Save 7: I Hate Boats

It'd been a while since I'd dreamt of Goldman. Around a week or so. If I had to guess, it was because it would be awkward given what happened last time. I ended up being right, when I awoke in the strange dreamscape again, I looked up to see Goldman sitting in his chair, pushing his pointer fingers together. "...Are you mad at me?"

"No. I'm not." Sighing, I scratched the back of my head as I saw the man truly did seem to be feeling bad about last time. "Look, it's water under the bridge. Anyway, what's up? I've missed hearing your stories about the king. What's on the menu today?"

I had to guess that he was perking up, considering that he practically jumped out of his throne. "Y-Yeah! Yeah! Okay, where to start... oh! Since we're making amends, how about we talk about the King's friends! The king had one particular friend that I believe he would say was his best friend in the world. One day, that young man appeared before him, without memories or even a credit on him. Hey, kind of like you!" I just forgave him, let's not get angry at him again. "Anyway, the two of them got off on a rough start, but eventually, they became like brothers. In fact, I don't think the King could have ever done anything without him..."

The Goldman became strangely melancholic as he described that. "Is that so? Sounds like a real good person then. While I have a few good friends right now, I don't think I have one like that, or if I ever will get one. I'm a bit jealous of the king."

"Hey, hey! Don't get all down! Look at all the friends around you now! In fact, and you're on a journey around the world! I'm sure you'll find that special friend soon. Or maybe you've already met them. Or maybe they won't stay a 'Friend'' for long. Hehe, that is one thing you have over the king. While he had a killer ass, he didn't have good luck when it came to girls. Now you-"

"I'll stop you right there. I'm not here to hear you gossip about my hypothetical love life. I'm here to talk about the king's love life... apparently." Talking to this guy makes me miss arguing with Neptune. "And what did I say about the buns?"

Laughing, Goldman slapped his knee. "Sorry, sorry. Anyway, perhaps it is best that you don't find a friend like that. When the King lost him, it was as if he lost a piece of his soul. It... it must have been the worst thing to ever happen to him. Even worse than anything that Goddess had done." His voice became even more horse. As if he was on the verge of crying. Before I could ask if he was alright, the world began to dim once more. Coughing into his hand, he gave me a wave. "Alright, See you later, alligator."

Neptuniaaaaaaa!

Thankfully, I was able to wake up in a relatively normal way this time. I was a bit afraid of Neptune hurting me once more. However, I didn't seem to have a need to worry. Stretching in my seat, I'd almost forgotten that we were on a boat to Leanbox at the moment. We'd gotten a small room for us along with our tickets thanks to the help the Mage had given me. It was a simple small room with two couches facing each other, a table between us and a large window showing the sea. Neptune and Compa were staring out into the sea while IF was sitting in front of me, playing with her phone. "Oh, morning sunshine. Didn't expect you to nod off like that."

Rubbing some sleep out of my eye, I nodded at IF. "Yeah, sorry. Didn't really get a lot of sleep last night, had to recover from Compa's absolute rant." I swear, that girl has taken over my list of people to not piss off. I'd never expected someone so gentle to be so mean.

"Let's not go over that again. You did look like hell this morning." Sighing, I glanced out the window, having to lean forward to look past Neptune who was so close to the window that her breath was fogging it up. "We've got about another hour till we get there. Hey, at least it's faster than getting to Lastasion." She had a point. The boat trip to Leanbox from Planeptune only took around six hours. A whole four faster than Lastation. Meanwhile the trip to Lowee would take thirteen by train.

"I just hate being stuck on a boat. If the train suddenly stopped, at least we'd be able to walk away. I don't like the thought of being stuck at sea."

"It's no problem! I'd carry you all away!" Neptune, detaching her face from the window, added while puffing out her chest. "Even you, Arcy. But don't 'fall' for me while I do! Hehe, get it?" Get me off this boat.


Traveling Skit: Lean into the Box (cast: Neptune, Arc, IF, Compa)

The four heroes idly sat in the room, completely bored out of their mind. It was a miracle that Neptune had not blown a hole out of the side of the boat and escaped by now. Sharing this thought and being a little worried that may happen soon, Compa clapped her hands.

Com: So, Iffy! Arcy! You two have been to Leanbox, right? What's it like? I've never been anywhere other than Lowee before all of this happened, so I was wondering. Is it any fun?"

The two adventurers thought about it for a moment, no doubt also thinking back to the conversation they had with Noire about the Nations. IF raised her hand and decided to speak first.

IF: Well, I've been there a bunch. It's a pretty big nation and has a lot of variety. Even though it's an island, it has a lot to see. But, it's mostly known for it's mountains and valleys. And, like Lastation, it has a bunch of cities. But they've still got a good amount of fresh greenery around. I quite like it, not to mention there's always a good amount of work there.

Arc: All of what IF said is pretty much it. To be honest, I do have a weird connection to the Nation so I do come back every now and then, but overall I like it well enough.

Nep: Wait, wait, wait! Whatcha mean connection? I thought you said you don't have any family and stuff! Do... do you have a girlfriend there?!

Neptune seemed overly surprised by this as well as worried. A fact that didn't go unnoticed by Compa and IF... but flew over Arc's head. The young idiot shook his head, groaning as he did so.

Arc: No, I don't. Do you have to make fun of me all the time? My connection there is weirder than that. If I had to describe it, it's where my journey began. Remember how I said I don't have any memories for a portion of my life? It's because of that. When I was a kid, it was like I "woke up" in Leanbox. I'm sure I hit my head or something there and that's why I make sure to go back every few months. All in the dumbass hope that maybe someone might recognize me.

Despite that serious explanation, Neptune was so relieved as to let out an audible sigh. Earning another groan from the weakling, but he didn't seem too angry. Compa, in a rare instance of anger, kicked Neptune under the table, causing the goddess to yelp and grab at her leg.

Com: Sorry about that, Arcy. I didn't know that it was a sensitive subject. (The young man simply waved her off) Um, so, do you guys have any recommendations then? We'll probably have to get a hotel, right?

IF: Don't worry, I know a cheap one. Shouldn't be more than 3k credits for the four of us.

Arc: Three thousand?! C-Can't we just camp?

As expected, he got nothing but glares from the girls for that.

Nep: Alllllright! Oh, who's bunking with Arcy this time? It'd toooootally suck if I had to do it again. So, Iffy? Compa? Who will enter the gulag?

IF: Oh, this'll be funny. (Putting on an uncracerstic grin, IF leaned back into her seat.) I'll do it. You shouldn't be the only one suffering like this Neptune, so I'll swap with you for the trip."

Nep: ...huh?

Arc: Look, I get that I'm the only guy here, but do you guys have to make it seem like the worst thing in the world to sleep next to me. You're gonna make me cry again (Grabbing his head, Arc sighed and began to question his life choices for the thousandth time this week.)


Once the four of us reached Leanbox shores, we quickly grabbed something to eat before making our way to the Basilicom. Our plan was simple. Try and make contact with green heart, and if she's an ally like Noire, get help from her to find the Key fragment. If not, pretend we know nothing about her, and go about our investigation on our own. So, that's what we were doing, on our way to the large, Box shaped basilicom. And when I said box shaped, I meant it. Leanbox Basilicom was about three city blocks long, however it was shaped as a large white and green empty box, the open space being so large that there were highways flowing through it. "Alright guys, lets be respectful when we get in, okay? I really don't want a repeat of Lastastion."

Blowing a raspberry, Neptune brushed off what I said. "Arcy, you're being way too paranoid. I'm sure everything will go juuuust fine!" I knew, from the very bottom of my heart, that she had jinxed us all. Now what kind of crazy shit is going to happen now? Walking side by side with the strange girl, I couldn't really understand how she of all people was a CPU. She's energetic and wild, but let's be honest, she's pretty dumb. Sure, she has a strange aura that makes you want to be around her, but I can't help but worry that she's also easily manipulated and tricked. That's not even mentioning her amnesia. "Hm? What, are you falling for me, Arcy~ You've been staring at me for a while." Striking a pose that was meant to accentuate her not-at-all curvaceous body, I chuckled at her joke.

"Sorry, couldn't help but stare at your cuteness." Laughing along with me, the purple gremlin slapped my back. "But seriously, try to be respectful."

"Okey dokey!" Lazly giving me a salute, she zipped her mouth with a metaphorical zipper. "I won't say a word."

"You just did..." Sighing at Neptune's immediate failure, IF shrugged if off. "Alright, so should I handle it this time, or do you have it?"

Reaching the Basilicom, I turned back to my friends. "Let me talk. I've known Yvoire for a while, so hopefully he'll help out." Walking in, I held the door open for the party and walked into the pristine white lobby. It was mostly empty however it was beautifully decorated. The place had an amazingly sweet aroma, fancy chandeliers and even had posters around promoting Leanbox's most famous celebrities and musicians. Besides the decorations, there were only a few people milling about, clearly doing their own work. However, they were not who we were here to see. At the end of the lobby, An old man, who looked to be in his eighties, was holding down the receptionist desk. He wore black and green robes that completely covered his body, making it hard to see his exact build. Wouldn't be surprised if he was ripped.

The old man's long white hair shuffled as he looked up from his work, noticing our footsteps. A small, polite smile appeared on his face as he greeted us, accentuated by his mustache. "Ah, good afternoon, Mr. Works. I'm surprised to see you so soon. You were here only a month ago. I'm sorry but I still have no news about anyone recognizing you." Ignoring Neptune and Compa's giggling at my last name being used, I gave the old man a polite bow.

"Hello again, Yvoire. Yes, I'm back but not for that, this time." Gesturing to everyone, I continued. "My friends and I would like to meet with the CPU if it's alright."

Looking at each of the girls, Yvoire gave me a polite nod. "Friends. I'm glad to see that you've made some. I was starting to fear that you would end up all alone forever." So rude. But he's an old guy, and they're not known for having filtered so I let it go.

"Don't worry . We're here to end Arcy's loneliness forever! One annoying day at a time!" Beating her chest, Neptune gave the old man a proud smile.

"Ye... nevermind. Anyway, unfortunately, I can't fulfill your request Mr. Works. The time for that has already passed for the day and Lady Green Heart needs quite a bit of time to do everything on her agenda."

"Awww man, but it's only three!" Compa complained, but she was right. Sure, it makes sense for a goddess to limit the time to talk to their citizens. But three in the afternoon? That's kinda early, isn't it? On some days, I'd wake up after that! "Oh well... not much we can do now?"

Walking towards the desk, IF handed the old man a card. "This is my phone number. I keep it on at all times so please call me when we are able to meet with the goddess. We will be here right away." Always the professional, IF gave the old man a polite bow after he took the card and smiled. "Thank you for helping us."

Just as we were about to leave, however, Neptune raised her hand, as if asking for permission to speak. Clearly she wasn't because before anyone could get in a word, she bolted around the reception desk and slung an arm around Yvoire's shoulders. "So, , ya wouldn't happen to know anything about key fragments do ya?"

"Key- what? And miss, that is not my name. My name is Yvoire, not Evilist. I don't even know how you misheard it in such a way." yeah, how'd you get Evil from Yvoire? "Um, ignoring the name, I know nothing of anything called a key-fragment. Is it some sort of quest item? If it is something like that, then perhaps the guild would have better information. Or perhaps even the Lady would know."

"Hmmmmm, alrighty. I understand, , I getcha. Ah well, guess we'll just have to spend the day sightseeing!" Hopping over the desk, Neptune took the light chop I gave her like a champ. "Ouu! Arcy, I was just asking a completely normal question!"

"First off, respect your elders and learn his name. Second, don't walk behind a desk you're not supposed to."

"Arcy's right, Nep-Nep. We don't want to get in trouble. Let's go get lunch now!" With an excited pep in her step, Compa led us out. However, I was stopped by an old hand grabbing me on the shoulder. Turning to Yvoire, I was faced with what looked to be a coupon.

"Here you go, it's a coupon for a hotel nearby. I know're budget isn't very high." Being patronized by an old man made me want to dive into the nearest bush, but I took the coupon nonetheless, because he was completely correct. "Oh, and... so which-"

"They're my friends, Yvoire." Seriously, what was with these old guys trying to look into my love life. Scratching the back of my head, I nodded to the old man nonetheless. "Either way, thanks for the coupon. Guess I'll see you tomorrow."

Waving to him as I left, I began to jog to catch up with my party. Just as I exited the Basilicom, I accidentally bumped into someone. "Oop. Sorry about that, are you alright?" Thankfully, unlike my run in with IF, neither the stranger nor I fell. Strangely, the figure was wearing a large black trench coat with the hood covering their features.

"I'm alright. I apologize for that." Without another word, the mysterious person walked into the Basilicom. Huh, she seemed... familiar. Oh well, it was probably nothing. Shrugging the feeling off, I ran into Leanbox to look for my friends.

Ne...I'm hungry.

Walking into the hotel room, I was taken aback by the sheer fanciness of the room. Unlike Lastations, or any other hotel I've been to, this hotel had a feeling of comfort. Usually, every hotel has been just a bed, two pillows and maybe a small desk and chair. This time however, the Hotel was out of this world. Once again, we were sharing a room and it had two beds. This time, however, they looked like clouds of pure happiness!

Each bed had a color scheme of light green and white sheets along with a shit ton of beautiful pillows. Like each bed had at least ten evenly spaced pillows that each looked like they were as soft as marshmallows. I can't take it anymore! Shedding my rationality, I ran into the room and jumped onto the closest bed. "AHHH! It feels like I'm being hugged by the very concept of comfort!"

"That's such a weird way to say it's a good bed." IF chuckled as she took the bed closest to the window. Throwing off her blue coat, she stretched and let out a sigh. Honestly, it felt a little weird to see IF without her signature blue coat on. Without it, it sort of felt like I was seeing her in an exposed way.

"Arcy, why're you blushing?"

"S-Shut up, Neptune. I'm just tired." Sitting up, I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. "Anyway, we should probably discuss what we'll do tomorrow." Jumping onto my bed, Neptune somehow was able to cross her legs in mid air to sit perfectly onto the bed. Unfortunately, it exposed her striped underwear. "Cover up, Neptune." Throwing a pillow at her, I glanced away as she covered up. Turning back, she had a smug smile. "Don't even start."

"Perv~" Groaning, there wasn't really much I could say so I just waited until Compa and IF were ready to discuss. After a few moments, both girls also ended up sitting on the bed. "Alllllrighty, Arcy. What's the sitch? Didn't we already know what we were gonna do?"

Nodding her head, Compa tilted her head in confusion afterwards. "Yeah, just met Green Heart, asked for help and then get it, right?" That's a very simplified version of that. "But everything's gonna go fine though. Noire was nice, so Green Heart will be too, right?"

"That's a very nice way to see the world, Compa." Smiling at her friends, IF gave her a pat on the back. "But, there's no way for us to know. Hell, the first time we met Noire, she attacked us on site. Green Heart seems nicer, but there's no way for us to really know how she'll react to Neptune."

"Wait, you know Green Heart?" I wasn't the only one who caught that, it seemed. Neptune's mood immediately fell. "Aww, I thought I was the first CPU you met."

"You didn't even know you were a goddess until a week ago."

"Fair."

Sighing at the Lilac girl, IF began to explain. "Anyway, I don't know Green Heart, I'm just subscribed to her blog." You're telling me that the leader and Goddess of Leanbox... has a blog?

Compa, Neptuna and I were completely stunned by this revelation. Not simply because it was a very strange thing for a Goddess of all people to do but also... "Who has a blog these days?" Neptune said, completely confused. "I mean, I'd get it if she had a Y**Tube, or even an Insta. But A blog? What a boomer!"

"You know you're just as old as her right?" She got surprisingly defensive for a Goddess that she isn't aligned with.

"Yeah, but I'm hip with the kids!" That is a very old ass way to say that. "Sorry, Iffy! I didn't know that you liked Greeny so much is all! Actually, I didn't know you liked things at all!"

"Wow, such a great friend." Her dry response got a good chuckle out of Neptune and Compa, while I was still digesting what she had said. "Hm? Arc, you alright? You look weirdly pensive."

"Yeah. Um, if you can, send me the link to her blog please. I'd like to take a look at it before I go to sleep." Nodding, IF took out her personal phone and did as I asked. Texting me the link. "Alright. I'll give it a look later. Thanks."

"Speaking of sleeping, Who's bunking with who?" Neptune suddenly brought up. Huh? I thought we talked about this earlier. "Look, Iffy, darling, cutie pie. I know you love me so so so so so much, but you don't have to force yourself to bunk with Arcy just to protect me."

The brown haired girl smirked and rested her head on her hand. "Who said I was forcing myself? I trust that Arc won't do anything weird. Besides, two adventurer's should bond better this way, no?" What kind of bond are you looking for exactly? This whole conversation was kind of useless to me. I didn't care who I was sharing a bed with anyway, I'm just going to stay on my side and sleep.

So, I stood up, said I was going to the bathroom and hid in there to do some research as the strange conversation happened without me. Taking out my phone and connecting to the hotel wi-fi I looked into Green heart's Blog. It was... really normal. Like surprisingly so. Most of what she wrote were vague descriptions of her day, what she ate and her thoughts on current events in Leanbox. The only photos were of her food and they were so well shot, I wouldn't be surprised if a professional had shot them. But what had surprised me the most was the shockingly low amount of views that her blog was getting. For the Goddess of a nation, you'd think that her blog's numbers would be somewhere in the millions. Not in the low, low hundreds. And it wasn't like she was hiding that she was the goddess either, and the references that she made in their posts aligned with the notion that it was her. Weird. And I know that Green Heart is popular, her citizens love her! Do they just not know about this site?

Perhaps it was just that she never made any public announcements about it, and everyone who found it kept it to themselves. It wouldn't surprise me if a super-fan wanted to keep their small connection to the goddess less known. It made sense, in a parasocial kinda way. Unfortunately, other than the low numbers, there wasn't really anything else that I could gleam from the blog. She spoke so vaguely, it was hard to learn anything about her, other than that she loved sweets and drinks. I was hoping for at least one advantage going in tomorrow. If she recognizes Neptune and gets angry then... Sighing at the state of things, there wasn't really much I could do but wait and hope.

Getting out of the bathroom, I was met with the site of Neptune and IF throwing pillows from across the room at each other. "I'm not a loli! I'm just petite!" IF yelled as she threw a pillow with all the force in her body.

"Oh, honey."

"NEPTUNE!" I don't even...


AN: Hi everyone. Not much to say in this weeks AN. Hope you guys have been well. I've been alright, though hoenslty a little tired as well. Mostly because of work. But eh, I'll get over it. Anyway, thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.

Edison Estella Cutipa: As I said at the begining, many parts of this story will be similar to the first one I made. It's a rewrite after all. But, there WILL be big differences, I promise you that. I can't exaclty spoil it, but there are a handful of major changes I wanted to make in order to push the story into Reborn 2. Please be paitent with me, I think you'll like where I go with it... I hope. Thank you for reviewing.

HaMCRi: Haha, yeah... I'm trying to work on my grammer msitakes. Sorry. I know I always miss a few on every re-read and edit, but I'll do my best to get better with it. Thank you for your kind critque, I'll do better. Promise

ClassyLando123: Wow, thank you for the high praise! I think there are a lot of really good stories in this fandom, but I'm glad to know that you think mine is high quality. I'll try to continue to meet that expectation. Thank you.