DI (E)SCLAIm(agical)3R(un): TH(L)I(ES)nG5 GET(OUT) PreT(S)T (0p)Y dA(MN YOU)RK. pL(yrica, no!) Eas3 R(un!)E(nd)CITE tH(elp me)e MST3K Mantra tH(elp)RoUgh(GET)OUt ThE f(un!)Ic.

Cave woke up in her bedroom, the smell of ash and dirt gone from the air. Her head was throbbing and it felt like as if someone was beating her with a metal club over and over again. The dizzying feeling she had almost made her collapse when she stood up yet she managed to lean on a nearby desk for support. Just what… was she doing in her house? Wasn't she supposed to be lying in the middle of her burning headquarters? Shouldn't she be chasing IF down by now?

She was in a burning building… on her own… with no backup support… her mind being suffocated by an invisible force she couldn't even begin to comprehend….

Was she… dead?

She held up a hand and rubbed her forehead. The sensation of her own skin felt real, the throbbing of her head felt real so that must mean that she was still alive. Yet how did she get here? It was strange but she had to find out how it happened. For all she knew, she could've been taken to some other place other than her home.

Walking towards the door, she gripped the doorknob and twisted it. She doubled over as an electrifying sensation ran down her spine, causing her already weak legs to give in and have her collapse on her knees. Breathing hard, she shook the fatigue out of her mind and tried to open the door again. She felt the same painful feeling that robbed her of her strength. Annoying, but she had no intention of repeating the same mistake three times.

She almost jumped at the sound of her phone ringing. Breathing a sigh, she stood up and answered it, letting out an unexpectedly hoarse voice, "This is Cave."

"Awake now, huh? Remember me?" asked the voice on the other line.

The maroon haired girl's face scrunched up in disgust. A familiar yet unfamiliar voice she had been hearing recently. Parting her lips, she had no other choice but to reply, "How could I forget. What did you do to IF? Just who are you?"

The voice she spoke to uttered an amused giggle, "I'll tell you if you catch me."

"I don't have time for your games. Come face me if you wish," growled Cave, her grip becoming strong enough to slowly make cracks on the phone, "I promise you that I will no longer hold back."

"Scary… Anyhow, the door should be unlocked now. Try to stay on your legs," warned IF's warped voice before the line was cut.

Staring at the phone, the SMD Chief snarled and stomped her way towards the door. She didn't even hesitate when she placed her hand on the doorknob and wrenching it open. She was then hit by a dizzying feeling that made her mind swim. She breathed hard as she forced her eyes open. What she saw wasn't the normal hallway she would walk through in living room.

Her eyes beheld an endless corridor, painted ink black with number codes streaming from the ceiling similar to a water fall. Taking a step forward, she heard the door slam shut behind her yet she took no notice of it. Instead, she did her best to take in her new surroundings from the cold moisture in the air to the faint humming of machines under her feet. Wherever she was, her gut feeling told her that she was in enemy territory and that she was on her own.

She had carried enough missions to deal with situations similar to the one she was in, yet she knew that this was a whole new level even for her. How would she reach that rooftop when all she could see was an endless void before her? Rubbing her forehead, she released a sigh before starting her journey forward.

And then the scenery changed.

She was outside, the sky was painted red yet it was raining. Trash, junks, and scrap metal surrounded the clearing she was in. The scent of dirt and metal invaded her nostrils, almost making her gag. The sky would flash with lightning once in a while, followed by an ear-shattering boom. She flinched as she clamped her ears shut to block out the sound. It was so powerful that she felt the ground shake underneath her.

Wait a minute…

"Cave, watch out!"

Cave lifted her head just in time to see a large purple pillar head towards her. She was then sent into a world of pain and agony as she felt her body fly and crash down into the ground. It all happened too fast that she didn't have time to react. Looking up above, her blood ran cold as she saw the thing that hit her.

Standing with the height of a two story building was an abomination. The earth rumbled with every step of its four stump like legs took, an array of jagged teeth were display on the front of its main body while the form of a woman could be seen protruding from the waist up above the huge mouth. Four large arms were raised on its robust body as a fan like crest spread on its back. A single orange eye glared down on Cave as she tried hard to blink the rainwater from her eyes.

An arm reached down to grab her yet her instincts finally kicked in, managing to evade the arm and get to safety.

Strength left her body and she fell on all fours, breathing hard as the rain beat on her back. At the edge of her vision, she could see something white and pale. It was a hand. Her eyes tracing it to its owner, she found the unconscious form of Compa lying beside her. The ground rumbled giving her no time to see if the nurse was okay.

She felt a pair of strong arms drag her away from Compa's unconscious form before a wave of fire enveloped everything. It was so bright that Cave had to shut her eyes tight to keep them from going blind. When she opened her eyes, the nurse was gone.

"Darn it… How much longer…" growled the voice behind her.

Looking back, she found a familiar face gritting their teeth while glaring at the abomination. The dirty red scarf, the yellow lensed goggles and the dark blue hair. Cave recognized the appearance of Gamindustri's self-proclaimed heroine, Nisa.

"You're awake, good. Now, help me if you can still fight. Miss 5pb. will be healing us from the back," she said all too quickly with her eyes fixed on the abomination.

The maroon haired girl's mind was filled with questions, so many questions that only a few managed to escape her lips, "What's happening? Where did the nurse go? Isn't that… the Deity of Sin? Wasn't that thing vanquished three years ago?! What in the world is going on?!"

"As you saw, Compa is gone," muttered the heroine in a grim tone. She was gritting her teeth as she fought back her tears.

What? Echoed the SMD chief's mind, "Compa is alive! The girl is back in Planeptune doing missions, you fool! How could this happen? Tell me, Nisa!"

"Gust fell a few minutes ago. Lady Nepgear has hidden herself to gather power. We were left to buy her some time. This may be our only chance to save the world. Please cooperate," replied Nisa as she stood up on her feet and clenched her fists. During the entire times she had interacted with the Heroine of Justice, the blue haired girl would always grin like an idiot and infect anyone with her idealistic view of good versus evil a face that shined with optimism and a heart blazing with courage.

Cave didn't manage to see traces of those on the current Nisa's face. All she saw was despair, exhaustion and grief. Just what happened to push such a person to this state?

Nisa turned to Cane and gave her a strained smile before saying, "Wait here."

And then she took off.

The maroon haired girl still couldn't understand it. What was she doing in this place? At first she was in her room, then at that strange hallway and now at the Gamindustri Graveyard? It didn't make sense, none of it did. She had recalled the battle from her past, she had participated in the extermination of the Deity of Sin herself. She watched how the CPUs vanquished the abomination and made sure that she never resurrected again.

And yet why did the monster appear once more?

"Cave! Are okay? Where are you hurt?" called another familiar voice. Running towards Cave was Lyrica, tired with tears running down her eyes. Once she saw the SMD Chief's sorry state, she wasted no time performing healing skills to treat her friend's wounds.

Nisa was currently fighting a being hundreds of levels above her own. The maroon haired girl figured that she better make her questions quick, "Lyrica, what in the world is happening? Why is the Deity of Sin here? Where are the others? Where are the CPUs and why aren't they here?"

Lyrica cast her eyes down as her shoulder trembled. Cave her hands on her friend's shoulders and shook her as she asked once more, "Tell me, please. I need you here right now, Lyrica."

"Don't you remember, Cave?" whispered the idol, "The CPUs are gone… Lady Nepgear… She took their souls to feed them to the sword. This is our last stand."

…

Cave was left speechless. The CPUs? Killed by their own? Preposterous…. On another normal day, the mere thought of it would be absurd. It was true that the Goddesses would be hostile to one another yet such a thing as destroying one another would never be possible. She knew the Goddesses well enough to know that. And yet… why did Lyrica say that they were all slain by Nepgear. The Planeptune Candidate… It's not possible.

That was what she wanted to say, however she recalled that Nisa was still on her own. Wordlessly, she left Lyrica standing on the same spot and ran for the heroine's aid. She didn't have time to stand idling about, she had to do something about her current situation. She rounded about a hill of junk and used mechanical parts to enter the fray.

Unfortunately for her, the battle was already decided.

She arrived just in time to see the maw of the Deity of Sin turn towards her, a purple sphere of raw power forming within its jaws and increasing in intensity. Nisa lay on the ground, unmoving, her strength finally spent in her long drawn out battle. Her head was turned towards Cave and was trying to call out for her to run. It was a shame that her voice never reached the SMD Chief.

She had to do something, otherwise Cave will die just like the others. She had to stand up, she tried to command her limbs yet they wouldn't follow her at all. She prayed and prayed for her body to move. She would no longer stand watching the people she cared for fall down left and right.

The Deity of Sin roared and fired.

Nisa stood from the ground and ran, "Like I'd let you!"

She managed to get between the sphere of energy and Cave, planting one foot on the ground while swinging the other around.

"JUSTICE—"

With one fluid motion, her leg came in contact with the ball of energy.

"—KICK!"

A shockwave assaulted the surroundings and kicked up a violent gale. Cave could only watch the heroine's last act of defiance as she forced her signature move against the power of a God. Two things happened then. By some miracle, Nisa's kick managed to cancel out the Deity of Sin's attack. Unfortunately, the act cost the heroine her body and life.

Cave felt goose bumps on her arms, making her instinctively hug herself. Not possible… Not possible at all…

"So another one bites the dust… how boring… Now where could that little chick be?" the abomination rumbled with its twisted voice. Unlike the voice she spoke to on the phone, the Deity of Sin's voice was more tolerable to a degree. Hearing it didn't manage to shake her off her shock though. After a few moments, she regained her senses and summoned her scissors and charged forward.

She would no longer tolerate this madness.

"I will destroy you, monster!" she roared, sprinting towards the abomination with all her might.

She was then swatted to the side like a fly, her body crashing into a dump heap sending dust and debris into the air. Pain assaulted her mind and body once more. She was struck by the thing's accursed leg again. Her eyes were forced to look at the sky. Was the peace she experienced the past three years her dying dream? Did they even manage to scratch the Deity of Sin in the first place? Did the nightmare ever end?

Struggling on the ground, she forced herself to sit up, only it find the abomination approaching her. It was getting closer, there was nothing she could do. She didn't even have enough strength to dodge the incoming arm. Lyrica was running towards her, screaming her name while crying. Cave had to let her go, she couldn't risk Lyrica getting hurt.

It wasn't supposed to be like this…

The abomination's hand came down and crushed her.

Cave woke up in cold sweat, breathing hard as her heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest. She thought she was going to die—No, she thought that she was already dead. There was no way she could've survived something like that, not even in a dream. She stared at her hands and wondered if she really was awake this time. It all felt too real. It was horrifying…

She was in her room once again, looking the same as ever just a she left it. Getting off her bed, she approached a nearby window and pushed aside the blinds. The sight of Leanbox's nightlife greeted her with its vibrant lights and steady traffic. The green neon glow from the surrounding buildings was a wondrous sight.

Her clothes felt lighter than normal which she then found strange. It was only then did she realize that she was wearing a pink sleeping gown that she got from Lyrica from the previous year. She found bandages and dressings on her abdomen and limbs. A few areas of her skin were badly burnt and cut. She didn't know if she was supposed to be relieved or worried that she was back in reality. Doubt gnawed at the back of her mind if she really returned in the first place.

She heard the door open behind her and immediately found a familiar face standing on her doorway. It was Lyrica, holding an assortment of items inside a brown paper bag she had on her chest. Her eyes went wide at the sight of her friend standing around despite her injuries. Wordlessly, she placed the items on a nearby table and walked towards Cave.

"You're awake… Finally…" were the first few words that she said before wrapping her friend in a hug.

The maroon haired girl winced at the action, feeling her wounds all over her body sting yet she endured for her friend's sake. She couldn't help but place a comforting hand on the idol's head and stroke her hair, "Did something happen?"

Flustered, Lyrica realized what she was doing and quickly moved away, "I'm sorry! I—Your wounds! I'm must've hurt you!"

"There's nothing to worry about. I am perfectly fine," replied Cave with a dismissive wave of her hand, "More importantly, how long was I out of commission? The SMD? Leanbox? With wounds these severe wouldn't being in a hospital be a wiser choice to put me in?"

The idol averted her gaze and shuffled her feet, "Well… About that… Why don't you sit down for a bit? You'll open your wounds again if you move around too much."

The SMD chief did as she was told and settled herself on her bed. Though she had to admit that the way Lyrica moved seemed unnatural. She wondered what kind of news she would have to mull over during the days she was unconscious. Leanbox didn't look any different when she peered outside her window.

Lyrica took that moment to begin her explanation, "Um, I hope you'll calm down after I say this but… recently, the attacks have been increasing in frequency. Sharicite reactors aren't the only ones getting bombed since the past two weeks. First, it was the concert hall a few days ago, then your headquarters, now all public buildings the Basilicom has influence over have been attacked. That includes hospitals and a few Enforcer outposts. People have been talking, it may have something to do with the newest Hardware released by Lady Vert but Chika spoke to me about it and said that it wasn't the case. Out of all the nations, Leanbox had it hard."

"There is still no news of the perpetrators?" asked Cave after listening attentively, "Has the Basilicom made any progress in the investigations they conducted?"

"Chika won't tell me anything else," admitted the idol while lowering her head, "These attacks just blew out of nowhere and no one knows what to do. There's a lot of people waiting for you to wake up but since most medical facilities have been greatly damaged all we could do was treat you in your room. I'm sorry for using the key you have hidden."

Shaking her head, the SMD chief replied, "It doesn't matter. Right now, it would be better if I head out and oversee the investigation myself."

Pain flashed across her abdomen which made her flinch. This caused Lyrica to panic a bit before making sure that cave did not leave the bed. The maroon haired girl's vision felt hazy. Everything looked like it was spinning and she couldn't help but feel sick. She gripped the sheets of her bed hard to steady herself. The headache she had was killing her.

"I told you to take it easy, didn't I?" said the idol with a concerned tone.

Cave shook the pain out of her head and sighed, "I apologize, I did it out of habit."

"It's okay. Just remember no to do it next time until you saved up your strength," reminded Lyrica. She then took a pamphlet from the nearby table and handed it to her friend, "If it makes you feel better, I'm holding a concert at the usual place. Lady Green Heart made quick work of the damage and repaired the Concert Hall a few days before the latest attack. I was hoping I could cheer everyone up during these times."

"What did I tell you about scheduling your concerts?" snapped the SMD chief with narrowed eyes.

Flinching under her friend's sharp gaze, the idol nervously twiddled her thumbs as she tried to come up with an appropriate reason, "I-I-I really thought about this for a long time! P-Please reconsider! Besides, Chika and Lady Vert were all for it!"

"Very well… There's no arguing with you," sighed Cave in a defeated manner, though a rare smile was on her face, "I'm feeling a little hungry from sleeping. Can you make me some food for now? I can do it myself if I could, however…"

"I'll make something! Wait here," Lyrica stood up and grabbed the nearby ingredients she settled down.

Cave felt a slight pain in her head sting for a moment before ebbing away. It seemed like having nightmares really wore her out. Gazing out at Leanbox's lights gave her some comfort after the predicament she had to deal with. Still… She had to report this to Vert. A problem such as this couldn't be left unchecked. There had to be a way to save IF from that… thing's grasps.

Now whatever was possessing the Guild Member was now interested in her. Every nerve in her body told her that she was nothing more than prey running in futility. Yet she won't back down, she had to find a way. One way or another, there were always answer to problems like these. Once the report with Vert was done, contacting Gust would be next logical thing to do.

For now, Cave would have to rest up and enjoy Lyrica's subpar cooking.

A short rest. Then back to action.

Have you ever fought with the unknown? Struggling against the binds of something you have no knowledge about and fruitlessly attempt to vanquish it? It must be sad to know that you're fighting a losing battle, right? Yet why do people strive to overcome a powerful enemy when they know they can't do anything? Why would people waste time and energy instead of lying down and waiting for death to claim them? The answer would be simple though.

It's because there's more than one way of winning.

When faced with such a situation, there are other things that are more important than simply getting rid of the bigger fish. Most of the time, the secondary objective would be to piss that fish off instead of killing it. Why? Because people are strange like that. When a rat is backed into a corner by a cat, does it try and run in vain? Of course not, it can bite he cat with contaminated teeth before getting torn to shreds. Well at least the cat dies too.

It's all about getting the last laugh.

And Cave wasn't going to let that thing inside IF get it. She leaned back on her chair with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose. She still hadn't found any clues regarding the previous incidents that had occurred all over Leanbox. First the assault on the concert hall and then the bombs at the Special Missions Department. The culprit behind all of these attacks… Only she knew about it yet there wasn't enough evidence to back it all up other than her memory.

If she gave off a reckless testimony accusing Planeptune's high ranked Guild Member, then the image of Leanbox would be at stake here. Even then, a lot of people would raise their eyebrows so she had to get some solid facts to back her up. Unfortunately, it just seemed impossible with the way things are then.

It's been seven days ever since she regained consciousness and her body still didn't feel normal. Nausea would overcome her at random times and she would feel like the world was spinning. Exerting herself proved to be troublesome due to her low stamina. The past few days, it was like she had grown incredibly weak.

Her headquarters was going under repairs under Chika's supervision while Lady Green Heart personally went into her apartment to give her a stern scolding. Cave knew that she had to ease up if her own Deity was bothering make a visit in the flesh. However this wasn't the sort of situation where she could calmly relax while IF was on the loose. There were still a lot of things she didn't know and at bottom of her heart, she just wished that she didn't have to know. She could lead a more peaceful life if she didn't know anything.

If only it were that simple. Now that the thing inside IF had its sights on her, she couldn't just do nothing. She had to fight back but in order to do that, she needed information. The problem was that it didn't seem like she was up against something of her world. She asked Chika about it yet didn't confront her directly about her real problems. Despite being an Oracle, it seemed like Chika's knowledge fell short and recommended asking the Oracle of Lowee or Planeptune.

Mina would be a good choice but the guaranteed answer would be found in Planeptune. Lady Histoire could search for an answer in in three days' time, Cave just had to sit tight and wait for those days to ends. Thought she doubted that IF would be stagnant when she makes her move. Besides, the place Lady Histoire resided was Planeptune which was also IF's home territory. The thing inside the Guild Member would be using all of its assets to put a stop to her advancements.

Contacting Histoire by proxy would be difficult. The situation needed to be explained to the person Cave would send and she would find I better if less people got involved in this. That left her with limited options in gathering information. She tried looking through the Internep for answers yet the answers she got there were either incomprehensible or just plain retarded.

Hence why she took thing in another angle.

With a sigh, she sat back up and took a document from her desk. It was a medical report on the incident IF got involved with six months prior to the attacks on Leanbox. It said that the Guild Member got involved in an accident during a quest where she and her friend Compa were trapped within a collapsed cavern. IF was knocked unconscious and didn't show signs of awakening for two weeks. External injuries consisted of a bump on her head and a few broken bones from the monster attack. The nurse at her side managed to patch her up before Lady Purple Heart rescued them.

The head trauma wasn't that severe and yet the Guild Member still failed to wake up after four days. At night, it was noted by the nurse Compa that IF was having nightmares while unconscious. These nightmares would last for several hours before subsiding. The cause of these nightmares were not known and due lack of information, Lady Histoire wasn't able to carry out a search for an answer.

Days later, IF woke up. There weren't any abnormalities and she was perfectly fine. She was later discharged from the hospital though she had to come back once in a while for checkups.

The report ended there.

The only thing that Cave found strange were the nightmares. There weren't any noteworthy accounts prior to the events that led to the accident since Compa had explained that the collapsed of the cavern was caused by the new type of monster she and IF were supposed to be hunting. However regarding the quest itself, there was something Cave found odd.

The NPC that issued the quest had their identity anonymous and the prize reward set up on a ridiculously high amount. Not only that, but the quest level was categorized upon the triple S class which few individuals would have the courage to take. Many people would be hesitant about taking such a quest but IF and Compa were powerful enough in their own right to finish it.

However nameless Questers didn't have the authority to issue such a high ranking quest. Usually, Questers would have their name and basic information on the quest form. These information are needed so that the identity of the Quester was legitimate and to prevent scam quests from running rampant. And yet like this existed, even taken by a high ranked Guild Member. Was IF aware of this?

Normally such a request was impossible to be kept anonymous. Now Cave was starting doubt where the request came from in the first place.

Staring into the ceiling, her vision was swimming in all of the thoughts and speculations she had. She had to take care of herself better now. Otherwise she'll receive another earful from Lyrica and Chika later. She wondered if her Oracle friend would be bringing some dinner if she passed by. Not that Cave couldn't cook for herself, she was just busy for the past few days that she didn't have time to buy some food.

It was shameful to even think that someone like her was relying on her friends to bring her something to eat.

Her terminal flashed on her wrist, signaling a call from Lyrica. Answering it, Cave casually greeted her friend, "Greetings, what can I do for you, Lyrica?"

"Uh, hi Cave!" came in the pop idol's familiar voice, "I was just wondering if you're doing fine. I take my eyes off of you and you end up in the most dangerous situations. You are safe, right?"

"I am… there's no need to worry. Besides, you have a concert tonight, no? It wouldn't do you good if you're distracted while performing," said the SMD Chief with a slight smile on her lips, "I'll be fine. Just do what do best. I'll be cheering from the sidelines like always."

"About that though… Are you free this evening? I was wondering if you could go later," Lyrica's voice seemed to be filled with anxiety. Though knowing her friend, Cave wasn't surprised that the idol ended up like this. She knew Lyrica long enough to understand on how to handle situations like these.

"I'll be there," she promised.

The idol left a cheerful goodbye before hanging up, leaving Cave to release the sigh she had been holding back the entire time.

Lyrica's concert was just a few hours away. Cave couldn't believe that she missed out on remembering her friend's concert. Maybe she was too caught up in this mess after all. She had to relax a bit, wind down… She had the sneaking suspicion that this was what IF wanted. She had to focus, get her sights on her priorities…

Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she got up from her seat and walked towards her bathroom where she came face to face with herself across the mirror. Opening the tap, she refreshed herself by splashing a bit of water in her face. IF was most likely to prod at her weak spots during the time she would be hunting the Guild Member down. The attack at HQ was most probably to prevent the SMD to from fully mobilizing, leaving but a hand few of staff available for a full investigation.

It's most likely that she'll use the ensuing chaos to cause more trouble so that she'll disappear completely. It was either Cave would have to find her by the day and capture her and the thing possessing her or this would turn into a wild goose chase with a whole lot of bodies lying in its wake.

The SMD Chief wasn't actually looking forward to the latter… But she had to keep her guard up. That and she hasn't spoken to Lyrica about this.

It wasn't right. Something wasn't right. Maybe it was just her being paranoid but she knew she had to move. No… Calm nerves… Calm nerves… She had to deal with this professionally and with a cool head. Nothing good will come from acting impulsively. She'll have to give what's left of HQ a call for an additional crew to provide over-watch for 5pb's security detail. At least that'll reassure her… Until she could get to the concert proper itself. For now she'll continue her investigation, on her own…

She stared at herself at the mirror and sighed. Her hair was undone and the appearance of lack of sleep was already starting show. She was still in the silk blue pajama set she was given the previous holidays.

She really needed to get out more.

It's all in her head. She won't let the nightmares get to her. They were just in her head… The sooner this was over, the better. That and she still had to make that call. Giving her reflection a final determined look, she then walked out of the bathroom and called in HQ for the request for the most available crew at the moment to watch Lyrica's back for the duration of the concert. She also made sure to have HQ notify Lyrica's manager as a heads up, she wouldn't want any misunderstandings and worry for her friend.

Once that was settled, she then requested for her daily itinerary as well as the notification of returning from her four day leave.

There were quite the number of appointments she had for the day. Namely an audience with Lady Green Heart as well as a few reports regarding suspicious monster activity occurring in the outskirts of Leanbox being the ones on the top priority. There was also an invitation for coffee with one Compa, nurse of Planeptune, in the afternoon which Cave noted. If she remembered correctly, the nurse was a good friend of IF. There must be a reason why she would come all the way to Leanbox just to meet Cave…

Specifically Cave…

Releasing a small sigh from her lips, the SMD Chief flipped open her phone and delegated the monster investigation to a subordinate, giving orders for a full detailed report upon further instructions while marking Lady Green Heart's appointment as one she would have to really go to ASAP and Compa's invitation approved. The two meetings were merely one hour apart so she would still have time to attend Lyrica's concert in the evening. But that's if her luck held out… Which in these troubled times… Never did.

Clamping her phone shut, she tossed it on her bed and began to change back into her trademark outfit. Tying her hairs into neat twin-tails and putting on her SMD cap , she fixed her gloves to make sure they were in place before making sure that she had everything she needed. Inventory check had all her weapons in place as well as healing potions in case of an emergency.

Walking out of her home, she then began to make her way to her first destination…

Leanbox's Basilicom, home of the CPU Green Heart.

A company vehicle was already at the entrance of Cave's apartment waiting for her once she stepped out of the lobby. This didn't surprise her at all seeing that Chika was already waiting just outside the car, tapping her foot on the pavement impatiently while crossing her arms. Cave couldn't help but raise an eyebrow once she caught her friend muttering something about "Having to waste time here instead of tending to Vert's hair" or something along those lines.

Creepy and crazy Oracle…

She turned her gaze at the SMD Chief and promptly called her out on being late, "About time you got here too. We came in as soon as you accepted. What took you so long? No… Wait. Don't answer. You look horrible. I get it. But at least message me if you need to do some things so I don't have to wait for fifteen minutes in this god awful heat."

"You always hated summer, hm?" murmured Cave as she got in the car while the Oracle quickly followed her, "This cannot be good for your health. I fail to see why you would bother to pick me up yourself."

"It's a request from Vert herself, you know how I am whenever it comes to her," grumbled the oracle as she fanned herself with her hand after closing the door.

Well at least she was honest enough to admit her less than healthy fixation on her own Deity….

"Anyway," she continued while letting out a heavy sigh and turning her gaze at the maroon haired girl, "You have a lot of things to go by on your plate today. As well as reports regarding the two incidents last week. Everyone's worried about you Cave and you this'll make it the fifteenth time I'm telling you this."

Cave would've snorted right then and there had she not been trained to keep her behavior in check. Instead, she replied in a cool drawn out drone, "Right, because Lyrica's worried sick and my less than stellar performance and mental state has been giving Lady Green Heart headaches… Which by proxy is giving you headaches. I'm aware and I'll try not to break down or be impulsive. You could say it's the weather affecting me."

Chika huffed haughtily before crossing her arms, signaling the driver to start the car with a flick of her head.

Once they were on the move, the Basilicom making itself visible across the high rise buildings and elegant white skyways, the green haired Oracle decided to speak once more, this time in a serious tone which Cave rarely heard from her even back then when she was bringing the SMD Chief up to speed about what happened.

"Looks like you've been taking what I said seriously and from what I've gathered, you've been awfully busy. That's so unlike you," she commented without even so much as glancing at the maroon haired girl. Keeping her eyes on the scenery racing by, Chika then asked, "Yes, yes, I may play the role of 'creepy fangirl' whenever it comes to Vert but don't think you can hide anything from me. Just seeing you lock yourself up in that apartment of yours feels so unnatural. Have you tried contacting Mina yet?"

Shaking her head, Cave immediately replied, "Yes, but it seemed like I planned to call at a bad time. Apparently, she's busy pacifying an enraged White Heart from dreaming of getting beaten by Vert twice over. All lines connecting Leanbox to Lowee have been cut off right after she warned me. No help from there, it seems…"

"Geez, that bratty flatty sure can have a sucky timing," grumbled Chika, "But seriously though, what have you been doing? If you're still trying to find the culprits from the attacks then you should—"

"Keep on working alone. I tried getting another source of info about what we're up against but it doesn't look efficient to me what with it being behind enemy lines after all…" cut off the SMD Chief with a pointed look and a tilted head, "But that's one theory I'm currently working on and it seems like I'll have to scrap it soon. I'm hoping to gain Lady Green Heart's input on the matter and I'd appreciate it if we're to keep this… between ourselves. I apologize, Chika."

"Why, though? At least answer that," snapped the Oracle, turning to face her friend with eyes cut between a glare and a worrying look, "Talk to me…"

Cave studied the green haired girl's expression before heaving a sigh. She rubbed the bridge of her nose as she reclined on her seat. Of course people were going to worry, she had been acting a bit out of character in the past few days. Judging from their conversation earlier, it didn't seem like Lyrica was convinced that she was okay. It's probably why the idol worked up the courage to invite her to the concert.

"Chika… It's complicated. Especially when it looks like it's all in my head. I… I don't know," with a low growl, the SMD Chief clenched her fists as they rested on her sides, "I'm lost, confused, and pretty much outskilled. I… I hope Lady Green Heart would be able to give me some answers or at least give me a hint. It is not as if I am deliberately tuning you all out but… I find that it would be better to keep you all from getting involved. I'm sure you can understand what I'm implying with all of this…"

"You want us to keep out some… To quote that flatty Goddess over Lowee, 'Deep Shit', you somehow got yourself into? I mean, bigger than what Lady Green Heart usually tackles?" Chika stared at her with wide eyed perplexed eyes before going back to her cold demeanor from before, "I'm not going to lecture you about this, but… damn Cave. I'm more concerned about the fact you're keeping me and Lyrica out of this but with what you're about to do, you'll end up dragging Vert in too."

"Of course you would be…" a telltale appearance of a smirk flashed upon the maroon haired girl's lips just for a moment before setting itself back into a straight line. Turning her gaze glancing back out the window, she noticed how close the Basilicom seemed now before giving out her full reply, "How about this then, you can stay by your Goddess' side while I talk to her."

Raising an eyebrow, the Oracle didn't respond to that but merely kept quiet. Cave wasn't really in the mood to argue so she was thankful for her friend's silence. A lot of things were running along her mind, namely how to deal with IF as soon as possible without raising too much of a fuss…

Telling Green Heart about it seemed to be a very attractive choice at the moment.

Leanbox's Basilicom wasn't that much different from the other nations'. A single monumental building in an open area with a tiled ground, a long scarlet carpet leading the way up to the building's front doors from the car stop where the guards were standing to greet Cave, simple yet within a normal citizen's expectation of a Goddess' home. Exiting their car, Cave and Chika made their way to the Basilicom, passing by guards on duty whom all gave them both a brief salute before returning to their positions.

Cave noted that whenever Chika seemed competent, discipline and vigilance didn't seem to be an issue to the security detail around the Basilicom.

IF would've broke through these guys without a problem, she thought before realizing what she was thinking and pinching the bridge of her nose. These stray thoughts were getting annoying and she tried her hardest to focus on the task at hand. She noticed her friend giving her a look of concern but Chika didn't push the issue as they finally stood on the front door. There were security checks of course, weapons and other dangerous articles were to be surrendered to the guards and this doesn't exempt Cave.

The other Goddesses get free pass though even when they're the ones with the most potential to start an all out brawl. The guards' efforts were all commendable of course so Cave wasn't complaining. Chika led her through the winding halls past the Basilicom worship proper and deeper in the building.

Finally, after a few more minutes of walking, they've finally stopped at Lady Green Heart's personal chambers… Or at least the building she owned for herself.

Chika was the one who stepped forward and knocked on the wooden double doors as she called out, "Vert? Hellooo? Some grumpy gal wants to complain her heart to you so it'd be best to open up. Right now."

There was a muffled reply through the door and Chika looked back on gave with a shrug. They opened the door and found themselves in a rather comfy looking room decked out with various gaming merchandise, devices and figurines which clashed greatly with the tasteful royal décor which made up most of the interior. It was a mess though with jewel cases, bottles of energy drinks and devices scattered around carelessly with cords tangling up with each other.

They found Vert sitting on her bed playing on what seemed to be a portable console as she set it aside. In complete contrast with the disastrous state of her room, the CPU of Leanbox was the epitome of elegance and grace even as she drank the fizzling clear liquid from a plastic cup near her. Her heavy lidded blue eyes settled themselves upon the SMD chief while her lips broke into a smile.

"I've been notified of your problems, Miss Cave. However the file you sent me didn't seem to contain all the details so I assume that this a private matter," spoke the Goddess as she gestured her guests to the beanbags in front of her, "It isn't every day I get to talk to you, Miss Cave. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Cave did a small bow before standing at attention like someone of her status, as beaten and weathered her heart had been due to the recent events, she still tried, "Thank very much."

She politely sat on her assigned beanbag while Chika stood at Vert's side like a competent Oracle should look and not a crazed fan girl. It seemed that the curiosity of wanting to know what Cave had to say won out against her usual ravings.

Cave didn't know if she should be happy about that.

Vert then crossed her arms and made herself comfortable at her bed before speaking, "Now to what do I owe this visit? Don't you think it's too soon for you to be back on duty? With the injuries you've received and the resulting blow back from the SMD being attack I was hoping you would be resting up a bit more. Though I admit you look far better than the last time I've seen you."

"Thank you for your concern, however I deemed it that I should be working instead of sitting around. Even when recovering, I knew there was something I was supposed to do. Rest assured that I've recuperated enough to work," replied Cave in a polite yet brief tone, "That aside, I believe it's about time I give my report. Would you like me to begin?"

"By all means. I'm curious myself," answered the CPU with a small smile.

She would've let out a shaky breath at this point just to ease her already frazzled nerves. Cave didn't show it on her face but she was pretty shaken up. She didn't want to do this, actually, but that would be leaving the Goddess, her leader, the person she had sworn her loyalty to, open to attacks from that… thing… that goddamned monster that was inside a very commendable and very respectable ally.

And so she told Vert everything. Once she parted her lips, the dam just broke and out gushed the story she had kept to herself ever since that day the concert hall was attacked. She spoke of the abomination, its warnings, its manifestations and its agenda of chaos and destruction. It sought to cause distrusts and stir conflict between the four nations, to have every single person in Gamindustri to dance within the palm of its hand. It wouldn't hesitate to use whatever it had on its assets to its own advantage.

That and its power to control, to live and bide its time within its chosen host, its ability to create nightmares and its ability to have its powers leak through the darkest depths of the abyss from which it came from and allow its host to wield it, to give its host the taste of corruption and relish in it. Cave… Cave admitted to her findings and investigation of IF's file. She told her Goddess and Chika her suspicions about IF, the Guild Member's actions and frequent appearances within the attack sites.

She noted how Chika visibly flinched at this once she mentioned the possibility of the Planeptune bombs being brought in by IF… By the thing within IF into Leanbox and initiating the attack… To plant the seeds of doubt and maybe kill Lyrica in the process. This brought her back to the earlier point which she mentioned. She warned Vert and told her to stay strong and to be wary of others.

This wasn't something the Goddesses or the SMD was used to dealing with. This was something else, maybe something even beyond the understanding of Histoire. Something cold, dark, repulsive and evil. This was something that would've made the prospect of being destroyed by the Deity of Sin a one way ticket to paradise.

Little did Cave know that she began to break down during her story. Her body trembled, her breath was shallow and she could feel something cold and sharp encasing her heart as cold sweat appeared upon her brow. She was pale, almost sickly yet Vert remained silent and with her, Chika was forced to remain quiet too and could only watch as her friend, the person she never would imagine to bear a fearful look, slowly fall into pieces.

Explaining and leaving no detail behind certainly wasn't the best experience Cave had felt. She wasn't too keen on experiencing it again though.

When she was finished, she felt like she had run fifty miles while dragging a couple of tires behind her back. She was winded and it showed even through her mask of indifference. Her eyes were certainly giving it away while her expression remained the same.

"I see…" murmured Vert after listening for much of the explanation. She had her arms crossed underneath her chest, a contemplative expression on her face, "And you believe that IF's involved in this not of her own free will? Cave, as the Chief Head of the SMD, you're aware of the underground ops we've been conducting to oversee the activities on the other nations, correct? I'm sure those girls have the same idea but we have more than enough proof that anyone, anywhere could start a war. While you're wary of IF, there's still a part of you which believes that she's being controlled. Convince me."

Alarmed, Chika made her move to protest, "Wait. Vert, this isn't right you can't—"

"I'm asking for Cave's answer, Chika. Let her be," cut off the Goddess as she fixed her gaze upon the maroon haired girl, "We're all friends in this world yet we can't forget what we're all capable of. Especially with the secrets everyone has in their closets."

Closing her eyes, Cave swallowed the ball forming in her throat and eased her nerves. She had to keep a cool head otherwise the consequences for this stunt would be grave. She couldn't read what the Goddesses intentions but she was sure that the CPU had no intention of starting a war. Why would she let Cave defend IF? Wouldn't Vert be the first one to make sure? To find the proper evidence regarding this matter?

That was what Cave was hoping for in the first place but it turned out that the situation turned into a mess. She had to think, otherwise IF's line would be put under the wrath of Green Hart herself and friction would occur between Planeptune and Leanbox once Purple Heart caught wind of this.

"On more than one occasion, the thing controlling IF spoke to me," Cave was surprised on how hoarse her own voice sounded, how vulnerable it seemed, "It showed me things I would never imagined possible. It told me of IF's own struggle against it. Yes, it's implying that IF too fought it and we all know how that ended. IF fought that thing and lost, now it has her body, it has her existence and it's causing chaos while under her guise. IF's not working with it and she's most certainly not working for Planeptune. I explained it earlier, that thing wants the nations to wage war for its own twisted amusement… And I won't let that happen. Not while I'm still alive."

Vert merely stared at her with an indifferent mask while Chika stepped forward and grabbed her by the shoulder.

"Cave, don't be serious! You're going to get yourself killed!" snapped the Oracle, "If what you said was true then you're up against—"

"Chika, stop," cut off Leanbox's CPU, her tone sharp as steel and held a strange weight not present on the conversation early on, "Come back."

Hesitating for but a split second ,the Oracle eventually relented and moved back to her Goddess's side, her shoulders slumped and was obviously miffed by the whole ordeal. Vert gave her a glance before turning her attention back at the girl before her, "I can understand everything that you've said, Cave. I only tried to ask you if you knew the risks. I'm glad that you're aware of them but even so you should be careful. Beneath the layers of your explanations, it seems like you're intent on saving IF from her fate, hm?"

"She doesn't deserve this. It's… She's merely another casualty in this whole thing," replied Cave in a heavy tone, "We can't simply hurt her until that abomination leaves her. I'm sure you're not planning on resorting to that seeing as it would cause Planeptune to retaliate but that's the problem."

"So why are you telling me all of this? I don't think you're simply here to warn me, Cave," the Goddess cracked a sad smile as her eyes studied the SMD Chief's expression.

Cave turned down her gaze and grabbed her knees with her hands. She was shaking… She knew the answer already before it had come.

"Cave..?" Chika furrowed her eyebrows into a frown at the sight of this yet didn't make any moves to go forward.

"Stay out of this," murmured Cave in a firm and resolute tone, "Stay out of this and be on guard. That's all I'm asking."

Outraged, the Oracle gritted her teeth and snarled venomously, "Don't try and be a hero! What the hell are you thinking, Cave?! You're smarter than this and you know you need our help now!"

"Chika… Dear… Please calm down," said Vert as she made to hold for her Oracle's wrist, "I'm sure Cave has her reasons."

"Reasons she's just making excuses!" snapped Chika.

"Chika…" Vert shook her head forlornly before turning her attention back to the SMD Chief, "Give me a good reason why we shouldn't help you, Cave because all you're showing now is recklessness and arrogance."

Shaking her head, the maroon haired girl breathed deeply before replying, "It's not like that. With each nation's strained relationships, everything would go to hell and back if I involved Leanbox's government. Planeptune will retaliate and it'll be our game over. That's why I'm here to make sure the Basilicom doesn't any moves. If this incident was kept on a personal level then I'll be the only one to take the fall. Leanbox will be safe and everyone will go on with the knowledge that this… thing… is out there causing havoc. But that's only if I fail. If I manage to secure IF, then all the better. I simply don't want any of you to be dragged into this…"

Letting a smile appear upon her lips, the CPU then said, "Is that so..?"

"Cave, come on. If you want to do it that way, the why don't we call up Nisa? Falcom would be happy to help, just don't do this on your own. It's too dangerous!" warned the Oracle, not entirely convinced of her friend's argument, "What would Lyrica do if something happens to you? What about your employees? Come on we're here, let us help you. There has to be some other way."

"I don't believe that IF simply doing this to cause chaos. That thing is testing me just like it tested IF. It's challenging me. Letting you people help would only backfire on me hard. I can't risk that, I cannot allow any of you to be hurt. It'll be better if it were me and me alone," sighed the SMD Chief as she shook her head, "I'm in no way trying to be some sort of hero here, however I believe that we'll be able to minimize casualties if we kept it solely on me. If some were to happen, then it'll be better if you two put me on the Black List five days from now on, regardless if I'm innocent or not."

"But what about 5pb? What the hell do you want us to tell her? You know how Lyrica is, she won't take this well," pointed out Chika through gritted teeth, her eyes filled with absolute frustration yet due to the command of her CPU she was forced to keep it all in, "She'll ask questions, Cave."

To this, the maroon haired girl had no answer. She kept her mouth shut, her hands clenched on her lap as she struggled to rein in her composure. What was she thinking? It was like she was walking down her own funeral here. It wasn't as if this were the end. She'll find a way. She won't end up like IF. She couldn't afford to make mistakes…

As optimistic as she tried to convince herself to be, the cold tugging sensation at the back of her head kept on reminding her that she was going to have an uphill battle. All on her own, just like IF… In IF's case, her battle would've been an isolated one where she was forced to do it on her own while Cave simply chose to fight solo to protect her loved ones.

Unlike IF, she had a choice. And by the Goddess Green Heart and the True Goddess above, she was going to win.

It was then she felt a pair of warm arms wrap around her followed by the comfortable embrace of Vert's chest on her head. A gentle push at the back of her head made her lean her head on her Goddess' shoulder blades while her hair was carefully stroked. She hadn't even realized that she was trembling until the blonde CPU kept her still and murmured a soothing hymn into her ear to calm her down.

Even Chika whom was infamous for her attachment for Vert didn't react violently and merely stood at the SMD Chief's side and bit her tongue to kill the words in her throat.

"There, there… You're a strong woman, Cave. We're all aware of that and you've proved it to us countless of times," whispered Vert a she continued to hug Cave, "We appreciate your warning, we appreciate the sacrifice you're going to make, we're a bit saddened by it but we understand. We want to help… We really do… But you know, it's okay to be afraid. It's okay to be scared. Even as a Goddess, I'm quite aware of what fear is like. So please, don't hold it in. Let it out. Because unlike us Goddesses, you're still human. And as a human being, you're blessed with emotions you could express. So it's okay to be scared. Just remember that we're here for you… All of us…"

Cave breathed in a shaky breath and closed her eyes.

The sobbing reverberated through her entire mind.