The following morning Neptune, Nepgear, Vert and Marvy headed downstairs. Neptune wore a determined look in her eyes which caught everyone off guard. “You must really want to know why Sam wants these monsters killed, huh?” Nepgear asked, folding her hands together behind her and bending slightly forward to talk in Neptune’s ear.
“Yep! It’s been bothering me ever since he gave us that list and I demand to know the truth!” Neptune said.
When the girls reached the bottom landing of the stairs they turned their eyes towards Sam, but were surprised to see the man wasn’t there. “Where’s Sam?” Neptune asked, making her way towards the counter.
Jane looked up from her work. “He didn’t stay for breakfast this morning. I think I might have really upset him yesterday.” Said Jane.
“Well if you talk to him tell him to get his hopes up! Were going to kill the last two monsters on his list.” Neptune said, as she took a seat at the counter.
Jane smiled warmly at Neptune before she placed a bowl of oatmeal down in front of her. “Sorry, but I don’t have anything fancy for you this morning.” Jane said, sighing deeply. “To be honest. I’ve been running out of food for a while now.”
“Oh…” Neptune said, looking down at her meal.
“Oh no!” Jane said, shaking her head. “I don’t mean personally. I have plenty of food for myself. Just food for the restaurant.”
“Still…” Nepgear began.
Jane shook her head once more. “No. I promise you. It’s fine.” Said Jane. “I’ve been thinking about closing down this restaurant for a while now. This town is dying. Hardly anyone is living here anymore. At this point, I feel kind of crazy for keeping it open.”
Neptune shook her head. “You’re not crazy.”
“She’s right.” Said Vert. “I don’t blame you for holding on as long as you could.” Vert took a seat next to Neptune, Nepgear took a seat on her other side and Marvy sat down next to Nepgear.
“Thanks.” Jane said, as she placed a bowl of oatmeal down in front of the girls.
The girls quickly finished their breakfasts before they headed outside. “We’ll be back!” Neptune said, saluting.
“Be careful out there!” Jane said.
Once the girls were outside Nepgear pulled out her N-Gear and looked down at the screen. “Okay. The first monster we need to deal with is the Land Whale. It’s closer to this village then the Regulus.”
“Sounds good. Let’s do it!” Neptune said.
“Hold on.” Said Vert, tapping her lower lip thoughtfully. “I was thinking. In this case do we really need to go together? Why don’t we split up and deal with these monsters in groups? Nepgear and I will deal with the Land Whale, while Marvy and Neptune deal with the Regulus.” Vert offered.
“I’m okay with that.” Said Marvy.
“Sounds good! Let’s get this done quick then!” Neptune said.
Nepgear held out her N-Gear so that Neptune and Marvy could see where the Regulus was located. “Alright. I think I got it.” Marvy said, nodding. “Thanks Nepgear! Be safe you two!”
“You as well!” Nepgear said, before she holstered her N-Gear and started walking away with Vert.
“That was a good idea.” Said Neptune, jamming her hands into her parka’s pockets. “I’m surprised I didn’t come up with it myself.”
“To be honest. As easy as these monsters have been, I think we could have split up on the first day and took care of this quest immediately.” Said Marvy.
“Yeah, yeah. Better sorry then safe.” Said Neptune.
Marvy giggled. “I think you mean. Better safe then sorry.”
Neptune shook her head. “Nah. That doesn’t sound right. Whatever. Let’s get going Marvy! Time to work!”
“Okay. Though I’m a little surprised you were cool with Vert and Nepgear going off together.”
Neptune stopped in her tracks. “Wait a second… Why did I let them go off together?” Neptune turned on her heels and was about to chase after Nepgear, but Marvy stopped her. “Sorry Neptune. No time to go back. We have to find that Regulus and kill it.
“No! Nepgear!” Neptune cried, as Marvy dragged Neptune behind her.
***
“Uh Vert?” Nepgear began.
“Isn’t it nice that were hunting a monster together Nepgear?” Vert asked. “Especially in this weather. The sun’s shining bright, the air is warm. I have an idea! How about after we kill this monster, we have a picnic?”
“That sounds nice, but…” Nepgear looked down at her hand which Vert was holding onto. “Is it really safe to hold hands like this?”
“Why would it be unsafe for two sisters to hold hands?” Asked Vert.
Nepgear giggled nervously. “Sisters, huh?” She said. Nepgear held her N-Gear in her other hand. As they girls walked, Nepgear thought about her sister. “I hope Neptune and Marvy can find that Regulus. Marvy’s there, so I’m sure she can find it no problem.” Nepgear thought.
After a few more moments of walking, the girls found the Land Whale they were looking for. The Land Whale was a large monster that looked like a fish, that floated above the ground. The creature floated through the air like a bird.
“There it is.” Nepgear said, as she holstered her N-Gear. Nepgear tried to pull her hand away, but Vert refused to let it go. “Uh? Vert? We need to fight the Land Whale now?”
“Oh? Would you like me to let go of your hand?” Asked Vert. “I will if you call me big sister!”
“B-Big sister?” Nepgear muttered. “But… Neptune is my-” Before Nepgear could say another word, the giant Land Whale roared loudly as it flew at the two girls.
Vert pulled Nepgear close to her chest. “Whoa!” Nepgear cried, before she found herself face first between Vert’s breasts. The Land Whale flew past Nepgear and Vert, missing both girls by mere inches. Vert leapt backwards, carrying Nepgear with her. Once Vert’s feet touched the ground she looked angrily at the Land Whale.
“How dare you interrupt a loving moment between two sisters!” Vert said, before turning her eyes to Nepgear. “Are you alright dear? Did that nasty monster hurt you?”
“I’m okay.” Nepgear said, her cheeks were bright red.
“Good. Now let me deal with this monster.” Vert stepped around Nepgear and summoned her spear. After that she ran after the Land Whale. “Take this!” Vert cried, as she began stabbing the Land Whale in several different places.
The Land Whale roared angrily, as it suddenly turned. The creature slammed it’s tail into Vert’s body, knocking the girl backwards. Vert flipped through the air several times, before she slammed her feet into the ground and skidded to a halt. A smile appeared on Vert’s face. “Not bad.” She breathed.
“Vert? Are you okay?” Nepgear cried, as she summoned her energy sword.
“I’m fine Nepgear.” Said Vert. “This Land Whale is tougher than I thought it would be.”
“It’s okay. We can kill it together!” Nepgear said, as she aimed the tip of her energy sword at the monster.
Vert and Nepgear attacked the monster at the same time. Nepgear leaped into the air and swung her sword several times at the Land Whale. Once again the monster roared angrily and twirled in the air, but before it could slam it’s tail into Nepgear, Vert had landed on the creatures back and stabbed her spear into the creature’s tail.
“Thanks Vert!” Nepgear cried, as she landed on the whale and stabbed the creature’s back with her sword.
The Land Whale opened it’s maw wide, before it vanished in a flash of white light.
Nepgear and Vert landed on the ground below. “We did it!” Nepgear cheered.
Vert leapt at Nepgear and threw her arms around the girl’s body. “Yes we did! Nothing can stop us as long as were together Nepgear!” Vert said, cuddling close to Nepgear.
“Yeah…” Nepgear said, her cheeks grew bright red once more.
***
Neptune and Marvy walked side-by-side as they made their way to where the Regulus was supposed to be located. Neptune started humming once they left the village and now she was pretending to play a guitar.
“Do you know how to actually play a guitar?” Marvy asked.
“Nope, but I think I would look pretty cool with one.” Said Neptune, as she continued to strum the strings on her invisible guitar. “I know someone who plays. Maybe I’ll bug them and make them teach me.”
“Really? That’s neat. I don’t thing I know anyone who can play an instrument.” Said Marvy.
“They seem difficult. I think you’d have to have a good ear to play one.” Said Neptune, dropping her arms to her sides. “Anyways. Do you think Nepgear’s going to be okay? I’m worried she might get attacked or mauled.”
“Don’t worry. Nepgear’s pretty strong. I‘m sure she can deal with any monster herself.” Said Marvy.
“Monsters? No, I’m talking about Vert.” Said Neptune.
“Oh…” Marvy said, taken aback. “I’m sure Vert can control herself… somewhat.” Marvy’s voice went low.
“Huh?” Said Neptune.
“Nothing.” Said Marvy, shaking her head. “Anyways, we should be reaching the Regulus soon.
“Yeah. Let’s hurry and-” Neptune began.
“DAMMIT!” A voice echoed out from nearby.
“Come on!” Neptune cried, as she and Marvy started running. The two girls ran through a grove of trees and soon found themselves standing in front of a Regulus. This Regulus looked exactly like the last one that Neptune fought.
“Over there!” Marvy said, pointing to the left side of the clearing.
Neptune quickly spotted what Marvy was pointing out. Standing near the edge of the clearing was Sam. Sam had his laser rifle pointed at the Regulus. The man’s left shoulder was bleeding. “Uh oh. The old guy looks like he’s in trouble!” Neptune said.
“We better hurry!” Said Marvy.
“Right!” Neptune said, as she started running as fast as she could at Sam. As Neptune ran, she noticed that the Regulus looked like it was poised to attack. “Come on Neptune! HURRY!” Neptune leapt at Sam as fast as she could, but instead of grabbing him, instead she activated her barrier.
Just as the barrier appeared, the Regulus appeared in front of Neptune and swung it’s sword. The blade slammed into the barrier, causing sparks to shoot into the air.
“What are you doing here?!” Sam demanded.
“I could ask you the same thing!” Neptune said, as she struggled to keep standing. Even though the barrier wasn’t connected to Neptune, she could still feel the force of the Regulus. The machine was powerful and it threatened to drive her into the ground like a stake.
Just when Neptune thought she was going to lose her grip on her barrier, Marvy appeared and kicked the Regulus hard in the shoulder, sending the robot reeling away.
“Are you two okay?” Marvy asked, landing on the ground and unsheathing one of her katana.
“Uh… Give me a second.” Neptune said, as she deactivated her barrier and held her hand towards Sam.
Sam furrowed his brow. “I’m not holding hands with you.”
“Hehe… Your loss!” Neptune said. “HEAL!” The wound on Sam’s shoulder started to glow brightly, before it closed up. “How does that feel old man?” Neptune asked.
“Better. And I’m not old.” Said Sam.
“We’ll talk later, okay? Just go somewhere and hide for now grandpa.” Said Neptune, turning her eyes back towards the Regulus. “Let’s do this Marvy!”
“I’m ready!” Marvy said, and with those words the two girls charged at the Regulus as fast as they could. The moment Neptune and Marvy were close enough, they leapt at the robot and swung their swords.
The Regulus managed to block Marvy’s katana, but Neptune was able to cut into the robot’s chest, sending sparks flying into the air. The Regulus stumbled backwards, but managed to plant it’s feet into the ground. After that the robot readjusted his grip on his sword.
“Not bad, but were much better! Right Marvy?” Said Neptune.
“You know it!” Said Marvy, smiling.
After that, Neptune and Marvy leapt at the Regulus once more. The Regulus tried to knock the girls away, but they were much faster. They easily dodged the robot’s sword in mid-air, before they sliced through the robot’s body. After that the Regulus vanished in a bright white light.
“That does it!” Neptune said, happily. “Sam? Where are you?” Neptune cried.
“I’m here. I’m not deaf.” Sam said, gruffly.
Neptune turned to Sam and crossed her arms angrily in front of her. “Care to explain yourself?”
“No.” Said Sam. “I thought you and your friends decided to leave. I had to kill the last two monsters myself.”
“You killed the Land Whale?” Marvy asked.
Sam didn’t answer. Instead he made a growling noise under his breath. “Where’s your sister and the other one?” Sam asked.
“They took care of the Land Whale.” Said Neptune. “Seriously Sam. You’re an ancient old guy, you have to take care of yourself!”
“You keep making me older.” Said Sam, annoyed.
“And what would happen if you got really hurt? Or killed? Jane would suddenly have a really sad back story. As interesting as those are in games, no one wants one in real life. You should be ashamed.” Said Neptune, matter-of-factly.
Sam swallowed hard. “Yeah. Mind your own business.” The man said.
Neptune felt herself getting angry, but all that anger vanished when she noticed that Sam’s eyes looked a little moist. “Yeah well whatever. Let’s head back to Jane’s! I want pudding and dinner and a dinner with nothing, but pudding!” Said Neptune, gleefully.
“You eat too much pudding,” Sam said.
“Mind your own business!” Neptune said, her voice was filled with sarcasm.
***
By the time Neptune, Marvy and Sam made it back to Jane’s, Nepgear and Vert were waiting for them. “Welcome back big sister.” Nepgear said.
Neptune didn’t say a word as she ran over to her sister, took the girl by the hand and led her away from Vert.
“Dad. Where were you?” Jane asked, from behind the counter. “I was worried when you didn’t come back for your nap.”
“Mind your…” Sam began, but stopped himself from saying anything further. “No. I’m sorry Jane.” Sam said. “I have no excuses for my behavior. I’m just sorry. I won’t try to convince you to stay in this town, or sell this restaurant. Your mother loved this restaurant a lot, but I know she wouldn’t want you to feel miserable here.”
“Dad… I…” Jane began, but she couldn’t find the right words.
“It’s okay Jane.” Said Sam, forcing a smile. “I just want you to know that I love you and I’m proud of you and no matter what, I’m with you.”
Jane took a deep breath. Her eyes became moist and her lower lip started to tremble. “Th-thanks dad.”
“Oh… This is beautiful.” Neptune said, tears were trickling down her cheeks.
“Yeah. This is sweet.” Said Nepgear. Vert and Marvy also looked like they were close to tears as well.
“You know what would make this moment better?” Neptune said.
“Pudding?” Vert offered.
“Yes, but also… SAM WHY DID WE HAVE TO KILL THOSE FIVE MONSTERS?!” Neptune screamed.
Everyone in the restaurant jumped thanks to Neptune yelling. “Okay! I’ll tell you.” Sam said, taking a deep breath. “The reason I had you kill those five monsters is simple. The guild was offering a bounty on them. They were the highest paying bounties I could find. After that, when I saw you four heading into the village I had a feeling you could fight these monsters. That’s why I made the deal.”
“Wait. So you had us fight five monsters so you could collect the bounty on them?” Nepgear asked, making sure she heard Sam correctly.
“That’s right.” Said Sam, nodding.
“Huh… Not sure how to feel about that.” Said Nepgear.
“If it makes you feel any better. I plan on donating that money to the village’s restoration.” Said Sam. “I love this village. It’s my home and I plan on taking care of it.”
“That’s nice.” Said Nepgear.
“Pudding would also be nice.” Said Neptune.
Jane giggled from behind the counter. “Dinner first. Pudding second.”
***
The following morning Neputne, Nepgear, Vert and Marvy headed downstairs. After they ate their breakfast. They said bid Sam and Jane farewell. “We’ll miss you four.” Jane said, shaking Neptune’s hand.
“Be safe out there.” Said Sam.
“Aww! Sam? Are you going to miss us?” Neptune asked.
“With every laser blast so far.” Sam said, gesturing towards his laser rifle.
Neptune giggled. “Oh Sam! I’m going to miss you too!”
“Everyone?” Marvy began. “I know this is short notice, but I’m gong to stay.” Neptune, Nepgear, Vert, Sam and Jane turned their eyes towards Marvy. Each one wore a surprised look on their faces. “Like I said. It’s short notice, but I’ve been giving this some thought. I want to stay here and help restore this village too.”
“That sounds lovely, but are you sure?” Vert asked, a look of concern appeared on her face.
“I am. If you two don’t mind.” Marvy said, looking at Sam and Jane.
“It’s up to you.” Sam said, in his usual gruff demeanor.
Jane folded her hands together in front of her. “Of course you can stay! You’re more then welcome!”
“Thanks!” Said Marvy, smiling brightly.
Neptune took a deep breath. “Geesh Marvy! I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you three as well.” Said Marvy.
Nepgear took a step closer to Marvy. “I understand and respect your decision, but could you do us a favor? Please keep using the Fairy Tower if you can. I have a feeling were going to need help at the end of all this. I can’t say why, but I think were going to need you again.”
Marvy nodded. “Anytime, anywhere.” Marvy said, holding her fist out.
“Thanks!” Nepgear said, as she pressed her fist against Marvy’s.
After everyone finished saying their goodbyes Neptune, Nepgear and Vert continued their journey to activate the fourth Fairy Tower.
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