Netherrealm is able to say Neptune's name without problem. Because Neptune's name is hard to say in Japanese. However, because Netherrealm is the personification of an American based company. He's able to say Neptune's name without issue.

Lastation's canyons are the locations of various Avenir factories. Due to the resources buried in the rock. However, with Black Heart attacking the factories and the sudden explosion of the monster population across Gamindustri. Many of them had been abandoned out of necessity.

With the amount of monsters inside the canyons. It's the perfect place to hide in plain sight. Because who's crazy enough to look inside a monster infested canyon to find one person? Our four heroes that's for sure.

"WAH TA TA TA TAH!!" Netherrealm yelled in his Battle Mode. He kicked the snout of an Alpha Fenrir in a bicycle kick motion with his feet on fire. He jumped on the back of the monster. He used a roped kunai as a makeshift garrote. He used his immense strength to force the Alpha Fenrir to look up. Compa rushed in and stabbed its throat with her needle. She injected an acidic posion and the Alpha Fenrir dissolved.

Netherrealm landed on his feet and his solid white eyes locked with Compa's peach eyes. "That should be five packs of Fenrir cleared," IF said, looking at the quests Neptune grabbed. Because of the monster infestation, a lot of people want stuff done. So this nets the party money and experience on the side while looking for Black Heart.

"Seriously Nep? Did you have to grab so many quests?" IF asked. She's not too fond of the Guild. Because all IF sees are weak posers who aren't true adventurers. To IF, true adventurers are nomads who seek thrill. Not a business that's no different from mercenaries.

"Well, duh! We're poor and we need money to get to the next nation. I'm just, you know, thinking ahead!" Neptune replied smugly. "Only because Histy suggested it," Compa chimed in. Deflating Neptune's ego quite easily. "Let's move, we've got a lot of ground to cover," Netherrealm said after sharpening his wakazashi. He sheathed it on his back and started walking off.

"Something is off with Netty. He's usually the one to humble Nep-Nep," Compa said. Neptune crossed her arms and pouted at that statement. "Yeah, something isn't right, what happened in the Basilicom?" IF wondered. They followed after their friend.

They were unaware of someone watching from above, situated on higher ground. She sat up and pat her clothes down. Then took her rapier in hand. She disappeared into the shadows above. Her gaze locked onto Netherrealm with shame and resolve.

Continuing with the rest of the party. Netherrealm has a Healing Dogoo pinned under his boot. His arms crossed as Neptune had explained most of what Histoire said to her. They need to recruit the four CPUs. The big bad is named Arfoire. Neptune might've done some stuff in her past.

However, Neptune left out the part about Netherrealm's parents. "Arfoire, so that's her name," He muttered. Now Netherrealm was even more conflicted. His vengeance is vapid, petty and he'd already moved on. All Netherrealm wanted was answers, but it's disguised as revenge.

Black Heart did nothing personally to him. Yet Seiryū wants her gone. Now Netherrealm hears that they have to recruit the four CPUs? That included White Heart, someone who had the Black Dragons, his friends massacred. Netherrealm would've died that night if not for his benefactor. Who he hasn't heard from since that night.

The only person Netherrealm truly wants dead is White Heart. "Friends with the Four CPUs? I don't think that can happen Nep-Nep. Especially with the Console Wars still going on," Compa spoke up. "Yeah, and I already have a stake in who I want to win," IF said with a blush.

Netherrealm twisted his foot against the struggling monster under his boot. Killing the Healing Dogoo, leaving behind pixels. Netherrealm scraped his boot against the dirt. "Since when was friendship an option?! Since when was that ever considered?! For generation after generation, this war never stopped! Why would they stop now?!" Netherrealm yelled at Neptune.

"Now," Neptune replied with a kind smile. "Now friendship is an option. And they're gonna stop because Arfoire is out there plotting who knows what. The Console Wars ends, and we're gonna do it," Neptune declared.

"Neptune, you don't know anything. I ran with a gang called the Black Dragons. They lived like idiots. They wanted to live life their own way. We made money and ran the streets of Lowee. Apparently we were too good at what we did. Because White Heart declared that we be executed on the spot."

"We were hunted like rabid dogs through the streets of Lowee. One by one, I saw White Heart cut down my only friends at the time. Then, she beat the hell out of me. Cutting me with her axe and leaving me for dead. I survived thanks to a chance meeting," Netherrealm explained, and a dark aura leaked off him.

"Netty.." Compa said with tears and she hugged Netherrealm tightly. IF gave Netherrealm a pat on the back. "How can we make friends with someone like that?" Netherrealm asked. "Because that wasn't White Heart," Neptune replied firmly.

Netherrealm got in Neptune's face and grasped her by the collar. He raised her in the air, fist ready to fly into her cheek. "What the hell did you say?! Are you saying that I was delusional?! That I lied?!" Netherrealm yelled, his white eyes glowing dangerously. "Nope, I don't think you lied," Neptune replied with a smile.

Netherrealm couldn't understand how she remains so naive. He just told this girl about how his friends were massacred! "The CPUs were in Celestia, until now. White Heart couldn't have been in two places at once. C'mon Netty, you're not an idiot. You know i'm right," Neptune said with a satisfied smirk.

Netherrealm shook in rage, because Neptune saw right through him. He knew deep down that the real White Heart wasn't the culprit. That the White Heart that murdered his friends and the White Heart at the Lastation Basilicom were one and the same. That same callous gaze and arrogance. Yet that begs the question, where was the real White Heart?

Netherrealm dropped Neptune and yelled to the sky in pure hatred. Neptune pat Netherrealm on the back. "Let it out buckaroo, we're blowing these lies out of the water," Neptune assured Netherrealm with a thumbs up. Netherrealm calmed down with a firmer resolve. The next time he meets 'White Heart', he'll rip off that mask. So the Black Dragons can rest.

"Let's go find Black Heart," Netherrealm growled with determination. "Alright gang! Transform and roll out!" Neptune exclaimed, pointing foward. "You're the only one that can transform Nep," IF reminded Neptune. Who giggled bashfully and rubbed the back of her head.

The four continued through the canyon. Competing quests and gaining experience while carving a path. Yet as they continued further. Their stalker is upon them.

"Hey, isn't that an Avenir Factory?" Compa asked, pointing to the other side of the gap in the distance. A giant factory, decaying and lost all functionality. "Yeah, Black Heart was attacking them. Why don't we see what all the fuss was about," IF replied.

A shadow darted above them, causing the four to draw their weapons. The speed of the flying object caused dust to kick up. A large boom went off and the ground beneath them cracked. The dust was blown away by the swipe of a sword.

There a woman stood, in a black leotard and long white hair. Aqua eyes with a white power symbol for pupils. A large black sword with glowing blue trim in her hand. Crystal like wings floated behind her. "Black Heart," Netherrealm guessed. "How can you tell Netty?" Compa asked.

"Because, White Heart had the same type of look. Especially with those pupils. That's what a CPU looks like, It's gotta be," Netherrealm explained. Compa then looked at Neptune and bit her lip. IF and Netherrealm glanced at eachother. Neptune also had those pupils when she transformed.

Yet, they said nothing. They couldn't bring themselves to say it. Black Heart laughed at the four adventurers. "So my would be assassin has brought reinforcements? Sorry, but I'm not letting Avenir have a strangehold on Lastation any longer!" Black Heart declared. She pointed her blade at Netherrealm.

"Assassin? What's she talking about Netty?" IF asked with a suspicious look. Netherrealm sheathed his wakizashi and entered a fighting stance. "Oh? Did he not tell you? Avenir had tasked him, the CEO's older brother in disposing of me. With such an important person in front of me. I can have the CEO return my nation to me," Black Heart explained.

The other three looked at Netherrealm in shock. "If you three have any sense. You will help me detain the assassin," Black Heart said to the rest of the party. "No! I'm not letting you bully Netty! Stupid! Meanie! Jerk! Your Mommy doesn't like you!" Compa berated Black Heart in her own special way.

"Yeah, while I'm frustrated this ball of anger issues still is keeping stuff from us. I'm not abandoning a friend like that," IF proclaimed. Her pistol fell out of her sleeve and into her hand. She pointed it directly between Black Heart's eyes.

"We all made a promise to help eachother. That's not gonna change!" Neptune said with her usual gusto. Her eyes glowed a dark blue and she transformed into her other form. "I will not tolerate you disrespecting my friend in my presence," Purple Heart said with a scowl. Her katana pointed at Black Heart.

"So this is where you've been all this time," Black Heart snarled at Purple Heart. Black Heart flew at the party. She locked blades with Purple Heart for a second. Before driving her knee into Purple Heart's stomach. Then Black Heart kicked IF when she attempted to attack Black Heart from the side. Compa rolled out the way from a decapiating slice.

Black Heart flew at Netherrealm with her blade held high. Netherrealm rushed to meet her as the world slowed down around them.

CPU of Lastation

Black Heart

Netherrealm dissapeared into the shadows. Him and his shadow clone jumped out from opposite sides. Black Heart spun three hundred and sixty degrees for a sweeping sword slash. Netherrealm rolled across the blade and the shadow clone attempted to stab Black Heart with its wakizashi.

Black Heart caught the shadow clone by the throat and it melted into a tar like substance that dissolved almost instantly. Netherrealm threw his roped kunai. It wrapped around Black Heart's neck. "Get over here!" Netherrealm bellowed. He pulled Black Heart towards him. The sudden pull on her neck disoriented Black Heart.

That was enough for Netherrealm to switch to his Demonic Inferno Style. He landed a flaming uppercut to Black Heart's chin. Sending her IF's way, who fired her pistol at Black Heart's wings. Causing some of the crystal like wings to shatter.

Black Heart twisted in the air and slashed IF's back as she flew over IF. Black Heart landed, her heels dug into the dirt. Black Heart rolled her shoulders with a smirk. Blood dripped from Black Heart's sword. IF held out her right hand and it caught on fire. "Netty! Let's go!" IF said to Netherrealm, who was at IF's side as soon as he was called.

*Formation Skill: Fatal Flames*

Netherrealm ripped off his mask, his face black, eyes still solid white, and the inside of his mouth glowing white. "Demonic Inferno!" IF yelled a plume of fire came from the ground below Black Heart, and Netherrealm let loose a stream of black and violet flames from his mouth. The flames mixed into a tornado and soon compressed. Causing a large explosion.

Yet a shockwave of air blew the smoke and ash away. Black Heart stood in the middle of a blackened crater. Her leotard smoking and hair singed somewhat. She was pissed off. Black Heart dissapeared in a blur. She was behind Netherrealm and IF in the blink of an eye. Netherrealm turned around, ready to intercept.

He blocked the leathal slash from Black Heart. His wakizashi sparking from the force of their struggle. Netherrealm was being pushed down into the dirt. Yet Compa had recovered and wrapped her arms around Black Heart's waist. Then she bent backwards, throwing Black Heart over to Purple Heart. Who clotheslined Black Heart, causing Lastation's CPU to roll across the dust.

Black Heart got to her feet, and wiped a bit of blood off her lip. She's hardly damaged, and not too happy. His flaming fist drove itself into Black Heart's stomach. Black Heart elbowed Netherrealm's back, sending him to the floor. Compa had Black Heart in a full nelson.

"You damn bug!" Black Heart yelled. Her wings reformed and she floated in the air. Until a roped kunai wrapped around her ankle. IF jumped into the air and grabbed Black Heart's other ankle. Compa wrapped her legs around Black Heart's waist.

"Do it now Nep!" IF yelled to Purple Heart. Purple Heart's katana glowed purple. "What the-?! You both could get hurt! Let me go!" Black Heart yelled at IF and Compa. "Don't make me laugh! We already brushed with death before!" Netherrealm laughed.

Purple Heart flew into the air and her katana was enraptured in a bright golden light. A look of pure determination in her eyes. "This is the ultimate!" Purple Heart exclaimed and with one slash. Finally defeated Black Heart after the exhausting fight.

The four all fell from the sky. Dark portals opened as Netherrealm's shadow clones retrieved IF, Compa, Neptune(who reverted back to normal) and Black Heart. The clones laid the four on the dirt. Before dissapearing.

"Netty? Can you help me up?" Compa asked. Netherrealm grunted and pulled Compa up. "Thanks Netty," she said with a heartstopping smile. So, Compa began to heal everyone, yes, including Black Heart.

The sun had set and everyone had taken refuge in the abandoned Avenir Factory. Black Heart had lost her form. She now has long black hair in twintails. Piercing red eyes and a short dress. She looks like a princess in a way.

Most of the gathered folks were bandaged up and sitting by the fire IF lit. Netherrealm returned with a bag of game from hunting. He has no shirt, his silver dragon tattoo on his back is fully visible. It's even reflecting off the campfire. Like a piece of metal over a forge.

"It's official, you suck," Netherrealm said, pointing to Black Heart. Who grumbled and crossed her arms. Compa flicked Netherrealm's cheek. Neptune clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Anywho, the name's Neptune, the guy is Netty, the brown haired girl is Iffy, and last but not least is Compa," Neptune introduced everyone.

Netherrealm and Compa began to cook the food Netherrealm had gathered for them. "CPU Black Heart, or Noire as I am known," Noire introduced herself with her signature haughtiness. "As arrogant as the rumors say," Netherrealm said and IF snickered.

Noire cleared her throat and everyone looked at her. "Neptune, you're... different," Noire said and Compa handed her a skewer of meat. Noire reluctantly took the meat, holding the skewer with two fingers like it's something disgusting. "Different..? Don't know what ya mean by that. I fell from the sky and lost my memories," Neptune explained.

"You LOST your memories? Are you that weak? Didn't think we hit you that hard," Noire said with a scoff. "That's not nice," Compa said, before taking a bite out of the meat. "So you're the reason I lost my memories? Why?" Neptune asked.

"Start thinking for a second Nep. Why does a CPU know YOU of all people? Why is your transformation similar to a CPU?" IF asked rhetorically. Neptune stroked her chin in thought. Before the realization hit her.

"I'm a CPU?" Neptune asked with wide eyes. "Well, is she?" Netherrealm asked Noire for confirmation. Noire nodded and Neptune sat there stunned. "I'm a CPU, which one am I?" Neptune asked. IF, Compa, Netherrealm and Noire all facepalmed.

"Purple Heart!! You're Purple Heart you fool!! Purple hair! Found in Planeptune Think Neptune!" Netherrealm yelled, pointing his index fingers to his temples for emphasis. "Yeah I knew that, i'm just messing with ya Netty," Neptune replied, sticking her tongue out.

Netherrealm twitched and almost leapt at this woman. Before Compa put a hand on his shoulder. Netherrealm breathed in and grumbled, calming down. "A goddess huh? What was I like Noire?" Neptune asked. Noire's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"We're enemies you know? Stop acting so buddy buddy. Especially with an assassin sitting right here," Noire replied, casting a spiteful glance Netherrealm. "Well, don't we want the Console Wars to end? So let's team up and save Gamindustri!" Neptune proposed.

Noire glared at Neptune for a few minutes. "Tch, if you help me take back Lastation. Then i'll consider helping with your stupid quest," Noire offered with her hand outstretched to Neptune. "Why should you rule Lastation?" Netherrealm asked and Noire clenched her outstretched hand in anger.

They both stood up sharply. "Because I am the CPU, and Avenir are a bunch of usupers. Listen Assassin, I have collected various items all about Avenir's dubious practices," Noire said and she walked off. She signaled for the quartet to follow her.

Netherrealm's eyes widened in shock. It's a giant robot. The robot has no legs, only a giant tail with a blade at the end. A bulky body with detached arms that are on the ground. A head shaped like a dragon, axes, morning stars and guns were all strewn about. So many of these robots were all in various states of disrepair.

"What the fuck is this?" Netherrealm asked Noire. "This is what Avenir's been developing. Fully functional unmanned gear, or UG called the 'Killachine Series'," Noire replied.

'Don't make me laugh' and 'it's official, you suck' are Shao Khan quotes. Gotta have Netty reference MK's most iconic villain somehow.

Also some Console Wars Lore.