Planeptune

Purple and black. Hoodie and dress. Tall and small. Twintails and short hair. Calm and impatient. Chaos and order. Main character and foil.

These contradictions were crystallized in the two CPUs Neptune and Noire. And these two strong girls and simultaneously strong contradictions were now engaged in the ultimate trial.

A date.

Noire: "How many times do I have to say that it's not a date?!"

Neptune: "Let the narrator do his thingy. I feel bad for cutting him off during the prologue."

Noire: "You can't let him spread misinformation."

While discussing meta things that nobody could really understand they passed through one of Planeptune's biggest parks. A place filled with greenery and a beautiful bubbling brook. The trees' leaves were moving in calming waves with every tug of the wind. An idyllic eye of the storm; the storm that was the city life.

Neptune: "Okay now he's getting too fancy."

Old woman: "Lady Purple Heart! It's so good to see you again."

An old lady called out to the pair and bowed her head in reverence to Neptune. The purple haired girl laughed and returned the greeting.

Young boy: "Lady Neptune, can we play catch again? Pretty please!"

Neptune: "Woah there boy wonder. I can't keep up with you at all, so cut me some slack~"

Young boy: "Ehehe! None of my friends can keep up with me either."

Neptune: "You should go win a big race or something."

Young boy: "Are you blessing me Lady Neptune?! Mom said I should ask for a blessing."

Neptune: "Yeah sure, be blessed by this holy hand or whatever!"

She patted the boy's head in an exaggerated manner and let him run home happily to tell his mother. More and more people came up to Neptune to either greet her, ask for blessings or other trivial favors.

Middle-aged man: "Yo Neptune, I got some leftover pears. Want one?"

He threw a few pears in the air like he was going to juggle them. His eyes were burning with the fire of competition.

Neptune: "You never give up, eh? Bring it on then!"

They stared each other down in the middle of the park. Noire was just part of the audience wondering what was going to happen.

Middle-aged man: "Mandarin Laputa Free Throooooow!"

Neptune: "TOO WEAK!"

The man's super-human throw was blocked by Neptune's mouth in an instant. She chewed down on the pear in victory. The man sank to his knees and punched the ground in despair.

Neptune: "Ahahah come back when you can throw with at least 10 times that speed!"

Middle-aged man: "I will surpass you yet Neptuuuuuuune!"

He yelled before running away in shame. The citizens applauded as Neptune bowed to her audience. Noire just looked on in confusion.

Neptune: "It's fine! If anyone wants to challenge me again I'm always ready. But right now I gotta do some important work, if ya know what I mean."

She winked and the citizens laughed.

Noire: (I don't know what you mean at all.)

Returning to her less impressed black haired partner, Neptune was all smiles.

Noire: "You sure are popular with everyone."

She commented. There was no other way to put it. Noire didn't understand how, but Neptune seemed to be the people's favorite.

Neptune: "Jealous~?"

Noire: "E-excuse me?! Lastation's citizens respect me much more than this! When I'm seen in the streets they- Hey stop ignoring me!"

But Neptune had already put her ears on autopilot. Instead she was using her eyes to lock on to something much more important.

Neptune: "Check it out! That's my favorite ice-cream stand in the city. Let's-a go-go!"

Once again poor Noire was dragged around by the wrist and completely subjugated to Nep's pace. They jumped over the brook and Neptune even dragged her through some bushes to take the absolute shortest route possible. Twigs and leaves got stuck in Noire's dress, which made her severely unhappy.

Neptune: "Aloha old man, how's it hangin- huh?"

She stopped mid-sentence and pointed at the 'owner' of the ice-cream stand. Something was very wrong.

Neptune: "Cybercon?!"

Cyberconnect2: "Oh hi there Neptune, Noire."

Her green eyes lit up in excitement at seeing her friends again. The tanned girl who was wearing fake fox ears and a fake fox-tail seemed completely out of place with a big ice-cream scooper in her left hand. Her green and white outfit stood in contrast to the red cart and yellow parasol.

Neptune: "What the nep? I was sure this was the old man's ice-cream stand."

Neptune put her arms behind her head and tapped her foot. Noire just caught up to them and was still pulling twigs out of her dress.

Neptune: "Watcha doing here Cybercon? Changed jobs?"

CC2: "Ahaha... this isn't actually my stand. It's a long story really."

Neptune: "Tell me!"

CC2: "Weeeell. I was just taking a tour around Planeptune, 'cause it's been a while. I was just on my way to get the newest issue of my favorite manga when it happened."

Noire: "By 'it' you mean...?"

CC2: "There was this old man with a funny hat. And he ran up to me and begged me to take over the stand for him until he was finished with some business. Must have been really important."

Noire: "He must have been desperate to ask a random bystander."

CC2: "To be honest with you, I never operated an ice-cream stand before. But I always wanted to try out scooping ice-cream with this thing!"

She grinned while showing off her scooper. With surprisingly coordinated moves she scooped a few balls out of the bowls and then put them back in.

Noire: "You are shockingly positive about this."

One of CC2's fox ears twitched in response. Were these things truly fake?

CC2: "People aren't that open to strangers in my hometown of Fukoka. It's a really nice feeling to be relied on by people here in Planeptune. I think it's admirable!"

Neptune: "Hehehe, are you impressed? This is the way we do things here."

Noire: "Don't act like it's an achievement or something."

Noire finger flicked Nep's head and sighed.

CC2: "So my good ladies, what can this inexperienced ice-cream vendor do for you?"

Neptune: "I'll take some old-fashioned vanilla. Wait, scratch that, make it vanilla with strawberry fillings! And a choco topping."

Noire: "Neptune..."

CC2: "Comin' right up!"

Noire: "You are going to make it?!"

CC2: "And you Noire?"

Noire was put on the spot. She was too busy being the straight man to actually notice her situation. Whatever would be fine, right?

Noire: "The same as Neptune then."

She blurted out. Nep put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a thumbs up. Were they comrades in ridiculous taste now?

While masterfully (seriously what about her movements was supposed to be inexperienced?) scooping the orders up and putting them into perfectly shaped cones CC2 made small talk with her customers.

CC2: "So are you two playing around all by yourselves today?"

Neptune: "Exactly correct and affirmative as well."

Noire: "Something like that."

CC2 grinned widely. With one eye closed she handed them their respective cones and cleaned up her scooper. Neptune was not even hesitating for a second before stuffing the ice-cream into her chubby (according to Noire anyway) face. Noire was far too dignified to slobber all over some ice-cream! She tenderly took a lick off the chocolate topping.

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CC2: "That's how it is, huh? Then I will give you two a couple's discount~"

Of course that kind of line had only one result. Noire missed her mouth by a mile and hit her cheek with the cold ice-cream.

Noire: "W-w—wait just a second! We aren't- I mean you can't!"

Neptune: "Ahaha you're so clumsy Noire! Look at your face."

She giggled while pointing at her partner. Noire blushed and pulled out a handkerchief from her blouse.

Noire: "I don't want to hear that out of your sticky dirty mouth!"

Indeed Neptune was much worse off than Noire in the dirty face department. Both her cheeks, lips and finally her nose had long since been invaded by sweet and creamy forces.

Noire wiped her own small mistake away. To her surprise Neptune kept staring at her. And then she stared some more.

Noire: "Ugh... fine geez. Get over here."

Carefully she wiped Neptune's small face with her handkerchief as well. Rubbing those cozy cheeks distorted the protagonist's face in all kinds of cute ways. Noire felt like she was taking care of her daughter or something.

Neptune: "We'll take the couple's discount."

Ah! She had used the opportunity to go behind Noire's back. CC2 nodded satisfied.

CC2: "Thanks for business! Enjoy the goods while they are still cold."

She took Noire's payment and send them off with a cool smile. As the duo walked away with their sweet spoils, CC2 mumbled to herself.

CC2: "Not like I know the actual prices in the first place."

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Neptune: "Yuuuum, that sure hit the weak spot! Massive damage to my sweet receptors~"

Noire: "It was actually really good."

She wasn't ashamed to admit that the ice-cream was to her liking. Sure, Neptune's order was weird, but with these ingredients you couldn't really go wrong. Now she wondered where CC2 learned to handle the scooper so well.

Neptune whistled happily and shook her legs back and forth. They were sitting on a wooden park bench together and enjoying the sun. When was the last time Noire had just sat down in the city and relaxed? It was maybe asking a little too much after yesterday's massage event, but she did feel like this was a good thing. Her body felt light, her mouth was still filled with the lingering sweetness of her snack and Neptune was a bundle of cheerfulness as always.

Really, maybe this was not such a bad idea after all.

Neptune: "Oh noooooooo!"

And the peace was tripped, kicked and then thrown out the window in one bitter yell. Noire furrowed her brows and looked at the anxious Neptune.

Noire: "What's wrong? Got a toothache?"

Neptune: "Nothing so trivial!"

Her face was pale and her hands were going through her hair in wild strokes. Whatever got her so worked up?

Neptune: "I'm a big dunderhead. Today's the once-in-a-lifetime-retro-sale at Chuko's!"

She jumped up and looked around as if to find the cause of her woes. Noire had no idea who Chuko was or why Neptune was getting so loud over a sale, but she dusted off her skirt and got up as well. Knowing Neptune, the next line of dialogue was only expected.

Neptune: "We have to go before the sale's over. Come with me if you want to live through it!"

Noire: "Don't be so dramati-iiiiiic?!"

A pillar of light and numbers engulfed Planetpune's CPU, giving rise to Purple Heart. Before Noire could even react she was already grabbed and pulled into the air, dangling like a sack of sand on a hot air balloon.

Noire: "W-wait a minute, I can transform and fly myself!"

Purple Heart: "My apologies, there is no time."

They were already gliding over a river and past the citizens below that were taking pictures. Noire hastily tried to push down both sides of her skirt with just one arm. This was super embarrassing!

Citizen 1: "Isn't that Lady Black Heart? Why is she being kidnapped by Lady Purple Heart?"

Citizen 2: "I almost got the right angle... There, snapped a pic."

Steamax: "White. A-as expected."

Citizen 3: "Woah, where did this robot come from?!"

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One rough ride on Neptune airlines later...

Noire was leaning on her knees and breathing rapidly. Her whole face was red. That was also partially due to anger.

Noire: "Why am I even here if you are just going to do your own thing...?"

She asked in Neptune's direction, but without a response. The de-transformed Neptune was already opening the doors of an old looking retro-game shop. So this was Chuko's place.

Just as they entered, a lanky looking middle-aged man was moving out with a huge pile of old consoles and games. Behind him echoed the voice of a familiar girl.

B-sha: "Nice making business with ya."

She waved him goodbye with a smug smile. Right afterwards she began carefully counting the money she made. It was an impressive amount.

Neptune: "B-shaaaa, tell me that sale isn't over yet!"

B-sha: "Oh? If it isn't Neptune."

That smirk was not boding well.

B-sha: "Sorry, but it just ended."

She shrugged unapologetically. Neptune frowned and pointed behind herself.

Neptune: "What about that dude then? He still got a deal."

B-sha: "Yep, but the sale ended 20 seconds ago."

Again that dismissive attitude of hers...

Neptune: "You're the devil! Cheapskate! Microtransaction demon!"

B-sha: "Hey it's a legitimate business. You don't see me badmouthing how you run your company."

Neptune: "My company is doing just golly. We're selling all the pics of Nep Jr. in all kinds of compromising poses and stuff!"

Noire: "Is that how you kept your Shares up?!"

This conversation was going nowhere good. Noire had half a mind to drag Neptune back out by force, but just as she was about to grab her by the hoodie, some new person arrived in the shop. The bell rang to signal the newcomer, but Noire didn't see anyone.

Chuko: "Siiiiiigh..."

Noire gazed downwards and realized who had appeared. It was a small white rat (or was it a mouse?)! It was incredibly cute looking, almost like a mascot character. Something seemed to really depress her though.

Chuko: "I'm back B-sha... O-oh welcome to my shop!"

While looking at B-sha she had noticed her two new customers. Her small feet tiptoed over in a rush and her apron waved to the sides. Noire had to suppress her instinct to pat the rat.

Chuko: "Neptune! It's good to see you around."

Neptune: "Chuko, your third rate shop clerk is being a cheapskate."

She puffed her cheeks out in full on hurt lioness mode. Chuko raised a brow and looked at B-sha who was suddenly very interested in her money. No, actually she was always interested in that. The rather big mouse shop owner already knew what was going on with a single glance.

Chuko: "The sale is going for another hour."

B-sha: "Ooops. I must have mixed it up with daylight savings time."

She shrugged again. Now Nep was not taking it anymore.

Neptune: "We don't even have that in this country o' mine! It would be way too annoying for my sleep schedule."

From indignation to laziness in a single line. Pure Neptune right there.

Chuko: "Now now, you can still get a bargain. All my prices are a bargain, you know that."

Her squeaky voice was filled with pride and a tinge of saleswoman charisma. Neptune couldn't keep the anger train going for very long and had already deflated. Instead she returned her attention to Noire.

Neptune: "Okay champ, listen to the game plan. You gotta grab anything rare you can find. Take it all! B-sha's going to regret ever crossing the invincible duo."

There was still some spite left over it seemed. Noire gave her a wry smile.

Noire: "I don't really care. And who is going to pay for this...?"

As they executed their strategy and browsed the store for hidden goods, the owner and shop clerk were having their own conversation.

B-sha: "Did you waste time on visiting that chump rat again?"

There was some exasperation in her words. Clearly this had been going on for a while. Chuko became defensive.

Chuko: "I j-just brought him one of the cheap games that didn't sell. It might encourage him to return. Rekindle his passion for the shop."

Could a white mouse blush? Chuko displayed it to the class.

Neptune: "Did that gray criminal Warechu skip his rehabilitation again? Is Nep gonna need to get out the hunting rifle?"

Chuko: "N-nothing like that! He has just been depressed lately."

Chuko seemed much more depressed to Neptune.

Neptune: "Don't worry. That guy is just a free spirit who can't be bound to an earnest sweat inducing occupation."

Chuko: "But I'm certain I can make him see..."

Neptune: "And if he returns to his addiction for becoming a low level antagonist in the next game, we'll just lock him up again and give him to Uzume as a second emergency ration~"

Chuko: "T-that won't be necessary! I'll make him work honestly for me."

Neptune: "I'm just kiddin'. No nep done. You got things under control, capitano."

She snickered at the flustered Chuko who huffed in response.

From a distance, behind one of the shelves, Noire was witnessing the exchange. Her eyes were focused on Neptune's relaxed face. Really, that airhead treated everyone like a friend. Former enemies, her citizens and even when she was arguing with someone she was having fun.

Then how would she treat a best friend? What made Noire special compared to anyone else? What made them closer than any of her other friends? She hadn't really put much thought to this yet. A contest over who was Noire's best friend? But that would imply that she was somehow above all their other friends. Or did she misunderstand? This was the first time she even had to think about the concept. N-not because she had been lonely all this time or anything!

Neptune: "That's one spacey look you got there. Did you get paralyzed by an evil ghost?"

Noire: "Hrnk?!"

An unfortunate noise escaped Noire's mouth as she bit her tongue.

Neptune: "Seriously?! Let me get my exorcism set real quick!"

Noire: "Shtop! Issnotzat."

Neptune: "Hehe, you fell for it. As if there was something as absurdly crazy as ghosts. Well except for those we crush in dungeons. Huh. Are those monsters or actual souls of people? Am I actually a high ranked exorcist?!"

Neptune's realization of the truth about the world was only a convenient breather to Noire. Her burning tongue recovered ever so slowly and she regained her ability to speak.

Neptune: "A-n-y-w-a-y. What's cooking? Did you find any rare treasures?"

Noire: "I-I c-couldn't find anything good in here."

Caught off guard and with nothing to show for herself Noire flung back one of her pigtails and looked the other way. Neptune raised a brow and then stretched her hand towards the shelf right in front of Noire. Swiftly she revealed the cover of an old-school Beat 'em Up. Rarity level: Legendary.

Neptune: "Were you even looking? I know you like your stuff all shiny and chrome, but you can't forget about the classics. Old stuff isn't bad. When you reverse your memory flow to the past in the future you will be seeing how crazy fun everything was. And then you'll want more of dat. Nostalgia bombs are the most powerful weapon in the world."

This genuine monologue was a rare moment of Neptune taking things more seriously than Lastation's CPU.

Noire: "You're making no sense."

She said quietly with a small smile. Of course she could appreciate retro games as well. Looking back on things fondly was nice sometimes...

Suddenly Noire felt an unexplained sting in her heart.

Looking back on things? Trying to get them back? Leaving... something behind...?

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After a successful haul they left with their loot. Chuko and (a slightly distraught) B-sha were bowing after them. The purchase was cheap considering the sheer amount of bags they were carrying.

Noire: (But why did I have to pay for it again?!)

Neptune: "Fufufufu, we should go to my place immediately and take a gander at our spoils. Let's put those suckers into the gaming oven and get baking~"

Noire adjusted a few of the bags that she was carrying for some reason and looked at a clock down the street. Her inner clock was pretty accurate, so it just confirmed her suspicion.

Noire: "The time limit is almost here. I have to meet up with K-sha soon."

It was just a natural reminder, but Neptune's reaction was completely weird.

She almost let go of her bags and twisted around. There was confusion written all over her face. And maybe a hint of fear?

Eventually the furrowed brows dissolved and Neptune's eyes widened in clarity. Things seemed to dawn on her and she looked at her feet.

Neptune: "R-right... the competition."

Noire: "Don't tell me you forgot already?"

Neptune: "Me? Who? Me? 'course not! Played way too much Brain Jogging to forget important things. My mind is as agile as that of a 14 year old."

Noire: "And you are actually proud of that too."

The raven haired goddess smiled wryly and then handed her bags to Neptune.

Noire: "We can play them together another time if you want."

She offered. Neptune nodded frantically.

Neptune: "I look forward to it!"

As Noire headed for the station and waved her fellow CPU goodbye over her shoulder she added quietly.

Noire: "I should at least take a look at the games I bought after all."

She shrugged self-derisively, but was surprised to see Neptune was still staying at her side. Apparently Nep decided to escort her to the train station. They didn't talk much until they arrived.

Noire: "I will see you later. I'll give you the results of this nonsense in the evening."

This time she really said goodbye and waved her hands a few times as the speed train took her away.

Neptune was left behind with a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. She really had forgotten about the contest. In truth she had just wanted to enjoy her time with Noire some more.

The image of Noire having fun with K-sha somewhere Neptune couldn't go was putting a heavy weight on her mind. The idea wasn't sitting well with her at all.

What was she going to do now? Plug those games into her console at home and play by herself? Forget about that feeling?

Neptune: "…"

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CC2: "Everyone, get a big scoop, a small scoop or just some lemonade! We got everything you could ask for, except a paycheck."

Cyberconnect2 was still working the ice-cream stand. The owner had long since returned, but because she had sold ice-cream for way less than she was supposed to she had to work overtime now. Aside from her misinformation about the prices, she actually had a good business sense. People were coming in droves and now she had added self-made lemonade to the inventory too.

CC2: "Everyone, get your deluxe ice-cream and especially remember: same Nep hour, same Nep channel! Get some free lemonade when you come back!"

To be continued