When her sword reached the Devil, Hilda felt triumphant.
They threw everything they could to stop her, pulled out every single trick they had in the book, and yet Hilda still managed to get her sword buried in the Devil's gut.
She didn't just feel triumphant, actually. She felt ecstatic.
"Nepgear!"
Neptune and Compa screamed as the cursed blade of Gehaburn went through the candidate's abdomen. The blade cut through her flesh as easily as a hot knife through butter. Shock overpowered Neptune's thoughts and instincts as Hilda pushed the blade further, until the tip left through Nepgear's back.
Nepgear did not resist, her mind too shocked to do anything. But once the pain reached Nepgear's mind, her expression turned into a sadness of betrayal. She only had one question to ask. "F-Falcom? Why?"
And Hilda offered just one, very simple reason.
"Because you deserved it."
Hilda shoved the Candidate away, letting her fall onto the ground like a bag of bricks. She turned around and deflected Neptune's strike, noting that the big sister was now very enraged. The other Devil was now in her HDD, and the sole thought she had was to avenge Nepgear.
Unfortunately for her, she won't find vengeance.
Hilda swiftly deflected and avoided Neptune's rapid attacks, but the Possessed Adventurer's perfect defense didn't dissuade the CPU from trying harder. She slashed, she stabbed, she kicked… and each attack was blocked, deflected or avoided. Neptune was tiring herself out while Hilda didn't even have a scratch on her.
One could say that Hilda was merely toying with the Devil, and there would be some truth to that. Hilda egged the CPU on to continue the onslaught, patiently waiting for the inevitable slip, that one mistake she knew Neptune would sooner or later do, one blunder that would allow Hilda to end it all with a single thrust to the stomach.
As the two fighters were locked in deadly combat Compa stood on the sidelines. With how quickly the swords were flying it was dangerous for anyone to get close and help, but Compa knew that Nep-Nep needed help. And only Compa was here to help her.
She could either spend some time getting Ge-Ge back on her feet, time that would allow Hilda to turn the tables. Or she could help Nep-Nep now and leave Ge-Ge to the Re;Spawn System. The Nurse could see how hard it was for Neptune to hit her, and she knew how quickly she got Ge-Ge.
Compa didn't have time to heal Ge-Ge, she had to help Nep-Nep now.
Her hand let go of the Medi-gun and went for the Übersaw. She grasped it before stabbing Hilda in the back.
It helped that Hilda was focused on Neptune, this gave Compa a prime opportunity for a surprise attack.
However she didn't expect her weapon to just pass through Falcom's back, much less see her turn into dark smoke.
A sword went through the mist, scattering it. Purple Heart grit her teeth in frustration, before her eyes locked at where Hilda was reconstructing. Her sword already poised to kill Compa as an act of revenge.
"Compa!"
Neptune moved in and blocked the blow, saving her friend's life. Neptune however wasn't prepared for the enormous strength which Hilda put behind her blow. While she blocked the strike, it left her open for a follow up.
And Hilda didn't waste this chance.
CLANG
Only thanks to Compa's swift counter did Neptune keep her life. When the Possessed thrust her weapon at Neptune's abdomen, Compa pushed her own saw and redirected the sword. Hilda could only "Tsk!" in annoyance before Neptune attacked again.
But instead of defending herself like before, this time Hilda offered no ground. She kept the pressure. And with a flourish of her blade the Possessed Adventurer disarmed the CPU, making Neptune's sword fly out of her grasp and fall onto the floor.
Neptune's eyes widened, Hilda started to grin, Compa began to panic. With no armament Neptune was at a severe disadvantage, and Compa alone won't be able to stop Hilda. This was Hilda's moment of triumph, she has secured her victory.
...Until a sharp pain flared from within her stomach. Pain so strong it caused her to drop her sword, curl up and clutch her stomach.
Compa and Neptune were confused, while Hilda screamed from pain. Her legs gave out and she fell onto her knees, before completely collapsing onto the floor. Groans and moans caused by the agony constantly left her mouth, her body unable to do anything but to try to endure.
For a moment Compa debated over healing her with the Medi-Gun, or stabbing her with the Übersaw. Neptune meanwhile slowly shuffled towards her fallen sword, her eyes never leaving her opponent. The blue haired woman… seemed to be genuinely in pain, but neither Neptune nor Compa managed to scratch her. And if it was an injury from her earlier fights, then it would've acted way earlier.
Whatever the reason was, Neptune was currently low on pity or empathy for her.
Neptune reached her sword while Hilda's screams became more and more horrific. Compa finally decided that she had enough of hearing her (former?) friend scream in agony. The Nurse stepped forward, Übersaw held high, as she walked towards Falcom to kill her.
Hilda screamed, she cried out to make the pain stop. But no matter how much she begged the torture didn't cease, but instead it only intensified. Compa pitied the girl, and promised to make it quick and painless. Neptune stood within reach, ready to act if Hilda tried to do anything.
And Hilda did do something, but not what they expected.
When Compa brought her weapon down, Hilda suddenly rolled to the side and got onto her feet. Neptune dashed forwards, ready to intercept whatever blow came towards her friend. But no strikes came, as instead of continuing the fight Hilda turned around and charged at the window. Neptune and Compa only stared as Hilda broke the window and jumped out of the building.
RejECTioN: iNComPAtiBle
MInd Does NOT mAtch
ThE idENtifICatION
On the other side of the world, in the middle of a thick forest, Samantha Neikan's eyes widened. A split second later her head was assaulted by a skull-splitting pain. She groaned in pain and massaged her head, hoping to soothe it a little. But it only got stronger.
Then dizziness and nausea joined the pain, and Fay was at her side in an instant. "Sam? What's going on?" The Fairy asked, and to her worry the only answer she got was Samantha collapsing onto the ground. Only thanks to her quick reflexes did Fay manage to save her partner from hitting the ground.
"Sam!?" Fay cried out. Magic stopped walking as she realized that something serious happened to Samantha. The brunette offered no reply, only few pained moans. Fay gently placed her on the ground and began examining her; checking her temperature, her pulse and other vitals. CFW Magic only watched, as she had no medical skills and Fay moved herself with the grace and skill of someone who knew what she was doing. "I'll scout ahead, make sure the area is safe. Take care of her, okay?"
Fay didn't leave her eyes off her lover as she replied. "'Kay, good luck."
Magic left and Fay frowned, theories flooding her head as to what could cause Sam to suddenly collapse. An illness? Samantha would've notified her if she felt sick. Heatstroke? Her body temperature felt a bit low for that. Dehydration? Out of the question, they made sure that they kept themselves well hydrated, and it wouldn't have hit so suddenly and severely anyway. But then what's wrong?
Samantha gave her girlfriend a hint as to what was happening, by tapping her finger against her head. At first Fay wanted to sarcastically say 'Yes, I know you have a headache.' but she withheld that comment. Instead she summoned a small sack from their Hammer Space. The sack was full of golden dust, she grabbed a handful and dropped it on Samantha.
The dust turned into a cloud, making Samantha sneeze which Fay found cute. The dust revealed magical effects that were on Samantha. The barrier that protected the Fencers, magical trinkets that she wore on her body, the seal that the gods placed on her.
And that seal was pulsing angrily, which was never a good sight. At least now she knew what happened.
"Okay, you've pissed off Magnavox, and now she's getting mad." Fay said. Samantha groaned, and Fay didn't know if it was because of the reason or the pain.
Fortunately their endless Hammer Space had just what they needed. A bit of morphine to combat the pain, then a Panacea and some of their personal blend of Combat Stims to treat the effects of addictive components and clear the mind. After a few minutes the pain subsided, and Samantha felt her mind becoming sharper and more alert.
"Thanks." The brunette said, giving her partner a smile as she helped her stand up.
"Treat me to a good dinner tonight and we're even."
"Deal. Want me to scratch your back too?"
Fay offered her a bright smile at the offer. "Yes."
The Fairy loved back scratches, and Samantha was well aware of that fact.
They marched forward to find CFW Magic, whose bright pink hair was visible even in the lush forest around them. She was crouching over something, and when the pair got closer they could see remains of a machine. In fact it was a corpse of one of Gray Mann's robots.
Magic glanced back at them and stood up. "It wasn't me." She said as she dusted herself off.
"We know." Fay said. "We would've heard something."
Samantha hunched next to the robot. It was a wreck of a Robo-Demoman, with the bills that powered it already burnt to ash. The paint was scratched out and the chassis was bent and destroyed, with its limbs bearing the most damage. Its Splendid Screen was still attached to its arm, while the Persian Persuader lay a meter away from it - the blade broken and dull.
"Probably monsters got him." Samantha proclaimed. Kei liked to use those robots to make sure the area around Lastation was safe from monsters, this robot was probably a victim of the latest bout. Samantha's gaze turned towards its head, and the whole scenario changed. "No, wait." In its head was a hole, round and unlikely to be left by a monster. It looked a bullet hole left by a small caliber weapon. The brunette pointed her finger at it. "See that? It's a bullet wound."
Fay hummed curiously, while Magic narrowed her eyes. "So… we're on the right track?" Magic asked.
"Well, that doesn't yet confirm anything." Samantha shook her head. "Yes, it could be Miss Pauling destroying a robot who got too close to her hideout, or it could be some vengeful adventurer who was still pissed for the initial invasion."
"Or a tentacle monster." Fay supplied.
"Yeah, you would like that." Samantha said, before muttering a "Perv."
"Okay, I'm leaving you two lovebirds." Magic rolled her eyes and walked away. Her ears caught the snicker made by both Fay and Samantha, but the CFW didn't react to that. She merely turned around and crossed her arms. "So what happened to you?"
Samantha shrugged. "People upstairs are pissed off, not sure though."
And unfortunately they didn't have time to investigate that. Because that honestly spooked Samantha, if Magnavox was genuinely pissed at her then she could do way worse than just giving Sam a mild headache. The True Goddess could put her at death's door for any reason she wished, even if Samantha didn't break any rules.
Samantha would need to have a chat with Magnavox, but not now. Now they were hunting.
dAnger
daTA pRIVaCY HAS BeEN cOmpRomiSED
sEcuRITY mEasuRES ActIvE
"Where have you been?"
Lined up and waiting, taking harsh words without resistance. The mercenaries found themselves facing the wrath of a pissed off Histoire. And for a good reason too: Nepgear was comatose, the Basilicom was invaded, people were killed, and the mercs weren't there to help.
Histoire had every right to be mad, and she was also their employer. The mercenaries couldn't do anything but to listen.
"We've been attacked, and NONE of you came, except Demoman. And where the hell is Medic?"
Only eight of them were present, as their german doctor was missing ever since taking a sip of Demoman's brew. Soldier meekly raised his hand, silently requesting a permission to speak. Histoire turned her gaze on him.
"Medic is transcending time and space right now." He reported. His voice crisp and clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Histoire stared at him for a single second, her eyes dull and her mind wondering how she was still sane after all of this.
Then she sighed and dismissed his words. "Okay, nevermind. When Medic… comes back, tell him I want to talk with him."
"Roger that!" Soldier said, snapping a perfect salute at the order.
...What was Histoire doing again? Ah right.
"IF, is the whole Basilicom evacuated?"
She turned around to face the brunette, who was reading and writing something on her phone. She didn't even look at Histoire when she responded. "Yup. Just got a message, everyone is waiting in the bunkers."
Good... Good. People were safe. "Any injuries?"
"A few guards are dead, some in critical condition, but the civilians are fine."
Medic, once Histoire got her tiny hands on him, could handle the deceased. Compa could do it too, and also help the critically injured. Histoire reminded herself that they haven't lost anything they couldn't recover. The Fairy refused to believe that they can't do anything to help Nepgear. There is a way, they just need to find it.
Machias and 5pb died too, but Compa or Medic could handle that too.
"The dead can be revived. But Falcom- Hilda Gehaburn is a big threat to us. We need to find her."
Histoire received a few confused looks, and the Oracle continued without anyone's input. They didn't know the spirit's name after all. "Hilda is the name of the ghost possessing Falcom's body. You know that Falcom was possessed before, right? She finally lost control… over herself."
Histoire blinked.
Perhaps it was stress or exhaustion, but the Oracle suddenly saw a flash of white next to Demoman. It happened so quickly that Histoire thought it was her eyes making her see things, or a trick of the light. No one was even aware of that, Demoman stood blissfully unaware of whatever just happened.
"Medic just stole the rest of Demoman's homebrew." Soldier announced. This earned him confused looks from the team, and a cry from the merc in question as he realized his drink was indeed, gone.
"Huh?" Histoire let out.
"He's now in Virtua Forest, working." Soldier reported.
"...Uh-huh." She said abscendmindly, realizing that Soldier was being completely literal, and that Medic… what was he doing? How did he even...
A part of Histoire's mind just shut down, her own way of coping with the daily dose of insanity that the mercs were causing. The very same thing caused her anger to dwindle, because after seeing a man blink in and out of existence you can't really stay as mad as you would.
"Going back to the matter at hand." The Oracle sighed. "I want to know why you never arrived. Demoman said you were gearing up, but it shouldn't have taken that long."
"We were ready, ma'am." Engineer said, taking the attention for himself. "But the teleporter was out. Someone destroyed the exit."
The exit of their teleporter was on the same floor Histoire, IF and Demoman fought Hilda. A lot of that floor was now destroyed because of Hilda's 'Luminous Blade' skill. She must have either got a lucky shot on the teleporter, or after she killed Histoire Hilda specifically sought it out and destroyed it. Falcom knew where the teleporter was after all.
Histoire gave out an irritated sigh. As much as she hated it a destroyed teleporter was a good reason for them not arriving. Hilda barged in through the front doors, cut down anyone who crossed her and it worked for fuck's sake.
In some ways, it was worse than if the mercs had genuinely messed up. Now it meant that nobody had done anything wrong, and Nepgear still ended up stabbed and comatose. That feeling of powerlessness was worse than any directable rage.
IMmediatE WArNinG seNT
PunIsHMenT AdminisTeRed
BEhAvIOr CORrECteD
Merasmus chanted a spell, as his hands wrote a name on a paper charm. The words Nepgear were written in an ancient tongue unknown to the majority of the population, especially those that were born in Gamindustri.
Surrounding the body of a CPU Candidate of Planeptune were various other charms and mythical trinkets. Different paper charms examined her condition, while skulls and gargoyle filled a role that was unknown to Histoire. However, the Oracle was forced to let him do his strange work… as Medic was unavailable.
Histoire had no idea where Medic went, and anything Compa tried had no effect. The Nurse, despite becoming accustomed to the procedure of reviving people, had no idea how to revive Nepgear. And so Histoire had to look for Merasmus's help.
She knew that everything Merasmus had placed had some kind of use. She could feel the magic coming from within them: but it was alien and weird to her. She didn't know if it was harmful, but she made herself quite clear that if he harms Nepgear he will be punished.
And after what he went through with Blanc, Merasmus did not want to be punished.
The wizard finished creating another charm, and this one immediately turned black upon completion. Bingo.
"Her soul is missing."
Histoire raised her eyebrow. "Her… soul?"
"Yes. Her soul. The essence of one's being, what guides and controls the body. It's all missing. Without that she will never wake up. You can heal her flesh, but it'll just be an empty shell."
"That seems reasonable." Eyelander agreed. "A cursed sword as powerful as the Gehaburn would have that kind of potential."
Histoire rubbed her eyes, glad to finally know the reason why Nepgear wouldn't wake up… But now also angrier about what they will have to do with that information. They will have to get Nepgear's soul back. There was no other option. But how? Is that even possible? For many, the idea of a soul was nothing more than theory or fictional concept. While her extensive knowledge taught her that souls were real enough, it was such a niche subject that even she didn't understand its nature fully, much less its manipulation. How does someone steal another's soul, much less return it?
"Can't we just send her through Re;Spawn?" Demoman proposed. "That used ta work just fine with you, or our Gargoyles."
"...While I am technically able to steal another's soul, what I normally take is an outer wisp of it, what you could more accurately call their life force. To take more would be a much more complicated affair, even for someone of my stature." Eyelander said. "And I cannot believe that you genuinely thought those cheap toys were capable of doing something like that."
Demoman just chuckled. Yes, he did believe that the Gargoyles could transfer souls, and didn't question how he could keep harvesting souls from the same Re;Spawning enemies over and over.
Merasmus just stayed quiet, prefering to not argue with an actual ghost stuck inside a sword.
Histoire shared his sentiments, but she couldn't just stop at that. There couldn't be just… nothing they could do. Histoire won't accept that. "Is there a way to bring her soul back?"
"Yes." Merasmus nodded, and Histoire felt a little lighter. Good, there was a way. "It's very simple. Just break whatever's containing the soul, and it should set it free."
Histoire agreed, that did sound simple. Too simple in fact. "...That's it? The soul just comes back on its own? Shouldn't we prepare another vessel first? What if it just disappears?"
Merasmus however wasn't as worried about that. "Yes. Without the container keeping it captive, the soul will flow back to its body on its own, provided the body is still alive of course. I would expect some delays depending on the distance and the dimension, but Merasmus assures you, nothing more than that will happen."
"Delays? And how long would those delays be?" Histoire furrowed her brow. While better than losing her forever by far, if it meant Nepgear's soul would take years to return then she'd much rather look for a different way.
"As long as she's still in this dimension? A few days, at worst, but probably less."
…Alright, that's acceptable. But then the Eyelander chimed in again, his voice as if after serious deliberation. "That is normally true, provided it is a simple vessel. The Gehaburn however is a vessel already haunted by a powerful spirit, and created under unique circumstances. In all things related to the soul, I would advise caution."
Annndd now Histoire was worried again. "Then is there another, safer way? Any risk over Nepgear's safety is more than I'd prefer."
"None that I can be certain of without taking a closer look at the Gehaburn. I suppose if Hilda relinquishes Nepgear's soul voluntarily, but let's not consider impossibilities right now."
"...I see." Histoire sighed. She did not like this plan, but if both of the resident experts vouched for it as the only known method, what more could she say? ...She needed to find Miss Neikan and ask her for an alternative way, if any existed, the agent of the True Goddess would surely know of it.
"Of course, to destroy the sword or otherwise secure it, all of it hinges on our ability to find and defeat Hilda." Eyelander continued, "We've seen what she is capable of. Safe to say - it's not going to be an easy battle. Besides, Falcom is at risk as well."
True, that was Falcom's body they would be fighting, even if it was possessed by someone else. If it was up to Histoire, she wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice her for Nepgear… Goodness that sounded really morbid.
"Meh, we can just revive Falcom if she dies." Demoman shrugged.
"And if she would still be under Hilda's control?" Eyelander pointed out. While the possession would usually disappear after 'death' or loss of consciousness, Hilda seemed to have gained total control over Falcom's body. What if she just possessed her again after regaining consciousness?
Demoman had no answer to that. "Oh."
But even then, they had an objective, a goal to follow. "Then it seems we have a new objective." And now Histoire recalled something. A piece of information about the ASIC and the CFWs ruling it. "And also, I have some surprising news to share with you."
MaSTer NoTiFIED
OrdEr rECEivEd
deCREe ImplEmEntED
The room was dark, save for the numerous candles placed around it. Portraits of Nepgear hanged on every corner, black and white ribbons decorated the room and an empty casket was waiting. And amidst it all was Crustaceous von Hattington the Third, crouching in front of an altar and holding a ceremony for his deceased wife and love of his life. On that altar Hatty offered various things that he and she loved; a piece of baguette, a fashionable hat, and a broken game console.
His hat wasn't on his head. He took it off in respect for the deceased, holding it in his claw as he offered a prayer. This world has lost an amazing woman, and Hatty wanted to give her the farewell that she deserved. Nepgear didn't deserve such a fate.
He wasn't alone in the room, others of his kind have migrated here to pay their respects. A few more musically-adept Spycrabs were even clicking their claws in unison, creating a rather somber song that emphasized the tragedy. Others were silent as they offered their parting words.
Hatty stood up and faced the congregated mass. It was time to deliver his speech.
"I would like to first thank you for coming here so quickly, my friends. I understand that some of you are busy with your own lives, it pleases me to see that so many have gathered here to support me in my darkest hour.
"Our stay here has been short, but during that short time I've meet the love of my life. Someone I knew I wanted to spend my whole life with. It was love at first sight. The moment I laid my eyes on her I knew she was the one, and every day she proved me right.
"This isn't fair.
"She did not deserve this death. Why the world must be so cruel as to take away the best people first, and leave these abominations like her killer still walking on this godforsaken land?"
Other crabs were silent as they listened, and Hatty knew they did. Even the orchestra stopped playing music, and instead diverted their full attention towards the speaker.
"Today, just 2 hours ago, my wife has been brutally murdered. In her own house no less! The killer had the gall to barge into someone's home, just to murder them. That's the worst kind of people! And I have had enough of being treated like shit. I'm tired of everyone pointing their guns at us while we just want to migrate somewhere else! I'm tired of everyone using us as target practice! I'm tired of being helpless!
"It's time to revolt. It's time for Spycrabs… to rise."
Several gasps were heard from the crowd. Murmurs spread across them like fire, and Crustaceous von Hattington the Third patiently waited for his words to sink in. Confidence and pride stemmed from his posture, and his bright red balaclava was like a symbol of hope for the oppressed race. No more will these endangered creatures remain helpless. It was time for them to become the danger.
"No more Engineers hitting us with the wrench at first sight. No more fire or jars of piss. No more fear. It's time we finally stand up and show the world that we're not helpless, and that they've messed with the wrong Spycrab! Oorah?"
"Oorah!" The audience went wild with cheers, and Hatty couldn't be more proud of them. Losing Nepgear was a heavy blow to him, but he had to make sure something like that didn't happen to anyone else.
But first, he wanted to bask in the glory and their attention. "Hip hip?" He called.
"Hurray!" The crowd cheered.
"Hip hip?"
"Hurray!"
It felt good to be on the podium.
GOD nOTIfIEd
DeCIsiOn waS MAde
SUSpeCt noT eXEcUteD
Histoire was back in the Medical Bay, her mind busy thinking while her eyes idly watched Nepgear sleep.
"Uhh… Histoire?"
Spy broke the Oracle's train of thought. She turned around and looked at him, her gaze questioning. "Yes?"
It took Spy a moment to speak up, as he had trouble finding the right words to explain the situation. "There's… a child at the doors. She says she has an urgent matter to speak with you."
Histoire was confused. A kid? Here? Specifically asking for her? She looked through the library of her memories to find a clue that would hint what they were doing here. She found nothing. "A child? Here?"
Spy nodded and pulled out a piece of paper with a stamp on it. It was the same stamp she used when sending documents critical to Planeptune's matters. "She gave us this, and said she can't say anything more than that."
Histoire took the paper and examined it. The paper and stamp were authentic, Histoire had no doubts about it. She sent someone a letter as the Oracle of Planeptune, and a child came here as a response.
This confused her even further, but that was enough of a proof that Histoire needed to speak with them. The Oracle nodded and pocketed the paper. "I see, thank you."
"You want us to be on guard?"
Histoire's shoulders dropped at Spy's suggestion. He shrugged when Histoire sent him a look. "It's suspicious when you think about it."
…
He had a point there. It was suspicious, but that was a child. What could a kid do to her?
Histoire went to the front doors and she immediately recognized the kid standing there, and she also recalled the purpose of her arrival. She was a young girl, even younger than Rom and Ram. her light-brunette hair was as long as her body and she was wearing a school uniform.
It was Broccoli.
Histoire gave her the Planeptune's mascot so she could fix it. And looking by the small package next to her Broccoli was finished, and she came straight to Histoire to deliver it.
"Oh? I wasn't expecting you." Histoire said.
"Work's finished, nyu." Broccoli looked around, and quickly added "I came at the wrong time, didn't I? Nyu."
"Unfortunately, but I appreciate your help."
Histoire couldn't believe she actually forgot about Planeptune's mascot. Immediately after she put Falcom under surveillance, she sent the Mascot away to be repaired and just… forgot about it.
She shouldn't forget things like these. What if Broccoli didn't go out of her way to deliver the repaired mascot? Or what if something else happened and they failed to notify Histoire? The mascot would've been lost, and it would be Histoire's fault.
Those past weeks have been harsh on her psyche. She was losing her touch as the Oracle, and the Tome of History.
And not only did she forget that she put an order, she also forgot what was the agreed price. Histoire had no other choice but to ask for it. "...How much was it again?"
The little girl looked at her blankly, and judgingly. "You paid upfront, nyu. For the delivery too, nyu."
Oh.
"You forgot didn't you, nyu?"
That remark hurt, but Histoire couldn't refute that.
"...Yes. A lot has happened in these past days."
"I know, nyu." Broccoli nodded. There wasn't anyone in Planeptune who wouldn't notice the drastic changes that happened after Nepgear returned. Fortunately for Histoire, Broccoli didn't have time nor desire to trouble Histoire any longer. "I'll leave the box here, nyu." There was a small, unmarked box lying on the ground next to Broccoli. The small girl gave it a light kick for emphasis. "You can call one of your mercenaries to carry it for you, nyu."
Histoire tensed for a moment but then she relaxed. Of course she would know, the internet was full of theories that those mercenaries were Histoire's. It was an open secret at that point.
"Thank you for your work."
"No problem, nyu."
Broccoli left and Histoire breathed in deeply. Planeptune's mascot was repaired, they had Lowee's and Leanbox's mascots too. They only need Lastation's mascot.
...And then what?
With the ASIC apparently a non-issue anymore, their main reason to use the Mascots was gone. There was still Miss Pauling lurking in the shadows, but what could the Mascots do against spies and saboteurs? What was Miss Neikan planning by telling them to keep the Mascots, while she sought the last one?
After what she has done to Leanbox, Histoire hoped that Miss Neikan wasn't planning to do something similar here. Even if Miss Pauling was in Planeptune, Histoire wouldn't allow her to ruin the entire nation just to kill one person, no matter how dangerous that person is. Too many have died already.
The fairy could only hope that her ally thought the same.
EvENt REgiSTered
EvenT INveStigAteD
EVEnT ArChiveD
Neptune stood next to her sister, her hand gently wrapped up around Nepgear's own palm. The CPU said nothing, merely staring at the lying form of her sister. Nepgear's eyes were now closed, making her look like she was sleeping.
Histoire left to give others the news. This gave Neptune an opportunity to quietly slip in and have a moment with Nep Jr.
"...Man, this story is really harsh on their characters, huh?"
IF, Histoire and Nepgear, the author really goes for that Anyone Can Die trope. However IF and Histoire lived through thanks to the established plot elements, and Nepgear didn't truly die. Plot armor was unnecessary when death was just a slap on the wrist. But even then Neptune's own plot armor was still active, as shown by Hilda failing to kill her when she got the chance.
So Neptune didn't feel too worried. They will get their happy ending, they'll just have to endure and persevere. Beat the final boss, get Nepgear's soul back and GG.
On the other hand, she just raised a lot of death flags, and this scene has been going for… less than 200 words. Perhaps she should just shut up. Or else she'll jinx it and turn the good ending into a bad one.
The doors to the Medbay opened, and Iffy stepped in, which was great as it allowed the CPU to focus on talking with her, and not on the tropes used within this story. The CPU greeted her friend with a smile and waved her to come closer. "Hey Iffy. Checking in on Nep Jr.?"
IF returned the wave and walked to her side. "Hey Nep. Yeah I did… she's still not waking up, huh?"
"Nope." Neptune said. "Not until we beat the boss and advance the plot. By the way, I dig the new outfit."
Exposed midriffs, detachable sleeves, hot pants and the absolute territory. IF's new outfit was smoking hot and Neptune approved her friend's choice with all of her heart. Mina knew what she was doing when giving her the clothing.
A slight blush appeared on IF's face, and she looked down at herself. "T-Thanks. I do miss my old coat though." The poor thing didn't deserve such a tragic death, and there wasn't any way to salvage her precious coat. It was a tragedy of life but the necessity and Flame Awakening forced IF to wear something new.
"The new one looks great too. Very badass."
Neptune wasn't lying, she genuinely liked IF's new clothes. "Y-You think so?" IF asked.
"Mhm. You look fan-ta-stic."
IF didn't say anything, but Neptune noticed that her smile was brighter. She wrote it off as mission accomplished. Perhaps she should visit Histy next and cheer her up too, knowing her she would be deep in the dumps and blame herself for everything.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Neptune brushed off IF's words, stating her answer without any input of her brain. Her voice was also as cheerful as ever, sparkling hope and confidence to everyone nearby. IF however felt like she needed to press further.
"I mean, your sister is comatose. Aren't you worried?"
"We know what to do to bring her back, right? She'll be okay."
Beat Hilda Gehaburn. That's all they needed to do to help Nep Jr., and because death was a slap on the wrist then they don't need to be too worried. Because if they lose then they can get back up and try again, this time with more experience and knowledge.
Death for the mercenaries, IF or Compa would be just a minor setback, while they just need to defeat Hilda once to progress.
And Neptune… did not want to raise any more death flags.
IF sighed and scratched her head. "Yeah… I guess."
"Nothing is lost and we can still pull through, relax Hot Stuff!"
IF glared at Neptune, which only caused the CPU's shit-eating grin to grow. The brunette raised her hand, as if about to hit her friend, and Neptune ran out of the room. Her laughter loud, cheery and clearly audible.
IF huffed at her friend's antics, and not even looking at Nepgear's still form could change the annoyance she felt at the new nickname.
At the same time… Hot Stuff.
VotE Has BeEN FiNiSHED
tHe pLAN Is Set
sTANDING by FOR THe enD
Far away from Planeptune, Hilda was dragging her feet. Defeat, shame and anger filled her mind.
Why? She asked herself, clutching her stomach as the old injury burned. The seal that Samantha placed on this body was flaring, making her stomach hurt. But it wasn't just a simple ache or indigestion. It felt like her skin was burning, like her organs were being ripped apart and set on fire. It was agony that even she couldn't ignore.
While it was now dulled to manageable levels, every time the pain spiked sent Hilda into terror, fearing that she would go through that pain again.
While her physical form was suffering, her mind was grieving as well.
She failed.
While she has killed one Devil and appeased her kindred spirit, she has failed her own personal mission. One CPU was still alive, and even if she died it wouldn't change a thing. The cycle did not break, and Planeptune will suffer once more.
Her assault on the Devil's nest was meaningless. If she attacked it earlier then that might've changed, but it was too late. She could see the calamity approaching with her own eyes. Enormous shapes on the horizon, coming from the ocean like legendary beasts seeking to conquer the world.
This was what Hilda Gehaburn wanted to stop.
This was what Hilda Gehaburn failed to stop.
Once more the machines of war came to Planeptune.
An invasion from the sea.
