The More Things Change

by G1 ArchAngel

The Multiverse Theory. Infinite possibility embodied. One situation can result in so many different results. This is just one of those differences. (Reboot to my original series.)

8. Finally! Progress! (I wish)

Chapter: Finally! Progress! (I wish)

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I wanted to get real things done with this chapter, and I did to an extent, but this was supposed to have so much more. 'There's nothing wrong with that.' I know Monika, but I've been putting so much day to day stuff into the last few chapters that this story is becoming more slice of life. 'Isn't that what you're plan was, to show the characters more?' Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean I want chapter after chapter of stuff that people do in their everyday lives. 'I get what you're saying. So…Should we get to the chapter?' Yeah, let's get to the chapter.

A week passed fairly quickly. Because of Gamindustri medicine, my wounds were fully healed by the time Ragland came to remove the stitches. The scars in my chest weren't nearly was thick as the original injuries, but Ragland told me that the scars weren't likely to fade. In that week that I was debilitated, we taught Monika and Caster about Gamindustri, like how levels and stuff worked. After having the Servant look over the book I found, she determined that it was a grimoire of some kind, though she couldn't tell specifically what the contents were. I asked the varying gods that hang out in my head, and it was a combination of Hecate and Lucifer who figured it out. I guess it was close enough to Enochian for him to be able to understand what it said, and Hecate taught me how to put them into practice. So far I only really know basic spells like minor healing and low level elemental stuff. The house shopping we agreed to do went surprisingly well. There were three places on the outskirts of Planeptune that we felt we'd like. The one I was partial towards also the most expensive. It has five bedrooms, two baths, a furnished basement, a small outdoor pool, and a patio. It was a dark brown with a brick red roof.

"Hm…" I hummed, nibbling on my breakfast.

"What is it, Dad?" Monika asked.

"Nothing, really. I just don't know what I'm going to do today. Iri is out with your mom getting real clothes for her. I'm pretty sure she finally gave because of the stink eye she was getting from 'Tia."

"Why would Mom do that?"

"Your dad's eyes like to wander and let's leave it at that."

"Oookay…" Monika said, obviously not sure how to continue. "Histoire did call yesterday, asking that we come to the Basilicom."

"She called? When? How did I miss that?"

"Mom told you."

"Damn concussions, fucking up my memory. When were we supposed to be there?"

"Just sometime this afternoon."

"Okay. Want to tag along?"

"Sure. She said she needed Iri, but I need the social activity. I can't stay in the house forever, as comfy as my bed is."

"Very true." A few hours later, Cynthia returned with a mortified look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"She…I'm so broke right now…"

"Now you know how I felt." I countered as Iri walked into the room. She looked very pleased with herself.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"As long as you understand. So, Histy called yesterday? I forgot and Monika reminded me. Did she say why?"

"No, though she made it clear that it was important."

"Oh, this'll be fun. Wanna head over?"

"Not yet. There's something more important to take care of." Cynthia removed a fairly large stack of papers from her bag. "These are the documents we have to fill out for the new house. I spent some time last night thinking, and the one you were looking at was the best for us when looking at the price, though I still don't care for the pool."

"What's wrong with the pool?"

"It looks so out of place." I couldn't help but chuckle before giving her a kiss.

"You're the best, you know that?"

"I do." She replied, smirking before returning my gesture.

"…Wait, that's a lot of paperwork."

"There's a lot of tax things that are going to change. Most of the pile is government filings like that. The first few are the ones for the house itself."

"We also hired movers while we were out." Iri added. "They even agreed to pack our boxes if we were out or had to move suddenly." During my processing of the information, Iri tapped me in my shoulder. "Steven, can we talk for a moment?"

"Sure, what's up?" I asked as we made our way into the study.

"I'm worried about Monika." She admitted. "She thrashes and mutters in her sleep, she wakes up in cold sweats and she'll stare at a mirror like there was a monster in it."

"Well, that's because to her, there is. Her. Monika has done some pretty twisted things, things that she regrets and will haunt her soul for a very long time." I paused, readying myself to tell our shared experience. "She used to be a character in a video game. She was a side character, but she became sentient and wasn't thrilled that the game didn't give her the chance to be happy. So, she took matters into her own hands, changing the code that dictated how her friends acted to make them dislikable and make them kill themselves. All that for a desperate bid to find love. And imagine what it was like for her when she found out that her beloved was a married man and a teen in a relationship."

"She'd have done all that for nothing."

"Precisely, which is why she needs someone there for her, especially when we can't be."

"I will gladly help my Master with what troubles her. Perhaps I can find her a boyfriend." Poor Monika. The giggling of the adult before me promised her nothing but a headache.

"I get the feeling that going that far won't be necessary. Just, be there for her, okay. Also you have my permission to get…touchy…with her if you feel like she needs it, even if she says no. Trust me, I know the value of a hug."

"I see. Very well then." The giggling from the woman just got much more mischievous. I'm so sorry, Monika, but this is for your own good. Also, I'm pretty sure dads are allowed to ship their daughters. Correct me if I'm wrong about that.

"So, is that everything?"

"Yup!"

"Time to start that paperwork, then." I sighed, not all that pleased that I've had to do so much signing in one week. The two of us only got halfway through before it was time to go.

"Hello, everyone." Histoire greeted. From how crowded the room was, the tiny fairy had gathered all the warriors. By that, I mean even Noire and Blanc were here.

"Hey Blanc, hey Noire. Why are you guys here?" Neptune asked.

"I don't know." Blanc replied. "Histoire called and asked me to come."

"Same. She never said why."

"It is because there are pressing concerns that involves all of your nations." The fairy explained. "There are reports of someone attacking factories that produce games. From the information gathered across all three nations, it is the same person."

"With our luck it's the Seven Sages. They like coming after us." Noire suggested. "Between that witch woman from a few years ago and that old man, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Don't forget the rat."

"Does he actually count?" Blanc asked me rhetorically.

"So, what's the plan?" Johnny asked.

"I want you to go to one of the few factories that haven't been attacked yet and apprehend them. If that is not possible, then you may deal with them appropriately." The fairly replied. "Because of the likelihood of missing the perpetrator if everyone went to the same location, I have created teams that should be effective when working together." On a whiteboard that I wasn't really sure where it came from, there was the Oracle's plan. The Lowee team was Blanc, Souji, and Cynthia, the Planeptune one had Neptune, Plutie and me, and the Lastation one had Noire, Johnny and Monika/Caster.

"So we get to stay home? Cool." Neptune commented. Those of us that had to head to the other nations left, and we went out to our location. As we walked, my phone buzzed. Opening it (had to get a flip because my smartphone didn't work) revealed a text from the Merchant. That was weird, given the fact that I never gave him my number. The message said that he had gotten what I asked him to and it was ready for me to pick up.

"Do you two mind if we make a quick pit stop? There's something I need to pick up."

"What is it? If it isn't important, we can't waste time on it. There is someone out there that's needs proper punishment." Plutie answered.

"A new toy, so to speak. Trust me, it'll be nothing but helpful."

"Well, it should be fine then. Where to?" Neptune asked.

"The Guild, actually. I placed an order with the Merchant. It should be on or way, though it's a longer route." When we entered the Guild, the Merchant was waiting with a glint in his red eyes.

"Hey there." He said, reaching into his coat for my request. "Here it is." In his hand was a dark grey metal cylinder that was about two feet long. There was two grooves that split it into thirds. The middle segment had three streamlined buttons built into it. Taking it from him, I pushed the middle one, and it extended into a staff. Pressing the button bellow that one retracted it. The top one, the one my index finger rested on, was different. It had an indentation and a dot, to signify that it was different from the other two. I pressed it, resulting in a satisfying bang. I was, however, surprised by the amount of force released by the ballistic function.

"Well hello there."

"Got a kick, don't it? Hehehe…Be glad it knows when you want to use those."

"Knows? Well, yeah. Here should be whatever it cost to get this thing." I replied, handing him a wad of cash.

"Pleasure doin' business with ya."

"Stevie, what was that?" Plutie asked.

"Yeah! Since when does a staff make gun noises?"

"Since it's got guns built into the ends that extend to make them shoot out like bullets. Hopefully this'll make up for the lack of a blade."

"Ooh…" The two said at the same time.

"Let's get going." I couldn't lie about having some pep in my step. This thing is so cool! The factory was about twenty minutes from the Guild. Besides the mobs that we had to mow throw that normally show up in places like this, it was rather peaceful. No traps or anything. Too bad it didn't last very long.

"Hahaha! Ah, all this destruction! If I can't copy it, it doesn't deserve to exist!" A loud, boisterous voice roared.

"That's what this is about? A pirate who can't get past encryptions?"

"Looks like it. Time to beat some bad guys!" Neptune cheered, transforming to take on the talking tank thing. Plutie followed suit.

"So, the CPUs are here, huh? Fine! More to destroy! I, Copypaste, will crush you!" Ow, my ears. Man this guy is loud. I have to admit, his simplemindedness is to be admired. He took a swing at us, and my brilliant mind thought that now would be a good idea to test the limits of my weapon. This would also create an opening for the others. Getting into a stable stance, I pulled the trigger, stopping his attack in its tracks.

"Huh. That worked." The flashes of movement and his roar of pain signaled that I succeeded.

"Thank you, Steven." Neptune said, getting into a ready stance. He let loose another yell of pain as Plutie let out some savage laughter. "Someone seems to be enjoying themselves."

"Yup, and don't worry about it. Hecate!" A golden light covered me before fading, revealing a pure white toga. A gold leaf crown rested on my head and my staff looked like the mark on my arm. "I'll cover the two of you, you hit it where I do."

"Why?"

"I'm gonna punch holes in that armor."

"I see. Fine, we'll follow your lead." The armor of this guy was thick, but nothing like some beams of magic to opening up the tin can

"Critical Edge!" Neptune yelled, swinging her large katana.

"Hahaha! This is incredible! I've never had a fight like this!" Great, we're only encouraging him. His swings and charges only became faster and hit harder. Neptune certainly found out as she was sent flying.

"God dammit…" I groaned, not being able to move out of her way. "Neptune, please get up. You're sitting on things I'm going to need in the future."

"Sorry." She replied, helping me up after getting herself off of my balls. "Better?"

"Much." Wait, I just got an idea. "Neptune, want to try something that has the potential to be awesome?"

"Do you have a plan?"

"More like a half-assed idea, but yeah. I'm going to start blasting him with everything I've got, and you do the same. Then, when I freeze him, you hit him with those swords of yours."

"You want to use a group skill."

"Ye."

"Do you want to include Plutie?"

"Hahaha! That's right, die like the dog you are!"

"And interrupt her fun? Nah, that would be mean." The skill appeared in the menu and it was called Purple Contract. We did just as I suggested. Neptune took the lead, letting loose a barrage of slashes once Plutie was out of the way. With once she moved, I hit him with multiple blasts of different elements, finishing with ice. Incased in the magic containment, Neptune used her thirty two-bit megablades to impale it. With that I snapped my fingers, detonating a magic seal underneath the Seven Sages member. I don't know how, but we managed to end up posing back to back.

"This amazingly strong body is broken! Noooo!" The machine yelled before exploding. Plutie stormed up to us before jamming a finger into my chest.

"How dare you create a team skill with Neppy before me!? Maybe I should punish you, because I couldn't finish with what was in front of me."

"T-There's no need for that…But, to be fair, you looked like you were having fun, giving fin the what-for, and didn't want to ruin it. Also, Histy would want the collateral damage to be as little as possible, so…team skill. Don't worry, we can come up with one later, okay?"

"Fine, but I want ice cream."

"Ice cream sounds good." Neptune agreed before she was surrounded by a pillar of light. When it died down, Neptune was still in HDD but…naked. "Kyah!" She squealed as I turned my back. "What's going on!?"

"How should we know?" I asked in return. "Here, take this." Still not facing her, I reached my arm back. In my hand was the duster Noire gave me. I kept it in my inventory in case it rained.

"We'll ask Histy about it when we get back." Plutie added. "Ice cream can wait." The walk back was the definition of the word awkward. Neptune was constantly adjusting the article of clothing that was much too large for her as the two of us fended off anyone trying to catch a peak at her.

"Welcome back-What is going on?" Histoire asked as I quickly shut the door.

"After we…dealt with…the one destroying our games, Neppy tried deactivating HDD and this happened." Plutie reported.

"I'm gonna call Ragland. He might not know much about CPUs specifically, but he's still a medical professional."

"And I shall perform a scan. Perhaps together we can figure out what is wrong with Neptune." Histoire stated.

"Come on, Neppy, something of mine should fit you." As the three headed towards the tallest one's room, I punched the speed dial I set up for the good doctor.

"Doctor Bradley Ragland, how can I help you?"

"Hey Ragland, it's me. We could really use a hand over here at Planeptune's Baslilicom. Something is going on with Neptune, and we don't know what."

"What is it, exactly?"

"She's stuck in her adult form, much like Plutia."

"I see…I'll get some equipment together. I'll be over within the hour."

"Thanks, Ragland, I owe you for this."

"Don't worry about it." It actually took him an hour and fifteen to get here. "Sorry about the delay. It was hard getting all of this down the streets." The older man had a cart containing various tests and equipment.

"It's fine. Histoire did her scan half an hour ago, but she'll be processing it for a while."

"I see. Where is my patient?"

"In her room with Plutie. I'll show you the way." Navigating the halls was second nature by now, so it didn't take long. "Neptune, Doctor Ragland is here." I said, knocking on her door.

"Okay." She said and I opened the door. The CPU looked worried, and rightfully so. We knew why this happened to Plutie, but this was random at best.

"Hello, Neptune. I'm going to do some routine tests as well as a basic physical, if that is alright with you."

"That's fine. I just want to know what's wrong." The physical exam didn't reveal anything out of the ordinary. The blood sample analyses, however, was a different story.

"Do you see that?" Ragland said, pointing at the screen. "Those are the percentages of hormones in her blood. This paper here shows the levels of those hormones in a normal female adult of her body type. See anything wrong?" He asked us.

"Her estrogen is really high." I noted.

"Yes. Estrogen can be affected by things like stress, cancer, pregnancy, and other illnesses." Ragland explained. "I'm going to do some more tests from here, but there is one that you can give her for her to do herself." He handed Plutie a stick. "Just have her follow the instructions and bring it back to me."

"Okay." Plutie said, taking it and walking off. Thankfully, nothing came up for things like cancer or diabetes. The last test, however…

"Miss Neptune, are you sexually active with your boyfriend?" Ragland asked, looking at his clipboard.

"Yes, I am."

"Well, I have good news. I know a likely reason as to why you're like this."

"And that is?"

"Congratulations, you're expecting."

"My scans confirm this." Histoire said, clearly done with being bad at being a computer. "It seems like your body has determined that this form is the one that is better suited to nurture your developing child."

"From my examination, you can't be more than four weeks along." Ragland commented.

"I…I'm pregnant…I need to call Souji!"

"Neptune, calm down. Breath." I said, placing my hands on her shoulders. "I already called him and let him know something was up. He's on his way with Blanc and Cynthia now."

"Thank you."

"Stevie?"

"No, Plutie, you can't have my debit card to go buy clothes for Neptune. You can have it to go get ice cream." Hey, I did promise.

"Be that way." She huffed playfully, taking the card and making her way out.

"Thank you, Doctor. If you'd like, I can send you the results of my scan as well as reports if any changes occur." Histoire said.

"That would be appreciated. I'd also like to schedule the regular checkups that are involved with a normal pregnancy. I'll call later to find times that work for both of us." With that, the doctor bid his farewell.

"Hey, Neptune? Can I be brutally honest with you for a sec?" I asked, seeing as how it was the two of us.

"What is it?"

"Out of everyone, I didn't expect you to be the first of us pregnant. Hell, I expected Plutie to be before you, and you know how she can be."

"Me neither. The one time we both wanted to try things naturally is the time that changed our lives."

"That's life for you."

"What are you going to do?" Histoire asked, reentering the room. "The Basilicom is no place to raise a child."

"I know a place not far from here that'll be available soon." I said. "Just got to finish some papers." Please take the hint, I made it obvious.

"I think all of this is something Souji and I have to talk about on our own."

"Understandable. So…Got another question for ya."

"Another?"

"Does the Basilicom's grand hall or whatever it is do weddings?"

"It does." Histoire answered, seeing as how Neptune's face said that she didn't know. "Why do you ask?"

"Because Cynthia and I are planning our wedding and we need a venue. I also thought that you could do the honors of marrying us, Neptune, seeing as how Plutie is probably going to be the Maid of Honor."

"Of course I will. That's what friends do." Neptune replied. "When will it be, so I know when to be free."

"No idea. We haven't actually started planning together, and I want a few surprises to make up for my rather lame proposal."

"Oh? What happened?" Histy asked.

"Well…um…the ring fell out of my pocket."

"That is pretty lame." Neptune joked with a giggle.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." It didn't take long for Souji to come bursting through the door.

"Neptune!" He shouted, embracing his beloved. "What's going on?"

"…Souji, we're going to be parents."

"That means…that one time…"

"Yes." He sat down, clearly not ready for the news he's gotten. "I want to have a family with you, but I don't know if I'm ready. What if I don't make a-"

"You can stop right there." I interrupted. "No use worrying about the 'what ifs'. Somethings you have to throw logic to the curb and dive head first into something."

"Souji." Blanc said, entering the conversation. "I've know you longer than anyone here, even if it was only in passing. I know you can handle this."

"Histy?" Neptune asked. "What about me going home? Big Histy said that's a one way trip and it's only for one person."

"I will communicate with her to see if there is not a way to modify the process."

"Souji, would you…?"

"Neptune, I'd follow you to the end of the world."

"I think that's our cue to leave." Cynthia said, nudging my arm.

"Yeah. Let's let them have their moment. I'll just call the others to let them know to go straight home instead of interrupting them. I'll also have to call Plutie to have her drop my card off back home." After making the calls and walking for a few minutes.

"So, Neptune is going to marry us?"

"…I didn't hang up the phone, did I?"

"No. No you didn't."

"Fucking old ass flip phones…"

"You're so cute, planning things behind my back." God, I feel like a fool. You are a fool. Really, Orcus?

"Well, I really DO want to make it up to you."

"I know, but you need to relax. With how long we've been in the same place together, we might as well be married."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. So, what should we make for dinner?"

"I could go for pancakes."

"Pancakes are good. We could get some different things from the store to put in them while we're at it."

A few days passed after that, and we all decided to have a get together in Planeptune, because of all the times EVERYONE has been together, it's been to deal with some kind of conflict. Unfortunately, today seems like it won't be a normal day. Then again, what day IS normal in this weird world?

"Hey. What are the chances all of us would get here at the same time?" Neptune asked. "I just hope Plutie isn't mad that I stayed with Souji for a while."

"I think she understands that the two of you have a lot to talk about." Noire replied.

"I don't mind that you've been gone. It gave me time to actually hang out with her for once." Johnny commented. "Had a shit ton of fun, too, except for when she decided that I was taking her out to lunch."

"Wallet?" Cynthia asked.

"Wallet."

"You all have an interesting dynamic." Blanc commented.

"That we do, and now you're a part of it." Souji said to his nation's goddess.

"I don't think I count until we're actually friends. We're acquaintances at best at the moment."

"We can fix that right about…now." I said, opening the door. Instead of the setup of snacks and tea that I expected from Plutie, Monika, and Iri, we got…babies. Three adorable babies. You should know who they are.

"Hey, everyone." Plutie said, holding baby Iffy. Iri had Peashy and Monika had Compa.

"You see that, right? Because I see babies." Johnny said.

"I think we all see them." Blanc replied.

"Plutia, what are babies doing here?" Noire asked.

"And I thought I was the only pregnant one. How long ago did this happen? How did we miss all three of them? Who are the fathers…?" Neptune proceeded to ask herself those kinds of questions under her breath until Souji snapped her out of it.

"Allow me to explain." Iri said. "Because of all the children going missing, the Basilicom is acting like a daycare for cuties like these three."

"This is where you two have been going…" Cynthia said, realization dawning on her face.

"Yup! We've been getting paid for this, too." Monika added. "Would you like to hold her?" She asked me.

"Sure." Why wouldn't I? We spent, as a group, many hours playing with and taking care of the little rascals. For something so small, they could disappear real quick. Hell, Johnny did exponentially better than I thought he would. So, good group bonding time.

"Everyone, please listen to me!" The tiny fairy shouted out of nowhere. "Someone has sent out what can only be considered a declaration of war to all three of your nations!" Noire visibly paled when she heard that, which got my thinking gears a grinding. I know that she was talking with Vert in Lowee and…Oh…Oh my…Wasn't expecting that.

"Noire, a moment, please?" I asked, passing baby Iffy to Iri.

"Um…Sure?" The two of us made our way away from everyone. "What is it?" She huffed, crossing her arms.

"You know exactly what's going on, don't you? I didn't think you'd be so buddy-buddy with another CPU that isn't Plutie."

"I didn't know she was one at first, and who I'm friends with is none of your business."

"It is when my friends and family are at risk, Noire." I retorted. "Why don't you try talking things out with her? Maybe we can keep a fight from breaking out."

"Yeah, hopefully." There was a loud thud that couldn't have NOT come from where the others were. "I don't like the sound of that."

"Ne neither." Heading out we saw Blanc caught in quite the compromising position with Nepgear on top of her. "Today is just full of surprises."

"You're telling us." Johnny said, clearly amused.

"Hey, Noire?" I whispered.

"What?" Okay, she's getting angry.

"Since Lowee, have you met her face to face?"

"No. We've talked about it, but that was before we learned that the other was a CPU."

"You know, it's not polite to keep secrets." That's angry Ploots. I guess with everything today, she's in the right to be.

"It's nothing, really." I hand-waved.

"I see." She replied, eyes narrowing. "Before Neppy Jr. showed up, we were talking about leaving to take on the CPU of Leanbox. She needs to be taught a lesson for threatening my people."

"Okay then. Is everyone going?" Noire asked.

"We CPUs are. Everyone else can do as they please. All I know is that I'm going to put that arrogant CPU in her place!" Wow, Ploots is salty about Vert.

"I better go. You need a mediator." Cynthia volunteered.

"What about me?" Nepgear asked.

"Nep Jr., you should stay here. Until we find a CPU Memory for you, you're human."

"I've got something I've got to do in town, so I'm out." Johnny said.

"Lady Blanc, if I may, I'm going to begin the assignment you gave me for tomorrow."

"Okay, but take it easy. I gave you today off for a reason."

"I will." With him gone, that left me.

"I can house sit. I'll probably get in the way in a fight between CPUs. I can finish off the paperwork for the house."

"If that's your choice. Come on, everyone." The five transformed and left.

"Steven, if I may ask you a question."

"What's up, Histy?"

"You seem perfectly content to live a civilian's life."

"Well, I am. I also wanted to go with them, but there is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen, and they can handle themselves fine. Probably better than I can, seeing as how I'm the only one with scars."

"So, you don't think that you'd be helping them?" Iri asked.

"I said that earlier. I'm just a guy, not a demonic badass or anything. As is, even with my contracts, I'm just not strong enough to walk into a fight like they can. My abilities help, but as soon as I take too much damage using them, I'm really out of luck. Jeez, I'm like a glass cannon."

"Dad, I've seen you in a fight. I doubt you wouldn't be helpful."

"Thanks, Monika, but there is a serious difference between fighting monsters and people. Remember, I'm not a hero. Dante is a hero. Iri is a hero. I've just had everything I can do thrust upon me."

"But didn't you work for most of them?" Nepgear asked. Histy must've got her up to speed. She has a point. I did not lend you my strength without proof that you could not handle it. Artemis added.

"Up, up!" Peashy yelled, crawling towards me.

"Alright, munchkin." Between the work for the house and the kids, it grew late by the time the group got home. Johnny, about an hour before that, came back with a bunch of bags with no labels on them. "So, how'd it go?"

"I have the Memory for Neptune's sister." Oh, that's a Vert.

"That'll have to wait for later, though. She fell asleep with the kids half an hour ago." Caster said. "Monika joined them a few minutes ago."

"Did you know about these two?" Blanc asked.

"Know about what?" I asked in return.

"Stevie, if you were lying to me before, you'll be facing my harshest punishment."

"Plutie, I can promise you that I don't know what you're talking about. What is it that I supposedly know?"

"That Noire and Vert were a couple." Neptune answered. Wat?

"I had an idea, given that Noire told me they were talking. So, how did this come to light?"

"I…Um…"

"We were just about to start fighting when she took the initiative and kissed me."

"None of us were ready for it." Cynthia said. "It was pretty cute though. A love trumps all story."

"I wish I was there for that." Iri commented. "It sounds adorable."

"Please stop." Noire said, turning red. Vert did too, but not nearly to the same degree.

"'Tia, I got the papers done and gave them to Histoire. We can move at any time."

"Move?" Vert asked.

"Yup! The place we're at is too small for all of us." Iri explained.

"I see."

"So, what now?" Johnny asked. "'Night's young, almost everyone is here, and I've got booze."

"I could go for some pizza. We can have it delivered and wake those two up later." I suggested.

"That works." Blanc commented. Histoire was kind enough to place the call and we sat down and chatted. Noire and Vert were practically joined at the hip as they sat on the loveseat. Neptune was just kind of chilling on the floor. Blanc was sitting on the couch between Cynthia and I. A little bit of a cock block, but that's fine.

"Hey, Blanc? What job did you give Souji, anyway?" I couldn't help but ask. It's been on my mind for a while now.

"I made him my secretary. He's been much more reliable than that fat bastard. It also makes it easier for you to find the information you need for your explorations."

"I heard that your Minister was a member of the Seven Sages, but I didn't think that it was true."

"Oh, don't start with me! You got played by a kiss!"

"I did not!"

"You kind of did." Cynthia said. "Once Noire did that, you were putty in her hands. Even Steve isn't that bad."

"Hey!"

"How come we have to be rivals? This is much more fun." Plutie lamented, taking a sip from a beer that Johnny handed her earlier.

"Just do both." Johnny suggested. "Nothing saying you can't. Friendly competition and all that."

"He's got a point." As Neptune spoke, there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Caster cheered, money in hand. The rest of the night was pretty fun. Blanc and Vert's arguing became what you'd expect, Nepgear used her CPU Memory, and Iri got really drunk. Why Johnny gave her hard liquor, I'll never know.

"Come on, Master…Just once…" The Heroic Spirit slurred.

"Iri, I'm not kissing you!"

"Please?"

"A drunken puppy dog face. That's new." Cynthia said.

"Should we stop them?" Nepgear asked, having taken a seat next to Blanc instead of her sister. "I don't think this is appropriate."

"It's fine." I said. "She gets like this sometimes. She's kind of childish normally, so this should work itself out." I leaned over to Cynthia. "No matter what Iri said, this was not my idea."

"Hey, G1!"

"What's up?"

"When's the next trip?"

"Don't know. Could be a few days, could be years. Crack open an old book and get looking."

"Trip? What are you talking about?" Vert asked.

"We're…explorers, if you will." I explained.

"We research into ancient temples and, well, be archeologists." Cynthia added.

"What do they look like?" Did we catch her attention? Neat.

"Stone, weird carvings, traps…" Johnny listed off.

"Weathered and covered in overgrowth?" Vert finished.

"…Yeah…"

"I've come across one before. I left it alone because there was no discernable entrance."

"I think I've seen something like that back in our Gamindustri." Nepgear added.

"When was that?" Neptune asked.

"I was out with Uni. "She replied. "I told Histoire about it, but she said not to worry about it."

"I-Irisviel, I said st-!" Monika's protests were silenced by Iri getting her way, and slowly turned to a light moan.

"Better?" Iri asked with a tender smile, drunkenness clearly either gone or an act.

"Um…"

"Hehe…Monika dot EXE has stopped running…" I chuckled.

"Really?"

"Don't judge me like you don't make shitty jokes too, Johnny."

"I believe that's enough of that." Histoire stated. "It is late, and you should go home, lest you wake the children." Those who didn't live in the tall building left for home, calling it a night.

Yay! The thing's done! Now to play the game to actually get to this point. Oh, this'll be fun. 'Did…Did you just ship me?' Maaaybe… 'Why!?' I have my reasons. Don't worry about it. SO…until next time, peace.