Mutant Flower Power

In a beam of green light, Rose arrived in ACDC Net...as the reason for her hologram's lack of feet became clear; from the knee down, she appeared to be in the process of being consumed by a gigantic, rose-like flower. Perhaps the odder part was that she didn't seem even remotely concerned about being eaten. "I'm in, Leilani! ...Gee, which way should I go? I barely know anything about the Electopian net..."

"It shouldn't matter too much...I think. This part of ACDC Area got renovated recently, so I don't know much about the layout either."

"So we're both going in blind...but it'll be nice to have someone over my shoulder this time. I've had enough solo busting to last me a lifet-er, I should say, forever."

"I'll be here, chips in hand, and advice in mind!...Not that I've done that much busting outside of classes, but I remember enough to be useful!"

"I'm sure you'll be a big help, Leilani!" Now, to begin the trek...and so the flower began to walk on its roots and vines. For a certain measure of walking, anyway. "I, uh, hope you didn't want this to be a quick break..."

"Don't worry, I don't mind at all!"

"That's nice..." ...Wait. Was this all part of her operator's plan? To kill a ton of time by having her move around on her super slow flower? Sure, she COULD get out, but then...no, without anything to drink, that wouldn't be a great idea. She'd have to just deal with moving at a snail's pace.

(Ready for Battle #1)

As rose began to explore the network at her somewhat gradual pace, the area she found herself in seemed to be made up mostly of open lots and the occasional low structure, with little to remark it. The weather, at least, felt mild and pleasant, though the prevailing breeze suggested a hint that it might rain later on. The ground itself was sealed and normalised, for the most part, without much in the way of distinguishing features, save coloured patterns marking off where new installations might go in the future, those some patches already seemed to have suffered a small amount of damage from somewhere.

It wasn't long after noticing a few of these that rose could hear the sound of small, running footfalls coming from her left. A moment later a trio of yellow-helmed mets darted out across her path from the far side of one of the squat structures, dashing in a single-file line. The one in the lead skidded to a halt as they crossed the open space a short way ahead of the exploring navi, freezing still and double-taking for a moment before the other two crashed into it in a small pile-up of surprised and annoyed meeping. After another second or two sorting themselves out, they each turned to face the unexpected navi and, after another brief glance at each other, pulled out their pickaxes.

-=Curious Critters=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=Slow But Steady?=-
Rose.Exe: 150Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
80% Normal

• No effects.

20% Cracked

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

[scattered patches at the edges of the area]

-=Battle 1, Start!=-

It wasn't very quick, but once the shock of being used to slack off wore off, Rose didn't mind taking her time relaxing and wandering through the area. She was, however, a bit surprised at what she was seeing. "Who would've thought part of ACDC Area could be so...barren?"

"Again, renovating! I guess I was less lazy rebuilding the link to my homepage than other people. I didn't even see Hana's link near mine."

"Maybe we could take the chance to make ACDC more green! Plant some trees, some flowers...you know, make a cyber version of the park or something! ACDC DOES have a park, right?"

"That sounds nice...although, isn't that going to attract Wood viruses? People with Elec Navis might start complaining if lots of those start popping up."

"I guess it's possible...but as-is, there's not much that'd attract any kind of virus."

"Totally. It might take a while to find anything, between your flower's glacier pace and there not being anything nearby."

...Yep, totally used. "That's not a bad thing...the simulated weather is pretty nice. It might rain, but unless holy water starts falling from the sky, I don't mind being watered."

"I, uh, can't tell if you're being serious or not."

"Believe it or not, I am. When I was starting my journey from Netopia, I moved over a small patch of holy panels. Ended up being sick to my stomach."

"Guess holy stuff isn't too kind to the undead..."

"Could you not say that so loud? That's something about myself I really don't want getting around..."

"Relax. There's no one in earshot of you, Mom's out shopping, and I'm sure Hana overheard it the day you showed up and explained it to me. And she might be a pain, but she wouldn't blab that if you didn't want her to. Your secret's safe, dude."

"I guess...but I think it's pretty clear I'm not a dude!"

"It's just an expression, sheesh."

"Well, I-huh?" Rose's flower planted a pair of vines down to stop itself as a trio of Mettaur showed up. After a moment of mutual gawking, they drew their weapons, ready for battle. "Oh, dear...I guess there are viruses here after all."

"Really? Darn...well, sucks to be them. It's on!"

"I suppose so. Though, speaking of sucking..." The flower Navi closed her eyes for a moment, seemingly trying to feel something. "...Nothing. Guess I'll be thirsty a little longer."

"So you can't do that to just any ol' virus? Bummer. Guess we'll just have to settle with old fashioned deletion! Hmm...which chip should I send you? They've all got their good points...this one can kill more than one at once! Although this one can be used more than once...but this one is probably easier for you to convert into an attack! And this one does a ton of damage...decisions!"

"I don't know a thing about chips, so I'll leave that to you. For now, I'll begin on my own!" Compared to previous times, however, she felt...at ease. Losing a battle didn't mean losing her life anymore. And connected to that, she wasn't fighting alone anymore, either. She could just cut loose and let go of some stress. And speaking of which... "If you want to be destroyed in a futile effort to kill me, be my guest! But know what you're dealing with...Petal Storm!" Three of Rose's flower's outer petals detached, and began swirling around her. They soon increased speed, and spread out, and each took a turn attempting to give the lead Mettaur a good smack. Regardless of their success, they returned to their sender, but instead of simply returning to the flower, or wilting and allowing the flower to regenerate, the petals spun around the Navi. Any attempt to counterattack would simply cause a petal to intercept and guard against it. They didn't seem all that durable, but three petals added up. More subtly, the flower had gone from standing on its roots and vines, into digging the former into the ground. Not that it was avoiding anything anyway.

Of course, she herself couldn't do a lot with her protection constantly spinning around her. But that's what her flower was for. The Navi closed her eyes, and a vine extended slightly. The tip aimed itself at the hopefully weakened Mettaur, and launched a thorn at it. While a large spike seemed like it would hurt...well, it would definitely hurt, but in terms of HP damage? Surprisingly, not so much. But if all went well, that was one less virus to deal with.

Just as importantly, it seemed to spark something in her operator's head, as after seeing the thorn fired, she picked up a chip and nodded. "Okay, I know what to send you now! We'll try to get lucky and delete two of them at once! BattleChip, Shotgun! Slot in! ...I think that's how you're supposed to yell it, anyway." A clicking noise signaled that she'd inserted the chip.

"Good enough for me. Now I know what you're sending me...whoa!" Rose froze for a moment, before shaking her head. "Is that what receiving BattleChip data feels like? Strange..."

"It doesn't hurt, does it?"

"Not at all. It's not exactly pleasant, either, though...it just is. Sorry if that sounds vague...it's definitely something I could get used to, though!" Now, let's see. She could manifest it as a weapon on her arm...but then she'd have to worry about her petals. Best to give herself a clear shot. To that end, she sent the data over to her flower, which caused a new, larger thorn to form on the extended vine. It wasted no time aiming at another virus, and firing that spike at it. Unlike the first one, it wouldn't be deterred upon hitting a Mettaur; it'd continue to travel, possibly even hitting another if it was lined up well, and only then would it stop. Well, or until it reached the end of the battlefield and lost its momentum. Either way. "So...is this what battling with an operator feels like? It's...nice, to know that someone else is backing me up."

"Really? You've never fought with an operator before?"

"No. I was just a tour guide Navi for a garden...I never had any reason to fight. Even if I did, someone else would've jumped in and fought instead of me."

"A little weird to think of a Navi not having an operator. I hear that was a little more common back in the old days of the internet, though."

"At any rate, now's not the time to reflect on that. We're in a battle!" ...'We're'. We are. We. As in, more than one. Even as she looked over to see what was still standing, Rose couldn't help but appreciate that in her heart.

[Order of Turn:
1-Petal Storm sig attack on MetoolA (10 Wood x 3 hits, 30 HP Barrier + Self-Slow on Rose)
2-Rose Buster buster shot on MetoolA (10)
3- ShotgunDamage: 50 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: A gun whose shot penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E on MetoolB (Spread Target: MetoolC)]

With battle lines drawn and Rose taking her first taste of battling with proper back-up from an operator, her warning to the trio of viruses was accompanied by a ringing petal storm that badly scoured the first of the three while it struggled to swing its pickaxe at her. The shockwave it released as it struck the ground veered wide as it reeled and staggered. Beside it, its ally also swung to attack, but while its shockwave assault was more on target to hit the flower-ensconced anvi, Rose's petal barrier was more than up to the task of absorbing the damage.

From amidst the swirl of petals, the navi's second attack struck out to finish off the wounded met swiftly; the third one squeaked in shock and ducked beneath its helmet, but the middle one didn't have the luxury of that reaction before the extended vine lanced through it like a macabre virus skewer. This left only the hiding one to deal with, and Rose herself remained unscathed and decently protected.

-=Curious Critters=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=Slow But Steady?=-
Rose.Exe: 150Hp [Normal][Barrier 20/30Hp][Self-Slow]

-=Terrain=-
80% Normal

• No effects.

20% Cracked

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

[scattered patches at the edges of the area]

It was strange to feel the sensation of receiving BattleChip data. It was stranger still to see it manifest and strike. And yet, for all that strangeness, it felt...right. Like it was how she was supposed to do things. Rose let out a contented sigh, then looked at her remaining foe. Hiding under its helmet. That seemed...problematic. "Let's recap what happened. When I launched that Shotgun-infused needle, it hit the first Mettaur and deleted it without issue. But, when it hit the second one, it bounced off its helmet harmlessly. So, does that mean the helmet has some sort of defensive property?"

"Oh, I remember this from virus busting class. When Mettaur hide under their helmets, most attacks can't harm them. Things like hammers and metal balls can smash through them, though. I think they said attacks like geysers, that hit from underneath, also work."

The flower Navi looked over at the helmet, and frowned. "Oh dear...so, are we waiting for it to come out of there?"

"I guess, but what if it never comes out...? We could be waiting a while..."

"Is there nothing we can do? Nothing we can knock it over with?" Rose extended a vine from her flower, and took a look at it. "Maybe I can lift it with this? But what if that helmet's super heavy?"

"......"

"...Leilani? Your face looks like it's about to expl-"

"THAT'S IT!"

"I'm...sorry, what?"

"I just remembered a handy tactic for viruses like this!" Oh, dang, now where'd that chip get to...

"Really? By all means, tell me!"

"Against viruses that are only partially covered, you can use a certain chip to turn them around, and strike them in their weak spot!" ...Aha, there it was. "And it just so happens I possesss that chip! BattleChip, RageClaw! Slot in!"

The Navi obtained the data, and checked it. If she used it herself...it probably wouldn't do more than make her nails grow out. If she applied it to her flower, however...as she did so, a thorn on each side of the vine grew, making the end look more like a three fingered hand. She nodded in approval, and looked over at the virus. "I think this will work just fine!"

"Great! Have at it!"

"Sorry, Mettaur, but you brought this on yourself when you stopped and fought me!" She pointed at the virus, and the vine responded by launching itself forward. It slowed down as it reached the helmet, and instead of slashing at it like it seemed more geared to, was satisfied to reach down to grab the helmet, and upon successfully securing it, lifting it several feet off the ground. "Now...farewell!" Two other vines with similar looking hands rose from the paneling underneath the Mettaur, and without pomp or circumstance, fired upward, each attempting to skew the vulnerable underside.

Meanwhile, the effects of the shock wave finally caught up with the petal that specifically blocked it. Withering slightly, it left its orbit around Rose, and returned to its original spot on the flower. If nothing else, it had earned a rest.

[Order of Turn:
1- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on MetoolC (lift it off the ground)
2- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on MetoolC
3- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on MetoolC]

The one hiding metool didn't seem to be coming out right away, and it gave Rose and Leilani a moment to consider and analyse their next move. Unwilling to wait the little virus out, they opted to try for getting under its helmet their own way. Rose's first attempt to flip the critter fumbled a little bit as the met squeaked in panic and shuffled a little to the side, trying the edge away from the grasping flower extension. Her next effort got it more firmly, and upon lifting it up was rewarded with a pair of furiously kicking feet below the rim of the helmet; it seemed the virus was more determined to hang onto its hat than staying on the ground. The tenacity was for nought as Rose's follow up attack raked it from the net, leaving only a few scraps of convertible data chunks from the battle.

-=Curious Critters=-
MetoolMetool (Metool)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=Slow But Steady?=-
Rose.Exe: 150Hp

-=Battle 1, Victory!=-
Spoils: 450z

While not the most humane of virus kills, Rose's shredding of the Mettaur was quite effective. As it faded away, so did the claw hands on her flower's vines, as the chip data deactivated. Her remaining petals also decided they'd had enough, and returned to their point of origin. "That's strange...why did the chip data fade?"

"You didn't know? Chip data only works when your battle routines are on. When they're turned off, it all vanishes."

"It's...gone? Please tell me we still have some chips we can use if we keep going..."

"Don't worry about that, either! Chips only work once per battle, but when that battle ends, the cache refreshes!...Or something like that, I don't really remember exactly. But if you want more slashing with vine claw hand things, we can do that every battle if you want!"

"Interesting. Slightly odd, but interesting. So you don't need to worry long term about using chips, but in the short term, you need to make sure you use chips in the proper situations, and not waste them by using them when they won't help. ...At least, that's how it looks to me."

"Yeah, exactly!" ...At least, Leilani was pretty sure that's how it went. She should probably change the subject before her Navi asked something that she couldn't answer, and in turn make her look dumb. "Say, what's the reward data? Did we get any chips?"

"Reward data? ...You mean this data floating around? I was wondering what it was supposed to be, exactly. I remember seeing it after finishing off those viruses the other time...though I was a little preoccupied at the time. Since, well, you know..."

"Right...I'm not sure you could've really held onto it without a PET, anyway. But that's actually money...and if you're lucky, it can contain a BattleChip, too!"

This news would perk up many Navis, but Rose almost seemed sad about it. "Money, huh...if I'd known you could get that from virus busting, I would've tried it earlier. It probably wouldn't have been enough to keep the gardens up and running, but I could've helped..."

"Yeah, FYI, the money isn't super great. Here, send me that data, and I'll show you." One wordless transfer later, the Jawaiian girl looked at her total. "Huh, that's more than I thought it would be. 450."

"450 zenny? That's...nothing compared to an entire botanical garden's budget."

"That's the point, Rose. It can give you some pocket cash, but not much more. And honestly? I've never seen that much for just three viruses. When I did it with my old Navi, we always got more like...two or three hundred."

"...I see. So I wouldn't have helped out much. ...Sorry, I shouldn't be moping about the past. I should be happy that we won our first battle without a scratch."

"Yeah, you're pretty good at this! Once I got my chips ready, we were unstoppable!"

"Yes we were!" Though, the more she thought about it, the more the Navi was highly grateful for the flawless victory. If it hadn't...that could've been a bit of a shock for Leilani. "I don't see any reason to not proceed. Sound good?"

"Absolutely!"

"I had a feeling you'd say that." Considering this was a ploy for her new operator to not work, that wasn't exactly surprising. But she didn't mind. Instead, she uprooted her flower, and had it start moving on. Slowly, slowly moving on.

(Searching for Battle #2)

Though Rose's movement was slower and steadier than typically seen for Navis, her journey was fruitful. The slight scent of rain was a bit more noticeable, no rain clouds could yet be seen, and the terrain remained dry. Just ahead was a rectangular data pillar, standing almost 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and occasionally pulsating with green lines. Two CannonDumb viruses flanked the pillar while a Spikey restlessly paced between the two, as if they were tasked to guard the pillar.

Overseeing the operation was a Pulsebat, which had perched itself atop the pillar. It was the first to notice Rose's slow approach, and screeched out an alarm when it determined the Navi was getting too close for comfort. The CannonDumb, who were panning their turret-like guns almost in a bored, droning fashion shuddered at the sound before swiveling their turrets more quickly to acquire their target(s), and the Spikey flinched before looking around to find the cause for the alarm.


-- Viruses --
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile A: 50 HP [Normal][Right of DataPillar]
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile B: 50 HP [Normal][Left of DataPillar]
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.: 80 HP [Metal][Atop DataPillar]
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 [Normal][Ahead of DataPillar, nearest to CannonDumb A]

-- Navis --
Rose.EXE: 150 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
20% Cracked

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

5% Metal

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

75% Normal

• No effects.

-- Objects --
DataPillar.obj: 40 HP [Metal]

-- Battle 2 Ready? Start!! --

As she proceeded, and the structures faded from sight, Rose found herself traveling along with nothing in particular to look at. She folded her arms across her chest, and looked at the horizon with a somewhat bored expression. Bored, but at the same time, at peace. "This is less action packed than I was expecting. Which is kind of a relief..."

"Yeah, pro tip: don't EVER say something like 'oh hey, it's nice and peaceful right now'. As soon as you do, something happens to ruin your little moment. Not trying to be mean, but that's how it works. Ask anyone!"

"Really? That seems...a little hard to believe." The plant Navi opened her eyes, but sure enough, she could now see something straight ahead. "...Or maybe not."

"I hate to say I told you so, but...huh? Oof, stay sharp, my PET says there's virus activity that way."

"Maybe you weren't wrong, after all..." So much for a nice moment...but she didn't shy away, instead heading directly for the object. As she made less than haste, what she had noticed seemed to be some sort of data pillar. "A data pillar? Wonder what that's being used for."

"Well, that's weird. You'd think viruses would be all over destroying that, but my PET's saying it's not being harmed. They kinda look like-"

"Like they're guarding it?" By now, Rose could clearly make out four viruses in the area, all of which seemed to be content standing around. There was no mistaking it, they looked like they were protecting it. "Though, is it truly that odd for viruses to do that?"

"Kinda...but shady people will use them for stuff like that. Which means...I bet that data pillar's up to no good!"

"We can't really say for sure if we don't take a closer look, though. And those viruses aren't going to let me get near without giving me a face full of...whatever they do." None of those viruses looked familiar to her. But, she could feel it. The cannons had nothing, but the other two...they had what she wanted. Very, very much so. "!"

"Something wrong?"

"Let's see...that nearest one will do. Time to bring out the special vine!" Rose pointed upward, causing a vine to sprout in front of her. It looked normal enough...except at the tip, where it possessed a long, thin spike. A closer look would reveal an opening at the tip, making it look almost more like it belonged at the end of a syringe than a plant. Without any hesitation, she launched her vine forward at the Spikey. If it hit its mark, the virus would feel an odd sensation besides pain, as though the needle was actually physically absorbing something inside of it. Either way, it'd spring back soon enough, and return to where it usually remained, tucked underneath the flower. "Ooh, I can't wait to finally get a drink!"

"Umm...everything else aside, did that even hit? I couldn't tell from the angle I was looking from..."

"Heehee!" Whatever had happened, the Navi was practically drooling just thinking about it.

"Oooookay then...let's get things back on track. I guess we could finish off the Spikey, but nothing can finish it off in one blow...unless!" Yep, now was the time for that chip to shine. "It's a gamble, but I've got faith in Hana's chip! BattleChip, CactusBall! Slot in!"

As Rose pondered what her vine may have provided her, she raised two more vines from the ground, these completely lacking in noteworthy features, assuming one felt that them having thorns was nothing special at this point. The usual strategy of stabbing enemies with them was discarded, however, as they instead began to tangle with each other, soon forming a large spiked ball. It began to roll forward at a decent speed, its path appearing to be the fire virus. If its path was true, it'd have the odd trait of bouncing back, and repeating its rolling rampage.

Not that the plant Navi was particularly paying attention, as she brought the needle, and checked it for contents. She just couldn't keep going until she knew for certain there was more than air in there...

[Order of Turn:
1-Leech Thorn sig attack on Spikey (20, Wood, Life Drain)
2- CactusBall1Damage: 30 x 4 Hits + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Rolls a spiked ball at an enemy, but if it ceases hitting its target, it will harmlessly roll off into the distance.
Duration: Once
Element: Wood
Special: Attacks the same target up to four times, but the attack will end immediately if it misses at any point.
Trader Rank: D on Spikey (+5 element bonus)
---TURN SPLICE---

Immediately finding the cause of alarm from its comrades, the Spikey opted to take preemptive measures, as it immediately spat out a fireball towards Rose while she was still preparing the special spiked vine. The burst of fire racked her with especially effective damage (-15x2Fire), but fortunately, she managed to launch the vine at the Spikey, allowing for the damage to be mitigated somewhat. (+20) Meanwhile, the turrent next to the Spikey started eyeing her, swiveling its turret head her way, but not really doing much else, while the Spikey received a ball of spiked vines that smacked it in the face, causing it to howl in pain. Unfortunately for Rose, the Spikey recoiled out of the way of further damage from her follow-up attack, and it rolled away into the distance.

-- Viruses --
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile A: 50 HP [Normal][Right of DataPillar] [Marked Target: Rose] [0 actions remaining]
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile B: 50 HP [Normal][Left of DataPillar] [1 action remaining]
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.: 80 HP [Metal][Atop DataPillar] [1 actions remaining]
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: 35 HP [Normal][Ahead of DataPillar, nearest to CannonDumb A] [0 actions remaining]

-- Navis --
Rose.EXE: 140 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
20% Cracked

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

5% Metal

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

75% Normal

• No effects.

-- Objects --
DataPillar.obj: 40 HP [Metal]

Though she winced in pain upon the fireball hitting her square in the right shoulder, Rose pressed onward with her attacks. Though she failed to luck out and delete the Spikey, she was overjoyed to find a red fluid in her special needle. "Hooray! I got some!"

"Got some...what?"

"Isn't it obvious at this point? Virus blood! Delicious virus blood! Not a whole lot, but even a little bit helps!" The plant Navi quickly summoned a bottle, had the needle shoot the fluid inside of it, and sent it back. "Hopefully, the first of many!"

"All right, you need to remind me of something. Exactly why is that so important for you?"

"You forgot already? All right, I'll go over it...first off, it tastes REALLY good to me! Second, and probably more important, even a sip lets me spend some time away from my flower! Who wants to hang out with a weirdo that lives in a flower? Not a lot. It lets me be a plain old Navi again for a bit. And that...is an amazing feeling."

"Oh, right, I remember that now. But, uh, I have another question. What happened to your shoulder?"

"You mean where I got hit? ...Looks okay to me. No burns or anything."

"...That's just it! Where'd the Navi suit in the area go?!"

Sure enough, the area around Rose's right shoulder was completely devoid of Navisuit, revealing, well, her shoulder, and thanks to the blast radius, a portion of the top and side of her breast was also exposed. Still, it seemed well-attached to her body, with no danger of further revelation. "Oh, guess it's gone."

"You're pretty casual for someone showing sideboob!"

"When you've spent a good part of your life by yourself, you learn to not really be bothered by getting exposed. The last time I fought viruses before running into you, I was practically naked afterward!"

"Hang on a sec. You were totally fine when I first saw you."

"It regenerates, but it can be a little slow. After all, this isn't a Navi suit meant for battle."

"Oh yeah, I remember you saying that you had to have battle programming installed into you at one point."

"It was the only way they'd let me stay in the garden's cyberworld after it closed. I was designed to just give tours, after all. No need to fight with that job."

"So, just to be clear, say you got fireball'd in the crotch..."

"I'd be showing off my lady parts to the cyberworld."

"Oof...and I don't even like to take my hoodie off."

"You get used to it."

"Well, now that we've got all that settled...hang on, the PET's got a cursor over you. What's with that?"

"Beats me, I've never fought one before."'

"Then we better do something quick! Maybe delete that one?"

"No, I think the best thing to do is...this!" Rose pointed dead ahead, above the pillar. As if responding to an inaudible command, her flower planted its roots, absorbed energy from the land, and proceeded to shoot off three of its outer petals. They sped forward, each attempting to hit the Batty, before looping back near its point of origin. The key here was 'near', as they began to spin around the Navi, giving her some protection against future attacks.

---TURN SPLICE---
3-Petal Storm sig attack on PulseBat (10, Wood, hits 3 times, 30 HP Wood-element Barrier on Rose)]

While Rose took a time out to bottle up her fresh supply and have a short chat with her operator for a minute or two, the viruses arrayed against her waited patiently. The second cannon virus idly doodled on her with its laser sight, creating a second lock-on mark, while the sentry PulseBat took to the air and flew higher to get a better vantage of the battle.

Once the necessary explanations had been given and the fight was back on, Rose caused her flower to send a swift barrage of petals up at the flying bat. Two of the three hit it cleanly, before they all whipped back to form a protective barrier about her.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile A: 50Hp [Normal][Right of DataPillar][Marked Target: Rose]
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile B: 50Hp [Normal][Left of DataPillar][Marked Target: Rose]
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.: 60Hp [High Altitude]
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: 35Hp [Normal][Ahead of DataPillar, nearest to CannonDumb A]

-=Navis=-
Rose.Exe: 140Hp [Normal][30Hp Barrier(Wood)]

-=Terrain=-
20% Cracked

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

5% Metal

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

75% Normal

• No effects.

-=Objects=-
DataPillar.obj: 40 HP [Metal]

Though the Batty had flown upward and into safer territory, Rose was content to have cut it up a bit, and nodded to herself as she looked at the other viruses. "Not much point in worrying about that bat now. Let's just kill the others for now!"

"Sounds good to me, but...oh, whatever, I'll just send every chip I've got! Use 'em all!" The sound of things repeatedly being slammed into a PET could be heard, as Leilani quickly grabbed her remaining chips and pounded them in. "Does order matter? I kinda just grabbed at random..."

"Um, let's see..." What did she send first...ah, that RageClaw thing from before. The plant Navi raised an arm, causing a vine to emerge from beneath her flower. This one had additional, finger like extentions from the end, each tipped with a razor sharp thorn. She pointed forward at her earlier source of blood, and the vine raced forward towards its previously weakened victim. It didn't even try to slash; it was perfectly content to impale the one that had dared damage its master's attire. After its stab attempt, it retracted back to its point of origin, but didn't go back underneath. After all, why get rid of something that was still perfectly usable?

Still, it wasn't going to shred the other two as well as she'd care for, so Rose instead utilized the chip data that seemed less familiar. She wasn't entirely sure how it worked, but based on that damage rating...well, it was good enough for her. She waved her arm at the Canodumb closer to the (potentially dead) Spikey, and a large, blunt vine extended. If it sailed true, it would impact the cannon virus with the force of, well, a cannonball, which would be enough to wipe it off the face of the virtual earth.

As that vine retracted, the flower lover Navi activated the final chip data. The previous attacking appendage returned to beneath the flower from whence it came...only for another, different vine to emerge from the same spot. This one was much sleeker, and possessed a long, thin thorn. The spike seemed sturdy, but the vine itself seemed too fragile to launch itself and spear a target...and it was. Fortunately, that wasn't its job, and it instead fired off the thorn as a projectile. It sped forward, unstoppable by virtually anything; even if it hit something, it'd continue to move forward, barely bothered by penetrating through virus material.

Speaking of material, Rose looked over at her shoulder for a moment, and noted that it was nearly restored. As long as it wasn't redamaged, it'd be intact once again before her next move.

[Order of Turn:
1- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on Spikey
2- CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E on CanodumbA
3- ShotgunDamage: 50 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: A gun whose shot penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E on CanodumbB]

The Spikey was eager to continue burning things, and launched another burst of fire in rose's direction even as she communicated with her operator and made plans. Fortunately for the fire-fragile navi, the Spikey's exuberance also prevented it from aiming as well as it needed to. The ball of fire scorched across the ground to one side and missed her. Rose countered with thorned vines that easily dispatched the dangerous virus.

As they made this exchange, one of the cannons launched a shot towards the fray, but even with its improved aim, luck wasn't with it. As its own shot missed, a heft bludgeoning protrusion from Rose's flower socked it clean off its turret. The second cannon fired, more accurately this time, but the shot was stopped by the navi's defences before her second strike pierced through it as well, with an explosive crunch of metal.

From up above, the bat swooped down again, hoping to capitalise on a distracted and possibly weaker foe, but while its sonic blast rippled across her petal barrier with some force, Rose herself remained unharmed. The bat flapped in place, briefly, and seemed to be considering its options.


-=Viruses=-
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile A: DELETED
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile B: DELETED
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.: 60Hp [Over 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: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Rose.Exe: 140Hp [Normal][Barrier Broken!]

-=Terrain=-
20% Cracked

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

5% Metal

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

75% Normal

• No effects.

-=Objects=-
DataPillar.obj: 40 HP [Metal]

...Wow. That worked. Rose looked over the battlefield, probably as surprised as anyone at just how little remained after her assault. "I, uh...I'm actually not that bad at this, am I?"

"Wow. That was awesome!"

"I'm not done yet, unfortunately. There's still that thing. That...bat." ..Hmmmmm. Now that she actually had a decent look at it without worrying about getting hit by a fireball, it looked like it could be organic. Could it possibly...? Worth a try. With a snap of her fingers, the vine from before, with the syringe-like tip, emerged from beneath her flower. She pointed at the lone virus, and it lunged forward, in an attempt to stab it and drain it of some of its life...and possible fluids.

Unlike last time, at least, the flower Navi had the sense of mind to not focus entirely on the needle, instead looking over at the seemingly neglected vine from earlier. Razor sharp thorns were still razor sharp, and they didn't look like they were about to break. Worked for her. As her previous vine retracted (hopefully containing a treat for her), the claw-like vine extended forward, tearing at the Batty with a powerful swipe downward. Then, another one that rose upward. If her aim was as good as before, that'd be the end of things, but she knew quite well from past experience to remain vigilant until the bitter end.

[Order of Turn:
1-Leech Thorn sig attack on PulseBat (20, Wood, Life Drain)
2- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on PulseBat
3- RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D on PulseBat]

In the moment that the remaining virus was contemplating whether to stay or flee, rose struck out with her slightly more special vine, piercing the creature just under its helmet and extracting... something. The bat screeched and tore away as the vine retracted, beginning to flap madly. It was hard to tell whether it was simply trying to gain altitude or to escape entirely, but rose wasn't giving it the time to consider over much. Just as it pulled away, she managed to rake it back down to ground, where it stayed this time.

When the bat didn't move, and instead began to break apart and disintegrate, Rose could be certain that the fight was over for now, leaving just her, the odd remnants of data scraps, and the strange green-lit pillar that the viruses had initially been clustered around.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile A: DELETED
CannonDumbCannonDumb (CannonDumb)

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

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 50
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile B: DELETED
PulseBatPulseBat (PulseBat)

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

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

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

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

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

-=Navis=-
Rose.Exe: 150Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
20% Cracked

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

5% Metal

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

75% Normal

• No effects.

-=Objects=-
DataPillar.obj: 40 HP [Metal]

-=Battle 2, Victory!=-
Spoils: 435z, EchoLocationEffect: Nullifies Invis on all Enemies and Objects, and dispels illusion effects.
Accuracy: S
Description: Sends out a sonic wave to bounce off of objects, revealing hidden things and illusory targets as what they truly are.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C

Everything had gone wonderfully. The virus was dead, and her thorn needle was full. Rose quickly prepared another vial, and eagerly filled it with the dark red contents. "This is going great!"

"I'm glad for you and all, but there's also some remaining data you need to pick up over there."

"Just a sec...and done. Now, what was that? Oh, the reward data. On it!" The flower loving Navi snapped her fingers, causing a vine from beneath the flower to extend, grab the data, and send it over. "Enjoy!"

"Well, there's more money. And, a chip?"

"Ooh, another chip? What'd we get?"

"Um, let's see...it's called EchoLocation. It...reveals invisible targets and dispels illusions."

"Neat. How much damage does it do?"

"...Zero.

"...Does it do anything else?"

"Nope."

"...I-I'm sure it'll come in handy someday!"

"Doubt that, but whatever. It's not going to physically hurt us to keep it." And into the pile it was thrown. Where it would probably forever remain. "I hate to say it, but I don't think you should continue. I think viruses come at you in bigger numbers the deeper you go, and if you face any more than just then...I don't think we've got the firepower, you know?"

"I guess. Plus, you should start working on that project some more!"

"Ugh. Don't remind me."

"Too late!"

"...Jacking you out now." Green beam of light in, and out. Also out: a smallish Navi in a large flower.

(JACKING OUT)