Chapter 43- Tomorrow's NepNowa

"Neptune! Neptune, can you hear me?!" Came the voice of Nepgear.

"Noire! Noire, can you hear me?!" Came the voice of Uni.

Both CPUs opened their eyes to be briefly blinded by the light of the room until their eyes adjusted. They then saw Croire, Histoire, Nepgear, and Uni all looking at them with worry.

"W-What happened?" Said Neptune in a groggy voice. Her throat felt extremely dry and her bones felt stiff. She did realize that she could feel her legs again which made her confused.

"You're finally awake!" Shouted Nepgear with tears of joy in her eyes as she gave Neptune one big hug.

"What do you mean, Nep Jr?" Asked Neptune who took that overpowered bear hug that her sister gave her.

"Well, you were asleep for two days," said Uni with a slightly nervous tone in her voice.

"Two days!? It felt like only an hour!" Cried Neptune with an alert energy that made her accidentally push Nepgear out of the bed. Nepgear, of course, was okay.

Uni moved her eyes dangerously at Croire who darted her eyes back and forth trying to not make eye contact. "We have Croire to thank for that. She didn't let that part slip out until after you were already asleep."

"Hey, I knew that you girls were going to keep stalling if I said something like that, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Plus, I could sense that they were nearing the end of their dreams through the share energy that I collected, so it's not like we didn't know when they would awake."

"How do you feel, Neptune?" Said Histoire who drowned out the commotion that started up behind her with Croire, Nepgear, and Uni.

"I feel… really good." Neptune wasn't lying. Her body felt great aside from the stiffness, and her heart felt calmer than it's ever been. If she could pinpoint it, she would say that she felt lighter with no concerns at all.

"Neptune…?" Came a voice that made her stiff up with beckoning awakenment. Neptune knew that voice all too well from how sweet and beautiful it sounded.

"Noire…" It was her angel; the real Noire that smiled at her warmly despite the sleepy look in her eyes. She was beside her this whole time that it made Neptune feel bad that she didn't catch wind of that sooner. "Noire!" Neptune jumped on top of Noire with her own form of a bear hug. This motion caused them both to fall off the bed with Noire hitting her head, once again.

"Ouch, that hurt!" Cried Noire, yet, had a big smile on her face regardless of the slight pain she sustained.

"Sorry, my sweet. It's just… I'm happy to see you," said Neptune.

"I'm happy to see you, too," said Noire. They remained together in an embrace that was starting to last a while now. To them, they were lost in each other's eyes with no concern to the surroundings that they were in.

"So… it looks like you two were able to beat it," said Croire looking rather impressed with the outcome.

"How was it like, Noire?" Said Uni.

Noire was brought back to reality to address her sister. "Exhausting, scary, and painful, but… my love kept me strong all the way." She made sure to look at Neptune lovingly when she said that.

"My love kept me strong too, Noire," said Neptune who stared on forming that connection once more.

Historie could see that the two love-stricken CPUs were finding themselves lost in each other's eyes again, so she jumped in there to break it up. "Ladies, I want you two to know that I'm proud of both of you, and also to confirm that it has been two days since you two went to sleep. Meaning a lot of things have happened."

Those words forcibly brought Noire back. "Two?! Oh, no. I can't even think about all the things that we missed." Her brain was already starting to compile a list of things that started to make her feel more worried.

"Don't worry, big sis. Nepgear and I have been keeping up with our nation's paperwork, and shares did not drop at all while you were asleep," said Uni proudly.

"Oh, Uni. Thank you so much, and that's good to hear," said Noire with a smile.

"Oh, my stomach is rumbling something fierce, and I think I need a shower," said Neptune who couldn't help but smell her sleeve.

Noire looked at Neptune for a few seconds, and then smelled her clothes and felt her stomach rumble. "Ah, we stink. I'll have to agree with Neptune." She felt a little embarrassed, but two days would do that to you.

"Well, the good news is that you two can stuff your faces at the ceremony, and that shower should be first," said Croire who was holding her nose making fun of them.

Both Noire and Neptune tensed up from hearing that. "Croire! We just woke up, and we're not planning on getting married right this instant!" Shouted Noire.

"What? Don't flatter yourself. I'm talking about that Compa and IF's wedding. It's today, and everyone is heading over there, especially my Neptune and her wife."

"Iffy and Compa are getting married today?! Then it's Saturday!" Said Neptune.

Historie moved in front of them as she got her thoughts in order. "Yes, they have been by you're side these days that followed, but they left early today because Vert has most of their wedding set up in Leanbox. They wanted to postpone it but wasn't an option with so many factors in play. I know that this is all last minute, but we promised them that once you two woke up that we would take you with us. "

"Yeah, the only reason they left was that Croire already verified that you two were waking up today," said Uni.

"Yes, and we don't need to tell them that their precious Neptune had a personality switch since it all worked out fine," laughed Croire.

Neptune took a few moments to take in all this information with a stride that was unwavering. "I want to go then. Noire, would you be my date to Compa and Iffy's wedding?" Said Neptune sweetly.

Noire had a shocked expression but smiled at her at the end. "Nothing would make me happier, but I don't have a dress especially this last minute."

"That won't be a problem, Noire. I have a dress on standby for you, but… it's at home," said Uni who came to the rescue.

"That's going to take some time to get," said Noire.

"Not to worry. We'll just take Croire, so she can teleport us over there," said Nepgear happily.

"I'm no taxi!" Shouted Croire.

"You're going to do this for us, you got that?" Roared Uni viciously that made Croire flinch. She took in a deep breath and exhaled. "Ugh, fine."

After that, the two CPUs were left alone in the room to get ready for the ceremony. "I can't believe my best friends are getting married, and here I was snoozing away," said Neptune who was sitting on the bed to wait her turn to use the shower.

"I wouldn't call what we were doing merely snoozing, especially if it was for two days, Neptune," said Noire who walked out of the bathroom with a towel and a head towel wrap. She looked a little shy but gave Neptune a smile.

Neptune used her sleeve to remove some drool from her mouth as if that act made her less noticeable that she was charmed by Noire. "You look good in anything, my sweet Nowa," said Neptune.

"D-Don't make me blush, Neptune, but… thank you."

She let her dreamy stare last for a few more moments but knew that she wanted to say something that was bouncing in the corners of her mind. "Noire, about what happened in my dreams…"

"Neptune, stop. There's a time and a place for those topics. For now, we made it through that, and our future looks bright. My love for you is unbreakable now."

Neptune gave her a big smile feeling that waiting was the right thing. "I feel the same."

"Onto a more pressing matter, I'm going to have to wait for them to get me some new set of clothes, huh?" Said Noire who was growing rather impatient with the wait time.

"If you want, you can use one of my hoodies for the time being."

"Hmm, I might take you up on that offer," said Noire who walked up to her with a warm and kind smile that made Neptune swallow hard. It was bad enough that she was so close to her with nothing but a bath towel.

Neptune then took her turn in the shower while Nepgear and Uni arrived during this time. She had gotten ready in the bathroom by getting dressed in the outfit that Compa and IF had given her. When she exited out of the bathroom, she didn't see Noire in site.

She walked to the living room to see Uni and Nepgear dressed in their own outfits that were composed of their nation's colors. Neptune's was the same as she had purple to go with her dress. "You two look rather spiffy," said Neptune with a laugh.

"We do look good, but Noire looks really amazing in hers," said Uni. When she said that, Noire stepped out of the kitchen doorway to reveal herself to Neptune. She was dressed in a beautiful black dress that made Neptune blush.

"Noire, you look… well, there are so many adjectives I can use to describe your beauty, but I'll keep it simple and use a kiss."

Noire bushed wildly as she moved closer to her fiancee. They both held each other's hands tenderly as they inched for a kiss.

Both Nepgear and Uni had white eyes with dark outlines. "They seem rather closer than ever. Even Noire seems more open than she usually does," said Uni.

"Goodness, we should give them some space," said Nepgear.

Time advanced when Noire, Neptune, Uni, Nepgear, and Histoire arrived at the location of the wedding. The place where the ceremony was being held was on the beach with ceremonial decorations lined up to form a walkway that led up to a small platform. The walkway itself had pink flower petals that filled the air with a lovely fragrance. At the end where the platform was, there was a wide arch above the platform that was decorated with a wide assortment of colorful flower petals. They all looked at it with amazement.

"Neptune! Nep-Nep!" Came the loud cries of her two best friends, IF and Compa who ran up to them. They were still in their regular outfits instead of their wedding ones.

"Iffy, Compa! So good to see you two," said Neptune.

"Never mind that, Nep, We're truly sorry that we didn't know what was going on with your health these past days, and what in Gamindustri were you thinking about doing that odd ritual, too?" Said IF.

"You two wouldn't wake up for two days," said Compa.

"Hey, don't apologize for that. You two were super busy, plus I had my sweet, Noire looking after me the whole time. As for the ritual, you guys, I did it for love, so that Noire and I could get married."

Both IF and Compa's jaws slightly hanged at hearing that.

"Y-You two are getting married!?" Said IF with her eyes growing bigger than they were previously.

Neptune smiled triumphantly at their reaction. "I take it that our sisters didn't tell you any of the details when we were out of it?"

"Not really, Croire and everyone else just told us that it was something that you two were doing for plans for the future?"

"Well, that's not entirely a lie. Noire and I are getting married, but in order to do that we needed to do this dream ritual or else, we wouldn't be able to join our nations together along with our power."

"That's a lot to take in," said IF.

"Neptune, we didn't let them know because we figured that it should be something for you to say," said Nepgear.

"Fair enough, oh and Iffy, don't tell anyone that you know just yet. I want to be the one to spill the beans on that when the time comes."

"Who am I going to tell?" Laughed IF who hugged her best friend.

Off in the distance, Vert who was in a black dress and Blanc who had on a blue dress had come by to joined them. "IF, we should get ready soon for the exchanging of the vows," said Vert. She stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Noire and Neptune.

"I may not look like it, but I'm overjoyed that you're doing better Neptune and I was wondering when you two would show up," said Vert looking somewhat irritable when she looked at them.

"Vert, don't sweat it. We got the time for that, but right now we should all be happy that Neptune and Noire finally woke up," said IF.

"That does seem logical, Vert. Especially after them being in that sleep state for the better part of two days," said Blanc.

"I fail to understand any of that. Time doesn't stop for anyone, and while they were off having that weird nap, I was here putting everything together for Compa and IF." She walked away to talk to one of the resort workers that was doing last minute adjustments to the decorations.

"Umm, did we miss something important?" Asked Neptune.

"Not really. Lady Vert has been kind of a slave driver with organizing this whole place. We're grateful for her, but I think it's started to consume her with wanting to have everything perfect," said IF.

"It also didn't help that you two did that dream thing that got us all worried to the point that we couldn't completely focus on the wedding," said Compa.

"Huh, you think she would be more worried about us," said Noire.

"She is, but she's channeling her emotions through this wedding plan. Also, she got kind of mad today when I saw Compa in her wedding dress before the ceremony."

"I didn't mind, Iffy. We weren't really going to do that until Vert, and I found this pretty dress that gave Vert the idea to keep it a secret."

"Hmm, sorry that I walked in on that, but you did look radiant in it," said IF. She then looked at her phone's time to see that it was getting close to that time. "Oh boy, Compa, we need to get a move on with changing clothes. Everyone, I'm so happy that you made it. A quick layout of the place is to find a chair to sit until the ceremony starts. There's actually some chairs in the front where Rom and Ram are. After everything is done, we are moving the party from the beach to the Garden Blossom Resort's building located on that hill up there." IF pointed at a grand building that was on top of a flat hill adjacent to the beach that was looking out into the ocean. This was one of Leanbox's fanciest vacation places that had an all-inclusive deal like three meals a day, soft drinks and alcohol, and other services like sports, and pool areas. The beauty of all this was that Compa and IF had been granted an event room for their wedding's party along with a week-long stay that would also be their honeymoon. It was truly an offer that they couldn't say no to. She then gave them a quick goodbye to go and search for Vert.

"Nep-Nep, could you please accompany me to the resort? I would really like to show you the dress."

"I would be honored, Compa." She looked at Noire to see if she was okay with her leaving for the time being.

"Go, she's your friend, after all, Neptune," said Noire with a smile. This caused Neptune to give her a nice warm hug before running off across the beach with Compa.

For the next hour, they mingled with the other folks that were invited to IF and Compa's wedding. There were old faces that the CPUs knew from their past. In time, more key people started to arrive like Noire and Neptune from the Ultra dimension who came with Croire.

Ultra Neptune came with a nice purple dress that made her stand out lavishly as it hugged her in all the right curves. Ultra Noire was drees in a black dress, but the most scandalous part was that this dress was the exact same one that Noire was wearing. Long story short, Noire was greatly annoyed.

Another pair soon came by, and this one was Plutia and Ultra Blanc who were both in red dresses. They were accompanied by their Histoire and Peashy who had on a flowery dress. Sadly, their Compa and IF didn't show up with them, perhaps they found it too awkward or were in the middle of discovering their own feelings.

"Hey! It's little me's Noire. Did that dream thing go smoothly?" Asked Ultra Neptune.

"She's standing right in front of us, so I guess that's a good sign," said Ultra Noire.

"Well, I haven't run to the hills in a psychotic rant about me not loving Neptune or saying stuff like only success matters," said Noire in a hearty laugh that earned her a few confused looks from everyone. She cleared her throat with a small blush. "I'm good, really."

"Oh dear, I wonder where Uzume is," said Histoire when she checked her phone looking at all the messages that she sent her. "I hope she gets here soon. She did see Umio chatting with some people, but when she inquired about Uzume's whereabouts, he said that she would be running late it would seem. She closed her phone and sighed deeply. "In the meantime, everyone, let's get to our seats for the ceremony is about to begin." She floated away towards Ultra Blanc, Plutia, Peashy, and her younger counterpart to inform them all where they would be sitting.

Within a few minutes, all the invitees of the wedding took a seat as the band started to play a beautiful set piece that got the air flowing with magic.

Vert stood in her HDD form while she was wearing her fancy black dress with IF in the center underneath the flower arch waiting for Compa to arrive. IF was now wearing this black three-piece suit that was oddly different from a standard wedding dress. She had on a white shirt with a black vest with a black suit jacket over all that, however, she had on a black skirt that went to where her knees were. And to finish it all off, she had a pink tie; Compa's color.

"Hey, Vert's going to be the one to marry them?" Said Uni with a raised eyebrow.

Green Heart laughed joyfully. "But of course. Is it not in my power as the goddess of this nation to unite two lost souls who have finally found each other?"

Everyone looked at her with a lot of reservednesses half readily to call out her words. "I never considered doing something like that, but if I were them, I'll still go to have it signed somewhere," said Noire.

IF started to look worried why Compa hadn't shown up yet, and this was clearly expressed since Green Heart could tell from just a glance. Before she could say anything else on the matter, they both saw a figure floating in the sky coming from the direction of the resort establishment.

"Compa?!" Said IF.

"Oh my, now that's an entrance," said Green Heart with a smile because she could already tell what was going on. It was soon made clear that Purple Heart was holding onto her as they both lowered themselves upon the stage.

"Iffy, sorry for running late, Nep-Nep was trying her best to zip the back part of my dress, and we lost track of time," said Compa with her ever inducing sweet voice that felt like honey. Compa was wearing a beautiful white dress that made her look like the angel that she was.

"Y-You don't have to apologize," said IF with a sheepish smile.

"And most certainly after that grand entrance Compa. Why, you looked quite angelic," said Green Heart.

They soon got in place with Purple Heart turning into Neptune, and taking a seat next to Noire. "That was very sweet of you, Neptune," said Noire who stood gazing at the married couple as if she wasn't making it shown that she was having a conversation with her fiancee.

"It was the least I could do. That zipper was a whole other beast, haha. I think my plan with bringing her like this produced more of that wonderful magic on their special day."

"Just the fact that they have a great friend like you already makes it great," said Noire with a hand on Neptune's lap.

Neptune couldn't even begin how sweet Noire was acting. She felt like Noire was able to speak what she wanted without her tsun tendencies getting in the way. "Hmm, Noire, I'm really happy that you're happy and safe, but… did anything happen in that dream that you want to talk about?"

"Yes, Neptune. In time, I want to talk to you about my hopes, my dreams, and even my fears, but I know that that can wait, and this moment is reserved for those two."

Neptune looked at her with stars in her eyes at how amazing Noire was being. "Okay, Noire."

"Besides, we have the rest of our days to do that," said Noire sweetly.

Green Heart cleared her throat as she looked between both IF and Compa who had linked their hands together. "Now, IF, is there any words you want to tell Compa before you are united?"

"There's so much I want to tell Compa, but if I did that we would be here all night, and there's no point in telling her when I can show her tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, and so forth- for the rest of our lives." IF gave Compa a radiant smile that was created from so much love and confidence that she felt for her and this moment.

"I see, Now, Compa, do you want to say something to IF before you two are united?"

"All I want to say is that you're are my best friend who has always been there for me. From when we were little, our relationship changed in many forms throughout our lives. At first, you were my friend when I needed someone in my life, then as life became more hectic, and hurting, you became that sister that I needed so desperately. Someone to laugh with, find strength and rely on. Throughout those years, we changed, and as a result, our relationship evolved to something greater, yet different than sisters. It was hard for us to take that step, it made us see in what direction our love was going. You were the first to make that step when you told me how much you loved me. At the time, I was afraid to respond to those feelings, but I found myself unable to ignore those feeling that my heart was telling me. I then decided to follow what my heart was telling me, and you were so patient, and supportive just like you've always been. I must have lost track on how many times I fell in love with you during that road trip. That's why I am standing here today to eternally give you my heart, Iffy."

Their love for one another had enveloped them in a daze gaze that made them forget all the other people here. Green Heart found this to be the perfect moment for the rings. She made a hand signal towards Peashy who jumped out of her chair with a pillow that had two rings resting on it.

"Wow, didn't know that Vert had roped Peashy into this," said Neptune to Noire.

Peashy happily ran up to Compa and IF looking as hyper as ever. "Thanks, Pea," said IF who grabbed one of the rings. She let the orange sunset in the sky reflect what light it had onto the ring that made it still shined glamorously. There was no time lost when she placed the ring on Compa's finger.

Compa smiled at her and did the same as she took the last ring from the pillow, and placed it onto IF's ring finger.

"Well, then, by the power invested in me as Leanbox's goddess- and yes, Neptune I have that power," stated Green Heart towards Neptune who looked like a deer caught in headlights. "…I pronounce you both loving wife… and loving wife. As well as united in divine marriage as one. You may now smooch each other until both of your lips are blue.

They indeed did that very act, regardless of how colorful Vert had made it out to be.

"Yeah, that certificate of marriage is looking good right about now," said Noire in a whisper in which Neptune agreed.

Compa and IF were now married, truly a time of great joy that is immeasurable for those two. The night was fast approaching, and they were the first of many that night that would get there happy ending.

Nighttime was finally here, and the party was moved to the designated event room that was rented in the resort for Compa and IF's special day.

Everyone was enjoying their time at the party as most of the invitees were dancing in the center of that room with a DJ blasting energetic music in the air. Compa and IF were sitting in the main table as they ate happily while watching all their loved ones having a fun time.

While they were indeed eating, Neptune and Noire were helping themselves to the many delicacies that were provided to them from the resort management in response to Compa and IF's special day.

"Hmm, this is so good!" Cried Neptune who chowed down on food without a pause.

"Neptune, stop eating that fast," said Noire who had her fingers wrapped around a chicken wing with a little sauce on her face.

"Huh, you're one to talk, Nowa," said Neptune who pointed at Noire's plate that was full to the top, and looked like a tower.

"T-This? Can you blame me? Besides, I'm at least savoring my food," said Noire even though she was eating slower then Neptune, her movements were still fast.

"Jeez, just look at those two," said Uni with a sigh.

"We can't really blame them when they went two days without food," said Nepgear.

On the table across from them, Ultra Noire, and Ultra Neptune were having a meal with Ultra Blanc and Plutia. There was clearly some tension in the air with both of the couples, but the only reason they decided on eating together was to help mend their status as friends.

On the table passed them, Vert and Blanc were eating with both of the dimensional Histoires, and Peashy, along with Ultra Vert who dawned a green dress and looked kind of sad for some reason. Her presence wasn't made aware during the exchanging of the vows, but she was most certainly there.

After taking a big bite of food, Noire saw her dimensional counterpart get up with her glass in hand. She also got up to see if she could catch up with her.

Ultra Noire was refiling her cup when Noire sneaked up behind her. "So how's the party with Blanc and Plutia treating you?" She said politely.

"It could be better. Blanc and I don't have that much beef with each other, but the tension is mostly from Plutia and Neppy."

"Do you think they might start a fight here?"

"Oh, no, Plutia and Neppy both adore Neptune, so they're going to be on their best behavior for her if anything else," said Ultra Noire.

"Hmm, that is good to know."

"So tell me, how do you feel, you know, after doing that ritual?"

"I feel relaxed, more at peace with myself. It's hard to describe this feeling only that's it a good one."

"Huh, so… what kind of stuff did you see, and should I worry about those things for me?" Asked Ultra Noire with a light laugh, but really she would be lying if she said she wasn't curious.

"Nothing that you haven't figured out already. As long as all your actions are in the best interest for your nation, and your Neptune, then you're all set. The only thing I would say is to never shut your self from her and to be a team always."

"Well, that's expected. Neppy and I are a great team already, but… you and Neptune do make a pretty good one, too." They looked over at the wedding cake to see Neptune, and Ultra Neptune grabbing a slice of cake while they were laughing, and playing around. Neptune ended up smearing cake on Ultra Neptune's face by accident which made her laugh uncontrollably. This was only the beginning as Ultra Neptune smeared cake at her counterpart. They didn't end up fighting, more like, they continued to laugh even more.

"Jeez, I got to go. The last thing I want is for Neppy to stain her dress," said Ultra Noire.

Noire was going to head back to her table when Croire floated towards her. "This party is lame," she said with an annoyed face.

"You think the food would be enough for you," said Noire.

"Pfft, foods good, but the party is still lame. Of course, I don't have to tell you how good the food is when you already had three plates," said Croire.

"What do you really want?!" Urged Noire in order to move past her embarrassment.

"Fine, just wanted to see how you were doing."

"You're like the third person that has asked me that, and I doubt that you really care."

"Hey, I care. The fact that you made it through that dream state means that your head isn't so far up your ass like I thought. That's a good starting place for me to start respecting you."

"How colorful of you to say such a caring thing," said Noire with a sarcastic tone of voice.

"No, seriously, tell me what went on in that noggin of yours. I have a feeling that you're holding something back form everyone else," said Croire.

"I don't even know where to begin. Turns out my aspects were pride, anger, and power."

"That sounds about right. What did you do?"

"I did what my heart told me, I said no to pride, I took on my anger head on, and I fought against power in my most weakest."

"Your most weakest?" Said Croire.

"Long story, but I had to be in my base form in order to do damage to her."

"I can just taste the symmetry in that," said Croire. "What about your last one? There are normally four aspects that CPUs have to fight if I remember correctly."

"The fourth… she was my isolation or my loneliness."

"Oh, this is getting interesting, so what did you do to defeat her?"

"I became one with her."

Croire nearly choked on her drink when Noire told her that. "You what?! H-How are you still… you!?"

"It was the only way to beat the dream state. My heart was guiding me to that conclusion, and my counterpart didn't want to fight. In fact, she was dying regardless, from a broken heart, and I knew that if I let her die then I'll be no better than her."

"Still… how is this possible?"

"Well, she became a part of me, not the other way around. And only the good parts of her were used, the ones that loved Neptune just like I did. She is now my constant reminder that being lonely is something I never want to go back to," said Noire with a smile.

"Wow, I think you are the first CPU in all of history to merge with an aspect, yet still find peace in the end." Croire now saw Noire in a new light that made her silently nod her head in respect to her.

"Of course, I'm Noire. I only do everything, like make pinnacle moments in CPU history," said Noire.

"Nice to know that that pride of yours hasn't diminished," said Croire with a snarky attitude.

"It's good pride, though," laughed Noire.

"It still worked in the end. I can see peace in your eyes which is the sign that you are ready to marry Neptune. There's no expiration date if you're wondering, but sooner never hurts."

"Good to know. Neptune and I still need to talk over some things, but hopefully, in the near future."

"Just don't forget to send me my chocolate supply when you're on your honeymoon," said Croire.

Over at Blanc and Vert's table, Ultra Vert was still looking somewhat crestfallen as she picked around at her slice of cake. On a side note to this, Rom and Ram are actually sitting with Uni and Nepgear, but are currently running around the event room playing around.

"What's seems to be the problem, my beloved me," said Vert who was enjoying her wine with the utmost joy she could express considering her recent success in marrying Compa and IF.

"Nothing is the problem, other me. It's just… while this night is magical, this food is exquisite, and everyone is having a wonderful time, I can't help but notice where Uzume is."

Blanc and Vert gave her a curious look at her, they did indeed wonder where the partner CPU of Planeptune was. "Now that you mention it, we haven't seen her during the wedding vows either. Would probably be something to talk to Neptune about," said Blanc.

Vert's eyes caught attention at a newcomer that had just walked in through the doors. "That won't be necessary, Blanc," she said while pointing at the door.

Uzume had just arrived dressed in a marvelous orange dress that had a black waist sash. The first person she could see among this crowd of faceless people that were known to her was Neptune and all the others that were at her table.

"Nepsy! Hey, it's good to see that you're finally up," said Uzume with a smile. Although she was smiling, her eyes looked a little red.

Ultra Vert quickly shot up from her table relinquishing her cake to Peashy who accepted it greedily. "I'll be right back you two," she said.

Blanc looked at Vert with narrow eyes as Ultra Vert was making her way to Uzume. "Is there something going on with them?" She said flatly to Vert.

"Hmm, whatever do you mean? She might be me, but it would appear that her tastes are… err... different than mine." That was all she could say which didn't earn her a positive look from Blanc.

"Is that what you think?" She said.

"Blanc, my sweet, weren't you the one telling me back then that love might not be universal? You said something about experience and the sort, right?"

"It's different, this time," was all she said as she took a sip of her drink with furrowed brows.

"And what does that mean?" Said Vert who was loving the jealousy that was seeping out of her beloved, Blanc.

"It means that you love someone else," said Blanc quietly so that Peashy couldn't hear.

"Blanc, I'm right here, and I could pin you in that light if I said that the other you being with Plutia meant that you preferred a little… edge to your relationship," said Vert with a kind smile.

"I'm not like that!" Shouted Blanc with a blush on her face.

"I don't really care, Blanc. This you, the you that I love so much, is the only one for me," she reached down to hold her hand that made Blanc look away rather annoyed, but underneath the table, she was holding her hand back with a tighter grip.

"That's starting to hurt their, Blanc," said Vert with a smile to hide her pain.

All the while, Peashy just looked at them rather perplexed. "You two are being weird."

Back over to Neptune's table, Neptune jumped out of her seat to hug Uzume. "Where have you been, Uzume Tennouboshi?!" Said Neptune looking rather stern, yet playfully at her.

"Indeed, Uzume. You had us all worried about you," said Umio who was also at the table and looked rather happy that she was here now.

"I… I was actually here this whole time. I was mostly in the back when IF and Compa exchanged their vows."

"Well, that's not being a loner at all," said Neptune with a pout.

"Well, aside from Neptune's colorfully show of words, why didn't you come sit with the rest of us?" Said Noire.

"Ummm, I had things on my mind that I kind of wanted some alone time. Ugh, enough about me, Nepsy, Noire, did you both manage to beat that dream state thing?"

"We sure did, Uzume! Noire and I are ready for the future and for what it holds."

"That's… really great. I'm happy for you, Nepsy. You deserve someone like Noire to keep you happy and afloat." It took every ounce of strength for Uzume not to start crying, but that would have been a very uncool thing for her.

"Uzume, grab a plate, and a chair why won't ya?" Said Neptune. Uzume was about to nod at her when Ultra Vert appeared from behind her. "Hello, everyone. My, such an occasion of a night full of wonders and magic, don't you agree, Uzume?" Said Ultra Vert with a warm smile that was infectious, and made Uzume genuinely smile for the first time that night.

"It sure is," said Uzume shyly.

"Neptune, forgive me for intruding, but do you mind if I may steal, Uzume for a moment?" said Ultra Vert.

"Umm, sure if it's okay with, Uzume," said Neptune wondering why Ultra Vert would need to talk to her.

"I would love to, Vert. Nepsy, save me a plate, and I'll be back shortly." They then both fast walked away with Ultra Vert holding onto Uzume's hand.

"What was that all about?" Asked Neptune to Noire. Noire, on the other hand, was smiling from cheek to cheek knowing full well what Ultra Vert was doing. She didn't object if it meant helping out Uzume with her feelings towards the other Neptune, and she had a feeling that that was the case.

"Nothing that concerns us, Neptune. Like everyone keeps saying, this is a magical night full of wonders. Now, eat your pudding before it loses its shape," said Noire as she passed her a plate full of pudding.

"Yikes, you're right!"

Uzume and Ultra Vert made their way through the dance center that had everyone dancing and made their way to the balcony that overlooked the sea and the beach.

"The air does feel nice out here, don't you agree, Uzume?" Said Ultra Vert.

"It really does, Vertsy."

"Vertsy?! My, here I thought that you weren't calling me by that anymore. I was kind of sad."

"Umm, it would have been kind of weird to say that in front of everyone else. Neptune would not have let me live it down," said Uzume with an awkward laugh.

"Fair enough. Come join me on the edge," said Ultra Vert.

"Here I was, thinking that you were going to take me to the dance area," said Uzume trying to make small talk as she joined her in the scenic view.

"If you would like, we can do that afterward."

"No, no, no! I don't look so cool when I try to dance. I think it's for the best that we stay here."

"If that is your desire, then so be it. How are things been going in Planeptune? I've heard from our Neptune that shares went down causing Neptune to get sick."

"Oh, that. It's all my fault. I stupidly neglected my work just so that I could…"

"Just so that you could hang out with me. In a way, it's also my fault," said Ultra Vert, sadly

"Vertsy, this is no one's fault but mine. You didn't know that I had work of that magnitude. In honesty, I kind of wanted to get away from my distractions."

"Distractions?" Said Ultra Vert.

Uzume sighed deeply as she got ready to speak her mind. "Yes, my stupid love has caused me more problems that I ever wanted."

"Love?" Ultra Vert's heart grew steady and heavy waiting to see what Uzume would say.

"Vert, the only one that knows about this is Noire. The thing is, I've had feelings for big Nepsy ever since she first came back to our dimension with her Noire."

"I… I see," said Ultra Vert looking ahead into the sea to hide her bearly teary eyes from Uzume.

"You can imagine how much hurt my heart has been going through. I wanted to tell her so much, but I can't be one that destroys a relationship, especially a marriage. I wanted to keep myself distracted from those feelings, and that's why I joined up with you. Because you make me forget."

"Uzume…" She felt hope creep into her heart that repaired all the holes that had been created with a fair patchwork that would hold her, only until Uzume finished. After that, the patchwork would decide her fate if it healed her heart or destroyed it.

"Grr… look at me crying like some little girl…" she abruptly shed a few tears with sounds of woe that sounded more like her HDD voice breaking through. This was not intentional as she wiped the tears away.

"Come here, Uzume." Ultra Vert pressed Uzume's face in her breasts in an attempt to hug her. This for some reason made Uzume relax feeling the soft feel of Ultra Vert's breasts; it was true that her breast did feel like the softest pillows. "Don't think for a moment that you are a horrible person for liking someone that is already taken. The heart wants what the heart wants," said Ultra Vert.

"Yeah, well, my heart is stupid."

"Why haven't you told her?"

"Because I know big Nepsy. She cares about me like a sister, and mounting this stuff on her will make her feel bad that she can't do anything to help me with this. She might even find it hard to talk to me knowing that she makes me feel this way."

"It's never a good thing to have something like that bottled up," said Ultra Vert.

"True, but this is my decision. I can outgrow this love. Sooner or later, it won't even matter anymore."

"Why do you say that?" Said Ultra Vert feeling an ominous intention in her voice.

Uzume let all her tears out that she had been holding back for so long. "Because… because… I don't… think I'm going to be around much longer."

"What are you saying, Uzume!?"

"Vertsy, I'm Neptune's predecessor from long ago. I'm not sure if I ever told you this, but my time had already come and gone. I'm old. At this point, I'm more of a relic than anything. Neptune and all the others saved me from my pain and hardship. She even gave me a spot in helping her run her nation so that the people could give me shares."

"Neptune is a kind person like that. Don't think that your small hiccup in running the nation will make her think otherwise."

"That's not it. She completed that inner walk with Noire meaning that they already have their future planned. Pretty sure that I'm not part of that future."

"Stop talking like that!" Said Ultra Vert trying to sound strong for Uzume.

"It's true. Uni and Nepgear will be okay because they are candidates, and are an extension of their sisters, along with their nation. Me, on the other hand, is that awkward third wheel. Croire hasn't mentioned it, but I can tell that I'm going to have to go when that time comes."

"That time will never come. Neptune isn't as shallow to do that to you."

"It hasn't reached her head yet since she and Noire still have their heads in the clouds from beating that ritual, but when Neptune does find out, she will halt her future with Noire because that's how much of a good friend she is. I refuse to wedge myself in their happily ever after. I can already see how sad they will secretly be knowing that they have to put up with my presence in all this." Just even thinking about that made her heart swell in pain. "Truth is, I'm only here in this dimension because of them. I refuse to be a burden, and I don't care what you say to make me feel better because this is the reality."

Ultra Vert looked at Uzume with sorrow and pity in her eyes. They remained silent for about a minute with only the sounds of the sea being a constant reminder that time was flowing. "Then join with me," said Ultra Vert.

"W-What?!"

Ultra Vert had this conviction in her eyes that was unmoveable as she held onto Uzume's hand. "Uzume, I love you. From the first moment I laid my eyes on you, I was enchanted by your sunny personality, and strong, cool attitude."

"Vertsy…" Those words were like a shellshock to Uzume leaving her spiraling in a daze.

"I want you to marry me, Uzume. So that you can continue to keep on living. I know that if you explain it to the people of Planeptune that they will understand in letting you go once Neptune and Noire reveal their union. When the time comes when your share energy is almost depleted, then I will take you in as Leanbox's CPU."

"W-What?! You don't know what you're saying! This isn't some quick, and easy solution to offer up that. We are talking about being together for the rest of our lives!" Shouted Uzume trying to be the voice of reason.

"And this isn't an offer that I would make so lightly with anyone. I'm doing this because I sense that there is something between us. Whatever it is, I don't want to lose it."

"This is not the answer, and this isn't love, so that's enough of a reason to not do this."

Ultra Vert was not going to have any of this, especially when her happily ever after hanged in the air like a leaf ready to be blown away by a powerful gust of wind. "Is it really not? Uzume, this might not be love at first sight, but an affection that is nurtured, and grown over time by the experiences that two share can be just as equally powerful."

"I don't want to die," said Uzume in a burst of tears. She wanted to keep living, she didn't get to live long enough until she had to seal herself away, and now that she was allowed happiness, that feeling wasn't here to stay.

Ultra Vert held her in a tight embraced that made Uzume feel like nothing could hurt her. What was this feeling that was resonating with her? She didn't feel allowed to call this love completely, but it was something close; very close if Ultra Vert had this effect on her. "And I don't want to be alone, Uzume. Us CPUs, it can be hard to find your better half when there aren't that many of us- and everyone else has found their soulmates- when I find someone like you, who not only makes my heart race but is also single, well, I know that's a cosmic sign that I do not want to ignore."

"We hardly know each other enough to get married. If we do this, then we are stuck together for the rest of our days."

"Is that bad in your eyes? Sounds more like a wonderful dream," said Ultra Vert.

"Vert! This is serious! What if I run your nation into the ground…"

"That won't happen for I know that you are responsible. Uzume, I don't want to say this because it shouldn't be relevant when it comes to love, but if we were to marry, I know for a fact that Leanbxox will gain traction, especially when competing between Plutia, Blanc, Noire, and Neptune from my world. I know that with you by my side, we can pull Leanbox out of its poor state, and usher it into a new age."

"Vertsy… I…" She hated to agree, but these were all valid points for Uzume. She wouldn't be able to ruin a nation that was, slowly, in decline; she would only be able to help it get better.

"You still haven't answered my question, is it bad in you're eyes?" Said Ultra Vert.

"My heart doesn't feel that way."

"But there is something in between us, is there not? All I'm asking is that you give me that time for us to get to know each other better. I know that I can make you not fear this unknown feeling that we have for each other."

"You want time? You're going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life."

"If that is the only option for us to get to know each other, along with our ever-growing love, then that's a fair trade."

"I don't know what to say." Uzume wished she could tell her that she loved her back, but it was too difficult for her. Yes, there was this feeling of attraction that made her feel happy every time she was around her, but she was afraid to check how deep it went. Her only way to find out was if she dived head first into this questionably vast deepness.

"Say yes, you said it yourself that you don't want to get in between Neptune, and Noire's future. This option is a hundred times better then you fading away, or Neptune and Noire halting their future for you. Sure, it's unconventional to get married, then fall in love, but for you, I want to bet high. I promise you that you won't regret it."

Her indecisiveness was the core that fueled her fears of the future. This feeling that she dare call love could be her greatest dream or her greatest nightmare, but she cast aside such a perspective. This shred of love that she deems as such is love; not a complete love, but merely a prelude to it. She had faith that in time, she would fall madly in love with Ultra Vert. Her offering her nation was already a good start that had earned her respect. "Vertsy! Dame it, I should be the one saying that you won't regret it. Yes. I'm going to show you how great I can run Leanbox, and I want to try to make my heart fall completely for you."

Ultra Vert smiled lovingly at her and leaned in for a kiss. This caused Uzume to tense up, but Ultra Vert wasn't aiming for her lips. She was aiming at her cheek as she placed a delicate kiss there. This spoke volumes to Uzume saying that Ultra Vert wanted to save the true kiss for a time that they were both ready. This had completely and definitively, solidify Uzume's respect for Ultra Vert for being so patient. "No time like the present. Would you like to have a dance with me?"

Uzume nodded happily at the offer. Her world and future had just opened up thanks to Ultra Vert who she would hope that one day that her heart would completely belong to her.

The music in the air changed to a slow, and passionate tune that instilled warm feelings to the people that that were dancing. Among the group that was dancing, was Uzume, and Ultra Vert, but aside from them, there was Noire and Neptune who moved along with the slow melody of the music with hands attached to waists. "Noire, there are an awfully lot of people here. Is this okay to be dancing this… intimate?" Asked Neptune.

"I don't think no one really cares. There might be a few hired photographers for the wedding that might think that us together might be worth some money to any newspaper out there, but it doesn't matter. I'm ready whenever to tell our nations that my, Neptune is off the market."

"Hmm, that will break a lot of people's hearts, but nowhere near as big when I tell them, my Noire is off the market," said Neptune with a laugh.

"They'll survive," said Noire who also laughed.

"Hey, I know that talking about what happened in our dreams is off limits for tonight, but there is something I want to tell you; something important."

"What is it, Neptune?" There was a noticeable worry in Noire's face because of that.

"It's about the first time we fought each other, and what I ended up doing to you that day."

Noire had made a strained face and took a nice deep breath. "I know, I don't blame you for what you did to me."

"I caused you a lot of pain, Noire. I don't even know how you were dealing with it with the days that followed. I remember that people were saying that you were held up in the Basilicom."

"Yes, that was true. I mostly did that to keep the people from seeing my injuries. They did heal up fast, so it wasn't like I was some hermit," said Noire.

"How did you feel about that?"

"If you're trying to find out if I was scared of you afterward, then you won't find anything of that sort. I was more pissed off than scared, but you know me, and my stubbornness. I was already itching for another rematch." This time, Noire sounded happy as she gave Neptune a competitive smirk.

That made Neptune smile a bit because she loved how Noire could always spin something that sounded sad into something that gave her strength and confidence. "Still, all that pain that I gave you…"

"Neptune, what is this about, really?" Said Noire flatly from the fact that this was starting to ruin the night when they very well agreed that these topics can be reserved for later.

"What if I told you that we did have our first kiss with each other?"

This stopped Noire in place with any anger that she was feeling. "Neptune? What are saying?"

"When I was in my dream state, I was made to remember my past in order to confront some of my problems. Somewhere in all that, I got back a memory that was long lost even after recovering from my amnesia. That memory was me kissing you when you went unconscious."

"W-What?!" Noire had stopped dancing causing Neptune to halt as she looked at her with worry.

"I just felt like telling you, it didn't feel right to keep that hidden. I don't know how you might react, but…" She soon felt lips press against her that shocked her for a brief moment until she closed her eyes to accept it. When the kiss was over, Noire looked at her with a beaming smile.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me," said Noire.

"It does? I mean, kind of a non-consensual kiss if you ask me."

"You're right on that, but it also means that I was also your first kiss, too, and the me form Ultra wasn't the one to claim that right."

"I guess that's kind of looking at the glass half full." Neptune could feel her chest release from all the pressure that was built up inside. She hugged Noire tightly for being understanding.

"Thank you, Neptune and I forgive you for anything that happened in the past, just like I already did a long time ago."

Time continued to trudge along as the wedding grew more upbeat just before the final closing. At this time, the music was at its highest, and the wedding couple had taken the dance stage as it soon became more crowded than it was earlier ago. Neptune had walked away from the dance floor to get Noire and herself some drinks from all the dancing they were doing. It was at this time that, Nepgear and Uni had walked up to Noire looking rather timid.

"N-Noire," said Uni with a small voice.

"Hmph? Uni, what's with the shy tone?" Said Noire.

"I just, Nepgear and I have been talking and we've been putting this off for too long, but we wanted to tell you that… Nepgear and I have… s-sle… We've slept together," said Uni with a bright red face.

"Y-You what?!" Said Noire with wide eyes. This moment had gotten much worse when the candidates noticed Neptune who had managed to get back to them in time before they could finish what they had said.

"Neptune!" Said Nepgear with a red face as she covered her eyes. She was going to tell her sister next after Noire, but she was not expecting to deal with both of them at the same time.

"U-Uni! This is very serious, isn't that right, Neptune?" Said Noire hoping that Neptune might back her up on this.

Neptune, on the other hand, looked around the dance area trying to find some semblance of distraction. She managed to find one when her eyes looked down at the cups in her hands, successfully catching her attention.

"Neptune!" Shouted Noire that forced her to look up. She took in a deep breath and made her peace. "I got nothing, Noire. Umm, Nep Jr, I am very very disappointed in you." She said that not really as a means to show her displeasure, but as a means to say something that might not make Noire feel alone and mad.

This was enough for Nepgear who took those words to heart. Noire, on the other hand, didn't look so happy. "Is that all you got? Our little sisters just told us that they slept together. As the older ones, we should be more concerned about this."

"Umm, Noire, I really don't see the problem here," said Neptune who was using the drinks as a barrier between herself and Noire, just in case.

"Sister, I don't see the problem. We both love each other, and… we don't see ourselves ever being apart," said Uni.

Among Noire's rage induced state, there was a part of her that held a brighter side with good reasoning. She chose to attach her feelings to that side causing those words to soften her heart with an ounce of joy that her little sister knew that level of love. She admired how strong, and confident Uni was with what she wanted. "Uni, I can't forgive this," she started.

"Why? We didn't do this so blindly," cried Uni.

"Because that's the default mood that I can process. As the older sister, I should feel disappointed."

"Come on, Noire, just chill. Here, have some soda to cool you off," said Neptune.

"No, look, Uni, I'm not going to get mad at you for that. You two love each other, so it's bound to happen eventually. Thank you for telling me this," finished Noire bluntly that earned her a few stares from all three of them.

"Umm, t-thanks, sister." Uni and Nepgear quickly came to realize that Noire was providing them with a means to escape this topic with ending it off there. Their ground was shaky as it was and they both made their way out of the dance floor with a faint hint of relieve.

"What changed your thought process in the end?" Asked Neptune who curiously looked at her fiancee for an answer.

"I didn't want Uni to feel like what she did was such a horrible act. If she did, then I would feel that it would only cause us to drift apart. You can't blame me for being mad when they threw that unexpectedly at us."

"Yeah, I didn't know what to say to Nep Jr, but it didn't feel right to hound them for that. They do love each other, and it's not like they can get pregnant," said Neptune with a cheeky laugh.

This caused Noire to blush intensely at Neptune's words. "Can they? Didn't Croire say something about that?" She said trying to recollect that memory.

"Hmm, I don't think that's how it works. I remember that Croire said that it only deals with married CPUs," said Neptune.

"Now that I think about it, she did brush that aside rather quickly. Might be something that we should ask her in the future," said Noire with a half nod to Neptune. There were so many things that they will gain from being married that they were to make sure to ask Croire to make a list in order to not forget.

They found themselves worn out from the dancing, so they decided to retreat back to their table. That was when they were intercepted by Blanc and Vert who smiled at them brightly- well, mostly Vert.

"You two, how are you both enjoying the wedding?" Asked Vert pridefully.

"It's fancy, and it's great, Vert. You really made Iffy and Compa really happy," said Neptune.

"They do deserve the best that life has to offer them," said Vert as she took a sip from her drink while she looked at it with over interest.

Blanc caught wind of this and nudged an elbow to Vert. Vert snapped into attention with an uncommon gaze that she never usually makes.

This awkwardness had reached the soon to be a married couple as they found the silence to be deafening. "Vert, you look like you have something on your mind, would you care to tell?" Said Noire.

"Umm, the thing is…" That was all Vert could say which caused Blanc to get mad.

"Vert! This isn't so hard, but I'll guess I'll do it. Vert and I are in love with each other, we have been for a while."

"Say what?!" Proclaimed Neptune.

"I figured as much," said Noire with a smirk.

"We decided that we would soon make it public, but wanted to let you two know since you two are our friends," said Blanc.

"Blanc, that's sweet and all, but you never use the friend word so bluntly," said Neptune rather amazed by it.

This caused Blanc to stare at her with a flaring red eye that made Neptune take a step back. "Just because I don't say it, normally, doesn't mean it's not true, okay!"

"What Blanc is trying to say is that we value you two as friends and see your love as inspiration for us to come out with our relationship," said Vert.

"Ah, I get that Vert but there's more to this than meets the eyes, right?"

"Well… the thing is, we would like to know what you two did to be able to join. Sometime in the near future, Blanc and I would love to be a part of that."

"How do you know that?" Asked Neptune.

"We talked to Croire who was rather chatty about the sleep ritual that you two did, and what it meant in the long run. It didn't take long to understand that you two are planning to join just like your counterparts from Ultra," said Vert.

"Fair enough, but this isn't some leisurely ritual that you two do. This will test the very foundations that represent both of you, and your love needs to be strong in order to pass the challenges," said Noire sounding like some student that Croire would be proud of.

"Hmph, if you could do it then so can I," said Blanc refusing to be outdone by Noire of all people.

"I don't see why not. Of course, you will probably want to run it by Croire again for all the added details. We can surely help you, but her help will really be a plus," said Neptune.

"That is… if she agrees," said Noire.

"Hmm, she has already given us the introduction to it, and she seems to be quite taken with food. I can find no obstacles in that since I know exactly what to offer her," said Vert.

"No time like the present, right Vert?" said Neptune.

"Indeed. Let us go pay her a social call, Blanc." They both left to go talk to Croire leaving Neptune and Noire finally, and truly, alone. They sat down at their table as they let out a breath. "Times sure are changing. Everyone is getting married and whatnot," said Neptune.

"Can't argue with that. I'm sure those two are going to pass the ritual with flying colors," said Noire.

"So what do you think they might face? For Vert… I'm thinking something that has to do with her aggressive gaming hours, or… maybe form the fact that she doesn't have a little sister." Neptune grew sad by thinking about what twisted ways that could even imply.

"It's not for us to make assumptions about them, although, Blanc and I have a few flaws that we share in common. I'll need to talk to her about those things sometime before they decide to do it."

"Sounds like a plan. In the meantime, you want to go take a walk on the beach just for a little bit?" Said Neptune.

"Neptune…? Hmph, sounds wonderful. Some fresh air could do us wonders," said Noire as she accepted her fiancee's hand.

And thus ends this long odyssey of NepNowa… a love that has only just truly begun. But where will they go from here? Marriage is very much on the horizon, but there is much more than marriage. I am excited to say that I invite all of you to another journey into NepNowa's life with the sequel to Same Person Different Entity. That sequel will be coming very soon and I'm afraid that I can't spoil too much on it until the first chapter, along with the summary comes out. I will say this, it's going to be a more relaxed story that has a better-defined plot that will be enjoyable if not heartwarming. And fear not for there will be more stories to tell in the coming year since Neptunia is one of my favorites, and writing has become one of my finest hobbies. I thank you all for reading.

Final Author's notes- I do want to say a final thanks to everyone that has kept up with this story and that I hope I managed to wrap everything up nicely, but I would love to hear questions from you all about certain things about the story that might leave you confused. In honesty, I do try to give detail and reason in all my chapters about how things work and what they mean in the long run, but I try not to make it into a big info dump… as best that I can. I admit, there is some stuff that I left out, but only because I wanted to focus on the main parts and characters, which are the Nepnowa couples, UniGear, Ultra Vert and Uzume. Those are the ones that I aimed for their good conclusions. But yeah, will take a break until my new main story is ready to be made. I wish you all happy advanced holiday greetings and take care!