"Hello everyone...it's me Terra, not Theodore, and this is my first intro...I think. Just so you know, yes the chapter did change...since the higher-ups thought its be more appropriate so sorry about that. I thought I'd introduce the story, and comment on couple things. For a start apologies to anyone who thinks the story is moving slow, we are trying to pick things now...blame the higher up for the inconvenience."
"Now onto the story...so last time you saw me and Marvelous...ahh...square off against the Flame Fenrir and fair to say...I was beaten. Agh...I can't believe how badly I was beaten...dam it. Also for anyone who calls me chicken...be on the receiving end of a giant wolf, and come back to me then!"
Terra took deep breaths "Sorry...sorry about that. It's not I don't like losing...its losing that badly that stung. Anyway moving on...last time Me with Neptune, Plutia and Marvelous were now traversing the land towards Lastation going to the top of a hill. Neptune, being perky as normal, ran to the top and urged us forward"
Neptune looked onto the horizon "Guys will you hurry up! I'm getting old up here"
"She's energetic now" said Terra "but she keeps going like this and she won't be for long"
"It's kids these days Terra" Marvelous said jokingly "They tend to burn themselves out rather quickly"
"Does that...include me too?" asked Plutia a little confused
"I guess we'll soon see" Terra said with a grin getting to the top "and here we are, and that must be Lastation"
"What makes you say that?" asked Neptune
"Neptune...there's only four major towns of Hyperdimension Neptunia, and all of them are colour coded. So a city of the colour Black, Black Heart AKA Noire" Neptune flinched
"You've been...researching haven't you?" she said before turning round "Now then...let's see how it compares"
Lastation, as Terra said, was city of predominantly black. Lastation looked to have industrialized appearance and while it didn't look as advanced as Planeptune, it did has a modern-futuristic look to it. A key landmark was the building formation in the middle of the city which looks like a glass pair of wings which could possibly be where the Basilicom is located. While buildings and factories make up the majority of the scenery, a bit of plant life is present here and there.
It appeared to be a factory or industrial heavy city, composed of smoking spewing factories and tall flats. Terra looked upon it "Now I've never been there before...but I've got the feeling the wings...are where Noire lives"
"What gives you that idea?" asked Neptune "I mean who else but Noire would live in such a glorious landmark?"
"We'd best get going, we've still got a way to go" said Marvelous
"Really?" said Plutia moaning "But its soooo far"
"Hang in there Plutia" said Terra patting her shoulder "It's not that far"
As time passed, the group of four were only had ten minutes away now, but for Neptune...it wasn't a fun trip. Neptune was in her HDD mode, with a tired looking Plutia on her back, hovering over the ground "Remind me again...how I got to this point?"
"You've should've seen this coming to be honest" said Terra "I mean...you've been with her long enough Neptune
"It's not she's heavy...but I think I've met my match in laziness"
"Your back is soooo warm Neppy" Plutia said looking to be settling off to sleep while Neptune sighed, Terra and Marvelous chuckled between them.
The group had now entered the city, Neptune shaking Plutia "Plutie...Plutie come on"
"Five more...minutes Neppy" she said moaning a little
"Plutie come on, I need to rest myself you know...besides we're here now at Noire's place"
"Finnnee" Plutia said sleepily and reluctantly getting while Neptune went back to human form
"Ahh...Ahhhh" Neptune said stretching her arms "Jeez"
"Is it really that tiring been in HDD?" asked Terra a little curious
"How to put it...it's just, I begin to feel a little...hmm achy for being all adult and grown up for too long"
"I'm...not sure how to reply to that" Marvelous said before smiling "Well it's here that we part, there's something I need to do"
All three turned to her, albeit Plutia with sleepy eyes "Time to get going" said Marvelous "I need to report to the Lastastion branch of the secret intelligence group, so I can share intel with home base here"
"The shinobi even have a base here?" asked Terra looking round "It's not been that long has it since Lastation was made?"
"You'd be surprised how fast things can get done, that...and we already made plans to build a branch in new nations once they were founded. We even have one in Lowee as well"
"So...it is a farewell then" Neptune asked "Or a temporary leave of absence as you meet your Ninjar buddies"
"More of the second one so once I'm done, and there aren't any missions to perform, I'll then come find you"
Marvelous stepped away "So...until we meet again, so long for now Terra and Lady Iris, Purple Heart"
"Okey-dokey...see you soon" Neptune said a wave as Marvelous backflipped high into the air of a nearby roof and jumped away "as expected of an elite Ninjar"
"You don't need the R on the end Neptune" said Terra before sighing "come on then...let's move on Noire's. No doubt she'll scold us for taking so long"
"Hmmm...Terra...can you carry me there?" asked Plutia
"No...and for two reasons. One...I'll have Noire scolding me for letting you off easy and second I'll have Noire scolding me worse for carrying you"
"I can...somehow imagine she's not that bad" said Neptune "but we'll soon see"
The three went to the base of the building in which had the glass like wings from above. Soldiers in black, with helmets over their eyes, greeted them "Lady Neptune, Lady Plutia...and Sir Terra, Lady Noire is expecting you. Please ride the lift to the 6th floor"
"Thankaroony" said Neptune
"Thank you" Plutia said tiredly with a yawn while Terra just waved to them. Going into a lift, and pressing the no 6 they rode up the lift, which seemed to zip up, to small open and marble like floor with only one door.
Terra went to the door, and with triple knock, the door opened "And...you've finally arrived. You took your sweet time" Noire said scowling with hands on hips "and Neptune, Plutia...this is a surprise. I was expecting you two to still be lounging back in Planeptune"
"Pfffttt...naahhhh...we're not that kind of people Noire" Neptune said
"Yeah...we only napped for a little bit until Histoire woke us up" said Plutia tiredly to which Neptune reacted, nervously laughed and Terra face-palmed himself
"I somehow...feel a little sorry for you Terra" Noire said "Well might as well come in, rather than standing out here"
Going through the door, the group came to a rather luxurious looking apartment. The entrance area was marble floor, with Noire's shoe (All the same size and colour) lined up neatly in pairs on a rack. The Apartment only had two areas, with an archway at the back left, but both very comfortable.
To where they came in, a large black duvet bed was at the back-right corner with a alarm clock on a dresser at the side. In the right wall were two wooden doors, which Terra guessed was Noire's wardrobe, and against the left wall was a rather hi-tech computer with machines and camera on a long white table with a leather black chair.
Neptune looked round quite impressed "Wooowww...this is one swanky place"
"Everything...is so clean" Plutia said in amazement
"While it's nice to comment" said Terra "that shouldn't be something to be amazed Plutia"
"Why...are you saying I'm not very clean?" asked Noire scowling "Or...is it that they're more impressed by a clean room?"
"The latter...besides I wasn't expecting it messy. I mean looking at you, and how you act, you seem like a tidy person" she flinched quite a bit in response which made Tenma bewildered "What?"
"Hmph...nothing" she said with a smile "Well then...sit down, we might as well get started"
All three sat in a line, Noire bringing her chair over and sitting down "Well then...I might as well welcome you all to Lastation. Now I invited you over, you two girls in particular, to show you some of the duties you should be performing as a CPU"
"Don't be talking down to your seniors Missy" said Neptune puffing her chest "I think me and Plutie have been doing this longer than you"
"Yeah...that's right" said Plutia
"Then...you shouldn't have any problems with what I want to show you" said Noire with a expectant expression
"What about me Noire?" asked Terra "I mean...I'm no CPU"
Noire folded her arms "Maybe not...but it'll give you a chance to see what a CPU...is meant to do. Or rather it'll give you a new perspective. Admittedly I'll say at this point, I did ask Histoire for a few pointers but otherwise I'll expecting you to listen. So you'd best take the offer...and listen good"
"Oh...okay" Terra said nodding
"As for you two!" Noire said before adding a little sharply "I'll be expecting you two to listen...or no cakes or snacks while you're here"
"That's mean Noire" Plutia said pouting
"Yeah, how can you expect our brains to function without sugary goodness" Neptune asked
"All you need do is listen...and you get fed" said Noire "so listen well"
For the next hour or so, with some waning attention, Noire began to educate Plutia and Neptune on how best to guide her nation through talking and her computer. Her topics including gaining popularity with the people, whether it'd be performing quests, organizing events or making yourself known by media. Noire also covered how to best protect a nation, influence creation of new products, organizing soldiers and information gathering with scouts and informants. For the whole time Noire explained, Plutia and Neptune's attentions would rise and fall...which Noire quickly saw too it with sharp words while Terra seemed to be listening intently, though waning a little himself.
Noire wrapped up her lecture "so by posting Soldiers at particularly spots and ensuring they come back with appropriate information and data you can best move your nation forward. So...did you get all that?"
"Hmmm...I...think so" said a tired Neptune with almost visible smoke coming from her head "Something about...scouts...and...soldiers and...and"
"My...head hurts" said Plutia moaning with eyes closed "There was...way too much information"
"You better have listened" Noire said armed and legs crossed "otherwise need I repeat myself for a little while longer"
"No...no No-no-no-no" Neptune said waving her arms "I got it, I got it...mostly"
"If you say so" not entirely believing them "how about you Terra?"
Noire had noticed Terra was scribbling into a black-book in his hand "Hmm...Terra?"
"Hmm? Oh sorry...I was just making notes" he said finishing "I'm usually not that good at remembering verbal instructions, I learn faster doing it"
"Just like I do" said Neptune piping in
"But that's because, nothing against you, I just get bored and tend to forget what I'm told. So that's why I was making basic notes to help me remember"
"At least you're honest" said Noire "Come on then...give us a look" Terra handed her the book "Let's see...Scouts, soldiers...fame? Manners to take?"
Noire looked quite a little bewildered "Is it...bad or something?" asked Plutia
"Not the best notes" said Noire "But you did write down the basics of what I said. While I would comment on your attention span...I can't really complain on your method. Though one thing" Noire took Terra's pencil and scribbled into his book "If you going to make some notes...you do need a bit of structure, you've also mis-spelled some words incorrectly"
"What are you a CPU or a English Teacher?" quipped Neptune
"Here...that should do it..." Noire said handing him back his book "and Terra in future...if something's boring you just say so"
"Including telling a girl to be quiet?" he asked with Noire humming
"Depends which one" she implied shifting her eyes "but just say so if you wish to change topics. After all it's not quite you that needs educating. Well come on...time for some food. I did promise after all"
"Hurray...sweet time" Plutia said happily
"Finally...brain fuel" Neptune said drooping forward.
Noire prepared a simple platter of triangle sandwiches with tea and biscuits. Neptune took him, eating a sandwich while humming and Plutia happily drunk her tea – after three sugars – whilst the other two just tucked in. Noire – almost in etiquette – drunk her tea from a saucer "Well then...after this it's time we got some work done"
"Whhhaat?" said Neptune reacting "but we've already learned a whole bunch"
"And? Once we're done we're going to the Local Guild and doing a particular quest that's been brought to my attention"
"What do you mean Noire?" asked Plutia "Can no-one else do it?"
"It's a quest to find a medicinal crystal, at the forest called the Katamacy Woods. It's for one of the clinics here in Lastation...the problem is though, that apparently 'awkward icky' monsters live there"
Terra tilted his head "Huh? I may get the term icky...but how do you call a monster Awkward? Is it a jelly monster...or immune to damage?"
"That's the puzzling part" said Noire unsure herself "So I've decided to take it on myself, and since I knew you'd all be coming...you're all going with me"
"Awww...do we have to?" asked Plutia moaning "I wanted to nap again"
"We won't be going right away...it's not it's particularly late - well right now - but if we do the quest today it'll be late at night by the time we finish. So we will be going out in the morning"
"Hurray...sleepy-time"
"One thing though!" Noire said sharply "You two will be coming with me...got it?" she said to Neptune and Plutia making them flinch "I won't take no for answer...or I'll be having strong words"
"Alright, alright we got it" said Neptune
"Well...admit it you haven't done much in my absence and this quest is as good for you as it is him" Noire said pointing to Terra "As from what Histoire told me...he's been fairly bored as of recent"
Neptune scoffed "Pffftt...I'll have you know I'm one of the funnest goddess' to grace the world. So can I help not to entertainment one of my citizens?"
"By sleeping and napping all day?" Noire said bluntly "So since you're not making use of his talents, I thought to use them"
"Do...I get a say in this?" asked Terra "Not that I don't mind"
"Why...would you prefer to go back and do nothing? Besides..." Noire made a wry smile "I've yet to hear your comment on my godly form"
"Awwww...jeez"
"Noire...why are you so interested in Terra's opinion?" Plutia asked curiously
"Or...is it that you're just interested in a boy's point of view?" inquired Neptune slyly "I mean he hasn't commented on Plutie's form" Terra suddenly flinched and shivered
"Oh yeah" said Plutia with a sweet smile "what did you think of my form Terra?"7
Terra felt suddenly a little anxious, shown by his expression "What's wrong? Can't you remember what I look like?" asked Plutia "If you like...I could change for you"
"No...it's alright Plutia" said Noire panicking "I'm pretty sure he remembers what you look like!" before shooting a glare at him "Don't you?"
"Come on Terra...there's no harm in just being honest" said Neptune looking nervous "besides I'm sure Plutie will like anything you tell her" Terra looked at Plutia, who had a sweet smile on her
"Jeez...give me a expression I can't deny why don't you?" Plutia laughed before Terra turned red "Alright...fine but...I'm only whispering you this as its embarrassing to say out loud. So can I borrow an ear and whisper you the comment?"
"Okay" Plutia said semi-jogging to Terra and leaning her ear "Go ahead"
While still awkward, Terra thought of Plutia in her HDD form for a minute – lightly shivering – before told Plutia his thoughts on her HDD form. Neptune did try to squirm her head about to listen, Noire looking curious herself...though more at Plutia's expression. As Terra finished, red faced, Plutia looked tickled pink "Wow...thank you sooo much"
"So come on Plutie...spill it, what did he say?" asked Neptune
"He-he-he...it's a se-cret" Plutia said playfully "I can say...he liked how I looked, and how...grown I appeared"
"Well...you do grow from a girl to a woman" Neptune said happily "He must think you're good-looking too"
"Well then Terra...I'm expecting yours now" said Noire "but...I'll await for your answer tomorrow morning"
Noire stood up stretching "Right then, I think after coming all this way you'd all like a tour of my fair nation wouldn't you?
"I'd like that" said Neptune "Its gives me a chance to point out all the things inferior to my fair nation"
"I'm not quite sure I want to hear criticisms from you" she said scowling "Besides it's not quite your nation"
"Pffft...details, details. Anyway as CPU...Ahem" Neptune said scoffing "I've been at my job for years...so I DO happen to be your senior"
"Okay...if you say so"
Terra looked out the window "Well I'm looking forward to having a tour" said Terra looking a tad excitedly "While this isn't quite the Lastation I had in mind, it's still a new city to see"
"What did you mean by that comment?" asked Noire a little irritation in her eyes
"Well...in the dimension me and Nep came from, there was also a Lastation. I was planning to go there...that's all" Noire dropped her scowl and put on a snooty front
"Oh...well it doesn't matter. I'm sure my Lastation measures up to that one, in every regard"
"Awwww...more walking today" said Plutia tiredly before perking up "butttt...then again...we do get the day with Noire. He-he"
"Ooo-kay...that got weird. Well no matter...time for the tour to begin"
Back at the enemy hide-out, Arfoire was sat on a swivel chair before a round table conversing with one other member, a rather chubby man in glasses "So...you're absolutely sure one of your...children found a CPU Core?"
"Finding it is not that accurate, but they can feel its share energy" said the man in a aged if a little grouchy voice "It's faint however...meaning it could be a dud, or something that has Share energy emitting from it"
"What's the deal with that anyway Chu?" replied Pirachu who jumped onto the table with a hot drink in his paws "Why do you need a CPU core anywhere?"
"For the plan I have in motion" said Arfoire "Or rather for the last stage, I need a suitable CPU Core. Since what we mostly find...is faulty or corrupt"
Arfoire sighed and turned back to the Old Man "So...do you have any idea when this item can be found?"
"'Fraid not till the morning" said the Old Man shaking his head "My daughters are not fans of the Dark, and are returning back as we speak. They did say they'll be back to it at first light. Anyway I'd suggest leaving this entirely to me. If it's a real Core, I hand it to you...if it's fake you needn't waste your time"
"As you wish" (RING-RING-RING)
"Hello...Hellooo everyone" a rather effeminate male voice called through "calling in for an update"
"Aghh...about time. What's your status?"
"Getting there...I do apologise for the poor stricken grief I've given in my absence. My noble quest is proving most awkward for my repertoire"
"Just get it done"
"Will do my precious Arfy"
The voice cleared his throat "Now...the other matter you told me to look into, it's done already?"
"That was fast Chu" Warechu replied "So you're saying...you've already gained control over some of Lastation?"
"Admittedly only a little. While a new nation, that's just it...it's a new nation. So they aren't that many...'toys' to appropriate but in the same token Lastation makes sure to keep itself really secure. Regardless I do have partial control and...we can go at any time"
"Excellent" Arfoire said with a smile "If we crush Lastation in its youth, then Lastation's CPU will fall...and the hold over the threshold weakens. Ready the plan for my signal, noon the next day"
"As you wish...my dear Arfy"
"And stop calling me that!"
"But it's such a cute nickname...boo"
"Remind me again" said Warechu "How did we find this guy?" Arfoire though just remained silent and rubbed her face.
The day started to draw long, Noire having now finished the grand tour of her nation "so...how do you make of it? It's an elegant city if I may say so myself"
"It certainly is lively" said Plutia "everyone...is sooo friendly"
"It is pretty neat" said Neptune "Not quite as good as my nation, but it's coming along nicely"
"Neptune..." Noire said scowling
"I'd...drop it there" said Terra "From Neptune...that'll be the closest you get to a compliment"
"Fine...I guess you're right" she said after a sigh.
Noire looked to the dark orange sky "It's gotten pretty late, we should all think about retiring to bed. Come on back to my place, I've got plenty of bedding for you all"
"Hurray...sleepover" Plutia said happily "I haven't had one in a lonnggg while"
"That does sound pretty swell" Neptune said happily "I can't remember the last time I had a sleepover"
"So...does that include me too?" asked Terra "Because...I can sleep at the inn if it's too much trouble"
"No, no you're fine" said Noire shaking her head "You can use some bedding and make a floor bed"
"Are you sure?" Noire seemed...a little amused by Terra's modesty
"It's fine...since compared to this one" Noire eyes shot to Plutia, who just tilted her head "I get the feeling you won't try anything during the night"
"Oh...then thank you"
"It's no trouble...come on let's go"
Within the hour or so, all four were settled to bed...sort of. While Terra was sleeping in a floor bed, Neptune like-wise next to him (Although a little spread out) Plutia seemed to snuggling next to Noire who even in her sleep looked not too happy about it.
For a while it was a peaceful sleep, until Terra looked to be suffering a little. He was tossing and turning, a look of pain on his face as cold words echoed in his mind "This little charade...has gone on long enough" through his eyes a ruined world laid before him, cities crumbled with smoke ebbing off of them "Look at this world...dark and gloomy, yet under our power. The people here fear us, bow to us...you can't ask for a better scenario"
"I...I don't want this"
"Maybe you don't want it...but it'll be yours regardless"
Terra felt a presence behind him, and turned round...only for a vice-grip around his neck to lift him into the air. All he could see was a dark flame like face, purple eyes, and a distorted female voice "How could you have forgotten your grand purpose? Look like at you...all weak and gutless. You were meant to be powerful and dark...and not look at you"
"Who...Who are you?"
"You'll learn...in due time...my little Nephew"
"What?"
"All you need to do...is keep winning, and winning...throw away everything that holds you back, friends and loyalty...and real power will be yours!"
"No...No...noooooo" his real eyes flashed open, and the world came into view.
Terra panted as he sat up, sweat upon his face, before he looked round to see Noire's room around him "I'm...I'm here, right...here in...Noire's room" Terra rubbed his face "It's...been a while since that nightmare, but it's worse than before. I need some air..." quietly he got up, and exited the apartment room...and although the door closed quietly...Noire sat up and looked on.
Terra went outside the main entrance of the Basilicom, into the rather dim city of Lastation dressed in only a vest and grey shorts "What is it...with that dream? I can't...get it out of my head"
"You were meant to be all powerful...now look at you"
"And that Nephew part...what the heck?"
"Terra"
"AH!" Terra sharply jumped and spun round in a fighting pose "Who's there!?"
"Whoa, Whoa easy" it was just Noire, in a black button night dress and pants, hands out in surprise "It's just me"
Terra saw Noire, a little on edge before he relaxed "Oh...it's just you. Sorry...you scared me there"
"What's it with you?" asked Noire still a little startled "It's not like you to be on edge...and what are you doing out here?"
"Sorry...I just...needed some air. I had particularly bad dream...one I hoped was gone for good"
"What happened?"
"I wish I could tell you. On random nights...I'm in this cold and fiery place, a cold voice beckoning me from the dark"
Terra put his hand to his face "Someone speaks to me, as if they know me, calling my existence a waste compared what I could be"
"That sounds...a little foreboding" said Noire listening
"And I'm always told the same thing...to abandon everything to become strong, regardless of what's in your way"
"That's...more foreboding if a little creepy...but is that what's bothering you?"
"It's not quite the words...but more how they said. They feel more like instructions, than suggestions. Each time...the Nightmare grows worse, or stronger, and I can't help worry...if I'll give into them"
Terra looked to the night "I sometimes find myself wondering, what I was like before I grew up in the Orphanage or who I was" Noire stepped to him "...and when I listen to the dream (Bonk!) Ow!" Noire hit his head
"I...willlll stop you there" she said firmly "If you start fretting over what ifs and has-beens...then you're only going to make yourself worse. I can appreciate it may been a bad dream...but don't let it start messing with your rational thinking. Then again with Neptune for company...that might be in short supply"
"Noire..."
"Just take a deep breath...compose yourself and ignore it. Ignore all you were told. I know it might easier said than done...but think of it this way, I don't think you're that cold enough to abandon everyone"
Noire folded her arms "I might not have known you for too long, but you seem a bit too goody-goody to really do anything wrong"
"Really?"
"Do you doubt the wisdom of a CPU?" Noire said if a little arrogant "Besides...I really doubt Plutia would like you if you weren't somewhat good. Or...you might've ended up on her...bad side" Terra deeply shivered
"Yeah...let's not go there please"
"The dream might've been unpleasant...but that's just it, it was a dream. Don't let it get to you...and stop worrying things that won't even happen"
"No...No...you're...right. You're right"
Terra took a deep breath and made a small relieved smile "Thanks Noire. I needed that...some words of normality"
"More like words of reality" said Noire a little scolding in tone "Can I ask have you spoken to anyone about this?"
"Only my Carer Tara...and only the first few times. It happens so randomly, I keep thinking it goes away"
"Then there's your problem. As I told you earlier today, you need to speak up if something bothers you"
"Like who? I don't want to...inconvenience anyone" Noire sighed
"Well for a start there's Histoire, Plutia...and Neptune seems alright to talk to. And I guarantee you...they'll say the same thing. Then again...if you need some decent advice...Histoire would be happy to help...and if you ask nicely I suppose I could help you"
Terra looked a little confused as Noire folded her arms "I am the CPU of a nation, so having out people is part of my duties. And I'm pretty sure between beating monsters up, or finding someone's lost pet...beating some rational words in your head is the easy part"
"So...you don't mind then?" asked Terra before smiling "then I'll have to book an appointment with Lastation's CPU like everyone else" Noire had a little bit of a proud smile
"That won't be necessary...just come talk to me as normal"
"If you say so"
"But...come tomorrow" Noire flicking her hand through her hair "your comment on my divine body will be appreciated...annnnddd expected"
Terra chuckled "I think...I owe that much...and I said I would"
"That's fine but you'd better. Come on back to bed. I need at least one of you not lazy"
"Still...Noire...thank you"
"For what...I didn't do anything" Noire said before grabbing his wrist and pulling him back inside "Now mush, off to bed"
"Ow...Ow hey..." the door closed and the day soon ended.
END
"And with that we're back in the studio. The chapter drew a little long, sorry, but we're picking things up from here. We can't have every single chapter all fights and glory you know. Now as for the epilogue...it'll be rather short this time round, otherwise the chapter will be too long...so let's just go to the Preview...with Neptune"
Neptune perkily speaks up "Hulllooo to all Neptunia fans, how are you enjoying the tale of my life? Or my citizen's life? Awww...it makes me proud somehow. Still...let's get to it with this superdupor out-tro. Next time on Neptunia's LC Mk 2. Noire asks us to the Katamancy forest...to fight this 'awkward' monster...which I'll say bluntly...I wouldn't go near with a 3ft pole. While Terra somewhat manages, a message is sent that White Heart is on her way. And if I know White Heart, not Blanc, she usually doesn't make friendly visits. So stayed tuned for Chapter 12: Meeting of White. See you soon everyone"