"Hi ho everyone Theodore here, welcoming you to the next chapter of the story. Last time Terra was freed from...whatever was corrupting him and had secured the second Mascot for the young Histoire. Since then he's returned to Planeptune, where three little occupants now stay with them...two of which he and Neptune know. A Young Compa, a Young IF with they only familiar girl being Peashy"
"It's been a week now since Terra and Neptune had arrived in this new dimension and for now are no closer to going home. While Neptune is not too worried right now, Terra for some reason being hesitant – probably due to his little episode – Nepgear back home struggles with keeping Planeptune in check. And it's Nepgear we go to as the story starts"
Back at Neptune's Planeptune, Nepgear was busy sorting through paperwork which she finished with a sigh "there we go...all finished for the day. Histoire I'm all done"
"I am on my end too" the Older Histoire flew in on her tome, to Nepgear on the table before a stack of papers "Oh my...that's a bit smaller than normal"
"Yeah...I've had less work to do lately and I'm getting worried about it. Less people...seem to be believing in us"
"That...can't be helped. It's been a month since Neptune, this nation's goddess, has disappeared and you can't have faith in someone who doesn't show"
"On the plus side...there hasn't been many monster attacks, at least for now. I hope they're not too much longer...Neptune and Terra. I hope they're alright"
"Fear not on that front" Histoire said with a smile "While still unable to fully connect, I can send and receive messages to my younger counter-part. She recently told me she has acquired the second Mascot"
Nepgear brightened up a little "For now...the younger me is still sorting out the data and power she's been given" said Histoire "but she told me...she might have enough strength to send Neptune and Terra home"
"Really? Thank goodness" said Neptune with a hand to her chest "still...I wonder how well they're doing?"
"I've been told...Neptune is the same aswells...being a bit lazy and irresponsible"
"Not sure whether I should laugh to that...and Terra?"
"He's..." Histoire paused "doing alright"
"Huh? Is something wrong?"
"No nothing at all Nepgear" a knock came to the door
"Oh I'm coming" as Nepgear went out of earshot, Histoire wore a troubled expression
"It seems...I may not have done enough"
In the other dimension, it had been three days since the arrival of the three kids Peashy, IF and Compa at the Planeptune Basilicom. They were staying there to be better protected from the unknown kidnappers. As they frolicked and played, Plutia babysitting them, Neptune and Terra were out on a hunting quest.
They were hunting a swarm of Dogoos...led by a giant red one, slicing them through. Neptune was in her HDD form for now slicing through the small red slimes like butter "I'm up to twenty-two...how about you?" Terra cut through 1 and shot a beam at a blue
"Twenty three now" said Terra "but who's counting?"
"We are obviously...though why haven't you awakened yet? You're still in your base form" Terra hadn't tapped into any power
"No need against these guys...so I don't need it"
As Terra went through two more, Neptune's expression was a little concerned before she reacted and cleaved through an attacking one "That one was close" she turned back to Terra "Hmm...I guess he doesn't need his power for the little ones, but still"
"Right...that's the last small one" said Terra turning to the giant one, over 10ft tall "Now for the big guy"
"This one is the tie-breaker" called Neptune with energy
"If you say so" immediately the Giant Dogoo jumped into the air, both Neptune and Terra evaded as it slammed into the floor.
The giant slime then fired multiple blasts from its both which both avoided "I'm heading in" said Neptune who whacked the Giant Dogoo into the air with her sword "Critical edge!" then jumping past she dealt a swift-blow
"Alright now my turn" said Terra who came in "Cross Combination!" with wind-mill slashes, he dealt a series of blows before striking it up, jumping to meet it and slammed it back down.
Terra landed to see the Dogoo, though fatigued still fighting "A stubborn aren't you? Fine...here comes the big gun!" Terra put both hands over his forehead, yellow energy focusing as the Dogoo charged right at him "Hadou-dan!" the beam looked at first to stop it...but the Dogoo just bulldozed
"Terra...get out of there!" called Neptune but Terra was smashed hard by the Dogoo, tumbling along the ground before stopping in a crouching position.
Terra saw the slime preparing its attack "Terra!" called Neptune "Now would be a time to awaken!" it was charging right at him
"Fine...I guess I have to do" Terra was going to focus, and channelled his power
"That's it...use your power" but a chilling voice beckoned to him "Just like before...and turn your enemies to dust" doubt and strong uncertainly filled his mind...and with it his power left him and he looked to the floor
"Terra snap out of it!" called Neptune to which Terra saw the looming giant before him...and only had enough time to block the monster with his sword, the force of which knocked him off his feet and onto the ground "This has gone on long enough I think" Neptune flew in "Hey Ugly!" the Dogoo turned to Neptune, only for her to deal an X slice to it's front...turning it to Data dust.
Neptune sighed, put away her weapon, turning to Terra who picked himself up off the floor "He...really isn't having a good time. It's as Noire said...he's not able to focus anymore. Terra seemed ready...but he sort of froze and just backed down. I may need to have a word with them about this" Neptune walked to Terra, as he sat up
"Do you need a hand?" she asked putting on a smile "Here...come on" Terra though ignored her gesture
"I'm...alright really" he said getting up on his own "I'm just...having a bad day today" he seemed rather ashamed "sorry...I was more of a hindrance than a help today" Neptune rubbed his head
"Hey...if there's something you want to tell me, I'm open to listen you know" she tried to give him some confidence...but though he looked up, his eyes wondered
"I know...and I will"
"Anyway...come on let's get back. Get on my back" Terra nodded and piggybacked on Neptune before she flew off.
Neptune glanced back to Terra, whose eyes were downcast, responsibility at the forefront of her mind "That event with that corrupted power...must be what's up with him? I'll have to take to Blanc and Noire and see what they think...either way, it hurts a bit to see him so down"
Neptune and Terra arrived back to see Plutia playing with young Compa, IF and Peashy while at the table was Blanc speaking with Peashy "Howdy doody" Neptune said happily in human form "How's the show and life and junk?"
"Neptune, Terra welcome back J" Histoire said happily "Did you're trip go as well?"
"As...good as it could" Terra said holding his arm, his voice lacking in energy which was picked up on
"Terra here...isn't feeling too well" Neptune said covering for him "so that's why I brought him back"
"Hey look...Nep-Nep is back" Compa came running up "Welcome back, and to you Mister Terra"
"Hey, hey" Peashy now came running up "Can you play with us?"
"Terra here can" said Neptune patting him hard "I've got to talk about big girl stuff. Go on you...smile, be funny, silly or whatever you do"
"Alright" said Terra with a small smile "I'll join in with you"
"Thank you" Compa said happily
"Yeahhhh" Peashy excited grabbed his arm and pulled him "Come on, come on let's go"
As Terra went to join in, Plutia coming away, he settled to play a board game with them while Plutia sighed "Huh...thank goodness. I was getting tired" she made a long yawn "So Neppy...how did the trip go together?"
"It was easy enough...just beating up Dogoo's" she said confidently "Which is as easy as me devouring pudding"
"Yet...Terra didn't seem so happy" said Blanc
"Let's just say...it wasn't his most graceful win. To not sugarcoat it...he was failing harder than a statue learning the trampoline"
"Why what happened?"
"The big Boss Doggo went all revengenace on him. Though he looked ready to awaken, he got the jelly jitters at the last moment...and was fair to say sent into a dirt bath"
Plutia sighed "Terra...just hasn't been himself lately" said Plutia a bit concerned "He's not been as...bold the last few days. Even Noire scolded him...but it didn't work"
"It's got to do with what happened to him at Lowee" said Blanc "He hasn't been the same since then. I've tried to asking but he won't say anything"
"Why won't he tell us? We could help him"
"He is...the lone male of the group Plutie" said Neptune "I don't even think trust is an issue...he just wants to appear Macho. At least to himself anyway"
"That...might very well be the case" said Histoire sighing too
"Right, listen Ladies...this has gone on long enough. Either we need to kick Terra up the rear or use a cheat code to get him back up to scratch"
"Does a cheat code even exist for confidence?" asked Plutia
"That aside...Neptune is right here" said Blanc "We do need a way to break him out of his funk...but how is the question?
Histoire looked to Terra, as he played with the girls...Peashy being a bit mischievous in her acting with Terra scolding her down before laughing "At least he seems fine in-front of the kids" said Histoire smiling "He's gotten along quite well and seems to keep Peashy in line with some stern words"
"Wait...Ding-de-ding-ding" Neptune said loudly "I have an idea" even attracting the kids attentions
"Is someone at the door?" asked IF "And what's the big idea?" Blanc though bonked Neptune on the head
"It's just Neptune having a moment" said Blanc "That's all"
"Well if her head needs fixing...I can give her a shot" said Compa who brought out a large needle, filled with pink liquid. Though it was a harmless plastic toy, the end blunt plastic, the sight still made Neptune nervous
"A...Shot? Just where...is that getting stuck in?"
"No, no she's fine Compa" said Histoire easing her worry "Go on...back you go and play"
As the group went back, Neptune rubbed her head "Oowww...Blanc" said Neptune "Don't hit my precious cranium"
"Why...nothing in there to damage" said Blanc
"Now, now Blanc be nice" said Plutia scowling a little "Neptune needs the brain she has left"
"Not sure...to take that as an insult or compliment" said Neptune
"Now without declaring it to the world" said Blanc a bit sharply and eyes glancing to the group "what's your idea?"
"The idea my ladies and gals...is a simple one, he-he" Neptune winked and wagged a finger "We sent Terra on a quest, a hunting quest"
"What kind of hunting quest Neppy?" asked Plutia "I mean...he went on a hunting quest with you...and that didn't help"
"But...we send the kiddies with him"
Everyone was little puzzled "You...wish to send Terra on a hunting quest" said Histoire "along with the children (+0+)?"
"What did you have in mind?" asked Blanc
"Don't worry...it won't be anything dangerous" said Neptune rather quickly "but I guarantee it'll work. The reason I suggest my fantastic plan...is there's no bigger judge than the kiddies. They can pick up on a sour face a bit more than grown-ups can. Also being small they naturally, or mostly naturally, look up to their older peers"
"Like a guardian or a sibling kinda of thing, I get it" said Plutia happily and proud of herself for understanding
"So if Terra goes with the kids, he'll feel motivated to not upset them and keep them safe from the baddies"
"Also...he might be more willing to talk to them" said Histoire "Children can be more honest...and you do feel more at ease talking to them"
Blanc seemed to like the idea "I understand now. You're thinking the children will inspire Terra a little, at least out of his slump"
"Correctamundo" said Neptune "To make sure it goes smoothly, we can watch over him to make sure he and the kids are alright. IF it all goes smoothly...Terra will be back to his chipper self"
"Dare I jinx it" said Blanc "Good idea Neptune" Neptune puffed out her chest
"Why thank you"
"Then...let us decide on a quest" said Histoire "and leave it to me on informing them of the idea of a trip"
"Then why don't me and Neppy go decide on a quest?" asked Plutia "We want it easy...but not boring easy"
"So...the plan: Kick Terra's slump in its rear...is a go" said Neptune "Move out team"
As the girls got into action, leaving the Basilicom, Histoire re-laid her story to Terra and the kids, IF and Peashy definitely looking interested "You...want us to go on a day trip?" said IF "With Terra?"
"Day Trip!" Peashy said excitedly "Yay Day-trip"
"You want me to what?" asked Terra
"Terra...if I may be forward and ask a favour" said Histoire with a beaming smile "I'd like to you to go on a hunting quest, taking these three with you as you go"
"We're...going on a trip together?" asked Compa curiously "But why?"
"Well...it was a fun idea I thought of :-)" said Histoire beaming with eyes close "I know we promised to take care of you children...but we can't keep you cooped up inside here all the time. So I thought you could join Terra on a quest...and go outside to have some fun"
Terra seemed quite undecided "Wait...I means it sounds but I can't..."
"You don't have do anything too troublesome" said Histoire waving her arms "it'll give you a small challenge...while providing some entertainment for the kids. It'll allow them to see the kind of things warriors do"
"I'll admit...that sounds alright" said IF "and I wouldn't mind seeing your powers. Nep told us you're really strong Terra"
"Neptuna said you can go boom-boom with your hands" said Peashy thrusting her hands "and run around like a superhero"
"I...don't do anything that special" said Terra hand rubbing the back of his head "So who's going with us then?"
"I thought it'd be fun if they went with just you" said Histoire making him gasp "you know as just a fun trip out"
As Histoire guessed before, she immediately saw the hesitation in his body language "You...only want me to...? Look not that I can't handle a few monsters but...actually I'm"
"Terra...can't we go with you?" asked Compa putting on an innocent face with her hands to her chest "I mean...if you're worried about us, we'll do as you ask"
"And I'll keep Peashy in line" said IF confidently "Look all you have to do is beat up monsters with us watching right? Well we'll hide behind a big rock or tree so they won't see us"
"Yeah...we'll be like this" Peashy ran behind the couch and ducked under before peeking back and running back "so can't we go...can't we?"
Terra looked into their faces, Compa pleading and Peashy excited, his doubt showing in his face "Don't you...want to go?" asked IF noticing him
"I mean...if we're...too much trouble" said Compa depressed which immediately made Terra react
"No, No...there isn't anything wrong with the trip" said Terra quickly not wanting to upset them "It's just I might not be able too...fight so..."
Histoire could see him unable to deny them so strongly "I get the feeling...he'll be breaking in three-two-one"
"Well...I guess...as long as you hide away...while I fight" Terra said alerting them
"Then...can we?" Peashy asked to which Terra felt in himself...unable to deny their expecting gaze and smiled to them
"Alright...we can go" both Peashy and Compa seemed joyous
"Thank you Mister Terra" Compa said happily
"Yeah thank you" Peashy said excited
"Come on girls...we'd best get some travel packs ready" said IF "you know with water, snacks and stuff for the trip"
"Yes you all better get ready" said Histoire "but promise me to do as you're told on the trip okay?"
"Okay" they all said before they darted off to get ready.
Terra turned to Histoire "Why do I get the feeling I was put up to this?"
"It was simply your imagination" Histoire said innocently "But...you can't spend all your time cooped up here either. Just do your best, and protect the children"
"I'll make sure they don't get hurt...that much I will guarantee. Well I'd best get myself ready" Histoire watched him walk off, a little worried in her expression
"Terra...do your best and come back to how you used to be"
"And with that...it's me Theodore to say this concludes the Chapter. Its shorter than we made it out to be, I know, but we wanted to help spread it out a bit/ So rather than one long chapter, we've spread it out into two easier to digest ones. So I'll just give a short preview"
"Terra and co heads out, watched over by the goddess'...but just as he starts to speak of his problem, a huge bounds into view. Terra looks on in fright before his powerful foe, which with only his power can he fight. Will he fight back? Or succumb to his doubt and fear. That can be found out in Chapter 21: Greater than fear itself? Just know...there's no intro for the next one. We'll get straight to the action...so see you then"