Activation!

By StarWulf.EXE

Chapter 16: The Black Shadow

"Due to the damage cause by the recent Fragment battle, the arena will be closed down for repairs until tomorrow."

Numerous groans echoed throughout the building as people slowly made their way towards the exits. Among the crowd was Chaud followed closely by Lan and Chris, pestering him with questions.

"What's the big idea? We were going to get some more curry!" Lan protested.

"Famous called. He say's a mysterious Navi is hanging around ACDC Area 1. We've been called in to investigate."

"A mysterious Navi hanging around the Internet? Wouldn't half the citizens of Cyberworld fall under that description?" asked Chris, gulping down another Pepsi.

"This Navi is different. He's been directly attacking Dentech City server's data streams; muttering something about a missing soul."

"Well, we got nothing better to do." Lan said, snapping on his rollerblades. Let's get going!"

- - -

"…Has to…be here. I can sense it. He is…close."

A heavily damaged Navi lazily floated through the data stream, gathering up data in his right palm. Half of his face was re-drizzing data along with part of his leg and helmet, making him unidentifiable. Suddenly, he stopped and looked his surroundings. Up ahead was the city's broadcasting controls. With what little strength he had, he plunged his hand into the streaming code.

"I must find…myself."

- - -

The Net Savers arrived in Dentech's entertainment district. Giant LCD screen displays were attached to the side of every building around, entertaining the mass of people walking past. Sounds of arcades and live concerts rung out from every direction.

Chaud, spying a TV with a jack-in port, pulled out his PET and aimed. Chris and Lan followed did the same.

"Jack in, ProtoMan! Power up!"

"Jack in, Wulf! Power up!"

"Jack in, MegaMan! Power up!"

Three beams of light shot from the PETs into the city's mainframe, depositing the Navis. ProtoMan quickly activated his sword and turned to the others.

"We should split up so we can cover more ground. MegaMan, check the weather control data. Wulf, head over to the power grid. I'll monitor the Internet City link."

MegaMan and Wulf nodded before running off to their respective posts as ProtoMan disappeared in a column of energy.

- - -

The damaged Navi stood eerily still as he rebuilt himself from miscellaneous that flew by. He jerked his head back suddenly, sensing three presences.

"Ever so close. I must…make myself known."

- - -

"Anything yet?"

MegaMan shook his head. "No luck, Lan. Everything seems to be running normally."

'I'm beginning to think this 'mysterious Navi' doesn't exist." Lan said, sighing.

"Don't worry, it ain't just you." Chris said, watching his PET closely. "Nothing out of the ordinary around here."

As if on cue, all of the TVs and speakers abruptly turned themselves off. The whole area was silent except for the confused murmurs of the shoppers crowed in the streets. All of a sudden, a woman's scream rung out in the eerie silence.

On the largest screen overlooking the entire district was the face of a damaged Navi.

"Could it be?"

"The Black Shadow has turned."

"Forte…"

The black and gold clad Navi grimaced. "Humans, I have endured your pitiful existence for much to long. This is the last straw. Return him to me before I stop being so generous!"

It didn't take long for the crowd to flee, leaving only the three Net Savers.

"Looks like we gotta take him on."

- - -

"Our mysterious Navi's been found!" ProtoMan shouted. "Forte's at the broadcasting controls!"

Wulf quickly slashed open a link with his claws and jumped in with ProtoMan. Just before MegaMan warped over as well, he opened up a video window and looked at his operator.

Lan smiled. "Battle routine set!"

"Execute!" And with that, MegaMan jumped into the hyperlink.

- - -

"It would be wise not to test my patience." Forte shouted, still plugged into the TV. "It's been four years…I will not wait any longer!"

"Mega Buster!" A purple plasma shot struck the Navi in the neck, causing him to release his hold on the broadcasting data. He slowly turned around to face his opponents.

"I have no time for you." he said, bearing his teeth.

"That's odd," MegaMan teased. "Because whenever we don't have time, you always show up."

"Insolence! I shall defeat you easily!" Forte brought is right hand over his head and slammed it onto the ground. "Earth Breaker!"

"Life Aura BattleChip, in! Download!" the Net Savers shouted, sliding the chips in. Instantly, a glowing aura surrounded the Navis just as a ground under them exploded in a blinding yellow light.

"Forte is retreating! After him!" ProtoMan yelled, pointing at the Navi speeding away. He was clutching his wrist as data flew from the stump that was once his hand.

"We can catch him!" Lan smirked. "MegaBooster BattleChip, in! Download!" MegaMan sweatdropped as the power pack on his back started to glow. A small moan escaped his lips. "Oh no…"

At breakneck speeds, MegaMan unwilling launched forward after his rival. Wulf and ProtoMan stood there for a moment before chasing off after him.

Star's Notes: Agh...Sorry this chapter was so short. I've been sick for the past three days now and let me tell you, it ain't helping me write any faster. I promise when this virus goes away I'll be back to my normal, writing self.

Also...I have this strange feeling that I'm gonna be mauled by Forte fanatics.

Other Notes: I know I should have used the name Bass instead of Forte but I just happen to like Forte better. It sounds more evil.