Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be continuing from the last one as Naruko and Sakura begin helping Matsuri improve in the Dromes and better strategize. Along with going out on another Scan Quest to help her get into the mind of Mipedians, while Sakura stays behind as we see her battling in the Dromes against a surprising new character. So, without further ado.
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Sakura could only sigh when she saw Naruko dragging Matsuri along with her into the Port Court, but also can't say she's surprised. Having been watching their match, the pinkette could see that Matsuri was losing her focus with each battle and loss, before seemingly giving up in the last round. And knowing her friend, Sakura knew Naruko would offer to help her.
"I'd like to apologize for her, she's a handful." Sakura said, with Naruko smirking teasingly at her.
"You certainly didn't mind getting a hand full of m-" Said Naruko, only to yelp when Sakura forced her into a seat.
"I-it's…fine. It just…surprised me is all." Matsuri said while taking a seat, still reeling from Naruko's sudden offer of friendship and training, then being dragged off.
"Well, you'll definitely be in for a lot of surprises with Naruko. It'll get easier, sometimes." Said Sakura, having learned from experienced, that even after being friends for years Naruko still found ways to surprise her.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Naruko said, the pinkette merely looked at her with a raised brow before looking back at Matsuri.
"Anyway, I'm Sakura Haruno, my screenname's SpringBlossom. It's nice meeting you." Introduced Sakura as she smiled at the brunette, which she hesitantly returned.
"It's nice meeting you too, Sakura. I'm Matsuri, my screenname's DesertDiva." Matsuri replied as she they shook hands.
"So, I can assume that Naruko offered to help you in the Dromes." Sakura stated, with the brunette nodding in response.
"Yeah, she did. Though I'm still not sure how, since Mipedians and UnderWorlders have different abilities and skillsets, so I don't know how she can help. No offense." Matsuri said, quickly adding the last part not wanting to offend Naruko.
"Don't worry about it. And as for how I can help, first let's look at your deck to see what else you have. Come on." Naruto said while standing up and heading over to a Docking Table, with Sakura and Matsuri following after her.
Putting her Scanner into the table, Matsuri began shuffling through her deck showing her Creatures, Mugic, BattleGear and Locations. With Naruko and Sakura seeing that in addition to Marquis Darini, Vinta and Ubliqun, she had Qwun, Zhade, Malvadine, Uro, Na-inna, Siado and Ebbikka.
Her BattleGear was a Wind Whip, Mipedian Cactus, Phoenix Belt, Pyroblaster, Liquilizer, Torwegg and Mugician's Lyre. The Mugic she had were Song of Recovery, Melody of Mirage, Song of Shelter, Song of Transportation, Decrescendo, Diminuendo, Ember Flourish and Howls of the Wind.
And the Locations she had were Mipedim Oasis, Steam Pillar, Royal Mipedian Academy of Melee Arts, Darkened Dunes, Broken Edge, Rao'Pa Sahkk, Mipedim Valley, The Storm Tunnel, Hunter's Perimeter, Jagged Pillar, Crystal Cave, Gigantempopolis and Annex of the Arcane.
"You've got some really good cards, Matsuri, and I'm getting some ideas for how you can really improve in the Dromes." Naruko said, letting out an impressed whistle at what Matsuri had.
"Yeah. One thing is that you have Ebbikka, if you put some OverWorlders in your deck then you won't have to worry about their BattleGear being destroyed. And if you give her an Aspect Amplifier: Agility, you'll be able to do some additional damage. There's also an OverWorld Mugic called Vidav's Voicing, which grants energy to Creatures besides OverWorlders." Said Sakura, seeing how those would be some good additions to her deck.
"Another really important thing is the differences from the physical and digital card games. Since here in Chaotic, all Mipedians can turn invisible, along with Spectral Viewers being able to be equipped to Creatures in addition to their regular BattleGear. They're also all lizards, so I bet they can also crawl along any surface like them too. Here, this would be a good Location to use." Naruko said, putting her Scanner in the other side of the table.
Going to her Locations, Naruko found a Mount Pillar card and sent it to Matsuri's Scanner, much to her surprise.
"Mount Pillar? That's a Danian Location, though." Said Matsuri, wondering how that'd help her.
"Yeah, it's also got plenty of tunnels, twists and turns everywhere you go. If you do some training in the BetaDromes, you can map out everything inside to know the perfect spots to ambush your opponent." Sakura said, with the whiskered blonde nodding in agreement.
"Right! Steam Pillar and Jagged Pillar would also be great spots to train in, since you were able to get the drop on me as Ubliqun. You probably would've won the battle if I had been a Creature, besides Drakness. If you familiarize yourself better with the Pillar Locations you have, then you can move in to attack enemies then disappear before they can react." Naruko explained, with Matsuri being amazed as she looked at her scans in renewed intrigue.
"Uh…Gigantempopolis would work, that Location is massive and filled with all kinds of traps. I could see where the traps are then lead opponents there to trigger them." Said Matsuri, having battled there once and learned about the traps the hard way.
"Exactly. Battling in the Dromes isn't just about having stronger Creatures, it's also about Locations, BattleGear and Mugic. Crystal Cave is another good example, plenty of Mipedians have good speed stats, with the right BattleGear you can make sure your opponent's first attack does no damage." Said Sakura as she smiled at the brunette, seeing she's catching on quick.
"Even better, with those crystals on the ceiling, if you get an opponent into the right position you can have crystal shards rains down on them. That way if they aren't instantly coded, they'll definitely be weakened enough that it'd be easy to finish them off." Naruko added, knowing in the Dromes, there's a lot more than one way to code your opponent than just directly attacking them.
"Yeah, that would work. But there'd still be the problem of Spectral Viewers, even if I turn invisible it'd be useless if my opponent has one." Matsuri said, having lost several times because her opponents had Spectral Viewers when she tried sneaking up on them.
"Not necessarily. Even if an opponent has a Spectral Viewer, you can still find ways to trick them." Said Naruko, with the Mipedian player looking at her curiously.
"How?" Questioned Matsuri, now much more invested in how the Uzumaki can help her.
"Mipedians are really great at Air Attacks, battling in the Dromes lets us actually perform attacks. So, let's say you're battling in Mount Pillar, you turn in invisible but your opponent has a Spectral Viewer. But you fire an attack down a tunnel, they hear it and go find you, since while they didn't see you they did hear you, or at least they think they did. That leaves them open for you to sneak up and hit 'em from behind." Naruko said as Matsuri nodded at this since it sounded like a good strategy to distract opponents or lead them into traps.
"You also can't go wrong with Mugic. Surprising Riffs and Melody of Mirrored Actions are great choices to get rid of BattleGear. You can also disarm and destroy an opponent's BattleGear, as well as there being attacks you can use to destroy it, like Rot Cloud." Added Sakura, knowing Mugic and certain attacks can permanently deal with annoying BattleGear.
"Yeah. There's also a Mipedian Mugic called Disarming Theme, that makes it so BattleGear doesn't work." Matsuri said before letting out a sigh in frustration.
"But I haven't had any luck getting a scan of it or getting a card back on Earth." Matsuri said, knowing it'd be a useful Mugic to add to her deck.
"Well there's no time like the present! Let's go to Perim and start scanning!" Naruko declared, eager to head out on another Scan Quest.
"Wh-what?! Right now?!" Said Matsuri in surprise.
"Yeah! I've got a Mipedim Valley card too, so we can head there now. What about you, Sakura?" Naruko said, looking at the pinkette only for Sakura to shake her head.
"I'm actually going to stay here, but you two go have fun and get some good scans. Though after you get back, we could do some training in the BetaDrome." Sakura said, with Naruko and Matsuri nodding in response.
"Y-yeah, that sounds…really great. Thanks." Matsuri said while smiling at the pinkette, thankful for the offer of training.
"No problem, see you later when you get back." Sakura said, returning the smile, not minding getting the chance to help another player.
"Alright, then let's head out for the Mipedim Valley! See you, Sakura." Naruko said, waving to the Haruno as she and Matsuri headed for the Transport Center.
Waving at them as they left, Sakura sat down at the Docking Table to check her own deck to see what to use in the BetaDrome when Naruko and Matsuri return.
'Hm, I don't want to go all out against Matsuri. We're supposed to be helping build up her confidence, not knocking it down. But I also don't want to take it easy on her either, that'd be even more insulting if I just let her win in training. Maybe…Kinnianne with Fanfare of the Vanishing, since we're helping her get better battling as a Mipedian, then the Mipedian Ambassador would be a good opponent for her to face.' Sakura thought, checking to see what she could use against Matsuri to give her a good challenge.
Only to be cutoff when her Scanner began beeping, getting her attention as Sakura it took out from the table to see a notification from the DromeMaster.
"SpringBlossom, you have a DromeMatch in the Tirasis Drome against WildNeko22 in one hour." Said the DromeMaster as the notification ended, with the pinkette's eyes widening slightly.
'Oh fuck.' Sakura thought, recognizing the screenname and that they were a really strong player.
Though she didn't know much about WildNeko, only that she was an OverWorld Player and most known for using Intress in all her matches, along with being just as fierce as the real Intress.
'Well…I guess having a match will be a good way to get ready for when they get back.' Sakura thought while putting her Scanner back into the table to begin preparing her team, knowing this'll be a tough match.
*With Naruko*
Meanwhile, Naruko had just ported to the Mipedim Valley looking around in amazement at the Location.
Seeing it had numerous rock formations rising up from the ground, with trees and other plants sprouting out from them. While down on the ground the whiskered blonde saw rivers and plenty more trees, bushes, grass, making it all look like a massive oasis.
"Okay, this place looks really cool. Matsuri, any idea where we could fi-" Naruko said, turning towards the brunette to see if she knew where they could find any Mipedians here.
Only to stop and frown when she saw Matsuri nowhere in sight, making Naruko trying seeing if she was close by, but still didn't see any sign of her or any movement.
"Matsuri?! Matsuri?! Matsuri?!" Naruko called out as loud as she could to see if the Mipedian player would be respond, before sighing after a few moments of not hearing anything.
"So…just because players have the same scan of a Location, doesn't mean they'll port right next to each other when going to said Location. Duly noted." Muttered Naruko, seeing that even with the same Location, she and Matsuri ended up in different areas.
'Let's see if we can find out where we ended up.' Naruko thought, calling Matsuri's Scanner.
*With Matsuri*
"Naruko, are you here?!" Said Matsuri, looking around for any sign of the Uzumaki, but didn't see her anywhere.
'Did she accidently port to another Location? Or did our scans not take us to the same spot?' Matsuri wondered, leaning towards the latter since she doubted Naruko would go to a different Location on accident.
Before her Scanner began beeping, getting the brunette's attention as she answered the call, relieved when she saw it was Naruko.
"Hey! So it looks like we ended up separated. But at least we're both here." Naruko said while looking around, with Matsuri nodding as she did the same.
"Yeah, but I don't see you anywhere. Do you see me?" Matsuri asked, while waving her arm in the air in case she was visible to the whiskered blonde.
"No, I don't see anything where I am. Is there anything that stands out, where you are? Something unique that we could try meeting at?" Questioned Naruko, making the Mipedian Player look around to try and spot any unique landmarks.
"Uhhh…not really…but here, this should help if we can see each other's surroundings." Matsuri replied before turning her Scanner away to let Naruko see everything around her.
"Hmm…yeah, that should at least give us an idea. Here's where I am right now." Naruko said, doing the same for Matsuri, with her memorizing everything she saw through the UnderWorld Players Scanner.
"Okay. We should probably just start moving and try finding each other." Suggested Matsuri, knowing they won't get anything done standing around.
"It's better than nothing. We can also keep shouting for each other until one of us hears something, that way we'll at least know we're getting close." Added Naruko, the brunette nodded in agreement.
"Right, see you soon. Hopefully." Matsuri said before ending the call, sighing as she looked around and began walking to find Naruko.
*With Naruko*
"Yeah, hopefully." Stated Naruko, putting her Scanner in her pocket, looking around again before choosing a direction and began walking to, hopefully, find Matsuri.
As she walked, Naruko kept looking around with her Scanner, zooming in on different areas for any sign of movement, whether from Matsuri or any Mipedians that could be here. The Uzumaki also kept her eye out for any noteworthy sites. Knowing if she can find something unique, it'd give her and Maturi a place to meet up at.
But after a few moments of walking and looking, Naruko yelped when she felt the ground start cracking underneath her. Luckily she was able to quickly move back, just in time as the ledge she was on broke and fell to the ground. Peeking over the ledge, Naruko gulped as she saw the rocks hitting the ground, breaking into even more pieces as they did so.
'Why does it feel like every Location I go to is trying to kill me?' Naruko thought, given her trips to Iron Pillar, Castle Pillar and now the Mipedim Valley.
Continuing on her way, while making sure to be more aware of where she's walking, Naruko called out a few times for Matsuri to see if they were getting close to each other. Only to get no response, each time.
Though as she walked, Naruko soon arrived at a cliff, with her not finding any other path until she looked down finding a lower pathway. The UnderWorld Player also saw there was a stone bridge extending out and connecting to one of the rock formations across the valley.
'Great.' Thought Naruko, sighing as she pocketed her Scanner and began climbing down the cliff.
Being careful of where she stepped and the handholds she grabbed, not wanting to risk anything breaking off as she's climbing down. Only to quickly freeze when she felt her foot slip, tightening her grip on the parts she's holding. Naruko glanced down seeing part of the cliff broke off, making her let out a shuddered breath before carefully regaining her footing.
'Just stay calm and relax, nothing you haven't dealt with before. Just relax and focus on climbing.' Naruko thought, taking a few calming breaths before resuming the climb down.
Thankfully, Naruko soon reached the pathway and eagerly got off the cliff, relieved to be back on solid ground. Before she began making her way across the stone bridge.
"…ko!"
Only to quickly pause and look around at the sudden noise, trying to see what direction it came from.
"Matsuri!" Naruko shouted, hoping that was the brunette she heard.
"Na…ko!"
"Matsuri! I can hear you! If you can hear me, just keep shouting!" Said Naruko, unsure if Matsuri could hear her or not.
"Naruko!"
Grinning at now hearing Matsuri clearly and having a good idea that she's heading in her general direction, Naruko began walking faster towards her. Still being careful of where she stepped and avoiding getting too close to a ledge.
"Naruko! Help!"
Naruko's eyes then widened at hearing Matsuri calling out for help, before taking off running in case she's in danger or something happened.
"Matsuri, where are you?!" Naruko called out, looking around rapidly for where the Mipedian Player could be.
"Here! I'm here! Help!" Cried Matsuri, her voice getting clearer and louder to Naruko's relief, knowing it meant she's getting closer.
"I'm almost there! Just hang on until I do!" Said Naruko, trying to see where she Matsuri was.
"I'm trying, but I don't know how much longer I can-AH!" Matsuri screamed, making the Uzumaki worry even more about what's happening.
Running even faster, Naruko pulled out her Scanner to try and see anything out of the ordinary or find a clue of where Matsuri was. Soon arriving at another stone bridge stretching out to another formation, with Naruko's eyes widening when she saw something hanging from a ledge. Zooming in with her Scanner, her worry grew when she saw it was Matsuri!
"Matsuri! I can see you and I'm coming, just hang on a little longer!" Naruko said, running across the bridge to reach the brunette.
"I-I'm trying! Please, hurry!" Matsuri said, struggling to keep her grip on the crumbling ledge.
Going as fast as she could, Naruko made it across the bridge, prepared to climb up and pull Matsuri up from the ledge. Only to panic when Matsuri cried out as the ledge broke off causing her to fall, leading the whiskered blonde to rush forward to try and catch her.
With Naruko lunging at Matsuri just as she was about to fall out of reach, grunting as she managed to grab hold of her wrist, grabbing her hand as well to keep a hold of the brunette.
"Don't…worry! I've…got you!" Naruko said, making sure she had a good grip to pull her back up, while Matsuri panted heavily in panic at nearly falling to her death.
"Kami…thank you! Thank you, but…could you please pull me back up now?" Matsuri said desperately, not wanting to keep hanging over a ledge any longer than she needs to.
"Yeah…yeah just…give me a moment and I-" Said Naruko, holding her hand tightly and began carefully pulling her back up, only for the girls to tense when they heard a cracking sound.
"Naruko…please don't tell me…" Said Matsuri hoping she's just hearing things.
Naruko glanced at the ledge they were on, seeing their fears were confirmed as it was starting to crack and crumble underneath them.
"Shit!" Naruko muttered before she and Matsuri screamed as the ledge gave way under the combined weight, sending them plummeting to the ground.
Thankfully, rather than hit the solid ground, both girls soon splashed down into a river before being carried away by the current.
*With Sakura*
After preparing the team she'll use in her DromeMatch, Sakura headed to the Tirasis Drome heading inside once she arrived. Finding her opponent was already inside waiting for her, giving the pinkette her first look at WildNeko22.
She's an older girl with fair skin, long, straight, blonde, hair held in a long ponytail, dark black eyes and had on red lipstick. With her wearing a black tank top, a baggy, short-sleeved purple shirt over it with the sleeves hanging off her shoulders, black pants with blue trimming and black mary janes with blue soles.
'Kind of glad Naruko isn't here, now.' Sakura thought dryly, knowing her friend would either want to battle WildNeko herself or try flirting with her, probably both.
"This is battle is a player challenge match. WildNeko22 has challenged SpringBlossom, dock your Scanners and assembled your battle teams." Said the DromeMaster once they were in position, with the pedestals rising up allowing the girls to place their Scanners.
"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Yugito Nii, otherwise known as WildNeko22." Yugito introduced with a smirk, making Sakura smile and nod.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sakura Haruno, screenname SpringBlossom." Replied Sakura as they began assembling their teams.
"I know, you've got a good battle record online and in Chaotic. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do myself." Said Yugito, having seen the pinkette has some good stats.
"Thanks, and I know you're a really good player. So I hope you don't mind that I'm not taking it easy." Sakura said with a smirk, which the OverWorld Player returned.
"I'd be insulted if you did." Stated Yugito as they made their teams.
'If she's checked my battle record then she'll be familiar with the kind of Creatures I use, no helping that. But it doesn't mean she'll be prepared for everything. So, up front I'll have Odu-Bathax, Kinnianne and Rothar, some of my strongest Creatures. In the middle I'll have Laarina and Drabe, they'll be good to cast Mugic and Drabe's ability will let me heal one of my Creatures. And in the back Karraba for additional Mugic support and healing.' Sakura thought, pleased at the Creatures she picked.
'And BattleGear, I'm sure the Stingblade will be a nice surprise on Odu-Bathax, Kinnianne with the Gauntlets of Might for some added power and Rothar will have the Burithean Axe. Giving Laarina a Drilldozer will definitely be a surprise, while the Diamond of Vlaric will let Drabe use Earth Attacks. Finally, Karraba with a Mugician's Lyre for an extra Mugician.' Thought Sakura while placing the BattleGear on her Creatures.
'Next Mugic. Hymn of the Elements to give one of my Creatures another element, Fanfare of the Vanishing and Melody of Mirage will really help Kinnianne, Song of Resurgence and Geo Flourish for support and Swarm Song so Odu-Bathax can deal some additional damage.' Sakura thought, choosing Mugic that'll ensure her Creatures last as long as they can.
'Finally the Locations. The OverWorld Embassy at Mipedim Oasis will give Kinnianne the homefield advantage, Oipont's Lookout is definitely one to use, Rao'Pa Sahkk, The Darkened Dunes, Gloomuck Swamp, Rock River Canyon, Forest of Life, Castle Pillar, Grassy Plains and UnderWorld City. All great Locations that'll give my team an added edge.' Thought Sakura, pleased at her completed battle team.
"Players, lock your decks." The DromeMaster said once they finished, with Sakura and Yugito touching their Scanners revealing their sides of the battle board.
The pinkette seeing Yugito had Tangath Toborn, Intress and Ebkeex in the front, Attacat and Raznus in the middle and Vidav in the back.
"Interesting team you've got." Yugito stated, looking over Sakura's team.
"Says the one with nearly a full team of cats." Sakura said with a raised brow, only for Yugito to shrug.
"What can I say, I like letting my claws out during battles." Said Yugito, smirking eagerly.
"WildNeko22, you have been undefeated in the Tirasis Drome, you shall have the first attack. Activate the Location Randomizer." Said the DromeMaster, making the blondes smirk grow.
"Sweet." Said Yugito as she spun the dial, pleased at getting to attack first, already knowing what her first move will be.
"The first Location…Pouril Forest. Choosing your attacking and target Creature." The DromeMaster said as the randomizer stopped on Pouril Forest.
"I'll be attacking with Attacat. Using his Swift ability and the Skeletal Steed I gave him; I'll be jumping over both our frontlines." Yugito said, revealing the Skeletal Steed on Attacat, making Sakura grimace.
'Crap.' Sakura thought, knowing she needed to win this battle or be put at a serious disadvantage right from the start.
"So, Attacat attacks Drabe!" Yugito said, selecting Attacat while Sakura selected Drabe, before they both began transforming until both OverWorlders stood across from each other.
"Let's get chaotic!"
*Pouril Forest*
Drabe looked around the forest with narrowed eyes as he crouched down on a branch, wanting to remain out of sight.
'Attacat's already a fast Creature, the Skeletal Steed will only make it harder to hit him. It's really good I have this.' Drabe thought, summoning his Diamond of Vlaric.
'I'm gonna need the boost if I want to win.' Thought Drabe as he placed it around his neck, feeling its power flow into him, granting Drabe the Earth Element.
Jumping down from the tree, the OverWorld Muge began moving through the forest keeping his eyes and ears open for any sight or sound of where Attacat could be. Only to tense when he heard the rapid sound of hooves stomping on the ground.
"Powercut!" Attacat said as he came speeding through the trees on his Skeletal Steed, before jumping up and swiping his claws at Drabe while releasing a crescent shape blast at him.
"Rock Wave!" Said Drabe, slamming his fist into the ground creating a wave of rocks that crashed into the blast, with both attacks cancelling each other out as rocks went flying everywhere.
"Mineral Mayhem!" Drabe said, ripping dozens of rocks from the ground and launched them at Attacat, only for the OverWorld Guardian to land on his Skeletal Steed rushing out of the way.
"Nice attack, but I prefer Pebblestorm!" Attacat said, unleashing a barrage of pebbles from his hand at Drabe, getting a grunt from the OverWorld Muge as he tried shielding himself from the barrage.
Only for Attacat to begin racing around him, blasting Drabe from every angle. Leaving him unable to block as he bombarded by an endless stream of pebbles.
"M-Mind S-Strike!" Said Drabe, waiting for a moment before hitting Attacat with a blue energy wave, managing to hit the panther-like OverWorlder.
Grunting from the hit, Attacat felt his mind growing fuzzy before crying out as he lost control of his Skeletal Steed until he was thrown off it, skidding across the ground.
"Okay, now…take this! Ash Torrent!" Drabe said, firing a wave of smoky, burning ash at Attacat.
"Th-Thunder Shout!" Roared Attacat, unleashing a burst of sound blasting right through the ash, impacting Drabe, with the Caretaker crying out and covering his ears from the intense soundwave.
"If you didn't like that, you'll really hate my Power Pulse!" Attacat said, throwing multiple punches releasing green energy fists that slammed into Drabe, sending him crashing into a tree.
Groaning in pain as he hit the tree before falling to the ground, Drabe tried getting back up only to grunt in pain when Attacat whistled, causing his Skeletal Steed to ram into the OverWorld Muge.
"You've gotta love BattleGear that can attack with you." Attacat stated with a smirk as he jumped back onto his steed, while Drabe struggled to get back up.
"M-maybe…I prefer…Mugic…Geo Flourish!" Said Drabe activating his Mugic, making Attacat's eyes widen as the Mugic played restoring some of Drabe's energy.
"Even better with Drabe's ability!" Drabe said sacrificing his second Mugic restoring even more of his energy.
"Neuro Freeze!" Attacat said, firing a blast of ice to freeze Drabe before he can retaliate.
"Grounding Grapple!" Said Drabe as he shot a blue energy blast at a large rock, lifting it up into the air in front of him, blocking Attacat's attack as the rock was soon encased in ice.
Not stopping there, Drabe then thrust his hand forward, launching the rock at Attacat. Forcing the OverWorld Warrior to move out of the way, before he then rushed right at Drabe.
"Try blocking this one! Ektospasm!" Attacat said, forming a blue, pulsating ball of power he launched at Drabe.
"Why block when you can dodge! Spirit Gust!" Said Drabe, jumping to the side avoiding the ball, before sending out a blast of wailing spirits.
"You aren't the only one who can dodge! But I'm the only one who can use, Velocitrap!" Said Attacat, leaping off his Skeletal Steed and high into the air, dodging the Spirit Gust.
With Attacat then kicking his leg at Drabe, firing a wave of lightning at his fellow OverWorlder, making Drabe cry out as the lightning hit him before he was surrounded in an electrical vortex.
"R-Rock Wave!" Drabe said, managing to raise his arms before slamming them into the ground, raising an omni-directional wave of rocks around dispersing the electricity, with Attacat jumping out of the way to avoid being crushed.
"Sh-Shadow Strike!" Said Drabe, gathering his energy as the surrounding shadows rose up before he launched them at Attacat, getting a grunt from the OverWorld Guardian as he was knocked back to the ground.
"Ugh…not bad…but let's see if you can survive this! Freeze Flash!" Said Attacat. breathing out a blast of freezing air and ice at Drabe.
"You should be more worried of surviving this! Rustoxic!" Drabe said, spitting out a wave of rust that collided against the Freeze Flash as it began covering it in rust.
With Attacat's eyes widening at seeing his attack rusting over, forcing him to quickly get out of the way. Only to cry out when he felt his legs get hit as rust began spreading and covering his body.
"Now I've got you! Skeletal Strike!" Said Drabe as a skeleton version of himself emerged from his chest, lunging forward at Attacat.
But just before the skeleton could reach the panther-like OverWorlder, the rust covering him began cracking, until it suddenly exploded as Attacat roared loudly.
"Thunder Shout!" Attacat roared, unleashing a powerful sonic wave destroying the skeleton while launching Drabe back against a tree.
"No, I've got you! Vine Snare!" Said Attacat, slamming his fists onto the ground, splitting it open beneath Drabe as vines shot up and ensnared him.
"Not yet! Delerium!" Said Drabe, firing a multi-colored energy blast at Attacat, getting a grunt from the other OverWorlder as his mind was scrambled.
"Th-th-th-that w-wo-wo-won't, st-st-stop me! Rip Tide!" Attacat said, shooting torrents of water from his hands all around him, knowing if he can't focus on where Drabe was he'll just hit everything he can.
With Drabe's eyes widening at the sight of the water blasts, before he began struggling to break free of the vines to get out of the way. Only to cry out when the water impacted him, throwing him back and pinning him against a tree.
"There you are! Paral-Eyes!" Attacat said once he heard Drabe, looking to where he was and fired eye beams at the OverWorld Muge.
Paralyzing Drabe, leaving him unable to move.
"Ice Disks!" Said Attacat, forming two disks of ice in his hands before throwing them right at Drabe, who couldn't dodge as the disks collided against him, causing the OverWorlder to burst into code a moment later.
*Tirasis Drome*
"Not bad, getting me from my Skeletal Steed was a good move, but still not enough." Attacat said as he turned back into Yugito, while Sakura sighed at her loss.
"Thanks." Muttered Sakura, watching as Yugito moved Attacat right into the heart of her team.
"SpringBlossom, it is now your attack. Activate the Location Randomizer." Said the DromeMaster, with the pinkette spinning the dial.
"The next Location…Gloomuck Swamp. Choose your attacking and target Creatures." The DromeMaster said, making Sakura smirk while Yugito frowned, feeling like she knew what's coming.
"Kinnianne attacks Attacat!" Sakura said, selecting the fox-like Creature, intending to get rid of the feline OverWorlder.
With Yugito mentally cursing as she selected Attacat, as both girls turned into their respective Creatures.
"Let's see that pile of bones help you in a swamp." Kinnianne said, knowing the Skeletal Steed won't be much help in Gloomuck Swamp.
"You'll be code before that happens." Retorted Attacat, flexing his claws while Kinnianne growled.
"Let's get chaotic!"
*Gloomuck Swamp*
"Come out, come out, wherever you are, little fox!" Attacat said as he raced through Gloomuck Swamp on his Skeletal Steed, looking for where Kinnianne could be.
'Kinnianne's the OverWorld Ambassador to the Mipedians, which lets her cast Mipedian Mugic. I'll need to be careful, Mipedian Mugic can be really tricky to deal with, so who knows if she has any.' Thought Attacat, knowing Kinnianne's ability makes her really dangerous, even more so in a Location like Gloomuck Swamp that boosts the power of Earth Attacks.
Before the OverWorlder grunted when his Skeletal Steed came to a sudden stop causing him to jerk forward, but managed to hang on rather than be thrown off. Looking, Attacat scowled in annoyance at seeing his steed was stuck in the mud.
"Perfect." Muttered Attacat while getting off and dismissing the Skeletal Steed, knowing using it here would be more of a hindrance.
"Braveglint!" Kinnianne said, leaping out from a tree and firing a purple blast that slammed right into Attacat's chest, sending him skidding through the mud with a cry.
Before the OverWorld Guardian dug his claws into the ground and narrowed his eyes at Kinnianne.
"Rock Wave!" Attacat said, slamming his hands into the ground, unleashing a wave of rocks at the foxlike Creature.
"Power Pulse!" Said Kinnianne, throwing her fists out launching multiple green energy fists that punched through the rocks only for them to still keep coming, forcing her to jump out of the way.
"Progressive Speed!" Said Attacat, shooting a green blast at Kinnianne, getting a grunt from the Ambassador as she was knocked to the ground.
"Streak Strike!" Attacat said, continuing the attack as he was surrounded by a white aura before blitzing straight at Kinnianne, missing as she smirked.
"Got you. Slowsand!" Said Kinnianne, putting her hands on the ground as they were surrounded by electricity, turning the ground in front of her into quicksand.
The sight made Attacat's eyes widened before he tried coming to a stop, only to run right into the quicksand, coming to a sudden stop that sent him crashing into the ground.
"Need a hand?! Here's one, Vine Snare!" Kinnianne said, shooting vines out of her hands that wrapped around the panther-like OverWorlder.
Yanking Attacat out of the quicksand, Kinnianne gave a shout as she launched him through the air sending him crashing right through a tree. With Attacat grunting in pain as he hit the tree, quickly rolling out of the way when he saw it falling towards him.
"Iron Balls!" Said Kinnianne, shooting a barrage of iron balls from her eyes at Attacat.
"Shriek Shock!" Attacat said, letting out a high-pitched shriek, sending the iron balls flying away.
"Thunder Shout!" Kinnianne yelled, letting out a loud shout of her own.
With both sound attacks colliding together, releasing a sonic boom that knocked Kinnianne and Attacat back, covering their ears in pain.
"O-okay, no more sound attacks…damn that hurt!" Kinnianne said, not expecting that to happen.
"No kidding! But I'm sure this'll hurt you even more, Rip Tide!" Attacat said once he was able to stand up, shooting jets of water at the Ambassador.
"Not as much you'd think! Braveglint!" Said Kinnianne, shooting purple blasts that blew the water away, with Attacat jumping out of the way to avoid being hit as they came at him.
"Then try this! Velocitrap!" Said Attacat, kicking his leg and releasing a wave of lightning at Kinnianne, only for her to dodge this time.
"I don't fall for the same thing twice!" Kinnianne said, making Attacat smirk.
"You sure about that?! Ice Disks!" Attacat said, spinning around in the air, forming two disks of ice as he did so, before launching them at high speed right at Kinnianne.
"Yeah, Telekinetic Bolt!" Said Kinnianne, shooting a psychic beam from her head at the disks, taking control of them, much to Attacat's surprise.
"And here's a new trick for you! Swarm Song!" Kinnianne said, using one of Odu-Bathax's Mugicians.
Shocking Attacat further, before he cried out as a spiraling swarm of blue insects came crashing down on top of him, knocking him to the ground. Giving Kinnianne the chance to launch the ice disks right back at him, leaving Attacat no chance to dodge as the disks cut right through him before bursting into code.
*Tirasis Drome*
"Coded by your own attack, that's gotta sting." Kinnianne said, smirking as she turned back into Sakura, pleased at removing Attacat from the board with Kinnianne taking the now empty space.
"I certainly wasn't expecting you to use Swarm Song, it was a good move. But now let's see if you have any other tricks to try using." Yugito said before spinning the Randomizer.
"The next Location…Igslo Lighthouse. Choosing the attacking and target Creatures." Said the DromeMaster once it landed on a Location, surprising the pinkette at the Location.
"How'd you get a scan of Igslo Lighthouse?" Sakura asked, knowing how rare scans of it were.
"It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. Now then, Tangath Toborn attacks Odu-Bathax!" Yugito said, selecting Tangath Toborn while Sakura chose Odu-Bathax.
Both girls soon turned into their respective Creatures, with Odu-Bathax cracking his knuckles while Tangath roared as they stared each other down.
"Let's get chaotic!"
*Igslo Lighthouse*
"Torrent of Flames!" Tangath said, shooting jets of fire at Odu-Bathax as the Danian ran up the stairs of the lighthouse to the top.
"Viperlash!" Said Odu-Bathax once he reached the top, holding his hands out shooting multiple vipers at Tangath.
Only for Tangath to summon his BattleGear, the Sword of Khy'at, and began slicing the vipers into pieces while making his way up towards Odu-Bathax. The sight made the BattleMaster quickly run from the stairs to keep some distance between them. Unfortunately he didn't get far as Tangath jumped to the top, roaring as he swung his sword releasing a wave of energy.
Acting fast, Odu-Bathax summoned his Stingblade, blocking the attack, with both Creatures now standing across from each other with their respective blades.
"The Stingblade, I've heard that's a new BattleGear the Danians were working on. I didn't think anyone would have a scan of that, yet." Said Tangath as they began circling each other.
"Heh, if you think it's surprising, just wait until you see what it can do." Odu-Bathax said before firing an electric blast from the Stingblade at the OverWorlder.
With Tangath quickly blocking the blast with his sword, before lunging forward and delivering a downward swing at Odu-Bathax, who raised the Stingblade to block the strike.
"Then let's see how it compares to mine!" Tangath said, pressing down harder on the Stingblade, with Odu-Bathax grunting slightly at the pressure.
"Okay, just remember…you asked for it!" Said Odu-Bathax, letting out a shout as he forced Tangath back.
Rushing at the OverWorlder, Odu-Bathax swung his blade to his left only for Tangath to quickly block it before knocking the Stingblade away, followed by slammed his foot into the Danian's chest. With Odu-Bathax grunting as he skidded back, sidestepping as Tangath thrust his sword at him and retaliated with a thrust of his own.
Bending backwards, Tangath narrowly avoided the Stingblade as it swung over him, before he then lifted the Sword of Khy'at up blocking the Stingblade just as it passed over. With the OverWorld Warrior shot back up and spun around Odu-Bathax, roaring as he slashed his sword across his back. Drawing blood, while getting a pain-filled cry from the Danian as he stumbled forward.
Not stopping there, Tangath lunged with another thrust, luckily Odu-Bathax blocked it swinging the Stingblade behind him, parrying sword before it could impale him. Then moving quickly, the Danian BattleMaster dropped the Stingblade while spinning around. Catching it in his lower right arm, Odu-Bathax slashed it at Tangath, getting a roar of pain as it cut across his abdomen as he jumped back to nurse the slash wound. Wincing and growling as his hand came a flame, cauterizing the wound to stop the bleeding.
"Power Pulse!" Said Tangath, quickly unleashing a barrage of green energy fists at Odu-Bathax before the Stingblade could cut him deep enough to be coded.
Crying out at the surprise attack, Odu-Bathax was thrown back through the air, crashing into the massive brazier in the center of the chamber. Though he didn't have time to recover, as he immediately rolled out of the way when Tangath leapt into the air, stabbing the Sword of Khy'at down where he just was.
"Ektospasm!" Odu-Bathax said channeling the attack through the Stingblade as he swung it, releasing a pulsating blue wave of power that slammed into Tangath.
Gritting his teeth as the attack crashed into him, Tangath was sent rolling across the floor, but managed to catch himself. With him then raising his sword, blocking a strike from the Stingblade when Odu-Bathax charged him, with the two Creatures trying to overpower the other.
"You aren't half-bad with that." Tangath admitted, grunting as Odu-Bathax grabbed the Stingblade with both his upper arms for added pressure.
"You aren't so bad yourself." Replied Odu-Bathax while pushing the Stingblade down, getting close to cutting into the OverWorlder, only to be surprised when Tangath began pushing him back.
"Of…course…the Sword of Khy'at…is my own…personal…BattleGear…" Said Tangath before letting out a roar as he forced Odu-Bathax back, sending the Danian stumbling from the unexpected burst of strength.
"And it's never failed me before, which won't change now!" Tangath said, jumping into the air with his sword held up high.
"Funny, because I don't plan on having the Stingblade fail me!" Said Odu-Bathax, leaping up at the OverWorlder swinging the Stingblade as their swords clashed together.
Acting fast, Odu-Bathax grabbed Tangath with his lower arms, reversing their position so he was now above the lion-like OverWorlder. With Odu-Bathax then stomping his foot down sending Tangath crashing back to the ground.
"Rustoxic!" Odu-Bathax said, shooting out a blast of rust from the Stingblade.
"Torrent of Flames!" Said Tangath, igniting his sword and swung it, unleashing a blast of flames that collided against the rust with both attacks colliding together.
With them pushing each other back, as the Rustoxic began encasing the flames in rust until Tangath added more power causing the fire to begin pushing closer to Odu-Bathax. Seeing this, the Danian BattleMaster looked around before looking up at the glass dome covering the top of the lighthouse.
"Vine Snare!" Said Odu-Bathax, shooting vines out his hand wrapping around the metal frame before swinging out of the way just as flames overpowered his attack.
Swinging through the air, Odu-Bathax got behind Tangath before releasing the vines, giving a shout as he launched himself down at the OverWorlder. With Tangath holding his sword at the ready, swinging it at Odu-Bathax once he was close enough, just as the Danian swung the Stingblade.
*With Naruko and Matsuri*
Back in the Mipedim Valley, Naruko and Matsuri were pulling themselves out of the river. Coughing up water as they collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily.
"Matsuri…can we…agree…the next Scan Quest…we go somewhere…where we can stay…on the ground?" Naruko asked in between breaths, preferring the next Scan Quest they go on is to a Location where they can stay on the ground.
"Agreed." Muttered Matsuri, feeling tired and dizzy from being thrown around by the river rapids.
Taking a few moments to rest and catch their breaths, Naruko and Matsuri soon managed to sit up while checking themselves. Relieved that they still both had their Scanners.
"Okay, that's at least one less thing to worry about." Naruko stated, with the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, but we're still soaked. Let's just scan the Location and port back, that way we'll be dry and then port right back to this spot." Said Matsuri, only for the Uzumaki to shake her head.
"No way! We came here to get scans and we're not leaving until we do!" Naruko said, refusing to leave after what just happened.
"Wha-I said we'd come back; we'd just be porting back for at most a minute so we'd be dry and upload the new Location scans." Matsuri said looking at her in confusion, only for her face to turn completely red when Naruko began taking her clothes off.
"We can just let our clothes dry off here, it's hot enough that it'd only take a couple minutes. This way we can stay and continue the Scan Quest once they're dry." Said Naruko as she began stripping in front of Matsuri, much to her disbelief and embarrassment.
"Wh-wh-what?! Wh-wh-wh-wh-why?! I-I-I-I-I-I j-ju-j-j-ju-ju-ju-just s-s-s-s-s-s-sa-sa-sa-s-said-" Matsuri stuttered, her blush intensifying as Naruko removed her shirt followed by her bra, leaving her breasts completely exposed.
"And I don't care! I'm not letting something like falling into a river stop me! We came here to get scans and by Kami that's what we're doing!" Naruko said stubbornly, refusing to let anything stop her now.
'I'm starting to understand what Sakura meant.' Matsuri thought, unable to help but watch as Naruko continued undressing.
"Are you planning to stay in your wet clothes or let them dry?" Questioned Naruko, looking at the Mipedian Player, with Matsuri gulping before she began taking her clothes off.
"O-o-o-ok-o-o-okay." Said Matsuri, not believing she's actually doing this, but figured it'd be easier to just go along with it than trying to change Naruko's mind.
It wasn't long before both girls were completely naked with their clothes spread out to dry off, while Matsuri's entire face was practically glowing from the situation. Even more so when she saw Naruko shamelessly staring at her.
"Y-y-yo-yo-yo-you're s-st-st-st-st-sta-staring." Matsuri said, squirming slightly, with Naruko merely shrugging.
"When I have such a beautiful girl sitting in front of me naked, of course I'm gonna stare. That blush and shy look you have only really adds to your cuteness, Matsuri." Naruko said, looking her up and down admiringly.
Getting a full view of her smooth, pale skin, her long, toned legs, her smooth snatch between her legs and her CC-cup breasts with light pink nipples that have hardened from the cold water. While the droplets of water still clinging to her only making her look more desirable, with how they dripped down her body.
With her words only making Matsuri's blush even worse, along with the look in Naruko's eyes, though it did also fill Matsuri with pride to be admired like that.
"Th-th-th-th-th-t-t-t-th-th-tha-thank y-y-y-yo-you. Y-yo-yo-you're…v-v-v-ve-ve-ve-ve-very b-b-b-be-be-be-b-b-be-beautiful t-t-t-t-to-to-to-too." Replied Matsuri, glancing the whiskered blondes body.
Feeling a little jealous at seeing her large breasts, guessing they were a High-D-cup, possibly a Low-DD. While seeing how toned her body was, likely from lots of exercise and physical activities, along with her bare pussy between her legs. But still keeping a curvy figure, with Matsuri gulping as she couldn't help but stare.
"They're D-cups by the way." Naruko said, snapping Matsuri out of her staring.
"Wh-wh-wh-what?!" Matsuri squeaked, feeling faint when Naruko grabbed her breasts and squeezed them.
"My boobs, they're D-cup. Just something I'm sure you'll like to know when you're feeling lonely." Said Naruko, winking at the brunette, much to her mortification.
"Y-yo-yo-y-y-y-yo-yo-you…don't you have any shame?!" Matsuri asked, not expecting Naruko to be so shameless.
"Not really, if I see something I like I make it clear. And if I want to tease and/or flirt with a cute girl, I'm going too." Naruko replied, making Matsuri cover her face in embarrassment.
"C-ca-can…can we talk about something else, please?" Said Matsuri, not used to someone so blunt and straightforward.
"Sure. Why don't we share some stuff about each other? I'll go first, my name's Naruko Uzumaki, I live in Japan with my Kaa-san after we moved back there from Europe. Some things I like are my Kaa-sans special homecooked ramen, playing Chaotic with UnderWorlders being my favorite Tribe, teasing and flirting with cute girls, my friends and putting assholes in their place. Things I dislike are liars, traitors and bullies. Some hobbies I have are watching anime, reading manga, gardening, pulling pranks and getting collectibles." Naruko said before looking at Matsuri, motioning for her to go next.
"O-oh, right. Uh…my name's Matsuri, I live in Japan too with my cousins, Sari and Yukata, they're sisters by the way. Things I like are Chaotic, spending time with friends and my cousins, I also like gardening too. I dislike traitors and bullies too, along with anyone that insults my friends and family. My hobbies are reading, making tea and trying new recipes, rock climbing and hiking." Said Matsuri, with the Uzumaki smiling at her.
"That all sounds really great, Matsuri. Though what about your parents? If you live with your cousins, do they work abroad or something?" Naruko asked curiously, only to wince when Matsuri gained a downcast look.
"My…my parents are…they're dead. They were killed during a robbery when I was little…I've been living with my cousins' family ever since." Matsuri revealed, making Naruko wince at hearing.
"Oh…I…I'm sorry that happened and for bringing it up." Said Naruko, now feeling bad at making Matsuri relive that.
"Don't be, you didn't know and were just curious." Matsuri said shaking her head.
"Still, I'm sorry. I…I lost my Tou-san too, not long after my family moved back to Japan. He died in an accident, leaving just me and Kaa-san." Said Naruko, with the Mipedian Player looking at her in understanding.
"Sorry to hear that. It seems we both know what it's like losing people we care about." Stated Matsuri, wishing they had something else in common besides their shared losses.
"Yeah…" Naruko said while looking at the brunette, realizing that a lot of her confidence issues must've been a result of losing her parents, something that only made the Uzumaki more determined to help Matsuri.
"So…what're your cousins like?" Questioned Naruko, looking at her curiously, with Matsuri smiling slightly.
"They're really nice, we've been close for as long as I can remember and they were very welcoming when I moved in with them. They play Chaotic too, but usually with just the cards, though last time I saw them they were starting to play some online matches. It might not be long before they come to Chaotic too." Said Matsuri, liking the chance if her cousins could come to Chaotic too.
"That'd be cool, I'd like the chance to meet them. I have some cousins of my own, on my Kaa-san's side of the family. Karin and Tayuya, I used to spend a lot of time with them, but not so much recently. But I still make sure to call them when I can, so we stay connected." Naruko said.
"Do they play Chaotic?" Matsuri asked, wondering if they'd potentially arrive in Chaotic.
"I think they do. So who knows if I might be seeing them again sooner or later." Naruko replied, wondering if they'll get their own transport codes to Chaotic.
Matsuri nodded, curious of what Naruko's cousins are like compared to her, before she glanced at their clothes and went to check on them. Feeling them, the brunette saw they were still a little damp but otherwise were mostly dry now.
"We should be able to get dressed now, our clothes feel pretty dry." Matsuri said as she began getting dressed, with Naruko doing the same.
"Cool, I'm eager to continue looking for stuff to scan, even if I loved the view." Said Naruko, winking at the Mipedian Player, much to her embarrassment which only got worse at her next words.
"I also won't mind if you ever want another look Matsuri, or if you want a much closer look." Naruko added, pushing her breasts up as she put her bra on.
"Y-y-y-y-yo-yo-yo-you-yo-y-y-you…y-yo-y-you r-r-re-re-re-really have n-n-n-no sh-sh-s-s-s-sh-sh-shame d-d-do y-you." Matsuri stated, not believing she really just said that, only for the whiskered blonde to shrug.
"I just find it easier to be up front about what I like. I think you're really beautiful and cute when you're flustered. Plus you were looking at me, so you can't even try denying it. Though that doesn't mean I expect anything to happen, I just make it clear. We're still friends either way." Said Naruko, smiling at her, with Matsuri now looking at her in surprise.
"Oh…that's…find then." Said Matsuri, not expecting that, but could also understand where she's coming from.
"Great! Now are you gonna dress yourself or do you want some help? Fair warning, I can't be held responsible if my hands start wandering." Naruko said, smirking slyly, getting a faint blush from Matsuri before she quickly began getting dressed.
*Later*
"So, do you know anything about the Mipedim Valley? I mean besides the card lore?" Naruko asked as she and Matsuri walked through the Valley to find the exit to that'll take them to the Al Mipedim Desert.
"I don't know much, but from what I've learned from some other players, the Mipedim Valley is a Location that's only been recently discovered by the Mipedians. Some of them have relocated here to escape the harshness of the desert, but at the moment the rest of the Tribe hasn't made any moves to leave their ancestral home yet." Explained Matsuri, intriguing Naruko as she looked around the Valley.
"And where exactly is it in regards to the rest of the Mipedians territory?" Questioned Naruko, wondering if there's maps of the OverWorld and UnderWorld to show where Locations are in Perim.
"Uh, I think I have a map of the OverWorld that I was able to get from a player. Let me just check…here it is." Matsuri said, pulling out her Scanner and checking until she found the picture and showed Naruko.
The Uzumaki whistled in amazement as she looked the map over, seeing just how massive the OverWorld is, along with being able to spot some Locations from the features on the map.
"Okay, you see the Al Mipedim Desert, the Mipedim Valley is just below that. You can also see Lake Ken-I-Po to the southwest, then just a little above is the Riverlands." Matsuri said, pointing out where the Mipedim Valley was to the south of the desert and other nearby Locations.
"This is really cool, I already figured Perim was a big place but it really shows just how big it is." Said Naruko, with the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, it really is, just one Tribe's territory is massive. Some players even say you could spend years in Perim and not find every Location. There's really no way of knowing just how much there is here." Said Matsuri, with Naruko merely grinning at this.
"Then that makes it even more exciting, not knowing everything there is to see, who knows what kind of undiscovered Locations there. Locations that could have rare Mugic, BattleGear and especially Creatures that no one else has seen before." Naruko said, liking the mystery and chance to discover new things and places in Perim that other players haven't.
It'd certainly make things even more interesting in the Dromes and ensure she'd have plenty of surprises against her opponents.
"I guess so. Though it'd also mean unknown dangers too." Matsuri said, preferring to stick with the Locations she knew and was prepared for, rather than anything unexpected.
"Well what's life without a little risk and danger?" Questioned Naruko, wrapping an arm around Matsuri's shoulder.
"Safe." Stated Matsuri, the UnderWorld Player nodded seemingly in agreement.
"That's right, it'd be boring." Naruko said, getting the dry look from the brunette.
'I'm really starting to understand what Sakura meant.' Matsuri thought, beginning to understand that being friends with Naruko is going to be anything but boring.
*Sakura vs Yugito-Fear Valley*
"Slashclaw!" Intress roared while swiping her claws at Rothar, launching claw-shaped energy blades at him, with the UnderWorld Commander quickly rolling out of the way of them.
"Rock Wave!" Rothar said, slamming his Burithean Axe into the ground, unleashing a massive wave of rocks that crashed into Intress throwing her back, the OverWorlder grit her teeth as the rocks slammed into her.
"Power Pulse!" Said Rothar, throwing his fists out shooting green energy fists at Intress only for her to quickly get up and begin kicking her legs at him.
"Flash Kick!" Said Intress, shooting energy waves with the two attacks colliding together.
"Powercut!" Rothar said, slamming his axe into the ground releasing a shockwave through the ground towards Intress, though the OverWorld Hero quickly jumped into the air avoiding i.t
"Rip Tide!" Intress said, firing torrents of water down at Rothar, getting a grunt from the UnderWorlder as the water began pushing him back until he stabbed his axe down.
"You'll need more than that if you think a little water will wash me away! Gravity Slam!" Said Rothar, holding his hand out towards Intress, surrounding her in a white aura before she was suddenly slammed into the ground by increased gravity.
"Reckless Reproach!" Rothar bellowed as he was surrounded by a green aura before charging right at Intress, as she began getting up.
"O-okay, then how about…Paral-Eyes!" Said Intress shooting a blast from her eyes at Rothar, causing him to suddenly freeze mid-charge.
"Now here's a familiar attack! Velocitrap!" Intress said as she was surrounded by electricity before lunging forward, running around Rothar at high speed.
With a vortex of lightning soon forming, just as the Paral-Eyes wore off, only for the bull-like UnderWorlder to cry out as he was repeatedly hit with bolts of lightning.
"And now to put you on ice! Freeze Flash!" Said Intress, stopping in front of Rothar before she then unleashed a wave of freezing air and rocks that slammed into Rothar throwing him back.
"Th-Th-Thu-Thunder Shout!" Rothar said, letting out a loud shout that blew away the ice and rocks, with Intress grunting as she soundwave crashed into her.
"Sl-Sleep Sting!" Intress said, holding her hand out before shooting a barrage of stingers at Rothar, getting a grunt from the UnderWorld Commander as he began feeling drowsy.
"Th-th-tha-th-that…w-w-w-w-won't st-st-stop…m-m-me-me." Rothar said, trying to stay awake even as he felt himself struggling to stay standing.
"It won't, maybe this will then! Shriek Shock!" Intress said before letting a high-pitched shriek at Rothar, throwing him back against a rock outcropping cry out as his ears began ringing from the volume.
With Intress keeping the attack up for a few moments until she stopped, leaving Rothar falling to the ground, only managing to stay up by leaning on his axe.
"Pe-Pebblestorm." Rothar said, holding his hand out only for a few pebbles to shoot out of his hand.
"Nice try, but it's over. Winterclaw!" Intress said leaping into the air swinging her claws at Rothar, firing blades of ice that cut right through him, reducing the UnderWorlder to code.
*Tirasis Drome*
"Looks like I'm taking the lead now." Intress said, smirking as she turned back into Yugito, while Sakura sighed as she looked at the board.
Seeing she only had Kinnianne and Karraba left, while Yugito had Intress, Tangath Toborn and Vidav left. Though the pinkette had been able to code Tangath with Odu-Bathax, only to bring him back the next round by having Vidav cast Chorus of Cothica and Song of Revival. While she also lost Odu-Bathax against Ebkeex in that very same round.
After that Sakura attacked Ebkeex with Kinnianne and coded him, then Yugito attacked Laarina with Tangath and coded her. The next match Sakura coded Raznus with Rothar. Only for Yugito to then attack Rothar with Intress, putting Sakura down to her last two Creatures.
"Maybe, but I'll be taking the lead back this round." Sakura said, refusing to give up before spinning the Location Randomizer.
"The next Location…the Forest of Life. Choose your attacking and target Creatures." Said the DromeMaster, with Sakura looking at which ones she should go after.
"Kinnianne attacks…Tangath Toborn." Said Sakura, selecting Kinnianne while Yugito selected Tangath as they transformed.
"Time to take the rest of your lives." Kinnianne said, intent on coding Tangath again.
"Let's see what you've got this time." Said Tangath, flexing his claws.
"Let's get chaotic!"
*With Naruko and Matsuri*
It wasn't long before Naruko and Matsuri left the Mipedim Valley and entered the Al Mipedim Desert, with the girls seeing nothing but sand as far as they could see, along with a few rock formations.
"Okay…I can understand why some Mipedians would choose the Valley over this." Naruko said, already feeling the heat compared to the more cooler temperature in the Valley.
"Yeah, the deserts basically a death sentence if you aren't prepared. But the Mipedians have learned to survive, they set up things called watering stones, I don't know how they work but they're able to gather moisture from the atmosphere and turn it into water that fills the stone basins they're connected to. It helps set up rest stops around the desert, making it a little easier if you find one." Explained Matsuri, having learned a few things from other Mipedian Players.
"Huh, that sounds cool and really helpful if we find one. But first…where should we go first? Anywhere nearby we could head to or should we try making it to the Mipedim Oasis?" Naruko asked as they pulled out their Scanners and looked around for anything.
"I don't think we'd survive if we tried heading straight to the Oasis, even if we found watering stones along the way. Though I also don't know about any Locations nearby we could head to, and just choosing a random direction wouldn't be good either." Matsuri said with Naruko nodding in agreement, knowing just aimlessly wandering in a desert hoping to find something is a death sentence.
"Yeah, but with any luck there's some Locations nearby we could rea-wait…I think I see something." Naruko said, stopping and aiming her Scanner at something she could see in the distance.
"What is it?" Matsuri said, pointing her Scanner in the same direction, managing to see something faintly colorful in the distance.
"I'm not sure, but it's something at least. We could try heading there and see what we find, with any luck it's a good Location we can scan. Even better if we find any Creatures, Mugic or BattleGear to scan too." Said Naruko, with the brunette thinking it over for a few moments before eventually nodding.
"It at least gives us a destination to head towards. And if it turns out to be nothing, then we can at least just get some Location scans and try again another time." Matsuri said, the UnderWorld Player nodded in agreement.
The girls then began heading towards their destination, hoping to find something there that'll be worth scanning. But as they walked, Naruko had to take off her jacket while Matsuri removed her outer shirt leaving her tank top, both of them feeling the heat getting more intense as they walked.
With it only getting worse the more they walked, but they kept going when they saw their destination getting closer. Seeing that it was a Location they were heading to.
"What Location do you think it is?" Naruko asked, looking at Matsuri, the brunette wiped for her forehead while shrugging.
"I don't know, I only really know the more common Mipedian Locations you'd expect players to have. But a Location close to the Mipedim Valley, that I'm not sure about. All I can say is, I hope it's a good one worth scanning." Replied Matsuri, Naruko nodded in agreement hoping the Location will be worth the trip.
*Later*
Thankfully, it wasn't until Naruko and Matsuri reached their destination, much to their relief as they saw what the Location.
Finding it looked like a grove filled with odd, glowing indigo-colored plants growing on vines wrapped around rocks and covered the ground. Along with it being enclosed in a naturally formed stone wall that was also covered in indigo-colored plants.
"Huh, strange Location. But it at least makes sense why it's close to the Mipedim Valley if there are plants here." Naruko stated while taking her Scanner out, with Matsuri nodding in agreement as she did the same.
"Yeah, let's scan it and see what this place is." Matsuri said before they scanned the Location.
"It's called…the Indigo Grove. Initiative Power and when it's the active Location you can sacrifice a non-Conjuror Creature to bring back a Conjuror that's been coded, but without any Mugicians. Huh, didn't you mention Conjurors before Matsuri?" Naruko asked looking at her.
"Yeah, Conjurors are-" Matsuri said.
"Not something most humans would know about." Said someone, making Naruko and Matsuri jump at the sudden voice, only to yelp when they ended up falling down the sand dune they were standing on.
Grunting as they rolled down the dune, once they came to a stop both girls began coughing and spitting out sand that got in their mouths.
"Oh Kami that's gross! Ugh, I'm really starting to hate sand!" Naruko said, wiping her tongue off wanting to get all the sand out of her mouth.
"Ditto. I don't know how Mipedians can deal with it. It's coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere." Said Matsuri, gagging as she got the sand out before they looked up to see who startled them, only to be surprised when a Mipedian appeared at the top of the dune.
The Mipedian was covered in gold-brown scales, horns and black eyes with yellow sclera. Wearing a worn purple hooded cloak that his horns poked through, a pair of leg guards over his thighs, which connect to his loincloth. His chest is bare, revealing a stone embedded into the center of his rib cage, just below his chest. He also had a brown satchel over his chest and carried a wooden walking staff.
"Woah…Tiaane." Matsuri said in amazement, recognizing the Mipedian.
"Tiaane? One of the Mipedian Muges?" Questioned Naruko, knowing about him, but not much beyond his position.
"He's one of the strongest Mipedian Muges, there is!" Said Matsuri as Tiaane approached them.
"You know who I am, but I'm afraid I don't know who either of you are." Tiaane said, looking at them curiously.
"Oh right, I'm sorry. My name's Matsuri. It's an honor to meet you, Tiaane." Matsuri introduced as she bowed her head to the Mipedian Muge.
"Hey, nice to meet you, I'm Naruko Uzumaki. We're Chaotic players, with Matsuri being a fan of Mipedians." Said Naruko, with Tiaane bowing his head in greeting.
"Then it is a pleasure to meet you both as well, Naruko and Matsuri. You both are here to gather…scans for your Chaotic game, correct?" Tiaane asked rhetorically, with both girls nodding.
"Yeah, we ported to the Mipedim Valley before heading into the desert where we saw the Indigo Grove not far from where we were. So we headed here to try to get some scans. And…I'm hoping to learn more about the Mipedians, so I can get better at battling as them." Matsuri replied, the Mipedian Muge hummed in thought at this, before he looked past them.
"Akkalbi, you may come out. These humans mean no harm to the Indigo Grove." Said Tiaane, surprising Naruko and Matsuri again before they turned to see another Mipedian appear.
The Mipedian being shorter than Tiaane, but still taller than the girls, with turquoise green scales covering him, matching colored spines coming out of their head resembling hair, an eel-like head, long thin arms and narrow black eyes with yellow sclera, along with purple markings covering his skin. With him wearing a long orange robe that was purple at the end of the sleeves and bottom of the robe, along with several purple and turquoise bracelets around his wrists and ankles.
"You were there the entire time?!" Naruko said, not believing they were being watched the entire time.
"Yes, you'll forgive me for remaining hidden after Tiaane revealed himself, but as a Mipedian Warpainter, it is my duty to ensure the Indigo Grove and Conjurors are protected. I am Akkalbi and, like Tiaane, I am a Muge of the Mipedian Tribe." Akkalbi said with a short bow.
"Warpainter?" Matsuri asked curiously, having not heard of Mipedians like that.
"If you wish to learn more about the Mipedians, then join us." Tiaane said while walking past them as he and Akkalbi entered the Grove, with Naruko and Matsuri following after them.
*Later*
"Now then, what is it you wish to know of the Mipedians?" Tiaane asked as the four sat in a large camp in the Grove, with the Mipedians having given them some water much to their relief.
"Everything really, or at least as much you'd be willing to tell us." Said Matsuri, knowing that there'd likely be some things they can't tell them.
"Why don't you start with the basics, what're the Mipedians like here in Perim? Who's the leader? And what do you all do?" Naruko said, with Tiaane and Akkalbi trading a look before nodding.
"Very well, if you wish to know, then we will tell you. The concern of the Mipedians is maintaining the little resources we have in the desert, doing everything we can to ensure our survival. The Mipedim Oasis is our most treasured territory, no other location in the Al Mipedim Desert is as fiercely guarded as the Oasis. No matter who you are, all visitors will be searched and all intruders will be punished." Tiaane explained, with the girls nodding along.
"The Oasis not only serves us as our main source of water, but it is where the royal family resides, requiring even greater protection. We are ruled by King Theb-Sarr, however Theb-Sarr has undergone self-exile as all Mipedian Kings before him have done. In his place we are ruled by the Crown Prince Iflar, with his cousin Prince Mudeenu serving as captain of the royal guard. There is also the Royal Mipedian High Council of which Tiaane holds a seat on it, as well as serving as an adviser for the royal family." Revealed Akkalbi, much to their surprise as they looked at Tiaane.
"You're an adviser for the royal family?" Matsuri asked in amazement.
"I am, but only in matters related to the Cothica and the security of the Mipedim Oasis. In my youth I knew I did not having the makings of a warrior, instead I learned the art of Mugic. It is through my studying that I was given the chance to learn under the High Muge Najarin himself, a position I considered a great honor." Tiaane replied, amazing the girls that he was trained by Najarin, though Naruko blinked in confusion at one part.
"What's the Cothica?" Questioned Naruko, having not heard of that.
"It's apparently supposed to be the source of…well everything in Perim, basically. Though a lot of players have different interpretations of where it came from, some say the OverWorld while others say the UnderWorld, but it's mostly based on bias." Said Matsuri, with even Tiaane and Akkalbi nodding in agreement.
"Indeed, in truth none of the Tribes know where the Cothica truly is, only that it exists. And it has been a source of many conflicts for many solons, with each of the Tribes seeking to locate and claim the Cothica as well as its power for themselves." Akkalbi said, with Naruko frowning slightly.
"It sounds like it should stay lost, then." Naruko stated, feeling like something that powerful shouldn't belong to any one person or Tribe.
"Perhaps it should, but until the Cothica is found the search will continue. And I will offer any wisdom I can to Prince Iflar and Prince Mudeenu." Said Tiaane, also feeling it would be better for the Cothica to stay lost rather than risk it falling into the wrong hands, but knew no matter what there would always be those that tried finding it.
"So, what about the Mipedian Warpainters? Who are they?" Matsuri asked, curious about them, with Naruko also being curious.
"The Mipedian Warpainters are a group of fighters, we have been tasked with protecting the Conjurors from any that would threaten them. We train here in the Indigo Grove, where we learn to empower ourselves by tapping into the Mugical powers found within the indigo plants. By using the indigo plants we mark ourselves, using their power to increase our own strength. Power that we can also bestow onto our allies." Akkalbi explained, holding his arm out to show the markings as they glowed purple.
"It is through my own training I learned to assist the Conjurors in taming their Warbeasts, reducing their destructive recklessness." Said Akkalbi, with Naruko perking up at this.
"You can reduce a Creature's Recklessness?" Naruko asked, knowing how useful that'd be since a lot of UnderWorlders had Recklessness.
"I can, a useful skill when one is in contact with Warbeasts." Akkabi replied, with the whiskered blonde looking at them curiously.
"What are Warbeasts, exactly? I know they're apparently supposed to be super powerful Creatures and they're summoned by Conjurors, but what are they exactly? And how are Conjurors connected to them?" Naruko said, with her and Matsuri both being curious at this.
As while Matsuri knew about Warbeasts and Conjurors, she didn't know everything.
"The history of the Conjurors and Warbeasts is from long ago. The first Conjurors dreamed of creating powerful new beings that could protect the Mipedians and conquer their enemies. Summoning Mugical essences and drawing on the four elements, they eventually succeeded and the Conjurors called their creations, Warbeasts. The Warbeasts proved to be incredibly strong, stronger than even the Conjurors. The Warbeasts were reckless, uncontrollable and they soon threatened the very survival of the Mipedians. The Mipedian Nobles decided to rid themselves of the Warbeasts and the Conjurors." Akkalbi explained, with the girls eyes widening at this.
"Ages past and both the Conjurors and Warbeasts were eventually forgotten, then one day the UnderWorlders invaded Mipedian territory. The UnderWorld army overran Al Mipedim, our defeat seemed inevitable until a young Mipedian named Adomo, hiding in a remote cavern, stumbled upon the secrets of the Conjurors. Adomo studied the Conjurors techniques and was soon able to conjure Warbeasts but unlike the Conjurors of old, Adomo learned to control the beasts. He was ready to confront the UnderWorlders, in the end Adomo and his Warbeast were able to defeat the UnderWorlders and reclaim our Tribe's homeland. Adomo soon trained new Conjurors and the Mipedians grew to rely on them and their Warbeasts for protection. But the Conjurors were also regarded with suspicion and envy because of their enormous power. Fearing the Mipedian Nobles would once again obliterate them and their beasts, the Conjurors chose to live apart from the rest of the Mipedians, hidden from their Tribemates until they are needed once more." Said Akkalbi, much to Naruko's and Matsuri's amazement at the story.
"Wow…the Mipedians…really owe the Conjurors a lot." Matsuri said, knowing if it wasn't for the Conjurors, there might not be any Mipedians today.
"Indeed. While many view the Conjurors as too powerful, there are now those who know how important they are to the Mipedians. It is why the Warpainters were formed to protect the Conjurors from all threats." Akkalbi said, knowing while many Mipedians have begun learning to accept Conjurors and their power, there will always be those who fear and envy them.
"So…Conjurors created Warbeasts? Have Warbeasts existed before Conjurors created them?" Naruko asked, wondering if Warbeasts could have existed before Conjurors made them.
"There are ancient texts that spoke of how Warbeasts once existed as any other Creature, roaming the lands. But those Warbeasts are now gone, leaving only the ones that the Conjurors can summon." Tiaane revealed, surprising the girls that Warbeasts once wandered the land in ancient times.
"Really? So, Warbeasts are only summoned by a Conjuror?" Matsuri asked, causing Tiaane and Akkalbi to trade a look.
"I'm afraid that is a secret that only the Mipedians may know." Said Akkalbi as Tiaane nodded in agreement.
"Okay. Well…anything else you want to ask Matsuri." Naruko said while looking at the brunette, feeling satisfied with what they've learned so far.
"No, that's enough for now. Thank you for having us, Tiaane, Akkalbi, and thank you for everything you've told us." Said Matsuri as they stood up and bowed to the Mipedians.
"We were pleased to have helped you learn more of our Tribe." Tiaane said, before the girls pulled out their Scanners.
"Do you think we could also get some scans too?" Asked Matsuri, with Tiaane and Akkalbi nodding in response.
"You may get your scans for your game." Said Akkalbi, much to their thanks before Matsuri scanned Tiaane while Naruko scanned Akkalbi.
'This'll really help my UnderWorlders.' Naruko thought, pleased at getting a Creature scan that'll lower Recklessness.
"I believe this Mugic would also serve you well, Matsuri." Tiaane said, pulling a Mipedian Mugic out of his bag, with Matsuri scanning it to see what it was.
"Disarming Theme!?" Matsuri muttered in shock before looking at Tiaane, unable to believe what just happened.
"Congratulations Matsuri, now those Spectral Viewers won't be an issue." Naruko said with a smirk.
"Indeed. You will have no fear from Spectral Viewers spotting you once this Mugic has been cast." Tiaane said, with Matsuri smiling gratefully.
"Thank you Tiaane, this is more than I could've hoped for." Said Matsuri, pleased at getting a Location, a Creature, the Mugic she was looking for, and learning more about the Mipedians.
"But we should get going, now. Thanks again for the new scans, see you later!" Naruko said as she and Matsuri waved to the Mipedians before porting away.
*Chaotic*
Appearing back in the Port Court, Naruko and Matsuri went and uploaded their new scans.
"So, how do you feel now?" Naruko asked while looking at Matsuri, with the brunette smiling as she looked at the new scans she got.
"I'm….feeling better and more ready. I still feel really nervous about battling in the Dromes, but…I also feel more sure that I can win." Said Matsuri, making the UnderWorld Player grin.
"Great! Then why don't we go find Sakura and see about a practice round in the…" Naruko said only to stop when she looked at the screens, surprised when she saw Sakura in a match, with Matsuri being surprised when she looked and saw the pinkette.
"Sakura's in a match? Did she say anything about having one today?" Questioned Matsuri, only for Naruko to shake her head.
"No, she didn't. She must've gotten a challenge after we left. Oh man, and we missed most of it too!" Naruko said, disappointed at not getting the chance to see Sakura battle, seeing she only had Kinnianne left while her opponent had Intress and Vidav.
"Maybe, but we can still see the end, and it looks like she's really put up a fight." Matsuri said as they found a table to sit at.
"Yeah. I wonder who her opponent is, though." Said Naruko, looking at Sakura's opponent curiously.
"You remember the player I told you about, the one that always battles as Intress." Stated Matsuri, causing Naruko's eyes to widen.
"Ooooohhh…" Naruko said looking at the match with renewed interest.
*Tirasis Drome*
"One Creature left and it looks like this battle will be the deciding one." Yugito said, knowing she'll either win the match or lose it with this battle since she knew Vidav doesn't stand a chance against Kinnianne.
"Yeah, and I'm planning on winning it." Said Sakura, refusing to lose after getting this far, before spinning the Location Randomizer.
"The next Location…OverWorld Embassy at Mipedim Oasis. Choose your attacking and target Creatures." The DromeMaster said, making Yugito smirk at the final Location.
"Seems like a fitting Location to end things off on." Said Yugito.
"Yeah, so let's get on with it. Kinnianne attacks Intress!" Sakura said as they both selected and transformed into their respective Creatures, with Intress roaring while Kinnianne growled.
"Let's get chaotic!"
*OverWorld Embassy at Mipedim Oasis*
Walking across the bridge toward the Embassy, Kinnianne looked around warily for any sign of Intress, knowing she needed to be careful.
'Kinnianne might know this Location better than Intress, but that doesn't change the fact she's still stronger than me. If I want to win this, then I'm gonna need to get really lucky.' Kinnianne thought before tensing as her ears twitched when she heard something.
"Unsanity!" Said Intress jumping down from the top of the bridge shooting a psychic beam at Kinnianne, only for the Ambassador to roll out of the way and quickly turn.
"Iron Balls!" Kinnianne said shooting out a barrage of iron balls that slammed into Intress, knocking her out of the air and skidding across the bridge.
"Ektospasm!" Said Kinnianne, forming a pulsing blue ball of energy which she launched at the feline OverWorlder.
"Flash Kick!" Intress said spinning around while kicking her legs out, releasing multiple energy waves that blasted through the energy ball and continued on towards Kinnianne.
Jumping out of the way of the energy waves, Kinnianne's eyes widened when Intress then lunged at her with a roar swiping her claws at her furiously. Moving back to avoid being slashed, Kinnianne quickly ducked down when Intress swiped at her head. With the fox-like OverWorlder then taking the chance to slam her shoulder into Intress's chest knocking her back.
"Hammer Dash!" Said Kinnianne as she followed it with a palm strike, with the OverWorld Hero gagging before being launched back across the bridge.
"Now let's see if this cat can swim! Power Punch!" Kinnianne said, summoning the Gauntlet of Might before pulling her fist back as it glowed white before slamming it right down onto the bridge.
Putting enough force into the attack to punch right through it, with her then punching her other fist through it causing the entire bridge to begin breaking apart. Kinnianne then quickly pulled her fists out and began running towards the Embassy as the bridge started falling behind her.
With Intress's eyes widening at the sight, before she quickly shot up and rushed after Kinnianne, having to jump across the collapsing bridge falling out from underneath her.
"Hey Intress! Here's that attack you tried giving me earlier! Delerium!" Kinnianne said once she was safely across the bridge, turning and fired a beam at Intress just as she jumped to another part of the bridge.
Crying out as the attack her and began clouding her mind, Intress screamed in surprise as the bridge fell out from under her, leaving her plunging into the water below. The sight made Kinnianne smirk as she held her hands down at the water.
"Now let's see how you handle this! Funnel Blast!" Said Kinnianne, forming an electrified wind funnel and launched it down at the water.
Once the funnel hit the water it slowly began forming a whirlpool, making the Ambassador's smirk grow and waited to see either Intress get sucked in or her code bursting. Only for her eyes to widen in shock when a burst of water shot up from the river, with Intress actually riding on it.
"Flood Force!" Intress said leaping high up into the air, while the water shot forward and ensnared Kinnianne in a ball of water.
'Crap!' Kinnianne thought as she held her breath, not expecting Intress to escape like that.
"Velocitrap!" Said Intress once she landed and was surrounded by electricity, before rushing forward around Kinnianne.
Causing the fox-like OverWorlder to grit her teeth as she was electrocute, which was only made worse by the water sphere she was trapped in.
*Port Court*
"Oh, it's not gonna be easy for Sakura to get out of this." Matsuri said in worry at seeing the pinkette being trapped.
"She'll get out of it; I know she will. Come on Sakura, show her how badass you are!" Cheered Naruko, confident her best friend can get out of this.
*OverWorld Embassy*
'If I don't do something I'm code!' Kinnianne thought gritting her teeth.
"Th-Th-Th-Thu-Thunder Shout!" Kinnianne shouted, letting out a loud roar strong enough to cause the water to burst and push Intress back, finally allowing her to breath.
"Rock Wave!" Said Kinnianne as she slammed her fists down unleashing a massive wave of rocks toward Intress.
"You aren't the only one who can roar! Megaroar!" Intress roared loudly, releasing a powerful soundwave that held the rocks back and began breaking them apart, with Kinnianne grunt and held her ears from the volume.
"E-Earth Pulse!" Said Kinnianne putting her hands on the ground, releasing a pulse that caused the ground to begin shaking, knocking Intress off-balance and ending her attack.
"Power Pulse!" Kinnianne said, continuing the attack and shooting a barrage of green energy fists at Intress.
"Power Pulse!" Said Intress, letting out her own energy fists barrage causing the attacks to cancel each other out as they collided.
"You like copying attacks?! Try copying this then! Slowsand!" Said Kinnianne, shooting a blast at the ground beneath Intress, turning it into quicksand which she began sinking into.
"Followed by Sandstrike!" Kinnianne said causing the sand to shoot up and slam into Intress's face knocking her into the air.
"Torrent of Water!" Said Intress, flipping through air and fired jets of water down at Kinnianne, only for the foxlike Creature to smirk.
"Melody of Mirage!" Kinnianne said, activating the Mipedian Mugic causing numerous illusion copies to appear around her.
The sight surprised Intress, even more as her attack hit only for all the Kinnianne's to vanish from sight, making her look around for where could be.
"Vine Snare!" Said Kinnianne, jumping down from a tree before shooting vines of her hands that wrapped around Intress, before yanking her towards while pulling her fist back.
"Shriek Shock!" Intress shouted letting out a high-pitched shriek right at Kinnianne, getting a cry of pain from her at the close proximity of the attack.
"Good try, but not good enough! Slashclaw!" Said Intress, swiping her claws, ripping through the vines and firing claw-shaped energy blades that slammed into the Ambassador throwing her back.
"R-Ro-Ro-Rock W-Wave!" Said Kinnianne, slamming her fist into the ground, creating a wave of rocks that rushed towards Intress, only for her to jump over it.
"Rip Tide!" Intress said, creating two orbs of water that shot out two lines of water going in opposite directions, until they slammed into Kinnianne trapping her in between them.
"Now Hail Storm!" Said Intress, releasing a large blast of freezing air and hail, making Kinnianne grit her teeth at the continuous attacks.
'N-ne-ne-ne-need to c-c-ca-c-c-ca-ca-cast M-Mu-Mu-Mugic…Song of Resurgence!' Kinnianne thought activating her second Mugic, restoring some of her energy and giving her the strength she needed.
"Thunder Shout!" Said Kinnianne, letting out a powerful shout all around her, blasting away the hail and water pinning her down, giving her the chance to escape.
"Power Punch!" Kinnianne said, shooting out a barrage of white energy fists at Intress, forcing the OverWorld Hero to keep moving to avoid getting hit.
"Winterclaw!" Said Intress as she jumped to the side, coating her claws in ice before swinging them at Kinnianne releasing a large claw of ice at her.
"Fanfare of the Vanishing!" Said Kinnianne playing her third Mugic before she disappeared from sight just as the ice claw sailed past her.
Intress tensed at seeing Kinnianne turn invisible, making her look around warily unsure where she'll strike from, while trying to hear or smell anything.
'Hm, maybe this'll bring her out.' Intress thought, aiming her hands up into the air.
"Torrent of Water!" Intress said, shooting jets of water into the air, with it raining down once it reached its peak.
Looking around again for any sign of the rain hitting someone, Intress narrowed eyes when she still couldn't see Kinnianne.
"Sleep Sting!" Said Kinnianne, making Intress's eyes widen before she grunted when she felt several stingers hit her in the back as she began feeling drowsy.
'Need to go fast now!' Intress thought, knowing she's on a timer now.
"Iron Balls!" Kinnianne said as she turned visible, shooting a barrage of iron balls that slammed into Intress's back, sending her crashing into a tree with a grunt.
"Rustoxic!" Said Intress spewing out a stream of rust towards Kinnianne, only for her to quickly jump out of the way, something Intress hoped for as she quickly turned her head.
"Paral-Eyes!" Intress said firing an eye beam that collided against the foxlike OverWorlder, leaving her paralyzed as she hit the ground.
"Now…to end…this! Supercooled Rain!" Roared Intress throwing her arms towards Kinnianne, unleashing a large blast of frozen rain drops that crashed right into Kinnianne.
With the Ambassador being helpless to dodge or block the attack as she was repeatedly bombarded, until soon…she burst into code.
*Tirasis Drome*
"The winner of the battle and the match, WildNeko22." The DromeMaster declared, as Sakura and Intress appeared back in the Drome.
"Oh yeah, another win down!" Yugito cheered as she turned back, pleased at another victory.
"Yeah, congrats." Said Sakura while looking down as she grabbed her Scanner, feeling disheartened that she lost after getting so close to winning.
"Hey Sakura, that was an amazing match. You were really great out there and really pushed me." Said Yugito, walking over and holding her hand out, with the pinkette shaking it.
"Thanks, I did my best, but I guess that wasn't enough." Sakura said, only for the OverWorld Player to shake her head.
"I'd say it was more than enough. Supercooled Rain is my strongest attack as Intress, and not many have really pushed me to use it. Plus, the Riverland Star I gave her meant each Water Attack I used restored my energy. That really shows how much you pushed me." Yugito said, making Sakura feel a little better.
"Plus, that was my fifth win in the Tirasis Drome and I've only been challenging really strong opponents to matches here. And you were definitely the toughest one so far." Added Yugito with a smirk, causing Sakura to smile.
"Well…in that case I'm glad I was able to really push you. And congrats on the win, it won't be long before you'll have a CodeMaster Match." Said Sakura, feeling better at losing if it meant she had been able to challenge Yugito that much.
"That's the plan. Though maybe we'll get to battle again someday." Yugito said, with Sakura nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, maybe. And next time I'll be the one winning." Sakura said with a smirk, which the blonde returned.
"We'll see about that." Said Yugito as they exited the Drome, waving as they went their separate ways.
Returning to the Port Court, Sakura was soon greeted by Naruko and Matsuri, surprising her that they're back.
"Sakura, we got back just in time to see that last battle! And you were so amazing as Kinnianne! The way you battled and the Mugic you used; I was worried a few times but you really came through! Even if you lost, it was still really great how close it was!" Matsuri said, smiling at the pinkette.
"I knew you were going to be amazing, no matter what, and I was right! You still kicked some ass and looked hot while doing it!" Said Naruko, smiling as well, with Sakura smiling at their praise.
"Thanks, I'm glad you were able to at least see some of the match. It was definitely one of the toughest battles I've had, and even if I lost it has helped me see where I could improve myself." Sakura said, having seen there were some things she could work on to improve her deck and future battle teams.
"But what about you two? How'd your Scan Quest go?" Questioned Sakura, curious of how things went in Perim.
"Come on, we'll tell you about it and show you the new scans we got." Said Naruko as they went over to a table, calling over one of the robots to order some food as they started telling Sakura what happened on their Scan Quest.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruko and Sakura giving Matsuri tips and strategies to use in the Dromes, before she and Naruko port to the Mipedim Valley on a Scan Quest. While Sakura stays behind to get ready to train in the BetaDromes, only to receive a challenge from a player called WildNeko22, one she knows is really strong.
We then see Naruko and Matsuri in the Mipedim Valley, and that while they ported there together they didn't arrive in the same spot, leading to them needing to meet up before they can begin scanning. With there being a few close calls, especially for Matsuri falling off a cliff, luckily Naruko manages to catch her in time. Only for them both to fall when the ledge breaks apart sending them falling into a river.
Then we go back to Chaotic for Sakura's match, with her opponent revealed to be Yugito as they prepare their teams. With Yugito getting the first move and manages to code Drabe with Attacat, though Sakura gets the advantage by coding Attacat with Kinnianne. Before we see a sword fight between Odu-Bathax and Tangath Toborn.
While back with Naruko and Matsuri, they're able to pull themselves out of the river before stripping to let their clothes dry, much to Matsuri's embarrassment when Naruko does so. With them also taking the chance to learn more about each other, while also getting hints of other potential characters we might be seeing. With their clothes soon drying as they continue their journey, heading out of the valley and into the Al Mipedim Desert to get scans.
We also get a look back at the battle with Rothar battling Intress before being coded, as we learn how things went with the following battles as Sakura's down to her last two Creatures and Yugito to three.
Back with the girls, they travel through the desert where they stumble onto the Indigo Grover, meeting Tiaane and Akkalbi. Where they learn more about the Mipedians, as well as the history of the Conjurors and Warbeasts, much to their amazement. Before they get some new scans, Matsuri scanning Tiaane and a Disarming Theme Mugic while Naruko scans Akkalbi, since his ability to reduce Recklessness will go great with her UnderWorlders.
Finally we see them porting back to Chaotic in time to see the final round of Sakura's match as Kinnianne battles Intress. With Sakura putting up a good fight but is coded in then, leaving her disheartened until Yugito helps lift her spirits with how far she pushed her. Before she joins Naruko and Matsuri, all three sharing what's happened to them. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out
