Unknown Dimension, Uzume's Base

They soon made it back to Uzume's Base as they were celebrating for rescuing Umio and Neptune said.

Neptune: Let's celebrate Umio's rescue, everyone! Cheers!

N/U: Cheers!

Kirby: Poyo!

Umio (Sweatdrop): Cheers... is what I wish to say, but why is this a roasted fish party?

Uzume: Well, this is the only food I had on hand. Man, I'm glad I fished up so much for the reverse supply.

Umio: I understand what you are saying, and I also understand that fish is the most abundant nutritional resource in the are...

Umio: But, for me, this is basically cannibalism... and this is freshwater fish, at that...!

Uzume: Ohh... yeah... right. Aw, man, I'm sorry, Umio.

Neptune: Don't fret, Umio, Uzume hears ya. I'll get you some krill in a little bit.

Umio: Krill? Hm. Well, perhaps I will partake.

Nepgear: I'm sorry, too, Umio. We wanted to celebrate your return but we didn't really know how to prepare anything very elaborate...

Nepgear: I can make simple sweets, but when it comes to meals, it's not really my strong suit...

Umio: It's nothing you need to apologize for, Gearsy. The gesture is more than enough for me. Thank you. 

Nepgear: By the way, what do you two usually eat? I can't imagine there are many other things available aside from canned foods.

Umio: When necessary, we do utilize our canned goods, but normally, Uzume prepares meals with anything she can find out there.

Umio: Granted, they're simple dishes, of course, and we generally season and heat the gathered ingredients to create our meals.

Neptune: Ooooh! You guys should have your own survival reality show or something!

Neptune: So, have you ever eaten locusts or snakes or frogs before?

Uzume: Ugghh!! Oh my gosh, like, seriously? No freakin' way, Nepsy! Ewww, slimy little frogs legs... Totally gross!

Umio: Uzume, language...

Uzume: ...*Cough*

Uzume: Yeah, no way in hell I'd eat one of those ugly things.

Neptune: Awww. It'd have been really cool if you were able to chow down on some exotic grub like that. Oh, well.

Uzume: C-C-Cool...?! D-Do you mean I could be... cool?!

Nepgear (thoughts): Huh? Uzume's kinda cute getting excited about being cool...

Neptune: Ummm, DUH!

Uzume: I see... so, people think you're cool if you can eat frog... Maybe I'll try it out...

Nepgear then stops Uzume from getting tricked by Neptune and said

Nepgear: W-Wait, don't get tricked, Uzume!

Nepgear: Neptune! You gotta stop saying weird things like that to people, it's not very nice!

Bandana Dee started to write something and showed it to Neptune which she reads.

Neptune: Your sister Nepgear has a good point. And besides, seeing Uzume eating frogs would be gross and not cool.

Neptune: I'm sorry, Nepgear and Bandana Dee, I couldn't help it.

Umio: Uzume, before I forget, the Baby Bugs gave these to me as a gift for helping them, would you like to take some?

Uzume: Eyuuughhhh?!? Those are shiitake mushrooms!

Umio: They're delicious if you roast them on a skewer, and the sight of you avariciously devouring would be quite... delightful.

Uzume: Nuh uh, no, no freakin' way! I don't care what anyone says— I'm never eating those things!

Umio: Dear me, your disdain for shiitake mushrooms is incredibly worrisome.

Nepgear: You don't eat shiitake, Uzume?

Uzume: I can't. Can't stand the taste or texture...

Umio: It's truly a shame. They are very convenient. Shiitake mushrooms are exquisite roasted or boiled and they perform wonderfully in soup stocks.

Uzume: Soup stock?! I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole if it was made out of share crystals! I'm NOT EATING THEM!

Nepgear: Uh.............

Umio: Well, anyway, now that we're nourished, I suppose it's time we explain what has actually transpired here in this nation. 

Umio: Additionally, I extend my deepest gratitude to you Four for saving me. Now, could you tell me just how you Four happened to come to this city?

And with that, they soon explain to Umio about how they came to city in the first place.

https://youtu.be/p1TzpYtcyfA

After eleven minutes have passed, they told everything about how they got here in the first place for Umio to understand their situation and Neptune said.

Neptune: ...So, yeah, that's why we we're in a bit of a bind.

Umio: I see. I'm beginning to make sense of your unique predicament.

Umio: So, you four come here from another continent, or perhaps have burrowed your way out of an underground nation. Or, you're delusional...

Umio: I could construct several different theories, but... I believe the most probable is that you four come from... another dimension.

Neptune: Awww, damn it. I hate to say it, but yeah, I mean, I guess we could've managed to venture to another dimension yet again...

Umio: "Yet again...?" May I assume that you Four have done this before? Journeyed to an alternate dimension, I mean.

Neptune: Yep, you're right on the money, my fishy friend. Man, we went through a lot of trouble to get back home last time, too.

Bandana Dee started to write something else and showed it to them which Nepgear reads.

Nepgear: Yeah, us too. Which only happened once as we were dealing the four headed dragon in Halcandra Dimension.

Neptune: Halcandra dimension? What's that?

Bandana Dee then erased what he wrote and started to write something else and showed it to them which Nepgear now reads.

Nepgear: It's basically in Another Dimension, Neptune. But different since it's in space.

Neptune: Well, that's very interesting. Also, you two are lucky that you two only did it once. 

Neptune: I hate dimension hopping. Time gets all wacky— we were gone for years but back home only a few days has passed... ridiculous! 

Umio: Ah, I believe I understand now.

Nepgear: ...So, how will we get home, big sis? If we're really in another dimension, we probably can't even contact Histoire...

Neptune: Chin up, Nep Jr., at least we know where we are now, that's pretty good!

Neptune: If we know where we are, then all we gotta do is find out where the path from here to home is.

Nepgear: But how do we figure out what a path like that even looks like...?

Nepgear: Umio, are monsters really the only ones here? Maybe there are other people that have just gone into hiding somewhere very far away...?

Nepgear: Now that I think about it... did none of the CPUs form other nations survive? Where are they?

Umio: I apologize, but as far as I know, the only CPU that exists is Uzume.

Nepgear: There used to be people here though, right? There are still trances of them left on the internet.

Umio: Indeed. They existed a long time ago. Without knowledge of their existence, I would not thought of you as human.

Umio: However, when I was born, this world was already in this state of desolation and ruin. That's why I was quite surprised to meet you both. Even the two creatures that I never seen before.

Nepgear: So, does no one actually know why the world ended up in this condition...?

Umio: Uzume states that "the giant," as she calls it, is the direct reason, but I believe an even greater cause exists.

Nepgear: Hm. Would you take a look at this? It's some data I found, although it's a little broken.

Nepgear then shows the data she collected to Umio and he said.

Umio: .........Hmm.

Umio: ...This appears to be a journal. The text is buggy here and there, but this truly is quite fascinating.

Nepgear: Umio, I'd like to investigate more about what happened to this world.

Umio: My ability might not be great, but, allow me to help. We may uncover information vital to the safety and preservation of this world.

Nepgear: Thank you very much.

Umio: ...Incidentally, Uzume has been rather quiet for some time now...

They soon turn to Uzume as she was sleeping throughout the whole conversation.

Uzume: ...Zzzz...Zzzz...

Umio: She appears to be in a deep sleep. This is unsurprising, considering she was already exhausted before devouring that large meal.

Neptune: I'm guessing that Kirby and Bandana Dee are sleeping as well.

Next, they turn to Kirby and Bandana Dee as those two were sleeping as well.

Neptune: I knew it.

Umio: Oh, I'm sorry for keeping you both up just to talk. I'm sure you both are very tired, as well.

Nepgear: Please, it's no trouble at all.

Neptune: Actually, Umio, there's something I wanted to ask you about Uzume.

Neptune: So, I noticed Uzume's personality and speech kinda change randomly once in a while... What the heck is up with that?

Umio: She is... pushing herself.

Then, Neptune was confused by his answer and said.

Neptune: Pushing herself?

Umio: Originally, she was a girl with a cheerful disposition, much like when she transforms.

Nepgear: What...? Really?

Umio: Even if she acted carefree, she was very earnest. She may have believed that, as she was, we could not rely on her in this crumbling world.

Umio: As she continued a life of survival and combat, her personality and speech slowly changed.

Nepgear: To believe Uzume was like that in the past...

Neptune: That's why she's so hung up on the idea of being cool, huh?

Umio: There must be some part of her subconscious that relates being cool to being reliable.

Umio: But one's personality is not something so easily changed.

Umio: As Uzume has always been prone to daydreams, she often returns to her true self during those times.

Nepgear: Ah, yeah, I've definitely noticed that...

Umio: Now then, it's quite late. We can speak of what our next steps will be in the morning. I'm sure you are both tired, so, please, get some rest.

Nepgear: Yes, you're right. I really am exhausted from fighting today. Good night, Umio. Thanks for speaking with us.

Neptune: Night! See you in the morning!

Neptune then carry Kirby while Nepgear carry Bandana Dee to their room so they can sleep peacefully as Umio said.

Umio: Yes, good night. Pleasant dreams to you four.

And with that, Umio went back to his room for him to rest and hopefully planning their next move in the morning.

https://youtu.be/Pv3Tni-FnD0

It was the next morning as we see Neptune looking for something to eat for breakfast and said.

(BGM: One Scene - Mega Dimension Neptunia VII)

Neptune: Oooogh, Nep Jr.... I want to eat pudding...

Nepgear: Goodness, what should I do? There isn't any pudding around, and even if I wanted to make some, we don't have the ingredients...

Neptune: Puddiiiiing~!!

Kirby, Bandana Dee, Uzume, and Umio soon came inside to see what the Nep sisters are doing.

Uzume: What's goin' on? I can hear you two from outside.

Umio: Greetings. Nepsy is lively as usual, I see.

Nepgear: Oh, it's you guys. We have a bit of a problem.

Neptune: Puddiiiiiiiiing! If I don't have any pudding, I'll die! Puddiiiiing...

Nepgear: ...And there's our problem. 

Umio: Ah... I understand. Unfortunately, unless we somehow make it ourselves, we won't find any.

Neptune: No, no, no ,no! Puddiiiiiing...!!

Bandana Dee started to write something and showed it to Nepgear as she reads.

Nepgear: Does your sister Neptune really care about pudding a lot?

Nepgear: Apparently, she does Bandana Dee.

Umio: Dear me, I'm finding it difficult to tell which one is actually the older sister.

Uzume: It may be Nepsy's influence, but now I want to try eating some pudding.

Kirby: Poyo, poyo.

Neptune: Right?! You want to eat pudding too, right, Kirby and Uzume?

Neptune: That bitter-sweet taste of caramel sauce poured over a nice portion of cold, refreshing custard pudding... 

Neptune: Even one day without it causes this Neptune to feel all sentimental...!

Uzume: Custard pudding, huh...? But green tea pudding and chocolate pudding are great, too!

Next, Uzume was on daydream mode as she continues to speak.

Uzume (Daydream): Maybe we can go find some ingredients in some abandoned grocery stores nearby!

Uzume (Daydream): If they had the base for pudding, we'd be even more super-ultra lucky, right?

Uzume (Daydream): If we found some, Uzume would totes wanna make yummy sweets and treat all her beautiful friends! Ooh, it's been quite a while since I've made some!

Uzume (Daydream): How 'bout we make a whole bunch a different kinds of puddings, and have a big Puddipa together?~

Uzume (Daydream): Oh, when I say "Puddipa", it's a shortening for "Pudding Party". Doesn't it sound, like, ultra-mega fun?

Then, Uzume went back to her normal self and said.

Uzume: ...S-So, yeah, a pudding party might be kinda tight... so maybe we could try it out or whatever.

Uzume: But the problem is the ingredients. You need eggs and milk, right?

Neptune: With the world in this state, I don't think we're gonna find either...

Uzume: Wait! We might actually have some eggs!

Uzume soon turn to where Umio is and stares at him as he said.

Umio: ...W-Why are you staring in my direction?

Uzume: Hey, Nepsy. Do you think you could make pudding out of fish eggs too...?

Umio: F-Fish eggs?!??!

Kirby and Neptune have stars in their eyes and said.

Neptune: Fish pudding... wow. This might be a whole new breed of pudding on our plates here... this needs to happen! For science!

Kirby: Poyo!

Umio (Sweatdrop): Just a moment, you three. I want you to calm down first.

Umio: No matter how you look, I am a male fish. Even if you were to cut my stomach open, you wouldn't find what you're looking for!

Uzume: Tch, damn.

Umio was relief by this and said.

Umio: ...Phew. Until today, I never before thanked my parents for bringing me into the world as a male.

Nepgear: You have your share of troubles too, don't you Umio...?

Uzume: Alright then, Nepsy! It's still possible there are some ingredients left somewhere. Let's go search for 'em.

Neptune: You're right! Ooh, even if we only find enough ingredients for one spoonful... it's worth it!

Kirby: Poyo!

Neptune, Kirby, Uzume, and Bandana Dee left in order to find the ingredients.

Umio: And... they're gone.

Nepgear: That they are.

(BGM Ended)

https://youtu.be/geFP9cglPOo

After a few minutes have passed. Nepgear check to see if Neptune and the others found all the ingredients. Neptune then spotted Nepgear and said.

Neptune: Nep Jr.! Me and Kirby found some eggs!

Kirby: Poyo!

Nepgear: Huh?!?

Uzume: I've got milk and Bandana Dee got sugar, too! I think we're all set for now!

Nepgear: What?! you too, Uzume and Bandana Dee?!

Neptune: There were actually some monster peddlers nearby who just opened up a shop.

Uzume: Not only that, but everything here is 100% organic and fresh!

Umio soon came in and said.

Umio: This feels just a little convenient...

Nepgear: Well, as long as we have food we can eat, I think anything's fine at this point.

Uzume: Let's start whipping up this pudding right away, Gearsy!

Nepgear: Yeah!

Next, Nepgear and Uzume left as Neptune said.

Neptune: Me, Kirby, and Bandana Dee will just hang out with you while they work their magic, Umio.

Umio: Considering we've never had a chance to sit and have a talk together, this may be the perfect opportunity to deepen our friendship.

Then, they heard a ringing sound and Neptune said.

Neptune: Hm? Where's that coming from?

Umio: Ah, sincerest apologies, Nepsy, Kirby, and Bandana Dee. It appears to be a call from one of my friends. Please, excuse me for a moment.

Umio then left so he can answer the call.

Neptune: There he goes... *sigh* Now I got nothin' to do while I wait for pudding!

Neptune: Oh, well. They say hunger is the best ingredient. I think I'll take a walk to get my blood flowin'.

Kirby: Poyo, poyo.

Neptune: Hmm.

Bandana Dee then started to write something to Neptune and showed it which she reads.

Neptune: Can we come with you? Since me and Kirby got nothin' to do either.

Neptune: Sure, you two can come with me for a walk. And maybe we can have a chat about each other more. So let's go.

And with that, Kirby, Neptune, and Bandana Dee went for a walk as they wait for the pudding to be finish and ready to eat.

https://youtu.be/1N4VSqahWCM

After twenty minutes have passed, Nepgear and Uzume have finish making pudding for them as Nepgear was calling Neptune saying.

Nepgear: Neptune, the pudding's done!

Uzume: Sorry 'bout that, Nepsy. We made way too much, so it took quite a whi---

Uzume: Whoah?! Why are there Baby Bugs!?

Neptune: Oooh, good job, you two!

Fried Shrimp: Thank you for the hard work.

Boogie: Oh, it's Miss Uzume!

Uzume: What's goin' on here?

Neptune: I had some time to kill before you guys were done, so me, Kirby, and Bandana Dee took a walk around and ran into these Baby Bugs.

Neptune: I thought eating delicious sweets together with everyone makes them even more scrumptious, so I invited them over.

Uzume: Nice idea, Nepsy. We used all the ingredients we brought and we made way too much.

Nepgear: Now, I'm really hungry too.

Fried Shrimp: I can't wait for the pudding!

Umio: I will boil us some tea, then. Our surroundings may be decrepit, but let's treat ourselves to a tea party.

And with that, everyone ate some pudding for their enjoyment. 

https://youtu.be/dBR9V6Skt-A

After five minutes have passed, everyone was finish eating pudding. As they were saying goodbye to the Baby Bugs for coming over, Neptune said.

Neptune: Ooof, I am so stuffed. I just can't get started up unless I have a pudding a day.

Kirby: Poyo.

Uzume: Ha ha ha, you two really do love your pudding, don'tcha?

Nepgear: The tea you made for us was really delicious, Umio.

Nepgear: What kind of tea is this? 

Umio: Thank you. It's my original blend. I'm a bit of a hobbyist when it comes to tea. I can give you some of this blend if you'd like.

Nepgear: Really? Thank you!

Neptune: Looks aside, you really are a gentleman Umio.

Uzume: I think he's pretty handsome on the outside, too, you know.

Neptune: ...That's right. Uzume had that sort of style sense...

Umio: Now, that our tea party is winding down, I would like to have a meeting discussing our future strategies, if you are all willing.

Uzume: I don't mind.

Neptune: I'm super down! My motivation gauge is at max now that my belly's full of pudding!

Umio: Well, let's jump in immediately. I just received a call informing me of a place where share crystals may be located.

Uzume: We've used up a lot from the previous fights, so it'd be great for me to restock my supply.

Umio: Furthermore, we can surmise that there is a large supply of share crystals at this location.

Uzume: We might even be able to execute our plan...

Umio: Indeed. As long as we have the necessary share crystals, our preparations will be complete.

Uzume: Which means we can finally...

Neptune: Hey, so what's this "plan" you guys are talking about? It'd be nice if you let me, Nepgear, Kirby, and Bandana Dee in on this stuff so we can understand. 

Uzume: Oh, right, my bad.

Umio: To explain it simply, it is a plan to defeat that colossus you're already seen.

They were now shocked by this that Uzume and Umio have found a way to defeat the giant thing as Neptune said.

Neptune: Huzzawhat?! You have a way to defeat that giant thing?!

Uzume: After repeated battles with it, I came to realize that it's weak to share energy.

Umio: However, because of its size, even if you strike it with share energy on a single point, it has little effect.

Umio: This is why we are attempting to contain it by creating a special barrier that uses a huge amount of share crystals.

Neptune: Holy moly! That's a pretty crazy plan! With that, even a giant would get clobbered!

Uzume: Yep! That's the idea, anyway. Let's hurry and go get those crystals!

And so, they came out of Uzume's Base as they were moving forward to a different location in order to get the share crystals and defeat the giant once and for all. 

To Be Continued...

Will they find enough share crystals to defeat the giant?

And what do you think will happened next?

Stay tuned and find out.