Chapter 13: Protection of Innocence, Failed Assasination, and Time Lord?!
Location: Leanbox Basilicom
Neptune: Yahoo-! Hey, Mr. Evil-blahblah, we're back!
Compa: We're here again!
Yvoire: My, my, you folks are... Is there anything urgent you need?
IF: Urgent? You bet. We met someone calling himself a messenger of Momus.
Yvoire: What?!
Compa: We were invited to join them and got discs that make monsters.
Yvoire: What?! Discs that make monsters?! Please, explain further.
IF: Of course. Let me first explain the source of all these monsters appearing.
One long explanation later...
Yvoire: To expect a simple disc being of such danger...
IF: Everyone will be in danger if they're spread across the city. Can you help?
Yvoire: Yes, we can't have something like Lastation happen here.
Compa: Hm? Lastation?
Yvoire: I will immediately inform Lady Green Heart. And, as appreciation, I would like to invite you all to dinner tonight.
Neptune: Mr. Evilitchi, you're the best! Can we stuff our faces with food?!
Yvoire: Evilitichi?!
Neptune: Oh, and will the Goddess come to dinner, too?
Yvoire: Our Lady is very busy, so I cannot assure you of that, but she may attend.
Xoruxshy: Will there be chicken nuggets?
Yvoire: Yes, I can make sure the chefs prepare the finest chicken nuggets.
Xoruxshy: Yay, nuggies!
IF: Really?!
Compa: I hope we meet the Lady. Right, Iffy?
Yvoire: Well, I need to prepare, so come back later when the sun goes down.
IF: Okay, let's just spend some time in the city until then.
Compa: If we have time, I want to go and reserve a place to stay tonight.
Yvoire: I forgot. May I ask for Miss IF to stay?
IF: Me?
Yvoire: Yes. There is something I need to discuss...
(Xoruxshy, Neptune, and Compa leave the Basilicom)
IF: So, what's this you wanted to talk about?
Yvoire: Before I go further, I would like to confirm one thing. Despite your faith in our Lady, you are not from here, are you?
IF: What's it to you?
Yvoire: In fact, you're not associated to any of the Lands. Correct?
IF: You checked on me, didn't you...?
Yvoire: I am sorry for my conduct here, but you are correct.
IF: ...Now that I think about it, I recall a rumor about here. That the elder of the Leanbox Basilicom only accepts local citizens. And I suppose that must be you. What is your plan? Expelling me?
Yvoire: That would be my normal approach, but I will thank fate for our meeting.
IF: ...I'm not getting you.
Yvoire: I need you to kill Neptune and Xoruxshy.
IF: Wha-?! Why would Lady Green Heart's Basilicom want Nep and Millie killed?!
Yvoire: The ones you call Nep and Millie bring a bad omen to our Lady and Gamindustri. Sooner or later, our Lady would take action, but I prefer not to taint her.
IF: So you want me to dirty my hands, then?
Yvoire: Should you succeed, you will be greeted as a citizen of Leanbox.
IF: Me? A Leanbox citizen?
Yvoire: Yes. I can offer you citizenship as a reward for your work.
IF: Sure, I wouldn't mind having a place to settle, but to kill Nep? And Millie...?! I could get put on death row for killing a child. She's only 8 years old.
Yvoire: ?! D-Did you say 8 y-years old?!
IF: Yes, why?
Yvoire: Come with me into the back room for a second.
Leanbox Basilicom: Room Behind Welcome Desk
IF: What's this about?
Yvoire: I was approached by someone I assumed to be a Lowee Evangelist, although I presume now that it isn't the case. She called herself Conversation, and she wanted me to poison Neptune and Xoruxshy for being followers of Momus, although now, I assume she is one instead.
IF: What?!
Yvoire: However, I have a plan that should fool Conversation if what you've told me about Xoruxshy is true. I could never condone child murder. So what we are going to do is give them a Dreamless Sleep Potion to make it seem like they've been poisoned.
IF: And if I refuse?
Yvoire: Let's just say we will use our forces to rid us of anything "suspicious."
IF: This is a good plan. Do you mind if I inform our local Anti-Momus movement group?
Yvoire: Anyone who is an enemy to Momus is an ally to us. Just give us their location and details so we know who to look for.
IF: (Hands him the details of the Freedom Fighters) Great. And if Conversation comes back, make sure to record any conversations with non-alterable recording software.
Yvoire: Yes, ma'am. Anything to protect the children. (He hands the vial of poison to IF in an evidence bag)
IF: Wha?!
Yvoire: You think I didn't know you were gathering evidence on Avenir? That fool Ganache gave it away when he messed up the recording of his statement. I know all too well that you were working with a lawyer who knows what they're doing. I didn't survive this long without being cautious. Now run along. (IF runs off) Ah, that girl doesn't know it yet, but she seems like a perfect candidate for Mobius Heart's sister. I just hope when the time comes, she'll accept the responsibility...
(IF accidentally wanders into Green Heart's room)
IF: I think this is the exit. Coming through.
Vert: *yawn* Hmmm...? It's so bright. Who are you? Bothering me when I was nice and cozy here.
IF: Oh, I'm sorry. I'll be out now... Whaaaat?! Lady Green Heart?!
Vert: Oh, my. A girl's voice? My, oh, my! I can't believe such a cute girl came to visit me!
IF: Huh? Me? C-Cute?!
Vert: What is your name?
IF: Y-Yes! M-My name is I-IF!
Vert: IF, is it? Such a cute name. It matches you very well.
IF: L-Lady Green Heart called my name "cute"...
Vert: My, and your blushed face is just as cute, too. Well, since you came, why don't we talk for a bit, shall we?
IF: W-With m-me?!
Vert: Yes. I only have the elder men here to speak with, so I am a bit bored.
IF: That's true. I hardly see females working at the Basilicom.
Vert: *Yawn*
IF: My Lady, you look sleepy. I really shouldn't intrude in your resting...
Vert: Oh, not to worry. I just woke up after a night of playing games. I was sleeping to get some time in before the next online mission.
IF: ...Games? Does my Lady play video games?
Vert: Why, yes. I enjoy games, anime, manga, and any sub-cultural pastimes.
IF: Th-Then that webpage that was hidden in Lady Green Heart's blog...?
Vert: My! Did you find my hidden page?
IF: Y-Yes...
Vert: I'm so happy! Oh, now we MUST become friends. Yes, let's be friends!
IF: F-F-F-Friends?! M-M-Me, friends with my Lady?!
Vert: ...I suppose such a close relationship with a goddess is intimidating.
IF: NO! (repeats no several times in close succession) On the contrary, I am truly honored!
Vert: Very well. Then we are now friends, Iffy.
IF: I-I-I-Iffy...?!
Vert: Well, as friends, nicknames are needed. You can call me "Vert."
IF: I-Is that your true name, Lady Green Heart?
Vert: Yes. Oh, but feel free to call me anything, like Verty or Ver-Ver.
IF: Iffy... Ver-Ver... *swooning faint*
Vert: I-Iffy?!
Later that night...
IF: I'm sorry. I swooned, and lost myself there...
Vert: My, don't let me strain you like that. I personally am very happy I got to speak so much with you, Iffy.
IF: I'm happy as well, Lady Green Heart.
Vert: My, you were quite nervous a while ago, but it looks like you got used to me.
IF: I'm surprised, myself, too. Still, I am a bit nervous yet.
Vert: Oh now, we're friends, so no need to be nervous anymore.
IF: I-I will try my best.
Vert: Oh, that's right! I forgot to exchange emails with you.
IF: Really?! With me? Is that okay?
Vert: Of course, we're friends. Exchanging email between friends is quite normal. Well, now we're email friends, too.
IF: This is Lady Green Heart's email...yes! *fist pump*
Vert: Feel free to email me at any time.
IF: Y-Yes! Oh, that's right. I have to leave.
Vert: My, how unfortunate. But I suppose you have your needs to attend to.
IF: I'll come back again, for sure.
Vert: Yes. Please do come back. You're welcome here any time, Iffy. The next time you come, I will have better tea prepared. (IF leaves) Iffy... Maybe she can help me...
Location: Leanbox Hotel
Neptune: Iffy's late, isn't she? I wonder what's holding her up.
Compa: Maybe Iffy went someplace before coming here?
Xoruxshy: Maybe she accidentally wandered into Lady Green Heart's room by accident and ended up spending a lot of time there.
Compa: Iffy's a fan of Lady Green Heart, but I don't think she would do that...
IF: I'm baaaack!
Compa: Welcome back, Iffy!
Neptune: You kept us waiting!
IF: I'm sorry. That Evil-whatishisname talked my ears off.
Compa: What was the talk about?
IF: Um... Something that only Xoruxshy, I and the Freedom Fighters should know about for the time being. For Xoruxshy's own safety, of course. And then I wandered into Lady Green Heart's room by accident.
Xoruxshy: Excuse me for a second. *drinks some water and then performs a spit-take in Neptune's face* I was right?!
Location: Leanbox Basilicom (Night)
Neptune: ...And so our heroes have arrived to the party...
Compa: What was that narration for? ...Mmm, the food looks soooo good.
Yvoire: Well, hello there. Are you enjoying the meal?
Neptune: We were just about to dig in. I know! Can you recommend us something? There's just so much to choose. Asking someone who knows is the key to eating the right food.
Yvoire: I'm glad you asked! Let me recommend the food coming out right now.
(Neptune and Xoruxshy dig in, unknowingly ingesting the Sleeping Draught and falling unconscious although Xoruxshy actually coughs up blood)
IF: Xoruxshy?! Yvoire, what's going on?
Yvoire: I don't know, this wasn't supposed to happen!
?: I'll tell you what's going on. (The trio of IF, Compa, and Xoruxshy turn to see another Yvoire, only this one has glowing green eyes, reminiscent of a Changeling from My Little Pony) I poisoned the girls. Now we know that they were truly evil.
Yvoire: Poison doesn't tell whether someone is good or evil.
False Yvoire: Spoken like a follower of Momus. Men, arrest them.
Leanbox Basilicom Soldiers: Yes, sir!
Location: Leanbox Prison
Compa: ...Iffy? I wonder how long it's been.
IF: About 3 hours? My cell can't call from here, so that's no help. How's Nep and Xoruxshy?
Compa: I can't see well here, but Xoruxshy's getting colder... wait, what's that glow? (The blue cube that the Zoni gave Xoruxshy starts to pulsate faster and faster with a certain wheezing and groaning noise of a certain blue time-and-space-travelling police box along with the Doctor Who theme playing as the cube grows into a blue capsule which opens up, ejecting golden Time Lord energy into Xoruxshy's body, which undergoes a massive regeneration sequence, where we can see her one heart become two and a golden roman numeral XIV floats above her head before settling down over her body, as her hair turns black and a black Organization XIII cloak covers her bodysuit as she wakes up)
Xoruxshy: H-H-Holy crap! Did I just die and then see into the Time Vortex?
(The Gamer System then reboots and welcomes her to the 2.0 Update. She keeps all her stats and abilites but now, there's a new ability roster called Organization Armor. Right now she's in Mode XIV: Xion Lv. 1)
Yvoire (in the next cell over): What's going on over there? I heard young Xoruxshy's voice?
Xoruxshy: I'm fine Mr. Yvoire. Thank you for your concern.
Yvoire: How did you survive? I examined that poison before I gave it to IF and it should have killed you.
Xoruxshy: It did, but I regenerated. I guess time and space have more for me to do. Although now, I have a new form.
IF: (starts to crack under the pressure) Still it doesn't help that we're trapped here. *sob* ...Please... someone... help... Help, Lady Vert...
Vert: Did you call, Iffy?
IF: ...Lady...Vert...?
Location: Leanbox Basilicom - Vert's Room
Somehow they avoided the False Yvoire's notice and got Xoruxshy to bed after witnessing her releasing Artron Energy and stumbling slightly. When asked what was wrong, Xoruxshy replied that her regeneration was forced and that she needed to rest in order for it to finish fully. Vert then tucked her in and silently squeed at how she tucked herself into a ball with her twin tails covering her like an extra blanket.
Vert: She's sound asleep, and Neptune's sleeping draught will wear off any second now. I didn't expect this to be happening under me...
Compa: Is she, by any chance, the goddess of Leanbox?
IF: Yes.
Compa: Wow, Iffy!
IF: Lady Vert, how did you know we were caught?
Vert: I am a goddess, so it is easy to find out who was in attendance today. And when I saw that there were two Yvoire's, one an obvious Changeling fake, I knew something was off. I was going to skip the part so I could finish my backlog of games, but... I saw your name, Iffy, so I went in, only to see the commotion. I then smited the Changeling into a green stain on the floor, and called for a clean-up crew to get the stain out of the carpet.
IF: Um, I've heard you were very busy, but was that because...?
Vert: Why, yes. I wanted to play my backlogs and I had missions to play online. Playing games and chatting online is way more fun than some boring party.
Compa: Iffy... Is the goddess of Leanbox...dare I say...?
IF: ...Yes. A hardcore gamer. I guess I lost the bet with Millie.
Vert: Millie...? Is that her name?
Neptune: ...
IF: Yes. Well, actually. Millie is how I call her, but her real name is Xoruxshy, the CPU of the planet Mobius.
Vert: An entire planet? And I suppose that big mechanical thing floating above Gamindustri is her Basilicom? Anyway, I must ask what happened but first, are you hungry? May I serve you some pastries and tea?
Xoruxshy: (shooting up with a gasp) Yes, food. I need...food. I doubt chicken nuggets will cut it now that I've regenerated. New taste buds.
After a hilarious scene reminiscent of the Eleventh Doctor, a.k.a. The Raggedy Man, trying and spitting out various pastries to the disgust and horror of Vert, Compa, and IF, with Compa scolding Xoruxshy for bad table manners, Xoruxshy finally finds something she can ingest without getting sick. Sea Salt Ice Cream. (Author's Note: Ironic, huh?) Meanwhile IF explains how she and Yvoire had come up with a plan to spare Neptune and Xoruxshy from the poison given to Yvoire by Conversation, and how his caring, compassionate side won out, due to Xoruxshy being only 8 years old, to which Vert replied, "8 years old, and a CPU with PTSD? The poor dear."
Vert: Momus' messenger must be stopped. Iffy, you mentioned the Freedom Fighters? Who are the ones currently in Leanbox?
Xoruxshy: There's my Uncle Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, E-123 Omega, an ex-Eggman Robot with a soul, one of Eggman's admittedly greatest creations, and Gadget the Wolf. They are currently in a warehouse on the outskirts of Leanbox. But priority should be to rid me of the poison. Apparently I can't deactivate this form until we rid myself of the poison circulating through my body.
Vert: This poison seems to be from the ancients. I searched it online while everyone was talking. Just in case, I also posted it to 765-chan and a pro answered in seconds, followed by one GemThief7, I am guessing that is one of your Freedom Fighters.
Xoruxshy: Yep, that's Rouge all right.
Compa: ...The Lady is much more... Accomplished than I thought.
Xoruxshy: Responsible is more like it. She makes time for research, her people, and gaming.
IF: Was there any other detox methods there?
Vert: Yes, but to make the antidote, it requires an ingredient from a monster.
IF: That's right up our alley! Let's go, Compa.
Xoruxshy: Hold up, I'm coming too.
IF: No. What if Shadow comes by and he sees that you're gone. I do not want to see him Chaos Blast the Basilicom.
Xoruxshy: I already texted him and he agreed. He says that I should test out this new form's abilities. Better to have them and use them, than to have them and be inexperienced.
IF: Fine.
(Neptune has left the party, due to her still sleeping)
IF: Um, I hate to ask, but... Why is Lady Vert with us?
Vert: Wha-?! Isn't it obvious?! Little Millie needs to be watched in case she overdoes it. And to watch Neptune... (she claps her hands twice and a girl wearing a pig mask comes in)
Ran Ran: (pig face emoji) Ran-Ran!
Compa: Wha-?! What is that?!
Ran Ran: (pig face emoji) Ran-Ran is Ran-Ran!
IF: Lady Vert... This is...?
Vert: My, do none of you know Ran-Ran?
Xoruxshy: (in the background) Hey, stop messing with my tails, I don't want a bow back there, it'll mess with my flying!
Compa: No, we don't...
Vert: Ran-Ran is the Stand Alone Complex of Gamindustri.
Compa: Stand...what...?
Vert: Ran-Ran roams Gamindustri, seeking to right the wrong of questionable games. This one came to Leanbox a while back, so I've kept it as a pet.
IF: That... A pet...?
Vert: Oh, don't underestimate Ran-Ran. Ran-Ran is much better than any guard dog.
Ran Ran: (pig face emoji) Ran-Ran says, woof-woof!
Vert: It is very neutral to matters, so you can trust Ran-Ran.
Ran Ran: (pig face emoji) Ran-Ran asks Lady Vert. What do you want with Ran-Ran?
Vert: (explains)...and so I need you to keep Neptune safe while we are gone.
Ran Ran: (pig face emoji) Roger!
Vert: Now that's done, let's get going, shall we?
Vert joined the party
EXE Drive is now Level 3
Location: Marubaco Forest
Compa: We came quite far, but I don't see Mr. Monster here.
Vert: We should be on the right path, so I would assume we're close.
IF: With all these monsters, I think it's best to get what we need and zip out.
Compa: Lady Vert? You won't change forms like the other goddesses?
Vert: Change forms...? My, you mean Hard Drive Divinity?
IF: I would LOVE to see Lady Vert in HDD form!
Vert: Now this poses a problem. HDD does use quite some power... But, if Iffy can call me either Vert-Vert or Verty, something may happen...
IF: Give my Lady a nickname?! But, that would be disrespectful!
Vert: Iffy, you DO want to see my special form, right? Just say the magic word...
IF: ...V...
Vert: Yes...
IF: V-V-Ver...
Vert: Just a little more...
Compa: Um...
Vert: Hm? Is anything of matter, Compa? My! You want to call me by nickname too, don't you?
Compa: Oh, no, that's not it... There's...a monster right behind you...
Vert: ...Be...hind me? (Monster cries) My, how luck comes by. This monster here is what we have been looking for.
IF: Wha-?! When?!
Compa: Mr. Monster came by just when you both were flirting with each other.
IF: Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you saying, Compa?! I-I wasn't flirting at all...!
Vert: Oh, Iffy is so cute in denial too. The gap in her persona is so...tasty. Well, but I suppose now is not the time to enjoy the moment. Now, you three. Let's get what we need and head back.
Team "Vert"unia vs Land Whale
The monster's body, the color of damp earth, is vaguely whale-like, but with thick, mossy fur clinging to its mottled skin. A single, spiraling horn juts from its forehead, crackling with an unsettling electric energy. Two writhing antennae twitch atop its head, seemingly attuned to your every move. This bizarre amalgamation of land and sea prepares to unleash its fury, its cavernous maw opening wide in a silent roar.
"Looks like playtime's over," Vert remarks with a smirk, already summoning her spear.
The battle commences with a flurry of activity. Vert charges forward, her spear a blur of light as she clashes with the Forest Whale's thick hide. IF hangs back, unleashing a volley of claw strikes that catch on the creature's tough exterior.
Xoruxshy, her brow furrowed in concentration, takes a different approach. Focusing her will, she raises a hand, a ball of pure light forming in her palm. With a flick of her wrist, she sends the projectile hurtling towards the Forest Whale. The light strikes the beast's chest, leaving a smoldering scorch mark but causing no real damage.
Undeterred, Xoruxshy grits her teeth and repeats the process. Each blast of light leaves another mark, and with every cast, a faint white glow emanates from her Mode XIV armor. The Forest Whale bellows in frustration, its horn crackling with renewed intensity. Suddenly, with a deafening crackle, a bolt of electric energy erupts from the horn, arcing towards Xoruxshy.
Reacting on instinct, Xoruxshy dives to the side, the electric bolt searing a furrow in the ground where she once stood. Her heart pounding, she glances at her companions. Vert is locked in a fierce exchange with the Forest Whale, her spear's blade sparking against the beast's hide. IF is desperately dodging the creature's lumbering swipes, her claws finding no more purchase.
Knowing she needs to act fast, Xoruxshy throws caution to the wind. She unleashes another blast of light, then another, and another. With the fifth successful cast, the light around her explodes outwards, engulfing her in a blinding white radiance. The glow intensifies, revealing a dramatic transformation. Her white fur fades to an inky black, only the tips of her tails remaining white. The dark cloak billows around her, the fabric emblazoned with a pattern of white stylized flames, mirroring Xemnas' Final Form.
"Time to show you the true power of Mode XIV," Xoruxshy declares, her voice tinged with a newfound power.
The Forest Whale, momentarily stunned by the transformation, lets out a surprised snort. Xoruxshy seizes the opportunity, launching herself towards the beast with inhuman speed. Her Keyblade, still sealed in its basic form, becomes a blur in her hands as she unleashes a relentless assault. The Forest Whale roars in pain, its bulky form struggling to keep up with Xoruxshy's newfound agility.
Spotting an opening, Xoruxshy leaps onto the creature's back, her claws digging into its thick hide. With a surge of power, she channels her light magic, and a blinding blade of pure energy erupts from her hand – the Limit Break Faithblade. With a cry of defiance, she plunges the blade deep into the Forest Whale's pulsating horn.
A deafening screech fills the air as the Forest Whale convulses in agony. The horn explodes in a shower of sparks, and the creature crashes to the ground with a bone-jarring thud. Silence descends upon the battlefield, broken only by the labored breaths of the weary party.
As the dust settles, they cautiously approach the fallen behemoth and obtain the Forest Extract and a strange Large Medal C.
Vert: We have the ingredient for the antidote. Shall we depart?
IF: Auu... Lady Vert didn't even need to use her special form...
Compa: I'm sure you'll see the Lady in it one day. Don't take it too hard.
Vert: Yes, Iffy. One day...and soon...
Location: Leanbox Basilicom - Lady Vert's Room
Vert: Now, let's start making the antidote. Compa? Can you help?
Compa: Um, I'm not a pharmacist, so I can't make medicine thingies...
Vert: Now that poses a problem. None of us are experts in the field besides Compa...
Compa: Well, how about Ran-Ran?
Ran Ran: Ran-Ran is Ran-Ran, so I don't know.
IF: Compa, you're the only one remotely in a similar field. Please help.
Compa: But...
Vert: You want to save Xoruxshy, right?
Compa: I want to save Millie, but I'm not the right person to save Millie.
IF: I don't understand. Can you explain a bit?
Compa: ...I kept it secret, but I actually failed at nursing school... There's no way I could do something important like this...
IF: Is that it?
Vert: My, I thought of something worse, but if that is it...
Compa: Huh...?
IF: It's not like we're going to let you shoulder the burden alone.
Vert: Yes. We will assist to the greatest extent possible.
IF: Compa, tell us what to do, and we'll do it. Let's save Millie, together.
A/N: Kind of a shocker that I updated the Gamer System so soon, huh? Originally I wasn't going to, but I kind of figured, eh, why not, there's a chance for me to include some hilarity. Anyway, since I haven't said it before, please leave a review, I have gotten over a hundred views, but not one single review, and it kind of sucks not getting any feedback. Flames will not be appreciated and promptly extinguished.