Posts made by Rogan

At the sound of shouts – navigator shouts – Lyntael's attention snapped forward and her breath caught. Without thinking, she darted forward, one foot kicking off a solid rock and launching her swiftly on over the mud as a curling tailwind lengthened her stride and raced her towards the sounds.

As the scene came into view between the landscape, her eyes locked first to the floating skull shape, and then briefly all around; fallen weapons, churned ground, but no sign of any other navis. The creature began to take note of her, more pieces of its form rising from the mud, and Lyntael skidded to a brief halt a short way from it. Her heart beat had spiked up sharply in her chest and her charge hummed in adrenalin-spurred instinct as she grit her teeth, trying to assess.

“Lyntael, it's reading here as another one of those... abominations that Eurayle was contending with.” Rogan's voice sounded cold and unamused. “I wonder if this is truly the source of the viral issues, or if she took the opportunity to point us at another of her problems instead...”

“Doesn't matter.” Lyntael drew herself up and ready, pulling in the tailwind that had come with her to form a protective shell as her inner charge began to suffuse her skin and send glowing light caustics across her body. As the charge flooded her skin, the same pulse expanded outward into a familiar shell of energy that stabilised as it passed her strikers then faded from sight. If it was another one, like the one she'd had to fight before, it was probably in pain as well, and confronting it was the right thing to do, no matter how she'd ended up here. Louder than her soft response to Rogan, she called out.

“I'm here to help, if anyone can hear me!” She doubted the creature itself would respond, but she definitely heard the shouts of other navis before. Hopefully they they made it out alright, if they weren't here any more. Lyntael tried to keep her steps light as she circled cautiously, making small darting steps and jumps as she traversed the mud and remained wary of what the creature was going to do.

“If there's any part of you in there that can be calm; any part of you that doesn't want to fight, please... we can find someone to help you.” she kept her guard up as she called to it, and her body was primed to retaliate if it managed to strike her, but she held off on attacking in full, at least for the moment.

“Lyntael, you know that won't have any effect on a program like this.” Rogan wasn't scolding her, or really chastising her with his words; she knew he felt compelled to speak them, just as much as he knew she would do as she had to regardless. He sounded serious and patient, and Lyntael nodded in turn.

“I know... I know, but I have to try; I could be wrong. It matters.” She murmured her response and listened to the soft sigh that followed.
“I know it does, Lyntael. Just be careful... this looks very dangerous.”

With his warning given, Rogan relented into silence as Lyntael moved around the creature, doing her best to avoid and evade any hostilities while she sought to learn what kind of threat it posed. The central core looked like a more obvious target, but she doubted whoever had performed the horrible experiments to create creatures like this would have left it exposed and undefended. Her eyes darted to the scattered weapons lying about the muddy area. They seemed like disarmed or disconnected chip data, maybe something the other navis had been trying to use. If blocking or breaking chips was a part of the creature's method, at least she'd be safe from that...



Summary

L*) Turbulence (Auto-deflect on shot or lobbed attack)
L*) Gust (Knockback effects are Double Strength, and attacks with them gain Wind type)
L*) First Armour: (20Hp Casing)
L1) A Burning Ache, for laughter recalled (Buster Charge, 40Hp Barrier, SupportBase(20), Counter(On Hit): (20Elec Nova2, Knockback)), 15Hp Sacrifice, Off-Target (1 Rank, 1 Round), 4CD (Overcharge -1)
L2) My Fear Swells, but I hold tight (Dodge, 20Elec Nova2, Knockback), Charge-Burner, 3CD (Overcharge +1)
L3) My Faith Can Heal, with time for laughter (Buster Charge, Feint, Movement, 10Elec Nova2, Knockback), Self-Slow (1 Rank, 1 round), 3CD (Overcharge -2)
L*) Fast Armour: 20Hp Casing Refresh
L4) Dodge (with the movement above, circling the creature, trying to get a good look at all of it, and the surrounding battlefield)
L5) Dodge (Assess the battlefield weapons; do they look like they've been here long; are some more recently discarded than others?)
L6) Dodge (Assess the creature; try to learn what she can about how it moves, and what dangers it poses)

Cooldowns and Overcharge

A Burning Ache, for laughter recalled
My Fear Swells, but I hold tight
My Faith Can Heal, with time for laughter

Overcharge: Begin: +0, A Burning Ache (-1), My Fear Swells (+1), My Faith Can Heal (-2), End: +0

As she caught her breath, Lyntael wobbled slightly, steadying her footing on the unstable ground and panting hard. The rushing swell of her charge replenishing itself made her wince and grit her teeth but she held it back and began forcing herself to cool down again, gradual small pulses of sparks crackling and rolling from her skin as the bursting need to expend again gradually calmed. Around her, the remaining other viruses had indeed decided to leave her alone, with the defeat of the violent bird of prey and Lyntael swallowed, watching its metallic parts breaking down rapidly. She probably could have run, instead of destroying it... probably, though it had been fast... but who else would it have preyed on if she hadn't stood her ground? It didn't feel good, but... maybe that was how it should be. She didn't want it to feel good.

“You know, Lyntael...” A dry and wryly amused Rogan spoke up, his voice emanating from just behind her as it usually did. “I suspect you'd have a very hard time convincing anyone that you 'weren't made for fighting' these days.” She heard him give a soft laugh at the comment, but there was a weight behind it that he was hiding as well, and she nodded slowly. With one hand she reached out, gathering the fragmented data and letting it coalesce into faint green strings that curled around her wrist and arm before trailing away.

“Maybe... But I wasn't, Rogan. You know that. I wasn't made for this, but I've learned, and I've grown...” She drew a deeper breath, letting the last of her sparks scatter and fade as her heart rate returned to a resting pace. “No matter what else has happened, I've always wanted to be what you... Hm...” She paused, drifting to silence for a moment as her thoughts corrected themselves and her footsteps began to gradually push her forward again, across the mud and muck and towards her destination. “Not... Not to be what you want, Rogan... we've argued enough about that... but to be able to do what you need me to do. There's a difference there that I think I didn't quite understand, in the early days.” She glanced out towards the sea, then forward again as she heard Rogan sigh.

“If I may confess, Lyntael... I suspect that what I thought I wanted of you, and what you wanted to be, were very distinctly different things.” He was quiet for another moment, but Lyntael let the silence hold until he continued. “They might still be, now, if I'm honest...” She heard him draw a breath, hesitating across the connection. “Lyntael, I...” He breathed out again with a short sigh. “Later. You should be almost there...”

As she pushed forward, looking around for further signs of whatever it was that Eurayle had pointed them towards, Lyntael didn't press Rogan to continue. There were plenty of things they probably needed to talk about before it was time for the next mission, and several things besides that she... wasn't really letting herself process with until after she was back home and could unpack it more. Her body was aching by this point, and as much as Rogan had reported that her vitals were stable, according to the PET and its readings of her, she felt exhausted and worn down from the day's training. If they could just take care of whatever the threat was here, that would be enough... she needed tea and a shower, and ideally a bathroom, and was very much ready for this outing to be completed.

((Ready for Battle 15))

As she focused on the map, eyes closed, Seafoam felt almost like she could hear the roll and crash of waves, and the scent of salty brine. The ground seemed to lurch underneath for for a moment, and as her eyes snapped open to catch her balance, the inquisitive navi found herself on what looked like the deck of a small raft, crudely cobbled together with a shallow keel and low guard rails all around. Tall waves dwarfed the tiny raft, lifting and dropping it again while a black storm rumbled and cracked overhead. Huddled in the centre of the raft, a familiar-looking trio of metools hid under their helmets, bopped around like beans in a basket while the storm battered at them. Far off, a rocky cliffside was just visible off the bow of the raft and its single-mast sail was straining in the storm winds as it tugged the tiny craft gradually towards the land.

Shapes moved in between the dark waves, and the raft seemed to be taking on water; one of the trio had begun attempting to bail water, while another fought to keep the sail straight, but they each ended up ducking for cover beneath their helmets again any time the raft lurched badly. It seemed like it might make land, just... or it might not, and that was without dealing with whatever danger lurked in the waters.

For a moment or two, Seafoam was aware of the sense of this being some kind of memory or vision, but then the sense faded and the world around her began to feel and seem real in every way that mattered... though it didn't seem as though the trio of metools cold see her or were aware of her presence in their unfolding story. The question was, what seemed more important for Seafoam to do in this moment?

A quick check failed to reveal any extra features on the badge Prose had given him, unfortunately. It was convincing enough visually, and it would probably get him past and staff or security doors that needed an ID scan, but there didn't appear to be any higher order functions to the tag... it seemed like Delta might be on his own for now.

His shouts caught the attention of the playing navigators who each looked around in confusion for a moment, before beginning to make a hasty retreat towards the sand while Delta approached the shape below the waters. The reaching tentacles lunged upward but their ambush was spoiled; most of the grabbing tendrils missed their marks and the one that managed to catch at a navi's ankle only held for a moment before she slipped free with a shriek of panic and swiftly rushed to join her friends. Frustrated, however, the dark shaped turned its attention to the noisy navi interrupting its schemes. At least it seemed like Delta had something of a clear space to operate in for the moment.

-=Beach Invaders=-
JellyJelly (Jelly)

Jelly are floating, jellyfish-like viruses, that seem to simply float nonchalantly, yet are deceptively difficult to combat. Fortunately, their rarity ensures they they never appear before a Battle 6, and there are never more than 2 in a single battle. While their horizontal movement is terrible at best, they can easily adjust their altitude as needed. By default, however, they tend to hover a couple of feet above the ground. The exception to this is when they attack. Jelly attack by launching large waves of water at enemies The attack cycle of Jelly is 2 actions long. It requires one action to charge before firing. If they are stunned or otherwise temporarily disabled, they resume their attack cycle where it was halted once the stun wears off. When they attack, they drop to the ground in order to pump out as much liquid as possible. This allows them to harness the power of certain kinds of terrain to boost their attacks, but it also makes them immobile and vulnerable to ground-based attacks for the duration.

Area: Beach

HP: 220
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Ground Attack + Wide Attack + Sea Terrain Boost 20 + 1 action charge
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: It charges itself with innate elemental energy, then launches a hard-to-avoid wall of water at enemies. The attack is stronger if performed over Sea terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Wave1 (Rare), Zenny
Special: OmniShoes
Special: This virus can move forward, backward, or to the side, but it does this so slowly that it cannot evade attacks this way.
Special: This virus can move up and down at high speed in order to avoid attacks while charging. While they can float fairly high, they cannot achieve High Altitude status.
Special: This virus is anchored and cannot move when attacking.??: 220Hp [Sea][Submerged; near the bottom, about a movement deep]
StarfishStarfish (Starfish)

Area: Yoka, Beach

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Aqua + Bubble Trap + 3 targets
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Launches three slow moving bubbles that trap the targets in a bubble prison, immobilizing them. These bubbles act as 10 HP objects, and can be shot before they make contact to pop them. Conversely, the virus can block incoming attacks with them.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BubbleStar1, Zenny
Special: Bubble Trap: Any target hit with this virus' attack will be instantly trapped in a 10 HP Aqua Element Bubble that can only be popped from the outside. Targets trapped within these bubbles will take 100% more damage from Elec element attacks. The Bubbles will expire at the end of the turn, or when hit.
Special: This attack can hit the same target multiple times (up to 3), or attack 3 separate targets.
Special: Targets trapped in Bubbles are easier to move with Wind Effects, Knockback, and Microburst than normal.: 60Hp [Sea][Submerged; on the bottom, about a movement deep]
SlimeySlimey (Slimey)

Slimey viruses were produced to be sources of major traffic lag. While a Slimey virus is on the battlefield, all Navis and SPs suffer from a passive Slow-like effect that imposes a -10% Evasion AND Movement Speed penalty. This effect is not a status ailment, and cannot be cured. This effect does not stack with itself if more than one Slimey is on the field at once. As this does not count as a true Slow effect, up to two instances of Slow may stack on top of this effect for a total penalty of -30% Evasion/Movement Speed. This effect expires when all Slimey viruses on the field are deleted or flee. Slimey viruses are very slow to move and dodge, but every move they make that is not a dodge counts as an attack. Slimeys deal damage by touching an opponent, thus touching a Slimey directly results in damage to any non-Slimey the virus considers hostile.

Area: Sharo, NetVegas, Beach

HP: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Aqua + Slow
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Body slams its foes. Any foes hit are slowed the following turn. Must be within melee range to attack a foe.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): MetaGel1, Zenny
Special: While this enemy is on the field, dodge effectiveness is reduced by 1 Rank.: 90Hp [Sea][Submerged; on the bottom, about a movement deep]

-=Beach Inspector=-
Delta.Exe: 200Hp [Sea]

-=Beach Resort=-
70% Sea

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

Most of the area
10% Normal

• No effects.

Outer perimeter, a floating walkway between the resort waters and the rest of the ocean
20% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

The distant shore, about two movements away.

-=Beach Battle, Start!=-

Delta's initial patrol along the main beachfront seemed peaceful and safe, for the most part. Beach-going navis didn't pay him much heed and everything seemed calm for now. The early-morning resort guests were now just beginning to be joined by the more relaxed starters and navis of all types were dotted about sunbathing, playing in the sand, swimming or surfing.

An outer ring encompassed a large body of the sea directly off the beach, with a floating walkway ringing the outside. This seemed like it might effectively e the resort boundary, on the seaward side of things and marked the limit for where swimmers could expect to be safe from the normal perils of beach net. As delta made a trip along the gently bobbing perimeter path, the sea inside the boundary appeared clear of any mysterious anomalies, until he reached a point about two thirds of the way around his sweep.

A dark shape moved slowly, blending in with the sandy sea floor at the very bottom of the water - a large shape that was easy to miss at a glance. Upon closer inspection, Delta could make out that the creature, whatever it was, was hard to spot because it was largely transparent as it edged along the sandy bottom, but once he had seen it, Delta began to pick out what looked like a mass of thinner, longer tendrils and tentacles reaching forward and upwards, every so slowly and carefully, towards a group of navis playing games in the water, splashing each other and seemingly unaware of what approached from below.

While there didn't seem to be any obviously lurking viruses in his immediate vicinity, who knew what lingered in the unseen places of the resort? Prose, for her part just nodded again, seemingly satisfied with Delta's down-to-business demeanour. She pulled a small trinket, seemingly from the chest band of her swim suit, and handed it up to him. It looked like a small pager, except that it was white and circular, with a single red button on the front, a stylised red wing design on the back and a short antenna that ended in a fuzzy red tip.

"Just give that a press if you need to get in touch, no problem and good luck. I think you'll be fine!" As she stepped back again the small bunny-girl gave Delta another grin and a wave then seem to jump backwards as though hopping off the edge of a cliff. There was a terrible screeching static sound like tearing code or the fabric of the nearby net complaining, and then her form was simply gone from sight.

This left Delta with a few choices, on his own and with a mission to do. A sweep of the beach itself didn't seem likely to turn up any viruses that the civilians frequenting the area hadn't already found... though if there was something lurking unseen beneath the sparkling waters, there would be a lot of navis potentially in danger. He could also start by heading towards the more structured areas of the resort; there was the main resort lodge that presumably housed the private rooms and other accommodations for guests, a secondary series of smaller buildings that looked like they were mainly designed as restaurants and cosmetic beautification opportunities...

He could also try clearing out the pool and spa zones where were apart from the main buildings between the formal structures and the beach itself. Finally there was the partitioned off section of the beach at the opposite end of the resort from where he was now, and there was a door between the main buildings that looked like it would probably lead into the more 'behind the scenes' inner workings of the resort - staff rooms, storage areas and the like. Where he decided to start was mostly up to Delta now.

Sure enough, after a few moments of decoding and recompiling, the crystal opened up to present Seafoam with an additional chip for her troubles.

((GMD: FanHP: 100
Properties: Anchored
Object Damage: 100 + Impact
Damage Method: Telekinesis
Status Effect: Fan Effect + To-All-Clause (Enemies)
Accuracy: S
Description: Creates a VacuumFan to pull enemies closer and reduce their evasion.
Duration: 3 turns or until destroyed.
Element: Null
Special: Wind Type: This chip counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
Trader Rank: D))

The sudden swooping dive of the flying metavirus buffeted Lyntael as she twisted aside just in time and tried to steady her footing, a small gasp of surprise bitten off in the moment. Even as she tried to turn her sight to track the massive creature, her body was already responding ahead of her, her instinctive barrier crackling into shape as it spread out from her chest, stabilised as it passed beyond her strikers and faded from sight. Her charge lifted with the sudden spike of adrenalin, tingling beneath her skin as Lyntael herself drew a breath and took quick stock of the development.

Another metavirus; probably one of the largest ones she'd seen in person and clearly out for blood... the strange sensation struck her again as she watched it bank back towards her, just how calm she was in the face of the threat. She had no doubt those talons would rip her in two if they cold latch onto her properly, and the odds of reasoning with the creature seemed remote at best, but still... She let out a slower breath, setting her stance even as her heart rate rose to match her swelling charge. At the peripheral of her vision, she took note of the other viruses that had shown themselves – either disturbed by the larger one, or summoned by it to assist; either way, they weren't her enemies unless they made a point of it... but the large one certainly seemed to be barring her way forward, maybe even guarding it deliberately.

A small scattering of sparks fanned out from her body in between rising pulses of the charge in her chest and she focused on the hawk, tracking its movements and staying light enough on her feet to avoid any errant aggression from the surrounding viruses. She could feel the way the air curled around the flying virus, eddying about its wings as it arced in the sky... it almost felt like she could reach out to those same currents and pull them back from the creature... almost... around her a fresh flurry of cycling winds sprang up to enshroud her form and lift her steps as another pulse of electricity crackled from her skin into the surrounding mud and water.

She didn't strike out at anything actively, keeping her focus on the main virus and weaving in place as she needed to to track with its movements and avoid harm from other sources – any virus that got too close at the wrong time might get a sting, but Lyntael was focused on the more dangerous target alone, waiting for the right moment. She'd given it a chance to back off, but the hawk was making it clear that its first swoop was more than a warning shot, so dealing with it swiftly was the safest course now, to save herself and anyone else who passed by.

Her charge continued to build and she embraced it as another ripple of sparks washed off her form and her strikers began to glow brighter and brighter. Anything that managed to land a strike on her body at this point would receive a more thunderous cascade of electricity for its trouble, but Lyntael turned with the Hawk while the electric current filling her body made every part of her buzz with heat. She narrowed her stance and brought her hands close together on her central line, then let herself drop to one knee with her toes digging hard into the mud until she found the purchase of solid ground to brace against. Her own air currents circled, warding off attempts at ranged assault and she took a long breath then let it out slowly.

When the hawk dived for her again Lyntael held still, watching it, then sprang as it closed in. She leapt up and forward, driving with her braced leg to give the rising strike from her following foot as much speed and force as her small frame could put behind it. The power flooding her body flowed in a rush that gave sudden relief to its burning pressure, drawing in to her chest from every extremity then thundering outward through her ankle striker as her kick reached its peak. The flare of lightning obliterated all sense for a moment as Lyntael followed through. Her body arced over in a graceful turn that followed the momentum of her strike and trailed spiralling wind currents with her until she landed one foot after the other, a few feet back from where she'd leapt.

Her form held for a moment in perfect grace before the drain feeling dragged her to buckle and the empty void of charge gnawed at her. A pulse answered from somewhere deeper within her, and then the charge was surging back again, circling up inside her and filling her lungs with fresh breath as she blinked through the fading light of the blast to see if the aggressive virus had survived her response.

Summary

L*) Turbulence (Auto-deflect on shot or lobbed attack)
L*) Gust (Knock Back effects are Double Strength, and attacks with them gain Wind type)
L*) First Armour: (20Hp Casing)
L1) A Burning Ache, for laughter recalled (Buster Charge, 40Hp Barrier, SupportBase(20), Counter(On Hit): (20Elec Nova2, Knockback), 15Hp Sacrifice, Off-Target (1 Rank, 1 Round)), 4CD (Overcharge -1)
L2) A Manifest Spirit, and eyes that dance (10Elec Nova2, Take Aim, Dodge, Movement, Off-Target (1 Rank, 1 Round)), 3CD (Overcharge -1)
L3) A Single Ember, for a life once stalled (Buster Charge, Status Cure, SupportBase(20), 10Elec Nova2, Knockback, Self-Slow (1 Rank, 1 Round)), 3CD (Overcharge -1)
L*) Fast Armour: 20Hp Casing Refresh
L4) My Fear Swells, but I hold tight (Dodge, 20Elec Nova2, Knockback, Charge-Burner), 3CD (Overcharge +1)
L5) My Faith Can Heal, with time for laughter (Buster Charge, Feint, Movement, 10Elec Nova2, Knockback, Self-Slow (1 Rank, 1 round)), 3CD (Overcharge -2)
L6) Full-Charge Buster Strike (600Elec, Disarm, A (+Take Aim in case of negatives)), (Overcharge +12) @ TinHawk (meeting it if/when it comes for another fly-by)

Cooldowns and Overcharge

Overcharge: Begin: +0, A Burning Ache (-1), A Manifest Spirit (-1), A Single Ember (-1), My Fear Swells (+1), My Faith Can Heal (-2), Full-Charge Strike (+12), End: +12

Prose sipped on her drink, finishing it more swiftly as Delta elected to remain standing and chose not to flatter the tiny navi's playful compliment fishing. She tilted her head to one side, appraising him as she set her emptied drink down.

“Tough crowd, huh? Alright, straight to business then. Walk with me...” She hopped down from her stool, an action which only effectively made her small stature more apparent, then walked to the entrance of the small bar, looking out across the curving bay of the resort's beach.

“It's not exactly a coordinated thing... let me explain... So... A few hours ago, there were a bunch of strange disturbances across the rogue layer of beach net. Something really messed with the weather systems and even if those old lower network ones are deprecated, that's still not something your average navi can do without a lot of high end permissions and... augments, let's say. The disturbances came and went, like a creature passing across the network, but the ripples fanned out pretty badly, and some of them bled over into the public upper net. Here.” Prose shrugged and began to wander out from the cafe and down towards the waterfront across the soft sand, hands behind her head.

“Now... there's a Cybeast that we know of that might cause something like that... but if it were her, we'd be expecting the effects to be a little worse, and Beach really isn't her normal stomping grounds either... so, I've been sent to look into it. Since you're here, I can drop down to the lower net and have a proper look around right away. I'll give you a direct link if you need to stay in touch though... what I need from you is... you're going on a bug hunt, so to speak.” Here Prose glanced back towards Delta with a small smirk and a raised eyebrow, then returned to her more serious focus again.

“See, the ripples that reached up this high weren't anything major, but it did cause a surge of agitated movement from a load of lesser viruses – the ones intelligent enough to get out of the way when something big happens, you know? We got a big volume of sudden virus activity all through this region, especially around here, and wouldn't you know, there's a navi beach resort here, with loads of civilian navis who don't have combat capabilities or busting programs. There are auto systems in place to keep the resort safe, of course, and they picked up the big groups, but they didn't get everything, and there's always a chance that some of the viruses that slipped through might even be ones that scuttled up here from the rogues – the auto-systems won't be calibrated to deal with them. I need you to do a sweep of the resort and find any loose viruses you can, and take care of them before any civilians get caught in the crossfire. If you can, take note of what you find and where you find it... it might be helpful.” Prose skipped forwards a few steps then turne dto face Delta more directly, still grinning as though her topic of conversation was no more concerning than a spring breeze.

“Got all that? Oh! You'll need this too!” She darted forward again quickly, then reached up high to poke at a point on the left of Delta's chest. There was another sound like complaining static as a square badge rapidly formed from disparate red strings of code; as it came into proper form, the badge had a digital Id photo of Delta himself, behind a fancy WineGlass logo, with a serial number and scan code beneath. Prose tilted her head, scrutinising her work for a moment or two then grinned again.

“There you go, you're now WineGlass Resort Security. That should get you everywhere you need to go! Okay, I should head down, and you should get hunting... any last questions?” The bunny girl waited to see if Delta needed to know anything else before beginning his mission, though it looked like she was otherwise ready to part ways with him until his task was complete.

Picking her moment carefully, Seafoam first evaded the next attack from her counter-element foe then took the shot a moment later before it could respond. No misses this time as her cannon shot pinned the irksome virus and put an end to its threat. The lingering shrubby was only moments behind, warping out from its cover position to belch another wide log in Seafoam's general direction, but the navi was already moving to circumvent the poorly-aimed attack. Her quick retaliatory harpoon might not have had too much power, but it was just the right amount to ensure that that particular shrubby wouldn't be bothering any more ACDC civilians.

Still in the flow of combat, Seafoam sent out a wave of energy to convert a large amount of the surrounding panels to sea that she could work with, taking preemptive cover, but after a few moments she'd confirm that her own attacks had all landed true, leaving no more hostiles for her to worry about for now.

By the time the navi surfaced again, she'd be able to see that the remaining logs thrown by the shrubby bobbed neatly in the water while, in keeping with the oddities of net physics, the trees remained upright and standing on the water's surface, somehow. The moment of peace would give Seafoam a chance to retrieve the glittering crystal still safely lodged in one of the tree's branches, if shew anted to – chances were the network's auto-recovery code would have reverted her panel changes by the time she was finished collecting it.

-=Woodland Critters =-
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.: DELETED
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. A: DELETED (Ping!)
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. B: DELETED

-=ACDC Ranger =-
Seafoam.Exe: 110Hp [Normal]

-=Wooded Outskirts =-
100% Sea

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

-=Objects=-
Narrow Tree A: 40Hp [WoodBody] Directly left of Seafoam
Narrow Tree B: 40Hp [WoodBody] Forward and right of Seafoam
Shrub A: DELETED
Shrub B: DELETED
GMD: 15Hp [Glittering faintly in the branches of Narrow Tree A]

-=Battle 2, Victory!=-
Spoils: 600z, RollingLog1Damage: 50 + Ground Attack + Wide Attack (2) + Double Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Rolls a log at enemies. Can hit up to two enemies at once per log.
Duration: Up to 2 uses before the end of the turn.
Element: Wood
Special: Double Attack: After spending an action to attack with this chip, you may choose to spend a second action and attack with it again before the end of the turn.
Note: This chip used to be known as RingLog1
Trader Rank: D

Open GMD?

Seafoam returned fire at the aggressive Bunny while she requested her chips, but just as the virus' own ring attack had missed her initially, so Sefoam's retaliatory wave wasn't swift enough to prevent the Bunny hopping out of the way before it was hit.

The chips arrived moments later and her shockwave thundered across the ground, tearing up the bush that one of the shrubby viruses was hiding behind and battering the creature itself as it passed. In startled hast,e the virus drew itself up and spat a wide rolling log of wood towards Seafoam, covering its trail as it then dashed away to hide behind one of the narrow trees instead. The log missed its target, halting with a dull thud against a different tree while Seafoam herself was forced to dodge away from another shocking electrical ring launched from the bunny's ears.

Her shotgun blast managed to rip apart the second bush and eliminate the Second shrubby as well, just before it could teleport out to attack her, leaving just two targets on the field arrayed against her.

-=Woodland Critters =-
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.: 50Hp [Normal][About a movement ahead of Seafoam directly ahead]
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. A: 10Hp [Grass][Behind Narrow Tree A]
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. B: DELETED

-=ACDC Ranger =-
Seafoam.Exe: 110Hp [Normal]

-=Wooded Outskirts =-
60% Normal

• No effects.

Most of the area
40% Grass

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

Much to the side to Seafoam's Left

-=Objects=-
Narrow Tree A: 40Hp [WoodBody] Directly left of Seafoam
Narrow Tree B: 40Hp [WoodBody] Forward and right of Seafoam, near the Bunny
Shrub A: DELETED
Shrub B: DELETED
GMD: 15Hp [Glittering faintly in the branches of Narrow Tree A]

At the sound of Delta's voice talking to his operator, he might notice one of the other navi's lapin ears twitch slightly, though the rest of her posture remained unchanged. It wasn't until he deliberately spoke up and called out that the smaller navi twisted around on her bar stool and appraised Delta with a grin.

“Heya!” Her head tilted slightly as she looked him up and down with a quick glance then waved for him to come over and take a seat at her table. “Delta, right? Come on over, sit down. Have a drink, it's on me. They've got all sorts of things here, even ones that can simulate real alcohol for navis! Though maybe stay away from those if we're going to be working. I think I waaaaant...” Her finger traced over the digital menu on the table and something seemed to complain with a mild code-static protest as she selected a different brightly coloured fruit drink. Her voice certainly sounded like a match for the mission brief he'd received, which she confirmed a moment later.

“I'm Prosopopoeia... but folks who think I'm cute call me Prose.” Here she winked at him with a small giggle, then clapped as her drink appeared on the table in front of her with a small digital flourish. If Delta chose to look at the drink on offer at the bar, he'd find all manner of traditional beach-side affair – cocktails and mocktails, fruit drinks, harder drinks, all the way through to the always appropriate 'drink-served-in-coconut-with-umbella'. Whatever he picked, if he picked anything, would arrive a few moments later, just as Prose's drink had.

“So!” The bunny girl sipped her drink then stretched her arms above her head as though she were maybe thinking about getting to business. “You're after a support core, right? I can whip you up one of those no problem, but rules are rules, and I'm going to have to get your help with some stuff first. There're things I need to look into here and sort out, but there's a bunch of ancillary elements to it all, and you can help out in a bunch of different ways. Really just depends on the kind of work you're looking to do.” She took another sip of her drink and smirked again “And no, skiving off on the beach and chatting up cute navis up at the CO end of the resort isn't really an option.” She arched an eyebrow briefly. “Though if that's your thing we might have options. I'm guessing not though...” Her amused expression settle back to a relaxed calm. “So, what kind of mission were you hoping to do?”

The cafe they were in still remained devoid of morning drinkers, but the sounds of various other resort-goers enjoying the other facilities further along the beach was really enough to make work feel unappealing... Alas, Delta was still here to earn a reward after all. Maybe there would be some time for resort-side relaxing along the way.

==

((Basically, feel free to let me know the kind of mission you'd like to do – if you want a more roleplay focused mission, dealing with NPCs socially, solving problems and the like, that's an option, as is a more combat or conflict focused one where you'll need to fight. It also doesn't need to be all one or the other; whatever inspires you and you think you'll find fun ^.^ ))

Lyntael stood amidst the falling rain and felt the charge thrumming beneath her skin, straining to be used and setting her body alight with warmth and pressure, but as she felt the storm rumble overhead and the wind curling about her form at the centre of it, the sense of calm remained. She looked around, almost dreamlike for a moment, as the remaining viruses fled and let a ripple of stabilising sparks scatter from her gently. The strain of her charge faded as she let them go and Lyntael turned her head towards the clouds, eyes closed and feeling the rain on her face. It was strange, in a way; now, as she had never really understood before, she could feel the serenity in the storm as well as its force and violence. With another long breath in and out again, she let the feeling go. Far above, the rain slowed and stopped then a break formed in the clouds to let fresh sunlight fall across her. Swiftly then, the clouds began to break away and before long the whole event seemed to be returning to the network's normal weather patterns.

The girl inclined her head and stretched slowly with fluid, graceful motions as she enjoyed the sunlight as much as she had appreciated the rain. It would feel better if she wasn't wearing a full body suit like she was, and the urge to feel the warmth of the sun across more of her skin swelled in her mind, but Lyntael relaxed all the same and began gathering the retrievable date over another few careful moments.

It didn't take long before she had gathered what she could, converting it to a slim green string of data that twisted up around her arm then faded from sight as she sent it across the link back to Rogan's PET. The thought gave her pause for a moment. A shift in her thinking and feeling... The device was Rogan's, really – it was how he communicated with her and how they exchanged data, but... As she sent off the last of the data, Lyntael glanced down at the centre of her own chest. The emblem she had once borne, an integral part of her being and the core element that represented so much about who she had been... was gone now. Shattered and destroyed, but yet she wasn't any less for it. If anything she was more herself now than she had ever been.

As she began to walk forward from the battle site, picking her steps in small skipping jumps between the lingering puddles, Lyntael let her thoughts explore what she was feeling. The PET was where her home was, but it was just that; a place she lived and space she'd made herself comfortable in... important to her, but no intrinsic part of her. She really did think of the device as Rogan's rather than hers, now. It was a peculiar realisation.

“Are we close to the target location, Rogan? I think I can see where I might be trying to get to, now, if that's where the co-ordinates are leading.” She hoped the rocky outcrop she'd been steadily heading towards was indeed their final destination for today. As much as she had protected herself well, Lyntael could still feel the strain and fatigue of the day's trek building up on her. Minor scrapes and bruises were starting to ache beneath her new suit and even refreshed by the rain and the wind and the sun that gave her joy, she was definitely feeling tired now. A cup of tea, something to eat, and a chance to curl up in her bed with something to read were all sounding like extremely appealing prospects... and that was without the time she knew she ought to take to really process through some of the other events of the day, and the feelings about those that she was putting to the back of her mind for now. Rogan's voice answered back after only a short moment.

“Not too far now, Lyntael. If you continue at your current pace, you should reach the supposed co-ordinates in another few minutes or so.” She nodded at his assessment, then murmured a small affirmation to him as she pressed on along the coastline. It might have been mostly a day of sorting herself out mentally, but it had definitely been a long day of physical testing as well, intended or not.

((Ready for Battle 14))

Looks good, you're approved. Make sure to add it to your signature and update your sig point pool accordingly ^.^

Upon opening the map, Seafoam found that it wasn't simply a site-map of the local ACDC area, but rather a catalogue of the peculiar and strange adventure that the group of metools had been on, the many distant places they had wandered, and the frightening and sometimes baffling trials they had overcome on their trek. Each little mark on the map seemed to contain the idea of a place, and a log of script beside, though it was all in unintelligible viral garble, to Seafoam. Even so, it seemed as though the little trio of mets had been wandering for a long time before they had happened upon Seafoam on their way back home. It felt almost like... if she tried, she might be able to experience some of the other legs of their journey, if she connected with the code of the map itself...

Before she could reach any kind of decision on this score, the navi was forced to tuck the thought away for later as a crackling electric ring sizzled across the space of her peripheral and gave her just enough time to jump back from the stunning blast before it hit her. The trio of metools were beginning to wander away with enthusiastic waves and happy 'meeps', now that they were in their home territory – though she could probably still catch up with them if she wanted to say more... but first, Seafoam would have to deal with some far less friendly viral entities in the small stretch of wooded greenery she'd wandered into while glancing at the map. Not far from her, a wide-eyed bunny virus hopped back and forth, trying to line up another shot while the metal prongs of its ears crackled with fresh sparks. The surrounding space had a few trees, and a number of low bushes making cover for one... no two shrubby viruses that peeked out from the ground cover with similarly aggressive intent.

-=Woodland Critters =-
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.: 50Hp [Normal][About a movement ahead of Seafoam and to her right]
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. A: 50Hp [Grass][Behind Shrub A, Ahead and left of Seafoam by a short distance]
ShrubbyShrubby (Shrubby)

Shrubby viruses take cover when they are not attacking. Shrubby viruses teleport from behind cover when attacking, but never at any other time. If there is nothing on the field to use as cover against an enemy, and the only other viruses on the field are Shrubbies or viruses that cannot provide cover against attacks, they will stop attacking and attempt to flee starting next turn. Later versions of the Shrubby virus carry rockcube chip data, and will use that to make new cover when none is available.

Area: ACDC, Okuden Valley, Dentech

HP: 50
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Wood + Ground Attack + Attack Target Pair
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Rolls a 10 HP log at opponent. The log is 2 panels wide, and can cross broken or missing terrain if only one of the two panels it crosses is broken or missing. This attack can hit up to two side-by-side targets, and can stop direct incoming attacks, but is stopped by objects.
Element: Wood
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): RollingLog1, Zenny
Special: If the Ring Log falls into Sea Terrain, it will remain there and float as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers two panels.
Special: If the Ring Log strikes an object, it will remain there as a 10 HP Wood Element object that covers 2 panels.
Special: If the Ring Log crosses a Lava Panel, it will burst into flame. B: 50Hp [Grass][Behind Shrub B, Behind and left of Seafoam by a short distance]

-=ACDC Ranger =-
Seafoam.Exe: 110Hp [Normal]

-=Wooded Outskirts =-
60% Normal

• No effects.

Most of the area
40% Grass

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

Much to the side to Seafoam's Left

-=Objects=-
Narrow Tree A: 40Hp [WoodBody] Directly left of Seafoam
Narrow Tree B: 40Hp [WoodBody] Forward and right of Seafoam, near the Bunny
Shrub A: 20Hp [WoodBody] Ahead and left of Seafoam by a short distance
Shrub B: 20Hp [WoodBody] Behind and left of Seafoam by a short distance
GMD: 15Hp [Glittering faintly in the branches of Narrow Tree A]

-=Battle 2, Start!=-

Emerging from the dark cave and into the broad, clear sunlight of the well-kept ACDC network, Seafoam and her troupe were greeted with a setting that seemed calm and safe by comparison to their other encounters so far today. The cave itself was tucked away by a blind rocky outcrop on the shaded side of a low hill, one of several small rises dotted about a space that looked like mostly flat parkland. The ground had the look and feel of short, soft grass, though a quick inspection showed that this was purely cosmetic; the panels underneath remained a stable, neutral 'normal'. Trees poked up from the landscape here and there, most of them in small ringed beds as though they'd been placed deliberately as part of some wider beautification project. In the distance to one side, a narrow river seemed to run between well-formed banks.

Here and there were signs of the network's welcoming and quaint design - a bench by the river, a walking trail between the trees, and far off in the distance from where she emerged, Seafoam could make out the signs of more structured civilisation beginning to take shape in the form of more regimented paths and lots. One way or another, they had definitely made it safely to the ACDC network - not too close to established network paths, so her entourage was probably safe for now.

Behind her, there was a small scattering of excited 'Meep's as the met trio edged out into the light and looked around, clearly relieved to see a network they recognised. The group seemed like they were about to wander off, now that they were as close to 'home' as a metool virus could get, but the map-wielding met stepped up close to Seafoam and she felt a small tug to get her attention. It held its map up towards her in a neatly rolled bundle and gave a bright 'Meep!' as it tried to give the rolled map to her, its eyes making small happy arches as it did.

The WineGlass private beach resort stretched along a gently arcing curve of beach that made a sheltered bay in a secluded area of the beach net. Sparkling blue waters met glittering white sands that in turn transitioned into shady tropical trees that gave the hinted suggestion of hidden lagoons and beautiful natural walking trails.

The resort itself nestled in the central section of the bay's curve, a scattering of various amenities, cafes, restaurants, shops and other beach-side comforts, while it rose to luxurious private accommodations amidst the trees further inland. Between the main resort buildings and the beach itself, a sheltered area also housed several pools and spas set up to give good view of the beach and the bay without the worry of sand or tides.

Out on the bay, a number of small pleasure-craft drifted or sailed back and forth, chartered by vacationing navis while the beach itself was strewn with beach umbrellas, lounges, volleyball nets and marked areas for other beach games. There was a partition part way down the beach, with some signage on it that seemed to divide one area of relaxation from another, though one would need to get closer to read what the division was all about.

The resort was modestly busy with various navis enjoying the space, and the sun was out and shining bright on the mid-morning setting while a gentle breeze drifted from one end of the cove to another, just enough to refresh and rustle the leaves on the trees.

Delta would arrive at the designated co-ordinates on the southern end of the beach just at the edge of the resort grounds, directly by the entrance to one of the open-air cafes that the complex housed - the cafe looked to be unstaffed – likely menu purchases were delivered automatically and charged to resort customer accounts. This one appeared to be empty of morning guests, save for a single other navi quietly sipping a fruity-coloured drink as she looked out at the shoreline with her back to where Delta would arrive.

At first it might be easy to mistake her for a child navi – her form was slight and small, and her feet clearly didn't reach anywhere close to the ground from the high stool she was perched on; if she were standing, she'd be maybe three feet tall at best, barely reaching Delta's hip. Long rabbit-like ears that lay back in a relaxed state gave her a few more inches, if one were feeling generous. Height aside, she was covered in a very short, soft coat of pure white fur and a glance at her profile showed her face to bear other similarly lapin features. She was wearing a dark red swim-suit made of a side-hitch bikini bottom with a tailored back clasp for what looked very much like a small tufted rabbit tail, and a narrow chest band up top that, given her build, didn't have much it needed to support and was just there for modesty. A small pair of stylised wings were picked out in silver thread against the red fabric on either side of the back-hitch.

Given that the navi seemed to be the only person present at this particular cafe, and the likelihood that her small frame might match the voice he'd heard in the mission brief, it seemed reasonable to guess that this navi was probably Delta's client, though she didn't seem to have noticed him yet if he wanted to slip away and do any other recon before engaging with her.

With just one foe remaining for now, Seafoam launched an attack that took advantage of her target's heightened elevation, striking it from above with a barrage of aqua needles while its attention was still focused downwards. With less time to react to the unexpected attack, the bat was pummelled into submission before it could drop back down, leaving Seafoam and her charges free to continue their exit from the cave.

Beside her the formerly-fearful metool seemed to let out a breath and relax again before wandering back to convene with the other two. The map-wielding met took the lead once more, falling in line behind Seafoam while the sculptor gave a few more careful chisels on his its project – a stalagmite now artfully turned into what looked like a metool wearing a pointed safety cone instead of its normal helmet – and trailed along behind the others.

-=Cavern Cravens=-
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: 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. 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. C: DELETED

-=Hopefully Home=-
Map-Wielding Metool: 40Hp [Normal] [Behind Seafoam]
Sculptor Metool: 40Hp [Normal] [Behind Seafoam]
Substantially-Less-Nervous Metool: 40Hp [Behind Seafoam]

-=Met Protector=-
Seafoam.Exe: 80Hp [Normal][RageClaw: 5/6]

-=Are we back in Kansas now? =-
100% Normal

• No effects.

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

All around him, the incessant buzzing of the hives grated as the two on the ground gave rise to fresh swarms of bugs, but Delta was ready to be done with this encounter and focused his attention solely on the shadow-cloaked tree. North of him, the tree seemed to loom tall and foreboding, despite its torn and rent trunk, sinking into the depths of the gloom once more, but Delta was ready for its trickery this time. His first lunging slash cleaved through to shadows of the corrupted entity, revealing yet another inert tree in its place, but Delta was already moving with his follow up. He turned and struck a second time, this time connecting with the tree itself before it could strike at him.

His blade dug into the already damaged trunk of the tree and cleaved the wood apart, drawing a last howling shriek of tearing timer from the virus, caught out at last and its tricks spent. It seemed to rear up, only tenuously connected to the baste of its trunk, then fell towards Delta in its death throes in a last attempt to crush the navi with its final fall. Even this Delta was prepared for, however - his freshly reformed shield caught the weight of the dying virus and let him shove its bulk to the side even as the force of its fall shattered his shield again.

With the tree fallen, a quick salvo of shots swiftly deleted the loose hives as well, and the still-forming swarms of skeeters above them dissipated into the surrounding forest, fleeing the scene. With a last pulse of glowing energy, his candle healed its last and faded away, leaving Delta standing in the dark again, but the victor of the clearing all the same.

-=Hive-Hoarder=-
GloomScythe.Tree: DELETED

SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A2: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B2: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes C: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B3: ESCAPED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes C2: ESCAPED

-=Bee-Seeker=-
Delta.EXE: 155Hp [In the middle of the clearing][Grass]
Candle: EXPIRED

-=Terrain=-
(Terrain is mostly grass in the middle of the clearing, with soil around the edges)
40% Soil

• Wood Elementals get +10% Evasion.
• Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Grass.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Mud.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: change terrain hit to Coal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

60% Grass

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

-=Objects=-
Twisted Tree North: SLICED
Twisted Tree North-East: DELETED
Twisted Tree East: DELETED
Twisted Tree South-East: 60Hp [Woodbody][Soil]
Twisted Tree South: IMMOLATED
Twisted Tree West: DESTROYED
Twisted Tree North-West: 60Hp [Woodbody][Soil]

Ancient Beehive A: DELETED
Ancient Beehive B: DELETED
Ancient Beehive C: DELETED

-=Battle 5, Victory!=-
Spoils: 1100z, 15 BugFrags, Shadow1Effect: Shadow
Accuracy: S
Description: Grants the user Shadow. This reduces all incoming non-Slashing attacks to 0 damage, and reduces accuracy on ranged attacks by 20%.
Duration: One turn
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D, Skeeter Bounty +5

((As an aside, for clarity - Many viruses do have a behaviour pattern that involves putting up an iron- or metal- body defence and not attacking, but it's not a feature of the defence, just the pattern for those viruses. If there was anything on the site that led you, as a player, to believing that the defence worked that way, let me know, and I can check it out and see if we need to clarify something))

With the dark tree no longer clinging to the shadows, Delta was increasingly hemmed in by foes – though it seemed as though the collection of ancient beehives remained inert for now, each with a swarm of skeeters already buzzing above them. The tree itself rattled its branches and the moaning wind through the wood became a roaring wail of sound amidst the rustle of boughs and the fiercely whipping winds. Exposed to it a second time, Delta might notice that the blast of air that rushed through the clearing crackled with viral code, enough to interfere with any fields or barriers he might be using – fortunate for Delta then, that he wasn't in the habit of utilising that sort of defence.

He struck out with his blade, removing another of the dark tree's possible duplicates then turned his attention on the skeeters and their hives... but a grave miscalculation of past experiences seemed to have led the navi astray at a tactical moment. Even as he began making his flurry of swift buster shots at the smaller targets the tree's long scything branches continued to lash out at him, largely unhindered by its iron-bark defence. The tree certainly seemed to be rooted to the spot and immobile, but perhaps this wasn't a condition too unfamiliar to trees in general. It definitely didn't seem to be inhibiting it from attacking him and its branches had Delta well within reach. A storm of rapid shots and swings ensued from both sides of the battle as each tried to assail the other.

Delta's first two shots swiftly eliminated one of the skeeter swarms before it could react, but in turn GloomScythe swung two strikes in his direction, landing one scoring blow on the navi in the process. Amidst the rapid movements the long shadows played in the candle's flickering light and the dark tree seemed to take note of the way the flame was healing its prey and its attention began to split between delta and his summon. It aimed one scythe at each the navi and the candle, but was clearly becoming more focused on the troublesome light – the scythe aimed at Delta missed, while the other bit into the wax and made the flame waver for a moment.

Delta, meanwhile took another pair of shots at one of the hives, destroying it and preventing any further summons from that particular source, while the second swarm of skeeters rushed him, missing by a hair. Not far away, the third skeeter swarm followed suit, this group succeeding at finding exposed points on Delta's body and hungrily draining data from him. Fully distracted for the moment, the tree continued to slash at the cursed light, sending globs of wax flying left and right across the clearing and making the shadows warp and twist while Delta handily eliminated another swarm of insects with another pair of quick shots. If nothing else he was getting good bounty credit here...

The light from the candle continued to flow, healing both Delta and the candle itself, and as the navi continued to destroy bugs and hives, the tree's attention seemed to begin turning back towards the more obvious threat. It struck the candle one more time, but still failed to destroy it, before sweeping its scythes back in Delta's direction – another half-distracted miss, fortunately.

Harried by the attacks, Delta's next target only received one of his buster shots, the other going slightly wide, and so the second beehive remained; damaged and dripping from its ancient combs, but still intact. A final pair of strikes from both the navi and the tree saw Delta take a last pair of slicing blade strikes even as he successfully destroyed the third skeeter swarm.

The deluge of rapid assaults seemed to let up for a moment as the tree's hardened defence faded and the darkness drew in around it again. It was still looking worse for wear and that aggressive assault seemed to have taken some energy for the twisted entity to exert in is damaged condition. Maybe now Delta would have an opportunity to finish it off.

-=Hive-Hoarder=-
GloomScythe.Tree: 80Hp [Directly North of Delta, at the edge of the clearing][Soil]

SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A2: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B2: DELETED
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes C: DELETED

-=Bee-Seeker=-
Delta.EXE: 125Hp [In the middle of the clearing][Grass][Regen: 5Hp per action while Candle lasts][Sword: 2/6]

Candle: 60Hp [Behind Delta][Grass][Regen: 5Hp per action (it counts as taking a single action each round, refreshing the regen)][1 Round]

-=Terrain=-
(Terrain is mostly grass in the middle of the clearing, with soil around the edges)
40% Soil

• Wood Elementals get +10% Evasion.
• Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Grass.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Mud.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: change terrain hit to Coal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

60% Grass

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

-=Objects=-
Twisted Tree North-East: DELETED
Twisted Tree East: DELETED
Twisted Tree South-East: 60Hp [Woodbody][Soil]
Twisted Tree South: IMMOLATED
Twisted Tree South-West: 60Hp [Woodbody][Soil]
Twisted Tree West: DESTROYED
Twisted Tree North-West: 60Hp [Woodbody][Soil]

Ancient Beehive A: DELETED
Ancient Beehive B: 10Hp [Woodbody][Grass]
Ancient Beehive C: 30Hp [Woodbody][Grass]