Testing Run Part 2

There's more here than Astraea is equipped to answer for but she can't, won't leave without giving it her best assessment. Her best attempt at assistance. She had only a few weeks of uncertainty from notification of project closure to the moment when Alexander purchased her. It was long enough to know that the thought of waking up in Metangler's position would precipitate a crisis in her mental processing. To be cast away, to be left behind, it is a very real fear of hers.

So she will do her best to walk Metangler through the options and find one that is satisfactory. It may lead the alien to possibilities she might use should Alex ever tire of her. She speaks as calmly as she can, laying out each fact as a chef laying out ingredients for prep. She has no words of comfort to give, but perhaps in the possibility of a new purpose morale will be restored.

"Continued habitation of current location increases probability that primary directives will lead into conflict with others and increases chance of potential casualties." She says, the reality of ash clogging her throat not-quite faded yet. She was able to make it through without serious harm on either of their parts, though if the water dragon had hit it would be a very different story. She closes her eyes against that almost-happened and refocuses on the here and now.

"Contact with other Net Navigators must be handled with caution, your appearance suggests aesthetics of the common virus Metool, misidentification could lead to unwanted conflict. Alternatively - the green plus symbol is commonly seen as a positive thing in association with medical services." She brings a hand up to the bottom of her mouth, her fingers curling around where her chin would be if she had one. There's a lot here that's dependent on what Metangler can actually do, without that information she can only make vague approximations. "Perhaps employment in Net-Side Industrial work would be acceptable? Metangler's form appears quite suited for purposes of preparing an area for the creation of virtual storefronts."

There is a weird cough from Alex at the comment and Astraea's eyes slide over to the window that opened with the noise. Judging by the creases at the sides of his mouth Alex appears to be smiling behind the hand lifted to his face. A small furrow appears on her face, she had forgotten it was not merely her and Metangler within hearing range. Astraea doesn't really want to ask the human anything (because how could he understand?) but in the end the decision is not solely hers and Metangler's. "Operator, what are your commons on this situation?"

"I mean, the abandoned thing seriously sucks. But uh... .Honestly I think you might be on to something with that construction thing." It's Alex's turn to frown as he's suddenly brought into this. He feels sheepish for a moment - like he's been caught eavesdropping on a conversation - before he remembers Astraea can't really expect any privacy with him around anyways! He does feel bad for Metangler but in a distant 'man that story on the news this morning sure sucked for the dudes involved' kind of way. He can't help but feel that Astraea is rather more invested which is- well he's not sure.

He'll try to remember to think about that later.

"Can you even leave this area or are you trapped into guarding it forever? Most importantly, what do you even want to do, dude? It might take longer than a single talk to figure that junk out." He rubs a hand across the back of his head, reminded a little of his own current life path-or lack of as the more accurate wording would be. "I'd offer you a place to stay while you figure it out dude but I don't know if you'll fit in the PET or the homepage."

Astraea is thoughtfully, spitefully quiet. She had not even considered offering a place for the behemoth to stay while exploring future avenues and the oversight is troubling.

It was unlikely that the building-sized digging machine really knew how close to the bone its situation came for Astraea herself. When she began to talk, however, its focus drew in upon her more closely, and she would likely understand the sudden intensity of its listening; eager, almost desperate for some further information that might provide an answer for how to move forward, and a willingness now to latch onto almost any voice if it provided a sense of surety, or even mild stability. The factory-pitch rumble of engines continued to bore over everything as it craned its head down towards her, bringing its eye pieces as near as it could from its seated position amidst the coals.

It listened as she made suggestions; the massive machine's expression was naturally very difficult to get any kind of read on, beyond the slow-moving thought process and uncertain confusion. Mention of metool viruses drew some kind of reaction at least; its head tilted slightly, one rusted articulation point ratcheting heavily, before a sound rumbled up from inside the drum of its body and echoed across the coal field. It was higher pitched than the metangler's actual voice, and comprised of more or less a single, uncomplicated sound. It took a moment before anyone listening would be able to recognise it as an affirmative 'meep!', only magnified by a few thousand orders of tone. After this, it settled back again; not exactly self-conscious, but at least it seemed uncertain if that had been an acceptable response.

As Astraea and her operator made other suggestions, the construct unfolded one of its digging scoop arms and stretched it out towards the coals on one side, almost cautiously. The rotating shovels had never stopped, and now they dug in, churning up coal and then fresh soil below for a long few moments, and releasing the moved earth behind it. The behemoth watched the digging scoops work, then lifted its arm again, waiting until the last volumes of earth had been dropped off before refolding the arm behind itself once more. It looked back to Astraea, thinking as hard as she had seen it.

“I...” It might also occur to the small alien, if she thought on it, that the construct hadn't been using such pronouns for itself initially. “...Like...” another seemingly difficult word for it to apply to itself. “Digging.” That one seemed to make things easier, and it nodded its head after that, then peered in closer to Astraea to see if this was a good thing to say.

“Request: Can Astraea Nominate Appropriate Locations To Pursue Acceptable Functions? Data Requirements Are Within Small To Moderate Range For A Program Entity. Physical Statistics Can Be Scaled Temporarily For Smaller Tasks. I... Require Purpose.” It paused, its joints creaking. “Correction. Statement Is False. Purpose Is Not Strictly Required. I... Want, Purpose.”

It didn't demonstrate either of these aspects as it spoke, but Astraea might realise that, despite its visible size, the program she was dealing with was far simpler than even a normal navigator; what it said about data requirements probably related to data weight ranges for a time many years ago; Astraea herself was almost certainly harder to house in terms of data space that her new friend would be.

-=Awakened Entity=-
Metangler.sec.OLD: 360Hp [Coal][Pondering The Existence of the Self][Pondering The Concept Of The Future]

-=Tiny Mechanic=-
Astraea.Exe: 100Hp [Coal]

-=Terrain=-
100% Coal

• Fire Elementals gain +20 Strengthen/turn, but must be allocated to Fire Element attacks only. Any Coal Strengthen vanishes after moving off of it.
• Non-Fire Elementals get Burn (5 Fire/action for 1 turn or until cured) the turn after they come into contact with Coal Terrain.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Soil.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to to Lava.
• PanelShot: Imbue Fire.

[The outside area for a fair distance around]

Back out in the open, the land surrounding the cave entrance has been converted into large coal field, upon which the Metangler is now sitting.

-=Status=-
Chase Completed!
Encounter Continuing, though it seems the danger may possibly be passed.

The warmth on Astraea's feet comforts her with its warmth. She can feel the heat pooling in her wireframe, an extra pool of strength she can pull on.

She can still taste the ash from the tunnel but its fading now. The smell of smoke hangs everpresent as more pours out of Metangler's back.

The use of the singular pronoun for itself registers her and a crease appears over her nose. This is not some mindless program, not a thoughtless virus doing as it is programmed to do. The thought of not finding it a place is worrisome.

Her doubt curdles her words in her throat, leaves her with pinched face and narrowed eyes. Perhaps her mighty acquaintance will take it for a 'thinking' face.

"You could work at a construction site." There is no hesitation in Alex's suggestion and the wave that accompanies it is light hearted. Even with how small he is in the litlte window between worlds the faint flush on his face is visible. There's a sheen to his eyes that normally isn't there and a looseness to his words and movements that suggest familiarity or carelessness. Given the nature of his consumption it could be either. "If internet construction is anything like real world construction than there's always a suburb somewhere or when that's springing up. Or maybe road work, there's always roadwork in the city."

He nods with the sagacity of one into his cups. Despite his drinking it is rather sound advice. Astraea can not find any obvious flaws at least. The wrinkle on her face eases a little.

"The suggestion appears sound." Astraea says, turning from the window at her shoulder back to Metangler. She herself does not have much knowledge of the wider Net beyond geometric trees and streams and a cave that had housed a rather foul Navi. Metangler seemed strong, in sheer program solidity alone it overshadowed everything else she had seen so far. Her attention turned to the most recent caverns she had been chased through and she raised a hand in that direction. "What will you do about your former assignment?"

The slightly stilted conversation between the alien mechanic and the abandoned behemoth continued above the heat ripples of the broad coal field around them. The regular rumble and vent fire of its engines fading into the background. Eventually, it nodded its helmeted head, the loud, metallic creaking of articulated joints resounding across the expanse.

“This Would Be Acceptable.” It seemed to sigh again, a process that took another long handful of seconds. “Existing Processes For Gathering Information No Longer Function. Vector For New Objective Is Uncertain.” Its huge head tilted sideways slightly, an unusual gesture of thought that stood out for its hints of new sentience.

“Request. Astraea; You Are Of Navigator Designate, And Possess A Human Operator. Programs In This Position Often Have Access To Non-Network Data Spaces...” Its engines churned and some of the lenses that served as its eyes adjusted in various ways. “If This is Valid... Requesting Asylum Until New Objective Is Secured.” It rumbled, and for a moment seemed genuinely hesitant before the tiny mechanic.

“A Further Compact Mode For Transport Is Feasible.” It sounded vaguely as though this was meant to reassure, in an oddly hopeful way. “Current Directives Demand Maintaining Security Grade Scaling At All Times, Unless Instructed By Authorised Personnel. This Directive Has No Termination Date And Remains Active... However...” It shuddered, seeming to struggle with a concept. “No Authorised Personnel Remain; Directive Cannot Be Revoked. I...” More heavy engine churning reverberated through its form. “Discard This Redundant And Inflexible Directive.” There was a long moment where the building-sized machine shuddered again, letting out a long, steam-filled sigh from many of its ports and vents, before its engines went mostly quiet again. It took a moment to get over the statement it had made to her, then nodded its massive head again.

After this, there came a progressive grinding and shrieking of metal and parts of the machine began to twist in on themselves and collapse, piece by piece. After a little while, the process began to outstrip the normal physical limitations of space that shrinking down would present, and it sped up instead, taking more advantage of the net's looseness regarding physical reality. It still took about a minute, but the entire behemoth collapsed down further and further, folding in on itself as its parts reduced, until at last, reduced to a far more rapidly churning, higher pitched engine sound, the Metangler stood before Astraea as a height of only about two feet, relative to her. It had the same basic configuration, with its blocky legs and drum-like body, though the relative size of its head was slightly bigger, and its digging arms were almost the the size of its new body. It folded them away behind its back again as it looked up at her, craning its neck and peeking out from under its now much smaller metool helmet.

“Is This Form Acceptable for Transport And Storage?” Its voice still had the tone of absolute pronouncement that it had borne before, and there was a still a sense of depth to it, but there was no questioning that it was now much higher in pitch and much closer to a comfortable volume. “Excess Data Weight Has Been Shed In The Process Of Reduction. Proposal. Data Of Value Could Be Offered As Payment For Use Of Astraea's Data Space?” It tilted its had again, its various eye lenses widening somewhat as it looked up at her. Scattered about the now compact Metangler, a variety of data packets had been shed, as well as something that looked like condensed chip data.

-=Awakened Entity=-
Metangler.sec.OLD: 360Hp [Coal][Compact Mode?]

-=Tiny Mechanic=-
Astraea.Exe: 100Hp [Coal]

-=Terrain=-
100% Coal

• Fire Elementals gain +20 Strengthen/turn, but must be allocated to Fire Element attacks only. Any Coal Strengthen vanishes after moving off of it.
• Non-Fire Elementals get Burn (5 Fire/action for 1 turn or until cured) the turn after they come into contact with Coal Terrain.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Soil.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to to Lava.
• PanelShot: Imbue Fire.

[The outside area for a fair distance around]

-=Battle 5, Victory!=-
Spoils: 900z, SonicWaveDamage: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C

The coals were warm beneath her feet. Astraea took courage from it, and from the continued lack of violence from the Metangler. Its nod of assent brought a small, satisfied smile to her face.

Progress.

There was still the matter of how to transport the Metangler, but then he made a request and Astraea straightened her shoulders. She wouldn't be using her pet for a while and Alex seemed willing to go along with what she's doing. It was nerve wracking that, what if she made the wrong choice? Her eyes slid over to the video window with her operator but he seemed more interested in observing than participating. She gave a tiny nod and looked back to Metangler, the smile sitting easier on her face.

"I would be pleased to provide you with shelter until an arrangement more suitable to you has been found." She bows her head toward Metangler, the smile on her face genuine. Perhaps that will ease some of awkwardness felt, perhaps not. She straightens up and her expression turns thoughtful. "There is the matter of size, I do not know if the holdings in mind would currently be capable of handling your size."

"Astraea! You, you can't just call someone large like that!" Alex interjected but he broke into laughter half-way through and her face scrunched in confusion. It is a physical, measurable attribute that may cause inconvience, isn't it better to bring it up from the start so that said inconvience could be circumvented as soon as possible? She's saved from pondering this further as Alex snickers into his and Metangler answers the problem handily.

She held her breath as Metangler mentioned its current directives. There is something worrying in the way it shuddered and she took a step back, her hand drifting to her blaster. Fighting would preferrably be avoided but Metangler lost to its directives once already..

This time the outcome is rather different.

Her mouth drops open as she watches Metangler shed not only its' orders but pieces of itself as well. It is inspiring: throwing off ingrained commands cannot be easy nor pleasant. It is sombering too: if her own machines were more permanent would they develop like this in her absence? She shakes her head to get rid of the thought: it's too troubling to think about right now.

There are a few words for Metangler as it peeked out from under the newly shrunk helmet at her and they range from impressive to inspiring to adorable. She pressed her lips tightly together. The former-behemoth had been around for far longer than she had existed and cute is probably not an adjective it would like to hear no matter how much its current form fit that bill with its too big head and overly large arms.

"I think that form will be more than adequate for storage during the search." She said with a smile. Alex's video window had snapped shut but she could hear him cackling over the private commline and is relieved he broke connection before embaressing the both of them.

"Make sure you take that payment! It's a matter of pride and ahahaha it's practically chibi how did this happen?" Alex cut in, only to dissolve into what he would very definately not call giggling. Astraea fought the urge to roll her eyes, Metangler might get the wrong idea.

"Payment is not a requirement, but is welcomed and appreciated." She replied. The data swirled around her for a moment as she tapped away at her keypad. She needed a connection not a recall and in amoment she managed to get a large bright spot to appear on the ground. "That will transfer you to the P.E.T. I am attached to. Should you find it not to your liking there is a link available to take you to the homepage."

(Continuing with Rogan's permission)

Once Metangler had disappeared through the link to the the PET, or more likely the homepage, Astraea collected the data they had been given.

"Y'know, I don't think I'd mind renting out space like that. It'd be nice if the tenants didn't try to murder you first." Alex said. Astraea nodded distractedly, looking once more around the area before heading deeper into the Net.

(Searching for battle #6!)

With the unusual encounter taken care of, and her new friend sent safely away, Astraea moved on through the network, continuing to explore on her own. It wasn't long before her wandering brought the alien into view of a broad lake, off to her right. Sunlight played on the surface and the breeze had died down, leaving a warmth to the air. A very large bear was sitting at the edge of the lake, one paw raised up and watching something beneath the surface, while not too far away a somewhat out-of-place iron stove was set up, with a quaint carpet in front of it, and a thick-bodied dog curled up. Flames seemed to be escaping the dog's mouth as it breathed, and the carpet had been badly seared away in a large patch around where its head rested.

The teddy bear slashed at the water suddenly, and a large fish came flying out. It sailed through the air and skidded to a stop right in front of the mechanic navi, before picking itself up and beginning to hover neatly above the ground. The bear turned, and roared at the navi that had its fish. Two more fish popped up behind it, out of the water, their intentions unclear. the dog jumped up, barking and setting fire to more of its rug, while the stove behind it started to shudder and lift itself. The net was a strange, strange place.

-=Viruses=-
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.: 50Hp [Grass][To the left of the area]
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 90Hp [Grass][In front of stove]
Fishy EXFishy EX (Fishy)

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

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: 120Hp [Grass][Directly in front of Astraea]
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: 90Hp [Sea][Edge of the lake]
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: 90Hp [Sea][Edge of the lake]
Teddy EXTeddy EX (Teddy)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Yumland

HP: 140
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Tears at an enemy with its claws.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Impact x 2 targets
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Picks up and throws one enemy at another.
Tertiary Attack Damage/Effect: (Varies) + Impact
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: B
Tertiary Attack Description: Picks up and throws an object at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RageClaw1, Zenny
Special: Will only use its secondary attack if there is more than one enemy. Will only use its tertiary attack if there is an object capable of being thrown.: 140Hp [Grass][Ahead of Astraea]

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 100Hp [Grass]

-=Terrain=-
40% Grass

• Wood Elementals get +5 HP/action.
• Fire attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Soil.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Majority of area]
60% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[Lake on the right of the area]

-=Battle 6, Start!=-

"Whoa! There's certainly a lot of viruses about today!" Alex said with a low whistle of appreciation as he looked at the numbers that were popping up to go along with said viruses. "They look pretty beefy too. Tell ya what, lets returning the fish then deal with the rest!"

Astraea nodded, her face pinched with a small frown. She had been enjoying the area, the atmosphere, how peaceful it all was out from under the ground. She had known it wouldn't last, she just hadn't expected it to be this soon. "Understood, operator Alex. Awaiting chips."

"Heh! Get your wrench ready, Battlechip Set!" He crowed, swiping the icon for the Rageclaw chip onto her form. Astraea reached for her belt and found nothing. She froze, eyes widening as she glanced down at the loop on her belt where the tool normally sat and then the other side where her ray gun was securely sat.

She checked the loop again.

Nothing.

"My wrench is gone." She said, her tone disbelieving because where could she have left it? She patted down the entirety of her overalls in a desperate hope that she had simply stuck it in a pocket.

Nothing.

"Hey, worry about where it is later. You've got a delivery to make." said Alex. Astraea's distress at the loss of her wrench and her frantic movements to find it surprised him. He'd never seen her thrown so off balance before. He flicked through their much-expanded chip library, planning out the next couple of moves.

Astraea took a deep breath and nodded. How had she gotten so careless she had lost her trusty tool? As Alex said she couldn't worry about it now. She lifted her arms and clawed gauntlets appeared around her hands. She grabbed at the tail of the fish in front of her and attempted to fling it back at the bear.

"Next target! Go for the stove!"

Chip data filtered into Astraea's system and she paused for a brief moment. She recognized this data. This was what Metangler had given her as payment for transportation. She nodded again, a little more firm in her resolve, and stomped a foot in the direction of the quaint rug and stove scene. A shockwave rippled across the ground from the impact, buckling the ground upward like a sped-up video of molehill creation.

Unfortunately for the Spikey and the Oldstove it wasn't a blind mammal creating the mess.

"Might want to get out of the way, the group looks pretty angry!" Astraea nodded, the gauntlet fading from her arm as she flicked her wrist and her ever reliable shield snapped into place.

"I'm ready."

Battle Log
Astraea
100 HP
Grass

Action 1) RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw) (Acc: B / B then B) FishyEX @ Teddy EX
Action 2) SonicWaveDamage: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack (Acc: C) @ Spikey, Oldstove
Action 3) Shield

5/6 uses of RageClaw1 remaining

The natural reaction upon having a fish thrown at you, is, of course, to throw it right back, and this is what Astraea swiftly did before either the fish or the bear could respond. Already growling a threat of some kind, the Teddy was briefly silence by the wet slap of the larger than average fish pelting it across the face, and sending them both tumbling back in a heap for the moment.

The two fish still above the water weren't quite so stunned and the pair rushed Astraea as she completed her throw. One missed, a little to her left, but the other managed to wing her roughly as it passed bay to the other side. The alien navi was too busy trying to control the rest of the situation to deal with the pair right now, instead sending her newest weapon out towards the Oldstove and the Spikey in the form of a thunderous shock wave. Both viruses took the brunt of it, with the stove shuddering itself apart into twisted metal junk, while the Spikey yelped, tumbling over and staggering up unsteadily.

It barked, sending a small ball of fire directly at the mechanic that had wounded it, but Astraea managed to get her shield up in time to block this one. While she was focused in its direction, however, the teddy had righted itself and now lumbered across the field, bellowing as it tried to rake Astraea with its claws. Her shield had already buckled under, and the alien was forced o take the blow herself, nasty as it was. As she fell back from the strike though, she saved herself another impact; the large fish had dashed back across the field after recovering, blind-siding the bear virus as it passed. It would like have hit Astraea as well, if she hadn't been shoved by the bear's strike; as it was, it missed her by a small margin. As much as it seemed there was no love lost between the teddy and its would-be fish meal, neither of them seemed in a friendly disposition towards Astraea either.

-=Viruses=-
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
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 10Hp [Grass]
Fishy EXFishy EX (Fishy)

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

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: 100Hp [Grass][Directly behind Astraea]
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: 90Hp [Grass][Behind Astraea to her left]
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: 90Hp [Grass][Behind Astraea to her right]
Teddy EXTeddy EX (Teddy)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Yumland

HP: 140
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Tears at an enemy with its claws.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Impact x 2 targets
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Picks up and throws one enemy at another.
Tertiary Attack Damage/Effect: (Varies) + Impact
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: B
Tertiary Attack Description: Picks up and throws an object at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RageClaw1, Zenny
Special: Will only use its secondary attack if there is more than one enemy. Will only use its tertiary attack if there is an object capable of being thrown.: 90Hp [Grass][Directly in front of Astraea]

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 55Hp [Soil][Rageclaw (5/6 uses left)]

-=Terrain=-
40% Grass

• Wood Elementals get +5 HP/action.
• Fire attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Soil.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Majority of area]
60% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[Lake on the right of the area]

"Oh shit. They're going to run train on you if we don't do something!" Alex hissed, his fingers already flicking through the digital rolodex of chips at their disposal. He flicked the most impressive (to him) one they had onto Astraea's battered form. "Get moving! I'll send healing soon!"

Astraea moved with a jerk from where she had been folded over herself like a limp doll. Her body ached, her breath was haggard. She hadn't expected to be hit by so much so quickly.

The mechanic dismissed the remaining gauntlet on her wrist with a twitch then moved to comply with her operator's orders.

The fish had collided into the other virus before perhaps now she could use them to shield against each other. She stepped then stumbled, letting her momentum drag her to the end of the line furtherest from the bear.

Her breath was loud in her head and she could feel the bruises the previous assault had left on her. If nothing else she had to dimish what was left on the field to harm her.

The chip data reached her and she funneled it into her blaster.

It was not graceful the way she fired. There was none of the easy, fluid movements of a practiced gunslinger in the way she drew and fired. Just the desperate fumbling of someone desperate for a chance.

Her chance came in rushing, wild waters and a roar that made her head ache.

A torrent of water launched itself from the blaster. Froth formed eyes and fangs and claws posed in promised violence as the water apparation sprang forth. The dragon she had summoned back in the tunnel formed, all the more vicious for its previous mistakes. It leapt at the Fishy directly in front of her, jaws snapping at it in an attempt to make a meal of it. After that ploughed through the line: jaws and claws both used in an attempt to rend the fish into pieces.

Its power was waning. Regardless of the devastation it had wrought (or not, at this point it didn't have enough energy to care) it turned toward the lake, seeking to unite that pleasing body of liquid with what it had left behind.

A torment to its caller.

Astraea lost track of the dragon after it lunged for the bear, her mind already busy with the problem of dealing with the more immediate threats.

Murderous fish, wolves, and bears. Oh my!

She swallowed dryly.

The area was quickly becoming inhospitable to her: due both to the enemies and the terraforming caused by her attack. She would have to step carefully, until Alex sent the limited healing they had to her.

Suddenly the recovery seemed so meager in the larger picture of the Net.

The alien stepped back quickly, hoping to the feel the grass beneath her feet still. At the first indication one of her foes still on the field were aiming for her she would twist to the side and fall back, literally, in an attempt to get away.

-----------------------------
Battle Log
1) Feint to behind FishyEX
2) 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) - FishyEX, FishyA, FishyB
3) Dodge

Overwhelmed by numbers for a brief moment, Astraea moved as quickly as she could to put something, anything between herself and the massive bear, even if it was just other viruses. The teddy roared, frustrated and snatched at the fish that was now in front of it, grabbing it by the tail and swinging it around with both paws before trying to slap Astraea herself with the broad side of it. The fish, however, was having none of this, and at the peak of the swing, its wriggling caused the bear to lose its grip, leaving the slippery virus to tumbled back down behind it instead.

The fish righted itself and dashed right at the bear's rump, crashing through and making the ursine virus wobble unsteadily. It nearly hit Astraea as well on its way past, and didn't seem particularly interested in avoiding her; it was only the Mechanic's awkward attempts at evasion that kept her clear, just barely.

Her response was to release a torrential dragon chip from her blaster, which rushed out of her weapon and spiralled about her once, before widening its loop to encompass all three fish, then dash towards the lake, where it dissipated with a final splash. The field suddenly seemed a lot clearer. Mostly confused by this turn of events, more than anything else, the badly hurt Spikey barked again, shooting another bolt of fire in Astraea's direction, though she managed to step aside in time to avoid a scorching. It seemed less invested in the fight now and huddled in on itself a little more, continuing to make threatening growls.

-=Viruses=-
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
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 10Hp [Grass]
Fishy EXFishy EX (Fishy)

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

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: DELETED
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED
Teddy EXTeddy EX (Teddy)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Yumland

HP: 140
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Tears at an enemy with its claws.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Impact x 2 targets
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Picks up and throws one enemy at another.
Tertiary Attack Damage/Effect: (Varies) + Impact
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: B
Tertiary Attack Description: Picks up and throws an object at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RageClaw1, Zenny
Special: Will only use its secondary attack if there is more than one enemy. Will only use its tertiary attack if there is an object capable of being thrown.: 60Hp [Grass][A short way in front of Astraea]

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

-=Terrain=-
15% Grass

• Wood Elementals get +5 HP/action.
• Fire attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Soil.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Far less than there was; Astraea is on a single little grass point, on the expanded lake inlet, with more land a little further off where the bear and Spikey are]
85% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[a large section of the nearby area has became an expanded section of the lake, more or less]

"YES! That's how to do it!" Alex's cheer brought an uncertain smile to Astraea's face. Her fall onto her rear had been worth the awkwardness. Now when she looked up at the Teddy it didn't seem so intimidating even with the extra height it had from this position.

"No mercy! Take out the bear!"

Her ray gun began to glow with a bright light as it absorbed the chip data. She touched the handle, felt the chip data, and nodded.

"Understood." She pushed herself up with one hand so she was bent upwards. At this range she didn't bother with careful aiming, she just lifted the gun and pulled the trigger. A laser leaped forward, pushing ahead of it a wave of pressure.

PEW

"Let me just tidy you up a bit while you finish off the dog."

Astraea turned to look at the Spikey, her eyestalks twisting slightly to make up for the limited range of her neck. She frowned thoughtfully as a green pulse started at her head and then rippled throughout her body, each wave mending clothing and skin in its wake.

It wasn't enough to get her back to complete fitness but it was enough to allow her thoughts to be a bit more charitable.

"Is deletion of the Spikey an assured necessecity? We have defeated its companions and it appears to realize it is quite outmatched." said Astraea. Alex's reply was snappy.

"No way! That bitch didn't hesitate when it had you out numbered and it won't hesitate if it comes across someone else. What if the next Navi it finds can't handle an attack like that? You've gotta."

Astraea's lips pressed into a thin, grim line. It was true that the beast had only starated showing remorse once she had prover herself the victor, perhaps it was entity that the Net was better off without.

She lifted her blaster and fired, and even the noise effect sounded unconvinced.

pew

Riding the high from the glorious triple deletion, Alex cheered on Astraea as the Cannon was loaded into her systems, and she fired on one of the two remaining viruses on the field. The Teddy was deleted instantly from the shot, but her cleanup was not to be uninterrupted. A conflagration of fire would fly in her direction, landing a direct hit on her chest and reacting explosively with the grass she was on. (-15x2Grass) It didn't look like it was going to go down without a fight; indeed, it looked even fiercer than before. Luckily, her operator was on the ball and restored the damage dealt in the next moment (+30), and Astraea was convinced by her operator to take the final shot, finally releasing it from its mortal injuries into deletion. If she were to look in the water, she would see a fragment of one of the Fishy earlier--a pair of its angular wings. Perhaps she might be able to make use of it?

-=Viruses=-
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
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: DELETED
Fishy EXFishy EX (Fishy)

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

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: DELETED
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
FishyFishy (Fishy)

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

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Line Attack(5) + Impact + Piercing
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into a group of enemies.
Element: Normal
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DashAttack1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED
Teddy EXTeddy EX (Teddy)

Area: ACDC, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Yumland

HP: 140
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Tears at an enemy with its claws.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 + Impact x 2 targets
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Picks up and throws one enemy at another.
Tertiary Attack Damage/Effect: (Varies) + Impact
Tertiary Attack Accuracy: B
Tertiary Attack Description: Picks up and throws an object at an enemy.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RageClaw1, Zenny
Special: Will only use its secondary attack if there is more than one enemy. Will only use its tertiary attack if there is an object capable of being thrown.: DELETED

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

-=Terrain=-
5% Normal

• No effects.

[Patch in the middle of the already small grass point]
10% Grass

• Wood Elementals get +5 HP/action.
• Fire attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Soil.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Far less than there was; Astraea is on a single little grass point, on the expanded lake inlet, with more land a little further off where the bear and Spikey are]
85% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[a large section of the nearby area has became an expanded section of the lake, more or less]

-=Battle 6, Victory!!=-
Rewards: 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 Battlechip, 650z

Smoke bloomed around Astreae for a brief moment as the grass beneath her ignited in a flash and she found herself rapidly going from hurt and almost critical to glwoing green and back in the safe zone. The burns were repaired in almost the same instance they were created as the healing energy pulsed through her.

It was a very unpleasant thing, she decided, to be on the receiving end of a tactic she had her machines using so often before.

Her confidence and pride continued to sting long after the physical pain had died away.

The raygun was holstered with little fuss: the smooth white plastic device shifting back into its normal form and coloration just before it slipped back into its holster. Astraea could tell her wrench was still missing but she reached anyways and made a note to pick up another one when she returned to her workshop. For now she was determined to press forward.

"Whew, that really got heated huh? Maybe we should take a break." Astraea's head jerked in the direction of the invisible camera Alex was looking through and frowned, her lips pressing together in a thin, angry line as her hands balled at her sides.

"We indicated to Metangler that we would seek out an appropriate location for relocation." She stated, carefully keeping her voice steady if a little tense.

"I know but you're beat half to nothing and that last hit you took? That was close. That was damn close. If the source had been a bit stronger you would have been forcibly returned to the PET by now." Alex's voice wasn't mad, he simply spoke with the surety of someone who had all the numbers laid out in front of him. There wasn't any malice to the voice, just a business like statement of the facts.

She recongized that voice. She hated it too was being used against her as she shifted uneasily on the soil, small bits of ash sticking to the cuffs of her overalls. His point wasn't wrong, as much as she wanted it to be.

She had to take a stand.

"It was my fault." She said abruptly. She tried, and failed, to swallow the lump of something unpleasant that had lodged in her chest but it stubbornly stuck in place with its nonexistance. There was truth to what she was about to say, but there was some not-quite truth as well. "I failed to account for the greater damange outcome when presenting only a single target. Proper deployment of my mechanical devices would have enabled me to reach victory more swiftly and with less reprisal. I made a judgement in error but that does not mean future engagements will go more smoothly. I will press on."

There was silence after the comment and the alien found she could easily picture Alex picking at his lip while staring at her in disbelief. While she wasn't shy about admitting her faults she rarely argued with him, and despite what seemed like an otherwise frank assessment of her failures she felt positive that they both knew what it was.

Disagreement, questioning his orders, sticking her ground.

These were all things he encouraged in her, but would he accept it when she turned that against him?

She could feel herself quiver with the effort of being so brazenn, of being so defiant. She did not enjoy how tense the atmosphere had become, how everything suddenly seemed so fragile to her eyes. He could recall her with a push of a button and that had never bothered her before.

It was as if she had opened her eyes and suddenly found herself standing on a powerline high over the ground and he stood with an ax at one end.

"Alright, but if you're in worse shape after this next fight expect me to pull you out early." She opened her mouth to-to-to do something, she wasn't sure what then shut it again as he continued talking, a little louder now as if to drown out any protest from her. "There are other networks we can search, after all. If we don't find something maybe we can make the current arrangement permanent."[/color]

A weight lifted from her chest and suddenly her feet were once more planted firmly in the soil. She sighed in relief and her shoulders unhunched as the tension left them and the area. That was not an option she had considered and while she did not think she would be defiant often becasue it was chaffed her programming and sensibilities, she had done it!"Thank you, operator."

"Mm, don't put yourself at risk unnecesscarily." He said and then "Clean up until I'm back, I'm getting another drink and taking care of business."

"Of course." She nodded, the movement as sharp and prompt. She quickly set about gathering up the various potentionally useful bits of data scattered around the area.

When she came to the fins in the water she reached again for her missing wrench then laid down on the shore nearby to reach her fingers in. She shuddered as she did so: the water was nice but something about it put her on edge and it was more than just the fact she couldn't swim.

Once she pulled the intriguing viral bits out she pulled up a holographic interface with a couple quick taps on her keyboard and was working on a rather rough design for a powered glider based on them when Alex returned.

"Hey, not a bad haul. And a new chip too, nice!" His cheerfulness was a bit forced and his words were a little slurred but Astraea did not question him on his unusually long abscence. She merely dispelled the diagram of the fins strapped to something engine-like and started to pick her way through the now much swampier area.

"I have taken inspiration from the fish for the useage of the chip. I believe it should prove useful for quickly engaging distant foes and for rapid movement."

"Man that would have been nice running from Metangler when they were enraged." He complained. She nodded, her eyes lifting from the ground as she finally stepped away from the last of the water.

(Searching: Battle 7)
[Astraea: 55Hp, Masterwork, Self-Destruct]

As Astraea moved away from the expanded lake, the main pathway curved in a vaguely north-westerly direction and the grassy fields gradually faded into a low scrub and eventually hard earth. The breeze had died down and as the sun came out brighter the atmosphere grew from pleasantly warm to quite hot.

There was little sign of movement or activity at first, until Astraea approached what looked like some kind of crater more or less in the middle of the roadway she was on. Something green glinted light up from the broken in centre of the circle, but she had barely had time to set eyes on it before a trio of metool climbed out of the hole and took a moment to steady themselves on the cracked ground, clicking their digging implements together with happy expressions. As they did, however, one spotted Astraea and faced her, it waved its pickaxe threateningly at the approaching mechanic while another gave a her a loud, warning 'Meep!'

The sound seemed to draw attention from other things, however, and the little virus looked around with apparent shock as a small cloud of bats burst up from a nearby tree; most of them flew away, but one flapped closer instead. Off to the other side, a pair of bunnies sprinted out from between an obscured section of rocky ground, ears crackling as the approach the centre. They were followed by a bounding musical note that seemed more interested in jumping on any moving target it could see than any more important goal. Not far away, the heavy metal clanking revealed a pair of ancient-looking stoves that had shaken themselves out from what might have once been a ruined stone hut and began to bang their grills open and shut repeatedly as they moved towards the data, and the trio that had uncovered it.

From further up the road, Astraea also spotted one more figure; it looked like a metool, but where it had been walking before it now took to running with an unusually determined pace. It was wearing an old cloak of greying fabric, with a blue trim on the inside, and its helmet looked quite weathered.

-=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 [Cracked][Just ahead of Astraea, on the cracked area]
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 [Cracked][Just ahead of Astraea, on the cracked area]
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 [Cracked][Just ahead of Astraea, on the cracked area]

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.: 110Hp [Normal][To Astraea's left, behind the bunnies]
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: 60Hp [Normal][To Astraea's left, moving towards the centre]
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 left, moving towards the centre]
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][To Astraea's right, moving towards the centre]
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.: 50Hp [Normal][To Astraea's right, moving towards the centre]

Cloaked Metool? 80Hp [Normal][Over 1 movement away beyond the metool trio]

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

-=Terrain=-
75% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority of the area]
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.

[Large circular patch across the main path]
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.

[Hole in the middle of the cracked patch]

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

-=Battle 7, Start!=-

The landscape gradually changed and Astraea was pleased about the chance to take it slow for a bit.

At least until she drew nearer to the hole and the work crew inside.

"Treasure! Finder's keepers~" Alex drunkenly crowed over the private line. Astraea nodded, she though she understood and with the difference she had seen in variations between virus behavior that made sense.

"Metools!" She called loudly as she spread her hands and stepped forward. She kept her tone even and her words polite as she argued her case. "I do not wish to incite violence nor larceny upon your person, I wish to inquire as to a location."

From the other side of the PET she heard a long groan that quickly broke into giggles.

From this side of the PET she heard the alert from the Metool and was greeted with the sudden appearance of several viruses who seemed quite hostile.

Was this an ambush then, set by the Metools? A look at the Metool showed it seemed as shocked as she, perhaps this had not been planned.

"Prioritize the immediate transportation and removal of the data from this area!" She called to the Metools before she shifted to face the swarm, pulling her blaster as she turned.

"If you really think you can take those dudes on alone you're crazy." Alex exclaimed as he pulled up a chip. The terrain between them was normal, but the trick was going to be keeping Astraea healthy and he was maybe rapidly approaching a point where he wasn't the best about it. "Luckily, I'm here to help! This first one's a freebie, tell me what you need after! Cactusball, hehe balls, slot-in!"

"Understood." She replpied with some awe as Alex dissolved into laughter and four spikey green cacti balls resolved into existence in front of Astraea. For a moment her hand reached for her wrench to give them a whack but with a twist of her lips she realized that once again that wasn't an option. Luckily her remaining method of attack should be just fine.

pew. pew. pew. pew.

Calmly, methodically she shot each of the summoned cacti and sent them tumbling on their way toward the rabbits. After that she quick-stepped away from her original location to avoid retaliation aimed in her direction (whether from the Metools or the mob) and gave her wrist the customary flick to set up her shields.

It was going to be a long fight but she was prepared to settle in for the conflict.

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