Disclaimer: I don't own Hyperdimension Neptunia or any other references made.
Chapter Ten: Conflict Part one
Black Heart frowned as she neared K-city on her motorcycle. She hasn't seen anything stopping her from reaching the city.
Which should be a good thing but given who is looking for her. She should have expected something to stop her.
She slowed down, a cold feeling gripped her: the taint of K-Sha. It come clearer now than before. Because she is a full goddess now, then when she escaped.
Black Heart drove toward the tower, which would be the best place to start. She needed to find where Kei is at. Break her out of confinement.
She won't kid herself into thinking Kei is in an office, they could have her in a jail cell. Hidden in the city isolated.
She spotted various people staring at her, given the last time she was in K-city. She ran away while not transformed.
But now, she is clearly showing she is a goddess. Because her eyes are different and knows making contacts that have power icons are hard to make.
She reached the tower but could sense K-Sha isn't there.
"Where are you?" Black Heart parked along the outside of the tower, got off her ride, and felt the sharicite in there.
It gave her a welcoming feeling, knowing what she was doing for the sake of their followers.
Black Heart sighed, knowing that the crystal is hoping for her to start ruling. But first, she needed to save Kei.
Possibly confront K-Sha on why she is following the orders of Orange Heart.
"I don't think that is a place to park for a cosplay," a voice stated. "Unless you want to do a photoshoot of the goddess being at the tower. Using that motorcycle as a prop."
Black Heart giggled at the reply, remembering she wanted to do that before. Dress up as a goddess, maybe she felt it was her nature. She looked to see three officers staying near the entrance of the tower.
The one standing in front of them, the highest ranked, looked at her with blue eyes. Short brown that had blond tips.
He was dressed in a dark police outfit, a pistol on his gun belt. Along with other things.
Black Heart could see they stiffened when getting a look at her.
Cavaliere gave a rumble, it is a bit offended at being called a prop.
Black Heart patted her T-vehicle. "Don't be too hard on them, Cavaliere. I can't blame them, as you know. Some wanted to dress up as a goddess. So, don't pout about it."
Cavaliere rumbled softly, sure it hid before. But it still has pride in being a T-vehicle.
The head officer shock clear on his face. "You are a goddess?"
Black Heart looked at the man, hearing that mutter. "I know it is hard to believe." Her voice was soft. "But I'm a new goddess created, not Navy Heart."
She could keep it quiet, but since she has come this far. Best to be open about it.
"Leon, you believe her?" One of the others asked his superior.
Leon, the one in charge, stared at the white-haired woman. He has seen a few people dressed in skin suits, along with fake weapons. Attempting to look like the former goddess. But the woman standing before him.
She is wearing a skin suit that is different from Navy Heart's own. Her eyes are different along with her hair. He could chalk it up to a person cosplaying, but this woman doesn't seem like that.
Black Heart watched as the man looked at her. She gave a flat look. "I'm getting tired of being stared at as if I'm crazy. I want to know where ruler K-Sha is?"
She needed to find K-Sha fast, Kei's life is in balance.
Leon tensed but heard a buzz on his private line. He was responsible for the security of their ruler. This is why he is paroling the area, it was because of this person racing here.
He narrowed his eyes, answering the buzz. He softly replied, receiving orders about someone.
"Are you Noire?" Leon asked the goddess. Not sure about the info given to him. It said to be on the lookout for a woman looking like a goddess.
Black Heart nodded with a frown. "That is my … human name." She is still a bit stiff at having a goddess name.
Leon narrowed his eyes, this should be a joke. But the call is from his ruler. Her voice alone, and no one could use this line. But if this is a goddess, why isn't it known?
Black Heart sensed K-Sha, maybe she doesn't know how to mask her presence. But this felt too easy.
It must be a trap.
"Sorry to cut this short," Black Heart replied, getting on her motorcycle. "I have to see K-Sha."
Leon cursed and placed a hand on his pistol. "I can't let you do that. You need to clear it with us."
Black Heart looked at them. "I understand, but." She paused, then shook her head. "I'm going to save Kei."
She could keep quiet about what she was going to do, but time is wasting. Kei could be killed any moment now. She has to find a supervisor.
Leon's eyes widened, he knows Kei. Has worked with her. "What do you mean? I know Kei was on vacation. What trouble is she in?"
Cavaliere roared as Black Heart turned the throttle. Causing the officers to tense.
Black Heart looked at them. "K-Sha has her somewhere imprisoned, because of me. I know there is a lot to explain, but I won't have Kei killed because of me."
She punched it, and the motorcycle's tires squealed as it blasted away.
The two were about to chase after her, but the goddess was out of site in no time.
Leon frowned at the information. He did hear Kei leave town to do something after the share crystal changed. As rumors spread of a goddess appearing.
Now he saw one, along with reports of this person racing toward K-city. Beyond what a normal person could do on a motorcycle.
Also, a different one was going toward C-city in a kart. The odd part is it was going too fast with a young woman driving it.
Along with online posts about a person looking like a goddess, driving an ATV that glowed with guns on it. She called herself Green Heart, a goddess name. In S-city a few short minutes ago.
"What is going on?" Leon looked in the direction where that woman went.
If that person was a real goddess, the name K-Sha used could fit in with it. As Navy Heart's human name was similar to her goddess one.
Leon clenched his teeth, he needed to find out. He should just stay out of it as it could be beyond his pay grade, but if Kei is in danger. What caused that?
Kei has been loyal and helped with gathering information which has helped so much. There is no way she would endanger the people.
I better see if Kei is here. Leon rushed to find out. He could call Kei, or look at her home. Both of what that white-haired woman said.
K-Sha has imprisoned Kei. Why would she do that? This calls for looking into things.
Outside the castle in C-city. The castle was gray but had hints of pink. As if it was trying to be a different color.
The place was a good size, but not huge by any means. Just a medium. As to show the status of a person who lived there.
Near the castle, a few officers are on the lookout. Reports of a kart racing toward the city came in.
It was spotted by radar, a few got a look at it. Disbelief at it being a kart, as no kart could do that. Sure odd vehicles are used in C-city.
But nothing like that kart.
A middle-aged man looked out for the person coming, they had orders to subdue the person if possible.
Link narrowed his blue eyes, his short blond hair not covered. He had a blue uniform, but there are tints of green on it.
He was best at security. Given he is a magic user with sharp intelligence. He felt something is wrong, or change is taking place.
He couldn't sense things as a goddess, he could feel a buzz these last few days. He felt it was easier to use magic.
While it hasn't vanished with Pink Heart's death, it wasn't as easy to use. More focus was needed but in the last few days.
That has changed.
Link wasn't the only one to notice. He has talked to a few who use magic, they too noticed a change. All said it was easier to use.
As when Pink Heart was alive. But couldn't be possible, unless.
Link looked at the castle, knowing his ruler is there. C-Sha seemed on edge when hearing about this person, along with Mina.
Link has heard that Mina was arrested. That is alarming.
Mina didn't seem to act as a traitor. She worked hard and seemly looked after things. But in the past few weeks, there hints of a shift with the supervisor.
It was subtle. It had to do with those strange readings. As if the share crystal made something, and not just C-city. But with the other two.
One could be an accident, but all three. If they made a goddess, why not sooner?
A vehicle driving up stopped his thoughts. Instantly ready for any action.
He spotted a red kart driving toward them. A young woman with brown hair is driving it. Her blue eyes have a determined look.
Blanc looked to see a few officers near the entrance of the castle. She could feel Sharicite welcoming her. With feeling C-Sha in there.
"Nice welcome party," Blanc muttered gravely.
Karuta rumbled in agreement. Ready to storm the place on its master's command.
Blanc could blast by the officers, but won't. As they could be following orders.
She slowed down and parked in front of the guards.
Karuta didn't like it. She is putting herself at unnecessary risk.
"I know, Karuta," Blanc whispered to her companion. "But we can't blindly harm people. We need to go after our true enemies."
The kart understood they should protect their followers. Not harm them unless attacked.
Blanc slowly stepped out of her T-vehicle. She could see. Five of them look at her, confused as to why she is there.
Link looked at the woman, she seemed normal as can be. While she didn't have outstanding features, something was striking about her. As she carried a burden. With a sense of power.
She stepped closer. "I'm here to see ruler C-Sha."
That caused a few remarks, wondering who she was to order that.
Link couldn't explain it, but this person's voice had a commanding tone.
A different person stepped forward with a glare. "Who are you to order that?"
Blanc frowned at the tone they don't know what she is. Not surprising.
She was about to answer, only for a green shell blast to the side. Landing on an empty car, a patrol vehicle.
A loud explosion was heard. Everyone jumped back in fright, drawing their pistols and pointing them at the kart.
Blanc's brow twitched and turned to glare at her T-vehicle. "Karuta, I thought you wouldn't open fire on them," she growled with closed fists.
Link sweat-dropped, despite the tense situation, at hearing the kart rumble. As if it was talking to the brown-haired woman. He gasped as it clicked.
This person is a goddess, and that kart is her T-vehicle.
"What is that thing?" One of five demand, on edge at seeing this kart do that. It didn't have a rocket launcher, with anyone in there to fire it. As that woman didn't seem to press anything.
Blanc groaned and looked at them. She was about to answer, only to be beaten to the punch.
"That is a T-vehicle," Link answered, loud enough to be heard clearly.
Blanc looked at him, while the rest gasped in shock.
Slowly the blond man walked closer to Blanc.
Blanc tensed with Karuta moving to be by her side, causing more gulps. As it drove itself.
Link stopped a few feet away from the pair, his eyes looking at them.
"May I have your name, goddess?" Link asked politely with a bow.
Blanc could see the same manners as Mina. "My goddess name is White Heart. As for my chariot, it is Karuta." She waved at the kart.
The kart seemed to be puffing its chest. Showing its pride, given how it hid for months. Now it can show what it was proudly.
The others looked in disbelief and awe, they heard of Pink Heart. But didn't think they see a goddess in their lifetime.
Link had a tint of a smile. "Name of a goddess. With an um." He didn't what to say about that kart.
Blanc sighed with folded arms. "I'm sorry about the car. Karuta is … protective of me."
Karuta gave a short rumble. They threatened his master, so it was giving them a warning. It knew that car was empty.
Link nervously chuckled. "Noticeable, as lady Pink Heart's T-vehicle. It was very animate on things."
Blanc shook her head, at the information given by Mina. It says that T-vehicle was grumpy. Karuta is to an extent but has more of a willful side.
"Why are you here?"
Blanc looked at Link, she frowned. "The main reason is to confront C-Sha."
"Why?" Link questioned on edge, sure this is a goddess. But that didn't have the right to take on a ruler.
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "Because she imprisoned Mina for protecting me."
Link's eyes widened. "Mina knew about you." Blanc nodded.
The wheels turned in Link's head. Mina must've found out White Heart was born. Worked to keep her safe.
"The reason why she was arrested," Link stated, looking at the brown-haired woman. "White Heart, what are going to do?"
Blanc sighed. "I … might become your ruler." She held up her hand to stop Link and the others. "Yes, I know changing the ruler is bad. But you need to know that C-Sha is receiving orders from Orange Heart."
There were mutters at hearing this. Asking about Orange Heart, who that was with the answer.
Link narrowed his eyes. "We need proof. As with why you think she is behind things?"
"I've got documents on that," Blanc replied while pointing at her T-vehicle. "But the one fact overlooked is the rulers making the sharicites. As they can't be so easily made by human hands.
"Unless given some instructions on that. With." She paused. "Along with a foreign substance used to restrict it."
Link didn't like the sound of that. What isn't she telling him? But for now.
"I have orders to restrain you, White Heart," Link stated, calmly as possible.
Blanc tensed with Karuta roaring as a beast, showing its anger.
Blanc walked toward the passenger side of Karuta, she has an idea. She picked up the box with documents and placed them on the ground by Link.
"Have someone you trust safeguard them," Blanc ordered while pointing at the box. "I'll go in with you, possibly with loose cuffs."
Karuta rumbled its disagreement on this.
Blanc smiled at her companion and gave it a reassuring pat. "I know Karuta. But we have to play along. Mina is in danger we can't just sacrifice her."
Karuta softly rumbled, it understands but didn't want her in danger.
Link gave a seldom nod with getting a black zip cuff. "You're acting as Lady Pink Heart. She cared for her followers."
He put the cuff on her waiting wrists, gently as possible. He did fix them in place, but to where Blanc could free herself.
With a nod, she was led to the castle.
Inside the castle. C-Sha sat at her desk, waiting for the goddess that turned herself over. They let her know they've caught a person outside.
Which means a trap, as it shouldn't be easy to capture them. But she could see about using this goddess.
Already they ruined the plan, and now. They lost the final share crystal, she got a report that S-Sha is unconscious, it was taxing on her and K-Sha. So with two personalities residing in S-Sha.
It could've been more taxing for her. Still, they have to deal with the current problem.
C-Sha glanced at the room, trying to keep her disdain from showing. She felt uneasy with things. She did take this position, knowing the risks.
But felt at odds with this. She could have made a different building to serve as her command center. But was forced to concede on it. As many wanted to keep it encase their goddess returned.
Which might've happened, but didn't when Orange Heart told her they are new.
S-Sha might have listened, given her ways still. She looked to find this unknown, much as magic.
Her thoughts it is too unstable, not fit for use but growing things. She does love to eat a good meal but by no means. Trust this magic for battle.
They need to be reliable, not unique. For they have a purpose to fulfill, as ordered by Orange Heart and her.
She heard footsteps that brought her to reality, they arrived.
A hint of yellow came from the ruler's eyes at seeing the brown-haired woman. That could be the goddess, she matched the photos taken of the one made here.
Link is behind her, keeping a tight eye on the goddess. As they walked to the desk.
They stopped a few feet away from C-Sha's desk.
Blanc frowned and her eyes turned red, that feeling she got from those monsters. It is coming off the ruler.
"Is that your way of greeting me?" C-Sha asked her coldly. Her finger tapped on the desk. That confirmed this is a goddess.
Blanc took a breath and her eyes went back to normal. "In a sense, yes. As I'm not fond of being hunted by people."
C-Sha gave a rude grin. "That is understandable. Still." Her eyes turned cold. "Why are you here?"
Blanc glared back. "Mina."
C-Sha seethed. "You want to save that traitor."
Blanc nodded, balling her fists.
C-Sha stood and walked to the side, watching her as a hawk. "What gives you that right? Mina should pay for protecting you."
Link narrowed his eyes. "I know this isn't my business, ruler C-Sha. But why is it a crime that Mina help this person?"
C-Sha's head snapped to glare at him. "That is confidential information. All you need to know this person is a threat to us." She pointed at Blanc.
Link frowned, knowing how C-Sha can get. She is calm but goes into a rage when something questions her orders. As with the other rulers.
They should obey them, but.
Blanc took a step. "Let's just say it, ruler."
C-Sha growled at her. "They don't need to know what you are."
Blanc narrowed her blue eyes. "Enough tiptoeing. I was hunted down for being a goddess, all because Orange Heart ordered it."
C-Sha glared and her eyes turned yellow.
Link took a step back, now noticing this. "Why?"
C-Sha glared at him. "Get out, this is between us. You aren't needed, soldier."
"Let me guess," Blanc's cold voice chimed in. "You try not to show your yellow eyes, C-Sha. Knowing that some will know what that means."
Link looked at the goddess. A shiver down his spine, remembering what yellow eyes meant. "You mean."
Blanc nodded. "Orange Heart used the Blackest Terror or Madness power on the Sharicites and the rulers."
Link looked at the ruler in shock. "Ruler is this true?" C-Sha stared at them with her yellow eyes. "You must know the danger of using that thing's power!
"It didn't control monsters back then. But it still— "
"Shut up!" C-Sha ordered. "It was needed. We took it in, all to help you when those goddesses died. The mean justified it."
Blanc growled, "Maybe, as there are times when drastic measures are needed. But you're playing with fire."
"That's rich coming from a goddess," C-Sha countered. "You were born with power. Nothing as humans."
Blanc lightly glowed for a second. "Your right, I was born a goddess. I didn't ask to be one. I wanted to be human and live my life in peace. But."
Link looked as Blanc glared with rage at the ruler. He isn't sure what to think now, the revelation of what has been taking place, is a lot to take in.
"I'm thinking you shouldn't be in your position," Blanc passionately stated. "You blindly follow a goddess's orders and have oppressed the people to be factories. Along with harming people who don't need it."
C-Sha balled her fists at the statement. "What makes you think the people will let you rule them? Your unknown goddess. Who just appeared and have no standing."
"I know," Blanc replied. "I know that you damn idiot."
C-Sha frowned as if she was slapped. "Then why challenge me?"
Blanc freed her hands from the loose zip cuff. "Because I at least care for them. Understand their feelings a bit better. As those feelings created me."
In K-city, Black Heart is nearing a building. That is where she is sensing K-Sha.
She stopped near the place, it wasn't in a deserted part of the city, but still, a good spot not to be disturbed. The building seemed to bend in, unremarkable with its grey color.
It seemed to be a good size. It had a few other buildings around it, but they seemed abandoned. But still in good shape.
Black Heart narrowed her eyes. "This seems to be a trap, Cavaliere."
Her motorcycle rumbled in agreement. This seems to be it.
Black Heart could only sense K-Sha, no one else is there. She could try to find Kei, but it is too risky.
If she tried to sense for the supervisor, no telling how long it would take, with K-Sha in the mix.
As the ruler could order Kei to be killed. The only thing is seeing what K-Sha is planning.
The goddess got off her T-vehicle, it was leery of her doing this. But knowing she is doing this to save Kei.
If needed, it will rush in to help her. As it did and keeps doing.
Black Heart opened the unlocked door, on edge as she looked around. The place wasn't huge, but sizable. The lights were on, she did spot a few doors to places. Then saw K-Sha walk into the center.
Black Heart tensed, not only at seeing the ruler. But feeling the taint coming off the woman.
"We finally meet, Noire," K-Sha said with a smile, one that made Black Heart on edge.
The white-haired goddess took a few steps closer, stopping a few feet away.
"Ruler K-Sha," Black Heart greeted with a small nod.
K-Sha gave a nod with a giggle. "You can call me K-Sha, or better yet." She blushed with hands on her cheeks. "Darling, honey, or my love. Those sound more pleasing to my ears."
Black Heart glared coldly, not liking that reply. "Where is Kei?"
That soured the mood of the ruler. "You only care about that supervisor?"
Black Heart placed her hands on her hips. "Kei doesn't deserve to be locked up."
K-Sha sighed with folded arms. "Maybe, still."
Black Heart shivered when K-Sha looked at her as if she is a thing to be owned.
"Your body is more developed than expected," K-Sha muttered, noticing how that skin suit hugged the white-haired woman's body. "I think she is better with black hair."
Black Heart growled, hearing the mutters. "What do you want with me?"
"That is simple enough," a smiling K-Sha replied. "Join us, Noire. You wouldn't be hunted anymore. Live with me as my helper." She held out her hand.
Black Heart narrowed her eyes, thinking about this. She could take the offer, and let K-Sha keep her rule. No longer be hunted, and save Kei.
But, the warnings of Kei and Blanc played in her head. With those mutters, if she goes along with it.
In the jail cell in K-city. Kei is still in her locked cell, pacing at what to do. She has no way to get information.
If Black Heart has returned, what's going to happen to her? Along with what actions K-Sha will take?
As there is no telling what the ruler has up her selves.
"Your pacing is better in an open area," a familiar voice said.
Kei stopped with a gasp, she knows that voice and corny one-liner. She looked to see Leon standing not that far away.
"Leon!" Kei rushed to stand by the bars. "How, what?" Shocked at him being here.
Leon walked to stand by Kei, his eyes looking at her.
Kei frowned, not a good look.
"Who is Noire, Kei?" Leon demanded coldly, his arms folded over his chest. Standing a few feet away from the locked cell.
Kei's eyes widened. "How did know her name?" She cursed with a stomp once figuring it out.
Leon didn't react, only waiting for what Kei would say.
Kei tensed. "Noire is a goddess."
Leon's frown deepened. "One that you've found."
Kei nodded. "With Mina. We noticed them recently with certain things. Her goddess name is Black Heart."
Leon rubbed his chin. "Noire for black. Similar to Navy Heart's own."
Kei gripped the bars. "Now's not the time, Leon! Black Heart is in danger. The rulers have been messing around with stuff they shouldn't. We need to help Black Heart."
Leon didn't move. "You need a better reason, Kei."
Kei swore. "Look I understand if you want to keep things the way they are. But K-Sha with the others could be unstable now."
"How?"
Kei seethe, she wasn't sure whether to expose what they used, but she had no choice now. "Leon, Orange Heart has been helping the rulers."
Leon raised a brow but didn't respond.
"Not only is that goddess been working from the shadows all this time. She somehow used the Madness's power to restrain all three sharicites. As with having the rulers implant with that thing's power. If not for those, we could have goddesses years ago," Kei said.
She hoped it worked to persuade Leon, but it could be hopeless. As the man is loyal to the government, which means K-Sha.
Leon shook his head. "So, she was trying to save you."
Kei tilted her head, then gasped. "You seen Black Heart?"
Leon nodded. "Yes, she appeared at the main tower. Wearing a black skin suit with white hair and a motorcycle."
"That sounds to be her," Kei replied, she hasn't seen Black Heart's goddess form, but Cavaliere should stay at her side.
Leon looked at the entrance. "Isn't that good enough, Chris?"
Kei gasped and looked over there. To see a man wearing a black uniform.
He had short brown hair, a bit muscled along with brown eyes. He was taller than Leon. He had a gun belt carrying various things. He wore black gloves.
"Chris," Kei said in disbelief. "I didn't think you would come here."
He is like Leon, a special agent. Both are experts, which is how they found Kei. Since they needed to know what is going on, as it could endanger the city.
Chris walked to them with a nod. "This sounded big. Along with." He held up the keys to the cell. "We got a call from K-Sha to find a person dressed as a goddess named Noire. To find her and lead her to the tower."
Kei snarled. "Oh great, she using the same tricks again. Couldn't she find another way of doing things?"
Chris opened the cell, both moving out of the way. "Kei, you should know about the other two."
Kei walked toward the exit. "I only know that the one from C-city is called White Heart. As for the one in S-city. They were visiting it, seeing if they could talk to the third goddess created."
"Then," Leon said walking behind Kei with Chris in tow. "We have three full goddesses now."
Kei stopped and looked at Leon. "What do mean there—oh crap. The last one, she claimed S-city's sharicite."
Chris nodded and showed Kei his cell phone. On it had a post about a woman calling herself Green Heart, riding an ATV with visible guns and glowing.
Kei groaned while slapping her face. "Chika is going to flip on this, hell. I'm already with Black Heart showing up."
"Along with her driving fast as Navy Heart was known for," Leon commented stiffly.
Kei's brow twitched, remembering that part. "Oh great. Why don't we just put a huge sign-out, saying 'the Goddesses are back people' while we're at it." She threw her arms in exasperation.
Kei stomped out, grumbling on the way.
"She isn't pleased," Leon commented drily.
Chris gave him a look. "Considering what has taken place in the last few hours or days. Kei is stressed and you know how she gets when stressed."
Leon only nodded, knowing what his fellow officer is talking about.
Sure she was locked up, but if she was doing things they didn't know about. As it seems she was looking in this goddess business, she must have worked a lot.
Seems that Kei will be on a terror for now. It won't be pleasant to be around the irrigated supervisor.
In C-Sha's office, the ruler glared at Link.
"You should have cuffed her better, but." She looked at Blanc. "Given how strong a goddess can be. It wouldn't matter."
Blanc clicked her tongue. "So, are you going to let Mina go?"
C-Sha sneered at her. "Make me, as I said before. I don't have patience for traitors. Along with ones who ruin my plans."
Blanc narrowed her eyes. "Then, if you had a plan for me. As we both know what my death entails. What role should I play in this story cooked up?"
C-Sha narrowed her eyes, slowly going back to their blue color. "You should be one of our soldiers. Fight in the war to come."
Blanc frowned, she was expecting to fight when becoming a full goddess. That could be the best option, but it didn't sit well with her.
"How do I know you will treat me fairly?" Blanc asked the ruler.
C-Sha snapped back. "What's to stop you from locking down the share crystal? Hog all that power to yourself, goddess."
"Touché," Blanc replied with a nod.
C-Sha stepped closer to Blanc. "This stalemate isn't getting us anywhere. You don't need to rule. Just be a soldier for us, that's the best role for you."
Blanc frowned. "You make it sound as if that is my only choice. Be your 'expendable fodder.' Nothing more or less."
"Isn't that your role," C-Sha replied. "As the previous goddesses fought and died for their people. As it should be."
Link frowned at that, sure Pink Heart fought for them when threatened. Had her quirks when ruling, but she worked hard to make things peaceful.
As with her time, magic appeared. She could have done the same as C-Sha, but she saw the potential of it. To help in so many ways. She wasn't just a fighter, she became a ruler who cared for her followers.
"Their role is up to them," Link stated firmly, telling the ruler his opinion.
C-Sha glared at him. "What makes you say that?"
Link didn't finch. "All of the previous goddesses did fight to protect their followers, as Orange Heart did to an extent. But they wanted what was best for their people. Help them grow into their place to live, you and the others.
"Have been denying us that." Link pointed at her.
C-Sha clicked her tongue. "It was too." She stopped to rub her pounding head. This pain just flared.
Blanc gasped, feeling something is about to go wrong. "I think things are going to get nasty."
Link looked at Blanc, confused at the reply. But heard a growl, almost inhuman.
They could see C-Sha looking at them with glowing yellow eyes.
"Negations are over," C-Sha said darkly, her face twisting into a rage. "If you won't submit to being our soldiers, you will die."
An M1911A1 was pulled out of the rulers's concealed pouch, in her left hand, pointing at Blanc. All in a few seconds.
Blanc growled. "You had to intervene, you interloper."
Link could see the yellow eyes on C-Sha, he is mouth dry, heart pounding in fear. "It does know, all this time. It has been using her."
Blanc nodded in agreement. "Sadly to say, our dear dumb goddess. Didn't think our enemy wouldn't notice this."
"Quiet," C-Sha hissed at them. "I'm in control, not no damn monster. Or a goddess."
Blanc frowned and heard footsteps. "I think we're going to have company."
Link clicked his tongue, others did see him take White Heart in here. They could check what the commotion is.
Blanc tensed her muscles. "Are you sure? As you could be manipulated. After all." She pointed at the ruler. "You take orders from a goddess, one that doesn't want to show herself. As with trying to kill me, I go with, you've bitten more than you chew."
C-Sha shot at Blanc, firing at her with the pistol.
Blanc jumped, thankful she was ready for that. As for Link, he blocked with a crude barrier.
It was similar to what Pink Heart used, but by no means foolproof. He rolled away, he looked at the scared people.
"Get out," he ordered with a wave. "It has become dangerous for you."
They ducked as a few bullets went in their direction.
Link looked in shock, those were deliberately fired. To see C-Sha's cold look on her face. The M1911A1 is being reloaded for another round.
"Why?"
"No witnesses," C-Sha's voice had an echo. "No one needs to know about this thing. You humans are expendable."
Link growled, now knowing how far the ruler is corrupt. As that thing hates humans.
By that tone, C-Sha has some form of that hate. Not good.
An engine roared, then screams with tires squealing.
Blanc dodged another round of bullets, she snarled at the ruler. "Oh, now you show your true colors."
C-Sha glared at her but ran to her desk. Ducking down as to use for protection.
Karuta burst onto the scene, missing shocked people as no one drove it. It did stay outside but drove around the castle.
It wasn't ordered to stay in one place. So, looked to find any way of entering the castle, which it did. A place that allowed it to enter.
It must have been used by Pink Heart's T-vehicle. Even the rooms are roomy enough for it to go from room to room, dodging people and things.
It felt things have gone wrong, it needed to help its master. This thing she is facing is dangerous.
Blanc spotted Karuta on the way. She looked to see C-Sha stand. Her eyes widened in fear, the ruler had an RPG. She must hide one under the desk.
"Karuta, look out!" She warned her companion.
C-Sha fired on the T-vehicle. The rocket raced toward the kart.
The kart tried to move, but wouldn't dodge the projectile in time. A green shell appeared where the rocket would hit.
A loud boom sound once it hit the shell. The room shook and people fell to the floor from the shockwaves. With bits of metal flung.
Karuta was blasted and landed on its left side, giving a weak rumble. A moan of pain from the rocket's near hit.
While the shell took some of the blow, it didn't escape unscathed. Its right-side tires are ruined, along with the seat. Part of its frame is bent.
Blanc's eyes turned red, glowing in pure fury looking at C-Sha. "You bitch! You hurt Karuta." Her fists turned white as she clenched them so hard.
C-Sha looked at her with an evil smirk, throwing the used RPG away. "So what they say is true. You goddesses care for your little wagons." She pointed her M1911A1 at Blanc. "Let us see what happens when I kill one.
"As I've heard. Their T-vehicle dies with them."
Blanc glowed but didn't move. She was beyond enraged. Not only was she hunted by this person, but she hurt her companion.
Sure Karuta should serve her unconditionally, none-the-less the kart has become her comrade. As it is willing to fight for her.
"Ruler C-Sha you must stop," Link pleaded to her. He stood by the group that came in, helping to keep them safe.
C-Sha looked at them, her yellow eyes glowing.
"You should know that White Heart is connected to our shareicite. If she dies, it will break. Also, you might hurt everyone in here if you fight her."
C-Sha tilted her head. "Right, but this goddess won't follow orders. The punishment for that is death. As with you for back talking." She pointed her pistol at the group.
Link clenched his teeth, some of that is C-Sha's thoughts. But could tell that monster is manipulating her. Making the ruler act more aggressively, as done with monsters helped.
The group gasped as a few bullets raced at them. But suddenly a thick wall of ice blocked them.
Link gasped in shock, that seemed to be ice magic.
"So the goddess intervenes with my ruling," C-Sha commented coldly, knowing where that ice came from.
The ice disappeared, showing White Heart with her axe on the ground. She standing in front of the people. She transformed as it was needed.
Her axe is still in its ice mode. She slowly glared at the ruler.
They gasped at seeing the goddess and a few blushed at seeing her physic. She has a nice body being shown off.
Link shivered, feeling the same as when Pink Heart was transformed.
White Heart growled, "They wanted to stop you from recklessly harming things, corrupted human. If you have any control left in you. You need to reject that power." She tried to reason with the ruler.
Only to get a sneer from her. "I won't listen to you. As your jealous of my position, goddess."
White Heart frowned, keeping her eyes on the ruler, and said to everyone present. "Get out of here."
Link nodded gravely, even if she won't see it. He and the others slowly walked away from this, knowing they wouldn't help in this fight.
Link could, but his priority is the others in the building. As it shows, C-Sha is willing to fire anybody right now. Clearly beyond words.
White Heart heard Karuta rumble, trying to move. Help her in any way possible.
"Please try to fix yourself, Karuta," White Heart ordered softly, knowing her T-vehicle could heal itself. "You are hurt, I don't want you to be destroyed, please."
The kart replied softly, it will try to heal. But if possible, it will help her.
White Heart glared at the ruler, her axe back to its normal mode. Walking to the side, tense about what this person could pull.
C-Sha slowly moved to the side, going to a wall. "Looks as if this will be used. Given we wanted to test it first, this will do."
White Heart narrowed her eyes, then C-Sha ran to the spot on the wall. She hit a button.
It looked to be installed recently, once it was pressed. White Heart moaned in pain, she felt weaker.
Karuta gave a low rumble, it felt the effects thanking place. A hum filled the room.
White Heart looked around the room, noticing a slight disturbance. She still could maintain her goddess's form. But felt weaker.
"You've disrupted my share," White Heart groaned, knowing what is taking place.
C-Sha nodded with a cold look. "We know how to focus share, and to an extent, contain it. So, we thought of restricting it as we needed a place to imprison you goddesses."
White Heart fell to her knees, weakening from the restraining taking place. She weakly held her axe at the ready but struggled to hold it from being weakened.
She could feel it all around the room. Part of what made that prison could've gone into this. As it did make a share barrier, so it could keep share away from a goddess. Or just make it harder for them to use it.
C-Sha walked closer, her M1911A1 gleamed as it was slowly pointed at the weak goddess. "This will set us back, but we cannot have 'uncontrolled variables' no longer."
White Heart growled if they had this thing. Noire is in danger, as K-Sha could lock her away in such a place.
But she had to stop this, she's going to be killed. Slowly, a small white dot appeared on her gauntlets. It was unnoticeable to the pair as it got brighter.
K-Sha is getting sick of waiting. She is still in the place where she lured the goddess, hoping for a good answer.
She hasn't heard from C-Sha and S-Sha. C-Sha could be busy with the brown-haired pest, no surprise. As for S-city's ruler, there is no telling when she will awake.
S-Sha needs to know that goddess there could make a move on her, but if she has a room as they made. She could trap that goddess.
Black Heart gave her answer. "No."
K-Sha narrowed her eyes, taking a yellow glow. "No, you're rejecting my offer."
Black Heart nodded, tensing with her claymore appearing. "I won't trust you. You're holding the cards, plus, you have that thing's power running through your veins. I may not know the full details of it. But." She gripped her sword tighter.
"I feel it knows you've taken in its power. Using it for your gains."
K-Sha frowned and placed a hand on her chest. "I'm in control, Noire."
Black Heart narrowed her eyes. "Maybe, but still, I'm not a possession for you. That should be plain as day."
K-Sha growled, it had an echo. But slowly smiled while reaching into her pocket. "Sadly, I have an ace up my sleeve, Noire."
Black Heart got into a ready stance. Ready for an attack, but saw a remote in the ruler's hand.
"Your still mine, Noire," K-Sha replied, pressing a button. Her eyes are back to normal.
Black Heart groaned, taking a step. She felt and heard a buzz. She looked at the smug ruler, and she snarled. "You had this planned."
K-Sha nodded. "I wanted to avoid this. But, I'm fine with it." She took slow steps toward the goddess, cautious of any attack.
Black Heart clenched her teeth, she hasn't lost her transformed state. But felt her strength weakened. They could've recently made this, or could it be possible? They secretly made this.
Before they were created, this might be made with Orange Heart in mind. As there would be no reason for such a thing.
She could feel the main part where it is focused, on the wall a few feet. It was a dark box with thick cables along the wall. It seemed to glow a dark blue from restricting the share coming in.
Maybe if she could ruin that thing. She rushed to the spot, only for a few bullets to be shot at her. She blocked a few with her claymore.
It was from a gun, she looked to see it came from K-Sha, clearly the ruler is armed. The weapon is a Kel-Tec PLR-16 in black and red colors.
"Now no destroying things," K-Sha teased with a smile, her Kel-Tec PLR-16 ready for another round, in her hands ready. "I'll have to teach you better manners, my Noire."
Black Heart winched, she needed to break that thing, but K-Sha is working to stop her. Then heard a roar. Along with stuff breaking.
K-Sha's head snapped to see Cavaliere burst through the doors, going toward the spot that is restricting the share. She giggled.
"Sorry, but this is a no-driving zone," K-Sha sang, pressing another button on the remote.
Cavaliere felt what is taking place, sure it is weakened by its master being affected. It still has enough power to ruin the device weakening them. It was near it, but a hum sounded from above.
Black Heart screamed in fear as something seemed to be lifting her T-vehicle into the air, then it hit an industrial magnet above. It wasn't that big, hidden while close to the device. K-Sha planned on this.
Cavaliere revved, trying to free itself, but can't as it was being held from the top. It can't use its chainsaw wheels to damage the magnet holding it.
Sure it was a special motorcycle, tougher than a normal one. But it was made of metal, metal that the magnet picked up. Stopping it from helping its master.
It roared in defiance, it can't be stopped. Not when its master needed it the most.
Black Heart glared at K-sha. She wasn't going down easy. She rushed at the ruler, only for K-Sha to kick her toward a wall.
Black Heart grunted as she slammed into the wall. The breath knocked out of her, she dropped her claymore.
As the goddess was stunned, two cuffs were placed on her hands, her sword was kicked away.
Black Heart groaned, still feeling the effects of being weakening. She looked at her cuffs, which seem solid with a lock. Or she is too weak, as they are on chains connected to the wall. She pulled but couldn't break them in her current state.
She looked to see the ruler standing close to the captured goddess. Smug at doing this to the goddess. The remote and pistol were put away.
She shivered as K-Sha caressed her cheek. "Won't you change back to your human form, Noire? I prefer your black hair, not this white stuff." She grabbed a lock of her white hair, feeling how soft it was.
Black Heart glared at her captor. "What right do you have to decide that? I have no complaints about my hair."
She has accepted her body in either form, as it didn't change who she was on the inside. As with Blanc, they have accepted it.
K-Sha narrowed her eyes, playing with the goddess's hair. "Now, now, this form isn't you. Do you hate humans?"
Black Heart sneered at her. "If I hated humans, I wouldn't act as I did. I wanted to save Kei, and possibly others from you."
K-Sha let go of the hair and stepped away like a hurt puppy. "Why?"
"Because of how you're acting now," Black Heart replied coldly. "You've trapped me, forcing me to be what you want. As you've done with everyone in this city. All because of a goddess who wanted to … forget the other goddesses."
K-Sha growled with glowing yellow eyes at this defiance. "You should be caring, not this. You should be."
Black Heart clenched her teeth, noticing how K-Sha is losing it. Kei was right, as Blanc said. The ruler will try to break her.
She needed to get free before this person harms her. Which isn't that far. As the ruler is looking at her. A crazed look that sent shivers down the goddess's spine.
"You will," K-Sha muttered with an echo. "We belong with each other, I will make her see it."
Black Heart lowered her head, restrained at her position. Cavaliere is trapped by that magnet. Blanc might be trapped like her. Kei is still imprisoned.
Her options are nil. She has to find a way to break free.
Unknown to the goddess, a lite glow came to the square on her torso. Slowly, it started glowing brighter.
To be continued.
A/N read and review.