Chapter 6 - The Goddess of Black Regality (Part 1)
Neptune's POV
*AND SO, TWO DAYS LATER…*
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Mmmm…"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Neptune! Open up!"
"*groan* Wh-Wha~…?"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Neptune, I know you're in there! Wake up and open the door!"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Ugh~…who the hell is knocking this early in the morning~..." I whined in drowsiness as I grabbed my phone and opened up an app that allows me to check outside from a camera. Something that's been making waves over here.
What was NOT making waves, though…was the person at the front door. To which it took me a few seconds to realize who it was.
"N-Noire~...?"
…
…
…
"W-WAIT! NOIRE?! CRAP! WHY IS SHE HERE?!"
While flipping out in a panic, I turned next to me and quickly realized what could be the reason for the surprise early-morning visit.
Of course! Uni's been here for 3 days watching Miracle Cure with me! It's no surprise that Noire wants her back home already!
"Uni! Uni, wake up!" I yelled as I roughly shook her sleeping body.
"*groan* Neptune~…if you wanna cuddle so badly, at least be more gentle with it~…"
"Uni, as much as I want to cuddle that soft and cute body of yours, we've got a HUGE issue here!"
"This early~? What is it~? You ran out of pudding~?"
"Worse! Noire's outside!"
"Oh~...Sis is here~. That's nice~..." Uni then went back to sleep. But just like me, it took her a few seconds to realize what was happening.
…
…
…
"W-WAIT! SIS IS HERE?! NOW?! WHY?!" Uni shouted in a huge panic as she shot out of the futon she was sleeping in.
"Why do you think? You came here 3 days ago and never went back. Of course, Noire's gonna want to know what the deal is."
"Crap~...!"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Neptune! Wake your lazy ass up and open the damn door already!"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"...And she sounds super pissed, too. I'm totally gonna get it this time~."
"Put yourself in MY shoes…" I said with a depressed sweatdrop.
"Ugh~...hey, Neptune…are you going to answer the door already? The excessive knocking giving me a headache." Amitie complained as she was eventually woken up by Noire's loud knocking.
"Kinda in a bind here, Cousin. Uni's sister is outside and we need to get her out of here STAT."
"W-Without her knowing, too." Uni added.
"Really, now?" Amitie, while still sleepy, went silent as she turned around next to her. "Hey…Famitsu…wake up."
"H-Huh~? Wh-Wha~? What's up~?" Other-Wordly Famitsu woke up after being shaken by Amitie.
"Can you teleport Uni somewhere? She needs to avoid her sister for some reason."
"Oh~...*yawn* yeah, sure. I don't mind."
"W-Wait, hold on. What? She can teleport?" I asked in disbelief.
"It's a spell she learned from a friend of ours." Amitie said. "She's been *yawn*...using it a lot."
"Huh…" I wanted to question it. But with seconds until the front door breaks into pieces, I had to save it for later. "...W-Well, whatever. Just hurry and warp Uni home!"
"Alright, alright. No need to yell." Other-Worldly Famitsu said before grabbing Uni's hand and began to glow.
"Uh…F-Famitsu, is this safe to do?" Uni asked.
"No need to worry. I've been practicing for months and only had minor incidents."
"Define "minor"."
"Uh…"
…
…
…
"Nebura Wāpu!"
"Wh-Wha…Hey! Famitsu, don't just ignore my ques-"
*POOF*
Uni didn't even get the chance to finish her sentence before she and Famitsu warped out of our sight. Leaving not a single trace.
I can only hope she makes it back okay…
"Well, that's one sister gone. Now for the other one…"
"You *yawn*...good luck with that. I'm going *yawn*...back to sleep…" Was all Amitie said before plopping back down onto her futon and instantly sleeping again.
"Gee, thanks for the support…" I gained an exasperated sweatdrop.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
With the knocks quickly getting more violent, I made my way to the front door and opened it to finally greet the very much pissed off Goddess of Lastation.
"GEEZ, IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU SHOWED THE HELL UP!"
"M-Morning, Noire…" I greeted her in a somewhat scared tone.
Uni's POV
*POOF*
"Annnnd~...WE'RE HERE! Pretty cool, huh?"
"Wow…this really is my room…" I said in disbelief as I was now standing in the middle of my room. All the way in Lastation, mind you. "...That Teleportation power of yours really is handy, Famitsu."
"*giggle* I know, right? It's a total cheat code! But Mao and Kaori-chan keep saying that I use it too much. Like…how else am I supposed to get good at it, you know? Spamming it seems like a logical thing to do, right?"
"I guess…?" I gained a sweatdrop.
I wouldn't know. I don't have magic abilities to spam…
"...A-Anyway. Thanks for bringing me here. Just let me freshen up a bit and we can head back." With a fresh pair of clothes in my hand, I went inside my bathroom and started the shower. Undressing out of the pajamas that I've worn for 2 days and 2 nights straight.
…
Which sounds gross…but honestly, I've done worse before.
"Why did you had to leave so quickly, anyway? Is your sister scary or something?"
"Sh-She isn't scary. In fact, I admire her for everything she does." I then went silent for a bit. "But…there's a side of me that envys her for the exact same reason."
"Envy?"
"Basically…she's so strong and reliable. And I want to be at a level where I'm comparable to her. Strach that…a level where I'm STRONGER than her. To where I can beat her at SOMETHING!
…
But every so often, I get these doubts. Dark, self-loathing doubts that make me think What the hell am I doing? There's no way I'll ever catch up to her!. And then I go into a secrert depression. Wondering what worth am I to anyone in this world.
…
Oddly enough, that's how I started hanging out with Neptune a lot more."
"Neptune, huh?" Famitsu asked. "Hey, what's the deal with you two, anyway? You like…REAL close or something?"
"I-I-I-I-I wouldn't say REAL close!" I grew a faint blush. "W-W-We're just friends!"
"Really? Cause I don't think friends cuddle each other like you two were during the marathon binge. Kinda sus, you know."
"*groan*" I grew more embarrassed as I thought of all the cuddling we, did in fact, did. And while I don't regret it, considering that it was only in front of two people I trust really well…
…
Eventually…these feelings are going to screw me hard.
"We…W-We keep telling each other that we're just friends. But honestly…I'm hoping that one of us eventually gains the guts to admit the truth."
"The truth, huh?" Famitsu asked. "Well…I won't pry you for it. But I can pretty much guess what that "truth" is."
She's right. The truth is pretty much predictable at this point. After all…she was there the whole time. She saw with her own two eyes.
But even without that, the truth is still obvious. I've known from the first night I've realized it. And every day since…I've struggled to accept it as reality.
The truth of me being in love with Neptune…
I soon finished my shower and came out wearing my usual black dress and hair tied up in two pigtails. Feeling a lot cleaner than I did 3 days ago.
My mood still hasn't changed, though…
"Come to think of it, where is this place?" Famitsu asked as she was looking out of my window. "It looks drasticaly different from Neptune's place."
"You remember how Neptune mentioned that there were three other nations here? Well, this is one of them. My home of Lasation."
"Lastation…sounds cool. This whole area kinda gives off a steampunk kind of vibe. Totally digging it."
Steampunk? That's a new one… I gained a mental sweatdrop.
"If you're interested, I could show you around. A part of a thank you for helping me out earlier. And until Neptune gives me the okay to go back…"
"Sure! I'm totally in! A chance to explore a new world is something I can't possibly refuse! Let's go!"
"*giggle* Great. Glad you're excited." I said with a smile of my own.
Neptune's POV
*MEANWHILE, BACK IN PLANEPTUNE…*
"Hmph…so, Uni really isn't here?"
"Yes. That's what I've been telling you this whole time. She isn't here and I haven't seen her anywhere."
"*sigh* Fine. If you're THAT adamant about it, then I guess I can believe you."
Haah~. Thank God she finally bought it…
The 30 minutes I spent calming Noire down were the most grueling I've ever been through. She isn't as short-fused as Blanc…but MAN, did it take a long time! She was so positive that Uni was here and that I was hiding her.
…
Which, uh…she's kinda right about that. Th-Though I wasn't hiding her! We were more-so hiding together. In a dark room. Underneath a blanket. As romantic as that sounds *giggle*…
…
God, these feelings…I really gotta be honest about them eventually…
"It's so strange to see you this worried about Uni, Noire. Seems kind of out there…" Nepgear said.
"It's not that I'm worried about her. She's old enough to be wandering around doing her own thing." Noire then went silent for a bit. "B-But…"
And there's always a "But". At least from Noire…
"...I have noticed something going on with Uni. she's been going through this weird "rebellious phase" where she just wants to compete with me in pretty much everything. And then becomes angry and self-loathing when she loses. All of it's just…strange coming from her."
"Well, Noire…" Histy said. "...Isn't Uni always acting angry and self-loathing? That does seem to be her typical mood when we do see her."
"A common trait of the Lastation sisters…" I added.
"Shut it." Noire retorted. "But I feel like this one's different. As if underneath all of that anger is some kind of burning passion. But I don't know what it is and that's what I'm worried about. Not to mention that she won't let me help her with whatever she's trying to get out of this."
"I see. That does sounds worrying." Nepgear said. "What could be going on with Uni?"
I know the reason…but I'm not going to say it. Noire definitely wouldn't like to hear that the reason is as simple as…
"Well, that's simple. She just wants to beat your ass."
"HUH?!"
GODDAMNIT! THE ONE THING I WAS TRYING TO AVOID!
"The answer's right in front of your face. You've been with her every day and you couldn't even figure that out? Pretty pathetic of a big sister~. *chuckle*"
"Wh-Who the hell are you calling pathetic?!" Noire yelled in anger. "And who even are you, anyway?!"
"How long have you been there, Rivitie?" I asked.
"The whole time. Was going to get some breakfast when I overheard the conversation and grew curious." Rivitie then turned back to face Noire. "So. Is this the psycho bitch who did the yelling and banging earlier? You've got a loud-ass windpipe, you know."
"Ps-Psycho bitch?!" Noire yelled again.
"*moan* Rivitie~! I know you like to bait people, but this is going too far~!" Nepgear whined.
"W-Wait, so, you two KNOW this girl?!"
This was another thing I wanted to avoid, but…what's the point of it now?
"This is our cousin, Rivitie." I said. "She's visiting us from another world."
"Your cousin? From another world?" Noire looked at me like she didn't believe a word I just said.
…
Which isn't the first time she's given me that look. But somehow, this one felt more insulting.
"It may be hard to believe, Noire…but it's true." Histy said. "Neptune and Nepgear have two cousins visiting here for the week."
"Two? Where's the other one?"
"Still asleep." Rivitie said. "Decided to binge-watch her favorite TV show again and now she's out like a freaking log."
"Huh…I can see how you two are related, Neptune."
"Why'd you had to make a comparison like THAT?" I gained a sweatdrop.
"In any case…" Noire then faced Rivitie. "...Your name's Rivitie, was it? I don't appreciate you bad-mouthing me right to my face. You should show some respect towards a Goddess."
"Hmph. For one, I rarely respect anyone. And two, it's not my fault you're so damn dense towards your sister. I'm just saying it how it is."
"Tch! You've got a lot of nerve, you know that?! Someone oughta teach you some damn manners!"
"You wanna try? Bring it, Twintails. I'll make you regret challenging the Dark Soul so casually~. *chuckle*"
Aw, geez…this isn't good…
"H-Hey, ladies. There's no need to turn this into a fight." I said as I got in between the two girls. "Can't we just talk this over like civilized adults?"
"No. I want to to kick her ass."
"No. I want to to kick her ass." Both girls said in unison.
"Gah…so much for that." I gained a huge sweatdrop.
"Well, Neptune…it seems like you have a busy day on your hands." Histy said. "I'll leave this matter to you."
"N-Nep-what?! Why?! What about you two?!"
"I have something to discuss with Amitie. So, I'm waiting until she wakes up."
"And I promised Feli that I would help her with something. So, I'm about to leave with her." Nepgear added.
"You'll just have to handle this on your own, Neptune."
"Ugh! This nepping sucks~!" I whined in complete and utter despair.
I can only hope Uni's doing better than me right now…
Uni's POV
*MEANWHILE, BACK IN LASTATION…*
"Woah…this place is AMAZING! It totally has that steampunk-y vibe to it! Not to mention all the high-tech factories all around! It's like a mix of past and future!"
"Huh…I've never really thought of my home nation like that. Pretty interesting take on it."
"*giggle* Thank you."
A couple of minutes after leaving my room, I was showing Famitsu around Lastation as promised. She was really enjoying everything she saw. The streets, the buildings, the giant satellite dish that stands as the symbol of the nation…
Seems to be its only purpose, now that I think about it…
…All in all, it was a nice sudden change of pace for me. Especially after the close call that happened this morning.
She still hasn't texted back. Probably still trying to calm Sis down…
*CLICK*
*CLICK*
*CLICK*
"Haah~...man. Never did I think I would be exploring other worlds like this." Famitsu said as she was taking pictures with her phone. "My life sure became exciting after meeting Feli-chan."
"Other worlds?" I asked. "How many worlds have you explored, Famitsu?"
"Just two. This one and Primp Town. The world everyone else came from."
"Huh? Wait…I-I'm confused."
"Oh, yeah. I guess this was never brought up before…" Famitsu rubbed the back of her head in awkwardness. "...You see, I'm not from Primp like everyone else. My home world is Toyama in a place called Japan."
"Japan?" I thought to myself. "I think I've heard of that place before. Or, rather…it gets brought up a lot during certain conversations. I've always wondered if that place was actually real."
"Oh, it's totally real. And aside from the fact it's a metropolitan city, its environment and atmosphere is NOTHING compared to this Gamindustri place. It's on a whole different level!"
"I see…"
Maybe I can find a way to see it for myself…
"In any case…that's enough about my home. What's another cool place I can find over here, huh?" Famitsu asked in an eager tone.
"Well, there's…" And right when I was about to answer…
"AHA! THERE YOU ARE, FAMITSU!"
"Huh?"
We were both ultimately confused when we saw Dengekiko rushing up to us in a fit of rage and nearly out of breath.
"You…Y-You…*clears throat*...I get that we're rivals and all. But ditching me in the middle of downtown with that trick of yours was a low blow! Even for you! What do you have to say for yourself, huh?!"
…
…
…
"Uh…who are you?" Famitsu asked with a blank stare on her face.
"H-Huh?! The hell you mean "Who are you"?! Quit screwing around and admit to your crimes!"
"What are you talking about? I've never seen you before in my life."
"Wh-Wha…this isn't funny, Famitsu! Stop with this cruel sick joke already!"
"This isn't a joke. I really have no idea who you are."
"Gaaaaaaah~...!" This was when Dengekiko fell to the ground in depressed agony with tears forming as she couldn't believe what she was actually hearing.
And yet, here I am, letting it all happen…
"Uh…h-hey, Dengekiko." I began comforting the blonde girl. "This is going to sound weird, but…this isn't really Famitsu."
"*sniff* Wh-What? Wh-What are you talking about?"
"W-Well…"
"Hey! Dengekiko!"
And as I was about to explain that…the OTHER Famitsu was walking up to us in a casual manner. Unaware of the confusing mess that's going on right now.
"I know you want an apology for the trick I pulled earlier…but you of all people should know that a reporter will do just about anything to get a good story. It's first-come-first-serve in this line of work."
Whatever happened to journalism etiquette? I gained a mental sweatdrop.
"W-Wait…Famitsu?!" Dengekiko yelled in complete shock. "Th-Then who's…"
It was then that Famitsu noticed what was going on…
"Oh. Hey, Famitsu."
"Hey to you too, Famitsu."
…And did absolutely nothing to make this any easier.
"Wh-What…h-how…wh-why…" Dengekiko then looked back at me with the look of a completely fried brain. "...U-Uni…th-there are two Famitsus…"
"Ugh~...why me~?" And I facepalmed through it all.
I can only hope Neptune's doing better than me right now…
Author's Note: Everything starts going to chaos once the Goddess of Lastation makes the scene. How will Neptune and Uni ease the situations they're in right now?
A new chapter is now up. And it didn't take a full month this time! I promised this story would get more attention than the others, and I intend on keeping said promise.
So, in some unrelated news…I now have a Discord! It's been on my mind for a while on whether or not I should have one because…honestly, I HATE social media. But I've been getting messages from other people asking if I had one and that it'll be easier to communicate on there, so…I'm willing to give it a chance. It's only been up for about an hour, so I'm still very new. If you wish to message me, username is theblackkid3398.
Thanks for reading. Later.