Me: "Here we are again. Hello, good readers, and welcome to next chapter of this sometimes dramatic story."

Neptune: (Enters IC) "...It just doesn't feel the same without Heero here."

Me: "Nep, I told you that the new arrangement would be temporary. You just have to put up with it for a little while."

Neptune: "Well, I don't wanna! It sucks not having Heero with me."

Compa and IF: (Enter IC from Lounge) "Nep-Nep, I don't want to do this without Heero either. But we have to. It's the only way we'll get Heero back."

IF: "Compa's right. Besides, how else are we gonna get our paychecks?"

Zero: (Enters IC from Break Room) "Try to think a bit more positively, Neptune. The current arrangement will only continue for about two chapters."

Neptune: "That doesn't really make me feel better…"

Noire: (Enters IC from Lounge) "Hey, I don't like it either, but the only way this story is getting anywhere is if we suck it up and get this done."

Blanc: (Enters IC from Break Room) "...Let's get this shit over with. The sooner we do, the sooner we get Heero back on our side in the story."

Vert: (Enters IC from Game Room) "I concur. I very much wish for my Heero to be returned safe and sound!"

Neptune: "Hey, who said he was yours?! He's MY Destined Lover!"

Me: (Looks at watch) "Well, this has been nice, but we've got an intro to wrap up and a chapter to put up. So… yeah, let's hear that disclaimer, peeps."

Neptune, Compa, IF, Zero, Noire, Blanc, and Vert: "HeeroUzuki does not own Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Hyperdimension Neptunia, Super Robot Wars, or any work pertaining to any of the franchises."

Me: "We thank you for your patience, and hope you enjoy this chapter. Now, excuse us while we go about working on the next chapter."

Me, Neptune, Compa, IF, Zero, Noire, Blanc, and Vert: (Leave IC)

Ch. 47 To Save Someone Important

Clear, cloudless blue skies, a gentle breeze and sunshine; that was what greeted the people of the Land of Purple Progress. Thoughts of hope and a better tomorrow came to mind upon seeing and experiencing the fair weather.

Those feeling, however, did not apply to the place of residence that the party used as their safe house on Planeptune. Within the group's home, dread, hopelessness, sadness, and anger was what persisted in the air.

It had been three days since the party had arrived on Planeptune to begin preparations for their final battle with Arfoire... three days since the former goddess had taken control of Heero and turned the Gundam pilot against them. Between the crushing defeat the girls had suffered and the lack of their only male member, the group was left feeling utterly helpless.

The sound of the television was all that kept the first floor from falling into complete silence, and even then, Histoire was the only one watching. IF, Lyrica, Gust, and Red were seated on the couch, and the four of them were too depressed to really look at the TV.

Nisa was slouching into a chair at the dining room table, and Vert was seated across from her, staring down at a cup of tea in front of her. At one point the tea had been freshly brewed, then allowed to cool until it was lukewarm. Now, however, the CPU of Leanbox had sat looking at the drink in front of her until it had gotten cold.

Back in the living room, White Heart was sitting in a chair next to the bookcase at the back reading a book… or trying to. Her state of frustration kept her from actually reading anything beyond the first line of the book. In the reclining chair to the left of the couch, Noire was seated with her eyes cast down to the floor and her arms folded over her chest.

As for the party's leader, she was standing in front of the window next to the front door. Planeptune's CPU had transformed into her goddess form for no apparent reason, and was focusing her attention on the world outside.

Purple Heart wore a stern expression on her face as she looked out at the bright and cheery world that was Planeptune. It was her home, the land that received her divine protection. She should have been happy at seeing the pleasant weather outside… yet she was anything but happy.

Of all the members in the party, she had been hurt the most by what had happened. For the past three days, the goddess had woken up to a house that didn't have Heero in it. The lack of the Gundam pilot's presence had thrown Purple Heart off more than once, and it was slowly taking it's toll on her both mentally and emotionally.

Histoire looked over the living room and the kitchen. The negative mood in the air was quite suffocating, but her attempts at spurring the girls into action had met with failure, "(This isn't good. If this continues, nothing will be able to stop Arfoire from carrying out her plan. (●´・△・`))"

While the Tome of the Goddesses tried to think of some way to get the party out of their emotional rut, the news came on. The news story being discussed was one that the girls had seen for the past three days, and every time it was brought up their moods only worsened, "[Our top story is the continuing coverage of the mysterious monster that has appeared on Planeptune. Since it's appearance three days ago, the Planeptune Defense Force has suffered repeated attacks around the capital city. Adventures have been dispatched to subdue the creature, but have been unsuccessful in their efforts. While there have been no casualties, many have been injured by the monster during it's attacks. Furthermore-]"

Purple Heart's hands balled into fists as the news report went on. She detested the way the news anchors would refer to Heero as a monster, and how the boy was being forced to commit such acts of destruction. The CPU of Planeptune didn't want to hear any more from the Television set, "...Turn it off."

Based on her tone of voice, it was clear that Planeptune's goddess wasn't so much requesting as she was demanding that the TV be shut off. Despite the demand made by the party's leader, Histoire was insistent that they listen to the news report, "Neptune, I know this bothers you, but we need to keep up with current events."

Without saying a word, Purple Heart stormed over to the TV. If Histoire wasn't going to turn it off willingly, then she would do it herself. With her hand still tightly clenched into a fist, the CPU punched the TV, shattering the display window and when she pulled her fist back out there was a hole in the back of the television the size of her fist.

The girls all looked at the ruined television for all of five seconds before going back to their usual state of depression. Any other time they would have said something about it, but they just didn't care enough right now.

Histoire was growing increasingly worried about the party leader's emotional instability. Ever since Arfoire had taken control of Heero, Purple Heart had started to exhibit ever increasing aggression to the point where anything that reminded her of the fact that the boy was being used by the former goddess was enough to set her off.

Not wanting to risk the CPU putting fist sized holes in anything else in the room, the Tome of the Goddesses tried to calm Purple Heart down. "Neptune, I understand how you feel, but you have to calm down."

While Histoire had wanted to calm the CPU down, her words had the exact opposite effect of what she had intended. Planeptune's goddess looked over her shoulder at the fairy-like girl with a cold look in her eyes. "You only 'think' you understand how I feel, Histy. Don't start pretending that you do."

Before any more words could be exchanged, the sound of the alarm from the oven filled the air. Compa slipped on a pair of mitts before opening the kitchen appliance and pulled a cookie sheet out of the hot oven.

On the metal sheet in Compa's hands were freshly brake cookies with a golden brown color, a sweet smell wafted into the air once they came out. The nurse in training had hoped that the sweet treats might help to lighten the mood in the safe house, "The cookies are ready. Everyone, feel free to help yourselves."

Gust, Nisa and Vert looked over at the cookie sheet to see the fruits of Compa's labor, and were genuinely hoping that the gesture would alleviate their depression somewhat. Upon seeing the cookies, however, the three girls looked away, and seeing the reaction of the trio in the kitchen was enough to tell the others not to bother.

Compa was wondering why the girls had only looked at the cookies for a moment before going back to being depressed. It was only when she looked at the baked treats that the nurse in training realized why the other party members weren't interested. The smiley faces that Compa had put on the cookies didn't come out the way she had intended, and now the faces looked as though they were sad.

The nurse in training wanted to make another attempt at making cookies, but she had ultimately lost the will to try again. Rather than leave the cookies out for anyone to take, Compa dumped them into the trash so that she wouldn't have to look at them and feel any more depressed.

Not wanting to spend any more time in the dreary house, Purple Heart headed for the front door, "...I'm going out for a while. It's too depressing in here."

Feeling a similar need to get out of their home, Compa ran after the CPU of Planeptune as she passed through the doorway, "Iffy, we should go too. It might do us some good to get out of the house for a little bit."

IF had to force herself off of the couch to follow after the pink haired girl, knowing deep down that she couldn't just sit around the house, "...Yeah, yeah. I'm coming."

Slowly, the other members of the group were able to lift themselves up and do something other than just sit around in the living room. That didn't necessarily mean that the girl's morale had actually improved.

Histoire gave the girls thirty minutes to themselves before checking up on them. When she went to check on them, the Tome of the Goddesses found Lyrica, Gust, Nisa and Red sitting around in the work shed just outside.

Just by looking at their faces, Histoire could tell that their moods hadn't improved in the slightest. The fairy-like girl tried speaking to them in the hopesof spurring the girls into doing… something, anything at all, "Gust, aren't you going to try and make a new potion of some kind? (‐^▽^‐)"

Gust just looked at the various alchemic ingredients on the table in front of her with a melancholic expression, not really feeling up to making anything, "Gust is too sad to think of potion recipes."

Looking to Red, Histoire was a bit more confident about the red headed getting out and doing something other than just sitting and moping. "Red, why don't you go out? After all, didn't you say that you wanted to get one hundred 'wifey?' You can't do it if you stay here."

The usually energetic Red couldn't find it in herself to go out and gather the oversized harem she had aspired to have, "Why bother…? If I can't hold on to the only hubby I'll ever have, then what's the point of getting a hundred wifeys? They'll just leave me."

It was a very depressing answer and one that didn't inspire confidence. Histoire looked at the next likely candidate to do something with her day, "What about you, Nisa? Surely there are innocent people that are being threatened by monsters. They might need a heroine to save them."

Nisa had been sitting against the wall looking at the floor when Histoire had asked the question. The Keeper of Justice began to doubt whether or not she really was capable of protecting anyone with the botched attempted three days ago, "Yeah, they need a heroine… Not some hack that couldn't save one person..."

The answer that the heroine gave was even more depressing than Red's. Lyrica was the only other person to ask in the room, but it was at this point that Histoire wasn't expecting a different answer. "Lyrica? Surely you want to write new songs for when this is all over."

Lyrica didn't feel like going out, believing that it was pointless now that her muse was gone, "Sorry… I'm just not feeling it right now..."

If the girls had lost the will to fight, then there was no point in trying to persuade them. Histoire left the work shed and was about to head back into the house when she heard a tree falling over, followed by what sounded like swearing.

The Tome of the Goddesses approached the other end of the safe house and found White Heart striking the ground and a few trees with her axe. Noire was standing with her back to the visibly irate goddess, and Vert was sitting on a wooden crate with a sullen expression plastered on her face.

Lowee's goddess was breathing heavily and there were a number of deep cuts in the ground, implying that she had been taking her anger out on both the ground and the nearby trees for a while now. In another fit of anger, White Heart charged at another tree and swung her axe, uprooting the ligneous plant and sending it hurling backwards.

Vert had watched White Heart as she took her rage out on the inanimate object, which did not go unnoticed by the CPU of Lowee. With her anger still at it's peak, the goddess lashed out at the blonde haired woman, "What?! What is it?! You got something to say? Then say it already, you bitch!"

Leanbox's goddess saw no reason for the CPU of Lowee to address her in such a hostile manner, especially when she was going through the same pains at that moment, "There's no need for you to get upset with me. For once, I understand how you feel."

White Heart had expected some kind of witty and otherwise unpleasant remark from Vert, her response caught the goddess off guard. Lowee's CPU stomped her foot and kicked away a nearby rock before spouting more obscenities. "...Shit!"

Ignoring what was going on behind her, Noire began to head for the back door of the safe house. Looking over her shoulder at the goddess of Lastation, Vert inquired as to where she was going, "...And where are you going? You don't intend to stay inside, do you?"

Lastation's CPU saw no reason to explain herself to Vert or anyone else, snapping at Leanbox's goddess while keeping her back to the CPU, "What's it to you? What I do is none of your damn business!"

Noire went on her way, opening the door to the safe house and slamming it behind her once she was inside. Not wanting to disturb the two goddesses that were there, Histoire traveled back along the side of the house and entered through the front door to check on Lastation's goddess.

When she got to the front door, Histoire had arrived in time to see Noire enter the upstairs bedroom. The Tome of the Goddesses proceeded up the flight of stairs and peered into the room through the crack in the doorway.

It didn't take more than a second for Histoire to find Lastation's CPU, as she had seated herself on the bed she had been using since the group arrived in Planeptune. Clutched in Noire's hands was the bowl Heero had bought for her when the goddess had turned into a cat.

Histoire wanted to enter the room and speak to Noire, but one look at the goddess's face told her that wasn't a good idea. The raven haired CPU had tears welling up in her eyes and was choking back sobs as she looked at the bowl that bore her name. It seemed that at any moment she might break down and cry.

Even one such as Noire, who tried to project a tough front, was incapable of hiding her pain. With what she had seen with the other members of the group, The Tome of the Goddesses started to get a sense of what their leader was going through.

Sadly, there was nothing she could do. All of her attempts to encourage the party had failed miserably, and as time passed, the girls' moods only got worse. The only 'person' that might be able to remedy the situation was Zero, and Histoire had been unable to contact her since the incident, "I can only hope something changes soon. At this rate… (⌣_⌣") "

Xxx

After leaving the safe house, Purple Heart traveled to the outskirts of the capital city with Compa and IF in tow. Planeptune's goddess didn't have a set destination in mind, she just needed to get away from bleak atmosphere of the safe house… and the happy atmosphere of the city.

Purple Heart finally came to a stop in a clearing just outside the city limits. There was a waterfall, a few rocks here and there, and enough trees to grant some degree of privacy from prying eyes. IF came to a stop just outside the open space as the party's leader headed towards the falls.

Compa wanted to keep going, but the Guild Moderatist grabbed the nurse in training by the arm. When Compa looked back at her, IF just shook her head, "It might be better to let Nep have some time to herself."

Purple Heart came to a stop at the pool of water in front of the waterfall. The goddess silently gazed at the rushing water before her, the sound of chirping birds, rustling leaves and the crashing waterfall kept her from complete silence.

Planeptune's CPU slowly turned her attention to the body of water directly in front of her, focusing on her reflection. She could feel immense rage boiling in the pit of her stomach, making it's way to the surface.

The goddess of Planeptune had always taken pride at the incredible strength she had that allowed her to defeat virtually any opponent she faced… yet, it did nothing to stop Arfoire from taking away Heero. Purple Heart wasn't one to express any kind of hate, but in that moment, she couldn't help but feel overwhelming amounts of the negative emotion.

She hated the current state of Gamindustri, and how the people went about their merry lives without a care in the world. She hated the other CPUs for arguing with one another instead of focusing on defeating Arfoire. She hated Arfoire for brainwashing Heero and turning him against her… But above all else, Purple Heart hated the woman staring back at her, who had been powerless to save Heero.

With those thoughts revolving in her mind, the goddess tightened her grip on her sword. She needed to vent this unyielding rage somehow, and if she couldn't take it out on 'someone,' she would do so on 'something.'

Purple Heart raised her sword overhead, and swiftly brought the blade down onto ground in front of her. The impact of the goddess's sword tossed chunks of earth about, and large portions of water turned into small showers after being thrown into the air from the strike.

One strike. Two strikes. Three strikes. The goddess of Planeptune continued to strike at the ground in front of her, each blow sounding like an explosion. By the time Purple Heart was done swinging her sword, the pool at that base of the waterfall was three times wider than it had been, and at least two times deeper.

Planeptune's goddess dropped her sword as she fell to her hands and knees, looking directly at the ground as she started questioning herself, and whether or not she was as strong as she believed, "...Why couldn't I save him? Am I just not strong enough?"

Just seconds after Purple Heart started questioning her strength, the CPU reverted to her human form; Neptune. Compa wanted to go over and try to cheer up the party's leader, but the nurse in training, like every other member of the party, was too distraught and saddened to do much encouraging, "Nep-Nep..."

Even IF, who was normally impassive concerning Neptune's woes, felt bad for her. The Guild Moderatist could do nothing except lean on a nearby tree and lament their situation, "This sucks… Without Heero here, we're practically falling apart."

Neptune was hoping for something, anything that would tell her what to do now that Heero wasn't there to help her. Without him, she was well and truly lost, "Heero… what do I do now?"

The goddess of Planeptune was to lose hope, when a familiar voice echoed in her mind, "Heero wouldn't want to see you look so defeated, Neptune."

It was impossible for Neptune to hide her surprise. For the past three days the CPU had been unable to hear from Zero, and now, when she was about to fall into a bottomless pit of despair, the group's formless backer was speaking to Neptune, "Z…? Is that you?"

"I apologize for the lack of communication. I'm uncertain as to what happened, but I believe what occurred with Heero three days ago was what caused my inability to contact you."

Neptune's sudden shift in mood, drew the attention of both Compa and IF, believing that they might have received a miracle in their hour of need. Compa was hesitant at first, but proceeded to ask if the purplenette had really gotten in touch with Zero, "Is it really Z, Nep-Nep? Is she trying to tell you something?"

Getting back to her feet, the party's leader looked over at her two companions for a moment before looking up into the sky, as though it helped her to converse with the ZERO System. "Z, Heero is… Arfoire took control of him! Then she made him fight us, and now… Now…!"

Zero had a general idea of what had happened, but her ability to see what had transpired was cut off as soon as Heero had been placed under Arfoire's control. Now that what was going on had been made clear, Zero could understand why Neptune looked so devastated, "I see… But it is still too early for you to give up. Not when there is still a way."

Planeptune's CPU saw a glimmer of hope in Zero's words. That as bad as things were, there was still hope that Heero could be freed from Arfoire. "You mean it? You're being serious, Z? We can save Heero?!"

There was a long pause before Zero responded. The ZERO System thought it best for Neptune to see the answer rather than try and explain it to her. "...Come find me."

With nothing else to go on, Neptune swiftly turned around and ran past Compa and IF to go looking for Zero's current hiding place. IF tried calling out to the party leader, but she seemed to be too caught up with what she was doing to pay attention to the brunette, "Nep, wait! Where are you going?!"

Rather than waiting to hear an answer, Compa took off after Neptune, with IF following afterwards once it was clear that an answer wasn't immediately coming.

For ten minutes the trio traversed one of the forests far outside the capital city. Compa and IF wanted to ask where it was that their leader was taking them, but given that she seemed to move with purpose and the hopeful look in her eyes persuaded them not to, and instead keep walking until they reached their destination.

Neptune looked about her surroundings as she tried to remember just where it was that Heero had left the Wing Zero, "I think it was around here somewhere…"

The CPU continued her spastic searching until she found what she was looking for. Neptune ran ahead of Compa and IF to find the mobile suit that was carrying the unofficial member of their party.

Unlike their first glimpse of the mobile suit, the girls were able to actually see the machine that belonged to their sole male party member. It was a breath taking sight for them to be sure, seeing the angelic Gundam as it sat on the side of a mountain as if it were a throne.

As the trio looked up at the suit, the cockpit hatch of the Wing Zero opened. Setting aside her awe, Neptune started climbing up the rock face of the mountain on which the Gundam was seated. It took a minute for the CPU to climb up the makeshift platform of rocks, but eventually she made it up to the hatch of the mobile suit's control booth.

Neptune stepped inside the Gundam's cockpit and seated herself in the pilot's chair, hoping to hear from Zero now that she had arrived, "Okay, Z, I'm here! What now?"

In response to the goddess's inquiry, the cockpit canopy shut in front of her and the systems inside the Wing Zero started to come to life. Once the systems were online and the main camera display was projecting what was outside of the Gundam, Zero's voice came through the intercom, "This is our second time meeting like this. Though, I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances…"

As much as Neptune wanted to exchange pleasantries with Zero, the CPU of Planeptune was more focused on the earlier topic of saving Heero than anything else. "Z, you gotta help us! Arfoire is using Heero to hurt people!"

Before Zero could do anything to help the party, she needed to know just what had happened while she was trying to reestablish her connection with them. "Neptune, I need you to tell me everything that happened. Only then will I be able to help you."

Neptune explained what had happened three days prior, from how the party had went out to iron out the teamwork between the four CPUs, to the battle with Arfoire, and how the former goddess was able to take control of Heero.

After the goddess of Planeptune was finished retelling what had happened, Zero had a better understanding of what was going on, "I see… I knew the situation was grim, but I didn't know it was quite so dire."

Zero was Neptune's only hope for getting Heero back, and pleaded with the ZERO System to tell her of a way to save the Gundam pilot, "Z, you know some way to save Heero, right? You just gotta!"

The party's helper did know of a way to aid them in their darkest hour, but felt it better to convey that information herself, rather than try to relay it through Neptune. "I will need you to take me back to the safe house. I will explain what needs to be done to everyone."

Neptune wasn't against the idea of having Zero explain to the party how they were going to save Heero. The problem was HOW Zero was supposed to get there, "I'm all for that Z, but… I don't know how to pilot a giant robot. I mean, maybe if you give me a crash course I could. But, yeah, I don't see it happening."

"That should not be a problem. Heero constructed the device I asked him to, correct?"

It took a moment for the purple haired girl to figure out what the ZERO System was talking about, then remembered the device that Heero had been focusing on. "You mean that little doohickey that he left on the table? He said it's done… but does it work?"

"That's what we are going to find out. Behind the pilot's seat is an apparatus meant for containing the various modules for the ZERO System. I need you to open the tray on the bottom right."

Neptune stood up and turned to face the pilot's seat that was in front of the ZERO System. Before the purplenette could start pushing buttons in order to move the chair, the seat moved forward on it's own, no doubt because of Zero.

Maneuvering past the pilot's seat, Neptune found herself in front of the system that was supposed to house the party's other member. Kneeling in front of the supercomputer, Planeptune's CPU reached for the handle of the bottom right disk tray and pulled on it, revealing the various computer disks contained within. "All you need to do is pull the first disk from the tray. Make sure to close it after your done."

Neptune reached to grab the disk closest to her, but just as she was about to touch it, an unfamiliar voice echoed in her mind, "[...Are you lost?]"

The goddess stopped reaching for the container to look around the cockpit to find the source of the voice, but found nothing, "Who was that?"

Zero was curious as to why Planeptune's CPU had stopped to look around the enclosed space, "Is something the matter?"

After waiting for a minute to see if the strange voice would say anything else, Neptune passed it off as just her imagination. The purplenette grabbed hold of the disk she needed, and began to lift it out of the tray.

The moment the cassette was removed from the system, the world around Neptune began to turn white. Before the goddess could even try to make sense of what was going on, a bright light began to emit from the disk in her hands that filled her vision, forcing the CPU to cover her eyes, "Z-Z?! Is this supposed to be happening?!"

Xxx

Neptune had her eyes closed tight, and didn't open them for a few seconds. Once she was certain the bright light had faded, the CPU opened her eyes… and found herself somewhere other than the cockpit of the Wing Zero.

Before her eyes was a vast green plain, and further beyond it was what looked to be a city. Not only that, but there appeared to be a city suspended in the air, or so she thought at first. Taking a moment to look at the sight in front of her, Neptune realized that she was currently in what appeared to be a giant cylinder of some kind. There were buildings, roads and patches of grass and trees that dotted the massive cylinder, and on two sides of the giant tube were window panes of immense size that showed a what lay outside, the vast ocean of space and the twinkle of countless stars.

Looking up at the sky, the goddess could see clouds hanging overhead, but when they moved out of the way, more buildings and plots of grass and trees lay beyond, rather than a blue sky. The sight was a bit much to take in at first, but Neptune began to adjust, though she had no idea where she was or how she got there, "What is this place? Z, do you know where we are?"

Neptune was met with silence as she called for her disembodied party member. It seemed that wherever she ended up, Neptune was on her own. As the CPU began to plan her next course of action, the sound of footsteps approaching from behind drew her attention.

Turning around, Neptune saw a chain link fence before her, as well as a glimpse of what appeared to be a person that had just jumped into the air. Turning her gaze upward, the goddess of Planeptune saw a pair of hiking boots, black shorts, an olive drab tank top, and the visage of the one dear to her. "Heero…?"

Not only was the purple haired girl shocked to see the Gundam pilot, she was beside herself with the display of physical ability. The chain link fence in front of her was quite tall, about six feet in height or so, yet the boy had cleared it in a single leap without any assistance whatsoever.

Heero landed on the ground behind Neptune, and immediately started running as soon as he recovered. The goddess had clearly saw the boy looking down as he descended from his high-jump, so he must have seen her. What she wanted to know was why he was running? "Wait up, Heero! Where's the fire?!"

Neptune ran after the Gundam pilot as he dashed across the grassy field. Planeptune's goddess was running as fast as she could, but Heero was much… MUCH faster than her. Even if she were to transform into her goddess form, there was no way Planeptune's CPU was beating Heero in a foot race. Neptune quickly found herself becoming winded as she tried in vain to keep up with the Perfect Soldier, "Why does… Heero gotta be… so fast? Cute girls aren't… supposed to run so much…!"

Just when it seemed as though he was about to leave her in the dust, Heero suddenly tumbled forward and landed on his back. It didn't take long for Neptune to catch up to the boy lying on the ground, and as she drew closer, she could see a smile on his face and hear what sounded like laughter coming from him.

In all the time they had spent together, Neptune had only recently seen the boy smile openly. At least when he thought that no one was around or would notice. She had never heard him laugh before. "Whatcha laughing about?"

The Gundam pilot suddenly stopped laughing as he looked up at the sky. Neptune was about to check on the boy to see if something was wrong, when a small girl with a white sundress, hat and shoes suddenly showed up and approached the boy. In one hand she had a leash that was attached to the collar of the dog that was with her, and in the other hand was a flower.

Neptune had been so focused on Heero that she failed to notice the little girl until she was already there. The girl with the hat started speaking to the boy, completely oblivious to Neptune, as if she wasn't even there, "Hi there. Are you lost?"

Heero sat up as he focused his attention on the girl, who repeated her question to the boy. "I said, are you lost?"

The Perfect Soldier looked off into the distance, his answer being a rather depressing one, "I've been lost ever since the day I was born."

Planeptune's goddess didn't like the answer Heero gave. It felt too sad hearing the boy say that he was and still is lost. What made it worse was that for all she knew, Heero might still feel lost even after everything they had been through with the party, "But… What about me, and Compa and Iffy, and everybody else in the party? Do you feel lost even with us…?"

The girl with the dog was genuinely sad about bringing up the question once she heard the Perfect Soldier's answer, "Oh… that's so sad." Kneeling down, the girl focused on the puppy that was her companion. "Well, I'm not lost at all. I'm taking Mary out for a walk."

Mary started licking the little girl's face, eliciting delightful laughter from her. Heero watched the interaction between the girl and her puppy, feeling somewhat envious. Unlike him, she wasn't lost, wondering where she was going.

The Perfect Soldier was caught off guard by the girl in the hat as she presented the flower in her hand to him, "Here. I'll give you this flower."

Accepting the flower from the girl, Heero looked at the delicate plant in his hand. There was nothing special about the flower itself, but for the Gundam pilot it was the fact that he had received it from someone that held meaning. Mary started running off, pulling the girl behind her. "Hey! Wait for me, Mary!"

Heero watched the girl and her puppy for a moment before returning his attention to the flower. Neptune wasn't sure what to make of what she was seeing, nor could she tell if what she was seeing was real.

As the goddess tried to discern whether what she had been looking at, it suddenly grew dark, and Heero disappeared from in from of her. Neptune looked around for the Gundam pilot, only to find him sanding a few feet behind her.

The boy was facing the building he had just came from a few moments ago. In his left hand was the flower he had received from the girl with the hat, and in his right was a device of some kind. Upon closer inspection, Neptune was able to discern that it was a detonator of some kind.

Heero pushed down on the detonator's button with his thumb, and not more than a second afterward explosion erupted in and around the building behind the chain link fence. Fire spewed out from the structure, and smoke flew up into the night sky. It wasn't just the building that was exploding, but a number of large robots, clearly the mobile suits that Heero and Zero had mentioned before.

Having accomplished what he was there for, Heero so no more reason to linger in the area and prepared to leave, "Mission...complete."

As the Gundam pilot turned to leave, one of the mobile suits fell over after the bomb placed on it exploded, collapsing to the ground face first before a second explosion erupted from it… and the force of the explosion pushed the suit in front of it towards one of the residential buildings.

Heero quickly turned around once the explosion went off. The boy hadn't planned on the chain reaction of explosions to occur in the manner that it did, as was made clear by the surprised look on his face.

Throwing the detonator down onto the ground, Heero ran in the direction of the mobile suit, and Neptune ran after the boy in an attempt to stop him, "Heero, stop! It's too dangerous!"

The Perfect Soldier kept running towards the falling suit, but stopped the moment it collided with the building. At the same time that the humanoid robot collapsed onto the building, Neptune stopped dead in her tracks and doubled over from an intense, overwhelming pain that spread throughout her chest. The CPU of Planeptune felt as though she had just been stabbed in the chest with a dull knife, and it was taking everything she had not to black out, "(W-Why does my chest... hurt so much?! Nobody hit me or nothing…!)"

Shortly after the mobile suit fell against the building it erupted into an explosion. Heero used his arms to shield himself from the rush of hot air as the building behind the exploding suit went up in flames. There was nothing the boy could do. Heero stared at the devastation he had caused while clenching his fist around the flower he was holding.

Neptune slowly lifted her head to look at the boy before forcing herself up. She took one step toward him, then two. Slowly but surely, the goddess made her way over to the Gundam pilot, hoping that he hadn't been harmed in the explosion, "Hey… H-Heero… You alright?"

There was still no response, but she expected that. What she hadn't expected was the look of shock in the boy's eyes once she moved over to look at his face. After she saw the look in Heero's eyes, the world around the CPU began to turn white once more.

Xxx

The disk that had been in Neptune's hand fell to the floor with a clatter, and the purple haired goddess was resting her head against the ZERO System while clutching her chest. Beads of sweat ran down the sides of the CPU's face and she was breathing quite heavily.

As Neptune tried to get her breathing under control, Zero spoke to the disoriented goddess, "Neptune, are you alright? You've been sitting there unresponsive for the last five minutes."

Planeptune's goddess heard the disembodied voice say that she had been sitting there, but she was certain that she had just been standing some place else just seconds ago, "Z… what was that?"

Zero didn't know what the party's leader was talking about. After all, she had been trying to get Neptune's attention for the past five minutes with no luck until now. "I'm going to need you to elaborate. Did something happen?"

Neptune was still trying to figure out what it was she just saw, and at the same time was having to suppress a wave of nausea as she tried to explain what she had experienced. "As soon as I grabbed that disk like you told me… Everything went all white. Then I was in a big tube thing with buildings and stuff… And Heero was there… and a little girl with a puppy. Then it suddenly got dark, and there were explosions. And then… my chest started hurting."

While the goddess's words were disjointed and wouldn't make sense to most anyone else, it was the fact that Neptune had brought of the girl with the dog that allowed Zero to understand what she was talking about.

Planeptune's CPU was hoping that the party's helper could explain what she had just witnessed, "Z… what was that?"

Zero found it quite shocking that the party's leader had seen that, as she hadn't exactly planned on sharing such personal information about Heero. Nevertheless, Neptune had already saw it, so the least she could do was provide some clarification, "Heero's biggest regret. And that pain you felt… That you're feeling right now is his."

It was a dull pain that started in her chest and spread throughout Neptune's being, and the pain lingered. If just a moment of this pain was so agonizing, the CPU couldn't imagine what it was like to live with it… yet according to Zero, that was exactly what Heero was having to do. Live with that pain.

Once the pain began to subside and she overcame the sick feeling she had, Neptune picked up the disk she dropped and began to head for the now open cockpit hatch to rejoin Compa and IF. Zero was still surprised that Neptune had glimpsed such a personal memory of Heero's, thinking it was more than mere happenstance that she saw it, "(That she was able to see that… It would seem someone is closer to your heart than you let on, Heero.)"

Compa and IF had started to grow concerned after the five minute mark, wondering what could be taking the party's leader so long. The nurse in training continued to watch the open cockpit for signs of movement while pitching a suggestion to IF, "Nep-Nep's been up there for a while. Maybe we should go up there and check on her."

While IF could understand Compa's reasoning, the Guild Moderatist didn't want to assume that something was wrong just yet, "We'll give her one more minute. After that, we'll-"

The brunette stopped her line of thought as soon as she saw Neptune step out of the Wing Zero and start to descend the rocky platform next to the mobile suit. "Never mind. Looks like she's done."

It took Neptune slightly longer to climb down the rock face than it did to climb up, and when the goddess of Planeptune got back to her comrades, Compa noticed the purple haired girl had a slightly pale complexion and was holding her stomach. "Nep-Nep, are you okay? You look a little pale."

Planeptune's CPU wasn't sure how she was supposed to explain how it was that she looked sick all of a sudden, and instead tried to downplay her state of wellness, "You don't gotta worry about me. It was probably something I ate earlier."

IF knew what the CPU was saying was a lie. Neptune hadn't eaten anything that morning. The Guild Moderatist pushed her thoughts on the matter aside, believing that the goddess had a good reason for wanting to sideline the discussion, "So… What did Z tell you?"

Neptune held up the disk in her hand as a hopeful expression crossed her face. "Z's right here! She said that she would tell everybody in the party how we can save Heero!"

Compa and IF stared at the disk in Neptune's hand. It was rather difficult for them to believe that their last hope for rescuing Heero was in the object. Planeptune's goddess could tell what the two girls were thinking, and was quick to dismiss their skepticism. "Now's not the time to be second guessing! We gotta take this back to the house and put it in that thing Heero built. Now, get your butts in gear!"

With the disk from the ZERO System in hand, Neptune, Compa and IF began the long run back to the safe house with the expectation that they had finally found a way to bring the party's lone male member back.

Xxx

Within the party's place of residence, the girls had fallen back into their places around the living room as excruciating depression took hold of them. Not one of them enjoyed their state of dismay, but none of them could think of a concrete way to overcome it.

Histoire was at her wits end as she struggle to think of something to help the girls. The tome's plans either had no effect or backfired, making things worse, "I only hope Neptune, Compa and IF are fairing better..."

Without warning, the front door of the safe house burst open, and Neptune, Compa and IF entered the living room while struggling to catch their breaths. The sudden surprise entrance by the trio was enough to draw the attention of the other party members, as well as Histoire's.

The Tome of the Goddesses approached the girls as they tried to steady their breathing. "Are you three alright? You look like you've been running for a while. (・□・;)"

IF lifted her head to look at the tome. They had in fact ran a considerable distance to get back to their place of residence, and as such, couldn't help but make a retort, "Oh, yeah… We ran a marathon to get here. You should try it, too."

Compa straightened herself back up once she was breathing normally again. The nurse in training didn't want there to be any infighting when they now had their first piece of good news in three days, "There's no need for that, Iffy. Right now we have something more important to do."

Directing her attention to the object she was looking for, Neptune walked over to the living room table to make use of the projector Heero had constructed. It took the party's leader a moment to figure out what buttons did what on the device, but once she knew how to operate it, Neptune inserted the disk from the Zero System into the projector and pressed the power button, "That should do it, right?"

During the time that Neptune had been fiddling with the projector, the other members of the party had grown interested in what the CPU of Planeptune was doing that she was no longer in an overly aggressive state of mind.

A few seconds after Neptune had pressed the power button, light came out of the projector lens that slowly began to form into a humanoid shape. It took one minute for the human-like projection to take on a detailed form, changing into a more feminine profile.

When the projector had finished it's job, a woman with long golden blonde hair wearing armor reminiscent of the Wing Zero had take shape in the living room. The strange woman's eyes fluttered open to reveal her emerald colored eyes that scanned over the each of the girls.

While some in the group were cautious of the mystery woman, for the most part the girls were intrigued and wanted to know just who she was. Of course, there were two people among them that already knew who she was, with Neptune being the one to open dialogue with the otherworldly beauty. "What's shaking, Z?"

No one in the group, safe for Histoire was sure how to respond to Neptune's casual greeting of the woman standing in their living room. It took a moment for them to register that the CPU of Planeptune had just called her by the name of their formless helper.

Compa looked at Zero in disbelief, having difficulty grasping the idea that the woman she was looking at was indeed Heero's partner and the other previously formless being Neptune and Heero had been speaking to during their travels, "Wait, you mean…"

IF picked up where the nurse in training left off, looking no less surprised that she was, "THAT'S Z?!"

The girls knew that at some point they would be able to see and hear Zero, they had just expected her to look more like Histoire. Wanting to get things moving, Neptune suggested that the manifestation of the ZERO System introduce herself to the group, "Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself, Z? Then we can get on with the really important stuff."

It was as a good a place to start as any, and would certainly help break the ice. Clearing her throat, Zero began the process of warming up to the group of girls, "Neptune has already mentioned who I am, but allow me to introduce myself. I am the interactive pilot interface system Z.E.R.O., but you may call me by the nickname Neptune decided on, Z."

Having been assured that the person they were looking at was indeed Heero's partner, the girls began to loosen up. While the party's leader had described the physical appearance of Zero to an extent, Compa hadn't believed her until now, "Nep-Nep was right… Z really is even more beautiful than Lady Green Heart."

Red had hear attention focused on the woman's ample chest, "Her boobs are bigger than hers, too! I bet those would make for some amazing pillows."

Zero did cut a very striking figure, with a gorgeous face, curves and swells in all the right places, no excess weight based on her figure. Anyone would be forgiven for mistaking her for a goddess with how she looked.

Vert was somewhat hurt by the insinuation that she was now second best to someone else regarding beauty and chest size, "That can hardly be construed as fact. It's nothing more than Neptune's own deluded opinion that she made you believe."

While she didn't care much about the sudden comparison of beauty, Blanc wasn't going to pass up the chance to undermine Vert and the physical attribute that she prided herself on so much, "...There's really no denying that her rack is bigger than yours."

Of all the things that the party would have discussed upon seeing her for the first time, Zero had not anticipated one of those things being comparing chest sizes, "Is now really the time to be comparing bust sizes? Right now, there is a far more pressing matter that needs to be addressed."

Neptune wanted to move the conversation along as well, since the whole reason for bringing Zero to the safe house was so that the ZERO System could explain how they were going to get Heero back from Arfoire, "Yeah! Z here is gonna help us save Heero! You can compare boob size after we get him back, even though we already know Z is gonna win."

Upon hearing that Zero was going to help them, the mood of the party began to improve. The cloud of depression that had been hanging over them had seemingly evaporated, replaced by a real sense of hope that their situation was going to turn around.

Zero wasn't about to go promising anything until she made the girls aware of what they were getting themselves into, and what needed to be fixed before a rescue attempt could be made, "Before we can even begin to discuss a rescue plan, I think it would be best if I explained what exactly I am and how it pertains to our current situation."

The banter began to die down as the ZERO System began to explain her unique existence to the group. "As I said, I am an interactive pilot interface intended for use in mobile suits. My name is an acronym for Zoning & Emotional Range Omitted, hence the name Z.E.R.O."

It was rather strange to hear that one of the major contributors to the party's success was essentially a computer, but when they thought about what Histoire was the girls didn't think it was completely outside the realm of possibility. Nisa, in an effort to make sure that she was following along, tried to sum up what that woman had said so far in a simpler term, "So… you're basically a computer or something?"

Nisa hadn't been too far off the mark from where Zero was standing, she just wasn't entirely right either, "If you were to break it down into simple terms, yes. However, I am no mere computer. In addition to improving the user's reaction time, my primary function is to gather data during battle and form suggestions and logical conclusions based on that data."

IF wasn't sure what Zero was getting at with 'form suggestions and logical conclusions,' as did most of the group, "I'm not sure I get what you mean by that. Suggestion and logical conclusions are the kind of things anyone with half a mind can do. The way you're saying it sounds like something else."

While it was true that most people were able to make logical conclusions based on a set of given information, the way the ZERO System used it was a bit more complex, and went beyond what most people were capable of. "What the ZERO System does is gather data such as enemy force size, threat assessments, weapons and equipment, time of day, weather forecast, terrain… Basically, any variable that can be used to influence the outcome of a battle. From their, the advanced computational capabilities of the system formulates battle plans, as well as make the user aware of future outcomes and what possible courses of action are needed to bring that a specific outcome to fruition. Short and to the point, I am a future predicting system."

Although it was a lot to take in, the part that was the easiest to understand and frankly the most surprising was when Zero had said that she was a future predicting system. It went without saying that no such device existed in Gamindustri, and the technology for it wouldn't exist for a very long time.

Lyrica, who had been hiding behind IF and Nisa since Zero had appeared, poked her head out from behind the two girls to have her question verified, "S-So… you can see the future?"

"I do not see just one future, for the future is not set in stone. With the information I gather, I can perceive all possible futures that may come about as a result of battle… Even those possible futures in which the user of the system is defeated."

Being able to see any possible future was certainly amazing, but Noire failed to see what it had to do with their situation, "That sounds really impressive and all, but what does that have to do with right now?"

'What does that have to do with right now?' was a line of questioning the ZERO System knew was shared among the party. The reason the information was relevant was due to the fact that it was a major factor in the party's defeat three days ago. "What it has to do with right now is that the opponent you faced; the Gundam Epyon, is outfitted with the Epyon System. With the only difference being it's name, the Epyon System is a one to one copy of my own functions."

To hear that they had been facing an enemy that could literally see the future was more than a little startling, and rather infuriating to Blanc, "You're shitting me… That thing has a future predicting system?"

Vert was at a loss herself, but given the party's situation and how they had been soundly defeated before, Leanbox's CPU couldn't help but view Zero's word as truth, "Well… when you think about it, it does make sense. For all our power as goddesses, Heero defeated us rather easily. I can't think of anything else that would lead to such an overwhelming loss."

Now that they had an idea of what they were up against, Compa was starting to question their chances of defeating the Gundam Epyon AND pulling off a rescue of the party's lone male member, "But then… how are we supposed to win? I don't think we have a chance when Heero can cheat by seeing the future."

Fighting against someone who could see the future wasn't something anyone in the party had done before, and what made it more difficult was that it was someone they all cared for. How they were supposed to win such a battle was beyond them.

Although it was a question that needed to be addressed, Zero was focusing on what could be done in that instant. There was more than one reason for the terrible defeat they suffered at the hands of Arfoire, "While it is a key reason, that is only part of the reason you lost. The other reason you were defeat was because of the four CPUs and their lack of trust in one another."

Noire had been completely blindsided by the accusation, but it wasn't long before Lastation's CPU started getting defensive, "E-Excuse me?! There's no way I'm the problem! If anything, the fault lies with those three!"

In no time, Blanc was casting the evil eye at the goddess of Lastation. From her perspective, Noire, Vert and Neptune were the ones to blame for their failure, "...You looking to start something, bitch? Anyone with even half a brain would know that you three are the problem."

Everyone in the room predicted that Vert would take issue with the CPU of Lowee. And sure enough, a frown made it's way onto Vert's face as Leanbox's guardian goddess raised her objection to the matter, "I beg your pardon? I believe it is clear for all to see that I am not at fault here. If anything, the three of you are the cause of the problem."

It wasn't long before Neptune found herself joining the argument, believing that she had been the only one to actually do something that day, "I don't know what you jokers are talking about. I was fighting Arfoire while you were screaming and shouting at each other! You're the problem children here!"

And just like that, the four CPUs had proven Zero's point. Even now, when Heero was being used by Arfoire to undermine the safety of Planeptune, the goddesses were too busy arguing and blaming each other to focus on the real problem, "You prove my point. It isn't just one or three of you to blame, all four of you are at fault. Until you resolve these trust issues, any attempt at rescuing Heero is doomed to failure."

As much as they didn't want to hear it and the CPUs didn't want to believe it, Zero was right. Until Neptune, Noire, Blanc and Vert buried the hatchet, the party would be unable to save Heero, a fact that was demoralizing.

Compa turned to the party's leader with a pleading look in her eyes. The nurse in training knew that Neptune wasn't too keen on working with the other goddesses, but it was something that had to be done for both Heero's sake and Gamindustri's, "Nep-Nep, please try to work with them. If you don't, we'll never get Heero back!"

Seldom did IF completely agree with Compa's ideas, but this was one that she wholeheartedly endorsed, "She's right, Nep. Heero's done a lot for us, you owe him this much."

It was taking everything Neptune had not to go into a rant over how she believed the other goddesses were to blame for their situation. Remembering why she had gone looking for Zero in the first place, Planeptune's CPU took a deep breath before extending a proverbial olive branch to the other CPUs, "Look, you guys don't like me, and I don't like you guys for trying to steal Heero from me. Everybody can see that. But if we don't work together, Arfoire's gonna keep using Heero to hurt people!"

Although they held a mutual disdain for one another, the four CPUs also held a mutual affection for the Gundam pilot. They had even set aside their past grievances for his sake once before. Doing the best that she could to keep a lid on her anger, Blanc agreed to the arrangement in order to save Heero, "...Fine. Just make sure you don't do anything else to piss me off."

Vert was of a similar mindset as the goddess of Lowee. She didn't want to work with the other CPUs, but she would to ensure the safe return of the Perfect Soldier, "I will work with the three of you, only because I wish to see Heero safely returned here. So long as you do not test my patience, there shouldn't be too much trouble regarding our cooperation."

Noire let out a huff as she turned her back to the CPUs. She refused to believe that she was part of the problem, but she couldn't deny that facing Heero by herself would only end in disaster, "I could save Heero by myself, but I'll humor you. Just make sure you stay out of my way."

While the alliance was tenuous, the four goddesses at least seemed willing to try and put their differences aside for the time being. Whether or not they could maintain that willingness remained to be seen.

With the four goddesses giving their verbal agreement to cooperate, Zero felt the only logical next step was to do what Heero set out to do previously before Arfoire had taken control of him, put the CPUs to the test and see where they stand as far as teamwork was concerned, "Words alone are not going to convince anyone. Before we can work on a plan to rescue Heero, we need to see where your current level of teamwork stands."

The manifestation of the Zero directed her attention to the other members of the party, believing that it might be more beneficial to have them supporting the CPUs in this endeavor. "I know I shouldn't ask this of the rest of you, but I will need your help regarding the four of them. It might help to build trust among them if the rest of you are there to help."

Nisa was all for the idea of supporting the goddesses as they tried to build some semblance of teamwork, "You don't even need to ask. As the Keeper of Justice, I will do whatever it takes to see peace restored to Gamindustri! I'm sure the others agree with me."

Even if they didn't agree with the heroine, there really wasn't any other viable choice. Either they helped the CPUs get to a level of cooperation that they could work with, or they let Gamindustri be destroyed by Arfoire while trying in vain to recover Heero.

Turning her gaze to Histoire, Zero wanted to know if the Tome of the Goddesses was behind her proposal, "Histoire? Do you have any objections?"

The fairy-like being had been in silent contemplation once the goddesses agreed to cooperate. While she wasn't opposed to the idea of rescuing the Gundam pilot, she felt that it might have been better to go after Arfoire in Celestia instead, "I do support the idea… But would it not be better for us to go to Celestia? Our time would be better spent stopping the real Arfoire."

Neptune was shocked by Histoire's idea. She wanted to forgo saving Heero in favor of stopping the real Arfoire. Planeptune's CPU could not… would not go along with such a plan, "You wanna just give up on Heero to beat that old hag?! No way! I'm not leaving my Destined Lover behind!"

Histoire knew that the goddess of Planeptune would disapprove of the idea, but from her standpoint, Histoire felt it was the quickest way to not only save Heero, but Gamindustri as well. "Please be reasonable. I know you want rescue Heero, but you can't deny that you will hesitate if he is made to fight you, Neptune."

There was no deny that fact. Just the thought of having to actually fight Heero was enough to make the CPU seize up. As Planeptune's CPU tried to think of a defense of some kind to justify retrieving Heero, Vert offered up her own words on the matter, "I'm sorry, but I must take Neptune's side on this issue. Heero has done too much for me to simply abandon him. If I gave up on him just to save my home, I could never call myself a goddess ever again."

Blanc voiced her support for the idea, despite the fact that her nemesis was also in support of it, "...Normally, the thought of agreeing with Thunder Tits would make me sick. But right now… Heero needs our help. I'm willing to tolerate them if it means getting him back."

Although she wasn't quite as forthcoming with her feelings, Noire was also behind the idea of saving Heero, "In case you've forgotten, Heero is the only reason I agreed to join your little party. If you're not gonna try to save him, I have no reason to stick around."

An expression of astonishment formed on Histoire's face upon hearing the CPU's reaffirm their intention to rescue Heero. This was the first time she had heard them come to a general consensus on… well, anything.

Of course, saying something and actually doing it were two different things, and Zero wanted to know if the CPUs really were committed to working together, "I already have a suitable location picked out for the test. If you girls are ready, then let us be on our way. Compa, if you would, please carry the projector for me. I can't exactly go anywhere without it."

The party filed out of the safe house after Zero, hoping that they would be able to build a working relationship between the four CPUs and convinced the ZERO System to come up with a plan to save Heero.

Xxx

In order to gauge the current level of teamwork between the goddesses, Zero took the party to a cave located on one of the islands surrounding Planeptune. Once she had verified that they were no other people in the dungeon besides them, the manifestation of the ZERO System directed her attention to the girls, "Before we test the CPUs on their teamwork, I think a bit of practice is in order. I want to see how well Noire, Blanc and Vert work with the other members of the team before we get to the hard part."

The idea was to not only see where the three newest additions to the party stood with the other members, but to see how well they could work with someone other than Neptune. Noire was somewhat relieved, knowing that she didn't immediately have to cooperate with her Planeptune counterpart, "You wanna see what I can do, huh? Fine. I'll show you that I'm superior to the other CPUs."

Noire's willingness to go along with the plan was encouraging… even if it did earn her a few unpleasant looks from the other goddesses. "You enthusiasm is appreciated, but this is a test of your teamwork. Compa and Lyrica, you two will be assisting Noire. Gust and Nisa will help Blanc with her own exercise. And IF and Red will form a team with Vert."

Obviously, Neptune had been left out of the rotation, which left the party's leader somewhat annoyed, "Hey, how come I don't get to beat up on monsters?"

Naturally, Zero saw no reason for Neptune to join in on the exercise, seeing as she was already mostly in sync with the other party members, minus the three other goddesses, "Neptune, you've been working with the others for some time now. I already know you can work with them quite well. I need to see where we stand regarding the other CPUs."

With the teams picked out for the warm-up, the girls proceeded into the dungeon. It wasn't long before they stumble upon a group of monsters. The group of monsters was a quartet of Berserker Bunny, a relatively weak species of monster that the party had not seen in some time. But the party was there to test their compatibility in battle, not individual strength. Instead of just one person fighting, there would be three.

Wanting to prove that she really was better than the other CPUs, Noire stepped out in front of the party to face the monsters, "I could deal with these monsters by myself… But, since this is about team building, I guess I'll let you two help."

Compa handed the projector off to Neptune as she and Lyrica assembled behind Lastation's guardian goddess, with the party's nurse in training giving her assurance that they would support her, "Don't worry about a thing, Noire. We'll support you like we do with everyone else."

The cerulean haired songstress looked over at Compa, recalling a few times in which she shot at IF whilst trying to 'support' the Guild Moderatist, "But… you've at IF a few times while trying to support her. That gives me reason to be concerned for Noire."

Doing her best to ignore the possibility that she was going to be subjected to friendly fire, Noire focused on the monsters ahead of them, "Just make sure you don't shoot me in the back. I'll deal with the two in front, and you two can get the others."

It was a straight forward plan with responsibility being split equally for the most part. Noire drew the sword at her waist in preparation for battle, swinging the refined, elegant sword through the air once before running at the monsters before her. "Let's do this!"

Lastation's goddess rushed the four bunny-like monsters, getting within striking range of her sword before they realized she was there. Noire drove her sword into the body of the first Berserker Bunny before forcing the blade out the side of it's torso, bisecting the creature in the process.

While she could have pressed her advantage as get rid of the other monsters, Noire remembered that she was supposed to be functioning as part of a team. The CPU backed off from her attack to allow Compa and Lyrica to contribute to the battle.

A flurry of bullets and bolts of electricity darted through the air toward the Berserker Bunnies on the left and right, dispatching of them and leaving only one more to be dealt with. The last bunny-like monster leapt at Lastation's CPU, only for the goddess to sidestep out of the way while swing her sword horizontally, decapitating the creature in the process.

Noire swung her sword down toward the ground to clean off any debris that may have been on the blade before returning the weapon to it's sheath at her waist. After dusting off the front of her skirt, the goddess of Lastation turned around to face the party. Noire's lips curved into a smirk, believing that she had demonstrated her superiority, "I could have dealt with those monsters by myself… But what do you think, Z? Not bad, right?"

So far, Zero was satisfied with the results. Even though it was a short battle with relatively weak monsters, Noire was able to work with Compa and Lyrica well enough, and Zero had enough reason to believe that she could do the same with any of the other human members of the party, "Your performance was satisfactory. I'm convinced you won't have any problems working with any of the other human members of the team. Although, I will advise that you make use of Compa and Lyrica's support more in the future. If nothing else, they can impede the movements of the enemy and reduce the amount of risk you would normally deal with during battle."

It was the first time someone had said that her performance was less than perfect. Still, Noire had to accept the determination made by Zero for the time being, "I'll consider it… But it's not like I really need help. I'm quite strong on my own, thank you."

Compa was in awe over the quick and efficient, yet graceful a manner in which Lastation's goddess and dispatched of the two monsters she had chosen to deal with, "Noire was really amazing. She beat those monsters so quickly, and she looked so elegant."

Lyrica herself had been caught off guard by the display of swordsmanship, having watch Neptune use more crude methods of taking down monsters for so long, "All I see most of the time is Neptune just bashing the monsters we fight. It's nice to know someone in the party knows actual swordplay."

Neptune began to pout of the cerulean haired girls depiction of how she fought monsters on a regular basis, "Hey, am I getting sass from the meat shield? I'll have you know I can prance around and beat up monsters like Noire! I just don't, cuz it takes too long!"

Rather than let the conversation go on, Zero felt it imperative that they keep moving so that she could assess the cooperative performance of Blanc and Vert, before finally having all four CPUs work together, "Let's sideline this conversation for now. I still need to know how well Blanc and Vert perform when working with others."

As much as the purplenette wanted to gripe about Lyrica's offhanded remark, the party leader was forced to let it go as the party proceeded further into the cave. After a minute of traversing the cavern the girls came upon the next group of unsuspecting monsters that were to serve as practice dummies for Zero to gauge the effectiveness of Blanc's own level of teamwork.

There were three monsters this time, two of which were Imps and the third being a Jyaki. With how weak the creatures were a quick resolution was sure to come, depending on how well Blanc worked with Gust and Nisa. The armored woman looked back at Lowee's goddess, who took it as a sign that it was her turn to show what she could do.

Lifting the great hammer she had been carrying around, Blanc kept her attention focused on the monsters ahead while calling to the two members of the party that were tasked with helping her, "...Gust, Nisa, let's get this over with. I'll deal with the one in the back. You can deal with the weaklings."

Even though they had wanted to contribute more to the battle than just dealing with the weakest monsters, Gust and Nisa complied with the CPU's request, "If that is what Blanc wants, Gust will do as asked."

The young alchemist reached into her pocket and fished out a glass vial along with a few synthesis reagents. After dropping them into the vial, Gust pulled a second vial out of her pocket containing a liquid solution of some kind and poured it into the vial with the other reagents.

It was only once the contents of the glass container had mixed and started to produce a reaction that Gust looked over at Nisa, who nodded in affirmation, "Ready when you are, Gust!"

The alchemist tossed the vial up into the air, at which point Nisa took off after the bubbling concoction and kicked it toward to the trio of monsters. Although they had noticed the group of girls, the creatures had been slow to respond, and it proved fatal to the two Imps as Gust's alchemic creation detonated upon contact with the ground. Both of the small monsters had been vaporized by the ensuing explosion, leaving only the Jyaki remaining.

Blanc rushed at the large monster with her hammer at the ready, while the large bipedal monster charged at her. The CPU swung her heavy blunt weapon in time to parry the Jyaki's club. After a brief stalemate, Blanc was able to force the large monster back before spinning around once and using the momentum she had built up to strike the creature in the side.

The Jyaki was sent crashing onto the ground, at which point Lowee's CPU leapt into the air while raising her hammer overhead, bringing it down on the monster's head. It was quite obvious what the outcome was even before the goddess's weapon made contact with the monster.

With the monsters now disposed of, Zero had acquired the data she needed. She found Blanc's performance to be acceptable, though found that the goddess of Lowee could have made an effort to include Gust and Nisa in assisting her in finishing the last monster, "Your performance was passable. I will recommend that you rely on your allies a bit more in the future."

Lowee's CPU was a bit disappointed to hear that her efforts were only 'passable,' but there wasn't really anything she could do about it, other than to follow the recommendation given to her by the ZERO System, "...Fine. If you say so."

There was only one more practice battle and assessment to go before Zero would commit the four goddesses to a final practice battle. As luck would have it, the party didn't have to go searching for the next battle, as it instead found them.

A trio of Cockatrice was the enemy composition this time, which meant that Vert would undoubtedly need to rely on IF and Red for help if she was to win unscathed. Leanbox's goddess brandished her lance, while IF and Red prepared themselves for the incoming battle, "I believe this will be the first time I actually work with a party. I do hope I can count on you two to assist me."

The red head next to IF flashed a thumbs up at the CPU as she clutched the yo-yo in her hand, "You don't gotta worry about a thing. We beat up monsters like this together all the time!"

IF decided to humor the self proclaimed Wifey Hunter, offering her assurance to the goddess that they were capable of supporting her, "We have been doing this kind of thing for a while, so we shouldn't have any trouble helping you."

Having received their word that the would assist her, Vert focused her attention on the oversized bird in the middle, "This should end both quickly and smoothly if we each deal with one.

IF took off towards the left most Cockatrice with Red following in short order. Although Vert had talked about each of them fighting individually, the duo knew that it would be faster to team up and dispose of the monsters one by one.

Red reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of pachinko balls, tossing them at the large bird as it charged at them. The Cockatrice stepped on the collection of spherical objects and quickly lost it's balance, and IF took advantage of the situation by driving both of her katars into the monster's neck before it could recover.

The second Cockatrice zeroed in on Red, believing the small girl to be oblivious of it's approach. Despite the fact her attention was focusing forward, Red still had enough presence of mind to notice the incoming bird monster, narrowly dodging out of the way as it tried to ram into her with it's beak.

Slipping her finger into the looped string of her yo-yo, the Wifey Hunter flung the toy at the Cockatrice and struck the creature on the side of the head, leaving the monster momentarily stunned. IF used the opening to fire three bullets from the gun she kept hidden in her sleeve, with all three projectiles piercing into the Cockatrice's head.

Once the second bird monster was dead, IF and Red turned their attention to the third Cockatrice that Vert was supposed to be dealing with. The goddess didn't have the swift resolution that the duo experienced, but was nonetheless able to slay the Cockatrice with a quick thrust to it's head.

Only after they had confirmed that the trio of bird monsters was dead did Vert, IF and Red return to the others. Zero's assessment of Vert's performance was about the same as Blanc's, "Your level of teamwork is… average. Next time you should consider overwhelming each individual enemy, instead of splitting off to fight them one on one."

Leanbox's goddess wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel about being told that her performance was average. On one hand, it wasn't terrible, but on the other hand, it was nothing to be proud of. The blonde haired CPU heaved a disappointed sigh, resigning herself to the fact that she gave a mediocre display of cooperation, "It pains me to know I performed so poorly. At least now I know where I need to improve."

With the trial battles out of the way, the party continued on their way. As they traversed the rocky cavern, IF couldn't help but notice the similar level of forethought that Zero had with the party's only male member, which slowly got the brunette questioning her relationship with the Gundam pilot, "Hey, Z. You mind if I ask a question?"

Of course, the embodiment of the ZERO System already knew the question that the Guild Moderatist wanted to ask without looking at her. "You wish to know what my relationship with Heero is, correct?"

IF was momentarily surprised by the quick response and accurate guess, until she remembered that the female projection walking in front of her was a future predicting system. It wouldn't make much sense if she didn't know what question IF wanted to ask. "Y-Yeah… you mind telling us?"

Unlike the CPUs or Histoire, the rest of the party had no idea what sort of relationship there was between the lone male member of the party and Zero. Taking a moment to choose her words, the ZERO System responded to the question with a touch of vagueness, "Well… I will say there is definitely some affection between us. And while I do 'love' him, I'm not 'In love' with him."

Confusion was the general emotion of the girls. Not one of them was sure what Zero had meant by what she said, with Red being the voice for the others since no one was sure how to respond, "I don't get what you're saying. Whatcha mean by that?"

The confused looks the party had were oddly pleasing to Zero, who offered a mystifying smile in response to the red head's questioning. "I'm sure you girls can figure it out. But enough about that."

Obviously, the manifestation of the ZERO System was not going to provide the girls with a straight answer, and it did no good to try and pry any further. Since they had already come to a stop, the manifestation of the ZERO System turned to face the girls, "While we have a moment, I thought I would address the exemplary display of teamwork from the human members of this little group."

Compa was elated to hear the armored woman give words of praise to the girls… or at least the human girls, "Do you really think we did that well?"

By the sound of it, the human members had a much higher degree of teamwork and synergy than the goddesses. And of course, Zero wasn't about to give praise where it wasn't due. "Well, both you and Lyrica made a conscious effort to focus on your own individual targets while supporting Noire. Gust and Nisa executed a plan they had only just come up with, and they did so with impeccable efficiency. And both IF and Red showed an above-average level of coordination. All of that speaks volumes of your capabilities, and I'm certain Heero would be proud."

Histoire herself found it rather encouraging that even though the CPUs were only managing adequate levels of teamwork, the human members of the group had no such problem, "If the goddesses were able to work together as well as the rest of you, we would make significant headway in fixing the damage done by Arfoire. We could even see a time of peace in Gamindustri. But that is assuming they put their differences behind them. (*^▽^*)"

Disregarding the looks of annoyance from the goddesses, the girls started to feel a bit bashful after being told that their show of teamwork was enough to make even the normally impassive Perfect Soldier proud.

IF rubbed the back of her head while letting out a timid laugh, "Well, we try our best."

The words of praise served as a bit of encouragement, as well as a reminder of what the party was hoping to accomplish. Zero was left to focus on what was going to be the hard part of this exercise as the group continued on their way, "(I only hope they do not perform as badly as I think they will…)"

It wasn't long before the group began to near the end of the cave and found the boss monster of the dungeon. A Light Dragon was perched on a slab of rock jutting out from the ground on the other end of the room it had claimed as its dwelling. Although the large reptilian could see the party, it hadn't made a move towards them… yet. That would most likely change once they started encroaching on it's territory.

Zero turned to face the party and focused her attention on the four CPUs. "This will serve as the real test of your teamwork. You just need to defeat the enemy in this room, while I evaluate your teamwork."

Neptune didn't seem to think much of the idea. After all, if the entire party was working together then it was a fairly simple matter to kill the dragon monster, "No sweat. We'll beat him up quick, then we can start figuring out a way to save Heero!"

Planeptune's goddess was under the notion that the whole party was going to be participating in the battle, which Zero had to point out wasn't going to be the case, "There is one catch, Neptune. You and the other CPUs will be the only ones fighting. You will receive no support from the rest of the group."

Noire was completely blindsided by the caveat that the ZERO System decided to bring up now, "W-Wait a minute! You expect me to work with them?! Without help from the others?!"

Blanc had serious misgivings about what was being asked of her, and didn't hesitate to voice her malcontent, "I can't work with these bitches! They have no idea what the hell they're doing most of the time!"

Vert did not keep silent over the arrangement either, trying to persuade the armored woman to allow some of the other party members to aid them, "As you can see, we are not to keen on working with one another. Surely you could allow some of the others to help. Then I could at least tolerate these three."

Despite their misgivings, Zero was not going to budge. Only by overcoming their trust issues would the girls have any hope of rescuing Heero from Arfoire, "I will hear none of your excuses. If the four of you can't work together, how do you expect to save Heero from Arfoire?"

With an audible groan, Neptune handed the projector in her hands over to IF as she sauntered off towards the Light Dragon along with Noire, Blanc and Vert. Not wanting to risk the experience turning into a long, drawn out affair, Neptune wasted no time in initiating HDD to assume her goddess form; Purple Heart.

Not wanting to be upstaged, nor wanting to work together and longer than necessary, Noire, Blanc and Vert had undergone their own transformations via HDD. With their transformations complete, the four Hearts entering the room, the Light Dragon let out a roar as it descended from the rock slab it had been watching them from.

Purple Heart already knew that she couldn't count on the other CPUs, and decided the best course of action was to overwhelm the dragon monster with her immense strength. In the blink of an eye, Planeptune's goddess darted across the room toward the overgrown reptile with the intent of taking the monster's head in a single attack, "I'll end this with one strike!"

Planeptune's CPU swung her sword, taking aim at the Light Dragon's neck for a quick finish to the battle… only for her blade to strike something other than the monster's scaly body. While a single strike had been the idea, the sight of the large blade that Purple Heart's own sword had come into contact with told her that a certain goddess from Lastation had followed a similar train of thought.

Shifting her gaze to her right, Purple Heart glared at the one responsible for obstructing the path of her sword. "May I ask just what it is you're doing?"

Black Heart's broadsword had been mere inches from relieving the dragon of it's head when she was stopped short by Purple Heart. The snow haired goddess of Lastation shot an angry look at her Planeptune counterpart, irritated with the twin braided woman, "I could ask you the same thing! What are you doing getting in my way?!"

Both goddesses began to argue over who got in who's way, even as the Light Dragon prepared to launch an attack at them. With her attention still focused on Black Heart, Purple Heart forced the CPU of Lastation back, hoping that she wouldn't have to deal with the sword maiden again, "Stay out of my way!"

The two CPUs quickly jumped away as the Light Dragon slammed it's tail on the ground where they had been a second ago. While they had evaded the attack, both goddesses had been more focused on getting away from one another, rather than the monster they were supposed to be fighting.

After the failed attempt by Purple Heart and Black Heart, White Heart tried her hand at slaying the dragon. Rather than risk an attack on the ground that the other CPUs might interfere with, Lowee's goddess instead took to the air, going for an aerial assault instead.

White Heart quickly descended toward the ground, bringing her axe down with the intent of crushing the monster's head, "...I've got this! Die!"

At the last possible second, just when she was about to succeed with her attack, Green Heart's spiral lance suddenly appeared in White Heart's vision. The sharp tip of the lance collided with the axe head, knocking both weapons off their intended course, and ultimately led to both White Heart and Green Heart striking the ground in stead.

With her plan ending in failure, Lowee's goddess let out an irritated growl as she fixed her attention on her nemesis. "What the hell are you doing, Thunder Tits?!"

Green Heart was mildly annoyed with the axe wielder's profanity and vulgar nickname. As for the question of what she was doing, the green haired CPU felt it should have been obvious what her goal was, "I was trying to slay this monster. Unless you just weren't paying attention, I don't see how you could not have figured that our yourself."

White Heart was growing increasingly aggravated with Leanbox's goddess. She believed that the lancer wasn't actually trying to kill the Light Dragon, so much as she was just aiming to impede her efforts to slay it, "Really?! Because it looks like you're getting in my way, you useless cow!"

As Lowee and Leanbox's CPUs argued, the Light Dragon reared it's head back while inhaling a large amount of air in preparation for breathing fire on the two goddesses. White Heart's priorities immediately shifted towards beating her enemy from Leanbox into a bloody pulp as the conversation dragged on. "You wanna go, bitch?! Then let's go!"

Green Heart wanted nothing more than to erase the blue haired girl from existence in that moment. "As you wish. I will exterminate you here and now!"

The CPU of Leanbox quickly retreated as White Heart followed after her. Their timing could not have been better, as they moved away in time to avoid the breath of fire from the Light Dragon.

For the better part of three minutes, the four goddesses displayed a truly abysmal level of teamwork. Any time one of them would try to attack the Light Dragon, one of the other CPUs would take that time to attack as well, interfering with one another. They would start arguing, threaten physical violence, and by no small amount of luck, avoid injury from the dragon monster.

As this went on, the rest of the party could only watch in dismay as the CPUs failed to make any progress. Histoire was truly disheartened by what she was witnessing, "This is very distressing. I did not think they would still be so distrusting of one another. (ᗒᗩᗕ)՞"

Nisa was unable to comprehend why the goddesses were so insistent on arguing when they had a common enemy to defeat, "They seem to be fighting each other more than fighting the monster."

Even IF was having trouble grasping how the CPUs were able to hold onto their grudges in the middle of a battle with the dragon-like monster, "I know they don't like each other… But this is ridicules."

Zero had seen enough to reach a verdict. Although she had said the goddesses would not receive any help from the party, she couldn't watch the terrible display before her anymore, "This has gone on long enough. Compa, please aim at the stalactite directly above the target."

The party's nurse in training looked up at the ceiling and saw the naturally formed object that Zero was talking about. Compa picked up her syringe at took aim at the rock formation overhead as the ZERO System continued to relay instructions. "Aim at the base, adjust your aim slightly to the left, then fire."

Once she had fixed her aim, Compa fired a single shot at the rock fixture. At first nothing happened, but seconds after the bullet hit, cracks began to form at the point of impact and spread around the stalactite. It wasn't long before the large piece of rock broke free from the cave ceiling and dropped down onto the Light Dragon.

Almost instantly, the dragon was crushed underneath a pile of rock. The four goddesses stopped their bickering the same time as the stalactite came crashing onto the monster. Because the killing blow wasn't dealt by one of them, the CPUs came to the conclusion that one of the other party members had done the job.

Now that the battle was over, the goddesses returned to the party. Purple Heart new that they hadn't really worked as a team like they were supposed to, but she was still gravely concerned with how Zero had evaluated the CPUs, "...How bad was it?"

Zero turned in the direction the party had came. After the veritable shit show that she had witnessed, the ZERO System questioned whether the CPUs had been serious about their claim of working together, "I would say I couldn't imagine the four of you doing any more poorly… But I didn't want to risk that you would prove me wrong."

With no other reason for being there, the girls began to make their way out of the cave. Purple Heart and the other CPUs remained where they were, with Purple Heart balling her hands into tight fists as she looked down at the ground.

Slowly, the CPU cast a sidelong glance at Black Heart, which the goddess of Lastation caught. The sword maiden didn't take kindly to the glare she was receiving and started to lash out on impulse, "What?! What is it?! You got something to say?!"

Purple Heart was furious with Black Heart and the other CPUs, wanting nothing more to do with them. "I have plenty to say. None of which is pleasant."

The goddess began to walk off after the party, leaving an aggravated Black Heart to shout at her. "Where do you think you're going?! Get back here and face me like a goddess!"

"...Cram it, you dumbshit." Lastation's goddess snapped her attention over to White Heart as she walked by. The goddess of Lowee was in an equally foul mood, if not more so than the other CPUs. "We were fucking pathetic. There's no way I can with you assholes."

Black Heart could do nothing but grit her teeth as she stormed off after the group, Green Heart followed shortly thereafter while complaining over the failed attempt at team building, "This outcome is hardly surprising. Without any common ground, the four of us cannot cooperate with one another."

Xxx

Silence dominated the air around the party as they passed through a grassy field on their way back to the safe house. The rest of the party were walking a fair distance behind the CPUs, and although they said nothing verbally, the goddesses were most assuredly throwing insults at one another mentally.

The hostility between the CPU's was palpable. For the human members of the party, they felt as though they might suffocate on it at any minute. Hoping to remedy the bad blood between the goddesses, Histoire tried to suggest they attempt to improve their teamwork later, "I think we all just need some time to cool off. We can try and work on build your teamwork after a while."

Purple Heart came to a dead stop upon hearing the suggestion made by Histoire. Given how disastrous their evaluation battle went, and how she had already didn't like the other CPUs, the swordstress saw no chance of that happening. "No, we won't. We only asked for their help to defeat Arfoire, yet they can't even manage that. I'll beat Arfoire and save Heero by myself."

Black Heart rolled her eyes at the proclamation from the party's leader, finding it highly unlikely that the CPU of Planeptune could really make good on her word, "Right. YOU can beat Arfoire by yourself. Just like you beat her last time? The only one here that could pull that off is me."

From her perspective, Purple Heart thought it was the height of hubris that the sword maiden of Lastation thought she could accomplish the task, especially given how their battle in Celestia played out. "That's a rather bold claim coming from someone that needed help from the other CPUs to beat me."

With her temper flaring, Black Heart quickly snapped back the swordstress of Planeptune. "That was only to bring an end to the Console War. I can defeat you, or anyone without help!"

Purple Heart had reached the end of her tolerance. Planeptune's goddess had finally hit the limits of her patience, and went off on Lastation's CPU, "It's that self-centered mindset that led to Heero being taken away in the first place!"

Black Heart was momentarily stunned by the accusation before becoming absolutely livid, her face taking on a slight red hue from her anger. "Are you trying to pin that on me?!"

By this point, Purple Heart was right in Black Heart's face as she flat out accused her of being part of the reason Heero was taken from her. "You're only part of the problem, but I wouldn't be surprised if your ineptitude was the main reason my lover was stolen from me!"

Green Heart took issue with the statement made by the swordstress. Purple Heart seemed to be implying that the other goddesses were responsible for what had become of Heero, "Just what are you insinuating? That we are somehow at fault? That you are without blame? Need I remind you that I was trying to stop Heero?"

In trying to undermine Purple Heart's claim, Green Heart had ended up garnering the anger of White Heart, who felt that Leanbox's goddess didn't really do anything during the battle three days ago, "You are so full of shit! All you did was get in the way like you always do!"

Black Heart found it laughable that White Heart was ridiculing someone else over being useless when from her standpoint, Lowee's CPU had proven quite useless herself, "Like your any better! Who's stupid enough to announce what they're about to do to their enemy?! You're as useless as she is!"

Leanbox's CPU soon found her anger shifting towards Black Heart for her verbal sleight, "You believe yourself to be better than me? You were the first to be rendered useless the way you conducted yourself during that battle! Unlike you, I wasn't waving a sword around thinking I was better than everyone!"

Purple Heart directed her anger towards Green Heart, finding it rich that the egotistical goddess of Leanbox was trying to play the holier-than-thou act, "No, you just go waving your breast around thinking your better than everyone! Why don't you learn how to be useful before trying to claim the moral high ground!"

The party could only watch in stunned silence as the goddesses argue with one another. Even as the indications that a fight was going to break out became more apparent, none of the girls knew what to do to stop it.

Zero had thought the goddesses had been pitiful during their practice battle in the dungeon, but what she was looking at now was substantially worse, "...How pitiful. Gamindustri's guardian goddesses are really just a bunch of irresponsible children."

No one in the party had anticipated that Zero would start to berate the CPUs. The four goddesses were taken by surprise by the armored woman's ridicule of them, and White Heart was the first to recover… and summarily turn her aggression on Zero, "The hell?! You better shut up, or I'll-"

The manifestation of the ZERO System snapped at the irate goddess, cutting her off before she could finish, "Or you'll what?! Throw a tantrum? Use excessive amounts of obscene language? Threaten me with violence? Do so, and you prove my preconceived notion that you're just a brat who can't see her own shortcomings over her blase attitude and overinflated ego!"

Normally Green Heart would have reveled in the verbal abuse that White Heart was being subjected to, but felt that in this instance Zero was going a bit too far, "Now, hold on. As much as don't like her, I feel that you are going a bit too far-"

Zero snapped her focus on Green Heart, having more than a few choice words for the lancer of Leanbox. "You are quantifiably worse, Green Heart. Even when tension between the Aristocrats and the Parliament on Leanbox escalated, you chose to hide away in your room. You tried to hide from your responsibilities, and in doing so your ignorance, laziness and narcissism placed countless lives in jeopardy! You should feel ashamed, but I doubt a disgrace like you is capable of feeling shame."

Green Heart flinched at the harsh rebuke, and Black Heart suddenly found herself trying to defend the two CPUs that had just been subjected to vicious verbal abuse, "Hey, being a goddess isn't easy! We have a lot of responsibilities and-"

The manifestation did not hesitate to put Black Heart on the verbal chopping block, finding the sword maiden to be equally guilty of irresponsible behavior, "Black Heart, you are just as bad as her for the opposite reasons. Normally your hands-on approach would be commendable, but you have this mentality where you think that you can handle anything… everything in the world. Just because you can 'do' everything doesn't mean that you're 'good' after everything, nor does that mean that you 'should' do everything! When faced with a problem that you are ill-equipped to deal with, you try and solve the problem yourself instead of asking for help, which just makes things worse!"

Lastation's goddess could only wince as the ZERO System pointed out the glaring flaw in her multi-talented nature. After she was finished with Black Heart, Zero turned her attention to Planeptune's goddess. It was impossible for the armored woman to hide her disappointment in the twin braided swordstress. "And then there's you, Purple Heart. I really wish I could say that you didn't have a problem… But I would be lying If I said that."

Purple Heart didn't like where was going and braced herself for the metaphorical beating she was about to take, "Given what has happened over the course of this journey, I would have thought that you would ease out of your mistrust of the other CPUs. After all of your talk of Heero being your lover, and how you would work with them to save him, and really thought you had come around. Clearly that was all a lie. Not just about your willingness to work with the other goddesses, but about your feelings for Heero."

Planeptune's goddess recoiled slightly before trying to push back against Zero's claim, "That's not true! I-"

Zero didn't give Purple Heart the chance to finish, finding herself too upset to let the CPU get a word in edgewise, "Love him? That you will work with the other CPUs? After what happened five minutes ago, I believe you've already prove yourself wrong on both counts! Your pride and arrogance makes you blind to the fact that brute strength doesn't win every battle. Instead of aiding your team in stopping Heero, you tried to stop Arfoire on your own… You tried to prove that you and you alone had the strength to stop her, and in doing so, you practically gave Heero to Arfoire."

The swordstress couldn't believe what she was hearing. Purple Heart had tried to defeat Arfoire to save the Gundam pilot, not hand him over to the fallen goddess. Yet, Zero seemed to think otherwise. "How can you think that? I would never give Heero to anyone! Least of all someone that means to end the world!"

For the most part, the other members of the party wanted to ask Zero to ease up on the tongue lashing, but refrained from doing so. As painful as it was to listen to, this was something that needed to be said, and who better than Heero's partner to do the job?

Zero wouldn't accept any excuses from the woman who had claimed time and again to be in a romantic relationship with Heero. Not when there was so much on the line. "Even after what you saw, what you felt when you removed the disc from the ZERO System, you've made it clear that you weren't really thinking about Heero when you were fighting. You were only focused on proving that you were stronger than anyone. You were only thinking of yourself. I will not allow Heero to be chained to such a self-centered woman, and damn whatever you have to say on the contrary!"

Purple Heart froze as the ZERO System's words began to sink in. Zero had taken a firm stance against her being with Heero because of her perceived desire to prove herself. She wasn't entirely wrong, it's just that Planeptune's CPU had genuinely tried to save Heero while attempting to defeat Arfoire.

The armored woman wasn't quite finished with the goddesses just yet. Having finished getting on to them individually, she needed to make one final push to make them see reason, and hopefully commit to working together, "You claim to want to save Heero and the world, but how can you expect to do that when can't even save yourselves?! Console Patron Units? Goddesses? You are neither of those. You're just a bunch of children that refuse to grow up!"

IF couldn't help but wince when the manifestation of the ZERO System had finished her verbal beating f the CPUs, "Ouch… That was scathing."

Even Nisa felt as if she had been hit by the tongue lashing, despite the fact that she hadn't been subjected to it, "I realize it was a verbal beating, but she hit them so hard that I felt it."

Gamindustri's goddesses looked away from one another in silence. Zero's words had cut deep, and they had no comeback for them. Purple Heart was the most shook up over it, feeling a sense of inadequacy as she thought about her actions three days prior. It really did seem like she handed the Gundam pilot over to Arfoire.

Planeptune's goddess saw only one thing to do. Only one way she could convince the other goddesses to aid her in this dark hour, "...I want each of you to tell us… What you despise about the other CPUs."

Black Heart was trying to figure out what it was that the swordstress was aiming for with her request, before deciding that going along with the idea the only way she would get an answer, "You really wanna know? Fine. I hate the brat for her lack of discipline and for constantly mouthing off! I hate the cow for shirking her responsibilities and getting others to do her job for her! And I hate YOU because you're lazy, and because you think you're better than me when your not!"

Regardless of what the party's leader was aiming for, White Heart didn't mind pointing out specific reasons for why she hated the other goddesses, "If that's how it's gonna be, bitch, then fine! I hate Thunder Tits over here for making fun of my chest and acting all high and mighty all the damn time! I hate you for having everything that I wanted, from your bigger boobs, to your more social personality… it makes me sick that you have them and I don't! And I hate this broad because she's always riding my ass, telling me how I should act! I don't have to do shit for you, got me?!"

While she couldn't figure out Purple Heart's end goal with her idea of having them state the reasons they hated one another, Green Heart saw this as an opportunity to vent some of her anger, "If I were to specific about what I detest each of you for, then here it is. Neptune, I despise your lazy attitude and self-serving behavior. I have come to loathe the perfectionist here for trying to tell me how I should be managing my Leanbox. And finally, I despise this one for her use of obscene language and generally poor disposition. No matter what you may think, it is unfitting for a goddess."

Having heard the complaints from her fellow CPUs, Purple Heart was prepared to share her own resentments regarding them, "Before now, my own thoughts and opinions for why I held the three of you in disdain were trivial. I had no concrete reason for hating any of you, other than the fact that I was led to believe that you were trying to ruin the lives of those living in the human world."

The CPU of Planeptune had been looking down at the ground, trying to suppress the rage that was slowly rising to the surface. She didn't have a real reason to hate the other goddesses back when she was in Celestia, but she most certainly had a reason now.

Purple Heart lifted her head, a scornful expression on her face as she looked up the other goddesses. Her hands were tightly clenched into fists, and were shaking slightly from the wave of negative emotion she was trying desperately to keep a lid on. "What I hate… What I despise the three of you for is that you have repeatedly tried to come between me and Heero. Under normal circumstances, I would not hesitate to annihilate you for your transgressions."

Slowly, the goddess of Planeptune returned her attention to the ground and she unclenched her fists. It did her no good take her anger and frustration out on the other CPUs when she needed their help, "But… these circumstances are far from normal. There is a renegade goddess trying to destroy the world, and she's using my lover to further her plans."

The other CPUs wanted to know what the twin braided swordstress was getting out, so they retained their silence. Purple Heart thought back to her first day in the human world after she had been defeated in Celestia. "Before I lost my memories, I hated that the three of you defeated me. I could only think about having a rematch and beating the three of you once I returned to Celestia. But then… I met Heero. "

Purple Heart began to recall the journey and various fond memories she had made with the Gundam pilot. It was through that recollection that she realized that it wasn't her strength alone that got the party to where they were today. It was a collaborative effort between Heero, herself, and the members of the party, "Our first meeting may not have been the greatest… But since coming to the human world, I've relied on Heero for just about everything. No matter how bad things were, he always came through for me. Whenever I needed him, he was there for me."

Yes, the Gundam pilot had did everything in his power to aid Planeptune's CPU. Which made it all the more unbearable when the goddess had failed to return the favor. "Yet… the one time when Heero needed me… I failed him. I've always prided myself on being the strongest. Not just among the four of us, but of anyone in the world. I thought I could defeat Arfoire by myself, and save Heero without anyone's help. But look at where that way of thinking has gotten me. All I have to show for it is a former goddess trying to destroy my land, and she's using the one I love the most to do it."

There was only one way their situation was going to improve. Only one way to the party moving once more. Purple Heart needed to leave her misgivings about the other goddesses in the past, "If I don't put aside my pride and grievances, not only will we lose the world… I'll lose the one that I love more than anything. Heero means everything to me. Without him, I have nothing… I am nothing..."

Purple Heart hung her head as tears fell down her face. As much as she hated the other CPUs for trying to interfere with her relationship with the Perfect Soldier, she loved Heero more than she hated them, and would do whatever it took to bring him back. "I ask you, not as Planeptune's CPU, but a woman who realizes the foolishness of her actions… The limits of her abilities… and who understands that the three of you feel the same way as I do about Heero… Please… help me save him..."

Everyone in the party was shocked by the display of humility by Planeptune's goddess, none more so than Histoire. If it weren't for the fact that she was there to see it, she would never have believed that Purple Heart had begged… pleaded with the other CPUs to save one boy, "Neptune..."

Black Heart, White Heart and Green Heart had no choice but to face the grim reality that in their present situation they individually lacked the power to defeat Arfoire or rescue Heero. But if they worked together, they had a real chance at turning things around.

Lastation's CPU looked away as she downplayed Purple Heart's claim that her feelings for Heero were the same as hers, "Don't be absurd! Heero may be a likable guy, but that doesn't mean I love him. That being said… I will help. Heero's the only person who understands me and accepted my decision to retire as Lastation's CPU. It's hard to find someone like that..."

White Heart dwelled for one agonizing minute before finally conceding that she really did need to work with the other goddesses, "...Aghhh! Fuck it! While I hate you three, I hate the idea of Heero being used like this even more!"

Green Heart herself was surprised by her own change of heart, before realizing that the Gundam pilot still held sway over her despite not being there, "Normally I would flat out refuse your request no matter how much you beg for my help. But right now, I find that I cannot say no, given that Heero's well-being is at stake. Truly, he is a sinful boy, the way he is able to sway even goddess's heart."

Upon hearing the three goddesses state their intent to cooperate, Purple Heart brought her hand to her face and wiped away the tears that were still there. Once she had cleared the liquid emotions from her face the CPU of Planeptune began to exude an aura of confidence the likes of which she only ever had when the party's sole male party member was around.

Purple Heart extended her right arm out in front of her, holding out her hand with her palm facing the ground, "Understand that we form this alliance not just because it is necessary to save Heero and the world. We do it because it's what Heero would want."

Black Heart had been unsure of the CPU's motives at first, but seeing Purple Heart's gesture of camaraderie convinced her that the goddess of Planeptune was being sincere. Of course, she had no intention of letting her Planeptune counterpart upstage her, especially when Heero was concerned. The goddess of Lastation placed her right hand atop Purple Heart's while reaffirming her intent to work with them, "Yeah, yeah, we get it. At this points, it's obvious that this is the only way we're gonna save Heero and get back at Arfoire.

White Heart set her own hand down on Black Heart's, also coming around to their way of thinking, "...The only way I'm not gonna be in a shitty mood all the damn time is by getting Heero back. If forming this alliance can do that… I'll help."

Finally, Green Heart placed her hand down on White Heart's, voicing her own support over the proposed course of action, "In so doing this, we all agree to place Heero above our own petty differences. I'll assist you to the best of my abilities."

As Purple Heart had been looking at their hands, a fifth hand came down and rested atop Green Heart's. The wool sleeve was a dead giveaway as to who it belonged to. Planeptune goddess looked to her right to see Compa standing next to her, "You aren't forgetting about us are you, Nep-Nep? We wanna help too!"

The swordstress felt her right hand shift slightly as someone else placed their hand at the top. On her left, Purple Heart found IF casting a sideways glance at her, "You're not the only ones that want to save Heero, you know."

Black Heart suddenly found Lyrica standing next to her as the cerulean haired singer placed her hand in the center, voicing her intent to help as well, "I'm gonna help, too. Heero is like my muse, I can't think of any really great songs without him!"

Gust appeared on the other side of Lastation's CPU with a beaming smile on her face while placing her gloved hand on top of the pile, "Party is most happy when Heero is around. Gust wants everyone to be happy again."

Nisa also made her presence known, standing next to White Heart and adding her own hand to the middle, "Setting aside our differences to save the world is the only right course of action. I have no doubt Heero would be proud to see this."

Red was also in attendance, standing next to Green Heart as she placed her hand on top of Nisa's, "The only way I'm ever getting my one hundred wifeys is by getting my one and only hubby back! His EX rank charisma really works wonders!"

Although they had different reasons for helping, at the end of the day they were all there to save Heero. Histoire looked over Zero who had a weather smile on her face, "You really forced yourself back there, didn't you? (^・ω・^ )"

Zero didn't really like having to get harsh with the four CPUs, but it was the only option she had left at the time, "It wasn't easy, and I took no joy in doing it. But it was the one thing that I knew would work. Neptune may be the leader, and her bombastic energy may help get the team moving, it is Heero that holds them together. I've no doubt those girls will even make a miracle happen if it's for him."

The Tome of the Goddesses floated over to the girls, quite elated over with the turn of events that led to the alliance between the CPUs, "Neptune… you've really changed over this journey, haven't you?"

That fact wasn't lost on Purple Heart. She would never have imagined allying herself with the other goddess before. But right now, she had a reason to do so. A reason to give it a chance, "If I've changed, you can thank Heero for that. I don't think I would have made it this far without him. Even now, I still need him. Not as a bodyguard, but as my lover. For that reason, I… WE will save him."

Purple Heart looked over the faces of the other party members, all of whom were looking back at her. Their objective was clear. Their course, obvious. A confident smile formed on Purple Heart's face as she conveyed the party's intent. "Let's get our boy back!"

As the girls threw their hands in the air, the goddess's thoughts were focused on the object of her affections. He was suffering in that moment, and she would do all that she could to bring his servitude to Arfoire to an end, "(Heero, we'll save you, no matter what. Please… wait for me.)"

Xxx

Me: "Chapter 47, done! Sheesh, I didn't think it would take so long for me to decide on how I would have Zero give the goddesses the kick in the ass they needed."

Purple Heart: (Enters ACCC from Lounge) "Did she really have to be so brutal? I know it was to get us moving, but… words can hurt, you know."

Zero: (Enters ACCC from Break Room) "I believe the expression is; cruel to be kind. I needed to give you a bit of a beating in order for you and the other CPUs to final put your differences aside for Heero."

Black Heart: (Enters ACCC from Break Room) "Honestly, you were a little too cruel if you ask me. Maybe don't bear down on us so hard next time?"

White Heart: (Enters ACCC from Lounge) "...It was really irritating having to take all of that. I don't wanna go through that again."

Green Heart: (Enters ACCC from Game Room) "I too would rather not be subjected to such verbal abuse again. I felt as though I was going to cry."

Me: "It was only the one tongue lashing, you guys will live. Anyway, I'm gonna be live-streaming some Hyperdimension Neptunia on the 19th in celebration of 10 years of HDN, in case anyone wanted to catch me for a moment."

Purple Heart: "I already know Heero isn't going to be there, so I won't either. As for my video game incarnation, she may go on her sad, loveless journey through Gamindustri."

Me: "That's… a matter of opinion. I mean, you're entitled to it, but… I'm not sure everyone would agree with you."

Purple Heart: "Well, if they don't agree with me, then clearly they're wrong."

Me: "(There is no arguing with this girl when it comes to Heero, is there?) Z, hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna ask that you wrap up this segment for us while we get back to work on the next chapter."

Zero: "I do believe I have enough time to take care of it."

Me, Purple Heart, Black Heart, White Heart, and Green Heart: (Leave ACCC through Left Entrance)

Zero: (Turns to face readers) "Please read and review this chapter, and look forward to the next update. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to prepare for what may turn into a long training session for those girls." (Exits ACCC through Left Entrance)