Welcome back to another installment of HDN: A New World. I'm sorry it took a bit longer than I would've wanted, to get this chapter out. But besides normal life things that get in the way, I've been playing a lot of AC Origins and COD WWII. And if your wondering, yes, I have enjoyed them both... A lot.
blue555Nexus: I'm glad you've been enjoying it. And I'll do my best.
RedBurningDragon: I do have thoughts for the godspeed and the IF's flame awakening. The story will go into re; birth 3 as well.
And now to the story.
The party moved toward the teleportation spot, for Histoire to bring them back to the basilicom. On the way there, Neptune had started teasing the new couple. "Soooo… How long have you two been dating? Have you two kissed? Have you… No… you haven't done that have you!?" causing IF to hold up her hands denying anything with a blush sprawled across her face.
Desmond looked over at the purple haired girl and sighed "No, Neptune. We've only been together now, what, 20-30 minutes. So, no. We haven't done anything. In fact, you've done more kissing than she has."
IF joined in "Y-Yeah, Nep. I've not even kissed him on the check." Pouting a little.
Neptune was caught off guard, reeling back a little. She then proceeded to scratch the back of her head. "W-Well that was to say thank you for saving us. Hahaha."
"Yes, you did say that. But what about not falling behind?" Desmond asked giving her a knowing glance.
Neptune's face flushed a little "W-What are you talking about? I think you might be hearing things mister."
"Aww, and now the teaser has turned into the one being teased. Your HDD self is much more straight forward about this subject. Which is rather interesting given how outgoing you are normally." Desmond stated looking straight at the girl.
Neptune looked around, the three were in the back of the group, so when she saw the rest of the party. She dashed off and started yelling at them "Hey, guys! These two are dating!"
Earning a small yelp and a sigh, the two walked up to everyone else.
"Is this true?" Vert asked.
"Yes." Desmond answered immediately.
Several congratulations were given to the two. Two small figures walked up to the young man and grabbed him. "Why don't you date Blanc instead! Cause if you two got married then you could actually be our big brother!" Ram exclaimed. Rom nodded in agreement.
"You can't force two people into a relationship. It just doesn't work like that. We would have to figure out how we would feel about each other before anything could happen." Desmond told the two.
"Desmond's right you two." Blanc agreed. She looked toward the young man "Thank you for helping Mina take care of them, these two have told me a few things already."
"No problem, it was nice to have a sister again. Or in this case two." He replied.
Noire tilted her head "What do you mean again?"
Desmond then told the party what happened to him before coming to the Hyperdimension. And for the few that did not know yet, they were left feeling rather sad for the young man. The only few that didn't feel too sad about the story, were the ones that heard the whole thing. Which consisted of IF, Compa, Nepgear, and the twins. Other than the boy telling the events of course.
"And see Blanc, we even helped instead of being a bother to him. We made it, so he could forget all that other junk." Ram stated, giving a proud pose.
"I'm sorry, making you have to recall all of that…" Noire apologized, looking downward.
Despite having a few tears stroll down his face, the young man was actually quite cheerful "Don't be. I'm fine, I have all of you to call friends now. I haven't been this happy since before the incident."
"Are you sure, you're not just trying to put on a bold front, are you?" Vert asked. "I've never had a sister, but I could never imagine losing one. And in front of you no less."
Neptune started to move toward Desmond, transforming before reaching him, trying to show that she was being serious "Hey, what's going on Neptune?" he asked.
She pulled him into a hug "I'm sorry. I should've given you time to yourself, when you first arrived instead of selfishly pulling you along everywhere." She pulled out of the hug enough to look into his eyes "But why didn't you come forward with any of this? You can't just suppress these kinds of things. I don't tell me it's "because you didn't want to bother us." Because you know I would've helped in any way I could."
He looked at Purple Heart and smiled "I know. I know you would've done anything possible to help if I felt down, or if I was in pain. It's just what you do, specifically your other self. But at that time, I still couldn't bring myself to even speak about it. It actually wasn't till after you all were captured that I finally came to terms of what happened. Because… I didn't want to lose any of you. You are all special. And don't be sorry about dragging me from here to there, or just to play some games with you. It's because of those things, they pulled me out of the dark, depressing pit I was in before coming here. If I was just left alone, I probably would've stayed the same and nothing would've been accomplished. So, thank you." She looked back at him with a bit of shock, and relief. They kept looking at each other for a couple of moments before a cough rung out, the two moved slightly from one another. Looking at the source it was IF.
She looked at them with a slight blush dusted across her face, moving toward the two. She reached for Desmond as she spoke "If you don't mind Nep, I'd like to walk with my b-boyfriend." She grabbed ahold of one of his arms 'That's going to take some getting used to saying.' She thought.
But before IF could move, Purple Heart grabbed the young man's other arm and pulled both him and IF toward her. "No, no, no. I don't think so~ If you want to walk with him that's all fine Iffy. But you two have to walk with me as well~" She gave a teasing wink, and pulled Desmond's arm into her chest. To the distain of IF, due to her lack of.
"F-Fine, but you have to change back. I don't want him getting distracted with those things." IF said in an annoyed tone.
"Hmmm, a bit sensitive now are we~" Purple Heart teased "But, I shall do as you asked." She transformed back to her human self, still holding on to the man's arm. "Who would've guessed that Dez would pick up this route so early?" she joked.
"I don't know exactly what went on here, but everything looks like it's back to some normalcy. So, let's get a move on. I'm tired and I feel a bit stiff staying in one position for three years." Noire stated, stretching a little.
"Yes, we need to get back. You all need to be filled in on what's happened." Desmond stated as he started to limp the best he could, with two girls holding on to him, back to the teleport spot. Once they reached the place they arrived, they were contacted by Histoire and teleported back to the basilicom.
After arriving at the basilicom, the CPUs went to different rooms to rest. Histoire pulled the rest of the group together and congratulated "Well done, all of you. With this mission a success, the path to our victory can now be seen."
"Where's Blanc…?" Rom asked.
"Yeah, seriously! I want to brag more about what awesome stuff we've done." Ram added.
"I agree! It has been three agonizing years. How dare you impede my alone time with my darling sister, Vert!" Chika shouted.
"The CPUs require rest. Please be patient." Histoire answered. "After all, we will need their assistance as soon as they are able to provide it."
"Now, now. Let your big sister get some rest, okay?" Mina said to the twins.
"Chika, don't act hysterical in front of the children. It's hardly befitting of an Oracle." Kei stated.
"Yeah, Chika! Don't throw a fit, there are children here." Desmond teased.
"Tch… I-I know that! I just have to wait a little bit longer, right?" Chika questioned, before snapping at the young man "And you be quiet Desmond!"
"What should we do in the meantime, Histoire?" Nepgear asked.
"We wait. Once the CPUs have recovered, we will rid the world of ASIC in their entirety. In doing so, we will be preventing the revival of the Deity of Sin." Histoire answered.
"Oh, that thing! Wasn't it gonna revive soon?" Red questioned.
"Your efforts to collect Shares should have delayed the process, but even so…" Histoire started.
"It's been a while since we heard the revival would be "soon." Time's probably short, nyu." Broccoli interjected.
"We should up the tempo, then…" 5pb. added.
"Why rush things now? We need the CPUs' help either way." IF stated.
"Yep, yep. We need to wait for them to have a clean bill of health!" Compa said.
"Indeed. You all have earned this time to rest and recover, as well. Take some time off, and—" Histoire started, before a loud rumble was heard across the land and the basilicom shook.
"Wh-What the goodness!?" Nepgear said in shock.
"That was no ordinary tremor." Uni stated.
"The locus… appears to have been the Gamindustri Graveyard! What could be happening there?" Histore questioned.
"The shaking has subsided… It would be dishonest of me to say this isn't concerning…" Kei commented.
"I only have bad feelings about it, nyu." Broccoli added.
"Um… Want me to go check it out?" Nepgear asked.
"But… you need some time off to rest and recover, do you not?" Histoire questioned.
"Oh, come on. Waiting won't mend matters. I'd rather find out what caused that, myself." Uni stated.
"We're gonna go too, right, Rom?" Ram said looking toward her sister.
"I wanna go…" Rom answered.
"The CPU Candidates seem willing, so why should we stand in their way?" Chika commented.
"Very well… But please, use caution. There is no telling what awaits you." Histoire warned.
"Okay, then let's get a movin'" Desmond said in a cheery tone, before getting smacked upside the head by IF. "Ow, hey."
"No, you're not going anywhere, limpy. You can't fight until you're healed, got it." IF stated in firm tone.
"What is this cruelty? To be told not to fight, and by my own girlfriend no less." He said in a dramatic fashion, before opening his eyes back up. "But I have been healing up quite well, no limping if you didn't notice. I might not be at 100%. But with those healing items, I'd say I'm back up to about… 75%" He moved over to the couch.
"You're still not going that's final. Let's go everyone." IF said, before getting pulled by Desmond into a kiss. Catching the girl off guard. A strong blush forming on her face.
"Gotcha~" he teased "There now you can go. Tell me all about what's going on out there though." He sat down on the couch.
"Y-Y-You c-can't just do that out of the blue!" IF scolded, still red in the face.
The young man just shrugged "Why not? You wanted a kiss didn't you. So, you got one." He finished saying with a grin. She just grunted and moved to the rest of the party, departing to the graveyard. "I was right." He said before laughing a little as he waited for their return.
While waiting Histoire moved over to the young man and handed him an item. "I was able to accomplish this much faster than expected. It should work just as you asked." She stated.
He took it and put it in his pocket. "Thank you for this Histoire. This should be interesting, and should help protect Gamindustri… Again, thank you." He quickly stood up, looking out the window. "I feel… uneasy… danger. Send me to the graveyard, Histoire!" he pleaded.
"B-But, you shouldn't be going without fully healing." She responded.
"They are in trouble, send me now!" He demanded.
"O-Okay." She started up the portal.
After arriving he moved quickly, tracking their footprints. He finally spotted them, talking with a woman. It took him a moment before realizing who it was, CFW Magic. He started running toward everyone, seeing them ready for a fight. He got to them just as the battle started, the party attacked the woman but couldn't do much as their attacks were either blocked or dodged. They stood back, Magic, then finally began to start an attack. But before her blade could make contact anyone. Desmond stepped in the way, her scythe cutting him across the chest as he let out a yell. Blood pouring from the wound. Nepgear being the furthest front, caught him before he could fall to the ground.
"D-Desmond!? What are you doing?" She said as she looked onward with surprise.
"W-What… does it look l-like. I'm saving y-you all." He responded with nothing but a smile on his face.
IF ran up and covered her mouth "No, no, no, no." tears started to fall "D-Desmond…" she muttered.
"Big brother!" The twins shouted.
"D-Don't worry about me… N-Now, if you d-don't m-mind. I'll finish this b-battle you all s-started." He stated as he started to try to stand up, but was being held down by Nepgear.
IF knelt next to the two "You idiot. This is not a time for joking around, Desmond."
"What do you think you're trying to do…? You need to stay still or else you might bleed to…" Nepgear started but stopped as her eyes started to water.
He grabbed IF's wrist, while looking at Nepgear "I said n-not to worry… Histoire gave me something, that'll help. So, no crying you two. Got it." He pulled out the object that the tome gave him.
Magic looked at the spectacle "What a fool. Being an ordinary human and still standing in front of a blade. Brave, but foolish."
"Y-You shut up! He's anything but ordinary." IF shouted.
"Th-Thanks sweetheart." He said with a smile, then looked toward Magic "She's right… I'm full of surprises." He brought the object out in front of him. He then moved it toward his chest as he yelled one word. "Access!"
A great wind blew throughout the area, pushing people back. IF and Nepgear were forced to move back from its shear strength. What they saw was not a typical CPU pillar. No, but one as black as the night. After the pillar left, they saw who they presumed to be Desmond. He looked quite different than before. He grew a few inches more. Wore a black skintight suit from the neck down, that had circuit like lines running across it, and the lines pulsated a scarlet red. The gloves he wore were black with dark red tips. The wings on his back were like that of hazard signs, also black in color. His hair turned a blood red, as it was slicked back moving down to his shoulders. And when he opened his eyes, all that could be seen was darkness. Except for the bright red power button irises. He stood still as he moved his fingers around "Ahhh… so this is the power of a CPU…" his voice deeper than before "It's exquisite. I do wonder all that could be done with this."
Magic looked on in confusion and disbelief, but hid it well. "So… A male has become a CPU. Quite interesting, but that won't change a thing." She started to move forward barring her weapon. "You'll all die here!" she shouted before bringing her scythe down on Desmond.
"Desmond!" IF shouted.
Desmond stood still as the weapon was brought down upon him. Right before it struck him, he grabbed it, stopping its movement. He looked up at Magic. "That's all you got? Because if so, this won't go well for you." He said, no emotion on his face. He released the blade, Magic moving back.
"What is your name, CPU? And what nation would you be apart off?" Magic asked.
"My name…? My name is… Red Heart. The CPU of all four nations. But you may call me your destroyer." He simply stated. Anger slowly growing in his expression "After all you are the one who held my friends captive for so long. So, I think it would be wonderful to crush you underfoot."
"It doesn't matter how much you talk, Red Heart. You still won't win; these others are too weak. And you just became a CPU, you won't know how to control your powers." Magic stated. "This is the end!"
"It's not over yet!" A voice rung out, as the CPUs joined everyone.
"Neptune!" Nepgear shouted.
"You'll be fine, Nep Jr." Purple Heart stated.
"Ahh, the CPUs themselves. You should have remained in your prison of slumber." Magic said.
"Sucks for you, but it's not really my thing to accept defeat." Black Heart rebutted.
"Plus, one must exercise to retain one's youthful figure. Come, let us dance on the field of battle." Green Heart commented.
"Screw these intros! I'm gonna pay you back for the crap you put me through!" White Heart shouted.
"I agree with Blanc. Let's just kill her." Red Heart added.
"Interesting. If you wish to cling onto life that desperately, I will allow it… for now." Magic stated.
"Wow, gee, thanks. You're trying to sound cool, but you're just running away, you know?" Black Heart questioned.
"No. Destroying the CPUs is not a part of my mission. That pleasure belongs to our goddess. Besides, you stopping even a fragment of her power is the greatest farce of our time." Magic responded.
"Oops, she's right! We don't have time to fight her!" Red shouted.
"The big rat is on its way, nyu." Broccoli commented.
"Big rat? You mean to say that a portion of the Deity of Sin is within it?" purple Heart asked.
"The choice is yours. Face me if you wish. It would be my pleasure to see you all keeled over in pain again." Magic taunted.
"Tch. You're still the best at pissing me off, y'know that? Get your rotten face outta my sight!" White Heart yelled.
"As you wish. I do hope we can cross blades again, someday." Magic said before leaving.
"She's gone." Purple Heart pointed out.
"Maybe now isn't the time to settle the score with her. Well, anyway…" Black Heart started.
"That imminent threat is gone, so shall we return to our human forms?" Green Heart questioned.
"If she did fight us, it would've spelled trouble. I don't have much juice left, so to speak." White Heart commented.
The CPUs transformed back, except for Red Heart. "Phewwww. Uh-huh, this form feels the best, no doubts 'bout dat." Neptune cheerfully stated. She started to look at Red Heart, as she walked up to him. Turning to the others to ask "Soo… This is Dez?"
"Yes, it is I." Red Heart spoke.
"He said Histoire gave him something and then he became a CPU somehow." Nepgear answered.
"Wowwy wow. You look awesome! Like some kind of evil looking hero, or something!" Neptune shouted. "What's your name in that form?"
"I guess I do…" he said, while looking at himself. "I am called Red Heart, CPU of all four nations."
"What!?" Noire shouted.
"Excuse me?" Vert questioned.
"The hell do you mean by that?" Blanc asked.
"Histoire linked a Sharacite with all four nations. Allowing me both access to the power of your four nations, and my own. The Sharacite now lies within me, but with it linked up with all the nations, I will not cause any further skew in Shares between the nations." Red Heart answered.
"Ooo, that sounds like it could be pretty awesome!" Neptune exclaimed.
"You could say that. But, this form is rather draining. Histoire said it might do this, the first time activating it." Red Heart then transformed back. After doing so, he collapsed. The others moved to his side, worried. Even more so for the CPUs, when they saw the large cut across his chest. Though not bleeding anywhere as bad as it was before.
"W-What happened!? Dez! Get up!" Neptune shouted, shaking him.
"It won't help, he's out cold… Someone will have to carry him." Blanc stated.
"We'll take him back to the basilicom. We're not quite in fighting condition right now." Vert commented.
"You all hurry and beat that creature. We don't need that thing running around." Noire added.
"I'm going with you all." IF stated.
"No, we need you to go with everyone else to defeat that rat." Noire responded firmly.
"No! I'm not leaving him!" IF shouted back. "N-Not when he's like this…" she muttered.
"Noire's right. You'll be needed with the fighters." Blanc commented.
IF balled up her fists, about to speak. But before she could she felt someone grab her. She turned to look and saw Neptune, holding her coat. When she looked at her face IF could see tears slowly flowing down the sides of her cheeks. Catching IF off guard a bit. "W-We might need your help Iffy… I-I want to go with Dez too… But we can't… What do you think he would say in this situation? He'd tell us not to worry about the scratches or cuts that he had and for us to go kill the monster. And right now, that's what we need to do."
IF looked at Neptune, knowing she's correct in her statement. As much as she hated it, she knew she had a job to do first. She let out a sigh before speaking "O-Okay, Nep. I know I'm not the only one worrying about him. But that doesn't allow me to do whatever I want."
Neptune hugged the brunette. "I knew you'd understand."
"I'll have Mina heal him the best she can when we arrive." Blanc stated.
"O-Okay. Then we'll go and defeat the rat." Nepgear commented.
The CPUs moved back to the basilicom, taking Desmond with them. Except for Neptune, who went with the others to stop the giant rat.
After arriving back at the basilicom the CPUs moved Desmond to his room where Mina tried to heal some of his wounds. The CPUs confronted Histoire about Desmond's new power.
"Histoire do you mind telling us how Desmond happened to become a CPU? He said that you gave him a Sharicite." Noire questioned.
"He said that he was the "CPU of all four nations" and that you linked the Sharicite with our nations. The hell for?" Blanc asked.
"We would really like to know." Vert added.
She nodded "I will explain as you wish. Before going to bring you all back from the graveyard, Desmond came to me and asked if I could make him into a CPU. When he requested it, he said that he would like for him to be connected to the four nations, so he would not be pulling any Shares one way or another, nor toward his own self. His intentions are purely to protect the world, but he wanted to do it while not harming the nations through Shares. His Sharicite connects automatically with other Sharicites to keep the flow of power constant. When I was doing research on the ability to make him into a CPU, I found a strange item in the Sharicite room. After a few minutes of data analysis, it had a lot of data that allowed me to easily create the Sharicite that I created for Desmond. That item was used to create the Sharicite. It's amazing that a little orb could hold a secret to change a human into a CPU."
"Well, that explains more of the situation at least." Vert commented.
"As long as he doesn't try to take any Shares from Lowee, then I'm okay with it." Blanc stated.
"His HDD is rather interesting… Not just the looks of it but in his attitude. From what I could remember I don't think he was always that calm, he'd at least try to cut up with a joke or two. And before Magic left I could feel a small amount of a menacing aura… bloodlust, maybe… I don't know. But at least his mind seemed like it was still all together, clearly knowing who we all were. This HDD of his feels to be quite powerful, something that we just might need to defeat the Deity of Sin." Noire said while holding a hand to her chin.
Mina emerged from the young man's room and walked over to the rest of the ladies "I got the bleeding to completely stop. But he's still in rough condition."
"Thanks Mina." Blanc responded.
"Now that we have all of this under control, I suggest that we all get some rest. And wait for the others to return." Vert stated, the other two CPUs agreeing. They all waited for the return of the rest of the party.
The party defeated the enhanced Warechu and returned back to the basilicom to report what happened. After telling the Oracles and CPUs, Kei spoke first "I had no idea what it meant when the rat appeared, but to hear it heralds the Deity of Sin's return."
"It exhibited tremendous power. We must devise a countermeasure as soon as possible." Mina commented.
"Agreed. Let us all return to our home nations and enact the new policy, as discussed." Histoire said.
"Huh? A nude policy? What'chu plannin' now, Pervsty?" Neptune questioned.
"We made a new law restricting Arfoire worship. Sale of ASIC products is banned Additionally, any who conduct illegal downloads and uploads will be met with severe fines. Any auction sites posting the sale of illegal goods will be met by our legal professionals, and…" Histoire answered, but got interrupted during her talk.
"Whooooa, too much ham-fisting to stick in my mouth. Lemme soak it all in. How's that gonna help?" Neptune interrupted.
"If it goes according to plan, it will prevent any more Shares from going to ASIC." Blanc answered.
"It might not be the most popular policy we've enacted, but it levels the playing field." Noire added.
"Okay. But if that's all it takes, why didn't we do this before?" Neptune questioned.
"I assume that is because we were not present to approve the policy." Vert responded.
"Yes. Without the CPUs around to endorse the policy, the people would simply ignore it. But with your return, I believe this timing will prove to be quite effective." Histoire stated.
"Gotcha. Except I don't. But if you think it'll work, you do your thing, Histy!" Neptune said.
"I understand the policy, but is there something in particular you need us to do?" Nepgear asked.
"We have another job for you girls. Take care of any outstanding ASIC members and the monsters they've unleashed." Chika responded.
"Promote yourselves through your public works. In fact, showing yourselves to the public more often in general will surely move the people's hearts." Mina added.
"Consider it PR that you don't have to think about too hard. It fits your label well, really." Kei commented.
"You do realize that last sentence was totally unwarranted, don't you?" IF remarked.
"Sounds easy to me. We can do what we want!" Red exclaimed.
"Yeah, easy-sneezy! This'll be cake." Neptune said.
"Those two tend to sound oddly similar…" 5pb. noted.
"Time is of the essence. I am counting on you all. Show us your true strength." Histoire stated.
"Yes, we'll do our best." Nepgear responded.
The group went to do their thing for the night, and would head out in the morning to work on fighting back against the rest of ASIC. IF and Neptune entered Desmond's room, seeing him lie there, bandages around his torso. His breathing a bit rough. They sat in chairs on each side of him, IF on his right, Neptune his left. Both felt saddened by his current state. IF grabbed his hand and gently rubbed his face. "You really like him, don't you?" Neptune asked.
IF didn't look up, and sighed before answering "O-Of course… he's always been around since you all were captured, helping with the nations trying his hardest to get you all back. I picked up some of that motivation. There were even times that he worked himself so hard that he'd pass out, just after getting into the building." She started to smile as she still looked at the boy. "Even when times were tough, he'd crack jokes, help us with whatever, not ever caring about what happened to him. Now j-just when I tell him to stay back, he doesn't l-listen and nearly gets himself killed, after injuring himself just earlier." IF started to tear up a bit.
Neptune moved over to her and hugged the brunette, rubbing her back. "Hey, don't cry. He'll bounce back, I know it. And he's a CPU now, so his durability is going to be even better now." She tried to cheer IF up. "I don't like seeing him like this either… I missed him a lot. He's always treated me nice, even when I'm being… well you know, my awesome self." Neptune stated causing IF to chuckle a little.
"Newsflash Nep, you're not that cool." IF commented, smiling.
Neptune held her chest in dramatic fashion "Ohh, that hurt Iffy, how could you say that?! I totally am!" She joked "See, everything's gonna be fine. You just need to laugh a little."
"I guess your right Nep." IF responded.
"My work here is done." Neptune said cheerfully as she went back to the other side of the bed.
A few hours later. It was about one in the morning, Neptune and IF both fell asleep in Desmond's room. Neptune jumped in the bed. While IF stayed in the chair, slightly laying on the bed. During this time someone walked in the room, causing IF to stir "W-Who's t-there?" the room was dark.
"I-I-I'm sorry. I-It's me… 5pb." the girl answered, she moved closer to the bed.
"O-Oh, hey. W-What are you doing up at this time?" IF asked, after looking at the clock.
"I-I couldn't fall asleep, so I w-wanted to check up on Desmond." She answered.
"Okay… you two are kinda close, right?" IF asked, still sitting in the chair.
"I guess you could say that… We're good friends. B-But don't think that I'll try to take him from you…" She said nervously.
"Don't worry too much about that type of thing, we kinda have an understanding. Nep is kinda going for him as well." IF pointed at the sleeping girl. "He said something along the lines of there was no rule that said he couldn't date more than one girl." She chuckled a bit. "So, continue."
"O-Okay… We'll he's always been a help with concerts. He's great at working security with Cave. And he's been a great friend. I know he tries to get me to be less shy, but it doesn't really work. He's always been a strong ally to lean on, or hide behind. So, seeing him like this is… disheartening." Lyrica stated, as a frown formed on her face.
"I know what you mean. I'm glad that you care enough to check up on him, but we should get to sleep, now. It's rather late." IF said, looking back at the clock.
"Y-Yeah, I should try to do that. Thanks for talking with me." She walked to the door "Goodnight." Opening it and walking out.
"Night." IF responded. After the door closed she laid her head back down on the bed as she sat in the chair, falling back asleep.
A couple of days passed, everyone had been working hard on trying to stop ASIC. Desmond was still recovering in his room. The others checking up on him periodically. It was dawn, the sun coming in through the window. IF and Neptune in the same spots they've sleep at for the past few days. Anytime they had away from everything else, they were watching over the young man in case he woke up. He still had not awoken sense he passed out after transforming, until that morning. He slowly opened his eyes, looking around to see IF sleeping in the chair at the side of the bed holding his hand. He just smiled at the sight. He tried to move a little, feeling a dull pain in his chest. He stopped trying to move and stayed laying there, feeling something on his left. He removed his hand from IF's grasp, and pulled the blanket aside to see Neptune laying there holding his arm. As he started to settle himself back down, he coughed, causing IF to wake. Her head shot up, looking around the room before settling on him. He smiled at her as her brain was still trying to process what was going on. "Hey, good morning, sleepyhead."
IF's eyes popped a bit, finally realizing what was happening. She started to move closer to him, before he could say anything else she slammed her face into his, kissing him. He hugged her during this time. Once they moved apart, they just smiled at each other for a few moments. He finally spoke back up "So, how long have I been out for?"
"It's been about three days. We've been so worried about you." She answered.
"I told you not to worry, I'm fine aren't I. What's happened since?" He asked.
"For the most part we've just been trying to squash any movements of ASIC, but it's been difficult. Anytime we take something out, it comes back. We're trying to do the best we can. Now back to before all of this happened… You idiot!" She smacked him a few times, letting out some frustration. "Why did you do that, you really could've died?! Taking on a blade like that! The CPUs have a natural defense for things like that, you don't! Well, now you might… But that doesn't matter right now. I'm just to frustrated with what you did. You need to start…" she was saying, until he pulled her into a hug, causing her to stop talking.
"I'm sorry for that… But I could tell you all were in trouble. I couldn't just stay back and do nothing. All I could think when I saw you all trying to fight her, and her attack incoming was just to get in between you all." He stated as he rubbed her back.
"I guess it's fine… being with you is worth all the crap going on." She said, as she smiled. He let go of the girl as she moved back a little. "Are you hungry."
"Indeed, definitely, yes." He said in a slightly joking tone. "Go ahead and get something for Neptune as well would ya? I'm gonna wake her up."
"Sure, I could. I'll be back in a few." She stated as she left the room.
"Thanks, sweetie." He said, before turning toward the purple ball of energy, still holding onto his left arm. He used his right to shake her. "Wake up Neptune."
She moved around, letting go of his arm, but grabbing ahold of his torso. "J-Just five… more minutes…" she muttered.
"If you don't get up then you don't get any pudding today." He whispered in her ear. Instantly earning a reaction as she slowly started to stir awake.
"N-No, my pudding… I'm a-awake…" she muttered as she started to sit up, looking around. Expecting to see IF, Histoire, or anyone else but saw no one. Until her eyes finally looked toward the boy, who laid against the wall behind him. Her eyes lighting up "Dez!" she jumped onto him, embracing him.
"Ow, ow, ow. Not too hard, that cut still hurts." He commented, patting her head.
She held on, but not squeezing as tight. "Sorry, sorry. We've just been worried about you and all. But I knew that you'd be fine." She looked up at the boy smiling.
"Thanks… Hey, I've got IF to make us some breakfast." He stated.
"Awesome! I'll just lay here with you then." She responded, nuzzling into him. He bent his head down, kissing her forehead. She could feel her face heat up a little. The two quickly fell back to sleep.
After a short time, IF entered the room with some cereal and juice. Once she entered she saw Desmond laying against the wall and Neptune laying on him, as they had been for the past few minutes. She placed the food on the table and shook the two. "Come on, get up you too. I have food for you." Desmond opened his eyes, and then shook Neptune awake. She sat at the edge of the bed.
"Thanks." The young man said as IF handed him his food.
"Thanks, Iffy~" Neptune said in a sing song tone.
IF sat back in her chair. "I probably should let Compa know that you're up. She'll need to do a check up on you."
"Okay, just let her know when I'm done eating." He responded.
The three ate and enjoyed each other's company. After they were done, IF told Compa that Desmond had awoken. Once she entered his room she told for IF to stay outside, and forced Neptune out. Once she was done examining his injuries, she told them that it would still be a couple of days before he could move around. And about a week before he could fight again.
During that time not much happened besides the party going on quests and Desmond being confined to the basilicom. When the others would get back, he would usually have food made and then get pulled into playing games with Neptune, cuddling with IF, or talking, playing games, etc. with the other girls.
One day the girls were heading back from doing quests "And so, evil has bitten the dust!" Red shouted.
"It's sweet to see an evil empire brought to its knees, but this cycle is getting to be a real bore-chore." Neptune pointed out.
"Lame, lame, lame! How much longer do we have to do the same thing!?" Ram asked.
"I agree with Ram, actually. This is growing tedious." Uni added. "Treating the different symptoms won't necessarily cure the disease, you know?"
"I've never been one to employ ineffective tactics, after all." Vert stated.
"But what else can we do?" Compa questioned.
One of IF's phones started to ring "One sec. Great, here comes a call from "Hey Listen, Nevi" … Hello? Yeah… Okay, thanks."
"I bet Dez would get the reference if he was here." Neptune said.
IF hung up her phone "Perfect timing, everyone. We found a key ASIC facility that manufactures the mod chips."
"Oh, a hardware factory? If we can stop them there…" Nepgear begun.
"We could potentially halt the distribution of those stupid things entirely." Noire interjected.
"Oooh! Fun! Are we gonna rappel in through the windows? Where is it?" Neptune questioned.
"Lastation. Let's go settle this shall we?" IF stated.
"Hey, Compa. Is Dez good to go beat down some baddies?" Neptune asked.
"Yessy. I checked up on him earlier today, but told him to stay just in case. But he is in good enough condition to fight." Compa answered, smiling.
"Then I'll call him and tell him where to meet us." IF stated as she pulled out her phone. "I bet he's itching to get into a fight."
The party then made their way to the Arfoire Factory in Lastation.
The party, including Desmond, arrived at the factory that ASIC were making Arfoire chips. Once they entered the place, Nepgear's eyes started to sparkle "This is the factory? Goodness… So many knick-knacks and hardware gadgets I've never seen before!"
"Don't be happy about what you see here!" Uni scolded.
"Pretty impressive that ASIC could handle such a large operation without getting detected sooner." IF commented.
"Yeah, I guess Lastation's watchful eyes aren't so good outside the cities, huh." Desmond added looking around the place.
"H-Hey! You take that back, we've been preoccupied." Uni shouted.
"Hey, so, can we break stuff yet?" Red asked.
"Already am! This place makes those crappy chip things, so let's crush everything!" Neptune yelled.
"You sound like a barbarian. If you make a big scene, they'll make a big scene, they'll run away with their goods." Noire chastised.
"Aim for the highest rung on this factory's ladder, and the operation will grind to a halt." Blanc added.
"You mean, like, a manager?" 5pb. questioned.
"Without a leader, most groups roll over and surrender without a fight, nyu." Broccoli responded.
"That's right Broccoli. It's nice to such wisdom in one so… small. I don't know how old you are, I just know that you're tiny." Desmond said.
The group moved through the place until they heard yelling. So, they followed where the voice came from. When they saw the owner of the voice, most just sighed. "Oh. You again. Great." IF said.
Underling started to speak before she turned around. "Huh? No backtalk! Get working! Er, crap! Wh-What're you dumb broads doing here!?"
"Heya, hiya, how'ya! We're here to smash and crash this factory into bits." Neptune exclaimed.
"Smashy smashy, nyu." Broccoli added.
"It's been awhile since I've been able to hit something. I think it's time to release some… frustration." Desmond stated, as he cracked his knuckles. And a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Well? Hurry up and run away like you always do." Uni taunted.
"Shaddap! You make it sound like all I do is run away!" Underling shouted.
"But you always do. Right, Rom?" Ram asked.
"Uh-huh…" Rom agreed.
"Well… if the shoe fits." Desmond added.
"Grrr… Makin' a fool outta me… I can't let this mission fail!" Underling said out loud to herself.
"Miss Underling is certainly motivated today, isn't she?" Compa said.
"We can't fail, either. You aren't allowed to make any more of these illegal devices!" Nepgear declared.
The fight started and like all the rest, it didn't last long. Leaving it a one-sided beat down. "Dammit!" Underling screamed after the loss.
"Yay, we win again!" Ram shouted.
"I don't know why you thought you could take us all on." Blanc stated.
"Sh-Shut up, okay!? There are way too many of you! You're all cheaters!" Underling yelled.
"Hmm. Pot, meet kettle." Desmond stated.
"Cheaters? Heavens, with the items you develop, that title is better suited to you, is it not?" Vert responded.
"All your factory buddies ran off. Maybe you should… you know… Follow suit, or… something?" Neptune said.
"I can't. CFW Magic herself told me to hold this position." Underling answered. "No way I'm gonna run away just because you broads strong-arm me!"
"Wow, she really IS motivated today." Red mentioned.
"You'll never win against us. Give up." Noire commanded.
Underling started to growl in anger. Another voice was brought to the forefront. "Such admirable resolve."
Uni noticed who spoke "That's…"
"CFW Brave, sir!?" Underling said in surprise.
"Stand aside. I will take it from here." Brave directed.
"B-But, the factory… I can't fail my mission…" Underling tried to form a response.
"Nothing will come from throwing your life away in vain. Go." Brave stated.
"Tch… Yes, sir…" Underling said annoyed.
"We meet again." Brave said.
"Yeah. I've been waiting for this." Uni responded.
"I cannot allow you to destroy this precious factory of ours. Leave at once, or else." Brave stated.
"We will not. We can't let this place continue to make those chips." Nepgear responded.
"Hang on, Nepgear. Let me talk to him." Uni said walking forward. "You're our enemy, but honestly, I couldn't sense any evil intentions from you before. But I was wrong. I can't believe anyone good would defend what's going on in this factory."
"Destroying this place would bring sadness to the world's children who seek happiness! I cannot allow it!" Brave answered.
"What? If those chips are spread, the world will fall into chaos. Then nobody will be happy!" Uni shouted.
"Your logic is naïve." Brave commented.
"And yours is bigoted!" Desmond yelled, moving to stand beside Uni.
"If nobody buys anything, and gets everything illegally, how can the economy possibly prosper?" Uni questioned. "No new entertainment will be made! That's essentially damning all of Gamindustri!"
"Your words come from the mouths of those who lack the talent to create truly memorable games!" Brave shot back.
"Talent is irrelevant! Competition is what sparks new and creative content!" Uni stated.
"She's right. Without any revenue flowing to the creators, all games would cease to exist. And with more companies making games the more creative and the better the games would be." Desmond added.
"Then what of the children who lack the means to enjoy such things?" Brave asked. "Is your answer to create a monetary floor that restricts access to what ought to be enjoyed by all!?"
"It's impossible for the people to truly, sincerely enjoy something that they obtained illegally!" Uni exclaimed.
"Then why do they seek an answer like Arfoire? This is what the public desires!" Brave said.
"I won't matter, illegally obtained items in the hands of children will only harm them. It'll teach them that it's okay to steal, is that what you are saying you are fine with telling this world's children that it's okay to be a criminal?" Desmond questioned.
"Not everyone has a strong will. Some fall into temptation more easily than others. That's why we need to draw a very clear line between what is right and what is wrong!" Uni responded.
"Our ideals shall never coincide. I cannot accept your argument." Brave stated.
"I was hoping you'd have enough wisdom to see the truth…" Uni said in a saddened tone.
"Enough prattling. I will defeat you for the sake of this world's children!" Brave yelled.
"And I will defeat you for the very same reason. I'll protect this world's children form temptation!" Uni said with determination.
"It's sad, doing the wrong thing for the right reason. You have let ASIC twist your mind, until now. Until now you have become what you swore to destroy. I will do what I must." Desmond said before materializing his swords.
"You will try." Brave said as the battle began.
Desmond and Brave rushed each other, clashing swords. A few swipes were thrown at each other before locking weapons. A couple of seconds later Desmond shouted "Now!" as he did he moved back, a barrage of bullets and magic attacks rained on Brave's body. A few seconds of ranged attacks, then the Nep sisters, IF, and Desmond went for the attack. Desmond attacking the front, IF and Neptune the sides, and Nepgear attacking the back. Brave was only able to block the incoming attack from Desmond, but was also successful in hitting Neptune with his fist knocking her back. Neptune hit the ground and rolled back into a standing position. The others jumped back for a moment. Desmond and IF performed a simultaneous attack. Desmond shot a multitude of fireballs, IF performed her demonic inferno, leaving the area around the CFW covered in flames and smoke. The Nep sisters readied their special attack. They both ran forward, Nepgear striking the CFW's body a few times with heavy swings. Neptune then jumped up and slashed Brave once before landing on the ground, the slash created a large explosion. Brave barely able to stand stumbled forward. Desmond dematerialized his swords and formed a larger than normal hand blade, blue in color. He quickly took the opportunity and sliced the CFW in half at the waist, dropping Brave to the floor.
"Have I… truly lost…?" Brave questioned as he laid there.
"Yeah. It's over." Uni answered, walking closer to the top half of the robot's body.
"Why? Was my strength of will not enough? Did I not desire to protect the children enough?" Brave asked.
"Our desires are the same. But our means of accomplishing those desires are different." Uni responded.
"Tell me. Will the children be happy? Will they find joy through your means?" he asked her.
"Yes. I swear as a CPU Candidate that I'll build a lasting future for the next generation to enjoy." Uni stated.
"We all will build toward a better future for the children." Desmond spoke as he walked up behind Uni, placing a hand on her head. Causing her to squirm slightly, before focusing back on Brave.
"And now, after all this time, please give me your name." Brave said, and she answered. "Uni. I entrust you with my will. Protect, and nurture, the joy of this… world's… children…"
"And you young man… What is your name?" Brave asked. Desmond gave his. "It was an honor to be able to meet others that care for the youth's joy as much… as I… have…" After saying this his body exploded. Desmond moved in front of Uni and threw up a shield to protect them from the blast. After the smoke started to fade, he dissipated the shield.
Uni looked at the remains. "I will. Be at peace, Brave."
"The only one of them to at least have his heart in the right place, what a waste… He could have been a great ally." Desmond stated, a bit dejected. He placed a hand on Uni's shoulder before they walked back to the rest of the group. The party headed back to Planeptune's basilicom.
A few days later, Desmond was getting ready to head out and pick some quests to complete. After eating breakfast, he cleaned his dishes and started to head toward the door. Before he got to it, the door opened. Revealing IF, she walked in with a sigh and slight flustered look as she looked from side to side for a moment.
"Hey IF, what's up?" Desmond asked, as he waved to her.
"Good morning. W-Where are you going?" she responded.
"I was going to head to the guild and pick up a few quests for the day." He answered.
IF's eyes started to dart around, her face glowing evermore red. "H-H-How a-about we g-go on a d-date instead."
He smiled and bent down slightly, bring their faces closer together. "That sounds wonderful, Iffy~. But there's no need to be so flustered over this, we are together now." He finished saying as he poked her nose.
She moved a hand to cover her nose as she turned her head to the side. "I-I know. It's just, other people seeing us… makes me a little nervous." She responded.
He pulled her into a hug. "It doesn't matter who sees us. The only people who matter, are our friends. And they are fine with our relationship, including Neptune, who is kinda with us as well. So, don't be too surprised if she wants to tag along if she sees us. Let's go." He gave her a small kiss and she nodded as the two left the building.
The two were walking through the streets of Planeptune, side by side. After a few minutes Desmond asked a question. "Did you have a plan in mind?"
Her face reddened "U-Umm… N-No, not really. I was just wanting to spend some time with you." Her body slightly shrunk as she spoke, not looking at him.
He smiled and wrapped an arm around her "Aww, I always enjoy spending time with my Iffy~" he teased as she started to attempt to hit him. He let go of her before speaking again "We could just walk around until we get hungry."
"That sounds good." She replied with a smile and he grabbed her hand as they continued to walk.
As they walked around the streets, they ended up in one of the parks around the city. After walking and taking in the scenery for a few minutes, they sat at a bench. IF leaned on Desmond as they sat, enjoying the beautiful morning. "It's amazing how the cities can be at such peace, as chaos looms in the graveyard." Desmond stated, his head slightly aimed upward.
"Yeah, but we've got Nep and the others back now. So, we'll be fine." She responded, not moving from her spot.
"I know. I'm just wondering what they're next move is." He closed his eyes as he spoke, trying to come up with something.
IF let out a small sigh of discontent, as she lightly elbowed him in the ribs "Hey, you're here with me on a date. Not a mission."
He moved his body slightly from the boney elbow to the side, before quickly settling back down. He then moved his arm around her, pulling her a little closer "Of course sweetie, I didn't forget. But we still do need to prepare for the threat that still is present in Gamindustri." She felt her face heat up slightly at the nickname.
A while later, the two left the park and arrived at a phone store. IF's love of phones could never be quenched. She walked around the store checking the new models and their prices. After about forty-five minutes of looking, she decided not to buy anything just yet, and the two left. They finally got hungry during the time they were out and walked into a nearby diner. After being seated, a waitress asked what they wanted to drink, they both got water. After a few minutes of looking over the menu they ordered. IF got a club sandwich, while Desmond got a bacon hamburger. "Do you know what the others are doing?" Desmond asked.
"Not exactly, but it is supposed to be everyone's day off, even though you were going to do quests before I got to the basilicom. I know that Gear went with the other Candidates, I think to some arcade in Lastation. Compa is helping around at the hospital. Nep is probably still sleeping, knowing her. And the other CPU's I believe are probably still trying to recover, but I'm not as sure about them." She answered.
"Of course, I'd try and do some more quests, I wasn't able to do jack for a while. It was frustrating not being able to help you girls out." He stated.
"What did you think we'd do? You hurt yourself then ran out and got yourself cut, after being told to stay. We had to keep an eye on you to make sure you didn't do something stupid again. But I guess, it doesn't matter now. Your safe, that's all that matters." She responded.
He smiled at her words, reaching across the table he placed a hand on her head. "I'll try not to make any more stupid decisions, but no promises. They usually come in the spur of the moment." Their food arrived a couple of moments later.
After they ate, they left the restaurant and started walking back to the basilicom. On the way Desmond asked a question "Hey, wanna go to the arcade? There's one right over there." He pointed in the direction of the building.
IF thought about it for a moment before answering "Sure, that sounds fun." After walking into the place, they spent about 2 hours playing games. Their competitive nature wouldn't allow either one to leave a loss alone, as they continued to challenge each other. Desmond had the advantage in shooter and fighting games, IF had the advantage in rhythm based games, and they were about even in racing games.
The two just finished a game on the Maryo kart game, that Desmond just barely won. After standing up, Desmond moved back a foot to avoid a flying purple object. He caught her before she could hit any of the machines, leaving him sweat dropping and the purple haired girl just smiled brightly. IF sighed once she saw what happened. "Aww, man! I almost gotcha!" Neptune said.
"If you're going to sneak up on someone don't come from their side, I could see you in my peripheral vison. What brings you here Neptune?" Desmond asked as he placed her back down.
"I like coming to this arcade, the real question is what are the two of you doing?" Neptune questioned as she leaned forward.
"W-Were out on a d-date Nep." IF answered as she crossed her arms and looked at the purple haired girl. A little blush formed on her face.
"Hmmm… Okay, you don't have to beg. I'll go on a date with you two." She held one hand forward with a thumbs up and the other at her hip, with a large grin.
"H-Hey, I never asked you to join us." IF fired back.
Desmond walked over to IF and pulled her into a one arm hug. "I said don't be surprised if she wanted to join with. And anyway, it'd be even more fun with Neptune around." Neptune smiled as she heard her name.
"I-I know, I was just hoping to get you to myself today…" IF said quietly to him.
"And you have for a good part of the day. It's time for Neptune to join us and have some fun too." He responded.
"Okay, fine." She stated in a bit of a pout, but quickly changed to a smile "Let's get back to playing then."
"Nep yeah!" Neptune shouted as she took the lead and jumped onto one of the gaming cabinets.
IF ran to catch up "Don't think I'm gonna lose to you Nep."
Desmond thought 'Man, I have two wonderful girlfriends, don't I' as he walked toward the two smiling.
A few hours later the trio left, and made their way back to the basilicom for dinner. As they arrived at the building they went into the elevator and went to the living quarters. As the stood outside the door, IF stopped Desmond from opening the door. She looked downward as she spoke "T-Thanks for today, I really enjoyed it." After saying that she moved forward and kissed him. After pulling back, her face was bright red, but all she could do was smile.
"Hey! Hey! I had fun too, so I wanna kiss!" Neptune exclaimed as she flailed her arms around, a slight pout on her face. Desmond closed the distance and kissed Neptune. After pulling away Neptune held a hand to her lips, before she started to sway side to side as she hummed. "Oh! Before I forget." She quickly attacked IF's check with a peck, causing IF to recoil back and into a blush. "Thanks for letting me come along Iffy." She finished saying innocently, as she went back to her swaying.
"D-D-Don't j-just do t-that Nep!" IF stuttered as she shouted.
"I'm happy to see you two get along so well." Desmond teased "And I'm glad we could go out. We should finish off ASIC as soon as possible and go on another date." Desmond stated as he started to open the door.
"Agreed!" The girls said simultaneously.
After walking in Histoire and Compa welcomed them. Compa had already started on dinner when they arrived. A short time later, Nepgear and the other Candidates walked into the building.
The rest of the night went by without much happing, they just enjoyed the rest of their day off quietly. Either with talking, playing games, watching tv, etc.
And that wraps up another chapter. I hope you all have been enjoying this story, I've had quite a bit of fun writing it. I'm always looking for new moves/ abilites for Desmond so there is always something new, or at least to some degree. So any suggestions are welcome. I like when a character can use more than just a hand full of moves, to me it makes it feel more fun. Anyway, leave a review and tell me what you think. And as always have a good day.
