>>5551721“If I remember correctly, the Nemurian ruins we’re familiar with had some of that stuff sealed up.” you say as you look over the animals. “These things might’ve gotten into some of it themselves… but how?”
“Uh, boss?” Cheelai says with trepidation. “Is that stuff supposed to be looking back at us?”
You turn to the mass… and see three eyeballs now poking out from it, then six, then twelve. The other one, nine, then three, then one. Eyes bubbling in and out of the masses, which try to squirm away from you all. Oh THAT’S not good.
And over to Peppa…
“You know what? Keep ‘em. Better Towa doesn’t have another toy to play with in any case.” you tell the twin goo girls. “Don’t know what she was trying to do with a Voltron, but better that she’s without one.”
“Hey… wait a sec, Pantea told me you two were like, using those things when she and Izzy encountered you two on Z’S.” Videl points out. “What was that about?”
“We were testing the machines under orders.” Haru Haru responds. “Making sure they could handle a constant pressure from the world’s high gravity.”
“...So you can pilot them?” Cocoa questioningly notes. “Wait, can you do that too?” she asks Basilea.
She’s surprised by the question. “...I mean, I’ve not exactly done a lot of it, but…” The demon girl pokes her fingers together and looks down. “…I may have tested one or two out a bit…”
Cocoa giggles a little at that, then looks to you. “How many do you all have, then?”
“Five of ‘em, right?” you recall, smirking just a bit. “Each with their own color? …Did you pick the black one or the red one?”
Basilea actually pouts at that. “Does it matter?”
“Nah, just making conversation.” you respond with a kind smile.
“You would need two more pilots anyway.” Videl points out.
“I don’t expect to actually use them.” Basilea states. “It’s best they’re just kept away from Towa, yes?”
“Yep.” you confirm. “Your focus is on your counterpart anyway, right?”
“For as long as I’m here, I intend to keep her from ending up like I did, yes.” she confirms.
You turn back, holding your hand out. “Then I wish you the best in that. And if you ever need it, I’ll be willing and able to help.”
Basilea looks down at your hand. A small smile appears on her face, and she nods. Bringing her own hand out, she gives a firm shake. “Thank you, Peppa.”
(cont.)
