The Neptunia Chronicles
Two Weeks Off
"Andrew. Andrew." Neptune cooed. It was 9:03 AM, and she was already up and about.
"Nggghhh… I hear you, Nep…" Andrew replied. He tried to move one of his muscles, but they stuck fast. "Oh for crying out loud." he complained.
"Are you even trying?" Neptune asked playfully.
"And it looks like I'm… not?" Andrew groaned. "Ugh! I give up. My muscles are as stiff as a board." he said with an exasperated sigh.
"Well, that's not good." Neptune said, frowning. It was then that she had her serious Nep face on. "Don't worry, my lovely hubby! I'll get you up and on your feet by tomorrow! You just rest, and I'll help you, okay?" she said.
"If you say so..." Andrew replied. He just laid there as Neptune left, coming back later with pudding.
"Say 'Ah'!" Neptune cooed. Andrew opened his mouth and she stuffed pudding in there, giving him time to swallow before the next bite. This continued on for several minutes until the pudding cup was empty.
"Now, since you can't move, I'll have to help you with dressing and stuff. Bathing is a no go until you can move again, and bathroom stuff is going to be an issue." Neptune explained. Andrew sighed as he heard everything.
"And I guess Compa told you about this?" he asked.
"Yeppers. Besides, I think this might be fun!" Neptune replied. Andrew just sighed again as he stared up at the ceiling as his body healed.
"What?" Neptune asked.
"Oh, nothing. It's just a downer that I can't even protect you in my condition. Plus the fact that it seems kinda silly that our positions have been swapped, y'know? You helping me and protecting me, instead of the other way around?" Andrew explained.
"I totally understand what you're getting at." Neptune replied as she rubbed the back of her head.
"So, what about that Jacob guy from yesterday. You called him 'bro', so I'm curious. Is he really your brother?" Andrew asked.
"Why, yes indeed. He's in love with Blanc, too. The only reason you and the others haven't met him until yesterday is because I put him in stasis just before the Console War started." Neptune said, explaining everything.
"Well, that's interesting." Andrew replied with a smile.
"Heh." Neptune laughed. It wasn't long until Jacob and Blanc came over to visit. "Hey, you two." she said.
"Hey, Nep." Blanc replied.
"How's my brother-in-law doing?" Jacob asked.
"Not well, I'm afraid. He's okay, health-wise, but his muscles are as stiff as a board. Poor guy can't even move an inch." Neptune replied.
"Oh. I see. By the way, Since I never saw your wedding, who on Gamindustri did you marry?" Jacob asked.
"Didn't you see him chained to the wall yesterday?" Neptune asked.
"I mean, what's his name? What's his personality?" Jacob retorted.
"Oh. I get it. Well… His name is Andrew Hawker, and he's the sweetest guy I've ever met. He was very straightforward when he admitted his love for me at the close of the console war, and he has protected me since we got married. He's also kind and cares for everyone, sensitive to other peoples' problems and offers his help when he can, and he does what he can to keep me happy." Neptune admitted.
"And he shares her addiction for pudding, whilist picking up the slack for her whenever she feels really lazy." Blanc added. Jacob smiled because of the kind of guy his sister married.
"Almost kind of like me. What about the other goddesses?" he asked.
"Well, we met this fifth goddess named Luna, who is a really mysterious gal, Vert is still vert, and Noire is no longer Lonely Heart. She found love in this guy named Lance, who has a more moderate personality compared to Andrew, thanks to his military background." Neptune said.
"Wow. So a lot HAS changed since you put me in stasis.." Jacob replied.
"And of course, you and I are together once more, Jackey." Blanc added with a loving smile.
"Yeah. I know, Blanc." Jacob replied, sharing Blanc's happiness.
"So, now that you guys are here, is there anything I can get for you?" Neptune asked.
"Some soda would be nice." Jacob replied.
"Sounds good to me. We have a while before we have to return to Aurelius, so we can use this time for some R&R." Blanc added.
"Alrightio." Neptune shouted, going to the kitchen and grabbing some soda for the two of them.
"So, anything to talk about?" she asked as she handed them their drinks.
"Well, the enemy made another counterattack late last night while you were gone, and we lost some ground, but our troops quickly rallied and pushed them back. Thirteen men died in the attack." Blanc explained solemnley.
"Ugh! That ain't good." Neptune replied, somewhat disgusted at the report.
"Well, this is war, so it's bound to happen." Jacob replied back.
"Hey, I'm glad that we were able to spend some time here, but we really should get going." Blanc announced.
"Alright. See you later, sis." Jacob continued.
"See you, bro." Neptune replied as Jacob and Blanc left the door. She then turned around and returned to the Bedroom. "Andrew looks so cute when he's sleeping." she said playfully, giggling. Andrew smiled in reply to her comment. Neptune knelt down and lightly petted his hair, before kissing his cheek and getting in bed next to him, turning on the TV in the bedroom to keep an eye on him. What was on was a newscast on the war front.
"...the scene where the Allies have surrounded and destroyed the staging point for a large Heaven's Bane counter offensive. Losses were heavy for both sides, as at least six hundred mercenaries and five hundred Allied troops are dead. It's been made clear to us by Ms. IF, one of Lady Purple Heart's trusted generals, that the enemy is getting more and more organized, better trained, and more determined as the war drags on. We will continue to report on the war as it progresses. This is War Correspondent Dengekiko, reporting for Gamindustri World News." Dengekiko reported in front of the camera.
"Ugh, no good…" Neptune groaned as she changed the channel.
"I fear we may suffer even heavier casualties before the end of the war." Andrew concurred with concern in his voice. Neptune just looked at him worryingly, before turning back to the TV. A couple hours later, she fed Andrew again. This continued on until they went to bed, both of them sleeping quite well through the night.
The next morning, Andrew was up and about. Although quite sore, he was at least not having stiff muscles like yesterday.
"How are you feeling, hon?" Neptune asked, a smile on her face.
"Ugh… sore, really sore… but I'm not stiff anymore." Andrew described.
"Well, that's a good thing." Neptune replied, as she took a bottle of sparkly purple nail polish and applied it on his fingers.
"Is this… wise?" Andrew asked.
"Oh, stop it. I'm just having a little fun. Besides, we still have all those clothes we bought. I figured we could have some fun." Neptune said.
"You just never get tired of it, do you?" Andrew asked, a little annoyed.
Neptune giggled. "Oh you silly, silly man. They're just clothes. Who wouldn't want a girls' day out?" she teased.
"I don't know if I should be overly annoyed that you find it fun to make me embarrassed out of my nerves, or if I should be glad that you can always be there to lighten the mood." Andrew replied with a sigh.
"Come on, don't be a Tsundere. We have a whole two weeks together. Besides, you know I won't let anything happen to you." Neptune replied.
"This is getting ridiculous… very well." Andrew said as he sighed in resignation. Neptune basically jumped for joy upon hearing his response.
"Alright, then! Let me go get your outfit together!" she said gleefully, before going to the bedroom and coming back with a purple plaid miniskirt and a lavendar-ish T-Shirt, followed by black nylon socks and purple shoes. She followed with white lace-trimmed panties and a matching bra.
"Going all out…? Neptune, isn't this a bit much?" Andrew asked nervously as a fluster extended across his face..
"No, come on. We're having a girls' day out. It's going to be fun." Neptune replied soothingly as she helped him up, before leaving to give him some privacy.
After a half hour, Andrew called out to Neptune.
"Okay… I'm ready." Andrew said, his shaking voice giving away his embarrassment. Neptune walked in and practically squealed with joy.
"Aww, you look so adorable!" she cooed.
"Uh, yeah… how do girls wear these things?" Andrew asked, obviously way too embarrassed to move with the short skirt on.
"Well, just like any other skirt or dress. Come on, it's way too cute to change out of already. Let me finish you up and we can go, okay?" Neptune continued. All Andrew could do was mutter incomprehensibly. Neptune got out a makeup bag and applied light touches of blush, mascara, eye shadow, and lip gloss, before leading Andrew to a full length mirror. "Aww, such a cute girl." Neptune complimented.
Andrew looked at himself in the mirror, and indeed, he looked like a girl in her late teens or early adulthood, albeit flat chested with an obvious male hairstyle. He wasn't sure whether to smile or to collapse into a blubbering mass of embarrassment. Instead, he just stood and stared at his feminized reflection.
"What do you think?" Neptune asked, startling Andrew out of his daze.
"Um… I… I don't know... I've never seen myself as a complete girl before… it's really strange, thinking of myself as one." Andrew replied.
"Oh? Well, you're going to get a lot of that this whole day, maybe the whole week." Neptune said, her yukkuri face showing.
"Let me guess, conditioning me to be comfortable dressed up like this… maybe even like it?" Andrew asked nervously.
"You can say that. Oh, this is going to be fun!" Neptune said, obviously giddy.
"What have I gotten myself into…?" Andrew muttered.
Sora was scouting the area, keeping an eye out for enemy movement. He had seen warfare in his travels before, but nothing along the lines of this.
"Is it wise to let this kid roam around a warzone?" a UNSC marine asked.
"I know Sora. He can take care of himself. Besides, he's very skilled with a keyblade." Noire replied.
"Not to mention the fact that he has a lot of combat experience under his belt from the Console War." Cloud added. The UNSC Marine bit his lip. The thought of a kid fighting in war, even voluntarily, was completely absurd to him. The only exceptions he's made so far were Rom and Ram, who were CPU Candidates.
Sora paid no attention to the ongoing conversation behind him. He instead focused on the task that was given to him, which was to find enemy forces in preparation for the next assault. The UNSC marine he was with would then designate the targets in question for artillery strikes.
"Aside from the whole 'kid' problem, may I ask why I'm on a black operations mission more suited for an ODST?" the marine asked irritably. "I'm used to military operations, but a black ops mission is beyond my payroll." he continued.
"Because you're the closest we have to a black operations specialist. Mason and the Chief are further out, scouting their own targets, while Delta Squad and a couple ODSTs are on the Reliance preparing for their drop" Noire explained. "For a grunt, this guy sure has a whiny attitude." she thought.
Sora stopped suddenly, before pointing to a group of tanks and IFVs parked in the open, being loaded with ammunition and fuel for another counter attack. The Marine took out his laser designator and tagged the targets.
"Alpha Lima, targets tagged, sending coordinates." the marine signaled on the comms.
"Roger, Alpha Lima, shells are away. I advise you stand back." a feminine voice replied. About a couple seconds later, artillery shells screamed through the atmosphere, before hitting the ground. The shells turned the tanks and IFVs into swiss cheese before their eyes, and what vehicles weren't destroyed were now completely useless. The few mercenaries who survived jumped out of their tanks, unsure of what happened, before making a beeline to their field HQ.
"Alpha Lima, here, artillery was on target. Repeat, target destroyed." the marine confirmed.
"Roger that. We're reloading for your next call." the feminine voice replied. The group continued to their next target. On the way, though they ran into a group of mercenaries on patrol. Sora's face became quite serious as he summoned his keyblade. Before the mercs were ready, he bashed them across the face with such force that they fell to the ground, knocked out.
"Hmm… Maybe I underestimated this kid's potential…" the marine said with a smile. Sora only smiled the best he could, given the circumstances. The marine simply took the kill in the boy's stead with a silenced Magnum as Sora looked away, keeping his eyes peeled for other threats. More artillery could be heard in the distance as other targets were taken out.
"The operation is going well, it seems." Noire said.
"I hope it ends soon. Kairi, Goofy, Donald, and Riku must be worried sick about me." Sora said with an audible sigh. Noire understood his dilemma. She knew Blanc worried about her twin sisters every day.
"Another target." a marine shouted. It was a rather large encampment of troops and equipment. Again the Marine designated the target, and again, the artillery flew through the air. The mercenaries ahead of them were caught completely by surprise as they were cut down by the artillery barrage. Sora felt a pang of guilt knowing that actual people were dying under his watch. But, he knew it had to be done.
"Another target has been destroyed." the marine signaled.
"Copy that, Alpha Lima. You're cleared to return." the feminine voice replied.
"Roger. Heading back now." the marine replied. With that, the group headed back.
"So, where to first?" Neptune asked herself. A breeze kept causing Andrew's short skirt to fly up. He was obviously uncomfortable.
"Damn it, Nep, why?!" Andrew groaned as he struggled to keep his skirt down. He looked to be on the verge of tears in his embarrassment and humiliation. Neptune tried to stifle a chuckle at his expense, only taking his hand and leading him inside a shopping center.
"Hello, you two. What can I do for you?" a woman asked from behind a counter.
"Oh hey. I just brought a friend over who needs a new bikini swimsuit." Neptune replied.
"I see.* the woman said as she looked over. "Is this… her first time getting a swimsuit?" she asked.
"In a way, yes." Neptune replied with a smile. Andrew just flustered in response, very uncomfortable with how Neptune was taking this.
"Well, I can certainly see it. Go to the back and find what you'd like." the woman said with a smile. When they were some ways away from anyone, Andrew spoke up in a hushed tone.
"In all my years, I would have never anticipated this kind of torture… dammit, Neptune!" he cried.
"Oh hush, honey, you're doing fine so far." Neptune said with a smile.
"So far…" Andrew muttered.
"Hmm… let's see… Oh, this is pretty." Neptune said as she picked up a purple, lavender flower-print bikini adorned with ruffles and a skirt.
"Neptune, please… This is getting to be too much…" Andrew begged.
"Oh come on. Try it, I want to see how it fits." Neptune replied, diverting the subject. Andrew just took the swimsuit and went to the changing room nearby, coming out wearing the bikini.
"Hmm… It's… um… wow. It suits you, Andrew." Neptune said, examining her husband. All Andrew could do was mutter something incoherent, causing Neptune to giggle. "Alright, let's put the bikini in the basket and go to the intimates section." she said finally. Andrew's fluster went deeper, and he felt like his face was inside the sun by now.
They walked over to the intimate apparel section, when Neptune found some panties, some bras, and, to Andrew's dismay, a babydoll set.
"Neptune… you are enjoying this way too much!" Andrew shouted quietly.
"Oh come on, it's cute. After this nice bit of shopping, we can get a treat." Neptune replied with a smile.
"Mmmhhhh…" Andrew moaned in embarrassment. "Why do you like to torture me like this?" he asked.
"Well, it's not torture if you change your mindset about it. Think of it this way. A friendly activity that nobody but us know about, aside from the friends who know." Neptune suggested.
"I'm trying, but it's still embarrassing…" Andrew replied.
"Aw, you'll grow used to it, girlie." Neptune said. "Come here, I want to have a look with this babydoll set." she added. Andrew walked up to her and she measured the overly feminine sleepwear against him. "I see, I see now… Yes, it's perfect." she added as she put the babydoll set in the basket with the other things.
"How much more…?" Andrew asked, still blushing.
"Well, we need some socks, some shoes… a makeup bag for you… and, despite the dresses you already have, you still don't a fancy party dress. After that is a purse, some cute gloves… typical girl stuff… After all that, we can get some ice cream." Neptune listed off.
"Neptune… No more, please…" Andrew cried.
"Not a chance. Come on, let's keep going." Neptune said, leading Andrew to where the socks are. There, she picked out some ankle-length lace-trimmed socks. From there, she went to the shoes, getting some purple, heart-print tennis shoes and some sparkly purple flats. After that was the makeup bag, then the purse, and finally the fancy party dress, which was just as sparkly as the flats, with a full, knee-length taffeta skirt and built-in petticoats. Once done, they went to the checkout area and bought everything.
"Is there any other clothes you wish to get me or is your fashionistic torture done?" Andrew asked, still flustering.
"Oh, stop. Come on, let's go get ice cream!" Neptune replied. The went back out into the wind, and once again, Andrew struggled to keep his skirt down.
"Nep, I'm really getting tired of this… This wind is making things… very hard!" Andrew complained.
"Ah, the pervy, boisterous wind. It gets to even the best of us." Neptune replied.
"Couldn't you have put me in a heavier or straighter skirt? Like denim or something?" Andrew continued to complain, just barely hanging onto his sanity.
"Pfft. That wouldn't look good with the top. Besides, you've gotta get used to all the styles and such." Neptune replied.
"I hate you so much right now, Neptune…" Andrew muttered under his breath. After a while, they made it to an ice cream parlor. "FINALLY! Out of that damned wind!" Andrew said under his breath with some measure of relief.
"Alrighty… Let's get some ice cream, shall we?" Neptune asked with glee.
"Alright… It could help me get my mind off of this…" Andrew said, obviously referring to his feminine outfit. The two of them got their ice cream, before they sat down and enjoyed it.
"Mmmmhhhhh" Neptune moaned happily as she ate her ice cream.
"I have to admit, it's good ice cream…" Andrew concurred. They ate their ice cream silently for the next half hour, after which they paid for their ice cream and returned home. Thankfully, the wind died down. Andrew just sighed as he sat on the couch.
"You're not going to let me change out of this, are you?" Andrew asked.
"No. I kinda want you to get used to it. Don't worry, I'm here for you." Neptune replied with a smile. Neither of them noticed the mass of orange hair with two red beads walking in.
"Why is Andrew dressed so girly?!" Peashy asked, laughing up a storm.
"It's Nep's idea." Andrew answered, flustering.
"Neptuna? Why did you dress him up so girly?" Peashy asked with curiosity.
"Well, it's quite fun. Plus, he's going to get used to it. Aren't you, sweetheart?" Neptune replied, turning to Andrew.
"Yes, yes." Andrew said back, still flustering. Peashy smiled in response.
"He's so cute!" she chirped. Neptune giggled.
"I know, right?" Neptune agreed.
"Will you two please stop? This isn't helping." Andrew cried. Neptune looked at him and frowned, before wrapping her arms around him.
"Calm down, Honey. I'm right here…" she said soothingly, calming her feminized husband down a lot.
Andrew sighs, saying nothing.
"I wanna play!" Peashy yelled.
"Okay, what would you like to play?" Neptune asked.
"Hmm… um… how about… how about… I… ugh, I forgot what I wanted to play…" Peashy complained, not coming up with any ideas.
"How about tag?" Neptune asked.
"No, we played that the last time…" Peashy replied with an irritated look.
"Why not dress-up?" Ram said as she walked in.
"When did you get here?" Andrew asked, completely shocked.
"Just a couple minutes ago… oh my…" Blanc said as she walked in, seeing Andrew in his girly outfit.
"Please don't get the wrong idea, Blanc." Andrew pleaded.
"Andrew, what the hell?" Jacob asked, looking absolutely irate.
"It's not my idea, I swear!" Andrew pleaded.
"Oh, really?! And I suppose that the man my sister married was a complete-" Jacob said, before getting interrupted.
"Stop it bro!" Neptune snapped.
"Sis? You're defending his-" Jacob asked, still irate.
"It was my idea, okay?! He and I are just having a little fun!" Neptune said.
"Actually… I think he looks kind of cute." Blanc said with a smile.
"'Cute'? It's absurd! It's insane!" Jacob continued to say.
"Shut the hell up already!" Blanc shouted.
"B-Blanc?" Jacob stammered, unsure of what happened. Blanc sighed, regaining her composure.
"Look, as a CPU, you're supposed to understand and promote what make the people happy, on top of protecting them. Can you please try to understand? It's obviously a game between them, and you have no business butting in on their decisions. Yes, you can provide friendly, brotherly advice, but beyond that, what they do in their free time is ultimately up to them." Blanc explained sternly.
Jacob just sighed. "Once again, I have to agree. I see I still have some things I need to work on." he said. Blanc smiled.
"Well, you're getting much better at it. Oh, since you think it's so otherworldly that a wife can dress her husband up like a girl from time to time for a bit of fun, maybe I should try it on you so you can get the picture." Blanc said snidely.
"Please no!" Jacob said, his face white.
"Blanc, you need to get some ice for that burn." Neptune commented.
"Glad to see that you were amused at it." Blanc said with a smile.
Peashy just looked on, laughing.
"Such a giggly girl, ey P-ko?" Neptune stated with a bright smile.
"It seems like it." Rom said.
"Let's play dressup okay, Peash?" Ram asked.
"Yeah! Jacob, come join us!" Peashy insisted. Jacob just froze.
"Oh, come on, Jacky, you're a brave man. Try something new for once." Blanc suggested as she almost literally shoved the stiff mass of frozen Jacob into the next room in a rather comical scene. After the door closes, she returned to the living room with Andrew and Neptune.
"Was any of that really necessary?" Andrew asked, adjusting his position and his skirt.
"No, but it happened anyway." Blanc replied.
"Well, uh… since you're back and all, anything?" Neptune asked
"Yeah, actually… we've got the week off. Can I get a cold soda?" Blanc asked. Neptune got up and got a cold soda for everyone.
"So, Andrew, how does a mini skirt feel?" Blanc asked.
"Mortifying… This particular one kept flying up in the wind today." Andrew explained.
"Well you know now how we girls feel. The price of beauty, unfortunately." Blanc said. Andrew just sighed. The next half hour was taken with some regular talk. It was then that a feminized Jacob walked out, wearing a white, snowflake-print, knee-length dress and a pale blue cardigan, complete with blue flats and a white purse.
"Why me?" Jacob asked, completely embarrassed.
"Aw, you look pretty though. Come on. It's going to be nothing but girl talk from here on out." Ram said happily as Jacob stood there. When Blanc saw him, she basically burst out of her chair and started kissing him like mad.
"MMMHH MHHH! BHLLNNNK!" Jacob shouted in complete surprise, his voice muffled as Blanc kept kissing him.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Jacky. You look so cute and sexy, I just can't help it!" Blanc exclaimed, before hugging him.
"Wow…" Andrew said, looking on.
"Let's go shopping and get you your own girly wardrobe, shall we Jacky?" Blanc asked lovingly.
"U-hh I-I… You… We… It…" Jacob stammered, unable to think of anything to say. He eventually sighed. "Okay." he said.
"So cute." Neptune chirped.
"I had so much fun." Peashy said.
"So did I. Who knew dressing up my future brother-in-law would be so fun?" Rom concurred. Andrew just sat there, unsure of what happens next.
"So, about that little girl talk?" Ram asked.
"I'm… not sure I'm any good at that…" Andrew responded.
"Well, you can forget about it… Jacky and I are going shopping. I've gotta get him a couple things." Blanc said as she took her feminized lover by the hand and led him to the elevator.
Noire paced up and down the room, IF and Titus in there as well. The grand room had been converted into a war room, Vitoze being turned into a temporary headquarters for the duration of the war.
"I don't know what to do, Lady Black Heart. We've made the preparations, but something just doesn't feel right…" Titus said.
"He's got a point, I'm afraid. The enemy has made no communications, despite the hard hits…" IF added.
"Sounds to me like they're setting a trap…" Noire said. It was then that a scout ran in.
"Lady Black Heart, enemy movement. They're amassing outside the killzone from the previous rescue op." the scout said.
"Then it's time… If we don't strike now, they might overwhelm us." Titus said, his face as pale as snow.
"Alright. IF, assemble the forces. I have to get in contact with Histoire and the others." Noire said. IF nodded and went to do so.
Noire ran out and got to Histoire, who was chatting with chatting with Vert, Lord Admiral Hood, and Maddox. "Sorry to interrupt, but we have to advance our timetable to, like, right now." she explained.
"But why? Why so urgent when we haven't had the time to-" Histoire asked, only to be interrupted.
"The enemy is assembling their forces outside our lines. If we don't strike now, they will drive a wedge right into our front line and cripple our assault forces." Noire explained.
"On such short notice… just what is Jose trying to do?" Maddox asked.
"Looks like he's trying to initiate a blitzkrieg while our pants are down. IF's observation is more true than I could have ever thought." Admiral Hood mused.
"Contact your forces. It's time for the next phase." Histoire said.
"Alright, people, listen up!" Avery Johnson said as he walked around the prep room on the UNSC Reliance. "The enemy is making preparations to drive a wedge through our combined forces' front lines! But we're not letting it happen! Lady Black Heart, General IF, Maddox, Commander Histoire, and even Lord Admiral Hood, have agreed unanimously to push forth an order for immediate deployment! Sixty percent of our fighting force will be devoted to the push. The battle plan, as put forth by the Allied Forces' generals, is to move as far as the town of Santa Elva." he continued.
"But Santa Elva is six hundred miles away from our front lines, Sarge. That'll take at least a week to reach and take!" an Aurelian countered.
"That's likely to outstretch our supply lines if we're not careful." Fixer added.
"I know, I know. We're airlifting supplies and munitions to the front lines, as well as taking stock of captured supplies." Johnson added.
"None of that will matter, though. The enemy is going to be all over! We're going to take heavy losses!" an ODST countered.
"You'll get your action, yes. We're going to soften them up with air and MAC strikes along their lines, so don't worry." Johnson countered back. No further questions were raised. It was then the alarm started ringing.
"Looks like it's time for the drop." Boss said, as he looked to the door.
"Right behind you, boss." Scorch concurred.
"Come on! Let's move! The enemy is right in front, and we're not going to let them grind us in!" Avan said to the men behind him. Afterwards, a loud war cry was heard as they ran onto the battlefield. Above him, F/A 38s, P-201 Sparrows, and other aircraft flew in, dropping anti-personnel ordinance, anti-tank missiles, and cannon and laser fire. Higher above them, the glow of MAC rounds and Orbital Drop Pods raced towards the ground, smashing holes in the enemy lines.
"Great! Just what we're hoping for!" Luna said with joy as the enemy started to falter.
"Enemy fighters, inbound!" Amethyst 1 announced on the radio.
"There's only six of them. This'll be easy!" Gryphus 1 shouted.
"That's what scares me…" Mishka added. Just as he said those words, about five hundred enemy fighters decloaked in midair.
"Shit! What the hell!" Amethyst 2 cried.
"It's a trap! We've flown right into it!" Reaper shouted.
"Where did all these numbers come from?!" Noire asked in shock.
"Let's fight back! Follow my lead!" Blaze shouted. The pilots quickly changed their tactics to account for the enemy forces. The scene quickly became an all out brawl in the air, looking like the Marianas Turkey Shoot. For every allied plane that fell, the allied forces took down six. It was a matter of time before the allied air forces were reinforced, and they won the battle.
"This is getting almost too easy…" Avan said, as he kept fire up on the enemy force ahead of him with his M8-C assault rifle. With the combined force, they ultimately pushed forward. In the span of six hours, they were at least 60 miles ahead from where they started.
Blanc and a feminized Jacob return from their shopping spree, a smile on each other's faces.
"Have fun there, girls?" Neptune asked.
"Yeah. Who knew being a girl for a day could be fun?" Jacob said. He was clearly blushing, still not used to wearing a dress and all. He was also half lying. He wouldn't admit it, but he was still uncomfortable.
"Well… uh..." Andrew started, before he yawned.
"Tired, girlie?" Neptune asked.
"Yeah… It's late…" Andrew replied.
"Well it's the perfect time for you to try on the babydoll, then." Neptune said with a smile. Ram looked at her like she was nuts.
"You got him lingerie?" she asked, before laughing up a storm. Andrew's face went beet red.
"I seriously don't think I'll ever get used to this… Wearing a skirt or a dress is one thing, but lingerie…" he said to himself.
"Well, we're getting tired too. Compared to you, Neptune, I got him a nightdress." Blanc said with a smile.
"Blaah, I don't want to go to... ugh, whatever. I'm falling asleep." Peashy said, before going to bed herself.
"See you all in the morning." Andrew said as he got up, feeling the short skirt wrap around his legs. He and Neptune went to their bedroom, before closing the door behind them.
"Alright." Neptune said as she pulled out the babydoll. Andrew just sighs as he looks at it. He just takes the item and goes to change into it. After a little bit, he comes back out, flustering hard once again.
"Aww, so cute." Neptune cooed.
"Please stop!" Andrew shouted.
"Woah…" Neptune said, a little startled.
"Nep, I'm tired of you doing this to me. I gladly do it for you, but clearly you're taking it too far, too fast!" Andrew said, almost on the brink of tears.
"Andrew… what's gotten into you?" Neptune asked.
"I'm… I'm scared, Neptune. I'm scared of losing you again, I'm scared of you dying without me to be there to save you… I'm scared…" Andrew explained. His words made Neptune lighten up.
she thought. She then crawled up to him and hugged him.
"If you want me to slow down on this, just ask. Besides, we've gotta protect each other, and it just wouldn't do for us to freak out." Neptune said.
"Okay… We should set some boundaries…" Andrew said.
"Okay." Neptune replied. After that, they went to bed.
Morning came, and Andrew changed into a masculine outfit.
"Good morning, Andrew." Neptune said tiredly as she stretched her limbs.
"How are you, Nep?" Andrew asked her.
"Good-ish." Neptune replied truthfully.
"Well, hopefully it gets better." Andrew said, trying to cheer her up.
"Hopefully." Neptune said with a smile.
Konata and Kagami were talking with Uni and Nepgear at camp. The roar of jet engines and the crack of gunfire made a noise that sounded like distant thunder.
"So, what have we got in store today?" Konata asked.
"Not good, I'm afraid. The enemy is moving to halt our advance to Santa Elva. We've got at least two smaller towns under our control, but they keep reorganizing and learning from our successes." Uni explained.
"I'm glad I asked Tsukasa to drop her combat role… I'm worried of what psychological damage this war could have on her…" Kagami announced with a sigh. It was then that a UEF communications officer ran in.
"We have orders from Joint Allied Command to move. The enemy is entrenched six miles northwest of our current position. Tanks, infantry, and artillery." the officer reported.
"Our commandos?" Nepgear asked.
"Busy providing fire missions for the Reliance's MAC guns and our artillery." the officer replied.
"They just never seem to give us a break…!" Uni shouted under her breath.
"Let's just get this over with. Get what forces you can in position for a priority assault. We'll lead the way." Kagami ordered.
"Yes, ma'am." the officer replied, before giving a salute.
A moderate force of troops, tanks and mechs were being led to their objective by Mason and Lucas. It seemed like an easy push.
"All seems quiet on the western front" a Leanbox soldier joked, noticing the lack of enemy movement.
"Yeah… I don't like this…" an Aurelian replied.
"Section, are you picking up anything?" Lucas asked as he looked around.
"No… that's what scares me…" Mason said quietly. It was then that the scream of artillery cut the silence.
"INCOMING! ARTILLERY!" a soldier shouted. The group moved away, but the tanks that were with them were torn to shreds. Following the artillery strike, a loud cry of mercenaries split the formerly serene atmosphere.
"They're charging! It's an ambush!" the Leanbox soldier announced.
"Hit the dirt and start firing!" Mason ordered. By instinct, every soldier did as ordered and started cutting down the enemy forces with laser and gunfire. Astonishingly, not a single soul was lost in the attack. Without a word, they just continued on to their objective.
"Gah! Dammit, we're pinned down!" a UEF soldier shouted. He and several soldiers were being cut up by enemy machine gun fire.
"We're getting overwhelmed here! Fall back!" a Planeptunian lieutenant ordered. On his word, the allied troops on his side of the front began to pull back from the line of fire.
"This is Goblin, we're pinned down by enemy heavy machine gun fire! Requesting immediate support!" the UEF soldier shouted on the radio.
"Goblin, this is Daggar Flight, we're en route. Stand by for the fireworks. Over and out" a UNSC pilot said calmly. Two minutes later, a flight of Broadsword fighters flew over, dropping bombs on the enemy troops.
"Airstrike on target, Daggar Flight!" the UEF soldier commented. The Broadswords then climbed fast, leaving the atmosphere for the Reliance's hangar bay.
"The UNSC just blew a hole right into their lines! All forces, move forward!" the Planeptunian lieutenant ordered. The troops doubled back and advanced forward to the objective, supported by light and heavy armor.
"UNSC AI Cortana to all allied forces. Be alert for enemy forces advancing along Argon Canyon." Cortana announced.
"Roger, Cortana." Bishop replied, flying his R-99 in a tight turn.
"Just like old times, eh Colonel?" Guts asked.
"Indeed. Let's do this!" Bishop replied quickly as he turned to engage an enemy fighter that passed by him at high speed.
"Razor, be alert! Enemy interceptors are in the air!" Reaper announced.
"Understood. Keep an eye out while we make our runs." Janice replied, as she carefully maneuvered the Lastation B-52 on a bombing run against enemy forces.
"Target ahead, opening bomb bay doors." Janice's copilot announced. The seconds ticked by as the battle raged below them.
"Bombs away!" Janice called out. Five hundred pound bombs fell from the old bomber, making craters out of Jose's forces.
"Bombs were on target, Razor! Good work!" Zeri commented over the radio.
"Aw, Girly Andrew looked so cute." Rom complained. Andrew just sighed in response, while he and Neptune cuddled with each other on the couch. They just sat there in silence, watching TV. Jacob was with Blanc, and he was still dressed somewhat girly. He had fallen asleep on Blanc's shoulder, however. A minute later, the TV program was interrupted by a news report.
"This is War Correspondents Dengekiko and Famitsu, reporting live from the front lines! A large assembly of Jose's mercenary forces has prompted a major allied assault within the past few days! You could hear the screams of the men behind me as they lay down fire on the enemy ahead!" Dengekiko shouted into the microphone. She was then interrupted by a UNSC sergeant yelling to get down. Following that, the allied lines were riddled with falling artillery shells. The enemy artillery strike was short lived, and much of the men got back up unhindered.
"That was an artillery strike that just hit us! The enemy is learning from each victory we achieve and making it harder for us to advance!" Dengekiko continued, before looking behind her. She then looked back at the camera. "The enemy is making another counter charge, we've got to go. This is War Correspondents Dengekiko and Famitsu, reporting for Gamindustri World News, over and out." Dengekiko finished, in a rushed attempt to cut the transmission before she could become a sitting duck. After that, the screen returned to the original program.
"Sounds like things are getting worse…" Ram commented.
"Agreed. We have to go back, soon." Blanc concurred. It was then that Jacob woke up. "Get yourself changed, Jacky. We've gotta go back to Aurelius sooner than we planned." she added.
"Alright." Jacob said, before he got up and went to change back into his normal attire.
"Wow… I feel really bad for our men…" Neptune said with shock.
"Yeah… Our leave may get cut short as well…" Andrew added.
"Bummer… and I was just getting into the nice break." Neptune replied with a sigh. As Jacob returned, Histoire contacted them on Andrew's N-Gear.
"Everybody, I have some bad news. Our forces are doing all they can, but they need support. I have no choice but to cut your breaks short. We need you back immediately." Histoire said with a sigh. Neptune sighed as well, in reply.
"Alright, we're on our way." Andrew said. Histoire nodded, before the link closed.
END OF CHAPTER 7 OF "THE NEPTUNIA CHRONICLES"
AUTHOR'S NOTES-
This particular chapter was becoming quite a bitch to finish, so I had to cut it short. The reasons being college, final exams, writer's block, and general laziness. Anyways, it's here. If there's something that can be changed, let me know. Your opinion matters!
Yes, Sora makes an appearance as he did in Re;Birth 1.5 Remix.
The uncloaking of fighter planes in mid flight was a reference to Laesath's advanced prototype fighter aircraft, Fenrir, which was fitted with an Optical Stealth System and a Microwave weapon.
Yes, once more, crossdressing-related torture has been used as a plotpoint for comic relief purposes. And Andrew, for the first time, is NOT the only victim :D
Dengekiko and Famitsu, for those who are unaware, are reporters and correspondents in the PC and PS Vita game Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed. Given that, and their willingness to risk their lives to get the latest scoop throughout the game, I thought it fair to include them as war correspondents.
Looks like that's it! Have a good day, and keep on Nepping!