Descending from the skies of Celestia, Neptune could make out the nations of Gamindustri below. It was night time in Gamindustri and the cities of nations were all like shining beacons through the darkness. Elation surged through her body as a smile broke out on Neptune's face as she saw the wondrous sight of her home: Planeptune. It felt good to be back, but some questions still lingered in her mind on the events that unfolded back on Celestia. The fact that she was targeted by all three CPU's was very disconcerting. If they came down from Celestia, would they carry that same goal here in Gamindustri by declaring war on her nation as well? She honestly had no idea and that scared her immensely. The thought of the fight extending not only to Neptune, but her citizens as well...it left her uneasy.

I wonder who the other goddesses were talking to and why I couldn't hear them? Somebody clearly has it out for me if they wanted me eliminated first. But who could have that much power to speak through the fields of Celestia?

Neptune's train of thought was broken as her goddess form suddenly deactivated. Whatever questions Neptune had in her mind vanished and was replaced with two words.

...Oh crap.

"Why meeeeeeeee!?"

Falling through the sky, Neptune tried to control her direction of free-falling. Neptune aimed for what looked like a small lake; crashing into water was a better option than the ground. She had no idea why her Hard Drive Divinity form just turned off like that, but she would save those thoughts for later after she guaranteed her own survival. Pointing her arms above her head, Neptune took a deep breath just minutes before the plunge into water.

Everything turned dark and blue as Neptune became submerged in the water. She quickly swam upwards, gasping for air once she reached the surface. Floating briefly in the water, Neptune glanced up at the moon in the sky. She found the sight beautiful due to the fact that Celestia's time never changed, so it was always bright and sunny up there. Neptune started making her way to land and noticed the feeling coursing through her body as she swam: Fatigue.

That's right, Celestia doesn't allow you to get tired or hungry. Since I'm not there anymore, it makes sense to feel this way.

By the time Neptune reached land, she was crawling on the ground now. Lying on her back, Neptune stared up into the sky as the sleepiness started to settle in. It was probably a bad idea to just fall asleep with wet clothes on, but she couldn't fight the drowsiness off any longer. The minute she closed her eyes, they refused to open again and her consciousness drifted off into the dream world.

"Neptune, can you hear me?"

A voice called out, stirring Neptune from her sleep. She opened her eyes to find herself floating in an abyss of darkness, being the only bright light in the area. Logic took the first step in realizing she must be dreaming or so she hoped.

"Hello? Who is there?" She asked, looking around for her mysterious speaker.

"Oh good, it seems my connection was established without much trouble."

The person talking to her was a girl's voice, almost akin to a child's, but her careful wording suggested otherwise. Neptune remained silent, hoping this person would get the hint and continue on with whatever it was she had to say. Wait, could this have been the person that was talking to the other goddesses?

"So are you the one who wanted me ousted from Celestia? You're the one that turned the other goddesses to take me down?" Neptune's body tensed, hoping she was wrong about her assumption.

"I apologize, but I do not know what you are referring to, Neptune. I've only been aware of you since your descent back into Gamindustri." The voice seemed sincere in its answer. "I'm afraid if that's the reason for your departure from Celestia, other forces beyond my knowledge may be at play."

"I see..." Neptune nodded her head. "You know who I am, but I can't say the same to you, so you have me at a disadvantage here..."

"Oh yes, my apologies. I am Histoire, a tome that collects the history of the goddesses. I'm unable to show you my form because I am currently sealed in my...tome. I seek a favor from you, Neptune. Will you hear me out?"

"...Go on."

"Plea...sto...and end...Console War..."

Histoire's voice distorted, making it harder for Neptune to hear what Histoire requested. Neptune only vaguely heard 'end' and 'Console War'. If Histoire was asking her to end a war that has been going on for centuries, Neptune would need nothing short of a miracle to make that happen.

"I can't make any promises, Histoire...but I will try."

"Th...ank...yo...u"

Neptune groaned as she started to wake. The sudden sound of movement caused Neptune to waste no time opening her eyes as she jumped back up on her feet, turning to where she felt a shift in noise. A blurry human figure had already made its way into the woods, disappearing before Neptune could get a good look at the person.

"Hey, wait!" She shouted, hoping the person would come back. They never did, leaving Neptune to sigh in disappointment. But as she looked down, Neptune noticed something off about herself.

Huh? My clothes are all dry?

It was still night, so Neptune was pretty certain clothes did not dry that fast. Whatever that person did, they helped her with an annoyance and ran before she could thank them. Although she couldn't make out the person's identity or gender, Neptune could have sworn she saw a sword mounted on their back.

I think it was glowing too...I wonder what that's about?

Neptune shook her head, deciding not to think too much on her mysterious benefactor. If they did not want to stay and be thanked, then that was their choice. Looking around, Neptune couldn't tell which way to go, so the next best option was to transform and take to the skies.

...Which she apparently cannot do.

What's going on? Why can't I transform?

Grunting in frustration at the lack of anything happening, Neptune started walking. She was tired, hungry, and a bit irritated. She would think about all her problems once she got back to the Basilicom or some place that can give her food and rest.

Fine, I'll just climb one of the high trees here and make my way to the nearest city.

"I think I saw the star fall this way, Mommy! I'm going to get it and bring it home!"

"D-don't go too far ahead of me, dear!"

Hearing those voices, Neptune started jogging in the direction it came from. It was then she ran into a little girl who wore a striped black and yellow jacket and...had cat paws as gloves? The little girl stopped in place, looking up at Neptune with a curious gaze. It wasn't long before a woman appeared shortly afterward, having caught up with the kid. She wore something equivalent to a business suit, but it was decorated with a few small black skulls with purple X-crossed eyes.

"O-oh, u-um, hello there!" The woman spoke with a stutter. "I didn't think anyone else would be out here at this time of night."

"Hey, Miss!" The little girl spoke up. "Did you see the shooting star?"

"Shooting star?" Neptune blinked a few times. "Where did it go?"

"It went that way!" The girl pointed behind her. "It flew really fast! I think it went into the lake! I'm gonna get it and show it to my friends in school!"

"Ah...Well, good for you." Neptune smiled at the girl and patted her on the head. "Could you wait a few minutes? I want to talk to your mommy."

"Hm...Okay! But only a few minutes!"

Neptune felt a little relieved to talk to people rather than fight; it was a nice change of pace that Neptune wanted to get used to again. Approaching the woman, Neptune noticed the woman stepped back even though Neptune felt like she didn't invade the woman's personal space that much to warrant such a reaction.

"Hello, I'm Purple Heart, CPU of Planeptune." As Neptune introduced herself, her eyes changed to that of her CPU form. Just because Neptune couldn't turn on her Hard Drive Divinity form in its entirety did not mean she didn't have some level of access to certain aspects of it.

"L-Lady Purple Heart!?" The woman's eyes went wide as saucers as she bowed her head. "P-please f-forgive my impudence! O-Oh, where are my manners? My n-name is Rei Ryghts, Lady Purple Heart! "

"At ease, Rei." Neptune spoke softly, raising her hand up as a sign to desist. "I've been gone a long time due to the Console War, but I have returned from Celestia to return to my duties. Would you be so kind as to guide me back to Planeptune or at the very least give me a general direction on where to go?"

"O-Of course, my Lady!" Rei said before looking to her child. "Peashy, I'm sorry, but we have to go home now."

"Aw, but I wanted to get the star..." Peashy pouted, but she returned to Rei's side. "Can I have pudding when we get home, Mama?"

"Yes, you can have pudding when you get home."

"Yay!"

Peashy started skipping happily in another direction and Neptune walked alongside Rei, whose eyes continued to remain on her daughter. The two walked in silence with Peashy humming random songs and tunes to herself, but also running to catch the occasional bug that would fly by her. Neptune found it amusing and calming to observe the innocence of youth.

"She brightens up my life every day..." Rei spoke quietly, earning Neptune's attention. "I'm not sure how Peashy does it, but even though she lost her real family...She's dealing with it a lot better than I am."

"Oh...What happened to them?" Neptune asked.

"Monsters killed her real family and they were close friends of mine." A pained smile appeared on Rei's face as she started recalling the past. "Ever since the Console War began centuries ago, that's pretty much how life has been for us normal people. Monsters have been constantly attacking smaller settlements and cities and their numbers have been increasing. Most people are afraid to go anywhere beyond the walls."

"Then isn't it a risk to be out here right now?"

"I-I may not look it, but I'm a pretty capable fighter." Rei spoke with some confidence, despite the initial stutter that returned. "Peashy loved going out on walks outside the city with her parents, so I will do the same for Peashy in her parent's place. Nothing will harm Peashy as long as I'm near. I'll stake my life on it."

Rei suddenly looked at Neptune and when they stared directly into each other's eyes, Neptune could see the single emotion burning in Rei's eyes: Hope. And that emotion was directed at Neptune, which meant Rei was about to ask a very serious question.

"Lady Purple Heart...Now that you're back from Celestia...What will you do now?"

Neptune gathered her thoughts, closing her eyes as she thought over everything that Rei spoke to her about and what Histoire asked of Neptune in her dreams. She had a goal in mind and the road to completing it would be very difficult to tread.

...But that look in Rei's eyes gave her the determination to walk that road.

"I would give you my answer, but I think it would be best if all the citizens of Planeptune heard it as well, wouldn't you agree?"

After parting ways with Rei and Peashy once the three reached the city, Neptune immediately headed for the Basilicom. Although it has been years since she last entered it, the map directory posts throughout the city helped her locate the building in no time at all. There were guards stationed at the front entrance and as Neptune approached, the pair became aware of her.

"Stop right there, citizen. Visiting hours are-"

"I'm not here to visit." Neptune interrupted the man before he could finish. "I'm here to stay."

That talk with Rei sparked something within Neptune. A drive she had lost in the Console War. And that very same drive gave her the ability to do what she had temporarily lost. Transforming right before their eyes, the jaws on the guards dropped briefly before they recovered and knelt down on one foot.

"Will you not allow entry for your goddess?" Neptune asked them, though Neptune already knew their answer.

They quickly got back up on their feet and turned to the large double doors, pushing it open. Once there was enough space, Neptune quickly moved into the building without delay. Inside, Neptune saw several staff members and guards moving about with officers and superiors giving orders and direction on where to go. The two guards that had opened the door for her stood by her sides.

"Everyone at attention! Lady Purple Heart has returned to us!" They both shouted in unison.

All eyes were on Neptune and an instant silence struck the air now. Neptune took this moment to continue walking, making her way to the center of the room where she got up on a table. Taking a moment to look around at everyone, Neptune took a deep breath and sighed.

"I don't claim to know what you're all feeling at this very moment." Neptune started. "But I do have to say this: I'm sorry. To all you hard working people that have been tirelessly protecting Planeptune while I have been away fighting in a pointless war for a pointless prize. You are the true protectors of this nation. I am aware of the recent rise in monster attacks and lives lost due to their increasing number. I have failed you as a goddess for being away for so long. I was not here when you needed me and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I have nothing but regrets for leaving you all to fend for yourselves."

Neptune stomped her foot down as it echoed throughout the room.

"...But apologies won't bring back the dead that have been lost because of my absence. I will instead focus on protecting the lives of those still living. But I know I can't do it alone. I'm not asking you to help me, that would be arrogant of me to request. Instead...Will you allow me to help you protect not just our nation, but all of Gamindustri as well?"

The silence lingered for what seemed like hours to Neptune. Everyone was looking at each other, but they never spoke verbally. The confidence that Neptune had slowly started to fade away and began to replace itself with doubt. It had been a long time since Neptune spoke to anyone in the Basilicom. The ones that were here before Neptune left for Celestia were all long gone from the passing of time. This new generation of Basilicom staff and soldiers have been on their own without a goddess, doing well enough without her protection, so it makes sense that they would not give her an immediate answer.

"Good morning, everyone..."

Neptune and the entirety of the Basilicom turned to the drowsy drawn-out. A petite looking girl who wore a loose-fitting dressed with pink and white striped socks and bear slippers. She had a clipboard in one hand and a doll in the other. Neptune could safely say she dressed...differently than most of the soldiers and staffs in the Basilicom.

"Miss Plutia, it's ten o'clock." One of the soldiers spoke up.

"Oh?..." Plutia glanced at the nearest clock and saw that what the soldier said was true. "So it is...hee hee..."

Plutia's eyes met Neptune's and Plutia began to slowly walk over to Neptune. When Plutia was just in front of her, she looked up at Neptune with an honest-to-goodness smile. A welcoming comfort for Neptune since all the other people in the room were still silent and stoic. As strange as it sounded to Neptune herself, Neptune felt like Plutia also worked in the Basilicom rather than assuming she was the child of some staff here.

"You're really pretty, Miss..." Plutia smiled as she giggled. "I'm Plutia. What's your name?"

"It's nice to meet you, Plutia." Neptune got off the table so she was standing at ground level with Plutia. There was some height diffence between the two of them, so Neptune had to look down at Plutia. "I'm Purple Heart."

Neptune's smile couldn't stretch further across her face if she tried because Plutia's expression was adorable. Plutia's eyes sparkled with awe and happiness and she tried to cover her gaping mouth with her clipboard.

"Wow...You're our goddess? That's...so amazing!" Plutia exclaimed before coughing to clear her throat. "Ahem...Welcome home, Lady Purple Heart."

"Thank you, Plutia." Neptune laughed, feeling the tension in her body washing away as she talked with this girl. "Hearing you say that made me really happy."

"You're welcome." Plutia laughed, looking quite proud of herself. "I thought for sure everyone else would welcome you back...They all talk about you, you know? How they're protecting Planeptune for our goddess so she can have a place to come back to from wherever she went...and well...You're back!"

"Oh, is that so?" Neptune smirked as she looked around.

The rigid members of the Basilicom seemed to finally come to life. One by one, people started talking and the silence that once enveloped the room disappeared. This could not have been possible without the help of Plutia and for that, Neptune was more grateful to the girl than words could ever describe.

"Lady Purple Heart, we would be grateful if you would lend us your strength."

That was one voice followed by several others.

"We are glad to have you back, my Lady."

"Just being in your presence fills me with determination!"

"Our goddess is back where she belongs. I've never been happier in all my days!"

"I need to post on my blog about this! It'll be a hit!"

"Does this mean I don't get two lunch breaks every day now?"

"Shut up, Bob."

Neptune raised her hand up and that was enough for everyone to stop talking again, only the tension was gone when they stared at her. She gazed upon everyone standing in the room with a smile. Even after all this time, when they could have abandoned their faith in Neptune, they refused and continued to believe in her despite all those centuries wasted away in a meaningless battle on Celestia.

"I wish to speak to my citizens. Please set all visual and audio equipment within our means to the Basilicom." Neptune told everyone. "Our people needs to know right now that from this moment on, everything is about to change."

"Right away, my Lady!"

The Basilicom boomed back to life with movement and talking. Neptune turned back to the little woman in front of her, who yawned and continued to look as sleepy as she had been. Neptune knelt down to pat Plutia's head, who looked pleased to be given affection this way.

"So, Plutia, what is it you do here in the Basilicom?" Neptune asked the girl, curious of her occupation in the Basilicom.

"Oh? Me? Um..." Plutia looked like she was thinking hard about her answer. "...Oh yeah, now I remember! I'm the Oracle of Planeptune."

The utter look of confusion and disbelief on Neptune's face made Plutia giggle uncontrollably. Neptune could tell the girl answered honestly, but that didn't make it any easier for Neptune to believe what she just heard. This sleepyhead was in charge of managing her nation while she was away? Well, Neptune didn't want to discredit Plutia...If she was the Oracle, then there was a good reason behind it. Whether it was confidence or Plutia's carefree attitude, she approached Neptune and spoke when the others did not.

"Plutia, it looks like you've made a new friend. Quite a cute one at that too. Aren't you going to introduce me to her?"

Neptune and Plutia turned to the voice to see an older woman staring at them with a single hand on her hip. Now this new person standing before them was taller than even Neptune...or perhaps it was because of the boots the woman wore? At any rate, this woman was Plutia's opposite in terms of appearance and demeanor. She was beautiful, yet very intimidating. Neptune recognized the outfit the woman was wearing. Though times have changed, it seemed that the outfit of a general has withstood the passage of time.

Was it always so revealing? And similar to an HDD outfit?

"Iris!" Plutia ran to embrace Iris, who happily returned it and patted Plutia on the head the same way Neptune did. "This is Lady Purple Heart, our goddess."

"I see...She certainly lives up to the title of goddess with a body like that." Iris looked back at Neptune with a smirk on her face. Neptune couldn't help but feel shivers going down her spine the way Iris stared at her. "Welcome back, Lady Purple Heart. I'm Iris, the current general of Planeptune's military forces. I'm also Plutia's big sister, so I look very forward to working and getting along with you."

"Um...Thank you, Iris. And I feel the same way." Neptune replied, nodding her head.

Best not to mince words with Iris...

"My Lady, we are ready."

The three turned to a soldier who saluted them.

"All visual and audio comm are linked to the Basilicom through the roof. Please, come this way."

Neptune was escorted to the rooftop of the Basilicom. Although many of the Basilicom staff were downstairs, there was still a reasonable amount of people filling the courtyard that came to see their goddess deliver her speech. Holographic screens floated above that were focused in on Neptune, Plutia, and Iris. Reaching the center of the courtyard, everyone else around Neptune dispersed and now she stood alone.

"Hello, citizens of Planeptune. This is Purple Heart, your goddess and protector of this nation. If I'm being completely honest, I wish I could sincerely say I am your protector. But I cannot...For that is not true."

A frown appeared on Plutia and she looked ready to move forward, but Iris quickly stopped her little sister by placing a firm hand on Plutia's shoulder. When Plutia looked up to her big sister, there was a silent conversation going on between them with their eyes. Although Plutia's frown did not disappear, she nodded her head and Iris released her grip.

"Do you wish to know what I have been doing this entire time I have been away? I shall tell you; I was fighting in a pointless war for the title of 'True Goddess'. A supposed claim that would allow me to have everyone in Gamindustri follow and believe in me. If that is true, then why have I returned rather than continue to fight for such a title? The answer is simple..."

The ferocity in Neptune's face showed, leaving Iris looking very impressed.

"All the time I spent up there in Celestia fighting for that title, I could have spent here fighting for all of you. To protect you...as a 'True Goddess' should. And so that's why I've returned."

The Basilicom staff started to clap and cheer momentarily before Neptune raised her hand up to silence them.

"A true goddess is not some title you can win as a prize. It has to be earned through effort and time, the former being one I have clearly wasted away. But that ends today."

Neptune summoned her sword and raised it up toward the sky.

"Our nation was founded under one single rule: Progress. And from this day forth, the next step begins now. I am aware of the rise in monster attacks and I intend to do something about that."

Neptune plunged her sword into the ground in front of her as she beckoned everyone with her hands. The Basilicom staff were confused, but Plutia and Iris quickly ran to Neptune's side. That's when everyone else understood and moved behind Neptune.

"But I am not doing it alone. The Basilicom and its members have been doing their best to protect you during my absence. They are the true protectors. And I, as your goddess, will lend them my strength. I'm only going to say this once: I apologize for leaving you all."

Crossing her arms in front of her chest, the biggest grin stretched itself across Neptune's face.

"That's my only apology for you, citizens. Because I'm not going to spend my days hoping my words will make the pain you've felt or are feeling go away. Instead, I will prove to you the sincerity of that one apology with a thousand actions. Get ready, Planeptune, because progress is taking a great leap forward. I'll see you all very soon."

And with that, the screens vanished. What followed afterward were cheers that did not come from the Basilicom members, but all around Planeptune. Yet despite all that noise, Plutia and Iris heard Neptune's stomach growl. Plutia couldn't help but giggle and Iris had an amused smirk on her face. Neptune sheepishly scratched the back of head, her cheeks darkening a deep red.

"...Maybe we'll take the great leap forward tomorrow after lunch and rest?"