"Greetings once again folks. Theodore here to welcome you all to the continued series of our story. Last time Terra and Co head to the newly established nation of Leanbox, where Vert is revealed as the goddess in charge of that region. Terra also had a surprise in a lucky run-in with a younger version of his Master Falcom, midway of her training of the sword. We join our heroes who are sitting with Vert around a luxury wooden with snacks and tea."
Vert had a wide grin "Now then...first let me thank you all for coming,and accepting my polite invite"
"It's no big deal" said Noire "As I said I'm merely curious about my new competition...and you opened the door"
"Are you sure today is a friendly meeting?" asked Blanc "I mean not that there's anything wrong...but you don't know us that well"
"You're so suspicious" Vert said with arms folding, her bust wiggling making Blanc a bit irritated "I wouldn't do such a thing. If you think I'm doing some underhanded tactic to win...there's no need for that"
"Why do you say that?" asked Terra
"For you see my friend...I've already won"
Neptune had stopped munching away to ask the obvious question "Look I know you have...madddddd skills and all on computers but this real life. That...and you're barely out of CPU diapers so how have you won?"
"I possess the right level of raw beauty and intelligence" said Vert tapping her head "to create elegant gaming machines that'll attract gaming masses from here and wide. That and I am the most gifted" Vert looked at Noire "I suppose you're okay, but the rest of you CPU's are fairly lacking" Blanc grabbed her hand, and clenched her fist
"Kindly tell me in what area?" she demanded
"But I thought to be polite and merely say game on"
"And here I thought...your boobs were the biggest part of you" said Blanc irritant "It's in fact your head" to which Vert wryly smiled
"Oh my...jealous are we? Of course you wouldn't know about that would you?"
"What are you implying?"
"Alright, alright" said Terra quickly ushering them down "this meant to be a friendly meeting" Blanc for now backed down
"So Verty-Vert-Verty" said Neptune "Is that all for today's meeting?"
"That's all. Just a sit, relax and get to know each other" replied Vert
"Then I'm off" said Noire finishing her drink "Thanks for the tea but things to do today"
Noire got up and rather swiftly left the room "Noire...Noire wait" said Plutia seeing her go out the door "She's gone. Did she leave the oven now?"
"I doubt it" said Blanc getting up "She probably didn't see any point staying. Right I'm off myself...but before then Terra, would you like to come with me to Lowee for a bit?"
"You better not be trying to convert him" said Neptune a little defensively
"Or as an alternative...Terra could stay here" said Vert "We do have a few guest suites he'd be able to use"
"Maybe...another time" said Terra a bit nervous "Besides...I kinda wanted to go back to Planeptune to see Nepgear. I haven't spoken to her in a while"
"Nepgear?" Vert asked
"My little adorable sister" said Neptune "the crowning glory of my nation, besides me of course"
"I was kinda hoping to speak to her too" said Blanc "Alright then we'll back to Planeptune, Falcom what about you?"
Falcom thought for a minute "I was hoping to stay in Leanbox for a while. It's taken me so long to get here, every boat I've been on has sank or being turned away"
"Surely that's an exaggeration" said Vert "I know we've had problems but nothing that bad"
"My first attempt was on a small steamer...which got hit by a hidden stone trench"
"As in...with damage to the base and bow?"
"Then the second time I went on a speed-boat...before a raging storm hit us so hard we were blasted back" Vert's face fell further
"As in...the typhoon that hit us a while back?"
"And finally...when I got on the biggest ship available...it was turned away due to wind conditions" Vert now looked grim
"As in the same boat I turned away last week?"
Everyone shared a looked of grimness "Wow...when you said Falcom has cursed luck with boats Terra" said Plutia a little amazed "You won't kidding"
"You can see why I called it Cursed" said Terra "but what will you do after that?"
"Hmmm...if it's not too much trouble, can I join you on your quest? I'd like to help you get back home...as well as spar against you again"
"Yeah I'd like that very much"
"So Lady Green Heart? May I be permitted to stay in Leanbox?"
"I'd welcome the visit" said Vert "In-fact if you'd like...I could give you a tour"
"No it's okay. I just prefer to explore"
"Then...why don't we just wander around? I need a break from my CPU duties"
"That's works out then"
As the two nodded Vert spoke up "Now Terra...before you depart. I have a gift for you as Green Heart of Leanbox" said Vert "Now you are staying at Planeptune correct? With Plutia and Neptune?"
"Yes...why?" asked Terra
"Just expect a little parcel to turn up, from me especially. I hope you like it"
"As long as it's not, what I hope it's not, thank you"
Bidding farewell, and carried off by Blanc, Terra and friends headed back to Planeptune. Upon arriving it was mild chaos. Nepgear looked to be in over her head, for Compa and Peashy were actually playing piggy-in-the-middle with a small handheld device "Don't drop that" Nepgear pleaded "It's easy to break"
"Come on Nepgear...catch it, here you go" Peashy said throwing to Compa
"I got it. Come on Ge-Ge...it's over here" as Nepgear ran over "Now it's over there. Catch Pea"
"Hey!" Nepgear missed as Peashy caught it.
Terra found something amusing to the scene with Neptune summing it up best "AH...one of Nep Jnr's few weakness, children at play"
"How long has this been going on for?" said Terra a bit amused
"About twenty minutes" said IF sat to the table with Histoire who waved to them "hey everyone, welcome back"
"How was your journey?" asked Histoire with a smile, and on her book on the table
"Vert just wanted to say hello to us that's all" said Plutia
"And boasting that she's soon to beat us all" said Blanc scowling "In gaming technology"
"But other than that...nothing happened" said Terra "It was just her introducing herself and...that's it"
Terra thought though to ask something different "but on immediate concern. Histoire are you alright? The last time we saw...you were Ko-ed"
"I'm still woozy (-_-)" said Histoire tiredly "That gateway took away much of my energy. The two mascots have given me enough reserves to function...but I won't be able to move around much until tomorrow"
"I'm sorry about the gateway Histy" said Neptune apologising "and for what happened to Nep Jnr"
"It's okay" said Histoire "I can open another one...but saying that it won't be for a long time now. I estimate at least two months before so, that is without another Mascot"
"That gives us plenty of time to say goodbye" said Plutia
"It does" said Terra "but maybe too long a time though but for now. Peashy, Compa we're home"
Peashy and Compa turned to the group "Oh yeah...Neptuna, Terra and everyone else is here" said Peashy
"Let's go see them" said Compa happily to which they both ran, Peashy throwing the device in the air which Nepgear frantically caught "hey everyone...welcome back"
"Hey there kiddos" said Neptune "I see you've been playing with Nep Jnr"
"Ahuh...she's a lot of fun to play with" said Peashy "Say Neptuna...is it snack time now?"
"That's right" said Histoire "Come on over and we'll see what we can find"
As the kids went to eat the girls gathered round with Nepgear putting away her device "Hello everyone, welcome back" said Nepgear
"Sorry to leave you hanging little sis" said Neptune "We had an invitation we couldn't refuse"
"Well...you're here now, and with Terra" she went up to him with a relieved smile "It's good to you again, I worried you both were in trouble"
"Well we had a crash...or in my case splash landing" said Terra "Fortunately though Plutia and the Histoire of this world have been looking after us"
"You would be Plutia right?" said Nepgear before bowing "It's nice to meet you and thanks for looking after my sister"
"It's no problem" said Plutia
"Come on...let's all sit down and talk it over" said Blanc "I'd like to get you know you better"
"I'd like that too" said Nepgear with a smile.
The group sat down, discussing their adventures and recent activities. Terra and Neptune spoke to Nepgear of their current adventures "So...this is whole another dimension" said Nepgear "In which it seems to a younger version of ours"
"You've got that right" said Neptune "I mean...in terms of CPU age, Vert is still in diapers...in a rhetorical sense"
"I think you metaphorical sense" corrected Blanc
"And instead of Neptune...you Plutia are the CPU of Planeptune" said Nepgear
"That's right" said Plutia
"Still...you're turn" said Neptune "How are things in our world?"
"Hmm...quiet for now" said Nepgear.
Nepgear sighed "Rumours of your absence have been spreading, and as a result some citizens are starting to wonder if you're gone. I mean you've been absent for the last few days"
"Well we couldn't help it" said Neptune "I mean we went on a quest, met this lady and then..." suddenly the penny dropped with all girls turning to Nepgear "Nep Jnr...repeat that again"
"Hmm...the citizens were wondering where you had gone?"
"No after that" said Blanc
"That...you've been gone a few days" this fact came off as odd
"We've...only been gone days?" asked Terra with Nepgear looking nervous "Nepgear...me and Neptune have been here over a month at the very least, maybe two"
Nepgear gasped in surprise "You've been weeks...but it's hardly been days"
"Does Time move faster in this dimension?" asked Blanc
"Must do for that to happen" said Terra before seeing the brighter sight "still this means Neptune hasn't been missing for too long. Meaning we've got more time before anyone realises she simply isn't sleeping"
"Huh...time with what?" asked Nepgear
"To search for the Mascots" said Plutia happily "Each nation, after a while, gets a Mascot that keeps the land all happy. We can use them on Histore, that is Young Histoire, to upgrade her"
"The little Histy isn't as high spec as ours" said Neptune "she slept nearly with the fishes over one phonecall"
"I see" said Nepgear "so which Mascot's have you found?"
"For now it's only Planeptune's and my own nations" replied Blanc "Lastation has been up for a little while, so a Mascot should be due but as for Leanbox I don't know"
Nepgear though put on an energetic front "Still...let me help you all. Until we get the Mascot's power, I'm stuck here with Neptune and Terra. So allow me to help you"
"No problem's there" said Neptune "I'd feel more stoked with you around Neppy Jnr"
"Well...we'd best off saving our search for the next day" said Blanc looking out "It's beginning to grow late, so I'd best fly back home"
"Hey Blanc...is that invitation still open?" Terra asked "to come to Lowee?"
"Yes why do you..." she saw his smile and blushed sighed "Yes and I'll give you a lift. As I said you barely weigh anything. Sacks of potatoes are heavier than you. At least while I'm in HDD form"
As the drew on, within the hour Terra had made it to Lowee and was sitting in Blanc's Bedroom – which had white carpeting – playing with her on her games console. They were taking in turns, with Blanc playing it with him "So like this. You have to collect the four letters, to get an extra life while making sure to pop the balloons"
"I got that part" said Terra "It's those stupid spinning barrels which get me. I can never time them"
"They go pretty quick...but that's the challenge"
"And why is Wasps are the worst enemy here?"
"I...can't answer that one. I will admit they are imposing but I don't have the say in everything that goes into a game. And you're done"
Terra seemed happy passing the controller "I have to say...thanks for letting me have a go at your games. I did play a few games back at the Orphanage but it had a lengthy queue"
"Were your games from your dimension more advanced?" asked Blanc "considering your dimension is akin to our future?"
"Pretty much...but I couldn't tell you which nation it was from. I do like how friendly your games are to play" Blanc smiled with pride
"At Lowee, we like to produce games that are fun for the whole family. Or rather games that any kind of audience can enjoy. Can I ask...what kind of games do you like to play?"
"Well...as I said I didn't get to play much" Blanc finished her turn and handed the controller "oh thank you but I do like party games...you know where several people can join in"
"Then...I might have a proposition for you there, but I'll leave that to tomorrow it's growing late"
"Good timing...that red wasp just skewered me"
"Then let's get ready for bed"
Terra, dressed in his grey pyjama shirt and shorts settled into his futon with Blanc next to him. Though it was peaceful...he begin to stir late into his slumber tossing and turning "This...is what you've become? A sissy among the gods...how low have you fallen" a dark male voice called to him from the dark, and eyes opening all he saw was purple void all around him.
Terra tried to move but his arms, spread out, were binded by black smoky rings and not letting him move "I can understand your tactic...what better wait to best a god, that to mingle among them...see what makes them tick. But what you're doing...is enough to make me sick?"
"Who's there...show yourself?" he said straining to move to which a human silhouette came before him
"Oh...no-one important. I'm merely here...to correct a few mistakes"
Terra saw the figure was normal in proportion but looked to be made out of thick smoke with dark brown eyes "You've forgotten...you're true purpose. It didn't matter for a time...but your strength and power is adequate. It's still lacking but suitable"
"Lacking?" as the figure folded his arms
"Still relax...I'm a long-lost-friend of yours"
"You don't feel very friendly"
"Now, now...don't be like that. I'm simply here...to put you back on the path made for you, your true destiny"
"Which is?" Yami rose up a hand
"To take Gamindustri..." and then closed it "And conquer it for yourself"
Terra looked wide-eyed "Conquer...Gamindustri?" he then retorted "Why would I do that!? I've got no interest in that"
"That part I'll agree with" he made a heavy sigh "All that work wasted...we underestimated your force of will but...it matters not" Yami raised a dark hand to Terra "I will make you see sense"
"No...I refuse!" Terra strained to free himself from his bindings, tugging his arms
"Ha...Good luck. You can't break free from those" but with a strong tug, and a yellow coating on Terra's body, the bindings broke off "What?"
"Terra...Terra come on snap out of it!" a light appeared to his left "Terra!" Terra bolted in the direction of it
"No...get back here" the figure tried to grab Terra who ran to the light before vanishing into it.
Terra saw light now all around him "Terra...Terra. God dammit will you wake up!" his vision came too and before him was an unhappy blanc in a light blue night dress with a little white bow in her hair
"Blanc...Blanc"
"Finally...you're awake" Terra sat up, Blanc kneeling next to him "About time. What the hell kind of dream were you having?"
"Not a...pleasant one that's for sure" Terra was somewhat sweaty and breathless "Jeez"
"No kidding" Blanc said coming away "You were tossing and turning, and made it look like someone was choking you. What happened?"
Terra went quiet...and worried "I was...met with this dark shadow, who called himself his long-lost friend. He told me...that I've forgotten my true purpose"
"What's that?" asked Blanc
"He told me...I was made to conquer Gamindustri, rule over it"
"And you believed it?"
"No...No I didn't. Only...I think he was gonna make me do it" Blanc rubbed his shoulder
"Well I doubt it'll happen again...I saw this small black cloud come away from you when you awoke. So next time...I bet you'll sleep like a baby"
"I hope so" Terra went rather shy "Hmm...do you mind if...I could ask something a bit personal?"
"What's that?"
"A...ummm...hug...if that's...alright?" sensing a small vulnerability to him Blanc thought to ease his worry and lightly hugged him "Thanks..."
"Don't mention it"
In the background, in the evil villains lair, Arfoire had arrived at a rather dark dungeon illuminated only by electric candles. She was before a sort of wavy mirror a distorted voice talking to her "So...the time is now?"
"Yes it is" said Arfoire "All four nations are made, as per your prediction, and five CPU's are present"
"And...what of the boy?"
"That's the only chink in our plans. Whether it's through the protection of the gods, or his own mentality, his sense of self is too strong. At least right now"
"Protection is merely walls...ready to be knocked down. He will soon become vital to our plan...but first you need more power"
"Yes I do. I'm to take the power of the CPU's, for myself then once that is done...we proceed to make this world a glorious one"
"Excellent...I'm now sending this power to you but I expect it back" Arfoire grinned
"It depends on how much I like it"
Since then, several days have gone by for Terra and company. Terra, as Blanc said, hadn't had any more nightmares and had since relaxed. He had stayed in Lowee for about three days, then Planeptune for three days. Terra was playing with the younger kids, and Neptune, all playing a card game amongst themselves "Ah-ha!" Neptune said putting a card down "I got the wild card and I declare red"
"Neptuna...I needed that" Peashy said having to pick up a card
"Alright my turn" said Compa "and I skip your turn Iffy"
"Again?" IF said complaining "I won't get a turn at this rate"
"Now it's my turn and Neptune...pick up two"
"Ohh...you're stopping me from winning here" said Neptune getting two more "but I'll counter it and reverse it to you"
As the group played, Plutia and Nepgear wwere speaking to a refreshed Histoire "So...we've lost a few citizens to Leanbox?" asked Plutia
"It was only natural" said Nepgear "everyone has their own preference in Goddess or gaming"
"but the damage is very minor" said Histoire "In-fact it's hardly been noticeable" (Knock,Knock)
"Oh I'll get it" Plutia answered the door "Noire, it's nice to see you"
"Hey Plutia, Nepgear...thought I pop over for once and make sure you aren't slacking off too much"
"Well...we have been sleeping a lot" said Plutia with a shy smile "but the children are keeping us busy"
"what brings you over Noire? Nepgear asked
"I just wanted to discuss a few things" said Noire "Like how Leanbox's presence has affected you because, it's been nearly a week and as of yet...nothing's really changed"
"We were just discussing about that" said Histoire.
Noire sat down looked a little annoyed "From the way Vert declared we'd all be losing soon, I'd have thought her nation would've had a better impact. So far I've lost some citizens, and commerce, but not enough to make a indent"
"Also...I've overheard people taking about Vert's game" said Plutia "some people don't like the game's console, and neither does Terra"
"Why...mention him?"
"Vert has sent Terra a games console of hers" said Nepgear "If you're curious you can ask him"
"I'll do that...Terra, Terra a minute please" Terra had just finished and came over
"Hey Noire what is it?" asked Terra
"Is it true Vert sent you a games console?"
"Yeah I did...only...I had to stop playing with it for a while. The power pack was starting to burn a hole in the floor"
Noire folded her arms "From what I've heard, the power pack is the size and weight of a brick?"
"They're not wrong" said Terra "and it can get really hot"
"Well...what of the games themselves? Did she send you any?"
"She sent me two, this space-shooter and an RPG. They both looked rather stunning, but they choked in a few places" Noire seemed to grin
"It's as a I thought" she said flicking her hair "We at Lastation encountered similar problems so we're helping to balance it out. Speaking of Lastation, when are you coming over? I've still got that treat to give you"
"Oh! I...forgot about that honestly, with everything going off but if it's still open I can come over today"
"No problems there. My schedule is pretty open...besides now might be good time to search for it"
Terra and Plutia both tilted their heads "Have you both forgotten?" asked Noire sighing "Terra I'm hoping these girls aren't a bad influence"
"Well Noire...you are a bit vague in your sentence" said Nepgear
"Ahhh...it might be time to begin searching for Lastation's Mascot, that's what I'm saying" Terra and Plutia reacted
"Oh yeah" said Plutia "We still need to find your Mascot Noire"
"And since my nation has been up and running for a while now, it should be a good time for it to be born"
"Then...do you need any help?" asked Nepgear "It's my fault that me, Terra and Neptune are stuck here. So I can help you find it?"
"Just to ask" said Noire being cautious "You are capable of fighting aren't I?"
"I'm not as strong as my sister...but I can go HDD too, so I should be okay"
It was then another realisation happened to which Terra groaned "I think...that slipped our minds completely"
"What did Terra?" asked Plutia "What's wrong?"
"What problem did Neptune have when she got here?" Noire then realised and groaned
"Great...we did forget about that" Noire said covering her face "That's going to be a chore"
"What's wrong?" asked Nepgear
"The rules of this dimension...are a little different to ours" said Terra "Here a CPU isn't born...they're made through an Item called a CPU core"
"A...CPU core?"
"It's a veryyyyyy....rarrrreeee item" said Plutia dragging it out for effect "That's lets someone transform. Me, Noire and Neppy all got one"
"But if that's the case then..." Nepgear said before realising "I can't transform to help you"
Noire sighed "It can't be helped, we'll just have to keep our eyes for some"
"Well considering Nepgear is in the story" said Terra "I doubt it's to keep her human all the way through, so there has to be a CPU core still out there"
"Has Neptune been teaching you about the 4th wall again?"
"But...where can we look?" asked Plutia "apart from that place we went to last time, I don't know of any other big places a CPU core can hide"
"I'll ask my information network, if they've spotted anything" said Histoire "since they do regularly explore"
"Me and Noire can ask around in Lastation" said Terra "And if we ask Blanc I'm sure she'll help out"
"In the mean-time, come on then" said Noire "I'll give you a lift to Lastation, since it'll take too long to walk"
"Have a good time" said Histoire waving "See you soon"
Within the enemy stronghold, Mister BADD and Warechu were waiting "What's taking Gothy so long?" complained Warechu eating a hotdog "she's been hours"
"I know what you mean" said Mister BADD before the tapping of heels told him of her entrance "but it seems my concern is now remedied"
"Hello everyone...sorry to keep you waiting" Arfoire came into the room, with a wide grin on her pale face "It is done"
"What is done?" asked WArechu
"I've reclaimed the power that is rightfully mine, torn away from me many years ago. With this...I can grow much stronger than I am now, and I have the resources to do it"
"What's your current list of objectives Arfoire?" asked Mister BADD
"Currently it's threefold. First we need to spread some disorder, to not only meddle with the faith and beliefs of the citizens but cause some distractions. Warechu I'm leaving that to you with Anomydeath"
Warechu groaned "You stick me with the gender confused...android, cyborg whatever. He says he's a heart of a maiden...but no clue"
"As for you Mister BADD" said Arfoire "I'd like you to do the same thing, but also scour the land for a CPU Core. My plan requires one to take effect"
"I'll have my daughters look around at once" he said "But may I ask what you require one for? Is it required for your power?"
"Sort of yes and sort of no. As for what I'll be doing..." a very sinister tone, if with some hate, carried into her words "Only I deserve the power of this world, those who claim it squander, and I will claim it as I should"
CHAPTER END
"And with that...we come to the end. Theodore here...and what a dark ending. Arfoire seems to mean business, I can only wonder what she'll do but that's up the higher-ups and story. Now with the introduction of Nepgear, I thought to give you her reference. Nepgear is inspired by Sega's little handheld the Gamegear, the sibling counterpart to the Sega console. I had one of those, the games were fine...but the battery life was horrible. Anyway onto said Nepgear for the outro"
"Hello everyone...good to be. I'm the Planeptune Candidate Nepgear, happy to meet you all. Now then onto the preview. Next time on Neptunia's LC Mk 2. Since I require a CPU core, which I apologise for the trouble, our only hope lies in Leanbox and Vert to find it. Vert seems to readily help, but we can only wonder what her intention is. Stayed tune for Chapter 24 Nepgear's turning...What!?"
"Nepgear?" Theodore replies
"I can't read this!"
"Hang me let me see...what the!? This has been...done over with pen eraser. Only you, me and Nep have been...Ah. Neptune!"
"Theodore" Theodore gets a pen and writes on the page "Is this the actual name?"
"It is. Now excuse me a minute...and take 2"
Nepgear watches Terra leave as Nepgear, a little bewildered, clears her throat "Well...let's try the end bit again. So stayed tuned for Chapter 24: Vert's True Intentions. See you then" as Nepgear smiles, in the background Neptune is dragged behind by Terra and Noire
"Hey...Hey let me go" Neptune said trying to wriggle free but Noire's grip on her clothes was strong
"Not a chance!" she said "come on" Nepgear just sighed and waved as a sweat drop appeared on her face.
Next update is E.Courage 3, due out between 15th - 19th July.