~~HyperDimension Neptunia : Pursuing Perfection~~
=-Chapter 5 : Decision And An Insecure Feeling-=
"…And you want me to believe that you came to help me out of your very own "Goodwill"?" A most suspicious tone wondered. Its owner was audibly uncooperative. The accusing silhouette was addressing her present companion in the room.
"I was hoping that you'd come to realize how desperate our situation is. We cannot afford any pity quarrels at the moment, and acting so prideful and rash is the worst thing you could possible do…" Calmly, the most elegant of the two began reasoning with the former. "Noire."
Indeed. The two presents were none other than Noire and Vert. They had agreed to meet at the library early morning -though they weren't all that early-. Though one was a lot more agitated than the other: the twin-tailed beauty was left in the dark with nothing more than a vague invitation from the busty gamer. But after knowing of what the Blonde wanted from her, a not-so-great taste of confusion swirled within the workaholic's mouth and gloomed her taste buds...
She hated that.
"Hmph! At least I'm being normal and true to myself!" The words escaped her lips with a strong sense of impatience. Noire had been crossing her arms the entire time in hopes for remaining calm and collected, but her attempts were quickly foiled by Vert's calm yet provocative demeanour. "You're all acting like nothing even happened! We don't even know where our HDDs are or what they are plotting!"
"And your bravado isn't going to get us any closer to that." Finally, Vert patience came to a halt. She looked Noire deeply in the eyes and continued. "I did not call you here to argue. I simply wished to offer a helping hand to up our chances in success. Trusting me or not is something you will have to decide on your own."
As soon as she finished her piece, Leanbox's leader began pacing away from the Raventte.
"And what if it doesn't work?" But the sudden query put her to a stop.
Vert didn't look back, she just hummed. "I made sure that if my plan does fail, I will have the biggest setback from the two of us. Surely that'll make you satisfied, won't it?"
"Wh—" Flabbergasted, the CPU of Black crooked an eyebrow at her confident partner. "You know, you're going to some great lengths for her, especially considering how much shares it took us just to perform the summoning or how much you're putting on the line. Do you really want to risk being the last in queue just so she could take it easy?"
"Oh? Are you worried about me?" Slowly, the most mature CPU glanced over her shoulder. A faint yet visible grin gleamed her features.
Bingo. With the slightest of efforts, Vert managed to push the exact combination to get a reaction. A flush of red livened Noire's denying features after she recoiled slightly as if a puff of air hit against her smooth face. "Wha—U-Uh, no? I just don't want you begging for my turn when you regret your actions is all…!"
"Well, I appreciate your concerns. But I do not plan to go back on my actions. Instead, it's best if you try revising your own, especially if you want others to be as obedient as you wish them to be."
The instant shift from her carefree and playful tone to a more serious and scolding one caught Noire by surprise. But instead of faking confusion and loss, the Tsundere furrowed her brows. "What are you suggesting…?" She sharply questioned, her tongue had clicked before she asked.
"Judging by how you've been acting, you don't plan to put your pride aside and aid Mollie in her task as much as possible, do you?"
"What makes you thi—"
"In fact, you're planning to treat her as nothing but a mere sacrifice, do you not?"
The air was heavy and thick. It gained in humidity the moment the Blonde stepped forward and interrupted the dishonest claims. It felt broad and chunky, each time the latter breathed it in, it coated her insides with a strong mixture of anxiety and pressure.
"Ah, just because I don't have the time to sympathize with every tiny problem someone brings up doesn't mean I'm treating them as a sacrifice!" Quickly disapproving the pervert's keen remarks, the cosplayer ran a hand towards her hip, and looked aside. "And besides, we don't even know her. She could be plotting to turn against us for all you know! It only makes you look more suspicious seeing how easily you find it to sympathize with her."
"Me? Oh my…" Vert, after faking a hurt mug, proceeded to fold her hands together politely and faced the accusing swordswoman properly. "Are you accusing me of something?"
"I don't know, maybe the entire obsession with sisters you have isn't a joke anymore." No signs of hesitation were shown nor felt. The red eyed leader pressed further. "Maybe your creepy—"
"I'M HOOOME-… W-Wait, n-no, that's not right… Um… I mean, I-I've returned."
Fortunately -Thank goodness-, the surprising yelp coming from down stairs was enough of a distraction to pull the two away from their heating conversation. The two would only hear the first part of the anonymous presence alarm.
Wasting nothing more than a few glances at each other, then at the door, the two paced slowly towards the main hall, where the source of the disruption was found.
Mollie had already returned.
Another origin of astonishment was the fact that Neptune had already bolted towards the foreigner before they had walked back.
"So, so! How did you find Planeptune, Also Known As Best Nation, hmm?" Thankfully, the wars-starting question fell on no ears but young Puriolét's. The spiky-haired tyke put no efforts in calming down her usual high spirits. Those of which were easily noticed by the summoned one.
"A-Ah, Lady Neptune." Instantly, Mollie folded her hands together and bowed down. Her posture was a perfect ninety degrees. After acknowledging the presence of the Purple CPU, she pulled herself up and smiled. "The nation is very beautiful… In fact, it's a lot more futuristic and astonishing than where I had lived. Everything is like a work of art, and the people seemed really nice here, truly a divinity's work."
"Awawaa, calm down! You sound like an automated reply there!" Contrary to her words, the childish divinity couldn't help but blush faintly from the river of compliments she received. "You're going to make me blush at this rate…~"
"Heheh, well I liked—"
"You better not fawn over her too much, she already gets spoiled dirty by Nepgear." With a rude tone, Noire interrupted the duo. She and Vert both seemed to agree on that remark.
"Indeed. It's best to be firm, or else her working ethics and ego would become even more dreadful to think about."
"HEY!"
"On the other hand, welcome back Mollie. Did you enjoy your time—"
"Hah…! Haah…! I told you to waiiiiit!" Unfortunately, and before the chat could progress any further, the quartet had their attention stolen by the call outs of a high-pitched, exhausted voice. Once their lines of sight all met at the entrance, they saw Compa in a tripod position gasping for air after what seemed like a long session of running.
"Ooh, Compa! Heya!" Almost ignoring the nurse's visible fatigue, Neptune was first to leap at the chance for greeting her friend.
"I'm so sorry Miss Compa." Showing great signs of regret, Mollie bowed again at the weary caretaker. "I was just too excited to tell the news, and I couldn't wait for you… I'm truly sorry."
"News?" Curiosity quickly got the better of the Tsundere. She raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"Mhm!" Cheerfulness brimmed out of the Pinkette. She nodded at the questioner then folded her hands behind her back politely. "I'm ready!"
"Ready…? Ready for what?" Unable to contain the cheekiness blazing within, Neptune's eyes turned completely purple, and her mouth shaped in a smugging square. "If I were blind, I'd think you were talking about—"
"Hmm? Ready? Dear me Mollie, are you sure?" Vert instinctively raised a concerned palm to her mouth, it seemed like she didn't even notice interrupting the main character. She failed to contain the surprise visible on her eyes. "You mustn't rush things, we'll understand if you still need time to recover…"
"Nope! This is my totally best shape!"
'Finally…' Unlike everyone, the workaholic hadn't worn her heart on her sleeve… Deep down, she wanted this situation over with as soon as possible, and she couldn't help but hope for Mollie to get up already and get to work.
"Wow, did Compy poo give you some sort of super-secret stat booster?" Jested Neptune with a wide grin.
Before young Puriolét could shoo off the accusations from the gentle nurse, a calm set of footsteps could be heard coming from the stairs. "What happened? You're loud." Holding her book in her hands, Blanc criticized in her usual monotone fashion.
But prior to her taking a step down, her eyes landed on the psychic girl having returned. 'Oh, she's back.' She told herself quickly before looking at everyone else.
Vert was first to greet the bookworm with her casual smile. "Ah Blanc, finally you decided to join us?"
"What took you so long? In fact, where have you been all morning?" Quick on the trigger, Noire began questioning the novelist. She displayed a sharp set of agitated features.
"I was in the library. You never came there." Replied the brunette.
"All day?! What possibly could you be reading to not show up at all?—Wait a moment… We were in the library, and we never saw you!"
"O-Oh, that's probably because you were in different libraries." Informed the Basilicom owner.
"Different… Libraries?" Vert sighed and tilted her head. She was an inch away from giving up the elegant act and holding Neptune by the collar. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Well, you see. We have two libraries! One in the east wing, and another in the west wing!" She chirpily answered, the five could notice sparkles surrounding her.
"…" Noire gulped.
"…" Betraying her silence, Compa tried to help the mood with an smile which… Came off a lot more awkward than reassuring.
"…Lady Neptune?" Sensing the clumsy air, young Puriolét decided to break the silence with a feather-like tone. "Why do you have two Libraries in your basi… Bas…- Your home?"
"Oh, well you see, it's quite simple! If someone was in the east wing and were too lazy to go to the library that was originally in the west wing, they could easily just take the closest one to them! That saves both time and energy!" Score! Revealing the motive behind her quirky, costing decision, the Purplette expected nothing but applause, and praise for her genius idea!
"…Give me Histoire, now." Noire ordered.
"And Nepgear." Followed Vert instantly.
"I'll take the books." B-Blanc!?
"Hey! You know the rules! No claiming loot before I lose all my hearts!" Neptune wasn't going to just stand there and get mocked! She firmly placed her hands on her hips and fired back!
"N-Neptune aside… You disappeared all morning when we could have deducted some sort of plan you know?" Back on topic, it seemed like the dressmaker wasn't willing to drop the heated topic.
"Come now, Noire... There is no reason to stir up unnecessary trouble." The blond beauty quickly interrupted the two before they started arguing as per usual. "What matters now is that we are all here, and since Mollie claims to be ready, shouldn't we get things started?" She smiled.
"Hm? Ready?" Blanc hearing the news, perked up like an interested cat. Her eyes bounced from Vert, to Noire to Mollie who only smiled and nodded as a sign of confirmation. 'Did I miss something? She was hallucinating in her sleep just yesterday…' "Aren't you rushing things a little? We don't even have a plan yet."
"Hmhmhm.~" Quietly, the voluptuous of the bunch giggled to herself, her facial features suggesting something.
"…What?" Asked the quietest of the bunch. Her brows furrowed slightly to signify minor annoyance.
"Well, I got a suggestion." Began Vert. "I think it would be irresponsible of us as CPUs to go searching in one group. That would leave our nations vulnerable to any attack as well as leaving matters that need our own personal handling undealt with."
"And…?" Curious, Noire begged her fellow Goddess to continue. She seemed to have calmed down a bit and was open to hearing suggestions.
"So… I think it would be best if we take turns." Upon finishing her statement, the older-sister figure gazed upon everyone…
Turns? What did she mean by turns?
"…That sounds reasonable." Answered Blanc.
"Hmmm… Not bad…" And so did the workaholic.
"Um… But like, wouldn't that make searching for the HDDs harder?" Neptune followed with an index on her chin. She made a great point, the process of locating HDDs alone would most definitely be daunting so what if they rebel or resorted to violence… What then?
"You just want a reason to slack off from your CPU duties, don't you?" Noire quickly countered. She eyed the purple CPU with a bit of agitation, but also a stare that read the pudding lover like an open book.
"H-Huh…? U-Um… N-No?" Caught, The lazy deity averted her gaze… Only to recoil back in surprise! "Do you know me to be that kind who lies for their own benefit!? I'm hurt! Look at these tiny tears I got in my eyes…"
"So… Apart from Neptune, I think we all agree?" Wondered the gamer.
"Mhm…"
"Yeah."
"H-H-Hey w-wait! I was just kidding, don't abandon meeeee!" Before she could say her final words, Neptune was struck by yet another thought. "Wait a moment, how are we going to decide who goes first though?"
Not good. Despite her carefree nature, the CPU of Planeptune gave light to a most important matter. Surely, none of the CPUs fancied the idea of going last. Not only would it put them at the mercy of whoever goes first, but their pride would also be hurt as hard as Neptune's solar plexus does when she hears the word "Work".
What were they going to do? How possibly could they decide on such matter? All four had their beauteous, enchanting set of gems bestowed upon the clueless schoolgirl. What kind of thoughts did they have to settle this debate?
Were they going to fiercely fight over her?
Were they going to put their engraved pride and elegancy aside and potentially seduce her!?
An endless number of options came to mind, and honestly, most of them were quite degrading…
But the cause surely justifies the ways yeah? Yeah!?
…
"Rock, paper, scissors, SHOOT!"
Both Noire and Neptune yelled in synchronized unison. The two waved their hands up and down three times making hand signs corresponding to what they yelled…
…
Why am I explaining Rock Paper Scissors?
"HA!" Celebrated Noire as she looked down at the final result. She had paper out whereas Neptune had rock.
"Aw maan… That still makes no sense! If a paper wrapped around a rock, how is that going to hurt it!" Sour, the defeated CPU slumped forward before moving away from before Noire. The latter smirked with great pride; she was notorious for finding great pleasure in defeating her peers. -Even Uni.-
I mean, come on! They weren't allowed to fight again so how would she sate her unclenched desire to prove her superiority!
"Don't think about it too hard, you might just over heat.~" The victor quipped cheekily as her partner moved along to the losers' seat. -Which was just a random seat in the conference room. -
The rules for their game were quite simple. The four would go against each other in Rock Paper Scissors. The winner keeps playing while the loser waits for their second turn to come. Whoever wins the most games gets to be the first in queue to having Mollie, and the one with the least wins were to wait the most.
Of course, Neptune went first due to them being at Planeptune basilicom, but her over confidence made her select Noire, who already had a nice grasp of Neptune's mindset…
She also always wanted to prove the tyke had rocks for brains, but let's move along from that.
"Ah, who's turn is it now?" Vert asked while smiling.
"You go." Unlike the usual, Blanc quickly responded. She was eyeing the ravenette intently. 'I'm sure if I see her play a game or two, I can anticipate what she does after.' She told herself.
"Oh my… Well then." Without further ado, the spear master walked in front of Noire and put her hand forward.
"Rock, Paper, Scissors—SHOOT!" Yelled the participators.
"…Oh my." Putting a palm to her mouth, the silver-tongued expressed great surprise through both sound and features.
She had picked scissors.
"…Hmph! Of course!~" Yet again, the joyous chirps of the worklaholic brimmed the space. Her palm had been shaped into a rock... How uncharacteristic! "That's two wins for me… Only one left.~" Right as she said that, she daringly eyed Lowees Goddess, who had worn her casual unfazed feathers whilst approaching the streaking girl.
'She's going to pick Paper again, she's got to.' The thought echoed in her mind harder each time she stepped closer, and once she was face to face with Noire, she did what she knew best.
Made the best poker face every known to Nepumanity... Or was it Gamindustrimanity… Hm.
"Ready?" Asked Noire, granting herself a confirming nod from the novelist.
"Rock, Paper, Scissors—SHOOT!"
"…No way." Blanc looked down with disbelief dripping out of her voice.
She had lost. Having expected the crimson-eyed swordswoman to pick Paper again, she picked Scissors as a counter. But unfortunately, her blades of victory were shattered and unlinked by a firm, stunning rock.
"Hah! You thought I'd pick paper again, didn't you!?" Unlike her confident words, the cosplayer was hiding great nervousness inside… She really was going to go for paper again. It was only in the very last moment that she experienced a spontaneous change of hearts.
"Grrr… Don't get happy just because of a coincidence. I dare you to go again." Clenching her fist, the short-tempered CPU was baited in by her rival.
"H-Hey, we didn't get seconds!" Sensing injustice, Neptune spoke up like a child getting a lesser portion of cake.
"I'd have to agree with Neptune. It doesn't sound fair for you to go twice." The gamer ran her arm below her bust before getting up, eyeing the two with sharp seriousness.
"Ugh… What e—"
"Fine."
A sudden interruption put everyone at pause… A cold one. Noire's acceptance for the challenge made even Neptune shoot up from her seat with wide white eyes bordered with thick black boundaries. "NEPU!?"
"Noire… It's not up to you to decide if it's "Fine" or not." Unlike the entire time, Vert's tone honed whilst addressing the Black Goddess. Her eyebrows furrowed and her hold her own arm tightened. "This is a matter of injustice, not everything has to revolve around your pride."
"Hmph, that's because you didn't let me finish…!" With crossed arms, the leading player put a hand on her hip and huffed in agitation. "I'll make it best out of three just this once, and if I do lose then both you and Neptune will have a chance to catch up and face me again to turn the tables. How's that?"
"Ohooo, you want to dance in my groove radar again, eh? Hehe, I won't go beginner on you this time!" The no-more Purple Heart coated her statement with ego and challenge. "But I must warn ya! No takesies backsies when I—"
"No."
The abrupt cutting came from Vert, like a flaming pair of scissors disintegrating a paper of script. Without proper consideration for the fourth-wall breaker's feelings, she put her foot down. "There are rules for a reason, and we all agreed to them beforehand. It is simply unacceptable to alter them now for any reason."
"V-Vert…" Something was felt… A shift in the sister-less princess 'speech pattern. It was very rare to see her fazed or even mildly off put by something. Leanbox's CPU had a good grasp on her emotions and feelings and she would never let them control her when it mattered, so… Why now? That is what Neptune thought when she called out to her visibly stressed partner.
"…" Blanc stood quiet. It was unknown whether she agreed with the tyke's thoughts, or worries. It was unknown if she was angry or neutral. She had decided to keep a seamless front ever since the argument broke out.
"Ugh, fine. Not like I was going to lose either way." Taking her unpleasant victory, Noire claimed her spot as the first to have Mollie help her and sat down.
Now with time for round two, Vert took the liberty of going first against Blanc. "My turn." She announced quite abruptly.
You know what's the funniest part about this? It's that Mollie was present in the room while the four were deciding between each other. She had sat at the furthest chair away from them, and kept as quiet as possible to not bother them.
But… Deep down, something brewed. A strong portion of regret mixed within her and made her heart squeeze. 'If only I was strong enough to be with everyone at the same time… Then no one would have to argue, or feel upset…' She quietly thought before clenching her school-skirt and crossing her legs anxiously.
"That is why I left so abruptly…" An apologetic, polite tone livened the empty office. Nepgear, after peeking at Vert heading towards the same wing as Noire, decided to not bother them with whatever they were doing and headed back to her work space. She instantly checked if Uni was still online to explain her actions to her and offer an apology had she caused any unwell feelings.
Thankfully, Uni had indeed been online still. But as she claimed, she was "Almost leaving, so you better give me a good reason for holding me back!"
"Hah, see! I told you there is no way Noire would be asleep still!" Her persistent love and idolising for her older sister knew no bounds. Lastation's Candidate was ready to put anyone who doubted the leading CPU under gun's sight.
Well… Maybe not Nepgear… Or Rom… Or Ram… That'd be bad.
"W-Well, we don't know… I just bumped into her when going to wake her up…" Finding herself drowned in a mixture of uncertainty, but also fear of upsetting the gun-genius, Planeptune's candidate replied.
"Knowing Noire, she was probably filling some papers she took with her, or making clothes." The assumption was followed by a wide, certain smirk. The tech-genius decided to drop the topic and agree. She knew she'd react the same if anyone tried to claim Neptune wasn't a good sister or CPU.
"Yeah… I think you're right, hmhm.~"
"Anyhow… Um… Nepgear… You see…" Suddenly, a great shift in behaviour occurred. The Tsundere in-training was no longer showing intense pride, nor brandishing a most confident smirk…
In an instant, she got… Hesitant and meek.
"L-Look, you better be listening, a-and I'll only say it once, got it!?" Unaware of the subtle blushing on her smooth cheeks, Uni looked aside and prepared herself mentally. "S-Sorry… For yelling at you earlier…"
"…Hm? O-Oh sorry, something popped up, did you say something important?- Oh goodness, I'm so sorry!" Whether she was faking it or not was a mystery. But one thing was certain…
Uni would have to repeat the apology to Nepg—
"What do you mean something popped up!? Grrr… You know what, forget it, I said nothing!" Flustered, the Candidate of Lastation tore her eyes from the screen before her and looked aside, affirming her statement.
"A-Ahh, please say it again, I didn't hear you!" The purple angel got too immersed in the conversation that she tried to reach out like someone asking not to be abandoned. Thankfully, she didn't bump the screen with her hand.
"F-Forget it…"
"Aww…" Unfortunately for the elegant sailor, it seemed as though her best friend was set on not entertaining her request. 'It was kind of cute, though… Heheh'
Oh you sneakily little—
"Nepgear?" A petite voiced called out yet again. Surely, such fairy-like, soothing voice only belonged to Histoire who once again came to check on the rookie CPU. But once she noticed the girl speaking with her monitor, she quickly assumed she was in the middle of a break and thus decided to drop the serious and formal set of features and replace them by easy, alleviating alternatives. "Ah, am I interrupting your conversation?"
"H-Huh? Ah no no! It's fine!" Nepgear couldn't help but smile awkwardly and flail her hands in quick denial. She didn't want Histoire to think that her regular check-ins were unwelcomed or bothering.
"Ah, if you say so." Smiling innocently, the bookfairy floated closer to her Candidate. Her finger traced the air smoothly and landed on her creamy chin, such action after so many years had become second nature to her. And sometimes the mystical Oracle would find herself in said position without even meaning to. "I assume you're contacting Miss Uni?" She asked gently.
"Yeah—"
"Hello Histoire!"
The purplette had her words snatched right off the script by her friend's vibrant greeting. Such sudden callout caught Histoire by surprise, but then fueled her with a great urge to chuckle… Especially after noticing Nepgear's surprised, cute face. "Oh my, hello Uni." She floated above the tech-geek's head, where her tome softly laid. "I hope things are going well over in Lastation."
"Oh yeah, we're planning on releasing a new feature soon." Visibly pleased, the young ravenette blushed from excitement, but her heart-warming blend of innocence was quickly devoured by an intoxicating sneer. "I hope you're taking breaks from constantly looking after Neptune and Nepgear.~"
"H-Hey, that's mean!" Quickly retorted Nepgear at the sarcastic workaholic Jr..
"Ah worry not. It's quite a change working with Nepgear than Neptune… If only the former could rub off on the latter more, I'd most likely learn the definition of vacation." The jesting words were betrayed by Histoire's features which offered an amalgam of both fatigue and disappointment. "Honestly Nepgear… If you would spoil her less, maybe she'd start realizing how unhealthy her behaviour has become."
"But we're in times of peace… And I really like when sis enjoys the food I make for her…" Torn between agreeing and the contrary, the temporary leader frowned and looked up at her mentor.
"That won't do! Assuming peace for too long is one of the main reasons you got captured for three years. It's still a miracle that we turned the tables, but that is more of a reason for you not to slack off any longer!"
"Awww…"
It had appeared that the two grew distant from a certain someone, who themselves was distant from reality as a whole. Uni, after hearing the back-and-fourth stared at something far beyond reality… Her imagination started acting up, fuelling her with ideas and scenarios that for some reason; Painted a sad, unbelonging frown to her pure face.
Why did Nepgear and Histoire's familiarity leave her hoping…
Hoping for what? It's not like she needed anything! She had everything anyone could ask for, and Uni was undeniably happy!
…'Right…?' A thought echoed, distancing her from the physical plain further. '…'
"U-Uni? Is everything okay?" A sudden call out pulled the daydreamer out with force. She had to try her best at suppressing a surprised yell, but that was at the cost of recoiling visibly.
"W-Wha!? O-Oh, yes of course everything is okay!" The called for flipped the frown they had in an instant, and decorated her face with a most fitting confidence.
"Apologies, it is my mistake for making the conversation one-sided." Regret filtered even through the blonde's face, affirming her honesty.
"Ah, mm." With a slight head wave, Uni begged to disagree. "It's fine, really! In fact; you could always call for me whenever you need help scolding Nepgear.~"
"Hmhm, I shall consider that." With that, Histoire began floating and Nepgear felt her head being light once again. "Well then, I shan't interfere with your conversation anymore. Good luck to you both in work."
But suddenly, the elegant supervisor stopped in her tracks. "Ah, that's right. Uni, I believe Noire should be returning to Lastation in the next couple of hours."
"EHH!?" Surprise was a true understatement, unworthy of describing the feelings of urgency and happiness that birthed within the innocent raven. "Ah, I need to get back to work—A-And also make sure to welcome her properly! S-See you!" Within her burst of panic, Uni's hands ran smoothly on the keyboard where she quickly terminated the call with a single tap.
"A-Ah, Uni wai—A-Aww… She hung up on me…" Said the dejected girl. Her aura changed from a happy upbeat ambience to a gloomy contender…
"Oh my… I apologize… I did not expect my comment to make her leave so abruptly…" Histoire adopted guilt by default, which only made her leaving all the more awkward. 'Heavens… perhaps I've grown too old to hold a proper conversation with the new generation…' She thought.
"I-It's fine… I need to go back to work anyhow, hehe…" Caring as ever, the young deity tried to calm the worrywart's feelings despite truly wishing to carry a longer conversation with her far away peer. Her statement was carried by a most reassuring smile, courtesy of Nepgear.
Histoire sighed, and proceed to return the gentle gesture. "Well then… I have matters to attend to, so I shall leave you be."
It was then that the Purplette came to realize… She hurriedly contacted Uni again out of pure concern that she may have upset her, then she proceeded to easy Histoire's concerns and not worry her, but…
'…It's kind of lonely…'
She never stopped to consider her own needs.
"Iffy, I'm back!~" A heart-warming announcement surged the hallways before filtering into the walls of a certain warrior under nursing. They quickly stole the brunette's attention and filled her with a bit of excitement… Just a bit.
As she eyed the door, she saw the knob turning slightly before the portal slowly jarred open, and through it walked a Compa facing away from the room!
"Huh…? What are you holding?" Asked IF. With her greatly limited movement, she tried her best to peek but to no avail.
Finally, Compa turned slowly with a big smile and a bigger bouquet of flowers in her hands! But exaggeration aside, the bouquet was decently sized, blooming with a purple breed of familiar flowers. Though with the caretaker's careful nature, she held it with both hands for safe measurements. "I brought some flowers to replace the old ones!"
"O-Oh, thanks." The katars wielder was not the type of person to indulge in flowers and their charming colours. But despite that, she still felt honest gratitude for having a fresh pot of flowers to greet her each morning… Also, they smelled nice. "Hm… These look similar too…"
"Mhm! They are anemones, like the ones I brought before!" She chirped while placing them and taking the older bunch. "Give me a moment to put these away, I'll be back in a jiffy!"
For a small period of time, IF was left alone with residue of Compa's hospitality and a refreshing aroma of floral scents slowly adapting to the new room. That was the plant's way of greeting those who are in their presence, and acknowledging their nice, friendly presence.
IF never expected that she'd be waking up every morning to be mummified and taken care of. And sometimes, a troublesome part of her mind began comparing her state with the flowers she got to meet every day…
The violet blooms had quickly acclimated to their new body of water and began getting comfortable, facing towards the laying intel collector.
Were they mocking her? Staring down at her vulnerability? Boasting about their healthiness and overflowing artistry?
'Aaah, snep out of it Iffy—A-AAAH! Now I sound like Nep!'
"Okay, I'm back!" Within her conscious, time passed in a flash. One moment she was drowning in her thoughts, and in another Compa was already by her side again.
The leading agent couldn't help but let out a quiet yelp of surprise in response. "Ah! C-Compa… When?" She asked.
"Hehe, did you already forget about me?~" Merrily questioned the peach cake. Her chuckle was was on the ears and heart, it could repair even a broken heart.
"N-No, not that… Mah, I guess I was thinking too much." She shrugged the topic off and turned to her best friend again, this time with a much nicer front. "You took longer this time, did something happen?"
"Oh, yeah! I got to talk with Ms. Mollie!"
"Oh, I see…" With a slight nod, the injured Maker acknowledged.
…
"Um… Who's Mollie…?" The few moments of peaceful understanding were quickly melted by the hesitant question. IF feared that she was an acquaintance of Compa that she forgot, or ignored their mentioning.
"Oh, she's the girl I told you about, that Nep-Nep and the other CPUs summoned!" In the midst of reminding her friend, Compa indirectly introduced the stranger.
"Okay… Well, how's she like?" Visibly interested, IF inched closer to her caretaker and smiled slightly.
"Her name is Mollie… Pu… Purio…"
"N-No way, you already forgot her name…" Was it not for the bandages keeping her still, the phones collector surely would've facepalmed.
"Ah! Puriolét!" After spacing away, Compa finally retrieved the name of her new acquaintance and she announced it loudly!
"Pu…riolét? What kind of name is that…?" Unlike the storyteller, IF didn't seem too impressed nor convinced by that label. It was already enough trying to say it without twisting her tongue. "Are you sure that's her real name…?" She followed.
"Huh? Of course! Why wouldn't it be?" Confident, the medic tilted her head at her friend's doubts.
"A-Ah, well, never mind that." It was a lost cause, thought the agent. Compa was simply too pure to doubt anyone she meets with, especially if they are nice and not trying to get under her skirt like a certain rodent. "What's she like?"
"Hm…" Suddenly, the peachette sat down and closed her eyes unexpectedly. An index was quickly led to her chin, and she hummed whilst trying to form a proper description. "She has really shiny pink hair and green eyes. And she's nice!"
"Shiny? W-Wait, Compa, I didn't mean how she looks…" The brunette was similar to someone misclicking an option in their game, and failing to take it back. Instead of trying to force the conversation to go her way, she decided to sit back and listen to her medic… It was relaxing either way.
"Well y-yeah… They shine like when Nep-Nep and the other Goddesses transform… Aw, I forgot to ask her about that…!" The recollection of her slip made the nurse moan in displeasure. "W-Well, apart from that, she seemed really distant most of the time, and really attached to her mommy and her home world…"
Something was missing in the syringe-wielder's speech pattern. The leading huntress knew her long enough to realize something wasn't right. She was gloomy, tired and even disoriented like something was playing in the back of her mind while reminiscing. The skip in her step was replaced by a poor disguise of her usual self, like a fully grown man hiding inside a box.
Compa was a horrible liar.
"C-Compa… Is everything okay?" With no introductions, the mummy voiced her concerns. She couldn't help but try and pry into what's causing so much irregularities in her friend… Irregularities that pained her to peer at.
"H-Huh? O-Oh, of course!" There it was. Within her casual "airheaded" act, IF confirmed her doubts.
"Uh, are you sure? You've been kind of distant ever since I asked you about her…" An undeniable frown scorched the worrier's face.
"W-Well… That's because…" Slowly, the smile and positivity that the one in question put up began to crumble and decay, teasing a saddened and discontent truth. "Because I think she's depressed."
"W-Wha!? H-How can you tell!?" The patient's eyes widened, contrary to her peepers shrinking to almost being dots. Depression wasn't exactly a topic she discussed much. "Isn't it a bit too early to conclude that?"
"W-Well… In the way she spoke, and through stuff she said absent-mindedly. It seemed like she was trying so very hard to look happy and unbothered…" The further Compa got in her analysis, the more she lost control over her emotions. She tried to clench her hands together, harder and harder each time she found trouble resisting to tear up. "But she was d-definitely hurting, until…"
"Un…til? What do you mean?" That makes no sense! Thought IF. This amount of teasing was going to make her recovery take even longer!
"Until suddenly… She just… Stopped hurting?" Clearly unsure, the storyteller was hoping her claims wouldn't be shrugged off as mere fantasy or wishful thinking. She was totally fine, okay! "She just… Suddenly stopped displaying all signs of sadness, and even her aura felt different, like I was talking to a whole different person!"
"Y-You mean split personality?" Concern slowly began crawling onto the listener's mug, and with it came anxiety…
Was this summoned alien really going to retrieve the HDDs and help the CPUs? Was this unknown pinkette really going to fit in the job, and finish it with the least amount of losses? Wouldn't it just be better to wait for IF to recover, and just call the other Makers? In fact, this entire summoning idea felt a bit rushed… Too rushed, even for Neptune, that is, if she was the one to suggest it in the first place…
"…Maybe…" Without enough evidence, the peachette couldn't truly confirm, nor deny, and for now decided to take a nice middle…
It didn't take a genius to detect the negativity filling the air. It was radiating and putrid, absolutely intoxicating and hazardous. Maybe the nurse was too emotional and fatigued to take note of it, but the mummified intel collector quickly caught on. "…Well, enough about her." She leapt at the first chance to say that. IF's always been the leading at putting her pride and emotions aside when need be, or when it meant others' wellbeing. And as of now, the two had no concrete reason to assume the worst… Yet. 'It could have been worse. They could have brought over someone unstable and power hungry… I guess.'
"Tell me more about your day.~" Just as the peach cake knew exactly what were the huntress' weak points, she herself kept a good-enough tab of what reassured Compa and specialized her from others. And one of those things was… Her cool smile!
"A-Are you sure…? You seemed a lot more interested in her yesterday…" There it was! The opening for the diligent tomboy to change subjects to a much lighter one!
"Yes yes, of course I am!"
"E-eheh… Well then, if you insist!~" Though sudden, the talented cook began to feel relief, and an alleviating state of comfort. 'If Iffy isn't worried, then surely everything will be A-Okay!" She told herself.
…
…
"Oh! I think she also dislikes men!"
"I wonder how you figured that out…"
"Hah… Hah… Hah…"
"Hah… Hah…"
The exhausted fumes of two tenacious contenders shook the foundation of the basilicom. Both eyeing each other with nothing but cold determination and ruthlessness, each passing second fuelling their changeless determination. Fuelling the blazing gleam in their irises.
Both parties, with shaking arms, stare at their opponent's silhouette lit by nothing but a faithful candle centring the two. Within them a potion of desires, fear and bravery. Both excited and scared of the future, both realizing the inevitability of fate and choice.
"…Impossible." Said one in a true state of shock. Despite her utter bewilderment, she couldn't retract her arm just yet…
"Heh…" Sneered the other. Despite her utter fatigue and waning resolution, she couldn't retract her arm just yet…
"It's over…" With sharp conviction, announced a twin-tailed spectator.
"Mhm…" Besides her agreed the runner up with a slight nod.
"It seems… That I've underestimated you."
"That, you did…" Slowly started the victor's features cracking into a slight grin. "You shall do anything I require of you…"
"Heavens, how indecent—"
Click!
The sound of a plastic switch turning on shook everyone's being. They were all surprised to no longer be talking to mere contour, but actual familiar faces and people. "Hm? Who turned off the lights?" Said a certain Pinkette.
"Awwww!" Like a pouty child, Neptune complained. "What are you doing Pink Moon! We were almost at the spicy part!"
"A-Ah! Sorry! Sorry!" The sudden scolding felt hot and burning. It quickly put the regretful Puriolét in a state of bowing apology. 'W-Wait, Pink Moon…? M-ME!?'
"Hah… Why did we agree to something so stupid?" Sighed Noire. She looked at the Blanc besides her in hopes of recollection.
"What do you mean!? You were all totally into making it look dramatic and atmospheric!" Sticking her tongue out slightly, Planeptune's CPU furrowed her brows like she was addressing traitors.
"Unfortunately, that did not happen." Vert got a hold of herself and fixed her posture, following it by a throat clearing cough. "It was your idea… We agreed because you'd refuse to settle the debate otherwise."
"What a pain…" Yawned Blanc. It seemed that despite taking Vert's side, the darkness was very relaxing.
"Well…? I guess that should be it?" The workaholic shifted between everyone with a confirming gaze. She was greeted by a nod from all three present in the room. "Good. Then that means I'll go first. Then Blanc, then Neptune and last would be Vert."
The final results forced a sigh out of Leanbox's CPU. She seemed truly displeased. "How unfortunate… I really shouldn't have second guessed my choices against Neptune."
"Heheh! You raised the flag of defeat the moment you underestimated my wits!" Boasted the main character.
"…Heh, you lost to Neptune." Unable to control the playfulness swirling within her, Blanc smirked before pointing at Vert.
"P-Pft, I know right!?" Noire was quick to catch on. She covered her mouth and chuckled mockingly.
"U-Uhmm… I-I'm not sure if that's a compliment… Hey wait, where's Vert—" Before her statement could finish, the pudding lover darted left and right in quick successions, only for her joyous amethysts to land on the beauteous divinity kneeling in a lonely corner of the room.
"I lost… Uuuu."
"U-Um… L-Lady Vert, I'm sure you'll do better next time! Please don't get upset!" Mollie cheered from the back, despite the embarrassment telling her against that.
"Well then… Now what?" Any normal person would take such question for what it's meant to be: a curiosity about the future. But not when it comes out of the silver lips of Noire, especially with the presence of all four Goddesses.
She already wanted to head back to Lastation.
"I guess that's it." Said the bookworm. Her statement was quickly followed by her carrying her book, and putting on her hat.
"H-Huh? W-wait, are you leaving already!?" Unlike the other two, Neptune didn't fancy the idea of her friends leaving so abruptly… They were friends, right…?
"Well, we discussed everything we need to discuss so I don't see any reason for us to be here anymore." Announced the ravenette.
"W-Well…"
"I must agree with Noire. We've all left our nations on such short notice, and imagining the scolding Chika will give me upon returning is unsettling already…" After recomposing herself, Vert was already taking her leave.
"Come on Mollie, we're leaving." Noire quickly invited the pinkette before stepping out of the room.
"H-Huh? U-Um… But lady Neptune looks really lonely…" Still unsure, the psychic twisted her lips and looked aside, aside at the Goddess of Purple, who quickly adopted the most deadly tactic known to all Gamindustrimanity… Puppy eyes!
"She'll be fine. She's always looking for reasons not to do her CPU duties. And besides, she has Nepgear if you're really getting worried." Noire, on the other hand, seemed absolutely unfazed by the bluff from Neptune.
"Aww! Meanie, demon, arch devil, nemesis!" Faster than the growth of a plumber after eating suspicious mushrooms, the tyke's features rotted from a guilt birthing sadness to a wrathful distaste. "This is why you don't have friends!"
"EEP!" Squealed the foreigner. "L-Lady Neptune is very scary!" Like a freaked-out teenager failing a test of courage, the schoolgirl bolted out of the room in great fear.
"A-Aaah! Look at what you've done you idiot! ALSO, I'M NOT A LONER!" Before her fluster turned into embarrassment and blushes, the Tsundere quickly turned tails, and left the room in a mixture of both anger and denial.
"Uni and Kei don't count, boooo!" Still set on being stubborn, Neptune stuck her tongue out and pulled down at her lower eyelid. "…Whelp, what's Nepgear up to?~"
"Ugh, that idiot…" Noire cursed under her breaths and looked around, a state of emptiness stretched before her and multiplied her acrimony. "Ugh, now where is that girl… Mollie!?"
"…L-Lady… Noire?"
"AH!" The urge to squeal was unrepressed. The cosplayed had not expected for her callouts to be acknowledged by a plant pot. "E-Eh?! What are you doing behind there?—Actually, how did you hide behind that!?"
Comedy effects.
"I… U-Um… I-It n-not important…" Oh…
"Well, stop playing around and let's go." Anger and impatience were all blinding effects, some of which Noire had no tolerance towards. She failed to notice the honest concern tainting her companion's face.
"S-Sorry… I-Is Lady Neptune okay…?" Slowly retreating from her hideout, Mollie wondered.
"Ugh, that idiot can't get angry even if she wanted to. Stop worrying too much."
"S-Sorry…"
'Hah… Why do I have to deal with this…' "…It's fine. Now let's go, we're wasting time." Upon softening her features slightly, the dressmaker took lead, and began pacing towards the exit of the basilicom. But then suddenly, she stopped in her tracks.
"Huh?" Young Puriolét wondered with a tilted head. "Is everything… Okay?" And asked meekly.
"Oh, I almost forgot something. One moment." Noire quickly gestured at the psychic to wait, and dashed nimbly towards the stairs and to the second floor. Leaving the unsure schoolgirl to her loneliness for a solid couple of seconds.
But just as told, the girl hadn't moved an inch from her spot. She folded her hands together and waited patiently before her ears picked up rhythmic footsteps marching above her. 'She's wearing heels… Noted.'
"Okay, I'm back. Let's get going now." Announcing her returning, Noire walked down the stairs and approached her companion. The only difference from before being her holding what seemed to be a pink bag.
"What's that?" The flower curiously asked.
"O-Oh… It's personal." It didn't take the workaholic long to shrug the curious conversation. With that, she preferred not to repeat herself and led the way. Mollie obediently followed and remained quiet. To her, Noire might've calmed down a little, but any wrong move could give her a taste of the Goddess' wrath.
But unlike the worrywart, Noire couldn't care less about her own temper, and was a lot more interested in the whereabouts of her fellow peers who disappeared remarkably fast. Even throughout heading to the airport, she couldn't even catch a glimpse of them, and by the time the two reached their destination, the mixture of white and green were already gone with their private vehicles. 'That's concerningly fast…' the workaholic thought, shortly before she was greeted by a group of workers. "Lady Black Heart." They bowed. "Will you be departing shortly?"
"Yeah. My visit is concluded."
"Is the mistress with you?" Questioned one of the employees traveling with Noire. The group itself was formed out of three members. The two main pilot and his co-pilot, alongside a single flight attendant. The latter was the one questioning the presence of a new party.
"Yeah, she'll be traveling with me. Get the plane ready, we've wasted enough time." With firm humourlessness, the cosplayer ordered. She shifted gears from being casual and mellow to a much more formal and acute persona. Every command she made was met with absolute adherence.
'W-Wow… Lady Noire is… So cool…' Ever since the two had walked into the airdrome, Mollie had her eyes suffused with stars whilst trying her best not to squeal. 'It's… A little bit more practical than the Pink Moon… J-Just a bit! It's… Really nice to see her highness be so elegant and cool, rather than imagine the Pink Moon doing stuff—AH! What am I saying! You ungrateful idiot, did you forget all the Pink Moon did for you!' The daydreaming quickly turned into self-scolding. Which all boiled down to distancing the spacey girl from reality, and from an agitated Noire…
"…Mollie."
"Ah!" Feeling a great urge to recompensate for her disorientation, the flower raised her palm furiously towards her head in a manner of salutation, but the excess in speed made her hit her forehead instead. "Ahh! Ouch ouch ouch! S-Sorry!"
"Hah…" Sighed the Goddess. "Whatever, don't get distracted again… Let's go."
It took nothing but a couple rubs on her forehead before she recovered, and nodded in accordance.
Most of what laid out before the stranger was unfamiliar and unacquainted. From people to the gadgets to even the furniture and the interior used in the airport… Is what she wanted to say, had she actually focused with the trip towards Lastation CPU's airplane. Instead the girl quickly overlooked her superior's scolding and went back to her spacing out. Thankfully this time, she kept track on her destination and whereabouts.
After what felt like a five minutes' walk, and enough verification by the airport staff of Noire's identification, the two were finally at their manner of transportation. Upon climbing up the stairs Mollie quickly found herself grasped by a most elegant aspect. Not only did the vehicle's black exterior captivate her attention, but the mixture of grey and red for the interior was all the more fitting to her. Upon entering what seemed like a sliding black glass panel door, the Pinkette was welcomed to a decently sized room that, similarly to everything the guest witnessed from Noire, laid as bare proof and example for the personality and style of its owner. Everything was neatly put in place, from custom made Sofas to the small library in the corner of the room and the small circular table cantering it all. First things first, the two couches laid facing to each other. The one to the left was made to look in the shape of a letter "L" whereas its companion was skilfully shaped in the letter of "S". Both pieces of furniture seemed of highest quality, made by a most definitely talented designer and sown with the greatest of care and excellence, the bare eye couldn't criticize any seam. 'T-Those don't even look used…' wondered the Anthophile. She continued to run a curious stare at everything. Moving on from the stylish seats, her heart and soul locked onto the miniature bookshelf in the corner of the space. 'Hmmm.. It's really pretty… All the books are ordered in the same length and colour of cover—H-Huh!? No way!' She turned her head sideways and blinked twice. 'Oh my goodness it's in the order of rainbow colours!' Indeed. Each shelf bore a unified colour of books. But before Mollie could , her enthusiasm began flooding outside. "ROYGBIV!"
"H-Huh!?" Midway wondering, Noire cursed herself. 'No way…' Such random jumble of words wasn't so random…
Especially not when she was the one to order the fountain of knowledge.
"Y-You already noticed…?" She asked hesitantly.
"M-Mhm… Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet!" Each colour she mentioned was followed by a slow, childish clap, only to end it all with a satisfied chuckle. "Eheheh… I prefer Purple over violet… But how did you find book covers with an indigo cover!? That's really neat!"
"W-Well…~" One of the twin-tail rocker's weaknesses was compliments... Honest ones that aren't delivered by Neptune. She blushed shyly and smiled. "It's not that hard once you look hard enough… A-And besides! I didn't buy these just to look that way! I-I read every one of those thoroughly!"
"Haaaa?~" A wide smile brightened Mollie's features. At this point, she was going to believe anything the Raventte tells her. "No waayyy… That's so cool!~ C-Can I take a look at them, pleaaaase?~"
"W-Well… If you said please—A-Ack, I mean, of course not!" With a firm shake of the head, Noire put her foot down, and sat down. "Sit down… I still need to ask you questions."
"…Yes." It took only a couple of seconds for the foreigner to comply in sharp succession. Her butt dropped onto the sofa at light speed! 'W-Whoa… The sofas are c-comfortable!? I thought they were just for looks and decoratio-… Tioon…~' Her train of thought slowed in speed, slower and slower before turning mellow and soft. It's wagons slowly began to shift from solid well-established thoughts to nothing but innocent pieces of marshmallow, all inciting her undeniable urge to yawn. Just how comfortable were those things!?
"So… You said your name is Mollie Puriolét…" With every drop of fluster and playfulness drained, the talented hard worker crossed her legs and laid back. "You said you have psychic powers?" Her eyes locked with the one in question.
"Y-Yes…"
"Show me."
"H-Huh?"
"Demonstrate. We can't take your words for facts only. This is a serious problem, and I need to see your powers for myself."
"O-O… Of course…" Troubled, young Puriolét bit her lower lip and began fiddling with her thumbs. "Umm… How?"
"Hm… You were interested in that bookshelf earlier, weren't you?" The interviewer pointed at the fancy rack. "Bring a book."
"Oh, okay…" As ordered, the girl began walking towards her destination.
"What are you doing…?" Questioned Noire with a provocative tone.
"Getting… A book? I like the violet ones!~" Oblivious to the shift in her superior's tone, she chirped excitedly.
"And why aren't you using your "Telekinesis"?" The former continued to push on. Further and further did pressure pile up, and her doubts began to rise… 'I swear if she's lying…'
"…Oh." Mollie finally realized. "That's TRUE!~"
"Huh?"
With no flashy introductions, the Pinkette threw her hand forward. Instantly her arm was engulfed by a strong pink illumination that slowly spread itself around her entire body. Mere moments after, Noire could feel a very easy puff of air hit against her figure before her peripheral sight caught something…
The book in question began glowing similarly.
'No way… She's serious!?'
"HAH!~" With no further ado, Mollie pulled her hand enthusiastically and with it flew the book obediently at her. Its speed was easy enough for the girl to raise her second hand just in time and keep the material afloat, away from her palm by a few inches. "…May I read the title…?" She asked politely.
"…" Upon laying her eyes on the Goddess, she noticed her in a state of shock? No… Disbelief… No… Not that… 'Your highness… You… Thought I wasn't serious about my powers…?'
The look dripping from Noire's face was nothing alien for the alien… It was look of relief. 'Thank goodness…' Thought the introvert. 'At least we stand a chance now… N-No, not yet…' Coincidentally, the slight head shake the CPU made at herself was presumed to be an answer for the foreigner's question.
One of which drew a slight, discontent smile on her face. "Oh… I-I understand." She did the same act as of before, and the book nicely floated back to its comfy whereabouts. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Hmm, a-ah! Y-Yeah, give me a moment…" It was only now that Noire finally snapped out of her thinking ranch. "Well… That's not bad, for starters of course, but things aren't going to be as easy as grabbing a book, so you better not be planning to slack off!"
"I'm not!" Losing to the wave of shyness welling up within her, the advised girl bowed down instantly. "I'm not planning to slack off, please forgive me!"
"H-Hey, I'm not going to punish you or anything… G-Geez, if you're going to act like that each time, you won't make any progress in life…"
"Sorry…" With deep regrets, Mollie pulled herself up and looked aside.
"Lady Black Heart." Right on time, a sudden call out pulled the two from the small bubble they made for themselves. "I'm very sorry for interrupting your conversation with the mistress."
"It's fine. We were just about done anyways. Are we ready?" hastily, the Goddess dressed up in her humourless charisma and faced the well-mannered attendant.
"Yes. We'll be taking off right now."
"Okay."
With that, the worker excused herself and let the two get back to their business once again, the sliding door sound was followed by a soothing "beep" affirming its locking functionality. Soon after, the speaker overhead booted to life.
"We'll be taking off right now. Please remain in your seats and do not wander before being properly permitted. We hope you enjoy your trip, Lady Black Heart."
As soon as the announcer went off, the two felt a sudden movement pulling at their hearts. The wheels of fate slowly began turning, warming up for the jets to blow the two right into the future. What possibly awaited the CPUs? What kind of encounters would liven young Mollie's life? What conflicts would inevitably spark? Would the sparks of disagreement flare a raging, unquenchable blaze? Could the HDD truly be retrieved?
"Lady Noire…" A heavy gulp allowed Mollie to swallow great anxiety and tension.
"Hm?" The addressed individual perked her head up like a surprised yet curious cat.
"T-There is something I forgot to tell you…" Sudden signs began to show themselves on the psychic. Her nails slowly dug onto her thighs and her posture became very unstable and worried. Her features following with the latest trend also displayed shaking, wavy lips and narrowed, fearful eyes. There was a barely distinct blush on her face that, coupled with everything, could either make the girl look cute or most frightened…
"What is it?- H-Hey, are you okay!?" As soon as she caught on, Noire quickly stretched her hand forward, only to remember the rule about not wandering.
"Y-Yes, I'm really fine! I-I just…"
Unfortunately though, the introduction was long enough for the plane to gain enough velocity and soar through the skies with the sun's rays reflecting from the polished surface of the iron bird.
"KYAH!"
"W-Wh—Hey! Why are you yelling for!?"
"LADY NOIRE! I'M AFRAID OF FLYING!"
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TALK EARLIER!"
"I-I FORGOT—AAAH!"
"J-JUST GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!"
"OH GOODNESS OH GOODNESS! I'M GOING TO DIE!"
Enter Imperfection Un: Blinding duty, my happy delusional self.
=-Chapter 5: End.-=