[_____V_____]

THRACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

The plasma bolt came screaming through the branches of the tree Zero was hanging on and exploded with all it's might on Zero's chest, making him lose his balance and go flying towards the ground!

IT glared at the shooter, just as Weapon X turned his right arm towards IT. His plasma cannon was already aimed directly at IT's head, at the centre of the pulsating blue orb.

THRACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

The plasma bolt flew and thundered straight into IT's head orb, exploding with the energy of a million stars. IT suddenly staggered in mid-air, his head orb flickering once.

Yes! That's it! The thought screamed through Weapon X's head.

Almost immediately, his plasma cannon shaped up to fire it's final round. And Weapon X let it fly.

THRACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

The second bolt screamed through the air, exploding again on the pulsating orb, making it flicker badly yet again! IT staggered again, swirling slightly towards the ground.

Zero! Are you seeing this?! The words burned into Weapon X's mind, but he couldn't turn around to check on his fellow Finalist's plight. He had to keep going.

He immediately dropped his plasma cannon and conjured up his FIREBALL spell to train it on IT, but IT had disappeared!!

Weapon X's eyes scanned the area wildly for a moment, just as a groan from the bushes on his right diverted his attention. Still in dread of the BFG, and not sure if Zero realised that the plasma cannon shot had actually saved him from IT's wrath, Weapon X trained his already-conjured FIREBALL at the red furry thing inside the bushes.

BRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

The Fireball had a short distance to fly. Zero, already weakened somewhat by the plasma bolt, never had the chance to even think of anything as the Fireball blasted on his chest, making him go flying backwards, his fur up in flames! He thundered onto the stem of a thick tree and fell down heavily, trying to douse the flames with his HPs. Zero rolled backwards deliberately, down a slope to move out of Weapon X's sights.

A huge blast from up ahead made Weapon X swing around and jump to his right at the same instant, to dodge twin plasma cannon bolts which had flew in his direction. Weapon X had immediately conjured up another FIREBALL spell, and it roared towards IT's pulsating orb yet again!

BRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

The Fireball blasted on IT's orb, making IT swirl hard. The orb flickered madly this time, being struck for the third time. IT roared in pain and anger, and turned it's glowing eyes directly at Weapon X, who was reaching at his shotgun.

"TOO LATE!" IT's voice boomed in the entire region.