Netherrealm sat on a bench in Planeptune's park. The soil looked like moles had a rave party and had one too many. Some trees fell over with a large chunk of ground still stuck to the roots. He had just gotten done helping find all the survivors in Planeptune. People held out under rubble, though others didn't make it. Netherrealm saw uniformed men escorting malnourished survivors to a camp.

Due to the lack of manpower for a crisis like this. The CPUs enabled military intervention. Helping to find survivors and keep the peace better in these trying times. Gamindustri entered a recession in general because of the islands falling. An event dubbed 'The Sundering'. All previous maps had to essentially be remade from scratch as the geography had been altered so drastically thanks to erosion and shifting earth.

Thirty percent of the population was wiped clean off the world. Monuments erected with the names of everyone who died. An obelisk in front of every Basilicom. There was no nation exclusivity on the monuments. Everyone was a human that tragically lost their life. Through falling into the ocean, being buried in their own homes under rubble and water. So many more lost their jobs and homes. Creating a huge demand for laborers. Camps were set up to tend to the impoverished and wounded. All of this thanks to Arfoire's destructive choices.

"Moping around as usual?" IF asked, breaking Netherrealm out of his stupor. He jumped and IF laughed at his reaction. "The hell do you want IF?" Netherrealm asked, finally having dropped the 'Downwind' nickname. IF sat down next to Netherrealm, noticing what he had clutched in one hand. She gave him a pat on the shoulder pad.

"I'm heading off to Lowee today," IF spoke up and Netherrealm looked at her. He didn't want IF to leave. "Don't worry, I'm just visiting Gust. She recovered and sent me an email. I'm gonna head there to patch things up. Then head to Leanbox. See Mom and Dad, along with Lady Vert," IF explained. Netherrealm nodded, figuring Vert would love a visit from her girlfriend. He felt a tiny bit jealous IF had parents to visit.

The two stood up and IF gave him a big hug. Netherrealm returned it after a second. "Well, I gotta get going, I have a mountain range to get through," IF said before running off. Wherever the winds blow, IF goes with it. But that means she'll always come back.

Netherrealm headed off to the camp Compa was working at. He saw people with bloodied gloves and clothes running around. Surgeons, doctors and nurses are all trying to keep people alive. Some of the patients aren't gonna make it. That's what he believes due to his cynicism. He also saw volunteers passing out food and water to others. Inside many of the tents are makeshift beds with homeless people sleeping on them.

"Netty!" Compa chirped at him as she exited a tent. She gave him a big hug and they kissed quickly. Netherrealm told her he wants to talk in private. Compa looked back at the tent and at Netherrealm. She had exhausted her SP healing people so she needs a rest anyway. The two walked out of the camp.

"It all started here," Netherrealm said and Compa nodded. She, Netherrealm, and Neptune all stayed in Compa's house. They ate pudding and planned out their adventure. Well, at least they tried to. They passed by a tattoo parlor. Netherrealm gulped as he knew who owned it. His mentor, guardian, and the one who gave him his ink.

"Fuck you! Old bat!"

"Watch your mouth boy!"

"I don't need some hag with a shriveled cunt to lecture me!"

"Get out of my house!"

"You call this fucking dump a house?! I lived on my own for most of my life! I didn't need you then and I don't need you now! Drop dead!"

Netherrealm looked at the 'closed' sign. He knew Okami survived. She's a sturdy old lady. However, the argument before he cut her out replayed in his mind. He looked at Compa, also staring at the parlor. He didn't deserve someone like Compa. He didn't deserve Okami's charity. He won't make those same mistakes again. "...Let's move on," Netherrealm muttered. The two walked away, not noticing an eye peeking through the shutters from a window on the second floor.

They passed by a hospital and Compa looked up at the roof. Where she threw her mother off it after rebelling against her. Thanks to those experiments she became superhuman. Thanks to the trauma her memories and strength were repressed. Now she feels free, a weight off her shoulders. All thanks to Netherrealm, IF, and Neptune. Compa wants to help people, and her desire to help Netherrealm became an infatuation. Which turned into love and dedication. Compa held Netherrealm's hand and pulled him along. She had a soft smile on her face. Content with her past.

They reached the park while holding hands. "It's all broken," Compa commented on the park's state. Netherrealm grunted and nodded. She looked at her boyfriend. "But we can fix it. Everything will be better than ever," Compa assured Netherrealm before leaning against his arm.

Netherrealm pulled away from Compa. "Am I a good person?" Netherrealm asked and Compa tilted her head. "I've robbed, assaulted, and bullied people. I abandoned my brother because I was afraid. I ratted out my dads, causing them to turn up in a ditch. Even with my record wiped clean. It doesn't change what I did," Netherrealm explained and Compa shook her head.

"You broke your back for me and Nep-Nep. You trudged through a blizzard for her. You fought Seiryū to save the world. When it mattered, you were there to help. What you did was mean and nasty, but you've changed. The good in you that was always there inside is now on the outside as well!" Compa replied and Netherrealm stood silent for a second before a ghost of a smile crept onto his face.

He looked at the Basilicom in the distance. "Compa… I know we haven't been dating for very long. But I think we know each other enough. Any day we could die, so why wait until we're too old?" Netherrealm began and Compa tilted her head in momentary confusion. Before she looked at Netherrealm's hand and gasped. Tears welled up in her eyes.

He held out a small box and opened it. Inside was a rose gold ring with a diamond. "Wanna get married?" Netherrealm asked and Compa's lips trembled as she put her hands on her stomach. She nodded and began sobbing. Netherrealm cautiously put his arms around his now fiancé. While in his arms. He slipped the ring on her finger. "I love you," Compa babbled. Netherrealm kissed the top of her head in response. A silent confirmation of his feelings.

She rested her head against his cuirass. He held her close as they swayed in the wind. All was peaceful and still. The warrior and the healer brought together through struggle. Yet calm like the gentle breeze, all because they have each other.

Meanwhile, inside the Planeptune Basilicom, Neptune was waving her arms around. As she was ordered a TV and beanbag chair. The people hauling them in had to move at the whims of their goddess. Neptune kept telling them to move "that way" and "this way". Eventually she told them to just set down the TV. She left the area and into the kitchen for a snack as they began plugging the TV in.

Neptune had a room with a kitchen, a dining space, and a leisure area. It was where she and her friends could hang out. She wanted it to be just right for them. Even though she hates work and doesn't want to do it. When it comes to her friends happiness, she'd build an entire skyscraper with her hands for them. Well, if she knew how to build a skyscraper with her hands she'd do it.

Histoire then floated inside the hangout space. "Neptune, there's something I need to discuss with you," said Histoire and Neptune hummed before putting her hands in her pocket. She walked beside the Tome Fairy. The two exited the space and out into the hall. Until they reached the atrium. Before heading to an elevator.

As the elevator rode up, Histoire took a deep breath. "Due to Celestia's destruction and the miracle you pulled, using Planeptune to slow and save the other islands, all four Nations had an overflow of Shares," said Histoire. The elevator opened and the two left it. They're in a dark room with a giant glowing crystal. Neptune knew what it was just by looking at it. 'The Sharicite…' Neptune thought. A warmness, a love, spread through her body. Like a mother's womb.

"Umm.. Histoire? C-Can I come out now?" A voice asked from the shadows. Histoire said yes and what shuffled out was a girl a head taller than Neptune. Wearing a white sailor outfit, pretty pink shoes, and one D-Pad clip in her hair. Her soft light purple hair went down to her back. Her shimmering violet eyes looked around the room carefully. "Woah!! Histy! Who is this cutie?" asked Neptune.

Histoire told the girl to introduce herself. "H-Hi, I'm Nepgear… and I'm your younger sister. Pleased to meet you!" She introduced herself, bowing while shivering. Neptune placed her hand on Nepgear's head. She squeaked, and Neptune chuckled. "Aww, don't be afraid. It's just your big sis," Neptune promised with a big grin. Nepgear looked up, red dusting her cheeks.

Neptune had a comforting smile and Nepgear felt so at ease. Neptune stopped rubbing Nepgear's head and Nepgear stood up straight. She pressed her index fingers together anxiously. "Dawww, she's so cute, Histy! I just wanna wrap her up in a blanket and hold her!" Neptune gushed.

"She is a CPU Candidate, she is your heir to the throne. As such, if anything we're to happen to you, she would take over. And when you decide to retire, Nepgear will become the next CPU," explained Histoire. Neptune nodded and put one arm around Nepgear. "C'mon! I gotta show you off!" Said Neptune and Nepgear giggled as she was led off by a happy Neptune.

Histoire in that moment saw Uranus leading off a smaller Neptune for a second. "Uranus, you'd be so proud," Histoire muttered.

One week later, in the church of the Basilcom. Netherrealm stood at the altar. Wearing the same suit he wore on the peace treaty. Purple Heart stood, with her hands behind her back and a smug face. "Why are you here? We hired a priest," grumbled Netherrealm.

"Well you're heroes of Gamindustri. So this wedding is of importance. And most importantly, you and Compa are my dear friends," Purple Heart explained. After a few minutes, music began to play. As Compa walked down the aisle, wearing the dress she wore at the peace treaty as well. When Compa reached the altar, Netherrealm held her hands. He glanced at her chest. There was a silver dragon ouroboros in the shape of a heart, right at the center of her chest just below her neck. It was a tattoo she got, to show how Netherrealm is always in her heart.

"Netherrealm, do you take Compa to be your lawfully wedded wife. Under the vision of the goddess, in life, sickness, and health. Until death do you part?" Purple Heart asked. "I do," answered Netherrealm. She slid a ring on his finger.

"Compa, do you take Netherrealm to be your lawfully wedded husband. Under the vision of the goddess, in life, sickness, and health. Until death do you part?" Purple Heart asked. "I do," said Compa with a tearful smile. Purple Heart slipped a ring on her finger. In a flash of light, Purple Heart became Neptune.

"Kiss her already, Netty!" Neptune ordered. It was obliged as their lips smashed together. He wrapped his arms around Compa's waist. Lifting her up slightly as she snakes her arms around his shoulders. The world spun as roses fell around them. Flash! A photo was taken of this moment. Neptune gave a thumbs up to the photographer she hired.

The two left the church on cloud nine. As Compa entered a car. Five men came around the corner. One pointed a gun at Compa. "All your money!" He exclaimed. Netherrealm had his hand on the door. Compa looked at him and nervously chuckled. "You might not want to do that," Compa warned.

Crash! A fist rammed against his cheek, sending him sprawling against the dirt. Netherrealm walked up to him while cracking his knuckles. "You bastard!" One guy exclaimed. Netherrealm looked at him.

Test your might…

Netherrealm smirked and wiggled his fingers.

Test your might…

Black electricity zapped across his fingers.

Test your might…

Netherrealm hopped from one foot to the other.

Test your might…

The men rushed at Netherrealm who yelled and jumped in the air for a bicycle kick. The world stopped completely.

MORTAL KOMBAT!!

[NETHERDIMENSION NEPTUNIA MK1]

[WRITTEN BY…]

SaltareDiabolis

[CO-WRITTEN BY...]

「Мусорщик」

[STARRING…]

Netherrealm, as the Silver Dragon

Neptune, as the Main Heroine

Compa, as the Harmacist

IF, as the Wind Walker

Noire, as Lonely Heart

Blanc, as the Reclusive Hunter

Vert, as the Big Booba Assassin

Histoire, as the Tome Fairy

Arfoire, as the Main Villain

Seiryū, as the Vengeful Chairman

Chian, as the Helpful Mechanic/Bartender

Nisa, as the Heroine of Justice

Barioth, as himself

YingLong, as the Lastation Deterrence System

Gust, as the Innocent Bystander

Yvoire, as the Traitorous Archbishop

Deco, as Iffy's Mom

Aksys, as Mr. Bad guy

HAL, as the Knight Errant

Kyoken, as the Mad Fenrir of Planeptune

Zero, as ent.null

[NOT PRODUCED BY…]

Compile Heart

[SOUNDTRACK by…]

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios

HAL Laboratories

Netherrealm Studios

Team Shanghai Alice

Platinum Games

[Zero created by...「Мусорщик」]

[THANK YOU FOR READING]

Netherrealm stared at the mirror. He is staying at Compa's house. He turned on the sink and began splashing some water on his face. In the reflection, right behind him, looking over his shoulder. Was the silhouette that haunted his life. Netherrealm gripped the edges of the sink so hard it cracked. Compa was dead asleep at this time of night.

He shivered, trying to remain strong as images flashed through his mind. The tendrils pierced his body, filling him up with something. His mind, body, and soul are feeling sick from the intrusion. He was back to reality and blinked. The figure was gone. Was it a trick of the light? He looked down at his hand. The skin was blackened like charcoal. He shakily raised it up and inspected it.

You can never escape me.

Netherrealm gasped and whipped around. Breathing heavily before looking back at his hand. It was normal, just as it's always been. Whatever this thing is, he will fight it. Just as he always did, he will fight. His breathing steadied as he turned off the sink.

He's not sleeping anytime soon, is he?

...

Here's my Co-author's YouTube channel: /channel/UCfOqsGgiywMVlBEq3wwTYXw