Erik: Wow, I just got 1K reads of my very first story! I just wanna say thank you all for reading this story so far and I really do appreciated. And just for that, I do the best I can to published this story more frequently so you all can enjoy it.

Neptune: Wow Erik, I never thought this story became this popular already. 

Erik: I know right, and it's been nearly over 2 months since I started writing this first story that I made. 

Erik: In fact, where did you come from? You know what, forget what I just said. Is Kirby here too?

Neptune: Yup! Say hello to the readers, Kirby.

Neptune holds up Kirby into the screen and said.

Kirby: Hiiiii!

Erik: There he is. Just as I expected.

Erik: But anyway, I think it's about time we rapped this up now so we can eat some pudding together, my treat!

Neptune: Yippee!!

Kirby: Poyo!

Erik: But without further a do. Wanna say it with me, Neptune.

Neptune: Sure!

E/N: Let's get on with the story!

Kirby: Poyo!

We then wave at the readers as the screen fades black.

Zero Dimension, City

They were now in the city as they were searching for the core part. But sadly, they didn't find it yet as Neptune said.

Neptune: We can't find anything...

 Uzume: I could've sworn I saw something that looked similar. Let's take a break for lunch; we can keep searching after.

Marx: Good idea. Because I am starvin'...

Uzume: Yeah, me too.

Kirby: Poyo...

Said Kirby while Bandana Dee's stomach was growling knowing that he was hungry too.

Neptune: Then, what should we do for lunch? I know... let's have some pudding!!!

Nepgear: It is around that time, now that you mention it. Is there anything you're craving, Uzume?

Uzume: Pudding, Nepsy? It's gotta be meat. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?

Nepgear: Neptune? How does meat sound?

Neptune: Meat's good too, but I'd still like to propose having some sugar treats as a dual lunch-snacktime meal!

Uzume was now in daydream mode and said.

Uzume (Daydream): Well, I guess sweets sound good, too! But when you talk about sweets, It's gotta be crepes. ♪

Uzume (Daydream): Uzume would so love to have strawberry chocolate banana crepe with, like, a ton of whipped cream...!

Uzume (Daydream): The balance between the tangy, slightly sour strawberry and the sweet chocolate is super yummy... it's just the best!

Uzume (Daydream): Ohh... Even if we just had the ingredients, it'd be so totally awesome if we had that...

Neptune: O_O ......

Marx: Uhhh... 

Marx (Thoughts): What the heck was that all about.

Uzume (Sweatdrop): ......Oh.

Nepgear: ......

Uzume: ...*Cough*

Uzume: W-well,  you know, meat's good and all, but I'm not really that hungry, anyway! Whatever's clever, Nepsy!

Umio: Dear me, there's no reason to even cover it up at this point...

Neptune: Then it's decided we'll have crepes for lunch! Let's search around for any leftover ingredients!

Kirby: Poyo!

Marx: I guess we'll have some crepes. But where can we find the ingredients to make a crepe anyway?

Uzume: There's a building nearby that looked like it used to be a market. Let's check it out.

Then, they soon left to the market while Nepgear was left behind and said.

Nepgear: Uzume is really cute when she tries to acting all tough, just like Kirby and Bandana Dee... it's so adorable.

Nepgear: I'd really like to take her to a crepe shop on Planeptower Street someday.

And with that, Nepgear continues to look for the core part for the transfer terminal on her own, for now.

After fifteen minutes have passed, Nepgear was still looking for the core part. But, she spotted something on her N-Gear and said. 

Nepgear: Oh, this terminal might be...

Nepgear: I knew it! This terminal can get online. I might be able to find something.

Nepgear: Ah, here it is.

Nepgear then looks at the data she collected from online and it said.

(BGM: Insecure feeling - Mega Dimension Neptunia VII)

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

We can't stop ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜'s rampaging ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜. At this rate, ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ will fall to ruins. I decided to search for a way to stop her rampage.

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

I feel like I'm seeing a ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜. Yet another ⬜⬜⬜⬜ has perished. How can I possibly stop it?

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ returned to normal. She remembered what she had done. ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ asked me to ⬜⬜⬜⬜ her.

Nepgear: Hmmmm... I sort of get the meaning, but at the same time I sort of don't...

Uzume then showed up out of nowhere and said.

Uzume: What are you looking at?

Nepgear: Oh, Uzume. Um, I'm collecting intel on what happened here in your world, and... Wait, didn't I mention this before?

Uzume: Oh, right. My bad.

Uzume: So... how's that going?

Nepgear: I've found several records, but all the data I've found so far is incredibly disjointed. I can't make heads or tails of what I've read.

Uzume: What's your end goal here, Gearsy?

Nepgear: I just want to know the truth. I want to know what this world was like, and why it's been destroyed.

Nepgear: It's just speculation, but I feel like the reason this nation fell into ruin is written here in these records.

Nepgear: There might not be much I can actually do with that information once I uncover it, but even so, it'll just be good to know.

Uzume: ...I see.

Uzume: Maybe you'll be the one to release me from this prison, Gearsy.

Nepgear: ...Prison?

Uzume: I've tried so many times to escape... every attempt has been in vain.

Uzume: ...That blue sky feels so nostalgic.

Uzume: You might be just what I needed.

Nepgear: ...Uzume?

Uzume: Woops, I started talkin' about weird things. Forget it. I'll catch up with ya later.

Uzume then left as Nepgear said.

Nepgear: Prison, huh... Maybe it really is painful for Uzume to be in this world...

Suddenly, a bright light has flash as she cover her eyes from the bright light. 

(BGM Ended)

As the light fades, we then see Uzume waking Nepgear up and said.

Uzume: Hey, Gearsy! Wake up, Gearsy!

Nepgear: ...Hrrn? Huh? Why are you here, Uzume? I thought you just walked away...

Uzume: Man, still half-asleep?

Uzume: You came over here sayin' there might be a terminal connected to the web, and didn't come back, so I came to pick you up.

Nepgear: ...Oh yes, I guess that was what happened.

Uzume: So, find anything?

Nepgear: Oh, I did. I was able to find this record.

Uzume: Lemme see...

Nepgear then show the record that she found to Uzume and it said.

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

We can't stop ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜'s rampaging powers. At this rate, the world will fall to ruins. I decided to search for a way to stop her rampage.

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

I feel like I'm seeing a nightmare. Yet another city has perished. How can I possibly stop it?

⬜⬜ Month ⬜⬜ Day

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ returned to normal. She remembered what she had done. ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ asked me to kill her.

Uzume: What the hell is this? I don't get it at all. Gearsy, does this make sense to you?

Nepgear: ...Huh? I feel like it look different from before.

Nepgear: But I can see the data properly... Was I that half-asleep...?

Uzume: Yep, you were half-asleep since I came here to pick you up. 

Nepgear: I see.

Uzume: But anyway, we should probably get going.

Nepgear: Right.

And with that, Nepgear and Uzume left the area as Nepgear was starting to feel sad.

(Timeskip)

Uzume: Hey, Nepsy. I found this in a pile of rubble! Here ya go.

Neptune: Woah?! Is this a "DEAD COPY" of Zebious?!

Uzume: You know of it?

Neptune: Know it?! It's a super famous title where the makers of the original placed a hidden message that easily weeds out the fake ones!

Uzume: You're pretty knowledgeable when it comes to games, huh, Nepsy?

Neptune: And over here is a Benta! If you peel off this crappy logo sticker...

Neptune: See, told ya! It says "Zeca," the real manufacturer behind this thing!

Kirby: Poyo! 

Said Kirby feeling surprised and amazed by Neptune's Knowledgeable at games.

Marx: Wow Neptune, I guess you really are knowledgeable at games, huh, impressive.

Neptune: Thanks. 

Neptune: I should show this to Nep Jr. too. Heeey, Nep Jr.! We found something rare!

Neptune: Heeeey, Nep Jr.?

Nepgear (Thoughts): They seem to be having fun... But this will all end soon, won't it...

Nepgear (Thoughts): Is it really okay for us to leave Uzume, Kirby, Bandana Dee, Marx and go back home?

Nepgear (Thoughts): But Neptune and I both have to return... we have people waiting for us...

They were now confused by Nepgear being spaced out as Neptune said.

Neptune: ...I wonder what's wrong. Can she not hear me?

Marx: Hmmm.

https://youtu.be/geFP9cglPOo

After a few minutes have passed, they were now outside of the city as Nepgear was still being spaced out while feeling sad.

Nepgear: .........

Uzume: Hey, Nepsy. Isn't Gearsy acting a little weird lately?

Neptune: You noticed, too, eh? Nepgear has an earnest soul, so if something's wrong, it's pretty much written all over her face.

Marx: I noticed it as well, and your right about that one, Neptune. Something's definitely wrong with her and I don't know why. 

Neptune: Yeah, me too.

Uzume: So she's the exact opposite of you, huh?

Neptune: ...Are you trying to imply that I'm not earnest?

Uzume: Yep.

Neptune: Why, you little— Blah! I wanna defend myself but I'm self aware enough to know that you're right...

Neptune: Why don't we talk to Nepgear? Let's she what she's worrying about.

Neptune: Nep Jr., have a sec?

Nepgear: Oh, Neptune. Is something the matter?

Neptune: You seem to be down in the dumps lately so we were getting concerned.

Uzume: If something's troubling you, we'll be glad to listen. We're here for ya.

Marx: Uzume's right you know. If something is troubling you, will be gladly to help. 

Kirby: Poyo.

Nepgear: Troubles, huh... I'm sorry I made you guys worried. It's okay, though, I'm fine.

Neptune: I know you better than anyone, Nepgear, you don't look fine at all.

Uzume: Yeah, Gearsy. You have a pretty awful look on your face right now. 

Nepgear: D-Do I...? I should go wash my face over there for a bit.

Nepgear then left to go wash her face as they said.

Neptune: Hmm. She ran away. Still no clue about what's upsetting her.

Neptune: My guess is that it's difficult for her to talk to us about whatever's bumming her out so much.

Umio: What could it be?

Neptune: Hmmm... No idea! 

Uzume: Then let's get her somethin' as a present to cheer her up. You'd know what to get, right?

Neptune: Something that Nep Jr. would like, hmm... She is a big hardware geek, so...

Neptune: It'd be great if we could find something amazing enough to blow away all her worries... 

Umio: For example?

Neptune: Hmmmm, if there was a giant robot equipped with enough power to destroy all of civilization, she'd definitely be delighted!

Umio: Even if that is simply an example, I'd rather stay away from something so dangerous.

Uzume was now in Daydream mode once again and said.

Uzume (Daydream): Uzume totally thinks that something cute would be better than a giant robot!

Uzume (Daydream): Even though I've never seen it, I'm sure Gearsy's room is full of super cute plushies!

Uzume (Daydream): I bet she's given each and every one a proper name, and at night she sleeps while cuddling her favorite one.

Uzume (Daydream): Then, she'll come crawling into Nepsy's bed with teary eyes, saying she can't sleep without her favorite plushie...

Uzume (Daydream): Isn't it just the most moe? Ooh, I'm sure it is, so...

Neptune: O_O .........

Umio: .........

Marx: .........

Kirby: Poyo?

Uzume: ...*Cough!*

Uzume: But, yeah, I think those giant robots would be pretty cool, too. Gearsy would probably dig it, I guess.

Uzume: Robots are just the coolest, after all! They're just oh so romantic!

Umio: Goodness gracious, Uzume, you're always like this...

Umio: I've never seen such a thing, however. Although, if one truly did exist it'd be disturbing to have around.

Neptune: Games are the best answer at a time like this! No matter how troubled you are, playing games together will make all your worries fly away!

Umio: Experiences over material goods, I see. It's quite like you, and a good suggestion.

Uzume: I can get behind that, too. Let's stop lookin' for parts for a little bit and go have some fun at the arcade!

Marx: Well, we don't know what an arcade is. But, it does sound like fun, right fellas?

Kirby: Poyo!

Said Kirby while Bandana Dee nodded saying yes.

Neptune: Indeed it is Marx, so let's go.

https://youtu.be/dBR9V6Skt-A

After five minutes have passed, they were walking towards the arcade as Nepgear said.

Nepgear: Neptune, where are we going? Didn't we come here before?

Neptune: We're taking a break from searching for now. Let's take a breather at the arcade.

Nepgear: Arcade? But we have to find the part... 

Uzume: You need to loosen up, Gearsy.

Uzume: We've defeated the giant, so no one's gonna complain if we kick it for a little bit, right, Nepsy?

Neptune: Nah, we're good. If anybody has any complaints, I'll just Nep 'em up!

Uzume: ...So, yeah, about that arcade, hm? Uzume would be super happy if they have crane games with cute plushies.

Uzume (Daydream): And when you go to an arcade, you definitely gotta hit up the Photo Booths! Let's take cute photos together, Gearsy!

Nepgear: O-Okay...

Next, they were now inside of the arcade and Neptune said.

Neptune: ...Aw man. We came all this way to the arcade, but all the cabinets are broken...

Uzume: It's no use, they won't even turn on.

Marx: Well this was a waste of time.

Neptune: If they're all busted up, there's not much we can do here. Are there any other arcades?

Uzume: Hmmm... honestly, I haven't seen enough of the city to really know for sure so... Umio, do you know of any arcades spots?

Umio: Most arcades in this area are in similar states. In fact, out of all of the places I'm aware of, this one is in the best condition.

Uzume: Classic Umio... so knowledgeable.

Umio: I've investigated most every corner of this city in search of share crystals, after all.

Fried Shrimp: Going to the neighboring town might be what you guys wanna do, I think.

Uzume: Woah?!

Neptune: Yikes! Why if it isn't Baby Bug! It's been a while! What a coinydink to meet you here.

Marx: Wait, you guys know this creature.

Neptune: Yep, we just met her at Coral Station.

Marx: I see.

Fried Shrimp: I happened to spot you all with Miss Uzume and ran over here as fast as I could!

Uzume: That's real nice of ya, Baby Bug. It's nice to see you! So, you mentioned the neighboring town; is there an arcade there?

Fried Shrimp: Yeah! Some of our friends are living in a game center there, and the last time we visited, they let us play a bunch of games!

Uzume: Well, that's all I needed to hear. Let's head on over, everyone. We might even be able to find the parts for the transfer terminal.

Fried Shrimp: But before we go, who's he?

Said Fried Shrimp as she pointed at Marx.

Uzume: Oh right. Baby Bug, this is Marx. He's a new friend of ours, just like Kirby and Bandana Dee.

Fried Shrimp: Marx, huh? Well it's nice to meet you.

Marx: Nice to meet you too Baby Bug. 

Uzume: Alright then, now that you know him. Let's get going.

N/N/M/U: Right!

Kirby: Poyo!

And so, there were now heading to the next town, where the next arcade is and hoping they will find the core part for the transfer terminal.

To Be Continued...

Will they find the core part at the arcade for real this time?

And what will happen next?

Stay tuned and find out.