Disclaimer I don't own Hyperdimension Neptunia, or any other references made.
Chapter Six: Shaky Alliances
In a valley, various trees are around the home. Noire and Blanc are driving toward it in their t-vehicles. Both are still in their goddess's forms. Thankfully, they lost the squad hunting them with their stunt.
While things could have changed with them becoming full goddesses. That is no reason to lessen their guard.
Noire could see the modest home, a simple brown as it seemed to blend in with the trees.
"That's your place?" Noire looked at Blanc, making sure they are at the right spot.
Blanc nodded. "Yes, it is my place for now."
Noire felt the weight of what she did. Not only claiming the share crystal of K-city but with taking those lives. All she wanted was to be left alone. Find out who she was, but now.
Her life has changed with her choice. But, she felt something was wrong. Not only something was wrong with the share crystal. Wasn't only tainted but feeling something was taking a portion of it somewhere.
The two arrived, and Blanc was able to get the remote for the garage. The door opened and the two went in. It has enough space for both vehicles.
After parking inside, the two sighed while getting off their t-vehicles. The door closed with Blanc turning on the lights.
Soon, they glowed. Standing by their t-vehicles, glowing as them.
Noire looked to see her normal clothes. Her shirt and jeans, even her backpack is on her.
"Well, I'm back to normal. Normal as I can be," Noire replied, checking herself over. She seemed fine for the most part.
Blanc nodded, her white dress is back on her. She looked to see Karuta back to normal. She could feel it was resting, she raised a brow.
"I didn't think you would get tired, Karuta," Blanc said.
She got a low rumble, causing a clicked tongue.
Noire looked at her t-vehicle. Cavaliere is resting. Back to its normal form. Just quiet as it wanted to rest from the battle. She gave a smile with a nod.
"Rest my friend."
Blanc looked at her causing Noire to stiffen. Only for Blanc to motion to the door.
"Let's get inside. I want something to eat, I haven't eaten since last night," Blanc replied, walking to the door.
Noire's stomach gave a small grumble. She has only snacked, not a full meal. She followed, wanting to eat something also.
Blanc walked to her fringe. Muttering as she got out a few things. She got enough food to last a while. As she didn't know how long it would be for things to cool.
Noire looked around the place, seeing the boxes. "You just moved here?"
Blanc looked at her with a frown. "That answer is obvious. I wanted to get away before they found me. Given what happened to you, my luck would have run out."
Noire sighed with folded arms. "Noted."
Blanc got out eggs, and jam. Sshe looked at her guest. "Have any problems with eggs?"
Noire shook her head and walked over to her. "I'll help if you want."
Blanc raised a brow, a little surprised. "You can cook?"
Noire nodded with a frown. "Yes, I needed to fix food. As I don't want to live on fast food."
Blanc gave a simple order to help with the eggs. While she got the bread ready for the toast. The two worked on their simple meal.
After a few minutes, the two finished the meal at the table. Thankful to fill their stomachs in peace.
Blanc stared at her guest across the table. "Now to business."
Noire nodded and looked at her. "About what? Can you feel your crystal?"
Blanc nodded. "I can't explain the feeling, but for now. It has enough power for a while. Faith is being made, but it could be better if I … let them know about me."
Noire rubbed her head. "Same, if I expose myself. Let them know about me, share energy could be made. But at the same time. How would I even start? The people won't just openly accept a new goddess: reborn or not."
Blanc rubbed her chin. That is a good point, they could be reborn. But they are in essence new goddesses, who could not be trusted as they just appeared. Even be called fakes unless they transform. But even with that, the people won't accept a new ruler so easily.
The black-haired woman watched as Blanc thought about this. While she doesn't know her, it seems that Blanc is clever. Or book smart.
Blanc clicked her tongue. "Another problem, with the share being taken."
Noire frowned. "So, it wasn't just from K-city's sharicite then."
Blanc grunted. "It seems right. I got a feeling that share was taken from C-city. It could have been an unnoticeable amount. Consistent with a hidden connection. Over time, could be a considerable amount."
Noire shivered. "Then, you don't think a goddess is running around? I mean, I know that we were created by our prospective crystals. But if another one, besides the rumored one in S-city. Is around, then you don't think she is helping the rulers?"
Blanc gulped. "It makes sense. The rulers knew how to make a share crystal, to an extent control it. Along with this hidden connection. As that share was going somewhere they didn't want to be known. They had to have help."
While she is slowly learning about the share crystal, given she is now connected to one. She did wonder how the rulers knew about them. As they are humans, by no means could do such a thing. Unless helped.
"Then." Noire's eyes turned green. "A goddess is behind the scenes. While I am not sure what to think about being a goddess. But this one has no right to kill me. Unless for a very good reason, plus, why did she make things as they are?"
Blanc could feel her rage from these actions. She would love to pound this goddess, but right now. She has a bigger problem. "For now, we need to focus on what to do. While the share is being made, the people of C-city and K-city won't lose power. But, we have to be on guard."
Noire nodded, she knows that being connected to a share crystal is powering her. But she still is a target. As Blanc probably knows, if they die. The crystal will break, as it happened before from what she knows.
"They still will hunt us," Noire replied, her eyes going back to normal. "As they could lock us up. Or do something to keep us under control. Or worse case, kill us. We have to assume that the 'leader goddess' won't try to come after us. Finish what that squad was ordered to do."
Blanc nodded. "If only we could get allies who know about the inner workings. As this is a mess."
Noire sighed, that is a tall order. They could use a few allies. "Maybe, but who to trust?"
Blanc folded her arms. "Right, but let us get to the other thing. That woman who seemed to help keep the share crystals restrained."
Noire shook her head. "The cherry on top. Or the main problem. As it seems, that person is helping the monsters. I can't say." She rubbed her chin.
Blanc narrowed her eyes. Thinking back to her fight in that grove before leaving. Those monsters did have yellow eyes and glowed yellow. The same as that person.
"While I'm not up to assuming things," Blanc replied, tapping the table. "The evidence given is that woman is the threat we were created to face. Not the rulers or their goddess."
Noire narrowed her eyes. "I think so, in my dreams. My goddess side did say I was needed to take care of that thing. I now got a sense of it. As the rift is mended, it is not clear but there."
Blanc rubbed her chin. She also got a clear sense of the danger. So, they should know that person is a clear threat. But how does that goddess tie into it, unless?
"That goddess, she must be the fourth one," Blanc replied tightly while snapping her fingers.
Noire raised a brow. "The fourth one?"
Blanc nodded while holding up three fingers. "If you count the goddesses that have been created. There are three. From my findings, there were four before. If one survived, that could be the mysterious goddess who is running things."
Noire folded her arms. "Okay, if you're right. Why isn't she known? As goddesses were praised for helping their people. I mean, you've heard of how the one in K-city was cared for."
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "As with C-city's goddess. I've heard she was a bit quirky. But a fair ruler that used magic. Teaching others to use it. As C-city is a land with magic."
Noire is impressed that her host found that information. "How did you find that? I haven't found anything on the—my precursor goddess. Only that she was strong with making races for the people."
Blanc signed. "I had to dig hard for that information, only second-hand online information with other tidbits. Even then." She stopped and got up.
Noire stiffened and started to sense encase there is an attack. Only watch as Blanc went to a box and started digging through it. It has 'research notes' on it.
Noire got up and walked to be close to Blanc. "Give me a warning if you're going to do that. Not act as if we're about to be attacked."
Blanc's head snapped at her with a glare. "Not now, I need to look into something. Leave me alone."
Noire's brow twitched while stepping back. "Well excuse me."
Blanc grumbled but went back to searching.
Noire could comment on this but shrugged. She did see the used dishes. Well, it's not like I've got nothing else to do.
While she should have Blanc's help, it looks like the brown-haired woman will be busy. It made her wonder if she is like this.
With a sigh, the black-haired woman got the dishes together to clean.
In an office at K-city. The ruler has got reports of recent events. After feeling the pain of having the sharicite freed. Thankfully, she was able to recover. Along with finding power is still going to the city.
Only their secret line going to the benefactor was discovered. She will have to lie about it. Along with them seeing the crystal be a different color. Then a ring came.
"Nice timing," she muttered answering the call.
Soon the others appeared on her monitor.
"I see you gotten over having your share crystal taken," the leader of their group replied, her eyes glowing yellow.
Mad at what happened.
"Yes, C-Sha," the ruler of K-city replied.
C-Sha nodded, showing to be a woman of medium height. Her brown hair is loose and around her back. She is wearing a blue uniform with white around the chest. Showing a modest bosom as it is snug. On her hands are brown fingerless gloves.
"Things are bad, K-Sha," C-Sha replied to the ruler.
K-Sha nodded. She is a young woman who has long brown hair. Her sideburns are braided. She has a red headband. Her hands have tan fingerless gloves. She has a red and white suit. Her blue eyes looked at the two.
"So far, S-city has been untouched," K-Sha replied, still on edge. Knowing how tense things are.
She hasn't gotten on how the squad did, but from what happened. They failed and suffered casualties.
C-Sha folded her arms. "Roughly the squad lost about thirty-five. Given that they faced two goddesses. As for the reinforcements that were sent, they have been spared. Since the two crossed a gorge to lose them."
K-Sha tried not to smile, she is glad to hear that Noire is safe. But things have changed drastically. "So what now? Do we send more to find them?"
C-Sha shook her head. "We need to leave them alone. Until we find a way to secure them. As you know, a goddess is strong enough to break a normal prison. Along with keeping their existence a secret. As this will comprise our rule."
K-Sha nodded with a hand on her chin. "That is true. If could capture them, maybe we could have them join our side."
C-Sha's eyes lessen their glow, showing her blue eyes. "You'll get what you wanted. That is if you can win that goddess over."
K-Sha did blush a little. "Yes, but it might take time. As she was attacked and not treated nicely."
C-Sha frowned as if K-Sha was better. It was the same tactics. Only, they were going to lock up that black-haired woman. Until she broke or transformed into her goddess form. Either way, they have to focus on the problem.
She looked at the last ruler. "You better double your search on that third goddess. She might get wind of this."
"Fine, I'll do that," the last ruler replied with exasperation.
Her image vanished.
"Now then," C-Sha said looking at K-city's ruler. "We bBetter come up with a lie. As the share crystals are a different color."
K-Sha nodded, and the two started talking about what to do.
It was about after an hour at Blanc's home. Blanc finished looking into what she wanted. She was sitting at her desk.
It has some clippings she printed. Along with a few other notes, her laptop is there but closed. Thankfully, there is an internet connection at this place.
"Good, now then." She looked behind and screamed.
Noire jumped and turned to look at a blushing Blanc, causing her cheeks to burn.
"Why are you just wearing a shirt?!" Blanc pointed to her guest.
Noire covered her panties. As her shirt just reached to the waist. She took a shower, as she wanted to clean up. As the last one she had was before she escaped.
She used some of Blanc's soap. Since she thought Blanc couldn't notice her for a while, she only wore a short shirt and panties.
Her grey shirt didn't hide her modest bosom and lean stomach. Her grey panties had play-nation on them. Her black hair was damp and loose.
"I thought you wouldn't notice," a blushing Noire growled with a glare. She should have known better.
Blanc groaned with raised hands. "Okay, okay. Since we're going to be under the same roof. I'll warn you, I like to wear only a shirt to bed. Probably as you. So, we'll be seeing a bit of each other."
Noire nodded, still a bit steamed. As she was used to living alone. "Fine, but don't get any ideas! I'm not to be stared at. By woman or man."
Blanc's brow twitched. "Same with me. I can't say what I want for a relationship, but don't be staring at me so much. Or so help me, I'll kick you out. As this is my place. By right, I own it: rented or not."
Noire nearly complained but nodded. "Fine, but no taking advantage of me. Clear."
"We're on the same page," Blanc replied, but waved her over. "You might as well look at this."
Noire walked over to look, still embarrassed but going to see what this is about. She could see two reports of a battle. She bent to look at them. It did say that all four goddesses fought, but there seemed to be something different with one.
Blanc moved over to let Noire read, she didn't pay much attention to her guest's state.
"With deepest regrets," Noire read the clipping. "We regret to inform you that our three dear goddesses have died against The Madness in a battle. A memoir will be held to honor their noble sacrifice."
Noire wasn't sure about that, but she looked at another passage, saying how all four goddesses teamed up. She gasped with widened eyes.
"What in the hell?" Noire looked over the clippings. She stared at Blanc with confusion. "If this is right, one goddess survived that fight."
Blanc nodded. "Yes, that nagged me. I thought it was a typo. But if she survived, why did she go into hiding?"
Noire straightens while rubbing her chin. By all accounts, that goddess shouldn't do that. Unless.
"What did she do?" Noire questioned Blanc. "Did she bail on the fight, to help with something? Or is it a different reason?"
Blanc shrugged. "Can't say, as it seems these were buried. Maybe on purpose, this along with all knowledge of the goddesses started fading. Then a few months later, the rulers all appeared. Each one took over a city that a goddess ruled. But." Her blue eyes narrowed.
Noire folded her arms. "But."
Blanc stood and got a map close by. She pointed to the southern region, it looked to have nothing. Just plain. "This is our current map."
Noire wanted to say she knows but saw Blanc got what looked to be an older one. She looked and frowned. "That looks to be a city there."
Blanc nodded while pointing at the spot, showing the place. "Another discrepancy, I thought this was just an older map. But this is about twenty-five years old. Not that old."
Noire looked at her, shocked at how much the brown-haired woman researched. "Dang, you know how to research."
Blanc puffed her chest. "What can I say, I have a hunger for knowledge."
Noire shook her head, and here she thought. Blanc wasn't this way. Then again, she hasn't been around her host for that long. Only seeing that she was clever.
She looked at the old map, a finger on the hidden city. "Then you think that is where this goddess lives? Because this is the rumored fourth city."
Blanc nodded. "It makes sense. If she wanted to keep it a secret, why ease it?"
Noire agreed with that. But now, what to do? She could go charging there to find who is doing this. But, no.
Blanc watched as Noire placed hands on her hips.
"Let's focus on what to do with our problem of being connected to share crystals."
Blanc folded her arms and tilted her head. "You don't want to face this goddess?"
Noire narrowed her eyes. "Maybe, but our priority should be to stabilize the share-making. Or find a way to keep the peace in the cities. As I don't know the first thing of being a ruler."
Blanc only sighed in melancholy. "Nothing easy, to care for a bunch is full of challenges. To those who rule with care."
Noire raised a brow. "Is that a quirk of yours?"
Blanc frowned with a nod. "Seems like it. I do mutter as I live alone, for the most part."
"Nice to know," Noire replied, knowing this is new to her.
For the most part, she lived alone. Only Cavaliere could be counted as a companion. Which is only a few days ago.
Blanc simply turned and went to look into things. It would seem they are going to be sharing this place for now.
It is the next morning, in C-city's park. A young woman with long blue hair is there. It is in loose pigtails that have yellow clips at the ends.
Her blue eyes have a pair of pink glasses over them. She had a simple white beret. A blue shirt with a skirt along with white shoes on. She was in the middle of the park.
A statue is there with a playground close. While it was open as if to let a vehicle drive through. There are safety measures.
"It is time, I hope to see you again," Mina muttered at the statue.
It was of the previous goddess. This was made because her people wanted it before she died. And no one wanted to take it down. As they wanted to honor her.
Mina thought of what she is about to do. The talk with Kei, finding the new goddess. While she has pictures of her, a part of her wanted to see if it was the old one.
As she heard, a goddess could be reborn. Maybe, she is the former goddess. Who helped her in the past at this park.
The reason why she's off around this time is when she was helped. When her power awakened, it was so hard for her. Feeling things, overloaded her at times.
But thanks to the goddess, she was helped. Learned to control it. She looked at the city, feeling the taint gone.
"How long has this been going on?" She muttered, a hand over her chest.
She wasn't alone in feeling this. As others seem at odds with C-sha. She did help in fixing the vacuum caused by losing their goddess. But to erase history, taking measures to make no new goddess be born. Giving power to an unknown person.
What is going on? Certain things don't need to be known, this is different.
Mina looked at her cell phone. It was near time to meet with Kei. She gave one last look at the statue.
"Time to see the new goddess," Mina said, walking away.
While she wasn't sure where the goddess is at. The best guess is in the county of C-city. As there are some homes in the area. She did narrow it down, as two or three were rented a few days ago. The goddess could be there.
She hoped her tweaking would keep that secret for a while. They need to find them.
At Blanc's rental home. Noire was sleeping in the spare bedroom, thankfully, she got to sleep. The bed was nice. She opened her eyes.
She sat up with a stretch. At least she didn't worry about breaking in.
She could feel Cavaliere is much better with her. They both needed to rest from the battle. She walked out of the room, to see Blanc eating at the table.
She seemed to wear a long shirt, that oddly said 'fear me for I'm a reader', on it.
Thankfully, she is wearing a long black shirt. Helping to keep her modesty. She learned a little.
Blanc looked at her roommate. "Morning, I guess."
Noire shrugged, seeing the brown-haired woman eating cereal. While it seems Blanc likes to eat or has a healthy appetite. Still, it looks like she is taking notes in a notebook close to her.
"Morning, Blanc," Noire said slowly, walking to get her a bowl.
Blanc watched her, causing a winch.
Noire looked at her with narrowed eyes. "I thought no staring at each other."
Blanc sighed. "Right it's just, you still get hungry?"
Noire put her hands on her hips. "Yes, I do. Along with getting tired."
Blanc rubbed her chin while looking at her notepad. "No changes on our physical bodies. We still need food, and rest as what I found out." She took a quick note in her notepad.
Noire groaned, it would seem, Blanc does have her quirks. Given from seeing the note-taking. Well, it wasn't that annoying.
She got a bowl of cereal, sat at the table, and started eating. Both are silently eating.
After a few minutes, the two went their own way. Blanc stretched out by her desk. Her laptop fired up. While she should get dressed, as she is wearing a nightshirt. She didn't feel the need to change.
As she wanted to be comfortable after the events, and she thought it is fine. She clicked her tongue, knowing that she wasn't alone. But it seemed Noire is keeping to herself. As she looked at though a box, where her books are at.
"You're going to read?" Blanc asked while tilting her head.
"A bit," Noire replied, getting a book. "I want to see if there is something to read."
Blanc only nodded, she can understand that. So, let her read what she wanted. With that, she got to work on her laptop.
Time passed for the brown-haired woman. She checked the news if any blips happened. No power outages. So, her feeling that the crystal will keep giving power to C-city was correct.
"Glad to confirm that," Blanc replied with a smile.
She stiffened a little, feeling that Noire has transformed. She looked around to see the black-haired woman is gone. She could be outside. While she hasn't sensed anybody close, it did get her curious. So, she'll go see what is going on.
She put on her sandals, walked to the door, and got outside. Not too worried as long as it is only her and Noire around. Near a shaded spot, she could see Noire in her goddess form.
The white-haired woman is swinging her claymore. The blade looked bigger with her transformation. Still, it has a silver blade with the guard black and blue. She stepped closer.
Noire gave a glance at Blanc but kept swinging her claymore up and down. Getting a sense of the weight with building strength for it. As she did that with her practice sword.
"Practicing," Blanc commented when close enough.
Noire nodded. "One of the fundaments of using a sword. Get familiar with its weight. I can wield it, but I want to master it. With … Cavaliere."
Blanc raised a brow, a little lost. "What?"
Noire prompted her sword on a tree. Her t-vehicle came to her, as it was close. Knowing its master wanted it here.
She walked over and press the top and bottom buttons. With a click, the t-vehicle was in its weapon mode.
Blanc gulped at seeing the motorcycle have two massive chainsaws. She did see that it was during the fight, but only in its motorcycle form.
"What kind of crazy t-vehicle do you have?" Blanc replied shakily, seeing how deadly those chainsaws looked.
Noire narrowed her eyes while looking at Blanc. "One that embodied me. I know it is a bit odd but isn't yours different?"
Blanc could feel her defensive nature coming, as Karuta might not transform as Cavaliere. But the kart is still different with its weapons.
Blanc took a breath to calm down, no point in getting into a frenzy. "Right, I should have remembered. Each t-vehicle is different. I have a kart that has weapons, odd looking, but still powerful. As yours is close combat with a weapon mode. By all accounts, they are strong."
Noire let her anger cool. As for her t-vehicle, she'll go ahead and train with it. So, she picked one part to get a feel for it. She narrowed her eyes, while she could pick it up. The best way to use it is side slashes. As they would work with the chainsaw, and if needed, get an enemy behind her.
Blanc watched as Noire worked on her attacks, hearing the chainsaws move. She could feel her t-vehicle calling her, asking if it wanted to train with her.
Blanc smiled a little, Karuta is still competitive. But, that would be the best to do now. Get a feel for her goddess form. Along with seeing how Karuta is when transformed.
She walked off to a different spot, as it felt strange to be close to another. She arrived at a place with spaced trees. Helping to keep the sun off her.
Soon, her t-vehicle drove to her. While she might not drive, she wanted to check over it. With a flash, Blanc is in her goddess form.
She looked over herself. While she had never worn a skin suit before, it didn't feel weird. As if she knew about this. She looks at Karuta, but it hasn't changed much. She could feel its power of it and noticing the shells are upgraded.
"Well, they do come in handy," Blanc replied, sure it was strange to use shells as missiles. But, it seems natural when using Karuta. "Might tie into my birthplace."
While it doesn't seem like it, she was created in C-city. A place where magic is, as the previous goddess used magic. So, by that logic, she should use it also.
She reached out and got her axe. It was white with a blue edge, and an orange tip on the bottom. She gave it a few practice swings. It is heavier than her hammer. But her strength has increased, she gave a command.
It turned blue. She hit a tree, she gasped when the tree was encased in ice. "Dang, I knew that it could do fire. But ice, what am I? A dual type?"
Her axe went back to white. She placed it on the ground. Her Desert Eagle appeared. It still seemed normal, well normal as can be with those buttons. She knows they are bullets it can use.
While she wanted to test them, it would be best in a place where it is safer. As they can't shoot their guns unless they risk being found. As they are searching for them. Still, she can use magic. Only in a different form.
Blanc put away her Desert Eagle, rubbing her chin. "We both have pistols and melee weapons. From what I could tell, Noire is focused on speed, as she and t-vehicle favors speed. We might not be that fast."
A rumble came from Karuta from that comment. Blanc frowned while looking at her t-vehicle. "That remains to be seen, Karuta. You can test yourself against Cavailere down the road."
The t-vehicle rumbled its agreement on that.
Blanc signed while looking off in the distance. Here she is, in hiding, with a stranger. She didn't think her life would take this turn. Just thought she lost her memories, as she was an adult woman. Only to discover she's a goddess. Born to face a threat.
It felt as if the weight of the world is on her shoulders. Slowly, she got her axe and started practicing with it. Either way, if she faces the rulers or that woman with yellow eyes. It would be best to prepare for the worst.
Hours later, on a dirt road in the countryside of C-city. Kei is driving her SUV to the highway. Sure she has a car but felt this type of vehicle is needed. Not alone, as Mina is in the passage seat. Looking over a map on her cell phone.
They've checked one house. It seems empty, with no signs of it being used. While they could knock, they didn't. Seeing as they are looking for the goddesses.
Kei signed. "This could take too long."
Mina shook her head. "I know, but you have to give her credit. She must have noticed that she would be hunted. After all, I did find signs her home was found. But by the time they raided it, she left. She must have moved to a new place."
Kei is tapping the steering wheel. "I wonder what triggered that? I mean, you think she meets someone?"
Mina rubbed her chin, from what she could tell. The new goddess of C-city stuck to herself. Even she wasn't sure she was one, only a person who appeared months ago. Worked from home, which isn't odd as others do that. But the thing that changed was, she has no prior history.
"You think," Mina replied, thinking about something. "It was possible she meet up with your goddess?"
Kei narrowed her eyes. "What makes you say that?"
Mina shrugged. "Well, goddesses can go anywhere they want. She could've been looking into finding her origins?"
Kei could see the logic of that. "You have a point. As we don't have a way to track them, unless like a normal person. As I found a paper trail with the one in K-city, as you did yours. If they did meet, along with you saying a squad found them.
"During that time, both our share crystals changed. Which backs that they claimed them at the same time. They may have seen each other."
Mina nodded. "They could have sensed each other, not knowing what they are. Leading to at least knowing each other."
Kei shivered at that. "If so, you don't think they got off on the wrong foot. I mean, we know that our previous goddesses were leery of each other. And if one sees each other in their territory—if that could be applied—they could be hostile."
Mina did gulp at that. While they didn't know what they were at the time, they could be hostile. As they have instincts. With having the sense to be battle ready. While they aren't that strong in their human form, still, they are formable.
With their chariots to back them up. As any t-vehicle is a formidable thing to face, for it is loyal to its goddess. Only letting who they let ride them. Their goddess is the prime candidate. She did remember her previous goddess's t-vehicle was testy. It only let her use it.
They had to stay a few feet away from it. As it would rev its motor or get ready to book. That t-vehicle was a scary thing, and she was a follower. She hate to see what that thing did on the battlefield, as she heard it was a terror.
"Well, at least," Kei broke the silence. "There aren't that many homes out here."
Mina nodded, while things have been peaceful. There is still the threat of monsters. And with the recent events, it was more dangerous for people to live out here.
"Think we should turn back?" Mina offered, while they could keep going. It was getting dark, which might make things harder for them.
Kei growled. "I don't want to, as time is against us in so many ways. We need to find them. Talk to them, share information, that is vial."
Mina sees the point, but if only they find a clue. Something to help them find the goddesses.
On the highway that is deserted, one that will serve their purpose. The t-vehicles of both goddesses are there. Each is ready to race, thankfully, their masters are resting right now. They did train with them.
But they don't require much rest as they do. Letting them to … sneaking out. Sure they might get into trouble but made sure no one would be around. Not a soul for miles, with no monsters. As they do keep a lookout for that with their masters getting attuned if an attack came.
Karuta was beside Cavaliere, both have given the rules on this race. No weapons, no boosting, only using their normal means to race.
Cavaliere is ready to race, it couldn't wait to. As it was challenged by the kart, and now. It has a chance to show that kart what it could do.
Karuta waited for the signal. While not as loud as the motorcycle, nonetheless, its motor had a strong purr to it. After a few seconds, the two took off. The sound of tires squalled, as with the smell of burnt rubber.
Both going at speeds beyond thought possible. Maybe even faster than when they are used by their masters.
At first, Karuta is ahead by a few inches, but Cavaliere slowly gained. An old sign was the maker. After a few seconds, Cavaliere passed the kart by a few inches while passing the old sign.
Cavaliere moved to the side and did a donut. It won over that kart.
As for Karuta, it stopped to the side, seemly pouting at losing. While it could call this even, it knew that it was one to zero, not counting the first time they meet. As they agreed it wasn't a race, and the circumstances were different.
Karuta was about to offer another race, it spotted a vehicle approaching. Instantly, the two t-vehicles parked at a spot off-road. There is a dirt road that leads to where a person could be. Both turned off their motors, to look normal.
Cavaliere had its blades hidden, as they weren't needed for the race. Along with Karuta looking normal, they both had experience blending as normal vehicles.
Plus, they don't need to endanger their masters.
They spot a black SUV going past them, seemly going somewhere. But it suddenly stopped, then it backed up and parked on the side of the highway.
That made them nervous. As they could've been found.
Kei had parked her SUV, looking at the two vehicles parked on the side of the road. Sure they could see a path leading to a place where the vehicle owners are parked. But that motorcycle looks familiar.
"Kei, you don't think that those are their t-vehicles?" Mina could feel those vehicles are different, it may be faint, but she felt something.
Kei narrowed her eyes with a nod. "The K-city goddess did drive a white motorcycle. While I didn't get a good look, that one looks like it."
Mina could see how they would look similar. Along with that kart, she has heard C-city's goddess has a kart. It wasn't concrete, but if she has a kart for a t-vehicle. That may be hers.
"So what now?" Mina looked at Kei.
Kei is thinking, they could leave and try to follow those vehicles. That is if the t-vehicles leave as no telling how long they would stay there. No, if they are spotted, there is no telling what the vehicles would do. As they are a goddess's t-vehicle.
Which means, they could fight.
"I think we try talking to them," Kei replied, trying to keep her nerves down.
Mina shallowed. "Well, they could lead us to the goddesses, but." It was risky, as no telling how the vehicles would react.
Kei nodded in understanding. If they slipped up, no telling what would happen. But.
"Let's go, we're wasting time." Kei unbuckled her seatbelt and got out.
Mina followed, not sure if they are making the right decision. But time isn't their friend right now.
Cavaliere could see two humans walk toward them. Not good. As it seems they aren't going to leave. It could feel Karuta on edge. It did tell the kart about what happened before meeting up with them.
It even got enraged at hearing how a human wanted to claim it. Without its master's permission, a capital offense to any t-vehicle. They know the way back to their hiding place. They could lose them.
The two women are a few feet away from the t-vehicles. Kei was dressed in a pair of grey slacks and a shirt.
Kei stepped closer to the motorcycle. While it seem dormant, she got the feeling it was watching her. She looked at Mina. "You think we need to touch them to respond?"
Mina was about to reply only for two engines to roar. Instantly, the two t-vehicles are running and backed away.
Kei stepped back in fright. As Mina stiffened at how fast the two vehicles awoke and moved. It would seem they got the right ones.
Kei shallowed the lump in her throat at seeing the motorcycle having two blades out in front of it. The kart didn't have blades, but it has a green shell in front of it.
That must be a missile of sorts. As she heard a t-vehicle can have odd armaments.
"I think you irritated them," Mina commented dryly. Standing close to Kei frowning. She should have known better.
Kei glared at her. "You think!"
Mina looked at the two t-vehicles, they seemed on edge. Given if they were in a fight. They would be leery of anyone. Regardless of anything, they needed their help. "I'll try talking to them."
Kei could rebuke that, but this is the best option. "Okay, but be careful. We don't know if they will listen."
Mina nodded and took a step forward. Slowly so as not to make things worse. As it would seem, Kei said the wrong thing.
The two t-vehicles watched as the blue-haired woman stepped closer. Both are ready to book. Only for the next thing to be said to stop them.
Mina stopped and respectfully bowed at them. "I greet you, noble chariots of a goddess. I humbly ask that we are granted an audience with your most noble masters."
Kei's brow twitched. "What kind of request is that?"
Mina gave a nervous laugh. "Well, it was what our former goddess wanted us to say to her t-vehicle."
Kei rubbed her aching head. She forget how that goddess was, she wanted to be treated as royalty. Given she was a ruler, only … she was used to their goddess. She wasn't that fancy. Sure she could be diplomatic but was an upfront person.
Wanting to get to the point.
As for the vehicles, they are lost. They could lose these two humans, but from what this woman said. It seems they want to help. Which is what they need right now.
They made a decision, one will land them in hot water with their masters. But, they need all the help they can get.
Kei watched the two t-vehicles. They could attack or leave now, which is bad. They wanted to help the goddesses, but if they don't let those vehicles know. They'll be back to square one.
Cavaliere retracted its blades with Karuta's shell vanishing. Slowly, the two moved in a direction. They gave a rumble.
"I think," Mina replied, glad that they aren't being attacked. "They want us to follow them."
Kei narrowed her eyes. While they could be led to a trap, if so. It would make more sense for them to drive off. Or attack.
"We'll try to keep up," Kei called out to the two. "I know 'your masters' are in hot water. So, we'll try to go fast as we can to help in hiding them."
A rumble came. As it seemed they agreed. The two humans rushed back into their SUV and followed the two on the highway.
The t-vehicles kept a hectic pace, but to where they could be followed.
Kei grinned nervously. "Here we are, following a pair of t-vehicles. I'm glad they are helping, still, they are surprisingly fast."
Mina nodded, thankfully the two t-vehicles aren't going that fast. But still, they could outrun them. As their vehicle isn't equipped to go fast as a specialized one. Along with what possible weapons those t-vehicles have.
She won't deny they aren't powerful.
Soon, they arrived at a valley. Trees around a home. All driving on a dirt road.
Mina narrowed her eyes. "So, they are at this place."
Kei nodded, she knew this one was the most secretive home of the bunch. They arrived at the front entrance of the home and saw two women outside. Both with folded arms.
The outside lights are on to see around the property. As it was starting to get dark.
The two t-vehicles parked by them: their masters. Kei parked close and killed the SUV. She looked at the black-haired woman.
She is wearing a grey shirt with jeans. Her black hair is in pigtails with blue ribbons. While she hasn't seen this person in the flesh, she knows this is the goddess that escaped K-city.
Mina did notice the black-haired woman. But her attention is on the brown-haired woman. She is wearing a white dress that has blue. Her blue eyes looked cold.
"Here we go," Kei muttered.
Mina nodded, and the two got out.
Blanc growled and glared at her t-vehicle. "You had to lead them here, young … kart. I thought you should've known how dangerous that is." Her eyes turned red.
She and Noire got the call from their t-vehicles that they were bringing company. They did let them know they spoke to them, it could be a trap.
She is going to have a talk with Karuta about this later. As they have guests.
Mina could see and feel that rage. Along with seeing how that brown-haired woman's eyes changed color.
Noire glared at Cavilere. Her t-vehicle let them know about bringing company. She didn't speak but her t-vehicle knows how mad she is. But, her gaze went back to the two.
"So," Noire replied with hands on her hips. "Who are you?"
Kei steps forward with a hand over her chest. "I'm Kei Jinguuji. You might have heard of me."
Noire gasped and growled, she nearly pulled out her claymore. "Your Kei, supervisor of K-city's information network. Some would even say, the right hand of ruler K-Sha."
Kei nodded, making no reason to deny that.
Blanc frowned and looked at Mina, causing a stiffening. "Then that would make you Mina Nishizawa. Supervisor of C-city's works. Who almost works with C-Sha, gathering information. Someone, I didn't want to meet now."
Mina could feel the hairs on her neck raise, the brown-haired woman could use magic. No, she does as she is C-city's goddess. By that alone, she should use it.
"I know, honorable goddess," Mina replied softly with a bow. "But we want to help you."
Blanc raised a brow at the wording. "You sound as if you had experience with talking to a goddess."
Mina nodded with a hand over her heart. "Correct, our previous goddess helped me. As I was … gifted."
Blanc widened her eyes. "You can sense things, can't you."
Kei gasped, sure she didn't know about Mina personally. They are only colleagues. But from that reply, it makes sense. Mina seemed to feel things differently.
Mina gulped, she didn't want that to be known. As it was a sensitive matter. "Yes, I can sense things. Not as strong as you. But, I can."
Noire watched this quietly. Not sure how to comment on that, but now.
Kei winched a bit at seeing Noire look at her with green eyes, her goddess's eyes.
"Why did you want to find us, Kei?" Noire demanded.
Kei blinked. "To help you."
Noire clicked her tongue. "Why should I believe you?"
Blanc frowned but could understand that logic. She stared at Mina. "Is that why you are with Kei? To help us?"
Mina nodded. "I know you have every right not to trust us. As you fought."
Blanc growled, so they know that. "So you knew about that squad who found us and forced us to fight back. Give me a reason to trust you."
Mina knows how tense things are. While the goddesses don't seem strong, she knows how powerful they are.
Blanc watched as Mina pull out a flash drive. She offered it to her.
"This is a record of our precious goddess with information on the others. I saved them before they were erased."
Blanc took it but was on edge. "How? They were erased over the years."
Mina nodded, knowing that happened. "My parents and I wanted to keep a record of the goddesses. As I wanted to remember her."
Kei showed her folder. "This is sloppy, but it has information on the previous goddess of K-city. You can look over it."
Noire didn't take it but nodded in a direction. She walked that way, clearly wanting to talk to Blanc, alone.
Blanc nearly grumbled as it seems Noire is becoming the leader of the two. But, at least she wanted to talk this over. She looked at the two t-vehicles.
"I can't order Cavaliere, but Karuta." Her eyes turned cold. "Keep an eye on them, let me know if they pull anything. We can't take any risks with them."
Karuta rumbled its consent. As with Cavaliere. Sure it wasn't going to follow another goddess's orders unless needed. As it could feel its master wanted it to watch the two they brought.
She isn't pleased with the situation.
Once far away to not be heard, Noire folded her arms and looked at Blanc. Both of their eyes turned back to normal.
"So, what now?"
Blanc rubbed her head. "While I'm leery as hell to talk to them. Given who they are, but the potential gains are too good."
Noire nodded, Kei is good at collecting information. From what she's heard, she wanted to learn who is running K-city. Possibly seeing they could help her learn who she is.
Even Mina might be as good.
Noire rubbed her chin at a thought came. "You don't think that Mina, helped you."
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "What?"
Noire paced around. "Sure I was found easy, or it was delayed because of reasons. But you don't think that Mina might have known about you?"
Blanc tapped her chin. She never thought of that. Given she was focused on finding out who is. But, there were signs that someone was hiding her. She could have found who that was. But she focused on her research.
"You could be right, Noire," Blanc replied. "I did find traces of someone keeping my information hidden. Not to where I couldn't buy things but was a bit troublesome on things."
Noire stopped and place her hands on her hips. "While I haven't those problems, still, if Kei was searching for me. I wouldn't have been free as I was. As it is rumored Kei is very good at collecting information and finding people."
Blanc nodded, the fact is they found them. Maybe by accident, given their t-vehicles screwed up. But, it was clear they were looking for them. Mina is close to that, from what she found.
And if she can sense things, it made it difficult to lose them. But, if they could get their help. Maybe learn if they are reborn, as the two seemed to know about the previous goddesses.
Noire watched as Blanc thought about what to do. She could just make this decision on her own, but she isn't alone in this. And, she is slowly having respect for Blanc.
The brown-haired woman is reserved and seems chatty when an idea comes to her. With researching and reading any time when the mood hits her. But, the brown-haired woman is clever and knows her stuff.
Blanc looked at Noire. "I'm going with working with them. Trust will come later, but we'll share information. As that seems to be the best thing."
Noire nodded in agreement. "Okay, we'll work with them. They could even help us with keeping the current system as is."
Blanc clicked her tongue. "That could be wishful thinking, Noire."
Noire frowned. "Why?"
Blanc held up a finger. "For one, the rulers have following orders from a goddess. One that is hidden, sure she might have good reasons for doing that. But, they've tried to kill us. Along with turning the other cities into production factories. While I don't want to be a ruler. We have to face that we might have to take the reins. As…" She looked away, clearly, something is bugging her.
"Blanc, what's got you concerned?" Noire didn't like this, as she noticed that Blanc closed herself when thinking.
Blanc looked to the sky. "If the rulers are human, where did they get to power to control a share crystal as they've done?"
Noire froze. That question is scary. From what she knows, it wasn't possible. Sure she could give power to a city with herself. Even control the share crystal to go to a lockdown, only giving power to her if things become bad.
But no giving such control to a person.
"But could…" Noire couldn't speak as that didn't seem possible.
Blanc's eyes turned red while looking at her. "Correct, we goddesses don't have that power. We control the share once in a crystal and give that power to our followers. Not turn some human into a demi-goddess. As we both know, the rulers aren't normal."
Noire shallowed the lump in the throat. That is true, she heard that the rulers can fight. As good as a goddess, but still human. Once she claimed the sharcitie, she broke that control. Freeing the crystal from being in pain, as it was restrained to them.
Because it wanted to be controlled by a real goddess. Not some imposter that is being used by something else.
"Where did this goddess get that power?" Noire asked.
Blanc growled. "Where do you think."
Noire gasped. "You can't be serious." Blanc only nodded.
Noire knows what the brown-haired woman is talking about. That woman who taunted them in their dreams. The one who seemed to be helping the monsters, by all accounts. It could fit into the mix.
After all, monsters are strong, fast, and now. Are becoming a bigger threat. As they are changing, evolving into more dangerous forms.
Blanc paced to the side. "From what I've found, this Blackest Horror has been around for decades. Possibly what created the first goddesses, and I'm not talking about the ones who ruled twenty years ago."
Noire looked at Blanc, shocked at this. She did hear rumors of that threat, but wasn't it defeated? No, if one goddess who survived that fight is still around.
"That goddess is preparing to face it," Noire stated.
Blanc stopped with a nod. "It makes sense if you think about it. We were created because of a threat. The cities are factories making weapons, components, and an over abundance of food. While I haven't seen any grand army.
"It wouldn't take much to combine the current cities' armies into one. Giving them that stuff, or a stronghold somewhere that will be the front line. She has been preparing for it."
Noire should deny this crazy plan, but it seems to fit. The mercenaries are still around, they could be drafted into the armed forces. As they have experience fighting monsters.
"Than," Noire replied. "Is that why magic isn't used as much in C-city?"
Blanc raised a brow with her eyes back to normal. "How do you know about that?"
Noire frowned with hands on her hips. "Please, I've read about it in a library with your books. Magic is powerful, but has its limitations. As it has to be a person, can't be passed even when using a magic bullet. As it is bound to the person. By all accounts, it is a bit unusable to an army."
Blanc gave a small smile. "Good, you learn. Then again, you're geared more toward training. Back to the topic, yes. Plus, the last goddess of C-city seemed to have a hand in it. It could be possible with her death. Magic was slowly dying in C-city. When she was created, it appeared as she was a magic user."
Noire rubbed her chin, she knows that magic could still be in C-city. But if it was slowly dying, it couldn't be used anymore. Unless.
Blanc stiffened a little when Noire pointed at her.
"Could it be possible with your birth? Magic might be restored, Blanc?"
Blanc folded her arms. "It is possible. I can use magic. Only, I don't know the limits of my abilities. But if I'm a magic user, it could be possible that magic will come back. Still." She shook her head.
"We can't get to distracted. We need to talk to our guests and start learning our next move. As this goddess won't sit on the sidelines. She could make another move toward us."
"Agreed," Noire replied with a nod. "Hopefully, they will help."
Blanc only walked back to where Kei and Mina should be. Noire followed quietly.
Soon, the two are back to see Kei and Mina staying put. Both are on edge as the t-vehicles watched them.
Kei waited for what the goddesses would do.
Blanc waved at them to go to the house. "You better come inside. We have much to talk about."
Kei nodded while Mina sighed in relief.
"Thank you," Mina replied with glee.
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "While we are going to listen to you. We won't trust you off the bat. This is a mutual partnership, okay."
Kei nodded in understanding. "That will be fine, trust can come later. We have problems that need solving. As we have questions of our own."
Mina looked at Kei, a little shocked. "Kei?"
Kei looked at her calmly. "Look, I know you want to be buddy with them. As I would like. But we have to be calm about this. These goddesses have been hunted, for no reason besides someone wanting them out of the picture.
"For now, we are mutual partners in this endeavor," Kei replied calmly. Walking toward the house.
Mina nodded in understanding, the main thing is. They share information and plan what to do.
After a few minutes, everyone is sitting on what they could find in the living room.
"Okay," Noire started speaking. "Where do we start?" She looked at the group.
Kei cleared her throat, bringing everyone's attention.
Noire nodded while Blanc folded her arms, both looking at the supervisor.
"The first order of business," Kei replied formally. "Are you two going hog the share crystal in any city?"
Mina winched at the question but didn't say anything. As this was a big deal. As many rely on that power.
"So far," Blanc said. "We know that we're connected to them. If we die, they will break. As before twenty years ago. But to answer the question, we don't want to go that route. Unless it becomes dire."
Kei narrowed her eyes while looking at Noire. "Is that the same for you?"
Noire nodded her answer.
"For now, I'll take that as good news," Kei said in relief.
Mina relaxed a little, glad that these two seem reasonable.
"Now then," Noire spoke tightly. "Do you two know anything about the hidden connection going to a city?"
Mina didn't gasp at being asked that. A goddess could find that information. She shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but we were in the dark about it."
Blanc clicked her tongue. "Smooth one, have a human ruler do your work."
Mina raised a brow. "Pardon me, but who are you talking about?"
Blanc stared at the blue-haired woman.
"I think she means," Kei broke the silence. "This goddess that is rumored to be around, not the one that was attacked in S-city."
Mina slowly nodded. "Of course, that unknown goddess. By all accounts, you don't think it was a newer one?"
Blanc clicked her tongue. "You're asking the wrong person. I can't say if she is newer, but you have to look at what we know." She held up a finger. "The sharicites of the cities were made by humans when they shouldn't know how to. Sure the crystals did take advantage of that, as they wanted … to come back."
Kei and Mina gasped, they didn't think about that. They only went with the explanation that the rulers could make them.
"So in an odd way," Kei replied while rubbing her chin. "The two worked together, but they became at odds. As the crystals probably wanted to." She looked at the two goddesses before her. "Create new goddesses, as before."
Blanc nodded. "Correct, but before a goddess could be born, made as such. Something was placed in, holding back the sharicite from doing that. My best guess, it tried to form both a goddess and her t-vehicle. But couldn't."
Mina thought about it, she did see some records that the share crystal acted strange about ten years ago. Could that have been when it was trying to create a goddess?
"So, they were blocked all this time," Mina muttered, rubbing her chin.
Kei nodded. "Makes sense, if they could restrain that part. No goddess would be created, but." She looked at the two before her. "If a goddess was created first. Her t-vehicle would follow. As nothing would stop it unless the goddess was killed before then."
Noire frowned. "Right, as I was … born on the outskirts of K-city. Only knowing my name and that the city needed me. Then months later, Cavaliere formed and came to me. In a sense, completing me."
Blanc nodded. "The same with me. I was born months ago, knowing that C-city needed me. Then, Karuta came to me. While it was a strange thing, I felt it was made for me, and only me."
Noire smiled a little. "I got that feeling. Once I meet Cavaliere, it was as if it was made for me."
Mina placed a hand over her heart. "My chariot to fight by my side. While different, it is my most loyal companion."
Blanc raised a brow. "Where did you hear that?"
Mina looked at her and decided to test this goddess. Sure it might not be the right time, but she needed to know.
"It was at a hospital, the previous goddess said those words to me. They were about her t-vehicle," Mina replied.
Blanc tilted her head. "I guess she had free time to visit you there. I can't say what schedule she had."
Kei caught Mina looking away before she said that. Is she?
While they shouldn't be doing this. Still, it was time to answer a question.
"What do you think of the races that happen before with the preceding goddess of K-city?" she asked Noire.
Noire raised a brow. "I can't say. As I only found she wanted to be free as the wind."
Kei narrowed her eyes.
Blanc caught that, and she cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. Once she got it, she glared at the two humans.
"What test are you doing?"
Noire stiffened but recovered and glared at them.
Kei was a bit surprised but glad. As it would seem the brown-haired woman is observant. As is the black-haired one, not as much. But could pick up hints.
"To see if," Mina spoke. "You have been reborn."
Blanc looked at her with understanding. "That has been nagging me. I can't tell if I was reborn."
"None of you had any memories come back?" Kei asked calmly.
Noire shrugged with Blanc shaking her head.
Mina decided to ask another important question. "What are your names?"
Blanc placed a hand on her chest. "I'm Blanc."
Noire raised a hand. "Noire."
The two goddesses looked confused when Kei and Mina raised their brows.
"What's wrong?" Noire asked, hoping to get an answer.
Kei cleared her throat. "Sorry, but what Mina meant is your goddess's name. As that is what your followers called you. As being called your human names is odd for us."
Mina nodded in agreement, that rule was carried by all the people who were under the rule of a goddess. No matter where they lived.
Blanc was lost but felt it came to her. Causing a smile. "Well, that is why my name means white."
Noire gave a nod, her goddess name came to her.
"So, what do we call you?" Kei asked politely.
Noire looked at her and replied, "It is Black Heart."
"As mine is White Heart," Blanc spoke in a soft voice.
Mina gave a sad smile. "That seals it. The previous goddess of C-city is gone. You are a new one."
Kei gave a sober nod. "Their names are different, close to the color they had. But different."
Blanc felt a sense of relief. As she couldn't but be anxious that she was a goddess reborn. But to find out that she's new, did bring joy to her.
"I'm a newly born goddess. Not just an ancient being," Blanc muttered.
Noire gave a small smile, so she wasn't a reborn goddess. But a new one. Which makes sense, if she was reborn. Memories could come to her, but only impressions with sensing things. As a new goddess.
"So, we have a new generation of goddesses here," Kei replied while rubbing her chin. "Best bet, the one that was attacked in S-city is the same as you."
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "So, that rumor is true."
Mina nodded with cold eyes. "Yes, it was months ago. Once I heard of it, I thought it would be best to hide you, White Heart. As things were bad enough."
Noire frowned. "Okay, we are dealing with an older goddess. The one who survived the battle that claimed the others."
That caused the two supervisors to stiffen, remembering who joined in the battles at the last moment.
"You think it is her, Mina?" Kei questioned, this jogged her memory.
Mina shivered. "All the signs point to her. Out of the last generation, she was the one who caused problems."
Kei clicked her tongue. "Right, even the former goddess of S-city was the leeriest of her. If my memory serves me right."
Noire cleared her throat. "Would you let us know who you're talking about?"
The two supervisors looked at the goddesses, noticing they are lost. Given they wouldn't have heard of that goddess.
Soon, the group started talking about the past, and what they planned for the future.
A/N Read and review.