Disclaimer: I do not Mass Effect or Hyperdimension Neptunia. Both belong to their respective owners. Same applies for obvious characters and their series.
With the exception of OCs.
Chap is rated R for references...as well as Nep being Nep.
Enjoy!
Within the Purple Regalia, lies sections of the ship meant to train the various soldiers, pilots and special forces stationed on the ship.
In these sections, lies many forms of training facilities, from standard firing ranges to full on virtual simulations. Where squads of troops, armored vehicles, fighters, Geardum units, or all at once undertake missions and matches. For improving skills or learning newly assigned or gained roles, or to earn scores for bragging rights.
Outside these sections, personal of all ranks can watch any simulated mission that is permitted. To learn how their fellow comrades fight, or learn of future roles personal wish to obtain, or win/lose it all within the betting pools. Picking a favorite squad and hoping they succeed in a mission or match.
To watch these simulations is easy, by either personal tablet or within viewing rooms that is shaped like a small theater. The latter is more popular for various reasons, including the cheers or groans of winning/losing of a team/bet.
Within one of these theaters, which was completely packed, another match was being displayed. This one had two teams of Geardums engaging one another in a asteroid field near another faction's space station.
"Anderson." Captain David Anderson looked to see a familiar face. Admiral Steven Hackett, commander of the Planeptune's first fleet, and the Purple Regalia.
"Admiral." Anderson nodded to the man, under normal circumstances he would have saluted. But there were two unspoken rules in the theater, one there is little formality in there so soldiers and officers of various ranks enjoy themselves. Second, if one person salutes a high ranking officer, then the rest inside will feel obligated to as well, missing out on the action.
"It's turned to quite a match hasn't it?" Hackett asked as he sat next the captain.
Anderson says nothing and looks to see the Mechanica Pullum being smashed against a asteroid.
The Geardum stood up as an EnAct flies in from above with a beam saber. Forcing the mech to dodge with it's thrusters barely missing the weapon.
The Mehcanica Pullum twirled it's ax as the two mechs circled each other then began to trade blows. The EnAct blocks a strike then kicks the other Geardum away, it tries to follow up then is blocked. The two mechs began to struggle as sparks appear from their clashing weapons.
"Come on Joker," Anderson whispered which did not go unnoticed by Hackett. "This is basic, you know how to end this."
Suddenly Joker pulls away, seeming to momentarily confuse the EnAct pilot. Before he punches the mech's head, then pulls the arm holding the beam saber. He brings down his ax down on it, nearly cutting it off. The strike forced the EnAct to let go of the weapon.
In seconds, the Mechanica Pullum, grabbed the beam saber with it's free hand, then strikes at the EnAct's head. The saber cuts the head in half, destroying it's monitors and blinding the pilot.
Not finished, Joker brings his axe down on the the EnAct's other arm, breaking it with a heavy strike. He kicks the mech away, before stabbing it's chest with the beam saber.
Those inside the theater cheered or groaned as the saber toasted the cockpit, 'frying' the pilot alive.
The Mechanica Pullum unceremoniously pushed the destroyed mech away before activating it's thrusters and flying into the asteroid field. Searching for the separated team...
"Not bad," Hackett commented as the image shifts to see the Tharsis engaging the Herschel. The former using asteroids for cover then moving, while the latter is using it's funnels to force it out of said cover.
Anderson nodded as the Tharsis breaks out of cover and fires on the Herschel, which easily dodged then sent more funnels. The Geardum dodges the incoming beams, then suddenly dives rabidly, spinning in a angle and using some asteroids as cover. Then appears behind the Herschel!
Right when the mech turns to fire it's rifle, the Tharsis' blades extended into pincers and one clamps down on the chest. The location of the mech's pilot.
The two machines become still for a few seconds, likely the pilots were speaking to one another. Then the Herschel lowered it's arms, as the Tharsis clamps down and destroys the cockpit. Ending the pilot's 'life'...
More cheers then groans were heard as the Tharsis retracted it's blades.
"The lieutenant still relies on Tharsis' abilities it seems," Hackett notes as said mech sped off into the distance. "I can understand why, Lady Purple Sister created a powerful machine."
Anderson nodded but continued to silently watch. It was true that the Tharsis' capabilities and performance were incredible. The two main reasons why is that Lieutenant Slaine was an adequate pilot and that the mech was made by the Mother. Allowing the Tharsis to out perform most standard manufactured Geardums, but only just.
It can be matched by custom Geardums or others made by the mother herself. Regardless of it's prediction abilities...
The crowd cheered as they finally get to see the next fight.
One that everyone, specifically two people, attended the theater for...
The image shifted then showed four Geardums staring off at each other. All of them had landed on top the Lastation research station, as it was large and wide enough for open combat.
On one side was the G-Tekketsu with it's sword drawn and in a defensive posture. Piloted by Commander Orga Itsuka of the Tekkadan Division.
With the Geardum Barbatos, now with the added name of Lupus, standing right beside it. Holding two twin maces, with two under arm guns. Piloted by Mikazuki Augus, member of Tekkadan.
Barbatos, another one created by the Lady Nepgear, gifted to Tekkadan. As the stories go, the mother of all Geardums herself saw the current pilot's talent. Then allowed him continue use of the mech to bring out it's truest potential.
Ahead of them was a Flag model Geardum, piloted by Commander Graham Aker of the OverFlags division.
Next to him was a seemingly older Geardum model, known as Full Armor, piloted by Ensign Io Fleming of the Thunderbolt Division. It held a twin barrel beam rifle with a shield over said rifle. Another shield in it's free hand, along with an extra gun mounted onto it's shoulder.
Full Armor, another Geardum that was originally designed by the Lady Nepgear. She never built it herself, but some of her schematics and advice heavy influenced it's design. It's meant to take heavy punishment while remaining fully mobile in high speeds.
While delivering equal punishment...
Barbatos and Full Armor, two vastly different machines that share the same mother. Now face off in combat, though...their true power will likely not be fully seen...due to it being a sim.
The Flag charges at the G-Tekketsu with a drawn beam saber, but was pelleted from Barbatos' under arm guns. The opposing Flag was forced to fall back while expertly dodging some of the rounds.
Full Armor aimed it's rifle at Barbatos, it's barrels briefly glowed at their ends. At the last second of it firing, an axe slams against the rifle, making it miss the intended target. Before Full Armor could react, the G-Tekketsu rams it's shoulder into the Geardum.
The attacking mech soon punched then kicked at the staggered one. Full Armor fired it's shoulder cannon but the G-Tekketsu twisted then rabidly moved to the side then kicks it's opponent. Causing it to lurch sideways though it activated it's thrusters then flew away.
Commander Orga had just done a maneuver that is considered often difficult for most pilots.
Unless the pilot is using a pilot suit with the Alaya-Vijnana system...then the difficulty is lowered considerably.
Anderson shook that thought from his head as Full Armor flew then landed some distance away. It brought up it's shield to block the rounds coming from Barbatos, now charging at the mech as the guns fired. Before Full Armor could even get any distance, Barbatos grabs the hand held shield. Bending the metal nearly as said item is ripped away from the mech's hand.
Fleming seemed to try to punch with the now freed hand, but Mikazuki quickly grabbed hold then twisted it. Breaking some of Full Armor's fingers, then grabs the head and forces it down while clapping down.
The two skid across the metal surface of the research station then slide of the edge.
Taking the chance, Full Armor freed itself then hastily pulled away from the pursing Barbatos. Raising the beam rifle and firing several rounds, Barbatos either dodged or was barely grazed by the beams.
In seconds the two disappeared in the asteroid field, making the image change to the other fight.
There were some groans but that soon erupted cheers when music started playing.
Anderson ignored it as he focused on the fight, though sometimes he wonders why music plays in some of the sims. Supposedly it was for morale...as at times those in the sim can hear the music as well.
The G-Tekketsu and the Flag were clashing each other rabidly, at speeds too fast for the naked eye as they circle around the station. Energy and metal sparked as they continuously clashed, then for a second the G-Tekketsu drew itself back. Allowing the Flag's beam saber to stab into the mech's arm, severing it completely.
Anderson narrowed his eyes for a second. Graham was exposed!
Faster than seemingly possible, Orga spun then slashed the Flag in half horizontally and stabs the chest, directly at the cockpit. The crowed mostly cheered as the pilot of the Flag 'died', and Orga unceremoniously kicks the destroyed mech away while removing his blade.
The image shifted as the music changed to something different, and Anderson felt himself smiling as he listened to the music. It sounded vaguely familiar, it must be one he heard in a sim he did before. It felt motivating, almost like it was pushing him to be one of the fighters in the sim...
Anderson's thought was pushed aside as two bright lights clashed in the field.
The image shows Full Armor but something was different, it's shielded rifle was gone. It's face was heavily scratched, and a slash like mark running along the center. It's shoulder guns were split and bent in a dangerous angle, making it useless. It's beam saber was drawn and seemed to be the only weapon available.
The mech moves past an asteroid as Barbatos is now seen, looking damaged as well. Some of the armor on it's left side was singed or lost, exposing parts of the frame. Both twin maces were missing, it's under arm guns were retracted meaning that it was out of ammunition. It was more or less unarmed...not counting it's claws.
Barbatos rams Full Armor as the two crashed into a nearby asteroid. Debris erupted but it didn't inhibit the sight of Barbatos stabbing the under arm of Full Armor. It's armored clawed fingers pierce the lower armor, dislocating it, then grabs and violently tears the arm off.
In a likely last attempt of resistance, Full Armor kicks Barbatos back and brings down the beam saber at Barbatos' head. Which missed as said machine swiftly sided stepped then stabbed Full Armor in the chest, directly on the cockpit.
A massive surge of groans/cheers erupted in the theater as Barbatos twisted then retracted it's hand. Holding out Full Armor's cockpit, then crushed it, 'killing' Full Armor's pilot.
The screen briefly turned black then displayed the images of the victors.
"So that was Alaya-Vijnana system," Hackett commented as he placed his hand against his chin. "Because of that, the pilot's senses, mobility and reaction times are faster as they become in tune with their Geardum. More effective than pilot suits individually...and when combined the performance is incredible."
All at a terrible cost, the part was left unsaid.
"What do you think of the rest of them?" Anderson asked as he pulled out a tablet from his person and handed it to the Admiral. "Good candidates?"
"Commander Orga and Ensign Mikazuki make prime candidates, those two can be brutal when working together. Separately they're quite effective even with other teams." Hackett answered as he scrolled through the tablet. "Lieutenant Slaine certainly has skill as well..."
"And Ensign Moreau is both an excellent Geardum pilot and qualified ship helmsman," Anderson added. "They were also-"
"Part of the team you were in," Hackett lowered the tablet. "That helped Lady Purple Sister defeat the area boss."
"Then you know they're more than qualified."
"Yes, but I'm not the one making the decisions." Hackett shook his head. "Lady Histoire was explicit, only the very best for this new division she's creating. All I can do is send recommendations and the choice is up to her. Other Admirals are sending their best as well, from the UZ to the Gjallarhorn Division.
"Either way, this new division will hold the best and brightest Planeptune has to offer." He hands the tablet back to Anderson. "There is a chance these four might make the cut, as Lady Histoire didn't say the exact numbers of this new division. Likely the two from Tekkadan will make it, but we'll see what happens."
"That's good," Anderson said as he seemed to noticed that everyone else in the theater had left. "I should go congratulate the team on their win."
With that the two got up from their seats, nodded to each other and went on their way.
...
Unknowingly seeing the process of another stone being set.
"Well, your friend certainly likes to eat." AnAn smiled as Saren was practically stuff the food down his throat.
"I knew he was hungry, but I didn't expect this." Vakira could not help but stare as his fellow Turian continued eating. It was his third bowl...
"Heh," AnAn as she puts one finger on her chin in a manner/gesture? Vakira did not recognize. "Well, then I'll leave the bill here."
A small tablet was placed in front of the Turian, who blinked at the total price. Displayed in Turian.
"Ack-T-two hundred and fifty credits!?" Vakira nearly choked which thankfully did go unnoticed by his partner. Two hundred credits...that's asking too much even if Saren ate two extra bowls!
"Yep," AnAn nodded as she gave a very mischievous smile. "And if you can't pay then consult with Gus-Gus~"
Said Krogan huffed in annoyance as he was cooking a large piece of Varren meat. He had given the fish a to a smaller human wearing red a short while ago...which was quite a sight as she ate it like nothing with some kind of animal. That was wrapped around her body yet was able to eat the fish as well.
There was also the weird moment where she called AnAn and Vex something...he wasn't paying attention since he was still bewildered about the fish part. Whatever she said prompted the human, Jace/Honey?, from behind the stall to groan loudly.
After that the weird small human left with her...pet?
That was a rather strange encounter...
"AnAn," The human behind the stall, Jace, shook his head. "Ignore her, the actual price is a hundred fifty credits, they didn't have drinks AnAn and they had the Dextro based version."
"Hehe, oh I know~"
That was still a lot of credits to ask for...
Sighing Vakira brought up his Omni-tool and payed the correct amount. "This should be considered robbery..."
"Yeah, AnAn is a bit," The male human shrugged as said person stared at him. "Of a business person, it's in her family blood so to speak."
"A family that seems like a mix of Volus and Krogan?" Vex muttered as her mandibles twitched. "And give the Asari a run for their-"
"Please don't act like I'm not here," AnAn muttered then smiled. "Besides, I charge this much cause how uncommon it is right now! Until more stalls, restaurants, and stores pop up on the Citadel, the prices will fortunately be high~"
Fortunately!?
"And there's the merchant that is my wife..." The human male muttered then shook his head. "Always finds the profit in a situation."
Vakira could only blink, are humans normally this strange? Must be a cultural/species thing.
"Oi!" He hears someone call out, he turns to see another human approaching them. Who nearly looked like a younger version of AnAn. With some kind of strange looking bow strapped to her back, with what appears to a barrel and a revolving cylinder.
What kind of weapon was that? A bow-gun or gun-bow thing?
"Anya," The male human greeted the new one as she hugged AnAn then nodded to him. "That quest wasn't too hard?"
"Ugh, the usual delivery, but them Metal Dogoos are annoying." The human, Anya? shook her head as she rest a hand against her cheek. "Plus a few Dolphins had spawned...so that took a bit of my day."
"Anyway," She rubbed the back of her head then looked at Vakira. "Oh, hello you must be a new customer."
She winked as she pointed her thumb to herself. "Names Anya, Guild Agent, if you ever need assistance or help with dealing monsters. Send a quest my way, I'll be happy to deal it."
"...Fracias Vakira." He greeted back after a second, letting the human words sink in. He only knows of that title from his debriefing on Shanxi, it was name of that 'special unit' that were able to halt their advance and in some cases turn the tide.
There were rumors circulating that they were only dealing with lower leveled members.
He wasn't in detail what they were exactly, other than a human run organization of sort that had the main job of dealing with monsters and occasionally criminals. Monsters that apparently spawn in the human worlds and now the citadel, and helping C-Sec capture or apprehend criminals.
But other then hunting/vigilantly detail, what exactly is this 'Guild' and it's 'Agents'? Is it a branch of their government? Or fully independent and acts akin to mercenary groups? What can explain their apparent strange abilities and seemingly military like tech?
Clink!
The sound of Saren putting his bowl down took Vakira from his thoughts as said Turian got up.
"Vakira, it's time to leave." His squadmate told him before turning to Vex. Giving only a nod in thanks before leaving the stall and moving several meters away. He stops then turns and awaited his other companion.
"Well, then it's time for me to leave as well." Vakira stood from his stool.
"Come again!" AnAn waved him off.
"That was a waste of time and credits." Saren's mandibles twitched when Vakira approached him.
"I wouldn't say that," Vakira chuckled. "You did eat several bowls of those...noodles. Which were delicious."
"...A moment of weakness, nothing more."
"Whatever you say my friend."
"So, these abilities of Guild Agents are similar to those found within...a video game? Specifically, Role Playing Games. Because of that, your health or HP bars act as a shield of sorts?"
"Not exactly, HP protects us from damage that'll normally hurt or kill a regular human. We can still get hurt and it's painful as hell, just not as bad, example being that...I get hit in the face with a rocket. With a normal squishy human that'll blow them instantly, mid-level Guild Agent would have some minor injury mostly centered around the area hit. Higher leveled ones would have a really bad headache."
"Anyway, HP more or less allows you to take hits and still be in the fight. Though once it runs out...you'll die. Unlike video games, there's no way to bring someone back. No magic feathers, pill, wish or whatever. If your HP count hits zero, you're dead."
"Dead? Wait, what do you mean by it hitting zero?"
"...Well, I can't really explain it myself but I can say this. HP's a strength and a handicap, with it you'll be stronger than anything considered possible, without it we become nothing. So fair warning, if your HP is even close to zero, heal yourself with a skill or item that can do that. Seen enough Agents die due to recklessness. You can get more HP in higher levels or from certain kind of equipment."
"...Right, I understand. But what exactly are levels?"
"Levels, our growth basically, as we 'level up' from experience from quests and beating monsters. Our health, skills, and stats will rise and improve in number. Though that includes a bunch of factors, like what equipment you have, what you hunt and defeat, your preferred combat style. It all factors into how your overall stats grow, you'll even gain skills that help or strengthen that style."
"How exactly?"
"Well, since you use a sniper rifle, you may eventually learn a skill that'll make use of it. Either Passive, which can help you see or shoot at much farther distances or help hide better in various environments. Active, which can give you a different attack from that rifle, like shooting a beam of energy from a ballistic weapon. As well as possibly shooting a round that heals your targets instead of killing them."
"Wait, what-"
"That last one I only seen with Lowee Mage Knights though, at least ones with ancestral ties to ancient Lowee hunters. Which are a bunch...but only serve support roles. Though there is special ammunition that can mimic that effect, expensive and not as good."
"...Okay."
"This all but the surface of what Guild Agent can do, there's literally shit tons of it! Hang on, getting a bit...never mind. Anyway, while it's great and all, there are more vulnerabilities for us Guild Agents then regular-"
Bzzzt!
"Oh, one sec," Shepard put placed her hand against her ear. "Hello?"
"Shep, where are you?" IF's voice is heard. "We're at the guild. Front entrance."
"Oh, we'll be there, was giving Garrus some explanations. Think there's time for an initiation?"
"...Not today, Nep, Gear, and Plutia still have quests to finish. We got a bit of a quota today, could use your help."
"Oh that's even better! I could bring him along, plus he needs to level up. Since he's barely level one..."
"...Alright, but you know-"
"Yes, keep my eye on him. Ya did the same thing with me."
"Then if you're serious about taking him under you're wing, you understand the risks."
"Heh, don't worry, he'll be fine, besides I got you to help don't I, partner?"
There was a brief snort of laughter, "Alright, see ya soon."
Meanwhile within the front entrance of the guild while IF was conversing.
"Nep, Nep, Nep, Neep, Nep, Nep, Neeeep, Nep, Nep-"
"What are you doing Neppy?" Plutia drowsily asked as she rubbed her eyes.
"Oh, just passing the time till the author figures out what to write in this scene." Neptune says as a matter of fact, she stretches her arms. "The main character finally get's some screen time."
"Huuuh?" Plutia was clearly confused.
"Hey Plutia," Nepgear interrupts the two's potential meta conversation, she points in a random direction. "Isn't that Wrex?"
"Hmmm...oh, Wrexy!?" The candidate called out to said Krogan, who had exited the building.
He turns his head in their direction then approached them as Plutia waved him over.
"Plutia." He greeted as he let out a small grin.
"Wrexy!"
"Hello," Nepgear greeted the Krogan. "I'm Plutia's sister Nepgear, pleased to meet you."
"And I'm Neptune! Protagonist of protags." Neptune beamed as she introduced herself. "Hmm..."
She narrows her eyes, then moves them up and down. Seeming to analyze the Krogan in front of her.
Wrex rose an eyebrow but otherwise didn't say anything. Likely wondering what she was going to do.
"Neptune, please don't be-" Nepgear was interrupted when Neptune snapped her fingers.
"Oh, you're one of the characters the author isn't using for fan service!" She points at him while grinning then narrowed her eyes once more. "Which means you have an important role in this story. Now listen here bub, I'm the main character of this-"
"Neppy, tooo meta..." Plutia warned sleepy then shakes her head. "Wrexy, you're doing really good! You're already level twenty, in two months!"
"...Yeah," Wrex finally said as he stared at Neptune for a second then at Plutia. "Those monsters of yours put up a good fight, but they're not so tough. Especially since I have this..."
He inched his head to refer to the Geardum blade on his back, which was holstered magnetically. It's handle was painted red instead of it's original golden color, the blade itself was shining and clean. There was a small box like device attached to the handle.
"Oh wow, that's a personal custom Geardum blade!" Stars seemed to appear in Nepgear's eyes. "With an elemental matrix!"
"So you know about this thing?" Asked the Krogan.
"Mmhmm," Plutia nodded. "Neppy-Jr designed the robots that use them, she's really smart."
"Oh, it's nothing really," Nepgear responded in mild embarrassment. "But that's a first generation MK-1 Tactical Knife, nothing like what Geardum's have now! The old MK-1s' always had better reliability, even if newer generations make up in performance. How did you get it, few people have it...most are recast, but that's the original blade."
"Oh. It was a gift from a pilot," Plutia answered for the Krogan. "Wrexy saved her, so she gave it to him! Her name was...Taka...Takamu-"
"Miss Takamura-I mean Yui, did?" Nepgear rose a brow. "Huh, she did have an old Kai Zuikaku, from the MLs' Manufacturing company. They do provide TZF Geardums to the Alt-Eclipse Division. So they would have some of the original designs, Yui must be related to one of the board/founding members."
"Anyway," She shook that bit of exposition off. "Looks like you modified yours with an elemental matrix, common with great sword users, so your attacks can do damage with an element you selected. Really useful against elemental based monsters."
"So, where are you going Wrexy?" Plutia asked, some sounding sleepy yet suddenly active.
"On a quest right now," Wrex is finally able to speak. "Some kind of monster hiding out here on the presidium."
"Oooh," Plutia's eyes widened a little.
"Might be a boss type," IF joins in on the conversation as she approached them. "Hey Wrex. If it's an unknown elusive monster. Then two-thirds of the time it's a boss type, or weirdly behaved monster."
"Boss type?" Wrex rose an eyebrow. "Never seen that in that guide of yours'."
"Beginners guide doesn't talk about it since they're not expected to fight those yet." IF shrugged then shook her head. "You're supposed to learn once you reach level Twenty-Five. The minimally required level, cause boss types are really dangerous. So watch yourself, if it's a monster at a high level, fall back. Though I recommend bringing someone at a required level, other wise you'd run in to some regulatory problems."
"Meaning?"
"They'll penalize your reward," Shep shook her head. "Crappy yes, but mean't to deter and save some lives. Some do it for the EXP, they either bite off more than they could chew. Or get lucky since your partner just so happened to be 'passing by'."
"Hey, I did warn you," IF crossed her arms. "But you had to fight that whale, and I had to drag you back barely awake."
"And you have to hang over me?"
Wrex merely grunted. "So I need someone higher leveled with me? Hm."
"...Neppy," Plutia turns to her elder sister. "Can I go with Wrexy?"
"Huh?" Neptune rose an eyebrow as said Krogan looked at the candidate.
"Why Plutia?" Nepgear asked as Neptune nodded in questioning as well.
"I want to help him," Plutia didn't elaborate any further yet that smile she put on was rather...familiar. Familiar, as in she's made up her mind on something and if they refuse it would mean big trouble for everyone. Neptune and Nepgear only came across that look a few times, most were dealt with no incident, but a few...
Whatever Pltuia was thinking or planning...it can be good or sorta bad, or both. Either way, they kinda have to let her go or else her other self might appear...
"S-sure Plutie, just be careful 'kay!" Neptune answered and put on a smile while doing her best to ignore that familiar stinging chill in her spine.
"Please come back by sun-er when the night cycle hits." Nepgear adds, feeling the chill as well, though not as severely. "You know how Histoire gets when we stay out late and don't tell her."
"Really? Yeah!" Plutia sleepily cheered as her smile became...a little more warmer. "You hear that Wrexy? I can go with you!"
"Hah, this'll be fun!" Wrex grinned and seemed a bit giddy, likely remembering how Plutia was when they fought together a couple months back.
"Well you should get going," IF says as she brought out her phone. "That unknown monster shouldn't be a problem...just...watch yourself."
With that the Krogan and the candidate headed off to their destination.
Wrex was in for an interesting encounter unlike anything he's ever been through.
...
...
...
Basically...he's screwed!
Brrrit!
"Huh?" Nepgear pulled out her phone. "Hello? Oh, Mr. Koujima? Why are-Wait...I'll be there right away! Keep-right thank you."
"What's wrong Nep-Jr?" Neptune asked as her sibling had a worried face, then adopted a sad smile.
"I'm sorry," Nepgear shook her head. "I really can't say, it has to do with that project I'm helping in."
"Oh, you mean that super secret thing that I keep asking Noire?" Nep rose an eyebrow. "Where she keeps acting all Tsun about yet keeps referring to the War:Games? That project?"
Nepgear nodded, "I'm sorry to leave at such short notice but it's really important. I promise I'll explain later."
"...Alright, see you later Nep-Jr." Nepgear bowed her head politely before turning and leaving the group.
"So..." IF said after a minute. "The rumors of her and Koujima working together on something were true?"
"Yeah," Nep nodded. "But she won't say what it is and it's starting to bother me. I hope Jr. isn't getting over her head...like with Gear Armor."
"Yeah, I remember." IF looked away for a second. "That thing went crazy, thankfully no one got hurt but Gear got all depressed. But she did bounce back and created the first two Geardums..."
Neptune nodded yet she still actually seemed a bit worried for her sister.
"Come on," IF patted Nep's shoulder. "Let's not keep Shep waiting, still got some quests to do."
Neptune nodded and the two continued on to the guild.
Garrus narrowed his eyes as he stared out his scope.
He's breathing was controlled as he held his rifle. Squeezing the trigger, a mass-accelerated round exits the barrel and flies to his target. Hidden yet visible behind a broken window, far and hard to see.
It was some kind of bird, that was shaped like a box...somehow. The round travels through it, resulting it exploding in a dozen or so pieces.
Garrus let out a breath as he slapped another thermal clip into his rifle.
He hears a faint ping sound, along with some kind of victory like tune as he stood from his spot. He sees the bar below his health and skill points slowly fill up.
"Oooh! It's hard to see and he still got it!" The girl, Nep-something sounded impressed as she placed a hand on her forehead as she stared out at his work.
"Not bad," IF, Alison's partner commented as she closed that device she brought out. "That one was at least several hundred meters away, standard in range of snipers but the damn thing was behind a small window."
"Heh, well that's enough for an ego boost. Garrus." Alison crossed her arms then narrowed her eyes at him. "What's the quest, again? It's good to have a decent memory and remind yourself what your doing."
"Hunting, specifically a large group of monsters." He says after a second then puts away his rifle. "Those Tank ones...spawning in an abandoned area on the presidium."
"Yep," IF nodded. "If we don't take care of them, any transports or patrolling Geardums could be shot down and many could get hurt."
"But not if we can help it," She pointed to the area ahead of them. "Tanks shouldn't be far off, let's go."
With that the small group of theirs moves to the intended destination. All while Garrus still glanced at Nep-something, he doesn't really remember her full name. He tried to pronounce it but for some reason he couldn't do it.
Somehow, he found it hard to believe that this young looking human was the Goddess of the nation known as Planeptune. Especially since she looked nothing like what he saw a couple of months back.
Alison had explained that it was her in HDD, a transformation of some sort. Apparently their Goddesses have two forms, human and this Hard Drive Divinity or HDD. One that made them indistinguishable from other humans though a bit stronger than what is considered normal strength to humans. HDD, as he had seen, they look vastly different, plus those eyes and aura they give off.
So for now, he's just going with it, part of him wonders if his sense of logic will be tested. Then again, he did accept the offer of becoming someone that can potentially move and do things that shouldn't be physically possible.
Already, he's feeling a bit different, nothing significant but so far he's been able to move and react a bit faster than normal. Though in comparison to a special forces member, or an Asari commando it's nothing special.
But if is as Alison explained then he's only just growing. What abilities will he eventually-
"We're here." IF says forcing him from his thoughts.
Sure enough in the distance in a park between buildings there were several Tank monsters, a couple were scaling on said buildings. Some were still and not doing anything, like they were lazying about. Around the Tanks were other monsters, some of those Dogoo, with hovering mechanical drones, M-3s' if he remembered correctly.
These other monsters seemed to be doing their own thing, like they're naturally apart of the area. That seemed a bit strange...
"Huh one two, six Tanks, alright how should we play this?" Alison asked as she crossed her arms.
"Hmm..." IF tilted her head as her hands were briefly covered in pixelated light then strange blades appear. "Well, Garrus obviously can't fight up front..."
"Yeah, he'll be torn apart," Alison held out her arms, pixelated light appears then some kind of rifle. "Level one against a Tank? Nope, hindsight this is really risky, Garrus need you to step out of this one. But go for the stragglers, keep your distance so you don't agro them."
"Agro?" He asked as he took out his rifle.
"Their attention in simple terms," She pulled a bolt back from her rifle then lets it go. "Stay as far as you can in cover, preferably chest high and take pock shots. Go for ones you see as weaker, with luck you'll go up a couple of levels from this. 'Kay, ready when you are Iffy."
"Nep?" IF asked as she seemed to inspect her blades for a second. "Ready to go?"
"Well," Nep-something stretched her arms before brushing her clothes. "These guys aren't too hard, though it'll take more than a stick."
She held her arms out, a bright light different from Alison and IF's, appears then grabs on to it. It actually physically shatters and a massive sword appears, larger than the person using it!
"I'm going to Nep your face!" Nep-something sprinted at a fast speed.
"...Is she..." Alison started as she held up her rifle.
"Yep, always like this, you'll get used it...eventually." IF answered the unfinished question. "Come on."
Garrus watched the two run after the other one, before quickly scanning his surroundings. There!
Quickly he moves towards a nearby wall, destroyed yet good enough for cover. Pressing against it he places his rifle on it and looked through the scope.
He sees the three moving fast, by fast he truly means fast.
Nep-something was on top of the first Tank, she swung her large blade with ease. Slicing the monster in half then it glowed and shattered.
Alison had moved close to a couple of M-3s', as the monsters floating pieces aimed at her, her weapon fired. A shotgun like blast exited the firearm pelting the mechanical monsters, ripping them apart with ease.
IF was dodging energy blasts from one the Tanks scaling a building, she getting closer but the monster was too far for her too reach. Yet one of her hands had glowed, then after dodging another blast she shouted something. A pillar of flames erupted from the side of building, propelling and burning the Tank to the ground below.
The other Tanks seemed to notice and aim their guns at their targets.
Garrus saw an M-3 moving behind Nep-something, quickly he took aim. Squeezing the trigger a mass accelerated round flies and hits the monster in the seemingly thinner areas. All it did was stagger it, but long enough for her to turn while swinging the blade.
As the now split in two monster glowed and shattered, Nep-something glanced in his direction then raised her hand and thumb. She smiled for a second before returning to the fight.
He supposed that her acknowledgment and thankfulness for his help.
His thought were put to the side as he aimed his rifle once more, somehow a couple of Dogoo were behind IF. Who seemed more focused on a couple of M-3s'.
He fires two shots, causing the Dogoos to explode as they about to pounce on the agent. After finishing off the monsters, said person turned and looked at his handy work. She seemed to smirk a bit before going back to fight.
The newly turned agent slapped a fresh thermal clip into his rifle, then fell into a pattern.
Any monsters that tried to flank the three, he either killed or hit to make them pause long enough for their target to counter them.
After a few minutes, the area was soon littered with dead monsters, at least ones that Nep-something didn't fight.
"Whew," Alison sighed as she holstered her shotgun like rifle. "Not bad for a workout."
IF shrugged as she pulled out that device from before.
"Heh, finally!" Nep-something stretched her arms as she laid back on the ground. "I can go back and-"
"Still have to turn in the completed quota Nep." IF stated. "Plus...loot."
"Which reminds me, Garrus!" Alison waved him over, then presented him something.
"What is..."
"This is an unexploded shell." She explained as she twirled said item. "Used to sell, or craft better gear or upgrade your existing weapon or armor. That's what drops are in general, plus the rarer the item the better quality the item you make out of it."
"Uh huh," He blankly stared as she continued to twirl the unexploded ordinance. "Um should-"
"Not gonna give it to you though!" She smirked as tossed it up and grabbed it mid-air, pixelated light covered it and it's gone.
That...wasn't what he was going to say...is she at a level high enough for her not to worry about it exploding? If so what about him?
"Time for you to learn the age old tradition of Guild Agents," She pointed at an destroyed M-3 that was next to an old tree. "Try seeing if you can scrap anything from that M-3. Simple enough, just in case, here's a hint that works for some monsters. Look for something that seems apart of it, yet it isn't when you think about it."
"That's rather vague," He said after a second.
"Well you're C-sec right?" She asked, then scratched her head. "Wait, do you guys even have similar law enforcement? What was your job?"
"Detective," He answered, former now all things considered, since he just left the job today. Pallin's face when he left was unsurprising, then that turned to visible anger when Garrus 'hinted' at where he was going.
Needless to say, it was a bit satisfying.
"Well that's better then what I was thinking of," She nodded then shrugged. "Anyway, just do that little bit, shout if you need help."
Alison went off to her partner, who seemed to be picking up items from other dead monsters. While Nep-something looked bored and lazily laying on her back.
Again, she's supposed to be a Goddess?
Putting that thought away, Garrus made his way to the dead monster.
The mechanical being was sliced in half, courtesy of IF's strange blades. Though a couple of it's floating bits had impaled the nearby tree, while half of it was next to it, the other half was a bit father away. This was one of the ones he did shoot at but did little damage, maybe he should've used anti-armor/synthetic ammo.
He scans the debris and the half of the body.
Something apart of it, yet not at all when he thinks about it...what did she mean by that?
He sees a bunch of circuits and something that looks like oil or something like it. What one could expect in any kind of machine.
Kneeling down on the ground, carefully avoiding the oil, he looked once more. Then he noticed something, a piece of the circuitry seemed different from the rest, while the rest looked relatively well made. This one looked scrapped together somehow.
He grabs the thing and looks at it.
"Good work," Turning his head, he sees Alison walking up to him. "That's known as Illegal memory, though it's only called that due to it looking like contraband. Iffy and La...Nep-Nep are ready to go, you?"
"Yeah," He nodded as he looked at the item. "How do I..."
"Focus on it, and imagine putting it away. How I do it anyway..."
Doing as instructed, he sees pixelated light appear on the item and it vanished from his hand.
"There you go," She smiled at him. "You're getting the hang of all of this."
Garrus said nothing as he sees something glint in the corner of his eye.
Not listening to whatever Alison was saying he turns his head to follow the glint. There he sees something embedded into the tree, something round and white with dark outlines.
Slowly he walked to it, wondering how that got there. Is it apart of the M-3? No, it doesn't seem natural for some reason.
"-so anyway. Huh? Hey what'cha doing?"
"There's something here," He answered as he reached out. "It looks...a disc? What's this doing in-"
He never finished as his hand made contact with the disc, a burning sensation filled his arm. He couldn't even scream in pain as a white flash blinded him, dulling and making him lose all his senses. Finally, after an unknown passing of time, his vision began to return. His body felt sore and was prone on the ground.
Blinking away the traces of the flash, he slowly gets up and his mandibles shook as his eyes widened at the sight before him.
It was some kind of mechanical monster, as big as those Rival Mechs', actually it looked to be bigger. Redder than a dying dwarf star, with two massive weapons, a spiked mace and massive axe. It didn't have any legs, only a long tail with an intimidating point.
It's arms weren't even connected to the body, there was invisible space where the shoulder should be connected to the rest of the body.
"The fuck is that!?" He hears Alison yell, as the newly spawned monster raised it's weapons.
"Crap..." He hears IF speak. "It's an actual Killachine! We need to get out of here, there's no way we can-Nep!"
He sees Nep-something jump in his vision, her large weapon was out. She running at a fast pace, then jumps several meters high!
A glowing circle appears at her feet, letting land and stand in the air.
The monster, the Killachine let out ear piercing roar that shook the ground around it. Making Garrus nearly lose his balance, but he was stopped when Alison appeared and kept him straight with her hands.
"Shep get Garrus out of here!" IF ordered as she pulled out her device and one of the strange blades. "This is Guild Agent IF, I need a squad of-"
The Killachine roared once more as it swung it's ax at the agent.
"Critical Edge!" Something comes in and forces the ax to the side. Making it land some distance away from IF, creating a large cloud of dust and debris.
"I-I need a squad of Geardums, equipped for a raid!" IF, to her credit, continued to speak, yet her voice had stuttered. "We have a rare type monster, a Killachine! Send reinforcements, CPU of Planeptune is here!"
The monster roared as it raised it's axe, there were newly made deep cuts in the blade.
"Nep, back up's on the way!" IF shouted as she pulled out a pistol. "Just finish this-"
The monster roared as Nep-something charged once again. She jumps and slashed at the main body, a roar of pain echoed before she jumped away.
"Alright, special move!" She raised her sword close to her person. "G-"
The Killachince, taking advantage of her momentary pause, swung it's mace. Catching her off guard...
"Goooo!" Nep screamed as she was propelled to the side. Flying through the air until she crashed into the side of a nearby building. Debris and dust erupted as the person struck was no where to be seen, if there was anything left.
"Shit! With a hit like that in human form...she'll be out of it for a couple minutes tops!" IF cursed as she looked at them then narrowed her eyes. "Hey! I said get out of here!"
"Iffy-"
"Alison!" IF yelled at the person next to him. "He's level one and that thing...just get him out, he's under your charge remember!?"
"...Right!" Alison pulled his arm. "Watch yourself Iffy! Come on Garrus we need to move!"
Without saying a word, Garrus complied, but could just barely keep his eyes away from the monster.
He and Alison run but only get so far when the monster's large axe slams into their path.
"Dammit!" Alison growled as they turned to see that the monster had looked at them before being pelleted by IF's pistol. "Fuck, we must've aggroed it by being near it! Garrus find cover and stay out of this, if you try anything it'll kill you in one hit understand!"
Before he could argue, he was shoved to the side.
"Just go. Now!" She drew her rifle and started firing, running from the spot they were in.
The Turian looked then moved behind some chest high cover, taking out his rifle. Though he could only watch as the massive mechanical creature tried and thankfully failed to hit the attacking Guild Agents. The two were moving around it, firing multiple rounds at it's body and the head.
He gripped his rifle as he brought up the scope, he sees that there was no visible damage to the main body.
"Crap, try to keep still!" IF yelled as she jumped away from an incoming axe.
"Shit, Blitz Infinity!" Alison practically screamed as she fired multiple black energy like shots, all hitting the monster.
Her rounds did nothing as they simply bounced off or did no really damage.
The armor is too thick, they can't pierce it!
That thought struck Garrus as his mandibles twitched, moving back to into cover. Quickly pulling apart his rifle without much thought, or idea in what he was doing. He takes out the metal block inside the weapon, tosses it to the side, then pulls out another one. This one was smaller and different color, it's the anti-armor/synthetic ammunition he brought along.
Placing the block in, he quickly puts the rifle back together then slaps a fresh thermal clip in. All in under a minute...
He looks back just in time to see Alison nearly hit with the mace. She back flipped away, losing her rifle before having another appear in her hands.
Narrowing his eyes, he activated his Omni-tool then a thought crossed his mind as he aimed it at the monster...
If this didn't work then he was dead, but if he didn't try anything...
He activated the app then launched an Overload at Killachine.
Sparks appeared around the metal body as the monster roared in something akin to pain. It became still...
Bringing up scope, resting the rifle on chest high cover, he aimed for the eyes then squeezed the trigger.
First round bounced off an eye, no damage.
Slapping in another thermal clip without looking away, then fires again.
Second round hits, no damage.
Another...
Third bounces, no damage.
Another...
Fourth hits off target, no damage.
Another...hits.
No damage.
Another...hits.
No damage.
Another...
No damage.
Another...
Missed.
Another...
Off target, no damage.
Another...last one.
Squeezing the trigger, he fires for the last time.
The round dead center in one eye, a distinct sound was heard as thin visible cracks appear in one of the monster's eyes.
Garrus released the breath he held, lowering the rifle as he took heavy breaths.
The Killachine growled then roared as the cracks grew and shattered the eye.
"Iffy now!"
"I'll send you to the after life!" IF screamed as visible light gathered around her blades then she sprinted around the monster.
She slashed at the air, releasing thin blades of energy. The blades hit the sides, overwhelming it. Stopping in front of it then jumps several meters high, and slashed down ward.
"Apocalypse Nova!" She pierces the ground as it crumbled and a pillar of energy is shot up on at the monster. Creating a massive force of wind and shook the ground as cracks appeared everywhere.
As the Killachine roared in pain, IF jumped back and one of her blades glowed again.
The pillar vanished and showed the monster's current state.
It's body was heavily scratched, it's axe was destroyed. Yet it still was-
"Just die!" The energy on her blade formed into some kind of orb and she threw it at the monster.
When it made contact, it grew and enveloped the monster as it roared in pain once more.
IF stood still then collapsed on her knees, dropping her blades.
"Iffy!" Alison came in and picked up the fallen Agent. As the monster continued to roar she ran to where Garrus was. She placed her partner down against the cover.
"Dammit, she used too much SP, put so much into that attack." She seemed to check IF's vitals then shook her head. "She's not going anywhere anytime soon. Is it dead?"
"...No..." Garrus' mandibles twitched as a shadow grew over them, they looked to see the monster looking down on them.
The Killachine raised it's mace and brought it down.
"Hiyah!" It would've ended them when something hits it's head and pushed it in a nearby building.
"WAZZUP!" Nep-something appeared crouching, on top of the cover they were using. She looked dirty and had multiple cuts, some were bleeding. One was directly over her eyes, leaving a thin trail of red down her nose.
"Lady Purple Heart!?" Alison yelled as said person looked at them.
"Hey, what happened to Iffy?" Nep-somthing/Purple Heart? appeared concerned on the unconscious agent.
"Ah...overused SP," Alison answered. "She's fine but out of-watch out!"
The Killachine was over them and swung it's weapon at them.
Nep-something stood up and brought up her sword, actually stopping the mace mid-swing.
Garrus' eyes widened as she didn't even move an inch.
"Hey, you can't attack when people are talking!" She narrowed her eyes as she actually pushed the mace back a bit. "Or when someone is using their special attack! Them's the rules!"
"Time to transform," She fully pushed the mace to the side and jumped high into the air. "Check it out yo!"
A bright light covered her body, then in seconds it died down. Hovering in the air, in place of her, was the person he saw two months ago!
The CPU...the Goddess...
"Witness the power of a CPU!" She says as she held out a different sword. Did it transform too?
The Killachine growled as it swung it's mace.
The newly transformed CPU dodged with ease then sliced off the hand letting the Mace fall to the ground. The monster flew away from it's attacker, gaining some distance.
"Now without interruption this time," She held her new blade close to her person. "This is my special, be prepared!"
A circle of energy appeared behind her, she used it to launch herself at her target then started slashing.
Garrus could only stare as she moved faster than he could track with his eyes. The Killachine was being hit by all sides, seeming all at once as he swore he saw after images of the CPU! Finally within seconds after untold number of slashes, the CPU spins and slices downward on the monster's head.
It goes still, then glows and physically shatters into a massive amount of small particles of light.
"Phew," The CPU rested her weapon on her shoulder. "That wasn't bad workout, though I only used a quarter of my power."
"Holy...shit..." He hears Alison say as her eyes were wider than anything he'd seen. "That was fucking awesome, CPU Purple Heart fighting...damn I can see her place as second among the Goddesses!"
"Oh?" That got said CPU's attention as she hover down toward them. "Second among the Goddesses?"
"U-um, forgive me Lady Purple Heart," Alison hastily stuttered as her face became red for some reason. "I mean't no disrespect, I'm from Lastation-"
"I was not offended, and as I said before please call me Neptune." The CPU rose a hand which made Alison stop. "You're from Lastation? Ah, that does explain the use and reliance of Lastation based weaponry."
"Y-yes, I a-admire Lady Black Heart," Shepherd continued to stutter out. "She...works harder than...than..."
"The rest of us CPUs, yes," Nep/Purple Heart? smiled as her sword glowed then vanished. "Noire certainly puts much effort and love toward her nation, even if it leaves her with few friends."
"N-noire?" Alison whispered, surprised for some reason. "Isn't that Lady Black Heart's true name?"
"Yes, perhaps I should formally introduce-"
All around them, in the sky, flashes of light, new monsters spawn. They were Rival Mechs, about half a dozen, spawning into existence surrounding them. Carrying a large variety of weapons...
"It seems my transformation brought their attention," The CPU said calmly as she extended her arm. "Get behind-"
Some of the Rival Mechs suddenly explode, as missiles and energy beams come from multiple directions. The monsters scatter as Planeptune Geardums fly in, matching the monster's numbers.
A majority engage the monsters while one descends and lands ahead of them. Kneeling down and placing it's hand against it's chest in some sort of salute.
"Lady Purple Heart," The pilot's voice is heard from their mech's speakers. "We've arrived as quickly as we could."
"What is your name pilot?"
"Ensign Riddhe, we'll finish off the Rival Mechs and patrol the area for any new spawning."
"I am grateful for your assistance Ensign."
"That isn't all, we were informed that Iris-Purple Sister has transformed here on the presidium!" The pilot's voice sounded afraid. "Unknown in reason, all nearby civilians and Guild Agents within a hundred meter radius have been evacuated."
"She transformed!?" The CPU's eye widened, Garrus swore he saw fear in them for a second. "...I'll make way to her, secure this area and transport these Agents to the nearby guild. Once that is achieved, head to the area my sister is in. Eliminate any monsters that will pose a threat to civilians."
"Understood ma'am," The Geardum stood then ascended with thrusters, joining it's team.
"I apologize," Purple Heart turns to them. "I must see to my sister, I hope she has valid reason for transforming. We'll speak again another time, until then farewell."
Without any wait, she flies high into the air and leaves their sight.
"So...that was the CPU..." Garrus found himself speaking. "That was..."
Ping!
"What was what Garrus?"
"...It says I leveled up." He read the text that appeared in front of him. Another screen appeared, showing all of his status going up in high numbers.
"Huh? Oh, you did help against that thing so you gained some experience...what's your level?"
"...It says level seven."
"Not too bad, jumped by six levels." She smirked and crossed her arms. "At least you can more or less do low level quests. Though be warned once you get to level ten. You'll need to start grinding like hell in order to get any higher. Then deal with tougher enemies and quests."
"Grinding? Another one of those terms?"
"Yep, in simple words, it takes a lot of time to level up after reaching ten." She shrugged. "A bit of limitation of us gaining strength. Some Guild Agents drop out due to issues and either are impatient as hell or desired another occupation. Hell, some of the nations' military or private security like taking former agents."
"Anyway," She moved then placed her partner over her shoulder. "Oof, let's go I see a shuttle coming in, and Iffy needs some rest. You do too, hell of a day though right?"
"Yeah," They turn and see the shuttle landing ahead. "Hell of a first..."
"Right, though when we get back, we're gonna be made to report on what happened here. Damn paperwork..."
"Damn, thought I'd escape that..." He 'not so seriously' muttered.
"There she is," Neptune says to herself as she descended down to where Plutia was.
She was sitting a runic circle, looking bored and appeared to have been waiting. The area was heavily scarred by signs of battle, from burns, slash marks, to even indentations of Plutia's infamous sword-whip. But the most noticeable sight was next to her.
The Krogan, Wrex, was hanging upside down by Plutia's weapon, dangling on one leg. Eyes unfocused and muttering to himself...
"Going to Tuchanka, unite the clans, save my people...Going to Tuchanka, unite the clans, save my people." He continuously repeated those words, his voice sounding robotic and monotone.
Thoughts and questions raced through Neptune's mind.
What happened? Why is she transformed? What is the Krogan talking about? And why did the author write what happened off screen?
"Hello Neppy," Plutia smiled as she stood from her runic circle, hand on one hip. "I've been waiting for you."
"Plutia," Neptune did her best to keep her voice neutral. "What is the meaning of this? Why-"
"Did I transform without permission?" Her sister smiled as she tilted her head in the direction of the hanging Krogan. "It was because of him..."
"Going...to...save my...people..." The Krogan was still muttering to himself.
"He was tough, though had his level been any higher..." She smiled sadistically as she 'lightly' pushed the Krogan, making him spin around a bit. "He would have lasted to actually have satisfied me~"
"What exactly did he do to make you transformation?" Neptune asked.
"Oh don't worry, it was nothing harmful or inappropriate," She placed a hand against her cheek. "But what we talked about, his cynical fatalist views of his people, it truly made me want to torment him."
"Plutia..."
"Which brings me to this Neppy," Plutia's face became serious as she snapped her fingers, and Wrex was unceremoniously dropped to the ground.
"We really need to talk about this Alliance of ours~"
A/N: Obvious Cliffhanger is obvious.
Well, it's been awhile since I last updated, actually that's putting it mildly. Life has been...difficult lately, mostly just things I have to deal with that eat up my time and thoughts. Plus further pains to deal with, from collage to the eventually of me getting a job.
Tis the life, gonna need to help pay the bills somehow. Cause of that; progress has been slow, stress had piled a little which turned into the occasional annoying writer's block. (Few ways to deal with said stress, so much breaks, reading and building Gunpla for inspiration can do!)
Anyway! Hopefully I can do more actual chapters in the future, and/or finds way to deal said stress. But enough of that little rant.
Really surprised by this fic growing popularity, hit new personal records.
Seriously thank you for everything, it makes dealing with all that stress so much more worth it.
Hope this chapter was satisfactory and the characters weren't OOC or too OOC...please let me know, feed back really helps.
ALSO, I may get a few questions on this, Wrex may be tough but against a tormenting Plutia...yeah he's not gonna last. Also for purposes of the story this had to happen, and this is well within the nature of Plutia. As she is wise and oh so cruel in many ways...when she isn't constantly napping about.
And for a HINT on this 'New' Division's purpose, well let's say that 'well known' characters will be involved. As for it's purposes, it has something to do with a Being that is...Celestial.
As stated many times, read, review, or find a much better story than this. Or make your own, the choice is yours!
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: I am not sure with that, sure the Andromeda Initiative is an interesting concept. But writing such a thing would make it it's own story, and I'll be getting ahead of myself if I even think of that. So the focus will be on the Milky Way, Andromeda Initiative won't likely happen.
Legion and Iris Heart...well that'd be interesting...though I genuinely have no idea. Still interesting though...
Kinunatzs The Eternal: Well for Guild Agents, yes and no, it's a matter of preference. There may be Guild Agents or even former ones that use shielding for extra defense. Even though it'll likely only boost their HP and defense by a bit.
The story won't follow cannon events in full, just a few things here and there. Though said events will have different outcomes, yes I'm purposely being vague. As I don't want to spoil the fact it has to do with literal Four eyed jerks...bad hint is obvious.
UNSC Know Your Place: Heh, in time all of the council will see Plutia's guiding light. Else they'll be at the mercy of the Reapers...
Will address that soon, I can say that there are limitations, it'll still seem OP but it's a limited OP...if that makes sense.
Ah, that's an easy answer, the bane of all RPG players, in my opinion at least, everything has a 'weight' factor. Meaning there is a limit to how much weight a Guild Agent can carry in their inventory. Kinda like Fallout's carry weight system except a bit different.
So Shep won't have multiple Cains, otherwise she won't be able to move at all.
And Nep is looking at the weird pudding monster.
Nep: Pudding~
Me: Oi, it has Eggplant in it remember?
Nep: Gross!
*Passes Mop and Bucket*
Me: Just hit it with the mop, it's weaker than a Dogoo.
Pudding: We are your salvation through flavor-
*Nep lightly taps it with mop then cleans the floor after pudding dissolves*
Nep: Wait why am I cleaning!?
Anyway, Grunt as a British Gentleman? I can't really see that, mostly cause I see him as a Dundee.
Grunt: You call that a knife?
*Pulls out Geardum blade*
Grunt: Now that's a knife!
Touhoufanatic: That'll come soon, as Vert is really happy of finally gaining a little sister...though she may try put Nepgear in a dress...again.
Also Wrex and Garrus will eventually develop skills, some unique. That more or less matches their character.
Nyamu: Yeah, I keep getting spelling errors even if I check the chap several times. Thanks for the tip though!
Hopefully you weren't bored waiting for this chapter.
Guest Quest: 1. Yes, the events will go in that order, though will be different from cannon counterparts.
2. No, your not being nit-picky, it helps to point out the errors. That way, one can avoid making later mistakes, at least that's how I kinda view it. And the selling ideas to the story thing, I like hearing suggestions and they can potentially improve the story or help the author realize their own. Or make for some fun Omakes...though I haven't made any just yet...really should.
3. Thanks I hope I don't disappoint, I have no intention of abandoning this fic. Unlike the other one I had to redo from the ground up, this one I planned better.
New-Guest: And once more I'll respond even if there's no chance of you seeing this.
I understand if the style of battle is not to your taste so to speak, as it's a mix of two different games each with their own form of logic.
As for the Citadel have monsters suddenly spawning, that's been more or less revealed as to how. Why is a different story...
As for the Star-child, I haven't forgotten about that thing, that is for another story unfortunately. Though I thought of not even including cause of it's...problems in logic...but that's my opinion.
For the Reaper forces, well they'll have a difficult encounter, or potentially gain a new type of husk. And the goddesses, well technically they are childish at times in terms of personality and are flawed.
Blanc has the shortest temper and worst potty mouth one can deal with, but loves her people and treats them fairly.
Noire is a tsundere to a T and is the one with no friends, yet she works harder than all the goddesses for her nation even if she brags about it.
Vert is technically the most 'mature' of the four, even though she is a serious gamer and plays games to an unhealthy degree.
And finally Neptune...the laziest, immature, most childish in comparison to the rest of the Goddesses. Yet in against the other three in certain situations, she can be the most determined, most willed to fight any dangers, for her loved ones and people.
Also please note, I in no way am bashing you or insulting or doing anything that is in malice or purposely negative.
I'm merely acknowledging your reasoning for leaving, and wish you the best. I do hope you return, and give this fic a chance, otherwise I hope you find a story you enjoy.
Farwell as well.
Nep-passing by: Heh, hopefully that gave you a good fix of Neps! Really loved doing her this fic. As for the councilors...that'll come soon.
Galer: Thank you, I hope not to disappoint.
grey: Unfortunately no, I haven't played that game. And while Lowee's mechs are from a different game, I'm only using the mech and not the characters since I haven't played that one either.
My apologies for any form of disappointment.
XsnakesforeverX: Hopefully this showed off Neptune good, the others will have their chance. As for the pairing...we'll see, I don't have official pairings as of yet, but we'll see.
Celestia's Paladin: Yeah, the anime will help a bit, though there are characters that exist in the games but aren't shown in the anime for some reason. Limited budget/time or something, but it does give you a general idea of things.
I really should explain things on both sides, don't want anyone to be too lost. Barely did it in the fist chap...
Guest: Apologies for the wait, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.