Nepgear x OC: World's End (Hyperdimension Neptunia fanfic)

Chapter 16 - Lurking Shadow

With the return of the CPUs, everything has gone quiet, but what made my life more interesting is that I am now taking care of a catgirl. She has gone through hardships and pain, and I managed to save her from those ASIC clowns. And also that one day when I had to use my arm to protect her, I never had any choice. It seems she didn't notice my arm due to the shock, which is a good thing cuz I don't want to scare her any further. At first, I never cared for her, but something deep inside me, something awakens in me that I value her life more than I value mine.

After that whole incident in the monster cave, Arryn is now one of us in the basilicom. I still have yet to teach her how to fight, or just simply defend herself, because I can't protect her forever. I was thinking a short sword would do, light and easy to execute attacks. I already picked up a short sword from the armory and I head towards the main hall where Arryn is. Of course, I already asked permission to Histoire if I can train Arryn and she said yes.

Perseus: Hey, uh...Arryn.

Arryn: Hello Perseus.

Perseus: Say.......have you ever used a weapon before?

She shakes her head in response. Figures, since I really don't see her the type to use any kind of weapons. I show her the short sword that I picked up and she slowly backs away.

Perseus: Well, I knew that will be your reaction. I'm sure you have come to realize that I cannot protect you forever, no? How old are you again?

Arryn: 18......

Perseus: You are at the right age to use a weapon. 

Arryn: But.....I'm scared.

Perseus: Listen. I understand how you feel, but you really need to learn how to defend yourself. There are times you cannot come with me when I am dispatched on a mission. What happens if this basilicom has been infiltrated and I was not there or the CPUs? You can't rely on the guards here forever. 

Arryn: I can see your point......It wouldn't hurt to try.....right?

Perseus: All right, let's start with Virtua forest, it's perfect for beginners like you. But first, let's pick up someone.

Arryn: Pick up someone?

Perseus: Yeah, it's the little sister of my late mentor.

Arryn: Late mentor? Is he dead?

Perseus: It's a she.....and yeah, she's dead.

I have no idea, why that topic reached here. Arryn lowers down her ear to show her sympathy.

Arryn: I'm sorry to hear that.....

Perseus: It doesn't matter anymore. Come on, let's go.

I give Arryn the short sword with a sheath and she ties it around her waist and we go on to Shiva's school to pick her up. Arriving at her school, Arryn quickly hides behind me as students go out towards the gate.

Shiva: Big brother!

Shiva goes out of her way through the crowd of students and she notices Arryn behind me, she got excited all of a sudden because she, in fact, loves cats, even though they don't have any cats in her home.

Perseus: Woah there Shiva. Can't you see she's scared?

Shiva: But she's a cat person! She's cute!!

Perseus: I know, I know. There are some circumstances why she's like that.

Shiva nods in response and she goes closer to Arryn. She greets herself while putting her distance away from Arryn to avoid scaring her. Arryn also does the same, and Shiva got excited all of a sudden, ended up scaring Arryn a bit.