A/N: Updates and updates can really teach an author about his mistakes... Chapter 1 was really the cringiest thing I've ever written xD! Some font change and sentences change here and there. Not anything major, but only major changes. So, no need to read again xD!

Chapter 3: The Unpayable Debt

Kazuma POV

Death... Everyone fears it.

Every living thing does their best to fall into this sad act.

Even animals with brains much smaller than ours, give their utmost effort to stay alive.

We humans have better consciousness about our actions, since we have the better brain.

We mortals have that advantage... So, how did this happen?

'It's dark, I can't see a thing...Where am I?... Did I die again?'

'But if I did die then why am I not sitting on a chair? And where's Eris?'

'... Oh wait. My eyes are just closed. I can't open them.'

'Wait…. Ouch! I feel like my body's been slashed into shreds…'

I'm pretty surprised that I survived the One-Shot Bear's One Shot Slash, that didn't also One-Shot Darkness with only One-Shot. Must be because I used Lurk, so the One-Shot Bear didn't hit me with full accuracy with it's One-Shot attack.

...One-Shot~! The bear should be bald, for that to work.

'So... I saved that useless-goddess huh?' I just smiled in my mind, as I can't in my body.

I wonder why... I should be irritated that I died again but... My body disagrees so...

Is it because I finally saved someone? Unlike the girl I risked my life to save from the wave of the driver in the tracktor... That memory sucks, I really wish to remove it and be forgotten forever..

I finally... paid the debt I owe from Aqua.

I'm still conscious, but I can't move a muscle.

"Oy Kazuma! Wake up!" I hear Aqua's voice, as I feel my head being put in her lap.

'...If my body was functioning properly, I would have NEVER blushed at this.'

I also feel 2 persons at my sides. Probably, Megumin and Darkness.

" Aqua heal him!" With impatience in their voices, they rushed Aqua.

I feel 2 hands gently pressing in my chest...

"Heal!"

Aqua's trademark spell flows though my ear... The spell that 100% works... The spell that she always uses for us... The spell that she always chants for me... The spell that... should be working right now..

'...Huh?' ...I expected that my strength would be back but I still cant move a muscle. I cant even open my eyes.

"It's not working….I don't have any mana left?" Aqua...said in a sad and quiet voice.

'...' The fact that she has no mana didn't surprise me... Aqua... The useless-goddess that is always a deadbeat,... the goddess that isn't fazed by anything sad,... the goddess with a voice full of mockery..., and the goddess that always laughs at my misfortune..

"Megumin! do you have any Mana potion left!?" Aqua, having a nice idea once in a lifetime asked Megumin.

'The fact that... she's like this...'

" I used them all up… I don't have any left…." Megumin said, with depression.

'The fact... that she's desperate because of me, surprises me the most..'

...But why am I happy in this situation?

... I'm gonna die, but I'm not even sad that I'm dying right now.

Suddenly, my body that has already been torn to shreds, was being shaken strongly.

'...Maybe, she thought that even if I have a little HP left I can still live?..'

Suddenly her shaking just got more powerful that my wounds are aching from it.

'...Itai..' I feel the injuries of my torn-up body... But I feel something else aching from me.

…...I suddenly felt water going down my cheeks. "...*Hic!*... *Sniff...* ...*Hic!*"

'...Is Aqua crying?' I'm surprised that she can actually cry in this kind of situation... I think that she's just laughing from this and her saliva are the ones streaming down my cheeks... ' Eeew!...'

'NO! I think,it's just Megumin or Darkness!' I do my best to let the other cause be forgotten.

But... "Kazuma...don't die..." "You...haven't done anything to me yet..." I hear a voice from someone with the big witch hat, and the other one with all the armor but no accuracy ..I felt water streaming down from both my arms.

'Aqua's…. really crying huh?'

"*Uhhh~ Hiki-NEET..." I hear... the blue-haired property that I brought in this parallel world.

The goddess that cries on the most silliest reasons...

The goddess that only cries when there's not enough booz,... the goddess that cries when she needs money,... the goddess that cries while running away from tough monsters that she can actually beat but lacks the damn courage to do so, and.. the goddess that cries when I make my words dropkick her...

'Then... Why is she crying in this situation!?' My mind suddenly jolted in anger as I feel something else aching again and again...

"...Nande?... *Sniff..*" I hear her clearly.

'Aqua come on! Laugh! … That's what you always do right?!' I wish I can shout...

"Why...is it always like this?" She said in despair..

'Make fun of me right now! That's what you did when I died right!?' I wish I can just wake up and scream at her...

"Why... do you always do this to me?" She said in between sniffs.

'It's what you did when I got decapitated last time! Why don't you do it right now!?' I wish that I can just drop kick her... with my words that is.

"You... always make me cry.." That statement made my body ache the worst.

'Stop crying...you...' I thought irritated more than before.

She starts shouting, that my ears can be deaf from the volume.

"Kazuma please! Wake up. Come on stand up and say you're joking! Please criticize me that I should not drink or eat too much! Prevent me from having more debts! You always leave when you want to!" She shouts as she shakes my body.

"Please….. wake up. Come back to me...please..I..need..you..hikiNEET.." Finishing that... Her shaking starts getting weaker and weaker.

'...Why am I getting angry?'

She always does this to me...

'... Why do I really want to wake up right now?'

She...always makes me submit to her commands..

'...Is it because I'm getting uncomfortable?'

Whether I like it or not...

'...I want to stand up and start laughing and say it was a joke..'

I...always come back to her...

'...So I….. can stop Aqua's crying.'

I...always wonder why...

'I...don't want to die.'

I...always think that I want her gone... But...

*Clink* Something in a form of a glass falls to the snowy floor just below my pockets.

*Gulp!*….. I hear someone gulping it down...

"Heal!"

'But...I always forget about that thought...'

I open my eyes. I can finally see... I see Aqua's face. The face with the outfit of a dumb kid that is out hunting cicadas in the middle of winter.

The face when she's really crying. A really messed up face….

I'm currently lying on her lap. The very first spot, after I got resurrected by her...

I smile to her. "You useless-goddess... Don't lose the only spell that works.. That's the only spell going for you." I shake my head in slight disbelief.

She widened her eyes in shock, and surprise... "... I'm back." I announced gently.

Tears of joy come out from the 3 then they all hugged me... Even Aqua, which she never did before...

"Kazuma!" They all said in unison.

I lay there, being happy that the gods gave me a third chance to be alive.

Is luck really the worst stat for an adventurer?

A minute later

...

*Sobbing* *Crying*

...Now this is too much...

I know I should be happy right now, but that happiness turned into embarassment..

This is getting too awkward! Time to make a joke!

"Ahhhhhh… I didn't get to see Eris…That loving goddess..." I said in a sarcastic and sad voice as I close my eyes.

'Did that joke do it?' I open my one eye slightly.

Aqua then stands up and put her arms together….doing the turtle stance.

"A-Aqua?" I asked nervously, feeling that I saw this stance on a tv show.

She starts doing….. the Dempsey Roll!

'The Dempsey Roll!?' How does she know that move!?

This usually hyped me up when I see Makounouchi do it.

But... what I'm feeling right now is fear and horror combined.

"Then…..I'll send you back there to her!" She charges...

I promised myself not to make anymore jokes at that time.

...I finally knew how Aqua get's angry.

...And how painful Ippo Makounochi's punches are.

*After some time*

"Itai!" I rub my aching cheek..

We proceeded to go home.. I'm currently walking like a crippled wolf coming back from a fight with a bear.

'Well, the important thing is that I'm still alive and kicking!' I pump my chest.

I look at my party.

"Okay, Darkness I get 50,000 eris more, since I'm the only one who damaged the bear." Megumin exclaimed as she pumps her staff.

"Megumin that's unfair! If me and Kazuma didn't distract the bear, you would have been b-beaten *slightly moaning* u-up by the bear!" ...Darkness exclaimed... motivated

'...Really Darkness?' I could only narrow my eyes yet again.

"Huh? If I wasn't there you two would have both died!" Aqua joins in on the fun as she told off the 2.

'...I guess that's true.' If I was my past self, I would have spat on the ground as I heard Aqua's statement but... I changed already.

Hmmm, I guess you guys deserve a reward...

"Okay, Megumin I'll give the 50,000 from my reward. So don't take Aqua's and Darkness's share." I said with a smile.

*Silence*...The 3 stopped walking, and just stares at me. They're faces feel like they've just seen a ghost of the One Punch~~~ Bear.

" What's the matter? Is something wrong?" I turn my head..

The 3 then formed a circle.. Like they're forming some sort of plan.

'What the hell are they talking about?' Narrow...eyes...

Normal POV

"I'm scared...I'm scared...I'm scared..." Megumin is so scared ,she's shaking.

"Who is this person? Is it a clone? Did he got po-possessed *Slight moaning* by the bear? Or maybe-" Darkness is shaking from all the perverted fantasies she's making.

"Did I chant the wrong spell? Was there something in the potion. What the hell did I do?!" Aqua starts shaking from anger. Anger from killing the real Kazuma with her wrong spells.

Kazuma POV

They turned around, facing me. They ready their guard, feels like they're facing a clone or so.

"Who are you? What did you do to the hikiNEET known as Kazuma Satou. Who died from shock illness?" Aqua seriously asked me.

'Hey just because you saved me, that doesn't mean you can make fun of me you cute goddess...'

... What the hell did I think about her?

"The Kazuma I know is a cheap person, who doesn't give his money to anyone else...except Aqua. He's also a huge pervert who takes away my panties!"

'Take that back, you loli pantied kid!'

"I agree, the Kazuma I know isn't like you! He'd always abuse me mentally and physically! He doesn't consider the time and place and he publicly shames me!"

'...You perverted masochist..'

"*Sigh* I'm just in a good mood today since we've won that battle. I just wanted to reward you guys for your hardwork and improvement today. I'm also really happy since I'm alive today. Thank you for everything up to this point." I seriously speaked to my party. I wanted to tell them the truth, even if they make fun of me after.

They all looked at me with gentle eyes.

"We should be saying that to you Kazuma." Megumin happily said to me.

"You made us your party, knowing that we were really some troublesome people. We are really grateful to you, from that alone." Darkness said to me, without a single hint of pervertness.

"...If we didn't have you back there, then we three would have been really killed." Aqua quietly said to me.

They all smiled, teary eyed and said "Thank you, leader..."

"You guys..." I can only gush out my words.

"You i-idiots... Don't say that to me you ho-horrible party!" Tsun-Tsun...

I feel my eyes watering, so I quickly turned around, not wanting to show them my face.

"Yo-You better be!" I said stuttering.

I think my voice gave it away, since I heard giggles behind me... Aghhhh!

"Let's go home! I'm super hungry, so let's have a slight feast." I quickly walked away.

"Wait for us!" My 2 party members happily replied.

I look at Aqua, she's walking a little bit slower. I wonder what's wrong? Is she super hungry or something? If that's the case then we should go home quickly.

"Itadakimasu!"

The 3 of us are currently eating like a pack of wolves of some sort. I see Aqua a little bit gloomy. Is she not hungry or some sort? I'll try cheering her up a little. I use the words she used at me at that time.

"What's with you? You brought me back to life today Aqua! There's nothing wrong with a reward of this size, is there? I put a little of the reward from the quest into it, too!" I try to imitate her face...

I expected Aqua to agree then start eating like a horse. But. Unfortunately she did the exact opposite of what I thought.

" Gumen, minna. I don't have the mood to eat right now.." She said with a half hearted smile as she rubs her head... " I'm gonna go take a bath and rest now, since I'm so tired….. I used all my mana up" She continued...

I know she's lying. She said it perfectly but I know it's not true...

'I also know it when you're lying, Aqua... I've known you the longest here... It's quite obvious actually...'

"Sure then Aqua you go rest now. Good work." I said casually...

After hearing Darkness's and Megumin's goodnights, Aqua then walks off to take a bath.

I stand up and then told my ex-construction workers to have a feast with my two allies. They humbly accepted and ate with the two.

"Goodnight you guys. Thanks for helping me with the quest there. I'm stuffed now so go eat, and have a good time without me. I need some rest also." I slightly grin as they already know the reason.

"Goodnight! Kazuma, take a good rest." Megumin replying with a teasing grin, as she and Darkness wave... With a slight grin on their faces.

I waved back at them and I go to the counter.

'I know that goddess is hungry...' A slight grin escaped, as I look at the menu.

"Umm can I take out some of the food here."

I go to the stable with the tray of food I brought. I go to our room, and saw Aqua lying down.

I silently walk so she wouldn't hear me, I sat in the corner of the room and closed my eyes.

'Countdown for launch in 5…4…3…2…1.'

*Grumble~Grumble~*

I smile to those sounds as they enter in my ears.

"Uwaaaaaa~ So hungry~" She complained, while rubbing her tummy.

'The horse is hungry for supper!'

"You hungry? I brought some food." I present the tray of food I brought.

She was surprised. "I'm not hungry!" Until she saw my face and made a pout.

...*Grumble~Grumble~*

"Sounds hungry to me..." I grin,as I gace her the tray.

She quickly accepted it and finally starts eating like the horse I know…

'...Now that was fast...'

Her face sullens, as her eyes widened.

I prevent myself from laughing then put a straw in her drink.

Since both of her hands are currently occupied I put the straw in Aqua's mouth.

I blush a little, since Aqua looked at me surprised. With a small hint of crimson forming in her face, she starts drinking from the straw.

Breathing a sign of relief after drinking.

"Arigatou…" She said in a calm voice.

I look away blushing...

And she starts eating her food again like a madman.

'Ahhhhh~ this is gonna take a long time huh?'

After eating, I put the tray in the trash. Then I changed into my favorite pajama's: the tracksuit.

As I try to lie down, I grunted a little since the bear's damage has still not completely wore off.

Aqua heard my grunting and then had the gloomy look on her face again. We both lie down, faces against each other..

… I tried to break the silence.

" Why are you looking gloomy Aqua?" For her to be like this is completely new to me.

"I'm not…gloomy." She said slowly, obviously lying.

"Doesn't look like that to me."

I hear a grunt from her as she turns to face my back.

"Then do you wanna know why?! It's because… I almost lost you today okay?! If you haven't had that Mana potion you would have been completely dead! I told you that if I was there everything would be okay. I told you to don't worry about it but-" Tears start to form again in her eyes.

"Hey be quiet over there!"...Ruining the moment.

"I'm sorry~ *Sniff~!*" In between sniffs she still tries to continue.

"But I lied to you. I couldn't save you. You saved yourself. It's also my fault that you even got injured the first place. I really felt helpless when I cant think of a way to save you. ...You must hate me huh? ...This problematic,stupid,lying and weak goddess... I'm not a goddess." She finishes as she turns around again.

'..Why.. are you always like this?' I turn around, seeing the blue-haired troublemaker curled up in the haystacks.

"Face here Aqua." I commanded her.

She turns around to face me... And I finally see her face. The face that always has that irritating smug written all over her face, is yet again crying at every trivial thing.

"Problematic and stupid... Why do you only realize that now... Your so problematic that I regretted that I ever brought you here... But... I always forget it anyway! Stupid, heh of course you are... But why are you a walking Encyclopedia then!?...Yeah you are a liar... You always lie to me about the most important things even if its really obvious that you're not telling the truth! You are weak at the most silliest moments but when it really matters, you are strong! Stronger than everyone I've ever known! And if it wasn't for you... I would have already died in our very 1st quest with the Giant Toads! I need-"

"OY! What did I just say!? I said be quiet over there! I can't dream because of your noisy lover's quarrel!"

"I-Im sorry!" I realize what I was saying, as I saw her surprised crying face.

'Oh craaap... I said too muchhhh!'

"Alrightgoodnightseeyoutommorow." I quickly face against her as I quickly declared.

"Oyy! *Sniff* What was that last line Kazuma!" She whispered behind me as she doesn't want to be interrupted again by the landlord.

"I'll...tell you tomorrow." I blankly whispered.

"Ihhh~ What is it~?" Aqua quietly groans as she jabs my back. "What is it!? What is it!? What is it!?" I feel her sit up, as she shakes my body. "Kazuma~ Kazuma~ Kazuma~ Tell me~" She whines as she continues.

I could only reply with a groan.

"I saved you earlier~ At least repay my good deeds~" She pouts as she continues to shake me weakly.

'And now you're back to your "normal" self' A small smile came to my face as I try to sleep.

..."Nature's Beauty." *Whoop* A spray of water hits my head.

"Oyy! What was that for-"

Aqua seeing a chance, holds my face with her hands as she faces my beautiful face to her's... I'm not blushing right now...am I?

"Hehe~ I oversmarted the Brute of this city~ Kazuma of the HikiNEET race~." She shakes my head as she declared her report.

"I need you here, Aqua of the useless-goddess race." ...Did I just blurt that out.

I cursed myself for saying that last line, I just blurted that out for no reason!

*Silence…*

I'm really expecting Aqua to be holding back her laugh right now so I'm not looking at her face, as I expect that her cheeks are already inflated as she holds out a laugh.

"Do you really mean that? Do you….really need me?" I hear her whisper to me, so quietly that even the ants can hear it.

I blushed a little and just narrowed my eyes. "You useless-goddess, why do I have to repeat every single time-" I see it. My eyes saw the image of it. Even if my eyes are slightly covered with my wet hair. I still saw it clearly.

The useless-goddess showed me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen..

'… Even better than Eris.'

She hugged me with both her arms.

"No one's ever said that they need me before. Even from the people in the Axis sect. So…. I'm happy that you said that to me….. Thank you Kazuma.."

My eyes widened, the scent of my party member enters my nose.

"Tch, why am I always looking out for you?.. Your really troublesome.." I just complained as a deep blush converted my face.

…. Her smile,

...her actions, and

...her words…

My heart starts beating outrageously and I hesitantly use my arms too, to hug her back.

"I should be saying thank you in this situation you know?"

Aqua giggles a little.

"No, it's the girls job to say thank you to the boy. Even if that boy is an hikiNEET like you"

"You're no girl."

Aqua's eyes widened and looked at me… I looked into her waterly colored eyes, and grinned.

"You're a useless-goddess."

"Ihhh~ HikiNEET!" She whispered angrily as messes up my wet hair.

"Hey! If I get a cold tomorrow it's going to be your fault! I can't see!" I whispered with the same low voice.

"Don't worry! I, the great Aqua-sama will just heal you!" She pumps her chest quickly as she fixes my hair. "Your hair is a mess Kazuma, are all shut in have messed-up hair like this?" She whispered, slightly surprised as she removed my bangs.

"Oy, take that back you chip-eating goddess..." You disrespected all the shut-ins in the world.

"Make me!" She puts her tongue out.

'You just activated my trump-card!'

"Blue eyes white drago-!"

*Bang!* Our door came spiraling out to our stable... Me and Aqua just looked with horror in our faces.

"I TOLD YOU... BE QUIET! I WANT TO DREAM~!"

"It's this useless-goddess's fault!" "It's this Hiki-NEET's fault!"

Chapter 3 END!

Author's Note: I wanted to update for a while xD. See you in the next chapter guys!