Chapter 19 - Monster Trial

Day 31

Leanbox - streets

"…It may be helpful for tourists, but…this map tells us nothing of the monsters' strength at each location."

Walking through town, the party was busy looking at the map, which was in Neptune's hands, who was in HDD form by the way. IF looked over Neptune's shoulder once and sighed, "We need more info to narrow the locations down. Let's go back to the Basilicom for now…but stay in that form, okay?"

"Yeah!" Compa nodded, "If Nep-Nep looks all tough and adult-like, they won't turn us away as if we were helpless girls with a bodyguard."

"…Uh huh. And if that doesn't work?" Soren asked.

…

"…We'll head to Lillia's café for the info instead." IF finally replied.

As the party kept walking, Neptune's appearance started earning stares from the other residence, mainly the guys who looked a bit enamoured with her appearance. IF noticed the looks, though she didn't say anything as Neptune, Compa, and Soren took in the sights.

"…Everything here looks so…old-fashioned. Archaic. Just like Lady Green Heart described. So this is Leanbox?" Neptune observed.

"Yes, that's right. The landmass known as Leanbox, protected by the CPU Green Heart." Compa replied, "Despite the old-fashion looks, Leanbox actually thrives with a bustling economy, and the people live in prosperity."

"Not to mention that it's practically a haven for people with health problems." Soren added.

"Well, this land is fairly wealthy now, but it was at a big disadvantage a while back. Almost got destroyed." IF told them.

Compa and Soren started to notice the looks that Neptune was attracting as the latter commented, "It's rich with nature and the air's so clean. I'm sure it's a nice land to live on." Then she noticed everyone else looking a bit uneasy. "What is it, everyone?"

"…Nep, actually, can you get out of that form? You stand out way too much. You're attracting looks from the locals."

"Really?" Neptune looked around, just in time to see a child with her mother point at her.

"Mama, what's that lady wearing?"

"Hush now child, you shouldn't point to strangers who wear weird clothing."

…

"Wow, maybe Neptune shouldn't go around in Adult Mode in public. Only transform in emergencies and whatnot." Soren said.

"…I guess you have a point. Let's head back to the hotel, so I can turn back in private. Don't want to surprise the locals and all and get branded as a fairy or something."

Leanbox - Basilicom

The moment the party entered the Basilicom, Soren asked, "So, do we find the Archbishop or one of the Sanctified?"

Neptune looked around until she spotted Yvoire. "There's Mister Archbishop! Let's go ask him!" Neptune ran up towards Yvoire, shouting, "Mister Archbishop guy! Your dungeon info didn't really help us!"

"As graceful as a jackhammer, as always Nep." IF commented as she and the others caught up with Neptune.

The amnesiac ignored her and asked, "Can't you tell us where to find, like, rare item drops and strong boss monsters?"

Yvoire raised an eyebrow as he processed what Neptune asked. "…Did you go to the dungeons? I thought I warned you to stay away. It's dangerous."

"W-We're sorry." Compa apologized with a slight bow. "We really need to find strong monsters in order to find Key and Jewel Core Fragments, though…"

"At least for the Key Fragments, Compa. The Jewel Core Fragments are more of a mystery, though we do keep on running into monsters that have one…" Soren added.

"Additionally, you're the one who misunderstood. We never said we were tourists. I'm not wearing a fanny pack!" Neptune told Yvoire, "Besides, that Lindwurm from Remnant Tower was more of an annoyance than anything."

"…You four defeated the Lindwurm? I find it a bit hard to believe that you all returned safely from Remnant Tower." Yvoire then sighed, "I suppose I shouldn't judge you from your appearance. At least, not in this story. The Evangelist was right about this…"

"Huh? What did she say?" Compa asked.

"She said you four are travelers who fight monsters on the different landmasses." Yvoire shook his head as he reached for a few maps on the shelf nearby. "I thought you all were so foolish, but now… I suppose there are other monster habitats I can tell you about. This time, I'll give you a military map. We may ask for your assistance formally sometime soon."

"Oooh, wonder what strong monsters we'll find this time?" Neptune pondered as she accepted the map from Yvoire before he excused himself.

"Who knows, but at least this map has a lot more detail than the other one." Soren commented as he looked at the map over Neptune's shoulder. "It even has zones detailing monster threat levels."

"Hmm, then how about we check out this place first?" IF suggested, pointing to a yellow zone. "We'll check out the yellow zones first, then move on to the reds."

The others nodded in agreement as Neptune gave the map to IF. After pocketing it, the four left the Basilicom, heading out to another monster hunt.

Night Time…

"The…Console War? I know the CPUs have clashed before, but I had no idea a war was brewing in Celestia." Yvoire mused. He and Conversation were holding a private meeting after the latter requested it, saying she had important information regarding the goddesses.

"Yes. Humans cannot reach Celestia. We, the powerless masses, can only pray for each CPU's victory from here as they fight." Conversation gave a sigh as she looked grave. "Celestia was razed severely by Overlord Momus and the goddesses came to the human world to escape him."

"This Overlord again? However, having the CPUs all descend to their respective landmasses at once is unprecedented…" Yvoire paused in thought as he rubbed his chin. "I'm concerned that Lady Purple Heart as failed to descend to Planeptune's Basilicom thus far. If what you say is true, just what am I to do?"

"It's simple. Just kill the stupid, purple-haired one, Neptune… Then the protection for Planeptune will cease and the inhabitants will migrate to other lands and convert. With more followers, your protection will grow stronger. It's for the benefit of both Leanbox and Lowee."

"…"

"This is our only chance as humans to control the war between the goddesses!"

"From what you're telling me, I presume that Neptune is Lady Purple Heart? How do you know this?"

"Uh, I saw her transform once while fighting monsters. It's the same transformation that Lady White Heart undergoes when she seriously fights monsters. I assume that Lady Green Heart has a similar transformation?"

"…Yes. She was a sight to behold when monsters tried attacking the Basilicom awhile back. Still, I must give this some thought."

"I understand. However, there is something else I need to bring to your attention."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

"Remember the first Planeptune expedition to the surface twenty years ago?"

"I remember that, it was a hot topic from before I became the Archbishop. I still think those Planeptune fools jumped the gun concerning surface humans. Unlike heretics, they have the chance to be converted if we introduce our goddesses to them in a steady manner."

"Yes, but there are a few things that they left out. One of them being that the surface used to have goddesses from Celestia too, though presently that fact is treated as legend these days."

"Really now, this is the first I've heard of it. But, you said 'used to.' Is there any information about what happened?"

"It's a bit sketchy, but from what I could find back in Planeptune, the reason for their demise is because of something called Infinite Stratos, an advanced exoskeleton made by humans meant to be used against monsters."

Yvoire wanted to declare blasphemy, but kept his cool and gave it some thought. "…I take it that there's more?"

"There is, but not much. All I can get is that Infinite Stratos is declared lost tech, with few presently in existence after 20,000 years. It still has the monkier 'Goddess Killer' though…"

"Is there a reason you're bringing this up?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure about this, but from the few sightings I can gather, that boy Neptune's travelling with, Soren, might be in possession of one. The sightings say that he dons an armor that's similar to the description of Infinite Stratos, and it's centered around his sword."

Yvoire deliberated on that before he finally asked, "…Is he a threat to Lady Green Heart?"

"I'm not sure. His beliefs towards the goddesses are unclear, but from what I can gleam, he doesn't seem to really believe in any of them, despite living on Planeptune."

"I see… I will take your words into consideration. You may go now."

"Of course."

Conversation left Yvoire to his own devices, smiling as she left the room.

"…More information must be gathered, but just to be on the safe side…"

Day 32

Leanbox - Basilicom

The party arrived at the Basilicom after receiving a message for a bounty hunter request. When they entered, one of the Sanctified waved at them to come over, and as they approached, he greeted them, paper in hand. "We've been waiting. Here's a detailed map of the area we'd like you to go and exterminate monsters."

"Ooh, groovy. Looks like a straightforward bounty hunter job." Neptune commented.

"This will remedy some of our concerns. Most of the others were taken care of after the current Archbishop got appointed."

"Your…current Archbishop? He must be a totally bad dude."

"He is benevolent, but strict. Especially to heathens, heretics, and the Guild. There are those who disagree with him…like Pope Hakozaki for instance. But, it is understandable if his actions all stem from a strong faith towards Lady Green Heart. Plus, he was one of the leaders who suppressed the overpowering Parliament. I heard he, along with Pope Hakozaki, negotiated with the Aristocrats to regain the powers the Parliament recklessly took over. Right now, he's in charge of the Sanctuary."

"So, he's all respected and stuff. Gotcha. He wasn't all that chummy, though. Maybe I shouldn't judge people so quickly."

Compa and Soren gave IF a look of concern after hearing the part about Yvoire's attitude towards heretics, but she waved them off before asking, "The Archbishop is in charge? What happened to Pope Hakozaki?"

"She's taking an extended vacation with her younger sister in Planeptune on the recommendation of both the Archbishop and Lady Green Heart. Good thing too, as we all saw that she's been overworked due to the monsters lately."

"Huh, that makes sense, I guess. I hope she get's better. She does a great job being Leanbox's Pope. Anyway, we'll be heading out now."

The Sanctified nodded and went off to do other business. IF lead the party out of the Basilicom as Compa asked, "So, where are we going Iffy?"

"Looks like we're clearing out the surrounding area of an abandoned castle called Hirool Castle. The map also made a note of a Titan Armor guarding the gate, and that we're to defeat it too."

"An Armor huh? Haven't seen something like that in a long time." Soren mused.

"You know what it is Ren?" Neptune asked.

"It's a suit of armor being held together by a parasite monster. Depending on the parasite, it could be strong or weak. It does give off the feeling that the armor the parasite's using is possessed though, especially considering that there's no head."

"Ugh, good thing it isn't a ghostie then."

"But I hear the castle itself might be haunted. It would explain why it was abandoned years ago." IF told them.

Both Neptune and Compa gave a shiver as the latter said, "I-I doubt that it's haunted. More like the monsters overwhelmed the area probably."

"Either way, we're going there to clean up, so prepare yourselves." IF said before the party headed out.

Day 39

Leanbox - inn

"Whew, a week of accepting the Basilicom's requests to clear out green and yellow regions. I'm exhausted…"

"Me too Ren. I've been transforming left and right that I'm starting to get dizzy."

Neptune and Soren were in the former's room playing cards, with Compa and IF out doing errands. Soren was watching over Neptune after a sudden fainting spell on their last job after she transformed, which worried everybody. However, it seemed to be a one-time thing, considering Neptune was up and about a few hours later.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Yvoire's voice came from the other side. "Excuse me, is this the young Miss Neptune's room? This is Yvoire, Leanbox's Archbishop."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here! Who is it? Delivery? Room service? Mercenary? Oooh, I'm so excited to open the door I peed a little!"

"Oh, by the goddess Neptune…" Soren shook his head and opened the door, letting Yvoire in.

"Oh…it's Mister Archbishop. Suckitude."

Soren groaned in disbelief as Yvoire raised an eyebrow. "Well, excuse me. You did hear me announce myself, didn't you?"

"I'm sorry about Neptune, Archbishop Yvoire. Neptune's a bit of an…airhead, so to speak." Soren apologized with a slight bow.

Yvoire looked from Neptune to Soren, then his eyes lingered on Yukihira that was leaning against the wall for a second. "No need to worry. Anyway, I'm here to deliver a message from Lady Green Heart."

"From Leanbox's CPU, eh? Neato. What is it?" Neptune asked.

"An invitation. Considering all the bounty jobs you performed for the Basilicom…and what the Evangelist told us regarding your journey to save the world… Our Lady was touched by your bravery and wishes to show her respect and appreciation." Hearing that from Yvoire made Neptune and Soren's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "She would like to have a banquet to praise your hard work at her Red Ring Table."

"Huh, interesting…" Soren mused, not really used to getting attention from the goddesses in general.

"It's not just interesting Ren, it's a party! Oh, yippee-skippee! Party-hardy! We're gonna get to dress up and stuff our faces with yummy food…" Neptune paused for a second as a thought came to her. "Waaaait! Does this mean we get to meet the goddess?-!"

"Yes, though I cannot guarantee it since she's been fairly occupied by the monster ordeals." Yvoire warned them.

"We understand. Still, I hope she shows up. From what I heard from Arf, she's the most friendly of all the goddesses, so I'm kinda looking forward to meeting her."

"…You know the Fiery Maiden?" Yvoire inquired.

"Yeah, she's my adoptive sister of sorts. Speaking of her, have you heard anything about her whereabouts? She's been missing for a while now."

"I'm sorry, but I haven't heard anything myself. Still, if I, or any of the Sanctified come across something, we'll let you know."

Soren couldn't help but slump in disbelief, while at the same time, Neptune's excitement about the party bubbled as she shouted, "We'll go! We'll go! We'll bring Iffy and Compa, too!"

"I'm glad to hear it." Yvoire handed the invitation over to Neptune as he continued, "This invitation details the time and place. We'll be waiting. If you excuse me."

After Yvoire left, Neptune opened the invitation and read it. "Looks like the party's in a few days time. Bummer, it would've been nice if it was today instead."

"At least it gives us a few days to prepare. Though I wonder…"

"Huh? Is something wrong Ren?"

"Ah, it's nothing Neptune. C'mon, how about a game of War now?"

"Okie dokie. I'm gonna cream you this time."

"Haha, we'll see Neptune, we'll see." That's when there was a beeping noise and both Neptune and Soren looked around before they realized that the beeping came from Yukihira. "Weird, that's never happened before…"

When Soren picked up Yukihira, the blade stopped beeping as Neptune asked, "What was that all about?"

"I dunno…" Soren looked at his blade and asked, "What was that, Yukihira?"

[My apologizes, sir. A minor malfunction when more of the Hard Drive was restored. Incidentally, Audio Log #4 has been recovered. Play?]

"Another audio log, huh? Alright, let's see what it says."

[Playing.]

"…Africa is officially lost. Pretty much the entire continent has been overrun by the monsters. Even with Lady Nomadia's intervention…well, all the more reason to finish Infinite Stratos. The best minds from around the world are here, and as head of Project IS, I hope to finally complete the weapon that will wipe it and it's monster lackeys from the face of the Earth!

"I do hope Mitsuki is doing alright… I know I should be taking care of her after our parents died should be my priority, but still. I'm doing this to protect her and everyone else. I just hope everything will be alright when this is over. If it's over…"

[End Log.]

Both Neptune and Soren were silent after hearing that, until Neptune commented, "Wow. That sounded so serious and stuff."

Meanwhile, Soren was busy thinking and muttered, "Well, the mystery of 20,000 plus years ago just gets even more complex. Still, that was a different voice from the other one. Maybe the first one was this Mitsuki person, and this one was Akari? And who's Lady Nomadia?"

"What'cha mumbling there Ren?"

"Ah, it's nothing. So, how about that game of War?"

"Alrighty! Prepare to lose Ren!"

Soren just smirked as he put down Yukihira, though the mystery of the past still nagged in the back of his head.

Notes: Sorry for the delay, I got distracted by Fate/Extra stuff and Dog Days crossing with Hyperdimension Neptunia for some reason. Now, there a few things I'd like to address, thanks to a review from Some Random Tosser, which gave me something to think about. One of the goals of this fic is to give a better defined world of Hyperdimension Neptunia. I liked it, but it had a few glaring holes and the transition from the landmasses to the one island in the middle of the ocean in Mk2 was too…off, even before it was said that Mk2 is an AU. So that's why I had Gamindustri put on Earth, so that North America, Asia, and the other continents are on the surface, the four landmasses are floating in the air above the clouds, and Celestia is on a phased out dimension on the moon, like Negima's Mundus Magicus on Mars. As for Soren, he's supposed to be the connection to the surface, else I couldn't see the surface of Earth as being a good enough reason for the girls to care or even notice the world below back then. But hey, I'm just an amateur writer, so I'm sure it can be pulled of in someone else's hands.

As for Arf…I admit that I kept her vague for a reason, and that it will be addressed in future chapters. Just so you all know, this will be the last chapter that you'll hear Soren asking about her whereabouts. (he does most of the searching behind the scenes anyway)

That's it from me, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in a review or PM. Oh, and to Divine Service, you sounded like a zombie in your last review, which is in ch1 for some reason. Just saying.

P.S. Two characters mentioned have counterparts in another series. I wonder if any of you can figure out who they are?