("Been a while, huh?
Yep, welcome back to Hyperfirewall's Intermission, after a long break. I will be honest here. I was exhausted after the last Act, and wanted to clear my head. That's pretty much it. I have also been writing most of the Intermission here and there. At this point, I am at the halfway point with the last event. It's been a bit of a slog, but I hope you enjoy what's been out. Expect the other Intermission chapters to go out within the next month or so. Gonna try and finish the last event before then.
Expect my writing to be slower afterwards, as I'm pushing myself to get back into things. I promised to finish this story and I will see to it! Even if it's still a long ways to go.
Last bit, just to note of an edit in the last chapter, referring to the "GOTO 4" quote. I have changed it to "GOTO 40" after a comment talked about this. I can't say whether this is an error, or even a story-breaking one, but I decided to change it, all the same. Again, I always appreciate the feedback people offer!
Now to the Intermission!" - A lazy author.)
"I'm so happy to see Lastation is saved!" (Nepgear)
Lastation's liberation allowed for many people to return to their homes. With that, many people were looking to rebuild and get back to their lives. Many businesses scrambled to get goods flowing again, and demand was high. This was probably a reason why, for the next few days, the Lastation market was very busy.
This was quite apparent for Thomas, who decided to restock on items and upgrade his equipment before the party would leave for Leanbox. Unlike in Lowee, where news of his assistance there led to being recognized more, Lastation's citizens didn't pay much notice. After all, many scouts, adventurers and soldiers helped out on the whole. Thomas doubted that the likes of Snake would be looking for celebrity, anyway.
Despite everyone's help, rumor about the lone male in the goddess' party did spread. It wasn't long until Thomas did bump into someone who was willing to offer some assistance.
Unfortunately, it wasn't quite the help he needed.
"While I do appreciate all that you've said so far, miss," Thomas said to a green-haired woman, "I am sad to say that your advice is a little late, as I already have a few pointers on battling and adventuring."
"Oh?" The woman pause to think as she idly fixed her light green scarf. The woman was the ever-knowledgeable Ms. Manual. To many novices in Gamindustri, she would be one of the first few NPCs willing to offer advice, from fighting monsters to navigating through menus and anything else. While this was good for new people or those looking for a refresher, her basic advice could be a little annoying. Apparently, Thomas didn't need advice on updating his armor and equipment.
After a moment, Ms. Manual said with a small smile, "I understand. Spending time with the goddesses would've helped out, would it not?"
Thomas winced, quickly looking around briefly. He was just outside one of the stores selling equipment that was still open. The place was fairly busy, with people coming in and out of the store, so Thomas was concerned someone might've overheard Ms. Manual mention this. Thankfully for him, that was not the case. Looking back to the woman, Thomas smiled weakly, "Aha, that was certainly the case. If you had met me earlier on when I was in Planeptune, your advice may have been of more help." Admittedly, though, he had Neptune play that role at the time.
Ms. Manual nodded, "Unfortunately, I was stuck here in Lastation when the sky fell. I mean, when the firewall came down. That's the term I hear thrown around by a couple of other adventurers here. Is that correct?"
"Yeah," Thomas answered, "I can only imagine the hardships you all faced while the city was taken."
"It was," Ms. Manual said with a glance downwards, "But we all did what we could. I offered whatever help was asked of me. I'm guessing it was the same with you?"
Thomas hummed in agreement. Ms. Manual followed that up with another question, "Have you managed to build up your Lily Rank with anyone?"
"My what-now?" Thomas tilted his head, having not heard of this.
Ms. Manual's eyes sparkled, "Alright! Allow me to describe what the Lily Rank system does!"
Thomas sweatdropped, "Oh crap..."
After being given a length spiel about the power of friendship that was the Lily Rank system, Thomas politely thanked Ms. Manual and moved along, finally entering the equipment store. The crowd dwindled a little as Thomas checked through the wares, checking with both the prices and whatever stats it boosted. "Bracelet, bangle, or armlet," Thomas murmured, flipping through the armors.
Time passed by before another person timidly entered into the store, not wanting to be in the way. Nepgear had checked through the site of her last battle, looking for more clues on their enemies. She was also, conveniently enough, digging through scrap metal and anything else she could later use in her mechanical experiments. However, at the moment, she was checking through the stores for anything interesting to buy.
As she looked through a few accessories, Nepgear couldn't help but overhear a conversation at the front. She perked up, hearing a familiar voice speaking with the merchant. Thomas had brought an armlet, among other trinkets, to pay, but he was arguing with the merchant over the price he saw.
"I've been to other markets, and seen the price of this armlet being significantly lower," Thomas said, "If you want, I can get the market listing for those stores to verify-"
The merchant, a middle-aged man, dressed in simple robes, shook his head. Speaking with a sharp tone, he cut off Thomas, "I know, I know. I've talked with many people today about the higher prices. I'm sure they're cheaper in Planeptune and Lowee, but right now, I have to mark these up to cover up my expenses."
"Your expenses?" Thomas arched an eyebrow.
The merchant nodded, and motioned a hand over as he walked down, still behind his counter. Thomas followed him over to where the merchant showed the far more open backroom behind him. Nepgear slowly leaned over to see how open this backroom was. Even though the merchant didn't open the door, both Thomas and Nepgear could see through where there was a giant hole in the roof.
Thomas slowly frowned, "Oooh..." Nepgear looked on in shock, with her mouth agape.
The merchant sighed, "Those robots have pillaged through a lot of our stores. A lot of our goods were taken away, and now I have to deal with the aftermath." He grumbled, "I'll have to hire someone to keep an eye on the store overnight. Hence, I have to bring up costs to help cover all this."
Thomas paused a moment, before turning his head over to the merchant, "How much is it to cover all that?"
"Excuse me?" The merchant was momentarily surprised, before he waved his hands, "It's not just the money I have to deal with here. I need to get the materials needed to patch all this. Lastation's having a lot of shortages right now, and it's going to take a while for things to roll back up. So, unless I-"
"How much?" Thomas did not bat an eye, as he waited for the merchant to make his estimate.
The merchant sighed, putting his hands on his hips, "What I really need is a lot of copper ore, and I mean a lot. Like, about eighty blocks of it. That'll make the repair work much easier."
Thomas raised a finger, "Hold a moment." As he held that finger up, he opened up his inventory to check on materials. Thomas then stopped, and pulled out one block of copper one, setting it down on the counter, "I got seventy-nine more of these. Shall we make a trade?"
The merchant blinked, "How did you get all of that-"
"I do a lot of gathering quests," Thomas slightly shrugged, "Plus, it doesn't hurt to have some trade goods whenever you're at a new market." He then cleared his throat, "Will this be enough to cover the repairs?"
"Well, I'd still have to hire someone to repair this, but it should be fine, yes," the merchant was perplexed, "If you're willing to trade that, then I will give you a discount."
"I didn't do this just for me," Thomas noted, "I actually want you to lower your prices for everyone else. At least down to normal market value."
"Really?" The merchant grimaced.
"Yes," Thomas said, "Lastation's an old home of mine, and it needs all the help it could get." He gestured to some of the other items he was ready to purchase, "You have a few tools here that many people will need to make repairs, just as you do. If there's a way to make that process easier for everyone, I'll take it. I'm sure you feel the same?"
The merchant paused, then shrugged, "Yeah, sure. I'll lower the price to market level for everyone, promise even. If only as thanks for helping out, just a little."
Thomas nodded, and he and the merchant went to finish with their trade, and transfer the ore for safekeeping. Nepgear, meanwhile, quietly exited the store to wait outside.
Outside, Nepgear leaned back by the entrance, looking around the market. She could make out some of the damage the robots inflicted on the market, partly to raid the goods, but also to enforce their lockdown of the city, keeping people bottled up in their homes.
With the threat presently gone, people were happy to be outside, even if Lastation was not known for having much in the way of frills. Nepgear didn't mind, though, as this was part of the nation's character, setting themselves as the work horse of Gamindustri. The stores were all plotted straight down the street, with only a few signs letting people know what was inside. Outside the stores, Nepgear could see people reuniting with people they haven't seen in a long while. She also jumped back a bit in surprise as two Lastation kids dashed by, having a supposed game of tag. It was certainly more jovial than what she was used to seeing here. She didn't mind.
Thomas exited the store, checking with his inventory before moving away from the entrance so others could get in. It was not long before Nepgear leaned over, "Hello!"
"G-! N-Nepgear!" Thomas held back from falling over, as Nepgear genuinely surprised him with that sudden appearance. He then composed himself, "N-n-nice to see you here!"
"I guess I did startle you, there. Sorry!" Despite being apologetic, Nepgear kept a warm, cheerful face, "I was inside the store for a while when you were talking with the merchant. I didn't want to intrude."
"Oh? You saw that, huh?" Thomas said, as his heart was beating normally again after the initial shock. He glanced away, "I was being a little selfish."
"Really? I didn't think so," Nepgear replied.
Thomas sighed a little, "I mean, I probably wouldn't have been arguing for lower prices of a store rebuilding itself, but..." He winced, "I don't know how you all manage your finances on these adventures."
"Ohhhh!" Nepgear blinked, "Well, sometimes it's best not to spend on everything at once. That's one way. I can offer a few other pointers, if you'd like."
Thomas turned to look at Nepgear, who was smiling happily at him, as she was ready to help. Thomas shook his head, "No, no, that's fine. Thank you, though. I'm just bitterly complaining about my budget."
"Oh, okay," Nepgear said while she moved a strand of her hair aside, "The offer to help is still there."
Thomas, wanting to change the topic, transitioned, "Er, anyway, what brings you here? Do you need to upgrade your equipment as well?"
"Browsing," Nepgear answered, as the two moved a little out of the way from the shop's entrance, slowly walking down the street. Nepgear held her hands behind her back while she paced herself, "I don't need to upgrade my equipment right now, and I'm taking a little break."
"Is that so?" Thomas asked rhetorically.
"Yep!" Nepgear answered, regardless, "I wanted to see how Lastation was holding up, so I came to the market." She leaned back to see the game of tag turning about and passing them again, "It's nice to see people outside again."
Thomas hummed softly, "Yeah. I don't really understand this weird curfew the robots were imposing. Are they trying to drive people stir-crazy?"
"I don't understand, either," Nepgear admitted. She turned to Thomas, "I did take a look at some of the gears that you've found from that owl your team defeated. Was it really clockwork?"
"I mean, I don't know how else to explain it," Thomas thought back to try and recall what he did see, "I did remember seeing this thing before. It was running like any other robot running on electricity, but I could hear the ticking on it. It was some steampunk robot, doll-like hybrid or something."
"Wow," Nepgear's mind raced on the possibilities, "No fair. I was driving a tank, and you get to see a cool robot."
"You were driving a pretty strong tank," Thomas squinted his eyes, saying his line as a counter, "I think you had the better deal."
"You even got to hang around my sister, and learn a new move too!" Nepgear complained, ignoring Thomas' counter-argument, "Some people have all the luck!"
"Everyone's idea of what's considered 'luck' worries me greatly," Thomas observed aloud.
Nepgear argued, putting her fists up as though she was sparring, even though she wasn't outright fighting anyone, "It's true, though, isn't it?"
"I have not been convinced," Thomas deadpanned his response.
Nepgear grasped her hands together, as she began, "I mean, while it's true there were dangerous risks involved, a lot of what you experienced could be seen as positive developments too." She counted with her fingers on each development, "You got us closer to finding out a little more of these robot. You got to fiddle with some of the controls on the Carrier, knowing more about what sort of O/S they have. You get to hang out with my sister, and even got a ride from her HDD form. You get to fight a unique boss and robot with the help of my sister and two of her best friends. You have access to a new fighting move. Your new move comes with a sonic boom effect. You get a lot of experience and credits just by fighting alongside any of us. You get to travel around the world with a bunch of goddesses, including those not from this dimension..."
"Uh, Nepgear?" Thomas said quietly, even as Nepgear kept going, switching her hands to count on new fingers.
"You're helping us save the world, that's obviously important," Nepgear continued, "You've leveled up significantly since you started, and got a lot of exercise."
"Nepgear?" Thomas muttered weakly.
Nepgear was listing off just a few more things, before finishing, "In conclusion, it's quite remarkable for someone to have these developments. Many people may like the sort of fulfillment they may get being in such a position you've been placed in. You might as well consider yourself lucky to be a protag."
"Nepgear..." Thomas said in an even weaker tone, having as big a sweatdrop as one could get.
Nepgear saw Thomas faltering, and finally brought herself back, "Goodness! I got carried away again, didn't I?"
"And here I thought it was only Neptune who would be getting meta with me," Thomas said as he looked down in defeat.
"I'm sorry," Nepgear apologized, "My analysis was maybe a bit too in-depth."
Thomas shook his head, "No, no, don't worry too much about it." He reached a hand to rub the back of his neck, "Besides, there is some truth in there. I would consider myself lucky to be able to hang around-" He caught himself, "A-a-anyway, moving along. Despite whatever luck we had back there, have you any luck figuring out any more from those gears?"
"Unfortunately, no," Nepgear frowned, "I never encountered any machinery like this before. If some of what we saw were pre-sentient robot designs, this might even go before that. That's just a guess, though. Besides, if there were clockwork robots before, I'm sure many people, myself included, would've built some by now."
Thomas grimaced at the last bit, "You really like that sort of stuff still? Even after we've fought so many robots?"
"Whatever happens hasn't soured my view on technology," Nepgear stated, "I love to tinker, and no amount of crazy robots bent on destroying civilization as we know it is going to stop that." A thought quickly rushed to her mind, and she clapped her hands, "Hey! Let me show you where we found the tank! There's a lot of material I like to get around there and I thought maybe you'd like to come along?"
"Are you sure that's okay?" Thomas asked in confusion, "I mean, don't you need permission from-"
"I got Uni's permission," Nepgear said quickly, perking up.
"You did?" Thomas asked, as Nepgear nodded happily. Thomas then said, "Okay. Not sure why you would ask me to follow. I'm sure Uni would appreciate it more if you asked her?"
Nepgear pondered a moment, then shook her head, "Uni's busy with a few other matters today with Lastation. Besides, I don't mind if you come along."
Thomas was briefly stunned, "Really? Uh, sure! I'd be glad to."
"Great!" Nepgear said, before pointing in the direction they would have to go, "I can't wait to get a better look at some of those metal casts. Hehe..." She trailed off as she happily walked quickly ahead of Thomas. Thomas eventually had to move up to a jog.
"Woah, we're not playing tag here," Thomas exclaimed, "Do I have to run to keep up with you?"
"Goodness, no," Nepgear relented and slowed down, "Hah, I guess I'm just a little excited."
"A little?" Thomas said in genuine surprise. Nepgear was positively, but not literally, glowing. I mean, this was almost Christmas morning in terms of how excited Nepgear was.
Thomas looked around the building where the Candidates found the prototype tank, seeing all the supposed junk laying around the totally-not-suspicious secret area where development was underway. Walking past a metal plate, Thomas ran his fingers across the surface, noticing the dusty build-up. On the surface, at least, it looked like he was at some sort of scrapyard.
Nepgear seemed unfazed by the mess, the dirt, or anything that could get in the way of her salvaging. "Oh, neat!" Nepgear cheerfully exclaimed as she shuffled herself into one of the piles, just to get some bit of metal, "I can definitely use this. Although if it was just a little bigger... ooh! There's a bigger piece there!" With the same enthusiasm as before, Nepgear dug through the 'junk' for whatever fit into whatever plans she had.
Thomas stopped to watch Nepgear's antics, and was both amused and concerned over what he was seeing. "Uh, Nepgear? Please be careful not to accidentally hurt yourself."
Nepgear stopped what she was doing, and turned to look at him, still being cheerful, "I appreciate the concern, but you don't have to worry. I'm being extra careful!"
Thomas blinked, noticing that Nepgear had already accumulated some of the dirt from going digging around. He briefly pointed towards a cheek, almost ready to poke it, before stopping himself, and scratching his own cheek, "Uh, you got a little bit of dirt built up already there."
"Hmm? Oh!" Nepgear reached a hand up to her cheek, trying to scratch where Thomas was pointing out, "Here?"
"The other cheek," Thomas corrected her, as she followed, "No, higher up. Yeah, right there." He waited, idly scratching, "Keep going."
Eventually, Nepgear wiped off the bit of dirt. Thomas sighed, shaking his head as he went to lean against the wall of the storage facility nearby, "Seriously, Nepgear. You've only gotten through a small portion here."
Nepgear laughed, "You don't have to worry. It's just a little dirt. I'll clean up after." She joked, "You sounded like a worrying parent, there."
Thomas facepalmed, realizing how he was acting over a goddess, "Crap, sorry!"
"It's okay," Nepgear said, "Besides, it's true that I'm getting a little dirty doing this." She used her hands to dust a little over her uniform. As she was doing so, she commented, "This is actually light compared to when I'm working on bigger projects."
"I would imagine," Thomas slid his hand off his forehead, "You're not planning on becoming something like a car mechanic by any chance, are you?"
"Hehe, not really," Nepgear admitted, "Although, maybe I could modify something to work like a transportation vehicle. Or maybe make a robot with treads or wheels. Oh!" Her attention turned to a few scraps elsewhere, "I could experiment with that! If I implement more of these, I might be able to improve mobility..."
"And off she goes again," Thomas sweatdropped, "Though she seems to know what she's doing. I hope."
"I can't wait to test all these ideas out," Nepgear cheerfully said, "It may lead to new advances in robotics. I could even develop a more realistic-looking one. Like maybe an android or something similar!"
"Maybe?" Thomas arched an eyebrow as Nepgear was thinking out loud to herself. He wasn't sure what to make of the CPU's thought process.
"Anything to get closer," Nepgear giggled, "I'll be able to craft robots that look and act just like their real-life counterparts. I'll be able to play with my very own Neptune bot! Hehe..."
Thomas' eyes widened at the last part. Even after his being a bother earlier, this was not something he was going to blow off. From his time in Planeptune, he managed to know a little more about Nepgear. It also helped that Neptune said a few things about her sister during the times she dropped by.
Yes, Nepgear did love Neptune very much, and vice-versa. However, at times, she could take things a bit overboard. Nepgear could sometimes be very enthusiastic, and that could lead to a few issues. 'Neptune bot' set off the alarm in Thomas' mind.
Moving away from the wall he was leaning on, Thomas walked through the piles carefully, moving closer to Nepgear. He waved his hand to get her attention, as she was distracted by the amount of loot to be had, "Uh, Nepgear? What did you say just then?"
"Hmm? Was I speaking out loud?" Nepgear flushed, "Uh, well... uh..."
"Neptune bot?" Thomas said with a tilt of his head.
Nepgear hesitated, "Uhhh, you must've misheard! I meant to say that I would have plenty of time to play with Neptune after I'm done with my projects!"
"I'd bet," Thomas deadpanned, "Though I don't agree that a robot version of your sister is the same thing."
"Did I say Neptune bot?" Nepgear got defensive, "I meant Neptune plot! You know how Neptune talks about being a protagonist. I thought I would come up with a story for my sister. Who knows, maybe even offer the idea for Lady Blanc to write!"
"Nepgear..." Thomas narrowed his eyes, getting a little impatient.
"Please don't tell Neptune!" Nepgear panicked, shaking her head while admitting her guilt, "I just wanted to have an extra Neptune nearby in case-" She paused, and sighed, "It's no use. It sounds pretty bad, no matter how I say it, huh?"
Thomas grimaced, "Yeah, but try to explain anyway. I might not tell Neptune or Histoire, depending on what happens next."
Nepgear winced, before trying to collect her thoughts, "I'll talk. You have a moment?"
Thomas hummed, and carefully sat down on the ground, crossing his legs. Looking up at Nepgear, who slowly sat herself down as well, Thomas said, "Yeah, I have some time."
Getting more comfortable in her seat, Nepgear held her hands together, twiddling her fingers. Making sure she's seated comfortably with her legs crossed over, she began, "Well, um... Let me preface this by saying I haven't gone far with any of this yet! Really, I haven't, it's just..."
Thomas waited a moment, before asking quietly, "Yes? Go on."
Nepgear stopped fidgeting her fingers, and rested her hands on her lap, trying to compose herself, "I've been working on creating a new robot. I wasn't sure at first what exactly to make. Building a robot was one thing, but what kind of robot should it be? What functions should it have? That sort of thing." She glanced up at the sky while in thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to have maybe a robot fighting alongside you? Or maybe even a robot butler! Hehe..."
"So you're thinking of making a robot assistant," Thomas tried to keep the discussion from trailing off.
"Y-y-yeah! So I got to thinking of what to base it on," Nepgear looked back to Thomas, "Annnnd I figured, why not just make one just like my sister? After all, Neptune's pretty reliable. I figured having someone just like that would be perfect. Don't you think so?"
Thomas stayed silent, glaring at the Candidate. Nepgear soon caught and laughed weakly, "So, no, then."
Thomas frowned, rubbing the back of his neck while he formulated his own thoughts. Sighing, he finally answered, "No, I don't think that's a good idea, if all you're doing is making a robotic, er, clone? Are you planning on just making another Neptune? Is that what you really want to do?"
"It's possible!" Nepgear stated confidently, "Making the body will be the tricky part, but you've seen how advance today's robots are! Capable of free will, sentience, and anything that make them act just like us! You can easily program a Neptune AI with all her mannerisms!"
Thomas waved a hand frantically, "Setting aside that it's possible to do that, I'm asking if you really want to do that."
Nepgear blinked at Thomas for a moment, not really sure how to answer.
"What I mean," Thomas tried to clarify, putting his hand back to rubbing his neck, "You're not just creating a robot assistant, Nepgear. You're creating a new life. I'm not an expert in robotics... at all, but I would imagine that it is a really big thing to create a robot life here. How would Neptune feel about this?"
"Uh, well..." Nepgear paused for thought.
Thomas continued, much to Nepgear's surprise, "I don't think it's fair to the new robot, either. You are activated, beginning this new life to experience, and are told you're basically a copy of someone else, programmed to be just like that person." Thomas crossed his arms, looking irritated, "Robot deserves to be more original than that, don't you think?"
Nepgear smiled weakly at Thomas' observation, "When you put it like that..."
Thomas grumbled, as he was going on a rant of his own, "It's also completely unfair to Neptune. She's your sister, and you love her and all, correct?"
Nepgear blinked, a little surprised by Thomas getting a little emotional, "O-of course!"
"Then don't copy-paste that," Thomas argued, "You only have one little, er, big sister! You're not going to be duplicate that same sisterly bond no matter how many metal copies or imposters you may have!"
Nepgear bit her tongue at something, before arching her head at Thomas, giving him a quizzical look.
Thomas grumbled under his breath, "Stupid fake pissing me off..."
"Is something the matter?" Nepgear asked, starting to worry, even if this was a way to avoid talking about her issue.
Thomas closed his eyes, and huffed a little. He then said, "I worry about mistaking the fake for the real thing, if you built a robot version of her."
Nepgear blinked, "Oh?"
Thomas sighed, "So infuriating." He then cleared his throat, trying to compose himself, "S-s-sorry, just reminded me of something." He paused, and asked, "Do you recall someone on Chirper who goes by the name of Nepugia?"
"Nepugia?" Nepgear looked momentarily puzzled, before coming back, "I think so."
Thomas flinched, "Right. I know that sometimes imitation is a form of flattery or whatever, but this was annoying." He then explained, "I confused Nepugia with you a few times during my first few weeks in Planeptune. The first few weeks after we met, I mean."
Nepgear raised one eyebrow, "Oh?" She then raised them both, in realization, "Oh!"
Thomas' cheeks reddened, "I should've recognized the difference. Physically, you're both quite different. Eventually, I did notice the difference. In the first few weeks, however, Nepugia took great delight teasing me before unveiling who she was. 'You thought I was Nepgear, but it was me, Nepugia!'" After saying that, Thomas deflated, "It was like getting run over with a steamroller."
"A steamroller?" Nepgear wasn't sure about Thomas' wording there.
"Think of it through my perspective, Nepgear," Thomas ignored that part to move along, "You've spent a long time just getting by. You settle down in a new home, new job. You finally discover who was that CPU that saved you that one day. That one that, however indirectly, saved your life and given you that second chance to turn things around. The one that you-"
Realizing how crazy he sounded, Thomas flustered, "Uh, sorry." He ahemed, "A-a-anyway, the point was, I wasn't too happy whenever I was deceived like that." Turning even more red, he looked away.
"That, was a thing," Nepgear said while glancing away, as the two felt embarrassed. Nepgear thought a moment, before turning the conversation back, "A-anyway, I think I understand what you are getting at, Thomas. I would probably feel bad if I mixed up Neptune with a robot I made. I'll think of another design, like a robot butler."
Thomas nodded slowly in the affirmative, "Y-y-yeah."
Nepgear stood back up, "Thanks for talking about it, Thomas! I think I have a better idea of what to do now." Still seeing Thomas looking flustered, Nepgear smiled, "Thomas?"
Thomas snapped out of it, and slowly stood up, "Oof. Okay, I'm up, I'm up." Trying to move on, Thomas said, "So, uh, Nepgear?"
"Hmm?" Nepgear tilted her head.
"I'll, uh, keep what was said here under wraps if you will, too," Thomas said.
"Okay!" Nepgear beamed, as that was went through her mind, too. She then said, "I think I've taken enough things for today. Shall we head to the Basilicom?"
"Uh, sure!" Thomas agreed, just wanting to move along. Nepgear nodded, and she led the way out of the storage area, heading back in the direction of the Basilicom where the party was staying.
The two didn't speak to each other for a while as they walked side-by-side. Eventually, Thomas' cheeks went back to their normal color, as he was taking his mind off of that mess earlier. Before he could get comfortable, though, Nepgear spoke, "Thomas? Mind if I ask a personal question?"
"Uh, sure?" Thomas absentmindedly responded.
Nepgear put her hands behind her back, slowing down her pace, "You said you owe a debt to all the goddesses, right? How much of a debt is it? Is it measurable?"
Thomas blinked, as he was trying to get his mind going again. He answered as the thoughts came to him, "Yes, I did. I do have an idea on how much I need to do to repay that debt, high as is it is. Although, that's not true of everyone."
"What do you mean?" Nepgear blinked.
Thomas still spoke whatever came to mind, without thinking too much into it, "Well, I don't have much of a debt with someone like the other CPUs from Ultradimension, since I haven't met with them before. They all helped in some way, though, so it's still there."
"Oh, that makes sense," Nepgear said.
"Uh huh," Thomas nodded slowly, "They all saved this dimension at one point or another. That all depends on what happens in the future, of course. The debt's a lot higher with others, though."
Nepgear hummed softly in an affirmative. At this point, Thomas realized what he was getting into, and turned the conversation, "You know, instead of making a Neptune bot, how about something smaller with your sister's likeness?"
Nepgear perked a little, "Are you sure?"
"Well, keep away from the duplicate stuff," Thomas said, "But you like to invent and tinker, right? So, how about a Neptune-styled thing? Like maybe an alarm clock? Surely you can think of something-" Thomas soon had an idea, remembering, "Plutia makes plushies. Maybe she can help you make a cute little Nep pl-"
"Absolutely not!" Nepgear waved her hands frantically, "Um, I mean, I'd rather do something else, if that's alright."
"Sure!" Thomas smiled a bit, "I was just spitballing, there. Who knows? One day you'll design something really neat that your sister will like."
"Really?" Nepgear seemed hopeful, "Then I'll definitely think about some idea! Thanks for the advice, Thomas."
"A-a-anytime," Thomas muttered softly, still a bit embarrassed, but likely over the earlier scene. The two continued down towards the Basilicom, engaging in small talk here and there on the way.
As for Thomas' debt, there was one thing to consider. Of all the people that Thomas felt an immense debt to, there would only be one person to which he would never be able to repay. All other debts would never even exist if not for that fateful day.
Nepgear clutched a hand over her chest while walking. She had suspected this to be the case, but after that odd moment, she was certain now.
There was an eternal debt.
