"Fucking hell, what are they doing over there?" The Pilot asked himself as he saw a huge smog cloud over Lastation. He jumped as Neptune placed her hand on his shoulder. She frowned as they entered the airspace of Lastation. A holographic screen opened up as a man wore a black cap with Lastation's emblem on it. Dark skin and hazel eyes with dreadlocks going to his shoulders.
"Basilicom here, why isn't your video feed working?" The Communications officer asked. Neptune sucked in her teeth in frustration. She grabbed the earpiece from the Pilot. "It's broken," Neptune responded, as she didn't want Lastation to have the Pilot's face in a database. "Who the hell is this?" The Officer asked while narrowing his eyes. Neptune gave him an encouraging nod. "This is coou, rit, sss, pu-, -hear me, over?" Neptune said as she pretended to have technical difficulties. The Officer shook his head slightly in frustration, "try the gain." The Pilot pretended to fiddle with the settings, "There, that should do it, any better?" Neptune asked.
"Well your unit still doesn't appear to be operational, Pal. Who is this?" The Officer asked as his tone curdled with curiosity. "Well that's not unusual is it? These civilian crafts don't work right anymore," Neptune responded. The Officer sighed in agreement, "ain't it the truth. Just don't let anyone whose got the Chairman's ear hear you say that. Or you'll be doing factory runs to New Vita 'till the end of time Pal."
"The Chairman?" Neptune asked in confusion, this isn't right. "Yeah, you know how unhappy he gets when people complain. He takes it personal, like it's a loyalty thing. Maybe that just goes with being The Chairman of Avenir," The Officer said as if Neptune knows what he's talking about. Like it's average workplace gossip. "The Chairman of Avenir?" Neptune asked even more confused, as a sinking feeling began to form in her stomach. Neptune's lack of knowledge just set the Officer off, "The Chairman of fucking Avenir! Who'd you think I was talking about? Who the fu- Who is- What- I should kick your fucking ass, who is this?" He asked, utterly befuddled at the current situation. Neptune frowned and then replied, "You're not important enough for that information!"
"Oh? A wise guy, huh? Look, I'm tracing you right now, Pal. I'm tracing you right now and we'll see how smart you feel with internal security all over your fricking ass. Dickhead!" He said as Neptune chewed her lip as she quickly thought of something to say. "Hey look, sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," she said. "Ah, a few more moments and I'll have your sorry ass inside of a sling. So you're at Port Horizon," He said smugly.
"Yeah, asshole, because I am carrying civilians. Four of them, it's my damn job. You wanna risk blowing up civies just because our video feed isn't working? Is that how it's gonna be?" Neptune pressed, and the Officer scoffed. Before in a few moments, as the dashboard computer was given approval for landing. The Pilot sighed in relief as the Officer signed off. Neptune handed back the earpiece, heading over to her friends. Plopping down on the seat next to IF like nothing happened.
Soon they arrived at the port. Leaving the airship and taking in the sights of Lastation. The second Neptune's foot hit the island. Her body became weak and she stumbled for a second. Quickly righting herself as a shockwave went through her body. She saw a face of an angry white haired woman with glowing, pale teal eyes in her mind's eye flash before she was back in reality. "Nep-Nep? You're sweating," Compa pointed out. Neptune blinked and rubbed her forehead. Feeling the sweat on her brow. "Huh, weird, must be not used to the temperature," Neptune said, deciding not to speak on what she saw.
"Okay, it is pretty hot here. Must be due to all the factories and furnaces," Compa theorized. Neptune saw IF and Netherrealm talking. Clearly they're not happy about something. "You're being a fucking idiot Netty! Why the hell did you schedule the meeting for today?! You're revealing us way too early and we have no information!" IF hissed at Netherrealm who leaned in with a glare. "He's trustworthy alright? I won't lie to him, he doesn't deserve that," Netherrealm growled.
"Who is he then?!" IF asked sharply and Netherrealm refused to answer. "This is why we can't trust someone with the families. Because they're all so secretive and closed off," IF mocked as Netherrealm clenched his fists. "You don't run this operation, you're just some mercenary who is only alive thanks to us. So don't EVER act on your own AGAIN!" IF lectured and Netherrealm raised his arm to slap IF. Only for Compa to catch his arm.
"Iffy, I know you wanted to be more covert. But we need to trust others, Netty is our shot into the Basilicom so let's trust him, alright? We're a party," Compa lectured IF softly and with a kind smile. IF sighed, "fine." Neptune realized that this party doesn't have coherent leadership. Netherrealm and IF are lone lions who probably haven't worked together in teams. Neptune doubts that even she could keep this ragtag party together. If it continues like this, then they might not be able to even reach the next nation.
So Neptune said nothing and allowed Compa to sort this out. "Netty, please, we're on a team. And we don't hit each other because we're angry. Can you tell us what you're going to do before you do it?" Compa requested and Netherrealm pulled his arm out of Compa's grip. "Whatever," he grunted. "Good boy!" Compa praised him with a closed-eyed smile.
"So… how do we get to the Basilicom?" Neptune asked out loud. Netherrealm looked at the distance. "Son of a bitch, how did they find us this quickly?" IF muttered as an airship, similar to Neptune's luxury ship was flying over to their location. People were gathering, snapping pictures and recording videos. This wasn't what they expected. Already flung out into the public awareness due to their proximity to the ship. The door opened and stairs folded out.
Shiny, black, dress shoes stepped onto the stairs. As a boy was walking down them. Neptune's eyes widened as she got a good look at him. A black suit and dress shirt with red tie. His black hair was tied up in a ponytail with a red hair tie. His violet eyes looked over at Neptune, IF, and Compa, before settling on Netherrealm. He looked about seventeen with being a head shorter than Netherrealm. He looked more lithe and much less of a tank. "He looks like…" Neptune muttered as violet eyes stared into violet eyes. The boy smiled brightly, "take off that hood and mask." He said as Netherrealm obliged.
Neptune could really see the similarities now. There was no doubt in her mind now about who this boy was and why Netherrealm seemed so defensive of him. "It seems I was reminded about how ugly you are. Put your mask back on," He said and Netherrealm, instead of getting angry like everyone thought he would, softened and laughed, "shut up Seiryū, I don't wanna hear it from the puffball." Seiryū chuckled in response before the two embraced each other in a tight hug.
They separated after a quiet minute. "Well, come on, I'll take you to the Basilicom. We can talk more on the ship," Seiryū said as he signaled for everyone to follow him. Netherrealm attached the mask to his belt as he followed suit without hesitation. "I've never seen him so… happy, it's weird," IF spoke up with an uncomfortable expression. "It's adorable to see," Compa said as they began to follow Seiryū and Netherrealm. "...Netty, why can't you show that level of trust to us?" Neptune asked herself as she followed behind last.
The stairs folded behind everyone as the door closed. The interior was certainly first class. A white round table over a light gray carpet and cushy velvet seats to go along with it. A bar and speakers playing a melodic beat. Windows for viewing pleasure of the skyline. Netherrealm nodded with a smile on his face. As he and Seiryū immediately sat down next to each other. Compa and IF followed, then Neptune at last. A woman in a nun outfit. Usually nuns and the like are at the Basilicoms practicing their worship. What's one doing here? The Nun served everyone Lastation's Dr. Zed, a cherry flavored soda in wine glasses.
"What, haven't changed any drinking laws? Coward," Netherrealm said with a smirk as Seiryū slapped Netherrealm's shoulder. "Shut it, I have an image to maintain. I can't go around legislating as I please, especially for something as petty as drinking laws," Seiryū responded and Netherrealm shook his head.
"So… wanna introduce us Netty?" Neptune spoke up. Netherrealm frowned as he looked at Seiryū. "Yeah, Seiryū, those are my handlers, Neptune, IF, and Compa. You lot, this is my little brother, Seiryū," Netherrealm introduced everyone. Neptune felt, actually hurt by the way he introduced them. Handlers? Not even friends?
"As Netts has already told you, my name is Seiryū. I am the Chairman of Avenir, an engineering corporation that has kicked off Lastation's industrialization. Our work in managing resources became so important that Lady Black Heart had us move our headquarters into her Basilicom! My friend Singe almost had a heart attack when we were given the news," Seiryū explained with pride. "Sell out! Sell out!" Netherrealm jeered as Seiryū rolled his eyes before chuckling.
"Ah, we should be approaching the Basilicom. I've already arranged a meeting room. With a special guest as well.," Seiryū said as he looked out the window. As the luxury ship was heading for the private docking bay. Netherrealm and Seiryū not even finishing their drinks as they were so engrossed in whatever conversation they were having.
As they left the airship. The atmosphere changed, Seiryū and Netherrealm got strangely quiet. With how they're whispering. The Lastation Basilicom was in drab blacks and grays. Soldiers and works moving constantly. It was a place of constant work. Seiryū soon stopped in front of a metal door. Swiping a keycard, it slid open with a hiss. Inside was a armored room. With a brown wooden round table. A large terminal to the side with a large screen that's more of a projector than anything.
Sitting at one of the chairs was an all too familiar face. Netherrealm's eyes narrowed and Neptune's eyes widened. Light blue hair similarly styled to Neptune's, but spikier and two long strips of hair on either side of her hair. Red eyes with a white power symbol in them. A white top hat with a midnight blue band. White gloves and a white button-up over her leotard. A brooch with a large, circular ruby that connected to a white cape with a stand-up collar. The collar's interior being red with gold trim. The white outside of her cape fades into night sky blue at the bottom. The inside of her cape being a moving, starry night sky. A golden monocle over her right eye and a dark wooden with a large diamond.
"...Well, meet White Heart, CPU of Lowee. I have been doing business with her," Seiryū said as he held his hand out to point at White Heart. Compa and IF were speechless. Netherrealm didn't look surprised, he had this look of frustration on his face. "Well, Financier, why don't you serve us some more drinks and snacks? I reckon we have plenty to talk about," Seiryū said as everyone began to sit down. Seiryū and White Heart on one side, Neptune, IF, and Compa are on the other side, with Netherrealm at the 'head' of the table.
"So, now that we're all settled. I suppose we can begin with why you wanted to meet us," Seiryū began as he looked at Neptune, Compa, and IF. Netherrealm looked bored as he was served a cupcake. Netherrealm stared at the cupcake, internally he was seething with rage. While Seiryū had spoiled who the guest was. Netherrealm still wasn't prepared to see her face again.
"We wanted to meet with Black Heart," IF said almost immediately. As Seiryū bit into his cupcake. "I see, at the moment she is leading an expedition into the canyons," Seiryū explained as IF frowned at the answer. "Sounds like that bitch alright. Never once taking a break," White Heart commented as she sipped her tea.
"Seiryū, do you know of a person named Arfoire? She is a traitor to Planeptune and has been travelling around Gamindustri through unknown means," Neptune spoke up. White Heart raised an eyebrow as Seiryū folded his hands together. "Arfoire… that will be a difficult thing to authorize. As often times CPUs will deny investigation from other nations due to paranoia and spite for their rivals. You will have to convince Lady Black Heart," Seiryū explained.
"Jeez, things are that bad?" Neptune muttered. Seiryū nodded solemnly as White Heart agreed with him, "yeah, had to close my borders due to shitheads getting smart. So it's a huge fuckin' issue that I gotta resolve. So I can barely come out here to do business," White Heart groaned and Neptune nodded along with her explanation.
"Still, it seems that until Lady Black Heart returns. Things will not go anywhere. I will contact her and try to get her to hurry the expedition along. You are welcome to stay inside of the Basilicom," Seiryū said as he offered them to stay with a warm smile on his face. "Nah, we'll find a place on our own…" Neptune immediately said, but no one opposed her despite her sudden interjection.
She didn't want to admit it, but Neptune didn't feel welcome or safe in Lastation. Sleeping in Black Heart's home just puts her off. "We got money, we can find a hotel," IF politely said right after Neptune's rude refusal. Seiryū nodded as he looked at Netherrealm. "Hey, bro? Can you stay here for a second? And Lady White Heart, can you also leave us?" Seiryū requested.
The blonde maid with White Heart, named Financier helped White Heart up. As the two began to leave. A silver haired girl, wearing a tailed coat, shorts and formal shoes entered the room. Blue eyes coldly scanning the room. "That is my secretary, Kei Jinguji, she will show you all out," he said as Kei bowed. Before Neptune, IF, and Compa began to follow her out.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Netherrealm asked. As Seiryū chuckled, "can't I just want to talk with you in private? I mean come on, you saw how everyone was looking?" Netherrealm nodded. Seiryū tapped a button on his watch. As it projected a holographic image of a black haired twin tailed woman. "That is Black Heart's human form, she goes by Noire. Look, I need your help. You're my brother, the only one who I can trust with this. While working under her, I discovered plans to bring down the other three nations from the inside," Seiryū whispered as he then used his watch to turn off the security cameras and audio recorders in the room. Before reaching into his suit jacket.
He brought out a yellowish brown folder. He placed it in front of Netherrealm. "I made copies of the originals so she didn't know I found them," Seiryū explained as he looked down at the documents. His face one of controlled fear. His hands were shaking and Netherrealm gave his brother a pat on the hand. Netherrealm looked over the documents. They were drafted business contracts to sell these robots called Killachines to each nation. "Then once each nation has a large amount of Killachines, the Y Network as she calls it will control them from Lastation. Destroying the seats of power within each nation. Causing worldwide panic. Then she'll swoop in and kill each CPU while they're exhausted. Black Heart is planning a world wide coup!" Seiryū explained.
"As nice as your friends seem. They're on the side of a goddess. We can't trust them, not after how they abandoned us. Killed our fathers, and left you for dead. I can't forget that, I don't want anyone to suffer under them anymore…" Seiryū sniffled as he wiped his eyes. "So what's your plan?" Netherrealm asked.
"...I know this is a heavy task, a huge favor to ask of you. But you have always been the better fighter out of the two of us.." he began as he almost couldn't bring himself to ask this of Netherrealm. "…Neutralize Black Heart and save Gamindustri..." Seiryū requested.
Netherealm did a double take at the request. "Me? Kill a CPU? Seiryū, are you fucking insane?!" Netherrealm hissed. "Netherrealm, calm down, breathe in, I know it's a large task. But I think you can do it without any consequences logistically speaking. Number one, we have these documents. Number two, public opinion on CPUs are mixed right now based on the Share Market. It seems Planeptune had a recent boost. But here in Lastation, they're at an all time low. We have the people on our side! Number three, you have back up, take the kill after your group pacifies Black Heart," Seiryū laid out the plan conciscely and logically.
"Pacify?" Netherrealm asked. "Yes, with Shares at an all time record low for Lastation and Leanbox. Their CPUs are at their weakest. This is the perfect time to strike. I attempted to have her arrested but she killed all of the men I sent before running to the canyons. I have everyone believing she is leading an expedition against monsters, this keeps any prying eyes off our backs. Everything is all laid out, we just need someone to do the deed. After the injustice we faced, I see no one more deserving of revenge against the system than us," Seiryū finished explaining.
Netherrealm was thinking, "I have never killed a person before, and a goddess being my first kill? I… I don't know if I can do it," Netherrealm admitted. Shaking at the prospect of fighting and killing a CPU. "You can do it, this will be our moment, humanity's moment to shake off our masters. I will kill White Heart, and you will kill Black Heart. So don't worry, you are not alone in this. I will be right by your side, every step of the way," Seiryū assured Netherrealm. Who looked into his brother's eyes. He then hugged Seiryū tightly. He hugged back, patting Netherrealm on the back.
As Netherrealm agreed to the mission.
…But what about Neptune? Is she next?