Disclaimer: I do not own Hyperdimension Neptunia or any of the references made.
Summary: All he could see was darkness, the dark abyss to his right, the infinite void to his left. Nothing but the dark, cold grasp of death to his back and the smile of death itself in front. Was it a dream? Was it a vision? He didn't know, what was important now was that he had to help his sister, dammit.
Reminder: Everything is planned, if you don't like where I'm going then you're free to leave whenever you want.
-This is Fanfiction, anything could happen.
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
[Next Day]
[Planeptune]
"...I cannot believe that kid!" IF was fuming, like literally fuming, as she was cooking for the group in place of Compa as the nurse was busy with some matters for the moment. "Here I am, working my ass off, and when I thought he finally decided to get out of his comfort zone but nooo he just had to get a girlfriend, I mean, that's good I guess. But still, he's still a kid!"
Histoire smiled uncomfortably, "U-Uhm, Miss IF, may I please remind you that egg and pudding do not go well in a pot?"
The brown haired Guild Member looked at the pot and sure enough there was a pudding cup there along with an egg that she didn't bother with removing the insides from the shell, she frowned and tossed it out of the window and most likely hit the passing citizen. She restarted what she was doing only now she was using a pan instead of a pot, her plan was to make an omelet not a stew.
"You just don't understand, I promised Mother that I'll do all I can to make him last until he's married, you know kids these days Histoire. Once they reach puberty they start being rebellious," She sighed, "How lucky we were that Scath was just as obedient and calm as he was a kid as he is now..." She gritted her teeth as the spatula in her hand snapped, "But as he just showed, my thoughts on him were wrong!"
"...I must ask, why are you complaining to me?" Histoire just went down to do her routine before doing her work while they waited for Nepgear to wake up. She did not expect to be forced to listen to a sister complaining that his little brother got a girlfriend. "Why not to Compa?"
IF sighed, "Well, she's out doing some last minute work for her hospital."
"I'm back!" Compa walked into the kitchen, tired as she was sexy, "Phew, that was much more exhausting than it used to be."
Histoire almost shed a tear, it has been two hours since IF started ranting on her so she was way behind schedule. "Thank goodness, now if you would please excuse me I need to get working on my documents."
IF waved the spatula in her hand, "Keep up the good work, CPU's sake we need it."
Compa tilted her head, "Iffy, do you want me to tag in?"
The brown haired girl looked over her shoulder, then untied the white apron with purple hearts on it, "Sure, I need to see if Scath's awake anyway,"
"Oh! Oh! Can you put it on speaker? I want to talk to him too!" Compa smiled, "I want to know how he's been since he got to Leanbox!"
IF smirked, Compa and Scath and her for that matter were all childhood friends. Though the two of them were both three years older than Scath, that didn't stop the younger boy from doing everything they do, it always brought a laugh to her when he tried to grow out his hair like her but Compa was having none of it, thus starting the three hour struggle of a young Compa doing all she can to convince Scath to keep his hair short like her.
However she just grew it out later.
Quickly taking out the green phone she dialed her brother's number and waited for him top pick up, "Sca-"
"Harder!" Her eye twitched, "Faster! Faster!"
Wh... What the hell?!
"Sca-" Please tell her that what she was hearing wasn't true, please tell her that she was just dreaming! Please tell her that her brother wasn't d-doing t-that while on the phone!
"Give it to me Scath!" Cried the female voice, "Come on you can do better than that!"
Just when her patience was about to snap and was about to unleash the beast sealed within, her brother shouted in anger, "You are pissing the hell off! Stop moving so quickly Hikari!"
Then the sounds of metal clashing against metal, IF released the ball of demonic flame in her hand, why couldn't that have gotten through first? The woman coughed audibly with her eye twitching, "Sca~th!"
"Crap!" Some sounds of two bodies colliding and metal clashing, "Dammit sis, why are you calling so early?"
Her voice was calm, the complete opposite of the black ominous aura around her behind the phone, "Oh I don't know, how about the sounds you're friend made when you answered."
"...Wait, did you install that auto answer app again?!" She made a noise of confirmation, "How?!"
"Scath, I'm your older sister, I can do things you can only dream of by default." IF placed the phone on the table as Compa started to make breakfast after she calmed herself from what they thought he was doing, such was their faith in Scath. Histoire came back in struggling to carry a bag of folders, "Oh, let me help you with that Histoire."
"Much appreciated," She then noticed the phone, "Who's on the other side?"
IF grunted in exertion, she didn't know how someone so tiny could carry such a heavy load. "My brother,"
"Sis, is that Lady Histoire?" She could understand why he asked, according to what he knows thus far was that she had no connections other than the ones she has with the Guild with their nation's Oracle. Little does he know was that because of the relationship she had with the CPU, of which he had no idea of... something she kinda regretted keeping from him. "Wait! Hikari! Don't touch that that wa- oh now look at what you've done, wait for me, I'll go get a bandage."
"Hm," Histoire hummed, "Well then, IF, Compa, I got good news to the two of you so please say goodbye for the moment. I'd rather not involve a civilian in this matter."
"Wait, what matter? Sis are you keeping things from me again?" IF frowned, "...Just... just stay safe alright? You're all I got left and I'd be dammed if I let you die just because I don't want to get involved in a girls' talk."
*Click*
IF sighed, "That's already a given, Scath..."
Compa smiled brightly, "Aww~ he sounded so angry a few seconds ago." She then pouted, "But he hung up before big sis Compa could talk! That makes Big sis Compa sad..."
Histoire coughed into her tiny hand, "Ehem, back to the topic at hand, I believe it is time for us to discuss our next course of action."
IF rose her brow, "Why the rush? Gear still hasn't woken up so we can't do anything much for... now..."
Clad in a one piece white sailor outfit stood Nepgear, the CPU Candidate of Planeptune in all her groggy glory with her lilac bed-hair presenting her an air of cuteness and attention. "G-Good morning."
IF blinked, then rubbed her eyes, then blinked again, "I-I'm not seeing an illusion am I? Scath didn't knock me unconscious and am now dreaming right? Gear's really awake?"
"She's real Iffy," Compa pressed her hand against her chest with a breath of relief, "What a relief! You were asleep for so long we were getting worried."
Histoire chimed in, "And how do you feel?"
"Um, I think I'm fine now," She tried to smile, "But, um, so... I'm really sorry."
Hisotire merely shook her head, "If anyone should apologize it should be me. It was I that sent you five to that battlefield."
"Huh? N-No, I would never blame you," Nepgear shook her head, "It all went south because... because I wasn't strong enough!"
"It may be sudden, but I must ask you to recount what occurred three years ago at the Gamindustri Graveyard."
Nepgear sat down, "Of course..."
And so, she talked, she told them how they looked all over the Graveyard in search of their target, she told them how much of a burden she was to the others and then...she told them of the one opponent that defeated them all. They fought all they could but they just couldn't do any significant damage, she was taken out early in the battle while he others lasted a while longer before following suit. The three women were shocked, five CPUs were beaten down by a single unknown opponent?
IF wanted to call bullshit, but as much as she wanted to deny it, the fact that a certain lilac haired girl wasn't eating pudding and driving Histy Pisty was all the proof she needed.
"That's insane." She murmured, trying to wrap her head around it, "All of you lost against a single opponent?"
Compa unwrapped the apron, "How could the CPUs lose...?"
Nepgear rose her hand as if she was in class, "Can I ask a question now...? What happened to Gamindustri after we lost the battle? You said it's been three years,"
Histoire's expression turned downcast, "The situation is bleak, I am afraid. ASIC, under the assumed command of Arfoire, controls much of the world."
"Disk burning, disk copying," IF listed a few of the recent happenings, "Even now kids see piracy are normal and have put their faith into it."
"In other words, everyone believes in ASIC, so the faith that powers the CPUs have grown very weak." Compa continued. "Making just that one small Sharicite crystal took us nearly three years..."
IF's eyes hardened, "Well, with the CPUs absent from their nation, its no surprise. We failed to save them..."
"And we have learned that their goal is to revive the Deity of Sin," Histoire said, "And at the rate our world has been declining, they may reach that goal."
"But isn't there anything we can do to stop them...?" Nepgear asked.
Histoire nodded, "Yes. One way yet exists..."
She pointed to the CPU Candidate, "And that way is you, Nepgear... along with the other CPU Candidates- your fellow CPU Candidates."
"Wait, me?" Nepgear blinked, "And... I'm not the only CPU Candidate?"
"Correct, as you know only the CPU themselves and the CPU Candidate are able to gather Shares." Histoire nodded, "If enough Shares are gathered. ASIC and all those affiliated with it should weaken."
'They want me to gather Shares in my sister's stead...?' Nepgear poked her fingers together, 'I want to help Neptune... I want to help the world... but... there's no way I can beat such a strong opponent. I don't have a chance...'"Isn't that approach too slow? ASIC might be able to gather Shares faster than we can reclaim them," IF interjected.
"Good point... and the people that believed in the CPUs probably know they've lost by now..." Compa said.
"In that case, we could request the assistance from each Mascot that reside in each Nation." Histoire suggested.
"Like, game mascots...?" IF said.
"Born from the ancient Goddesses, they oversee the balance and order of our world in a passive manner." She explained. "That is to say, they preside over each nation and remain neutral to all else. But when needed, they will stand beside the CPUs and rid the world of evil's influence."
"I had no idea they even existed," Compa said.
"Indeed, not even I know their exact location." She said. "I have been researching researching where the Mascot for Planeptune resides to no avail..."
IF's eyes widened, "Jeez! Is that what all these folders are for? Do you even sleep?"
She nodded, "I will inform you all once I find something of note. In the meantime, please regain Planeptune's Shares as it would also serve to rehabilitate Nepgear's combat ability."
"Makes sense. I mean, Gear didn't even move in the past three years, much less fight." IF murmured, should she ask Scath if he wanted a sparring partner? Though then he would probably ask why he was fighting the Candidate and will probably then be included in this fight of theirs. "Hey, are you listening, Gear?"
"Oh, um, yes," Just by that she immediately doubts you.
Histoire went inside the bag and pulled something out, "Very well, let me give you this,"
[N-Gear Recieved]
"Huh? What's this?" Nepgear asked as she fiddled around with it.
"This, is the N-Gear, it provides a multitude of functions and should become invaluable to you." Histoire answered, "However, you must never let it fall into enemy hands, otherwise Planeptune will fall to ruin..."
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
[Leanbox]
"Like I said before Hikari, beaten black and blue and hit ten times more than me." Was that arrogant? He didn't meant to but it was kinda the truth, ever since he was little he has been quicker on his feet than most. This discovery made him focus on speed and evasion rather than the usual strength, defense and magic. After all, you can't hit what you can't see... most of the times, still working on his evasion.
The heavily wounded and bandaged woman just pouted as she tried moving but found out that she couldn't, "And you were too rough with me! You're supposed to treat a lady with kindness and respect, you know."
His eyes dulled, "Correct me if I'm wrong but, 'There's no such thing as genders in a battlefield! Hahahaha!' Were what you said when we first met."
She scratched her cheek, "I-I was a kid at the tim-" "Still are," "e and can you really blame me? I was owning you back then!"
His eyes flashed green, "Ohohoho? If memory serves me right then it was me that was dominating you,"
Her eyes flashed purple, "Hehehehe, no, no, it was me."
"Ohoho, no I'm pretty sure it was me."
"Hehehe, no its me for sure."
His smiled vanished, "It was me!"
Her smile evaporated, "It was me!"
"Can the two of you please quit it!" Came the surprising shout from 5pb, "You're disturbing the neighbors and she's injured! And so are you for that matter!"
She wasn't kidding.
Several severe degree burns on his arms when he tried to block her wide spread fire balls, uncontrollable twitching with his legs when lighting stuck them and numerous deep and light cuts all around when he made a mistake and let her reflect his [Razor Winds]. They were both out of mana, Hikari more so as she was actually a fighter that depends on that so healing with magic was out of question. He didn't know any and he just ran out of Nep Bulls.
Poor 5pb was woken up 2 in the morning and was forced to bandage them up, not his idea by the way, but was nevertheless grateful. "By the way, I really need to pay you back one of these times."
She shook her hands, "I-I just want to help, no payment needed."
"Still though..." He frowned, "...Hmph!"
5pb's eyes widened, "Ah! Don't force yourself! You'll open your wounds!"
He gritted his teeth as the blue haired woman tried to force him down, "Sorry, but I'm on a deadline."
Scath managed to stand up, albeit he keeps falling down thanks to the uncontrollable twitching of his legs, so there on the floor he laid. Like a giant black worm with a twitchy tail he moved forward with only his chin. Unfortunately for him, 5pb was having none of that.
"Oh no, I'm no nurse but you are not, leaving my care until you are both fully healed." Girl even crossed her arms, would ya think of that.
Scath groaned, "Lyrica... can you go buy me some Nep Bulls?"
"No, you'll just crawl away to Green Heart knows where and you'll probably be followed by Hikari just because she could."
The brown haired woman chuckled, "... I actually can't, I think my bones are broken."
Try blocking several hundred kilos of pure metal swung by a guy that can swing and move with it as if it was a feather. You will have you're bones broken and probably die moments later, she was lucky it was only a sparing session, because he refuses to go all out with her.
Hurt her pride more why don't ya.
"No means no, and I said no, so no!" 5pb was acting kinda out of character.
Scath pursed his lips, "Hm, woman bring up a good point. Fine, I'll stay. Sorry for making trouble..."
She smiled, "See? Was that so har- hey! What did you and I just say?!"
"Just reaching for my halberd..." It was on the ground after he was placed on the bed, actually it was supposed to be leaning against the wall but Hikari didn't want it to damage their house so she said, 'The ground is fine,' and made him drop it there. He complained of course, but as she was a woman and he was a man, and everyone know how that story goes and ends.
5pb sighed, "What did I do to deserve this headache?"
"Aw, what's the harm Lyrica?" Hikari laughed, "Look on the bright side! We can talk and get closer to each other now! Now c'mon, c'mon you know you want to~"
"...I guess," She was a little curious, "W-Where is he from?"
"Planeptune," It was Scath that answered, sparing her the details as he kept reaching for his weapon.
"Heh, I heard people there are really smart but really lazy too, is that true?" Hikari snickered.
"Yeah, Lady Histoire's really bothered by that and is doing all she can to make them work harder," He nodded, remembering the small tome fairy flying across the sky as she barked orders with a unexpected soft yet firm, loud voice. Despite it being mostly comical it was also really inspiring, being forced to do work by a small tome fairy with more power in her dainty fingers than she knows what to do.
It also made him think about the times he was asked to go along with his seniors to get rid of a few ASIC encampments, though risky it did hone his skills than training on his own. He would ask his sister to train with him, but... since the CPUs disappeared she'd reject his offer, he didn't want to admit it but he was kinda jealous of them.
"Scath... Scath!" He blinked, was he that lost in his thoughts? "Oh good,"
5pb looked at the clock and her eyes widened, "Oh, sorry for leaving so soon but I need to get to work,"
She stood up and petted Hikari on the head, "Don't move too much alright? That goes triple for you Scath,"
The young man just nodded, "Fine, fine, trample on my fun why don't ya."
"Your definition of 'fun' is very different from hers," Hikari answered as the blue haired woman left the room... several minutes passed before she spoke again, this time. Scath was not looking forward to what she has to say, "Ooh! Hey, can you move?"
Scath looked down, his legs weren't twitching anymore and the burn on his arms were fading. So feeling a little optimistic, he jumped out of the bed and when he didn't fall flat on his ass or on his face a smile broke out on his face. He actually was planning on staying in bed even if it was boring, but now that plan was out of the window. "Huh, would you look at that. Hey, I'm off to buy Nep Bulls."
Hikari's eyes widened, "No! Wait, take me with you!"
He turned with his brow quirked, "Lyrica would be sad if both of us left, at least if I left it was kinda to be expected but you?"
"She would understand," Hikari waved his concerns, "It not like this is my first running away while injured since we lived together, besides we still need to get rid of two Elemental Dragons right? What if they turn Viral like last time, what would you do then?"
Scath pursed his lips, glancing at his new weapon, it wasn't as strong as his old one and only flesh and bones would be healed by the Nep Bull. One doesn't recover that easily, especially if their opponent was a magic user that knows more wide spread attacks that she knows what to do with other than rain hell on her opponents... he should have enough money to buy some SP Charger to help shorten her mana recovery time.
"Alright then, so how do we move you?" The woman blinked, before her smile increased tenfold.
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
[Leanbox]
"I regret this," Scath muttered, a faint blush on his face, "I really regret this."
Hikari gasped, "What?! Don't you like the feeling of a cute girl pressed on your back while walking in the most populated and popular area in Leanbox to the Guild so you can report that one of your Quests have been finished? For shame Scath, most men would give an arm or two to be in your position."
His eye twitched, "No, its just... I don't like the fact that I have an very injured cute girl on my back while walking in the most populate and popular area of Leanbox to the Guild so I can report that one of my Quests have been dealt with... why didn't we get you healed up before we did this? And I don't think many men would want to feel like every step they take is like stepping on a field of sharp pins and needles just to have a girl on their back."
She hummed and ignored the latter of what he just said, "Its because you lost that bet!"
"Hey! You didn't play fair, of course I would've lost!" Scath grumbled, ignoring the looks he got from the people around. They were whispering some things, some nice, some bad and some strange. For example, one said that he was a wandering warrior that put himself at risk to save her and was now on his way to the hospital to get her healed up and then they would find the legendary sword that would rid the world of its evil after reforging it as a holy sword... yeah, not even going to try figuring out that one.
"If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying!" Hikari laughed, "Now mush my noble steed! The cards awaits us."
Scath sighed, lowering his head so that his face wouldn't be seen. Hikari merely laughed at his misfortune, oh how good it was to be on top again, now if only those people weren't looking and saying mean things to them then it would be perfect. The guy on the counter just looked at them and sighed, this wasn't the first time someone came in to report while heavily injured, heck it won't even be the first time if that someone lost their teammates in an accident while Questing and they weren't going to even care... that last one might be a tad bit mean.
"Get her healed up before you do the other, the nearest inn is in a few blocks to your right. You can't miss it, it's purple." Thanks for the advice but they were going to rely on items for now.
They left the Guild and Hikari spotted a glimpse of blue hair, her eyes widened. Someone with that hair color was unique, so it was either the girl they disobeyed and is probably worrying her ass of because of them and is now looking all over for them or it was that girl's sister. In which case, Scath should probably high tail it out of her... unless he wanted to be smothered... so should she for that matter.
"Come on, pick up, pick up..." 5pb worriedly muttered, after getting done with her job she went back home to see if they actually did follow her words. Scath leaving wasn't a surprise. Hikari leaving wasn't a surprise. But not even leaving a note to inform her? That was cruel, what if they were kidnapped? What if someone was targeting them without their knowledge? The possibilities were endless, "Hikari!"
Scath looked at the girl on his back, "Should we..."
"Hm, I don't think so," Hikari uncomfortably chuckled, "I don't want to be grounded today."
"You're too old to be grounded."
"Not with that attitude."
"Just gonna ignore that one," He sighed, "Now can we please go to the mall? You might bleed out."
Hikari just kicked him on the back, "Don't be so dramatic, I can't lose that much blood that fast," She poked him on the cheek, "You were holding back on me weren't you~ you didn't use your [Green Dragon Crescent Blade] on me! Damn you, my pride's already been trampled, must you trample on it more!"
Scath sighed, "Don't kick me, my back's still hurting."
Another raspberry, was this girl really 15? She's acting like a immature ten year old, "Carry me~! Carry me to work~!"
"Stop that!" He snapped, "Just... Just stop that." 'And I am already carrying you!'
The girl laughed as they made their way towards the mall, sometime on the way she started playing with flaming wisps that she dubbed as [Firefly]... he was slightly reluctant to believe that she was using what was supposed to be something that was used to trick their opponents before blowing up in their face... she ripped it off from some guy made of flames after eating a fruit.
Unoriginal as hell, but damn was it useful.
Against human opponents at least, on monsters on the other hand? It was completely useless.
Once they were done with the mall, and the painful feeling of having your flesh forced to grow itself back and your bones snapping back in place, they left the alleyway that they used to hide their groans of pain and suffering. Their plan next was to get on with the next job, Scath was secretly planning on finishing this Quest today so that he would have time to train on his weapon before the big fight.
He would lose. That much was certain. Confident in his combat capabilities he might be, he was not willing to say with full confidence that he would beat the woman hailed to be as strong as the CPUs in a fair fight overseen by the Oracle herself. Yet he was not just going to roll over and die, that just wasn't his style.
If he was going to lose, then he was going to lose like a badass. On his feet.
"H-Hikari... S-Scath..." They froze.
Slowly turning around they saw a frowning 5pb garbed in her usual outfit with a literal horde of Leanbox people behind her cheering her name, but were silenced at how sad she now looked. Hikari, now being able to stand on her own, smiled awkwardly at her roommate and best friend. He on the other hand, just stood there with a sheepish expression.
"H-Hey there..." She started. "...I'm not apologizing."
5pb frowned, "T-That's not nice! I trusted you two!"
"Yeah, you see here, I don't really know you that well," Scath rubbed his neck. "And I'm used to doing things on my own so... for what's its worth I'm sorry for worrying you and betraying your trust but you gotta understand, I'm on a deadline." He then pointed to the girl beside him, "She, on the other hand, does not have an excuse."
Hikari gaped, "You traitor! How could you?!"
"Leaving was your idea," He answered.
The gaping increased, "Gaaah! Now look at what you've done! She won't trust me ever again!"
5pb sighed, then smiled, "I-Its alright. The two of you are safe... and that all I need to know."
Hikari began sobbing and engulfed the blue haired diva in a bone-crushing hug, "Hehe, you're so nice 5pb, I'm so happy to be your friend! Waaaah~!"
Scath tapped her on the head, "Hey, she's turning blue..."
"Oh crap!" The diva breathed in precious air, "Sorry! I'm so, so sorry!"
The crowd began growling, how dare these people act like their friends with the one and only 5pb! The man looked like he belonged someplace that only accepted psychopaths that carried their weapons wherever they go and the woman should know her place as her fan and not act like she was her friend. To make things long story short, they should know they're place as an NPC and just watch from the sideline when they could've helped and made the main guys' lives much easier.
5pb's eyes landed on Scath.
"...What?" He rose his brow, "...What?!"
She turned with a look of disappointment, "...Nothing..."
"No, you looked at me with a look." He leaned forward, "That means you want something from me."
Hikari tapped him on the head, "Don't force poor 5pb! If she doesn't want to talk then let's leave her alone those Elemental Dragon won't kill themselves, or make each other fight to the death!"
"I don't know about that," He murmured, "If we find someone talented enough in illusions, we might just be able to make them kill themselves or fight each to the death."
She slapped him lightly on the arm, "Stop that. Its creepy."
"Illusions are powerful arts, rarely used and even more rarely appreciated and practiced, but powerful arts that can turn even the greatest of friends or lovers against each other in mortal combat..." He answered, still having the dull look on his piercing green eyes, "One look... one skill... one technique... that's all that's needed to turn even the most loyal warrior against their beloved nation and everything they've spent their lives on working..."
"Scath!" His eyes widened, "A-Are you okay? You looked kinda scary there..."
He shook his head, why did he say that? "Y-Yeah, I think so." Scath shook his head and smiled, sweat coming down on his temple, "Come on, there's work to do."
Why... why did he turn all apathetic?
Why... why did his head start hurting...?
Why... why was his heart hurting?
"H-Hey! We aren't done talking!" 5pb sighed.
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
[Planeptune]
"Gaaaaah! Dammit, that's so not fair!" Linda was her name, but these dumb broads decided to call her 'Underling' she knew she was kinda low on the ranking in ASIC, but making her name that? That was just mean, "I mean, transforming and stuff? C'mon!"
Nepgear placed her white and lilac blade against the fallen woman's throat, "I'll spare your life if you leave now in peace."
" 'Oh yes ma'am, thank you so much...' If you think I'll say that, pull your had outta your ass, I've got a job to do!" Linda then turned on her heel and dashed past the two older broads and smashed her pipe against the Mascot with all the strength she could muster.
"The Mascot...!" Compa cried.
"Hehehehe, serves it right." She laughed, "I'm done here. Next up, Lastation's Mascot!"
IF growled, "Don't you run away! Ugh, jeez, she's too fast for her own good."
Nepgear fell to her knees beside the shattered remains of their Mascot, "Oh, no... the Mascot..."
"Worry not, CPU Candidate,"
"Huh? A voice...? But who...?" She looked around and saw no one but her and her two companions in sight, then she turned to the shattered remains and saw that they were glowing.
"I am this nation's Mascot. how unexpected to have my body destroyed while I was sleeping..."
"U-um, so, you're okay? I mean, you're still talking even after being smashed to pieces..." Nepgear asked.
"'Okay,' is not accurate, but fortunately, I was able to separate part of my power from my body."
"Here, I will grant what is left to you..."
Wow... she never felt the same before after receiving a power up, but... this was just... wow... "Goodness... this is the power of a nation's Mascot, then?"
"CPU Candidate, I have no way of knowing what had transpired since I began my long slumber... but I have faith that you will use my power for a just cause..."
IF approached the CPU candidate that was still on her knees, watching as the shards slowly fade out of existence, "And just like that, the Mascot vanished completely. Man, that was a close call."
The Candidate turned to smile at her friend, "Yes. But we managed, all thanks to you, IF."
The woman rubbed her cheek, "Hehehe... it was a little embarrassing though," 'I used to do that when Scath was feeling down when we were younger too, I'm so glad it still works.'
Compa pouted, "No fair...! Iffy got to act all brave and lovey-dovey with Ge-Ge..."
"Wh-What?! N-No, that's not how it was, idiot!" She blushed, "Um, oh! Let's hurry back and report this to Histoire."
Then, something felt wrong, as if the world itself was morphing and her emotions were being sucked into another dimension. She brought up her phone up to her ear and dialed, "Scath! Are you alright?!"
"Huh? Who's IF calling?" Nepgear asked, now back to her human form. 'Where have I heard that name before...?'
"Heh, h-how do you always know...? This timing's so freaking bad..." Compa's eyes widened, there... there was so much pain in his voice. Was that fire in the background she hear? "...I'm fine. My work is done in Leanbox... I'll be going to Lastation so-"
"Cut the crap! What happened?!" This... this was the first time she saw IF look so worried, "No... his phone died."
"Oh no, Iffy what do we do?!" Compa asked, "H-He sounds like he's in pain!"
"...Histoire should know..." Her bangs hung over her eyes, "She... she has to... I... I can't lose him..."
Not again... she was not going to lose him because of her making a mistake! It almost broke her when he was given to them by a passing Guild Member bloody, beaten and unconscious because she wanted to have an adventure when they were kids. Now... it would break her if he'll almost die again just because she overestimated his strength. It was her fault. Those Quests were her responsibility and she just pawned it off on him because she was busy with other matters.
Oh... Why... why did she have to be such a failure of a sister? Time and time again she kept sending him off only for him to return with a smile and the usual 'I'm fine' despite him having his entire body in bloody bandages and broken bones. She hated it... what was the point in being strong if she couldn't protect what was important?
She was the older sister that couldn't protect her own little brother.
Yet, he was still proud of her.
And that was enough to drive her forward.
Compa pursed her lips and grasped the girl's hand, "He's strong... so don't worry, kay? He won't like a big sister who's a crybaby."
"Says the crybaby herself," She smirked, "C-C'mon, we're heading back."
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
When they left Leanbox, he expected them to spent the next few hours looking for a Elemental Dragon in the fields as there was usually one or two every day or so. With Hikari with him, they should be able to finish this mission if they played their cards right and by cards he meant their items and feet. There was three ways this day could end, one; they would find the dragon and beat its scaly ass before finding another one and beating that one's scaly ass. Two; they wouldn't find one but didn't find another so they would have to hold this quest for another day. Three; they don't find any and have to try again tomorrow.
They did not think of running into one of ASIC's Top Brass... so technically the third one.
"S-Scath!" Hikari cried, "L-Let him go! You bitch!"
The woman that showed up as they finished with the final Quest just smirked and licked the young man's unconscious face. "Mmmmm... he's gotten so delicious in the past five years..."
The woman appeared literally out of nowhere, she just phased into existence after they walked for at least two hours. And trapped her inside a sphere of Hikari's specialty, electricity. Once inside she wasn't able to move, so with her being at the literal mercy Scath immediately what was natural... he threw down his weapon and demanded her to let her go.
Her name was CWF Magic, or just Magic for short, and she was the one that's now holding her against the ground with her feet. Scath did all he can, beg, plead, bargain and then fight her but... he lost. Quite miserably at that, all it took was one hit from that scythe of hers and... he was on the ground clutching at his side as his life fluid flowed freely from the gaping slash wound on his lower abdomen.
Screw hidden armor, it never even worked.
Due to the head concussion and the blood loss Scath lost his consciousness the first twenty minutes.
"Stop it!" Hikari shouted, firing [Judgement Bolt]s after [Judgement Bolt]s but that only served to annoy the pink haired woman. "Ahh!"
Magic scoffed, "Here I was, thinking you could provide me a challenge... maybe I should've just let Judge deal with you." Her eyes glowed, "After all. He's your real opponent."
"W-What do you mean by that?!" Hikari slammed her fist on the burning soil.
"Keh, so you haven't awakened yet," She tsked. "And he hadn't too... this is just a waste of my time, but... orders are orders."
She placed her scythe's blade against his throat, her eyes widened, "No!"
Blood flew into the air and she fell to her knees... was it already over? N-No, it can't be... this... this wasn't fair! Why would they throw someone so strong at them so early! It was so unfair! The Viral Elemental Dragon was one thing, but two in a row? That was so freaking unfair!
"Guah!" Huh? A... female voice? Slowly, she looked up and much to her relief Scath was still in one piece but... there was something different about him.
Magic stood up and smirked, "So, you've finally decided to stop being such a coward. Arc!"
Scath smiled, his eyes glowing a supernatural green, "Heh, don't get the wrong idea. This kid is mine and only mine! His life, his will, his soul, his very existence is mine! You hear me you bitch! No one, and I mean, no one! Messes with what's mine"
Arc, or whoever was possessing Scath's body, charged Magic with reckless abandon, betraying Scath's fighting style by unleashing hell on her with unrelenting and unlimited number of slashes. Think of a battalion of people surrounding you with machine guns pointed at you, now combine the speed of the battalion's machine gun into one, that was how fast Arc was swinging Scath's Halberd. Magic was laughing, "Hahaha! This is it! This is what I'm looking for!"
Yet the woman didn't have any problem matching Arc blow for blow.
"Sorry hun, but I don't play for the other team," Arc laughed, "Now shoo! You aren't needed."
Magic back flipped and landed on an elevated land and chuckled, "Very well, but... do remember... I will come for him... it is our destiny after all."
She swung her scythe and released pressured blade of wind. Hikari expected the one possessing Scath's body to dodge, but she did no such thing, rather she responded it in kind. The two blades of wind met in between the two fighters and even though it sent enough force to rip of multiple tress and then some they didn't even budge an inch. She was also blown away.
"Tsk, I said he's mine!" She screeched.
Hikari's vision began to wane... n-no, she can't... s-she still has something to do! She might not be as strong as her idol Cave, she might not be as quick as her partner Scath, and she's definitely not as brave as her best friend 5pb... but... she was too weak. Was she going to die her- oh wait, this scene was looking kinda deja vu-ish- anyway Arc tsked again and began walking away.
'He' was still in Scath's body, his eyes were flashing from bright supernatural green to the piercing emerald green she was used to, does that mean Scath was starting to fight back? It must be, cause 'his' eyes widened and began screaming and slashing at the air while 'he' clutched at his face. "N-No! Y-You can't take this away from me!"
Magic rose a brow, "Hm, my business here is done. Scath of the Planeptune Branch, you better be awakened when we next meet... or else even Arc will not save you..."
"...Hehehehe..." Arc began chuckling, then turned to Hikari, "Before I go I need to get rid of this threat."
"N-No! Stay away!" She held up her arms and closed her eyes
Arc scoffed and raised Scath's halberd and readied herself, she had about only one chance at this and it wasn't only because Scath's regaining control. No, it was something much... much more dangerous. This was why she couldn't let her stay with him.
Mere inches away from cutting off her arms, Hikari's eyes snapped opened and glowed a luminescence purple, "Initiating Self-Defense Protocol: Origin: ...; Identity: ...: ..e P... ..t."
She raised her arm, large amounts of highly concentrated purple lightning danced around it. Arc was not impressed, "Is that all? Please, kid you're just embarrassing yourself, how about turning around an-"
"Don't you say that with his face!" Hikari shouted, "Gods of the great beyond, listen to my call and aid me in this time of need! [Heaven's Smite]!"
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
The blue haired idol hummed as she began cleaning their home, if what she learned was correct then Scath was going to stay here for one more day before he moves on to Lastation. While she didn't have to do this, it was only polite of her to clean the house while they had a guest. Hikari did the same when her sister came by unannounced so she should show the same.
While she felt slightly betrayed that even though they said that they, Scath, would rest and not do anything stupid. She even bought some Nep Bulls for them, and when she came back they were nowhere in sight.
"H-Huh?" 5pb looked into the distance, did... did the reports ever say a literal rain of lighting was going to strike Gapain Field earlier? She bit her nails in nervousness, Hikari was in Gapain Fields.
[Elsewhere]
"Such power!" Cave gasped as she watched the rain of electricity descend in Gapain Fields. Was... was this a spell? She was 99% sure that there wasn't a weather like that in history... every. There were thunderstorms yeah, but that was like asking a baby to lift a truck. There was no rain, no warning and no natural colored lightning.
It was a Mage.
And it was strong.
...This needed to be investigated.
[Back]
Hikari moaned, slowly opening her eyes she felt that there was a strange... gap in her mind. Like, someone ripped out a piece of her memory... the last thing she remembered was... oh shit! Scath was still bleeding out and possibly possessed. "Sc- oh my Green Heart!"
The raven haired man groaned, slowly he propped himself up to sit up with his head throbbing like it was struck by a ten ton hammer and somehow still managed to retain its original shape and not shatter. Other than the throbbing pain he also felt the deafening ringing right beside his ears, opening an eye only showed him blurry beyond belief plains with a brown figure... was that Hikari?
"H-Huh? Hi.. kari..." He yawned, "Is it morning already?"
Oh, his vision was clearing now. Hopefully it would explain why it felt so cold now.
"I'm... I'm so sorr- Pft! Hahahaha!" Hikari suddenly laughed, "Y-You're hair! And your face!"
Scath frowned and brought up his Halberd to see his... oh Purple Heart what happened to his hair?! He doesn't have a problem to people that like these kinds of stuff, but he was not a fan of having an afro that had electricity coursing through it every now and then. The latter was kinda cool now that he thought about it, but... afro! It would be so inconvenient in a fight, especially if he uses an polerarm. Some might be able to pull it off, but... him? That was like his sister announcing to the world of her notebook full of her 'visions' when she was a kid.
She thought she burned it way back when they were kids, but what she actually burned was his book of rare bugs' statistics and exact information. His most favorite was the preying mantis ventus found on the outskirts of Lastation due to how fast it was.
Plus, it was green. Can't get any better than that.
Also, he remembered crying because of that and hid that notebook in case he needs to blackmail her.
Anyway, back to the topic, he turned to the snickering woman and blinked owlishly. One great flood of heat traveled up his face and another flood went down, why... was this a trick or something?! Was she testing him? Well sorry for her, he had much more self-control than any hot blooded male! Still... this was not the time or place for her to do this, what if they- oh right, mage.
"H-H-Hikari." He nervously called, "Hikari!"
"Pft! Haha, wh-what?" She was still laughing.
He pointed to her chest, "You're naked."
Then crossed his legs.
Off in the distance without the knowledge of the two teens, Arc's ghost stood with a scathing look and a smirk, "Take that bitch. You ain't getting rid of me that easily."
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
"What did I do?" Scath muttered, holding an ice pack against his cheek as he looked for a place to stay the night. Just moments ago he was kicked out of Hikari and Lyrica's house just because he happened to discover her naked, heck past the point where he was knocked out by the Magic chick he didn't even remember anything after. Now what'll he do? He was broke from buying this halberd, the Nep Bulls he never used and the SP Chargers for Hikari, so he can't afford a stay in the inn.
Even the cheapest of cheapest of inn was too far out his allowance.
"Hmmm, what should I do...?" He tilted his head as he sat cross-legged on the tallest pole he could find in Leanbox, don't judge, it helps him think better. "I mean, she wasn't even that good of an eye candy, her back was turned so I didn't even see anything indecent other than her back."
Still, it was a pleasant sight... too bad he had to give up where he'll be sleeping as a price though.
He glanced at the house that he slept in last night and sighed, their beds were so soft and comfortable too, best bed he ever slept in. Period.
Scath sighed and dropped down, the end of his weapon clanging on the ground. His injuries were now long gone with a quick sip of Nep Bull, bless its creator, so he can train all he want. However, he should get some sleep, regrowing flesh and bones along with replenishing blood was something that took stamina and as he showed earlier, he does not work well with exhaustion.
"I guess I could use those bags," He eyes the trash bags, but... "Nng, it has golden retriever dung on it..."
Why would it even go potty there? Even from a distance of a few kilometers he could still smell it, and even if he took a bath in the rivers there was no guarantee that he would emerge without the smell of trash on him. Not that it would matter much in a fight, but he'd rather not look bad in front of his friend's idol. Then again... she was a woman, and then again thinking that someone was the same as the rest of her gender was just stupid.
People with thinking like that would die sooner or later.
By his hand, or by other people's hands.
Well, die from verbal abuse at least.
He's not that willing to resort to murder just from something as little as that.
"Hmmm, should I ask Cave?" That was another option, but it would be a long-shot. The woman was kind yeah, but was she kind enough to house a guy she'll be fighting the day after? He might be a despicable person just pretending to be homeless when he's really planning on doing something that will ruin her guaranteed win. Well, he believed in fair fights before all, it was why he lost earlier after all.
Stupid slowing spells, hated those since he first encountered them.
"Ask me what?" Oh, speak of the devil and she shall appear, "Is there something wrong, Guild Member of the Planeptune Branch?"
"That's a mouthful, just call me Scath like everyone else," He jumped down several flights, "Hey, what's up?"
She rose a brow, "That is what I should be asking you, why do you look so beat up?"
Scath rubbed his neck, "Well... you see I, uh, hm... how do I put this...? Oh right! I was beaten by some chick in the Gapain Fields, she was really strong and was almost nude. Does this description remind you of... any... one?"
Uhm, Miss Cave? You're eyes are kinda scaring him.
"Hmm, I see," She smiled 'pleasantly' with her eyes saying the complete opposite. His brain was saying 'should have never dropped down' and 'run the hell away' while his legs were saying 'we're dead.' "Well then, would you mind enlightening me with the details?"
He gulped, "S-Sure,"
Cave's eyes basically screamed 'Death,' "Follow me to my quarters, we can talk all we want there."
She left no room for explanation... he felt that he won't be getting any familiarizing and training done this evening. "U-Uh, where are we going?"
"My house."
"Why?"
"To talk."
"...Can I sleep there?"
"I see no problem with that."
Alright so he was sleeping with Cave... somehow that felt more wrong that it should've been.
[Guardians of Gamindustri]
AN: Thanks for reading and Feedback is much appreciated!
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