Welcome back to another chapter of HDN: A New World. I was going to get this out earlier today, but I woke up late, stuff got in the way, and then I started to play a bit of Rebirth 3. So it's out later then I fist planned, but at least it's out.
blue555Nexus: Sorry if it takes a while, life sometimes does get in the way. I think we all know that. Anyway he's another ch. for you, and everyone else.
RedBurningDragon: That godspeed ability is rather cool, I'll have to give some thought to it. As to the first part of your last review, you should like this ch. I might add in IF's flame awakening, I might have a good time in thought to put it in.
On to the Chapter.
The next morning, the light from the sun was just coming through the windows. Desmond laid on the bed asleep, until two small ones jumped onto the bed shouting. "Wake up, Desmond! We got to go save our sisters!" Ram shouted.
"Yeah, wake up…!" Rom agreed, still quiet compared to Ram.
"Uuugggghhh…" Desmond groaned as he tried to ignore the twins. The two continued to shake him as they tried to wake him. It wasn't until he felt a couple of cold hands starting to freeze his face, did he finally wake. "Aaagggh! What the crap you two! Don't go around freezing people!" He sat up, using his fire powers to heat himself back up.
The twins just sat next to him smiling and laughing. Another walked up to the bed "Sorry, I tried to stop them from doing that but they wouldn't listen." He saw it was Nepgear looking a bit sheepish at her inability to stop the twins.
"It's okay, Gear. It's not the first time I've had a rude awaking." He responded partially glaring at the twins. "I guess I'll make some breakfast." He said rubbing the back of his head, still trying to fully wake up.
"Don't worry, Mina already did." Nepgear stated.
"Oh, good. Then I can go back to sleep." Desmond said as he started to lay back down much to the protest of the twins.
"No! You can't go back to sleep, we got to get moving! The faster we leave the faster we can save our sisters so let's mooovve!" Ram exclaimed as she pushed him upward from the back, with Rom.
"Stay up big brother…" Rom added. "We got to move…"
"They're really excited to come with us. They've been talking about it for most of the morning." Nepgear said.
"Okay, fine... I'll get up." He started to stand up "If you all will kindly leave the room, I'll start getting ready." The three complied and left the room.
After getting ready to leave, he ate and gathered with the others at the entrance of the basilicom. "You all take care now. Be good Rom, Ram. Thank you for all of your help everyone." Mina said giving the group a small bow.
"It's alright, there's no need to thank us. Having Rom and Ram coming with us is more than enough." Nepgear responded.
"We'll see you later Mina, you take care of yourself as well. If you need any help while were gone, just call." Desmond stated with a smile. The party then left the basilicom.
After reaching the edges of the capital Nepgear received a call on her N-Gear. She put it on speaker again before answering "Histoire's calling. Hello, Nepgear speaking. Oh, listen to this, Histoire! Rom and Ram have decided to come with us and help out."
"How fortuitous. I can scarcely imagine what it took for those kids to accept your proposal." The voice coming through was not from Histoire but from Kei instead.
"Wait… But my caller ID said… Is this… Kei?" Nepgear questioned.
"Yeah, that is without a doubt Kei. Sup'" Desmond stated.
"Correct. It brings a professional smile to my face to know that you remember my voice. And hello to you as well Desmond." Kei responded.
"But, wait… Why are you calling from Histoire's phone…? I'm really confused right now." Nepgear stated.
"It's not that hard to deduce, Gear. She's using Histoire's phone." Desmond commented.
"That's right. I had a few meetings to attend, so I've been staying in the basilicom here in Planeptune." Kei said. "Enough about me. There is an urgent matter regarding Uni that I must relay to you."
"Did something happen to her?" Nepgear asked.
"In a sense. She's gone missing." Kei answered. "I asked her to oversee the nation during my absence, but it appears she got involved in some incident."
"That sounds serious… Do you know if Uni's okay?" Nepgear asked.
"Unfortunately, no. I can assume with confidence that she is unharmed, though. I cannot abandon my duties here, so I wanted to call and ask for your help in locating Uni."
"Okay. We'll head straight to Lastation." Nepgear stated before turning off her N-Gear and turning to the others. "That's the situation, everyone. We've got to find Uni!"
"I guess that's fine, but I'm pretty sure I warned you to stop agreeing to things before asking everyone." IF commented.
"Huh? Oh… Goodness, you did, huh? I got caught up in the flow of things again, hehe…" Nepgear responded.
"No, it's fine. When a friend is in trouble, you don't need to know details. You just need to jump in and help them." Desmond rebutted.
"Ge-Ge is starting to act more and more like Nep-Nep, huh?" Compa stated.
"Um… Let's go and find Uni! No time to waste!" Nepgear said trying to draw the attention off herself.
"Let's goooo!" Desmond shouted with a hand forward as he ran forward.
The party finally made it to Lastation. Shortly after arriving, a guard approached them. "Hey, I know you all! Welcome back to Lastation."
"Um… who are you, again?" Nepgear asked.
"Aww, forgot me already? I gave you the info when you were looking for Hematite." The guard answered.
"Oh, you're that old guy!" Red shouted, while pointing at the man.
"I-I'm really quite young in non-anime years… Anyway… I take it you're here about Lady Uni." The guard responded.
"Do you know where she is?" Nepgear questioned.
"Yes. The Oracle asked me to find information and I believe I've come across a solid lead." The man stated.
"Wait, how are you and the Oracle on speaking terms?" IF questioned.
"Uh…! Well, um, we have far more pressing matters at hand, so let's focus on those, shall we?" The guard stuttered.
"He probably knows her because of the fact he's a guard of this nation, IF. And we do have more important things to do right now. Where is Uni!?" Desmond said in a firm tone.
"She was trying to confiscate all the Arfoire chips that were spread throughout Lastation. Then, a few days ago, we got reports of an inhuman shadow arguing with Lady Uni. It was overheard that the two planned to settle their debate at a place called Mid Company. Lady Uni has been missing ever since." The guard answered.
"Then, that could mean…" Compa started.
"She lost the fight?" 5pb. finished.
"We have to go save her! She might be seriously hurt!" Nepgear exclaimed.
"That's why I've been waiting here! I could never survive in that hostile area alone…" The guard stated.
"Why are you guards so weak? You are supposed to protect the nation, how come a buncha girls can do your jobs better than you guards? Hell, I could do most of your crap by myself." Desmond questioned.
"We understand. We're going, nyu." Broccoli stated, ignoring what Desmond said.
"Please be safe Uni…" Nepgear said quietly. The party left the main city.
The party entered the dungeon and moved through it, about midway through the place Red started shouting "Someone's collapsed on the ground!"
"Is that Uni?" Nepgear questioned.
"Hey, are you okay?" Ram asked.
"Did she really lose…?" Rom added.
"She's unconscious, but her vital signs are stable. It's time for Nurse Compa's healing magic!" Compa exclaimed while moving toward Uni.
After Compa worked on the girl, Uni finally woke up, with a groan.
"Can you hear me, Uni? Where does it hurt?" Nepgear asked.
"Nepgear…? What're you doing here…? Ow, ow, ow…" Uni responded as she tried to get up.
"Please lie down. We have to take it one small step at a time…" Compa stated.
"N-No need, I'm just fine… This is… nothing… Owww…" Uni said, still trying to stand.
"Quit acting tough. Who were you fighting? It's hard to imagine someone taking you down…" IF stated.
"T-Take me down? This is part of my feint strategy! Seriously, I was only acting weak, that's all!" Uni tried to defend herself.
"Cut the crap Uni, who were you fighting!? We need to know!" Desmond yelled.
"Someone called CFW Brave. For being a member of ASIC, he was actually pretty chivalrous." Uni responded.
"Another ASIC bastard." Desmond growled "How is he "chivalrous" when he left you in such a state."
"CFW Brave? Why does that sound familiar?" Red questioned.
"That "CFW" bit is the same as the dumb perv from Lowee." Ram stated.
"Right, I think it was CFW Trick. I wonder why they use the same acronyms…" 5pb. added.
"Did you beat that Trick person?" Uni asked.
"Yes. Everyone else helped me, too." Nepgear answered.
"I see…" Uni said quietly.
"Though, he did run away. I guess I'll just have to kill him some other time." Desmond stated.
"It's a no-no to talk this much while you're recovering. You should get lots of sleep." Compa commented.
"Let's go back to the city, where the beds are cozy, nyu." Broccoli suggested. Uni reluctantly went with them back to Lastation.
A few hours later most of the party left to get groceries for dinner, while Compa and Red stayed at the basilicom. "Uni seems really depressed…" Nepgear stated while poking her fingers together.
"She's got a lot of pride. The idea of losing must not sit well with her at all." IF commented.
"From what I know of her, it would not. She's just like her sister in that regard." Desmond added.
"I can relate… I felt the same way when I lost back then…" Nepgear said.
"What a stupid baby, crying just because she lost a something." Ram exclaimed.
"But… I'd be sad, too…" Rom added.
"It's okay for you, Rom. Besides as long as we're together, you're not ever gonna lose." Ram said loudly.
"It'd be great if that childish optimism would rub off on some other people here." IF commented
"Hey! Amber alert, you guys!" Red yelled.
"Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh…!" Compa shouted looking really worried.
"What's going on, nyu?" Broccoli asked.
"Uni… She's gone! She took all my cute bandages off and vanished!" Compa answered.
"Why would she do that?" Nepgear questioned.
"Man, what a handful. Let's go find her. She couldn't have gone far with her wounds." IF stated.
The party spread apart too search for Uni, Desmond and Nepgear went together, IF, Compa, Rom, and Ram went as a team, and Broccoli, 5pb, and Red went as the last team. Desmond and Nepgear went to a dungeon called the Endless Zone. After battling a bit of the way through the place they found Uni. Nepgear was the first to call out "There's Uni!"
"Nepgear…" Uni said, head mostly aimed toward the ground.
"We're all worried about you. Please come back with us." Nepgear stated.
"Seriously, let's get you back. You're not in any condition to be out here." Desmond commented.
"I didn't ask you to worry about me. Just leave me alone." Uni whined.
"Don't be like that. How couldn't we be worried?" Nepgear questioned.
"It doesn't even matter if I'm here or not. Nobody would bat an eye if I vanished for good." Uni said looking down with a pained face.
"What the goodness! That's not true! I…I want you to help us, so…" Nepgear started.
"Why? You don't need me." Uni barked back.
"Uni… What's gotten into you?" Nepgear asked.
"I lost. I wanted to beat the enemy that took down my big sister… But I lost before I could even make it that far. All my effort has been for nothing…" Uni answered.
"That's because you're trying to fight all by yourself. If we all work together, then maybe…" Nepgear started.
"Yeah, you're right. I am all by myself, aren't I? Unlike you, surrounded by so many friends… Without my sister, I've been all alone out here…" Uni commented.
"Uni…" Nepgear said with a sad tone.
"I was an idiot to think I could fill my sister's shoes. Isn't it kind of funny, and sad? I was trying my best at something that's simply out of my league…" Uni started back up.
"Okay! That's it! I'm starting to get pissed off with all of your self-loathing!" Desmond said as he walked up to the girl "If you think that for a second that no one would care if you disappeared, then you must be blind! There are many people that would miss you! Nepgear, Rom, Ram, IF, Compa, Red, Kei… everyone you know, me included! Nepgear alone would probably morn for weeks all by herself, she cares a lot for you. I would feel like I would've failed you and your sister for letting you die…! And then there's your sister, Noire, how bad do you think she would feel if your gone while she was trapped. It would torture her to the end of time! So, don't tell me no one cares for you." When he spoke, he grabbed her shoulders and lifted her head up so he could look into her eyes. Giving a knowing glare as if to prove his words.
"Desmond…" Uni said quietly.
"Don't berate yourself Uni!" Nepgear spoke up, which caught Uni off guard. "I'm the same way. I know that I can't fill my sister's shoes. But I'm trying to do all I can. No, I have to do all I can, and accomplish what she couldn't! I have to save my sister!" she shouted. Desmond couldn't help but smile at the girl's resolve.
"Save your sister, huh…?" Uni said.
"But I can't do it alone. That's why I'm asking for everyone to help me out. IF, Compa, Desmond, Rom, Ram, you, and all my other friends… If we work together, we can pull it off. I know we can! We have to believe in ourselves!" Nepgear stated.
"You called me… your friend…" Uni said with a mix of emotions on her face.
"Of course I did. We're both CPU Candidates, so it's only natural that we become friends." Nepgear responded.
"I see you as a friend as well Uni." Desmond said giving the girl a warm smile.
"Nepgear… Desmond…" Uni started.
"And yet, that wish shall never come to fruition." A voice rung out.
"Huh? Who's there?" Nepgear asked.
"It's you… CFW Brave!" Uni said.
"The one that defeated you…" Nepgear commented.
"So, he's the one that hurt you…" Desmond said with a snarl.
"Fortune smiles upon me, finding two CPU Candidates in one fell swoop here. Also if my sources are correct, you must be the young man that branded many of our members throughout the past three years. I take no joy in senseless killing. Cease your actions against ASIC and you may all leave here alive." Brave said.
"We will not! We're going to fight ASIC and rescue our sisters!" Nepgear proclaimed.
"I believe that the outcome of our duel had already been decided. You know well my strength." Brave commented.
"W-Well…" Uni stuttered.
"Don't let him get to you, Uni! We're here with you. If we fight together, we can defeat him!" Nepgear stated.
"That's right! We can tear that tin piece of crap into shreds." Desmond added.
"Together…Hmph! You sure do like to make things sound more dramatic than necessary. But… you're right. I… no, we can't lose. We'll never lose to someone like you ever again!" Uni said.
"Yeah, you tell him!" Nepgear yelled.
"I applaud your bravado! However…" Brave started "I will teach you that actions, not words, carry the strength to shape one's desires!"
"Hahahahaha…" Desmond started to laugh manically "Actions are what you want… Then actions are what you'll get. You should've been more careful, because this place will become your grave!" he yelled with a growl and the battle started.
"Uni handle support, Nepgear you come with me!" Desmond commanded, the Candidates nodded and got into their positions. "Ready… Go!" he yelled as the two ran forward, Desmond was in front. After motioning for Nepgear to flank, he slashed at Brave, who blocked the attack with his large sword. As Nepgear jumped for an attack from the side, Brave moved his arm and knocked her away. Desmond growled as he shot a lightning bolt at Brave's arm, after doing so he backed off just in time for Uni to fire a barrage of bullets at the creature, some of the shots were blocked by his sword. Nepgear stood back up and moved over to where Brave was, at reaching the machine she slashed at his legs a few times before backing up just in time to dodge an incoming attack. But she couldn't move from the second attack, Brave dashed forward with a sword attack. Nepgear braced for the impact by attempting a block, only to feel getting pushed aside. When she opened her eyes, she saw Desmond with both of his beam sabers drawn taking the brunt of the hit. He was thrown back from the force of the attack, once he hit the ground he rolled back into a standing position.
"Are you okay!?" Nepgear asked, earning a nod from the young man. Brave closed the distance on the boy, Desmond fired a few shots from his pistol, as Brave deflected the bullets. The slashed at the young man, Desmond jumped on the sword of the CFW before trying to leap over him. It didn't work out as well, Brave was too quick and threw a punch at the man, connecting and sending him flying back "Desmond!" Uni shouted. Desmond started to stand back up, blood flowing down from the side of his face, a smile still on his face. "I'll be fine, this bastard is going to have to do a lot more to take me down! But I think that it's time we end this!" Desmond declared.
Several more shots were fired from Uni causing Brave to take a defensive position. At the end of the bullet rain, Desmond fired a few fire balls causing a smoke cloud to cover Brave. The three took the opportunity to reposition. As the smoke started to dissipate, a large sword finished moving the rest out of the way for Brave to see. Only to be immediately hit with another barrage of bullets, before taking several slashes to the back from Nepgear. After that a large amount of electric activity was swirling around above Brave. "Sky open…!" The electric field started to move rapidly "And Strike!" Several large blue bolts of electricity struck Brave in multiple limbs, dropping the CFW to the ground.
"Fascinating. Such a boon in power with only a couple of allies. Perhaps something caused their hearts to resonate?" Brave stated.
"I knew we could do it! Yay!" Nepgear shouted.
"We won… We really did it…" Uni said still in a bit of shock.
"Of course, we did, that's what happens when you don't try to do everything by yourself." Desmond stated.
"Hahaha! What a delightful match! Very well. To honor your efforts, I will leave here in peace." Brave said. "But when we next meet, do not expect such leniency. Prepare both your strength and will!"
"Wow, he was actually rather respectful. Huh…" Desmond said with a slight head tilt.
"We're so awesome, Uni!" Nepgear exclaimed.
"Y-Yeah, thanks… It's… because of you two, so…" Uni started.
"Aw, stop being a downer already. You were super tough and cool! We won because of you." Nepgear responded.
"That's not what I was… Ugh, forget it." Uni said. "Nepgear… Would you mind if… If I came with you…?"
"Huh? Wow, really? You mean it? Yay! Of course you can come!" Nepgear shouted with glee.
"About time you joined up, little tsun. Welcome to the team." Desmond said with a large smile.
"S-Stop acting so happy about it… Seeing you makes me realize how stupid I was acting before…" Uni stated. "Oh, before I forget… Don't you dare tell anyone about what happened here!"
"Wait, what did happen here?" Nepgear questioned.
"You know all of her self-loathing crap that she was going through. But if you don't want me to talk about it then you can't act like that again. I never want you to feel like you're worthless or no one cares about you got it?" Desmond asked.
"O-Okay. What about you Nepgear?" Uni stated.
"Oh! The self-deprecation and all the whining, right? No worries, your secret's safe with me." Nepgear answered.
"C-Come on! I wasen't THAT pathetic!" Uni whined.
"Oh, sorry, but yes… yes you were." Desmond stated earning a glare from the girl.
"We should hurry back, okay? Everyone's still looking for you." Nepgear stated, before moving toward the dungeons exit.
"Are you sure you understand what I was saying!? Hey, get back here!" Uni shouted and ran after Nepgear.
"Well… this should be fun. Now… it's time we get the CPUs back." The young man turned his gaze from the two girls, upward.
"Hey! Hurry up or we'll leave you behind!" Uni yelled in the distance, causing Desmond to stop daydreaming and move forward to catch back up with the other two.
The trio arrived back at Lastation, and meet back up with the rest of the group. "She's actually coming along, right?" IF asked.
"It looks like you desperately need my help, so yeah. I mean, who knows when you'd save my sister otherwise." Uni said in a prideful tone.
"I'm surprised you were able to convince such a hard-shelled tsundere." IF mocked.
"You shouldn't try and act all high and mighty there chunni tsun~. At least your tsun side is not as bad." Desmond whispered to IF, which she then shot daggers from her eyes at him. Only causing him to smile more.
"Ge-Ge is like a friend magnet!" Compa commented.
"Hehe, aw, stop flattering me…" Nepgear said a little bit flustered.
"Yeah, but still… I mean…" IF started.
"Anyway! It's fine if you wanna help us, but don't be a jerk, okay?" Ram interrupted.
"Hi… Can we be friends, Uni…?" Rom asked in her quiet tone.
"Look at all these wifey candidates! Man, it's sensory overload!" Red exclaimed.
"It's been a while since they were gathered together at the concert. It's a great sight…" 5pb. commented.
"A winning team, nyu." Broccoli added.
"It's sure gotten crowded." IF stated.
"It was just Iffy, Dez, and me at first, but look at all of Ge-Ge's friends now!" Compa exclaimed.
"Yes. And this time, I'm sure… I promise we'll save our sisters!" Nepgear shouted.
The party left to go back to Planeptune.
After arriving at the Planeptune basilicom, Histoire greeted them "It appears that everyone has gathered together."
"Yes! Nepgear, Uni, Rom, and Ram are reporting for duty!" Nepgear shouted.
"And for whatever reason, all of us Oracles are here, as well." Chika said.
"Have Rom and Ram been good girls? I hope they aren't causing your hair to turn gray, Nepgear." Mina asked.
"Meh! We're awesome, of course. And we're not gonna be kids forever, so there!" Ram exclaimed.
"We've been… good…" Rom added.
"I thought you CPUs didn't age, soooo… looks like you are gonna be kids for forever. Sorry 'bout that you two." Desmond said with a hand behind his head.
"W-Well you shouldn't have said anything!" Ram whined.
"I'm curious to know why all the Oracles are here, myself." IF stated.
"Quite the cold greeting, despite our intent to propose a selfless offer." Kei remarked.
"Allow me to explain. Kei has been able to develop a device that can amplify the power of Sharicite." Histoire said trying to stop an argument before it started. "That is why she had arrived ahead of the other Oracles, to help us set up the equipment required."
"So this machine-a-ma-bob was made from the stuff we gathered up for you before?" Red asked.
"Yes. We planned for Lastation to act independently, but with how things stand, that option is gone. It would almost seem rude to do now, since our CPU Candidate seems to have made friends with you all." Kei responded.
"We're not friends or anything! I'm…I'm just helping them a little bit because they begged!" Uni retorted.
"Sure… That's what's going on…" Desmond teased, giving her a knowing look. "Mini tsun."
Uni growled and threw a punch at him, the young man easily dodged it. "Shut up!"
"Can't touch this…" Desmond said before humming a tune while moving away from the advancing Uni.
"Heehee! Everyone's so silly. Seeing it makes me one happy Compa!" the aforementioned girl stated.
"I don't feel any sense of urgency at all, nyu." Broccoli said, her eyes partially squinted.
"Yeah, that happens. Probably a bit too often." Desmond stated.
"The Sharicite will be ready come tomorrow morning. Prepare to return to Gamindustri Graveyard." Histoire commented.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll go to the Gamindustri Graveyard…" 5pb. said.
"Yes, that is what she just said. I'm just glad you're not hiding and need someone else to relay the info, Lyrica." Desmond said while placing a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly and added a small blush to her face.
"Th-They didn't need to know that Desmond!" she quietly shouted.
"Oh, come on, it's not that bad. It just shows how comfortable you've become with everyone. I'm happy that you've come more out of your shell." He responded, while giving her a warm smile causing her to blush a bit more.
"O-Okay…" she said while looking down a bit.
"We have done all that we can. Failure is not an option. But of course, I have faith that our CPU recovery mission will be a success." Histoire stated.
"Try not to pile on the pressure too hard, Histoire. Don't want this girl to buckle under the weight." IF said pointing a finger to Nepgear.
"No, I can handle it. I've made it my duty to rescue my sister, after all!" Nepgear responded.
"With me helping them, what else could it be other than a success?" Uni stated, earning a facepalm from Desmond. But he didn't feel the need to speak up at the moment.
"Let's be totally awesome out there, okay, Rom?" Ram exclaimed.
"Okay…!" Rom agreed.
"Hehe. How wonderful to see the CPU Candidates grow and mature like this." Histoire commented. "Have a good night's rest. If you will excuse me, I still have a few matters requiring my attention." Histoire then floated out of the room.
"I guess we should head to our rooms… Gear can you show your fellow Candidates to their rooms? Assuming the Oracles already have one." Desmond asked, earning nods from the three Oracles.
"Yes, follow me!" Nepgear said cheerfully.
The Oracles started to head back to their rooms, Compa was taking 5pb., Broccoli, and Red to their rooms. IF said something before Desmond could walk off. "Can we talk…?"
"Sure, what is it?" he asked.
"C-Can we go to somewhere a little more private than here?" she countered.
"Yeah, no problem… I guess my room is closest to here, and you and Compa share a room when you spend the night here don't ya… So, that's probably out of the questioned." he responded, then moved to his room where they entered. IF looked around a little, a bit nervous looking. Unknown to her a peach haired nurse saw them enter. She closed the door and sat next to the young man on the bed. "Sooo… what's on your mind?"
"W-Well, it's almost time for us to get the CPUs back, I bet your excited." She answered.
"Yeah, no doubt. Three long years without them. No playing games competitively with Vert, no quiet time reading books with Blanc, no teasing and sparing with Noire, and… not being able to hang out and have fun with Neptune day in and out." He said, kind of spacing out. IF could see, during the time that he was with them, albeit short, he really did connect with all of them in some way or another. She could see the pain on his face just recalling the time without them. "At least we got Gear back, she was definitely a big help."
"Y-Yeah… Who do you miss the most?" she questioned.
"Huh… That's an interesting question… But I'll answer." He said and gave it a few moments thought. "I would have to say, Neptune. I miss being around her… She lives to make good things out of bad situations, to brighten up someone's day, to have as much fun as possible even if it can get her in trouble. She doesn't care about what a person looks like, who they are, what their past is, she just cares about them. Even though she can get on people's nerves. She helped pull me out of the darkness of my past, or at least what was left of it when I got here."
She held her hands together in her lap, looking down. For a few moments she didn't say anything, just taking in what he had said a mix of emotions running through her. "You must like her a lot, huh?"
"I don't know… I don't think I could say that right now… I do care for her a lot, but saying as much as like… I'm just not sure. I know that I respect her as a person. But there is a chance that I do." He responded, hands behind him in an almost laid-back position, head looking toward the celling.
A small smile came to IF's face, as she thought 'Okay, so there is still a chance… good. Should I tell him now… I should, but, I need to get to sleep for tomorrow, but what happens if I don't and they get together… but… but… Ugggghhh!' her mind was having a mini melt down, thankfully for her Desmond wasn't looking at her to see her face change emotion every couple of seconds.
"Is there anything else you want to talk about?" the young man asked.
Causing her eyes to pop a bit, bringing her back to reality. "Oh, yeah there is…" 'What was it though… Oh yeah, the other competition.' "How close are you and 5pb.?"
"Interesting questions tonight Iffy~, any ulterior motives perhaps~…" She locked up for a second "Joking aside, I'd probably wouldn't answer that if most people asked. But you would be in the group of not most people, I trust you, not so much for most people that run up to me before, during, or after concerts asking that question. Our relationship is like mine with everyone else, we're friends. We are close enough that she can speak with me comfortably at a higher percentage of the time without running off, Cave would also be on that list. I do tease her quite a bit due to her shy nature, I try to bring her out of it as much as possible. She is a fun person to hang around when she gets comfortable and lets her true self shine, and she has a great singing voice and is super cute to boot. But of course, all of you girls are really cute, including you…It's just that she doesn't think that she is when I say it, she always tries to deflect it in some way, mainly due to her shy nature, I'm sure. I'm just glad she's finally getting used to other people and even joining in to conversations that other people are having, it's a big step for her. Especially in such a short amount of time. Took me nearly a year for her to stay in the same room with me for an hour and her not run out during that time. You all have been great to her, and I thank you all for that." He answered.
IF swore her heart skipped a beat 'He called me cute…' she felt her face heat up 'I know he says that a lot to us girls but it's hard not to take to heart. He always acts so genuine to us… even though he jokes around a lot, he always makes time to make us feel good too.' she thought, thankfully still able to hear the rest of what the man said. 'At least it seems like I'm safe on that front too.'
Desmond looked over at the clock on the nightstand, showing that it was almost midnight "Oh, crap. Why is it so late already…? We need to get to sleep if we're going to be useful tomorrow. I guess this would be good night then."
She looked up at him still with a small blush on her face "Y-Yeah, I guess we should." She stood up and moved over to the door "G-Goodnight, Desmond…" She said with a smile before leaving the room.
Uni was introduced to her guest room but stopped Nepgear with a question before she left. "I-I was wanting to ask Desmond a few questions… do you think it would be better to ask him now or in the morning… I'm just asking you because you've known him a while now and you might know his sleeping habits."
"Do you need to talk about what we're doing tomorrow with him?" Nepgear asked without hesitation.
"Y-Yeah, that's it…" Uni said, in not the most convincing matter.
"If he doesn't fall asleep early, then he usually is up trying to think up strategies for battles. Sometimes he goes late into the night doing those, so just knock on the door and if he's up he'll answer. His room is down the hall to the right, and his door is the third on the right. It's not too far from the living room" Nepgear answered.
"O-Okay thanks." Uni responded.
"Okay, then. Night." Nepgear said as she walked off.
"Night…" Uni responded.
Uni was almost to Desmond's room, but before she turned the corner she heard the door open. She stopped and peeked her head out to see what was happening. She could see IF walking out of his room, closing the door and walking in the opposite direction. After IF turned the corner down a separate hallway, Uni moved forward. She stopped in front of the door, taking a breath and knocked. The door opened "Did you forget something IF… Oh, hey Uni what's up?" The young man asked.
"H-Hey, I was wanting to ask you something…" she responded.
"You too, huh. Okay. It's nothing too weird, though right?" he asked.
"W-What do you mean weird?" she questioned.
"Oh, nothing, don't worry about it." He said while waving his hand. Uni moved inside the room and he closed the door "What do you want to talk about?"
"I'm not sure how to say this exactly… but… Tell me how I can be strong like you!" Uni exclaimed.
"Huh, strong like me… How?" he asked.
"Ever since we meet I could feel this strength and courage from you that I want. It reminds me of Noire, Noire strength and power… You feel like her, in a league of your own. I want that strength to be like Noire!" she answered.
He looked at her and shook his head a little "Uni, Uni, Uni… I feel a little sad at how foolish your thoughts are."
"W-What are you…" she started to say before getting cut off.
"Don't interrupt, I'm not done speaking yet. You say that you want to be like you sister, as strong as she is, as courageous as her. But you don't think about what you could be. You don't think about your own strengths and abilities. You want to limit yourself by trying to be exactly like Noire. That is the reason your thoughts are foolish. You need to be yourself, learn what you need to do to further yourself, find your limits and push past them, shatter them like they were never there. And when a new one arises, decimate it. You can never be good enough in your eyes nor Noire's if you continue to try to be her. You have to be you. Become better than your sister, than anyone else that you know. Because if you are trying to be like someone else than you are limiting yourself. And if you are limiting yourself than you will never achieve what you desire. And when you get knocked down, stand back up, dust yourself off, and fight again. Remember, that it doesn't matter how many times you fail, and fall. The only thing that matters is how many times you get back up, time after time, even if it takes years of trying. Because the second you even think about giving up, you've already lost. That is a secret to my success. I hope it can be the one to yours. Don't forget that you can do something that I couldn't even do…" he stated.
"What…?" She asked.
"You still have the chance to save your sister, your family. Are you going to let, your mind step in your way, because you don't think you are good enough? No, push past your doubts and reasons of thinking and just act. Move on instinct, act with passion, and do everything with determination. So, Uni, tell me. Are you ready to save your sister? Are you ready to go head first into the danger, even with the possibility of death looming around? And are you ready to prove to yourself and Noire that you are no longer living in her shadow but are striving to be even better than her, and that you show no signs of stopping?" she questioned.
"Y-Yes!" she answered, she felt empowered, unstoppable, able to take on all of ASIC by herself.
"Good, but always remember to be wise in your doings. Don't lash out and do something stupid. Not saying it won't happen, I do it all the time. Just try to control yourself a little better than me. If there is a situation that is clearly out of your league than be wise, back out and bring help." He added.
"Okay. Thank you, really. This should help a lot." She stated with a grin.
He pulled her into a hug. "Good, I wouldn't want to see you get hurt before we got Noire back. She'd probably try to kill me." He said with a chuckle "Anyways, I'm glad you brought this forward to me. I wouldn't have wanted you thinking like that, I'm guessing that is part of why you were so depressed back before we fought Brave, huh. Just remember that there are people that will always care for you, so don't feel like you're worthless."
"Y-Yeah, was really feeling down after losing, and then you all came along and I felt even worse after hearing you all beat one of the CFWs." She responded.
He let go of her. "Okay, but, we need to get up early, so off to bed." He said while making a shooing motion with his hands.
Uni moved toward the door "T-Thanks again Desmond… Night."
"Just remember not to sell yourself short, okay. Night." Desmond said as she closed the door and he sat on his bed 'Huh, what a night huh. A lot of talking that's for sure. It was a bit odd how much IF was prying though, it is like her to pry a little, but not usually on subjects like those. All well, she seemed content with our talk by the end of it. I guess it's time I sleep too.' And with that he laid down and fell asleep.
After IF left Desmond's room, she went back to Compa and her room. After opening the door, she gave a greeting "I'm back." As soon as she closed the door and turned around she found a Compa staring at her only a foot away. Which startled her, causing her to jump slightly.
"So…" Compa started.
"So, what?" IF asked.
"Did you tell him?" Compa asked.
This caught IF off guard "W-W-Wh-What do you mean! Tell him what!?"
"Did you tell him, that you like him?" Compa asked still as innocent looking as ever.
IF's face went full tomato, steam could be seen coming out of her ears "W-W-W-W-What… I-I-I…"
"Don't try to deny it Iffy, we've been friends for a long time. I know when you are acting off, and for a while now I've even caught you sneaking glances at him. Don't get embarrassed for liking someone, it's natural for people to fall in love." Compa stated.
"L-L-Love!? I don't think that we should be saying that. If anything, it's just a crush, yeah a crush." IF said still red faced and not looking Compa in the face.
"You must like him a lot though Iffy." Compa said in her innocent tone again, causing a sigh from the brunette. "Did you tell him?"
"No, I went in there and asked him what he thought about, who I would think could be my competition. The CPUs, mainly Nep. And 5pb." IF answered.
"So, what did he say." Compa asked.
"Well, it seems like I'm safe on both ends, but if I wait too long it might be too late after we get Nep back. I feel like he might like her. But he even said he wasn't sure. But when I was in there, and tried to say something about it, I just couldn't… I locked up. I asked all the questions that I wanted, but when it came to the words I needed to say… I couldn't." IF said looking a bit down.
"Don't worry Iffy, you'll do it. I know you will. I'm rooting for you." Compa said with a cute face of determination.
It made IF smile "Thanks Compa, I needed that. Maybe I can do it before we leave tomorrow. Well I'm going to sleep, goodnight Compa."
"Goodnight Iffy." Compa said as she turned off the lamp between the two beds that they laid on, and fell asleep.
The next morning rolled around, the sun coming up from the horizon. Planeptune's citizens moving about their morning, coming or going to work. Desmond felt the heat from the sun's rays fall upon his face, their brightness waking him. He slowly moved himself into a sitting position. Eyeing the clock seeing that it was a few minutes past seven, he got out of bed and got himself ready for the day, by taking a quick shower and getting dressed. Once he was done he walked out of his room and moved to the kitchen. He started to make breakfast for everyone, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and made some coffee to go with it. As he was finishing up Histoire floated in and greeted the young man "Good morning, Desmond. I see you have already made breakfast, thank you."
"No problem. I set yours out over there." He responded, pointing to a smaller plate with food already on it.
"Hello! Where's the food! Ahh! There it is!" Red shouted as she dived for a plate. Gathering as much as she could without being too greedy.
"Morning." Both IF and Compa said as they entered the room. Compa walked in a big smile on her face as usual. IF on the other hand walked in a little sluggish, turns out she didn't get as much sleep as she wanted.
"Hey, you two, grab something to eat." Desmond said as he moved closer to IF "Looks like couldn't fall asleep, will you be alright to go later?"
"Y-Yeah, I just need to eat something. I'll back to normal in no time." She answered.
"Okay, if you end up felling light headed or just to tired later, just let me know." He said before walking back off.
"Hi, the food looks good." 5pb. stated as she walked in, grabbing a plate.
"Good to see you this morning Lyrica… looking as lovely as always." Desmond teased, as he gave a smile. 5pb. instantly went red and stayed motionless for a moment before Desmond spoke back up "Calm down, you know I was joking."
"T-That doesn't m-matter when you say it with so many people a-around, someone might get the w-wrong i-idea…" she blurted out, still burning red. He just chuckled a bit at her response.
"Good morning everyone." "Mornin'" Nepgear and Uni walked in. Nepgear with a large smile, Uni with her usual neutral face. But with a little bit of a pep in her step, she was excited.
"Morning, sorry to ask, but Gear can you wake up Rom and Ram? I'd like to make sure they eat something before we leave, and I'm not entirely sure what room you put them in." Desmond asked.
"Sure, no problem." She answered and walked off.
A few minutes later Nepgear, Rom, and Ram came in. "Hey everyone!" Ram exclaimed, as she rushed in and grabbed a large stack of pancakes.
"D-Don't eat too much, Ram… You might get a tummy ache…" Rom commented as she walked in a few feet behind the twin in pink with Nepgear at her side.
The rest of breakfast went by without incident. The rest of the Oracles came in a few moments later after Nepgear and the twins. After eating most of the girls went back to their rooms to get ready for the trip to the graveyard. Nepgear stayed wanting to help clean up for Desmond sense he cooked. He was able to catch Histoire before heading back to his room. "Hey, can I ask you for something?"
"What is it?" the tome fairy asked.
…
…
…
"Hmmm. I see. I not sure if it is possible, but I will try. I'll need time though, I think three days shall suffice." Histoire stated.
"Okay, I'll be looking forward to what you find out. Thanks." He said before walking back to his room and collected the rest of his things that he needed.
After an hour of getting everything together, everyone was gathered together. "Is everyone ready?" Histoire questioned.
"YES! I'm so ready that I couldn't be more ready even if I stopped trying to be ready so let's GO!" Nepgear shouted.
"Nepear. Chill out. You're embarrassing yourself." Uni commented.
"Everything will go smoothly. I believe that you will all make this a complete success." The small fairy stated, before Kei brought something forward "Here is the Sharicite we prepared from the collected Shares between all of you."
"It's bigger than my face!" Ram said amazed at the object.
"Pretty…" Rom added as she stared at it.
"If we have this many Shares…" IF started.
"Yep. We can save Nep-Nep and the other CPUs, definitely!" Compa finished.
"I will act as the catalyst for the teleportation device and send you to the Gamindustri Graveyard. Nothing but my voice can penetrate the borders of that land, giving me no means to physically support you." Histoire stated.
"Oh, man! I don't care about that! I'm excited to meet my mature CPU wifeys!" Red shouted.
"Just don't try jumping on any of them, especially Blanc, you don't want to get on her bad side." Desmond warned.
"We've prepared as much as we possibly could for this." 5pb. stated.
"Listen! You are to save my darling Vert before anyone else. This is a direct order!" Chika yelled. Causing Desmond's eyes to roll.
"I'm save whoever I want first, and sorry toots, it's not Vert. Vert might be second though. But of course, all of that doesn't really matter when the Sharicite most likely will release them all at once." Desmond stated, earning a growl and a glare from Chika.
"Uni. Come back safe with Noire." Kei instructed.
"I pray for your success." Mina commented.
"Thanks, everyone. Well… here we go!" Nepgear exclaimed as they teleported.
…
…
…
A few moments past, as the party opened their eyes. They could see the graveyard in its entirety. "Respond if you have all managed to teleport there safely." Histoire asked.
"Yes. All accounted for." Nepgear answered.
"I feel so much sadness emanating from this land… This is the Gamindustri Graveyard, truly…" 5pb. stated in a sad tone.
"You think? Looks fun to me. I mean, look at all this old game junk!" Red shouted.
"I know what you mean, I love myself some retro games as well… But, I can't think about that when I can feel such a dark presence here. It's heavy, we'll need to be careful." Desmond stated looking around.
"It's scary…" Rom commented.
"Be brave, Rom. Gimme your hand." Ram exclaimed, extending her hand.
"My sister's in here somewhere…" Uni stated, scouting the immediate area.
"C'mon, enough chit-chat. Let's get back to where we last found the CPUs, all right, Gear?" IF said getting everyone's attention.
"Do you remember where it was, nyu?" Broccoli asked.
"Yep. This is exactly where we teleported in last time, too." Compa answered.
"We ran for our lives back then, so it stings my pride to talk about how we know where we're going." IF added.
"Well, I might've been able to handle it. But there was no way I was going to risk it. With Gear down and IF hurt, we had to fall back. We might not have had to, if two certain people would've just waited for me before heading out." The young man stated, giving a look at the guild agent and nurse.
"I said I was sorry about that!" IF quickly shouted.
The party started to move to where the CPUs were held.
As the party got to the spot, they heard voices, Nepgear was the first to spot the source "Look, over there! It's… oh, wait… Are they arguing?"
"Miss Underling and Mister Mouse are getting slapped silly." Compa commented.
"Gah! Y-You broads! Thank goodness you got here so fast… H-Hurry up and fight my boss!" Underling yelled, writhing in pain.
"My guardian angel Compa is back! I knew you'd save me, chu…" Warechu said, as the two moved away from Brave.
"What a warm welcome, nyu." Broccoli stated.
"Doesn't make me happy, though. Not like we're obligated to help them or anything." IF said, arms crossed.
"Iffy~, your tsun is showing~" Desmond teased, narrowly dodging a punch.
"Shut it!" she shot back.
"But we'll probably have to beat up that big guy eventually, right?" Red questioned.
"Can we do it…?" Nepgear thought out loud.
"Hey. Why are you doubting us now? This is no time to get cold feet." Uni stated firmly.
"W-Well, it's not intentional, but he's the one I lost to before, so I…" Nepgear started.
Uni gave a sigh "Was I here with you back then? No, I wasen't. So there."
"She's not wrong, I held my own when you were down. We can easily take him down with so many people." Desmond stated in a matter of fact tone.
"Yeah. We're all gonna fight this time, so we can't lose!" Ram shouted.
"Miss Nepgear… we'll win…" Rom added in her quiet tone.
"I could sing a nice power ballad to give you more strength…" 5pb. offered.
"Nepgear, you've got a pretty cut figure now. And if I'm complimenting you, then you know it's true!" Red exclaimed, with a smile.
"I'm good at making snap judgments. You need to be more confident, nyu." Broccoli commented.
"Thank you…" Nepgear said, looking at everyone.
"Ge-Ge, it's time to make us all really super proud of you, okay?" Compa stated.
"You can be a real handful… This time, you need to stand up with your head held high and fight!" IF added.
"Yes… I will!" Nepgear shouted.
"They are ready." White Disc stated.
"Then the time has come for us to give you our true powers." Black Disc added.
"We pray for your success." Green Disc commented.
"Take it… Our power…" Purple Disc said.
"Wow… I can feel it warming me from the inside out…" Nepgear stated as HDD was initiated. "Thank you very much, Mascots. I can do it. I can win!"
"Yo, mind speeding up your dumb narrative a bit, please!?" Underling pleaded.
"Sir CFW Judge, we brought you some new opponents! All of the CPU Candidates are here, chu!" Warechu yelled.
"Whaaaaaaat!? CPU Candidates!? Oooh, it's the weak little girl that ran from me! Hahahahhahaha! I haven't forgotten what you did to my eyes back then… You're already dead!" Judge shouted.
"Fat chance, tin can!" Desmond yelled stepping forward.
"Oooh, I remember you too, boy! You better not disappoint, we never got to finish our fight from before!" Judge exclaimed.
The battle began. Uni, Rom, Ram, Compa, and 5pb. all stayed in the rear as support. While Desmond, Nepgear, IF, Red, and Broccoli fought in the front. Desmond and IF went for quick strikes at the machine's sides. While Nepgear attacked from the front. Red and Broccoli snuck around behind Judge and attacked his legs there. Uni and Compa fired shots, the twins threw ice and fire at the CFW and 5pb. was keeping anyone from being hurt for too long. After a few minutes of not being able to do much Judge got into a fury. He swung his weapon in a large circle and then smashed the ground in multiple places. The CFW was finally able to land some hits, knocking back the ones up front and caused some rubble to land near the rear guard. Nepgear was able to hold back some of the hit before getting thrown back. Broccoli as able to dodge the attack while Red was hit with the blunt side of his weapon, tossing her aside. Desmond was able to jump in front of IF and put a shield up in time. After letting it down the moved back a bit. The rocks that were thrown thankfully hit no one.
"Is everyone okay!?" Desmond asked, he received a few nods and a few yes answers. except from Red, who was still trying to stand back up. "He's more durable than the others, get ready for round 2!"
Judge ran at them and slammed his weapon into the ground. The front line moved from the attack, the rear released another volley at him. The CFW brought up his weapon to shield himself. The machine got fed up with the attacks being thrown at him, before the front line could attack he kicked forward a multitude of rocks at the rear guard, hitting all but Ram who was able to create an ice shield just in time. After throwing the rocks the CFW targeted Nepgear who was looking at her friends that just got hit. He slammed his weapon into her sending her flying back. "That's it! I'm ending this!" Desmond shouted, fists clenched his beam swords. He dematerialized them, and held his right arm to his side. A haze could be seen around it, moving around in a swirling motion. "Ashes to ashes… and dust to dust…" flames started to move around his arm and jetted out, flowing haphazardly. "Nothing in my path…" The flames started to mold together. "Will withstand my touch…" the fire finally formed into a shape, a sword to be exact. Only a few small flares flaked off the sword. "Kasai!" After saying those words, he ran forward dodging the first attack from Judge. Desmond jumped toward the CFW, the machine threw an attack. This time the young man could not dodge the incoming weapon, he could only bring his fire sword onto Judge as he got hit. His weapon struck, slicing through the CFW like lava melting butter. After getting hit by judge's weapon the young man was tossed across the battlefield rolling as he landed. When the flame sword hit Judge, it cut him in half and the flames then moved onto the machine and started eating away at the CFW.
"I-Impossible… I…lost…?" Judge was awestruck. "No! Not possible… Not possib—Graaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" the fire finally ate enough of him for the CFW to explode.
Desmond trying to get off the ground. He panted heavily as he slowly rose back up to a knee. "Desmond!" IF yelled as she ran to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I…I'm okay… I've never been able to fully use that move… probably used up a little too much power… I just need some, agh!" he felt a strong pain and coughed up a large amount blood.
"Hey!" IF shouted, worry evident in her tone.
"Denfinetly used too much power… And of course getting hit with that weapon of his didn't help either." he stated.
IF pulled out a healing item and handed it to him. He took it and drank it. "Don't use whatever that attack was again. You can't hurt yourself like that." She commanded.
"I… was tired of seeing everyone else get hurt… I had to do something. He threw Red, hurt Gear. And, tossed debris at Rom and the others in the back… He need to be stop by any means." He responded, as his breathing started to regulate and the pain subsided.
"By killing yourself!? Newsflash, you can't help us if your dead to some stupid move that you don't really need!" she angrily barked back. Tears slowly moving down her face. "Sure, it was strong enough to wipe him out, but it doesn't matter if it's going to do the same to you! I don't want to lose you!" she clung to him.
He returned the embrace, comforting her "I'm not gonna die. You're worrying too much." He moved her face to look at him "Come on, stop the crying and start smiling." He gave a bright grin.
She chuckled a little and stopped her tears "That sounded like something Nep would say." She smiled back at him.
He rubbed the back of his head "Yeah, I guess she would say something like that… Speaking of her, let's go get them."
The two started to stand back up, Desmond being held up by IF due to the attack's effect lingering on his body. Compa ran up to them. "Are you two okay?" she asked.
"Ugh… Kinda. That last attack did a number on me, I'm gonna need some more healing medicine. IF handed me a low grade one, so I'm not in any danger." The young man answered. "What were you all doing?"
"I was healing everyone else's boo boos." Compa responded with a smile.
"Okay, let's get back together with the others." He stated as the three moved back to where the rest of the party was.
"N-No way… They blew up judge!?" Underling freaked out.
"That's crazy, chu… It's gotta be a dream…" Warechu added.
"Uh, this ain't the time to hang around and talk about it. W-We gotta run, quick!" Underling stated.
"We did it… We won! Goodness, hooray!" Purple sister shouted.
"Of course we did. What kind of idiot loses to the same opponent twice?" IF stated as the three arrived with the rest of the party.
"You did great out there, minus the getting hit part toward the end." Desmond commented.
"You were so cool out there! We could only run away before but this time we were like POW!" Compa added.
"We can celebrate later. Gear, use the Sharicite." IF commanded.
"Right." She responded and pulled out the Sharicite. She moved toward where the CPUs were caught.
The party stood in front of the CPUs. The Candidates were closer, while the others stood a bit back. "Noire… you look like you're in so much pain…" Uni commented.
"Blanc…" Rom said quietly.
"C'mon, hurry up and get them down!" Ram demanded.
"I'm trying. Wait for me, Neptune…" Nepgear stated as she used the Sharicite. After a flash of a bright light, the CPUs started to move. Neptune groaned a bit as she started to open her eyes.
"I see… a light…" Black Heart mumbled.
"I feel… a warmth…" Green Heart stated.
"I can… I can move…" White Heart said as she started to look around.
"Blanc!" Ram shouted.
"Blanc…" Rom said in a cheerful tone.
"Ram? And Rom? Did you come to save me…?" White Heart questioned. The twins cried as the jumped and hugged their sister. "We just reunited after a long time, so how about you stop crying, huh?"
"U-Um…" Uni tried to speak.
"Wow, that took a while. I figured you'd have tried to come here a little faster, Uni." Black Heart stated.
"I'm sorry! I tried so hard to be strong like you, but I…" Uni started.
"Oh, don't apologize or anything. I can tell how much stronger you are now. Thank you for coming." Black Heart interrupted. Uni moved closer to hug her sister.
"Nep Jr… I feel like it's been a really long time." Purple Heart stated.
"Neptune, is it really you…? This isn't a mirage, right? I was able to save you, right…?" Purple Sister asked.
"Yes. You certainly did. You've done well. Good girl." Purple Heart answered. Causing Purple Sister to embrace her sister, cry as she did so. "I'm so sorry for leaving you all alone. We're together now, though. And we always will be, all right?"
Desmond looked on at the spectacle and smiled. "You're excited, huh?" IF questioned, still partially holding the young man up.
"Of course, we finally got them back. How could I not be excited?" He answered.
"Well… I can't say that I'm not. But before you go over there… There is something that I need to say." She stated.
He turned his head to look at her, she wasn't look straight up at him. And when she did it was in quick glances "Go ahead, shoot."
"I... I… I-I like you… I need to say it... before Nep took you…" She said, finally looking into his eyes, a blush grew across her face.
He smiled at her "I've got to say… that does answer a few things, especially your questions last night. I think in some way I already knew how you felt, but was unsure. You shouldn't worry about Neptune in a situation like this." She looked at him with a questioning look. "Who said I could only be with one girl? Hmm? I care for you a lot, enough to say that I like you as well. I don't think that it would matter if you told me this now or if, say Neptune or any other girl and I got together, then. My answer would've been the same, you mean too much too me." He pulled her closer into a hug, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
Coming out of the hug she was in a bit of shock, her face was deep red. But all she could do was smile. "T-Thank you…" she giggled a bit. The two were behind the others so they didn't see their little discussion. After talking they moved a bit closer.
"This is a nosebleed treasure trove!" Red exclaimed looking at the CPUs.
"Boo… I wanna talk to Nep-Nep, too…" Compa pouted.
"Give the siblings some time alone, Compa. They've got a lot to say, I'm sure." IF stated.
"My… I am so envious of the others. Here I am without a sister to embrace me after so long…" Green Heart said.
A few people moved closer to the CPU "How about a young man, wanting to hug an old friend?" Desmond asked.
She turned to see him move toward her, still being supported by IF. 5pb. went with them "Oh, my." Green Heart smiled "I think that'll do for now…" She said with a small chuckle as she grabbed a hold of both Desmond and IF "It is wonderful to see you both again." She then let go of the two.
"L-Lady Vert, I'm happy to see you. Miss Chika is very, very eagerly awaiting your safe return." 5pb. said nervously.
"The Nep family is back together. Only one thing left to do, nyu." Broccoli stated.
"Yeah. Knock ASIC back into the hole they crawled out of." IF commented.
"Agreed." Desmond added.
"Well, it looks like you two have gotten close." Purple Heart said while behind Desmond and IF.
The two turned around, the young man rubbed the back of his head "I guess you could say that." He then tried to move to the CPU, but was still being held by IF. He looked back to her "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I've healed up enough that I should be able to at least limp around." She gave an understanding nod. He slowly limped the few feet over to Purple Heart, when he reached her he gave her a hug. "I missed you…" he said quietly.
"I did as well." She responded.
"You lied…" The young man stated.
"Excuse me?" Purple Heart questioned.
He pulled away enough from the hug to look at her face "You said that you, nor anyone else would leave or disappear. Remember? Then you all got trapped for three years."
"I'm sorry for that. How could I have known something like this would happen? But we are all together now. It looks like you have gotten a lot stronger sense we last saw each other. And how did you get so hurt?" she asked.
"Hehe… Yeah, I used an ability that might have used up a bit too much power and nearly knocked me out, while doing some damage to my body." He answered while rubbing the back of his head.
She shook her head "How careless. How could we get pudding if you're stuck in a room somewhere, unable to move?"
"Yeah, IF is wanting me not to use it anymore." He responded.
"I can see why, you can barely move." She giggled a bit "I don't remember you being quite this reckless."
"Yeah, well. That robot had to go down, it was one of the few things that I could think of that could take it out in one shot." He responded. "Now back to that promise you broke… I think as punishment, I get your pudding for a month." He had a grin on his face.
"N-Now, let's not be hasty here. Like I said it was beyond my control. I-I'll do anything else for you, just don't take my pudding." Purple Heart pleaded, slight panic showing on her face.
"Calm down I'm only joking. I'm just glad your safe…" he hugged her again. He let go of her "I suppose we should head back to the basilicom."
"Yes, I believe you are right. but before we do that, it appears that you and Iffy are something of an item. Am I correct?" She asked.
"Y-Yes, just recently actually." he answered.
"Hmm, I better not let myself fall to far behind~" she teased as she kissed his cheek and winked. "There's you reward for saving us. Now let's go."
Desmond and Purple Heart walked back to where IF was "Ready?" He asked, she nodded. The three walked back to where the rest of the party was at, the two girls helping the young man as they walked. After joining back up, and a few more reunions, the party left to go back to the basilicom.
I hope you all liked this chapter. I'll say that the "kasai" is suppose to be fire in Japanese, but that's trusting google so... ya. I personally don't know, so hopefully that is correct. Leave a review and let me know what you thought. And as always have a good day.
