The group returned to Planeptune, their faces etched with a mix of exhaustion and relief. Xoruxshy marked a potential Warp Pad location near Sky Harbor, a strategic point for future travel. Back at Compa's house, Neptune reveled in the familiar comfort of her surroundings.
"Whew, this is the life," she sighed, sinking into the plush sofa. "Comfy bed, games galore, and a fridge overflowing with pudding! Who could ask for more?"
IF, ever the pragmatist, scoffed. "The 'new chapter' seems to involve a lot of slacking off, doesn't it?"
Neptune shot her a playful glare. "Hey, we just finished a major operation in Lastation! Cut a CPU candidate like me some slack, would ya?"
"Slacking off for a week straight?" IF raised an eyebrow.
Neptune puffed out her chest. "Someone's gotta enjoy the spoils of victory, right? Now, where's the spoon? Time to make friends with these puddings!"
IF sighed, watching the scene unfold. Compa, ever the doting friend, trotted out a fresh batch of Neptune's favorite treat. The sight sparked a flicker of doubt in IF's mind. "Could this really be the CPU candidate tasked with saving the world?" she muttered to herself.
Their peaceful downtime was short-lived. A knock interrupted their pudding-fueled revelry. It was Compa, bearing another delicious creation. This time, her eyes held a hint of amusement.
"Nep-Nep, look at you!" she cooed. "Melting away over my pudding like a cute little goddess!"
Neptune, cheeks dusted pink, mumbled a grateful thanks. The sight of her CPU candidate in such a carefree state both baffled and strangely endeared IF to her. "Maybe a little break isn't the worst thing in the world," she conceded to herself.
Turning her attention towards the others, IF suggested a gaming session. Xoruxshy, ever the gamer girl, readily agreed.
Before diving in, IF decided to check Lady Vert's Goddess blog for updates. A recent post caught her eye: "Monsters have been appearing recently. Please be wary..." Business as usual, it seemed.
But then, a hidden link piqued her curiosity. Labeled "Welcome to my hidden page. I will be posting my private diary here," it offered a glimpse into the enigmatic CPU's personal life.
Xoruxshy, sensing her hesitation, voiced a concern. "Isn't reading her private diary a breach of privacy?"
IF, a battle raging within her, stammered out a denial. "I-I wouldn't dream of it!"
His facade crumbled when Xoruxshy pointed out a detail from the blog: "Major gamer… 4 Goddesses Online server error…"
The revelation shattered IF's image of the stoic Lady Green Heart. Here was a facet she never expected, a hint of vulnerability and a potential connection to their current situation.
"Can't always judge a book by its cover, IF," Xoruxshy remarked wisely.
Caught in denial, IF began formulating flimsy excuses. Xoruxshy, sensing her discomfort, proposed a daring challenge. "Why don't we head to Leanbox and see if this server error is actually a thing? Winner gets a week's worth of the other's Sprite stash."
The temptation to investigate further was overwhelming. With a heavy sigh, IF accepted the bet. Compa, oblivious to the potential consequences, simply sighed. "This isn't exactly the adventure I had in mind for our trip to Leanbox," she muttered.
Location: Leanbox Basilicom - Outside
Compa: S-So, this is Leanbox's Basilicom?
Neptune: It looks like it. Hope we don't get treated like back in Lastation.
Compa: I hope so, too... By the way, what is Iffy looking at on your cell?
IF: Lady Green Heart's blog. There was just an update, so she must be here.
Neptune: Hahaha, no, that can't be. I'm pretty sure someone else is doing the blog entries.
IF: Don't ruin my image any more than Xoruxshy has!
Neptune: I'm sorry, but I didn't expect you to be so into Lady Green Heart's blog.
IF: Well, sorry for being a follower...
Compa: Oh Nep-Nep, stop teasing Iffy already. Let's go inside.
Neptune: I wouldn't mind playing with Iffy a bit more, but I guess I'll do it later.
Leanbox Basilicom - Inside
Neptune: *knock knock* Hello! We're here to see the CPU!
?: My oh my, what a lively group of young ladies we have here. My name is Yvoire. What brings you here today?
Neptune: We came to see the CPU. Is she around?
Yvoire: How amazingly unfortunate. Meeting time with the CPU is done for today.
Neptune: Aw, come on. She's here, right? Just a little peek. Only a little.
IF: Nep, it's our fault being late. We'll come again tomorrow.
Neptune: Giving up so quick? I thought you were all over the goddess?
IF: Wh-What? M-Me? Y-Yeah, but this isn't the right place to say such a thing!
Compa: Innocence is so cruel...
Xoruxshy: I wouldn't know. Dr. Eggman and Infinite destroyed the last remains of innocence I had with their world war.
Yvoire: Is she okay? I can suggest a therapist for her...
IF: Actually, we've already set up a therapist appointment with someone else. It'll just be a matter of getting her to go to that appointment.
Yvoire: Perfect. As one who serves the Lady, I can't be happier with your admiration. But, rules are rules. To add, the Lady has matters to attend to.
Compa: Well, I guess we can't help it, then.
IF: Well then, let's just tour the city to pass the time today.
Neptune: Sounds like a plan. Oh, um, Mr. Eviler?
Yvoire: That's Yvoire to you, young lady.
Neptune: Do you know anything about a Key Fragment?
Yvoire: Wait, did you really get my name?!
Compa: It would help a lot if you knew some, Mr. Evilest.
Yvoire: Did my name become worse?!
Neptune: And just in case, it looks like this. (Shows him their Key Fragment) Have you seen one before?
IF: I'm not getting myself involved in this mess...
Yvoire: I see what you mean...
Xoruxshy: Mr. Yvoire, do you know anything?
Yvoire: FINALLY, SOMEONE GETS IT RIGHT! *ahem* 70 years of my life and I've never seen one like that before.
Neptune: Shucks.
Yvoire: But the Lady may know. She was around for hundreds of years, after all.
Neptune: Hundreds?! So that means Lady Green Heart is an old ha...urgh?! (Is gripped by the throat by Xoruxshy)
Xoruxshy: Say those two words around me again, and I will dunk on you.
Compa: Iffy, before Nep-Nep says something bad. I think we better head out.
IF: You're right, Compa. It'll be a disaster if Nep muddles things up.
Compa: I'm sorry. We'll come back tomorrow, then.
Yvoire: Yes, I'll be waiting.
IF: Good day, sir. *bumps into someone* Oh, sorry. Are you okay?
?: No problem. I'm sorry for not paying attention, too...
Compa: What's the matter, Iffy?
IF: I just bumped into someone.
Compa: You should be careful, Iffy.
IF: Yes, at least I'm not as bad as Nep.
Neptune: Iffy, Compa, Xoruxshy. Let's go.
IF: We're coming.
Compa: Wait up, Iffy-
?: That's...
Yvoire: Oh, a guest? How may I help you?
?: My name is Conversation, an evangelist of Lowee.
Yvoire: How unusual... And what brings an evangelist of Lowee here?
Conversation: Please do not be alarmed. I did not come to Leanbox to spread the word of Lady White Heart.
Yvoire: Then the reason is aside from evangelizing?
Conversation: Yes. I come with information from our Lady herself.
Yvoire: Information, you say?
Conversation: Yes. It is in regards to the worship of the Overlord.
Yvoire: Overlord worship?
Conversation: In Gamindustri, there are 4 goddesses and people revere either one of them. But of recent, there are those who worship none of the goddesses.
Yvoire: ...So they are turning to worship of the Overlord? But, here? In Leanbox?
Conversation: I do not believe so, as those who live in Leanbox follow close to the CPU. But, suppose such ones came from afar into Leanbox...?
Yvoire: ...And evangelize, as you...?
Conversation: No. They are heretics and do not evangelize such as myself. Instead they find weaknesses and slowly turn people to the Overlord.
Yvoire: So you are saying such are in Leanbox?
Conversation: Yes. For example, the young girls you have met earlier... They are heretics... Followers of the Overlord, Momus. The twin-tailed fox one is the Overlord's right hand woman, under the guise of a CPU from another dimension. That big technological monstrosity in the sky is her headquarters.
Yvoire: What?! That is hard to believe, especially from youths such as them...
Conversation: As proof, they appeared in Lastation where the Goddess' Share fell and summoned monsters, inciting fear and destruction to the city. See for yourself. (Shows doctored proof and edited footage making Team Neptunia out to be the villains, as well as a statement from Ganache)
Ganache: I can't believe what I saw, but it was real. The girl called Neptune summoned the monsters, destroying the city... It was a surreal sight, seeing the young child laugh amid the chaos. All while that fox demon sat on her shoulder with that ruby glowing demonically. Just remembering it brings me the shivers. Brr... Oh, Ms. Conversation? How did that sound? Pretty real, right?
Conversation: Oh! O-Oops! You didn't see that. That was Mr. G, living in Lastation. Since his joining Avenir, he worked hard, earning rank among the company. His outstanding background is proof he is one to be trusted.
Yvoire: His background does speak words, but yet... I cannot believe such innocents could do such a thing...
Conversation: Very well. Once I can get further proof, I will be back again.
Unknown to Conversation and Yvoire, Xoruxshy has recorded the conversation using her illusions and the recording software provided by the court of justice through Meggy.
The revelation that the cloaked figure was an evangelist named Conversation, and her accusations against them, left a whirlwind of confusion in its wake. Neptune, ever the impulsive one, couldn't contain her frustration.
"So, what do we want to do first?" she demanded, tapping her foot impatiently.
Xoruxshy, however, remained focused. "Well," she began, a determined glint in her eyes, "since that cloaked woman provided ample evidence of Avenir's influence in Lowee and their attempted manipulation of Leanbox, I need to contact the local Freedom Fighter contact. Luckily, I think I know where he will be."
Following Xoruxshy's lead, the group found themselves in an inconspicuous warehouse tucked away in a back alley of Leanbox. Here, amidst stacks of crates and dimly lit corners, Xoruxshy introduced them to a rather… unique group.
"Girls," she announced, gesturing towards three figures shrouded in shadow, "meet Team Dark. This is Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, and E-123 Omega."
A tense silence followed. Shadow, a brooding black hedgehog with crimson eyes, simply grunted in acknowledgement. Rouge, a flirtatious bat with sleek curves, shot them a curious glance. "I like your outfits," she remarked, a playful smirk gracing her lips. "Compa's is a little too bright and girly for my tastes, but that's coming from someone raised by a badger."
E-123 Omega, a hulking robotic monstrosity, let out a series of metallic clicks and beeps that Xoruxshy translated. "Greetings," Omega stated, his voice surprisingly deep and gravelly. His gaze then landed on Jell-O, who sat perched on Neptune's head. "Hello, fellow reformed robot," he added, his tone softer than expected. Jell-O returned the greeting with a friendly beep.
Before the introductions could delve any deeper, Shadow abruptly shifted his attention to Xoruxshy. His voice boomed like a thunderclap. "Now before you hand over the evidence," he thundered, unleashing a burst of energy that caused everyone to flinch (except for Omega). "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING OVERUSING YOUR CHAOS ENERGY LIKE THAT?! YOU ARE LUCKY YOU DIDN'T EXPLODE FROM THE CHAOS ENERGY STRAIN!"
He wasn't finished yet. Turning to Omega, he barked an order. "Omega, get the spare Power Cuffs. Thank you." As Omega lumbered towards a nearby crate, Shadow continued his tirade, his voice laced with a surprising amount of concern. "You are just like Maria. Both of you are reckless." He snatched the proffered cuffs and snapped them onto Xoruxshy's wrists, effectively restricting her Chaos energy.
Xoruxshy, under Shadow's barrage, could only shrink back, her ears flattened and tails drooping like a scolded puppy. "Yes, Uncle Shadow," she mumbled, the playful defiance from before replaced by a sense of shame. She then held out the recording device with the incriminating evidence, a silent plea for Shadow's guidance.
After getting thoroughly scolded by Shadow, Xoruxshy and the rest of Team Neptunia decide to go get some crepes in the next town over, only to find out the carriages aren't running because of monster attacks and they have to go through the dungeon route to get there. After getting a map from another dimension traveller called Tekken, they head to the location of the dungeon.
Location: MS Mountain - Peak
Neptune: Whew, we've been walking for a while. Aren't we there yet?
Compa: I'm so tired... Can we take a rest for a while?
IF: According to the map, we should be close, but. I guess. Why not?
Xoruxshy: I'll keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
Momus' Messenger: You folks there. Hello. Can I speak with you for a moment?
Neptune: You hitting on us? No can do, though. I already have over one gajillion fans. And I don't think you would want to be labeled a pedophile. The people who see me are pure in heart, so I don't want to let them down.
Momus' Messenger: God, no! I just want to talk.
Compa: Talk? Talk about what?
Momus' Messenger: Do you folks believe in Overlord Momus?
Neptune: Mammary?
Momus' Messenger: No, Momus.
IF: Overlord Mammary? Never heard of it before... Have you, Compa?
Momus' Messenger: Um, Momus. M-O-M-U-S.
Compa: I've never heard of Overload Mustard before, either.
Momus' Messenger: I don't know where to start... That's M-O-M-U-S. And it's "Overlord."
Compa: Anyways, what does Mr. Overlord talker person want with us?
Momus' Messenger: I am a messenger of Momus and I'm here to spread the word of the Overlord. We want everyone to know the joy of coming to know Overlord Momus.
IF: Well, you may want to stop already, we're not interested.
Compa: Yes. I believe in Lady Purple Heart and Lady Mobius Heart. Speaking of... how about you, Nep-Nep?
Neptune: Me? I believe only in myself. ...Just joking! I must have sounded a bit narcissistic there a bit!
Momus' Messenger: ...
Neptune: Oy? Did I do it again...?
Momus' Messenger: Well, just hear me out a bit. Overlord worship is actually really fun.
IF: I thought I already said we're not interested.
Momus' Messenger: Here, let me give you this! A special "Overlord Momus Limited Set!"
IF: You don't give up, do you?
Momus' Messenger: Oh, come now. Just take it. You'll love it! See, here's a mug with the Overlord's logo. Coffee tastes like love in it! This laser die-cut cell image is hand-numbered as the 666th! Also included is a set of [Overlord trading cards] made just for this set! The illustrations are also in this art book that's included! Oh, and what's a set without an Overlord BGM CD? Perfect when you want to have an ambient background to your gaming! Of course, it was recorded to provide maximum excitement and tension! A special disc to make you feel like you're near our Overlord! Also, buy our Overlord items at our online store to get Overlord stamps! Collect enough stamps and you get this life-sized Overlord hugging pillow!
Neptune: Hold it! You're using my script space! I'm gonna let the Producer know!
Momus' Messenger: Oh, now. I only appear here in this world. Let me go and this pin is yours.
IF: Pins and all this other stuff is just junk to us. Take it all back.
Compa: My grandpa taught me nothing is free, so you can take them back.
Momus' Messenger: No strings attached. You can have them. Well, I have to go now. Take care!
IF: You recorded that conversation, right Xoruxshy?
Xoruxshy: Yes ma'am. With this recording and this contraband merchandise, we'll have lots of evidence to give Meggy the next time we see her.
IF: Smart idea. Thanks for the illusioned gloves. Now nobody can use the evidence against us.
Neptune: Wait, doesn't this BGM CD disc oddly look like that monster disc thingy?
IF: What?! Hand it over, Nep.
(The disc starts to glow)
Neptune: Aaaaaaaaah... It's starting to shine!
(The other two discs start to glow)
Xoruxshy: It was a trap! Quick get them out of the evidence bags! (They do so) That guy tricked us!
(The discs combine and form a monster ambush)
*monsters cry*
Compa: It's transformation time, Nep-Nep, Millie!
Neptune: Aye-aye, sir! (Neptune and Xoruxshy transform into Purple Heart and Mobius Heart)
Mobius Heart: Let's hurry and get rid of them and report back to the Basilicom. It would be a disaster if these were placed in the city.
Mobius Heart opened the battle with a technique inspired by the Jinchuuriki of the One-Tailed Beast himself, Gaara. "Sand Coffin Burial!" This command emitted a strong emission of sand from the tip of the Thelad Mirage, trapping the monsters in its grip. Purple Heart followed this with a Break Combo to break their guards, only managing to break the guards of the Boomerang and one of the Lightbulb Angels. Mobius Heart then used her other Keyblade, Goku Punch, charging forward and shouting, "Goku Punch, Spiked Uppercut!" This did some real damage to the other Lightbulb Angel but burst the Sand Coffin. Luckily IF and Compa helped even things out and they destroyed the rest of the enemies with ease.
Purple Heart: That took longer than expected...
IF: Let's break these before more come out.
Purple Heart: Ah...!
IF: Hm? What's the matter?
Purple Heart: My original form wanted to break these, so...
IF: Oh, that's right. I completely forgot.
Compa: I think that was when we were trapped in the plant at Lastation.
IF: Well, I'll let you break them next time, if I don't forget again. Let's just get this done and hurry back to the Basilicom.
(They head off)
Momus' Messenger: Was that okay?
Conversation: Yes. Overlord Momus should be pleased.
Momus' Messenger: Th-then, may I get a stamp on my stamp card, as promised?!
Conversation: Yes. There you go... Does that look good?
Momus' Messenger: Yes! Now my stamp card is complete!
Conversation: Now, I believe this plush, ultra soft Overlord hugging pillow is due.
Momus' Messenger: Yes! Thank you! Lady Conversation, where will you go now?
Conversation: I will head back to the Leanbox Basilicom. Now I have proof that Neptune summoned monsters... Heh...
(Unknownst to Conversation and Momus' Messenger, Rouge is spying on them with the same recording equipment provided to Meggy and Xoruxshy by the government)
Rouge: This won't be good for Xoruxshy. I need to get this back to Shadow as soon as possible. (Flies as fast as she can back to the warehouse so Shadow can send the evidence)
Leanbox
IF: ...This may be worse than I expected.
Compa: What's the matter, Iffy?
IF: I've been researching, and it looks like Overlord worship is spreading. And according to my research, they are using Millie as their scapegoat by saying she's a demon who is the right-hand woman of the Overlord.
Xoruxshy: Tails warned me that I might get bullied for having two tails, but I didn't think it could be this bad for them to label me a demon.
IF: That's not the worst part. They're trying to say that your Basilicom is Momus' Headquarters. People on the forums are calling for your execution and for the Goddesses to destroy the Basilicom. But some people, like the ones in Lastation are actively supporting you, calling you a hero, including Lady Black Heart. I also got a private notification from a certain Mr. Ganache. "You should have just died and let me take over your Basilicom. Now you are going to die anyway and no one from your world will see you ever again."
Compa: But, I've never heard of this Mr. Overlord person before.
IF: Neither have I, Nep...oh, that's right. How would she know?
Neptune: You're actually right, Iffy. I don't know anything about Mr. Mongus.
Leanbox Basilicom
Conversation: ...This picture here is proof.
Yvoire: It...It can't be! Such young girls as messengers of Overlord Momus...
Conversation: Now do you believe me?
Yvoire: You gave me no choice.
Conversation: Very well. Let me give you this...
Yvoire: What's this? A vial?
Conversation: ...Of poison.
Yvoire: Poison?!
Conversation: Yes. Use this...to poison and kill Neptune and that false CPU. Neptune and that demon have tainted the 2 young girls to evil. They must not go unpunished.
Yvoire: Why not just capture her and report back to our Ladies?
Conversation: Overlord worship has disturbed the goddesses greatly, but... They are busy as is. Notifying details will only burden them more.
Yvoire: True... Our Lady has been quite worried over something of recent.
Conversation: If so, do you not want to reduce your Lady's load?
Yvoire: ...
(Unknownst to Conversation and Yvoire, another Freedom Fighter is recording the conversation)
Gadget: (whispering) This isn't good... Sending the footage to G.U.N. now. (The footage is pixelized using E. Gadd's Pixelizer from Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon)