(Character Battle - Vs. Battlewing RGR) ♫ Bug Fables - MECHA BEE DESTROYER BLASTLORD (Remix) ♫
After being battered by Mack and Yuugen-V's combo trick, Battlewing takes a moment to float back up, her jet engines backfiring a couple times. She clutches the top of her helmet, wheezing...with laughter.
Th...this is what I'm talking about!

We're holding nothing back! We're giving all we got! Mayflies got more time than us, so we're using ours for glory...
A red glow fills the room as Battlewing charges toward Yuugen-V, claws first!
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF WE TAKE OUR LIVES AS LONG AS WE CALL THE-
Battlewing's deranged roars are silenced by a Super Flame Wall and Soothing Winds!
Yuugen, take the shot, quick!


With a quiet nod, Yuugen-V pummels the frantic insect with a Shootra!!
GRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Despite all the might she puts into pushing forward, Battlewing drops to the ground as the flames and winds fade, her body sliding to a stop right at the trio's feet...

Mack, YuugenMagan Visage, and Terumi gain 400 EXP.
Mack reaches Level 12.
YuugenMagan Visage reaches Level 11.
Level 10 upgrades:
YuugenMagan Visage learns Kron.
YuugenMagan Visage learns Gem.
Terumi reaches Level 13.
Level 11 upgrades:
Terumi learns Gry.
Terumi learns Vine Growth.
Terumi learns Deglamer.

---

Soothing Winds: (Wind) Terumi summons a breeze with Wind magic, dealing damage to the target(s) with a tiny chance (roughly 15%) of lulling any to Sleep.
Variants: Soothing Storm (Power Level 2, roughly 35% chance of secondary effect)

Sleep*: A status effect. The target is put into a deep sleep, leaving them unable to act for a certain period of time (in turn-based fights†, this equals 1 to 3 turns). Certain attacks can interrupt the effect prematurely.

New Flame Wall Power Level: Super... (Power Level 2)
New Shoot Power Level: Shootra (Power Level 2) (5 orbs)

---

*Technically (as far as search results tell me, anyway) Sleep as a status effect was introduced by RedBomber in Part II, Page 35, Post #14 (formatted as either Sleep or Sleep), but given various factors, I'm assuming Red doesn't have an exact explanation in mind. If I'm wrong about this, I'll edit or remove this description to accommodate.
†It's been pretty loose how much "turns" in the RPG sense are involved in Chaos Zone combat, but I'm aware that users such as Rotom use the idea; I personally don't, but I gave this reference point for those who do.

Yuuma lurches along in the empty, dark edges of the forest,, grumbling to herself as she drags her spork across the ground.
A voice from behind catches the taotie by surprise, her pulling her arms to the front, bent and clawed like a feral creature.
To think a leader from the Animal Realm could sully their reputation on the surface even more...
Yuuma slumps her head over to the voice, letting out a snarling sigh.
You got the bat kid to blast me to bits, the hell am I gonna have to do get you outta my hair?!
Now, now, let's think about this for a moment. How did she defeat you?
...
You let the energy you coveted take over your mind. You became nothing more than a monster of grief, pleasure, loathing, resentment...
...and fear.
You thinkin' I forgot that whole ordeal?
My point, Toutetsu, is that the "black water" is dangerous in the wrong hands. What do you think would have happened had the leaks not risen to Gensokyo's surface?
To be trapped in the darkest depths as a mindless beast...surely even as the black sheep of the Animal Realm you would want more than that.

Now, I'm here for an offer. You and I both know the danger of leaving the "petroleum" deposit unchecked.
But you've shown you have the ability to defend the deposit from the few others who have reached it.
If you do me the favor of guarding the pools without consuming them, I will repay you and all the Gouyoku Alliance.
What do you say?
Yuuma takes a long pause, stroking her chin as she ponders. Eventually, her puzzled pout stretches back into a smirk, and she looks back up at the Hidden Figure.
...Y'know, this is a bit of an odd time to ask me this kinda stuff, ain't it?
I'm gonna need to sleep on this one. Whaddaya say I get back to you in a day or three?
...
...I will give you four days. If you do not make a choice by then, there will be consequences.
You have my word, cross my heart and hope not to die, see ya then.
The Hidden Figure vanishes without a trace.
(...She's real darn fixated on Gensokyo, ain't she? You'd think the rest of the world wasn't a thing with how she was talkin'.)
(...Come to think of it, what does the rest of the world even know about my little slip-up?)

*Reference/Recap: Touhou 17.5: While Touhou canon places this game before Touhou 18 (hence the name), off-hand references to the games have suggested 18's story wrapping up around May 2021, with 17.5 coming after, first referenced October 2021 and last referenced January 2022. I chose this date because with what context had been given, it seemed like a reasonable point to mark as after 17.5's events.
†Reference: Touhou 18.5, which has not happened in Chaos Zone.

---

i'm too tired to write takane's summary data right now and honestly there isn't much to say anyway

Startled at the physical reaction to the strike, Foot Holder floats over to Meandra to see if she's still conscious...

---

(Character Battle - Vs. Battlewing RGR) ♫ Bug Fables - MECHA BEE DESTROYER BLASTLORD (Remix) ♫
Kid, what are you doing?!
Tell her to get away from you and Ms. Yuugen!
No, hold on, YOU step away from the grub or she's gonna-
Battlewing takes the chance to punt Mack across the room with a heavy kick!
Gukh!!
Let's save our breaths, I ain't here for veal.
Mack shakes off the strike as he and Yuugen-V both turn to the buzzing half-machine, each keeping one eye on Terumi to be sure.
Fine by me.

Battlewing rushes to Mack with a Butterfly Wheel on eight horizontal sides...giving Mack the chance to leap up and slam on her head, Yuugen-V following up with a Frei!

---

A merchant dressed in loose camo is finding herself trying to talk down a customer who...seems to have an offer of her own.
Look, there's a time n' place to make deals. Not that I'd be sayin' yes at the right time.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, let's not get riled up now. I can come back later if I gotta.
The customer, with hair fluffed up like wool, horns as red as her eyes, and a gigantic utensil by her side, twiddes her fingertips in silence for a couple seconds before speaking up again.
Y'know, if sales ain't doin' great here, I could always give ya pointers on other markets† to look int-
Takane slams the table.
Missy, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. And that means people who're tryin' to whip up shady deals.
I ain't gonna ask this again. Do you want the card or not?
The horned customer sighs, pulling out just enough money to cover the cost as she grabs the Replica Ability Card she'd been eyeing.
Y'know, I try to be more open than my co-workers most o' the time. After what you pulled with the black water, you should be happy I let you have the card at all.
...well, if I gotta give anyone 'sides you a reason to listen, I'll give it at the right time.

Thank you. Have a nice day. Just have it somewhere else.
Yuuma sighs through gritted teeth as she walks away from the card stand, gripping the Static E! card.

---

Butterfly Wheel: (Beast/Swift) Battlewing RGR summons a swarm of mechanical moths (she'd change the ability's name if she could) that surround her in 8 directions, circling her rapidly.

Ability Card RECAP: An item created from an unusual source, containing magical powers, often of those living in Gensokyo. Four types exist: Item (provides an immediate effect, but can't be stored), Equipment (Provides an additional element of power, such as extra projectiles or a passive "helper"), Passive (boosts effects tied to the user's own stats or Skills), and Active (Is activated remotely, and allows use of a new Ability). Replica Ability Cards created with technology also exist, and are functionally just about the same.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Gimmick! - Aporia (Remix) ♫
Easy as it may have been for Ben K, let alone the high-jumping Up'n'Down and the flying Prop-Top and Foot Holder, Dachone (too big to avoid it) and Peterchy (not a fast walker) are knocked out cold by the meteor!!
You sonofa-Imeandaughterofa-GHYOUKNOWWHATIMEAN!!
Ben K tries to stab Meandra with an Artifact Lancea as Up'n'Down, having completely lost his temper, goes in for a Dark Break!!

---

Yes! The weapon mastery! The agility! The raw power!
This is most indeed a spectacle most grand, as Rome should deserve forever!!!
Nero looks around at the others with her on the bleachers, all but Gilgamesh glaring at her with surprise and/or confusion as she yells while standing on her seat.
I appreciate that you all agree!
I didn't say anything.
Nero pats Demyx on the back, Demyx almost falling over from recoil.
And yet you showed your approval even in silence!
As Nero sits back down, Demyx lowers his head, his hands on his forehead as if massaging his headache.

---

〈Okay, Gil said the location was a few feet from...here?〉
Noticing a wall right in front of him with a poster of a...highly interpretive red figure, with scribbles that seem to include the phrase "Nero Fest". He then looks up as he hears the echoes of an overly enthusiastic person who isn't Gilgamesh.
...Huh.
With a few more flaps from his Yoshi Wings, the green dragon begins ascending the side of the fortress.

---

Artifact Lancea: (Crystal/Cutter) The user strikes with a magic lance with incredible range. The user is immune to knockback while using this ability.
Dark Break: (Impact/Shadow) Up'n'Down disappears into a dark puddle, then slams down on top of the opponent multiple times. The higher the move's power level, the more strikes are possible.
Power Levels: Default (3 strikes)

(Character Battle - Vs. Battlewing RGR) ♫ Bug Fables - MECHA BEE DESTROYER BLASTLORD (Remix) ♫
Star Flares and Drains fly up by the dozen, blasting most Sting Chasers before they can make impact...
...not that it stops a couple from hitting Yuugen-V!
Agh!
YUUGEN-
Mack, Mack, I'm fine. I think. I don't know if it was from the past few fights, but that didn't kill me this time. I think.
Assuring as Yuugen-V tries to be, her stance isn't as stable, and she's trying to catch her breath...
Battlewing, meanwhile, veers down to Mack's level, the pogo sword just barely bouncing away from an Aura Swipe, almost leaving himself open for a second before an Ice Storm throws Battlewing off her trail!
Kh-h! What the...?
Her head darts around, focusing when she notices Terumi, still aiming at her and trying to stay composed...
...

---

Aura Swipe: (Laser/Beast) The user swipes with a claw of concentrated plasma. Can be charged to unleash a wave of energy that deals damage to non-shielded opponents, and removes most shields (but does not hurt the shielded opponent).

(Character - Theme of Battlewing RGR) ♫ Super Robot Wars 3 - Premonition/Intermission ♫
Battlewing nonchalantly slams on the keyboard to halt the airship inside the wide, hollow tree, the barrier dissipating as the ship drops to the ground.
Now this is more like it! I love this atmosphere!
...You're being so hasty about all this, I'm almost wondering when the other shoe will drop.
Hhheheh...I know, baffling, ain't it?
I mean, Willowarp n' Rottentest, they love their theatrics. Their jobs were made for 'em.
But, well...I think I'm saying enough about where my job lies and how much it takes away from my passion.
Lemme get this radio turned on, I want the boss to hear this. I figure whatever happens, I'll be giving him some message. Whether that says "Maybe the wind unit wasn't a waste" or "I gotta cross her off the list"...
...wait, no, he calls me an "it"...whatever, doesn't change my point...
After one last session of fiddling with controls, the armored firefly leaps atop the roof of the ship's front, still turned to her adversaries.
I don't care. I could go down with you, I could be the last one alive, I could fade away...
...fade?
(Character Battle - Vs. Battlewing RGR) ♫ Bug Fables - MECHA BEE DESTROYER BLASTLORD (Remix) ♫
...I don't care about winning the war, I'm here for the thrill of the battle!!!
Battlewing flies up, aiming a barrage of Sting Chasers downward!

---

Sting Chaser: (Beast/Missile) The user fires a homing missile with a sharp point like a stinger.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Gimmick! - Aporia (Remix) ♫
"Anything" in this case turns out to be Ben K, who tries to counterattack fast as he can with a Spinning Spear, Prop-Top readying a Prop Drop at the same time!
Dachone is oddly silent as he crouches down, not bothering to turn around to face his opponent...

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Super Mario Maker - Airship Theme (Super Mario Bros. Style) (Remix) ♫
The remaining Air Strollers land on the main ship, unleashing bursts of wind trying to push the trio off the ship!
All three struggle to fight the current, but as the distance grows, Mack strikes with a last-second Mega Drain wide enough to hit both foes, Terumi regaining her balance as Yuugen-V finishes the job with a Mazanma!!

Mack, Yuugen-V, and Terumi gain 160 EXP!

Mack and Terumi reach Level 10!
Yuugen-V reaches Level 9!

Gotta say, I like your style!
Mack, Yuugen-V, and Terumi look in front, seeing an open hatch of the ship. The figure from before walks out from some sort of control room, revealing a body of thick, jade armor, two of the few areas exposed being arms ending in thin, sharp claws.
(Character - Theme of...) ♫ Super Robot Wars 3 - Premonition/Intermission* ♫
Didn't think about diplomacy for a sec, jumped straight into action...heck, I'm almost jealous of you!

...you got like 7 ships still around us, you tryin' to distract us or something?
Battlewing lets out a sigh loud enough you'd think she was trying to call a crowd to attention.
I'm gonna be real with you, I'm not happy the boss stuck me up in the airships. You'd think with what he sent the four of us out to do, I'd be more than a figurehead with how much he put into me.
Now that you three are around, though, maybe I can improvise a little. Get the big guy to give half a darn!
Battlewing flies over to the control panel, still facing Mack's posse, and clicks a few buttons. An error screen flashes on a small monitor, and she turns to face it, aggravated as she types faster trying to use whatever command she tried to put in without looking.
Seconds later, the remaining ships scatter, and a yellow-green barrier envelops the main ship as it begins to speed up, the barrier being the only thing keeping anyone from being flung off!

---

Spinning Spear RECAP: (Cutter) The user throws a spear that flies forward while spinning vertically. The spear can block projectiles even as it's being thrown.
Prop Drop RECAP: (Wind/Impact) The user flies into the air and falls on their opponent.

---

*I don't know if this track has an official name (let alone an official English name), but these are both names I've found the track listed under.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Super Mario Maker - Airship Theme (Super Mario Bros. Style) (Remix) ♫
As much as Terumi can focus on using Fire Orbs, she quickly begins to tire out...
*huff* *huff*
Yuugen-V hurriedly lifts Terumi on her shoulders, throwing off the focus of one of the Air Strollers with a well-timed Shoot to its mechanical eye!
I'm sorry, Ms. Yuugen...I wanted to help for longer, but-
Nonono, it's fine, we weren't even thinking you had to help. That was brave of you, but please be more careful.

Terumi and Yuugen-V turn to see Mack exiting the steering mechanism.
The ship's pointing up, you two should be able to make the jump in a sec!
Make the-Mack, could you please take time to explain these ideas before you go through with them?!
If I explained we wouldn't have time to do them, just hurry!
Mack wastes no more time leaping out of the ship, bouncing right off one of the hovering Air Strollers - which plummets to the ground from the impact - and onto the main ship's landing pad, Yuugen-V and Terumi quickly joining him just before the unmanned ship veers down!

---

---

Shoot: The user summons several ballistic-like orbs of Missile magic, aiming all three at a single target. The number of projectiles depends on the power level.
Power Levels: Default (3 orbs), ???

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Super Mario Maker - Airship Theme (Super Mario Bros. Style) (Remix) ♫
As Mack and Yuugen-V hectically cooperate to steer the hijacked ship, a figure emerges on leading ship's landing pad.
*snicker* Okay, that's actually neat, I like that.
Might as well send the big fellas in to give them real-
...wait...
The figure turns behind them, using a pair of jet-propelled wings to blaze back into the ship after a second.
Son of an imago, I thought I turned the stupid mic back-
As the figure's voice turns inaudible, a trio of bulky avians appear on the landing pad.


As one of them leaps off, hovering towards the ship, Terumi shuts her eyes tight, pushing her hands out in reflexive self-defense...
...and as the gesture, once again, leads to the sound of something striking, she opens her eyes before pulling her arms back, thinks for a moment, and voluntarily pelts the Air Stroller with Fire Orbs!!

---

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Our Blood Boils~VS Sigma 1st ♫
Gh!
Dyna blocks the Astro Crush, still being pushed back a bit...but as soon as it ends, he readies a couple hundred Mega Dynamite Blasts, lobbing them straight at Military!!

---

The Deca-Yotta Force Field absorbs the missiles with no trouble at all, Volt and Bit assisting Alt. Aeon with a Metal Melder and an Impact Quake respectively!
Sonic Man, meanwhile, after noticing the alarm and doing some thinking, begins preparing...something?

---

Fire Orb: (Flame) The user concentrates Fire magic into a series of small fireballs that bounce or fly at the target. Higher power levels make the fireballs bigger, but the user's own concentration can allow them to release additional fireballs in a single use, for a maximum of 15.
Power Levels: Fire (Default), ???
Dynamite Blast RECAP: (Explode) The user throws a miniature nuclear warhead that explodes on contact.
Power Levels: Default, Mega... (Power Level 2)
Metal Melder RECAP: (Cutter/Space) Volt Man summons 20 pieces of scrap metal that home in on the opponent, four at a time. Any that miss are combined into a sharp amalgamation of scrap that homes in on the opponent again.
Impact Quake: (Impact/Earth) Mechabit slams the ground, creating a heavy shockwave and summoning sharp rock pillars underneath opponents.
Sonic Mine RECAP/RE-TYPE: (Water/Laser -> Water/Sound) A small mechanism that releases pulses of harmful sound waves when it detects the noise of an opponent.

*CRASH*
In front of Volt and Sonic Man, blocking the plasma ball and crushing dozens of Mechas under its feet, stands a figure nine feet tall, with a body of shining silver.
I'm not one for family reunions. Let's make this quick.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Our Blood Boils~VS Sigma 1st ♫
Mechabit rushes straight to CRORQ Neo, unleashing a Thunder Thrash!!

---

Buddy, I've been through enough to know I'm my worst enemy.
Dyna Man Foot Dives between the Spark Chasers as they initially ascent, grabs Military, and slams him to the ground!
And I won months ago.*
Dyna immediately follows up with a Firework Upper IV to carry Military straight into the Chasers!

---

Thunder Thrash: The user swings their weapons (bare limbs count) violently, striking the opponent for heavy damage three times.
Foot Dive FULL EXPLANATION: The user positions themselves upright, careening straight down (or slightly diagonally down) to the ground with their feet surrounded by a powerful surge of electricity. Can only be used in the air.
Firework Upper RECAP: (Flame/Explode) The user flies upwards, performing a spinning uppercut, then creates a firework explosion.
Power Levels: Default, ...IV

---

*Referring to an actual personal crisis Dyna went through after the Beta Diablo Arc, which ended with Sonic Man heavily injured. This personal struggle of his was first seen Part 2, Page 146, Post #8, and it wasn't resolved until Page 188, Post #2 of the same Part.

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

---

(OOC: @ch4s3man: Wait, so does that mean this somehow involves the former Omni-King (the one Kirby reincarnated from), or an unrelated character who you just gave the title of "Omni-King"?)

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Conclusion~VS Sigma Final ♫
Quin, Blade, I'm so sorry, I dunno what's going on-
Volt, this is my fault, I should have just told you instead of keeping it a-
Dyna Man softens his grip on Sonic Man's shoulder as he prepares a Final Nuclear Detonator in the other hand.
Sonic Man, it's fine. I dunno what you "hid", but I can already guess it wasn't this big.
And now that it is, I think we can tell what to put our sights on.
As Volt Man prepares a Deca-Yotta Force Field, Sonic Man nods in understanding.
Ashura, be ready to help Quin and Bladesmatter. If there are any volatile reactions for us to watch out for, I'll help prevent them.
Sonic Man aims for the Mecha horde and fires a Sonic Wave 20 Full Power, Dyna leaping high into the air as he dunks the Detonator on Military and Alarm!!

---

Nuclear Detonator RECAP: (Explode) The user throws a bundle of dynamite that explodes on contact, or upon remote detonation.
Power Levels: Default, Ultra... (Power Level 3), Final... (Power Level 4)
Force Field RECAP: (Electric/Shield) Volt Man's signature ability. Creates an electric barrier that lingers around the user even when hit with projectiles.
Power Levels: Default, Zetta... (Power Level 10), Yotta... (Power Level 11), Deca-Yotta... (Power Level 12) (NEW)
Sonic Wave FULL EXPLANATION*: (Water/Laser) The user channels nearby sounds into their weapon (in Sonic Man's case, his trident) and turns it into a wide wave of energy that bounces off surfaces.
Power Levels: Default, ...8 (Power Level 2), ...12 Unleashed (Power Level 3), ...20 Full Power (Power Level 4)

---

*Sonic Wave has been used as far back as Part 1, but this is the first time I've actually bothered to explain what it does.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

---

...he usually bothers to explain what's goin' on, I ain't got a clue why this was different...
I'm just confused why you do know.
Well, I don't know for sure......but I might've overheard a thing or two once.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Gimmick! - Aporia (Remix) ♫
Foot Holder readies a Floating Shield to protect the team...failing to anticipate the tsunami's ability to whisk the shield away, pushing the whole team back!
Pushed away the furthest is Up'n'Down, who is flung back again by the orb, Foot Holder having to catch him just to keep him from flying out of the ring!
As much as it exceeds him in size, Dachone is still the closest to Meandra as the tsunami passes, prompting him to respond with a Triple Laser 3!

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Super Mario Maker - Airship Theme (Super Mario Bros. Style) (Remix) ♫
As Yuugen-V and Terumi drop in, sandwiching a failed strike from the Sectra Pilot, Yuugen-V blasts the creature with a Frei, sending it flying along with the shards of what was once the ship's glass window!
So, are we going to keep crashing the ships, or...
Shush, I'm looking for the steering! If a bird flea thingy can do it, why not me?
Mack finds the specialized steering of the ship, seemingly designed for an insect proboscis, and shoves his blade into it!
...leaving his face pressed hard against the ship's roof as a result.
...that was a rhetorical, just tell me which way to turn!

---

As the light fades from the doorway, Sonic Man freezes.

(Event Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Black Plotting ♫ ...Sonic Man? You, uh...
Sonic Man clutches his scarred chest, breathing deeply and softly, but frantically.
Dyna grabs Sonic Man by the shoulder, lightly shaking him to try and get his attention.
Sonic, this ain't funny, I dunno what's going on and you're freaking me out.
(whatdowedowhatdowedowhatdowedowhatdowedowhatdowedo)
No more aware than Dyna, Volt walks over to the doorway...and sees, towering over him, something familiar, but at the same time, alien to him.

---

Floating Shield RECAP: (Crystal/Shield) The user raises a powerful circular barrier that protects them and their allies. It cannot be destroyed (save for the user disabling it), but it can be pushed away from the user and their allies.
Triple Laser RECAP: (Laser) The user fires three lasers at varying downward angles.
Power Levels: Default, 2, 3 (NEW)
Frei: (Explode) Wielding Explode magic, the user summons a glowing orb of volatile energy, and detonates it shortly after (usually over the opponent).
Variants: Freila (Power Level 2), Freidyne (Power Level 3, the orb appears right over the target, exploding immediately with a multi-hit strike), Ma- (All opponents; can be a prefix to any of the prior three)

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Super Mario Maker - Airship Theme (Super Mario Bros. Style) (Remix) ♫

The ship's insectoid pilot doesn't even get a chance to turn around before Mack defeats it, the unmanned (unbugged?) ship quickly losing control before taking a 90-degree turn straight into the edge of the mountain!
Don't make fun of me, that was on purpose.
...you must know something I don't, because I don't know what purpose you're thinking of.
Noticing the small crashed ship, a few other of similar size begin to turn to the trio.
...I dunno, actually, but this works!
Mack bounds onto another ship as it approaches, controlling his height and distance to only crack the cockpit window, leaving the pilot veering in confusion!
C'mon, get on!!
Baffled, but at the same time unsure what else to do, Yuugen-V zips over to the ship, holding Terumi tight as she shifts from "bolt" form back to humanoid form atop the ship.
Mack once again breaks into the ship, Yuugen-V questioning whether or not to jump in until she sees the Sectra Pilot charge into Mack, shoving him to the back of the ship with the strike!

---

Meandra's pondering is answered by-
HEEAAAAAAH
...an immediate attempt at an angled Up Jump from Up'n'Down that makes even Nero stumble back startledly.
(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Gimmick! - Aporia (Remix) ♫

---

A series of black armored airships are hovering over a populated area, a much larger one with a red front taking the lead.
(Event Theme) ♫ Metal Slug 3 - The Midnight Wandering ♫
The screech of feedback fills the air as an unknown voice begins to speak from the leading ship.
This thing on? Good. You're talkin' to the one behind the Seekers of Strength's air troops, and I'm only giving you one chance to learn what that means:
First off, if you can hear me, and I know that's possible, this thing is on, give up any govermnent positions to us soon as you can. It's our stuff now.
If I don't get any answers, I have to send down troops to deal with that. I want that about as much as you do, air troops are a waste down there.
And thats listed as an if-all-else-fails on what I've been sent, so now that that's outta the way, let's get to the point: If you want it to end well, use whatever you've got to fly up here and talk to me directly in the main ship. I have a landing pad and everything, can't miss it.
Or, if you don't want that, you can try and fight it out. I'd recommend preparing for boarding before you start up the engines, 'cause I'm not gonna wait. Or heck, you can find a path to try and board my ship, that'd be impressive...
Anyway, you all got 30 minutes to make up your minds.

---

On a nearby mountain, Mack, YuugenMagan Visage, and Terumi watch the ships approach, Terumi clinging onto Mack like a playground horse.
...as much as this is exactly what I'd think a conquest would look like, there's still something jarring about it.
Mack says nothing at first, eyeing the closest ship as it begins to pass by. After a few minutes...
Terumi, stay with Yuugen unless you wanna get flung off. Actually, stay with her anyway, I don't want that.
Wait what-
Terumi doesn't hesitate to float behind Yuugen-V as Mack bounds off the mountain surface, making a one-sharp-point landing right onto the approaching ship!
...are you doing?!
What's it look like? I heard what they said about taking the route straight to them, and if the short route's open, I ain't thinking twice about it.
Terumi glances at the space between the ships. At least a mile between each. She pulls herself up to Yuugen-V's ear.
...can Mr. Mack bounce that far?
Like heck he can. There isn't even a direct path to the center.
I heard that. Thought about it, too!
Mack leaps up...crashing straight down through the roof of the ship he's perched on!!

---

Up Jump RECAP: (Impact) The user jumps straight up, damaging opponents during the ascent.

---

*The continent Murky Cave is located on in the Mystery Dungeon world, according to Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon

Up'n'Down hops frantically, slamming the ground each time with loud eagerness.
Well, what are ya waitin' for? C'mon in here!
Indeed, should she choose to enter, the next great battle, between the Fighting Mecha Team and-
...wait, what's her name?
Meandra.
-and MEANDRA will begin, for all of Rome to see!!
Each Fighting Mecha Team member poses dynamically (as much as they can with their limited shapes, anyway)...with Foot Holder still visibly appreciative of Meandra's earlier kindness.

---

(Event Theme) ♫ Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door - Grodus' Theme ♫
A strange figure is clacking away at a digital keyboard in the dark, a video of the fight between Nero and Gilgamesh in front...
Niice, turnout hasn't changed a bit! Still a dozen literally-whos - one of them's even a Nobody but the other kind of "literally" - and an epic fail of a world history essay!
Just gotta bide my time, and the whole thing's gonna be nothing but Netflix documentary fodder. Am I right or am I right, big guy?
NO LIFE FORMS CONFORM TO THE PERFECT FIGHTING PERFORMANCE.
Glad we agree.

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NEW SUMMARY DATA (would've put this in the last post but character limit got in the way)

*gasp* I'm so sorry, that was an accident, I didn't mean to-
As Foot Holder panics, immediately trying to help Meandra with a Solar Recharge, Dachone loudly dilvulges to the curious girl.
EVENT "NERO FESTIVAL 2022" IS, AS ADVERTISED ON SAID "POSTER", A GATHERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPRESSING THE ABSTRACT CONCEPT OF "BEAUTY" THROUGH ASSORTED BATTLES.
Wait, a poster? Is that what that weird stained paper was?
Show some respect, you four-legged drake. She's expressing her desires.
Don't bother, Ben. I'd bet us winning any fight over her realizing what's an insult.
Up'n'Down slowly turns to Prop-Top, making snapping noises as he turned, as if a demon was turning its neck.

And I'd bet both over me taking that back, if that's what you were gonna say, Up.
Fine by me. HEY EMPEROR, MIND IF WE STEP IN FOR THE NEXT FIGHT?
Not at all!
Up'n'Down impatiently leaps into the ring, the rest of the team awkwardly following - Foot Holder last, to make sure Meandra's finger is okay - as the audience goes silent, unsure who wants to take the challenge (even if everyone besides the Fighting Mecha Team silently agrees that they'd be only as difficult as a 1-on-1 against anyone else).

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A green, theropod-like figure is snoozing belly-up on a stump in the quiet autumn woods. A sudden jolt awakens him.
*sigh* 〈If someone turned the tree to winter again, I'm-〉

Yoshi's frown shrinks to neutral question as he realizes the jolt came not from a season change, but from a device on his wrist.
〈Oh.〉
Yoshi reads the message closely...

...hmm. 〈Well, the kids should be doing fine right now, maybe I'll go check...whatever this is out.〉
Yoshi hops to his feet, pulling a pair of Yoshi Wings out from under his shell and equipping them as he flies out of the forest.

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Solar Recharge: (Solar/Recovery) The user channels solar energy to recharge themselves, and allies within a medium-sized radius. 90% of the recharge is distributed evenly across the allies if any are there.

Yoshi Wings (Speed) - An item that, if equipped by a Yoshi, allows them to take flight. Are lost if the Yoshi takes damage.

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*Reference: Banjo-Kazooie
†Let's just say there are a handful of things that the real-life Nero Claudius may or may not have done (that's not code for "did", it's apparently legit debated among current historians? I think?) that Fate's Nero definitely didn't do. And more that this take on her didn't do.

Nero opens her arms, basking in the applause surrounding her.
Yes, thank you all! Indeed, this pleasure is that which I have always strived for with this festival!
Nero slides a bowl of Soup to Gilgamesh, who, after taking some time to consume* it, leaps back to his feet and walks over to Nero, giving her a firm handshake.
It was an honor fighting with you, Emperor Augustus! You achieved nearly as much with one weapon as I have with hundreds more!
Initially startled by the handshake, Nero quickly begins to return it, no less firm.
...well, I'd certainly say the same to you! You are the most pleasant Gilgamesh I have ever met†!
As Nero looks over to the cheering crowd (plus Prop-Top and Peterchy), she notices the figure in blue.
Ah, the audience has already grown!
Foot Holder turns to the blue figure, surprised as he notices them right next to him.
Oh! Hi! I'm Foot Holder, what's your name?

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Soup (Recovery) - A soup that restores all of the user's Energy.

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*I am going to say far away from any arguments over what form of oral consumption soup counts as.
†Reference: Fate series - Long story short, the Gilgamesh who the Final Fantasy character is named for is also a character in the Fate series, and he's usually a jerk. This is also why Nero has used identifiers such as "Big Gilgamesh" and "Weapon Collector".

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Metal Max - Battle With the Wanted ♫
Demyx glances over at the popcorn bucket as Peterchy tries to reach for it, falling face-first in vain.

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Both on their last legs, Gilgamesh and Nero close in on each other, Gil readying a Tidal Wave that strikes Nero just as she hits with a Fervence Ardeo!!

As the water and explosion fade, both Nero and Gil are face-first on the ground. It's clear neither is dead, but less so who's conscious...
...until Nero pulls herself back to her feet with her sword!

(Victory) ♫ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive) - "Stage Clear" ♫
Nero gains 65,000 XP!

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Applause and cheering roars from most of the Fighting Mecha Team, and from Reverse Man, with additional, quieter applause from Demyx trying not to sound rude as Prop-Top stays silent out of choice, Peterchy still trying to get back on his feet.

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Tidal Wave RECAP: (Water) Gilgamesh uses his Water magic to summon a gigantic wave of water, dealing tremendous damage to all opponents.
Fervence Ardeo: (Explode) Nero slams her sword to the ground, creating an explosion.