AN: *Sigh* I really need to stop making promises I can't keep...

For those who don't know, my original plan was to try and write one chapter a week, interchanging between this and my other work so I don't get burnt out like before... fast-forward two whole months, and that didn't end up happening. For now on, chapter updates will be between one every one or two weeks. That way it gives me a bit more elbow room in case either something comes up or my low attention span gets the better of me... again.

Now, enough talk. Let's see how the boy's doin'.


Note: The following is a non-profit fan-based story. The Hyperdimension Neptunia series is all owned by Compile Heart, Idea Factory and IF International. Please support the official release.


Neptunia Second Generation: Silent Gale

Chapter 1: Divine Oratorio Part 1

Everything was burning.

Within a vast plain of green pastures lies an enormous ring of fire. It's bright red embers flaring into the night sky as the grasslands were charred, reduced to nothing but smoldering ash. From within the blazing circle, there were signs of a fierce conflict. A multitude of spears of varying sizes scattered across the battlefield.

At the center of it all were two individuals; one man and one woman. Their forms were wreathed in shadows as the flames faintly illuminated them, revealing both to have hairs of differing shades of green. Both of them were battered and bruised, The male laid on his back with his hands clasping his own throat, struggling to breath, while the female kneeled at his side looking down on him.

"Why...?"

She uttered to him. In his current state, with blurry eyes, ringing ears and the cold iron taste of his own blood filling his mouth, he could not make out her face, much less her tone.

"Why...?"

Was she scornful? Did she loathe or pity him? Does she well and truly hate him? He could not tell.

"Why...?"

He could only hear her asking the same question, her voice ringing in his head like an audio file on repeat.

"Why...?"

"Why...? Why...?"

"Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?"

"WHY!?"


"...!?" Bed sheets were thrown aside as a small body shot up, gasping sharply. A young boy with blonde hair hunched over, breathing rapidly through his nose. Shaking lightly in a cold sweat with his blues eyes wide and stricken with fear, he placed a hand over his chest, patting it gently to help ease his beating heart. Closing his eyes as he steadied his breath, the young lad lied back down with his head landing onto an abnormally large purple pillow.

Finally relaxing, if only somewhat, the boy slowly peeled open his eyes to see an unfamiliar purple ceiling. Quietly humming curiously, he turned his head to the left side to see a brightly lit, if somewhat messy room colored purple, pink, yellow and white. It had a multitude of stuffed animals and throw pillows scattered around, a small dining table with two chairs on top of a royal purple rug, a tall, bright pink dresser with a full-body mirror next to it, and two desks sitting side by side, with one of them littered with, oddly enough, several empty pudding cups, all licked clean.

The boy himself was laying on the top part of a bunk bed at the far end of the room, with the only exit being the door on the other end to his left. Composing himself with a deep breath, the boy pushed himself up and briefly glance at his own body. His cheeks lightly blushed as he noticed he was in naught but a pair of green and white boxers, with the only other things covering his lithe, scrawny frame were white gauze and bandages around his upper right arm, left forearm and the majority of his chest and stomach.

He gingerly placed his right hand unto his left forearm as he repeatedly clenched and opened his left. It only felt slightly numb, but he otherwise felt no pain. Checking the other bandages and seeing that he was mostly fine, outside of a bit of numbness, he crawled over to the edge of the bunk bed and reached for the ladder leading down to the floor.

Climbing down the ladder one step at a time, he soon caught a glimpse of someone in the lower bunk. Turning his gaze, he sees a young teenaged girl a few years older than him with light purple hair, sleeping soundly under a thick purple comforter.

"..." After a moment, the boy silently made the rest of the way down the ladder, taking careful strides as he moved away from the bunk bed and looked around the room. Soon his gaze laid upon the small table as he spots two items on top. One was a neatly folded white and purple uniform, along with a folded pair of pink and white stripped socks and what looked to be a hair-clip in the shape of a D-pad on top. The other item the blonde-haired youth immediately recognized as his cloak, which was wrapped tightly in itself in a cute little bow next to the other pair of cloths.

Quickly tip-toeing his way to the table so as to not disturb the sleeping girl, he carefully pinched the bow and gently pulled up, unraveling his cloak as it soon revealed his own cloths hidden within, all neatly folded. His attire consists of a white long-sleeved shirt with string tassels at the collar, a green vest with silver lining along the seams, a gray scarf with green linings near each end, a pair of dark green trousers and grey socks. On top of it all was what seemed to be a small, rectangular green and silver handheld device of some kind with numerous amount of buttons, a small screen and what looked to be the letter [X] emblazoned on the back. It's general appearance was that of a fusion between a gaming device and a mobile phone.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the boy set the handheld aside and began putting on his cloths in earnest, making sure not to make a sound all the while. Straightening out his attire and making sure his scarf was secured, he wrapped his cloak around his body and fastened it around his frame with practiced ease. With his entire frame aside from his feet and ankles covered, he looked out towards the windows to his right, only for his blue eyes to widen and sparkle in wonder at what he saw.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: Planeptune Theme)

From beyond the window, the boy was met with the breath-taking sight of an advanced, futuristic cityscape, with plenty of water and greenery surrounding the lands. If there ever was a place one would call a utopia, then the utterly beautiful sight before him was it.

[The Land of Purple Progress: Planeptune]

NepTower/Midday

"..."

The boy continued to look out into the purple metropolis; marveling at all the tall, solar-powered skyscrapers; watching it's people go about their lives in relative comfort in spite of ASIC's hold on the world. Truly, to him this place somehow looked just as amazing as his own home of-

"...!" Snapping himself out of his own thoughts, the boy shook his head and lightly slapped his cheeks. There wasn't any time to gawk. He had to return to the Graveyard as soon as possible!

Casting his gaze to the purple-haired girl and seeing she was still sleeping soundly, the boy nodded to himself before swiping his handheld off the table and quietly made his way to the door. On the way, he spotted his footwear, a pair of simple brown shoes next to a pair of white and purple boots. He deftly slipped them on one foot at a time before silently making his exit, the door automatically sliding open then closing shut behind him on the way out.

He came out to a long purple hallway. To his left, he saw a long corridor leading to what was assumed to be an office. To his right, he sees a shorter entry-way leading to a large living area, complete with entertainment center and kitchen space. At the end of it, he sees an elevator door. Wasting no time, the boy swiftly darted his way to the elevator, his footsteps making nary a sound on the floor.

(Music Fades)

However, the moment he approached the elevator, it suddenly opened up revealing three individuals; two of them the boy recognized as Compa and IF, and the third one was a small blonde girl no bigger than a doll, wearing a one-piece purple dress with a teal tie and riding what seemed like a very large book.

"...!?" The boy skid to a stop, freezing in place right in front of them as all eyes laid on him.

"Oh! He's awake!" Compa spoke first with a relieved smile.

"So, this is the one who had aided you?" The girl on the book asked, her voice sounding gentle yet mature to the boy.

"Yep, that's the kid." IF nodded "It's about time one of them wo- Ah, hey!"

Before IF could finish her sentence, the blonde lad quickly turned on his heels and scampered away from the group, running straight through the living room. As he attempted to make haste to the nearest window, the boy heard Compa call from behind him "Wait! Don't run around in the-!"

*TRIP!*

"...!?"

The nurses warning came too late, as the boy had unknowingly tripped on a power-cord connected to a blocky black and purple game-console on the floor. The boy soon found himself falling face first onto the floor, the sheer momentum from his panicked run causing his face to skid along the carpet before coming to a stop near a couch, his lower body briefly hanging in the air before it fell to the ground with a thud.

"Ooh!" IF winced at the sight, sucking in air through her teeth as Compa rushed to the boy. "That's... gonna leave a mark."

The boy simply laid there for a moment, still as a statue, then with shaking hands pushed himself up slightly, revealing his slightly carpet-burned cheeks, nose and forehead as he quietly whined with comical tears spilling from his eyes and his mouth forming a small x. Before he knew it, Compa crouched down next to him and raised her hand to him "Oh no! Are you okay!? You didn't reopen your wounds did you!?"

"...!" He gasped as he sees her up close with her hand slowly making its way towards his face. Much to the nurses surprise, the boy instantly flipped himself onto his back and quickly scurried away from her in a panic. Soon, his back hit the foot of the couch as both IF and the small blonde girl made their way towards him, his body stiff and his blue eyes trembling in fear.

"Sheesh Compa," IF spoke half-heartedly to the nurse "No need to spook the little guy like that."

"Eh!?" Compa whipped her head towards the brunette with teary whited-out eyes "Wait! I didn't mean to scare him!"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Rebirth 2 Ost: The Aegean)

Paying the duo no mind, the girl on the book cast her gaze towards the frightened boy as she slowly floated her way towards him. Stopping just a few inches before his slender frame, she gently spoke "Please, do not be alarmed little one. We mean you no harm." The boy flinched lightly, his shaky blue eyes meeting her own as she continued with a tender smile "Quite the contrary, we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your bravery back at the graveyard." With each words she spoke, the blonde boy began to calm down little by little, the tension slowly leaving his body. Shuffling his body slightly and crossing his legs to meet her proper, the boy softly hummed as he tilted his head inquisitively.

"Oh, where are my manners." Catching herself, the blonde girl cleared her throat before introducing herself proper "My name is Histoire. The Oracle of Planeptune, as well as the Tome of Gamindustri." She then folds her hands into her lap before giving a small, graceful bow to the young lad "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"..." The boy simply stared at the tome fairy for a brief moment before he murmured quietly in acknowledgement, giving a small bow in return. Getting a better look at the blonde fairy, the boy had to admit, for someone of her stature, she looked really pretty in her own right. Almost as pretty as her.

("Hmm.") Taking the time to examine him, Histoire couldn't help but ponder ("The boy seems well-mannered, if a little quiet. He almost reminds me of Nepgear when she was much younger... perhaps, a little too much.) she then cupped her chin with her thumb and index finger. Indeed, to any normal human, the blonde youth before her looks and acts like any other boy his age.

However, the aura that surrounds him tells a much different story. While it is incredibly faint, almost non-existent, there was no denying the radiance that lurks within; the same once that-

"Hey, Histoire" IF spoke, snapped the Oracle out of her musings "I know the kids a new face around here, but there's no need to stare."

"Oh!" With flushed cheeks, the tome shook her head and put some distance between her and the boy as she addressed the Guild agent "My apologies IF. That was rather rude of me. It has been quite a while since anyone else stepped through here."

"Well, guess I can't blame you for that, given everything that's happened." IF conceded before turning her attention towards the blonde boy "Still, gotta say the kid here's a real quiet one... Hasn't even spoken a single word since we got here."

(Music Fades)

"I don't think he really can Iffy." Compa spoke up, earning the other two girls attention as the nurse looked to the boy rather dejectedly.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" IF asked with a raised brow.

"Well," She turned her gaze to her friend and the tome fairy as she pointed her dainty finger to her neck "When I was busy patching up his injuries, I noticed there was a pretty bad scar on his neck."

"What, wait!?" IF's eyes widened in shock while Histoire covered her mouth with a gasp.

All eyes then quickly went back to the quiet youth, who meekly turned his head away upon feeling their gaze on him, looking downcast and disheartened. Closing his eyes as he took a breath through his nose, he reached for his scarf with one finger and lightly pulled down on it, revealing the neck-scar in its entirety, much to the other womans horror. The scar itself stuck out like a sore thumb; the red slash-mark sat horizontally across the boys pale throat, right where his vocal cords should be. However, the wound itself did not appear too severe; in fact, upon closer inspection, the mark itself was a rather clean cut, allowing it to heal rather nicely.

It was rather hard to say whether this was done deliberately or on accident. Either way, seeing such a sight on a mere child left both the Guild agent and the Oracle speechless. How could this have happened? Who or what could've done such a thing?

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, IF folded her arms as she spoke "Well, this is definitely a new one. Really wasn't expecting the kid to be a mute."

"Indeed." Histoire concurred with a saddened sigh "Is there any way for us to communicate with him?"

"...!" The boys ears perked up, then soon after he raised a single finger to the trio, signalling them to wait a moment. He reached into his pockets and quickly pulled out the same device from before, showing it to them.

The three ladies all raised a questioning brow, casting their gaze to each-other as the boy flipped it around with the small screen facing him and turned on the handheld-like device. It definitely wasn't any kind of device any of them had seen before, much less a portable gaming console. IF did personally want to take a better look at it a few days prior, back when Compa was still tended to his and Nepgears wounds, but the nurse insisted they'd leave it alone, stating it wasn't right to go through others belongings.

(Nier Ost: Song of the Ancients Instrumental)

Soon after the screen lite up on the device, the boy fiddle with the circle pad and the buttons as he typed down something onto the screen.


[A humble mute, swift as the wind]

[Choose a Name]

[_]

[E_]

[Em]


The moment he was done, he turned the handheld with one hand to face the three of them, the rather small screen displaying only two letters, reading [Em].

"Em?" IF read out loud. The boy in turn used his free hand and pointed at himself. "Em... is that your name?" The boy, Em, nodded in response. IF sighed in relief ("Good. Looks like we won't have too much trouble communicating with the kid.") With that, she raised a hand to her chest as she responded "A little late for introductions, but nice to meet ya, Em. I'm IF." She then gestures to her nurse friend who waved to the boy with a soft smile "This is Compa," then to the tome fairy "and this is Histoire... though you already know that."

Giving an affirming nod, Em typed into the handheld again then turned it back to them, the screen reading ["It's nice to meet you all."]

With her smile brightening up, Compa greeted back "It's nice to meet you too, Em-Em."

Em tilted his head slightly, a bit puzzled at the nickname. Seeing his confusion, IF told him "Compa tends to give people nicknames for a lot of people. Don't mind it too much." Clearing her throat, she crouched down to his eye level before continuing "That said, how are you feeling? You didn't open anything from that fall, did you?"

The blonde youth briefly looked to his injuries under his cloths before writing to them on his handheld ["I'm alright... my bandages feel a little tight, but I'm alright."]

That had earned a chuckled from the brunette "Yeah, that's normal. Compa tends to wrap her bandages a little too tight."

"Only because I'm just making sure they don't fall off!" Compa responded petulantly "A patients wounds won't heal properly if the bandages are loose!"

"Yeah, but it won't help much if you end up cutting off their circulation." IF fired back "Remember that time you nearly choked out Nep when she offered to help you during your exams?" The brunette shook her head at the memory "I swear, you wrapped her so tight he looked like a mummy."

"Awww~ Don't be so mean, Iffy!" Compa whined "You know that was my first time~!"

IF's immediately shot up to her feet to face the innocent nurse, her whole face flushed a bright red as her eyes completely whited-out "Hey, whoa there! Don't say stuff like that in front of the kid!"

Em silently looked on at the scene before him, his face portraying no emotion as the two females went back and forth in their... conversation. Off to the side, Histoire could only sigh in exasperation, a sweat-drop falling from the side of her head as she pinched the bridge of her nose "Dear me... even without Neptune here, we still have a propensity to get side-tracked." The tome fairy turned away from the duo's comedy skit to address the blonde mute "You will have to forgive them," She said, gaining his attention "This tends to happen more often than I would like. Anyhow," She straightened her form before continuing "I know you have just recovered from your excursions the other day, but I must know, what were you doing in the Gamindustri Graveyard?"

"...!" The young blonde slightly jumped in his spot, breaking away from her gaze as he looked nervously to the floor beneath him. He briefly fidgeted with the silver device in his hands, either unable or unsure how to answer the fairies inquiry. Soon after, Em felt a small, yet warm hand being gently rest upon his right cheek. The boy looked back up to be met with Histoire, now mere inches away from his face as she gave him a tender, almost motherly look.

"Please, do not be afraid child. You aren't in any trouble" she assured him in a soft tone as she gently pulled her hand away. "I will not force you to tell me, but it is highly unusual for one so young to find themselves in that wretched place..." She daintily placed a hand to her chest as she continued "Please, if there is anything troubling you, then let us know. We will gladly help you in anyway we can."

"..."

The blonde boy was taken aback by the tomes generous words, his flushed cheeks betraying his otherwise stoic face. With a breath, Em briefly tapped onto his handheld without looking at it and presented it to the tome ["R-Really? You will help me?"]

"Of course." Histoire replied with a kind smile "You had aided us in our time of need. We would be more than happy to return the favor... but we simply cannot if you don't tell us."

(Music Fades)

"..."

Em looked back down to his handheld, deep in thought. While it was only by mere circumstance that their paths had crossed back in the graveyard, the fairies words rang true in the boys ears. He could not stay idle while other people were in danger, not even in the face of an immensely powerful adversary such as a CFW. He had risked both his mission and his life to help them when they needed it the most.

Thus, perhaps, they could in fact help him in turn... help him save her and bring her back home.

Taking a deep breath then sitting up straight, a silent resolve burning in his blue eyes, Em typed into his handheld and showed it to Histoire ["I was there looking for someone..."]

The blonde fairy raised her eyebrows in surprise upon reading his message "You were looking for someone? In the Gamindustri Graveyard?" Em gave her a firm nod "May I ask who?"

Without skipping a beat, the blonde youth typed again, replying ["My older sister."]

"Your... sister?"

"Huh/Hmm?" Both IF and Compa were brought out of their questionable comedy sketch, turning their attention to the two blondes upon hearing Histoires words.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animation Ost: Twilight)

Now having everyone's attention, Em began explaining through his handheld ["Yes. I was looking for my sister. She disappeared a few years ago. I haven't seen her since... I was hoping I could find her there, in the graveyard."]

The three woman all blinked twice in response to the words displayed on the small screen. A feeling of dread and sympathy began washing over them as they exchanged glances with one another, their almost deafening silence putting poor Em slightly on edge. Someone so young and quiet, going out of his way to brave through arguably the most hellish place in Gamindustri, in search of his sibling, his family? In any other circumstance, such a fearless act would be worthy of praise.

However... the three of them knew all too well, what become of those who would willingly ventured into the Gamindustri Graveyard. The moment any human step foot in those forbidden lands, they sealed their fate; forever doomed to wander the dead-lands until their last breath. Compa and IF were only lucky Histoire teleported them out, else they would've suffered the same fate.

"...?" Em could see the look in their eyes; orbs of blue, green and pink all looked at the blonde youth in pity. It was almost as if-

"...!" In just a blink of an eye, Em shot straight up to his feet, startling the three of them as he typed down onto his handheld at a break-neck pace before presenting it to them with a glare, firm and resolute ["Don't say it! Don't say my sister is dead! I know she's still alive! I know it!"]

"Em, please calm down." Histoire attempted to soothe the mute "We know how you feel, believe me, but you must know what becomes of those who-"

Em quickly shook his head rapidly to the fairy before she could finish before responding ["She is alive! I saw her! She's still trapped there!"]

"Wait, you did!?" IF shouted in shock.

"Someone else is trapped there!?" Compa replied flustered.

Em nodded in response ["Yes! I found her before I met you all, but I couldn't get her out!"]

This had left the three of them stunned in silence. Was there truly someone else there, alive yet trapped inside that dreaded landmass? The thought of it was inconceivable to them. It was one thing to see the CPU Goddesses alive after all this time, given their own longevity in-spite of the lack of shares, but the possibility of a normal human still clinging to life after so long is almost unthinkable.

Unthinkable... but not outside the realm of possibility.

["Please,"] The blonde mute continued with pleading eyes ["I need to go back there. She's still waiting for me... I have to save her!"]

"Oh no, you're not going back there, kid!" Em visibly reeled back at IF's yelling, the brunette shaking her head as she gave the boy a stern look "You lucky you came out of there alive, heading back now would be practically suicide!"

"Iffy!" Compa cried out to her companion "You don't have to yell at him!"

"IF, please calm down!" Histoire commanded, both hers and the nurses reprimand left IF to turn her head away in shame. The fairy turned her attention back to Em, who looked down to his feet crestfallen, clutching his handheld close to his chest. Choosing her words carefully, Histoire spoke "Please, do not be distressed Em. While IF's words were harsh, there is some truth to them... Should you return to the graveyard now, I am not sure you will be able to return alive."

Looking crushed, Em responded ["B-But you promised..."]

"I know..." Histoire answered honestly "Make no mistake, when I have told you we would help, I meant every word. Believe me, you are not the only one who has someone to rescue from that dread place."

"...?" Em tilted his head, curious as to what the tome meant.

Now having his full attention, Histoire continued "Do you recall seeing someone else with IF and Compa? A girl with long lilac hair?" Em nodded his head, remembering the girl that saved him from Judge's attack. Nepgear, if memory served him right. "I sent them out on an expedition to the graveyard, to liberate her and 4 others from that terrible place." The fairy closed her eyes as she gave a dejected sigh "Though in the end, we were only able to save Nepgear." Off to the side, Em saw both Compa and IF avert their gaze at Histoires words. Compa looked to be on the verge of tears, and IF narrowed her eyes and looked down to her own feet in self-derision, all the while digging her nails into her palms. This sight, coupled with the fairies words painted a bleak picture for the mute. Much like himself, they too wish to save the people they cherish from the Gamidustri Graveyard.

(Music Fades)

But alas, if their encounter with the black CFW was any proof, they were simply not strong enough to save them... Just as he was not strong enough to save her.

"Uum..."

"...!?"

Before anyone else could speak a word, a soft, almost shy voice called out piercing through the dim atmosphere. The blonde mute in particular immediately snapped at attention, his eyes trailing to the hallway where he came from. The other ladies followed his gaze, turning to the source of the voice as they all gasped upon seeing a familiar shade of purple.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animations OST: Cool Down)

"G-Good Morning, everyone..."

There, standing timidly across from the group with her hands folded in front of her, was the same teenaged girl Em had seen before, now fully awake. Her long, light purple hair flowed freely with the D-pad hair-clip fastened to the left side. She was wearing a button-up, white and purple sailor uniform with a yellow ribbon being held together by an N-emblem, as well as thigh high socks with pink and white stripes and medium-sized boots that matched her cloths. The air she gives off indicates the vibe of someone responsible and kind, yet unsure of herself.

(Dependable, yet Insecure Girl-Next-Door: Nepgear)

"GE-GE!" Compa cries out, a tearful smile plastered on her face as she ran up towards the Candidate and wrapped her in a big, tight hug. "Oh, thank goddess! You were asleep for so long we were all so worried you wouldn't wake up! I even had to check your vital signs around the clock just to be sure you were still with us!"

"Ack! Goodness... Compa..." Nepgear struggled to say under the nurses almost unyielding embrace "It's... good... to see you... too... ah... can't breath...!"

"Whoa, slow down there! She just woke up, you don't wanna put her back to sleep." IF called out, causing Compa to gasp and release Nepgear with a quick apology as the purple Candidate sucked in some much needed oxygen. "Still, it's good to see you awake Gear." The brunette greeted her with a soft smile "You really had us all worried for a while there."

"Indeed." Breathing a sign of relief of her own, Histoire floated closer to Nepgear and asked "How are you feeling? Has your illness fully receded?"

"Haa... Haa... Yes. I think I'm fine now." The purple Candidate answered hunched over as she tried to regained her breath from Compa's bear-hug. Taking a deep breath and straightening herself out, Nepgear looked to her nations Oracle "Um, so..." Only for her to awkwardly look away as she uttered in a hushed tone "I'm sorry..."

"You have no need to apologize." Histoire gently replied, a look of guilt entering her gaze as she spoke with a hand to her chest "If anyone should do so, it ought to be me. It was by my command that you and the CPU's were sent out on that doomed expedition..." The blonde fairy closed her and folded her hands into her lap as she gave the purple Candidate a deep, regretful bow. "I'm truly sorry Nepgear. Were not for my own carelessness, none of this would've happened."

"Huh!? N-No, It's not your fault Histoire!" startled and flustered by her Oracles calm, yet heartfelt apology, Nepgear waved her hands in front as she responded "You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. I would never blame you." She soon settled down as the tome raised her head "It all went south because..." The purple Candidate then looked down in shame, her arms falling to her sides along with her gaze "Because I wasn't strong enough... none of us were..." She admitted as she grasped the hem of her skirt, images of the ill-fated battle from back then flashing through her mind.

"Oh, Nepgear..." Histoire could only looked to Nepgear in tears. The tome couldn't help but feel powerless, even when Nepgear is standing there in front of her, alive and well.

"..."

Away from the rest of the group, Em watched the scene in front of him with nothing but sympathy in his eyes. Only Celestia knows what horrors Nepgear and the other CPU's have been through all this time. Judging from the state they were in when the blonde mute found them in his search, the thought of what might've happened made Em's heart sink as he held his handheld close to his chest.

Being left there, bound, comatose and helpless as their lives slowly but surely fade from their bodies with no hope of escape. Truly, such a fate is too cruel for words.

"I know this may be asking much of you," Gathering herself, Histoire chose her next words carefully as she addressed the purple Candidate "but please, tell us what had happened back then; try and recount what had occurred in the Gamindustri Graveyard three years ago... can you do that for me?"

"Y-Yes, of course..." Nepgear responded with a reluctant nod.

(Music Fades)


(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animation OST: No Pulse)

Thus, with fear and hesitation clouding her mind, Nepgear had recounted to everyone the events of that fateful day; the day that Gamindustri and it's people would be left without their CPU's.

Three years ago, by order of Tome Del Histoire did the four Console Patron Units gather to journey to the deadlands of the Gamindustri Graveyard. Though some were reluctant to go on such a pilgrimage for one reason or another (Note: Mainly Neptune), the growing influence ASIC had over the masses across all four great nations was spreading too rapidly to be ignored any longer. Therefore, CPU's Purple Heart, Black Heart, White Heart, and Green Heart, all set out to venture into the Graveyard, to halt the syndicates advances from proceeding any further.

Alongside them, with Purple Hearts blessings, CPU Candidate Purple Sister chose to accompany them on their expedition, reasoning that she had a terrible premonition; a fear that once they step foot into the necropolis, the CPU's may not return... a fear that very quickly became truth. Upon their arrival to the dreaded landmass, they were immediately greeted with the one who would then become the arbiter of their fates:

The Leader of the Arfoire Syndicate of International Crime, and High Priestess of the Deity of Sin herself; Magic The Bloody.

The battle that soon followed could hardly even be described as such. Even with the combined force of all four CPU's, Magic was just too great of a foe to overcome. Blessed with the unholy might of the Deity of Sin, Magic remained dauntless as she began systematically defeating the CPU Goddesses one by one with nary a scratch on her body.

As for Purple Sister, the one who had warned of such an outcome... she was left too powerless to make a difference, as she watched her beloved sister be brought low, with she herself quickly following.

After such a flawless victory, Magic was tempted to execute them all then and there, to be rid of her Goddesses enemies once and for all. However, whether it was done out of pride or a twisted sense of mercy, the high priestess chose instead to make an example of them.

The cords that which bind them to the Graveyard use their own share energy against them. The more they resisted, the more shares would be leeched from their bodies, keeping them in captivity whilst simultaneously leaving them with just enough to continue drawing breath.

So thus, did the five of them remain; For three long years they were kept teetering on the edge of life and death, as Arfoires influence over their lands and their people continues on unimpeded. Forced to watch as everything they've built, loved and cared for is slowly reduced to nothing before their eyes.

(Music Fades)


"That's how everything happened..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

By the time the purple-haired Candidate had finished recounting those events, everyone in the room was left silent and horrified, their eyes wide as dinner plates. The reality and severity of their situation has now become clear as crystal, as it washes over all like a tsunami.

"T-That's insane..." IF spoke as she broke out in a cold sweat. "All five of you were defeated by one person? Just like that!?"

"I can hardly believe it..." Compa trembled with tears edging the corners of her eyes "Nep-Nep and the other girls are as tough as cold sores. How could they lose?"

"We did everything we could... but Magic was just too strong..." Nepgear admitted, the very image of ASIC's leader in her mind sent shivers down her spine.

"It's just as I had feared. ASIC had gotten too powerful too quickly." Histoire solemnly closed her eyes as she holds onto the edges of her tome in quiet frustration. "If only we had acted sooner..."

"Histoire..." Nepgear called to her Oracle, snapping her out of her self-derision as the Candidate continued "Please, tell me what's going on? What happened to Gamindustri after we lost that battle three years ago?"

With a single finger to her chin, Histoire explained "I'm afraid the situation is very dire. By all accounts, ASIC has effectively taken control over 90% of the world... Everyone in Gamindustri knows of them and their goddess."

"Hacking Tools, Burned Disc Copies, Illegal Chips, Jail-broken Consoles... Arfoires heretical followers are selling all those to people for dirt cheap, if not practically giving those out like candy." IF followed up "Both kids and adults alike are seeing piracy as the norm, and put their faith into ASIC as a result."

"Because of that conversion, a lot of people don't even believes in the CPU's anymore... it's just so evil," Compa tearfully noted "Everyone's been working so hard to keep things going. It took me and Iffy such a long time to gather enough faith to make that tiny piece of Sharicite."

"Yeah." IF bitterly noted "And with the CPU's still kept in captivity, it's only gonna get worse..." With a frustrated grunt, IF jammed her fist into her palm. "Dammit! If only that battle-crazy hunk of metal didn't get in the way!"

"To make matters worse, we have come to a terrifying discovery while we were gathering shares." Histoire stated with the utmost seriousness "ASIC doesn't just intend on simply ruling over Gamindustri... Their primary objective is to revive their guardian deity; The Deity of Sin, Arfoire." She then turned her sight out to the nearby window, the normally breath-taking view of Planeptunes cityscape was met with the fairies anxious gaze. "Should the current situation persist, should our world continue to decline at its current rate, it is only a matter of time before they achieve that goal."

"..." Nepgear stood silent. The very thought of her and her sisters home being reduced to rubble had left her with a pit in her stomach. "Is there anything we can do to stop them?"

"Yes. One path yet remains open to us." Histoire responds as she turns to the Candidate with a gracious smile "And that resides in you, Nepgear..."

"M-Me?" Nepgear points to herself.

"Indeed." The tome responds with the utmost confidence "Along with you, all the CPU Candidates, siblings and successors to the CPU Goddesses, remain free."

"Really? And, wait... I'm not the only CPU Candidate?"

"Correct." The Fairy nods "The only individuals left with the ability to regain the peoples faith, and with it Gamindustris shares, are the CPU Candidates. So long as you all stand, hope yet remains for us all. Should we recover the worlds shares to a fair level, ASICs grip over Gamindustri will weaken."

The purple Candidate meekly looked down in thought. That doomed battle three years ago only felt like yesterday to Nepgear. She couldn't do anything to help her sister or the other CPU's, much less defeat Magic, and yet here she is now, with the literal fate of their world resting on her shoulders... it all feels almost unreal to her. ("Regain shares on my sisters behalf...? They truly want me to restore peoples faith in the CPU's...? Can I really do that?") She closes her eyes in lament, her hands visibly trembling as she begins to feel the full weight of the responsibility thrusted upon her. ("I want to save Neptune... I want to restore order to Gamindustri, but... but-")

*Squeeze*

"Huh?"

In the midst of her own self-pity, Nepgear could feel something gripping her hand, something small and warm. Her eyes go downwards to see a smaller hand gently, yet firmly grasped onto her own, as if trying to comfort the unsure Candidate. Nepgears gaze trails upwards to whoever was holding her hand-

"Who?"

(Emil/Sacrifice/Nier [R3 Music Box])

"..."

Her violet eyes soon met a pair of deep blue orbs, with hair of gold and cloaked in green. Em softly looked to the timid Candidate, his eyes filled with nothing but sympathy as he gave her hand another light squeeze. A simple gesture, but one that had oddly washed away her fear and anxiety as the young blonde offered his silently reassurance.

"Ahh, right." Nepgear turned her head to IF "Forgot that you were still asleep when we made our introductions." The guild agent awkwardly scratched her cheek as she looked to the blonde mute "Sorry to leave you out in the lurch there, Em."

"Em?" Nepgear repeated to herself.

"Mhm! That's his name." Compa then walked between the two of them and introduced him to the purple-haired teen "Ge-Ge, this is Em-Em. He was the one who helped us back at the Graveyard."

"R-Really!?" Nepgear exclaimed to the pink-hair nurse, who nodded with a smile. Left briefly stunned, her sights went down to the young boy as she asked "That was you!?", receiving a silent nod from Em in response.

She could scarcely believe it. Even as she recalled the events days prior, it was still rather hard to accept that someone so young could face down a CFW the way he did. Yet, it was because of his valiant act that they were able to escape the graveyard with their lives... Yes, it's because of him that she's still here.

(Music Fades)

"Anyways," As the CPU Candidate was getting more acquainted with the blonde mute, IF turned to Histoire and inquired "I hate to bring down the mood, but isn't that approach a bit too slow? With ASIC in the lead, they could just easily gather shares faster than we can reclaim them... We'd may as well be sitting ducks."

"True." Histoire conceded "With only a hand-full of people left who believe in the CPU's, simple gathering shares as we have before would be another fool's errand." With a steadied breath, she countered "Which is why we will request aid from each of the four nations Mascots."

"Mascots?" Compa tilted her head in confusion "You mean like, game mascots?"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: $100)

"In a manner of speaking." Histoire elaborated "Born from the Founder CPU's of each nation, the Mascots oversee the balance of our world from behind the scenes. They preside over their respective nations in secrecy, remaining neutral to all else to ensure the prosperity and well-being of their land and its people. Should the need arise, however, they will stand by the CPU Goddesses, freeing Gamindustri of evils influence and restoring order to our society."

"Wow..." Compa stood wide-eyed in amazement "I didn't even know the Mascots were such powerful heroes..."

"And it's probably for that reason they chose to remain hidden from the public eye. Am I right?" IF noted.

"Indeed." Histoire nodded "Not even I am aware of their current whereabouts. Should ASIC learn of the Mascots existence, they would no doubt seek to destroy them, and rob us of any remaining hope." The fairy looked down to her tome as its pages briefly glowed in an iridescent light. "Fortunately, I am already in the process of researching and tracking down Planeptunes Mascot as we speak." She turns back to the group of four. "The moment I find anything of note, I will notify you immediately. In the meantime, I propose you all go and regain some of Planeptunes shares."

IF nods in agreement "Sounds like a plan to me. That and it could also help stretch Gears legs out a bit. Goddess knows she hadn't moved much in the past three years, much less fight." Before anyone else could even blink, a loud gurgling noise rang out through the room, causing the Guild agent to crack a wry smile as she sweatdropped "... On second thought, maaaaybe we should grab a quick bite before we head for the Guild."

"Good idea, Iffy!" Compa agreed "Ge-Ge won't be able to fight on an empty stomach. She's probably starving!"

"Uhh, IF, Compa," The Candidate in question spoke up "I don't think that was me... Though I guess I am pretty hungry right now."

"Wait, that wasn't you?" IF asked "Then who-?" The same rumbling noise rang out again, cutting off the brunette. All of the girls in the room turned to the source of the noise... specifically, from the stomach of the silent youth standing right next to Nepgear. With all eyes on him, Ems stomach promptly growled for a third time, causing the blonde boys face to flush bright red as he let go of Nepgears hand and pulled the hood of his cloak over his head. "Well... that answers that, I guess."

Compa only giggled at the sight "Aww, sounds like Em-Em's hungry too..." She turned to her friend and the Oracle "Why don't we bring him along with us?"

"Eh?"

"...?"

Both Nepgear and Em both tilted their heads quizzically at the peach-haired girls request, though the former is more confused while the latter is surprised.

"Yeah, sure. I don't see why not." IF agreed with surprising ease.

"Yes." Histoire concurred as well "It would be wise to bring him along with you three."

"...!?" From under his hood, Ems eyes sparkled as he raised his device out in front of him ["Really!? I can go!?"]

"W-Wait a minute!" Nepgear interrupted, looking between the blonde mute and the rest of the group. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Seeing what the Candidate may be implying, Histoire explained "In any other circumstance, I would be rather reluctant to bring a child along on such a dangerous mission. However, given how dire our situation is, we cannot afford to look gift horse in the mouth... If we are to stand against ASIC effectively, We must find any and all allies that we can. Besides," The fairy turns her attention to the silent youth "I am certain your goals perfectly align with one another... right?" She asks with a gracious, knowing smile.

"..." No one could really read his expression under his cloak, but the gleam in his eyes tells all the Oracle needs to know. To that, Em took a deep bow before presenting his handheld once again, stating ["T-Thank you, Lady Oracle! I'm in your debt!"]

"Oh, pay it no mind, young one. I am happy I was able to be of assistance." Histoire responded kindly "All I ask is that you help Nepgear on her journey, and I am sure you will find who you are looking for."

Em nodded enthusiastically in response ["Yes! I'll do what I can!"]

"Umm..." Nepgear was at a bit of a loss. Looking between the young mute and her Oracle/Mother-Figure, the purple Candidate had several questions floating about in her head. ("Who exactly is this boy? How did he get into the Gamindustri Graveyard? Why was he there in the first place? Who was he looking for? ... And why the goodness is he communicating with that strange device?")

"Hey, Gear," IF nudged the Candidates shoulder "You listening?"

"Huh?" Snapping herself out of her thoughts, she addressed the brunette "Oh, um, y-yes! S-Sorry for spacing out!"

"Good." ("Heh, she definitely gets that from Nep...") IF mused "Anyways, I'll fill you in on what's up with the kid on our way out... so let's move."

"R-Right!" Nepgear nodded hesitantly.

"Oh, right, I nearly forgot." Histoire chimed in just as the group of four made their way to the elevator. "Before you all go, allow me to give you this." Then, with a snap of her fingers, the blonde oracle gathered data particles in front of her into a small ball of light, covered in 0's and 1's.

With a wave of Histoires finger, the ball of light gently floated towards Nepgear before bursting open, causing a small rectangular device to fall into the Candidates hands. "What's this...?" She inspected the device further, revealing to be some form of portable gaming device colored black and lilac with a wide touchscreen and four buttons at the top and bottom corners of the handheld.

"This would be the N-Gear." Histoire explained "It is a portable device with a multitude of functions, ranging from inventory management to phonecalls. It should prove invaluable to you on your travels." With that, the Oracle adjusted her posture before continuing "Now, you'd all best be going. I'll contact you through the N-Gear if I find out any information regarding the Mascot."

"Right. Thank you, Histoire." Nepgear gave her Oracle an appreciative bow before the group made their way to the elevator.

Just as the four of them entered, Em turned to the blonde fairy and communicated through his handheld ["Thanks again. Wish us luck."]

(Music Fades)

The Oracle quietly waved them goodbye as the elevator door slid closed. Now alone, Histoire turned her tome around and made her way down the hall to her (read: Neptune's) office to sort out any affairs as her tome automatically searches for intelligence regarding the Mascots whereabouts.

Now that Nepgear is awake and active, they can finally make their first steps toward their counter-attack against the syndicate. Histoire can only hope that the Candidate can regain her courage along her journey to come. She could easily tell from Nepgears story that the events of that fateful day has taken a heavy toll on her mind. The way Nepgear shook when recalling those events, the fear and anxiety in her eyes at the mere mention of Magic... it was clear as day those events have scarred her almost irreparably.

Yet another transgression to add onto the tomes guilt-ridden conscience.

And then there was the matter of the blonde mute, Em. While she is certain the boy does not present nor mean any harm to them, and his supposed goal of rescuing his sister is undeniably noble, the fact remains that much about him still remains an enigma. Even so, to the Tome of Gamindustri, created by the First Goddess herself, there was no denying the aura and spirit that surrounds him. It was incredibly faint, almost non-existent when first looking upon him. At first glance, Histoire merely thought it was just her imagination.

... However, any and all doubt she had vanished when Nepgear had awoken from her slumber. Seeing her and the quiet boy standing side-by-side, feeling the air around them all but confirmed her suspicions. "That boy... could he truly be...?"


-To Be Continued-