AN: Ok, from the next chapter and onwards, the story will be more like a slice of life and the chapters should be shorter. Meaning there should be more updates monthly speaking.
To Love a Tome
3: Third Night - Awakening
The clashing sound of swords could be heard anywhere on that floating island, where there was only ruins of buildings from a previous inhabitants that populated the area, though everything was covered by vegetation. Once upon a time, on that floating island, stood a civilization whose technology and knowledge that vastly surpassed that of Planeptune, Lastation, Leanbox and Lowee. That civilization was known as Celestia, a realm created by the True Goddess. It was prosperous for long time, until the Goddess, influenced by the Malice accumulated for thousands upon thousands of years, had gone berserk. Legends said that the berserker Goddess was freed by the Malice after being defeated by one hero. Once freed, the Goddess decided to split her powers into three bodies: one who has almost all of her powers and knowledge of Gameindustri, one in which was stored the Malice that corrupted her, and the last one in which she had stored her memories and the remnants of her powers.
But that's a story that people had long forgotten. And so let's go back to the clash.
Two woman were standing in the middle of a ruined plaza: Purple Heart herself, and woman dressed with a gothic style dress, that made her resemble a witch, thanks also to the pointy hat on her head. Also, the whole dress made her curves more notables. She had white skin, like snow and the color of her hairs was lilac, just like Neptunes. This woman was none other than Arfoire, the Witch or old purple hag to neptune.
Both of them were injured by Dashing forward, Purple Heart tried to strike down with her odachi. Arfoire, who intercepted the attack with ease using her spear. Smirking, the Witch kicked the gut of the CPU of Planeptune, making her lose her grip on her sword. Using that moment of distraction, Arfoire stabbed the shoulder of Neptune, impaling her to the ground, savoring the pained face of the CPU while licking her own lips with pleasure.
"I finally got you Purple Heart. Your end is nigh. I have to admit that your interference with my plan, made everything much more... Enjoyable. As the humans say: the game is funnier when it does not last long. And now... Any last wish?"
"... Any last wish? I don't have any: because it will be you the one who will say them!"
Blinking for a moment, Arfoire raising her eyes upwards, she saw a giant digital blade falling towards her with great speed. Clicking the tongue, she jumped backwards, dodging at the last moment of the attack, Neptune, meanwhile was had extract the spear from her shoulder, also drinking a Healing Potion to close the wound and restore her health. Opening both of her hands, Purple Heart said.
"Trace-On!"
(... Sorry everyone, but I just couldn't help it... If you got the reference that is. Anyway *cough*)
Two smaller 32 bit mega blades appeared on both hands of the CPU, who sprinted forward in order to slash her opponent. Arfoire promptly started to shoot various dark beam at Neptune, who at that moment used another skill that was the best for that kind of situation.
"Stat Multiplier!"
That was the last skill she learned before going to fight Arfoire. It raised her VIT, MEN, AGI and TEC, the perfect defensive buff. Of course a protagonist like Neptune has a broken skill like that. Returning to the present, thanks to that skill, the damage she received from the blasts of Arfoire were minimal, allowing her to reach the Witch, slashing at her opponent making a V sign on the Witch bust. Arfoire yelled in pain, taking a few steps back, while placing her arms over the mortal wound made by the purple haired Goddess.
"You... Little-Grrrgh!"
"It's over Arfoire. You will not use the power of Histoire for your evil doings, putting in danger Gameindustri."
Arfoire was silent for a few seconds, as if she was trying to catch her breath, until.
"... Eheheh..."
"Why are you laughing?"
"Eheheheh... It's funny. To see how ignorant you are. Both you and Histoire about my real objective... But no matter. Even if this vessel is about to perish, I have already decided who will be my next vessel. No matter which body I will use, I will reach my objective no matter what..."
"I will not let you!"
Neptune tried once again to attack Arfoire, only to cut air. It was as if the Witch dissolved into nothing as soon both of their bodies entered in contact. Confused, Purple Heart looked around herself, seeing no trace of the Witch, only hearing in her mind Arfoires dramatic laugh .
"Ahahahah! By the time I return, you will no longer exist."
Those words were more like a promise, as if it will happen. Once the voice of Arfoire vanished from her mind, Purple Heart sighed, allowing then her body to fall slowly on the ground, rewarding it with some well-deserved rest. She will think in the future about those words. But now... Peace has finally returned to Gameindustri.
.
Morning. Planeptunes Basilicom
.
Neptune blinked confused a few times, before raising up on her bed bed. Rubbing her eyes, the CPU tried to organize her thoughts. It was strange the fact that she made that dream... Well, more accurately it was a memory. The memory of when she defeated Arfoire. Why she remembered that event now? It doesn't make no sense. Or is simply a premonition? Naaaah... Arfoire was only just being a sore loser.
It has been what? Three years since her defeat? Three years in which she and the other CPUs defeated ASIC, seeing the birth of the Candidates and stipulating a peace treaty with the other nations. What else could go wrong? Well... Except THAT.
Yawning, Neptune got out from her bed, slowly walking to the dining room, where Nepgear was cooking breakfast. There was a really nice aroma in the air.
"*sniff* *sniff* Mh? Are those... Pancakes?!"
"Oh Neptune! Goodmorning. And yes, they are. Just a second, there about to be finished."
"I want them now! Or more like, I can really hardly wait!"
"Goodness Neptune. There, they are finished."
Said Nepgear, while bringing the cooked pancakes on the table, where Neptune was waiting restless. As soon the Candidate finished putting the plate down on the table, the CPU started to eat with pleasure the breakfast, using the maple sauce to give more flavor to the pancakes.
Once they finished their breakfast, while Nepgear was washing the cups and the cutlery a thought came into her head.
"What are you going to do today Neptune?"
"Mmmh... As much I like to laze around, I think that I'm going to do at least one quest from the guild. Wanna join?"
"I wish to but... I promised to Vert that I would go to visit her, since-"
"... Eeeeeh? So you like Vert more than me?! Not cool Nep jr.! To think that my adorable, waifu material, little sister would discard her big sister like this for some busty blonde! You're worst than that robot-ninja... What was his name? Steampunk? No that's a fantasy era... Steamax! That was his name!"
"Goodness Neptune. Chika was feeling sick, and Vert asked me to help her take care of Chika."
Blinking, Neptune raised a eyebrow.
"Say what? Now all of the Oracles are sick? And how can you be sure that Chika isn't trying to catch attention from Vert, by feign being sick?"
"It seems that Vert is able to tell the difference of when Chika is really sick or not."
"Is that so? They must be really close, if Vert is able to tell the difference when Chika is acting or not."
"I suppose so? I mean, they knew each other for a long time... If I remember correctly, Vert told me that Chika was actually the first one to become an Oracle, followed then by Kei from Lastation and Mina from Lowee."
"And when that happen? Sorry, me think I don't remember that."
"Mmmh... According to Vert, three years before the whole thing with Arfoire."
"Nepu?! Really?! Oh yeah, amnesia. The best excuse for when I don't remember something!"
"Goodness Neptune..."
Really, her sister was really quite the character. Though most of the times Neptune made her embarrassed, the Candidate couldn't help to allow herself to spoil her big sister. It was just too cute to see Neptune smiling while having her cheeks puffed when eating.
Finishing eating breakfast, and after clearing the table from the cups and plates used, a thought came into the mind of the little sister.
"Neptune, may I ask you something?"
"Sure o' lil' sister o' mine!"
"What kind of person was Arfoire?"
And with that, the silence had fallen into the room. Gulping Nepgear continued.
"If you don't want to-"
"No I'll tell you. It's just you surprised me."
Crossing her arms, the CPU started to remembering about the Witch.
"Mmmh... First of all, she was a sore loser, and a lover of eggplants. You could say she was what you call my nemesis. But despite that, she was extremely strong though I defeated her for two times: once when I freed Histoire and the second time well, when she was the final boss of the first past arc. Now that I think about it..."
"What?"
"... She never interacted with her cult: ASIC. It was as if... They put their faith in someone who didn't even consider them. In fact when I told her about the wrongdoings of ASIC, she was like "Did they really do all of that? Well can't say I disapprove, but also I didn't order them to do that." Strange right?"
"Y-Yeah."
"Exactly! I was left speechless when she told me that! Seriously, she's horrible! But there was only one thing that I will never know about her."
"What is it?"
"Of what was her objective by using the powers of Histoire. You know that if Histoire really wanted, she could reshape the world, right?"
"Yes... I'll be honest and please do not tell her: but it scares me a little... Such power… It's scary..."
"Oh Nep jr... You worry too much! You see, Histoire is slower than a calculator. Her power processor is so low, that a sloth is more faster!"
"That's mean. Poor Histoire."
"Anyway, if something like that happen, well we have at least what? Three months? Before someone could gain full access to her powers."
"I see. Thank you Neptune. I feel better now."
"For my adorable little sister, I would fly to the infinity and beyond!"
They both giggled at the antics of the CPU. Really, Nepgear was glad she had Neptune as her big sister, she always know how to make her feel better. Then Neptune, noticing the hours displayed on the digital clock, exclaimed.
"Nepu?! It's already half-past ten?! Sorry Nep jr. gotta go, before Tsun-IF will turn me into Purple Body! Will you be here for dinner?"
"Yes."
"Then see ya later!"
And with that, the CPU started to run, so that she could take easy quests at the guild. Giggling, Nepgear started to mumble to herself.
"Mmmh... I think I should ask one of the guards to act as a secretary for today... Someone has to stay here to received documents and reports. Yes I guess I'll go with that."
Nodding to herself, Nepgear checked the list of the Basilicom Guards on duty that and after she chose the one who has some competence as a secretary, she left the Basilicom, going then to Leanbox.
.
Afternoon. Planeptune Plaza
.
She was pissed. Oh Celestia if she was pissed! For what reason she was pissed? Let us hear her mumblings.
"Go and gather some material at the end of Darkness 60 they said... But no one told me there was a Epsilon there who made that place as its own territory! I thought I was going to die! Well, actually there was no way I could die from a monster who is not a Story Boss or a Secret one. I'm the protagonist of the protagonist after all! Anyway, I should return to-"
And then she collided against someone, falling on her butt. Massaging the pained part of her body, Neptune said.
"Ouch! That hurts! Ehy you-"
And then she stopped talking as soon she raised her gaze to see who was the culprit that made her fall. It was a girl, probably around eighteen or so, dressing with a black-purple parka dress. The hood was over her head, so the CPU couldn't see her face properly. The only thing she was able to see, was that her hair were a pale lilac color and her lips, curved into a evil smirk. What was her deal?! Why is she feeling cold?
"What-"
"Neptune? Why are you sitting on the ground in the middle of the plaza?"
Turning her head to the direction of the voice, the lilac girl saw IF and Compa, that were watching her with they eyebrows raised, as if they were questioning of her action. Oh yeah, she was still sitting on the ground. Pointing her fingers to the direction where the hooded girl was standing, she said.
"This chick made me fall on my cute butt!"
"But Nep-Nep... There IS no one there?"
"... Say wha-"
As soon she returned her gaze to the black dressed girl, the CPU found out that the mentioned adult wasn't there anymore. It was more like... As if that person wasn't there to begin with. Blinking a few times, she exclaimed.
"Nepu?! Was that a ghost?!"
"You do know that ghosts are intangible right?"
Neptune glaring at IF said as a matter-of-fact.
"Mortal, you do know that there are monster out that are classified as ghosts, and are tangible? Otherwise how could we defeat that horde of Mr. Spooky three weeks ago?"
"Urgh... Touchè..."
Now that was quite the counter coming from Neptune. IF didn't really expected that, while Compa was giggling at the scene. After that, the lilac girl raised toon her feets looking around herself in search of the vanished one but, alas, without any success. What was that anyway? She got a really horrible feeling from that person. Actually, it was quite familiar but... Where did she feel it before?
... Questions for another time, but now...
"Say, you two were going to my home right?"
"Yup, I need to check on Histoire daily."
" I am acting as Compa's bodyguard so..."
"Compa's bodyguard? Well of course you are, after all you-"
Neptune couldn't finish her words, that IF was pinching with both of her hands the cheeks of the CPU, that started to cry from the pain while Compa was smiling, as if she was having fun. But unknown to them, the mentioned girl in black-purple parka dress was watching them from behind a corner that lead to a alley. Making an evil smile, the said person monologues.
"It's been awhile Neptune... Soon, I will have my revenge. Prepare yourself."
Those were the words directed to the CPU, before disappearing in the darkness of the alley.
.
Evening. Planetunes Basilicom
.
"Nepgeeeeear! I'm hooooome! And I'm hungryyyyyy!"
But no one answered, if not a Basilicom Guard that walked towards Neptune, IF and Compa, greeting them. The guard was dressing like the other ones, with a white-purple cloak. But unlike the others, he had a band on his eyes, covering them. How the heck he can see, it was a mystery.
"Welcome back Lady Neptune. And welcome Miss IF and Miss Compa. I'm sorry to inform you milady, but Lady Nepgear is not here. She left a message that she will stay for the night at Leanbox."
"Hi..."
"Hello mister guard."
"Nepu?! You serious?! And why you're here?!"
"Lady Nepgear asked me to. I acted as a secretary for the whole day under her request. I settled the various requests and documents in your..."
Making a perplexed expression, noticeable of how the eyebrows were curved and the frown on his face, continued.
"... Office."
Silence. The way he said it wasn't pretty much nice. Neptune looking at the guard said with a challenging tone.
"Dude, if you got something to say, say it."
"... It was so dusty... That I couldn't help myself but to clean it from top to bottom. Milady, it's not healthy to work in a dusty place like that so please, if it is not a bother, you can always count on us guards. With this, I'll take my leave."
The guard started to walk away, when IF tried to stop him by asking, while Neptune was going to the cleaned office, a room which she never used before, curious of how cleaned it was.
"Did Nepgear tell you..."
"... About the fact that Lady Histoire is sick? Yes, Lady Nepgear told me to not disturb her, so I devoted myself entirely on the work as a secretary and cleaner. Can I take my leave now?"
"... Yeah you can."
"Thank you. Good night."
And with this the anonymous guard left the place. Sighing, IF massaged her temples, when she spotted Neptune running from her room to her office in a frilly purple bikini. Her skin was also tanned, what...
"What the heck are you doing?!... And why are you tan?!"
"Oh Iffy! It's beach time inside my office!"
"But it's winter!"
"Trust me 'o mortal one, not inside my office. That dude did quite the job to clean it! It's so sparkly, that it feels like being in summer! C'mon I'll show it to you!"
"W-Wait! Stop pulling on my clothes!"
As soon they reached the office, IF was greeted by the... Light. The guild agent was blinded for a few second, and once she regained her sight, she noticed that Neptune was looking at her with a blank stare.
"What now?"
"... Gotta admit it. He sure did one heck of a job, if the sparklings of the office turned you not only tan, but also turning your hair blonde, your eyes red and also your coat red."
The guild agent couldn't do anything if not stare at Neptune with the mouth wide open. There was no way that she could- no, better to check it with a selfie. Taking out one of her cellphones, she took a photo of herself and then...
... Neptune could be the queen of all lazy people, a pranker, but she never ever told a lie. Meaning, that her "transformation" was true. IF should really praise that guard for his cleaning skill. Meanwhile they were commenting about the cleaned office, Compa walked towards them, wearing an apron.
"Iffy, Nep-Nep, dinner is ready!"
"Oh yeah! I forgot that I was hungry just a few seconds ago! Thank you Compa!"
When Neptune was about to run over the table where the meal was placed, the trio heard the sound of something heavy falling on the ground. Looking at each other with perplexed looks, only IF spoke the question that activated the next event.
"That sound... Didn't it come from-"
"Histoire's room!"
Running to the room of the said Oracle, the CPU opened the door, only being greeted by something that she, and probably you readers, wouldn't expect: in front of her, a beautiful naked girl in her early twenties with long soft curly blonde hair was sitting on a small crushed bed, looking at her own hands. Her eyes were a deep blue ocean color. Her curves were quite modest, like Noire's, hidden by the curled hair that reached her chest. The ears... They were just like the ones of a human. The more Neptune looked at her, the more she thought that this woman was Histoire. There is no way that it could be like that... Right? But what shocked Neptune the most, feeling her heart stinging from pain, was the expression on the face of the woman: it was of someone who felt lost, confused, scared. All expressions that had never appeared in the face of Histoire. The woman, looking at Neptune, asked with a tone broken by the fact she was about to cry.
"Neptune! I... Can't feel my connection with the Tome... And why am I like like? Wha-What happened to me?"
... It seemed, that this was the result of the effect of the potion drank by Histoire that night. Now please Neptune, take responsibility.