Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own ideas and original characters. The Neptunia franchise and Band-Aids are owned by their respective owners.

Chapter 4: The Four Nations

10 Days Later

Histoire is woken up from her deep sleep with her entire body shaking. At first, she thinks there is an earthquake, but once she regains her eyesight, she realizes that the only thing shaking is herself. She then goes to answer her "phone call" function, but much to her surprise, there is nobody there. She comes to the conclusion that someone has "texted" her, a new function Neptune and Nepgear have added to her. According to Neptune, "Calling someone is too old-fashioned. Texting is faster. You can get your point across without wasting time. Plus, if we ever wanted to talk, we'd just talk face to face. Histy, it's time you get with the times". Histoire is not convinced that texting is any faster, but she will admit it is a bit easier. She opens her book and checks the last page, an ever-updating page full of her text messages. She is surprised yet again when she sees who sent the text.

"Histoire, I just got back to Leanbox. I heard what is going on with the shareicite, and Vert's plan to correct it. I think we Oracles should get together and talk. I already invited Mina and Kei over to our spot. I think you should join us. I'll be waiting for everybody."

I was wondering when the Oracles would return. I know everyone went their separate ways, but they all agreed to come back in a crisis. This would certainly qualify. I should go. I should inform Neptune and Nepgear where I am going. If they're not "busy", that is. Can't say I'm comfortable with this solution myself, but it's out of my hands. At least if they're with someone, they're staying out of trouble. And hopefully increasing shares, even if by a little bit.

Histoire leaves her room, a half-sized room specifically built for her by Nepgear, with financial input (and some wild ideas) from Neptune. She goes to inform Nepgear about her plans, only to see a note on her door. The note says:

Neptune, Histy, I left to go spend some time with Tony. There is only so much phone sex one can have before he or she wants the real thing. Don't worry. I'll talk to him about our plan at some point in the near future. Neptune, try not to be too wild. And try not to put Histy in an early grave. And Histoire, I know you're not comfortable with our plan, but this is all we can think of. Maybe we should have a pow-wow later to see if we can think of anything else. Anyways, I'm off.

Love you guys,

Nepgear

Histoire reads the note and sighs, a blush on her face.

At least she's honest about it. I'm just glad she's in a long-term relationship and taking this seriously. Unlike Neptune, who seems to be enjoying her "flings" a little too much, and not working towards her goal at all, like usual.

Almost as if on cue, Histoire hears Neptune shout out "Right there! Fuck that feels good! More, More!". Histoire blushes a deeper red and sighs again, a half-disappointed, half-angry sigh this time. She decides to just write a quick note and leave, before she can get anymore embarrassed (and angry, mostly at Neptune). After writing the note, telling Neptune and the staff where she is going and when she will be expected back, she rushes out the door, but not before hearing Neptune scream out in pleasure as an orgasm rocks her body.

I really wish I didn't hear that. Being with someone I can understand. But being wrapped up in threesomes and S&M I cannot. Maybe if it would lead to children or marriage like their plan, but I doubt Neptune's even thought about that since that day. At least Uzume and Older Neptune stop by to keep me company every once in a while. I would probably lose it at my Neptune if they didn't. Wonder how their search is going anyways. At least I can understand their need to propagate, with Uzume being trapped for all those years and Older Neptune being, well, older. In physical age anyways. And mental maturity. Man, why couldn't I have Older Neptune as Planeptune's CPU instead? I mean I love Neptune to death, but Older Neptune would be so much better as CPU. Oh well.

Histoire leaves the Basilicom and then leaves Planeptune's border, heading over to Oracle Island, an island discovered by Mina, and designated only for Oracles. They come here only when they need a break from it all, or when they need to discuss something away from the CPUs. In fact, the only CPU who knows about the island is Neptune, who discovered it completely by accident. Despite her track record, she has so far managed to keep it a secret from the other CPUs, at least as far as the Oracles are aware of. Flying over the ocean water, Histoire makes it to the island. She then proceeds to the center of the island, where the Oracles have set up hammocks and a mini-bar, full of various juices and alcohol. The climate of the island is perfect for leaving the stuff there, only needing to be restocked when they run out or every three months. It's similar to Hawaii, only better, with no people on it and no bad weather or volcanos to spoil the Oracles R&R. Histoire spots Chika making a pina-colada, mixing Vodka with pineapple juice inside a cut-in-half coconut, complete with a mini-umbrella and a bendy straw. Chika waves to Histoire, who lands in one of the hammocks. Chika hands her the drink and works on making another one for herself.

"Thank You, Chika. I definitely needed this. You cannot believe the amount of sex Neptune and Nepgear get into at the Basilicom. At least Nepgear is only having phone sex there, leaving to her boyfriend Tony's place for the actual deed. Neptune isn't so courteous. She, Chad, and Ashley all do it in her room. Yes, in a threesome, and with S&M instruments. Hearing chains, handcuffs, and whips every day is a nightmare. Mixed in with all their moaning, shouts, and screams; it's driving me insane. Worse, it's not even to further the CPUs plan. Neptune's just doing it for the hell of it."

Chika looks at Histoire, shakes her head, and says, "It sounds like you have it rough."

Histoire slams down half her drink before saying, "At least Nepgear is in an actual relationship. For about a year now. Even if they hadn't come up with that plan, I suspect that Nepgear would have gotten married and had some kids of her own anyways. I'm quite proud of her for that. Neptune is as well. I just wish someone other than me would do some real work around Planeptune. Nepgear at least takes work semi-seriously, even with her relationship ongoing. It's Neptune that really needs to get off her ass and work. She does just enough to coast by, but with the ongoing share drop crisis, coasting by isn't going to cut it anymore."

Chika says, "In short, Nepgear is juggling a relationship and helping you keep Planeptune afloat, while Neptune does almost nothing but party."

Histoire nods and says, "Basically. I mean, Neptune does do some work, so credit where credit is due, but she doesn't do nearly enough. Especially for a CPU and leader of an entire nation. It's bad that Planeptune's previous leader comes back after almost 80 years and people want her back in charge rather than their current leader."

Chika asks, "You're talking about Uzume, right?"

Histoire nods.

Chika says, "I've heard all about it from Vert. I'm sorry you had to bear the blunt of that mess."

Histoire takes another sip of her drink.

"That was to be expected when all the Oracles left around the same time. Not that I blame any of you."

Chika gets a guilty look on her face.

"Yeah, I know. Still feel bad about it, though."

Histoire shakes her head and says, "Don't worry about it. Honestly, it was so peaceful until Rei Ryghts showed up that nobody could fault you for wanting to do your own thing. Then the shift period happened, and you were already nose deep into what you were doing, it couldn't be helped. I'm just glad you are all back now though. I don't know how to correct the share crisis without Older Neptune's plan, and I'm not sure their plan will even work anyways. Speaking of the plan, how's Vert doing anyways?"

Chika takes a sip of her own drink now and says, "I don't like their plan either. I think it's half-baked as is. That's why I called this meeting with everyone, to go over it ourselves and see if we can get a better plan formed. As for Vert, she's…not been having the best of luck. Guys are either too intimidated by her, think that she's joking, or they just want to use her for her body and nothing else. Of course, she naturally turns down offers of a one-and-done, but it hasn't been easy sailing."

Histoire sighs and says, "That's the problem with having the biggest breasts in this dimension. Everyone's going to just stare at them and not hear a word you're saying. I feel bad for her. Of course, if she didn't always brag about them, then maybe people would take her more seriously. Can't image it's been easy for you, either."

Chika blushes at such a statement.

"It…hasn't. I'm still in love with her, after all. She was already keeping me at arm's length. Now? Forget about it. But it's her decision, I can't say no. Plus, even if we have doubts about the plan's validity, there is a more-than-zero possibility that it could work. So, even if I want her for myself, and even if I think this plan is half-baked, I'm not going to interfere with it. Hell, I'll even be her wing-woman if that's what it takes."

"Speaking of half-baked, you have any of your special cookies? I could use some."

"Me too. Believe me, I wish some people in our nation were as mature as you Chika."

Histoire and Chika turn towards the new voice and discover that Kei has arrived, complete with her business suit. Chika rolls her eyes while handing Histoire and Kei each her special cookie. She then hands Kei a strawberry daquiri.

"Even on a private island, specifically for us Oracles, you still wear your business suit. Don't you know how to have some R&R?"

Kei rolls her eyes right back and says, "Of course I do. I wouldn't take this stuff if I didn't. It's just hard to sneak out of the Basilicom and Lastation without raising alarms if I'm not in this. After all, taking a boat out here is noisy as all hell. At least if I'm in this I have a built-in excuse."

Chika sighs and says, "Yeah, the only lucky one is Histoire, who can just fly here."

Histoire blushes but nods. A minute later, Histoire and Kei feel the effects of the alcohol and special cookies working. Histoire starts giggling at nothing, and Kei gets the munchies hard, both finally relaxing after a long week. Chika starts to distribute some more of her special cookies and some chips, and each of them sets their drinks and snacks down on the tv trays next to their hammocks.

Chika start to eat a special cookie of her own as Kei says, "I only heard bits and pieces of your conversation. Can you tell me what's going on with you and your nations?"

Histoire recaps their conversation, giggling at random intervals. Kei and Chika don't mind though, knowing full well what Chika's special cookies do to Histoire.

"I see. It sounds like Neptune's being Neptune."

Histoire says, "Unfortunately."

"At least Nepgear's doing well. I'm happy for her."

Histoire smiles and giggles again. Kei sighs and looks at Chika.

"While Vert may be having problems, it's not as bad as what Noire and Uni are dealing with. K-Sha practically went nuts at the news and has tried to sabotage every attempt Noire's made at talking to people. Uni's done her best to play peacekeeper and intercept her, but she's had her own problems to deal with, specifically Steamax. He's not gotten in the way, but he's not taken the news well. Uni's been trying to push her guilt down, but it's shown through whenever she gets a chance to talk with people. And that's not too often. And all that's added onto the fact that Noire, and to some extent Uni, have that habit of not saying exactly what they mean. They haven't even gotten close to having a proper date, much less sex. I'm not a fan of their plan, but I can't say I don't want them to succeed at it either. I just wish there was something I can do for them."

Histoire and Chika wince at that recap.

"Damn, that's harsh. I really feel bad for them" says Histoire.

"Yeah, and I thought Vert had it bad" says Chika.

*Flashback to the day K-Sha and Steamax find out about the CPUs plan*

Noire and Uni are sitting at their dining room table, waiting as patiently as they can for Steamax and K-Sha to arrive. They have K-Sha's favorite food prepared, and Uni has prepared a present for Steamax. Noire and Uni are holding hands, giving each other comfort and the strength to get through this. That said, both of their hands are shaking.

"I hope they both take this news well" says Noire.

Uni gulps and says, "Yeah, I hope they do. I don't want Steamax and especially K-Sha to try to kill me again."

Noire gulps as well and says, "Yeah, me neither. That's why we have this stuff here to appease them."

They both feel tense, even more so when they hear the door handle being turned. They let go of each other's hands and try to act casual.

"It's showtime" they say in unison.

K-Sha enters the room first, followed by Steamax. Noire stands up. K-Sha tries to hug her, but Noire pulls back and shakes her hand instead. Uni stands up and gives Steamax a hug, but not a tight one, trying to send a message that she wants to be friends and nothing more. K-Sha looks at Noire, confused, while Steamax stands there frozen, his metal turning red in his equivalent of a blush. Noire and Uni return to their seats and wave K-Sha and Steamax over to sit down. K-Sha sits in the seat near her meal. Steamax remains frozen for another moment before sitting down as well across from Uni.

Noire starts off the conversation by saying, "Uni and I have something important that we need to discuss with you. Before we begin, though, K-Sha, I want you to eat that meal we prepared."

Uni continues the conversation by saying, "And Steamax, I want you to have this."

Uni hands her present over to Steamax. K-Sha and Steamax exchange a confused look before shrugging their shoulders. K-Sha starts in on her meal, while Steamax opens his gift.

"So, K-Sha, how do you like the meal? Uni and I put a lot of work into making it."

K-Sha finishes her bite and says, "I love this meal. It's my favorite. But you two have me too worried to actually enjoy it. What's going on?"

Putting the question on the backburner, Uni asks Steamax, "How do you like your present, Steamax?"

Steamax looks at his gift. It's an electronic (digital) picture frame, filled with pictures of Steamax and Uni, as well as some pictures of Steamax and his General friend. Uni was careful to only put friendship-like pictures in there and none of them being too close or lover-like.

Steamax looks at Uni and says, "I-I l-love it. I wo-would have preferred some pictures of just you in here as well as some of our p-picture booth photos, but I w-wouldn't trade this for the world. W-what's the occasion?"

Uni turns to Noire and asks, "You ready for this?"

Noire looks at Uni and says, "As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

Uni says, "Same. Let's rip the band-aid off."

Whispering to Noire now, she adds, "And hope we don't bleed."

Noire gives Uni a nervous smile and a nod. They turn their attention back to K-Sha and Steamax, who are giving them confused looks (and in K-Sha's case, a somewhat dark look, although she has no idea she's giving said look). Noire and Uni clear their throats. Noire begins.

"As you may know, Neptune and Nepgear called us over to Planeptune a few days ago. They had something important to discuss. All the nations are losing shares at an alarming rate, and we have no idea why. We also don't know if Gamindustri will make new CPUs or new rulers like Gold Third, so we discussed what to do amongst ourselves and we came up with a plan."

K-Sha raises an eyebrow and Steamax does an equivalent.

"Which is what exactly?" asks K-Sha and Steamax.

Noire gets too nervous to answer. Uni takes the lead and shouts out, "We decided to date, get married, have sex, and maybe have a kid, depending on if marriage saves our shares."

Noire looks at Uni and says, "Subtle."

Uni says, "There no need to sugarcoat it."

K-Sha and Steamax simply blink, unable to fully comprehend the situation. Noire notices their confusion, sighs, and elaborates.

"We think that if we find someone to marry us, and we hold the wedding publicly, that our shares will return to normal. If that fails, then we may have to produce an heir while we still have share power left. We're hoping that our kids might inherit whatever share energy we have left. That's if worse comes to worse. Regardless, Uni and I both agree that we want to experience sex with a male partner. Which is why we called you here. To explain the situation and ask for your cooperation while we start to find someone."

Uni adds on, "We know that you both want something more than a friendship with us, but we need to do this. Please understand, we're not doing this to hurt or spite you."

Steamax sits on his chair, frozen, his mechanical heart slowly shattering. K-Sha, meanwhile, gets a pissed off look on her face, causing Noire and Uni to shiver in fear.

In a rage, K-Sha flips over the table, causing her plate to shatter on the floor and the wood of the table to crack. Her fork and knife clink on the floor. Uni and Noire put their hands on their hips, ready to pull out a 44 magnum and a sword respectfully, in case the worst-case scenario happens.

"After everything I've done for you both, running Lastation, saving your lives, and giving you a place to stay, you're going to just toss me to the curb?! We even adopted that fucking cat together! This cannot be happening! I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS!"

With murderous eyes, K-Sha goes to attack Uni, the need to hit something overwhelming her. Before she can, however, her wrist is grabbed by Steamax.

"K-Sha, stop. I-I understand you're angry and f-frustrated, but hitting Uni isn't going to help. Please calm down."

K-Sha struggles to release Steamax's grip.

"Robot, let me go! Or I'll turn you into god damn scrap metal!"

Instead of letting go, Steamax's grip only tightens, to the point where it's starting to hurt K-Sha.

"I'm not letting go until you CALM DOWN!"

Steamax's shout, along with him not stuttering, is enough to stun K-Sha, Uni, and Noire. K-Sha stops struggling. K-Sha is breathing heavily but is slowly calming down. Once she is no longer in a mood to attack anyone, Steamax releases his grip on her. She smacks his hand away once he does.

Turning towards Noire and Uni, she says, "I will not stand for this. This isn't over. Not by a long shot. Noire is mine. I won't let anyone else have her."

With that said, K-Sha turns and walks out of the room, slamming the door closed with a huff. Once she is gone out of the room, Noire and Uni release their breaths that they did not realize they are holding.

Turning towards Steamax, Uni says, "Thanks for that, Steamax. I thought things were going to get ugly around here."

Noire nods and says, "Yes, thank you Steamax. I thought I was going to have to fight her again. Or worse."

Steamax doesn't immediately respond with a flustered response like Noire and Uni expect, much to their confusion. Their confusion turns into concern when their friend doesn't respond for a full minute. Suddenly, they hear sounds that sounds like sniffling. Finally, they see Steamax full on crying, oil replacing tears. Uni gets a guilty look on her face, and even the normally cool and collected Noire gets a sad, somber, guilty look on her face. Uni looks at Noire, her eyes begging for advice. When Noire shakes her head with a "I don't know" look on her face, Uni stands up, walks over to Steamax, and places a hand on his shoulder.

Through his tears, Steamax says, "I k-knew that I h-had no shot of being with you, b-but now that this has come to a head, I-I just can't bare it. Y-You are the first f-female I've e-ever been friends with, and I-I liked that you understood me like no one else does. I-I think I might e-even be in l-love with you. I-I won't stand in your way. J-Just make sure to be with someone w-who's going to treat you right. P-Please excuse me."

With barely a warning, Steamax stands up and rushes out of the room, oil tears running down his robotic cheeks. Uni barely stops herself from chasing after him. She looks at Noire, shame plastered on her face.

"That…didn't go as well as we hoped, did it?"

Noire shakes her head.

"At least we're not dead."

Noire walks up to Uni and gives her a hug.

"Are you okay?"

Uni shakes her head.

"Not really. But I think time will ease this pain in my heart. And ease the guilt in my soul."

Noire hugs her tighter as Uni lets out a few tears of her own.

I really hope this all gets better soon. On the bright side…

Noire lets out a little laugh, in spite of everything.

Uni looks at her and asks, "What's so funny?"

Noire looks at her and says, "This may not be the best time to bring this up, but you just got some invaluable experience. After all, not only did you just reject someone, but you also got your first face-to-face love confession."

Uni thinks for a moment before her face turns as red as a tomato.

Holy shit. I really did get a love confession, didn't I? Great, instead of feeling better at that, I just feel even more guilty. I really hope I can move past this and actually succeed in our plan. Noire's hug is nice, but I really wish a man was embracing me instead. I bet that would feel so good. That would definitely help me forget about my pain and guilt. Hopefully.

*End of Flashback*

Histoire, Chika, and Kei all reflect upon their situations and let out a collective sigh.

Histoire says, "We all might have it bad in our countries, not nobody has it worse right now than Blanc, Mina, and Lowee."

Kei says, "Yeah, I heard about what happened through the grapevine. That had to be a shock to the system for Blanc and Mina alike."

Chika says, "Of course it is. I'm not surprised she isn't here."

"Actually I am. I got here while you were in the middle of that flashback. Just making myself a drink and having some of those special cookies. If anyone needs them right now it's me."

Histoire, Chika, and Kei all jump and look towards the bar, where they see Mina making herself a Bloody Mary (Yuck!) while munching on a special cookie.

Kei laughs and says, "Leave it to the magician to sneak past all of us. So, I guess you've heard all about Uni and Noire's situation then."

Mina shakes her head.

"I only arrived near the end of the flashback. Can you recap for me?"

Kei does the recap this time, flying through their conversation in a speed that would make even the CPUs jealous.

Mina sits down on one of the hammocks, takes a sip of her drink, and says when the recap is done, "That all sounds pretty bad. Except for Nepgear. It sounds like she's doing just fine. I wish I can say the same for Blanc and Lowee. Even after Blanc is lucky enough to snag a decent guy on day one of dating, things still turn to shit."

Chika gives her a smirk.

"Sounds like someone's been getting lessons from Blanc on how to curse."

Mina gives Chika a small glare.

"I can't help it. Things have been bad. Exhausting even. Even I'm at my limit."

Chika gives her a pout and says, "Let it all out then. No need to hold it in around friends."

Mina says, "Guess it's time for another flashback then. Showing, not telling, always makes for better writing anyways. It's faster to explain it this way anyways. Author, if you would.

*Flashback to 1 day after Blanc's Dating Adventure and Lowee's Finest*

Blanc wakes up in her bed with a start. Her share energy is going crazy right now, spiking up and tumbling down in crazy fast succession. She turns over in her bed, only to find a very nervous Steve pretending to sleep next to her, his eyes shut tighter than any eyes should be. Sensing her movements, he opens his eyes and nearly jumps out of his skin when he notices her awake.

"Blanc, you're awake! I'm so happy! I was so worried when you passed out like that."

He wraps his arms around her and pulls her into a tight hug.

"Can't… breathe."

Steve loosens the hug and says, "Sorry. I'm just so relieved."

Blanc looks at him with confusion before memories rush through her mind. She blushes hard in pure embarrassment.

"I passed out while we were making love, didn't I?"

Steve nods and says, "Yes, you did. I was so scared. I didn't know what to do, so I tucked you into bed and tried to go back to sleep. But I was so worried about you that sleeping was impossible. Just so you know, I didn't touch the camera, or you while you were sleeping. I simply looked into the camera and said that we just had sex and you passed out. That was all. Just in case anybody found the video and found you in a…compromised state."

Blanc look at Steve and says, "Thank you Steve."

She gives Steve a slow kiss before she looks at the camera and her eyes go wide with fear. She immediately breaks the kiss.

Steve asks her, "What's wrong?"

Blanc goes pale and says, "Shit. Shit. Shit! SHIT!"

She rolls over Steve and grabs her phone.

"What is it? What's got you so pani…ck…ed?"

It is at that moment that Steve notices what Blanc sees, and his face goes pale as well. Somehow, during their love making/fucking, the camera got switched from video mode to livestream mode.

"How could this have ha…?"

Blanc thinks back and her eyes go wide again.

"Our bathroom break" she says in disbelief.

Steve asks, "Come again?"

Blanc turns towards him and says, "This must have happened when we stopped the camera for our bathroom break. I must have accidently switched it to livestreaming. That means that everyone in Lowee just watched us…oh God."

Blanc turns off the livestream, rushes into the bathroom and pukes, her stomach unable to take the stress. Once she is done puking, she flushes, wipes her mouth, sits on the toilet, and answers nature's call. She flushes again and breaks down in tears, stress overwhelming her. Steve walks into the bathroom, takes a leak in the bathtub (promising to clean that up later, not that Blanc even notices or cares all that much right now) and pulls Blanc into a hug. She immediately hugs him back, resting her head on his shoulder. She bawls on Steve's shoulder for the next hour straight, Steve offering as much comfort as he can but unable to calm Blanc down in the slightest. Finally, Blanc runs out of tears to shed and starts hiccupping. Steve pats her back, and her hiccups slow down before stopping completely.

"It's going to be alright. I'm sure it's not as bad as you think. Let's…"

Before Steve can finish his thought, Blanc kisses him hard and shoves him into her shower. She turns on the hot water, which scalds their skin at first before they get acclimated to it. She hops into Steve's arms and proceeds to ride him. Steve follows suit, and they have their first shower fuck. The water from the shower covering some new tears flowing from Blanc's eyes. Once Blanc starts to tire out, Steve pins her to the wall and continues thrusting into her, his hands spanking her ass, and his lips exploring her neck. He even manages to suck on her breasts for a few moments while keeping up his pace.

"Keep this up. Make me orgasm. I want to forget that this ever happened!"

Steve continues pounding her until she explodes into three different orgasms, the last one making her forget her embarrassment, her situation, and even her own name for a few blissful minutes. Steve explodes into his own orgasm at her last one. Both of them are left panting, their breaths hitting each other's neck in a sensual manner. Steve sets Blanc down, helping her remain steady on her feet. Once Blanc regains her senses, she and Steve wash up. After another hour, they are washed, their teeth brushed (Steve borrowing one of Blanc's unopened spares), and they are in Blanc's room. Steve is dressed in a pair of Blanc's athletic shorts (the stretchy kind) and a male sleeveless shirt (left over from one of Financier's many flings, she explains to Steve). Blanc is naked before him, deciding on what to wear.

After that accidental peepshow, I guess anything goes now. I don't want to come off as slutty to my people, but I also want to wear something sexy that turns Steve on. And since I already gave them a view of my body and sexual desires, Steve takes priority.

Blanc pulls out a sexy red halter top with matching red bra and panties. For pants, she decides a white skirt would look good with it. While she was in the bathroom, she applied her makeup and fixed up her hair, so that part is already taken care of.

"You know, whatever you decide to wear, you're going to look sexy as all hell. Besides, I like you for you. You'd look hot even in rags. I'd make love to you or fuck you either way."

Blanc blushes at the compliment and gives a sheepish smile to Steve. Steve gives her an earnest smile in return. Blanc turns towards him and gets dressed in front of him, teasing him by taking her time.

"Oh, a reverse striptease, huh? Naughty, Naughty. I have half a mind to come over there and ruin all your hard work. And make you cum in the process."

Blanc smirks and asks, "Why don't you then?"

Steve laughs and says, "We can make love later. Right now, we should see how much damage we did with that unintentional peepshow."

Blanc sighs and says, "Damn, I really wanted to fuck again. You're right though. We should see how much damage we did. And eat some food while we're at it."

Blanc finishes getting dressed and puts her other clothes in the dirty clothes hamper.

"You should put your clothes in here too. Just grab anything out of the pockets. Don't worry, I'll return them when they're washed. Maybe."

Blanc gives Steve another smirk. Steve laughs, grabs his wallet, keys, and phone out of his pants pockets and places his dirty clothes into the hamper. He places his things inside his temporary clothes.

He asks Blanc, "I don't mind going commando, but can I borrow a pair of socks?"

Blanc nods and tosses him a pair from her dresser.

"Here you go. And don't worry about returning them. You can keep them."

Steve says, "Thanks."

Steve sits on the bed and puts on the socks, then his shoes. Blanc puts on a pair of slippers, not wanting to leave the Basilicom today unless absolutely necessary. She grabs Steve's hand, and they walk hand-in-hand to the Basilicom dining room, where she orders her staff to make her and Steve some breakfast and to turn on the TV to the news. As the staff are making the couple some breakfast, the TV is turned on. Blanc and Steve watch the news, and the feeling of dread in Blanc's stomach becomes worse and worse as the program continues on.

"This is Abnes, reporting live from Channel 5 news headquarters. Our top stories today involve our fearless leader, Lady Blanc. Early yesterday morning, chaos erupted at a local fruit market when Lady Blanc bought a simple apple, then gave the market 1 million credits to distribute food for the day. People rushed into the market, trampling several customers and overwhelming staff. Police were quickly called and have arrested several perpetrators, as well as several thieves, who tried to take several items not for sale. No casualties have been reported, but several people have severe injuries. One person is in critical condition."

"This is Mr. Badd, reporting on our other top story involving Lady Blanc. Later on in the day yesterday, several people witnessed seeing Lady Blanc out on what appears to be a date with a gentleman. When asked about the incident, one witness said, "I saw Lady Blanc crying on a bench next to a dance studio. Next thing I know, some dude came up to her and comforted her. Then they walked away, talking about some restaurant named 'Knuckleheads' or something." This date seems to have been confirmed by a livestream Lady Blanc did later in the night, doing adult things to this gentleman, whose name we learned is Steve. This footage is too adult to be shown on TV, but clips of the livestream have shown up on some adult websites."

Abnes is handed a sheet of paper.

"This just in. At the end of the livestream, Lady Blanc and her mysterious partner Steve admitted that the livestream was just an accident, and that it should have been a private video. Lady Blanc looked pretty upset. We at Channel 5 wish Lady Blanc the best of luck in her new relationship and urge our viewers not to pry into Lady Blanc's personal life. I've been Abnes."

"And I've been Mr. Badd."

"And we wish you a good rest of your morning. Thank you for watching Channel 5 news. Stay tuned for Judge Quacky, coming up next on Channel 5."

Blanc turns off the TV and says, "This is a fucking nightmare."

Steve pulls her into a back-hug and says, "I know. I think whatever damage the riot caused to your, um, whatever powers you, will be offset by all the people who watched our love-making."

Blanc shakes her head and says, "It's called Share Energy. And I'm sure as hell not comfortable getting my energy from a bunch of perverts."

Steve says, "I completely understand that. But there's no question that sex sells. If marketers can use it, why can't you? Just a thought."

"Damn, it looks like we couldn't have picked a worse time to come back."

Blanc and Steve turn their attention towards the entrance to the dining room, where they see Rom, Ram, C-Sha, Dogooman, Dogoolady, and two handsome, nervous young men.

"Hi Sis. You miss us?" asks Ram, trying her hardest to break the ever-growing tension in the room.

Blanc looks at the group, surprised. It takes her a few moments before she can respond.

"You have no idea. Seeing all of you has brightened up my day more than you can even imagine. How'd it go monster hunting? And are those the boys you texted me about?"

Rom and Ram start to sweat at the questions, both for different reasons. Blanc immediately picks up on this and give them a concerned look.

Ignoring the first question altogether, Ram says, "Yes, they are. I'd like to introduce you to my new boyfriend, Mike."

Mike steps forwards, bows, and smiles at Blanc before saying, "My name is Mike. I-It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Blanc."

Rom quickly says after Mike's introduction, "And I'd like you to meet my new boyfriend, Sully."

Like Mike, Sully steps forwards, bows, and smiles at Blanc. He says, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Blanc. You have a wonderful family that my brother and I can't wait to get to know better."

Ram and especially Rom blush at that statement. Sully sends a quick wink Rom's way. Blanc smiles at the compliment and flirting, then pauses for a moment. She studies Sully for a long moment.

"Wait, you look familiar."

Blanc thinks for a moment longer before it hits her.

"You were at that racing thing that Blonde-haired big-tit bimbo of a CPU dragged Rom and Ram to. I remember it clearly now. You were discussing with your brother how you two wanted to ask Rom and Ram out on a date. You were even approaching them to do so before I went to teach Vert a very painful lesson. I found your approach innocent enough. If I hadn't cocked-blocked you guys, I would have given my approval right then and there. Sorry about that. I'll be interested to know how you all found each other again. You can tell me all about it later. First, I reallywant to know how the monster hunting went."

Rom gulps at the look Blanc is giving her. Blanc's look is screaming 'I'm not in the mood for any bullshit either'. Ram looks between Rom and Blanc nervously.

Rom says, with shaky breath, "It was a hard battle, but in the end, we won with only minor injuries. That said, I think I made the most damage when I lost it and kicked Ram's ass, to the point of almost killing her. I need help. I think, as a family, we all do. So, I'm asking you, not for forgiveness, but for help. I don't think I deserve forgiveness, not anytime soon anyways."

Blanc looks at Rom with her jaw dropped, and her face pale. It takes her a full minute before she can even think, much less respond.

Rom just swore. In a casual conversation. That's rare. No, that not what I need to focus on. She said she almost killed Ram. How the hell did that happen? Rom, the person who could barely hurt a fly, lost it, and almost killed her twin sister? It's almost inconceivable. I mean, they do take after me, but I don't think I've ever lost it to that point. Okay, attacking Neptune that one time over that Rei Ryghts mess in the anime was close, but Rom and Ram talked me out of it. So, for Rom to have done the same but worse is…I don't even know. Help. She wants help, right? Like a counselor, or a therapist? I think I can do that. Get her one. Hell, after the day I've been having, I might need one.

"Um, Blanc?" asks Ram.

Rom looks at Blanc with a face equally as pale. Tears start running down her face as she cries out, "Oh no. I broke Blanc. WHY CAN'T I STOP TRYING TO KILL MY SISTERS?"

Rom's shout and crying quickly snaps Blanc out of her trance. She rushes over to Rom and gives her a tight hug.

"No, No, you didn't break me. I was just thinking. You want to see someone, right? To talk about your problems and how to control them? I can make that happen. Please just calm down."

Rom's crying is uncontrollable. She cries for a half-hour straight, upset about what she did to Ram and upset that she, in her mind, broke Blanc. She cries herself to sleep. Even in her sleep, tears continue to fall from her eyes. Blanc picks her up and carries her to her room, Ram and C-Sha following her to make sure everything is going to be alright. Blanc tucks her into bed, wiping the tears from her eyes, and giving her her favorite teddy bear. Rom hugs the bear tight in her arms. Once she is settled in, Blanc, Ram and C-Sha make their way back into the dining room, where everyone has taken a seat and is waiting in silence for them to return.

Once Blanc, Ram, and C-Sha are seated, Blanc asks the group, "Okay, that's a lot to take in. What the fuck happened out there? And if anybody lies to me, believe me, there will be hell to pay."

Ram gulps, finds her bravery, and tells Blanc the whole story, everything from the motorcycles and travel, to the climb up the mountain and fight, to Rom and Ram's falling out. She leaves out the part about C-Sha's confession but confesses everything else. Even them making out with the boys.

Blanc clutches her head and says, "I'm starting to get a headache. And it's not just from the shares either. Does anyone else have anything else to confess to me?"

C-Sha says, "Yes, I do. But now isn't the right time."

Blanc puts up her hand in a stop motion.

"I caused a near fatal riot because I wanted to be charitable and help raise my shares, all of Lowee and most of the world has seen me have sex on a livestream that I did not intend to have, and I just got news that my kind sister, the shy one that stays out of trouble, almost killed her twin. There is nothing you can say that can rattle me any more right now. So just tell me whatever it is."

C-Sha closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and before she loses her nerve, opens her eyes and says, "Blanc, after all the time we spent together, and after all the stuff we went through, I have fallen in love with you. That said, I have no intention of interfering with your plans."

Blanc's brain completely shuts down at this point, the shock of it all too much for her to handle. She stands up, and without saying a word, leaves the room, goes into her room, and lies down in her bed.

*End of Flashback*

"That's all of it. The only words Blanc has spoken since has been "help Rom". I got her a therapist as requested. The nation is on the verge of falling apart. With Rom and Ram not being seen, Rom for obvious reasons, and Ram because of taking over the work at the Basilicom, people are starting to get concerned. And Blanc is still in shock over it all. The only time she leaves her bed is to go to the bathroom. It's like she's become the living dead. Mike and Sully spend as much time as they can with Ram and Rom, but with how things are, that isn't much at all. And Steve tries his hardest to help Blanc recover and help Ram run things, but he has his restaurant to run as well. He'll run himself into the ground at this rate. And our shares are even more crazy than everyone else's right now, which is not helping Blanc in the slightest. I have to check on her everyday to make sure that she's not dying from lack of shares. I'm basically taking care of Rom, Ram, and Blanc. And poor C-Sha. She gave a quick apology to Steve, explained herself as best she could with a huge blush and shameful look on her face, and has barely been seen since. It's not like she's obligated to stay, but some help would be fantastic right now. Last I heard, she was trying to help ordinary citizen with their problems to increase shares, but I'm not sure how true that is or how much it's even helping. I hate to say it, but the CPU's plan might be the only hope we have left. I just hope Lowee isn't the first nation to fall. Even with Blanc, Rom, and Ram finding someone."

Histoire, Kei, and Chika look at Mina, stunned. They heard bits and pieces of Lowee's plight through the grapevine, but they had no idea the situation is this bad for them.

"That's…a lot to take in. I heard Lowee is in bad shape, but I had no idea it is this bad. That puts our situations in a whole new perspective" says Histoire, a shocked and somewhat guilty look on her face.

Mina gives Histoire a sad smile.

"I know it's bad for us in Lowee, but there's no need to undersell how bad it is for every one of our nations. That said, I have an idea that might help turn our situations around. It's not going to be pretty though."

Histoire, Kei, and Chika all raise an eyebrow at that last statement, but look at Mina, intrigued.

"Histoire, when the Rei Ryghts situation happened, didn't you meet alternate versions of the CPU's?"

Histoire nods, slowly coming to understand Mina's suggestion.

"And, correct me if I'm wrong, but among the alternate CPU's, wasn't their one that was bi-polar and borderline sadistic, enough to make both Blanc's back away in fear?"

Histoire nods.

"From what I heard and experienced myself, yes" says Histoire.

"NO WAY!" shouts Kei and Chika, disbelief etched on their faces.

Mina asks Histoire, "Is there anyway to make contact with the four other CPUs and bring them here?"

Histoire gulps and says with hesitation, "There is. Me and the alternate version of me established a connection between the dimensions, similar to the connection between us and heart and zero dimensions. The only thing is that even the Goddesses and CPU candidates will age if they go there without a special stone. A CPU memory if I remember correctly."

Mina gives Histoire a sad but grateful smile and says, "I want you to make contact with them and bring them here as soon as possible. I think they might be the only one who can help the CPUs regain composer, balance in their lives, and set them on the path for their plan to succeed. In the meantime, I think we should help out as best we can until they arrive. I don't know if their plan will work, and we can discuss Plan B's and such, but unless we get some outside help, I don't think we stand much of a chance here. We don't know what's draining the shares. We're fighting a battle we just can't win."

Mina breathes heavily, winded from her flashback and long speech. From the corner of her eyes, she sees the outstretched hand of Chika. Turning, she sees a special cookie in her hand. Mina gratefully takes it.

"Our situations may be dire, but for today, we will relax. We can discuss Plan B when we're all drunk and feeling the effects of my special cookie. There isn't much we can do right now anyways. Besides, has anybody from our nations ever seen us in such a compromised state?" asks Chika.

The other Oracles shake their heads no.

"Let's keep it that way."

For the next few hours, Histoire, Chika, Mina, and Kei all get smashed and succumb to the effects of Chika's special cookie. They make small talk and share their dreams about being with someone themselves. After that, they get down to business. Their discussion goes on for a few more hours. Try as they might, they can't think of a single plan other than to get the Ultra Dimension CPUs to help and to help out their own nations themselves. They all decided to meet with the Ultra Dimension CPUs out of their own curiosity. It is also decided that Histoire will contact the Ultra Dimension Histoire to explain what's going on and to help get the CPUs to Hyper Dimension. With all that discussed, they continue to party, the rest and relaxation necessary to recharge their batteries and give them strength to endure what's ahead.

Scene cuts to a fadeout, a clearly intoxicated Histoire breaking the fourth wall to talk to the audience/readers (Like in the games)

"H*Burp*ello Everyone. The *giggle* author would like to apologize. He says that – One second. (Histoire goes around the corner to puke. When she's done, she wipes off her mouth, comes back into frame and continues). As I was saying, he says that he had half of this chapter written but hit a wall, which is why the ending may seem a little rushed. He also says that the 4 Ultra Dimension Goddesses were supposed to be a surprise for the story sequel but decided that they fit better here in the story. Lastly, he says to check out his blog and channels under the name Corey's Video Game Blog, where you can see him play all of the mainline games, including the new one recently released. Now, I really need a break from all the shit the author has thrown my way, eh, our way, so if you excuse me, there's more alcohol to drink and special cookies to eat. Farewell for now. Keep reading for more crazy romantic and slightly dark adventures.

Scene fads out altogether with Histoire returning to the party at hand.