Garnet Noble.
That is the name Plutia made up for the outfit Neptune wore in her goddess form. Garnet gemstones had a variety of colors, but it was mostly known for its rich red color. A red headband with extended ribbons that Plutia braided in between Neptune's long hair. The other colors of garnet were the off-shoulder sweater and shoes she wore. Plutia chose black as the obvious complement to the red scheme with a double-layered dress skirt. The outer layer skirt acted more as a veil, and decorated at the very bottom were faded images of roses. Nobles of the past were often associated with the rose, and Neptune was the longest-living noble there was in Planeptune. The final pieces to finish off the outfit were some accessories, such as earrings, a necklace, and a cross-body bag with a chain shoulder strap.
"You really went all out with this one, Plutia." Neptune said as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. "This makes me feel like I'm going out for a night on the town rather than a TV interview."
"If you plan on having one of those days in the future, Iris and I would love to tag along with you." Plutia responded while admiring how well the outfit suited Purple Heart. "When Iris did not have the responsibilities of leading the military on her shoulders, she was quite the raver at clubs during paid leave."
"Iris tearing up the dance floor?" Neptune must have been imagining a funny scene in her head because a grin stretched across her face. "Now that would be something to see! Do you dance, Plutia?"
"I don't dance as fervently as my big sis." Plutia shook her head as the most she did at clubs was sway to the music. "My passion is more on my duties and tailoring."
"Well, when we get everything in Planeptune sorted out to reasonable levels..." Neptune turned to look Plutia in the eye and gave a charming smile. "I'd like to hang out with you guys without all the workload, you know?"
"I would love that too." Plutia had to calm herself as she knew there was no implied romantic meaning to Neptune's words other than a want for friendship. "Guess that means you'll have to work hard to make that happen, Neptune."
"Yeah, that's the plan." Neptune nodded her head before summoning her Nep-Note. "I'm really glad Caelus managed to fix what was going on with my HDD."
"I appreciate your praise, CPU Purple Heart." Caelus made their presence known through Plutia's tablet. "I have sent a detailed report of changes to both you and Oracle Plutia."
"Thanks, I'll take the time to read up on it now." Neptune sat down in a seat. "We still have some time before we reach the Famitsu News building."
Plutia had been wondering what was taking Neptune and Caelus so long in the Share Core. What Plutia saw was Neptune from her first day in the Basilicom, but slightly shorter. The other had been Purple Heart, who just switched back to Neptune with Plutia's parka but longer hair instead. Caelus had been using Neptune's old form, but her voice had been so close to Neptune's that it confused Plutia greatly when they both spoke. Neptune spent time explaining the situation on what happened in the Share Core, which helped calm Plutia down. However, Neptune's explanation gave way to more questions on the mystery guest known as Histoire. Plutia would have to search for records on this person, but she doubted that she would find anything. Caelus said that Histoire knew the original Caelus, which meant Histoire was likely older than even the goddesses.
If Caelus assessed her as an ally, then who am I to say otherwise? Plutia trusted Caelus' word since they have worked together closely for a long time now. Still, the fact that only Neptune can speak to her in a dream state is annoying. There's so much Planeptune can learn from Histoire if we could just establish a more reliable method to contact Histoire.
Neptune may also be withholding information from Plutia too. The goddess did not have to say it, but Plutia could tell. Plutia has done her fair share of dealing with lies in people's words. Neptune knew something but likely held back from speaking about it since she deemed it not important to disclose at the moment. That meant the goddess had a goal she needed to finish before she could confide in Plutia about the matter. Plutia was fine with that because while she was a person of faith and trusted Neptune, that could only extend so far. If Neptune told her something outlandish without proper proof, then Plutia may just doubt the words of her goddess. Plutia did not want that, and Neptune likely did not want it either, hence Neptune's omission of extra information.
"Oh wow, those are some pretty neat new features for me." Neptune spoke aloud as she closed her Nep-Note before having it disappear. "Those are all-around upgrades."
"Indeed they are, CPU Purple Heart." Caelus agreed with Neptune. "Your potential does not end there. I am sure in time you may even unlock more options in the future, but as for how, that is beyond my current predictions."
"I'm sure the upgrades will show up eventually." Neptune did not seem worried about achieving more power. "It's like that in video games. Just have to fight some mandatory boss or fill out some in-game checklist, and I'll level up."
"That is one way to put it, CPU Purple Heart."
Plutia checked her tablet for the report Caelus sent her. According to Caelus, the finished update to Neptune's CPU form granted her access to a variety of new abilities. The summoning of Neptune's sword and pistol now did not take up a slot of inventory now. Small things such as the Nep-Note no longer factored in taking up space in Neptune's HDD. Neptune's sword now had the option to be split into two shorter variants for dual wielding. Neptune's outfits could also be stored and fitted into both her human and CPU forms. That meant Neptune could seamlessly switch between different clothes at her leisure. Plutia had a few more outfits in mind that Neptune could wear, but that was for another day, as she had already exhausted herself making Garnet Noble.
"I have eyes on the Famitsu News building." The pilot informed them while their conversation paused. "We'll be touching down shortly."
"Oracle Plutia, I have Miss Deco on the line and requesting video feed." Caelus followed up after the pilot. "Shall I put her through?"
"Go ahead, Caelus."
Deco was a former Basilicom contractor for construction and renovations. The last job Deco had with the Basilicom before her contract expired was updating Neptune's room. Deco was a great employee, and Plutia had offered a full-time position in the Basilicom, but the girl always refused. The construction worker treated the mandatory break period before contract renewals as long vacations away from working. Deco ended up bringing her roommate Furapura as a potential applicant instead. Plutia found that Furapura had excellent organization skills during her internship. Famitsu would later offer Deco several contracts building up Famitsu News. Plutia missed seeing Deco around as a builder, but Plutia still obtained an efficient assistant in exchange.
"Hello, Miss Plutia." Deco's face appeared on the tablet. "Doing good?"
"I'm doing great. Even better these days, though I'm sure you can guess why." Plutia briefly glanced at Neptune, who was looking out the window of the plane. "How about you?"
"Famitsu keeps me busy. Although building and maintenance are part of my duties, I was asked to meet you and Lady Purple Heart at the landing pad." Deco chuckled and shook her head. "I heard you visited earlier today when I was not in. I figured volunteering as a guide for you and Lady Purple Heart would be my way of making up for not seeing you then."
"I'm sure you also wanted to see the myth in person too." Plutia smirked as Deco looked away with a playful smile.
"That's also a benefit." Deco did not deny the accusation. "Oh! I see your ride coming into view now. I'll be up there shortly to meet you."
"See you when we get there." Plutia ended the call and looked to see Neptune yawning. "Famitsu News will be finishing up its other programs before your interview goes live. If you want, how about a cup of coffee to keep you awake when we get there?"
"That would be great, Plutia." Neptune rubbed her eyes and shook her head in an attempt to jolt herself awake. "I don't have anything else on my schedule after this, right?"
"The only thing after this interview is your meeting with your bed and pillow." Plutia joked as Neptune chuckled a little in response. "You've done a great job today, but there's only so much you can do in a day. Progress takes time."
"No argument from me on that." Neptune agreed with a nod of her head. "Who was that on the phone with you?"
"Former employee that works at Famitsu News now. Her name is Deco, and she'll be the one meeting us when we land." Plutia explained as she felt the plane start to lower itself. "You remember Furapura, right?"
"Yeah, she's the one that gave me the Nep-Note in the morning." Neptune recalled the events at the start of the day. "Furapura is basically your assistant or secretary when you're not there."
"Deco was the one who brought Furapura to the Basilicom since Deco likes to keep to contracts." Plutia gave the short version of Furapura and Deco's connection to each other. "You'll be happy to know she was one of the crew members at the time that renovated your room this year, Neptune."
"She was one of the people that made my room super cozy, huh?" Neptune stood up as the plane stopped moving, which meant they had landed. "Let's go meet her then."
Plutia and Neptune exited the plane to see Deco waiting at the stairs. Deco's state of wear remained the same as ever, but the symbol on her choker was no longer a shiitake mushroom but the Famitsu News logo. Most people would not know it, but Deco and Furapura's eye colors were actually orange. The new bet going around the Basilicom was that Furapura's eyes were either blue or orange. Plutia knew the answer but chose not to participate in the betting pool. Furapura only opened her eyes in private and with people she trusted implicitly. Plutia worked with her assistant very closely, and she believed joining on that bet would be a breach of trust between them. Deco approached the two and offered handshakes to both of them.
"Nice to see you in person again, Plutia." Deco said before moving to shake Neptune's hand and bowing her head. "And it's an honor to meet you, Lady Purple Heart. You look stunning in that outfit."
"Thank you." Neptune took the compliment with a smile and shook Deco's hand. "I heard from Plutia you're one of the people who worked on my room."
"Yeah, I was." Deco let go of Neptune's hand and stood at attention with her hands behind her back. "I helped build up your bedroom area. I hope it's to your liking, Lady Purple Heart."
"It is! In fact, I can't wait to go back there and fall asleep after this interview is over with." Neptune let a little yawn slip out. "I sure could use a cup of coffee or some sort of energy drink to help keep me awake."
"Let me take you to the news room. There are some coffee makers behind the set, so I'm sure I can whip something up for you and Plutia." Deco offered as she motioned for the both of them to follow.
"Sorry, I'll have to pass on coffee. I'm needed back at the Basilicom since Furapura's shift should have ended an hour ago." Plutia apologized to Deco before looking at Neptune. "The pilot will return back here and remain on standby until you're able to leave. I just wanted to see you off before I see you on TV back at the Basilicom, Neptune."
"Just have fun, right?" Neptune referenced their previous conversation about the interview.
"Exactly."
Famitsu should have felt immense pressure as she sat at her desk in the newsroom. The live feed displayed on the computer beside her showed the current show segment reaching its conclusion. It would not be long now before Famitsu would soon be on the screen of many Planeptune citizens. Famitsu had to admit that the number of concurrent viewers shown on the monitor definitely broke their all-time record. She could only imagine the look of the board members right now that no doubt gathered together in a room to watch Famitsu News. They likely thought Famitsu was putting on false confidence, even if they would not dare say it to her face. Famitsu grabbed the stack of papers in front of her as the camera crew began the countdown. The cameras lit up green to signal Famitsu that the time to make history for Famitsu News began now.
"Good evening, Planeptune! Welcome to Famitsu News." She did not miss a beat with the introduction as she smiled and waved. "For those tuning in that are new, I'm Famitsu. We bring you the best coverage on what happens in our nation, and believe me, we have got a lot to cover tonight. So, let's get right into it."
It would be too easy to just start off with what people wanted. The majority of the watchers were here for the interview with Purple Heart. Famitsu knew the viewer count would drop immediately if the whole show for tonight ended once Purple Heart's session ended. She had to make the most of this golden opportunity for both her company and Planeptune itself. Famitsu spoke to Purple Heart before the show started about her intentions. The goddess agreed to wait, as that allowed Purple Heart time to drink some coffee. Purple Heart did spend the day fighting monsters and could have pushed the interview for another time. Famitsu thanked her lucky stars the goddess did not, as she wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
"Our first story starts with one of the most popular musicians in Gamindustri." Famitsu let out a grin as this tied into Planeptune too. "I'm certain anyone knows about the legendary 5PB. Did you know one of our Planeptune talents, Tsunemi, received approval from 5PB herself to remix one of her hit songs?"
5PB was an excellent topic to use as the viewer count had spiked again. Although 5PB was an idol from Leanbox, the girl's musical talent reached all across Gamindustri. The Leanbox idol even had her own radio station called Hi-Five Radio. 5PB was a prized influencer of Leanbox who could not be bribed or coerced. That made her both dangerous and useful to Planeptune when it came to bridging peace. 5PB gave cheer and comfort to anyone, regardless of their affiliation. One of Planeptune's own musical artists, Tsunemi, was a rising star and had gained enough attention to attract 5PB's interest. Their collaboration song did not receive enough publicity, and Famitsu decided to change that.
"If you love 5PB, then Tsunemi is another great choice for music!" She winked at the camera for good measure. "Word on Tsunemi's social is that one club will be lucky enough to hear the song live for the first time. If you're a seasoned partygoer, I'm sure you can find out where Tsunemi will be playing that night."
Good progress so far. Famitsu thought as she barely glanced at the viewer numbers. I'll need to switch up the topic now to someone else.
"I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but always be aware of your surroundings at night if you're heading out to places alone." Famitsu made sure to drop a warning for safety reasons. "Our police force does its best to patrol the city and keep us safe, but trouble can happen in a matter of seconds. One particular civilian almost ended up not making it home alive if not for the vigilant eyes of a very mysterious heroine of Planeptune that calls herself Presto Mask. You might have seen a few video clips already of her online from those who spotted her in the night."
Famitsu already knew the identity of Presto Mask, but she chose to keep quiet about it. The vigilante wore colors of bright orange and red during the night because she clearly wanted to be seen. Presto Mask disregarded visual stealth as she preferred to use smoke bombs to make her escape when needed. Despite having a rocket launcher for a weapon, Presto Mask seemed to only use it as a melee weapon in the city. Presto Mask had restraint in not damaging public property so as not to draw the ire of both civilians and the police. The person behind Presto Mask was a student named B-Sha learning to become a robotics engineer. Presto Mask was blindingly bright in the night as a beacon of hope and comfort. B-Sha was an inconspicuous girl with blue eyes hidden behind glasses and a long black hair wig to hide her blond hair that Presto Mask had.
Keep doing what you're doing, B-Sha. Don't change that way of justice.
"Although there are laws in place against vigilantism, Presto Mask has only been seen reacting to immediate crimes rather than actively chasing criminals." She explained B-Sha's actions from a neutral standpoint given the video evidence available. "Speculation has shown Presto Mask only appeared as the police have had their hands full maintaining order regarding all the refugees. Which brings us to the part of the show you have all been waiting for!"
It was time for the star guest of Famitsu News to make their appearance.
"Tackling that issue is a figure thought to have been nothing more than a myth or fairy tale comfort for the young. A divinity that disappeared from Planeptune and returned after a century to be a tangible hope that others can look to with a smile. Famitsu News is grateful to be the very first news show to welcome...Lady Purple Heart!"
I was hoping to hear some more exciting stuff. Feels like that should have been longer. Guess they really want me on stage, huh?
Neptune had been watching Famitsu on a screen in the backstage area. Though Famitsu only spoke a few lines, there was a stream of information and videos running on the screen alongside her. That likely saved Famitsu a lot of energy from speaking a lot on the matters and provided people visual clues on what she talked about. Neptune did notice something interesting to her during the topic of Tsunemi and 5PB. One of the video clips being streamed showed Tsunemi playing music to a large crowd. However, right beside the musician was Nepgear waving light sticks around. It really was a small world that Neptune would see that girl again so soon. That would be a conversation to have the next chance Neptune saw Nepgear in the city.
Smile and wave, Nep. Smile and wave.
That is what Neptune repeated to herself as she walked out on the stage. Applause from the camera crew welcomed her in, but Neptune did her best smile for the cameras focusing in on her. Neptune made her way over to Famitsu, who stood up from her desk and reached over to shake Neptune's hand. The two had already done the greeting before, but this was for the sake of everyone else in Planeptune seeing it. As the camera crew stopped clapping, Neptune sat down on the seat beside Famitsu's desk. A part of Neptune wondered if all the people she met were watching her right now. IF's crew likely had busy lives even after the job was over. That left Rei, Peashy, and Nepgear as possible watchers on tonight's show.
Plutia said she would be watching at the Basilicom. Can't say for sure if Iris is too.
"Lady Purple Heart, thank you for making the time to show up on Famitsu News." Famitsu said after she sat back down in her own seat. "I know you've only been back two days, and you're already jumping into the matter about the monsters. You don't waste any time, do you?"
"I've been gone for over a hundred years, so I have a lot to make up to my people." Neptune answered with the honest truth. "It's the least I can do."
"I would have to say you've done a good amount already within a day." Famitsu responded back before looking at the cameras. "Lady Purple Heart has already reclaimed one of the lost Haneda territories. She only needed herself and a handful of skilled Gamindustri Guild members to get the job done. How's that for progress, Planeptune?"
Haneda territories? Is that what I took back? I'll need to read up more from my Nep-Note about that tomorrow.
"Clearing out the monsters was good, but keeping it that way will be up to the army." Neptune pointed out to make sure credit was due for Blossom and her soldiers. "I couldn't do it, and neither would the squad that tagged along with me to hold down the fort while they build the place back up."
"That is very true, Lady Purple Heart. Monsters are capable of detecting places where their kind used to be." Famitsu agreed as she looked back at Neptune. "They would surely want to claim a new place if it's now empty."
"They're going to have to look elsewhere. No takebacks for invaders." Neptune replied back as she leaned back into her chair. "We'll fight them off until they get that message. And we'll do it again for the other places the monsters took from my people."
"Then that settles that matter." Famitsu looked back to the camera to tell the viewers. "To all those in the streets without a home? Your goddess said she's going to get you back where you belong. That's her assurance right there."
You're really laying it on thick there, Famitsu. Well, she's not wrong, though. I will get it done.
"Moving on from that serious topic... Let's talk about a more casual one." Famitsu switched the subject. "How are you liking the new Planeptune? I imagine there's a lot to take in with everything that has changed since you've last been here."
"You would be right. There is a lot to take in." Neptune summoned her Nep-Note. "This computer of mine and all the people that helped me along the way are making it easier for me to adjust back in. Everything still feels kind of unknown to me, but give me some time, and I can really call Planeptune home again."
"That's a cute tablet you got there. I bet Oracle Plutia was responsible for that as well as your gorgeous outfit." Famitsu had already seen Neptune's outfit before, but she wanted to put the comment out there on live air. "Your fan club is probably taking tons of pictures right now of you."
"Fan club? I've only been back two days, though..." Neptune looked at the camera and gave a wave to her admirers. "Uh, hi there?"
"Oh yeah, that's more than enough time to get some really...passionate followers. Happens with a lot of famous people. I'm no stranger to it myself." Famitsu replied as if it was the most normal thing in the world. She turned to her computer and began typing on it. "In fact, we have some of your fan club out there on the streets right now in front of our building."
A holographic screen popped up right in front of Neptune. True to Famitsu's word, there were men and women on the sidewalk. What surprised Neptune was they had all somehow managed to get a replica of her original parka outfit. Each person in her fan club had their own personal version that fit them perfectly. They all had personal custom words stitched into their clothes, but each consistently had a purple heart with the Planeptune logo inside it. One stood out who seemed like the leader of their group. A girl who seemed to not prioritize shaving their legs. She held a banner with the words 'Neptune's Fan Club' and waved it around frantically as she realized they were on the show.
They found my real name really quickly. Neptune realized she had not given her name out so publicly. That's impressive and scary at the same time.
"Yup, that's your newly formed fan club." Famitsu stated before pressing a button. "I know it's probably a bad decision, but let's hear what they have to say to you..."
"I love you, Lady Purple Heart!" A tall, bulky man of muscle bellowed out with tears in his eyes. "You inspire me!"
"Lady Purple, I bought a body pillow of you so I can sleep soundly every night knowing I'm protected by you!" A short girl with swirly glasses cried out shamelessly.
"LADY PERFECT HEART, PLEASE SIT ON MY FA—!"
"Okay, that's enough of that now!" Famitsu quickly pressed a button to mute the leader of Neptune's Fan club from finishing that sentence on air. "Well, those are your fans."
"I...see." Neptune truly felt at a loss for words on what to say about them. They still call me Purple Heart despite knowing my real name. That's a little bit comforting despite their energy for me.
"Moving on from that..." Famitsu forced the screen in front of Neptune to disappear. "The next question on the people's minds is how you came back. Did you just fly down from the sky, use a teleporter, or magically appear inside the Basilicom?
"I flew down from Celestia, the place where all the goddesses fought." Neptune spoke of the battlefield where she fought. "I had a minor setback once I was back in Gamindustri."
"Did it have something to do with you transforming back into your normal form?" Famitsu deduced from Neptune's statement. "During your speech address, you suddenly switched back to your human self."
"Yeah, my powers were having some issues. My help inside the Basilicom said that my powers needed to adapt to the new Planeptune." Neptune gave a short explanation of what Caelus did for her. "Fell into a lake because of it."
"Whoa, that's scary. Anyone else falling from way up high would have been knocked out from the impact with the water or worse." Famitsu widened her eyes at this new information. "You must have been tired and soaked getting back to Planeptune."
"Actually, I passed out after I swam out of the lake." Neptune admitted as she still wondered about the identity of her protector. "Someone protected me from approaching monsters and carried me to safety in the trees and bushes. At least, that's what a mother told me."
"Someone? Like...just one person?" Famitsu raised an eyebrow as the story took a very odd turn. "One person took on a bunch of monsters at night?"
"That's the story, and it matched up with what I saw." Neptune shrugged, as Famitsu had the right to be skeptical. "The person didn't stick around as a mother and her daughter showed up once I woke up."
"A woman and her child were out late at night? That's really dangerous for the kid." Famitsu seemed displeased with Rei's way of life. "She's lucky bandit presence is practically nonexistent in Planeptune."
"The woman had some training, but she was smart enough to at least have a level of caution, though." Neptune tried to defend Rei. "She was suspicious of me too, but not enough to abandon me by myself. The mother helped set me on the right path to the city."
"Something tells me you don't want to tell us who she is." Famitsu looked like she would personally find out herself later.
"Yeah, I don't want her life ruined by mentioning her on television." Neptune hoped Famitsu got the hint she wanted to leave the identity of Rei a mystery.
"That's understandable." Famitsu nodded her head and understood Neptune's unspoken message. "Or maybe...you want to keep her for yourself?"
"...Maybe, maybe not." Neptune played along with shifting the conversation in a more humorous light. She put a finger to her own lip and put on a more playful smile. "A lady never tells."
"That only makes me want to know more!" Famitsu whined as some of the camera crew let out some laughs. She looked at the people behind the cameras and glared at them. "Oh, don't act like you guys aren't curious too!"
Neptune could not deny that Rei was a cute woman, but any sort of feelings regarding romance were not on her mind. She had a mission to maintain and a life to get back together in her home. There were too many tasks that needed to be finished and mysteries to solve. To prioritize becoming a couple with some person she only knew for not even a whole day was out of the question. As the night went on, the conversation was a blend of casual and serious topics. There were a few questions that Neptune could not answer because she honestly needed the input of Plutia regarding those matters. As the night went on, a tune started to play. Famitsu seemed to know the song as she put down her paper and faced the camera.
"To all our regulars, you know what this music means. It's the end of my segment. Thank you all for tuning in to this historical moment in history for us." Famitsu spoke her closing speech before looking at Neptune. "Are there any last words you want to say to the audience, Lady Purple Heart?"
"Thanks for watching, everyone! I'll see you around." Neptune decided to keep it simple because she was already tired from the talking. "Don't stop watching Famitsu News just because I'm not here, okay?"
"And...we're done!" Famitsu leaned back into her seat as she breathed a sigh of relief. "That was the longest interview I've done in years."
"That was the first interview I've done in a hundred years." Neptune replied as she yawned, feeling the effects of the coffee wearing off.
"I'm very grateful you handled it so well." Famitsu said before clapping her hands. "A round of applause for our goddess, everyone!"
The camera crew and Deco all clapped and cheered Neptune's name. Neptune transformed back into her human state as she stood up and waved at the Famitsu News crew. She shook hands and took photos with a few before being guided back to the helipad by Deco. Neptune did not waste a second hopping into Plutia's bed aboard the plane.
"Ooogh, I'm so tired!" Neptune couldn't help but kick her feet as she lay on the bed.
"I will wake you up when we arrive back at the Basilicom, Lady Purple Heart." The stewardess spoke from wherever she was since Neptune had her eyes closed.
"Yes, please do that."
Time for some well-deserved sleep!
IF yawned as she leaned against her motorbike with her arms crossed. She had been up late into the night both working on her ride and listening to Famitsu News. The interview with Purple Heart had been interesting to watch, and she received text messages from other Gamindustri Guild members about it when she woke up. IF had to tease one of them for dressing up alongside the Neptune Fan Club that received an appearance on the show. Purple Heart was a good person, but IF could not see herself being that fanatical about the Planeptune goddess. IF's belief belonged with Leanbox's goddess Green Heart, but that nation would not accept someone like her. Despite IF's affiliation with the Gamindustri Guild, she still did not have a nation to call home. IF was a heretic in Leanbox's eyes and would not accept her application for residence in Leanbox.
"Sorry I'm late, IF!"
Falcom was jogging her way down the city sidewalk with a sack pack strung behind her. The girl stopped once she was in front of IF and panted a little. IF had volunteered to go pick up Falcom up, but the rookie insisted that they meet up at the Gamindustri Guild building. Falcom likely had personal business to deal with before meeting up for their assigned quest. It gave IF time to drink some coffee in the building. Sadly, coffee tasted good to her, but the caffeine did very little to give her an energy boost. IF turned out to be one of those people who did not benefit from what coffee was intended to do for morning people. Speaking of morning people, MAGES. was definitely not one of them, as she was likely still sleeping in at this time.
"You are not late, Falcom." IF pulled out her phone to check the time. "We're still on schedule. Hope you didn't jog the whole way here thinking that?"
"Lost track of time sorting some stuff I needed to do." Falcom let out a nervous chuckle.
"If you're finished with your business, are you ready to get going then?" IF mounted her motorbike and patted the backseat behind her. "It's time for you to get your feet wet out there in the field."
"I'm ready!" Falcom nodded her head enthusiastically as she quickly took a seat behind IF. "You're...not going to drive super fast, are you?"
"Hey! I'm a law-abiding citizen of the streets." IF pretended to be offended. "Outside in the wild, though? That's a different story."
"Only if we're being chased by a horde of monsters, right?" Falcom gave IF a concerned look.
"You listened to that one story from MAGES., didn't you?" IF easily deduced Falcom's apprehension.
"Yeah..." Falcom could not make up an excuse and looked away sheepishly.
"Listen, that was a very specific circumstance where I let my intrusive thoughts win out." IF explained without a hint of shame regarding the incident. "Besides, MAGES. and I were pressed for time that night out."
"But what happened to the Ruffian Cat?"
"You don't want to know." IF started up the motorcycle. "Anyways, we've wasted enough time. Time to get out of the city before work traffic starts up. Hold on tight, Falcom."
I should probably talk to Falcom about our shared power when we get away from the city. IF figured Falcom would eventually bring up the matter of the secret ability she taught the rookie. Then I'll need to tell Marvy and MAGES. about Falcom's ability too. Don't want to give those two a heart attack if they find out another way.
The drive out of the city was without issue. IF did spot a familiar face walking the Planeptune streets. It was not the goddess, but the 'Keeper of Justice' Nisa. IF knew Nisa's history as a former leader of her own squad. A series of unfortunate events basically made Nisa feel obligated to resign from the Gamindustri Guild. Now the girl was a solo mercenary, but she still had good standing and connections within the Gamindustri guild. However, gossip was floating around that Nisa had disciples in each nation. IF believed Presto Mask was to be Nisa's handiwork.
"We're not that far from Virtua Forest." IF told Falcom as she slowed the motorbike to a halt. "I'm going to hide my bike nearby, so wait for me at the entrance."
"You got it, IF." Falcom got off the bike and jogged ahead.
IF found a nice secluded spot to park her bike. She texted Marvy and MAGES. to let them know they were at the Virtua Forest now. IF would not hear a response from either since Marvy had been out on the town last night. MAGES. tired herself out filing the squad's reports and was definitely passed out at her desk. IF joined back up with Falcom at the entrance to the Virtua Forest where Falcom stood. The job of recording data on the current threat level in Virtua Forest was the main objective. Collecting Dogoo Jelly from the local monsters was the secondary task. Two very simple jobs that did not even require slaying if Falcom waited properly for a Dogoo to fall asleep to gather pieces off their gelatinous body.
An easy first mission. What could possibly go wrong?
Hello, Nep Readers! Welcome back again to another chapter update. Boy, it has been some time since this story was last updated? I apologize, I've been away from this story to work on some other fics of mine.
Thank you for your patience if you've come back to read this. I'm going to get back into the mindset of updating this story again.
Oh! And another thank you to all you reviewers. We've made it past 30 reviews in the time I've been away and approaching 40 reviews. That's amazing and I owe it all to you fellow Nep Readers taking the time to read my story and review it.
Let's move onto the reviewer responses of Chapter 5!
Tony Anderson: Thank you for liking the chapter. Ha ha, Neptunia is based on memes so it makes sense to joke around sometimes. After all...Memes are the DNA of the soul. And Neps are all about that culture.
Lyrista: Thanks again for stopping by with another review. Be sure to apply fresh bandages daily, but not too tightly! Neptune had an experience with that with Compa and almost saw the light. Well...Not this Neptune, but you know what I mean. Yeah, I'm having a bit of fun with some scenes, so there's bound to be more references here and there.
Fubukiwww: Thanks! That whole scene was a setup for an among us joke. I just couldn't resist. Thanks for leaving a review.
ReadWeepSoPeak: Thank you for your review! That reference was indeed sus. As for Compa...well, you'll have to read and find out!
OnlyNeps(Guest): You're certainly the most motivated guest reviewer I've seen writing. You look like you're crafting a lot of theories there, but whether they're true or not will be figured out down the line. I do seem to be implying Gamindustri Graveyard is somewhere down there, aren't I?
Kortir: Yes indeed, Kor! We're cranking the wheel just a bit faster on the story progression. That whole scene was a setup to just have a small among us reference in there. Compa is in a whole lot of trouble indeed. Who knows what will happen to her? You'll just have to read and find out as I create more chapters. Thanks for leaving a review on this chapter as well as the past ones. I'm grateful for that!
Okay, that's all the reviews for Chapter 5 at the time of this update.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this chapter and I hope to see you in the next one. I hope to hear what you have to say in the review for this chapter.
Happy reading!