Together Terra and the three kids headed to the nearby guild, backpacks on each of them – though Terra had his sword – where Neptune awaited them "Hey there Terra and gals, what's shaking?" she said in a friendly manner "I saw you all coming and waited to meet you"
"We're going on a big trip Nep-Nep" said Compa smiling "with Terra on a hunting quest"
"I see...I hope you all have plenty of fun. If you're looking for the perfect side-quest for you all, select the quest called 'A tamed monster'. The monster in that quest isn't too strong but should provide some challenge"
"Hey, hey...can we do that one?" asked Peashy "and Neptuna...are you coming with us?"
"It's Neptune my cute little P-ko and sorry to disappoint but I can't"
"Neppy...come on" said Plutia who ran to Neptune "we don't wanna take too long do we"
"Me and Plutia are going on a simple fetch quest"
"Why...did Histoire yell at you again?" asked Terra to which Neptune put her hands on her hips
"Of course not! I simply wanted the exercise to help gain notoriety for my great nation"
Terra looked to the girls, to see them not too convinced "she got yelled at didn't she?" whispered Compa to IF
"More than likely" IF replied back with Terra chuckling
"Well...either way" he said to her "I guess we'll see you later"
"Take care of yourselves" said Plutia "and have lots of fun"
"We will" said Peashy before dragging Terra inside "come on, come on let's go pick a quest already"
"Alright, alright stop pulling" said Terra dragged against his wills.
Neptune waited until they had gone inside "As for you kiddies" said Neptune kneeling down "do your best to cheer old Terra up, he hasn't been himself lately"
"We'll try Nep-Nep" said Compa
"I suppose I can help out too" said IF "though what's wrong with him?"
"Ah that's what you need to find out" said Neptune putting on a soldier like tone "but go on, go have fun"
"We will"
Terra came back out "so then...what'd you pick?" asked Neptune
"The quest you mentioned" said Terra "It's no more than half-an-hour from here, and the monsters there are fairly low level. As least according to the mission info. It's at the Saturn rock road"
"Go on, skedaddle and have fun. Also do as you told you three?"
"Okay Neptuna" said Peashy and with that the group went on its way. As Neptune waited until they were into the distance, she grinned
"And stage 1 of my brilliant plan is a go. Now to inform the troops and provide...hmm what is it, that fancy long word beginning with R, oh I'll ask Blanc. Time to go"
Terra and the kids set off into the vast fields, heading East from Planeptune. High above were Neptune and Blanc in HDD forms with Plutia upon Blanc's back "this is your bright plan" said Blanc "We just stay up here"
"Well we can't let them see us Blanny" said Plutia "Otherwise they'll think something is up"
"Look...the whole affair shouldn't take longer than an hour" said Neptune "As soon as the quest is done we'll head home to meet them. We need to let Terra do this...get some of his confidence back"
"I know that" said Blanc
"Well...for now let's get the place they're going to" said Plutia "so we can have this picnic I have while we wait" she pointed to the basket in Neptune's hand
"I suppose that's all we can do...come on" and with that they took off.
For Terra and the kids they were arriving at the spot, Compa looking at all the things around her "Wow...look at all the grass and flowers, it's pretty"
"Meh...I've seen it all before" said IF coolly
"Really? When?" asked Peashy to which IF looked away
"Hmm...last week, and the week before that"
"So Mister Terra...are you orphan too?" asked Compa curiously "Nep-Nep said so"
"Yeah that's right" he said answering "I come from the Orphanage...but in the dimension that Neptune comes from"
"Are you sure you come from another dimension?" asked IF "sounds a bit far-fetched. I mean is it any different?"
"If I had to word it...it almost feels like this world's future"
Compa and IF listened while Peashy was just running around "In the Gamindustry I come from" explained Terra "there's four nations...as opposed to three"
"Four nations?" asked IF with an arm folded and a hand to her chin "Well there's Planeptune, Ms Blanc said hers is called Lowee"
"And...Nep-Nep mentioned where Noire comes from" said Compa trying to remember
"It's lastation!" called Peashy eagerly "Neptuna said Ms Noire made Lastation"
"Well...the fourth one is Leanbox" said Terra "and at that nation is Green Heart"
"What's she like?" asked Compa
"Can't tell you...never properly met her. I know she's blonde, and quite large chested...but not much more. Just ask Neptune if you want to know more"
"Okay"
After a little more time the group arrived at their destination, signalled by the giant white floating words. The area was mostly grassy plain going through tall rock hills. Peashy was still running about, but was hiding from rock-to rock and tree-to-tree "so Terra...can I ask now?" asked IF "not that I'm doubting you or anything, but can you fight?"
"That pretty much doubts him Iffy" Compa pointed out
"I can. I was trained by my Master, Falcom, on how use the sword" Terra replied "She also helped me control my powers aswell"
"Powers?" asked IF
"Like this" Terra fired an energy beam from his hand to destroy a small rock surprising all three of them
"Whoa...okay I'm impressed, a little anyway"
"I like that" said Peashy "What else can you do?"
"You'll have to wait and see...we now need to be on the look out of our targets"
Terra brought out his Quest Sheet "We're looking for a tamed horse-bird, so I'm picturing a horse-bird with a rider"
"But...how will we know when we see it?" asked Peashy
"I think...that answers our question" said IF "and can I say...is everyone seeing this?"
"Yes...I am" Terra said tilting his head.
What Terra saw was a horse bird (Two legged horse with wings) with an eggplant – that had arms and legs upon it - wielding a melon like spear "Neptunia monsters are weird aren't they? Well go on you three get behind cover"
"Pea...come on" called Compa "we'll hide behind that rock"
"Coming" all three darted behind it as Terra went forward.
Terra drew his sword, the rider seeing him before pointing it's spear at him "Go for it Terra...beat him" called Peashy
"Just try not to get hurt" called IF "We can't exactly carry you"
"No pressure then" he said grimly before trying to psyche him "Well...I've got to put on some show, and I can't let the kids get hurt. So let's get on with it" the horse-bird flew forward, the rider with spear forward thrusting it at Terra who parried the attack from the side and deflected it away.
Terra deflected a few of its attacks away, and blocked a head-butt skidding him backwards. It was then combined beast flew right at him, going over the ground, to which Terra jumped over the beasts and fired an energy beam down. The horse-bird though twirled on it sides, the beam narrowly missing it but as Terra landed he fired another beam of energy which found it's mark.
The beasts looked to be hurtling down but corrected themselves before they crashed while Terra prepared his stance "Look at him go Iffy" said Compa "He's strong"
"He does seem...to be more capable than most" said IF while the tamed Horse-bird fired a yellow blast from it's mouth that Terra attempted to block
"Go for it Terra. Push it back!" called Peashy and as if being egged on, Terra stopped and deflected the way away quite easily "Yeah...you go"
Terra and the Tamed horse-bird began an exchange of attacks. The monsters would charge and thrust which Terra avoided, while Terra struck back several blows before the monster flew away. Out of sight and above on a rocky hill where Neptune, Blanc and Plutia looking from above "He seems to be doing alright for now" said Plutia
"And with a bit of extra pep" said Neptune "He seems to be enjoying himself a little"
"He's still holding back" said Blanc "But then again...he looks like he's won this easily"
The tamed horsebird was drooping, the rider then same while Terra didn't seem too much out of breath. Terra saw the monster coming, and held his blade steady "Critical Edge!" then zipping by, with a sword slice...the monster turned to Data-Dust. Terra breathed as Compa and Peashy cheered, the latter coming out
"Hurray you did it Terra" said Peashy
"Well done" said Compa happily
"You...did alright but...I thought you'd be flashier" said IF "don't get me wrong...you are capable but the way Nep described you...I thought you could do more"
"That's...probably true" said Terra a bit depressed "I didn't need to fight my best for this guy...but I will have to soon" he sighed
"Terra...why are you sad?" asked Compa Terra acting in surprised
"I'm...not sad Compa. Why do you say that?"
"Probably due to the fact...you haven't cracked a smile since we saw you" said IF a little harshly "What gives"
Terra felt a bit amused if ashamed "I can't even hide it from children. Jeez"
"What is wrong Terra?" asked Peashy "why are you sad?" to which Terra went to answer, his mouth opening, before it then closed
"It's not so much sad...it's worry if anything and some fear"
"You're scared?" IF said in complete surprised "I always thought grown-ups don't get scared"
"You'd be surprised" Terra said "I mean...Neptune is afraid of not getting her chocolate pudding for example"
"I...wouldn't call that a fear somehow" said Compa
"But...what is it you're afraid of?" asked Peashy to which Terra looked away
"You aren't going to get any better if you don't talk about it" said IF "It only gets worse" Terra felt an odd knock to his head
"I'm getting lectured by people half my age...wow I do need help" Terra made a small smile before saying "It's...losing control again, I don't want to hurt anyone"
From above the CPU's could only just hear him, having to lean in to hear him "I recently lost control...to this darkness inside me" he said looking at his hand "it nearly took me over...if not for Blanc getting it out of me"
"But that's over and done with now" said IF "and if Ms Blanc got whatever it was out of you what gives?"
"I could hear...someone egging me on from that darkness. It...sounded wrong and it keeps putting me off" Terra sighed
"Why not just ignore it?" asked Compa
"Because...the voice feels familiar, like I've heard it once before"
From above Blanc seemed to understand Terra's doubt "so...it's not quite the power he's afraid of...it's going back to how he used to me"
"He must figure...if he doesn't use his power" said Neptune "then he can't hurt anyone with it" Terra put down his hand
"Still...I'm going to have it go over it soon" he said "If I'm to fight Arfoire again, I'll just have to suck it up"
"Just have fun till then" said Peashy "You'll be fine by that time" Terra smiled and rubbed her head
"I hope so. Come on we're done here...let's head back" as the group were about to move, the CPU's got up
"Well not quite the turnaround we wanted" said Neptune "But it's progress, at least he talked about it"
"Come on...let's back to Planeptune" said Blanc "And meet them there" but then Plutia spied something worrying from behind everyone
"Hmm...girls, we've got a little problem"
"what like?" Neptune's answer came from a strong smash to the ground, originating from a beast "Oh...that" on four legs.
Before Terra and the girls was a grey Fenrir, a giant 9ft tall wolf. It was mostly grey with a red furred tipped tail and metal claws. It roared at the group, the girls holding onto to Terra "It's a monster...a big one!" called Compa while the normally composed IF was panicking
"It's a Fenrir...a big one!" called out IF "I read there one of three strongest breeds of monsters. Terra do we fight or ru-? Terra?" Terra was freaking himself, eyes wide and feet shaking
"Terra what's wrong?" called Peashy
"A Fenrir!? Not...one of them! You three...get behind cover now" said Terra panicked "this...isn't something we can run from. Hide now" with no questions asked Peashy and Compa darted behind a rock, while IF lingered looking at Terra's clear signs of fear before running back too.
Terra drew his sword, his arms and legs shaking before the feral beast "You three...we need to head in there now" said Blanc "he needs our help"
"Does he?" asked Plutia "I mean...we don't know how strong this one is. Terra might be able to beat it"
"How can you be sure?"
"I...agree with Plutie here" said Neptune now looking at all sure "remember we made Terra do this to get his mojo back. If we help him now...whatever spunk he got back, will go back to zilch again"
"Still...I'm getting ready then" Blanc went to White Heart "just to be sure"
"That might be best" Neptune shifted to Purple Heart "but let's watch for now"
Terra for now remained rooted, the girls nervous "do you think...Terra can win Iffy?" asked Compa
"I'm not sure at this point" said IF "but Terra is clearly scared of that thing, look at his legs"
"Yeah...they're shaking" said Peashy "but he can do it, Neptuna said so"
"We should also be prepared to help out too. In case he needs our help"
The Fenrir struck first bounding right at Terra who dove out of the way. The beast then swung round to whip Terra with its tail, who blocked it with his sword as it pushed him backwards. Terra jumped over a slash, and struck a slice more from instinct to the Fenrir's head. Though it flinched, it went forward and head-smashed Terra to the ground.
Terra was hit somewhat harshly, stumbling along the ground, until he stopped in a crouch. He shook off the daze only to immediately jump over a fire-ball blasted him...then to be approached by the Fenrir. Terra's spine froze over as his fear climbed, the beast slashing out with Terra desperately rolling himself over. Then quickly sheathing his sword, he put his hands to his fore-head "Hadou-dan" he shot the beam at the point-blank range, enveloping them both in smoke.
As Terra wondered whether he got the beast, two yellow eyes pierced the smoke shocking him still until a blunt hard knock sent him out of the cloud and into the ground. The beast materialised barely hurt while Terra was straining to get up. Suddenly it shot a fire-ball at him "Terra look out!" called Compa to which Terra looked up and tried to jump away...but the explosion still caught him smashing him into a rock-wall.
Everyone reacted as Terra got up, scuffed and burnt a little, panting as the Fenrir approached him "Terra is getting pummelled out there" said Neptune
"Now's a good time to step in" said Blanc forging her axe "Neptune lets go"
"Not quite yet" they felt two hands on their shoulders, turning round to see Iris Heart "We'll let this...go on a little longer. The fight is still young after all"
"Are you kidding me here?"
"Now, now Blanc...jet the temper of yours. We've got to give our darling chance to prove to us all the man he is. I mean...it'll do him no good if his dashing lady companions save him at every opportunity. Not saying there's nothing wrong assisting him...but we cannot baby him"
Terra was back up, but staggering "Little Terrums needs to man up" said Plutia almost sinister "Otherwise I can't continue to hold him in high regard"
"But Plutie" said Neptune
"Now, now...I won't let any grave harm befall him" she said with a finger wagging "but he's got to learn. After all a cornered dog has one of two options, either accept defeat...or bite back. Besides...it'd be kinder to have faith in him rather than have to save him every time"
"You...make a point" said Blanc begrudgingly "but I will jump in if those kids are in danger"
"That I'll allow but they may be what I'm counting on"
Terra got up once more, the Fenrir staring him down "I've got to use my power, if I don't I'll lose here. I've lost twice to Fenrir, and the second time I was much stronger" Terra went to his arm "But...if I don't fight the best I can...then I can't hope to win" went to summon his power, feeling it rise
"That's it...embrace what you seek, destroy all who stand before you!" but the dark voice completely shut him down, making him flinch
"No...I won't do it!"
"Terra look out!" Compa tried to warn him, but Terra was swiped hard by the claw...dropping his sword before the beast jumped after him, flipped forward and slammed him to the ground with its tail.
The kids were scared and horrified as Terra got up, though slowly as the Fenrir landed "I...I won't let it end like this" in futility he tried to fire a beam of energy but the beast didn't even feel it "What!?"
"Terra...you've got to use your power" called IF but Terra was too struck by his hesitation and fear to listen to her "Terra come on!"
"It's no good Iffy" said Compa "He's too scared"
"I know that...but we've got to do something" said Peashy before spotting something "Wait...his sword, he dropped his sword" he pointed over to it
"He must've dropped it when it struck it"
"Alright...I'll distract the beast" said IF "I'm confident I can run fast, and Peashy you get the sword and give it back to Terra"
"Okay...let's go"
The girls carefully went out of the way, making sure they won't see with Peashy and IF running. Peashy kept running, from a gesture from IF who picked a sizeable rock looking at the Fenrir who went after the floored Terra "Hey Ugly! Over here!" the Fenrir perked up and turned to IF "Yeah...you, you big ugly brute"
"IF?" Terra said panicked "No...get out of here!"
"You leave him alone you big bully!" IF threw the rock, scoring a hit to the Fenrir's eye...making it squirm before it snarled and bolted to her
"No IF!" Terra completely forgot his fear got up and ran after the beast. IF was looking to run away...not noticing the rock below her tripping her up.
As IF rolled back up, Peashy stopped and Compa watched in horror as IF watched the beast bound right for her "IF...get out of there!" shouted Terra bolted after her "
Plutia...we have to go now!" shouted Blanc "or IF will be dog food"
"Not quite yet" Plutia said inching herself ready "come on Terrums...now's not the time to doubt yourself. Man up..." Terra saw IF in danger, fearing for her safety more than anything
"No...I won't let her get hurt. Especially if I have to...right screw this!" he said thinking only about saving her "I don't care if that voice worries me, I won't let her get hurt!" suddenly he sped right up, as the beast bounded at IF. IF was about to recoil in fear when Terra arrived in-front of her
"Terra! Look out!" but Terra jumped, and dealt an uppercut to the Fenrir's chin hard
"Get lost! You savage beast!" the beast was launched right back, even along its back, before it rolled and stopped on its feet.
Terra panted from the exertion of the blow, everyone else frozen "Whoa...you...knocked it back" IF said as Terra knelt down to her
"I...guess...I did" he said surprised "but nevermind are you okay!?" he asked
"Yeah...I'm alright" IF said getting up "But...how did you do that?" Terra looked to his hand
"I...suppose I could do it all the time...I let my fears get the best of me. At that moment...I was more concerned of how you were to be hurt, than my own insecurities. I knew I could do it...but I was too worried how I'd abuse my power and...nervous of that beast"
"I...don't think so somehow" IF said making him listen more carefully "I believe you were worried about the monster but it was more...you just didn't want to embarrass yourself. Look from what I've learnt worrying about hurting people is fine but fretting over showing yourself up is more moronic than noble. What I mean is...just don't overthink everything" Terra found himself...unable to correct his young friend, and felt pretty stupid as he laughed
"I think...you hit the nail on the head somehow"
Terra itched his head "I guess...I was more being childish than concerning. It's just whenever I tried to power up, that voice called to me...and it knocked me back"
"Why...was it scary?" asked IF
"Not particularly...just really unsettling. It kept making me worry about turning dark or messing up. Still...as soon as I thought about helping you, I couldn't hear the words anymore and I surprised myself. Which meant...my fear is a little irrelevant now, considering I can see I can knock the beast back"
"Terra...Iffy are you both okay?" called Compa running over "you're not hurt are you?"
"No...we're okay Compa" said IF
"Can I ask...what were you all doing?" asked Terra "I mean running out like that against the beast"
"We were...trying to help you" said Compa feeling guilty as Terra flinched "Iffy went to distract the beast...while Pea got your sword"
Terra looked over to Peashy who had grabbed his sword, hidden before a tree, and was waving it to him. Humbled by their brave act he no longer felt hesitant but reassured if still stupid "you girls were only trying to help me...not worried about your safely while I was more focused on my own bumbling. I forgot an important lesson my Master once taught me...a basic one"
"What's that?" asked Compa
"I'll tell you later" he then knelt down and put a hand on their shoulders "Thanks for reminding me of that you two and IF. As for you IF...sorry for putting you in harm's way...I didn't mean for you to be caught up in the danger"
"It's...no big deal" said IF shaking her head "it's just if you fell...we couldn't carry you back"
"Don't be mean Iffy" said Compa scowling before turning to Terra "It's okay Terra...we wanted to help. But...can you fight now?" Terra nodded
"Yeah I am" he said standing up "Only...not for my own benefit anymore. Whether it's stronger than me or not...I won't cower anymore"
Terra took out his small purple music device "Here Compa...could you take this for me?"
"Oh sure" Compa said a little confused
"Now get back behind cover...then play the track marked Flash Frost. I'll get Peashy and make sure she doesn't get hurt"
"Alright...good luck. Come on Iffy" as Terra watched them go, he gave himself a good slap to his face and readied
"No more doubt...focus only on the fight"
From above Plutia made a wide grin as she saw Terra slap his face and prepared "It seems...Terra finally get the kick he needed, whether it's enough we'll have to see" as Compa got behind cover she scrolled down the track list
"Let's see Flash Frost, Flash-frost ah...alright starting now" as Compa started the music track, music hummed through the area.
As Terra heard it, he crossed his arms and began rising his power "This power...I won't use it for myself anymore. No...more! It's to be used to safeguard those...who believe in me" and with his new resolve he awakened to his power his hair having turned purple and a cowlick sprouted up
"Ha-ha!" Neptune said satisfied "It seems he's back"
"Whoa...his hair all changed?" Compa commented
"I know...just like Nep said" said IF while Peashy stared in awe "So if she's right about then...then I bet she's right about what's to follow" as Terra charged forward.
The Fenrir charged right at him, blasting a large fireball at him...but Terra vanished and reappeared to the side to avoid it. It was then the beast bounded at him with Terra jumping to meet it. As it snapped its jaw at him, Terra rolled himself over its mouth...and dealt a mighty punch to its head. Then he followed up a rapid assault of punches and kicks to fend it off, before back-flipping to kick its chin and the beast backwards.
As the beast landed backwards, Terra landed with a smirk "This beast...seems to be not as strong as the flame Fenrir but I won't let my guard down. Let's go!" and he bolted right under it. With a slide, he delivered a rapid volley of energy blasts into the Fenrir's belly before getting up and kicking its back right leg to trip it up. Then running to grab its tail, his power amplified by his aura, he gave the Fenrir a mighty swing to lift it off the ground.
Compa, IF and Peashy all watched in literal awe as Terra swung the Fenrir round for letting go to make it smash into the wall. While Terra felt a bit dizzy, he was strong as the beast landed into a clump "Wow Iffy...look at him go" said Compa
"He could...do this the whole time?" IF said in shock as the Fenrir got back up "Jeez...Nep really wasn't kidding" the beast looked rather rather pissed off with Terra preparing himself
"Nice! It seems Terra got his mojo back!" Neptune called in triumph
"Took him long enough" Blanc said tired out while Plutia smiled
"Well done...you've proven to be the man I hoped you be" Terra though glanced in their direction, with a small smile.
The beast went right at Terra, who stood firm, before it went to head-butt him...Terra catching it's head. The beast pushed Terra along the ground, his shoes scraping in the dirt, going towards Peashy but was able to stop it. Terra strained to hold it back, the beast trying to lunge at him but Terra jumped away landing by Peashy.
Peashy looked to Terra but then remembered "Terra quick...here you sword" Terra turned and took it from her
"Thanks"
"Oh no... look out for the fireball!" Terra quickly turned round to see another fireball launched at him and jumped at it with his blade yellow
"Ferocious edge!" striking the ground he create a vertical arc of yellow that cleaved it into two, the fireball exploding into harmless smoke. Terra and Peashy were enveloped and unable to see "Peashy get on my back quickly!"
"Okay!" Peashy jumped onto Terra who jumped high into the air, as the beast p ounced on them.
As Terra soared the beast tried again with another fireball "It's firing another one" said Peashy
"Hold on tight!" called Terra as put his hands to his forehead "Hadou-Dan!" a greater beam of yellow struck the fire-ball, exploding it...and piercing it to strike the Fenrir with good effect
"Wow!" said Peashy with open eyes "That was amazing"
"Thanks"
Terra landed towards where IF and Compa were, putting Peashy down as the beast got up...but was drooping "The beast is almost done...it's all low and stuff" said Peashy
"Right...time to finish this thing off" Terra said his aura releasing "I'm putting a lot of power into my next shot. Here's hoping I had enough...I would've been better doing it when I was fresh
"No wait...Terra quick here" Compa gestured a large choc-chip cookie to him "Eat this...this should give you more energy" Terra smiled and didn't want to deny her
"Thanks" he went to hit it, his mouth full of flavour "Whoa...this is good, really good" he feverishly ate the thing in a couple bites
"Did it help?"
"Yeah it did...it got the old battery charged" Terra's aura reignited as Compa gasped and smiled "Now then...for the finale"
Terra put his hand out, generating a large swirling ball of magenta in his hand bigger than his head. He then put it in-front of him with one hand grabbing his other arm "I remember how I did this before...only it's name and purpose I'm deciding for myself. Purple Nova!" a fierce beam of blue and purple erupted from his energy ball, over 5ft wide and tall. The beam met the Fenrir, piercing through it's body...before it howled and vanished to dust.
As the beam ended, striking a rock wall and collapsing Terra remained stood panting a bit before falling to one knee. The girls worried ran over "Are you alright?" asked Compa
"I'm alright...just tired that's all" he said relieving her worry as he got up "Oh and stop the track now, we don't need it anymore"
"Oh okay...and stopping...now!"
(STOP)
"there we go...and here you are" Terra nodded as he took it back put away the device.
As the battle ended, Terra's body flashed three times filling him with new strength "Whoa...I've gotten stronger from that fight, and learnt a new move. Or rather one I can use now"
"You have?" asked Peashy to which Terra raised up his hand, summoning a spear of earth
"What the?" commented Blanc watching
"Sylhet Spear" the spear flew along the ground, and smashed into a rock wall "I picked that up from Vert...but I couldn't use it before"
"Still Terra...you were amazing out there" said Compa "You were all strong and fast...like a superhero"
"I'm still in shock you could do that" said IF "but also a bit annoyed you held back for so long"
"As am I" said Terra "and it's here...I owe you three an apology"
He knelt down to their level "I'm sorry for being as silly as I was. With all the time I was spent wrapped up in my own issues, I forgot something important"
"What is it Terra?" asked Peashy
"Something my Master taught me. Great power can be as powerful or strong as you like...but it's pointless without a goal to strive for. Fighting for self-improvement is good...but power, like a blade, is useless if there's nothing to guide it. Which is to help those around you...not due to being righteous but simply because it's the right thing to do"
"That...does sound important" said Compa "and your Master taught you this?"
"She did...and I'm glad you all helped me remember it. Thank you" he held out a hand to them, which Peashy high-fived. Compa followed a bit more gently and IF just shrugged her shoulders and gave him one too.
Terra warmly smiled back to them as he stood up "Right well...with that I think we can call it a day. We did a bit more than we should've done...but it's a day done nonetheless"
"Wait...before we head back a question" said IF "Were you...actually afraid of that beast and why? You were much stronger than it?"
"This one I was...but the last two wolves did me in. The second wolf I fought, I gave my best but it overwhelmed me easily. The first one I fought...fair to say was my realisation that I had a long way to go"
"Huh...how do you mean?" asked Peashy
"I'll tell you...another time" said Terra
"Then shall we head back?" asked Compa "No doubt Nep and Histoire will start worrying about us"
"Not unless there is something else you want to do?" Terra then thought of an idea "I know...as a thank you why don't you use the money from this quest?"
Terra smiled to then "You can each use the money...to buy something you like"
"Like a toy or sweets?" asked Peashy with Terra nodding "Yayyyy!"
"You'd better not be lying about that" said IF
"Just as long as its within the money we get" said Terra "That's all I'll say"
"Come on then...let's get back to Planeptune"
The small group headed back the way they came, the CPU's looking satisfied "Well Neppy...it seems your plan was a resounding success" said Plutia with a smile
"Even I'll admit it" said Blanc "Terra came out swinging against that Fenrir, he even threw it about like a toy"
"Still...both of you were a little quick to judge? Neppy he is your citizen, you should have more faith in him"
"Sorry...that's my force of habit" said Neptune smiling "I do feel kinda responsible for him but in the end...he came out smiling. Come on let's head back and meet them home" with a nod both Blanc and Plutia flew off, Neptune watching them go before she flew off too.
After an hour Terra and the group arrived home "Everyone...we're home!" proclaimed Peashy
"Hey everyone we're back" called Compa
"Ah...and the prodigal group has returneth" said Neptune eating a pudding while Blanc looked up from her book
"Hey everyone...how the day go?" asked Blanc
"As well as can be expected" said IF "Minus the part where we were ambushed by a Fenrir"
"My goodness is that true –o-?" Histoire rushed over on her tome "Are any of you hurt?"
"It did get a bit scary" said Peashy "but Terra beat it back like a super hero"
Histoire saw Terra home, and with a smile "Hey everyone...good to be back. We did come across a Fenrir...but I defeated it with some help from these three"
"Wow...what got you all chipper?" asked Neptune "and all friendly with the kids?"
"About the first point" Terra said looking away "Sorry for being such a downer lately. After that whole corruption thing...I was too worried to lose control. At first I was worried about hurting others...but I let that worry linger, and make me more concerned about messing up if anything. So...forgive me" Histoire lightly patted his head making him turn back
"You are still young Terra...and still have much to learn" said Histoire "never be too scared of making a mistake...or worry about how others will see you. Have more faith in the friends you've made...and believe in them too" Neptune nodding happily
"Thank you Histoire, I'll remember that" he said laughing with Histoire beaming.
Neptune and Blanc seemed relieved at his change of demeanour "So we've got our old Terra back?" asked Neptune "I was worried the happiness in you was an endangered species"
"I just needed...a good kick that's all" said Terra "IF can be pretty stern surprisingly"
"You're telling me" said Neptune sighing
"How do you know?" asked IF before remembering "Oh yeah...you said there's an older me in your world isn't there?"
"Correct...and much like you, she can be just as stern or harsh when she wants to be, but she's a lifetime friend"
"Hey...Nep-Nep where Plu?" asked Compa
"She's taking a nap...to no surprise" said Blanc "she's currently sleeping in the bedroom"
"You're right...no surprise there" said Terra before a knock came to the door "oh I'll get it. You three go play, I'll join you later" the kids nodded as Terra went to the door.
Terra went back to the door, a man in red before him gesturing him a letter. Terra took the letter, the man tipping his head, before Terra shut the door "Who was it Terra?" asked Neptune getting up
"the postman I think" said Terra "and me gave this...this rather...fancy letter" he had a fancy white envelope with a custom ink stamp that had a green L "it merely says...for Purple and Iris Heart...and Terra. Huh...me too?"
"Well go then open it" said Neptune coming over "Let's see what it says"
Terra peeled it over to read a short letter "Dear CPU's of Planeptune, and the warrior Terra...I send this gracious invitation to my new established nation of Leanbox"
"Leanbox?" asked Blanc coming over too
"I've got a funny idea where this is go-ing" commented Neptune
"I've decided to give you a chance to see my new nation...which will soon become number one in the world. I expect you all here on the third day of this letter arriving. Your beautiful and Gracious new CPU...Green Heart"
Terra came away "Leanbox...has been made? A new nation has been established?"
"Oh yes...I forgot to mention that" said Blanc remembering it "its a nation built on a large island, only made a couple weeks ago, which is already making a name for itself. I only know of it by chance because a couple of my citizens mentioned it"
"Well with this...we have the full round-robin of nations" said Neptune "That's all the towns accounted for"
"Still...inviting CPU's over to the nation is fine" said Terra "but...why me exactly? I mean...I'm not exactly a CPU or a candidate"
"You can only find out yourself once you arrive" said Histoire "Still...this does harbor good news :-)). With another nation...a new mascot will in time reveal itself bringing you one step closer to going home"
"Oh-oh didn't think of that" said Neptune excited "This quickly raises our Mascot count from two...to now four. We might have to wait a while...but a mascot should appear soon"
"It also gives us a chance to scope out the new competition" said Blanc "So it works all around
"Might as well get ready then" said Terra "only I wonder what Green Heart is like"
"I'll put it this way" said Neptune "you'll like what you see"
CHAPTER END
"And with that the Chapter ends. A good battle and bit of character both. The story will be on track now...so bear with us. Well with no reference to really explain, at least in this chapter, we'll move onto the preview for the next episode. After a request the young Compa would like a turn"
Compa stands on the top of some steps, smiling "Hello everyone...thank you for listening. I wanted to have a turn since Nep-Nep said it was so much fun. So here I go. Next time...on Neptunia's LC Mk 2. Terra and Co are ready to head to Leanbox....only for Histoire to say she's got enough power to send Terra and Nep-Nep home only...something goes wrong. Regardless everyone heads to Leanbox...walking along the sea...where Terra will have a chance encounter he'd never have predicted. Stay tuned for Chapter 22: New Nation, Old Friend. See you then"