"Are you sure?" Daniel asked Noire.
"I'm certain. The size is larger but, there's no mistaking the design," Noire stared at the dragon's weapon intently.
"Man, dat is one huge ass sword!" Shiro remarked upon looking back at the monster. When he finished, the dragon lifted up its' blade.
"Watch out! It's attacking!" Steamax warned. The dragon swung its weapon down, prompting everyone to dodge. The soldiers, shaken by the weapon's impact on the ground, rolled far to the right. The remainder of the group jumped aside to the other direction.
"Lady Uni, Noire! And K-Sha! Are you all alright?" Steamax rushed to Noire, Uni and K-Sha, who were all bending on one knee.
"I'm fine, Steamax, thanks," Uni replied. While she, her sister and K-Sha got up, the Braves stood next to the trio and Steamax. At Livre's instruction, Jack took out his Driver. It displayed a circular digitalized image of the monster which was now facing the Braves' side. The said image showed the monster's form enveloped by static.
"As I expected," Livre spoke to his companions whom gazed at Jack's Driver. "This monster is affected by the Glitch,"
"What is that device?" Uni asked with wonder.
"Explanations will come later. For now, we must address the threat at hand," said Livre.
"Okay, what're we waiting for?" Shiro brought one foot forward. "Let's beat that thing and get the Glitch outta it!"
"Very well. Gentlemen, it's show time!" Hearing Livre, the Braves got out their Drivers. Placing the processor chips into the terminals, the four readied themselves to transform. As white rings of data circled each of the four males, they struck transformation poses. Shia drew a horizontal arc in front of him with the Driver before bringing it to his right and moving his free hand close to it. Jack shifted his body to the side and slowly lifted up a finger gun. As for Shiro, he held out his arms in a cross formation, rotated them in a circle and crossed them once more. Lastly, Daniel spun around, raised one hand high up into the air and moved it down to his face.
"Access!" Those aside from the Braves watched as the four were clad in their bodysuits followed by their armor parts which materialized and attached themselves to their bodies. Uni and K-Sha were flabbergasted by the Braves' CPU forms. Even the soldiers gaped at the male CPUs. And despite not having a mouth of his own, Steamax's expression indicated he was doing the same.
"W-W-Wha?!" A stuttering Steamax said to the Braves, "Who are you? Why can you transform?!"
"Talk later, we got a monster to fight!" Black Brave said, he and his peers readying their weapons. For a minute, the dual gun wielder gave Steamax a look of interest. "Say, are you some kinda ninja?" Shortly after, everyone's attention was caught by the dragon roaring loudly.
"Save the questions, Jack! Here it comes!" Green Brave said. A dark glow emanated from the dragon's scale. Suddenly, small black clouds of smoke materialized in the air above. Out of them came monsters, resembling piranhas and thrice the size of them. On their arrival, the fish-like monsters charged towards the Braves' side.
"Holy fish sticks! Where'd these things come from?!" White Brave was knocking away some of the monsters with his fists. Concurrently, his companions were striking their opponents while dodging them.
"Split up!" Green Brave cried out, slicing a piranha with one of his daggers. "Focus on reducing the enemy's numbers!"
"Alright! Uni, K-Sha, Steamax, cover me!" Noire started rushing across to the soldiers.
"Got it, sis!" Uni said, taking down a fish monster with her rifle. As Noire ran past the dragon, Uni, K-Sha and Steamax accompanied her and fended off incoming enemies. The soldiers were even doing their best to fight them. However, it was only a matter of time before their opponents overwhelmed them.
"Let's go! Access!" Leaping ahead, Noire transformed into Black Heart. Uni and K-Sha also changed into Black Sister and Gold Form respectively. Reaching the soldiers, Black Heart sliced a piranha that was about to bite one of them. The Lastation CPU and her younger sister then hovered in front of the soldiers. K-Sha stood next to the two, firing her guns at any approaching foes. As for Steamax, he was standing next to the soldiers and guarding them.
"Steamax, take the soldiers into the city!" Black Heart said, her back facing the soldiers. "We will handle the monsters!" While she spoke, Black Sister repelled a few more monsters.
"By yourselves, Lady Black Heart?" One of the soldiers asked with uncertainty.
"We need to ensure the safety of our people!" Black Heart slashed another piranha and turned her head back to the soldiers. "Now, go!"
"As you wish. Please be safe, Lady Noire," Steamax said. Though the soldiers were unsure of letting their goddess fight without their assistance, they decided to let him lead them away to safety. With this, all that was left were Lastation's goddesses and Gold Third, the Braves as well as the monsters.
"Now," Black Heart brought her sword out to the right and pointed it to the dragon. "Let us show our enemy the might of Lastation's goddesses!"
Back at the Braves, the four were whittling away at the fish monsters. Purple Brave split his sword into dual one-sided blades and cut down several foes. Black Brave had attached one handgun to the barrel of the other, turning it into a rifle. With it, he unleashed multiple shotgun like blasts at the piranhas. White Brave flew up and grabbed another one of them, slamming it into the ground. Green Brave combined and transformed his daggers into a naginata, spinning it and cutting down more piranhas. Despite the Braves' efforts, more of the fish monsters emerged out of thin air and were hovering above the dragon.
"Cripes! There's no end to these things!" Standing back to back with his peers, White Brave commented loudly.
"It appears they are vulnerable to attacks unlike those affected by the Glitch," Livre stated quickly. "Try to focus on the main enemy!"
"Everybody, look!" Purple Brave pointed one of his blades at the draconic monster. The Braves saw Black Heart fighting it whilst Uni and K-Sha were defending her from the piranhas. "Noire's taking on that monster alone!"
"That's dangerous! She can't do much on her own!" Black Brave stated.
"Everyone, assist Noire immediately! In the meantime, watch out for enemy attacks!" Livre told the Braves.
"Understood. Let us go!" At Green Brave's lead, the Braves flew to the dragon. Meanwhile, Black Heart was clashing swords with it. Uni and K-Sha continued protecting her via suppressing fire. At one point, Black Heart launched up into the piranha horde. She spun around and slashed the enemies that circled her. Raising her blade, the Lastation CPU dived to her opponent and swung her weapon.
"Volcano Dive!" Black Heart's blade struck the dragon's head causing a small fiery ignition. When the dust from the explosion settled, the monster was left unfazed much to the goddess' surprise.
"What the…? How-" Before Black Heart could speak further, the dragon lifted its free hand and punched her. "Argh!" The force of the attack sent the CPU flying past in between Black Sister and K-Sha.
"Big sis!" Black Sister cried out to Black Heart in concern.
"Noire!" As K-Sha did the same, Black Brave swiftly flew behind Black Heart and caught her.
"Hey, you alright?" Black Brave asked gently.
"I'm okay, thanks," Black Heart moved away from Black Brave. The two were soon joined by the rest. Black Sister and K-Sha hovered and stood close to Black Heart respectively. The Braves floated next to the women. Levitating a few steps above the ground, all were watching the dragon and its minions.
"It's dangerous to take on that monster alone," Green Brave advised Black Heart. "Let us lend you our assistance in fighting it,"
"How do you propose we do that?" asked Black Sister.
"We shall engage the main enemy," Referring to his peers, Green Brave spoke quickly. Turning to Black Heart, he added, "Noire, can you support us from the rear along with Uni and K-Sha?"
"Alright, but let me take part in this fight," Black Heart said to the Braves. "There's something I've been wanting to confirm,"
"Noire, you shouldn't," K-Sha, a hint of worry in her voice. "You may get hurt again,"
"I appreciate your concern, K-Sha but, I feel I have to do this," replied Black Heart.
"How about I help Uni and K-Sha with the support? Three of us can blast those monsters down with our guns while the rest go get the big boss," In the midst of Black Brave's suggestion, the dragon and piranhas were growing restless.
"Be on your guard! They're coming!" Livre alerted the group of the monsters, now slowly advancing to them menacingly.
"No time to talk further," White Brave prepped his gauntlets. "Here we go, fellas!"
"Very well, Jack. I accept your proposal," Black Heart said to Black Brave approvingly. Together with the group, she faced her opponents, "Everybody, let us go!"
"Roger!" Raising her guns, K-Sha nodded in response to Black Heart. After doing the same, the Braves and Black Sister took their positions. Black Heart led Purple Brave, White Brave and Green Brave to the dragon. The fish monsters attempted to charge at the four but, were stopped by Black Brave, Black Sister and K-Sha shooting them.
"Your opponents are us!" Black Sister called out to the piranhas.
"Yeah! Come get some, you fishy lookalikes!" At Black Brave's taunt, the fish monsters swam towards his team whom promptly opened fire at their attackers. Whilst the trio fought the piranhas, Black Heart's group battled the dragon. The four were clashing with the dark entity and evading swipes from its blade simultaneously.
"Blaze Knuckle!" White Brave threw his fist, imbued with blue fiery energy, at the dragon. The black being blocked the punch with its sword and pushed him back. This caused White Brave to cry out a "Whoa!". Soon after, Black Heart let out a yell and charged at the dragon. Both began to lock and push their swords against each other.
"Why do you possess that blade? Tell me!" Black Heart said demandingly. Her demeanor was noticed by her companions, whom floated around the dragon. "As I thought, you won't talk. Or rather you can't," Upon receiving no response, Black Heart spoke again. "Fine! I'll just have to defeat you to get the answer!"
At Black Brave's side, he and his company kept gunning down the endless swarm of piranhas. Black Brave was firing bullets rapidly out of his rifle as if it was a machine gun. The next moment, he was charging energy into it and firing a ball of energy that obliterated a small pack of the fish monsters.
"EX Multi Blaster!" Not far from Black Brave, Black Sister fired a blue laser that split into several smaller ones and obliterated most of the fish monsters. At the same time, K-Sha did a front flip. Spinning upside down, she let out a barrage of bullets that wiped out surrounding enemies. It was not long before the destroyed monsters were replaced with new ones which began circling the air above Black Brave's team. Seeing this, Black Brave regrouped with his teammates.
"That was impressive," Black Sister complimented Black Brave's shooting skills.
"You're not bad either. Not to mention you too, K-Sha," Grinning at his company, Black Brave eyed their weapons. "Nice guns you girls got there by the way,"
"Why, thank you," Black Sister replied, feeling flattered. Bringing her attention to the piranhas, she said in a serious tone, "More importantly, these monsters are endless in number,"
"You don't say," Black Brave split his rifle into two handguns. "Guess we gotta keep at it til our pals are done with the big guy,"
"Then, we proceed," K-Sha readied her guns. "They are coming at us once more," True to the Gold Third member's words, the fish monsters resumed their advance to Black Brave's team.
"Let's do this!" Hearing Black Brave, Black Sister and K-Sha joined him in shooting their foes. At Black Heart's side, the battle was turning to her group's favor. Purple Brave and Green Brave found an opening to strike the dragon.
"Cross Slasher!" Charging his dual blades with electricity and holding them over one shoulder, Purple Brave swung them in a cross formation at the draconic being. The attack hit the monster's right arm, making it stagger backwards.
"Norton Glide!" Green Brave followed up by throwing his twin daggers, which spun like boomerangs and slashed the dragon from all directions. The daggers then returned to Green Brave's hands. Retrieving them, he and his teammates gathered a short distance from their opponent which was trying to recover from its injuries.
"Well, aren't you impressive," Black Heart commented on Purple Brave and Green Brave's techniques in admiration.
"Thank you. But, I still have many ways to go," Green Brave smiled humbly at Black Heart.
"Heads up, people! Here it comes again!" White Brave alerted his company of the dragon which was slowly moving to his group. The four braced themselves as the entity lunged towards them and prepared to swing its' weapon. Midway through its' flight however, the dragon suddenly halted and brought both its' feet to the ground. The fish monsters that were with the dragon vanished to the puzzlement of everyone.
"W-What's happening?" Black Sister glanced around her surroundings. During this, the dragon started trembling. It took a few steps backwards and looked as if it was in a state of disarray.
"N-Noire…" The dragon spoke in a low guttural voice.
"The monster… talked?" Purple Brave widened his eyes in surprise.
"How… do you know my name?" Out of curiosity, Black Heart raised her eyebrows. As she did, her team was joined by Black Brave's.
"Can't… control…" Seemingly in distress, the draconic being clutched its head with a free hand. "You… need to… stop…" Before it could continue speaking, the dragon roared out to the sky. The entity opened its wings and flew off the ground, away from the city.
"Wait!" Black Heart extended her hand out to the dragon. "You haven't answered my question!"
"Let it go, Noire. The enemy has left," Livre said gently. "I must admit I am curious of the words it uttered,"
"Can somebody tell me what just happened?" A slightly confused Black Brave asked.
"I am sure all of us wish to know as well," Green Brave said. "For now, I suggest we head back to the Basilicom. We can assess the situation there,"
Inside Lastation's Basilicom, Noire sat at her desk facing a computer. Standing on her left was Kei. Uni and K-Sha were on Noire's right. The Braves were gathered in front of the table with Livre floating in between them and Noire. Also joining everybody was Steamax who had been briefed on the Braves. The blue robot was next to them, facing Uni and K-Sha.
"I see. To think that there were male CPUs…" Steamax said, looking at Shia and his peers. "At any rate, I thank you for your assistance earlier,"
"No problem," Jack smiled. "Gotta say that's some pretty cool armor you're wearing there. You look like one particular robot in a ninja mecha anime I heard of,"
"Is that so?" Steamax felt a little honored from hearing the compliment. "I received this armor as a gift from a trusted friend,"
"My apologies for interrupting," Livre addressed his listeners. "If I may, let us review what has transpired so far," Once everyone's attention was on him, Livre continued. "Our objective was to search for God Eater who had recently gone missing. Coincidentally, the monster that arrived in Lastation held a weapon which we understand from Noire belonged to God Eater herself. This leads me to conclude that her disappearance is likely linked to that monster,"
"Why do you say that?" asked Uni.
"God Eater was trying to stop her partner, Abaddon, who was behaving erratically," Livre raised one finger. "My theory is that something happened to her in the midst of doing so. As for what that is…" The male fairy's face displayed worry. "…it is something I hope is not the case,"
"What may that be?" Daniel asked, he and the others noticing Livre's expression.
"There is a possibility that the monster is God Eater herself," Livre's answer surprised his hearers.
"What do you mean?" Noire said to Livre.
"Recall that the Glitch affects living beings. I am thinking that it could have infected God Eater turning her into what she is currently. This would explain how the monster possessed her weapon. Take note however, that what I had mentioned is merely conjecture. There are a few elements which we have yet to confirm such as how Abaddon is related to this. And also the specifics behind God Eater's disappearance,"
"Hold on. If what you said is true, how do you know it is?" In half disbelief, Uni questioned Livre.
"As I have described, it was only conjecture. A theory I came up based on the Glitch's workings to date," Livre replied. "Assuming it is true though, simply using force to extract the Glitch out of the monster may be unwise. I believe no one wishes to hurt God Eater,"
"But, we can't let that thing walk around as it is," stated Shiro.
"Indeed. Which brings to question a proper method on dealing with this enemy. To be honest, I am not sure if there is a way to remove the Glitch aside from using force…" Livre's voice slowly trailed off. For a moment, there was silence.
"Um… If I may suggest, how about we try to pacify the monster?" All eyes were on Shia as he spoke.
"Pacify?" K-Sha became curious.
"Instead of attacking it, maybe we could stop its movements. After that, we can try to remove the Glitch from the monster slowly. Like how a surgeon operates on a patient who was given anesthesia,"
"That is a good thought," Kei acknowledged. In a contemplating manner, she added, "However, making a huge monster go unconscious can prove to be difficult,"
"Maybe we could git Compa's giant syringe and shove it up that monster's ass," Shiro's idea caused Noire's jaw to drop.
"W-What?!" The CPU of Lastation exclaimed. "There is no way that would work! On top of that, did you have to word it so obscenely?!"
"Whoa, hold your horses, Noire. I was only kidding," Raising his hands and eyebrows, Shiro backed away a little.
"You didn't sound as if you were though…" A dumbstruck Uni, eyes shrunk into circles, stared at Shiro.
"Guys, wait," Jack raised his hand, getting everybody's attention. "I think I have an idea,"
"What is it?" Uni asked. Everyone was now looking at the black haired boy who turned to Shiro.
"Shiro, was that burger from the café any good?" Jack asked.
"Tasted just like a good ol' cheeseburger back at home," Arching an eyebrow, Shiro said, "Why do you ask?"
"Noire, God Eater has a huge appetite, right?" Jack glanced at Noire.
"Yes, she does. Why?" Noire asked.
"Well," Gazing across his company, Jack put on a sly smile. "Why don't we feed our monster?"
"Yo, Jon!" Jack entered the Rum-Bo Gun Café and greeted its owner who was next to one of the cafés frontmost tables. Behind him were his fellow Braves along with Noire, Uni and K-Sha. Livre, Steamax and Kei were not present.
"Ah, it's you fellas again," Jon walked up to the group. Noticing Noire, he said in good nature, "And not to mention, our dear goddess in the flesh. What brings you here, Lady Noire?"
"My little sister informed me of this place and I decided to see it for myself," Noire stepped forward to face Jon. "I must say it's not too shabby,"
"Why, thanks for the compliment, Lady Noire," Jon said in appreciation. "So, what would you and your friends like?"
"Actually, we came to ask for a favor," Noire replied.
"A favor?" Raising his brows, Jon jerked a thumb at himself. "From me?"
"Yes, would it be of any trouble for you to hear my request?"
"Not at all. I'm listening," At Jon's reply, Noire began explaining something to him. When she was finished, Jon's eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you serious?" The café owner said in disbelief. "You want all that just to hunt a monster?"
"Correct," Noire gave a dignified smile. "In exchange for helping us, I will make it known to the whole of Lastation that your establishment contributed in subduing a dangerous monster. This way, you are sure to have many more customers in the future. With that said, does this sound favorable to you?"
For a minute, Jon stared at Noire quietly. "With due respect, Lady Noire," Clasping his hands, he spoke plainly. "I don't see how anybody in their right mind will waste a ton of burgers for this," The man released his hands, partially showing his palms to Noire. "But, you know what?" Smiling, Jon added, "I don't dislike your idea. Count me in,"
"You'll really help us?" Shia asked, concerned. "But, won't we end up exhausting your supplies?"
"Anything for the goddess," Jon assented. "So, when do y'all wanna start?"
"Right now if it is fine with you," answered Daniel. "All of us will be helping,"
"That's great," Humorously, Jon said, "Let's cook up a storm, eh?"
"Oh, you bet, Jon, my man," Clapping his hands, Shiro announced, "Let's do it, people!" Giving out a whoop, he and his companions, Jon included, headed for the kitchen and commenced their plan. "Operation: Big Eater", as Jack had dubbed it, starts with the group making two hundred of Rum-Bo Gun Café's cheeseburgers. It was an arduous task but, the Braves performed stunts that sped up the process-From tossing around the ingredients into the right places to vaulting across the kitchen speedily. All this was done to the tune of Will Smith's "Wild Wild West", sung aloud by Jack and Shiro. Needless to say, the girls and Jon were dumbfounded of the musical display to the point of gaping.
With the burgers finished, they were wrapped and carried to the Basilicom in four cloth bags held by one of the Braves each. There, Kei and Livre watched K-Sha and the Braves injecting anesthesia procured from a nearby hospital into the food. Steamax was absent as he was sent off somewhere. Once the burgers were prepared, they were repacked into the bags and carried by the Braves again. Along with Lastation's goddesses, they transformed into their CPU forms and left the Basilicom with Kei's blessings. As usual, Livre resided in the Braves' Drivers. K-Sha also accompanied the group albeit being carried by Black Heart bridal style.
"So, um… what's with you carrying K-Sha like that?" It was late in the afternoon and the group was flying over a forest. During the flight, Black Brave was eyeing Black Heart curiously.
"Oh, don't mind this," Black Heart glanced at Black Brave. "K-Sha asked that I bring her this way," Frowning, she added, "More like she insisted I do so,"
"Please don't say it like that, Noire. I think this will improve our friendship even more…" Quietly, K-Sha let out a coy giggle.
"D-Don't put it that way!" A slightly flustered Black Heart stared at K-Sha. "You'll make it sound as if we're in a relationship!"
"Uh… What?" Black Brave arched an eyebrow in confusion.
"Did ah hear that right?" Overhearing the conversation, White Brave got close to Black Heart. "Dun tell me you and K-Sha swing that way-"
"Wha?! It's not like that!" Black Heart protested.
"Ahem!" Black Sister cleared her throat. "Sorry to be rude, big sis, but, I think we've got more important things to attend to at the moment?"
"That is true," Green Brave concurred. Pointing down somewhere ahead, he said, "And there lies our destination,"
"Yes, there it is. Let's go," Black Heart composed herself. She and her companions descended to the forest and landed in front of a cave. They were greeted by Steamax, who had arrived there in advance. He was holding a black camcorder in one hand.
"Ah, Lady Noire. You have arrived," Steamax approached Black Heart, she and her company reverting to their normal forms. "That was faster than I anticipated,"
"It's partly thanks to Shia and his friends," Noire said, lowering K-Sha to the ground. "I take it you have already informed Affimojas of the situation?"
"Indeed, I have, Lady Noire. The general has agreed to publicize the café's name with the footage that we will eventually record," Curiously, Steamax asked, "If I may, is this really the place we are to be at?"
"Yes, according to the chief, God Eater's last co-ordinates were inside this cave. Based on this, it is highly probable that the monster is using it as a hideout," Noire answered Steamax.
"Assuming that monster is God Eater that is," Daniel added.
"Only way to find out is to get in that cave," Glancing at his company, Jack said, "You all ready to head in there?"
"Let us enter it then," said Livre. "Do proceed with caution,"
"Got it," Shia nodded. Everybody started walking into the cave. The plan was to search for a place to lay out the food as bait for the monster from before. They will then hide and wait for the monster to arrive and consume it. Once the monster gets knocked out by the anesthesia, the group will attempt to take out the Glitch from the draconic entity.
Inside the cave, the group moved along a dark passage made of black rock. The only source of light illuminating it were bluish stalactites emanating a faint glow. Noire, Uni and K-Sha were in the lead. The three drew their weapons out and cautiously watched the group's surroundings. Behind them, the males continued carrying the hamburgers whilst observing the cave's structure. Steamax held up his camcorder, recording all that took place.
"It's dark in here," Jack remarked. "Any chance we can find a good spot to put our bait in?"
"An enclosed space would be ideal," suggested Daniel. "Leaving the food in an open area may attract other monsters,"
"A valid point. We won't want to be fighting too many enemies," As Noire was talking, the group went through several turns. A few moments later, they stopped and found themselves at a pathway with what seemed to be a dead end far ahead.
"Huh? Could that be…" K-Sha looked straight in front of her. "…have we reached the end of this cave?"
"I think not. There's a turning at the end of this path," Daniel stated, noticing what he had mentioned.
"You're right," Uni said as she noticed the turning as well. "Speaking of which, we walked in here for quite some time,"
"That's true," Looking at her companions, Noire said, "Be on your guard. There's no telling what might happen next,"
"Agreed. We shall advance carefully," Nodding in agreement to Livre's statement, the group resumed walking. As they were nearing the end of the passage, Shia stopped in his tracks.
"Wait," The purple haired boy, eyes filled with caution, focused his sights on the corner that was several steps away from the group.
"Hm? What's wrong, Shia?" A curious Noire asked, she and the rest stopping to look at Shia.
"Something's coming. I hear it," Behind the walls of the turning, footsteps were heard. Though soft and slow, they became more audible with each passing minute.
"Is it a monster?" Jack asked as everybody now gazed at the corner warily.
"Be prepared. It might be an ambush," Noire pointed her rapier towards the turning. Uni and K-Sha aimed their guns there as well. The Braves stood next to Steamax, who kept recording with his camcorder.
"Whoever or whatever you are, come out!" The CPU of Lastation declared loudly. As soon as she finished, a figure slowly emerged from behind the corner.
"N… oire?" The figure spoke, its face partly concealed by the darkness. As it approached the group, its features became more visible. The figure was a fair skinned girl with brown hair, wearing a vest that revealed her breasts and midriff. She was clutching one of her arms, which was dark and hideous in appearance. Her face wore an expression of pain as evidenced by one closed eye and clenched teeth. When Noire was able to make out the girl's form, her eyes widened along with Uni and K-Sha's. Simultaneously, the trio lowered their weapons a little. At that moment, one name escaped Noire's lips.
"God Eater?"
