Week 23: Ice-colored Roses

Week 23: Ice-colored Roses

Being week 4 of Frozen Nights.

In which the fight changes, perhaps forever.....

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Week 23, Scene 1: Cold feet

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts; Morning.

<Hunter Lerris> You liar! You called breakfast and then still refuse to feed me! That’s false advertising! Fraud! Extortion! Blackmail!

<What Yet May Be> Lerris, shut up and get your dress boots on. We’re going to be late as is!

<Hunter Lerris> May I reminder you that I am your superior officer? I don’t have to stand for this treatment?

<What Yet May Be> Superior? Or merely higher in rank?

<Hunter Lerris> Fetch me my staff blade and we’ll talk it over. How’s that sound?

<What Yet May Be> You are such a pain if you don’t get your full 8 hours. Look, who’s fault is it that you didn’t get in until early this morning? Don’t take it out on me.

<Hunter Lerris> And who’s suggestion was it to-- ::holds his head in his right hand with a wince:: I’m sorry. You’re right. Forgive me?

<What Yet May Be> Have I ever had another choice?

<Hunter Lerris> … Yes, but you’ve never taken it. ::smiles:: I owe you.

<What Yet May Be> You owe me more than that.

<Hunter Lerris> Always have, always will.

<What Yet May Be> Just remember that, Lerris. And start paying me back today. She’s got to learn she can’t have what she wants all the time.

<Hunter Lerris> More importantly, she needs to know that we can do this.

<What Yet May Be> I don’t see why you’re so eager to prove something to someone who’s our enemy.

<Hunter Lerris> She’s not really our enemy.

<What Yet May Be> Then you’ve got some weird friends, Lerris. She’s out to shut you down hard. Remember that. I don’t know what you two were like before, but she’s dangerous, Lerris. Either she’s changed or you were too naïve to see the truth. She’ll bite you if you let her get too close.

<Hunter Lerris> You’re probably right, but still…

<What Yet May Be> (coldly) Get dressed, Lerris. You’ll see that I was right the whole time. ::leaves the tent::

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs:: Yeah. Chances are you’re right, but still… Let me believe a little longer?

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NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Kitchen Tent; Morning.



<Hunter Lerris> Thank you for coming here this morning. As you know, we’re about to engage in a tournament with a senior Hunter. She’s been an Elder for a little while now. That means she’s got a large talent pool to draw from. She’s smart and has spent countless hours analyzing strategy and tactics. We’re gonna see some tricky stuff. Posion, status, element and race metagame… She plays rough, dirty, and hard. She was a genius at this many years ago. Since then she’s doubtlessly improved.

<Dir> …

<Hunter Lerris> She’s taken over this tent once before. She’s scoured the Net for the toughest Netmonsters in existence. She’s done well. I’ve never dreamed of seeing such an impressive set of Rockmen and Mechs. And that’s just what she brought last time. Knowing her, there’s more where that came from. We’re in for a hard time today.

<Berokuko> I think he’s finally lost it.

<Sikaf> Is he saying we’re screwed?

<Hunter Lerris> Bosses are rough, but they only come one at a time. And they don’t know much about us. She’s gonna use everything she’s seen in the last few days as well as everything she already knows about me as well to guess our next move.

<Medic Light Mech>Then what kind of chance then do we really have?

<Hunter Lerris> ::grins broadly::

<Fire Bug> Errr…. Taking bets against Lerris and our team?

<Hunter Lerris> And now that I’ve said all of that, let me tell you why we’re still going to win.

<Crowd> ::deadpans::

<Hunter Lerris> Deneb has two things going for here: She’s smart and driven to succeed. So what do I have?

<Phantom Fish> Insanity?

<Earth Mech> A big mouth?

<Joc> The ability to endure inhuman cold and eat endlessly?

<Hunter Lerris> ::ignores their comments:: I have you. ::points to Pidedis:: You. ::points to What Yet May Be:: You. ::points to Wyran:: You. ::points to Joc:: You. ::points to Berokuko:: And the rest of you. ::spreads his arms wide:: I believe in you.

<Joc> Eh?

<Hunter Lerris> She doesn’t believe in her people. You all have your weaknesses. But I know you. You have succeeded in places others were sure you should have failed. That’s because they don’t know you like I do. We’re a team, folks. As stupid as that sounds, it’s true. We work together. Come Shade, Data Nodes, or hostile Hunters, we won’t back down. We’ve won before. We’ll win again. Are we going to give up just because some bugbear of a woman tells us we’re gonna lose?

<Joc> I guess not.

<Hunter Lerris> Are we gonna shut up and sit down just because some crazed glasses lady thinks she’s in charge?

<Pidedis> … Glasses lady? That’s the best you can come up with?

<Hunter Lerris> Who gives the orders around here, eh?

<Dir> What Yet May Be.

<Berokuko> What Yet May Be.

<Fire Bug> What Yet May Be.

<Sikaf> I’d have to say ‘What Yet May Be’.

<Joc> Pidedis? Nah. It’s What Yet May Be.

<Hunter Lerris> ::sweatdrop:: Right. Anyway, it’s not Deneb. It doesn’t matter if it’s her, Sealbreaker, or some kind of hideous ninja-dragon-hobbit-werewolf hybrid, we stand and fight!

<Assembled Netmonsters> Yeah! Fight!

<Hunter Lerris> Fight!

<Assembled Netmonsters> ::jump on top of tables:: Fight!

<Hunter Lerris> Win!

<Assemebled Netmonsters> Win!

<Hunter Lerris> Let’s go get ‘em!

<Assembled Netmonsters> ::cheer wildly::

<Pidedis> … Did he just say ninja-werewolf-dragon-hobbit?

<Dir> …

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NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Lerris’ Tent; Morning.



General Phantom Opera-

This will be the 7943rd letter to you, requesting additional funds to continue the war against Shade. Since my last letter, I can report a number of significant advances, as well as one or two disconcerting rumors. Despite the fact I have not been paid in over 9 years, our camp is managing to hold on for now. Moral is holding as well, but I can’t help but feel a sense of abandonment coming from the troops. Perhaps it is our time in Cyberia that is the cause of the unrest. No sightings of Nemesis since departing Search Engine Sea. Its motives and mission remain, as ever, a mystery. It is stronger than our Intelligence was led to belief. Attached is a detailed report on its probable strength based on our observations. Recommend maintaining “Approach with Extreme Caution” stance. I have located a Boss, but was unable to defeat it at first contact. It displayed a disturbing number of abilities not on file. It’s loyalty to Shade seemed shaky, but we know that many of the Bosses have been coerced into reluctant service, their virtue and usefulness being merely that they will hold the key for him in a semi-neutral stance. While I briefly considered a diplomatic solution, Sealbreaker seemed unwilling and unlikely to reach a compromise, short of such a thing being reached over my dead ---

<What Yet May Be> Lerris! What are you doing? We need to be getting ready!

<Hunter Lerris> ::smiles:: Been ready for years, WYMB. We all have been.

<What Yet May Be> … Why do I feel like you’re not taking this seriously? This is about more than just the honor of our unit, Lerris! I don’t care what arrangement you think you have with this woman, but by the Code, she is playing for keeps! I don’t know what the stakes are, but I have a feeling down to my binary that she can’t be trusted. You can’t afford to lose, Lerris. Why aren’t you doing something?

<Hunter Lerris> Why worry? There’s nothing I can do about it now.

<What Yet May Be> ::shakes with rage:: That’s--- that’s--- that’s the most irresponsible thing you’ve EVER SAID!!

<Hunter Lerris> But, WYMB, you don’t—

<What Yet May Be> Don’t you “you don’t understand” me! It’s you that don’t understand. Everything we’ve worked for, you, me, us, them, all of that…. All of that, and I catch you composing a letter like nothing in the world matters! Can’t you show a little worry? A little remorse? Must everything be a game to you?

<Hunter Lerris> Well, you see, WYMB, it’s—

<What Yet May Be> That’s right! That’s all this is to you. A game. Can’t you just go back and load if you don’t like the way things turn out? Oh, wait. This isn’t that kind of game. You have to accept the consequences of your failures. Or maybe you just can’t handle the pressure and are hoping if you ignore it long enough it’ll just go away.

<Hunter Lerris> ::splashes her in the face with a glass of cold water:: Cool your head, soldier. I’ve put up with a lot of crap from you, but I think I deserve better than that. ::towers over her:: I thought we’d already established that I run a very different ship than she does. I win by knowing your strengths and weaknesses by drawing them out.

She wins by numbers and the manipulation of arcane strategies. We’ve been preparing for this kind of incident for years. Do you think I’ve just been screwing around and wasting your time? Is that really what you think?! <What Yet May Be> I didn’t—

<Hunter Lerris> No, you didn’t right out and say that. Instead, you accused me of dereliction of duty. You made it sound as if I wanted to lose. For my partner, you certainly aren’t putting much faith in me. Don’t get me wrong. You’re a great help to me. Most of the time, I’m content to let you run the show because I know you’ll do a good job, but I think you’ve forgotten something important. I’m the Hunter here. And I am going to lead you to victory. Or did you think I had forgotten?

<What Yet May Be> ::is caught off guard::

<Hunter Lerris> You did, didn’t you? Well, then, I suppose I’ll just have to show you. This is my chance. My chance to prove to her that I can do this, that I’m not just some snot nosed brat. I’ve got the experience to do this. And I suppose I’ll just have to prove to you that I can as well. That I remember our promise. ::smiles:: Dry yourself off. It’s murder out there if you’re wet. I need you in peak condition for Ashbringer. ::throws her a towel and leaves::

<What Yet May Be> … Maybe she’s not the only one not to realize he’s a man. When did you grow up on us, Lerris?

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NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Hunter Lerris> Dir, I want you to be third on the docket. The first slot is going to be a throw away. She’s hoping to pitch a weak one to mess with our heads, the second will be a very strong one, the third will be a trick hitter. She figures she’ll be able to take out the best of our Ice line between those three. The rest we should be expecting heavy hitters with a healthy stockpile of life points and variable elemental damage. But we’d be fools to ignore Ice based attacks. We don’t resist them and we’ll be strong where she’ll be strong. I’m counting on you to hold the line for three of her strongest. With a little luck, I can take her two with my first two. But I need to figure out where she’ll be spacing her Mechs. She’ll have a wide spread of races, and she’ll count on leveraging that to take you out.

<Dir> I don’t like Mechs. They play too rough.

<Hunter Lerris> If I’m not mistaken, our best Ice with strong Fire moves would be Histipahnis. We don’t have too many others, so we’ll have to play a different game than she will. Check these rosters and let me know what you think, Pidedis.

<Pidedis> I thought you already had this worked out, Lerris. At least, that’s what WYMB has been passing on.

<Hunter Lerris> ::grins:: Well, that’s what I told her. Otherwise she never would have gotten off of my back, let alone let me do this in the first place. Besides, it’s important to have someone else give it a second look. I can’t see everything at once, now can I?

<Pidedis> You make it sound like Deneb can.

<Hunter Lerris> I said she acts like she can. That’s one of the other ways I’m hoping to catch her. She was full of herself and sure of her calculations when we worked together before, and I’m guessing that hasn’t changed much since then. But she does make mistakes.

<Pidedis> You’re making an awful lot of guessing and speculation, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::smiles:: Benefits of having worked with her before. But I know if I don’t play it smart, she’s likely to rip us to shreds.

<Pidedis> Have some faith, Lerris. We’re not that hopeless, are we?

<Hunter Lerris> ::shakes his head:: It’s not like that. It’s just that, well… Truth be told, Pidedis, I rely on about 18 Netmonster to see me through rough waters. That’s it. I play favorites. I know I do. I always have. It’s easy to make excuses. I tell myself that it’s because you’re my command crew. Because I’m used to working with you and familiarity gives me an edge.

<Pidedis> Eighteen? You mean to tell me that in a camp of 3000, you have 18 Netmonsters you can rely on?

<Hunter Lerris> .06%. I’m afraid that’s one of the sad truths of power. 99% of the power belongs to 1% of the fighters. It’s always been that way, though I can’t really say why. I have 8 teams of ten, or 80 Netmonsters I need to assign. Even if they were equally distributed between the elements, that’s still just over 2 per team. Deneb’s got enough muscle to fill all eighty slots with her strongest.

<Pidedis> She has 80 to match your 18?

<Hunter Lerris> More than that.

<Pidedis> … And only .06% of your finds have been powerful enough to survive Boss level combat? Just how many Netmonster rifts did she have to sift through to find so many?

<Hunter Lerris> A lot. Did I mention she can be painfully patient when she wants to be?

<Pidedis> So WYMB really wasn’t overplaying the power we are facing.

<Hunter Lerris> I’m afraid not. I have unwavering faith in my 18, but I still don’t want to take chances. This could still end up being a tight battle. She favors Rockmen and Mechs because of their strong attack parameters, but she’ll play to racial strengths as much as she can. She won’t use a full spread, since we’re using a double blind to form the lists, but she’s likely running a probabilistic approach based on whom she scouted when she first hit our camp. While I could try to turn that around on her, I don’t think I have the muscle in the right places to do it.

<Pidedis> Alright. Where are our weak points, then? Can we win this little sortie?

<Hunter Lerris> We’re likely to lose Phantom and Common. It’s a toss up, so I give her the benefit of the doubt, given her larger talent pool. On the other hand, we haven’t a prayer of winning the Earth and Ice. We are almost guaranteed Light and Fire. We’re strong there. We should be able to take Ashbringer, since WYMB’s so pumped. Ashbringer has never been her equal, so let’s chalk the Champions match up to our side.

<Pidedis> That leaves the Best of Show event, as well as Lightning.

<Hunter Lerris> Best of Show is pretty rough. Our best 10 against her best 10. Technically, the numbers tell us we’re at the disadvantage. One the other hand, my top 10 is pretty clear. And that’s where the best of my hopes lie. Even money. But we’ll save that one for last, because we won’t have much of a tournament grounds left over.

<Pidedis> ::tabulates some results:: Two losses… 4… Counting on one win from WYMB, and another two… You can’t afford a single loss in the ones we’re not certain of, or it’s game over. That pretty harsh, Lerris. What about Lightning? You didn’t mention my event.

<Hunter Lerris> ::grins wide:: Foregone conclusion. Of my 18, you’ve always been my #1.

<Pidedis> …

<Hunter Lerris> I mean it. I didn’t even consider losing in that event. Don’t care how many thousands she sifts through. You’re one of a kind.

<Pidedis> … You need to be more careful about the things that you say. People might believe them.

<Hunter Lerris> And what’s so wrong about that? They’re all true.

<Pidedis> ::aside:: He has no idea how that could be construed, does he?

<Hunter Lerris> I know you won’t let me down, Pidedis. I’m just a little overwhelmed by the thought of what Deneb calls her strongest. You’ll sweep Thunder. And I guess there’s not much we can do to hedge our bets on the Best of Show. But where can we try and shore up our standings a bit?

<Pidedis> I.. um … Well, I think that we might be able to tip Phantom if we keep in mind that Phantoms tend to be low hp and low defense. While attack power is important, a faster Netmonster with a higher defense might be able to hold out against lucky blows and get enough hits in to even the score. Otherwise it’s just a quick draw battle. Also, I think you’re over relying on defense canceling moves like Impetus Bolt. For the higher physically spec’ed Rockmen, it could be a life saver, but most of the fast cannons tend to be Bugs, Birds, and others. Species that suffer from lower defense stats anyway.

<Hunter Lerris> That’s a good point. What if we try to run a Dragon with Lightning Breath? If we have someone mid-tier that meets those requirements, they should be tough enough to weather it and strike back.

<Pidedis> Yes, but as Lightning is their weak point to begin with, is it worth relying on a cross stat move to gain the advantage?

<Hunter Lerris> So you’re saying that I should be focusing on a more physical mode of attack, given the traditionally low defense stats the speed demons have.

<Pidedis> Exactly. As a Human, I’ve got a lot of experience Dragon slaying. Too many spend time developing breath weapons that don’t suit them, which makes it easier to get past their defenses. The brutes can be the hardest to leverage.

<Hunter Lerris> Given that you have the advantage on both Dragons and Phantom Netmonsters, I’m surprised at how knowledgeable you are about their strengths. I wouldn’t have thought it worth your time, coupled with your already considerable strength.

<Pidedis> ::looks flustered:: You’ve been listening to WYMB again, haven’t you? She thinks all I’ve got is a storm cloud between my ears. Really, I’m a little more sophisticated than that. It’s not like I don’t have feelings or manners either. ::sighs:: She’s a cruel task mistress. Why do you put up with her?

<Hunter Lerris> Because I promised.

<Pidedis> A promise? Like when we first met?

<Hunter Lerris> Something like that.

<Pidedis> ::dismisses the other Netmonsters:: Lerris… ::snuggles close to him:: Do we really have a chance? I know you’re putting on a brave face for the others, but I need to know. It’s one thing to be confronted by yet another ghost from your past, but to hear you vouch for her resources and abilities so unconditionally.. I appreciate your frankness in assessing the situation, but I’m worried Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Worried? Why’s that?

<Pidedis> ::shudders slightly:: I’m afraid of losing you. I’m scared that you won’t keep your promise. WYMB was tight lipped about it, but I have my sources. The thought that she could take you away, take away the years we’ve spent together. All of that gone… it freezes me colder than the midnight winds.

<Hunter Lerris> ::smiles, perhaps with a trace of bitterness:: Me and my hasty promises, eh? Well, don’t worry, Lightning Lady. I remember. I wouldn’t have accepted her challenge if we didn’t stand a chance. But most importantly, I think we can do it.

<Pidedis> Why? Why do you believe that? How are you not scared stiff or losing with such high stakes?

<Hunter Lerris> Pidedis, I don’t get it. Doubts like these are a little out of character for you.

<Pidedis> I don’t know. Maybe it’s the cold. Maybe it’s a feeling I can’t shake that something bad is about to happen. I don’t know, Lerris. It’s just a feeling I have. Maybe it’s women’s intuition.

<Hunter Lerris> Even on the Net, huh? Digital or not. Just a woman thing.

<Pidedis> I’d call you sexist if I cared to correct that backsliding attitude of yours.

<Hunter Lerris> ::laughs::

<Pidedis> ::bristles, causing static arcs throughout the surrounding air:: I hate it when I feel like you’re not taking me seriously, Lerris!

<Hunter Lerris> ::tries to contain his laughter:: I’m sorry. It’s just that I find it comforting. All this stress, and we’re still the same. We still fight, we still laugh, we still cling to each other for comfort… None of this can change who we are. ::pulls her tighter:: Let me tell you why I’m not worried.

<Pidedis> ::still a little put off, pouting:: You’re an idiot.

<Hunter Lerris> ::chuckles:: Yeah. There is that. Eighty’s not bad odds, though. Eighty four bosses. Eighty of Deneb’s finest. I was ready to take on Shade’s worst with 18. And they’re all over level 500. Deneb should have some good firepower, but honestly, we can take them. I trust you. All of you. But most specifically, you.

<Pidedis> But-

<Hunter Lerris> You’ve never let me down.

<Pidedis> What about Nemesis? We failed you so many times.

<Hunter Lerris> But I’m alive now. Surely you have to concede that. I have no reason to believe in you with anything less than perfect confidence.

<Pidedis> Oh.

<Hunter Lerris> And I love you. That helps too.

<Pidedis> ::turns a deep red:: Oh.

<Hunter Lerris> And that’s why you can count on me, too. We’ll win. We have to. Some prizes are worth protecting. ::leans in for a kiss::

<Pidedis> Oh.

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Week 23, Scene 2: 11th Hour

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds, Repair Bay 1; Afternoon.



<Hunter Lerris> I’m afraid we will have to prioritize medical treatment a bit, Doc Boo. I’ve got some double bookings.

<Doc Boo> My first priority is, and always will be, the most critically injured.

<Hunter Lerris> I’m not asking you to pass over a Netmonster with a life-threatening condition. I’m just saying that if somebody has some scrapes and I need a tier 1 combatant for a tight contest, I’d prefer the option to line jump, that’s all.

<Doc Boo> Now listen here, Hunter, do I tell you how to fight Shade?

<Hunter Lerris> Lots. Usually to the amount of “with less casualties, you inconsiderate lout! If I wasn’t a Ghost already you’d have bled me white by now”.

<Doc Boo> You don’t have to be so frustratingly literal. You just leave it to me, Hunter. I’ll fix ‘em up better than seven doctors you can name.

<Hunter Lerris> Anything we can do to speed up Mech repair?

<Doc Boo> You’re anticipating heavy casualties for a practice match.

<Hunter Lerris> Just trying to be prepared. The action is going to be pretty hot today. You’re lucky, Doc. You’ve got ringside seats.

<Doc Boo>(flatly) I’ll try not to let my excitement kill me. Again.

<Hunter Lerris> Right. We’ll try and keep things nice and boring for you.

<Doc Boo> Promises, promises. Nurse, fill up that chainsaw’s gas tank. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Hidden Overlook; 9 years ago.



<Wyran> Good work today, Lerris. ::stretches:: We must have searched over 20 addresses. We had a few tough fights, but I think Pietr will heal up after a night’s rest.



<Younger Lerris> Time for some good old-fashioned recreation, then. ::smiles:: Want to see if there’s a good .avi playing down on the Moscow net? I think I might be getting the point of some of those foreign film-skis, ya know? ::grins wider::

<Wyran> Lerris… ::clears her throat:: I hate foreign films.

<Younger Lerris> Oh. I- uh- hadn’t noticed. I thought chicks were supposed to be in to that kind of thing.

<Wyran> Easy assumption to make. You can’t believe everything you hear, Lerris. Every woman is different.

<Younger Lerris> ::whips out a notebook and starts writing:: Every woman is different.

<Wyran> Part of a relationship is learning about those differences and trying to appreciate them.

<Younger Lerris> Really? ::scribbles:: Relationship = learning differences + appreciating.

<Wyran> Notes, tips, and the like really aren’t that useful.

<Younger Lerris> Right. ::writes:: Notes don’t work.

<Wyran> I said notes aren’t that useful.

<Younger Lerris> Notes aren’t --- oh.

<Wyran> ::laughs:: Took you a while.

<Younger Lerris> So why—

<Wyran> Because I liked holding your hand.

<Younger Lerris> ::blushes:: Oh.

<Wyran> You’ve got a lot to learn about women.

<Younger Lerris> I don’t think I’ll ever learn enough.

<Wyran> It’s okay, Lerris. You’re a first timer. I don’t expect perfection. Give it time. I’ll teach you everything you need.

<Younger Lerris> Everything? ::gulps::

<Wyran> … Y-you honestly didn’t think I… ::blushes::

<Younger Lerris> I- of course not. I wouldn’t, I mean, I couldn’t think of you that, I mean, I mean…

<Wyran and Younger Lerris> ::sit in embarrassed silence::

<Younger Lerris> ::clears his throat:: Sometimes it’s weird. We spend so much time trying to find a moment alone, and then I never know what to say.

<Wyran> ::recovers slowly from her embarrassment:: Me neither. Guess I have a lot to learn too.

<Younger Lerris> Wyran, I’m glad that—

<Lightning Mech> Hey! Wyran!

<Wyran> ::sighs:: So much for that moment.

<Light Bird> Wyran!

<Fire Human> Wyran!

<Lightning Mech> Wyran!

<Fire Human> Wyran!

<Light Bird> Wyran, wake up!

<Hunter Lerris> Wyran!

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NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds, Repair Bay 2; Afternoon.



<Hunter Lerris> Wyran! You alright? I’ve been calling you for a while now.

<Wyran> Huh? ::wakes up as her single digital eye blinks red:: What? Lerris?

<Hunter Lerris> I’m running the last round of checks before the tournament. I’m glad you were doing a systems diagnostic, but you were starting to worry me.

<Wyran> Sorry. I’ve been having- I mean, the cold must be affecting my circuits.

<Hunter Lerris> (concerned) Are you sure there isn’t something else on your mind?

<Wyran> No. I’m fine. Just a little tired, that’s all.

<Hunter Lerris> Do I need to give you a break? I know I have you double booked, but I don’t want you to push yourself too hard. This tournament’s not worth your health. You’re important to me. I know I didn’t ask you if you were okay with double entry, but you’re the cream of the crop for Light.

<Wyran> I can fight, Lerris. Don’t worry about me. I know this fight is important to you.

<Hunter Lerris> I appreciate it, Wyran, but if you can’t, it’s really okay.

<Wyran> Diagnostic complete. Prime battle capacity confirmed.

<Hunter Lerris> You seem a little distant, Wyran. I know I haven’t had time to visit since we hit Cyberia. Are you angry, Wyran?

<Wyran> No, that’s not it, Lerris. I’m just… tired. Maybe a little worried .

<Hunter Lerris> You don’t seem happy here, Wyran. I’m sorry. Bringing us here was a mistake.

<Wyran> That’s not it, Lerris. I.. just need some more time to think. It’s been all running from one disaster to the next since the Search Engine Sea.

<Hunter Lerris> It’s the dreams, isn’t it? That’s not uncommon, Wyran. Let me help. A lot of former Security Nodes have trouble when the two realties collide.

<Wyran> I haven’t been having any strange dreams, Lerris. I’ve been too tired to dream anything for days. Maybe it’s all just catching up with me.

<Hunter Lerris> You’re sure? Alright. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

<Wyran> Let me rest. I don’t want to disappoint you. I want to be at my peak for the match.

<Hunter Lerris> I—Promise me you’ll let me know if there’s something wrong? Even if it seems too small to bother me with?

<Wyran> Of course. We’re still friends, aren’t we?

<Hunter Lerris> You’ll always have a place in my heart, Wyran. But I won’t force what that place is against your will. I know you need time. Don’t worry. We take this wherever it goes then. No pressure.

<Wyran> Lerris?

<Hunter Lerris> Yes? What is it?

<Wyran> I’ll talk to you after the match. I still need a little more rest.

<Hunter Lerris> Oh. I’m sorry. The DNA alteration isn’t tiring you out, is it? Covert Ops said it was holding, though they noted some abnormalities.

<Wyran> I assure you, it’s fine. ::smiles weakly:: You can be such a worry wart, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs in relief:: That’s more like it, Wyran. ::kisses her forehead:: For luck.

<Wyran> ::pushes Lerris away with one of her feet:: Let me sleep, Lerris. If you do, I won’t need luck.

<Hunter Lerris> Right. Lemme plug you in. ::connects a thick cord to her core frame:: Sweet dreams, Wyran.

<Wyran> Let me sleep already, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Sorry. ::leaves::

<Wyran> Let me sleep, Lerris. It will be easier that way.

<Wyran/AF-439721> Easier. ::drifts to “sleep”::

**************************************************

Week 23, Scene 3: Tournament of Roses

NRMC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> Welcome one and all to the First Cyberian Open! On behalf of our host, Hunter Lerris, we’d like to give a warm welcome to our guests. Wish it could be warmer, folks. Representing the challenger, Hunter Deneb, we have Teams Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Lambda, and Mu. Give them a big round of applause!

<Pidedis> Very creative. ::rolls eyes::

<Team Alpha> We dominate!

<Team Beta> Beta say your prayers!

<Team Gamma> Gamma’s got it in the bag!

<Team Delta> Delta Force!

<Team Epsilon> Resistance is futile!

<Team Kappa> Kappa Diem!

<Team Lamdba> Lock and load, Lambda!

<Team Mu> Mu’s on first!

<Announcer Light Fish> Batting for the home team and defending the pride of your NMRC camp, and led by the one and only Hunter Lerris, the Grand Bumbler himself, let’s have a hand for Teams “UnCommonly Good Looking”, “Too Hot to Handle”, “Subzero Cool”, “Rock Jocks”, “Watts it to you?”, “Everything goes with Black”, “Purity”, and “Lerris’ Harem”.

<Hunter Lerris> (puzzled) Bumbler?

<Pidedis> ::chokes:: WHAT did he call us?

<Crowd> ::unleashes a torrent of catcalls::

<Pidedis> ::quivering with rage:: Joc.

<What Yet May Be> ::flips her aviator goggles down:: Joc.

<Sikaf> ::turns an angry shade of red:: Joc!

<Angry Trio> Who’s a harem? ::stomp off to find a certain Light Slime::

<Lerris’ Troops> ::march out with their banners, colored roses on a black field, in phalanx formation:: About face! NMRC, salute! :: bend over and slap their posteriors::

<Earth Bug> Come and get some!

<Phantom Ghost> Suck ectoplasm and die, hag!

<Digital Fire Mech> Hey Alphas, come over here and light my fire anytime!

<Berokuko> Cut that chatter, troops! Save it for the field. Then we can listen to them beg for more. ::grins::

<Announcer Light Fish> ::clears throat:: Team Harem says their paperwork was improperly filed and their correct Team name is “They Might Be Champions”. Also, Doc Boo in Repair Bay 1, prepare to receive the first wounded.

<Doc Boo> First wounded? The fighting hasn’t even started yet.

<Medic Light Mech> Joc.

<Announcer Light Fish> To open the festivities, Fixilini will take you live to the pre-battle, a formal exchange dating back to the early days of the Net.

<Hunter Lerris> ::extends his hand:: I am Hunter Lerris, Phantom Guard, Hero class. How goes the fight?

<Hunter Deneb> ::grasps his hand firmly:: I am Hunter Deneb, Mercury Squad, Elder class. It goes well.

<Hunter Lerris> :: nods and removes a glove:: Under section 3.17 of the Code, I request a match with you for the resolution of personal differences. Here are my credentials and terms. ::hands over a folio with his glove::

<Hunter Deneb> ::takes the folio with a nod:: I accept your terms and look forward to seeing you on the field of battle.

<Hunter Lerris> Honor and victory.

<Hunter Deneb> ::smiles:: Honor and victory.

<Crowd> ::cheers::

<Announcer Light Fish> Teams Alpha and UnCommonly Good Looking, please take your positions.

<Hunter Deneb>::relaxes some:: You look good in field dress, Lerris. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in those colors.

<Hunter Lerris> Impressive ribbon collection, Deneb. And clusters on all of your element badges. I don’t think I’ve actually SEEN a Fanatic ribbon before.

<Hunter Deneb> I have a few things to show for my time. Good luck out there, Lerris. Don’t feel badly when you lose.

<Hunter Lerris> We’ll see about that. May the best Netmonster win.

<Hunter Deneb> May the best Hunter win. This is a contest of minds and wills as much as it is a contest of forces and numbers.

<Hunter Lerris>::grins widely:: In that case, I’ve got this one in the bag. ::does an abrupt about face:: See you in the lists, Deneb.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts; Afternoon.



<Raider Common Mech> Alright, you bums, our Lady’s right hand Slime will be joining us after his event is over. We’ve got three events to narrow down the possible locations for his data storage facilities. Our Lady has already confirmed it isn’t stored remotely on his PC and it isn’t in his tent.

<Raider Ice Ghost> Sir, couldn’t we just, you know, swap information with Lerris? I don’t think he would turn down a good offer from us.

<Raider Common Mech> New guy… it’s obvious you don’t get how things work around here. It’s all for us and none for them. Split into three squads and check the following coordinates: Squad A: 0, -47. B: 123, 6. C: 12, 12. Reform at 0,0 and report. Dismissed.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And he’s down! That’s right folks! He’s down! Can nothing stop the slaughter? Will Glxuhulu take a sixth Netmonster to the scrap heap?

<What Yet May Be> It’s ugly, Lerris. I won’t lie. Our Common line up was never strong to begin with. We’re so badly overmatched that I don’t think we had a chance from the start.

<Hunter Lerris> No, not really. But don’t let on. Let’s keep morale up for the events we can win.

<Announcer Light Fish> Next up, facing the ever victorious Glxuhulu, Tralifax! ::hits the echo button:: -ifax! –ifax! –ifax!

<What Yet May Be> Not really an auspicious beginning, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Doesn’t matter how it begins. Just how it ends. Play the game, WYMB.

<What Yet May Be> So you’re just going to let him get pummeled out there.

<Hunter Lerris> Of course not. ::shouting to the combatants:: Tralifax, use Dreamscape.

<Tralifax> Even if I can get him asleep, I don’t think I’ll be able to drop him before he gets back up!

<Hunter Lerris> Just do it.

Tralifax used Dreamscape.

Glxuhulu resisted the attack!

<Tralifax> I’m screwed either way. Can’t we just surrender?

<Hunter Lerris> That’s not a winning spirit, soldier. Shut up, fight smart, and I think we can see you through this.

Glxuhulu attack Tralifax using Angelic Choir!

44 damage!

<Hunter Deneb> (annoyed) Don’t waste your time with weak attacks. Giant Toss. There’s no reason to make them suffer unnecessarily before their inevitable defeat.

<Hunter Lerris> Dreamscape. Trust me.

<Tralifax> ::rolls eyes:: You’re the boss.

Tralifiax used Dreamscape.

Glxuhulu was put to sleep!

<Hunter Deneb> Trusting an awful lot to luck, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::grins:: Call it what you will as long as it works.

Hunter Deneb attempted to wake up Glxuhulu by shaking it…

Glxuhulu is still asleep!

<Hunter Lerris> Alright, Tralifax. Hit him with Psychic Venom and we should be able to take him down.

Tralifax used Psychic Venom.

Glxuhulu was poisoned!

<Hunter Deneb> Stasis can’t win , Lerris. You can’t keep this up indefinitely.

<Hunter Lerris> First, I’ll settle for denying you a clean sweep. Victory is just a couple steps past that.

<Hunter Deneb> Your optimism is staggering. You seem to have a talent for ignoring the facts.

Hunter Deneb attempted to wakeup Glxuhulu by yelling at it…

Glxhulu is still asleep!

Glxhulu took 139 damage from poison!

<Hunter Lerris> Don’t worry. Time is on our side.

**************************************************

NRMC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops; Afternoon.



<Covert Ops Ice Bug> And a loss for us right out of the gate.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Yeah, but our Common line sucks, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.

<Cover Ops Earth Dog> Deneb was right. Lerris shouldn’t have relied so heavily on sleep-poison tactics. His luck can only hold so long. She’s a sharp cookie.

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> Still, it was a good run while it lasted. At least we took three of them out in the deal. I bet we would have done better if Lerris had spent more run time on Common element DNA...

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> No use crying over spilled milk. Bets on Fire?

<Covert Ops Light Slime> 35 kilobytes. I see a repeat. We lose.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> I’ll see your 35 kilobytes. We have Berokuko. We tie.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Match your 35, and raise you 15. We have Berokuko. We win.

<Covert Ops Fire Human> Any progress on the other addresses in this region?

<Covert Ops Ice Dog> Other than the big black region up North? Nothing.

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> Any of the rest of you get the feeling this search is just a fool’s errand? I wish Lerris would give us clearance to try and crack the blackout region.

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> Well, if you ask me, the Boss man is thinking about getting the heck out of Dodge and he wants to make sure we aren’t leaving any stones unturned.

<Covert Ops Fire Human> If you ask me, he doesn’t trust Deneb. We’re here to babysit his codes.

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> No offense, gentlemonsters, but if we’re the best he’s got to guard military secrets, we’re all just about screwed anyway.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> I resent that comment! Isn’t that what this tournament is all about? That even the weakest Netmonsters can make a difference?

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> That sounds like a nice sentiment, but honestly, can you call anything out on that field weak?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Then what is it we’re fighting for, really?

<Covert Ops Light Slime> What are we fighting for? That’s a great question. I --- I don’t know.

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> You weren’t serious about Deneb wanting our codes, are you?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Of course not. That’d be crazy.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Hunter Lerris> Not good. Seven down and we’re only halfway through their team.

<Pidedis> Well, I guess you’ll just have to hope for a strong pinch hitter. Berokuko wiped the floor with her Betas.

<Fire Bug> Yo, Lerris, do you think you could win some more? Most of the bets are on Deneb’s team. It’s cutting into my profits.

<Hunter Lerris> Shoo, or I’ll feed you to Berokuko. Sikaf, you’re up next. Think you can handle this?

<Sikaf> I’ve had worse.

<Hunter Lerris> Rock and Roll.

<Sikaf> Lock and Load.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Afternoon.



<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> Those bastards! How are the defense screens holding up?

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> Good so far. I thought carbon steel shutters were overdoing things, but maybe the Boss man knew what he was doing. Where are they coming from?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Attempted breach on section C! I’m trying to lock their access out, but they’re coming in fast. Somebody get to combat position!

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Do I get anything for the “I told you so”?

<Covert Ops Fire Human> Will you shut up and finish that wireless transmitter? We’re not getting reinforcements any faster without it!

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> Alright. I’m in position.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Gandalf’s blue beard! They’re in! Someone get on the other terminal and help me seal the breach!

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> I hate you guys! ::begins laying down a laser assault::

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> They’re good. I get the feeling they’ve done this before. You don’t think she’s been wiping out Hunters, do you?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> I hope not. Because ol’ Lerris doesn’t stand a chance otherwise.

<Announcer Light Fish> And Sikaf drops a fourth! Where does an Ice Ghost learn Fire moves like that? I’ll tell you what, she’s hot hot HOT! Deneb signals the last of her Netmonsters forward and the match just keeps heating up! Don’t you change that station! We’ll be continuing to cover the first Cyberian Open live!

<Covert Ops Fire Human> Oh good. It sounds like we’re winning.

<Covet Ops Phantom Mech> ::takes a fist to the face:: Shut up.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And it’s Burning Embers again! Deneb looks mad enough to eat her hat. That’s five straight one hit wonders for Sikaf! Who knew Covert Ops was hiding such a sapphire eyed beauty! Team Sub Zero Cool takes the win! It’s 2 to 1, with Lerris in the lead!

<Crowd> ::cheers::

<Hunter Deneb> … Someone get a ziploc baggy for Xane and take him to our Medical Bay.

<Hunter Lerris> ::claps Sikaf on the back:: Alright! We’re winning! We’re actually winning!

<Sikaf> ::grins:: It’s good to be on the winning side.

<Hunter Lerris> ::smiles:: I’ve always spent my time in the company of winners.

<Sikaf> At least since you started rebuilding.

<Hunter Lerris> ::rests a hand on her head:: No, Sikaf. I’ve always been surrounded by winners.

<Sikaf> ::leans in closer:: Lerris, you can’t possibly mean –

<Pidedis> ::clears her throat:: Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the next event?

<Hunter Lerris> ::draws back quickly::

<SIkaf> ::turns away, embarrassed:: Why don’t I just go.. um… help Doc Boo with the casualties? ::hovers away::

<Hunter Lerris> .. Pidedis, really, that wasn’t what it---

<Pidedis> Spare me, Lerris. Try and keep your attention on winning. Am I making myself clear?

<Hunter Lerris> ::swallows:: Yes.

<Pidedis> Save the emotional outbursts for my event. Then I’ll give you something to really celebrate. I take my payment in Peeps, kisses, and pissed off rivals. ::shouts to the next team up:: Give ‘em heck, boys!

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops tent; afternoon.



<Covert Ops Earth Dog> It’s only a matter of time. They’re going to get lucky one of these times.

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> ::shoots sparks as he speaks:: Some way to show gratitude. Don’t worry about me. I’ve just got a busted gyroscope array.

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> Wait a minute. Aren’t you the one who said you can’t rely on luck?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> That’s in a one on one engagement. This is completely different. We’re out numbered, outgunned, and they’re learning faster and better ways around our system. We’ve been able to keep them bottlenecked, but one of these times they are going to be faster.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> You’re a bundle of cheer, you are.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Either we get reinforcements, or we will be defeated. Just a matter of time.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> So as long as we can finish the transmitter, we’ll be okay, right?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Assuming reinforcements get here in time.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> You have to be the most depressing thing I’ve ever met!

<Covert Ops Fire Human> ::takes a grievous wound to his leg:: That’s it! I’m out of the fight!

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> I’ve got it. ::squares off with Raider Fire Mech:: 137 kilobytes we don’t make it.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> … but if we lose, how will you collect?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> …..

**************************************************

NRMC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrift, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And it’s over, folks! Teminolology quakes his way to victory! Team Rock Jocks goes under after a fairly marginal showing. Better luck next time, boys! Send us a post card from the Medical Bay! That ties things up with Lerris 2, Deneb 2. Halfway through the tournament and it’s still anybody’s game.

<Hunter Lerris> Alright. So far, everything’s within tolerance. ::counts on his fingers:: We should take the majority of the events from here.

<What Yet May Be> You can count on me for the finishing point. Ashbringer is looking as hunky, muscular, and dumb as ever. I should be able to run circles around him.

<Light Bird> And I can assure you that we are ready to do our part.

<Announcer Light Fish> For the challenger’s side: Team Epsilon! Representing the home team, Team “Watts it to you”, lead by the Live Wire herself, Pidedis!

<Hunter Lerris> Alright. Let’s get our heads in the game. ::yelling to Pidedis:: Show them who’s boss!

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops tent; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> I can’t believe he’s still standing! That was a Needle Bomb right to the head! That’s one solidly built Mech! He counters with a Plasma Fist. The punch is so hot its blinding! And still it’s a glancing blow! She takes it like a champ. She wheels around his left side and lands a Shatter Kick to the unshielded back of his knee. They’re both juggernauts, but it looks like this one is going to be no contest!

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> What is taking so long? I can’t keep them at bay forever! I think they brought in reinforcements. This new hacker’s good.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> This equipment wasn’t made for welding in a combat zone. Give me a break here!

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> That’s what I want to say! ::pants:: That’s the fourth Rockman I’ve had to total!

<Covert Ops Common Mage> ::pants:: I’m running out of space to stack them. Couldn’t they send in some smaller soldiers?

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> ::sizes up the fallen Raiders:: Doesn’t seem to be the trend.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> And…. Voila! She’s up and running.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Great! Where’s the microphone?

<Covert Ops Light Slime> ….

<Covert Ops Ice Bug> …

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> …..

<Covert Ops Fire Human> ….

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> ….. Double or nothing on that last bet?

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Hunter Deneb> …. I want to hurt her. Badly.

<Hulking Phantom Rockman> ::shudders, causing a small shower of coal dust:: Who want as we should arrange a little accident for her after this round?

<Hunter Deneb> No, it’s alright. We’ll have ample chance to rearrange her internal organs later.

Pidedis attacks Jikalais with Shatter Kick!

247 damage!

<Jikalais> ::winces:: Right in the endoplasmic subcytomitochondria. I’m gonna feel that in the morning.

<Pidedis> Assuming you wake up that quickly. One more kick and you won’t have to worry about any of your parts for at least a week.

Jikalais attacks Pidedis with Stinging Saber!

31 damage!

Pidedis attacks Jikalais with Shatter Kick!

243 damage!

<Jikalais> ::coughs:: Endoplasmic…. Subctyo… ::groans and passes out::

<Hunter Deneb> ::sweatdrop:: Does she practice kicking them there?

<Joc> Afraid so, ma’am. ::winces knowingly::

<Hunter Deneb> He didn’t even bother planning the rest of his Thunder roster, did he?

<Joc> Afraid not, ma’am.

<Hunter Deneb> ::hides a glove, which begins flashing red:: So she’s very important to him?

<Joc> In more ways than one.

<Hunter Deneb> So if I take her out, then his team is up a creek without a paddle, aren’t they? Interesting. Tell me more…

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Afternoon.



<Covert Ops Light Slime> I hate Morse code. Are you sure this is the only way we can transmit a message?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> As you didn’t give us a keyboard or a microphone… yeah. Pretty much.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> I was under a lot of pressure, alright?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Breach in G section! We’ve got incoming!

<Raider Fire Ghost> Got it! Locking on!

Raider Fire Ghost attacked SOS Transmitter with Pyro Kick!

SOS Trasmitter was destroyed!

<Covert Ops Light Slime> So much for reinforcements. ::squares off against the Raider:: You have no idea how much I suffered to patch that thing together!

Covert Ops Light Slime attacked Raider Fire Ghost using Impetus Bolt!

79 damage!

<Covert Ops Common Mage> I’ve got it sealed off, but another one slipped through. I hope someone out there heard us!

**************************************************

NRMC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And Axilioush goes down as Pidedis sneaks around back and delivers a staggering Thor’s Hammer to the spinal column. She’s fast and good. And that’s a sweep for Lerris’ team! With no losses, Lerris pulls ahead to the winning position with Lerris 3, Deneb 2. Can Deneb force Team Everything Goes with Black, and Lerris, back into retreat, or will Lerris hold on to his slim advantage?

<Hunter Lerris> ::gives Pidedis a big hug:: That was amazing! We’re back in the lead! I owe you.

<Pidedis> ::blushes:: It was nothing.

<Hunter Lerris> ::drops Pidedis into the snow:: Oh. Well if that’s all it was…

<Pidedis> ::jumps angrily to her feet:: What the heck was that for? Haven’t you ever heard of a figure of speech? It was something! It was something, dang it!

<Hunter Lerris> ::laughs:: I know. I owe you. But I can’t let things get too serious. High stakes tournaments aren’t anything to stars like us. All too easy, right?

<Pidedis> ::hides a slight limp in her step:: Right. We eat Netmonsters like these for breakfast.

<Hunter Lerris> ::looks embarrassed as his stomach growls:: Don’t use the b-word.

<Pidedis> Oh.

<Hunter Lerris> WYMB is a tough task master, I’m afraid. And we kinda ended up working through lunch.

<Pidedis> Maybe I could grab something for you…

<Hunter Lerris> Sure, that’d be--- ::catches himself:: Oh, no. I’m not falling for that one! Not this time. ::grins:: Even a dumb monkey like me can learn new tricks.

<Pidedis> (miffed) You know, Lerris, I--- ::sighs:: Right. You got me. (muted) Today’s special surprise was Pond Skaters. Nothing gets past you. Nope.

<Dir> …. Did Lerris just do what I think he did?

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> I do believe he did. By Elvis’ blue suede soul.

<Fire Bug> …. …. I’m ruined.

<Dir> You’re what?

<Fire Bug> The odds… they were astronomical…. ::looks teary eyed to Lerris:: Boss, you’ve GOT to do something drastic! Even with Pidedis’ sweep of the last round, I don’t have enough to cover it!

<Hunter Lerris> ::sweatdrop:: Cover what?

<Fire Bug> Sikaf’s been giving me double or nothing odds on you getting wise to a Pidedis special for the last month! I was just about to rake in her life savings! She owed me 550 big ones!

<Hunter Lerris> ……. 550 thousand? I’ve never even dreamt of that kind of money.

<Fire Bug> Five hundred and fifty hundred thousand. I owe her $1,073,741,824! ::pales:: I’m gonna be poooooooor! ::sniffles and begins gushing tears::

<Dir> One million? …. That buys a whole lotta pizza.

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> For that kinda cash, they might even deliver. Here.

<CB-433681> Speaking of which, where is Sikaf? I haven’t seen her since her big victory.

<Pidedis> (grudgingly) I suppose you could send her down to the Kitchen Tent for a snack. That or Berokuko. They’re trustworthy.

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> Dunno. Haven’t seen Berokuko since then either.

<Hunter Lerris> He took off after that glitch with my Gear. ::taps a calculator looking device mounted to his fingerless gloves:: Right after the pulsing stopped. Said something about it being too quiet and disappeared.

<Dir> ::picks up on Pidedis’ bitter tone:: Perhaps you should just let Pidedis do it, Lerris. ::clears his throat:: After all, you saw it coming, so she wouldn’t try to pull another fast one on you so soon after the last attempt, now would she? ::looks pointedly at Lerris::

<Hunter Lerris> I… uh… ::swallows:: PIdedis, why don’t you go ahead and fetch me something to eat. I can take whatever you can dish out. Besides, I’m hungry enough to eat an Earth Dog covered with Phantom Slime, taste notwithstanding.

<Pidedis> ::brightens:: That sounds like a challenge. ::grins::

<Hunter Lerris> Do your worst.

<Pidedis> Just remember you asked for it. ::sprints off::

<Dir> That was a brave and chivalrous thing you just did.

<Hunter Lerris> True. But not terrible bright.

<CB-433681> Pity. I was thinking you were actually a lot smarter hungry.

<Hunter Gear> ::gongs:: Hunter Lerris, you have mail.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Afternoon.



<Raider Common Rockman> Alright, you grunts. The only way we’re gonna take this tent is if we show some spunk and initiative! I want what’s left of Taskforce B to support Xane on the northwest corner. We’ll attempt a simultaneous breach at time index +43.

<Raider Ice Ghost> This is ridiculous! Who heard of a tent with carbon steel shutters? Can’t we just dig under them?

<Raider Common Dog> Mines I’m afraid. ::smokes slightly::

<Xane> We’re running out of cover time. Let’s do this, folks.

<Raider Common Rockman> You heard the Slime. For our Lady.

<Raiders> For our Lady.

<???> I’ve got one more question before we start.

<Xane> ::glares:: Who said that?

<Sikaf> Here’s my question, Xane: Are you ready for the Revolving Door of Pain to send you right back to the Medical Wing where you belong?

<Xane> What in the name of FTP are you doing here?

<Sikaf> I think you forgot: I’m a Covert Ops girl.

<Xane> ::smirks:: That’s alright. I brought back up this time.

<Sikaf> So did I.

<Raider Common Rockman> Fan out and find her reinforcements!

<Berokuko> ::steps out of the shadows:: Don’t bother.

<Raider Ice Ghost> Xane, I’m getting that bad feeling again.

<Berokuko> Welcome to the party. ::grins::

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And with 3 life points remaining, Yggharlath sneaks in one last 80’s Flashback, which is too much for Wunirithia to handle. That’s five and five, leaving both teams even up. It looks like we’re in for our first close battle of the tournament!

<Fire Bug> ::gets a frightening shine in his eyes:: And even odds is where the money is to be made. Place your bets! Place your bets! Get ‘im while the odds are hot! Hot odds here! Get ‘im while they last!

<Hunter Lerris> (muted) Pidedis, you’re in charge while I’m gone. WYMB, I’ll see you in my tent. We need to talk. Tell the Light team to continue preparations, but Best of Show can stand down. I’ll address the camp then.

<Dir> … Not good, eh?

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> Hard to say.

<Hunter Lerris> Bring some more victories home, Pidedis.

<Pidedis> You got it.

<Hunter Lerris> And thanks for the sandwich.

<Pidedis> ::nods spiritedly:: Alright you Netmonsters, show some spirit! Let’s make some dead bodies, here!

<Announcer Light Fish> What’s this? Hunter Lerris is leaving the field midbattle? Is he that confident, or is he throwing in the towel?

<Hunter Deneb> ::adjusts her glasses:: What is it indeed?

<Announcer Light Fish> Or is he just hungry?

<Crowd> ::sweatdrop::

<Hunter Deneb> I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Contact Retrieval.

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Afternoon.



<Sikaf> Alright, Xane. This is the end of the line. It’s down to you, me, and Berokuko. Pick your poison.

<Xane> Xane? I don’t know who you could be referring to. We’re a pack of wild Netmonsters and we’re looking for food.

<Sikaf> No relation to Hunter Deneb at all?

<Xane> Never heard of her worshipfulness.

<Berokuko> Let’s waste him, Sikaf. We can get him to talk in the Medical Bay.

<The Sky> ::lights as a series of flares erupt across it::

<Stout Retrieval Light Mech> ::bursts out of a nearby tent, destroying it in the process:: Commander, the signal has been sent. It is time recover the wounded. The op has been scrubbed. I will cover your retreat. Please await further reinforcements.

<Sikaf> Maybe we should have grabbed some more backup.

<Berokuko> We can take them. We already leveled one strike force. What’s a second?

<Giant Retrieval Fire Cat> ::growls:: Reporting in.

<Ripped Retrieval Phantom Human> ::drops out of the growing shadows:: Back up’s here.

<Massive Retrieval Fire Dragon> ::furls her wings:: Pizza’s here.

<Super Muscular Retrieval Common Mage> ::teleports in:: Load up and roll out, people.

<Berokuko> You want the left side or the right side?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> ::pokes his head out:: Is it safe to…. Merlin’s frigging staff! ::shuts the screen violently::

<Sikaf> ::grins:: Why don’t I just flip you for it?

**************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> We’re down to the last match of the set. 9 to 9, Deneb and Lerris have been slugging it out… or should I say, Deneb and Pidedis have been slugging it out. Hunter Lerris left mid match and hasn’t been back since. Perhaps he’s working on some top secret strategy for the Light category? Or has victory given him an appetite for something else?

<Pidedis> Hit him from the front! He’s not expecting it! He’s waiting for you to feint and hit him from the side!

<Phantom Bird> Huh? But it’s better to catch them off guard…

<Pidedis> (aside) Brain dead Phantoms… That’s WHY he won’t be expecting you to do it.

<Phantom Dog> I won’t fall for your psychological games! I’ve heard of the double feint!

<Pidedis> (aside) It never occurred to you that someone might be telling the truth?

<Hunter Deneb> Stop stalling and finish this. If you don’t win, it’s the end, Hirmaxou.

<Pidedis> … what’s that mean?

<Phantom Dog> Please, not that! Not that! Don’t throw me away!!

<Phantom Bird> ::sweatdrop:: I feel a little bad for the guy.

<Pidedis> Then offer him a job in the Kitchen or something after you beat his butt into the ground.

<Phantom Bird> I’m not sure I can. He looks pretty tough.

<Pidedis> ::growls:: I promised Lerris a victory. If you don’t win, I’LL shock the feathers right off of you. How do the words “fried chicken” sound to you?

<Phantom Bird> ::gulps:: Errmm… Never more?

Phantom Bird attacked Phantom Dog with Enraged Gusts!

73 damage!

<Pidedis> ::sighs:: This could take a while.

Phantom Dog attacked Phantom Bird with Bite!

33 damage!

<Pidedis> Don’t you have anything stronger?

<Phantom Bird> ::grouses:: That’s always what I hear. Stronger this, stronger that! Have you ever considered how hard it is for the rest of us? We can’t all be monsters like you!

<Pidedis> What do you mean by that?

<Phantom Bird> We can’t all be as strong as you are! You won’t ever understand the battles we go through on a daily basis! You don’t understand what it means to feel weak and powerless! Anything that stands up to you gets blasted into a smoking crater. I’d kill for power like that!

<Pidedis> Blasted into a crater? It’s not like that.

<Phantom Bird> That’s why we like Lerris. He’s so clueless and powerless that he understands.

<Pidedis> Powerless?

<Phantom Bird> Yeah. Completely hopeless. This isn’t his world. He’ll never be as strong as you. He’ll never be as fast, as powerful, or as smart.

<Hunter Deneb> ::adjusts her glasses:: Hold. I want to hear this.

<Phantom Bird> Nor as terrible. He has to rely on us just as much as he does you.

<Pidedis> I… don’t understand.

<Phantom Bird> And you never will. That’s why we follow Lerris.

<Pidedis> … I’m still gonna beat you senseless if you lose this one for us.

<Phantom Bird> That doesn’t surprise me. I’ll win this alright. If only to teach you a lesson. A lesson you won’t learn, but somebody has to teach you not to look down on the powerless.

<Pidedis> Powerless…?

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And after a confusing, but rousing speech, Osalas takes the win! Lerris holds the initiative, pushing the score to Lerris 4, Deneb 2. With three events left, it can still go either way. Who would have thought Lerris could gain such a sizeable lead? It’s like he’s someone else today! Now if we could only convince him to get back to the stadium with the rest of us…

<Phantom Dog> …. My life is no longer worth living.

<Hunter Deneb> ::glares:: Correct.

<Announcer Light Fish> If Teams Lambda and Purity will get to starting positions, we’ll get the last of the Element competitions underway!

<Wyran> ::opens her optical sensor:: Where’s Lerris?

<Dir> Executive meeting in his tent. He got an email.

<Wyran> Where am I on the roster??

<Dir>Fourth slot. You’re just after Joc.

<Wyran> So I’ve got a little bit of time before the violence begins.

<Dir> Some, I suppose.

<Wyran> Will Lerris come to watch?

<Dir> It’s hard to say.

<Wyran> Alright. Just make sure you wake me before the killing starts. ::dims her optical sensor::

<Dir> … And I thought Lerris was bad in the mornings.

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> Joc falls before the unending persistence of Nash’s Holy Swing. Wyran’s up next. But can she overcome her Human-Ghost disadvantage?

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

314 damage!

<Announcer Light Fish> Fast and brutal… Team Purity’s Wyran sends Nash straight to the Medical Bay. But chomping at the bit right behind him is Lambda’s own Ixilulini! A Bug with an itch for blessing, he may prove to be a formidable opponent!

Wyran attacked using Divine Punch!

134 damage!

Ixilulini attacked using Stinging Saber!

27 damage!



Wyran attacked using Unworthy!

167 damage!

<Announcer Light Fish> And Ixilulini is squished like, well, a Bug! Next up…

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

247 damage!

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

242 damage!

<Announcer Light Fish> Is this is another sweep in the making? Next up…

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

<Wyran> Where are you Lerris? Why don’t you even want to watch me when I’m winning?

<Announcer Light Fish> And next up…

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

<Announcer Light Fish> And next up…

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

<Announcer Light Fish> And next up…

Wyran attacked using Assassination!

<Announcer Light Fish> And next up…

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Afternoon.



<Announcer Light Fish> And after 8 consecutive wins, Wyran finally falls to Qjilius’s Crypt Breath. Someone get that Rockman a breath mint! Deneb had to reach deep into her arsenal to find a Light Netmonster with such a strong Phantom element, to be sure. Will this be another Sikaf level upset?

<Sikaf> ::sticks out her tongue:: Mother always said never to do anything that made you into an adjective.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> I dunno. Next step is always a cleaning product. The royalties alone…

<Covert Ops Common Mage> ::nudges the Fire Dog:: Speaking of royalties, I think it’s time to make good on your bet.

<Covert Ops Fire Dog> ::clears his throat:: Well, first I’ll need him to cough up his losses. ::eyes Light Slime:: Joc went down hard.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> ::winces:: Mages can be brutal.

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> Anyway, thanks, Sikaf. We haven’t seen you down in Covert Ops in a while. ::leers:: We hear you’ve been too busy leading a little Recon of your own elsewhere.

<Sikaf> ::glares icily at him::

<Berokuko> ::grunts:: I think you’d better retract that statement, soldier. Remember who it was that saved your bacon just now.

<Covert Ops Phantom Mech> ::gulps:: Um. I mean. Erm. ::clears his vocal processor unit:: Thank you very much for coming to our rescue. I don’t know how much longer we could have held out.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> What took so long? And why did only two of you come?

<Berokuko> ::looks menacing:: Two was enough.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> ::swallows::

<Sikaf> Besides, Lerris can’t read Morse code. Didn’t you know?

<Covert Ops Netmonsters> …. ::glare at Light Slime::

<Sikaf> ::clears her throat:: Perhaps you’d better take the wounded down to Doc Boo.

<Berokuko> It’s a pity we didn’t capture more prisoners. Still, this should be enough to prove what Deneb tried to do. Personally, I’d like to get a crew together and hit HER facilities. See if they can hold out.

<Sikaf> ::sighs:: Sadly, Lerris won’t go for that, will he?

<Berokuko> Afraid not. He’s not the type to abandon his principles. He’s stubborn like that. Even in the face of impossible odds, he never---

<Announcer Light Fish> Hold everything ! Lerris is withdrawing Team Purity from the event! Deneb takes the win! … When did Lerris get back? What is he thinking? Wait a moment. There seems to be some sort of commotion down near Medical Bay 1. Our on the scene reporters are rushing there now. It’s Lerris 4, Deneb 3 in the First Cyberian Open. Lerris is signaling for a Time Out. What is he thinking? If he wanted the Time Out, why did he withdraw?

<Berokuko> What is Lerris thinking? We had the advantage.

<Sikaf> … I think we need to get back to the stadium. Now.

*************************************************

Week 23, Scene 4: Requiem for a Slime

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Twilight.



<Hunter Lerris> Friends, Hunters, Netmonsters…. I have some bad news.

<Fire Bug> ::pales:: Don’t cancel the tournament. Don’t cancel the tournament.

<Hunter Lerris> Some of you may have noted my absence during the last two events. I received an email of some import.

<Crowd> ::falls silent::

<Hunter Lerris> However, first, another piece of news: Joc is dead.

<Crowd> ::draws in a shallow, rapid gasp:::

<Pidedis> …. no…..

<Hunter Lerris> Doc Boo informs me that while the injury was routine, Joc’s heart gave out during the restoration process. While such deaths are rare, they have been known to happen*^. The Regeneration Wave Generator in Medical Bay 1 has been switched out and is being checked over by our technicians as we speak. I forfeited the last round in hopes of saving his life, but Doc Boo says it was already too late.

*^ Even in the carefree environment of the Internet, Death claims its price. Netmonsters can die. It happens rarely, but the game did not grant them immortality.

<Crowd> ::occasional sniffles::

<Hunter Lerris> Those who knew Joc will remember his loving nature, his sense of humor, and his persistence. He was no stranger to the Medical Tent. He was not afraid to put his body on the line for his beliefs. He was a good friend to have… A good ally in battle. A Slime who believed in justice and himself. Truly a Slime with a core of gold.

<Medic Light Mech> Amen.

<Hunter Lerris> ::clears his throat:: A service will be held for Joc at 9:00 this evening. As per his wishes, we will be burning his protoplasm and compressing his core into a diamond before letting the tide of the Search Engine Sea take it away. Any Mechs or Rockmen desiring to participate in that aspect of the service are encouraged and welcome.

<Dir> Worse places to be buried.

<Hunter Lerris> I apologize for heaping bad news on top of misfortune, but I have additional announcement to make: They got the General.

<Crowd> ….

<Hunter Deneb> Lerris, are you sure?

<Hunter Lerris> I emailed him a report and it bounced. This is the first time that’s happened. WYMB and I checked the site where HQ is located. It’s gone. Everything. I sent a few discrete inquiries, but they’ve turned up nothing. The only conclusion we can make is that something has taken out General PhantomOpera. We can only hope he’s still alive. We’re really on our own out here, folks.

<Hunter Deneb> If they’ve got our General, doesn’t that mean the war is over? We can’t fight without a leader.

<Hunter Lerris> On the contrary, doesn’t that mean we are bound by our duty to mount a rescue operation?

<Hunter Deneb> Just where do you get off, Lerris? Do you get these ideas about last stands, foolish charges, and hopeless causes from movies, or are you naturally this stupid?

<Hunter Lerris> ::lowers his head:: You do understand that if we’re the last two Hunters, that’s makes us his only hope, right?

<Hunter Deneb> Hope? What kind of hope does he have? It’s just you, me, and this motley crew against not just a few billion Netmonsters, almost a hundred Bosses, and Shade himself! How exactly are we supposed to fight without a General, let alone an army of Hunters at our backs?

<Fire Rockman> When you put it that way we really don’t stand much of a chance, do we?

<Hunter Lerris> ::glares coldly at Deneb:: You don’t deserve to win this tournament. What’s right isn’t a question of odds. It’s a question of whether you will stand up or back down.

<Hunter Deneb> War isn’t a question of heart, Lerris. War is a question of strength, of tactics, of knowing when to run away.

<Hunter Lerris> I think we’ve had this discussion more than once in the last week. ::keeps his cool gaze on her:: You only win if you eventually stop running. Choosing when to run away is as important as choosing when to fight.

<Hunter Deneb> Just HOW terrible do the odds have to become before you get it through your thick head? You can’t win this, Lerris. No matter how hard you dream and sweat and bleed… Leave the Net before it’s too late. Leave the virtual world to its fate and we can rebuild our real one after it crashes.

<Hunter Lerris> Reality doesn’t need a reboot. It’s fine the way it is.

<Hunter Deneb> … I hate idealists who allow their naivety to block out the world around them.

<Hunter Lerris> ::tears his eyes from her:: Last team, form up! I think we need to prove our willingness to continue the fight! To ranks, to arms, to victory!!

<Hunter Deneb> … idiot. I’m trying to do you a favor.

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Evening.



<Announcer Light Fish> After a tense, event filled intermission, the battle rages on. It’s round number 8 of the First Cyberian Open and the score is Lerris 4, Deneb 3. Both have brought the best of the best for the last general event. Lerris’ team is down a slot with the loss of Joc. But Lerris brings to the table two Netmonsters who swept their elemental divisions… who will prevail in what could be the game point? A loss for Lerris puts Deneb in a position to take it from the rear, but a win for Lerris steals all hope of victory from her. Stay tuned for what promises to be a tense show!

<Covert Ops Fire Human> … Is Lerris right?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> So long as our side wins, does it matter?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> ::nods:: Might does make right, after all.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Well, now that we’ve got that little scuffle out of the way, what say you gentlemonsters that we get back on our portion of the fight?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Just crunching numbers?

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Sikaf mentioned that she heard the black box was related to a Boss… I was wondering if we could take a more probabilistic approach and look for similar anomalies. After all, that much power tends to leave a mark, some kind of distortion.

<Covert Ops Fire Human> And the profiles on Shade’s Bosses does tell a bit about their known ambitions and tendencies.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Yes, but not all of them have strong ambitions. A good portion were neutrals who pledged merely not to join our cause. Some of them just want to hide and wait out the conflict. Some of them don’t really care one way or another what happens to the Net. Besides, someone’s bound to have already thought of that approach.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Some information’s better than none. You’ve got to admit that.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Unless we’ve been fed bad intelligence to deter such an attempt.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Yet within the most effective lie is a grain of truth. And the truth shall ultimately prevail.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> ::slams his fist into an open palm:: That’s right! The truth will prevail. The Net is not the wild place it once was. I know some nasty search algorithms. We will find their hiding places, no matter how many Beowulf clusters they’ve sequestered themselves behind.

<Covert Ops Fire Human> So the General’s not out of the fight yet, is he?

<Covert Ops Light Slime>His mind and heart are still with us. We win.

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Evening.



<Hunter Lerris> Dir, watch out for your ri--- never mind. Wyran, you’re up. Do everything you can to take out this Earth Rockman. Pidedis is next on the roster and then disadvantage may be too strong for her to overcome. Save her, however, and you save the team. This guy is a monster, but you can take him.

<Wyran> I’ll destroy the Rockman. You worry about saving Pidedis. Destruction is always the easier task.

<Hunter Lerris> … Are you alright? That doesn’t sound like you. You know, you don’t have to fight, Wyran. If it’s too much, I’ll withdraw you. I know I just gave you the “for the team” pep talk, but it’s just a tournament. We’re your friends. That’s why we’re here. And that is what matters the most.

<Wyran> It’s—it’s nothing. I can fight. I don’t want to be the weakest link ever again.

<Hunter Lerris> You’ve got nothing to prove. No one will look done on you. There’s no obligation to fight. You’ve already paid a steep price for this war. Think of it as a favor. Little more.

<Wyran> No. I can fight. Let me fight. It’s something I’m still good at.

<Hunter Lerris> But it’s not all there is to life. Gotta remember that, Wyran. That’s half the battle we fight in camp. Sometimes not fighting is the hardest part of the battle. Sometimes running is the only way to hold on to the things worth fighting for.

<Pidedis> Psst. Not so loud, Lerris. If Deneb hears what you’re saying, you’ll never hear the end of it.

<Hunter Lerris> Let’s pretend for a minute she doesn’t exist, okay? Another world, another place. Would you still fight?

<Wyran> I want this one.

<Hunter Lerris> … if that’s really what you want.

<Wyran> Gimme a target and get out of the way.

<Pidedis> Alright. Clear me a path and I’ll take this one all the way to Valhalla and back.

<Wyran> We’ll get the win. Screw the price.

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Covert Ops Tent; Evening.



<Covert Ops Fire Human> … How could she lose that one? She took out 6 without a blink during the Light event!

<Covert Ops Common Mage> What can you do? Other than pay up, I mean.

<Covert Ops Fire Human> Har har. Very funny.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> No defense. She didn’t even try and block that last attack. Just stood and took it.

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> Well, when you know struggling is useless….

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Put a sock in it! ::turns back to Fire Human:: I’m afraid her heart just wasn’t in the fight.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Maybe she’s just tired from the first fight. Still, toe to toe did favor the other guy. I mean, he is 14 feet tall.

<Announcer Light Fish> It’s a David and Goliath story here, folks. Six feet of agile Valkyrie to fourteen of rocky determination. She got the speed, but he’s got the reach! She shrugs off an Earthen Talons, but she’ll feel it in the morning. It’s a quick sprint underneath and a Needle Bomb between the legs!

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> … She spayed him.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Remind me not to get on her bad side.

<Announcer Light Fish> He felt that one, alright. He swings the arms back and…. Oh no, it’s a Stone Throw and he’s got rocks the size of watermelons!

<Covert Ops Common Mage> ::whoops:: Hey, guys! I think I’ve got a likely.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> Oh? Where from?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Midwest United States. I think it’s Kraken.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> What makes you think it’s Kraken?

<Covert Ops Common Mage> Who else but a level 500 catfish has the motive and means to make 47 tons of gorgonzola disappear off of a server?

<Covert Ops Earth Dog> …. Really… big….. mice?

<Covert Ops Netmonsters> …….

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Evening.



<Hunter Lerris> Sikaf, no pressure, but…

<Sikaf> I know. Without Joc, Berokuko and I are the only ones standing between us and defeat.

<Hunter Lerris> I didn’t mean to leave the pair of you with so much pressure.

<Sikaf> So you put us on the back end, hoping to keep us out of the fight. Not exactly a sterling recommendation of our abilities, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> That’s not—

<Berokuko> We’re honored you chose us to hold the last stand.

<Hunter Lerris> You – what?

<Berokuko> The last position has always been one of honor. You could have chosen Pidedis, who has always been your left, if not your right, hand. If WYMB is your vice commander, she could be considered your Aide de Camp. Instead, you have given me a gift. Thank you, Commander.

<Hunter Lerris> Uh – you’re welcome.

<Berokuko> And Sikaf, in my years in combat, let me say I have never had a better Netmonster at my back.

<Sikaf> ::blinks:: Thanks.

<Berokuko> When I agreed to join your side, I had no promise. I asked nothing. You brought me fields and worlds of honor.

<Sikaf> Great speech, Bero, but what exactly does that have to do with the task at hand?

<Berokuko> Never miss an opportunity to teach, Sikaf. As Joc showed us, you never know how many more you will have. When Deneb threw down the gauntlet, she left one question on her lips: Why do we fight?

<Sikaf> So that’s your answer? Because it’s the honorable thing to do?

<Berokuko> ::laughs harshly:: Of course not. I fight to win.

<Sikaf> Then what was that speech really about?

<Berokuko> Lerris taught me how to do it with honor and flair.

<Sikaf> … Our Lerris? Alright. I’ll bite. How’s that?

<Berokuko> You beat them because you care.

<Sikaf> …. Only Lerris could come up with something like that.

<Berokuko> Go get ‘em, girl.

<Sikaf> Roger roger. One victory coming up. ::glides to the field::

<Hunter Lerris> …. “because you care”? When did I say that?

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Evening.



<Announcer Light Fish> And Berokuko is no match for the fury of 16000 gigahertz of feminine pain! Who puts high heels and dimples on a 17 ton Mech anyway? That Beta Experiment came outta nowhere! Our onsite reporter is waiting at Medical Bay 1 as we speak. Clhuxalu, take it away.

<Clhuxalu> Berokuko, do you have any comment on your recent defeat?

<Berokuko> I’ll… never mock Shirley Temple again.

<Clhuxalu> As you can see, he’s still a little shaken up. Doc Boo’s preliminary diagnosis is positive, however, and no permanent brain damage should occur. Back to you, Salmon In the Sky.

<Announcer Light Fish> Thank you, Clhuxalu. Deneb takes the Best in Show category by storm, in an upset that has a lot of Netmonsters wondering if Lerris’ recent rash of victories isn’t just a fluke. There’s deep scars across the tournament grounds bearing witness to some of the awesome matches we have just witnessed. With Berokuko’s loss, we’re brought down to the final event to decide who walks away with the Frozen Cup.

<Hunter Lerris> Frozen Cup?

<Announcer Light Fish> It’s Deneb 4, Lerris 4, after the blood, sweat, and frozen tears of over 100 Netmonsters. It’s been a nerve wracking experience, pushing them to their peak and beyond, even for those who didn’t have a chance to formally participate. Let’s have a round of applause for everyone who worked so hard to bring us the first Cyberian open.

<Crowd> ::applaudes::

<Hunter Deneb> ::adds a polite golf clap to the din:: A tie, Lerris? That’s so incredibly cliché of you. Always for the dramatic finish.

<Hunter Lerris> ::claps slowly, but loud:: In your dreams, Deneb. I couldn’t have planned this. It would have been my pleasure to have crushed you into the hoarfrost by now.

<Hunter Deneb>Don’t think your Champion’s cheap tricks will get past Ashbringer this time. He’s gotten 423 smarter since then.

<Hunter Lerris> Then he should be forfeiting right about now.

<Announcer Light Fish> We remind you at this time that in the event of a tie in the final event, the winner will be chosen by points, each knockout awarding a single point to their team’s score.

<Hunter Deneb> Because she’s gotten stronger?

<Hunter Lerris> Nah. Because she’s pissed.

<Hunter Deneb> … Lerris, they are constructs of a digital mind. Their ‘emotions’ don’t mean anything.

<Hunter Lerris> ::grins:: You’re only going to make her angrier.

<Announcer Light Fish> Without further adieu, we take you live to the final event of the Cyberian Open: the Champions Match!

**************************************************

Week 23, Scene 5: Tournament of Champions

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Evening.



<Announcer Light Fish> Champions, take your marks. Hunters, your positions.

<Hunter Lerris> Well, this brings back memories, doesn’t it?

<Hunter Deneb> Yes it does. Do you remember what I told you?

<Hunter Lerris> You were wrong.

<Hunter Deneb> You say that a lot. I had great hopes for you, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> I didn’t forget, though.

<Hunter Deneb> Then there may be hope for you yet. ::taps her Gear:: Ashbringer, begin primary combat boot sequence.

<Hunter Lerris> We’re already ready to go.

<Hunter Deneb> What a diligent student you are.

<Ashbringer> Primary combat boot sequence achieved. Green for bloodshed, burning, and death.

<Hunter Lerris> Charming. I see you’ve been working on his people skills.

<Hunter Deneb> And your champion is probably hiding in some snow bank, ready to get the first cheap sneak attack in.

<Hunter Lerris> A little bitter about that, still, I see. ::raises his right hand:: Good to go here.

<Hunter Deneb> ::smiles:: I think you’ll like the surprises I have in store. ::raises her left hand:: Our preparations are complete.

<Announcer Light Fish> The contestants have given the ready signal. Champions, start your engines! Match begin!

<Hunter Deneb> Ashbringer, level the field. Leave that little witch nowhere to hide.

Ashbringer used Nuclear Strike.^*

^* It deals 200 damage. Period. Against such, there is no adequate defense. Mushroom cloud provided at no extra expense.

<Hunter Lerris> CRAP! ::waves his arms wildly:: Shield the equipment! Shutdown the Mechs! Do it NOW! NOW! ::dives for cover as the blinding flare hits::

<Hunter Deneb> ::smirks as her glasses tint black::

<Announcer Light Fish> (static screech)

<Ashbringer> Snowfield cleared, mistress.

<What Yet May Be> ::coughs, lifting her aviator goggles:: Tone it down a bit, will you? Wasn’t that a bit much for a one on one?

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer with Tsunami!

123 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> If you’re gonna pull another stunt like that, couldn’t you warn me so that I can at least call for an evacuation?

<Hunter Deneb> No quarter, Lerris. We’re playing for keeps, remember?

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs:: Pidedis, sound a general--- crap. Is there anyone of my command staff that isn’t injured and in the Medical Bay?

<What Yet May Be> … I don’t think so, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> …. Meaning they were all in Medical Bay when that blast hit.

<What Yet May Be> Bingo.

<Hunter Deneb> ::smiles frostily:: Going to forfeit this one too?

<Hunter Lerris> ::fumes:: That’s … unconscionable! You… you… you….

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Pyro Kick!

47 damage!

<Hunter Deneb> ::scowls:: Would it be too much to ask you to stick to the heavier guns?

<Hunter Lerris> Always is. Funny, how much difficulty you have making a construct with no will of its own to obey your desires.

<Hunter Deneb> Hush. You know it’s an artificial limitation written into the system.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Dynabolt!

84 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> As long as you’re playing, Deneb, this system IS your world.

<Ashbringer> Target locked on.

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Nuclear Strike!

200 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> ::shields his face with his arm and yells to be heard over the blasts of wind:: Discretion really isn’t in your vocabulary, is it?

<What Yet May Be> Hey Ashbringer, here’s a touch of subtlety you can appreciate.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Shatter Storm!

179 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> You’ve gotten some heavy swings in, but Ashbringer is already starting to show the damage. As usual, you’ve sacrificed endurance for power. Since you can only add 3 crystals to your Champion, your pool of available traits is limited.

<Hunter Deneb> Which is to say that you’ve been favoring Knowledge crystals which increase Life Points. Predictable, as always.

<Hunter Lerris> It’s worked in the past.

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Blood Boil.

What Yet May Be resisted the attack!

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Icy Cold Stare!

13 damage! Ashbringer is strong against this attack!

<Hunter Lerris> My Champion has more than 200 Life Points left, Deneb, and the next hit will probably be the last for Ashbringer. We’re won this.

<Hunter Deneb> I think not. Ashbringer, use the crystal.

Ashbringer used Gaea Crystal!

Ashbringer was fully healed!

<Hunter Lerris> … Oh.

<Hunter Deneb> ::smiles:: In the end, Lerris, this is the only strength that matters.

<Hunter Lerris> I didn’t know Knowledge crystals had that capability.

<Hunter Deneb> This is a crystal taken from a Guardian, Lerris. They are like the Bosses of the Oracle class of Netmonster.

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Feet of Fury!

23 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> So the Guardians do exist…

<Hunter Deneb> Most rumors do, Lerris. The Net is a big place.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Tsunami!

125 damage!

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Conflagration!

61 damage!

<Hunter Deneb> Not feeling so confident about your Champion’s large stock of Life Points now, are you?

<Hunter Lerris> It’s not the points that I believe in, Deneb.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Explosion!

140 damage!

<Hunter Deneb> Is that the only trick you have up your sleeve? Dogged persistence? This is how you hoped to beat Shade?

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Nuclear Strike!

200 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> ::covers his eyes and his groin this time:: I don’t suppose there is any way to convince you to stop using that, is there?

<Hunter Deneb> You could always forfeit.

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs:: If I had held this match in my camp, I’d be sleeping in a crater tonight.

<Hunter Deneb> If you had given in like a good boy, at least it wouldn’t be alone.

<Hunter Lerris> ::coughs and sputters::

<What Yet May Be> That’s a cheap distraction tactic, you hussy!

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Tsunami!

121 damage!

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Burning Embers!

43 damage!

<What Yet May Be> Is that all you got? ::coughs up a trickle of blood:: She made it sound like you’d actually gotten strong enough that I needed to worry about you.

<Hunter Deneb> Tell me, Lerris, does she get it from you, or did you learn it from her?

<Hunter Lerris> I’d like to think of it as a joint effort, really.

<Hunter Deneb> When are you going to stop denying reality?

<Hunter Lerris> When I find one I like, I suppose.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer using Dynabolt!

72 damage!

Ashbringer attacked What Yet May Be using Nuclear Strike!

200 damage!

<Hunter Lerris> No way…. ::hurriedly checks his Gear:: Come on, come on, come on…. ::is knocked over by the shockwave::

<Announcer Light Fish> ::clears throat:: And we’re back! Sorry for the interruption of your normally scheduled broadcast, folks. I’ve been able to get a director’s bullhorn and we’re back in business. In time for the end of the match. With the dust clearing, it’s Deneb 5, Lerris 4. The presentation of the Cup will take place--- Poseidon’s Gills! The dust is clearing and there are two, I repeat two, contestants standing.

<Hunter Deneb> … Over eight hundred Life Points. Wasn’t that overdoing things, Lerris?

<Hunter Lerris> You nuked my battlefield three times. Are you really in a position to comment?

<Hunter Deneb> How many, Lerris?

<Hunter Lerris>::dusts himself off and stands up:: 3. My lucky number.

<Hunter Deneb> The lengths you go to just to get a dramatic finish…

<Hunter Lerris> If I could have beaten you without her getting a scratch, I would have, Deneb. She’s worth more to me than you are.

<Hunter Deneb> A blunt, if worrisome statement.

<Hunter Lerris> And yours?

<Hunter Deneb> I’ll never tell.

<Hunter Lerris> WYMB, I believe an Explosion should end the match.

<What Yet May Be> Got it, Boss.

What Yet May Be attacked Ashbringer with Explosion!

150 damage!

Ashbringer was defeated!

<Announcer Light Fish> And it’s OVER!

<Doc Boo> ::revs the chainsaw:: Strap down the patient! Stat!

<What Yet May Be> ::pales and faints::

<Hunter Lerris> …. Doc, we won.

<Doc Boo> Oh. Righto. I’ll see to the right patient, then. ::floats away sheepishly::

<Hunter Deneb> … That was a fluke, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> It was a victory, Deneb.

<Hunter Deneb> … I won’t accept this, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> I think we’ve established my credentials. I’ll fight you and the rest of the Net if I have to, but I’m finishing this, Deneb. Even if you hound me to the Tower itself.

<Hunter Deneb> … If you’re that confident, then I think you’ll take me up on a little proposition.

<Hunter Lerris> A rematch? Please. You and Ashbringer are 0 and 2 against my Champion.

<Hunter Deneb> You and me, Lerris. All or nothing.

<Hunter Lerris> Fight? Using what? Is this a hacker battle or something?

<Hunter Deneb> Your staffblade. I believe it still works.

<Hunter Lerris> … and what are you fighting with?

<Hunter Deneb> My secret. Play if you want to find out.

<Hunter Lerris> … all or nothing?

<Hunter Deneb> That’s right.

<Hunter Lerris> … then I want your URLs. I want to talk to the Guardian. This fight has gone on long enough.

<Hunter Deneb> And your resignation?

<Hunter Lerris> ::catches his staffblade:: Get it if you can.

<Announcer Light Fish> And Lerris wins the Frozen Cup! It’s been a great tournament, people…… What’s this? It’s not over yet? …. If this is what the first Cyberian Open has to offer, sign me up for next year’s, folks!

**************************************************

Week 23, Scene 6: Tournament of Hunters

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds; Evening.



<Announcer Light Fish> Here’s the scoop, Netmonsters. First, I’d like to rewelcome our televised guests, now that replacement equipment has been located. Lerris scraped by, beating Deneb in the last event 5-4. The two Hunters have agreed to an all or nothing duel. We’re not sure what they’ve got in store for us, or exactly how this arrangement was reached, but if the first nine events are anything to go by, this should be anything but boring.

<Hunter Lerris> I’m not quite sure how to proceed. This isn’t really covered in the Code.

<Hunter Deneb> It’s a duel. We draw our weapons and then we don’t stop until one of us surrenders or is incapacitated. First blood is so antiquated and dull.

<Hunter Lerris> … Alright.

<Hunter Deneb> ::taps her gear:: Ready when you are, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::twists the hilt of the staffblade:: On your mark, Deneb… ::slides into a combat posture::

<Hunter Deneb> ::quickdraws a pistol from the small of her back and fires::

<Hunter Lerris> Wha--- ::loses his stance as he stumbles backward::

<Announcer Light Fish> That was amazing! What speed! What grace! What deadly intent!

<Hunter Lerris> A… a gun? I thought this game was supposed to be kid friendly!

<Hunter Deneb> This ceased to be a game to you a long time ago. I figured I’d grant you the same courtesy.

<Hunter Lerris> ::sprints across the field:: I wish you hadn’t blown away all of those lovely snow banks. I would have like something to hide behind.

<Hunter Deneb> ::shoots a boom microphone:: It’s not too late, Lerris. ::shoots out another:: There are some things you and I need to discuss in private.

<Hunter Lerris> … How on earth do you plan this junk out ahead of time?

<Hunter Deneb> By using my head, Lerris. ::shoots out the rest of the microphones::

<Hunter Lerris> … How many shots do you have in that thing?

<Hunter Deneb> Infinite, I’m afraid. I didn’t see any need to program a reload into it.

<Hunter Lerris> … great.

<Hunter Deneb> Something like this is only subject to the limits of your imagination, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::readies himself for a charge::

<Hunter Deneb> ::twirls the gun:: Do you remember when you first came to me, asking about that little toy of yours?

<Hunter Lerris> ::grunts:: Yes. What of it?

<Hunter Deneb> Before you attempt your ill-advised rush at me, likely feinting left, there is one more thing you should know: One shot from this can be fatal.

<Hunter Lerris> …. Great.

<Hunter Deneb> The same with your staffblade.

<Hunter Lerris> ::swallows:: I’m not falling for your bluff.

<Hunter Deneb> Who do you want me to shoot to prove my point?

<Hunter Lerris> Talk. I’m listening. ::slowly begins circling counterclockwise::

<Hunter Deneb>You found it in the Firewall, did you not?

<Hunter Lerris> That’s right.

<Hunter Deneb> Lerris, what does a Firewall stop?

<Hunter Lerris> Viruses, mainly.

<Hunter Deneb> Very good. Now put the two together.

<Hunter Lerris> ::starts:: I’m holding a virus in my hands?

<Hunter Deneb> ::takes a step forward:: Nothing so advanced, I’m afraid. But it is an ancient piece of malcode.

<Hunter Lerris> If it’s old, then why should I worry? Old viruses aren’t dangerous at all. There’s always a fix for them.

<Hunter Deneb> Unless the virus never made it past the Firewall. If there wasn’t any infection, there wouldn’t be an immunization.

<Hunter Lerris> … what does it do? I know you couldn’t help but test it out.

<Hunter Deneb> It’s an old killcode. Complete system shutdown.

<Hunter Lerris> Impossible.

<Hunter Deneb> Not at all, Lerris. Consider the Netmonster itself. A data construct. It transmits attack data, receives attack data, and defends itself from hostile code. It can absorb, destroy, and corrupt the data on websites. Even a Hunter can be ‘attacked’ by a Netmonster. Welcome to the digital world.

<Hunter Lerris> I can kill a Netmonster? The interface is supposed to prevent that kind of data bleed over…

<Hunter Deneb> You’re right. We’re not supposed to directly affect this world. That staff of yours is a violation of the accepted rules, Lerris. One that you conveniently ‘neglected’ to report. Which means the exploit still exists.

<Hunter Lerris> … I never thought of it that way. ::springs::

<Hunter Deneb> ::fires wide:: I’ve improved the delivery of the code sample I took from you. The real trick has been learning how to use a gun. I’m afraid the point and click interface still needs work.

<Hunter Lerris> ::swings at her head:: Who says it works on Hunters anyway?

<Hunter Deneb> ::backsprings and fires from a prone position:: It works.

<Hunter Lerris> ::breaks stride:: What do you mean, ‘it works’?

<Hunter Deneb> ::fires twice at his chest:: It will erase your presence from the Net. Your own Netmonsters won’t even recognize you. You’ll have to start from the beginning- that is, if you still have a working copy of the interface code.

<Hunter Lerris> ::deflects the first bullet off of his staff and twists out of the way of the second:: What do you mean ‘it works’? :: drops an overhead slash at her::

<Hunter Deneb> ::rolls out of the way and fires to force Lerris to back up:: You know me, Lerris. I couldn’t help but test it out.

<Hunter Lerris> You tested this on other Hunters? ::growls:: How many, Deneb?

<Hunter Deneb> ::rolls to one knee, achieving a firing stance:: Enough to be sure. ::punctuates her sentences with bullets:: No harm is realized in the physical world. System damage on a digital scale is irreversible. You and I both hold in our hands a secret weapon capable of destroying digital entities. Hunters, Bosses, Shade…. There’s no end of possibilities.

<Hunter Lerris> ::aims a rapid series of thrusts at her midsection:: Possibilities? I can’t tell you how guilty I feel about letting something so dangerous fall into your hands. ::ends the combo with a sweeping swing at her head::

<Hunter Deneb> ::attempts to regain her balance after dodging the attacks:: Not so, Lerris. By sharing that knowledge with me, you’ve assured that no matter which of us succeeds, the silver bullet makes its way to Shade. ::squeezes the trigger::

<Hunter Lerris> ::knocks the muzzle off course:: I’m not sure it belongs in the hands of someone so reckless. ::grips the staff in both hands and presses it to her throat::

<Hunter Deneb> ::drops her aim down to Lerris’ gut:: Reckless?

<Hunter Lerris> ::jumps up and kicks off of her chest to get away:: You’re willing to risk too much.

<Hunter Deneb> You risk more for less reward, Lerris. ::doubletaps as her muzzle tracks his path::

<Hunter Lerris> ::windmills away from the shots:: You can’t quantify principle.

<Hunter Deneb> ::advances, gun blazing:: You can’t eat it, spend it, or feel its warmth, either. You can’t keep dodging forever, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Infinite ammo sucks. But you’ve got a point. ::reverses his staff and hurls it like a javelin::

<Hunter Deneb> ::grunts and folds as it hits her in the stomach::

<Hunter Lerris> ::sprints to retrieve his staff, grabs it in a roll, and twists for a backhanded disarm::

<Hunter Deneb> No! ::loses her grip on the gun::

<Hunter Lerris> ::pants:: Do you yield? ::points the tip of his staff blade at her throat:: I’d like to get out of the cold.

<Hunter Deneb> ::puts her hands in the air:: Lerris… you know it’s not really cold here. It’s just a sympathetic sensory illusion.

<Hunter Lerris> Of course I knew that. But they don’t. ::gestures to the crowd:: I’d hate to spoil the mystery.

<Hunter Deneb> I’m not going to surrender Lerris. You’re going to have to strike me down.

<Hunter Lerris> Who’s refusing to face the music now? You’ll never be able to grab your firearm in time.

<Hunter Deneb> You don’t have the guts to finish me off, Lerris. I can get it back and mow you down before you get over your pointless hesitation. You’re bluffing.

<Hunter Lerris> You’re right. I won’t strike down a fellow Hunter. Not if there’s another choice. ::lowers his blade::

<Hunter Deneb> ::smirks:: You’re not bloodthirsty enough, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> ::delivers a coup de grace to her gun:: Defrag in peace.

<Hunter Deneb> … You’re not supposed to kill viruses using other viruses, Lerris. Or copies of themselves.

<Hunter Lerris> ::twists the shaft to sheath the blade:: There was another choice, Deneb.

<Hunter Deneb> So you expect that to end the fight, do you?

<Hunter Lerris> Unless you’re hiding another copy of that virus, I’m afraid you’re out of the fight. ::flexes his staff arm::

<Hunter Deneb> You’re insufferable when you’re right. I give up. ::raises her arm and taps out::

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs as he lowers his weapon:: That’s a relief.

<Hunter Deneb> … Why? Why couldn’t I hit you with one shot? That’s all it would have taken. Why do you keep fighting for a world that can’t give anything back to you? Just what are you?

<Hunter Lerris> … You won’t appreciate the answer unless you figure it out yourself.

<Hunter Deneb> You’re still an idiot.

<Hunter Lerris> I wouldn’t have it any other way. ::gives Deneb a hand up::

<Announcer Light Fish> And with that, it’s over! The Frozen Cup goes to Lerris! It will be presented in the closing ceremonies tonight. Let’s get a large round of applause for the runners up! They fought good and hard to get where they are today! That’s right, give it up for Deneb and her camp of fine Netmonsters! Here’s to them, and we wish them a warm return for the second Cyberian Open!

<Hunter Deneb> ::sighs:: Why is it fools never learn?

**************************************************

Week 23, Scene 7: Tournament of Fools

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Tournament Grounds, Medical Bay 1; Evening.



<Doc Boo> I thought I told you I don’t do Hunters.

<Hunter Lerris> I just wanted you to take a look, that’s all.

<Doc Boo> That little stunt you and Deneb called outside has left me with a flood of patients and I have never lost 2 Netmonsters in the same day, and I don’t intend to start. I’ve got plenty of work to do. Now get out of my Bay!

<Hunter Lerris> ::slinks away:: Well, she may have nicked me, but I if I haven’t died yet, I suppose I should be just fine.

<Hunter Deneb> Lerris! Wait up! ::runs over::

<Hunter Lerris> What is it? Another rematch? Perhaps a round of Old Maid to the death? Wait. Don’t answer that. First I need to thank you. What you told me about my staff blade was valuable. Without that information, I might have made a mistake I would regret.

<Hunter Deneb> I shouldn’t have sold it so cheaply, but I was counting on it unnerving you enough to destroy your confidence. It didn’t, though.

<Hunter Lerris> I wasn’t planning on losing, so the result didn’t phase me.

<Hunter Deneb> … I didn’t teach you to be this cocky.

<Hunter Lerris> I’m afraid I learned that lesson on my own.

<Hunter Deneb> Be careful. Otherwise that will lead to another lesson that you’d rather not learn. ::sighs:: Still, a victory is a victory. I’ll need an email address if I’m supposed to send you those URLs.

<Hunter Lerris> I’ll transmit it now. ::hands her a slip of paper::

<Hunter Deneb> … an academic address. You’re still in school, then?

<Hunter Lerris> Tell you what. We’ll take about it when this is all over.

<Hunter Deneb> Another piece of free advice: Get out of Cyberia. If they got the General, then your bounced email can be traced. Whomever or whatever got him will be here soon enough.

<Hunter Lerris> ::nods:: I’ll see to it. You should probably get out of Dodge as well. I’d hate to call them down on you as well. However, until then, you may feel free to avail yourself of our facilities. Get some R&R. I bet you could use it.

<Hunter Deneb> Digital R&R is only effective for some of us, Lerris. I prefer a carton of ice cream in the real world.

<Hunter Lerris> Oh. Don’t let me stop you, then. But thank you for your help. Thank you for everything. I don’t think I could have gotten this far without the advice you gave me. The encouragement. It meant a lot.

<Hunter Deneb> I… was happy to give it, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Take care, Deneb. I suppose from here on in, we’ll be in contact.

<Hunter Deneb> Remember, they may be skimming emails. Don’t mention Hunters, Netmonsters, or anything else that could be used to identify us.

<Hunter Lerris> Right. Honor and victory.

<Hunter Deneb> If you say so. ::logs out::

<Wyran> Hail the conquering Hero.

<Hunter Lerris> Wyran! I’m glad to see your repairs went alright. How are you doing?

<Wyran> I’ve felt better.

<Hunter Lerris> Deneb’s people sure know how to hand out a beat down.

<Wyran> And yet the apprentice has surpassed the student. Must feel good.

<Hunter Lerris> I wish it hadn’t been such a close thing.

<Wyran> Victory doesn’t care about the margin. A win is a win.

<Hunter Lerris> I still don’t know if I did the right thing. I mean, it seemed an easy enough way to settle the argument, but I wonder if the price wasn’t too high.

<Wyran> You mean Joc?

<Hunter Lerris> ::shakes his head:: That couldn’t have been helped one way or another. Bad luck happens. I just don’t know if it was worth all of the suffering and pain. A lot of people went to the Medical Bay today.

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> Yo! Lerris! Award ceremony’s about to start!

<Hunter Lerris> Have WYMB accept the Cup on my behalf.

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> Deneb won’t like it.

<Hunter Lerris> That’s loser’s prerogative.

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> She’s not gonna like hearing that, either.

<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs:: Just tell her that I’m seeing to the wounded, alright?

<Trainer Phantom Ghost> Okay. You’re the boss.

<Hunter Lerris> Sorry about that, Wyran.

<Wyran> It’s nothing.

<Hunter Lerris> Still, I wonder. Does this really prove anything? Can I really say this is a rite of passage? Did we accomplish anything that really matters or counts?

<Wyran> That doesn’t sound like the talk of a winner.

<Hunter Lerris> I know it. I’m not going to say something trite about war having no winners or unavoidable conflicts. But still, something feels empty.

<Wyran> You’re one to speak.

<Hunter Lerris> What?

<Wyran> Nothing. I didn’t say anything, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Part of me wonders if I was really defending something that needed defending. If it was really right, it wouldn’t matter whether we won or not. What did our struggle mean, really?

<Wyran> Independence, perhaps?

<Hunter Lerris> I just don’t want to think you lost for nothing, that’s all.

<Wyran> Lost?

<Hunter Lerris> I hate seeing you all suffer. It’s hardest with those closest to me.

<Wyran> I didn’t lose, Lerris.

<Hunter Lerris> Of course not. After all, we won, didn’t we? It was a team effort.

<Wyran> You weren’t listening, Lerris. I. Didn’t. Lose.

<Hunter Lerris> Are you feeling alright? Maybe we need to run another diagnostic check…

<Wyran> Lerris, why can’t you ever watch me win?

<Hunter Lerris> What?

<Wyran> I singlehandedly destroyed 9 Netmonsters without receiving so much as a scratch! I did it! I won! ::screams:: I won, Lerris! I’m not a loser!

<Hunter Lerris> I didn’t say you weren’t. It’s just that…

<Wyran> I’m strong, Lerris! I’m stronger than you’ll ever realize! I didn’t give up everything I did for nothing!

<Hunter Lerris> I didn’t say that. It’s just…

<Wyran> I came back to you! I came back by my own strength, just to show you how strong I had become! I’m strong, Lerris! Stronger than you! Stronger than them! Stronger than her! Or her! Or anything else!

<Hunter Lerris> Wyran, where is this all coming from?

<Wyran> I’m your Champion! I was here first! Not that pretender! I will kill Shade! I will destroy the Bosses! I will topple the Guardians and Oracles! Me! I have the strength! I’m finally strong enough, Lerris! I’m strong enough to save us all!

<Hunter Lerris> You’re starting to worry me, Wyran.

<Wyran> Silence, fool! Didn’t Deneb say it herself? THIS is the only strength that matters! Pure strength, plain and simple! Strength! The strength that becomes truth, the strength that transcends the bonds of the beliefs of others. I am that strength!

<Hunter Lerris> Wyran, you’re not well. I’m gonna call Doc Boo and maybe a team from Covert Ops to give your systems a scrub. I want you to know that we all love you and—

<Wyran> No one tells me what to do! Not again! Not anymore! I am strong! Strong beyond the ability of anyone to force me to do anything again!

<Hunter Lerris> Wyran, that’s not what’s happening here. You need to…

<Wyran> I don’t need to do anything! ::starts a high pitched whine as her optical sensor blinks rapidly:: I am STRONG!

<Hunter Lerris> I don’t understand. What’s all this about? Just calm down and I…

Wyran attacked Lerris with Assassination!

*************************************************

NMRC Camp, Cyberia, Silent Snowdrifts, Kitchen Tent; Night.



<What Yet May Be> … It’s made of ice. Seriously, what am I supposed to do with this? Can’t keep it in the trophy case. ::twirls the Frozen Cup:: Maybe the refrigerator.

<Pidedis> … it keeps drinks cold?

<What Yet May Be> Up until you try and drink from it and it freezes to your lips.

<Dir> Not that cold drinks have been a problem since we came here.

<Pidedis> What’s eating you, WYMB? You scored the finishing blow on Deneb’s ego. What’s not to be pleased about?

<What Yet May Be> He’s taking too long. Something has gone wrong.

<Pidedis> Maybe he’s trying to soothe Deneb’s ruffled feathers. She doesn’t strike me as one who handles losing well. Maybe he’s bringing her around to our side. Lerris can be very persuasive. We could use the back up.

<What Yet May Be> That may be, but… something just doesn’t feel right. He’s been tending to the wounded for a long time.

<Dir> There were an awful lot of wounded.

<What Yet May Be> Be that as it may, it’s still bothering me. He should have told us when he’d be done.

<Covert Ops Common Mage> How can you be so nervous on the eve of so great a victory? A tournament in the bag, a secret assault repulsed – I’d call that victory, all around.

<Sikaf> Besides, you know looking for him won’t do any good. He’ll pop up whenever he feels like it, with no rhyme, reason, or explanation.

<Berokuko> True enough! ::raises a glass:: Here’s to Lerris, folks!

<Assembled Netmonsters> Here, here! ::raise glasses::

<What Yet May Be> ::glazes over for a moment::

<Pidedis> … What’s up? You okay?

<What Yet May Be> ::begins writing across the frozen cup::

<Frozen Cup>

TO: WYMB@CHAMP.NMRC.ORG

FROM: h3185a)Jq0@*U/y_|~.com

Like to say great job, team.

Extremely sorry I can’t be with you.

Rose of White has bared its thorns, deadly by any name.



Red blood shed, but she missed my heart.

I’ll lead her to the Path of Fire.

See you there, bring Key.

<Berokuko> … Can’t say it’s much of a haiku.

<Dir> Does this happen… often to you?

<Pidedis> Who’s it from? That’s not a real address.

<Sikaf> Rose of White? Sounds like a riddle of some sort to me.

<Covert Ops Light Slime> A white rose? Growing out in the middle of Cyberia? I’ll bet this is an Alice in Wonderland reference.

<What Yet May Be> … a white rose? ::eyes go wide:: Pack up the camp! Lerris is in trouble!

<Pidedis> What? Is this some kinda secret code? How do you know he’s in trouble?

<What Yet May Be> (shaken) A dream.

<Dir> What kind of trouble is he in?

<Berokuko> I’ll go search his tent. ::swims off at top speed::

<Fire Bug> … Place your bets! Place em right here! What kind of trouble has Lerris gotten into this time?

<Pidedis> ::gives him a death glare::

<Fire Bug> ::looks guilty:: Erm…. Place them right outside! Yup! This way folks! ::scurries for his life::

<Pidedis> I don’t get it. He’s… gone? Why didn’t he come back, if he’s in trouble?

<What Yet May Be> He’s wounded, Pidedis. And he’s running.

<Pidedis> What?

<What Yet May Be> Red blood. Netmonster blood just disappears, Pidedis.

<Pidedis> …

<Sikaf> But he can’t die, right? Hunters don’t die!

<What Yet May Be> He’s afraid of something, Sikaf. And we need to find him.

<Dir> If you’re sure this is from Lerris, then he told us where to go.

<Sikaf> … Path of Fire? What does that mean?

<What Yet May Be> … It means he’s going to end this soon. Where it all began.

<Ops Light Slime> … Perhaps you could be a little less cryptic?

<Sikaf> At least the Key should be straight forward, right?

<What Yet May Be> …. He wants me to get the ENCRYPTION KEY on my way there? Is he OUT of his MIND?

<Pidedis> .. Yes?

<Dir> Yes.

<Berokuko> Yes. Tent’s empty and the staff blade is gone.

<What Yet May Be> ::sighs:: Alright, folks, it sounds like we’ve got a mission. Any questions? .. dismissed!

*************************************************

Cyberia, Hidden Mech Enclave; Night.



<Sealbreaker> A second intruder so soon? Foolish.

<Female Hunter> I’m here for your decryption key. Fork it over. I don’t have time to mess around with you.

<Sealbreaker> I don’t think you understand who I am, Hunter. Nor the position you are in.

<Female Hunter> Berokuko, waste this mass of badly written binary.

<Sealbreaker> I’ll fight your slave. But who will save you, Hunter?

<Hidden Snow Mechs> ::pop out of the ice pack::

<Sealbreaker> That’s right. By the time this battle is over, another Hunter will be scoured from the Net. When will you learn? No Hunter can defeat me!

<”Hunter” Pidedis> But I am no Hunter!

<Sealbreaker> …. Traitor. I’ll teach you the meaning of fear.

<Pidedis> I’ll take on everything in this wretched wasteland if I have to!

<Berokuko> I’ve got your back, Pidedis. NMRC Bonzai!

<Pidedis> And I’ve got yours. Let’s get the Hel out of Cyberia. I’ve got a Hunter to catch.

**************************************************



What was Lerris’ promise to Pidedis?

What happened to Lerris?

What will happen to the NML crew without him?



The answers to these and other intriguing questions in the next edition of NML!



NML will return in Week 24 with a new story arc: The Hunted.