GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Favorite Item stories
Helm
6 scenes, 444 lines
1. A Morning to Summon Courage
52 lines*Rustle*
I'm woken up by the feeling of something warm around me being removed.
Sorry. Did I wake you?
... What time is it right now?
06:30.
Hm...
I'll sleep a little more.
Okay. It's your day off, so you can afford to sleep in a bit.
As I listen to the sound of water flowing from the shower across the room,
I fall back asleep.
...
...
...
...nate. Subordinate.
Mmm...
Subordinate. Wake up.
I slowly open my eyes to the sound of a familiar voice.
Good. How about you, Helm?
I slept well too.
...
As I sit up in bed, I can see that the table is covered in various documents, along with Helm's tablet.
She must have been working on something while I was asleep.
...
Helm moves slightly to block my view.
I was thinking of having some breakfast. What do you think?
Let's eat together.
I should take a shower fi... ah, forget it. I don't feel like it.
Come here.
Is there anything you want in particular?
Anything?
Subordinate, unless you're more specific,
I won't be able to prepare what you want properly.
Are you planning on staying like that all day long?
Who cares? It's my day off.
Even so, Subordinate, such slothfulness is hardly acceptable.
... I can't do that.
We'd end up wasting the entire day away.
Why can't we do that? It's my day off.
...
Helm gives me a stern look.
You're as serious as ever.
You're as severe as ever.
...
Helm hesitates for a moment, then sits down next to me.
Very slowly, she wraps her arms around my waist,
and gently leans her head on my shoulder.
Good morning, Subordinate.
The scent of my shampoo wafts from Helm's blue hair.
2. An Awkward Evening Again
60 linesHelm and I are having dinner tonight at the Ark.
Despite my arriving 15 minutes early, Helm is already there waiting for me.
Oh, sorry. You haven't been waiting long, have you?
Not at all.
We sit down across from each other and order our food.
I had to wake up an hour earlier than usual today.
The Admire had to undergo some routine maintenance.
How did it go?
There weren't any major issues, thanks to Mast and Anchor doing their part.
I cc'd you into the report that I wrote,
so you can consult that for the details.
Let's see...
I briefly fiddle with my phone.
Among the documents I've received today, there is one written by Helm.
This is the one. Let's have a quick look... huh?
The file size is eye-wateringly massive, despite only being a text document. I quickly set my phone down.
I-I'll look at it later.
Okay. There's nothing out of the ordinary in it, so there's no rush.
...
Also, the next fundraiser on the ship has been set.
I organized the supplies and wrote up a preliminary schedule this afternoon. I don't think there will be any issues.
Would you like to check those as well?
... If you send it to me, I'll review it later.
Is there anything else that you need help with?
That's easy enough. I'll adjust my schedule.
Thanks.
In the conversation that follows,
Helm speaks about the training schedule, updates concerning the Admire,
and upcoming plans concerning how to run the squad.
She barely mentions herself, and even when she does, it's only in the context of training or studying.
At this rate, it feels like...
... Why are you looking at me like that?
Nothing. It's just that...
You're so beautiful.
This conversation feels a bit too formal.
...
I-it makes me happy to hear you say that.
But... are you sure there isn't something else you want to say?
...
This conversation feels a bit too formal.
Oh?
It feels like I'm in a mission briefing.
What?
I find it difficult to determine how familiar to be when speaking.
I'm not sure what kind of conversations we're supposed to have now that we're a couple.
You don't have to overthink it.
It's fine. Just be comfortable and speak naturally.
...
Helm?
I'm sorry. It's still a little difficult for me.
It's my first time being in a relationship like this.
You've always seemed like the type of person who excels at everything from the start.
Don't be silly.
I'm not saying that there aren't people like that who exist, but I'm certainly not one of them.
...
Definitely not.
3. A Day Off With Friends
104 lines*Rustle rustle*
Helm pulls an old cardboard box off the shelf.
This is the one, I'm sure of it.
I-I was tidying up my room.
What?!
What's so strange about that?
...
Why are you doing this now of all times?
I've been meaning to do it for a while, but I've been too busy.
Well, I suppose our squad has been pretty busy.
Even after we manage to complete major missions,
we've still got to deal with training, maintenance checks, and preparing for fundraisers like we always do.
It's craziness!
Just hearing about it makes me tired. I'm going to sleep.
Wait!
...?
I'm gonna predict what you were gonna say next.
Ahem.
"Just because we accomplished something big, it doesn't mean we're relieved of our other duties."
"If anything, we should take on more responsibilities."
"Now hurry up and go prepare for today's training."
"It's the weekend, so we also have plenty of time on our hands to do some maintenance on the Admire."
Wow! You sound just like her!
Yeah, you even got her accent right!
You can say that again.
Hey!
*Sigh*...
Just because we accomplished something big, it doesn't mean we're relieved of our other duties.
If anything, we should take on more responsibilities.
Wow. She really is saying it.
Now hurry up...
A self-fulfilling prophecy...
*Gulp*
!!!
Did the results come back? There's no way that's Helm, is it? It's a Rapture spy!
No way!
Of course it is!
... Although, now that I think about it, I guess not really.
Then again, if I'm being honest, you've been a lot softer lately, Helm.
Yeah, you even give compliments sometimes.
... This isn't some kind of trap, is it?
No, it's not. I was simply going to reorganize this box and get some rest as well.
... It's nothing special.
*Rattle*
Helm pulls an old compass out of the box.
A compass?
What do we need that for? The Admire has its own navigational equipment.
Equipment can always fail. We should always remain prepared for the unexpected.
If the Admire's navigational systems fail, a single compass isn't going to be of much help.
... Well, if nothing else, it's very Helm-like.
Hold up, how come the needle keeps moving?
Instead of remaining in a fixed position, the needle of the old compass sways back and forth erratically.
It must be the Ark's magnetic field.
The Ark's power grid does shift the magnetic field by a significant margin.
Something operating on the principles of ordinary magnetism doesn't stand a chance here.
After all, the Ark's energy output is far greater, don't you think? Not to mention it being way closer than the distance between the North and South Pole.
Oooh, you're so smart, Mast.
Hehe. So...
Mast pulls out a similar compass from her pocket.
That's why we use specially calibrated compasses like this one!
That ancient compass of Helm's is probably busted.
You carry around a compass too?
Of course! You never know when you'll need to set sail in a little rowboat.
A true pirate is always ready for adventure.
Why were you looking for that compass anyway, Helm?
Because...
Helm looks at Mast's compass, whose needle is firmly pointing north.
She then looks down at her compass, whose needle is wandering aimlessly.
I think a new goal has come into view.
...
...
Mast and Anchor silently exchange a look.
4. The Day My Heart Wavered
63 lines...
...
While on my date with Helm, something keeps drawing my attention.
*Rattle*
...
From the moment we met,
Helm has continually taken out an old compass from her pocket every few minutes and glanced at it.
Uh... Helm?
Huh? Is something the matter, Subordinate?
Well...
You don't have to worry. I'm not going to make you stop in every store.
When someone goes shopping with their significant other,
they experience stress levels comparable to that of losing a close relative.
I've made a list of precisely what I need.
No, that's not it.
What's with the compass?
Oh, sorry.
Does it bother you?
It's nothing, really. Think of it as a kind of talisman.
Something to take out once in a while to remind myself of my resolution.
Is that what you call "once in a while"?
Huh?
I point out to Helm that she has been glancing at the compass on the minute, every minute, since we met this evening.
But that's imposs...
... No. I should apologize.
I'm sorry, Subordinate. I should have paid more attention to you on our date.
Is something wrong?
*Rattle*
Helm takes out the compass from her pocket.
I've had this compass ever since I joined the Aegis Squad.
I felt I need something unwavering to guide me.
To show me the way toward achieving my goals.
So your original goal was to join the Aegis Squad.
Yes, and thanks to you, I've accomplished that goal to some extent.
But back then, I was desperate.
There were so many responsibilities weighing me down that I couldn't fully pursue what I wanted to do,
and I had to give my all for those people who believed in me.
At least... that's what I thought.
But to maintain that level of intensity, you need willpower.
And willpower is a finite resource.
So, whenever I felt like I was faltering, I would take out this compass.
Whenever I saw the needle unfalteringly pointed in a single direction, I would remind myself to stay on course.
But now... it seems to be broken.
Do you feel you have a new goal to work towards now?
Th-that's...
Well...
...
I want to connect with you more.
I want to be a partner... who is easy to love.
...
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.
All this reminiscing about the past must have made me emotional.
Why don't we try and liven up the mood a bit?
How about we go to that steakhouse you mentioned for dinner tonight?
All right, let's go.
I take Helm's hand in mine as we walk.
Hold on, this isn't the way to the restaurant.
We'll go there some other time.
Then where are we going now?
Hmm...
Somewhere we can see the stars.
5. A Night Lit by Stars
89 lines*Crunch crunch*
Helm and I walk together along a snow-laden pathway.
Up in the sky...
... Stars.
That's right.
Is this what you wanted to show me?
You could say that.
...?
May I see your compass?
... Okay.
As we ascend from the depths of the Ark to the surface, the needle gradually settles and points firmly north.
You don't always need a compass to find your way, do you?
Helm silently looks up at the sky.
...
Following the line of the crimson needle's pointed tip,
one star in the sky shines brighter than any other.
So... you mean the stars.
I search my memory for the lessons I took a long time ago on navigation.
Compasses aren't always exact.
Depending on where you are, or how much time has passed, the direction they point can shift.
Therefore, you need to consult other sources to pinpoint the exact direction.
For example, like the North Star.
I hand the compass back to Helm.
What's wrong?
Er... Did what I said make sense?
Nothing's wrong, it's just...
Mast told me something similar as well.
I just wanted to relive some old memories.
...
...
Mast and Anchor silently exchange a look.
... When setting out for an adventure?
... Huh?
This lump of metal doesn't know my desires.
It's merely a prop. Just something that looks the part.
My heart tells me where to go.
And wherever the sea grants me permission, that is where I wander!
That, my friend, is true adventure! That is the true essence of being a pirate!
... I'm not sure I follow.
... Hehe. So smart, yet so foolish.
I thought you were getting better, but your old self is coming out again.
Mast extends her index finger
and points to Helm's compass.
You don't follow that.
Mast raises her finger...
*Poke*
...
You follow this.
Helm glances down at Mast's finger, which is resting on her chest.
But...
If you're going to give me another speech about how we technically don't have hearts, spare me.
But the thought is similar.
Pretty much the same thing.
Yeah. I didn't fully understand then...
Helm raises her head and looks at the glittering night sky.
I see now. You don't always have to follow the compass.
... I think I know now why you wanted to come see the stars.
All I wanted to do was go for a walk in the snow with you and go stargazing.
Yeah.
It's not the compass, but the stars.
Right.
Don't overthink it, and follow your heart.
Precisely. So tell me, Helm, what do you want to do?
I...
Helm looks down at the old compass.
... I want to visit famous cafes with you.
And I want to take some photos together so I can show them off to other people.
Let's go this weekend.
And when we're out shopping,
I want to try on pretty clothes, and ask you if they look good on me.
I'll clear my schedule.
Er... could we maybe skip that one?
Helm looks up at the star-filled night sky.
6. Sweet Fragrance of Dawn
76 linesWhile waiting for Helm, who had gone out to install decoys and scout the area,
I prepare a spot in the ruins where we could spend the night.
*Click*
Great, good work.
After that, we share some emergency rations and talk.
Other than the unusual setting of the ruins up on the surface, we pass the time in a fashion similar to any other day.
...
...
However, between each of our sentences, a subtle silence lingers.
*Clink*
Helm, with her compass on a cord around her neck, approaches me.
Could I tell you something, Subordinate?
What is it?
Just like a compass needle shifts with changes in the magnetic field,
the North Star changes over time too.
After all, we just call the star that's closest to the north, the "North Star".
That's right.
What?!
Oh, so you already knew?
Wow, this is the first time I've seen you so surprised.
At the end of the day, I think only one thing matters:
It doesn't matter what name people give to the direction they're heading,
or if the methods used to determine that sense of direction change over time.
One thing that won't change is the destination.
Helm steps to my side slowly and stops.
The compass needle now points toward me.
Helm nudges against me, and I step backwards.
Slowly, and straight as an arrow,
following the compass's direction,
*Thump*
I fall down onto the bed with my arms wrapped around Helm's waist.
... I've wanted to do this for so long.
Me too.
...
Helm's lips press against mine.
Then pull back.
That too.
Me too.
What do you want to do next?
...
Helm?
Y... Yes?
Are you nervous?
It's my first time doing something like this...
But...
...
Subordinate.
Thanks to you, there are so many things I've done for the first time.
I got to see the ocean that I've always dreamed of.
I achieved victory in battle with the Admire.
I have teammates that I can trust.
I've made friends.
And...
Helm's hands, clinging to my neck, tremble ever so slightly.
I have someone I love.
And even though it's my first time,
I'm not afraid.
Because now it's not just the compass telling me where to go.
Helm stares at me intently.
But the North Star as well.
You don't need to be afraid.
Then...
I don't want you to think that I'm being selfish or needy, but...
Could I ask you for something else for the first time?
I'll do anything.
Whatever you want.
As Helm whispers to me softly,
her voice melts into the cool night air, and melds with the familiar scent of her shampoo.