Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY and/or Hyperdimension Neptunia. They belong to their original creators.

RWBY: Press Start

Level Twenty Eight

A New Challenger

Everyone stared in disbelief at Ruby who had somehow become a CPU going by the name of Crimson Heart. For her to be a CPU in the first place, that only meant one thing to Noire. "Ruby…must've found a CPU Memory Core."

Blanc was having a hard time believing that. "Are you freaking kidding me? What the hell are the chances of that happening?"

Neptune could care less about that. She was just overjoyed that Ruby okay. Better than okay actually because she was a CPU now. "Ruby…"

If anyone was feeling the most elated about Ruby, it was her sister. Yang was so worried about her sister. Worried that she had failed as an older sister protecting Ruby. Never before was she so glad to be wrong. Weiss shared the same feeling as the brawler. To think that the person in front of them was Ruby. Speaking of the newly formed CPU, she stared down at the monster before her. She twirled the scythe in her right hand. "Hear me now foul beast. I shall now cast judgment for the wrought you have bestowed upon to those I cherish." Ruby pointed the scythe at the monster. "You shall feel the wrath of my anger and the pain of those I hold close to. Your end is neigh!"

Insert RWBY Vol 2 opening

The Sealed Disaster roared at her and lifted up its claw. As tried to slam down its claw at Ruby, she instantly disappeared and the attack struck the ground instead. Everyone looked around to see where the new CPU had gone to. Their answer was a gunshot fired from above and struck the monster which made it step back by one. All of the looked up to see Ruby above them all and fired another round from her scythe. As the shot hit, Ruby turned around before firing another one and turning around once again to fire a third shot at the monster. Each shot made the Sealed Disaster move back one step. A platform then appeared behind the new CPU as Ruby placed her boots on top of it and crouched down. She readied her twin scythes and twirled the one in her right hand. "High Hunter!" Ruby launched herself from the platform as red light began to envelop her body and struck the monster head on into the chest then passed it. As Ruby landed next to it, she didn't stop there. She continued her attack striking the monster everywhere at blinding speeds leaving only the red light following her. The finishing blow came from above as Ruby slashed the head with both scythes and then slammed together. The scythes combined into one and transformed into a large cannon. It began to charge up quickly. "Crescent Overload!" Her cannon fired a powerful beam of red energy at the monster and grew in size until it struck the Sealed Disaster whole.

As the attack struck the dragon, it seemed to grow even larger as it obliterated everything in its path and behind the monster. Ruby screamed as she increased the power of her attack and it became more intense with strong winds blowing out and the ground shaking underneath. Once the attack was over, the Sealed Disaster let out a low growl. Yang and the rest of team were astonished at what their leader did. Yang pretty much summed up their thoughts in two words. "Holy…crap."

Ruby separated her cannon and the two parts reverted back into their scythe form. She charged at the monster while it was still down from her previous attack as her scythes began to glow. "Red Scythe Scatter!" As the new CPU slashed at the Sealed Disaster upward, multiple red slashes appeared after her first one and spread throughout the monster. Once Ruby was up in the air again, she descended at it once again to deliver another of her attack down at it. Like before, multiple red slashes followed Ruby's attack all the way to the ground. Going for one more, the new CPU jumped to the monster as she spun around and slashed at the dragon one more time from the side with multiple red slashes following the first strike. Ruby jumped back as she raised the scythe in her left hand above her while it was glowing bright red once again. Wind circled around her as a result. "EXE Drive!" She threw the scythe at the monster and at that point, the whole weapon was glowing bright red. "ROSE REDEMPTION!" The traveling scythe struck the center of the monster's chest and apparently was powerful enough to launch it into the air while the scythe grew in size dealing massive amounts of damage. If that wasn't enough, Ruby launched herself at the monster with her other scythe in hand and slashed at the monster as she passed it. That was only the start as Ruby created a platform to land briefly only to launch off to slash at the monster again. The new CPU repeated this attack countless all over the Sealed Disaster at unbelievable speeds all the while her first scythe she threw continued to deal damage from within. Ruby landed on the ground after her last attack which created a crater before jumping right back up at the monster only to pass through it to retrieve her first scythe and was now high above the monster. She started to fall right to it and crossed her arms as the scythes glowed together. The blades grew to an enormous size as energy blades. As Ruby neared the dragon, she swung both of her scythes at the monster. At that exact moment, a giant red cross spread throughout the Sealed Dragon and Ruby landed on the ground with her scythes apart. She turned around and combined her scythes again to transform into their cannon form aiming at the monster. Ruby charged it and unleashed the energy beam with the same amount of overwhelming power from before right at the Sealed Disaster. As the beam struck the monster, a monumental explosion occurred and Ruby ceased her firing.

End Insert Song

Ruby separated her cannon and reverted back into scythes as she continued to watch her work. The dust cleared it showed that the Sealed Disaster was still there. Although, Ruby's attack did do quite a bit of damage to it. Neptune saw this as their chance. "Ruby!" The new CPU looked over to her. "Thank you! We'll take it from here!" The other CPUs took that as their cue to attack together. "Everyone ready!?"

The rest of the CPUs readied themselves. "Right!"

Noire and Vert looked up to the monster. "I'll take point!" She flew quickly to the Sealed Disaster.

Vert followed closely after her. "I wonder how much more it can stand?" Noire struck the monster first from the left side and Vert attacked it after her from the right. They turned around and slashed at the monster several more times before leaving.

Blanc came up next and aimed her ax at the Sealed Disaster from above. "I'll smash you apart!" She slammed her ax at the monster at the top of the head sending it back to the ground. "Neptune, finish this!"

That was her cue as Neptune flew past Blanc and then pointed her sword at the monster before plunging down sword in front with her own power covering her body. "I'll give it my all!" Just as the Sealed Disaster was halfway to the ground, Neptune struck through it and a transparent purple cube appeared with the monster inside. A bright light appeared in rainbow colors in the form of a cross as Neptune landed on the ground. The Sealed Disaster roared as it dissipated along with the light fading. When the light disappeared, so did the monster. Everyone looked to where the Seal Disaster once was cheered in victory. Neptune sighed in relief. "Well, that was an ordeal."

Noire couldn't agree more as she grabbed her right shoulder and rolled it. "No kidding. I think I've had enough adventure for the day."

While everyone was glad that they won, it wasn't the biggest thing to them. It was Ruby who became a CPU is what caught their attention the most. All of them looked at her while the new CPU was smiling at them. "Ruby!" She looked over to her team who looked were beyond overjoyed.

Ruby herself felt the same way. "I am relieved that all of you are unharmed. I am most elated."

And already they noticed a difference in her. Aside from the sudden change in breast size which Yang thought she would never see the day her sister would be bigger than her. "Uh, Ruby? Why are you talking like that?"

Her sister blinked a few times in confusion. "Is my manner of speaking unusual to you?"

It was definitely the way Ruby was speaking. It sounded very out of place coming from her. "You can say something like that." Blake stated.

Weiss definitely felt a little weirded out by her girlfriend's speaking pattern. "Yes. It's very…formal of you actually but nevermind that. Look at you! How did this even happen!?"

"That's something we would like to know as well." The team looked to the side to see Neptune and the others walking up to them. "I have a feeling that Ruby may have accidentally found a CPU Memory Core. That's the only explanation why she's here before us in HDD form."

Ruby nodded at the assumption. "Indeed, you are correct. Mind you, I did not realize it at the time." She looked up to the sky. "What I remember last is being in great pain and almost fell into a dream-like slumber. That was when I felt power surging through my body all of a sudden and I had awakened in the form you see now. Of course, I would leave the questioning to a later, more appropriate time as my comrades were in dire distress. I made my way quickly to all of you where I had appeared before you all as I am now." The more Ruby spoke the way she did, the more it seemed so unnatural to hear.

Still, they made out how she was turned into a CPU and were all happy that she was okay. Especially Plutia who really liked what she was seeing. "It's so nice to see you're not hurt anymore Rosy." And Ruby's expression changed when she saw the looked the other CPU was giving her. "And my, you've grown up to be quite the rose yourself."

Ruby felt a little intimidated but thought she could finally stand up against Plutia. "Y-You do not frighten now vile woman."

And Plutia didn't take kindly of that. "Oh? Do you think you can talk back to me? Perhaps I should teach you a lesson." Scratch that. Even in CPU form, Ruby was still afraid of Plutia. Same for Blake as she was hiding behind Yang shaking in fear and peeked over the blonde's shoulder. "So…is there any way for Ruby to turn back to normal?"

Neptune smiled at the question. "Of course. All you need to do is imagine yourself in human form. Like so." She exited out her HDD form and was back to her human. "See? Easy as one two three." The other CPUs followed and returned to their human forms. The Vert in this world wore different clothing as well but if there was one difference, it was that her dress showed off the cleavage of her breasts. Once again, Yang felt jealous of the size of the other blonde's chest.

Even Plutia transformed back to her usual self. "Okay Rosy. Now it's your turn."

Ruby closed her eyes and imagined her human self. Countless lights covered her body and she returned back to the Ruby her team knew and loved. She opened her eyes and looked at herself. Ruby giggled happily. "I'm back to normal!"

Not even one second after turning back into her human form, her whole team tackled her down to the ground laughing happily. Their leader in return felt the same way. While they were happy Ruby was okay now, Weiss couldn't help but feel a little irate about what the younger did before. "You dolt. Do you have any idea how worried we were? How worried I was?" The younger girl smiled sweetly at her.

Ruby's team stood up while bringing up their leader as well. Neptune smiled at the whole scene. "Well, girls. Monster's been defeated, Vert's quest has been completed, Ruby's back as a CPU. I'd say that fills out our day pretty good. Let's mosey on over back to Leanbox and have a celebration or something." Almost everyone cheered to that. The only who didn't was Noire who had a very concerned look on her face while looking at Ruby.

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"Well, I know it's not much but please enjoy the food."

Everyone marveled at the food placed at the table. All of them were back in Vert's basilicom after the Leanbox goddess turned in her quest. There was one thing that bothered Weiss. "How did you make this much food? In fact, did you even cook it?"

Neptune already made a grab for a pudding cup. "Better not to ask questions, Weiss. Let's eat!" Just as the Planeptune CPU was about to make a grab the object of her desire, (Other than her Noire.) it was snatched away by Peashy.

The smaller girl laughed triumphantly. "Neptuna's pudding is mine!"

Naturally, Neptune was a little mad. "P-ko!"

The sight before them was a familiar and welcoming sight before the other CPUs. "It seems some things never change." Noire stated as she took a bite out of a cupcake.

Ruby was enjoying the cookies and was eating them one after another. She squealed in delight. "So good!"

All of sudden, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind and heard a giggle. "I'm glad that you like it. Ruby, was it? Now that you've become a CPU, in my nation no less, think of this as welcoming party to becoming my little sister." Vert brought her body closer to Ruby's

Ruby didn't know how to process what she heard. "Wait, what!"

That didn't go unnoticed by Yang and became a little angry. "What is it with you and wanting Ruby to be your sister? She's my little sister!"

Vert smiled at the other blonde's outburst. "By my nation's rules, since Ruby became a CPU in Leanbox, she can be officially my little sister. Of course, you're welcome to be my little sister as well if you're feeling left out." Yang really didn't have a response to that. Never had she thought to be a little sister to someone else since she's always been the older sister to Ruby.

Neptune leered at the other CPU. "Vert, we all know that's a bogus rule. Mini-Histy said so."

Vert turned her way away from her. "Well, as I've said before, it's always been that way."

As much as Ruby liked the feeling of Vert's breasts pressed behind her back, (not really.) She really wanted to get out of her hold. "Can you let go of me now? Besides, Yang's the only big sister I want."

Yang smiled at her sister's words "Thanks, Ruby. That's my baby sis."

Vert didn't seem hurt at all by Ruby's choice. "Too bad. Ruby became a CPU in my nation so by default, she is my sister now but you're more than welcome to challenge me to win her back." Yang actually thought of doing that. Goddess or not, no one messes with her sister.

Speaking of her, a thought crossed Neptune's mind. "Hey. Since Ruby is a CPU now, doesn't that kinda make Yang a candidate? Hypothetically of course. I mean, it's kinda weird since the younger sister is the CPU and the older sister is the CPU candidate but in your case, it's switched around."

Now that she spoke about it, she brought up a good point. Yang herself realized that. "That is kinda weird considering how you and the other CPUs are the older sisters."

Another thought came to Neptune. "If that's the case, what would your name be? It can't be Yellow Sister since you're not P-ko's sister. Then again, if you were to be a CPU too, you can't be Yellow Heart either since that's already taken. The same could be said for Weiss and Blake if they were to become CPUs too. Black Heart and White Heart are already filled out."

She actually brought up an interesting topic. Yang put some thought to that. "If that's the case, if I were to be a CPU…" She smiled at her idea. "I'd peg my name as Burning Heart because I burn." She looked over to her girlfriend. "What about you Blake? What name would you go with?"

The Faunus tried to think of that. "I'm not sure honestly."

Yang smiled as she had an idea. "I got it. How about Shadow Heart. It sounds badass and mysterious. Just like you."

Blake smiled at the suggested name. "It does have a nice ring to it."

Both girls looked over to Weiss and Yang already thought of her CPU name. "And Weiss would be called Ice Heart."

The heiress glared at the blonde. "Are you implying something?" Her teammate just laughed.

While everyone was having a fun time, Plutia noticed that her childhood friend was acting a little strangely ever since they left the Kobaba Ruins. "What's wrong Noire? Does the food taste bad?"

Noire shook her head. "No, it's not that."

Neptune noticed the way Noire was acting as well. "What's up Noire? You've been looking sour for a while now. Come on. Celebrate since we're all here and Ruby's a CPU now."

The other CPU sighed. "And that's the point."

Now everyone was confused when they heard that. "What are you going on now?" Blanc asked.

Noire crossed her arms. "Ruby is a CPU. Don't you know that means? She can literally create her own nation and lead it."

That idea seemed a little too out of it for the young leader. "I can? That seems a little too much for me."

Weiss, however, didn't like the idea at all. "A nation? Ruby can't lead a nation. She has her hands full with just our team."

Her counterpart shook her head. "I didn't say she had to create one."

Neptune thought of an idea why Noire was acting this. "Maybe Noire thinks having a new CPU on the block means more competition for her."

Noire shook her head and growled. "No, that's not it either. Look, I'm glad Ruby is okay and all but the fact of the matter is that she became a CPU by accident. Granted, it did save her life but now there's another problem."

Everyone didn't understand what she meant by that. "Would care to explain then?" Vert asked.

The Lastation CPU looked over the new one. "Ruby, do you remember what I said about those who do become CPUs?"

Ruby tried to think back on that. "Uh…something about becoming really powerful?"

And Noire facepalmed at the answer. "No, that's not it." She removed her hand from her face. "Think about it. You're a CPU now which means, you'll never age past what you look like now. You're basically stuck looking as you are forever. Not only that, while you're stuck looking the same, your team will continue to age."

Ruby took all of that in and realization hit her like an anvil dropped on her head. "I'LL BE WHAT NOW!" Panic was clear on her face. "Y-You mean, I'll never grow up? Even if I drink lots of milk, I'll stay the same? Forever?!"

Noire glared at the other girl. "Well, of course. I explained this when we first met. Weren't you listening?"

The young leader was still trying to get over her head that she'll never grow up. "K-Kinda. I sorta forget some…details?"

The Lastation groaned. "I swear you act like Neptune sometimes."

"Already made the character comparisons Noire." Neptune pointed out.

Ruby still didn't like the idea of staying the same forever. "B-B-But I don't stay young forever. I want to grow up and be a huntress. Granted being a CPU is cool and all but no one is going to take me seriously if I look the same forever."

Weiss had the same dreadful thought. What Noire said was true. Since Ruby is a CPU now, time has stopped for her. She'll remain the same while she would continue to age. The scary thought about that was a human's lifespan was limited. Ruby's was not. This was a problem not only for her girlfriend but for the whole team. "Isn't there some way to reverse this? There has to be right?"

The other girl glanced away. "That I can't answer that because there hasn't been a case of a CPU turning back into a human."

Neptune thought about that for a minute as it seemed familiar to her. "I feel like I should remember something about that but what was it?"

Ruby heard enough and more than what she could take as she turned around away from everyone else. "I'm not hungry anymore." She walked away from everyone and left the room.

Yang immediately followed her. "Ruby, wait!" Blake ran after her girlfriend. Weiss gave the CPUs one last look before leaving as well to catch up with her leader/girlfriend.

As soon as she left, everyone turned to Noire. Neptune glared at her. "Good going Noire. You ruined a perfectly good party with your negativity."

Noire expected this from the start. "I'm sorry but you know it as well. There's a difference between us and Ruby. We wanted to become CPUs in the first place. Ruby was an accident even if that accident saved her. She had no intention of becoming a CPU and yet…"

Vert understood what Noire was trying to convey. "Harsh as Noire's explanation was, she has a point. This is not only a problem for Ruby but her team as well. This is a completely different situation."

That much is true. This kind of problem has never happened before. "So, how are we going to deal with this?" Blanc asked.

Everyone tried to come up with a solution but there was no record of someone turning back into a human. Far as they know, they were the only CPUs around and maybe Rei Ryghts since she was a former CPU. They were coming up short with answers. "I think I know how Rosy can go back to normal."

Everyone turned to Plutia who was smiling. Noire has known Plutia for a very long time so she was a little skeptical whenever she had an idea but at a time like this, anything was good. "Okay, how can Ruby go back to normal?"

Plutia giggled happily at the question. "Well…do you remember the first time Neppy came into our world and said she was a CPU but you didn't believe her and she tried to transform so you could believe?"

Now it came back to Neptune. "Oh right! I couldn't transform at all because I was in this world. Plutie, I think you're on to something here."

That would be the first but Plutia has had done something similar in the past. Noire was beginning to understand it as well. "Now that you mention it…"

Only Blanc and Vert didn't understand what they were figuring out. "Care to share with the rest of us?" Vert inquired.

Neptune smiled at the solution. "It's easy. If Ruby and her team go back to their world, Ruby won't be a CPU anymore. It's kinda like a reset. That's what happened to me when I came here for the first time so maybe it'll work on Ruby too when she goes back to her world." A stretch by far but it was the best they had for a solution. "I got to tell her right now!"

She ran out of the room with Peashy following her. "Wait for me Neptuna!"

Soon as they left, it was only the four CPUs remaining in the room. Vert still questioned the solution. "Will this solution even work?"

Blanc didn't have any choice but believe that it could. "What other ideas do you have?"

Noire just shrugged. "It's not much but what else is there? Hopefully, they'll find a way back. Otherwise, we'll be looking at another Neptune situation. Let's just hope it doesn't take thirteen years."

The others hope so as well. This wasn't Ruby and her team's world. Unlike the CPUs, they don't have all the time in the world. Who knows how much time has passed in theirs. With everything said now, there was one more question that was on Vert's mind. "By the way Noire. What did Plutia mean by what she said earlier by you being her sweet?"

And a blush came to the other CPU's face and looked away. "T-That's none of your business."

Plutia just smiled. "We're actually together now."

It took a few seconds for the other two CPUs to register what she said. "WHAT!?"