Disclaimer I don't own Hyperdimension Neptunia, or any other references made.
Chapter Four: Escape
Standing before Noire is a shadow, the one who appeared in her dreams. She could see this person is a bit taller than her. As for the place, it's just them.
No sign of anything to show where they are.
"Who are you?" Noire demanded the person.
"Your goddess side," the shadow answered calmly. Her voice sounded close to Noire's, only more confident.
Noire gasped, not only can she talk in this dream. She got an answer. "Then, I'm one. Why? You need to tell me."
The shadow folded her arms. "My time is limited. You must take what is yours. With that. We'll join, no longer held back by this separation. For we're needed to face the coming threat."
Noire growled. "I'm not going along with this! I can't take that. If I do, what about the people? They would get caught up in this. I can't just do it."
The shadow signed. "You don't get it. There is more at stake, this group is only making things worse. They can't be trusted. Tainted, as for the people. They won't suffer. You know that."
Noire gulped, if that is true. Then why is she afraid? Could it be, she doesn't want to be a goddess? Just be a human. Living her life as she's been doing.
"Can't I just…"
The shadow dissolved. "You need to choose. You may not have many options, sorry to say."
Noire was about to talk, only to see her ceiling. She cursed while getting up.
"Again, only now." Her eyes are shadowed. "The dream is different. All this time, it was me. My answer to what I am. A goddess, but how do I handle such a thing?"
That weighed heavily on her mind. Not long ago, she wanted to know who she is. But this, how could you put it into words?
She looked at the clock, thankfully, it is near the time when she woke up.
"I better get to work," Noire grumbled, getting out of bed.
She does need to work, no point in missing that right now. She needed to make money.
After getting dressed in her uniform. Only her hair is loose, feeling the need to be different.
She thought about what to do. She still has her motor scooter, as she took it yesterday. But now has Cavaliere. Her motorcycle could raise suspicions. Why Cavaliere stayed behind.
But now.
"I'll take it," Noire muttered with a hand over her chest. "It is my t-vehicle. I want to use it."
She can't explain it, but a part of her wants to keep Cavaliere with her. It's a companion in a sense. She could even feel Cavaliere wanting to be with her.
While it did challenge her, she earned its trust.
"Cavaliere, let's go," Noire muttered, getting her helmet and walking outside with her lunch.
A motor started up, letting Noire know that it is ready. Glad to be used today.
After a few minutes, Noire arrived at her job. Parked her t-vehicle in the parking lot. The t-vehicle has been keeping its blades hidden. As they aren't needed.
She is inside, going through the motions of her job. Her cargo van is loaded, and ready for her.
She gave a sheepish smile at the van. "You're not Cavaliere, but for now. You'll do."
Her t-vehicle could start getting jealous at this but felt it understood. Given she has a job and Cavaliere can't haul packages. As it isn't a company vehicle.
She entered her cargo van and started it. She checked and left, leaving to deliver things for today.
Noire kept at it. Her normal routine, trying to focus on it. Her thoughts going to learn about herself. Also, would she get to see that brown-haired woman again?
She went north, could it be that she's at C-city? As C-city is in that direction. After all, she lives in K-city and S-city is where that third goddess was. By that logic, that brown-haired woman could be at C-city.
While that does narrow it down, how could she even start? How many have brown hair and blue eyes? Not to mention, could she use that t-vehicle? Even then, who knows how many karts are in C-city?
She's heard they use all kinds of vehicles. She signed.
"Things are never easy," Noire said, driving to her next stop.
After a few drops, Noire arrived at her least favorite place. Neptune Hunters.
"Let's get this over with." Noire parked and got out, they only have one today.
She found the package and got it. She walked to the building, entering it to see Histoire.
"I'm here with your package," Noire called out to the receptionist.
She could see Histoire in her normal spot. By the looks of things, just tidying some documents.
Histoire smiled with a wave after noticing her guest. "Hello, Noire. Thanks for bringing it."
Noire nodded and walked to the desk. She placed it by the blond, narrowing her eyes. She could … feel Histoire is here. But it seemed she was alone.
"Is Neptune here?" Noire asked, looking around.
Histoire raised a brow. "Neptune, she's doing a job with IF and Compa. They left a few minutes ago."
Noire winched, did she sense people? "Okay, I thought it was so quiet or something."
Histoire stared at Noire. "Okay, but things are okay? You seem off, Noire."
Noire showed the slip. "I just had a busy weekend. Nothing serious."
Histoire slowly took the slip. "If you say so."
Noire nodded and left before she could say anything else.
As for Histoire, she stared at where Noire left. Sure she doesn't know Noire that well, but it seemed something is eating the black-haired woman.
I wonder what happened to her, Histoire thought, thinking about this.
The delivery driver did have her hair untied. She has seen it in pigtails for the most part, but not like that. Making her wonder, what is going on with the black-haired woman.
Noire is driving toward her next stop, teeth clenched. How did I sense that? Great, I must be getting abilities. Is it from my near waking? I did sense that woman.
She could sense people, how does that tie in with her goddess nature? She clicked her tongue. It could be possible, that women seemed to sense things also.
"Damn," Noire cursed under her breath. This keeps getting weirder and weirder.
Before long, you know she'll be roped into something—she might already be. If her goddess side said is true. Things aren't peaceful. If only she could overlook this, and just have a normal life.
"Great, here I am," Noire growled, gripping the steering wheel hard. "Knowing what I am, finally, only to not want it! What they say is true, ignorance is bliss."
She kept driving to her next stop. After a few more stops, she arrived back at Speedy Packages, done for the day.
All the while, she's been trying to control this sense of hers. Thankfully, she learned to turn it off a bit. But it stays on, feeling like things before.
She parked and got her lunch bag. Then put away her slips for her workload. After a few minutes, she is driving Cavaliere home.
It got a little worried from being away from its master. But could find her if any trouble brews for her. As she could feel it also.
While she did get a few looks from getting a motorcycle. But they didn't pry on her having it. Which should help in keeping her secret.
She arrived at her home. She stiffened, feeling something amiss. She took off her helmet to get a good look around.
"Cavaliere, be ready," Noire ordered, slowly getting off and walking to her home.
Slowly, she entered her home. Given how small her home is, she could spot someone in there.
It surprised her when three people charged at her. Coming out of anywhere.
They didn't speak as they charged at her. Choosing instead to gang up on her. Showing they wanted to capture the black-haired woman.
Noire leaped, dropping her helmet, toward her practice sword, it wouldn't slice as a real one. It still could act as a weapon. Or give her enough time to get her combat knife.
Her right hand gripped the wooden sword. She hit an attacker with an overhead strike, which caused a grunt of pain.
Her sword chipped as one of them hit it with an expandable baton. She growled and blocked another strike from a different baton.
Noire backed to get space, hopefully from getting ganged up. The three were covered in black, making it hard to tell who they are and what sex they were. Only that they wanted her.
Great, is that what that woman talked about? Noire thought, given how they sneaked into her home. Not say anything but tried to take her.
She wasn't going to talk either, as it seems talking will do no good.
Then one attacked with a baton, with a block, more of the wooden sword chipped.
Not good, Noire growled, her practice sword wasn't that sturdy. Plus, it almost seems like one might have a syringe.
They're planning to knock her out or kill her. As she doesn't know what's in that thing. Her eyes spotted another attack.
She blocked it, and this time, her sword broke from the force. Thankfully, she didn't get hit, and her attacker backed away as she lashed with a kick.
She clicked her tongue at having her sword broken. She hopped back near the bathroom, knowing no one is there. Her senses told her, as she knew they are here.
I should have stayed out, Noire thought. Now if she could get her combat knife. It was near her bathroom.
It could turn the tide. It was then, a flash appeared in her hand, dropping the broken sword. Blinding everyone.
Noire nearly dropped the claymore that appeared, she gasped at it. Its blade is sliver, the handle blue with a hint of white.
As for the attackers, they gave gasped at seeing the sword. For it just appeared.
Noire could see one rush at her, with no choice. She acted with her new blade, not only did it hit the person, the blade sliced the neck.
Noire felt vomit come, but see the second one charging at her. Reckless as they were enraged.
With no choice, Noire dodged the attack. Her blade hit the midsection of the person, and a gurgle as she pierced the heart. Blood came out, and Noire froze. Then saw the last one, standing by the door. A gun with a silencer in their hands, ready to shoot her.
Noire only braced for the gun to go off, then an engine roared. Suddenly, the door, and wall blow from something bursting in.
"Cavaliere," Noire muttered in a daze, white as a ghost. Her sword was gone in a flash of light.
Her hands shivering from the event.
Not only did her t-vehicle break through her house. It killed that person as it landed on them, crushing the person from the weight. But her motorcycle seemed fine with its blades out.
It rumbled, knowing it helped in saving its master. It sensed the battle taking place in the home.
Noire vomited off to the side, from killing these people, even if it was in self-defense. She still killed them. Could she have done this differently?
Her internal battle stopped, at hearing a soft voice. Her eyes looked at the bodies, they could have a radio, meaning more are out there.
"Cavaliere," Noire said looking at her t-vehicle. "We need to get out here. Back up and get ready to leave."
Cavaliere went into reverse, getting out of the destroyed home.
As for Noire, she rushed to get her backpack, as she had one from her early days. It should hold some clothes and non-perishable food. Things she needed for getting out of here.
While she could call the police, the thing is. Would they help her? This group could have someone high up give them orders, if so, would the police even help her? They could lock her up, only for this group to collect her.
She is going with no one who will help her.
Noire finished pulling away the things needed and put them in the backpack. She ran out of her home, feeling someone on the way. Her eyes spotted Cavaliere by the street, waiting for her.
Noire didn't waste time, she hopped on her t-vehicle. Once there, she used the throttle. Blasting off with a roar.
She went off in the east direction, it was the closest way to get out of K-city. For now, she needed to get away. So, she'll push her motorcycle to the fastest as she could handle.
Her eyes became green, blasting toward the outer limits of the city.
(Listen to I want out by Yuki Saga)
On the streets, people could hear vehicles moving about. Then heard one over them, it sounded like a motorcycle.
Various people looked to see a white motorcycle, looking as if it glowed. With a female wearing grey clothing. Her hair looked like a cape behind her. Racing off, passing cars as she is speeding off toward somewhere.
There were gasps, wondering who this woman is. As for a few older people. They couldn't contain their shivers, that person looked like their former goddess. The way she handled that vehicle, racing off toward a place.
It was as if she returned. For that is how that goddess drove toward a place when in a hurry. She raced through the streets with her t-vehicle.
Racing as the wind with no limits.
Noire gritted her teeth, going fast as possible. Hoping not to get caught. She could tell law enforcement might be after her. Already, she going fast as on that race track. Passing vehicles to get away, thankfully able to miss them.
Cavaliere didn't mind this, for some odd reason, it loves going fast. As she wants to.
Only, her thoughts stopped at seeing the limits of the city. She could see black vehicles moving toward there, maybe going to block her. As they blocked it with two vehicles at the section.
Noire poured on the gas. "Cavaliere, get ready to jump!"
Her t-vehicle's burner roared, giving a burst of speed.
Noire did see a spot that could act as a ramp. It was an old ramp that was still there when the former goddess used it. They must have left it to help remember her. If she did this right while using it, she might jump over those vehicles. It could be the only way to get away. As they could be blocking other exits.
The black-haired woman went to the ramp. She blasted, launching into the air with a grunt.
The people that came out of the vehicles looked shocked at such a move. They watched as their target flew over them, a roar as the motorcycle's burner added thrust.
The woman landed and blasted away before they could follow. Which means, their boss won't be happy at all.
In an office, the supervisor is seething. She got a report that a group of secret ops was found in a destroyed rental home, all dead. She barely found out, only by safeguards did she find out.
Leading to why her boss wanted this person. Who was she? Looking into records of who lived there, only to be confused as they seem normal.
But a shiver came down her spine when learning about what also happened in a minute. The person has left K-city, being chased by those ops. She did get some surveillance of the person.
She paled at seeing Noire driving so fast on a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle: a t-vehicle by the looks of things.
"Is that a goddess? We just got those readings … that motorcycle could have been it. It was going to its master. Her." the supervisor couldn't speak, the pieces falling into place.
Not only was a goddess running around, but she also has her tactical vehicle. The person that was on this footage was a goddess. That was created months ago.
The other readings from the other cities are all goddesses being created. Their t-vehicles soon followed. If they couldn't be created at the same time, the goddess was created first. Then nothing could stop a t-vehicle from forming unless the goddess was killed before that.
This means all of them were still around for those t-vehicles to be created. As they are part of what a goddess owns.
"She knew," the supervisor muttered. "Somehow our ruler knew. She tried to capture that goddess. Then the rumor of the one that appeared in S-city. Could it be that they are trying to keep the goddesses from coming back?" Her eyes widened in shock.
If they could restrain a sharcite, they could stop a goddess from being created. With them erasing history. This is getting scary real fast.
"I know this might not be okay, but I need to speak to her." Her hands went to her cell phone, she is going to call another like her.
A supervisor who looks over things in C-city. She just hope that they will talk to her about this.
Soon, a female voice answered, "Hello."
"It is me," the supervisor replied. "I don't know if this is a good time, as you might be busy. But, I have an idea of what formed months ago."
The female gulp could be heard. "If this is to—"
The supervisor narrowed her eyes. "You knew it was a goddess created, didn't you?" She demanded.
A sigh came. "Yes, I thought that one was born. I … didn't want her to be found. As I've found evidence that the one in S-city was found. And by what I have seen, was nearly killed."
A shiver went down the supervisor's spine. "The rumors are true. A goddess was in S-city. Who would do such a thing? I know we've been doing fine, but to nearly kill a newly created goddess. What is going on?"
"Nothing good," the voice replied in an ice-cold tone.
The supervisor nodded, even if it can't be seen. "Then, you know who your goddess is?"
"To an extent, yes. I know who she is, thankfully. She is off the radar for now," the voice replied in relief.
The supervisor sighed while resting back in her chair. "The one here left the city. I hope she can keep safe, from all the monsters. But to think goddesses are back."
After a few minutes, the female voice on the cellphone said, "If we want to back them up. We'll need to see them, face to face if possible."
The supervisor clicked her tongue. "Are you crazy? If the rulers want them dead, then we can't just blindly walk into this."
She got a growl in response. "I know. But, I want to help this goddess. She was just born, not guilty of anything to warrant this hunt. I can't in good faith condemn her. As I want to honor our goddess who gave her life for us."
The supervisor can understand that want. As others wanted to honor their previous goddess. Make a memoir for her, but with this one that appeared. How will things go? As there could have been no telling how many had seen that black-haired woman drive a t-vehicle.
Sure they could say it was a custom motorcycle, but with a closer look. They could see it wasn't a normal one.
Her thoughts went to the previous goddess of K-city.
"I'm in," the supervisor replied heavily. "I never trusted my boss. If she is somehow keeping the goddesses from coming back. We need to know the reason, not just because they aren't needed. Because if these goddesses are here, there is more to this."
"Agreed," the voice replied. "I'll try to find the one here. As for S-city … we can hope the one who has our position will help. As you know she's…"
The supervisor sighed. "I know, she is a bit odd. But she could help, given how she loved the former goddess of S-city. As they also had people cared for her, as we did."
An agreement came from the voice and ended the call. As for the supervisor, her eyes went to the scene of Noire.
"Riding with no limits," she muttered. "Her t-vehicle to ride into battle. Sadly, it would seem fate isn't kind to you. I wish you weren't brought in with such problems. If you were called to help, goddess."
If this goddess was called, could it be that the former one was reborn? The only way to find out is by talking to her. See if that is true.
Which she will do. With the reports of monsters changing, there must be a reason for it. As her oldest memory did remember a threat that the goddesses did face if it is coming back.
The goddesses will be needed.
Noire is at an abandoned refinery. Her t-vehicle was parked by a few tanks. As they are around the area. At one time made gas here. But the reserve dried, no longer in use.
She is taking deep breaths to calm down from the rush of running away. Her eyes went back to their normal color.
Her t-vehicle by her side. Ready for any orders, given they did fight with escaping.
Noire looked at herself, still wearing her uniform. "Might as well change."
She does have a few clothes to change into. So, she got a grey shirt with jeans. She found a hidden place and changed into them.
She put her uniform in the backpack and is standing a few feet away from her t-vehicle. The backpack was placed on the ground. Her combat knife is in her hands.
"I guess this is still useable." She took it as if it could be helpful, but she got a sword, even if it isn't on her now.
Noire narrowed her eyes thinking about the sword. "I called it. That could be the weapon I can wield. A claymore."
She stepped a few feet, putting the combat knife in her back pocket. With a deep breath, she reached out.
With a flash, the same sword appeared in her right hand. Her eyes looked over it.
The blade sliver and the grip is blue with white. She gave a practice swing. Not heavy as the one in the weapon shop. But still weighed a bit.
Noire swung it in a graceful arc. A little off from the weight but can handle it. She slashed at a lower angle.
"The weapon I'm meant to wield," the black-haired woman said, holding the sword in her hands to look over it. "It is beautiful, sturdy with a fine edge."
She did want such a blade. But came the other part: learning to shoot.
"If I'm only to use a sword, why would I use guns?" Noire put down the sword. She reached out, focusing on a gun.
After a second, an M-9 Beretta appeared in her right hand. Her eyes widened. "I have a gun also."
She looked over the M-9. It had a black handle. A lite blue barrel, she tested the weight. It felt the same weight as a normal one.
"Okay, now it makes sense that I wanted to learn to use guns," Noire replied with a chuckle. It was the same as learning to use a sword.
She knew that those weapons are what she would wield.
She looked at her t-vehicle. Seeing how it could help in her battles, driving her there. But with Cavaliere, it felt as if there is more to it. As that woman's t-vehicle was a kart.
How was hers different? As the t-vehicles were said to embody the goddess who controlled them. So far, her t-vehicle is fast and mobile as a motorcycle. Made for close combat and was sturdy as it busted through a house. As a weapon for her to use.
Noire rubbed her chin. "That top button did make you do a wheelie. Maybe it is an attack."
Cavaliere revved to answer its master.
Noire sighed with a hand on her hip. "Well, I'll find out sooner or later. Now then." She stopped at feeling a presence.
Her eyes narrowed while becoming green. She looked around, feeling they aren't alone. Her gun was up and ready to shoot.
A hiss responded from a corner of the area. A Riot leaped at the invaders of its territory.
Noire jumped to the side, and Cavaliere blasted away before it could get hit. But another monster appears in front of the motorcycle.
"Cavaliere!" Noire exclaimed as that riot attacked her t-vehicle.
The riot hissed while holding the motorcycle with its hands. Nearly picking it up.
The t-vehicle rumbled at being held by this monster. It retraced its blades, then with a jerk. It popped them into the monster causing a scream of pain and loosening its grip. Then the t-vehicle backed up a few feet and rammed the monster.
The riot growled while in front of the t-vehicle. It tried to get off from being run over.
The pair blasted away from the refinery. Leaving Noire alone with the other monster.
Unknown to the group, someone was watching this from a distance in a truck.
"What the? Is that motorcycle?" a female voice asked, confused at seeing that.
"I think so," a different female voice replied. "We were called for taking out the monsters who nested here. But who would be here?"
A different voice gasped. "I don't believe it. Who would want Lonely Driver to be captured?"
The two gasped. They know who is being talked about.
"Are you sure?" the first asked.
The third showed them her cell phone, and a picture of Noire appeared. Under it has a reward for her capture.
"Okay, but we better see if anyone is in that refinery," the first one replied, she is the one driving the truck. "If a motorcycle was there, a person could still be there."
She got agreements, someone could be in there and in trouble.
Noire growled while glaring at the monster. "It never rains but pours. First, a group of people wants to capture me. Now I have damn monsters who want me for dinner."
She pointed her M-9 at the riot while keeping an eye out for more.
The riot hissed while moving to the side. A soft glow came from its eyes.
Noire's eyes respond with a glow. She growled, "Who's watching? I … feel something is using you to see me. What do you want?"
The riot narrowed its eyes, showing intellect. Then a battle cry, it charged at Noire with its talons.
Noire shot at the monster. Her shots landed on the arms, and once again vomit nearly came from the stress of fighting. But she is getting used to it. As this is life and death.
Or is her goddess side helping her? Steeling her for this fight? Nonetheless, she needed to kill this monster.
She leaped away before she could be hit. Missing the riot's talons.
The riot went into a berserk rage, from getting shot in the arms. Noire dodged the swipes with a roll, dropping her pistol. She moved toward her sword, picked it up, and with a thrust, pierced the monster's head.
The riot dropped, dead from having its brain pierced. Blood oozed from the wounds.
Noire stood up with her sword at the ready, seeing if there were any more monsters around. She did spot what looked to be eggs in a spot.
"A nest?" Noire did know that monsters can be born from eggs. Did she unknowingly find a nest?
While this isn't close to the K-city, it was close enough for monsters to get there. Sure they could just be using this place with no care. As it has been abandoned for years.
But this feels too weird. With that presence, she felt. It wasn't controlling that monster but was helping it. Along with seeing her, and knowing what she is.
"Great, is this what my goddess side knows." Noire kicked a rock from her frustration.
Her luck seems to be getting worse. She gasped at remembering Cavaliere. Is it okay?
She was about to go look for her t-vehicle. When she felt three presences, a truck rushed in. Her eyes were back to normal to see Neptune on the passenger side with two more there.
Once it stopped, Neptune hopped out looking shocked at finding Noire here.
"Why are you here, Lonely Driver?" She demanded while pointing at Noire.
Noire tensed, she might be at the place where Neptune was going. Her eyes spotted IF driving the truck.
With a lite pink-haired woman in the back seat. Her pinkish eyes looked concerned. She has a white hair clip, and what seemed to a white sweater. A pink skirt might be on her with white boots, as Noire has seen the medic wear those.
"Compa is with them," Noire muttered, they wanted to have their medic as the job could have been dangerous.
IF hopped out, staring at the black-haired woman with confusion. "Noire, what is going on?"
Noire frowned, her sword slowly getting into a ready position, not liking this. "On what?"
Neptune stepped closer, glaring with hands on her hips. "Why is there a bounty on you?"
Noire growled. "How can I answer that?"
Neptune slowly got her gun, a Walther P99. "Is this because you wouldn't join me."
Noire slapped her head. "Not because of such a stupid thing! It is much more than that." She glared back.
Neptune frowned. "Then what?"
Noire could see IF walking to the side. Even Compa slowly lowered down to protect herself.
"Are you going to take me in?" Noire didn't like this one bit.
The best thing was to get Cavaliere and run away. She can't trust this group. She could tell them what she was. However, would they believe her? Even with that, they could just take her in. When there is no telling what they want with her.
"Sorry, Noire," IF replied while pointing a USP Expert at her. "It would be better if you just come with us. Explain yourself to the cops. It is the sensible thing to do."
Neptune nodded while pointing to her Walther P99.
Noire seethed. "Fat chance! You don't know who's after me. I was attacked and nearly captured by a group that wants me. Because of who I am."
IF raised a brow. "Who you are? What are you talking about, Noire?"
Sure she can't say who Noire is, given their limited talks. But this is the right course. If they made a mistake, Noire should be cleared in no time.
Neptune slowly stepped closer, still on edge. Sure Noire has a sword, the advantage is hers. She has a gun ready to shoot.
Noire clicked her tongue. Great, now she has to deal with Neptune and IF. One against three, if she counted Compa.
A roar came from a distance, Cavaliere, Noire knows. It is letting her know it's safe. Done taking care of that monster.
The others tensed, wondering if Noire is alone. As they did see that motorcycle blasting off with something.
Noire leaped to the side, reached out, and grabbed her M-9. Once in hand, she fired a few shots over the truck.
The shots rang out, causing IF and Neptune to duck. Given how they heard and saw the gun.
Noire moved away before the group could do anything. She got behind a tank with both of her weapons, squatting to be less of a target.
She frowned with her M-9 at the ready. Okay, now if I get to Cavaliere. I can leave before anything else happens.
That seemed the best option. She doesn't like Neptune, but she didn't want to hurt the mercenary. All she has to do is meet with her t-vehicle. Thankfully, her ride can feel her.
Now if she could get an opportunity. Only to see a kick coming to her face.
Neptune winched as her kick was blocked by Noire. Thankfully, she didn't respond with her weapon. As the M-9 landed on the ground.
Noire clicked her tongue, frowning as Neptune is wearing her usual skirt. Giving her a view of the short woman's panties.
"I didn't need to see that," Noire muttered with a hint of red. She could make out the cute purple hearts on the pink panty.
Neptune gasped and hopped back, her hands on her skirt. "You pervert! Trying to see my underwear, why you." She balled her fists with cheeks burning.
Noire sweat-dropped. "Don't blame me for wearing a skirt in a fight. Unless you prepared to flash someone, Neptune."
Neptune pouted but reached for her Walther P99. She had holstered it, not thinking it was needed, until now.
Noire rushed at Neptune with a fist, she can use her sword or pistol. She wasn't going to use them. She didn't need to hurt Neptune badly to get away.
Neptune blocked the punch with her arms, winched at feeling the strength behind it. "Dang, do you work out, Lonely Driver?"
A vein throbbed on Noire's forehead. "Enough of the nickname!" She kicked Neptune's stomach.
Neptune screamed while moving back from the blow. That hurt like the dickens.
Noire watched as Neptune moved, she could follow up. But moved back to the tank, her pistol in hand and pointing to a flight of stairs. She spotted IF up there, pointing with her USP Expert.
"Can't you just let me go?" Noire said to them.
IF fired at Noire.
Noire ducked while moving back, so much for that.
IF glared at where they had Noire boxed in. As the black-haired woman is surrounded by tanks. Neptune could capture her, as it seemed she has recovered from the kick.
"Neptune, try to knock her out," IF ordered while keeping her sights on the place where Noire is.
Neptune nodded and was about to pull out her P99.
Only for a motor to roar. Soon, a white motorcycle rushed in, moving past the truck.
Compa screamed at seeing the motorcycle that they saw come in here. Also, why wasn't someone driving it?
IF's eyes widened to the limits at seeing such a thing. The motorcycle did have some blood on the front. But how is it here? With no one driving it.
The t-vehicle stopped near where its master is. It knows that she wanted to run away, so it came to help.
"Cavaliere," Noire muttered in relief, her t-vehicle came to her.
She peeked to see it was her t-vehicle. She was about to hop on, only to see Neptune hop on instead.
Neptune is now on the bike with a smirk. She pushed all the levers that could be the brakes. "You are not going anywhere, Lonely Driver."
Noire growled, that stupid mercenary just got on her … companion. How dare she do that.
Neptune felt she won. With this bike under her control, Lonely Driver could be caught. She looked at her catch.
"Wow, I didn't know you had such a thing." Neptune could see how nice it looked. She patted it still keeping a hand on the brakes.
"I wonder if we can confiscate it? I could use this. Yeah, driving with it as a badass." She smiled at thought of that.
She didn't notice a small rumble from her catch.
Cavaliere did challenge its master when it didn't need to. Knows who by right owns it. However, it can sense that its master cared for it.
Is enraged at being sat on by this human. It did expect to be sat on by others as that can happen. But this.
No, this is different. This woman dared to claim it as her own. Without getting permission from the master of her chariot. Along with threatening her.
This human will pay the price for her arrogance.
IF is near to where she could fire at Noire if needed while being careful. As Noire has a gun and could use it.
With that and outnumbering Noire, why can't IF shake the feeling they step into something big? Not only did Noire shown to be strong. This motorcycle just drove itself. It could be a feature of a custom bike.
But it didn't seem like it.
She heard a roar, as an enraged monster was attacked. It seemed to be that motorcycle.
IF growled, could Neptune be playing with that bike? "Neptune you shouldn't." She stopped at seeing Neptune desperately trying to turn off the t-vehicle she was on.
"Turn off, you darn thing," Neptune said, pressing what could be the ignition.
She couldn't understand it, why won't this thing turn off? She pressing what the ignition. But nothing to stop it from revving its motor.
Then she blasted off, screaming in terror as the motorcycle started driving around the area, kicking dust and rocks.
"What in the hell?" IF couldn't believe it.
Is that thing trying to buck Neptune off?
Neptune is holding on for dear life. This thing just started on its own. Not even turning the ignition or using the brakes stopped this demonic thing.
They are a few feet away from the truck, then she screamed at the top of her lungs.
For the t-vehicle is now doing a doughnut. As it kept trying to throw her off.
"Neptune!" Compa exclaimed while getting out of the truck. She had a P99, it was a spare in the truck. A could gun break on a job.
She wasn't sure what to do. Her boss is in danger from a crazed motorcycle. Getting the spare P99 without getting out seemed to be best thing.
She winched when a spark of blue lighting hit Neptune, causing a sequel of pain.
Neptune let go and landed on the ground. She rolled a little from the force. She stopped her roll and glared at the thing that threw her, now sitting.
She drew her P99 and pointed it at the motorcycle, thankful she didn't lose it and is ready to fire on this thing. "Are you a demonic bike?"
Cavaliere stopped and faced the human who dared to claim it. Its front blades out and revved its motor. The blades gleamed.
Neptune shallowed the lump in her throat. She faced monsters but never a thing like this.
"Hold on, Neptune," Compa said, shivering at seeing what happened. "I might stop it." She was about to shoot the t-vehicle.
She might not be the best shot. At least she could hit a vital part of this machine. Stop it from harming her boss.
Cavaliere could feel the other besides that vehicle. If that human wanted to intervene with this, she better be ready.
Compa nearly fired only to scream as the motorcycle backed up. Hitting straight for her.
She screamed when the motorcycle went back toward the truck. She jumped back into the truck, she left the door open.
Then things went weirder. For the t-vehicle did a wheelie and the back tire. It … transformed to where the tire looked like a chainsaw.
Compa covered her head and shivered once the wheel landed and started spinning. The medic could feel the whole truck shake, along with the sound of grinding metal. Then a pop as the tire got caught.
IF's eyes widened to the limit. Shocked at seeing a motorcycle do that. A few pieces of metal hit her arms. That snapped her out of it, and the woman dropped down as rubber, and metal flew all over the place.
"What in the hell is that thing?" IF can't believe this. Not only did that motorcycle drive itself. With bucking Neptune off.
It is acting as a chainsaw with that wheel. By all accounts, that can't be possible.
Cavaliere stopped its attack. The back wheel went back to normal. As for the truck, its front passenger side is ruined. The truck landed at an angle, its wheel torn to sheds. The axle might even be ruined.
Neptune glared at the t-vehicle, standing with her P99 pointed at it. She didn't get hit by the debris but is shaking from seeing this demonic motorcycle ruin their truck. "Alright, now your toast, you demonic bike."
She was about to be shoot. Only for a punch in her face to knock her down.
She groaned while seeing pretty stars.
Noire glared at the down Neptune. Since everyone was focused on Cavaliere, she rushed over to her to stop Neptune from harming her companion.
She had recovered her backpack and put away her weapons.
Her head snapped to look at IF. She knows and sensed the mercenary is still there.
IF froze at seeing Noire's eyes turn green. She knows that Noire has red eyes and no contacts. This combined with seeing that motorcycle, made it where she couldn't move as terror gripped her being.
Noire stopped looking at IF. Hopped on her t-vehicle. With one last glare, she growled to Neptune.
"Cavaliere is my companion, human! Not yours to take. Be lucky you got off so easy." She turned the throttle and blasted out there.
Compa got out of the truck, watching as the two left. She couldn't explain what just happened. Not only this motorcycle did those things.
But why did Noire speak like that? She has seen the black-haired woman before and knows she is reserved. But, why did speak as if she is different?
Her thoughts stopped at hearing groans. She gasped at seeing Neptune on the ground. "Neptune, please hold still."
Neptune didn't move, following the medic's order. Knowing that tone.
Compa went to the truck and got the first aid kit. She rushed over to Neptune and started treating her.
IF walked down, looking at where Noire left. Those eyes changing color. That motorcycle. Are those?
IF looked at the rest of her group, her eyes narrowed at seeing the dead riot. It was about a few feet from where Noire was near.
She raised her USP Expert and walked toward it, slowly. Once she didn't see any movement or signs of it being alive. She relaxed.
"Did Noire kill it?" IF muttered, seeing the wounds.
She looked at a spot and saw the eggs. She pointed her gun. Then let out a few rounds.
Compa and Neptune froze at hearing the gunshots.
"IF, what are you shooting?" Neptune asked on edge as this turned into a bad day.
IF lowered her pistol, the eggs are destroyed but is keeping an eye out. "A couple of monster eggs."
Compa gulped. "Then this was a nest."
IF nodded while pointing to the dead Riot. "Noire stumbled onto it. She killed this riot. I'm making a sweep, in encase there are more. Be ready for anything."
The two nodded.
IF started searching the place. She found two more nests. Instead of shooting them, she broke them with other means, as to save ammunition.
Sure this wasn't in the job description. But she wasn't taking the chance these monsters would be born so close to K-city.
What is going on? IF thought, rubbing her chin. From the grapevine, monsters have been changing.
Along with the nests getting closer to the cities. Which started as if they are growing their numbers while being close to attacking the city.
This doesn't brew well.
IF walked to stand by her fellow workers. "How is Neptune?"
Compa finished dressing the wounds. "Superficial wounds, but I think we need to have a doctor make sure she is fine from being shocked."
IF did see Neptune get shocked. Her eyes went to the truck. "I'll call an ambulance with a tow truck. As I can't say how bad the truck is ruined."
She got out her cell phone and started dialing. Hopefully, they won't have to wait too long for help.
Compa sighed in relief, this turned into one heck of a day.
Neptune grumbled, and here she thought that Noire wouldn't be a match for them. It would seem, they bit off more than they could chew.
Noire is racing toward C-city. Sure going to a city is risky as hell. But if she could find that brown-haired woman. Maybe, just maybe they could help each other.
That is the only thing that came to mind.
She can't trust others like Neptune's bunch. Even from work as they could just go with who is pulling the strings.
It was getting late in Neptune Hunters. Histoire got the call about what happened. She hoped everyone was okay.
Soon, IF enters looking tired. "Hello."
Histoire stood and looked over IF. "You're okay."
Neptune would stay at the hospital for the night. To make sure nothing is permanently damaged in any way. As Compa wanted to go home to rest.
So IF decided to go come back and talk to Histoire. She needs answers to what happened.
IF waved it off, she only got two scratches. "Just a few scraps. But." She looked away.
Histoire glared with hands on her hips. "IF what's wrong?"
IF didn't respond, walking to the water cooler, she got a cup of cool water. Drank it.
Histoire waited, knowing that something is bugging the woman.
IF finished and looked at Histoire, time to start. "Histoire, what do you know of goddesses?"
Histoire's eyes widened in shock. "What?"
IF folded her arms. "When we went hunting. We ran into Noire."
Histoire shivered, knowing that a bounty was placed on her.
"Thing is," IF continued, "We fought to capture her. When we did, she now has a gun and sword. Along with a motorcycle. Which might not be odd, but."
"But," Histoire drilled.
IF shivered. "The motorcycle drove itself, along with acting alive."
Histoire's jaw dropped. "Is that right?"
IF gravely nodded. "It also damaged our truck with an attack of sorts."
"That can't be right," Histoire replied with a shiver. "Nothing like that can be made. But." She rubbed her chin. "From what I know, goddesses had special vehicles. That they only can drive."
"Sounds right on the mark," IF replied with a hand on her chin.
"What do you mean?"
IF told the blond woman what happened. How they found Noire, the fight with that motorcycle.
Histoire paled. "You're not thinking that Noire is a goddess."
IF frowned with a nod. "It fits the bill. We don't know where she came from. She learned how to fight, and now is driving a vehicle that is by no means normal. Along with … her eyes changing color."
Histoire shivered. "A goddess. It fits what Noire is. She gave off an air of being a fighter. If she has a t-vehicle, then she is one."
IF shivered. "If so, why is there a bounty on her? I mean, shouldn't a new goddess be a welcomed thing?"
Histoire started pacing. IF watched as the blond paced.
Histoire stopped and looked at IF. "I don't know what to do, IF. Noire being a goddess is odd enough. But if someone wants her, who? Why this could lead to trouble."
IF sighed with hands on her hips. "Great, I don't think we should be involved. We don't know who is doing this, but … I might know why a goddess would return." She got closer to Histoire.
Histoire got closer for listening.
"You've heard about the monsters getting stronger," IF muttered.
Histoire nodded, she has heard of those rumors.
IF narrowed her eyes. "When we were at that spot, I saw a dead Riot. One that was different."
Histoire looked scared. "How different?"
IF pulled out her cell phone and showed a picture. She took one before leaving.
Histoire looked over the picture and shivered. "Is that a Riot? They aren't that big or menace-looking." She looked at IF.
IF put away the cell phone. "Noire killed it before we arrived. Also, there was a nest close to the city. Much closer than should be. Something is going on with them."
Histoire looked scared. "They are getting stronger. But how?"
IF shrugged. "I can't say for sure. But I'm going to dig with other mercenaries. They might have an idea of what is going on. As they could throw us a bone."
Histoire nodded, while they are competing. They could give information that can help.
"Okay, I'll see about anything on my end," Histoire replied.
IF nodded and walked off, she'll get some sleep and start digging.
If something is going on. She needs to find out. A storm is brewing and they need to be ready for it.
It was getting late, various people were leaving the room. This is where the share crystal for C-city is floating. A soft yellow glow, but for a second. It turned white.
One woman was watching this, by herself as everyone left and things would be fine. It's that time when everyone leaves for the day.
She looked and nodded at being alone. She clasped her hands over her chest. As she was of medium height wearing a suit.
"You're in pain," she muttered with sorrow. "You made the one who should be your owner. I'm sorry I can't do anything to help her right now. I know you've made her because something is wrong. As our former goddess's will is still in you."
She knows this sharcite was made from a piece of the destroyed crystal from years ago. It took time to remake, even if the ruler of C-city said it was her doing. While yes she did help in making it.
But also, it wanted to form again. Have a goddess come back, for a threat is still around. With something else, to do this is a sharicte. How did they do it? Someone must have told them how.
Who is this benefactor they spoke of? How does she know this? Mysteries that are tied to how things are.
It was as if someone wanted a clean slate. By erasing the history of goddesses.
The supervisor sensed that she is one of the few humans who could sense things. As a goddess. This ability could only be given in C-city, or what it is called now. As this place had magic, but that wasn't encouraged to be used.
As magic is tricky to use. But can be helpful in all sorts of ways. Which is why it isn't used as much. Leading to the current state.
"Would our goddess approve this?" the supervisor knew the answer after a second.
No, she wouldn't. She helped in wanting it to be used for the betterment of their city. Even helped when her ability appeared, as it was hard on her.
Sensing things with no control. A goddess had the ability and be more intense. But they had better control or it slowly came to them. With her, she wasn't so easy.
But the former goddess heard of her gift and helped to train it. Along with ensuring others who needed it. Spells were also taught in defending with other things.
Sadly, they are only used to grow crops, not as before. Sure it is peaceful but they need to be ready to defend themselves.
This felt as if they were open to attacks. With feeling something is watching this from the shadows.
"I'm taking a gamble on this," the supervisor muttered with a shiver. "There is no telling what the ruler will do to me. I can tell she knows about the newly born goddess. She might even kill her."
That seems possible as the one in S-city was nearly killed. She found the online posts about it, barely as they were erased.
But also, the one attacking the goddess looked familiar. She only got a hint of her, but she looked familiar. As she saw her.
But who could that be? They seemed young or is it just a trick of the angle? Either way, she wanted to help this new goddess that came to them. Who could help them?
The share crystal gave a soft glow, being white for a few seconds. As it was responding to her pleas.
It was made from the faith of a goddess's followers. Give them the power to help their people. Along with making the goddess when the need arises. As it did with the current one, for the people wanted her.
Only now, things are boiling underneath. The way it was restrained. Wasn't done by a normal person. They need detailed knowledge of a share crystal.
Along with the power used, it wasn't natural. This taint would only lead to ruin.
The only hope is that goddess. If only she would claim it, then things will be better. But, her replies only meant she won't. Choosing to be a human.
But, it would sense a chance she will. For she is trying to learn what is taking place in the shadows.
Already the thing is getting ready to attack. It will attack, as it did in the past. Which is why the goddesses are needed. They have the best chance to face it.
A/N Feel free to give feedback.