The last time the Gamindustri Graveyard was present, it collapsed into an ocean upon the defeat of Arfoire. It was never again seen since and presumed to have dissipated within the depths of the deep sea.
Or so many had thought.
Floating above Planeptune was the dreaded landmass, it's enormous size casting an imposing shadow over the nation. It exuded a reddish black aura much like when it first came into existence. On the Basilicom's rooftop, Histoire and Livre watched the levitating island in caution. They were soon joined by their friends, Purple Heart's group having flown in from the sky and the rest arriving on foot.
"No way!" RED exclaimed in disbelief. "I thought that place was goners!"
"What is that thing?" asked a tense Nitroplus. "It has a menacing feel…" All saw a digitalized screen appear in front of the Gamindustri Graveyard. An image of a person resembling Croire surfaced within it.
"Crostie?!" UD Neptune said, the group surprised.
"What is the meaning of this? Is she not here with us?" questioned Steamax who had been carried over along with Affimojas.
"T-There's two of them?" As a dumbfounded Rei spoke, Croire's double started to speak.
"Greetings, citizens of Planeptune. I am here to deliver a message. I have come to bring your world to ruination," Down below, the city folk murmured amongst themselves in confusion.
"Fortunately, I am willing to spare all of you provided a certain demand is met," "Croire" put on malicious grin. "Failing which, THIS shall happen,"
"Hey, look!" Black Brave noticed something materializing next to the Gamindustri Graveyard. It was a mass of Glitch shaped into an enormous cloud. The cloud moved to loom over a cluster of low-rise buildings beneath. To the shock of those at Livre's side, the structures were engulfed by the greenish pixels. Nearby innocents screamed and ran to safety. Several were unfortunately caught and enveloped in the Glitch. In the span of a few minutes, the Glitch returned to the Graveyard. It left an empty barren space on it's departure.
"What… the hell?" HD White Heart stared in incredulity.
"Is this for real?" CyberConnect 2 widened her eyes.
"To the protectors of this land," With villainous pride, "Croire" announced, "Bring me the one bearing my likeness. You have until tomorrow. Should you not fulfill my request, this realm will be devoured in the same manner I did to a portion of this nation!" The mention of such caused Purple Brave's eyes to dilate in horror.
"Devoured…?" he muttered.
"With that said, enjoy your last moments while you can. And I bid all of you a happy doomsday!" Letting out a vile chuckle, "Croire" signed off. The Gamindustri Graveyard hovered to the distance from whence it came.
"This… is terrible!" Chika remarked grimly.
"We must assess the damage at once," Despite the situation, Histoire kept her calm. "Neptune, Nepgear, please examine the desolated area in the city," She then turned to Croire who was beside UD Neptune. "Once we are done, I'd appreciate an explanation of your circumstances. Particularly on why there is a double of you,"
Within a large meeting hall in Planeptune's Basilicom, everyone discussed the events thus far. They gathered in a circle with Histoire and Livre in the center. Croire had told the group of her meeting with her clone. The tanned fairy's audience listened intently without missing a beat.
"So, let me confirm. We have two Croires-The one we know and another one that is bent on destroying worlds. And the other Croire wants our Croire in order to reach her full power," verified UD Noire.
"To think there is a being identical to Croire in appearance… This is quite the development," commented UD Vert.
"But, it does not answer how the Gamindustri Graveyard has resurfaced. Especially since ASIC has long dissolved," Her HD twin stated.
"Wasn't that the organization you said the CPUs fought?" Shiro spoke to HD Blanc, recalling the Braves' fight with Trick in Lowee.
"Yes, and the Gamindustri Graveyard was their headquarters," affirmed HD Blanc. "Without them, it became dismantled and was never heard of again. Until now,"
"The main issue is that Gamindustri is at stake," Cave stated. "Our enemy clearly has the intention of destroying it unless we meet her demand,"
"On top of that, we now know she is the reason for the Glitch's emergence in this world," said Livre. "I surmise Croire's double sent it out and caused the events which the Braves dealt in their travels,"
"If so, I wonder why she is only making an appearance now," contemplated Mina. "Is it due to her recovering from splitting into two?"
"That is likely the case," mentioned Livre. "Even if she is not at full capacity, the fact that she erased a small section of Planeptune is worrying. I fear her powers may be close to what they were when she was first created,"
"Are you saying she can instantly repeat your home's destruction?" Histoire queried.
"She would if Croire were to return to her,"
"In that case, it's best to not let the enemy lay hands on Croire," considered Kei. "But, therein lies a dilemma. Failure to comply invites harm to the nations. On the other hand, delivering Croire to our foe leads to the world's demise. Either option will end up endangering Gamindustri,"
"Why not face her head on and stop her?" UD Blanc suggested. "She may not stand a chance if all of us strike first,"
"That is a risky venture. While confronting her, Gamindustri would be left at the enemy's mercy. There is no guarantee our nations' defenses can withstand any subsequent attacks alone," averred Kei. "Chances are they'll be easily wiped out, or devoured, as we have all witnessed prior,"
"If that's how it is, we might need to split our forces. One group will go to the Gamindustri Graveyard to confront the enemy. The rest'll be divided across the lands to safeguard them and evacuate their citizens," Steamax proposed.
"A wise decision, Steamax," concurred Affimojas. "I've also bought a new battleship recently and am willing to lend my armada as shelter for the people,"
"My, that is kind of you," HD Vert commended. "Your assistance is valued,"
"Think nothing of it. For the sake of protecting the world, including it's busty blondes, this is merely a minor form of aid," Affimojas declared solemnly.
"That's great to hear…" As Nepgear frowned in half amusement, Shia walked out to head for the door.
"Hm? Where're you going, Shia?" enquired B-Sha as the purple haired boy's action was noticed.
"I… need some air," He turned to B-Sha, responding sullenly. "I'll be back,"
"You okay?" C-Sha queried out of concern.
"Yes. If you'll excuse me…" Without another word, Shia left the crowd and exited the room. His friends stared at him as he did.
"Is he gonna be fine?" Uzume asked.
"He just requires time to comprehend what has transpired," answered Daniel.
"Yeah," said Jack. "He's a gentle guy but, once something sets him off, he's different,"
"He doesn't seem to be that kind of person though…" opined UD Compa.
"Trust me, Compa B. Me, Jack and Daniel know Shia better than nobody. One time in school, he got into a fight with a bully bigger than him. All cuz that fella hit a defenseless girl. Shia scared him so bad he came back to school no more," Shiro explained.
"Is that true?" questioned 5pb.
"You bet it is," replied Shiro. "And I dun mean to change the topic abruptly but, ain't it good to come up with names for our two Croires? So that we can tell who's who?"
"That is a valid point. How do you suggest we differentiate them?" Cave asked Shiro.
"Oh, I know!" chimed UD Neptune. "We can call our Croire as the usual ol' Crostie while we call her evil twin Darksty!"
"That's lame…" An unamused Croire spoke.
"Ah got a better idea. We'll call our enemy Evilbell," Pointing to Croire, Shiro added, "And Imma name you Cocoabell,"
"Hey! What kind of name is that?!" retorted Croire.
Shia gazed beyond Planeptune Tower's terrace, lost in thought. It all made sense to him. The reason he felt his surroundings to be familiar was because it reminded him of his true home. Images of the past filled his mind-A life where he laughed with his family, a time where he defended a girl from a mean student, the moments he spent with the other Braves on Earth, to describe a few. Shia began to ponder. What was his purpose? Was he a protector? Was he simply a shadow impersonating his original self? Drifting into reminiscence, he was unaware that a certain peppy CPU approached him from behind.
"Heya, Shia!" Hearing his name, Shia snapped back to reality. He turned around to see HD Neptune smiling at him.
"Neptune?" asked the boy. "What're you doing here?"
"Oh, I just came to check on you. You feeling okay there, buddy?" A cheery HD Neptune replied. Shia however, gave no answer.
"I…" He shifted his gaze aside. "I just feel… lost. I don't know who… or what I am. The things I've experienced with everyone, was it a lie? If so, I don't get it. What have I been doing up until now?" As Shia talked, Neptune listened in sympathy. He looked back at her anxiously. "Am I only a fake that is living someone else's life?"
In response, Neptune shut her eyes. A column of light enveloped and transformed the CPU into Purple Heart. She extended her arms to Shia and hugged him.
"Neptune?" Puzzled, Shia felt his face pressed gently on Purple Heart's chest.
"Shia, what happened at your dimension was undeniably distressing," Purple Heart spoke in sincerity. "But, know this-No matter what you have gone through, you are not a fake. The fact that you're able to think just like everyone else is proof of that,"
"What does it matter? My home is gone. And so are the people that I knew there. There's no point in going on if it means leaving them behind," Shia narrowed his eyes sadly, their corners welling up in tears. "It's not right…"
"Yes, what you say is not wrong. The departure of your loved ones can indeed be painful," replied Purple Heart in sympathy. "However, instead of holding on to that pain, why not make it into the strength to live?" Shia lifted his brows. "Even if you lose those dear to you, it is not the end. It is when you keep living on behalf of the deceased. So, do not be mired by the past, Shia. You are not alone," Nothing further was uttered. All that remained was Shia still being in Purple Heart's embrace. The boy was silent as if he arrived at an epiphany.
With that, the morning went on.
In Planeptune Basilicom's hall, the occupants waited for HD Neptune and Shia. All were silent including the usually vocal Croire. After a short while, Shia and HD Neptune entered the room. The latter greeted everyone cheerfully as both regrouped with them.
"Welcome back, Neptune, Shia. Are things fine?" said Histoire.
"Yup, thanks to me giving Shia a lil pep talk and a hug to the bosom!" responded a peppy HD Neptune.
"A hug…" Out of curiosity, Ram and Rom had their attention taken.
"…to the bosom?" And so did Nepgear and Uni.
"Well, ain't you and Neptune becoming a thing already," Shiro grinned at Shia mischievously.
"It's not that…" Shia frowned before addressing the group. "Anyway, I just wanted to say-It wasn't right of me to be angry at all of you. Let alone, lash out at Croire. For that…" In an apologetic tone, he said, "…I'm sorry,"
"Your words are understandable. Though if I may give a piece of advice-Do not think the loss of your home as the end. Rather, remember the lives of the people that once resided there. That is the duty of those living in place of the deceased," Million Arthur encouraged Shia. "Therefore, fret not, Shia! Live long and prosper. For you have our utmost support in this," The blonde knight's listeners, minus a quiet Croire, appeared to be in silent agreement with her. Cheekama nodded, proud of Arthur's statement.
"You're right. Thanks, Arthur," A small smile crept up on Shia's face then, faded. "That aside, if we're going to do something, we need to act fast,"
"Correct. For starters, we'll have to decide how to divide ourselves. As well as whether we are to take Croire to the Gamindustri Graveyard," mentioned Kei. Croire listened, deep in thought.
"About that…" She spoke up slowly. "I'll go there," Her words surprised the group.
"Nepu-pu?! What're you saying, Crostie?" A bewildered UD Neptune said. "Don't tell me you're surrendering yourself to Evilbell!"
"It ain't that," Croire responded with slight sharpness. "I might have a way to stop my twin,"
"What do you mean?" Livre enquired.
"When I touched that Monolith thing… I didn't only see their past," Referring to the Braves, Croire added, "I saw those four. Sleeping in it, covered in that Glitch thing. And they looked exactly the same as when their planet got blown up. If I can get to that Monolith, maybe I can wake them up so that they can trash it,"
"What're you talking about?" asked a confused Jack.
"Hm…" MAGES. hummed. "Could it be that you're implying you saw the original Braves?"
"Huh? Didn't Livre already said they died?" A perplexed K-Sha enquired.
"That he did. Plus it is normal to assume they'd ascend to the afterlife. Given Croire's explanation however, what if that isn't the case? What if the spirits of the true Braves never found rest and ended up trapped in the Monolith?" elucidated MAGES.. "To prove the truth of this conjecture, I recommend we let Croire go to the Graveyard. Of course, she'll be escorted to ensure her safety,"
"In that case, the four of us'll do so," Daniel volunteered the Braves. "Some of the CPUs should accompany us as well,"
"Then, let us go with you," HD Vert referred the Hyper Dimension goddesses to the Braves. "The rest of us best defend Gamindustri since the threat to it is significant. The more that remain there, the better,"
"Can't we join?" asked Ram in regard to the CPU Candidates. "It's not as if we've never been to the Gamindustri Graveyard,"
"You should stay here, Ram, Rom. I feel it might be a bit more dangerous this round," After advising her sisters, HD Blanc turned to Croire. "By the way, I want to ask-Why're you helping us?" There was a short pause as Croire reflected on the enquiry.
"I… don't know," She replied in uncertainty.
"You don't know?" HD Noire arched an eyebrow in skepticism. Immediately, Croire cast her head down.
"All this time, I've watched bad histories only for the kicks. I sat back, believing it was awesome. But, now… I don't understand. When I saw that blasted dimension, it didn't feel the same. I don't get this at all," The dark skinned fae raised her head a little. "I'd probably know why the heck I'm thinking like this if I go to the Graveyard again,"
"And for your information, it's fine if you all think I'm up to something fishy. It doesn't matter anyway," Croire moved her sights to one side. "With all the shit I've done and seen, I'm just a damn troublemaker,"
"Croire…" UD Neptune frowned in concern after which Shia stepped up to Croire.
"Will you really help us?" The boy asked.
"Yeah, so?" answered Croire.
"Then, it's settled. We'll take you to the Graveyard,"
"Um… Let me go too," Rei raised her hand. "I can at least help watch Croire in case of anything,"
"You? Why would you go if you can't..." UD Blanc paused as she hit a realization. "Wait, you can't possibly have-"
"Ah! D-Don't worry! I won't cause any trouble! I-I'll use that power if the situation requires me to!" A frantic Rei cut off UD Blanc. As some, particularly the Braves, were curious, Daniel decided to talk.
"On another note, I wish to raise one thing," The blonde man began. "I might have an inkling on the identity of yesterday's uninvited guest,"
"Oh? Who'll that be?" said HD Vert, the group's gazes brought to Daniel.
"When she first set foot on Leanbox's Basilicom, that woman mentioned being reminded of her "failed vengeance" in it. In hindsight, it struck me that the closest to what she meant was the Dead Cell attack that took place there. And there was one person in that incident whom fits the bill," On hearing Daniel, a realization dawned on HD Vert.
"Could it be, that you're referring to…"
Evilbell grinned at the Monolith. The ominous structure amassed clouds of Glitch around it. Hovering near her was "Lady". The winged female observed the Monolith's operation in silence.
"Isn't it wonderful? To sow fear into the hearts of Gamindustri's inhabitants and have some consumed in the process?" Evilbell asked "Lady", the former fixated on her Monolith.
"Was that truly necessary?" questioned "Lady".
"Absolutely. Think of it as savoring their panic before indulging in the ensuing chaos," Evilbell moved to face "Lady". "Unless, you have a better alternative?"
"In actuality, I do. Gamindustri shall be led to ruin," responded "Lady" in a neutral voice. "However, the one who'll effectuate this is not you," At this, a puzzled Evilbell lifted one brow.
"Hm? What are you try-" The minute she spoke further, a slicing sound was heard. Evilbell's eyes widened. She found herself falling to the earth below, a gash of green pixels on her body. Above the fae, Evilbell saw "Lady" stare at her. The woman's scythe was drawn and her expression blank. When Evilbell hit the ground, "Lady" descended to stand over the injured sprite.
"What… are you…" A distraught Evilbell struggled to speak.
"Your role in this is finished. Now, you shall become one with me," "Lady" raised one hand towards Evilbell. The distressed fairy dissolved into particles which were soon absorbed by "Lady". Once Evilbell had vanished, "Lady" brought her hand down. A smirk formed on her lips.
"And thus… it begins,"