Author's Note: Since I am really inspired by my future schedule of the plots, I wanted to update pretty early. Thank you for everyone who reads the story, even for those who just visited my story, I am still pretty grateful if you found my story a little bit interesting. And I'm sorry if I ruined the magic of KonoSuba. Only 15 years old xD, also a student and a Pilipino. Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 9: Just a Dream
'…Everything you want…..doesn't go your way'
Normal POV
In a dark room…..
Trashes of cup noodles and chopsticks…
Stashes of anime, games and magazines…
Newly bought RPGs and limited edition noodles…
Dripping drops of water from a kitchen sink…
*Computer screeching*
"Ugh…"
Kazuma POV
I scratch my eyes, attempting to wake up. The sound of my RPG game not helping me so, adding the noon stomach grumbling noises. I desperately try and standup…..
"Aghhh!" Only to trip face first to my trash.
'Now that certainly woke me up..'
I sit up to view my surroundings.
"The usual day huh?"
My dark apartment, my stash of anime goodies, the trash I've yet to take out, my food supply of cup noodles and my computer screen right in front me.
"Boy, was that route great." A slight chuckle escapes my lips, as I saw the blue haired girl my avatar fell in love with.
'That route sure was troublesome, but it sure was very worth it. '
I stood up, shut down my computer for it to rest, and heated up the kettle.
I proceeded to look at my food supply, choosing a cup noodle that I'm in the mood in, only to choose the one with a flying cabbage design on it.
"Flying cabbage? Don't make me laugh." I grimaced as I imagined a world with flying cabbages in it.
With the right timing of my kettle whistling steam. I prepared my meal. My usual meal of cup noodles and tea.
I clap my hands together, "Thanks for the meal."
My dark room fills with the sound of slurping. As I scratch my hair irritatingly.
'Agh, I feel like I really had an awesome dream. Why can't I remember it?'
I just shrug my shoulders in the progress.
' Probably me bathing myself with anime goodies '
But I feel like that isn't the case.
I feel like I've lost something important…
But what!?
"How can I lose something, if there's even nothing in the first place."
I look at my dark room, I put my head down, as my usual depressing state kicks in.
"Life of a hikkimori huh?" I gingerly said to myself.
Hikikomori (ひきこもり or 引き籠もり Hikikomori?, literally "pulling inward, being confined", i.e., "acute social withdrawal") is a Japanese term to refer to the phenomenon of reclusive adolescents or adults who withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement. The term hikikomori refers to both the sociological phenomenon in general and the people belonging to this societal group. Hikikomori have been described as recluses, loners, or "modern-day hermits."
I twitch as I remember the reason why I became like this.
Trying to bury it deep down in my heart to try and forget it.
But no matter how much I try, that memory keeps haunting me forever.
(Flashbacks)
When I was in middle school, I was bullied for being different.
I wanted to stop going to school, but I didn't want to burden my parents, so I forced myself to everyday.
And each day that I went to school, day after day it gets worse. Being the most quiet student and being the most distant of them all was really a problem. Whenever my classmates would talk to me, our conversation would always end awkwardly.
My classmates would make fun of my chuunibyou tactics, every girl I've met would be disgusted and may spread rumors and lies about me, everyone would make advantage of me and use my money.
And just when I thought I made friends, those "friends" would only backstab me the following day.
Just then did I realize, you don't need anyone, you only need your family.
So I became a loner throughout middle school. I didn't care about anyone, I just cared and loved my family as always.
Until highschool, when the teachers asked us what career we would take on. I immediately thought on becoming an animator. I was really confident about my decision, and was excited to tell my family.
In our family dinner I first mentioned to them that our teacher asked us what career we would take. And just when I was going to mention my career, Dad immediately spoke up.
"Kazuma, you need to have a great job." He said seriously.
"Well I would recommend being an engineer, like me!" He said with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah your father is a really great one." Mother butts in.
I choked, my words never left my mouth and I just nod in the process.
"Everything for you guys." Giving them a fake smile.
Japan's parents are really cruel. Pressuring their kids to go and continue their parent's steps. The kids doesn't have any choice but to surrender. Because their love for their parents are stronger than their desires.
I just shrug off my dream, and continued loving my beloved family.
…..But I wasn't the only one.
"I want to be an engineer just like you dad!" My little brother beamed up in excitement.
"Hehe, then you better make me proud Kazuto!" My father giving his best smile to the youngest one.
"But, honey Kazuto doesn't need to be an engineer. Kazuma will be an engineer, so Kazuto can just choose what any career he likes."
That comment shot me in the chest like a bullet. The pain becoming worse because it came from my mother's mouth. My mind instantly thought of scenarios about my family.
"Ohh, that's right. You don't have to be one Kazuto. Just choose what path you want to take." My dad gave the youngest an reassuring smile.
I expected Kazuto would surely thank my parents for letting him choose but, all we got was the opposite.
"*shakes his head* I really want to be an engineer, whether you like it or not." Kazuto grins to our parents.
And I saw the most genuine smile from my parents. The smile that I've never seen them give to me.
Feeling like an outcast just like in school, I immediately took my plate and left. "Thank you for the food." I blankly said to them, not bothering to hear their reply.
That night, was the starting point of how I became a hikkimori. It was also the night when I started to doubt my family's love. But I just told myself that I love this family, even if they don't love me back. That was my motto.
I wanted to make my family proud so I started studying for my engineering course. That engineer course was my last hope on making them proud for the first time. I studied for 2 months for that entrance exam. I would study for 24 straight hours, not even tried to eat or sleep and even pee. But, it doesn't matter how much you study, you can't study properly if your subject doesn't even interest you. So, I failed the entrance exam for that college I'm gonna be attending after I finish highschool.
The good thing was that I didn't tell my parents about the entrance exam. But, that wasn't the reason why I left my family. I was beginning to be depressed every day. Until the day that changed my life came.
"Mom, Dad! I passed the entrance exam for the college of engineers!" My beloved brother mentioned to my beloved parents.
My little brother, who is 2 years younger than me. Passed the exam meant for adults. I can't think of anything but that statement.
My eyes went numb as I saw my parents crying tears of joy, as they hug Kazuto. Right in front of me. That was the first time that I cried in my whole entire life. I never cried because of school and everything else, but my motto was completely shattered.
'How can I love something, that doesn't even need me.'
I just chuckle to myself for being stupid. As a new motto came over me.
'My family…..doesn't need me'
Ever since, I've never left my room. Only leaving It to go to the bathroom.
Everyday, locked in a very dark room, thinking that no one would ever need me in their life.
Until I remember a show that my classmates always talked about.
"Ahhh, what was it again? A-Anime?" Thinking that there's nothing left to do. I watched an anime series.
Anime helped me forget about my family. Wanting to forget them more made me play those games called RPGs. It was then I decided to leave my family and started living by myself.
(Flashback End)
Until now, my motto never changed. There is really no way that I'll meet someone that can change my life now.
Besides anime and games really helped me become more intelligent and cunning. I would easily trick my classmates and even made me pass my exams.
"There's nothing I need except-"As I was about to say that final word. The dream I had earlier would not settle down.
"Aghhh! If your irritating me so much then how can I not remember you!?" I screamed, throwing my already empty flying cabbage designed cup noodle to my other trashes.
"Tch! My head hurts now." I rub my aching temples.
Ok fine! If that dream really wants to come true then I'll gladly start today! I'm gonna buy every goodie that's on sale!
I ready my tracksuit and otaku backpack, and left the apartment.
"Will I finally be okay if I just buy those goodies." I complain at my aching head.
And as I walk through the road, my steps become dizzier and dizzier.
Until my head just really felt like it was splitting open. I walk like a complete drunk, until I heard something coming towards me.
A flash of white light blinded my eyes as I desperately try to see what is coming.
"…..A truck" Those words leave my mouth. Not even trembling by the sight of these man made machinery.
For some reason my feet don't move, it was spinning like crazy earlier but now. Mere seconds of being hit, mysteriously a smile formed in my lips.
The truck hit me like a bulldozer. Knocking me off the air, my blood bursts as it leaves through different parts of my body, feeling every bone broken, my eyes still open, landing to the soft grass just ahead.
Surprised, that I didn't instantly blacked out. My consciousness still there, but slowly fading.
My eyes fixed to the dawning sky.
"…Ha…ha..making…..me…say….my…dying…thoughts…" I slowly tried speaking, as I feel my voice already becoming deaf.
'I…wonder how my family would feel about this?'
They may laugh, cry or just shrug their shoulders as the weight from their shoulders finally drops.
I didn't achieve anything huh? Only the achievements from my games though.
Will my family miss me?
Besides them will anybody do?
'Boy, I sure do want to experience someone crying over me-'
That thought felt like a puzzlepiece in my head. Thinking that it was just my imagination, I continue my last moment.
'I….wonder if I'll meet God.'
Well, I'm not being picky or anything but I want to meet a goddess-
Another puzzle piece, as my eyes widened. Starting to remember something.
'I….wonder if I can be sent to a parallel world'
Especially like bringing something with me to help-
Fragments of memories started feeling my brain.
'I…wonder if I can bring someone powerful but with a big disadvantage'
It would really be a disadvantage if that person or goddess would be probably useless and stupid-
The blood in my body continues to flow out of me. As I finally remember that dream.
'I….wonder if I can have other party members but again with a disadvantage each'
Not really in the mood for a blind swordsman and a one hit only magician-
I continue to stare in the sky, as I force a smile in my bleeding lips.
'I….wonder if I can be strong and smart'
Like conquering a Dullahan, Toads and even flying cabbages-
I twitch a little at the thought of flying cabbages.
'I….wonder if the thing I brought is sweet-'
Being able to apologize about her imperfections-
I feel my consciousness fading.
'I….wonder if she's beautiful'
Especially having beautiful blue hair, and aqua blue eyes-
My eyes start to feel numb, is it because of the blood?
'I….wonder if she can save me'
Like saving me when I get beheaded or even slashed by a one shot bear-
Eyes feeling numb, not because of the pain.
'I…wonder if she needs me'
Like crying over me for almost losing me.
I feel water in my eyes, and it's not blood.
As the sun almost rises.
'I…wonder…if I can be happy'
Like being so much happy for being with this person or goddess in my life. So happy that I can completely forget about my parents. So happy that…I would want to be with her forever.
I feel the water in my eyes flowing down, a grin almost reaching my ear, the sun shining me with its magnificent light and my eyelids closing as I say my final words.
"Thank….you….you...useless..goddess..."
"….Aqua"
*Birds chirping*
I open my eyes…
Breathing heavily…..
I feel every part of my body…..
I look at my surroundings…..
A stable, designed to be a room…
I smell the air….
Smells like horse crap though..
"I'm…back" I whispered to myself.
Wait…..where's the person beside me?!
"Hmmm~ Hmm~ Hmmm~"
I hear someone humming.
With the voice I fell for so much.
I slowly turned around…..
Looking at the goddess in her pajamas…
Feeding Sui and Hikki with the bread she's eating…
"Morning Sui and Hikki! Starting now we will only be eating bread. HikiNEET told me that we are only eating bread for the next month. Baka HikiNEET making me eat only bread for the next month." This useless goddess happily told our goldfishes.
I grit my teeth in frustration as I again admit over and over again that I love this goddess.
She…..*eyes watering*…..is just….*tears flowing*…..too much…
I quickly dashed to her and embraced her from behind.
"*chokes* Kazuma! You surprised me there! I almost choked to death-"
"Kazuma?"
I just bury my face in her hair, as I try to not say those important 3 words.
"Aqua….you won't disappear…right?" I try not to choke on my own words. But to no avail as she already knows that I'm crying.
She reaches for my hair and gently rubs it.
"I won't." She said seriously.
"Promise me that." I asked back.
"I promise if y-you promise me too." She embarrassingly demanded.
I look at our 2 lookalikes swimming happily, smiling ear to ear as the last of my tears flows down.
"I promise, and the one who breaks it will swallow a thousand needles~" I playfully said back to my usual self.
"Hehe, make that 2 thousand needles!" She playfully answered back.
"Why you!" Overjoyed, I started tickling the girl I fell for.
"Hahahaha! Stop it! H-HikiNEET! Hahaha!" As she retreats and hides in the haystack.
"Haha! No way!" As I dive in as well to chase her.
AS we both entered the haystacks, we instantly remembered why we put covers in it in the first place. Knowing when we got out there was some shades of brown in our heads.
"This is your fault Kazuma!" Aqua screams as she runs off.
"Yare, yare… I really do love her-"
"Be quiet over there!"
-KO-NO-SU-BA-
"Uhhhh~" I mourn on our usual dining table.
"Uhhhhhh~ Uhhhhhhh~" I think my cries can be heard throughout the dining room.
"Kazuma shut up! I can't eat, with you crying like that." The lil shorty complains.
"Uhhhhh~" Not stopping.
"What's wrong Kazuma?" Darkness worriedly asked.
"Uhhhh~ I just build a grave for my money pouch." I say the ugly truth to my comrades.
"Tch! Tch! Tch! Oh Kazuma you must stop being reckless with your money, like me." Lil shorty lies.
"Bull sh*t! I wasn't re-reckless with it." I look away, remembering the events of the festival date.
'It's exactly the opposite though. It was so worth it!'
"I'll die with no regrets. Thank you guys for everything." Feeling my soul finally leaving my body.
"Kazuma! Don't die! You haven't even had a girlfriend yet! You'll die being a brute and a pervert!" The 2 said in unison.
'I don't know if that statement would make me feel better or would make me angry.'
"Haha! No way I'm dying now of all times!" I stand almighty, feeling an spotlight shining over me.
"Ohhhh!" With a combination of claps and cheers from them.
After a few seconds, I immediately slump down in the table again.
"But seriously, I can cry right now due to my money pouch."
"Awww, that's ok Kazuma. You have us." Feeling Megumin and Darkness patting my head.
"Don't pity me! My pride as a man would be shattered. I'm the man in this party!" I shake my head out of their gentle hands.
'Only Aqua can do that-' The hell am I thinking again!?
Speak of the goddess.
"Hey! Hey! Guys I found another great quest!" Aqua happily declared among us.
"Nani!? What is it!?" I dash towards her.
"Hehe, just like last time. But this time, it's a river."
'A river huh?'
River being much bigger than a lake. Also can be populated by different animals.
"So, what monsters live their?" I asked seriously, as I remember Aqua almost being killed by those alligators.
"Eto, I asked the big boobed secretary. And she said to only becareful around these Bitter Sharks." She said putting a finger on her chin.
'Sharks huh? Wonder what's with the Bitter part though? Maybe those sharks are bitter when you cook them?'
"Ok, Darkness, Megumin ready your gear. We're going to protect Aqua while she purifies the river." I seriously declared to them, being the party's leader and all.
"Aye, sir!"
"E-Eh?!" Aqua being embarrassingly surprised.
"What, you don't want to?" Not really wanting to see her being abused again by these animals.
"Thank you Kazuma, that's sweet. But, I think I can make do with the cage again. Being the Quests reward being 800,000, so if the cage gets battered again the reward will only be slightly deducted." She said giving me a reassuring smile.
'Tch, giving me that smile again. No way can I resist it.'
"Ok, but if you really want to stop. Just shout at us ok?" I asked worriedly, like being a good boyfriend.
She happily nods. "I promise!" As she smiles at me again.
*sign* Yare, yare. As I smile back.
*whisper* *whisper*
I heard the whispers of our 2 comrades. It was so obvious that they were discussing something important.
"What's going on here, Lieutenant Darkness?" Lil Corporal Megumin reported to her mate.
"Yeah, something's a bit off with those two." Lieutenant Darkness agreed.
Doing my best to not blow our cover. I just smack those two in the head.
"I order you to stop talking and get moving." I order them.
"Itai~" Crying over the little bump in their heads.
15 minutes later.
The party sets off to the river. With the 2 of my comrades riding our horse.
Being the gentle the man….that I'm trying to be. I just walk, not bothering to ride the horse or sit in the carriage. The horse is probably crying on the inside on how heavy the carriage already is, or how heavy Darkness is.
I just walk beside the carriage carrying Aqua's cage.
I hear a slight humming from her.
"A used-up goddess is being transported along…~ I'm sure they're taking me away to be sold~…" Singing her own original song.
"I was kind of expecting that you'll sing that song." A slight smile emerging from me.
"Hehe, I wonder if I sold this song. You think I'll be rich?"
"Haha! I think no one is gonna buy a song only consisting 2 lines. Besides you will sell only sell it in a high price, course no one will buy it."
'Except me though haha!'
"Then I'll just make more lyrics then!" Closing her eyes as she thinks.
'...Is she seriously going to make one?'
"Hm~ Hmm~ Kazuma used me up so much~… He steals every girls panties~… He is a pervert~…"
'I don't think I can steal your pants though hahaha!'
"Grr, now you're just making fun of me now." I took a little pebble in the road and gently threw it at her.
"Ihhhh! You're gonna pay for that!" She sarcastically screams.
"Hahaha! No way!"
Our conversation continues. Unknowing of me that our 2 comrades were watching and again obviously whispering with one another. Then suddenly we arrived in the river.
There's a saying that when you're with the person or goddess you love, time passes quickly.
I guess that saying is 100% true and proven.
As we gaze at the river, we already noticed how badly shaped it is. Dirty water, blood puddles from the helpless preys and those terrifyingly big sharks. If Megalodon was real, then it's probably this big in the real world.
I heard Aqua shivering from the sheer size of those sharks, and remembering her traumatizing experience in the lake. I can't blame her though, even I'm slightly shivering from just imagining those things closing in on me.
"Ok let's go guys!" Aqua recovers.
We were surprised, Aqua took the initiative to go. Even when she's already trembling.
Normally she was always the first one to run away or even be scared.
I wonder why she's even doing this? I know she still has plenty of cash stored up.
I just shrug my shoulders as we ready Aqua's cage.
5 minutes later
"Aqua, call us when you really want to stop okay? I seriously said to her.
"H-Hah! Wh-Who do you th-think I a-am!?"
"Don't stutter if you're acting tough Aqua."
"Sh-Shut up!"
"Just…..promise me you'll call us if you want to stop." Not expecting an answer I return to our carriage, keeping a close eye on Aqua.
1 minute later
"Hiii!" Aqua shrieks as a shark slightly bumps in her cage.
Only a minute has passed and we already witnessed something pitiful.
Aqua curled up in the corner of the cage. Not even bothering to look in the river as she hides behind her knees.
We're a little bit far from her but I can clearly see and tell that she's shivering.
'Tch! I told you to tell us if you want to stop! Even if only a minute or a second only passed.'
"Hihhh!" Aqua shrieks again as the cage was slightly bumped.
'What's making you do this Aqua!?'
As my eyebrows show that I'm really irritated by it.
"Ohhhh! I really want to be in that cage with Aqua!" Darkness said flaming up her masochism.
'I don't think I can take any more of this. Even if only a minute just passed. I can't just look at this anymore-'
"What did you say again Darkness?"
Aqua POV
'Uhhhh~ I think I'm starting to regret I did this.'
No way am I going to regret it! Not even a single bit! I knew in the first place that I'm going to regret this sooner or later.
"Hihhh!" I scream yet again when a shark slightly bumped in the cage.
'Purification! Purification! Purification! Purification! Purification! Purification!'
Feeling helpless, I just chant in my head as I hug my knees tighter.
I feel helpless again, I clearly remember when I was in this cage before.
Alligators attacking my cage, doing their signature death roll tactic that they use in the wild. HikiNEET just watching me from afar.
Being abused for 12 hours.
I cried and I cried until no tears were left in me that day. And I completely forget I was even a goddess that day. But now-
"Hihhh!" I shriek again as I felt a part of the cage being opened up. Water forming in my eyes, I ready myself for a Jaws sequel.
'Yeah…..now I've changed.'
I look at the reason why I've changed so much…
Helplessness disappearing…..
'Yeah…..everything has changed.'
"I told you to call us if you wanted to stop."
"…Kazuma?" My tears flowdown as I stare at him.
Kazuma POV
"I'm just paying you back from what I did earlier." I look away from her blushing. Knowing that she knows the true reason why I'm here.
"Look, you're already crying from this." I sit beside her.
"N-No I am not crying! *sniffs*" She obviously lies, wiping her tears away.
"Here." I handed her a hankerchief.
She nervously takes it, then proceeded to blow off her snot. Not even using it to wipe her tears.
'The tears, not the snot!'
After half a minute she gives it back and I finally asked why she's forcing herself to do this.
"Aqua….why are you doing this?" I look her in the eye.
"I know you still have some money left, and I KNOW that you wouldn't do something like this again after that traumatizing incident."
'Not going to include the fact that she cried herself to death here in this cage.'
Need to know the reason why, as she again doesn't make any sense.
"…I thought you would have already figured it out hikiNEET." She said a little surprised.
A question mark instantly appeared in my head.
"…..Figure what out?" I asked really dumbfounded.
"*signs* I thought you were smarter than this Kazuma." She says as she crosses her arms.
"Now, use your gears and think of a reason why." Looking me in the eye.
Alright then.
Gear 2nd!
Aqua would not do it for herself, since she already has money and she hasn't made any debts yet and even bought any sake or beer (saying it's a bad influence for Hiki and Sui, I don't know). Aqua would not do it for Darkness and Megumin so is it because of me then? Well I do need the money because- seriously?
"…Is it because of me then?" Feeling embarrassed, I asked her.
Aqua just blushes and looks away from my direction.
'*sign* Can't believe how happy I am right now.'
"Why would you do this for me then Aqua?" Already knowing the answer, I still asked her.
"I-I really wanted to pay you back Kazuma." She looks in my direction but lowers her head.
"You spent a lot of money for me. Even though I don't really deserve it. I saw you crying earlier, and I couldn't help but feel guilty since I'm the one to blame for that. And I know how much you love your money, so-"
Not wanting to hear more I quickly spoke back.
"You think I'm so desperate for money that I'll let you go through that traumatizing experience again?"
"Eh?..." She looks at me blushingly.
" Idiot~ If you want to pay me back then, don't do it in a way that will end up hurting you or even make you cry. That money isn't going to be worth it if I saw you getting hurt because of it."
'I feel like I'm consulting her for doing a bad thing.'
"Don't get me wrong Aqua. I'm happy for what you're doing for me. In fact I'm overjoyed of what this special goddess is doing. Besides, I'm not regretting that I spent all my money for you, not even a little teeny winy bit. It's the complete opposite though. It was completely worth it since." My eyes look away.
"…Since?" She looks me in the eyes.
*sign* No harm done.
"Since I saw you smile. I saw you laugh. I held your hand. We got Sui and Hikki. We danced. We played games. I made you happy and it made me happy." Knowing my OOC is overflowing I just lean through the bars in the cage.
"HikiNEET~ Don't act all cool and stuff~" She sings it off.
"Sorry for telling the truth then." Hearing something going closer. And hearing water dripping to the river.
"*hic!* *hic!* Y-You do k-know I d-don't deserve you r-right?" I feel her head leaning against me.
"*sign* I told you not to cry. And I'm really going to say this once…. I'm not doing this because I have to, I'm doing this because I want to. Do not cry. I'm just a really really really LUCKY undead guy that met the best thing that ever happened in his life. And I'm doing my best to prove to her that she's special to me."
'Too much OOC can kill you.'
"*sniff* I'll carve that words to my brain then." Aqua says as she leans her head against me.
"*sign* You better do, useless goddess." I reply as I lean my head against hers.
"Hmmm~ Hmmm~ Hmmm~" Now back to her usual self she proceeded to again make lyrics for her upcoming original song.
Another shark bumps the cage, but Aqua not caring what just happened, proceeded to just close her eyes and continue humming.
'Evolve and Overcome.
–Kha'zix'
Not bothering to disturb her from finally having a peaceful moment, I just speak through my thoughts.
'Man those sharks are terrifying. Can't blame her for being terrified just from being bumped by it.'
The shark's probably the size of 1 big school bus. Good thing I went inside the cage with Aqua.
That thought hit me like a bullet as I remembered an important fact.
'We're... not... alone'
I turned my head slightly careful on not disturbing Aqua.
I turn my eyes through my peripherals and saw something scary.
Our 2 comrades staring blankly from afar.
We stared blankly at each other until one of them breaks the ice.
"Ahh~! Darkness~ We need to leave them be~! We're ruining their moment~!" Obviously being sarcastic there.
"Yeah~! We should leave them alone~! We're being 3rd wheelers here Megumin~!" Masochism isn't flaring up at all.
'Here comes the misunderstandings'
Well it's not making me feel disgusted or angry at least. In fact! It's doing the complete opposite haha!
"Ahhh! Look at Kazuma! He's smiling! So it really is true!" Megumin pointed at me.
"Yeah, look at that devilish smile. So he did threaten Aqua on doing that! Ohhhh~ I wanna be threatened by a pervert too~!" Darkness screamed flailing her hands up.
"In fact, I saw Aqua crying earlier! Kazuma you perverted BRUTE!" Megumin glaringly screams.
'Yeah misunderstanding.'
…..How did you end up misunderstanding this!?
*sign* I just shrugged my shoulders in my mind, and just adjusted my head to make Aqua more comfortable. Not bothering to listen to my 2 comrade's worsening screaming misunderstandings.
I just close my eyes, feeling Aqua's head against mine, instantly falling asleep. Unknowing of me Aqua giggling as she heard every misunderstanding of Megumin and the perverted fantasies of Darkness.
3 hours later
"*yawn* What a nice nap~" Feeling great, I stretch a little as I make myself more comfortable with the soft thing I'm leaning on.
Leaning too much that I feel something ticklelish going through my face.
'Smells nice actually.' I thought to myself as I breathe this familiar smell.
*inhale* *exhale* *inhale* *exhale* The water boggs it all down for me though. Especially the bars I'm leaning on right now.
…..Wait water and bars?
My eyes instantly opened as I remembered what is happening right now.
And the first thing that I saw is Aqua staring at me with a face preventing itself not to laugh.
"You were like a drug addict their Kazuma. Sniffing my hair like a maniac." Putting a hand on her mouth, preventing to laugh.
"I was just checking my nose if it's working properly or not! The water smells pretty bad so I really wanted something perfumish for a change!" I get off her as I just sat upright.
"*giggle* I never said I hated it, though." She just tenderly smiles as she leans against me again.
"No way I'm doing drugs though." I blankly told her, as I regret what I did to her hair.
"Being a drug addict and a pervert, is not a good match though."
"Oh shut up, you're an alcoholic though."
"Heh, alcohol are pretty common in gods and goddesses."
'Yeah right, Aqua.'
I look again to our 2 comrades back. Seeing them shaking their head as they glare at me while they eat their lunch. Well Darkness looking at me in her usual dirty fantasy look though.
"Look at what you did Aqua. You made me look like a pervert." I said, returning my attention to her.
"You were already a pervert from the start though stealing every girl's panties and all."
"Hey that's what makes you special though. I can't steal yours." Acting like a sweet protagonist I look in her eyes.
"Because I'm not wearing any! You hikiNEET! How can that make me special!?"
'Hahahaha, it doesn't!'
Having a great laugh together, we just look at the cleansing river and our heads still leaning against each other.
"Remember the last time we did this? It was exactly like that time." She sweetly asks me.
"No I don't."
Only to receive a playful headbutt from her.
"Ouch…Of course I do. How can I forget that?" My head hurts a little though.
"HikiNEET… That was the time we both started to change huh?" As she just looks to the familiar sunset from last time.
"Yeah, we changed for the better huh?" I stare at this wonderful sight.
She nods. "So…do you like this change of mine then?" She plays with the water surrounding us.
'Not going to lie on this one.'
"Course I do…. Don't get me wrong this change is really great. But I still want you to be the useless, debtful, alcoholic, cocky and troublesome goddess I know." Not a single doubt on this one.
"….You're making me sound like a bad person Kazuma." She looks at me with a mix of dumbfounded and embarrassed kind.
'Bad goddess though.'
"Yeah, I really do like your kind of change Kazuma. But I still want you to be the cheap, perverted, meanie, shutin-otaku, smart, cheater and the kind hearted HikiNEET that I know.
"Guess we're the same huh?" I grin.
"Yeah, we are." She grins back.
With the sound of the soft waves crashing, feeling a really nice breeze in our faces and the sight of the sun setting. There's no reason to slip up.
"Aqua…..I-"
"Oyyyy! You two aren't going to eat? We're going to eat your share if you do not come out of that cage! Especially you Kazuma!" Hearing of my little savior.
The little midget's pulls me back in reality as I almost slipped up.
"Y-Yeah! We're coming! And don't you eat my share Megumin!" I scream back to my savior.
'Now that was really too close. TOO CLOSE, I tell you that.'
"What were you going to say Kazuma?" Aqua asked me innocently.
'Phew, good thing she's the dense type.'
"Haha, it was nothing Aqua. I was just going to ask if you think Sui and Hiki would be hungry now." Not lying though. I was also gonna ask her that though.
'No way I'm using them just for an excuse.'
"Hikki and Sui! They might be hungry! I need to finish this quick!" Aqua screams as she goes in all fours.
"Purification! Purification! Purification! Purification! Purification!" Aqua chants like last time, only this time there's no tears in her eyes.
'And you love them too Aqua.' I just smile at her actions.
"I'm going to get us something to eat. I shall return!" I saluted
"You better be! I'm hungry!" Aqua saluted back.
'Now that's the goddess I know!'
I get out of the cage, and just look at the already cleansing river. But there's one big difference though.
"Where'd those Megalodon of a sharks go?"
'They left earlier than the purple alligators did.' That's a mystery I'd like to get in to.
Well everything fine and dandy so it's okay.
After stretching for a bit I go get our food. My 2 comrades attacked me to the ground as I was getting our food.
"You felt a bit of pity for your new pet huh, Kazuma!?"
"Me too Kazuma make me your pet~!"
"Aghhh! Shut up!"
'Ohhh, I've got something planned for you guys.'
4 hours later
"Seriously you guys are above average when it comes to misunderstanding and when it comes in real life…." I just look away for that last statement.
"What's that supposed to mean Kazuma!?" Megumin tries to smack my head.
After purifying the mysterios river, we set off back to the city. Last time we went back Aqua was in the cage. I freed the rare animal, this time I got 2 not so rare animals.
"Haha! Let's see how you feel when people misunderstand you!" I screamed menacingly as I walk beside Aqua.
"Noooo~! Kazuma you pervert!" Hearing her last screams, we enter through town.
"*chatter* *chatter* Look what Kazuma did now. I think those girls like that kind of torture though."
"Hiyaa! Kazuma stop this! I-It's t-too much!" Megumin's really easy to misunderstand speech finally appears.
'Darkness's enjoying it though.'
"Yes~! Yes~! Motto! Humiiate me more!" Darkness exclaims as she looks through every person she comes through.
"Wow, I never got any attention when I was in that cage." The girl beside exclaims surprisingly.
"No way, you attracted more people actually. Probably due to you singing like a rare animal."
"Hehe, that's when my song hit rock famous!"
"Hai, hai let's just take our 2 animals and get your reward."
"Hehehe, "our" reward of 800,000 eris!" She jumps up as she bumps me.
"….Yeah" I agreed blushingly. Not hearing the horrifying screams of Darkness and the pitiful misunderstanding cries of Megumin.
1 hour later
After fixing our equipment, returning the cage in mint condition, setting free our 2 rare animals and getting our reward. We finally returned to the stable.
As we enter our room, Aqua immediately checks on Sui and Hikki.
"Sui~ Hikki~ Sorry we're late~!" Aqua bows like a servant and her master.
In reply, Sui just happily swims as Hikki just stares in amusement.
'Nice reaction there Hikki' As a smile appears in my face, feeling like a father to that alien colored of a goldfish.
"We're home guys." Giving only a simple yet genuine call.
Aqua then proceeds to get our month's supply of bread. Preparing them in little pieces for them to eat.
"Here's your dinner guys! Make sure you eat up properly! Especially you Hikki, Sui needs to lessen up a bit!" She talks to them as she feeds them.
I feel my heart beat going up. As I can't help falling in love more and more to this girl I'm calling special in my life. My feelings just clouds my head as I can't think of anything else except confessing to her.
'Should I confess?! Will she confess to!? What if she doesn't feel the same!? No way! What we're even doing is something what boyfriends and girlfriends do. Aghhhhhh! I'm confessing right here, right now!'
I do my best to not panick as I just inhale and exhale.
"*phew* A-Aqua, o-ore wa!"
"Kazuma thank you for going in that cage with me." She seriously said as she's feeding our lookalikes.
"I was already trembling with fear and I was almost going to cry earlier. But when I saw your face, all of my fear just vanishes. I already told you not to worry about me….But you still went on your way just to help a troublesome, crybaby goddess… If I am special to you…..Then of course your special to me."
'…Aqua'
"I love you Aqua."
Not containing it any longer, I just told her without even realizing it.
"….Eh? What did you just say Kazuma? I think I didn't hear it right." Surprised, she stops feeding Sui and Hikki.
Tch! I cringe and I just grip my hands, as I didn't not expect that response.
'It's too late, I already said it!'
"I, Kazuma Satou, AKA "HikiNEET" has fallen in love with Goddess Aqua." I just playfully say it to hide my regret and embarrassment.
"Ohhhh! You're joking right!? Hahaha! There's no way you've fallen in love with me! Your voice already says it." She just thinks of it as a joke.
'Aghhhhh! You dense goddess! No way I'm backing out now.'
I quickly pin Aqua to the wall like what every protagonists do in a shoujo manga.
I use both of my hands so she won't escape. I just look into her eyes, showing that I'm not messing around.
'My face must be clearly red. I've never done this before!'
"You really think I'm lying right now Aqua?" I just stare at her.
"I-If it's true, since when then!?" Looking me in the eye showing she's serious as well. Also a clear red showing in her face though.
I'm at loss of words, looking at Sui and Hikki swimming happily as they cheer me on. Giving me the courage I needed.
"Actually I've realized it when we were together in the festival. I know I started to like you before I even realized it that day."
I put my head down, to make me think clearly.
"*chuckle* To tell you the truth, I was really surprised. Ever since the day we fought that Bear, my thoughts would always turn to you. I was always denying it at first, saying to myself that I'm just sick. The fact that I was almost going to lose you, made me realize that I just can't live without you. I cursed myself for falling in love with someone just too much for me." Feeling satisfied, I wait for her answer.
"…..W-What do you like about me then?" She shyly asks me.
'I already love you, you baka goddess.'
"Well…I actually hated everything about you at first. Being an alcoholic, spoiled, waster of skill points for lame party tricks, crybaby, debtful, prideful and cocky goddess.
Aqua cringes from every fact about her.
"Then you don't love me then! That's everything about me and you hate it!"
"Baka! Let me finish!"
'This is how me and Aqua roll I guess.'
"But when I started liking (loving) you, I noticed a lot of good points about you…..The fact that you apologized to me for everything you've done made me realize that everything is not bad about you…And when you started to change and made me fall in love at you. Just….made me love everything about you… Everyone might think that your traits are really REALLY horrible… But for me, that's what makes you special, what made me fall more deeper in love at you, showing that everything alive is not perfect, even a goddess. But you're perfect for me though…." My speech finally stops.
'Confessing sure is tiring. Especially when it comes to the dense type.'
I don't know how red my face is as Aqua just crimsonly stares at me in red is so red that, steam is probably coming out.
"…So, what's your answer?" I just ask her. The most important question I've ever asked to a person.
I really want her to say "Yes I love you tooo!"
And we set off to the sunset…
'I want that scenario to happen though'
But unfortunately….
'…Everything you want…..doesn't go your way'
I think I'm just dreaming again as I saw Aqua shaking her head.
"…..I'm sorry Kazuma…." A sad voice emerging from her.
'…Eh?'
My world just turned upside down, as I heard the word sorry. Even Sui and Hikki stopped swimming from the shock.
I again remember what happened in my school…
And my family…..
'Were you just like them Aqua?'
'Were you just playing with me…..'
'Using me…'
'Using my money…'
'I'm special to you huh?'
'Bullshit! Even in this parallel world, nothing changes!'
I unpin my hands out of her as I just walk towards the exit.
"I-I'm going out. Need some fresh air." Really wanting to run away, I force myself to at least show that I'm not angry.
"K-Kazuma! L-Let me explain!" Aqua holds my hand as she stops me from going out.
I shrug my hand off her.
"You don't need to explain anything, I get it." Not really in the mood for her reasoning, I just quickly made my way to the exit.
"K-Kazuma!...L-Listen to me!"
Not bothering to reply, I just continue walking.
As it was only 2 steps left outside.-
*thud!*
Something felt like an iron stump hitting the ground. And it turns out to be Aqua.
"HA! HA! Really funny Aqua. That's not going to make me go back." Being irritated by her usual actions.
I expected her to try and bat an eye, but she never got up.
"Stop joking around Aqua…" I'm starting to worry.
I'm really expecting her to be up by now. But, unfortunately she isn't showing any sign of getting up.
I quickly walked beside her and turned her body. Expecting a grinning face form her, and all I got is a face breathing heavily.
I immediately checked her forehead. "You're burning!"
I quickly remove my hand from the grill like forehead of hers.
*Thunder Cracks!*
'Sh*t! What am I going to do!?'
CHAPTER 9 END!
Important Notes: As you can see guys. I like doing if scenarios stories. Especially the if-scenario 'What if Kazuma is really freaking different from the original xD. I'm sorry again for those who are really bothered by the story. And really thank you for those who are keeping up with the story. Really, I'm grateful you're the ones who make me want to continue the chapters. Please tell me if you want some other POVs, if you want more Aqua POVs, if you want normal Povs, and if you want some more interactions with Megumin and Darkness. Also please criticize me if I'm doing something wrong. I really want to make these story better for you guys! Well, see you in the next chapter!