"Nep Jr., Nep Jr.!" Neptune sang with sadistic glee. Purple Sister looking mortified and taking a step back. Neptune transformed into Purple Heart. Her eyes being a dull blue, and power symbol pupils being a lilac.
Before Purple Sister could react. Purple Heart wrapped her hands around her little sister's throat. Pushing them both to the ground. Purple Heart's hair falling onto Purple Sister. "Ngh.. Neptune, why are you.. doing this?" She gasped out.
"Because I detest you, of course. Even though you're younger, people praise you as the better sister, and you constantly order me around. Isn't it obvious?" Purple Heart replied, she tightened her grip. Purple Sister clawed at her older sister's face in desperate Instinct.
"...I-It hurts... Please... let go, Nep...tune.." She begged and Purple Heart gave an amused smile. Like a mother watching her child play with their toys, ignorant of the world around them. "Ohh, good. Good, Nepgear. That suffering face of yours is so very precious," She said with a cool and twisted enjoyment.
"I-I... can't... any... more..." Purple Sister choked out. Tears flowing from her eyes, drool leaving the corner of her mouth. Before Purple Heart could let go, to torture Purple Sister further.
The loud sound of a neck snapping stopped all movement around them.
Neptune woke up breathing heavily. She looked at her hands. She clenched and unclenched her hands. Then she rubbed her head. Neptune got out of bed, and did her morning routine.
She heard the sounds of someone making breakfast in the kitchen. Neptune saw Nepgear making pancakes. She looked at Neptune and gave a closed eyed smile. Nepgear's mouth and eyes dripped with blood. A loud snap, the sound of bones being crushed echoed.
"Nep-Nep?" Compa asked in concern. She wore an apron, and is holding Neptune's shoulders. Neptune rubbed her eyes and pushed Compa's hands off her. "What's cooking, good looking?" Neptune asked with a smile. Compa gave her own adorable one in return. "Pancakes, eggs and bacon. A healthy and delicious breakfast!" Compa listed off and she went back to the food.
Neptune saw IF sitting at the table. She took a seat next to her. "Hey, Nep! Actually up early this time?" IF teased and Neptune chuckled. "Yeah, yeah I guess I did wake up early," Neptune trailed off, and IF frowned in concern. "Are you alright, Nep? You can talk to us, you know?" IF offered. Wanting to help her friend, but also not wanting to forcefully dig open wounds.
This was a slow and delicate process after all. IF didn't want to make Neptune unresponsive, and closed off. Which was how she first was when it happened. The day Nepgear was killed by Neptune.
IF had never seen Neptune look so, empty. This cold, and tired expression that didn't feel right. At the funeral, of course there was no body. Since CPUs turn to dust when they died. A fact which IF witnessed when Nepgear was murdered. It was more out of respect and love for Nepgear. Yet, Neptune didn't say a word during the entire thing. No speech, no goodbyes, no 'I love you'. Neptune was silent, which didn't fit her in the slightest.
IF was admittedly scared at the funeral. The atmosphere was tense, as well as depressing. Uni stared at the memorial and Neptune with pure vehemence. Her hands twitched, like she was ready to pull out a gun to shoot Neptune at any moment. Which, was what she probably was considering now that IF thinks about it.
Rom and Ram bawled at the death of their fellow Candidate. Blanc seemed indifferent towards it, IF hoped not. Noire was more concerned with Uni's mental health. She did offer to help Neptune. Considering she empathized on some level. Because of Uni's near death experience. Vert cried at the loss of a dear friend.
The people of Planeptune don't know what truly happened. All they know is that their beloved Candidate died trying to face off Uzume Tennouboshi. It caused the people to pray to Neptune, to avenge Nepgear.
She did avenge Nepgear. Neptune killed Uzume, and Kurome. Yet, to Neptune there is no difference between them. All she sees is her sister's killer. It's been two months since then. Which brings us back to here.
Compa joined IF and Neptune at the table. "So, what are you planning on doing today Nep-Nep?" Compa asked, taking a bite of bacon. "Do some paperwork, and some quests," Neptune answered too casually.
"Hey, Nep, maybe you need a break. You've done so much paperwork, that you can afford to let Lady Histoire handle it for today. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to," IF suggested calmly and kindly. Despite her own personal feelings. She wanted to tie Neptune up, and drag her to some place fun.
Compa said to IF, that they have to be kind and patient with Neptune. Forcing her to do something will only just cause her to shutdown in the delicate process of recovery. Yet, IF wondered if Neptune can even recover. Because she hasn't even faced her grief.
Neptune has denied killing Nepgear. Despite everyone seeing it. She put the blame on Kurome, and that has been her narrative since. "That's a good idea Iffy. If you want to do some quests. We can do it together, and have some fun afterwards," Compa agreed with her.
Compa, is also doing some manipulation here. Appeal to Neptune's current logic, and use it against her. 'Okay, Neptune wants to do some quests. So we'll do some quests and have fun doing do. We'll still be getting work done.' IF found that ability to manipulate, kinda frightening. But Compa doesn't need to know that.
Neptune considered it, before a pillar of white light appeared. IF groaned, they almost had her, but of course, Neptune transformed to avoid this. Purple Heart sat at the table. Purple Heart was normal, except for her permanent change in eye color. Her once bright blue irises turned dull and lifeless. Her white, power symbol pupils are now a glowing lilac. The same eye color of when she was under the Whirpool of Delusion.
"I can do quests with the both of you, but I must do my paperwork afterwards. My complacency has caused me to lose my nation to B-Sha, and the death of Nepgear," Purple Heart said stoically. They all stood up to leave after eating.
In the city, people swarmed Purple Heart. Asking for autographs, pictures, hugs, kisses, confirmation on NepNowa, nudes, having their children, you know, the usual. Yet she took it with a smile on her face. Purple Heart hugged everyone who asked for it. She gave everyone who asked for it a peck on the cheek, or forehead if it's a baby. She signed pictures and merchandise. She took a bunch of pictures. For both advertisers and fans. Denied NepNowa and the nudes.
IF and Compa stood to the side. IF's arms crossed and frowning. IF did admire Purple Heart's ability to deal with all of that in stride, but was simultaneously frustrated at them being held up. Compa had a serene smile. She herself was also frustrated, but kept up a happy front. This was something she practiced, to put on a smile to reassure her patients.
The crowd allowed Purple Heart to get through after she asked them. So the three friends continued on their way. IF saw some guy's pants tightening as they look at Purple Heart, along with some women grabbing their breasts unconsciously. Despite their public display, IF empathized with them.
Purple Heart was fucking hot. With a voice that could melt glaciers. A wink that can cause anyone to faint. Pillowy lips that many have fantasized of kissing. A curvy and perfect body. She is nicknamed Perfect Heart on the internet for a reason. Even IF fantasized about Purple Heart at times.
She didn't fault Steamax for fainting. She or Compa would do the same if Purple Heart seduced them. IF shook her head out of the gutter. Then, they entered The Guild. After making some people nearly faint by Purple Heart talking to them. They grabbed their quests and headed off.
IF and Compa hoped it would be some much needed respite. Because ironically, Neptune of all people needed a break.