Interdimensional RED-Coded Contract

Moral of the Story


Everything was silent. All was darkness.

A girl floated in an endless void. She had no idea how much time had passed. She couldn't move her body, or even be sure that she had one. Her thoughts were hazy, impossible to focus, and she felt like she was drifting apart.

Was this… death?

In the next moment, with a jolt, Nepgear bolted upright, gasping for breath. W-What just happened?! Where is she? Is she alive? What-

"Ah, you're finally awake."

The wide-eyed girl turned to find herself face-to-face with a grizzled old man, his strength clear to see despite his age, with a noble and kingly visage. He donned a regal suit of knight's armor, marred by scratches and marks of rusty red on its edges, and on his back was a familiar claymore.

"You… You are…?"

"...You know me as Eyelander." The old knight extended a hand, which Nepgear took and was pulled up onto unsteady feet. "A pleasure to meet you in this form, and to see you alive and well."

"Thanks." The girl smiled, before looking around at her surroundings. Yes, it was all coming back to her now. "Is everyone else alright?"

"Perfectly well. It's you everyone's worried about."

"Oh, goodness… At least you can tell the others I'm okay now. Though I'm not sure how I'm okay." Nepgear said, inspecting her own arms. The green cracks were gone, as were all of her wounds. The room they were in too was no longer damaged, an amalgamation of Neptune's bedroom and her own, whole and pristine, and the statue of Arfoire in the back was gone. It was no longer just an inky darkness outside the windows, though it's been replaced by an impenetrable fog.

"I'll be sure to tell them that, though they'll be more glad once you tell them yourself."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

Nepgear tried to ask what Hilda meant by that, but the woman put a finger to the Candidate's lips, silencing her, and leaving her to stare with wide eyes as Hilda's body began to glow. Though the girl flinched at the first sight of that purple light, its shine was far different from the malicious rays of the Gehaburn. Instead, the motes of light drifting up from Hilda's body felt… warm. They reminded her of the light that surrounded her before the world was altered by everyone's wishes, vaguely recollected, and as she turned her gaze, she found that same light reappearing in the void outside, first just a few lonely wisps, then more and more.

Memories flashed through Nepgear's mind. Of an ancient nation, prosperous and joyful. Of a family loved with all her heart. Of a pink-haired boy who never stopped striving for the strength to protect, no matter how many beatings he took from his strict mentor who walked that same grueling path herself. Of a twin-tailed librarian, quiet and timid, besides matters relating to her goddess, to whom her faith went a little beyond 'devout'. Of a kind and selfless Oracle who would do anything to protect her people.

Of a red-haired goddess, willful and loyal, her carefully maintained facade of 'coolness' only faltering in the presence of her closest confidantes. An imperfect girl born into a role demanding perfection, who still tried her best to the very end.

Before she could ask any further, the holy light blinded the Candidate. Warmth engulfed her whole body. She felt comfort, and a sense of finality. What was Hilda doing? She tried to open her eyes, but though the blinding light didn't sting, all she could see was white. The light engulfed her whole, then the room, then all that remained of the Gehaburn's world.

By wishes of hate was the Gehaburn forged. By wishes of love will it be reborn.

"And that's all I remember." Nepgear finished her story. She felt a little self-conscious with so many sets of eyes and ears giving her their undivided attention, but she was also glad that they cared so much. It was their wishes that allowed her to fight back at all, afterall. Her free hand gripped the mattress beneath her, then lifted so she could inspect it again. This was real, she had to remind herself. This was no longer just a recreation inside a magical blade. This was really her body, her room. She was back.

Once Eyelander confirmed she was alright, it didn't take long before everyone hurried back to Planeptune where the Candidate's comatose body awaited. Getting her soul back in there was easy, all they had to do was touch it with the Gehaburn, didn't even have to stab it again. Though, it would be inaccurate to call that sword the Gehaburn anymore.

The shape of the sword was as it used to be, now pristine again instead of the broken, half-melted slab it had become. The ominous purple of the blade had changed to become a soothing azure however, its hilt also now of gold and silver. Rather than a cursed demonic weapon, the weapon now looked much more… divine. Holy.

The room of people was silent and thoughtful, but the atmosphere was far lighter than the war council it had been before. "So you're telling me the 'power of friendship' actually worked? And it even made Hilda turn around and save you?" Sniper questioned, still finding it hard to believe such an optimistic and 'sappy' outcome was genuinely possible.

Neptune of course just smiled smugly. "Told ya~ The power of friendship always wins!" She grinned, nuzzling her face against Nep Jr's. Nepgear gracefully allowed it, despite the fact that her sister had hugged her since the instant she woke up and hasn't let go for a second since. It was hard to move like this, but this was fine.

Blanc simply rolled her eyes. "Oh give your sister some credit. We gave her power, sure, but she's the one that had to win the fight in the end, and it didn't sound easy. I'd like to hear more details actually, about the fight and that recreated Gamindustri." The brunette continued, finding some promising inspiration for her own novels, though she wouldn't say that part aloud.

"Yes, it did sound rather grand!" Vert chimed in with a smile, "Shame it's all been destroyed now, as you said."

"Not exactly." A few eyes turned to look at the Eyelander as it spoke, "As your wishes were used to reforge the Gehaburn, I believe that recreated world has been imprinted into the sword's realm. For now it has only just been reborn, but with time and a little effort on Nepgear's part I'm sure she could expand its inner world and bring it back, even alter it to her liking."

Neptune liked what she was hearing, growing more excited just thinking about it. "Oh cool! You get your own entire pocket dimension to play with! We should go explore it together! I've got so many cool ideas!"

"It's probably not a good thing if your soul is stuck in the sword, sis…"

"Oh yeah. But you're not Hilda, you can let me go whenever you want! Come on, it's just a little stabbing, it won't hurt!"

"G-Goodness, I don't think I'm comfortable with that…!"

While the two reunited sisters bantered, Spy massaged his creased brow and turned away. "Ah merde… If everyone's safe then I'd rather return to the hotel. There's still repairs to be done and I've had enough of these shenanigans for one day."

"Says that one guy that didn' give up on Gear 'sides Neptune." Scout reminded him with a sneer, deepening Spy's frown into a full-on scowl.

Despite their best efforts and the spot of hope they got when the sword began to glow under their collective desire for Nepgear's safety, that hope eventually faded when the glow withered and died after several minutes, the cracks spreading over the blade as tiny fragments crumbled off entirely. Gradually, the well wishers had to accept reality, and get ready to deal with the fallout of recent events. In the end only Neptune remained with her hand on the dying Gehaburn, no one having the heart to tell her otherwise until the sword inevitably shatters completely. Only Neptune… and Spy, of all people.

Of course, that was not how the Gehaburn or Nepgear's story ended. The glow had suddenly returned just as all hope seemed lost, turning into a blinding radiance, and the rest, as they say, was history.

Meanwhile, seeing Nepgear getting nowhere with convincing her sister about the inherent dangers of getting stabbed by a sword, Noire sighed and decided to intervene. "Alright Neptune, give your sister some space to rest, she's had a long day. And enough with the stabbing, if you wanted to see Gamindustri you can just travel the real one, I'm sure none of us would mind your visiting. Besides, what would Histoire say if she finds another of her CPUs got her soul sucked out?"

The room quickly paused as they remembered a forgotten detail.

"Oh, right." Samantha broke the silence, after her eyes swept over the other occupants of the room. "...Well, let's not waste any time then. Gear up, and don't worry about the transport. I'll deal with it."


The woman behind the screen looked at a piece of paper, skimming through the text written on it. "Interesting." The microphone picked onto her mumbling to herself. "Very interesting." She lowered her hand, moving the paper off the screen.

"I must say I did not expect my assistant to capture you, much less send you straight to me. I don't mind though; it's been a while since I had someone to converse with. Well… someone both intelligent enough and not on my payroll."

The expression on her face hasn't changed, nor her tone. She continued to speak in a casual tone with a hint of disregard in it.

After all, the woman behind the screen was talking to a harmless captive… a fairy trapped in a cell.

"Why was I brought here?"

Histoire tried to keep a degree of level-headedness after being assaulted, kidnapped and then trafficked to a place she didn't recognize. The woman in front of her was also completely unfamiliar, but she was talking like she knew her.

"That is an excellent question. As interesting as it is to have an exotic alien in my cell, you're not really useful to me. And keeping those machines that Miss Pauling brought with you charged up is adding a lot to my electricity bill."

Miss Pauling… That actually answered a lot of questions. She now had a hunch where she was, though Histoire didn't exactly know what sort of machines the woman was talking about. Still, the fact she couldn't use her magic said a lot about their use. It seems like they got their hands on some SP-nullifying equipment.

"But I see that you've done a lot in such a short amount of time. I'm glad that my… former employees have been of use to you, Histoire."

Histoire frowned, and decided to take a shot. "Are you that Administrator I've been hearing about?"

For a moment there was no reaction, then the woman sighed. Disappointment started to drip from the way she rubbed her forehead. "They talked about me, didn't they?" The Administrator huffed. "That's another breach of contract."

Perhaps Histoire should've stayed silent, it appeared that she accidently threw the mercenaries under the bus. "They didn't say much, just that they worked for you."

Histoire didn't know if she believed her words or not. The woman's expression didn't change much from that permanent stern scowl. "In any case, at least I don't need to introduce myself."

Helen shifted within her seat, and a smile actually appeared on her lips. This sudden change of expression was… disturbing. There was something very wrong with how she smiled. "Tell me, Histoire. How did it feel to stain your hands?"

Histoire blinked. "That's a… very strange question." Helen's very confident tone also made it sound more like a statement rather than a question.

The Administrator's expression didn't change. "I know. But I must admit that I grew curious after reading reports… which are coming in rather slowly. One day on Gamindustri is a few days here, you see. But anyway."

She shifted in her seat. "Your form of government relies on good publicity. 'Shares', you call them. Now, this is somewhat true for most forms of government, ours included… but your society takes it to the next level. Your rulers' physical strength and health is physically tied to public sentiment: a popular ruler is strong and healthy, an unpopular one gets sick and dies."

If the CPUs don't work tirelessly to help the public, their shares will plummet. If they fall too far, the CPU might die… and the nation they raised will collapse. This is an alien concept that baffled the Administrator. It was so easy to stain one's favor with the public. Every celebrity, politician, and member of the media knew how easy it was to put a black mark on an otherwise perfect record. It didn't even need to be something that actually happened. To have one's life force be directly tied to public sentiment would be a living hell, and a short-lived one at that. Or so one would think.

The Administrator continued, not letting Histoire respond. "Knowing all of that, you still did it. The moment my former employees arrived at your doorstep, you let them run wild. You let them kill and murder everyone as long as they were your enemy. You essentially became a dictator. The enemy of your own people in a world where the leader's popularity is a matter of life and death."

"What is your point?" Histoire said, having enough of being called out.

"My point is," The Administrator breathed in, "that was the dumbest possible move you could've taken. I'm surprised Planeptune still stands…" The Administrator paused. "Or not. I am not aware how they handled Pauling's little stunt with Gray Mann's machines."

A reminder that her nation was still fighting while she was sitting here, having a chat with the mercs' former employer. She didn't have time for this. However, said former employer could have her killed and buried in a shallow grave in the middle of nowhere at any time. As a prisoner, Histoire had to stay calm, as her life now depended on the sentiment of a single person.

"I was left with little choice. Our nation was in desperate times, and I couldn't let your mercenaries be hired by someone else."

"Ah, that part." Helen paused, taking a deep breath of her cigarette. Histoire frowned at this, as the woman in front of the screen was too old to smoke. She looked as if she could drop dead at any moment. "They switched sides rather easily, didn't they?" Helen spoke. "They should know better, but maybe someone else egged them on. Perhaps a third party working from the shadows?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Histoire said.

"Just talking to myself." Helen deflected. "Still, I'm hoping that I will have a chance to talk to them one last time. I never actually got their official letter of resignation."

"...If I serve little more purpose to you than a conversation partner, can you please let me go? You said so yourself, my nation is in danger and needs me." Histoire asked. Politely asking shouldn't affect her situation too much. She didn't know what she wanted from her, but Histoire's patience was running thin. She needed to get back to Planeptune, check on the defenses and lead the recovery teams. She had way more important duties than simply sitting here and having a chit-chat with an old woman who fancied herself a mastermind.

The fact that Helen even confirmed she was of no use to her annoyed Histoire even more.

"I let you go, and you do… what?" Helen asked. "How do you plan to return home?"

Histoire was confident that there was some sort of hidden function or two within her memory that would allow her to cross dimensions, however she couldn't do anything here. Not with that annoying SP-nullification.

Helen chuckled mirthlessly. There was not a hint of joy in her voice. "You will be here until you satisfy my curiosity. And what happens next…? Well, we will see when we get there."

The shallow grave.

This was the only thing on Histoire's mind. Make a wrong move, and she'll put you in a grave. The Oracle reminded herself. As worried as she was, this wasn't time to rush.

Helen seemed to like that the fairy understood the power dynamic between them. "Say… What do you think the moral of all this should be?"

A moral? Moral of what? "...I don't understand your question." Histoire said.

"Every good story needs to have a message. A lesson to learn for those that read it. What do you think would work here?" Admin explained.

But Histoire was neither sure what to say about this, nor what to think of it. It was a weird topic that caught her off-guard. It almost sounded like something Neptune would bring up. Histoire didn't have an answer prepared for it.

"I… don't follow."

Helen wasn't happy with that answer, as obvious as her sigh made it out to be. "Personally; I believe 'Be careful what you wish for' would apply rather nicely here."

Histoire blinked. "...Okay?" She asked, confused. She felt like she was missing something here, but the Administrator simply continued.

"To desire is a natural thing, and so are making wishes, but people are fallible, and we don't always know how to get what we want, or even what we really want. Fame, fortune, power, knowledge… You'd be surprised how many achieve these things only to end up sorely disappointed by the reality of their prize. Or maybe you wouldn't be? All your own woes happened because of thoughtless wishes afterall. Your dark god and her cult-slash-crime syndicate. Your goddess hunter and her cursed weapon. Even the chaotic killers that were brought into your world, and the salvation you wished for from them. Even I'm not exempt from making that mistake. It's important to be careful what you wish for, especially to someone that can grant that wish. Otherwise by the time you realize your prize isn't what you thought it'd be, it's too late to go back, and you're not the only one who will pay the price."

Hearing her ramble about this… Histoire had no idea what else to say. "That sounds… reasonable."

Again the Administrator wasn't satisfied with her answer. "I was actually hoping for something more… engaging. Maybe I've set my expectations a bit too high."

The shallow grave once again rang out within Histoire's mind, but the Oracle had no idea what else she was supposed to say to that. Still, all this talk about wishes was making something tingle at the back of her mind. And how exactly does she seem to know so much about Gamindustri? The Administrator didn't seem like someone that'd talk nonsense for no reason. There was something more to this, and it seems the old woman's had enough of riddles as well.

"Very well, to the point then. Tell me… Do you recognize this?" The Administrator pressed a button and the screen changed. Her face and the gloomy dark room were replaced with a well lit room, with only a single table in the middle. The table was bare, except for one thing on it.

There was a white console with an orange swirl mark on it, something that was familiar… yet not. Looking at this console left Histoire feeling a mixture of contradictory feelings. Happiness and sadness. Confusion and recognition. It was like Histoire didn't know what this item was… yet at the same time she knew it all too well.

Her head began to hurt, and Histoire raised her arms to stop the oncoming migraine. "W-What?" She said, unsure if that was directed at Helen… or herself.

"Miss Pauling wasn't the only one we sent." Helen explained "Some were digging out a tunnel system for a more permanent residence. They found this in a hidden chamber underneath your Basilicom."

Histoire didn't like the idea of a criminal organization having a network of underground tunnels beneath her nation. When, if, she returns she will make an effort into doing something about that. Maybe send Neptune to handle it. "W-What is this?" Histoire asked.

At the same time, to hear that there was a hidden chamber underneath the Basilicom was… surprising. She didn't know anything about this.

"This is a prison, Histoire. A magical prison holding someone unimaginably powerful."

Histoire frowned as she listened to the Administrator's explanation. It was baffling to hear. Something so small couldn't possibly hold a person… But the Oracle felt it was true. She didn't know how, but a part of Histoire's mind felt like she was deeply familiar with how it was created.

The Administrator continued. "This thing is dangerous, Histoire. Dangerous and unsupervised. Besides the fact the chamber had no actual entrance, there were no safety measures."

"I-I see, but I don't understand what you want from me."

"I want you to take better care of this from now on."

…What?

"You're just… giving this back?" Histoire asked.

"Yes." Helen nodded. "It proved to be more hassle than it's worth. Take my advice: Hide it. Don't mess with it. The one sealed inside was imprisoned for good reason. Just put it back in that chamber we found it in, secure it properly this time, and make sure that no one touches it ever again."

Histoire was even more confused. "Why?" Out of all the possible things that could happen, the Administrator simply giving the stolen thing back was something Histoire didn't consider, much less this reaction of almost… fear. And yet, something in the Oracle told her that fear was justified. Why did Histoire know what was inside this console, but at the same time she didn't? Like her memories were getting confused between what was real and what wasn't. Just what in the True Goddess' name was this console?

"The girl inside is powerful and delusional, two things that should not be mixed." Helen said. "I'm sure you understand, even if you don't remember."

The mention of 'the girl' sparked Histoire's curiosity, but it also increased the thought that perhaps she should listen to the Administrator. Just looking at it through the screen was leaving Histoire with a splitting migraine. Maybe it really was best that no one else ever finds this… this anomaly.

But still, there was one pressing question to ask. "If you want it put back, couldn't you just order your own men to do it?" If she had an untold number of people operating in Planeptune, she could just put it back without Histoire knowing. She already didn't know about their tunnels or the hidden chamber, hiding it back would be trivial.

"Before, maybe, but the local situation has become too chaotic now, and my men are under too much scrutiny." The Administrator said. "Considering who is helping you, it'd be better to entrust it to you since you're here already."

Who was helping her? Miss Neikan? Blanc?

"I… see."

The Administrator took it as Histoire agreeing with her request. "I'm glad we agree on that."

A red light flashed on Helen's computer. The Administrator looked away, her gaze darting away to a different screen. "Huh… Well, speak of the devil." She said with an unbothered tone. "It seems we have some guests coming in. A bit early, but I guess that's the time difference for you."

Histoire felt a bit of hope grow within her. A rescue team. She will be able to escape! But after a short moment she noticed that Helen's expression didn't change. "...You don't seem unhappy." The fairy pointed out.

"I expected them." The Administrator said. "Also this hideout didn't have much use for me as of late. Some excitement isn't unwelcome."

A loud explosion shook the halls, making Histoire jump. There was a fight happening outside.

"The security should buy us a few more minutes." Histoire did not like the sound of that. What sort of security did the Administrator employ? "Oh my?" The Administrator raised an eyebrow in a rare show of intrigue. "That really is him now, then. I almost thought the reports were mistaken."

Histoire breathed in and out. It was time to bail… But she couldn't feel her magic. Whatever was blocking her SP was still there.

"Oh, he fell." The Administrator's calmly remarked after the initial surprise, neither pleased nor displeased. "It seems that Miss Pauling's theory was right, he is weak to these devices."

The doors were locked, and Histoire didn't have the strength or tools to force them open. It didn't stop her from trying though. "Don't bother. I can assure you my security isn't so flimsy." The Administrator said, showing Histoire that she still had her eyes on her despite having to monitor the raid.

Histoire gave up on the doors for now. How could she help her rescuers find her? "First you tell me to put the console back where it was, now you don't want me to leave?"

"I never said I'd make it easy for any of you, Histoire." The Administrator responded nonchalantly.

Histoire frowned and searched the room, looking for anything that might help her escape. However the room was completely devoid of anything of use, and the furniture was quite literally attached to the wall, unable to be moved without taking things apart, and she hardly had the brute strength for that.

It frustrated Histoire, but there was nothing she could do but to wait for help.

"I hope you're enjoying these status reports. You'll be pleased to know that they're making progress. Good thing I evacuated the staff."

At least the Administrator was giving her info about the progress of her rescuers, for whatever reason. …If the Administrator was in charge of this operation, would distracting her help? Would it affect her ability to give out orders? "Who is it out there?" Histoire asked.

"Your friends, of course." The Administrator answered. "Quite a large group, I'm surprised they managed to move undetected for so long."

More explosions appeared, these were much closer. So close that Histoire could also hear screams.

"Engineer is down."

Engineer? So it was the mercenaries coming for her. They managed to get in here. A part of her was worried about what sort of resistance they were fighting against, but she knew that they would pull through. They always did.

The Administrator must've known it too, her prior words presuming that Histoire would be free sooner rather than later. Still, something was making her eyebrows rise again. "This girl… The reports didn't say anything about this one. An impressive performance. They're coming into the final stretch." She announced, reminding Histoire of a casting for a game match, and also of another reason to be hopeful.

They also have help from her world.

Histoire just needed to wait for them to come here, it was all but guaranteed now. But what could she do to help them?

Histoire banged on the doors and shouted for help, creating a ruckus and bringing attention to herself. A hint. That's all she could give them. She had no magic or tools, the barest thing she could do was make noise and make it easier to locate her.

The Administrator did not comment on her actions. The Oracle took it as an invitation to continue.

"Help! Anyone?! Can someone help me!"

She cursed her small size. If she was bigger, had more muscle on her body, she could do way more than that. Right now she barely has enough strength to make any noise.

But it worked. Amid her banging, Histoire heard a sound she wanted. Footsteps. A person was coming towards her.

"Uh, hello? Is someone there?"

Histoire's eyes widened, she recognized that voice.

"Y-Yes! Please let me out!"

Her heart started to beat heavily, her thoughts crashed into a halt. For a moment Histoire thought she was going crazy, but then she started to speak once again.

"Okay! Please step away from the doors, I don't want to hurt you."

Histoire gulped and moved away from the doors, still not believing what she was hearing, or rather, who.

She heard her rescuer count from three. Once she was done, a sword bursted out of the doors, going through where the lock was, destroying it completely.

Histoire watched as a brilliant blue blade slowly retracted until it disappeared. Then the doors opened, and Histoire could finally look at who saved her. Before, Histoire could not believe her ears. But with her standing right in the doorway, there was no more room for doubt.

"N-Nepgear?"

The CPU Candidate stood in the doorway, looking just like Histoire remembered her. Like the kind-hearted girl Histoire knew.

Nepgear froze, staring at the Oracle with the same surprise and happiness as Histoire felt. "Y-You're here!"

As the Candidate knelt down to receive the little fairy, the Oracle stepped closer and touched Nepgear, grabbing her hand to see if she was real. When her hand brushed over her skin, a happy tear ran down her cheek. "Y-You're back!" They did it. The mercenaries actually did it. "You're finally back!"

They brought Nepgear back.

Emotions overflown Histoire. At that moment she couldn't control herself, she launched herself at the CPU Candidate and clung onto the girl's shoulder in an embrace. Feeling the warmth of her body on her. Nepgear quickly reciprocated the gesture, embracing Histoire back with a gentle hand.

This was the last straw. Histoire couldn't take it any longer. Nepgear was alive and well. The fairy felt the accumulated stress of the past days leave her body. It felt like fresh tears. It felt good.

But all of the good feelings went away when the Administrator spoke.

"Congratulations. You've secured the hostage. That's the easy part done. Now the real game begins." A beat, a pause. "Also. Three, two…"

Before the Administrator said one, Histoire heard and felt an explosion. This one was stronger than the previous ones. This one caused the room to shake.

She's had plenty of time to fortify and prepare this place for intruders. She could rig this place with hidden explosives.

The Administrator was stepping up on her attempts.

Nepgear gently pulled Histoire off, breaking the hug, though only to place the fairy on the back of her shoulder instead. "We have to go! Hang on!" Nepgear ordered, turning around to flee down the empty hallway. It was a little embarrassing having to cling onto the girl like this, feeling like a frightened hamster, but there was no way the little fairy could keep up without being able to fly.

Then, with almost convenient timing, the suppressive feeling over her body dissipated, and Histoire knew what it meant. Someone must've found and destroyed the anti-SP devices, and Histoire couldn't be more grateful for it. With but a thought, her book appeared behind her through a puff of smoke and a magical sigil, allowing Histoire to simply let go of Nepgear's shoulder and land on it, now able to fly beside the girl. The boost of confidence from having her powers back was palpable.

Another powerful explosion occurred, shaking the whole hallway. Histoire started to wonder if these were really hidden explosives, or something else.

For now, the most important thing to do was regroup. "Where are the others?" Histoire asked.

With the next explosion, a part of the hallway collapsed behind them. Fortunately they were far enough to be safe, but Histoire realized what was really happening.

Those weren't hidden explosives. At least not yet.

People on the outside were lobbing explosives at them, just like Demoman would except with even more firepower. How long would this facility last underneath all of this? And what would the Administrator do next? Would they be captured? For what reason? Killed on sight?

"We-" Nepgear huffed from exertion. "Me, Neptune and the other CPUs spread out to look for you. The mercs are holding the line with Samantha and CFW Magic, something about anti-SP preventing them from entering."

Histoire looked down at her hands, summoning wisps of fire and wind to test out her magic. "Looks like someone already took care of that." She noted, while trying her best to not be amazed that they got CFW Magic to help. Sure the ASIC disbanded, but actually getting the CFW to join them was another matter.

"Yes, so now we have to get you back to Samantha. Then she will get us out!"

…Their plan was actually way simpler than Histoire expected. There was also a lot of faith placed in that woman.

"Placing your hopes on him? Well, I guess that's to be expected. But don't think it will be so easy."

The Administrator's voice came from hidden speakers, and Histoire and Nepgear had to abruptly stop, as suddenly a shutter fell in front of them and prevented their passage. Histoire took a deep breath and clicked her tongue in annoyance. Of course Helen would have something like this.

Nepgear raised her weapon but Histoire stopped her, placing her finger on her mouth. The CPU Candidate nodded and both of them listened to the sounds. After a moment they heard a familiar beeping sound from the other side of the shutters. Sentry Guns.

"Did Engineer place anything here?"

Nepgear frowned and shook her head. Histoire nodded. "Alright Nepgear. Listen, I want you to make a tiny hole in those shutters, can you do that?"

They both studied the autonomous defenses their Engineer was fond of constructing. If these were even remotely similar to that, then Histoire knew one weakness they had. Peeking. Going in and out of cover for a very short moment to attack.

Histoire would do something even beyond that.

"Nepgear?"

But Nepgear had a different idea.

When Histoire turned around, Nepgear was gone. The Oracle could see her body turning into flames and disappearing. She didn't exactly know what this ability was, but there was only one thing that looked similar to it. Hilda's Vanish.

Histoire didn't get a lot of time to contemplate on it, a moment later her ears caught a series of loud beeps. The Sentry Guns have locked onto something, and Histoire already knew what it was. There was a lot of gunfire and explosions, alongside the sound of metal being ripped and cut apart.

And then… nothing.

No beeps, no gunfire… no sound at all.

For the longest second in her life, Histoire wondered what transpired on the other side. Did Nepgear lose? How many turrets were waiting for them there? The Administrator didn't say a thing which only made the wait even more unbearable.

Histoire didn't know she was holding her breath, until she saw the same blue sword cleave through the shutters. When they fell and the fairy saw Nepgear again, Histoire felt relieved. "...Please, don't scare me like that."

Nepgear's face became flushed. "I-I'm sorry, Histoire. But we can't really wait, we need to hurry."

Yes, Histoire knew that. They had to escape as fast as possible.

But even then Histoire had to ask… What the hell was that?

Five Sentry Guns lie scattered on the hallway. Five fully leveled turrets that Nepgear just took down by herself in mere moments.

"Impressive." The Administrator said. "Your performance exceeds what my reports state."

But this wasn't time for Histoire to ask those questions, not with the Administrator listening in. For now Histoire should just be glad that Nepgear seemed to have got herself some new tricks.

"You really don't seem to be even slightly mad about all of this."

The Administrator chuckled, but Histoire heard no joy in that. For a moment Histoire thought she would respond, but as Nepgear cleaved through the shutters blocking their way… the Administrator said nothing. "Anything to say?" Histoire frowned.

"I'm simply wondering how you plan on getting out of here. I have you surrounded, but if Samuel is involved… then I know it will not be enough."

Samuel? Wasn't her name Samantha? Histoire thought to herself. Were those two different people, or did Histoire forget something?

"At least I'm sure you won't simply escape through a teleporter. This facility was proofed so that none of your buildings will work here."

…Was that actually possible? Histoire knew about the mercs technology, but she didn't know everything yet.

A loud clang echoed across the hallway, as Nepgear finished cutting a hole for them to squeeze through. "I… I'm sure Samantha thought of that." The CPU Candidate said, but her tone wasn't too confident.

"Maybe. We shall see. You better hurry along, their defense could crumble at any second now."

Now Histoire knew that the Administrator was planning something, and she hoped that her rescuers had a plan of their own.

"Where was that console you wanted me to take?" The Oracle said.

She didn't know if she should actually go for it. Helen at first told her that she was giving it away… and now she was trying to kill all of them. For all Histoire knew the console could've been a massive lie.

The Administrator didn't answer immediately, and when she did, she sounded slightly disappointed. "Your friends already have it. Just carry on."

Already taken? One less worry for Histoire, then.

Histoire saw a turn in front of them, and from there she felt a change in the atmosphere. That change was Shares, and there was a lot of them. Histoire actually missed the fact this world had no Shares in it. Nepgear has sensed it too. "There, we're close!"

They turned around the corner, and Histoire finally saw more people. Several mercenaries were guarding a chokepoint, with them CFW Magic, Blanc… and someone Histoire didn't recognize.

That person was the source of these Shares. A woman in a blue jacket, wielding a thin, golden sword with gems decorating it all over.

"We have to hold out here." The woman said to Blanc. "I need to be here for when we need to get out, we don't really need to take out their artillery. We just need to get Histoire and the Console."

"What even is that console?! Why is it so important?!" Blanc snapped.

"It's just something I promised that I will give Magic." Samantha answered. "Also we can't trust the Administrator with that."

"That…" Spy began. "That didn't really answer anything."

That response got Blanc's blood to boil. "Yeah! Seriously, can you just explain a single goddamn thing so that people actually know what the hell's going on?"

It was at this moment the unknown woman's gaze fell onto Nepgear and Histoire, and it brought a bright smile onto her lips. "Oh, hey! Histoire is here!"

"Oh, you motherfucker!" To Histoire surprise, Blanc actually punched the brunette in the face. However the blow was absorbed by Samantha's shield. "Don't you dare change topics now!"

"I thank you for the rescue!" Histoire greeted. "...What was that about?"

"Just this bitch being unhelpful as usual." Blanc huffed.

"I keep telling you, I'm not doing this intentionally, I physically can't tell you the details." Samantha said. "Anyway, hello Histoire. My name is Samantha Neikan. I'll be your way out of here. We just need to wait a bit longer, the rest should be here any second."

Histoire gave her a smile. "It's nice to finally meet you." Then her smile fell. "Is Neptune here?"

"She went with Vert." Spy answered. "It seems that Miss Pauling has taken something important from Gamindustri, and it's here too."

Histoire frowned. That console. First the Administrator and now Samantha and CFW Magic? Perhaps Histoire should've learned more about it.

"Yes, the Administrator told me about it. She actually wanted to give it back to me, but Neptune and Vert took it already."

Another explosion occurred. It was close, but they weren't hit yet. This time. Histoire didn't know how long their luck could hold out.

"Should we move a bit closer, lads?" Demoman shouted. "Their aim's gettin better."

"The Administrator is probably spotting for them." Spy frowned. "But we're pretty deep in the mountains."

"...Maybe they want to bury the entrance?" Blanc suggested.

"Oh please, we're not that wasteful."

A hidden monitor that was previously unseen lit up, showing the face of the woman that once employed the RED team.

"We just needed you inside the facility, and what's a better way to do that than an artillery barrage?"

No one was surprised to see her face, or to hear her voice. However this didn't make the encounter any less disturbing for some.

"Hello, boys!" The Administrator gave a sickeningly sweet smile. "All the entrances have been locked. We have a lot to talk about."


Have you ever felt like your past has come back to haunt you?

Like all of your life's choices were about to bite you in the ass.

That's how the mercenaries felt when they saw the Administrator, her gaze somehow managing to look like she was staring right at them through the screen.

Engineer was the first person to speak up. The first to take on Administrator's ire. "We, uh. We've been trying to contact you-"

"Don't bother with that excuse."

One sentence and the mercenary clamped up.

"Miss Pauling told me everything. Including how you turned her away when she came for you. You chose someone else."

She knew everything they did. She knew how they picked Histoire over returning to their previous job. And now she had them locked in her own facility, where she could end their lives with a press of a button.

"So, you're the bastard behind all of this?"

Blanc thrusted her hammer towards the screen, pointing right at the Administrator. The fury in her gaze would've burned a hole in the monitor if it could.

Helen was not amused.

"If you mean behind every unfortunate event that's happened to you and your friends of late, the answer is no. But if you meant to ask if this is my hideout you've broken into, and if those are my forces attempting to kill you… the answer would be yes."

The CPU of Lowee scoffed. "Well, we're still standing. So you're not doing too well."

"That will come in due time." The Administrator replied.

"Don't taunt a woman that can kill us all, please." Samantha deadpanned. "We can't really leave until the other CPUs come back."

"Don't worry, you'll not be leaving at all. Speaking of which, good to see you too, Samuel Neikan. You've changed a lot."

"Well… yeah. On the other hand you're just as old as I remember."

The smile finally fell from her lips, replaced with a scowl. "You were supposed to be dead." She deadpanned. "Miss Pauling was scraping your head off the floor."

"Re;Spawn."

"You don't have it. I know you don't." The Administrator answered.

"Then, I'm not going to tell you."

The mercenaries were pleased that the Administrator's attention had moved away from them, though there was some confusion floating around. "Zhey know each other?" Medic whispered to Engineer, who could only shrug as a response.

"Well, I'm not really surprised." The merc whispered back to his friend. "Any ideas, doc? Should we do somethin'?"

Medic didn't answer, Spy did. "She did say that the entrances were sealed, we should probably trust her on that. Can you place a Teleporter?"

Engineer shook his head. "I don' know how, but I can't place anything here. Nothing works."

Spy gulped, then nodded. Not being able to build a Teleporter was bad, that blocked their most reliable exit.

They didn't really have a lot of options left.

"Be ready for anything." He told them. That was all Spy had. They were in the lion's den, who knew what Helen prepared for them.

"Alright, as entertaining as this has been, it's about time we wrapped this up. Team Fortress, for your numerous and blatant violations of contract, you are all fired. Your families have already been notified of your demise and given my condolences. Mr. Neikan, please stay dead this time."

She did not give them a chance to respond. The moment she was finished, the Administrator pressed a button on her keyboard. The screen of the monitor changed, and other hidden monitors throughout the hallway lit up, each one broadcasting a single message.

FORTRESS DESTRUCTION IN…

10 SECONDS.

"Oh, you bitch."

Uttering a curse under her mouth, Samantha reached for the doll on her sleeve-


The mercenaries found themselves in an unfamiliar place.

They were no longer in the Administrator's hideout. Green grass stretched out to the horizon. Beautiful blue sky surrounded them. There was a large tree in front of them.

It felt… peaceful.

Then they noticed three people standing by the tree.

Leaning against the tree were people they recognized immediately. Fay and Samantha Neikan. Two mysterious, powerful people who helped them at various times. The third girl was an unknown. A silver-haired woman wearing a silver shrine maiden outfit.

She didn't seem too happy to see them.

"So, why did you bring them here, old man?"

Samantha winced at her tone. While not overtly hostile, it was clear she sounded annoyed. "Last mission got a bit complicated, and I had to act fast. I even used my last Victoria."

Magnavox looked at her, seeing the lack of a small doll on her sleeve. "Even so, you could leave them anywhere else but here. Why did you request my audience?"

"Because their former boss wants to kill them, so their planet is not safe for them."

"And?"

The callousness of Magnavox's words surprised Samantha. She hoped that Magnavox would show at least a tiny bit of empathy towards the mercenaries. But by her tone, she wouldn't be bothered if Samantha sent them to their deaths.

Then again, Magnavox wanted everyone else from Earth to die too. If they weren't originally from Gamindustri, then Magnavox didn't care what would happen to them.

"I'm asking if it would be okay for them to stay in Gamindustri."

It would be hard to convince her, but after all of this the mercenaries deserved something better than being killed off like that.

But Magnavox didn't agree. "Absolutely not!" The True Goddess snapped, showing off her fury at the Overseer. "I made myself clear, Samuel. Everyone from their planet is to be dead, or gone!"

Samantha shrank a bit as Magnavox stepped closer, towering above the Overseer like a giant. Reminding her who was truly in charge here.

Then Medic opened his mouth.

"Ooh! It's you again!"

He stepped closer to Magnavox, keeping his finger pointed at Magnavox. For a short moment, Magnavox's attention wasn't on Samantha, but rather on the German who was coming disturbingly close. "Do you remember me?"

The True Goddess took a deep breath as she looked Medic in the eye. "Yes, we meet again. But I'm busy right now, so if you don't mind." With a wave of her hand, Medic was blasted back to his team. Heavy caught him and pulled him out of the air.

Samantha silently thanked the doctor for causing a distraction.

Magnavox finally faced the mercenaries. "You all must be confused about where you are." She said in a leveled tone, keeping her voice neutral and polite. "You're in True Celestia. A place hidden from the residents of Gamindustri. My home."

She paused for a moment, letting the information sink in before continuing. "You were not supposed to be aware of this place, much less be here." Her eyes went back to Samantha. "However, he brought you here to save your lives."

A beat.

"He?!"

Magnavox looked at Scout with a raised brow. "That's the thing that surprised you the most?"

"I- um." The young mercenary struggled to speak. "What?"

"Don't worry about it. I was already taken anyway." Samantha shrugged.

"Oh, that ain't even what I meant by that."

Samantha laughed at Scout. "I know." She teased. "Anyway. You all saw what happened back there. You're officially no longer working for the Administrator… That means if you return to Earth, her men will kill you."

"Hah!" Soldier stepped forward. "You think I'm scared of some old woman and her bunch of backstabbers?"

Samantha didn't react much to that. "Well, you should. They have Re;Spawn, while you no longer have that option."

Before Soldier could reply, Samantha continued. "What's worse… I recently had some orders." She paused, not sure how to say the next bit. "To kick, or kill, everyone from Earth that is in Gamindustri."

She gave them a moment to think. To realize what she was saying.

Spy was the first one to speak. "...That includes us. You were ready to kill us."

Samantha grimaced and shook her head. "...Not exactly. My plan was to send back the girls and then leave you guys back on Earth, after the appropriate good byes… At least until Helen tried to kill us all. That sucks by the way. I didn't really want to lose my last Victoria."

That mission put the mercenaries in a tight spot. The Administrator no longer welcomed them on Earth, and will do everything to kill them. Meanwhile Magnavox didn't want them roaming the Gamindustri… and she will send Samantha Neikan to take care of them.

Neither was a good option.

"However, there is a way." Samantha said. She pointed at the grumpy silver-haired woman standing next to her. "If you can convince her to let you stay in Gamindustri, I won't have to hunt you down."

Magnavox scoffed. "Convince? No. Just no. I want them gone."

Samantha didn't say anything, but deep down she knew there was a sliver of chance. After all, she hasn't sent them back yet. That alone was good.

Spy knew he would have to do it. Anyone else from his teammates would just piss her-

"Aw, can you give us just a little chance?"

-off.

Spy and Samantha watched in no small amount of terror as Scout nonchalantly walked up to Magnavox. He didn't get far before something started to push him away.

"...And why should I?" Magnavox asked.

That Scout didn't know. He closed his mouth, opened it, and then closed it again. No words were spoken as he struggled to think up of a single reason why they should be given a second chance.

Magnavox saw the moment of weakness and latched onto it. "There's nothing." She said, firm as stone about her decision. "Old man, I see no reason to let them stay. The fact they can't even think of a single-"

"How would the girls feel?"

Magnavox stopped.

"What did you say?"

Scout didn't know if that was hostility, or curiosity. However he said the thing. He can just stick with it. "I mean, we didn' even get to say goodbye to Gear and the others. How would they feel if we were just up 'an gone like that! Yeah!?"

"They would be devastated." Samantha added.

Magnavox, for the first time today, had second thoughts.

"Gear likes Engie." Scout continued. "An' they build stuff together."

"Nepgear likes playing with technology, yes." Magnavox nodded. "She's a geek."

Scout was smiling now, feeling the rush of adrenaline that he was doing good. "And Doc is teaching Compa a lot."

"He's corrupting her."

Scout wasn't doing so good.

"...Which is a bit funny."

…Or was he actually doing good? Scout felt a rollercoaster of emotions. Each time Magnavox spoke had him analyze and overanalyze if she was responding positively.

"And… uh, I like kids! And the kids like me!"

Why were people staring at him? Did he say something weird?

"Don't stop there, you buffoon." Spy hissed to his ear. "Elaborate!"

Say what? What did he do? "U-Uh, say what? What do you mean?"

"Okay… First off, phrasing." Samantha deadpanned.

Magnavox held a blank stare. "What did he mean by that, Sam?" She said with no hint of emotion.

"Rom and Ram like to hang out with him and the guy in a suit. That's all."

Magnavox breathed in and out. "...I do recall that. Yes, that checks out."

Crisis averted.

"Well, if your main argument is the bonds you built with others in my world, then I think it fitting for me to bring someone else in." She said, giving Samantha hope that they managed to get through her. "It's only fair to hear it from the other side."

"Histoire would be a good choice. She knew them ever since they appeared here."

Histoire would certainly back the mercenaries up.

"Fair, and there is also her special connection with me…"

She then turned towards Fay. "Do you have anything to say? You've been quiet all this time."

"I'm just enjoying the chaos… and being glad I no longer have to talk much."

That amused Samantha. "Finally thinking for yourself tired you out that much?"

"...It's been rough, yes."

"Okay, if you want to talk about this we can do it later."

"Sure. Not now, though. You got a few people to save."

Samantha smiled and nodded. Yes, first they finish dealing with that, then they will have as much time as they want for themselves.

Magnavox waved her hand, and Samantha felt the familiar sensation of SP shifting in the area. This feeling lasted only an instant, as the person Magnavox brought in was placed here immediately.

But this wasn't Histoire.

"...Nisa?!"

"I see what you were trying to do, Old Man." Magnavox said. "Histoire would want the mercenaries to stay, without a doubt. So would Nepgear, Neptune and all of their other friends. Bringing them here tells me nothing I don't already know."

The mercenaries disappeared from their view, being moved into a different plane. Nisa stood before them motionless, yet not allowed to move or to perceive her surroundings. Frozen in time for as long as Magnavox wishes so. The True Goddess turned towards the Overseer and gave her a steely stare. Her gaze wasn't quite cold however, rather… challenging. "So instead, I will hear what Nisa has to say about them."

The brunette said nothing and resigned herself. There wasn't anything she could do at that moment.

With a snap of her fingers, Magnavox unfroze Nisa. Understandably, the first thing she did was be confused.

"W-What? Where…"

"Welcome, child." Magnavox announced, getting Nisa's attention. The Heroine looked at the True Goddess, and then quickly spotted Samantha and Fay standing on her side. Fay gave her a wave, while Samantha tried to look welcoming as well.

"Where am I, who are you?" Nisa asked. "And why are you here too?"

"Meet my boss." Samantha gestured at the silver-haired woman. "She wanted to ask you a few questions regarding the mercenaries."

The Heroine slowly moved her gaze towards Magnavox, checking out her features. "Where…? What is this place?"

"This is True Celestia." Magnavox said. "I live here."

"Celestia…?" Nisa mumbled under her breath. After a moment she recognized the name of this place. "Then you're-"

"The True Goddess, yes."

Nisa blinked. Once, twice…

"So they're gods too?" The poor girl pointed at the other two present, released from time only to be all but stunned again by pure shock.

"No." Magnavox shook her head. "You could call them my agents. Fay is a fairy, a being of pure magic. Powerful, but not celestial in nature. Samantha on the other hand is just a human bonded to her, leeching off her power."

Samantha's smile fell, and she stared at the True Goddess with an unreadable expression. "...You make it sound like it's a bad thing."

"You're not denying it." Magnavox pointed out.

"It's a symbiotic relationship." Fay said.

"Also you left out the seal." Samantha added.

"Your backstory is irrelevant." The True Goddess snapped. She took a few breaths to calm herself. "Nisa, the three of us have a dilemma. You see, we can't decide on what we should do with the mercenaries." She saw the girl's eyes widen, then narrow. "Yes, those mercenaries. We have two options: We could force them to leave Gamindustri, and never have them step foot in this world ever again. The alternative is to let them stay in Gamindustri, with all that entails."

Magnavox paused, examining Nisa's reaction. The expression on the Heroine's face hasn't changed, she just waited, as if knowing there was more to what seemed like an obvious choice.

"It is only fair that I clarify, however, that banishing them back to their world will be a death sentence. Their former employer wants their heads for betraying her, and she is arguably the most influential and powerful person in their world. She will get what she wants, and quickly."

"As someone that has fought alongside and against them, I would like your opinion on the matter. Unlike the others, I know you will not be overtly biased towards the mercenaries. You know how dangerous and unhinged they are."

Nisa suddenly felt the weight on her shoulders, as the lives of nine men were thrusted into her hands. Her word dictated the fate the mercenaries would be forced to face. Would she allow them to stay back in Gamindustri, letting their madness threaten the poor citizens back home? Or would she cast them back to Earth, to suffer the fate they've consigned so many others to at the hands of their former employer?

For Nisa, the decision was simple.

"...Let them stay."

The corners of Samantha's mouth turned upwards as she heard Nisa's decision. "Yes, they are dangerous." The Heroine continued. "However, you must know that they're leashed. Histoire and Blanc work tirelessly to keep their lethality controlled and contained. If no threats appear in Gamindustri, then the mercenaries will not harm another person. They will not be allowed to."

Even the darkest, most foul soul doesn't deserve to just be killed without a process. Handing the mercenaries to their former employer would be no different from Nisa executing them herself. They've killed people, yes, countless even. But those people were 'too dangerous to be taken alive', or monetary incentive was given to kill them.

Money was a powerful motivation for the mercenaries, as was their nature. Even if they were monsters, they've never killed without purpose. If it wasn't to protect someone else's life, it was because they were given an order to do it… and then given a reward for that.

And Histoire made herself clear that she would take their money if the mercenaries harmed an innocent person. They wouldn't dare to break that. Blanc's sheer aggressiveness only helped to enforce that rule.

Even if Nisa didn't like how they acted… She could trust Histoire and Blanc to rein them in.

Magnavox raised her eyebrow at Nisa's decision. "Interesting. I thought you hated them."

"I do." Nisa said firmly. "A large part of me wants to just be done with them. But this wouldn't protect people, just endanger different ones. Even more so, you told me sending them back is a death sentence. I cannot in good conscience choose that."

"So you who call yourself the True Goddess. I want you to let them stay. Let them answer for everything they did in a manner that wouldn't end in their death. They wouldn't care. They've died many times already!"

Magnavox… nodded at Nisa's speech. "I see. Thank you." She dismissed Nisa with but a thought, sending her back to Gamindustri.

Now it was just the three of them.

"...Well, it looks like you'll be getting your wish, Old Man." The True Goddess said. "The mercenaries can stay for as long as they want."

A heavy weight was lifted from Samantha's shoulders.

"...Under one condition."

Of course there would be a catch.

"If they ever desire to return home, you can grant them passage… but it will be a one-way trip. I will not have a repeat of Miss Pauling or Gray Mann again."

This was probably the best Samantha could get. At least she didn't need to feed the mercs to the Administrator anymore. "This is… acceptable."

"Good." Magnavox breathed out, then offered Samantha a surprisingly warm smile. "Also, congratulations. You've reached a… somewhat of a decent ending. Certainly not the worst case scenario. For your passable effort, you've earned your vacation… But I guess the CPUs still won't be happy with you."

Oh, right. Now that there weren't any threats to Gamindustri, the CPUs were free to divert their attention onto other matters. Namely; her.

"Oh yeah, I will be on their radar for a long time."

But she was prepared for that. Whatever the CPUs did, be it Vert rallying everyone to come after her, or them trying to find a peaceful way to coexist… Samantha was ready and willing. Afterall, it couldn't possibly be any more stressful than having to deal with Hilda or Miss Pauling.

Without warning, the SP shifted once more, and Magnavox brought in someone unexpected.

"Huh? Falcom?"

Her once-a-friend stood once more before her. Frozen in time just like Nisa was.

Magnavox walked towards her, looking at her hair that had recently turned back red. "I wanted to check on her. After everything she has been through, I am curious how she's feeling… And I also settled the matter over that dumb seal you've placed on her. That was dumb and you should feel dumb."

Samantha shrugged. "Well, it did slow Hilda down."

Magnavox jabbed a finger in Samantha's direction. "And for that you've almost put the poor girl into your own shoes." Her eyes narrowed. "Was it worth it?"

Samantha stood silent, but then she smirked. "You said almost."

"Yes, and I had to pull some strings and cash in on some favors that I really would rather have saved. I swear, if she wasn't one of my own…"

With an annoyed huff, Magnavox allowed Falcom to act. Just like Nisa, the first thing Falcom did was to be confused. "Whuh? Where-?" Then her eyes settled on the people that were with her, and Falcom calmed down. "Oh. Here again. Hi!"

Fay gave her a wave.

"Hello!" Magnavox greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling… good, actually." Falcom said. "Don't have to worry about being possessed by a murderous ghost anymore. It feels… good."

Magnavox smiled. "Well, good. I got even more good news! You know that seal Samantha placed on you? Let me just… take that off your hands."

The True Goddess reached out and touched Falcom's head, gently brushing her hair. Once she pulled her hand back, there was some sort of magical glyph in her hand. It disappeared into nothingness before Falcom could truly take a look at it. "There, now you don't have to worry about it anymore."

Falcom blinked, now just remembering that this was a thing until now. "Oh. So, I won't have to work for you once I die?"

"For others." Magnavox corrected. "And yes, you won't have to now."

"Cool, thanks." A beat. "Is- Is there anything else? Can I go now?"

The True Goddess smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Really? Most people don't even know any of this exists. You get to step into the realm of the True Goddess and even speak to her directly, and you just want to leave immediately?"

Falcom blinked. "Well, no offense, I know this is a really rare opportunity and all, but it's been a really wild time for me lately and frankly I just wanna go home and lie down for a while."

The redhead blinked again as the highest divinity of her world chuckled at her words. "Fair enough. Well, while you're here, Samantha and I were discussing something and you can pitch in too: Do you think we should let the mercenaries stay in Gamindustri, or send them back home?"

Falcom didn't expect this question. "...Do they even want to go back? I don't think they actually said anything about this."

"If they go back they will literally die." Samantha said.

"...So nothing will change?" Falcom said. "I mean, they were dying in here too pretty often."

"Yeah, but there they will die permanently."

"Oh. Let them stay, then." Falcom said immediately.

"...How depressing. No one is willing to agree with me, not even a single one of my own daughters." Magnavox made a show of sighing, while Sam rolled her eyes at the dramatics.

"Well, I don't want the mercs to die." Falcom said. "They're fun to hang out with." An idea crossed Falcom's head. "Hey, maybe you can hang out with the mercs a bit? I think they'll like you."

Magnavox imagined what would happen if she did that… and winced. "I don't think that's a good idea. For many reasons."

Falcom was confused. "Why not?"

"Well, for one, do you know how many shares we generate by simply being near her?" Samantha said. "Try to imagine her going down there personally. Neptune and the others will get a seizure."

Magnavox turned Samantha into a Share battery just by sheer exposure. If Magnavox stepped down into any of her dimensions, her presence would be felt everywhere in the world. That would be an incident by itself.

"That's too bad." Falcom was actually curious how the others would react to meeting the literal Goddess of Goddesses. "Can you send me back now? I wanted to talk with Nepgear a bit more."

"Sure, I'll let you out." Samantha said, then paused, gathering courage to say the next bit. "I could also pop in too… If- If you want."

If you weren't angry over the whole 'trying to kill you' thing. She had a very good reason to do that, but the list of friends Samantha had in Gamindustri was growing smaller with each day. This was one of the few chances she had to put someone back on it.

And fortunately for Samantha, Falcom agreed.

"Yeah! Let's all have a drink!"


When Falcom returned she was in Lastation, right in front of its Basilicom. She entered the building… and met with something she didn't expect.

"Wait? Am I late? Is everything over?"

Among the crowd of Mercenaries and CPUs Saxton Hale was looking aghast, but his physical state was even more surprising. He was disheveled, wet and covered in cuts. The invincible and fearsome Australian was actually bleeding right before her eyes!

Falcom was sure that she couldn't do this. She didn't remember her or Hilda fighting him.

The CEO of Mann Co. fell to his knees and slammed his fist on the floor, cracking the stone. "Hey, watch it!" Noire snapped, but her words fell onto deaf ears. Hale wasn't listening. He was in despair.

"I passed out for just a few hours! And I missed THIS?!"

Another tile was broken, and Noire grew even more annoyed.

"You're going to pay me for those repairs, you know!" Noire said.

She kicked his side, but the Australian didn't feel it. Saxton Hale wallowed in his misery… and no one was sure what to do. Should they leave him alone? Offer some kind words? What's even got him in such a state?

Scout took a cautious step towards him. "Uh, Mr. Hale? What happened to you? What got you so sad?"

That made him react, with a sniff Saxton Hale put his hands on his lap. "You see, little fella. Yesterday, I finally met my match."

That surprised Scout, but Saxton Hale continued. "It was an amazing battle, one of the greatest of my life even. That damn sonuvabitch was strong and fast, and he also brought friends. I've never felt so achieved to survive, much less draw a tie!" Someone TIED with Saxton Hale?! Now Scout was growing terrified about who could it be. The merc turned around to face his team, who were equally surprised to hear that there was actually someone strong enough to match the strongest Australian in the world. "Wow! Who was it?"

Was it Samantha? CFW Magic? Maybe Hilda or that Fay chick? They were all very strong.

But the answer was someone else, someone no one would've guessed.

"It was a Spycrab… Hatty."

Yesterday, during the invasion of Planeptune, there was a battle brewing in Planeptune.

On a little raft lazily swimming through Planeptune's river, Saxton Hale fought for his own life. The bruises on his back and arms made the Australian feel alive. They were proof of his opponent's prowess. Blood ran freely from the cuts on his legs, irritated by the cold water from the river.

But Saxton Hale, even while bloody and beaten, hasn't felt so good in a long time. He finally found his match. That one rival he was looking for. One who could take his titanic strength and match it.

This nemesis came in the form of a tiny, unassuming RED Spycrab with a tophat and a monocle. This little devil and his friends were those that did this to Saxton Hale. On this little raft swimming in Planeptune's river, Saxton Hale was losing to a bunch of Spycrabs… And he loved every moment of it.

It was rare for his life to be in danger.

A swarm of Spycrabs jumped out of the water, intending to assist Hatty with his fight against the strongest man in the world. Hale defended himself as much as he could, but there were hundreds of them, and he only had two fists and two legs to defend himself.

The Australian struggled against the swarm, but each of his movements carried a risk - a threat that the raft would tip over and send them both into the waters… Where Hale would be at an even bigger disadvantage. More and more Spycrabs pounced on him. He tried to shake them all off, but for each one that fell… Two would take their place.

The Spycrabs pinched his body or wriggled their little legs into uncomfortable places. It went all according to Hatty's plan. Soon the Spycrabs will earn their place, their power will be respected and his kind no longer bullied by Try-Hard Soldiers or W+M1 Pyros. Once the world learns that they have slain the most powerful man in the world... They will finally be able to live in peace.

It was time for the finishing blow.

The other Spycrabs left, and Saxton Hale was left dazed - confused as to why they were stopping their assault. Only then he noticed that Hatty was holding something. Something Hale didn't expect to see.

A card named "Final Battle" with a drawing of two girls in heated combat.

Saxton Hale recognized that reference.

"This card..." The Australian muttered under his breath, his voice barely enough for Hatty to hear. "Do you know how many people will get that reference? LESS THAN A DOZEN!"

Hatty threw the card at Saxton Hale's feet, laying the terms of the fight clear. Using the Final Battle extended the fight until one of the fighters suffered a KO, or the battle dragged out for a very long time. What Hatty did was basically challenge Saxton Hale to a duel to the death.

And Hale played along without any fuss, reaching into his chest hair he revealed another card from the same obscure video game. The card's name was "I'm on Fire!" and it increased the user's attack and lowered defense. The Australian felt his temperature rise as the card's effects seemed to literally put him on fire. His skin and hat burned with orange flames, but they didn't hurt… rather the flames just made him stronger.

"Ahahaha!" Saxton Hale laughed as he lit himself on fire. "Come on!" He roared.

This crab better defeat him with the next blow!

"Hatty?" Scout deadpanned. "That little adorable fella with a tophat? You fought him? In a card battle!?"

"It was an actual battle." Saxton Hale corrected. "Neither of us could actually kill the other, so eventually we agreed to make it a tie and prepare for next time."

Nepgear ran up to Saxton Hale and grabbed him. "You hurt Hatty?! Why?! How could you do that!?"

The Australian grabbed her wrist, and pushed her away. "It was a fair fight, girlie. Now back off-"

As he pushed Nepgear away, Saxton Hale froze as he finally spotted Falcom.

He finally spotted Falcom.

"You."

He stood up and pushed his way through the group. He looked terrifying as he stumbled closer to her. "Pull out… That… Sword…"

Falcom backed off. "Huh?"

"You still have it, right? You can still fight me, right?!" He inched closer and closer to Falcom, to the point where Noire and Vert tried to intervene. They however couldn't stop him. "I wouldn't completely miss this whole fight, RIGHT?!"

Then Saxton Hale collapsed and passed out, his injuries being worse than everyone else thought. The CPUs went from trying to stop him to trying to get away before they were crushed by him.

For a moment, there was silence.

"Um." Nepgear stammered. "H-He didn't know about what happened, right? About how the sword was purified and I have it now?"

"...Nope, don't think so." Her sister shook her head. "Do we… leave him like that?"

Noire's answer was an immediate "No. Medic, Compa." she pointed at the two people in question. "Patch him up. Then we will carry him to Medical."

With the help of the Basilicom Staff, Compa, Medic and Noire carried the burly man deeper into the Basilicom after a quick beaming of two Medi-guns healed the worst of the wounds.

Falcom watched as Saxton Hale was taken away. She hoped he was okay, but she couldn't check. There was something important she had to do first. The red-haired adventurer tiptoed towards the CPU Candidate, making a beeline for her while everyone else was distracted.

She had many questions to ask her. More questions about her battle with Hilda. More questions about what happened after she died, but the most important one was…

"Are you alright?"

If there was one person who knew Hilda the most, it would be Falcom.

And Falcom knew what Hilda was capable of.

Nepgear didn't expect that question, nor did she expect Falcom to suddenly walk up to her and ask it. But nonetheless she nodded. "Y-Yes…?"

However, that answer didn't satisfy Falcom. "Do you feel anything? Anything 'off' deep inside your head or chest? Do you feel any resistance when trying to move? Anything that would suggest that she is possessing you?"

Even if Duke Eyelander said she was gone, Falcom still had to make sure. Hilda was tenacious, spiteful and petty. She wouldn't just help Nepgear out of there, there had to be a catch.

Nepgear's expression turned into a thoughtful frown, this time now truly considering her state. "...No." But as hard as she focused, there was nothing. Nepgear felt fine. "If Hilda is still there, she's silent."

More like biding her own time, Falcom wanted to say. At least Nepgear didn't have blue hair and eyes like she once had.

"What about you?" Nepgear asked, nodding at Falcom's face. "Is your eyesight okay?"

"...Not really."

Her right eye, the one that was destroyed by CFW Brave… A victim of Freezing Yasha, as Magic explained after even the Medi-guns didn't work on it. It was surprising how much of a difference one eye can have. Falcom found it harder to aim with her sword, and found it easier to be blindsided by things, the harsh results of losing depth perception and half of her vision.

But she wouldn't stay like that forever. "But Medic said he will find me a new eye when he gets a chance."

"Oh, that's great! …Though how could he find an eye?"

"Trust me, I don't know, and I don't think I wanna know."

But considering it was Medic, both of them were sure that he would find a way to get his hands on one. According to him, the surgery was apparently very easy and safe.

"In the meantime, you can ask Demoman for some tips."

At that, Falcom widened her eye.

"Oh yeah, now that's an idea!"

Nepgear giggled, before suddenly pulling Falcom into a hug. The CPU Candidate tightly wrapped her hands around the confused adventurer.

"Nepgear?"

"Her last words were to give you a hug."

Falcom didn't say a word. Then she inhaled some air and hugged Nepgear back. "I don't want her hugs…" After everything that happened, Falcom would be perfectly content to never see or feel Hilda's presence ever again. "But thanks." That being said, Nepgear's hug felt nice. So Falcom reciprocated and pulled Nepgear deeper into the embrace. "Wanna go out for some drinks?" She asked. "I know a friend who will treat us."

"You know, I don't remember saying I will pay for anything."

Falcom turned her head and saw Samantha approaching them. As always, Fay was following her - silently waving at Falcom at Nepgear.

"You owe me." Falcom grinned and let Nepgear go. "I'm sure you will find a way to pay, oh dear Overseer."

Samantha's gaze turned into a stare, while Nepgear gave her a confused look.

"What?" The CPU Candidate asked.

"It's nothing." Samantha said.

"It's everything." Falcom smugly responded. "Samantha works for the True Goddess, but cannot say anything about it. But now I can~"

Nepgear was surprised and even more confused, while Samantha wasn't sure if Magnavox predicted that this would happen… Nor if Samantha should do anything about this. "I cannot deny or confirm anything you say, I will just point out how quickly you said this."

Falcom was getting hyped at the prospect of being able to share all the mysterious secrets about Samantha, Fay and Magnavox. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

She grabbed Samantha's and Nepgear's arms and was pushing them towards the door, but Samantha wasn't budging. "Hmm?" Falcom hummed as Samantha broke out of her grip.

"Wait a moment, I need to do something first."

Samantha and Fay approached the mercenaries, while Falcom shrugged and waited with Nepgear.


They were back in Lastation… and Spy didn't know if that was good or bad.

"So… it seems we're back here."

"Heavy has family back home." The russian sniffed. "I must see them again."

"Aye." Demoman nodded. "Me mum depends on me. I haven't seen her in ages."

All this adventure here distracted them from one massive issue. Their families were still on Earth, thinking they were dead if what Administrator said was true. Some of those families depended on the money the mercenaries earned.

"...Y'all think we made a mistake?"

Engineer didn't regret coming here. With their technology he could invent a lot of never-before-seen stuff. He just needed some time to start drawing blueprints. Nepgear could also help him with that, the girl knew her stuff.

But what about the other members of his team? Some of them had families to return to.

"What's done is done." Spy said. "Now we need to think about what we should do next. We know there's a possibility that Samantha will try to hunt us down. How can we prepare?"

They didn't have Re;Spawn. And even if they did she knew how to counter it. They had guns, but what could they do if she brought CFW Magic with her?

"...We are a bit screwed, ain't we?"

Spy didn't voice his sentiments, but he did agree with Demoman. If Samantha was ordered to chase them out of Gamindustri, she could easily do so.

"Well, we're still here." Sniper pointed out. "So maybe we can stay?" Because if Samantha was ordered to chase them out, she would've already done so. She and her boss probably knew where they were.

"There you are."

Speak of the devil, and she shall appear. Samantha Neikan approached their group, Fay in front of her.

"Hey guys!" The blonde greeted the nervous mercenaries. "So first of all, Magnavox let you stay here for as long as you want."

At least that solved that issue.

"So you won't chase us out?" Sniper asked.

"Nope." Samantha shook her head. "But I will still need to get the others… and that might take a while."

"Machias too?"

Samantha frowned in thought. "...He's on the very bottom of their ranks, chances are the Administrator won't even know about him."

If she did, then what was one more poor soul? Samantha could probably convince Magnavox to let him stay too.

"If you want to leave, I can let you go back home!" Fay said. "I still have the coordinates for the Astral Bridge, so that will be easy… But once you go back, that's it. Magnavox will not let you return, even through a teleporter."

So they could go back, but it would be a permanent decision. "Who are you two, really?" Spy asked.

"I'm Fay Neikan." The woman answered. "A fairy."

"And what is a fairy?"

"A being made out of magic."

"...That didn't answer much."

Samantha simply nodded. "I know, but that's all we can give you. You already know way more than most by simply meeting my boss."

Spy breathed out. He had to remind himself that getting a straight answer out of her was like pulling teeth, and the mercenary didn't have time or patience for it now. "If we want to return… where would we find you?"

"We will probably hang around close by." Fay shrugged, "It's not like Vert and the others will just let Samantha disappear, you know."

Spy wasn't surprised. In fact, it made him realize how lucky they were that they got off effectively scot free after all they did.

Having connections with the governments of the world was powerful. Especially here.

Samantha clapped her hands "Welp. I'll leave you guys now. I'll be having some drinks with friends. Take care… and do give some thought on what you would do now. Your job is done."

With that Samantha and Fay left, leaving Spy deep in thought.

Your job is done.

ASIC was disbanded, the only surviving CFW now their ally.

Miss Pauling's faction became scattered, slaughtered en masse in the past days, their leader imprisoned and the remnants soon to be hunted down.

Gray Mann's army was destroyed, the man himself gone.

Hilda Gehaburn was defeated, her cursed weapon purified.

Everything that Histoire wanted them to do was taken care of.

Would the Administrator try this world? Would she be able to? If this world was protected by people with powers that Spy couldn't even imagine… Would the Administrator simply find it impossible to spread her influence here?

"So…" Spy began, and looked at his team. He didn't need to speak. They already knew what he would be asking.

"What do we do now? Do we try to return? Or do we stay here?"

Do they try to build their lives in an alien world, or should they throw it all away and go back home? Some had families to return to. People that depend on them and miss them. These people would not forget them even if the Administrator said they were dead.

But there were others who didn't have such things. These people held no attachments to Earth and could easily stay here and continue working with Histoire.

"Do we all even want to?"

Personally, Spy would prefer to stay here. It was an interesting world with interesting sights, and good job opportunities. It wouldn't be too hard to get Histoire to extend his contract.

But the others? Demoman has a blind mother depending on him, and Spy would guess Heavy's family also depended on him.

Heavy and Demoman gave him a nod, confirming his thoughts. These two couldn't afford to simply leave their families behind.

"Those who want to leave, raise your hand."

Scout and Sniper joined Heavy and Demoman, pushing the leavers' count into 4. That was somewhat unexpected. Scout he could understand. He had a lovely mother waiting for him. But Sniper? What did he leave behind?

Sniper noticed that some began to stare at him. "I still have parents I want to see too, y'know."

…That detail actually fell out of Spy's mind.

Family seemed to be the main motivator behind wanting to go back. Spy didn't blame them. But then something even more surprising happened. Soldier raised his hand as well.

"When I joined this team, at first I thought to myself what sort of sissies they've given me. We have a fat man, an Englishman in a dress, Sniper."

Sniper had no idea why he was personally called out, and he felt offended by it. Soldier completely ignored that.

"But damn, boys. We've been through a lot. We've even got some new members in the team."

Spy was growing tired."...Okay, what's your point?"

"My point, frenchie, is this!" Soldier pointed at those who wanted to go back. "You guys want to get back home? Then I'm in. If getting you back to your momma is the last damn thing I will do, then hell… I will do it!"

Soldier will not stand idly while his teammates leave. He will walk straight to hell with them.

"...Wow." Demoman placed his hand on Soldier's shoulder. "Thanks pal."

"Anytime you drunken wretch."

With Soldier's support, that meant the majority wanted to leave.

And that meant the rest would have to support them. Or at least Spy will. After everything they've been through, he could afford to give them something. "Allright, but we will need a plan and some time. We can't leave now, not with the Administrator on high alert."

It was good that they could stay here for a bit longer, at least without Samantha's interference. That gave them time they needed.

"What are you doing?"

It was just a matter of time before someone saw what they were doing and got curious. In this case, it was Blanc.

That was great actually. "Frau Blanc, our team was just having an important talk. We can go home now… and some of us want to see their families again."

Her eyes widened, but then she softened up. "Families, huh. Okay." The CPU nodded. "When will you be back?"

"That's… actually the problem. Samantha said-"

"...Oh my fucking- Did that bitch seriously start some more shit? Now?!"

Spy waited a moment, gauging how much the next bit would piss Blanc off. Then Spy realized it wouldn't be his problem. "She said that once we leave, we won't be able to return. Her boss won't allow it. That aside, I'm sure you also remember the other problem waiting for us on the other side."

Blanc closed her eyes and fell silent, gears turning in her head. One second, two. The mercenaries were growing curious what Blanc would do next.

"Alright, y'know what, don't worry about it." Was what Blanc said. "Look, you guys want to see your families? Cool, call me when you guys go. I will also talk to Histoire and we can figure out a way without that 'cannot return' bullshit, because fuck her, and fuck whoever she works for."

They weren't alone in this. They actually had friends to help them. "...Thank you."

Blanc scoffed. "One day. One day I will smash that bitch's face in." She took a deep breath. "Whatever. I'm gonna go look for Histoire, maybe also recruit some other people. Don't leave just yet, and don't you fucking take whatever deal that bitch gave you, we will find a better way."

With that Blanc stormed off, and Spy was glad to have friends in high places.

Yes, having ties with several goddesses does have its benefits.


The Holy Sword

A formerly cursed sword once belonging to Hilda and Falcom, now blessed after appeasing the Ghost of Gehaburn. The malevolent curse surrounding this weapon has been dispelled, and the spirit possessing it has left. It's now safe to use.

This holy weapon now belongs to Nepgear, the CPU Candidate of Planeptune and the one who managed to appease Hilda. Others can use it, but she's the only one who can bring out its full potential.

It's an extremely powerful and versatile weapon.

Stats:

Increase to all stats when wielded.

(Nepgear only) Further drastic increase to Strength, Agility, Speed and Max Health when wielded, or kept in the inventory.

All attacks ignore 75% of the target's Defense and Mentality.

Can damage Invincible, Übercharged and Protected targets.

(Nepgear only) Blessed item: Allows the wielder to copy abilities of nearby allies.

(Nepgear only) Blessed item: Allows the user to use 'Fiery Body' ability.


Interdimensional RED-Coded Contract

Moral of the Story