Part 56: Episode 56: Chirper Rides Again, Part 1

Episode 56: Chirper Rides Again, Part 1

Are we almost out of these?
We have to be, the game is almost over.
Good, these are soooo embarrassing sometimes.
Mostly for Miss Nepgear, though.
Good point. Let’s see if we can find some more!
H-Hey!



So, let’s get these done. I guess this first one stars Neptune?



If I go at full strength, I could probably stamp sixteen of these paper things in a single second.
She’s working seriously…
It appears my tactic worked. I never thought I would see the day Neptune would work so diligently.
Isn’t she doing…a bit too much? She may be spreading herself too thin.
That…is likely.
Who is this girl and what did she do to Neptune?
The CPU is expected to work hard and take it seriously. This should be normal, but it is unlike Neptune.
Could I have instigated another unnecessary intervention?
I don’t think it’s your fault. Let me go talk to her.
Please do.
Hello, sis.

Yes, she was actually working.
Spooky.



Sorry to interrupt you when you’re so busy, but aren’t you working…too hard?
If that’s your question, then I’m gonna answer yes, I sure am.
Histoire thinks she was too hard on you. Maybe you shouldn’t go all-out like this. It’s too sudden.
Yeah, Histy bummed me out, that’s not the main reason.
If that’s not it, what is?
It’s kinda embarrassing to tell you.
Please tell me. I’m worried about you. I’m dying to know why you’re suddenly a crazy workaholic.
Uh, that’s kind of mean, too.
I was thinking about it for a while, but maybe I really am inadequate.
Why would you think that?
Noire and Blanc do their stuff just fine. They even teach their siblings how to do it, but I’m…not like that.
You’d hate me if I kept being lazy.
I could never hate you.

Are you sure you weren’t just hallucinating?
Seeing things.



Neptune, if you’re making me worry because of your own fantasies, this is all meaningless.
Ugh…you’re right. Sorry.
But I appreciate that you care about me like that…
Huh? Didja mumble something?
No, nothing. Let me help you with some of this.
Aw, why? You don’t gotta do that. This is my junk to stamp and stuff.
If we work together, it’s more fun. Plus, if we finish it early, we’ll have more time to play.
I like it when you’re acting serious and working hard, but I like you the most when you’re playing with me.
Nep Jr., you are awesomesauce. All right, let’s work together and finish this paperwork really quick!
Sure!

Moving on, this next scene is Compa’s.



Hey, c’mon! Don’t take mine.
Mwahaha. Easy come, easy eats!
All right Nep-Nep, you can have mine.
Sweet, that works for me. I’ll relieve you of these, Compa!
Now you can return mine.
…
Ge-Ge, what happened? You’ve just been staring at us…
Oh, I’m sorry. I was just thinking to myself what a great trio you make.
W-We’re not that close…
Nepgear, wanna join us?
That’s not it. I’m not sure how to put it, but you’re not just good friends. It’s like you’re also…
Ah, I know what it is. I think it looks like Neptune and IF are always being pampered by Compa.
Pffft! Wh-What’re you saying?
Uh-oh, is that true?
IF, you’re a needy baby, after all.
Not true! Also, don’t speak like you aren’t involved in this!

What’s even going on in this scene?
Confusing.



Beyond inappropriate! Please stop.
Well, even if it was wrong to say, may I ask one more thing?
What is it?
Compa, do you like my sister or IF more?
Brap!
Oh, an intriguing enigma!
That was very straightforward.
Wait, don’t! You don’t have to answer!
Aww, I wanna know so bad!
I don’t want to hear it, because… I mean, if she answers like… Uggghhh…
What’s wrong, Iffy?
N-Nothing!
IF!?

Okay, um, how do I explain. See, when, um… No, I got nothing.



She’s actually rather shy.
Goodnes. I’ll go chase her down so I can apologize properly!
Later, gator!
Take care.
So, uh, who’s the best?
Nep-Nep, are you okay knowing?
Uh-huh. I mean, c’mon, I sorta know.
Really? Hmm… I like everyone, so it’s difficult, but if I were forced to decide…
Maybe Nepgear is my favorite right now.
I see. Oh, my little sister, you are a formidable rival indeed.
Teehee. Keep it between us, okay?
Naturally. Not even I wanna see them fall into a lot of chaos.

Let’s stop talking about it! This is…oh, goodness, not that one.



Wow, amazing. I can’t even see the tip of your sword.
Amazing? You’re not too shabby with the sword, either. I’m sure you’ll be able to see it if you focus.
Oh, please. Compared to you, I’m like a baby trying to play piano.
If you don’t mind, could you maybe give me a few lessons on swordplay?
Swordplay? Me, a teacher?
Yes. I want to get even stronger!
Hmm, I’d recommend against it. My sword style is uniquely mine. I’m not a very good teacher, either.
Oh… I see…
Urgh. If you look that sad, it’s harder to say no.
How about this? I’m not a good teacher, but maybe we can be sparring partners.
That’s just fine! Please!

This doesn’t look so embarrassing yet, why are you freaking out?



Yes. Otherwise, I won’t learn much.
Should I fight for real?
Why, yes. Of course!
Okay, if you say so. I’m not gonna hold anything back.
Yikes…she’s totally different now. Her fighting aura is…no! I mustn’t be afraid of her.
(She’s not scared of my ferocity? Whatever. Even so, I probably shouldn’t try to cut her for real.)
You ready for this?
Yes, I’m going on the offensive!
Tyaaaah!
Haaaaah!
(Whoa, her footwork is amazingly fast. At this rate, I might…)
Watch it!
What? Kyaaah!
Tch, crap! I felt like I connected with something.
Ooooh…
Are you okay? Sorry about that. I underestimated your ability. I meant to keep my distance.
I-I’m fine. It didn’t hit me.
…Uh?

Oh.



I really did hit you! Are you all right? You’re not bleeding, are you!?
I-I-I’m fine! P-Please don’t look!
I can’t ignore this. Oh man, I hope you’re not hurt. C’mon, let me take a closer look.
G-G-Goodness, wait! Please, let go of my arm!
You’re trying to hide something! Come on, don’t make any big movements
I can’t help it!
Oh, I only cut your clothes? No blood from the chest or abdomen. Let me get in there and inspect closer.
D-Don’t stare at my body!
Ugh… That was so, so embarrassing.
I’m glad, really. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I gave you a scar right across your chest like that.
Th-This experience scarred me in a completely different way.
It taught me not to underestimate my opponents. Sorry. From now on, I’ll be serious when we spar.
I’m…not sure I want to spar with you ever again.

I don’t get why you’re so shy. Anyway up next is IF’s scene.



Yay! I’ve been hankerin’ for this!
I’ll prepare our drinks. IF, you want your coffee black, right?
Yeah, if you would.
You’re trying so hard to be cool. I know you secretly like it with mounds of delicious sugar.
M-Maybe I used to, but not anymore! Now I enjoy a good, dark coffee!
Nep-Nep, don’t tease Iffy about her insecurities too much.
Okay, here we go. Let’s eat!
Woo-hoo! Thanks! I’ll eat it by the fistful!
Please enjoy it responsibly.
Mmmm, so delicious. Compa’s cake is never a lie!
This is really impressive, Compa. Could you teach me the recipe sometime?
Why yes, I’d love to.
…
IF, are you not hungry?
W-Well, of course I am.
What’s the matter? You don’t look depressed or anything.

IF’s weird too.



Yes. It took quite a while, but…
I can say it now since it’s all behind us, but…
I admit when I couldn’t save anyone except Gear from the graveyard, I very nearly lost all hope.
Hahaha. Yes, I was so unreliable then. Even when you saved me, I was helpless.
You made up for that later on.
I just don’t know what would’ve happened if I saved a different CPU and not you. Things might be really different now.
No, please. You’re flattering me. I didn’t do anything that special.
More than enough, though. We’re together like this again thanks to your undying efforts.
You should be proud of yourself.
R-Really?
That said, don’t forget our job isn’t over quite yet. We’ve still got to deal with the elephant in the room.
I understand. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Please continue to stand by me, IF.
What’s this formal crap for? There’s no need to even ask.
Hehehe… Thank you.
Why’re you all using your mouths to form words when there’s cake to stuff in them!? I’ll eat your pieces, too!
Goodness, Neptune! That’s not nice!
Hey, c’mon, leave some for us!
Please don’t fight over my cake. I baked several, so don’t worry.

Hey, Falcom gets two of these?



Yeah. I figured it’d be best to jot down my memories while they’re fresh.
While they’re…fresh? No way! Does that mean…?
Yep. I’m considering publishing a book about the journey we’re on right now.
Good golly! That means a character based on me will be in your book! Wow… That’s…that’s so fabulous!
I’m no sure it’s something you should get that excited about.
But it really is that exciting! I’m so, so honored!
Hahaha, thanks. It’s not official yet. I’m not sure it’d be okay to use the CPUs’ real names in my books.
Of course, it’s totally fine. I bet Blanc would love I the most!
You sure about that? I’m still going to ask them and get their permission personally.
Th-Then, I approve this right now! There’s no problem using me or Neptune’s or anyone else’s names in your books!
It saves me the trouble of asking them, but are you really sure about this? You’re not acting quite like…you.
M-Maybe I’m a tad overzealous…
Anyway! Let us know when it’s published! I’ll buy like, a dozen copies myself!
No, no, that’s really not necessary. If you want, I’ll give you some for free.
What? Goodness, that’s wonderful, but I’d feel bad taking a handout.

Plus, it’s totally lame that Nepgear’s getting all this attention.



What!? I’m the main character!? Whaaaaaaat!? Not Alod!?
Nope. This time around, you get the spotlight. Nobody would disagree with that choice. Alod’s a sub-character.
I’m…the main character…
The main character’s charismatically conspicuous, so it’s pretty easy to keep my pen flowing. I hope it’s a happy end.
Wow, that sounds so deep! I sure hope I don’t give us a bad ending as the main character. That’d be a huge fiasco…
Hahaha. If you don’t want that, try your best to make a happy ending.
Y-Yes! I’ll do my best!

This one’s with our sister.



…
Is she out? Hmm, it wasn’t important. Maybe I’ll come back later.
She has so many books here. I wonder how long it’d take to read them all. Wait…
When I look at these more closely, they’re in complete disarray. Some are even shelved upside-down.
Hmm, I can’t ignore this. If I fiddle with them before asking her, she might get upset…but…
Bah, I can’t let it go! I’m just going to tidy it up!
Whew. That went longer than expected.
Whew. Finally finished.
Who’s here so late?
Oh, welcome home, Blanc.
Nepgear…what’re you doing here?
I organized your book shelves. It took a really long time.

You really are weird, Nepgear. I mean who does that?



Oops. Let me explain.
The shelves are numbered. The first one has philosophical and religious texts. The second is mainly history books…
…
…Oh, and this one is for fiction and literature. Are you mad because I touched your stuff?
Huh?
I’m so sorry, but I can’t ignore messy things like that. If I do anything, I have to be thorough!
I always end up cleaning Neptune’s room without her consent and she gets mad, saying she knew where everything was.
Calm down. I’m not mad.
Oh, really?
I’d rather commend you for doing such a good job. It looks easy to find what book I want.
Goodness, I’m glad to hear that. I was afraid you’d come and yell at me while I was organizing your books.
Oh, dear. It’s getting late. I should get going. Bye-bye!
Once our journey is done, maybe I’ll hire her as my personal librarian.

Still, Gust is the weirdest.



Indeed, world peace is important. Our long journey is near its end.
Do you have more plans for the future?
Well…I’ve made lots of money. Perhaps I’ll hunker down somewhere and open official atelier.
You’ll open an alchemy store?
Correct.
Alchemy in Gamindustri is largely untapped market. Many worthwhile business opportunities!
Ah-haha. Sounds like you, Gust. If that’s your plan, are you not going to visit your hometown?
Never planned to go home.
Why?
If I open atelier, it must be somewhere business-savvy.
By some random bumpkin nation’s capital, ideally.
Oh. Then…
Planeptune is among possibilities.
With CPU’s support, I can secure best location for my atelier, so business will come naturally.
Ah-haha. This is just so Gust.
Compared to efforts made for world peace, this kind of request is modest.
All right, then. If you open your atelier in this nation, let me know I’ll give you my full support.
I expect it!

Are we done here?
Until next time, yeah. Next Time, Hyperdimension Neptunia Mark Two: Chirper Rides Again, Part Two!