Back to back in the Scilab network

[I think Machman and I would agree that we can continue battling.]

Took the words right out of my mouth, Mazer.

Machman turns back to XIII.

How about we just agree that we are both carrying eachother through these battles and our teamwork is critical? I know I wouldn't be able to handle all those viruses without sustaining serious damage or having a very drawn-out fight. I wouldn't be surprised if you would also be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the viral posses we are encountering.

(Prepared for battle 3!)
XIII nodded in agreement as the screen blipped off over his head. "Ok, Lets continue then, now that I know your staying as well. I'll take point this time."

XIII started walking forward again, deeper into the Scilab net, looking around constantly to make sure nothing was getting the drop on them.

((Also ready for battle 3))
Oh god...
Oh, dear god. Please, anything but this. VIRUSES THAT CAN COMBO ATTACK.
OHNOEZ.

StarfishA: 60 HP
StarfishB: 60 HP
StarfishC: 60 HP
StarfishD: 60 HP
StarfishE: 60 HP
ElecogreA: 120 HP
ElecogreB: 120 HP
ElecogreC: 120 HP
DBLCUBEA: 100 HP
DBLCUBEB: 100 HP

XIII: 100 HP
Machman: 80 HP

-BATTLE 3! UP THE DIFFICULTY! FIGHT!-
"Awww hell!" XIII said, seeing the virus types land infront of them. "Mach, be careful! This isn't your average fight, those viruses, they are complementary types. If they combine their attacks, they do more damage!"

"XIII, take out the front line! ElectReel1 Slot in!" Kasumi yelled, as the data uploaded. XIII drew his sword, which both his arm and the blade were charged with energy, and slammed the tip into the ground to discharge the shot at the first three Starfish.

"Machman, bring out that guard again! We may need it!" XIII yelled going in close and delivering two consecutive slashes to the StarfishD before dashing backwards.

Summary
ElecReel1 (80) to Starfish A B C
Slash (8) Starfish D
Slash (8) Starfish D
Dodge
dodge (extra for consecutive Melee attacks)

((The target number for the ElecReel1 was not very specific, so please tell me if I did too many.))
Machman springs into action as XIII engages the enemy.

Viruses Identified! Count: 10! Permission to engage?

[We need to take out those Elecogres, Machman! Boomerang1, Shotgun, Sword, and Guard1 battlechips in! Engage!]

Machman stands his ground as XIII fires an electric pulse across the ground towards the Starfish viruses. Machman's right arm transforms into a bulked-up buster and he takes aim at the strange DBLCUBE viruses. Machman steadies his shotgun with his left hand, and carefully activates the triggering program inside the shotgun. The shotgun discharges in a loud bang and a flash of light.

Machman's shotgun disappears and is replaced by a trusty boomerang. Machman widens his stance and cocks back his arm. He concentrates on the Elecogres as he steps forward and flings the boomerang towards them. The green boomerang flies straight as an arrow before passing the viruses and makes a surprisingly sharp left turn. The boomerang then zips back to Machman.

Machman carefully reaches out and stops the boomerang with his open hand. The boomerang goes silent in his grip and deactivates into bits of data. Machman's thrusters kick on and he boosts towards the viruses. His outstretched arm transforms into the cylindrical hilt of the sword chip.

Machman closes in on a Starfish virus, raises his arm up, and activates the cyan energy sword. Machman slashes straight down as he passes over the virus, and goes back to XIII's position. XIII has now finished his attack and was preparing to dodge any incoming fire.

XIII, take cover behind me!

Machman lands directly in front of XIII and faces the viruses. Machman braces himself and activates the guard shield while his wings criss-cross in front of him to help lessen the effect of the small shockwaves that pass through the shield as it deflects enemy fire.

ACTIONS:
Shotgun + Untapped Power {+10dmg}: DBLCUBEA&B (60dmg)
Boomerang: Elecogre A,B,C (120dmg {Elec v. Wood})
Sword: StarfishE (80dmg)
Guard1: Machman.EXE and XIII.EXE (Deflect attack(s) for 60dmg)
((PA you silly goose, you forgot to give them 100% Metal Terrain. :'D))
((Yes, I know that would screw them over completely, kind of the point though. ^^; ))
XIII sends his electricity flying, deleting two Starfish. He then proceeds to slash at another one. Machman has the Red-colored DBLCUBES eat lead, changing them to a calm, blue color. Throwing his Boomerang to eviscerate, the speed navi defeats the virii! He then cuts down another Starfish. The DBLCUBEs then use their healing powahz to lessen the damage on one of the Starfish, and themselves. The Starfish attack, but Machman's Guard repels the damage and XIII dodges.

StarfishA: DELETED
StarfishB: DELETED
StarfishC: 40 HP
StarfishD: 54 HP
StarfishE: DELETED
ElecogreA: DELETED
ElecogreB: DELETED
ElecogreC: DELETED
DBLCUBEA: 60 HP <Blue>
DBLCUBEB: 60 HP <Blue>

XIII: 100 HP [Sword]
Machman: 80 HP
Machman emerges behind his shield and surveys the damage.

Splash 6! Four remaining. Requesting Recover10 and Heatshot chips

[Chips uploaded. Use of Thrust Laser approved! Lets clean them up, Machman!]

Machman activates his newly purchased recovery chip. His body glows a dull green as small green bits of data spiral upward around his body. He then feels a little more energized and rejuvenated. The glowing data dissapates as his wings swing into their artillery mode. The wings pair up and point straight in front of Machman.

The top wing of both pairs emits a targeting laser and converges them on a DBLCUBE. Bolts of red energy arcs between the wings and the red glow intensifies. The energy gives off a low hum as it becomes more volatile and excited. A small explosion behind each packet of plasma causes the deadly energy to destabilize and escape using the only available route, directly down the targeting laser's beam.

Machman's body is illuminated as the plasma rockets towards the virus and causes a large explosion followed by bolts of energy discharging from the impact site. Machman's now white-hot wings swing back into position and continue to spew heat into the surrounding air.

Machman still holds his position and downloads the heatshot chip data to his right hand. His hand transforms into a red buster, covered in safety vents and a small blast guard near the base of the barrel. Machman lines up on the two surviving Starfish viruses and activates the trigger. The buster quickly warms up and fires a flame imbued buster round at the viruses.

Machman's wings finally cool and begin to kick on. Machman jumps into the air with the assistance of his boot rockets, flips backwards with his back facing the ground, rolls upright, and puts his thrusters to full throttle. He is off like a shot and gaining altitude. He looks down towards the viruses, vigilantly watching for the tell-tale flash of retaliatory fire.

ACTIONS:
Recover10: Machman.EXE (Replenish 10HP)
Thrust Laser: DBLCUBEA (60dmg w/ 2-turn cooldown)
Heatshot + Untapped Power {+10dmg}: StarfishC,D (50dmg Fire)
Dodge
"heh, wow, nice move." XIII said. "Hey, Remi, upload some chips! I think he's trying to show us up!" He yelled jokingly while watching from behind the guard.

"I was thinking the same thing. Ok, Heatshot, slot in!" Kasumi responded, and XIII's hand had already become the gun barrel, ready for fire. He rolled out form behind the guard, Taking aim so that the shot would Hit both DBLCUBE A and B, and squeezed the trigger tightly in his mind. The fiery blast was unleashed upon the two cubes enhanced by XIII's own flames.

He flipped up off the ground and ran forward, charging his sword in the sheath and when he was close enough, XIII's drew his sword onto Starfish D, the flames erupting from it as he did so, further fueling his attack.

Summary
Heatshot (40 + 5 fire boost) DBLCUBE A and B
Charge
Charge
Charge Shot (32, Fire) Starfish D
((Untap adds to the total damage of the attack, not each hit last I checked.))

Machman managed to heal himself, and unleashed his laser and flaming attacks on his foes, where about XIII decided to try and finish off his foes, taking out the last starfish. The last cube turned red, and fired a beam at Machman, who dodged it rather well.

StarfishA: DELETED
StarfishB: DELETED
StarfishC: DELETED
StarfishD: DELETED
StarfishE: DELETED
ElecogreA: DELETED
ElecogreB: DELETED
ElecogreC: DELETED
DBLCUBEA: DELETED
DBLCUBEB: 15 HP <Red>

XIII: 100 HP
Machman: 90 HP
XIII Was dodging backwards when he saw machman taking fire. "XIII, take out that cube!" Kasumi's voice came over in comlink, but he was already in motion, his sheathed sword glowing as he neared the cube. He drew the burning sword from his sheath again, unleashing a devastating battou attack on the cube.

Summary
Charge
Charge
Charge Attack (32 damage) to DBLCUBE B
Dodge
Machman stops his evasive actions and boosts straight up. His thrusters die and he begins to fall towards the ground.

Hehehe. I'll show ya style!

Machman brings his arms across his chest and begins to spin in the air as he plummets towards the ground. He almost looks like a gymnast performing the final jump of his performance. The continues to spin until spreading his arms and legs apart and flipping forward and over. Machman then hits the ground feet first and a small jolt shot through the net floor. Machman, crouched over with a fist to the ground and both legs flexed and ready to pounce, smiles and whips his buster-turned left hand towards the lone DBLCUBE ahead.

{Whew, glad I made that. I would have looked like a fool if I ended up as a data puddle on the floor!}

Machman's angular MachBuster primes with a quiet humming noise rising in pitch. The end of the buster begins to glow bright orange and cyan. Machman takes great care aiming at the virus, just in case XIII happens to miss; though doubtful at best.

Machman also activates his second Recover10 chip and continues to target the virus as the green data and glow rises and dissipates.

ACTIONS
Charge
Charge
Charge Shot: DBLCUBEB (32dmg)
Recover10: Machman.EXE (Recover 10HP)
Wow. Cubes are really developing a bad rep for being left alone to finish off...

VICTOLY!

GET(each): 650z

FXP!

2 Static!

3 Bonus for healing and protecting!!
XIII righted himself, re-sheathing his sword.
"Well now its clear that he's getting desperate, and sloppy. the strategy was good, but was a clear sign that someone was pulling some strings."

The screen blipped open again above XIII. "Yeah, but it also served another purpose. Whoever is doing this is probably going to make a mistake soon, like revealing himself possibly. Alls going according to plan. Hey Machman, are you ok? It looks like you nearly got clipped by that blast there."
I'm good, XIII. Mazer went and got me some Recovery chips to put me back at full power!

Machman retrieves some zenny data but pauses and looks back to XIII. His playful personality is replaced with a serious and stern voice.

You keep mumbling about someone, and not referring to me or the viruses we fought... Is there something I should know about?

A comm window opens up next to Machman, and Mazer's face comes into view.

[I would also like to know if there is something deeper; something different than just normal viral activity. Care to fill us in, Miss Misumaru?]

Mazer's voice is also serious, but not a trace of hostility can be found in either of their statements.
Kasumi looked at them quite seriously. "Well, its not that I know anything, its just a major hunch thats all. The virus formations are too well organized, not really the kind you'd find around here, especially considering the security."

XIII finished logging the money data into his system and nodded. "Yeah, its just a sort of feeling you get after running into this sort fo thing. We hang out on the scilab server alot, because dad works here, and you can sort of tell when the patterns are different than normal."

"Well, whatever it is, I think we're safe for now. Lets keep moving, 'kay Mach?" XIII began walking deeper, but despite the laid back tone and expression in his voice, his eyes betrayed a nervous vigilance. They had been lucky so far, but the waves were getting progressively harder, so head try his best to make sure that they came out ok. Scilab was more dangerous than usual today. "So, where are you from, Mach? I don't think I ever asked you."
I see, you have a lot more experience with this place than us.

[We have just recently moved here from overseas. I got a job as a pilot instructor in Netopia, so I accepted. You?]

As for me, I originated as a NormalNavi but Mazer found some weird data floating in the net. Supposedly it was a "ghost" of a deleted navi. It merged with my programming, resulting in my current form and large increases in power!
Kasumi thought a moment about that. "huh? Hmm, interesting. I'd love to study that phenomena, its so rare that a ghost data appears, let alone merges itself with a navi."

"I don't have that kind of back ground like you do. I've jsut always been Remii's navi, ever since I can remember. I think I'm just a regular custom navi." XIII said. He thought a second there and then added... "Although, I find it rather odd that when I nearly got deleted last time, dad took so long to repair me. He kept refusing me when I jsut said to reformat me, said it was impossible or something..."

"Actually, I'm only a highschool student." Kasumi continued. "I've always lived here, just like my dad who grew up here as well, and grandpa too. And like XIII said, he's always been my navi.... you know, its funny you mention that, I can't remember a time when we weren't together either, XIII."

"Well, maybe we should dad when I was created. He might also be able to tell us why I suddenly flipped out in ACD---" He stopped mid sentence, hand flying to his sword hilt. "Somethings not right again. Get ready."

((ready for next battle.))
Machman crouches down with his buster already formed as XIII quickly grabs his sword.

Bring it.

((Also ready for battle #4))

Machman: 100HP
A lot of viruses this time.

KabutankA: 80 HP
KabutankB: 80 HP
KabutankC: 80 HP
StarfishA: 60 HP
StarfishB: 60 HP
ElecOgreA: 120 HP
ElecOgreB: 120 HP
ElecOgreC: 120 HP
ChampuA: 60 HP
ChampuB: 60 HP
Windbox: 100 HP
DBLCUBE: 100 HP (Blue)

Terrain: 100% Metal

XIII.exe: 100 HP
Machman.exe: 100 HP

-SUPER DIFFICULT FIGHT-
-BATTLE 4-
-FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE!-
XIII gritted his teeth, seeing the massive wave come at them. "See what I mean Mach. This many viruses don't just doesn't appear at random, anywhere, except for maybe the under net. And this is supposed to be a secure network!"
"XIII!" Kasumi's voice came through the link suddenly. "That windbox could be a hazard if left alone. Take it out first! Firehit1 Slot int!"

XIII zig-zaged through the lines, coming in close to the wind box, and he delivered a burning punch, the air sizzling around it like iron taken out of a furnace. "Alright, XIII and a follow up slash! Rage claw, slot in!"

Without even enough time to let the wound he inflicted cool, the claw that his and formed into dug deep at the gash. He turned back to run to their side, taking another swipe at ElecOgreA as he passed.

Summary
Firehit1 (60 + 5 fire) Windbox
Rage Claw (40) Windbox
Rage Claw (40) ElecOgreA
Dodge
Dodge (extra for consecutive melee)