...That night, everyone was merry, they celebrated their victory with cheers of glee and tears of joy, everyone was safe and the previous soldiers were given time to rest while the volunteers took their place in guarding the ravine...
Grun: "Make sure those sunlight pylons are up and ready, keep them running or we'll have a swarm in our midst."
Engineer: "Yes sir!"
...Grun continued ordering his men to secure the camp, he also sent scouts to patrol the ravine's perimeter...
Grun: "Make sure those shadows get any ideas by going the long way around the Ravine, keep them stuck in there."
Ghost: "Affirmative, permission to use nukes if necessary sir?"
Grun: "Permission denied. When you do see anything, report back to base and do not attempt to engage the enemy directly, we've had a clean record on casualties, I want to keep it that way."
Spectre: "Understood."
Grun: "Commence operation: Recon 2. Move out!"
Ghost / Spectre: "Yes Sir!"
...After giving the orders Grun joins the celebration.
Emerald: "Grun, you're back."
Grun: "How are you doin darlin?"
Emerald: "Oh stop you pig."
Grun: "Ahahaha... What can I say old habits die hard..."
Emerald: "Ahahaha, I'm doing okay, you however still needs to explain that little thing with Vert."
Vert: "And what might that be?"
...Vert enters the scene out of nowhere and sticks to Grun...
Grun: "V-Vert!"
Emerald: "Ah! Let go of him you perv-Vert!!"
Vert: "Oh my~ Do I sense jealousy?"
...boing~
Grun: "!!!"
Vert: "Uhuhuhu~ He seems to enjoy it~"
Emerald: "Enough! Since when were you so clingy!?"
Vert: "Ahahahahaha~ Apologies... I just can't help it."
Ngine: "Can't help what exactly?"
...Ngine joins in the conversation.
Vert: "Well...~ If you really want to know...~"
Ngine: "I have a bad feeling about this..."
...Vert pushes Grun back and stood next to Emerald, having taller than the girl, Vert looks down on Emerald...
Vert: "Cu-"
Everyone: "Cu-?"
Vert: "CUUUUUTEE!!!!!"
Ngine: "O_O!"
Grun: "O.o'"
Emerald: "WAAAAHHHH!!!!!!"
Vert: "Oh I just can't have enough of that puffy face! Oh~! Yes! Oh my goddess!!! I just want to rub my face on those puffy cheeks! Ahahahaha!"
Emerald: "No! Let me go! Ahhh!!!!"
Vert: "Nepgear is great~, Zebby is sweet~ but Emerald, you truly are the best among all! sniff* sniff* Awww~ What wonderful smell!!! How about here then~?"
Emerald: "Kyaa! Hey! Hands off! That's not a place you are supposed to touch! Noo!!!!"
Vert: "Oh dear~! How rude of me, this skinshipping should be done in private! Come now, join me in my quarter~"
Emerald: "No! Stop! NOOOO!!! Grun! Help me!"
Grun: "Vert! Let her go!"
Vert: "*Death Glare*"
...a cold wind blew through the area...
Grun: "...Please, enjoy yourselves..."
Ngine: "A wise choice..."
Emerald: "Nooo! NOOOO!!!!!"
....Emerald was taken in the Per..."Ahem..." Vert's quarters, and it is said that through out the night sensual moans could be heard.
Ngine: "Doesn't sound like she's in pain at least..."
Grun: "Yeah..."
Ngine: "By the way... Sorry about earlier... I just snapped... and..."
Grun: "Yes?"
Ngine: "I'm still naive... I know that you were just trying to get me to have faith in myself... But I just can't... I don't know if I should even be here..."
Grun: "Ahahahahahaha!!"
Ngine: "W-what's so funny!?"
Grun: "After what you've done, you still think so lowly of yourself? That is just priceless!"
Ngine: "Uuu~~~"
Grun: "Ahaha...Ahahaha! I'm sorry... Now then... Ngine?"
Ngine: "Yes?"
Grun: "Look around you..."
...Ngine looks at the camp, smiling faces, injured soldiers laugh off the pain as Zeb and Luna heals them, engineers joking about Shatana's strength about how unladylike it was, Feria teasing the others and Bel discussing strategies with the tacticians...
...Food was plentiful, everyone was smiling, others were packing to return home to spend some time with their families while the volunteers took over. Others were playing cards, others were drinking beer, it was a sight of a pleasant evening, everyone was merry...
Ngine: "Ah..."
Grun: "Everyone is alive, everyone has hope, everyone's hearts have been healed and their spirits lifted, because of what you did. They are willing to fight for tomorrow more than ever. If that's not something to live for, then I don't know what is. That scene before you is the pure proof of your existence, this happened because of you, don't deny yourself that. Burn this image into your mind, their smiles, the joy that we all feel... Keep close in your heart..."
Ngine: "I see..."
Grun: "So Ngine, do you still think that you should not be here?"
Ngine: "...No...Thank you Grun."
Grun: "It was my pleasure."
Ngine: "For a perv, you really are the wise sage."
Grun: "I'll take that as a compliment... By the way, how are things going with the Cracker."
Ngine: "He's gone to Lowee tomorrow, he needed something from Blanc, well to be more accurate with Blanc's sister Ram."
Grun: "What could it be?"
Ngine: "He said it has something to do about the mark on her sister's arm... We're hoping it's not anything serious..."
Grun: "I see, then you should go to him."
Ngine: "He doesn't need me, he can handle that himself."
Grun: "Oh there you again... Didn't we just went over this? Go to him, from the tone of your voice, he's worried about something."
Ngine: "But....haaa... Okay, I'll go."
Zeb: "Can Nep go too?"
Ngine: "Whoa! Zeb! When did you get here!?"
Zeb: "Just now... Please~ Nep has a quest to complete in Lowee."
Ngine: "Yeah... Sure I guess. Hey, aren't you taking on a bit too many quests at the same time?"
Zeb: "It's fine~ Nep gets credits for it, so she can buy snacks for Chiika Jr~ Gooey~ Kitkat~ and Vady~"
Ngine: "Ahaha... So simple minded."
Zeb: "Fue~?"
Ngine: "Never mind, we're leaving together with Weiz, tell Shatana to stay and assist Feria and Bel."
Zeb: "Okie~ Dokie~"
...The night went on in peace, with the solar light of the Pylons the shadows were prevented from leaving the ravine, and with the scouts on patrol, any unexpected hazards were easily avoided.
The Next Day, in Lowee.
As the group entered Lowee's Basilicom, something flew towards them, it was a book ripping through the air like a homing missile.
Ngine: "Nope."
...Ngine dodged the attack by side stepping to the right.
Weiz: "Not today..."
Weiz ducked down to evade it.
Zeb: "Fue~?"
...Zeb couldn't react in time so...
WHOOOOSHHHH!!!!!
DONK!
Zeb: "Nepu~!!!"
Ram: "Yahoo!!!! A direct hit! On Neptune! er... Wait... You're not Neptune."
Zeb: "Uuuiii~ Nep is Nep silly~"
Ram: "Uwaa... This is weird... You look like your about to become jello..."
Blanc: "What's all the fuss about?"
Chiika Jr.: "CAW! CAW!"
Ram: "Wah! A Monster!"
Blanc: "RAM! Watch out!"
...Blanc seeing that a huge bird-like monster was staring down on her sister rushed in with her hammer...
Blanc: "Get away from my sister!"
Zeb: "NOOOOO!!!!!"
...In a rush Zeb steps between them halting Blanc's charge.
Blanc: "H-huh? Zeb? Then this must be..."
Chiika Jr: "Bok~! Bokaww~!"
Blanc: "It's you're Cockratice...phew~ I thought a monster managed to sneak in here..."
Ram: "So this is Chiika Jr? Wow! Can I ride him please~!"
Chiika Jr: "Hrmm! Bok!"
Ram: "Huh...? Is he sulking?"
Zeb: "Oh~ Don't worry about him his just upset he wasn't able to guard Nep from the book."
Ram: "Oh... Sorry about that... I was just practicing my throws! And you guys came by so I thought, Meh, You guys will do."
Ngine: "Still as deadly as ever."
Ram: "I was actually aiming at Neptune, but she dodged it, didn't she...?"
Ngine: "I'm sorry if you misunderstood but I'm not Neptune..."
Ram: "You're not!? Hrmm... Did you hit your head or something?"
Ngine: "Wha-!? You little punk..."
Ram: "Ahahahahaha! Neptune's angry face look so dumb! Look at that Blanc!"
Blanc: "Yeah..."
...Blanc looks at Ngine and scans her from head to toe...
Weiz: "It's crazy, isn't it...?"
Blanc: "Yeah... They look so alike... if not for her super pale skin and golden eyes, you'll never tell which is which."
Weiz: "Yeah, well... I guess you can tell them apart from the way they act though. This one's more of a brute if you catch my drift."
Blanc: "Like you're one to talk... how's the front line?"
Weiz: "Great actually, this here superstar really did some awesome but cringey speeches that boosted the morale of the soldiers."
Blanc: "I bet she did."
Ngine: "Ahem... I'm right here?"
Blanc: "My apologies, nice to meet you, I'm-"
Ngine: "Again, just like Noire... Why are you introducing yourself? I know who you are."
Blanc: "Then how about you tell me who YOU are."
Ngine: "There! That should have been your first question to me! Haa... The name's Ngine."
Blanc: "I see, well then Ngine would you mind explaining why you're here?"
Ngine: "I'm actually here for the Cracker... Hmm... He's in the Basilicom but which part?"
Blanc: "I believe his in Weiz's office right now."
Ngine: "He's looking through alot of books, he's so busy he doesn't even realize I'm watching him right now."
Blanc: "How do you know that?"
Ngine: "I'm connected to him, senses and all."
Blanc: "Interesting... Then tell me, what is he looking for?"
Ngine: "Why do you ask?"
Blanc: "He came to me earlier and asked about Ram's mark, he said that this might help in getting the beast back faster, he won't do it until he knows there are no critical risks for Ram though."
Ngine: "Okay, he's searching for the Beast's Insignias these are symbols that indicates a beast, he wanted to see the mark for himself so he could compare other insignias and decipher them... Hrmm... From what I can gather, this action lays 2 advantages... 1 is that the bearer of a beast's insignia can channel the power of it's corresponding beast, and 2 an insignia holds a weakness of the Baphomet."
Blanc: "Baphomet?"
Ngine: "It's the Original Beast of Sins, forged from the very misdeeds of men to their world, it is the embodiement of the foul and wretched..."
Blanc: "Hrmm... And he's doing this because...?"
Ngine: "It's a promise that he made to someone, someone very dear to him..."
Weiz: "..."
Blanc: "Understood, I will allow him to examine the mark but only the mark alone, if he tries to do something funny to my sister..."
Ngine: "Don't worry I'll keep him in check."
...While the adults continued to talk, Ram and Zeb opted to do a little mischief...
Ram: "Okay... Now just hang the water over here... and..."
Zeb: "Done!"
Ram: "Awesome~! Now let's wait and see whose the dummy that will fall for it! Oooh! I can't wait!"
Zeb: "Nep is excited~!"
...The two hang a bucket on top of a slightly open door, the classic bucket of water prank...
Blanc: "How is Luna doing Weiz?"
Weiz: "She's doing fine, but I do wish she would rest more often."
Blanc: "In that case I'll go and switch places with her."
Weiz: "I would say yes, but Blanc, you can't heal people right?"
Blanc: "When I watched the NEWS, you've safely established the pylons right? Then you won't need as many men to guard the ravine, and on the topic of healing, I can actually heal people now thanks to our SOUL IMPORT."
Weiz: "Of course... Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
Blanc: "Don't worry about me. Sit tight while I go switch with Luna."
...Blanc inspected her inventory for a bit before leaving...
Ngine: "Hey... Weiz...?"
Weiz: "Yeah?"
Ngine: "<whisper> You're not cheating on Luna with Blanc are you?"
Weiz: "WHAT!?"
Blanc: "WAH!? What's wrong!?"
Weiz "N-nothing! <Empty your mind! Empty your mind! uhh...RIGHT! That thing!>"
Blanc: "Hmmm...? <Why is he thinking about popsicles? wait... Those are popsicles right?> Well whatever."
Weiz: "Okay... I think I'm clear.... Ngine! Why the hell would you ask that!?"
Ngine: "Well sorry! I didn't mean to get you so riled up, you two just seemed close is all!"
Weiz: "Haaa... Look nothing is going on between me and Blanc, okay? I'm just concerened for her you know."
Ngine: "Why is that?"
Weiz: "Oh, you probably don't know, but it was both Blanc and Luna who snapped me out of my self depreciating state... See... I always wanted power, more power than anyone else, I wanted power so I could protect my people and the ones I care for... But that view was twisted, I couldn't trust anyone, until Blanc dove deep into my mind with Luna, they convinced me to stand up again... So to make sure that I won't do the same mistake, I want to keep looking out for everyone, this time with kindness and love... Ahaha... I went on a rant their for a bit huh..."
Ngine: "Yeah... it was starting to get embarrasing to listen to...but... I understand what your saying..."
Weiz: "Speaking of wants what do you want the most right now Ngine?"
Ngine: "Me? Well... Right now...hrmm..."
SPLASH!!!
Zeb: "Lookie~!"
Ram: "We got someone!"
...As Ngine pondered, a splashing sound was heard near the doorway followed by the gleeful voices of Ram and Zeb...
Ngine: "Brrr!!!!!! What the hell was that!?"
...Ngine felt a chill run down her spine as she felt like she was wet all over, as if someone just poured water on her head...
Ram: "Who did we get though...?"
Zeb: "Hmmm.... Let's see- EEK!?"
...When Zeb went to look she found herself face to face with the Cracker who was wet from head to toe...
Cracker: "YOU TWO......"
Ram: "AHHHH!!!! It's the Demontunio! RUN!!!!"
Zeb: "HEEELLLPPP MEEE!!!!"
Grab!
Ram: "uhh..."
Zeb: "Nepu-!Ugu~~~"
Cracker: "You two need some spanking..."
Blanc: "I'll handle that..."
Weiz: "Ram... you've done it now..."
Ram: "I'm sorry! I'm Sorry! I won't do it again! PLEASE LET ME GO!"
Cracker: "No."
Ram: "No way!"
Zeb: "Uuu~ Sorry Cracky~ Nep won't do it again, promise. <Puppy eyes~>"
Cracker: "Urk..."
Zeb: "Hauuu~ <Sad Puppy Eyes>"
Cracker: "Kh! Urghhh....!"
Zeb: "*hic~ U-uuuu~!!! <Crying puppy eyes!>"
Cracker: "Fine..."
...The Cracker puts Zeb down...
Ram: "Hey! No fair! Why does she get to go?"
Cracker: "I blame you for getting her involve in this... Now Blanc? if you please."
Blanc: "With pleasure."
Ram: "Wha-? Sis...? You won't really hit me won't you?"
Blanc: "No of course not, why would I hit my own little sister?"
Ram: "Oh good, because that would be-"
Blanc: "I'll only lecture you... for 3 hours..."
Ram: "Oh no..."
...Needless to say, Ram was taken away by Blanc.
Weiz: "Well, I have some things to attend to as well, I'll see you both later."
Zeb: "Thank you Cracky~! Nep and Chiika Jr. are gonna go complete some quests now~ Okay?"
Cracker: "Fine, just don't stay out late, alright?"
Zeb: "Kay~~~!"
Cracker: "Who knows what Genesis would do if she knew I let something happen to you... Oh... Zeb!"
Zeb: "Hunya?"
...The Cracker reached over to Zeb and rubbed her swollen forehead.
Cracker: "Does it hurt?"
Zeb: "Auu~ Uh-huh~"
Cracker: "Here, don't move, Let me patch you up."
...The Cracker pulls out a healing salve and applied it uno Zeb's swollen forehead.
Zeb: "Thank you~!"
..After doing so Zeb and her Cockratice left...
Cracker: "Make sure you stay safe!"
...The Cracker waves good bye as he shouted.
Ngine: "Well that was surreal."
Cracker: "Oh? you were here?"
Ngine: "That was rude... I've been here all this time and you didn't even notice?"
Cracker: "Sorry I was a bit pre-occupied."
Ngine: "I can tell... Here."
Cracker: "Thanks..."
...Ngine hands the Cracker a towel...
Cracker: "Where were you keeping this?"
Ngine: "In my inventory."
Cracker: "Fair enough."
Ngine: "So how goes the search?"
Cracker: "dull... I can't find a single clue on how to get the beasts to appear."
Ngine: "I see..."
Cracker: "Nice way of explaining things by the way."
Ngine: "Nah, It's a gift."
Cracker: "Well you did add exclude some truth in there though.. About how to use those said weaknesses to our advantage..."
Ngine: "You need to transfer the insignia's to a vessel. A Human to inherit the powers of the beast... once all of the fallen beasts are gathered, you will then use their essenses to unlock the door for OVERWRITE to occur... and by that I mean you would perish..."
Cracker: "Yeah... But not just yet..."
Ngine: "Don't you dare..."
Cracker: "Read my mind, did you?"
Ngine: "Bastard! We are not discussing this again! Don't you dare sever our connection, if you perish, then so be it! I will perish with you!"
Cracker: "Ahahaha... Ngine, please... You have your whole life ahead of you, don't waste all of that on me."
Ngine: "I'm looking for a way to keep us both alive, so don't sever our connection!"
Cracker: "You mean that orb of light that you acquired from Neptune?"
Ngine: "...."
Cracker: "You're just wasting your time on that... It won't stand as a substitute for me... That orb won't hold the three fallen beasts you know that."
Ngine: "I know... But if there's anything that I've learned from all these memories that I have... The Memories that Neptune and I share... I learned to never give up hope."
Cracker: "But you were so adamant at keeping away from me before...What's got you so fixated in keeping me alive now?"
Ngine: "I... Umm... I don't really know..."
Cracker: "How can you not know?"
Ngine: "I don't know, okay!? At first I hated you so much, all the things that you've done I still can't forget them, but the longer we stay connected, the more I began to understand you. Your loyalty to your friend... The guilt you carry in your heart, the regrets, everything..."
Cracker: "Ngine..."
Ngine: "And right now... I just don't know anymore... What I do know, is that you need me, and I need you... I need you, so I can understand what you've been going through all these years..."
Cracker: "Well now... Guess I concede then..."
Ngine: "Then you won't sever our connection?"
Cracker: "Yeah, yeah, I won't."
Ngine: "No matter what!?"
Cracker: "No matter what."
Ngine: "Ahh...Good...Ehehe~"
Cracker: "Don't laugh like that it's creepy."
Ngine: "I wasn't laughing..."
Cracker: "I think you'd find that you were."
Ngine: "Seriously? Huh... Why though?"
Cracker: "How should I know? You're the one laughing."
Ngine: "Well whatever... Haa Achoo!"
Cracker: "Whoa there, are you cold?"
Ngine: "Y-yeah... It's because of you actually."
Cracker: "Ahh... Of course, then how about you and I take a warm bath?"
Ngine: "..."
Cracker: "There's also the outdoor hotspring that Blanc recently found, well? What do you say?"
Ngine: "...You're not serious..."
Cracker: "I'm dead serious."
Ngine: "A BATH!? WITH ME!?"
Cracker: "Yeah~! We can scrub eachother's backs."
Ngine: "That's not the point! Why would you invite a girl to a bath with you!? Let alone me!?"
Cracker: "Uh, cuz we're both cold? Duh."
Ngine: "No no no no no no Think about this, A boy and a girl together in the bath."
Cracker: "<Naughty Stuff.>"
Ngine: "SEE! YOU'RE EVEN THINKING! IT!"
Cracker: "In my defense, just because I'm thinking it doesn't mean I would actually do it."
Ngine: "Okay Creepo, why do you always revert to this sex crazed maniac when we're together!?"
Cracker: "Don't know, but when I look at you, I can't stop but feel warm and fuzzy inside. Like there's this torrent of energy that just keeps piling up until all I can think about is well ... spending some time with you."
Ngine: "W-what the hell are you saying!?"
Cracker: "It's the truth you know, I'm not lying. You should be able to tell."
Ngine: "I know but... why? Why would you feel that way?"
Cracker: "It's a mystery... well maybe not at all, if I were to be blunt about all of this... I think... I..."
Ngine: "W-what are you saying...?"
Cracker: "I think I...Like you..."
Ngine: "!!??"
Cracker: "I know... I know It's weird... We just met a few months ago, and now I'm feeling this way..."
Ngine: "Y-you're not really serious are you?"
Cracker: "At this point... not yet... But the one thing I know, is that I always feel like this when I'm around you... It's like a spell was casted on me... And when you're not around... I act normally again... I guess... When I see you, I just feel happy... like if I'm with you, then everything will be fine."
Ngine: "It just seems so forced. I'm still not ready to process all of this."
Cracker: "I see... Then Let's try some experiments shall we?"
Ngine: "Experiments? Whoa! Hey! Wait a minute!"
...The Cracker dragged Ngine to the hot springs...
Ngine: "Umm... Why are we here?"
...With a towel wrapped around her body Ngine asks the Cracker.
Cracker: "I told you we're doing an experiment, now come on down, the water's nice and warm, that should shake the cold off just fine."
Ngine: "No, I'm good I feel warm already because you're in there."
Cracker: "I see, so you're afraid of me..."
Ngine: "What?"
Cracker: "You still don't trust me... You never trusted me..."
Ngine: "That's pure guilt tripping! You bastard!"
Cracker: "*cry *cry *cry <Fake tears.>"
Ngine: "Uuu~ Fine! But stay as far away from me as possible."
Cracker: "Aww..."
Ngine: "That's only natural! Also we didn't really need to share a bath in the first place!"
Cracker: "But I do want to know why I feel like this though."
Ngine: "Uuu~ Whatever!"
...Ngine steps into the water and removes the towel covering her body.
Cracker: "<She's flat, and has no curves at all... so why the hell?>"
Ngine: "Urk!"
Cracker: "<Hrmm... She is cute though...>"
Ngine: "hauu...~~"
Cracker: "<For someone so thin she does have a shapely butt, and that clean nape.>"
Ngine: "Now you're looking at weird places?"
Cracker: "<Hrmm... I need to get closer.>"
Ngine: "What!?"
...Just as Ngine turns, she faces the Cracker, they lock eye contact...
THUMP!
Ngine / Cracker: "Ugh!"
...Right then and there the two of them felt something change deep inside them, as their eyes were reflecting each other, so were their heart beats, their breathing became ragged as they looked at each other...
Ngine: "H-hey... Can you back away for a bit?"
Cracker: "..."
...The Cracker doesn't answer, instead he moves forward, the spring water ripples with his movement.
Ngine: "I'm serious! Back off!"
Cracker: "Just for a bit! I need to know!"
Ngine: "Kya! N-no!"
...Ngine backs off to the edge of the spring she tried to get out but the wet surface proved to be quite the hindrance and the Cracker managed to corner her...
Ngine: "D-Don't look at me right now..."
Cracker: "Why?"
Ngine: "What do you mean why!? I'm naked you dumbass!"
Cracker: "I've seen you naked plenty of times... It's nothing new."
Ngine: "Seen me naked- What!? Have you been peeping on me!"
Cracker: "You can peep on me if you want."
Ngine: "That doesn't comfort me at all!"
Cracker: "Hmm..."
Ngine: "W-what?"
...The Cracker's hand brushed Ngine's red wet cheeks... she feels the rugged fingers brush on her soft pale skin, blood rushed to her cheeks, flushing the red...
Cracker: "I think I get it now..."
Ngine: "What?"
Cracker: "I know why I'm feeling this way..."
Ngine: "Then what is it? Tell me."
Cracker: "It's all because of you..."
Ngine: "Huh?"
Cracker: "Hehe... And I thought I was weird..."
Ngine: "I-I don't get it."
Cracker: "Well It's not like I don't feel anything for you. Hmm... Let's just say you're the more active one."
...The Cracker then released her without saying another word...
Ngine: "Huh...?"
Cracker: "Come on, let's get dressed..."
Ngine: "Oh...uh... sure..."
...Despite agreeing Ngine stayed there sitting in the spring... Confusion assaulted her mind, what did he mean? Why is it because of her? All these questions racked her brain for answers but nothing came up.
...She tried reading the Cracker's mind, and yet she still couldn't understand... Is that even possible? They should be able to understand one another, and yet for some reason, she can't contemplate what the Cracker meant.
...That night when they slept Ngine was wide awake still trying to make sense of what the Cracker said...
Ngine: "Grun... He doesn't need help... I'm the one who needs help..."
The Next Morning
...Neptune and Neptunio arrived to watch over the Basilicom while Blanc, Ram and Weiz go to the Battlefield.
Neptune: "Heeeyyyaa!!!"
Blanc: "Can you not do that? It's way too early in the morning for you to be this loud."
Neptune: "Blaanny~!!! Hey there girlfriend how ya doin?"
Blanc: "Fine, I see you're as energetic as ever."
Neptune: "Ahaha... Yeah well, this watching over your basilicom was great timing since I had to leave Planeptune ASAP."
Blanc: "What did you do this time."
Neptunio: "She put a pudding in a plastic cup and tried to heat it up in the oven."
Blanc: "The normal custard one?"
Neptune: "Oh what's the big deal? I just wanted to warm it is all."
Neptunio: "Warm it sure... BUT LEAVING IT UNATTENDED IS A HAZARD!"
Blanc: "I can almost guess what happened..."
Neptunio: "You set the heat too high as well! The plastic melted and the oven blew up!"
Neptune: "Nepu! I said I was sorry~!"
Neptunio: "Haaa... Genesis was so mad..."
Neptune: "Don't blame me! Blame the oven! that thing was so old it could hardly heat up my macaroni and cheese!"
Neptunio / Blanc: "Sure... Blame the object for human error..."
...Soon Weiz arrived...
Weiz: "Ya ready?"
Blanc: "Yeah, wait where's Ram?"
...And then from the corner of the room, bursts forth...
Neptune: "Wait... I have a bad feeling about this... something about entering Lowee's Basilicom without seeing that dastardly kid tickles my senses... Oh right! I REMEMBER!"
WHOOOSH!!!
Catch!
Neptune: "Whoa!"
Neptunio: "Got it!"
Ram: "Aww snowballs... Hey! Dummy! Don't catch it next time!"
...A book came flying through the air aiming for Neptune's noggin, but luckily Neptunio was there to catch it...
Neptune: "Nio..."
Neptunio: "That was close."
Blanc: "Good catch."
Neptune: "You... You saved me~"
Neptunio: "Of course I'd save you Neptune..."
...The look at each other's face and-
Neptunio: "Because this book would hurt like hell and if you get hit, I get hit as well."
Neptune: "Way to ruin the atmosphere buddy."
Weiz: "What atmosphere? There was hardly any."
Neptune: "GAAAAN~~~... Nevermind..."
Blanc: "Now Ram..."
Ram: "Eek!?"
Blanc: "What did I say about throwing objects?"
Ram: "To not to...?"
Blanc: "That's right, and?"
Ram: "except If my target was Neptune I should throw a morning star instead."
Neptune: "<Pulls out a cellphone.>"
Neptunio: "What are you doing?"
Neptune: "I'm suing someone, this NEP-ABUSE needs to stop!"
<And the author was never heard of again...-NOT!>
...After that little event Blanc, Weiz and Ram left.
Neptune: "Mmmmm!!! This is so unfair!"
Neptunio: "What is it this time?"
Neptune: "You!"
Neptunio: "M-Me?"
Neptune: "Yes! You! Kiss me!"
Neptunio: "WHY!?"
Neptune: "Uuuu!!!! I want one! I want one! I want one!"
Neptunio: "Stop acting like a spoiled brat you goofball, now pipe down."
Neptune: "Haaa... Am I really not attractive?"
Neptunio: "Where's this all coming from?"
Neptune: "I mean, look at Cracky boy and Cloney...How did they get to kissing in such a short time... But us? We're like the same characters just gender swapped."
Neptunio: "First, we are not alike at all, and Second, why do you even care about all of this?"
Neptune: "Because I'm losing my role as the protagonist damn it! First there's you and the inheritors, then Genesis, now it's Cracky boy and Cloney! When is it gonna be my time?"
Neptunio: "Haa... This just got so meta I can hardly care anymore..."
Neptune: "See!? Even my 4th wall breaking doesn't carry the same weight as before..."
Neptunio: "Look, what you need is some sort of development, a crucial event that may lead to a new path in the future."
Neptune: "I know so kiss me!"
Neptunio: "No!"
Neptune: "Why!?"
Neptunio: "There's no reason to! And didn't you hate it the first time it happened!?"
Neptune: "Because that was unnecessary!"
Neptunio: "Well this one is too!"
Neptune: "Nio, please~! I'm begging you~! just one okay? One simple kiss~."
Neptunio: "Hey! Get off me! Are you Feria!? You're Feria aren't you!? You're just disguising as Neptune!"
Neptune: "No, Feria's in the Frontlines. Don't worry, it will only hurt the first time~ Uhehehehehe~"
Neptunio: "Are you some perv on the streets or something!?"
Neptune: "It'll be over in a second, just give me those rosy lips~!"
Neptunio: "Don't make me go crazy up in here, I'll do it! I swear I will!"
Neptune: "Gotcha!"
Neptunio: "Oh crap!"
...Neptunio is pinned down to the ground as Neptune sits on his stomach while pushing him down...
Neptune: "Now then pretty boy, just hold still and we can finally enter a new road."
Neptunio: "A new road to rapesville that is! Help! Someone Help!"
Ngine: "The hell are you guys doing?"
Neptunio: "Ngine! Oh thank the goddess, you're here! Please help me! Get this goofball off of me."
Neptune: "Don't stop me Cloney, I need to do this, I need to take my spot as the true Protagonist!"
Ngine: "What are you doing exactly?"
Neptune: "Imma kiss this guy!"
Neptunio: "NO-YOU-ARE-NOT! Ngine help me out here!"
Ngine: "...K-kiss...Hrmm... Maybe that's why?"
Neptunio: "Uhh... Ngine? Anytime now..."
Neptune: "Hmm... How to do this... Maybe just drive right in?"
Neptunio: "Earth to Ngine...!?"
Ngine: "Very well..."
Neptunio: "Good, now just grab her by the shoulder and-"
Ngine: "Do it Neptune."
Neptunio: "Eh?"
Neptune: "HERE I COME!!! Muchuuuu~~~~~~~~!"
Neptunio: "No! Wait! Neptune! NOOOOO!!!MMmmmmmm~~!!!"
*chupa~!
...A few moments later...
Neptunio: "ahh...*fainted...*"
Neptune: "Phew~! That was intense!"
Ngine: "You suffocated him with a kiss... How are you not fainting yourself? Whatever... What do you think?"
Neptune: "Hmm... Nothing really happened... Uuuu~!!! So frustrating!"
Ngine: "Nothing? You don't feel anything?"
Neptune: "... No... I do feel something..."
Ngine: "What is it?"
Neptune: "Disappointment..."
Ngine: "<That's probably what Neptunio is feeling right now...>"
Neptune: "I thought this would help make me the protagonist, but now I'm just... DISAPPOINTED!!!!"
Ngine: "How would a kiss even do anything that you just said?"
Neptune: "Good point. So anyway, how are ya? Having any night time events lately?"
Ngine: "W-what are you talking about?"
Neptune: "Oh you know what I mean~"
Ngine: "Well..."
...Ngine explains the events that occured...
Neptune: "Really now~ Well then that's exciting~ Just the two of you in the spring~ Trying hard not to look but also wanting to~ Ahh~ Such sweet scenes~ WHY AM I NOT IN IT!?"
Ngine: "After that... He just stopped... after saying that It's all because of me, he just left..."
Neptune: "And you were left there unsatisfied, just like a good movie with a cliffhanger or a game with an open ending, you're left more questions than answers... <Plus you're left thirsty for more... That dude's a smooth operator.>"
Ngine: "Yeah... that kind of feeling..."
Neptune: "Have you tried looking into his mind?"
Ngine: "I did, but all I got were vague puzzling answers... He keeps saying it's me, I'm the one causing him this... why though?"
Neptune: "Hmm... Hey, I'm not really a love guru but how do you feel about him?"
Ngine: "What?"
Neptune: "Like do you like him?"
Ngine: "Wha-!? Well... Umm... I wouldn't say I hate him... not anymore at least."
Neptune: "Then do you like him as a friend? Or do you like him as in you want to rip his shirt off to expose those juicy abs those ripping muscles and as you do so, the wave of his manly scent assails your very soul!"
Ngine: "What!? No! Eww~! Nasty! That's nasty! YOU'RE NASTY! Please be more serious about this."
Neptune: "I am serious, exagerations aside, do you LIKE him?"
Ngine: "...I... Don't know..."
Neptune: "Oh my sweet holy icy tea, YOU DO!"
Ngine: "N-no! It's not like that!"
Neptune: "Oh don't play dumb with me sister, I know a smitten las when I see one~!"
Ngine: "Y-you think so?"
Neptune: "I know so. Look, when you see him, what do you think of?"
Ngine: "Well... I do like how he's working hard to gain everyone's trust, his loyalty to his promises and his undying love for...ah..."
Neptune: "Go on."
...Ngine holds her breath for a second... She's realized it... She knows why... When ever the Cracker is around, she feels excited, happy even, but she hides it in a facade of words, jokes and deceptions... but her heart can't lie, so these emotions started carrying frustration that which she still holds back... with nowhere else to go these emotions rushed to the only channel that was available... Her connection with the Cracker... These emotions manifested as the Cracker's sudden change in moods, his sudden advances and unexplained desire were all caused by Ngines suppressed emotions... So when the Cracker realized this, he was able to control himself rather than get carried away...
Ngine: "Thanks Neptune... I'm gonna go take walk..."
Neptune: "Ah hey Cloney! Wait! What's wrong!?"
...Ngine left without looking back... She's finally understood what was going on... She'd been looking through the Cracker's memories and had come to admire his loyalty, the way he keeps pushing all odds for someone dear, the fact that he would move heaven and hell just to keep a promise... This admiration then sparked and brought forth a flame that carried the passion in her... She's come to understand his past, his mistakes and have come to accept it... She likes him... She loves him... but she knew that this cannot be allowed... Because she knew of what will soon happen, the purging of the seals, the Cracker's demise... She can't let these emotions bloom, or the pain will be much more severe.
Neptune: "Welp... There she goes... I hope I helped at least..."
*Grab!
Neptune: "Nepu!"
Neptunio: "Haa...haa.... Neeeeptuuuunnne!!!!"
Neptune: "Ahaha! What's up Nio? Did ya have a good nap?"
Neptunio: "You wanna be a star? Fine then."
Neptune: "You're gonna make me the main focus!? Awesome!"
Neptunio: "Yeah... It's a short film actually... And in this film YOU will be the star."
Neptune: "Cool what do I do?"
Neptunio: "Oh It's only a minute long so you won't do much."
Neptune: "Just 1 minute?Pfft-! I bet the lines are Pathetic~"
Neptunio: "My film has no pathetic lines Neptune... But it does contain the unstoppable Eggplant!!!"
Neptune: "AAHHHHHH!!!! No...It can't be! No one's ever been able to use that before!!"
Neptunio: "Not true...Now SUCK ON IT!!!!"
Neptune: "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!MMmmmmmmMMMMM~!!!"
While Neptune is tortured... Ngine went to the Balcony, upon arrival though...
BUMP!
Ngine: "Ow!"
Cracker: "Watch where you're going."
Ngine: "Y-you!?"
Cracker: "No, It's santa.Of course it's me dum-dum. Why are you walking so fast?"
Ngine: "I wasn't... umm...hey... I get what you were trying to say yesterday... And I just wanted you to know that..."
Cracker: "...Yeah?"
Ngine: "Well... <I shouldn't tell him... but I should...right?>"
Cracker: "<I already know what you want to say.>"
Ngine: "Huh? Oh right...auu..."
Cracker: "Ngine... Look at me."
Ngine: "Huh? Mmm~!?"
...As Ngine raised her head, her lips comes into contact with the Cracker's, it was a soft union, of which both of them dwelled in...
Ngine's POV
...I feel it, his entire being, his heart, I can feel it beating faster and faster trying to sync with mine... It's warm, I feel warm... I don't know if we're supposed to be doing this, but right now, just for now... I want to stay like this... His lips, they make me feel like I'm in a trance, his hot breath brushes my face the hot minty scent envelopes me like a blanket... More... I want more... we thirsts for each other, I wrap my arm around his neck as he wraps his hands around me... he then gently released me from his embrace and I soon come to my senses...
Ngine: "..haa...haa... We can't..."
Cracker: "I know you're scared... and to be honest, I still haven't fully moved on from what happened with Ezekiel. But I want you to know, you don't need to fear about what might happen, we'll be together... I won't sever our connection, I promised, didn't I?"
Ngine: "I know... but... Is it really okay? For us to be like this?"
Cracker: "It's a very rare and crazy thing indeed... But I want you to be more honest with me, if you're dealing with something hard, you can count on me, I'll be there for you."
...His words carried no lies, he vows to stay with me forever, I know... He's still in pain, he's still hurt from what happened before, but in time wounds will heal and their place scars will appear as a reminder for us a lesson from the past... So for now, I shall do the same, I will vow that I will always be by his side, to watch him grow into a man who can accept his sins and other misgivings, but will never falter in doing what he thinks is right.
Ngine: "Ahaha... That makes two of us."
Cracker: "I guess so..."
Ngine: "It will be painful you know."
Cracker: "I know."
Ngine: "It will be mortifying..."
Cracker: "I know... But we will go through all of it together."
...Me and him... Together... We will face everything, the pain, the sorrow, the weight of everything, together.
Ngine: "Yeah... I like that..."
Cracker: "Now, for formalities sake, why don't you say it?"
Ngine: "Uuu~ Meanie...do I have to?"
Cracker: "Well if you don't want to, then that must mean it's all just fabrications done by your brain since you've seen how-"
Ngine: "Alright! Alright! I'll say it! Ahem... I..Li-..Li-!! Uuu~ It's so embarassing."
Cracker: "One more time now."
Ngine: "Fine... I like y-"
Neptune: "Guys! We've got trouble!"
Ngine / Cracker: "-_-"
...You little bitc-!
Neptune: "I'm sorry... bad time?"
Cracker: "...What is it goofball."
Neptunio: "Eithan has appeared. And he's not happy."
Ngine: "Where!?"
Neptunio: "Zeb spotted him while she was out doing quests, she's keeping a low profile while observing the beast's movements, from what she told me, Eithan appeared in the Vulcan pass, and is now heading towards Lastation."
Ngine: "The Vulcan pass? That's 3 miles away from the ravine, how could he appear there?"
Cracker: "I don't know... I thought he would show up in the middle of the Army of Shadows like Medaea did... but there's seems to be a way for them to appear out of nowhere."
Neptune: "We've informed Schwarz and Noire about this, we should head there with the Heratic right now!"
...They left to prepare...
Cracker: "Well we'd best be going too. Let's call Plutia and the Other goofball, They'll keep this place safe for us."
*Pull~
Cracker: "Whoa!"
Ngine: "*Chu~!"
...As he tried to walk away, I pulled his hand forcing him to lean towards me and planted a small kiss on his cheek.
Cracker: "Eh?"
Ngine: "Hehe~ Love ya~!"
Author's Notes:
Well... that's one way to end a chapter, a cliff hanger before the battle... Who's done that before? (Sarcastic laugh) Anyway~
...Looks like were heading in the final stretches guys, It's been really fun writing this fanfic for all of you, I really do hope you are still enjoying yourselves, and I would like to show my deepest thanks to all of you who are reading my story.
..I did put up a patreon xD But yeah, I decided against it. I don't want this fanfic to be run forcefully just to answer the readers hunger for more... I want it to be just a chill story written leisurely by me, in simpler terms I want to enjoy it to the fullest as well.
I hope that made sense...
ANYWAY! If you liked this chapter why not give it a vote, if you want to read more then make sure to follow me and remember to share it to your fellow Nep lovers as well.. And as always I will see you all in the next chapter!