Friends don't let friends play MMOs, unless they can commit to them. That is all. With that out of the way I'm sure you can guess why it's been so long since I've posted something...if you've been waiting for something, that is. But you're not here for news, you're here for the Nepus and I'm happy to oblige with an addition to the BxP WxG series with, as the title suggests, even more of the former. I don't want to spoil too much but here's hoping, as usual, my accidental trip into MMOs didn't lower the quality of my work.

-Tune in for another justice filled episode of The Never Surrender Hero!-

I can't believe Nisa has a show and that it's...kind of decent. Although I'm sure that's just because I'm watching this with Neptune, I can't possibly enjoy something like this on my own...I think. It hasn't been too long since our surprise sports outing and things couldn't have been better...well, some things could. I haven't had many chances to put the advice Blanc gave to use, but the few times I could I think Neptune noticed improvements in our...goofing around. It's only a matter of time before-

"Noire!"

"Oof!" I had hoped sitting on the edge of her bed would've stopped her doing her after-episode 'Love Justice Tackle' but this is Neptune after all.

"Whadja think about this week's episode?" Her eyes had that wonderful shine to them as she waited for my answer with anticipation. "Nisa's a pretty cool gal when she's on TV, and there's finally someone on the show that can keep her on her toes."

"It was an interesting episode I suppose, she had some nice poses during her speeches and attacks." The special effects combined with the inspirational music actually struck a chord in me, but if I said that I'd never hear the end of it. "That pale girl wasn't all that bad either, it really seemed like she was out for blood."

"Sounds like someone's impressed~."

"N-no I'm not!" Although I'm pretty curious what our own poses and speeches would be like if we did that sort of thing. Mine would be the best of course, whereas Neptune would probably rant about not having snacks on the go while Vert and Blanc bicker amongst themselves like they usually do. Maybe I can convince everyone to talk their sister into trying out this...ugh, it's hard to concentrate with Neptune beaming that dumb smile down on me. "You want to get off of me now? It's almost time for us to get back to work and we can't afford to slack off."

She shot me a mischeivous grin and got a good grip on my arms. "You know as well I do that I don't want to get off of you. I am the villain here after all and I've got you in my clutches. What ever shall Black Heart do in this perilous situation as her captor draws closer for the conversion?" Conversion? What does...uh oh, she's getting closer! I-It's a battle!Treat it like a battle and you'll make it through!

"H-ha! It's going to take more than what you have planned to bring me over to your side!" That's good, I just need to think of a way to stall until I think of something. She's got me held down pretty well but I think I've got a way to turn the tables. "If you defeat me you'll never get that special chocolate again."

"Whoa whoa wait a minute! I really liked that stuff..." She completely dropped her guard, as expected, and sat up straight as the thought of no more pudding-filled chocolate hit her. "Come on Noire, I was totally in the mood for some foolin' around and you had to go and ruin it."

I bucked a little to my side and threw Neptune off of me before taking advantage of her saddened state. She did her best to resist but her morale was completely shot and I grabbed her hands, pinning them near her shoulders and doing my best to keep myself from freaking out as usual. "Wh-what's the problem? Villains like you don't deserve sweets, unless of course, you're willing to change."

"Were you serious about me not getting any of whatever you call it? What DO you call it?"

The look of concern on her face was almost too cute, but I probably shouldn't tease her too much about this or she'll think I actually mean it. "Of course I'm serious, only good girls get things like...you know, I don't have a name for it yet." I eased up on her as I tried to remember what Vert called our concoctions, but all I could recall was how much work we put into balancing the unique blend of ingredients. While thinking to myself I ended up going easy on her and letting go of her, but still keeping the dominate position, without realizing until just now that she looked even more desperate than earlier. "Oh quit pouting, you know I'm joking. We haven't heard from Gust in a while so getting more of that..." It was chocolate for Neptune, what could I possibly call it? "...Choco-Nep will have to wait."

What in the world was I thinking? Choco-Nep? Ugh, I could've done so much better than that... "Ha ha ha, Choco-Nep? That's perfect!" At least she thought it was funny and cheered up after her initial scare, I can't have her moping around over something as little as that before we begin our work. Coming here around noon gave us enough free time before and after the show, but we can't shirk our duties forever. "Ok fine, I'll get ready." She tried getting up but I gave her a firm push with the tip of my finger on her forehead to stall for a little more time.

I glanced at the clock and saw we were still a little early, and since Neptune insists on me taking a page from her book I've decided to not budge until the exact time hit. "You can wait a few more seconds, I think I'm enjoying the view from up here. No wonder you enjoy getti-"

"Hey Neptune! There's another critter infestation near Virtua Forest that...we can..." Oh no, not again. "S-sorry, I didn't know you two were...I'll go..." I turned to reach out toward her to try and explain that it wasn't what it looked like but I was too late. I only got a glimpse of her foot as she ran away, dropping a sheet of paper that floated lazily in our direction.

"Are we really that bad when it comes to 'us'?" I let Neptune roll out from under me and we sat down normally facing the empty doorway. "I mean, we haven't done anything serious yet but...maybe we should tone it down?" She looked even sadder than I did and I wanted to hold her hand for comfort and but something just hit me...I don't really know her sister. Well, I don't know her as well as I should considering how close Neptune and I have gotten.

"Maybe we should...Gear's been acting funny even since I recovered from our first incident." She sighed and leaned back before getting up. "She's been trying to find more things for us to do, and I'm starting to think she's getting a little too...clingy. I don't mind a little quest here and there but she's trying to pile it on. Guess it's time for a little chit chat or something..."

I got off the bed as well and placed my hand on her shoulder to show her she wasn't alone in this. "Right behind you, if you don't mind me tagging along, that is." In light of the current situation I still managed to smile out walked with her to her sister's room, which was only two rooms apart. That wasn't the guest room and neither of them had any idea what's in there since it's been locked for as long as they can remember.

We arrived in a matter of seconds and sure enough Nepgear's door was firmly shut. "Come on Gear, it wasn't what you think. We were actually getting ready to work...on shares! Not that unimportant stuff," she looked at me and shook her head, as if I needed to know she didn't mean I wasn't important and tried opening the door, but failed thanks to the lock. "the stuff you've been wanting to do. Honestly, Noire was getting ready to leave and we'd be able to knock out that list that's been growing, Histoire is starting to get freaked out." J-just how big is this list? This has to be one of Neptune's gross exaggerations, I can't see her oracle being afraid of...a giant roll of paper. No, that's silly, why did such a thought even cross my mind?

The door unlocked slowly and Nepgear peered out from the small opening she peeked through. "Was she careful this time?"

"Wh-" Neptune crammed my words back into my face as she played it off as an innocent stretch of her arms. For such a casual motion it still managed to sting a little and it caught me off guard.

"She didn't have any reason to, all we did was watch The Hero Who Never Surrenders. Maybe a hug or two in between commericials but that's all." She shrugged and backed up to let her sister step out, who took a single look at me and just...looked at me. "I didn't think she'd really follow me, guess she cares about you huh?"

"I guess..." What did I do to deserve this? I've been nothing but good to her so I can't imagine how I offended her.

"Nepgear." I stopped her as she set foot in her room and didn't cut any corners in finding out what the problem was. "If there's anything you want to say to me feel free to get it off your chest." She looked at Neptune, then back at me before I realized what she wanted. "Hey Neptune, mind letting us talk by ourselves for bit?"

She silently gave us the ok signal and walked off without a second look. "Um...I don't know how to say this exactly. But..."

"There's no need to be afraid of how you say it." I motioned for her to head back into her room and we both took a seat at the only table not cluttered with little tools and models. "We haven't really had a chance to talk like this ever since...sorry. Now come on, speak your mind."

"I don't want you hurting Neptune anymore."

"Wha..." I've traded blows with my fellow goddesses on several occasions, but nothing has ever hit me as hard the words that Nepgear uttered. "Wh..." It felt as if everything began spinning as I struggled to eke out a simple 'what'.

"Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out like a threat or anything. It's just after the accident with her eyes, followed by her back, and on top of all the minor little bumps I'm just really worried about my sister's health." Am I...am I really that much of a twitchy wreck around Neptune? She insisted on playing that stupid dot game Blanc's little sisters showed it off to her! I knew I should've back out but she begged and pleaded so much, and when it happened she didn't even blame me for it. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing. It's nothing." I had finally gotten over my shock and caught my breath in time to address her concern, but there has to be something I can do to earn her trust and show Neptune is in good hands. "I know you probably won't believe me but I've gotten a lot better at controlling my...your sister's been fine lately. I'm more worried about us though, we've barely spent any time together, and I'm sure Uni would like to-" That's it!

"Uni would like to what?"

I held a finger up to ask for a moment to call my own little sister. "Uni, I need you to come over to Planeptune as soon as possible, no questions asked. No buts, this is important." This idea has given me newfound confidence in my ability to show Nepgear that I'm more than capable of taking care of Neptune...by taking care of her! Not only that but we'll be spending quality with our significant other's younger sister, so it'll be a learning experience for everyone. "How would you like to visit Lastation for a while?"

"Huh? What about Neptune and the list of things she'd help me with?" She looked at me quizzically before going into her closet and pulling out a...massive sheet of paper that when held straight up, almost hit the floor. Neptune wasn't joking after all, this is worse than I thought.

"I'll help you with what I can, of course. Think of it like this," I got up to help her with her list and rolled it up tightly for her. "You and Uni get to live in each other's shoes and Neptune gets a little break from me." I thought my wording could've been better, but she seemed to like the thought of her big sister being relieved of me temporarily. I just have to press on just a little more... "You'll be doing her a favor as well."

That was enough to bring a smile to her face and she went to pack her things. I'm afraid of what that list might have on it, but I'm sure after defeating a few key monsters and showing her around the Lastation basilicom I'll win her over. I wish I could say the same for Uni, since Neptune's way of doing work is...unorthodox to say the least. She's my sister after all, so am I'm sure she'll be fine and might even teach that pudding fiend a thing or two.

"I have to what?"

"You're going to be standing in for Nepgear as Neptune's sister for a little while." We were all standing just outside of Planeptune's basilicom as Uni stood there dumbfounded at my response. Minus Neptune of course, who was ok with the plan when I relayed it to her on way out. I'm not asking her to do any extensive work like back home and she's only going to be with Neptune, who'll probably take it easy on her. "That's not a problem, is it? You could stand to try to get along with Neptune, I think I can count the times you've been in the same room with her on one hand."

"I don't have a problem with her or anything, but you could've told me that much so I could properly pack up or something. What am I supposed to do for clothes?"

"You can borrow some of mine, I don't mind." Nepgear chimed in, who had only brought a small pack containing that disturbingly long list and some tools she insisted on bringing. "I mean, if you don't want to I-"

"Tch, I don't, but since you're offering it'd be rude of me not to." Uni's denial and fidgety motions remind me of something I've seen countless times but I can't quite pinpoint what exactly. Is this deja vu? No, it can't be, it probably isn't anything important. "So...what am I supposed to do?"

"Show Neptune how great of a sister you can be." I gave her a farewell hug and let Nepgear lead the way out of Planeptune and after a few minutes we were already leaving the city borders. The farewell was a little sudden but I couldn't afford to have her try to get out of this. "Would you like to knock out some of those quests? I'm guessing there's something near here we can complete before heading Lastation."

"Actually yeah, there's a pack of wild Dogoos that are up to no good being a nuisance to travelers." She explained as she peered off into the distance. "They weren't a big concern at first since adventurers handled it, with the exception of one always getting away. From the data I, or rather IF and I gathered, that one Dogoo rarely fights and always comes back with another pack and hasn't joined the actual attacks...until now."

"Wow." I'm a little surprised at the amount of work she's put into something involving what's basically fodder. "Do you put this much work into more...threatening things?" I wouldn't mind getting a look at her bestiary if she has info on some of the more exotic monsters out there, any information on them would be a great read.

"What other things?" She turned and looked at me with a confused look on her face before scanning the area again. "Whenever Neptune and I hunt together it's usually things that are a common menace to the people, like Dogoos, Sunflowerys, and the occasional Golem. She sometimes solo things during our downtime but I don't think it's fair to take away big game from adventurers who need it."

I don't have the heart to tell her that her courtesy is why she's severely lacking in experience. Little things like this don't often provide a lot of Shares, and if someone really wanted to pick that quest they would've already done so. Not to mention that we get a little extra boost in Shares for doing the work ourselves... "Doesn't fighting these things get...boring after a while?" That can't be the real reason she choose not to fight anything worth mentioning...

"Not really, it's weird but getting rid of them is kind of fun because they're really cute. Watching them fade away, with Neptune of course, never gets old for some reason." That's a little...surprising coming from someone like her. Does she really enjoy killing cute things or did I hear that wrong? "There they are!"

I looked in the direction she was pointing and not far from us was a gathering of the blue slime monsters. Nepgear drew her saber and waited for me to do the same, but I think I'll try one last time to convince her otherwise, she's better than this. "Are you sure you want to waste time taking care of small fry like this? I think-" Her stance had started to lose its initial vigor and I could see the disappointment welling up within her, similar to Uni during outings and sparring whenever I felt her performance was...inadequate. I keep forgetting that I'm with Neptune's sister and I have to take a different approach, so I drew my own sword and tried to turn things around. "I-I was only making sure you wanted to go through with this. I...have trouble holding back against cute things as well and didn't want to take too many of them from you."

I didn't know what else to say but at least she perked back up. "I'll have you know I almost always score higher than Neptune!" She charged towards the group, saber ready, leaving me behind to play catch up.

"Nepgear, wait!" It's one thing to make it a competition but not when there's some unknown force at work. There's a reason this mob keeps coming back and I'm sure it has to do with the one that always gets away. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it and letting my experience with tougher monsters affect my judgement. Maybe I should go along with Nepgear's little game since I haven't been trying my hardest to slack off for a while. "You better save some for me!" I just hope that my nagging feeling is just that, and I show my lazy half's sister how it's done...