Save 6: Killachine? I hardly know her!

"Pachow! And stay down!" Neptune yelled as she cut a pixel monster into a million pieces. "Aw come on, that was like the hundredth guy!" We'd been stuck in the factory for about an hour, and the constant amount of monsters coming at us was insane. "Where are these guys even coming from! I thought this place was shut tighter than Noire's legs!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

Ignoring Noire's angry response, I gave Neptune a soft chop on the head, getting a small 'Ouu!' out of her. "Well, they have to be coming from somewhere, there's most likely a small opening that they use to come in and out of. That's our prize."

"Arc's right. No way these monsters were living here all this time with no food. They have to have a way out of here. Unless Ganache got his hands on a monster spawner..." Why did IF have to say that? The revived mood of the group fell once more. "B-But I doubt it! I doubt someone like him would even know that exists!" Her attempt to save the mood ended in a fumble. Man, this is more awkward than that time I referenced Family Dude at a party. Never again. "Um...

"Let's just continue." Compa said, saving the adventurer. Nodding her head with a blush, IF lead our group deeper into the factory. All the while we just continued fighting and fighting. It was starting to look like there was no exit to be found and we really wer- "Oh, there it is!" Nevermind. The nurse ran up to the giant hole that was leading directly outside. "See, I told you guys there was nothing to worry about!"

"...did... did Ganache not see that?" I asked outloud. That was a big fuck-off hole. It was at least half the size of the building. "Well, not that I'm complaining but still. Very off planning from him."

"Hey, hey! And look! It's one of those old school CDs! Wonder who dropped it, musta been a boomer!" Neptune picked up a small disc that seemed to be right in front of the exit. "Well, you know what we do to these? HIYA!" Throwing it into the air, Neptune squatted with her sword, unsheathed it for a microsecond and seethed it again. Right when the disc hit the floor, it divided into ten equal slices. "Judgment cut! Wait, I'm supposed to say it before I do it! Dang It!"

"Let's just go. Thank goodness it didn't spawn a mini-boss before we broke it." Sighing, Noire seethed her rapier and turned to us. "Let's go. We need to find that bastard and give him a piece of our minds!" Satisfied and thankful, we all ran out of the factory, the warm sun and lastaion's shitty air welcoming us back. As I walked however, I couldn't stop getting the feeling that I'm getting. Something's... off. Ganache is the founder of Avanier. He's a careful bastard. He has to be. Yet, he didn't notice that the factory had a huge hole in it? Not to mention the monster disc being right in front of it. No... "Hm? Arc, are you alright? You're pretty quite."

At Noire's question, I looked up at her and noticed that we were pretty far out. Neptune and Compa were jumping around in happiness while IF watched on. "No, just thinking. That hole... There's no way Ganache didn't know it was there. Yet he trapped us in here to die? No, he was planning something else."

"Something... else..." The goddess in disguise stared at the ground after I said those words. "Arc, I-"

"CRAP! CHIAN!" IF suddenly yelled. Turning to me and Noire, she had a pancied expression on as she continued. "That dick said he knew about us working for Chian! She's in danger!"

"Oh, no! Chian, please be okay!" Bolting out of the factory lot, Neptune led our charge to our employer.

Serious Nep, Serious Series!

The closer got to Chian's factory, the worse the condition of the city looked. It was as if a tornado had it with the amount of devastation that had taken place. "This... this is getting a little too serious for me." Neptune slowed her pace as we looked around. "I hope everyone's alright."

Looking over at Noire, I noticed that she was gripping onto her rapier for dear life. She seemed to also be biting her lip in fruistasion. Dammit, this is what I was afraid of. If Avaner is so callus that they could do this and not be afraid of any consequences... they really will destroy her country. "Noi-"

"There you all are!" Running towards us, covered in grease and soot was Chian. A large smile on her face as she tackled Neptune into a hug. "Thank the Goddess! I thought you all were caught up in all of that!" Pulling away from the lilac girl, she turned her gaze to all of us. "You all need to get somewhere safe."

"Absolutely not!" Stomping her foot into the ground, Noire walked up the our employer, pulled her from neptune and shoved her away. "Do you have any idea what is going on here?! If anyone needs to find somewhere safe it's you! That asshole is after you after all and look at what he's capable of! Get somewhere safe."

"L-Look, I'm glad you're worried about me Noire but..."

"GO! NOW!" Glaring at her, for a second her mask slipped. The goddess was ordering her citizens to stay safe.

And all Chian could do was give a weak nod before turning away from us. "Stay safe..." It wasn't until she was out of sight that Noire relaxed a little bit.

"Wow, I didn't think you had it in you, Noire. Very goddess like." IF teased, earning her a glare from the tsundere. "What? It was a complement."

"No more joking. We have things to take care of." Following Noire, we made our way to where the most noise was being heard, which of course led us to Chian's workshop. Or what was left of it. At the center of the destruction was ganache, laughing maniacally as a gigantic, red machine that was floating over the destruction. It had long arms with giant axes in both and seemed to have a serpent like design for its main body. "Ganache! You son of a bitch! Do you really think you're going to get away with this?!"

Stopping his psychopathic laughter, he turned to us. "Well, well well. If it isn't Lady Bitch Heart and her motley crew! I expected you all to get here faster! For a second, I believed I actually succeed in killing you." So it was all just a diversion. He set that all up just to stall for time?! "But yes, I do think that I will get away with this. Avanier is Lastation now. You, Black Heart, have no more power. No one in Lastasion reveres you anymore. It is our nation now. My nation." Grinning at us, his laugh began to seep out once more. "And because of that, you all will die here today! HYAHAHA!"

"I... I won't let you!" Pulling free her rapier, Noire pointed her weapon at the damn Corpo. "Yes, there aren't many who still believe in me, but so what? I will protect Lsation until my dying breath either way!"

"...a-are we gonna fight yet? All this seriousness is bad for my skin." Neptune, standing next to me, leaned into me and pouted. "Can we just beat this guy up and call it a day? I'm hungry."

"Can you be quiet for ONCE, Neptune?!" Turning her sword at the amnesiac, I could see in her eyes that Noire was truly contemplating fighting Neptune again. "How can you be callus?"

"Honestly, I'm impressed she lasted this long. This girl can't go five minutes without saying something useless."

"Arcy, what does that mean! I'll have you know that at least 70% of my dialogue is useful."

"That 'Least' is doing a lot of work in that sentence." Pouting at me, Neptune threw a slow punch at me which I easily dodged. "If I had to say, it'd be more like 30%"

"30?! That's-"

"SHUT UP!" An ear screeching yell stopped our dumbass conversation. "This is the climax of the second arc and you all have to do this useless shit?! Be normal for once in your lives!"

"Hehe, Arc. That's his name. Owie!" Not holding back our disappointment, IF, Compa and I all gave Neptune a collective shop on the head.

Sighing at our display, Gnanche finnlay decided to act. "You know, I'm a busy person. I don't have time for this nonsense. Killahcine, kill them all." The large machine let out a roar as It flew towards us. Since when could machines roar?! Ugh, I hate Avaneir!

Just as the machine swong both of its axes at us, two pillars of light shined in front of us. Blocking the giant weapons were a transformed Neptune and Noire. "What?! Purple... what the hell?! Why are you two working together!?"

The two goddesses smirked at each other before pushing the machine away from them. "Simple. We will do anything to protect the people. Isn't that right, Neptune?"

"To be honest, I'm a bit confused right now, but sure! Let's turn this thing into scrap metal!" Black Heart and Neptune flew into the sky, ready to work together to take the bastard down. "Compa, Iffy, Arcy! Support us as much as you can!"

"On it!" Compa and IF ran towards the monster, completely ignoring the founder who was looking for a place to hide. Whatever. We'll take care of him later. "Arcy, hurry up!"

Immediately, as the two goddesses began to fight the machine, it became obvious that it was built with some sort of armor. Their weapons just bounced back, same happened with IF and Compa too. Being in the back, I tried my best to examine the battle and look for a weakness. Every weapon has a weakness, no matter how strong. The strongest hammer has a weakness against range, something like that. Looking at the abomination, I noticed a few small gaps in it's armor. They weren't partially large, and I doubt that I could throw a knife into it but... It's worth a shot. But if I was wrong and I led Neptune and the others astray, then... it could mean the end of us. So, I sucked in a breath, whispered a silent prayer for myself and charged. "Arc, what're you-"

Running past IF, I ignored her cry of surprise. "Printing: Shock-Hunter" A yellow knife that was bursting with energy appeared in my hand. As I got close to the machine, that was busy swinging at Neptune and Noire, I ran towards its floating stomach and jammed the knife into one of the gaps of its armor. The attack worked, as the killachine froze up before swinging it's arms in anger and pain. "Yes! I knew that would wor-OUGH!" I'm so fucking stupid! Like a stupid person, I stayed in place when my attack did damage, allowing myself to get hit as our enemy twisted it's body and seemingly accidentally hit me with it's tail. Sending me into a destroyed wall. "Come on man, this alr- already happened."

"Arc! You alright?" Running towards me, IF and Compa picked me up from my crash site. "Compa, heal him up!"

"Okay! One second!" My body felt like it was on fire, my stomach and legs feeling the absolute worst. Unfornilty, Compa's healing did little to alieve that. "Oh no, I'm out of MP!" Of course she was. And I ate my last Nep-bar just before we got here. "Arcy..."

"I'll be fi- Be fine. It's not to bad..." Wait, why does it hurt to breath? Oh great, my lung is fucked up. "Focus on helping Neptune and Noire." The nurse looked hestatent but thankfully relented. "Oh, yeah. Before i fog- forget. The gaps in the armor. That's its weak- ness."

"Okay! Iffy, let's go!"

"W-What? But- Hey! Stop pulling me!"

Without waiting for a second, Compa pulled the adventurer and went back into the heat of battle. Even with the weakness known, there were so little of the gaps that it was thought to get to them. Each time Neptune and Noire tried to get to one, the killachine swong one of it's axes, same went for whenever IF and Compa did. Dammit, they won't get to it without a destoraction. And yet, even if I wanted to be that distraction, with my injury the way it is, I won't last long. Think, think ,think. Are there any variants of head-hunter that could help here?

Closing my eyes, I went through the short list. Heat, Shock and Spray won't work here. Neither will Weight or Placement hunter. There isn't- wait a fucking second. Opening my eyes and looking behind me, I looked at the destroyed all that I was leaning against. Pushing my body weight a little further onto it, I noticed that the wall was easily movable and it had holes all over. This'll be perfect! "NEPTUNE! NOIRE! ATTACK WHEN YOU SEE THE SIGNAL!" Both of them yelled out questions about what signal, but it was fairly obvious what it would be so I didn't bother answering. Okay, this is my last spell so I better make this count! Summoning Placement-Hunter, I dug the small detachable hook into the wall and turned to aim. Taking a ragged, deep breath I closed one eye. "Please, hit your mark!"

The knife flew through the air with grace, flying right past the machine, and a few meters away the wall was following it. "OHHH! That's what you meant!" Smirking, Neptune pulled Noire away from the machine as the wall hit it's upper torso, stunning it for a second. "Now! Critical edge!"

"Lace Ribbons!" The two goddesses used the time to slice and dice at our enemies weak points, slicing the machine into pieces. As the machine whined in sorrow, Neptune and Noire gave each other high fives, with the explosion happening right behind them. Straight out of a video game victory screen.

Noi- NEP!

My mind and body are one. And everything is fine. Pain is nothing more than a mindset and nothing can hurt me if my- "OWOWOWOWOW! Compa, be careful!"

"Shumop!" The nurse yelled at me though a half eaten Nep-bar. The energy bar was hanging out of her mouth, half eaten, as she was doing her best to bandage me up and heal at the same time. "Hmph, I should make you pay me for this Arcy. Why do you have to be so reckless?" Not wanting to answer, I just shut up and took the pain of the healing.

Neptune, back in her normal form, walked up to where I was laying and gave me a happy wave. "Yo, Arcy! How's the weather down there." Before I could say a clever comment, Compa tightened the bandages around my stomach. I may or may not have yelped because of it. "Hehehe! Sooo lame! So, Compy, when's he gonna be alright so we can get back to key hunting?"

"... um, I don't know."

"What, did his strong and manly bones break?" IF said with a smirk as she and Noire joined in to injure my pride too. There truly is nothing sacred to these girls, is there? "No, but seriously. Is he gonna be alright? Can't have the only sane person in this party die."

"I'm literally right next to you, IF." Noire sighed while sending me weird sideways glances.

"Um, well... Arcy's lungs are bruised, and he's got two broken ribs." HOLY SHIT! The joking tone immediately fell away as I just realized how close to dying I was just a few moment ago. "I-I healed his lungs but I can't do more right now. He needs to rest for at least a week, with constant healing."

"I-I don't think we have enough money to stay at the hotel for another few days! Iffy, give up money from your savings!"

"Neptune, who do you think I am? I don't have any savings!" And here I thought IF would be a responsible person. "Dammit.. Wait. Noire, you're the goddess! Let us crash at your Basilicom!"

Shaking her head, the black haired goddess immediately shut down the idea. "Are you stupid? We just destroyed Avanier's weapon that definitely cost millions! They were always going after me, but you four will be to much of a burden." A burden?! Here I thought we became friends. Turning her head away with a flushed face, she continued. "You need to take the first train to Planeptune ASAP. That way you will be out of my hair." Oh.

What a Tsundere. I'm completely certain all of us thought that as we stared at the blushing woman. "Fine. But we'll be back! We still need to find that keychain and beat up Guacamole!" Smiling, Neptune put her hand out to her, I'm now certain, former enemy. "Putter there, Noire!"

"..." Staring at the hand, she glanced at each of us. IF, Compa, and I- wait, did she just look away from me?! Am I really that pitiable?! "Neptune... you're Purple Heart. And I'm Black Heart, the two of us are enemies." I KNEW IT!

"OHHHHH! That's who I am! Now that I think about it, that was kinda obvious."

"It's because you don't think, Neptune."

"Didn't you say you'd do all the thinking for me, Arcy?" Ugh. Her smug grin didn't make my embarrassment go away any faster "But, anyway/ Don't care. I don't remember fighting you and that's sooo last game series. We're friends now, Nowa! Didn't these last few days mean anything to you?"

"Fri- DID YOU JUST CALL ME NOWA?!" It was taking her a while to figure out a nickname for her. "Neptune. Y-You are always a pain in the ass!" But through her yelling and anger, she was smiling wide as shit. "I-I'm definitely not happy to hear that you think we're friends or anything! G-G-Get out of her before I change my mind, dumbass!"

"Hehehehehe, see ya Nowa! Iffy, Compa, Arcy, let's get outta here before she asks us to marry her!" Dodging the rapier strike from the goddess, the lilac embodiment of stubbing your toe jumped away with a smile.

IF and Compa both picked me up by my arms, supporting me. "Well, see you Noire. It's been an honor knowing you and I hope we'll continue our friendship."

"Iffy, don't be so formal! Bye bye, Nowa! Next time, lets go shopping together!"

"T-that'd be nice but don't call me that!" At this point, I was begining to worry if our new buddy was going to explode with how much heat was flowing into her head. Nonetheless, I gave her a small smile and nod.

"See ya, Noire. I'll tell you what, Lastation's definitely gone up my list knowing that you're the one heading it." Noire said nothing to me, simply turning her head from me and muttering something under her breath. Man, I really pissed her off, eh? I didn't have much time to think about it however, as IF and Compa began to drag my injured ass away.

"BYE BYE NOWA!"

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"

Neptune!

The trip back to Planeptune was actually pretty calm. Likely due to the destruction, the trains were practically empty and it was really easy to get a ticket. All four of us fell asleep on the train, exhausted from the wild events of Lastation. I woke up much earlier than everyone else, and we still had two hours before reaching our destination. Unlike last time, it was Neptune and I sitting at the window seats, the apparent CPU of Planeptune drooling all over the window she was leaning on. Stretching, I groaned as I felt the pain in my chest flare up. Yup! Almost forgot that my healing takes more time with how serious the wound is. Feeling the pain mostly fizzle out, I leaned my head against the window and looked out at the night as our train flew by Planeptune's countryside. I hope Chian's alright. We got out of there so fast, that we didn't even get to say goodbye. Well, Noire must have helped her out. She did say she'd do anything for her citizens.

For a girl who tried to kill us as soon as we met her, she's not that bad. Hell, I'd say she's pretty cool, if a little overly serious. Not to mention Avaneir. For them to go that far, just to try and take out a small time engineer? We're going to have to take them down soon. Thankfully, they don't have too much influence in the other nations... I just jinxed us didn't I?

The girls didn't wake up until we got to Planeptune. Like the demons that they are, they carried me all the way to Compa's home. Making a scene the entire way. As soon as we got to Compa's place though... "Alright! Arcy, you will NOT leave this bed for the rest of the day! If you do, I'll punch you in the face!" What kind of nurse threatens her patient? The pink loving girl was pointing her giant syringe at me, glaring at me as hard as she could. It wasn't very scary if I can be honest. But the syringe was a different story.

"Understood ma'am. I will be staying here all day. I won't move a muscle." Sitting on the bed, I raised my hands and nodded. "I promise."

Staring at me, Compa studied my words and body language. After a moment, she smiled. "Ooookay! I'll be in the living room then!" Shutting the door, I was left in the very pink bedroom and sunk deeper into the bed. Oh well, I don't get a lot of time to relax. This'll be nice.

Three days later, and I wanted to do anything but stay in bed. I was already healed by yesterday, but Compa wanted me to rest to make sure I was alright. I'm more than fine! But, saying that to her would be a death sentence. "Arrrrrcy! Are you awake?"

"Compa, it's one pm." Opening the door, the pink nurse was being followed by the lilac goddess. Both of them grinning at me. "What's up?"

"Well, Compa and I are gonna go shopping with Iffy! So, anything you need, Bedman?" Holding down a groan at Neptune's teasing, I actually saw an opportunity here. "Nothing too expensive tho!"

"Um, just some orange sorbet ice cream and maybe a new pillow. Once I start sleeping on Compa's couch again I'll need it."

"Orange? Huh, I always thought you were a rocky road kinda guy."

"I prefer sweet ice cream to savory kinds."

"I see you're a man of taste as well." For once we agree on something Neptune. "Alrighty! Come on Compa, let's have fun while Arcy wastes away here all alone!" Wow, and here I thought that we were finding some common ground. "Don't go anywhere, Arcy!"

"I won't."

"Arcy, if you go anywhere, I'll-"

"I won't Compa! Just go have fun!" The two waved goodbye before leaving me alone. I waited a few minutes before getting out of bed. "I can't stay here forever." Stretching, I was happy to find that my body was completely back to normal. Alright, time to look for some clues. While our investigation in Lastation led to a friendship with Noire. We're still at square one when it comes to the key fragments. And the fact that they are KEY (haha!) to saving the world, I don't like the fact that it's taking us so long to find them. Also the fact that we don't know how many there are, though I can hazard a guess that there are 4 of them. One for each nation.

Taking out my phone, I scrolled through the guild app, looking to see if there was any news of something interesting happening in the other nations. Filtering out Lastation of course. Nothing. Ugh. Wait, is that... Noticing that I had a notification on my app, I opened it. "...OH!"

Heading down to the guild, I immediately saw what the notification was about. Standing in front of the guild building was an honestly strange looking girl. She had on a long white trench coat over a black sailor fuku with a red tie and teal stockings. Her long blue hair would be an eye catcher if it wasn't for the large black witch hat. "Ah, Lord Arc. It's been a while. How are you doing?"

"Hey, Mag." Waving at one of my only few friends, I couldn't really stop the small smile from appearing on my face. "I'm alright. Actually good depending on your definition of the word." Standing next to her I leaned against the wall. "How about you?"

"I've been better. My search for the legendary Doc P has not led anywhere. It must be the organization's fault." Even after knowing her for years, I still don't really understand MAGES. very well. When I first met her, she insisted that she was from another universe, knew me from there, and was chasing for Doc P before some people called The Organization get to it. Yeah, I thought she was insane too. Whether or not I believe her, she's a good friend and is smart in her own, weird way. "So, why was it that you wanted to speak to me, my friend?"

"Oh, well. It's kind of hard to explain, but I'm looking for something at the moment. It's called a key fragment. My party and I went to Lasation but didn't find anything there. Now, we don't really know where to go." I've known MAGES. for about six years now. Since I've met her, she has been an amazing friend to me. Supporting me when I need her and always giving me the best advice that she can. I swear, if it wasn't for her and Muramasa, I don't think I would be alive right now. And I'm only exaggerating a little bit.

"I see, so things are going like last time, but differently at the same time." She murmured that to herself, but I was able to hear her because I was so close to her. "Hm, then I'd recommend going to Leanbox capital. Let's just say I have some information that says that you'll find something there."

Thinking about it for a moment, I suppose it made sense in a way. For now, our only real places to go would be either Leanbox or Lowee. And Leanbox is the closest to Planeptune at the moment and has cheaper tickets to get to. "Alright, that makes sense. Are you using your other worldly knowledge again?"

Smirking at me, the enigmatic mage tipped her hat. "Perhaps. Either way, it's nice to see you again. Oh, are you alright with the money for the tickets?" My silence spoke volumes. "No matter the world, you are destined to be broke, Arc."

"Do you have to shove it in my face?" Giggling to herself, I couldn't really get mad at MAGES. for that. The main reason being that she pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. It was pretty heavy, and opening it I was met with tons of credit bills. This looks like I'm selling her drugs. "Mage, you don't have to-"

"I insist. I receive a large amount of support from my co-conspirators anyway. Besides, I enjoy assisting my partner in destiny." The way she says that sounds like a proposal. Shaking my head at her, I looked back down at the envelope. Usually, I'd take it without a word. After all, I'm not the kind to look a gift horse in the mouth. But, Mage is my friend. "Think about it like this. You can pay me back later, when I join you on your world saving adventure."

"Huh?" Without saying another word, she patted me on the back and left. The strange woman's silhouette disappearing into Planeptune's crowd. "Jeez, that girl can be weird." Maybe she was telling the truth about being from a parallel world. Eh, probably not. She's always been good at predicting things. I would ask for her help again if it came to it. Putting the envelope in my jacket, I began walking back to Compa's home. Hoping that the girls won't notice that I've been gone.

"Arcy~" A dark, creepy voice interrupted my walk just as I was a block from Compa's apartment. Shit.


AN: Hello everyone. How have you all been? I've been hanging in there and I hope you all have been doing well. Nothing much to say this time, other than thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Also, don't be afraid to leave a comment if you'd like. I appreciate any and all comments and criticisms so please let me know what you think!