Welcome back to another chapter in this story.
Conceited3: I have not seen Amazing Spiderman 2, so I don't know how electro works in that movie. So my thought process might be like that.
PizzaCat2406: I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and that you liked the joke I put in. If you or anyone else didn't notice, it's a reference to Team Four Star's Hellsing Abridged. I just had to change it just slightly to make it more... PG.
And without any further wait the chapter.
The group left the dungeon and arrived back at Lastation, trying to figure out what to do next.
IF took a large sigh "Man… No option left. We'll pay a visit to this nation's Oracle."
"Oracle? Oh, that's right. Every nation has someone like Histoire to help the CPU, right?" Nepgear asked.
"Yes, though the other Oracles aren't book riding fairy like creatures, like Histoire." Desmond stated as he walked beside the others.
"But Iffy, why didn't we go to see the Oracle first if you knew she'd be able to help?" Compa questioned.
"Honestly, I still don't want to go. The Oracle here doesn't have the best reputation, so to speak." IF answered.
"That's true, I tried to help Lastation with any problems that they might have had, but I was turned away by her. She doesn't like outsiders messing with internal affairs, unless if absolutely necessary." Desmond stated.
The group arrived at the basilicom front door, with Desmond standing behind everyone in a semi-crouched position.
"What are you doing Desmond?" IF asked as the other two looked at him.
"I want to see if I can catch her of guard, she's always so business oriented. So, I was wanting to see if I could get some emotion out of her. So, make a wall would ya." He answered
IF sighed "Sometimes you can be as bad as Nep." She started to walk inside. "Pardon us."
"Hello" Compa greeted the Oracle.
"Welcome to Lastation's Basilicom. I am Kei Jinguji, the Oracle for this nation." She greeted them back.
Desmond jumped up from behind the three girls "HEY! What's up Kei? Long time no see… or talk… or anything. So how have things been?"
Kei appeared un-phased by Desmond's outburst "Yes, it has been a while hasn't it Desmond. And I already know that you have questions for me. Isn't that right, IF and Compa of Planeptune?"
"Huh? How do you know us?" Compa asked a little confused.
"And why don't you think Desmond has any questions?" IF asked
"Because he never comes by with any serious questions. Only unnecessary actions like a few moments ago. As for your question Compa…" Kei answered before getting cut off.
"She has a large info web around Lastation that keeps her well informed. Basically, ever since we entered Lastation she's been gathering info. It's one of the reasons that Lastation has been able to do so well without their CPU. Also, it is true that I the few other times I've come here I goofed around. And the last time I was in Lastation was… probably within the first month after the CPUs were captured." Desmond interjected before finding a nearby seat.
Nepgear finally spoke up "Um, we're looking for your nation's Mascot… Do you have any information on where it might be?"
"Whether I do or don't is irrelevant…" Kei spoke before getting interrupted again.
"Because there's a catch. There's always a catch with her." Desmond quickly stated from his seat, just before gaining a quick glance from kei.
She turned her attention back toward Nepgear "I'd first like to ask you how much my information would be worth to you."
"And there's your catch." Desmond said while leaning back in his seat.
"It's worth?" Nepgear questioned.
"Of course. Properly exchanging information through an agreed-upon value system is key to any business." Key explained.
"Like I said earlier business oriented." Desmond quickly stated.
"But we don't have a lot of credits…" Compa said.
"That's fine. Money is not required. Instead, I'd exchange the information for a… personal favor." Kei responded.
"What kind of personal favor?" IF asked curious.
"Our nation is currently developing a very special item. All we lack are some crucial materials. Perhaps you've heard of these? We need a Treasure Gem and a good chunk of Hematite." Kei anwered.
"What!? You realize how rare those are, don't you?" IF asked.
"How rare are we talking…?" Nepgear asked giving IF a slightly worried look.
"So rare that you won't find them at any regular vendor. There's no info about where to find them, either." IF responded. "This is an incredibly one-sided trade!"
"How unfortunate. Then, I suppose our negotiation is at its end. Perhaps I misappraised my intel's value to you." Kei stated.
Desmond stood back up, put a hand on IF's shoulder "A simple fetch quest huh? Ok, might take a little bit for those items, but we'll get them." He said while giving the Oracle a small smile.
"And one more thing. I also need to know what happened three years ago, and about the recent rescue attempt." Kei commented.
Desmond moved his arms to form an X "No can do. You know that wouldn't be a fair trade, equivalent exchange and all that." He took a few steps to stand in front of her folding his arms "These are your rules, aren't they?"
Kei looked at him unwavered and responded "A valid point. My apologies. Very well, then I would like to ask you to find those materials first. After that, we can exchange all the information we possess. That is quite a bargain, you know."
"Sounds good to me." He smiled at Kei before turning around and marching toward the door "Let's go ladies, time's a wastin'."
The party left the basilicom, IF not in her happiest of moods "That Oracle really knows how to grind my gears!"
"Yes, I know. But despite the rough exterior, she means well. So, let's hurry up and get those items." Desmond commented.
"Do any of you know where we can find Treasure Gems or Hematite?" Nepgear asked the rest of the party.
"Nope." Compa stated.
"Not a clue." Desmond responded while placing his hand on the back of his head.
"There was a rumor that some monsters collect rare gems." IF said.
Desmond brought his fist into his open hand "Then let's take down all the monsters in our path, I'm fired up now." He finished his talk and sped off to look for a dungeon to take on.
"Get back here Desmond!" IF shouted as she chased him.
"Wait for us!" Nepgear and Compa yelled as the followed the other two.
"Nothing at all…" Compa sadly stated.
"C'mon. If they were this easy to find, that Oracle would have them already. Desmond, get over here would you!" IF yelled out as Desmond was eliminating a couple of monsters before running back to the group.
"Calm down IF, no need to get worked up. But still nothing notable found. Ugh." Desmond said as he slouched a little.
"I guess running around without direction will get us nowhere fast…" Nepgear noted.
"Apparently so." Desmond said with a sigh.
"Why all the glum faces?" Came a voice from nowhere.
Desmond instinctively materialized his pistol and pointed it in the direction of the voice. "Don't move! Who are you!? Wait… I've seen you before." He put away his weapon and the girl relaxed a bit "I've seen you at the guilds in the other nations. I'm Desmond, it's nice to meet you formally…"
"I'm Falcom. I'm your average, everyday adventurer, as you can see. Also, I have this nasty habit of wanting to meddle in the affairs of troubled folks like you." She answered.
"Ok, Falcom, do you know where to find any Treasure Gems or Hematite might be? We've been looking around aimlessly like chickens with our heads cut off." Desmond asked
"Treasure Gem and Hematite, huh? Never heard of Hematite, but I know the Treasure Gem isn't around here. I think I heard more about the one in Planeptune. Was it Virtua Forest? A gem-collecting monster, maybe…?" Falcom responded.
"Are you serious?" IF shouted.
"I'd take you there if I could, but I'm already in the middle of some other errands. Sorry about that." Falcom stated.
"Oh no, that information is plenty! Thank you so much." Nepgear said enthusiastically.
"Yes, it helps a lot. Good meeting you, now let's go everyone." Desmond said before heading toward the dungeon entrance.
"Thanks bunches!" Compa called out to Falcom before catching up with the others.
The party made it to the Virtua Forest and moved to the depths of the dungeon. "What about Mister Scary Dragon Monster over there?" Compa pointed out.
"I get the feeling that's our target. Let's strike while we have the initiative!" IF commented.
"Right!" Nepgear agreed.
Desmond just nodded as he readied himself.
Compa and Desmond started first by shooting the dragon with their respective weapons as IF and Nepgear dashed forward to slice at its legs. After taking the damage the beast cried out and swung its massive hands at the two girls nearby. They dogged it's claws almost effortlessly, until Nepgear got hit by its tail while not paying attention to it. As she was thrown about the place Desmond teleported to the direction she was headed and caught her. After placing her back on the ground he dematerialized his pistol and formed his hand blade. "It's time we put down this oversized lizard." He stated before dashing off toward the beast. Once he reached it he cut off its hands in one fell swoop. The creature screamed in pain while Desmond just stared at it, clearly anger in his eyes. He then sliced off the legs of the beast, it cried out again. Then it tried to attack Desmond with a breath attack.
"Desmond!" Nepgear and Compa called out in worry.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine." IF calmly stated.
At first it looked like the fire attack had worked. Until Desmond stepped out from the fire unmarked and even more pissed off. "Die!" Desmond said in a low growl while holding forward his left hand. The air around the dragon started to spark slowly then rapidly increased before a giant lightning bolt came out of nowhere breaking apart the rest of the monster, disintegrating it. After it turned into data an item dropped, Desmond moved over to it and picked it up while still breathing a bit heavy.
"Are you ok?" Nepgear asked concerned.
"Ya, I'm good. That attack took a lot of power, more than necessary. So, it was a bit stupid on my part, lost control a little." He responded while rubbing the back of his head. "But we got the item so it doesn't matter."
"This is a Treasure Gem? Yippee! We finally got a gem thingy!" Compa shouted with glee.
"All that's left is the Hematite. We'd better hurry up and find it as soon as we can…" Nepgear stated also a bit happy.
"I'm afraid you'll never find it! You broads anin't goin' nowhere!" came a not so mysterious voice.
"Ugh, really her again? If they're going to send someone, why don't they send someone a bit more powerful. But she is just an underling and this is an underlings job sooo, whatever." Desmond said as Underling moved to make her presence known.
"Ugh. This one again. You're persistent for a bottom-teir peon, Underling." IF commented with annoyance.
"I feel sorry for you to have to come and lose to us so many times, Miss Underling." Compa stated.
"No matter the market, underlings have to handle all the hands-on grunt work, don't they?" Nepgear said.
"You might need some ice for those burns, Underling!" Desmond called out with a laugh. "Nice one Compa, it might not have been on purpose but that was a major burn."
"Ugh! Shut the hell up! I'm SO sorry for being who I am!" Underling viciously shot back. "Hmph. Not like it matters. After today, those gums will never flap again! Come out, secret weapon!"
"Finally learned that underlings like you need to come at us in droves, huh?" IF said as the group looked at the incoming machine.
"We can't afford to waste any time. I'll activate HDD and finish them all in one fell swoop!" Nepgear said with determination.
"Good idea Gear, let's get this over with already." Desmond stated.
"Man, kids are stupid! You really think I wouldn't have prepared for that nonsense?" Underling spoke with a smile.
"What the goodness!? Wh-What's going on…?" Nepgear questioned.
"Ge-Ge, is something the matter?" Compa asked curiously.
"I… can't activate HDD… Why…?" Nepgear wondered.
"Because I came prepared, idiot. This monster seals your ability to transform! Let's see ya fight now!" Underling haughtily said.
"A monster with a virus ability huh." Desmond deduced.
"Hold it right there!" Came an unknown voice.
"Huh!? And who in the hell are you!?" Underling demanded.
"How dare you treat such cute girls this way!" the small girl told Underling. "I've been eyeing them all as potential wifeys, so any more funny moves and you'll face the wrath of Red!"
"I feel like she completely ignored my existence." Desmond said with a sweat drop.
"What in the most unholy hell is this chick trying to say? Is she missin' some screws?" Underling questioned.
"You've got me on that one. She's an odd one that's for sure" Desmond for once agreeing with the enemy while sweat dropping.
"For my goddess, my CPU, my wifey! I am coming to save you!" Red shouted.
"Huh? W-Wait, what? Who, where… why!?" Nepgear stumbled over her words as she was all kinds of confused.
"Save those questions for the honeymoon, my lovely. We can go over everything after we deal with this!" Red declared.
"Hey! Be careful what you say girl, unless you want me going over there and slapping you myself. You can't just say something like that." Desmond stated.
The battle started the party first destroyed three M-3 Custom monsters and did so quite quickly.
"Gah! Taken down by a damn cliché kid who's got brawn and no brains! Dammit, you'll rue this day!" Underling yelled out as she sped off.
"You can't help but praise the woman for her ability to escape at the speed of light." IF commented.
"Ha ha, I guess your right about that IF." Desmond added with a small laugh.
"Um, thank you very much for your help. You came at just the right time…" Nepgear said with a cheerful tone.
"Heh! It's only natural to come to my future wifey's aid!" Red stated.
Desmond looked a bit annoyed at the answer from Red. "Hey what's with you?" IF asked.
"I don't like that she comes out of nowhere, basically said that she spied on us and is now saying those things toward Gear. I don't know if she's being honest or if she has some other secret agenda." Desmond answered.
"But you were perfectly fine with accepting Falcom's help." IF pointed out.
"Ya, that's because I had seen her at the guild multiple times. I had some sense of what she did. But with Red here, no clue. So, sorry for being a bit skeptical." He commented.
"You sound like an overprotective older brother." IF commented as she chuckled slightly.
"I'm not sure about that older brother part. But overprotective, I guess you could say I am. But look at what's happened since I've been here. One good month, then three years of attacks from the enemy. So, I think I'm allowed to be a bit overprotective of you all." Desmond stated as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes for a couple of seconds before reopening them "But, if she can prove herself to be on our side, then I won't mind having Red in the party. The more the merrier right."
"May I… ask who you are again? I don't think we've ever met…" Compa asked puzzled.
"Ya, this is totally, absolutely the first time we've ever met! In person!" Red declared.
"See, she admits to stalking us. Why should I not be concerned?" Desmond questioned IF.
"Just calm down there big boy. Just give her a chance, I don't think she's smart enough to create an elaborate plan to try to fool us anyway." IF responded.
"Fine." Desmond pouted a little.
"In… person?" Nepgear pondered.
"Call me Red. I'm traveling around Gamindustri to find my perfect wifey!" Red stated with pride.
All Desmond could do is bring his palm to his face while sweat dropping a little "If that's what she's doing, then we have no problems IF. At least she won't try to get in the way."
"Oh, wait. I've heard about some "unusual" girl who's always running around, looking for her soulmate…" IF said aloud to the group. "Are you telling me that's you?"
"Amazing! People spread rumors about me! That's super-de-duper!" Red was ecstatic.
"Are you sure about that? Some people might spread rumors that you're into men." Desmond joked.
If it were a t.v. show you'd be able to hear the record scratch "W-What!? What do you mean!? Who are you and when did you get here!? You'll never take my wifeys." Red declared trying to get between Desmond and the girls.
The man could only sigh in response at first, "I'm Desmond. Currently the head of the Planeptune army and I've been here this entire time. You were clearly ignoring me due to the girls here. Now, I'm not saying that there not good looking ladies but you should also pay attention to your surroundings if you don't want yourself to get killed in a place like this." The three girls looked slightly flustered at his complement. IF not showing it as much as the other two.
"Really?" She looked up and down at Desmond and then glanced back at the girls, then back at him "This is great!" the sudden outburst took everyone back a little "If you're in that of an important spot, then girls are naturally going to be near you. With the proof that you have these lovely wifeys in your party already. Then when they get in the party I can nab them and make them my wifeys."
"So, you're coming with us?" Desmond asked.
Red shook her head "I do hereby solemnly swear to protect my wifey with my lifey!"
"Ugh, fine. Just don't do anything stupid and everything will be fine." Desmond stated with slight annoyance.
"Yay! Huzzah, et cetera! Awesome! I hope we'll be together forever, my wifey goddess!" Red said with glee.
"Well at least it doesn't look like she's smart enough to try to have some ulterior motive." Desmond said quietly to himself.
"Um, I'm sorry, but could you please not call me a goddess like that? I'm only a CPU Candidate, you know. I'd be much more comfortable if you just called me Nepgear." Nepgear asked Red.
"Ooh, that's my girl! No need for me to be so formal with my wifey, right? Then… let's have some fun, Nepgear!" Red stated.
"Ok, everyone! Let's go find the Hematite!" Desmond declared, the group then started for the exit.
After the party made it back to Lastation they pondered on where they could find Hematite. A nearby guard heard the conversation and said that he saw a vain of the material in a nearby dungeon, and would give them the information if the group would kill a monster in the Rebeat Resort dungeon. The group found the monster and destroyed it.
"Yeeeeeeah! And that's that!" Red shouted in a cheerful tone.
"It didn't take much time at all, did it? Let's get back to that town." Nepgear commented.
"Okey-dokey. Huh…? Wait a minute, I see something over here…" Compa said as she looked away.
Everyone then saw a rather large rat "Yuck, that's one oversized rat. C'mon Compa, just leave it there." IF stated showing her disgust for the rodent.
"I agree with IF, Compa. No need to mess with something like that." Desmond said.
"No way! The poor baby looks hurt… Just hang on, Mister mouse. Let Nurse Compa patch you up." Compa declared with confidence.
"Ch-Chu…?" The creature said, as it looked like it was still out of it.
"How do you feel, Mister Mouse?" Compa asked the oversized rodent. The creature squealed for a moment "What's wrong?"
"Chu! Er, um… C-Can I get your name…?" The rat asked.
"Of course! I'm Compa. It's nice to meet you, Mister Mouse." Compa said politely.
"Compa… Compa, huh…? Mmmmm, chu!" the rodent said before running off.
"Where are you going?" Compa asked but received no answer.
"That mouse was… talking, right? I'm not hallucinating, am I…?" Nepgear questioned.
"No, you're not hallucinating. That was odd." Desmond responded scratching his head a little.
"Monster, or something else? Oh well, whatever. Compa, you ready now? Let's go." IF stated.
"Aw, Mister Mouse…" Compa said a little sad. The group then left to go back to the city.
After gaining information about where the Hematite would be the party set out for the Septent Resort. After moving through the dungeon, they finally found their target. "There. That must be the cat monster we were told about." IF stated.
"Let's hurry up and get that Hematite!" Desmond called out as he dashed toward the monster.
"Halt, cretin! Drop the Hematite, nice and slow…!" Uni shouted out of nowhere. Which caused Desmond to stop and look behind him, it looked like Uni hadn't noticed him yet.
"Huh?" Nepgear was taken back by Uni's sudden appearance.
"Hmm? Ack! N-Nepgear!?" Uni jumped in without look at who she was ambushing in the first place.
"Yay, it's Uni! You were looking for Hematite, too?" Nepgear asked in a cheerful tone.
"W-Well, yeah, but what do you think you're doing here!?" Uni demanded at first before her words quickly softened as she stuttered "Erm, uh, I mean, what I meant was… I'm sor-… No, wait… I'm not mentally prepared for this…"
"I'm so happy that you're doing well. I mean, we left on such a sour note and all. Did Miss Kei ask you for help, too? Why not team up again and beat the mean cat monsters together?" Nepgear asked.
"D-Don't get ahead of yourself! I… I have something to say to you, y'know. S-So, like, you listening? I'm only gonna say this once in your lifetime, so pay attention." Uni slowly got out.
"Yippee! I'm so happy you're here! Now I know we'll get the Hematite without any trouble! Desmond look Uni's here!" Nepgear cheered with glee.
"H-Hey, I thought I told you not to get ahead of yourself! Wait, did you say Desmond was here?" Uni asked.
Desmond standing behind her, placed a hand on her shoulder. Which caused her to stiffen a bit "I'm right here. It's good to see you again Uni, after everything that happened before."
Uni jumped away from Desmond, she looked slightly flustered and a bit angry "Why do you keep sneaking up on me like that? Would you stop it! Screw it! Y-You'll never get your precious Hematite and live to tell the tale!"
"Huh? Why are you being a bully? Are you… still mad at me…?" Nepgear questioned felling a bit sad from Uni's attitude.
"I think she's just as mad at me as she is at you. If that makes you feel any better Gear." Desmond tried to comfort the girl.
"Shut up, you dolts! I said you won't get it, so you won't get it! Never!" Uni declared.
"Y-You're being so mean today… Fine! You can't have it, either!" Nepgear said a bit pouty.
"Wait, what? You're mad at me now? Then, let's just find out who can get to it, shall we!?" Uni challenging the others, mostly Nepgear.
"Ugh, you girls can be a pain sometimes you know." Desmond said as he looked at the two. After a few minutes the monsters that were waiting patiently started to go haywire.
IF called from nearby the monsters with Compa "Gear, stop arguing and help us take care of this! Desmond get over here too."
"I'll be there!" Desmond stated as he ran over.
"Huh? What the goodness!? The monsters are on a rampage! I'm on my way" Nepgear said as she made her way to the monsters.
"Hey, wait! I didn't say we were done talking!" Uni shouted but it fell on deaf ears.
The battle was a short lived one and in the end one of the cat monsters dropped a Hematite. "Great. We have Hematite now, too. Have you two kids calmed down yet?" IF asked the two girls.
Nepgear was the first to speak up "Yes… I'm sorry about that…"
"Then everyone is happy and healthy! Let's go back to Miss Kei, and…" Compa started but was cut off.
"Wait." Uni cut in before transforming "Nepgear, let's have a duel. If I win, I want you to hand the Hematite over to me."
"Jeez, you two are still going…?" IF asked.
Desmond placed a hand on her shoulder "It's fine. It'll do them both some good to get a good battle in between the two of them. Some think that you can understand a person more in the heat of battle. Also, if Uni is anything like Noire, and it looks like she is, she is very prideful. So, let's just let it happen."
"I need to defeat you fair and square, Nepgear." Uni declared.
"I see. I accept your challenge." Nepgear answered. The two then stood across from each other prepared for the duel.
"The battle ends when one of you concedes, I consider you knocked out enough to not keep going, or if nurse Compa says one of you is not in good condition to do so, ok." Desmond ask the two girls and they nodded.
Nepgear activated HDD before Desmond brought down his hand that signified the start of the match. At the start, Uni immediately fired multiple small energy orb shots that spread across in a horizontal pattern. Nepgear jumped upward and fired a beam toward Uni. Uni dodged the attack to the side firing another volley of energy orbs toward Nepgear. Nepgear dashed toward Uni as she slashed through the energy orbs. Once she got up to Uni her gun blade was blocked by Uni's gun, she then kicked Uni back. Uni holding her gut for a moment then jumped up and fired a large beam toward Nepgear. Nepgear moved to her left but the blast still hit her a bit and knocked her sideways. After standing back up she barely had enough time to dodge a couple more of Uni's blasts. Nepgear then sped forward once again to Uni. Once she was within a few feet she kicked away Uni's gun then she continued to slice around Uni in a dancing fashion. In the end Nepgear was victorious.
"The winner of the duel is Nepgear." Desmond declared the results.
"I lost… I'm still too weak…" Uni muttered.
"I win." Nepgear cheered.
"H-Hmph. I let you win, of course. But I'm only gonna do that once, you get me!?" Uni commented in a huffy fashion.
"Are you saying that you went easy on her after telling her not to go easy on you? I don't believe you would do that, you have too much pride. Or are you saying that you hastily asked for the duel and then let her win to be nice?" Desmond asked.
"S-Shut up!" Uni yelled before storming off.
"Is this really what you wanted to do, Ge-Ge?" Compa asked.
"I… don't know. Uni…" Nepgear said as she looked in the direction that Uni ran in.
"Don't worry about her, she took a shot to her pride so just give her some time and she'll come around. In the meantime, let's get back to Kei." Desmond stated as he walked toward the exit.
The party walked into Lastation's basilicom and up to Kei as she spoke up "We meet again. It seems as though you even procured the materials that I requested."
"Big Brother is watching us, huh?" IF said.
"Well of course she is, like I said she's got eyes everywhere, or close enough to it." Desmond interjected before walking up to Kei and handing her the materials.
"Miss Kei, could you tell us where to find the Mascot now? It's been so long, we really need to hurry…" Nepgear pleaded.
"If it's been so long, what's a few more moments? It probably won't change the situation tremendously." Kei stated.
"You want to hear about what happened at the graveyard don't you?" Desmond asked as Kei nodded. He then looked at Nepgear "Gear, would you please?"
One explanation later.
"I see. Noire is still alive. That's a weight off my shoulders." Kei said as she looked relived.
"If you were that worried, why couldn't you have been a tad more cooperative?" IF asked.
"She probably had a plan in ready but needed those materials. So, she asked for us to get those first. Am I correct?" Desmond deduced.
"Yes. Now it's time to fulfill my end of the deal. Here. I wrote down the last known whereabouts of the Mascot." Kei stated.
"Thank you very much. We can finally…" Nepgear started before getting cut off.
"But let me warn you of something. Your request will more than likely be denied outright." Kei said.
"What do you mean by that?" Desmond asked.
"You'll find out soon enough." Kei responded.
After that the group left the basilicom to head to the location on the paper, Septent Resort.
The party cut down the monsters in their way to make it far into the dungeon. They were close to where their instructions said that the Mascot would be.
"Oh, Mister or Miss Mascot… Come out, come out, wherever you are." Compa called out as the group walked.
"It should be around here somewhere…" IF said as they looked.
"There! I think that's the Mascot. Excuse me, Lastation's… Mascot…?" Nepgear asked.
"Oh, look it's the all wise and powerful orb/disc. Praise the sun, I mean orb." Desmond joked, which earned a slap from IF. "Ow."
"Quit screwing around, this is important." IF commanded.
"Fine, fine." He responded.
The disc lit up and spoke "Hmm? Planeptune's CPU…? No… The CPU Candidate…"
"This Mascot is wide awake." Compa commented.
"Must mean that the shares situation is a lot worse here than in Planeptune." IF stated.
"Probably so…" Desmond added.
Nepgear spoke back up "Um, so basically… We'd like you to come with us!"
"How sudden. Do you truly believe that I would follow you without first confirming your intentions?" The disc asked.
Desmond looked at it with a hand to his chin "Hmm, well it does have us there. I mean I know I wouldn't go off with a group of people if I didn't know that they were good. You know what I mean IF?" She just shot him a glare and he brought up a hand "Ok, ok. I'll stop."
"The CPUs are all held captive in the Gamindustri Graveyard, and we need your help to save them all!" Nepgear explained.
"I see. I sensed unusual fluctuations, but hearing that all the CPUs are being held captive is a shock. If true, that only strengthens my argument to not accompany you." Black Disc stated.
"Why's that?" Desmond asked with his arms crossed.
"My sole purpose is to protest this nation during the CPU's absence. Leaving now would cause the nation to lose any and all divine protection yet remaining." The disc said.
"So, you're basically the backup generator for the nation?" Desmond questioned.
"Yes, that is a correct assumption." The disc answered.
"So you're saying it's fine to let the CPUs be held captive." IF said.
"As I said, my purpose is merely to act as the CPU's proxy in her absence. Not instigate a rescue attempt." Black Disc responded.
Compa was distracted by noises she heard from behind the group when she turned around she found something "Huh? Oooh, it's Mister Mouse!"
"You… remember me? That makes me so happy, chu!" Warechu was elated
"Not now. We're in the middle of something here." IF commanded.
"Leave rat. There's no reason for you to be here." Desmond stated in a cold tone.
Warechu spoke back "You shut up, chu! There's nothing more important in this world than Compa! Whoooooa! I-I-Is that the Mascot!?"
Desmond tried to ignore the rodent and focus back on the conversation that Nepgear and Black Disc were having.
"Mister Mouse, you know about the Mascots?" Compa questioned.
"I'm so lucky, stumbling on both my angelic Compa and the Mascot! I have a great idea, Compa. Let's beat the crap out of that Mascot together, chu." the rat stated.
"Huh? Beat it up…? Why would you say that?" Compa asked.
"If we smash the Mascot, we'll get a massive reward, chu! And if you help, my dear Compa, I'll help you join ASIC as a special VIP member." the rat answered.
"Don't do something mean like that to the Mascot if you do, then all of Gamindustri will…!" Compa started.
"Exactly! Gamindustri will be one step closer to being under total domination through ASIC, chu! With no CPUs and nobody left to believe in 'em, Gamindustri will be completely under our control!" Warechu commented.
"Bad Mister Mouse!" Compa yelled at the oversized rodent.
"C-Compa?" Warechu questioned not entirely sure what just happened.
"I've been traveling with my bestest friends to help save the CPUs, so… Th-That makes us enemies! I really hate bad people, and bad monsters, and anyone who makes Gamindustri a bad place!" Compa stated.
"H-H-Hate!? You hate me!? Boo-hoo-hoo-chu!" Warechu whined. "I'm gonna get rid of you all in the name of ASIC, chu!"
"Are you sure about that?" Desmond questioned as he turned around to look at the rat. "You said that you could take us down. A nurse with a giant as hell syringe, a top tier guild member that could run circles around you before you even knew what was happening. Oh, and let's not forget the CPU Candidate I don't think I need to say any more there. And then there's me." Desmond slowly stepped forward as flames poured from his right hand and footprints of fire were left in his wake, his right eye became bright red, as everyone felt the air escalate in temperature. "The man who when pissed off enough has wiped what might as well be at least an army amount of people out of your precious ASIC! And also tends to let out anger out on the first hostile thing that he sees! So, what is it that I see!? A worthless little rat that has aligned itself with the wrong people and is about to experience my wrath!"
He finally dashed forward and grabbed ahold of Warechu with left hand, slammed it into the ground before punching it with his right hand enveloped in flame. After sending the rat flying, he sped after it. After catching back up to Warechu, Desmond tossed the rat back on the floor and started the ground and pound. After about 20 seconds of punches, Desmond stood back up and stepped back a few feet before punting Warechu with an electric charged foot. Desmond stood as he watched the rodent fly into the distance, and calmed his breathing.
Nobody else had moved from their spots, from beginning to end of the beating that was placed upon the rat. The disc was the first that spoke "So… that was one of the evils plaguing Gamindustri?"
"Ya. And now that stupid rat knows exactly where you are." IF answered.
"So it would seem. Perhaps it would be wise of me to go into hiding for the time being." Black Disc stated.
Desmond walked up to the group and spoke up "I know you're basically this nation's last line of defense so to speak. But why not come with us? We could protect you to ensure the enemy can't destroy you."
"I already said such a request cannot be granted." The disc responded. "But I can lend you a portion of my power CPU Candidate. Though I can offer little, I ask that you help the CPUs and all of Gamindustri."
"Thank you so very much! We'll make sure to save everyone!" Nepgear said with confidence.
After receiving the portion of power from the disc the party went back to Lastation's main city, then to basilicom to give their report.
"Well done. I'm surprised to hear that such a stubborn Mascot agreed to lend you some power." Kei said.
"Hey, hey, hey, Kei. It would be nice if you didn't spy on us all the time." Desmond said half-jokingly.
"Our next step is to visit Lowee, but before that, could we meet with Uni one more time?" Nepgear asked.
"Hmm? That's really up to her, since she dramatically dove under my desk the moment you all arrived." Kei answered.
"Hey! Don't be a stool pigeon!" Uni yelled annoyed.
"Ya, Kei. If you do that you'll ruin our game of hide and seek." Desmond stated, as everyone but Red looked at him while sweat dropping "What!? It's a joke, yeesh."
"Oh, hi, Uni! I'm so glad I got to see you." Nepgear stated happily.
"Uh, h-hi, Nepgear…" Uni started but stopped.
"I know I asked already, but… Uni, won't you come with us and help save our sisters?" Nepgear questioned.
Uni took a quick glance at Desmond, remembering their talk on the subject before answering "No! At least… not yet."
"I see…" Nepgear said dejected as she started crying softly.
"Wh-What!? Why are you crying!?" Uni asked a bit off guard.
"B-Because, we became good friends, but all we do is fight… and now, we… we'll never be BFFs, and…" Nepgear responded still teary eyed.
Desmond placed a hand on Nepgear's shoulder "Calm down Gear. I'm sure Uni just has some things to take care of here first, right Uni?"
"O-Oh, ya. Our spat has nothing to do with it. Hey, why are you talking like we'll never see each other again?" Uni replied.
"Huh? So… you wanna hang out later?" Nepgear asked looking already visually happier.
"Tch. W-Well, maybe when I feel like it, maybe I'll… you know, think about it a little. Maybe." Uni responded stuttering through most of the sentence.
"Really? For really reals!? It's a promise, okay!?" Nepgear asked cheerful again.
"I… I said if I feel like it, and not … ugh! Fine, fine. I promise, okay?" Uni answered.
"Quite the character, aren't we? I never thought I'd see the day when Uni could look so… happy." Kei stated.
Desmond walked next to Kei and place a hand on her shoulder "I know, who would have thunk it." He gave a large grin toward the girl in question as he joked.
"Hey! Wipe those stupid smirks off your faces right now!" Uni demanded Kei and Desmond. "And you can't be saying anything anyway Desmond, you barely know me!"
"But I know you're enough like Noire to know that you probably don't let your happy face out around other people that much." Desmond remarked with his index finger in the air.
"Ge-Ge, we should get going." Compa told Nepgear from behind.
"Although necessary, I do apologize for keeping you here for so long. Best of luck on you travels." Kei stated as she gave a small bow.
"Stop it. You creep me out when you say anything remotely selfless." IF responded to the kindness of the Oracle.
"I don't, I kind of like it. It allows us to know that there's a person underneath all the hard exterior that makes up Kei." Desmond stated with a small smile. The party started to head to the door before Desmond called out to them "Give me a minute! I have some business to discuss!"
"Ok!" the group hollered back.
He turned to the Candidate "Thanks for being nice to Nepgear and not running out of the room. She's been a bit worried that you hatted her, so that helped. Not like you had any choice when she started crying though." He finished with a small chuckle.
"N-No problem… Some of this could have been avoided. I-I tried to apologize the last time I saw you, but you two kept interrupting me and got me angry." Uni responded.
"And I'll apologize for that. Kei it's been fun" Desmond stated as he gave a wave.
"Yes, but next time try to be more serious." Kei said.
"Can't make any promises. I mean, what would you do for fun around here without me." Desmond stated as he laughed and turned to head for the door before stopping after a few feet "Uni. Don't forget what I told you. You can join up with us any time, your always welcome." Before hearing a response, he walked out the door and joined back up with the group.
"What were you talking about in there." IF questioned.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Like I said business, so just keep your noisy nose out of it." He responded while waging his finger back and forth. He looked around at the sky "Hey, it's starting to get late and we have a long trip to Lowee. So how about we go to a hotel and get some rest."
"That sounds great!" Nepgear replied and the rest of the girls nodded.
After going to a hotel and being placed into a suite with two bedrooms, the party went to check it out.
"You ladies choose rooms. I'll take the couch." Desmond stated as he opened the door to the suite.
"Wow, this is big!" Red said as she skated around the room.
"Ya, how much did this cost?" IF questioned as she looked around.
"Hey, you're not supposed to ask for the price of a gift, are you? But I can say it wasn't cheap. Thankfully I've been saving some money for a while and doing quests for basically three straight years tends to build up a lot of credits."
"Thanks for getting us this super-duper Room Dez." Compa said with sincerity.
"T-Thank you!" Nepgear said while bowing slightly.
"Hey, you don't need to do that. This is the least I can do. Who knows what would have happened to me it Noire and Neptune hadn't found me and let me stay at the basilicom with her and Gear. And Compa, you and IF have taught me countless things about this world. So, there's no need to thank me." Desmond stated.
"Wow, a nice moment from him without anything at the end to mess it up, remember the feeling girls it doesn't happen often. IF said with a chuckle.
"Just because I tease you more than the others doesn't mean that I don't love you, now come here and give me a hug." Desmond joked as he moved closer to IF to try and hug her.
"See, what I mean! He's acting like an ass again!" IF yelled annoyed.
The other girls could only chuckle softly at the display that they were seeing. After taking a few punches, Desmond finally stopped and apologized. He then turned to Red "Hey, come with me Red. We got to go get some stuff."
Puzzled for a moment Red spoke "Why me? I'd rather stay here with my wifeys."
"No, you're coming with me to get dinner, so let's go." Desmond commanded and Red followed his lead.
The two walked the streets of Lastation, the sun was setting and the streets were sparsely populated. "Where are we headed?" Red asked.
"To the grocery store. There's a kitchen in that room, so I can make something. It's one of the reasons I got a room like that." Desmond answered.
Red's eye sparkled for a second "You can cook!? That's great! You could bring in so many wifeys that way!"
"Ya, and on the subject of "wifeys" why do you like females?" Desmond pondered.
"I like what I like. And I like wifeys. Is there something wrong with that?" Red answered and questioned as she looked at the boy.
"Not necessarily, I just like to get to know my teammates. And I wondered if it was a reason that was a bit more interesting, like you had a really bad boyfriend that completely turned you away from men or something." He responded.
"Hmmm, well men tend to be rude, mean, and not nice to my wifeys. So, maybe that's another reason." Red stated.
"Ok, what do you think of me?" Desmond asked.
Red looked up and down the boy with deep thought "Hmmmmm… I'm not sure yet. You seem nice and you're good enough to get several wifeys around you already. So, maybe there's hope for you yet! I know! I could make you my partner in getting wifeys!"
Desmond laughed for a bit before responding "That might actually not be too bad of a deal there Red. But first let's get dinner and get back, like I said earlier we have a long trip to Lowee in the morning."
Red jumped on Desmond's back, almost knocking him down in the process "Let's go partner!" she shouted as she pointed forward. Desmond started to sprint down the sidewalk to go along with the fun.
And that's another chapter down. I hope you all enjoyed it. Leave a review and let me know how I'm doing. As always have a good day.
