The world around Aqua appeared borderline frightening, her vision shrouded with pale white mist and unsettling distortions. Making it worse were her eardrums; Ringing sharply despite the ominous silence throughout the enclosure. Yet, the nightmarish odds strewn against her strangely did not feel threatening by any means, having her hand gripped onto what felt like fingers. The touch felt short, but left a familiar and comforting sensation nonetheless. Allowing a surge of elation to implode within her, knowing that she was in good hands regardless of the conditions she was in.
The presence of her family was all that mattered.
Meanwhile on the other side of the universe, the fan emitted an eerie mechanical whirling noise as its blades spun across the ceiling. Below it, a burly blonde and a petite brunette sat on the sofa, patiently resting upon the return of their unconscious compatriot.
Perhaps the anesthesia did their job a little too well.
An agitated Kazuma released his hand from Aqua, pacing about the hospital ward in an attempt to distract himself from the pent up frustration and anguish that was poisoning him.
"Sheesh, damn the doctors for the painkiller overdose. Just look at her now..."
Megumin and Darkness only managed a pitiful sigh at Kazuma.
"I mean, give it a rest Kazuma... Aqua had just given birth. Acting out of displeasure won't be doing you any favors."
Megumin's voice brought Kazuma around, accompanied by the sound of an apple slice tapping against the dish. Rotating the pome fruit, Megumin mimicked the motion in the air once before carving the fruit knife through the apple's rounded surface. At the same time, Darkness reached her hand onto an apple slice on the dish, bringing it into her mouth for a small bite of its juicy flesh.
"In any case, it should not be long before she regains consciousness. Don't fret Kazuma, your wife is stronger than you may think."
Kazuma gradually regained his bearings, settling onto the sofa beside the Crusader and Arch Wizard.
"You are right... There is absolutely nothing to worry about."
Skewering the tip of the knife onto an apple slice, Megumin held it out and offering it to Kazuma. Watching him carefully peel the apple off the blade.
"Troubled from marriage preparations?"
Megumin having completed her second apple, reached into the basket to grab a third. Sliding the blade lightly along the apple surface to peel off its skin; Its firm red layers neatly curling into a swirl before gliding onto the miniature waste bin seated below her legs.
"Yeah I suppose..."
Pulling out the brochure he procured from the fateful shop, Kazuma stared back immensely. As though hoping to gain a moment of respite during such stressful times.
"How are you going to break it to her?"
"Not yet, she has still too much on her plate to handle."
Darkness could not help back a soft giggle, much to Kazuma's detests. Initially assuming her pleasure was drawn from the tension he was experiencing, due to poor self-control over her inner masochist.
"You know, its not good to overthink, just go with the flow. After all, the former only serves to make you panic. Both of us had agreed to contribute the best efforts we can muster."
Kazuma was tempted to retaliate. However, the validity of Darkness's statement made him thought otherwise.
Further idle conversation would have to wait. As a series of audible murmurs could be heard escaping Aqua's lips. Sending an electrical jolt through her entire party as they scrambled to their feet. Scurrying alongside the bed, only to be greeted once more with her drugged voice.
"...Ka...Ka...Kazuma?"
Aqua weakly reached out for Kazuma's hand, grabbing onto it tightly. While her words sounded cloudy and vague, Kazuma gradually understood them as he studied her lip movements.
"Are you alright?"
Kazuma nodded once, cupping his free hand onto her cheek and massaging it affectionately. The birthing process had taken a massive toll on her, leaving her body frail and limp. Yet despite all that, the radiant smile she bore enveloped Kazuma in a strange sense of calm.
"Funny, I should be asking the same thing to you instead."
"Where is she?"
It took Kazuma some time to realize Aqua was referring to their daughter.
"Yea, she is fine. They will return once they had taken her height and weight."
Aqua shifted her hands downward, trying to steady herself upright but failed to do so. Tumbling sharply onto the mattress, provoking Kazuma's distressed state of mind even further. Luckily for her, Megumin and Darkness were quick enough to break her fall by grasping tightly onto her shoulders.
"You idiot! What are you trying to do?"
Aqua feebly raised her finger, pointing behind Kazuma; Currently lacking even the strength to speak. Prompting Kazuma to turn around and face the oncoming figure.
"Sorry but excuse me."
The hospital crib weaved its way into the room, pushed along by one of the many unrecognizable nurses that flowed in and out of the hospital doors. Pulling it up alongside the bed Kazuma and Aqua.
Within it, was Kazuma's and Aqua's beacon of pride and joy.
Nine months of anticipation had boiled down to this moment.
Her beady pupils were darting around with curiosity. Trying to acknowledge the wonderful world she had traversed too.
The tuft of cerulean blue hair combined with that creamy white complexion from Aqua.
The lush dark green orbs from Kazuma.
Everything about her was screaming with beauty.
The first true contact with their newborn will be etched into her parents' memories for as long as they live.
Kazuma could not help but smile widely at the sight. Partly due to a joke Kazuma conjured up inside his mind.
She must be thinking, why am I born to an idiot Goddess and an Otaku NEET?
The nurse meticulously lifted the baby from the crib, endowing her unto Aqua's arms.
Aqua leaned her head down, her eyes brimming with tears of joy as she planted a soft kiss on the baby's delicate forehead. The clear viscous fluids streaming endlessly from her eyes, refusing to show any signs of stopping. Kazuma could not help it either, bringing up his finger to tap the baby's cheek, grazing it affectionately.
Meanwhile, Megumin and Darkness watched from their sofa seats. Allowing a fuzzy warmth to consume them at the sight of Aqua and Kazuma embracing their newborn daughter.
"What would you like to name her?"
Kazuma gave the honors to Aqua. After all, it was only fair that the mother deserved to name the daughter.
"Chomzuma is a good name!"
"How about Joan, from Joan Of Arc; The name of a valiant, heroic and female warrior!"
Much to Kazuma's relief, Aqua did not heed the recommendations of her fellow idiotic party members.
"Kara."
Kazuma was slightly perplexed by her choice.
"Kara? The name of an ocean?"
Aqua nodded her head once, bringing up her finger to meet the baby's own, playfully enjoying the the sensation of her daughter's baby skin.
"Sounds nice, but I didn't expect a person like you to come up with such a pretty name."
Aqua was too elated in her current state to stir up a commotion. Replying Kazuma's smug comment with a grin etched across her cheeks, much to his surprise.
"Satou Kara... Sounds about right."
Everything went to hell real fast after Kara returned to the nursery, with Aqua resuming her old self once again.
Starting off, Aqua's impatience was nothing short of remarkable, demanding to return home while firing tantrums haphazardly across the hospital ward. Too bad the doctors had other plans in mind. Forcing her to stay put for few more days to recover from any severe post-birth symptoms. Kazuma being ever so concerned of Aqua's safety, sided with the doctors as well, culminating into an over the top spectacle that sent the doctors into complete disarray.
"KAZZZUUMAH! PLEASE I WANT TO GO HOME!"
Sorry for the commotion dear doctors and nurses of this wonderful hospital......
"You idiot Goddess, I would not allow you to fall ill upon return to our mansion with that current crappy immune system of yours!"
"HMPH."
Realizing that she will not get her way, Aqua swerved her head away and pouted her lips in agitation. Childishly refusing to speak to Kazuma for the entire day. Even though he faithfully remained by her side, watching over her well-being throughout the duration of her stay. On the other hand, Megumin and Darkness returned to the mansion after several hours of daily visits. Both of them quoting to have certain important errands to run. Though much to Aqua's annoyance, the context of said errands were not disclosed to her.
Adding a more positive note, many of their close friends stopped by to offer their blessings, during the time at the hospital, donating a vast array of goodies as well to celebrate the birth of their newborn daughter.
While the hampers and snacks were plentiful. The most remarkable gift was still the baby cot from Wiz and Vanir. Having the latter delivered and assembled it at the mansion under the supervision of Megumin, Wiz dropped by to deliver the good news.
"Thanks for letting me in on that quest. I have not eaten a good meal for days on end. Please have this baby cot, while it does not look fanciful, I think it will serve its function rather well."
Meanwhile, A white haired thief bounced jubilantly into the hospital ward, her hands carried paper bags overloaded with snacks and herbal tea packets. Recognizing her at first glance, Darkness sprang up immediately, beaming with exhilaration as she rushed over to greet and shake the hand of the oncoming figure.
"Chris? How have you been?"
"Hi Darkness I am fine! I hope you have been well."
She gazed around the room scanning all their facial expressions before letting loose a joyous, heartfelt greeting.
"Hi everyone, I heard about everything that has happened! Congratulations Aqua and Kazuma! I got some stuff here for you, hope you don't mind."
Aqua was beaming in excitement at all the food stuff piling up at the corner. After all, it has been some time since Aqua disregarded her diet plan; Consuming whatever she found fanciful.
"Thank you Chris!"
The cheerful expression of gratitude from Aqua has left Chris speechless. Unable to comprehend the fact that Aqua had just praised her.
It was a first.
Aqua fiddled with the bags, carefully discerning the snack packets. Much to Kazuma's constant discouragement of junk food, Aqua turned his advice on blind ears. Diving her hand into a bag full of buttermilk crisps and gorging them into her mouth.
"Say...You do sound awfully...similar to someone else... Have I met you anywhere else before?"
"Hee hee, just kidding. Its probably just my imagination."
Nevertheless, the days passed by rather quickly. With Kazuma and Aqua eventually returning to the mansion, this time with Kara wrapped up in a baby blanket, cuddled in Aqua's arms. Apparently, Megumin and Darkness were busy with more of their personal errands, having left the hospital the same day but earlier in the morning.
"Welcome to your new home Kara."
Aqua whispered into Kara's ear, brushing it delicately with her nose.
Upon entering Aqua's room, she immediately laid her newborn daughter into the cot while Kazuma watched from the opposite side, marveling at her from above as Kara's curious forest green eyes gradually flickered opened, familiarizing herself with the surroundings.
"She is truly beautiful, half human and half goddess. What does that make her?"
Aqua only shrugged at Kazuma, equally dumbfounded by his question.
"She is our daughter, I think that's all that matters."
Kazuma rotated his gaze towards Aqua in pure amazement at her answer. Despite not being accustomed with the concept of mothers love, she was able to express it flawlessly and naturally to Kara. It then occurred to Kazuma that Aqua understood the responsibility of her daughter's well-being.
Kara had made her undergo such a paradigm shift in behavior for the better.
Aqua's low, angelic voice brought Kazuma back into reality. Noticing how her cerulean orbs narrowed with bliss as her lips curled into a grin of satisfaction.
"She's asleep now."
Kazuma could not resist embracing the comforting sense of desire that overwhelmed him, he reached for Aqua's slightly frail body. Though much to her initial surprise, he scooped her up bridal style and laid her gently against her bedsheets. While Kazuma perched above her, their bodies touching, their faces only separated by mere distance.
Aqua's pupils darted away, a rosy blush working its way onto her cheeks.
"You NEET, what are you up to now?"
"Thank you Aqua, for this blessing you have brought for the both of us."
Kazuma's sincere words of gratitude tugged Aqua's heartstrings; Her eyes were almost brimming with tears. Much to Kazuma's apparent disappointment however, she turned her head away from Kazuma, biting her lower lip to hide her vulnerability.
"Hmph... Don't mention it. Carrying Kara for nine months does hurt you know."
Nodding his head agreement, Kazuma lowered his lips, catching Aqua completely off-guard as he laid an affectionate kiss onto her cheek. Brushing his lips to her ear, whispering something that made her shudder instantly.
"Aqua, don't you feel like we are missing something."
"Kazuma, not now please..."
Her response only made Kazuma snicker in amusement at Aqua's cluelessness.
Kazuma's body loosened,while their bodies touching throughout as he plopped himself closely beside her. His hand tracing its way onto Aqua's ring finger, pulling it up into their full view. Much to Aqua's confusion.
"Remember the time you were at the mall? ... I took matters into my own hands."
"Huh?"
As if on cue, the knock on the door brought Kazuma onto his feet. Opening the door to greet Darkness who was carrying a gigantic toolbox and a parcel neatly wrapped with ocean blue wrapping paper. The logo engraved on the side of the box seemed vaguely familiar. After all, it had not been long ago when Aqua came across it.
"Darkness, I will leave her to you. Thank you very much."
Darkness bowed her head, understanding the instructions. Leaving Aqua the only person confused at this conversation.
"Kazuma, what is going on?"
However, Kazuma said nothing. Instead only letting loose a smirk of satisfaction before he left the room, closing the door behind the both of them.
"Now, its my turn."
A couple of hours had passed since then.
I wonder what Aqua would be thinking about.
The tightening of his collar snapped Kazuma back into reality. Casting his eyes downward, Megumin was performing Kazuma's last minute adjustments. Priming his tuxedo neatly and adding a white rose into his pocket to complete the look.
"Wow, congratulations Kazuma. Hmm you look like a gentleman today."
Megumin mused in merriment at the gentleman standing before her.
"Yeah, thanks Megumin for helping me with this annoying suit."...
"Don't mention it! Its is kinda fun watching you squirm."
For whatever reason, she could not help but feel a pang of sadness deep within her chest. It felt as though she had lost something important.
"For your future marriage?"
Kazuma could not hold back a giggle at her uplifting remark. Unfortunately for him, Megumin only responded by biting her lip to wring the heartache away.
Without saying anything further, the young brunette lowered her head, giving Kazuma a gentle push on the shoulder.
"Your future is right through those doors, go get them with Aqua!"
The encore was not deafening by any means, due to the small audience here to witness Kazuma's and Aqua's milestone event. It was going to be a quiet Civil wedding ceremony. Nothing grandeur, nothing loud and most importantly: Nothing Religious. Just a few close friends and most importantly: Peace of mind.
Limited Invitations had been carefully given out beforehand to ensure this.
Wiz, Chris, Vanir, Luna, Dust and few others they had gotten to meet during in Axel stood up upon the groom's arrival, applauding and cheering at Kazuma.
On the other hand, Dust could not resist the temptation to start a massive cheerleading session for our young protagonist. Dust bumped his fist into the air. Following that was a chorus of hearty cheers.
"Kazuma! Kazuma! Kazuma!"
"Hold up now, the goddess bitch has not arrived yet... Try to save the excitement for later."
At that moment, the heavy church doors swung open.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A BITCH GODDESS?"
Kazuma swerved his figure around, only to be graced by the most elegant lady he had ever set his eyes on.
Aqua's cerulean hair tied into buns such that the veil of her wedding gown draped comfortably over her, hiding her embarrassed cerulean eyes from the crowd. The gown itself was inhumanely white and pristine, creating milky ripples that traversed downwards with each small step. In addition, the dress had left her shoulders bare, subjecting the creamy patches of skin to the awestruck gazes of the audience.
Accompanying her along the carpet was Darkness, watching over her step and cradling their daughter in her arms.
Kara had to be here, after all she was the reason for their love. To finally cement their love for each other, was the wedding.
Aqua strolled along the carpet, carrying a bouquet of roses and taking her spot alongside Kazuma before the pedestal. Their respective hands locked tightly onto one another as they turned to face each other.
Kazuma lightly pulled up her veil, revealing her gorgeous face, enhanced even further by her cerulean blue eyes and the rosiness of her cheeks.
"Like the wedding dress I got for you?"
Aqua turned her face away, but unable to hide the look of conceit written all over her. Not wanting to surrender and bolster Kazuma's ego any further that she already has.
"Hmph its nice I guess..."
Kazuma could not help but let out a sigh of disappointment.
"That's all you got to say?"
Nevertheless, knowing Aqua well enough. It was obvious from her facial cues and experience that she adored the dress to bits.
The elderly priest made his way up onto the stage. Preparing the final touches to initiate their wedding vows. Since it was a Civil wedding, there would be no partaking of any religious practices. Replacing his holy scriptures would be a set of documentations from the government of Axel.
Not that it mattered, if anything a civil wedding was way easier to execute.
"Do you? Satou Kazuma, take you, Aqua, to be your wedded wife to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death?"
"I do!"
The energy Kazuma invested into that response felt real, prompting Aqua to burst out in a fit of giggles. Meanwhile, the elderly priest rolled his eyes at her childish antics, carrying on with the wedding vows.
"Sksksksks."
"Do you? Aqua, take you, Satou Kazuma, to be your wedded husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death?"
This bitch had other ideas.
"Haha...Nope."
"HUH?"
"Oh my god you NEET, you actually believe that? Of course I do..."
"Ugh... Therefore, it is my pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!"
Kazuma's hands surrounded Aqua's hip, pulling her in while her arms laid on Kazuma's shoulders. Pulling her in to firmly establish the birth of their life-changing relationship.
Meanwhile, the chants erupted again, this time even louder and with greater ferocity.
"KAZUMA! KAZUMA! KAZUMA!"
A marriage is the union of two souls into one. Merging of the pathways of two different lives.
The post wedding reception was eventful to no end, with unfilled conversations flooding around the entire church. However, the hottest topic of the day was regarding Kazuma's and Aqua's love story; How their platonic relationship transcended into that of an intimate one. Furthermore, no reception would be complete without several trays of snacks and soft drinks spread across a marbled table. Unfortunately for Kazuma, he was left to entertain most of the inquisitive guests as Aqua was nowhere near to be found.
"How did you two develop your relationship till this extent?"
"What lighted the spark in your newfound relationship?"
"What sort of magic abilities did you use, given your poor social skills from being a shut-in Otaku NEET?"
I had rehearsed this well enough, just be calm and natural.
Luckily, Kazuma was all prepared for the occasion, about to release a new and improved, revised story to satisfy the curiosity of the audiences. However, Aqua suddenly barged in front of him, eagerly volunteering herself to answer those questions in his place.
"WELL! KAZUMA AND I HAD A ONE NINNN.."
Catastrophic damage was prevented thanks to Kazuma's nimble reactions, sealing Aqua's lips with his own hands. And all the while almost suffering a full fledged, code black panic attack.
Or that was what it seemed like anyways.
The crowd was seemingly satisfied from Kazuma's altered storyline, much to his own relief. Just as he released his hold on Aqua, she swerved around in a state of pure annoyance at his lie. About to chastise him for his brash maneuvers. However, Kazuma held out his palm to interject.
"I do not want our friends to perceive Kara's birth as a mistake. Anyway, my story did stay quite close to the source material, just without the drunk part."
"Hmmph, I will have you know that you physically hurt me."
"This goddess..."
Much to Aqua's confusion, Kazuma broke off momentarily to retrieve something from the ice box, hiding it behind his back as he approached Aqua. Flashing it at her with a mischievous smile as she turned around to face him.
"Heh, would you forgive me if I gave you this?"
It seems her nine long months of cold turkey had finally come to an end.
Aqua's eyes glowed like a predator, locked on to the bottle of grand alcohol that was sitting on Kazuma's hand. Without any warning, she pounced onto Kazuma, releasing an animalistic snarl that had the surrounding guests filled with horror.
Gosh, it would be nice if you could share it too.
Fun times do pass over rather quickly. Not being long after, Kazuma and Aqua were preparing to settle in for night.
"Wow, she sure can sleep."
Kazuma's head was buried in his arms as he perched above the crib, staring down sleepily at their motionless daughter.
"Yeap, she dozed off while I was feeding her. It was so cute, too bad you weren't there to see it!"
Kazuma rotated his head around, watching Aqua squeal like some four year old child from the bed.
Well to be honest, she wasn't that much different.
At long last after discovering some willpower, Kazuma forcefully pulled himself out of the crib's dense magnetic attraction; Tucking under the covers, parking his body directly in front of Aqua lovingly gaze. Their faces mere inches away from one another caused Aqua's cheeks to redden once more.
Speaking of four year old child.
"It sure is amazing that you could swig that whole bottle without feeling the least bit drunk."
"It was wine, the alcohol percentage was way to low for goddess like me!"
Kazuma only rolled his eyes at Aqua's gloating.
"Anyways, there is one thing I have been dying to know. What is your real age?"
As Kazuma narrowed his eyelids and inspected her face, Aqua herself could not resist releasing a chuckle.
"Kazumah! I am not some old grandma despite my status of a goddess!"
Aqua then leaned herself to Kazuma, whispering something into his ear that left a wide grin on his face. Plopping back down to her original position only to have Kazuma watched Aqua drifting off into a slumber. While her bright red blushes remaining intact at Kazuma's charismatic twinkling expression and the alcohol that had finally set into her system.
Mother, father. Are you proud of me marrying this goddess?
AN: Finally and we are closing in on the last chapter! Thank you all for all the support so far. To add on, do leave a review as well! This would probably be my last fanfic because I will be starting school soon. But hey, it has been such a fun ride. Onward to the last chapter!