Planeptune, 1:35pm

Even in death, Nepgear was still wearing that smile of hers. The warm, loving smile that always appeared on her face whenever she saw Uni. The smile that, on occasion, Uni would see waking up. Days where Nepgear was her first and last sight were often the best of days.

Today was the last time she'd ever see it. Histoire, even in the worst of situations, was not vindictive. Invitations to the funeral were sent to Lastation for Noire, Kei and Uni. Noire, for obvious reasons, turned it down. Uni didn't even read the invitation before setting off.

The location of the funeral was a nice little area. It was a small forested segmented directly behind the Basilicom. Nepgear and Uni often came here on walks with another. This was the location where Nepgear first heard the words "I love you", and it was the first time her lips met Uni's. It was a special place to them both as a result, Nepgear had even joked to Uni on occasion that they should get married. Instead, this was where one would bury the other.

The funeral wasn't very populated. IF, Compa, Neptune, Histoire and Rom + Ram were all present. To Uni's surprise, none of them treated her terribly. IF and Compa even took time out to reassure her that nobody blamed her personally. While their words were nice, Uni couldn't really shake the feeling that this could have been averted if she had sprung into action sooner. But it was far, far too late for that now. Nepgear was dead, never to come back.

Histoire flew up beside the coffin, evidently to make to say something. Departing her tome and standing on two weak legs, Histoire tried her hardest to seem a little dignified.

"Today we're gathered in remembrance of our beloved Nepgear. I... admittedly don't have much to say, other than that her passing has filled with me an unmatched amount of sorrow. Does... does anyone else have anything to say?" Histoire's words were forced and awkward. it was clear that she really didn't want to be here. Uni imagined that nobody did. Turning up meant acknowledging that Nepgear was, indeed, gone forever.

Nobody moved. Nobody stood up. Uni couldn't even hear anyone breathing. Now or never, she thought.

She stood up slowly, looking around to see if anyone else would. Nope. Sigh, what had to be had to be done.

Uni rose fully from her seat, and took the podium. Histoire sat on the corner of the podium, gazing up at Uni with thankful eyes.

She shot a gaze towards Nepgear's coffin, but quickly averted her eyes for fear of crying. Now wasn't the time for tears.

Uni cleared her throat, straightened her back and steeled herself.

"I... I loved Nepgear. Anyone who knows me and anyone with eyes could probably have figured that out. But regardless, I had to say it here. I often woke up in the morning just in the hope that I'd see her that day. When I went to bed, she was usually on my mind." Unbeknownst to her, Neptune was listening attentively, and she was smiling a little. "You might call me obsessed, and truth be told I probably am. But it doesn't matter to me. I loved her, and... and the stars of this world are shining a lot less brightly now that she's no longer among us." Uni was crying as she spoke, but she wasn't even aware it. Stepping away from the podium, Uni approached Nepgear's coffin and planted a final kiss on her lover's forehead. Before pulling away completely, Uni whispered "I love you, Nepgear."

And with that, the tears came out in full. Uni fell to the ground, letting free all the tears that had accumulated over the past few days. Nobody was really sure what to do. Their surprise was great when Neptune of all people helped to her feet, held her into her shoulder, and escorted her inside.

The procession went on without them. Nepgear was buried in front of a large tree, surrounded by a bed of purple roses. The inscription of her grave read;

Here lies the Purple Sister of Planetpune: Nepgear

Beloved by all, treasured by many
The ending of her life shall be mourned for generations
Rest in peace

Inside, Neptune took surprisingly good care of Uni. Her tears were dried, she was offered a comfortable seat, even offered some tea. It was... uncharacteristic of Neptune to be like this. Was it? Uni had always been closer to Nepgear. Her interactions with Neptune boiled down to the older sister commenting on how cute the two were.

Uni was feeling a little bit restless. This was location where Nepgear was killed. How did she know it wasn't a trap?

As if reading her mind, Neptune took a seat beside Uni. "I don't blame you" she said flatly. "Don't worry, I'm not smart enough to pull off a trap either." Neptune sighed. In contrast to her usual self, her words and movements were lethargic, devoid of life. Almost pitiful, in a sense. Neptune slumped into the sofa, practically melding with it on some level.

"Can you pass a message on for me, Uni? It's... It's for Noire." Emotion had returned to Neptune's voice. It sounded like... Guilt?
"tell Noire... tell Lonely Heart that I don't blame her either. Something was so wrong that day, I felt it and so did Histy. Just tell her I don't blame her, and that I kinda miss her, okay? If she wants to stop on by to talk or be tsundere or whatever, tell her it's okay." Neptune smiled. Judging from how much effort she put into it, Uni figured that this was her first smile since Nepgear died.

"Okay. I'll tell her." As soon as the words left her mouth, Uni was glomped by the older Nep sister. Pulling back, Neptune beamed at Uni.
"Thank you, Black Sister. Now, you better get going before the ghost of Nepgear comes back and starts accusing me of shacking up with you."

Oh Neptune, ever the inappropriate one. Still, it was a little reassuring to see she was still her old self. In hindsight, Uni realized she was likely putting on an act, but it was nonetheless nice to see she had enough strength to do even that.

On the other side of the world, a similar event was taking place.

Leanbox, 2:30pm

Much to their surprise, the Lastation trio received invites to Vert's funeral as well, signed and stamped by Chika herself. Since Uni was at Nepgear's, and Noire was still wracked with guilt from killing her just several hours prior, only Kei was left to go and visit. This was likely for the best; Chika and Kei knew one another personally.

There was a surprising turnout to Vert's funeral. Blanc, Mina, Kei, Chika, Cave, 5pb., MAGES., and MarvelousAQL had all appeared. Kei was surprised, Vert was known to be a massive loner with no friends. A harsh observation, but there was no evidence against it till now.

Everyone was surprising gentle with Chika. The two blue haired sisters gave her a cuddle as soon as they arrived, Blanc + Mina had brought with them a plush doll of Vert as a gift to her. Kei thought it one of Plutia's, but the craftmanship was amateur. It was likely they made it themselves. Marvelous brought with nothing with her, but extended an offer of support and comfort whenever needed.

It was touching, in a way. All of them clearly cared about Chika's wellbeing, and there was worry in their expression all throughout their interactions. Kei decided to forego her usual coldness for the moment. Just this once.

Approaching Chika and putting a hand on her shoulder, Kei decided to do the only thing she knew.

"Chika, I know now isn't the best time, but we need to discuss Leanbox's future." Chika looked up from the floor and into Kei's eyes. "You'll have to rule Leanbox in Vert's stead. It'll be difficult, very difficult. But... well, if you ever need assistance, or support, please call Lastation and ask for me directly. I am a very busy woman, but you're a friend and I will put anything on hold to help you, alright?"

In truth, Kei was expecting to be ignored, or even slapped. After all, the Oracle of the nation responsible for Vert's death just offered her help.

Instead, Chika took Kei's hand in hers, offering a happy smile and a sincere "Thank you". A surprising gesture, but a sweet one at that.

Kei checked her watch. 2:45pm, it was time for the procedure to begin. Everyone was herded through a small fielded area in the Basilicom's back yard, to a hilltop. There lay Vert, dressed in her finest dress and laid in a coffin crafted from the finest wood the forests of Leanbox could produce. She looked surprisingly at peace, which definitely fit with the debriefing Uni gave (Noire was still semi-catatonic from the deed, so Uni filled Kei and the board in).

Everyone took their seats without delay. It was a surprisingly simple setup, completely in contrast to Leanbox's usual over-the-topness and flair for the exquisite. Chika approached the podium, although her movements were dripping with reluctance.

She cleared her throat, and looked down at the speech she had prepared. For a few moments, she looked over what she had prepared. She couldn't do this. Chika tossed the paper aside.

"Yesterday, my- Our Dearest Vert was taken from us. Today, we lay her beautiful spirit to rest. It's not something I do willingly, nor something I wanted to even acknowledge. In truth, I had hoped that I would wake up this morning and discover it was all a dream. Alas, life isn't that merciful. Now, would anyone like to come up and say anything?" It was clear Chika had something else in mind, but she was on the verge of tears and obviously didn't want to break down in front of everyone.

To Kei's surprise, once more, almost everyone save for MAGES. prepared to stand up, but they were beaten to the punch by Blanc.

The Lowee CPU was wearing her usual outfit, but in Black and with no fur. The black aesthetic suited her. Blanc took the podium, gave Chika a reassuring pat on the back, and took her hat off as a sign of respect. Chika departed from the podium, and took a seat between MAGES. and 5pb. who had split from sitting together to give her company. Everyone was being so nice, Kei was feeling a little disorientated.

Everyone's attention shifted from Chika to Blanc when the tiny CPU cleared her throat. All eyes were on her now.

"I know you're likely all surprised that I attended this funeral. The public image of Lowee and Leanbox has always been of two nations with a bitter rivalry. Which has some truth to it, I suppose. But in spite of what anyone else though, I held a great respect for Vert. She was ridiculous, yes, but that ridiculous charm was one of her defining features. Vert was... Vert was, at her core, a good person. A genuine person. While some thought her affection towards the Candidates was inappropriate, she was never anything but protective and caring. If Rom, Ram, Uni or... Nepgear, were here, they could likely attest. Even around others, Vert was kind and beautiful. I can recall many moments where she took in a friend and looked after them in times of need, and one in particular sticks out in her mind." Blanc hesitated for a moment, as saying what she wanted to say would probably be a little too reveal. It didn't really matter in the end, though. For many people, this WOULD be their most vulnerable moment.
Blanc cleared her throat again, noticing she'd become a little choked up.

"Once, during a long and harsh winter, I'd fallen incredibly ill, so had Rom and Ram. Mina couldn't focus on all of us. Vert... well, Vert completely dropped everything to come look after all 3 of us. Like a doting mother, she wouldn't leave us alone until we were 100% fine. What's important about this instance is that we were /competing/. I'd just released the Lowee U, and Vert was about to launch the Leanbox one. Instead, she delayed the release without hesitation, prompt or prior thought. Of course, I had to ask her about this. Her response stuck with me for a long time, and I have to admit it was the motivating factor for me to get closer to my fellow CPUs."
Blanc rubbed her eyes. She'd let a few tears loose during her speech.

""Friends matter more than progress, Blanc". That was what she told me. Even though it could've damaged her nation, this woman, this beautiful selfless woman, dropped everything to ensure those who may have been her enemies were okay. That says everything about Vert really, doesn't it? The woman had a wonderful presence, and a wonderful life. Now that her beautiful, radiant green flame has been extinguished, I honestly feel that this world has gotten a lot darker as a result. Rest in peace Vert, you will be dearly missed."

Tears were streaming down her face, but she was still talking coherently. It didn't matter much, since almost everyone had a few tears in their eyes. Even the usually stoic MAGES. had let a few loose, and Kei herself had trouble keeping some in. With that out of the way, Blanc returned to her seat besides Mina.

The funeral went on fairly quietly. Everyone said their piece, whilst also keeping a close eye on Chika. Kei actually felt genuinely, positively touched by their friendliness. Perhaps if the world was like this all the time, Nepgear and Vert would still be here.

Finally, Vert was lowered into the ground, free from this world. Seeing Vert go filled everyone present with an awful sense of loss. Blanc was right, the world really was darker as a result of this.

As everyone left, Mina stopped Kei before she could leave and took her aside. "Kei?" She spoke cautiously. "I'm not sure if you'll be free but... can you come visit the Lowee Basilicom tomorrow evening? We, you and I, need to talk personally. It's urgent."
Before Kei had an opportunity to respond, Mina left. She was definitely in a rush, but for what reason Kei couldn't imagine. Regardless, Kei was going to visit Lowee.

She had a grim feeling that Mina knew something she didn't.