Chapter 12 - Mystery Girl
Day 15
Lastation - Monster Infested Storage Facility
The party reached the site for their next job when they heard a familiar voice. "You're the ones Avenir hired to fight monsters? What the hell's that company thinking?"
Everyone's eyes widened as they recognized who was talking to them, with Neptune the one pointing it out. "Heeeeey, you're the meaniepoo who kicked us out of the Basilicom when we first got here! What're you doin' here?"
"I'm substituting for an Avenir employee. They asked me to explain the job to you." The Moderator from the Basilicom told them. "You are to defeat as many monsters per their specifications as you can and deliver the bodies, dead or alive."
The party found that last part a bit odd and IF couldn't help but ask, "Why do they want the monsters? Are you sure that's what they said?"
"Maybe they need their hides. But over-predation will drive a monster species to extinction!" Compa cried out.
"Uh, Compa? Isn't that what we're pretty much aiming for?" Soren asked skeptically.
"Who trades monster hides anyway? Like what your friend said, monsters should become extinct." The Moderator snapped, "If you have any questions, just ask the damn employee later."
With that, the Moderator pushed a piece of paper onto Soren and left rather abruptly. When he left their sights, Soren muttered, "Someone needs to work on their people skills…"
"No kidding," IF agreed, "What does the paper say?"
"Let's see… 'Monsters can be left dead or alive, but their spinal cords must be intact, or at least in good condition.' Okay, this is weird…"
"Their spines intact? I don't think I'm gonna like this job very much…" Neptune moaned with a ill look.
"Don't worry about it Nep. Ren's going to be taking care of the bodies anyway."
"…Huh? When did I agree to that?"
"You're the strongest out of all of us, and I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake dragging the bodies here with your IS, right?" IF gave Soren a leer, which was joined by Neptune, but as she couldn't pull it off, she settled for the puppy-eyed look.
"Argh, fine, fine! I'll do it! Just stop looking at me like that!"
Half an hour later…
"Ugh!"
Soren threw another corpse onto a rather large pile of monster corpses. "I feel like the trashman…might as well head back inside. Those three are going through monsters rather quickly."
Going through the facility in hover mode, Soren eventually found the girls looking around a corner at the other end of the facility. To Soren's slight surprise, Neptune was in HDD, as she never transformed prior to this moment. Also, all three of them were acting cautious, something that made him wonder.
"What's going on?"
Instantly, the three jumped and whipped around, weapons ready. However, they relaxed when they saw it was only Soren with Neptune sighing, "Oh, it's just Ren…"
"Okay…seriously, what's going on?"
"We've found the boss monster of this place, but…" Compa trailed off, looking uncertain.
"It's better to look for yourself Ren." IF told him.
Soren took a look around and saw a giant Roc prowling around the room, bones scattered around it. "…Damn, that's the biggest Roc I've ever seen. So, what's the plan?"
The girls looked at each other before IF told him, "We haven't thought of one yet…"
"How about we send Ren in first as a distraction?" Neptune suggested, "He has that IS thingy on right now, so he'll be well protected against the Roc."
Soren felt a bit miffed at being bait after dragging monster bodies around the entire time, but understood from a tactical point of view. Still, it was a bit surprising to hear Neptune suggest something like that, that IF just stared at her for a few seconds. Compa didn't seem bothered in the slightest, while Soren took another look around the corner.
"Alright, I'll distract the thing so you three can sneak up on it for a one-hit-kill, or a critical at the very least." Soren reengaged the hover and flew into the Roc's room shouting, "Hey ugly, wanna piece of this?"
"Kheeh!"
A combination of gunshots and sword strikes managed to get the Roc facing away from the only exit, and the girls saw their chance to strike. IF looked at Compa and Neptune, giving them the plan she came up with. "Alright, Compa, you aim for one of the legs. Nep, you take off the wing to the left, while I take the right."
"Okay/Understood." Compa and Neptune replied at the same time before IF lead the charge.
The girls' surprise attack went off pretty well as a result, with both the Roc's wings cut off and one of it's hind legs hurt, but some of Compa's shots missed, leaving the leg stung instead of injured. Regardless, the attack sent the Roc thrashing in pain, causing it to crash against the wall. Neptune took the initiative and dove in while it was stunned, finishing it off with a slice to the throat. The Roc gave one final twitch before falling over dead.
"Phew, talk about good timing." Soren rubbed his forehead, the girls seeing that he was backed against the wall. "Well, time to haul this corpse to the front…"
Looking resigned, Soren went over to the Roc and started dragging it by the hind legs back to the entrance, leaving a trail of blood. Neptune closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "So, what are we gonna do about the wings?"
"You grab one and I'll grab the other." IF promptly told her. Neptune grimaced, but did as she was told as she made her katana vanish.
At the entrance, Soren stood beside the pile of bodies as Neptune and IF threw the wings onto the pile. Neptune then turned away and joined Compa in pretending that the pile of corpses doesn't exist.
"So…is that it?" Soren asked IF.
"I think so… The Roc was definitely the boss of the place. All the other monsters seem to have vanished."
"Huh, so all we have to do now is wait. I hope it won't take long."
The words were barely out of Soren's mouth when the party saw someone approaching with automated carts following behind. They saw it was an Avenir employee due to the uniform as the man greeted them, "Greetings. Excellent work. I've come to collect the defeated monsters."
"Work is work, but I'm not too thrilled about helping our evil nemesis, Avenir." Neptune commented.
The employee looked confused at Neptune's words. "…Nemesis? Um, this is…?"
IF waved it off saying, "Don't worry about her. Anyway, we gave it our all and pretty much combed the entire area."
"Thank you very much. You've pretty much exceeded our expectations, and I'm very grateful for you all gathering the bodies in one place." The employee took out an envelope and held it out to IF. "Here is your reward. Please, take it."
IF took the envelope as the employee dug into his coat pocket and took out what looked like a metal ball the size of a baseball, that happened to have a camera lense in it. "Also, please take this as a token of my gratitude, personally."
The employee handed the metal ball to IF as Compa asked, "What is it?"
"It's a portable flying camera. It's pretty simple to use. Just synchronize it to something like a TV or cellphone, and you'll be able to see with it. Oh, and here's the remote." The employee took out the mentioned piece and handed it to Soren. "That was developed as a scouting unit for adventurers at the place I used to work at. I'm sure you four can put it to a good use."
"What do you plan on doing with the monsters?" Neptune suddenly asked, "Depending on your answer."
The employee grew a bit intimidated by Neptune's tone and held his hands up. "P-Please, there's no need to get so tense. I know it sounds odd.
"The creature's nervous tissue acts as a conductor in the hardware Avenir is developing. The monster will die as soon as the tissue is removed, so that's why we didn't specify dead or alive, but with their spines intact, as that part has the most nervous tissue usable."
The four took a moment to absorb the information before IF summed up, "So basically, the monster has whatever you need to make some kind of machine."
"Hmm, sounds like biotechnology to me." Soren mused.
"Biotechnology?" Neptune asked.
"Yeah, the mixing of technology with organics, I think. Some of the results of such a fusion can be pretty advanced."
"I'm glad you all understand." The employee said, "We'll definitely call on you if something normal humans cannot handle arises."
That made everyone raise an eyebrow as Neptune deadpanned, "…That's hardly flattering."
Day 16
Lastation - Windy Wasteland, Cave System
We now turn to our favorite tsundere goddess, Noire, who's in Black Heart form again. Like in her other appearances she's looking for Neptune, so she can kick her ass. Too bad she got lost in the process while wandering around…
"I'm not lost!" Noire shouted.
Seriously, she's lost. It's just her tsun side talking. One has to wonder why she didn't take a map or a compass with her.
"I don't need either. I know my land like the back of my hand."
Uh huh, keep telling yourself that Noire…
"Grr… Can't find her… Things won't always go as planned, I guess."
To be honest, she never really put much thought into it.
"You shut up! …I wonder where Neptune would go? Those Guild people said something about a Key Fragment and Jewel Core Fragments…" Noire scratched her head as she gave it some thought. "A piece of…a key? And pieces of a jewel. I wonder if they belong to Neptune. Is that what they're looking for?"
…
…
Don't think too hard about it Noire dear, else your hair will get even whiter than it already is. Any whiter, and people might start calling you Lady White Heart instead.
"I thought I told you to shut up! Do I look like that brat with a foul mouth? Tch, how will I deal with Neptune?"
Noire stood there as she tried to come up with ideas. "Shall I disguise myself and set up a food shack in front of the Basilicom? She's always loved warm food…"
…
…
"…Stop thinking about the food shack! It's not like you want to cook for her or anything!"
Can you really cook?
"Of course I can! B-But, I'm not going to, just to show you!"
…Fine, whatever. How about a suggestion?
"Really? What?"
How about you just stand there, while Neptune sneaks up and takes you from behind? Bow chika bow wow!"
"What?-!"
"Hey, you! In the plug suit dealie!"
Noire instinctively jumped away from Neptune's shout and got all defensive. "Wh-What are you…? Planning to ambush me, eh?-! Good for you. I'll gladly accept your challenge!"
"Why would we want to ambush you?" IF asked, "Did we take the same job again? Or are you…perhaps…stalking cute little Neptune?"
"Wha-no! Well, yes! B-B-But, Neptune! I'm here to settle the score with you!"
"Wow, this girl has Neptune on the brain. Should I be worried?" Soren asked.
"Nope, because she can't have our Nep-Nep!" Compa shouted, before pointing a finger at Noire. "If you want her, you'll have to step over my dead body!"
"Oh, okay. I owe you all a plate of revenge anyway. I'll take all four of you on at the same time!" Noire got into her fighting stance as her sword and Processor Units materialized.
"Hmm, I wonder if this means she has a plan up her sleeve?" Soren wondered as everyone got ready to fight.
One ass kicking later…
"Apparently, she didn't." Soren deadpanned.
The party stood in front of a defeated Noire, who was nursing a shallow cut on her left arm, as well as a few other smaller cuts. Despite the injury, Noire looked more concerned that she lost again.
"Again…? I have no other choice but to admit I can't quite take all of you down at once. However, there's still one way! This entire landmass will eventually assault Neptune. Don't ever forget that!" With that, Noire retreated deeper into the caves.
"It doesn't matter how many times you try! Justice is totally on our side!" Neptune cheered with confidence.
"Yeah, four against one. Such balanced justice." IF deadpanned, "Shouldn't you go after her or something?"
"Why? I really don't care. Not like she's a lean, mean grilling machine. She won't satisfy my hunger."
"Yeah, 'cause only Compa can fill that role, right?" Soren snarked.
"Wait, what?" Compa looked nonplussed at the question.
"…Ugh. No, what I mean is, she despises you. She probably knows something about you prior to you losing your memory." IF told Neptune.
Neptune snapped her fingers hearing that and said, "Oooh, snappy-snap! I could ask her anything if I can catch her. I didn't even think about it… Wait up!"
As the other watched Neptune run off after Noire, IF couldn't help but sigh, "Jeez, she's got such a one-track mind. Shall we? I'm sure she'll be fine alone, and I really want to have that cheesecake I got stashed away."
The three started to walk when Soren suddenly stood still. "Hold on. Weren't there reports of an Antlioness colony infesting the deeper part of these caves?"
Compa and IF stood still as the former said, "That's right… We'd better go after Nep-Nep!"
"Look…how about I go, while you two head back? Those monsters are deadly fast, so if we run into them, I'll use Yukihira to break through and escape with Neptune."
"Hmm…alright. I'd rather all of us go, but as you said, those Antlionesses are fast that we might not be able to outrun them. Oh, and if you find that mystery girl too, bring her back." IF said.
"Roger that, If."
In other news, Noire was busy catching her breath deeper inside the caves, shortly after she turned back to normal. She was a mix of frustration and disappointment as she looked at her main wound that was mostly covered by her detached sleeve.
"Nothing's going my way. I lost to Neptune and her tagalongs, and my power's run out on top of that."
This author would say something, but Noire's been through enough. Besides, there are more surprises waiting for her.
"Ugh, now what?"
All of a sudden, Noire was glomped from behind by Neptune. "Hmm… Ah-ha! Alright, prepare t-huh? Oh, wrong person."
Noire was a bit rattled by Neptune's sudden appearance that she instinctively shouted, "Neptune?-! Don't scare me like that! Have you come after me? Fine, let's go, fair and square!"
Puzzled by the familiarity, Neptune looked up at Noire. "Whoa, hold your ponies. Have we…met? Sorry, who are you and where you from?" Nepune was starting to stare now, like she was trying to bore a hole in Noire. "Hmm, but we know each other, right? Sorry, I gotta bad memory lately, so…I guess that explains why I've become and amnesiac so easily! Y'know, it kinda sucks."
That's when Soren came onto the scene saying, "There you are Neptune, have you…am I interrupting something?"
Hearing Soren's voice made Noire wiggle out of Neptune's grip as the latter replied, "Nope, but I did run into someone who seems to know me from before I lost my memory."
Neptune's little tidbit perked Noire's interest. "Neptune, you lost your memory? How di-…? …Oh, I see. That's right."
"Yeah, it was a while ago. All I know about little ol' me is my name and I can transform. Iffy, Compa, and Ren have been…" Neptune suddenly remembered something and snapped her fingers. "Oops, I totally forgot! Have you seen a girl your age in a skanky one-piece with lots of weapons on her body?"
"…Wasn't she armed only with a sword and pistol?" Soren asked, remembering Noire shooting at him a few times during their last fight.
"I don't know where to begin." Noire fidgeted, "I…saw someone like that fly into the sky…and then into the horizon…"
Soren found that reply rather odd, but didn't say anything about it, instead saying, "So she got away huh? Hey…are you alright Princess?"
Noire couldn't help but feel a bit bemused at Soren's referral to her as Neptune too noticed blood dripping from Noire's hand. "Whoa, you're bleeding! What happened to you?"
"Huh?" Noire looked at her arm and saw the blood too, quickly making up a story. "Oh, right. I…um… Monsters! I was assaulted by three little harpies and their pet dog!"
"…For some reason, I feel like I should be getting angry at something." Soren muttered as he kept a look out for monsters.
"Um, maybe you should get that treated. We'll take you to town, okay?" Neptune made a move to help Noire along.
"Wh-What? Wait… Um, I… O-Oh!"
Soren couldn't help but sigh at Neptune's antics, until everyone started hearing clicking noises, which made him and the girls freeze. "Oh no…"
"What's that noise?" Neptune asked, as she and Noire looked for the source.
"Antlionesses… We need to leave now! Preferably before they show up!"
"Why? I'm sure we can take 'em, even without Compa and Iffy."
"Neptune, we're near an Antlioness colony, which means they'll outnumber us by a lot. Not to mention that they'll Zurg Rush us the moment they spot us! Also, don't forget that we have Princess who's injured with us!"
"…Ooh, right. So, should we run now?"
"In a matter of speaking," Soren promptly deployed Yukihira with a command, puzzling Neptune and surprising Noire. "These things are deadly fast, so running on foot would be really hard. Instead, I'll carry both of you, Sorry about this Princess…"
"Wha-whoa!" Noire was scooped up by Soren bridal-style and instinctively hung on.
"Alright, you get on piggy-back style Neptune!"
"Okey-dokie!" Neptune jumped onto Soren's back, making him stagger slightly.
"Alright now, Yukihira, escape route please?"
[Understood, showing route to nearest exit now.]
Noire couldn't help but look amazed when a holo-screen popped up. "Just…what is this?"
"Questions later Princess. We need to get-!"
"SKREE!"
The Antlionesses were getting really close now as Yukihira reported, [Monsters are inbound. Suggest to evacuate now.]
"Right. Hold on tight girls!"
"Huh? Why-eyah!" Noire screamed as Yukihira accelerated through the caves, though Neptune seems to enjoy the whole thing.
"Faster, faster!"
Yeah, maybe a bit too much. Eventually, the three made it out of the caves and into the afternoon sky, decelerating until they came to a hover. Too bad he exited from the opposite end of the cave network, instead of the exit Compa and IF left through.
"Ren, are we lost?"
"No, I'll just use Yukihira and fly us to town…"
"But didn't you want to keep Yuki a secret?"
"…I'll land and dematerialize it when we get near town." Soren then looked at Noire. "I'm really sorry about this Princess, so please bear with it for a bit longer."
"N-No, it's f-fine." Noire stammered, as she took the chance to study Yukihira up close. Neither Soren or Neptune noticed as the latter was admiring the scenery while Soren focused on piloting.
Lastation - Inn
"…The injuries weren't severe. I'm sure you'll be all healed up in a few days with no scars at all."
At the inn, Compa just finished Noire's treatment as Neptune watched. Both IF and Soren were out, leaving just the three of them by themselves as Noire shifted uncomfortably on the bed.
"Thank you. You're Neptune's friend, um… Compa, right?"
"Yup! I found Nep-Nep stuck in the ground back in Planeptune. We've become close as scissors since then!"
After that, Neptune stepped up and asked, "So…where'd you come from? Iffy and Ren're not here, but that's okay. The two of us can take you back to wherever you're from."
Noire continued to shift around slightly as she hesitantly replied, "Um, I came from really, really far away. In another town…I think. I don't…remember the details."
"What? Then…you're…! My amnesiac best buddy?-!"
"Huh? Oh, oh yes! That's right, amnesia." That's when Noire started rubbing her forehead. "Oh boy, I can't remember a single thing! It must've happened when I was attacked."
"Then how can we get you back home? Uh-oh…" Compa faltered at the sudden revelation.
That's when the door opened, revealing Soren holding a bag. "Hey girls, I'm back. Princess alright?"
"Yes, but apparently she got amnesia from being attacted. She doesn't remember a thing at the moment."
"Really now…?" Soren gave Noire a look. "I don't remember her having any head injuries though…"
Hearing that made Noire start to panic inside, but that quickly stopped when Compa said, "It must've been due to shock from the attack. I heard that happen to a few survivors of monster attacks back in Planeptune."
"…I suppose so. Does Princess remember her name at least?"
Noire was about to lie about that too, but all the eyes on her made her squirm a bit. "Um…it's, uh…Noire…I think…?"
"Really, you're name's Noire? It totally suits you!" Neptune cheered.
"Phew, at least you remember your name, Miss Noire. That'll make finding where you're from much easier."
"Until then, just stick with us until you remember everything else! You can totally help us save Histy!"
"No, this isn't going to be an easy journey. We shouldn't involve outsiders!"
"Considering from yours and Neptune's point of view, If and I would be considered outsiders back in the beginning. So, that doesn't really sound convincing Compa." Soren spoke up.
Compa couldn't help but feel embarrassed when Soren added, "But in this case, I kinda agree with you anyway. I'll see you later, so if anyone needs anything, I'll be in my room."
Later…
"What's with all the ruckus?" IF asked as she walked in. "I could hear you from outside. Well, nice to hear you're all chummy, I guess… Did you decide what to do? Let's take her back while the sun's still up. Her family must be sick with worry by now."
"Actually, Nep-Nep and I decided that she will stay. Apparently, she doesn't remember much except for her name, Noire. We can't let her fight though, since she's a civilian."
This coming from Compa made IF raise an eyebrow, but she sighed, "I see…
"I apologize for the trouble. Please don't push yourselves for my sake." Noire said.
"It's alright." IF then turned to Neptune. "Nep, you found her, so you better take responsibility for her in the meantime."
"Alrighty! I'll feed her, potty train her, take her for walks, and get her spayed until she remembers something!" Neptune nodded.
"…What? Whatever. Ladies, we've got another job request. Get prepped in forty seconds. By the way, where's Ren?"
"F-Forty seconds…? That's really specific and way to quick for a girl to get herself ready! As for Soren, he's in his room busy with something." Compa replied.
"Hmm…alright, I'll get him to watch her then." IF then turned to Noire. "We're going out for a bit, so keep the door locked. Eat whatever you find in the bowl Neptune got you. Here's some cash, and if you need anything specific, give Ren a shout. Oh, and if you remember where you came from while we're out, don't worry about saying good-bye. Just go. Later."
After the girls left Noire by herself, she was silent in thought before she mused, "…So chatty. It's something…we didn't have in Celestia… Still, if they're making that guy watch over me, then maybe I can get some info about that weird armor from earlier. He did say he'd answer my questions."
In Soren's room…
[Sucks to be stuck on babysitting duty, is it not Master?]
"I don't care Yukihira. Bring up the Status Display please."
[Understood, bringing up status display.]
Infinite Stratos - Yukihira (1st Shift)
5th Generation Operating System
Operating Subsystems:
Energy Shield - operating at 50%
AI Regulator - operating at full capacity
Fold-Out Armor - inoperable
Preset Recreation Program - online
Strength Modifier - reformatted, completion at 40%
One-Off Ability - offline
Hard Drive Memory - recovery at 8%
Power Drive Program - completion at 20%
Preset Weaponry:
Yukihira Type 3 - operating at 30%
Preset Weapon 1 - creation at 25%
Preset Weapon 2 - creation at 30% (high priority)
Open Weapon Slot
Open Weapon Slot
"Hmm, looks different from the last time, that's for sure." Soren mused as he sat in front of the desk he was at. "Though it doesn't look like much changed. What's going on?"
[Most processing power is diverted to Hard Drive Memory completion, slowing down other processes. Estimation at total completion in 2-3 months.]
"What? That long? Maybe it's because it's ancient technology?"
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and Soren called out, "Who is it?"
"Um, it's me, Noire…"
Soren got up from the desk and went over to greet Noire, opening the door. "…Is there something the matter Princess?"
"Uh, you said earlier that you'd answer any questions I had?"
"…Right. Well, come in I guess."
Soren let Noire in, and the first thing she laid eyes on was the holo screen over Yukihira on the desk. When the door closed, Soren asked, "So, you feeling alright Princess? Remember anything?"
"…Sorry, everything's still a haze. Still, just what was that thing you wore to escape the caves?"
"Hmm, I'd answer, but I'm sure Yukihira can provide a better one, right?"
[Of course sir. I am Yukihira, a 5th Generation Frame designed to fight monsters over 20,000 years ago, approximately.]
"W-What?-!" Noire couldn't believe how old Yukihira was that she blinked a few times. "How could something this advanced be so old?-!"
"I dunno. All I know about it is that it's been in my family for generations as an artefact. Heck, I didn't even know it was an IS until I ran into Neptune and Compa."
Noire just looked at Soren blankly before she summed up, "So basically, you don't know much about this…Infinite Stratos, right?"
"Pretty much. All I know is that it's really good in helping me defeat monsters. Kinda like Neptune's adult transformation thingy."
"I see…"
[Audio Log #52 recovered. Play?]
"Audio log? Go ahead Yukihira, I want to hear what it says."
[Playing.]
"…Finally, Infinite Stratos is complete after two years of constant work. I know that Akari-nee would be proud that I managed to finish her work. Production models are done, and I hope with this finally turn the tide of the war into our favor. …Damn those monsters. I've sent word to our goddess already, and I think she'll be quite pleased with what we accomplished. This war has gone on long enough, and I'm hoping to see the end of it, thanks to Infinite Stratos. Signing off… *Knock Crash* By Lady Nep-!"
[End Log.]
"…Well, that's interesting, but I'm not sure I understand a word of it." Soren mused.
"Me neither." Noire admitted. Then she gave Soren a look and said, "From what I can tell, you're from the surface, aren't you?"
"…You aren't one of those with prejudice against surface humans, are you?"
"No…I heard the rumors from Planeptune's Basilicom, but I'm not sure what to make of them. Lastation is planning it's own expedition to the surface in the near future, so we'll see."
"Okay…anything else?"
"No, I'm done now. I'll just wait until Neptune comes back."
"Right then. See you."
When Noire left the room, she couldn't help but sigh, "So it's definitely called Infinite Stratos. But it's still a mystery even to him…"
Day 17
Lastation - Inn
The next day, Soren woke up early and ran into IF after getting dressed. The first thing she asked however was, "Hey, have you seen that Noire girl?"
"Not since yesterday. Why?"
"Well, she's gone, and she left a note saying that she regained her memory."
"Ah, I see. Do Compa and Neptune know?"
"Compa knows, and Neptune's still asleep. Compa's waking her up now."
Soren followed IF back to the girls' room, where they saw Compa shaking a drooling Neptune. "Wake up! Wakey-wakey, Nep-Nep!"
"Hrrmpphhh? …Compaaaaa… Oh, five more minuteeesss…"
"Okay then, but the pudding goes to me if you go back to sleep."
"What? No! Huh, was I asleep long?"
"Yeah, though it was more like comatose with drool, making a little lake by your face. By the way, Noire left. There was a note saying she regained her memory." IF told Neptune.
"Oh, she did…? She was my first and only amnesiac best buddy…" Neptune then fell into a longing mood, making everyone wonder what's up with her.
"Something happen? What did you two do all day yesterday?"
"Oh, we were just talking about stuff. She seemed really stressed over something and I was all listening to her and whatever."
"I know I said it was okay, but it's still kind of cold she actually did leave with just a note saying her good-byes."
"Not to mention that she must've left in the middle of the night or something while we were all sleeping." Soren added.
"Th-That's not true!" Neptune defended, "We talked a whole bunch and she was really nice! Take that back, you meanies!"
"Wh-What's your problem? Seriously, what happened? You're acting like a spoiled cry-baby…sorta like Compa."
"Huh?" Compa didn't notice what IF said, except for her name. "Let's just leave her alone for now, Iffy, Ren. Nep-Nep seems upset."
"No, I'm…I'm just sad. I dunno why, but I'm sad." Neptune sighed.
…
"Well, maybe you'll see her again Neptune." Soren said, trying to cheer her up. "She knows who you are anyway."
"I suppose so. But for now, how about we get some breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me."
Compa and IF just nodded and the four walked out of the room, starting off another day on Lastation.