Chapter 6

Fire and Ice

HadesIsle at last. Thought CopyMan as he exited the portal from the undernet. HadesIsle network had a very creepy look, it was made in the likeness of a volcano and further down the panels, he could see jagged stone pikes ready to impale any navi that would fall. He could feel an intense heat on his body, which probably explained why so many fire viruses found refuge here. In fact, he could even see a squadron of Fishys2 flying above the area. An island bathed in fire… Yes, the description couldn't be more accurate… As he tried to find Rank 9, CopyMan arrived to a very small ledge that seemed to continue deeper in the area. You think that this will keep challengers away? Maybe, but not me! He said as if talking to an unseen figure, CopyMan changed from his basic aqua navi form whom he had used to keep those pesky viruses away, to the small navi that he had battled during the ranking test. The ledge was very thin, even for a navi of small stature, he made his way on it very slowly, he didn't wanted to end up impaled on the stone pikes below him. It was very hard for him to maintain his balance on it, a single gust of wind would be enough to make him fall into the abyss, which is why he was grateful that there wasn't any wind in this place. As he was about in the middle of the ledge, a few Fishys2 went toward him at high speed. Why can't things be simple! And I can't even attack them or I'll fall below! The Fishys2 flew right around him, making him lose his balance. He was now moving from one side to the other and was desperately struggling to regain his balance, he fell and managed to hold the ledge with both hands. Never a dull moment… CopyMan sighed as his right hand now changed into a sword hilt of whom popped a cyber blade, he used the Sword to cut the platform making it fall toward the end of the ledge. He pulled himself above and fell on his knees. I hope I won't have to do this again. (Here, I am supposing that the N1 staff would have repaired the ledge by the time Megaman got there) He made his way deeper into the area and found a deserted square-shaped field with 4 stalagmites, one on each corner of the field. A shrouded navi was standing alone in the middle of the field, CopyMan made his way toward him and the navi spoke before him.

What do you want, you little punk…? said the shrouded navi.

I'm here to take your rank, Rank 9.

You think that you can take my rank 9?

You don't stand a chance.

Overconfident huh? Fine by me! Let's fight!

You will lose and I'll get your rank.

Bring it on! The navi threw his shroud at CopyMan, blinding him for a few seconds. When CopyMan managed to get rid of the shroud, he saw that his opponent was a dark blue heel navi with frozen spikes instead of the usual ones and he harbored three others on his head. Much to his suprise, CopyMan found out that the navi had completely altered the field, it was now a field of lava panels with a single iceline where he and his opponent were standing. The field was indeed to rank 9 advantage, as he activated air shoes to be able to get through the lava panels as he pleases. Let's see if you can handle this field, punk!

You've just sealed your fate! said CopyMan as he changed to a basic elec navi form. He shotted a ZapRing toward his opponent in the hope that he could abuse the ice panels.

Hehehheehe, like I hadn't planned that! A shadowed form appeared right before the blue heel navi revealing an IceCube which absorbed the ZapRing. Now, my turn! His fist changed into an oversized yellow fist and slammed it on the IceCube, sending it at high speed toward CopyMan. CopyMan couldn't dodge it, for that if he got out of the IceLine, he would be trapped and be forced to constantly remain on the lava panels. The cube smashed itself into CopyMan which made him fall on the ground. Finishing move!!! The blue heel navi charged on the IceLine with an ElecSword and made his way beside CopyMan and slashed his sword at him as he was still on the ground. CopyMan swiftly activated his Invis chip which protected him from the slash. This only delays the inevitable! CopyMan used a barrage of WindShots, which sent his opponent further away from him.

My defeat may be inevitable, but you won't be the one to carry it out! He then used the IceLine to propel himself forward with a LongSword in hand. As CopyMan attempted to slash him, Rank 9 flew to the lava panels making CopyMan's slash useless.

Here's a little present for you, punk! The aqua navi threw two LilBombs where CopyMan was standing, which he evaded by propelling himself further back. Suddenly, A strange black virus hidden in a wall of bamboos appeared on the IceLine, thursted his bamboo spear at Rank 9 and vanished after. His opponent who was surprised by CopyMan reprisal was hit and damaged. I see that this fool gave you some of his tricks, it makes no difference. He was strong, but this situation proved to be his end and it will be yours too! He came back at the IceLine and made another IceCube and went a few panels back, readying his next attack, but also leaving him away from a ShotGun effect.

I got to find a solution, fast! The blue navi used a GutsStrength to push the Cube once again at CopyMan. CopyMan then had a flashback of all those times he used WindShots, if it could push navis back, maybe it would send the cube back at his opponent. That's my only chance… He used the WindShot on the cube which went right back and smashed his opponent. Trying not to let CopyMan a single chance to attack him once again, the aqua navi flew above the lava panels, when suddenly he fell on a panel and burned his feets.

You stupid chip!!! PnlReturn! Every single panels went back to their original states. I'm not playing anymore, come here if you're a man! He then changed his arm into a sword under which there was a water reservoir.

I accept your challenge. CopyMan selected a WideSword and charged at his opponent. For a long while, they exchanged blows and not a single time did any of them had the advantage. When suddenly, Rank 9 made a quick series of hard blows which destroyed CopyMan sword and sent him on the ground once again.

And once again, I win hahahaha!

Who ever told that UnderNet navis had to fight fair! He shoted a ZapRing, which paralysed the Aqua Navi. CopyMan analysed the data from the navi and his hand changed into an ElecSword. He then asked to the still paralysed Rank 9. Do you concede?

Very impressive. You're now ranked 9. Oh, and one more thing. Just because you defeated me... Don't get too confident. Just as you came after me, others will come after you. Try to keep to yourself...

Whatever you say… Now where's ranked 8?

Yeah, I almost forgot. You'll find him… "Where science gives life". Yeah, that's it, I'm outta here.

Not so fast! I want payment for all those things you've made me get through!

Get lost punk! CopyMan then took him by the neck and lifted him a feet above the ground.

Not too smart, huh? Now give me your chips or I'll delete you.

You wouldn't dare. CopyMan right arm changed into a cyber sword. Alright, alright! No need to get violent! He gave CopyMan the chips and left as fast as he could…