The Bond

Blerp. Sage.exe has broken, must wait 17 hours til he can get home and turn this into a mod post. We apologise for the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.

In the face of moderate calamity, Amity reacts with steadfast grace, making of herself a stormbreaker against the oncoming rush. Her target careens on at uncanny speeds; the world shrinks down to the space between her shooting hand and the Melody. All the processing power packed into her narrow frame, however diminished, is savvy enough to spot the logic to the virus' queer physics, and guide her hand true. The Shotgun reports with a flechette-sharp crack. An instant later, a bull's-eye blooms clean through the Melody and continues on, fragmented but unabated, to finish its journey deep in the core of a Bunny. The Melody responds with an angry face that, as the virus closes the distance to Amity, appears to rapidly enclose her vision. The Bunny is somewhat less worried about the assault - nor is it likely to be worried about anything for the foreseeable future.

Events following this initial tussle would degenerate into something rather more pear-shaped. The Melody finishes its momentous journey - straight into a proffered Guard, which does its already precarious condition no favours. Bearing right on its heels is the strange duo of dog and cactus, attacking in unison such that the Cacty's head clunks along the ground right behind a spat fireball. Unlike the fireball, arguably the more threatening danger, the Cacty manages to find its target, and deliver unto it a light, albeit thorny bludgeoning. While the Spikey proceeds to fetch its companion's head, skittering wildly over the cracked group, the stampede's final member proceeds sedately forward. In contrast to its high-energy brethren, the ensuing swipe of its sword feels almost lazy, no matter that Amity holds herself too rooted to put mind to evasion, and so suffers one last blow. Her system's begin to feel the strain.

-- Team Names-That-End-With-Y --
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.: CLEANSED
Swordy: 60 HP [Normal]
CactyCacty (Cacty)

When a Cacty virus attacks, it creates two damage zones: the body and the head. Touching either the body or the head will cause damage to the player, but only the head is used as an actual attack. Cacty virus bodies are 50% resistant to all forms of damage except Fire. There is no defense piercing that bypasses this effect except the Fire Element. This effect applies only to the body of the virus, as the head of the virus sustains full damage as normal.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley

HP: 70
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood per hit + Act-Shot + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Throws its head at opponents. When it hits something, it bounces backwards one space, then tried to bounce forward again. When the cactus ball reaches the edge of the field, it appears again on the virus. This attack is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): CactusBall1, Zenny
Special: Act-Shot: This attack may hit each target a number of times equal to the virus' max actions per turn, but the virus may only attack once per turn.
Special: Divided: This virus has two Hit Zones when attacking. Both may sustain damage from a single attack as if they were separate targets. Damage is cumulative.: 70 HP [Riding Spikey]
MelodyMelody (Melody)

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

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 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.: 10 HP [Normal]
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: 90 HP [Cracked]

-- Name Also Ends With Y --
Amity.EXE: 127 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
55% Normal [Packed turf field]
35% 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 patch behind Amity]
10% Broken [Path leading from Spiky]

The shotgun's trajectory proved to be onpoint, and to Amity's surprise, not only did it hit its initial target in the form of the Melody, but somehow its ricochet-spread managed to broadcast itself across the field and into the unsuspecting Bunny. It wasn't enough damage to end the Melody's march, but it was certainly sufficient enough to trigger the Bunny's EJO, with it's yellow core remaining only temporarily before disappearing into the air.

The rather disgruntled Melody, only slowed down partially by her assault, leapt at Amity with full force, only to be met by the cold metal of the Guard shield, which instantly absorbed the force of its weight and threw it back at the black blob, injuring it even further. Having completed its job, the shield disappeared, but perhaps a little too soon for our violet-haired protagonist, for three more villains were yet to make a pass at her.

From atop its transport, the Cacty threw its oversized head toward her, whilst the Spikey itself spat a ball of fire her direction as well. The heat from the fireball was certainly felt as it narrowly whizzed past her head, but the Cacty's aim was true, impacting her chest in a most inelegant manner, causing her to briefly wince in pain as the thorns dug themselves into her chest. The prickly head rebounced backwards, hit the ground in front of her and tried for a second pass, but missed her it its haste and rolled towards the cracked area behind her. It didn't matter though; only one hit was enough to leave a minor number of thorns stuck to the front of her dress, just below the emblem.

As the Spikey barrelled toward her, Amity thought it was going to attack again, but it became clear as it veered to her left that it was simply chasing down its passenger's head, possibly to prepare for another attack. Unfortunately, the passing-by of the Spikey was enough of a distraction for the last remaining foe to zoom in close without any effort whatsoever. A quick swipe of its sword left another mark on the poor girl, taking a step back as the damage was incurred. It almost seemed like a cheap shot, certainly not something you'd expect from a real knight.

"Are you okay?!" Eric asked worriedly.

Amity quickly surveyed her situation in the precious seconds she had. The Cacty and Spikey were heading into the cracked region; that might slow them down for just enough time to deal with the remaining viruses closest to her, namely the Swordy and the Melody. A smile crept onto her face as she realised she had an opportunity. She hadn't used this weapon since being under Eric's command, and they certainly weren't powerful by anyone's definition, but surely it would be enough.

"I'm fine! Requesting the Cannon battlechip!" Amity yelled as she trained her focus back to the Melody. A Seamshot should be just enough to finish the job and send it packing. The right sleeve began to take rigid shape, in a similar manner to how it had done so for the Cannon and Shotgun battlechips prior, but this time there was no tube or nozzle protruding from the end. Diffused cleansing gel was making its way down her arm and into her hand; it was different from the normal cleansing gel in that it had a much finer material makeup, resulting in a more gaseous appearance. Its distinct advantage, of course, was that while it didn't cause as much damage, it didn't take as long to charge up new material either. Once enough gel had gathered into her closed hand, Amity released her clenched fist in the direction of the Melody, hoping to once again catch it mid-flight. The bluish-gray mist burst from the sleeve and into the arena accordingly.

As this was taking place, her left sleeve had also begun to take similar shape, however this time there was a familiar cannonical tube sticking ever so slightly out of the sleeve. Eric had followed his orders and transmitted the requested data. "Cannon uploaded," he confirmed, although given that the transformation was almost complete, such advice seemed rather redundant to the girl at that point.

From her position on the couch, Stacey was still not impressed that Amity was doing all the thinking, but at least she'd requested the assistance instead of demanding it, so she'd let it slide in this instance. Crony, of course, remained unchanged from his post in the grandstands.

Take THIS! she silently yelled to herself as she gritted her teeth and blasted out the Cannon fire as hard as she could at the Swordy. Such a cheap swipe from his sword was cowardly at best and deserved no mercy. As if to signify her anger, the Cannon's gunpowder cloud seemed to spread even further than normal (with its unusual bluish tinge, of course).

With her dress still glowing whilst undergoing its routine minor repairs, Amity prepared herself for what may come next. With potentially four foes still remaining, two in front and two behind, she'd need to be ready for anything from anywhere. Assuming her preparation stance once again, her attention was mainly focused to the cracked area where no doubt she'd likely have to focus her attention moving forward. Your move.

----------

Actions:
[1] Seamshot [10 DMG] >>> Melody
[2] [Disruptor]Cannon [60 DMG + Knockback] >>> Swordy
[3] Prepare to dodge
[P] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [127 >>> 134 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
None in Cooldown

Party:
Amity.EXE: 134 / 150 HP

(((OOC Mod question: If I release the Mushy chip in the next turn, does it attack the same turn, or do I have to wait until the turn after before it begins to have an action per turn? Also, it has a Nova2 attack. Even though Amity is its ally, Amity can still be affected by its attack if she's too close, correct?)))

Just another tap up the queue. :)

((Jumping in to pick this up while Sage is busy, sorry for the delay. Summoning chips can act immediately once used in most cases, unless the chip itself specifically says otherwise. In the case of AoEs, such as the Mushy has, damage is generally indiscriminate, and will damage enemies, allies and objects equally. Exceptions, such as limited to-all chips, will say what they hit and don't, but otherwise, assume an AoE can and will hit everything in its coverage.))

With a moment to assess the field and its odd sport-ball game, Amity swiftly cut to the heart of the mess and cleansed the 'ball' before it could cause any more havoc. There was something to be said for good clean fun after all, perhaps. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like the Cacty or its mount were too happy about the development, and immediately turned their focus more directly on the one spoiling their games. One launched its head at her, while the other coughed up a fresh fireball, but in between their charging about and amity's own evasiveness, neither managed to connect with the purple-haired stitch-witch.

As she dodged, amity had a stronger attack prepared, which she managed to unload directly at the Swordy just as it was raising its weapon for another strike. It didn't get to make the cut, enveloped in a could that decompiled its code rapidly and left little behind. While her dress continued to patch up the small amount of damage it had taken, Amity herself was left to deal with the remaining two spoil-sports, who had cleared back across to stable terrain, leaving a path of broken in panels behind them..

-=Team Names-That-End-With-Y=-
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

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

When a Cacty virus attacks, it creates two damage zones: the body and the head. Touching either the body or the head will cause damage to the player, but only the head is used as an actual attack. Cacty virus bodies are 50% resistant to all forms of damage except Fire. There is no defense piercing that bypasses this effect except the Fire Element. This effect applies only to the body of the virus, as the head of the virus sustains full damage as normal.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley

HP: 70
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood per hit + Act-Shot + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Throws its head at opponents. When it hits something, it bounces backwards one space, then tried to bounce forward again. When the cactus ball reaches the edge of the field, it appears again on the virus. This attack is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): CactusBall1, Zenny
Special: Act-Shot: This attack may hit each target a number of times equal to the virus' max actions per turn, but the virus may only attack once per turn.
Special: Divided: This virus has two Hit Zones when attacking. Both may sustain damage from a single attack as if they were separate targets. Damage is cumulative.: 70Hp [Riding Spikey]
MelodyMelody (Melody)

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

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 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.: CLEANSED
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 [Normal]

-=Name Also Ends With Y=-
Amity.Exe: 134 Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
55% Normal [Packed turf field]
25% 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 patch behind Amity]
20% Broken [Path leading from Spiky]

(((No worries at all. I get that this is certainly not a job; I just didn't want the thread to be lost in the mire of posts past, especially when I'm enjoying making a storyline. Thanks for the info on the Mushy as well, RP'ing that knowledge at the right time should be all kinds of fun. :D )))

Two more adversaries got more than they bargained for, as their cores levitated into the air, no longer a threat to our fair lady (if you would even call her that). The sudden movement of the Swordy created a small gust of wind that blew most of the blue gunpowered cloud back into Amity's face, causing her to cough twice as she cleared it out of her lungs. A rather interesting thought; what bright mind gave digital beings lungs, anyway...?

Amity's attention was now solely focused on the remaining duo, the long-haired fireball-wielder and its prickly companion. The logical option was to take out the Spikey next, given its inherent weakness to her specialty gel, but... could she maybe have a better option available to her?

Eric was once again mesmerised at the PET screen, forgetting he was supposed to be the operator and not an observer. Stacey gave his stomach a quick nudge with her arm, enough to break his focus but not enough to hurt.

"What's your next move?" Stacey asked, beckoning to his chip folder with her hand.

Eric took a deep breath and tried to focus his attention towards this puzzle that needed solving. He looked at the remaining chips that were fully charged; the Rageclaw, Shockwave, Skyshoes, Mushy and Recovery chips were still available and ready for transmission. Eric still didn't know what the Skyshoes and Mushy chips did yet, and Amity wasn't sufficiently hurt to need the full effect of the Recovery chip yet; her dress had been doing a slow but very useful job in that department. Getting close enough to use the Rageclaw probably wasn't a good idea either; although she'd been jumping around everywhere, Eric didn't yet know how well Amity would fare in two-on-one direct combat.

Which left the Shockwave; a slow-moving blast of energy that would be almost impossible to jump, but not to sidestep.

Unless... it was too distracted to move? Suddenly Eric had an idea.

"Amity, I'm sending you the Shockwave chip," he said with a unmistakable shudder in his voice. He certainly wasn't confident in his plan, but it was better than nothing. "Do... you think you could distract the wolf long enough to hit it with that? Maybe it'll hurt both of them?" he wondered out loud as he passed the chip through the reader, engaging the network transmission of the Shockwave data.

Amity was surprised to be hearing a strategy from Eric; she'd already begun forming the cleansing gel in her right hand, its cooling aura already bringing a lift to her spirit. She expected the Shockwave data to transmutate her left side since she had already loaded the gel on her right, but to her surprise it was her right boot that transformed instead. The front pad on the underside of her right foot began to hum and glow, indicating a massive charge was ready to be dispersed at her command. This excited Amity; she'd never had the opportunity to use that system before, even during testing.

The Spikey and its companion had whizzed past her into the cracked terrain field, and somehow managed to avoid becoming stuck in the pits as it blurred itself at top-speed back into the main area. Amity's plan was simple; hit the Spikey with the gel, and quickly follow it up with the Shockwave.

With another satisfying WHOOSH, the arm extended towards the fiery wolf ejected another mass of cleansing gel, which sailed across the field and towards its intended target. Without a moment to waste, Amity raised her right foot and slammed it into the ground in front of her, in the same direction the gel had been fired. What resulted was a massive energy wave that exploded from the ground and made its way across the field. To nobody's surprise, the flickers of energy that left the wave as it travelled were... cyan-tinted.

Amity's dress continued its duty of minor repairs as she turned her attention to Eric. "That was actually a good move," she half-complimented, half-sighed, as if the comment itself actually caused her pain. But there was no time for celebrations just yet, there was still more work to be done, as she looked to the field in preparation for whatever would follow.

----------

Actions:
[1] Calming Spray [40 DMG, Aqua] >>> Spikey
[2] [Disruptor] ShockWave [40 DMG, Line Attack] >>> Spikey + Cacty
[3] Prepare to dodge
[P] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [134 >>> 141 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [Used; 1/1 TCD remaining]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 141 / 150 HP

While her remaining adversaries rushed about trying to manoeuvre (or perhaps the Spikey was just dashing at random with the Cacty along for the ride?), Amity continued to track and face them, making a plan while her operator supplied the chips. Just as the dog-like virus veered towards her, mouth opening up amidst licks of flame, Amity socked it quite thoroughly with a blast of gel. the Spikey yelp, more in surprise than anything else as the gel began to gently work on it. It was the impact, more than anything else, that sent it tumbling head over heels across the ground under the remains of its own momentum.

The Cacty flew off its stumbling mount, cactus balls scattering everywhere for a moment or two; one flew past amity at a wild bounce, and retracted again after she managed to duck away from it. Her stomping shock wave a moment later rippled through the ground, engulfing the Spikey in a final wave of energy that was enough to reduce it to a safely pacified core, though it was harder to gauge her effect on the Cacty as it puled itself back together in pieces. It seemed to still be going for now.

-=Team Names-That-End-With-Y=-
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

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

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia

HP: 60
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Long Range Attack + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: When this virus is 2 panels away from the target, or its enemies are 2-deep, it will attack with Long Sword.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Null + Wide Range Attack + Slashing
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: When this virus is standing directly adjacent to its target, or diagonally from it, it will attack with Wide Sword.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Sword, Zenny
Special: Sword-N's are immune to Sleep Status.
Special: Uses Area Grab to get into attack range.: CANNONICALLY REMOVED
CactyCacty (Cacty)

When a Cacty virus attacks, it creates two damage zones: the body and the head. Touching either the body or the head will cause damage to the player, but only the head is used as an actual attack. Cacty virus bodies are 50% resistant to all forms of damage except Fire. There is no defense piercing that bypasses this effect except the Fire Element. This effect applies only to the body of the virus, as the head of the virus sustains full damage as normal.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley

HP: 70
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood per hit + Act-Shot + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Throws its head at opponents. When it hits something, it bounces backwards one space, then tried to bounce forward again. When the cactus ball reaches the edge of the field, it appears again on the virus. This attack is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): CactusBall1, Zenny
Special: Act-Shot: This attack may hit each target a number of times equal to the virus' max actions per turn, but the virus may only attack once per turn.
Special: Divided: This virus has two Hit Zones when attacking. Both may sustain damage from a single attack as if they were separate targets. Damage is cumulative.: 30Hp [Normal]
MelodyMelody (Melody)

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

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 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.: CLEANSED
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: CLEANSED

-=Name Also Ends With Y=-
Amity.Exe: 141 Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
55% Normal [Packed turf field]
25% 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 patch behind Amity]
20% Broken [Path leading from Spiky]

A lot happened in the seconds that followed; the cleansing gel hit its mark, causing the wolf-like creature to stumble and fall. This action in turn led to the unleashing of what could have easily been mistaken as a swarm of cactus heads. Although one managed to get close to Amity, a nimble step to the left and it went straight past her. In the same manner as before, the heads began to bounce in an odd fashion back to its main 'pillar', for lack of a better word, although it was now lying on the ground due to its 'ride' being decimated by the Shockwave sent against it, which had destroyed the outer casing to reveal an inner core that began its retreat. The shockwave itself had also impacted the Cacty, but as it hadn't been double-teamed by attacks it still had some pep remaining.

"Okay, what's next?" Amity enquired. "Any more good ideas?" She'd been rather impressed at their unexpectedly natural teamwork in the last move, but rather than get ahead of herself, it would probably be pertinent to see if her new 'master' could follow it up.

It wasn't looking good for Eric. A lack of remaining battlechips was severely hampering his options. "Umm, I don't think I have much left that you could use. From a distance anyway," he added quickly after. "Do you have any more of that gel stuff?" he asked.

"'Gel stuff'? It's cleansing gel," she corrected. "And no; if I could release that stuff endlessly I wouldn't need you," she sneered.

Eric took the insult on the chin, as was his way, and picked up his final idea. "I can give you this," he said while holding the RageClaw chip in his hand. "You'll have to either wait for the right moment or get up close," he advised nervously, passing the chip through the reader. "Sending the RageClaw now."

RageClaw. So I guess I'll finally figure out what that chip does... she thought to herself. As the data was received and began internal manifestation, Amity couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. The code had been received normally, like all the chips before, but there was something different about this data packet that had her concerned.

{{{Oh no dear, I thought you'd used one of those before!}}} came a voice out of nowhere.

Amity whirled around in place. The sound hadn't come from her PET relay, but the only two creatures that were near enough to have spoken to her with such clarity was the Cacty about to catch a one-way EJO, and the buffoon in the grandstand.

{{{Don't worry Amy, the dress will repair itself! Don't cry, it's okay!}}} the voice repeated again. It clearly belonged to a woman, but the tone, the words... they weren't critical or harsh, but warm. Tender. Almost... like a mother's voice...?

"Who's there?" she asked, only to be met by silence.

Amity's confusion was short-lived and interrupted by an unmistakeable ripping noise, as three giant blades exploded out of the right arm of her dress. Not through the sleeve, mind you; the actual fabric itself gave way to three new holes that appeared above her forearm.

"ARGH!" she yelped, completely taken aback by the unexpected change. She stumbled backwards a few steps as she tried to dodge the blades, only to realise they were actually a part of her. A warm hue of pink rushed across her face as she realised what had happened, and in front of a live audience no less. Amity couldn't hide her embarrassment, but she was sure going to be vocal about it. ESPECIALLY when she realised what she'd been sent.

"You sent me a Sword-based chip!" she growled in a rather agitated voice.

Eric was hesitant to respond. He'd heard that tone of voice before, too many times from his sister. It meant danger. "I'm sorry!" he immediately apologised, trying quickly to defuse the situation. He didn't know what he was apologising for, but it seemed like the safest option with no additional information available to him.

"I *HATE* Sword chips!" she seethed as she looked at the claws. "Hacking someone to pieces! There is NOTHING dignified about that!"

"But I don't have anything else to send you!" Eric tried to explain.

"Look," Stacey interrupted. "It's at critical health. One swipe is all it would take. No 'hacking to pieces', so just get it done."

Amity looked at the Cacty that was now almost reassembled and ready for another run. It did look to have taken enough damage that one more hit would finish the job.

"You'd better be right!" she warned as she sized up her situation. One hit. That's all it will take. Okay. Closing the gap would be the hardest part; it could attack multiple times at once. But before she could worry about that, she had to do something else first that was going to hurt her, at least internally...

Taking a hold of the upper segment of her sleeve with her left hand, Amity pulled back on the material to remove the blade from her sleeve and make it fully mobile. Another awkward ripping noise could be heard as the material was torn three new lines to remove the blades from the sleeve itself. Three rather crooked claws now extended out from her arm, ready to cause all kinds of pain to its victims. Although, looking at the expression on Amity's face as she looked at the gashes left in her dress, you'd be forgiven for thinking the claws had already landed a critical hit.

...I don't know who you are, but I hope you're right... she pleaded to herself. The dress hem was still glowing as it repaired her, but could it really repair itself...?

Her anguish was quickly replaced once again with anger; she was getting tired of being bossed around, not being in control of her environment. This was the final test. And the only thing standing between her and success was the green tree of spiky balls occupying the field in front of her. With a renewed determination she lurched forward, hopping left and right as she moved in an attempt to catch it off guard and possibly avoid any unexpected trouble. Either way, the look in her eyes meant only one thing; that Cacty was finished. One way or another.

----------

(((Serve, set, spike. You can probably tell I had a LOT of fun with this turn of events. Storyline development! :D )))

----------

Actions:
[1] Dodge while moving forward.
[2] Feint while moving forward.
[3] But whatever happens, [Disruptor]RageClaw [40 DMG + Slashing] >>> Cacty
[P] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [141 >>> 148 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [-1 TCD - 0/1 TCD - Cooldown Complete]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 148 / 150 HP

With only limited options remaining to handle the final crazed virus, some mild errors of judgement were made. Nevertheless, Amity pressed forward once she'd shaken off the shock and upset, letting the inherent ire of the chip guide her to putting the final blow on the Cacty virus. It tried to smack her with its head one more time as she drew close, but Amity avoided the assault and finished off the virus a moment later. Despite the tears in her sleeve, the navi's dress continued to work away at repairing itself, and was almost as good as new by the time the battle cooled and things stilled again. Once everyone had calmed down, amity might notice that this particular bladed chip was unusual; it didn't technically need to go slicing and dicing, and could be used simply to beat things into submission with other things, if she felt that was more civilised. Oh well.

-=Team Names-That-End-With-Y=-
BunnyBunny (Bunny)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

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

When a Cacty virus attacks, it creates two damage zones: the body and the head. Touching either the body or the head will cause damage to the player, but only the head is used as an actual attack. Cacty virus bodies are 50% resistant to all forms of damage except Fire. There is no defense piercing that bypasses this effect except the Fire Element. This effect applies only to the body of the virus, as the head of the virus sustains full damage as normal.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley

HP: 70
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood per hit + Act-Shot + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Throws its head at opponents. When it hits something, it bounces backwards one space, then tried to bounce forward again. When the cactus ball reaches the edge of the field, it appears again on the virus. This attack is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): CactusBall1, Zenny
Special: Act-Shot: This attack may hit each target a number of times equal to the virus' max actions per turn, but the virus may only attack once per turn.
Special: Divided: This virus has two Hit Zones when attacking. Both may sustain damage from a single attack as if they were separate targets. Damage is cumulative.: CLAWED
MelodyMelody (Melody)

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

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Dentech

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Jumps on the enemy.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 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.: CLEANSED
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: CLEANSED

-=Name Also Ends With Y=-
Amity.Exe: 148 Hp [Normal]

-=Battle 3, Victory!=-
Spoils: 600z, HeatShotDamage: 40 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: Shoots a fireball whose explosion penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Fire
Trader Rank: D

"You'll need to do better than that!" Amity yelled as she strafed around the rolling head. With one final thrust, she connected the three blades to its central core, which resulted in the foretold collapse of its external structure. The final remaining core levitated into the air and buzzed out of the arena.

For someone who had been concerned about the savageness of using Sword chips, Amity had seemed to enjoy the attack a whole lot more than she should have. As she watched the core disappear, she noticed that the blades on her arm hadn't disappeared themselves. "Hey, what gives?!" she uttered out loud.

"A RageClaw is more durable than your standard battlechip weapon," Stacey advised. "In fact, you can get up to six uses of it before it breaks. It can also be used in different ways. You can use it as a scoop, or just to whack something away rather than slicing it," she added.

"Right. Because beating something into submission is so much better than slicing and dicing it," Amity bitterly replied. She dismissed the chip data by force, and took another look at the damage it had done to her sleeve. To her dispair and disappointment, it hadn't repaired itself. Maybe it takes time, she tried to reassured herself.

With all the carnage reaching an end, Amity brushed an errant hair out of her face and observed her surroundings. Five against one. It had been impossible odds; the testing centres never allowed a five-on-one battle, and never at a hitpoints disadvantage of greater than 5:3, let alone 7:3. And yet, in spite of all of that, she was the victor. Another win.

"I... did it..." she mumbled to herself, almost in disbelief. "Five of five SRVRs."

It was true. The field may have once again been scarred by their actions, but the third round of virus busting had ended. There were some scattered remains and a lingering coding core that Amity walked across to. A quick scan revealed it to be suitable for upload as battlechip data, so she transmutated it into her core and transferred it to the PET. "Uploading new battlechip data."

Eric placed another blank chip into the PET's reader. The PET beeped as it imprinted the new information, and a new HeatShot battlechip was ejected as a result.

"Hey," Eric replied, somewhat amazed too that she'd won. Three tests. They'd passed. "You did it. That was amazing."

It was a compliment, and in a normal situation it might have made her blush, given she'd not had this kind of success before on the battlefield. But given she'd already been embarrassed by her earlier mistake involving her now-torn sleeve, Amity felt the need to play it cool instead of showing relief. "Of course! With these skills, I'm unstoppable!" she remarked with an unhealthy amount of arrogance needlessly added to her voice.

Unbeknownst to Amity, that comment caused Crony to break his focus from the holographic screen in front of him and gaze at her from the grandstand he was sitting on. As she completed a few pirouettes whilst standing in place on the centre of the field, Crony tilted his head to the left slightly, with his left eyebrow now raised as well. Stacey picked up on this from her PET. Not wanting to attract Eric's attention, she discreetly sent Crony a personal message so the duo wouldn't suspect anything.

[Everything okay?] she asked. She'd seen that look before in her partner, and it normally meant something was up.

A brief pause. [Maybe] was the only word she received back, which only confused Stacey further.

Nevertheless, Eric and Amity had passed all three tests. True, there was definitely some feedback on her battle style that needed addressing, but a sudden biological urge revealed a situation inside Stacey that needed to be addressed first. [Going to the bathroom. Back in a minute.]

Amity's mood was certainly more cheerful now; Crony had said they had to pass three tests. She'd done that. Back in the training centre she hadn't passed any secondary tests before, only preliminaries, and this was much more intense than the secondaries she'd failed.

"Meep!”

A sudden yet familar sound passed by Amity's ears. It was faint, for sure, but impossible to miss. She quickly surveyed the area around her to see what had made it. Her eyes only met the empty field with remnants of the battles prior, the four grandstands that surrounded the field, and of course, Crony, sitting behind a holographic monitor. Typical. I'm certainly not important enough.

"Meep!”

There it was again.

Amity scanned the area again, but with no success. Assured that something nearby was making that noise, she deployed her antenna from underneath her hair to get a better understanding of the surroundings. It always made her feel awkward to have them exposed, but their ultra-sensitivity would likely make all the difference in solving this puzzle. Extending to full length, they began to vibrate constantly, as if to be listening to the air itself and reporting on the slightest changes.

"Meep!"

Success! It was coming from behind the grandstands opposite Crony. Something about the sound of that "Meep!" had Amity feeling like it wasn't a threat. Should she investigate?

She turned her attention back to Crony. She needed a distraction, but she didn't know Crony well enough to know what would trigger a lack of attention.

But does that matter? Amity thought to herself. He's still just a guy. And a dense one at that. It could work...

"Hey, boss!" she yelled out. Before Crony could open his mouth to retort the use of that title again, she continued. "I need to take care of some lady business! I'll be behind the grandstand over there!" she commanded as she pointed to the grandstand in question. "Don't you dare interrupt me!" she finished with as much of a threatening voice she could muster.

Crony's attention seemed to briefly move from the monitor to her, and then back to the monitor. Taking that as a sign of acceptance, she made her way to the back of the arena, cleansing gel in hand in case things got messy. Curiosity was getting the better of her.

She entered the darkness behind the grandstands, but wasn't able to see or hear anything. The antenna were definitely picking something up, but the nature of the confined space was giving mixed results, as if to obscure the exact location of the mystery. As she found herself hidden behind the seating of the higher levels, a shadow suddenly jumped out of the darkness and towards her. The gel was milliseconds from propulsing off her hand when she recognised the shape of the minor creature in front of her.

"It's you!" she replied with a smile. "I didn't think I'd see you again!"

The "you" being referred to was her partner from the first battle, the littlest Metool. It seemed to have been startled by her intention to attack, but when she raised her hands away from its body, its eyes formed that mouthless smile that only Metools can pull off.

Amity was happy when she realised that it had been tracking her from a distance. "You were following me, weren't you?" she responded.

The Metool nodded in reply, clearly able to understand her.

Amity's smile soon began to fade into a worried frown as she glanced through the rafters and back towards where Crony had been sitting. "You're not safe here. If Crony sees you, he'll kill you. Do you understand me?" she asked her companion. When it nodded, she picked it up and looked into its eyes. "Listen. For now, you need to stay far away from me. I'm a danger to you for as long as he's around."

It stared right back at her, and shook its head vigorously, as if to say "no way."

Amity was at a loss for what to do. She certainly couldn't keep it with her as a pet, but releasing it back into the wild would be dangerous if another navigator stumbled upon it; clearly nobody in the area cared whether a peaceful virus lived or died.

"Hey," came a whisper through her comlink. "What are you going to do?" Eric asked. He'd been watching the turn of events and was equally as concerned.

Amity hesitated. Eric wasn't likely to be much help to her. "I... I don't know."

"Well, whatever you decide, you probably want to do it quickly," Eric warned. "Stacey had to go to the toilet, but she'll be back shortly."

"Fine. What would you do?" she asked sarcastically.

The question and its tone caught Eric off-guard. She wanted his opinion...?

Eric took a moment to think about a suitable suggestion. "Can you put a tracker on it so we can come back for it later?" he asked. "Whenever I need to trace an anomaly in the network grid, I just release a digimote with a tracer so we can trace it to the network distortion. Then, once we patch the anomaly, we just collect the digimote and tracker."

A tracker. Why didn't I think of that? Amity checked her repulsors and was happy to find that the gamma synthesisers were at least fractionally functional. "I guess that could work..." she replied, a little annoyed that it had been Eric's idea and not her own. The smallest of gel drops curled down her arm, across her hand and into her fingers, which she then took and rubbed against the right antenna whilst it emitted a small sonic charge. It turned the cyan gel into a purple hue that matched her hair, and also altered the density of the gel to a much thicker, stickier goo. Amity took the new solution and applied it on the dead centre of the plus on the Metool's helmet. Once applied, it began to shimmer as it dissolved into its core like most of her other gels.

"There. Now I can find you again. Please, you have to run before Crony finds us," she urged. "And whatever you do, stay away from my kind! It's not safe to be near us!"

The Metool looked disappointed, but this time it obeyed her command; as she put it down on the ground, it turned around and began to march away from her. Only once it was outside of a decent attack range did it turn around again, digitise its pickaxe, wave it twice in her direction, let out a final "meep!", and then turn back around and continue its exit of the area.

Amity could sense its presence through her own internal radar; it would take an immense distance for her not to be able to find her friend again with her environmental feelers extended. "So long," she said with a sadness in her voice.

"If we see it again, you have to name it Meep," Eric advised. "Those meeps were adorable."

Amity didn't know how to respond to that remark. It was something she expected to hear from a female teenager, not a young male adult. Also, he said 'if'. Did he actually intend to help her find it again?

She was about to comment on the lack of manliness of such a response when an earthshaking sonicboom tore the grandstand apart through the centre, and the remaining force picked the unsuspecting lass up and threw her further away from the arena she'd just been fighting in. The force of the blast, combined with her aerial prowess, meant that she had time whilst airborne to gather her bearings and land on both feet unharmed, but the question remained; what on earth had happened in the mere minutes her attention had been elsewhere?

"Amity! Are you okay?!" Eric asked worriedly.

Amity dusted off the fragments that had become entangled in her dress. "Puh-leese. It took me by surprise, that's all," she remarked, still trying to keep up the illusion. Inside, she was panicking. Something was going down back at the arena. Oh well, Crony can handle it, she told herself. I should just go.

But no matter what reason she tried to come up with, she couldn't bring herself to utter the words 'requesting log-out'. As much as she didn't care for his attitude or indifference, Amity had a feeling she'd be in trouble if she didn't go looking for Crony, even though he'd already demonstrated a much higher aptitude for battling than her. Stepping over what was left of the grandstand, Amity stood atop a pile of wood to see that the same fate had befalled the other three grandstands, and Crony was nowhere to be seen.

What was of bigger concern, however, was the chaos that now filled the centre arena.

"...Eric?" Amity's voice wavered as she said his name, the classy act no longer a priority. The antenna retreated back into her hair, a sign that all was not well. "What... what am I looking at...?"

----------

Battle 3 Complete!

Rewards:
Zenny: +600 (720 >>> 1320)
New Battlechip: HeatShot
Battlechips: 8 >>> 9

Amity.EXE: 148 / 150 HP

----------

{{{Amity passed her trio of busting tests, it's true, but unfortunately ACDC Net's not finished with her yet! Requesting Battle 4!}}}

The chaos of the day right now seemed to involve a sudden and unexpected rupture in the ground of the arena. The shock wave of force that had send Amity flying initially seemed to have destroyed much of the surrounding area, but more importantly, a gaping hole leading who knew where had opened up right in the centre of it all, and a veritable horde of viruses seemed to have begun to pour upward and outward from it. It was mostly bats, dozens of them, flying up and out of the hole and scattering into the sky in every direction, flying off to create all manner of mischief elsewhere.

At the centre of the broken hole, a miner virus looked about, scanning the wrecked stands; it was hard to tell whether it was responsible for any of this, or just along for the ride. It was flanked a short distance out by what looked mostly like two metool viruses, though these ones seemed to be wearing dark, face-obscuring coverings that looks a lot like gas masks. The main difference was that where a breather might otherwise sit, a broad calibre gun muzzle was presented instead.

As the bats swarmed about, several of them took note of Amity's presence and began flying back towards her, though most of the swarm continued to ignore her, rushing out from the hole and flying onward. A brief glint of green might catch the navi's eye as well, poking out from behind one of the shattered chunks of stand, but it didn't seem like she had too much time to assess things. One of the masked mets also clocked her, and shouted something in an unintelligible viral chitter to its allies.

-=Pouring Upwards=-
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. A: 80Hp [High Altitude]
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. B: 80Hp [High Altitude]
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. C: 80Hp [Above Cracked]
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. D: 80Hp [Above Cracked]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.: 100Hp [Broken][Popping up out of the broken hole]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=In the Wreckage=-
Amity.Exe: 148 Hp [Normal]

-=Ruptured Arena=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority]
30% 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.

[Centre of Arena]
10% Broken

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

[Centre of Cracked]

-=Scattered Debris=-
Stand Chunk A: 60Hp [Normal][Long, low section, right of the centre]
Stand Chunk B: 40Hp [Normal][Up-ended tall section, behind cracked section]
Stand Chunk C: 20Hp [Cracked][Large, fragile chunk, left of the centre]

GMD: 35Hp [Normal][Behind Stand Chunk C]

-=Battle 4, Start!=-

Bats. Eric had never seen this type of virus before, but just by looking at them, the first word that immediately came to mind was... bats. Lots and lots of... bats.

As he looked at the scene unfolding, he was shocked to realise that he knew exactly what had just happened.

"I think you just witnessed a network layer breach," he commented. "Something or someone caused a topographic rupture from underneath that is allowing entities from the lower layer to transfer to the upper layer."

Amity wasn't sure if Eric was being funny, or just talking garbage. He hadn't exactly been a source of knowledge thus far, so to hear him talk about such an event in detail, she couldn't believe what she was hearing was right. "Yeah; suuure, whatever," she replied in a sarcastic manner whilst scanning the fleet of creatures emerging. The scanning software continued to identify all of the creatures it could as PulseBats. "They're all PulseBats. Do you know anything about them?"

"Umm, no. Hold on, I'll get Stacey, she'll know what to do," Eric replied while getting up from the couch.

"Wait; how can you know what that hole is, but not know how to fix it?" she questioned. She knew he had no clue what was going on.

"I've patched plenty of network layer breaches for work," Eric explained. "It happens more often than you think. But when I'm at work, we have network protocol imprinters that automate the repairs remotely. I've never seen one in person."

"...For work?" Amity was really confused now. "What do you do for work?"

Eric was about to reply, but at that moment the bathroom door opened and Stacey stepped back into the combined lounge/dining area. Eric didn't even have a chance to open his mouth before her PET started ringing. Upon checking the screen, Stacey was visibly annoyed that she was receiving the call, but nevertheless she tapped the 'Accept' button. "Hold up, I have to take this," she replied as she walked past the dining table and into her room, closing the door behind her. Eric couldn't hear what Stacey was saying, but from the tone of her voice, it was going to be a long call.

Eric was stunned. No Stacey. No Crony. He was in trouble.

A slow breath escaped his mouth as he tried to slow his breathing, which had suddenly accelerated. He went back to the couch and checked to make sure all the battlechips were ready to go if needed. Sure, this was bad, but as long as they kept a low profile, maybe everything would be okay.

Back in cyberspace, Amity was crouched down on top of the woodpile that had been the southern grandstand, shrinking her network footprint so as to not attract attention. She was openly exposed and she knew it; although she could see that the PulseBats hadn't really taken much of an interest in her as they flew off, having cover would really be handy. There were still some sizeable portions of the northern, western and eastern grandstands that could be useful as cover, but crossing the field to get to any one of them would be risky, and possibly reckless, given that none of the PulseBats had even focused on her yet.

"This is bad," Eric admitted. "Send your broadcast signal, I'll get you out of there."

Amity turned her attention back to the cloud of PulseBats that was beginning to thin out as they dispersed into the surrounding areas. She was happy to know that at least it wasn't her fault this had happened, but if the threat was disappearing as they spoke, there was no reason to leave. After all, based on Eric's conversation with Stacey, it was possible that Stacey didn't even know what was happening, to the area or to her partner. If that was true, then it was even more important that Amity find out what happened to Crony. Even if every fibre of her being didn't want to be there.

"No," Amity finally replied. "Let's just... see what's left after they're all gone."

As she took another look around the arena, a quick flicker of light caught her attention from the remains of the western grandstand. Was there something behind it? The chunk of wood was far too small for Crony to take shelter behind, even crouched, but if it wasn't Crony, what was it?

"Amity. You've got company."

Amity's attention turned back to the arena. Somehow in between all that was going on, three new viruses had joined the fray, all based around the hole that had spawned the PulseBats. One couldn't be described through regular words, its looks were almost contradictory, but however you would describe the creature, it was gripping the hole's edge and bobbing in and out of view. The other two viruses beared a striking resemblance to Metools, spare of course the large guns sticking out of the masks that covered part of their faces. Her scanning software identified them as a Miner and NeoMetools, confirming Amity's suspicions about the similarity with Metools.

What was more problematic, however, was it was clear the group had suddenly taken an interest in our purple-haired protagonist. Four PulseBats had decided that flying off was not in their best interests, and combined with the three land-dwellers, Amity was staring down a rather nasty battle formation. A quick count and analysis confirmed her fears: an even tougher battle was in store for her. She was on the receiving end of a 7-to-1 battle with a 3.33:1 hitpoint deficiency. She'd never seen such odds stacked against anybody at the training centre, much less herself.

"They could be friendly..." Amity pondered out loud, hoping that maybe they were just surprised by her presence as she was of theirs. But as one of the NeoMetools began chattering in a vivid manner to its companions, Amity's hopes plunged. This was further compounded by the four PulseBats taking what looked to be a co-ordinated pattern. No, this was going to end badly for someone. Hopefully not her.

"I guess it's just you and me, partner," Amity advised. Her digital heart was racing. She had finally realised what was going on around her, like a person's worst fears realised. This wasn't a simulated test; this was the real deal. Which meant if she failed, it's wasn't a reset and restart.

It was deletion.

Eric knew what was at stake too. His battlechip collection was ill-equipped for such a battle, and his battle skills were few and far between. In the blink of an eye, this really was a test for him as much as it was for her.

"Okay. I'll do my best," he replied, doing his best to hide the quiver in his voice. His mind was racing back to the days when they taught virus-busting in school. What were the strategies they taught again...?

Numbers. Strength in numbers. Or lack thereof. "One of the lessons they taught us was 'strength in numbers'. Pick the targets you think you can take out quickly and we'll start from there...?" Eric stated, more as a question than an order.

Based on that advice, Amity decided the two NeoMetools would be the first to go then. "Okay then. I'll gel one and shockwave another. Requesting the Shockwave and Guard chips," Amity advised whilst generating the necessary cleansing gel into her right arm.

The familiar pulse of energy occupied her right boot again with the same small glow as the ShockWave data transmutated itself into her boot, whilst the cleansing gel reached critical mass in her palm. There was no denying that this was going to be a messy battle, and the fact that her dress fringe had begun to glow in preparation of healing any incoming damage further confirmed that fact.

For a moment Amity hesistated; could there have been a peaceful solution to this situation? Or was Crony's mindset beginning to rub off on her? The hesitation quickly ended as she was reminded of the other alternative; all seven creatures taking the opportunity of peace to mob her and take her down. No, sometimes battling really was the only way to proceed. It was not likely that peaceful viruses would mob together in such a large number anyway.

With a flick of the wrist and a stomp of the boot, two separate attacks permeated their way into the arena; the cleansing gel towards the left NeoMetool, and the ShockWave towards the right NeoMetool. As the two blasts hurtled towards their intended destinations, the handy Guard shield sprung up on her left arm, ready to help protect her from what may follow. Gripping it with her right arm, Amity prepared for the backlash. The odds were definitely not in her favour yet.

----------

Actions:
[1] Calming Spray [40 DMG, Aqua] >>> NeoMetoolA
[2] [Disruptor]ShockWave [40 DMG, Line1] >>> NeoMetoolB (+ ???)
[3] [Disruptor]Guard1 [1-Hit Shield, <=60 DMG, Line1] >>> Amity [Equipped]
-----
[P] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [??? > ??? / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [Used; 1/1 TCD remaining]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 148 / 150 HP

(((OOC: I hope you don’t mind me setting the stage partially for these battles. I will definitely be utilising the sub-plot feature when the times are right (assuming I can get that far) but for network progression like this, these battles have been perfect in naturally progressing the next stages of their introduction, which I didn’t really expect, given I can’t control the hand of viruses dealt to me. If I’m stepping over the line with the semi-setups I’m giving you before battles start, just let me know.)))

Without the aid of their surly supervisors, Amity and Eric resolved to handle what they could of the emerging situation on their own. While they prepared, the miner ducked under the surface and disappeared briefly, but showed up again a few moments later. An ominous beeping sound cut in intermittently over the shrieks of the swarming bats.

Beside it, the two gun-metools focused on Amity, training their muzzles on her, but one of them was swiftly engulfed in Amity's cleansing gel. As she fired, one of the higher bats swooped in to release a hammering sonic wave in her direction, while another bat flapped higher up. The second metool fired a round. black shot in amity's direction, but it missed her position by a broad margin, and a few moments later the navi's return shock wave came back at it with much better accuracy.

Still facing a large number of aggressive threats, defence came next, but no sooner has she raised her shield than a second bat streaked down from the sky, levelling out at ground level ahead of her and blasting another sonic shriek in her direction. The shield caught it, and returned a bole of energy that washed through the bat, and also struck the miner behind it before disappearing. The other Pulsebat took to a higher position as this happened, weaving back and forth as it surveyed the unexpectedly resistant target below it.

-=Pouring Upwards=-
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. A: 80Hp [Above Normal]
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. B: 50Hp [Above Normal]
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. C: 80Hp [High Altitude]
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. D: 80Hp [High Altitude]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.: 70Hp [Broken][Popping up out of the broken hole]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=In the Wreckage=-
Amity.Exe: 125 Hp [Normal]

-=Ruptured Arena=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority]
30% 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.

[Centre of Arena]
10% Broken

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

[Centre of Cracked]

-=Scattered Debris=-
Stand Chunk A: 60Hp [Normal][Long, low section, right of the centre]
Stand Chunk B: 40Hp [Normal][Up-ended tall section, behind cracked section]
Stand Chunk C: 20Hp [Cracked][Large, fragile chunk, left of the centre]

GMD: 35Hp [Normal][Behind Stand Chunk C]

(((OOC: Well, time to throw some RP to the wall and see what sticks. In the words of Heath Ledger, "and here... we... go.")))

Amity had already accepted that she couldn't defend herself fully against the enemy's first onslaught, but the sonic wave that had been delivered by one of the PulseBats sent a shiver through her entire body. It wasn't an immediate threat, but it certainly wasn't anything to laugh at either. A few more of those and she'd be in serious trouble.

Another quick scan of the field showed no further signs of the NeoMetools, indicating at least a small measure of immediate success. There was no time to celebrate yet, however; five foes still had the upper hand over her. There was also now a audible beeping sound, which reminded Amity of the bomb incident from earlier that day. She wasn't sure what had changed, but vigilence going forward would definitely be important. "Okay, what's next?" she asked her operator.

Eric was looking at the chips in his folder and the remaining health of the opponents. Social ability wasn't one of Eric's strong suits, but math certainly was. There was no way his current inventory was going to be enough for a clean sweep; assuming Amity was able to land a perfect hit on each of her next moves, they still wouldn't have enough firepower to end this battle with chips alone. Even with her limited gelatinous cannon, they were facing an uphill fight.

Unless...

Eric hastily picked up the Mushy chip. He'd never seen it before until today, and he'd missed his chance earlier to ask about it when Stacey was reading out the inventory list to Amity before their third battle. Once again, he'd had an opportunity to take a hold of a situation with both hands and messed it up.

A renewed look of determination crossed his face. He knew what everything else in his folder did, spare of course the SkyShoes, but it didn't take much imagination to figure out that it likely wasn't an attacking battlechip. If this Mushy chip was the chip that could make or break the battle, better to know what they were dealing with now rather than later. Whilst still outnumbered, Amity at least had a reasonable position in the field, so if things turned sour from this next move, they still had retreat options at this stage. "Are... are you a gambling person?" he asked hesitantly.

Amity was confused. Why was he asking such questions at a time like this? "Umm... not really?" she replied.

Eric ignored the response and placed the chip into the reader. "Sending you the Mushy data," he confirmed. "I'm sorry; I have absolutely no idea what this does, but if it can be useful, better to use it now rather than later, right...?"

Amity could somewhat agree with the sentiment, but with precious moments disappearing before another wave of attacks, Amity held out her right arm to receive whatever may come next. What she wasn't expecting was the emblem on her chest to begin glowing; a round orb of white light separated from the emblem, moved onto her hand, and took the shape of a large mushroom. Its eyes turned to Amity, letting out a small sneeze as it did so.

"Umm... okay. What am I supposed to do with this...?" she enquired nervously. It was a virus. She'd just created a virus.

"Wait, what?" Eric was just as confused as she was at first, but then he had a thought. All battlechips were used to assist netnavis. Did this particular chip just have more of the original virus retained in its memory? Instead of being a fragment, was it possibly a reprogrammed virus, ready to help out? "It was a battlechip, so I don't think it's a bad virus; maybe it will fight for you!" he replied gleefully.

Amity chuckled. Such an idea seemed a bit novel, but upon further meditation it did seem to make logical sense. "In that case, let me... help you... help me!" she cried as she wound her arm back and threw the Mushy towards the two PulseBats hovering in front of her. The Mushy was certainly heavier than the MiniBombs they'd used in training practice, but the Mushy still travelled across the gap and landed only a step or two in front of the flying duo.

What happened next made Amity cringe. The Mushy, upon landing, began to emit a rather vile cloud of green gas. It began to drift towards all the panels around it, causing a distinct crackling noise as it did so.

"That... is just... disgusting!" she protested, doing her best to wipe her sleeve where the Mushy had been seated. As she did so, a giant smile lit up her face; the fully repaired sleeve showed no signs of residual mushroom, or any sign of rips or tears.

"Heck YES!" she squealed in delight, thrusting her clenched fist into the sky. She hadn't noticed when or how, but the previous damage had clearly been undone.

"Watch out!" Eric was still concerned about the situation at hand. "Incoming!"

Eric was right; this was no time to be distracted. As the amazing, mystical dress continued to undo the damage inflicted by the previous sonic wave, Amity took her preparation stance, keen to not have to experience that same buzzing sensation again.

----------

Actions:
[A1] [Disruptor]Mushy spawned, equipped on Amity
[A2] Throw Mushy to location in range of PulseBats
[M1] [Disruptive]BadSpice [15 DMG, Confusion, Nova2] @ ??? (likely PulseBatA and PulseBatB, possibly Miner)
[A3] Dodge preparation
[AP] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [125 >>> 132 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [+1 CD; 1/1 TCD; Ready!]

Party:
[A] Amity.EXE: 132 / 150 HP
[M] Mushy.AV: 85 / 85 HP

(((OOC: There are a LOT of things I may have done wrong on this one, and probably should have asked before going ahead. Please tell me if I need to revise any of the above. If I can't spawn the Mushy and throw it as two actions, then I'll take the penalty and turn the Dodge into a pick-up action. If the Mushy takes damage for being thrown, or if the Nova2 doesn't have the range to make it that far since the gap was too far to throw, again, please let me know.)))

AV - Allied Virus :)

Uncertain about exactly what the unknown chip would do, it seemed as though everyone was a little bit surprised when Amity ended up with a Mushy virus more or less in her hands. It bobbed with excitement, eager to assist before Amity launched the critter towards the bats assailing her. The two bats nearest her were just in the process of swooping back up into the sky, but her throw let the newly summoned virus arc between them as it fell, and it let out a gleeful cloud of spores that enveloped both bats as they flew upward. Both emerged from the cloud, climbing higher, but the pair looked a bit dazed and confused, weaving a little as they steadied themselves.

The other two Pulsebats had arced around once, then turned to dive back at Amity. They swooped in to either side of the dissipating cloud of spores and launched more disruptive sonic blasts in her direction. One missed, and Amity managed to shelter herself from the reverberating force of the other. They didn't seem to be paying too much attention to her new friend yet, and the Mushy bobbed cautiously in between them, peeking left and right. After a moment it seemed to wriggle its base, like it was trying to lift the edges of it off the ground, and made a plaintive face at Amity, like it was standing in something gross. It didn't seem to care for the normal panels too much.

While this exchange was taking place, the miner in the centre disappeared again briefly and returned to its position without much fanfare. The sound of beeping under the soil had increased.

-=Pouring Upwards=-
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. A: 65Hp [High Altitude][Confused!]
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. B: 35Hp [High Altitude][Confused!]
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. C: 80Hp [Above Normal]
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. D: 80Hp [Above Normal]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.: 70Hp [Broken][Popping up out of the broken hole]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=In the Wreckage=-
Amity.Exe: 132Hp [Normal]

Musy: 80Hp [Normal][Between Bats C and D]

-=Ruptured Arena=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority]
30% 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.

[Centre of Arena]
10% Broken

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

[Centre of Cracked]

10% Mines! [Exact locations unknown; mind your step]

-=Scattered Debris=-
Stand Chunk A: 60Hp [Normal][Long, low section, right of the centre]
Stand Chunk B: 40Hp [Normal][Up-ended tall section, behind cracked section]
Stand Chunk C: 20Hp [Cracked][Large, fragile chunk, left of the centre]

GMD: 35Hp [Normal][Behind Stand Chunk C]

Based on the expression on the Mushy's face, it clearly did not feel at home in this unusual environment. As it glanced back to its master, she threw her arms into the air; she had no way to communicate with it to find out what exactly was wrong. "I'm sorry!" was the only response she could reply with.

As she stared at her makeshift comrade, Amity couldn't help but notice that the Miner in the centre of the field had suddenly returned to view. As if on cue, her antenna began to vibrate ever so slightly. This sensation was compounded by the faint beeping sound getting a little louder. Amity didn't need to be a battle-hardened expert to put two and two together to figure out what was going on.

"Eric!" she exclaimed. "I think that Miner-thingy is booby-trapping the field!"

Eric's view from the PET was rather narrow, but nothing seemed to be out of place from his point of view. That was no reason to assume that Amity was wrong, however. "Booby-trapping? With what?" he replied.

"It's called a 'Miner'. I get it now! It must be setting up mines!" she concluded.

"Umm, so... what do I do?" he asked. If that was right, nothing he had on hand could help deal with mines. Not that he even knew how he could deal with mines.

"You're the strategist, remember? What's the plan? The cleansing gel is ready to go again, if that helps."

Indeed it would. Eric looked at his remaining chips. There wasn't a lot of options for a speedy removal without needlessly burning precious battlechips. Her field position was not optimal either, now that the Mushy was located between herself and the suspect Miner. "I can send you the HeatShot battlechip, but you'd have to figure out how to get that shot around the Mushy..." he spoke as he tried to think of another option.

The Mushy had wasted no time in preparing its next attack, and now that the PulseBats closest to Amity had returned to ground level, it began to spew the same crackling gas as before, hoping to catch them too in its wake. Amity had noticed earlier that the gas had taken a rather bizarre toll on the other two PulseBats as they retreated, almost like they had been drugged. Could it be that the gas itself did more than just damage its targets...?

In any event, it was a theory she could put to good use if it was true; it could provide the perfect distraction. "That's fine! Send the chip!" she directed whilst strafing over to the left. It would only take a small movement to line up the left-sided PulseBats with the Miner, giving her a much better chance at higher collateral damage. Switching arms for chip direction, the HeatShot began to transmutate her right arm whilst the cleansing gel generated and gathered in her left hand. Nothing was ever a guarantee, but if she was fast enough, she could catch the PulseBat in a daze before it retreated again and leave a mark on the Miner in the process. After that, even if the PulseBat retreated, the gelatinous blast would hopefully still make an impact and take out the Miner for good, but either result would mean one less virus in the battle.

With a beeping field putting her on edge, Amity first unloaded her fiery payload to the field and towards the left PulseBat. In true Amity fashion, blue embers could be seen leaving the fireball as it streaked across the field. She followed this up shortly with a blast of cleansing gel, unsure of who it was going to hit, but hoping for a miracle nonetheless.

Without any defenses to protect herself, Amity silently prepared herself for whatever was to follow. Her dress continued its minor repairs, as faithful as ever and without letup.

----------

Actions:
[M1] [Disruptive]BadSpice [15 DMG, Confusion, Nova2] >>> PulseBatC and PulseBatD
[A1] Movement/Feint a few steps to the left to line up left series PulseBats with Miner
[A2] [Disruptor]HeatShot [40 DMG, Fire, Spread1] >>> PulseBatC, spreading to Miner
[A3] Calming Spray [40 DMG, Aqua] >>> PulseBatC or Miner
[AP] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [132 >>> 139 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [Used; 0/1 TCD; Recharging]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 139 / 150 HP
Mushy.AV: 80 / 80 HP



(((OOC: Sorry for the Mushy HP mismatch, I think I got confused by the 15 HP attack. Also, remaining in RP-mode is hard when my first instinct was to take out that damn Miner, but can't do it without breaking character. <_<)))

Despite its mild discontent at the icky ground it was on, the little mushy virus shook itself off and continued doing its best to satisfy its navi-mum, blasting out another spore cloud in its surround,s and this time catching the other two bats before either of them could retreat. Amity herself moved around the cloud a little way, the beeping of the mines in the ground underneath her a constant threat, and prepared a shot of her own.

From above, the other two bats began to swoop down again, though there was something very crazed and loopy about their decent. One came in too quick, and spiralled into a very dramatic face-plant, directly into the ground, before picking itself up and trying to get airborne again. the other managed to level out in time and blasted out a sonic pulse... at one of the broken pieces of grandstand.

The spore cloud cleared at last and Amity took her shot, blasting the nearest bat soundly. The pass-through shot scattered in a less satisfying way, and by the time it reached the Miner, at the back, the troublesome virus was able to duck out of sight, presumably planting more mines in the field, and avoid the spread fire completely. The two recently confused bats struggled up and away from this mess, weaving with disorientation, while Amity followed up her first show with a second unit of gel. This batch splattered right onto the Miner as it re-emerged from its hole, though it wasn't enough to render it harmless yet.

-=Pouring Upwards=-
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. A: 65Hp [Above Normal]
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. B: 35Hp [Above Normal]
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. C: 25Hp [High Altitude][Confused!]
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. D: 65Hp [High Altitude][Confused!]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.: 30Hp [Broken][Popping up out of the broken hole]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=In the Wreckage=-
Amity.Exe: 139Hp [Normal]

Musy: 80Hp [Normal][Between Bats C and D]

-=Ruptured Arena=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority]
30% 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.

[Centre of Arena]
10% Broken

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

[Centre of Cracked]

15% Mines! [Exact locations unknown; mind your step]

-=Scattered Debris=-
Stand Chunk A: 60Hp [Normal][Long, low section, right of the centre]
Stand Chunk B: 10Hp [Normal][Up-ended tall section, behind cracked section]
Stand Chunk C: 20Hp [Cracked][Large, fragile chunk, left of the centre]

GMD: 35Hp [Normal][Behind Stand Chunk C]

Although it had been a well-thought out plan, things didn't go exactly as Eric or Amity had hoped. It appeared that the Miner had taken note of the impending attack and withdrawn at precisely the right moment, avoiding the fire splash of the previous Heatshot. Although the cleansing gel hit its mark, that alone wasn't enough to end its troublemaking ways. And trouble they were, as Amity's antenna confirmed it had been active underground again; not only had the beeping gotten louder , but the vibration of her antenna had become steadily worse.

I can't risk taking a single step, Amity told herself. I may be an easy target, but whatever that Miner's setting up for me could be far worse. Besides, the Mushy's doing a great job of distrac-

No sooner had she thought the words when a small explosion made her jump. Her previous theory was correct; the sickly gas produced by her partner had deranged the two PulseBats somewhat, but instead of taking the hint and getting their senses first, they'd continued to act as normal, unaware of their confused state. Running into the ground headfirst wasn't going to cause any problems for anybody else, but the sonic blast hitting a remaining column of the northern grandstand was a cause for concern.

"Eric, we need to finish this, and quickly," she uttered in a concerned manner. "These bats just don't know when to quit."

Eric was in agreement, and was already in the process of sending the only other splash damage chip he had ready to go. "Sending the Shotgun data," he confirmed. "Hopefully we can hit two at once this time."

We? The idea that he considered himself more than just a casual participant of the battle made her a little warm inside as she lined up her arm to take the shot, even if the battlechip hadn't transmutated into the network yet. Although her Mushy friend had been a critical turning point in this battle, she couldn't help but feel his gaseous cloud had given the Miner the jump on the incoming attack and given it the warning needed to dodge effectively. She needed to beat it at attacking first, but the Mushy's gills were almost completely filled with new material; her time was running out.

The cold steel cylindrically swept her forearm and hand into the familiar silver-blue hue and solidified in place. The shot appeared to be good and the aim true. She hoped, anyway. There was no further time to second-guess; the Mushy's gills were already beginning to pulse with wafts of green. With a muted grunt, Amity discharged the shotgun payload as hard as she could towards the PulseBat hovering in front of the Miner; second time lucky maybe? It was too early to tell, as the gas quickly covered her view of the cracked arena.

"What's next?" Amity responded, waving the bluish smoke away from in front of her as the Shotgun data disintegrated.

Eric shook his head. "I'm sorry; the only good chips I have left need to be used at the right time," he apologised. "You'll have to try and take out the other PulseBat on your own."

The cleansing gel was not yet at sufficient capacity to summon another shot. The only offensive weapons that she had at her disposal were the Seamshots.

Wait. An idea took hold as she realised their weakness. Those bats have been flying up and down in a set pattern. Two retreat as two come down, and that gas clearly disorients them. If I charge a tempered Seamshot as it's retreating, I reckon I'd have a pretty good chance of taking it down for good.

As her dress continued its minor repairs, Amity began to charge a more potent version of her Seamshot disruptor. It wasn't as powerful as the cleansing gel, but given the situation, there wasn't much else she could try for. Timing her shot as the Mushy's gas cloud began to dissipate, she took aim at where she expected it to appear as it took to flight and fired her semi-transparent gel cloud into the arena.

----------

Actions:
[A1] [Disruptor]Shotgun [50 DMG, Spread1] >>> PulseBatA, spreading to Miner
[M1] [Disruptive]BadSpice [15 DMG, Confusion, Nova2] >>> PulseBatA and PulseBatB
[AP] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [139 >>> 146 / 150 HP]
[A2+3] Seamed Shot [20 DMG, Aqua] >>> PulseBatB

Sigs:
Calming Spray [+1 TCD; 1/1 TCD; Ready!]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 146 / 150 HP
Mushy.AV: 80 / 80 HP

Low on options, Amity didn't dare to move further for fear of unknown mines, and instead tried to finish off the miner before it could work any more mischief. Her first shot scattered through the bat in front of her and successfully splattered across the mine-laying virus, finally pacifying it. The ominous beeping continued for now, though at least she could be sure that the ones placed already wouldn't be added to.

The first bat she'd hit reeled in the air, and with its nearby ally started to take to higher air, but before either of them could another cloud of mushroom spores obscured the air around them, thick and choking. One bat burst free of the spore cloud a moment later, weaving unsteadily as it flew higher; the other was nowhere to be seem. Amity was more focused on the bat that did emerge, and nailed it with a shot that put an end to its violence.

She was almost done with her nearby foes, even though the cloud of bats was still escaping through the breach; it seemed to be thinning out now, but it was still quite an eruption of viruses going on. The remaining two bats close to Amity struggled in their confusion. One flew in aimless circles, remaining high in the air, while the other seemed to take offence at its comrade and hammered it with a sonic screech of its own.

-=Pouring Upwards=-
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. A: SHROOMED
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. B: CLEANSED
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. C: 25Hp [High Altitude]
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. D: 35Hp [High Altitude]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.: CLEANSED
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=In the Wreckage=-
Amity.Exe: 146Hp [Normal]

Musy: 80Hp [Normal]

-=Ruptured Arena=-
60% Normal

• No effects.

[Majority]
30% 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.

[Centre of Arena]
10% Broken

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

[Centre of Cracked]

15% Mines! [Exact locations unknown; mind your step]

-=Scattered Debris=-
Stand Chunk A: 60Hp [Normal][Long, low section, right of the centre]
Stand Chunk B: 10Hp [Normal][Up-ended tall section, behind cracked section]
Stand Chunk C: 20Hp [Cracked][Large, fragile chunk, left of the centre]

GMD: 35Hp [Normal][Behind Stand Chunk C]

((Don't really know Amity's situation regarding kills by allied viruses, but so you're aware in case it's relevant, the mushy got the kb on one of the bats))

(((Thanks for the confirmation; the Mushy is a creation from Amity's core, and as such, it has the same disruptor-based modifications. This means it utilises the same degredation abilities that any of Amity's battlechips do (denoted by the [Disruptor] and [Disruptive]). It might be a weird thing to do, but it adds character, an additional RP layer, and higher stakes for when things go wrong (a-la Battle #1, when the bomb exploded, since that wasn't part of her disruptors and that did cause a network deletion). At the rate things are going, I doubt we'd ever get to Act 4, but if we did... watch this space. Also, please tell me you laughed like I did when you wrote SHROOMED. XD )))

To the duo's delight, the gaseous cloud faded away to reveal three data orbs, indicating their attack run had been a success. Just a little more to go and this skirmish would be over. There seemed to be some action happened in the air, but both Amity and her Mushy friend were too far away to see it or notice it, especially as Amity watched the three data orbs attempt to leave the network.

The Mushy turned around to gaze at Amity, and upon catching her attention, motioned its head to the sky. While the two now-disassembled PulseBats had stayed true to the previous movement pattern as expected, the two remaining PulseBats had not returned to the ground. The Mushy's gills were almost overflowing again with green material, but without a target to attack, it almost seemed pointless.

Amity's repulsors were ready to dispense cleansing gel again, and she had already given the command internally, her palm filling with the vital asset. As she too turned her attention to the sky, it seemed like a long shot to be able to hit either target from this distance. The blastoff propulsion was powerful, sure, but it didn't have the necessary velocity to make it all the way into the sky to meet its intended victim.

Amity raised her arm skyward. "I can take the shot if you want, but I can't guarantee I'll hit it from here," she told Eric. "Any more ideas?"

Eric only had four more chips ready to use; the others were either partially or almost recharged. This battle had been one desperate play after another, and somehow his teamwork with Amity had given them the upper hand. In all his previous battles with netnavis from Stacey, the chemistry had always been wrong. The navis had always done their own thing and free-handed their attack patterns, or relied too much on him; either result always ended badly. But this time was different. He'd always thought that battling required a varied knowledge of viruses and battlechips, along with battle tactics and pre-planned attack combinations. But his purple-haired partner had stumbled through one misstep after another, and even without Stacey and Crony backing him up, they'd gotten this far without any further assitance. Maybe that's what virus battling was all about...? Just let each move happen and reacting accordingly?

They'd taken a gamble on the Mushy battlechip, and it had done an amazing job at evening out the playing field. As he looked at the other unknown battlechip, the picture on the display made it look like jetfire were coming out of the boots. Combining this with the name SkyShoes, was it likely that these would grant Amity the ability to fly...?

"Are you still feeling lucky?" Eric asked, with a little more confidence in his voice than last time. "I still don-"

"Yep!" Amity chirped, cutting him off. She had been fully impressed by the Mushy's performance, so her response didn't require much thought. Another chip that gave them a giant advantage was more than welcome and well worth the risk.

"Okay then..." Eric replied, suddenly nervous all over again. "Sending you the SkyShoes and Cannon battlechips. I think the SkyShoes might let you fly?" he explained.

The SkyShoes transmutated into her boots as expected by both Eric and Amity; after all, the chip was called 'SkyShoes'. The sudden burst of power from the soles of her shoes scared the poor girl at first, but suddenly all four pads ignited hard and Amity was thrust into the air at a remarkable speed.

"This... is... AWESOME!" she exclaimed. She almost ignored the Cannon taking shape on her left arm as she flew further into the sky, the force of the wind taking her hair and making a dazzling flurry of purple and blue as she continue to ascend. The distance between herself and the two bats had been greatly reduced, and now she had the perfect chance to finish them off. The boots began to stabilise and reduce their force, allowing Amity the focus needed to send out a one-two combo; the cleansing gel was sent forth in its squishy state towards the bat on the right, whilst the altered Cannon was fired at the bat on the left. Hearing the cannon fire from back on the ground, the Mushy depleted its gills of the familiar green gas, almost like a defensive manoeuvre, but such an action only seemed to pollute the field around it.

The boosters glowed brightly as they kept her steady, completely washing out the glow of her dress. But as the Cannon dematerialised off her arm, Amity had a terrible thought. "Umm, Eric?"

"Yes?"

"Umm... how... how do I get down?"

Timing is everything in life. Unfortunately, at that particular moment, all four jets on her feet disengaged, leaving one small purple and blue navi hopelessly and comically suspended in mid-air.

Oops.

----------

Actions:
[A1] [Disruptor]SkyShoes >>> Amity (take to the skies)
[A2] Calming Spray [40 DMG, Aqua] >>> PulseBatD
[A3] [Disruptor]Cannon [60 DMG, Knockback] >>> PulseBatC
[M1] [Disruptive]BadSpice [15 DMG, Wood, Confusion, Nova2] >>> anything that lands in it...?
-----
[AP] THAW [6(+1) HEAL] >>> Amity [146 >>> 150 / 150 HP]

Sigs:
Calming Spray [Used; 0/1 TCD; Recharging]

Party:
Amity.EXE: 150 / 150 HP
Mushy.AV: 80 / 80 HP