Join the Hunt
Hey. OK, so that's on me. Still, creator's lump. It happens to a lot of people, I imagine. I'm no exception. Past this, I'll explore other characters, too. Okay, ready? Honestly, I'm just out of things to say. So let's get to it!
"And that includes you." K-Sha doesn't even give me time to panic before she returns to her previous persona, stowing her gun. "I love Noire, even if she doesn't really feel the same way right now. My feelings will never change."
"I…see," I respond hesitantly, still panicking from the gun she pointed at me. "So, it'll be you, Noire, me, and…?" I ask, trying to restore the calm we had just a moment ago.
"I don't know who our last party member is. I think it may be IF, but I may be wrong."
As it turns out, I only needed 30 minutes to recover to a point where I can walk among society. K-Sha goes off to look for Noire, while I join the rest of the gang.
"Wow, Maze, you really recover fast for a human."
"Hey, this was just a bump on the head. You should've my bike accident 3 years ago. Yikes."
"That bad, huh?" Blanc asks.
"Maybe; depends on what you're thinking. Anyway, K-Sha went off to look for Noire, so now we need to wait for her. So who's coming with us? I think I'm gonna need extra security; K-Sha just clapped a gun to my head."
"Oh, she's always like that," Neptune says casually, dismissing my concerns. "Just don't try to flirt with Noire. Or insult her, or tease her."
"Indeed," Vert adds. "When K-Sha is around, it can become difficult to have even a normal conversation with Noire. Which is hard enough as it is."
"And that means?"
"Oh, no-one told you? Our sweet Noire is really a tsundere."
"Great. So, getting back on topic, will you guys be coming with for that quest hunt?"
"Sorry. Histy's getting on my case hard about getting work done in Planeptune. Wish I could stay, Maze, but I'll see you soon! Drop by Planeptune when you have time!"
"I can't stay, either. I have more work to do at home."
"I can stay for a while, Mavis. It'll give us more time to get acquainted. I don't have anything to do until this evening."
"Another guild raid, Vert?"
"Indeed. My guild, as well as 3 others, are attempting a high-level castle raid. I expect the event to last through the night."
"Vert's a gamer?"
"You'd never guess it by her personality, but since you're new to the series, it can't be helped. Our Vert here has played every genre of video game under the sun, and a lot more under the moon."
"I appreciate the nocturnal joke, Neptune, though I'm not sure she needs to know everything about my hobbies. And didn't you say you had to leave now?"
"Yeah, but I know what's waiting for me. Nepgear, I'm heading back!"
"Oh, okay! I'm coming, sis! Oh, Mavis, you're awake?"
"Yep, I'm up. So, you two heading back?"
"Histoire doesn't like it when we shirk our work."
"Yeah, Histy turns into a miniature dictator when she gets mad. Well, we've gotta go. See you later, Maze!"
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that nickname."
"Actually, you're only about the 3rd or 4th person to get a nickname from Neptune," Vert explains. "Usually, she's the one who gets her name pronounced wrong."
"That's true," Blanc adds. "I know Historie and IF, but who else did you mean?"
"I meant Plutia, of course."
"Oh…her." Blanc tries, and fails, to suppress a shudder.
"Who's Plutia?"
"Ask Neptune; I'm sure she'd be all too happy to introduce you two. Just be careful."
"Is there something wrong with her?" I ask, now worried.
"No, not with her personally," Vert answers, somewhat haltingly. "I'll give a short rundown; at least you'll be prepared if you ever do meet. Plutia's a CPU from another dimension. Her HDD form is…" Vert can't even finish her sentence. Or won't. "It's something else."
"Just trust us, Mavis. It's something you have to see to believe."
Now I'm scared to actually meet this girl, Plutia. But if she's from another dimension, then I don't think I'll meet her for a while (if ever), so I relax. "Uh, Blanc, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say you had to go?"
"Oh, yes, I did. I just got distracted. Where are Rom and Ram?"
"I think they're saying goodbye to Nepgear."
"Then I'll be going now. See you the next time you're in Lowee."
"Yeah, sure. Maybe," I add as a whisper.
"What's with the maybe, Mavis?"
"Oh, you heard that, Vert? I don't know; I guess it just feels awkward carousing around with the leader of an entire nation when I'm just a normal human."
"I see. Speaking from experience, we have plenty of friends who've felt the same way once or twice. They never said anything, but I'm sure that a few of them were thinking it. I'm not going to tell you how to deal with it, but I will say you're likely over thinking it."
I don't know why, but when Vert explains it, the worry just kind of falls away. "Right. I'll take your word for it."
"Good to hear. You really have adjusted to the fact that you're staying here now."
"I don't think it's that, not entirely, anyway. I think a small part of me doesn't want to go back, to return to my boring, empty life. Since I have a chance make a new life here, I may as well take it."
"You're certainly optimistic about it."
"Oh, hey, Noire, you finished? And I wouldn't go that far. So, does this mean we're ready? Vert, are you coming, too?"
"Like I said, I have plenty of free time. I'll tag along, as well."
"I'll come, too," K-Sha adds.
"Okay, so that's 4 now. I just received a call from IF, saying that she and Compa would meet us on site."
"So, who are these two?" I ask, again thrown into the dark (yeah, that's a common thing here). "Noire, you and Neptune mentioned their names earlier."
"We mentioned the Guild earlier, remember? IF is a Guild member, whose members are commonly called 'Agents,' Vert explains. "They travel through Gamindustri taking requests and fighting monsters. Compa is a junior nurse in Planeptune; a bit clumsy, but still a very sweet girl."
"And they're regular humans, too?"
"Well, they're far above the standard for what defines 'regular,' but yes, they're not CPUs."
"Any more questions, I'll explain on the way. We don't want to be late."
"Is she always this pushy when she's on a schedule?" I whisper to Vert.
"She's always on a schedule, so, unfortunately, yes. Well, she means well, so just take it in stride."
Holding in a sigh, I follow the three out the door.
Westwind Ravine…
"Okay, so it's a canyon," I dryly comment. "Why did we come somewhere where it's a pervert's fantasy?"
"How do you – Oh," Vert says, seeing where my eyes are drifting.
"Exactly. If K-Sha had a camera, pity she doesn't, her wildest dreams are coming true."
"W-W-What are you saying?!" Noire, finally cluing in to what I'm talking about, holds her skirt down to try and preserve her dignity.
"Oh, it's way too late for that, Noire," I laugh.
"Remind me to cut you for that later," she threatens.
"Don't blame me for this wind. You should've thought of that before arranging this as the rendez-vous point."
"It's not my fault, okay?! This is the closest dungeon to Planeptune's border."
"Hey, I'm not complaining; I'm trying to look out for your dignity. Though I'm sure it's a futile pursuit, wearing a skirt that short in this kind of wind. I'd be more worried about K-Sha; she's been staring at you this whole time. I bet she's trying to burn the image into her mind. That, or she's trying to burn a hole into my skull for looking. Seriously, K-Sha, you still alive over there? Guys, I think she's breaking down. K-Sha, if you're still functioning, what color were Noire's panties?"
"W-W-W-What the hell are you asking?!"
"The kind of question that'll wake her up."
K-Sha doesn't answer, merely clapping a gun to my head. "Ask that again if you want to be shot."
"Perfect, you're still with us. Sorry, I had to snap you out of it somehow. Well, shall we go on? It's likely they're waiting for us deeper in, and I don't think they'll come to us." Not waiting for them, I march on ahead.
As we walk on, I think back to when we were talking about learning how to battle, and my potential weapon design. But how does it work? Can I actually design my own, or does it just…come to me, with no control? Nepgear and Uni said they designed theirs.
"What's got you so lost?" Vert asks.
"Oh, Vert. I was just thinking about something, is all. Though really, I am lost."
"I figured. Noire said something about meeting at the halfway point."
"Lucky it's a one-way road; I'd have walked off a cliff 'cause I got lost."
"Because you have such wonderful sense of direction," Noire shoots.
"In my defense, I've never been here before. And whose bright idea was it to let the newcomer lead?"
"It was your bright idea to storm off!"
"I'm trying to stick to our mission after a bit of friendly jesting. None of you bothered to re-take the lead, which I figured Noire would do after about 2 minutes. I mean, she knows where we're going."
"What's going on here?" a new voice asks. "Oh, Noire, Vert. We finally found you."
"Good to see you, IF, and you too, Compa."
"Hi, Vert. So, what's going on?"
"Well, we have a bit of a situation. Noire and Mavis have started arguing, and it's getting–"
"Not arguing, Vert," I clarify. "Anyway, so, this is them? IF and Compa?" What do you know? More females; seriously, there's got to be a male shortage here. "Nice to meet you guys. I'm Mavis, new to Gamindustri."
"Nep already gave us the short version. I'm IF." She has really long hair. And why is her jacket so big? And why does she have so many cell phones? "And this is Compa."
"Hi, Mavis! Can I just call you Maze, like Nep-Nep does?" She's friendly. She'd look really good as a dakimakura.
"Sure," I answer simply, finding it hard to say "no" to such a straightforward request. "Noire says you're basically here to help explain to me hunting and Guild quests."
"That's about right. If you're interested in joining the Guild, head back to Lastation and ask about their Guild branch."
"That depends if I can cut it here."
You'll be fine," Compa says. "Iffy doesn't look it, but she's one of the best Guild members in Gamindustri."
"Geez, Compa, what does that mean? And you're giving me way too much credit. There are plenty of Agents stronger than me. Now if you said in Planeptune…"
Confident much? And…Iffy? "So, what're we here for?"
"All I took were a few hunting quests, just to show how it's done. I said we should take a few harder quests, too, but Noire insisted it'd be too dangerous for you." Huh. Guess she really can care. "I can't promise we're totally safe, though. There are always a few dangerous enemies, even here."
"Well, that's why I'm just watching today. Maybe I'll get in on the action soon."
"Easy now. Don't get careless. One moment of weakness, and you're dead." Huh. Could've sworn I've heard that somewhere before. "Anyway, just think of this as a tutorial." Yeah, a tutorial I'm not actually playing. Oh, god, now I'm going meta.
"Then I guess I'll just watch for now." Now that the gang's all here, I step back and let the experts lead. We walk for a while before encountering some…thing. It looks like a cardboard box, except it has wings, and is actually moving (I thought it was "Living in a Box," not living as a box). "…I'm not even going to ask what that thing is."
"It's a common type of enemy called a 'cardbird,'" Vert explains. "I'm sure you can see why. It's also one of our targets for today."
"Okay, then. I'll just let you at it." With that, I stay a good distance away and watch them work. I'll admit, it's a whole different sight watching them now. They're focused on the task at hand, and are cutting down the cardbirds left and right, each exploding in a shower of pixels. Maybe it actually will be fun to join them. But am I ready? I turn back to watch them, and see a very odd sight. Do I want to know why Compa is holding a giant syringe? Please tell me she doesn't actually operate with that thing. …Well, different strokes, I guess. If it ain't broke.
As I'm watching them, I go back to entertaining thoughts of my own weapon. In that exact moment, something, a kind of shock, runs through me. What the heck was that? During a break in the action, I walk up and ask, "Hey, IF, for future reference, how do you even summon your weapon? Those are nice-looking, by the way. What are they?"
"They're just a pair of katars, nothing special. As for how, well, first, this goes without saying, you need something to fight with. Then, you have to focus on summoning it. It can be hard at first, but it's just practice. Then you have to actually train to figure out how to use it."
"Well, that makes sense." After she's finished explaining, I walk back to my safe zone, taking cover behind a tree. If I'm right about that feeling I just got, then… I focus on my hands, and in a pixilated flash of light, I'm holding something very unexpected for me. Well, this is not what I had in mind, but at least it's something. Not wanting to give anything away, I focus again, this time on not having anything in my hand. Like I thought, my weapon went away. I walk out from behind my cover, asking "Is the party over?"
"Well, we cleared the cardbird bounty," Noire answers. "IF, how are we doing so far?"
"I took an Alraune quest, and a few Flame Wolves, too. Are we all doing okay?"
"I can still go, naturally." I'm still alright." "Of course, I can continue, as well."
"Compa and I are still good to go. And Mavis, you're…well…"
"I'm not bored, at any rate. It's fun to travel like this, too."
"If you're sure. Okay, let's go!" IF leads on, being the capable Guild member she is. I'm tempted to catch up to her (I stay away from the front position, leaving plenty of room for a non-combatant like myself) and ask her about those other monsters she mentioned, but I figure I'll know them when I see them. "So, Mavis, you taking notes? Really, it's just as simple as 'take the quest, clear the condition.' But sometimes, it's finding a certain item, or gathering a material. Not all quests are hunts, like these."
"That makes sense. So, when I'm finally ready, are there any areas I can go to get some combat training?"
"For that, pretty much all you can do is fight Dogoos and Rabii(s) outside of town."
"Are those like slimes from RPG's?"
"Yep. They're not very good for training, though, since they mostly just stand there and take it."
Sounds like I'll have to find another way to train. Hitting stationary targets is fine if I wanted a punching bag. "Is there anything that actually serves a practical purpose, then?"
"Well, alraunes or horsebirds make for better practice," Noire answers, "but you'll want to raise your level a bit first. IF's right; stick to Dogoos for your first time. There's our next target. See that flower-looking thing?"
"Alraunes, yeah? They look about right what I expected."
"You're a quick study, at least. Now just try to not get killed."
"You say that like I'm fighting now."
"No, but we can't protect you and fight at the same time." Makes sense.
So, again, I'm left to watch the four of them kick ass and take names. I still have no idea how Compa's able to fight with that syringe. Still, they have good teamwork. Noire and IF dash in as the vanguard, K-Sha's the long-range (closer to mid-range, given they're SMGs) and Compa acts as support. They've got this nailed down to a science. "Hm? You're not fighting, Vert?"
"I said it earlier, remember? I'm just here to kill time. Plus, these little breaks give us a chance to chat. I saw you summon your own weapon earlier."
"Heh…Guess you saw that. But yeah, it just happened. I felt this weird shock, and then, when I thought about it, boom! There it was."
"I can tell you don't want to reveal it just yet, so I'll keep your secret. They're right, though. Dogoos are a good starting point, but for full combat practice, you can either challenge stronger monsters, or fight other people. As sparring, of course."
"…I think I'll stick with monsters," I reply. "Don't want to go out of my league."
"I'm only giving you options to live up to your potential. With enough training, I'm confident that you could pass for a CPU. Maybe you could even become one, in time."
"First of all, NO. Second, how would that even happen? …Or are you trying to drive me to find a way?"
"Oh, I've said too much. Anyways, it appears that they're almost finished."
"Don't dodge the subject, Vert! I asked you a question!"
"What are you yelling about, Mavis?"
"Vert's just playing hard-to-get when I asked her a question. It's nothing important, okay?" I answer, subdued from my previous curiosity. IF gives me a glance; so does Noire, but they let it go. K-Sha, still not too trusting, glares at me. "Enough of just staring at me!"
"She's right, we're getting off-topic. IF, K-Sha, Compa, can you still do this? I know they're not very strong, but we've still done a lot of work today."
"We still have one more quest, Noire. I'll take Mavis, and we can clear it up. You and Vert can head back."
"…If you're sure. I have work to do, anyway. K-Sha, you coming back with me?"
"Of course, Noire!"
"I guess we can talk another time, Mavis. I trust she'll be fine."
"We won't let her get hurt," Compa answers. "She can stay in Planeptune for a few days, right, Iffy?"
"I guess. It won't be a problem; I know Nep will be happy."
"Yeah, I don't mind. It'll be fun to see Planeptune. Sorry, K-Sha. Could we maybe reschedule that tutoring for another time?"
"Oh, sure! Just come by Lastation and let me know when it's fine for you."
"Well, we'll be taking our leave. Mavis, let's chat again sometime." Yeah, how about no, Vert.
"So, it's just the 3 of us now," IF says. "Mavis, you already have a weapon, yeah?"
"You knew?!" I can't help but be shocked at her knowledge.
"Today was just a demonstration for you. Then halfway through, you start asking about things that should be at least another month away for you? You're too obvious."
Compa wasn't kidding. She is good. I'll have to watch my back and not make an enemy of her. "Yeah, I have something. Not very practical, though. Look at this thing," I comment, summoning my oversized gardening tool.
"Well, we each have something different. But I'll admit, a scythe is new 'round here."
"'Different?' Yeah, I noticed that. Like how even though Neptune and Noire both use swords, Neptune's is a katana."
"And Noire's is more like a rapier, right. That doesn't change much for Noire in HDD. But Nep's actually turns into a greatsword."
"And Blanc goes from giant hammer to battleaxe. Okay, so what about Vert?"
"Still a spear. But enough of this tangent. Let's get back on topic. You have no idea how to use that thing." It wasn't a question; nor was it an insult.
"Not a clue. I figure it'll take a lot of practice to even swing this thing once without cutting myself. So, not really trying to change the subject, but that last quest?"
"That was a white lie. We finished our quest after the cardbirds. I have some trouble dealing with Noire sometimes. Okay, so let's get back to you. I don't think you need to worry about cutting yourself. Try running your finger across the edge. Just a little."
Humoring her, I take my left index finger and run it down the blade. Strangely, I can barely feel it. "Weird. So, is it worthless? Or is it that I specifically did that?"
"Not sure why, but our own weapons can't harm us. When they're in our own hands, anyway. I think it has something to do with the fact that we created them, so they're basically an extension of ourselves; why would we want to deliberately want to harm ourselves? But that's my personal theory. I don't actually know."
"That makes sense. It's good, as far as theories go. So, what do we do now?"
"Let's just walk back to Planeptune for now."
On our way to Planeptune, I ask a few questions about the Guild; IF answers them without missing a beat. "I remember something about branches, you said? Does that mean that each nation has its own Guild? Are they independent from each other?"
"A little bit. All the branches share information with each other, but each nation's members more or less stick to their registered affiliation. They don't have to, of course; all members are free to travel between nations."
"Like you?"
"Yeah, but I try to stay in Planeptune. Someone has to babysit Nep."
"Isn't that what she has her sister for?"
"It would be, if Gear weren't as bad. Normally, she's pretty dependable, but when it comes to her sister, she turns into a total marshmallow. Not to mention that Gear can't stand up to peer pressure. Even after all this time, I still don't know how Histoire hasn't short-circuited from the stress."
"Histoire?" Where do I remember that name?
"She's Planeptune's Oracle," Compa answers, speaking up for the first time. "Sorry, you're still figuring it out."
"No, no, it's fine. When I was at Lowee, I read a quick history of Gamindustri, and I noticed that name come up a few times, now I remember. Who is Histoire, anyway?"
"Histoire's an artificial being created by the first CPU. She's been around since Gamindustri was created, so she's an expert on anything concerning history; probably where her name comes from." Histoire: a tome of history. How appropriate. "She's supposed to remain neutral between the nations, but since Nep is…well, Nep, she helps serve as Planeptune's don't get her too upset; otherwise, you'll hear a lecture for hours. I've seen Nep actually fall asleep more than a few times."
"'Planeptune's Oracle'? That means that each nation has its own? Are they all AI, like Histoire? On that note, what is an Oracle?"
"An Oracle is basically a secretary for the CPU. They handle the work that a CPU either can't do, or, in Nep's case, won't do. And no, Histoire is the only AI. And right now, Planeptune's the only nation with an Oracle. The other three left for their own reasons. Anyway, there's Planeptune, over there," she finishes explaining, pointing west. The sunlight reflects off a sea of purple of white, very different from the stark black that greeted me at Lastation. "Nice view?"
"Yeah, it is," I admit. "And this is where you live?"
"Yep! Me, Iffy, Nep-Nep, Ge-Ge, and everyone!"
"Well, not really everyone. But it's true that most of the power in Gamindustri is focused here in Planeptune. We sure don't have to worry about an attack."
"But didn't you say that there are plenty of strong Guild agents in the other nations?"
"Yes, but Planeptune has one more CPU, and another Nep."
"So, basically, Planeptune can't be touched."
"…Just ask Nep about all this. Not that she'll dignify it with a response. The only time things get serious with her is if someone tries to take her pudding. Let's go already."
Planeptune Basilicom…
"Took you guys long enough!"
"Hey, don't complain. I had to bluff Noire to get her over here. Luckily, she fell for it."
"Wow, Iffy. You actually lied straight to Noire's face? Wish I could've been there."
"I'll admit," I add, "she's got a hell of a pokerface. More than you, anyway, Nep."
"Aww, there you go, calling me by a nickname. You're a regular already."
"Oh, Mavis, you're here already?" Nepgear asks, walking in the room.
After walking through the streets to reach the Basilicom, I realized something. Every nation has a different feel to it. Lowee was cold as Niflheim, but still felt cozy, in a charming sort of way. Lastation gave me the feeling of industry and business, and Noire seemed to distance herself from everything, even her sister. But Planeptune is completely different. Everything feels friendly and close, and there's no reservation about that. "So, now what?" I ask. "There's no way I'm just here for introductions."
"Sharp as always, Maze! We're throwing a party, to welcome you to Gamindustri."
"Not sure how the others'll feel, being left out," I mutter, casting an aside grin.
"Forget about them! This is a Planeptune party!" She heard me?!
"It's incredible really, Nep. Histoire was breathing down your neck earlier."
Neptune chuckles before answering, "C'mon, Iffy, it's me we're talking about!"
"…I give up. Do you actually have everything for this, or do we have to go shopping?"
"Actually, Compa and I took care of that this morning," Nepgear answers. "Neptune said something about a party, so we prepared ahead for this." Nepgear is pretty sharp. IF was right. Again. "Anyway, welcome to Planeptune, Mavis!"
"So, Neptune, this is our guest?"
"Hey, Histy! So, you decided to join us?"
"If, for no other reason than to see the results of yet another typical Neptune scheme." Sentient flowers? Fine. Walking, flapping cardboard? Okay, a bit weird, but okay. A floating book carrying a girl the size of my head? That is new. I wasn't expecting a literal tome. "Your expression is not new. I can imagine that nothing like you've seen here exists in your world. My name is Histoire. It's comforting to see that nothing went wrong. When it comes to Neptune and other dimensions…"
I try and recover from the surprise. She doesn't seem offended by my reaction. "Yeah, I'm Mavis." I can't help but bow a little, to return the courtesy.
"All right! Now we can party! So, Compa, where's the pudding?"
3 hours later…
"Sorry you have to help clean up, Mavis," Nepgear says after the party.
"Why? This was fun. It's nice to actually have fun with others once in a while. So where will I be sleeping? I don't want to disturb anyone if I can help it."
"Well, you can sleep in my room. There's enough room."
"Like, in your room, or in your bed?"
"Well, I'm not going to let you sleep on the floor."
"If you're sure, then. I appreciate it, Nepgear."
"Mavis, what was your world like?"
"Eh. It was peaceful enough, I guess. Mostly, I spent every waking moment bored out of my mind with nothing to do. Believe me, I took up some strange hobbies in my boredom. In a few days, I'll be heading back to gather a few things. Care to come with?"
"If I don't have anything planned, sure!" She's like a miniature sun, just brightening up the room. Coupled with Neptune's blasé attitude, and I see where Planeptune gets its energy.
"Hey, Nepgear. The Lastation Candidate, Uni? She's pretty nice. I had a chance to chat with her a bit before I was knocked out. She a good friend to you?"
"Yeah, she is. Honestly, I'd probably be dead if she weren't here, she's saved me so many times. But sometimes, she…she doesn't take enough care of herself, and I worry about her. She's a lot like her sister. They'll both overwork themselves, and not even notice it because they're so used to that kind of life."
"Tell her, then. I'm no expert, but usually, overworking is not healthy. Not to change the subject, but on the way here, Compa was really quiet. Is she always like that?"
"Oh, no. She just kind of lets the conversation go around her, unless she's involved. Kind of like me," she says quietly.
"How so? Nepgear, do you believe yourself to be some supporting character?"
"Well, I am. I know nobody actually says it, but I can tell."
Oh, boy. "I know that this probably won't help your self-confidence, but I read something once. Not sure the exact quote, but it amounted to, we're all the heroes in our own story. Just because you support your sister doesn't mean you don't have your own unique story. A little belief and pride doesn't hurt. And that's why I live like I do."
"…Maybe you're right. But…"
"I get it. It's just not you. You're too kind to be that selfish. Then here's an idea. Think of one person, just one person you love more than anyone else, and do your best for them. And don't just make it the first person who comes to mind. Otherwise, you'd spend the rest of your life in Neptune's shadow. And that's a long life, given your immortality."
Her expression darkens, not out of anger, but grief and acknowledgement. "Hey, hey, hey. Nepgear, I'm sorry," I say, hugging her. "Didn't make to make this so heavy. Just know that you're more than an extra, okay? And I'm here to talk if you need me. Though you'd get better conversation from Uni." 'Cause she actually likes you. "Come on, help me finish up here? Tomorrow's another day, right?"
"Yeah!" That's better. Much cuter. "You're right. I can't let it bother me. I was the hero too, once upon a time." After saying that, her expression changes again, this time reflecting back on something that looks like fear, or pain.
"Not a very good hero? Or something…else? I asked Uni how you two became friends, and would you believe it? She had the exact same reaction."
"Well, before we go to sleep, if you don't mind, I'll tell you what happened."
"Are you sure? If it's uncomfortable, I won't push it."
"No, it's not that. It's just that Uni, Rom, Ram, and I weren't as close back then as we are now. None of us are proud of ourselves. This was a few years ago, but…"
And we are done with the introductory arc, almost. The next full-length chapter will be a modern history lesson, so that means mk2 and later. Don't worry, I'll try and keep it fresh.
Oh, yeah. References. I'll try to fit in a few more from now on, keeping with the meta nature of the series. The bike thing was an actual accident that happened to me; all I'll say; no real-world nonsense here. The cardbird bit refers to pop-soul group Living in a Box and their eponymous single. IF calling Nepgear a marshmallow was a small call-back to Disgaea 4, where Kate Higgins plays Fuka, who occasionally says, well, "marshmallow." Niflheim is from Norse mythology. Mavis's encouragement of Nepgear about being her own hero is loosely taken from the Negima! manga, where Negi says the same thing to one of his students.
And that's it for this chapter. I'm pretty sure I overworked myself. So, starting now, I'll limit to once every 2 weeks, if I can. I'll slow down, make it cleaner, and in future chapters, way down the line, I'll introduce a few consequences; more on that in the future. For now, let me apologize for being 4+ weeks late with this.
Oh, and I have a crossover story in mind, but I may need some help with a title. I want to try a doing a Majora's Mask style-story with Neptunia characters, like the Nepertale fic. Even though I couldn't follow it at all. Just informing you guys of a hopeful future. See you next time!