Disclaimer I don't own Hyperdimension Neptunia or any other references made.
Chapter Nine: Rally
After a few short minutes of driving, Noire and Blanc reached the home of the third goddess.
They had no problems getting there. As for the documents, they all went into Blanc's box for safekeeping.
One thing that could be said of S-city, it seemed to have fresher air. Or maybe because of the trees around the city.
The two women could see the fenced-off home, the fence was open for them. Leading to a small lot.
They entered to see a modest lite green home. About the same size as Blanc's current rental home. The place has enough room to park both of their vehicles.
Blanc spotted a vehicle nearby. She stopped her kart, feeling something from that vehicle.
Noire parked by her, also on edge at seeing the vehicle. "That is a T-vehicle."
Blanc nodded with two rumbles from their T-vehicles.
They got off their own, looking at it. It was parked to the side as if it seemed to be watching the single entrance. Concealed by the fence and foliage.
It was a green camouflaged ATV, a Cam-Am outlander pro. The ATV had two black submachine guns on the front sides. Its front guards are black. The handles are green. Seemly it was armed with visible guns.
"So that is her t-vehicle," Noire commented on edge. That thing looked ready for battle with those submachine guns.
Blanc nodded on edge, but she got a sense from it.
"Karuta, is it sleeping?" Blanc asked for her T-vehicle to confirm her suspicions.
A soft rev answered, confirming it is sleeping.
Noire felt Cavaliere answer the same. That ATV is sleeping. Which might not be that odd, as they did sleep in one sense. Only, why isn't it keeping a better watch? As it hasn't reacted to their presence.
They spotted the entrance to the home.
"Think we better go see about talking to her," Noire replied, still keeping an eye on the T-vehicle.
Blanc nodded. "Time is wasting. Karuta, keep an eye out. I hope that ATV stays calm, as we know how powerful one can be."
Noire nodded, Cavaliere alone has shown that. While it doesn't have obvious weapons like the ATVs. It is strong. Along with Karuta.
The two walked to the door, Noire gave the doorknob a try. Only for it to be locked.
She tried the doorbell but after a few seconds. Nothing.
Noire spotted Blanc holding up the key, she raised a brow.
"Better use it," Blanc explained. "Chika did say she won't answer the door easily. So, just use it."
Noire blinked while taking it. As they are on borrowed time. She opened the door, and they entered what looked to be the kitchen. The stove seemed unused, along with used silverware in the sink.
A fringe in one corner. They could spot a dining room, it seemed empty.
They stiffened at hearing noises. They know that goddess is here, they sensed her. Only, didn't she sense them? Slowly the two walked to where the noise came from. They spotted a door ajar down a hallway.
That is where the noise is coming from with a voice. Blanc walked first, slowly toward the door.
Blanc stepped forward with Noire in tow, she opened the door to spot a woman sitting on the floor. The woman had long blond hair. Her hands worked a controller and muttered, her attention on the tv. Playing a game, unaware of them so far.
The brown-haired woman stood to the side. Letting Noire get inside the room. They looked around the place.
Noire frowned at seeing all the takeout boxes around the room. Along with a bed in there, this seemed to be her bedroom.
"Seems she didn't learn to cook," Noire commented dryly. She could make out the places on the boxes: Belia, Whitney, Greg, and Sonic.
They are from various food chains. Could it be she used a delivery service to bring these to her? As some would deliver food.
Blanc is frowning with a trobling brow. They have a messy person here, thankfully they could walk around the room if needed. Still, wouldn't it hurt to take out the trash more? As she did at her home.
Instantly the woman's head snapped to look at them. She heard the comment, finally noticing them.
They stiffened at being spotted. The woman's blue eyes looked at them, then turned purple.
Acting on impulse, Noire's and Blanc's eyes changed color in response.
The woman narrowed her eyes. "So, you're those goddesses I was told about." Her voice was cold.
Noire peacefully raised her hands. "Yes, sorry to barge in. We tried the doorbell."
Blanc also raised her hands to show she isn't a threat.
The woman clicked her tongue but paused her game. "Well, I was busy. But it can now wait."
She stood to show she was a little taller than Noire. "So, who are you?" She folded her arms under her sizable bosom.
The two could see how underdressed the blond was. Her hair looked a bit ruffed but seemed taken care of. Her green shirt had a gear with a skull on it. It was snug on her frame and didn't hide her panties. They were green with small gears.
Causing some flat looks from her guests. As it didn't seem to faze the blond-haired woman was giving them a show.
"I'm Noire," Noire replied with a raised hand, choosing to ignore this. "My goddess's name is Black Heart."
Blanc placed a hand on her chest. "Blanc, goddess name White Heart."
The woman looked at them, her eyes back to blue. "I'm Vert, no goddess name."
Noire could tell that meant green, the same as her and Blanc. The two guests' eyes went back to their human color.
"I'm guessing you haven't claimed your share crystal."
Vert clicked her tongue, sourly looking away. "Right, I don't want to either. You can't make me."
Blanc frowned with hands on her hips at the tone. "We aren't here to do that. As we can understand your reasons."
Vert looked at her, her eyes probing her. "Okay, but you two are full goddesses. I bet you accepted them so easily."
Noire frowned at the tone, it sounded like they had lost. "No, we had to survive a fight. Which was recent."
"Okay," Vert sighed, fluffing her hair. "So why did you want to find me?"
Blanc narrowed her eyes and stepped a little closer. "Information, that is all we want."
"What kind, gaming if so. I'm an expert on that." Vert smiled with a puffed chest.
Noire heard a hint of pride, but that isn't what they wanted. "No, just on who attacked you. That is if you were attacked by a goddess."
"Oh that," Vert's mood soured. "Yes, I was attacked by her. Let me guess, you let me tell who it is. Then have me join your little group, sorry not going to happen." Vert pointed at them.
Blanc growled. "Look, we're not here to have you join us. Even if you could help. We understand if you want to be a human, but you have to know the danger of that goddess. She tried to kill all of us."
Vert growled. "Okay, but no funny business."
Noire stepped closer with hands on her hips. "Yes, just let us know who is behind this. Nothing more or less."
Vert stared at them. They looked at each other, she broke the stand-off. "Uzume, or Orange Heart of Planeptune, that is if it goes by that name. As her city is hidden, or just not on any maps."
She was told by Chika who it was after being found by the supervisor. At the time only knew Uzume was a goddess and attacked her about a little over a month ago.
Noire shivered, so the one goddess that Kei and Mina talked is the one behind everything. "Are you sure it is Uzume?"
Vert sneered. "Yes, reddish hair in pigtails. Not in the same style as yours. Want to me tell you about her underwear? As her shorts were open enough to get a peek."
Blanc shook her head but soon rubbed her chin. "So Uzume. Great, now what to do?"
Noire rubbed her head, thinking about this. "The one goddess who thought to disappear, great. She went into hiding. So why she is doing this."
Vert shrugged. "Don't look at me. Calling my by a different name, saying I was reborn. Geesh, that wasn't my name she used."
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "Reborn … she thought you were the former goddess of S-city. Why?" She hummed in thought, rubbing her chin.
Noire clicked her tongue. "You don't think she thought Vert was her predecessor? But why?"
Blanc looked at Noire. "Maybe the rumor of her turning was true. At the very least, she attacked every one of us. Thinking we're the previous goddesses reborn."
Noire nodded, while Vert gave a sour look.
"Not my problem, I don't have any memories of the past. So there."
Noire frowned at Vert, starting to lose her patience with the blond. "We know that. As we found out we are new goddesses. But that is beside the point, Uzume wants us dead."
Vert stomped her foot. "That was clear when she attacked me! Are you making light of that?" She pointed at Noire.
Noire balled her fists. "I'm not, Vert. K-Sha sent a group to capture me in my home. Then, I and Blanc had to fight a squad that was armed to kill us. We aren't downplaying it."
Vert folded her arms. "Fine, so what now? You two going to fight?"
Blanc snapped at her. "You want us to take over?"
Vert narrowed her eyes. "Your choice, leave me out of it. I'm fine here, living my life. They have a goddess ruling them, by all accounts, don't need me."
Noire glared back. "We know that! You don't think we can just march in, and take over the rulers' position. By all accounts, is beyond dangerous. As we can't just do that."
Vert was going to open her mouth, but a phone ranged. Stopping her from speaking.
Noire noticed it was her smartphone. She looked and gasped, it was Kei calling.
"Yes, Kei," she answered, Kei probably wanted to know how things are going.
"Black Heart, bad news," Kei's voice huffed as if she is running.
Noire's blood froze from the voice. "What is wrong?"
Blanc looked with a tilted head. Noire looked at her and put the phone on speaker.
Vert tilted her head, confused at who would be calling Noire now.
"Kei, I got you on speaker," Noire said to her while holding the smartphone out. "What is going on."
"I think they found out that Mina, me, and Chika are helping you," Kei's voice stated, clearly full of fear.
Noire and Blanc shivered in terror. Vert paled with a shiver.
"Kei, how do you know they got Mina?" Blanc asked frantically.
"Chika sent me a text," Kei replied, still running. "After that Mina also sent one. So, I'm trying to hide right now. I don't know if they got Chika and Mina, but they could be captured. Black Heart, I know this is bad.
"But don't think of barging with K-Sha. You mustn't trust her, no matter what she says."
"Kei, why? What's got you so worried?" Noire asked, gripping the smartphone tightly.
"K-Sha wants you," Kei answered. "And I'm not talking about killing you, I mean she could be obsessed with you. To where—"
"Kei?" Noire her voice shaking while trying to keep the cell phone in her shaking hand.
They heard a voice then a dud.
Noire shallowed the lump in her throat. They heard movement as if the phone changed hands.
"Hello, my Noire," a different voice replied from the cellphone.
Noire's blood froze, that voice sounded to be K-Sha's. Does that mean, the ruler has caught up to Kei?
"What did you do to Kei, and Mina, you bitch?" Blanc screamed into the smartphone.
A growl came. "So, you've been with my Noire, you hussy. Don't think—sorry, but right now. I'm going to talk with Kei. Bye."
The smartphone went dead.
"They got them, oh shit." Noire paled as the smartphone dropped from her limp fingers.
Blanc's legs turned to jelly, afraid of what this meant. "Mina … what am I?"
Vert stood still as a statue.
Noire slowly balled her fist, then screamed and slammed it into the wall. Making a fist-sized hole. The drywall came out when she removed her fist.
"Don't go putting holes in my home," Vert squeaked, clearly not knowing what else to say.
Noire glared at her but stomped out of the room.
Blanc watched this, and after a second, check her smartphone. There was a text, it was from Mina. Letting her know of the danger.
Blanc snarled as she gripped the smartphone, crushing it from her strength. She let go of the destroyed device, landing on the floor by Noire's forgotten cell phone.
Vert opened her mouth but didn't say anything.
Blanc's eyes became shadowed, stood, and followed Noire.
Noire is outside pacing back and forth, clearly trying to think of what to do. Kei is in K-Sha's hands. And from what she heard, might harm her. Not only that, but it seem K-Sha wanted her.
Already claiming her from what the ruler said from the call.
Cavaliere is by its master, knowing how enraged she is. It is also mad. While it doesn't know Kei that well, it knows that person sacrificed a lot to find them. All to help them, and now. She might pay the ultimate price.
Karuta is off to the side, it knows the situation. Things have taken a turn for the worse for their allies.
Vert's T-vehicle hasn't moved. Seemly still sleeping. As neither Karuta nor Cavaliere tried talking to it, to stay on peaceful terms.
Noire growled, opening and closing her fists. Her eyes glowed green. She didn't know what to be angry at. While Vert was being snobbish.
She was mad at herself for getting Kei into the mess. Along with … being disgusted at K-Sha. While she wasn't sure what wanted in a relationship. She could tell, K-Sha seemed obsessed with her. She did hear a few rumors of it, or she could have felt it.
Either way, Kei is in danger with the other supervisors. All because of her. She heard footsteps: Blanc's.
Blanc stopped a few feet away from Noire, her eyes glowing red. Burning as a pair of hot coals.
"What now?"
Noire stopped and looked at her. "I don't know," she growled, throwing her arms in exasperation. "What to do? Turn myself over to K-Sha. Hope whatever thing she has for me will help. Use that as leverage to free Kei and the others."
Blanc lowered her head.
Noire only waited on what Blanc would say.
The two didn't notice Vert standing silently at the door, looking at them. Clasped hands at her waist.
Blanc raised her head. "While it does seem K-Sha wants you Noire. From how she acted, it shows that you are hers, and only hers."
Noire clenched her jaw, her body glowing. Seemly ready to transform.
"That seems to be the case, Blanc," Noire replied tightly, trying to keep it under control. "You want me to turn myself over to her? Appease her?"
Blanc shook her head. "Appeasement would only go so far. Even if she does have a crush on you, or in this case. Has become obsessed with you. There is no telling what K-Sha will do with you. There is even a chance she'll try to 'break you' to where you would only stay with her."
Noire glowed and then stood as Black Heart. Cavaliere also transformed into its other state.
Vert gasped at seeing this change, sure it is the first time seeing it. In some sense, she knows that is the correct form they could take.
"If that corrupted human thinks I'm some possession to be held," Black Heart spoke with rage. "I would rather fight her."
Blanc understands why Black Heart made such a delegation. As Noire values her freedom, as she does. They both were content to be humans but forced to do this.
Now they could keep hiding as they had done, but it will require sacrificing the supervisors.
Vert gulped, sure she wanted to stay out of this. But from what she heard, Chika is captured and might be killed for helping her.
Blanc sighed, her eyes back to their normal color. "I'm afraid it is time we show ourselves."
Black Heart blinked, not sure if she heard right. "Blanc?"
"All this time we've been hiding," Blanc explained slowly. "Keeping our nature down, wanting to be something other than a goddess. Have a peaceful life. Which we were doing, only ignoring the cost: the lives of those who made us."
Black Heart nodded in agreement. "Right, but the responsibility of being a ruler. How do we start? This isn't just plug and play."
Blanc knows that, but. "I know, but from the way things are. The rulers might be unstable with Uzume not helping. Remember, she was the one who started this mess. Sure there will be problems, big ones. But we have to also think. That there is a chance we will be acknowledged."
Black Heart placed a hand on her chest, she does remember those feelings. They are faint but still there: the call to help.
Blanc looked at Black Heart. She should go back to hiding, but she is sick of it. After all this, how much more will be taken?
It seems never-ending. She gave up her home and lived as hidden as she could be. Now going to have another life lost because of her. Like those people, she had to fight on that plain.
"So, you're going to confront C-Sha?" Black Heart asked Blanc, from what is said. That seems to be the only option to take to save Mina.
Blanc nodded, and Karuta moved to be by its master. Showing its support.
Cavaliere rumbled as if it was saying something to the kart. Their masters could feel it was wishing them luck.
Black Heart gave a somber smile. "There is my answer. We won't stop you, White Heart. As I have to do the same."
Blanc opened her mouth, but no words came out from seeing the look on her … friend's face.
"I won't give myself to K-Sha. If possible, find another way. But." She looked down.
Blanc walked toward her and held her right hand.
Black Heart stiffened a little at the contact. "Blanc."
Blanc gave a smile with a nod. "Just be careful, Noire. I've gotten pretty fond of you. It would be a shame to lose you, in any sense."
Black Heart smiled giving a soft squeeze on Blanc's hand. "You too. I hope we can see the end of this together. Where this road ends."
Blanc let go of Black Heart's hand, it was a bit bigger than hers. Still, it had a softness and warmth to it she could feel.
"I better go," Blanc replied softly, she looked at Vert.
Vert winched at seeing this. Not sure what would be said to her.
"You better get a move on, Vert," Blanc ordered softly. "They will find this place in no time by learning what Chika did. Also, throw away any cell phone she gave you. They might use it to track you."
"You think." Vert looked away, not sure what to say.
Black Heart shook her head. "Vert, you have to leave. I'm sorry, but if you don't. They will kill you, as you aren't connected to a share crystal. Heck, even the both of us are still in danger of that. You need to hide."
Vert lowered her head, remembering the last time this happened. She was forced into hiding, doing nothing to warrant that.
Black Heart didn't say anymore, what could she say to make it better?
Cavaliere faced the exit, ready to go to their next battle. It won't be like that one in the plain. But just as dangerous.
"Karuta," Blanc muttered softly. "Let's-ago." She hopped into her kart.
Black Heart got on her T-vehicle. The two left the blond woman. Each goes to their cities to save Kei and Mina. They hoped Chika would be fine, but they needed to face their ruler.
Hopefully, with Vert hiding they could save Chika in time, after dealing with the others. As they would be too busy to find the last goddess.
Slowly, Vert walked to stand by her T-vehicle. Still not worrying about her current state.
It was sleeping earlier but is now awake. Only keeping quiet about the things talked about.
Vert softly touched her ATV. "What I'm to do, Radeon? I know you wanted me to do something. As Chika, but what should I do?"
The ATV rumbled its answer.
Vert held out her hand. With a flash, a spear appeared. The handle had hints of black and green. The blade is sharp.
Vert went into a stance, she slammed the spear down. A little hard on the thrust, but not too shabby.
As she doesn't practice as much. But is showing her skill with it.
She held out her left hand, and a Clock 18 appeared. While mostly black, it had hints of green along the handle.
She didn't fire it but felt the weight of it.
"They haven't changed," Vert commented, thinking about what to do.
She should just leave, and be safe. But if she does. Chika could be killed for protecting her. If the other two aren't fast enough or lose their fight.
She growled at hearing the share crystal's plea.
"You think they want me?" She questioned it. "They …"
She felt the feelings of them, along with Chika. It could be nothing, but she could feel Chika calling for her with the others.
"Maybe," Vert replied softly, looking at the city. "I was wrong. There is a need for me. It just."
Her T-vehicle rumbled, it couldn't force her to fight. As it was her chariot and did save her when Uzume attacked.
But in this, it knows they have to make a stand. As lives are on the line.
Black Heart is racing on the highway toward K-city. She was going fast as she could, surprisingly handling the g-force very well. Given the pressure of going so fast in a vehicle. The burner on her T-vehicle roaring. She could go back to her human form, but not now.
She might have to fight once back at K-city.
She spotted a police car on the side of the road. She had seen a few when traveling, as they keep watch on the roads. Before she kept within the speed limit. But not now.
She was going back to K-city, to save Kei. Fight K-Sha, and see if she could help the other supervisors.
"Cavaliere," Black Heart said, even with the g's pressing on her. "We're about to get some company. We need to lose them, try not to fight them. They aren't our enemy."
She had a reply. Her T-vehicle is ready to race.
Black Heart smirked, sure this is crazy. But, exciting as all hell. Still, this will tip them off.
Well, she was getting sick of staying hidden.
In the police car on the side of the highway. Two officers were watching the road. For speeders, even if most are around K-city. That place still had racing in their blood.
Along with possible problems. The one in the passenger seat spotted a motorcycle.
"Hey," he said pointing at the vehicle. "Isn't that motorcycle going?" He stopped as it blasted past them.
His partner gasped at getting a reading on his radar.
"How in the hell is; she going nearly over two hundred?!" He read what she clicked at. From the look he got, it did look to be a woman driving that motorcycle.
They both shivered at that. That nearly seemed like how fast a goddess could go on her T-vehicle.
They called it in. Given that it needed to be reported, and see if they could catch up to that…
They won't be sure what to call them. Because it almost seemed as if a goddess is back.
Blanc growled as she drove toward C-city. Going beyond the speed limit on the highway. She could go faster but felt this is the best she could do in her human form. As she was conserving energy for the confrontation ahead.
So far, she hasn't seen any highway patrol, but that could change at any moment.
"Karuta, I know this might jinx us but." She took a deep breath. "Thanks for being by my side. We haven't been with each other for long. But, you've been a loyal companion. I couldn't ask for a better T-vehicle than you."
The kart replied in its way. It knows this will be a difficult battle. The fate of many rests on it.
As they have to take over a city as a goddess. Meaning being a ruler.
Blanc frowned as her eyes turned red. "Oh yeah, now I sense her. I guess my senses weren't that strong before."
Blanc isn't that far from C-city. Getting closer to it. Why is she feeling C-Sha now?
Maybe because she has fully awakened. But now, she could feel the taint coming off her, it was an unpleasant feeling.
"Here goes nothing," Blanc replied, her nerves tense for the confrontation ahead.
In an open prison cell at K-city, Kei glared at K-Sha. The supervisor was brought here, after being captured. They made sure to take her things before being placed here.
The ruler has been in here the past few minutes. Already, wounds are on Kei from the ruler, trying to information on Black Heart.
The supervisor had blood dripping down her cheek from the blows inflicted on her. Her clothes looked rough from the punches, thankfully, the ruler held back. But they still hurt.
"So," Kei spat. "This is your hidden side, K-Sha."
The ruler glared at her former supervisor. "Why didn't you tell me you found Noire? Even if you didn't know what she is. You still found her." Her eyes took a yellow tint.
Kei growled in defiance. "Why? I'll tell you. First, you kept it a secret that you were using the Madness's power to restrain a share crystal, complete with keeping a new goddess being created.
"Or maybe, you worked for Orange Heart. Which by the way, sounds bad."
K-Sha eyes glowed yellow. "It was needed for the mission. We had to do it. All to keep everyone safe, as you know. The cities need a government."
Kei snarled. "I know that. But we have a right to know who ruled us. Plus, why erase the history of Navy Heart? She worked for us too."
K-Sha clicked her tongue. "Is that why you did this? For some goddess who died years ago."
Kei laughed hollowly. "So what if I did? You know as well I do, the people wanted to honor her. Or maybe." She smirked menacingly. "Orange Heart doesn't want anyone to remember her. Given how jealous she was of Navy Heart."
K-Sha took a step forward toward the supervisor. It seemed she was about to do something.
But a ring came. The ruler clicked her tongue, reaching for her cell phone.
"What is it?"She answered her cell phone. After a few seconds, her eyes lit up in joy. Her eyes lost the glow.
Kei shivered, it couldn't be.
K-Sha smirked at Kei, locking the supervisor in the cell. "Looks like I'm going to win. Noire is coming here. And should be here in no time. Given how she is transformed and driving fast."
That damn fool. She should stay away, Kei thought in fear.
Sure Black Heart is a goddess. But if she isn't careful, K-Sha could harm and capture her.
Her eyes widened in fear. If Black Heart is coming here, does that mean White Heart is doing the same?
"Now if you'll excuse me," K-Sha giggled softly with clasped hands. "It is time to greet my love."
She turned and left, she even had a spring in her step.
Kei slammed a fist on the ground. "You damn idiot. You should've…"
Kei couldn't stop her fear from coming out. They hoped to work on a plan. They could find a way to show the new goddess that would ease them into their positions.
Now it has gone into chaos.
Mina winched at her wounds, already C-Sha had been hurting her in a jail cell, somewhere in S-city. Her clothes had wrinkles from the blows, and her right cheek was swollen from a punch.
When she learned they found out she was helping the goddesses, they arrested her. She only had enough time to warn Kei and White Heart.
She didn't have her glasses, it was taken with her other things. Her eyes looked at the ruler, she could make out the ruler.
"Now then." C-Sha eyes glowed yellow ominously. "Tell me where that goddess is, Mina. I don't have much patience for traitors."
Mina snarled. "How am I a traitor? Helping to protect … Lady Pink Heart's successor. By all accounts should be a ruler as before."
C-Sha's face soured with folded arms. "Don't get snappy with me. It was decided that the goddesses aren't needed."
Mina glared with venom. "Only because of Orange Heart. She attacked that goddess in S-city. If she only left them alone, or you could have worked with them," she demanded.
"They are underseasoned for the task. We can't have them interfering with things."
Mina laughed humorously. "Is that what she said? Maybe they are young, but that is no reason to kill them. No, she just wants it to be about her. Nobody will be the star on her stage."
C-Sha snared and looked ready to attack Mina, but winched at getting a call. She glared at Mina but locked the cell and walked off.
Mina gasped at feeling White Heart, it was a second. But it seemed close.
"No." Her blood turned to ice. She watched as C-Sha left in a rush. Leaving her alone in the locked cell.
Mina knew it was true, White Heart is coming back and not hiding it.
"You wanted to save me," she whispered, knowing the reason for this. "I shouldn't be risked for such a thing, but maybe that is why I want you to rule.
"You aren't Pink Heart, but you have the same kindness she had. I hope that kind heart won't hurt you. Or maybe, that is why you will act."
Mina smiled sadly. She remembered that day in the park. Pink Heart was visiting it that day.
During that time. She noticed her and helped her when learning of her power.
She was isolated when it appeared, only for the goddess to help her. Even called it a gift as it could help.
Mina teared up. "Once again, a goddess has come to help me. That is what makes it sadder. She can't die for me." She sniffed, wiping her tears.
Then again, the goddesses who died before did that. Risked their lives to protect their followers.
Chika coughed, she was kicked by S-Sha in her jail cell in S-city. She hoped the others weren't captured. But now, she has to deal with the ruler.
She glared at the ruler while holding her midsection in pain. "Nice to see you too, E-Sha."
The ruler's eyes glowed yellow. "So, you noticed. No matter. If you want to talk to S-Sha. I can arrange it."
"Does it matter?" Chika coldly replied. "Both of you help that damn Orange Heart." There is no point in hiding that.
She knew when finding Vert who is behind everything. Sure she was specifically, but from what was said. It did seem to be Orange Heart.
E-Sha narrowed her eyes. "She is helping us. Why are so hesitant about her ruling?"
Chika giggled humorously. "Funny you should ask that. If she has no problems, then why doesn't she 'show' herself?"
E-Sha's eyes didn't lose their glow. But her face relaxed.
"Because you shouldn't care about that old goddess."
Chika clicked her tongue, the ruler had a bored tone. "So, the stuck-up showed herself. I thought you would have stayed asleep."
S-Sha sighed with folded arms. "Not now. I have work to do. But if you think that previous goddess will help."
Chika looked down. "She isn't Cyan Heart. For the record."
"Even so," S-Sha replied coldly. "That won't matter anymore, the pest will be eliminated."
Chika growled, but won't say anything. As it is pointless to talk. The ruler will kill Vert.
As they seemed to carry out the orders of Orange Heart. All because she thought they weren't needed. When the truth is, they are. Not only to stop the Madness. But to help them in this opposition they are in.
Sure they aren't suffering bad conditions, and have peaceful lives. But they are forced to be something else. Not remembering their past, along with not being different.
As they are only meant to produce things. Not change. As if they be what Orange Heart wanted, to only be her followers.
Chika grunted at it. Vert is an odd topic for her, she is snobby to an extent. But it felt more of a defensive nature.
Given how her life was uprooted so suddenly, forced to hide. Along with knowing she is a goddess.
All that putting a lot of pressure on the blond.
Chika could have left the blond alone. But saw sparks in her, wanting to do something more than lounge around.
Maybe that is why she protected the goddess. Wanting to ignite that spark into a fire. That will help them all.
Vert finished dressing into some clothes in her home. Much better than when she had guests. It was a white blouse with a pair of jeans. She much prefer a dress, but knows it wasn't the time for it.
She should leave, run away from this city. As told by Blanc and Noire, but.
She grumbled, "Telling me what to do. That goddess. As with that crystal."
Vert was conflicted about what path to take. While the other two became full goddesses, they understood her desire to be human.
That sounds so tempting. Stay as a human. No worries about the ruling, look after herself. Still.
The blond woman wanted to do something to help. She felt the need to be something more. Possibly save Chika from being killed.
"The time choose is at hand," Vert said softly, already she felt a group coming for her.
Clearly, Orange Heart won't show herself. A snort came from Vert.
"Not wanting to show yourself, fine. Stay where you are, time for me to be different. I can't run anymore."
She rushed outside, Radeon waited by the door. While the T-vehicle stood by her side.
She could sense it slept a good deal. Keeping an eye out for trouble, even while sleeping. As it woke once noticing the visitors. Knowing they aren't a threat, long as they didn't make any aggressive moves.
Now, it was primed for what its master wanted to do: fight back.
Vert hopped on, her hands on the handlebars. She revved the motor, a roar as if a beast awoke.
The blond's eyes turned purple and with a click. She blasted off. "Time to strike back!"
(Listen to Forces by Susumu Hirasawa)
Instantly a black unmarked car appeared in front of her. She could make out the submachine guns of the people inside.
They blocked her path. Boxing her in to kill her most likely.
Vert pressed the trigger on Radeon's weapons. The sound of Radeon's submachine guns sounded, as bullets pelted the car, tearing into the car.
Vert felt sick, she could sense those people dying but evaded to avoid bullets coming behind her. They had her surrounded.
Sparks and pieces of cement flew from the bullets from the missed shots.
The blond could see another one come at her, on the outside of the fence. Already a person had a window down and fired at her.
"I hope you can still jump," Vert said to her T-vehicle, pushing the gas to dodge the bullets. She moved to the car that was blocking her exit.
Radeon blasted to use that momentum for its front to climb off the car's hood. It gave a rumble, saying something to its master.
Vert glared at her T-vehicle. "Now's not the time to get snappy! I'm at a 'healthy weight,' thank you very much."
Radeon did say she might be too heavy for them to jump. Given how inactive Vert can be. The blond poured the gas, and the two were able to drive over the car's hood. Going to a road with no vehicles.
She got another remark for that, as they didn't jump over the car. A seething Vert's brow twitched, they should have jumped into the air, as in games. Not drive over the thing, she isn't that heavy darn it.
Vert ducked while driving to miss a few bullets. They aren't letting up.
"This is more intense than COD," Vert screamed, she spotted a car coming to the left side of her.
She snared and reached with her right hand in that direction. With a flash, her Glock 18 appeared. She shot at the incoming car.
Her shots landed on the car in various places, and her brow twitched from seeing it.
"Okay, first-person shooters aren't the best of teachers." She was trying to hit the driver.
A rumble agreed with that. Still, her shots made the car drive away, as it would seem her bullets can pierce through the car. She could've hit one of the passengers, there are three to four in each car.
Vert turned to the opposite side, going into an empty lot. She lives around a few lots, not sure on they could be used for. A couple of shots rang out. She screamed as one went across her back.
She poured on the gas and winched: a few bullets hit her companion.
The tires weren't hit, but it still stings as the dickens. She screamed as another bullet hit her left arm. Her blood started dripping. Radeon had a few sparks from getting hit but kept moving. It can't afford to stop, not until the end.
It has to fulfill its duty, as any T-vehicle has. They will follow their masters to the end of their life. That is what they are charged with.
Vert needed to get away, no. She was fed up. Hiding, being hunted down as an animal.
The pleas came, all of them with Chika. Offering to help her.
"I'll do it!" Vert shouted to the sky, giving in to them after all this time. "I'll claim you."
For one second, nothing happened. Vert was about to despair. Only for a flood of power to hit her.
She screamed as her hair turned green.
In the jail cell at S-city, Chika backed away from S-Sha, scared at seeing the ruler mutter. This started happening, the ruler suddenly locked the cell.
"You can't, I," the ruler groaned falling to her knees, she started sweating.
She hyperventilated as if fighting something. Her hands are on the ground to support herself.
Then a bloodcurdling scream came from the rule. Her eyes are bloodshot from the pain.
Chika covered her ears, it was so loud with it almost sounded as if two people are screaming.
In the place where S-city's sharicite rested. Sparks came from it, alarms sounded as the crystal glowed green. The people working there, scrambling to find out what is happening. While there have been some blimps with the sharicite, nothing as this. As if the crystal was changing. Then with a burst of light, it became a magnificent green.
The goddess has finally claimed it. Now, it is free to help their people face the threats. Not just that monster, but the goddess who dared to use them.
Near Vert's house, Vert drove as she glowed, trying to keep dodging the bullets. Her wounds healed with Radeon. She pressed another button on her T-vehicle.
A dozen mini-missiles popped out from behind the ATV into the air, after a few feet. They burst into a blinding light.
The last three cars slammed their brakes, as they couldn't see. They couldn't risk wrecking into each other.
Once they could see, the flash only blinded them temporarily.
There were about eight people left. Each was out of the car with their AR-57s, even if it was a risk. As their target has an armed vehicle. Along with a powerful pistol.
They still had their AR-57s primed. Now able to see. They spotted a different woman facing them a few feet away.
Her purple eyes with power icons glared at them. In her hands had black gauntlets as they held a spear. The spear was white with hints of green and black.
She had on a skin suit that couldn't hide her sizable chest and lean stomach. The skin suit was white with hints of black. Her sleeves and boots are black with white along the sides. It has a transparent part around the abdomen. Her long green hair was in a ponytail.
"A goddess," one of the men muttered in fear and awe.
Not alone in that, they weren't told they were to eliminate a goddess.
"Correct," Vert replied coldly. "You've attacked me and my chariot. That won't be so easily forgiven." She rushed at them.
The group screamed about to open only for bullets to shoot at them from the side. They ducked, only for Vert to slam her spear at two of them.
She winched as blood came from killing them. With seeing the ones who got killed by Radeon's attack. Her T-vehicle moved to side, helping its master. She saw a few hiding behind a car, about three.
She could take them out, no, she was going to spare them. She can't say how long she has left in her transformed state.
Along with that, she wanted the ones behind this.
Her ATV drove to be by her side. She put away her spear, got on her ATV, and gun it away from the group.
It too has changed with her transformation. It had a black glow along the sides, helping it blend in.
She could hear gunfire, they still are trying to kill her. She dodged the bullets and got onto a main street, which will lead to a busy part of S-city.
She spotted various people and vehicles around. Before she tried to keep a low profile. But now.
"Well, call this payback, Orange Heart," Vert smirked menacingly at what she was going to do. "Sure they could have reported on the others. Time to give them a show."
Radeon revved in agreement. Time to show them goddesses have returned.
The two blasted toward the people. There were gaps once they drove by them, dodging cars as they moved by the crowds. But not too fast, giving them a good look at them.
Vert winked at them while waving. She even posed, letting them see her eyes. As she knows, cosplayers could copy her skin suit, but not her eyes.
Even Radeon seemed to glow as pictures were being taken of them. To show that it is a T-vehicle: a goddess's chariot. All of the pictures are taken from cellphones, possibly going to post them online.
"Sorry everyone," Vert shouted to the crowd, blowing a kiss at them. "But Green Heart is too busy to take questions." She blasted away before anyone could reply.
The two drove away, going to the backup spot Chika had planned out. Sadly, she thought to have one last place encase things went south.
Which it did.
She could go save Chika right now. But felt tired from her transformation. She needed to rest for a while. Hopefully, she could recover in time to save the supervisor.
In the jail cell, Chika looked as S-Sha suddenly glared at her with pure rage.
"You bitch," she rumbled, trying to move. Her eyes glowed brighter as an inferno. "That goddess took it. You've ruined everything. The plan, all ruined by you!"
Chika flinched when the ruler pointed at her. S-Sha looked like a demon with those glowing eyes, one that she enraged.
The ruler stood on wobbly legs, her breathing labored. "I'm going to kill you slowly. A quick death won't satisfy us. You need to suffer for protecting that torn."
Chika shivered, but her mind put the pieces together. The way S-Sha acted, Vert must have claimed the Sharicite.
Which means, Vert is a full goddess. Breaking the ruler's control. And ruining Orange Heart's last power supply.
S-Sha took one step toward the cell. Then, her eyes rolled into the back of her head.
Chika sweat-dropped at seeing the ruler land on the hard floor "I hope you stay out for a few hours. I'm fond of living right now."
She could try to escape, but her cell is locked. The keys are on S-Sha and the woman is too far to get them. Plus, the guards rushed in at seeing the ruler passed out.
One kept an eye on her. While the others called for medics, they needed to find out what happened to S-Sha.
But was it her imagination, she heard mutters from the guards about a possible goddess.
Chika's eyes widened as if what she heard is right. A lot of people have seen Vert transformed.
Which meant: the secret is out. The people will question the rulers why a goddess is running around.
"Vert had to make a show," Chika smirked while shaking her head, not sure what to think.
From what she could see of the other two, they were more reserved than Vert. Sure Vert was hiding but had a boastfulness to her. Wanting to show off in some cases.
Which is how Chika noticed she wasn't Cyan Heart. As the previous goddess was tactful and didn't speak much. Still, she could say her opinion when needed.
Then another thought hit her if Vert acted alone. What did that mean?
"Things have gone out of control for our dear Orange Heart," Chika muttered.
A part of her is glad Orange Heart's plans are ruined, given how she is responsible for this state. Along if she did have a hand in killing the previous goddesses.
But, if the other two are going to other cities. It means they want to save Kei and Mina.
Leading to everyone seeing their new goddess. Exposing the secrets that have been hidden for so long.
Change has come knocking, Chika thought with a shiver. They were going to plan on this.
But the floodgates have been opened with the goddesses taking a stand. After all, how many will see them now?
In Planeptune, the place where various computers are at. It was the control room of the abandoned city.
A young woman with reddish red hair in pigtails cursed. Her hands slammed on the keyboard, breaking it, from seeing the reports coming in. She was wearing a white shirt that was buttoned at the top, but open lower. Showing her lean stomach, mostly covered by an orange tie that has a black clip.
Her hands had black fingerless gloves, and on her left wrist, a small device was there. Also, her left arm had a black sleeve. She had gray shorts that were unbuttoned but had black suspenders on, mostly hidden under her shirt. She had black shoes with an orange strip on the sole, two black, baggie socks. Her left sock had orange strips.
She had ways of getting information in the room on current events. The big one was that blond brat showed herself, to make matters worse. She claimed the last share crystal.
Then she heard of a woman on a motorcycle near K-city: the black-hair one.
Lastly, that brown-haired goddess was seen racing toward C-city in her kart.
It is obvious what they are doing. They are going to challenge the rulers.
Her amber eyes glared at the screen. "Damn, there is no way to hide this. I can't erase memories. I hoped burying information would do it."
She balled her fists on the destroyed keyboard. "Only those crystals had to form them. I should've acted faster. If I killed them, this would've been prevented."
Uzume, the hidden goddess, did try that with the blond. But because of being blindsided by that ATV and being spotted. She had to retreat.
They didn't need to see her now, it wasn't time. So, she left finding them to rulers who are in charge of the cities. As she helped them make the share crystals, along with restraining them to power Planeptune.
She growled and her eyes turned blue. "I have to focus on my conversing power, I still have enough to keep the Madness locked up. But it still is a gamble.
"I need to worry about those new goddesses. They will keep messing with my plans."
Sure she thought that blond was Cyan, but with the way she acted, and her t-vehicle being different. She concluded that she is new. So if she was new, the other two are.
But that is redundant now. All three are full goddesses and will be a threat.
"The three could handle them." Uzume chewed on her cheek, thinking of their chances.
The trio is strong for humans, sure she didn't spar against them. But heard and saw evidence of their strength, given they might need it for the battles ahead and cement their rule.
Demigoddess in one sense, or the rarer candidates she knows about. Given no candidates have been created. She, like the previous ones, only had a faint sense of them. Maybe if they lived long enough with full share, a candidate could have formed.
Still, if they could capture and immobilize the new goddesses. There was a chance power could be restored to Planeptune, or work something out with them as their soldiers.
Uzume sighed in exasperation. "Enough, I hope the trio can handle them. Or do I have to step in and do it? They aren't ready to see me. They didn't understand me back then, there are too many who know about me. I wanted a clean slate. Sadly, I won't get it, but." She smirked at the thought.
She, not the other goddesses, stood over the corpse of the Madness. Her fist raised high in victory. Looking cool as the sun shined on her.
"Yes, I'll win," Uzume said, still smirking. She hasn't lost yet. Maybe it is better for an early premiere.
Save those young goddesses, and show everyone who's boss.
Where the Madness is imprisoned, in a building not too far from where Uzume lived, in the south region of the main tower.
The Madness looked as she did before when Uzume visited. Her hand was near the entrance, the barrier still there. She thrust her limb out. A hiss as the limb stretched out of the cell, it was burned but kept going.
It stopped a few feet but didn't go back. Soon, the limb landed on the floor, cut off from the body. The burnt limb slowly dissolved on the floor.
The Madness looked at her ruined arm, it stopped at the elbow, bone, shew, muscle, and flesh there. But with a nod, her missing forearm regrew back. She moved to back her cell.
"Much weaker, then again." She smiled with a chuckle while working her new limb. "I could have broken out months ago. If not noticing those next-gen goddesses. That stayed my hand."
While true her cell was concrete, she could have broken through it. As she was strong enough break it. Only with there being shielding enforcing it to stop her. Such as the entrance.
When first put in, she couldn't even get a limb out as now. Her limb would burn up even before an inch. Now, she could ruin the controls that kept the place working.
Truthfully, she was bored of waiting for that brat to appear before the masses. Thinking that once everyone forget about the goddesses, they would think Orange Heart was new.
But, that seemed unlikely. After all, people could have kept secret information about her. Then once they noticed who she is, it would be a recurrence of before. Or she hoped no one would stand up to her.
"Acting like a kid who wet bed and hide the sheets. Hoping no adult would notice. But sadly, that won't work here." The being chucked.
That plan had no real way to work. Complete with those new goddesses thrown into the mix. The brat could have had allies but chose to kill them. Hoping her so-called demi goddesses could help.
A snicker came from the woman. "Another thing she screwed up. She didn't think I wouldn't notice what she used."
Orange Heart thought she wouldn't notice her power being injected into those three stooges. Transforming them, all to be her little puppets. Unaware that they were helping her.
Sure it wasn't something as breaking her out, but in other subtle ways. Getting information on the new goddesses for one.
She smirked at how smart the crystals were, much more than those idiots in their positions. Didn't they know there is a price for power?
While she is crazy to be sure, that didn't make her stupid. She manipulated those three and that brat goddess to an extent, well the brat she mainly left alone.
Save that one to be crushed by her alone. As for the other three, it would seem the new goddesses will take care of them.
As the odds could be in the goddesses' favor, if not. It would mean they aren't that strong to face a few obstacles.
"Now then." Her eyes glowed yellow. "The show will begin. Who will win this little battle? Will it be three goddesses who are just born? Or three corrupted humans.
"Being used by a goddess who wants to be the star. Not showing herself for twenty years. Either way, they better hurry and finish this show. I'm so tired of waiting."
The Madness would only wait a month at best. Either the new goddesses take over or be killed, or imprisoned. She'll break out regardless of the outcome.
Along with a few surprises waiting for them. She might get to see it from the crystals, but then again.
They fought her at every turn, not only those three stooges but her, before being claimed by their goddesses.
Stopping her from getting any information, even if it was minimal. But it let her know those three are full goddesses. As that protection, they have kicked in.
In one sense, help keep a goddess from being attacked in certain ways. After all, she has tried that route with them in her fights.
So, why not would a new goddess wouldn't have the same protection? Which is the reason poor little Uzume wanted those goddesses dead.
She was afraid they wouldn't share or in this case. Fight her when learning what she did. The cherry on top, Uzume foolishly attacked. All because of those fears, stirring a hornet's nest.
As not only the goddesses would fight when push, but with their possible followers. After all, there is no telling what humans will do once learning of things.
A snarl came to the Madness, her hands became wicked claws at the thought of humans.
"Yeah, praise them for being strong. Long as they are perfect, not different. Or an outcast." Her voice filled with rage.
Her thoughts on her past, and the events that lead to her birth. With seeing how it went with the goddesses.
Slowly, her hands went back to normal. But her rage is still there, maybe another reason why she fights goddesses. As they got it easier than her.
"I'll find out soon," her voice held an underlying menace to it. "Maybe I won't play so nice, or what would that even pass with me."
Her eyes took an ominous glow. Showing a need to unleash her rage. Being directed at goddesses, or humans. Only this being is ready to show that once free of this redundant prison.
To be continued.
A/N Read and Review.