The Goddess's Romantic Rival
Hekate tries in vain to get a kiss from (Captain) as thanks for her help in resolving the albacore incident. Varuna and Neptune point out that Lyria is the main rival in her quest, so the goddess sets off to win over the captain by any means necessary.
After bidding farewell to Tunaro and restoring peace to the seas, (Captain) and the crew finally get to return to their regularly scheduled summer vacation.
Hekate: I deserve a reward for saving you, (Captain)! A sweltering, passionate reward!
Hekate pouts and whines about her supposed snub as the captain puts on sunscreen.
Hekate is a goddess of immense power—one that draws mortals into her world of dreams, drowning them in unending pleasure before draining them of their life-giving essence.
Hekate: I'm the magnificent goddess of the night. No mortal can resist my charms!
Except (Captain) did resist, arousing a burning curiosity within the goddess. Thus she joined the crew solely to become one with the captain.
She has hounded (Captain) ever since, leaving her dreamscapes behind in pursuit of her quarry in the waking world.
Hekate: I did it! I secured a shopping date with (Captain)!
Hekate: Prepare yourself, (Captain)... I'll make you mine, even without employing my powers!
Seeing that her methods of divine seduction have little effect, Hekate had decided to instead woo the captain the old-fashioned way.
Hekate: Did I not perform beautifully in regards to the albacore fiasco, (Captain)? Had I not worked my magic, you'd still be sleeping with the fishes!
- Everyone really pulled together!
Choose: Everyone really pulled together!Hekate: Yes, yes, fair enough, but didn't I go particularly above and beyond?
Hekate: If it weren't for my divine powers, your transformation into an albacore would have never been undone! Who but the goddess of the night could have achieved such a feat!
- You were really worried about me, huh?
Choose: You were really worried about me, huh?Hekate: Worried?
Hekate: How dare you suggest that I would fret over a mere mortal!
Hekate: Don't get me wrong, I only saved you because it was to my benefit!
Hekate: As if I would allow a disobedient skydweller to remain an eternal denizen of the deep before getting to experience my true—
Hekate: Why are you smirking?
- That's pretty cute.
Choose: That's pretty cute.Hekate: S-such impudent words! I am the goddess of the night—resplendent and magnificent!
Hekate: Hmph! That's quite enough from you!
Neptune: So, to recap, you tried laying on the pressure, but then (Captain) finished slathering up and ran off?
Hekate: Sigh... What else was I supposed to do?
Varuna: Sluuurp... I don't know if we're the best people to ask.
In the cool shade of the beach house, Varuna and Neptune chat with Hekate over popsicles.
The commotion with Seahamut and Tunaro caused the two primals and the goddess to become fast friends.
Varuna: Why are you so gaga about (Captain) anyway? There's not really anything to write home about.
Hekate: And how would you know, exactly? It's not my fault you lack the brains to understand (Captain)'s true appeal! Besides, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, hmm?
Varuna: Sheesh! One sec we're on cuddling terms, next you're at my throat! Chill out!
Neptune: A goddess's heart is a fickle thing!
Hekate: Please, I'm as clear as can be. I just wanted (Captain) to give me a little kiss as a thank you.
Neptune: Just a kiss?
Hekate: Mortals have procedures when it comes to courtship. Did you know that making moves on someone you've just met is a serious faux pas?
Varuna: And I thought I was the brainless one...
Neptune: Hmm... So how do you explain Lyria?
Hekate: Lyria?
Lyria: Eek, the water's cold! Ehehe, but it feels so refreshing after being in the sun!
Hekate: Hehe, what a ray of sunshine. She's just having some harmless fun in the sun with (Captain)! What's wrong with that?
Neptune: Are you sure it's harmless? Isn't she also trying to win over the captain?
Hekate: Why in the skies would she do that? I am the goddess of the night—my vast years of experience put hers to shame. There is simply no contest.
Varuna: But didn't Lyria become one with (Captain) right after they both met?
Hekate: Gasp!
Lyria: That's right. From now on our souls are permanently intertwined.
Hekate: I'd forgotten all about that! Their life forces are already linked to one another, aren't they?
Hekate: Which means they've already become one—a combined life essence, right down to their very souls! Can I even compete with that!
Lyria: Hahaha! Your silly little crush pales before the might of our relationship, Hekate!
Hekate stares back over at Lyria splashing about in the shallows, now viewing the girl in blue in a totally different light.
Hekate: This goes no further! Every second I waste, Lyria's widening her lead!
Hekate: Excuse me! One popsicle, please.
Neptune: You wanted one too? I didn't know you liked sweet stuff!
Hekate: Hehe, if love is a battleground, then this is my sword! Lyria may have her tricks, but I'm endowed with skills in seduction she could never dream of!
Hekate takes her popsicle from the stall keeper and fixes her gaze on the beach.
Hekate: What am I doing, being jealous of a mere girl? I am the goddess of the night—the succubine queen!
Hekate: I will not stop until (Captain)'s luscious lips are mine!
Hekate: Drool...
Neptune: Go get 'em, tiger!
Varuna: Rooting for you!
The primals' cheers at her back, and blazing with a desire hotter than the gleaming sun above, Hekate advances toward (Captain) and Lyria.
The stage is now set for the fiercest battle this summer has yet seen.
Come Shell or High Water
Believing Lyria is also trying to court (Captain), Hekate tries and fails to woo the captain, even with help from Octosuke and Leverrier. Not only does her graceful spectacle go unappreciated, but Hekate falls into the sea, unable to surface, and passes out.
After saving (Captain) during the Tunaro incident, Hekate has been trying to wring out some sort of reward from the captain.
While talking it over with Varuna and Neptune, she realizes that Lyria is her archrival in the battle for (Captain)'s affections.
The goddess of the night, popsicle in hand, strides across the sand toward (Captain) and Lyria, ready to put her plan into motion.
Hekate: (How could I ever hope to beat Lyria's deep connection to (Captain) if I can't even manage to steal one measly kiss!)
Hekate: (Mmm... Time to turn up the heat! First is to make the captain quiver with desire for my plump, soft lips...)
Hekate: Mmgh... Drool, lick, slurp...
Lyria: Oh, look, there's Hekate with a popsicle, and she's coming over to join us!
Lyria: She's definitely got the right idea—today's scorching! We should go get some once we're done!
Hekate: Ehehe... Mmm, sluuurp...
Lyria: Oh my, Hekate! You're getting it all over your face!
(Captain) cannot bear to watch this horrific display, walking over to Hekate and pulling out a handkerchief. The captain swabs the stray juice from around her lips.
Hekate: Mmph—enough! I can clean myself, you know! Stop acting so... responsible!
- Were you raised by wolves, or what?
Choose: Were you raised by wolves, or what?Hekate: Excuse me?
Lyria: It's not her fault, (Captain). The sun is really fierce today—I'd be getting it all over myself too!
Hekate: (Grr! She's a smooth one!)
Lyria: Vyrn's around here too somewhere... Oh, right, I think he went off to explore with Cupitan!
Hekate: ...
Remembering her past run-in with the wielder of the Rainbow Bow, Hekate says a silent prayer for the little dragon.
Lyria: Would you like to come join us in the water? It's the perfect way to escape the heat today!
Hekate: Hmph, I think I will!
Hekate: (Her smile is as bright as the sun, like a blinding beacon from the heavens...)
Hekate: (No, get a grip, Hekate! She may have a nice smile, but you're a blonde bombshell! You're the one who makes everyone sizzle!)
Hekate: Ehehe...
Tourists: Oh baby!
Daaamn!
Hekate's sultry gaze strikes down any and all that see her; men and women alike are instantly overcome with fervid desire.
However, when that same gaze is loosed upon (Captain) at point-blank range, all she gets in response is a little smile and a wave.
Hekate: (My charms are inescapable! And yet, the captain remains as elusive as ever...)
Hekate: What can I possibly do...
Several hours later, Hekate, (Captain), and Lyria are bobbing along the waves on swim rings.
Lyria: Heehee! The motion of the ocean feels great!
Hekate: Indeed it does. I don't think I ever want to tread water or build another sandcastle ever again...
Lyria: Then let's go relax at the beach house! I heard their yakisoba is to die for!
Hekate: Lead on, lead on. Wherever you two go, I will follow.
Hekate: Sigh...
Leverrier: Lady Hekate. Why are you idling time away not pursuing the object of your affections?
Octosuke: Wasn't today the day you were finally gonna get some? I've never seen someone less in the mood.
Hekate: You're Varuna's and Neptune's familiars! What are you doing here?
The sea primals' underlings bob by Hekate's ring, just out of sight of Lyria and (Captain).
Leverrier: We received word of what was transpiring from Ladies Varuna and Neptune, and so we have been sent to come to your aid.
Hekate: You mean, to give me advice? I think the goddess of the night might be a bit more of an expert in seduction than you two.
Leverrier: Well, surely you would have made some progress since that dismal affair with the popsicle then?
Hekate: ...!
Octosuke: We've seen you fail every trick in the book, so now you're just out at sea, waitin' for "that chance" to somehow wash up into your lap.
Octosuke: Am I right or am I right?
Hekate: Hmph!
Leverrier: Looks like you struck a nerve.
Hekate: Fine, all right, you win! Nothing has gone as planned! Are you happy now?
Hekate pouts sadly. The two familiars lean in close to comfort her.
Octosuke: I know that things aren't great, Miss Hekate. Everything seems dark, like you're floundering in the darkest, inkiest sea imaginable.
Octosuke: But remember this—even if you lose sight of your quarry, don't go losing sight of yourself!
Hekate: ...!
Leverrier: You must not lose faith in your stunning allure. You can win this fight yet!
Leverrier: Let us lend you a fin or two. The sea has many ways to accentuate the charms of someone as beautiful as yourself!
Hekate: Octosuke, Leverrier...
Hekate: Thank you both. I leave this in your capable suckers!
Lyria: Hekate! We're heading to the beach hou—
Lyria: Huh? Where'd she go? Did you see her, (Captain)?
Hekate: Looking for someone?
The pair whirl around, seeing Hekate standing atop the waves, a triumphant look on her face. Her hair billows in the sea breeze, and she leans coyly on one foot.
Lyria: Wow! How are you doing that!
- Where did that shell come from?
Choose: Where did that shell come from?Looking closer, both of them can see a large white scallop shell underneath Hekate, floating on the water.
Leverrier: What do you think, (Captain)? Is she not the spitting image of Venus herself?
Octosuke: See the octopus and sea serpent dance at her beck and call!
Hekate: Do you see now, (Captain)! You've fallen for me, hook, line, and sink—
- Neat!
Choose: Neat!Hekate: Neat?
Lyria: I want to try too! Maybe if I stand on top of my swim ring...
Hekate: Lyria, stop! That's dangerous!
Lyria: Actually, maybe I should work on my balance first.
Octosuke: At least wait for the girl to finish speaking before diving to her rescue, Miss Hekate!
Hekate: (My leg is asleep! Why did I have to hold that stupid, sexy pose for so long?)
Hekate drifts ever downwards, unable to stop herself from smiling at the absurdity of her own misfortune.
Hekate: (What was I even doing? I got so obsessed over this one little mortal, and now look where it's gotten me—drowning in the deep...)
Hekate: (Just "neat," huh...)
Hekate: (I only wanted to hear you say that I was beautiful... just once...)
The goddess's vision dims as she is buffeted by the currents, her breath giving out.
In her final moments, Hekate sees (Captain) swimming before her eyes. Her last thought lingers on the love that led her to a watery grave before everything goes dark.
Come Shell or High Water: Scene 2
Hekate wakes up back on the beach, saved by Lyria performing mouth-to-mouth on her. While grateful, she is sad that (Captain) didn't rescue her instead. Varuna and Neptune ensure she ends up alone with the captain, who takes her to a seaside cottage and gives the bewildered goddess a foot massage.
Hekate: Is this... death?
Hekate's body is enveloped by the gentle sensation of floating in nothingness.
Hekate: ...?
Hekate: (Something is touching my lips...)
Hekate: Bleeeh!
Lyria: Hekate, you're alive! Thank goodness!
Hekate: Ngh... Lyria?
Hekate wakes up under the shade of a large parasol on the beach with a frantic Lyria peering down at her.
Lyria: I'm so sorry, this is all my fault! I really should've been more careful about what I was saying!
Hekate: ...
Lyria: Um, are you okay, Hekate? Is there something on my face?
Hekate: No, it's nothing. I'm sorry too—I shouldn't have rushed in like that.
A little sigh of dejection grazes her finger as she runs it over her lips.
Hekate: (It was just Lyria giving me mouth-to-mouth...)
Hekate: (I didn't even get a real kiss out of all that...)
Varuna: Oh, look, she's awake!
- I'm glad you're all right!
Choose: I'm glad you're all right!(Captain) comes over and drapes a towel over Hekate's shoulders, then hands her a rejuvenating, chilled drink.
Neptune: Sorry we weren't around to welcome you back from the waves, Hekate! We had a lick of trouble to clear up with (Captain).
Varuna: Only after we knew for sure you weren't going to bite it, obviously.
Hekate: It's not a big deal. How ungrateful would I look if I were to gripe right after having my life saved?
When Hekate lets out another pained sigh, Varuna's eyes suddenly dart between the goddess and the girl in blue.
Varuna: Um, so, Lyria! You must be thirsty! We should go get you a nice drink!
Lyria: Oh, that's so kind of you! I think I'm okay on that front though—I brought my trusty water canteen with me!
Varuna: Oh! That's great. But, um, maybe we could—
Neptune: You must be all tuckered out from looking after Hekate! Why don't we go get you something nice and sweet to eat? My treat!
Lyria: Are you sure? What about Hekate and (Captain)? They've both been through the wringer too...
- I'll hold the fort!
- You deserve a treat.
Choose: I'll hold the fort!
Choose: You deserve a treat.Varuna: Then no time like the present!
As the two primals shoo Lyria away, Neptune shoots Hekate a clandestine thumbs-up.
Neptune: (Good luck, Hekate!)
Hekate: Bunch of busybodies...
Thanks to her friends' quick thinking, Hekate finally gets to have some alone time with (Captain).
- How are you feeling?
Choose: How are you feeling?Hekate: Much better now. It takes more than a little water to vanquish the goddess of the night.
- Good! Come with me.
Choose: Good! Come with me.Hekate: Huh?
(Captain) leads her along the beach to a picturesque seaside cottage and guides her inside.
Hekate: What is this place? Why are we here?
- Lie down over there for me.
Choose: Lie down over there for me.Hekate: Wait!
(Captain) ushers Hekate over to a springy, plump sofa and motions for her to lay back on it.
Hekate: Wh-what are you doing?
- Is something wrong?
Choose: Is something wrong?Hekate: Wait a moment! This is all too fast!
Hekate: I thought you mortals took things slow! Isn't that relationships 101?
- What happened to your adventurous side?
Choose: What happened to your adventurous side?Hekate: W-well, usually I'm the one making the moves!
Ignoring Hekate's flustered rambling, (Captain)'s hand tenderly glides toward her lily-white legs.
Hekate: Eek!
The captain's firm but gentle touch sends her reeling with pleasure.
Hekate: Ooh...
Hekate: Mmph, wow, I never knew you w-would be so good at this, (Captain)...
Hekate: You have wonderful technique. Ah, I can feel all my knots unraveling...
The captain firmly kneads her soft flesh, soothing the goddess's weary sole.
Hearing that her pose atop the shell had wreaked havoc on her foot, (Captain) decided it was high time for a massage.
Hekate: Well, I can't argue with that logic...
Hekate: But still, I always thought I'd be the one toying with you...
Hekate: Ahh, th-there! Oh, that feels so gooood...
Hekate melts under (Captain)'s heavenly finger work, her body overcome by pure ecstasy.
Come Shell or High Water: Scene 3
In her room that night, Hekate laments her lack of progress with (Captain), when suddenly the captain enters to finally give her a reward. Delighted that her efforts bore fruit, Hekate vows she will beat Lyria someday, unaware that (Captain) was actually the one who saved her from the sea.
That night in the inn, Hekate finishes her bedtime rituals and prepares to drift off to sleep.
Hekate: Sigh... I've never felt more spent...
Hekate: I wonder where (Captain) wandered off to after that massage...
Hekate: Mmm... What utter bliss that was...
Hekate's licks her lips remembering her encounter with the captain. However, her reverie passes, and she hangs her head, forlorn.
Hekate: What's there to be happy about? Today was an utter failure. In fact, Lyria saving me helped her cause even further...
Hekate: It hurts to say it, but I don't think there's any way I can make (Captain) care about me.
An unfamiliar tightness starts to take hold in the goddess's bosom. Just as her despair threatens to overwhelm her, she hears a knock on her door.
The sound snaps her out of her melancholy, doubly so as (Captain) is revealed as its source.
Hekate: (Captain)? What are you doing here at this hour?
- To give you your reward.
Choose: To give you your reward.Hekate: My... reward?
Hekate: Oh!
Hekate: I deserve a reward for saving you, (Captain)! A sweltering, passionate reward!
Hekate: So you were listening!
The captain smiles brightly and nods, taking out a small object that glimmers in the light.
Hekate: A necklace? And this pendant...
A shell dangles from the end of the golden chain, giving off a faint gleam.
- I noticed you've got a thing for shells.
Choose: I noticed you've got a thing for shells.After the massage, the captain scoured the beach in search of the most beautiful shell to be found and asked one of the seaside artisans to craft it into a necklace.
Hekate: You went to all of that trouble for me?
- You saved me when things got tough.
- It was fun spending time with you.
Choose: You saved me when things got tough.
Choose: It was fun spending time with you.Hekate: ...!
Hekate: So I was worrying about absolutely nothing...
- I'll let you get some sleep now.
Choose: I'll let you get some sleep now.Giving a little wave, (Captain) stifles a yawn and turns to leave.
Hekate: W-wait!
Hekate suddenly grasps the captain's wrist.
Hekate: Did you think I, the goddess of the night, would be satisfied with this mere trinket? I'll allow you to get away with it this time, but...
Hekate: ...
Hekate: No. Actually, wipe what I just said from your memory.
Hekate: Thank you for giving me such a wonderful gift, (Captain).
Hekate: I will treasure it every single day.
Hekate smiles warmly, and (Captain) gives another cheerful wave before exiting the room.
Hekate: Phew...
Hekate breathes a big sigh of relief. She's proud she didn't botch the unexpected opportunity.
Hekate: ...
Beside herself with joy, she rushes to the windowsill, throws open the blinds, and calls out over the moonlit sea.
Hekate: A gift! (Captain) gave me a gift!
To the goddess's ears, the purl of the sea sounds like a soft smattering of congratulatory applause.
Hekate: Ehehe! I finally have a foot on the ladder!
Hekate: I'm more than happy with this! Mortals like to take things slow, after all, and I am nothing if not patient!
Hekate: Drool... Lyria, I will outshine you! (Captain) and I will unite more deeply than you could ever conceive!
Hekate plants a heartfelt kiss on the shimmering shell in her hands.
She hopes that someday, (Captain) will be on the receiving end instead.
Meanwhile, Lyria and the captain are back in their own room chatting about the day's events.
Lyria: Today was so much fun! I don't think I've ever spent that much time with Hekate before.
Lyria: Honestly, I had no idea if we'd get to her in time when she fell into the sea. You were so brave, diving in after her and fishing her out!
Lyria: And giving her mouth-to-mouth, no questions asked! You really were a hero out there!
(Captain) tries to remember details about the daring rescue, but everything was a blur.
Lyria: You were breathing so hard you almost passed out yourself! That almost gave me a heart attack!
Lyria: It's such a shame you were catching your breath over at the beach house and missed Hekate waking up...
(Captain) laughs sheepishly—the captain had been so preoccupied with saving Hekate that any sense of self-restraint had gone out the window.
Lyria: We should invite her to hang out with us again sometime! Maybe she'll bring Supo and Cubare too!
The captain nods eagerly in agreement before yawning loudly and curling up under the covers, ready for sleep.
The pair's animated conversation will be relegated to a faint summer memory, one that Hekate may never end up hearing about.
Hekate: ...
However, tonight she sleeps soundly, wrapped in the soft, warm embrace of her own world of dreams.