Testing Run Part 2

The trio of mets still seemed cautious as Astraea attempted to sign her own non-aggression, but all attempts at parley were suspended when the more hostile viruses attacked. The bat was the quickest of them, surveying the scene from above, but as it looked the area over it seemed to decide that Astraea was the more threatening risk to tackle first and swooped down towards her. Its signature sonic pulse came out in a hostile shriek, but Astraea managed to shift aside and protect herself from the worst of the sound.

As she dodged the attack, she could see the cloaked metool sprinting towards the battle line, its pickaxe now held in a ready position out to its side; it was a strangely more serious and refined stance, even as it ran, than one normally expected to see on the cute little guys.

Astraea herself was turning her focus to some of the other approaching hostiles, and lined up a cactus shot towards the oncoming bunnies as they bounded in. As she shot the first one int he line off, it seemed like the four spiky orbs were connected by an unseen tether, and they shot off in a linked chain after her first shot, looking almost like an altogether overzealous caterpillar. The attack crashed through the first bunny with virus-deleting force, shattering the first cactus segment in an explosion of plant matter and spines. The coil hit the ground and bounced back in a different direction, this time taking the second bunny from behind and splattering a second segment as it did.

The remaining two segments bounced off the ground again and arced towards the Melody that was bouncing along nearby, but they shot underneath one of its jumps and seemed to lose momentum right away. Oh well.

Close by, the running metool approached the cracked area, and shouted something in an unintelligible viral chatter towards the other mets, before veering away towards where the stoves approached. The larger one was already ambling towards Astraea herself, but the smaller of the two had been eyeing up the three metools in their neat little line. The cloaked one crossed in front of it, drawing the virus' attention, before slipping quickly behind it and striking with its pick; the stove let out a gout of fire that missed the strange metool as the sound of rending metal echoed out.

Two of the mets near the centre had nodded at whatever had been said to them and swiftly ducked under their helmets. The third seemed a little braver and was looking around for a target, just as the melody bounced closer. It jostled around between the two guarding ones, and a sudden cracking sound preceded the entire cracked section that the cluster was on giving in and dropping from sight as the damaged panels gave way. A collection of surprised 'meeps' rang out, and a musical clang that might have been one of them trying to fend off the melody, but it was hard to see what had resulted.

Astraea couldn't investigate right away, as she was momentarily pinned down by a sudden gout of alarmingly fierce fire from the larger of the two stove viruses. Her shield bore the brunt of the flames, sparing her from harm, though it baked and cracked the ground beneath her before the yet finally died down. Across the way from her, the engineer could see the cloaked metool's attention drawn back to the centre, its eyes momentarily widening.

-=Viruses=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp [Broken][Guarding][In the larger central hole]
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp [Broken][In the larger central hole]
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp [Broken][Guarding][In the larger central hole]

PulseBatPulseBat (PulseBat)

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Sharo, NetVegas

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Seeking
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Uses a sonic screech to damage its opponents.
Secondary Attack Effect: EchoLocation
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a sonic pulse to reveal hidden or illusory targets.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Pulsar1, EchoLocation, Zenny.
Special: Airshoes. If PulseBat hits an object, its attack spreads to up to 8 other targets at half damage while dealing full damage to that object. Every other turn, this virus enters High Altitude (dropdown) status and does not attack.: 80Hp [Over Normal, Near Astraea]
Melody EXMelody EX (Melody)

Melody viruses move, dodge, and attack by jumping. There is no distinction between these 3 actions.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 110
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null x 3 attacks
Secondary Attack Accuracy: E
Secondary Attack Description: Bounces around with complete disregard for whoever or whatever is in the area. Can hit obstacles as well as enemies.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Binder1, ColorBall1 (Rare), Zenny
Special: Increased evasion.: 100Hp [Broken][In the larger central hole]
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: CACTUS
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: CACTUS
OldstoveEXOldstoveEX (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: 80Hp [Normal][Near To Astraea's right]
OldstoveOldstove (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: 20Hp [Normal][To Astraea's right, focused on Cloaked Metool]

Cloaked Metool? 80Hp [Normal][Near the centre, to Astraea's right]

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 55Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority of the area]
15% 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.

[Two cracked strips near where each of the stoves attacked]
25% 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.

[Larger hole in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 30Hp [In Broken hole]

There is a certain kind of awfulness about being given the choice to use whatever one wants when one is inexperienced. Astraea was feeling the pinch now, the uneasiness the came from not knowing which of her choices was the correct one. She was hindered by the field, hindered ironically by the placement of the Metools on the field. The Oldstoves would be easy to take out in one blow with the dragon or her own variant of the Metool attack, but then the cloaked Metool would be in the line of fire as well.

She could call for the Sword, it was precise enough and quick enough that she could make short work of all the hostiles in her immediate area but that would leave her woefully unable to assist with whatever was happening in the pit behind her.

Judging by the cloaked Metool's expression whatever was happening in the pit was not optimal. Perhaps the better move was to keep that situation from deteriorating further.

"Requesting Sword battle chip!"

"You're not usually the slice 'n' dice type." Alex noted as he fumbled his fingers across the too tiny icons for chips. He dragged his index across the screen two chips following his finger onto the little icon of Astraea. [color=#CC6600]"Whoops! I don't even remember what that chip does!"

"Battle chips recieved, processing now." The mechanic's face crumpled in worry: what did he mean he 'didn't know what that chip does'? It had to be one of their lesser used ones but there was a number of chips that fit that bill. She holstered her raygun and held out her left hand, palm up. A little grey tube with a rather conspicious button fell into it.

She clicked the button.

Blue light shot from one end and shaped itself into the blade seen on the Sword chip. This was familiar form her wrench and she lunged forward immediately to take a swipe at the undamaged OldStove, attempting to split it in two before it spit fire again. She scurried backward cautiously and then the other chip triggered.

A white pill shaped container popped into existence over one end and then broke open to shower the hard-light blade with a suspect looking white powder that had Astraea narrowing her eyes thoughtfully.

She knew what that chip did.

She spun on her heel and ran her ungainly run back to the pit. She hopped into the hole and had a moment to think that the weird jumping thing didn't look that much like a threat then she was lunging forward with her blade leading the way, trying her best not to hit or trip over the Metools.

With any luck her combination would keep the jumper in place long enough they could do something about it. She however, was too tired from the running and unusual physical activity to do more then hang back and hope she didn't get hit in the cross fire.

Caught in the pinch of multiple seemingly conflicting forces of dubious allegiance, Astraea's first course of action was the clearest. A fast lunge from her new hard light blade was enough to destroy the stove virus that was closing in on her before it could produce another blast of flame. Just across the way, she saw the cloaked metool begin to turn towards the pit, before a bright gout of fire blasted out and obscured it from sight as the other stove vented a second time. When the fire cleared, however, the little guy seemed okay, having covered down in his helmet at the last moment. It popped up, then jumped, spinning its pickaxe around to cleave the other virus into two roughly torn metal halves with a forceful 'Meep!', before it turned again and darted towards the pit.

The pulsebat watched this succession of events and as Astraea watched her sword get empowered by a new chip, it winged its way skyward again to reassess the battle. Both Astraea and the strange metool were moving towards the hole in the ground now, but as she approached the sounds of impacts and shock-waves from the pit rang out. Astraea saw the body of the musical note bounce up and down twice before she reached the edge of the pit but before she could jump in it popped up a third time, presenting itself at perfect slicing height for her, from the edge. When she struck it, the virus parted neatly, its two halves beginning to rapidly disintegrate; it seemed the mets in the hole had done a small amount of damage to it before she got there.

The cloaked met arrived a moment after she struck the Melody down, skidding to a halt in front of her and blocking the edge of the hole as best it could. there wasn't a lot of room, but it hunkered low at the edge, holding its weapon sideways in front of itself towards her, in a clearly defensive gesture. It called over its shoulder into the pit, something in unintelligible viral sounds, and was answered by a chorus of three 'meep!'s in succession, before turning its eyes back to Astraea, obviously cautious. In between the tense moment, its gaze flicked up towards the remaining other virus, the pulsebat up above, then back to the alien navi.

-=Viruses=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp [Broken][In the larger central hole]
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp [Broken][Guarding][In the larger central hole]
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 20Hp [Broken][In the larger central hole]

PulseBatPulseBat (PulseBat)

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Sharo, NetVegas

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Seeking
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Uses a sonic screech to damage its opponents.
Secondary Attack Effect: EchoLocation
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a sonic pulse to reveal hidden or illusory targets.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Pulsar1, EchoLocation, Zenny.
Special: Airshoes. If PulseBat hits an object, its attack spreads to up to 8 other targets at half damage while dealing full damage to that object. Every other turn, this virus enters High Altitude (dropdown) status and does not attack.: 80Hp [High Altitude]
Melody EXMelody EX (Melody)

Melody viruses move, dodge, and attack by jumping. There is no distinction between these 3 actions.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 110
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null x 3 attacks
Secondary Attack Accuracy: E
Secondary Attack Description: Bounces around with complete disregard for whoever or whatever is in the area. Can hit obstacles as well as enemies.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Binder1, ColorBall1 (Rare), Zenny
Special: Increased evasion.: DELETED
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: CACTUS
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: CACTUS
OldstoveEXOldstoveEX (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: DELETED
OldstoveOldstove (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: DELETED

Cloaked Metool? 80Hp [Normal][Between Astraea and the broken hole]

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 55Hp [Normal][Sword (+Stun), 4/6 Uses left]

-=Terrain=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority of the area]
15% 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.

[Two cracked strips near where each of the stoves attacked]
25% 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.

[Larger hole in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 10Hp [In Broken hole]

-------------------------------

"YEAH! Nice cut!!" Alex crowed as he punched the air. He almost dropped the pet in his glee: the holographic depiction of the chips flickered as it clipped through his chest then steadied as he managed to fumble a grip onto it. "That was close!"

"I concur, disaster would have occured had actions not been taken to prevent that." Astraea replied as she surveyed the subjects of her disucssion: namely the standard Metools and the Mystery Data. The caped Metool was back and defensive and Astraea merely stared at it silently with her mouth drawn into a tight line. Was there no real way to talk to it? She remembered Metangler's own booming "MEEP" and began to ponder. Perhaps it was a special compressed communication algorithm she couldn't access.

Viral Behavior wasn't her specialty but maybe that was something to test in the future. For now she communicated as clearly as she thought she could: she lowered her sword then pointed at the mystery data, then the Metools, then finally made a sweeping gesture in the general direction of 'away from this mess'.

Her communication was clear to one person at least.

"Whoa, you're really going to let them have that gem-data-thing?" Alex piped up. "I mean, do you remember what we got from it last time? Do you even know what might be in it this time? Its gotta be good, right?"

Astraea hestitated because it didn't sound like he was seriously disappointed but maybe he really was unwilling to let the possible treasure chest go. She personally didn't care, the chip data she had gathered from her previous encounters was proving quite adequate to the task even if some of her implementations were rather messy.

"The last hostile has an area of effect attack we are very familiar with." She reminded her operator, turning to look up at the Pulsebat with a squint. It had gotten rather high up there, a glance at her sword showed that she wasn't going to reach it with a normal attack.

Such a shame, some of that white powder from the pill was still on the blade too.

"Alex, requesting the strongest of our cannons and the recovery chip please." She pressed the button on the hilt of her sword and the blade vanished, leaving a small cloud of dusty white particles to slowly float to the ground. She stepped to the side and away from the potential hazard. Astraea might suspect they were inert but suspecting and knowing could be two very different things.

"I gotcha, that's the blue one right?" Alex asked as he slid the chip onto Astraea, activating it in the breath that he asked his question. He wasn't that drunk or inexperienced with virus busting after all! As long as he didn't have to make decisions then this much was easy. "Blast the bat!"

"Ye-oh. Thank you." The mechanic blinked in confusion because what was the point of asking if he was already sending it her way? Perhaps it was a memory reminder for himself? She shook her head because she wasn't even going to bother trying to get into psychology and pulled her ray gun out of its holster. The moment the barrel cleared the holster it changed shape and color in her hand, becoming bulkier and more square with a bright blue shade all over. Astraea hefted it with both hands and aimed carefully before pulling the trigger.

ka-WHOOM

A bullet of orange light flashed out and shot high into the air. Astraea would swear that despite it breaking all laws of physics the bullet actually veered toward the Pulsebat.

As she was watching her body was suddenly lit with a green glow and she felt better. Not completely fighting fit again, but certainly better than she had been.

She took her eyes off the pulse bat to glance at the pit behind her with a frown. Had the Metools finally started working their way out of it? If they weren't quick the automated network repair systems would catch them and the treasure.

She didn't know what exactly the consequences of that might be, but she was sure they couldn't be pleasant.

[Action Summary]
1) Dodge
2) MarkCannon1Damage: 70 + Seeking + Lock-on
Accuracy: A
Description: A highly accurate cannon whose automatic aiming system locks onto heat signatures and fires.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Lock-on: Same effect as an automatic Take Aim.
Trader Rank: D: 70 + Seeking + Lock-on (Acc: A) @ Pulsebat
3) Recover30Recovery: 30 HP
Accuracy: S
Description: Heals 30 HP.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D: Recover 30 HP (Acc: S) @ Self

When Astraea didn't immediately attack and instead gestured and spoke, the cloak-wearing metool gave a small nod. The other three were in the process of climbing out of the pit now that the danger seemed to have passed; a small series of step-stone moves atop each others' helmets created an efficient chain of climbing that let them begin to raise the data back out of the pit in a way that looked fairly practiced.

As this was going on, and the alien pondered means of communication, the sudden rapid movement of the bad saw her dart away from its vector and pull her ray gun. the bat's target seemed to be the data crystal itself as it peeked up out of the hole; the remaining virus was obviously trying to cause as much damage as it could. As it dived, however, the cloak-wearing one darted in between, foot-stooling over the top of one of its compatriots and flinging its pickaxe in the process, before pulling its helmet down low. The thrown weapon winged the bat, twisting it to face the goading metool instead and the blast of sound shuddered off his helm like a gong. Diffuse sound waves rolled out in every direction without enough power to damage anything, though the other three metools all squeaked and ducked under their helmets in panic gestures that would certainly have been too slow in a more dangerous situation.

A moment later, Astraea's shot rang true and nailed the bat soundly, deleting it and ending the danger at last. It took an extra moment for them all to lift up their helms again, and the network floor restored itself quickly once they were all out of the pit; their presence seemed to have been delaying the recovery. The cloaked metool glanced up at Astraea with something that looked like gratitude, though it was a more complex and less one-dimensional emotion than often tended to be expressed by most other viruses... though the glance was brief before it turned to the trio and chattered at them in viral scramble. It sounded like it was both checking that they were unhurt, and also scolding them to some extent, but without a clear translation the specifics were hard to tell. The trio mostly nodded along with simple-minded acceptance.

That done, it turned back to the engineer navi and seemed to take a breath and think for a moment. a small text box appeared beside and began to fill with more symbol gibberish, but the metool shook its head and waved its pickaxe through the symbols a few times, concentrating harder. After a moment, individual letters began to spell themselves out. Each one seemed to take a moment for him to get right, but after a minute the box read:

“No Quarrel. Defending. Protecting. Gratitude.” Below that, a second box scrolled up.
“Still Learning. Many to Help.” That much seemed to be the limit of his focus for forming legible language for now, but he tilted his head at Astraea to see her reaction. A quiet 'Meep!' from behind turned his attention however, and one of the three metools nudged the data crystal across a couple of panels towards Astraea. The others waved their pickaxes, their eyes forming happy arches in her direction. The cloaked one nodded as well and stepped backwards, so that the crystal was between her and them.

-=Viruses=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 40Hp
MetoolMetool (Metool)

Metools not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Piercing + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Whacks ground with pickaxe, sending forth a shockwave.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Throws a mattock at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Guard1, ShockWave, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.: 20Hp

PulseBatPulseBat (PulseBat)

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Sharo, NetVegas

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Seeking
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Uses a sonic screech to damage its opponents.
Secondary Attack Effect: EchoLocation
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a sonic pulse to reveal hidden or illusory targets.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Pulsar1, EchoLocation, Zenny.
Special: Airshoes. If PulseBat hits an object, its attack spreads to up to 8 other targets at half damage while dealing full damage to that object. Every other turn, this virus enters High Altitude (dropdown) status and does not attack.: DELETED
Melody EXMelody EX (Melody)

Melody viruses move, dodge, and attack by jumping. There is no distinction between these 3 actions.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 110
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null x 3 attacks
Secondary Attack Accuracy: E
Secondary Attack Description: Bounces around with complete disregard for whoever or whatever is in the area. Can hit obstacles as well as enemies.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Binder1, ColorBall1 (Rare), Zenny
Special: Increased evasion.: DELETED
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: CACTUS
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: CACTUS
OldstoveEXOldstoveEX (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: DELETED
OldstoveOldstove (Oldstove)

Oldstove viruses move and dodge at a very slow pace.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Line Attack(3) + Panel Crack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Flamethrower to one enemy.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireBurner1, Zenny
Special: Slow Movement. Cracks Terrain.: DELETED

Metool Protector: 90Hp

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 85Hp

-=Terrain=-
85% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority of the area]
15% 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.

[Two cracked strips near where each of the stoves attacked]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 10Hp

-=Battle 7, Victory!=-
Spoils: 900z

Open GMD?

"Hah! Denied!" Alex's voice rang out triumphantly over the private line as the mysterious Metool blocked the bat's assault.

Said cheer was promptly followed by Astraea's shot and as everything wound down she found herself pleased to have been able to successfully defend both herself and the group of Metools. As her blaster shifted back to its sleeker and smaller shape she holstered it and turned to the group, fully expecting them to have disappeared by now.

Instead she found the three getting scolded. While she found the scene awkward, the snickering in the commline said Alex had quite a different reaction. She straightened up when the mysterious Met turned back to her. She gave it a polite but tense smile and bowed to it in gratitude for its assistance with the fight.

As she straightened up she was startled to catch sight of words forming. The textbox was simple but even so it seemed to take quite a bit of effort for the Met to speak. Was it because as a virus it simply wasn't built that way? Was this another point toward a progam growing beyond its parameters? Nevertheless it was good to meet a relatively friendly entity on the net. "That is a grand goal and I wish you well in the endeavour."

"So formal! So it's like a bodyguard for peaceful viruses? I hope it doesn't run into anyone too violent." He mused. She snorted quietly at that, she was glad he had changed his tune from earlier but was he really that oblivious? At least he wasn't asking her to attack the Mettols for the mystery data.

Apparently it wouldn't be necesscary even if he had. Her eyes widened as the Metool pushed the green polygon forward. She was about to ask if they were sure but the looks on her faces made the question rather moot. "I appreciate the thought but perhaps you could assist me with something else first."

Twice she had thought of Metangler during this fight. Here too was another entity that had seemingly grown beyond the bonds of its programming.

"I know an entity that is looking for a place on the Net. Specifically, some place where they might dig and build in peace. They are neither Navi nor virus, but they have an appearance suggesting orgins of the latter. Would you know of somewhere that would accept them?" She tried to keep her question simple, both out of courtesy for replying that the irregular mettool had previously displayed and for her own processor powers.

She was crafting a message in her mind for her current guest. A quick report of the fight with emphasis on the cloaked Metool's actions and words. She held it in reserve, delaying sending it down the link back to her pet until she had an answer.

She might find a solution, but she didn't want to get their hopes up prematurely.

Open Mystery Data? Not yet

The defender of metools everywhere gave Astraea a solemn nod, then turned to leave – he had even slung his pick-axe over his shoulder in a nonchalant hero pose, and turned just so, so that the breeze caught his cloak and flared it out; there were the hints of a sunset and one might even be tempted to imagine the beginning strains of some dramatic piece of music. All of which halted abruptly as the engineer navi drew his attention back with another question.

While the other three metools watched on, he turned back and seemed to consider Astraea, his gaze travelling up and down; it was hard to escape the sensation of being judged for several long moments. Eventually, he nodded then looked around to make sure there weren't any other navis or viruses present, and stepped closer to the alien mechanist.

Rather than speaking again, or bringing up his previous dialogue box, the metool carefully began to scratch lines in the dirt between them. It took a few moments, but she quickly began to recognise that he was scratching out network co-ordinates. The address, when it was complete, didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but the metool looked up at her.

“Meep!” He shook his head, blinking, then made a sound that sounded a great deal like he was clearing his throat. A second later the text box returned with a single word in it: “Sanctuary”. After he was sure that Astraea had seen the address clearly, he quickly scrubbed it out again, scraping his pick-axe back and forth across it until there was no sign that anything had been written there. With a last tip of his helmet, the cloaked one turned to wander off again.

The remaining three metools seemed to have more or less forgotten about the previous danger already, and also seemed to have forgotten their previous treasure find; they had moved off to the side a bit, and after a series of small distractions had ended up about a dozen feet away, starting to dig for treasure again with excitement and enthusiasm. Perhaps it was the nature of metools to want to dig – and to not really be too invested in what they actually found, at least not for long.

The cloaked Metool was truly a heroic sight with the sunset effects and th e dramatic billowing of the cape. Not that Astraea really appreciated the sight.

Looks, aesthetics, special effects, none of these things interested her unless it was related to machinery. The heavier said machinery was, the better. However even she couldn't help but be apprehensive and worry about her own looks under the caped crusader's look. Was he trying to guess her intentions? Was he judging whether he could leave the three Metools safely by her?

She took a small step back but managed to keep from reaching for her buster. The scrutiny unnerved her but it was over quickly.

"What's our faaaavorite hero drawing?"

"Writing," She corrected, her eyes narrowed as she looked at the symbols. Her orange eyes lifted back to the Metool at the throat clearing then slid onto the text box. They widened and her mouth opened in a little 'oh'. She stepped closer to help shield the directions then looked down at the coordinates and commited them to memory. The moment she finished she stepped back and gave the Metool a deliberate, thoughtful nod.

If the place lived up to the potentional implied by the name then it was quite the trust the caped hero had in her.

"Message received," She said as he finished rubbing out the coordinates. The smile she wore was small but sincere, and she could feel a warm feeling bubbling up in her chest. "Thank you, for everything."

"Hey hey, you can't get all weepy now!" Alex chided, as the caped Metool took off into the Net. Astraea was confused until she felt something trickle down the stalk of her eye. "This was a good thing! No getting weepy over good things!"

No getting weepy over good things, huh? She knew Alex enough to know how to respond. She snorted and blinked her eyes rapidly, watching as the other Metool started digging. "I believe you are mistaken, operator. The digging has thrown up dust which has gotten into my eye. Unfortunately I was constructed with the sterile environment of the satellite in mind."

"Uh-huh." She smiled at the disbelief in his voice and dusted her hands off. "Should get you the helmet if that's the case! But hey, are you going to open the treasure or noooot? They don't want it!"

Astraea watched the Metools digging then nodded. He was correct that they appeared to have no interest in the green polyhedral. "I am still unsure, operator."

"Hey-hey, think of it like this! It's normally really attractive, right?" At her hesitant nod Alex continued, his confidence growing the more he explained. "So by taking the it you'll a) make this area less appealing to other Navis and b) show your gratitude for their gratitude! It'd be rude not to!"

"I feel your logic is faulty but I cannot write to log where the trouble is, operator." Astraea said but obediently she turned to the crystal and reached out her hand to trigger the opening. "I shall have to comply."

"Yess! It better be something good after all that! Wait, are you teasing me?"

Open MD: Yes

With the other entities moving on, Astraea engaged in a brief war of dubious logic with her operator, and then opened the data crystal that had been offered. It spun up quickly, but wobbled here and there from the minor blows it had initially taken. After a second or two, however the cracks fused and repaired themselves, and the crystal performed a few orderly revolutions before unpacking itself and delivering a bundle of chip data towards the mechanic.

GMD: MoonRay1Damage: 80 + Lunar Drain
Accuracy: A
Description: Fires a ray of lunar energy at an enemy.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Lunar Drain: Removes the target's outermost defense layer, even if it wouldn't normally be removed by this attack. Nullifies any counterattacks from that defense. Still triggers other defenses' counterattacks, if applicable.
Trader Rank: D

"Hey look, that chip's as out of the world as you are!" Alex broke into drunken laughter and Astraea briefly rolled her eyes. She finished sending the chip data on then continued on her way, comparing her internal compass against the coordinates she had been given.

Soon their promise would be fulfilled.

[Searching Battle #8]
Astraea
Lvl 5
85 hp
Self Destruct/Masterwork

Further into the network after her encounter with the slightly more learned Metool, Astraea found that the rocky terrain didn't seem like it would be letting up any time soon. In fact, the dried up areas seemed to be getting cracked in places and producing large sinkholes in the ground. The holes were easy enough to avoid, but a closer look revealed that there didn't seem to be a bottom through the holes--they appeared to go on forever into the dark. Moreover, some of them seemed to come in pairs in long intervals, looking like some unfathomably large creature had gone through and cracked the earth with enormous leaps.

Near a solitary sinkhole, Astraea then came across a trio of viruses, two of which seemed to be turret-oriented--a Kabutank and a Cannondumb. There was a Metool next to them, but it appeared to be slightly different than other Metools; it was missing its signature pickaxe, and instead had a strange gun barrel where a mouth would be, underneath its eyes. The Metool and the Kabutank were inspecting a spinning green crystal, when the Cannondumb quickly swiveled in Astraea's direction, detecting her approach. It emitted a shrill beeping noise repeatedly, alerting the other two to her presence. Suddenly, a howl could be heard in the distance. To her right, a duo of Spikeys was now running in her direction, with a pair of long-eared Bunny riders coming along for the trip!

-- Viruses --
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile: 90 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny: 90 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.: 40 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys A: 140 HP [Normal, Coming from the right]
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys B: 140 HP [Normal, Coming from the right]
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: 60 HP [Normal, Riding SpikeyEX A]
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: 60 HP [Normal, Riding SpikeyEX B]

-- Navis --
Astraea.EXE: 85 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
15% Missing

• Permanent bottomless hole.
• Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
• EJO if you fall in.

[Large sinkhole]
15% 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.

[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
70% Normal

• No effects.

[Everywhere else]

-- Objects --
GMD: 35 HP [Next to NeoMetool & Kabutank]

-- Battle 8 Ready? Start!! --

"Huh, those broken panels almost look a trail of footprints! Also more treasure, whoo!" Alex said. He had plugged his PET into the tv and as a result enjoyed a bird's eye view of the area. "Don't fall in the hole, I don't know if I wanna get that deep with you!"

With a fond roll of her eyes at the laughter from her operator the little mechanic came to a stop. There were quite a few foes out and about, and the potential for things to go painfully was very, very high.

'I'll work cautiously to start,' She thought as she surveyed each of the viruses in turn. Her eyes lingered on the Spikeys with their strange rabbit riders. Did these two look a little tougher then the one before? She thought they might, and considering how much that on had hurt she had a pretty good indication of what to prioritize.

"Requesting the water dragon chip and cactus ball chip, Alex." She said as she stepped back and flexed her hands, stretching her tendons and the scant muscle there before the chips were sent.

"Huh, y'know its weird but the plants have actually done better for us than the dragon has." said Alex as he dragged his finger across the slide-reel of chips to pull the designated chips onto Astraea's body. In his peripheral he caught sight of his movements being broadcasted to the tv as well and grinned. "Does this count as being on tv?"

That was a question Astraea didn't have an answer to or context for. Her face scrunched in confusion. She could, with a little effort, send her awareness back along the 'line' to figure out what he was talking about but the viruses were a more immediate matter.

A blue glow settled over her as she activated the dragon chip. The sound of waves crashing in the surf filled her ears as she raised her hands as high as she could before leaning forward to slam them on the ground. A geysar gushed up from between her fingers and she scrabbled back as it shifted from a plume of water to the dripping maw of a mighty dragon. With a roar the chip construct threw itself forward in great bouncing arcs toward the unfortunate dogs and their riders.

As the dragon leaped forward Astraea stumbled back. She didn't quite fall from the force of the water rushing forward but it was a very near thing. She wobbled for a moment on one leg while pinwheeling wildly before her second foot crashed into the ground as well. With an immediate sigh of relief she pivoted to face the group of three and took a couple clumsy steps sideways.

Hopefully that was enough to throw them off.

With a look of intense concentration Astraea raised her hands above her head again as her body became outlined in green light. She wiggled her fingers in the air and with four loud "Pop"s summoned four round cactus balls that went tumbling and bouncing and wiggling across the ground at her foes. She watched them bounce away then drew her raygun and gave the wiggling stack a bounce to speed up the pace.

Action Summary
--------------
Astraea
85 hp
1) AquaDragon1Damage: 100 + Ground Attack + Medium Area Sea Terrain Change + Terrain Changer
Accuracy: C
Description: Summons a WaterDragon that attacks enemies as it glides across the ground. Changes terrain to Sea as it passes.
Duration: Once
Element: Aqua
Special: Terrain Changer: Ceases attacking when the Terrain Change effect is completed (once 25% of the terrain is changed).
Trader Rank: D: 100 + Ground Attack + 25% Sea Terrain Change + Terrain Changer (Acc: C) @ Spikies
2) Dodge
3) CactusBall2Damage: 40 x 4 Hits + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Rolls a spiked ball at an enemy, but if it ceases hitting its target, it will harmlessly roll off into the distance.
Duration: Once
Element: Wood
Special: Attacks the same target up to four times, but the attack will end immediately if it misses at any point.
Trader Rank: C: 40 x 4 Hits + Ground Attack (Acc: C) @ CannonDumb, Kabutank, NeoMetool

A quick assessment of the hostiles bearing in on her position swiftly led Astraea to the conclusion that a forceful offence was the surest means of reducing her immediate danger. As she prepared to unleash the dragon towards the on-rushing spikies, the two more artillery-inclined viruses scoped her out. The cannon targeted her with a laser sight that painted a crosshair on her overalls, while the tank was more straight forward in firing a heavy shell directly towards her. Not quite towards her enough, as it turned out, much to the engineer's fortune – the shell missed her and thudded into the ground a fair distance behind her.

Meanwhile, Astraea unleashed her first attack and sent the dragon to meet the riders. They crashed through each other in a burst of water, static and steam. When it cleared, three of the viruses had been wiped out, but one of the bunnies had thrown itself clear quickly enough to escape a watery doom. It tossed a ring back at Astraea, but the sparking electricity flew wide by a very broad margin; the virus was too busy preserving its own life to aim well, it seemed.

Leaving it for the time being, the alien navi turned her attention on the cannon that was targeting her, sending the chain of bouncing cactus rounds towards it. It bounced through once, splattering cactus shards all over the turret, then returned for a second bounce, battering it again. The remaining two cactus balls tried a third time, but this time the trajectory was off by enough that they skittered away to the side, losing momentum. Near to the cannon, the mask-wearing metool seemed to tighten its face-fixture a little then launched a large, round shot towards her from the muzzle of it. By design or accident, Astraea's own ungainly side-ways meander carried her out of the path of the attack, and the Neo-met stamped one of its feet in frustration.

In that moment an extra cracking sound followed and the patch that the met was standing on gave way, causing it to drop from sight with a startled, if muffled 'meep!'

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile: 10Hp [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny: 90Hp [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.: 40Hp [Broken, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: 60Hp [Normal, to Astraea's right]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 85Hp [Normal][Target Locked]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing

• Permanent bottomless hole.
• Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
• EJO if you fall in.

[Large sinkhole]
15% 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.

[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
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.

[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal

• No effects.

[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to NeoMetool & Kabutank]

"Hey hey, be careful around the shiny!" Alex called as one of the green balls of mayhem bounnced a little too close to the mystery data for his liking. Astraea nodded grimly. While her attacks had done much of what she had hoped for there were still a number of undesirable factors on the field.

One of those was eyeing her in a manner just full of hostile intent.

The three gathered by the mystery data certainly were not fans of her but were they the cause of such focused hostility? Her eyes narrowed as she examined the tank and the turret closely. The intense feeling could be her senses alerting her to a specialized lock-on program, and wouldn't such a thing come from the mechanicals on field?

She could twist her awareness out to check, could waste a little processing power on confirming with the viral database that those two were indeed the cause but when the answer was so obvious, why would she?

"Alexander, requestiong Shotgun and MarkCannon." She called. Her blaster was in her hands, she stepped to the side to line up her shot. She ran angles in her head, ran past battle data again. Its should be an easy shot.

"Just a minute, just a minute...Got it! Blast them away!"

Astraea nodded and raised her blaster as the barrel pulled itself part way apart like a celling stopping midway through mitosis. Astraea pulled the trigger and two large mishappen slugs flew forth at the cannon and the tank. Immediately the barrel fused back to its normal shape and a bright blue targetting reticle appeared over the turret. Her personal gun turned a shade darker and she pulled the trigger.

"Hey, what're you going to do about the bunny?"

"Bunny?" Astraea echoed then jerked her head around to look over her shoulder at the rabbit, the crackling of electricity over its ears. Her mouth tightened into a line and she cursed herself before turning fully to face it. She had thought the dragon had devoured all, had not even checked the innate knowledge she had that it was so.

Foolish.

"Cannon, please." Her buster's barrel was still wide, the color had faded from azure back to white but the dregs of chip data were still there.

"Got it!"

Those dregs were revitalized in a flash and Astraea felt her aim become a little surer, knew the force behind her blasts would be a little stronger.

Pew!

-------------
Action Report
Astraea
85hp

1) ShotgunDamage: 50 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: A gun whose shot penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E @ Kabutank & CannonDumbEX
2) MarkCannon1Damage: 70 + Seeking + Lock-on
Accuracy: A
Description: A highly accurate cannon whose automatic aiming system locks onto heat signatures and fires.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Lock-on: Same effect as an automatic Take Aim.
Trader Rank: D @ CannonDumbEx
3) CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E @ BunnyEX B

Mindful of the prize that remained, Astraea was careful in the placement of her next few shots. Just when she thought she had the right angle lined up, however, the tank virus trundled rapidly out of the way of her first attempt; the cannon virus was infinitely less mobile, and couldn't avoid the scatter of penetrating shot that broke it apart.

As it avoided her shot, the tank fired back, another explosive shell that, like the first, couldn't seem to find a mark that was on target for where Astraea herself was standing. Some of the panels beneath it fell in as it trundled onto solid land, avoiding the tumbling fate of its hard-hatted ally. The mechanist navi had already dealt with the cannon so turned her marked shot on the irksome artillery, but as she took the shot a jolt of electricity crashed into her from the side, sending her shot wide and tracing a debilitating stun through her body.

Despite the spreading lock-up she was able to turn and get one last shot off in retaliation, removing the bunny from the equation as well. While this was going on, small sounds of effort could be heard from the broken hole, until the neo-met clawed its way back into sight, though that seemed to have taken the entirety of its focus for now.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile: DELETED
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny: 90Hp [Normal, a little to the side]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.: 40Hp [Normal, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 65Hp [Normal][Stunned!(1)]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing

• Permanent bottomless hole.
• Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
• EJO if you fall in.

[Large sinkhole]
10% 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.

[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
10% 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.

[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal

• No effects.

[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to edge of the sinkhole]

The surge of electricity and viral-supplied coding through Astraea left her limbs numb and useless. Her arms hung limply and her ray gun slipped from her fingers to the Net below.

"Hey, hey! Are you okay?"

Astraea opened her mouth to respond but her tongue felt thick and stiff. She shut her mouth again and blinked. Abruptly the sensation was diminished as her systems rode out the remnants of the rabbit's attack. She pressed one hand against the side of her face and straightened up.

"I will be. I was careless."

"Heeey, it happens. Don't be down. But we should get revenge! Lets knock these guys down!"

Astraea's lips twitched. Was he not aware the rabbit was already dead? "Of course Alex. May I suggest DashAttack and Sword?"

"DashAttack...DashAttack...Uhm, which one was that? Oh wait new one, green with a weird bird! Here it comes!" With a decisive swipe of his fingers the chip was sent. Astraea scooped up her raygun and reholstered it before activating the new chip.

A green ring of light appeared on the ground beneath her feet. Smoothly rising upwards from the floor was an altered form of the virus pictured on the DashAttack's chip. This one had a short horizontal bar attached on top and after Astraea grabbed on it soon became obvious why.

With a piercing shriek the craft darted forward to directly charge the kabutank. Astraea was left stumbling as the remnants of the chip broke apart. A small silver stick dropped into her open hand. A blade of blue plasma burst from the end and she twisted to slice at the NeoMetool.

-------------
Action Report:
1) Stunned!
2) DashAttack1Damage: 90 + Impact + LineAttack(5) + Movement
Accuracy: C
Description: The user charges forward at a great speed to ram a line of enemies. Hits a maximum of 5 enemies before the momentum is lost.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Direction of travel may be altered with chip, terrain, and sig use.
Trader Rank: D @ Kabutank1
3) SwordDamage: 80 + Slashing
Accuracy: B
Description: Creates a sword made of solidified energy, with a very short blade. Hits one target per slash
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 swings.
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D @ NeoMetool

Shaking off the stun took a moment, while the tank manoeuvred, Astraea saw it trying to arc around her position. It fired a shell towards the alien as her new machine formed, but hit only the ground where she had been as Astraea grabbed the handle and shot forward, crashing through the virus and destroying both it and her difficult-to-control craft. As she gathered her footing, the remaining met in its mask shot a bullet at her, striking the engineer in the behind with a shot that was more insulting than actually painful. She turned and responded with a slash from her laser blade, putting an end to the fight before the offending met could hide under its helmet.

With that done, Astraea had a moment of peace, and a chance to examine the data crystal that remained.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile: DELETED
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny: DELETED
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.: DELETED

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (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: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges. B: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 55Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing

• Permanent bottomless hole.
• Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
• EJO if you fall in.

[Large sinkhole]
10% 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.

[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
10% 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.

[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal

• No effects.

[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to edge of the sinkhole]

-=Battle 8, Victory!=-
Spoils: 900z, ShieldGuardEffect: (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(40 + Piercing + Line Attack + Ground Attack) + Strengthen 40: On Hit)
Accuracy: S
Description: Description: Generates a 1-Hit Shield upon activation. When this shield blocks one hit from a non-Break attack, it responds with a shock wave, and some of the produced kinetic energy is bestowed onto the user.
Duration: Until broken or overridden.
Element: Null
Special: Negated by Break. Ignores Impact.
Special: Reflect: Damage returned is equal to the damage of the attack blocked or the damage cap listed, whichever comes first. Reflect is not subject to negation by Impact.
Special: Status Guard: This chip blocks debuffs.
Trader Rank: D, 32 BugFrags

"Victory! This calls for another drink!" Alex cheered.

Astraea wiped the back of her hand across her chin as she deactivated the chip. She spared a couple processes to check the time and Alex's class schedule.

"You have an appointment in four hours." She reminded him with a frown, her face popping up on the tv as she peered through the PET's camera to examine his face. It was still morning and she wasn't sure if this was was the 'hair of the dog' strategy or something else.

"Oh, shit that's right. Hm, hm." Alex threw back the rest of his drink then stood up with a sigh. "Alright, let me grab a water then we'll open the treasure then we'll continue on our hunt for a home for our friend!" He walked off with a lazy wave of his hand.

Astraea nodded and surveyed the battlefield. There were left over bits of the enemies, those weird fragments that were only identified as 'BugFrags' and chip data laying where the NeoMetool had been. She started there first, frowning as she considered the fight. Previously she had been vaguely allied with a quartet of the virust-type. Why were some of them hostile to Navis and others not?

"The party is back lets-Hrm, you're health is has been hovering there for a while." Alex squinted at the half-filled bar on the PET then looked at it up on the tv. "You go open the chest and I'll take care of that."

"Understood." Astraea rose from collecting the last of the loose goodies and nodded. She made her way to the sinkhole and the mystery data, attempting to be mindful of the broken panels. They wouldn't drop her into the abyss like the missing ones but she suspected bad things would happen if she was in them when the network restore program ran.

"Aha! Found it." A blue light ran over Astraea and instantly her pain decreased. Holes and burnt patches on her overalls repaired themselves and most of the wounds she had sustained closed up without a trace. She smiled and stepped decisively forward onto the cracked terrain and reached a hand out towards the glimmering green mystery data.

"Thank you, accesssing data now.""

"I bet it's another chip! Although zenny would be good too. I still don't know what those BugFrags are for so screw 'em..."

[Used Subchip Mini Energy, 1 remaining]
[Opening GMD]
[Health: 105/120]

With complicated grey-are thoughts on her mind, Astraea received a refresh from her operator, and then moved to unpack the data crystal that was their extra prize after the battle. Once she reached out to it, the crystal oriented itself towards her, then unpacked in a rapid series of data shifts, leaving behind a small capsule containing battlechip data for her. Not the most impressive of chips, but a bonus was still a bonus.

GMD: LilBombDamage: 80 + Blast 2
Accuracy: C
Description: Lobs a bomb that deals damage in a moderate range.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D

The capsule hovered above and between Astraea's hands for a moment as she analyzed it. With a quick blip she transferred the data away to their chip storage. Astraea's mind began to whirl as she calculated changes to her battle strategy, retroactively considered how it could have made the fights easier or hrader. The data packets she "It is a bomb, a rather straight forward one."

"Sound's like it'll be good for some distance throws." Alex mused. His speech was sloppy and a bit slurred still, but at least he was responsive. "You good to keep going? We're still lookin' for, whazzit? The safe place the Metool told us about for your backhoe friend right?"

The fanciful calculations were ended as Astraea brought that particular problem back to the front of her consideration. "Of course, we have a duty."

Alex made a pleased sound at her assertion and she walked on. Eventually she found herself before a gateway to another net. She studied it closely, jumping only a little when Alex butted in.

"So, ya going through? We don't have to, but it was along the direction that Met pointed so it's probably the best lead we've got."

Astraea thought it over then nodded as she initiated the transfer to the unknown net. "Yes, it would seem foolish to put our target somewhere as travelled as the ACDC Net."

With a flash of light she disappeared.

>>TO:: Netfrica