IF had good intuition when it came to meeting new people. As the leader of her own Gamindustri Guild squad, it was important to recognize many things in a person. Talents, confidence, morality, and determination were several factors that IF needed to see before offering an invitation to anyone into the Gamindustri Guild. It may look to Neptune like IF was just picking anyone young off the street, but the girl did not need to know she thought deeper than that. From a professional perspective, Neptune had an aura of power surrounding her that was covered. Only the most skilled masters of the Gamindustri Guild had that kind of presence, but Neptune here may even be on another level than them. IF would not say that outwardly to Neptune since she had the feeling the compliment would go to the girl's head. From a personal point of view, Neptune felt like an interesting girl IF wanted to hang out with.
Even if she doesn't want to join the Gamindustri Guild, it would be nice to keep in contact with her. Maybe even introduce her to my squad. IF thought about how her teammates would take to Neptune. I think they'll get along just fine with Neptune.
"Your identification cards, please." One of the two guards stationed at the Basilicom entrance held her scanner out. "I know you're with the Gamindustri Guild, but this is just standard procedure."
"Yeah, I know." IF held out her ID to the woman. "Just registering my team's information with the Basilicom so they know my team is active in the area."
"We always appreciate what you all do." The guard nodded her head and looked over to her friend. "What's the problem, Resha?"
"Just noticed she's new to the city registry, Sal." Resha answered before pulling out her tablet and connecting the scanner to it. "Her reason in the city is that she's here to see Miss Plutia."
"Yeah, I'd like to meet her." Neptune did not deny the statement. "So, her name is Plutia? That'll make things easier instead of just calling her Oracle."
"Huh..." Sal rubbed her chin thoughtfully before looking at IF. "Are you willing to vouch for her, IF?"
"Yeah, she's with me." IF rubbed the back of her neck. "You owe me, Nep."
"You can't use that to make me join the Gamindustri Guild, IF." Neptune immediately stated, to which IF could only click her tongue at the girl's quick wit.
"You two are free to go in." Sal laughed before looking to Resha. "Go ahead and let them through."
Resha pressed a button on her tablet, and the large double doors opened to allow IF and Neptune in. The pair entered the Basilicom, and the place was as busy as a Basilicom could get with staff members engaged in their administrative duties or attending to visitors on business. They must have done some renovations in the last few months because some areas had been switched up. IF noticed that Neptune split off without a word to see Oracle Plutia. Neptune sure liked to figure out her objective as she went because she did not even ask IF or the guards about what Plutia looked like. As far as IF could tell, Plutia was not in the main hall and most likely in the restricted areas for employees. IF would tell Neptune later, but IF needed to attend to her own matters first. It took a few minutes of slowly walking around, but IF found the counter she was looking for and approached the employee behind it.
"IF, Gamindustri Guild. Authentication code one-nine-nine-four." IF told the staff member who realized what her profession was and began typing into the computer next to them. "My team has relocated, and we would like our hub to sync with the quest board to only Planeptune."
"Standby." The employee said as he seemingly waited for their computer to finish something. "And…you're set. For any payment transfers, your members will also have to fill out the forms sent to their account. Do you want to physically fill yours out here, or will you submit it later online?"
"I'll fill it out while I'm here." IF sat down on the chair in front of the counter. "You don't have a queue, right?"
"No, nothing upcoming tonight." The man shook his head. "You're a walk-in, so as long as nobody else shows up, you're fine here. Plus it makes me look busy if I have someone at my counter."
"Aren't you the clever one?"
The employee said nothing to IF's response and shrugged their arms. He opened a cabinet near him and sifted through the folders inside until he grabbed a single document. After handing it to IF, he returned his attention back to the computer to likely browse the internet to pass the time. IF grabbed a nearby pen and began to fill out her details on the form, but her ears remained alert for any gossip among the Basilicom staff. One conversation mentioned the Planeptune general visiting the building. IF heard of Iris and an incident a while back where she gained powers that were supposedly similar to a goddess. There were live video recordings of Iris transforming her entire outfit and her eyes sharing the signature power button that goddesses were supposed to have. The Basilicom explained that Iris' powers do not connect properly to Purple Heart's source of power and so cannot be claimed as a goddess of the nation.
That was likely a political move to avoid any troubles with the other nations. IF surmised after finishing her form and handing it back to the employee. The other Oracles would likely be on edge if a new goddess rose up while Purple Heart is gone.
IF stood up from the chair and decided to look for Neptune. That was her initial decision until her eyes found a target of interest. Oracle Plutia had made her appearance with an entourage of staff and General Iris herself. Neptune could not have picked a worse time to be away from the main hall than right now. IF sighed and decided that perhaps notifying Plutia about Neptune would be good. That way, IF could leave the Basilicom on a good note knowing she helped Neptune out before heading back home. IF was a little intimidated by Iris' presence, but it was countered by Plutia's own comforting aura and smile she had. Out of all the other current Oracles, Plutia won in terms of personality.
"Miss Plutia." IF greeted the government official with a small bow once she finished a conversation with one of her employees. "It has been a while since we last saw each other. I hope you still remember me?"
"Hm... Oh!" Plutia looked thoughtful, and then realization kicked in as she smiled at IF. "The 'Wind Walker of Gamindustri' IF, right?"
"Yeah, I was certainly the center of attention that day in the Basilicom, announcing myself like that." IF scratched her cheek as she blushed at the embarrassing memory of her starting days as a solo mercenary. "Oh! And a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Iris."
"Always a pleasure to meet a cute girl. One with a funny past too." Iris answered back in a playful tone, but her eyes held a dangerous glint. "Plutia, you never told me about this one."
"Ha ha, she was just a starting adventurer those days. Didn't see her every day, so I had to think really hard there." Plutia explained to Iris before looking at IF. "Was there something you needed from me, IF?"
"Someone's interested in meeting you tonight." IF started, looking back to see if the person she wanted to refer to was around. When she was not, IF looked back at Plutia with a sigh. "She's a bit of an odd one, but then again that's not saying much given my own history. Anyways, she seems like a good egg, if a bit out of the loop on things. Her name's Neptune, and she's looking to say hi to you."
"Oh? Any particular reason why this Neptune wants to meet my little sister?" Iris raised her brow as IF could feel the 'protective big sister' vibe turning on for Iris. "No planned meeting or formal request?"
"Yeah, I thought it was weird too." IF could not disagree with Iris' suspicion. "I'm good at reading people, though. Neptune does not have an inch of malicious intention in her body."
"Her name is Neptune, huh?" Plutia asked, but that sounded like a rhetorical question. The Oracle pulled out a tablet before her expression looked like she had an idea. "Well...I'm hoping to meet someone else tonight, but if I'm guessing this right..."
Plutia looked to her other employees and gave out a series of orders. Iris and Plutia glanced at each other with a silent conversation between them. The Planeptune general nodded her head, understanding what was left unspoken. This confused IF greatly on their actions, but she simply decided it was best to go with the flow. Iris walked over to the center of the room and crossed her arms, waiting patiently for something to happen. Plutia then motioned for IF to follow, and IF just complied since it was an order from a high-ranking government official. Plutia stood with Iris on her left and IF on her right as they overlooked the main hall. IF peeked at the tablet screen and saw a small glowing fragment escape from the mobile computer.
"Neptune, please come to the main hall." Plutia spoke into her tablet as her voice repeated on the intercom speakers around the building. "I would like to meet you."
Well...That's certainly one way to bring Neptune around. I really hope I didn't just give Nep trouble. IF felt she made a grave mistake telling Plutia. Sorry, Nep. I can call us even if you survive this.
The entire Basilicom seemed to stop as this was likely an unusual occurrence for everyone. All eyes were on Plutia, Iris, and IF as there were murmurs to go with the curious stares. IF caught sight of Nep moving her way through the crowd until she was out in the open by herself. Neptune looked nervous as she looked around her as all eyes were on the girl. IF felt this was a bit much for Neptune, but it was too late for regrets now. Neptune's eyes locked onto IF's, hoping to find an answer from her. IF had none to give and shrugged her arms and hoped the expression on her own face showed she did not plan for this. Plutia took the small object in one hand as she stored away her tablet.
"Not a lot of people would name themselves partially off the nation's name, Neptune." Iris spoke up first with her arms crossed. "It says a lot about your family and their devotion to Planeptune."
"I think it's more than just those reasons." Plutia spoke next, but her voice was not connected to the speakers in the Basilicom. "In fact, your clothes speak for themselves. I know a thing or two about tailoring, and I can tell your clothes are made from different materials...close to a hundred years ago."
That was a surprising fact for IF, who took a moment to look at Neptune's clothing. IF did not have the expert's eyes of a professional clothes maker, but there was visual proof now that IF thought about it more. Everything about Neptune's parka hoodie spoke of Planeptune origins, but the light theme colors of white and purple were outdated by Basilicom standards. That is not to say the color palette was out of style, but just that they were not used as government uniforms in a very long time. Neptune looked down and did not find anything odd about her clothes. That there was a clue to IF that Neptune was not as young as she looked. It looked like Neptune's claim of being an adult woman was true after all. Plutia walked forward, followed by Iris, and not wanting to be left behind, IF began walking with the Oracle and general.
"If you are who I think you are, then you know what to do with this." Plutia held out the sphere for Neptune to take once she was close enough. "Time to show everyone who you really are... Lady Purple Heart."
Lady Purple Heart? As in... the goddess of Planeptune!?
IF realized she had been repeatedly attempting to recruit a goddess into Gamindustri Guild.
This is going to be one hell of a story for the squad.
Neptune stared at the Share fragment held in Plutia's hands. Despite the years away, Planeptune's Oracles never stopped believing in Neptune's return. Plutia happened to be the lucky one out of several others that had been in office. Neptune was unsure who the taller lady in military uniform was, but she recognized the uniform of a general. As for IF, it was expected that she looked surprised yet still skeptical. The only way to wipe that doubt from IF, the general, and the others around her was to take that Share fragment. Neptune took the Share orb and pressed it into her body as the wave of energy rushed into her. The faith was not strong by any means, but it was there, and that was enough for Neptune. Now she stood before everyone as Purple Heart and Neptune took notice of some upgrades to her Processor Unit as well as a name change.
Lost Purple? I guess I have been lost for a very long time now.
"Welcome home." Plutia looked satisfied at the confirmation she already knew. "I think I speak for everyone when I say... we all missed you."
"Thank you, Plutia." Neptune spun around to look at everyone staring at her. "And thank you all for protecting Planeptune while I have been away."
A speech had to be made to everyone in Basilicom. Plutia seemed to read Neptune well as she took off an earpiece and handed it to Neptune. The Oracle pulled out her handheld computer and pressed buttons before nodding at Neptune, who had just put on the earpiece. IF looked speechless, which almost made Neptune laugh, but there would be time for explaining later. Neptune floated up so that everyone could see her since she needed all eyes on her. Some visitors were holding up their phones, which meant they were recording her for the public. That was good for Neptune, as the city needed to know she was back. However, Neptune would have to go further than that and make a nationwide speech tonight too.
"You are all the true protectors of this nation." Neptune honestly meant that, and she could see some Basilicom members tear up. Her voice repeated through the speakers so everyone in the Basilicom could hear what Neptune had to say. "I was not here when you needed me the most against the rising monster threat. An apology can never be enough for the lives lost, but still... I'm sorry."
There were likely hundreds and thousands of untold tragedies that happened in the past. Peashy's story from before was one of them, and all because Neptune was not here. The people in the streets outside the security checkpoint were another example. Their homes, memories, and families all ruined and trampled underneath the monster invaders in Planeptune lands. It filled her with anger at the creatures and at herself. There were whispers among the Basilicom staff members, and some shared somber expressions. This generation of Basilicom staff was not immune to the pain either. They felt the pain of their citizens, pushing themselves every day for a better tomorrow.
"All that I can do—no, all that I want to do now is make up for lost time." Neptune clenched her fists tightly. "I want to protect you all, but it would be arrogant of me to say that. Instead... Will you allow me to aid you all? To fight back against the monster menace, take back our homes, and give people their happiness back?"
Neptune did not hear an answer right away. She floated back down and took off the earpiece Plutia gave her. This was a plea of sincerity to her people, a generation that did not grow up having ever seen their goddess. Neptune, or rather Purple Heart, had been nothing more than a tale of legend. Now she stood before them, alive and real, to speak with them and work with them. When Neptune dropped Plutia's earpiece back into the Oracle's hand, another hand reached out to grab her. Neptune followed the hand to see that it belonged to the Planeptune general staring at her. The woman's eyes flashed briefly, and Neptune was startled to find CPU eyes looking right back at her.
"General Iris. Big sister to your Oracle and the latest leader in charge of... your army, Lady Purple Heart." The woman introduced herself. "We've always been yours, my goddess. Welcome back."
"It might not be much, but if your aim is at the monster threat, then you have my Gamindustri Guild squad too." IF spoke up next before grinning mischievously. "You would have your own squad too if you joined—"
"You're still trying to get me to join!?" Neptune did not know whether to be shocked, amused, or confused at IF. Plutia and Iris found it funny enough to laugh at Neptune's expense.
"Lady Purple Heart!"
A voice broke through loudly through Neptune's moment of reprieve. Neptune turned to see a few people step out from the crowd. Various people, ranging from security, staff, or the other people that put their phones down. Some knelt down on one knee while others bowed their heads. Reconnecting with Shares allowed Neptune to gauge the faith people had. It could vary in range between the people around her or the nation as a whole. In a way, Neptune could feel their emotions if she concentrated hard enough. The feeling from the citizens was one of relief.
"We're honored to see you return!" The one that shouted initially continued. "My grandfather told me my lifetime would be the one where I would see our goddess. I'm so glad he proved my doubts wrong."
"Just being in your presence fills me with determination!" Another spoke up with laughter and cheer. "I feel like I can take on the world! Or at least my next shift tonight here."
"I'm a courier that runs the field for delivery services that postal services can't." One woman said as she stood back up straight. "If you can make the roads safer for boots on the ground, it'll be good business for Planeptune. I'll be counting on you, Lady Purple Heart!"
The tension was gone and replaced with hopeful cheer. It alleviated Neptune more than she could ever say in words. Neptune had hoped she could unlock her Hard Drive Divinity form on her own, but it looked like that was for the better. This was fine too in its own way, that her people would be the ones to unlock what she thought could not transform into again. While everyone talked excitedly, people tried to approach Neptune and talk to her. Security staff quickly realized they had a job to do and quickly moved to set a perimeter around Neptune. As much as she loved the display of affection people showed wanting to speak to her, Neptune was still new coming back to Planeptune. There were still things that Neptune needed to do before she could relax.
"Plutia?" Neptune regained the Oracle's attention. "I want to address everyone in Planeptune. Can you make that happen tonight?"
"I'll need some time, but I can do that." Plutia said before walking away to start on her task.
Neptune turned to Iris, whose eyes had reverted back to their normal look. She thought another goddess had taken over her nation while she was gone. That was her initial thought, but it did not make sense with her wearing the military uniform. If Iris was actually a CPU, then she would have a Processor Unit. Then there was the issue of Share usage. When Neptune reconnected with the Share Energy, there was no pull of the faith directing itself to Iris. That meant she had something similar to a CPU if Iris turning on her eyes is any indication. It only begged Neptune to ask a question, but before she could even ask, Iris laughed again before transforming in front of Neptune.
"It's kind of hard to believe, but while it obviously looks like I'm wearing something close to you... I'm not a goddess." Iris answered the question Neptune wanted to ask as she returned back to her normal form and attire. "That form of mine is not powered by your Shares and it's on a timer whenever I turn it on."
"I would have called you Iris Heart if you were a goddess." Neptune said as she did her best not to show she had been intimidated by the aura Iris emitted during her transformed state.
"Hah, my name is already a color, so I can see why you just added Heart at the end there." Iris shook her head as her expression still remained amused. "I'd say you were being unimaginative, but... it fits."
"Lady Purple Heart." IF spoke Neptune's formal name, and it felt incredibly wrong to Neptune.
"Call me Nep like you did before." Neptune responded back to IF. "Unless you prefer calling me that now that you know who I am."
"Ah, I just didn't want to be rude in front of your military leader and the majority of your employees here." IF said as Iris turned to look at the adventurer curiously. "I'm not too sure how to act now, though."
"Nothing should change." Neptune was fine with her employees and soldiers referring to her as Purple Heart, but not IF. "I'm still Nep to you. You know my reason why I can't join Gamindustri Guild now."
"You got it, Nep." IF nodded her head as she seemed to relax like before. "I still have to get going, though. Don't be afraid to call on my team, Nep. We're always looking for work if it means making the lands a better place."
"I'll keep you in mind. See you around, IF."
Rei finished reading a bedtime story for Peashy, and the girl drifted peacefully into sleep. The gift Neptune left for Peashy was placed on the desk next to Peashy's notebook. It was an interesting and thoughtful gift from the mysterious and strange girl. To act on the side of caution, however, Rei would have to contact one of the local spellcasters for assistance. Neptune may not have had any sort of evil intent, but unchecked magical items were to be identified for their stability level. The last thing Rei wanted was for Peashy to hold onto something that could cause her harm. Fortunately, the established rule with any magically created item was that nothing was guaranteed to happen in one week. Rei knew the spellcaster was currently out of town but would be back within two days.
I still have some time left before I go to sleep. I might as well watch some shows or catch up on the news.
That was the excuse Rei made up for herself to justify her eating the leftovers of her ice cream in the fridge. Rei gently closed Peashy's door and made her way downstairs to the kitchen. After grabbing a spoon to go with her case of frozen treat, Rei made her way to the living room to relax on the couch. The television was on the Famitsu News channel, which talked about the latest trending craze happening in Planeptune. Rei started digging into her ice cream, enjoying the taste of her dessert. It almost made her forget the stress of tonight, even if nothing actually threatened her life or hurt her. Famitsu suddenly stopped talking when a woman appeared from the side to whisper something in the reporter's ear. This had to be important for the broadcast to be interrupted, and judging by Famitsu's eyes widening, it was about to get lively and interesting.
"It seems that the Planeptune Basilicom has issued a nationwide announcement. As we are a news network under a binding contract, we will be stopping our normal routine for this important government address." Famitsu stated before bowing her head. "For any of our regulars tuning in for the scheduled programming, I apologize on behalf of our studio for this inconvenience. We'll be back after this Basilicom announcement."
The screen faded to black briefly before a view of the Basilicom rooftop appeared. Standing in the center of the courtyard was a lone woman, but not just any person. It was the goddess statue she passed by every day on her way to work. That was Purple Heart in the flesh, and she stood there confidently with her arms crossed, eyes closed, and head slightly tilted downward. Rei could see various figures hanging in the background doing their best to stay off the screen. The statue did not do the goddess' beauty enough justice, and when Purple Heart opened her eyes and looked up to stare into the camera, that was enough for Rei's heart to race. If smiles could kill, then the one Purple Heart unleashed was sure to have killed thousands.
"Hello, Planeptune. If you know me, then I'm glad for it. If you don't, then it's time for you to know who I am." Purple Heart began as her eyes shined with ferocity. "I'm Purple Heart, your goddess and your protector."
Purple Heart sighed as the confidence she had faded, but it was only brief. In that sigh was sorrow, but for what reason is anyone's guess. Rei believed it to be sadness that she knew what was happening in the land. A figure appeared from the right, and it was none other than Oracle Plutia. Rei remembered the documentary made on Plutia's past and how it shaped her decision to become an Oracle. Rei believed Plutia's past to be inspiring because of the hardship Plutia went through. The Oracle fought the battle against her body, and after seizing victory, she challenged the enemies of Planeptune. Whether it was criminals in the cities or monsters roaming Planeptune, Plutia did the best she could, and that was why people loved her.
"I wish I could say that sincerely. About being your protector." Purple Heart continued despite the frown Plutia gave her on national television. "History had been lost to time, but I'll tell you where I've been. I was fighting a pointless war against the other goddesses for the supposed title of 'True Goddess' away from Gamindustri."
True Goddess? Is that why all the other goddesses disappeared? Rei found herself confused at the reasoning for the goddess's disappearance from Gamindustri. They were fighting each other for a century for a title? That's...
"A pathetic reason, isn't it?" Purple Heart let out a sardonic laugh as she shook her head. "It was a supposed title meant to grant the bearer the right for everyone in Gamindustri to follow and believe in them. I believed in such a reward at the time because I thought it would help Planeptune. I left the battle because I realized something about that title."
The general of Planeptune moved to the other side of Purple Heart. Rei personally never met Iris, and she was not looking for the opportunity to do so. Iris was probably a good person if her sister Plutia was any indication. The problem was the threatening aura and sadistic tendencies she had on the battlefield. Monsters were cruel beings, but that did not mean humans had to stoop to their level either. Iris inspired fear in the creatures whose only instinct was to attack humanity. If the Console War had not entered a ceasefire, Iris would likely cause despair to her enemies whenever she decided to fight.
"A 'True Goddess' is not something you earn in some pointless fight without end." Purple Heart raised one hand up as she summoned her sword. "It is earned through the effort you put in for your people. For their happiness. Something the other goddesses and I have stopped doing for a hundred years. However, that changes today for me."
Purple Heart plunged her sword into the ground in front of her. She made a beckoning motion with both hands, and soon enough, other Basilicom members joined her and stood at attention. Rei could not help but tear up a little at Purple Heart's answer. It was clear to Rei that Purple Heart had a lot of time to think about her battles against the goddess. Purple Heart wanted to come back home to her people, and she looked genuinely torn at abandoning her people for so long. Rei was sure there were other people out there that did not believe this speech one bit, but Rei was not them.
"Planeptune was founded under the idea of progress. From this day forth, I take the next step forward to that with your real protectors." Purple Heart looked at everyone around her with pride. "I'm just lending them my strength. In time, I hope that I can earn the right again for you all to call me your goddess and protector."
The goddess suddenly changed form into a familiar figure. It loosened Rei's grip on her spoon as she dropped it into her open ice cream box. The person standing there now that was Purple Heart's human form was Neptune. Rei had met her goddess and did not even know it back then. Inside Rei's head, she was screaming at herself at the realization she did not do enough for Purple Heart. This was likely going to haunt Rei for the rest of her short life as a human. The other people around Purple Heart did their best not to look surprised, but Neptune continued forward with her speech undeterred by the fact she suddenly switched off her goddess form.
"No apology is going to bring back the loved ones you lost from the monsters in our lands. I wish my apology could heal you from your pain if you've lost something or someone because of them." Neptune kept going as the sword disappeared. "Instead, I'm going to do my best and make sure no one else goes through what you were forced to. I'm going to take the fight to the monsters, avenge the lost, and secure a safer future for all of you. I'll see you all soon."
Neptune's final act was a wink before the screen switched back to Famitsu News. The reporter in question looked about as stunned as the rest of Planeptune was. Rei jumped as the sounds of cheers from other houses and the streets reached her ears. The speech Neptune made certainly did its job to raise the people's spirits. Famitsu looked at the stack of papers in her hand and placed them down on the desk in front of her. The reporter took a deep breath before she let loose a quick fist pump. Famitsu's celebration was short-lived before she returned back to her normal demeanor and began to speak.
"You heard it here, folks. Our goddess is back and ready to start making some exciting changes." Famitsu answered with much more zeal than before the announcement. "We have history in the making with a ton of questions in the air. Rest assured that Famitsu News will do its best to get an exclusive interview with our goddess. That's all the time we have for tonight, so like Lady Purple Heart, I'll see you all soon in the next broadcast."
That had been an off-the-cuff speech, but Iris admitted it was effective nonetheless. The Basilicom staff members let loose their applause, and Iris felt compelled to do the same. Purple Heart made a big promise, and if it came from anyone else, she would think the person was posturing. This was their goddess with powers that scaled differently than most warriors. Once the applause died down, the Basilicom employees moved to give their goddess space and returned back to their duties down in the main hall. A few stragglers still stuck around to speak to Purple Heart, to shake her hand, or to bow their heads to her. Purple Heart took their appreciation in stride with a smile and an embarrassed blush. If Purple Heart was not their goddess, Iris might have had different types of thoughts about the woman.
What a shame I have to maintain professionalism. I would have liked a shot at a cutie like her. Iris knew there were others in the Basilicom that likely had those fleeting attractions for their goddess. Still, it's weird she transformed in the middle of her speech. I wonder what that was about? Was it intentional?
"That was a good speech, Lady Purple Heart." Iris offered her own praise as the others made way for her to speak to the CPU. "You really wanted to get the word out that you're back."
"I just wanted them to know before any viral videos of me went live." Purple Heart explained her reasoning. "Also, I'd like you and Plutia to call me Neptune. We're going to be working closely together, so it would feel better calling me by my name."
"If that's what you want, Neptune." Iris agreed without protest before hearing the sound of growling coming from their goddess' stomach. "Seems what you also want is food too."
"I'll let the chefs know to send their best dishes to your room." Plutia said before realizing what she said. "Oh, right! You haven't been to your room in ages. We've done some renovations to it to keep up with the times, but all the belongings you left behind are still there."
"Ah, my room...To be honest, I forgot what I even left behind." Neptune admitted sheepishly as she rubbed her neck. "Can I speak to you two in my room?"
"Sure, I have matters I want to talk about with you too. I'll lead the way to your room." Plutia started walking and motioned Iris to follow too. "Come on, Big Sis. Let's go."
Plutia led them away from the Basilicom rooftops to Neptune's personal quarters. Very few people were allowed access to the room because there was the belief Purple Heart resided there with them in spirit. Maids escorted by security and important figures like Plutia and Iris were allowed in, but Iris never really went in there aside from one instance. When they reached the room, Plutia had to spend a few minutes registering Neptune into the scanner system. Once that was done, Neptune placed her hand on the hand on the holographic scanner in front of the door. It hummed briefly before glowing green and vanishing as the doors slid open. The room was spacious with plenty of high-quality furniture, a master bedroom, and a balcony with a view of the city. Iris saw her small safe box was where she left it a year ago.
"What's this?" Neptune looked at the gift Iris left behind.
"A gift of mine for you." Iris answered as she moved to Neptune's side and picked up the box. "Of course, it wasn't like I was expecting you to show up during my time. Just one of the latest marvels of weapon engineering I thought you might have found useful. If you hadn't shown up by the time I retired, I would have likely taken this back to the armory."
Iris typed in the code on the box, and inside was a handgun. Most of the military was using a combination of melee weapons and firearms for those that lacked magic aptitude. Guns used bullets that were projectiles that used kinetic force, but the one in her hand was the first of its kind. Rather than gunpowder, the ammunition was energy built into the pistol. This handgun did not need to be fed ammunition from magazines, and it theoretically had infinite ammo by that logic. However, it could not be fired rapidly and infinitely because the pistol had a built-in heatsink function to prevent it from blowing up in the user's hand from overuse of its self-sufficient energy. A dangerous weapon to the normal human, but in the hands of a goddess, it could be a handy secondary weapon. Sword users in the military were required to keep at least a handgun as a precaution, so Neptune needed one too, and the best Iris could offer her was in her hands.
"A handgun that uses a self-regenerating energy core built into the weapon. Infinite ammo, but its fire rate is capped to prevent any unwanted consequences." Iris explained as Neptune took the pistol to inspect it. "No other nation has developed this kind of weapon yet. We're still trying to figure out how to build it in mass production, but this is the first successful model."
"This'll definitely be helpful blasting monsters." Neptune closed her eyes as a glow enveloped the pistol. The firearm vanished, leaving Iris confused on where it went until Neptune explained. "I locked the weapon to me, so I can basically summon it like I do my sword."
"Can you do that to anything?" Iris was curious about the length of her ability. "Maybe even a vehicle?"
"Nope. I can only link two objects to me." Neptune shook her head. "And nothing so massive as a car, though that would be neat if I could."
The sound of a bell ringing alerted Iris and Neptune to Plutia opening the door. In strolled a team of security escorting maids pushing carts with trays of food on them. The servants bowed their heads before quickly moving to place the food on the table in the kitchen area. Neptune's stomach growled as it was hard for Iris to smell the delicious aroma coming from the dishes. After the delivery team exited, the three all took a seat at the table. Plutia grabbed her tablet out and placed it beside her dish. Iris wondered if Caelus wanted to speak with Purple Heart, but it could be for another time.
"Neptune, after dinner I'd like to take your measurements." Plutia said as Neptune picked up a fork.
"Eh? My measurements? Why?" Neptune blinked at Plutia before looking down at her clothes. "Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?"
"Iris gave you a gift, but I've yet to give mine." Plutia had that passionate shine to her eyes as she stared at Neptune's clothes. "I just want to make my own style of the clothes you have on. When I'm not needed for my Oracle duties, I do some tailoring on the side."
"Uh...sure! I'd be glad to try on your stuff." Neptune nodded her head. "Is your outfit?..."
"Yes, I made it myself." Plutia was proud of her own works. "I promise it will not disappoint you."
"For sure! Your outfit looks great!" Neptune praised Plutia, who blushed happily at the compliment. "I need to play catch up, so out with the old and in with the new."
There would be time for serious talks tomorrow, but for now, in this moment, a nice dinner would help bond the three together. They had to be a united front, and what better way than food and casual chatter?
Hello there, Nep readers! Welcome back with another chapter update.
Admittedly a smaller chapter compared to the opening first, but this chapter length is my standard for chapters going forward.
The word range per chapter is 6-7k is the intended goal. Maybe even more if the scenes permit it.
Thank you all for your follows, favorites, and reviews showing support for the story. All those matter, so don't be afraid to say anything in the reviews.
Now onto some responses!
trentmillenium619: The original story never continued which was a real shame, so I took matters into my own hand to want to continue it. You're going to see a lot of new and altered old scenes, so it keeps things interesting. That was the deal I made with the original writer. The original story is still open if you want to make comparisons, but I still have some ways to go before I catch up to the original story.
Chaos. Creator Of The Universe: Ha ha, is that so? I guess the Nep spirit in me wanted to make a miracle of my own for a story I wanted continued.
Lyrista: Yes, this is an attempt. Whether I succeed or fail is up in the air. I just want to give a fair effort at trying though. The original story did get dark in certain moments with proving characters are all susceptible to death. You'll just have to find out in the future chapters I have being developed.
Knight25: I'm happy that you remembered the original story. Hope you stick around and comment more on this as your support is always appreciated.
goldenFoxSpirit: I'm glad it was a good surprise for you and I hope this chapter was a good read for you.
Those are the responses at the time of this chapter update, so I will see you all in the next one.
Happy reading!