Welcome to another chapter in my story. I've been busy but it is nice to finally get this out.
RayGaming: You're probably not the only one. We'll just have to see how it goes.
RedBurningDragon: I feel like a team of 10+ people would decimate most opponents. I also wanted to show the power difference between the fist and second fights with the felons. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Blue555Nexus: Well, get ready for Blue Heart. I hope you liked what I did with the entrance of this form. Power over space and time sounds rather op but also cool, so, nice. Thanks for the support.
And26169: I'm glad that you've enjoyed my story. I'm also pleased to hear that you enjoy Desmond. I know OCs or other characters with dead families are a bit cliche, but I think it's what you do with a charater's trauma that makes it work. I wanted Desmond the initial shock of suddenly being in a new world to shake him from the depressed state that he was in his world. And even after gaining joy in Gamindustri, the pain of losing others still lingers in the back of his mind. Which causes his loss of control within himself, trying to keep all that he has left. Sorry for rambling a little there. As for OCs in HDN fics. I think that people who at least half try can make decent OCs, some I've seen were just bad. But I've defiantly seen more good.
The sun shone through the windows of the basilicom as the attendants within started to wake. Desmond opened his eyes as he looked toward the ceiling, he let out a heavy sigh "Today's the day… Time to finish this." As he started to rise out of bed, he felt something weighing on him. As he looked down he saw a little bit of purple under his blanket. Removing it he saw Neptune laying on him, sleeping. He smiled as he moved downward and kissed her head before trying to wake her up. "Neptune, time to get up…" he spoke into her ear.
All she did was shift around slightly, as she stayed asleep. He started to shake her "Wake up Neptune. We have a war to end today." He moved her face upward, so it was toward his. Her eyes opened barely "O-Oh… H-Heyo Dez… Good m-morning…" she started to fall back asleep, until Desmond flicked her nose causing her to jump up. "Oww. That was rude Dez…" she then stuck her tongue at him.
He then grabbed her sides and began to tickle her, as she tried to get away Desmond pulled her into a hug before she could escape. "So, what are you doing sleeping in my room?"
"Uh… I guess I just walked in here after getting up in the middle of the night. You're cozy ya know, I uh… kinda couldn't help it." She gave a small laugh as she rubbed the back of her head with that explanation.
"That does sound like you. Oh, well can't do anything about it now. We need to get ready for today. So, go get ready and I'll start on breakfast. Ok honey." He stated.
"Yaaay! You're the best Dez! Love ya!" she cheered as she dashed out of the room.
Shortly after Neptune left, a knock at the door was heard. "Come in." the young man called out.
The door opened and IF walked in. "Hey… Good morning." She said a bit timidly.
"Hey, is there something wrong?" he asked as she sat on the bed next to him.
"Not really, I'm just a little worried…" she answered.
"About what?" he questioned.
"Later, the fight… I've almost lost you before… I don't know if I could go through another one of those scares." She spoke as a few tears started to fall "I-I don't know what I'd do if something really did happen to you. So promise me you'll keep your anger under check, that you won't lose your mind and go berserk like the last time we fought her. It won't be as easy this time."
He pulled her close and ran his hand down the back of her head. "Everything is going to be fine. I'm not going anywhere, and I'll do my best to keep my anger down. But, I want you to be safe. Stay back for parts of this fight. You're not a CPU so you don't have as high of a defense as we do. I know she'll have some powerful attacks, I don't want you getting mixed up in that okay."
With a few tears still falling, she looked up with a smile "I-I'll do my best to. But I can't guarantee that I'll stay back that much. You know I like a fight just as much as the next person." She chucked a little.
"I know you do sweetie." They sat together for a few minutes in silence, just enjoying each other's company. "I wish I could do this forever."
"Me too. But…?" she questioned.
"I kinda promised Neptune that I'd make breakfast If she got ready, so I need to do that. And we need to get ready for later anyways. So I suppose we should get to it." He responded before giving her a kiss and the two walked out of the room.
The group was ready a couple hours later and ready to leave. They all gathered together and Histoire readied to send them off. "Be safe all of you. I wish for your success." She spoke. She then transported them to the Gamindustri Graveyard.
The party moved through the place trying to get back to where they last saw The Deity of Sin. As they were walking, a voice yelled out. "Found you." The party turned and saw Underling standing and Warechu running up behind her.
"Again? Really?" IF questioned with disinterest.
"It's dangerous out here. You better run while you can." Noire advised.
"Yeah, you tell her, chu. Compa, whon't you warn her, too?" Warechu commented.
"Shut up, rat! They killed Magic, so I gotta make 'em pay!" Underling shouted.
"Her?" Nepgear said with a questioning look.
"Bah! Leave us alone, wouldja? We're focused on taking out the final boss right now, not you." Neptune fired at the green haired girl.
"We've no time to waste on you." Blanc added.
"Shut up, I said! I don't give this rat's ass about that Deity of shit thing!" Underling yelled back.
"H-Hey! What're you saying, chu!?" Warechu asked.
"You get me? Now you dumb broads stay put so I can whoop your skinny little asses…" Underling started.
"That's cute, you think you're a threat." Desmond said as he walked forward and used his electrokinesis to pull Underling's pipe from her. After grabbing the pipe, he hit her in the gut with it and then proceded to hit her head with an electrified attack that nearly knocked her out. He then turned to Warechu and fired an electric shot at the rodent. He then grabbed the rat and smashed it into the ground firing another large blast of electricity. After that he walked back to the party "That was a nice warm up, let's get moving."
"Agggghhh…" Underling cried as she tried to move "Dammit! Even… at the very end… I lose."
"Man… We were demolished. We didn't… even get a chance… chu…" Warechu added.
"Haven't you had enough?" IF questioned.
"We need to keep moving." Nepgear reiterated.
"Wait! A-Aren't you gonna… you know… finish us off?" Underling asked. "I mean… I might come back later and put you in a chokehold in the middle of the last boss fight…"
"I'd like to see you try." Uni stated firmly.
"Yeah, I mean first she'd have to actually make it there on her own two feet, with passing out with that possible concussion that she has. And even if she did then it'd be a quick one, two, no more hands for underling." Desmond stated in a sarcastic tone to make fun of the girl.
"That's right Dez, and I'd do some sweet donkey kick and beat you up fair and square again!" Neptune shouted.
"It may sound strange, but I trust you enough to believe you wouldn't do something like that." Nepgear stated.
"Tch… Hell if I care. I'm too tired, anyway. I can barely talk." Underling responded.
"Then why bring it up in the first place?" Desmond questioned with a sigh. "On a more serious note, you two need to get out of here. It won't be safe for either one of you."
"Why would you want us to be safe, chu?" Warechu asked.
"This place is beat. Screw everything…" Underling interjected.
"Looks like she's taking my advice, you should follow." Desmond stated.
"O-Okay, well… T-Thanks for not killing us, chu." Warechu said before running off to catch up with Underling.
The party continued on and after a bit of walking they came to where they last fought the Deity of Sin. "Here we are again." Neptune stated.
"Yes. But this time…" Nepgear started.
The party looked on as they saw the reformed body of the Deity, Red was the first to speak up "Uh, She looks freakier than before."
"I suppose that is the new form she has chosen to take." Vert suggested.
"Isn't it… kinda small…?" Rom asked.
"Boooring. I thought she was gonna be a giant robot shooting lasers all over the place or something." Ram interjected.
"I wouldn't dismiss it just yet. That could be all the power she's absorbed, concentrated in one body." IF pointed out.
"Condensing that much power is no joke, nyu." Broccoli added.
"If it's true, we'll need to be on guard." Desmond stated.
"You… Again…" The Deity spoke out to the party.
"Been a while. Gee, you've certainly grown to be quite the… looker, huh?" Noire said.
"Such insults invite death… How odd that you wish to die now, when the world shall soon perish." Arfoire stated.
"We're here to prevent that!" 5pb. yelled.
"Yeah! We're gonna stop you!" Compa added.
"You turn your back to the sweet blessing of death? Very well… Struggle until the very end…" The Deity spoke.
"Hmph. That's some big talk." Uni mocked.
"Overconfidence leads to defeat." Blanc added.
"Before you die along with this world, I will grant you endless despair…" The deity started. "For I am destruction incarnate. My manifestation is inevitable. Thus, destruction is inevitable."
"Excuuuuuse meeeee… If anyone is destruction incarnate, it would be me. Just, I use my powers on a much smaller scale… because, you know. I don't want to destroy the whole world, the whole point of stopping you." Desmond stated in a slightly joking tone.
"You sure do like to break a thing or two don't ya Dez. But gimme a rain check on all that depressing stuff. My brain is filled with sunshine and pudding, so yeah!" Neptune said in a cheerfully.
"We will defeat you, and we will bring back hope to Gamindustri!" Nepgear yelled.
The battle stared and Desmond transformed into Red Heart. The ranged fighters took their stances and fired a volley of shots at Arfoire, but none hit as she moved out of the way and toward the party. Blanc moved to intercept the attack Arfoire was about to dish out. Vert jumped in from behind Blanc, forcing Arfoire to jump back a couple of feet. The Deity spun around her weapon, deflecting Vert's. A large blast from Uni's gun moved toward the enemy, but never made contact as the Deity moved. As she tried to attack the ranged fighters, a large wall of fire formed in front of her. "At last, it is time to finally kill you Deity of Sin… Arfoire." Red Heart spoke with venom in his words.
"How quaint, you think you can stop me, now perish." The Deity spoke before moving toward him with a thrusting attack. Red Heart using a broadsword deflected the attack upward and attempted an elbow to the gut, but missed as Arfoire spun to the side. She brought her weapon down toward his head but he was gone, and a blade was in his place. Neptune pushed back against the Deity forcing her to stager for a second. Noire moved in from one side, Nepgear from the other and Red Heart from the back. Arfoire lept upward as the three clashed weapons in her stead. She moved down quickly with a kick to Nepgear, and then throwing Neptune. Arfoire deflected a few incoming ice attacks as she simultaneously dodged Noire's attacks. A plasma blast came from Uni, the Deity was able to direct it along her weapon to hit Noire. She then had to move upward as another large blast of fire came at her, hitting her legs. After landing back on the ground she moved toward Red Heart as he held a scythe. Going back and forth for a couple of seconds, Blanc and Vert tag teamed the Deity from the back. Almost getting to her Arfoire deflected Vert's weapon and swept Blanc's legs from under her and turned around just in time to block Red Heart's attack from decapitating her. After pushing the man back Neptune tried to attack but her efforts were blocked and she ended up getting kicked into Red Heart. Arfoire then not wasting any time moved toward the two, bringing down her weapon as it was knocked to the side. IF stood with her katars barred, she rushed the Deity with a flurry of attacks. Arfoire blocked the onslaught with ease, the two then engaged in a blade lock. After a moment of pushing back and forth, Arfoire took the upper hand and forced IF into a stager. Once IF lost her defense, Arfoire took the opportunity to quickly sliced IF's arms and legs. Arfoire then pushed the weapon through IF's shoulder, then made a quick spin of the weapon and thrusted it into the girl's gut. IF screamed out as blood poured from her wounds. Arfoire pulled her weapon back as she turned to the others.
"IF!" "Iffy!" many of the party members shouted. Arfoire was forced to move back as fire neared her face.
Vert and Blanc stood between Arfoire and IF "Whatever you're gonna do, do it quick!" Blanc shouted.
"Thank you." Red Heart quickly moved to IF "Don't move, this is gonna hurt sweetie." He then held his hands over the wounds and increased the heat in them, trying to cauterize her wounds as best as possible. She cried out as he did it, coughing up some blood as well. Neptune grabbed the girl's right hand.
IF reached her left hand for Red Heart's face, placing it on his cheek "I-I'm… sorry… ugh… this hurts…" Tears started to pour down her face and her skin was getting pale. "I…I'm scared Desmond… I don't want to die…"
"We're not going to let you die, just stay awake." Red Heart responded still trying to stop the bleeding.
"I-I love you…" IF said before she passed out from the pain and blood loss, as Red Heart stopped her bleeding.
"No, come on! Stay awake IF!" Red Heart shouted in a bit of a panic. He then placed a finger on her neck, letting out a heavy sigh as he felt a pulse. He kissed her forehead before standing up "Compa, get her out of here and treat her the best you can. We'll finish this fight."
"O-Okay Dez. Hang in there Iffy." Compa stated as she picked up her best friend. As she looked at Red Heart she could see a tear fall before he stood back up.
"Are you done back there!?" Blanc yelled as diverted an attack from Arfoire.
"We're all good to go back here! But you girls might want to move." Neptune advised as she kept an eye on Red Heart as a vortex a fire moved about him. Seconds later a multitude of lightning strikes landed in the nearby area. Vert and Blanc moved, to what they hoped, was a safe distance.
"You will pay for what you have done Arfoire!" Red Heart growled "I'll kill you a thousand times over, you Deity of Shit!" The density of energy in the area increased heavily.
"Meaningless words are all they are. You can do nothing to me." The Deity taunted as she raised her weapon.
The lightning strikes increased in volume, a few struck large pillars of trash that were brought crashing to the ground. Red Heart raised a hand as a massive bolt of continues lightning landed on him. It was too bright for any of them to see what exactly was happening. By the time the lightning disappeared they saw the man standing where he was to begin with, but he was different. The red processors, and pulsating lines on his body all changed to a bright blue and his hair turned to a dark blue. "Those are the words of a fool." Blue Heart created two beam sabers.
"A change in color will do you nothing. Now I will show you to your doom." Arfoire stated before moving toward the man. A light blue aura moved around Blue Heart. By the time Arfoire reached where the young man stood, he was gone. "Where did he go?" she questioned as she saw a blade come toward her. Barely able to get her weapon in place, she was forced to take a few steps back to gather herself. Blue Heart slowly walked toward her, his weapons changed into bladed tonfas. The Deity readied herself for an attack, Blue Heart started into a slow jog that turned into a run toward her. She was about to start a preemptive attack, until the young man disappeared. As she tried to locate him, she was hit from the side with the blunt end of the tonfa. Before she could recover, she was hit five more times, each from a different direction. The final hit of the barrage was an electric strike to the side of the head.
"You are too slow to compete with me. I'll now remove you from this world." Blue Heart stated without emotion.
"Never! I won't lose to a lowly CPU like you! I am Arfoire The Deity of Sin, I will bring destruction to this world!" The Deity screamed out.
"I'm done listening to you. It's time for you to disappear, forever." Blue Heart put away his weapons as he raised a hand to the sky. "I call to the sky, to all of creation. From the smallest atom to the largest mountain." The ground shook and wild winds started to generate "Move, move to your heart's content, give to me the power, the energy that you create. Let me disintegrate the enemy that stands before me. Fulmen!" As Blue Heart shouted black lightning moved to his raised from the surrounding area. It then exited his other arm that was pointed at the Deity. The black lightning hit Arfoire before she could see it move, she could feel the molecules of her body being torn apart. The cry that came from her was of that of excruciating pain. After a few seconds of the attack Blue Heart stopped the attack. Arfoire gasped for her breath, trying to stand back up. Blue Heart walked up to her as he picked up IF's katars that laid on the ground, part of the black lighting moved around the edges of the blades. "Time for you to enter you're eternal rest Arfoire." He stabbed the Deity in the gut with the left blade, he then removed the head of the Deity with the right. "Finally, it's finished." He felt the fatigue fall over him as he walked back to the group as he disengaged his transformation.
"That…" Nepgear started.
"Was…" Noire continued.
"Awesome!" Neptune cut in shouting. "Who would've guessed you would've gotten a new form this soon the fic."
"I'm glad your excited Neptune. But now isn't the time. Compa, how is IF doing?" Desmond asked.
"She's stabilized, thanks to the medicine we brought. But she needs to see a doctor soon to make sure she'll heal properly. And she'll won't be able to fight for a while either, or even walk without a crutch." Compa reported with a saddened smile.
"Thank goodness." He muttered as a small smile formed on his face. He bent down next to IF "We need to get her back to the basilicom." The ground started to rumble "Looks like we need to hurry."
"Nooo… Nooo… I won't die yet… I will destroy this world…" The Deity spoke as her body was being pulled back together.
"What… The hell!?" Desmond yelled as he stood back up. "Why aren't you dead!?"
"My will is what sustains me… not this body. I won't die until Gamindustri burns." Arfoire stated.
"She's still alive!?" Uni shouted.
"What do we do?" Ram questioned.
"I thought our feelings were supposed to defeat her." Nepgear commented.
"There… may be a way." Blanc stated.
"Huh… How sis…?" Rom asked.
"I read in some old tomes in my basilicom, long ago four CPUs were able to seal away the Deity…" Blanc started.
"I've read that as well… But if we're to do that." Noire piped up.
"Yes, the consequences may be dire, but it is something we must do." Vert added.
"Uhhh… I feel out of the loop. Hey, gals… Whatcha talkin' about? What do we need to do?" Neptune questioned. "Oh, wait! I remember now. I'm good."
"What do you mean, dire consequences?" Desmond asked.
"The CPUs who did this last, were never seen again. They gave their lives to seal Arfoire away." Blanc answered.
"Th-That means you all could disappear too." 5pb. said with slight worry.
"I just got you back you can't leave again sis." Uni stated.
"You can't do it Blanc, what if you disappeared too!? Huh!?" Ram shouted.
"Please… Don't Blanc…" Rom said.
"You can't leave, you're my wifeys!" Red called out.
"Neptune, please don't do this… Let me take your place instead!" Nepgear pleaded.
"No can-do Nep Jr. As the older sister and CPU, it's my job to do this." Neptune responded with a smile.
"No… No!" Desmond yelled. "I won't let you all do this. To rip you from your sisters, them knowing you won't return… I know what it's like to have a family, and to have one taken away. I can't let these girls go through that." He let out a sigh, as he straightened himself "I will do it instead. I have the power of you four and my own, that should be more than enough."
"Whaaaaat!?" Neptune exclaimed. "You can't do that…" before she could say anymore she was cut off.
"I'm not taking no for an answer, tell me how to do it." The young man stated.
"Okay, if you are willing…" Blanc spoke softly before whispering the information into his ear.
"Thank you, Blanc." He stated before he turned toward the Deity.
"You're coming back right?" Neptune asked, pulling on his shirt. The look of worry evident on her face as she gave an awkward smile.
"Of course, honey." He spoke before giving her a kiss. He then moved closer to the Deity. "Time for you to disappear." He transformed into Blue Heart and started pull Shares and other energy into him.
IF started to wake from all the excitement. She heard a few words spoken by Compa "I hope Dez doesn't disappear like the old CPUs…" Compa looked down to see IF attempting to get up. "Ahh, Iffy, don't move you're not completely healed yet."
IF was able to move just enough to see Blue Heart stand as an unfamiliar energy flowed around her. She tried to reach a hand out in his direction. "Des…mond… no…"
Blue Heart pulled in the energies as the processor above his left shoulder changed white color, the right shoulder purple, the processor on his left leg changed to green, and the right leg changed to a dark grey. The corresponding colors pulsed toward his torso. His eyes opened, instead of the usual blue irises. They were like light passing through a prism, a multitude of colors shone and moved through it. He held his arms partly out, electricity flowing around his right. Changing colors from yellow to blue, red, black and finally to white. Sparks of share energy were flying around it. Fire engulfed his left arm, the color of it turning golden.
The deity's body finally pulled itself back together. After picking her weapon back up she dashed toward the young man "DIE!" she yelled.
"This is your end. From the earth below to the sky above, take all evil that can be seen and erase it from existence" Share energy could be seen moving around the young man
"W-What!? Isn't this…" Noire started.
"Share resonance, yes." Blanc interrupted. "But, this isn't part of what I told him. I'm not sure how he's doing it."
"This truly is a rare occurrence." Vert stated.
"Wow, it's so pretty." Ram said while looking at it.
"Yes… pretty…" Rom agreed.
Nepgear and Uni just stared at the spectacle, unable to speak.
"Wow. There's so many sparkles in the sky!" Red exclaimed.
"This feels so… comforting." 5pb. said with a small smile.
"Just come back Dez…" Neptune muttered somberly to herself.
IF could feel a small amount of strength moving into her as she looked at what was happening.
Arfoire neared Blue Heart at a quick pace, only leaving a dozen yards between them. "with this holy light" Blue Heart spoke before moving his arms together "Evanescet!" he yelled, the combined white electricity and golden flames quickly surrounded both of them, as did the Share energy.
"Aaaaaaaaaa!" Arfoire screamed as she tried to attack the man. Her forward momentum was brought to a mere crawl, but she was able to push forward. Once she reached where the man was the two disappeared.
"Wh-Where did they go?" Compa questioned.
"They went to a separate dimension. It's where the Deity will remain." Blanc answered.
Several minutes passed, and he had not returned. "What's taking him so long?" Ram questioned trying not to let the worry into her voice.
"Don't worry… He said he'll be back. We just have to trust in him." Neptune stated, any of them could tell she was not up to her normal cheery demeanor.
An hour passed since the two disappeared. A small cry was heard from among them. "Big… brother isn't coming back isn't he…?" Rom questioned as she started crying.
"D-Don't cry Rom… Because if you do…" Ram responded before she started crying as well.
IF started to tear up as she laid on Compa's legs. "N-No… this can't… be happening…" she said before passing out from exhaustion.
Neptune kept her head downward, her bangs covering her eyes. The ground started to shake, catching the party off guard. "This place is starting to break, we need to leave!" Noire shouted. The party quickly moved toward the where they entered, and Histoire warped them back.
After arriving at the basilicom, the members of the party went to their rooms to rest, except for the three non-native CPUs who reported what happened. And Compa took IF to the hospital to ensure she wouldn't get any worse. The CPUs of White, Green, and Black, stood in front of the Oracles. The CPUs gave a report on what happened in the Graveyard. "So, it appears that we have lost Desmond." Histoire stated in a saddened tone.
"But in return for the CPUs." Kei pointed out.
"Yes, his sacrifice will be remembered." Mina commented.
"As sad as that is, I'm just glad my darling Vert is here." Chika added.
"I wonder how the other girls are taking it." Histoire pondered.
"Rom and Ram were upset…" Blanc spoke in monotone.
"I'm sure Uni is fine, and I don't know about Nepgear. But I'm a little worried about Neptune." Noire stated.
"Yes, she's hardly spoken a word since we've arrived back. It is quite unlike her." Vert added.
"Does IF know?" Histoire asked.
"I think so, but I'm not sure. Compa was with her, you could ask her when she gets back." Noire answered.
"Okay. I suggest that you all get some sleep before heading back to your nations, you've earned it." Histoire stated.
"Thank you for your hospitality Histoire," Blanc said before walking to the room that she shared with Rom and Ram. The other two CPUs pardoned themselves from the room afterward.
In Neptune's room, laid the CPU on her bed. She held her pillow to her chest as she stared at her ceiling. "Why… why Dez…" tears started to form as she tightened her hold on the pillow. "You said you'd be back… I shouldn't have let you do it…"
"You know he wouldn't have let you stop him." A voice came from the other end of the room.
Neptune quickly popped up, placing her slightly watery eyes on the owner of the voice. "N-Noire!? When did you get here?" she asked.
"If you'd pay attention, I was knocking at your door for the past few minutes straight. I even said I was coming in." Noire said as she walked and sat at the foot of Neptune's bed. "So, how are you doing?" She asked.
Neptune sat next to Noire and flashed her a smile "I'm doing just peachy."
"No, no. You can't expect me to believe that after what I saw." Noire responded. "And… I… want to be a better f-friend… So, trust in me more Neptune."
Neptune's smile disappeared as a sad expression took place. "It hurts Noire, more than any battle I've been in. H-He shouldn't have been the one to be taken away…" tears started to stream down her face.
"I don't expect it to be easy for you. Remember that he did it under his own will. Don't take what he did for granted, if he hadn't have done that… we would've been lost in that dimension, held forever as the seal for the Deity." Noire stated. "I'll do everything I can to help you during this time… Okay." She pulled Neptune into a hug.
Initially shocked by the embrace, Neptune then returned the hug "I… I…" She started to sob into Noire's shoulder. The two were still as Neptune let her emotions out. After a few minutes, Neptune regained some composure "W-What about Iffy? How is she gonna take it…? I don't even know if she knows…" she trailed off as she laid her head on Noire's shoulder.
"It'll be fine, we'll get to that when we see her. It's just something that we'll all have to take a day at a time." Noire stated as she pulled Neptune off her, sitting her up. "Are you gonna be okay?"
Neptune wiped her eyes "Y-Yeah, I will. I just need to rest for a while."
"Okay, if you need anything let me know." Noire stated before walking out of the room.
Several days later, IF was released from the hospital. To keep working at some level, she stayed at the basilicom to keep movement down to a limited, so she could heal. Nepgear walked into the room IF was staying in, carrying papers. "Here you go IF, thanks for doing this." Nepgear said as she placed the papers on the table next to the brunette.
"I should at least be doing this much. I'd like to do more, but that's not happening for a while longer." IF responded.
"So…" Nepgear started shifting slightly "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well, sometimes I feel a pain run through me. But that usually…" IF said as she was interrupted.
"No, I-I mean about… you know." Nepgear said, not making eye contact with the guild member.
IF felt a lump in her throat as she stopped taking, her face wavering for a second before she recollected herself "I-I'm fine, it'll be tough to get used to him not being here. But I'll just have to take it one day at a time."
"Okay, IF." Nepgear said as she moved toward the door "See you later."
After Nepgear exited the room, IF's fists clenched "Why did it have to end like this… was there someway we could have saved him?" she looked up at the ceiling "No, after the old CPU's advice failed, there was no other option was there." She looked back down as tears slowly dripped down her face "I just wish I could do something to bring him back."
A few hours later a knock came at the door opened "Hey Iffy, how's it going?" Neptune asked in her usual cheerful tone.
"Oh, hey Nep. What are you doing?" IF responded.
"I came to see if you wanted to take a break and play a game." She said with a smile.
"I can't, there's too much work to do. It would be nice if you'd help out at least a little." IF stated bluntly.
"Aww man. Well maybe we can try to brainstorm a way to get Dez back." Neptune said nonchalantly. IF almost dropped her pen when she heard that "I asked Noire if she knew a way, but she said that she'd have to do some research. But I thought we could…"
"Shut up!" IF yelled interrupting the purple haired CPU. She slammed a fist onto the desk, she shook slightly as she spoke. "The old CPUs were lost when they were sealed away! How can we expect for Desmond too! We have to face the fact that he isn't coming back!" for the next few moments there was just silence. IF regretted yelling at Neptune and kept her face forward, looking at the paper in front of her.
She felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck. "I know the chances are low if at all possible for this to happen. But I can't give up, if there is a chance I need to take it. I know you miss him just as much as I do… so please help me…" IF forced herself around to look at the CPU. She saw Neptune as tears poured down her face.
IF returned the hug "Of course I will." After a few seconds she pulled away looking into the CPUs face, wiping the tears away "You should stop crying, it doesn't fit you." She chuckled a little as she said that "I-I'm sorry for yelling like that. It was uncalled for."
"It's fine Iffy." Neptune pulled up a nearby chair "Let's get this done."
"Huh, really? You're gonna work?" IF asked.
"Hey, come on. You agreed to help trying to find a way to get Dez back. So I'll help ya with this." Neptune stated with a grin.
Blue Heart looked on as Arfoire closed in, as she reached him the two teleported. Once he realized that they did, Arfoire had connected her attack. Her spear had impaled the man through the gut. The Deity looked at him with a smile "You fool. This will only delay the inevitable. Once I kill you I will work on my resurrection."
Blue Heart cracked a smirk "Are you too blind to see what's around you?" Arfoire looked around to see the Share resonance still flowing around them. "The perfect weapon against an enemy of pure evil. I asked Histoire about this after reading it in some old texts. You will not be able to live through this." He grabbed her as fire and lightning poured onto her, causing a large amount of damage to befall her. After breaking free Arfoire moved back, taking her weapon with her. Blue Heart cauterized the wound with fire as he summoned two short swords. He went on the offensive, attacking the Deity with a flurry of strikes. Arfoire able to deflect most of the attacks, but between the attack from before and the Shares occasionally hitting her, were taking a toll. He held Arfoire's spear in a blade lock with his right blade. He quickly turned the left blade to a pistol firing a few shots into her leg. Once that happened, the Deity started to get desperate. She pulled back, with a limp as she started swinging wildly. Blue Heart was easily able to brush off the wide attacks. He materialized two beam sabers, he attacked around Arfoire's attacks, cutting her with each swing. Blue Heat sidestepped a thrust attack from the Deity. After he did he brought down his left sword on her arm, severing it just below the elbow. Using his right sword, he knocked Arfoire's spear and arm sideways. And followed up with the left again, removing the other arm of the Deity.
"No! No! I can't lose!" Arfoire screamed as she barely stood.
"This is where you end Deity." Blue Heart stated before kicking her into a large amount of Share energy. She screamed as she fell into it. After a few seconds of her being in it, she disappeared. "Finally…" Blue Heart reverted back as he sat on the ground. "Finally gone for good." He looked around at his surroundings "Uhhh… How am I gonna get back?" He questioned while rubbing the back of his head. "But I think some rest will be in order for now." He laid down as exhaustion laid heavily on his body and closed his eyes.
Six months had passed since the Deity of Sin was defeated. The nations were peaceful after they went through a period of rebuilding as they got rid of the remains of ASIC. It was a clear day in Planeptune, many people were walking through the streets. One man in particular caught the eye of someone. "Desmond!" A man called out, running toward him.
Desmond turned to the voice, recognizing it to be from Justin. A man he spared during a battle in the outskirts of Planeptune some time back. "Hey, what's up. It's been a while."
"Yeah, no joke. You've been MIA for six months, where've you been?" Justin asked.
"Huh? No way, it couldn't have been that long. I thought it was only there for like two or three weeks, maybe a month tops. Hmm… But my memory is a bit fuzzy since I left, so I guess it could be possible." Desmond responded.
"Yeah, you've been gone for six months. After the battle with the Deity of Sin, you disappeared. The CPUs told us that during the battle the Deity and you just vanished. Purple Heart said she didn't know if you'd be back, but she had faith that you would." Justin stated, as a smile formed on his face "And I did too. You're to dammed strong to keep down for the count just like that."
"Thanks for thinking so highly of me, I guess that means I'm doing my job right." Desmond let out a small chuckle "Well, it's good to see you my friend. So, how's the guild?" Desmond asked.
"It's been going well. Ever since ASIC was completely wiped out it's been smooth sailing." He answered.
"Good. How has IF been? Do you know?" Desmond questioned.
"Well… She's been, more distant I guess. She acts like her normal self while in middle of a job or in front of large groups. But when she's out of the spotlight, like when she sits in the café, she looks sad. She kinda stares off into space." Justin answered.
"Oh, boy. Sounds like I need to see her soon." Desmond commented.
"You probably should." Justin added.
"What about Neptune?" Desmond asked.
"Not much news. She's been either up in the basilicom, fighting monsters, or in one of the other nations." He answered.
"Well, I'll take my leave. Thanks for the info Justin. Bye." Desmond shook the other man's hand and left the area, making his way to the Basilicom.
After arriving at the basilicom, Desmond was greeted by many surprised staff members as they asked him questions. After a few minutes, he went into the elevator. He opened the door to the basilicom housing, walking the short distance from the door to the living room. Entering the living room he saw Neptune, siting on the couch playing something.
Her eyes widened as she stood, dropping her controller. "I…Is that really you Dez…" she asked as she inched toward him.
"I'm home." He simply answered, as he moved his arms to his sides.
Tears started to stream down Neptune's face as she ran into Desmond, knocking him to the ground. After hitting the ground she gave him a kiss and then put her arms around his waist in a hug. She was crying although she had a smile on her face. He laid their returning the embrace.
Nepgear rushed into the room "What's wrong Nept…" she started before stopping in her tracks for a couple of moments "Desmond!" she shouted as she quickly moved toward the two on the ground, placing her arms around the young man's neck. "We've missed you."
"I've missed you all too. Although it seems like it was longer for you all than it was for me." He stated before making an attempt to get up. Nepgear let go as he moved. Neptune held on, being forced to stand with the man.
"What do you mean?" Nepgear questioned.
"It's been six months since I left right?" he asked.
"Yes" she quickly answered.
"Well, I'm pretty sure that I was in that other dimension for a much shorter time than that. But after defeating Arfoire, my memories are quite fuzzy. So, I can't give a truly accurate time table." He stated.
"Well, it doesn't matter. No need to sweat about the small stuff, you're back now. Even if it did take you way to long. You know making us girls wait around isn't nice. I think reparations are in order." Neptune said as she looked upward, wiping away tears with one of her arms.
The small tome floated into the room "Greetings Desmond." She bowed slightly "It is good to see you again. Am I to expect that Arfoire is truly defeated now?"
"Yes, that is right." He said with a large grin, flashing a thumb up.
"Thank you. I am eternally grateful." Histoire stated. "I will call IF and Compa to come as soon as they can." She then floated off.
"Okay. Hey, Neptune. I like hugging as much as the next person, but I'd like to go sit on the couch. So, I need ya to either let go or walk with me." Desmond stated.
"I'mma gonna hang on ya. You ain't getting away that easily buster." She responded giving a large grin. He smiled as the two walked over to the couch and sat down.
After about an hour and a half later the front door to the housing area opened. "Histoire, Compa and I are here. What's the emergency?" the two walked in as they entered the living room the two stopped. Desmond stood in the middle of the room, smiling at the two.
After a moment of surprise Compa flashed a bright smile. She then looked toward IF. IF shook and looked a little pale, like she was looking at a ghost.
"H-How are you here? You disappeared… Gone, without a trace. So, how are you suddenly here!? Is it even really you? Does my mind hate me so much that I'm starting to see images of you!" Her body tensed up as tears fell and she slowly moved toward him.
"Iffy…" Compa said a little worried but IF didn't hear anything that Compa said.
"It is me, I'm really here IF. You are seeing no illusion." Desmond answered.
"I want to believe you, but I can't yet…" she continued to get closer to the young man. "You said that you'd be here, that you wouldn't leave. And then you disappear! And I couldn't do a thing while it happened, I was useless!" her hands clenched at her sides "I couldn't do a thing as I watched you vanish in front of me!" She stood in front of the man "How do you think that affected me, y-you idiot." She threw light fists at the man's chest. After a few moments she let her fists lay on him as she stood in silence.
"Are you okay now?" he asked. IF nodded, as she looked up she saw a few tears running down his cheek. "I'm sorry sweetie." He hugged her tightly. "I never would have thought that it would be so hard on you. Of course, it wasn't my plan to leave, or to be gone for so long when I did. So, can you forgive me?" she returned the embrace.
"Of course… you idiot…" she said softly. She then felt someone else touching her, as Compa hugged the two from the side not wanting to miss out too much on the reunion.
"I'm glad you're back Dez. Iffy was really down in the dumps while you were gone. Oh, I'm going to go make a cake for a celebration." Compa then let go and moved toward the kitchen.
"I love you." He stated bending down slightly
"Love you too." She responded just before their lips met. After pulling away the two sat on the couch next to each other. As they sat there, a purple haired being ran across the area and jumped into the two of them, hugging them.
"I love ya, honey. But please don't jump onto us like that." Desmond commented as he felt a small pain coming from his gut.
"Seriously, Nep." IF agreed.
"Fine, but only for a little bit." Neptune stood up "So, I guess you two had your heart felt reunion. Let's do something together."
"Compa is making a cake." Desmond commented.
"And when I mean do something. I meant, do something here and wait for cake." Neptune said with a smile.
"Of course, you did." Desmond said with a smile "So, what do you want to do?"
That is the end of the chapter and this arc of the story. I'm gonna do a few chapters that take place between rebirth 2 and 3, then I'll start with rebirth 3's story. It's crazy to think that I've had this story on the site for over a year now. It's crazy to think how fast time flies. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, leave a review and let me know what you think. As always have a good day.
