Rockman.EXE:The College Years-3-82:Great Battle of Light(sp)

[Midnight]

OK, so it seems that YGO isn't the only dubbed anime whose plotline you like to compulsively "borrow."

The first half of the chapter, at least from SearchMan's point of view, was merely a badly formed conglomeration of some of the highlights of the first seven or so dubbed Naruto episodes aired thus far. It wouldn't have been bad, if the plot devices and motifs used in the first half weren't so clearly indicative of their original roots in that anime. And as I've said time and time again, recycling plot points from games, anime, or other sources really detracts from the quality of the chapter.

On the other hand, the latter combat half of this one seemed to be marginally better. Although it doesn't have that flair that sets it apart from the rest, it seems a touch less than linear.
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Abiisan]

Wow, there were a lot of Naruto references in there. It didn't necessarily make it a bad chapter though, although I did begin to skim through some of the battle at one point. It is nice to see that as new games come out, new features of the story are added.
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Formerly known as LunarSun

Banner and icon by Xhunter17

[SonicNigma212]

Well, this is a good chapter that you've put up man. And I've got to say that with each chapter, you're either going to get better or worse. I'm not too sure but I think that it would turn out just fine in my opinion. The way that you've had those ninjas doing all those sort of different techniques...well, like all of those other people said, it's like something from out of a manga. But the way that you've reused old material and characters is good. The battle isn't bad either. Both YamatoMan and SearchMan did pretty good in this one. Well, I hope to see more Net Navis in this tournament. Well, later!

Maurice A. Nigma

[TheWebbuilder]

"Impressed, this Met is not."

Now, I don't follow/know anything about Nurato, so I'll take MC's word for the rips. However, it was painfully obvious throughout that entire chapter that you taking plot points from something- your writing style gets drab and loses its luster when you take plot points from something else.

While written and thought out fairly well, the ending of the SearchMan/YamatoMan battle was taken straight out of Stream. High leap and headshot.

All in all, I found this to be a dull chapter.

6/10
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[Lan1220]

o.o first FMA, then YGO and now Naruto. I like this battle, especially how Yamatoman fought without his main weapon, his spear.
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Sig credit goes to Hikari Angel

[SSHiei]

[kram_elbog]

The whole Battle city tournament rip was alright but, the Naruto Jutsu programs is taking it a bit to far. Maybe the only jutsu that any of them could of used would of been water justsu and only for the blue, considering the blue ninja program gets you across the water traps. The red should be a spear user, and not rely on justu, and the white should just rely on traps.

If you are having trouble coming up with fresh ideas then take a short break and when a fresh idea pops into your mind then use it. Just if you do fell you have to rip an anime then do it on a smaller scale like I said, the blue prog uses jutsu's the others don't.
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I didn't lose my mind, I sold it on eBay!

Kamen Rider Rockman(AU, Ryuusei Spoilers)
My art

[Anime Master ZERO]

CHAPTER 3-34
Flower Power

The DenTech Botanical Gardens were always a peaceful place where people could find time to relax and enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere. However, there were still days when the occasional vandals who had nothing better would come to damage the plants. Today was one such day. Three lanky teens strolled among the foliage looking at their beauty, but not in admiration.

“Are we gonna do this or what?” one of them asked.

“Alright, let’s do it.” Another moaned. The third teen grinned as he took his cigarette from his mouth and prepared to flick it into the bush. Unbeknownst to any of them, a pair of green eyes was watching them from the shadows.

“I will not allow you to harm the plants.” Suddenly, several vines lashed out and wrapped themselves around the teens.

“What the?”

“What’s going on?”

The vines lifted them off the ground and threw them clear of the botanical gardens, landing them in a cesspool across the street from the entrance. The green-eyed figure stepped out into the light, revealing himself to be a Navi with a flower-like head and a pair of thorn-covered vines hanging out from his back.

“No harm shall come to these plants so long as I, PlantMan, watch over them!”

* * *

Tory paid for his admission at the entrance to the botanical gardens and stepped inside.

“Coming here again, Tory?” asked IceMan.

“Yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I wonder if anything’s changed.” Tory used to visit the gardens almost every week just so he could spend some time alone. But when he started high school, he had much less free time to come and eventually stopped visiting altogether.

The chestnut-haired teen made his way over to the lake and walked along the path until he found his favorite tree, under which he had spent so much time in the past reading. He stepped off the path and walked over. He sat down under its shady branches and leaned his back against the trunk so that he faced the lake. Reaching for his hip, he took his PET out from its case and placed it on the grass next to him. He took a novel out from his bag and started reading, once again enjoying the pastime he had missed for so many years. As he read, one of the botanists working at the gardens saw him and watched from where she knelt beside some blossoming flowers. A few minutes later, she got up and walked over to him.

“Hello.” Tory looked up from his book.

“Hi.”

“You used to come here often to read, didn’t you?” the botanist asked.

“Yes, I did. But then schoolwork took up most of my time,” Tory replied.

“It’s nice to see you here again. By the way…” She for a moment in her speech, “You came here a lot, but I never really knew your name.”

“It’s Tory. Tory Froid.”

“I’m Dr. Bloom.”

“I’ve seen you around, but I’ve never talked to you before. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Tory returned his attention to his book and Dr. Bloom sat down next to him.

“You’re currently in university now, aren’t you?” the young botanist asked.

“Yes, I’m attending Den University,” answered Tory.

“I used to go there, too.” Tory marked his place and set his book down and turned to Dr. Bloom.

“I thought your picture looked familiar when I was passing through the botany building. You also used to teach there too, didn’t you.”

“That’s right. What are you majoring in?”

“Biology,” Tory answered, “My dream is to become a marine biologist and study aquatic life in the arctic.”

“Why the arctic?” asked Dr. Bloom. Tory just shrugged.

“I like it when it’s cold,” he replied.

“He’s weird that way,” IceMan piped up. Dr. Bloom peered at Tory’s PET and looked at the little Navi on the screen.

“Your Navi’s so cute!”

“Yeah. My dad programmed him for me when I was a little kid. I’ve kept him that way ever since.”

The two of them continued their conversation for at least another hour. Tory checked his watch after a while and turned back to Dr. Bloom.

“I have to get going,” he said. He packed away his book and stood up, “It was nice talking to you, Dr. Bloom. And by the way, the flowers are looking really good this year.”

“Yes, they do. But lately they’ve been acting really odd,” Dr. Bloom replied. Tory looked at her.

“How so?”

“Well, some of the plants have actually been attacking some of the visitors. So far, it’s just been grabbing and throwing them out of the gardens, but it could escalate.” Tory thought for a moment, remembering back to the times Lan had been on an Official job and any times he may have helped him.

“Tell me, are your plants managed by a network or system?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Let me take a look at it. Maybe I can help.”

“Certainly.” She led him to an office and pointed him to a large console, which displayed the stats of all the plants at the gardens.

“This is it,” she said.

“Thank you.” Tory took out his PET and held it out, “Jack in!! IceMan, power up!”

IceMan appeared inside the system and gasped. Everything was covered with vines and flowers.

“Tory, there are plants growing in here,” he reported.

“Find the cause of it,” the chestnut-haired NetBattler ordered.

“Okay.” IceMan ran ahead and started searching. Meanwhile, Dr. Bloom noticed some vines grab onto some people in the gardens and she alerted Tory.

“It’s happening again,” she informed him.

“IceMan, hurry up in there.”

“I’m hurrying, but you know I can’t run fast.” Eventually, IceMan found the source. PlantMan was watching the action in the real world on a window as he stood with his vines rooted into a program.

“Hey!” The flower Navi turned and looked behind him.

“Who’s there?” he asked.

“I’m down here!” IceMan yelled. PlantMan looked down and saw the little Eskimo staring back at him.

“What can I do for you?”

“Please stop this now,” IceMan requested, “You’re using the plants to hurt people.”

“Only because they tried to hurt the plants, first,” PlantMan replied.

“But can’t you do it in a less violent way?”

“People will never learn if you go easy on them!”

“That’s not entirely true!”

“Are you defending those plant killers?” PlantMan pulled his vines out and turned to face IceMan, “Then you must be defeated, as well.”

“Get ready, IceMan,” Tory warned, “This may not be a tournament battle, but we can’t let this go on.”

“Did you say tournament?” asked PlantMan, “Then you must be in the Battle Network tournament.”

“You, too?” asked IceMan with a raised eyebrow, “Why are you hanging around here, then?”

“I don’t have that many Battle Points, actually. I just have three,” PlantMan confessed.

“Then let’s settle this with a tournament match,” Tory declared as he slotted in his Battle Point chip, “Your three Battle Points and three of mine.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” PlantMan took a step back and readied his vines.

“Let’s go, IceMan. Battle routine, set!”

“Execute!”

BATTLE START

“Rose Needle!” PlantMan brought his vines forward and launched several thorns. The projectiles flew right over IceMan’s head.

“This is one of the good things that come from IceMan’s height,” Tory said to Dr. Bloom, “Go IceMan!”

“Ice Tower!” IceMan slammed his mittened hand against the floor and several stalagmites made of ice shot up and moved towards PlantMan.

“Plant Weed!” Vines grew out of the floor and wrapped themselves around the Ice Towers just as they came up, keeping them from rising any further.

“Rose Needle!” Using the vines he had used to hold down the Ice Towers, PlantMan fired more thorns at IceMan.

“IceCube!” IceMan held out his hands and a block of ice appeared in front of him. The thorns struck the smooth surface and he then pushed it forward. PlantMan jumped up and allowed the IceCube to pass under him. It crashed against the wall as he landed back on the floor.

“Alright IceMan, I’m sending you a Battlechip now,” Tory notified his Navi, “IceWav13 Battlechip in, download!” A large snowflake appeared in IceMan’s hands and he threw it forward, watching as it made its way towards PlantMan. The Wood-element Navi was unimpressed with the speed at which it was moving. He lashed out with one of his vines and broke it apart.

“That’s a pathetic chip,” he muttered. Suddenly, he found IceMan right up against his legs, startling him.

“Blizzard!” IceMan opened his mouth and his freezing breath blew onto PlantMan, encasing him from the legs up with ice.

A Fire-element chip will melt the ice, but it’s too dangerous for me to use, PlantMan thought, Maybe if…

“Hammer!” His hand transformed into a hammer and he slammed it down against the ice, shattering it. He then kicked IceMan and sent him flying backward.

“IceMan, are you okay?” Tory asked.

“I’m fine,” IceMan replied as he stood back up.

“That’s good,” Tory sighed with relief, “Here. IceStage Battlechip in, download!” The entire battlefield suddenly became a large skating rink as ice covered the surface. PlantMan had to root his vines deep into the floor in order to keep himself from slipping, but even then he still had trouble. On top of that, he found himself unable to summon more vines out of the floor.

“Permafrost keeps plant life from growing any further, so PlantMan can’t use some of his attacks,” Tory explained to IceMan.

“Thanks, Tory.” IceMan turned to PlantMan and, being an Aqua-element Navi, had no trouble maneuvering over the ice.

“I can still fight!” PlantMan growled, “Rose Needle!” IceMan skated to the side and dodged the thorns. The Wood-element Navi continued firing Rose Needles at his opponent and he missed every time. As he continued his attack, he took note of the ice and an idea struck him.

“Maybe I don’t have to aim for you, after all. Rose Needle!” PlantMan fired his attack again, except this time his aim wasn’t at IceMan but at the floor. His thorns stuck and formed a minefield of obstacles before the short Navi. IceMan panicked and quickly tried to move out of the way of the thorns.

“FreezeBomb Battlechip in, download!” A blue ball appeared in IceMan’s hand and he threw it with all his might at his opponent.

“No you don’t. LeafShield!” PlantMan held out his hands and a wall of leaves appeared in front of him. The FreezeBomb struck his barrier and froze. It quickly broke apart and transferred some energy over to the flower-headed Navi.

“LeafShield restores my health by the strength of the attack it blocks.” PlantMan smirked as he stood straight up, “Now time to finish this battle with my newest chip. Crest of Arcadia!” A column of white light surrounded his body and he screamed out with power. When it finally faded, PlantMan stood facing IceMan with the Crest of Arcadia emblazoned on his forehead.

“How could an independent Navi use the Crest of Arcadia?” Tory gasped, “IceMan, be careful!”

PlantMan dug his vines deeper into the floor and suddenly let out a mighty yell. He ripped his thorn-covered appendages out and shattered the ice, much to IceMan’s horror.

“Plant Weed!” He lashed out with his vines with the ends stiffened like spears and he tried to impale IceMan.

“He’s lost control!” the Hobbit-sized Navi cried as he tried to dodge the relentless assault. He summoned an IceCube and hid behind it. Sadly, his hopes of a brief sanctuary were shattered when PlantMan’s vines wrapped themselves around the ice block and crushed it.

“Rose Needle!” Large thorns flew towards IceMan and he quickly resumed trying to get away.

“Tory, help!” he cried.

“LifeAura Battlechip in, download! HolyPanel Battlechip in, download!” IceMan was quickly surrounded with a purple glow and the panel he stood on turned white with a golden border. The Rose Needle attack struck his shield and fell to the floor. PlantMan cried out and ruthlessly started lashing at his opponent with his vines.

“You can’t escape my wrath!” he bellowed. He dug his thorny appendages into the ground again and ripped them out from under IceMan, breaking the HolyPanel in the process and throwing the small Navi into the air. He quickly wrapped him in one of his vines and squeezed tightly. IceMan screamed in pain as he struggled to get free, but to no avail.

“IceMan!” Tory gripped his PET as he watched his Navi at the mercy of the plant Navi. He dug around in his pocket for something that could help, but nothing he pulled out seemed be what he was hoping for.

“Tory, use this.” Dr. Bloom held out her hand and offered a Burner chip. Tory looked at it for a moment and then turned to her with a questioning look on his face.

“We keep these chips to fight off viruses if they ever get into the system,” she explained.

“And you didn’t use it until now why?” asked Tory.

“I had to find them, first.”

“Thanks.” Tory snatched the chip from her and slotted it into his PET, “Burner Battlechip in, download!” Flames suddenly engulfed IceMan and PlantMan immediately released him and pulled his seared vines back in.

“Bastard!”

“Now IceMan, time to use one of our own Fire chips!” Tory grabbed a chip from the pile that he had taken out from his pocket and slotted it in, “ElementFlare Battlechip in, download!” IceMan’s hand transformed into a flamethrower and he bathed his opponent in a stream of flames. PlantMan’s entire body was set ablaze and he thrashed around wildly trying to extinguish himself.

“One more attack should finish him off, IceMan,” Tory informed his Navi.

“Ice Tower!” IceMan slammed his mittened hand against the floor and sent several ice stalagmites shooting up around PlantMan. An Ice Tower than burst up from underneath the burning Navi and impaled him through the back and out his chest. PlantMan fell to the floor and the flames died out, leaving only a blackened and charred Navi. His Battle Point count dropped to zero and Tory’s rose by three.

“We won!” IceMan cheered happily. Tory sighed with relief and sat down in a chair. Meanwhile, Dr. Bloom typed in a command and sent in the gardens’ Navis to clean up the mess PlantMan had made, returning the system to normal in no time. As for PlantMan himself, a piece of Battlechip data fell from his body and IceMan sent it up to his PET. Tory slotted in a blank chip and it came out as a PlantManV5 chip.

“That was a great battle, IceMan,” Tory said as soon as he jacked out, “You fought well.”

“It was tough, but we came through,” IceMan replied. Suddenly, several Navis were seen being blasted apart on screen. A Pantheon Navi walked in and placed its hand on PlantMan’s body, extracting the Crest of Arcadia Battlechip data from him. As soon as it was out, a white light engulfed the unconscious flower lover and he disappeared. The Pantheon then logged out.

“And so it happens again,” Tory muttered, “Well IceMan, we better get going.”

“Okay.”

“Tory,” Dr. Bloom stepped towards him, “thanks for your help.” Tory turned to her and smiled.

“You’re welcome.” He then headed out. Dr. Bloom followed him to the entrance and called after him.

“Come back whenever you like!”

* * *

The Pantheon entered Saiba’s PET and handed the chip data it had retrieved to the occupant, who in turn sent it up for Saiba to re-download onto the Crest of Arcadia’s original chip.

“We’ll be unstoppable at this rate,” the white-haired NetBattler smirked.

-------------------------------------
End of chapter 3-34.

CHAPTER PREVIEW
Lan: Sean’s Gospel chips cause just about everyone to challenge him to a NetBattle.
MegaMan: They’re just that powerful.
Lan: And some people are attracted to that kind of power.
MegaMan: Axl’s never battled BurnerMan before, so we don’t know how it’ll turn out.
Lan & MegaMan: Next time on Rockman.EXE: The College Years, “Attack of the Rabid Cupcake!”
Lan: I hope those two can handle it.
MegaMan: Atsuki’s not one to accept defeat.
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[Midnight]

Hmm. This was better. A lot better than that of the previous few chapters. The tactics used in this one actually seemed to have some merit, and didn't occur to the reader as something that had been used before. Plantman's character seemed a tad off, though, but I cannot put my finger on how it differed from the true form. I also found no use for your minor character that appeared in this chapter. For all we know, she could have been omitted entirely and the story still would have remained intact.

This is still a decent job, though.
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[LgacyDX]

It's good to see PlantMan again. I thought PlantMan had a NetOp named Anetta. What happened?
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Mega Man: New Generation *Updated to Chapter 1-14*
Wanna join Hi5? Click here.

[Viewtiful Starman]

This is quite interesting.

By the sheer force of a coincidence, this chapter just happened to be like an episode of Zatch Bell.

And by an even more amazing coincidence, it just happens to be the most recent episode that aired in Canada.

And then even more amazingly, if I remember correctly you just happen to live in Canada and watch the channel that this episode aired on!

The best part is the way that they differ. The original episode that this just happens to be similar to had a point, explained stuff about the fighting and had a whole other part of the fight with the main characters trying to protect everyone.
However, you brilliantly twisted this around, so instead of actually running around doing stuff it just devolved in to a random battle, just barely keeping it away from being too much like the original.

It doesn't matter that I couldn't help comparing this to the episode the whole time, the sheer coincidence of this alone hooked me!

(Basically, it wasn't a bad chapter overall, but I couldn't help comparing it with the actual episode, which I liked a lot more so that made it a lot worse to me)

[kram_elbog]

Though this chapter didn't have a 100% obvious rip like the past few, well other than the Whole Battle Network Tournament thing which we know is based on the Battle City Tournament from Yugioh. This chapter could of been better if it had been more original, sure Zatch Bell is a good series and all but for some reason the botanicle Gardens episode and this were way two similar, maybe just borrowing the location would of worked but it seems like you are running out of originality. First Yugioh, and FMA, then Naruto, and now Zatch Bell, however even though I noticed to much similarity to Zatch Bell it was still a good chapter.
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I didn't lose my mind, I sold it on eBay!

Kamen Rider Rockman(AU, Ryuusei Spoilers)
My art

[Anime Master ZERO]

I don't watch Zatch Bell. I've had a deep loathing for it ever since it replaced Digimon in Japan.
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[Flame Buster]

[Viewtiful Starman]

[SonicNigma212]

This chapter man is really good so far in this story. I mean, reusing PlantMan is stroke of genius. It's good to reuse old material for when it's necessary. Not all of the time, but it's good to use it once in a while. The battle between both him and IceMan is just cool and like on one of the anime episodes that I've watched. I hope that you make more like this one. Oh, and what is up with the Crest of Arcadia chip making Net Navis disappear into a pillar of light? This ought to lead to something cruel. I hope that it comes up soon. Well, later 'til the next chapter!

Maurice A. Nigma :grr:

[Lan1220]

Nice chapter. And once again, good to see Plantman ^^ Hope to see more chapters like this one. Great job.
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Sig credit goes to Hikari Angel

[TheWebbuilder]

Not bad... The battle was well animated, and I'll take Starry's word for the Zatch Bell rips.

But I don't think that PlantMan's ever been that big on protecting Mother Nature, from what I've seen he only gets upset when one of his own plants is destroyed, not when a real world plant is injured... Oh well.

Although this random come-up-with-an-excuse-to-have-a-battle arc is getting a tad old, you might want to find a way to put a new spin on it or something.

7/10.
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[Abiisan]

It's always nice to see Plantman, although it was odd that there would be people who kill plants for fun. Anyway, I really hope that Sean doesn't lose any Gospel chips; it would ruin the set. Lasly, which one is considered most valuable among them?
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Formerly known as LunarSun

Banner and icon by Xhunter17

[Anime Master ZERO]

CHAPTER 3-35
Attack of the Rabid Cupcake!

Axl backflipped into the air and landed a far distance away from his opponent, who happened to be an out-of-control Navi that had been possessed by the Crest of Arcadia.

“Axl Gun!” He fired his weapon at the power-crazed being, but nothing worked.

“We have no choice, Axl,” Sean informed his Navi. Axl nodded. He knew what this meant.

“Do it, Sean.” He morphed his Axl Gun back into his hand and lowered his arm to his side.

“ElecGospel Battlechip in, download!” The redheaded Navi’s hand transformed into Gospel’s head and he aimed it at his opponent, who was running towards him at full speed.

“Gospel Breath!” A bright yellow electric blast erupted from the beast’s maw and struck the Navi down with such force that completely depleted his health, even with its operator’s Undershirt program installed. Axl’s hand changed back and Sean received his opponent’s rarest chip. Once that had been done, there was a loud scream and the Navi who had been corrupted by the Crest of Arcadia was engulfed in a bright white light and disappeared.

* * *

“That’s the fifth one today, Axl,” Sean said as he sat on a park bench a few minutes following his battle.

“How can the Crest of Arcadia be getting around to so many people?” wondered Axl, “If it’s rare enough to be forfeited in a match, they shouldn’t be spreading like the plague.”

“Unless the guys who originally had the chips take them back,” Sean suddenly realized, “It’s the only explanation.”

“So what should we do, Sean?” asked Axl.

“Try to get as many Crest of Arcadia chips as possible,” Sean answered, “The more we have, the less they have to distribute.”

“It’s worth a shot. But you also realize that you’re putting the Gospel chips at risk, right?”

“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”

* * *

Saiba watched as Greg, Waya, and Nicol engaged in a practice battle while they waited for Diana to join them. Harpuia raised his lightsabers and chopped downward. Phantom blocked one with his shuriken while Fefnir used his Torch Claw to deflect the blow from the other. The silent Navi then pushed him off and backflipped away. He threw his shuriken onto the floor and jumped on top of it. He slid out his sword as he rose up into the air and started flying towards the winged Navi. Fefnir jumped back and fired a burst of flames at his incoming comrade. Phantom quickly dove under the attack and flipped off his shuriken, grabbing it in the process. He landed in front of Fefnir and swung out only to have it blocked. His face was a mask devoid of emotions as he slashed with his sword. Harpuia came up from behind him, but Phantom threw his shuriken back to strike him down. His attack missed when the green Navi jumped over it.

“You’ll never take down an enemy like that,” Harpuia chided. Phantom said nothing but simply held his hand out behind him. His shuriken suddenly struck Harpuia’s from behind, knocking him over, and he caught it on its return.

“Nice move,” Waya commented as he let out a low whistle, “But Harpuia and I have a few new moves of our own.” Harpuia leapt back onto his feet and started swinging his lightsabers. Phantom backed away as he tried to block with his shuriken. He took a swing and his winged opponent tossed one of his weapons into the air and dropped down. He slashed with his sword and had it blocked, but caught his other lightsaber between his feet as it fell back down and swung out pivoting his hands on the floor. Phantom jumped back and Fefnir moved in and grabbed Harpuia’s legs in his claw. He drew his arm back and threw his green comrade off balance. Phantom threw his shuriken at him, but Fefnir ducked just as Harpuia got up and it struck him instead. The shuriken returned to its owner and the fiery Navi and the ninja Navi engaged in combat with one another.

“Sorry I’m late,” Diana apologized as she approached the group.

“What took you?” asked Saiba.

“I just forked my Crest of Arcadia over to some punk, so I still have to tail him.”

“Fine. Finish up and meet us back home,” Saiba ordered, “As for the rest of you, we’re heading back to the apartment.”

“Just out of curiosity,” Greg piped up as they left, “what was the guy like?”

“What makes you so sure it was a guy?” asked Diana.

“Because it’s you we’re talking about, Diana,” was Greg’s answer.

“He’s the really cocky and arrogant type of guy,” the white-clad woman answered, “A bit like you, but more eccentric.”

“I’m not arrogant,” argued Greg.

* * *

Sean and Axl defeated another opponent and claimed their winnings before moving on.

“Sean, it’s getting late,” Axl informed his operator, “We should probably go home now.”

“Just a few more, Axl,” Sean replied, “I’m not doing this just to rake in Battle Points and rare chips. We have a job to do. But yeah, we should start heading back. Let’s take the long way home.” Sean put his PET back in its case and started heading back to the university. With the start of the tournament that day and classes the next, he knew there was still some work he needed to finish up. He caught a bus heading for Den University and rode it until it reached its destination. Sean thanked the driver and got off and started walking back to the house.

“Hey! You there!” Sean turned around and saw a teen with fiery blue hair walking towards him.

“Yeah, I’m talking to you.”

“What do you want?” asked Sean. He had only just met this person and already he wasn’t liking his attitude.

“You’re in the tournament, aren’t you?”

“Do you always greet people like that?”

“So then you are. Let’s have a battle.”

“At least he’s straightforward,” Axl commented.

“Wait. You’re Atsuki Himura, aren’t you?” Sean asked.

“Glad to see someone knows who I am before I incinerate them,” Atsuki replied, “So, we gonna battle or what?”

“Let’s do it,” Sean agreed as he took out his PET and clicked it onto his wristband, “I’m on a mission and this battle is just a part of it.”

“I’m just trying to rake in as many rare chips as I can and make it to the finals.” Atsuki whipped out his PET and aimed it forward, “Jack in!! BurnerMan, power up!”

“Jack in!! Axl, power up!”

The two beams hit each other and a battle grid was formed. Axl appeared on the red side of the field while BurnerMan appeared on the blue side.

“So you’re BurnerMan,” Axl said, “MegaMan’s told me a lot about you.”

“You know MegaMan?” asked BurnerMan.

“Yep. And I’m glad that I finally get a chance to fight you,” Axl replied as he cracked his knuckles.

“Battle Point chip in, download!” Sean and Atsuki slotted in their Battle Point chips and their counters appeared overhead their Navis.

“How much are we putting on the line for this battle?” asked Sean.

“I’m better seven Battle Points,” Atsuki replied.

“Conditions accepted.” Sean looked at his PET display, “Let’s go, Axl. Battle routine, set!”

“Execute!”

“I’ll burn you to a crisp!”

BATTLE START

BurnerMan transformed his hands into burners and pointed them at his opponent.

“Strike Burner!” A jet of blue flames shot out and Axl ducked to avoid getting scorched.

“You’ll find that I’m different from other Fire-element Navis,” BurnerMan smirked, “I’m way stronger and faster than any of those chumps!”

“This battle’s only just started,” Axl replied, “Axl Gun!” He fired his weapon at BurnerMan, but the fiery Navi pointed his burners forward and shot out more flames, using them to repel him back.

“Axl, he’s not just using his burners as weapons. He’s also using them as jets for fast movement,” Sean informed his Navi.

“Yeah, I noticed.”

“Strike Burner!” BurnerMan unleashed another burst from his jets and Axl ducked again.

“AquaBlade Battlechip in, download!” Sean slipped the chip into his PET and Axl’s left hand transformed into a steel blade with an aquatic blue glow surrounding the edge. He extended his wings and dashed forward. BurnerMan raised his arms and the AquaBlade struck his burners.

“Get too close to me and you’ll get burned.” The flaming Navi lashed out with his foot and kicked his opponent back. Axl hit the floor hard and rolled along it until he came to a stop.

“RedWave Battlechip in, download!” Atsuki dragged and dropped the chip and BurnerMan slammed his burner into the floor, conjuring up a tidal wave of lava. Axl got up and his eye widened as he saw the oncoming liquid inferno.

“Hang on, Axl. Magnum Battlechip in, download!” Axl’s other hand changed into a Magnum and he jumped back. As he flew into the air, he targeted the floor and fired. His blast struck its mark and he blasted a large hole that the lava quickly poured into.

“Burning Jet!” All of BurnerMan’s jets lit up to full power and he flew towards Axl as his icon on his forehead ignited into a ninth burner, dragging the flame along the floor. He rammed right into his opponent and broke his sword while sending him flying backward.

“Axl!” Sean gasped but he breathed a sigh of relief when his Navi got up.

“I’m fine, Sean. But man, he’s fast!”

“We warned ya,” Atsuki laughed.

“This isn’t over yet,” Sean replied, “SeaSeed Battlechip in, download!” A blue seed appeared in Axl’s hand and he threw it across the battle grid. It struck the very center of the blue territory and transformed all the panels into AquaPanels. As BurnerMan banked around and flew in for another attack, Axl jumped over him and hovered in the air as he watched his opponent plunge into the water.

“GAH!” BurnerMan’s attack ceased and he quickly pointed his arms downward and fired up his jets, lifting him into the air. He was breathing heavily as he looked back down at the AquaPanels, water dripping down his armor.

“Not a bad move,” he complimented as he shifted his position.

“So it’s a dogfight you want now?” asked Axl, “Fine, we can give that to you.”

“KnightSword Battlechip in, download!” Axl’s hand transformed into the elegant blade and he held it ready.

“FireSword Battlechip in, download!” Atsuki slotted in a chip and the flame coming from BurnerMan’s right hand burner solidified into a blade. With the stage now set, the two Navis flew towards each other. They passed right next to one another and swung their blades before coming to a halt several meters behind each other. Axl turned his head and noticed a scorch mark on the side of his helmet. On the other side, BurnerMan also took note of the cut in his helmet. Without wasting another moment, they turned around and flew back towards one another. BurnerMan swung out but missed while Axl ran his blade through his opponent’s midsection. They went around again and the result was the same. After the third go, BurnerMan screamed in frustration.

“How can I keep missing and you keep hitting me?!”

“Easy. I’m left-handed and you’re right-handed,” Axl replied smugly, “I pass on your left side so I can hit you, but stay clear of your sword arm.” He flew down and landed back on the floor.

“Left-handed?” BurnerMan gasped.

“Believe it, cupcake!” Axl called up to him.

“I’M NOT A CUPCAKE!”

“Calm down, BurnerMan. GrassStage Battlechip in, download!” Atsuki’s PET registered the chip and grass suddenly covered the entire floor, much to the pleasure of BurnerMan.

“Strike Burner!” He pointed his weapons downward and shot massive flames at the floor. His attack ignited the grass and the entire battlefield was soon a flaming inferno.

“So hot,” Axl whispered, “Not even LavaStage gives off this much heat.”

“Welcome to my turf,” BurnerMan said grinning as he landed, “Strike Burner!” Axl was hit with full force and he was thrown back. BurnerMan walked up to him and kicked him in the stomach, sending him tumbling back.

“Let’s end it, BurnerMan,” Atsuki laughed.

“You got it! Double Burner!” Two burners appeared on either of Axl and the barrels began to glow. At the same time, BurnerMan pointed his own burner at his opponent.

“This will only hurt for a second, but then it’ll all be over.” His lips curled back into a grin and he fired. At the same time, the Double Burner launched their flames and the three attacks met in a cross.

“This battle’s mine!” Atsuki laughed.

“Think again,” Sean replied. When the flames subsided, the only thing that was there was a charred dummy, which promptly crumbled into ashes.

“What the?”

“Up here, cupcake!” Axl called. BurnerMan looked up and saw Axl as the redhead threw down a shuriken and it slashed him across the shoulder.

“AntiDamage?” gasped Atsuki.

“You don’t necessarily need to announce every single chip you slot in,” Sean informed his opponent as he inserted an ElementIce. Axl landed back on the floor and his hand morphed into an ice buster. Icy-blue flames shot out from his weapon and covered BurnerMan with a thick layer of ice.

Atsuki growled and dug around in his pocket until he pulled out a white chip.

“Crest of Arcadia Battlechip in, download!” His PET registered the chip and a white light engulfed BurnerMan as the Crest of Arcadia appeared on his chest. His jets flared up and he broke free from his icy prison. Holding out his arms, he unleashed a powered-up Strike Burner and blasted Axl back. The scarred Navi screamed as he flew back and hit the wall.

“AXL!”

“This chip’s power is amazing!” Atsuki gaped in awe, “Do it, BurnerMan!” BurnerMan unleashed another Strike Burner and continued his fiery assault.

“AntiFire Battlechip in, download!” The counterattack chip managed to damage BurnerMan, but it didn’t stop him from keeping up his relentless assault.

“Sean, he’s become too strong!” Axl exclaimed, “I don’t know what to do!”

“Just hang in there, Axl. I’ll get you out of there.” Sean searched for any chips he could use and his attention turned to the Gospel chips.

I could use AquaGospel, but it’ll only work if Axl’s attacking and right now he needs some kind of defense, thought Sean. He continued searching and had almost given up hope when one caught his eye.

“This just might help,” he whispered, “Alright, then. Quake3 Battlechip in, download!” A Powie3 virus in attack mode appeared over BurnerMan and it came crashing down on top of him, causing his attack to stop.

“Are you okay, Axl?” asked Sean as he dragged and dropped two Recover300 chips onto his Navi.

“I’m fine now, Sean,” Axl replied, “Thanks for the help.” BurnerMan blasted the weight off him and leapt up before roaring towards his opponent with a powered-up Burning Jet.

“DIE!”

“He’s coming, Sean!” Axl called out.

“He’s moving in too fast!” exclaimed Sean, “We can’t use the Gospel chips at this range. Just keep trying to evade him until we’ve found a way to slow him down.”

“I’d like to see you try holding off a rabid cupcake!” Axl dashed as quickly as he could to avoid getting incinerated by his opponent as he flew after him roaring like a wild animal.

“Now this is power!” Atsuki laughed.

“Atsuki, your Navi’s gone insane!” Sean yelled, “You can’t even control him anymore!”

“Oh really?” Atsuki held up his PET and looked at the display, “BurnerMan, run him down!” BurnerMan cried out and continued on his path of destruction, striking down everything that was unfortunate enough to be in his line of attack.

“BurnerMan, get him from behind!” Atsuki ordered, however his words did not reach his Navi.

“Believe me now?” Sean shook his head and returned his attention to his own PET, “Axl, we have to end this quickly!”

“Then what are you waiting for?!?!” the redheaded Navi screamed as he ran away from BurnerMan.

“Guardian Battlechip in, download!” As Axl continued running, a grey idol appeared behind him, blocking BurnerMan’s path. However, placing it on the field was futile as the rabid Navi smashed it into pieces without even triggering its Punisher counterattack. He roared as he suddenly flew upward and began spreading his flames out in every direction.

“Ow! Ow! OW!” Sean turned towards Atsuki and saw him swinging his arm around wildly. His PET was glowing red and it was burning him severely. Finally unable to take it anymore, the blue-haired teen ripped off his wristband and his red-hot PET dropped to the ground. Sean quickly turned back to his PET display.

“Axl, it’s now or never,” he informed his Navi, “AquaGospel Battlechip in, download!” Axl’s hand morphed into Gospel’s head and he turned around so that he was facing BurnerMan and pointed his weapon up at him. However, the flaming Navi saw this and flew to the side. Axl growled as he took aim again only to have his opponent move aside.

“Sean, he keeps moving!” he exclaimed, “We gotta keep him still!”

“I have an idea, Axl. AntiDamage, AntiNavi, Muramasa Battlechips in, download! Program Advance!”

“Bodyguard!” Shurikens began to rain down from above onto BurnerMan. They struck him multiple times, sticking into his body like candles. He screamed loudly as the projectiles continued to impale him on multiple areas.

“He’s immobilized by the Program Advance, Axl,” Sean informed to his Navi, “Hurry before it wears off!”

“Don’t need to tell me twice! Gospel Breath!” An enormous blast of energy erupted from the Gospel head’s mouth and engulfed BurnerMan. The rabid cupcake screamed as the attack tore through his body with power beyond anything he had ever faced. When it finally died down, he fell face-first onto the floor. The battle ended and seven Battle Points were transferred to Sean’s Battle Point count. The crimson-eyed teen let out a sigh of relief and walked overt o Atsuki.

“Well Atsuki, I won this match. So now I get your rarest chip.” Atsuki held out the Crest of Arcadia and Sean took it from him.

“We finally got a Crest of Arcadia.” The grey-haired boy gave a satisfied smiled and looked at his PET, “We finally got one, Axl.”

“Alright! We should send it to SciLab for analysis ASAP.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Suddenly, BurnerMan screamed as a white column of light engulfed him. When it vanished, the rabid cupcake was nowhere to be found.

“It happened AGAIN!” Axl exclaimed.

“Come on, Axl. We need answers and we need them fast before anyone else can fall victim to this chip.” Sean put his PET back in its case and ran off, leaving Atsuki by himself. However, his isolation was short-lived when Diana stepped up to him.

“So you lost the chip,” she said to him. She then turned around and walked off, hoping that Saiba would give her a copy of the chip.

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End of chapter 3-35.

CHAPTER PREVIEW
Lan: A break from the tournament is a nice change.
MegaMan: We didn’t get much time over the weekend for our schoolwork because of it.
Lan: But a break in the tournament doesn’t mean a break in the madness, unfortunately.
MegaMan: Saiba and his crew are still up to their tricks.
Lan & MegaMan: Next time on Rockman.EXE: The College Years, “When Pantheons Attack”.
Lan: We’re sorely outnumbered!
MegaMan: Pantheon Navis everywhere!
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