We're back and we're ready to rock, even if it is a little bit late! I managed to complete the work I had to do and so we're hitting this with a double whammy! I apologize, but the introduction of the gashat here is a little weak, but I thought, hey, it's a birthday, why wouldn't she give it to him then. What on earth am I talking about? Well, you should probably just read on. Anyway, let's go!
Super hero time!
Ex-aid: Naruto, aim for the stars as you try your best!
Naruto: And you should keep your eyes peeled as you enter Lastation!
Ex-aid: I've been to the land of black regality, so there shouldn't be any problems there for us!
Naruto: and we've got this chunin exam down flat!
E-a + N: Game start! Showtime!
"Surprise!"
GASHACON BREAKER!
"Woah, this is an event! You don't get to draw an actual weapon!"
Dropping the blade down, Egi looked around the living room in surprise. With beautiful banners, confetti decorating the various seats and the biggest cake the doctor had ever seen, there were no holds barred as they all held their arms wide, though he was more interested in the great bruise that had taken over the lower right of Toei's chin.
"What happened here?" he muttered, quickly ducking past IF and the pouting Neptune to reach the oracle, ignoring the weak pushes of Toei. "This is way too much bruising… you should be in bed right now, not trying to do all of this for me. I appreciate the sentiment, all of you, but Toei needs to get some rest now."
"What!? But we went through so much effort to get this all done!" Toei protested, her hands out wide to gesture to the surrounding birthday decorations. "Don't I get to at least stay for that?"
"Well, maybe you could if your arms weren't trembling like that. I want to see what you're like in a proper environment, in case I haven't seen anything." Egi said, looking to the slightly disappointed girls with a small smile. "But, that doesn't mean we can't push the birthday into your room…"
"Yeah! We'll just make this a super slumber party!" Neptune cheered, the present held in her hands spun around by the eager purple haired girl. "We can even shove the decorations in there and make things messy!"
"Nep, you just don't want to clean up after this, do you?" IF sighed, though the several plates within her hands already was enough of a sign of her consent. "I'm not letting you waste a birthday celebration just because you want to check up on her. Do you know how hard it was to get all of this set up?"
"Well, getting the decorations was the easy part actually…" Compa admitted with a small smile, the various presents gathered in her hands. "But we did so much work, there's no way this can't be an awesome party!"
"Well then, after you girls." Not to be left out, the doctor was the one to gather the cake, a small chibi ex-aid on the top alongside his party over white icing. "Maybe you can tell me about what's been happening while I was dealing with business. I assume that Toei already told you about what happened so far?"
"Oh, by the way, this was a present from Blanc apparently, she wasn't able to come in person, so Vert did the same." IF said, passing along two boxes in white and green respectively. Of course they would.
"Oh, there's a letter with Blanc's." Egi remarked, the sheet paper done in a graceful hand. "Dear Egi, I found this when I was gifted it by a concerned Lowee citizen when it landed from the sky. I was instantly reminded of you the moment it was in my hands, so I decided that you would be in a better position to utilise the gift. Let this be a cementing sign of our alliance… Woah!" pulling out the rest of the contents within the box, he hadn't been expecting the green cartridge that came out, an ex-aid like silhouette upon the front with a bike over various colours, the title of 'Shakariki Sports' in graffiti above him. "So this was the gashat of Lowee…"
"The gashat of Lowee?" Compa repeated questioningly around a spoon. Pulling it out with a pop. "Why do you say it like that?"
"Well, we've gotten Mighty Action X, BangBang Shooting and Bakusou Bike in Planeptune and Taddle Quest, Dangerous zombie and DoReMiFa Beat in Leanbox. We hadn't found any random gashats in Lowee, so this one must be it." The doctor explained, pocketing the game for further inspection later. "I get the feeling that when we go to Lastation to properly search, we'll find something similar. Now, as for Vert…"
"A VR helmet! You can enter the Cyberdimension!" Neptune gasped, wriggling in her seat beside a green bed. It was a rather strangely coloured thing, the main body of the goggles and straps being done in the same green as his driver, edged with pink and the top and bottom left a basic white. "Just think of all the cool things you could watch with that!"
"Neptune, please do not steal the headset just to put bad things into my history." Egi hoped it was an unnecessary warning, but a part of him just couldn't help but fear that devilish smirk.
"Oh, we should give you the things we got you!" 5pb realised, looking to IF as the agent brought out the bag she had, the contents transferred to their own boxes. Egi had to give a chuckle as he pulled out the navy, pink and turquoise boxes, each tied with a purple ribbon. There was no way Neptune wouldn't be finding herself on every gift.
"Queen of Hearts, Rolling girl, MKDR… How did you know that I liked this stuff? I don't normally listen to this sort of stuff when I'm around you girls." The rider asked in amazement, looking at the CDs with a smile. He couldn't stop the laugh that passed his lips when Toei suddenly fell silent in her bed, giving a small sound and a nod. "I see. I guess that just means I can't hide anything from you lot, can I?"
"And you shouldn't have to." IF concluded, firm nods coming from the other party members and his oracle. "After all, it's sooo much easier to shop for you now that we know what it is that you like. If you ever want anything for your birthday or any celebration, then just tell us?"
"Or don't. It gives me an excuse to make way more food if I don't know what you like best!" Compa cheerfully added, a round of laughter passing around. People would say that the next time that the saw the CPU Game Heart, he would be in a much more jovial disposition than he had been before, a breath of fresh air entering his body.
They say it was because he hadn't been informed of the recent escaped prisoner.
BAKUSOU, DOKUSOU, GEKISOU, BOUSOU! BAKUSOU BIKE!
"Hey, are we nearly there yet?" Neptune groaned as IF looked to the distance, the gathering clouds being her main method of recollection.
"Well, last we followed Lady Blanc's instructions, so we didn't need to think about it then, but I'm pretty sure that this is the right way…" the blue coated girl remarked. It wasn't exactly reassuring, but it would make do for now.
"Well, we seem to still be on the race track, but if you really want to speak to someone, swerve left now!" Egi yelled, turning himself as the collective cry of the girls rang out. A fourth joined their chorus, leaping back as the mud flew in her direction.
She was a cute specimen, long red hair flying in its ponytail wrapped with white ribbon, gloved hands naturally flying to the blue scarf wound around her neck. With a small top of white and red alongside red shorts with a brown belt to keep it together, there was a large amount of skin for someone so youthful in appearance, save for the bands which kept an orange pouch upon her right leg.
"Hey, careful!" she cried out, a small focused glare having her gasp out in surprise. "A bike like that… isn't that the CPU of Genmeer's vehicle!?"
"Yes, and we wanted to ask something of you to do with his business." Neptune stated, slyly sliding off of the vehicle to come shoulder to shoulder with the girl, lidded eyes and all. "After all, you wouldn't want to deny a god their simple requests, right?"
"…No, not at all…" the girl replied, eyes flicking between the others, a desperate cry for help unheard.
"Well then, would you happen to know the way to the basilicom? We need to plan a meeting with Lady Black Heart, but we wanted to make sure that we were going the right way." The goddess of Planeptune enquired, the redhead giving a small nod as a fist met her palm.
"Oh, Lady Noire! Just head down this path as you were doing, take right and you'll be right at the basilicom!" the girl stated, IF giving a small hum.
"So we were going in the right direction then, thanks." The agent said, receiving a small wave off in response.
"I can't deny people in need, not when they're doing super important business!" she cheerfully replied. "Oh, by the way, my name's Falcom. I'm a rookie adventurer! If you're ever in a pickle and you need any help, then make sure to give me a holler, okay?"
"Thanks! We're kinda in a hurry, so we have to run right now. Hope to see you again soon!" IF bid farewell, the girls all clamouring back on the bike as a great rev of the engine came, even without the driver's influence.
"See you again!" as the yellow vehicle entered the gates of Lastation, a breath of relief escaped the adventure, Falcom's hands folding. "Well, I didn't expect them to be doing business for another CPU in this realm… Game Heart of Genmeer… all of these realms are so confusing to remember at times…"
"Excuse me! We came to meet Lady Black heart, if that's possible?" Neptune announced as the party entered the elegant hall of the Basilicom, whispers immediately bursting to life around them as their eyes fell upon a single figure. A lone member approached, dressed in the grey and red robes of the staff, though their greeting was less than… happy.
"Who are you kids? This isn't a playground, scram!" he announced, looking to the girls in distain, completely unaware of the person that followed.
"We really need to meet the CPU. We're trying to find something that's very important to us and she might be able to help." Compa explained, using the same soft innocence that had endeared many to the nurse in training, but with this man, it appeared that it wasn't very effective…
"Stop you're chatter!" the Basilicom Staff member ordered, hands ready to usher out the disturbances. "I don't care who or what you are, now get out of here!" his movements forced the girls back into Egi however, the man crossing his arms in silence. With a glance up, the basilicom staff member was frozen, slow movements backwards as a useless mouth open and closed without purpose.
"I'm afraid that I would like an audience with Lady Black Heart as well. Would that be an issue, I'm assuming?" he questioned, the staff member unaware of how the majority of the intimidation within his voice was completely fake. It was moments like these that really reminded him how friendly his voice was thanks to his original profession.
"U-yum, apologies sir, but Noire will be… indisposed of for the t-time being…" the man declared, the deepest bow he could muster. "I apologise but you will have to leave if that is all you came for…"
"I see. I shall keep this encounter in mind, the next time I come." The doctor declared, waving for the girls to follow as they exited the basilicom. As soon as the doors were shut, the people were back to business, though their whispers only abated a small amount. The man remained in place, fear overtaking his features as his gaze remained upon the ornate door.
"If they were to come across the truth, then we will be done for…" he muttered, fingers moving of their own accord. "The technology and data was the same as that used by Game Heart after all… this could potentially risk everything; I should go and inform the others about this…"
"Well, looks like that was the last of them…" Noire muttered, letting her sword fade away as she surveyed the cleansed land. Brushing one of her twin tails behind her back, she hummed as she checked over each and every bow upon her body, both hair pieces secured, the one on her collar drawn gaunt and the giant one upon her back… perfect. Her white dress was absolutely fine, not a speck of dirt upon it or the black corset and the dark sleeves remained as pristine as ever, like the long boots of similar tone.
"I didn't expect to see so many monsters spawning on the land…" the black haired girl muttered, breathing a sigh of relief as she let red orbs search the bushes, any potential dangers definitely eliminated rather than slinking within the shadows. "No matter, the issues have been dealt with. I should return to the Basilicom now."
"The Basilicom… I really don't want to return if it means I'm still to be monitored. How did Avenir take over so easily?"
Was it just me who thought that encounter was somewhat… off?" Egi asked as they strolled through the town. They needed to find a place to rest before they tried once more, meaning they were left to simply wander the streets.
"Unless he was faced by a person of power, he was way too abrasive…" IF agreed, flicking across her phone absent mindedly. "I wonder how someone like that managed to get in the Basilicom Staff; you'd think that people would be complaining about their behaviour."
"Plus, he also used her name…" 5pb pitched in. "There's no way they would be able to use their goddess' name. No matter how a staff member acts, they should always use the proper terms when referring to the CPU."
"Iffy, you were travelling all over the world before you joined us, right?" Compa asked. "Did you learn anything that could explain this?"
"Sorry Compa, but considering all that we've been doing, I haven't really learnt about Lastation too well." The agent answered. "Even before joining, it was only occasional trips out while still being centred in Planeptune."
"So much for the 'gust of wind that blows through Gamindustri', huh Iffy?" Neptune snarked, reeling back at the fist that came her way.
"Hey, you still remember that!?"
"Don't worry, we won't kick you out at this point for faking your resume, probably." Thank goodness that Neptune didn't actually hold that power. She would probably do it if it meant she could some of her more weird desires. "We'll be sticking together, even in the sequel!"
"Never mind the fourth wall, we only had that repaired a few weeks ago. I think this is where we're going to stop for now." Egi declared, a bright sign hanging overhead. It was remarkably well kept, a gleaming gem in the dark areas of Lastation that were true to the name of Black Heart. "Make sure you keep the name of this place in mind. Now, we'll need something to pass the time. Anyone got any suggestions?"
"How about we take on some missions?" 5pb chimed in, a collective nod having IF take a picture of the hotel so they could leave once more, its location attached to the map for easy reference. It would mean going back to the Basilicom, but with the guild board outside as well, they could avoid any needless awkward situations.
It had been a hard walk for her, but she was able to make it. After all, there were so many others who would be able to do it and she couldn't just let them show off, could she? So what if her luscious red hair was now stained with mud and dirt, so what if she was panting with every step? She would prove herself more worthy than her terrible self.
What she had done before hadn't been worthy of his time, he had rejected her present, even when she went to the effort of having it prepared for his birthday as well! That wasn't an issue though, she could easily recuperate as long as she dealt with the major issue…
Those girls, they thought themselves higher than their stations. They tried to grab desperately for things they had no right to say they own, like his friendship, even claiming to be his party members. Even the thought was absolutely ridiculous! These simple girls believing themselves to be equal with a CPU!? They deserve to die for their heresy, die for their actions a thousand times!
"At least I understand my position beneath his splendour…" she sourly whispered to herself, clutching her forehead in agony as the tears began, spirals in her eyes. "I thought that they embodied the traits he loved the most, yet he spurned my advances…Why would he go for them and not me? Why would he pick the lowly apart when he shows no particular care for their specialities?"
She wasn't blind. She had caught a glimpse of their cheerful conversations as they walked about, heard them leave the Basilicom from her cell with happiness to their tone. That was all she wanted, to hear that happiness aimed at her, was that truly too much to ask for in this world?
But this was her chance. All she would have to do is make sure that this event all went well, where they had failed before, and then his heart would be hers to keep. Those girls, they had failed in the task he had assigned them, but not her. She wouldn't be them; she would be everything they weren't, a great character that could fulfil his every wish!
She would have to be stealthy and quiet about it though, blend into the crowds. It wouldn't be hard, they were all sheep in the eyes of the goddesses, so she wouldn't have any trouble with that part. It was making sure that she could follow them; they were bound to enter an area that would have them alone and Lastation wasn't exactly known for their sprawling forests in which to hide…
"No, that doesn't matter… I will do this, for him. I will end those who reach higher than they deserve…"
Game pause! Yeah, the weird girl is getting more time in the spotlight. The way I've done the different places means we're going to be staying in Lastation for an exorbitantly long time, so I thought I might as well spice it up a bit. I've already introduced the big ex-aid change, so why not shove my addition in there too? As I said before, there's no need to keep waiting; the second chapter of today is already up and waiting!