Disclaimer I don't own Hyperdimension Neptunia, or any other references made.
Chapter Eight: The Movement of Shadows
Outside of Blanc's home. Noire is there with her T-vehicle. A wet sponge in her hands, along with a bucket of soap on the ground. A hose not that far from them.
She giggled while cleaning her motorcycle with the sponge.
It has been about two hours since she returned from coming back. While she could stay inside, she wanted to do something.
Namely clean Cavaliere. As the motorcycle is dirty from the last few days.
It still had some dried blood on it, along with dirt and grime. She did ask if Blanc had any cleaning supplies.
She did, so why not clean her companion?
Cavaliere did get messy from everything. While it doesn't mind being dirty too much, it is found to like being cleaned by her.
Noire smiled, knowing her t-vehicle is liking this. Maybe she is too, showing she cares for her chariot.
After a good thirty minutes, Noire smiled while swiping off some sweat. It was getting a bit hot. But, Cavaliere looked great.
It didn't have the dried blood on it and sparkled from her work.
"I see you cleaned your motorcycle pretty good," a voice commented, close by.
Noire frowned and looked to see Blanc standing close. She did feel her, as to why she wasn't that surprised.
Still, just a little annoyed by her not saying anything.
Blanc blinked as Noire stared at her.
"Well, I wanted to clean Cavaliere," Noire replied. "As it needed cleaning, along with showing my appreciation."
Blanc smiled. "Nothing wrong with that. I've done the same with Karuta. I don't think our t-vehicles mind getting a bath."
Cavaliere gave a soft rev, agreeing with that.
Noire patted her t-vehicle. "You're welcome."
Blanc waved at her. "Come on, I got lunch ready."
Noire raised a brow. She noticed the time on her watch, it is about to be one. "Alright."
The two walked to the house.
Mina is sitting at her desk in her modest house. She lived in the northern part of C-city. She was currently looking online on her computer, trying to find any info on current events.
She did see various posts about the new goddesses. Black Heart is more known.
But White Heart also has started being noticed.
As it would seem, someone post pictures of them. Blurry of what looked to be their goddess forms. Riding their t-vehicles.
"Could it be," Mina murmured while tapping the desk. "Some of that squad had taken pictures of them?"
By all accounts, the hit squad that was ordered to find and kill the goddesses could've done that. As if they needed to have information on them.
But not post it online. Certainly not with the rulers trying to keep their prey a secret.
"Or could it be," Mina said. "A few in that squad still care for goddesses? I mean, I've heard mutters of the previous ones being missed. As I miss her too.
"Along with some of the younger generation who don't care, but you still have a few. Wondering who they were and how they lived."
She placed a hand over her heart. She knows that share energy has been made, but it was more or less not what could be made. As it was probably from ones like her. Who loved the previous goddess.
As some did with C-Sha. But with what she knows, along with the whispers taking place.
Things could've changed. Because if the goddesses are showing signs of being back, it will raise questions.
Mina heard her cell phone ring on the desk. She looked and gasped when seeing the number. It was the S-city's supervisor.
"Yes," Mina answered the call.
"Hello Mina," the supervisor's voice replied.
Mina narrowed her eyes, this is her. Still, she wondered why this call. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, I don't know if Kei talked to you yet," the supervisor replied. "But I'm joining in this little endeavor you've started."
Mina gasped. "So, you've talked to Kei about the situation?"
"Yes, as with, you could say, evidence of our two stars in this play."
Mina frowned. "Are 'you responsible' for their online posts of them?"
"A little, but others have noticed them. As with the S-city one," the supervisor replied.
Mina rubbed her eyes. "Are you sure that's the right choice? As … they are hesitant on taking control. I don't want her to be overwhelmed."
"Already showing you care for them," the supervisor replied softly.
Mina swallowed hard, thinking about that. White Heart isn't the previous goddess. But seems to care about things.
She wanted to know the brown-haired woman more. Maybe ease her into her new position.
"She has a kind heart," Mina replied, unsure of what to say. "I can't say for sure, but she knows the responsibility of ruling. How can I force this on her? She…"
A silence came, only to be broken by S-city's supervisor.
"Mina, we may not have the luxury of waiting. If that goddess is running the show. I rather have someone who cares, listens, and let us know our history.
"Because it is our right to know. Along with knowing who governs us. You should know the rumors of the last battle."
Mina shallowed the lump in her throat. "I've heard a little. Or maybe, I didn't want to dig deeper. Not sure how I would deal with that kind of betrayal."
She heard a sigh.
"Maybe, we all wanted to believe that. Or hope, they would come back."
Mina could hear and understand that longing. "I know, but the three that have been born are new. I'm sorry."
She heard a sigh. "I know, I've talked to the one I'm hiding. She knows some things about being a goddess. Not intimate knowledge. It just."
Mina didn't know what to say.
"Maybe," the supervisor broke the silence. "They should meet."
Mina frowned at the offer. "I don't how good an idea that is. At the least, they need to get to S-city. Which might not be that far with their t-vehicles, but we can't act hastily.
"As we do have two full goddesses, connected to sharecites. But that is no guarantee the rulers won't hurt them. Or worse, they will kill them and go back to square one. As they still have S-city's share crystal to use."
That is something that needed to be addressed, with one share crystal still able to give a share. They could just use that without worrying about the others.
Sure K-city and C-city would lose power. But they have backups, which means they would kill Black Heart and White Heart, even that third goddess.
"I know the stakes are high, but…"
"What has got you so worried?" Mina didn't like the sound of this.
"Mina, check on your defenses," the S-city supervisor replied tightly. "Make sure they are good. Tell the same to Kei, I found problems here."
"What?"
"It is very subtle," the S-city supervisor stated tightly. "I don't know how long it has been going on, but I can't trust the rulers. Not only are they able to fight. With controlling an unclaimed share crystal.
"There are times when their eyes glow yellow."
"Yellow, are you sure?" Mina shivered, knowing what that means.
"Serious as I can be," the S-city supervisor replied tightly. "You know what that means, don't you."
Mina's heart went to her stomach. "Is there any way you get a picture? Not altered, one that shows that clearly."
"I'll send them to the both of you, let Kei know. As Kei might have noticed as well."
Mina heard her hang up. Instantly, she dialed Kei's number.
Soon, Kei answered, "Hello Mina."
She could hear the tiredness of Kei. "Kei, I know you want to rest. But she called."
Kei clicked her tongue. "She sure does take her time."
Mina nodded, but this needed to be talked about. "Yes, but she said that a ruler's eyes glowed yellow. I don't know if she said that to you, but."
She heard a curse from Kei.
"You have proof?"
"She should be sending a picture to us," Mina answered.
She heard typing and another curse came.
"This just got worse," Kei growled. "I only thought K-Sha did that, but to see another." A fist slammed on a table.
"How stupid was I? Thinking it was a trick of the light, but now thinking about it. Not only did K-Sha's eyes glow yellow once. The share crystal did glow yellow, why in the hell didn't I put it together."
Mina could hear Kei grumbling, a cold sweat on Mina's face knowing what to eat Kei.
"Kei, you don't think that goddess used that thing's power? I mean," Mina's voice shivered in fear.
Kei growled. "It fits, it damn well fits. No goddess can give a human that type of power, they … knew."
Mina nodded, Black Heart and White Heart could have that suspicion. As they did ask about the defenses of each city. Along with any odd dealings going on.
"They knew that goddess is playing with fire," Mina replied.
"Yes," Kei agreed. "I don't know who to be mad at. Myself, the new goddesses, or our damned rulers. Don't they know the danger of using that power!"
"Kei, we better check on our defenses. Make sure they are good."
Kei grunted. "Do it quietly. As we can't trust them now. I'm sure as hell look into this."
"I'll do the same," Mina replied. "But, do you think we should tell Black Heart and White Heart about this?"
Kei clicked her tongue. "Yes, but after more proof. To confirm it with possible evidence of tampering. As this is very delicate. We can't have weaknesses to exploit. Not unless we want a lot of lives lost."
"Okay, I'll get to work," Mina replied, she started typing on her keyboard.
Kei hung up, most likely working on this. She placed her cell phone on the desk.
Mina shook her head. She could deal with some stuff. But this, it seems this rabbit hole is deeper than thought.
In the private room of K-Sha. The ruler is resting on her bed. The queen bed had soft red sheets. She is wearing a simple red shirt and shorts.
This place was one of the rooms of the tower. It did have offices on the lower level. Where the share crystal is, given it is the heart of a city.
The top part is where places to rest are at. This is where the previous goddess lived. She also had a garage with elevators to help her t-vehicle.
It was her primary mode of transportation, and her needing it for combat. She wanted it to be close.
K-Sha did use the garage with her vehicle, not a t-vehicle as only they could be made for a goddess.
Being a ruler, she required her version to get around.
But she is on a break. As the last few days have been hard for her, as each of the rulers needed some downtime.
Sadly, she is alone on her bed. When she wanted some pleasant company.
"When will we meet, my Noire," K-Sha purred while playing with a plushie.
The plushie looked like Noire, it having a black shirt and jeans. Others have dresses, all in different colors. Made by the pictures she was able to get of her love.
K-Sha could see it now, her sweet Noire in her arms. Talking to her, not that brown-haired hussy.
She saw a picture of that goddess: the C-city one.
Noire is waiting to be rescued by her charming ruler. Keep her safe from the war to come.
K-Sha eyes glowed yellow, and she sneered. "If that goddess makes a move on my Noire." She started pulling the plushie. "I'll tear her apart. Noire is to be mine! And mine alone. No matter what anyone says."
Her voice had a possessive tone. It looked like she would tear the plushie apart, but eased her puling. Cuddling the doll to her chest.
Her eyes went back to blue, still her thoughts on where Noire should be. She could have Kei look into it, but that could trigger a possible problem.
As they can't have too many know about the goddesses. Already rumors are spreading about them.
They tried to contain the information about them forming. But then came their t-vehicles. Lastly, the share crystals of C-city and K-city are different colors.
All leading to questions, as they've started asking about the events.
K-Sha blew out a sigh. So difficult being a ruler.
Sure she was ready to take out Noire when learning about her. But it was love at first sight. The passion she sparked in the ruler.
Leading to her wanting to have the goddess.
K-Sha giggled while hugging her Noire plushie tighter. "Once I have her. She will see that we're meant for each other. She will see."
Her giggles had an echo to them.
K-Sha didn't pay any mind. Her thoughts are on claiming her Noire.
In the living room of Blanc's home.
The two finished eating their shared lunch, interesting enough.
Blanc made pasta. A mushroom one.
Blanc stared at Noire with a raised brow. "You looked as if you would have a heart attack with my dish."
"Well, it is just that. I wasn't expecting that. I thought you would make sandwiches or such." Noire gave a nervous laugh.
Blanc blinked. "I was in the mood for it. As we can't go to a Bella Italia right now."
Noire stiffened. "You've been to Bella before."
Blanc nodded. "Yes, as they have a few in C-city. Why?"
"Nothing," Noire replied, a little shocked. She looked away while scratching her cheek.
She shouldn't be that surprised. Given how anyone could like pasta.
"Back to business." Blanc rolled her shoulders.
She walked off, her desk full of notebooks, and her laptop running. She wasn't done with comparing notes. She put it off long enough.
It's just a coincidence, Noire thought, as there is no way Blanc knew her favorite dish to eat.
She even wanted to try mushroom pasta. It wasn't bad or anything, just awkward.
She heard Blanc mutter. Causing a sigh, at least Blanc is keeping busy. Whereas she could do something to alleviate things.
She could train more but thought to rest. As it might be too hot now.
Maybe another book of Blanc's? She stopped at hearing a clicked tongue.
She looked to see if Blanc was stuck but stiffened at seeing Blanc rubbing her head.
"Don't tell me she is stuck," Noire muttered flatly.
Only to see Blanc reach for something and read over it. Then look through the folder, a quiet muttering.
Noire just walked to the box, leaving Blanc to work on her research. Not wanting to watch her host working.
Blanc looked at the time, nearly five. She lost track, given how she does when doing things. She did take some breaks.
But has compared the notes.
She looked around to see Noire sitting on a chair. Reading a book.
Noire looked at her, placing the book off the side. "How's it going?"
Blanc stood with a grunt, popping her joints from sitting so long. "Not too bad. So far, they seemed accurate."
"Then, I could read about the former goddess of K-city?" She is curious about her predecessor.
Blanc nodded. "With me doing the same. Interestingly enough, the cities had different names back then too." She rubbed her chin. "Well, that wasn't too much of a surprise.
"As I've seen maps calling them differently."
Noire frowned. "Seems this goddess wanted everything erased."
"Seems so," Blanc agreed, now working her back. "Still, I wonder why to go through this trouble of making three sharecites?"
Noire stood and walked close to Blanc. "What do you mean? She needs them to make share. Keep her power as we know now."
Blanc gave one final stretch. "I'm not disagreeing with that. Given her reputation, one should do. Even if it is subpar stuff."
Noire is near her host, and tapped her chin, thinking about that. One should do the job, not three as that would be a lot of unnecessary power. Unless.
"What in the heck is that goddess powering? It can't just be a city, could she?"
Blanc looked at her. "You may have a working theory. She could get by with one if it was just herself, and maybe a city. Two easily do that, but three is overkill. Unless she is doing something that needs share. As there are differences between normal power and share."
Noire nodded. That could tie in with why there are three crystals.
"Think we ask about this?" Noire asked Blanc.
Blanc folded her arms. "It would be best to. As Mina and Kei could look into it, as they could find out those components being made. As S-city makes them, or give us a list of them."
That seems a good idea. While they are working with the supervisors of C-city and K-city, S-city's supervisor is not on board with them.
As they only know about her.
Blanc got a suspicion of something. "Let me look into something. It might give me an idea on this."
Noire faintly smiled. "You're the best at finding information."
Blanc smirked at that. "Sure am, but here." She handed over Kei's folder. "It is a bit different, but the information is decent. I'm sure you want to read about her."
Noire took the folder with thanks. She was curious about the former goddess of K-city. So, this should tie her over.
The next morning. Noire groaned while hearing a ring. She was sleeping in her bed.
She opened her eyes, it was a little past six. At first was lost on who could call her, then remembered.
She grabbed her smartphone and answered it. "Hello."
"Morning, Black Heart," Kei's voice answered.
Noire sat up, trying to wake up. She is groggy from waking up.
"What's wrong?" She rubbed her head.
"Did you know they were using the Madness's power to restrain a share crystal?" Kei's cold voice asked.
Noire frowned but wasn't surprised. No, she should have expected that from Kei. Given the supervisor is excellent at finding things.
"We had a suspicion that it was some woman with yellow eyes," Noire explained. "I'm not familiar with that name, the Blackest Horror is the one I know some about."
She was expecting a blowup but heard a sigh.
"Fair enough," Kei replied, her voice calm. "You wanted proof. As that would be best. Sadly to say, this has that thing's fingerprints on it."
Noire shivered. "Does that go for monsters as well?"
She heard a gasp. "How do you know that? Sure there aren't that many records on that thing. But how."
Noire told her about the fight she had with a few riots. Causing a curse.
"I've seen reports of monsters doing that. But you sealed the nail in the coffin. As any monster being helped by that thing has glowing yellow eyes. Even possible, it knows about you and White Heart."
Noire narrowed her eyes, it did sound like Blanc knew about this. "We did talk a little about this. White Heart hasn't told me about fighting any monsters, but she could have. As I've done."
She could say Blanc's human name, it felt right to call her goddess name when talking like this.
Kei clicked her tongue. "Fair enough with both of you. Still, I've found some spots that could be exploited."
Noire frowned. "Places that could be attacked?"
She got a confirmation on that.
Noire growled, "This keeps turning into one big mess. I know you are doing a lot as of now. But is it possible we could see what kind of components is being shipped to that forgotten city?"
She heard Kei muttering. "Well, I could as the supervisor of S-city wants to help us. But."
"But?"
"She wants the two of you to meet the third goddess. Maybe help or talk to her."
Noire gasped in surprise, she didn't think the third was still alive. "So, she still is alive."
"Yes, and is hidden in S-city. But the dangers of you two going there," Kei replied.
Noire hummed in thought. While she wasn't sure about the third goddess, she could confirm the one pulling the strings. Along with a possible ally.
Then again, it could be as with Blanc. they got off to a rough start.
"Let me talk to White Heart about this," Noire replied. "If we go, maybe we could see a catalog of things. Even have another goddess help us."
"Okay, Mina might be talking to White Heart about this," Kei replied calmly.
Noire hang up and stood. Her long hair is loose, a long black shirt is the only thing on.
She walked out of her room and went to Blanc's. She nearly opened the door but stopped.
Instead knocked as not to just walk in. She didn't need to be rude.
"Give me a moment," Blanc's groggy voice said.
Noire waited, and soon Blanc opened the door. Wearing a ruffled dress. As it was just put on. With her hair messy.
"Did Mina talk to you?" Noire asked.
Blanc frowned with a nod. "Yes, with waking me up. Saying about taking a road trip to S-city."
"Kei said the same," Noire replied with a nod. "As the supervisor of S-city wants to join in this."
Blanc groaned while walking to the kitchen. "I'm so ready for a damn dark roast right now. I need my coffee for thinking on this."
Noire followed, probably going to get a cup herself.
Soon, the two are on the table. Both drinking their coffee. Noire didn't gag, she rarely drinks the stuff.
Along with this type has a strong flavor.
Blanc took a few sips, feeling the coffee help wake her up. Noire might not like it, but at least she is keeping it to herself.
Cross out this blend, Noire thought, downing the last of her drink. She placed her mug on the table.
Blanc gave a shiver but is fine. "That hit the spot. Now let us talk about this trip they want us to go on." Her mug was on the table.
Noire folded her arms. "Well, the obvious thing is, we could be in danger of being spotted."
Blanc nodded while holding a finger. "Number one problem. Us getting there with no hassles. As they are looking for us. Which we should expect is a trap."
Noire nodded, sure Kei and Mina don't want them captured. What about the S-city supervisor? She could be playing them.
"Noted," Noire agreed. "Be leery of that supervisor. Still, it seems she is hiding the third goddess."
Blanc tapped her chin, that is possible. As that goddess hasn't been found, or they covered up her death.
"We could get information," Blanc replied slowly. "As the supervisor could give us packing slips, with that goddess telling us who attacked her. As she was the first one attacked."
Noire narrowed her eyes. "That is true. At the same time, we don't know how she would react to us. As our 'first meeting' was rough, to put it bluntly."
Blanc gave a flat look, remembering how that went. She fired at Noire and was snappy at her.
Along with the same when they meet again, only to have a squad bearing down on them.
"True," Blanc agreed with the point made. "Still, she could help. I just don't know how. Would she be like us, want to stay as a human." She hummed while rubbing her chin.
Noire understood that. If she was left alone, she could pass for a human. She still would have Cavaliere with her weapons. But wouldn't transform into her goddess form. At most, a strong human.
Blanc snored. "Great, another crazy risk I want to take."
Noire tensed. "You want to go?"
Blanc nodded. "I want those packaging lists. Confirm the goddess behind the scenes. By all accounts give us the information we want."
"Another road trip. I hope not one that ends up with a squad on our heels." Noire hoped it wouldn't happen again, that was bad enough.
Blanc nodded, that wasn't a pleasant experience. She could feel Karuta is curious, maybe excited.
As it knows about the third goddess. While they haven't heard of Noire before meeting her, they did know about the third one.
Making it wonder what kind of t-vehicle that goddess has. As Karuta is a kart, Cavaliere is a motorcycle.
Any type of t-vehicle could be made is with the third.
"Guess we let them know," Noire said, getting her smartphone.
Blanc also has hers. The two sent texts to the supervisors.
"So when do you think we need to leave, Blanc?" Noire asked.
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "When we have a place to meet up with the supervisor. Make sure it is a safe place, well safe as it can be."
Noire nodded, they could be led to a trap. "Okay, best to have a map or know a route to escape. You know, a backup plan encase this goes sour."
Blanc smiled. "Nice idea, maybe I'm rubbing a little off on you."
Noire returned the smile. "I guess so. Still, we need to be careful. I just hope this helps."
"We should leave tomorrow morning. That way, we get there soon as it would take two or three hours of driving. Maybe more, as I've visited it before." She could remember her road trips to other cities.
Hoping to find clues to her past. As she wasn't getting too many in her city.
"You're making me a little jealous, Blanc. You got to travel. Where I couldn't," Noire sighed, she didn't have Cavaliere that long. She was limited in traveling and had to keep her job.
Maybe she had a wanderlust in her. Wanting to see the sites of Gameindustri.
Blanc gave a soft smile. "Well, I didn't go that much in S-city, more along the outskirts of it. As with K-city, given how unease I was at going deeper."
Noire rubbed her chin. Now thinking about it, she did feel a bit uneasy when coming here. But it is gone, maybe because Blanc helped her.
"You think we have territorial instincts, Blanc?"
Blanc raised a brow. "That might be possible. As I felt you when you got close to here. Invading as it were, maybe on some level. We wanted to protect the city we were created in.
"As that is what a goddess is known for."
Noire agreed with that. She felt the need to help K-city. Not understanding it at the time, but felt that urge. It was her goddess's side talking to her.
"We should try not to anger her," Noire replied, hoping to be civil with the third goddess. "Even if she won't be an ally, it still would be best to keep neutral with her as possible."
"Right," Blanc replied liking the idea. "We already have enough enemies after us. We shouldn't try to expand that list."
Noire agreed with that. They have at least five after them. Not including the ones who could be ordered to find them.
In a modest office at S-city, a female looked at the text sent from Kei and Mina from her smartphone. S-city's supervisor was sitting at her desk.
Documents, and a computer on the desk. The room has hints of green with black.
"So," she said with a smile. "They want a list of components that have been shipped. Along with meeting her. Not too shabby."
Sure she could get a list, given the recent events have raised a few flags. But the kicker is when learning about the other two goddesses.
No, she shouldn't kid herself. This has been going on for years, it is just they are at the boiling point.
If the share crystals weren't blocked. They would have had three goddesses years ago. Maybe different than the current ones. Hard to say as they make any kind.
But the fact is, the time to act is now. They could keep the rulers in power, that would be the easiest thing. But things point to no.
First was the erasing of each city's history. Along with turning each one into a factory, which isn't bad. But to only focus on that, not help in the city.
Then the secret ruler. A goddess thought to be dead. Which could be responsible for some things, as she disappeared.
Leaving the other goddesses dead. Which is suspicious.
Lastly, are the rulers stable? As there are signs of them not. Given the quirks of a goddess, they seemed more levelheaded.
This is no small deal. Too many's lives are on the line.
"They might help her," the supervisor muttered, thinking about the goddess she hid.
Given how she was attacked, it scared her. She wanted to stay as a human. In some ways that could be the right thing to do, let her live her life in peace. But with the things going on, plus they aren't giving her a choice.
When the other two become full goddesses. Forced to do it to survive. As they need that strength to help them.
"I guess those crystals know this," the supervisor muttered, thinking about those things.
They may seem simple, sources of power. But they are that and much more. They carry the hope of the people who want peaceful lives. Maybe that is why they made goddesses.
To help protect them. To those who can't do it on their own.
She sighed. "This age should have been more stable. Or then again, you have to do things to keep it. As a tower of cards, it all falls so easily. Still, we have to do what we can."
She won't betray Kei, Mina, and the new goddesses. As she didn't want things to go into chaos.
Best to get the catalog of what was shipped. Not to the other cities, but somewhere else. It was cleverly hidden, but not impossible to find.
Along with the meeting place. She thankfully has one picked out. It wasn't that far from the hiding place. They should have all the privacy they need.
The next morning, outside Blanc's home.
The sun started rising. Showing the two women loading up. Just a few clothes and a few non-perishable foods. As they can't stop to eat on the road. This way they will get there fast as possible. Best ready for anything that comes their way.
They know where the meeting place is, which was along the outskirts of S-city. There they could talk with no problems. But also, a trap could be there.
Noire fixed her backpack. It had a few things. She is wearing her shirt and jeans but has a sunhat on.
The hat had a loop on it. Blanc had one on as well. As they don't have roofs on their t-vehicles.
Helping to keep the sun off them. It might not have bothered Noire. But, it was nice of Blanc to do so.
Blanc had a bag with a box in Karuta. It strapped down as not to fly away. As they are going to travel fast, the last thing needed was for her to lose her stuff.
She wore a blue shirt with shorts. As no telling how long they be on the road. She gave one look at her home. Hoping to come back to it.
Or even her last place. As she wanted a place to live at. She knows how jarring it is to be without a home. As she did live roughy when born. As Noire felt with being driven from her home.
"Ready Karuta," Blanc muttered to her T-vehicle.
A rev answered her. Letting her know it is ready for the trip. As they have been to other places before, ready for attacks.
Blanc looked at Noire seeing her on her motorcycle.
"We better get going," Noire said. "The sooner we leave, the better. As we want to find them."
Blanc nodded, just feeling a little nostalgic. As she might not see this place again. Still, she has to keep going.
"Time to go." Blanc hopped in her T-vehicle and started it.
Soon, the two were driving on the highway toward the third city: S-city.
The two went and kept at the speed limit. As they could be pulled over, despite Blanc driving a kart.
Given how they don't go that fast or drive as much. But people of C-city used odd vehicles such as that. They wouldn't pay any mind.
Noire tensed up, they are at the limits of S-city. It has grasslands around it. Along with some greenery, the center has buildings, but she couldn't make them out from the distance.
Already, she felt a tightening of her muscles. The same as when she got close to C-city.
She spotted Blanc pulling over to a rest stop. It just had a few benches.
Noire followed. The two stepped out of their t-vehicles, both working out the kinks.
"So, you feel her?" Noire asked Blanc, looking in the direction of the city.
Blanc nodded, her eyes looking around S-city. "It might be possible to track her. Given she is giving a faint sense … no. You could tell she is here, but it is hidden. Maybe more now."
Noire frowned and understood what Blanc is talking about. At first, it felt as if she would be challenged, but she backed off. Hiding as if.
"She is showing signs of wanting to hide," Noire stated. "That shows she doesn't want to be found."
Blanc nodded. "That seems correct if it was that hidden goddess. She wouldn't hide as much or gave off a challenge to us. Coming charging after us."
Noire folded her arms. "Think she noticed us?"
Blanc looked at Noire. "Yes, you noticed me during our first meeting. A safe bet is she also sensed us. As both of us can sense another goddess. I hope she was informed about us."
Noire nodded. Now they had to go to the meeting point. Then see about talking to the third goddess.
In the third goddess's room. The blond woman is growling. Her purple eyes glowed showing her frustration.
"I know they were coming," she muttered, as to keep calm. Her instincts screamed at feeling two goddesses.
Not the one who attacked her. Still, it felt infuriating to a degree. As they are prancing around her city. She shook her head.
"I'm not a ruler, they can." She seethed as another plea came to her.
"Will you shut up! I'm not going to be a goddess. I…" the words died in her mouth.
She screamed her frustration, not only from feeling the pleas for help. But from her desire to do something. She tried to keep it down.
"Why is it awakening?" She placed a hand over her chest. "I did want to help, but that goddess came and told me to butt out. She."
Was it fear that kept her at bay? Knowing that goddess would come for her if she became a full one.
She sighed with a lowered head. "I just hope they aren't pushy. I have things to do."
She did agree to meet with them. But it might take a little more time, so, she did have time to play a game.
Noire and Blanc drove to the meeting point. It was along the outskirts, not a rough part of the city.
But a grove acts as a park. They arrived, looking for anyone. The place seemed deserted. Benches with trees overhead, a few buildings that could act for parties.
Noire parked her T-vehicle with Blanc. Both were tense as they sensed someone. They got off their T-vehicles to look around.
They notice a spot near a building that seemed have someone there.
"It seems she came alone," Blanc whispered to Noire.
Noire nodded, still tense as they could still be led to a trap.
"Of course, I came alone," a female voice replied.
The two young women tensed, how did she know what Blanc said?
"Did you know how hard it is for me to get here with no one knowing," the voice stated tightly.
Blanc growled. "Sorry, we both know you have a busy schedule: Chika Hakozaki."
Noire spotted movement, she reacted with her M-9 appearing. She pointed at the spot.
Blanc clicked her tongue, that could've been a bad move. But she got her Desert Eagle, it wasn't raised, but ready for action.
A young woman with long green hair walked into the open. Her dress had hints of green with black. It did have a slit around the chest, giving hints of a modest bosom.
Her light red eyes looked at them. She frowned at them.
"So," she said. "You both have guns. Not that farfetched as being goddesses."
Noire glared at her. "Do you want me to show you my claymore?"
Cavaliere moved to be by its master. Not revving, but ready for action.
Karuta also moved to protect Blanc.
The woman narrowed her eyes. "T-vehicles, both ready to protect their goddesses. Best we all calm down." She raised her arms peacefully.
Noire glared at the supervisor, Chika, as like Kei and Mina, she helps the ruler of S-city.
She put away her M-9 with Blanc doing the same.
Chika nodded in relief. "Not a bad move. Making sure to fight in case I do something."
Blanc frowned. "Are you testing us? If you are, don't push it. I had enough of being pushed around by everyone."
"A little," Chika replied. She slowly walked toward them. "I'm unarmed and alone. If you want, you could frisk me."
Noire gagged at the offer. "I think we'll hold off on that."
Blanc nodded with burning cheeks.
Chika smiled in relief. "Thanks. But we should go over there." She pointed at a building. "I have the place rented out. It should be big enough for all of us to talk without prying eyes and ears."
The trio walked to the building, which did have a glass door. It had few windows, along with a spot to park vehicles.
They all went into the building. As the t-vehicles are parked in a spot that should hide them.
The building was modest, with a few empty tables and chairs. Not set up, but empty. The perfect place for a chat.
Noire looked at Chika. "So, where do want to start?"
Noire isn't wearing her backpack, along with her sunhat. She left them with her t-vehicle. Blanc also put away her hat.
Chika smiled and walked to a briefcase on a table. Causing the two women to tense.
Chika picked it up and opened it while showing them the documents inside.
"Here are the shipment orders you wanted," Chika replied.
The two walked over and took them, looking over them.
Chika stepped back to let them look over the documents. She closed the briefcase and placed it on the ground.
Noire narrowed her eyes at the address. "The address is close to K-city, but it is near a building. Maybe she picked them up herself?"
Blanc frowned, staring at the document. "I think it might be farther than that. As there could be a spot she could use. Not noticing you, Noire."
Noire rubbed her chin. "Right, as we could sense each other. Maybe the same with the other things. One spot where she could get everything."
Blanc nodded, and she narrowed her eyes. "Those components seemed to focus share. I did see some research into making a prison using it, could it." She hummed in thought.
Noire clicked her tongue and looked at Blanc. "She is keeping that thing a prisoner. That is why there are three share crystals. As she needs that power to keep it locked away."
Chika rubbed her chin, managing to keep up the conversation. "That seems right. While normal weapons can hurt the Madness. But a goddess's weapon does more damage to it. Making them better suited to killing it. But even with that, it still is a tuff customer."
Blanc looked at Chika. "So, the hidden goddess made some kind of share prison. I have seen that mention somewhere. An off report that the goddesses worked on."
Chika snapped her fingers. "There was that talk of some kind of collaboration between them. It might have been that prison. As they at least wanted a second option. Given they were having problems with that monster."
Noire frowned while looking at the supervisor. "It would make sense the hidden goddess knew about that prison. They could have shared the plans for it. As they might not know where to build it."
"A prison." Blanc rubbed her chin, then clicked her tongue. "Damn."
"Blanc?" Noire looked at the brown-haired woman.
"That prison might not hold that thing any longer, heck, how much time is left?" Blanc told them her thoughts.
"What do you mean?" Chika asked. She is a bit lost, but it seemed the black-haired woman got it.
Noire folded her arms and looked at Chika. "What Blanc is getting at. The prison has been using subpar share energy. Which is enough to power a goddess and city. But might not be good enough to hold this Madness you're talking about. It is a crumbling lock."
Chika cursed, it makes sense. They do make share energy, while it is stable. The thing is it isn't fully powered, not as in the old days.
"So basically, that thing is imprisoned somewhere. With a timer on it," Chika replied.
Blanc nodded. "It is a guess, based on our limited share taking. As we felt that if we let the people know about us, it would make better share."
Chika rubbed her throbbing head. "I'm beginning to think that dumb goddess shot herself in the foot. She should have let other goddesses be created. Why?"
"Okay, now we have a ticking time bomb somewhere. It is why monsters are getting stronger. It wants to start a rampage." Noire held up a finger.
Chika nodded, she knows it will do that. "I'm going to talk to Kei and Mina about this. I think we really should let everybody know about you." She pointed at them.
They winched.
"Are you sure?" Noire demanded. "As we are new goddesses. I mean, won't the people be leery of us? Along with…"
Blanc stepped forward. "We barely know how to run a city, let alone a government. You're asking us to be rulers."
Chika placed her hands on her hips. "I know it is a hard pill to swallow, hell, this is the last generation that was created."
"What?" Both questioned at the same time.
Chika paced she needed to remember. As she was very young when the last goddesses appeared.
The two watched Chika, she stopped and looked at them. "I know this is a big gamble, no, the biggest risk we can take. But if the rulers are helping the Madness in any way, with that goddess being nuts.
"You two might be our best option. As you could make full share energy. Lead the people by protecting them. Because the situation calls for it."
Blanc lowered her head, so true. She did say they might have to take the reins. Seems her prediction is coming true.
Noire looked away. Not sure what to say. As this is hard for her to except.
"As for the other part of our meeting," Chika got the two's attention. "I'll give you the map and key, as she might not answer the doorbell easily."
She pulled out a sheet of paper with a key.
Blanc raised a brow. But took the items. She could tell it wasn't that far and seemed hidden enough.
"We'll go there now," Noire replied.
Chika nodded. "For what it is worth. I hoped to see you two again, hopefully in better conditions."
Blanc nodded with Noire, they left the supervisor.
Chika sighed when alone. She waited for a bit and got her cell phone out.
Soon she heard a familiar voice. "They left just now, Kei."
She heard a grumble.
Chika narrowed her eyes. "You could call them, find out I'm telling the truth."
"I know," Kei's voice replied tightly. "It's just we have clusters coming at us."
Chika gave a grim smile. "It gets worse, Kei."
"Great, the hits keep coming," Kei replied with exasperation.
Chika talked about the possible prison. All the while, Kei asked some questions about it.
She could feel something is off with Kei, it was subtle but she is giving a sense of frustration.
"Kei, I know you have a lot of stress from our findings. But what got you so riled up?" Chika asked.
She got a clicked tongue. Then a sigh.
"I guess it is because I found that … K-Sha has a thing for Black Heart."
Chika's eyes widened. "What? You mean she wants her."
"Yes," Kei confirmed it. "Sure it seemed the Ops that tried to capture Black Heart in K-city would kill her. But I did a little digging."
Chika could feel this wasn't good. "Go on."
"Even that bounty placed on her. They both said to capture alive at all costs. Which means one thing," Kei replied gravely.
Chika clicked her tongue. "K-Sha was planning to imprison Black Heart somewhere, as to talk her into joining them."
She heard a snarl from Kei.
"Kei?"
"Look I'm not against this type of thing. But, I think K-Sha more or less wanted to have Black Heart be her companion, no ands ifs or buts about it."
Chika shivered. "You mean she would try to break her?"
"There was a strong possibility of that. As I've heard K-Sha can get obsessive with a person. If Black Heart caught her eye."
Chika shallowed hard, they could use this as leverage on K-Sha. But it could backfire in so many ways, especially if Black Heart doesn't return her affections.
As the black-haired woman might not swing that way, or might not want to be in a relationship.
"Are you going to tell her about this?" Chika asked.
"I have to," Kei replied tightly. "Black Heart needs to know, because if she walks into this blindly. There is no telling what could happen to her."
Chika agreed with that. "K-Sha did seem to be the romantic type out of the three. But if she shows signs of going too far."
"She could kill Black Heart or White Heart, as they are staying close to each other."
Chika groaned, that is true. The two have been with each other and seem to understand each other, maybe become friends.
But if K-Sha learns of this. It could trigger something in the ruler. Go ballistic.
Not putting into account the other two. As they could just go along with K-Sha killing the goddess. Or find a way to keep them imprisoned, trying to break them.
"This is a huge cluster," Chika stated with a hand on her aching head.
"I know. This could be worse than K-Sha trying to kill Black Heart."
Chika understands that line, as there are worse things than death.
"Does Mina know any of this, considering this involves White Heart?" Given how White Heart is C-city's goddess, it makes sense for Mina to be told.
"She knows," Kei replied. "I've told her."
Chika sighed. "Okay, as for me. I better get back to work. I need to get any information that we can use."
Kei gave her goodbye and hung up. Chika left with haste.
They keep adding to their plate.
In the ruler of S-city's office, a young tall woman with short gray hair sat at her desk. She had a dark grey business suit, it had white fur on the collar.
The desk had a computer with some documents. She had red eyes but had a yellow tint to them.
"So easy to find when looking at the right person." She laughed and started typing on the computer.
Soon, C-Sha's face appeared. She raised a brow at seeing the ruler of S-city
"I wasn't expecting you to call, S-Sha," C-Sha replied a little lost.
S-Sha shook her. "Sorry, but S-Sha is not in right now."
C-Sha gasped a little, knowing who this is. "So, you helped E-Sha."
She knows about the split personality of the S-city's ruler. Where S-Sha acts disinterested in things. E-Sha is more active with being sharp as a whip.
"Correct, you wanted results and I think I might have found our third fly," E-Sha said to their leader.
C-Sha narrowed her eyes. "Good news, but how? As we have been having problems finding her."
E-Sha clicked her tongue. "Same here, but let's say I noticed Chika doing some digging around."
"Then Mina is the one who helped that goddess." C-Sha sneered, her eyes glowing yellow. The pieces fell into place.
"Who better to help them than a supervisor," a frowning E-Sha replied coldly.
C-Sha seethed, it makes sense. Mina had excess information and could hide a person to an extent. And now, they have a full goddess running around because of her.
"That traitor is dead," C-Sha replied coldly, her fists balled. "She jeopardized the mission. That goddess she hid can't be dealt with so easily. She won't be so lucky."
E-Sha nodded. "The same for Chika. Think Kei is in on this little rebellion?"
C-Sha frowned, she can't be sure but. "We let K-Sha know about this. Kei might not be on this. But we've lost a lot of ground to those goddesses. Kei is under suspicion until cleared."
"So, we lock them all of them up," E-Sha commented tightly.
"Five minutes ago," C-Sha's cold voice ordered.
"It shall be done. As they could be bait for our little pests." E-Sha smiled evilly.
C-Sha nodded. "If not, they could give us leads to them. Or to the third goddess, that one needs to be killed now. She is the biggest threat."
"It shouldn't take long, as I've been looking into Chika's expenses. Interestingly enough, she seems to have a house rented. Not in her name, but I can find where the rat is," E-Sha said while looking over the information.
"Do it," C-Sha ordered her hands on a cell phone, typing away. "I'm letting K-Sha know about this. As for Mina." Her eyes glowed ominously. "She will answer for her betrayal."
"Chika will also pay. Too bad," she sighed. "They will be hard to replace, but we don't need traitors butting in."
C-Sha's face vanished. Going to find Mina.
As for E-Sha, she could have let S-Sha do this, but since it was too important. She had to take over. They can't have another goddess around, so no more jacking around.
She smirked. "Well then, I have a rat to find. Better act quickly as she could get wind of this."
She started making calls: it is time to go hunting.
A/N Read and review.