Chapter 4: Virtua Forest's End and Meet the Inventor!
Compa: We're here! This is where I found you guys!
Xoruxshy: And there's the tree I crashed into! And there's the Miles Electric! (picks up the yellow communications device)
Neptune: Wow... That's a huge hole right there... So what is this Miles Electric, anyway?
Xoruxshy: It's my main means of contacting my big brother, Tails, when I'm out and about.
Compa: Why's it called the Miles Electric, then?
Xoruxshy: It's because his real name is Miles Prower. And if you tease him about it in his presence, I will bonk you, Neptune. (Points to Neptune, who is snickering at the bad pun that is Tails's real name, who promptly stops snickering)
Compa: Nep-Nep, does this hole make you remember anything?
Neptune: ...
Compa: Um, Nep-Nep?
Neptune: Mmm... Mmmmmm... Ah-! I can't remember a thing! Compa, are you sure I was stuck here?
Xoruxshy: Don't ask stupid questions, Neptune. Do you not see your face molded into the dry ground? (Points to a specific place where there is indeed, a very goofy looking Neptune face molded into dry mud)
Compa: Anyway, there could be a clue to your memories around here, Nep-Nep! Did you lose anything by any chance? Maybe an ID or anything?
Neptune: I wish, but you know, I'بعاد (censored) anything, so... Hey, wait... I do remember something I'm missing!
Compa: Really?! What is it?
Neptune: Well, that's obvious...
Compa: Obvious...?
Neptune: My memory!
Compa and Xoruxshy (facefault): Ugh...
Neptune: Nep-Nep, I don't think now is the time to be fooling around...
Compa: Joking aside, let's look for some clues.
(A branch snaps)
Compa: What's that sound?
Neptune: I have a bad feeling about this...
(ground starts crumbling)
Neptune: Wha-?! The ground. It's crumbling?!
Xoruxshy: I'm suddenly glad Tails taught me how to do this. (Jumps in mid-air and spins her tails like a helicopter) Grab on!
(Neptune takes the initiative and grabs Compa's hand before grabbing Xoruxshy's hand as they slowly descend into the new hole that opened up)
Location: Monster Cave
(Once they land safely on the ground, Xoruxshy falls on her butt)
Xoruxshy: I need to work on the landing... Everybody alright?
Neptune: I'm okay!
Compa: A little startled, but I'm fine.
Neptune: Whew... It would've been a disaster if we didn't have Xoruxshy's flying trick. You guys could've lost your memories, too. Where are we, anyway?
Xoruxshy: (Pulling up a map on the Miles Electric) It seems like we're in a cave below the Virtua Forest, fittingly titled Monster Cave.
Compa: This place feels a bit weird...
Neptune: Yeah, I'm getting bad vibes from this place... (Sees something sparkle) What's this? Compa, can you take a look? Do you know what it is?
Compa: I don't know... I've never seen something like this before.
Neptune: I know! It must be a medal to change into items with a king somewhere!
Monster growl
Neptune: What?! Where's that event-flag-inducing growl coming from?!
Compa: Nep-Nep, there's a huge monster over there... (It grabs her) Yikes! Please, help me...!
The ground trembles as a hulking creature emerges from the shadows, its eyes glowing with menace. It snatches Compa in its massive hand, hoisting her high above the ground. Panic surges through Neptune, but before she can react, a booming voice fills the cavern.
Histoire: WARNING! HOSTILE ENTITY DETECTED!
Neptune: Hm? I've heard that voice before... have we met?
Histoire: I am Histoire. I thought I explained this when I was in your dream, Neptune.
Neptune frowns, trying to place the voice. Before she can respond, the creature lets out a deafening roar, tightening its grip on Compa. Xoruxshy, ever resourceful, reacts instantly.
Xoruxshy: Get down, Neptune! It's going to attack!
Xoruxshy throws herself to the ground as the monster swipes its other massive arm at them. The force of the attack sends a shockwave through the cavern, scattering debris. Neptune scrambles to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination.
Neptune: Don't worry, Compa! I'll save you! Take this!
Neptune lunges at the creature, unleashing a powerful attack. However, her blow connects with a sickening thud, barely fazing the beast. Frustration and worry cloud her face.
Histoire: WARNING! ATTACK INEFFECTIVE! ENGAGE HARD DRIVE DIVINITY!
Neptune: Hard Drive-what? I lost my memory, so do you mind taking it step-by-step?
Histoire: I see... That explains why the conversation was all over the last time...
Neptune: If I use that Hard Drive-thingy I can save the girls, right?
Histoire: Well, yes, but now I'm not sure you can use your Hard Drive Divinity...
Neptune: Well, I'll go beyond the impossible and kick reason to the curb! So, please... lend me a hand. I want to save my friends!**
Histoire hesitates for a moment, then speaks with a hint of admiration.
Histoire: ...I will force run Hard Drive Divinity from you. Are you ready?
Neptune: Ready and willing!
Histoire: Neptune, may your power arise-
Compa (muffled): You're glowing!
Xoruxshy: So, this is the power of Planeptune's CPU...
As Histoire's words echo through the cavern, Neptune is engulfed in a blinding light. When the radiance fades, a majestic figure stands before them – Purple Heart, Neptune's CPU form. Her long purple hair flows like a river, and a crown of CPUs adorns her head.
Purple Heart: Is this...really me?!
Histoire: Yes, this is your true form, Neptune.
Compa (still off-screen): Nep-Nep! Wow! You transformed!
Purple Heart: The power... It's flowing from within... There's no way I can lose with this! Just wait, Compa, Xoruxshy! I'll save you!
Purple Heart charges towards the monster, but before she can reach it, Xoruxshy appears by her side in a flash of blue light.
Xoruxshy: No need! Chaos Control! (warps to Neptune's side) Finally got up enough reserve energy to use that.
A new enemy has emerged: The Guard Vermin. This hulking monstrosity boasts an impressive 3000 HP and possesses the ability to regenerate its guard, making brute force attacks less effective. Its "Thunder" attack can also weaken the girls' defenses, requiring a strategic approach.
Purple Heart, a radiant figure of power, stands resolute before the hulking Guard Vermin. Compa's muffled cries echo from the creature's massive hand, fueling Purple Heart's determination. Xoruxshy, her tails bristling with energy, flanks the monster, Chaos Shooter aimed and ready.
With a battle cry that echoes through the cavern, Purple Heart launches into a relentless assault. Her signature move, "Cross Combo," unleashes a dazzling display of martial arts prowess. Jabs, kicks, and aerial strikes rain down upon the Guard Vermin, each blow connecting with a resounding thud. The creature roars in pain as its HP steadily dwindles.
Meanwhile, Xoruxshy seizes the opportunity. Taking aim with her Chaos Shooter, she unleashes a barrage of Chaos Bolts. These concentrated blasts of energy pepper the Guard Vermin's hide, adding to the mounting damage. The hulking beast thrashes about in frustration, its attempts to swat at Xoruxshy proving futile thanks to her nimble movements.
The Guard Vermin, despite its impressive size, lacks agility. Purple Heart capitalizes on this weakness, exploiting openings in the creature's defense with lightning-fast strikes. However, the monster isn't without its own countermeasures. With a mighty roar, it slams its massive fist on the ground, sending a shockwave rippling through the cavern.
Purple Heart, anticipating the attack, leaps gracefully into the air, avoiding the brunt of the impact. She lands nimbly behind the Guard Vermin, raining down a series of brutal kicks on its back. The creature bellows in pain, momentarily staggering.
Xoruxshy notices the Guard Vermin activating its guard regeneration ability. A blue shimmer envelops the creature, slowly replenishing its depleted defense. Recognizing this, she calls out to Purple Heart.
Xoruxshy: Purple Heart! It's regenerating its guard! Focus on breaking its defense, not just dealing damage!
Purple Heart: Got it!
Purple Heart alters her strategy. Instead of brute force attacks, she unleashes a series of focused strikes aimed at specific weak points in the Guard Vermin's armor. These blows, while not as flashy, manage to chip away at the creature's guard gauge, slowing down its regeneration.
The battle rages on, a dance of offense and defense. Purple Heart relentlessly pressures the Guard Vermin, her Cross Combos growing more precise with each passing moment. Xoruxshy provides constant support, her Chaos Bolts chipping away at the monster's remaining HP.
Finally, with one last powerful kick that shatters the Guard Vermin's defenses, Purple Heart creates an opening. She seizes the moment, unleashing a final, devastating Cross Combo. A blinding flash engulfs the cavern as the full force of the attack connects.
The Guard Vermin lets out a deafening roar, then collapses to the ground with a resounding thud. Silence descends upon the cavern as the dust settles. Purple Heart stands panting, but victorious. Compa's muffled voice can now be heard more clearly.
Compa: Finally! Can you please put me down now? This isn't exactly comfortable!
A triumphant smile spreads across Purple Heart's face as she approaches the defeated Guard Vermin. The monstrous creature lies still, its threat neutralized. With a flick of her wrist, Purple Heart disperses her transformation, returning to her Neptune form.
Neptune: Phew, that was a workout! And hey, Xoruxshy, good job with those Chaos Bolts! We make a pretty good team, huh?
Xoruxshy: Not bad for a CPU with amnesia, I guess. Now, let's get Compa down from there before we celebrate.
With a sigh of relief, Purple Heart detransforms back into Neptune.
Neptune: Whew... That was tiring...
Compa: That was super, Nep-Nep! You guys beat that monster in a flash!
Histoire: Well done, Neptune, Xoruxshy. And Compa, are you okay?
Compa flinches at the disembodied voice.
Compa: Y-Yes! I'm okay! And it's all thanks to Nep-Nep! ...Hm? Um, Nep-Nep? Whose voice is this and where is it coming from?
Neptune: It's Ms. Heavenly Voice, AKA Histoir... What was it again? (Gets bonked on the head with Digital Mirage by Xoruxshy) Ouch!
Xoruxshy: It's Histoire, Neptune. You were one letter off...
Neptune: That's right, Histy-Histy! (Makes a goofy face)
Xoruxshy: You're not even trying at this point...
Ignoring Neptune's antics, the mysterious voice introduces itself.
Histoire: You can call me Histy. Now, nice to meet you Compa, Xoruxshy. I am Histoire.
Compa: Can I call you Histy, too? It's nice to meet...um, hear you, Histy.
Histoire: Um, Compa...?
Before Compa can react, the girls witness an unbelievable sight.
The Three: It's aliiive!
Neptune: Run, Compa! Get us out of here!
Panic sets in as they flee the cavern, leaving the fate of the Guard Vermin unknown.
Having escaped the clutches of the monster, the girls find themselves safe in Compa's room.
Neptune: huff huff Finally...got away...
Compa: That was a close call...
Histoire: I can't believe it was still alive after all the damage it took...
Catching their breath, the girls take a moment to acknowledge their victory. A notification pops up, informing Neptune and Xoruxshy that they have leveled up. Xoruxshy proudly displays her new skill – Chaos Bolt Lv. 2.
Neptune, ever curious, pulls out a strange object from her pocket.
Neptune: Oh, Histy? Can you take a look at this? Do you know what this is?
Histoire examines the object and identifies it as a Key Fragment.
Histoire: That's a Key Fragment. It's a piece needed to release me from my seal.
Compa: You're sealed, Histy?
Histoire: Yes, can you help lift my seal? There are one of those in each Land.
The revelation hangs heavy in the air. Neptune, despite her fear of danger, steps forward.
Neptune: I could, but I have to fight monsters, right? Isn't it...dangerous?
Histoire: Yes. Your life will be in danger. But, if you can help lift my seal, I can in turn help get your memory back.
Neptune's eyes light up.
Neptune: Really?!
Histoire: Really, really. And anyway, I do need you to get your memory back.
Hope stirs within Neptune, a flicker of determination replacing her fear.
Neptune: Well then! Let good old Neptune search far and wide for those fragments!
Compa, touched by Neptune's bravery, pledges her support.
Compa: I'll help, too! After all, I can't leave Nep-Nep alone with her brain loss.
Neptune: Memory loss, Compa...but thanks! Are you okay being away from nursing school?
Compa: It's closed because of the monsters, so I'm okay.
Xoruxshy, ever the loyal companion, joins the cause.
Xoruxshy: I'm coming too. I can't just leave you two on your own.
Histoire: (fading out) Thank you very much...
Neptune: What? I'm having trouble hearing you, Histy. Is the static there bad?
Histoire: I...using...Fragment...I...ou...t..of time... Pl...eas...lo...ok...for...Key...Fragm.
The voice on the other end weakens, the connection seemingly strained. The girls exchange worried glances.
Neptune: I think I lost contact. I hope Histy is all right.
Compa: Well, we at least know how to get your memory back. Let's go, girls!
Before they can embark on their quest, Xoruxshy pauses, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Xoruxshy: Wait a minute, I want to contact my brother! (Turns on the video call function and calls Tails who picks up immediately)
Tails appears on the screen, his brow furrowed with concern.
Tails: Xoruxshy, where have you been! I tried contacting you as soon as you got to the other world, but you didn't pick up! What happened?!
Xoruxshy fills Tails in on the events that transpired, detailing their crash landing, Compa, Neptune's amnesia, and the encounter with the Guard Vermin.
Xoruxshy: Well, Compa here (Compa: Hi!) found me after I collided with this amnesiac goddess over here, Neptune. (Neptune: Hiya, Mr. Traffic Sign!-Doy!) (Bonks Neptune on the head with Digital Mirage, making her derp face again) The collision caused me to drop the Miles Electric in the forest we crashed in. Now, I am sending you Weapon Materials for you to create Weapons from, because I am going to be here awhile. Anything else you'd like to add?
Tails: Um, yeah... Do you girls have a telescope and a high vantage point?
Compa: Yes, Mr. Tails.
A hint of surprise flashes across Tails' face.
Tails: Um, yeah, look out your window into the sky.
Following Tails' instructions, the girls peer through the telescope. Their jaws drop in unison as a sight unlike anything they've ever seen fills their vision.
Xoruxshy: (eye twitches) Tails, why is my Basilicom visible to the naked eye AND in this universe?
Tails, his voice filled with urgency and nervousness at the tone of his sister's voice, explains the situation.
Tails: So, here's the thing, it technically never moved from where it is. You're just seeing the entry point to the real Nexus Station, while over in Mobius, only us Freedom Fighters can see it. Which is kind of neat, because Eggman came looking for it, but failed. Anyway, I better get working with these materials. See you!
The call ends abruptly, leaving the girls with more questions than answers.
Xoruxshy: Okay, Tails, bye, and sorry about Neptune. (growling) Also, you better get working on a way for me to get up there, because I am not flying forty thousand feet up into the air.
Oblivious to the gravity of the situation, Neptune chirps happily, a carefree smile plastered on her face.
Neptune: (seeing imaginary birdies fly around her head) Look at the pretty birdies...