Flight with Darkness

by Shadow Knight4

Sequel to NinjaWind. It's the Fourth Round of the City Tournament and the beginning of the Singles Competition. See who the last round winners take on this round and who advances to the SemiFinals. Also, prepare for a more than little insanity. R&R

7. Let the Bots Hit the Floor

And it is another installment of Flight with Darkness! Oh yeah! Not in time for the New Year, but a few days off isn't so bad right?

Disclaimer: I don't own Medabots. Nor do I own the Medabots I am borrowing or the games I based some of the Medabots I created. I own some stuff, but what? I know not anymore fully. Not all of them anyway. Anyway, I own some of the stuff.

Now it time to get on with the show!

Chapter 7: Let the Bots Hit the Floor

Merrick continued to leap from building to building trying in all desperation to catch up to the person 40 yards ahead of him. He kept bouncing all around from rooftop to rooftop of the buildings, his feet hardly touching the roofs. Yet giving it his all, he began closing in the gap if slowly.

35 yards…30 yards…25...20...15...10...5 yards…he was just about to tackle the person on the roof of an apartment building when suddenly the door leading into the building opened. Merrick began to baseball slide on the ground and digging twin kunai into the ground to slow him down to a stop, the heel of his boot just shy of hitting the ankle of the person who opened the door. Merrick was stunned by the sight before him, his mind telling him it was impossible. The Ninja snapped out of it when the person spoke.

"Are you alright? It looks like you slid a long way to not crash into me." implored a feminine voice.

"I'm fine." answered the Ninja as he got back to his feet slowly. He made the kunai vanish and looked at the woman before him, his mind registering that the sight before him was not the impossible.

So it isn't her. nodded Merrick mentally.

The woman before Merrick was around the age of 20 and at the height of 5'7. She wore a pair of white stockings that molded to her legs. She also had on black knee-high boots laced at the side with heels that gave her an extra inch in height (Therefore, making her 5'8), that still showed a bit of her white stockings. She wore a skirt (in the style of a Japanese school girl skirt, or a Sailor Scout skirt if ya want to use that image) that was three-fourths above the knee. The skirt started white from the top and begins to fade to black as it reaches towards the hem. She wore a white long-sleeved, skin tight shirt along with a sleeveless leather vest that is zipped up. Her build was slender, but one could tell she was lightly muscled from her clothing. While the way her clothing hugged her body showed her hourglass figure. Her skin was white as cream while her hair was ocean blue that fell to the her waist, streaks of black winged through her hair as well. Her eyes were the same shade of ocean blue as her hair.

"Sorry for nearly crashing into you." apologized Merrick. "But I have to go, I was chasing someone."

"Good luck on your chase then." replied the woman as she watched Merrick run off and leapt off the building. She watched him till he was just a speck before heading back into her building to gather a few items.

-----

Matt and Ms. Caviar were alone in a local restaurant not too far away from the tournament. Matt's mother agreed to let him go with his partner for lunch as the rest left to each somewhere else. The restaurant was a fair sized one, getting more business today than on an average day due to the tournament and the manager couldn't be more than happy.

The boy and technician ate their food in silence, signing a few autographs to a couple of the fans they seemed to earn. Matt grinned as he handed his mark to a young girl a few years younger than him. She seemed thrilled and hugged the paper close to her body as she left to join her mother.

"Cute." smiled Ms. Caviar.

"Hmm? What is?"

"You silly."

"What ya mean by that?" questioned the boy with a faint blush.

"Most people would either be too annoyed to hand out autographs or just blow up on people from how many ya signed since that last Robattle."

"Hey, I know how it feels to be a fan. I never got any autographs myself though, so I don't mind handing them out. Besides, the most important thing is that I'm not letting this get to my head."

"Why not? A little ego isn't too bad you know."

"If I start, then it might grow too much." countered the boy while he ate a french fry.

"Mm…you do make a good point there." agreed the woman as she began eating a piece of a chicken strip. "But you don't have to be too humble."

"Humble?" laughed the boy, then sipped some of his soda. "I'm not humble, I'm just nice."

"Alright that is true. But let us get to business. We need to discuss strategy for whoever we battle next."

"That we do." agreed the boy. "Especially, if we take on either Team 14 or 16. The latter being the more dangerous of the two with Rikorsha."

"I have to agree she is a powerful Medabot. But Shadowblast shouldn't be too difficult to take out to get to her. But she can defeat our two members alone. Now if it was Team 14...we would be in it just as badly."

"Yes…Metal Bison is too heavily armored." said Matt, finishing the thought going through his partner's mind. "But getting ideas from both Protoman and Megaman. We might have to use energy blades to truly bite through the armor."

"You know as well as I do that the weapon does not matter but the bot that holds it." announced N-Blade's voice.

"Yes, I do know that. But Blade, think of this logically here. With Buyouka being one of the rare Battle Dancers out there. By the time we get her down, both you and Kenoi will be pretty damaged if not offline already to defeat the Ox."

"Don't have so little faith in our abilities." chimed in Kenoi's voice. "If we are defeated, then we are defeated. Everyone has their fair share of losses as well as wins."

"Mm…that's true. Guess I got too wrapped up in this tournament, eh?" chuckled Matt.

"Yeah, ya did Matt." laughed the NON. Kenoi joined in the laughter as did Matt. The three stopped as Ms. Caviar's phone began to ring. She answered it and nodded to herself.

"Thank you." she told the person on the other end. She closed her cell phone and put it in her pocket before turning to her partner. "The Medabots are all repaired and ready to go. And there is still about 40 minutes left. So we can enjoy our food and head back with time to spare."

"Alright." nodded the boy and he rose his glass of soda to his partner. "To us and let the best bot win after this round."

"To us." smiled the technician as she toasted her glass of soda back to Matt.

-----

Back in the Tournament, the rest of the gang was hanging out in the shade of the trees, having a makeshift picnic. They were just laughing and having fun, but also a cloud of worry settled over the group. They wondered where Merrick had gone and what was keeping him so busy in returning. But the actions of the Medabots kept most of the group in high spirits. Especially the banter between Kiono and Peppercat.

"Only three teams of our group remain within this tournament." mused Isis as she leaned against a tree.

"Three out of eight." nodded Ikki. "And only four teams move onto the next round. Possibilities are slim all three teams will advance."

"Considering there is a chance for two of the three teams with our group in it will face each other? The chances are slim." agreed Koji.

"Even if we end up fighting one another. We'll still give it our all. For we want to advance as much as the people left in this tournament." declared Alexis.

"Well, the next round won't start till about 40 or so more minutes." said Amanda as she looked at her Medawatch. "So let just enjoy the rest of our food and relax."

"Agreed!" chimed everyone in unison with a laugh. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the rest of their food with content.

-----

Miki Yamaguchi sat down on her light wind breaker jacket against a tree. Enjoying a quiet boxed meal she got from one of the food vendors. She rested her food on her lap and set down her chopsticks. She took off her glasses and looked at the sky, watching with envy at the flight of the birds. She always did wonder what it would feel like to fly with wings of your own.

She looked on at the birds watching them fly with a faint smile on her lips. She returned to eating her meal in silence. Wondering when Mitsukai would return from her flight. Taking a sip of soda, her ears caught the noise of something landing on the grass. The noise was faint but she still managed to hear it along with the light noise of boots on grass.

"Enjoy your flight?" asked the woman.

"I did." smiled Mitsukai. "I always did enjoy to fly."

"And I've always wished I had the ability to without aid of a machine."

"That is always fun." grinned the FLN with sad eyes. She formed energy between her hands letting it take the rough shape of a woman with wings before making it vanish.

"You never told me your whole story. Why do you hate this Merrick so?"

The Fallen Angel stayed silent as pain flashed through her optics. Memories flashed before her mind as she saw a peaceful utopia. A floating island filled with people, both with and without wings. The image changes before her eyes as buildings and wildlife is ablaze. People running and screaming. A lone man in black standing there shooting streams of black fire from his hands. Black flames consumes her vision till she is slowly brought back to reality.

"Merrick will get his in the end." growled Mitsukai as she clenched her fists tightly.

Anger always consumes her when I ask that question. thought Miki. I wonder what could have happened.

-----

"Welcome back to the Tournament ladies and gentlemen, the Third Round will begin shortly." announced Holly from center stage with the remaining teams "Team 16 please choose who you wish to battle before the rest of the pairing to begin."

"No one." declared Rikorsha not giving Dwight or Shadowblast a chance to say anything. "Give the power of choice to someone else."

"What! Who says you have say in that? This is a team!" yelled Dwight. The Sailor glared at teen and bot alike.

"I'm the one who earned the right, and I get the say. Got it?" The two grudgingly nodded their heads. "Good."

"You hear that folks? The right of choice will now fall on a random team!" declared Holly. "Please turn your attention to the view screens!"

On the view screens displayed the winning teams from lowest to highest: 4, 8, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22, and 30. Team 4 was highlighted before the highlighted bar began running down the list of teams rapidly. The bar began to slow down and landed on Team 19.

"Team 19 make your decision!" Axel, Yuna, and their Medabots huddled together into a discussion. They nodded with agreement to one another. "We want Team 20!"

"You heard them folks! Team 19 will be faced against Team 20!" exclaimed Holly. "Now the rest of the six teams will be randomly paired off, while Team 19 and 20 will be set up in a random order."

Twin columns with four rows appeared on the view screen. The team numbers jumbled within the columns and rows in a blaze of digital numbers. The numbers finally slowed down to reveal the order the teams would be fighting in. The end result was displayed: 4-8, 19-20, 14-22, and 16-30.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, time to explain how this round will work. Since this is the final round of doubles, there will be no special matches that involve multiple members of the current line up. However, during this round any special rules will be determined by random selection before each match." informed the announcer. "The first match will begin in about 10 minutes. Teams 4 and 8 get ready for your Robattle!"

"The final four matches of the doubles tournament. And we start off with two powerful teams. Can't wait." grinned Matt.

"Me neither." nodded Ikki. "Want to see how you'll take out the Ox and Dancer though."

"Will be hard for sure. But I got a plan ready. Unless the rules make it so I can't give N-Blade orders."

"Any tips how to take on Team 16?" asked Alexis.

"None at all. Rikorsha is powerful and fast. I think it might take more pure luck to beat her." declared Matt.

"What about Shadowblast?" questioned Sam.

"He's a good bot, but out of the two. He is nothing compared to Rikorsha, yet should not be underestimated either."

"So basically, Link and Freya are doomed?" sweatdropped Warren.

"Pretty much." nodded Matt.

"Even if Freya uses her powers?" implored Isis with a light tick mark on her forehead.

"Hmm…that I'm not really sure of." admitted the boy.

"We'll just see what happens when it happens." stated the EHT-type.

"Who knows? Might get lucky and win somehow." laughed N-Blade.

"Just be happy you and I won't go against each other Ninja-B." chuckled the KOS-type.

"Don't ya mean you are lucky, you and I aren't facing each other?" countered the NON.

"Heh, ya know what I mean. Ya seem to be having a hard time with the femmes."

"I'd win between the two of us and you know it." growled N-Blade.

"Maybe, but maybe not." chided Freya. "And as your track record so far with femme Medabots. It's 1 out of 3, so my chances are high in winning."

"Statistics aren't everything. It's heart, courage, and smarts that wins on the field of battle."

"And of those things, you got nothing." laughed the femme bot.

"Not going to listen to you anymore." huffed N-Blade as he crossed his arms and stared at the stage.

"Heh, well lucky for us. Match is going to start." declared Erika. "Though, it was getting a little fun to see them argue."

"Hehe, yeah." grinned the others in unison.

"Alright folks, it is time for the first match of the third and final round of the doubles tournament to begin!" announced Holly. "It is Team 4 versus Team 8. Team 4 consists of Lan Hikari and Maylu Sakurai with their Medabots Megaman and Roll. While their opposition Team 8 consist of Chaud Blaze and Dex Ooyama with their Medabots Protoman and Gutsman!"

The crowd roared with what would be a spectacular match. Mr. Referee appeared in a puff of smoke like a ninja, but unlike that of one trained in the art of ninjitsu his clothing was ablaze. The Ref ran around in circles before Holly ran up and threw two glasses of water at him dousing the flames. Mr. Referee nodding his thanks and shook off like a wet animal his hair a mess.

"It is time for the special match selector to select what type of match this will be!" declared Mr. Referee. "Please turn your heads to the view screens!"

The audience followed Mr. Referee's directions and turned their heads to the screens. On the screens was a large question mark. The question mark began flashing and multiple pictures flash across it. The question shifted to a yellow orb over a device that seemed to glow. Under the picture it read Holo-emitters, a bullet point appeared for pillar filled battle field, then another bullet point was no special rules in effect.

"No special rules are in effect. However, standard rules still apply. Engage holo-emitters!" yelled Mr. Referee. The holo-emitters around the stage blazed to life creating the holographic field of a large ancient coliseum type arena with pillars that tried to touch the sky. Lan and Maylu were sitting on the western side of the coliseum while Chaud and Dex sat on the eastern side. Mr. Referee was sitting in the special box wearing Roman type clothing and had a wreath on his head.

"I officially declare this an official Tournament Robattle between Team 4 and Team 8! The rules are simple! The first team to stop the other from functioning wins! No special rules are in effect. I, Mr. Referee, will act as referee so no one gets hurt!"

"Medafighters, ready!"

"YES!" answered the two teams.

"LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!"

"We'll have to act as a team on this one Roll. Protoman is a deadly adversary." admitted Megaman staring down the Net Swordsman.

"Aren't we always a team, Mega?" implored Roll.

"That's true." smiled the Net Hero. "But we'll have to be more of one to beat these two. Come on lets go." The two NET-types ran at the opposition.

"Megaman's mine. Take the girl." ordered Protoman as he stared at the charging team.

"Guts." nodded Gutsman.

"Even you shouldn't lose to a girl." smirked the Net Swordsman as he dashed off.

"RWARG!" roared Gutsman as he beat his chest.

The Net Hammer reared his fists back above his head and slammed it into the ground creating a giant shockwave to travel through the ground at the charging group. Protoman backflipped his silver-white hair flowing in the air as he did, landing on the ground after the wave passed. The charging duo leapt into the air and began ricocheting over the pillars then into the air as the earthquake vibration raced through the pillars. Megaman was suddenly thrown through three pillars from a powerful kick from Protoman.

"Megaman!" cried Roll. But her moment of distraction cost her as a giant version of Gutsman's fist rocketed through the air, punching her higher into the air.

"Battle Chip, Spreader, Slot-In!" yelled the members of Team 4.

Out of the dust where Megaman's body was to lay, he fired his new weapon. The laser split apart and flew at Protoman. The Net Swordsman smirked and his left arm transformed into a large red shield lined in silver that was large enough to protect his entire body. The lasers hit the shield harmlessly as it changed back to Protoman's arm as he landed on the ground.

Roll rolled along the ground from the fist attack, her arm transforming in a blue turbine like gun. She aimed and fired on Gutsman, but the large Medabot just raised his arms to defend himself against to attack. He roared and began charging at Roll. (A/N: Note, I do realize this is a bit uncharacteristic for Gutsman, since he likes Roll, but making it like he was bent on winning.) Gutsman smashed his fist into a pillar breaking it, and lifted the large pillar like a club with both hands! He swung around and slammed the pillar down at Roll.

"M-Cannon, slot-in! Megaman, 60 degrees North by Northeast and fire!" ordered Lan. Megaman's arm transformed into an red-orange blaster cannon, he took heed to his Medafighter's words and aimed. His blaster cannon glowed yellow before firing powerful laser blasts. The lasers struck home against the pillar turning it into a pile of rubble that still buried Roll, but the damaging effect minimal compared to the pillar club.

"SONIC BOOM!" roared Protoman, his voice full of power as he swung his sword creating a powerful wave of energy flying at Megaman. The quick moving red energy wave slammed into Megaman throwing him through two more pillars followed up by an explosion.

"MEGAMAN!" cried Lan.

"Battle Chips, Cyclone and Tornado, Slot-in!" exclaimed Maylu as she inserted the two Battle Chips.

The first of the two caused Roll to spin under the rubble. Slowly at first before picking up speed becoming a pink cyclone and blowing her way out of the rubble. The cyclone flew at Gutsman and trapped him under the force of the winds. Her right arm transformed into a large blue fan, she aimed at the Net Hammer and the fan began spinning. The fan begun spinning faster and faster till it was nothing but a blur. From the fan blew out a tornado at the large Medabot. The tornado was just about to strike the NET-type, just when Dex yelled out…

"IRON BODY DEFENSE!"

Gutsman roared as his entire body was suddenly a larger iron version of itself. The cyclone of air that was trapping him dissipating from his sudden girth. When the tornado struck the large iron bot, he was just pushed back slightly before roaring and beating his chest. He charged at Roll and slammed his fist down at her for a powerful crushing punch. But the Net Healer leapt back and then threw a barrage of razor sharp heart-shaped projectiles at the fellow NET-type. But the hearts bounced off harmlessly.

Protoman stared at the rubble, knowing deep down that Megaman wasn't finished off despite the fact he didn't come out by now. Come on…what are you waiting for…? thought the Medabot. His optics detected movement, a light pebble moving. It was all he needed to know and leapt out of the way of a Mega Buster round. Groaning lightly, Megaman pulled himself out of the rubble.

"Lan send me a Battle Chip."

"Mega!" laughed his Medafighter. "Alright then! Battle Chip, Electro-Sword, Slot-in!"

"Two can play at that game." chuckled Chaud. "Battle Chip, Fire Sword, Slot-in!"

Megaman's right arm transformed into an electrified sword of energy, the sword crackling and giving off minor sparks. While, Protoman's right arm transformed into what appeared to be a torch before a fiery sword expelled from it. The two charged at one another and the duel of swords began. Sparks flying as each of their swords struck against one another.

"CANNON!" yelled Roll as she raised her new green blaster cannon on Iron Gutsman. Blue lasers pelted the large bot having minimal to no effect against his body. Gutsman and Dex laughed together at the pathetic strength power against them.

"Time to fall." chuckled Dex. "Navi Chip, Gutsman SP, Slot-in!"

The gem symbol on Gutsman's chest glowed as his iron body self turned transparent and flowed into him, the gem glowing brilliantly. Power cascading from the Net Hammer's body, pure, raw energy. He roared and brought his fist down into the earth causing first an earthquake then a powerful shockwave of energy to zip through the ground racing towards Roll.

"I don't think so! Area Steal and Sword!" countered Maylu as she inserted the chips. Roll vanished from the spot appearing to Gutsman's right and brought down her sword when suddenly the shockwave made a U-turn and slammed into her throwing her through six of the pillars. Gutsman turned around and launched massive fist after massive fist into the dust clouds.

"Time Bomb, Triple Download! Program Advance: Giga Time Bomb!" declared Dex as he inserted the three chips. Between Gutsman's hands appeared a large heavily armored explosive, the timer starting at 5 seconds. Guts threw the massive bomb into the dust, the impact of the explosive hitting the ground caused it to blow. A large mushroom cloud flooding the coliseum. A large number of the pillars being blown away from the explosion. When the dust finally cleared, Roll was down for the count.

"Function ceased! Roll has been eliminated!" announced Mr. Referee.

Back to the fight with Protoman and Megaman their swords clashed against one another over and over. Each never advancing or retreating a step, and when one does. They just get pushed back to where they were before. It was a stalemate. That is unless the massive earthquake caused from Gutsman's earlier attacked messed up their footing. Megaman's swing went too high and Proto got him hard across the stomach. Then followed up with a kick to the chest causing the smaller bot to slide on the ground.

"You are done for!" smirked the Net Swordsman. "You never had a chance against me!"

Protoman leapt into the air and came down on the Net Hero, his fiery sword point down. That's when it happened, the explosion of the Giga Time Bomb. The force of the explosion shook Proto's body just slightly out of the air giving Mega a chance to parry the blow with his Electro-Sword. The NET-type's left arm suddenly transformed into a sleek cannon with a large barrel and he fired a pressurized sphere of air at the Swordsman knocking him away. He got back to his feet and leapt at Proto with his sword for a horizontal slash when he was suddenly tackled out of the air by Gutsman.

"GUTSMAN! HE'S MINE!" roared Protoman.

"Guts?" replied a confused Gutsman.

"FIERY SONIC BOOM!"

Protoman swung his sword hard sending a fiery red wave of energy sailing at Gutsman. Neither Guts or Dex had time to react before the wave of energy struck the bot sending him flying through the air crashing through a pillar causing it to crack and fall on him after the explosion of heat energy. The Net Hammer had fallen to his own teammate.

"Function ceased! Gutsman has been eliminated!"

The crowd, Dex, Lan, and Maylu were all stunned at the callousness of the Net Swordsman and his Medafighter. Chaud looked on, not looking a bit surprised by Protoman's actions. Dex was furious and grabbed him by the shoulders lifting him off the ground.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!" demanded Dex.

"Heh, I didn't need you. Protoman was just doing what he was doing. Getting the job done. We never needed you." replied a smug Chaud as he grabbed Dex by the wrists and pressed hard forcing the larger boy to release him. He then delivered a kick to his mid-section forcing the air out of him. "Finish Megaman off, Protoman!"

"Yes, sir." nodded Protoman, as his battle mask appeared over his mouth filling out his helmet.

"You know, Chaud! You have a lot coming to you, if you think you can defeat Megaman! He has a power you and Protoman will never have!" challenged Lan.

"And what's that? Friendship?" snorted Chaud.

"That's right! Megaman and I are a team! And we always will be!" declared the boy. "Megaman, show him true power!"

"You got it, Lan!" laughed Megaman as his own battle mask appeared over his mouth.

"Lan…understand one thing…You will never understand the bond between me and Protoman." explained Chaud. "So, don't think that you are the only with such a power."

The two Medafighters stared at each other across the battle field. While their Medabots stared at one another as well. An odd power seeming to flow around them as if they were gaining perfect synchrony with their Medafighters. Attuned with their energies while focusing and improving their own. This would be a Robattle of a true sense of strength and power. The two newly forged rivals gathered a Battle Chip from their belt pouch.

"Battle Chip, Variable Sword, Slot-in!" cried Lan.

"Mega Chip, Neo-Variable Sword, Slot-in!" roared Chaud.

Both NET-types threw out their right arms their arms transforming into identical golden green energy blades with a broad arrowhead tip. The swords may have looked the same, but how much stronger would Protoman's sword be if it is supposed to be a newer model? The two NET-types wasted no time, they charged at one another the second their swords fully formed. The blades clashed against one another the hum of the energy filling the coliseum. The two bots struggled for dominance over the other. Protoman's left arm suddenly came out of nowhere, punching Megaman hard in the stomach sending him flying.

Megaman slid along on his back, his blade cutting into the ground. The Net Hero rolled out of the way as his enemy came down suddenly trying to stab him. Mega got on his free hand and spun on it to bring both his legs hard into Proto to send him flying back the way he came. But the Net Swordsman caught himself by his hand and flipped back to his feet. Megaman reared his sword arm back just as Protoman did the same.

"VARIABLE WAVE!"

"NEO-VARIABLE WAVE!"

The two NETs swung their swords in unison sending out twin energy waves at one another. The waves crashed into one another meeting each other as if struggling for dominance before Mega's was overpowered. Proto's wave crashed home into Megaman sending him flying dead smack into one of the remaining pillars. Megaman's body slumped against it. Protoman was amazed at the Net Hero-type's will to fight on as he struggled back to his feet. The Net Swordsman showed him no mercy and began his charge to finish him off. Just about when Protoman was less than 10 feet from Megaman…

"STEP SWORD!" yelled Lan as he inserted the chip.

Megaman's body hyper accelerated as he charged at Protoman, he slashed as he past him but so did Proto. Twin gashes appeared on both bots, their swords shattering. The two Medabots slumped down onto their knees panting and exhausted. Neither had any plan in giving up, and got back to their feet once more. Protoman had out his Buster Sword while Megaman aimed his Mega Buster on his opponent. Mega opened fire upon Protoman and the Net Swordsman blocked the shots with ease.

"Have to do better." smirked Proto behind his mask.

"Then I shall!" challenged Megaman as he continued to open fire upon Proto only to have his shots deflected. The two stared at one another their arms normal once again. Chaud and Lan looked at one another knowing it was going to be a final show down.

"I challenge you with my strongest weapon the Program Advance!" declared Lan.

"I accept your challenge." smirked Chaud.

"Battle Chips, Sword…"

Megaman and Protoman's right arm transformed into energy blade as their Medafighters inserted the chip.

"…Wide Sword…"

The two bots' left arm transformed into a wide energy sword with an odd hilt.

"…Long Sword…"

The two bots lifted their swords into the air energy gathering between them.

"Program Advance: LIFE SWORD!"

Bluish purple energy gathered between the two swords before converging into one large energy sword, changing the bots' hands back to normal. The two grasped the hilts of the energy sword in unison and swung down hard, sending twin powerful energy waves at one another. The shear power of the waves dug deeply into the stadium floor crashing into each other. Light and energy flooded the coliseum, making the holo-matrix flux a bit before stabilizing again. The two NETs clashing against one another with their large energy swords.

The two attacked one another all out. Giving the other no quarter or time to do more than a full on attack. Sparks and power cascading off the swords from each strike with one another. Till suddenly, Megaman's sword and power began fluxing and destabilizing, but Proto's was doing the same. The two hit each other incredibly hard, causing another energy flood. When the light and energy finally died, the two were still standing. Panting hard and on the verge of collapse.

"You win…" admitted Megaman as he fell forward. Protoman caught both his body and medal before they hit the floor.

You fought well, kid. thought Protoman to himself, as he gently laid Megaman's body to the ground and setting his medal next to him.

"Function ceased! Team 8 advances to the next round!"

"What a match! What power, what speed! Amazing! Rivalry brewing in the air as well as betrayal! I can't wait to see what will happen during the singles portion of the match!" declared Holly. "This match took 14:32:03! Give these contestants a hand!"

The crowd roared in applause at the spectacular match. Kiono and Amanda stood up from the stands to get ready for their match.

"Amanda! Show them who's boss!" grinned Matt as he gives the teen a thumbs up.

"Yeah! You have to win if you want that rematch between the two of us!" chuckled Link.

"That's if you win your match, Elf." smiled Kiono in a way that showed one of his fangs.

"I'll win, so you better too."

"Just give them your all, comrade." nodded Isis.

"Good luck, Trinity is one tough cookie. But I guess she will be focusing more on Mitsukai." informed N-Blade. "But don't rule out Taka, he hasn't seem to fully harness the power of his specialty."

"What is it?" questioned Amanda.

"It's Kaizen." answered N-Blade. "It means constant improvement. Meaning, if you battle him long enough, he should get stronger, but I'm not sure if that skill retains on. Or if he has just been holding back to make him seem weaker than he is. So watch out."

"We will." replied Medabot and Medafighter together as they headed down to the stage.

"It's time for the second match of the Third Round to commence! It's Team 19 versus Team 20. Team 19 consists of Axel Drowman and Yuna Kanayushi with their Medabots Taka and Trinity! While their opponents of Team 20 consist of Amanda Seal and Miki Yamaguchi with their Medabots Kiono and Mitsukai!"

Mr. Referee came down from the sky out of nowhere, swinging two wooden swords while wearing a headband. "It's time to see what special rules go into effect!"

The view screens came to life, showing random rules before settling down. The screen flashed an X over a Medawatch, meaning that Medafighters could not give orders during the match. Another bullet said that Medabots can only fight with grappling type moves.

"Heh, the second rule is a little pointless in this case. The Medabots here are grapplers." chuckled Miki softly.

"Yeah, it does seem a little pointless." chirped Amanda.

"Go after the Avian. Trinity is mine." announced the FLN to her partner.

"Alright, but already planned on it." nodded Kiono.

"Medabots take to the battle field!" ordered Mr. Referee, waiting for both Teams to get on the stage. "I officially declare this a Tournament Robattle between Team 19 and Team 20! The rules are simple! The first team to stop the other from functioning wins! Special rules are: Medafighters can not give orders during the match and only grappling is allowed. I, Mr. Referee, will act as referee so no one gets hurt!"

"Medafighters, ready?"

"Yes."

"MEDABOTS, ROBATTLE!" boomed Mr. Referee as he slashed his swords down.

"It's time to go all out, Taka!" exclaimed the SFF-type as she drew her sabers and charged at Mitsukai.

"Yes, it is." agreed the HFT-type as he took a battle stance and gestured for the WCG to bring it on.

Mitsukai simply pulled her staff from its hoop and blocked the dual saber strike. The Fallen Angel kicked Trinity away, the heel of his boot connecting hard to her opponent's midsection. She smirked lightly as the Sword Mistress flipped throughout the air and caught herself on her feet. The smirk was wiped off from the SFF's sudden attack with her whirling blades.

The FLN-type dug her heels into the ground and slammed her staff hard into Trinity's sabers stopping both her and her whirlwind blade attack. She gained a tiny grin before suddenly bringing the other end of her staff hard into the femme's side. But the Sword Mistress lashed back with a saber, the tip catching her opponent lightly in the chest. But her wrist was suddenly bashed into the ground by Mitsukai's staff.

"Not too shabby, but not too great either. You need to be better if you want a dead on attack!" declared the FLN as she grabbed Trinity by the throat suddenly and threw her across the stage.

The SFF slid along the ground from the sudden throw and she lost one of her sabers in the process. She got back to her feet and glared at the Fallen Angel. Her eyes darted to her fallen saber then thought better than trying to get it. She raised her saber over her left shoulder with both hands grasped around the hilt, blade pointed at Mitsukai.

"What ya going to do?" implored Mitsukai.

"This! AERIAL THRUST!" shouted the SFF-type as she thrust her saber at her opponent. Mitsukai raised a metaphorical eyebrow at her opponent thrusting her saber when her eyes widen in surprise. From Trinity's blade rushed a sudden spearhead of pressurized air that caught the FLN hard in the chest, the impact forcing her off her feet. This moment gave the Mistress of Swords a chance to grab her fallen saber and she brought her arms over her chest..

"HAWK WAVE!"

She slashed out with her sabers sending out a large wave of air flying at Mitsukai as she sat up. The wave of air caught the femme and blasted her off the ground before making her fall back to the ground on her stomach this round.

"Heh, how's that for better?" questioned the SFF.

"Ref! Is that even legal?" complained Miki.

"Yes, for it was a projectile created from Trinity's own strength. Not a true shooting projectile from a cannon or missile launcher." explained Mr. Referee.

"You can't be serious…" grumbled the woman.

"They both have to give their A game for this match, Miki! So don't complain!" laughed Yuna.

"Well…she is giving it her all now. It is time not to hold back myself." grunted Mitsukai as she got back to her feet and loosened one of her chains, while holding her staff in the same hand.

"Yes, no holding back. A warrior's end!" grinned Trinity as she readied her sabers to counter-attack.

"Yes, a warrior's end." agreed Mitsukai as she prepared herself.

The Feline Winged Guardian stared at the Hawk as he was told to bring it from the hand gesture. By natural instincts, bird should fear feline and feline should strike terror within bird. Yet, would that be true with a bird of prey? Kiono's tail twitched lightly in irritation before flaring his wings out to launch himself at Taka.

The Avian Fighter stood his ground and hooked his arm around one of Kiono's and flipped him over his shoulder by using his own momentum against him! The HFT-type slammed him into the ground and brought the heel of his palm down into the chest of the WCG. The Avian moved off the fallen feline and leapt back a bit.

It felt like a truck hit Kiono from the force of the blow to his chest. N-Blade was right, Taka had been holding back before and now he wasn't. That only meant he had to give it his all before Taka's specialty kicks in fully (if it hadn't already). The Cat got back to his feet with a groan, but was assaulted from multiple punches and kicks he couldn't defend against.

Growling deep in his throat he grabbed one of Taka's hands by the wrist and gave it a painful crush. Smirking devilishly he began pummeling the Hawk with his free hand over and over along the chest and head area, before throwing the Avian high into the air. He spread his wings and shot after him, tackling him higher into the air.

"You know this has been bugging me. You're a hawk, but can ya fly?" grinned the Feline as he suddenly shot higher into the air faster.

"Don't know. But I don't think you can!" yelled the HFT as he brought his fists together and brought them down hard at the area between Kiono's wings. Pain exploded within Kiono's back making him loosen his grip on the Avian and drop him. The Winged Guardian's wings crumpled off balance and he began to spiral down towards the ground. While the Avian spun in the air before nose diving towards the ground.

Kiono watched Taka go down with disbelief, thinking he was just seeing things due to the pain and his eyes squinted as they were. He tried his best to unfold his wings to catch the air but they wouldn't respond. He was plummeting and it seemed he was going down. The Hawk continued his descent toward the ground before suddenly spinning once more back so his feet with hit the ground but tucked in lightly. Then he tucked himself into a ball and began spinning as if rolling and hit the ground doing a summersault and getting up unharmed.

Something out of the corner of Mitsukai's vision range caught her attention and it was how Kiono shot up into the air with Taka. Seemed it was time to end this, she loosened her chain further to give it more slack and prepared her staff as if to throw it, when Taka hit the ground unharmed. This brought question to the Fallen Angel and she dared a glance upward and saw Kiono was in trouble. Hissing in vexation, she hurled her staff at Trinity like a boomerang.

She moved her hand back before lashing out with it to catch the staff's end with her chain. Pulling the chain taunt suddenly, she spun wide making the staff at the end of the chain be used as a weight. Trinity ducked the staff, but it wasn't meant for her now. Continuing her spin, she suddenly made her chain more slack, the staff at the end flying towards Kiono like a life line.

The Sword Mistress dashed at Mitsukai now that she was distracted. But the Fallen Angel's other chain caught a hold of one of her sabers and brought it to her. The FLN slashed Trinity hard away with as much room she could get from the flying life line. She looked up and saw the Cat caught it. Grinning she made the chain go taunt before recoiling it to bring the WCG back in till suddenly, the feline's wings flared out and he was able to fly on his own. Kiono gave a thumbs up to Mitsukai and flew at his opponent.

The FLN-type smiled faintly and was suddenly slashed by Trinity's katana. A kick followed by another slash caught her again. Then a sudden slash with the force of a spin behind the blade forced her back. Growling, the Fallen Angel recoiled her chain quickly once the staff hit the ground. The chain was between the SFF's legs and the staff suddenly caught the femme hard pulling her off her feet.

Grabbing her staff firmly in her hands, Mitsukai brought the end of it hard against her opponent's chest. The Fallen Angel picked Trinity up with her chain and threw her into the air and then suddenly thrust her staff over and over rapidly, the blunt edge being a blur striking the Sword Mistress all over. Mitsukai went into a high kick catching the SFF in the stomach sending her flying with a thump.

"You know, you are really starting to bug me." hissed Mitsukai.

"Well, live with it. Since, I will win and you will lose." chuckled Trinity as she pushed herself back up with the aid of her katana.

"That is where you are wrong. I will beat you and win this thing!"

"Not if I stop you first!"

Mitsukai began lashing out with her chains over and over at the SFF. But the speedy Sword Mistress evaded the chains with little difficulty. Flipping along the stage and stopping before continuing from the whipping chains. Trinity gathered her fallen sabers and went on the offensive. Sabers and chains struck one another, the latter of the two trying to catch the blades but were just batted away.

"Time to end this! Tri-Blade Assault!" yelled the Sword Mistress as she ran at the Fallen Angel. Sabers posed for the initial attack, while Mitsukai recoiled her chains and readied her staff.

Kiono landed on the ground some distance away from Taka, but the Hawk dashed the second the Cat touched the ground. The WCG gauntleted arm up to defend against the swift kick. The force of the blow caused Kiono to slide back along the ground. He growled lightly and went on the attack.

A flurry of punches and kicks were easily evaded by the speedy Avian Fighter. It seemed as if Taka wasn't putting any effort into dodging the attacks. That action infuriated the Winged Feline. Kiono redoubled his efforts on the offensive, punches and kicks blocked easily until…He made a sudden roundhouse with his left leg, the spiked iron brace caught Taka hard across the side. Wasting no time, he struck the Hawk again with his golden gauntlet across the beak.

The HFT when into a quick cartwheel and flipped back to his feet. His eyes held a smirk before going on the attack. He became a living blur and began striking Kiono from all sides and angles. The Winged Guardian was helpless to defend or counterattack. The Feline was in a daze when Taka suddenly stopped his attacks. The Bird of Prey was in front of the WCG-type, arms brought back before delivering a dual palm thrust into Kiono's chest sending him flying. The Avian appeared behind the Cat and kicked him forward, then appeared in front of him again and sent a drop kick to the Guardian's stomach making him fly back once more.

"Enough…is…enough…" growled Kiono as he stood up with a little difficulty.

"Lets end this."

"Yes…lets…" agreed Kiono.

The Winged Feline flared his wings once more and flew at Taka again. The Hawk chuckled as he stood his ground, then his optics widened suddenly as Kiono flipped around and delivered a powerful flying kick to his head. But it didn't end there as the Cat caught himself on his hands and flipped back to his feet he charged at the fallen Hawk and kicked him skyward. He leapt off the ground and took off after him. Kiono caught the Avian out of the air, his arms looped under his opponent's arms as he flew higher with him.

"METEOR THROW!" roared Kiono as he made a sudden sharp arc from high up in the air. The Winged Guardian tightened his grip on the Hawk hard as he began the rapid descent. He held a smirk as he began spinning, his body coated in a reddish gold energy as he spun faster and faster, looking as if a red-gold corkscrew was flying down toward the earth. Kiono suddenly loosened his grip enough to force Taka free, but he grabbed him before he went to far. Used his current spinning moment and grabbed the Avian again and pulled back up still spinning. The Feline began a spinning circle within the air while gripping the Avian tightly, creating a red-gold spiraling circle within the air. Till suddenly when he was at the top of the arc, he brought Taka over his shoulder and hurled him down into the stage causing the entire area to shake lightly.

Mitsukai brought down her staff hard catching the two sabers before they could uncross, therefore effectively blocking the initial attack of Tri-Blade Assault. Shock spread through Trinity's face since her move has never been blocked before in such a manner. The one minor flaw of her initial attack was brought to the light of the world. The Fallen Angel held a faint smirk and disarmed the Sword Mistress, then smashed her staff into the side of her head.

Spinning her staff, Mitsukai brought it into a sudden rapid tempo striking chest, stomach, and head over and over in rapid succession. Bringing her staff around over her head, she brought the full force of it down on Trinity's head. She brought the staff away and looped it, taking a step back from the SFF-type as she fell forward. Her medal ejecting and hitting the ground at the exact same moment as Taka's.

"DOUBLE FUNCTION CEASED!" bellowed Mr. Referee. "The winners are Team 20!"

"What a dual finish!" exclaimed Holly into the microphone. "And it seems that Mitsukai was the better between herself and Trinity. And it seems even a Bird of Prey needs to be wary when there is a Cat in the house! This match took 10:12:44. Give these Medabots a hand!"

The crowd erupted in applause for the two winners. Even the members of the gang, but that was more for Amanda and Kiono than Miki and Mitsukai. Though, Matt watched at how the FLN-type fought within this match. Taking note of everything between reaction time and means of defense.

She will definitely be a tough cookie to beat. thought Matt. But not sure if she will be as hard as Rikorsha seems to be.

"Next match will be hard for ya cuz." commented Alexis.

"Heh, I know." replied Matt. "But worry more about your match after this one. These guys took out two good people in their last round easily. But we'll show them what we got no matter what the rules come up as right, N-Blade?"

"You know it."

"Be wary and careful none the less. We want to face ya when we win our match." laughed Isis.

"Kunoichi Isis, you just be careful in yours. Rikorsha is more powerful than she seems, by far." said N-Blade seriously.

"I'll take heed of your words. Good luck out there."

"Thanks. We might just need it." said the boy as he stood up to go as Amanda was coming up. He gave the girl a hug. "Good match out there."

"Hehehe. Thanks." smiled Amanda as she hugged Matt back. "Give us a good match too."

"Heh, we'll try." chuckled N-Blade.

"Good luck my friends." added Kiono.

"Arigato." replied the two in unison as they headed down the stage, meeting up with their partners.

"It's what we feared in a sense. Facing Buyouka and Metal Bison." informed Ms. Caviar.

"Yeah, but this will be a breeze, if the rules don't interfere that is." admitted Matt.

"Even if they did, all we can do is give it our best." declared Kenoi.

"Yes, nothing but our best." agreed the Ninja.

"It is time for the third match of the Third Round to begin!" announced Holly. "It is Team 14 versus Team 22! Team 14 consisting of Marcus Bayah and June Taoshi with their Medabots Metal Bison and Buyouka! Their opponents are Team 22 consisting of Matt Brochette and Ms. Caviar with their Medabots Ninja-Blade and Kenoi! Let us go to Mr. Referee for the special rules for this match."

With that said and done, Mr. Referee took the stage with a microphone. "During the minor time it took to replace the stage for this match. The special rules has already been decided. Medafighters will not be allowed to switch the Medaparts of their Medabots before the match! No other special rules are in effect."

"Dang it." cursed Matt softly. "We do need to give it our all now."

"Yeah." nodded the others.

"I officially declare this a Tournament Robattle between Team 14 and Team 22! The rules are simple! The first team to stop the other from functioning wins! Special rules are: Medafighters are not allowed to substitute any Medaparts before the match commences! I, Mr. Referee, will act as referee so no one gets hurt!"

"Medafighters, ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be." replied the members of Team 22.

"We're ready." stated Team 14.

"MEDABOTS, ROBATTLE!"

It was Team 14 versus 22, one of the two teams Matt really did not want to face so soon. Heh, one always does face the things they don't wish a lot sooner than they do. Even if it was the lesser of two evils in Matt's mind, the earlier plan of energy blades would have worked. If only not for that rule.

"Kenoi, take the girl. I'll take the Ox." informed N-Blade. "But I'll do what I can to help you."

"Same here, my friend." replied the SAM.

The NON-type nodded to the Samurai before charging at Metal Bison. With a hand on the hilt of his blade, he leapt into the air. While mid-air, he drew his sword and slashed; sparks filled the air as the BSN-type stumbled back from the blow to the chest. The Ox had no time to retaliate as black shuriken rained down upon him. N-Blade instinctively leapt backwards from the smoke, just as Metal Bison rushed out of it, striking his fist into the earth where the Ninja once stood.

"Not bad." commented the Bison as he pulled his fist from the stage.

"You aren't too bad yourself. You're quite fleet of foot for such a broad bot." replied Ninja-Blade.

"Thanks." chuckled Bison.

"Now, it's time to cut the small talk. Let the sparks fly."

"Heh, couldn't have put it better myself." smirked the Metallic Ox. The two dashed as one at one another.

Sword met greave and greave met sword. The Samurai and Dancer fought one another, sparks flying each time metal struck metal. The two leapt away from one another, only to rush forward at one another again. Kenoi leapt into the air, sword poised and came down as a buzz saw. Buyouka stood her ground and instead of kicking at the blade to counter, she caught it between her palms! This action caught Matt's attention.

"No way!" exclaimed the boy. "A Battle Dancer's strength lies within its lower body! Not the upper body!"

"That's not exactly true. However, that was the reason why the DNR model was discontinued. People believing that the Battle Dancer model having no upper body strength." explained June. "On the contrary, the DNR has great upper body power, but even greater lower body strength. It's needed to perform some of her moves as you might have noticed last round. Now Buyouka, show them your power!"

"With pleasure." smirked the Battle Dancer.

She threw Kenoi, sword and all, away from her before charging at him to kick his freshly fallen body into the air. While in the air, Kenoi closed his optics. He moved as with the wind and landed on his two feet. Buyouka ran at the Samurai again, but the SAM-type shifted to Samurai-Mode and swung his katana. The sword caught the DNR powerfully across the chest and knocked her away.

"Let the real fun begin." informed the Samurai as he eased himself into a relaxed stance.

"Alright, no more kid gloves." responded the DNR-type. The two stared down one another before nodding and sprinted as one.

N-Blade leapt onto the Bison's shoulders as he tried to pound the ground where he once stood again. He jumped off as the BSN tried to shake him off, his optics held a smirk, but was wiped off from the hard hit to the chest that sent him rolling. The NON-type got back to his feet, just evading another pounding. The Ninja slashed with his sword, but his blade just connected with the Bison's armored arm.

Metal Bison threw his arm out causing N-Blade to fly back. He caught himself on his hands and flipped back to his feet and dashed forward. He attacked the Oxen from all angles, sparks flying in the air where his sword connected with the beast. But his attacks left only a few minor scratches.

This guy is way too armored. thought N-Blade as he evaded a punch that appeared to go through him. Too fast too for a big guy.

Bison punched with his left and Blade countered with his right. The two fists colliding into one another sending off a wave of air from the sheer strength of the two. N-Blade on the other hand was a little surprised his fist and arm held fine considering the strength of the brute in front of him. A thought occurred to the Ninja, if he was nearly as strong physically as Metal Bison, why couldn't he slash deeper into his armor?

N-Blade had no time to ponder that as a sudden head butt forced him stumbling backwards. Then a quick dual punch caught him hard in the shoulders making him slide back. The NON still held his mental smirk, despite how strong the guy was, physically they were basically equals. The modifications from Matt over the last battle with Rita and Cloud really increased his armor's structural integrity. Same lightweight build as before, but twice his previous armor strength. But even with that, Blade knew he wasn't invincible and that Bison's real punch attack could probably do real heavy damage, if not punch through him.

"You're strong for a little guy." announced Metal Bison. "But that won't save you."

"And your thick hide won't save you either." retorted N-Blade.

The Ox let out a deep chuckle that turned to a roar of rage as the NON pelted him with explosive shuriken. N-Blade leapt through the smoke and delivered a powerful missile dropkick to Bison's chest to force him to stumble back. Using the momentum of the rebounding force off the bot's body, Blade flipped through the air and shot another storm of explosive shuriken at the Metal Ox.

The BSN-type flew out of the smoke and gave the Ninja a hard shoulder thrust that sent him flying hard enough to bounce three times. He didn't stop there and leapt into the air to body slam the NON. But he never got that chance as N-Blade kicked him high into the air with his legs. The Ninja Bot got back up to his feet and shot up like a rocket, pounding hard into the Ox. He grabbed him and shimmed onto his back, pulled his arms behind his back and the two of them slammed down into the stage.

N-Blade flipped off the Ox and landed a few paces away as he sheathed his sword. He kept an eye on the Metallic Ox, keeping a hand near the hilt of his sword. Moments passed and then the Bison exploded out of the stage in a blazing fury. Blade's eyes held a smirk in them as it seemed that his opponent's rage was taking control of his judgment.

A sword whirled around swiftly in the air and it was either evaded or blocked by the Battle Dancer's forearms. The two Medabots danced around one another attacking with blade and greaves. Attacks were deflected off one another or simply dodged all together. Kenoi struck out with his sword suddenly catching Buyouka across the midsection, while she delivered a kick to his side. Both attacks losing some of their force from the other's attack.

The two quickly regained balance and went all out. Buyouka was dancing around the SAM's sword slashes deftly; before she flipped onto her hands and went into a sudden spin with her legs out throwing the Samurai back. Quickly she swung her body around on one hand knocking Kenoi's legs out from under him. Buyouka lifted the SAM up off the ground and began dancing the tango with him, but at each moment and chance she stepped on his feet hard and elbowed him in the stomach and sides before giving him a sudden palm trust to where his nose would be (if he was human).

"Grr…" groaned the Prototype SAM-type as he got back to his feet. "DANCING BLADE!"

Buyouka raised an eyebrow lightly at the name of the attack but got ready for the outcome. Kenoi sprinted at the Battle Dancer, his katana whirling through the air rapidly that it made it sing. When he reached the DNR-type his sword flew from form to form so quickly it appeared as if the sword was wavering through the air. Each rapid succession slash hit the femme before the finishing vertical slash threw her back.

"AIR CANNON!" bellowed Kenoi as he slashed his blade with enough downward force that he created a powerful wave of air that cracked the stage before slamming into Buyouka. The force of the attack disoriented the Battle Dancer as she rolled along the stage.

"Buyouka! Get up! You can still win this!" encouraged June. The DNR-type however, just groaned and tried to get up but couldn't all the way.

"She's through. It's time to end this." said Kenoi coldly. "CROSS EDGE!"

"METAL BISON INTERCEPT!" ordered Marcus.

The Samurai was running at Buyouka's fallen form, his sword whirling quickly over his head. But out of nowhere, the BSN-type tackled him to the ground when he was about to begin his attack. The Bison reared back his fist as he held Kenoi down with the other and was about to punch his opponent's head in when a dagger bit deeply into his shoulder.

"Leave my partner alone." commanded N-Blade as he stalked towards the Bison with his other dagger in hand poised to throw.

"Your dagger got through by luck, it won't again." growled Metal Bison as his other hand began to crush the Samurai's head. The other dagger flew from the NON's hand and dug deeply into the Ox's other shoulder forcing him to let go of Kenoi.

"I wasn't kidding." informed N-Blade as he walked up to Metal Bison and kicked him off of Kenoi and helped his partner up. "Sorry I was too slow to help ya sooner."

"It's alright comrade. Let's finish him together."

"Yes, lets." nodded the Ninja.

"You won't defeat me!" roared Metal Bison as he got back to his feet and tried to force his arms to move, sparks flying through the air.

"It's time." stated the Samurai.

"That it is…" agreed N-Blade.

"NINJA-SAMURAI ASSAULT!"

The two charged at the BSN-type with Kenoi in front his blade glinting in the sun while N-Blade followed behind him. The Samurai's sword whirled through the air causing it to sing once more. He attacked with Dancing Blade, his sword striking with rapid succession upon the Metallic Ox, his blade's image wavering in the air in the appearance of it dancing. Kenoi's finishing slashed forced the Ox back stumbling. N-Blade leapt into the air as the SAM finished his rapid attack, he fired his explosive shuriken down on the Ox-type. He continued firing his shuriken at the Oxen and flipped through the air lightly and landed on Kenoi's shoulders. The Samurai ran forward through the smoke just as the Ninja flipped off his shoulders and attacked with Quick Strike. His sword slashing quickly through the air and biting deeply into the armor of his opponent. He leapt backwards and prepared his next attack as N-Blade slashed his blazing sword down powerfully at the BSN-type, a massive wave of fire slamming into him. Kenoi readied his sword and slammed it down hard creating a massive air wave attack (Heavy Air Cannon) that destroyed a large trench of the stage before crashing into Metal Bison with enough force to throw him off the stage. His medal ejecting the second his body hit the ground.

"Function ceased! Metal Bison is out of the match!"

N-Blade watched to the still lying on the ground Buyouka and stepped on her stomach gently and pointed his sword at her throat.

"Submit."

"I…forfeit…" the Battle Dancer said quietly.

"Buyouka forfeits! The winners are Team 22!" declared Mr. Referee.

N-Blade sheathed his sword and removed his foot off the Dancer and helped her up. "You fought well for giving Kenoi such a hard time. A little disappointed I didn't get a chance."

"Thank you…and maybe you will another time." was the DNR's response as she walked off to her Medafighter.

"What a match! Powerful teamwork, teammates protecting their fellow teammates! It was just wow!" announced Holly that brought a light chuckle from the audience. "Two powerhouse contenders take out a fellow pair of powerful contenders. What a wonderful combination finish from our winning Team 22. I can't wait to see the match between Kenoi and N-Blade if they face one another in the Singles Competition! This match lasted 16:56:32! Give our contestants a large round of applause!"

The crowd exploded in applause from the actions they witnessed. Matt waved to his friends and motioned that he was going to take N-Blade to the repair pit. One thought was on his mind as he walked with Ms. Caviar and the Medabots. Good luck, Alexis. You'll need it dearly against Team 16. Stand strong both you and Isis…

"Wonder why he is going to repair N-Blade now instead of later?" pondered Ikki aloud.

"Perhaps he wanted him in tip top condition before the next round?" replied Mrs. Brochette.

"True, he might…" began Sam. "…but he wouldn't want to miss Alexis' match either."

"Yeah, but there is a view screen to show the match in the repair pits. He can watch there." reasoned Alexis.

"He'll be watching and see the moves that take place and noting them in his mind." said Isis.

"We know Rikorsha's fast and quite powerful. She might take you both out before you guys can even begin." declared Peppercat.

"So, you're saying we'll lose?" implored Link.

"From what we've seen. Pretty much." answered the Woren.

"Just got to go down kicking and screaming." laughed the Elf Hero.

"You couldn't have said 'go down fighting?'" sweatdropped Alexis.

"Nope!"

"Oh brother…" sighed the girl.

"Come on lets go. Can't keep the audience waiting." chirped Freya.

"Lead on." grinned Isis as she stood up along with the others to follow the KOS-type. With the contestants taking stage it was time for the match to begin.

"It's the final match of the Third Round ladies and gentlemen!" declared Holly. "It's Team 16 consisting of Dwight Anderson and yet to be known partner with their Medabots Shadowblast and Rikorsha! They are up against one of my personal favorite teams, Team 30! Which consists of Alexis Brochette and Kunoichi Isis; with their Medabots Link, the Bot in Green, and Blue Thunder Typhoon--Freya!"

"Hehe, added another T to Freya's nickname, didn't we?" chuckled Alexis softly.

"Not really, decided that Blue Typhoon fitted better, but since her nickname was Blue Thunder originally, decided to let that be in there even without a letter on it's on." explained Isis.

"Ya lost me." sweatdropped the girl.

"In other words, it's more or less optional."

"Ahh, like the A, in USA. Since US is still known USA."

"Pretty much like that." nodded the Kunoichi.

A barrel rolled up to the stage and it exploded to reveal Mr. Referee. He dusted himself off and made himself ready. Before announcing that everyone turn their heads to the view screens for the special rules of the final match of the round. The screens stopped till they landed on yellow orb above a device seeming the glow. The crowd knew what that meant and went wild. It was another holographic battle field match. The crowd silenced when the bullet point read 'Labyrinth' then had another bullet point under that with an outline of a Medabot with a 'x8' next to it. A single line that split into 8 appeared with question marks that began filling in with names randomly till they began to stop. The names were: Striker, Sumilidon, Arcbeetle, Peppercat, Rock Ogre, Kantaroth, Metabee, and War Hammer.

"It seems, we have ourselves a very special match indeed--the Labyrinth Match!" hollered Holly with excitement. "Mr. Referee, please explain the rules for this special match we are about to witness."

"Gladly," nodded Mr. Referee. "the rules for this match are complicated. Each Medabot will be equipped with a sensor ring around their fingers, and their Medafighters will be given a palm pilot device that will show their Medabot's location, along with the location of the opposition within a 5 meter radius while the Guardians have a 10 meter radius. The two original teams are allowed to do battle with one another within the labyrinth if they find one another. However, there is a special arena within the center of the labyrinth for the two Teams. Only they will be given the location of the arena, and must battle through both their opposition and the 8 selected Guardians of the Labyrinth.

"If a Guardian defeats one of the two Medabots on a Team, they then can advance onward to the next round if, and only if, the remaining team member does not defeat the other two or remaining member of their opposition or reaches the special arena! If another Guardian defeats a Guardian who defeated one of the original Teams' Medabots, then they are allowed to go onward to the next round. If in the possibility a Team is completely knocked out by the Guardians before the other Team defeats them; then those Guardians advance onward! Even if members of the opposing Team is still functional!

"If a Guardian who defeated one of the original Teams' Medabots is defeated by either that Team's partner or their opposition, their position is nullified! Yet, if the remaining member is defeated by a Guardian, the opposing Team must defeat that Guardian or the Guardian who defeats that Guardian in order to advance forward! Now there is just one rule left! In the situation that was previously stated occurs and the opposing Team is defeated by the Guardians, the Guardians then must do battle till only 2 remaining functional!"

"Man…Mr. Referee was not kidding about those rules being complicated…" sweatdropped Alexis.

"Complicated yes, yet it seems like this match will be pretty fun." grinned Isis.

"More like dangerous." snorted Link. "Even with a 5 meter scanning radius, we are at a disadvantage to the Guardians since they will spot us a lot sooner than we will spot them. Even with something that will be providing the way for you guys to give us directions to this special arena, we are screwed over in a sense."

"Clarify that, how will we be screwed over?"

"There are 8 Guardians that will be in there. And we are the weaker Team going in this. That means to advance forward, those guys will try to take us out." explained Link. "The only thing we can wish for would be if a few of them are dumb enough to try and take on Rikorsha. Or if Rikorsha just runs into them."

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see, eh? For all we know, the Guardians might just fight one another to increase their odds in advancing if they take one of us out." added Freya.

"Let us just see what happens, ok?" said Alexis. "Who knows, we might give these Guardians a run for their money if they try taking us out."

"Well, the Guardians are the least of our worries." sighed Link. "But we just really have to go down kicking and screaming."

"Never give up hope." said the KOS firmly. "Win or lose, we'll show them we are a force to be reckoned with. Lets rock my friend. It's time to start."

Indeed it was time for the match to begin. Every Medafighter participating in the match received a palm pilot while every bot was equipped with a sensor ring. The holo-emitters engaged and all 12 Medabots were warped into the labyrinth. Team 16 were warped to the Northern entrances while Team 30 were warped to the Southern entrances. The sky for this setting suited the situation. The walls of the maze were a dark and dank shade of gray that towered at a height of 7.5 meters. The sky was filled with dark gray clouds that gave the large labyrinth before our heroes an even more ill appearance.

"Not that great illumination." commented the Elf Hero. "Shadows fill the corridors, and no torches light the way. A fine mist is wafting from the entrances, they really pulled out all the stops for this match."

"Yeah they really did, so which way do we go?"

"Any of the three entrances will lead to the special arena." informed Alexis. "This is quite interesting really. The palm pilot maps out the entire labyrinth. Not just what's in your scanning radius. That means, the scanning must just be for detection for the other Team and Guardians."

"Someone wasn't listening very closely to Mr. Referee, he said that you know." chided Link.

"Hey…! From how he said it, it sounded like only within the scanning radius only. But that gives us more of an advantage than I thought. But again, who knows? Alright, go through the right passage you guys. We'll give ya the heads up on where to go and what enemies might be in range."

"Ya heard your owner. Time to go." announced Freya. She headed towards the right entrance, with Link in the rear.

On the northern side of the maze, Team 16 seemed to be thinking what course to take. Scratched that, it appears they are arguing once more. More like Shadowblast yelling at his currently sitting partner.

"What do you mean you are not going to follow me!" demanded the Hybrid.

"I'm taking my own path through this. Mazes are kinda fun, ya know?" replied Rikorsha.

"Looks like we'll just have to pick up the slack for her and her unknown Medafighter." growled Dwight. "Just ditch her and go. Stay sharp and I'll keep you alert."

"Alright, Dwight." nodded Shadowblast. As he turned to go he paused. "Look, this is your last chance. I know you're stronger than me. But there are strength in numbers. And we all these people in here. Even you might get taken out without some sort of warning. So come with, ok?"

"Thanks for the offer, really. But I rather brace the challenge of a maze without any sort of help."

"You do realize even you have a chance of losing if just shot in the back?"

"Yes, but that's the point. To me this is just a test to go through. So it's time to just go on. You go your way and I'll go mine."

"Alright…" sighed the KBT. "Good luck."

"You too."

The two nodded to one another and took their separate ways. Rikorsha took the left entrance while Shadowblast took the right. The mist on the floor became heavier and flooded more out of the passages. A large flare exploded into the air signaling the match has begun for real.

Elf and Kunoichi were running through the dark misty corridors of the labyrinth. Taking heed to their Medafighters' directions, yet despite it all it led them to a dead end. Growling in vexation to themselves they backtracked as their Medafighters informed them. Even though they are running, due to a few direction errors they have yet to travel very deep within the labyrinth. Yet on the bright side, they have yet to come across any of the Guardians. That was about to change however…

"Link and Freya! Two Guardians coming your way!" warned Isis.

"What? I don't see anyone. And this is a long one way corridor! And they couldn't come in from behind us. Dead end that way." retorted Link.

"Who are they?" questioned Freya.

"Rock Ogre and War Hammer."

"That explains it. They're breaking through the walls aren't they?"

"You got it."

"Which way?"

"To your left. ETA 40 seconds."

"Great…Link lets jet."

Grabbing her partner by the arm, Freya raced down the corridor, then took a sharp left at a fork in the paths. Before sliding to a stop in a spacious wide room. Getting an update from her Medafighter they were going to come through the walls in less than 10 seconds.

"Link stand at the right and take on Stone Boy, I'll take the Hammer."

"Alright." nodded Link as he pulled out a weapon he hasn't used in quite some time, the MTH (Megaton Hammer).

From the sides of the chamber, the walls exploded in a shower of rubble. From the freshly made holes, Rock Ogre and War Hammer rushed in. But our heroes met them head on. Link leapt into the air and spun in a circle, the momentum of the spin adding more force to his MTH as he slammed it into the STN making him fly back through the hole. Freya drew out her sais, dodging the WHM-type's hammer strike and kicking him in the midsection before swiping at him with her sais. She finished it up with a pair of explosive shuriken that knocked the Gladiator back through the hole.

Link and Freya got back to back watching the holes. It was too easy, no way they were defeated. Then again they did not know if Mr. Referee would announce if Guardians were eliminated for this type of match. The watched and waited, but nothing stirred in the darkness.

"Think we got them?" implored the Elf.

"No." simply replied the KOS-type. "Rock Ogre wouldn't go down that easily and War Hammer should be armored enough to survive the assault I put him through."

From within the darkness, a fiery red glow blazed through the shadows. Giving the faint figure of the Stone Beast. He launched a powerful red laser from his optic at the Elf Hero. Link seeing the beam pushed Freya out of the and leapt to the side. The laser struck War Hammer's hammer. The runes on the side of the blunt weapon burned into life glowing an eerie red.

"RED LIGHTNING!" bellowed the Gladiator as he spun his hammer over his head rapidly. Energy sparkling off the hammer head like lightning. He slammed his weapon into the ground, Red forks of lightning spread out from the point of impact and flooded the entire room. Link quickly strapped on a Silver Gauntlet and grabbed Freya and hurled her over a wall.

"GO!" roared Link. "I'll meet up if I can. NAYRU'S LOVE!"

Around Link a blue force field surrounded him. He knew there was a chance it wouldn't block the attack, that was why he threw Freya to safety. When the attack was on Link, the attack just went through the field and hit him. The attack flashed fried him and he crumpled to the ground. Not only did the attack hit him. It destroyed the walls around the room. Freya stared at her fallen partner.

"Go…Freya…" groaned Link as he struggled back to his feet. He drew his sword. "Go now! Secure our place!" Freya nodded slowly and ran off following Isis' directions. Link fell to one knee, propped up with his sword. He dug into his pouch and slipped on a ring with a heart shaped gem on it. "Heh…need a miracle to get through this."

"Looks like ya lost your shot Rock Ogre." chuckled War Hammer as he rose his hammer to bring it down on Link. He screamed in pain as Sumilidon and Peppercat dashed past him. Flexor Sword and claws slicing his sides. Rock Ogre chuckled and charged his eye beam to fire on Link when two pairs of missiles struck him in the back knocking him over.

"It's time for some payback." declared Metabee as he stepped into range with Kantaroth. Their horns smoking lightly from firing the missiles.

"Lets take these suckers out." said Kantaroth as he raised his repeaters.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire. thought Link. Wanted a miracle, now I have it. But now I'm stuck in a six-way crossfire.

-----

Shadowblast was getting more than annoyed. He followed Dwight's directions yet it still felt like he was walking in circles. Every corridor looked exactly the same, the mist was all the same, the sky was all the same. He couldn't take it. And it didn't help his psyche that he had a smaller sensor range than a Guardian. He fired lasers down corridors just to make sure no one was there.

"This…is…getting…on…my…nerves!" growled Shadowblast as he punched a wall causing it to crack. "Hmm…might be able to destroy it. But that would just be wasting time unless the arena was on the other side."

The Hybrid walked on, not knowing he was being trailed by Arcbeetle. The Mark II kept Shadowblast in his sensor radius while staying out of his own. He was waiting for the moment of opportunity to nail the other KBT with the Prominence. Slowly he continued his trail after the Hybrid.

"Stupid…mazes!" yelled Shadowblast in frustration as he shot lasers down both ways of the long corridor.

"Shadowblast, just calm down. You know it only feels like you're walking in circles is due to the fact of being stuck in a cramped space."

"This isn't very cramped. But I get what you mean. But I don't have to calm down! We haven't seen any Guardians. The other team. Or Rikorsha when we split ways from the beginning. It's too quiet."

"Yeah it is a little quiet. But have to remember that this maze is pretty big. So we might have just been picking paths that are not very active."

"No one is that lucky though. But true, their would be a large probability of not running into anyone. But it is also unlikely not to pick them up on radar at least once."

"True but I guess those are the breaks. Only way we can have a downside is that if the other team gets knocked out by the Guardians."

"Don't try jinxing that. I want to advance onward you know."

"Who doesn't?" retorted Dwight.

"Touché."

"Now stop wasting time shooting down corridors. Would give you away if you were out of range you know."

"Fine fine…" muttered the KBT-H.

Now's my chance. thought Arcbeetle. He slid into the corridor and his horns crackled with power as his shoulder cannons split open to gather in power. When his power input was full, he let loose the powerful orange red heat beam at Shadowblast's unsuspecting back.

Shadowblast's audio receptors caught a large rumbling noise. He turned around and his optics widened. He raised his arms in defense before he was slammed by the heat beam. The heat beam threw him down the hall as well as through two walls. He groaned as he got back to his feet looking slightly melted. He growled deeply as he looked back knowing it was Arcbeetle that attacked him.

He raised his left hand and let it rip, firing multiple blue lasers down the hall in rapid succession. He panted as he stopped firing, seeing no sparks of lasers striking metal. He was curious to where Arcbeetle went. A barrage of missiles suddenly came flying from the darkness but he countered with his own three. The resulting explosions taking out the rest.

"ARCBEETLE!" yelled Shadowblast. "You're going down!"

"I don't think so. This isn't like last time, me getting nailed by your Plasma Burst. Odds are in my favor."

"You talk too much! Shut your trap and bring it on!" exclaimed the KBT-H as he charged at Arcbeetle.

"Consider it brought!" shot back the Mark II as he met his opponent's charge.

-----

Rikorsha walked through the seemingly endless hallways without much of a care. She pulled out one of her sais and scratched an 'X' into the wall and continued to make some sort of mark as she walked by every few paces. This was how she marked her way through the corridors. Etching in different marks at the beginning and end of paths. A reminder to herself. Though it would be a confusing trail to anyone else.

"I ran into no one through this entire time. Wonder if they are busy with the others." mused the Sailor-type.

"Striker come in. Rikorsha is within scanning radius. If we take her out the others will know we are a strong contender."

"Alright, I'll do my best." replied the Gunner. He activated his scanning visor, it allowed him to see through the walls till he found Rikorsha. He got a lock and the targeting system for his missiles calculated the trajectory required to be able to hit her.

"Target locked. Firing."

The twin missile launchers on his back fired 10 missiles into the air and they arched in the sky to come back down towards Rikorsha. The SLR-type blinked and looked up from hearing the noise. Shaking her head slightly she just ran down the corridor. She blinked when she didn't here any explosions and shot a glance back and saw the missiles were tailing her.

Homing missiles. Or just very good heat seekers. Or both. thought Rikorsha. Well, time to destroy them then.

The femme Medabot slid to a stop and drew out the metal cylinder from her right hip and lashed out with it. A whip of flame erupting from the metal tube, lashing out at the missiles destroying them. She scanned the sky and the corridors for more missiles. She saw none at all, yet something still didn't feel right to her.

Suddenly a large blue laser came through the wall striking her in the chest and causing her to slide on the ground. A rainstorm of missiles came down from the sky exploding all around her. Groaning she got back to her feet only to be hit by a shower of rubble from whence the laser came.

"Rikorsha your time is up!" declared the SRK-type raising his right arm, charging for another attack.

-----

It was a large dogfight within the once large, now, wrecked dead end. The two Kabuto-types were shooting lasers at the STN. While the Saber-Tooth and Woren were rapidly attacking WHM with sword and claws (though, I guess the Flexor Sword could be technically considered a claw). No one seemed to notice the injured Elf Hero slowly hobbling away from the action. That is till Rock Ogre shot a laser at his feet that is. That caught the other's attention.

"Um…don't mind me…I'll just hobble away now." laughed Link nervously with numerous sweatdrops on his head.

"Get him!" cried the others in unison.

"WAH!" cried the EHT as he began hobbling away as fast as he could. He dug into a pouch and grasped a golden medallion with a lightning bolt on it. He swiveled around and toppled over, but didn't care. "ETHER!"

He held out his hand and summoned forth a frigid icy wind that blew most of the bots away, before fanning out and spraying more creating a thick wall of ice blocking out the Stone Beast and Gladiator. He groaned and got back to his feet and put the medallion away.

"Hope that will hold them long enough for me to get away some 15 meters and then some." said Link in a strained voice as he hobbled away.

Link did not get his wish however as the ice was shattered by a punch from Rock Ogre. But a shower of missiles and a lightning bolt struck the bot in the back hard enough to fall. While twin Hammer Fists sent War Hammer sprawling.

"You know what…this…ends…now…" declared Link as he drew his sword fluidly, though he stumbled a little. The Heart Ring had yet to recover him in a good fighting condition. But he no longer cared. Either he or they had to fall now. That was all that mattered.

"So whose first? Hell…I'll take you all!"

The Elf charged forward, for the first few paces he was unsteady, yet he pace became true. With his sword he spun and slashed. His sword caught both of the KBTs, the blade ripping the two of them nearly in half. The two hit the floor, their medals ejecting.

He jump slashed Peppercat, but his sword caught on her staff. He fired his Longshot at Sumilidon, the spear point missing him, but embedding deeply into the wall. He recoiled the chain and flew at the STG, tackling him into the wall and evading the KAT's strike with her staff. He punched hard with his Silver Gauntleted hand into Sumilidon's head knocking him out.

"3 down and 3 to go." coldly stated Link. "No holding back!"

Link switched his sword from his right to his left hand. (If people forgot, I made Link right handed in the description in ages past. Well actually never fully straight out said it actually. Least don't believe. But pretty sure I made Link hold his shield in his left hand while he is truly left handed. Well…if I never said it before I did. Cause sure in a chapter I did somewhere. Either way, lets get back to the story.)

"I didn't know you were left-handed…" stated Peppercat as she readied her staff.

"Not many do." informed Link. His recovery status was in the high 60s, but that should be good enough he thought.

Sword met staff in rapid succession, sparks showering in the dark. Peppercat was amazed at the speed and agility of Link being damaged as he was with his left hand. All she was able to do was defend and defend constantly and soon enough her back was to the wall. She did her best to continue the defense but the Elf's blade suddenly came down hard upon the staff. There was a large shower of sparks flooded the corridor and the staff broke in half.

"Nighty night." smirked Link as he slammed his right hand into Peppercat's stomach knocking her out. He turned and saw that Rock Ogre and War Hammer were still down. Maybe they were down and out and he asked Alexis.

"The two of them are still giving off a signal. The four you beat aren't. Take them out while you can."

"Never liked taking out a downed opponent. But no real choice here now is there?" asked Link talking to no one in particular. He pulled out a handful of blue spheres then another after sheathing his sword and hurls both of them at the two. The spheres expanded and exploded upon the two taking them out in numerous explosions.

"Alright, give me the directions, Alexis." said Link. He nodded as he received them and walked easily and slowly. Knowing 6 of the 8 Guardians were taken out by his hand alone.

-----

Shadowblast met Arcbeetle and grabbed him by the horns and hurled him into a wall before he could do anything. He then retaliated with a storm of lasers from all six of his guns. He strafed left then right to avoid his opponent's sudden comeback of missiles and countered with his own. The missiles hitting the Mark II dead on.

"Time to feel the burn." smirked the Hybrid as the triangles on his chest shifted to form horns for his Plasma Burst attack.

"Problem is, I can still move!" snorted Arcbeetle as he tackled Shadowblast down causing him to misfire into the sky. The Mark II series grabbed the Hybrid by the ankles and begun to spin him round and round and hurled him down into the corridor. His horns crackled with power as he charged up the Prominence. He didn't notice nor did his internal systems notice the fine hairline crack along his upper horn.

Shadowblast staggered to his feet and gathered as much power as he could for a Plasma Burst. Arcbeetle let loose a full power Prominence, the heat beam sailing towards the KBT-H. The Hybrid fired his own attack when the heat beam was less than a meter away from him. The two attacks struggled for dominance, slowly but surely the Plasma Burst pushed the Prominence back towards the middle. The two attacks moving back and forth ever so slightly. A bubble of energy gathering between them.

The two grunted and groaned, pouring everything they had and then some into the attacks. The heat beam began pushing the plasma blast back towards Shadowblast, inching forward and closer to the bot. Till it was back to being a meter away from him when…The hairline crack on Arcbeetle's horn intensified, cracks spread all over the horn before causing it to crumble. Without another focus Arcbeetle's attack dwindled to next to nothing and was overtaken by the plasma energy. The attack slammed into him and forced him to eject his medal.

"Woo….he's down…..and nothing announced his defeat…" panted Shadowblast. "Great…so no clue how many Guardians remain then."

"I'll…just take a small breather." nodded the KBT to himself and plopped himself against the wall drained.

-----

Striker aimed his right arm at the fallen Sailor-type. His victory was imminent if he just fired. Yet…it did not feel right. A sneak attack was one thing but to attack a fallen opponent was another. Yet…he did wish to advance onward. The choices. No…he was a Gunner and that met he gunned his opponents down. Even if they were down to start with. He fired, yet at the same time he was struck in the side of the head with an explosive shuriken causing his aim to go way off and slicing the ground and wall.

"That is no way to treat a lady!" laughed Freya as she drew her sais and ran towards Striker.

"You'll pay for that, Typhoon!" shouted Striker as he morphed his right hand into a missile launcher and made a small mini-gun appear on his left. He fired an array of lasers and the occasional missile at the Kunoichi.

"That's Blue Thunder Typhoon, bub!" shot back the KOS as she evaded the attacks dodging left and right. Then running along the wall, jumping off to the other and continues running. She threw one sai then other at Striker. The two of them hitting him deeply in the shoulders.

"SHURIKEN SHOWER!"

Freya flipped off the wall and fired a storm of shuriken the SRK. The stars slicing and dicing the Gunner and knocking him down. Rikorsha drew her short sword and slashed Striker and sheathed the blade. The SRK-type falling to the ground his medal ejecting.

"Function ceased! All the Guardians are defeated!" boomed Mr. Referee's voice from everywhere.

"Thanks for the help." said Rikorsha as she tossed Freya back her sais.

"Your welcome and thanks." nodded the other femme bot. "I guess we should fight, huh?"

"We could or do it in the arena like it was intended."

"Alright lets do that. Want to see what it looked like anyway." chirped the femme ninja. "And you are either lucky or know your way around mazes because you were going the right way."

"More likely lucky. So lets go." chuckled the other femme.

The two femme Medabots walked onward into the dark together, when they took a right at a fork. They saw a light at the end of the long tunnel like corridor. Slowly but surely the light became brighter and brighter banishing the darkness. When they past the mouth of the hall, they entered the arena. Torches lit the large battle field. It was circular, around 15 meters in diameter. The floor was dark obsidian colored tiles giving no one the advantage for footing. Four separate passages could have been taken to enter this arena. Yet, it truly was nothing special. Just a larger battle field for them to fight in versus the cramped pathways.

"What took you two?" asked Link who was sitting on the ground in the center of the ring.

"Link! Glad you made it! Guess taking on the Guardians was mostly your handiwork or was it Shadowblast's?"

"It was his…" admitted the Hybrid's voice as he dragged his way from the eastern entrance. "Arcbeetle kept me too busy."

"Well now that everyone is here, I guess we get started." declared the Elf.

"THEN IT'S AGREED!" boomed Mr. Referee's voice as he appeared in digital form.

"I thought this match was already started…..so you are declaring a match within a match?" sweatdropped Freya.

"Um…er…." stammered Digital Mr. Referee. "Yes?"

"O…k…."

"MEDABOTS ROBATTLE!"

"Eh? No stating the rules?" blinked Link.

"No! Now go!"

"Alright. Ok. Lets get going." sweatdropped Shadowblast. He took another step forward and fell over exhausted. "Ok…guess I wasn't charged enough after that fight with Arcbeetle."

"My partner is out a few seconds after the match. It's kinda funny if you think about it."

"Technically, he isn't. He's still functional, just can't really get up." said Link. "I'll move him and we'll fight. If he somehow has power to stand later. He'll join in. Ok?"

"Alright."

"Don't touch me! I can get up!" growled Shadowblast as he got up. He staggered and fell a few feet from the wall.

"Oy vey…" sweatdropped Link. "Lets just get started. This is too weird as it is."

"Agreed." nodded the two femme.

Elf and Kunoichi stared at the Sailor, the two of them were 100 percent while Rikorsha wasn't. Yet something told them that wouldn't put the odds fully in their favor. Something about her reminded them about N-Blade. The cool collected mind, the air of confidence, a look in the optics that she seen more than any of them.

Sword in his left hand and his shield in his right, Link knew he should hold nothing back when fighting this femme. He knew she took out N-Blade so easily. Something that shouldn't be normal considering the upgrades and everything he's been through, hell his powers even. But he wasn't using them then. A mistake in holding back. A mistake he didn't plan on making.

Sais in hand, Freya looked at Rikorsha. Thoughts raced through her mind, that she was up against a bot that beat N-Blade. Another one, true she had more times than she lost. Despite his powers, but that was because of her own abilities that slumbered within her. She wasn't just the run of the mill Medabot. She was once a person, that much she knew. But even if she wasn't run of the mill, and had powers, she knew that a bot didn't need powers to beat another. And the proof was in front of her. But N-Blade held back not using his strength, but at the same time it looked like something was making him hold back. It isn't like him to hold back against a powerful opponent, so that must mean Rikorsha wasn't the run of the mill bot either. But would her powers be enough to help her trump the Sailor? No holding back.

Rikorsha made no move towards her opponents and they made none toward her. She saw they were different from the others who wanted to win for the glory of it all. They were in it for the fun of it. They were nice and helped both her and her partner. Quite sportsman like, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't play her A game. They might have helped, but this was a match and matches were to be won. Besides, she did wish to fight N-Blade again to test his skills and strength to see what he had learned from their first encounter. No holding back, even to someone nice.

Within the virtual sky, the gray clouds began to part. When the first ray of sunshine fell on the stage that was one it all began. Rikorsha vanished from the spot but the two were ready for her. Freya vanished as the Sailor's short sword slashed at her and Link blocked the blade with his shield. The reverberations stunning Link momentarily, but he recovered soon enough to strike with his sword.

The SLR eluded the attack by stepping aside, just what Link wanted. He went into a sword spin catching Rikorsha by surprise and making her dodge but lose her balance at the same time. Freya came and missile drop kicked the Sailor knocking her to the ground. Using the rebound momentum she flipped in the air and fired a hail of explosive shuriken. When the explosions cleared the femme Sailor was nowhere in sight.

"Not to shabby, you survived my initial attack and caught me off-guard with a group attack of your own. But do not think for a second that will be enough." advised Rikorsha from behind.

"Advice noted." acknowledged the two turning around and attacking as one. A shuriken and the Longshot flew through the air but Rikorsha simply caught them. She pulled Link forward and elbowed him hard in the chest forcing him back, then pulled again like a yo-yo hitting him in the head this round. She finished him up with a roundhouse that threw him across the arena. Link slid against the ground just shy of hitting the wall.

"Lets see if you do better than your friend."

"Oh, I will." asserted Freya as she spun her sais.

The two femme Medabots bowed to one another, then went onto the attack. Both moved as one at blurring speeds sparks flying in the air as sword met sai and sai met sword. Freya caught the blade between the prongs of one of her sais and with the other struck only to have it deflected by Rikorsha's armlet. The two were in a power struggle and neither appeared to be winning. Both kicked each other hard in the stomach knocking them back.

"No holding back." growled the Kunoichi. "Tundra Blades!"

From the KOS-type's sais extended blue energy forming twin swords. She spun the swords to get the feel for them again. She charged at the SLR like lightning and struck, causing her short sword to go flying. With her other blade she slashed causing Rikorsha to stumble back. A sudden arrow of ice hit Rikorsha in the side encasing her body in ice.

"Finish her!" ordered Link as he leaned on his bow trying to get back up.

"Alright. It's time to end this." said Freya as she gathered power into her sais. "Tundra Cannon!"

Freya's sais glowed a brilliant icy blue as they gathered more power. At the tips gathered a ball of energy waiting to be released, while between the sais flowed blue energy. She released the energy launching a frigid blast of energy sailing towards Rikorsha. No one expected Shadowblast to strafe in from the left and stand in front of the Sailor. He let loose the power of his Plasma Burst over the safety limits.

His attack collided with the Tundra Cannon, the power struggle was minimal as his just decimated Freya's. Due to her shock and surprise of the Hybrid coming out of nowhere to attack, didn't allow her to pour more strength into her own attack. His attack hit the Kunoichi dead on causing her to sail through the arena wall. He panted and smashed the ice breaking Rikorsha free.

"Win this if you still can…" groaned Shadowblast as he collapsed. His medal ejecting.

"Function ceased! Freya and Shadowblast are eliminated!"

"You are one lucky lady, Rikorsha." chuckled Link softly. "But luck always does run out. Either yours or mine. I suggest a quick draw, agreed?"

Link tossed his shield to the ground and sheathed his sword as he saw his opponent nod. He picked up Rikorsha's short sword and tossed it to her, who caught it easily and sheathed it as well. He adjusted his scabbard so he could draw it with his left hand. He picked up a piece of rubble.

"When this rock hits the ground, draw and attack."

The EHT threw the piece of rubble high into the air waiting for it to fall. Tensions thick in the air and hang heavy within. Both bots were waiting for the chunk of wall to hit the ground. The rock hit, the two dashed at one another, swords were drawn and they slashed. Both of them dropped to their knees, but only one dropped their sword. Rikorsha was the one who dropped her sword and clutched her side, but it was Link who fell over, ejecting his medal.

"Function ceased! The winners are Team 16: Shadowblast and Rikorsha!"

"That was a stellar match folks! And it took quite a long time, 98:34:43 (98 minutes or 1 hour 38 minutes, 34 seconds, and 43 hundredths of a second)! But it was worth it wasn't it! Give the defeated and the winners a hand! They put on the best match yet!" The crowd roared in excitement and applause. The square was filled with a deafening amount of clapping.

"Folks, the doubles division is over and now it is the singles. The remaining four Teams will now be split giving us 8 Medabots. New rules, new settings, and new excitements will await us in the Fourth Round!"

No one seemed to notice Rikorsha vanishing after the match. Damaged as she is now, who knows if she will be at full strength for the next round. With the next round starting in 30 minutes, it is tough to say. Perhaps she actually has a Medafighter we know not of? Questions that need answers…

-----

Merrick was walking on the streets in his civilian clothing. Grumbling to himself as he lost the robed figured and decided to walk back to the Tournament. His eyes scanned the streets for any trouble and his eyes caught sight of the girl he ran into on top of the apartment roof. He blinked as someone grabbed her through an alleyway. And that no one was doing a thing. Growling to himself and pushed and shoved people out of the way to get to the alley.

When he reached the alley he was surprised to see he wasn't needed. The young woman took care of the man that grabbed her and his two accomplices. She was dusting off her hands with her back to him. He set a hand on her shoulder and the next thing he knew he was on the ground on his back.

"Ow…ok…my fault…should have asked if you were ok instead of just setting my hand on your shoulder." groaned the Ninja. He sat up slowly and rubbed the back of her head. "So you ok?"

"I'm fine and you are?"

"My name is Merrick Baida and would have been your would-be hero if ya didn't take care of those guys yourself." laughed Merrick softly.

"Selas, Selas Kiseki." introduced the woman as she offered Merrick a hand. The Ninja took the hand and got up with her help and began dusting off.

"Well, I have to be going. And need to remember if I see you again not to play hero."

"Merrick, wait."

"Hmm?"

"Where did you get that sword? It looks familiar. And why do you wear one?"

"Pawn shop. And…um…cause I'm a tourist?" That earned Merrick a smack.

"The truth."

"Oh fine…I wear it for protection since I walk around in the streets and dark alleys for shortcuts. And don't hit me."

"Well, I can relate." said Selas as she pulled out a knife. "Last resort though. Now I won't keep you from where you are heading."

"Farewell then, Lady Kiseki." grinned Merrick as he gave a small bow before heading back out into the crowd.

"Merrick…you are one odd cookie." sighed Kiseki as she shook her head and headed back into the crowd as well.

To Be Continued…

Another chapter up and loaded. It looks like even Rikorsha can take some damage. But will she truly recover in time for the next round? Will what Matt and N-Blade watched on the view screen enough to give them an edge the next time they meet? What challenges awaits our contestants in the next round? Find out in the next installment of Flight with Darkness!

Winning Teams:

8, 16, 20, 22

Hey, it has come to my attention that the site finds it against the rules for replying to reviews. So I guess I can't anymore. But I just like to say if ya leave a question in a review leave an e-mail address so I can answer it. Or if the same question appears more than once, guess something was confusing so I will answer it in the next chapter. But only if people ask the same question more times than once. Alrighty?

And since I can't reply to reviews, I just have to give my thanks to those who reviewed.

My thanks goes out to: Lizzy, arkari, HFH, ShadowGirl64, Mad-Man, and Rumor.