Y/N's P.O.V

Y/N: Urgh...

I tried opening my eyelids but they felt heavy. I could vaguely remember what happened. Once I opened them fully, I looked around to see I was back in my room; on my bed. I tried getting up but I couldn't.

Neptune: Not... Yet... Pudding... Land...

On my right, there was Neptune who has her arms wrapped around me like a hugging pillow. Most likely she's dreaming about something that makes no sense.

Y/N: Again I've-

Noire: Alright, Neptune! Get out of Y/N's bed this instance!

Neptune: <yawn> Aww... If it isn't the tsundere Noire. I'm quite busy now, so if you'll excuse me-

Noire: Who are you calling tsundere?! And busy doing what exactly?

Noire barged into my room while wearing... a school uniform?

Neptune: Shh. Can't you see Y/N is still... Eh? You're awake!

Neptune threw herself onto me and hugged me. I could see Noire is blushing a cute red.

Noire: I-I thought we had a deal, Neptune.

Neptune: No way! That's just a deal. Not a promise.

Y/N: Alright Neptune. Play time is over. I would appreciate it if you get off me.

Neptune: I can't. If I do that, Noire will take you away from me...

Neptune showed me a puppy face begging for me not to leave her side. Noire came closer to us and knocked her head hard.

Neptune: OWW!!! What was that for?! Just because I'm Y/N's number 1 girl in this harem story doesn't mean you have the rights to hit me!

Noire: You're talking a lot of nonsense early in the morning aren't you? Hurry and get ready! School is about to start.

Y/N: School?

I checked the time using ARC and saw we were almost late.

Y/N: Oh crap!

I pushed Neptune off and rushed into the bathroom.

Neptune: Aww... I know the summer holidays are over but could you at least cut Y/N some slack?

Noire: I wasn't mentioning that to Y/N. It was for you!

Neptune: Oh, is that so. Ehehe...

Noire: Seriously...

Timeskip (School)

Teacher: So the particles move here and...

Y/N: (Why...)

I couldn't focus in class because of myself. I thought I could already get a good control over my HDD self but that's not happening.

Noire: (What is Y/N spacing out for?)

Teacher: L/N-san!

Y/N: Yes!

Teacher: Can't you take this lesson seriously? I know you scored very high in your exam but-

Y/N: Sorry teacher. I promise it won't happen again.

Teacher: And remember, please don't talk when I'm talking. Never mind, take a seat.

I just took my seat and wandered off to space while the teacher continues his lesson.

Y/N: (I can't let history repeat itself again..!)

Timeskip

After the seemingly endless class, I headed towards the roof with the rest of my friends although F/N was busy helping teacher with something. I still couldn't get my head wrapped around what happened.

Neptune: Oii, Y/N!

Y/N: Y-Yes?

Neptune: Jeez, recently you've been spacing out more than usual.

Vert: You also seem to be restless. Is there something bothering you?

Y/N: Sorry girls, but I need to think about something, alone.

I stood up and headed for the staircase which leads down.

Luna: ...

Timeskip

I pressed the button on the vending machine and it dropped down a single can of coffee. I took it out of the retrieval box and turned around. To my surprise, Luna was there standing like some sort of stalker.

Y/N: L-Luna. <sigh> You nearly scared me...

Luna: But we can sense each others aura.

Y/N: Oh, right...

Luna: Is there a problem? No... You have a problem.

Y/N: Hiding it from you is almost impossible. Let's talk under that tree.

We headed for a tree which had a good amount of shade. I leaned my back on the trunk while Luna just took my side.

Y/N: Do you remember Mebius?

Luna: Yes. He was the last person we fought at Gamindustri.

Y/N: To be honest, I know I couldn't forget about him but not till the point where I lose myself.

Luna: Is this about your sudden HDD?

Y/N: I need a CPU Core and Shares to activate one. Mebius is no CPU nor can I harness the power of the Share Crystal. Since he used Nightmare Manifestation, he lives as a small part of me.

I gritted my teeth. I didn't want this much power. I don't want anything that could hurt my friends.

Y/N: He keeps on rambling about me needing more power in order to protect my friends. But I'm already strong enough, aren't I?

Luna: I can't really understand such complex emotions but no matter who our opponent is... We're able to take them all down!

I know she means well but her motivation had no effect at all.

<ring>

Y/N: It's time we head back to class.

Luna: Yes. Take care, Papa.

Y/N: You too.

Maria's P.O.V (Maria's House)

I just came back from eating lunch. I went to my room and started thinking about the chances of another world really existing.

Maria: (Those kids were CPUs... Does another world really exist?)

???: Do you want to see it?

The same girl's voice from the convention sounded.

???: There is another world. I can show it to you.

Maria: Really?!

I've always fantasized about leaving this dead world and into a much more perfect world. Like those protagonists in anime.

???: I'll be happy to do it but thanks to the CPUs, I'm not allowed to freely bring people into this wondrous world.

Maria: Why would they do such a thing?

???: Let's just say they want to keep it to themselves.

Maria: That's selfish!

???: I know right? And that's why I need your help.

Maria: Mine?

???: I'll give you the power to take out a CPU. Bring one to me and I'll break that selfish rule.

Maria: Deal.

???: That fast?

Maria: Such selfish act will not be tolerated!

???: Well then, here it is...

Y/N's P.O.V (School)

School finally came to an end. Just as I was about to pack up my things, F/N approached my table.

F/N: Hey, Y/N. You don't look like you're in the game.

Y/N: Do I? Must've been the convention.

F/N: That aside, will you be able to become the judge for this year?

Y/N: Hmm? What judge?

F/N: Don't you remember? At the end of this month, there's Sports Day. Considering your capabilities are far beyond our grasp, the teachers decided to make you a judge.

Y/N: Right, sports day...

F/N: I envy you. It almost feels like you were born talented you know?

Y/N: No need to be envious. In the end, with a bit of hard work you'll be able to do things like me. Besides...

F/N: Besides?

Y/N: N-Nothing. I need to go home now.

F/N: Catch you later.

I exited the classroom and walked the empty hallways to the gate where my friends awaits me.

Y/N: You didn't have to wait for me.

Vert: We're all in this together. You don't have to carry the burden alone.

Y/N: What are you talking about?

Blanc: No need to hide it.

Neptune: You can always share your problems to your friends. That's why we're here.

Y/N: Thanks but this is my problem not-

Noire: But you can intervene the problems in Gamindustri? That doesn't seem fair.

Y/N: I know you're worried but you don't have to. If it's something that I can't handle then I'll ask for your help.

Uni: When you're like this, almost nothing can get through you.

Y/N: <giggle> Twilight is here. We should go back now.

They all agreed and we all walked back home together. My mind was still clouded with the thoughts of Mebius.

Timeskip (Your House) 3rd P.O.V

The time is midnight. You had fallen asleep while the CPUs and CPU Candidates were awake in their respective room.

Neptune: Although Y/N says that, I doubt he'll ask for one.

Blanc: He's strong but he can't win everytime.

Vert: I think our main concern should be Mebius. Apparently during the process of taking Y/N's body, he implanted himself in him.

Noire: He may not be able to fully take his body but Y/N is showing some manifestations of Mebius especially when he activates HDD.

In the CPU Candidates room...

Uni: He just acts tough and tries to look cool in front of everyone.

Nepgear: Y/N is not that kind of person. He just doesn't want us involved in his problem.

Ram: What should we do?

Rom: Poor Y/N...

Timeskip

It's a new day. You and the rest of the girls headed to a park to enjoy the scenery with tiny hopes of making your mood brighter. The sights of the colourful trees makes Neptune and the rest stand in awe of the beauty of mother nature.

Neptune: Look at this scenery! It's like a work of art only in real life!

Blanc: It certainly is breathtaking.

Ram: I can see some people playing with the leaves that fell. Can we play?

Y/N: Go ahead. But don't go too far.

Ram: Alright! Let's go Rom!

Rom: Okay.

Nepgear: Oh, let me join.

Luna: Me too.

Vert: It certainly does look fun.

Blanc: It would be a shame if the most "mature" one played around like kids.

Neptune: Wait for me Nepgear!

Noire: Real childish.

Y/N: Just go ahead and have fun. What's wrong in being a child?

Neptune: See? Y/N understands!

Vert: Well then, don't mind if I join!

Excluding you, Blanc, Noire and Uni, the group were playing near the fallen leaves. Dashing around, falling on the pile of leaves it almost looks like the most simplest things are the most enjoyable.

Maria: Y/N?

Behind you was Maria. You turned around to see her face. She was wearing a simple clothing of white and red lining.

Y/N: Maria? What are you doing here?

Blanc, Noire and Uni faced towards Maria.

Maria: I'm here to end this lie...

Maria materialised a black large lance with yellow cracks.

It looks like it's capable of destroying a 20 storey building with ease. She smashed it at Blanc sending her flying. She had not raised her guard so the damage nearly took her down. The normal citizens saw this and ran away scared of the lance's capabilities. Rom and Ram ran to their sister while Neptune and the rest prepared for a tough battle.

Y/N: What the hell was that for?!

Maria: I was making sure she was a CPU. If she survives then she is one.

Neptune: Alright, you took it too far lady!

<Transform>

Neptune(HDD): I'll show you what it means to assault a CPU!

Y/N: Why are you doing this?!

Maria: I've learnt of the other world and these so called "Goddesses" are not good from what I hear.

Y/N: That doesn't make any sense! They helped us from the monsters!

Maria: ...

Noire: Words won't get through her now!

<Transform>

Noire(HDD): We might as well end her now.

The CPUs transformed and pointed their weapons at Maria. Luna turned to the 6 swords. Without a choice, you took out Demolitions and pointed it at her.

Maria: I don't mind if this place will be our battlefield. This world can't be fixed anymore.

Y/N: Just stop this already! I don't want to start a fight here!

Maria: Then just be a bystander and watch!

Maria starts her move at Vert. She attempted to thrust it but was dodged narrowly.

Vert(HDD): You may have immense power but your agility is lacking!

Maria: Is that so?

Vert managed to land a hit but it wasn't major. Maria dashed back and recomposed herself. You charged at her and initiated Destruction Rush. She blocked all of your hits but did not retaliate.

Y/N: Can't we just stop?!

Maria: I told you.

She thrusted her lance but you moved her aim using Demolitions by placing it next to the lance. You jumped back and the others attacked her.

Maria: Why are you, a human, joining the wretched CPUs?

Blanc(HDD): Oh, just shut it with your babbling!

Maria: You have no rights to talk to me!

Blanc(HDD): Ungrateful bitch! I was the one who saved you!

Maria: How about you shut up?!

Maria knocked everyone back. You switched to Tempest and Demon; fused them and prevented her from attacking your friends. Using your free hand, you took out Demolition once again smashed lance. Unfortunately, it was not even scratched.

Maria: If you're not going to kill me then get out of my way.

Y/N: This fight has no meaning. Just surrender already!

Maria: No way!

She pushed you away with a mighty force. You stabbed your swords into the ground stopping yourself.

Y/N: Damn it... She's stronger than I thought...

Mebius: You're weak...

Y/N: I don't have the time to deal with you.

Mebius: If this keeps up, you'll end up being unable to protect anyone.

Y/N: Shut up! I'll find a way to-

Mebius: What can you protect with feelings only?

You were trembling at his words.

Mebius: Didn't you notice but all this time you've been holding them back and made their job harder? The stronger the enemy, the more power you need.

Y/N: Fine... I'm all ears.

Neptune(HDD): Noire, Blanc, Vert. We need to take her down together.

Blanc(HDD): Wasn't that the whole plan?

Neptune(HDD): Let's show her the Guardian Force!

Maria: Another one of your cheap tricks?

Noire(HDD): Let's do this Vert.

Vert(HDD): I hope you can keep up.

The both of them charged at her and attacked her simultaneously. Maria managed to block most of the attack but got a few direct hits.

Vert(HDD): Now, Blanc!

Blanc(HDD): You don't need to tell me twice!

Blanc smashed her axe upwards making Maria fly towards Neptune.

Blanc(HDD): Neptune! I'll let you finish her!

Neptune(HDD): I'll put my everything into this. Prepare yourself.

Like a meteor crashing down onto earth, Neptune charges at Maria and preparing to finish things once and for all.

Maria: I won't lose. Not to the likes of you! Impact Thrust!

The yellow on her lance glowed and Maria prepared to counter Neptune's attack. The moment they clash...

<BOOM>

The impact between the the clash was felt even from a mile away. Unfortunately...

Neptune(HDD): Urgh..!

Neptune took way more damage than Maria. Neptune's weapon was destroyed and her Processor Unit was cracked. Neptune who could still stand miraculously looked at her with a hint of fear.

Maria: <pant> Is that all? Might as well end your status here!

Nepgear(HDD): Onee-chan!

Y/N(HDD): I won't let you!

You came in with the fully fused Machina, stopping Maria from ending Neptune.

Maria: Y/N... You want to fight me? Although ,you're the same like me.

Y/N(HDD): Screw it all. I'll take you down and that's all that matters!

Noire(HDD): Y/N has full control of it?

Maria: If you insist.

You were at a bit of an advantage with your boosted stats and flight capabilities. Maria could barely retaliate from being assaulted by you. At best she could only block. During a clash, you made Maria trip and you got on top of her making her useless now. You took out a Gear Blade, threw Machina to the side and was about to stab her until...

Y/N(HDD): Kuh...

Maria: Why did you stop?

Y/N(HDD): I... I can't do it... Just stop this fight...

Maria: I knew you couldn't do it. As a thank you present...

She pulled herself to you and kissed you on the lips.

Noire(HDD): Wait a minute!

Vert(HDD): That's quite the dare.

But it wasn't a kiss. Your powers drained quickly. You placed both your arms on her shoulder trying to part it but you were glued to her. Slowly you lost your powers, your HDD was deactivated, you were at least as weak as a normal human being now. She parted and gave a smile to you.

Maria: Sorry but I need this to defeat them.

Y/N: You...

Maria pushed you away from her and picked up her lance.

Uni(HDD): What's going on?

Neptune(HDD): Don't tell me that kiss was-

Maria: I'll let you think about it once I end you.

Maria appeared behind Neptune instantaneously and beated her up to a pulp.

Nepgear(HDD): Onee-chan! I won't let you beat up Onee-chan again! Multiple Beam Launcher (M.P.B.L)!

Maria dodged it with ease and began her assault at Nepgear.

Vert(HDD): Nepgear!

Vert shielded Nepgear from the brutal attacks. Unable to withstand it anymore, Vert falls on her knees.

Nepgear(HDD): Vert!

Uni(HDD): Get away from there, Nepgear! Brave Cannon!

The beam missed. Maria took this chance to get Uni but Noire prevents her from doing so.

Noire(HDD): I won't go down that easily.

Maria: No need to act tough. With Y/N's power, you have no chance against me.

Noire(HDD): We'll see.

Y/N: (Damn it all! Why can't I do it?!)

Mebius: Even if I gave you the power, you still can't do anything if you keep this up.

Y/N: But..!

Mebius: You have to kill her or be killed.

At last you gave in, you called Uni and Nepgear to come to you and they quickly did.

Y/N: I'm sorry for-

Uni(HDD): Your apologies can wait. We got a bigger matter at hand now.

Y/N: I have an idea. Could you pass me the Magnum Rifle? The rest of you have to make her stay in one place.

Uni(HDD): Sure. But you better do your part.

Y/N: Thanks.

Uni passed you the Magnum Rifle. You got up and tried your utter best to carry it. It is a heavy gun and with your strength sapped, this is not going to be easy for you.

Nepgear(HDD): Rom-chan! Ram-chan!

Uni(HDD): We need your support!

Rom(HDD) & Ram(HDD): Okay!

Blanc(HDD): (What are they planning?)

Ram(HDD): You hurt our Onee-chan... It's time for you to pay! Absolute Zero!

Maria: <grunts>

Maria managed to dodge a full hit but her feet was caught in that big ice.

Rom(HDD): For Onee-chan. Endless Cocytus!

A cold tornado was made and ravaged Maria. She was still able to deal with it but there was still more to come.

Uni(HDD): Hmph! We won't allow you to rest! Dolce Vida!

Uni shot a few beam at the circle in the sky. After glowing, it started to rain beam projectiles.

Nepgear(HDD): Go! Bits Combination!

Nepgear summoned two all-range weapon and it started shooting alongside the massacre of skills cast.

Uni(HDD): Now, Y/N!

Y/N: Right...

You aimed the gun at Maria using the scope. Your heart was beating rapidly and loudly. You still hesitated to shoot despite the circumstances.

Blanc(HDD): What are you doing?! Hurry and shoot!

Y/N: (If I kill her now I'll...)

You felt the trigger constantly tapping on it whether to shoot or not.

Maria: (Now's my chance.)

Maria was about to throw her lance at Rom, but you did it.

Y/N: DAMN IT ALL!!!

<Insert beam magnum sound>

The beam completely decimated her along with a few trees and leaves. There was nothing but ashes remains.

Noire(HDD): You did it, Y/N!

Y/N: ...

Noire(HDD): Y/N?

Y/N: Kuh...

The recoil and force of the shot made you pass out. The girls hurriedly went to you and checked your condition...

The End: Chapter 12: Fear

The shot from the Magnum Rifle made you pass out. Who knows for how long but the real question is... What will happen next?

Damn it. I'm getting lazier by the second. Thanks for putting up with my laziness guys. But thank God I finish this chapter. This should make my job a little easier now that I cleared something from this chapter. I'll explain it to you at the next chapter because it contains spoilers for the next chapter.

This is Shingin Kazuya signing out, bye-bye!