Get ready for a tour around Gamarket and because I like to be a little generous, I have put in something a little interesting.

The CPUs Strike Back

I felt something warm and soft when I awoke the next morning, on my left was Noire who was sleeping, but smiling and with her arms around me. She must've moved to the other side of the king size bed during the night. I thought I felt someone sleeping on top of me, guess she didn't wanna wake me up. I slowly moved to the side and put my arms around her. The slow movement however was enough for her to open her eyes and look at me.

"Morning Randy...you're still with me." She said quietly.

"Of course, there's no way I'd just up and leave." I replied. "And good morning yourself..."

"When you said you were going to stay this time, did you really mean it?"

I sighed. "Well, it's going to be stressful, since I gotta move all of my stuff from out of my apartment and make a long cruise trip from and back to Gamarket so I could have all of what I need at this mansion. But...I think it'll be worth the hassle, if it means I get to be much closer to you and everyone else."

"Yeah, but that's where we can help. For now, I'm just so happy to hear that..."

"Me too, but we gotta save Gamarket first before any of that." I kissed her softly. "Anyways, I'm all rested up and ready to get into some good-paced action."

She hugged me closer. "Awww, stay with me for a few more minutes."

"We can do more of that another time, I assure you."

"Hmmm, okay...let's get up and meet with Histoire."

We let go and got out of bed, I changed into a set of fresh clothes and got my equipment ready. Noire dressed herself back up and we left the bedroom whilst holding hands. After getting a quick breakfast, we made our way to the entrance hall where Histoire and everyone else had just arrived.

"Morning, lovebirds." Ryuuka greeted. "Had a good night?"

Noire and I blushed a little.

"Well, they have been apart for a year." Sango said. "It would be natural for a man and a woman to spend a romantic moment together."

"Staaaaaaaare." Saori frowned at me before laughing. "Just kidding, Randy-san."

"I'm not sure if that was a joke." Ai muttered.

"A-anyways, we're all here now, so let's move on." I said, trying to shift the topic away from me.

"So Histy, what's up?" Neptune asked.

"Everyone, we have a lot of work to do." Histoire replied. "IF has given me a report from the guild. All of the generals cities were evacuated during the night, it seems the enemy forces have been ordered to retreat to the tower."

"Because the whole island has been restored, right?" Moru asked. "What about the big cities?"

"About that...Bagura, the one behind all of this has used the sharicite crystal from under the mountains to create four goddesses."

"Four goddesses? What do you mean?" Blanc asked.

"I'm not sure of the details, but they're known as the Chaos CPUs. In other words, they are the evil versions of yourselves."

The CPUs gasped.

"Goodness, why would a bearded man want to create an evil form of me?" Vert asked in surprised.

"Good thing he didn't create an evil version of me." I said. "That would be a ripoff from that death game."

Vio looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean by death game?"

"Nothing, just a random moment, carry on."

"The Chaos CPUs are now in control of each of the four nation cities." Histoire continued. "If we wish to approach anywhere near the tower, the nation cities will need to be liberated. The sharicite crystal in each one has been cursed by the Chaos CPUs influence. So to put it simply, you must defeat the Chaos CPUs in order to free the nations so the sharicite crystals can be restored and that will eventually weaken the force shield that protects the tower."

"Wow! I didn't think we'd be facing our evil selves." Neptune said. "Is that the first time that's happened in the franchise?"

"How should we know?" Noire responded. "You're the expert!"

"Oh, come on. I may be the protagonist of protagonists, but even I can't figure out everything."

Blanc sighed. "Why are you always like this?"

Vert giggled. "Oh Neptune, never change."

"What about us, Lady Histoire?" Resta asked. "Are we able to help?"

"Of course, since your cities are now free from the enemy's grasp, they will be rebuilt in due time." Histoire answered. "And there is even more good news. With assistance from the guild and the citizens who are waiting for their freedom, we now have more available means of transport."

"What kind?" I asked.

My question was then answered when I heard the sound of more than copter arriving at the warehouse.

"Generia G isn't the only pilot we have in Gamarket." Histoire replied.

"From my calculations, we have three transport copters." Generia said. "The warehouse is able to fit all three inside, this gives us an additional twenty seats."

"So all of us will be able to travel across Gamarket." Resta added. "That's really going to help."

"Oh yeah! That's my Iffy!" Neptune said happily. "Always there to help us out in a jam."

"Well what are we waiting for?" Lady Wac asked. "Shouldn't we go out and dine on our opponents already?"

"Allow me to clarify our objective before you depart." Histoire replied. "Everyone, you are to travel across Gamarket to find and liberate the four nation cities that are held hostage by the Chaos CPUs. The nearest one to our position is Lastation, so you will travel there first. Once the city of Lastation is liberated, the generals who have cities closest to the nation's city will help out in taking care of any remaining foes. You will do the same thing in Planeptune, Leanbox and Lowee. Once the four nation cities are then liberated, the force shield will weaken and you will be able to enter the tower where our greatest foe lies in wait."

"Got it, travel around Gamarket, get rid of the evil ones, go to the tower and kick that bearded man's ass." I slapped my fists. "Mission accepted of course!"

"Thank you, everyone, come back safe."

"YEAH!" Everyone cheered.

Leaving the mansion, I got in one of the copters with Noire, Ein-Al, Estelle, Lid, Lee-Fi and Resta, since Lastation was our first stop. After a few minutes, the copter landed on a grassy field, a few miles from outside the city of Lastation. We got out whilst the other copters landed that had the other CPUs and generals that would be standing by just in case we needed backup. The six of us made our way to the city and unlike before, the force field around the city was gone.

"It's been a long while since I last stepped foot in Lastation." I said. "It still looks the same as always."

"Compared to being trapped for a few weeks, it feels good to be home." Noire added. "Let's get to the basilicom, the sharicite crystal should be there."

When we got to where the basilicom was in view, there was an issue. Lots of calicovaders, ganglord panthers and a pair of ancient dragons were guarding the way. But standing near the basilicom entrance was an unfamiliar looking CPU, with a somewhat revealing yet flashy looking attire. That must be the Chaos version of Black Heart.

"Is that...a CPU?" Estelle asked.

"I sense darkness from her very being." Ein Al said. "A worthy foe to test our strength against."

As we got closer, the Chaos CPU said nothing.

"What, not gonna say anything?" Noire asked. "You must be a puppet for that master then."

"In which case, we can defeat it without holding back." Lid said.

"I know I should be reading the mood." I winked. "But she looks good."

Noire sighed. "Randy..."

"Sorry, sorry...okay, time to get serious. Can you transform right now?"

"I'll give it a go..." She stood back and then in a moment of brightness, she turned into Black Heart. "...well, looks like I have my powers restored."

Resta smiled. "It must be because of Randy's love."

"The power of love, huh?" Lee-Fi asked herself. "I'd rather keep on fighting for victory."

"Anyways, we'll deal with the monsters." I said. "Noire, you okay in going one on one with your Chaos self?"

"Leave it to me, Randy. I'll show her that I'm the supreme goddess of Lastation!" Black Heart replied.

We charged towards the monsters whilst Black Heart engaged in a duel with her Chaos counterpart. I chose to hold off on using the unlimited bomb since these were the kinds of monsters I was already used to dealing with, the last time I was visiting Gamarket. Once the smaller ones were gone, only the ancient dragons remained. Estelle and Ein Al worked together to slay one whilst, Lid and Lee-Fi defeated the other one with Resta on healing duty for both cases.

As for Black Heart, she unleashed her Infinite Slash finisher and the Chaos Black Heart fell in a heap before it pixelated away.

"Hmph, not bad, but everyone knows that a real CPU is always better than a fake." She boasted before turning back to Noire. "See, nothing to it."

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

"Hm? Looks like Histoire is calling me." I said I answered it on loudspeaker. "We just defeated Chaos Black Heart, Histoire."

"Yes, I just sensed your change of presence. I am pleased to hear of this, but Lastation is not yet liberated." She replied. "Noire, can you hear me?"

"Yeah, I hear you load and clear." Noire replied.

"Good. To fully liberate your city, you must journey to the lower floor of the basilicom where the sharicite crystal resides. However, it will a considerable amount of time and we do not have that whilst our enemy still threatens our piece."

"So in other words, whilst Noire is busy with her city, the rest of us have to continue on without her for a while." I said. "I suppose that's no point in arguing about it."

"And as for us, we must carry out our part of the mission." Lid reminded. "Girls, to our cities and restore them."

"Y-yes, let's do that right away." Resta looked at me. "Stay safe when you go around Gamarket."

"I will, Resta. I'll count on everyone else to keep me safe." I replied. "I have a feeling that I'm going to be needed in tip top shape."

"Don't worry, Randy. Once I'm done with the sharicite crystal, I'll come back to you." Noire held my hands. "So please stay alive."

I held a firm grip on her hands. "You have my word, I gotta remain in one piece if I'm gonna be a hero."

We shared a deep kiss before I rushed out of Lastation to get into a copter that had Neptune, Blossom, Little Rain, Ryuuka and Tsunemi. The next stop was Planeptune and when we got to the basilicom, there was Chaos Purple Heart waiting for us. Along with multi colored dogoos, boxer cats and a pair of killachines which were more enough for the whole team of Planeptune to get a good workout, including me. Once Chaos Purple Heart was defeat, Neptune turned back into her normal form.

"Aha! There's only room for Neptune in this franchise." Neptune bragged. "And yours truly is the most amazing one of all."

"You never change, do you?" I responded. "I suppose that's what everyone's come to expect from these days."

"But now the evil forces are gone." Tsunemi said. "We have saved our home city."

"Alrighty, guess it's up to me to do my part." Neptune said. "You go on ahead, Randy, you can leave this nation to me and my gals!"

"Sure thing, Nep. See you and the generals again soon." I replied.

I got into one of the two remaining copters outside Planeptune. I was on board with Vert, Generia G, Sango, Saori and Wyn as our next destination was Leanbox. When we got to the basilicom, we had to face against carroteaters, boxbirds and a pair of flying phoenixes. But there was also Chaos Green Heart with perhaps the most revealing attire out of all of the Chaos CPUs so far, it was...kinda difficult not to look away.

"Goodness, who knew the Chaos me would be so bold in what she wears." Vert commented. "Still, as flattered as I am to see my evil self show a little skin, I'm afraid I cannot allow the bad side to exist alongside the benefits."

"You don't seem to be taking this seriously." Sango frowned. "A lady needs to be dignified."

"Sango, do not get distracted by her beauty." Generia said. "We have our part of the mission to complete."

"Agreed, we have our cities to rebuild once Leanbox goes back to normal." Saori added. "The same goes for the legendary tree."

"Yeah, we won't able to enjoy any sports in peace." Wyn said. "So let's beat them in the upcoming match."

As Vert transformed into Green Heart and took on her Chaos version, we lured the monsters away from their fight and we took them down rather easily. Although the phoenixes were a bit of an issue, as well as the modern base cannons that were stationed near the entrance. But we used the numbers advantage to eventually overwhelm them and then defeat them. As for Green Heart, she was a little tired, but she overcame her battle.

"It's done." She sighed before going back to her normal form. "Now to restore my sharicite crystal to the way it should be."

"Randy, you must go on ahead without us." Generia said. "We have our cities to look after, but don't give up."

"Please be safe, Randy-san." Saori added. "It won't help if you get hurt."

"No need to tell me twice." I replied. "Off I go to Lowee."

There was one last copter to travel on. I got in a passenger seat with the last team, who were Blanc, Ai, Lady Wac, Moru, Poona and Vio. We arrived at Lowee a few minutes later and outside the basilicom was Chaos White Heart who was protected by fairyflies, child wolves, and a pair of king crabs.

"Those wings of hers could poke someone's eye out." Ai commented. "That's not how Lady White Heart should look."

"You do realize that's me you're talking about." Blanc said, glaring at her.

"Ack! I didn't mean you specifically!"

"Everyoooooone, we neeeeeed to focus on the mooooonsteeeeers." Poona reminded.

"Yeah, let's go beat them up now!" Moru said, itching to just get into the fight already.

"Just leave her to me." Blanc reminded before she turned into White Heart. "I'll kick her ass and then some!"

As the battle began, White Heart attacked first, catching her Chaos counterpart by surprise. Vio took one of the fairyflies and I took out the other one, Moru and Ai defeated a child wolf each. Poona used her magic to overwhelm one of the king crabs, proving that despite her slow talking, she's a powerful general. We then made short work of the other king crab. Once we were done, White Heart had beaten her Chaos form who faded away.

I wondered what would happen now, but then I saw a hologram appear in front of me.

BGM: Bomberman World OST - Interplanetary Vortex

"Randy! You are still alive?"

The mood suddenly turned. "Bagura! Heck yeah I still am."

"So Hugo failed me...and even the Chaos CPUs were not enough to stop you." He stated before getting angry at me. "Then I have no choice but to face you in person. As the saying goes, if something must be done right, they must do it themselves."

"So what do you want to do with me, then? Play an FPS game that isn't actually popular?"

"Hmph! You speak with a wisecracking tongue. The force shield around my Tower is fading away as we speak." Bagura smirked. "If you are truly determined to stop me, no matter the cost, then come to me. Enter my tower, and brave the gauntlet that stands between you and my powers of the Ultimate Bomber!"

He boomed with laughter before the hologram disappeared.

End of BGM

"Randy, are you going there right away?" Vio asked.

"I have to, if it's come down to that, we may be running out of time." I replied. "You generals have your cities to repair and the CPUs are busy with the sharicite crystals. Like it or not, I'm the only person left who has to take on an important task, defeat Bagura."

"We understand, Randy." Blanc nodded. "I'm sure Noire will say it, but I will too. Don't you dare die in there."

"I won't Blanc, I understand how serious the situation is. Well, it's time, I have to go."

"Please survive, Randy." Ai said. "Everyone would be totally devastated if you got lost in there, or worse..."

I nodded quietly and got inside the copter that would take me to the final place in Gamarket. The central mountain where the Tower and my journey to the final confrontation lies in wait. But before that, I wanted to go back to the mansion one last time to make final preparations before I brave the tower.

The final battle isn't far off now...

Yep, I delivered a nod the chaos version of the CPUs, cause their designs are...very welcoming. :)

Next time! With Gamarket all liberated, Randy enters the giant tower where Bagura awaits at the top.