After Neptune and the other girls handed Yvoire over to the Leanbox authorities, they continued their journey to the final Fairy Tower. As the girls walked, Neptune kept grumbling about wanting to ride in a truck instead of walking to their last destination. However, Neptune quickly changed her tune when she noticed how rocky the ground became.
“Okay. I guess a truck wouldn’t make it out here.” Neptune said, as she began walking around large boulders. “But if we moved the boulders and got rid of a few of those pesky mountains, then maybe we could ride in a truck!” Neptune suggested.
“Good idea.” Said Vert, sarcastically. “Why don’t we just a pave a road all the way out there while were at it.”
Neptune looked at Vert for a few moments without saying a thing. Suddenly she smiled and nodded her head. “Vert’s got the right idea!” The girl said, happily. Everyone, except Cave, groaned under their breaths. “I feel a bit ganged up on right now.” Said Neptune, in a small voice.
The girls continued to walk until the sun began setting over the horizon. After pulling out some camping equipment, Neptune and Nepgear left to gather some firewood. The girls soon returned with armful’s of wood ready to be burned.
Vert had set up a few tents, while Cave dug through Neptune’s bag and pulled out the cooking equipment. “I’ll cook tonight.” Said Cave, in a dully voice.
“Curry?” Neptune suggested.
“Hamburg steak?” Asked Nepgear.
“Not soup I hope.” Said Vert.
“No. Something much better.” Said Cave.
A little while later, the girls saw what Cave considered better. Plain, white rice. “Uh… Great!” Neptune said, faking her enthusiasm. “This is a lot better than all those things we mentioned. Even soup.” Said Neptune, as she shoveled a spoonful of rice into her mouth.
“I know.” Said Cave, as she ate her portion of rice as well.
Nepgear didn’t say anything. She was a little disappointed by their meal, but decided keeping it to herself was for the best.
“If you think about it. Were lucky to have anything to eat. Were nearly out of food.” Said Vert.
“That’s true.” Said Nepgear. “Thanks for cooking Cave.
“Of course.” Said Cave, as she continued to eat her meal.
Nepgear was nearly finished with her plate of rice, when she heard her N-Gear start to ring. “Huh? Who’s this?” Nepgear wondered, as she pulled out her N-Gear and looked down at the screen.
“Now Nepgear. What did I say about using your N-Gear while eating?” Asked Neptune.
“Only do it if you can play first?” Nepgear said.
“That’s right. Hand it over!” Neptune said, holding out one of her hands.
“It’s not a game Neptune. Someone’s calling.” Said Nepgear, looking down at the screen once more. “But I don’t recognize the number.”
“It’s probably a solicitor.” Said Cave.
“Or someone hacked my hard drive and they know about the pictures!” Vert said, worriedly.
“What pictures?” Nepgear asked.
Vert blushed heavily. “Never you mind dear. Go ahead and hang up.”
Nepgear nodded. “Right.” She said, and hung up on the caller. Moments later the N-Gear started ringing once more. “Same number. I’m going to answer it.”
Nepgear pressed the screen on her N-Gear and Chika’s image appeared on the screen. “About time you picked up!” Chika snapped.
“Whoa! Sorry!” Nepgear said. “I didn’t recognize the number and Vert was worried that-”
“I don’t care!” Chika said, cutting Nepgear off. “Is Cave there?”
“Yes.” Nepgear said, seconds later Cave took a seat next to Nepgear.
“What’s wrong Chika? You look more worried and angry than usual.” Said Cave. Nepgear wasn’t sure if Cave was making a joke or not. “Did something happen?”
“Did something happen? I thought you were dead or something!” Chika snapped.
“What do you mean?” Cave said, furrowing her brow.
“The Leanbox security team arrived at the location you told us, but you and Yvoire weren’t there! We thought this Yvoire character might have overpowered you and killed you or something.” Chika said.
“Impossible. Yvoire is weak and…” Cave began. “Wait… We handed Yvoire over to Leanbox security.”
“No.” Chika said, shaking her head. “The security team arrived, but you and your group were gone. They did a search and saw a truck had driven through the area, but it was gone as well.”
“Chika?” Nepgear began. “Do you think someone might have been listening in to us when we called you about Yvoire?”
Chika turned to someone who was standing off screen. “What do you think?” She asked. A few moments later Chika’s eyes went wide and then narrowed. “Why weren’t you paying attention?!”
“So was that a yes?” Neptune asked, as she finished off the last of her rice.
“Looks like it.” Nepgear said, sighing deeply.
“I’m sorry, but it’s as you say.” Chika said, annoyed. “Looks like someone was listening in to our conversation and sent a truck to pick up Yvoire and the other goons instead. This is humiliating!”
Nepgear took a deep breath. “It could have been someone Yvoire knew.” Nepgear suggested.
“We can speculate all day, but nothing changes the fact that Yvoire isn’t in our custody.” Chika began rubbing her temples. “I’m getting a headache. I know my big sister isn’t going to like this.”
“Big sister?” Nepgear asked.
“Yes! Lady Green Heart is my big sister! She adopted me when I was a little girl. I’ve been with her since.” Said Chika.
“Oh! Right! Sorry.” Nepgear said.
“Chika? Would you like for me to head back now and see if I can find Yvoire?” Cave asked.
Chika took a deep breath, before she shook her head. “No. Big sister still wants you to escort the girls to the final Fairy Tower. I just thought I should tell you the situation just incase Yvoire tries anything else. At least then you won’t be taken by surprise.”
“Thank you Chika.” Said Cave.
“You’re welcome. I’m sorry to bother you so late at night. Please have a safe journey.” And with that, Chika’s image disappeared.
“This is concerning.” Said Vert, sighing deeply. “I never would have thought Yvoire had friends who could listen in to a private conversation.”
“Yeah.” Said Nepgear, her cheeks grew bright red. “Hey… Do you think they hacked into my N-Gear?”
“No way. That things like got all the firewalls and shields and that four digit verification number.” Said Neptune.
“Shields?” Vert asked.
“Well you know. Things that make it tough to hack in.” Said Neptune.
“I get it.” Said Nepgear, as she slid her N-Gear back into it’s holster. “Still. I feel bad for Chika. She shouldn’t have to worry about Yvoire anymore.” Nepgear turned her eyes towards her plate of rice. Nepgear had lost her appetite, but didn’t like the idea of wasting food so she continued eating.
“This is ridiculous! How could this happen?” Nepgear wondered, as she finished off the last of her rice. “Considering the fact that Yvoire had someone listen in to our conversation. Maybe I could pick up the trail and find out who did this? After that, I might be able to find Yvoire and his companions.”
“Don’t think about it Nepgear.” Neptune said, pointing her spoon at Nepgear. “I know that look.”
“Huh?!” Nepgear said, surprised. “Did you just read my mind?”
“Ah-ha! I knew it!” Neptune said, setting her plate of rice down and getting to her feet. “You want to go and find Yvoire, right? Well you can’t. Big sisters orders!”
“Neptune… Listen…” Nepgear took a deep breath. “Technically, you don’t need me to-”
“Wrong!” Neptune said, cutting Nepgear off. “I need you lots! I need you to keep me focused, keep me fed on pudding, I need you Nepgear! So no! You’re not allowed to leave me to find Yvoire!” Neptune crossed her arms in front of her chest. “If you do. I’ll really give you a spanking! Understand?”
Nepgear opened her mouth to argue, but quickly realized that her sister was being serious. “Okay… I promise.” She said.
“Good.” Said Neptune. Neptune turned her eyes to Vert and then Cave. Even though Neptune didn’t say anything, the girls knew exactly what she would have said.
“Don’t worry. We’ll keep an eye on her.” Said Vert.
“Right.” Said Cave.
“And you have permission to spank her if she tries to run.” Neptune said.
“Hey!” Nepgear said, before puffing out her cheeks in anger. “I said I won’t run. Leave me alone!” Nepgear’s anger subsided when she noticed the relief that washed over Neptune’s face. “Sorry Neptune. I really promise.”
“Good.” Neptune said, smiling warmly at her sister. Neptune quickly raked her fingers through her hair. “Enough of this already!” Neptune reached into her bag and pulled out several packs of pudding. “Let’s relax with some pudding already!” And with those words, Neptune handed the pudding out to everyone.
***
The sun had set by the time 5pb., Broccoli and Marvy made it to Leanbox. As the girls made their way through the city, they could tell whatever destruction the monsters had caused had already been cleaned up. “This place looks nice.” Said Marvy, looking around the many different buildings.
“True, but I still want to put on a concert here.” Said 5pb.. “People might be feeling nervous about another monster attack. I want them to feel better about it. Also we already got approval by Lady Green Heart and Chika.”
“That’s true, nyu.” Broccoli said, before she yawned and stretched her hands over her head. “Broccoli is tired, nyu.”
“It’s alright Broccoli. They’re expecting us at the Basilicom.” Said 5pb..
The girls made their way through Leanbox and was soon stepping into the Basilicom. By the time they entered the building, Chika was already waiting for them. “Welcome 5pb..” Chika said, forcing a smile.
“Thanks Chika. How’s everything going?” 5pb. asked.
“Don’t ask.” Said Chika. “Things are a bit stressful around here, but I’m sure your concert will lift everyone’s spirits.”
“I hope so.” Said 5pb..
Marvy smiled warmly at 5pb.. It wasn’t very long ago that the young musician was scared out of her mind about performing, now she didn’t seem troubled by it at all. Now she seemed almost excited.
“So these are your friends?” Chika asked, turning her eyes to Marvy and Broccoli.
“Yes. They were kind enough to escort me here.” Said 5pb.. “This is Marvy and that’s Broccoli.”
“Nice to meet you.” Chika said, bowing a little to the girls. “Since you’re all friends with 5pb., then you’re more than welcome to stay here with her.”
“Thanks, nyu.” Broccoli said.
5pb. was concerned by what Chika said, but decided not to push matters. Instead she smiled at Chika. “I’m sure you’ll have everything figured out soon.” She said.
“I hope.” Chika said, sighing deeply. “Anyways. Let me take you to your rooms.”
The girls followed Chika through the Basilicom and soon found themselves standing in their own private room. The room was rather luxurious. It had a single bed located on the left side of the room. Expensive looking paintings hanging on the walls. A small section of the room was dedicated to sitting and watching television. There was even a part of the room where the girls could enjoy a cup of tea.
“Would you two like separate rooms?” Chika asked, Broccoli and Marvy.
“Well…” Marvy began, looking towards 5pb..
“I don’t mind sharing.” Said 5pb.. “It’ll be fun!”
“Sounds good!” Said Marvy.
“Broccoli is happy too, nyu.” Broccoli said, as she leapt off Gema and into the bed. “Broccoli’s going to bed now, nyu. Goodnight, nyu.” And soon the small catgirl had fallen into a deep sleep.
“Thanks for everything Chika.” Said 5pb..
“You’re welcome. If you need anything, just pick up that phone over there and someone will pick up. Have a great night you three.” Chika said, turning to leave. “Oh! And I’m really looking forward to watching the concert.”
5pb.’s eyes went wide, but Chika didn’t notice as she strolled out of the room and closed the door behind her. “Oh no…” Chika breathed. “Another person I know who’s going to be watching me sing!”
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