and hopefully to help her learn more on the PET in general. "In any case, my friends and I each have these PETs so we can make phone calls, send email, store and use electronic money and Jack into the internet" he explained, hoping that it would inform her of the knowledge of what the PETs can do and what other uses it has. "In fact, we can even battle in a world with our cyber warriors called Net-Navis but you already know, such as my Navi "
Suddenly Lan's PET began beeping. "Lan, you got E-Mail!" informed Megaman and it made the brown-haired young man wonder what it was... then both Lan and Iris noticed that aside from the email from Lan's father, there was one from the BattleML and one from Tory's father Froid himself.
Email: From BattleML
Subject: Mystery ops?
The Den-Tech City auto-drive system's been hacked into! WWW is getting bolder day by day! I heard seven of the operators who evolved the prob weren't Net-Battlers! Hard to imagine civilians handling such a high-level incident. Who are whose mysterious operators, anyway?
Email: From Froid
Subject For you...
I've got something for you. Drop by the Waterworks anytime!
"Well... there you have it, Iris!" Lan explained to his new friend. "As you can see, PETs can be very useful!"
"That... is really interesting, Lan. I wonder if I could have my own Net-Navi someday." Iris commented. "I think... having a friend always with you would be very nice."
"Yeah, it mostly is! Though Lan and I do end up quarreling when Lan neglects his homework or tries to do something foolhardy!" Megaman joked, which caused Lan to freeze comically in embarrassment.
"Gee, Megaman, you didn't have to say like that!" he murmured, causing Iris to giggle quietly. Lan quickly cleared his voice in order to try and change topic. "Ahem... but still, Iris, that's the gist of it. So, what do you say? Think you can make the appointment at the Government Complex?"
"I would be glad to." she answered. "You said it would start at 7 pm, right? Then I'll make sure I'm there by that time."
"Glad to know that, Iris!" Lan answered. "I'll send a mail to my friends so we can all meet there! See you later!"
"See you later, Lan!" Iris said, gently waving at the young man and his Net-Navi while she walked away. Lan and Megaman kept their eyes on her until she was out of their sight, privately wondering about that nice but mysterious girl that had showed up all of a sudden. They were glad to have become friends with her, but she still had an aura of unknown about her, especially as Megaman thought there was more to her than just a simple girl Lan's age.
However, Megaman decided his questions could wait. For now, the important thing was to inform Mayl and the others about the party at the Government Complex. "Well, Lan, at least that takes care of Iris' problem. Now... I think we should tell the rest of our friends about this evening. I'm sure they will be glad to come!" the Net-Navi said, quickly starting to write up a message. In just under a minute, he had finished and sent the invitation to all of Lan's contacts. "There, it's done! Now... how about we inform Mom about the party and then we check out Waterworks? I'm kinda curious to see what Dr. Froid meant."
"Me too, Megaman. And we have plenty of time anyway." Lan answered, after taking a look at his PET clock. Then, he began heading towards his house since it would be great for both his parents to see each other again despite his father usually being busy with his work.
"Woah, we're actually going to a party with Lan's parents and those bigwigs? Hell yeah, I'm in!" Dex exclaimed as soon as he read the mail Lan had sent him. "What says you, Gutsman? You ready to throw a party?"
"Gutsman always ready for a party, guts guts!" the large Net-Navi exclaimed, banging a fist on his chest in joy!
"Hmm... a party at the Government Complex, is it?" Yai commented, smiling cunningly to herself. "Well, that sounds like something a high-class lady like me would be expected of attending. And this sounds just like something I would enjoy."
"The meeting with your friends is at 7 pm, at the Government Complex lobby, Ms. Yai." Glyde clarified. "I would suggest you start preparations as soon as possible."
"Now, now, Glyde, you should now that I am not as impolite as to miss an appointment with friends!" she answered. "I will get ready momentarily. Please send Lan an e-mail saying that I shall be honored to join them."
Glyde smiled thinly and bowed his head. "It shall be done, Ms. Yai."
"But first," Yai added, snatching a small bottle of pink-colored milk from the table near her. "it is time for my daily intake of strawberry milk. You know I could never do without it."
"Oh... of course, Ms. Yai. Take the time you need." the butler Net-Navi answered, while the young heiress began downing the contents of the bottle in satisfaction.
Shuko had received the invitation as well... and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. On one hand, she was glad that she had been invited; on the other, she feared that someone like her would be unwelcome in a place where all sorts of important personalities had been invited.
"I... am not sure what I should do, Aquaman." she murmured, talking to her Net-Navi. "I know... that Lan, Tory and the others will be there, and I'd really like to come as well, but... aren't I going to be unwelcome, knowing my bad luck?"
Aquaman seemed to think about it for a few moments. "Well... drip drip... I would like to say that you should give it a shot, drip." he answered. "After all, you like staying with Lan and the others, right?"
Shuko nodded briefly... and that was when her two brothers, two twins named Tai and Atsu, walked up to her, startling her a little.
"Hey, sis! So, what's up?" Tai asked jovially. Being twins, he and Atsu looked very much the same, as two rather non-descript, plain looking boys in their late teens with unruly light brown hair, both wearing a dark blue school uniform. "You got a message from a friend of yours? That's awesome news!"
"They're inviting you to a party at the Government Complex?" Atsu continued. "Wow, sis, you sure got friends in pretty high places! You should really go, you know? Your friends would love to have you there, and it would be good for you as well."
"See? Even Tai and Atsu think so, drip!" Aquaman cheered.
Shuko was so surprised that she was at a loss for words for a moment. "B-but... don't I need to do the housework today as well? I... I mean, I can't just leave and let you do everything... though, yes, I would really love to go with Lan and the others..."
"Oh, don't worry about us, sis..." Tai said, exchanging a knowing glance with his twin brother. "You already run yourself ragged working to support us and going to school too... you deserve to take a time out after all."
"Yeah, I agree with that." Atsu answered. "You just go and enjoy yourself, Shuko. We'll take care of the housework for ya."
"R-really?" the blue-haired girl stammered in joy and confusion, before a warm smile appeared on her cute face, and he wiped a tear from her eyes. "You guys are the greatest! Thank you… thank you so much!"
"Oh, that's no problem, sis!" Tai answered, gently ruffling the blunette's hair. "You go and have fun. We will take care of the house for once!"
For her part, Mayl Sakurai had received the invitation as well, and now, using her PET as a long-distance phone, she was telling her parents about the party. At the moment, she was talking to her mom, a lady in her forties with the same bright pink hair as her daughter, wearing a pair of looking glasses and a simple yet elegant green shirt, whose face was on the PET screen.
"Oh, so you're going to this party at the Government Complex, dear?" Mrs. Sakurai asked. "Well, that's great to know! I hope you will have fun there!"
"Thank, Mom…" Mayl answered, smiling gently. "Still… I'm sorry I won't be home this evening. You know how it's pretty much the only chance we have at seeing each other during the week."
"Don't worry about that, dear." Mrs. Sakurai answered, smiling at her daughter while waving off her worries. "I know you enjoy spending time with your friends… and especially that nice young man, Lan Hikari, right?" She smiled knowingly and winked at Mayl, who promptly turned as pink as her hair!
"M-mom!" the girl exclaimed. "It's not like that, really! Lan and I are just friends, really!"
"Fine, dear, I'll believe that…" Mrs. Sakurai answered cunningly. "Anyway, have fun with your friends! I know you'll enjoy yourselves!"
"Thanks, Mom. I love you." Mayl answered with a sweet smile.
"Interesting, a party at the Government Complex. I think we should go as well, Tory." Iceman said to his operator as soon as the two of them read the mail they had just received from Lan and Megaman. "What do you say?"
Tory sighed gently. "Well, Iceman, you know I'm not exactly what you'd call a party animal… still, for this once, I'd really like to go. It's at 7 pm, right? Okay, we'll be there!" he answered.
Iceman nodded and smiled as well. This was going to be fun, no doubt!
"Count Zap, it's time to tune up that guitar of yours and inject a bit of your heavy metal mayhem into the Cyber Matrix!" began Wily, making contact with Count Jack Zap from within the secret base controlled by the WWW Leader in question. "Our intelligence has informed us that the Super Program we seek is located within SciLab's network itself so I want you to retrieve it so we can be one step closer to achieving our ultimate conquest!"
Giving a slight nod, Count Zap bowed to his superior. "Your wish is my command… Lord Wily" he responded with an evil grin on his face as he intends to complete his task one way or another, should he face any resistance then he'll have his Net-Navi deal with them personally.
"Just to be on the safe side, Ms. Yuri will be infiltrating SciLab as a spy in order to report the status of your mission" informed Wily with a darkened expression on his face as Ms. Yuri and Needleman were well known for their skills which benefit the WWW, especially since Ms. Yuri was a master of disguise much like Yahoot but he needed the Yoga Warrior here just in case. "Just make sure you know what to do."
"Very well, I won't fail you!" said Count Zap, bowing down to Wily once again since he was already making the preparations, certain that it will prove useful for their plan. "Count Zap signing out!" he finished before the screen immediately went black.
After communications was cut off, Wily was in deep thought as he then changed the view-screen to check up on his ultimate weapon against the entire world. "I was hoping the two of you would get here…" he said, glancing at two shadowed silhouettes behind him especially as he is one who will not want to take any chances.
"Our apologies, we had important businesses to take care of" began the voice belonging to a young man, especially as he was showing discipline unlike he members of the WWW, save for Ms. Yuri and Yahoot due to their statuses as higher ranking members, then slowly approached the evil scientist. "I trust that you are the one who called for us?"
Giving a nod, Wily confirmed that it was all true as he needed some professional assistance to aide him in acquiring the remaining two Programs he needed which will unleash his ultimate weapon onto the cyber-matrix. "Yes, of course you know why I hired the two of you" he remarked, referring to the contract he formed with them in an effort to rid himself of Megaman and his allies for good, even if it also means to kill their operators too. "Of course, I will pay you once the task is done."
Remaining silent, the two glanced at one another and then turned their attention back towards Wily as they were cautious with him. "Alright, but just remember… We are not your lackies and be ready to give us our pay when we completed our job" remarked an older male voice with a darkened tone it while Wily shrugged.
"Oh you will get your money, soon enough" he replied to the two silhouette and with that they vanished back into the shadows from whence they came then an evil grin formed on his face as he is determined to hear some real results whether it be from Count Zap, the two assassins or all three either way he will be one step closer to fulfilling his destiny.
"It won't be long now… once all four Super Programs are in my possession, nothing will stand in my way" he said to himself, glancing down towards the virus that he was in the process of creating and tightened the hand that held his cane. "Not even Megaman and his friends will be able to stop it once it is unleashed…. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"
Lan had managed to reach his house and he couldn't way to tell his mother about the dinner that the two of them were invited to as well as the fact he can bring along with his friends. "Huh?" he wondered as he noticed there was an old man nearby and was approached by him. "Can I help you?"
"I just looove Escape! More'n anythin' else!" responded the old man in question then frowned as he thought about what he needed to say next especially as he hasn't seen anyone with that Chip at all and felt like it's one of those that people might not want to part with. "Unfortunately I don't have one nor did I find any Operator with that Battle Chip… I'm even willin to trade this Chip for it."
He revealed a Battle Chip from his pocket and Lan's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized it as the chip he saw Mayl use against Colorman, the same one that Yai had given to the red-haired girl to help her become a better Net-Battler following the WaterWorks incident. "A KnightSword?!" he was at a loss of words and he had a feeling it might help them should they face another member of the WWW.
"That's right, whatcha say? Gimme one of each code, F, H, J, L and N?" he asked, hoping that it Lan would have the Chip that he was looking for and needed to at least give him something in return if he does own it. "Ifn's ya do, I'll give you this here KnightSword fer it!"
Lan thought about it for a moment, the old man wasn't a bad person plus he was looking for something and is willing to part with that KnightSword. "Hold on, let me check to see if I have the Chip first…" he informed the man, checking his bag and thoroughly searching through the Chips that it held just in case he did indeed have the Escape Battle Chip, fortunately he had that Battle Chip and revealed it to him. "What do you know, I found it! Here you go!"
"Oh, happy day, Oh happy day! I'm in heaven! Now I can escape all day long!" said the old man, truly appreciating the gift that Lan was giving to him and decided to keep his word in giving the young Net-Battler the KnightSword Battle Chip that he promised. "Here ya goes!"
"Thanks so much!" responded Lan, accepting the KnightSword Battle Chip and the old man bowed briefly to him before leaving on his way. Afterwards the brown-haired boy made his way into his house in order to greet his mother with the good news concerning the email. "Hey mom, I'm back!"
Upon greeting Haruka, he began to explain to her the fantastic news which should make her really happy. "Guess what? Dad's invited us to a party!"
"How wonderful! How sweet of him to think of his family at such a busy time!" smiled Haruka, it would be great to see her beloved husband again and it was actually quite a rare treat to see him actually having the time to be able to see his wife and son as he was usually busy with his work at SciLab. "So Lan, when and where are we supposed to meet?"
"At 7, in front of the TV in the 1st floor lobby of SciLab" answered Lan, remembering what he read from the email that his father sent to him and also had another thing he needed to reveal to his mom. "He said I can bring my friends over and I sent them the invites by email!"
Nodding her head, Haruka understood where they needed to go. "Okay… but wait! It's almost 7 right now!" she realized something and headed off so she can get ready for the upcoming dinner while Lan sweat-dropped upon seeing this.
"Mom! Since you always take so long, I'll go ahead okay?" he called out to his mother, and then he gave a small sigh and shook his head unsure of what else he can say. "…Man, if I had to wait for her, I'd never get to eat…"
"C'mon Lan…" came Megaman's voice from inside the PET he had with him, especially as there was more to this dinner than "just all you can eat" so to speak. "I know you just can't wait to see your dad…"
"H-Hey, stop saying that!" exclaimed Lan, feeling somewhat embarrassed by the fact that the Blue Bomber was even bringing it up… yet it was true, he's actually looking forward to seeing his father again to get away from that WWW stuff for once. "Geez…."
Shaking his head, Megaman wasn't going to argue with his Operator right now and something clicked into his mind. "Anyway, we should head for the WaterWorks now…" he recommended since they still needed to pick up what Froid wanted to give to them. "Since we still have some time, we can pay Dr. Froid a visit while we wait for the others."
"Good idea, let's get going!" said Lan before leaving his house in order to make his way to the subway station, and towards the WaterWorks.
By now, Lan and Megaman knew the area around WaterWorks well enough, and it wasn't hard for them to find the building Tory's father worked at as soon as they got out of the subway station. They noticed that there were a few stands around, mostly selling snacks, and indeed there seemed to be a few new faces around there. Especially, Lan noticed, a funny-looking fish-faced man who, appropriately enough, was selling fish-based snacks at a small stand at a corner of the main street.
Not really seeing anything strange, Lan and Megaman began walking towards the WaterWorks main quarters and passing near the fishmonger's stand, and were caught slightly off guard when the man in question raised a hand and smiled cordially at them, probably thinking he was going to get some clients at long last.
"Hey there, kid! How are you doing? Have you been taking your daily income of calcium for your bones and vitamin D for your brain?" the fishmonger exclaimed, flashing a smile that made him look more and more like a strange fish! "Well, if you haven't, you've come to the right place! Masa's stand is always available for selling a nice fish snack!"
"Oh... er... good afternoon, sir!" A rather surprised Lan answered, while Megaman, having had his attention drawn towards the strange man, sized him up carefully. He was sure there was something rather odd about this guy, though he wasn't sure what. "Actually, I was on my way to visit a friend here at Waterworks... though, I'll admit, I wouldn't turn down a bite to eat, especially if it was something based on curry! Hehee..."
Megaman chuckled and rolled his eyes. "For some reason, Lan, I had a feeling you'd say that."
"Hmm... well, let it never be said that Masa's stand won't satisfy customers! We have all sorts of snacks you could ask for!" Masa answered... just before turning a knowing smile to Lan. "And we even have Net-Battles for those who ask for! That might be what you were looking for, Lan Hikari?"
Lan and Megaman's eyes widened at the mention of the young boy's name. "What?" Megaman asked, getting suspicious of Masa as he thought he might have been a WWW agent in disguise. "How... how do you know my bro... er... my operator's name? Are you with the WWW, perhaps?"
"If you are, then we will make sure you ride the party van to prison!" Lan followed up, getting his PET ready for a Net-Battle.
However, Masa wasn't worried in the least, and actually laughed good-naturedly at the young boy's bravado, as well as that of his Net-Navi. "Hohohohooo! On the contrary, my dear boy. I am as much of an enemy of WWW as you two are! As for your name, young Lan, let's just say I have my ways of knowing it... and I might even tell you how I did, if you're willing to spar a little with me and my Sharkman! So, Lan Hikari and Megaman, what do you say to this?"
Both Net-Navi and operator were now quite surprised, and didn't really know what to make of this man... however, the prospect of fighting an exciting Net-Battle, as well as that of getting a few answers out of this man, was just too hard to resist for Lan, who glanced at Megaman in order to ask him if he was okay with it. "Okay, I'm ready, Lan. If you feel like it, we can start a Net-Battle right now."
"Fine. Thank you, Meganan!" Lan answered. "Okay, let's go, Masa! We accept your challenge! Jack in, Meganan! Execute!"
Nearby, Sal was inside her pink van watching as Lan and Masa were jacking their respective Navis into the Network... Sure the younger man was able to prove himself first to herself then to Miyu not too long ago but she is worried he might be in for one hell of a battle this time. "Be careful… you have no idea how strong Sharkman and Masa can really be" she said to herself silently, hoping that Lan will at least last against the Aqua Navi.
"Hey Sal!" came Woodman's voice from within his PET in order to get his operator's attention as the green-haired woman picked the small blue device up so she can properly interact with him for a moment. "Do you really think they would be able to handle facing Masa and Sharkman? They're the strongest of us for a reason."
"We'll just have to wait and see for now Woodman."
With a silent nod, Woodman had to admit that Sal has a good point and it was a first to see that Lan's friends weren't with him this time which meant that they hadn't arrived at the Government Complex yet but never the less, Lan should have at least given Megaman some good power ups not just have some good Battle Chips.
The moment Megaman entered the Network where he will be facing off against Masa's Net-Navi, he saw that the opposing Navi resembled a shark, but had no tail and instead had two legs as well as a hunched back though the Blue Bomber and his operator knew that appearances can be deceiving ever since their previous battles. "So you're the famed Megaman, my operator and I have heard about you" commented Sharkman, giving a somewhat wicked grin on his face. "However don't take me so lightly, while you were able to defeat Woodman and Skullman… You haven't seen what I am capable of dishing out."
Remaining silent at this, Lan and Megaman nodded to each other as they will need to be ready for anything that he throws at them."Alright Megaman get ready!" informed the former, preparing to get his Battle Chips ready to send to him. "Battle Routine set!"
"Execute!"
Having a feeling they would say this, Masa got ready to show why he was the strongest of the Net-Agents who Lan has ever gone up again. "You know what you need to do Sharkman!" he said to his Net-Navi, wanting him to give it everything he's got and hold nothing back against their opponent.
"Very well then!" said Sharkman, complying with Masa and then turned his attention back towards Megaman before the two of them commenced their Net-Battle against each other. "You better be ready because my fins will slice you to ribbons if you're not careful!"
Masa got ready one of his Battle Chips, deciding to make the first move in order to see how quick Lan will react to this. "Okay, Aqua Tower Battle Chip In, download!" slotting the Chip into his PET, he was more than willing to prove he is the strongest of the Net-Agents against his young opponent with Sharkman slamming one of his fins as if he was performing a karate chop in order to unleash the devastating Aqua move.
"Barrier Battle Chip in, download!" countered Lan, slotting the Barrier Battle Chip in order to protect him from any damage that the Aqua Tower attack would've given to him in the process but following the events with the Traffic Lights, he had given Megaman 5 HP Memories to increase his HP to 540 and a PowerUp to increase the Rapid for faster opponents. "It's our turn now, you ready Megaman?"
"I'm on it!" said Megaman, preparing his Mega Buster for a Charge Shot but saw that his opponent somehow disappeared without a trace, not knowing that the Aqua Tower was simply a diversion as Sharkman's true abilities were just about to be revealed when the right moment comes. "Dammit! Where did he go?"
"Watch out for the fin, Megaman!" Lan warned his Net-Navi, who blinked in alarm, and then widened his eyes as he saw Sharkman's razor-sharp dorsal fin emerge from the ground and speeding towards him as if Sharkman was literally swimming through the ground towards him! The Blue Bomber jumped away just in time, avoiding the attack as it sliced through the ground. Sharkman emerged one moment later, the predatory grin having never left his face.
"Not bad. People usually fall for this decoy." Sharkman commented. "Your operator was pretty sharp to notice that."
"Not to gloat or anything, but I'm the top student in my class when it comes to virus busting!" Lan boasted with a wide grin on his face.
"Yeah, right… Maybe you should put some more time into a few more school topics!" Megaman commented snarkily. "Oh well, let's focus on this guy for now."
"Yes, of course! And I can see that he's an Aqua-type Net-Navi, so… Elec-type Battle Chips should be very powerful against him." Lan noted. "So… Thunder1 Battle Chip in, Download!"
Megaman touched the ground and released a glowing ball of electricity that began travelling through it and homing on Sharkman… but he and Masa weren't novices, and they already knew how to counter that sort of attack.
"Hmm, nice idea. But we were expecting something like that, young man." Masa answered, smiling cunningly as he inserted another Battle Chip. "Invisibility Battle Chip in! Download!"
As the Battle Chip took effect, Sharkman's features began to blur and become transparent… and the Thunder1 attack went right through his body without harming him. Lan and Megaman both grit their teeth in frustration, but they had no time to think of that, since Sharkman began to go on the offensive once again. The shark-like Net-Navi dove in once again, and this time, three fins appeared on the net surface, instead of just one!
"Oh, man, this is getting tough…" Lan murmured in worry. "Be careful, Megaman, he's trying to confuse you!"
"I know, Lan. Only one of these is the real Sharkman." Megaman correctly deduced. "The question is… which one is it?"
"Well, that's for me to know… and for you to find out! And I think you should be pretty fast to do that, before I rip you to shreds! Hehehee…" Sharkman answered, his voice slightly muffled. Megaman tried to back away, so that at least he would have more room to dodge if one of the cutting fins was to lunge at him. The real Sharkman and the fakes began swimming through the net soil once again, with a slow and ominous pace, and Megaman kept his glance on the emerging fins, firing a few shots from his Mega Buster to keep them at bay.
"This is getting nowhere…" Megaman thought to himself, before widening his eyes as one of the fins stopped and dashed at him! He quickly stepped aside and managed to dodge the attack, but he ended up getting in line with another one of the fins… and this time, as the attacker dashed at him, Lan and Megaman were too slow to react, and the fin struck Megaman, sending him tumbling to the ground!
"Megaman! Are you okay?"Lan asked in worry. The Blue Bomber quickly stood up once again, proposing an idea to his operator
"I'm fine, Lan, but we need to find a way to discover the real Sharkman… or to hit him, even when we don't know where he is!" Megaman answered. "Listen, Lan, I think I have an idea: use a Bubbler Battle Chip so that we can hit all three at the same time when they are close by!"
"To be honest, I hadn't thought of that… You're right, Megaman! Even if we have no way to know which one is the real Sharkman, we can still hit all three of them at the same time!" Lan exclaimed. He waited until all three fins were close enough to each other… and before one of the Sharkman could dash at him, Lan inserted the new Battle Chip! "Bubbler Battle Chip in! Download!"
Megaman's arm quickly formed into a water gun and fired a large bubble of water, hitting the fin that was central with respect to the others! The Aqua-type projectile burst, sending spray of water in all directions and hitting the other two fins as well… and just like Megaman had imagined, the real Sharkman was hit out of his disguise and forced to emerge, as the other two fins disappeared!
"Yeah! Nicely done, Megaman!" Lan exclaimed happily, as they started to get an upper hand on their opponent. As Sharkman tried to shake off his dizziness, Lan placed another Battle Chip in. "Alright then… Dynawave Battle Chip in! Download!"
A large pickaxe appeared in Megaman's hands, and he slammed it on the ground, creating a powerful shockwave of energy that struck Sharkman straight on before the shark-like Net-Navi could defend himself! Sharkman was blown back and landed on his back, but he was quickly standing up once again, and stood on guard once again.
"Hmm, not bad!" Sharkman said, his wide smile never leaving his face despite having taken a good hit. "Yeah, I can see how you defeated Woodman and Skullman. But I'm afraid you're going to have to pull out all the stops if you want to be able to beat me! Come on; show me what else you can do! I need a few more Battle Chips, Masa!"
"Ask and you will be given, Sharkman!" Masa answered with a wide grin on his face. "Now… AquaSword Battle Chip in, Download! And then… Barrier Battle Chip in, Download!"
Sharkman's right fin-arm transformed into a glowing blue blade made of flowing water, and a shining aura of energy lit up around his body, providing him with a little bit of extra protection. "Yeah, that will do. Show me how you handle yourself in a hand-to-hand fight, Megaman!"
"With pleasure, Sharkman! ElecSword Battle Chip in, download!" Lan answered, inserting the Battle Chip that was going to be more useful against his opponent in close quarters. Megaman raised his right arm, and his hands transformed into a wide laser blade, crackling with electricity… and raised it just in time before Sharkman dashed at him, his AquaSword raised and ready to strike! With incredible power, the shark-like Net-Navi brought his sword-arm down, forcing Megaman to raise his own electrified blade to parry the blow… and even so, the clash was so tremendous that Megaman was forced to drop on one knee, and began pushing against Sharkman with all of his might, trying to force him back.
However, Sharkman was a canny fighter – after keeping up the pressure for a few seconds, the shark-like Net-Navi stepped back, pulling away when Megaman had expected him to be pushing towards him! The Blue Bomber was thrown forward by his own momentum, and Sharkman slashed at him with his AquaSword while he was flailing about in a desperate attempt to regain his footing! Megaman fell to the ground, and Sharkman tried to keep up the attack by swinging one of his huge fists at Megaman, but the smaller Net-Navi tumbled away, and fired a charged-up Mega Buster shot that caught the unprepared Sharkman in the chest, knocking the wind out of him!
Having bought himself some time, Megaman stood up against and brought his ElecSword in front of himself, while Sharkman grinned and brought the AquaSword in a wide arc in front of himself, as if to say that he was undaunted. Then, Masa nodded and brought out another Battle Chip, inserting it before Megaman could make another move.
"IcePunch… Battle Chip in! Download!" the fishmonger exclaimed. Sharkman's sword-arm remained as it was, but the other arm was surrounded by a freezing light blue aura, and the shark-like Net-Navi dashed forward, striking the ground with his freezing fist! A thick layer of ice began growing around the place Sharkman had hit, and soon spread outwards, forming an icy floor that quickly clung to Megaman's legs, blocking him in place!
"Damn, this is bad…" Lan exclaimed. "Hold on, Megaman, help is coming! Hammer Battle Chip in, Download!"
"Thanks, Lan that will help…" Megaman answered, his free arm clutching a large stone hammer that had appeared right at that moment, and then swinging it to strike the ground! The icy floor shattered, leaving Megaman free, but not before Sharkman had been able to dash forward, swinging his AquaSword in a wide arc!
"AreaSteal Battle Chip in! Download!" Lan reacted with shocking speed, inserting a new Battle Chip just in time before Megaman could be hit. Megaman disappeared from where he was, and reappeared right behind Sharkman, before lunging at him and slashing with his ElecSword! The attack struck Sharkman in his back, electrocuting him for a brief moment, and sending a painful shock through his body, and the shark-like Net-Navi fell to the ground, growling in pain!
"Impossible… I've been defeated…." muttered Sharkman, he has never lost a battle against anyone before yet this Blue Bomber was somehow able to do what no other opponent before him was capable of.
Masa and Sal were shocked that Lan and Megaman were able to prove themselves capable of holding their own against Sharkman, though the two Net-Agents were not the only ones baring witness to this match as Tory's father Dr. Froid had somehow taken notice to what was happening himself. "Not bad, I never would have thought that a civilian such as yourself would be able to hold your own against Sharkman for this long…" commented Masa, deciding that this is where their match comes to an end. "Alright Sharkman, log out!"
SHARKMAN, LOGGING OUT!
The brown-haired young man remained silent, especially as he was surprised by how strong Masa was as a Net-Agent, even more so than Sal and Miyu themselves though it's also the first time that he survived against a male Net-Agent in an actual battle. "Still, I gotta admit that it was one hell of a battle that you two have shown me and I need to give you something as a way of showing that you've passed your test!" he continued, revealing that his gift to Lan much like Sal and Miyu before him was access to his Network along with a PowerUp and HP Memory to further power Megaman up. "I'm sure that you'll find yourself something rather useful there to better help you for what is to come."
"Thanks Masa, we won't let you down!" he replied, giving a brief bow as it was an honor in battling the strongest of the three Net-Agents even though he wasn't aware of that fact then jacked Megaman out only to see that Sal was right behind him with a smile on her face. "Huh? Sal, what are you doing here?"
"I just came to see how the test was going, I'm really happy that you proved yourself worthy against not only me and Miyu but also to Masa as well" responded the green-haired woman, showing her appreciation towards Lan. "It seems that the bond you share with Megaman will actually allow you to stop the WWW…"
Lan remained silent, he had no idea that it was another test that he was put through then realized something else. "Wait a minute, he was a Net-Agent?!" he muttered in disbelief, wanting to be certain that they were alone as he wouldn't want to expose the secret to anyone but then again he is glad it wasn't Chaud who was present as he would've been annoyed with the white-haired young Official. "Guess that would explain why Sharkman was powerful…"
"Yes, not only this but out of the three of us… Masa is the strongest, which is why he fought you last after me and Miyu" explained Sal, having a feeling that his friends from school will need to be aware of it themselves when they arrive. "Still, it's a first that I've seen you without your friends from school… any particular reason?"
"They're getting ready for the dinner party here at the Government Complex, my dad is throwing it and it will start around 7pm but I'm allowed to invite my friends over…" answered Lan, since while he as so busy with battling Masa, he failed to realize the time sooner which means he needed to hurry and pay Froid a visit right away for what he had. "Oh man, is it that late already?!"
"Lan!" it was then that he heard Tory calling his name, and he turned to see that his best friend had managed to get here which left Dex, Yai, Mayl, Shuko and Iris before they can gather at the SciLab… sure he can understand girls tend to take a long time to be ready for something such as this but Dex was an entirely different story. "Sorry I'm late, wasn't sure of what to wear for the party and all since I'm new to something like this."
"Don't worry about it, you just man it…" responded Lan with a bit of relief in his body, then remembered something else that made him mentally kick himself in the head. "This is Masa, he and I had a Net-Battle not too long ago and turns out he's a Net-Agent who wanted to test me much like Sal and Miyu did before him."
Tory was completely shocked to learn about this as well as the fact that Lan somehow passed another test that the Net-Agents had place him in though he might have caught his interest if they were willing to test a civilian like him. "Oh yeah, I got the email from my dad… he said that he had something to show us at the WaterWorks" he explained, revealing the email from Froid on his PET and had a feeling that Lan got it as well. "Oh and I never would have thought that Sal would be here too, though since you mentioned that Masa is a Net-Agent that actually makes sense for her being with him."
"Yeah, I know… I was already on my way to the WaterWorks when I met Masa at his newly opened stand" said Lan with a serious expression, revealing he has gotten the same email that Tory did then hoped that the others will make it soon as there wasn't much time left. "Still, he and Sal wanted to talk to all of us when we're all here… just not sure what it is yet but it might have something to do with what the WWW may be planning to do next."
"Okay, I'll let my father know that I just got here and that we'll meet with him once the others arrive" began Tory, typing up an email from his PET and hoped that his father would get the message without any hassle unlike when the WWW members held him hostage to force Froid to do his bidding. "There, that should do it."
Something then clicked into Sal's mind as if this is indeed going to be a dinner at the Government Complex then it would be good for her, Miyu and Masa to attend as well for official matters as they all had a similar feeling that is where the WWW will strike next. "You know, if you want I can help the two of you look nice for the dinner… I don't really mind at all" she offered with another light smile on her face. "Besides, Masa, Miyu and I are gonna attend it ourselves… don't worry, you still have plenty of time."
"Huh?" wondered Lan, before he and Tory were led to the pink van as it seemed that there was something that Sal wasn't telling either of them yet can't put his finger on what it is while inside the respective PETs belonging to both boys, Megaman and Iceman had no idea on what to say on the matter at all. "Sal, I…"
"I had a feeling it would happen, oh well nothing to do about that" commented Masa before his PET rang and he picked up to see who it was, knowing that it's an important call... wanting to be certain that he wasn't being overheard or watched by civilians that could be in the area, he answered the call. "Masa here!"
Miyu's image appeared on the screen, with her usual stoic expression from when Lan and the others first met her back at her antique shop looking for a gift to give to Yai for her birth. "How did young Lan's test go, Mr. Masa?" she asked with a slight hint of curiosity concerning the Net-Battle that had occurred not too long ago expecting to hear some bad news.
"If you must know, he passed with flying colors much like he did when he battled you and Sal before" answered the leader of the three Net-Agents with a confident grin on his face, knowing they did the right thing by testing Lan and Megaman personally one by one in hopes of seeing if he will be able to stop the WWW's ultimate weapon or even prevent it from being unleashed should the three fail to do so themselves. "They have the potential for greatness; hopefully it will be enough to stop the WWW from causing further harm."
There was nothing but silence from the operator of Skullman, though a rare smile formed on her face as she seemed like Sal to be relieved to hear that Lan is able to pass the third and final test that was placed upon him by the three. "In any case, it would be about time you came here as I heard that there will be a dinner party at the Government Complex at 7pm" his own smile suddenly faded and turned into a serious scowl. "Lan's father is throwing the party but the odds are that the WWW will be taking their interest in SciLab, after what happened at the WaterWorks we best be ready when one of their Net-Navis make their move."
"Very well, I'll be on my way!"
Taking the better part of the day, Sal was doing her work in helping Lan and Tory look great for the party since their usual outfits most likely wouldn't do for something such as this plus she had notice that they both have a bit of a liking towards two of the girls in their group… more specifically Mayl and Shuko respectively. "Alright, this should do it…" she said with a slight nod, revealing a hand mirror that she had in her hand so to show both boys their new looks.
"Er… We are grateful to you for helping us dress up for the party, but isn't this a little much?" Lan asked, taking a good look at his own figure in the mirror. He was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved shirt with long trousers and black shoes, under which he was wearing an immaculate white shirt, though his trademark orange headband was still in place. Tory was dressed in a similar way, only his shirt was a light brown color. Both of them looked very elegant and refined, though Lan felt a little awkward in that, as he was not used to elegant dresses. "I mean, I know it's an important party and all, but still…"
"Don't worry, Lan, that's just what you need to look great for the party!" Sal reassured him, patting him on the shoulder. "Besides which, you might want to look nice for the ladies!"
"Er… I'm not sure what you mean, Sal…" Tory answered, checking his own shirt as he got a slight blush on his cheeks. He had to say, Shuko was cute, and she was someone he liked to hang with… wait, did he just think that?
"Oh, I'm sure you know!" the green-haired young woman answered, smiling and winking in a gesture of understanding. "There are some pretty ladies who might take a liking to you, and if you're well dressed, that will help a lot! Hey, don't be embarrassed, you two, it's just natural!"
"She has a point, you know." Megaman said with a slight chuckle. "And in any case, you're not bad looking at all."
"Well… in that case, Megaman, I guess I should thank you for the praise." Lan said a little uneasily. "And thank you for helping us with the dresses."
Sal smiled and pointed to the Government Complex. "That's good. Now, shall we go? I think there are some people who are waiting for you already!" she answered, before taking a look at her PET, where the massive Woodman was taking a good look at the time. "In fact… Woodman, can you tell us what time it is?"
"Fifteen minutes to seven, Sal. We have ample time to get there. Of course, that also means that our… special guests should be here in a moment." The Wood-type Net-Navi answered jovially.
Lan had a hunch he knew what Woodman was talking about. "Special guests? I'm not sure what you mean by that…" he began to speak, before a well known female voice answered in Sal's place.
"Sal? Are you here?" Mayl's voice asked. "We have arrived…"
"Oh… yeah, now I know I was correct." Lan stated. With a smile and a gesture of understanding, Sal motioned for him and Tory to follow her, and the two boys, in spite of still having a few doubts, did as their friend instructed them to. What they saw as they got outside surprised them to the point where they couldn't find their words for a few moments: Mayl, Shuko and Iris were there, all of them dressed in a way that made them look incredibly cute and elegant!
"Oh… Hello, Lan. Hello, Tory… Sal… we are in time, aren't we?" Mayl asked, feeling a little bashful about being seen with her dress for the party: it was a pretty bright pink dress, a color similar to that or her hair in fact, with a few cream-colored ribbons on the short sleeves, and a knee-length skirt of the same color, along with a pair of cute white sandals. Her hair had been carefully combed, and she was holding it in place with a pink circlet decorated with a few white flowers. Lan had to blink to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him… but no, she was there and she was looking really pretty too!
With that said, he had to admit that Iris looked very pretty too, just as much as Mayl in fact – she was wearing a sleeveless white dress with a long white skirt that reached up to her knees, along with a pair of pure white stockings and white shoes. She was carrying a bouquet of light blue flowers in her left hand, and was carrying herself with almost hypnotic grace and elegance. Her hair was decorated with a pin that looked like a silken pink butterfly, and she wasn't wearing any makeup at all.
"We… were afraid we… c-couldn't arrive in time, s-so… we moved rather early…" Shuko said in embarrassment. Her attire seemed a little simpler than that of the other girls, but she looked just as pretty – a light blue dress that looked like a simplified ball gown, with a single strap on her right shoulder, and a few silken roses sewn along her waist; she was also wearing a pair of black shoes on white stockings, and her hair was loose from her usual twin tails. Tory felt his heart skip a beat as he saw her dressed like that – she was really cute, no two ways about it!
Lan and Tory hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say, before the headband-wearing young boy cleared his voice and managed to speak. "Ah… er… well, you got here in time, don't worry! Sal was… er… giving us a few pointers on how to dress for this evening! Heheheheee!" he said, laughing in embarrassment at the end.
Megaman chuckled a little himself. "Smooth, Lan. Real smooth."
"Oh, not you too, Megaman!" Lan murmured to his Net-Navi and best friend. "I… I was surprised to see the girls looking so… er… so…"
"Pretty? Is that the term you were looking for?" Megaman teased, causing Lan to blush further, and Tory to look away, before clearing his voice and trying to look normal, as Sal giggled to herself at this display.
"Anyway… we're good to go if you want, girls." Iceman's operator said, with his Net-Navi giving him a knowing look as he let his glance linger over Shuko. "I… think Dex and Yai are already there, anyway. Oh, and by the way… thank you for your help again, Sal. I… never knew you were an expert in dresses."
"Oh, a girl has to be ready for everything, doesn't she?" Sal answered happily. "Now, kids, you go have fun, and say hello to your friends from me and Woodman too!"
"And above all, enjoy yourselves!" Woodman continued.
Iris did an elegant curtsey to Sal. "Thank you very much, Ms. Sal. We will make the best out of this occasion!" she said, before turning to the rest of the team. "Well, I think it's time to go. The party will begin soon!"
"You're right. We don't wanna be late!" Mayl answered. "Thank you again, Sal and Woodman! See you soon!"
The young friends thanked the green-haired woman and her Net-Navi, before heading out to the Government Complex in order not to miss the start of the party…
Following the indication they had been given, they had reached the building in question and taken the elevator to their floor. The place was rather quiet, since most workers had gone home already, and everyone was preparing for that evening's event… but when Lan and his friends were almost there, they took notice of a familiar figure standing idly in a waiting room – a boy about Lan's age with short white hair that turned black at the ends, with icy blue eyes and wearing a black tuxedo over a white shirt, a red necktie, black trousers and shoes. Lan, Megaman and their friends recognized him at once – Eugene Chaud Blaze, that mysterious and rather cold-hearted Net-Officer they had met during the crisis at WaterWorks. What was he doing there at this time?
Needless to say, it didn't take long before Chaud took notice towards the group and as expected, he didn't sound too pleased to see them again. "…You again?" he asked them with a scowl on his face, giving Lan and his friends a glare. "What are you doing in SciLab? This is no place for little kids to be playing games!"
"Hey, just cause we're kids doesn't mean you can push us around!" snapped Lan, a vein shown on his forehead as it didn't seem that he's thrilled with the insult like that. "Besides, my dad invited us here… come to think of it, what exactly are you doing here?"
"That's none of your concern, unfortunately I don't have time to deal with you now…" he responded back to Lan, deciding best to head somewhere else so he wouldn't have to deal with these kids any longer and not before making one last remark. "Later, brats."
Lan was starting to get rather annoyed with Chaud right now, especially as it's actually one of very few things that could possibly ruin this moment. "Is there something I missed?" wondered Iris, blinking a bit at the scene that occurred and the brown-haired operator of Megaman gave a small sigh of defeat.
"It's a long story; we met him before during the whole WaterWorks incident that occurred…" he explained to the brunette, hoping that they wouldn't run into Chaud again anytime soon while they were here. "His name's Chaud, just because he's an Official doesn't mean that he could act like a complete jerk… even his Net-Navi Protoman is a lot like him."
"Oh, I see…"
Remaining silent, Lan felt that it would take too long for them to explain all the details right now though turned to check the clock as it's suppose to be time for his dad to arrive. "Looks like he's late, guess we have all the time in the world to get Iris up to date on the matter before he arrives…" informed Megaman from within his operator's PET and it made the boy sigh again.
"I suppose you're right Megaman" said Lan before he started explaining to Iris about who Chaud was, how they met him at the WaterWorks when Sal was assisting the group in resolving the matter at hand… leading up to the fight against two powerful ColdViruses and Needleman of the WWW, the latter providing to be a much lethal opponent while his partner Colorman managed to acquire what they were sent there for.
Iris, who listened in from start to finish about the explanation on who Eugene Chaud Blaze is, was rather surprised by the revelation especially having had no idea that Lan felt this way about the boy they've just encountered. "Well in any case, maybe we should try not to think too much on the matter, since we do have a bit of spare time" recommended Mayl, though hoped that her own parents would be okay coming here as it's quite a rare chance for her to be able to spend time with them. "After all, Dex and Yai should be coming shortly as well."
Nodding his head, Lan had to admit that Mayl made a good point and it was then that Dex's voice came calling out."Hey guys, sorry I'm late!" he's still clad in his usual outfit but never the less felt relieved that he managed to catch up to his friends from school and yet was completely dumbfounded the moment he saw Iris with them instead of Yai. "So what's Iris doing here?"
"Long story, but I figured that since I'm allowed to invite you guys over then Iris could come along as well" answered Lan, scratching the back of his head and glanced at the brown-haired girl.
"Okay… Lan, you lost me after you said that Iris could come along as well since we just met her following the Bus Incident and…." Dex never got to finish as he felt something stepping on his foot, more so as Tory wanted to keep larger boy from remind them of the event that could have gotten Mayl as well as everyone else that were on that bus killed and the fact they didn't want a ruckus to be caused because of it. "Ow! What was that for Tory?!"
"Do you really want everyone to know about that event from several days ago?" asked Tory, knowing that even his best friend Lan didn't want to have to reflect on what Maddy almost did because of the virus that she and Colorman infected the bus with... something that Megaman's operator would never forgive the two WWW members for. "Even more so when we're here to relax with Lan's mother and father right now."
Sweat dropping, Dex wasn't sure what else to say then noticed that Lan and Tory weren't in their normal outfits right now then a grin cracked on his face as it felt too good to pass up. "Sorry… by the way, what's with the monkey suits?" he asked them, it isn't exactly normal for Lan of all people to wear something casual for once.
"Sal helped us with looking good for the party and she should be here soon, said she needed to make herself look lovely as well" explained Lan, while he felt somewhat embarrassed he couldn't help but flush the moment that Mayl stood on his right and Iris stood on his left… then again he had to admit that both girls look pretty cute in their respective dresses.
"Well you don't look half bad Lan" responded the red-haired girl, which made her childhood friend unsure of what else to say and she smiled to herself as it's like when the two first met during their childhood days. "Oh yeah, we just ran into Chaud again."
"What was that?!" exclaimed Dex, not believing what his own ears were saying and mentally cursed at the fact he just missed Chaud as he wanted to give that white-haired punk and his Protoman a thing or two about humility. "You crossed paths with that guy and we just missed him? Great, just when Gutsman and I were planning to challenge him to a Net-Battle."
Inside Mayl's PET, Roll shook her head as there's times like this that Dex and Gutsman have some similarities with one another even if it wasn't physical. "I'm not sure what to say right now" said the pink Net-Navi, not knowing how to respond to the scene taking place then knew that aside from the dinner there's another event that was to take place at the dinner. "Come to think of it, I've heard that in fancy parties like this… there is a small dance which… you know…."
"Oh yeah, still I've never danced with anyone before…" Mayl's cheeks starting showing light shade of pink which if any darker could match her hair and that there is one person who she had been hoping to ask on this special dance, though considering how dense he is usually… it might not happen but she wouldn't know unless she tried when the time came.
"Mayl…" began Lan, noticing the slight blush that his pink-haired friend and felt her forehead in hopes that she isn't actually coming down with something, which only made her a bit flustered the moment his hand was on her forehead trying to find out if she had a fever. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Don't worry about it, I'm fine" answered Mayl, closing her eyes as she gave another sigh and the others watched without saying even a single word but figured that they should let the two talk among each other. "You know, there is something that I've been meaning to ask you before your mom and dad arrive to the meeting place."
Becoming curious on what she wanted to ask him, he looked at the clock again then back towards Mayl since they still have a lot of time on their hands and it's one of those times they can get the chance to talk that isn't whenever they were on their way to school. "Sure, I got nothing better to do anyway so shoot" he replied, deciding to listen.
"Okay, it's just… you know that there's a dance that tends to happen when people attending parties like this right?" she asked him, it made the brown-haired young man think on the matter though her words do have a point as aside from the food that was made for the party, there is also gonna be a dance… the problem was he never knew that notion until Sal mentioned it to him and Tory while she had been helping the two boys look good and there might be something more to it than just looking good for the party. "So I was wondering if well, you know…."
"Yes?" Lan asked, feeling a little clueless about the whole thing. "You… you mean, you would like to ask if I could dance with you?"
Mayl blushed even brighter, and Megaman silently cheered for his Net-op from his PET. "W-well… if it isn't a problem for you… then yes, I would very much like that!" the pink-haired girl answered, feeling happy that Lan wasn't as oblivious about it as she first thought.
Lan rubbed his forehead in thought, not wanting to disappoint his childhood friend, and at the same time fearing he wasn't going to be able to dance decently. "I'm… not sure, Mayl… I mean, yes, if you want to dance with me, then I see nothing wrong with it… but the problem is, I've never danced before…"
"Oh… that's no problem, Lan, I can help you with that!" Mayl answered, looking up to meet her childhood friend's eyes. "It's not difficult at all, you'll see!"
Lan chuckled, a little nervously, and accepted Mayl's offer. "If… if that's what you think, then… yes, Mayl, I'll be happy to dance with you!" he answered, drawing a bright smile from Mayl. "Just… well… don't expect too much out of me, okay? I'm a complete beginner…"
"Its okay, Lan, I'm just glad you accepted!" Mayl affirmed, before checking whether everyone was with them. Megaman and Roll's PETs ended up facing each other, and the two Net-Navis gave each other a triumphant cheer!
"Looks like Lan isn't so clueless after all!" Megaman said, grinning and winking at Roll. "He actually got an invitation to dance from Mayl!"
"You can say that again!" Roll answered. "That's a first step, isn't it? And by the way, Mega, you wouldn't mind if… well, if I invited you to dance while the party is going on, would you?"
"Oh… I would really like that, Roll!" the Blue Bomber answered, glad that this party was going to be a chance for both himself and his operator. The rest of the team was following Lan and Mayl as they got closer to the meeting point, and Roll noticed how Tory and Shuko seemed to be walking close to each other. She smiled knowingly, thinking to herself that this evening was going to be an enjoyable party for someone else as well. "By the way, Lan… isn't that Dad? Your dad is here!"
"Huh? Really? Where?" Lan asked, jumping up in surprise. He looked ahead of him and saw that, in fact, Yuuichiro Hikari was arriving at a jaunty pace, his hand raised in a cheerful gesture!
"Lan, did you wait long? You're looking fit as a fiddle! And your friends too!" he exclaimed with a smile, taking a good look at the small team of Net-operators. "Where's Mom? Didn't she come with you?"
"Hi, Dad!" Lan exclaimed, a beaming smile on his face as he never got many chances to see his father because of his line of work. "Mom is coming! She just had to get dressed!"
"Hahahaaa! Well, that will take a while, if I know your Mom!" Yuuichiro answered, stopping in front of the group of friends. Dr. Yuuichiro Hikari was a tall, handsome-looking man in his late thirties, wearing a beige long-sleeved jacket with the Scilab symbol drawn on the left side of his chest, along with a pair of long, dark grey trousers and brown shoes. He had short, well-combed brown hair, and his face still looked quite youthful, even with the looking glasses placed on the bridge of his nose. "Oh, and by the way, it seems to me that you've found quite a few more friends. I'm glad to see that!"
"Thanks, Dad! Yeah, you can say that!" Lan answered, motioning to Tory, Shuko and Iris, who stepped forward to politely greet their friend's father. "These are Tory Froid, Shuko Kido… and Iris! I've only known them for a few days, but we're good friends already!"
"Pleased to meet you, Dr. Hikari. I am Tory Froid, son of one of your colleagues." Tory began, shaking Yuuichiro's hand in greeting.
"Oh, right, you're Tory. Your Dad often spoke to me about you!" Yuuichiro answered. "I was quite worried when I heard the WWW had targeted him…"
"Thank you, Dr. Hikari. At least that went well…" Tory answered a little glumly.
Shuko cleared her voice and began speaking as well. "I'm… I'm pleased to meet you as well, Dr. Hikari. My… my name is… Shuko Kido, and… well, I've just recently… started studying in Lan's same class!" she said nervously.
"I'm pleased as well, Dr. Hikari. My name is Iris… and I'm a bit of a stranger here." Iris continued. "I… I met your son a few days ago, and he really helped me getting around. It's a pleasure for me to meet you."
"A pleasure to meet the three of you" he responded to Tory, Shuko and Iris with a light smile on his face then turned his attention towards the lovely young woman who was looking after the kids while they were waiting for him. "Who might you be?"
Giving a smile, she figured that it wouldn't hurt to introduce herself to Lan's father after all it can help with keeping her cover intact. "My name's Sal, I own a stand at the Government Complex not too far from here" she said, extending her hand for him to shake. "Lan told me a bit about you."
"Has he now?" he asked, out of curiosity but never the less shook her hand as a means to show courteously whenever he meets someone new to the Scilabs and yet it surprised him that his son told her a bit about him. "In any case, it's an honor meeting you Ms. Sal."
Nodding her head, Sal knew it was a pleasure to meet Yuuichiro and it wasn't for long before they heard footsteps and arriving at the scene was Lan's mother Haruka. "Sorry! Here I am!" she replied, wanting to apologize for being late which in a way reminded Mayl of all the times Lan's been late himself though kept silent on the matter. "Honey! How have you been? Are you keeping well?"
"I'm fine, really" answered Yuuichiro, glad to see that Haruka made it here just in time and especially as he could use some time to spend with the woman he fell in love with as a way to get his mind off of work once and a while. "You don't have to worry about a thing Haruka."
"Well, you seem good enough!" responded Haruka, then turned her attention towards Lan and the others even though she's already familiar with Mayl, Yai, Dex and Tory, the appearance of Tory, Shuko, Iris and Sal were what caught her by surprise but she'll have to ask about that later when everyone is downstairs. "Let's go downstairs to the restaurant floor and eat!"
With that said, everyone made their way to the elevator and Sal managed to make secret contact with Masa himself who was already at the restaurant floor waiting for the others. "How are things going on your end?" she asked in a whisper like tone, using her wrist watch as a communicator in order to properly interact with her superior.
"So far so good, though there's no sign of any members of the WWW as of yet" explained Masa from where he was, fortunately Miyu is preparing to do her part in the mission at hand as they would have to be extra careful because should the WWW get their hands on all the Super Programs then who knows what could happen to so many innocent people around the world. "However it is the first time I've actually taken part in one of these fancy dinners and to be honest I wish I brought a date with me. And you?"
"I've just met Lan's parents, his mother recently arrived and we're on our way to the restaurant floor right now" she answered, knowing she is at least a distance far enough so their conversation wouldn't be overheard by anyone present. "What's Miyu doing right now?"
"She's waiting to greet you and the others near the elevator once you arrive at this floor… odds are it will take all three of use to be ready for anything the WWW could throw" he replied back, having a feeling that sooner or later the kids who took on the members of the WWW and survived in the process may be an assistance in saving many lives. "In the worse case, we'll have Lan and his friends assist us… after seeing what they can do in action, it looks like their help is necessary should something go wrong."
Silently nodding her head, Sal agreed that they'll have to rely on Lan and the others in case they fail to stop the WWW members themselves in this mission. "Also just to warn you that another official is here as well" she informed him, referring to Chaud and his Net-Navi Protoman. "He was involved during the events that transpired at the Waterworks."
"I see, though it couldn't be helped" said Masa with another frown on his face, having a feeling that Chaud will want to deal with this his way due to him being an official much like himself, Sal and Miyu were but hoped that they wouldn't cause any issues with one another. "Just be careful."
"Understood sir, I will do my best" Sal replied to her superior with a serious expression on her face and is about ready to end transmission with him as well before rejoining the others on their way to the elevator. "Sal out."
It wasn't for long till both Lan and Mayl came to check up on the green-haired woman, having had a feeling she needed to speak with Masa on the mission they were currently on. "You okay Sal?" asked the red-haired girl out of concern on her face, which made the older female look at the two children.
"Yeah, I'm fine…" she answered with a frown, knowing the two were at least alone with her so that she'll be able to explain what the talk was about between her and Masa. "I was in a conversation with Masa, especially as the preparations are ready and we're doing our best not to cause a fuss as last thing we need is problems the WWW could use to their advantage."
"Well that makes sense at least" added Lan, while he usually had food on his mind or an excuse not to do his homework… there was something about this whole thing he couldn't understand even today such as what reasons for the WWW stealing these four Super Programs to begin with. "I'm still drawing a blank on what this EndGame I've heard about is…"
"I wish I knew myself, odds are they'll come after the Elec Program" responded Sal, frowning again though there was something else that needed to be said concerning the four Super Programs that the WWW desires so much. "Unfortunately, the Elec Program is the second to last one they need and it's here in SciLab… the other program they'll come after is the Wood Program."
"Wait, what?" muttered Lan, hoping he was hearing this right sure the Fire Program was in his own oven while the Aqua Program being at the WaterWorks though the fact that the Elec Program was somewhere within SciLab is new to him, especially as she mentioned that it was the second to last program the WWW is searching for. "If that's true, then where exactly is the Wood Program."
"Well it is the only Program that I was actually able to successfully secure before the WWW were able to acquire it" explained the green-haired woman, a smile starting to form on her face as it's clear that the WWW won't be able to initiate this mysterious EndGame if they were one Program-short which could help in their favor should they fail to protect the Elec Program. "You'd be surprised where I was able to locate it and when I've been capable of doing."
"Oh… well, that's great news, at least." Lan answered with a small nod. "We know that WWW won't be able to get a hold of it so easily."
"I hope so, at least…" Sal answered, sighing slightly. "We've seen what WWW was capable of, and I wouldn't put it past them to be able to sneak in undetected. Anyway… you kids aren't here to worry about that, so enjoy this evening! Should anything happen… we'll give you a shout, but we'll basically try to handle the problem ourselves. You have gotten involved more than you already should have."
"It's okay, Sal, we were glad to help out anyway." Megaman answered. "And should WWW show up, we'll be there to put them in their place."
"We know, and we appreciate it a lot. Thank you for your help." Sal concluded. "However, now is not the time to think about that, as I just said. You are here to have fun and enjoy the evening."
"Yes we will!" Lan answered, giving a thumbs-up as he and his friends headed towards the party hall…
Lan had to admit, for being a rather high-class party, it seemed to be quite fun. The music was catchy, and the buffet was quite varied… of course, that had been the first thing he and Dex had been interested in, and they had already taken a taste of pretty much every dish they had found upon it. Shuko seemed to be a little awkward, not being used to a place like that, but luckily, Tory and Mayl were there to give her a little more confidence. Yai was right at home in a place like that, and she had taken it upon herself to show Iris around, to help her get acquainted with the place. Lan and his friends were trying to make the most of the evening.
"You know, Lan, it's been a while since we've talked." Yuuichiro said, approaching his son and putting an hand on his shoulder. "Actually, there is something I've been meaning to ask you."
"Sure, Dad. What's that?" Lan asked, glad to be able to talk with his dad for once, as he was always away for work.
Yuuichiro rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well, it's about my research…"
Lan winced a little. This wasn't exactly a topic he was strong at. "Sounds difficult… How would I know about that?" he asked.
"Well, it's connected to you and Megaman." Yuuichiro said, growing a little uneasy. The conversation was veering towards an uncomfortable topic for him, but it was something he had to do. "See, I made your PET. It's different from normal ones. And Megaman, too..."
Lan frowned a little, wondering what his father was going to talk about… but just then, a voice came from the speakers, calling for his father right at that moment. "Dr. Hikari, paging Dr. Hikari... Please report to the Lab immediately."
"Whoops! I'm sorry, it looks like I have to go! Lan, we'll finish where we left off next time!" Yuuichiro said, looking up in surprise. "See you soon, Lan… and give my regards to Mom and your friends too!"
"Oh… yeah… good luck, Dad!" Lan answered as he watched his father walk away, waving at him as he did. The young boy sighed, somewhat disappointed. "So much for dinner together…"
Then again, he was still a bit concerned over what Sal mentioned before as there were only two Programs left to protect from the WWW and he cringed at the thought of what could happen if those guys succeed in acquiring all four. "You okay Lan?" he heard Megaman asking him, which snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Sorry, I zoned…" he replied, giving his Net-Navi a frown since it wasn't like him to be like this even though he did hope to one day be one of the greatest Net-Battlers of all time. "I still can get over this EndGame, and the fact that these guys from the WWW are plotting something we don't know about.
"We'll find out whenever we can, besides Masa, Sal and Miyu are skilled Net-Agents so they will let us know if they find out more on the matter" commented Megaman, showing concern for his operator and it wouldn't be right to see him like this during a party. "For now, just try and enjoy yourself."
Remaining silent, Lan slowly nodded his head and turned to see Mayl approaching him especially a upon seeing the expression he previously had. "Mayl, what's up?" he asked, curious that his childhood friend and neighbour came to him though he still can't help but find her and Iris lovely in the outfits that they were currently wearing.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing" responded Mayl with a shrug, especially as they knew each other since they were little so it would make sense to her that she make sure he was okay from time to time. "Is it a crime or something?"
Shaking his head, he knew that he could at least use some company even if he does tend to be dense on a lot of stuff. "I was having a lot on my mind anyway, other than that I'm fine" he replied to the red-headed girl in question then remembered something as her parents are also at the party themselves. "How's your parents?"
"They're good, I am just glad to be able to see them right now" she said, turning her attention towards her mother and father as they were currently interacting with Haruka, a sad smile forming on her face since it was one of those rare times she got to see her parents and bond together with them like a family when they weren't on their business overseas. "In any case, I thought I could give you some company for a while."
"Uh… Well…" muttered Lan, a bit flustered though before he could figure out what to say he saw that Iris was at a table by herself which seemed wrong in a way even though he met her before the whole traffic light incident and it still surprised him that she had been on the exact same bus that Mayl and Kai were on. "Huh? Iris?"
This in turn got Mayl's attention, making her surprised that the brown-haired girl is alone as well and at the same time somewhat worried since she did her part in helping against Maddy and Colorman as well as save innocent lives on the bus itself. "I wonder why she isn't with the rest of us?"
"That is what I am wondering, then again I think we should make sure she is alright" he responded, making his way towards the other girl with Mayl accompanying him as he did so and hopefully they could do something to help cheer her up. "Iris?"
"Oh?" she heard Lan calling her name and she turned to see that he and Mayl were joining her, not that she had a problem with it though she is still new to being in DenTech City in general but Lan and the others were kind for allowing her to participate in the party. "Lan, Mayl… What brings you here?"
"We wanted to see how you were doing" said Lan, as he and Mayl decided to sit with him so she wouldn't feel so lonely plus if they could make friends with Shuko then making friends with Iris won't be difficult at all provided that nobody from the WWW screws this up. "You don't mind if we join?"
Iris remained silent and shook her head, she could use a bit of company herself. "I don't mind at all to be honest" she spoke with a light smile on her face, allowing Lan and Mayl sit at the table with her plus Megaman and Roll were glad that the young girl was starting to open up to the others so to speak.
Nearby, Sal was taking notice to this and smiled to herself that the three was starting to interact with each other then prayed that there wouldn't be any trouble from the WWW though with the possibility of the Elec Program being located somewhere within SciLab's Networks, the chances of that happening were slim to none to say the less but for now it wouldn't help worrying too much on the matter.
"So, Lan, are you enjoying the evening?" Haruka asked her son, as he and his group of friends stood near the buffet table.
"Yes, we are!" Lan answered readily, a bright smile on his face. "It's just that, well, it would have been even better if Dad was able to stay with us a little longer... I know he's got an important job and all, but still..."
"Everyone, thank you for waiting." A voice from the intercoms was heard in the large party room, drawing Lan, Megaman and their friends' attention. "We'd like to welcome our speaker for the evening."
All the guests turned to a rather large platform on the other side of the lounge, where a spokesman for SciLab had taken place... or better say, where he was supposed to have taken place, since the man who was there at the moment looked anything but that! He was wearing a gaudy dark tallow jacket with matching trousers, and his blond hair was combed in two fringes pointing to the back of his head. The buttons on his suit and the soles of his shoes were lighting up from time to time, and all things considered, he did not look like he belonged in an organization like Scilab...
"Hm? Who is that man? He looks really odd..." Mayl commented.
Grinning maliciously, Count Zap stepped forward and threw his arms outwards in a gesture of welcome. "Ladies and gentlemen... thank you for coming here this evening!" he exclaimed happily, his voice resonating throughout the room. "To our... WWW Party Of Death! Oooooh yeeeeeaaaah! We'd like you to know that WWW has just taken over the underground power plant! So, let's get the party started with a little... No, a really big... blackout! Elecman! Zap to it!"
Lan and Megaman jumped up in shock... but they were unable to do anything before Count Zap raised his right arm, and the lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into total darkness and panic! "Ah! What's going on?" Lan and Megaman heard Dex's voice crying out in alarm.
"I can't see a thing!" Tory exclaimed.
"A powerout?" a voice exclaimed among the chaos. "Oh, no! The air vents have stopped! If we don't fix them, the air will run out and..."
The only thing still visible in the darkness were the lights on Count Zap's suit and shoes, but his taunting voice could clearly be heard. "Now, relax and enjoy your last breaths! Hahahahahaaaaa!" he exclaimed, before calmly walking away, sure that no one could follow him in the darkness. The guests were left in the room, whose air supply was slowly but surely running out...
"No good..." a voice was heard, clearly from one of the SciLab operators. "The power won't turn on! The generator..."
"What... what are we going to do now? We... we will run out of air sooner or later!" Shuko exclaimed, clinging to Tory in panic.
"Someone go check the power plant below us!" another operator exclaimed.
That was a cue for Megaman and his friends to get a move. The WWW was attacking once again, and they needed to put a stop to them before innocent lives were put in danger. "Lan, everyone... let's go!" the blue Net-Navi exclaimed.
"Easy for you to say! It's pitch black in here!" Lan exclaimed, unable to see an inch in front of himself. He bumped against Yai, almost ending up to the floor in the confusion!
"Hey! Take care where you're going, Lan!" Yai exclaimed.
"I would, if only I could see..." Lan protested. At that moment, their eyes began to adjust to the faint light still filtering in the room, and Lan could make out the tables, the chairs and the people inside the room, as well as his mom and his friends. "Wait, my eyes are adjusting... okay, Megaman! Everyone, let's go! We need to find out what's going on and stop the WWW!"
"Alright, I'm up to it!" Dex exclaimed, slamming his fist in the palm of his other hand. "Those WWW jerks haven't faced Dex and Gutsman yet!"
"Gutsman ready to rumble, guts!" the bulky Net-Navi followed.
"Okay... we're with you, Lan!" Mayl answered. "We'll come too, one can never be too careful with the WWW around! Iris, if you are afraid, you don't have to come with us."
"But I will come. If nothing else, there will be less people to consume air here." Iris said. "Don't worry about me. I will try to help you as much as I can."
Shuko smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Iris. I... I just hope we will be lucky enough to find a way to solve this problem..." she said uncertainly.
"Don't worry about that, Shuko. We'll figure something out... I hope." Tory reassured her, as he led their way towards the main exit. "If I recall right, there should be a way to the underground power plant... right out of this room and to the left. We should be able to jack in from there!"
"Thank you, Tory. That helps a lot." Roll answered. "Okay then... we should get going! Time is wasting here!"
"Lan, children... please be careful!" Haruka recommended. Lan smiled and gave his mom a thumbs-up, before he and his team were on their way towards the underground power plant...
"We'll be fine, don't worry mom!"
As expected, Masa and Sal knew that they need to act quickly themselves since they had a feeling that this would be a diversion so that Count Zap an acquire one of the remaining two Super Programs for their plans. "I think this is our cue" informed Masa, with the green-haired female nodding her head before they got ready to leave the room themselves.
Sal had a feeling that she needed to keep an eye on Lan and the others while Masa slip out, not wanting to attract any unnecessary attention. "Miyu, this is Sal… We have some trouble" she said, making contact with her fellow Net-Agent though it wouldn't be easy to find a jack-in port but they needed to save as much innocent lives as possible.
"Yes, I know… I just arrived when it happened" came Miyu's voice as her image came on Sal's PET and she voiced her concern despite the expression she has on her face. "I am doing all that I can on my end but it won't be easy with the power shut down."
"I see, fortunately Lan and his friends are already here so there's a chance that they will try and fix the problem" responded Sal, knowing it will be a difficult feat but if anyone will be able to successfully stop Count Zap is those children. "We need to be ready to help them."
Giving a slight nod, Miyu is well aware of what needs to be done. "Very well, and what of Masa?" she asked, referring to their leader which made Sal frown a bit though he had his reasons for taking off as he has a status to keep intact.
"He went on ahead…"
The bluenette remained silent, knowing that Masa will be one step ahead as he has some kind of idea to lure Count Zap into a trap while she and Sal work on doing their part in protecting the Elec Program. "Are you sure the plan will work?" she asked Sal, while she is already aware that Chaud and his Net-Navi Protoman are also on a similar mission to stop the WWW from getting it and the Wood Program, there is a chance that Lan and Megaman might have to face them.
"We won't know unless we try, especially as Eugene Chaud Blaze and his Net-Navi Protoman are here too" said Sal, reflecting on the first time that Lan and his friends encountered the two officials in question which was less than adequate to say the less but prayed that things don't get ugly with the group getting themselves involved again. "I am sure you are already aware of his actions at the Waterworks."
"Yes, and chances are that Lan will have to confront him in battle sooner or later" remarked Miyu, having visualized the possibility of a Net-Battle between the two potential rivals which will differ from the tests that the three Net-Agents put him through up till now. "It won't be like our tests either as I predict that something may cause this battle to occur but I cannot say for certain unless it transpires naturally."
Hearing the news made Sal cringe a bit as Chaud may be brutal towards Net-Navis belonging to crime syndicates but hopefully Lan and Megaman won't be up becoming targets for getting involved at the wrong place at the wrong time. "Let's just hope that prediction is wrong…" she said to herself, dreading the thought of Protoman actually deleting Megaman in battle.
Count Zap found himself grinning, as everything was going according as planned with Elecman already at work on searching for the Elec Program. "Excellent Elecman, Lord Wily will be pleased with our efforts!" he said as he was already at the power plant and hooked up his red electric guitar, is was one song that he looked forward to playing. "It's showtime!"
Without another word, he played one of the notes and the amphs were so high the sound wave tossed him back though it doesn't matter as he had a new song planned for when their mission is a success. "Now that's what I call a power cord!" he said to himself, a bit dazed but liked how it turned out.
However, he was not alone as there was another man within the shadows in a state of meditation and he watched with a scowl as he saw the event that transpired but kept himself from saying anything…. For someone like Wily, he did not want to take any chances with the possibility of facing Net Agents. "That ignorant fool" he said to himself then glanced at the PET in his hands. "Is everything ready on your end…"
"Almost sensei" came a male voice from his PET, which caused the shadowed figure to nod as while he and his student were not members of the WWW, Wily has offered to pay them a huge sum of money for eliminating a certain problem for him. "Should Zap and Elecman fail in their mission, Eraseman and I know what to do…"
"Very well, I will have Shadowman oversee the operation and should you encounter anyone who gets in your way… Show no mercy" instructed the shadowed man, having expected that Wily couldn't trust Count Zap with the mission by himself so he hired the two in order to ensure his ultimate triumph. "I trust that you will be able to handle yourself against the ones our employer told us about."
There was nothing but silence within the room and after a few seconds to nearly half a minute, a response is heard. "It shall be done Miyabi-sensei" soon communications ended with the man known as Miyabi being certain that his student will accomplish what Mr. Match, Higsby, Stoneman, Ms. Yuri and Maddy could not especially after hearing about the capabilities of Lan Hikari and his friends.
If this Megaman is as good as Wily says he is, then it would make for a rather interesting confrontation…
Lan and the others were currently looking for a way out to the power plant which should be in the exact location that Tory mentioned. "That exit should be around here somewhere…" muttered Lan, unfortunately they can't spend to much time as with the generator shut off the group has to act quickly. "There it is!"
The group saw up ahead, a means to the power plant and they immediately made their way towards it which made them somewhat relieved that Tory's calculations of its location was accurate. "Looks like we can get to the power plant from here!" he informed the others them got ready to make certain it was right. "…Let's try it!"
"Not to be a stick in the mud, Tory, but what exactly do you think we're doing?" Dex stated, before trying to open a door only to find it locked. "Those WWW jerks seem to have locked all the doors to the underground as well, so we won't be able to interfere."
"Don't give up, Dex! There must be a way to get down there!" Lan said, not willing to give up before having attempted everything. "So what if the doors can't be opened? We'll find another way in! We just have to find an opening..."
Tory intervened. "We can get into the power plant from there!" he said, pointing at a large panel that was placed near a corner. Everyone turned in that direction and realized that Tory was talking about the garbage chute. Not exactly the nicest or the cleanest way to get to their destination, but it couldn't be helped. "I know it's a dust chute, but we don't really have time to look for another way."
"I... I just hope we will be able to arrive on time..." Shuko murmured. Lan and Megaman looked at each other and exchanged a nod of understanding, before addressing the rest of their friends.
"Let's do this, guys. We need to get there in time and help the Officials deal with the WWW." Lan said. "And we must do it before the air in the building becomes too thin for the guests to survive..."
"We're with you all the way." Yai answered, before making a slightly disgusted face as she looked at the dust chute. "Though I would have preferred if we had another way to get there..."
Mayl nodded and gave a quick understanding look at Roll, who answered with a wink and a thumbs-up. "Yai is right, we're all coming with you!" Roll answered, before taking a look at Iris, worrying that the brunette might be in danger if she stayed with them. "Iris, maybe you should stay in the ballroom with Lan's mom and the other guests. It might be dangerous for you to come with us."
"Thank you for your concern, but I will be alright. I think I will be able to help you better if I came with you." Iris answered with a slight smile as well. She had no idea why, but she had the feeling that, if she stayed with the team, it could have been important. "Of course, if you don't mind me coming..."
"Not at all, Iris. We were just a little concerned about you, that's all." Mayl answered. "Come on, everybody, we have already lost enough time here."
Everyone nodded and hurried to the dust chute, where Lan pulled a small lever on the side of the large opening, and caused the panel to slide open. One by one, the young Net-Battlers slid down the chute, holding their breath from the terrible smell that was coming from the slide... and safely landed on the floor below, waiting for everyone to arrive before continuing their exploration.
"Okay, here we are..." Tory said, holding Shuko's hand as she arrived last from the upper floor. "Now we need to get to the control room though... I'm sure the doors here are electronically locked, so it won't be easy to get past them..."
"Well, we won't know until we try..." Megaman answered, thinking that Lan's hotblooded character had begun to rub off of him somewhat. "From here, where should we go, Tory?"
"The control room is this way." The small brunette answered, pointing to a corridor in the south corner of the hall they had landed in. As they followed Tory in the new corridor, the team saw a couple of doors on their right... and in front of one of them stood a man who seemed to be trying to unlock it. "Yes, I remembered correctly. That door at the end of the corridor should be the entrance to the main control room... let's go and see what we can do!"
"The gentleman in front of that door seems to be a scientist of SciLab." Glyde commented as the team got closer. "Excuse me, sir, may we be of assistance to you?"
A little surprised at the fact that those children had managed to get down there, the scientist – a rather nondescript man with short brown hair and looking glasses – put a finger to his lips. "Please, be quiet, kids..." he said, handling a small electronic device with which he was trying to crack open the electronic lock. "I am trying to open the control room. If we get there, we will be able to do something about this blackout and free the people stuck in the ballroom."
"We know... that's... well... what we were trying to do as well..." Shuko answered uneasily. "But... if the WWW is here, well... they must surely have placed several traps and viruses along the way..."
"So we would like to help!" Dex continued. "C'mon, sir, it can't hurt to have someone back you up, huh?"
"Gutsman will do his best too, guts!" Gutsman continued.
"And me too! I still have a score to settle with the WWW for kidnapping Tory!" Iceman exclaimed angrily, still sore about what Dr. Wily's men had tried to do with his Net-Op.
Tory nodded silently, especially since he wanted to at least get back at the WWW much like his Net-Navi did for what happened with the Waterworks. "Perhaps I could be of some assistance as well" came a familiar female voice as the group turned to see that Sal has joined with them with her PET in hand.
"Sal?" asked Lan in slight surprise though he was grateful that Sal had arrived since it was going to be something that even they might not be able to handle themselves in the worse case scenario but had a feeling for why she's here. "Where's Masa?"
"He's got his own work cut out for him helping the civilians as much as possible" responded the green-haired female, suspecting that this was just a distraction to keep the officials preoccupied with one problem so the WWW can accomplish their real objective. "He sent me to aid you children in your mission."
The group remained silent, but nevertheless appreciated the offer of assistance and knew what needed to be done. "Okay, let's get going!" began Lan, turning his attention towards his own PET since this was going to be much tougher than the events that transpired beforehand. "You ready Megaman?"
"Ready whenever you are, Lan!"
"Just be warned that we may have to deal with Elec Viruses and unfortunately that may be a problem for Tory and Shuko since their Net-Navis are Aqua-based much like with Sharkman when you faced him" explained Sal, knowing that the weakness used against Sharkman will hinder both Iceman and Aquaman if they do indeed come across Elec Viruses. "Odds are Woodman and I aiding you is beneficial since Wood-based Navis have a resistance to Elec-based attacks."
"Thanks for the warning" said Tory, then turned his attention towards Shuko especially as concern for Aquaman's well being had started to show on her face after hearing about the fact they would be dealing with Elec Viruses in the SciLabs' systems. "Hey, don't worry we can handle it no problem."
"Are you sure?" wondered Shuko, surprised when Tory said that to her in his reassuring tone while he gave a light smile at the blunette.
"Yeah, besides we dealt with different kinds of viruses before so as long as we're careful then we should be fine" he replied back, knowing that they all needed to do this together whether it be against regular viruses or variations of different types. "Plus, I still owe you for saving me by the way and if anything I will do what I can to help."
This made Shuko silently nod her head, grateful to Tory for the kind words. " Thank you" she replied, as if trying to hide a slight blush coming from her face though isn't doing a good job at and inside her PET, Aquaman found it cute that his operator may actually be taking a liking towards Tory.
However, something clicked into Lan's mind since last they checked Chaud was also at the as SciLabs earlier before the whole incident started. "By the way, will Chaud and Protoman be involved?" he asked with a serious expression forming, which caused Sal to frown the moment she was asked that question.
"As an Official, he has an obligation to deal with net-crime much like myself, Masa and Miyu, however I highly recommend you steer clear of them as you do not know the extent of what they are capable of" she informed, then again this wasn't gonna be a test at all as if anyone tries to battle Chaud and his Navi then… she rather not think about that. "Unlike when you battled the three of us respectively, facing Chaud and Protoman could lead to the permanent deletion of your Net-Navi as they have a zero tolerance to anyone who gets in their way."
As expected, Lan and his friends were completely shocked by what she revealed. "Wait, does this include deleting our Navis even though we are trying to help stop the WWW?" asked Mayl, being the first one to speak as she didn't want to imagine seeing Roll being deleted by Protoman.
"I know it is hard to believe but unfortunately it is the truth" answered Sal, knowing that it would be for the best that none of the Net-Navis that Lan and his friends had ever cross paths with Protoman, despite their noble intentions. "We know this as they have never been beaten in a battle, ever… So the wise choice to not try and break that streak."
"Great, just when we had enough to worry about" muttered Yai, as if she already didn't already have a reason to not like Chaud at all, there was this new reason which amplifies the matter in question.
"We'll worry about Chaud later, right now we have something else to deal with" remarked Lan, as much as he hates to say this… He knew that saving innocent people was much more important than his possible battle against Chaud and Protoman. "We can't afford to waste anymore time."
"I have to agree with Lan, our respective families are in danger as well" added Mayl, knowing that they have to get to the generator and reactivate the air while at the same time needed to be ready to try their best in preventing the WWW from getting the second-to-last program. "This is one of the few times I get to see my mom and dad, so I won't let the WWW ruin it for me!"
"That's right, there's no way in hell we are backing down from this!" said Roll from within her operator's PET, remembering when Maddy had tried to kill Mayl and every civilian on the bus with that virus which would have detonated it had the pink Navi and Turboman not intervened.
Seeing the determination that was forming on the children present, it made Sal close her eyes as nothing will be stopping them from helping innocent lives no matter how dangerous it is. "I see.. In that case, we should get going" she said with a light smile forming on her face.
The door emitted a beeping sound and slid open. "Good, I managed to open it." The scientist who was working at it exclaimed. "Now come the hard part though. Getting in the Net and eliminating whatever is causing this blackout will not be easy."
"Thank you, sir! But I'm sure my friends and I can handle this!" Lan answered confidently, just before his group of friends along with Sal entered the control room, where several techs were working at the consoles trying to get the power back, though it wasn't going very well by the look of things. "Sorry for intruding, everyone, we wanted to lend a hand."
"How are things here?" Sal asked, showing her ID which identified her as a Net-Agent. "Don't worry, these children are with me. I'm taking responsibility for them."
"We normally control the power plant from this room... But all of the computers are down!" one of the other scientists explained. "We need a way to get inside the system and delete the viruses that are messing it up."
Checking a computer that was barely functioning, Megaman immediately noticed a few jack-in ports. "Lan! Everyone! It looks like we can jack in here!" the Blue Bomber exclaimed, turning everyone's attention to the ports.
Needless to say, that was just what the children were hoping to hear, as they gathered near the computer and prepared to send their Net-Navis inside the building's net. "Alright! Nicely done, Megaman!" Lan congratulated his Net-Navi. "Good, everyone, we're jacking in now! Are you ready?"
"Do you even have to ask, Lan? You bet we're ready!" Dex exclaimed with a grin on his face. "So, let's do this! The WWW will be sorry they even tried screwin' with us!"
"Go on, Shuko! I know its dangerous, but we can do it together, drip drip!" Aquaman encouraged his operator.
"O-okay! We're ready…" Shuko said, taking a deep breath to calm herself down…
But right before the children could jack their Net-Navis in, one of the scientists rose from his chair, shouting at them to stop! "Waaaait! You wanna delete your own Navis? Jacking in now is suicide!" he exclaimed in alarm. "If the power's out here, it's out on the Net, too! If you jack in now, your PET's battery will run out quick! And... if your PET's battery runs out while you're in... The energy sent to your Navis is cut off completely... and your Navi won't be able to heal by itself! ...It'd be just a matter of time 'fore you got deleted!"
Sal gritted her teeth. "Oh dear… I had forgotten about that…" she murmured. "I'm afraid he's right, kids. Without an external power feed, our Net-Navis would quickly become sitting ducks!"
"What?" Lan exclaimed, surprised and dismayed about that just like his friends were. "You serious? Then… what should we do?"
"The more we wait, the more the oxygen in the ballroom will thin out…" Iris answered. "We must think of another way, and quickly."
Megaman, surprised by this reveal as well, stopped for a moment and tried to think of another way… but the more he tried to look for another solution, the more he realized that there really was no other way out of this situation. He knew it was going to be a very dangerous thing to do… but there was no time to stop and think of a better way. The more they waited, the more the hostages risked death …
"Lan, let's go!" Megaman exclaimed, having made up his mind.
The young boy was worried about what could happen to his Net-Navi, and tried to argue against this idea. "What are you saying, Megaman? Y-You might get deleted!"
"Yeah! You and all the others! We can't have you risk your lives in such a place!" Mayl exclaimed.
Gutsman banged his fists together. "All we have to do is defeat the WWW Navi and jack out, guts!" he exclaimed.
Tory tried to argue against it as well, shaking his head. "No, it's too dangerous!" the chestnut-haired young man affirmed.
"Tory, everyone… if we don't go now, there is a chance that all the people stuck here will die!" Iceman tried to reason with his operator.
Glyde nodded graciously. "Mr. Iceman does raise a good point. Furthermore, we believe all of you are capable enough operators that you will see all of us through this crisis." He explained.
"Please, Mayl… everyone, we cannot afford to wait!" Roll pleaded with her operator. "Time is wasting here…"
"Roll… everyone…" Mayl said, realizing that the situation was bad enough that there was no time to think of a better solution. She looked over at Sal, who seemed to be somewhat at a loss of a moment… until she nodded at the pink-haired young girl, in order to say that they should go ahead.
"Our Net-Navis are right… we have to risk it!" Lan finally said. "Don't worry, Megaman, we won't let anyone delete you guys!"
"That's the spirit, Lan!" Dex exclaimed. "Alright then, here we go!"
"Jack-in, Megaman!"
"Roll!"
"Gutsman!"
"Glyde!"
"Iceman!"
"Aquaman!"
"Woodman!"
"EXECUTE!" all the operators exclaimed at the same time, sending their Net-Navis in the net…
"Whoa!"
Lan and the others realized something must have gone wrong when they jacked their respective Net-Navis into the System. "Megaman?" wondered Lan, hoping that his Blue Bomber was okay as were the others. "What happened?"
"They've got some heavy protection on this thing!" explained Megaman with a frown, realizing that getting into the system would take a bit longer than they originally thought.
"Damn…" Lan silently muttered to himself, then glanced back towards his PET as he prayed to God that they will be able to continue into the systems without too much trouble and feared that the Navis may not get past that protection on time. "Can you guys get through!"
"No problem, just give us a second!" responded Megaman as Lan and his friends waited in silence as they hoped that there would be good news coming from the Blue Bomber, fortunately for them there was. "There! Got it!"
Iris smiled to herself, though she felt somewhat bad that, not having a Net-Navi, she could not contribute except by supporting them. "Good luck, everyone…"
The Power Plant Net was somewhat like Lan and Megaman had imagined it – a rather hollow place, with a yellow floor composed of several floating platforms, with several lights turning on and off at regular intervals, and surrounded by deep darkness, which still allowed Megaman and the other Net-Navis to see where they were going. A few Mr. Progs were frantically working around the net, trying to keep it working, but there wasn't much they could do about it…
"Megaman? Everyone, you OK?" Lan asked the Net-Navis as soon as all of them appeared on the large platform, Woodman towering over them.
Megaman looked around and received nods and signs of assent from his friends, to which he proceeded to reassure Lan that everything was proceeding smoothly. "Yes, we're fine, all of us!" Megaman said, before pointing to a battery-shaped gauge on the top right of Lan's PET. "We've displayed the PET's remaining battery, top right!"
"If the battery runs low, we cannot heal after battle." Iceman continued. "So, let's get that WWW Navi before the PET's battery dies!"
"Okay!" Lan answered. "Come on, everyone, on to the network power generator!"
The Net-Navis took the road in front of them, getting to a larger platform up ahead, where several battery slots were lying on the ground, being attended by a few Mr. Progs who were trying to defend the mas much as they could from several groups of viruses – there were the usual Metools and CanoDumbs, though they were now a different color and looked more dangerous, as well as a few Fishy, BeeTank and Billy viruses. There were also a few new models Megaman and his friends had never seen before – especially one that looked like a red Billy, and a Flappy2, a virus that looked like a pink punching bag with small arms and a cute face composed of two small beady black eyes and a smiling mouth. The defenders of the Energy Plant Net were trying their best, but it was only a matter of time before they were overwhelmed by the invaders…
"Looks like these people could use a hand! Blizzard!" Iceman exclaimed, breathing a howling blast of snow and wind towards the viruses, catching a BeeTank in its tracks and freezing it solid before it was deleted in a shower of white-blue pixels. The viruses turned to the new threat… and Megaman and his friends let loose with all of their attacks in an attempt to thin down the ranks of the attackers!
"Mega Buster!" Megaman exclaimed, firing some blasts.
"Roll Flash!" A series of pink heart-shaped projectiles flew from Roll towards the viruses, deleting more of them.
"Aqua Bomb! Drip, drip!" Aquaman fired a bubble of water at his opponent, striking down a Billy2.
"Rocket Guts Punch!" Gutsman fired his own fist at a CanoDumb3, destroying it before the limb reappeared on his body as if nothing had happened.
"Wood Towers!" Woodman exclaimed, jumping up and then slamming his fists down on the ground. Several Wood Towers rose from the ground a split second later, destroying more viruses.
"Give them all you've got, Glyde!" Yai exclaimed. "AquaSword and ElecSword Battle Chips in! Download!"
Glyde raised both his arms, which transformed into a sword made of water and one made of lightning… and charged towards a group of Fishy viruses, bringing both his blades down in an X figure and cutting through several of them! "I thank you for your assistance, Miss Yai." The butler Navi commented evenly.
"Anytime, we still have to be careful…" said Yai with a frown, they still need to be careful because if their respective batteries run dry completely then there is nothing more they can do and things were not getting easier with Billy viruses, Ratty viruses and Twisty viruses the fray. "Great, why now of all times?"
Glyde took to the skies and slashed at the few Metools and two CanoDumbs using the AquaSword and ElecSword then Gutsman punched through a Fishy virus with his fist. "Roll Arrow!" yelled Roll, firing an Arrow at a BeeTank.
"Ice Slasher!" Iceman used his signature attack on the two Billy viruses that he was facing against and saw Aquaman doing his best to fight against a CanoDumb which he successfully deleted thanks to his Water Balloon.
"DynaWave Battle Chip in, download!" yelled Lan, a pickaxe appeared in Megaman's hands and he used it to dispose of another small group of viruses and Mayl was quick to follow in kind with her own Battle Chip.
"Spreader Battle Chip in!" she slotted in the Spreader, which Roll used to delete an additional number of viruses, but with their respective respective operators being on a time limit due to the PETs having a rather limited battery life they can't stay for too long. "Got them!"
Unfortunately their presence had become known to the leader of the WWW, Dr. Albert Wily himself and he was less than pleased to see that Lan and his friends were once again trying to ruin his plans just when he needed two more super programs to complete his ultimate weapon. "Those annoying Navis and that no good Net-Agent again!" he growled, however it could work to their advantage in a way. "Count Zap, I need you!"
Jack Zap's image appeared on the screen as it was clear that Wily needed him to be aware of the matter at hand. "I don't care what it takes, make sure these pests never leave the Network!" he ordered to which Count Zap bowed to his leader.
"It'll be my pleasure!" he replied to Wily, yet like the leader of the WWW, he too knew that the advantage was on their side this time around. "Even if we don't delete them, they will cause their own demise soon enough because once the PETs belonging to their Operators run low on power then their Navis are good as gone!"
"Excellent, glad you are on top of things" remarked Wily, revealing an evil grin on his face as he is glad that his minions aren't so incompetent as he originally thought they were. "However, just to be on the safe side I had hired two assassins to ensure our success."
"Assassins you say? Who might they be?"
"Does it matter?" asked Wily, he prefers not to get into the details until after they acquire the third program and it requires a thorough search within the Plant's network, hence why he had gone with hiring professional assistance. "For now, your objective remains so get to it!"
Remaining silent, Count Zap had a feeling that there might be more to these assassins than Wily is telling him but decided against questioning further. "Very well, I will be on it!" he replied before ending communications while the WWW leader gave another evil grin.
Especially as at another part of the Plant's network, two shadowed silhouettes were shown as they looked rather interested in the events taking place. "These are the Navis that we were hired to dispose of?" asked one of the unknown Net-Navis, the tone seemed unimpressed as he glanced at the enemy Navis that were fighting the viruses.
"Patience, appearances can be deceiving…" explained the other Net-Navi, knowing that from what Wily informed them and their operators, Megaman and his friends were able to hold their own against the WWW so far otherwise the two wouldn't have been hired to delete them. "Still, I hope that Megaman would live up to his reputation."
"We'll just have to wait and see if they survive… Otherwise it would be no fun in deleting them Shadowman Sensei…"
"Perhaps, but remember why we are here Eraseman" informed Shadowman, both Net-Navis much like their operators prefer to work in the shadows and that the best way of eliminating their enemy or the enemy of their current employer is to wait for the right moment to strike.
Eraseman remained silent, preferring not to say a word as he had no qualms against what his sensei taught him much like how his Operator was trained by Shadowman's so the only thing he can do was wait until the moment to attack their targets came. I just hope we don't wait too long… he thought to himself.
"Oh yeah, give em hell Gutsman!" Dex routed for his powerful Net-Navi, glad they get a chance to be kicking ass again especially as they needed to show why the two are a force to be reckoned with even against the WWW.
"Leave it to Gutsman, Super Arm!" yelled Gutsman, summoning a block that landed in his right hand then tossed it at a huge group of Billy viruses, deleting at least a few in the process while Lan and his friends were in slight shock at what they saw. "Gutsman smash!"
"Wait a minute, time out!" yelled Lan, more so not remembering Gutsman having that attack before even though it was previously mentioned to them before while Dex gave a confident grin. "When did Gutsman learn that?"
"We learned it since the last time you beat us Lan" responded Dex, knowing it would be good for the others to know of Gutsman's newly taught signature attack from their time training in secret ever since the Metroline events. "We were planning on using it against you and Megaman next time we battled once we perfected it since I couldn't properly use a Program Advance but now it will have to wait."
Remaining silent, Lan had to admit that it was one hell of a signature attack but remembered they didn't have time to waste. "Well let's hope it will help us break through" he said, focusing back towards the battle that was taking place as Megaman managed to delete a few Billy viruses in the battle with his Mega Buster. "Sword and WideSword Battle Chips in, download!"
Megaman's right arm turned into the Sword and the left arm into the WideSword then sliced through a number of viruses, resulting in their deletion. "Damn, looks like we got trouble" he muttered as he saw additional viruses coming to aid the previous ones. "The viruses keep multiplying."
Woodman felt the electricity striking his body but it wouldn't do the enemy viruses any good as it tickles due to his status as a Wood Elemental Navi. "Haha, I call upon the power of Mother Nature!" he yelled, unleashing another Wood Tower which deleted a few Twisty Viruses and Ratty Viruses with ease.
"KnightSword Battle Chip in!" said Mayl, slotting in the KnightSword which Roll used to delete a large group of Ratty, Billy, Twisty and Metool viruses, showing that her and Roll's training to become better Net Battlers was helping them to improve a lot since they first started helping against the WWW.
"Man, there's no getting rid of these jerks!" added Lan, scowling that the viruses or more specifically the one sending the viruses are trying to make them waste their PETs' respective battery life on purpose then finish their Navis off. "As long as Chaud doesn't show up then we're good."
"Try not to jinx that Lan" remarked Yai, slotting in a Hero Sword Battle Chip and watching Glyde delete a few additional viruses that he was fighting then Megaman used both the Sword and WideSword to slice through three Billy viruses that tried to attack Glyde from behind. "Thanks for saving Glyde, Megaman… Still there's so many of them we can't keep this up forever."
"She's right…" added Shuko with a frown, they checked how much life their PETs had left so it would be best to converse their powerful for the main enemy Navi before they have to Jack their partners out especially with Aquaman using his Water Balloon on another Billy. "With the Elec Viruses in this area, Tory and I would have the most trouble since Iceman and Aquaman are Aqua Navis."
"I never seen so many viruses like these…" commented Megaman as exhausted as he was, he saw that Glyde was kneeling down to the ground in his own fatigue. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine…" answered Glyde with a frown, biting his lower lip before attempting to get back onto his feet which he was successful in doing but if they needed to stop the problem before their respective PETs get low on power then they have to act quickly. "Don't worry about me, we have bigger problems.
Unfortunately things were not going to easier because many of the Billy viruses, Ratty viruses Twisty viruses were all of a sudden combining together into something more powerful. "What's happening?" asked Shuko in shock, seeing many of the viruses that they were fighting all of a sudden merging together into what appears to be an enormous CanDevil2.
"A CanDevil2… Just when we though the regular CanDevil that Megaman and I fought when Fireman's operator tried to burn down our house wasn't enough!" Lan bit his own lower lip, knowing that they will be having their work cut out for them. "Be ready for anything it might throw at us!"
The oversized virus let out an unearthly roar and breathed a trail of fire that forced the Net-Navis to quickly scatter to avoid the attack. Woodman, for his part, had no choice but to cover himself with his Leaf Shield, summoning four overlarge leaves that spun around his body for a moment and intercepted the gout of flames, keeping it from hitting the Wood-type Net-Navi but getting incinerated in the process.
"This virus is really dangerous..." Sal commented. "Woodman, try to stay out of its range. If you get hit by that, you'll certainly suffer great damage."
"I know, Sal... but I'm afraid it will not be easy..." Woodman stated, looking at the rest of his friends who were scattering all over the battlefield in order to give the CanDevil2 more targets. "This virus is fast, in spite of its size..."
"Fast or not, we need to bring it down somehow!" Roll exclaimed, unleashing a barrage of heart-shaped pink projectiles against the gigantic fire monster. The CanDevil2 took the attack on the chin without much trouble, and turned to Roll... only for the pink Net-Navi to turn her arm into a crossbow and fire several shots at her opponent!
"TriLance Battle Chip in... Download!" Mayl exclaimed. The three darts flew through the air and struck the gigantic virus, remaining stuck in its body... but they burst into flame and melted a moment later, leaving the monstrosity almost unharmed.
"DynaWave Battle Chip in... download!" Dex exclaimed. Gutsman slammed both his fists on the floor and sent a powerful shockwave at the enemy, managing to hit it head-on.
"KnightBlade Battle Chip in... download!" Yai inserted one of her rare and powerful Battle Chips, causing Glyde's right arm to turn into a huge laser blade, which he swung at the enemy. The CanDevil2 was hit, and the great sword dug a large, glowing wound into it... but much to the children's displeasure, the damage regenerated with shocking speed, and only five seconds later, the CanDevil2 was as good as new.
"What? Man, give us a freakin' break!" Dex exclaimed in outrage. "How are we supposed to beat this virus if it recovers before we can even blink?"
"I have no idea... but we must try to keep up our attack as we look for its weak point!" Megaman exclaimed, as he continued firing a few shots at the CanDevil2. The virus took all the attacks in stride, as if it couldn't even be bothered to avoid them. "Perhaps, if we were to inflict a lot of damage in a single shot, it would not be able to repair itself fast enough."
Shuko frowned a little and thought about what Megaman had said. After all, Aquaman and Iceman were both Aqua type Net-Navis, so they would be particularly effective against the Fire-type virus, but they needed to be sure they would delete the CanDevil2 in just one shot, or things would get dicey...
"Guys... I... I think I have an idea, but... I'm not sure if it will work..." Shuko ventured. "Maybe... if we were to stop that virus' movements for a moment... Aquaman would be able to use his strongest attack on it and take it down... But I am not sure if it can be done..."
"It won't hurt to try. Be more confident, Shuko, I know you guys can do it." Iris said, trying her best to cheer up her friend and give her more confidence.
"Hmm... actually, I believe miss Shuko might actually have had the right idea." Glyde answered, firing a powerful M-Cannon shot that Yai had sent him. "We need to have enough time to mount a powerful assault, preferably an Aqua-typed one, that will take out the assailant in short order. Pray, Ms. Shuko, do tell us about your idea."
"I'm pretty sure we can trust you to have a good idea!" Iceman answered as he fired a barrage of ice daggers at the CanDevil2, while at the same time sliding sideways to avoid the monster's fiery breath. Unfortunately, the heat surrounding the CanDevil2 was such that the icicles melted into puddles of water before they could get close enough.
Taking a little heart from her friends' encouragement, Shuko took a deep breath. "Okay... first off, we need to find a way to stop the virus' movements..." she began to say, only for Dex and Gutsman to step forward. The large Net-Navi pounded his chest with his own fist, and raised his arms.
"Then we know what to do, guts!" he exclaimed. "Guts Hammer!"
Gutsman's fists turned into a huge iron hammer, and before the CanDevil2 could breath fire once again, he brought it down on the floor, cracking the pavement around the monster! The burning virus grunted in confusion, finding himself unable to move over the cracked floor... but quickly pulled himself together and breathed out another trail of fire at Gutsman, who was barely able to raise his arms and soften the blow, being tossed to the ground!
"Gutsman!" Megaman exclaimed in worry.
"N-never mind Gutsman, guts!" he murmured, shaking his head as he climbed back up. "Stop that virus now!"
"Alright!" Lan exclaimed. "Thunder1 Battle Chip in, download!"
"Wood Tower!" Woodman exclaimed, slamming his fist on the floor and causing a series of wooden spikes to rise up and rush towards the CanDevil2. The monster quickly turned around and avoided the electric jolt Megaman had unleashed, then breathed fire once again and burned the wooden spikes to ashes, but that distracted him just long enough for Glyde and Roll to pull out their next move.
"We need to do this together in order to stop that virus from moving, Ms. Roll." Glyde explained. "Please, follow my lead."
"Gladly." The pink female Navi answered. "Are you ready, Mayl? We need to work together with Yai and Glyde now."
"I'm ready whenever you are!" Mayl answered with a confident nod. "Give the order, Yai!"
"Wait for it, wait for it..." the blond little girl answered. Just as the CanDevil2 was about to unleash another blast of flames upon the group of Net-Navis, Yai saw the right moment to ace. "NOW! Cloudier Battle Chip in, download!"
"Bubbler Battle Chip in, download!" Mayl exclaimed. Roll's right arm turned into a water gun of sorts and she fired a large bubble at her opponent, catching it in the side, while Glyde raised his arms and created a small blue cloud above the enemy, bombarding it with rain and causing the CanDevil2 to roar in pain and rage! Now the virus was stunned and immobilized, and both Aquaman and Iceman had a far easier time taking aim... "Okay, it's up to us now..." Shuko murmured. "Aquaman... are you sure you're up to this?"
"Don't worry, Shuko... we just have to attack at the right moment to defeat this virus' regenerative powers." Aquaman answered. A large fire hose of sorts appeared in the small Net-Navi's hands, while Iceman took a deep breath and prepared for when the enemy was going to attack... Tory frowned and carefully watched the oversized CanDevil2, ready for everything...
And a split second later, the gigantic virus opened his hideous maw again, a large fireball glowing inside his cavernous mouth...
"Alright, NOW!" Shuko exclaimed.
Iceman released the breath he had been holding and unleashed a blast of freezing wind, snow and crystals of ice, sending it straight in the CanDevils's mouth, while Aquaman turned his fire hose on and blasted the Fire-typed virus with an high-pressure barrage of water! Both attacks went right into the monstrous virus' mouth, and a huge cloud of white steam rose up from it as the combination of water and ice began deleting the CanDevil2 from the inside! The damage was too great for its self-healing powers to handle... and after letting out a deafening roar of pain and rage, the CanDevil2 disintegrated in a puff of data, clearing the place!
"We... did it, drip drip!" Aquaman exclaimed, turning off his hose and looking with pride at the results of their combined attack. "See? What did we tell you, Shuko? We knew you could do it! It was just the idea we needed to win!"
"Yeah, that was awesome, Shuko!" Lan praised her.
Tory turned to the shy blue-haired girl, and gently placed an hand on her shoulder. "You had the right idea at the right time, Shuko." He told her. "Sure, everyone did their part, but you were the one who first suggested it. So... congrats to you!"
Shuko turned to Aquaman, who smiled at her and gave her a thumbs-up... then, she blushed profusely and placed her hand upon Tory's. "I... I... thank you, everyone! I... I tried to do my best, like you said... and I guess that it worked!"
"I told you, Shuko. It's all about having faith in yourself!" Iris answered. "However... I'm afraid you have to hurry up before it's too late. Your PET's batteries are slowly but surely running out.
"She's right, everyone." Megaman said, taking a look at his own power gauge. It was just a little more than halfway full. "And we still don't know what we'll be facing in the innermost part of the net... We should hurry up and get there in order to restore the power!"
"You're gettin' no arguments from me!" Dex said. "Where now, guys?"
Woodman took a look at the roads that started from the platform they were standing on. "If I recall right, we should be able to get to the main power plant that way." He said, indicating the path to the uppermost part of the platform. "Follow me, and stay clear of the viruses."
"Alright... we must hurry up before the charge gets too low..." Roll continued, hurrying behind her friends. In a few moments, everyone had ran to the next corridor and was heading to the platform Woodman was guiding them to. It was a larger platform, with several battery slots placed on the floor in a 3x3 grid pattern, along with a single Mr. Prog standing guard upon them... and a few other Mr. Progs floating around in a listless daze. Megaman immediately noticed something strange about them... namely, the fact that they were a darker color than the others, and their faces bore a scowl of suffering and rage instead of a normal Mr. Prog's smiling face.
"What's the matter with those Mr. Progs?" Iceman asked, noticing this problem as well. "They look like they're in a daze..."
"You... shall... join... us..." one of the darkened Mr. Progs murmured, floating ominously towards the team. The other ones chimed in as well, creating a disquieting echo all around them.
"Give... me... your data..."
"All your base... are belong... to us..."
"I'm afraid... I must... ask you... to delete me..."
"Be careful, Net-Navi friends!" the only normal Mr. Prog exclaimed. "These Mr. Progs... have been corrupted by the WWW viruses! They will try to delete you! They knew this is the only place in the net where you can restore the power to the whole complex, and that's why they sent their best enforcers here... so that you could never recharge the system!"
"This is troubling..." Glyde affirmed calmly, staring down the corrupted Mr. Progs, who were giving off showers of electric sparkles. "The more we wait, the more the imprisoned people run out of breathable air. May I suggest we split?"
"That sounds like a good idea, Glyde..." Woodman answered. "Alright... Glyde, I think you can handle the power station. We will handle the enemies and cover you."
"That is satisfactory." The butler Navi affirmed. "I will be counting on your Net-Battling expertise as well, Ms. Yai."
"Rest assured we will kick all those viruses to kingdom come, Glyde!" Yai exclaimed confidently. "Lan... you guys cover us!"
"Gotcha, Yai! That'll be a team effort!" Dex answered. "C'mon, viruses! Gutsman and I wanna a piece o' you!"
"You... will... not... escape..." one of the corrupted Mr. Progs moved to intercept Glyde as the butler Navi tried to fly towards the battery grid, but Woodman quickly interrupted it by punching it with his enormous fist, sending the defective program flying away! Glyde turned to the gigantic wooden Net-Navi and smiled as a sign of thanks, and while his friends began battling the other brainwashed Progs, he reached the only remaining Mr. Prog to see what the problem was.
"Do not worry, my friend. My companions will handle the WWW viruses. I am not much of a fighter, but I can help restoring the power." Glyde told the green creature. "Pray, do tell me what we need to do to help save the hostages."
"To begin restore power to the system, you need to use batteries, like these ones." said the Mr. Prog, giving out three fist-sized batteries to Glyde. "Put the batteries in the connected boxes and pull the switch. The bulbs will light and restore the path! However, there are more boxes than batteries! You'll have to find out which boxes are connected! If your batteries run down, bring them back here."
"I understand." Glyde answered. "Is there anything else we should be aware of in order to place the batteries?"
The green program nodded. "There is something I can tell you about that. The boxes that are connected to the light bulbs are never adjacent to each other." he stated.
Glyde took a look at the 3x3 grid housing the battery boxes, and reflected about it for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "I believe that is satisfactory information." he answered. "I should be capable of solving this. Ms. Yai, have you taken a look at the boxes? What do you think of this puzzle?"
Yai smirked confidently as her huge forehead shone proudly, even in the darkened control room. "I say it's no big deal for yours truly, Yai Ayanokoji! It is only to be expected that one of my intelligence is able to solve this puzzle. We shall start by placing a battery in the center of the grid." she instructed her Net-Navi, who promptly put a battery in the center slot and hit the switch, in order to see if that was the right place. However, nothing happened.
"It would appear that is not the right place, Ms. Yai." Glyde noted, taking the battery and bringing it back to the Mr. Prog in order to recharge it. However, Yai didn't seem fazed by this, and was simply readjusting her solution to the puzzle.
"Good, good. That means we just have to pick the slot which minimizes the number of possible choices." Yai said to herself. "Good. Now, Glyde, put a battery in the low-right corner and check."
Glyde did as he was told, placing the battery in the corner of the grid, before hitting the switch again. This time, the battery actually lit up, which meant that it was the right place!
"Alright! This eliminates a lot of possibilities!" Yai exclaimed. "Now... put a battery in the low-left corner and check!"
"Already done, Ms. Yai." the butler Net-Navi answered, before powering on the grid again. This time, both batteries he had placed lit up. "And it appears that you made a good call once again. That only leaves one battery to place."
"Get them charged up again, and then place the third one in one of the upper corners." Yai instructed. "Since the correct boxes are never close to each other, and we already know that the central box is not one of the correct ones, that only leaves the upper row for us to check. Putting the last battery in one of the corners will let us minimize the options in case we make a mistake and have to restart."
"That was my exact same reasoning, Ms. Yai." Glyde answered as he took the batteries from their slots and brought them back to the Mr. Prog, who wasted no time with recharging them and giving them back to the taller Navi. Then, Glyde quickly went back to the power grid, and placed two of the batteries in the lower row corners, and one in the upper left corner. "Alright, that should do. I believe we will have to trust our good luck for this one attempt... let us see if that holds true."
Once again, Glyde pressed the switch... and with a penetrating sound of coursing electricity, the power grid went online, restoring the power and lighting up the Power Plant net!
"Alright! Excellent job, Glyde! We got this thing working in only a few tries!" Yai cheered.
Glyde bowed respectfully to his operator. "It was a joint effort, Ms. Yai. One that required intelligence and deduction skills, both of which you are certainly not lacking in." he stated.
Yai smirked and put her hands on her hips in a proud posture! "Well, yeah, I know I'm smart and all, my dear Glyde! I did not skip three grades just because I'm pretty and rich, after all!" she boasted, before looking at her friends, who seemed quite impressed that she was able to solve the puzzle so quickly. "So, how are you holdin' up, guys?"
"Not bad, I'd say." Megaman stated, using a FireSword to vertically slice a corrupted Mr. Prog in half, causing it to disintegrate. Another of the crazed programs approached Iceman and Aquaman, trying to catch them with crackling orbs of electricity spinning around their bodies, and causing the two Aqua-type Navis to retreat in alarm... but Gutsman intervened to defend his friends and took the blow from the electric ball, gritting his teeth in pain for one moment, before Dex assisted him with a Battle Chip.
"You ain't doin' jack to my pals, you bastard!" Dex exclaimed. "Hammer Battle Chip in! Download!"
"Gutsman... SMASH!" the bulky Net-Navi exclaimed as a huge sledgehammer appeared in his hands, and he swung it at the attacking Mr. Prog, crushing it and dispersing its data! Gutsman sighed in relief and turned to Iceman and Aquaman, wanting to see if they were okay. "Hey, little ones, you aren't hurt, are ya?"
"No, we aren't... Thank you, Gutsman, that was a close one!" Iceman answered, with Aquaman smiling happily as water sprinkled from the top of his head.
"Thanks, Dex. I guess we owe you one." Tory answered as well, giving the large boy a pat on the shoulder. Dex grinned and gave a thumbs-up, before turning his attention back to the battlefield, where Woodman was drawing most of the enemies' attention. Being a Wood-type Navi, he was able to absorb most of the enemies' attack without much damage, and answer with aseries of powerful attacks that left the Elec-type viruses in the dust. Woodman slammed his fists on the ground, causing several WoodTowers to sprout out and impale the crazed Mr. Progs, deleting them and almost freeing up that part of the net.
"We are making good progress!" Roll stated, firing an M-Cannon Battle Chip at another opponent. "And now Glyde has restored the power again. All we need to do is..."
She was interrupted when she heard an hissing sound, and moved to side in alarm! All of a sudden, three star-shaped metal blades flew towards them, one of them barely missing Roll's head, another scratching Megaman in the shoulder, and a third one hitting Gutsman's arm, only missing his head because the larger Net-Navi had raised his arm to protect himself!
"Megaman!" Lan exclaimed in worry, seeing his Net-Navi clutch his shoulder. "What's going on?"
"I don't know, Lan! We're being ambushed by someone here!" Megaman answered, looking around to see what was the problem... and he was greeted by the sight of two mysterious-looking Net-Navis standing on an elevated platform, coldly looking at the team!
"Not bad. Few targets ever managed to survive my first attack." one of the Net-Navi stated coldly. It resembled a typical ninja, as it was dressed in a full-body purple suit with a matching mask and head cover that only allowed his intense green eyes to be seen. He was wearing a red scarf around his neck, and a red four-pointed shuriken was placed on his forehead, along with a pair of zori on his feet and a pair of spiked covers for his elbows. A short sword was sheathed on his back.
The other looked like a Net-Navi version of the Grim Reaper itself, as it was a tall, gaunt Net-Navi covered in purple armor, with bony white arms and legs that were covered in short spikes. His face was red, showing a ferocious grin, and his hair was white, long and unkempt, with a pair of red horns showing up from beneath it. A large green eye was placed on his chest armor, and he was holding a huge scythe with a curved red blade in his hands.
"Who are you?!" demanded Megaman, having his Mega Buster raised while Roll armed herself with her Roll Arrow and Glyde got his main weapon the Glyde Cannon ready to fire should any hostile actions be taken from the two enemy Net-Navis in question.
"We are Shadowman and Eraseman, your worst nightmare!"
"Shadowman, huh?" asked Megaman, he and his friends were still cautious of the newcomers but had a feeling that the WWW sent them to eliminate the seven so that nobody will get in their way of acquiring the remaining two programs needed for their ultimate conquest. "So I take it that you and your partner were sent by the WWW to get the ElecProgram!"
"Believe what you want, it doesn't matter!" remarked Eraseman, unimpressed by the fact that Megaman associated him and his sensei with the WWW as they're nothing like those lackies that Wily sent to do his bidding. "Especially once we are done with you, there won't be any trace not even the data from your remains!"
"Oh really?" wondered Roll, just as angry at the two new comers as Megaman was and wanted to be a clear shot with her Roll Arrow though they don't know how strong they truly are when fighting seriously. "What makes you say that?"
"Tell me, once we delete you and your friends, what possible difference would it make?" commented Shadowman, unfazed by the words from the pink Net-Navi yet Lan and the others had a feeling that they would have to deal with the Net-Navis responsible or so they thought because there were two opponents instead of just one. "Especially as once your operators' respective PETs are close to being out of power, you won't be recovering from our onslaught."
"Megaman, blast him quick!" Lan told his Net-Navi as neither wanted to waste any time against Shadowman and Eraseman, Megaman, with a determined expression, immediately fired a few shots from the Mega Buster but to their dismay, Shadowman easily used his blade to block the shots rather easily then got himself into a fighting stance.
"You have to do better than that!"
"Alright, if you want better then we'll give you better!" said Lan, realizing that they will have to go all out in order to win against even one of the two enemy Net-Navis even though it would probably waste some of their time. "Megaman! Battle Routine! Set!"
"Execute!"
"Don't take us lightly… We aren't like these WWW members you fought beforehand!" grinned Eraseman before immediately vanishing without a trace much to the shock of Lan and the others, while Shadowman knew that his pupil is taking everything he learned and putting them to the test in this ensuring battle.
"Huh?" wondered Megaman, feeling something wasn't right as there is no way that Eraseman would just abandon his own sensei just like that but part of him wondered if they wanted to have Q fair fight or if there's more to this trick than what they think. "He's gone."
"Gone, did he log out?" Lan asked his Navi, his only response was the Blue Bomber shaking his head with a frown on his face.
"No, otherwise we would have known" he replied back to Lan, however they will have to worry about Eraseman later because their main focus is Shadowman as they are still racing against the clock when it came to the lives at stake and the amount of battery life left. "For now, we need to concentrate on defeating Shadowman."
"Okay, ElecSword Battle Chip in, download!" Lan slotted the ElecSword Battle Chip into his PET and Megaman's right arm turned into the powerful ElecSword and he charged in at Shadowman, who was still equipped with his own blade. Before long, the two engaged each other in sword combat yet the opposing Net-Navi's speed was proving to be quite an advantage for him. "Man, he's fast… and I thought Skullman was the speed demon."
Needless to say, Shadowman's expression changed as when Megaman least expected it… Eraseman reappeared from behind his target and got his scythe raised. "Sweet Dreams! Hiya-ha!" he yelled, preparing to slice Megaman in two only for an arrow to be fired his way and he jumped back to see that Roll had intervened.
"Roll!"
"Sorry, but two against one isn't going to work!" responded the pink Navi as she joined with Megaman, hoping to help even the odds against the two enemy Net-Navis much to the disbelief of Megaman and Lan... Even more so that Eraseman has the ability to turn invisible even in battle, which was something that the WWW Navis they fought prior never did. "Let's see how you do when it's even!"
"Mayl, what are you doing?" asked Lan, seeing that Mayl decided to step in while he was grateful that the two girls managed to save Megaman from deletion, it made him a bit worried for Roll especially as the female Navi never actually won against a WWW solo before.
"You could use my help, besides I couldn't let Megaman get ganged up on" answered Mayl, showing some of her spunk while gripping her PET but reminded herself that they needed to end this fast because once their battery life runs dry their Navis are done for.
"I know, but still…" began Lan, trying to carefully come up with what to say because it wasn't like facing Colorman and his clones because it was two highly trained Navis that they were dealing with as opposed to just one and there's even more at stake than ever before. "Remember, there's a chance that they might try to waste all our time so that our Net-Navis on't heal."
"I'm well aware of that Lan, still we came this far and we can't turn back now!" said Mayl with a stern look on her face then glanced at her PET, giving a light smile as she knew what they needed to do. "You ready Roll?"
"As ready as I'll ever be!" replied Roll, giving a nod of approval and the red-haired girl got a Battle Chip for when the right moment arises while both Shadowman and Eraseman became intrigued that this pink Navi thinks she can help Megaman against the two of them.
"You were only lucky you managed to stop my sneak attack but unfortunately, you just sealed your death wish by doing so!" remarked Eraseman, preparing to turn invisible again as a skilled assassin always uses the element of surprise in order to eliminate their target. "Let's see if you can hit me before I unleash my next move!"
"Damn…" muttered Roll, needing to become careful because she can't risk the chance of either herself or Megaman getting wounded in the ensuring conflict against these guys but finding Eraseman let alone hitting him with a clean shot won't be easy.
Meanwhile Megaman managed to dodge a slash from Shadowman's Murasame but barely as he felt a bit of pain on his right cheek following being grazed by the attack earlier. "Okay, we gotta try a new combination" Lan muttered to himself, knowing he needed to at least match Shadowman speed for speed. "Area Steel and Sword, Battle Chips in!"
Thanks to his combination, Megaman managed to easily evade another slash from Shadowman and reappeared from behind as his Sword made contact with the blade used by the mercenary Navi. "I see, you have a few tricks of your own…" he remarked, feeling as if he underestimated Megaman quite a bit. "However, even that won't save you."
Performing a few hand signs, a puff of white smoke surrounded Shadowman and while it blinded Megaman, it was only temporarily as when the smoke cleared… He and Lan were shocked at what they were now seeing. "What the?!" exclaimed the Blue Bomber as now there was more than one Shadowman he was facing and from the way it looked, he thought he's seeing five now.
"That's right, much like Eraseman's ability to turn invisible to the naked eye, I can create copies of myself so that I can maintain the element of surprise" responded Shadowman, preparing to make the next move… Something his clones mirrored perfectly in order to see if Megaman would be keen enough to know which one to attack. "Let's see how well you can handle my signature attack, Shadow Blade!"
Shadowman and his clones took to the air before throwing large shurikens at Megaman from different directions but luckily, Lan was quick to counter with one of his Battle Chips. "Barrier, Battle Chip in!" he slotted in the chip in order to protect his Navi from the barrage used against him much to his partner's relief. "That was close…"
"You have skills, but how long will you be able to keep up?" Shadowman answered, as he and his shadow clones threw yet more shuriken at Megaman. The blue Net-Navi sidestepped two of the throwing stars, but the third of them scratched him in the arm, and caused him to stumble!
"Megaman!" Roll exclaimed, taking her attention away from Eraseman for a single, yet all too important, moment.
"Hell's Sickle!" Eraseman roared. The scythe-weilding Net-Navi delivered a powerful slash with his dreadful weapon, which Roll was barely able to dodge with a last-moment reaction, but she was unable to get away when her opponent struck her in the torso with the handle of his scythe, stunning her and sending her to the ground!
"Roll! Be careful!" Mayl exclaimed, taking a look around. Unfortunately, their companions were still busy handling the numerous viruses and corrupted Mr. Progs swarming around, and were unable to lend them a hand, at least for now. And now that she saw it, the batteries of their PETs were less than 30% full. If the battery went down right at that moment... Mayl didn't want to know what would happen.
"You're mine!" Eraseman cackled, raising his scythe and bringing it down on Roll...
...only for the pink Net-Navi to disappear from where she was lying and reappear some distance away, having already climbed to her feet. Eraseman's scythe embedded itself in the ground, and the Net-Navi slayer widened his eyes in surprise before pulling with all of his strength to try and dislodge it... but that gave Roll a moment which she quickly took advantage of.
"Roll Flash!" the pink Net-Navi exclaimed, throwing a barrage of pink, heart-shaped blasts of energy at Eraseman. The slayer Navi widened his eyes in surprise and let go of his scythe in order to defend himself as well as he could... and he managed to block the worst of the attack, but a few hearts slipped past his defences and hit him, causing him to stagger! Before he could get back to removing his scythe from the ground, Roll dashed at him and struck with a powerful flying kick to the assassin's chest, and this time, Eraseman was unable to defend himself and was knocked to the ground! He rolled away and climbed back up, but his confidence had taken a hit.
"Not bad at all... I can see why our employer was so worried about you." Eraseman commented with a bitter chuckle. "Not that I mind, of course. I like it better when my opponent can actually put up a fight! Try not to disappoint me and see if you can dodge my Misty Demons!"
"Alright, Roll, here he comes..." Mayl said, seeing that Eraseman was conjuring something that looked like a bunch of phantoms made out of purple fog, which were swirling around him in a dizzying pattern, before flying at Roll with their hands outstretched!
Megaman managed to dodge another volley of shurikens, but he was having an hard time aiming at Shadowman. The ninja Net-Navi was using his tricks to disappear from his sight and reappear in a wholly different place, only to continue his attack undaunted. Lan and Megaman both knew they needed a different approach if they wanted to stop Shadowman.
"If only we could get him to stay in one place, this wouldn't be so difficult..." Megaman stated. "Lan, I need a Battle Chip that can make him stay in one place... or at least, one that can hit him wherever he is."
"Alright, Megaman, I will see what I can do..." Lan answered, looking through his deck of Battle Chip in order to see if there was one that could help. Most of them appeared to be too slow to actually catch the speedy ninja Net-Navi, but there was one that might be useful... provided they managed to catch Shadowman off guard, which wasn't going to be that easy. However, as he took a look at two of his Battle Chips, he thought that, if he was able to combine them in a smart way, he would possibly be able to catch the assassin off guard. "I think I have an idea, Megaman! Try to be as fast as you can after I send you this one! Invisibility Battle Chip in, download!"
"Bakuen no Jutsu!" Shadowman exclaimed, reappearing at that moment and sending a series of explosions at Megaman, who disappeared under the ninja Net-Navi's eyes and managed to avoid the attack. Undaunted, Shadowman closed his eyes and concentrated briefly, focusing on the sound of the steps that Megaman was taking as he quickly closed the distance. He grabbed his ninja sword, ready to slash as soon as Megaman got within range... but just as Shadowman seemed to be about to strike, Lan countered his attack!
"Now, Megaman! AreaSteal Battle Chip in, download!" Lan exclaimed, inserting another Battle Chip. Shadowman's sword sliced the air... and missed Megaman by just a little as the blue Net-Navi disappeared and reappeared right behind him! The seasoned assassin tried to turn in his direction, even though he had been surprised by this tactic... but even he was not fast enough to stop Megaman's new attack! "Alright, we got him! Battle Chip Thunder1 in... download!"
"Let's see how well you dodge after this!" Megaman exclaimed, firing a point-blank sphere of crackling electricity! Too close and too unprepared to do anything about it, Shadowman was hit and grunted in pain as a jolt of electricity coursed through his body, causing his muscles to become stiff and slow!
"Ugh..." Shadowman grunted. "Not bad... I actually... fell for it..."
"Now, Lan!" Megaman exclaimed, wanting to take advantage of the moment while they were in advantage. "I need another chip before he breaks out of it!"
"Right away, Megaman! AquaSword Battle Chip in! Download!" the young boy answered. Megaman's right arm turned into the familiar watery sword once again, and slashed at Shadowman's, hitting the ninja Net-Navi in the chest and sending him flying to the ground, where he crashed loudly and painfully!
"I got him, Lan!" Megaman exclaimed pridefully.
Unfortunately, it was not going to last long – Shadowman quickly recovered and stood up again with an agile acrobatic move. He held his sword in front of himself again and took a fighting stance, sparing just enough time for a compliment of Megaman's skill. "Yes, I must admit you are skilled." Shadowman commented. "But it will take more than that to defeat me."
With that, Shadowman executed a rapid succession of hand signs and jumped up, before releasing his Bakuen no Jutsu once again and shooting a burst of flames at Megaman, who jumped to the side and managed to avoid the attack once again. The ninja flash-stepped towards him and tried to slash with his sword, which Megaman only avoided by dropping to the ground and rolling away at the last possible moment. He quickly got back up and took a fighting stance, but Shadowman stood back, clearly not interested in pressing the attack.
"This is bad..." Megaman commented, seeing that his battery gauge was running dangerously low already. "He doesn't even need to defeat me... I think he's just trying to wait it out until our PET's battery runs out. Lan, we need to score a decisive blow on him as quickly as possible."
"I'm trying to think about a way to do just that..." Lan answered, hoping he could get Shadowman to drop his guard once again in order to hit him with a LifeSword...
Eraseman and Shadowman were just about to launch a new attack... when all of a sudden, Shadowman widened his eyes in alarm and jumped away, just in time to avoid a huge skull plummeting down upon him! Megaman and Roll jumped back in surprise as they saw a gigantic version of Skullman's head falling on the place where the ninja Net-Navi used to be!
"Wh-what? Sensei Shadowman!" Eraseman exclaimed in alarm.
"I am unharmed." Shadowman answered. "Do not get distracted."
"Huh? What about..." Eraseman asked, seeing that something was rushing him at high speed... the dorsal fin of a large shark, emerging out of the floor and cutting through it like a blade! Eraseman was not able to dodge as quickly as his master, and the razor-sharp fin struck him head-on, sending him tumbling to the floor with a pained yelp! A moment later, Skullman's head shrunk back to its natural size and flew back to its owner, who was standing a few metres behind Megaman and Roll, having appeared out of nowhere!
"We meet again, Megaman!" the skeletal Navi greeted with a cackle. At the same time, the dorsal fin that had struck Eraseman sank down into the floor... and Sharkman emerged from the same space an instant later, grinning in confidence. "We saw you were in trouble, and we decided we might as well help out!"
"These two are known mercenaries and hitmen. Certainly not people to be underestimated." Sharkman said, turning to Shadowman and getting in a guard pose. The ninja Net-Navi stood on guard, knowing that Sharkman was not an opponent he should make light of. "Their operators, Dusk Miyabi and Dark Scythe, are scheduled on the police files of Electopia and of several countries in the world."
"Heh... you keep up with your intel on your enemies, huh?" Eraseman said, getting up and readying his scythe again.
Shadowman on the other hand remained silent, knowing that the arrival of the two Navis who intervened with their battle against Megaman and Roll was not part of Wily's plan at all yet nevertheless they are going continue with their task. "You should have been wiser to have not interfered with our battle" he began, his voice showing displeasure in the sudden turn of events in question. "Now you will feel our wrath!"
"Oh really?" asked Skullman, feeling rather unthreatened by the remark that Shadowman made yet knew that it will be tough to handle him along with his fellow mercenary but the good news was Sharkman is present to help even the odds especially as Shadowman threw his Shadow Blades in the direction of Miyu's Net-Navi. "Your Shadow Blade is powerful but I doubt it can penetrate my Skull Barrier!"
Upon saying that, he immediately revealed his signature attack which proved more than capable of protecting him from the shurikens and Shadowman while somewhat disappointed, isn't angered by this at all. "My turn, Boomerang Bone!" he soon detached his arms and threw them at Shadowman like they were Boomerangs.
"Most impressive, however I have a few tricks of my own!" Shadowman replied to Skullman, creating more clones in order to easily evade the attack and an evil expression formed as he watched the arms returning to his new opponent.
Needless to say, Skullman was less than thrilled at the technique that Shadowman used and can see why Megaman had a hard time against the mercenary. "I see, I guess I will have to try something else to shake you up!" he said, with Miyu downloading a familiar Battle Chip which was used to heal Skullman during his previous battle against Megaman as it would be useful against Shadowman.
"Don't underestimate us, we mercenaries can be just as skilled as you two Officials!" remarked Eraseman, still armed with his powerful Scythe which was raised towards Sharkman and waited for his opponent to make his first move.
"Aqua Tower!" using a powerful Aqua Tower, Sharkman launched it at Eraseman but he vanished using the way of invisibility so that it will be more difficult for Masa's Net-Navi to score of direct hit however, he had a means to avoid damage himself as if he's more than prepared for anything that his opponent or opponents were capable of. "Let's even the odds!"
Vanishing without a trace, Sharkman used his signature ability and waited for just the right moment to strike again, surely enough Eraseman reappeared as he seemed to be somewhat annoyed that Sharkman is attempting to copy him when it came to taking enemies out with stealth. "Oh, I see what you are trying to do… Clever move, but not clever enough!" he said, hearing something approaching from behind and delivered a powerful slash at it which he believed was Sharkman only to find out it was just a false one that vanished without a trace. "What the?!"
"Fin Cutter!" a familiar voice came from out of nowhere as a powerful shockwave came at Eraseman and caused him to jump to the left, barely avoiding the attack though a minor cut formed on his right cheek which was a sign that he was facing a skilled Navi.
"Not bad, and to be honest I never would have expected to be facing a Legend" commented Eraseman, both he and Shadowman have apparently heard of Sharkman yet they initially believed him to be a mere rumour in the Cyberworld until now. "A pity that I have to delete you for your intervention!"
"Megaman, Roll, we'll handle these two!" informed Sharkman, knowing that the two civilian Navis shouldn't be wasting anymore time and they should at least help Woodman, Gutsman, Glyde, Iceman and Aquaman deal with the corrupted Mr. Progs before continuing to the main WWW Navi causing problems at the Power Plant.
"What?!" muttered Megaman, both he and Roll were not wanting to believe what they're hearing because while they were having trouble, they've been able to prevail in the end though had a feeling he understood where Masa's Navi was getting. "Okay, just don't get yourself deleted."
"Oh, Skullman and I have no intentions of being deleted… You guys need to be careful since you don't have much power left in your operator's PETs."
"Even so, if Mega and I had a hard time against these guys then the same will happen to you" Roll also tried to protest to the two allied Net-Navis as she was certain that Masa and Miyu will want to be well aware of their own PETs' battery life now that they've joined the fray. "They'll want to make sure your Operator's PETs return out of power before finishing you off."
"Yes we are well aware of it but we'll at least buy you time to continue your current task" Skullman added in his say towards the whole matter and while it is true that these mercenaries are more difficult than average WWW members, that doesn't mean they're unbeatable. "Odds are the WWW Navi that is causing the blackout is still in the systems and will do anything to keep you from reaching him so it's best to save your strongest chips for him."
Megaman silently nodded and turned his attention back towards Roll. "Alright Roll, we better rejoin the others" he suggested as they headed off to aid their friends in the ensuring battle that had been taking place, immediately firing the Mega Buster and the Roll Arrow in order to take down a few of the corrupted Mr. Progs in the process.
Meanwhile Lan and Mayl knew that with their PETs being close to running low, they all need to finish these Mr. Progs fast before they all end up in serious trouble. Needless to say, the Net-Navis were starting to kneel down even more so Megaman and Roll as they were facing Shadowman and Eraseman as opposed to the viruses and corrupted Mr. Progs. "Oh no, Megaman!" yelled Lan in disbelief, more so as he may have to log Megaman out before the battery runs dry completely. "You okay?'
"Yeah, I'm fine…" responded Megaman, though a bit banged up because of the trouble that Shadowman have to him but he and Roll should still be able to fight until their PETs are drained of all power completely. "What about you Roll? You need to log out?"
"Don't worry about me, I'll be alright" she replied, grateful to the kind gesture and more so as she managed to get back onto her feet though from the way things were going, it seemed that there were two new corrupt Mr. Progs, some that were blue and others that were pink alongside the original green ones, "Great, looks like have some trouble."
"She's right Lan…" added Mayl with a concerned expression on her face, more so as while the green corrupted Mr. Progs were not much of a hassle… These blue and pink ones however will be a huge pain to take down especially as she had a feeling that she needed to better explain it to her childhood friend. "The blue ones and the pink ones have the ability to use AreaSteal against us much like the Swordys we previously fought against."
Lan and Mayl were not the only ones with the issue as Woodman, Gutsman, Glyde, Aquaman and Iceman were starting to slowly feel the effects of the low battery life on the PETs that their respective operators held in their hands. "Alright, let's do this fast!" he said, though he had one last thing to tell the group. "In the worse case, we'll immediately log our Navis out before they can be deleted."
"Maybe there may not be a reason to log out, the scientist gave this to me just moments after we logged into the system" began Sal, revealing what the scientist had given to her as he knew there may be a chance that they won't be able to get to the one behind this blackout. "It's a hand-held generator! We can use those to recharge our PETs should we need it."
"Well that makes things a lot easier for us" said Dex, glad that the scientist had given it to the green-haired female Net-Agent but as much as it was a great aid to them, there is a small catch.
"Yes, however we can only recharge for 20 seconds so I suggest we don't use it recklessly."
The younger Net-Ops stayed silent, more so as they still have at least some power left which should be enough to take out the corrupt Mr. Progs provided they give it everything they've got in order to achieve victory. "Okay, we'll keep this in mind" Tory replied, understanding what the female Net-Agent told them and focused back on the ensuring battle in hand. "What do you say, Iceman?"
"We've come to far to quit while we're ahead!" remarked the Eskimo-like Net-Navi with a stern expression, wanting to show they all have the perseverance that helped them save innocent lives before. "There's no way we will back down!"
Dex glanced towards his own PET even though it's nearing its limit. "What about you Gutsman?" he asked the bulky Navi with a confident look on his face as he saw his partner returning to his feet before pounding his fists against his chest.
"Guts! Guts! If Iceman's in, I'm in too!"
"Aquaman…" began Shuko, the soft-spoken girl knew that like Iceman, Aquaman was weak against Elec attack and wasn't going to allow any permanent harm to come to him as she already had it bad enough when her mother died. "Will you…"
"I am going to be staying too, Shuko! Whoosh!" said Aquaman, interrupting his operator before she can even finish her sentence as they were showing that they are not bad-luck despite their previous reputation prior to attending ACDC Elementary. "I may be weak against these Elec Viruses, but our bond is strong!"
It wasn't for long till Yai spoke up to, wanting her own say. "And Glyde?"
"I would remain by your side to the bitter end Ms. Yai" answered the young Ayanokoji's Navi in his usual loyal tone, while he normally doesn't do battle there were a few exceptions such as to help save people from those like the WWW. "Never will I abandon your or our friends at a time like this!"
"Plus you know I still intend to help whether you like it or not!" came Roll's voice, which Mayl silently nodded her head of approval and the pink Net-Navi turned her attention towards Megaman as it's clear the Blue Bomber had been pretty banged up a bit which won't do them any good if he were to be deleted regardless of if their PETs still had some power left or not. "Hold still Mega, I'm gonna fix you up right now, just like I did with Gutsman when we fought Stoneman at the Metroline's Network."
With that, Roll extended her head antennae towards Megaman and lightly touched his shoulder with her hand, before glowing a soft pink that engulfed the blue Net-Navi as well. A few seconds later, the signs of the previous battle were gone from Megaman's body, and he felt just as strong as ever and ready to take on whatever the WWW was going to use to stop him!
"Phew! Thank you very much, Roll! I really don't know what we'd do without you." Megaman's said, smiling at the pink Net-Navi's, who simply winked with a slight blush on her face.
"Well… I do what I can." she answered simply. "Now we should go though. The guests in the main room cannot wait much longer. Guys, I trust you will be able to handle things here while we get to the bottom of this?"
"We'll be okay, Megaman!" Iceman answered, avoiding the spinning spheres of electricity that orbited around a corrupted Mr. Prog's body. "We can do this, you take care of their boss, whoever he is!"
"Do your thing, Megaman. I'm sure you will be able to handle this while we keep Shadowman and Eraseman occupied." Sharkman said. "I expect to see the same skill and power that defeated me!"
Megaman gave a thumbs-up to the shark-like Net-Navi. "You got it! Let's go, Roll!"
"Good luck, Megaman, whooosh!" Aquaman called after him.
Shadowman frowned as he watched Megaman and Roll disengage from the small army of viruses and corrupted Mr. Progs, and run at top speed towards the deeper part of the net. Unfortunately for him, he was too busy trying to fend off the combined attack of Skullman and Woodman to go after them. Those two Net-Navis were not to be taken lightly, as they were forcing the ninja Net-Navi to weave in and out of battle in order to avoid his opponents' attacks. Skullman breathed out a huge blue fireball that quickly flew towards Shadowman, who was forced to do a last-second Kage Bunshin to create a few illusory images of himself and let them take the blow… and a few moments later, he found himself under attack again when Woodman created a couple of large tree logs and threw them at him! Shadowman drew his own sword and sliced both logs in half, making them disappear a second later, but he couldn't do much else other than dodge another attack from Skullman.
"Keep him under pressure, Woodman!" Skullman exclaimed. "We cannot let him go after Megaman and Roll!"
"Already on it!" Woodman exclaimed as he punched the ground and created several Wood Towers that rose from the ground and forced Shadowman to back away in order to avoid them. He was still calm and collected about it all, but one could see that his newest opponents demanded all of his focus...
Megaman and Roll had managed to reach the innermost part of the net, finally stepping upon a larger platform upon which several electrical generators had been placed. All of them seemed to be working, spraying electric sparkles all over the place, but all of their energy, instead of going to the electric plant, was going to the figure of a Net-Navi who was floating in the midst of them, absorbing their power!
"Hey, Roll! Look there... that must be the guy who's causing this power outage!" Megaman exclaimed, pointing at the unknown Net-Navi: he was a rather slim and athletic Navi covered in dark grey armor, several yellow stripes decorating his body, and four electrodes placed in a cross formation on his back. He was wearing a dark gray bodysuit under his armor, his helmet was decorated with a yellow lightning symbol and his hands were covered in conducting gloves that allowed him to absorb electricity from the Net. He seemed to be completely concentrated on his job... though, as soon as he realized he wasn't alone, he turned in Megaman and Roll's direction, affixing them with his burning red eyes.
"Who R U? Two NetBattlers?" he asked in a clear, confident voice. "Hmph... you did well coming this far, and getting past Shadowman and Eraseman, but you're too late. I just finished downloading the Electricity Program!"
Megaman and Roll blinked at this. "Electricity Program? What are you talking about?" the Blue Bomber asked, having a bad feeling about this in general.
The electric Net-Navi sounded a little surprised. "Hm? You're not official NetBattlers coming to protect it?" he asked, before smirking and landing in a guard position, confident of victory as the electricity continued flowing in his body. "Heh, no matter. My name is Elecman, and all those who stand in my way get... zapped!"
"You're not getting away with what you did!" Roll exclaimed. "Get ready, Mayl! He's coming at us!"
"Let's do our best!" Mayl exclaimed. Elecman chuckled arrogantly and his hands began to crackle with electricity, showing that he was more than ready to throw down with Megaman and Roll!
"Normally fighting two against one seems rather unfair, however I am not one to play by ordinary rules anyway!" grinned Elecman in a sarcastic tone, preparing his signature attack and felt himself empowered by the electricity from the entire area. "Let's see how you handle this…. Thunder Beam!"
He jumped to the air and fired high power electric energy beams in the direction of his two enemies, but both Lan and Mayl were prepared for the worst due to saving their best Battle Chips for the upcoming confrontation. "Area Steal Battle Chip in, download!" they both said, managing to save their respective Net-Navis moments before the beams could strike them.
While somewhat disappointed that his signature attack failed, he wasn't exactly too intimidated because like the other WWW Navis before him, he looked forward to revealing his other hidden surprises against his foes. "Alright, Sword Battle Chip in download!" Lan equipped Megaman with the Sword and he reappeared, ready to use the element of surprise.
Elecman formed an ElecSword on his own arm and is about ready to make his counter attack, yet failed to notice Roll was nearby and waiting for Mayl's signal which the pink-haired girl knew they needed to "Spreader Battle Chip in!" she gave her Net-Navi the powerful weapon without a hint of hesitation.
"Take this!" yelled Roll, with one shot… multiple blue beams came Elecman's way and forced him on the defensive long enough for Megaman to get in close so to slash his Sword but that wasn't to say the Elec Navi's gonna go down without a fight, with both blades delivering their respective blows at the same time and there it seemed that the Blue Bomber knelt down much to the dismay of Lan, Mayl and Roll.
"Pathetic little Navi, say goodbye to your system!"
"Nice try…" began Megaman, shocking Elecman when he bore witness to his electrodes coming off and were immediately in the process… a sign that he shouldn't be underestimating the opposing male Navi and understanding how Fireman, Numberman, Stoneman, Needleman and Colorman were unable to delete him or his friends. "Looks like my Sword is quicker than you think…"
Despite this minor setback, Elecman started to laugh and all of a sudden a bolt of lightning struck him, further empowering him and the electrodes regenerated as if they were never cut off in the first place. "What the hell?!" exclaimed Lan in shock as he and Mayl watched their opponent healing himself of all the damage he previously received. "He healed himself?!"
"How is that possible?" asked Megaman in shock, even Roll was at a loss of words right now but they needed to do something before he can strike at them again. "Lan, if you have a plan of attack now is the time to tell me fast!"
"Oh I have a plan alright… Attack!" he replied back, slotting in another Battle Chip since it's clear that the Sword wasn't enough so they needed to press on without wasting anymore precious time less they end up draining the battery life of their PETs again and he highly doubts they'd be able to recharge the power a second time since it's clear the WWW won't want to give them a second chance in doing so. "Shot Gun Battle Chip in, download!"
Remaining completely silent, Megaman's sword disappeared and in its place was a weapon that resembled the original Mega Buster then fired multiple blue rounds at Elecman but to his shock, the WWW Navi once again felt electricity surging through him and had once again been rejuvenated by it. "O-Our attacks aren't working!" he spoke, not knowing what else to say.
"Electricity is my power!" said Elecman, revealing another evil grin as he felt unbeatable even against two Net-Navis that had been posing a threat to Lord Wily's ultimate conquest for this long ever since the events with Mr. Match. "Unfortunately for you two, I can't be stopped as long as there's power generated!"
"What?!"
"You don't really think that this is the best you have to offer!" countered Count Zap, watching his Net-Navi using the power of the entire plant to restore himself to his former glory and cackled to himself that all is going accordingly. "Elecman, show them the true power of the WWW!"
Hearing his operator's voice, Elecman complied with the order as it seemed the scuffle would have to end one way or another. "With pleasure…" he proceed with forming a ball of electricity from one finger and fired a powerful blast at Megaman in point-blank range... Being the stronger of the two enemy Net-Navis, the Blue Bomber had to be dealt with first then he will focus on deleting Roll as soon as Megaman fell to his might.
"Mega!" yelled Roll, about ready to aim a Roll Arrow right at Elecman's head and he already took notice to the pink Navi's attempt to help her friend… Possibly hinting something between the two but decided against asking because to him, the outcome wouldn't change regardless of wether she came to Megaman's aid or not.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you!" he informed her, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to further prove his power as he had a perfect way to segment his impending victory after seeing what she could do against Needleman and Colorman on her own, though he blamed it on those two underestimating her because she was a girl but he won't make that mistake. "You really think you can try to hurt me? Go ahead, but I should warn you that you could hurt Megaman in the process with the way he is positioned. And even if you do get me, it won't help anyway with my ability to heal myself of any damage in battle."
Roll grit her teeth as her grip on her bow faltered... Elecman was right, she had no way to hit her opponent without putting Megaman in danger as well, and even if she managed to hit Elecman, it would be all for naught anyway. The situation looked bad, and there was nothing Megaman and Roll, as well as their Net-Ops, could think to even the odds... And Megaman, weakened by the electricity, was uselessly struggling against Elecman's tremendous grip.
"Ugh... Lan... I won't be able to hold out... too long..." he stammered, his hands trying to pull away Elecman's arm, only to receive a painful shock in response! "Aaaaargh!"
"Crap, this is getting really bad..." Lan murmured in anger and worry. "As long as energy flows in the generator, Elecman can heal himself of all damage..."
He stopped for a moment as a suspicion came over him, and he reflected on what he had heard.
'...I can't be stopped as long as there's power generated!'
"Hold on a moment..." Lan murmured, causing his friends to turn to him as a thoughtful expression came to his face. He quickly brightened up and nodded in determination. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that? If the main generator is turned off, the electricity will stop flowing and Elecman will lose his advantage!"
"Nice thinking, young Lan!" Sal answered, winking and nodding at Lan's display of quick thinking.
Shuko blinked in surprise as she took her attention away from the battles with Shadowman and Eraseman just for a moment. "Turning... off the generator?" she murmured. "But... but... do you know where you have to go, Lan? And... won't it be dangerous?"
"It probably will be... but we have no choice as of now..." Iris answered, being worried about Megaman and the rest of the group as well. "Lan, are you going to go look for the main switch of the generator?"
"Right now, I'm the only one who can do it..." Lan said, casting an understanding glance at Mayl and Iris. He spoke at a lower tone of voice, afraid that Elecman might hear what he was going to do and take countermeasures. "Mayl, I'm afraid I must ask you and Roll to hold out just for a little longer. I'll get to the generator and turn off the power."
Mayl nodded, trusting her childhood friend to do it. "I know, Lan. Don't worry, Roll and I can do it for now." She said. "Good luck, Lan, and be careful!"
"The generator room is just out of here, past the large door at the end of the corridor!" one of the workers said. "Take care though... there could be some leftover power, and pulling down the switch might be dangerous!"
"Thank you, sir!" Lan answered, quickly taking off to get to the generator room...
Lan darted out of the terminal room and ran into the corridor, reaching the double doors leading to the generator room and throwing them open! Without hesitation, he ran towards what looked like a large switch on the opposite end of the room, surrounded by several blinking lights.
"Yes! That should be the main switch!" Lan said to himself, hastily running to the switch and getting ready to pull it down... but he stopped for a moment, seeing that several electrical currents were still running through the switch! If he tried to pull the switch without donning some kind of protective material, he would surely take a painful shock... but there was no time to look around, as Megaman was in danger every moment the power remained on!
"Okay, let's stop that generator! That will keep Elecman from healing!" Lan said, getting ready for what he had to do. "This sn't going to be easy... but here goes!"
Lan took a deep breath and grabbed the lever with both hands... only to subsequently scream in pain as a tremendous jolt of electricity began to run through his body, especially his hands! It hurt more than anything else Lan had experienced in his life... but the brave young boy grit his teeth and struggled through the pain, trying to force the lever down with all of his strength!
"Aaaaaaaand stay DOWN!" Lan yelled. Finally, his efforts bore fruit, and he managed to pull down the switch and interrupt the flow of electricity, causing most of the lights to die down. He lost his balance and sat on the floor, gritting his teeth from the painful electrical shock, his arms trembling and his hands already turning red from the burns.
"I... I did it..." he said as he tried to catch his breath. He shakily stood up and began running back to the control room, knowing that he still had to get back to his PET and help Megaman in this battle. "Okay... this is done! Wait for me, Megaman, I'll be right there!"
He stumbled a bit, still feeling the effect of the electrical shock, but he quickly steadied himself and forced his legs to support his weight. "Ugh... that shock is still affecting me... and my hands hurt like hell... but I must get back to the control room and help Megaman!" he said. "Hold on, everyone, I'm coming!"
At the same time, in the net, Elecman was still holding Megaman hostage, with Roll circling around her opponent as she tried to keep him at bay, while never trying to attack him. The Elec-type Net-Navi was still gloating in his sense of superiority, confident that his enemies had no way to attack him...
Which was why, as soon as the electricity stopped flowing through him, he widened his eyes in dismay and loosened his hold on his victim... who smiled as he understood that Lan had managed to find a way to win once again!
"Alright! Lan did it!" Roll exclaimed.
"What?" Elecman shouted in anger and fear. "The... the power has faded? What have you done to the generator?"
Megaman did not hesitate. With a swift gesture, he freed himself from Elecman's hold, spun around and punched the electric Net-Navi in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground with a pained groan! Then, he turned to Roll and gave her a thumbs-up. "Yep, Lan did it! And now... it's time to put Elecman to the cleaners! Let's do it together, Roll!"
"I was just about to ask the same thing, Mega!" Roll exclaimed in a flirty way as the two Net-Navis stood ready in a battle stance, facing Elecman who was picking himself up in anger! "Mayl, quick! Let's get him while we still can!"
"Leave it to us! Lan should be here in a moment, too!" Mayl answered.
Elecman grit his teeth and took a fighting stance as well. "Hmph... I wasn't expecting that... but don't think I will be defeated just because you cut off the power!" he exclaimed. "Thunder Bolt!"
The Elec-type Net-Navi raised his arms and send a barrage of lightning bolts down from the virtual sky above them, forcing Megaman and Roll to scatter in order to avoid getting hit. Roll floated to the side, while Megaman tumbled to the other... and Mayl quickly inserted a Battle Chip, starting the fight in earnest!
"We know what to do, Roll!" she exclaimed. "WoodTower Battle Chip in! Download!"
"Mega Buster!" Megaman shouted, firing several blasts at Elecman from his arm cannon while Roll touched the ground with both her hands and sent a line of wooden spikes towards Elecman! The WWW Net-Navi widened his eyes, knowing just how dangerous that sort of attack was for him, and quickly floated out of the WoodTowers way, but he was not fast enough to dodge the blasts from Megaman's Mega Buster, which hit him in the chest and shoulder and sent him back a few steps! "Alright, we got him this time!"
"Ugh... it's not going to be that easy, my dear Megaman!" Count Zap exclaimed, his crazed-looking face popping up in a window beside Elecman. "Elecman, don't take this laying down! Go for it! Thunder2 Battle Chip in! Download!"
"Thanks for the help, Count Zap!" Elecman said, before sending a rolling ball of electricity through the floor, aiming it at Megaman and Roll! The two Net-Navis scattered wider, so that the Thunder2 attack only followed one of them... and in this case, it was Roll who attracted the crackling thunderball. Megaman was left alone... and he had all the time he needed to get close to Elecman and try for a direct assault!
"Don't worry about me, Mega!" Roll exclaimed, floating backwards to avoid the electric attack until it dissipated. "Give that guy the what for!"
"I was planning to, Roll!" Megaman exclaimed, aiming a powerful kick at Elecman's midsection! The Elec-type Net-Navi floated back and avoided the blow, but Megaman pressed the attack and landed a few punches on Elecman's face and chest... and a moment later, Roll managed to avoid the Thunder2 attack altogether and shot out a barrage of pink heart-shaped projectiles at Elecman!
"Roll Flash!" the pink Net-Navi exclaimed, unleashing hersignature attack. Elecman tried to defend himself, but the heart struck him several times, pushing him backwards even further! Count Zap yelled in dismay, his hair going wild as if he was being shocked... but he quickly countered with another Battle Chip!
"Oh, you think you're so clever, huh?" the crazed rockstar exclaimed. "Let's see how clever you are NOW! ElecSword Battle Chip in! Download!"
"Thank you, Count Zap! That's just what I needed!" Elecman said with a gleeful smile as his arm turned into a crackling electrical blade! "Now, let's see how you do without your operator, Megaman! Take this!"
Elecman swung his electrical sword in an arc in front of himself, aiming at Megaman's cest and forcing the Blue Bomber to jump back! The swing missed him, but the electricity from the blade still shocked him a little and forced him back. Roll stepped in, with Mayl sending a new Battle Chip to her...
"FireSword Battle Chip in! Download! Go get him, Roll!" the pink-haired pre-teen exclaimed as Roll's right arm turned into a flaming sword and she swung it at Elecman, who quickly brought his own sword-arm up and parried the blow! With a shrieking sound, a shower of sparks flew from the place where the two mighty blades met, and lasted for a few moments before Roll and Elecman were forced to separate. Megaman fired a blast from his arm cannon, but Elecman intercepted it with a swing of his ElecSword, cleaving the laser bullet in half!
"Dammit... this guy is tough even without the power being on..." Megaman commented, before he was forced to jump back to avoid a powerful slash from his opponent! He needed to hold out until Lan returned...
But luckily, his prayers were answered soon, and Lan's image appeared in a comm. window besides him! "Megaman, I have arrived! Are you okay?"
"Lan! Good to see you!" the Blue Bomber exclaimed happily, just before he saw how Lan's hair was slightly standing up and his clothes seemed to be slightly signed. "Huh? Lan, what happened to you? You look like you've been though the wringer..."
Mayl had noticed Lan's appearance too, and she was rather worried about it. "Lan! Good grief, what happened to you? Your hands are..." she exclaimed in worry, taking a look at Lan's reddened and slightly swollen hands.
The young boy winced a little as he grabbed a Battle Chip, but he still smiled at Mayl and Megaman as if it was no big deal. "It's okay, Megaman, I can take this! Don't worry, Mayl... I just took an electrical shock, that's about it, but I'll be okay!" he answered. "For now... let's think of defeating Elecman! Go, Megaman! Battle Chip WideSword in, Download!"
"Okay, Lan! Here we go!" Megaman exclaimed, hoping that Lan was not underestimating his conditions. As his right arm turned into a wide beam sword, he thrust at Elecman, forcing him to raise his ElecSword to block the attack, and then kicked the Elec-type Net-Navi in the midsection, knocking him to the ground and getting some more time to set up an attack!
"Alright, Roll, let's try this now!" Mayl exclaimed as her Net-Navi's arm turned back to normal. "Typhoon Battle Chip in! Download!"
Roll nodded and her arm transformed into a fan of sorts, which she spun around to shoot a gust of wind at Elecman, forcing him back.
"Damn you, this is not over!" yelled the Elec-type Navi with a darkened expression on his face, determined to show that he won't fall so easily even without his ability to heal himself in the ensuring confrontation. "I've already sent the program to Count Zap!"
"The program?" wondered Megaman with a darkened expression on his face, both he and Roll were confused at first but then realization came to their minds as well as to Lan and Mayl because they had a feeling they know what their opponent is talking about. "Wait a minute, you don't mean…"
"That's right! Now we have all but one of the programs!" grinned Elecman, figuring that he could let Megaman and Roll in on a little secret that he has been hiding even before the battle begun, if they're going to be deleted then they should have the right to know what has transpired. "Once the final program is given to Lord Wily, you're finished! "
Lan and Mayl mentally cursed at not being able to prevent the Elec Program from being stolen but at least they will do their best to protect the fourth and final program with all their might. "Not while we're still here!" snapped the Blue Bomber, clashing blades with Elecman once more and all they needed was a clear shot to finish him off as there's no way in hell that they're going to reveal that the group already found the Wood Program before the WWW.
"That's right, besides you're already too late to go after the Wood Program!" added Roll, delivering a swing from her FireSword which Elecman barely managed to avoid though had it been a wood Battle Chip like that Wood Tower from before then he would've been deleted. "We already found it and we're not going to tell you where it's hidden either!"
"Is that so?" asked Elecman, closing his eyes as he never would have expected this kind of snag to delay the inetivable conquest of Dr. Wily and the fact that trying to get them to reveal the Wood Program's location willingly let alone make them hand it over to him isn't going to work at all due to their efforts to resist the WWW. "Unfortunately by doing so, you've both gone too far… "
Having had enough of these two pests, he is going to show them the hard way what happens when they cross him and Count Zap. "Thunder Beam!" Unleashing his signature attack again, he is going to make sure they never get back up again.
"Barrier Battle Chip in!" came Lan's voice, moments before a barrier managed to protect both Megaman and Roll from the beam of electricity at the very last second though if they were going to stop this guy fast then they'lll have to come up with a good plan of action. "Wait a minute… there's the Leaf Shield Battle Chip, we haven't tried that yet!"
"You got that from Sal before the whole thing with Tory's father if I recall!" said Mayl, remembering the battle that Lan and Megaman had against Sal and Woodman at their stand outside of the WaterWorks as a gift to show the two have passed despite being civilians. "What about?"
"I think I know how we can stop him!" responded Lan, hoping that Mayl would approve of the idea that he has even though he normally isn't good at coming up with good ideas like this so they needed to time this perfectly. "However, we need him to be at the right position in order to make it work."
Remaining silent for a brief moment, Mayl took time to process it and nodded. "Okay, let's do this!" she said, having a Battle Chip in her hand and prayed to god that it will work. "Alright Roll, Spreader Battle Chip in, download!"
"ShotGun Battle Chip in, download!"
Megaman's right arm turned into the Mega Buster-like ShotGun while Roll's turned into the Spreader once again. "You don't know when to give up, do you? Thunder Beam!" yelled Elecman, firing his signature blast at the same time Roll fired a single rapid projectile blast and caused an explosion the moments the two attacks collided at the same time and soon Megaman fired his ShotGun rounds which managed to force Elecman onto the defensive. "What the?!"
Gritting his teeth out of anger, the Elec Navi was starting to see red as his foes were starting to do a lot better against him and sent another barrage of lightning bolts down from the virtual sky at the two. "Now's our chance, Wood Shield Battle Chip in, download!" said Lan, activating the Leaf Shield Battle Chip which caused Megaman to briefly change color, giving white biceps, with cyan stripes down his sides, ending at his now forest green boots, which were still tipped with black soles. He retained his two yellow shoulder guards while his helmet became the same forest green that his boots and hands were, yet the two ridges stayed the same. as he used the Leaf Shield to protect him and Roll from the bolts of lightning better than the Barrier did as this time they were still standing. "Your turn Mayl!"
"On it, FireBlade Battle Chip in!" Mayl slotted in the familiar Chip that she used when she performed her very first Program Advance against Needleman and Roll, now armed with the FireBlade charged in at Elecman after Megaman launched the Leaf Shield forward in the WWW Net-Navi's path so to better protect the pink Navi. "Let's end this!"
"It's over!" yelled Roll, jumping over the Leaf Shield and managing to impale Elecman where his Navi Symbol was which caused his eyes to widen in complete horror at the fact he has been ultimately defeated much like Fireman, Numberman, Stoneman, Needleman and Colorman before him, though his mission has been successful regardless of the outcome.
From his location, Count Zap was shocked at seeing his Net-Navi being defeated against these two civilian Navis. "Elecman, log out!" he yelled from the emense pain that the electricity was giving him, pulling out one of the Guitar's cords.
"This… This can't be happening!" screamed Elecman in dismay, suffering from the blow delivered to him. Realizing that there is no other alternative but to make a hasty retreat as ordered by Count Zap before the two can finish him off. "You've won, but I'll be back and soon the final program will be ours!"
ELECMAN LOGGING OUT!
Upon seeing Elecman jacking out of the network, both Megaman and Roll were relieved that they managed to pull out their victory. "We did it!" said Lan, glad that the plan managed to come out successful as he hoped. "Oh yeah, that was like mega amazing!"
Back in the Net, Shadowman was forced to step back as a powerful AquaTower attack from Sharkman struck him head-on. Even with his speed and skill, the shark-like Net-Navi was driving Shadowman into a corner, and Eraseman was having his own trouble as well with Skullman and Woodman. The battle was getting intense, and Megaman's friends and companions were dealing with the viruses, keeping the two assassins from getting aid.
Shadowman dashed backwards, and flash-stepped away from Sharkman, throwing a few shuriken at his opponent in order to slow him down. With a quick sideways dash, Sharkman avoided the spinning blades, which embedded themselves on the floor, and grinned mischievously at Shadowman, beckoning him to come forward with his fin-arm.
"So, Shadowman, is this all you have to offer?" Sharkman exclaimed. "I heard you were a Net-Navi assassin of peerless skill, so this surely isn't the best you can offer. Are you distracted?"
Indeed, the ninja-like Net-Navi wasn't exactly concentrating 100% on the battle. His keen senses warned him of the fact that Elecman was not online any more, and the Net-Navi assassin knew that the WWW mission was over, which meant that he and Eraseman had nothing to do around here any more.
"Eraseman." He said telepathically to his companion and pupil. "Elecman has retreated. The WWW has done what they came for. Our contract with them is terminated, and we can retreat."
"Alright, sensei." The scythe-wielding Net-Navi answered back as he blocked an attack from Skullman and sliced in half a WoodTower that Woodman had sent towards him. "I regret having to leave this battle right now, but it wouldn't do to run unnecessary risks."
Shadowman nodded and turned back to Sharkman. "You have merely delayed the inevitable. We will meet again." He said, before doing a few hand signs and disappearing in a puff of smoke before Sharkman could press the attack. Eraseman jumped away from Woodman and cackled nastily, before disappearing as well... and the viruses that were attacking Megaman's friends retreated as well, which left the whole place clear in a few moments.
"What? What's going on? Why are they retreating now?" Shuko asked, still not sure what was going on.
Sal nodded with a small smile. "Looks like Megaman and Roll did it. They have stopped the WWW Navi." She said. "Now... all that remains to do is restore the Net to its original state. The hostages should be safe now."
"Thank heavens everything went well..." Yai breathed in relief, while all Net-Navis exchanged cheers and congratulations... and Gutsman stepped up first to run and go greet their victorious friends.
"So, what are we waiting for, guts?" the bulky Net-Navi cheered. "Let's go meet Megaman and Roll, and cheer for their victory! Guts guts!"
"Hey, hold on a second, Gutsman! Don't leave us behind!" Iceman called out after him, then sighed in resignation as his friend was already too far away. "Oh boy, why do I even bother..." he said, causing Aquaman to giggle in amusement...
"Yeah, now the only thing that remains is to get the power back up and…" Mayl didn't get the chance to finish her sentence as another Net-Navi had managed to jack into the system, it was someone whom they encountered before back at the WaterWorks. "Protoman?!"
Lan remained silent, he didn't know what to say as if Protoman managed to get in then chances are that Chaud was also involved and neither were happy with the outcome that transpired. "Damn… Too late… It took to long to break the jack in protection…" he said, examining the area and not one sign of Elecman could be found which made him angry that Megaman and Roll had beat him to the punch.
"What are you doing here Protoman?" asked Megaman before seeing Protoman having armed himself with his Sword again prior to reaching their location and showed that he wasn't here for idle chat with the two civilian Navis in front of him, least of all them putting their noses in where it didn't belong yet again.
"Humph… Not a shred of data left, either…" he said to himself, then turned his attention towards Megaman and Roll as he knew their intervention had destroyed everything he and Chaud had planned for the mission. "I was just about to get the WWW server location… out of Elecman's memory data. If you amateurs hadn't got in the way, our plan to lure in the WWW with fake data would have succeeded."
"Fake data?" muttered Lan, at a loss of words along with Mayl and then something clicked into their minds as they didn't know about the plan Chaud had in mind until just now… though in all honesty, he could have told them as well as the others about it beforehand. "Then this was all…"
Suddenly the voice of Protoman's operator Eugene Chaud Blaze was heard from the network as well as the two's PETs. "Protoman, delete these two Navis. They've caused us enough trouble." he ordered, with Protoman nodding to comply with the order.
"As you wish, Lord Chaud."
"This isn't the time!" snapped Megaman, aiming his Mega Buster at Protoman as he and Roll were already aware that they have bigger problems than just facing Chaud in an effort to survive permanent deletion. "We have to get the power back up!"
"Mega's right, besides the WWW doesn't have all the programs anyway!" said Roll, getting angry with Protoman but facing him would only delay their efforts to save the civilians who could die unless the power is properly restored. "That means you can still go through with that plan of yours if you just…"
"Silence! Prepare for deletion!" yelled Protoman, about ready to slice at the two with his sword when a shockwave came his way and he revealed one of his hidden surprises to protect himself… A shield sharing his leitmotif colorization that blocked the incoming strike with ease. "What the?!"
"Guts! Guts! Guts!" It was Gutsman, armed with his Guts Hammers having come to the fray and both Lan and Mayl knew that Dex and the others decided to come help them out. "Sorry to disappoint but Gutsman will be your opponent!"
Dex grinned, wanting to finally have his shot at taking Protoman down and at least give Lan and Mayl the chance they needed to turn the power back on. "Oh yeah, let's go Gutsman!" he said with a confident expression on his face and slotted in another Battle Chip. "M-Cannon Battle Chip in, download!"
"Take this!" Gutsman yelled, his right hand turning into the M-Cannon and took precise aim at Protoman then opened fire upon noticing the opponent wasn't going to bother moving which normally could prove dangerous if the attack was powerful enough to delete them, Chaud on the other hand shook his head as overconfidence could lead to the downfall of their Navi.
"You know what to do Protoman…"
Remaining silent, Protoman revealed his shield again and used it to block the shot from the M-Cannon much to the complete shock of everyone present watching the battle. "What?! No way!" yelled Dex, it wasn't enough that the shield managed to protect Protoman from the shockwave that Gutsman's Guts Hammer delivered but it seemed to be able to protect him from any attacks much like Woodman's Leaf Shield and Skullman's Skull Barrier did for them.
"It looks like that must be one of Protoman's signature moves and with the way it looked, there isn't a single scratch on it even from the blast!" added Lan, a sign that they shouldn't take Chaud or Protoman lightly at all and unlike with Sal, Miyu or Masa, these two won't hesitate in deleting anyone in their way whether they be civilian or otherwise.
"You don't think that cheap tricks will be enough to defeat us, you forget that we are Officials for a reason!" said Chaud, unimpressed with Dex and Gutsman interfering as well as their poor skills compared to Protoman's and hoped that it isn't the best the two have to offer because if it is then they'll be in serious trouble. "Let's just make sure it isn't the best you've got… you'll never win if that is the case."
"Is this better?" lashed Dex, like Lan and Yai, he too is starting to have enough of Chaud's snide remarks about them so the only way to shut him up is by winning this match in order to prove once and for all that just because they are civilians doesn't mean they can't handle themselves against more powerful Navis. "Go show em what you're made of Gutsman!"
"Super Arm!" Gutsman summoned a boulder that landed on his arm and he tossed it right in the direction of Protoman, who once again didn't flinch nor did he move a muscle then his shield appeared once more to protect him, causing the boulder to shatter into pieces and he immediately sped towards the bulky Navi before he can react, resulting in Gutsman being sliced in two by the powerful sword he was still armed with.
GUTSMAN, LOGGING OUT!
"No, he's logging out!" exclaimed Dex, horrified at seeing Gutsman easily taken down in one hit from Protoman, something that Lan and Megaman weren't able to do despite being initially the only ones who could defeat him in their two matches. "Gutsman!"
"Well at least he wasn't deleted…" added Tory with a frown on his face, as powerful as Woodman, Skullman and Sharkman were, Protoman took it to a whole new level with that impenetrable shield of his as none of Gutsman's best attacks were enough to break through it which means if they tried to attack him, odds were he'd just use that shield again. "Still, how is Protoman this strong?"
"Eugene Chaud Blaze is powerful, even for an Official Net-Battler…" began Sal, frowning at the thought of having to witness Dex and Gutsman easily losing against Chaud and Protoman because even to this very day, no one has been able to defeat them in a real battle or even in a life or death battle. "He holds the record for over a 150 wins in National Net-Battling Competitions and after seeing what happened to Gutsman, he is living up to that title."
"Great, now you tell us?!" exclaimed Yai, becoming worried because if Protoman could do this to Gutsman then who knows what he would do to Megaman and Roll even when they managed to stop the WWW from killing innocent lives but failed to keep them from acquiring the Elec Program.
Megaman bit his lower lip, turning his attention towards Roll. "Roll, I need you to stay back…" he informed the pink Net-Navi as much as he hated to admit it, this was going to be one battle that she wouldn't be able to aid him in. "I'm going to face Protoman and I have to do this alone…"
"Wait, what did you say?!" exclaimed Roll, the thought of Megaman possibly being deleted against Protoman is one thing she refused to see nor will she allow him the opportunity to do so when they just managed to defeat Elecman. "No way Mega, I'm not going to allow you to die against him… besides you saw what he did to Gutsman!"
"I know that, however if he does delete me then he'll go after you next… you have to trust me!" reassured Megaman with a look of concern forming on his face as he did care for Roll too much to see her perish trying to help him, while he was grateful for her aid prior to this it's gonna change the moment the battle with Protoman happens. "In the worse case, Lan will jack me out before Protoman can deliver the finishing blow."
Roll and Mayl both remained silent, the two could only hope that Lan would be wise enough not to go through with it then a confident smile formed on the brown-haired Net-Op's face. "Megaman… let's do this!" he said to the Blue Bomber, which in turn shocked everyone except for Chaud and Protoman, who simply scowled at this scene though they will be able to see if Megaman can at least last longer than Gutsman did. "Okay, Battle Routine Set!"
"Execute!"
"You will regret your recklessness." Protoman stated. The two combatants began to circle each other, waiting for the right moment to strike as they sized each other up, but Protoman was keeping his shield high, clearly not wanting to give his opponent any opening. For several seconds, as the tension continued to rise, the two of them continued to face each other and to wait for anyone to start the battle... and finally, Lan and Megaman decided they were going to get the first strike!
"Now, Megaman! AreaSteal and LongSword Battle Chips in! Download!" Lan called out, slotting in two Battle Chips in quick succession. Megaman nodded and dashed forward, disappearing in front of Protoman's eyes and reappearing close to his, to his side! It seemed like Protoman was going to be an easy target...
"How predictable." Chaud commented.
Protoman quickly turned around and blocked the slash with his own sword, before pushing Megaman away and leaving him to stumble on the pavement! Alarmed, the blue Net-Navi tried to get in a guarding stance again, but Protoman was faster, and swinged his sword in a wide arc, launching an arc-shaped energy blast at Megaman!
"Sonic Sword!" Protoman exclaimed. The slash was too fast for Megaman to dodge, and he was hit head-on and knocked down with a pained yelp, but he quickly stood up again and tried to fire a blast from his Mega Buster at the crimson Net-Navi. But once again, Protoman raised his shield, and the blast of energy dissipated harmlessly upon it.
"This isn't good..." Mayl murmured in dismay. "Megaman doesn't seem to be able to attack Protoman in any way..."
"We are just getting started!" Lan exclaimed, unwilling to give up until the very end. "Let's give it our all once more, Megaman! AquaTower Battle Chip in, Download!"
Megaman slammed his fist on the ground and sent a large geyser of water across the floor and towards his opponent, who didn't even seem to react and just waited for the AquaTower to get close enough... then, without missing a beat, slashed with his sword and literally cut the AquaTower in two! The huge blast of water crumbled away, lacerated into countless harmless droplets!
"What? No way!" Tory exclaimed. "How did he do that?"
"I'm afraid Protoman is on a whole other level compared to the enemies we faced..." Megaman commented as he tried to think of another way to attack his opponent. However, now that he knew he had the advantage, Chaud was all too willing to put even more pressure on Megaman and stop him from trying a new method.
"Protoman, time to go on the offensive." Chaud stated. "FighterSword Battle Chip in. Download."
"At your command, Lord Chaud." Protoman said. His sword grew wider and began glowing a crimson red aura, before Protoman swung it at Megaman and struck him in the chest, knocking him down once again! The Blue Bomber tried to get up, but he was already breathing hard, and it was clear that he was not going to last much longer...
"This is bad... if Megaman can't hack it, what chances do we have?" Dex murmured.
"Megaman, be careful!" Roll murmured, gritting her teeth in fear as Megaman barely dodged a second slash from Protoman's FighterSword and rolled away from the crimson swordsman. He picked himself up and tried to keep his distance, firing a few shots from his Mega Buster which Protoman deflected using his shield. Still, Protoman was somewhat slowed down by the shots, and Megaman was able to use the time he had bought to work up another strategy.
"Megaman, we have to create an opening... this guy plays for keeps!" Lan exclaimed. "Get ready... I'm sending you another chip!"
"Alright... but please, make it fast! Protoman is not leaving me any time to breathe!" Megaman exclaimed, feeling more and more pressured as his opponent reduced the distance and got ready to attack again. He was unnaturally skilled with that shield of his, and none of Megaman's attacks could get through his defense...
"How unimpressive." Chaud commented, seeing Protoman was able to block yet another attack.
"Shut up! We haven't even started yet!" Lan protested, trying to make it look like he still wasn't running out of options... though he was having an harder and harder time of it. "Megaman, here we go! Ratton1 Battle Chip in... Download!"
Megaman launched a bomb shaped like a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, sending it to slide across the floor in a zigzagging trajectory, which hopefully would confuse Protoman or at least distract him long enough for Megaman to score a decisive blow... but once again, the swordsman Net-Navi showed himself to be a tremendously skilled opponent. Barely pausing to assess the situation, Protoman slashed the Ratton bomb with his sword by simply turning around and cleaving through it with his sword! However, that gave Megaman just a little more time to act, and he was able to get close with a quick step forward as Lan inserted a new Battle Chip!
"Let's see if that shield of yours works at close range!" Lan exclaimed. "Thunder1 Battle Chip in! Download!"
"I got him this time!" Megaman exclaimed. He lit up a crackling ball of electricity in his hand and slamming it upon Protoman! The crimson swordsman was actually caught off guard this time, and his eyes widened behind the lens of his visor in an expression of shock before Megaman hit him with the powerful electrical shock, which caused Protoman to cry out in pain and freeze in place for a moment!
For a moment, Chaud's stoic expression faltered, and he looked actually shocked and angry about the fact that Megaman had gotten the upper hand for a moment! Megaman and Lan knew that they had to make the most out of this moment, and the young boy grinned before forcing his injured hands to grip the PET tighter and insert a Battle Chip in what little time they had.
"Alright! Excellent job, Megaman!" he exclaimed. "And now... Hammer Battle Chip in, Download!"
Megaman nodded as a huge stone hammer popped up in his hands... and before Protoman could shake himself free of the effects of the Thunder1 chip, the Blue Bomber struck him with a terrifying blow, lifting Protoman clean off the ground and sending him flying for several metres, before hitting the ground with a dull sound!
"I can't believe it... they actually struck a blow on Protoman!" Woodman commented in awe.
Sharkman grinned in satisfaction. "Heh. Guess that will teach some humility to that Eugene Chaud Blaze brat." The shark-like Net-Navi chuckled. "Never liked that arrogant kid."
From his hiding place, Masa nodded in assent. He wasn't very fond of Chaud either, and anyone putting him in his place met his approval.
But the triumph was short-lived. With cold, methodical movements that seemed to be done just to terrify his opponents all the more, Protoman climbed to his feet... and quickly turned back to Megaman, affixing him with a cold glare! Megaman seemed to flinch slightly under the threat... but he quickly took a fighting stance once again, hoping that Protoman had been at least rankled by the blow struck against him.
"That was sloppy, Protoman." Chaud rebuked his Net-Navi.
"My apologies, Lord Chaud." Protoman answered without missing a beat. "I was caught unprepared by his unorthodox moves, but it will not happen again."
"In any case, these amateurs have wasted enough of our time." Chaud answered. "Protoman, prepare to delete that Navi. Sword, WideSword and LongSword Battle Chips in. Download!"
"What? He... he is using a Program Advance too?" Mayl exclaimed in dismay. The white-haired pre-teen Net Agent quickly slotted in the three Battle Chips... and his sword flared up in a tremendous spike of energy, turning into a huge laser blade that rose up until almost touching the sky above them! "Oh no! It's a LifeSword attack!"
"Lan! Megaman! Be careful! Dodge that!" Roll exclaimed in fear.
"Program Advance! LIFESWORD!" Protoman exclaimed, swinging the gigantic laser blade in a powerful arc and slamming it upon Megaman, who tried his best to defend himself!
"Oh, crap... Megaman, do it now! Barrier Battle Chip in... and then, try to hold out!" Lan exclaimed, inserting a Battle Chip in all haste, and putting up a shimmering barrier around Megaman's body, hoping it would hold...
The LifeSword struck true, shattering the Barrier and slamming into Megaman with tremendous force! Megaman screamed in pain as the huge beam sword crashed into him... and after a brief moment where he tried to resist, he was lifted off his feet and launched up in the air, describing an arc-shaped trajectory before landing painfully on the floor! He was still up and about... but the tremendous attack had certainly done its damage, and he was barely able to get to his feet, swaying a little as he tried to steady himself.
"Megaman!" Lan exclaimed. "Are... are you okay?"
Megaman winced and chuckled bitterly. "Not really okay, Lan... but I'll survive! It was surely one hell of an attack!"
"You're still online, I see." Protoman answered. "I must admit, I am rather surprised you are still standing. But you will not be able to withstand another attack."
Lan and Megaman remained silent, they saw Protoman once again arming himself with the sword as they knew it was his standard weapon without any Sword Battle Chips slotted into Chaud's PET so they'll have to step up their own game if they're to survive his continued onslaught. "Sword Battle Chip in, download!" yelled the brown-haired male operator, equipping Megaman with the regular Sword in order to go in for close-range combat.
"Typical… " said Chaud, somewhat surprised that Megaman is able to last much longer against his Net-Navi than Gutsman did and even when a Program Advance was used against but the outcome will end the exact same way as with how Dex had been defeated. "You know what you have to do, Protoman."
"Here we go…" began Protoman, jumping right at Megaman and with one swipe, he managaed to knock his opponent onto the ground, showing that he is still a dangerous adversary against all enemies even without the shield protecting him.
Lan was shocked that his partner is still having a hard time with Protoman and that this might be one Net-Battle he might not survive unless he came up with a good idea to put a huge dent into his defenses. "Megaman, get up!" he yelled and he immediately caught wind of Chaud's Navi charging in, continuing with his assault on the Blue Bomber. "Oh no, Protoman's attacking again!"
Gritting his teeth, Megaman can tell that Protoman is nothing like the WWW Navis at all nor was he willing to let him off so easily unlike Woodman, Skullman and Sharkman when they were testing him and Lan beforehand. "He's fast, even more so than Elecman and Shadowman" he muttered just as Protoman delivered another blow that knocked him back onto the ground.
"Megaman!" yelled Lan, the previous battle against Elecman was starting to take its toll on the Blue Bomber's body and unless he could act fast… his Navi will get deleted, luckily he still had some powerful Chips left so he needed to be ready to send them to Megaman soon. "Oh man, and just when we thought some of our previous opponents were fast!"
"Why don't you just give up and accept your Navi's fate…" Chaud spoke to the civllian Net-Battler with another scowl on his face, all he's been doing is delaying the inetivable and it won't save Megaman, being protected from the LifeSword PA made him lucky but soon his luck will run out when it's all over.
Remaining silent, Lan just gave Chaud a glare as it was one thing he and Megaman won't do regardless of the stakes or whoever they're facing in battle, their bond has gotten them this far. I've gotta give it everything I have… thought the brown-haired young man as he refused to submit defeat to the Official Net-Battler. This guy's powerful and fast!
"No answer, then it looks like you'll find out the hard way! Delete him!"
Protoman had managed to further injure Megaman and is slowly preparing to deliver the finishing blow that will delete his target. "Say goodbye, Megaman!" he said, raising his sword in an effort to impale Megaman but Lan was quick to act with his next Battle Chip. "It ends now!"
"WideSword Battle Chip in, download!" he gave Megaman the WideSword, allowing him to use both blades to stop Protoman's Sword and despite this… Protoman is pushing with all his might as there's no way he'll allow civilians to interfere with Chaud's mission but to his shock, Megaman eventually managed to force the red Net-Navi away. "Sorry, there won't be any uncessary deletions today!"
Chaud didn't like the looks of this, wondering how Lan is able to last when normally any other Net-Navi would fall by now. "Lucky, but Megaman is still going to be deleted" he replied to Lan, all while the others prayed that Megaman will at least protect himself long enough to make their next move count because his survival depended on his victory.
"Sal, isn't there any way to stop them…" asked Shuko, never in her entire life has she seen anyone this powerful nor any Official who will be so determined to keep anyone from interfering with missions that they'd be willing to delete them even though they're just civilians. "If Megaman gets deleted…"
"I know how you feel, unfortunately Lan and Megaman have made the choice themselves" responded Sal with her own share of concern and she glanced at Miyu and Masa, the two fellow Net-Agents shared her sentiments regarding the decision to take on Chaud and Protoman. "All we can do is wait and see what happens."
"Wait, you mean you're not going to stop this?!" exclaimed Mayl in shock, even Roll didn't approve of the three suggesting they don't do anything while the green-haired woman frowned, shaking her head.
"I never said we weren't going to help him, on the contrary" she replied to the younger female, having a feeling that she and Roll cared for Lan and Megaman the most out of the group of children present watching the confrontation between the two Net-Ops but it's currently too soon to confirm or deny that without further evidence. "All I am saying is we need to be certain they'll be able to handle scenarios like this, think of it as another test…. only not one we intended."
Mayl and Roll didn't know what to say, both knew Lan and Megaman for a long time in fact Mayl had been friends with him since their younger days which worries her whenever he got himself hurt like when he shut down the power in order to take away Elecman's ability to heal. "Even so…"
Sal started smiling softly and interrupted before the red-haired girl could finish her sentence. "I'm just saying we need to trust Lan, if he and Megaman put their minds into it then they can handle any opponent no matter how strong they are" she spoke, Woodman nodded and hoped that he, Sharkman and Skullman wouldn't need to step in but they will should things get out of hand. "If they were able to emerge victorious against me, Miyu and Masa then they will be able to handle themselves against Protoman."
"I just hope you're right…" came Roll's voice, watching the battle between Megaman and Protoman from a distance as she wanted to step in because she's a target of the latter not just the Blue Bomber due to helping in defeating Elecman however she refused to allow her friend to perish in the fight to the death even if it's to ensure their safety. "I could never forgive myself if anything happened to Mega…"
Sal couldn't blame Roll, her focus shifted back towards Lan and Chaud as it seemed they're staring each other down for the time being but it'll take more than just good Battle Chips in order to win this one...
"LAN, YOU AND MEGAMAN KICK CHAUD AND PROTOMAN'S BUTT!" yelled Yai, knowing that Sal made a good point and she hoped her classmate will be able to end Chaud's winning streak one way or another.
Nodding his head, Lan was determined to make Chaud eat his words about all of them not just him and Megaman. "Come on, what are you waiting for?" Chaud spoke, feeling Lan has wasted enough of his time and wanted to end their battle quickly.
"Make your move!"
Megaman and Protoman were still armed with their respective swords, the former having both the Sword and the WideSword while the latter only had the Sword. Let's do this… thought Megaman, waiting for his opponent to make the next move, not realizing that the red Net-Navi had similar thoughts.
You're so defeated… without any words, the two clashed against one another again and to both Net-Navis it felt as if they were gladiators battling in an arena. Needless to say, their match was being watched from within the WWW HQ and despite the defeat of Count Zap this could somehow work to his advantage.
What surprised his is the fact that Gutsman fell in one attack from Protoman's Sword and yet Megaman's lasting much longer despite being banged up against Shadowman, Eraseman and Elecman prior to this. Making him wonder if there was more to the two than he originally thought, having heard rumors of a Net-Navi that had a program that differed from every other Navi before or after it. Could it be, that one of them might be the Ultimate Net-Navi… he thought, but it's best that he not jump to conclusions as it's still just a rumor and should be treated as such. No matter, in the end my triumph will be at hand… all I need is the final program and my ultimate weapon will be completed.
He wasn't even angry at Count Zap as he brought the Elec Program, now only the Wood Program remained which will prove to be the most difficult to location. For now, he wanted to see if the two Net-Navis will delete each other in the ensuring battle taking place as he found it rather amusing a civilian would match an Official, something that normally wouldn't be possible. At the battlefield, Protoman has managed to once again gain the upperhand and caused Megaman to crash onto the ground.
"You still think that you can defeat me?! How wrong you are!" yelled Chaud, about had it with playing games as it's time they finished this match right now and from the way things were going…. Megaman wouldn't last one more hit, Protoman got himself prepared to take him down… permanently then he will deal with Roll once Megaman was no more.
"Dammit, I'm running out of options…" Lan muttered to himself, noticng he was running low on Battle Chips, and his scorched hands were starting to have trouble holding the Battle Chips... he noticed that one of the Chips was the Skull Barrier that Miyu gave to him yet there may not be enough time to use it with the way Chaud and Protoman were positioned. "I can't lose… not to Chaud…"
Chaud saw the hesitation from the way Lan's body moved, knowing that it's their chance to make their final strike on the opposing Net-Navi as he could barely maintain consciousnesses. "Finish him off, Protoman" he ordered, his Navi slowly approaching Megaman and admitted that he's the first one to over give him a difficult time in a real battle.
"Mega, get up!" yelled Roll, about ready to jump in and save the Blue Bomber. While she wouldn't last against Protoman, she'll at least give Lan the chance to log him out…. awaiting for Mayl to give the say so before she can act "Please, you can't let him delete you… you just can't!"
"Roll?" wondered Megaman as he was shocked to hear her, having thought she would've gotten herself out of the Network not stayed around and Lan turned his to Mayl, not too thrilled by the fact she hadn't jacked her Net-Navi out. "Go, I have to finish this…. Even if it means the end of me!"
"Mayl, aren't you going to log Roll out?" he asked his childhood friend, hoping they wouldn't try to intervene because if Megaman is having a difficult time in the match then Roll won't last two seconds should she get involved when previously told not to do so.
"Not a chance Lan, besides you and Megaman still haven't properly healed from stopping Elecman and even if it wasn't the case, what makes you think we're gonna standby and watch?" snapped Mayl as she gave her genuine thoughts on the whole mess the two males got themselves into. "If we had to choose between that and saving Megaman, we'll go with doing whatever we can to help till the end!"
Lan didn't know what to say, he didn't want to place Mayl or Roll in a situation they're not gonna get themselves out of. "Lan, I have to concur with Mayl…" came Iris' voice, the brown-haired girl stayed quiet through most of the entire thing but she wanted to have her own say. "You saved her and Roll when Colorman tried to blow up the bus during the traffic lights incident, not just them but me and Kai as well so it would be fitting if they returned the favor, whether you like it or not."
"Lan and Megaman are putting all they have in this battle..." Iris said to herself, being very worried about them herself. "And everyone is doing all they can to save all those people from the WWW... I am the only one who can do nothing but silently support them. I just wish there was something more I could do... but at least I can support Lan and Megaman with all my heart..."
Wanting Lan to know that he had her support too, Iris gently placed her hand on the young boy's shoulder, causing him to turn in her direction with a puzzled look... and then, she smiled and nodded at him. "Lan. Megaman. I know you can do it and defeat Protoman. I believe in you." She said, not noticing the faint aura of light that her body was giving out. She certainly felt that a strange power was being emitted from her body...
After a moment of surprise, Lan smiled and nodded at her... and just then, Megaman nodded and closed his eyes for a moment, before opening them and showing that his irises had shrunken, and his pupil had briefly taken on an elongated shape, much like the eyes of a great cat! His eyes returned to normal a split second later... but he still felt like his power was growing, and like he could take on Protoman and win, this time!
Gripping onto his remaining Battle Chips, Lan took in what the girls are trying to say and he's sure Megaman is doing the same because it's clear that Fireman non-withstanding, he wouldn't have been able to defeat most of the WWW members without the aid from his friends. "Huh?" began the Blue Bomber moments before Protoman slashed his Sword in an effort to cut him in half, starting to feel different as he used his own Sword to stop Protoman's. "Something's happening to me… It feels like I'm getting stronger."
"What the?!"
Suddenly, Megaman's body began to change much like when he used the Leaf Shield in the battle against Elecman. This time he didn't change color at all but his body turned into a slightly brighter shade of blue as a look of determination formed on. "What is this?" wondered Chaud, having a feeling this is some kind of trick played on him and that there's no way in hell their opponent would be back on his feet from the beating he suffered beforehand. "I don't know what you did, but that won't save you!"
Lan and Megaman remained silent as whatever caused Megaman to become stronger, it also had an affect on his operator too as it seemed like their minds were now one consciousness. "Let's get him Megaman" said the brown-haired young man, having the same look of determination that his Net-Navi had.
Without anything to say, Megaman clashed blades with Protoman again and this time they were proving evenly matched with one another which in turn surprised everyone watching the battle… Mayl, Roll and Iris were the most surprised out of the Net-Ops baring witness to this moment, having no clue as to how Lan and Megaman were starting to improve significantly but they found themselves smiling as it seemed the two could actually win just like Sal said. "Just look at them go, matching Protoman in speed and power!" said Dex, having a bit of trouble keeping his eyes on the two clashing Net-Navis.
Protoman slashed at Megaman as he was getting closer... but, increasing his speed at the last possible moment, the Blue Bomber dodged the attack and caught Protoman off guard, delivering a tremendous punch to his opponent's chin and knocking him back with a grunt of pain and disbelief! Protoman quickly recovered and shook his head to clear himself... but he was surprised when Lan and Megaman kept up the assault!
"Hi-Cannon Battle Chip in, download!" Lan exclaimed. Megaman's Buster arm turned into a cannon and fired a blast of energy at Protoman, who managed to raise his shield just in time and protected himself from the blow... but Megaman moved faster than he thought possible, and Lan was already putting another Battle Chip in, trying to ignore the pain of his electrical burns. "And now... Soniwave Battle Chip in, Download!"
A pickaxe appeared in Megaman's hands, and he slammed it to the ground, sending out a powerful shockwave that struck Protoman from the side before he could shield himself! The crimson swordsman staggered backwards and tried to keep up with the assault, as Megaman took aim and fired a rapid barrage of Mega Buster shots. Once again, Protoman tried to defend himself with his shield, but the attack was far too quick for him, and several blasts struck true, much to Chaud's disbelief!
"What's going on, Protoman?" Chaud asked as he and his Net-Navi had never been driven into a corner like this. "Why can't you fight back?"
"I am trying to, Lord Chaud... but his power and speed have increased all of a sudden. It is getting hard to keep up..." Protoman answered.
Chaud frowned and grabbed another Battle Chip from his deck. "We will not be defeated by a random upstart." He murmured, just an hint of anger in his normally stoic voice. "KnightSword Battle Chip in! Download!"
Protoman's sword grew larger again, and this time, it began glowing a bright green... and the swordsman Navi swung the blade in a wide arc, trying to strike down Megaman before he could get too close... but Megaman dodged the slash by just a little, and quickly got closer again... only to be stopped in his tracks as Protoman countered with a powerful punch from his shield arm! Megaman stopped his relentless attack and staggered back...
"Did you think I was helpless without a sword?" Protoman asked with restrained anger. As Megaman tried to regain his bearings, the swordsman Net-Navi dashed forward and swung his KnightSword again, trying to cut down Megaman... but the Blue Bomber recovered faster than he had anticipated and dashed forward, dodging the huge blade and leaving it to carve a fissure in the ground! Protoman tried to punch his opponent once again, but this time, his attack missed as Megaman ducked under his fist and executed a flawless leg sweep, knocking Protoman off his feet and sending him to crash on the ground! Megaman was quickly upon him, and began pummeling him with his fists, keeping him from getting away!
Protoman grit his teeth, and in an increasingly desperate attempt to get back on his feet, punched Megaman in the face, causing him to release his hold and jump back a couple feet. Using his sword to hold himself up, Protoman grit his teeth and got back into a fighting stance, but it was clear that he had lost whatever advantage he might have had, and was now reduced to fighting on the defensive. And Chaud himself was getting nervous.
"It looked like a simple fight at first... and now Protoman and I are losing... how can this be? Could it be... that guy and his Net-Navi achieved Full Synchro?" Chaud thought to himself as the battle raged on. Lan inserted a new Battle Chip, this time a powerful Heater Battle Chip, and blasted Protoman with a powerful shot that exploded in a burst of flames upon contact with his opponent's shield. The flames still licked at Protoman's body, doing some damage still... and before Protoman could see what was going on, Megaman was upon him already!
"Go for it, Megaman!" Lan exclaimed. "We're cornering him! IcePunch Battle Chip in! Download!"
As Lan activated the next Battle Chip, Megaman's left fist began glowing a white-azure aura, and he punched Protoman with it, getting past his shield and staggering him once again, which left Protoman vulnerable to another attack...
"Alright!" Roll cheered. "Mega is winning! Do your best, guys!"
"Lan is such a badass... I'm kinda envious..." Dex murmured, wishing he was able to do the same.
"Alright, we got him this time!" Lan exclaimed, taking three Battle Chips out of his deck, and entering them in his PET. "HiCannon Battle Chip in! Triple Download! NOW!"
Megaman's body flared with energy, and his Buster arm quickly turned into a large cannon that the Blue Bomber pointed at his enemy, taking aim before Protoman could mount another attack. As soon as he was sure he had the enemy in his sight, Megaman nodded and let loose a huge blast of energy!
"Program Advance! ZETA CANNON!" Megaman shouted. A deafening blast tore through the air, immediately followed by a huge blast of energy that roared towards Protoman and struck the pressured Net-Navi head-on, causing a huge explosion on impact! The floor shook as the blast tore through Protoman... and as soon as the light and the noise faded, Megaman slowly lowered his arm and looked at the results of his attack.
Protoman staggered forward for a few steps... and finally, his strength completely spent, he fell to his knees in defeat.
The impossible had happened. Protoman, the ace Net-Navi of the Officials, had been defeated. Chaud himself could hardly believe what had happened...
"P-Protoman?" he murmured in shock.
"YEAH! Alright, Megaman, we won! We actually won!" Lan cheered happily, as everyone behind him began to celebrate his victory as well! Sal smiled and nodded, happy that Megaman and Lan had gotten through yet another battle, and possibly their toughest one yet.
"How can this be...?" Protoman wheezed, out of breath and powerless. "A civilian Net-Navi defeated an official NetBattler...? Never!"
Megaman breathed a sigh of relief, before turning back to Protoman in an attempt to answer his question. "Don't you get it? It's because you and your operator are not backing each other up that you lost." He explained. "Us Net-Navi cannot fight on our own... that's why we have our operators providing us with Battle Chips, right?"
"That's right..." Protoman murmured, in a mixture of anger and disbelief. "And thanks to our teamwork, Lord Chaud and I never lost. Not even once."
"But that's the thing. You do not fight as a team." Megaman continued. "You don't have complete trust and friendship in each other... and Net-Navis cannot fight this way. We fight as a team. The better friends you are with your operator, the better you fight."
Protoman frowned a little. "Friends?" he asked, as if this was the first time he heard the word.
"Protoman, don't listen to their nonsense." Chaud answered, failing to completely hide his anger at that humiliation. "Jack out, now!"
For the first time ever, though, Protoman decided not to blindly follow his operator's orders. "Wait, please, Lord Chaud!" he stated, leaving the white-haired young boy rather surprised that Protoman was becoming sort of rebellious. "You're Megaman...right? Just tell me one thing...How do you see your operator, this "Lan"? What is he to you?"
Megaman smiled at that. "Why, he's… my best friend!"
"Friend, huh…" Protoman said thoughtfully. "I never thought of that… Lord Chaud, my apologies. Logging out now."
"Let's go, Protoman. Jack out." Chaud answered, sounding somewhat dejected. Protoman nodded, before dissolving into a shower of pixels that formed the word LOGOUT.
PROTOMAN LOGGING OUT
Megaman sighed, now that things had been properly resolved there is only one more task that needed to be done before everyone can relax. "Lan, we have to jack out too and get that power plant going!" he informed his operator, Lan nodded his head as the Blue Bomber didn't need to tell him twice.
"OK!"
Soon enough, Lan and the others had jacked their respective Net-Navis out of the system then got ready to turn the power back on. Fortunately, the brown-haired young man in question managed to push the switch back up thus restoring the power plant to its fully-funcitional state "Right on! That should fix the power out!" he said, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead.
"Yes, though Elecman had been defeated and the innocent lives saved all is not well" began Miyu, the stoic Antic Shop Owner frowned as the WWW is now one step closer to accomplishing their greatest conquest throughout the Cyber Matrix. "We couldn't prevent him from getting what he and his Operator came for as I feared, leaving only the Wood Program for them to acquire."
"And you can be certain that they won't take anymore chances in their bid at getting all four programs" added Masa, the leader of the three Net-Agents had a scowl on his own face due to the fact they haven't gotten a single clue on why Wily's so hell-bent on getting the programs belonging to each of the four main elements. "Sure we managed to get the Wood Program before they did, however it may take more than the three of us alone protecting it."
Lan and his friends didn't say a word, reflecting on the three programs that the WWW successfully stole, one was in the Hikari Family's own oven, one was in the Waterworks and the third had been in the power plant. "Odds are whatever the WWW is planning, it's not a good sign if they get the final program" Lan decided to speak up, however he and Megaman didn't have a clue on what kind of power they managed to tap into during their confrontation with Chaud and Protoman. "Still, just what exactly happened with me and Megaman… first thing we knew, we were in a losing battle and then we tapped into a whole new power just as Protoman was about to finish my Net-Navi off."
"I'm at a loss of words myself, I have no idea how you managed to pull it off" responded Masa with his arms crossed, deep in thought over the battle against Chaud and Protoman as the two had never lost a battle until just now. "Still, it's not everyday that a civillian and his Navi would be the ones to achieve Full Synchro."
"Full Synchro?" asked Lan, somewhat confused over what Masa just said and the Net-Agents couldn't blame him or his friends from school because not many ever knew of it nor have ever been able to achieve the state even to this very day. "What's state?"
"Full Synchro or Full Synchronization is a state where the Net-Navi and Net-Op become one to improve focus and it puts the Net-Op into direct contact with their Net-Navi, transmitting effects on the Net-Navi back to the Net-Op. So, a high level of synchronization should complete the circuit enabling transmission of a Net-Op's very will to their Net-Navi, which in turn greatly raises a Net-Navi's fighting capabilities" answered Sal, knowing it's a rare power that is thought to be impossible to use whether it be in Net-Battle or otherwise but at least no one from the WWW had the ability. "It also fuses the mind of Net-Navi and Net-Op into one consciousness, getting rid of the delay between command and reaction, which can make a big difference between life and death during a battle."
"It's power is legendary, as there are only a few who can actually achieve Full Synchro" added Miyu, picking up where Sal left off and felt that if Lan and Megaman could master the new power that saved the Blue Bomber from permanent deletion then it can help save everyone from possible Armageddon. "Even we've never been able to tap into it nor has Chaud, beyond that we don't know anything more."
Lan took in what the female Net-Agents told him, if it is all true then he and Megaman will have to learn how to properly master it no matter how long it could take them. "Oh yeah, how's Gutsman doing?" he decided to ask Dex, praying that no permanent damage was done to Gutsman from what they've seen and how powerful Protoman was in combat.
"He's fine, thank god that he wasn't deleted…" said Dex, silently cursing himself for overlooking Protoman's abilities and glad he's going to be okay but the next time he sees Chaud, he'll make sure he wins… provided there will be a next time with how things were going. "Just needs some time to rest and heal from his injuries, then he'll be good as new in no time."
"That's a relief."
Mayl nodded in agreement and glanced at the Net-Agents. "Any clue on why the WWW sent Shadowman, Eraseman and their operators?" she asked, as it was bad enough that they normally to deal with one WWW member but three Net-Navis at once in the same network was a bigger problem, showing that Wily was not fucking around when he's closer to getting all the programs.
"At this point, no…" said Sal, shaking her head as there wasn't even a sign of the two enemy Net-Navis logging out from what Masa and Miyu explained to her following their scuffle while Lan and Mayl were preoccupied in stopping Elecman and Count Zap. "Unfortunately it won't be the last we'll see of them, if they were strong enough to hold off even Skullman and Sharkman then you'll need to be ready for a serious confrontation, chances are Dusk Miyabi and Dark Scythe will see the two of you as their number one targets regardless of who hires them. "
Lan and Mayl frowned, both Shadowman and Eraseman were powerful as they managed to hold their own against Megaman and Roll in a stalemate prior to the arrival of both Sharkman and Skullman. "Lan, we should head back to the restaurant!" came Megaman's voice from the brown-haired young man's PET. "Your mom is worried sick!"
Hearing this, Lan mentally face-palmed at having forgotten about his mother. "You're right…" he replied, hoping that Haruka wasn't too worried sick and the same thing applied to Mayl's parents back at the restaurant so the group needed to return as soon as possible.
"Before you do that, though..." Sal said, pointing to Lan's hands. "We should go take a look at your hands."
Lan winced a little as he felt the pain in his hands returning. "Owwww...!" he murmured, flexing his fingers and looking at the reddened skin. "Heheheee... I guess you're right... I had almost forgotten about that in the heat of the moment..."
"Are you going to be alright, Lan?" Iris asked in worry.
Miyu nodded with a small smile. "I am sure he will be. He just needs to be patched up a bit, and he'll be as good as new."
"Alright, it won't take long." Sal said, placing a hand on Lan's shoulder. "I'll take you to the infirmary."
"Thanks, Sal... man, I just hope it won't hurt too much..." the young boy answered with a nervous chuckle...
At the WWW HQ, Wily was in shock by the outcome of the battle between Protoman and Megaman yet at the same time… he grinned as there was indeed something more to Megaman than meets the eye. "Now I'm starting to see why my minions had so much trouble against this annoying Net-Navi" he spoke, examining the footage with interest. "All the more to delete him, along with his friends for their interference in the long run."
Also present by his side were his right-hand man Yahoot and Ms. Yuri, the latter was disappointed at her Net-Navi Needleman's defeat at the Waterworks though both had underestimated Roll's abilities in the confrontation and knew they won't make that mistake again next time. "In that case, let us prepare ourselves to capture the final program" began Yahoot, confident that if all goes according as planned then they will soon have all four programs.
"All in due time, Yahoot" Wily replied, turning his attention towards Ms. Yuri next as there's a chance the Net-Agents would catch wind of their getting three out of the four programs needed to begin the final phase that'll lead to his dominon over the world. "For now, I shall entrust Ms. Yuri with the sole task of acquiring it."
Ms. Yuri bowed down to her superior, knowing what needs to be done. "Very well, I understand what I must do" she said, confident that she will deliver the last of the programs they seeked without further delay and wished to redeem herself for her previous failure.
"Good, don't disappoint me… And if you find that traitorous Higsby, bring him and Numberman here. I want a few words with them."
Ms. Yuri nodded again and left the room, Wily doesn't tolerate failure whatsoever but he despises betrayal even more as Higsby will soon pay for defecting from the WWW. "Alright Needleman, it's time we make the preparations" she said to her Net-Navi, determined to delete Megaman and acquire the Wood Program no matter what it takes with Needleman having similar thoughts as his female operator.
Back at the restaurant, after Lan had been patched up, the group managed to return without too much of a hassle and looked around to see if everyone was okay. "Thank god that's over" muttered Lan, looking forward to relax and realized the party might be over by now but soon caught a glimpse of Haruka near the table they had been sitting at before Count Zap attacked the power plant. "Mom!"
"Lan!" said Haruka while embracing her only son, relieved to see the children were safe and her concerned expression showed how much she feared for their safety. "Where were you? I… I was so worried!"
Lan felt somewhat embarrassed, though he didn't mean to make her worried sick with all the stuff happening and all. "Sorry, Mom! But we're fine, see?" he said to her in a reassuring tone, while normally he isn't good with this there were exceptions once in a while.
"Are you sure, Lan? What happened to your hands?" Haruka asked, noticing that both of her son's hands were wrapped in white gauze from the electric burns they had taken. Lan chuckled sheepishly and winced, knowing he couldn't hope to hide that...
"Well... I had a little mishap during the whole mess... but it's nothing serious, Mom! I'll be okay in a few days!" he answered.
"Lan and Megaman... were heroes back there!" Mayl said with a proud smile. "It was thanks to them that this incident was resolved. Sure, we all did our part... but we couldn't have won without their help!"
Haruka sighed in relief and hugged Lan tighter. "I'm glad that you are safe... I always get so scared when you're involved in such situations." she murmured. "I know I can't stop you from helping people in need, and I'm proud of you for that... but please, Lan, be always careful."
"I know, Mom... I know..." Lan answered gently, with Megaman nodding and smiling from his PET.
Soon his PET beeped, alerting him he is receiving an email. "Lan! You've got mail!" informed Megaman, examining the email and who had just sent it to them. "It's from Dad!"
The young man took his PET out and looked at the email, reading through it. 'That was a long power out! Is everyone OK?' the message said, causing Lan to have a somewhat sheepish expression to form on his face at the fact his own father didn't know what transpired despite his status as head scientist in SciLab.
"That's my dad, as clueless as ever…"
Mayl and Roll heard what Lan said, then suspected that he could've gotten his being dense when it comes to cute moments from his father which made them wonder if that really was the case during his younger days but decided against asking the question and saw Lan typing a message in order to ensure his father everything's fine now. "Dear Dad, don't worry, my friends are looking after me!" he spoke before sending the response.
Shuko sighed in relief, before flopping down on a seat and rubbing her forehead. "I'm glad everything went well..." she said. "I just hope we will be just as lucky next time..."
"Shuko?" Tory asked as he turned to her. "Are you okay?"
The blue-haired girl looked up and nodded. "Yes... yes, I am. I just felt... tired all of a sudden." she murmured. "I hope... it wasn't my bad luck that attracted the WWW here just when we were enjoying ourselves..."
"Oh, c'mon, girl, don't start with the bad luck thing again!" Yai answered. "They would have attacked this place anyway. In fact, wasn't it good luck that we were here to stop them?"
"Indeed it was fortunate." Glyde continued. "I believe it would not have been easy for the authorities to solve this incident, especially with the presence of both ShadowMan and EraseMan. They would certainly have done a lot more damage before they were stopped. Though I do wonder where they came from."
"We'll worry about it when the time comes, I guess." Tory answered. "For now, I'm just glad we managed to hold out, and that the last of the Elemental Programs is in safe hands. Though I'm worried that the WWW will come back and try to steal it."
"Then we'll have to watch out for them and be ready to intervene!" Dex said confidently. "My Gutsman might have lost today, but you can bet that next time, we're going to be stronger and kick some major ass! Those WWW jerks won't know what hit them!"
Shuko smiled in gratitude. "Thanks, guys. I feel more confident now."
"You did a great job back there, too!" Iceman said from Tory's PET. "It was thanks to your idea that we managed to defeat that huge CanDevil!"
"Iceman's right, Shuko. You should give yourself more credit!" Tory answered, giving the blue-haired girl a gentle smile, and causing her to blush a little in embarrassment...
Iris nodded, before looking at her hand. She wasn't completely sure what she had done, exactly... but she was sure she had felt a great power inside Megaman, something she had never felt before in any Net-Navi... she was sure there was something special about that seemigly unassuming Net-Navi, but she was not sure what exactly...
Just outside, as the party was coming to an end, Lan and Mayl were getting some fresh air to relax after what had happened, and were now sitting on a bench just outside the premises, trying to take their mind off.
"Are you feeling okay, Lan?" Mayl asked, placing her hand on her best friend's shoulder. "Those were some intense battles we and our Net-Navis went through..."
Lan chuckled a little, looking at one of his bandaged hands. "Well, truth be told, Megaman and I are kinda tired ourselves..." he answered. "I still can't believe we managed to defeat Protoman... but hey, we sure liked to stick it to that jerk Chaud!"
"Hopefully he'll be a bit more humble from now on." Megaman stated with a smile, as Mayl and Roll giggled at the joke. "But the WWW will son be back, so we must keep vigilant... and I'm thinking of that burst of power I experienced back when it seemed I was on the verge of defeat... Full Synchro, Sal called it. I think that we should try to master it, if we want to face what the WWW has in store for us."
"Do you think we would be able to learn that, too? I mean, me and Mayl as well as the rest of our friends?" Roll asked, rubbing her chin. "I mean, just because it's very hard to do, doesn't mean it's impossible. It would certainly help a lot with facing the WWW."
Mayl thought about it for a few moments. "Well... it would certainly be great if we could... but I'm not sure what we should do to achieve it. Even Lan and Megaman here obtained it without actually meaning to, so... I have no idea what is takes." She said.
"But still... I think we could at least help, don't you think so, Megaman?" Lan asked his Net-Navi, who nodded slowly.
"Just because we don't know how exactly we did it, doesn't mean we can't give you some pointers." the Blue Bomber stated. "How about we start doing some training? We would all need it to get in top shape for when the WWW will come back."
"I'm okay with that!" Roll stated cheerfully. "Thanks, Mega! We all owe you one!"
Lan and Mayl smiled, feeling more reassured right now. "I think we should head back now, though... the party is about to end, and we need to meet back with our friends." the pink-haired girl stated, before looking at Lan and blushing a little. "And... well, I know it didn't go quite as we had planned, but... thank you for the evening, guys! We really enjoyed it!"
Lan flashed her his trademark winning grin. "It was a pleasure, Mayl! C'mon, let's go back!"
oooooooooo
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/Ns: Well, it took me a long while but the chapter is done. All I have to say is, for those who played the original Megaman Battle Network game, don't you find it odd that the WWW had all of the Elemental Programs when we don't know how or when they acquired the Wood Program in the first place? To me, this was a plothole and Capcom never bothered to explain what happened so I wanted to at least rectify the error even though it will delay the completion of the LifeVirus. Hopefully you'll enjoy the new chapter regardless and I'd like to give my thanks to LilyNadesico (a fellow Megaman fan) for aiding me in finishing it.
I look forward to working on the next chapter very, very soon and that's when things will start to heat up even more. Peace!