Soul-Dimension Neptunia

Chapter 3: Scion's of Crumbling Faith

Tenma, Makoto, Olson and Cress had been gathered in a secret underground room, told of their roles by IF and small woman who sat upon on a special tome. Four coloured cubes, within capsules - behind them, Cress coming forward slightly with a question "So...you're saying that these cubes can actually reject us? And we can only have one!?" 

"It depends" said IF "I can't honestly say what'll happen. Maybe it's one who'll accept you, none may like you...heck even all four"

"As I said...once you make this decision" Histoire sternly "it will not be easy to go back to your normal lives. Though I can't guarantee it, or fully deny it, ASIC will be aware of your presences for they can sense share power to an extent"

"So wait...they might be able to tell at a glance that...we're..." Olson said panicking with Tenma not having looked away from the girls who spoke

"So...they might be able to tell we're trying to hurt them?" asked Tenma "Is that right?" Histoire hesitated, her eyes full of regret as she nodded "Then I'm in...I'll do what I can" Histoire lit up in response

"Wait really!? Thank you"

"Brother you sure!?" Makoto remarked "I mean sure I don't like the ASIC people but..."

Makoto paused herself, looking to her hands, and then her phone...looking at the picture she saved to her screen. The Pictured pushed away her doubts and made her come back with some confidence "I'm...I'm in too" she said herself, though a bit reluctant in tone "I want the power to stop these ASIC people too" 

"Makoto...why are you doing it?" asked Olson with Makoto strongly replying

"To keep the promise I made to them, to my Mom and...her" Olson just seemed bewildered

"As for me of course I'm in" Cress said delighted "I'm always up for a free power upgrade, anything to beat those beasties into next week...and other things. Come on Olson, don't you want this too?"

"Hmmm...well that is I...I ummm..." 

"Or are you just going to be timid nobody all your life? Sure there's danger but...would you rather be able to defend yourself...or rely on our 'fabulous' Captain to defend you?" immediately Olson shivered

"I'm in! I'm in!"

"Wonderful" Histoire said happily "Then would you care to step up?" 

"Me first, me first" 

Cress ran up the Glass containers "So...how do I do this? Do I smash the capsule then pick it up?"

"Hold out your hand" said Histoire happily "Aim them to the cubes. The one that lights up, is the one you will connect with" Cress nodded, holding his hand out to the cubes, the white one glowing bright "It seems...the Core of Lowee wishes to connect you"

"Lowee? You mean that snowy town that's always cold?"

"Lowee's CPU represents strength and Loyalty to those around them. To accept the power, call out to is...and accept it into your being" with a nod Cress hold out his hand 

"Hoy...Lowee Core or whatever...I want your power, the power I need to best everyone...and everything. So give it to me!" as if needing no permission the cube glow and shot a white light into Cress' chest.

Everyone watched as Cress straightened up, a sort of brand briefly glowing on his right shoulder, a vertical blade over a downward dimple...his hair going a bright white, the bangs red. As it finished, the cube dimmed "Cress...Cress you alright?" asked Olson only for Cress to come to, opening and closing his hands