Moderator

The transit left Lyntael standing in a clear space that held a briefly metallic, static scent in her senses before fading to nothing. As she blinked and looked around, Lyntael paused and closed her eyes again; when she opened them, the oddity remained. The network space she'd been transported to looked mostly like general store, with rows of shelves and an aesthetic design that was intended to give navigators something tactile and real to interact with... but there was an element of glass-like transparency to all of it. From the doorway, she could see the shelves to her left, each with labels and product displays, but she could also see the shelf behind the products, and then the next shelf, on the opposite side of the aisle, with produces of its own.

Complex meshes of substructure ran through everything she could see here, as though it had all been reduced to structural shells and latices. The lack of opacity in anything was dizzying. On instinct, Lyntael looked down at herself and bit back a mortified squeak. Her own body had remained unaffected, save for a visible tracery of the electrical current running through her and suffusing her skin, somehow visible within her form; more problematic was the fact that she could see this, because her clothes had not been spared in the same way; the visible structure of her shoes and socks, her vest, skirt and even her underwear each did nothing to obscure what was beneath. She moved, on instinct, to cover herself and found herself pressing the real and tangible presence of her vest and skirt to her body in futility.

“Rogan! Sir, this is-” The first words came out in shrill panic before she tried to force a normal tone back to her voice. “This space wasn't intended for Navigators, I don't think, sir.” The realisation that she wasn't even going to b able to find anything to cover herself properly with, since everything in the space had the same lack of opacity, settled in gradually and she sighed, still holding one hand across her chest and pressing her thighs together for as long as she could reasonably keep it up. Rogan's voice answered a moment later.

“No, that's correct, but I've reviewed what I can and you should be safe. I can't get a visual feed where you are now, Lyntael, not and maintain my own dive. Are you able to progress and keep the mask in place?” There was no hint of any surprise or second-hand embarrassment I his voice, and the calm focus of it let her release a long breath and relax slightly. He wasn't watching. As it often did, the relief came with a niggling, thin worm of disappointment, sneaking in unbidden amongst her other feelings. She didn't want to be leered at, of course; she didn't... but it was hard to shoo away the thought that she might like it if he got a glimpse, by accident, and liked what he saw. There was something else too, that caused the small curl of a grin to sneak onto one corner of her lips. He didn't know, but she did; she could work like this, and talk to him like this, and he wouldn't know. The thought distracted her... why was that thought... interesting? Amusing? Exciting? There was no reason for it, but there it was all the same. She shook her head and tried to focus. This was not the time for distractions like that.

“Ah, sorry sir. Yes, I can. I think this is fine. Mask is in place, extenuation is minor. Minimal separation risk.” Why was her heart beating faster? Focus. She swallowed, pushing those thoughts aside further and tried to get her bearings.

Apart from the transparent store space she found herself in, Lyntael could see the rest of the closed network extending away from her position, almost like a wire-frame floor plan. There was too much detail to take in all at once, but one thing that caught her attention immediately was how far back and down the structure went. The surface level net, which she was sure this was a mirror of, only held the store itself, a back room, and a basement level. Here, she could see those, but the transparent, glowing structures continued down extra corridors, hidden behind supposedly bluff walls, or in one case a cold storage fridge, and travelled further into a much deeper network of rooms and halls.

She felt Rogan's dive begin to progress again, its presence in her mind shifting as it jumped from one connection to another through restricted links. Lyntael glanced down at her body again and forced her hands away in to a more relaxed position. There was nothing to be done about it, and it was time to move. Following her operator's direction, she moved around the front counter and into the store's back room, then reached towards the section of shelf that ought to lead into a new corridor. At first, she looked for a switch, or something to pull, but then a different thought struck her and she blinked, carefully peering through the different layers of objects to find the seam of the doorway, then traced it back to the mechanism, and finally to the actual exterior switch, hidden a few feet away, behind a different shelf. There was one benefit to the odd transparency, at least.

As the door slid open and Lyntael darted through into the hall beyond, it quickly led to a ladder, down, and then a broader corridor; there were no details for her to pick out here, at least not many, but it made the movement that caught her eye all the more pronounced. At the edges of the network space, the similarly transparent wireframes of viruses shifted; they didn't seem to be able to damage the network, like this, but had just passively saturated the place, as they did with everything in the lower networks. She wasn't sure if any of them had noticed her yet, but moved forward carefully anyway, keeping pace with Rogan's dive.

((Ready for Battle 3))

Despite a brief moment of panic and confusion, Amy and her allies responded to the suddenly dangerous situation as swiftly as they could. One quick ring of crackling electricity was all it took to eliminate the first Twisty before it could even release its lighting bit – the panel beneath it amplified Amy's attack enough to disrupt the virus right away.

She managed to dodge the thundering bolt of lighting that hammered down towards her from the second Twisty's bit, narrowly averting a nasty attack, but as she and Lily countered its attempt with a rapid shotgun blast, a green mist seemed to swirl around the virus just ahead of them and deflect the majority of the blast; The shotgun scattered the barrier, allowing the trailing ionised pulse form Lily to make it through, but the result was that the electrical virus still remained. An amused cackled echoed from the spinning diamond a the back of the area while the red eyes watched the navi and her SP with an alarming degree of cunning.

The crystal facets rotated and flexed into a new geometric pattern for a moment, as though it were re-configuring itself to do something, but the momentary distraction was enough to give a different virus an opportunity – one Grinner locked its face down with a clang, sliding a yellow steel mask over its front panel, while the other opened up. Inside the face, a brilliant solar panel shone, then launched a lancing beam of laser-like fire to blindside Amy and Lily – the piercing beam scorched them both in the moment of distraction.

As the laser passed, the mimic completed whatever reconfiguring it was doing and released a small, madly crackling ball of force that stuttered and glitched in small phasing bursts across the field towards the pair. Its movements were erratic and unpredictable, but at lest for the first time it attempted to make a pass on the pair, the corrupt ball missed them. It darted to one side, shot upwards, then arced around, flickering from place to place; it seemed it still had enough momentum to make another attempt at them soon.

Thrown off her rhythm in the moment, Amy's attempt at a retaliation against the first Grinner went wide, failing to connect. Lily's follow-up was more on target, fortunately, but on its own it wasn't enough to remove the heavy-duty threat. Off to one side, the remaining Twisty moved its hands and directed its floating bit to strike again, but this time the bolt was well off-target, blasting a hole in the panel just behind Amy.

Amy took a second shot, this time at the other masked panel virus, but though the shot was better aimed this time, the cleansing gel splattered against its closed mask and didn't seem to be able to penetrate the virus' outer shell – she'd need to get the gel onto the interior panel itself, it seemed. Almost as though taunting her, the two Grinners switched modes just after her shot cleared; the damaged one slammed its mask shut, covering over the delicate solar panel, while the one she'd just shot at opened up to launch a scorching solar beam of its own towards her. Fortunately, this time, Amy was ready for it and she manged to dodge away from the burning laser shot, which also missed Lily as well. At the back, the amused giggling sounded again; the red eyes watched through the seams in the glass facets, more like a predator, playing with prey, than a virus fighting for its life.

-=Shocking Revelation=-
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once. A: CLEANSED
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once. B: 50Hp [Normal][To Amy's Right]
GrinnerGrinner (Grinner)

The Grinner virus possesses a body consisting of only one large solar panel, coated in colored metal with a design like a stoic, robotic face. The color of its body varies according to its strength. (yellow/orange/red/purple/blue/green/black). The virus attacks by opening its "mouth" to reveal its panel, then firing a beam of refracted light towards its enemies. When other solar panels are nearby, its attack will magnify additional light and become even more powerful. The Grinner moves very slowly, but is entirely invulnerable to attacks while its mouth is closed. It has been described jokingly as "the energy efficient Dominerd" due to the similarities between the viruses. The virus itself is electric, but its beam burns like fire, so wood navis need be wary.

Area: NAXA, Electown, SciLab

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire Shot + Piercing + Solar Terrain Boost 10 + Self-Cancel Body Effects
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires a scorching beam of refracted, magnified light. The beam deals extra damage when fired by a Grinner floating over solar terrain. When using this attack, the Grinner voids all protection granted by its metallic body and remains vulnerable until it closes its mouth again.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 1 turn self IronBody
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Protects self using its metallic "face" encasing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): SolarShield1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes, cannot dodge A: 40Hp [Metal][IronBody][Forward and left of Amy]
GrinnerGrinner (Grinner)

The Grinner virus possesses a body consisting of only one large solar panel, coated in colored metal with a design like a stoic, robotic face. The color of its body varies according to its strength. (yellow/orange/red/purple/blue/green/black). The virus attacks by opening its "mouth" to reveal its panel, then firing a beam of refracted light towards its enemies. When other solar panels are nearby, its attack will magnify additional light and become even more powerful. The Grinner moves very slowly, but is entirely invulnerable to attacks while its mouth is closed. It has been described jokingly as "the energy efficient Dominerd" due to the similarities between the viruses. The virus itself is electric, but its beam burns like fire, so wood navis need be wary.

Area: NAXA, Electown, SciLab

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire Shot + Piercing + Solar Terrain Boost 10 + Self-Cancel Body Effects
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires a scorching beam of refracted, magnified light. The beam deals extra damage when fired by a Grinner floating over solar terrain. When using this attack, the Grinner voids all protection granted by its metallic body and remains vulnerable until it closes its mouth again.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 1 turn self IronBody
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Protects self using its metallic "face" encasing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): SolarShield1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes, cannot dodge B: 100Hp [Metal][Forward and right of Amy]

Green MimicGreen Mimic (Mimic)

A Mystery Data bisected horizontally, with a shadowy core binding the halves together. Two menacing red eyes leer out from the shadows in the crack between them, and a swirl of dark energy of the same color as the data whirls around the entire virus constantly. A Mimic only spawns if an MD is present, and the roll to check contents comes up as a Trap. The MD then becomes a single Mimic. Mimics do not ever appear otherwise. Once triggered, a Mimic either mass summons Viruses, Navis, or other Battle Programs for the next battle number, or mass teleports all allies to the location of the next battle (which is always within the same network area), and the battle begins immediately. These mass summon and mass teleport abilities are unique to Mimics, and cannot be emulated. When a Mimic is defeated, it reverts to MD form. At this point, it becomes ethereal, and cannot be damaged in any way.

Area: All

HP: 200
Primary Attack Description: Gathers the energy around it into a ball, then fires it all outward in a beam of green light.
Primary Attack Effect: 30 + Beam Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Swirls the energy surrounding it around an ally.
Secondary Attack Effect: 40 HP barrier to ally (Cannot be used on self)
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Tertiary Attack Description: Spits a ball of glitchy data out from the crack in the Mystery Data, then sends it flying inside a guided shell of energy.
Tertiary Attack Effect: 15 + Glitch + Homing
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: C
Element: Null
Special: Omnishoes. Immobile.
Special: Gains a 20 HP barrier every turn it is not attacking. Does not stack.: 200Hp [Normal][Directly forward of Amy, about a movement away]

-=Incautious Looters=-
Amity.Exe: 210Hp [Metal] [Glitch Bolt Homing!]
Liliana.SP: 50Hp [Equipped to Amity]

-=Terrain=-
50% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

45% Normal

• No effects.

5% Broken

• Not bottomless.
• Reverts to Normal after a time, if no one is inside.
• Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
• 1-4 Movements actions to climb back out depending on method.

(Just behind Amy, where the Twisty missed her)

Terrain is a checkerboard pattern; any dodge or feint will move you to the opposite terrain, unless you deliberately aim for where you're going.

Still crackling, the girl spun around again, only to find the remaining viruses fleeing the scene. Lyntael's fingers twitched and her expression drew into a tight, grit-toothed moment of focus as she fought for balance within the fresh surge of current, but it was thrown off by an immediate reaction of mild disgust as she became aware of the slimy feeling across parts of her body, and further sparks rippled from her as she lost concentration.

“Eeughh....” The delayed response memory of the Spooky's tongue dragging up the inside of one thigh and over her midsection, and leaving its gross trail, made the girl immediately step back from her stance and begin running her hands over the affected areas, trying to scrape it off. It was good, she knew, that her barriers sapped most viruses' physical assaults of their ability to do her actual harm, somehow, but there were really times she wished her natural defences worked more like she'd seen other navis' and and just physically stop things altogether. Ick.

The distraction was nevertheless an extra moment or two for her to calm down the surge of charge straining inside her, and another small pulse of sparks left her breathing mostly normally gain. The ache I her muscles started to fade, leaving something that only felt like a more normal post-exercise heat and fatigue. Lyntael began to move, gathering data; she reached for the large sword that had been left behind, tugging it first with one hand, then with both before she managed to lift it free and heft it. Her stance widened as she braced to support it properly. Powerful, but not really a good fit for her. She held it outward and let the weapon convert into a slim string of faint green data that coiled around her wrist and raced up her arm, to setting into a circling pattern around her emblem for now, alongside the other thread already waiting there.

It was only as she completed this minor operation that Lyntael turned to see the still-stunned raccoon virus, dazed and trembling nearby. An unpleasant feeling of shock and... some other feeling she couldn't place... shot across her chest as her eyes widened.

“I... I'm sorry, I-” Unbidden, her gaze cast around the rest of the area, where any other viruses had either fled in fear, or been destroyed. They'd attacked her, though, hadn't they? Surely they'd attacked first... She took a step back, lost for what to say. They must have attacked first; they'd been aggressive. The past few moments of hectic conflict were suddenly unclear in her mind. No, no, one of them had shot at her, before she did anything, she was sure of that. He eyes went back to the pacified virus. “I'm sorry, I didn't-” The words came up again, unbidden, but Rogan's voice cut over her mumbling a moment later.

“Lyntael, you're clean. I need you in the network, now.” She let his words stop her own voice, then gave an uncertain nod to the empty air. Another back step and another, faster nod was all she had the wherewithal for before Lyntael turned and fled from the scene of her confusion, activating the entry address and letting its light carry her away to the redirected internal address.

With her armor quickly brought to heel, the Cannonguard would open up it's shutters almost immediately as she tried to get off her first move, the cannon letting out loud, annoying beeps before a flash of light exploded from the mouth of the weapon-like virus, but even with it's aiming, it's blast of energy sailed right by Lyn's head just barely missing her by the skin of her teeth. These viruses were most definitely hostile as the Spooky made it's move on Lyn next, disappearing for a brief moment before she moved to attack the Handy, off it's defensive position and getting within range of Lyn, tongue hanging out in the air as it missed it's strike on top of the accurate cannon's.

But, this left Lyn able to attack the Handy before it could make -it's- move against her, leading to her roughing it up like nothing else, a crushing strike against the sentient hand as it reeled back from the first strike, scarring evident upon it's body as the next strikes utterly eliminated it's body in one smooth motion, leaving it's corpse to crackle and sear from the utter amount of damage it sustained (130).

As this utterly eliminated the main target she had come down to ahnililate, the nearby MonoSwordin's glinting body and sword would disappear for a moment...before returning to bear it's massive blade down upon Lyntael's body all of a sudden, massive sword coming down with a cleaving strike, terrain seemingly disquieted from the blow...as the dancer barely managed to evade the strike, the Swordin bringing it's blade back to bear as the hole it cleaved was instantly repaired even as rocks flicked across Lyn's body from the almost-explosive strike.

Unfortunately, this didn't stop the Spooky and Cannon from kaing another strike at her, the tongue lashing out suddenly against her as she took the hit, her casing bearing the brunt of the attack and causing her trap to activate, striking both Spooky and Swordin with an electrifying strike (50, 50) as the Cannon followed up with another flash of light in the dingy area, but she managed to reflect the attack as it nearly hit her, redirecting it far away, missing any virus around her, but she managed to avoid damage as the Cannon closed it's guard shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, the Ringthief would make a move...mostly dodging away from the poisonous muck it had been settled on at pure random, shaking away the deteriorating muck from it's unkempt fur...only for it to soon stare death in the face as Lyntael closed in on it, ready to rip apart it's body in a multi-strike combo...but...she stopped...aborting the attack and just centimeters away from the virus' face as it looked on, a twitch almost immediately developing from the sense of fear it had. It stared almost dead-eyed at Lyntael as she talked to it briefly, shaking like a leaf in the wind as she turned back to the MonoSwordin. And with a single strike, she rushed in towards the MonoSwordin, not giving it anymore chances to escape, as she tore it apart from bottom to top in the middle, cracking it open and leaving it to die in fantastic fashion.

Battle was over as the king was dead, the Spooky hurridly grabbed the Cannonguard and immedately got out of dodge. The Ring Thief, however, stood there for another moment before falling over onto it's back, completely still, wondering what god...what cybeast...gave it another chance at life, as it just stared up into the infinite void above them as Lyntael's rewards began to be calculated...and she had quite a nice, gaudy blade that would make for nice chip data standing up in the terrain like the sword in the stone.

-- Viruses --
CannonGuard2CannonGuard2 (CannonGuard)

CannonGuards are automatically in guard mode unless they are attacking. When guarding, the turret is protected by a shutter that will stop any and all non-breaking attacks from the front. This shutter cannot be destroyed, even by a breaking attack, so long as the virus exists. The shutter does not protect the turret portion of the virus against attacks from the back or sides. The base of the virus is also immune to non-breaking damage.

Area: SciLab, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, NAXA

HP: 150
Attack Damage/Effect: 45 Null + Lockon
Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Locks on and attacks
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): MarkCannon2, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Target's evasion counts less against this virus.
Special: Can guard against attacks.: FLED
Spooky2Spooky2 (Spooky)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Netopia

HP: 80
Attack: 30 Null
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Teleports up to the opponent and slaps with its long tongue.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Recover30, Recover50 (Uncommon), Recover80 (Rare), Invis2 (Rare), Zenny
Special: Can teleport at will.
- Can use Recover 80 on any virus below 1/2 HP: FLED
RingthiefRingthief (Bandcoon)

Bandcoons are gray raccoon-like creatures, around 30 inches in height. They possess black stripes around their body, aside from their short, almost stub-like legs. Their faces are usually unseen, as they're covered in a red mask with string decorations. Their tails are twice as long as their actual bodies, and are usually curved into a question mark shape. At first this may seem like a simple design choice, but the tail is actually prehensile, and Bandcoon cleverly use it to steal chip data from Navis. Bandcoons' speed and small size combine to make them surprisingly difficult to hit while moving, and are even agile enough to turn sharply with little problem. However, if caught standing still, they're practically sitting ducks. However, when they're not using chips, they always prefer to move when possible. Their main tactic is to roll around and confound the enemy with their speed, then move in and swipe them with their tail, using it like a hook to grab data not directly tied to them, namely Battlechips. They can then use it themselves, at reduced power, as a free action. All other effects of the chips still apply, including pre-requisites to use the chip (i.e. Spice still needs Grass terrain, MachineSword still requires that the enemy be stunned). Higher level Bandcoon are aware of such conditions, and will try to satisfy the requirements if at all possible. If the enemy has no Battlechips, Bandcoons get extremely aggravated, and will ram an enemy in anger and desperation. However, they severely dislike doing this, and will only use this attack as a last resort for when they have no chips.

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Yumland

HP: 130
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Chip Steal + 1/2 Chip Use
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Ringthief steals a single random chip the opponent has selected this turn. They then use the chip at 1/2 of its normal power, rounded down to the nearest 5. Recovery chips still work at full power.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Null + Impact
Secondary Attack Accuracy: A
Secondary Attack Description: If Ringthief cannot steal an attacking chip for any reason, they will instead roll into an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Pickpocket (Rare), Zenny
Special: Haste while moving (+10%). Double Slow while standing still (-20%).: 130 HP (Cracked) (To Lyntael's Left about a feint away and ready to attack) (ABSOLUTELY TRAUMITIZED)
King!MonoSwordinMonoSwordin (MonoSword)

MonoSword are distant cousins of Swordy, but have evolved further in an attempt become more a threat. They attack by teleporting in front of their target, and slashing with their namesake before returning to their original position. Their blades are sturdier than most, and can cut through things regular ones cannot, such as shields. Their bulky armor also gives them above average stamina, but it weighs them down to the point where they do not move or dodge, aside from attacking. Despite it lacking any sort of defense that would bestow such a weakness, they ironically take additional damage from Break attribute attacks.

Area: Netopia, Yoka, Hades Isle

HP: 210
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Break + Slashing + Wide Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Delivers an armor cutting slash.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BreakSword, Zenny
Special: Break Weakness: Attacks with the Break attribute deal +100% Source damage to this virus, as though hitting an elemental weakness.
Special: Moves by teleporting. This is not treated as a formal Teleport, and does not confer any bonuses.: OMAE WA MOU SHINDERU
Handy2Handy2 (Handy)

Handy Viruses attack by opening a dimensional gate below themselves, and dropping into it. The exit gate opens next to their destination, and they will rise out of it holding an explosive. This explosive is placed on an unbroken panel, and the Handy is free to move after. The use of gates does not count as teleporting, but can be used as a means of dodging as they attack. Gates are only used when attacking, and at no other time. Handy viruses will not set a new explosive until either a turn has passed, or they pass one action without setting a new bomb, whichever comes first. For more info on the bombs Handy viruses use, see below.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Hades Isle

HP: 120
Primary Attack Damage: 100 Null to all enemies after 2 turns
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Places a 100HP TimeBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital timer on it. The bomb counts down for two turns, then explodes, dealing 50 damage to all enemies. If the bomb's HP is reduced to Zero before time expires, the bomb is harmlessly destroyed.
Secondary Attack Damage: 100 Null Counterattack + Blast2
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Places a 1HP DudBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital X displayed on the side. The bomb remains on the field until the end of the turn after it was summoned, then self destructs harmlessly. If the DudBomb is attacked, it detonates whatever attacked it for 50 Null damage in a Blast2 area. This counterattack is indescriminate, and will trigger against the attacker no matter who or what it may be, without exception.
Element: Null.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TimeBomb2, Zenny
Special: This virus cannot attack unless there is at least 1 unbroken and unoccupied panel on the field for it to place bombs on.: SPUTTER GURGLE

-- Navis --
Lyntael.EXE: 310 HP (Normal) (Roughly middle of the field)(Barrier40)(Casing20)(Strengthen20) (Trap:A Burning Ache)

-- Terrain --
20% Cracked

• Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
• Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
• Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
• PanelShot: Splash1.

(Scattered about, usually a feint away from each other)
40% Normal

• No effects.

(Scattered about, easy to move across to one another)
20% Holy

• Halves Final Damage.
• Cannot be in Sigs.
• PanelShot: Converts attack to Life Drain.

(Scattered about, about a movement away from each other)
20% Poison

• -10 HP/action standing, -20 HP/action submerged.
• Zombie nullifies damage, heals 10 HP/action on contact.
• Cannot be in Sigs.
• PanelShot: Poison(20).

(Scttered about, usually a fient away from each other)

BATTLE TWO! WIN!
Rewards: 3600z, 25 BF, BreakSwordDamage: 100 + Break + Slashing + Wide Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Creates a sturdy but heavy blade that can cut through armor and shielding.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 2 swings.
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C

When amity activated the data crystal, casually reassuring her companion, the forces of irony and hubris stirred...

The crystal rose up, spinning softly, before thin seams split it vertically, then horizontally and the crystal started to unfold and open. Rather than a normal procedure however, the green crystal panels folded back and out, and then over and in on themselves again as a thick mist began to seep out of every crack. A pair of red eyes opened in the core of the crystal and a tight giggle of laughter echoed.

Suddenly the mist rippled and from the heard of the crystal shapes began to burst outwards – viruses streaked from the fog to land all around Amy and Lily, each focused with an overtly sinister intent. There was no casual playfulness or well-meaning chaos here; each virus bore the same red glint in their eyes as the entity that had been lurking in the crystal – or perhaps had been the crystal itself? Either way, the green diamond folded in on itself again, spun quickly one, then warped away to the far end of the area, putting the new mass of viruses between itself and Amy. The shrill giggling continued.

-=Shocking Revelation=-
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once. A: 80Hp [Metal][To Amy's Left]
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once. B: 80Hp [Normal][To Amy's Right]
GrinnerGrinner (Grinner)

The Grinner virus possesses a body consisting of only one large solar panel, coated in colored metal with a design like a stoic, robotic face. The color of its body varies according to its strength. (yellow/orange/red/purple/blue/green/black). The virus attacks by opening its "mouth" to reveal its panel, then firing a beam of refracted light towards its enemies. When other solar panels are nearby, its attack will magnify additional light and become even more powerful. The Grinner moves very slowly, but is entirely invulnerable to attacks while its mouth is closed. It has been described jokingly as "the energy efficient Dominerd" due to the similarities between the viruses. The virus itself is electric, but its beam burns like fire, so wood navis need be wary.

Area: NAXA, Electown, SciLab

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire Shot + Piercing + Solar Terrain Boost 10 + Self-Cancel Body Effects
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires a scorching beam of refracted, magnified light. The beam deals extra damage when fired by a Grinner floating over solar terrain. When using this attack, the Grinner voids all protection granted by its metallic body and remains vulnerable until it closes its mouth again.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 1 turn self IronBody
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Protects self using its metallic "face" encasing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): SolarShield1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes, cannot dodge A: 100Hp [Metal][Forward and left of Amy]
GrinnerGrinner (Grinner)

The Grinner virus possesses a body consisting of only one large solar panel, coated in colored metal with a design like a stoic, robotic face. The color of its body varies according to its strength. (yellow/orange/red/purple/blue/green/black). The virus attacks by opening its "mouth" to reveal its panel, then firing a beam of refracted light towards its enemies. When other solar panels are nearby, its attack will magnify additional light and become even more powerful. The Grinner moves very slowly, but is entirely invulnerable to attacks while its mouth is closed. It has been described jokingly as "the energy efficient Dominerd" due to the similarities between the viruses. The virus itself is electric, but its beam burns like fire, so wood navis need be wary.

Area: NAXA, Electown, SciLab

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire Shot + Piercing + Solar Terrain Boost 10 + Self-Cancel Body Effects
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires a scorching beam of refracted, magnified light. The beam deals extra damage when fired by a Grinner floating over solar terrain. When using this attack, the Grinner voids all protection granted by its metallic body and remains vulnerable until it closes its mouth again.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 1 turn self IronBody
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Protects self using its metallic "face" encasing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): SolarShield1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes, cannot dodge B: 100Hp [Metal][Forward and right of Amy]

Green MimicGreen Mimic (Mimic)

A Mystery Data bisected horizontally, with a shadowy core binding the halves together. Two menacing red eyes leer out from the shadows in the crack between them, and a swirl of dark energy of the same color as the data whirls around the entire virus constantly. A Mimic only spawns if an MD is present, and the roll to check contents comes up as a Trap. The MD then becomes a single Mimic. Mimics do not ever appear otherwise. Once triggered, a Mimic either mass summons Viruses, Navis, or other Battle Programs for the next battle number, or mass teleports all allies to the location of the next battle (which is always within the same network area), and the battle begins immediately. These mass summon and mass teleport abilities are unique to Mimics, and cannot be emulated. When a Mimic is defeated, it reverts to MD form. At this point, it becomes ethereal, and cannot be damaged in any way.

Area: All

HP: 200
Primary Attack Description: Gathers the energy around it into a ball, then fires it all outward in a beam of green light.
Primary Attack Effect: 30 + Beam Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Swirls the energy surrounding it around an ally.
Secondary Attack Effect: 40 HP barrier to ally (Cannot be used on self)
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Tertiary Attack Description: Spits a ball of glitchy data out from the crack in the Mystery Data, then sends it flying inside a guided shell of energy.
Tertiary Attack Effect: 15 + Glitch + Homing
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: C
Element: Null
Special: Omnishoes. Immobile.
Special: Gains a 20 HP barrier every turn it is not attacking. Does not stack.: 200Hp [Normal][Directly forward of Amy, about a movement away]

-=Incautious Looters=-
Amity.Exe: 230 HP [Metal]
Liliana.SP: 70 HP [Equipped to Amity]

-=Terrain=-
50% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

50% Normal

• No effects.

Terrain is a checkerboard pattern; any dodge or feint will move you to the opposite terrain, unless you deliberately aim for where you're going.

-=Battle 3, Start!=-

With the frustrations of the day building up and annoyingly tenacious viruses still surrounding them, Lily managed to buzz the damaged Armadill quickly, breaking apart its shell while it was still in the process of backing up to have another go at the pair. Not far away, the energetic bunny launched another ring, this time at Amy, the larger of the two targets, but by poor luck and poorer aim it missed the pair entirely.

Amy, on the other hand, made good on her next attempt at the critter, and by the time the smoke from her cannon shot began to clear she could see that it had been successfully quieted and would provide no further shocks to either of them.

With just the Catack remaining, the virus churned with loud, heavy revs – its treads cranked with jerky, ponderous stutters while it struggled to shake off the stun effect plaguing it, but its brief incapacitation allowed Amy all the time she needed to turn both fireball shots on the virus and make sure of the battle before it could get any further out of hand.

Afterwards, even though there were no more targets that needed taking care of, the navi indulged in a small bit of foot-stomping – it wasn't strictly necessary but there was a certain catharsis to the expression all the same.

-=Viruses=-
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.: PACIFIED
ArmadillArmadill (Armadill)

Armadills require two actions to execute each attack. The first action is always a movement to line up with the target, and the second action is the actual attack. Unlike the games, Armadills do not roll back to where they started after each attack. Instead, they may uncurl at another location on the field.

Area: Electown, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Group Attack + Breaking + Impact
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Attacks by rolling. Breaking.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IronShell1, Zenny
Special: MetalBody when attacking.
Note: MetalBody is identical to IronBody, but does not hamper movement. Non-Break attacks deal 0 damage, and Break attacks deal double.: CLEANSED
CatackCatack (Catack)

Catacks move at a slow rate and their dodges are generally bad. They can, however, attack in any direction while moving or attempting to dodge.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Dentech, Beach, Hades Isle

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Panel Crack + Blast2
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Blasts enemy with TankCannon.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TankCannon1, Zenny
Special: May Move/Dodge while attacking.
Special: Slow: FIRED
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once.: RMMMMRMRMRMRMRM

-=Navis=-
Amity.Exe: 230 HP (Normal) (Liliana Equipped) (In the southern end of the area)
Liliana.SP: 70 HP (Equipped to Amity) (Casing30)

-=Terrain=- (Both Metal and Normal are roughly interspersed across the field in a checkerboard pattern, a dodge will bring you to the opposite terrain unless otherwise dodging to that terrain)
50% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

50% Normal

• No effects.

-=Objects=-
GMD: 20 HP (Metal)(Out in the open towards the middle of the field)

-=Battle 2, Victory!=-
Spoils: 1000z, 12 BugFrags

Open GMD?

((Lyntael isn't at full hp – she was down from last battle. Cosmetically and Roleplay-wise Lyn's support base signatures here don't 'heal' her in the traditional sense (though they do mechanically); it's aestheticed more as bolstering resolve and stamina, and helping her push through the pains and hurts she's taken, until she can go home; she'll still get worn down, and serious injuries will stay with her, even if her own 'healing' tops her back up))

The soft beat of her charge was still stirring quietly from her previous exertions and her skin began to glow with the familiar delicate electrical patterns that forewarned her body's natural responses. Lyntael grit her teeth, taking a quick turn in place as she tried to take note of the various creatures that were showing up to sudden light show. Why employ or program your own defence systems, when an energy flare would call a small horde of viruses on its own, down here?

As the charge suffused her skin and held there, straining and ready to explode, Lyntael eyed the shuttered cannon for a moment. At least that one should be fairly predictable; she listened for the sound of its shutter opening as she turned her focus to the other more immediate threats A creak of plastic made her spin about, embracing her charge and channelling it; power rushed inward from her extremities, unified then lanced out from the hand she raised towards the creeping handy, releasing a twisting bolt of shearing lightning towards it. As the bolt left her empty space followed, leaving the girl drained for a moment. The void only remained for a beat, though, and as she drew a breath her charge pulsed back again, filling her body with another wave of chaotic force. Her muscles felt hot and strained, all across her body – she hadn't fully calmed down from the last scuffle yet – but it was bearable for now. She began to move, darting across the terrain on light feet.

When her ear caught the sound of the turret firing on her Lyntael twisted, half turning towards the sound before springing up from one foot and snapping the other around in a static-sheathed kick aimed at batting the errant cannon ball away before it could strike her, though her focus was on connecting with it, and not where it went afterwards. By the time she closed in with the raccoon virus, her strikers had built to a steady glow again and she could feel the charge inside her eager to release, but as she began to sweep her first strike around towards the creature, her eyes fixed on it properly and Lyntael felt her heart lurch sharply. The punch stopped midair and the girl faltered, stumbling back from it as she blinked. On sudden instinct, she curled in to grip at her own arms instead, suppressing the wave of static that threatened to roll off her body. She hadn't... hadn't even paused to check. Hadn't waited to see if they were just curious about the light or... memories of a hot spring, recently fresh in her mind, flickered through her thoughts and she took another step back from the bandit virus, hands raised and palms open.

“I... I'm sorry. We don't... we don't need to fight, if you're just interested in the light. I... I don't have anything for you, I'm sorry... I'm just here on my own...” For a brief moment, her mind forgot the other more clearly hostile viruses about her, focused instead the one in front of her that looked so much like the one she remembered. When had she become so violent? As she backed off, her other natural defences refreshed and reasserted themselves all a round her, almost in response to the shock of her suddenly derailed focus. The thought only lasted a moment, however, before it was dashed away by the intrusion of other more obviously aggressive action. Sudden movement in her peripheral made Lyntael whip around, unsure which virus had caught her attention. The one that drew her eye, however, was the ostentatiously-helmed swordy. She grimaced, gritting her teeth. Even the memories of the times she'd found friendly solutions to sudden encounter on the net seemed distant and foggy to her now. Maybe it was pointless after all. She let her body drop back into a fighting stance again and darted towards the sword-wielder, ducking low to try to avoid the oversized weapon.

In a single smooth motion, Lyntael slid to a crouch, her slight weight leaning forward into the sharp upward spring led by a fist aimed right at the underside of its helmet. As she rose into the strike, her current surged, encouraged all the more by the sudden pang of frustration and swelling to bursting point within her.

“Back Off!” The shout was ground out between her teeth as she struck upwards, and the brilliant flare of bright light engulfed both her and the gaudy virus for a moment while the excess fall-off exploded upwards into a scattering tree of electricity above them. Lyntael landed from the strike, her left arm briefly numb from the expenditure. The yawning cold of the emptiness it left behind stole her breath and she panted, shoulders heaving, as she recovered. It only lasted a single beat before the next pulse filled her, the charge racing back faster and harder again; the burn of it in her body made her grit her teeth and clench her fists again, and she took another, more laboured breath where she stood, fighting to control the wild rebuild of energy.

Summary
L*) First Armour: 20Hp Casing (as subtle outfit reinforcement)
L1) A Single Ember (SupportBase(20), Buster Charge, Strengthen 20, Counter(On Hit): ShotBase(50)Elec, Shot-type, Nova2, A), (Self-Slow), 4CD, (Overcharge -2 on Set, +1 On Trigger)
L*) Subtype: Turbulence: Frontal defence, deflect first projectile to random enemy, D Acc
L2) 'Gainst Violent Threat: (Multi-Stage: (Take Aim), then (SpectralBase(75)Elec, Break, Impact, Slashing, Shot-type, A), then (Buster Shot: 30 x 5 hits, Disarm, Shot-type, A), (Charge-Burner(1)) 4CD, (Overcharge +4) @ Handy2
L3) Dodge
L4) No More To Hide: Multi-Stage: (Buster Strike: 30 x 5 hits, Disarm, Melee-type, A), then (20Elec, Nova2) 2CD, (Overcharge +2) @ Ringthief *Aborted!*
L*) Fast Armour: 20Hp Casing Refresh
L5) A Burning Ache: (40hp Barrier, Buster Charge, Counter(On Hit): ShotBase(50)Elec, Nova2, Shot-type, A, (Self-Slow), 4CD, (Overcharge -2 on Set, +1 On Trigger)
L6) Half-Charged Strike: 300Elec, Disarm, Melee-type, A, (Overcharge +4) @ King Mono

Cooldowns and Overcharge
A Single Ember: 4TCD
'Gainst Violent Threat: 4TCD
No More to Hide: 2TCD
A Burning Ache: 4TCD

Overcharge: Begin: 3, A Single Ember (-2/set +1/trigger), 'Gainst Violent threat (+4), No More To Hide (+2), A Burning Ache (-2/set +1/trigger), Half-Charged Strike (+4) End: +11/+9

Quick on the draw, Amity made her first shot into the battlefield as the Bunny hopped up and down excitedly, barely evading the discharged firearm from the navi as it fell forward in it's excitement. As Liliana brought her defences to bear, the Catack would make it's shot as it moved forwards towards the duo, blasting out it's cannon and sending it's ordience hurtling towards them, but thanks to Liliana's Turbulance, the shot would be shunted away towards the Armadill, exploding against it's body and leaving a nasty sooty mark against it (20) as it began to shake off the incidental damage.

The Bunny taking it's shot, it hopped back up onto it's feet and brought it's head back and swiftly forward, sending a spark of energy towards the two and clipping Liliana as she brought her casing up, but even then she could feel the paralysis rising up across her body, processors slowing down for a brief moment she couldn't shake off so easily (10+Stun1) as Amity shot off her Zapring, clipping the Catack and making it sieze up in turn (40!+stun), tank treads slowing down as the Twisty would roll in with it's little gremlin of a UFO, sending a shocking blast downwards and missing entirely, hitting a nearby metal panel and leaving a small scorch mark.

The Armadill, coming in from behind, would begin to roll up and just as swiftly, it would roll out, attempting to slam into Amity from behind like a cannonball, crashing through Amity's legs but managing to miss Liliana despite it's size (20, miss) and rolling through to where the Twisty had been seated at...only until Amity and Lili's one-two punch came through, leading the immobile virus to get caught by the butterfly's gravitic hold upon it, leading the virus to sumarily get speared through the waiting DrillArm, with both of the drill's spins leading to it's form getting scattered about in wonderful fashion in front of them like junk (60x2) and removing one enemy from the fight without any serious damage to herself or her SP.

Stepping back in disbelief as it's ally had been killed so quickly, the Armadill would stamp it's feet in indignation, rushing towards Liliana and Amity as it rolled back up and attempted to crush both of them again and again, managing to miss Liliana, but this time Amity as well, as she narrowly stepped out of the way, the Armadill coming to a stop some distance to the south-east and unhappily letting out a viral cry. Of course, Amity was quick on the draw just the same, sending out a concentrated blast of sound at the virus and smacking it right in the head, screeches of the local bat viruses completely destroying it's hearing for the moment (70) as it dug against the paneling to try and get it out of it's head. Then finally, the Catack made one last shot on Amity, whiffing wide of the navi and her partner as the former evaded it just barely, an explosion sounding off in the distance. The battle wasn't won -just- yet, but Amity was doing more than enough to keep up.

-- Viruses --
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.: 50 HP (Metal) (Hopping in from the West, perpendicular with Amity)
ArmadillArmadill (Armadill)

Armadills require two actions to execute each attack. The first action is always a movement to line up with the target, and the second action is the actual attack. Unlike the games, Armadills do not roll back to where they started after each attack. Instead, they may uncurl at another location on the field.

Area: Electown, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Group Attack + Breaking + Impact
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Attacks by rolling. Breaking.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IronShell1, Zenny
Special: MetalBody when attacking.
Note: MetalBody is identical to IronBody, but does not hamper movement. Non-Break attacks deal 0 damage, and Break attacks deal double.: 10 HP (Normal) (Towards the south-east)
CatackCatack (Catack)

Catacks move at a slow rate and their dodges are generally bad. They can, however, attack in any direction while moving or attempting to dodge.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Dentech, Beach, Hades Isle

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Panel Crack + Blast2
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Blasts enemy with TankCannon.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TankCannon1, Zenny
Special: May Move/Dodge while attacking.
Special: Slow: 80 HP (Metal) (Coming in from the East, CLOSING IN)
TwistyTwisty (Twisty)

Area: SciLab, Electown

HP: 80
Attack: 20 Elec + Panel Break + Drop Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Summons a RemoteBit to rain down lightning and break panels.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RemoteBit1, Zenny
Special: Immobile. RemoteBit is invulnerable to all attacks and effects. Can use Blinder once.: RMMMMRMRMRMRMRM

-- Navis --
Amity.Exe: 230 HP (Normal) (Liliana Equipped) (In the southern end of the area)
Liliana.SP: 70 HP (Equipped to Amity) (Casing30) (Stun1)

-- Terrain -- (Both Metal and Normal are roughly interspersed across the field in a checkerboard pattern, a dodge will bring you to the opposite terrain unless otherwise dodging to that terrain)
50% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

50% Normal

• No effects.

-- Objects --
GMD: 20 HP (Metal)(Out in the open towards the middle of the field)

As the street illuminated and Lyntael took her stance, a purple-almost-black mist began to spray about the area, panels changing about seemingly at random, before finally settling down and around her, a mixture of Holy, Poison, Cracked and Normal would spread out from her eyes in seemingly random paterns, leading her internal programs to begin a klaxon call as viruses began to encroach upon her and Rogan's position, must have triggered a defensive measure.

To the north, a Cannonguard in brown was beginning to take aim at the electric dancer and making sure to close it's shutters just to protect itself. A but further back, a Spooky in Chartruse would be seen teleporting about in the faint light of a flickering Holy panel. As the spooky teleported about, the local Bandcoon population, a Ringthief, the racoon-creature in a dark grey and wearing a blood-red bandanna around it's head as it rolled about, unknowing that the navi in front of it didn't use chips. Then came a much larger virus, the MonoSwordin with a golden helmet around it's head as it held a gold encrusted sword in it's hand, showing off it's nobility (and it's need to flaunt it) as it swung once before nearly falling over. And finally, her quary, the Handy, began to sneak up behind Lyntael, with some...rather squeaky rubber giving it away for her to find. Battle Routines flaring up, Lyn was set to battle beneath the known networks.

-- Viruses --
CannonGuard2CannonGuard2 (CannonGuard)

CannonGuards are automatically in guard mode unless they are attacking. When guarding, the turret is protected by a shutter that will stop any and all non-breaking attacks from the front. This shutter cannot be destroyed, even by a breaking attack, so long as the virus exists. The shutter does not protect the turret portion of the virus against attacks from the back or sides. The base of the virus is also immune to non-breaking damage.

Area: SciLab, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, NAXA

HP: 150
Attack Damage/Effect: 45 Null + Lockon
Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Locks on and attacks
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): MarkCannon2, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Target's evasion counts less against this virus.
Special: Can guard against attacks.: 150 HP (Normal) (Roughly to the North-West of Lyntael, taking aim)
Spooky2Spooky2 (Spooky)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Netopia

HP: 80
Attack: 30 Null
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Teleports up to the opponent and slaps with its long tongue.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Recover30, Recover50 (Uncommon), Recover80 (Rare), Invis2 (Rare), Zenny
Special: Can teleport at will.
- Can use Recover 80 on any virus below 1/2 HP: 80 HP (Holy) (To the North and teleporting in rapidly)
RingthiefRingthief (Bandcoon)

Bandcoons are gray raccoon-like creatures, around 30 inches in height. They possess black stripes around their body, aside from their short, almost stub-like legs. Their faces are usually unseen, as they're covered in a red mask with string decorations. Their tails are twice as long as their actual bodies, and are usually curved into a question mark shape. At first this may seem like a simple design choice, but the tail is actually prehensile, and Bandcoon cleverly use it to steal chip data from Navis. Bandcoons' speed and small size combine to make them surprisingly difficult to hit while moving, and are even agile enough to turn sharply with little problem. However, if caught standing still, they're practically sitting ducks. However, when they're not using chips, they always prefer to move when possible. Their main tactic is to roll around and confound the enemy with their speed, then move in and swipe them with their tail, using it like a hook to grab data not directly tied to them, namely Battlechips. They can then use it themselves, at reduced power, as a free action. All other effects of the chips still apply, including pre-requisites to use the chip (i.e. Spice still needs Grass terrain, MachineSword still requires that the enemy be stunned). Higher level Bandcoon are aware of such conditions, and will try to satisfy the requirements if at all possible. If the enemy has no Battlechips, Bandcoons get extremely aggravated, and will ram an enemy in anger and desperation. However, they severely dislike doing this, and will only use this attack as a last resort for when they have no chips.

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Yumland

HP: 130
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Chip Steal + 1/2 Chip Use
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Ringthief steals a single random chip the opponent has selected this turn. They then use the chip at 1/2 of its normal power, rounded down to the nearest 5. Recovery chips still work at full power.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Null + Impact
Secondary Attack Accuracy: A
Secondary Attack Description: If Ringthief cannot steal an attacking chip for any reason, they will instead roll into an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Pickpocket (Rare), Zenny
Special: Haste while moving (+10%). Double Slow while standing still (-20%).: 130 HP (Poison) (To Lyntael's Left about a feint away and ready to attack)
King!MonoSwordinMonoSwordin (MonoSword)

MonoSword are distant cousins of Swordy, but have evolved further in an attempt become more a threat. They attack by teleporting in front of their target, and slashing with their namesake before returning to their original position. Their blades are sturdier than most, and can cut through things regular ones cannot, such as shields. Their bulky armor also gives them above average stamina, but it weighs them down to the point where they do not move or dodge, aside from attacking. Despite it lacking any sort of defense that would bestow such a weakness, they ironically take additional damage from Break attribute attacks.

Area: Netopia, Yoka, Hades Isle

HP: 210
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Break + Slashing + Wide Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Delivers an armor cutting slash.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BreakSword, Zenny
Special: Break Weakness: Attacks with the Break attribute deal +100% Source damage to this virus, as though hitting an elemental weakness.
Special: Moves by teleporting. This is not treated as a formal Teleport, and does not confer any bonuses.: 210 HP (Cracked) (To the East, struggling with getting closer)
Handy2Handy2 (Handy)

Handy Viruses attack by opening a dimensional gate below themselves, and dropping into it. The exit gate opens next to their destination, and they will rise out of it holding an explosive. This explosive is placed on an unbroken panel, and the Handy is free to move after. The use of gates does not count as teleporting, but can be used as a means of dodging as they attack. Gates are only used when attacking, and at no other time. Handy viruses will not set a new explosive until either a turn has passed, or they pass one action without setting a new bomb, whichever comes first. For more info on the bombs Handy viruses use, see below.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Hades Isle

HP: 120
Primary Attack Damage: 100 Null to all enemies after 2 turns
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Places a 100HP TimeBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital timer on it. The bomb counts down for two turns, then explodes, dealing 50 damage to all enemies. If the bomb's HP is reduced to Zero before time expires, the bomb is harmlessly destroyed.
Secondary Attack Damage: 100 Null Counterattack + Blast2
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Places a 1HP DudBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital X displayed on the side. The bomb remains on the field until the end of the turn after it was summoned, then self destructs harmlessly. If the DudBomb is attacked, it detonates whatever attacked it for 50 Null damage in a Blast2 area. This counterattack is indescriminate, and will trigger against the attacker no matter who or what it may be, without exception.
Element: Null.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TimeBomb2, Zenny
Special: This virus cannot attack unless there is at least 1 unbroken and unoccupied panel on the field for it to place bombs on.: 120 HP (Normal) (Making an attempt to sneak up behind Lyntael)

-- Navis --
Lyntael.EXE: 310 HP (Normal) (Roughly middle of the field)

-- Terrain --
20% Cracked

• Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
• Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
• Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
• PanelShot: Splash1.

(Scattered about, usually a feint away from each other)
40% Normal

• No effects.

(Scattered about, easy to move across to one another)
20% Holy

• Halves Final Damage.
• Cannot be in Sigs.
• PanelShot: Converts attack to Life Drain.

(Scattered about, about a movement away from each other)
20% Poison

• -10 HP/action standing, -20 HP/action submerged.
• Zombie nullifies damage, heals 10 HP/action on contact.
• Cannot be in Sigs.
• PanelShot: Poison(20).

(Scttered about, usually a fient away from each other)

-- Rogue Battle 2 Ready? Start!! --

It was as she gathered the loose data and converted it to a neat string that disappeared on its way back to Rogan's Pet that her operator's voice cut in over her shoulder again. Lyntael paused to listen while her eyes wandered around the darkened street.

“You should find the main address for the business somewhere close to where you are now, Lyntael. It should be the only link currently active in your immediate vicinity right now. When you get close enough, the definitions I've now attached to your masking should let you see its maintenance terminal. You'll need to redirect the entry address to this location;” a new string of data joined the other elements of the net dive she was managing as he continued. “I'm working on amending your credentials, but there must be no flags or notifications.” His tone was calm and focused and Lyntael let some of that same confidence settle over her as she listened to him, then nodded her head.

“Yes, sir. I think I see what I need.” Her eyes had settled on a patch of light further down the road and off to one side, where the intermittent, dim, flickering lamps that elsewhere only heightened the gloom gave way instead to a brighter glow of aged neon – a small sign, but still the only point of difference she'd seen so far. She began to walk quickly towards it.

On this layer of the local network, down deep where normal navis didn't tread, the night sky was covered in thick clouds that seemed like they might threaten rain... but it didn't smell like it, so probably not, she guessed. The gloomy quiet stretched and the near silent footfalls of her sneakers was the only noise that accompanied the gentle rustle of branches in the faint breeze. She wondered if the older, deeper net layers had less detail in them, the older they got; were there fragments of networks down here, from the days when netscapes only bore a rudimentary, visual resemblance to real places? The thought lingered as she approached the soft glow – maybe the rain here wouldn't smell like rain before it hit?

“Rogan, sir... What will you do if Varda forbids you from looking into these guys any more than they tell you? I know... I know this is personal to you now, even if you won't tell me why, but if they tell you to drop it, going against that might be more dangerous than anything else.” She didn't slow down as she spoke, murmuring quietly under the weight of the feeling of silence all around. As long as she kept moving, Rogan ought not to scold her, probably, and if she kept nudging at the point, he'd say something about it sooner or later, eventually. When he answered it was initially terse and blunt, but his first words gave way to a heavier pause as he hesitated, communication line open, yet silent.

“It would be, but I don't intend to let this go... It's...” In the gap, she could practically feel him looking away from her, avoidant, even though she knew that he probably hadn't rally been looking towards it in the first place. Don't be angry; don't fight. She repeated the thought to herself and waited him out. Eventually he continued. “It is personal, Lyntael, yes. It's not that I... I isn't-”

“It's family. I know.” Despite herself, the words came out in a short mutter, cutting him off and the girl winced afterwards, smothering a sour expression. Why couldn't she stay calm about these things? Rather than continue to answer, she heard Rogan sigh.

“...Yes. It's... It's about family.” There was that pain again... the little cracks, through which he still sounded so broken, so... defeated. This wasn't the time for it, not when they both needed to focus.

“I'm here, sir. Getting to work now.” Her steps had indeed carried her up to the occasionally flickering light where a signed proclaimed welcome to Jennings' General all-goods and trade. It listed opening hours for humans and the dull glow of a still-active link pad below bore an additional, smaller note proclaiming 24/7 order processing for navigators. As Rogan had said, the link's private maintenance controls shimmered into sight just behind the sign as she drew close and Lyntael stepped around the advertisement to examine it more closely; while the external sign and transit pad looked damaged and showed signs of many long years of forgotten neglect, this control terminal was clean, well-kept and fully functional. She got to work quickly.

She still hadn't managed to piece together as much as she wanted to about Rogan's past, before they had met. What she knew for certain was that Eric was the only family he still considered himself to have; that the two had walked away from a whole other life, somewhere in northern netopia, and couldn't go back. Rogan even avoided travelling any further north than the city they were in now, no matter how tempting the work might be... She knew that family was important to him, I one sense; he loved his brother, more truly than he cared for anyone or anything else... but a the same time, he despised the concept of family ties, family duty, family responsibility; he grew cold, bitter and sardonic when others spoke about family, or the importance of it... but that was the extent of it. No matter how she'd tried to search, in her private moments, she'd never been able to really learn anything tangible about what had happened; she didn't even really know what she was looking for in the first place.

The thread of frustration at the background thoughts continued to niggle at her while she worked, but even so it didn't take long. A moment before she finished constructing the redirection she felt Rogan apply the altered credentials to her and nodded in satisfaction as the system authorised her final keystroke. The link pad nearby dimmed briefly then re-lit itself, but Lyntael waited an extra few seconds until a slim bolt of light zipped away from the terminal in a different direction. She was ready for the log update and was quick to intercept it, but as her fingers curled around the small light bead it burst into a scattering of multi-hued light that glittered and settled across the landscape, sparkling like a beacon. Sounds in the dark beyond the light made her whip around, biting of a short curse.

“I think there was a decoy, sir! I didn't see anything else escape, but I've got more company.”
“Someone's paintballing deleted logs. Either that, or they're expecting random hacks. Deal with your trouble, Lyntael. I'll make sure you're clean before we go any further.”
“Yes, sir.” The girl nodded in the suddenly illuminated street and let herself fall into a ready stance while she waited to see if it attracted anything else.

((Ready for Battle 2))