"Wow."
Neptune and friends exclaimed at once, looking at the towering spire in the middle of the huge open field. The spire had a crystal at the top and was glowing, producing small orbs of light that glowed dimly with various colors to light up the night. Dozens of these orbs floated around aimlessly and passing through any solid object or person in their way.
"Wow," Nepgear said again, "They really went out of their way with the fair."
Plutia held out a hand for a magenta orb floating towards her, "It's so pretty…" The orb passed through her hand and continued on its way.
"Come on, everyone," Neptune joined the crowd with his friends behind him.
"There's sure are a lot of people here," said Uni.
"Yeah. At least there aren't too many or it would be cramp," said Nereus. They stopped at an interval and from here, Neptune and Plutia will leave to be on their own.
"Alrighty, see you guys in a few hours."
"Have fun everyone…"
"Ok, have a nice date," Nepgear waved them goodbye as they went. She, Nereus and Uni went the opposite direction.
Neptune and Plutia walked side by side through the crowd consisting of families, couples and friends. Speaking of couples, they saw that many pairs consist of different races; human and elf, gnome and fairy, elf and dwarf, halfling and human and so. They laughed and happily enjoyed themselves together in this fair. Seeing this, Plutia compared themselves to them.
'Hmm, they all looked so happy, going on dates and spending time together…' she felt flustered for a moment. She looked at Neptune with the corner of her eyes and he noticed, "Isn't there something wrong Plu?"
Plutia shook her head, "No…"
"Ok, so what do you want to check out here? There sure are a lot of stalls here."
The many stalls around them had many casual activities you find in a fair and some sells treats and candy. There a few that sold food and drinks. Plutia looked at them and saw one particular stall that had an assortments of prizes.
"Maybe that one?"
Neptune looked at where she was pointing, "Sure."
They started walking towards the stall but something blue came across their way and startled them a bit. Then another one sped past them and they caught a glimpse of a cat. But they were surprised to see that the cat was made out of magic energy and had a small white spark in its chest. As it raced past, it left a trail of blue glitter that disappears shortly after.
"Was that a cat?"
"Yes. It's made out of magic, hmm…someone must be creating them…"
"I think it is coming from over there," Neptune pointed down the stalls where a small crowd was gathering. Whoever was catching there attention was surely a magician. They heard the crowd cheered when a giant bold eagle made out of magic energy flew upwards in a shower of blue glitters.
"That looks interesting."
"Maybe we should go there after this stall…?"
"Sure."
They reached the stall which was a gold fish catching stall. The man behind the large fish tank saw the two, thinking of them as an ordinary young couple enjoying their time together in the fair.
"Hello, welcome."
"A game for two please."
"Sure thing. Maybe I could also give a discount for a first time couple like you two."
"Geez thanks. Wait how do you know we're…?"
"Oh I can tell," the man said with a smile. He knew these two were on their first date. The atmosphere around tells him they were on a date. He himself had gone through this and seen others before. But what told them it was their first was because they weren't holding hands. They just stood together, close but it would had pass as normal.
The man handed them small pails filled with water and small plastic nets. Neptune and Plutia stood before the fish tank, the numerous gold fish swimming around just waiting to be catch.
"Ready Plu?"
"Uh-huh."
Plutia sighed deeply and sadly.
"Hey, cheer up Plu. That wasn't so bad."
To be frank, Plutia wasn't lucky. She was slow to catch any of the gold fish which all swam away before she could scoop them up. When she did managed to catch one, her net snapped and it went back into the tank. The man did give her a new net, only to have a snap again. But before the goldfish could get away, Neptune, with quick reflexes, caught the gold fish with his pail. Then he was on a roll. Three straight catches and victory was assured. Finally, Plutia tried one last time and successfully caught one. She almost put it into her pail but it suddenly jumped off the net and hit her in the face, or rather it slapped her, before dropping back into the tank. The man mentioned that that gold fish was always a bit odd. So with that the victory goes to Neptune.
"Aww, the gold fish that slapped me was a meanie," Plutia rubbed the bridge of her nose where she was slapped.
"That was something you don't see every day. Kind of funny actually," Neptune chuckled.
Plutia pouted, "Now you're being a meanie Neppy."
"Oh sorry, Plutie. Here," he gave Plutia his prize, a stuffed panda wearing shorts.
"But that's yours."
"Yeah, but I got it for you."
Plutia took the stuffed panda and looked at it. She thought it was cute, plushy and really huggable, "Thank you Neppy, it's so adorable," she pat it and hug close to her chest.
"You're welcome. I know you like stuff animals and plushies," Neptune said with a wink.
"Yes I do…Hey let's go see where those apparitions are coming from."
They headed to where the magician was. He or she was still creating the apparitions. They saw an owl perch on the roof of a stall and a full grown elephant, was hovering in the air. It moved upwards and forward with every step it took in the air. They heard people looking at the apparitions amazed, children pointing at them excitedly.
They came before the stage, which is nothing more than a large rectangular box with the magician, an elf, standing on it. The elf was wearing a grey vest over a bright orange t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His hands glowed blue as he made a few hand gestures before striking a hand out and a tiger appeared. Some of the crowd screamed in surprise and terror and backed away. But the tiger simply floated away.
The elf clapped his hands together, "Alright, let's try something different now," he reached into a large duffel bag beside him and pulled a small panel of glass. He searched the small crowd until he spotted Plutia and Neptune. He gestured for them to come forward.
"Come here young lady and let me give you something of the best quality there is," the elf magician held the glass panel on his palm of his right hand while his left hand was above it. They glowed blue again and glass glowed a blue hue as well. Then it suddenly broke with a loud crack. The pieces hovered between his hands between they started combining together. With a dim flash the pieces combined to form a glass dove resting on his palm. The audience clapped and half of them dropped credits into a casket in front of the box.
"Here we go, a nice glass dove for the cute young lady," he handed dove to Plutia and she accepted it, "Now, does anyone else want one them….?"
"Um, excuse me mister, I think you did the spell improperly," Plutia cut in.
"What do you mean? I had gone through all the procedures and steps needed for the spell."
"Ok…then you must have done it poorly because it…isn't very well done." The elf stiffed and the crowd muttered.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well, like she said the dove looked a bit crude on some parts and the head is kinda silly looking," said Neptune.
"Uh-huh," Plutia held up the dove for him to see. The audience closed in for a better look.
"No, I'm pretty sure the dove is as fine as it can get. Besides these spells don't always worked out all well anyways," he said the last sentence quickly and softly in hopes the crowd doesn't hear him.
"Hmm…" Plutia looked at the glass dove before closing her eyes. Her hands glowed magenta and her aura covered the dove. It shattered into pieces and hovered above her palms for a second before combining again. With the same dim flash the glass pieces that was a dove was transformed into a glass rabbit!
The crowd around them wooed and exclaimed while the elf stared dumbfounded at the glass bunny in her hand. What really amazed them besides the fact that the rabbit was not only perfect carving but it literally shined like a diamond from the reflection of the lanterns and glowing orbs floating around them!
"Whoa Plu, that's a nice looking rabbit there."
"Thanks Neppy."
The amazed and dumfounded elf asked, "You're a magic user as well. Where do you learn to be able to cast a perfect spell like that?"
"I learn it from a friend of mine," that was Plutia's only reply.
After that, they walked away from the mini stage with the glass rabbit in Plutia's hands. She put it away in her storage for safe keepings.
"So, which one do you want to check out next Plu?"
"Hmm," Plutia put a finger on her chin as she scanned more of the booths around them. Neptune did as well, hoping if there's anything interesting for their date.
"Come one Nepgear! How the heck are you doing so badly at this?"
"Sorry, there just a lot of things going on in the game. How are you so good at this?"
Uni smirked, proud at the score she was accumulating. She aimed the plastic gun in her hands and pulled the trigger. She gained a headshot and then continued with an onslaught of kills, taking down almost every virtual masked bad guys on screen. When she ran out of ammo, she took her feet off the metal pad which caused her character to duck behind cover.
Nepgear on the other hand, missed a lot of shots, with some kills she was sure Uni stole from her. Ultimately, a masked baddie in red shot her and the last of her lives are gone. Her screen flashed the words 'Game Over. Continue?' Groaning she put the gun back into its slot in front of her.
"I'm done. I used a lot of tokens for this game."
"All right then, I'll finish this." Smiling, she pressed the metal pad again and started shooting again.
Seeing how much her friend was enjoying herself, Nepgear left her and went to find other games to play with what's left of her tokens. They were in a large tent where a lot of arcade games were placed. A lot of people were in there, playing their favorite arcade games or waiting in line for one currently playing to finish their turn.
Nepgear found Nereus nearby playing a fighting game called 'Road Warriors II'. She saw he was really focused on the game, trying to hit a high combo. His character, a beefed fighter wearing a black head band, was fighting a white haired martial artist wearing red. Nereus smashed the buttons and toggled the joystick, making his character performed a cool uppercut that sends the martial artist flying into the air. Nereus then proceeded with hitting him with a series of punches and kicks while he is still in the air.
Nepgear didn't want to disturb him so she moved on. She wondered around for a while before coming across a row of crane machines with a different prizes in them. She saw a few couples there, trying hard to get those prizes without them slipping through the claw. The crane machines weren't of any interest to Nepgear. Until a prize in one of them caught her eyes. When she lay her eyes on it her eyes widen.
It was a figure of a giant humanoid mech but unlike those that are made out of plastic, this one is made out of cheap and lightweight metal. There's no denying it, she was sure it was made of such material. That would mean it is a rare, limited collector's edition and to think one ended up in a crane machine.
Nepgear pressed her hands and face against the glass. Her eyes sparkled like sunshine on clear water as she eyed the figurine, her saliva unintentionally drooling down her chin. She really wanted that figure.
She imagined all the cool things she could do to it. Rebuild it with functions that shouldn't be installed in a figure meant for collecting. She imagined the small mech talking and speaking fluently, flying around using thrusters or a jetpack, pulling out a flaming sword while yelling out a cool name, using cannons installed on its back. The possibilities she could crafted with this one mech figure, limited only by her imaginations. And of course finances but she will get to that later.
Nepgear fished her remaining tokens. Four left, "This should be enough."
She insert a token into the slot, grabbed the joystick and start moving the claw towards the mech figure.
What were the odds she couldn't get it within four tokens?
Unfortunately, she failed. With all four tokens spent, she could only watch in sorrow as the figure dropped from the claw.
"No!" Nepgear half-slammed her hands on the glass in frustration and despair, "Oh, why do these have to be so difficult?" she said with teary eyes and a saddened expression.
Looking at the mech lying there, taunting her, she clenched her fist, "I'll be back," she muttered and took off towards the token counter.
She quickly get to the counter, pay for a dozen tokens and half-ran, half-jogged back to the crane machine. She counted the tokens in her hand before closing her fingers over them and putting on a serious expression, "All right Nepgear, the mech is waiting for you. Go get it!" she said to herself quietly so one could hear. Determined, she made her way back to the crane machine.
"Yeah! And that was only the second try!"
Nepgear stopped in her tracks. There, standing in front the crane machine where she was just now, someone pumped his fist in victory before pressing a button that cause the claw to open. And before the prize dropped into the compartment, Nepgear saw it was the mech figure.
She gasped and felt her heart skipped a beat. As she watched the person take the figure out, feelings of lost and despair swell in her chest causing her to cry out, "No!"
As immediate as her unintentionally cry, she covered her mouth when she realized her unnecessary outburst. It startled the person and he turned towards her.
"Um…"
Nepgear felt her face became hot with embarrassment, especially with the looks the people around was giving her.
"Um, I don't suppose you want this figure, do you?" the person asked awkwardly.
Nepgear shook her head fiercely while swing her arms in denial, "N-no I don't! Sorry for suddenly shouting out!" She bowed to further express her apology.
"Hey wait a second, aren't you that girl from the other day at the Guild?"
"Eh?" Nepgear looked up at the person in front of her. The boy was tall and lean, with red-brownish hair and brown eyes. She had met him before.
"You're…Nepgear right?"
That's right, she met the boy at the front entrance of the guild. If she remembers right, his name is Falcom.
"Oh, uh, it's you. Falcom is it?"
Falcom flashed a small smile, "That's me. So you wanted this figure?" He held out the mech in his hands.
"Uh no, wait, I mean yes. Well I did but that's okay. You got it first so it's yours," she denied again with a polite smile. But deep down, she was just holding back the urge to nod and say yes.
"You're sure?" When she nodded again, Falcom was just going to accept it. But then a voice in his head said, 'Look at your enemy, observe her, if there is some sort of lie or deception to throw you off, be careful'.
Falcom shook his head, 'Shut up, she is not some kind of enemy or danger', he thought. But still he looked at her closely and then noticed in that kind and polite expression her eyes seemed to show hints of disappointment and sadness. Then he noticed that she was clenching her hands tightly for a while now. From what he gathered, 'She really wants this figure but when I got it, she is trying to be polite by pushing back her desire. She is a really kind girl'.
And kind of cute. Glancing at her long lavender hair, he found it really attractive. She might as well be the first choice to a prom night.
"Um, Falcom? Are you alright?"
Snapping out of his thoughts, he realized he was staring at her for an awkward amount of time. 'You took too long! By then, the enemy will be able to rush at you and cut you into ribbons.'
'Whatever!' He ignored the voice in his mind.
"So Nepgear, if you really want this I can just give it to you."
"No please, I can't."
"Come on," Falcom closed the distance between them and held out the figurine for her to take, "I can tell you really want this. I mean the reason I even try to get this was because I thought it looked cool. Between someone who really wants it and someone who simply got it because it looks interesting, I say the former wins."
Nepgear took what he said in and looked at the figure held out to her. She reached out for it and was about to get it.
"Hey guys look at that."
"Wow that looks kind of expensive."
"Hey, don't mind giving it to us?"
Both Nepgear and Falcom looked where the voices came from. Three young men; a human, an elf and a broad shoulders changling or beastman for some who towered over everyone in the tent. They were looking at the mech figure in Falcom's hands. They approached them and the human asked, "Hey that figure there, don't mind giving it to us?"
Falcom glared at them, it is pretty clear they are trouble.
"Sorry buddy but this belongs to her so you can't have it."
"What, your girlfriend there wants a mech figure? Is she a tomboy or something?" the elf chuckled.
His comment made Falcom's eyes twitch, he felt anger rising in him already.
"Yeah, she wants this. What's wrong with that?"
"Well we want it more so again, don't mind giving it to us or my big friend here will be displeased," the humans pointed a thumb at the beastman behind him who looked at him with fierce looking eyes.
"Well then, I'm sorry but again, no. I can't give this to you for free."
The beastman made a deep grunt under his breath. He took a step forward and looked down at Falcom.
"Look here, we don't want much of a hassle here and I'm sure you two as well right?"
"Why do you even want this? Much less asking us to give it to you without so much as dime in return?"
"Well, if it is cash you want then I'm afraid we are kind of short of it."
Falcom raised an eyebrow. He thought of what he said and looked down at the figurine in his hands. Thinking about it, he figured the reason they wanted the figure was to sell it. It looked expensive and was a collector's edition. If they find some kind of obsessed collector or maybe an otaku, they can charged them with hefty price. It sounded like the most likely reason and he has confidence he was right.
"So what will it be?" the young man said while crossing his arms.
Falcom felt Nepgear tapping on his shoulders. He looked at her and he saw she was of course uneasy, "Um, Falcom I should give them the mech figure. It's okay."
"Yeah that's right, you ought to listen to your girlfriend," the elf smirked.
"Uh…I-I'm not his g-girlfriend. We're just acquaintances," said Nepgear with her cheeks becoming red.
"Whatever it is between you two, I don't care. You gonna give that to us or what?" At the same time he said that, the large changling started cracking his knuckles.
'Well that's cliché.' Falcom looked at the beastman and his two companions, then to the figure in his hands before finally looking at Nepgear.
Cold sweat was forming on her forehead and she was feeling really nervous especially with the large man in front of them. She may have fought dangerous monsters before but to get into conflict with a bunch of thugs and scums in public? It really makes her uneasy.
"Alright," he looked back at the young man, "You can have this figure."
The human smiled in satisfaction, "Glad we can come to an agreement then."
He held out an open palm so Falcom could give him the figure. But then Falcom raised his hand to stop him, "I will give this to you, if you three can win against me in a match."
"Excuse me? We don't have the freaking time to do this match of yours. You better give it to us right now," the young man raised his voice in irritation.
The beastman made a growling noise and fiercely grabbed the front collar of his shirt. This act was noticed by the other people in the arcade and some started muttering or walked away. The beastman brought his face close to Falcom's and bared his teeth. Falcom saw they started to become sharper and elongated especially his canine teeth.
Nepgear gasped and took a step back, almost tempted to run and find Nereus and Uni for help. But Falcom had a calm expression, staring into the aggressive eyes of the large man.
In the passing of a second, he raised both arms and brought them down on the arms of the beastman. He batted them away and the beastman lost his grip before he even realized it. Surprised for a moment at the little man's speed and strength, he regained his composure and gripped his first tightly while snarling at Falcom.
"You better listen closely here, if you don't give us that, well you better hope you can get a top class healer or healing potion, because Tutch here hardly goes soft," said the young man, sounding less patient.
Falcom looked at her before returning his sight on the beastman, Tutch. After a few seconds of a tense stare-off, the corner of Falcom's lips curled upwards slightly in a small smile.
"Okay, but match first. And to satisfy you, you can choose what the match is going to be and I won't protest."
The beastman groaned in annoyance but he looked at his boss. The young man considered Falcom's conditions and before nodding, "Alright then, you can have your match."
"Okay, so what kind of match are we having? There's lots of games here."
Falcom looked at the young man. He was tapping his chin with two fingers, thinking what kind of match that they can have that will give them the win immediately. He will make use of Falcom's conditions; he won't go against their choice. It will something Tutch can beat him at.
"Or we could take it outside. There're some stalls that can give us a good contest. I mean, like a really good and fair match where both sides are on equal standing. Right?"
Hearing his words, the young man remembered something. He remember seeing a booth where a wizened-looking dwarf manages. If he remembers right, the booth's game was a test of strength. He grinned. It was already their win.
"Ok I thought of something. It is outside. Come on."
Falcom didn't say anything. He looked at Nepgear, her expression was worried. When she looked at his face, she saw the situation he got himself in wasn't worrying him in the slightest. He gave her a reassuring smile and pat her on the shoulders.
"Hey, don't worry. I got this."
"But, what if they cheat or if the contest they decided could get you hurt?" she said, worried a lot for this boy she just met and knew nothing about.
But Falcom waved his hand as to swat her worries away, "Again, no need to worry. Besides, a bunch of mischiefs like them would be much of a problem. I faced worse. Much worse," Falcom said, his last two words were putted in a lot of emphasis.
He followed the three thugs. Nepgear, seeing him leave, couldn't help but follow as well.
They followed them to a stall where an old, wizened dwarf was behind the counter, looking bored since they weren't many customers. Nepgear looked at what kind of game this particular stall has. All she saw were robotics arms, three of them, lined up on beside him. She looked at the name of the stall, Robotic Arm Wrestling.
Seeing the thugs, Falcom and Nepgear approaching his stall, he straightened up, "So, What a try at these arms? 30 credits for the one at the furthest end there. It's the easiest one, about 15 to 100 kilograms worth of arm power in it."
Nepgear looked at the robot arms, '15 to 100kilograms?'
She looked Falcom, wondering if he could even win against that much force. Even if he worked at the Guild and took quests he could had worked out some muscles and build a lean figure but against a beastmen, this normal looking boy was like a twig.
The young man placed 60 credits on the counter and pointed a thumb at Tutch and Falcom, "These two will be taking each other on."
The dwarf looked at the beastman and Falcom, and back at the young man, looking amused, "So what? This is some kind of competition?"
"Yes, now just prepare the arm, grandpa."
The dwarf groaned softly at the disrespect he was given but he took the credits and went to operating the arm. The robotic arms was of course of dwarven engineering; the arms were based around a prototype mechanical arm that was able to deliver a punch of 2000 pounds and more. There were even rumors that several dwarves were able to make one that packed a blow worth 20 tons.
The old dwarf pressed a few buttons and the arm started boot up. He then pressed another button which caused the arm to twist at its wrist and even clamped its fingers into a fist.
"Okay, so how much do you want?"
"Hmm….15 kilograms. Need to go easy on the boy wonder here." The young man gestured to Falcom.
"Going easy on me, huh? I think you ought to consider the limit of your big friend here as well."
The young man half-chuckled after hearing how confident Falcom sounded, "Oh, I am looking forward to this. You sure you're not reconsidering this?" He turned around to face Falcom with a slight sneer.
But then his sneer disappeared when he saw the look on Falcom's face. He was smirking. A smirk laced with absolute confidence. No. His entire expression was painted with confidence. The look that tells people he knew he had already won. The young street thug, for a second, shuddered. But he immediately recovered and felt angry. He felt angry at the boy in front of him, who made him felt uneasy for an unknown reason. Is it because of that smirk on his face? No. No way. It was probably nothing.
"It's ready. Who goes first?" asked the dwarf.
"He goes first," the young man tapped on Tutch on the shoulder. The beastman grunted in reply and walked towards the robotic arm. The dwarf pressed a button and the hand opened, welcoming the beastman's own hand. Tutch closed his fingers around the hand and then the dwarf pressed the button that made the robot fingers gripped Tutch's hand. Finally he turned a knob and said, "Ready?"
Tutch nodded and the dwarf hit a button before stepping back and crossed his stubby arms.
The robotic arm suddenly jointed and pushed against the Tutch's own arm. The beastman put strength into his opposition against the mechanical arm. He didn't hold back and soon he slammed the arm against the wooden counter.
The hand automatically realized Tutch's hand and when he let go, the arm stood up on its metal elbows again, back at its original position.
The sly elf clapped while the young man nodded his head, happy with Tutch's easy win. He looked at Falcom and said, "Well, your turn."
"That was okay. As expected of a beastman."
Falcom stood before the robotic arm and placed his elbow on the counter and grasp the hand and the hand responded in the same manner.
"Okay, ready yourself," said the old dwarf before he pressed the button again. Immediately, the arm pushed against Falcom's but he didn't resist. Instead he simply held his arm in place while the robotic arm strained against him with a force of 15 kilograms. Falcom didn't even budge. Nepgear noticed this and as did the three thugs and dwarf.
Finally, when he thought it was long enough, he slammed the arm onto the counter with a loud thud.
"Well, that was easy," Falcom said as he looked at the three thugs. They were surprised at how easily he overpowered the arm as did Nepgear.
"Ok looks like you have some strength in those arms. How about we crank it up more?" said the young man.
"Sure why not? This is just the start," Falcom replied confidently.
"Hey, dwarf, we'll have another go. This time dial that thing up to 30 kilograms."
"Very well but it will cost you again," the old dwarf said while holding out a hand. The young thug scolded and handed another 60 credits. Then the dwarf proceeded to turn the knob until the L.E.D screen had the number 30 appeared on it.
"Go get him, Tutch. I want this done already," the young man told the beastman who only grunt in reply.
Then that was how it went. Tutch was able to beat the robotic arm again. And when it was Falcom's turn again, he once again surprised everyone when he slammed the arm almost fiercely on the counter. Seeing his victory, the young man asked for the dwarf to increase the strength of the arm to 70 kilograms. The old dwarf said he will have to pay again but a vicious stare from Tutch silenced him. So he did what he was told, while mumbling about not been paid. When it was ready, Tutch took the robot hand in his again and the battle continued. But this time, Tutch looked like he was struggling and sweat started to form on his forehead. Ultimately, he triumphed over the arm again but left with his own arm feeling sore.
"Good work," the young man said to Tutch, "Now I'm sure this time that little twat won't be able to make it."
But as he watch Falcom walked towards the robotic arm, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
So he watched as Falcom closed his fingers around the metal hand and they started wrestling…..then his heart dropped when the loud 'Thum!' of metal hitting wood was heard.
"Is that all this thing got?" Falcom said, crossing his arms and looking at the young man and Tutch, a small grin on his face.
"How are you…..you aren't cheating are you?" the young man shouted, now angry.
"That's how you think? Well show me your proof then."
"Well…gah, there's no way that you could possibly be able to wrestle against a robot arm with that much strength behind it!"
"Really? Well, you big friend over there could do it, why can't I?"
"Maybe because you are just a normal human. That's why."
"Normal?" Falcom said the word slowly and after that he became lost in thoughts. Nepgear noticed the way he said that word. She didn't know why but he sounded almost as if it was a lost word for him. A word that disappeared from the dictionary in his head and subconscious.
"Huh," the boy said softly, "If that is the case then let's just end it then. How about it? Crank that arm to maximum power?" he pointed at the robotic arm.
"All right then, we're finishing this."
Knowing what to do, the old dwarf turned the knob until the LED screen had the letters '100' on it with an extra word 'Maximum' under it. The hand bended and stretched its fingers as if to get ready and finally stood still there, waiting its challenger.
"Go on, this time we finish this," the young man said to Tutch.
But the beastman hesitated, looking at the robotic arm and rubbed his numbed arm.
"Well, are you gonna go or what?"
Tutch whispered to him, "Ah, I'm not for sure, Kent. My arm feels a bit numb."
"Excuse me?" Kent whispered back, looking at him like he said something absurd and unacceptable, "Don't tell me you are gonna let that twat win against ya. You're a beastman and he is just a human!"
"Well…." Tutch didn't know how to argue further. It looked like he will have to do the challenge.
"Feeling tired big guy? You should really let your big friend there rest and maybe call this off, Kent."
Kent and Tutch looked at Falcom, surprised for fourth time that night. They thought it would be mostly impossible but yet he somehow heard everything they said despite whispering to make sure no one hears them.
"Wait, were you eavesdropping on us just now? You sure are nosy you shit twat," said Kent, more furious than before. But Falcom just put on an innocence expression, or at least that was what it looked like.
"No I wouldn't do that. I am the kind of guy who respects people's privacy."
Kent wanted to say more but he couldn't come up with anything. He nudged Tutch's shoulder roughly, ordering the beastman to take the arm and wrestle it now. And with no other choice, Tutch walked towards the robotic arm.
"Uh, Falcom?" Nepgear asked, softly so no one could hear.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"You're sure you heard them whispering? Because I didn't."
"Really? I could hear because of my….," then he paused.
"Hmm?" Nepgear saw his abrupt end of his sentence. He looked like he remembered something and realized it was the reason and answer to her question.
"Um, Falcom?"
"Oh, it's nothing Nepgear. Maybe because I got really good hearing that's all."
Falcom said with another one of his friendly grins. Nepgear didn't know why he acted like that. But then she noticed that he suddenly mumbled something to himself. She didn't catch all of it but she thought she heard him saying 'You're just a human'.
They watched as Tutch sat in front of the awaiting arm and wrapped his fingers around it. The metal fingers wrapped around his and it was then he noticed something odd. He squeezed the metal hand lightly, feeling the cool material in his palm. He then found out what was odd about it. It was dented. Looking closely, he saw a few slight dents on the hand and fingers. He didn't know where those come from but he thought they could had come from the resulting force acting on metal hand by both him and Falcom.
"Ok, ready?" announced the old dwarf. Tutch nodded and the dwarf pressed the button. The beastman braced himself against the strength of the arm again.
Both Kent and the sly elf nervously watched their companion's struggle, with Kent tapping his left foot on the ground all the way. Tutch groaned deeply as he pushed against the 1000 newton of force behind the robotic arm, sweat starting to roll down his forehead and his shoulder and arm was getting number as the seconds passed. His muscles was like it was on fire, his strength burning away.
"Ahhh!" Finally, Tutch gave up and he let his arm get pinned down onto the counter by the metal arm.
"Nooo!" the sly elf cried like it was the most tragic thing he had seen. Kent stamped his foot on the ground while cursing. Tutch stood while holding on to his arm, stretching it slowly and walked back to his two friends.
"Sorry, boss. I tried but my arm was really tired."
"Gah, how...how could you just…ah!" Kent threw up his arms, he didn't have anything to say but yell his anger out. Tutch kept his head bowed as in shame for his defeat.
Rubbing his hands together, Falcom sat down on the chair, "Well, it's my turn again. Let's finish this."
He gripped the metal hand and nodded to the dwarf. He activated the machine and the robotic hand gripped his hand. Punching the button, the robotic arm pushed against him. Everyone watched this final showdown, waiting for the moment when Falcom will start to struggle. But it didn't happen.
Falcom was sat there, hearing the sound of the machine whirring, cranking and gears turning. It was putting its maximum power behind the metallic arm but as seconds ticked by, Falcom was only getting bored.
He looked at the robotic arm, watching its feeble struggle against him. Seeing this he remember the monsters he faced. When he travelled he came across many monsters. Some are low-level, nothing he can't handle. But then there were those high-level monsters, like A-class monsters and he even once faced a SS-class monster on his own. That was months ago but he never forgot the fight. He remembered the strength and power of that chimaera and most of all, he remembered how he felt as the battle as it heated up. He didn't knew why but it came out of nowhere, but it came to him like a hurricane.
The thrill. The thrill of battle. It coursed through his veins, driving his fighting spirit like coal for a fire. It was the best feeling he ever had. Something he also didn't know he had in him.
He was half-reminiscing that he didn't realized he was grinning. His grip tightened on the metal hand that it dented. Remembering that battle made him excited and then he focused back on the arm and saw it was nothing. It was like an insect, an ant that was small and weak which foolishly dared to face against an opponent so big to handle. Such thoughts made him grin wider.
On impulse, he pushed against the arm with all his might while at the same time he closed his fingers the hand entirely, crushing it. The arm was slammed onto the counter and both it and the counter shattered with a loud crack.
It was so sudden and loud that it gave Nepgear and the thugs a heart attack. They took in the damage to the counter and the robotic arm or at least whatever is left of it. The hand area was completely crushed into an uneven ball in Falcom's hand. The top of the counter had a crater-like hole in it and the crack traced down in a lightning bolt fissure. A damage like that would be impossible for any human to accomplish but yet they saw Falcom accomplished it.
Just realizing the damage he did, Falcom dropped the pieces of metal and wires in his hand, "Umm," he felt the eyes of many people looking at him. This wasn't the first time such similar things happened in their city but it doesn't happen often, much less in a fair.
After a few seconds, the same people who stopped to see the commotion started to walk away as it was normal which it actually was. Falcom relaxed and looked at Nepgear and the three thugs.
Nepgear, after recovering from the shock, said the first thing that came to her mind, "Falcom…wow, I didn't expect you had such strength."
"Oh, this. Well this is actually natural for me. My…strength. It would unnatural for most people but for the standards for me this is pretty much normal."
"I see. So that means you won," Nepgear put on a grin.
Falcom grinned back, "Yeah, I did. It was nothing. I faced against worse."
"Faced against worse?" Kent repeated, finally spoken up, "You didn't happened to work at the Guild do you?"
"Yes I do."
Kent let out an angry scoff, "So that explains it! There are always some guild members who are freakishly abnormally strong."
Falcom raised an eyebrow, "Freakishly abnormal? Some choice of words there."
"Okay, whatever!"
"So now that I won, that means Nepgear gets to keep the mech figurine, right? That was the deal."
"W-well it would had been a deal if you didn't had an advantage. I mean that was unfair. Tutch couldn't stand against you!"
"Huh? But I thought you were confident that he would win. I even let you choose the game. So now I won and you should keep your end of the bargain."
"Tsh, y-you…"
"Yes?" Falcom crossed his arms and gave him a hard look that made Kent feeling uncomfortable suddenly. Finally he gave up. It was a fight he lost.
"Fine, keep your damn figure. It wasted our time anyway."
Kent turned his back to them and walked away with his two companions following behind.
Falcom and Nepgear watched them walk away until they disappeared into the crowd. Once they did Falcom took out the mech figure from his storage and handed it to Nepgear, "Here. All yours."
Nepgear took the mech figure and looked at it in her hand. All of this for this thing, she thought.
"Thank you. I can't believe you went that far just to help me."
"Well I couldn't just let them have their way."
"It's also kinda silly, all of this for a mech figure."
"You're right. Who would thought it would led to this situation." Both of them chuckled.
"Indeed, that figurine sure has cause trouble alright," the old dwarf raised his voice. He was looking very displeased. Something to expect when your stall and fair attractions got destroyed.
"This stall I built myself but with materials that aren't cheap you know. And most of all, this arm isn't something out of the dollar store! I had to rent it from some old buddies and now I pretty much owe them a lot!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Let me pay for them."
"The damage is worth 20000 credits and it includes the two rounds that your 'friends' just now didn't pay for."
"Goodness, that's a lot," said Nepgear, concerned.
"Yeah. Looks like I'll have to bust out the old piggy bank."
Falcom then withdrew a small leather bag from his storage. He untied the knot holding the top closed and reached in to draw out a coin made out of gold.
"Will this do?"
Nepgear and the old dwarf stared at the coin with wide eyes. It was glittering in the light of all the light bulbs around them and the colorful glow of the magic sphere floating around. Falcom handed it to the dwarf who inspected it very closely and even bite down on it to confirm that it was pure gold.
"My goddess, this is made out of gold. Where do you get this thing?"
"I…came across it while I was in a dungeon."
"A dungeon? So this is treasure then? Hmm, these engravings and the picture of an old man. Is this a drachma?"
"Yes it is."
"You found this in a dungeon? You know how hard it is come across these? The only places you can come across these would be in a museum and even the chances for that would be one in ten."
"Well I guess I got lucky," then Falcom took out another drachma and threw towards the dwarf who caught it, "Here's another, for the trouble."
The wizened dwarf looked at the two gold coins in his hands, he looked like he wanted to protest since he thought it was too much but ultimately he accepted and thanked him.
Nepgear and Falcom walked away from the stall and found themselves back near the entrance of the large tent with the arcades.
"So you're going to back inside?" Falcom asked.
"Yeah. My friends are inside."
"That was kind of you; giving two of those drachmas. Being both rare and made out of pure gold most would people would keep them for themselves."
"Nay, I have lots of them. I wouldn't use often so giving two of them won't hurt much."
"That sounds like you're just being careless with money Falcom."
"Yeah I guess you're right but I mostly run on credits so it's unlikely I'll use them again soon."
"Drachma…Where did I heard of that again?" Nepgear went through what she could remember. She heard of that name before but where? It has to so with something not related to Gamindustry.
"I could tell you but you wouldn't believe me. Most people wouldn't."
"Hmm…wait, does it have anything to do with Olympus?" Nepgear said softly.
That word made Falcom twitched, "Wait you know about Olympus?"
"Yes I do. I studied it along with its…people."
"Oh you mean the Olympians. Especially the gods. They're usually the highlight when talking about the subject."
"So you know about the gods there? Hardly anyone believe they are real."
"Yes I do. I…had some experiences."
"Experiences? Like what?"
Falcom didn't reply immediately. He stood quiet for a while, looking reluctant to answer. But Nepgear was waiting he had to give her some kind of answer. He was about to give her an answer when the entrance to the tent flapped open and a pair of siblings came out.
"Nepgear, there you are!" said Uni.
"Where had you been? We looked all over for you in there," said Nereus.
"Oh, sorry you two. I got caught up in something."
"What is it? It doesn't have to do with this guy does it?" Uni asked with her arms crossed and gave Falcom a look that's between suspicious and disapproval. It slightly took him aback and he wondered where it could had come from.
"Oh, he didn't have anything to do with my problem. In fact he helped me."
"Really?" Nepgear nodded.
"So um. These are your friends Nepgear?"
"Uh-huh, this is Uni and her brother Nereus."
"Wait Nereus?" Falcom looked at the other boy, "As in 'The Old Man of the Sea', Nereus?"
"Yes. You're know of the god?"
"I certainly do. He's a god of the sea, a master shapeshifter, he knows lot of things and can't lie. He also happens to be a merman."
"Well someone knows their Olympians," said Nereus, impressed.
"If you ask which pantheon of gods you want to know, the Olympians are my expertise," Falcom said it proudly.
"Don't think you can tell me what I don't already know about the Olympians."
"Oh is that so?" Falcom gave him a look which ask if that was some kind of challenge.
Nereus' lips curled up slightly, "I can bet on that."
Suddenly the atmosphere felt like another duel was just a stone drop way, only it's just a battle of knowledge than might. Between these persons who both just met each other, Nepgear wondered how it could just got to this suddenly. But at the same time she felt amused from this. Even Uni was. She couldn't help but giggle.
"Looks like you two became friends very quickly."
"Huh? You think so?" Falcom asked.
"Uh-huh, you both do look like friends."
Her statement made Falcom grinned and he scratched the back of his head. He looked at Nereus whose shrug was a reply in acceptance.
"So, your name is…?"
"Falcom."
"Falcom, that's an interesting name."
"My father gave it to me. Said something about wanting my name to being related to gaming."
"That's an interesting way of naming someone's kid," said Uni.
Falcom scratched the back of his head, recalling the funny looks he gets when he was younger, "Well he chose it for me and was the only one who made the choice."
"The only one? You mean you don't have a mother?" said Nepgear.
"Not exactly. She…kind of left us when I was born."
"She left you and your father? That sounds horrible. A mother shouldn't do that."
"Well she isn't the most normal of mothers."
"Huh? What does that mean?" asked Nereus.
"It…just means she isn't really suited to be a mother. That's all."
"Okay then."
Despite accepting his answer, Nereus had a feeling Falcom was holding back something. Like he didn't want to talk about it. Maybe it's just the feelings of a child whose mother abandoned him after he was born.
"So ah, you all came here to check this fair right?" Falcom asked, wanting to change topics.
"That's right," said Nepgear.
"And don't you have a brother?" Falcom recalled back that boy who he thought was Nepgear's older brother, "I don't see him around."
"Oh, Neptune is on a date right now."
"A date? Well, I saw a lot of couples around here, so I guess it's only appropriate to come here for a date."
"Speaking of them, I wonder how they are doing."
"Well we could wonder about them later. How's about we go somewhere else. The night is still young," suggested Uni.
"Okay, let's go."
"Then that means it's time for me to take leave. See you all,"
Falcom was about to walk away but Nepgear stopped him, "Wait, you came here alone right? So why not you join us?"
"Huh? You want me to join you guys?" Falcom said, surprised by Nepgear's offer. When she nodded, he looked at her friends.
"I don't mind if you come. You do look like a swell guy for company," said Nereus.
"Hmm, okay. I guess you can come with us," said Uni.
"So do you want to?" said Nepgear.
Falcom looked at Nepgear, who he thought looked cute when asking him. He had barely made any friends when he was a kid and ever since his father passed away he had been alone. And right now, this is probably the first time anyone asked him to hang out with them. He couldn't help but felt happy with this invitation, especially since it was from a girl.
"Sure, I would like the company."
"All right then, so where should we go," said Uni as they started walking in a random direction.
"Ready Plu?"
"Uh-huh."
The train moved slowly towards the portal ahead them where the rest of roller coaster tracks lead to. From where they were, Neptune and Plutia saw that the place the rest of the tracks were seemed to be built in a large warehouse.
The fair was large enough to accommodate many different rides anyone can find in carnivals or other fairs except for this roller coaster. The management board had to try another method to put this roller coaster in the fair and they decided to rent a warehouse where they build the majority of the tracks and paid the best magicians in the city to open two portals for them. These portals are sustained by energy supplied by generators with magic crystals in them.
The track inclined slightly as it got closer to the portal and finally when the train passed through it, Neptune and Plutia along with the rest of the passengers were treated to the sight of the large warehouse that looks like it could cover the length of a football stadium and more terrifyingly, the huge roller coaster track moving in loops, hills, turns and a few scary yet exciting 'thrill elements'. A few of the passengers gasped in awe and shock while other yelled in exhilarated horror.
Neptune was surprised as well, "Wow. I know this is just a fair but how big is their budget anyway?"
"Ah Neppy, this looks really scary but also so cool."
"Yeah, and we are about to go through it," Neptune said as the train neared the top of the lift hill. He could hear the nervous voices of the passengers, but unlike them he was excited. This is pretty much the biggest roller coaster he would ever ride yet.
"Get ready Plutie," the train was about to reached the top of the lift hill and everyone was bracing themselves. Neptune prepared as well but then he was surprised when he felt Plutia placing a hand on his own. He looked towards her and can she was nervous. He recalled she mentioned she never rode a roller coaster before. And since this is her first, which is a pretty intense one, he saw she would get nervous.
Just as they reached the top, Neptune quickly and gently grasped her hand and gave her a reassuring look when she turned towards him. He saw her smiled before he snapped his back towards the front as the train started descending and accelerating down the tracks at high speed.
The air whipped against their faces as the train sped through the tracks. The excited screams and yells of the other passengers and the rushing air filled their ears. They sped through a loop and sharp turn towards a 'corkscrew'. The floor and roof of the warehouse shifted places in Neptune's sight until they reached the end. Neptune couldn't help but threw his arms up in exhilaration. Plutia was also grinning and laughing in excitement.
Then the tracks moved in a hump-shaped pattern and they entered the 'camelback'. After that, they sped around more of the remaining tracks before entering the final 'thrill element', the dive loop, before finally the tracks started to flatten out as they passed through the portal and returned to the fair.
"Oh sweet True Goddess, that was awesome!"
"Yeah, that was sooo cool."
They walked away from the roller coaster and mingled with the crowds again. The roller coaster was their fourth ride that night and by far the most exciting one. While they did had fun trying out the rides, they did play with some of the stall games. Although, all of those stall games were won by Neptune except a certain stall game that involves a magical Rubik-like cube which Plutia won.
As they worked through the crowd, Neptune wondered how Plutia felt about this whole date of theirs. So far she looked like she was enjoying herself and that reassured him it was going fine.
"Hey Plu, where do you want to go now?"
"Where…hmm?"
Then Neptune suddenly heard her stop. He turned around and he saw her looking at a stall that was selling many different types of sneaks and candy. He saw that Plutia was looking at the cotton candies and from her expression, she looked like she was curious.
"What's wrong Plu?"
Plutia pointed at the cotton candies, "Is that what you call cotton candy?"
"Yeah. Why? You never seen one before?"
"Well actually, I never tried one before…"
'Never tried one before?' Neptune looked at the pink and blue fluffy sweets hanging there. Then he took a pink cotton candy and paid the vendor. He held it out for Plutia, "Here."
Plutia took it, tore off a small piece and put it in her mouth. The sugary sweetness immediately exploded all over her taste buds.
"Like it?"
Plutia swallowed the cotton candy and placed a hand on her cheek, her expression blissful for her usual expression, "It's so sweet and sticky…I like it."
Neptune chuckled. Plutia held out the candy towards him, "Here, try it."
Neptune gratefully tore a piece and chewed it. The same sweetness Plutia experienced burst like fireworks in his mouth, "Wow, what did they put in there?!"
"Hehehe," Plutia took another bite. Seeing how she was happily enjoying the candy and the cute face she was making, Neptune felt his heart beat slightly faster.
"Hmm?" suddenly a delicious scent stimulated Neptune's senses. He recognized this scent. He looked around and saw the source of the smell.
"Sweet pudding gods, that stall has yakisoba!"
"Hmm?"
Neptune grabbed Plutia's free hand and pulled her along as he walked briskly towards the food stall.
"Come on Plu, we got to buy some. Haven't had one in ages."
When they reached the stall, Neptune pulled out some credits and ordered four sticks of yakisoba. When the vendor gave him them, he quickly bite on one.
"Ah man, this is good," He finished the entire stick and was about to bite down on another yakisoba when he stopped.
"Oh yeah. Plu, you should try some."
Plutia looked at the yakisoba, examining it for a bit before she bit down on it.
"Well?" Neptune asked before biting on the second yakisoba on the stick.
"I like it. It's delicious."
"Glad you think so."
They walked around a bit more before finding an empty bench. They sat down to rest a bit and watched the people around them walked pass and took in the lights from the stalls and the floating orbs. Neptune had eaten most of the remaining yakisoba until there was only one last. Looking at this last one he decided maybe it was best he gave it to Plutia.
"Hey Plu here…"
"Neppy here…"
They both stopped. Neptune was holding out the yakisoba stick while Plutia was holding out the remaining cotton candy, both sticks were forming a sort of cross. They looked at each other and could only stare for a few seconds until they both were laughing.
"I wanted to give the last few bites," said Plutia.
"Yeah, I was hoping of doing more or less of the same thing."
When they stopped laughing they looked at each other again and then for some reasons, they didn't look away from each other.
Neptune looked into those tired-looking magenta eyes and the uncombed strands of hair framing Plutia's face. In the glow and light of the orbs, he couldn't help but be dazzled by her feminine charm. When he first met Plutia months ago, his first impression was just simple, cute. And now, right here he realized he had never seen any girls in this light before. It felt sudden but there can't be any denial that the beating of his heart was stimulated from this. But it wasn't just the looks. The most important part of Plutia that drew Neptune in the most is her personality. Her as a person. He can forget the weird moment where she would suddenly become sadistic. Her odd habit, or rather hobby, of taking long naps and making dolls were cute and appealing. During the months they spent living together he really liked her ditz and carefree personality. He felt attracted to be exact. She had many times to shown to be caring and kind, and her relaxed nature can make interactions so easy and relaxing. And at this moment, all of that he knew about her, how he saw her, felt different. When he fell for her, he had a warm in his chest and he had carried that warm with him on this entire date, mixed with anxiety that it would go wrong. Now with the increase in heartbeat, sitting on this bench with her, that warm had just got hotter.
"A certain girl who caught your eyes? Someone who you find attractive?" the words of Irie the mermaid echoed in his head.
"Yeah. She's right front of me."
Plutia looked at this boy whom she had lived with for a few months now. When he saved her, she thought he was a funny and confident person. And now as she looked at his lavender unkempt hair with the many strands that fall over his forehead nicely, his soft and friendly purple eyes, and that chubby, that slight feminine face that she had long found adorable. That smile he put on many times before was also so friendly, one of many traits of his personality that Plutia really liked. She enjoyed hanging out with him in whatever ways during the past few months. And these few months, she liked him as her best friend. Until just yesterday when he asked her out on this date and then she accepted it. It took a moment for her to figure out what he was saying and she actually surprised herself that she replied without a second thought or any hesitation. She didn't know why but she felt happy that Neptune asked her out. She never been on a date and she knew this is for people that like each other a lot. She does like Neptune and he is her friend but was that it? Being just friends? Because right now, at this moment, she felt her heart fluttering, more so than before. She felt a warmth in her chest. A fire that suddenly ignited from cinders. What is this warmth? While it is new, she quickly realized what it was. Where did it came from? Does it have to do with Neptune? But she had been seeing Neptune as a friend and nothing more. She does like him. A lot actually.
A lot. Plutia liked Neptune a lot. She really liked him and enjoyed spending time with him. Now she wondered if this whole time, this feeling has been within her for a long time and she was naïve to see it.
"This feeling…did I fell for Neppy?"
Seconds crept by, and they were still looking at each other. They looked strange, staring at each other with near-blanked expressions. And it was when a glowing orb passed between their faces did they came back to their senses.
"Oh, ah…so you want this Plu? I don't mind."
"Okay…" Plutia took the stick and at the same time hand her remaining cotton candy to Neptune.
"Here, I want you to have the rest…"
"Ok," Neptune took the stick and ate the remaining cotton candy, enjoying the exploding sweetness in his mouth while Plutia chomped the yakisoba off it stick.
"There you two are." Neptune and Plutia looked behind them.
Nereus was walking towards them with a canned drink in his hand, "You two looked like you both enjoyed yourself."
"Hey, Nereus."
"Hi there Nereus….how's the night for you and the others…?"
"It was fine. Nepgear and Uni are over there. With a friend," Nereus pointed a thumb over his shoulder at a high striker game where Uni was swinging the hammer down on the lever. The puck flew up towards the bell and struck it. The bell rang and flashed. Then a ball of light shot out of the bell and fell down. Uni got the falling ball of light and when she caught it, the light dissipated and an item Neptune and Plutia was unable to see clearly lay on her palm.
"Hey who's that?" Neptune pointed towards a boy standing with Nepgear and Uni.
"Oh that's Falcom. We met earlier and decided for him to tag along."
"You guys asked him to tag along? What gave you that idea?"
"Well, Nepgear had a problem and he came along and helped her. We were introduced and Nepgear was on friendly grounds with him so now he's hanging out with us."
Neptune looked at the boy as he and the girls walked towards them, "So basically Nepgear and him are friends now."
"It seems so."
When the trio reached them, Nepgear said, "Hey there, Neptune, Plutia. How's you date going?"
When she asked them, Plutia was quick to reply, "Uh-huh…we had lots of fun together. We went on lots of rides and played lots of games…"
"Ah, what she said," said Neptune while taking note of Plutia's tone of voice. It sounded she meant it when she said it was fun.
"It sounds like you enjoyed it Plutia. But um…did we just intrude?"
Neptune waved a hand as if to sweep those words away, "Nay, we were just sitting here taking a break. But speaking of which, what time is it?" He pulled out his phone and flipped the cover open and checked the time.
"Wow, it's already been more than two hours already? Man it didn't fell like it."
"Well…time flies when you're having fun," said Plutia.
"You're right. But speaking of fun, you still want to go on Plu?"
Plutia looked around at the fair around before saying, "Yes, I would like to keep going…" she said it with smile which had whatever enthusiasm her calm expression could muster.
"All right then," Neptune jumped off the bench, "Well everyone looks like Plutia and I are gonna head off again."
"Okay, have more fun," said Nepgear.
"When both of you are done, we will meet at the spot we entered," said Nereus.
"Okay big boss we got it," said Neptune and was about to take a step before he remembered, "Oh yeah, about the new guy."
Neptune looked at Falcom, "So hi there," he said casually.
"Ah hello," said Falcom, a bit awkwardly, "So you're Nepgear's older brother."
"Yep, that's me."
"I say," Falcom looked at Nepgear before turning back to Neptune, "Both of you looked similar. I thought both of you were twins when I first met Nepgear at the Guild."
"Huh? Neptune was confused at what he meant.
Seeing his confusion, Falcom said, "Oh we actually came across each other a few days ago at the Guild. At the entrance specifically."
"Wait…oh yeah. That was two chapters ago. I remember now, you're Falcom; the guy that Nepgear was screaming and blushing like a flustered princess around right?"
Immediately Nepgear's face became red as she remembered the way she acted back at the entrance of the Guild. She wasn't sure why she started acting that way.
"I-I was blushing that hard," Nepgear said, feeling her face getting hot.
Uni nudged her in her side, "Nepgear, you were red all over and we could heard you almost crystal clear," she said softly with a slight smile that tells that she was amused at Nepgear's reddening face.
Falcom also felt a bit awkward. He did noticed Nepgear's flustered appearance at the Guild and now as he took a glance at her. He wondered what he did that would her feel this way.
Neptune, with a small amused smile, looked at his sister, the red clearly shown now. He felt bad and decided to save her more embarrassment, "Ok then, Plu and I will be going then. See ya all."
"Bye again everyone, have fun," Plutia said and waved at them.
When they walked a short distance away Plutia said, "Nepgear blushing like that was sooo cute…"
Neptune chuckled, "Yep she was all right. That's my sister for you. She can be cute at times."
Back to Nepgear and the rest, they were walking away in another direction. From when they walked away from the bench, there was an awkward atmosphere between Nepgear and Falcom. Nepgear's face cooled down and doesn't have a trace of redness anymore. She took a glance at Falcom but then found that he was looking at her as well. Quickly she looked away as did Falcom.
'Ohhh, that was embarrassing. I wonder what Falcom thought of it. Suddenly it feels awkward between us. I hope he doesn't think of me as a weird person,' Nepgear thought.
"Nepgear…?" Falcom called.
"Um…yes?"
"Is everything alright? You're okay?" Falcom said, a bit nervously. Nepgear could hear it in his voice.
"Oh yeah. Everything's okay. Nothing wrong here."
"Ok."
And that was all they said before they started enjoying the fair again.
Two and Half-hours later
Plutia yawned deeply before saying, "Ah I'm feeling tire."
"You said it," Neptune said and stretched his arms.
They exited the fair grounds and were on their way home. It was more than before midnight, with the moon shining down its light on the lit street of the city. There were a few people left in the night. Just late night stragglers, couples and friends. Most of the city would either be asleep or simply lying down on the sofa in their living rooms being lazy with whatever time they have.
"We all better rest up after getting home. We have work tomorrow," said Nereus.
"What, again? It's only been a day," said Neptune.
"Yes that is true. I think that should be enough."
"Geez, when did you started being a hard worker?"
"Haven't we all had been doing this all the time? The bills aren't gonna pay for themselves and credits aren't falling from the sky."
"Wow dude, I know you like to work but from the sound of it you might be taking this too seriously now."
"Oh come on Neptune, I thought you enjoy going out and hunting down a monster or two. Don't be getting lazy on us now."
Neptune held up his hands as in surrender, "Fine. Tomorrow at Guild. Got it chief."
Falcom, listening to them talking, felt slightly amused, "So do the five of you go out on quest together often enough?"
"Often enough," said Uni, "And often as a team. That way it would be more convenient."
"What about you Falcom?" asked Nepgear, "Do you often go out alone?"
Falcom nodded, "Yes I do. I haven't worked with anyone before."
"Ah that sound lonely of you," Plutia said.
"No that's okay. I don't mind."
"Well then why don't you join us tomorrow?" said Neptune.
"Wait really?" Falcom said, surprised.
"Yeah why not."
Falcom laughed, "That's convenient. I was actually planning to go to the Guild as well."
"Great. Guess it's all settled."
As they neared a junction where the next turn will take them to their apartments, Nepgear decided to ask Falcom a question.
"So Falcom, what made you join the Guild in the first place?"
"Oh…it's because I found it to be the best place where I can make a living with what skills I got."
"So since that means you can fight, what do you like to use?" asked Neptune.
"You mean my weapon of choice. Well, it's the sword."
"Typical but all right."
"And a shotgun."
"Shotgun?" said Uni who became immediately interested.
"So what kind of shotgun is it? Pump-action? Automatic? Semi-automatic?"
"Um," Falcom noticed the slight excitement in Uni's voice, "No none of those. It's a lever action. Like a Winchester."
"Oh I see. I heard they are still producing some these days but only a few."
"You sounded excited. So you like firearms and use them as your main weapons right?"
"Yes I do."
"So where did you get the shotgun from?" asked Neptune, "The sword is easy enough but the shotgun sounds interesting."
"Not to mention people don't really go for a sword and gun fighting technique," said Nereus, "Do you really use such technique Falcom?"
"Well…," Falcom was about to tell them but then stopped. He was having second thoughts already about whether them or not. It wasn't such a big deal but personally he doesn't feel like he wanted to tell anyone. He could just lie to them. But another part of him was urging to tell the truth and it wasn't a big deal as long as he left out that one part of everything there about him.
"Well…I…got the sword and shotgun from my mother actually."
Nepgear was the first to ask, "So you got them from her as…presents?"
Falcom nodded, "Sort of like that."
"Wow, than that means you must have one cool mum then," said Neptune.
"Wish it's true but…"
"Hmm? But what?"
Falcom sighed, "But I never really knew my mother."
"You never knew her…?" Plutia said, "…then does that mean she is…" Plutia didn't want to say it, thinking it might be hard for Falcom.
But Falcom caught on what she was thinking and was about to say and quickly waved a hand to disclose that. "No, no it's not like you think. She's not dead."
"Yeah, you said before that she left you and your father right?" asked Nereus.
"Yeah that's right. She left my father and me when I was just a baby who wasn't able to open his eyes yet."
"Goodness, that's really horrible," Nepgear said again the second time that night. He may had told her earlier but now she was feeling sorry for him again.
"I don't know why but she just left me at the front door of my father's house in a basket and never show herself nor even sent a letter to us at all," Falcom said in a rising voice with angry seeping through with every word, "And then when my father passed away she didn't even bother attending the funeral. Much less show up for a few seconds."
"Your father passed away? I'm sorry. Again," Nepgear said, feeling sorry for him even more. Everyone else felt his anger and decided to not say another word. But deep down they also feel sorry for Falcom. Parentless and living alone.
Finally when they reached the junction and will take a turn towards where their apartments were. Falcom's home on the other hand was in the other direction.
"Well see you guys tomorrow at Guild," said Falcom, without a trace of the angry he had before.
"Ok then see ya there."
"Good bye Falcom," said Nepgear.
"Bye…" Plutia waved.
And they went their separate ways.
Falcom walked down the hallway to where his apartment was. When he reached the plain white door of his apartment, he took out a key, unlocked the door and went in.
He closed the door behind and turned on the lights, revealing his apartment. It was a small apartment; old but at least well maintained over the years before he moved in. There wasn't much, just the usual furniture anyone needs when living alone. TV, coffee table, dining table, some cabinets, a fridge, and etc. all of them cheap but reliable. He placed the keys on the coffee table and went to his room.
He flicked the lights to reveal his small bedroom. On his bed, his duffel bag laid open, showing the contents. There were some clothes, a toothbrush, a powerful flashlight and a GPS. He had checked everything before he went to the fair and now he decided to double check everything.
When he was done he zipped it closed and place on the ground his bed. Then he took his guitar case from his inventory and placed it besides his bed. He took off his jacket and flops down on his bed.
'Ok now everything is packed. Just need some extra cash tomorrow before leaving the next day.'
With everything ready, Falcom decided that he should get some shut-eye now. But he couldn't. Because the conversation he had before with Nepgear and her friends came back to him. He groaned. He jumped off the bed and walked towards the window. He opened the curtains and looked up at the night sky. The moon was bright tonight and there several stars twinkling. But that didn't interested Falcom. He looked at the sky with mixed feelings. He would sometimes feel angry looking at the sky but not all the time. Sometimes when he looked up at the sky he thought of what lies behind the clouds. Those small worlds where the people of Gamindustry didn't knew existed. Those mysterious worlds in pocket dimensions where he can't enter by normal means of transport. It would take something special to get in there. Magic could but it would still be impossible if one doesn't know what they are looking for. And from the sky, Falcom wondered if she was…
"Ah, why bother anymore," Falcom, irritated, closed the curtains.
Plutia hummed as she put the finishing touches on the plushies she was working on. From the bathroom the door opened and Neptune, finished brushing his teeth stepped out in his pajamas. He saw Plutia inspecting the plushies she made. He got closer and saw that the plushies were of Nereus and Uni. The last patch of plushies she was working on.
"Wow they're look nice Plu."
"Thanks Neppy. I'm glad I was able to finish it…You think Nereus and Uni will like them…?"
"I'm sure they would praise you all over," Neptune said and take a closer look at the two plushies. Plutia nailed them just like she did with his and Nepgear's plushies. The Nereus plushy had his exact hairstyle and blood-red eyes. His clothes on the other hands were one of the ones he wore before. But they were black, his color of choice for almost every piece of clothing he wore. As for the Uni plushy, Plutia managed to get her twin pigtails right. The pigtails were tied up by the exact replica of her ribbons. Her favorite dress was well made and was left with no differences.
"You can show these to them tomorrow."
"Uh-huh, okay," Plutia said before she yawned, "Oh…I think I'm going to sleep now."
"Okay then."
Plutia gathered her plushies and sewing equipment, stood up and headed towards her bedroom that she shared with Nepgear. But before she reached the door, Neptune wanted to ask her something.
"Hey, Plu."
"Hmm? What is it Neppy?"
"So ah…I was wondering…"
"Wondering about what…?"
"I was wondering if you enjoyed yourself tonight you know. How was the date…?" Neptune asked nervously. His foot was tapping on the floor like a rabbit.
Plutia didn't reply for a few seconds. She placed a finger on her chin and thought about it. Seeing her like this, Neptune became even more nervous. He could feel sweat starting to form on his forehead.
"Yes…!"
Neptune almost jumped. He heard her say yes. And she said it like she meant it, like really meant it. He couldn't help but exhaled in relief.
"It was really fun tonight. Thank you for taking me out…" Plutia said with a smile. A cute smile that made Neptune's heart race again.
"Well I'm glad you enjoyed yourself Plutie."
"Hey, maybe we should do it again."
"Again?" Neptune's heart went full throttle. He heard her said she would like to go out again, right? Hi ears wasn't lying to him that was what she said.
"Uh-huh," Plutia nodded.
Neptune grinned, "Okay then, I will take you out on another date next time. It's a promise."
"Yay…thanks again Neppy. Goodnight," and with that she went into her room.
Neptune stood there. He wanted to jump for joy for hours. A big grin came appeared on his face and he pumped a fist and shouted in his head in excitement and victory.
The door that Plutia went through opened again and Nepgear came out in her pajamas, "I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight Neptune."
"Goodnight sis."
Nepgear noticed her brother looked like he was in a really good mood, "You look really happy suddenly. Did something came up?"
"Nay, it is nothing."
Despite what he said, Nepgear knew there was something. She thought it had something to do with his date with Plutia. "Ok then, goodnight," she said again before going back into her room and lock it behind her. After she was gone, Neptune went on his routine of checking to make sure all the electrical appliances in their apartment is switched off, the doors and windows are locked and finally the lights are switched off before he retreated into his room.
In Nepgear's room, she found Plutia lying on her bed. She was happily playing with a stuffed panda. Plutia, like Neptune, was acting all happy and cheery right now.
"Well Plutia it's time to go to sleep."
"Ok…" Plutia cooed.
Nepgear crawled into her bed, "I'm going to switch the lights off now."
Plutia stopped playing with the panda and pulled the blanket over her body, "Okay I'm ready," she said. Her voice still filled with a happy tone.
Her tone made Nepgear smiled, "You really enjoyed the fair tonight."
Plutia nodded.
"Goodnight Plutia."
"Goodnight…"
Nepgear switched off the lamp off, laid down and closed her eyes. Plutia also closed her eyes but she couldn't sleep yet because the event of the night floated in her mind. Recalling the date she had with Neptune she felt the warm feeling in her chest again. This warmth made her happy and relaxed. And so she drifted away into slumber with a smile with the stuff panda Neptune won for her hugged close to her heart.
So here it is. Neptune's and Plutia's first date. *nervous laugh* I hope you all enjoy. This is my first time ever writing about romance. I'm not a fan of romance, so to write a chapter centered around it was really unnerving. But I would love to write about Neptune and Plutia falling in love as the other person so here it is!
So thank you or reading this chapter. Again I hope you like it and if there are any mistakes then feel free to point them out. XD