Disclaimer: All respective rights/ownership go to their rightful owners. I claim no ownership besides any OC. I only wish to write a story :d

During the occupation of Lastation by Avenir, many businesses were either slowly or quickly being run out of business. At worst they were quickly overtaken by Avenir and became part of it. Passe, the factory that I'm currently in, was one of those businesses that was slowly being run out. Lastation being the hyper competitive nation that it is, is filled to the brim with factories to be as efficient as possible. This naturally makes it a very competitive environment in Lastation, and as such, many factories performed all sorts of services to try to keep up. As this was a sort of war time between nations, most of these factories naturally had a hand in producing weapons of any kind. Passe, being one of the more supported factories thanks to it's direct assistance towards the Goddess, is one of the more recovered businesses and has much wider variety of services available. Armor and equipment repair being one of those services.

"So, you're the young man who I had the pleasure of fixing their horribly destroyed armor eh?" So is being given a lecture apparently. Chian, the owner of this factory is currently holding me up for a lecture judging by the tone of her voice.

"You know, not many guys your age, if any at all, would rush so blindly into certain death like you did. Even for a cute girl, guys hesitate at least to do so." I wasn't going to at first you know. But I probably wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try.

"Honestly, I'm surprised your alive." Same "Anyone who takes even just a glance at the condition of your armor was in would assume that poor soul was dead." Very true. "The Goddess must have pulled nothing short of a miracle to save you, so don't go getting yourself killed again ya hear?" Protective of the Goddess, aren't we?

Honestly though (my internal remarks aside), Chian is incredibly right. I'm still amazed that I'm breathing right now. I really expected my once in a lifetime save to be used up right then and there. I really do have to thank Lady Bl- Noire (really is going to take some time to get used to that) sincerely some time…question is, how do you thank a Goddess? Would she even want to be thanked? Usually as thanks towards our Goddess people would offer up a donation of some sorts, whether it be gifts, money, or simple prayers at the Basilicom and that'd be it. But, I don't think something as simple as that would be enough to show the gratitude that I feel towards her for saving my life…

I'll just have to think about it as I go. No use giving myself a headache over it right now. Anyway, I should probably pay attention to Chian now before she finishes her rant and thinks I'm insane for looking out into space.

*beep beep* Hmm?

"Ya know, I should just do the Goddess a favor and not give you back your armor, so that way, you won't go off getting yourself killed again." Chian says with an evil smirk as I tune back into the conversation. She has me spooked for a second before her smirk quickly turns contemplative and eases my worries.

"Then again… if I don't give it to you, you'll probably still go out into the field anyway and get yourself killed even faster." I see that you must have gone through this before, your eyes say it all. Also, pretty sure that's my phone, hope they can wait.

"Why are you even doing this line of work young man? There must be someone who worries about you each time you go out to hunt. There are so many other things you could do to support Lastation. Reconstruction, public aid, providing help for the lost, and so many other things that don't involve you putting your life on the line and causing whoever you have at home to worry." Chian says as she casts a look that's a mix of irritation and worry at me. Not the first time I've gotten that look…but.

Everything she's said is 100% right. I'm very much aware that there are so many other positions I could do that would bring me an income without risking my life. Supporting Lastation as a general worker. To separate me and my mother so we can work through the internal struggles that we both have. So many viable options that wouldn't involve making me leave the safety of Lastation and risk my life. But…

"That's why I decided to become a hunter Chian. Sure, I could've picked up any job and do everything I need to do with it, but being a hunter was the only option available to me that would really help ME."

It's true really. After not being able to help my dad at all when he died, and watching my mom break, I had broken myself. I was truly helpless and unable to do anything at all. I know that even if I was some superpowered cliché anime character, I'd still probably wouldn't have been able to do anything to save him or help Lastation. But being a hunter now helps. Not only am I learning to take care of myself by becoming stronger and going about in the wild. I'm also showing my mom that I can really take care of myself and everything will be okay for us. I'm still supporting Lastation. It shows that I'm changing and moving forward. Most of all though…it helps me escape.

As much as I love Lastation and Lady Black Heart, it pains me to be in Lastation, to be home. My dad will never come back. I'm well aware of that fact. My family will never be whole. The Goddesses had taken care of the evil that toke and endangered lives. They stopped the senseless Console War that had plagued Gamindustri for centuries. But me and my mother are something that the Goddesses can't really help with. Everything was right again in Gamindustri, but the mental scars that me and my mother gained weren't.

In reality, being a hunter is just the coping mechanism that I decided to pick up.

"I can't say I know what you mean but if you insist so much, I can't really stop ya." Chian says as she takes her eyes off me and moves towards a pair of stands nearby. "At least your armor came to me to fix up. I made some adjustments to the coat it to make it more lightweight without losing its durability since you're going to also be wearing this body armor. So, you should be able to avoid dying a little bit while you're out there. Unless you jump straight into an elder dragon again." She says with a bit of bite. Really makes me wonder how many times she's had conversations like this.

Disregarding her words for now, I move towards the armor stand that houses my now enhanced armor…and body armor I guess. It's basically my regular outfit that I typically wear under my coat: a white shirt that now has lightly plated armor and pants that come with the same armor plating throughout. I really wonder how well that armor will go in protecting me without losing the speed I need. This makes me wonder how much doing the enhancement and adding on the body armor costs. My mom shouldn't be able to throw money out like that, we really don't have funds for thia sort of thing…and I was kinda expecting an change in appearance for my coat. Upgrading it like Chian said she did should have done…. SOMETHING to it. Anything. Little disappointing.

"Judging by you're face, you were thinking that it should have been altered somewhat in its design, right?" A swift nod is her answer. "Well all I did was enhance its weight without losing any durability since it looks like you go for a speedy style of fighting, that doesn't constitute a different look. Unless of course, you'd like to have it done. At a price. After all, I was only paid to repair and enhance it a bit by the Goddess. Also, to add the body armor. Another reason you should be thanking her actually." Chian says as she lightly smirks at me.

The Goddess- I mean Noire- really is trying to show her gratitude. Who knows how long in advance she put that order in to have this all done. Most likely while I was still in my coma like state. I'll have to thank her for that too.

"Mind if I try it on?"

"Of course, it is you're armor in the first place anyway. In fact just take it and go. If there is anything wrong with it, just send it back and I'll have it fixed up on the same day, free of charge."

Nodding towards Chian, I open my inventory and take my armor. It's really cool what the technology of Lastation has allowed us to do. We have this sort of status wrist band that acts like an RPG inventory UI. It shows your stats, equipment, etc. It makes it very convenient to carry stuff around and check how you are. Although it does make one question if we're living in an RPG world or not.

"Thank you very much Chian. I'll try my best to not fail you or the Goddess." Don't think it'd be a good idea to address the godde- Noire, so informally in front of anyone.

"Just make sure you actually follow through with those words." 'She really must have gone through many situations similar to this way too many times.' I think to myself as I leave Passe. Although, I can't help but feel that I'm forgetting some things…

After completing my business at Passe, I decided to immediately head towards the Guild to see what kind of quests might be available. It's probably rather silly to even think about taking up a quest since I've only rather recently been released from the hospital, but I'd like to have an idea of the traffic that the Guild might be having…although it usually isn't much really. With most people focusing on rebuilding Lastation, there isn't time for people to go out and post quests. Which may be a good thing since a lot of people used to post some questionable quests.

I'm not to sure I'll even take up a quest though. I might just take it easy an extra day before I seriously restart my questing. If not for my own sake, at least my mom's. She may have given me her blessing, but I know she isn't complete-

*beep beep*

Oh, that's right. My phone has been making notification sounds throughout my time at Passe. Kinda forgot that it was. It's weird though. There's only really one person that'd be texting me since I've blocked Kasumi (unless she's made a new number again), so I really hope it's just spam and not my mom asking me where I am or something. Otherwise, I may be facing something worse than the Elder Dragon.

Alright, let's see. Unlocking, message app, aaaaaaaann- wait what. I must be seeing things. No way. Nope. Don't believe it. Just gonna close my phone and put it away. Yup. I'm gonna stand here in shock for a good while real quick now. Please, none of the dozens of people around me mind me thank you very much…..*beep beep* Ah who am I kidding? It's either I answer this text(s) as fast as possible or may face one the purest of wraths that could ever be sent upon someone.

With that pep talk (and some odd looks around me), I take out my phone and open up the messenger app again to find that I've now received five messag- six. Six messages.

Taking in a deep breath to face my music, I open up the contact that's been sending me all these rapid text messages: Lady Noire.

"Hello Adam, this is Lady Noire sending you a message to request how are you doing today? Please respond back at your earliest convenience. -You're friend, Noire." Lady Noire,1:20PM.

"I'm doing fine myself by the by. Couldn't ask for better weather on this fine day. Oh! Uni is doing well as well. In case you were going to ask." Lady Noire, 1:28PM.

"The day really is quite fine today no? I might just step out of the Basilicom today to enjoy it! I've just been working on various big projects on restoring Lastation today. Of course, after a light breakfast. One does need to start the day right! What did you have for breakfast if you don't mind me asking?" Lady Noire, 1:36PM.

"Oh! Don't feel any need to answer me ASAP. I can wait. After all, I'm quite busy myself with the projects that I'm currently doing. Very important stuff for a Goddess of my caliber after all." Lady Noire, 1:40PM.

"But please don't keep me waiting for too long. After all, I don't know if I'd be able to reply when you do answer me. My schedule is quite busy, but I will try to keep myself free for whenever you respond!" Lady Noire, 1:41PM.

"It's not as if I WANT you to respond or anything. It's up to you when you do, and it wouldn't really bother me if you did or didn't respond actually, but it'd be nice." Lady Noire, 1:43PM.

"…Adam?" Lady Noire, 1:45PM.

"Holy Four Goddesses and Celestia above." I say without any real control of myself. I'm almost utterly shocked, and I would be stock solid in my spot for quite some time if it wasn't for my burning desire to respond to her before she thinks I'm blowing her off.

Now what to say!? I don't have that much experience texting people, let alone a Goddess! Then again, it looks as if Lady Noire doesn't have much experience either judging by the way she's texting. Ugh! Whatever. Just gotta say something.

"Hello Lady Noire! Sorry to keep you waiting I was having quite the conversation with Chian at Passe and have only now just finished my business with her. Sorry to keep you waiting." Adam, 1:53.

I really hope that explains well enough to her why I didn't respond fast. Although, it kinda feels weird to explain myself to her like this. Kinda like an obsessed girlfriend. Then again, she is the Goddess. It should be reversed on who keeps who waiting for a response.

But not even I would want a response that quick, whatever.

*beep beep* That was fast. Better respond quickly before she thinks otherwise, but first.

Taking a quick look around myself first, it's obvious that I'm being stared at by the various people around me. I must have really looked strange to garner this much attention. Luckily, I'm near a park since the Guild is conveniently placed near one, so I'll just look at this text and contemplate an answer as I make my way towards the park, so I can fully focus. Now to see the text…

"Oh, don't worry about it! You were busy and obviously didn't have the time to reply. I was just afraid that I may have gotten the wrong number somehow since you weren't answering, I'm relieved to see that I didn't. How was you're business with Chian?" Lady Noire, 1:54PM.

I already know how to reply to this one. She really made it easy to quickly think of a reply actually. But first off…where is… a bench…theres one! Now to take a seat and give Lady Bla-Noire, my full and utter attention. Don't want to blow off a Goddess for multiple reasons. I wonder if there's any sort law against that or not. Better not to find out.

"It went well (for better or worse), I got my armor back better than ever before. Thank you for having it repaired and improved by the way, Chian told me it was you that ordered for it to be done, that was very thoughtful of you. I'm very grateful Lady Noire." Adam, 1:55PM. I almost put Black Heart out of instinct. It really is going to take quite some time to address the Goddess by her name. Ah well, now to occupy my time until sh-

*beep beep* That was fast. Either she's giving me her full attention (hope not, that'd really make me nervous), or she's just that insanely good at multitasking. Which really wouldn't surprise me, she IS Lastation's CPU after all.

"I-it's no problem at all! Honestly, it was the least I could do for you after what you've done for me. Just don't go do anything rash that'll get you killed again. We are f-f-friends now and it wouldn't do for my f-f-friend to get himself hurt again." Lady Noire, 1:55PM. Didn't know it was possible to stutter in text. Well then. Hopefully she won't be too mad at when I tell her that I intend on going to the Guild.

"Uh, well about that. I'm actually going to check out the guild today now that I've gotten my equipment back. I'm not too sure if I'll actually take up a quest, but I'm at least going to see the status of them." Adam, 1:56PM. Really hope she won't be mad. I can only pray until she replies, and hopefully let's me go. Then again, I probably won't be waiting long since she's been responding rather quickly.

*beep beep* And there we go. Let's see if I got a paragraph or not.

"While that's very diligent of you, I don't approve of you going to the guild so quickly after you've only really just now recovered." Exactly what I expected. "But, it's not like you could do any quests today anyway." Huh? "There weren't many, so I did them all already, so you should just take it easy for the rest of the day. Did you have any other plans after going to the Guild?" Lady Noire, 1:56PM. You know, if she wasn't the Goddess, I'd be saying that it's a load of bull. There must have been well over fifty quests and more that have piled up, just by the constraints of time alone it should be impossible. You'd have to had been awake since like, 3AM to have done all of them by now. But I guess that's what separates humans and Goddesses. I just have nothing to do now apparently…

"That's amazing Lady Noire! Then again you are the Goddess of Lastation, so I really shouldn't be that surprised and uh no. Getting my stuff and going to the Guild was the highlight of my day really. Talking to you has also been a highlight, but I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself for the rest of the day." Adam, 1:57PM. Quite a fact. I didn't plan that far into the day, I probably would have just hung out with my mom or played one of my many backlo-. *beep beep* Didn't even get a chance to finish my inner monologue.

"T-th-then would you like to m-meet up with me for lunch!? You don't have to if you don't want to! Or if you're mother wants you to be home, or if just anything else came up as we're talking, but I'd REALLY like to hang out with you! But like I said, you don't HAVE to, it's entirely up to you if you want to or not but I really do want to hang out with you!" Lady Noire, 1:57PM.

….What. How do I respond to this? Casually hanging out with the Goddess…Such a thing…And she really does…with me?

"Of course! I'd love to hang out with you. When and where?" I type out with my nerve wacked and sweaty hands. I feel like I'm a high school girl talking to her crush. But it's much worse, I'm talking to the Goddess of Lastation, Lady Black Heart.

'Goddess I really hope I don't f*** this up.' I say to myself as I look towards the sky as my phone beeps again to signal another received text message. I stare at the notification and the name of the sender for a moment before I look at the name of the location, time stamp for arrival that's enclosed in the message, and make my way towards the said location.

I really hope I don't royally mess this up.

Also, I feel like I'm still forgetting something…

A/N: Merry X-Mas, Happy New Year, etc. Obviously I'm late as all bloody hell. Heck, I even recruited some of my friends to help speed up the editing process for this chapter. Which will make me pretty upset if I still find some errors later. I have no real excuse besides work, school, and overall trouble with writing. For a while, I didn't exactly know where I was going with this, as I'd sit down and write this, only to erase paragraphs. Multiple times. But I totally do now so hopefully that'll translate to faster production. Hopefully.

I'd like to shout out to the number of people who have followed/fav this story, even with big lapse of update time.

As always, thank you for reading, and have a fantastic day everyone.