Cali: Well, I've officially surpassed Act I in terms of chapters.
Digit: So what will this chapter be?
Cali: you need to catch up with your women. So, how about you relax this chapter?
Digit: that's...pretty cool of you. thanks!
Cali:You'regoingtobedealingwithshitnextchapter
Digit: Huh?
Cali: Note, I had to reupload because I had forgotten to put this through the checks, so without further ado, we will be jumping into the romance genre of the fanfic. Sans the fanservice, or not, who knows.
Digit: Don't ignore me!
Digit
I had Lady Shadow Heart's head rested against my chest as she had her arms around me and mine around hers. We were sitting in the bath, and her hair flowed freely in the water. I kissed her forehead and she sat up to sit in my lap again. She was gently drawing shapes on my chest as her own face was kissed with a shade of pink.
"That...was my first time. "She sounded a little embarrassed when she said it. I looked down at her and she nuzzled into my chest.
"That. Was worth waiting seven years for," She giggled and we kissed each other again. She wrapped her fingers around mine. She sighed as we simply sat there for several minutes.
"Well, it's been a week since I've been away from Planeptune, or more like could be around a week and a half." She separated from me. "So before I head back, I want to actually properly bathe you."
"Ah…. sure." Neptune grabbed the washcloth and soap again and worked it into a lather as she began scrubbing my back.
"So, tell me…. what exactly happened with Croire when she freed you?"
"..."
"Digit?"
"It…. was horrifying….to see…" I put my hand over my eye as my eyes widened, and I began shaking.
I remembered every detail of it, even if I was unconscious for a week….
I remembered being stabbed in the chest by Neptune, and I felt it as well as that…. that thing. I remembered Croire appearing in the sea, reaching out to me.
"Honestly," She said in an irritated tone. "You really need me to bail you out of this don't you? Can't you ever do anything on your own?" She was smiling even though her tone was this way.
"Sorry, looks like I need my friends to bail me out of trouble." I saw a black entity behind Croire as she leveled with me in the water. Croire!" She turned around and the entity surged at her. She held out her hands and there was some sort of force that was keeping that thing at bay. the water around the entity began to lose color.
"Digit!" She yelled as she looked back at me. "Run! Now!"
"But I can't just-"
"Neptune and I are trying our hardest to get you back to normal! You need to go now!"
"But-"
"Dammit Digit! I love you, so just do what I say!"
"You…. what….?"
"... I said I love you. I might not act like it at times, but I really do care about you. I was actually crying when you told me to run. I'm your link and I can't even protect you, how pathetic is that? A weapon that can't protect their master."
"Croire…." She had a bittersweet smile on her face.
"But I guess….it just isn't meant to work out huh? I mean, you have the goddesses. I'm just some girl who's your weapon…...but I'm glad I got a chance to meet you Digit."
"Croire, don't say any more…. please! You're raising so many death flags right now!"
"Digit," The force that kept the entity at bay began to crack. "I want to tell you something; darkness doesn't suit you. And, when I met you there were two souls inside you. I want you to find that other soul, and guide them. Please, make them know who they really are." The force shattered like glass and the entity surged into her. She bent backwards in pain as she began screaming. I clenched my fist as circuit board markings appeared on her face and her eyes turned completely white. She shattered like glass and part of her weapon form remained, the handle and hilt. The blade was there but most of it was broken off, so I couldn't really use it like I could before.
Damn it…. Damn it!
I swam up to the surface of the water, silently cursing my weakness as tears fell down my face.
Next thing I knew; I was in Neptune's arms.
"..."
"Neptune?"
"I saw it. Your flashback,"
"How?"
"My Sharicite allowed me to."
"Ah…" She hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"You'll get her back, alright?"
"... yeah."
"I'll have to go back, but I want you to stay here and recover. You probably are more damaged than we thought."
"Alright," She had finished washing my body during my flashback, and then moved to my hair.
"You really have good hair. You think you'll keep it long?"
"... Probably,"
"Digit…."
"Ah, sorry, just…."
"You two must have been close…."
"She would usually fuss at me, but I know that she only acted the way she did because she cared for to some extent." I saw a light from out of the corner of my eye and I looked behind to see Neptune in her human form.
"I might be able to feel more of your warmth in my goddess form, but this form is fine too." She hugged me tightly. "Digit, just know that you don't have to carry this grief alone. I'm more than willing to shoulder this burden with you. Noire, Blanc, Vert and even Plutia would be willing to take it on as well. I really want to take you back with me, but I think I'll have enough trouble getting back to Planeptune by myself. I already know you're in no condition to fly." She laid her head on my chest. "Digit, just keep in mind, those that love you don't want to see you hurting. So please, share your burden with us. We all love you, and we're here for you." She then got off of me and began washing my hair. "I'm sorry I had brought it up Digit, can you forgive me?"
"Yeah, it was kind of terrible for me to forget about Croire to begin with." She rinsed my hair and pecked my cheek.
"You should go lie down, I'll join you in a few minutes."
…..
I was laying in the bed with my eyes closed, but I wasn't asleep. I really couldn't sleep, because the grief was heavy in my heart. The way that Croire died….
I thought of Histoire's death before I went to fight Arkan for the last time.
I clenched my chest as I felt a pain arise in it. I felt someone move into the bed and I opened my eyes to see Neptune. She kissed my forehead and brought me close to her and laid my head on her chest.
"After all you've done for us and the world Digit, it's okay for you to be weak at times. If anything, it shows how strong you are. You've carried all of our burdens, so it's our turn." I closed my eyes and went to sleep, I felt the warmth I got from Neptune's chest get even warmer. She must have transformed.
…..
…..
…..
I opened my eyes to see a younger version of me huddled in a corner, crying. I seemed to be in some sort of school, and there was some blood on my hands. I looked ahead and I saw a red haired girl and a black haired girl shielding the younger me.
"You're not going to freaking touch him!" The red haired girl said, who was wearing a long white T-shirt and grey shorts. She had burnt orange eyes. "You mess with Digit and you have to go through us!"
"My blade is justice. And because it is justice, I will strike down anyone who dares lay a finger on him." The black haired girl had cerulean eyes and she wore a black and white camisole with white stockings and black shoes. A flame-like ornament was in her hair as well. They were standing in the way of what looked like several teenagers.
"He's got what's coming to him! That kids a demon! Look what he did to my little brother!" One of the teenagers said.
"You guys were bullying Ichi! Of course as an older brother he'd step in and get angry!" The red haired girl yelled.
"Get out of the way or we'll-"
"'Or we'll what?' "
It was that girl again, the one with the brown streak in her hair. She was wearing a light yellow shirt with a denim jacket, grey shorts and black sneakers with white socks. She had her arms crossed and she walked over to the teenagers.
"What the hell are you doing here!?" Another one of the teenagers said.
"Alpha!" The girl looked at the black haired girl and she pat the girl's head.
"Thanks for standing up for him you two." She said as she pats the red haired girls head as well. "To be honest, he's lucky to have friends like you guys."
"Why are you protecting him!?" Alpha got up and turned towards them.
"Because, what kind of older sister wouldn't go after some jackasses that are bullying her younger brother." She then looked back at the younger me. "Digit," The younger me looked up at her and her expression softened. "Chin up, alright?" She then slammed her fist into her palm and the wind bowed. "Now, do you know who the hell you're messing with when you pick on one of my dear siblings?"
SMACK!
WHACK!
THUD!
SLAM!
The three teenagers fell over backwards and there seemed to be smoke coming off of her fist. She blew her fist and the smoke disappeared.
Wow….
She's…. fast.
She then walked over to the younger me and knelt down so that she was at eye level. I saw that the younger me had tears in his eyes and as he cried, he leapt into her arms and cried into her chest. Alpha seemed surprised, but she smiled and hugged him tightly.
"I know it must have been scary, but your big sis is here now."
Big sis….
But…. when did I ever?
Kuh…. I held the sides of my head in pain as the world around me seemed to flicker. I was seeing digital snow fill the scene.
…..
I woke up and rubbed my head, then realized that Neptune was no longer in my bed. Instead….it was Plutia. I looked up and she smiled at me softly.
"Have a nice sleep Digi?" I immediately jumped and retreated to the other side of the bed.
"D-don't -" She held up her hand to silence me and laughed.
"Digit, I heard from Neptune. And while I may act like all I want from you is sex, that's not where my feelings lie. I thought it was obvious that I really do love you. I might be hard to read I guess. But you don't have to worry about me jumping you or anything." She crawled over to me and hugged me. "So relax alright, let us mend your hurting heart. If you need anything from me or Vert, just ask." She put her hand on my head and stroked my hair, then rested her head on top of mine. I felt my face grow warm and she chuckled.
"P-Plutia…."
"I can be loving too you know; sex isn't the only thing on my mind." She then hugged me tightly. "To be honest, people probably saw me as unfazed when I saw you like that…. but I have to tell you it really hurt to see you that way." I felt a tear on my head. "My cute, easily flustered, and brave Digi…."
"Plutia, you really."
"I do love you, you didn't know?"
"Well I did but-"
"You were too scared to ask me huh? Or that you were afraid of me saying yes?"
"..."
"Whatever the reason is, it doesn't matter right now." She then separated from me and looked me in the eyes. This side of her…. I never really saw before. She was so gentle, kind…. I would have never expected this from Plutia.
"Plutia,"
"Even someone like me, who has remembered who they once were wants to be accepted by you. If I told you of my past, would you still be able to accept me?"
"Your past? What do you mean?"
"To be honest, during the Heartbreak period…. when the dark substance invaded the bodies of people in Gamindustri…. I think it made me lose my memories. But since the reset, I remembered who I was…. who I am. And I realize that I loathe myself because of who I used to- should be." I felt her embrace tighten.
"Of course," I wrapped my arms around her and she looked down at me while tears came from her eyes. "You've been with me for a long time Plutia, why wouldn't I accept you? You helped me get to Lowee, and there I had taken my first steps to become who I am today. If I hadn't met you, I would have never made it to Lowee."
"You really are a Casanova; you know that?" I laughed and she neatened her bangs. "So Digit,"
"Yeah?"
"You want to go on a date with me?"
"Huh?"
"Is that no?"
"No, just it was kind of sudden."
"Well, you want to get out every once in a while. Even if you're recovering."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I'm sure that we'll think of something. I'll see if I can ask Vert about any good places." She got out of the bed and it was then that I noticed she was only in a dress shirt and shorts. My face went red and she looked back and me and winked. "What you thought I was only in a dress shirt? You should at least tell me that's what you want Digi, I wouldn't mind."
"Duh…. I uh…." Plutia laughed.
"I was merely joking." She walked out of the room and I was left alone in the room. I got up and stretched, then headed to the closet to change into a grey hoodie, dark blue jeans, and a white shirt. I put on black sneakers and headed down the hallway, where I heard some sounds coming from Vert's room…. which were…. interesting. I poked my head into her room and saw that she was on a desktop pc playing…. oh god.
"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!" Vert's nose was bleeding whilst rapidly pressing keys on her keyboard.
"Uh, Vert?" I walked into the room and she turned towards me and I froze up.
"Digit!" She clasped her hands together and walked over to me, closing the door and grabbing my wrist. She dragged me over to the computer whilst her nose was still bleeding.
"Vert, what are you-"
"Just spend some time with me alright?"
"Eh?" Her demeanor had changed.
"I was waiting for you to wake up, so I was…. occupying myself." She wiped her nose with a tissue and regained her composure.
"I... see…."
"Anyways, want to play a game with me?" She reached under her computer and produced two controllers.
"Huh? Uh, sure…." She turned both of them on. A green light lit up an 'x' symbol on the controller. The controllers were black and felt natural to hold. There were red, green, blue and yellow buttons on the right side and a cross on the left side. There were two joysticks that were in the center.
Vert turned on some kind of shooter game and smiled at me. I smiled back and she hit the start button.
…..
…..
"..." my face was currently '- -' as a bead of sweat rolled down my neck.
"Digit, you really…. aren't that good at games are you?"
"I'm not…"
"Did you not play games when you were younger?"
"I…. kind of didn't really have too much of a childhood."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, I kind of joined the resistance at thirteen so I don't have a childhood. So I never really played these before…."
"It's fine, we can play a different game that's less...competitive."
"Like?"
"Ah, Lowee had released one of their hardware exclusive titles on the PC. It's called Mario Land. Want to play it together? It only uses a jump button and the left joystick."
"Huh? Sure." She pulled the game up on her computer and started it. She picked a character that was a man with red shirt and overalls called 'Mario' and I chose the taller man with a green shirt and overalls named 'Linguini'. The screen turned black and said; World 1-1. The screen turned to our characters standing at the very left of the stage. Vert then put her hand on mine, then guided my hand to the green button.
"This is what you use to jump," She then moved my left thumb to the left joystick. "And you use this to move. Simple enough right?"
"Yeah." I nodded. She smiled at me and I blushed slightly.
"Now let's play shall we? "She said as she invited me to her chair she used for gaming. It was rather large for her, it looked like it could comfortably fit two people.
…
"OOOOOOOH!" I said as I stood up and leaned forward. Linguini was running fast and then jumped over a massive gap. Vert even seemed surprised at my action.
"Digit!"
"Huh?"
I realized that I was a little short of the gap and I clicked my tongue. I then remembered to hit the red button on the controller and a wing cap appeared below Linguini and he jumped again, this time clearing the rest of the gap. I fell back into the chair and cheered, and Vert hugged me tightly as she cheered with me. I took a look at the time and saw that it was noon.
"Oh wow, time flies when you're playing games."
"You enjoyed playing games with me?"
"Yeah, I was really missing out."
Vert smiled as I set my controller down.
"Well I'm glad you're happy Digit. Maybe we can play again sometime."
"I'd like that. I got to meet up with Plutia, so I'll see you later."
"Ah, alright." I then walked out of the room and headed to the kitchen, where I saw Plutia sitting and eating a salad. She seemed to be finishing up when I came into the kitchen and had walked to the sink to dispose of her dishes before she turned around to look at me.
"Ah, Digi, just who I wanted to see. You had fun with Vert?" She asked.
"Yeah, that was my first time really playing video games…. I think I can see why Vert enjoys them so much." Plutia chuckled as she walked over to me and took my hand.
"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it. "
"So, did you decide something for our date?"
"Hohm, of course."
"Should I be worried?"
"No, you shouldn't. Just you'll learn I have another talent other than seducing." She led me out of a backdoor and we were in what looked like the backyard of the Basilicom. There was a beautiful garden filled with trimmed bushes and extravagant flowers. Plutia's body glowed and she was wearing a dress-like processor. She wrapped her arm around my hip and took to the skies.
…..
"I didn't expect a place like this." I said as we walked into a karaoke bar. She smiled as she turned her processor into a black halter top, grey pants and a brown bomber jacket. We walked over to the reservation desk, where a man with slick black hair and glasses was waiting.
"Reservation for 'Plutia'." She said. The man nodded and led us to a table that was in the middle of the room. I looked forward and saw that there was a stage.
"When did you find out about this?" I asked.
"I was looking up places that were good for dates while you were with Vert." A man with black sunglasses and a black suit walked over to Plutia a little while after we had sat down and started looking at the menu. He whispered something in her ear and she smiled. "Just give me a minute." The man nodded and walked away, leaving the two of us alone.
I scanned the room, and saw that most of the people that came here were either couples, or groups of friends. I blushed when I thought of Plutia and I being a couple.
"Digit, I have a question, do you sing?"
"Huh? Uh, no."
"Really? I thought you'd be the type to."
"Do you?"
"Eh…. I hum a little." She then stood up. "But this is a place where you can sing and have fun. No one is going to judge you even if you aren't a good singer."
This Plutia I'm seeing today is like a totally different person.
Is this really the same Plutia that's always trying to jump me?
Plutia walked up to the stage and she looked off the stage and music began playing. I hadn't noticed there was a screen above her. The screen read;
Plutia
Fly Me to The Moon
Murdernetta Instrumental
Fly me to the moon? What's that?
Plutia danced to the instrumental, and I was wondering if she knew this song by heart. She spun around before she started singing.
"Fly me to the moon,
And let me play among the stars.
Let me see what Spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars."
She winked at me while she sang and I felt my face grow warm.
"In other words
Hold my hand
In other words
Darling kiss me."
She blew a kiss towards me as she sang and my face got even redder. Some of the people at the nearby table were laughing at my reaction.
"Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are I long for
All I worship and adore."
She had put a hand over her heart and flashed me a smile as she sang.
"In other words
Please be true
In other words
I love Youuuu."
The instrumental moved to a more dramatic tone.
"Fly me to the moon,
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like on
Jupiter and Mars
In order words, hold my haaaaaannd.
In other words,
Darling kiss me." She began walking off the stage and into the audience, then sat on someone's table and crossed her legs as she looked at me.
"Fill my heart with song,
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adorrrre
In other words, please be truehoooo~
In other words,
In other words~
In other worhooords
In other woooooooords
I love…youuuuuuuuuuuu~" She leaned back as she held the last part, a high but beautiful note came from her mouth and the audience went wild.
She did a dramatic pose at the end and made a heart with her hand. I was hiding my face in the menu even though people could see my red face. The audience applauded her and there were cheers and even some people that got out of their seats to clap.
I had no idea she could sing…. wow.
And her voice is….so angelic.
She bowed before she went back to our table to pull me on stage.
"Everyone, this is my date Digit. And he's going to sing for us, how's that?"
The audience seemed to be looking me over for a few minutes. They then showed their approval by cheering.
"P-Plutia I can't-"
"Digit, remember what I said? Even if you aren't a good singer, you won't be judged."
"But the songs I know-"
"I assure you they'll have it. Now relax and have fun Digi." She handed the mic to me and I went pale as I looked at her. She smiled at me softly and I sighed. I tapped the mic and then spoke into it.
"Uh, hello? I'm Digit, and uh…. I'm going to sing for you guys…. Uh…. can I get…. Gold?" I looked off to the side and a DJ nodded at me. The instrumental played and I gulped. I looked back at Plutia, who nodded reassuringly.
Well here goes nothing.
"Dream of anything;
I'll make it all come true
Everything you need
Is all I have for you"
Plutia's eyes were wide and I had started singing towards her. My body felt like it was moving on its own and I could see that Plutia was starting to blush a little. But she was hiding it well so I could only really notice if I was really looking for it.
"I'm forever
Always by your side
Whenever you need a friend,
Never far behind.
If the stars all fall,
When there's no lighter,
And the moon should crumble,
It will be alright."
I saw Plutia's blush become more apparent as I was singing. To be honest I was surprised I remembered the words to this song, and my body was on auto pilot.
"Don't you worry about the dark,
I will light up the night with the love in my heart.
I will burn like the sun,
I will keep you safe and warm.
Like the smell of a rose on a summer's day,
I will be there to take all your fears away.
With a touch of my hand I will turn your life to gold.
Witha touch of my hand, I'll turn your life to gooohooold."
I was really into it now and I could tell that Plutia was getting really excited from my singing. And no not that kind of excited.
Perverts.
"Let's have everything,
Nothing we cannot do
Every heart just beaming.
Every sky turns blue.
I'm so happy.
Just to have you here.
Smiles turn to sunshine,
Worries disappear.
When the days turn dark,
And we start to fall,
I will pick you up and
We will fix it all."
I took her hand and we began to dance on stage. Now what was really surprising me is that while it wasn't ballroom dancing, I was doing pretty well for dancing with her on stage.
"Don't you worry about the dark,
I will light up the night with the love in my heart.
I will burn like the sun,
I will keep you safe and warm.
Like the smell of a rose on a summer's day,
I will be there to take all your fears away.
With a touch of my hand I will turn your life to
Gold…
Gold…."
I pulled her close to me and we looked into each other's.
"Don't worry, I've gotyou;
Nothing will ever harm you.
I'm close by, I'll stay here;
Through all things, I will be near.
Close your eyes,
Don't you cry.
Love's around you;
In time, you'll fly."
Plutia closed her eyes during the next verse and the audience was rocking side to side with the instrumental. Even some of the people in the audience were waving their phones.
"Don't you worry about the dark,
I will light up the night with the love in my heart
I will burn like the sun
I will keep you safe and warm.
Like the smell of a rose on a summer's day.
I will be there to take all your fears away.
With a touch of my hand
I will turn your life to gold.
With a touch of my hand,
I'll turn your life to gold."
The audience seemed to explode in applause and Plutia was simply smiling at me. She took the mic from me and gave me a challenging look.
Oh boy….
She's not thinking what I think she's thinking is she?
…..
…
….
….
My voice was so hoarse right now….
We spent the next several hours going back and forth with songs. And thanks to that, the karaoke place got a lot of visitors who paid to hear us sing. I rubbed my throat as we walked out with to go boxes.
"Sorry things got out of hand their Digit, but I had no idea you had such an angelic voice." Plutia said, not really having much of a voice herself.
"No problem, I had fun even though we did kind of overdo it." I replied. The two of us laughed, which probably sounded funny to other people because of how hoarse we were.
"So what now?"
"Well it is kind of late, so we should head back to the Basilicom."
"Good idea. I would want to lie down after all this." Plutia chuckled as we walked down the street, the street lamps serving as our light. We saw other couples sitting by each other in benches, or walking down the same street we did. Plutia wrapped her arms around one of my arms and leaned on me.
"Y'know Digit…. I want to ask you something."
"What's up?"
"If I made something for you, would you keep it?"
"Huh? Of course, why wouldn't I?" She then smiled.
"Just checking. Ok then, I'm going to make something for you."
"What is it?" She then tapped my nose with her index finger and smiled.
"That's a secret."
"Of course it is…. but since it is I'm kind of scared." I sighed as we walked in the direction of the Basilicom.
…..
…..
I had changed into a set of white pajamas with a silver grid pattern and jumped into the bed. I got under the covers and closed my eyes, welcoming sleep with open arms.
I opened my eyes to see that I was in some sort of bedroom. I saw the younger me laying in a bed with…. Alpha? Holding me close, the younger me seemed to be crying, and she was singing something to him.
"Don't you worry about the dark
I will light up the night with the love in my heart
I will burn like the sun
I will keep you safe and warm.
Like the smell of a rose on a summer's day
I will be there to take all your fears away,
with a touch of my hand
I will turn your life to gold…"
She kissed my forehead and my younger self nestled into her chest.
"I love you Digit, no matter how many people are cruel to you."
She...must have really cared about me.
But…. where is she now?
In fact, where is this place anyways?
Every time I end up here, it seemed like I was in a place in Gamindustri that I didn't remember.
Ugh…. why is it that I keep coming across these memories?
But why now?
I felt a pain in my head and I then felt dizzy.
I was in some sort of white room with Neura, who didn't seem to notice me at first.
"Neura?" I took a step forward.
No answer.
"Hey, Neura." I put my hand on her shoulder and she turned towards me.
"Who….Digit?" She seemed kind of distressed.
"You okay?"
"My head…..it hurts…." I saw a dark flame come out of her chest. "Ever since last week….ugh….."
"You betrayed me, I want to know why?"
"She told me to."
"She? Who?"
"Mama."
"Your mother sent you to do that to me?"
"...Yea…"
"Neura…."
"My name is Numa."
"Well Numa, tell me what the hell your mother is up to."
"I….I don't know….I'm sorry."
"Because of her...because of her…."
"Digit…."
"I want to know where you are."
"But-"
"Tell me!"
The room began to flicker and the image of Numa began to flicker as well.
"Wait! Don't go-!"
I woke up in my bed and was surprised not to see Plutia.
But if she's not here then….where is she?
I sat up and looked at the time.
"I was only out for a few hours?" I got out of the bed and sighed. What is with all these? I may have called them memories but….are they really? Something isn't adding up here…..
I ruffled my hair and got out of the bed.
First there's these dreams,
Now there's the thing with Numa.
What does it all mean?
"...Honestly, this guy's memories are all jumbled up as well as mine. But I know who I am and I know that these memories are someone else's"
The words of that thing went through my head.
That's right…. he did say that.
But, what does that mean? That some of these memories aren't mine?
If they aren't mine, then whose are they?
Does this mean that the memories in my dreams are mine?
But I remember…..huh….?
There was some static over some memories I tried to recall. All I could really remember is starting out in the resistance and going to fight Shadow Heart. Anything before that… is fuzzy.
"What's….." I held the side of my head and walked into the hallway, where I was surprised to see Vert. She was wearing a green nightgown and her hair was tied into a long flowing ponytail. She looked in my direction and walked over to me.
"Hey Digit, what are you still doing up?"
"Ah, uh I couldn't sleep."
"Really?" She took my hand and we began walking down the hallway.
"Yeah, what about you?"
"I was about to go to bed myself, would you care to join me?"
"Uh….maybe some other tim- gah!" Vert pulled me into her room and closed the door behind her.
The room had various frames of different pretty boys from animes and video games, and there were figurines that were neatly arranged on shelves.
So it was kind of like the room I was staying in, but her bed was bigger. It had a gold trim on the curtain of it and the curtain of the bed was an emerald green.
"You know, Neptune and Plutia had you all to themselves. We spent a little bit of time together, but I want to have you all to myself for a bit."
"Vert, wait a sec."
"Just relax, we aren't going to do anything. I'm still recovering so I can't game as much as I want to right now. " She led me to her bed and I sighed as I sat down. "Are you disappointed at that?"
"No, of course not."
"Also, I want to go on a date tomorrow."
"A-A date?"
"Yes, since you went with Plutia on one earlier."
"How did you-"
"I had my suspicions, but you only just confirmed it." She pulled me under the covers with her and wrapped her arms around me as she laid her head on my chest.
"This is going to be a pattern isn't it?" I sighed. I looked up at the ceiling and then closed my eyes.
Everything….seems like it's getting jumbled up now."
I began to see various images rush through my head and I opened my eyes, sighing once more.
"Hey Digit," I looked down at Vert, who was looking up at me. "I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"If I told you something about me...something terrible….would you….accept me like you do with the others?"
"Of course."
"Huh?"
"No matter what you might have done before, you're working to be better aren't you?"
"Yes, but-"
"Vert, whatever you might have done in the past doesn't matter. Just keep moving ahead alright? I promise that I won't hate you."
"Digit….."
"So just relax alright?"
"..." She closed her eyes and went to sleep. I closed my eyes as well and drifted to sleep.
….
I woke up to hearing the sound of yelling and guns firing. I woke up to see Vert playing some sort of shooter game on her computer. I sighed and scratched the back of my head and she paused the game to look back at me.
"Ah Digit, you're awake. Let's go on that date."
"Uh, can I take a bath or something first?"
"I want to do it quickly so I can make sure to catch the event that's happening in 4 Goddesses Online 2."
I sighed and laughed weakly.
"Well, let me take a bath first, alright?" Vert pouted as I got out of the bed and headed out of the room. I was really wondering where Plutia went. As I walked through the hallway,I saw Plutia carrying a bag. I increased my walking speed to catch up with her and she looked over to me.
"Oh Digit. How was your sleep?"
"Ah,fine. What are you up to?"
"Just working on something." She stopped at a door on the left side of the hall."Where are you heading?"
"Just going to take a bath." Plutia's eyes lit up.
"Wait here."
"But-" She walked into the room and walked back out without the bag. She smiled and hugged my arm and I blushed slightly as we began walking to the bathroom- or bathhouse.
"So Digit, are you doing anything today?"
"Well, I'm going on a date with Vert."
"Oooh,"
"What?"
"Are you going to fuck her?"
"H-huh!? Where did that come from?"
"If you're alone with her you will probably jump her."
"Plutia..I'm not you." She laughed and we ended up in front of the bathhouse door."So...you're-"
"Yes, I am." I gulped and walked into the athhouse, then realized Plutia was with me.
"Oh I'll wait outsi-"
"We'll undress together." She let go of me and blocked my way out.
"Oh no." She pushed me and I fell to the ground. She crawled on top of me and smirked. "Plutia!"
"Relax, I'm not taking things too far."
"Re-lax~" She whispered in my ear as I felt her unbutton my shirt.
"C-can we just talk about this?"She narrowed her eyes and I felt her gently run her fingertips on my chest and I shivered. She kissed me on the lips and my face went red as she pulled my shirt off.
"Digit~" She licked my neck and I shut my eyes.
"Cut it out!"
"You say that, but your reaction says otherwise…." She licked my neck again as I felt her finger run down my chest and she tugged on the waist of my pants. My eyes shot open as my face went completely red.
"Wait wait wait wait wait!"
"Digit, do you not like me?"She pouted.
"I do like you bu-"She kissed me on the lips again and laughed.
"Then just let it happen." She glided her fingers on my back and I shivered again as I arched my back, and she pressed her chest against you. "You are really cute like this you know."
"You know this is pretty messed up…..just cut it out."
"Aww Digi, you should know that I'm at least going to have some kind of fun with you." She bit my neck and I jumped in surprise. "Submissive boys are so cute~"
"I swear I'm gonna- gah!?"
"You're going to what Digi?" She pulled down my pants, leaving me in my boxers.
"I swear you better not-"
"You can always undress me if you like to.~"
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh….." Plutia giggled and kissed my cheek as she pulled the last article of clothing off of me.
"Now it's my turn."
"NOPE!" I bolted and jumped into the bath. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest. I don't think I could handle any more stimulation from her, I felt like my life was in danger.
Surprisingly, she was in the bath a few minutes later and she sat beside me.
"Digi~ Let me wash your back."
"Ohhh no, I'm not falling for that again. I can wash my back just fine."
"Oh?~" She put her middle and ring finger over her lips and closed an eye. "Well then," She scooted over to me and I backed up as she put her arms on either side of me, blocking my escape. "You act like you don't like this but in reality you love all that I'm doing aren't you?"
"Of course not!"
"No need to be tsundere sweetie," She lifted my chin up towards her. " Maybe we should do some…..adult things since we're alone?"
"Y-you want to do 'that' in here!?"
"Why not? I mean you and Neptune did it earlier."
I thought I felt something in my soul shatter.
"H-how did you…"
"Oh you two were loud, very loud." She whispered in my ear.
"..."
"It's fine, because I know how much you're attracted to me. But I wonder Digit, what will happen if I do this?" She leaned down and started nibbling on my neck.
"C-C-Cut it ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!"
…..
…..
….
…..
…..
I was currently walking down the streets of Leanbox with Vert, her arm linked with mine. She was looking at me with a concerned expression as I had hidden my expression with a scarf. I was wearing a red hoodie with a white hood and trim, and then a grey shirt with black pants and white shoes.
"Digit, are you sick? If you are we can just go back."
"N-no I'm fine…." I was being careful not to let the scarf slip.
"But you have a scarf on….you caught something didn't you?"
"N-no that's not it."
"You are acting a little strange, are you sure that there is nothing wrong?"
"Of course there isn't! Why would there be anything wrong with me hahahaha!"
"..." She narrowed her eyes as she looked at me.
Please don't take off the scarf
Please don't take off the scarf
Please don't take off the scarf
PLEASE DON'T TAKE OFF THE SCARF
I was mentally panicking, then I noticed that there was an arcade nearby.
"Oh hey Vert, there's an arcade. How about we go there?"
"Huh? Oh a marvelous idea. Let us go then." We walked into the arcade and I was in awe of it. This was the first real arcade that I remember going into. In The Resistance, there were ruins of some arcades, but I never really went to an actual working one. There were various colorful machines that looked a little outdated. Vert's eyes were sparkling as she dragged me over to what looked like a 2-player game. It was called Mori's Island.
"What's this?"
"Maryo has a friend named Mori, and this is another game that was brought over from Lowee. We have to play this!"
"A-ah, alright."
"Here are the controls, use this cross section to move and then here's the green button to jump."
"Thanks, I think I got it." I put my hands on the controls and Vert hit a START button that was between us.
The screen turned to an image of two dinosaurs with fedoras with several platforms in front of them.
"Uh….hey Digit." She said as we began playing.
"What?"
"You….you don't hate me right?"
"Hate you? Why would I hate you?"
"Uh….well…"
"Vert,"
"Eh?"
"Do you want to talk about it." I heard some beeping and saw that I had died."Gah!"
"Don't worry. As long as I make it to the end of the level you'll be revived at the end."
WHAM!
Doo Doo Doo Doo….
I saw Vert's dinosaur get hit by a turtle with a hammer and she leaned back in shock.
"H….Heh!? Why did I lose? That wasn't supposed to happen…."
"Ah….hey Vert, I've been meaning to ask about that game you're always playing."
"Heh? Really?"
"Yeah, what is it about it that you like so much?"
"For 4 Goddesses Online 2…..well it's everything. The game was revived after The Renewal, and I've been working on getting back to my former glory. It has the best co op system where you can chat with your team mates via headset, and there's no server lag when your character does something. All of the actions are done in real time, so no one is a few seconds behind. Also there is no class system, but you can make your own class depending on what skills you get."
"Uh...Vert."
"They also have aguild system where you can make a group with other players and own a guild hall. The guild hall is also very customizable, so you can make a home for your guildmates. And to be frank, the quest system is also very impressive. The quest markers will mark where you need to go, and when you're in the area it will highlight what you need to do. Also the character creation is the best I've ever seen in any game, I could literally re create myself in it."
"You really love that game huh?"
"Yes I do, it's really the only game I play for days on end. Ah-" She suddenly got out of her daze and looked down to the ground.
"Vert you okay?""
"Sorry if I was rambling, I just got excited. But you probably didn't care about any of that."
"To be honest, I couldn't understand half the stuff you just said there. But from the way you were talking about it, it sounds like the people who made the game really pulled out all the stops on it."
"Y-yeah….they did….Uhm Digit, can I talk to you about something?" She looked so sad now, what crossed her mind?
"Uh, hold on." I saw a nearby claw machine and I grabbed her wrist and went over to it. I think I remember seeing one of these in Planeptune, but it was kind of broken."Pick one."
"H-huh?"
"I said pick one."
"Uhm….that one." She pointed to a plushie that was of what looked like a chibi man in an armored military green armor. He had a black material that was under the armor and also had an orange visor. He looked like he'd be the hardest to get to. "Oh...sorry I chose-"
"No problem." I reached into my pocket and pulled out a credit and put it into the machine.I then put my right hand on the joystick, and then my left hand over the button. "I'll get it for you."
"But Digit, these are rigged to not work for you."
"Not going to stop me from trying."
"..." I fidgeted with the joystick, flicking it to make it move in a straight line, as if it was moving on a grid. I then flicked the joystick to the right three times, and then hit the button. It picked up the chibi man by the head and pulled it up, then began taking it to a box that was at the far left of the machine. It dropped it and the man landed on the edge of the box perfectly. I looked at Vert who seemed distraught. I leaned against the machine and then nudged it with my elbow and the plushie fell over the edge and into the pickup area. I reached down and took out the plush, lightly dusting the top of it in case something got on it. I offered it to Vert, who looked at the plush, then at me before jumping into my arms. It took me by surprise but I caught her without losing my balance.
"That wasn't so hard."
"Thank you…" She pulled away from me and then took the plushie, holding it to her chest. She looked down at it and squeezed it.
"Vert, tell me what's wrong." I put my hands into my hoodie pockets and she then looked up at me again. She linked her arm with mine.
"Uhm, there are too many people here. Can we go somewhere more….private?"
…..
…..
We were inside a room with a TV and coffee table, surrounded by two sets of chairs you'd see in booth seating in a restaurant. I was sitting on one set and Vert was sitting on the other set, hugging the plush while looking this was a VIP room in the karaoke bar, and since Plutia and I attracted so many customers with our singing the owner let me use this VIP room for free…..just this once though.
"Vert," I began. "Seriously, what's up?"
"You said you'd accept me right?"
"Yes, of course."
"...But….the things I've done…."
"Huh?"
"I had forgotten it…..but now, I remember….Digit, you remember how I was as Venom Heart?"
"Vaguely, it's been so long and my memories have been kind of jumbled up. As far as my childhood I remember bits and pieces, and even right now my memories of 7 years ago are getting a little fuzzy."
"Well…..I remember, that I was a terrible person…."
"You were just Arkan's pawn though, and the people that died-"
"You never found out why the people died, did you?"
"Well I was never told-"
"I killed them- No, I tortured them."
"Huh?"
"I tortured every single person that came my way…..I only saw them as pawns that should know their place. I had no feelings of remorse as I would do things like gouge their eyes out, cut them open using dulled blades with rust on them….even doing things like making them feel like they would drown before taking them out of the water….the worst of it was when I'd leave them strapped to a table for hours with a drop of water falling on their chest."
"Vert-"
"I'm a monster…...I'm not worthy to be loved by you Digit….I thought that maybe I'd find some way to redeem myself….but…" She held the sides of her head in pain. "I couldn't save you…. Just like I can't save any of my victims…..I can't tell any of them that I was sorry...I had someone I loved, but then gave them up for you…..and he killed himself. I'm terrible...I use people...that's all I do. Could you really love someone like me Digit? Knowing that I've killed so many innocent people, played with their hearts? I'm as bad as Arkan….can you really accept someone like that?"
"Of course-"
SLAM!
Vert brought her palms down on the table and there were tears in her eyes.
"Of course you can't! You hated Arkan for what he did, and I'm just as bad as he is. I don't know what I was thinking this whole time. Someone like me doesn't deserve to be CPU…..I'm a demon Digit….I don't deserve anything I get…" Her voice was shaking now, and she gripped the table tightly. " All I do is play games, I haven't done a single thing to make Leanbox move forward….and I even failed as an older sister...I couldn't even protect my younger sister. Can you really accept someone who is so useless and despicable!?"
I stood up and walked in front of her, looking into her eyes. Her face was red from crying and I took a step forward and she stepped back.
I took another step forward and she retreated.
On my third step, when she went back she fell backwards on the seat and I sat beside her. I hugged her and her eyes went wide.
"D…..Digit…..?"
"Honestly, this is kind of a shock…."
"I….knew it…."
"But it doesn't change the way I look at you."
"H-heh?" She pulled away slightly and looked at me.
"Vert, you honestly had me worried because I had a feeling something was bothering you. The things you did were horrible, but I don't think any less of you because of them."
"But why!?"
"Because I see how much your previous actions hurt you yourself. You don't say it with pride, you are obviously horrified by your actions. You became a CPU because you wanted to move forward and be a better person for your country- no, Gamindustri. That shows that you're not useless. And Vert, not everything can be under our control, I'm sure your sister is doing fine."
"Why….?"
"Huh?"
"Why are you so kind? I was expecting you to hit me or something."
"Hey, I'm not some jackass that will hit a girl alright? I went on a date with you because I thought it'd make you happy. Cheer up alright? I'll look bad if I come home with a crying girl." She wiped her tears and looked at me, smiling slightly as she sniffled.
"Digit…..to be honest, I did…..fall for you when I was doing research on you…."
"E….eh?"
She leaned in towards me and this time I retreated.
"Y-you mean…."
"I love you….and I was so scared that once I told you the truth that you'd reject me…."
"Don't be ridiculous, you're obviously fragile."
"So you accepted me because I'm fragile."
"That's not it, Vert you're a sincere person. And even back then when we first met, I could see that from you. And I'm kind of flattered you have feelings for me as well. I wouldn't mind sharing my affections with someone like you."
"Do you really mean that?" She grabbed my forearm and I jumped as my face lit up.
"Y..yeah,"
"Really really?"
"Really really." I nodded.
She hugged me in a way that her head fell on my chest and I was surprised, but then smiled as I wrapped my arms around her.
"I...is it okay if I take a nap here….?"
"Of course, this is our date after all."
She closed her eyes and fell asleep, I stroked her hair as I saw her body rise and fall with her breathing. I adjusted myself so that we were laying down on the chair and I closed my eyes as well.
Honestly, these goddesses are quite a handful.
…..I might end up with a head full of white hairs at the end of this.