Battle Training for the competition

[RayanStiger]

Marth held to his blade tightly as he slowly circled around his foe. The powerful Shadow virus glared at him menacingly, and threatened to do him serious harm.
Marth remained undaunted, and dashed straight for the virus. He sliced his blade through its body and ran it through. The virus shrieked in pain before its data combusted and scattered throughout the entire Internet...

"Good job, Marth!" Rayan said, congratulating his navi. "Those Shadow viruses are pretty powerful. They can only be hit with sword techniques. You sure showed him."

Marth shut his eyes calmly and sheathed his sword. "Thank you, master. I shall continue to train for the Net Competition that is coming up."

"You do that, buddy. At this rate, you'll even become as strong as the legendary Flaming Moogles!" Rayan said cheerfully. He completely trusted his navi's abilities, and with the powerful navi customizer blocks he had programmed into Marth, Rayan knew that Marth would only keep getting stronger.

"Let's go to the Puralgatha Square real quick before we do any more virus busting" Rayan suggested to his navi.

"Very well. That sounds reasonable enough."

Marth pulled apart a section of the net using his Matrix Control ability, which was pre-programmed into his data, ever since he first took up training with Flaming Moogles. A link to the Puralgatha Square was established, and Marth stepped in.

A second later, and he was standing in the great net square of Puralgatha City. Navis hustled about everywhere. Some chat boards stood off to the side, and some net shops were but a little ways ahead of him.

"So, what shall I do first, Rayan?" Marth asked.

"Hmmm...I dunno...try seeing if there's anything worth buying here!" Rayan said.

"Very well. I shall do as you say." Marth walked over towards one of the net shops and began to start at the vast array of battle chip data that was lined up before him...

[Gai]

Lying in the shadows, watching the Navi step through a portal, was the infamous Ninjaman. He had been there ever since that navi had started to attack his followers. He was now begining to form a plan. All he need was Gai's concent.

"Gai, shall I follow that Navi? Or do you just want me to stay and wait for him to come back?" he said in a grough voice.

"Hmm, go. But don't get caught or seen until we know more about this Navi that like to intrude on other property." he told his Navi. "Oh, and old friend....do be quick about it." he said with a smile.

"Ok. I'll hurry." he said as he ran forward and jumped through that portal before it closed.

Once he got through the protal he quickly found the mysterious Navi at a shop.Hmm, I know Gai said not to be seen but the only way for me to gain any knowledge about this guy is to meet him. he thought to himself as he walked over to the Navi.

"Excuess me but I was wondering if.............you had an expliation for why you trespassed on to my truff alittle while ago!" he said as he drew his sword and pointed it at the mysterious Navi.

"No, Ninjaman! What are you doing" shouted Gai as he watched his Navi disobey his orders.

"Trust me Gai, I know what I'm doin" he said, still pointing his sword at his newly found enemy.

(There, hows that for memorable? ;D)

[RayanStiger]

(X=X...)

Rayan whipped around as he heard the voice of a navi he'd never heard before. His hand was to the hilt of his sword faster than he turned around to face NinjaMan, and Marth was ready to draw it and cut through him if he had too.

"Who are you, and what are you talking about?" Marth asked the new navi. Distrust swirled about in his bright and shining eyes, as if this were one of the accursed Doluans he fought against hundreds of years ago. His stance stiffened, and his eyes pierced through the navi as he read into what moves he might possibly make.

"I was quite unaware of any 'turf' of yours", Marth said calmly. "If I remember correctly, that was Puralgatha Net area 3 I was just in, and that most certainly does not belong to you." Marth stepped back in his firm stance to make certain NinjaMan didn't try to get the jump on him.

"Might I ask what your name is, and what I did that vexed you thus?" Marth asked valiently.

This doesn't look good... Rayan thought, sweatdropping as he watched the situation unfold before him. Marth best be cautious. That navi looks pretty tough. Not like Marth can't beat him though...

Rayan pulled out Marth's PET and pulled out a battle chip, just in case NinjaMan decided to be less than cordial.
Maybe we'll get stronger sooner than I thought. Excellent.

[Gai]

"Ok, if you say so. Just don't get hurt. I won't allow you to fight him. No need to lose you before the competition." he said with a chuckle.

"Ha, you think I'd waste my time fighting you? My name is Ninjaman, and those viruses that you attacked where my followers. I have an issue with you attaking them. I am the Navi of the great Gai Himors. I answer to no one but him." he said as he took a step towards his enemy. Looking him up and down.

"Nice work Ninjaman. You seem to have stoped him for attacking you for the time being butdon't let your gaurd down."Gai declared and praised his navi's work.

[RayanStiger]

Marth's expression changed, and his frame relaxed somewhat.
"What? You mean to tell me those were YOUR viruses? ...I had no idea. I offer my sincerest apology." Marth sheathed his sword and reached out his hand as a truce offering.

"My name is Marth, and my operator is Rayan Stiger. I'm sorry that I was deleting your viruses...I was just training for the new Net comp that's coming up."

Rayan interjected at this point. "Gai, is that your navi? It looks very strong. It looks like you programmed him well. I must congratulate you."

[Gai]

"Haha, Rayan is that you? I must say the same about your navi." He laughed. "For a second there I was thinking that I was gonna half to delete your navi." he said with a grin on his face.

Taking Marth's hand Ninjaman began to laugh."It's ok. I should never have reacted that way anyways. I'm sorry aswell." he said still laughing slightly.

"Hey, Rayan, Do you want to train together for this up coming competition?" he asked his friend. Not sure what else there was to say.

[RayanStiger]

A smile crept across Rayan's face. "Of course! I couldn't possibly find a better training buddy. First I want to buy some new chips and programs, though. And I doubt you could delete Marth even if you tried. He's much more than first meets the eye."

Marth nodded in agreement.
"I have but one question I must ask you, NinjaMan...Why were you using those viruses in the first place? Shadow viruses are known for their cruelty in attacking navis. You weren't going to...attack anyone...were you?" Marth asked sincerely. A look of slight confusion was on his face.

"I can answer that question for you, buddy" Rayan said to Marth. "Have you ever heard of purifying a virus? It's when you beat a virus, but it doesn't get deleted. Instead, it chooses to submit to you, and it becomes under your control. Then you send your viruses to a breeder and feed them bugfrags so they get more powerful, and then you can summon them in battle with a chip."

"...Ah, I see now. You must be quite strong indeed if you can force Shadow viruses to submit...they have almost 1000 HP and can take quite some time to beat." Marth said to NinjaMan.

"Very true, my friend. Now how about you go back over to that shop and see what chips and programs we can buy?" Rayan asked Marth.

"Oh yes, I must have forgotten. I shall do as you ask, Master Rayan" Marth said obediently submitting to his operator. He walked over to the battle chips shop and began to look around.
"Hmm...there must be a Custom Sword around here somewhere..."

"Well, while he's looking for a chip, I want to ask you something, Gai" Rayan said to his old friend. "Though you captured the viruses, why weren't they in a virus breeder? Do you not have one? I can give you one if you want."

[Gai]

*sweatdropping*"Umm.....heh...heh, yeah, I sorta don't nut I find that even though I have never sent them to a breeder they are still even more powerful then when I captured them. And they listen to whatever they're told. They can come in handy for running earonds."he said proudly.

"Marth, maybe I could help you look for a custom sword and if we can't find one then maybe Gai can trade Rayan for one." Ninjaman said as he followed Marth over to the shop and began to look around.

"And don't worry Rayan. I could have defeated you with my arms tied behind my back." Gai said with a joking tone.

[Kruck]

Hoo boy. . . . Its good to be back!" Dr mario exclaimed out loud with a contented sigh. He chomped down the last slice of pizza he'd just ordered and sat back. Life was good. Of course he hadn't been to the net for quite a while. At least not any public places.

He scanned the area lazily to see if their was anything of interest going on. To his dissapoointment there wasn''t. His eyes were closing to take a quick nap when his beuty sleeep was interupted.

"Dr mario! Look over there!" Kruck exclaimed to his navi.

"W-Whaaa?" the dr looked over to where kruck indicated. And there was Marth!

"Heh. I saw em' i just wanted to make sure you were sharp, Kruck." the doc said with a chuckle. He slowly made his way over to marth.

"Why hello marth. nice to see you again. I sure didn't know you were on fyia!" Dr mario peered curiously at marth, "Whatcha doin'?"

[Gai]

Hearing a familiar voice Ninjaman quickly turned around and saw just who he thought it was, Dr Mario. “Well, well, well, if it ain’t the infamous Dr. Mario. Long time no see. Last time I saw you we were locked in combat. Want to continue where we left off?” Ninjaman said as he drew his katana, and prepared for a fight.

Snapping to attention at the sound of Dr. Mario’s voice, Gai began to form a plan in his head in case anything bad happened. “Ninjaman, watch your back, don’t let him get the best of you now, and don’t be cocky.” He said as he began to take out a few sword, and other chips just incase.

“Don’t worry Gai, I wont let him CHEAT*hint hint Zac* like he did last time.” Ninjaman said as he began to circle his enemy. “Marth lets take care of this guy tag team style. He’s all bad news. Believe me. Last time he was on my turf he tried to play dirty but we were luckily interrupted by a very cute little navi if I may say so myself” he said with a grimace on his face.

[RayanStiger]

The navi that ran the chip shop came to the counter and asked Marth what he needed.

"I'm looking for a 'Custom Sword' chip. Do you have it?" Marth asked.

"Why, certainly!" said the navi. "Here's one right here." The shop navi gave Marth the data for the Custom Sword, and Marth thanked him for his service with a bow.

"All right Rayan, I got the chip we wanted. I'm sending you the data right now."

Rayan smiled in approval. "Good work, Marth. I'll get to work programming the chip the way you wanted me to right away."

Marth turned away from the shop, and who else did he see but Dr. Mario! NinjaMan apparently didn't care for the navi as much as Marth did...

Marth walked up and put his hand on NinjaMan's shoulder. "Sheath your blade, friend." he said in a soft tone. "I don't care for his company either, but you can't let your feelings get to you. I haven't. Yet. Besides, you know that fighting in a square is greatly discouraged...it could even get some Officials on your tail."

Marth turned and looked at Dr. Mario once again. His look hardened, and he stepped firmly towards the black navi.

"Well, if it isn't the good doctor. I see that you have yet to choke on those megavitamins of yours...not that I care."

"Hey Marth, cut it out!!!" Rayan interjected. "Just because he's probably done some illegal things, that doesn't mean you can just diss him like that! Flaming Moogles did plenty of illegal net crimes, yet you hold him in the highest regard."

Marth turned away and shut his eyes for a moment before replying to Rayan's exortation. "Hm...you are right. I suppose I ought to respect him at least a little..."
Marth turned back to Dr. Mario and answered his question. "I'm here training for the Net competition, of course. I'm also looking for all the programs and battle chips that I can. What about yourself?"

[Kruck]

"I was just eating pizza." Dr mario answered truthfully. "Oh and nice joke about the megavitamins. . . but I have a joke for you! I know you think your too cool for skkoool, but I have a newsflah for you, walter kronkite. . . . Your NOT!"

Kruck smirked; Marth obviously hated dr mario. Rayan was indeed smart, he knew marth would have to wait for the oppurtune time to attack dr mario. Or perhaps Rayan was such a goody-goody he didn't want marth to fight dr mario at all.

All these goody-goodies make me sick.

[RayanStiger]

Though Dr. Mario thought that Marth hated him with utter passion, the truth was that he was simply bitter...Bitter about all his troubles from his past life. He had been betrayed, and as Marth saw it, Dr. Mario had done the same. Holding on to one's anger without letting it overflow can take its toll on you...Marth was now more distrustful than ever, all because he refused to risk the possiblity of being hurt by someone he trusted...the way his country had done to him. Or so that was how he saw the matter...

Marth stared off into space with a firm stare. His muscles were tense...his mind filled with thoughts regarding the past.
I cannot allow anyone to ever betray me again, Marth thought. Never can I allow someone to turn against me...and hurt me my very soul thus. Wounds on a field of war heal, and even scars fade, but the heart never recovers from the misfortunes of the past...

Rayan, noticing that Marth was feeling off-ish, interrupted this train of thought. "Hey Marth, buddy, what's up? You just going to stand there? We have work to do, remember?"

Marth snapped out of his trance and looked at the image of his operator's face.
"Oh...I had quite forgotten..."
Marth looked at Dr. Mario with a softened expression, which was much kinder than his usual glaring.

"So...doctor...is all well? You haven't been infected with and bugs recently, have you?" Marth asked.

Rayan was slightly shocked. Marth's asking Dr. Mario how he's feeling? Marth isn't like that...perhaps his battery power is running low...

But at a second look, Rayan saw the look in Marth's eye. It looked like a refection of the yearning inside of him...a strong desire to break free from the memory of the past, and yet no means to break the enslaving bonds......

"......Hey Marth, I think it would be best for you to go buy something from that program shop over there..."

Marth silently turned aside from the other two navis and walked up to the shop without saying anything. After a long silence, Marth asked the shop owner what programs he had.

"Hm, looking for some programs, eh? Okay, just give me a second here..." The shop navi searched through his inventory. Marth leaned up against the counter, his head tilted down as he stared at the ground.

This isn't good... Rayan thought to himself, looking at Marth's expression. He must still be reviling in his past...I still can't make him break his memory of it...he just can't seem to let go...

[Kruck]

Dr mario was a bit surprised at marth's inquiry about his health. "Uh..." He didn't finish because

marth was not there any more. He had walked into a nearby shop. Dr mario was still trying to figure out why all of a sudden marth was being nice to him.

Kruck recognized this and chuckled. "Heh, heh, I guess your just a likeable person, Doc."

Dr mario glared at Kruck. "Shut up, Kruck. It's none of your freakin' business!" The dr stormed after marth into the shop, now angry, for some reason. However, his anger subsided as he spotted marth at the counter.

"What are you doing, Marth?"

[RayanStiger]

Marth turned and looked at the 'joyful' Dr. Mario and sighed slightly. He waved off the navi behind the counter to forget about getting him any programs.

"......Oh, I was just looking for some new programs, but...I can do that later. ...So, since it is currently just the three of us...how about we go to the new 'Cyber Dome' where they hold official staged net battles? All the battles are fought with fair rules, and the winners gain profit by battle chips, zenny, or programs. If you are interested, I think that this would be a wonderful opprotunity for us to test our skills in combat with some of the navis there, since some of them may even be in the upcoming net comp. What say you, NinjaMan?"

Dang...he's good at hiding his feelings! Rayan thought, noticing how smoothly Marth had transitioned. Oh well...I can worry about that later...Marth just came up with a brilliant idea!

"Oh yes, please do!" Rayan said, pleading joyfully with Gai and Kruck. "I've just been DYING to have some REAL competition to battle against Marth for what seems like forever, but no one ever was in his league..."