Neptunia Second Generation: Silent Gale

3 years have past since the CPU's defeat and ASIC's hostile takeover of Gamindustri. As CPU Candidate Purple Sister was rescued from captivity, she and her allies crossed paths with a mysterious youth in search of his sister. Can they work together to save their siblings while preventing Arfoires resurrection? Or will they all die trying, with Gamindustri soon following.
Rated M for Strong Language, Violence, Dark/Suggestive Themes... and Trick.
... If you know, you know.

Notes:

Note: The following is a non-profit fan-based story. The Hyperdimension Neptunia series is all owned by Compile Heart, Idea Factory and IF International. Please support the official release.

Chapter 1: Prologue- Prelude of Renewed Hope

Chapter Text

21XX

Gamindustri faces a dire crisis.

Criminal activity has run rampant throughout all the nations. Shops both big and small closing their doors, Creators being left overworked and starving, NPC's becoming despondent and aloof, all as the ever-looming presence of Death hangs above like a noose.

Nevertheless, the CPU Goddesses refuse to submit to despair and continued to fight on, even in the face of uncertainty. Gamindustri had long since severed it's ties to the lawless, chaotic realm of the Graveyard long ago...

And yet-

3 Years ago, in the Gamindustri Graveyard...

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST- Decisive Battle)

"Hmph..." A woman with neon-pink haired spoke, flourishing her scythe in front of the Goddesses before her. "Is that all?"

The four CPU Goddesses stood ragged and out of breath, their divine forms slumped over in exhaustion. Even after many hours of battle, no matter how hard they fought, their opponent stood tall and dauntless as she warded all their blows, not a single one of their attacks even so much as leaving a scratch on her.

"You damn bitch!" White Heart shouted in a rage as both she and Green Heart charged at Magic, the former flying overhead and the latter rushing to her left "Take this!"

Without even batting an eye, Magic blocked both attacks with ease and with a twirl, slashed both goddesses back a fair distance before firing bright-pink tendrils of dark magic from her open hand. White Heart chocked and gasped as the tendrils grabbed her by her wrists and throat before she was quickly pulled towards Magic, her scythe reeled back ready to deliver the finishing blow. Seeing certain defeat rapidly approaching, White Heart could only yell out "DAMN YOU!" before she was ultimately cut down, her strength and share energy leaving her body as she fell behind the CFW.

"Prepare yourself!" Seeing what looked to be an opening, Green Heart rapidly advanced above Magic as she was in mid-swing, swiping at her with her spear.

"Too Slow!" Magic easily saw through the green CPU's attack and quick dodged the attack before delivering a kick to Green Hearts sternum, making her cough out loud as she was sent flying into the air. Before she could recover, Magic appeared in front of her near instantaneously, a ball of chaotic black and pink energy aimed point-blank at her chest. "Begone!" On her command, Magic blasted Green Heart clear across the field, sending her crashing into a nearby pillar with a gasp before fainting, falling to the ground below.

"Noire, on me!" Purple Heart called out to her fellow CPU, Black Heart responding with "Let's do this!" as they both charged toward the ASIC priestess.

Not even phased, Magic deftly dodged an overhead slash and then stab from Black Heart before countering with an upward swing of her scythe as she spotted Purple Heart coming at her from her right. Just barely blocking Purple Hearts strike, the two CPU's worked in tandem as they put Magic on the defensive, pelting her with a barrage of slashes and blows before kicking the CFW back a few feet away.

"Got you!/You're done!" Both CPU's called out as they charged share energy into their respective blades and fired an X-shaped beam slash towards their adversary.

"..." Remaining resolute as she charged cackling pink energy into her off-hand, Magic thrusted her open palm forward forming a bright pink energy shield in front of her, causing both CPU's to gape in shock as the CFW blocked their combined attack with frightening ease.

Before they could react, Magic fired a massive pink shock-wave with a wave of her scythe at Black Heart, sending the Lastation CPU flying backwards as she screamed in pain. "Noire!" Purple Heart cried out before Magic immediately darted towards her and grabbed her by her throat, lifting her up above her head as the Planeptune CPU struggled to break free from the CFW's grasp.

With an almost disappointed sigh, Magic looked to Purple Heart with apathy in her singular yellow eye. "Is this really the extent of your power? ... How futile." With the purple goddess firmly in her clutches, small orbs of hot-pink energy gathered and coalesce into Magic's body, slowly building up inside her before it all exploded outwards in a bright pink flash, the Purple Goddess' shrieks of agony were drowned out by the blast.

"N-Neptune..." Off in the distance, Purple Sister could only look on in hopeless terror as she sees her beloved older sister engulfed in the explosion. Even now, she still couldn't believe what she had just witnessed; Neptune, her sister, as well as the other CPU Goddesses of Gamindustri, all brought low in a matter of moments. ("No way... T-This can't be real... This has to be a dream...!")

Alas, this was no dream... rather, for the CPU Candidate, this was nothing short of a living nightmare. One that she won't wake up from for years to come.

As soon as the dust settles, Purple Sister was met with the imposing figured of Magic floating right toward her, her entire form emanating power and malevolence as Purple Heart could be seen along with the other CPU's laying motionless behind her. Both her heart and soul begged her to run, screaming to her to flee for her life, but no matter how hard she tried, her body remained stiff in fear as the CFW silently approached.

*SHING*

"Ahh!" Purple Sister flinched as Magic brought the blade of her scythe dangerously close to her neck. She dared to look the CFW in the eye, her form shrouded in black and pink energy as the latter looked to the young Candidate in silent contempt. "N-No..." Purple Sister shook her head, tears threatening to spill out at any moment "P-Please, stop this...!" she begged as the ASIC priestess raised her blade behind her head, primed for the kill.

"At this rate... Gamindustri is doomed!" The Purple Candidate yelled out in vain, her desperate cries echoed throughout the Gamindustri Graveyard as everything fades to black.

(Music Fades)

(Nier Replicant/Gestalt OST: Snow in Summer)

...

Ever since the advent of ASIC -the Arfoire Syndicate of International Crime- morals and humanity have all but vanished from the public. As of now, over 80% of humankind, Men, Women and children alike, have turned their faith from the CPU's, to instead worship their most dangerous foe; the Deity of Sin, Arfoire.

Try as they might, the CPU's and all of their allies were ultimately too powerless to make a difference, as all of Gamindustri fell to misery and decay. Those who tire of living in such a corrupt world are doomed to wander the Gamindustri Graveyard for all eternity.

...

... However-

Even in Gamindustri's darkest of hours, no matter how frail it may be, Hope endures still... as it carries forth a quiet, gentle breeze through the Graveyard.

3 Years Later...

Gamindustri Graveyard/Graveyard's Edge/Mid-Afternoon

An impure, decrepit landmass hangs within the skies of Gamindustri, it's mere presence casting a long, dark shadow across the continent. This grim necropolis is the eternal resting place for the lost and obsolete, as well as a home for both the wicked and the fallen, be they be human, monster, or even CPU. The skies above radiate a ghastly, blood-red aura as the clouds roar endlessly with thunder and lightning. The land itself was barren and rotted, with defunct buildings and electronics scattered about and the rivers flow with a yellow, acid-like substance. At the center of it all stood a mighty, wretched tower which consisted almost entirely of massive pipes, wires and television screens, with the pipes themselves spread out everywhere, appearing not unlike roots to a massive tree.

If Celestia above were to be the heavens of Gamindustri, then this wasteland would be nothing short of hell for all who dare gazed upon it.

Within the outskirts of the graveyard, upon one of the many pipes that stick outside of the landmass itself, a small hooded figure could be seen walking along the center. Appearing no smaller than a young child of 12 years, clad in a cloak of green, the figures mantle softly drifts in the wind, with every step it took nary making a sound as the childs plain, brown shoes silently clicked upon the pipes surface.

The youth soon comes to a stop, just as the pipe in front of it curved straight downwards. Looking down over the edge, the figure could see the ashen earth below, being at least half-a-kilometer drop from its current position, more than enough to kill a normal person on impact. The child then looked back up towards the burial grounds before it, scanning the horizon as if in search of something... or someone.

The figures gaze soon fell upon a clearing a fair distance away as a faint warmth reaches its chest. Gently raising its hand under its cloak and over where its heart should be, the youth took a deep breath to calm its nerves as bangs of blonde hair peak our from under its hood. With its destination set, the figure took several steps back before taking a three-point runners stance, the tips of its fingers lightly touching the ground while positioning one foot in front of the other.

(Music Fades)

Then, without a moments hesitation, the youth dashed forward with the wind behind its back as it leaped over the edge of the pipe, straight into the uncharted, hostile landmass. The figures cloak flapped and fluttered, its ears ringing at the howling wind as it rapidly fell towards the ground below, it's direction steady and true, as if flying like and arrow. Seeing the ground quickly approaching, the child extended its arm outward away from his body, its hand glowing in a pale-green light as data particles clustered into its palm. Grasping the cluster in its hand, the light extended in both directions as it soon materialized into a physical shape; a solid green Bo Staff thinly lined with silver.

Wasting no time, the figure took the pole-arm in both hands and began to swiftly rotate it counter-clockwise over its head like a helicopter, bringing its knees close to its chest as it decelerated its descent, lightly hanging in the air as it floated towards the land below. Once at a safe distance between it and stable ground, the figure ceased its staffs rotation and touched ground in a three-point landing. Pushing itself up as it dismisses its staff in a flash of light, the child took a moment to look at its immediate surroundings.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 Ost- Stir The Darkness)

Destroyed consoles, busted controllers, handhelds torn in half, TV screens utterly smashed. Mountains of junk and rubble as far as the eye can see, with the path before him cracked and uneven. Seemingly unfazed by the desolation around it, the figure dashed forward, breaking out into a run as it head straight into the unknown, the skies above crackled with thunder and lightning.

Carrying itself lightly with each step, moving swift as the wind as it maneuvers past and around the debris, never once breaking stride. From a distance, it could see an expansive gorge dead ahead, with various obstacles and hazards strewn around and a deep pool of yellow acid far below, not unlike one would see in a platformer. Keeping its composure, the child dashed forward and leap over the pit and onto a floating platform. Upon contact, the youth could already feel it giving way as it jumped towards the next platform, the previous one crumbling into dust not a moment too soon. Jumping from platform to platform, some smaller than the last, others moved from left to right, the process continued to repeat itself as it made its way over the pit, soon seeing a massive gap between it and the next set of platforms. Thinking on its feet, it leapt off the platform and towards a nearby decommissioned jumbo-tron hanging amongst the mountain of debris.

Careful with its footing, the youth wall-ran across the jumbo-tron before leaping towards a rusted pipe above. Grabbing a hold with both hands and vaulting over once before swinging off the pipe, back-flipping onto the platform before continuing forward. Once again jumping off one platform to the next, the child soon came across a series of wires and cables hanging about like vines. Without so much as a thought, the child jumped off the last platform and firmly grasped one of the wires, the forward momentum carrying it as it proceeded to swing from one to another like Ta***n.

Quickly running out of vines to swing on, the child spots various pipes and railings hanging precariously over the pit below. Swinging high up off the last wire in a spin, the youth summoned its staff, placing it on the grooves of its feet with careful balance and proceeded to grind on one of the railings. Small sparks flew off between its staff and the railing as it zipped onward, remaining vigilant with its balance as it navigated through the series of pipes and rails, occasionally jumping from one to the other.

Quickly reaching the end of the line, the child sees what seems to be a stretch of land levitating suspiciously above the pit. Taking the chance, the youth jumped off the last remaining rail and landed softly before breaking out into a sprint, the land itself almost immediately crumbling under his feet. Racing on ahead as the ground breaks apart under it, the figure could see it's destination dead ahead, the only thing separating it from solid ground is one massive stretch of the gorge, requiring a daring leap of faith to cross.

Remaining undaunted, even in the face of certain doom, the childs form faintly glowed as air currents quickly gather around it. With one final push with the winds behind its back, the child sprinted full-tilt nearly at the speed of sound as it ran toward the edge of the walkway. Coming to a crouch at the ledge, a bright green glyph formed beneath its feet before it sprung forward, soaring fast and high as it flown through the air. After what seemed like an eternity, the child finally reached the other side of the gorge as it skids to a stop, what remained of the walkway fell into the chasm below.

(Music Fades)

Catching its breath as it quickly breathed in and out through its nose, the child gathered its barrings as it dusted itself off. Steadying its breath, the youth took a moment to take a better look around the sizable clearing. Signs of a battle long since fought were marked all over; scorch marks, slash marks and even a small crater to the right. Soon after, the childs gaze fell upon a rather harrowing sight.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animation OST: Gravity Loss)

From across the clearing, strung up in cords amongst a pile of defunct consoles were the five missing CPU's. In order from left to right, there was Purple Heart, Purple Sister, Green Heart, Black Heart, and White Heart. All bound close together, their bodysuits and processor units were torn and damaged as their bodies were left dangling in the air. The cords and cables that bind them clinging to each of their bodies airtight, if rather lewdly.

Five Goddesses... all soundly defeated, and left to rot as they barely cling to life.

ASIC's intent was made clear for all to see. Such a display is meant as an ominous warning for those who would dare defy the will of Arfoire.

"..."

Though remaining stoic and silent in the face of such cruelty, a pit began to form in the childs stomach. From under its hood, the youths sapphire eyes could be seen quivering, sadness peering through its vision as it sees what has become of Gamindustri's protectors. With a deep breath, the child slowly and cautiously made its way towards the fallen Goddesses.

The child stops just short a few feet away from them, their forms barely even moving as their eyes flutter in and out of consciousness. The youth turns to look at one of them in particular: Green Heart. The cables that hold her have her arms tied behind her back, her legs wrapped together, and coil around her ample bosom salaciously.

The child found its own breath hitched, a look of sorrow and longing could be seen through its eyes as tears run down its cheeks whilst gazing upon her. It's mouth moves to form words, but not a single sound past through its lips. Wiping away its tears with its sleeve, the child steps forward gently, reaching its hand out towards the goddess of Leanbox.

"EEP!"

"...!?"

"Sheesh, don't startle me like that."

"A-A-A voice! I think I heard someones voice!"

"You did? Where!? Which direction did it come from!?"

"I think it was that way..."

"That way? Gotcha! Let's get a move on, Compa!"

"W-Wait! Please wait for me! Don't leave me all alone, Iffy!"

Two voices called out not too far away, both female. Footsteps can be heard rapidly approaching the CPU Goddesses position. In a panic, the youth backed away from the Goddesses and quickly hid. Jumping over to a garbage pile a considerable distance away and slamming its small back against it, the child held its breath, keeping itself perfectly quiet as the footsteps quickly grew closer and closer.

"There they are. Yo, Nep!" One of the voices called out, her tone gruff and tomboyish.

"Oh no! Nep-Nep! Ge-Ge!" The other cried, her tone softer and more high-pitched.

"Ugh... Iffy? Compa?" The child could vaguely hear one of the CPU's call to them.

Quietly gulping, the youth cautiously peaked out from its hiding spot, scouting out to see who's there. There, right in front of the captured CPU's stood two young woman with long hair, looking to the bound CPU's in distress. One a brunette with a leafy bow and a large blue jacket, the other is peach-colored with a black hairband and a wool sweater and matching arm-warmers.

"This is horrible..." The one with peach-colored hair, Compa if the youth heard right, spoke with tears in her eyes "Who could've done this to them?"

"ASIC's really done it this time. Keep them all here like scarecrows." The brunette, Iffy, scowled as she stepped up to Purple Heart and called out "Nep. Nep, wake up!"

"..." Purple Heart barely even reacted to her voice.

"It's no good. She's and the others are out cold." Iffy sighed before looking to the cords and cables that hold them in place. "Man, what the hell are up with these tentacle cord things!?"

From out of nowhere, the youth could hear another voice talking to the pair, this one soft yet graceful "Please, do not attempt to force them free by hand IF... you will likely be ensnared yourselves." the voice then addressed to Compa "Compa, use the Sharicite and free them from their bindings."

(Music Stops)

"...!" The youths ears perked up upon hearing the word "Sharicite". Keeping its own breath steady, the child leans in a little further as Compa could be seen digging through her hip-purse.

"Hmm..." Her brows scrunched up nervously "I know I kept it near the bottom next to the bandages..."

"I can't allow you to do that, worms!"

"...!?"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: Suspense Game)

All of a sudden, a gargantuan mass came plummeting down from the sky, right behind the pair. The shock-wave it created on impact sent them flying as Compa fell screaming on her back while IF barely managed to regain her footing. From behind its hiding spot, the child looked on in mounting horror as to what caused the tremor... or rather, who?

Towering before them is a massive, mechanical, armored like being colored black and neon blue, adorned with skulls, crosses and buttons. He has massive, horn-like protrusions on his shoulders, a pair of sharp, demonic wings, four thrusters with directional pads in place of legs with a moving black gear in between them, and is wielding an enormous two-bladed halberd.

There was no mistaking who this was. If this hellish landscape was a cemetery... then he would be its grave-keeper.

[Criminal of the Free World: Judge The Invincible]

"Oh great!" IF bemoaned, her katars at the ready "We just had to run into one of the CFW's!"

"Hahaha... Hahahahaha!" Judge laughed maniacally "Fools! To travel all this way, you'd either have to be fearless or crazier than even me!" He shamelessly admitted "Nevertheless, welcome to the graveyard! For three long years I've waited for an opponent to come, and that's three years too damn long!" Judge opened his left hand and summoned ghostly blue flames into his palm as he thrusted his halberd at the pair menacingly "So, you better entertain me as much as you can... Cause you're never gonna leave this place alive!"

"Tch! We'll just see about that, lunkhead..." If turns her gaze toward her companion "Compa, I'll handle him! You hurry and get the CPU's out of there!"

"R-Right!" Compa scrambled to her feet and fled back to the captive CPU's as IF charged on ahead, meeting the CFW head-on.

While all of that transpired, the child watched on as the brunette fought bravely against the titanic threat. She nimbly dodge Judge's halberd and magic with ease, yet struggled to even scratch his bulky frame. Even from a glance, the child knew she had no chance of winning against the CFW... IF herself likely knows this too. Even so, she continued to fight on, giving her friend precious time to release the CPU's from their prison.

Compa hastily drew out the Sharicite from her purse and gently cupped it in her hands, holding it out to the CPU's, Purple Sister specifically "Please... Please let this work!"

The Sharicite shined brilliantly as it light washed over Purple Sisters body, waking her from her deep sleep. "Mmm... Urrgh... " Her eyes slowly opened, the power symbols gleaming through her light blue orbs as the cords gradually loosened and released her.

"Ge-Ge!" Compa cheered as she gently pulled Purple Sister out from the pile. "Oh, thank goodness your awake!"

"C-Compa...?" Purple Sister moaned, her mind still foggy from her slumber "I... What was I...?"

"Shssssh, Save your strength." Compa hushed as she gently rubbed the Candidates back. "Now, let's free Nep-Nep and the other-!"

*WHAM!*

"Gaaaaah!"

Just as Compa moved to free the other CPU Goddesses, IF could be heard screaming in pain as her body bounced and skid across the dirt, stopping just short of her and Purple Sister. "IF!?/Iffy!"

"Weak... So miserably weak and frail!" Judge growled as he clenched his fist before throwing it aside "C'mon! Make this fight more interesting for me! C'MON!"

"IF! Are you okay!?" Purple Sister exclaimed as Compa brought the brunette to her feet.

"Gear!?" IF turned to face the Planeptune Candidate, relieved as she scratched her cheek embarrassed "Heh... sorry you had to wake up like this, seeing me getting pummeled." Her gazed hardened as she turned to Judge "Be careful, this guy's freakishly tough! None of my attacks could even so much as dent him!"

"I'll help out, too!" Compa proclaimed, stepping away from IF as she readies her abnormally large syringe "We need to buy some time so everyone can wake up and regain their strength!"

(Music Fades)

"I..." Purple Sister hesitated briefly before shaking her head "I'll fight too!"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: The Four Felons)

She throws her right hand out, summoning her gunblade in a flash of light and with a flick of her wrist set it to Blade-Mode as she swiftly flew towards the grim felon. Quickly closing in, the purple Candidate swung down unto Judge, who just simply blocked her attack with almost no effort. The blade end of Purple Sisters weapon scraped along the length of the halberd as she struggle to even make him budge, let alone break his guard.

"Oooh, a Candidate I see!" Judge sneered, his bloodlust began to boil as he batted away Purple Sister "Now we're talkin'! Show me what you can do!" Then proceeded to fire a volley of blue fireballs at her from his open hand.

Seeing the volley heading her way, Purple Sister switches her weapon to Gunner-Mode as she skids to a stop, pointing her weapon towards the ghostly fire as share energy begins to gather in the barrel of her gunblade. "Multiple Beam Launcher!" Calling her attack, she fired a massive lilac beam from her gunblade, extinguishing the fireballs on contact as the beam darted straight towards the bulky CFW. However, Judge merely stood still as the beam made contact with his chest, only somewhat grunting as he tanked the attack with ease much to Purple Sisters dread.

"Ha!" Judge laughed "That all ya got!?"

"La Delphanius!"

Summoning a pale blue glyph beneath Judge, IF casts her spell as the grim felon was engulfed in a pillar of light. Unfortunately, with a swing of his halberd, Judge dispelled IF's attack with frightening ease, causing her to gap in shock. In turn, Compa tried firing a laser of her own from her syringe, but the CFW casually blocked that with his hand before channeling more ghost flames into it "You bugs had yer turn, now stay outta this!" The flames trailed through the air from his hand as it quickly made it's way past the purple candidate and towards her rescuers. IF and Compa attempted to brace themselves, only to be left confused when the ghost flames went around them.

"W-What the- Hey!"

"Eeep!"

That confused soon turned to anxiety as they quickly found themselves trapped in a ring of the ghostly blue fire. "IF! Compa!" Purple Sister called out in worry as she heard Judge cackling behind her.

"Hehehehe! Now that they're out the way..." The Planeptune goddess turned to him as Judge hoisted his halberd onto his shoulder "I'll get to enjoy this a little more... Now-" He lifts his halberd and jabs it straight at Purple Sister "If you're done being scared, then QUIT SCREWING AROUND AND SHOW ME WHAT YOUR MADE OF, CPU CANDIDATE!"

"...!" Purple Sisters eyes quivered on his provocations. Here she was, having just woken up after who knows how long, and already she was faced with insurmountable odds. Her enemy was fully-armed and ready for battle, and she barely even put a scratch on him. Things couldn't be anymore hopeless.

... However-

"I...!" She shuts her eyes for but a moment before snapping them back open, the flames of resolve burning within. "I mustn't retreat! I have to keep going!"

Even in the face of death, she chooses to fight on!

"Haaaaaaa!" With what remaining share energy she had coursing through her veins, Purple Sister flew straight at the grim felon anew at the speed of sound.

Quickly shifting his halberd to block the attack, Judge was taken aback as the force of Purple Sisters strike caused him to tense up, sparks flying between their weapons as she actually managed to push him back, at least somewhat "OOOOHOHO! Now that's more like it! I actually felt that!" Excited for the battle to come, Judge met his opponent head on "Don't disappoint me now!"

Letting out a shout in response, Purple Sister broke out of the clash and struck the CFW twice before sending him into the air with an uppercut slash "Blaster, Full-Power!" then firing several blasts from her gunblade, each one hitting its mark as the grim felon laughed to himself. Before he could land back down, the purple Candidate charged forward with her gunblade, stabbing Judge in the chest and pumping him with more blasts point-blank as she pushed him back sending him crashing unto a junk pile behind him.

With her opponent pinned down, Purple Sister dislodged her weapon and back-flipped away at a considerable distance. Landing gracefully on her feet, she pointed her gunblade at him, one hand keeping the other steady as she turns the limiter off, charging it far beyond the safety limits "CELESTIAL SEVERANCE!" She then fires a gargantuan particle beam, lines of code and data run across as it was sent hurdling towards her opponent.

"OHH SHIT!" Judge yelled out as he was quickly enveloped into the particle beam, everything else behind him being vaporized down to the last atom.

(Music Fades)

"Haa... Haa... Haa... Haa..." Purple Heart panted, sweat running down her head as she staggered onto her left knee exhausted "I... I did it... Hahaha..."

"Way to go, Ge-Ge!" Compa cheered, the ghost flames that surround her and IF barely beginning to die down.

"Phew..." IF sighed in relief "Had me going for a sec there... And here I thou-"

"...Is that all? Is this really the extent of your power?"

"...!?"

Everyone froze in place, their blood running cold in fear as they hear the distinct and disappointed baritone of the grim felon. None more so than Purple Sister as she hears those... familiar words.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST- Premonition of Battle/Rough Flash)

Through the smoke and dust from her attack, neon-blue lights flared through as Judge's silhouette became clearer and clearer. The moment he is revealed, much to the groups terror, the CFW floated out looking no worse for wear, just barely even scuffed up as he sneered "Keh! Weaklings! You all bore me!"

Purple Sisters breath became erratic, her entire form shaking in fear "M-My EXE Drive... It didn't even do a thing to him!"

"This isn't good..." IF sweated "Compa, how are Nep and the others!? Have they come to yet!?"

Compa looked to the other bound CPU's, there bodies barely even budged an inch "N-No... They're not waking up at all!" She whimpered in fear, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she took out the Sharicite, its shine now barely even a glimmer "And the Sharicite is almost out of power!"

"This is terrible..." Histoire's voice rang out in distress. "Even after all our efforts these past few years... it still wasn't enough."

"You serious!? Ugh! Damnit, to think we've come this far just to fail!" IF grit her teeth in frustration. "There had to be something we can do!"

"THAT SOMETHING IS NOTHIIIIIIING!" Judge roared out, his voice letting out a shock-wave that staggered everyone off their feet "Nothing is more cumbersome than dealing with weaklings like you! You failed to give me the challenge I seek... and now you will pay for it with your lives!" He grasped his halberd in both hands, ghostly blue flames ran along the length and gathered at the tip, soon forming into a spectral scythe around the halberd.

"...!?" Purple sister quaked in despair, shaking her head back and forth as Judge slowly made his way towards them. In her eyes, the image of Magic was super-imposed onto the grim felon as he reeled his weapon back behind his head, the phantom of his leader doing the same. "N-No, no no no...!"

"Oh, yes yes YES!" Judge taunts the Candidate. "IT'S JUDGEMENT TI-!"

(Music Stops)

*WOOOOSH!* *CRACK*

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

"Huh!?"

"What the-!?"

"Goodness!"

Before anyone could even blink, a green and silver staff was sent whizzing past them at blinding speed, piercing right through Judge's right eye as he howled in pain, causing the flames on his halberd to dissipate in the process. "OOOOHOHOHOW! SUNUVABITCH! OH, THAT HURTS!"

"W-Wait!" IF looked all around her to see where that staff came from "Is anyone else here!? Who-!?"

(Nier Replicant/Gestalt OST- Emil Karma)

Without warning, the small figure in a green cloak rushed past everyone making a beeline towards the grim felon as he thrashed around in pain. Quickly closing in, the youth summoned a green glyph below its feet as power air-currents sent it flying high into the air above the CFW. With a wave of its hand, the child summoned three magic glyphs behind him in a triangle formation before thrusting its hands out toward Judge, the glyphs firing what looks to be spears made of wind. The spears flew out and struck the grim felon on his neck, his left pit and his right wrist, causing him to flinch and drop his halberd. In the process, the staff dislodge itself from his eye and with a wave of its hand, a strong gust of wind picked up the staff and sent it twirling towards the child as it skillfully grabbed it upon return and then twirled it counter-clockwise to slow its descent.

"W-Wow..." Purple Sisters whispered, here eyes widened in surprise as the figures feet gently touched the ground. Just moments ago, they couldn't even make a dent to the CFW, and yet whoever this was came along and managed to knock him off-balance.

"Who is that?" Compa questioned as she and IF got to their feet.

"Wait, hold on!" IF exclaimed as she got a better look at who just saved them from an abrupt game over "I-Is that a kid!?"

"What!?" Histoires voice rang out in shock "A Child!? Here of all places!?"

Before anyone could inquire further, the youth in the green cloak turned its head to the group before pointing its staff to them, then to the direction where IF and Compa came from.

"Are... Are you trying to tell us to run?" The figure nodded to Purple Sisters question. "Wait, what about- *Gasp* Look out!"

"...!?"

Snapping its attention behind it, the youth saw a massive orb of ghost flame was sent hurdling towards it. Without hesitation, the child promptly spun its staff clock-wise in front of it, the air around it quickly forming into a wind tunnel that was sent to intercept the on-coming fireball. Upon contact, the fireball broke apart as trails of the ghostly blue flame was sent to either side of the wind tunnel, out of reach from the group of four.

Ceasing its spin, the child got into a low-stance as its gaze fell upon Judge, his remaining eye glaring at the child with a murderous rage as he clenched his fists in a fury, ghost flames danced from his fingertips. "GRRRRRR! YOU LITTLE SHIT!" He barked "I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE HELL YOU CAME FROM, BUT IF YOU THINK YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH THAT, THEN YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!" With a mighty roar, the CFW charges on ahead, reeling his fist back as he closed in on his prey. "I"LL CRUSH YOU WITH MY BARE HANDS!"

Seeing the massive CFW barring down on them, the girls jumped out of the way of Judge's charge while the child jumped over his giant fist just as it came crashing down onto the ground. While in mid-air, the child launched another spear of wind at Judges undamaged eye, only for him to instinctively block the attack with his other arm, then quickly retaliate with a lightning-quick jab. In response the youth carefully parried the CFW's enormous fist, using the momentum of the swing to push itself away from Judge as it fired more wind spears at the grim felons exposed cables, with Judge quickly batting the spears away before they could make contact. Rolling onto the ground before springing back onto its feet, the child turned away from Judge and dashed away with the CFW on hot pursuit, leading him away from the purple Candidate and her rescuers.

The party watched on as the mysterious youth led Judge further and further away from them, nimbly dodging and weaving around his furious onslaught of fists and ghostly flames. ("Not how I imagine we'd get bailed out of this, but beggars can't be choosers...") IF mused, seeing the golden opportunity before them as she turns to Compa and Purple Sister "Quick, lets make a break for it while Judge is distracted!"

"W-What!?" The two snapped their gaze to the brunette in horror as Compa yelled "What are you saying, Iffy!?"

"You're not suggesting we leave them behind, are you!?" Purple Sister questioned, the look in her eyes making IF wince. "We still need to get Neptune and the other CPU's out of here too!"

"Look, I know how heartless that sounds, but we're running out of options right now!" IF exclaimed, trying to convince herself more than anything else "The Sharicite's running low on power and none of us are in any shape to fight anymore!"

"Still-!" Compa tried to argue in tears.

"Wait..." Purple Sisters eyes widen as an idea begins to form in her head "If we use what's left of the Sharicite's power-"

*CRASH!* *BOOM!*

The child skid to a stop as it dodged another one of Judge's assaults, panting in exhaustion "Haa...Haa...Haa..." its breath becoming more ragged as the CFW pulled back, the ghostly blue flames running along the horns on his shoulders and gathering between the tips to form another giant fireball that's slowly growing bigger and bigger.

"Damned Brat...!" As soon as the fireball became almost the size of Judge himself, he launched it high above into the air before screaming "QUIT BUZZING AROUND!" On command, the massive fireball burst and scattered into a storm of smaller fireballs, every last one of them homing into the child.

Taking a deep breath, the youth kicked off the dirt and frantically ran away from the in-coming fireballs. It ducked, hopped, slid and vaulted over several of them, with the rest still on hot pursuit of their target. Quickly coming up to what looked to be stone remains of a building, the child dashed forward then jumped onto the wall before kicking off into a back-flip, narrowly dodging the rest of the fireballs as they all destroyed what little remained.

"GOTCHA!" Seeing an opening, Judge rushed right to the child with deceptive speed and delivered a straight right punch towards its exposed form. Quickly seeing the attack as he fell, the child desperately twisted its body to the left, the CFW's fist just barely missing its small frame. "Hehe!" Seeing that his faint worked, Judge quickly waved his entire arm right into the youths path, the latter having no time to even think as the grim felons backhand collided with its body.

With the sickening crunch of its bones cracking on impact, the girls gasped in shock and fright as they saw the child being sent flying straight into a wall of trash, its back crashing into what used to be a flatscreen TV before falling down and crumpling onto the ground.

"Hehehe!" The CFW darkly chuckled, his hunger for battle now somewhat satiated as he gazes at the child, who futilely tried to will its now battered body to move. "You might've been an annoying pest, but ya got spunk all the same kid! You actually managed to entertain me a bit... but-!" He raised a hand near his face, the ghostly blue flames cackling through his fingers as he clenched it into a fist, his singular eye flaring all the while. "This is where you die!"

("It's now or never!") Purple Sister quickly turned to Compa "Compa, quick! The Sharicite!"

"Fweh!?" Compa squeaked out before Purple Sister snatched the Sharicite from her and flew straight to Judge's position "Ge-Ge!?"

"Gear, no! What are you doing!?" IF screamed as the purple Candidate held the Sharicite close to her chest, empowering it with what little share energy she had left.

"Please, let this be enough...!" Just as Judge was about ready to end the childs life, Purple Sister threw herself between him and the child, holding the Sharicite defensively in front of her as Judges fist came crashing down!

"Hrrrrrrrah!"

"Yaaaaah!"

*SHATTER!* *FLASH!*

"AGGGGHHHH!" Judge reeled back and covered his remaining eye as Purple Sister used the Sharicite as an impromptu flash grenade, blinding him completely "My eye! Goddammit, again!?"

"Holy crap, that actually worked!" IF cheered, very impressed with the Candidates quick thinking. "Way to go, Gear!"

"Good... Just barely... made it... Ugh..." Purple Sister panted, the last of her strength leaving her body as she collapsed right next to the fallen child.

"Ge-Ge!?" Compa and IF rushed on over to the pair, Compa checking on Purple Sister and IF on the child "Ge-Ge, stay with us!"

"It's no use Compa. They're both knocked out..." IF uttered as she carefully scooped up the child in her arms "Heck, I'm surprised this kids still breathing after that last punch."

"Unforgivable!" The pair flinched as they heard Judge screaming nearby "I swear, the second my retinal systems are back online, I'll tear you all to pieces!"

"IF! Compa! Evacuate Immediately!" Histoire's voice called out "Nothing more can be done now! Take Nepgear and the child and flee!"

"Copy that, Histoire!" IF answered, gently carrying the child in her arms "I've got the kid, Compa! Grab Gear and lets get out of her!"

"Y-Yes! On it, Iffy!" With practiced movements, Compa quickly picked up Purple Sister, hoisting her up on her shoulder as she and IF quickly fled the scene, the loud roars of the raging CFW echoed throughout the graveyard as the group ran further and further away.

(Music Fades)

"... Looks like we managed to lose him." IF sighed, barely even winded as the injured child was still safe in her arms. "Compa, you alright?"

"Haa... Haa... Haa... I'm okay... sort of..." Compa panted, her body hunching over to catch her breath as Purple Sisters unconscious form hangs limply from her shoulder. "Phew, Ge-Ge is a lot heavier than she looks!"

IF could only shake her head in dismay "Even after all that, Gear was the only one we managed to rescue... Not to mention..."

Compa continued "Ge-Ge ended up using the last of the Sharicites power to save the little one..." She looked down disheartened "There's no way we can help Nep-Nep and the others now..."

"Yeah..." IF concurred as she looked down to the child "And if it weren't for the kid here, we would've been strung up with them... or worse."

"Please, do not be too hard on yourselves." Histoire's calm voice chimed in "The fact that you two were able to save Nepgear is an accomplishment in itself... The child coming to your aid when they did is also worthy of praise. We should counts our blessings while we can."

"*Sigh* Yeah, you're right Histoire." If nodded in agreement. "So, what's our next move?"

"Return back to Planeptune so Nepgear could rest and recover her strength... We also need to learn what exactly transpired three years ago, even if the memories will be painful for her to recall."

"Mmm..." Compa nodded, her gaze falling to the injured child in IF's arms "We also need to tend to the little ones wounds... They ended up getting really hurt from that battle."

"No doubt about that... That said-" IF gingerly shifted the child in her arms so to not incur anymore injuries "Let's have a look and see who exactly this mystery person is..." She reaches for the childs hood and carefully pulled it back, revealing-

"W-Wha-!? This is..."

"It's a boy!"

True to Compa's words, the face of the one that helped them escape was that of a young boy. His straight, neck-length blonde hair flowing freely from his hood with his fringe just above his eyes and a set of bangs hanging below his cheeks. His blue eyes were shut tight as he grimaced in pain, with blood trailing down from the side of his head.

-Prologue End-

Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Divine Oratorio Part 1

Notes:

Note: The following is a non-profit fan-based story. The Hyperdimension Neptunia series is all owned by Compile Heart, Idea Factory and IF International. Please support the official release.

Chapter Text

Everything was burning.

Within a vast plain of green pastures lies an enormous ring of fire. It's bright red embers flaring into the night sky as the grasslands were charred, reduced to nothing but smoldering ash. From within the blazing circle, there were signs of a fierce conflict. A multitude of spears of varying sizes scattered across the battlefield.

At the center of it all were two individuals; one man and one woman. Their forms were wreathed in shadows as the flames faintly illuminated them, revealing both to have hairs of differing shades of green. Both of them were battered and bruised, The male laid on his back with his hands clasping his own throat, struggling to breath, while the female kneeled at his side looking down on him.

"Why...?"

She uttered to him. In his current state, with blurry eyes, ringing ears and the cold iron taste of his own blood filling his mouth, he could not make out her face, much less her tone.

"Why...?"

Was she scornful? Did she loathe or pity him? Does she well and truly hate him? He could not tell.

"Why...?"

He could only hear her asking the same question, her voice ringing in his head like an audio file on repeat.

"Why...?"

"Why...? Why...?"

"Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?"

"WHY!?"

"...!?" Bed sheets were thrown aside as a small body shot up, gasping sharply. A young boy with blonde hair hunched over, breathing rapidly through his nose. Shaking lightly in a cold sweat with his blues eyes wide and stricken with fear, he placed a hand over his chest, patting it gently to help ease his beating heart. Closing his eyes as he steadied his breath, the young lad lied back down with his head landing onto an abnormally large purple pillow.

Finally relaxing, if only somewhat, the boy slowly peeled open his eyes to see an unfamiliar purple ceiling. Quietly humming curiously, he turned his head to the left side to see a brightly lit, if somewhat messy room colored purple, pink, yellow and white. It had a multitude of stuffed animals and throw pillows scattered around, a small dining table with two chairs on top of a royal purple rug, a tall, bright pink dresser with a full-body mirror next to it, and two desks sitting side by side, with one of them littered with, oddly enough, several empty pudding cups, all licked clean.

The boy himself was laying on the top part of a bunk bed at the far end of the room, with the only exit being the door on the other end to his left. Composing himself with a deep breath, the boy pushed himself up and briefly glance at his own body. His cheeks lightly blushed as he noticed he was in naught but a pair of green and white boxers, with the only other things covering his lithe, scrawny frame were white gauze and bandages around his upper right arm, left forearm and the majority of his chest and stomach.

He gingerly placed his right hand unto his left forearm as he repeatedly clenched and opened his left. It only felt slightly numb, but he otherwise felt no pain. Checking the other bandages and seeing that he was mostly fine, outside of a bit of numbness, he crawled over to the edge of the bunk bed and reached for the ladder leading down to the floor.

Climbing down the ladder one step at a time, he soon caught a glimpse of someone in the lower bunk. Turning his gaze, he sees a young teenaged girl a few years older than him with light purple hair, sleeping soundly under a thick purple comforter.

"..." After a moment, the boy silently made the rest of the way down the ladder, taking careful strides as he moved away from the bunk bed and looked around the room. Soon his gaze laid upon the small table as he spots two items on top. One was a neatly folded white and purple uniform, along with a folded pair of pink and white stripped socks and what looked to be a hair-clip in the shape of a D-pad on top. The other item the blonde-haired youth immediately recognized as his cloak, which was wrapped tightly in itself in a cute little bow next to the other pair of cloths.

Quickly tip-toeing his way to the table so as to not disturb the sleeping girl, he carefully pinched the bow and gently pulled up, unraveling his cloak as it soon revealed his own cloths hidden within, all neatly folded. His attire consists of a white long-sleeved shirt with string tassels at the collar, a green vest with silver lining along the seams, a gray scarf with green linings near each end, a pair of dark green trousers and grey socks. On top of it all was what seemed to be a small, rectangular green and silver handheld device of some kind with numerous amount of buttons, a small screen and what looked to be the letter [X] emblazoned on the back. It's general appearance was that of a fusion between a gaming device and a mobile phone.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the boy set the handheld aside and began putting on his cloths in earnest, making sure not to make a sound all the while. Straightening out his attire and making sure his scarf was secured, he wrapped his cloak around his body and fastened it around his frame with practiced ease. With his entire frame aside from his feet and ankles covered, he looked out towards the windows to his right, only for his blue eyes to widen and sparkle in wonder at what he saw.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: Planeptune Theme)

From beyond the window, the boy was met with the breath-taking sight of an advanced, futuristic cityscape, with plenty of water and greenery surrounding the lands. If there ever was a place one would call a utopia, then the utterly beautiful sight before him was it.

[The Land of Purple Progress: Planeptune]

NepTower/Midday

"..."

The boy continued to look out into the purple metropolis; marveling at all the tall, solar-powered skyscrapers; watching it's people go about their lives in relative comfort in spite of ASIC's hold on the world. Truly, to him this place somehow looked just as amazing as his own home of-

"...!" Snapping himself out of his own thoughts, the boy shook his head and lightly slapped his cheeks. There wasn't any time to gawk. He had to return to the Graveyard as soon as possible!

Casting his gaze to the purple-haired girl and seeing she was still sleeping soundly, the boy nodded to himself before swiping his handheld off the table and quietly made his way to the door. On the way, he spotted his footwear, a pair of simple brown shoes next to a pair of white and purple boots. He deftly slipped them on one foot at a time before silently making his exit, the door automatically sliding open then closing shut behind him on the way out.

He came out to a long purple hallway. To his left, he saw a long corridor leading to what was assumed to be an office. To his right, he sees a shorter entry-way leading to a large living area, complete with entertainment center and kitchen space. At the end of it, he sees an elevator door. Wasting no time, the boy swiftly darted his way to the elevator, his footsteps making nary a sound on the floor.

(Music Fades)

However, the moment he approached the elevator, it suddenly opened up revealing three individuals; two of them the boy recognized as Compa and IF, and the third one was a small blonde girl no bigger than a doll, wearing a one-piece purple dress with a teal tie and riding what seemed like a very large book.

"...!?" The boy skid to a stop, freezing in place right in front of them as all eyes laid on him.

"Oh! He's awake!" Compa spoke first with a relieved smile.

"So, this is the one who had aided you?" The girl on the book asked, her voice sounding gentle yet mature to the boy.

"Yep, that's the kid." IF nodded "It's about time one of them wo- Ah, hey!"

Before IF could finish her sentence, the blonde lad quickly turned on his heels and scampered away from the group, running straight through the living room. As he attempted to make haste to the nearest window, the boy heard Compa call from behind him "Wait! Don't run around in the-!"

*TRIP!*

"...!?"

The nurses warning came too late, as the boy had unknowingly tripped on a power-cord connected to a blocky black and purple game-console on the floor. The boy soon found himself falling face first onto the floor, the sheer momentum from his panicked run causing his face to skid along the carpet before coming to a stop near a couch, his lower body briefly hanging in the air before it fell to the ground with a thud.

"Ooh!" IF winced at the sight, sucking in air through her teeth as Compa rushed to the boy. "That's... gonna leave a mark."

The boy simply laid there for a moment, still as a statue, then with shaking hands pushed himself up slightly, revealing his slightly carpet-burned cheeks, nose and forehead as he quietly whined with comical tears spilling from his eyes and his mouth forming a small x. Before he knew it, Compa crouched down next to him and raised her hand to him "Oh no! Are you okay!? You didn't reopen your wounds did you!?"

"...!" He gasped as he sees her up close with her hand slowly making its way towards his face. Much to the nurses surprise, the boy instantly flipped himself onto his back and quickly scurried away from her in a panic. Soon, his back hit the foot of the couch as both IF and the small blonde girl made their way towards him, his body stiff and his blue eyes trembling in fear.

"Sheesh Compa," IF spoke half-heartedly to the nurse "No need to spook the little guy like that."

"Eh!?" Compa whipped her head towards the brunette with teary whited-out eyes "Wait! I didn't mean to scare him!"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Rebirth 2 Ost: The Aegean)

Paying the duo no mind, the girl on the book cast her gaze towards the frightened boy as she slowly floated her way towards him. Stopping just a few inches before his slender frame, she gently spoke "Please, do not be alarmed little one. We mean you no harm." The boy flinched lightly, his shaky blue eyes meeting her own as she continued with a tender smile "Quite the contrary, we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your bravery back at the graveyard." With each words she spoke, the blonde boy began to calm down little by little, the tension slowly leaving his body. Shuffling his body slightly and crossing his legs to meet her proper, the boy softly hummed as he tilted his head inquisitively.

"Oh, where are my manners." Catching herself, the blonde girl cleared her throat before introducing herself proper "My name is Histoire. The Oracle of Planeptune, as well as the Tome of Gamindustri." She then folds her hands into her lap before giving a small, graceful bow to the young lad "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"..." The boy simply stared at the tome fairy for a brief moment before he murmured quietly in acknowledgement, giving a small bow in return. Getting a better look at the blonde fairy, the boy had to admit, for someone of her stature, she looked really pretty in her own right. Almost as pretty as her.

("Hmm.") Taking the time to examine him, Histoire couldn't help but ponder ("The boy seems well-mannered, if a little quiet. He almost reminds me of Nepgear when she was much younger... perhaps, a little too much.) she then cupped her chin with her thumb and index finger. Indeed, to any normal human, the blonde youth before her looks and acts like any other boy his age.

However, the aura that surrounds him tells a much different story. While it is incredibly faint, almost non-existent, there was no denying the radiance that lurks within; the same once that-

"Hey, Histoire" IF spoke, snapped the Oracle out of her musings "I know the kids a new face around here, but there's no need to stare."

"Oh!" With flushed cheeks, the tome shook her head and put some distance between her and the boy as she addressed the Guild agent "My apologies IF. That was rather rude of me. It has been quite a while since anyone else stepped through here."

"Well, guess I can't blame you for that, given everything that's happened." IF conceded before turning her attention towards the blonde boy "Still, gotta say the kid here's a real quiet one... Hasn't even spoken a single word since we got here."

(Music Fades)

"I don't think he really can Iffy." Compa spoke up, earning the other two girls attention as the nurse looked to the boy rather dejectedly.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" IF asked with a raised brow.

"Well," She turned her gaze to her friend and the tome fairy as she pointed her dainty finger to her neck "When I was busy patching up his injuries, I noticed there was a pretty bad scar on his neck."

"What, wait!?" IF's eyes widened in shock while Histoire covered her mouth with a gasp.

All eyes then quickly went back to the quiet youth, who meekly turned his head away upon feeling their gaze on him, looking downcast and disheartened. Closing his eyes as he took a breath through his nose, he reached for his scarf with one finger and lightly pulled down on it, revealing the neck-scar in its entirety, much to the other womans horror. The scar itself stuck out like a sore thumb; the red slash-mark sat horizontally across the boys pale throat, right where his vocal cords should be. However, the wound itself did not appear too severe; in fact, upon closer inspection, the mark itself was a rather clean cut, allowing it to heal rather nicely.

It was rather hard to say whether this was done deliberately or on accident. Either way, seeing such a sight on a mere child left both the Guild agent and the Oracle speechless. How could this have happened? Who or what could've done such a thing?

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, IF folded her arms as she spoke "Well, this is definitely a new one. Really wasn't expecting the kid to be a mute."

"Indeed." Histoire concurred with a saddened sigh "Is there any way for us to communicate with him?"

"...!" The boys ears perked up, then soon after he raised a single finger to the trio, signalling them to wait a moment. He reached into his pockets and quickly pulled out the same device from before, showing it to them.

The three ladies all raised a questioning brow, casting their gaze to each-other as the boy flipped it around with the small screen facing him and turned on the handheld-like device. It definitely wasn't any kind of device any of them had seen before, much less a portable gaming console. IF did personally want to take a better look at it a few days prior, back when Compa was still tended to his and Nepgears wounds, but the nurse insisted they'd leave it alone, stating it wasn't right to go through others belongings.

(Nier Ost: Song of the Ancients Instrumental)

Soon after the screen lite up on the device, the boy fiddle with the circle pad and the buttons as he typed down something onto the screen.

[A humble mute, swift as the wind]

[Choose a Name]

[_]

[E_]

[Em]

The moment he was done, he turned the handheld with one hand to face the three of them, the rather small screen displaying only two letters, reading [Em].

"Em?" IF read out loud. The boy in turn used his free hand and pointed at himself. "Em... is that your name?" The boy, Em, nodded in response. IF sighed in relief ("Good. Looks like we won't have too much trouble communicating with the kid.") With that, she raised a hand to her chest as she responded "A little late for introductions, but nice to meet ya, Em. I'm IF." She then gestures to her nurse friend who waved to the boy with a soft smile "This is Compa," then to the tome fairy "and this is Histoire... though you already know that."

Giving an affirming nod, Em typed into the handheld again then turned it back to them, the screen reading ["It's nice to meet you all."]

With her smile brightening up, Compa greeted back "It's nice to meet you too, Em-Em."

Em tilted his head slightly, a bit puzzled at the nickname. Seeing his confusion, IF told him "Compa tends to give people nicknames for a lot of people. Don't mind it too much." Clearing her throat, she crouched down to his eye level before continuing "That said, how are you feeling? You didn't open anything from that fall, did you?"

The blonde youth briefly looked to his injuries under his cloths before writing to them on his handheld ["I'm alright... my bandages feel a little tight, but I'm alright."]

That had earned a chuckled from the brunette "Yeah, that's normal. Compa tends to wrap her bandages a little too tight."

"Only because I'm just making sure they don't fall off!" Compa responded petulantly "A patients wounds won't heal properly if the bandages are loose!"

"Yeah, but it won't help much if you end up cutting off their circulation." IF fired back "Remember that time you nearly choked out Nep when she offered to help you during your exams?" The brunette shook her head at the memory "I swear, you wrapped her so tight he looked like a mummy."

"Awww~ Don't be so mean, Iffy!" Compa whined "You know that was my first time~!"

IF's immediately shot up to her feet to face the innocent nurse, her whole face flushed a bright red as her eyes completely whited-out "Hey, whoa there! Don't say stuff like that in front of the kid!"

Em silently looked on at the scene before him, his face portraying no emotion as the two females went back and forth in their... conversation. Off to the side, Histoire could only sigh in exasperation, a sweat-drop falling from the side of her head as she pinched the bridge of her nose "Dear me... even without Neptune here, we still have a propensity to get side-tracked." The tome fairy turned away from the duo's comedy skit to address the blonde mute "You will have to forgive them," She said, gaining his attention "This tends to happen more often than I would like. Anyhow," She straightened her form before continuing "I know you have just recovered from your excursions the other day, but I must know, what were you doing in the Gamindustri Graveyard?"

"...!" The young blonde slightly jumped in his spot, breaking away from her gaze as he looked nervously to the floor beneath him. He briefly fidgeted with the silver device in his hands, either unable or unsure how to answer the fairies inquiry. Soon after, Em felt a small, yet warm hand being gently rest upon his right cheek. The boy looked back up to be met with Histoire, now mere inches away from his face as she gave him a tender, almost motherly look.

"Please, do not be afraid child. You aren't in any trouble" she assured him in a soft tone as she gently pulled her hand away. "I will not force you to tell me, but it is highly unusual for one so young to find themselves in that wretched place..." She daintily placed a hand to her chest as she continued "Please, if there is anything troubling you, then let us know. We will gladly help you in anyway we can."

"..."

The blonde boy was taken aback by the tomes generous words, his flushed cheeks betraying his otherwise stoic face. With a breath, Em briefly tapped onto his handheld without looking at it and presented it to the tome ["R-Really? You will help me?"]

"Of course." Histoire replied with a kind smile "You had aided us in our time of need. We would be more than happy to return the favor... but we simply cannot if you don't tell us."

(Music Fades)

"..."

Em looked back down to his handheld, deep in thought. While it was only by mere circumstance that their paths had crossed back in the graveyard, the fairies words rang true in the boys ears. He could not stay idle while other people were in danger, not even in the face of an immensely powerful adversary such as a CFW. He had risked both his mission and his life to help them when they needed it the most.

Thus, perhaps, they could in fact help him in turn... help him save her and bring her back home.

Taking a deep breath then sitting up straight, a silent resolve burning in his blue eyes, Em typed into his handheld and showed it to Histoire ["I was there looking for someone..."]

The blonde fairy raised her eyebrows in surprise upon reading his message "You were looking for someone? In the Gamindustri Graveyard?" Em gave her a firm nod "May I ask who?"

Without skipping a beat, the blonde youth typed again, replying ["My older sister."]

"Your... sister?"

"Huh/Hmm?" Both IF and Compa were brought out of their questionable comedy sketch, turning their attention to the two blondes upon hearing Histoires words.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animation Ost: Twilight)

Now having everyone's attention, Em began explaining through his handheld ["Yes. I was looking for my sister. She disappeared a few years ago. I haven't seen her since... I was hoping I could find her there, in the graveyard."]

The three woman all blinked twice in response to the words displayed on the small screen. A feeling of dread and sympathy began washing over them as they exchanged glances with one another, their almost deafening silence putting poor Em slightly on edge. Someone so young and quiet, going out of his way to brave through arguably the most hellish place in Gamindustri, in search of his sibling, his family? In any other circumstance, such a fearless act would be worthy of praise.

However... the three of them knew all too well, what become of those who would willingly ventured into the Gamindustri Graveyard. The moment any human step foot in those forbidden lands, they sealed their fate; forever doomed to wander the dead-lands until their last breath. Compa and IF were only lucky Histoire teleported them out, else they would've suffered the same fate.

"...?" Em could see the look in their eyes; orbs of blue, green and pink all looked at the blonde youth in pity. It was almost as if-

"...!" In just a blink of an eye, Em shot straight up to his feet, startling the three of them as he typed down onto his handheld at a break-neck pace before presenting it to them with a glare, firm and resolute ["Don't say it! Don't say my sister is dead! I know she's still alive! I know it!"]

"Em, please calm down." Histoire attempted to soothe the mute "We know how you feel, believe me, but you must know what becomes of those who-"

Em quickly shook his head rapidly to the fairy before she could finish before responding ["She is alive! I saw her! She's still trapped there!"]

"Wait, you did!?" IF shouted in shock.

"Someone else is trapped there!?" Compa replied flustered.

Em nodded in response ["Yes! I found her before I met you all, but I couldn't get her out!"]

This had left the three of them stunned in silence. Was there truly someone else there, alive yet trapped inside that dreaded landmass? The thought of it was inconceivable to them. It was one thing to see the CPU Goddesses alive after all this time, given their own longevity in-spite of the lack of shares, but the possibility of a normal human still clinging to life after so long is almost unthinkable.

Unthinkable... but not outside the realm of possibility.

["Please,"] The blonde mute continued with pleading eyes ["I need to go back there. She's still waiting for me... I have to save her!"]

"Oh no, you're not going back there, kid!" Em visibly reeled back at IF's yelling, the brunette shaking her head as she gave the boy a stern look "You lucky you came out of there alive, heading back now would be practically suicide!"

"Iffy!" Compa cried out to her companion "You don't have to yell at him!"

"IF, please calm down!" Histoire commanded, both hers and the nurses reprimand left IF to turn her head away in shame. The fairy turned her attention back to Em, who looked down to his feet crestfallen, clutching his handheld close to his chest. Choosing her words carefully, Histoire spoke "Please, do not be distressed Em. While IF's words were harsh, there is some truth to them... Should you return to the graveyard now, I am not sure you will be able to return alive."

Looking crushed, Em responded ["B-But you promised..."]

"I know..." Histoire answered honestly "Make no mistake, when I have told you we would help, I meant every word. Believe me, you are not the only one who has someone to rescue from that dread place."

"...?" Em tilted his head, curious as to what the tome meant.

Now having his full attention, Histoire continued "Do you recall seeing someone else with IF and Compa? A girl with long lilac hair?" Em nodded his head, remembering the girl that saved him from Judge's attack. Nepgear, if memory served him right. "I sent them out on an expedition to the graveyard, to liberate her and 4 others from that terrible place." The fairy closed her eyes as she gave a dejected sigh "Though in the end, we were only able to save Nepgear." Off to the side, Em saw both Compa and IF avert their gaze at Histoires words. Compa looked to be on the verge of tears, and IF narrowed her eyes and looked down to her own feet in self-derision, all the while digging her nails into her palms. This sight, coupled with the fairies words painted a bleak picture for the mute. Much like himself, they too wish to save the people they cherish from the Gamidustri Graveyard.

(Music Fades)

But alas, if their encounter with the black CFW was any proof, they were simply not strong enough to save them... Just as he was not strong enough to save her.

"Uum..."

"...!?"

Before anyone else could speak a word, a soft, almost shy voice called out piercing through the dim atmosphere. The blonde mute in particular immediately snapped at attention, his eyes trailing to the hallway where he came from. The other ladies followed his gaze, turning to the source of the voice as they all gasped upon seeing a familiar shade of purple.

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animations OST: Cool Down)

"G-Good Morning, everyone..."

There, standing timidly across from the group with her hands folded in front of her, was the same teenaged girl Em had seen before, now fully awake. Her long, light purple hair flowed freely with the D-pad hair-clip fastened to the left side. She was wearing a button-up, white and purple sailor uniform with a yellow ribbon being held together by an N-emblem, as well as thigh high socks with pink and white stripes and medium-sized boots that matched her cloths. The air she gives off indicates the vibe of someone responsible and kind, yet unsure of herself.

(Dependable, yet Insecure Girl-Next-Door: Nepgear)

"GE-GE!" Compa cries out, a tearful smile plastered on her face as she ran up towards the Candidate and wrapped her in a big, tight hug. "Oh, thank goddess! You were asleep for so long we were all so worried you wouldn't wake up! I even had to check your vital signs around the clock just to be sure you were still with us!"

"Ack! Goodness... Compa..." Nepgear struggled to say under the nurses almost unyielding embrace "It's... good... to see you... too... ah... can't breath...!"

"Whoa, slow down there! She just woke up, you don't wanna put her back to sleep." IF called out, causing Compa to gasp and release Nepgear with a quick apology as the purple Candidate sucked in some much needed oxygen. "Still, it's good to see you awake Gear." The brunette greeted her with a soft smile "You really had us all worried for a while there."

"Indeed." Breathing a sign of relief of her own, Histoire floated closer to Nepgear and asked "How are you feeling? Has your illness fully receded?"

"Haa... Haa... Yes. I think I'm fine now." The purple Candidate answered hunched over as she tried to regained her breath from Compa's bear-hug. Taking a deep breath and straightening herself out, Nepgear looked to her nations Oracle "Um, so..." Only for her to awkwardly look away as she uttered in a hushed tone "I'm sorry..."

"You have no need to apologize." Histoire gently replied, a look of guilt entering her gaze as she spoke with a hand to her chest "If anyone should do so, it ought to be me. It was by my command that you and the CPU's were sent out on that doomed expedition..." The blonde fairy closed her and folded her hands into her lap as she gave the purple Candidate a deep, regretful bow. "I'm truly sorry Nepgear. Were not for my own carelessness, none of this would've happened."

"Huh!? N-No, It's not your fault Histoire!" startled and flustered by her Oracles calm, yet heartfelt apology, Nepgear waved her hands in front as she responded "You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. I would never blame you." She soon settled down as the tome raised her head "It all went south because..." The purple Candidate then looked down in shame, her arms falling to her sides along with her gaze "Because I wasn't strong enough... none of us were..." She admitted as she grasped the hem of her skirt, images of the ill-fated battle from back then flashing through her mind.

"Oh, Nepgear..." Histoire could only looked to Nepgear in tears. The tome couldn't help but feel powerless, even when Nepgear is standing there in front of her, alive and well.

"..."

Away from the rest of the group, Em watched the scene in front of him with nothing but sympathy in his eyes. Only Celestia knows what horrors Nepgear and the other CPU's have been through all this time. Judging from the state they were in when the blonde mute found them in his search, the thought of what might've happened made Em's heart sink as he held his handheld close to his chest.

Being left there, bound, comatose and helpless as their lives slowly but surely fade from their bodies with no hope of escape. Truly, such a fate is too cruel for words.

"I know this may be asking much of you," Gathering herself, Histoire chose her next words carefully as she addressed the purple Candidate "but please, tell us what had happened back then; try and recount what had occurred in the Gamindustri Graveyard three years ago... can you do that for me?"

"Y-Yes, of course..." Nepgear responded with a reluctant nod.

(Music Fades)

(Hyperdimension Neptunia The Animation OST: No Pulse)

Thus, with fear and hesitation clouding her mind, Nepgear had recounted to everyone the events of that fateful day; the day that Gamindustri and it's people would be left without their CPU's.

Three years ago, by order of Tome Del Histoire did the four Console Patron Units gather to journey to the deadlands of the Gamindustri Graveyard. Though some were reluctant to go on such a pilgrimage for one reason or another (Note: Mainly Neptune), the growing influence ASIC had over the masses across all four great nations was spreading too rapidly to be ignored any longer. Therefore, CPU's Purple Heart, Black Heart, White Heart, and Green Heart, all set out to venture into the Graveyard, to halt the syndicates advances from proceeding any further.

Alongside them, with Purple Hearts blessings, CPU Candidate Purple Sister chose to accompany them on their expedition, reasoning that she had a terrible premonition; a fear that once they step foot into the necropolis, the CPU's may not return... a fear that very quickly became truth. Upon their arrival to the dreaded landmass, they were immediately greeted with the one who would then become the arbiter of their fates:

The Leader of the Arfoire Syndicate of International Crime, and High Priestess of the Deity of Sin herself; Magic The Bloody.

The battle that soon followed could hardly even be described as such. Even with the combined force of all four CPU's, Magic was just too great of a foe to overcome. Blessed with the unholy might of the Deity of Sin, Magic remained dauntless as she began systematically defeating the CPU Goddesses one by one with nary a scratch on her body.

As for Purple Sister, the one who had warned of such an outcome... she was left too powerless to make a difference, as she watched her beloved sister be brought low, with she herself quickly following.

After such a flawless victory, Magic was tempted to execute them all then and there, to be rid of her Goddesses enemies once and for all. However, whether it was done out of pride or a twisted sense of mercy, the high priestess chose instead to make an example of them.

The cords that which bind them to the Graveyard use their own share energy against them. The more they resisted, the more shares would be leeched from their bodies, keeping them in captivity whilst simultaneously leaving them with just enough to continue drawing breath.

So thus, did the five of them remain; For three long years they were kept teetering on the edge of life and death, as Arfoires influence over their lands and their people continues on unimpeded. Forced to watch as everything they've built, loved and cared for is slowly reduced to nothing before their eyes.

(Music Fades)

"That's how everything happened..."

"..."

By the time the purple-haired Candidate had finished recounting those events, everyone in the room was left silent and horrified, their eyes wide as dinner plates. The reality and severity of their situation has now become clear as crystal, as it washes over all like a tsunami.

"T-That's insane..." IF spoke as she broke out in a cold sweat. "All five of you were defeated by one person? Just like that!?"

"I can hardly believe it..." Compa trembled with tears edging the corners of her eyes "Nep-Nep and the other girls are as tough as cold sores. How could they lose?"

"We did everything we could... but Magic was just too strong..." Nepgear admitted, the very image of ASIC's leader in her mind sent shivers down her spine.

"It's just as I had feared. ASIC had gotten too powerful too quickly." Histoire solemnly closed her eyes as she holds onto the edges of her tome in quiet frustration. "If only we had acted sooner..."

"Histoire..." Nepgear called to her Oracle, snapping her out of her self-derision as the Candidate continued "Please, tell me what's going on? What happened to Gamindustri after we lost that battle three years ago?"

With a single finger to her chin, Histoire explained "I'm afraid the situation is very dire. By all accounts, ASIC has effectively taken control over 90% of the world... Everyone in Gamindustri knows of them and their goddess."

"Hacking Tools, Burned Disc Copies, Illegal Chips, Jail-broken Consoles... Arfoires heretical followers are selling all those to people for dirt cheap, if not practically giving those out like candy." IF followed up "Both kids and adults alike are seeing piracy as the norm, and put their faith into ASIC as a result."

"Because of that conversion, a lot of people don't even believes in the CPU's anymore... it's just so evil," Compa tearfully noted "Everyone's been working so hard to keep things going. It took me and Iffy such a long time to gather enough faith to make that tiny piece of Sharicite."

"Yeah." IF bitterly noted "And with the CPU's still kept in captivity, it's only gonna get worse..." With a frustrated grunt, IF jammed her fist into her palm. "Dammit! If only that battle-crazy hunk of metal didn't get in the way!"

"To make matters worse, we have come to a terrifying discovery while we were gathering shares." Histoire stated with the utmost seriousness "ASIC doesn't just intend on simply ruling over Gamindustri... Their primary objective is to revive their guardian deity; The Deity of Sin, Arfoire." She then turned her sight out to the nearby window, the normally breath-taking view of Planeptunes cityscape was met with the fairies anxious gaze. "Should the current situation persist, should our world continue to decline at its current rate, it is only a matter of time before they achieve that goal."

"..." Nepgear stood silent. The very thought of her and her sisters home being reduced to rubble had left her with a pit in her stomach. "Is there anything we can do to stop them?"

"Yes. One path yet remains open to us." Histoire responds as she turns to the Candidate with a gracious smile "And that resides in you, Nepgear..."

"M-Me?" Nepgear points to herself.

"Indeed." The tome responds with the utmost confidence "Along with you, all the CPU Candidates, siblings and successors to the CPU Goddesses, remain free."

"Really? And, wait... I'm not the only CPU Candidate?"

"Correct." The Fairy nods "The only individuals left with the ability to regain the peoples faith, and with it Gamindustris shares, are the CPU Candidates. So long as you all stand, hope yet remains for us all. Should we recover the worlds shares to a fair level, ASICs grip over Gamindustri will weaken."

The purple Candidate meekly looked down in thought. That doomed battle three years ago only felt like yesterday to Nepgear. She couldn't do anything to help her sister or the other CPU's, much less defeat Magic, and yet here she is now, with the literal fate of their world resting on her shoulders... it all feels almost unreal to her. ("Regain shares on my sisters behalf...? They truly want me to restore peoples faith in the CPU's...? Can I really do that?") She closes her eyes in lament, her hands visibly trembling as she begins to feel the full weight of the responsibility thrusted upon her. ("I want to save Neptune... I want to restore order to Gamindustri, but... but-")

*Squeeze*

"Huh?"

In the midst of her own self-pity, Nepgear could feel something gripping her hand, something small and warm. Her eyes go downwards to see a smaller hand gently, yet firmly grasped onto her own, as if trying to comfort the unsure Candidate. Nepgears gaze trails upwards to whoever was holding her hand-

"Who?"

(Emil/Sacrifice/Nier [R3 Music Box])

"..."

Her violet eyes soon met a pair of deep blue orbs, with hair of gold and cloaked in green. Em softly looked to the timid Candidate, his eyes filled with nothing but sympathy as he gave her hand another light squeeze. A simple gesture, but one that had oddly washed away her fear and anxiety as the young blonde offered his silently reassurance.

"Ahh, right." Nepgear turned her head to IF "Forgot that you were still asleep when we made our introductions." The guild agent awkwardly scratched her cheek as she looked to the blonde mute "Sorry to leave you out in the lurch there, Em."

"Em?" Nepgear repeated to herself.

"Mhm! That's his name." Compa then walked between the two of them and introduced him to the purple-haired teen "Ge-Ge, this is Em-Em. He was the one who helped us back at the Graveyard."

"R-Really!?" Nepgear exclaimed to the pink-hair nurse, who nodded with a smile. Left briefly stunned, her sights went down to the young boy as she asked "That was you!?", receiving a silent nod from Em in response.

She could scarcely believe it. Even as she recalled the events days prior, it was still rather hard to accept that someone so young could face down a CFW the way he did. Yet, it was because of his valiant act that they were able to escape the graveyard with their lives... Yes, it's because of him that she's still here.

(Music Fades)

"Anyways," As the CPU Candidate was getting more acquainted with the blonde mute, IF turned to Histoire and inquired "I hate to bring down the mood, but isn't that approach a bit too slow? With ASIC in the lead, they could just easily gather shares faster than we can reclaim them... We'd may as well be sitting ducks."

"True." Histoire conceded "With only a hand-full of people left who believe in the CPU's, simple gathering shares as we have before would be another fool's errand." With a steadied breath, she countered "Which is why we will request aid from each of the four nations Mascots."

"Mascots?" Compa tilted her head in confusion "You mean like, game mascots?"

(Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 OST: $100)

"In a manner of speaking." Histoire elaborated "Born from the Founder CPU's of each nation, the Mascots oversee the balance of our world from behind the scenes. They preside over their respective nations in secrecy, remaining neutral to all else to ensure the prosperity and well-being of their land and its people. Should the need arise, however, they will stand by the CPU Goddesses, freeing Gamindustri of evils influence and restoring order to our society."

"Wow..." Compa stood wide-eyed in amazement "I didn't even know the Mascots were such powerful heroes..."

"And it's probably for that reason they chose to remain hidden from the public eye. Am I right?" IF noted.

"Indeed." Histoire nodded "Not even I am aware of their current whereabouts. Should ASIC learn of the Mascots existence, they would no doubt seek to destroy them, and rob us of any remaining hope." The fairy looked down to her tome as its pages briefly glowed in an iridescent light. "Fortunately, I am already in the process of researching and tracking down Planeptunes Mascot as we speak." She turns back to the group of four. "The moment I find anything of note, I will notify you immediately. In the meantime, I propose you all go and regain some of Planeptunes shares."

IF nods in agreement "Sounds like a plan to me. That and it could also help stretch Gears legs out a bit. Goddess knows she hadn't moved much in the past three years, much less fight." Before anyone else could even blink, a loud gurgling noise rang out through the room, causing the Guild agent to crack a wry smile as she sweatdropped "... On second thought, maaaaybe we should grab a quick bite before we head for the Guild."

"Good idea, Iffy!" Compa agreed "Ge-Ge won't be able to fight on an empty stomach. She's probably starving!"

"Uhh, IF, Compa," The Candidate in question spoke up "I don't think that was me... Though I guess I am pretty hungry right now."

"Wait, that wasn't you?" IF asked "Then who-?" The same rumbling noise rang out again, cutting off the brunette. All of the girls in the room turned to the source of the noise... specifically, from the stomach of the silent youth standing right next to Nepgear. With all eyes on him, Ems stomach promptly growled for a third time, causing the blonde boys face to flush bright red as he let go of Nepgears hand and pulled the hood of his cloak over his head. "Well... that answers that, I guess."

Compa only giggled at the sight "Aww, sounds like Em-Em's hungry too..." She turned to her friend and the Oracle "Why don't we bring him along with us?"

"Eh?"

"...?"

Both Nepgear and Em both tilted their heads quizzically at the peach-haired girls request, though the former is more confused while the latter is surprised.

"Yeah, sure. I don't see why not." IF agreed with surprising ease.

"Yes." Histoire concurred as well "It would be wise to bring him along with you three."

"...!?" From under his hood, Ems eyes sparkled as he raised his device out in front of him ["Really!? I can go!?"]

"W-Wait a minute!" Nepgear interrupted, looking between the blonde mute and the rest of the group. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Seeing what the Candidate may be implying, Histoire explained "In any other circumstance, I would be rather reluctant to bring a child along on such a dangerous mission. However, given how dire our situation is, we cannot afford to look gift horse in the mouth... If we are to stand against ASIC effectively, We must find any and all allies that we can. Besides," The fairy turns her attention to the silent youth "I am certain your goals perfectly align with one another... right?" She asks with a gracious, knowing smile.

"..." No one could really read his expression under his cloak, but the gleam in his eyes tells all the Oracle needs to know. To that, Em took a deep bow before presenting his handheld once again, stating ["T-Thank you, Lady Oracle! I'm in your debt!"]

"Oh, pay it no mind, young one. I am happy I was able to be of assistance." Histoire responded kindly "All I ask is that you help Nepgear on her journey, and I am sure you will find who you are looking for."

Em nodded enthusiastically in response ["Yes! I'll do what I can!"]

"Umm..." Nepgear was at a bit of a loss. Looking between the young mute and her Oracle/Mother-Figure, the purple Candidate had several questions floating about in her head. ("Who exactly is this boy? How did he get into the Gamindustri Graveyard? Why was he there in the first place? Who was he looking for? ... And why the goodness is he communicating with that strange device?")

"Hey, Gear," IF nudged the Candidates shoulder "You listening?"

"Huh?" Snapping herself out of her thoughts, she addressed the brunette "Oh, um, y-yes! S-Sorry for spacing out!"

"Good." ("Heh, she definitely gets that from Nep...") IF mused "Anyways, I'll fill you in on what's up with the kid on our way out... so let's move."

"R-Right!" Nepgear nodded hesitantly.

"Oh, right, I nearly forgot." Histoire chimed in just as the group of four made their way to the elevator. "Before you all go, allow me to give you this." Then, with a snap of her fingers, the blonde oracle gathered data particles in front of her into a small ball of light, covered in 0's and 1's.

With a wave of Histoires finger, the ball of light gently floated towards Nepgear before bursting open, causing a small rectangular device to fall into the Candidates hands. "What's this...?" She inspected the device further, revealing to be some form of portable gaming device colored black and lilac with a wide touchscreen and four buttons at the top and bottom corners of the handheld.

"This would be the N-Gear." Histoire explained "It is a portable device with a multitude of functions, ranging from inventory management to phonecalls. It should prove invaluable to you on your travels." With that, the Oracle adjusted her posture before continuing "Now, you'd all best be going. I'll contact you through the N-Gear if I find out any information regarding the Mascot."

"Right. Thank you, Histoire." Nepgear gave her Oracle an appreciative bow before the group made their way to the elevator.

Just as the four of them entered, Em turned to the blonde fairy and communicated through his handheld ["Thanks again. Wish us luck."]

(Music Fades)

The Oracle quietly waved them goodbye as the elevator door slid closed. Now alone, Histoire turned her tome around and made her way down the hall to her (read: Neptune's) office to sort out any affairs as her tome automatically searches for intelligence regarding the Mascots whereabouts.

Now that Nepgear is awake and active, they can finally make their first steps toward their counter-attack against the syndicate. Histoire can only hope that the Candidate can regain her courage along her journey to come. She could easily tell from Nepgears story that the events of that fateful day has taken a heavy toll on her mind. The way Nepgear shook when recalling those events, the fear and anxiety in her eyes at the mere mention of Magic... it was clear as day those events have scarred her almost irreparably.

Yet another transgression to add onto the tomes guilt-ridden conscience.

And then there was the matter of the blonde mute, Em. While she is certain the boy does not present nor mean any harm to them, and his supposed goal of rescuing his sister is undeniably noble, the fact remains that much about him still remains an enigma. Even so, to the Tome of Gamindustri, created by the First Goddess herself, there was no denying the aura and spirit that surrounds him. It was incredibly faint, almost non-existent when first looking upon him. At first glance, Histoire merely thought it was just her imagination.

... However, any and all doubt she had vanished when Nepgear had awoken from her slumber. Seeing her and the quiet boy standing side-by-side, feeling the air around them all but confirmed her suspicions. "That boy... could he truly be...?"

-To Be Continued-

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Flavioka on Chapter 2 Sat 25 May 2024 08:10PM UTC

This is really good, i like the way you write!

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