It was late into the night, sun gone and moon high above the lighted city. I could hear the faint sound of rain tapping on the walls and roof. Tinkering in my workshop, I worked furiously on a mod for my axe. So many wires, steel gears, and bolts to apply. Usually transforming weapons were only for monster hunters. Though at the reward of increased firepower, the thing was gonna weigh twice as much. Still, something ate at my mind. I worried about Nepgear. I'd never seen such a powerful person brought down so far. I still remembered when I first went to the Basilicom. I only went once but it was what I saw that discouraged me from coming back...

I knocked on the door and stood a while in the cold. It was mid-winter and it surely didn't feel good to just stand around. However, I needed to talk with that Histoire girl so I could pay renewal on my Coliseum license. It wasn't too much, so I didn't mind.

The door opened up, a gust of air that smelled of fresh linen and ocean breeze leaking out of the grand entryway. I was greeted by an odd girl that was about five foot four and had very long grey hair. She wore a white blouse that had a tie in front of it, a blue skirt, and a blue jacket that seemed to have these odd steel pauldrons. The ribbon in her hair was also weird. It made a strange kind of hologram.

"How may I help you today sir?" she asked with a cheery voice.

"I need to speak with Histoire," I quickly said.

"Please come in. I'll bring you to the waiting room and let her know you're here. May I get your name sir?" She asked, stepping aside to let me in.

As I shook the snow from my feet and used the floormat to clean my shoes of moisture, I told her, "I'm Code Oprashunal."

She kept up this chipper smile that put me at ease. However, something felt odd about her. There wasn't an aura around her and she didn't seem to give off any heat either, despite her walking so close to me. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Key."

Using something attached to her ear, she sent a message via holographic display, likely to Histoire. At the waiting room, she took a seat right next to me, which made me a tad uncomfortable. I wasn't about to say anything about it though.

"I assume you work here?" I asked as politely as I could.

"I was programmed as a guide to the Planeptune Basilicom. Originally I worked at a planatarium, but when it went out of business, I was reprogrammed to work here. I'm actually a gynoid, by the way," said Key very quickly. I could tell she liked to talk.

"I see," I softly replied. Luckily Histoire came out before Key could continue talking. I had the feeling that if she started again, I wouldn't get to leave til the next day. Not that I was anxious to go back outside and face the snowy winter.

Histoire held a hand up to her head and said, "She just will not get better. So worrisome."

Wearing a disheartened look, Key asked, "Shall I watch over her for you?"

"If you would, that'd be great," Histoire replied. After shoo'ing her away and then turned to face me.

I already had my money out and said, "This is for my Coliseum license."

Quickly taking my money she looked it over. Holding it up to the light, she confirmed it was real money and said with a slight chuckle, "Glad someone has finally decided to give me real money."

"Are the others really going as far as to fake their way to competition?" I asked with a raised brow.

Histoire nodded before continuing. "It's doing nothing but bad for the economy. Not ot mention what it was doing for the CPU."

Hearing that hit my heart hard. I asked honestly, "Is there anything I can do for her?"

"Unless you can get a whole nation to quit fighting and pay attention to their goddess, I'm afraid not," said Histoire with a grim aura drifting around her.

"If it's any consolation, I would gladly do such a thing if I could. My best wishes to our beloved CPU," I said with a stern nod.

Anyone could see the shock in Histoire's eyes. Whether she was shocked at my politeness or my caring words I couldn't tell. "Thank you very much. Please, feel free to come again."

I nodded yet again and started for the door leading out. Just before I could exit, she called for my attention. Floating on her mysterious tome behind me, she said, "And please feel free to check up on Nepgear. She'll be happy to know that her citizens still care about her."

I gave her the best smile I could muster before going back out into the snow. Trodging along in the thick snow, waving goodbye to Histoire, I said to myself, "Things have gotten far worse than I'd have ever thought. This ain't how a nation's supposed to be like..."

Upstairs, distantly I heard the faint creak of my bed. I had a feeling that Nepgear had finally woken up. Taking my assumption to heart, I fled upstairs to see her wiping her eyes and yawning.

"Mornin, or rather, afternoon Miss Nepgear," I greeted, walking towards her and sitting at the edge of the bed.

"Wh..where am I?" She asked looking around frantically. She eyed all the collectibles and posters lining my room, still slowly figuring out where her head was.

"You're-"

"Who are you?" She interrupted, throwing my train of thought off.

"I'm-"

"Am I still-"

"Easy kid, one question at a time!" I cut her off, "My name is Code, you're at my house after getting injured during a monster fight."

She remained silent, looking at me like either her or I was crazy.

"Um, thank you for bringing me here," She whispered, a dusty echo caught in her voice.

"No problem. Now come on, let's get you something to drink," I stood back up, motioning for her to follow. She wearily got out of bed, following me with an anxious silence. Truthfully, I had a lot to say considering the awkwardness of not only having my first girl in the house, but that same girl being the CPU. Honestly, if I posted such a thing on my blog, people would immediately assume I was faking it. I opened the fridge to find an unfortunate emptyness lingering inside of it.

"Uh yeah, my soda's in the other fridge. I'll be right back, make yourself at home, sorry for the mess," I walked off while I talked, Nepgear already moving to sit on the fluffy couch in front of the TV. I walked into the kitchen, searching frantically for ingredients for at least a soda or something.

My cabinets were all stocked well, so I hoped that she'd settle for a simple Nep Bull. I only knew basic alchemy, or in my current case, cooking, but it was enough to suffice. I would have to deal with the stench of the foul-smelling herbs that lingered in the kitchen later, but it wasn't anything to worry about. In the warm living room, the TV was still on and audible from the not-so-distant kitchen, telling many stories of the day's casualties.

"You look a little out of it still. Somethin' on your mind?" I asked, passing her a finished and chilled Nep Bull.

She kept quiet for a minute then looked at me and said, "They don't even notice that I'm gone, nobody even cares."

I didn't say anything in response. I wasn't my place to provide input on something as important as what the CPU should and shouldn't do. Instead, I sat down on the couch next to her and let her take in the news of the day.

"If you want, I can escort you back to the Basilicom," I offered.

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like that," She replied, standing up with me. I grabbed Grindrix off her mount and slung her over my shoulder as I left the house with Nepgear in tow. The lights of many buildings and streetlamps kept few shadows around, but I could still see the way to the Basilicom not far away. Walking along the grey, cracked sidewalks, I took in the strong scent of recently fallen rain, letting it relax me while my ever-observant eyes examined the dark environment.

"You feelin' okay?" I asked, looking to her as she walked next to me.

Wearing a still expression, she said quietly, "I'm fine."

"You can be honest around me, if that means anything to you," I replied. She didn't say anything, but I didn't expect her to.

"I feel so helpless. I have to rely on my citizens to save me now," She sighed looking up to the starry sky, hidden by towering giants of steel.

"And do you think those without faith in you would offer to save you from a fight?" I started, grabbing her attention, "It isn't your fault Planeptune's lost faith, and those that still see the person you are have faith. I've plenty faith in you, if it makes any difference."

"It makes alot of difference," she attempted a fake smile that faded quickly, "But it still doesn't help me fix the problem at hand."

"Moping sure isn't gonna fix it," I thought to myself. We made a corner leading into an even brighter district of stores that stayed open late. It was the only path I knew wouldn't be crawling with criminals and scum of the lands.

Her eyes went from the starry sky to the deadened streets around. It pained her to see her fair city fallen to silence and despair. "There's not much else I can do, the shares are down, I can't even fight anymore, my friends have left me behind. I don't have anywhere else to turn."

"Then turn an eye to those with fight still left in their souls. I fight every day for the credits to feed my mouth, I fight every day past the melancholy of basic life. It's not the best life, but I'm not giving up just cause of that," I told her. It felt almost like I was chastising her, something she probably got from Histoire from time to time. I hoped that it wouldn't rub her the wrong way.

"You're very wise for a Coliseum fighter."

"Living a hard life teaches you these things. Of course, you probably know even more than I do, seeing what you go through from day to day," I replied with an earnest smile, "In all honesty, Gamindustry used to be a helluva place, but now it's fallen far and I'd give my life and soul to see it picked back up."

In the depths of the gloomy girl's eyes I could see a little glimmer of hope shining. She hadn't given up all the way, not just yet. Our walk ended, the Basilicom lit up before us, the large doors watching over the both us at the doorstep.

"Well, here you are, catch ya later," I departed, walking back the other way.

"Wait!" She shouted, halting my descent down the flight of stairs. I looked over my shoulder to let her know my ears were listening.

"Would you like to come in for a while? It's the least I can do for you after you helped me so much," She offered, wearing a small smile. I couldn't turn her down, especially considering where she lived. I'd only been in the Basilicom a few times to renew my Colosseum License.

I shrugged and followed her inside, telling her, "I suppose I haven't a reason to say no."

It smelled of fresh ocean breeze and books here inside of the steel walls covering the delicate and elegant rooms. Wall mounted lamps let off the most radiant light that illuminate the curved hallway that seemed to go on for a mile. Freshly cleaned furniture still sat in the same spots as I remembered from years ago, the red velvets and rich mahogany side tables hinting a graceful elegance.

"Ah, I see you've returned," A voice chimed from nearby, leading my vision to the side.

"Yes, I'm sorry I was out so long, I got into a bit of trouble," Nepgear replied to Histoire who floated patiently in front of us.

"All is well though I see. Who's your friend? He looks familiar," Histoire asked, probing me with innocent and auspicious looks.

"This is Code, he helped me after I got hurt fighting," Nepgear explained, presenting me to the well-received Oracle of Planeptune.

"Code? As in Code Oprashunal?" Histoire asked. I nodded silently, Histoire giving me a soft smile. "It's been far too long. I still remember that single day you dropped by to get your license renewed and you worried about Nepgear."

I shied a little in embarrassment.

"Nepgear has told me much of your fights at the Coliseum," continued Histoire, "I wish she'd stop going there though, I knew she'd get hurt wandering around with all these strong monsters on the prowl."

"Please, it's an honor to have served someone as important as the CPU," I flatly replied. Histoire lead us into the depths of the Basilicom, educating me of some of the harsh effects the loss of faith has had on Nepgear and Planeptune.

Everything she told me ended up just being things I already knew. Creativity devolved into stagnation, joy turned to anger and desperation, and respect for one another as equals was a long-dead tradition. Gaming was shriveling up and dying, turning into competition and repetitive games that were ruining Gamindustry. Nepgear walked ahead of us towards a distant door and shocked Histoire to see the claw marks still present in Nepgear's garments.

"You should probably go change into another pair of clothes. I can show Code around while you change," Histoire said, voice aimed right at the spacey girl before her. I forgot all about the fact that her clothes were still torn to shreds. Nepgear rushed off in another direction to get changed while Histoire led me to the meeting room. I sat down at a nearby seat, cold steel chilling my warm body. Histoire just floated nearby, propelled by some mystic force. One could practically smell the history in the room, nearby bookshelves holding dictionaries and encyclopedias, reminding me of some kind of historical museum.

"I really can't thank you enough for helping her. I'm sorry if she caused you any inconveniences," Histoire again apologized.

"Really, it's no worry, I'm just glad to see that she's alright," I told her. "I only had one potion to offer to her, it's the only thing I had for medical emergencies."

"I can offer you medical supplies to keep at home if you wish," Histoire offered happily.

"Oh no, I couldn't. It's fine. Just let me know if she ever needs an escort or somethin'. I'll help out the CPU in any way I can." I wanted to make it clear that I offered my services as charity. I needn't a reward for something I felt obligated to do.

Histoire nodded and said, "I understand. If there's anything I can do for you, please feel free to say so," she said in a mix of worry and happiness, a blend unlike anything I've ever seen. It was strange, like she could keep a positive mindstate, but couldn't help but worry about something.

"Actually, there is something-"

I was cut off by Nepgear rushing into the room with a different outfit on and a rushed expression. The smell of fresh linen radiated from her as she approached us.

"Sorry for the wait," said the sullen goddess.

"Relax, it's no problem," I replied. She sat down next to me, calm and somewhat happy.

Histoire looked back at me and asked, "You were saying, Code?"

Shaking my head and waving a hand of dismissal, I said, "Eh, forget about it, it's not important."

"Are you sure you don't want to ask her? She's covered wars you know, I'm sure she can help you with whatever it is you wanna know," Nepgear said with a cheery smile that shot down my plans to keep my questions in.

I looked back to Histoire, floating elegantly near us. Hesitantly, I told her, "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know something if it's not too much trouble."

Histoire wore a smile and said, "Anything for a friend of Nepgear."

"I'd like to know what happened to my parents. I don't even remember them anymore, I've lived all these years without them, I'd just like to know what happened to them," I said nervously, waiting for her rapid response.

"I can do that, but it'll take three days," She replied, killing the moment a bit. I didn't mind though, a mystery solved would be one less thing I'd have to worry about. "Until then, you and Nepgear can get to know each other more," Histoire added.

I nodded, knowing no harm could come of my rather fortunate chance of fate, meeting the CPU and even befriending her.

"I take it you'd like to follow me to the Coliseum tomorrow?" I asked, expecting to show her how the underground works.

Nepgear innocently played with her purple hair and asked, "Are you sure it'd be okay?"

"Yeah, that dorky ref ain't gonna say anything against it. He does and I'll be more than happy to intruduce him to my axe," I boasted, adjusting my beloved weapon atop my shoulder.

"Oh, and if I might add, Code," Histoire beckoned, "If you wouldn't mind, some assistance cleaning up some monsters lingering around Planeptune would be a great help and would be much appreciated. The jobs are posted in the Guild if you're interested."

"I'll take a look at it, and, if I have the time, I'll see what I can do. I just worry for Miss Nepgear." I looked over to her, still remembering the vivid scene of that Fenrir shredding her back.

"I hope I wont be too much of a problem," Nepgear worried.

Even with her shares low, I had faith that she'd be okay fighting out on the field with me. Just in case, I warned her, "I'm sure it'll be fine, just keep your guard up, mkay?"

She nodded and we officially had our plans for tomorrow set in stone. All that was left was for me to get home and rest up.

"Crap, it's already going on midnight?" I gaped at the clock hanging above the way out.

"If you'd like, there's a guest bedroom next to mine if you wanna just sleep here." Nepgear offered, standing up with me now.

I waved hands of dismissal and said, "Oh no, no, no, I couldn't."

"The bedroom's right this way," Nepgear walked onwards, not listening in the least bit to me begging not to.

"Guess I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?" I whispered to myself. I looked back to Histoire, still floating along and motioning for me to follow Nepgear. I shrugged and followed along, Histoire dashing to my side.

"I hope you don't mind her too much, she's been really lonely since everybody left," Histoire whispered to me, Nepgear humming to herself happily and unable to hear a hint of our hidden conversation.

"I understand. Who am I to deny her some time with friends," I chuckled to her.

Histoire smiled and radiated a good vibe now instead of the despairing aura she wore previously. We walked up a flight of stairs leading behind the meeting room and to a hallway with two doors ahead and two doors at each end of the hall.

"Your room is the left, if you need anything just knock. Good night!" She departed into her bed, cheery and at peace.

"Good night. Good night to you too, Histoire," I bid farewell, opening the door and flipping the lights on. That vivid smell of cleaned bedsheets mingled with the fresh ocean breeze that lingered in the Basilicom. It felt like a hotel room inside, containing all the basics of any living environment, all crafted of the purest silk and clearest mahogany.

"Good night. Oh, and if you hear any strange noises, that's likely Nepgear snoring," Histoire noted as she hovered off to the meeting room.

I dismissed the note as nothing important, set Grindrix next to the bed, and plopped on the comfy bed, taking full advantage of getting such a luxurious room to sleep in as compared to my couch I always passed out on. It took me some time to adjust to the awkwardness of sleeping in the Basilicom of all places.

My weary eyes opened to a harsh light and a young girl looming directly above me.

"I take it this is how you wake all your guests up? You probably ought to knock first from now on." I asked, still adjusting my eyes to the harsh light above.

Nepgear just smiled and said, "Just wanted to make sure you were up. Compa made us breakfast, so come on down and eat!"

"I'll be down in a second," I stated as I rose up out of bed.

Nepgear ran off downstairs, leaving the door wide open behind her.

"Wait...who's Compa?" I asked myself. I grabbed Grindrix off the corner of my bed and slung her over my shoulder, weighing me down already. I made sure to keep the blades facing down so that it didn't scrape against the door frames. Making my way through the meeting room, I could already smell fresh cooked food.

I could also see that I still had four hours before I had to leave for the Coliseum, judging from the clock mounted above the way leading out of the room. Why Miss Nepgear woke me up so early, I hadn't the slightest clue, but I could already feel myself overcome with morning sickness. I trodged along the path, homing in on the vivid smell of food, keeping my ornate blade away from any valuables or furniture lying about the halls. I came across a double door that radiated the luscious smell of pancakes and french toast. Better yet, I could smell that crispy smell of slightly-overcooked hashbrowns, just as I'd remembered from my youth. I hadn't had a good home cooked meal ever before, but I already had high hopes. Hands on the warm handles, I thrust the doors open to see a banquet of sorts laid out like a divine castle dining room of glass and marble. Inside sat Nepgear and another girl I couldn't identify. I guessed that Histoire wasn't up yet. If she was a tome, I questioned if she would even need to eat or sleep or do other bodily things. But that was another mystery in my head, one that I could ponder another time.

"Make sure to eat all of it, Ge-Ge, you need to be at full strength if you're going monster hunting today," The girl with the long pink hair said to Nepgear.

"I know, Compa, I didn't even get to eat supper last night," Nepgear said in response, digging into a plate of scrambled eggs that still sizzled softly with heat. Nepgear saw me approach and beckoned happily, "Oh, hi Code! Come eat!"

"I hope I'm not overstaying my welcome or being a burden or anything," I replied. It would be unbecoming of me to intrude on the life of someone as important as the CPU.

"You're fine, please don't worry...uhm...who are you again?" The unknown girl looked at me with suspicion.

"Oh, this is Code, Code meet Compa," Nepgear introduced us. I sat down across from Compa, more than ready to dig into a plate of the delicious smelling food.

"Pleasure to meet you ma'am. I assume that you're the maid of the Basilicom?" I asked in between mouthfuls of food.

Compa chuckled and replied, "I guess I am kinda like a maid, aren't I?" She looked over to Nepgear with an innocent smile.

"Compa's been a friend of mine since I was a kid. She even helped me rid Gamindustry of Arfoire." Nepgear educated me. I nodded silently, avoiding any disgrace of talking with my mouth full. We finished and Compa did the dishes like she really was the maid. Her demeanor and skill sure was like that of a maid.

"So, and pardon me if I seem rude, was there a reason why you woke me up four hours early?" I asked, examining Grindrix's blade for any knicks or cracks. The blade was flawless, but her controller-like details on the blade's shaft could've used a little touching up. The colored rings on it were starting to fade.

"I was thinking of going shopping and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me," She replied. I could see her gentle eyes examining my axe's every detail, the blade refracting the light from above like the marble table did.

"It's a little late for me to say no, but like I'd say it anyways. Let's head out," I stood up, walking for the door.

Nepgear waved goodbye to her friend and said, "I'm going out, Compa, I'll see you later."

"Take care of yourself," said Compa, shouting from inside the kitchen.

We walked outside to the bright sunlight spanning the floors endlessly. The silver buildings glistened and gleamed and the people were out and about, streets and sidewalks kept active by the still numerous citizens of Planeptune chatting amongst themselves and adding a little bit of liveliness to an otherwise quiet morning.

"So what are we shopping for and where are we shopping for it at?" I asked, curious of our motives.

"I need to pick up cooking supplies and a medical textbook for Compa and a new printer and laptop for Histoire," Nepgear replied, looking at her small gaming device, tapping at it's screen gently. Occasionally I'd need to pull her out of the way of incoming passers-by but we made it to the electronics store just fine. The store was just like any other store in Planeptune, the land of obscure hardware and overpriced software. It's windows were blotted out by numerous sale posters hiding under the shadow cast by an elaborate neon sign.

I sheathed my axe along a magnetic holster attached to the back of my hoodie. I knew the stores well and they were just a little cramped for my enormous axe. Nepgear made her way to the front registers, asking for orders Histoire made.

"It'll be a few minutes before it's completely done," The man at the counter said to Nepgear. I looked around at the gaming software and graphics cards, aiming not to buy but to browse. Window shopping was a major skill in my class selection. Nepgear walked over to me, telling me of news I already knew.

"Are you alright?" She asked looking worrily at my grim expression.

"I feel just a tad bit awkward, being around such an important person so much. I'm sorry if I'm a burden, Miss Nepgear," I apologized, stunning her for a moment.

"You're my friend, Code, don't worry so much," She forced a smile that I saw past.

"Friend, huh? I haven't heard that word in a long, long time," I murmured under my slow breath.

"Do you not have many friends?" She asked bluntly.

"One. But we don't talk much."

"I'm sorry...that was a little rude of me to ask," She apologized, browsing the hardware with me now. I picked up a high-priced graphics card and eyed it closely, reading all the new features of it's hardware.

"It's fine, no need to apologize," I set the card back down and walked further down the aisle with Nepgear in tow.

Nepgear smiled and said, "If it helps any, I'm glad to be your friend."

"It's an honor to be seen as a friend in the eyes of someone as important as you." I replied, "I wish there were more people with faith in you."

"And I wish there were more people that would call you a friend," She shot back.

It stunned me to hear such words from the CPU. It felt like she had just given my very heart a soft and gentle hug.

"Please...I don't play any of the newest games, I'm a complete noob at comptition, I'm nothing in society," I spoke with sarcasm, looking outside to all the people walking by the shops windows. All of them had some sort of portable console in hand, some gossiping about the newest Final Sci-fi or Echo of Duty.

"I doubt that. That shouldn't matter at all, you're a nice person," She sighed quietly.

I never thought I'd ever have the sympathy of the CPU, but she really did care, something a lot of people scarcely did.

I chuckled to myself quietly and said, "Thank you. Don't worry about it so much, okay? I can always worry about making new friends another day. But today I've gotta look after you," I smiled to her.

"Yeah, you're right. I wonder what's taking them so long to get Histoire's stuff?" Nepgear pondered aloud. I wondered the same, I've never known this place to take it's time getting hardware ready. I was about to reply when my eyes caught glimpse of a very vital part to Grindrix's modifications.

"What's that?" Nepgear asked, eyeing a vivid computer chip I fingered in my hands.

"Otto-Aim. It's something I need really badly for my axe," I replied. She nabbed the chip from hands while I dug around my wallet for some of those credits I won.

I despaired at the sight of my empty wallet and sighed, "Aw, damn! I forgot to put my ten thousand credits in here."

"I can buy it for you! I've still got some credits left over from when I did some Guild missions," Nepgear offered happily.

"No, no, I think I've got some change in here somewhere," I stated, looking up briefly to see Nepgear already taking my chip to the front register. "I feel like I'm taking advantage of the CPU dammit," I thought to myself.

"First she lets me sleep at the Basilicom, feeds me breakfast, then offers to buy my parts. Almost feels like a one-sided friendship," I moaned to myself, stowing my wallet in my pocket. She neared the register just as Histoire's parts were done, paying for all of them and leading me outside.

Nepgear struggled to keep a firm grip on the printer and computer. "You sure you don't want me to carry that? It looks a little heavy there," I said to her, Nepgear shaking her head in response. Her arms jumbled around frantically as she walked, her step distorted a little from the weight. One arm slipping, her load came toppling away from her, only to land in my outstretched arms, safe and sound.

"Let me do the heavy lifting. My strength level's high enough for it," I lifted the load with no problem, not even slouching.

Nepgear wore a discouraged expression and said, "I'm sorry! I thought I had ahold of it, I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry so much, I'm here for a reason, right?" I chuckled to her, "Anyways, where's our next stop?"

"The bookstore, Compa needs another medical textbook," Nepgear replied, walking patiently ahead of me, leading me on. I peered off to a digital clock mounted above one of the stores, checking how much time I had left til my Coliseum match. I still had three hours left, plenty of time to get the shopping done.

We entered the solemn bookstore that had shelves lined with manga and strategy guides for games both new and old. The smell of dust floated amongst the crowded shelves, but all the books were clean of residue like they had just been put up. Nepgear led me up and down the aisles, searching patiently for the book she needed. I noticed her eyeing occasional manga, skimming through one of them and completely forgetting about her intended motives of coming here. We walked around for a bit longer, searching for a good amount of time until a familiar face greeted Nepgear openly.

"Good to see you, IF," Nepgear politely greeted her friend. I recognized IF, mainly for her work on the Guild's mission database.

"Good to see you too, Gear, sorry I haven't been around to visit. It's been hella busy at the Guild lately," IF said with a skittish smile.

"I can tell, I've been following your Chirper since you left to work at the guild a few years back," said Nepgear.

"I see you've got a new guard-dog. Couldn't stand to wander alone, eh?" IF teased.

I kept dead silent as usual, focusing most of my energy into keeping Histoire's valued parts aloft in my arms.

"Oh, no, no, he's just...uh..."

"It's fine! Don't go into panic mode, I'm just kiddin'." IF said.

Nepgear giggled quietly, relaxed in seconds flat. "This is Code, he saved my life yesterday," Nepgear showcased me once again, my silence offering little to no greeting other than a simple nod, shrouded from the towering devices I carried.

"Takin' good care of the CPU, huh? Better keep her safe, got it?" IF teased innocently.

Again, I simply nodded with no words said.

"Well, I'll catch ya later, Gear, I'm gonna get back to work, nice seein' ya again," IF bid farewell as she walked off solemnly.

"Bye, Iffy!" Nepgear shouted the affectionate term a little loudly, grasping IF's attention one last time. IF looked over her shoulder to see off Nepgear, but also caught a glimpse of my enormous battleaxe hidden behind my back, cringing at the sight of the monsterous blade.

"Ah, here it is!" Nepgear pointed out a thick, hardback medical book titled "First Aid and CPR for Dummies".

I questioned Compa's real medical expertise at the sight of such a book, but better to have a medic in training than none at all. Nepgear anxiously paid for the book and carried it in her arms as we left.

"All we have left is the food to get," I noted, leading the way to the supermarket. The traffic picked up a lot and people were commonly crowding the thin sidewalks. I made sure to pay extra attention to Nepgear. I didn't want a single soul harming the maiden or it'd likely be my ass. I dodged and weaved through incoming civilian traffic, working hard to keep delicate parts in my arms. A pair of distracted walkers slammed right into me and almost made the printer fly out of my hands.

"Get your noses out of the game and watch where you're walking!" I growled at them.

"Are you okay?" Nepgear questioned my instant anger.

"I'm fine, I just wish people would pay more attention to where they're going. Sorry for my outburst Miss Nepgear," I calmly apologized.

Nepgear smiled and replied, "Don't worry so much about it, I remember when Compa used to scold IF about playing with her phone while walking,"

I shrugged off the worry and worked more on finding a way past the crowd amassed at the front of the supermarket. As the breeze silenced and the heat rose around the entrance, the smell of ocean breeze was replaced with an unwelcome blend of produce and sweat from the passers-by. I already knew it was going to be a chore to get in, seeing the countless absent-minded Planeptunians hording at the entrance, chatting and shouting to one another without a care in the world of who's around them. I took one step forward and I was quickly shoved and bounced aside, trying desperately to keep the fragile items in my arms. I gasped and panted at trying to keep my tower of hardware safe.

"Uh, Code..." Nepgear attempted to grab my attention.

"I got this, don't worry..." I panted. The crowd still circulated furiously, but that didn't stop me from trying to get inside the supermarket. I pushed and shoved my way forward but I was quickly thrusted out of the protective barrier of people. The printer and laptop remained intact though, so no loss that time. I looked around to see if there was any other way I could get inside without any damage coming to Histoire's valuable hardware. My eyes didn't catch sight of any other entrance, but I did come up with one idea.

"Nepgear, reach into my pocket and get my duct tape," I commanded. Nepgear complied hesitantly, retrieving my valued duct tape for me. I took the tape with what few fingers I had at my disposal and wrapped it around the box for the printer and laptop, then tethered it to my back, keeping it safe from harm while I plowed my way through. I burst forth with mighty strength inside, hurling bystanders aside as I flew through the thick layer of people. Inside, I could smell the many food products and samples the store offered. I took a deep breath of the air in triumph, beating the horde with ammo to spare. I shoved the roll of trusty duct tape back in my pocket and Nepgear joined me in my victory.

"You do know you could've just waited outside, right? I could've gotten the food and met you back outside." Nepgear pointed out to my dismay.

An awkward silence passed as I processed the logic in my head.

"Well...I didn't even think about that..." I replied.

"I'm sorry, it's okay! You can help me pick out some stuff for Compa to cook. Come on!" Nepgear said with a surprising amount of cheer.

I shrugged, weighed down even more by the printer and laptop that kept Grindrix company on my back. The duct tape held well, providing a safety cushion like no other. We shopped along the crowded halls with little hesitancy. I just hoped that Nepgear didn't plan for me to eat at the Basilicom again...I still had plans for the night...