Chapter 5: Happiness

Month 1, Day 6 13:27

"Ah, Lady Uzume." Umio said, as Uzume left the tower, "Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, Umio." Uzume replied, "You have business on the Basilicom?"

"Oh no. I was just taking a stroll through the city during my lunch break."

Uzume looked at Umio more intently, "Really?"

Umio sighed, "You see right through me, Lady Uzume."

"It must be all those weeks we spent together in the campaign."

Umio laughed, "It must be."

"So, Umio. What did you want to see me for?"

"I… Just wanted to ask if you were free later in the day."

"Hmm." Uzume checked her Visual Radio, scrolling through the request she wanted to fulfil today, most of which were outside of the centre of Planeptune, "I should be."

"You are? Great. Please, meet me at the Planeptune Arcade at 8:30."

"I will, Umio. See you there."

"See you there, Lady Uzume."

20:43

"Lady Uzume, you're a bit late." Umio noted.

"Sorry Umio. Elsy and Atsy were asking me to move all over Planeptune. They didn't want me to stay here too long." Uzume said, "I'm sorry for being late to our date."

"D-date?" Umio blushed, "This is… Not a date, Lady Uzume."

Uzume smiled, "You've gone all red, Umio." She teased.

"Please, Lady Uzume. Refrain from making such embarrassing comments."

"You're no fun." Uzume pouted.

"Now, what I wanted to talk about." Umio looked at Uzume with a serious face.

"Y-yes? What is it?"

"Lady Uzume, you always talk about fulfilling this nation citizen's dreams." Umio stared at the dim sky, "However, I wish to know your dream, Lady Uzume."

"My dream?" Uzume said, perplexed.

"Exactly." Umio nodded, "Your dream. Your deepest wish. I… Am curious."

"Well… My dream is to be able to make all the people of Gamindustri happy. I wish to be able to help them accomplish their dreams." Uzume told Umio, "I'm starting here in Planeptune, but later I'll move on to the other two nations."

"I don't think the other CPUs will like that." Umio commented.

"That's why Uzume will play the part of a representative of that nation CPU. So they don't lose faith in their goddess."

"I… Doubt the plan will work, Lady Uzume." Umio said, "However, allow me to help you achieve your dream."

"So this is what you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes. But not only that." Umio took a letter from his pocket, "Lady Histoire told me you've been having nightmares lately. She asked me to accompany you from today on. She's afraid the nightmares might affect your ability to work."

Uzume stared at the envelop. Histoire's name written in a neat cursive.

"Hmm. So Histoire asked this of you." Uzume muttered, "I understand. You may help me in my work."

Umio nodded, "It'll be a pleasure working with you."

"But don't you have that campaign?"

"That's voluntary work. I'm just a regular there. I'm sure they'll understand."

Uzume smiled.

"Ah yes. Lady Uzume, follow me."

Umio lead Uzume throughout streets of Planeptune, until they reached a dimly lit street.

"Umio, what is this about?"

"Lady Uzume." Umio bowed, "As a gift for being such a kind CPU, this city and myself have prepared a special something."

Umio clapped, and as he did, the lights on the street sparked to life, painting the dark street a light orange. Various stands lined the street, offering different foods and games. Small triangular flags with a smiling Orange Heart connected each stand.

"Thank you, Lady Uzume!" Cheered the crowd behind Umio. All wearing different orange coloured items.

"Thank you, Miss CPU!" El and At joined.

"Uzume, thank you." Histoire floated towards Uzume, greeting her with a smile.

Uzume smiled at the crowd, "You all did this for me?"

"Of course! You've helped us all, Lady Uzume. It's only natural we return that kindness."

"Now everyone. I'm sure you are all excited having Uzume here, but please, don't crowd around her too much." Histoire told the crowd, "And now, enjoy the festival everyone!"

"Lady Uzume," Umio approached Uzume, "shall we enjoy the festival together?"

Uzume smiled and nodded, "Of course."

Uzume pulled Umio to every stand they found and ended up playing every single one of the games. Uzume was quite pleased to show Umio her ability at throwing darts, managing to win a blue fish doll, which she gave to Umio.

"Looks like I'll have to win something for you, Lady Uzume." Umio smiled as he accepted Uzume's present.

Uzume pulled Umio to another stand. Umio attempted the game, managing to barely win a prize - a teddy bear. Umio handed the teddy bear to Uzume, who smiled back.

Uzume kept moving from stand to stand, with Umio in tow. Uzume stopped in front of a stand that sold crêpes.

"Two crêpes please." Uzume asked the woman behind the stand.

"Of course, Lady Uzume." The lady quickly started preparing the crêpes whiles Umio caught up with Uzume.

"Which toppings, Lady Uzume?"

"Hmm. I'll have chocolate..." Uzume started listing the toppings. When she was done, she turned to Umio, "What will be on yours, Umio?"

"I'll have chocolate, whipped cream and strawberries, please."

The lady handed the crêpes to Uzume and Umio, "It's on the house, Lady Uzume."

Uzume shook her head, "Uzume will still pay." She said, handing the lady some money, "Keep the change as well.~"

"You're so generous, Lady Uzume." The woman bowed respectfully.

Uzume and Umio walked through the festival eating their crêpes.

"Umio.~" Uzume said, "You have something on your face."

"I do?" Umio wondered, before Uzume gently poked his cheek with her crêpe.

"It's whipped cream from Uzume's crêpe.~"

Umio blushed slightly, "Lady Uzume… please."

"It's fun to tease you, Umio." Uzume smiled playfully.

"Wait, Lady Uzume." Umio said seriously, "You also have something on your face."

"I do?" Uzume fell for it as well. Umio gently poked her cheek, leaving a small dot of whipped cream.

"It's whipped cream." Umio smiled back.

"Aww. Uzume fell for it." Uzume closed her eyes in frustration.

"Fair is fair."

Uzume started laughing, Umio joined in. They wiped the whipped cream from their cheeks with a napkin.

"Everyone." Histoire announced to the people in the festival, "It's time for the special event."

Everyone cheered, "Been waiting for this."

"Special event?" Uzume wondered.

"You'll see, Lady Uzume." Umio smiled, "Follow me."

Uzume followed Umio through the crowd, until they street opened up to a plaza filled with the decoration from the festival but missing the stands. The crowd from the festival started grouping together in the plaza looking at NepTower.

A whizzing sound could be heard from behind the NepTower before a loud bang illuminated the night sky with orange.

"Fireworks!" Exclaimed El.

"So pretty!" At said.

More fireworks started going off, creating a picture of Orange Heart's smiling face. More fireworks. Different colours lighting up the night sky. The fireworks kept going for three more minutes. Until finally ending with a big purple logo of Planeptune.

Everyone cheered. Switching between praising Uzume and Histoire.

"Uzume. Could you come here?" Histoire beckoned at Uzume.

Uzume approached Histoire, smiling and waving at the crowd.

"I'm sure everyone in here was pleased to have had our CPU be present in this festival." Histoire said, "And I'm sure Uzume herself has enjoyed the festival as well."

Uzume nodded, "It's been a very enjoyable night, thanks to you all." Uzume smiled, "I'm pleased to know everyone here cares this much about Uzume."

"But of course!" A man shouted, "You helped me kickstart my company!"

"Lady Uzume helped me find something I'm good at!"

The crowd kept going. Saying everything Uzume had helped them with, no matter how big or small the request was.

"Three cheers for Lady Uzume!" Umio yelled from inside the crowd.

Month 1, Day 13. 18:46

Uzume walked away from a house she had just knocked and deliver some items. She smiled and wave goodbye to its occupants. Umio leaned away from the wall and approached Uzume.

"Lady Uzume." Umio said, "It's your day off. Didn't Histoire tell you not to work today?"

"I know. I know." Uzume replied, "But Uzume wanted to help people."

Umio sighed, "Lady Uzume. I know it's hard, it is what makes you you, but please resists at least for what remains of today."

"Fine." Uzume gave up, "But you're accompanying me."

"Gladly."

Uzume and Umio walked through the streets. Umio showed Uzume a few places he particularly liked. Uzume, in exchange, did the same.

"Hey Umio." Uzume called his attention.

"Yes, Lady Uzume?"

"You're a great friend, you know?" Uzume smiled, "I enjoy spending time with you."

Umio could feel a light blush on his face, "Me too, Lady Uzume."

They had reached the end of Planeptune. They could see the green fields outside of the main city. The sun was just above the horizon. They watched the sun go down for a while before Umio broke the silence.

"Lady Uzume. Could I ask something of you?"

Uzume nodded, "Sure. What is is, Umio?"

"Would it be possible for you to take tomorrow off?" Umio asked, "I know Histoire said it would be today, but since you worked today..."

"Hmm. I think I could do that."

"Thank you, Lady Uzume."

Uzume smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow then.~"

"Yes. See you tomorrow."

"We're quite far from NepTower" Uzume muttered, "Want me to fly you back?"

"Are you sure, Lady Uzume?" Umio asked.

Uzume was enveloped in a white light. "Of course Uzume is sure." Uzume said when the transformation was complete.

Umio laughed, "No way to change your mind."

"Nope!~"

"Very well."

Uzume lifted Umio with her hands, taking them both into the air with her processor unit. They flew towards the NepTower in the heart of the city as the orange tint of the sky shone behind them with the setting sun. Uzume and Umio shared a smile. Over the last month they knew each other, they had become great friends.

Uzume lowered Umio near Neptower, before seeing him off as they walked away from each other.

Uzume transformed back as she entered her Basilicom, only to be greeted by Histoire.

"Uzume." Histoire chidded, "I found that you've worked on your day off."

"Sorry, Histoire."

"Goodness. You don't have to work every day, Uzume." Histoire said.

Uzume yawned, "I know Histoire. I'll take my day off tomorrow. Good night."

Histoire watched Uzume walk away towards her room. She sighed with relief.

"At least recent events haven't changed her..." Histoire muttered, "I shall check on her tonight again."

"Lady Histoire." A man dressed in Basilicom staff clothes approached, "A report from the citizens."

"Oh?" Histoire floated towards the man, "What is it?"

"Here." The man handed the paper to Histoire, who read through the paper quickly. Her face growing worried by the second, "Should we tell Lady Uzume?"

"No." Histoire said, handing the paper back, "I'll… tell her tomorrow. She's asleep at the moment."

"I understand." The man bowed respectfully, "I shall take my leave."

Histoire sighed. It wasn't going to be a good day tomorrow.