Planeptune. The Land of Purple Progress ruled by the CPU, Purple Heart. It is one of Gamindustri's four nations alongside Lastation; the Land of Black Regality, Lowee; the Land of White Serenity and Leanbox; the Land of Green Pastures. In Planeptune's Basilicom, life was just as how it was for the nation's CPU. Neptune, as she was called in her human form, lazed around most of the time much to Histoire's disapproval. And Nepgear, CPU Candidate of Planeptune and younger sister of Neptune, does not help the situation get any better thanks to her spoiling Neptune.
Of course, when the situation calls for it, the Planeptune siblings will fight for what is right. With help from their friends, they had brought down evil and maintained peace in Gamindustri. So far, threats have been relatively lower than before.
But, this time, a new threat is about to surface.
Well, not exactly a threat. It was more of… a mishap. You see, it all began when Nepgear met MAGES. one fine afternoon in the latter's secret laboratory. The Mad Magician, as MAGES. often called herself, was conducting her usual experiments. Normally, they would involve magic or machinery. But, this time round, it was different. Instead of coming up with a gizmo that would fascinate Nepgear, MAGES. came up with something completely different.
It was a potion. A flask containing green liquid with a cork screwed tightly atop it. When asked what it does, MAGES. explained that the potion serves to enlarge objects when doused onto them. Initially, Nepgear was unable to think of any use for it. Until MAGES. suggested she could test it on one of her model mechas from Nepgear's favorite mecha anime. Excited at the prospect of doing so, Nepgear volunteered to test the potion. With that, she took the flask and left MAGES.' lab with it.
Arriving back at the Basilicom, Nepgear found her older sister in the lounge playing video games with Plutia. The CPU from Ultradimension's Planeptune had planned to stay for one night to play with Neptune. She was not joined by the other CPUs from her dimension as they were busy with work. After briefly talking with Neptune and Plutia, all while hiding the potion from plain sight, Nepgear headed for the kitchen to prepare snacks for the two.
In the kitchen, Nepgear stood in front of a table in the room's center placing cookies on a plate. Next to the plate was the potion. The CPU Candidate decided to try it out after having served Neptune and Plutia their refreshments. Right when she finished arranging the snacks in the plate, Histoire flew into the kitchen. The Oracle had just finished some paperwork on Neptune's behalf as usual.
"Oh, Histoire!" Nepgear turned her attention away from the plate to the tiny fairy-like woman. "I did not see you there,"
"Hello, Nepgear," Histoire smiled gently. "I take it those snacks are for Neptune and Plutia?"
"Why, yes, I was going to give them something to eat while they're playing," replied Nepgear. "Were you doing paperwork for my sister again?"
"Admittedly, that is right," Histoire gave a brief sigh. "I still find it unbelievable that Planeptune can still stand with a CPU like your sister,"
"There's no need to worry, Histoire!" a slightly nervous Nepgear assured. "It's not like big sis's lazing around all the time. Besides, I'm there to help as always,"
"For some reason, I am not at ease hearing those words," Histoire put on a troubled expression which immediately changed to a good natured one. "But, at the same time, I do not mind," Her eyes then shifted to Nepgear's potion. "By the way, may I ask what that is?"
"Ah! This…!" Nepgear quickly took the plate of cookies and potion. "I-It's nothing! Oh, I better bring big sis and Plutia's snacks quickly!" Hurriedly, she exited the kitchen with Histoire giving the CPU Candidate a strange look.
"How odd. It isn't like Nepgear to hide things…" the Oracle said to herself.
"Big sis! Plutia! I've brought your snacks!" Nepgear entered the lounge, a spacious area with a long bay window displaying a scenic view of Planeptune. At its center was Neptune and Plutia. The duo were laying on their stomachs atop bean bags, playing a co-op adventure game together.
"Thanks! That's my younger sis for ya!" Pausing the game, Neptune turned around to sit on the floor. Plutia joined her and the two looked at Nepgear who placed the plate of cookies in front of them.
"Woooow, those look delicious," Plutia stared at the cookies.
"Thanks. I'm glad you like them," Nepgear smiled. Sitting on a pink couch facing Neptune and Plutia, she quietly hid the potion behind her back.
"By the way, Nep Jr., what's that you got there?" Neptune said as she bit onto a cookie.
"Huh?" a confused Nepgear said.
"Come on, little sister, you were bringing in some kind of thingamajig when you came back from seeing MAGES.," Neptune nibbled on her cookie while speaking. "Is it another one of her 'Mad Scientist' experiments?"
"Ahaha… Looks like you noticed," Nepgear laughed nervously. "Yes, MAGES. gave me something to try out,"
"Oh, what is it? What is it?" Neptune gave Nepgear an eager look.
"Well, it's actually something I'd like to test in secret. So, don't tell Histoire about it, okay?"
"And what is there not to tell me about?" Histoire appeared from behind Nepgear.
"Ah! Since when were you behind me?!" a startled Nepgear turned her head around.
"Since three minutes ago. It is never like you to hide things from us. Perhaps, you would like to explain what is happening, Nepgear?" Histoire, now floating next to Nepgear, appeared curious. Seeing this, the CPU Candidate showed everyone the potion and explained about it.
"Okay, you see MAGES. created a potion that can make things grow by pouring it onto them," Feeling a little embarrassed, Nepgear added, "I intended to try it out on one of my model mechas just for the fun of it…"
"Wow, really? That sounds like something from that movie. The one where a kid ended up becoming gigantic," Trying to recall something, Neptune said, "What was it called? 'Honey, I Blew Up the Kid'?"
"We can make things big with that potion?" Plutia asked Nepgear.
"Yes," Nepgear's eyes sparkled with delight. "Ah, just imagining my favorite mecha standing by my side is amazing…"
"I don't know much but, that sounds amazing…" an impressed Plutia clasped her hands.
"Yeah, and I got a great idea! We could decorate one of Nepgear's mecha with Planeptune-esque stuff, make it big and place it next to the Basilicom. It'll give our popularity a one up and our Shares will definitely skyrocket from that!" an enthusiastic Neptune stated. It was not often she thought of ideas to increase her nation's Shares but, Nepgear's idea sounded so interesting she did.
"As much as I can understand your enthusiasm, Neptune, I'm afraid that will not do," Histoire stated firmly. "We do not know the full extent of that potion's workings. Hence, it appears dangerous to test it,"
"Aw, come on, Histy," Neptune pouted. "It wouldn't hurt to try. It's for the Shares!"
"No can do, Neptune," Histoire replied. "Even if you put it that way, I think it is still risky,"
"Histoire, I beg you! Please let us try the potion. I promise nothing bad will happen!" Nepgear stared at Histoire with determination.
"But, Nepgear…"
"Please, Histy? Pretty pleeeaaaase?" Neptune gave Histoire the puppy eye look.
"Histy, please…" Even Plutia did the same thing as Neptune.
"Alright," Histoire sighed. "But, under one condition. I shall oversee the experiment. Is that fine?"
"Woohoo! Thanks, Histy! You're the best!" Neptune got up and hugged Histoire.
"Yaaaay, thanks, Histy…" a happy Plutia said.
"Neptune, do not hug me so tight. You'll squeeze the life out of me!" Despite her predicament, Histoire could not help but chuckle lightly.
"So, with that, let's get right down to business!" Neptune let go of Histoire and spoke with Nepgear. "How shall we do this, sister?"
Everyone was now inside Neptune and Nepgear's room. At the center of the purple-hued room, Nepgear placed a model mecha on a small circular white table. Neptune and Plutia stood at her left and right respectively, watching the experiment with eagerness. Histoire was floating in front of the trio across the table. She was wearing her trademark spiral lens glasses and held a small notepad for her to jot down details of the experiment.
"I shall record the happenings of this experiment while you conduct it," Histoire adjusted her glasses. "With that, do please proceed with caution,"
"Alright, let's get this thing going, my dear sister!" Neptune said with a thumbs up.
"Okay, give me a second. Huh?" Nepgear held the flask and tried to open the cork. For some reason, it refused to budge. "It won't open,"
"Really? Let me try," Hearing Neptune, Nepgear gave the flask to her. The Planeptune CPU pulled onto the cork hard but, was unable to remove it as well. "Geez, did MAGES. superglue the cork to this thing?"
"Can I try?" Plutia asked.
"Sure, Plutie, here," Neptune passed the flask to Plutia. Just like Neptune and Nepgear, the latter was struggling to pry the cork open.
"Mmmm…" Plutia groaned. "It won't open…"
"Hmm… How bout using some brute force on it?" suggested Neptune.
"That might not be a good idea, big sis. Plutia might hurt her hands doing so," said Nepgear.
"It's okay," Plutia smiled gently. "I can try,"
"At any rate, proceed carefully. We won't want anything disastrous to happen in the Basilicom," advised Histoire.
"Ooookaay. Here goes," Plutia gripped the neck of the flask tightly with her left hand. Using her free hand, she held the cork and turned it hard. All watched as she tried her best to unscrew the cork. In the process, the flask was shaken lightly. Nobody seemed to notice that its contents began to bubble a little.
"Plutia, you don't have to force yourself," Nepgear said as Plutia grunted repeatedly. "If need be, I'll go get my tools,"
"It's fine… Just a little bit more… Ah!" Plutia yanked out the cork making it fly to one side of the room. Simultaneously, her left hand involuntarily moved forward leading to the flask being pointed towards Histoire. The next thing that occurred took everyone by surprise. The green liquid in the flask turned into a gas and flew out instantly. To their horror, the gas started to envelop Histoire!
"Nepu! What's happening?!" Neptune cried out.
"Waaaah! Histy's being covered by something!" a panicking Plutia said.
"Everyone…" Histoire was coughing. "What is…" Before she could speak further, the Oracle lost consciousness and fell to the ground along with her tome.
"Histoire! Hang in there!" Nepgear rushed towards the Oracle and caught her right when she was about to hit the ground. At that time, the gas had completely dissipated leaving no trace of it in the air.
"Okay, what the Nep just happened?!" exclaimed Neptune.
"Is Histy okay?" Plutia sounded worried.
"I don't know. She's not waking up," Nepgear showed Histoire, now lying sideways on her tome, to Neptune and Plutia.
"Oh, no. Is Histy dead?" Neptune became worried as all looked at Histoire's unconscious form. "It can't be! Wake up, Histy!" When Histoire showed no response, Neptune cried out dramatically. "Histy? HISTYYYYYYY!" If one were to pay attention, the Metal Gear game over jingle can be heard in everyone's surroundings.
"Um… Big sis?" A large sweat drop appeared on Nepgear's head. "I don't think Histoire's dead…"
"I'm sorry…" Plutia said apologetically. "It was an accident. I didn't mean to hurt Histy…,"
"It's okay, Plutia," Nepgear comforted Plutia. "Right now, let's put Histoire into her room. Maybe, she'll wake up after getting some rest,"
Night had arrived in Gamindustri. Since the afternoon incident at Planeptune's Basilicom, Histoire had been inside her room which is inside a cupboard at one corner of the lounge. Neptune, Nepgear and Plutia had been checking to see if the Oracle had woken up. However, she had yet to open her eyes.
"Heeey, when's Histy going to wake up?" a concerned Plutia stared at the cupboard intently. Standing next to her were an equally concerned Neptune and Nepgear.
"I don't know, Plutie. Boy, I guess the experiment was a failure, huh? Since Histy didn't grow big and all," Neptune commented.
"Yes, I hope Histoire will be fine…" said Nepgear.
"Don't you worry, Nep Jr.! Histy's gonna be A-ok!" Neptune assured her sister. "Besides, with her out cold, we won't have to worry bout getting lectured when we're not doing our jobs!"
"When you put it like that, big sis, I'm not sure whether I should be happy…" Nepgear appeared doubtful of Neptune's words.
"That aside, wanna go hit the console again, Plutie?" Neptune turned to look at Plutia.
"Yaaaay, let's play," Plutia went to the center of the lounge along with Neptune.
"Wait, what about Histoire?" asked Nepgear.
"Don't worry bout it, my younger sister! She'll be fine!" Neptune spoke in an easygoing manner as she switched on her game console. Looking at Nepgear, she added, "Wanna join us for some PvP by the way?"
"Um… Okay. We'll check on Histoire again tomorrow morning all right?" Although hesitant, Nepgear decided to humor her sister's request.
"No problem!" Neptune replied cheerfully. "Now, let's game away!" The rest of the night was spent by the three girls playing a monster hunting game. Although things seemed normal for the time being, there was one thing they would never have anticipated.
They would be in for a huge surprise the next day…
"Waaaah! Neppy! Nepgear! Wake up!"
"Hmm? What is it, Plutie?" a sleepy Neptune said groggily as she and Nepgear woke up for another morning. Normally, the Planeptune siblings' mornings would start just like any ordinary person's. This time round, they were greeted by a very frantic Plutia who had rushed into their room. It did not take long for Neptune and Nepgear to notice that Plutia was not behaving like herself. For her to act like this meant that something VERY out of the ordinary transpired.
"It's Histoire's room!" Plutia said, sweat drops falling out of her hair. "It's all broken and destroyed!"
"Huh?! What do you mean?!" Nepgear was jolted awake. The same went for Neptune.
"Hurry, hurry! I'll show you!" Plutia seemed distressed. Seeing this caused Neptune and Nepgear to exchange confused glances. Quickly, the duo followed Plutia out of their room to the lounge. True to Plutia's words, the cupboard in which Histoire's room was housed in was utterly destroyed. Bits and pieces of it were strewn all over the floor. It was as if something made it burst open.
But, that was not all. Sitting in front of the wreckage was a confused looking Histoire. Most of her clothing was ripped apart making her appear near naked. On top of that, she was no longer the tiny fairy everyone knew. Rather, she was now the same size as Neptune. The tome which she normally rode on was next to her legs. Neptune and Nepgear gawked at the Oracle who was covering her body as much as possible with her arms and clothes.
"Woah!" Neptune cried out, her eyes wide open. "Who in the Nep is this blonde bombshell?!"
"Histoire? Is that you?" Nepgear asked.
"Y-Y-Yes, indeed," Histoire stammered, clearly embarrassed at her current situation. "I do not know what happened but, by the time I woke up I was already in this state,"
"Hold on a sec," Neptune asked Histoire. "How exactly did this happen?"
"About that," Plutia answered Neptune's question. "I think I know why,"
"What do you mean, Plutia?" a curious Nepgear asked.
"Neppy," Plutia looked at Neptune. "I think I blew up the Histy,"
"Oh, I see. Well, I guess that means the experiment was a succe-" Right when Neptune was about to finish, she, Nepgear and Plutia came to a sudden realization. The potion from MAGES., the experiment from yesterday, and then Neptune's comment about a gigantic kid from a movie. As the reality of the situation dawned onto them, Neptune and Plutia's eyes turned into blank white circles. As for Nepgear, she donned her 'Nepgya' face.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"