Two days had passed since the girls had met Marvy and said their goodbyes to Broccoli, who chose to stay behind and sleep under Marvy’s kotatsu. As the girls walked they didn’t run into any other problems. They did battle a few monsters that got in their way, but besides that they didn’t really have any problems.
When the girls finally reached the third Fairy Tower, Neptune inserted the flash memory stick into the USB port and watched as the Fairy Tower came to life. “Congratulations. You activated another Fairy Tower.” Said Histoire, smiling warmly at Neptune. “You only have three more left.”
“Great!” Neptune said, as she looked past the Fairy Tower at the large city in the distance. “So that’s Leanbox, huh?” She asked.
“That is correct.” Said Histoire.
“Any updates on Yvoire?” Nepgear asked.
Histoire closed her eyes and shook her head. “Unfortunately no. The authorities did reach the village called New Leanbox, but they said that Yvoire had fled before they arrived.”
“I see…” Nepgear said, before she forced a smile. “Thanks for letting us know Histoire.”
“Of course.” Said Histoire, bowing to Nepgear. Histoire sat up and looked into the eyes of each of the girls. That’s when she noticed that Broccoli was missing. “Hello MarvelousAQL. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken with you. Or do you still prefer being called Marvy?”
“Hello Histoire.” Marvy said. “You can call me Marvy of course. Funny how the only memory I have of you are new ones that still seem hazy.”
“Yes. I understand.” Histoire said, giggling. “You’re a very diligent girl. I have no doubt you’ll be of great help to Neptune and the others.”
“Thanks.” Marvy said.
After that Histoire turned her eyes to Nepgear. “Now then. I’ll go ahead and send you the location of the next Fairy Tower.”
Nepgear pulled out her N-Gear and looked down at the information. “It looks like the next tower is on another mountain.”
Vert made her way over to Nepgear and glanced down at the information on the screen. “I see. Looks like were headed to Ms Mountain next.”
Histoire noticed Neptune’s eyes closed partially and her shoulders sagged, but she quickly forced a smile. “So were back to mountain climbing, huh? As long as we don’t run into any polar bears wearing shades or kids with mallets, then I don’t mind.” Said Neptune, stretching her hands over her head.
“Actually.” Histoire said, her voice caught everyone’s attention. “I would like to suggest that you take a few days off from your quest and visit Leanbox.”
“Really? Yeah!” Neptune cheered.
“Are you sure Histoire?” Nepgear asked. “We really should hurry up and activate the rest of the Fairy Towers.” Even though Nepgear was pushing back against Histoire’s offer, she was actually relieved. “Now I’ll have a chance to break into Leanbox’s Basilicom and search for the original Histoire!” Thought Vert.
“I agree that the Fairy Towers are important, but so is resting. Please. Go to Leanbox and rest.” Histoire insisted.
Vert took a deep breath. “That actually sounds nice to me. I personally wouldn’t mind taking my lovely Nepgear on a date!”
“D-Date?” Nepgear stammered, her cheeks grew bright red and her eyes went wide.
“Don’t worry.” Vert said, giggling. “It’s normal for two sisters to go on dates!”
“In that case…” Neptune said, as she took Nepgear by the hand. “Let’s go on a date Nepgear!” And with that, Neptune pulled Nepgear behind her as she ran towards Leanbox as fast as she could.
“Wait up!” Vert cried, as she started running after Neptune and Nepgear.
“Wait for me!” Marvy said, as she started chasing after the girls as well.
Nepgear wore a concerned look on her face. Not because of what Vert and Neptune had said, but because of another matter altogether. “Tonight I have to break into Leanbox’s Basilicom.”
***
When the four girls finally reached Leanbox, the first thing they did was find a hotel for them to stay in for the night. “We need two rooms please.” Vert said, to the woman behind the counter. “One for Neptune and Marvy and one for me and Nepgear.”
“Hey. If anyone’s sharing a room with Nepgear, it’s going to be me!” Neptune said, annoyed.
“Why don’t we leave it up to Nepgear?” Vert asked, turning her eyes to Nepgear. “Nepgear? Who would you like to stay with? Neptune? Or me?”
“How about Marvy?” Nepgear offered.
“No!” Vert cried.
Neptune giggled. “Ha! Ha! She doesn’t want to stay with you, she doesn’t want to stay with you!” Neptune said, in a sing-song like voice.
“She doesn’t want to stay with you either.” Vert said.
Neptune stopped singing immediately. “Hey, yeah! What’s up with that man?”
Nepgear held up her hands and giggled nervously. “Just kidding.” Nepgear said, before she lowered her hands. “I’d like to stay with Neptune. I’m actually pretty tired so could we hurry and get a room?”
Vert nodded. “Sorry about that.” She said, turning back to the lady behind the counter. “Two rooms please.”
After Vert paid for the two rooms, she handed one of them to Neptune. “I’ll stay with Marvy tonight. Okay?” She said.
“Sounds good to me.” Neptune said, eyeing Vert suspiciously. “Come on Nepgear. Let’s find our room.”
Nepgear followed Neptune down a long hallway. Neptune looked at each door until she found a number on a door that matched the key she held. After sliding the key into the lock, Neptune opened the door and the two girls stepped inside. “Here we are!” Neptune said.
The room was fairly small. Two beds were located on the left side of the room and a television was located on the right. Near the door of the hotel was a bathroom. “It’s small.” Neptune said.
“Yeah, but that’s alright.” Nepgear said, as she pulled off her backpack and sat it on the floor. After that Nepgear slid her shoes off her feet and laid down on a bed. “This is my bed.”
Neptune didn’t say anything as she pulled off her backpack. After that she plopped herself down on the bed next to Nepgear. “This is my bed too.” Neptune said.
Nepgear giggled. “Aw Neptune. Are you really that worried about Vert?”
Neptune shook her head. “Nah.”
“Don’t worry.” Nepgear said, snuggling up to her sister. “You’re still my favorite and only big sister.”
Neptune blushed. “Thanks.” Neptune said. “And you’re still my favorite and only baby sister.”
The two girls laid beside one another for several moments, but when they heard the sound of someone knocking on their door, they opened their eyes. “I’ll get it. You rest.” Neptune said, sitting up.
Neptune walked to the door and opened it. She wasn’t surprised to see Vert and Marvy standing on the other side. “You want to explore the city?” Asked Vert.
“Sure, but I think Nepgear’s down for a while.” Said Neptune.
“I’m getting up.” Nepgear said, as she rolled off the bed and made her way to the front door.
“Are you sure?” Neptune asked.
“Yeah.” Said Nepgear. “I just wanted to lay down for a second. I’ll be okay.”
“That’s fine.” Vert began, before pointing down at Nepgear’s feet. “You might want to put some shoes on first.”
***
A few moments later Nepgear, Neptune, Vert and Marvy walked up and down the streets of Leanbox taking in all the sites. “Every time I come to this city, I just feel at home.” Said Vert.
“Why haven’t you moved here yet?” Asked Neptune.
“I’m not sure. It’s not like I hate the home I’m living in. I just haven’t thought about moving I guess.” Vert admitted. Vert turned her attention to Nepgear, who looked like she was trying to find something.
“Are you alright, dear?” Asked Vert.
Nepgear quickly turned to Vert and smiled. “Yeah. I was just wondering where the Basilicom was. I was hoping we might be able to see lady Green Heart.” Said Nepgear, as she began scanning the buildings on Vert’s side.
“The Basilicom is right there.” Vert said. Nepgear followed with her eyes to the place that Vert was pointing towards. There she saw a large square building that was green and white in color. “It’s an impressive looking building, yes?”
“Yeah.” Nepgear said. “I wonder how I’m going to get into the Basilicom.” Thought Nepgear. Nepgear wanted to suggest getting closer, but decided not to say anything. “Everyone might get suspicious if reports come out tomorrow about an intruder.” Nepgear thought.
“Would you like to get closer?” Asked Vert.
“That’s okay. I doubt we’d be able to see lady Green Heart.” Nepgear said, surprised that she didn’t scream first. “Did I look like I wanted to get closer? Goodness, I better be careful!” Nepgear thought.
“If you’re sure.” Said Vert.
“Look!” Neptune said, stopping in her tracks.
Everyone turned to look at what Neptune was pointing at. “An arcade?” Said Marvy.
“Yes! I want to get closer to that!” Neptune said, taking Nepgear by the hand. “Come on Nepgear! Lady Green Heart might be in there!”
“I doubt it big sister.” Nepgear said, as Neptune led her into the building. Vert and Marvy followed close behind.
“I almost forgot that you played video games Neptune.” Vert said, a mischievous smile appeared on her face. “Though playing and living them are two different things.”
Neptune turned and narrowed her eyes at Vert. “Are you challenging me Vert?”
“Oh yes.” Vert said, pointing towards a nearby arcade cabinet. “I challenge you to a fighting game. If I win, Nepgear belongs to me.”
“And if I win?” Neptune asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
“Then I’ll adopt Nepgear.” Said Vert.
Nepgear giggled, but her smile vanished when Neptune began scratching her chin. “Wait big sister. Win or lose, I would belong to Vert.” She said.
“It’s a deal!” Neptune said, extending a hand to Vert. Vert happily took it.
“BIG SISTER!” Nepgear cried, but Neptune ignored her as she and Vert stepped up to the game cabinet. Nepgear puffed out her cheeks in anger and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“It’s okay Nepgear.” Marvy said, patting Nepgear on the shoulder. “Let’s have some fun! I challenge you to a fighting game as well! If I win, then I‘m the queen of the arcade. If you win you’re the queen.”
Nepgear turned to Marvy. “Thanks Marvy!” Nepgear said, smiling before suddenly going serious. “I accept your challenge and I will not lose!” And with those words, Nepgear and Marvy found an fighting arcade cabinet and began playing.
Several hours later the girls headed out of the arcade. “Bad news Nepgear…” Neptune began.
“Don’t tell me.” Said Nepgear, pretending to be angry.
“Did you two enjoy yourselves?” Vert asked, looking at Marvy and Nepgear.
“Yep!” Said Marvy.
“Marvy is no longer just a ninja. She’s also the queen of the arcade.” Nepgear said, bowing to Marvy.
“Thank you loyal subjects!” Marvy said, placing her hands high on her hips.
Nepgear glanced around the area. “It’s already dark. Should we get something to eat before we head back to the hotel?” Nepgear asked.
“Sounds good to me. I’m so hungry I could eat a Horsebird! A big one!” Neptune said, patting her stomach.
“That sounds good.” Said Vert. “I actually know a place.”
“Let’s do it!” Neptune said.
***
By the time the girls made it back to the hotel, the streets of Leanbox were nearly empty. Shops were closing down and the city seemed to slow down quite a bit. Neptune and Nepgear made their way back to their rooms after saying goodnight to Vert and Marvy. “That was fun, but now my belly and mind are full.” Neptune said, as she plopped down on a bed. “Are you going to watch TV?” Neptune asked.
“No.” Said Nepgear as she grabbed her backpack. “I wanted to update my N-Gear. So I’m going to stay awake a bit longer.”
“Oooh. What kind of update?” Neptune asked.
“Nothing special. Just updating virus protection and OS.” Said Nepgear.
“Sounds fun…” Neptune said, her eyes started to close. “I’m going to lay down. Give me a holler if you need anything.” And with those words, Neptune kicked off her shoes before climbing underneath her blankets. Moments later she fell into a deep sleep.
“Good night Neptune.” Nepgear whispered, before she pulled out her other N-Gear and grappling devices. “I’ll be back soon.”
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