Before the Games

Uni tightened the bandage around her wrist and forearm. The old bandage had already soaked with blood and Uni had been surprised she needed to change it so soon. She didn't think the cuts had been that deep.

The day of the games. She would be showcasing her shooting abilities today. And battling Nepgear. Uni looked in the mirror for a moment, adjusting her hair, and then finished wrapping her wrist up. She put on her long fingerless gloves which hid the bandages well.

"I can do this."

She looked at her reflection, trying to express determination with her eyes.

"I can do this, today."

She sniffed, and then smiled broadly before leaving the private bathroom.

(insert: Lastation Theme – rebirth 1)

In the primary lobby to the main stadium Uni found her sister Noire. Dengekiko the reporter had already found her sister, and Ganache and Eas were patiently waiting to the side. On her approach Dengekiko noticed her.

"Oh, heyyyy Uni," Dengekiko said loudly.

"Hello," she replied in a flat tone.

Dengekiko gave her a tight hug, "I was just speaking to Noire about the games. Lastation was able to complete nearly half of the construction of the complex."

"All thanks to Lastation ingenuity," Noire flattered herself.

"Definitely!" Dengekiko agreed. "Lastation also funded a third of the project."

"Well," Noire was smiling broadly, "I wouldn't be a great goddess if I didn't give credit where it was due. Ganache was able to work the books in our favor to push for greater Lastation involvement in the funding. However, our extra resources didn't merely make up for a lack of funding from the other nations, but also went towards increasing the size of the main stadium and adding booths to the food court." She laughed, almost manically, "My nation certainly is the best."

"Of course it is!" Dengekiko nodded vigorously. "And with such cute CPUs leading the nation, with all your intelligence to boot, then of course your nation would lead."

Uni watched the compliments and self-congratulations go back and forth. Noire never mentioned her. Ganache meanwhile was speaking quietly with Eas. Eas was a tall women with black hair and pale skin. She had a belt with knives though Uni had never seen Eas spar or train with them. Eas had been one of the four citizens to come to their respective goddesses about hosting the games. Noire had seen it as a way to boost their already impressive shares. Uni just wanted to see the other CPUs more often. She smiled as she thought about the times her and Nepgear had sparred in preparation for the match. Nepgear had been the one to ask, Uni hadn't bothered, knowing that Noire would've never agreed. So the matches had been done mostly in secret when Uni visited Planeptune.

"Yes, Lady Uni?" Ganache asked her.

Uni blushed, she had been staring at them unknowingly.

"Oh, sorry, I was just in thought. Uh, are you two excited about today?"

Ganache smiled, "Oh yes, but I would think you would be more excited. You will be facing Nepgear this afternoon, correct?"

"That is the plan."

"I look forward to watching the fight," Eas said in her quiet voice. "I am sure Uni will win, but I have heard that Nepgear can be a fierce fighter under the right circumstances."

"She is not to be underestimated," Uni said.

"You sound like you respect her abilities," Eas smirked at her.

"Ah, sure," Uni said, feeling her cheeks flush a little. "She is more than capable. Not nearly as lazy as her sister. Nepgear is a great fighter."

"Oh, Uni, thank you!"

Uni nearly jumped out of her boots. She turned to see Nepgear nearly to her. Nepgear gave her a quick hug, and Uni felt her face flush even more.

"I'm just commenting on your combat abilities, that's all," Uni defended herself.

"Oh, well, you are very strong too Uni, far stronger than me."

"No, I mean, if you say so, but you're strong too, Nepgear."

Eas laughed, "You two sound like a couple-"

"We are NOT a couple," Uni cut her off.

"-of really close friends," Eas smirked again.

"Oh, right. I guess we are."

"You guess?" Nepgear was suddenly sad.

"No, I mean, we are, yes, we are close friends," Uni stammered. "I don't know what I'm saying. Where is your sister?"

At that moment Neptune leapt out of the crowd and karate chopped Noire on the head. Noire, in the middle of her interview fell to her knees, eyes watering, then turned around in rage.

"Neptune?! What the hell are you doing?"

"I know you did it," Neptune shouted back.

"Did what?!"

"The eggplant booth!"

"T-the eggplant booth? I-I don't know what you are talking about," Noire turned her head away, trying to hide a smirk.

"What is going on?" Uni asked.

"Neptune thinks Noire put the eggplant booth next to her pudding booth," Nepgear replied.

"This is so fascinating," Dengekiko was writing as quickly as she could. "Subterfuge in the food court. Conniving in the concession. A cold war being fought through food between two CPUs."

"Oh, hey, Degekiko," Neptune noticed her and stopped pulling Noire's hair. "Whatcha doin?"

"I am interviewing CPUs before the tournaments. It will be exciting to see the games and matches of the citizens, but the highlight will certainly be the goddesses. It isn't every day that we get to watch all of you battle it out."

"Ah, right," Neptune smiled and let go of Noire. "I believe the only thing that could have made this better would've been if Noire had brought some of her cospl-"

"Hahaha!" Noire was shriek laughing. "Neptune and I have some unfinished business to take care of out on the field. I look forward to hitting her where it counts," she said as she elbowed Neptune.

Neptune grunted and bent over.

"Oh!"

Uni and Nepgear jumped as Dengekiko leapt over to them.

"The two closest candidates, sparring today in a match, and now standing side by side. Uni, move closer for a shot!"

"I'm not sure-"

But Nepgear slinked an arm through hers and pulled Uni closer, gripping her hand, their arms tight. The pressure hurt and Uni winced, but she didn't think anyone noticed.

Nepgear winked and put out a V-sign. Uni smiled oddly.

Dengekiko took a picture, then one from her knee. She kept shooting.

"Are you nervous about today, Nepgear?" Uni asked her.

"Nah, I'm here with you, Uni," Nepgear smiled at her.

Uni felt herself blush before she noticed Dengekiko was now on the floor taking pictures that were surely able to see up her dress.

"Hey! Damnit Dengekiko!"

Dengekiko took a couple more shots before getting up off the floor, "There we go, plenty of shots of you two. You look as sexy as ever Uni."

"Oh goodness," Nepgear tried to stifle a laugh.

"Lady Uni," Ganache stepped forward, "The opening shows will begin soon. It is time to head up to the loft."

"Thank you, Ganache."

"I am at your service, I look forward to seeing your match, best of luck, both of you."

Nepgear and Uni thanked him as he walked away. Uni realized Eas had stepped away at some point. Dengekiko was trying to speak to Neptune who was still bent over, trying to breath. Noire had left without her.

"Lets head up Uni," Nepgear smiled.

One short elevator ride later and they arrived at the CPU loft. Noire was already inside, as well as many others. Uni saw Vert and her oracle, Chika. Blanc was present but Rom and Ram were no where to be seen. Waiters were serving drinks and food. There was an ice-cream bar.

"My Nepgear!"

Vert ran forward and picked up Nepgear in a bosom-filled embrace.

"Oh, Vert, h-hello," Nepgear managed to say.

Uni felt herself glaring and immediately tried to look neutral. Glancing at the room she noticed Chika was glaring at Nepgear and then did the same thing. They both smiled at each other.

"Though these games are not necessarily the ones I wish to be playing right now," Vert was saying, "I do look forward to seeing your match with Uni."

"It will be fun," Nepgear smiled.

"Oh, but don't take it so lightly," Vert patted her on the arm. "You won't win with an attitude like that."

"I'm right here you know," Uni said.

Nepgear suddenly looked determined, "You're right, I need to win."

"I can hear you."

"I will defeat Uni and win for Planeptune!"

"Still here."

"That's my sweet Nepgear," Vert smiled warmly. "Now, come to my table, I have brought some tea."

"Ooo, that sounds nice."

Nepgear walked away with Vert to the table Chika was sitting at. Uni walked over to Blanc who was siting alone and reading over a brochure that showed the times of events.

"Hey, Blanc."

"Oh, hi, Uni."

"Where are Rom and Ram?"

Blanc blinked, "They are not coming today."

"Oh … okay," Uni replied now wishing she hadn't asked. She almost asked how they were doing, but then stopped herself. It would only make Blanc angry, and Uni would only get sad. She still couldn't believe what some citizens of Lowee had done, or been capable of.

"Any fights coming up that you wish to see?"

"Yes," Blanc answered.

"Any in particular?"

"Hmm? Oh, I do have a few. I would like to see Poona's fight. I swear she sometimes seems like she could destroy the world with those ridiculous balls of hers."

"Who is she fighting?"

"Hmm," Blanc started flipping through the pages.

Uni stepped closer to the windows. Below Tsunemi from Planeptune was already performing. Ai would give a short performance right before the first events. Neptune versus Noire. Blanc versus Vert. Nepgear versus her. After a few more then the four goddesses would fight in a free-for-all. The next couple days would continue the same theme of battles and tournaments.

"Uni."

Uni turned around to see Noire standing behind her.

"Noire?"

"I just want to," Noire paused, looking at the floor then sideways, then back to her, "to tell you, good luck, for your match."

"Oh," Uni blinked a few times then scratched the back of her head, "thank you, Noire."

"Don't thank me, you'll need the luck, so don't let Lastation down."

"Oh, okay, I won't."

"Good," Noire said then walked away.

Uni lightly touched her arm, the sensation was like scratching a sore itch. Just a little pain.