Save 8: Hikki Goddess

Waking up, I felt a few distinct and opposite feelings. First off, was the amazing feeling of comfort from the beautifully soft bed that I was lying on. Truly, I had to thank Yvoire for the coupon for this place. It's not everyday that I get to go to a four star hotel. Let alone, go to one for barely 1k credits a night. However, the second feeling was that my entire body was being squeezed to death. Well, to death is a little of an exaggeration. But, the fact that this tiny purple girl was clinging onto me with this much power in her grip, while in her sleep by the way, was insane. Opening my eyes, I was about to try and pry the goddess off of me. However, as soon as I did, I saw IF staring down at me. A small frown on her face. "...hey IF. Can you help me get this brat off of me?"

"..." Surprisingly, I didn't get a response immediately. After a few seconds, she sighed and pulled out her phone. Immediately, a flash came out along with a smirk from her. "Pervert."

I was completely stunned by the act, and the silence was interrupted by a "...Arcy give me puddin." From the still sleeping Neptune. This girl... even in her dreams she's messing with me! Deciding that I needed to get my day started, I tried to pry the girl off of me. But, what could a weakling like me do against a goddess's pure strength.

"IF, please."

"Sure, sure. Neptune, breakfast is ready!"

"Breakfast?!" Immediately, the gremlin jumped out of the bed and looked around the room. Searching for the rumored food. Of course, after she found nothing, she turned her attention to IF and gave her the best glare the dumbass could muster. "You lied to me! You owe me bacon pancakes! Not bacon with pancakes, bacon IN pancakes!" That sounds so unhealthy, it's insane. But... I wouldn't mind trying it.

"Jeez, Nep. After cuddling with Arc, the first thing you do is ask for food? How rude." With a smile, IF chastised Neptune.

But, she forgot that Neptune has literally no shame. "Hungry."

"Ugh."

Needless to say, the morning was... exhausting. By the time that we got to Leanbox's Basilicom, I was already tired and in need of a nap. It's a wonder how Compa was able to sleep through Neptune's constant whining. But, whatever. Today we're finally going to make progress! Meeting Green heart will be infinitely important so if we can see her even for a min- " I regret to inform you that Lady Green heart is not available at the moment."

"You've got to be kidding meeeeeeeee!" Falling to her knees, Neptune screamed at the top of her lungs as she threw her hands towards the Baslicom's ceiling. "Why? What have I done to deserve this torture!" Is she still mad that we woke up before noon?

"Please calm yourself, young lady. It is simply that something had come up requiring the Lady's attention." Yevoire said with a polite smile. "However, I explained your situation and she agreed to see you all later. Over dinner if you'd be so kind."

"DINNER?!" Jumping off her feet, the gremlin smiled wide and nodded her head a million times. "Hehe, I can't say no to free food. Dinner, dinner~ Arcy, we're getting free food!"

Dodging her attempted tackle, I thanked Yevoire. "Thanks, this was really important." For a second, his polite smile dropped and he grimaced. But it was gone as soon as it appeared. Hm? "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes! I was simply wondering what I should make." Not only is he the receptionist, but also Green Heart's cook? Sheesh, she sure does work her staff to the bone. "I should go get ready. Have a great day." Without waiting for a response, he left down the hall and disappeared behind a set of double doors.

"That... was weird." IF commented while putting her hand to her chin.

"Yeh, he's old. Old people are weird." That's rude Neptune.

"Nep! That's mean. It's probably just dementia." even ruder Compa. Sighing at the conversation, I began to shove the girls out of the building, hoping that security wouldn't overhear us and ban us. By the time we Were out of the building, we were already earning some strange glances from passersby. "Soooo, what should we do till dinner? Maybe some dungeon crawling?"

My skin... crawled at the mention of it and I tried to think up an excuse for us to not go. "Sure, we need to fill our wallets back up after all. Arc's loan isn't going to last us forever." IF spoke before I could. I don't like thinking that Mage gave me a loan. Ugh, I've borrowed so much money from her in the past... I'd be in debt for the rest of my life if she asks for it back! "I actually remember seeing some quests for Gapain Field on the Guild app this mornin. Compa, Nep, you two go on ahead while Arc and I go accept a few quests." huh? That's a bit weird.

But, Neptune and Compa didn't seem to notice the strangeness and just nodded. "Allllllllright! Don't be to long or I'll end up beating up all the monsters!" Pulling out her sword, but thankfully keeping it in the sheath, Neptune began ro run forward. She doesn't' even know where the dungeon is.

"Nep, wait for me!"

Watching the supposed Goddess of Planeptune and her best friend run away into Leanbox, I truly wondered if Planeptune would be better off without a goddess. Looking back at IF however, she had a strange expression on her face. Hm? "Everything alright, IF?"

"...Don't know. Arc, just as we were leaving, that Yevoire guy texted me. He asked to meet me and you alone." Oh. I guess I understood why she was apprehensive, especially with Aveneir's betrayal having literally just happened. But-

"It's Yevoire. I've known him for a while and he's just an old man. He doesn't mean any harm, I'm sure. He just wants to ask about dinner or something."

"I hope so." hesitantly, she led me back into the Basilicom. After walking around for a bit, we found the old guy in the kitchen. See? Told ya. "Hello Sir. Was there something that you forgot to tell us?" IF asked formally. The old man was cutting some carrots but had stopped as we walked in.

Washing his hands, the silver haired man took in a deep breath. Turning to us, he started. "I am glad that the two of you took the time to come, and so quickly. First, there is something I'd like to ask you two. Miss IF, if I am correct, you are not a citizen of any nation are you?"

For a split second, IF's neutral expression turned sour, before going back to being professional. "I'd rather not devel into my personal life but... yes. I am however a... fan of Lady Green Heart's blog." Still think Blogs are a little outdated nowadays. But, I feel like if I say that she'll beat me up.

That was until the question that he asked her fully processed in my mind. "Wait, Yvoire, did you look into IF's background? What the fuck, man."

"Relax, I was simply-"

"There's no reason to relax!" Taking a step forward, I felt anger begin to fill into me. "What, are you telling me that you look into everyone who comes into the Basilicom? This is IF's privacy we're talking about!"

Something seemed to click in IF's mind because she brought her hand to her chin. "Hm, this reminds me of something. When I first came to Leanbox, I heard that the Elder of Leanbox Basilicom doesn't accept requests from anyone who's not a citizen of the nation. I never tried coming in her because of that." Wait, I never heard of that. Then... Why did he accept me and help me all those times? Slowly, the benefit of the doubt that I had for Yvoire began to fall away into suspicion.

"That does not have anything to do with my question. Please, can we continue the conversation?" The old man seemed to desperately want to move away from this conversation. And, honestly, I didn't want to delve into it any longer. Mostly because... I didn't want the nice memories I had of him to be tainted. "Now then, I have a quest for you two. I'd like you two to kill that young woman you were with. The girl named Neptune."

My body moved before my mind realized what had happened. When I realized what was happening, I had the old man pinned to the kitchen wall with Head-Hunter already spawned in my other hand. "What the hell did you say?! Do you want to die, old man!?"

"A-Arc, please give me some time to explain!"

"Bastard you-" Just as fast as I ran to the old man, I was pulled off of him and lifted into the air by my petite friend. "IF let me down!"

"I'll let you down when your mood calms down." It was incredibly frustrating to be shown, once again, just how much of a gap there was between myself and everyone else in the world. I... "Even if what he said was pure bullshit, there has to be some reason why he asked this of us. If it's all a misunderstanding, then we can fix things. But we can't do that if either of you are dead."

Dammit, she's... right. "Okay." Sighing, the brown haired girl did as I asked before and gently put me back on my feet. "Let's hear your shitty explanation then."

Fixing his messed up clothes, Yvoire took in another deep breath. "That... thing that you see as a friend, isn't. She is an omen on Lady Green Heart. No, a horrible Omen on all of Gamindustri!"

"The only thing she's a bad omen for is pudding and Arc's wallet." Ugh, she's right tho. "Nep is a lot of things. Rude, stupid, ignorant, narcissistic, unfunny, glutto-"

"IF."

"S-Sorry. Anyway, she's not evil. In fact, I'd say she's the exact opposite."

Quickly, I backed up IF. "She has a lot of bad points, sure. And she's annoying. But... crashing into me might be the best thing that's ever happened to me. She's kind, trusting to a fault, self-sacrificing, generous, suresingly cuddly, cu-"

"Arc. You're starting to sound like you're in love with her." Feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, I quickly shook my head.

"I-I'm not! Anyway, she's not an Omen, Yvoire."

Clenching his teeth, the words we said seemed to have gone from one ear through the other. "But she may have simply tricked you two. Look, if you two go through with this, I can pull a few strings and get the two of you citizenship."

"I'd rather shit myself in front of the whole world than kill my friend for something as stupid as that. I enjoy my life as a vagabond." Thankfully, IF immediately answered. I was afraid for a moment that she would even think about it. Honestly, I felt a little guilty that I thought that. "Besides, what proof do you even have that Nep is such an Omen?"

"I have my sources." So, nothing. He went into his pocket and pulled out a small vial, with the liquid inside just screaming poison. "Also, there is this. It is a special type of poison that only takes effect on those who are impure and evil."

Clutching my head, I shook it as I truly did wonder if the old man's mind was working correctly. "There is no way in hell that something so ideal exists. For example, by who's definition of evil and impure does it go by?" As they say, one man's terrorist is another man's liberator. "Hell, if it works as you say it does, take a sip right now."

Yvoire's face contorted in disgust and he shook his head. "I only have one vial." That so? "I understand that the two of you have apprehension about this. But, it is for the betterment of the world! Please, at the very least, consider it."

Letting out a sigh, I calmly walked to the old man and slowly grabbed the vial out of his hand. "...I'll consider it. However, it is my decision. So, if you do anything to Neptune before I make a decision-"

"I am but a receptionist. That is why I ask this of you." Nodding at him, IF and I made our way out of the kitchen and back into the Baslicom's long hallways. Spotting a conveniently placed trash can, I undid the vial and spilled its contents into it.

"Like I'd ever do anything to hurt her." I'm going to protect her in any way I can. I may not be strong but...

"Gotta say, I didn't expect you to get so angry. What, are you in love with her, or something?" IF's serious expression quickly fell away and she grinned at me. "Lolicon."

"No, I don't. I just..." Thinking of the stupid gremlin, all I could think of was her smiling at me like an idiot. Ugh, I feel my face heating up again. "She's important to me, is all. So are you and Compa."

"Oh~ Well thanks for the compliment. But, we should probably get out of here and come up with a plan. Doubt we should come to dinner tonight and that means we won't be able to meet Green Heart."

Agreeing with her, she and I began to walk away, looking for the exit. "It's a shame, but likely for the best. Anyway, guess we'll have to just look into the Fragment on our own." Walking besides IF, I tried my best to think of what our next move should be.

"Arc... shouldn't we have reached the exit by now?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah... we're lost. Aren't we?" Of course we are. The kitchen was pretty far from the entrance. With the combination of Leanbox Basilicom being huge and all the hallways being so similar, of course we'd end up lost. Especially since we weren't really paying attention to where we were walking. Changing our mission from planning to getting the hell out of here, the two of us began to do the best thing possible. Open random doors in the hopes of getting closer to the exit, or finding someone who knows how to get there.

After a few random doors, IF opened what seemed to be an inconspicuous room, only for her entire form to freeze. "IF? You alright?" Walking to her, I peeped into the room to see a woman sitting up in her bed, rubbing her eyes. She had long blond beautiful hair, and was wearing a revealing green and white dress. Who wears a dress in their sleep? Oh yeah, I would honestly be ramses to say this but... she had GIGANTIC breasts. I'm sure they boobed boobably. What the hell is wrong with me? I don't even have a preference like that! But... No! I refuse to be degraded to a simple perverted character! "Huge!'' Yet, no matter how hard I tried, that was the first thing I said when I laid eyes on her. I hate myself.

Yawning, the stranger got out of her oversized bed. "Why thank you. I take a lot of pride in my appearance." I bet. STOP THINKING LIKE THAT! Deciding that I should try and get my thoughts in order, I pinched my thigh and thankfully the pain brought me back down to Gamindustri. "But now, who are the two of you? I don't remember having two cuties under my employment." Employment? Wait, is this-

"L-L-LADY GREEN HEART!" Without a single second of hesitation, IF drops to her knees and prostrated herself in front of the supposed goddess. "A-Apologies for the i-i-interruption! We'll be leaving now!" It's honestly amazing to see the difference between how she treated Green Heart compared to Noire and Neptune.

"Oh, no need to be so formal." Placing a hand to her cheek, Green heart (?) let out a seductive giggle. "I get it now. You're a cute couple looking for a place to let out your carnal desires. Well, don't let me get in the way of your fun!"

"WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT LIKE THAT!" Getting rejected so hard, even though I didn't confess, hurts quite a bit.

While I held back tears, IF's instant rejection seemed to also disappoint Green heart (?). The supposed Goddess's smile was replaced by a disappointed frown. "Aw, what a shame. I'd love to see the act of Love Making with my own eyes. Perhaps next time." Is this woman a pervert? Can any of the goddesses be normal? "Well, if you're not a horny couple, then who are you?"

"Oh, um. We're just some adventure's that got lost is all. My name's Arc."

"A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-"

"Are you alri-"

"AND I'M IF!" She finally got it out. I thought she was glitching or something.

"Awww, well aren't you two adorable! Please, let's have a chat! It's been a while since I've been able to relax with someone." Before I could reject her invitation, mostly out of worry for Neptune, IF jumped at the opportunity.

"OF COURSE WE WOULD!" Ugh. I hope Neptune isn't doing something stupid.


"ACHOO!"

"Are you okay Nep?"

"Yeah, someone must be gossiping about me~ Anyway, let's go kill that dragon and become kings!"

"Yeah!"


Deciding to just go with the flow, I joined IF and Green Heart (?) at the small tea table that the two were sitting around. "But, I'm surprised. I didn't expect a goddess to be so tired and asleep at this time." It was already about noon.

"Oh, well I was up late last night grinding pieces for my Raiden Shogun build." Huh? You're telling me that the goddess of Leanbox is addicted to gacha games? I suppose that made sense... Looking around the room, other than the large bed and expensive looking PC, it was filled with merchandise from multiple games and anime. It looked like the type of room a whale would have. Oh, and for some reason there was a literal pile of spicy doujinshi in the corner of the room. She's a pervert. Now I'm incredibly scared of meeting White Heart. Please be at least a little normal.

"Grinding? Oh... that explains the hidden page on your blog. As well as the references I saw in each of your posts." I actually seemed a little disappointed at Green's answer. "Did you really spend a hundred thousand credits on a character?"

"Well, I had to C6 him! He was so cute!" A-A thousand... I have a hard time spending a hundred credits on an in-game item! She spends hundreds of thousands?! "Besides, it's normal to spend money on what you enjoy, no? What I enjoy just happens to be games, anime and manga!"

"Yeah, a very specific type of manga, I see."

"A woman has needs, Arc." I don't need to know that. Hide your porn better, Green Heart. "Anyway, let us friends have some fun! Oh, wait. I'd forgotten to introduce myself." Standing up from her chair, the blond woman placed a hand above her chest. "I am Vert. Goddess of Leanbox and aspiring professional streamer! Pleased to meet you two." Of course, IF clapped at Vert's introduction. Wait, did she say streamer? Aren't these goddesses going to even try and do their job?


Skit: Do You Have Games on Your Phone?. Cast (Vert, IF, Arc)

Vert, IF and Arc were sitting around the goddess' table. Drinking tea and having some snacks. It was an interesting but also strange sight to see. The fact that the three had just met not even thirty minutes ago was not lost on the weak adventurer. Yet, there was a simple thought that ran through his mind that explained the quick friendship.

Arc: All of these goddesses are stupid.

While it was rich, coming from the idiotic fool. He wasn't exactly wrong either. And, he was proven right by the next question that came from Vert's mouth. These two people just showed up in her home and could very well be assassins here for her life. Yet, what she asked was-

Vert: So, what're your favorite anime and games?

IF: Well, honestly I don't have much time for those things. Both Arc and I travel a lot. I doubt that he even has something like that.

Arc: (Raising his hand, the weakling felt a small twinge of guilt for what he was about to say) Um, actually, I do have a few. While I've never had the chance to play many console games, I do play a few games on my phone when I have the chance. I mostly play Destiny: Grand Order. It's pretty fun and I like their anime too.

Vert's eyes sparkled at the recognizable IP while IF looked like she wanted to rip her friends' throat out.

Vert: Ohhhhh! I love that game! Saber's soooo cute, don't you think? How long have you been playing? Who's your favorite unit? Favorite class? Have you read some of the doujins?

Arc: I... let's change topics please. IF looks like she wants to kill me.

Vert: (Clapping her hands, she looked over to IF and gave her an apologetic smile) Sorry, Iffy. I got a little excited. I hope I haven't made you feel left out.

IF: She called me Iffy! I can die happy now! (Closing her eyes and turning her face away from the goddess, she did her best to hide her embarrassed blush) I-It's fine.

Arc: Um... anyway. This tea is pretty good, Vert. What kind is it?

Vert: Well, it's my own blend, actually. I've recently gotten into creating my own teas and energy drinks. I want to make the best blend of caffeine and taste while also trying to stop a crash as well.

It was a surprisingly, but also amazing hobby that caught both IF and Arc off guard. A goddess, one of the most powerful individuals in the whole world, crafting and brewing their own drinks? Amazing. That awe however... dissipated upon a realization.

Arc & IF: She's just doing it to game all night isn't she?


By the time that IF and I got out of Vert's room, it was already evening. And, unfortunately, also close to the time of the dinner. "We stayed for way too long."

"Well... it was Lady Vert. How couldn't we stay?" While I'd like to say that it was IF's infatuation that caused us to stay for so long, Vert was actually a really fun person to be around. The air of maturity she had around her contrasted heavily with her actual personality and interest. Yet, she was incredible to speak with. "A-Anyway, let's get out of here and meet up with Neptune and Comp-"

"Heya guys!" Once we'd reached the entrance, both Neptune and Compa were waiting for us. And... waiting for dinner it seemed. "Where did you guys go? Compa and I had soooo much fun without you two though! I am totally not jealous that you two spent the whole day together, nuh uh!" Neptune shook her head in an exaggerated manner, but she actually did seem a little annoyed.

Scratching the back of my head, I walked up to my friend and hung my head. "Sorry, neptune. Some stuff came up. I'll make it up to you. I promise. So, let's go and-"

"Ah, you are all finnlay here!" Before I could get us away, Yvoire appeared behind us and smiled. Shit. IF and I shared a look, and she just shrugged. She's... ah, I see. We did get rid of the only vial. So things should be fine. "Please, follow me to our dining room."

The large dining room had a long, single table that had thousands of seats. Luckly for our feet, our seats were closest to the door... and they were labeled. "..." Glancing at the old man, he seemed normal, but I couldn't help but be worried. My heart loudly thumped in my chest as I took my seat right next to the drooling Neptune. Her purple eyes staring at the bucket of fried chicken that literally had her name on it.

" , you sure can cook, huh? I... can I have a bite?"

"Nep! At least wait till he sits down!" Compa quickly reprimanded her before looking at the old man. "Thank you for the food, !" These two share a single brain cell.

"There is no need to worry, please! Begin!"

"Neptune, maybe I should-"

I was too late however, because the brat's hands swiped up a giant chicken leg in an instant and she had already cleaned it. HOLY FUCK! The shock at what I just saw was instantly replaced by fear and worry as my friend chewed. Swallowing the chicken, she smiled for a moment. Oh, thank the goddesses. It isn't poisoned. "My compliments to the chef! Definitely the crispiest chicken I've ever eaten! But... one complaint." Opening and closing her mouth a few times, reevaluating the taste, she continued. "It tastes a bit... poisoney?"

And like that, her face fell directly into her plate in front of her. Quickly, her completion began to pale and her breathing became labored. "NEPTUNE!" Jumping out of my seat, I tried to get to the girl only to suddenly be grabbed from behind by a hidden guard. "DAMMIT! LET ME GO! NEPTUNE!"

"N-NEP!" Compa had tried to do the same only to end up in the same result. "Ow, let me go! Nep-Nep! Let me look at Nep-Nep!"

"Yvoire, you bastard! You lied to us!" IF was also surrounded by guards, but she didn't put up much of a fight. There was no point after all.

"Of course I did. You Momus followers can never be trusted. Guards, throw them into the dungeon. Perhaps after watching the heathen slowly die, they will wake up."

My arms felt like they were being crushed in the guard's hand. But once I saw another one of them pick up Neptune's dying body, I tried my best to pull away from their grip. "Let her go! Dammit, Yvoire! I... I'll FUCKING KILL YOU!"

But... all my threat got me was a powerful hit to the head. My ears began to ring as my body felt limp in the guard's grasp. Neptune...Neptune... I...

I promise, I'll save you. Was my last thought, before it all went dark.


AN: Hello everyone, how are you doing? I've been okay, sorta at least. I decided to take a short break with my other story, ACQB, because I was getting burnt out. I'm not quiting it, just taking a break for a month or two. Now, at first I was going to take that opportnuty to focus on this story. But then I got hit in the face with some instperation regarding another story I had and I've decided to rewrite that one as well. TLDR, this story is still gonna get a bi-weekly schedual. It may become tri-weekly in the future when I get back to ACQB, I haven't decided yet. For now, I hope you all enjoyed this update!

Edison Estalla Cutipa: Okay, I just wanted to make sure you knew. But, I'm glad your enjoying it so far! Thanks for your worry by the way, but I'm alright for now. Thank you for reviewing.

Leyknar: Wow, hello! It's good to know that your also enjoying the changes so far, and trust me, I have a lot of ideas for when the full party is together. Esspsialy with the Skits. While I don't want to spoil anything, there is one thing I have to let you know. Unfortunately, Arc will never get that power of the sweet booty. No one in that world could handle that power.