Date-wise, youÂ’d have to look at the timeline for my A/U. Basically, this begins just after Celestine and the movie, just before Second Impact, and well before Neon Genesis Goddess.

 

I donÂ’t own Ah My Goddess

 

I donÂ’t own the characters either.

 

 

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A Neon Genesis: Goddess Fanfiction.

 

 

A GoddessÂ’ Dreams.

 

 

Part 1: The Dream.

 

 

Koi ni naranai ne soba ni iru dake ja

(Just being near him wonÂ’t make romance bloom)
Nazo o kakete mo donkan na hito dakara

(Sending him clues wonÂ’t help, because heÂ’s clueless)
Natsu no fuku no kite haru no umi ni kita

(He wore summer clothes to a spring seaside.)
Anata no shatsu de yasashiku kabatte

(His shirt gently shields me from the wind.)

My Heart iidasenai

(I canÂ’t speak my heart:)
Please kisu shite tte

("Please kiss me".)
Day Dream yume wa fukurami

(IÂ’m full of day dreams.)
Sora ni Takaku Kieru

(In the sky, flying Away)

Onna no ko wa dare datte shiawase ni nareru

(All girls can become happy.)
Koi ga hajimareba kagayaki dasu

(If she falls in love, she begins to shine.)

Tatoe namida nagashite mo anata no sei nara

(Even if I cry because of him,)
Mune o itamete mo kanashiku nai

(My heart may ache, but I will not suffer.)

Himitsu mochitai na tsumi o kanjitai

(I want to keep secrets. I want to feel guilty.)
Anata no nyuusu shittete mo shiranpuri

(Even if I hear gossip about you, I pretend I donÂ’t know.)

Aki ni tokimeite

(After autumnÂ’s passion,)
Fuyu ni nayande mo

(Even if winter brings worries,)
Daiji na koi ga minoreba ii yo ne

(As long as my precious love blossoms, then that is good enough.)

Your Heart tashikametai

(I want to hear your heart.)
Believe fureta yubi o

(I want to believe in your touch.)
True Love hajimete dakara

(True Love since this is my first love,)
Hoho ga Atsuku moeru

(My cheeks will burn red)

Onna no ko wa koi shitara utsukushiku nareru

(If girls fall in love, then they become beautiful.)
Akai kuchibeni mo hitsuyou nai

(They wonÂ’t even need to wear red lipstick. )

Nemurenakute sugoshite mo yume bakari miteru

(Even if I don't sleep all night, I still dream a lot.)
Omou kimochi dake afureteiru

(My feelings of love are overflowing.)

Onna no ko wa dare datte shiawase ni nareru

(All girls can become happy.)
Ai ga minagireba muteki ni naru

(If she is overflowing with love, nothing can stop her.)

Tatoe namida nagashite mo anata no sei nara

(Even if I cry because of him,)
Mune o itamete mo yasashiku naru

(My heart may ache, but I will become sweeter.)

 

 

 

My Heart Iidasenai. Your Heart Tashikametai  - Goddess Family Club (Inoue Kikuko, Touma Yumi, and Hisakawa Aya) - Ah My Goddess! OVA OP (1993)

 

 

 

 

Prologue

 

1998 (Post-Movie)

 

Tariki Hongan-ji

 

Nekomi, Japan

 

 

 

Darkness covered Nekomi, the only light to be seen was that from the city and the stars above. The few people still awake took no notice of the stars above. They were too busy moving about their lives. The few that did look up only gave the guardians of the nighttime sky a casual glance.

 

Only one person was actively watching them.

 

It was a woman in her early twenties. She sat on the roof of a temple, watching the stars far above. As she sat there, the wind casually blew about her long honey brown hair. Her gaze never strayed from the sky though.

 

Her name was Belldandy, and she was a Goddess.

 

Goddess First Class, Unlimited, Goddess of the Present, she carried these titles with her name. She was also a daughter of Kami-sama, and sister to Urd and Skuld. But she had another title that she was most happy about: girlfriend of Keiichi Morisato.

 

There was nothing special, nor remarkable about Keiichi. In fact, he would be the first to say such things about himself, much to BelldandyÂ’s displeasure. In Keiichi, she found a kind hearted person, willing to put others ahead of himself. Despite everything that he had been put through because of her, her sisters, even the Demoness Mara, Keiichi had taken it in stride and never left her side.

 

This had only been reinforced days ago, when Celestine had erased her memories of Keiichi. He had remained with her, helping her to regain her memories. But the ultimate test had been when Belldandy and Keiichi had found themselves before the Judgment Gate. They had passed through it, proving that their love was true.

 

But her memories of Keiichi werenÂ’t the only memories to return. Another, darker memory had surfaced as well.

 

“Onee-sama?”

 

Belldandy turned and looked to see Skuld walking along the ridgeline of the temple towards her.

 

“What is it Skuld?” Belldandy asked softly.

 

Skuld, Second Class Limited, Goddess of the Future, sat down beside her older sister. To both deity and mortal, Skuld was young, only twelve years old. But she was much smarter then any mortal twelve year old.

 

How many twelve year olds do you know that have made a robot?

 

“What are you doing up here Onee-sama?” Skuld asked.

 

Belldandy smiled and looked back up at the sky.

 

“Just watching the stars Skuld.”

 

“Why?” Skuld asked.

 

Belldandy took in a deep breath and sighed.

 

“I find them soothing Skuld.” Belldandy replied, “Especially when I can’t sleep.” That was the truth. Since the memories had returned, she couldn’t stop seeing the bodies of the fallen Yggdrasil Guardians, downed by her hand.

 

“Oh.” Skuld looked down onto the Temple grounds. Banpei was out, patrolling the area for Mara or any other Demon that might show up. She then looked up at the sky.

 

“Onee-sama?” She asked.

 

“Yes Skuld?”

 

“About Keiichi…….”

 

Belldandy closed her eyes and mentally sighed, preparing herself for yet another Skuld rant about how Keiichi was no good for her.

 

“Why do you like him?”

 

Belldandy opened her eyes and looked at her youngest sister in surprise. She wasnÂ’t expecting that!

 

“He’s a kind person.” She replied, “He cares for all of us.”

 

“But why him?” Skuld asked, “Why a mortal?”

 

“Love doesn’t ask why Skuld.” Belldandy said, “It doesn’t see wither you’re a goddess or mortal, it speaks from your heart.” She turned and looked back up at the stars. “I met Keiichi when we were both very young. I had to leave and erase his memories of me. He let me do so, just so I wouldn’t be punished. As I got older, I followed his life, watching as his heart remained kind and true.” A smile appeared on her face. “And then I granted his wish, and his wish was me. It’s like a dream, a dream come true.”

”But dreams end.” Skuld pointed out.

 

The smile faltered slightly on BelldandyÂ’s face.

 

“Yes.” She whispered, turning from the sky and facing her sister. “Dreams do end. But then we’re left with the memory of them.”

 

Skuld stared at her sisterÂ’s face. Belldandy was still smiling, but her eyesÂ…..her eyes were hiding something. It was well known to both Urd and Skuld that Belldandy was very adapt at hiding her true emotions from those she cared about. Several times, Skuld had witnessed the results of Belldandy repressing her jealously of Keiichi. It was not pretty.

 

“Come on Skuld.” Belldandy said as she rose to her feet. “We both need to try and get some sleep.”

 

The two goddesses walked down the roof, then floated to the ground. They walked in silence to the caretakerÂ’s house where they all lived. Belldandy paused a moment just outside the door. She looked back up at the stars and stared a moment more, before following Skuld indoors.

A GoddessÂ’ Dreams

 

Part 1: The Dream

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

 

One month later.

 

 

 

Keiichi opened his eyes as his alarm clock continued to announce the morning. With a groan, he sat up on his futon and slapped the alarm off. He glanced at the window to confirm that it was indeed morning. He rose to his feet and, after pausing at his dresser, opened the door to his room and stepped out into the hall, heading towards the bathroom.

 

As he walked down the hall, he could just make out the sound of humming coming from the kitchen. Belldandy was already up and about, just like she had been the first one up every other morning previously.

 

‘Well,’ he thought, ‘Not every morning.’

 

He briefly remembered back just weeks ago, when a rogue God named Celestine had tried to remake the Earth into his vision of ‘paradise’. That it would have wiped out all the mortals didn’t matter to him. All that mattered was his perfect world, and Belldandy. During one of his attempts to get at Belldandy, she had completely exhausted all her magic, causing her to fall asleep. Keiichi had awoken the next morning to find Belldandy asleep next to him.

 

Keiichi entered the bathroom and quickly bathed before changing into his work clothes. He exited the bathroom and headed down the hall towards the kitchen. Unsurprisingly, the sound of snores could be heard from UrdÂ’s room as the elder goddess slept off a night of drinking. The eldest of the sisters was a bit of a lush. True it was her secondary power source, but she drank even when she didnÂ’t need to. The odd thing was that he couldnÂ’t remember Urd picking up a bottle in recent memory.

 

Entering the dining area, Keiichi found Skuld already sitting at the table, fiddling with some device. She glanced up as he sat down.

 

“Morning.”

 

“Morning Skuld.” Keiichi replied. He and Skuld had been getting along better since Celestine. But he was curious to exactly what had changed in Skuld’s mind. As far as he knew he was still treating her the same as when he had met her. Given her disdain at being referred to as ‘a kid’, he’d treated her as an adult. There was also the large amount of explosives that she tended to carry to consider.

 

Belldandy entered the dining room with his breakfast.

 

“Morning Keiichi.” She said warmly as she set the food down before him.

 

Keiichi gently grabbed her hand in his.

 

“Morning Bell.” He replied as he gazed up at her. Something had changed in Belldandy since Celestine. Keiichi wasn’t exactly sure what, but she seemed different from how she had been before him. Of course, she had recovered a part of her memory that had been sealed off, much like his had been of their first encounter. He knew from sharing his body with Celestine exactly how the God had manipulated his Goddess girlfriend. The result had been Belldandy taking out several Yggdrasil Guardians assigned to capture Celestine. Realizing what she had done, Belldandy had gone catatonic shortly thereafter. With the memory sealed away, and a careful lie, Belldandy had been able to recover.

 

Belldandy smiled right back at him, then slowly pulled her hand from his to return to the kitchen. Keiichi watched her until she had vanished, then turned back to the table.

 

Skuld was looking at him.

 

Keiichi immediately paled. HeÂ’d forgotten all about her when Belldandy had entered. The youngest of the sisters normally exploded at Keiichi for even thinking about touching Belldandy.

 

Instead, she stared at him a moment longer, then turned her gaze back to the device in her hand.

 

Things had changed indeed.

 

 

 

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Keiichi had just finished his breakfast when Urd finally stumbled out of bed.

 

“Good Morning.” Keiichi said as Urd sat down.

 

“Don’t use such disgusting words around me.” Urd mumbled.

 

“Eh?”

 

“There is nothing ‘good’ about this ‘morning’.” Urd replied before her head hit the table top with a thud.

 

“Maybe if you wouldn’t drink so much….” Skuld began.

 

“I get enough of that from Bell,” Urd’s muffled voice came from the table. “I don’t need to hear it from you brat.”

 

SkuldÂ’s eyes narrowed. For a brief moment, Keiichi wondered if he would be better off somewhere else. Then Skuld abruptly stood up and stormed out of the room past Belldandy as she entered with UrdÂ’s breakfast.

 

“What did you do now Urd?” Belldandy asked with a sigh.

 

“The usual.” Came Urd’s muffled reply.

 

Belldandy shook her head as she set UrdÂ’s breakfast on the table. She then turned to Keiichi.

 

“I’ll go change and be out in a moment.” She said before heading down the hall to her room.

 

Keiichi started to rise from the table.

 

“She’s not sleeping you know.”

 

Keiichi stopped and looked over at Urd. The eldest sister had lifted her head and was looking in the direction Belldandy had vanished.

 

“What?”

 

Urd turned to Keiichi.

 

“Come on K-boy! I know you’ve noticed the changes.”

 

Keiichi sat back down.

 

“Yeah,” he said, “I know.”

 

“You’re not the only one.” Urd said, “Skuld came to me a day after……you know.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“She hasn’t sleep more then a few hours at night.” Urd said, “Then she’s up and outside. Skuld told me about it. Since then, I’ve been keeping watch on her.”

 

Keiichi raised an eyebrow at this.

 

“You?” he asked, “When did you become……responsible?”

 

“Ooo don’t use that word. You’ll ruin my rep.” Urd said with a smile, “You really think I was drinking late into the night?”

 

“You were watching her.” Keiichi said.

 

“Yeah.” Urd said with a sigh, “And you know Bell, she hides her bad feelings, puts on a smiling face and she claims everything’s fine.”

 

“Yeah,” Keiichi said, “That’s Belldandy alright. So what do we do?”

 

“’We’?” Urd repeated, “You mean you.”

 

“Me?” Keiichi asked skeptically.

 

“Look K,” Urd said, “She loves you. You love her. You’re also the only one in either Heaven or Earth she’ll listen to besides Kami-sama. If you ask her to talk to you, she will.”

 

“Somehow I doubt I have that kind of power over a Goddess.” Keiichi said.

 

“You’d be surprised K.”

 

“Are you ready?”

 

Keiichi turned to see Belldandy now in her work clothes.

 

“Yeah.” Keiichi said rising to his feet.

 

The two exited the house. Soon Urd heard the sound of the motorcycle starting up. The sound then faded as it drove away.

 

“They’re gone?” Skuld asked as she reentered the dining room.

 

“Yeah.” Urd replied. She turned and looked at her breakfast. “Ughh…..Maybe I shouldn’t have had those drinks last night.”

 

Skuld frowned. “I thought you stopped.”

 

“I did.” Urd muttered, “But seeing her so…….unhappy, I needed a pick me up.”

 

SkuldÂ’s eyes narrowed.

 

“You need the pick me up? What about Onee-sama?!”

 

“I told Keiichi.” Urd said.

 

“We’re her FAMILY Urd!” Skuld snapped back, “Doesn’t that word mean anything to you?”

 

“And Keiichi is the love of her life or have you forgotten?”

 

Skuld straightened.

 

“I haven’t forgotten that.” She growled.

 

“Good.” Urd turned and left the room, leaving a slightly peeved young Goddess in her wake.

 

 

 

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The Whirlwind cycle shop.

 

 

 

“You know Morisato,” Chihiro Fujimi said as she watched him work on a motorcycle, “You really baffle me.”

 

“Eh?” Keiichi turned and looked at his boss.

 

“Actually,” she said, “ you and Belldandy baffle me.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Well let’s take your girlfriend for a moment.” Chihiro pointed through the window that separated the work area from the rest of the shop. Belldandy could be seen sweeping the floor.

 

“That girl has the body of a supermodel.” Chihiro stated, “And can sing like no one I’ve ever heard before.” She looked at Keiichi. “Now why on earth would she of all people want to get an Engineering degree?”

 

“Uhhh……” Keiichi stuttered.

 

“What’s more….” Chihiro continued, “Is that you and she have the most unusual luck. You and she were the only ones on this campus to sort out Otaki and Tamiya’s ‘treasure’ map and find these rings.” She held up the two rings that Otaki and Tamiya had bought when they had asked Chihiro to marry them (of course not at the same time….geez…), and she now carried as ‘trophy’s of war’. “She also says the oddest things at times.”

 

“Uhh well..I….”

 

“And then there’s your reaction right now.” Chihiro said pointing at Keiichi. “Whenever anyone starts digging into Belldandy and your’s past, you get all flustered. Your own sister even agrees with me.”

 

“You talked to Megumi?” Keiichi asked, his eyes widening.

 

“I’ve talked to everyone in the entire Motor Club.” Chihiro replied, “Otaki and Tamiya even had a very interesting story about the night they met her.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“Sneaking her into the Boy’s dorm?”

 

“I didn’t…..”

 

“Keiichi,” Chihiro said, cutting him off, “Just what are you two hiding?”

 

“I…….” Keiichi began, “I can’t explain.”

 

“Can’t?” Chihiro asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“It’s not my secret to tell.” Keiichi replied looking down at the wrench in his hands. “It’s……complicated.”

 

“Right.” Chihiro turned and started to leave the work area. She paused at the door. “Keiichi, it’s not that we don’t trust you, or her. Everyone agrees that you two make a great couple and that Belldandy is the sweetest person we’ve ever met.” She turned and looked back at him. “But we just have so many questions.”

 

“I know.” Keiichi replied, “Maybe someday………they can be answered.”

 

Chihiro smiled.

 

“I’ll hold you to that.”

 

 

 

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That night on the way home from the Whirlwind, Keiichi deviated the motorcycle from the usual path. Belldandy looked up at him from the sidecar, confusion on her face. She knew something was troubling him, sheÂ’d felt it when sheÂ’d gone into the work area to sweep.

 

“Keiichi?” she asked.

 

He glanced at her slightly, before returning his gaze to the road.

 

“Just a little side trip.” He said.

 

Belldandy accepted that for the moment. She settled back in her seat and waited.

 

Keiichi finally brought the motorcycle to a stop on a little outlook on the side of a hill. From there, the two had an unimpeded view of Nekomi. They could even make out the temple complex.

 

Keiichi climbed off the motorcycle, then set his helmet on the seat. He then walked a short distance to the edge of the overlook. Belldandy followed him a moment later.

 

“What is it?” she asked softly, “Did Chihiro say something to you?”

 

“In a way.” Keiichi replied, “ She….she asked about you.”

 

“Me?” Belldandy was surprised.

 

“About……..things.” Keiichi said, “About why you’re here and……” He sighed and turned to face her. “She asked about things that are hard to answer, without telling her what you are.”

 

Belldandy nodded in understanding.

 

“Without telling her I’m a Goddess.”

 

“I hate keeping it from them.” Keiichi said, “Especially my parents and Megumi. It feels like…….I don’t trust them.”

 

“I know.” Belldandy hated it too, “But if we told them………”

 

“I know.” Keiichi replied, “It would affect their beliefs, their faith.”

 

“I’m sorry Keiichi.” Belldandy whispered, “I know it’s a burden….”

 

“It’s not your fault.” Keiichi said, putting an arm around her and pulling her close. “And I hardly see you and your sisters as burdens.”

 

Belldandy smiled and wrapped her arms around him.

 

“Thank you Keiichi.”

 

They stood there a moment, watching the sun move beyond the hills.

 

“Bell?”

 

“Yes Keiichi?”

 

“Are you alright?”

 

Belldandy frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

“You don’t seem yourself.” Keiichi replied, “Ever since……..Celestine.”

 

Belldandy stiffened. Keiichi felt her do it and gently turned her so that he was looking into her face.

 

“It’s what happened with those Guardians isn’t it?” he asked.

 

BelldandyÂ’s lip began to quiver slightly as she stared at him.

 

“It’s ok Bell.” Keiichi said softly, taking her face in his hands, “It wasn’t your fault.”

 

“But it was!” she exclaimed as tears began to run down her cheeks “I……I…..”

 

“I know.” Keiichi said softly, “When Celestine was with me, I saw what happened.”

 

BelldandyÂ’s eyes went wide.

 

“You…. You….saw?”

 

Keiichi nodded.

 

“You must hate me!” Belldandy tried to turn away, but Keiichi refused to let her.

 

“I don’t hate you Bell.” Keiichi said, “I never could. And you shouldn’t bottle it up inside, it will only make it worse.”

 

Belldandy finally gave up struggling and simply sagged into KeiichiÂ’s arms.

 

“I know it’s painful.” Keiichi continued, his voice still soft and caring, “But I’m here for you.”

 

Belldandy slowly lifted her arms and hugged herself tightly to Keiichi.

 

“Thank you.” She whispered softly.

 

Keiichi smiled and held her tightly in his arms.

 

 

 

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“I want you to accompany me.” Celestine said as he stood on the platform overlooking Heaven. A young Belldandy stood beside him, looking up at her teacher. “With your help Belldandy, I know the wishes of the weak are sure to be fulfilled at long last.”

 

Belldandy stared at him, still in shock from watching him destroy the Judgment Gate just moments earlier.

 

“All people will be treated equally.” Celestine continued, “I want to offer as much assistance I can to those who are suffering.”

 

Before Belldandy could reply, a strange sound filled the air. She and Celestine turned to see five Yggdrasil Guardians appearing. They five turned and faced Celestine, pointing their staffs towards the God. Blue lightning flashed out, trapping Celestine.

 

Belldandy watched in horror as Celestine twisted and cried out in pain.

 

“No…….. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” she screamed as she sent her Angel, Blessed Bell, forth.

 

 

 

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Belldandy sat up in a cold sweat. She held her head in her hands a moment, breathing heavily. After several minutes, she lifted her head and looked around. She was on her futon, in her bedroom. The small alarm clock beside her bed claimed it was only two in the morning.

 

“Just like the other nights.” She murmured. She grabbed her robe as she rose to her feet and pulled it on as she headed out into the hall.

 

The house was quiet, but for the soft snores coming from the other bedrooms.

 

She walked down the hall and stepped outside. Banpei and Sigel, SkuldÂ’s robots, both looked in her direction a moment, before resuming their nightly patrol. The Goddess walked out into the middle of the yard and looked up into the star filled sky.

 

“Are you still praying for my happiness Celestine?” she asked the stars. “Even with my Keiichi, I don’t feel happy. Not with knowing what I have done.”

 

“You out here again?”

 

Belldandy looked behind her.

 

“Down here!”

 

The Goddess looked down to find a gray rat sitting before her.

 

“Hello Gan-chan.” Belldandy said softly.

 

“Hello Gan-chan” the rat mimicked, “Is that all you can say after you let that cat in here?”

 

“Welsper?” “Belldandy asked, “She hasn’t chased after you has she?”

 

“Nah.” Gan-chan replied, “She leaves us alone. But still…a demon cat?”

 

Belldandy smiled slightly, “She needed a place to stay.”

 

“Right.” Gan-chan replied, “So what are you doing out here?”

 

Belldandy looked back to the stars.

 

“Seeking answers.” She replied.

 

“But you’re a Goddess!”

 

“That doesn’t mean I have all the answers Gan.”

 

“Well,” the rat said, “What was the question?”

 

“I did a horrible thing long ago.” Belldandy whispered, “I was kept from remembering it, but after my old mentor returned……I remembered.”

 

“It couldn’t have been that bad.” Gan-chan said.

 

“It was.” Belldandy said, her voice barely a whisper now, “I’m a horrid person.”

 

“You are not!” Gan-chan shouted, bouncing slightly, “You’re the sweetest person I know! You wouldn’t harm a fly! Besides, college boy doesn’t seem to think you’re horrid.”

 

“No.” The Goddess replied, “He doesn’t.”

 

“He does know, right?”

 

“He knows.”

 

“So why are you out here in the middle of the night talking to a rat?! Go to him!”

 

Belldandy allowed herself to smile.

 

“When did you get so smart Gan-chan?”

 

“Me smart?!?” Gan-chan rolled his eyes. “Hardly!”

 

“Arigato Gan.” Belldandy said before reentering the house.

 

Gan-chan let out a sigh.

 

“You did good rat.”

 

Gan-chan looked over his shoulder to see the black cat with a white star on itÂ’s forehead approaching.

 

“You said exactly what she needed to hear.” The cat continued.

 

“Think they’ll get married?” Gan asked.

 

Welsper stared at the house silently, a faraway look on her face.

 

“I don’t know.” She replied softly. She then turned to the rat.

 

 “She’s happy with him.” Welsper said,  “Far happier then she’d be without him.” The cat then turned and padded off into the darkness.

 

 

 

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Keiichi slowly began to wake as he heard his door slide open. He turned his head and opened his eyes just in time to see Belldandy step in and closed his door.

 

“Bell?” he said softly, “What is it?”

 

Belldandy walked over beside him and knelt down.      

 

“I’m sorry I woke you.” She said softly, “But I……I had a bad dream.”

 

Keiichi sat up and looked into BelldandyÂ’s eyes. He could tell she was upset at what she had dreamed. Given his recent conversation with her, he knew exactly what it was she had dreamed.

 

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

 

Belldandy shook her head.

 

“No. I just…….” In the dim light, he thought he saw her cheeks darken slightly, “I was wondering if I could………You still need sleep and…….” Suddenly she was standing up again. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have bothered you.” She started to leave.

 

“Do you……want to sleep here?” Keiichi asked, feeling his cheeks redden.

 

Belldandy turned back to look at him, her face even redder then before.

 

“I don’t want to be a bother.”

 

Keiichi smiled. “You aren’t a bother Bell.” He moved over on the futon, leaving a space for her to lay down, then flipped open the covers.

 

Belldandy didnÂ’t hesitate. She walked over and laid down beside Keiichi. He quickly placed the covers over her, then lay back down. As he got comfortable, he felt BelldandyÂ’s arms go around him and a weight on his chest. Glancing down, he saw she had moved her head onto his chest, using it as a pillow. He brought his hand up and slowly began to rub her back.

 

“Thank you Keiichi.” She said softly.

 

“Good night Bell.” Keiichi said softly.

 

“Good…….night…” Belldandy replied as she slowly drifted off.

 

Keiichi lay for a moment, listening to her soft snores as he continued to rub her back.

Sometime later, Keiichi too fell asleep.

 

 

 

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With a yawn, Skuld stepped out of her room and shuffled down the hall to the dining room, her eyes barely open. She sat down at the table and mumbled a good morning.

 

Silence met her ears.

 

She lifted her head, opened her eyes, and peered around.

 

Nothing.

 

No one else was up. Not even Belldandy.

 

Skuld turned and looked at the clock. A frown appeared on her face. Eight oÂ’clock. Sure, it was the weekend, but someone was usually awake by now. Almost always it was Belldandy.

 

Skuld stood up and walked to the door. She peered outside towards the shed that Keiichi stored his motorcycle in.

 

The BMW was still there.

 

Skuld frowned, then noticed Banpei and Sigel standing nearby.

 

“Hey.” She called out to the robots.

 

Bleep?

 

“Yes Mistress Skuld?”

 

Skuld winced at SigelÂ’s greeting.

 

“I thought I told you to knock off the Mistress stuff?” the Goddess said.

 

Sigel blinked, “But you are my creator.”

 

“Yeah but…” Skuld shook her head. “Nevermind that. Have you seen Onee-sama or Keiichi?”

 

“We last saw her at 2:04:36 this morning,” Sigel replied.

 

Skuld blinked. “She was up again? Why didn’t you get me?”

 

“We were about to, but you said to wake you if she was alone.”

 

“Who was she with?”

 

“A rat.”

 

“Gan-chan.” Skuld muttered.

 

Sigel nodded. “She then went back inside.”

 

“Thanks.” Skuld said. She turned and reentered the house. She stood in the dining room a moment, then headed down the hall to the room marked ‘Everyone’s Tearoom’. Carefully sliding open the door, she peered inside.

 

BelldandyÂ’s futon still lay on the floor, the covers in dis. But no Goddess. Skuld frowned.

 

‘She didn’t return to bed.’ She thought. ‘And she wasn’t in my room. I doubt she’d go to Urd’s……. Maybe she…..” Skuld shook her head. “Nah she couldn’t have……. He wouldn’t……”

 

She turned and hurried across the hall to KeiichiÂ’s room. She hurriedly opened the door and entered. She paused just a step inside the room, her eyes wide in shock.

 

There was Belldandy, laying curled up in KeiichiÂ’s arms under the sheets. SkuldÂ’s first instinct was to pull out a Skuld Bomb and blow Keiichi sky-high. Her bomb had just cleared her shirt when she noticed it.

 

Belldandy was smiling in her sleep.

 

Tossing the bomb aside, Skuld silently moved across the floor, knelt beside the bed, and stared at the two. Belldandy, still in her robe, had her arms wrapped around Keiichi, using his chest as a pillow. If Keiichi was in any discomfort, it didnÂ’t show on his face. Both seemed quite happy and peaceful.

 

Skuld stared at the two for a moment longer, then rose to her feet and left the room, closing the door behind her.

 

 

 

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Urd floated out into the dining room, let out a yawn as she landed at the table. Skuld was already sitting there poking at a plate of eggs. Urd glanced in the kitchen, but saw no sign of the middle sister. Nor was there any sign of Keiichi.

 

“Hey brat!” Urd said, “Where’s Bell and K?”

 

Skuld pushed her eggs around the plate with her fork, as if they doing laps.

 

“Not here.” She replied.

 

Urd frowned. As a Goddess, she could tell when someone was telling the truth and when they were lying. Of course, Goddesses themselves must tell the truth, at least the First Class ones. Technically, Second Class Goddesses could lieÂ…Â….but it was frowned on and tended to hinder anyone trying to move up a rank.

 

Skuld seemed to be telling the truth, but Urd felt something was off. She couldnÂ’t quite place the feeling though. Perhaps it was a quirk of her being half-demon. She decided to let it slide.

 

“So where’s breakfast?” Urd asked.

 

Skuld shrugged.

 

“Well you got scrambled eggs somehow.” Urd growled.

 

Skuld rolled her eyes up and glared at Urd.

 

“I made them!” Skuld snapped, “So if you want anything you’ll have to make it yourself!”

 

Urd stood up and slammed her hands on the table.

 

“You expect me to do domestic work?!?!” she exclaimed, “Are you crazy?!”

 

“Belldandy does it!” Skuld said.

 

“Well I’m not Belldandy!” Urd snapped back. She turned and headed towards the door.

 

“Where are you going?” Skuld called out.

 

“Out to find food!” Urd headed down the path and out into the street, leaving Skuld alone in the dining room.

 

 

 

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KeiichiÂ’s eyes flickered as the morning sun hit them through the window. He slowly turned his head to look at the alarm clock.

 

9:00am.

 

KeiichiÂ’s eyes widened in surprise. HeÂ’d slept in! He started to rise, but something was weighing him down. He looked at his chest to find a pile of honey brown hair there. He stared blankly at it a moment before his fogged memory of last night became clear.

 

‘That’s right.’ He thought, ‘Belldandy had a nightmare.’

 

He lifted a hand and gently moved her hair out of her face. Belldandy was still asleep, and looked very peaceful and happy. He felt guilty that he was going to have to wake her up.

 

Nature was calling.

 

“Bell.” He said softly.

 

Seeing no response, he began to slowly rub her back before saying her name again. This time the Goddess stirred slightly, before her arms tightened their grip around Keiichi and she buried her face into KeiichiÂ’s chest. She also mumbled something, but Keiichi couldnÂ’t quite make it out.

 

“Bell.” Keiichi said again, his hand still rubbing her back.

 

This time Belldandy lifted her head up. Sleep filled blue eyes met KeiichiÂ’s brown ones. Keiichi smiled at her. She offered one of her own in return. ThatÂ’s when he noticed it. Since Celestine, he had seen the hurt in BelldandyÂ’s eyes over what had happened. Now that hurt seemed lessened.

 

“Good morning Bell.” He said, gently sliding a hand through her hair.

 

“Good morning Keiichi.” Belldandy replied, “What time is it?”

 

“Nine.”

 

BelldandyÂ’s eyes went wide.

 

“Oh my! I overslept!” She rose to her feet and started towards the door.

 

Keiichi sat up and looked down at his lap. Before he could do anything else, her arms pulled him into a hug from behind.

 

“Thank you for last night.” She whispered.

 

Keiichi reached up and placed his hand on hers.

 

“I’m here for you Bell.” He said, “You don’t have to hide anything from me.”

 

Belldandy moved her head onto his shoulder.

 

“I know you’re here.” She said, “But sometimes it’s hard for me to………”

 

“I know Bell.” Keiichi replied, turning his head to face her. “I know you’d rather hide your negative feelings from everyone. But you’re only hurting yourself.”

 

“But I’m…..”

 

“You’re not only a Goddess First Class to me.” Keiichi whispered, “You’re also the woman I love. She doesn’t have to hide anything from me, even if it hurts.”

 

The room was completely silent. Belldandy had closed her eyes, tears slowly running down her cheeks.

 

“Arigato Keiichi.” She whispered before moving forward and meeting his lips with hers.

 

They held the kiss for a moment, then broke it.

 

“I’ll go make breakfast.” Belldandy said before standing up and leaving the room. Keiichi smirked as he watched her practically float out. He then stretched his arms.

 

“Well Keiichi,” he said top himself, “It looks like it’s going to be a great day!”

 

He rose to his feet and went to his dresser to find clothes for the day. On his way there, his foot slammed into an object.

 

“OW!” he shouted, grabbing his foot. He sat down on the floor and rubbed his foot. Then he looked around for what he’d hit.

 

“What was….” His eyes widened as he spotted the object in question. Something that hadn’t been in his room the night before.

 

A Skuld Bomb.

 

 

 

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Belldandy entered the dinging room and found Skuld seated at the table, her face buried in some technical magazine.

 

“Good Morning Skuld.” She said cheerfully.

 

SkuldÂ’s eyes appeared just over the magazine.

 

“Morning Onee-sama.” She replied.

 

“I’m sorry I overslept.” Belldandy continued as she moved into the kitchen, “I’ll make you something extra special to make up for……”

 

“I already ate.”

 

Belldandy paused and looked at her youngest sister.

 

“You did?” she asked, surprised.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Oh.” Belldandy looked at the counter a moment. “Did Urd……?”

 

“I made it.” Skuld said, her face back in the magazine. “Urd’s out.”

 

“I see.” Belldandy seemed lost for a moment. “Well then I’ll just make some for Keiichi and myself.”

 

As she began to prepare breakfast for herself and Keiichi, her mortal love entered the dining room.

 

Keiichi paused just inside the dining room. He could hear Belldandy in the kitchen, already humming as she worked. But he didnÂ’t look that way. His eyes were fixed on the person currently giving him a glare. The Technical Magazine now lay discarded on the table as the twelve-year old goddess devoted her attention to him. Keiichi shifted nervously under her gaze.

 

“We need to talk.” Skuld said in a tone that said ‘no’ was an unacceptable answer.

THANK GODDESS FOR MULTIPLE HARDDRIVES!!!!!!!

 

UmÂ…yesÂ…I lost my primary last weekÂ…Â…

 

FortunatelyÂ…..

 

I save all my fics on a different one. ;)

 

Oh IÂ’m gonna get some nasty e-mails soonÂ…Â…Â…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

Keiichi swallowed with some difficulty.

 

“Talk?” he squeaked.

 

“Talk.” Skuld stated firmly. “Without Onee-sama present.”

 

Keiichi could only nod.

 

Seeing this, Skuld rose to her feet and walked into the kitchen where Belldandy was working.

 

“Can Keiichi take me into town?” she asked, “I need to picked up a few things.”

 

“I don’t see any problem with that.” Belldandy replied as she made breakfast, “Just be sure to ask Keiichi.”

 

Skuld smiled. “Oh I will.”

 

 

 

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Sometime later, Keiichi and Skuld were walking side by side through downtown Nekomi. In some ways, it reminded Keiichi of the last time he had gone into town with Skuld. He found out later that Urd had been causing things to happen to them, thinking that Skuld was falling for Keiichi. In reality, Skuld had just felt the first few surges of her powers.

 

He was also nervous considering the bomb he found in his bedroom. That alone told him Skuld knew he and Belldandy had shared a bed the night before. Though they only slept, the young Goddess had no way of knowing that.

 

Skuld noticed KeiichiÂ’s nervous glances and finally decided to put him at ease.

 

“I’m not mad at you Keiichi.” She said.

 

Keiichi glanced at her.

 

“You aren’t?” he asked.

 

“No.”

 

“But the bomb……..”

 

Skuld had forgotten about the bomb sheÂ’d intended to blow Keiichi up with. She grabbed his arm and led him into an ice cream shop. They sat down in a booth and ordered. After her sundae had arrived and the waitress left, Skuld turned her gaze onto Keiichi.

 

“I’ll admit, I was mad when I found you. I did intend to blow you sky high.”

 

Keiichi gulped.

 

“What stopped you?” he asked nervously.

 

“Onee-sama.”

 

Keiichi blinked.

 

“But she was asleep.”

 

Skuld nodded. “Exactly.”

 

Keiichi stared at Skuld confused.

 

“Ok, I’m lost.”

 

“You make her happy.” Skuld stated, pointing her spoon at him. “When I saw her this morning, she was smiling and sleeping more peacefully then she has since………. Celestine.”

 

“She had a bad dream last night.” Keiichi said, “It was about then, the things she did. It bothers her. I told her she shouldn’t hold it in, that I was here for her.”

 

“She does tend to hide her negative emotions, doesn’t she?” Skuld said softly.

 

“Until they burst, like her jealousy.” Keiichi replied.

 

“It’s one of her few bad habits.” Skuld stared at her sundae a moment. “One that you are breaking her of.”

 

Keiichi blinked. “What do you mean?”

 

“She came to you last night. Normally she’d just go outside and look at the stars, but she came to you and told you her problem. You’re the one she allows to get close to the real Belldandy.” Skuld poked at her sundae. “That’s how I know………….you are meant to be.” She looked up at Keiichi. “You love, protect, share your weaknesses, and heal each other.” Skuld looked away. “Maybe that’s why I hated you.”

 

“Skuld, “ Keiichi said softly, “She still loves you and Urd.”

 

“I know.”

 

“And someday,” Keiichi began. He hesitated a moment, before deciding to continue, “…..actually now, you have my love as well.”

 

Skuld turned and looked at the mortal curiously.

 

“You love me?” she asked.

 

Keiichi smiled. “You and Urd, are a part of Belldandy. You are her family. As a result, my love for her extends to you.”

 

Skuld blushed slightly. She quickly began to eat her sundae, trying to hide her embarrassment.

 

 

 

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Later, the two were walking past a row of shops. Skuld paused a moment in front of a jewelry store. In the window display were many rings.

 

“Keiichi.” She called out, still looking at the window.

 

“What?” Keiichi walked over to where the young Goddess stood.

 

“When are you going to marry Onee-sama?”

 

“Ah…..ah…” Keiichi stuttered, “er….I ….uh…..”

 

Skuld smirked.

 

“Well mister, when you think you’re ready to, let me know.” She looked back at the display. “I’ll help you find one. I owe you that.”

 

“Thanks Skuld.”

 

“But you owe me something.”

 

“Eh?” Keiichi asked, puzzled.

 

“Urd doesn’t know about the sleeping arrangement last night.”

 

Keiichi paled. If the Elder Goddess ever found out about that, he and Belldandy would never hear the end of it.

 

“What do you want?” he squeaked.

 

“Nothing bad.” Skuld replied. “So don’t worry.”

 

She then turned and started walking again, Keiichi trailing behind in her wake.

 

 

 

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Sometime later, Belldandy was humming to herself in the kitchen when Keiichi and Skuld arrived back home. Keiichi entered the kitchen unnoticed by Belldandy. He smiled as she occasionally sang a spoken word to the dough she was mixing. He walked up behind her and wrapped her in a hug.

 

“Keiichi!” she said happily. She turned around and returned the hug. “Did you and Skuld have a good time?”

 

“We talked.” He replied.

 

“About?”

 

“She saw us this morning.”

 

Belldandy backed away and looked at Keiichi curiously.

 

“Of course she saw us Keiichi.” She replied, “We all had breakfast together. Well except for Urd…..”

 

“No Bell.” Keiichi said, shaking his head, “She saw us before that…….”

 

“Before…..” Belldandy’s eyes went wide in understanding. “She didn’t hurt you did she? Oh! Urd probably knows too! Oh! She’ll probably….”

 

“Bell.” Keiichi said firmly, “Skuld only wanted to talk. And Urd does not know.”

 

Belldandy relaxed slightly, then let her head rest against KeiichiÂ’s shoulder. He simply moved his arms around her and held her, rubbing her back slightly.

 

Skuld briefly peered into the kitchen and saw the two. She felt a momentary pang of jealously and hurt, but shook it off.

 

That was the old Skuld.

 

The new Skuld must move forward.

 

She headed to her room and quickly closed the door behind her. Sigel and Banpei both turned towards her from where they were recharging.

 

“Banpei, Sigel.” Skuld stated as she approached them.

 

Bleep?

 

“Yes Mistress?”

 

Skuld cringed at being called Mistress, but shook it off.

 

“I have a new task for you.”

 

“What is the task?” Sigel asked.

 

“It’s going to be a difficult one.” Skuld said, “Should Belldandy wake in the middle of the night and go into Keiichi’s bedroom, I want you to help keep that from Urd.”

 

Sigel and Banpei both looked at each other. This was a rather odd order coming from their Mistress.

 

“Mistress?” Sigel asked.

 

Skuld turned and moved to stand by her window, looking out.

 

“Belldandy and Keiichi deserve their happiness.” Skuld said softly. “Without Urd interfering.”

 

 

 

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Several months went by peacefully. Urd remained in the dark regarding BelldandyÂ’s nocturnal habits. It was becoming quite the norm for Belldandy to go to sleep in her room, only to wind up joining Keiichi before the night was over.

 

Not that Keiichi minded.

 

Everything was moving along smoothlyÂ…Â…Â…

 

Sadly, a large bump in the road lay ahead.

 

 

 

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Mara glared at the temple from rooftop some several hundred feet away. Any closer, and she risked revealing her presence to those damn robots, to say nothing of the Goddesses.

 

Hell had been plunged into chaos several months back. A rogue God had gotten his hands on and activated the ultimate destruction program, beginning the end of the world. The God had been stopped, by Belldandy and company.

 

TheyÂ’d been giving time to celebrate. Now Mara was back to give them Hell.

 

“Get ready,” Mara growled, “cause the bitch is back!”

 

 

 

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Keiichi stared blankly at the vehicle parked before him in the WhirlwindÂ’s garage.

 

“What?” He asked, looking to where Chihiro, Tamiya, Otaki, and Sora stood.

 

“Fuel Cell racer.” Chihiro said, “It uses hydrogen to produce power, leaving water behind as waste.”

 

“I know what a fuel cell is.” Keiichi said, “But why is it here?”

 

“The Motor Club as entered an Alternative Fuel race.” Sora explained, “Other teams are using solar power, fuel cells, even something called ‘bio-diesel’.”

 

“Ok.” Keiichi said, looking back to the car. “So who’s going to drive it?”

 

“Well…….” Tamiya began, looking rather sheepishly at Keiichi.

 

Keiichi sighed. “Let me guess…… you want me to race it.”

 

“Actually….” Chihiro said, “We were leaning towards either Sora or Belldandy, whichever is lighter.”

 

“I get it. Less weight requires less power to move it.”

 

“Exactly.” Chihiro said, “And we need every edge we can get. Aoshima’s in the race as well.”

 

“Why doesn’t that surprise me.” Keiichi grumbled. He then looked up. “You are going to ask Belldandy if she’s interested in driving right?”

 

Chihiro smiled. “I’m not asking her. You are.”

 

“Me?!”

 

“That girl has never turned down a single request you’ve made of her.” Chihiro said with a smirk. “Makes me wonder when you’ll ask her the big one.”

 

“CHIHIRO!!!” A very flustered Keiichi shouted.

 

“Alright lover boy.” Chihiro said with a chuckle. “Now go ask her.”

 

Keiichi tried to glare back at his boss, but wasnÂ’t able to put much into it. He left the garage area and entered the main shop. Belldandy was humming as she dusted behind the counter.

 

“Bell?” Keiichi called out, causing his girlfriend to look up. Her eyes immediately widened.

 

“Keiichi!” she said as she hurried to him. “Your face is all red! Are you feeling ok?” She quickly placed her hand on his forehead. “If you need a healing spell I can…..”

 

“No.” Keiichi said, gently removing her hand from his forehead and lowering it. He continued to hold her hand as he spoke. “I was just in the garage with Chihiro and the others. They want to know if you’d be willing to be the driver for a race.”

 

“Of course.” Belldandy said without batting an eye.

 

“Bell.” Keiichi said softly. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

 

“But they are our friends.” Belldandy stated, “Of course I want to help them in anyway I can.”

 

Keiichi smiled. ‘Typical Belldandy.’ He thought. Then he remembered the other thing. “You are not the only possible driver. They do have another possibility.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“Sora.”

 

“Ah.” She replied with a nod. “And how do they intend to choose between us? A race?”

 

“They uhh….” Keiichi hesitated slightly. He wasn’t quite sure how to phrase this to Belldandy. “The one that will drive will be the lighter of you two.”

 

For one of the few times since heÂ’d met her, Keiichi found himself before a shocked Belldandy.

 

 

 

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Upon letting them know that she agreed, Chihiro had kicked out everyone but Sora and Belldandy for the ‘weigh-in’.

 

“It’s not proper for a women to reveal her age, or her weight.” Chihiro had snapped before closing the door.

 

“So who do you think it will be?” Otaki asked.

 

“My bets on Miss Belldandy.” Tamiya grumbled. “She has this…..grace about her. Very light on her feet.”

 

Keiichi gave Tamiya a curious look.

 

“Then there’s also the fact we weighed that bike she and Keiichi rode on.” Tamiya continued, “You know, the RS80?”

 

“Oh yeah.”

 

“You weighed the bike?” Keiichi asked.

 

“Of course!” Tamiya replied. “And then knowing how much you weighed, I guessed Miss Belldandy’s weight.” He then gave Keiichi a curious glance. “Which reminds me, you need to add a few extra pounds of muscle on you.”

 

Before Keiichi could come up with a reply, the doors to the Whirlwind opened to reveal Chihiro and Sora. Both had rather odd looks on their faces.

 

“Well…” Chihiro finally said after a moment. “We have a driver…….”

 

“Is it Miss Belldandy?” Otaki asked.

 

“no.” Sora answered. “It’s me.”

 

“YOU!?!?!” came three surprised male voices.

 

“Yeah…..” Sora answered, looking back at the Whirlwind.

 

“Where’s Belldandy?” Keiichi asked.

 

Sora walked away. Chihiro scratched her head a moment.

 

“She’s…..inside.” she finally said.

 

Keiichi frowned. “What’s the matter?”

 

“I think the scale surprised her.”

 

 

 

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Keiichi entered the Whirlwind to find Belldandy staring silently at the bathroom scale that sat on the floor before her. After a moment, she stepped on it, then watched the dial until it stopped moving. Just as quickly she stepped off.

 

“Bell?”

 

Belldandy jumped at the sound of KeiichiÂ’s voice.

 

“Keiichi!” she let out a surprised gasp. “I….uh….”

 

“It’s ok Bell.” Keiichi said. “Chihiro told be you were a little surprised by your weight.”

 

“The scale is wrong.” Belldandy replied.

 

“Bell……”

 

“The scale is wrong!” Belldandy repeated, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

 

Keiichi walked up to his girlfriend and placed his hands on her shoulders.

 

“Bell,” he said softly, “It’s just a scale.”

 

“THAT’S NOT THE POINT!” Belldandy shouted, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks.

 

Keiichi took several steps back.

 

“I don’t care how much you weigh…..” he started.

 

“You don’t understand……” Belldandy said before turning and vanishing in the chrome of a nearby headlight.

 

“Bell wait!” Keiichi tried to grab her hand, but just missed it.

 

 

 

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“Weight doesn’t have the same meaning for Goddesses as it does mortals.” Skuld said softly.

 

She and Keiichi were sitting in SkuldÂ’s room, one of the few places Urd dared not to go. Belldandy herself was shut up in her own room, refusing to exit.

 

“What do you mean?” Keiichi asked.

 

Skuld turned her head towards the floor and was silent.

 

“Skuld,” Keiichi pleaded, “Please help me understand.”

 

The young goddess finally looked up.

 

“It’s her heart Keiichi.” She finally said, “A goddess’s weight is affected by the burdens placed on their heart. The greater the burden, the greater the weight.”

 

“But Belldandy doesn’t have any…….” Keiichi’s voice trailed off. “Celestine.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“The memories.” Keiichi said in realization, “She’s weighed down by the memories of what she did with Celestine.” He then sighed. “It’s with her forever isn’t it.”

 

Skuld nodded silently.

 

“You can never forget the people you meet….” Keiichi continued, repeating what Peorth had told him not to long ago. “Or the things that have happened.”

 

“She was forgiven that indiscretion.” Skuld added softly, “But she hasn’t forgiven herself.”

 

 

 

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That night Keiichi lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Belldandy.

 

From the beginning, she was a very understanding and forgiving person. It was very rare for Belldandy to lose her temper, in fact Keiichi could only count on one hand the times she had lost it. She forgave everyone who transgressed against her, himself, or her sisters. She even forgave the Demoness Mara.

 

Only one person seemed to be denied her forgiveness.

 

Herself.

 

Even if others forgave her, she still carried the guilt with her longer. Eventually she would be her normal cheerful self.

 

But the Celestine incident seemed to be something that the goddess would never get over.

 

The door to his room then slid open. Keiichi turned his head just as it closed. Soft footsteps padded across the floor to his bedside. Without saying a word, Keiichi moved over and lifted the sheets. A warm body quickly moved into the bed beside him. After several moments of shifting, Keiichi found himself eye to eye with Belldandy.

 

“I’m sorry I yelled at you.” She whispered.

 

Keiichi moved his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Belldandy returned the hug just as tightly.

 

“Skuld explained it to me.” Keiichi said. He felt her tense in his arms. “We’ve already covered this. I don’t hate you.” His hand slowly began to rub her back. After a few minutes of this, Belldandy began to relax. She shifted so that her body was now partially laying on his, her head resting on his chest.

 

“Keiichi?”

 

“Yes Bell?”

 

“How did you become such an understanding and caring person?”

 

“I learned by watching my girlfriend.” Keiichi replied with a smile. “She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

 

It may have been KeiichiÂ’s imagination, but after he said those words, he could swear that weight on his body had decreased slightly.

Chapter 3

 

 

Morning found a tired Skuld shuffling into the dining room. She dropped down into her spot at the table, almost directly across from Keiichi. He gave her a warm ‘Good morning’ before returning to the morning paper. From the kitchen came the sounds of a happily humming Belldandy.

 

SkuldÂ’s eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced into the kitchen, then back at Keiichi.

 

“You didn’t take Onee-sama’s purity did you?”

 

“I…er…what?!?!” Keiichi dropped the paper in surprise.

 

Skuld glared at Keiichi. “You heard what I said. Is she still a vir…?”

 

“WE SLEPT!” Keiichi called out, “Just slept!”

 

“Keiichi!” Belldandy chided gently as she brought out a plate of food for him. “You’ll wake Urd and….oh Good morning Skuld.”

 

Skuld slowly shifted her eyes onto her sister. Belldandy stepped back, surprised by the look her youngest sister was giving her.

 

“Keiichi didn’t take advantage of you did he?” Skuld asked.

 

Belldandy straightened up and gave Skuld a slight glare of her own.

 

“Wither he did so or not, it isn’t any of your business.” She then turned on her heel and went back into the kitchen.

 

“Skuld,” Keiichi said softly, causing the young goddess to look back at him. “She came to me like she did the other nights. We just slept, nothing else happened.”

 

Skuld closed her eyes and took a deep breath before slowly exhaling it.

 

“I know Keiichi.” Skuld said, opening her eyes and looking at him. “I know. It’s……..old habits die hard you know?”

 

Keiichi smiled. “Yeah I know.”

 

 

 

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Across town, Sora Hasagawa was just leaving her apartment. Having just been named the driver for the motor clubÂ’s latest vehicle, she was on her way to meet the others and begin a morning of practice driving.

 

Unnoticed by her as she walked down the sidewalk, a dark shadow followed.

 

Sora was just passing an alley when the shadow lunged. Sora let out a cry as she suddenly found herself slammed up against the alley wall by a red eyed blond haired woman.

 

“Don’t hurt me!” Sora pleaded, “Take my money! Just don’t hurt me!”

 

“I don’t want your money.” The woman hissed, “I want your body!”

 

“HEL…” Sora’s cry suddenly cut off.

 

Moments later Sora stepped out from the alley alone. She glanced up and down the street, her eyes briefly glowing red. She then continued towards the practice area.

 

 

 

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Keiichi and several members of the motor club were making final adjustments to the fuel-cell car as Chihiro and Belldandy looked on. ChihiroÂ’s eyes kept glancing to the woman beside her. BelldandyÂ’s face remained oddly neutral since her arrival with Keiichi.

 

“Are you alright Belldandy?” Chihiro finally asked, “You seem……kind of out of it.”

 

“I’m fine.” Belldandy replied.

 

“About yesterday……I know you were upset…..”

 

Belldandy shook her head. “It was nothing. I was just surprised.”

 

Chihiro gave Belldandy an odd look, then noticed Sora walking towards them.

 

“About time you got here Hasagawa!” she called out.

 

“I got delayed by traffic.” Sora replied, “I just had a devil of a time getting here…….”

 

 

 

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Megumi Morisato, sister of Keiichi, watched the Motor ClubÂ’s latest vehicle tear through the test track. Nearby on a platform, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki were watching a stopwatch and offering quiet comments to each other. The rest of the Motor club was seated watching the track. All, that is, but one.

 

Belldandy was standing a bit of distance away from the others. Megumi thought that was rather odd. Her brotherÂ’s girlfriend was usually right in the midst of everything. Then Megumi saw the look on BelldandyÂ’s face. She seemed troubled, on edge almost. She seemed to be following the vehicleÂ’s progress, but every so often, her eyes would dart to where Keiichi was standing.

 

Megumi watched her for a moment, then walked up behind her.

 

“Nice day isn’t it?” she asked, causing the other girl to jump.

 

“Oh!” Belldandy gasped, “Megumi!”

 

“It’s very unusual for anyone to startle you.” Megumi said softly, “And the last time I saw that look on your face you’d lost your memory. So, spill. What’s wrong?” Megumi looked off to the side. “Did Keiichi do something?”

 

Belldandy looked back at Keiichi.

 

“No.” she replied, “He’s…..he’s been wonderful.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“It’s…..complicated.” Belldandy answered, “I’m not sure if you’d understand.”

 

Megumi shrugged. “It’s obviously bothering you, whatever it is. I may not be ‘all knowing’, but if it helps you to talk about it…….”

 

Belldandy gave her loveÂ’s sister a small smile.

 

“I’ll remember that.”

 

The two turned and watched the car race about, to the shouts of encouragement from Tamiya and Otaki.

 

“So when are you and Keiichi going get married?”

 

BelldandyÂ’s eyes went wide as her head snapped to Megumi.

 

“What?!”

 

“Bell,” Megumi said, “You and Keiichi have been dating for years! I’m surprised you haven’t even slept…….” Megumi’s eyes widened as Belldandy’s face went bright red. “You didn’t…….he….oh wow…….”

 

“We just slept.” Belldandy quickly said, “I‘ve been having nightmares and he’s comforted me.”

 

Megumi smirked. “Comforted how?”

 

“We haven’t….”

 

“Hey Sora watch it!”

 

The two turned to see the car sliding slightly as it went through a turn near where the platform Keiichi the others were timing from. It just barely clung to the pavement as it raced on.

 

 

 

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“Stop fighting it you little brat!”

 

“I won’t let you hurt them!”

 

“Geez…..even the kid’s sister was easier then this one…….”

 

 

 

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Belldandy frowned as the car went by her. Something didnÂ’t feel quite right. She almost had her finger on it when Megumi spoke again.

 

“What kind of nightmares?”

 

“Hmm?” Belldandy looked back at Megumi.

 

“What kind of nightmares? Obviously they have to be pretty bad for you to go to Keiichi.”

 

Belldandy hesitated slightly before answering.

 

“It’s related to the….other thing.”

 

“The one that’s too complicated for me to understand right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“And Keiichi can?”

 

“Well……”

 

Megumi crossed her arms and stared at Belldandy long and hard.

 

“I know there’s some big secret you and your sisters are keeping.” She said, “And I know Keiichi’s in on it. Are your nightmares related to that? Is Keiichi in danger?”

 

“I….he…..” Belldandy was now very rattled. She knew the only way out of this was to tell Megumi exactly what she and her sisters were. But to tell her now…..in front of everyone……

 

“Can we speak of this later today?” Belldandy asked, her voice sounding very defeated.

 

Megumi could only stare at her brotherÂ’s girlfriend in shock. Never had she heard Belldandy sound like this.

 

Before Megumi could reply, the sound of squealing tires filled the air.

 

“LOOK OUT!!!” someone screamed as the car missed the turn and slammed into supports for the platform. Keiichi, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki all tumbled through the air.

 

Megumi let out a scream.

 

Hundreds of thoughts raced through BelldandyÂ’s head, first and foremost, KeiichiÂ’s safety and the safety of the others.

 

Her secret be damned.

 

Belldandy raised her arms and began to chant, causing everyone to snap their heads to her.

 

A glow appeared just above BelldandyÂ’s head. The four falling people suddenly stopped falling, and then were slowly lowered safely to the ground. As soon as they were down, Belldandy dropped her hands and raced to KeiichiÂ’s side.

 

“Keiichi!!” she shouted before engulfing him in a hug.

 

“I’m fine Bell.” Keiichi said softly, comforting his girlfriend. “I’m alright.”

 

“Sora!” came a few shouts. Several motor club members raced to the car. Before they got there, the driver’s door violently exploded outward. Everyone watched as a fuming Sora exited the car.

 

“Damn you Belldandy!” she snarled, “I’ll get you yet!”

 

“Sora?” Chihiro called out in shock.

 

“No….” Keiichi looked down to see Belldandy staring hard at Sora. “It’s her…..” The Goddess said with a hint of anger.

 

Keiichi knew immediately who it was.

 

“Mara!” He snapped, “You leave Sora alone!”

 

‘Sora’ smirked. “Or what mortal? You have no power over me!”

 

“But I do.” Belldandy rose to her feet, glaring at ‘Sora’ angrily. “Begone Demon or else!”

 

‘Sora’ stared at the Goddess a moment.

 

“You’re bluffing.”

 

“I’ve had a very trying time in the last several months.” Belldandy replied, her voice sounded very dangerous.

 

“Know what….” ‘Sora’ said. A figure burst out of Sora and upwards towards the sky. Sora herself felled to the ground, immediately surrounded by the Motorclub. Belldandy’s eyes followed the figure though. It was, of course, Mara.

 

“I’ll just let you have her.” Mara said, “She’s a little young for my tastes anyway.” She then vanished with a cackle.

 

Belldandy stared at the sky where Mara had been for a moment longer before looking to where Sora was now sitting up with the rest of the motorclub. Every eye was now on her, staring at her.

 

She didnÂ’t even need to use her powers to know what they were thinking, their faces said it all.

 

Curiosity, confusion, shockÂ…..even anger and betrayal.

 

Belldandy crossed her arms over her chest, closed her eyes and bowed her head towards the ground, not wanting to meet the gazes of those she considered friends. Someone stepped in front of her and placed their hands on her shoulders, pulling her gently towards them. She didnÂ’t need to look to know that it was Keiichi. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder.

 

“I think,” Keiichi said, “We all need to have a long talk.”

 

 

 

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Several hours later at the Clubhouse, Keiichi had finished his explanation. All the members of the club who had been present were sitting before him. Off in a corner by herself was Belldandy. Her eyes had yet to meet anyone elseÂ’s.

 

“So you’re saying…” Megumi began, “You made a wrong number, called heaven, they sent Belldandy to grant you a wish……..and you wished for her?”

 

“Well……” Keiichi scratched his head, “That’s a way to look at it yes.”

 

“Skuld and Urd are Goddesses too?”

 

“Yeah, scary as it sounds……”

 

“And this Mara person is a Demon?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Who else knows?” Chihiro asked.

 

“Besides everyone in this room,” Keiichi said, “Sayoko Mishima knows, but she actually thinks of Belldandy as a witch. Aoshima’s been snooping around, trying to figure Belldandy out, but he doesn’t know anything.”

 

Tamiya suddenly looked up. “Peorth?”

 

Keiichi nodded. “She’s a Goddess too. From a rival office of Belldandy’s.”

 

Tamiya nodded. And the room fell into silence. Finally Sora rose to her feet.

 

“Why are we hearing this from you?” she asked, “Why hasn’t Sempei said anything?”

 

Keiichi looked over to Belldandy. She was still staring at the floor. He then turned back to the club members.

 

“You all know Belldandy.”

 

“Apparently not.” One member said, “If she hid this from us.”

 

Keiichi held up his hand, cutting off further comments.

 

“You all know her.” He said again, firmly, “In that time has she ever said a bad thing towards anyone? Hasn’t she always been helpful, offering a kind word or help to anyone who asked for it?” He looked back at her. “Yes, she’s kept a secret from you. I kept the very same secret about her from you as well. And I feel bad for it, as does she. But it was a secret that had to be kept.” Keiichi walked over and placed his hands on her shoulders again. “Nothing has really changed. Sure she’s a Goddess. But she’s still the same Belldandy you’ve all come to know.” He looked down at her. “As to why she hasn’t said anything, it’s because she’s afraid.”

 

“Of what?” Megumi asked.

 

Keiichi looked up. “You all.”

 

“US?” the entire room shouted.

 

“I’ve been around her enough to know.” Keiichi said, looking back down at his girlfriend. “She feels guilty for hiding this from you, even if we had to. And right now, she’s worried that you’ll hate her.” Keiichi gently squeezed Belldandy’s shoulders. “Which I know you don’t.”

 

Belldandy lifted her head slightly.

 

“They don’t?” she asked softly.

 

“Sora did call you Sempei.” Keiichi pointed out. “And if you’d look at them, I don’t think you’ll see any signs that they hate you.”

 

Belldandy raised her head and looked at the club members through tear filled eyes. Everyone looked back at her with smiles. Belldandy let out a slight sniffle at the sight and more tears began to run from her eyes, only these were tears of happiness. Megumi finally couldnÂ’t take it anymore.

 

“Bell…..” she said before wrapping the goddess in a hug. She was quickly joined by Sora. Belldandy didn’t even hesitate in returning the hug.

 

Chihiro walked over to Keiichi.

 

“This explains what she said about the rings.” She said, looking at Belldandy, “Always wondered where the stuff she said came from.” She then looked at Keiichi.

 

Keiichi sighed. “She has let a few things slip in the past. Usually I was there to cut her off from saying more.”

 

Chihiro smiled. “And here I thought you were just trying to cover up embarrassing moments.” She then frowned as a thought struck. “Say……Keiichi……have you……?”

 

“No.” Keiichi replied. “Bell is hardly that kind of a girl.”

 

“True.” Chihiro replied, looking over towards the Goddess. “Very true.”

 

 

 

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That night dinnertime at the temple came and went without Keiichi or Belldandy returning. The clock on the wall chimed out ten oÂ’clock before the sounds of the motorcycle were heard in the house.

 

“About time.” Skuld grumbled, rising to her feet. She shuffled down the hallway and towards the outside door. She slid it open, shouting. “Do you have any idea what time it….”

 

Her voice trailed off as she watched Keiichi gently lift Belldandy out of the sidecar and carry her towards the house. Just behind him was Megumi.

 

“What happened?” Skuld asked, her voice now barely a whisper.

 

“Mara possessed Sora.” Keiichi said, ignoring the look of warning on Skuld’s face as Megumi approached. “Belldandy drove her off.” He then looked down at Belldandy’s peacefully asleep face. “Then there was the exhausting talk, lots of tears, and she’s basically physically and emotionally wiped.”

 

“But…” Skuld began as Keiichi moved past her into the house. She started to follow, but was stopped when Megumi placed a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Let him put his Goddess to bed.” She said, smirking slightly as Skuld’s jaw dropped. “Where’s Urd? In her room, or out trying to be the Goddess of Love?”

 

“How…..who….when…..” Skuld stuttered.

 

“Mara did her thing in front of most of the Motorclub.” Megumi stated, “After Belldandy drove her off, we all had a nice long talk. About everything.”

 

“Everything?” Skuld asked weakly.

 

“Yep.” Megumi replied with a nod. “So since it turns out we didn’t fully know you…….” Megumi stuck out her hand. “Let’s try this without the joy buzzer. Megumi Morisato, mortal.”

 

Skuld stared at Megumi a moment, before taking the offered hand.

 

“Skuld, Goddess class 2 limited. Goddess of the Future.”

 

“So when do you think I’ll be Megumi Morisato, sister-in-law?”

 

Skuld raised an eyebrow. “At the rate they’re going?”

 

“Assuming a certain Goddess isn’t getting in their way.”

 

“Hey! I resemble that remark! And Keiichi and I talked about this!”

 

“And?”

 

Skuld shrugged. “Maybe a year, maybe less……”

 

 

 

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The next day found Sora, Keiichi, and Tamiya looking over the fuel-cell car.

 

“Sorry….” Sora murmured.

 

Keiichi waved his hand, cutting her off.

 

“You didn’t have any control over this.” He said, “Mara is to blame.”

 

“But she used me to do it!”

 

“She also said you resisted her.” Keiichi replied, “You should be proud of that. Very few people could resist a first class demon.”

 

Sora smiled. “Thanks Keiichi.”

 

“How do you know so much about the Demon?” Tamiya asked.

 

“Well like I said yesterday.” Keiichi said as he began to work on the car. “She’s been trying to break Bell and I up for awhile now. Even got Urd’s mom involved for a bit.”

 

“It explains so many thing that Urd’s mom is the Queen of Hell.” Sora murmured.

 

“She does have a bit of an evil streak.” Keiichi admitted, “But her heart’s in the right place. When she messes up, she knows she did wrong.” He looked at them. “They may be Goddesses, but even they aren’t perfect.”

 

“Even Belldandy?” Tamiya asked, his eyebrow raising slightly.

 

Keiichi nodded. “Even her.”

 

They had started to look back at the car when shouting could be heard from inside the Whirlwind.

 

“Chihiro still trying to help clean?” Tamiya asked.

 

Keiichi let out a sigh and nodded. “She feels bad about letting a Goddess do all the dirty work. The problem is Belldandy LIKES doing it.”

 

The door to the Whirlwind opened as Belldandy exited. She walked directly up to Keiichi.

 

“Keiichi.” She said, “I’m going for a walk.”

 

“Do you want me to come with?” Keiichi asked, starting to rise to his feet.

 

Belldandy shook her head. “No. You can stay. I just need a bit of time to myself.”

 

“Are you…” Keiichi started to ask before Belldandy gave him a look. “You’re sure. I’ll be here if you want to talk.”

 

Belldandy smiled. “Thank you Keiichi.” She walked out of the garage and off down the street. Chihiro exited the Whirlwind a moment later.

 

“I think I screwed up Keiichi.” Chihiro said, her head slightly downcast.

 

“Don’t worry about it. She won’t hold it against you.” He then glanced at the others. “I know it’ll take some getting used to. There are still a few things that surprise me as well. But like I said, this is still Belldandy. Nothing will change that.”

 

 

 

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Belldandy walked the quiet streets of the University for over and hour before stopping by the large water fountain. There she sat down on a bench and watched the water tumble and churn about, matching the emotions the Goddess was currently feeling.

 

It seemed like the motor club members were walking about her on eggshells. None seemed sure of themselves when in her presence now. Somehow, deep down, she knew the club might act like this.

 

Not that she blamed them.

 

It took Keiichi nearly a week to get used to her. Then again, it might have been a Morisato thing. Megumi seemed to have recovered quickly and had apparently had a rather interesting conversation with Skuld the night before.

 

Still, it bothered her that the people she had known for so long now looked at her differently. It was now another piece of baggage added to the pile that included her recovered memories, CelestineÂ…Â…Â….

 

She looked up towards the sky.

 

“What next Father?” she asked softly.

 

“Well well well…..if it isn’t the Campus Queen.”

 

Belldandy closed her eyes and let out a sigh.

 

‘You didn’t have to answer right away Father.’

 

Sayoko Mishima stood before Belldandy with a slight grin on her face.

 

“Why Belldandy,” she said, “Whatever are you doing out here all alone?”

 

“I just needed some time to myself Sayoko.” Belldandy replied as politely as she could.

 

“Keiichi do something to annoy you?” Sayoko asked.

 

“Leave him alone.” Belldandy stated, her politeness forced.

 

“Oh so it is something with him.” Sayoko sat down beside Belldandy, much to the Goddess’ increasing unhappiness. “What’s the matter? He decide it was better not to hang out with a witch anymore?”

 

“I am not a witch.” Belldandy said, “I am a Goddess.”

 

“Yeah sure.” Sayoko replied, “For a Goddess you’re looking a little rough on the edges.”

 

Belldandy blinked.

 

“In fact….” Sayoko lifted up one of Belldandy’s arms. “…..I don’t believe I’ve run into a Goddess with dishpan hands before.” She then turned Belldandy’s hand to look at the nails. “You suppose I might find a bit of motor oil under these finger nails?”

 

Belldandy pulled her hand quickly out of SayokoÂ’s. Sayoko raised her hands in surrender.

 

“Ohhh…Am I making you upset?” She said tauntingly, “I thought you were supposed to be all cheery!”

 

“Why are you doing this?” Belldandy asked softly.

 

SayokoÂ’s face fell into a frown.

 

“Because you took my place as Campus Queen.” She replied, “I was the most popular and most wanted girl on campus. Then you arrived and I lost it all.” Her eyes narrowed. “You could have had any number of men. Rich, handsome, athletic. Just what do you see in that motorhead Keiichi?”

 

BelldandyÂ’s eyes widened before narrowing into slits. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled.

 

“I see many things in Keiichi.” The Goddess said, “He may not be rich in material wealth, but he is very generous with what he has. He has a large heart, and a place for many in it. He cares for a great many people, and they care for him back. He even cares about you, regardless what you have done to him…..or what you have done to me.” Belldandy rose to her feet. “I really don’t care what you think of me. The only opinions that matter to me are those who know me, my friends and family. If it makes you feel better to constantly harass and belittle me, go ahead. I do not mind.” Belldandy’s eyes narrowed. “But if you dare say one thing to me about my friends, sisters, or Keiichi…..”

 

Lightning flashed across the sky and slammed into a nearby tree, shattering it. Sayoko jumped and stared at the splintered wood that now lay about the area. She then slowly turned back to Belldandy. The Goddess had her eyes closed and almost seemed to be counting to ten. When she opened her eyes, the glare they held was slightly softer.

 

“As a Goddess, I am very forgiving.” Belldandy said very softly, “And I forgive you for everything you’ve said about me. It was never my intention to take away your popularity. In all my time here I have done nothing to put you down. All of your troubles, are a product of yourself, Mara, and your own personal demons.” Belldandy turned and started to walk away. She paused and briefly glanced over her shoulder.

 

“Heed my warning. Should you continue on this path, you will only destroy yourself.” Belldandy then turned and vanished into one of the walkway mirrors, leaving behind a very shocked and thoughtful Sayoko Mishima.

Chapter 4

 

 

 

Keiichi lay in his bed that night, staring at the ceiling. Belldandy had returned to the Whirlwind via mirror, something that had surprised Chihiro. Even more surprising was that Belldandy, if possible, looked even more upset then when she had left. Chihiro had quickly grabbed Belldandy and pulled her off and away from Keiichi, Sora, and Tamiya. After fifteen minutes, the three were starting to get worried when the two women finally reappeared. Belldandy seemed to be in a much better mood, and even Chihiro was smiling.

 

Keiichi was told later by Belldandy that Chihiro had apologized for upsetting her and wanted to return to the way things had been between them.

 

Arriving home, a very concerned Urd was waiting for them. SheÂ’d finally been told of the outing of their secret.

 

“Why didn’t you wake me up last night?” Urd shouted, “I might have been able to make a potion so they’d forget!”

 

“No Urd.” Belldandy had said, shaking her head. “I think it’s better that they know.”

 

“And what do you think Father will say?” Urd had snapped back.

 

Belldandy glared at her older sister.

 

“If Father was upset with my choice then he’d have let me know last night now wouldn’t he?”

 

“Your choice.” Urd grumbled, “Don’t you think the brat and I should have been a part of that decision?”

 

“It happened suddenly.” Belldandy replied, “Mara was involved. There was no time to discuss it.”

 

Urd sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I hope we don’t regret ‘your choice’.”

 

Belldandy hadnÂ’t said anything further to her eldest sister that night.

 

Then again, neither had Skuld. But there was nothing unusual with that.

 

The door to his room then opened and closed. Without even looking, Keiichi lifted the covers and soon found the space beside him occupied by Belldandy. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest.

 

“Am I a bad person?” she suddenly asked.

 

“What do you mean?” Keiichi asked.

 

“Have I been….cruel to people?”

 

“No.” Keiichi frowned in the darkness, “If this is about Celestine……”

 

He felt her shake her head on his chest.

 

“No….this is something……different.” Belldandy was silent for a moment. “I saw Sayoko today.”

 

“Ah.” Keiichi replied. That explained her mood when she returned to the Whirlwind. “What happened?”

 

“The usual.” The Goddess replied with a sigh. “Only this time I wasn’t able to ignore her comments.” Belldandy buried her face into Keiichi’s chest. “I blew up a tree.”

 

Keiichi blinked. “Intentionally?”

 

“No……”

 

“You lost control?” Keiichi asked, “Like…..when you got jealous?”

 

Belldandy seemed to press herself more into his chest, giving Keiichi his answer. He slowly began to rub her back.

 

“Your questions,” Keiichi asked after several moments of silence. “What did you say to her?”

 

Belldandy lifted her head, allowing him to see her bright blue eyes.

 

“I told her why I loved you.” She said softly, “Told her that I didn’t care for her opinions, only my friends and family did.” Her face then darkened. “And that if she ever said another nasty remark about you…..” Thunder rumbled outside, causing Keiichi to jump.

 

BelldandyÂ’s eyes widened a moment before she buried her face back in Keiichi chest.

 

Keiichi waited another moment, then lifted her head back up and gazed into her eyes.

 

“Tell me the rest.” He said softly.

 

“I….I forgave her.” Belldandy replied, “I then told her that she, Mara, and her personal demons were to blame for her troubles. And if she continued, she would be the one to destroy herself.” Sadness filled her face as Keiichi gazed at her. “I’m awful. As a goddess I’m ashamed of my…muuhp!”

 

Belldandy was cut off as Keiichi kissed her deeply. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she felt KeiichiÂ’s desire coming through the kiss. He broke the kiss, leaving her dazed.

 

“Bell,” Keiichi said softly, “You did nothing wrong in my eyes. You simply gave Sayoko a shock, something that will hopefully wake her up to reality.”

 

“But what I said….”

 

“Sometimes that’s the only way to get through to people. It doesn’t make you a bad person. And I’ve told you before, if you were a bad person, you wouldn’t regret your actions. No one is perfect Bell, not even you.” Keiichi smiled, “It makes you  …..more human that way.”

 

“Don’t say that around Skuld.” Belldandy murmured, “She might get insulted.” She then frowned. “What do you mean I’m not perfect?”

 

Keiichi chuckled. “You’re perfect to me Bell.”

 

“But……”

 

Keiichi cut her off with another kiss that left her dazed.

 

“Sleep now.” Keiichi said softly, “There will be plenty of time to argue how perfect you are tomorrow.”

 

 

 

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Urd opened her eyes. She sat up and looked around her darkened room with a frown.

 

Something seemed offÂ…Â…

 

The Eldest Norn rose to her feet and quickly moved to her door. Opening it, she glanced into the hall.

 

Nothing seemed out of place, nor did she hear a sound.

 

UrdÂ’s frown grew deeper. Something was giving her this odd feeling. She stepped out into the hall and began to walk towards the kitchen.

 

That was when she saw it.

 

BelldandyÂ’s door was slightly open.

 

Urd walked over to her sisterÂ’s door and peered inside. The futon still lay on the floor, with the covers tossed off to the side. Of the Middle Goddess sister, there was no sign.

 

Urd quickly walked towards the kitchen, glancing into the living room as she passed it. Still seeing no sign of Belldandy, she continued outside. She circled the yard twice, checking the temple as well as the roof. She then glanced back at the caretakerÂ’s home. Belldandy wasnÂ’t on that roof either.

 

Urd thought for a moment. She then reached out with her powers, trying to sense her sisters. She quickly realized that both were still in the caretakerÂ’s house, but that caused her to frown.

 

SheÂ’d searched the house and saw no sign of Belldandy. There were only a few places left inside the house she hadnÂ’t checked.

 

The bathroom, SkuldÂ’s room, and KeiichiÂ’s room.

 

The bathroom was out, because unless she wanted to do a late night purifying bath, or travel by mirror, Belldandy had no use for it. (She IS a Goddess after all.)

 

SkuldÂ’s roomÂ…Â…..wellÂ…Â…that was out because Belldandy would have come to Urd first, being the oldest of the three.

 

KeiichiÂ’s roomÂ…Â….well nowÂ…Â…

 

Urd went back into the house and went down the hall. Her hand went out to open KeiichiÂ’s door whenÂ…..

 

“Don’t you even think of doing that.”

 

Urd turned to find Skuld standing with her arms crossed in the middle of the hall, flanked on either side by Banpei and Sigel.

 

“Do what?” Urd asked.

 

Skuld’s eyes narrowed. “Bothering him.”

 

“I’m not going to bother him.” Urd snapped back, “I just want to see if…” her hand started towards the door again.

 

With the clicking of gears, a set of speakers rose from BanpeiÂ’s back. UrdÂ’s eyes widened slightly and she looked to Skuld.

 

“Just what the hell is he doing?”

 

Skuld remained silent.

 

Urd frowned.

 

“I already said I’m not going to bother him, I just want to check………” Urd’s voice trailed off. Something suddenly clicked.

 

“You don’t want me opening this door.” Urd said slowly.

 

No reply.

 

“I can’t find Belldandy.” Urd continued, “and if she isn’t with you, then she must be….” Urd grabbed the door.

 

“NO URD!” Skuld shouted, throwing her hands up.

 

A bright flash filled the hallway. Urd had only a brief glimpse of KeiichiÂ’s darkened room before something slammed into her and send her tumbling down the hall.

 

 

 

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“NO URD!”

 

Keiichi and BelldandyÂ’s heads both popped up as KeiichiÂ’s door opened, followed by a flash of a force bolt. The sound of a loud thud then reached their ears.

 

Both were on their feet and out in the hall within seconds.

 

Skuld was standing there, her arms still out in front of her, a look of shock on her face. Banpei and Sigel were both giving their Mistress curious looks.

 

“Skuld?” Belldandy asked, “What happened?”

 

Skuld continued to stare off down the hallway. Keiichi looked at Belldandy a second, then headed in the direction Skuld was looking. Belldandy knelt down and stared into her sisterÂ’s eyes.

 

“Skuld,” Belldandy asked softly, “What has happened?”

 

“THAT BRAT!!!” came Urd’s voice. “SHE BLASTED ME!!!!”

 

Belldandy turned around to see a smoking Urd walking steadily towards them with clenched, sparking fists. Keiichi was following behind her at a rather respectable distance.

 

Belldandy quickly moved in front of the still shocked Skuld.

 

“Now Nee-san.” Belldandy said, “I’m sure Skuld didn’t mean to do it.” She then frowned. “Unless of course you did something to provoke her in ‘blasting’ you?”

 

Urd suddenly went pale. “Oh…I….well….you see…..I uh…..”

 

“She was trying to look into Keiichi’s room.” Sigel stated. “Mistress Skuld was trying to stop her.”

 

Belldandy looked at Sigel as she spoke, then slowly turned back to Urd, a look of deep disappointment on her face.

 

“I had thought you were going to leave Keiichi alone.” She stated.

 

“I wasn’t going to do anything to him!” Urd replied, “I was looking for you! You weren’t in your room! Instead, I find you in Keiichi’s!” Urd smirked. “So how was he?”

 

“What he and I do is our own business Urd!” Belldandy snapped, “Not yours!”

 

“But how am I supposed to offer him suggestions on how to properly please…..”

 

“YOU’RE NOT!” Belldandy shouted. The shout from the First Class Goddess caused Urd to take several steps back. Keiichi quickly moved to Belldandy’s side and placed his hands on her shoulders, whispering calming words into her ear. The middle Goddess closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. When her eyes reopened, she was only slightly calmer.

 

“Keiichi and I are the ones with the relationship.” She said softly but sternly, “It is up to us how we proceed. Please kindly keep your nose out of it.” She then turned, and gently maneuvered Skuld into Keiichi’s room. Keiichi gave Urd and apologetic shrug, then followed. The bedroom door closed shortly after, followed by Banpei and Sigel taking up positions on either side.

 

Urd stared at the place where her usually kind-hearted and forgiving sister had been standing.

 

“What the hell…?” Urd murmured. “Where did that….?” She then let out a long sigh before she looked down at her still smoking clothes.

 

“I need a bath.”

 

 

 

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Skuld was now sitting in the middle of KeiichiÂ’s room across from Belldandy. Keiichi sat silently in the corner near his door, least Urd try to disturb them.

 

“Skuld.” Belldandy asked softly, “Can you tell me what happened?”

 

Skuld nodded slowly. “Sigel woke me when Urd left her room. I knew you’d be with Keiichi, so I got Banpei and we waited. Urd came back and started to open Keiichi’s door when I told her to stop. She tried again, this time Banpei pulled out his speakers and got a poka ready.” Skuld sniffed. “She figured out that you were in there and opened the door. I……I……I raised my hands and…….Urd went down the hall.”

 

Belldandy nodded. She looked around KeiichiÂ’s room a moment.

 

“Skuld,” Belldandy said, pointing towards an object. “Can you raise that book?”

 

Skuld turned to the object and stared at it a moment. The book slowly rose into the air.

 

Belldandy watched it a moment, then looked back to her younger sister.

 

“Ok, now try to form a shield.”

 

Skuld nodded and raised her hand. The air before her shimmered slightly as a blue hazy shield lit up the room. Belldandy clasped her hands together and smiled.

 

“I believe you are developing your full Second Class powers.” She said.

 

“But how?” Skuld asked, “I mean….why now?”

 

Belldandy held up a finger. “Remember, a Goddess’ powers comes from the love of others.”

 

Skuld blinked.

 

“Love of others?” Skuld repeated.

 

“Yes.” Belldandy replied, “For example, Sentaro.”

 

Skuld went red at the mention of her ‘friend’.

 

Belldandy then looked thoughtful for a moment.

 

“Of course that doesn’t explain why it did happen now.” She looked at Skuld curiously, “He hasn’t been around for several days. Unless……Have your feelings for him changed?”

 

“WHA?!?!” Skuld shouted, “We’re FRIENDS!!! Just friends!!”

 

Belldandy frowned slightly. “I see. Then I wonder…..”

 

“I know.”

 

Both Goddesses turned to Keiichi who was still sitting in the corner by the door.

 

“You do?” Belldandy asked.

 

“Yes.” Keiichi replied. He then looked at Skuld. “And so do you.”

 

Skuld frowned. Then her eyes went wide with realization.

 

“Oh!” she said.

 

“What?” Belldandy looked at her sister and her love confused.

 

“When we were in town,” Keiichi said, “I told her that my love for you extended to her and Urd as well.”

 

Belldandy blinked and cocked her head slightly while Skuld went red.

 

“They’re your family Bell.” Keiichi said, “And a part of you. How can I not love a part of you?”

 

Tears began to form in BelldandyÂ’s eyes.

 

“Oh Keiichi!” She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him. “I love you so much!”

 

Skuld watched as Keiichi fell backwards, Belldandy still hugging him tightly.

 

“Well…” Skuld murmured to herself, “….at least they….. HEY!!! WATCH THOSE HANDS KEI……ONEE-SAMA?!?!?!? DON’T……..oh Kami……KNOCK IT OFF I’M STILL HERE!!!!! Oh I’ll be scarred for eternity!!”

 

 

 

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Urd woke the next morning in a very fowl mood. Walking out into the hall, she glanced over to see Banpei and Sigel watching her from their position by KeiichiÂ’s door. Knowing she wasnÂ’t going to be able to get anywhere near that door, she went to the kitchen and decided to try and make some breakfast.

 

 

 

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A loud thunk from outside his room caused Keiichi to jolt awake. He blinked at the sunlight that was now streaming in through the windows. He tried to lift his hands to rub his eyes, however his left hand seemed to be wrapped up in something.

 

Clearing his eyes out with his right, he took a moment to looked around him.

 

HeÂ’d fallen asleep sitting up against the wall. BelldandyÂ’s head currently was using his lap as a pillow. His left arm was held tightly against her body. Skuld was lying roughly between the two of them, partially sleeping on his legs and BelldandyÂ’s shoulder.

 

Keiichi let out a sigh and looked up at the ceiling.

 

“How do I get myself into these things?” he asked, before looking back down at the two sleeping goddesses. “Not that I mind it though……”

 

 

 

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“Eggs….” Urd murmured, “How hard can they be?”

 

The eldest Goddess stared at the blackened mass that was now a permanent part of the frying pan. Nearby lay several broken knifes she had used to try and remove the eggs.

 

With a sigh, Urd tossed the pan into the sink with a loud thunk.

 

“Who am I fooling.” She grumbled, “I’m not a domestic kind of girl.”

 

She turned and opened the fridge.

 

“There must be something in here that’s simple!” she growled, “Orange juice……..lettuce……..leftover moldy substance……sake…….celer…..Sake?”

 

Urd grabbed the bottle and held it up high over her head.

 

“YES!!!!” she shouted, “THANK YOU FATHER!!!!!”

 

 

 

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Kami-sama sighed as he stared at the image of Urd doing her version of a victory dance.

 

“She must take after her mother.” He said with a sigh.

 

 

 

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“Oh yeah! Oh Yeah! Who’s the Goddess! Who is the Goddess!”

 

“The Goddess would be Urd who is the one dancing around the kitchen with a bottle of cooking sake.”

 

Urd froze in place, then slowly turned her head to see Keiichi standing in the entrance. Behind him, Belldandy could be seen only barely hiding the smile that kept trying to break out. Urd couldnÂ’t see Skuld, but she could hear the younger sister laughing just beyond the door.

 

Urd went completely red.

 

“Umm…Hi.”

 

Keiichi let out a sigh, then moved off into the dining room. Belldandy quickly moved into the kitchen.

 

“Really Urd.” Belldandy exclaimed. “This early in the morning?”

 

“It was the only thing available!” Urd protested.

 

“You could have made eggs.”

 

“I tried that.” Urd pointed at the abandoned pan in the sink. Belldandy looked at it curiously. Then her eyes went wide.

 

“What did you do to my pan?!” she cried out.

 

Urd shrugged. “What can I say? I’m not a Domesticated Goddess.” She then turned and left the kitchen, leaving behind a dumbfounded Goddess of the Present.

 

 

 

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Later that day found Keiichi and Belldandy back at the Motor Club testing area. Sora was putting the repaired Fuel Cell racer through its paces on the course while the others cheered her on.

 

Keiichi was standing on the timing platform beside Tamiya, while Belldandy stood with the others in the pit area. Keiichi glanced from the stopwatch over to his girlfriend, then looked at Tamiya.

 

“Hey, Sempei.”

 

“Hmm?” Tamiya glanced at him.

 

“When did you decide Chihiro was the one you wanted be with?”

 

The big man blinked at Keiichi a moment, then looked over to where the owner of the Whirlwind was standing.

 

“Unfortunately I decided about the same time as Otaki.” Tamiya said, “Neither of us knew the other like her in that way.”

 

“But what made you decide she was the one?” Keiichi asked, “When did you finally decide it was right to ask her?”

 

Tamiya looked off to the track.

 

“Through the club, I’d spent a lot of time around her, working on projects and such. She was the only girl we had had he club before Sora and Belldandy.” Tamiya shrugged. “We both had the same interests, so we got along better then I might have with someone else. As to when I decided to ask her……….  I realized what she meant to me.” Tamiya then shrugged. “Found out she meant a lot to Otaki as well.” The big man looked at Keiichi. “Course you know how it ended up.”

 

Keiichi nodded. The idea of strip Rock, Paper, Scissors was still a very disturbing image. In the end, Chihiro had decide that for the good of the Club, she wouldnÂ’t date either of them.

 

TamiyaÂ’s eyes then narrowed.

 

“What’s with the questions? You thinking of asking Miss Belldandy?”

 

“Yeah.” Keiichi replied. “Can I trust you not to mention anything to the others? Belldandy might pick up on it and I want her surprised.”

 

Tamiya nodded. “You have my word. What about your sister and her sisters?”

 

“Megumi is going to be left in the dark.” Keiichi replied, “Same with Urd.”

 

“And Skuld?”

 

“I need help with something, and she’s the only one I can fully trust with what I need to do.”

 

“And that is?”

 

 

 

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“You want me to WHAT!?!?!?!” Skuld exclaimed.

 

Keiichi winced and glanced around him. HeÂ’d convinced Skuld to go for a walk to a nearby park with him, mostly because he figured sheÂ’d yell. Unfortunately with her yelling, it looked rather bad for a 23 year old to be running around with a 12 year old.

 

“Skuld…..” Keiichi said, “People are staring.”

 

Skuld stopped and looked around, taking in the people staring at her and Keiichi. She quickly turned and pulled Keiichi along the path until they were out of view.

 

“Now then.” Skuld said, “You want me to do what?!”

 

“I thought I was clear the first time.” Keiichi replied.

 

“You were.” The Goddess answered, “But why?”

 

“IsnÂ’t it proper to ask my soon to be fianc鑳 father for permission to marry his daughter?”

 

“Keiichi, this isn’t just anyone. This is Kami-sama! He’s also my father!”

 

“And when Sentaro decides to marry you, I’ll have some pointers for him.”

 

Skuld gritted her teeth and struggled to keep from screaming.

 

“Why does everyone think that?!” she growled through clenched teeth, “He’s a FRIEND!”

 

Keiichi smiled.

 

“I know. Sorry for teasing you about that.”

 

“It’s alright. Now about father…… You already have my permission to marry her, Urd will probably do that victory dance again, Why do you want to speak with him?”

 

Keiichi looked off into the distance.

 

“You remember the wish?”

 

“Yeah.” Skuld replied, “What about it?”

 

“’I want a Goddess like you to be with me always.’” Keiichi repeated, “You know that wish has been broken three times now?”

 

Skuld stared at him.

 

Keiichi held up his hand and counted with his fingers.

 

“First there was the Christmas recall, that canceled the wish for a time. Second was when we brought down Yggdrasil trying to keep Urd from being recalled. Then came Celestine and the system crash he caused…….. The Gate…..” Keiichi closed his eyes. “I’ve nearly lost her several times, she means so much to me….” He looked back to Skuld. “I guess it’s for my piece of mind then anything to seek his approval.”

 

Skuld slowly nodded.

 

“I’ll ask him Keiichi.” She said, “I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll ask.”

 

 

 

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“Urd……” Belldandy said in a pleading tone.

 

“Don’t give me that.” Urd snapped back, “I am your eldest sister! As a result I need to know these things.”

 

“I don’t believe you do.” Belldandy rubbed her forehead. “Urd, I don’t want to fight with you. Please respect my wishes and leave me and Keiichi alone.”

 

Urd frowned and raised an eyebrow.

 

“Or?”

 

“I was hoping it wouldn’t come to an ‘or’.” Belldandy replied sadly, “But the ‘or’ would be I punish you.”

 

Urd stood up and leaned over the table towards Belldandy.

 

“Bring it sister.”

 

She then turned and left the room. Belldandy stared in the direction where her sister had vanished, then let out a deep sigh.

 

 

 

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Four days later.

 

 

The mood in the house had been downright chilly the last several days. Keiichi could feel the magic simmering in the air, just waiting for one thing to set it off.

 

What worried him was the fact that Skuld looked nervous too, meaning she wasnÂ’t involved.

 

There were only two others with that kind of power.

 

“What do you think it is?” Keiichi asked Skuld softly whiled they worked on his bike.

 

“I think it has to do with that night I blasted Urd.” Skuld replied, her voice just as soft. “Urd’s acting close to normal with me, but she and Onee-sama……. I’ve never seen them like this.”

 

“I did once.” Keiichi replied, “It was before you got here.” He still couldn’t get that walking cooked chicken out of his head.

 

“You think it’ll pass?”

 

“It did before.” Keiichi answered. He then froze. “Of course, Bell accidentally zapped me a few times.”

 

Skuld winced. “Ouch.”

 

At that moment a shaft of light slammed into the earth beside them, causing them both to jump. The light vanished, leaving behind a message in what Keiichi recognized as the GodÂ’s language. Skuld quickly read it. When she was done, the message vanished as if it had never been there.

 

“Was that an answer to my request?” Keiichi asked.

 

Skuld nodded. “Father will meet with you.”

Chapter 5

 

 

 

Keiichi walked nervously alongside Skuld to the nearby park that would be the location for the meeting. The closer they grew to the park, the more nervous Keiichi became.

 

"Keiichi." Skuld said softly, "Are you alright?"

 

"No." he answered, "It's sinking in what I'm about to do. I'm meeting with him!"

 

"Were you this nervous when Belldandy popped out of the mirror?"

 

"No, that was more shock if anything." Keiichi answered, "Only Urd's entrance was really.....well.....you know Urd."

 

"Yeah." Skuld said, "I know Urd."

 

"And her mother's entrance was....."

 

"Yeah....."

 

Keiichi stopped in mid-step.

 

"Skuld...."

 

"Yes?"

 

"We are meeting Kami-sama."

 

"Yes."

 

"Ultimate creator......"

 

"Yes."

 

"Most powerful being in the entire universe......"

 

"I know this Keiichi."

 

"Skuld.....Hild's entrance."

 

Skuld frowned a moment before it clicked. Hild's entrance unto the mortal world had shattered the temple grounds and severely damaged the buildings.

 

And she had been holding back.

 

Had she not, Nekomi would have been leveled.

 

"Keiichi." Skuld said softly, "Father isn't going to level Nekomi."

 

"Hild didn't either." Keiichi pointed out, "But she still caused damage.

 

"Keiichi, I can assure you that...."

 

"...I won't cause any damage when I make my entrance."

 

Keiichi and Skuld froze as the man's voice interrupted them. They both turned to see a middle-aged man in a bright white suit, shirt and tie, standing off the path under a tree. Flanking him on either side were two women. One was blond, the other brunette. Both were looking about with piercing gazes.

 

Skuld quickly raced over to the man and fell to her knee.

 

"Daddy." She said softly.

 

"Rise my child." Kami-sama commanded.

 

Skuld rose to her feet, and then was engulfed in a hug from her father.

 

"It hasn't been the same without you and your sisters around." He said.

 

"Even Urd?" Skuld asked.

 

Kami-sama smiled. "Even her." He then looked over at a now very nervous Keiichi. "So, you are the mortal that wished for my daughter."

 

"Well..I...uh....you see..." Keiichi stuttered.

 

Kami-sama chuckled, glancing at Skuld, before speaking again.

 

"It's alright son, I'm not angry at you." Kami-sama slowly approached Keiichi. "Your wish, while unusual, was from the heart. That, is why the contract was accepted."

 

"But the contract has been broken." Keiichi pointed out, causing him to be on the receiving end of withering looks from the two women. Keiichi cringed at the looks.

 

Kami-sama glanced over his shoulder.

 

"Mist, Blitz. Go for a walk."

 

"But Milord!" The Brunette started.

 

"Go."

 

"Yes Milord." The two women dejectedly turned and walked off deeper into the park.

 

Kami-sama turned back to Keiichi.

 

"The Valkyries have been with me for a long time." He said, "They take their jobs very seriously, but that's no excuse for rudeness."

 

Keiichi noticed that Skuld's eyes had widened at her father's comments.

 

"Now you say the contract has been broken." Kami-sama continued, "That is true. In fact, it's been disrupted more then any other contract that Heaven has ever made. But then this is an unusual wish." Kami-sama gave Keiichi a look. Keiichi felt as if the Almighty's eyes were looking deep within his soul, which in fact he was.

 

"I believe you have a request of me?" Kami-sama finally said after a few moments.

 

Keiichi was still locked in the gaze of Kami-sama. It took Skuld elbowing him to finally snap him out of it.

 

"Yes Sir....uhh...Lord sir...ahh..." Keiichi took a deep breath, then forced out his question. "IwouldlikepermissiontomarryBelldandysir."

 

Skuld smacked her forehead and let out a groan. Kami-sama only smiled.

 

"I'm afraid that my hearing isn't what it was eons ago. You'll have to say that again, a bit slower."

 

Keiichi took another deep breath, then repeated his request.

 

"I would like your permission to marry Belldandy sir."

 

Kami-sama paused a moment, before replying with one word.

 

"Why?"

 

Keiichi was taken aback a moment, but quickly responded.

 

"Since she's been in my life," he began, "it's like I found a part of me that's been missing. But that piece could be taken away at anytime. By marrying her, Im pledging to her, that no matter what separates us, we'll always be together." Keiichi then looked down at the ground. "I know she's a Goddess and has other' duties. But beyond the Goddess is the woman I love and want to be with. I know I can't offer her the things that she deserves," Keiichi looked back up and met Kami-sama's gaze. "But I will do everything in my power to try. Her happiness is important to me."

 

Kami-sama nodded. "I see." The Almighty walked away from Keiichi and looked towards the sun.

 

"Keiichi," he said after a moment of silence. "You know that with your vows, the contract will likely break."

 

Keiichi frowned for a moment. "What do you mean?"

 

"Conflicting contracts." Kami-sama replied, "With marriage, comes a more powerful contract, yet it is weaker as well. The marriage will bind you and Belldandy together. I will not separate you, nor would I even try. Times have changed however, and marriage is not the lifelong institution it once was. There might come a time when you no longer wish to have Belldandy at your side. Remember, she is immortal. Eventually your mortal body will tire as it ages, while Belldandy's will remain young." Kami-sama paused a moment. "I should tell you that you are not the first who has thought of marrying aGoddess. There have been others. Many have deserted their wives as they aged, bothered and upset that they wither away while the Goddess lives on."

 

Keiichi stood up straighter as he looked at Kami-sama.

 

"I intend to stand by my vows." He stated, "A life without her is not worth living."

 

"I see." Kami-sama murmured. Being the creator and the most powerful being in the universe, Kami-sama could easily sense when one was lying and when one was telling the truth.

 

Kami-sama didn't even have to sense it this time. He knew.

 

"Keiichi Morisato." Kami-sama stated, "You have my permission to marry my daughter, the Goddess Belldandy."

 

Keiichi's eyes lit up. Skuld's eyes lit up as well and she started to do a victory dance.

 

"However......."

 

Keiichi and Skuld both froze.

 

".....I cannot offer my blessing." Kami-sama said, "I will leave that to the deity on the scene, that being Belldandy herself." He then smiled. "Somehow I don't believe she will be opposed to blessing her own marriage to her Keiichi-san'."

 

 

 

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Keiichi and Skuld both returned to the temple complex in very happy moods. Their moods took a slight dip as they passed Belldandy's room. The middle Goddess was staring unhappily at her tea.

 

"Bell?" Keiichi called out.

 

Belldandy jumped slightly and looked up.

 

"Oh!" she said, "You're back!" She then glanced at the clock. "Oh! Dinner! I must..."

 

Keiichi placed his hands on Belldandy's shoulders and stopped her from scurrying out to the kitchen.

 

"Take it easy Bell." Keiichi said softly, "You don't have to cook every night. We can order out."

Belldandy blinked. "But..."

 

"Let me treat you to dinner this time, ok?"

 

"Very well." Belldandy replied. She then looked at her boyfriend and sister curiously. "Just where have you been and what put you in such good moods?"

 

"Ah...well..." Keiichi started.

 

"Well...." Skuld added, scratching her head.

 

Can't let the cat out of the bag yet.' Keiichi thought.

 

"Skuld and I met a man in the park today." He stated.

 

"Yeah." Skuld said.

 

"What does this man do?" Belldandy asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

 

"Well he kind of a designer, has his hands into a little of everything." Keiichi quickly said, getting an odd look from Skuld. "He's created a few very special things, one of which we talked to him about."

 

"Oh really?" Belldandy replied, "Have I seen any of his work?"

 

"Most definitely." Skuld stated, still giving Keiichi an odd look.

 

"Like what?"

 

"Tell you what." Keiichi said, "How about I promise to take you to something he's done next week?"

 

"Ok." Belldandy said with a smile. "Let me go clean up, then we can decide what to get for dinner." She quickly left the room.

 

Skuld slowly turned and stared at Keiichi.

 

"A designer?" she said, "His hands in a little of everything? Very special things?"

 

Keiichi smiled back at her. "I didn't lie now did I?"

 

"Well.......no...."

 

"Besides," Keiichi placed his hand on top her of head and ruffled her hair. "I think you and Bell are pretty special." He then turned and left the room.

 

"Hey....don't treat me like a kid." Skuld replied, but her voice didn't have her usual anger in it. Nor could she stop the smile from appearing on her face.

 

 

 

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Kami-sama entered his office. Right on his heels was Mist. He'd barely sat down when Mist spoke.

 

"You are supporting this?" she asked.

 

"I'd be a very sorry father if I didn't support my children in their decisions." Kami-sama replied.

 

"But he's...." Mist began to protest before Kami-sama raised his hand, silencing her.

 

"A mortal." He finished, "A mortal that has been the focus of several incidents of either demonic or heavenly in nature, and yet he has still overcome them. Might I point out that he and Belldandy were the first in a very long time to pass through the Judgment gate."

 

Mist went silent.

 

Kami-sama sighed as he turned his chair and looked out the massive window that overlooked the Heavens.

 

"I know there will be some very unhappy people up here." He said softly, "Belldandy is one of the most sought after Goddesses by the Gods, not only because she is my daughter." He turned his chair back around towards Mist. "Until their wedding vows are completed, there is a chance, albeit a slim one, that someone could interfere."

 

Mist blinked, "Surely you don't believe that a God might........"

 

"Anything is possible." Kami-sama replied. "The fact a mortal is marrying a Goddess is a very rare event, one which was thought unlikely to happen again until recently." He then smiled. "Actually, I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner." He then glanced at Mist. "His contacting me does give us a head start."

 

"Head start?"

 

"Tell Blitz to speak to no one of what she witnessed today." Kami-sama ordered, "Then I want the Valkyires quietly placed on alert. I would like them to integrate into Nekomi, to keep an eye on things close hand."

 

"Your daughters will suspect something if they see Valkyries roaming the streets." Mist pointed out.

 

"Hence the integration." Kami-sama replied, "They are to act as mortals until their services are needed."

 

"They could still raise suspicion around your daughter's residence."

 

Kami-sama smiled. "That is where a well deserved Vacation is in order."

 

Mist blinked. "Vacation?"

 

"Yes, Vacation." Kami-sama said, "Now begin deploying the Valkyries."

 

"Yes Milord." Mist answered, "If I may ask, what will you be doing?"

 

"Preparing for the inevitable."

 

"Ah...the council."

 

"While many will allow this, there will be a few that will wish to stop it."

 

"Saturn."

 

Kami-sama nodded grimly. "Yes, Saturn would be one of them."

 

"At this time I'd like to point out the event of three hundred years ago."

 

Kami-sama sighed. "Regardless what problems he might cause us, I still stand by my decision to not let Thor ram his hammer up Saturn's.......you know."

 

"Yes sir." Mist them smirked, "But it would have been excellent entertainment."

 

"Go deploy the Valkyries." Kami-sama stated.

 

Mist bowed and headed towards the door. Just as she was exiting the office, she heard Kami-sama add.

 

"....very good entertainment."

 

 

 

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The next morning.

 

 

Urd's eyes darted from side to side.

 

First she looked at Keiichi, then she looked at Skuld.

 

Both had gone out the day before, together. Upon returning, even Urd was able to see that both were in good moods. Something had occurred on their excursion. And while Belldandy had accepted their explanation, Urd did not.

 

She had spent many years telling little white lies to others, bending the long held rule that a Goddess must always tell the truth. That was why she still remained a Second Class Goddess.

 

And that was why she knew Keiichi was telling Belldandy a white lie.

 

Well,' she thought, not a lie, but he is omitting something.'

 

Urd waited while Belldandy placed breakfast on the table, then went back into the kitchen.

 

"Well?" Urd said.

 

Keiichi was the only one to look up. Skuld simply ignored her eldest sister.

 

"What?" Keiichi asked.

 

"What's going on with you and the brat? You two are way to happy this early in the morning."

 

Skuld eyes narrowed at brat', but otherwise she did nothing.

 

"What's wrong with enjoying the morning?" Keiichi asked, "The sun is out shining, no clouds in the sky....."

 

"You're starting to talk like Belldandy." Urd muttered. She then got an evil look in her eye. "Why Keiichi....you sly dog........."

 

Keiichi blinked. "Uhh what?"

 

"You two transferring knowledge between each other as well as fluid?"

 

Now Skuld reacted.

 

"That is GROSS Urd!" Skuld hissed, "How could you think even think that?! Why Keiichi isn't man enough to....." Skuld cut herself off and looked sheepishly at Keiichi.

 

The resident mortal had his head on the table, groaning. Urd was laughing loudly at Skuld's unintentional comment at Keiichi's expense.

 

"Sorry Keiichi." Skuld murmured.

 

"What's going on in here?" Belldandy returned from the kitchen to see a hysterically laughing Urd, a remorseful Skuld, and Keiichi seemed to be banging his head into the table top.

 

"I screwed up." Skuld said softly towards the floor.

 

"So Bell," Urd said with a very twisted grin. "I understand that K-boy is soaking up your knowledge like a sponge."

 

Belldandy repeated Urd's comment with a very confused look on her face. Skuld appeared to be turning a slight shade of green, while Keiichi pounded his head harder into the table.

 

Anything that Belldandy was about to say was lost as a gust of wind whipped through the dining room. Keiichi looked around curiously, while the three Goddesses looked up.

 

"Someone's coming." Belldandy murmured.

 

Keiichi looked at his girlfriend a moment, then winced.

 

"Oh no....not Peorth......." He groaned.

 

Skuld gave him a sympathetic look. A visit by the fourth Goddess would definitely effect Keiichi's plans.

 

"No...." Belldandy replied as she walked to the door.

 

"No?" Urd repeated, rising to her feet as the shaft of light from the heavens touched down beside the temple. "Then who is it?"

 

Keiichi blinked then looked at Skuld.

 

"Lind?" he asked.

 

"I don't know." Skuld replied, "Onee-sama is the one able to...."

 

"It is Lind." Urd said from outside.

 

Welsper the cat, who had been curled up in a corner of the dining room, suddenly leaped to her feet and raced off. She had no desire to be stuck in suspended animation again.

 

Lind, Goddess First Class, Special Duties, Limited, dressed in regular goddess robes, touched down gracefully in the yard. The light from the heavens then vanished. The newly arrived goddess took a moment to look around, then spotted the three sisters and mortal. A small smile appeared on her face.

 

"I have returned." She stated.

 

 

 

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Chihiro blinked.

 

"Another one?" she murmured as she watched Sora drive about the test track, "Just how many Goddesses do you know Keiichi?"

 

"Surprising isn't it." Keiichi replied, running his hands through his hair. "I just hope Tamiya and Otaki behave."

 

"Why?"

 

"Because Lind isn't like Belldandy or Peorth. She would have no problems kicking their asses. Even together."

 

Chihiro raised an eyebrow. "Them both at the same time?"

 

"This is the Goddess that single handedly went up against the Queen of Hell, even if she was only at a quarter of her strength."

 

"And that means?"

 

"Even at a quarter power she could level Nekomi."

 

Chihiro winced. "Ouch."

 

"Speaking of ouch'." Keiichi looked back to the track. "How's Sora doing?"

 

"Not good." Chihiro stated as she followed Keiichi's eyes. "Her times have fallen off drastically since the incident."

 

Keiichi nodded. "She's nervous because of Mara."

 

"Which is a reason we put her back on the track so quickly." Chihiro said.

 

"But it isn't working."

 

"No." Chihiro shook her head. "Not even a pep talk from Belldandy helped. This is something that Sora needs to conquer herself."

 

"She's trying."

 

"She's tired." Keiichi turned and started to respond when Chihiro continued. "I've already tried to talk her out of that, but she is the Club President and she wants the team to win as much as anyone else."

 

"Meaning?"

 

"We need your Girlfriend."

 

"But you said Belldandy already talked to her."

 

Chihiro shook her head. "Not to talk, to drive."

 

Keiichi stared at his boss a moment, then looked off to the track.

 

"Doesn't seem right." He murmured, "This is Sora's race. If she doesn't race, Mara wins."

 

"She didn't win." Chihiro hissed, "Sora got back into the car. The Club still has shot at winning. With Belldandy."

 

Keiichi remained silent for several moments.

 

"I'll ask her." He finally said.

 

"It's all we ask."

 

 

 

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The next day

 

 

Belldandy stood quietly before the fuel cell car.

 

For five days she and the rest of the team had cheered Sora on as she raced around the test track. It had seemed to be going well. Though reluctant at first ("Mara...." Belldandy grumbled slightly), Sora had gotten back into the car she'd wrecked just days before. It was what she needed to do to get past what Demoness had done.

 

Unfortunately, by constantly testing the car, Sora was starting to get burnt out. Thus it appeared Mara was going to win this round.

 

But the Motor Club wasn't about to let that happen.

 

As a result, Belldandy was now wearing her Motor Club fire suit (only hers had a pair of angel wings on the back), preparing for her first test run in the fuel cell car.

 

The Goddess knelt down beside the car and gently ran her hand along the body. She took a deep breath as she was flooded with emotions from the car. Well, not exactly the car (though it was giving off some very powerful emotions of it's own), but from the Club members who had built and rebuilt the car, as well as from Sora herself.

 

They all (even the car) wanted to win.

 

Belldandy wasn't one to let down anyone.

 

"You ready?"

 

The Goddess looked over her shoulder to see Keiichi, Chihiro and Sora standing behind her. The two woman were very excited, wide grins on their faces. Keiichi, while happy, wasn't as enthusiastic as the women.

 

When he'd passed on the Club's request, Keiichi had added that if she didn't want to race, that he would support her.

 

Despite Keiichi's reservations, Belldandy had agreed to drive the car. But she did let him know that his support was appreciated.

 

He hadn't been expecting her to jump at him and smother him in kisses.

 

"Yes." Belldandy said, smiling, "I'm ready."

 

 

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Mara watched the Goddess drive about the track from a nearby rooftop. She was far enough away that she wouldn't be detected, but still close enough to case mischief if she so desired.

 

But she didn't.

 

Today was a day to observe and plot.

 

Revenge would come soon enough.

Chapter 6

 

 

Race Day

 

 

 

"What exactly is the purpose of this?" Lind asked as she looked over the race course from the top of the bleachers.

 

Skuld let out a sigh before slowly turning to face the Warrior Goddess.

 

"Mortals see this as a form of recreation." The young goddess answered, "They also see it as a challenge."

 

Lind frowned. "How is moving about in a loop at suicidal speeds seen as a challenge?"

 

"You obviously never watched NASCAR." Urd grumbled.

 

Skuld glared at her eldest sister, then turned back to Lind.

 

"There are limits to what a mortal can do. This is one of the ways they push the limits." Skuld waved her hand out over the track. "Those that are driving have more skill at this then a typical mortal."

 

"And yet Belldandy participates."

 

"Mostly because of Keiichi." Megumi said as she approached the three. "I think when she was first around him, she wanted to understand why he raced." She then smirked. "She liked it and it kind of grew on her."

 

Lind nodded. "And Skuld?"

 

"The machines." Megumi replied, causing the Goddess in question to blush.

 

"Urd?"

 

"The booze."

 

"HEY!"

 

Megumi's eyes shifted to the annoyed elder Goddess.

 

"Did you or did you not drink Tamiya and Otaki under the table at the last major party at the Club House?"

 

Urd stuttered while Skuld let out a snicker. Lind only raised an eyebrow at the two.

 

 

 

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Toshiyuki Aoshima watched in silence as his Motor club worked on their entry in the race. The past several years had been discouraging for his Club. Despite the amount of money Aoshima had spent in getting the best of men and equipment, they had failed to top the Club run by that fool Morisato.

 

This year will be different.' Aoshima thought as he turned and walked out of the team tent.

 

Looking off to the side, he could see the other teams hard at work. But it was a team further down that attracted his eye. Even from here, he could make out the distinctive honey brown hair and bangs that belong to Belldandy, surrounded by those of her sisters and the rest of the Motor Club.

 

Aoshima smirked as several thoughts ran through his head. It was always amusing to trade barbs with the simpletons. Several times the two brutes that used to run the team would actually try to come after him, but the threat of being disqualified always held them back.

 

After all, the Motor Club was always in need of funds. A disqualification would leave them in the red, and on the verge of being disbanded. A very pleasant thought.

 

Aoshima started towards the group when he was roughly pulled out of the walkway and between two tents. He turned to growl at the rude person when he paused. Standing before him was the blond woman that his cousin had sometimes associated with, usually to gain the attention of Morisato. What his cousin saw in that motorhead he didn't know, but that was besides the point now.

 

"What do you want?" he growled.

 

Mara smirked at the mortal.

 

"How would you like to be the winning team for a change?"

 

 

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Keiichi glanced up at the giant video screen from where he was standing in the pit area with the rest of the team. The race had been going on for a bit now and Belldandy was in second place. Even more to Tamiya's and Otaki's pleasure, they were ahead of Aoshima's racing team.

 

"Our girl's doing good."

 

Keiichi glanced over at Chihiro before turning back to the jumbo screen.

 

"Yeah, she is." He answered.

 

Chihiro smiled as she copied him. "Look's like we're on our way to another win. Tamiya and Otaki are already planning the celebration."

 

Keiichi reached down and patted his pocket. He let out a small sigh as he felt the object that lay within.

 

"Let's not plan the party till there's something to celebrate." He said, giving the object one final pat before returning his attention to the race.

 

Unnoticed by either of them, Skuld had seen what Keiichi had done. A small smile appeared on her face.

 

 

 

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Belldandy felt free.

 

Free from all her worries and memories of the past.

 

All that concerned her was the present, the domain she was the Mistress of.

 

And at present, that was driving the Motor Club's car to the best finish she possibly could.

 

The fact that she could see' what lay ahead didn't hurt. Being clairvoyant was quite helpful, though she did feel guilty about using her powers in such a way. She only hoped her Elder sister didn't notice.

 

Slowly and steadily as she raced around the track, Belldandy grew closer to the first place car.

 

 

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"That little sneak."

 

Megumi glanced at the Elder Norn. "What?"

 

Urd shook her head.

 

"Nothing."

 

Megumi stared disbelievingly at the Goddess a moment more, before turning back to the race.

 

"You see it too?" Lind asked softly in the God's language.

 

"Kinda hard to miss it." Urd replied in the same tongue. "My sweet little sister is cheating."

 

"Is not." Skuld hissed.

 

"And what do you call using your Goddess abilities to win hmm?" Urd snapped back.

 

"Maxwell's Demon stone." Skuld stated, no longer speaking in the God's language. "Life Sugoroku Special."

 

Urd paled while Lind's eyes widened. Megumi's head shifted between looking at the deities.

 

"She still has that....." Lind struggled to find the proper word. ".....monstrosity!"

 

"The stone?" Skuld asked.

 

"That game! It should have been tossed to the fires of hell long ago!"

 

"It's not that bad!" Urd whined.

 

Skuld and Lind gave Urd a look that told the Elder Goddess that they definitely did not believe her.

 

"Ok." Urd admitted, "It can be a bit.....extreme."

 

"A bit?" Lind asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

"Urd...." Megumi said.

 

"Fine!" Urd said, "It's very extreme! But it's fun!"

 

"Fun!?!?" Skuld snapped.

 

"Urd......."

 

"How is forcing people to perform embarrassing acts fun!"

 

"Well I didn't say it was fun for them." Urd answered.

 

"Just who's side are you on anyway?!?!"

 

"URD!"

 

"Whaaaaaat!?!?" Urd turned and looked at Megumi. "I'm trying to have a civil argument with Lind and the brat here."

 

"HEY!" Skuld shouted.

 

"Meanwhile," Megumi turned and pointed towards a figure sitting at the top of the press box. "Isn't that......"

 

"MARA!" the three goddesses exclaimed.

 

 

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The demoness in question sat dejectedly on the edge of the press box, her legs dangling below while her head rested on her arms as she leaned against the protective railing. Below her people cheered and shouted support for their favorite teams.

 

It made the Demon sick.

 

And then she was no longer alone.

 

She knew one of them would spot her eventually. And considering she hadn't been attacked yet, she knew exactly who it had to be.

 

"Hey Urd." Mara called out.

 

The goddess sat down beside the demoness, copying the exact posture.

 

"Just you?" the Demoness asked.

 

"The Brat and Lind are nearby. What have you done?" Urd asked.

 

Mara shrugged.

 

"Come on...." Urd said, "I know you. You had to have done something."

 

Mara glanced at the Goddess. "I am not that predictable."

 

"Mara...."

 

"I tried to."

 

"And...?"

 

Mara threw her arms up in the air. "I failed alright!" she turned to face Urd. "I failed! Again! Are you happy?"

 

Urd blinked a moment.

 

"Actually..." she began, "I was looking forward to stopping whatever the hell you tried to do."

 

"Sorry I failed to live up to your expectations." Mara growled. She then put her head back down on her arms and resumed watching the race. "Stupid mortals. Try and help them......"

 

"What exactly did you try to do?" Urd asked.

 

"Offered victory in this race."

 

"That's it?"

 

The Demoness turned back to Urd. "What? I fail striking at you directly. I figured I'd go for indirect." She then sighed. "Guess I fail at that too. The Mortal turned me down."

 

Urd's eyes narrowed.

 

"What mortal?"

 

 

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"Two Laps to go." Chihiro called out.

 

The Motor Club all leaned forward, watching intently as Belldandy finally made her move and slid into first place.

 

"Yes!!!" Otaki and Tamiya shouted as they began to dance around. The rest of the team exploded into cheers.

 

All but Keiichi and Chihiro. They both watched as Belldandy easily drove the car around the course. Everything seemed to be pointing towards a Motor Club win. Then they spotted the car moving quickly up from behind Belldandy's.

 

"Aoshima." Chihiro hissed.

 

The Motor Club went silent at the mention of their rival. They then watched in horror as the Aoshima Team car moved alongside theirs, only to pass it with less then one lap to go.

 

"No....." Tamiya gasped.

 

Belldandy tried to move back to the front, but when the checkered flag fell, she was half a car length away from winning.

 

The crowd roared as the Aoshima team ran out to congratulate their driver. A very subdued Motor Club went out to greet their driver.

 

Keiichi reached the car first and knelt down beside it. He then helped Belldandy remove her helmet. Sorrow filled blue eyes met his.

 

"I'm sorry." Belldandy said softly.

 

Keiichi smiled before pulling her into a hug.

 

"You did your best." He said, "We can't always end up on top."

 

He helped her out of the car as the rest of the team approached. Everyone congratulated her on placing Second. Her sisters, Lind and Megumi then arrived. Skuld was quick to wrap her arms around Belldandy. Urd just smiled and patted her on the shoulder.

 

"Such a shame."

 

Everyone turned as Aoshima approached the Motor Club. He stopped just in front of Belldandy and Keiichi.

 

"If only you didn't have to suffer from substandard equipment," Aoshima said with a smirk, "You might have won. Now if you had been on my team, you would have most definitely have finished first."

 

"You've gloated enough Aoshima." Chihiro growled as she moved beside Belldandy. "Run along now."

 

"But Miss Belldandy has yet to hear my offer." Aoshima replied.

 

"She doesn't need to." Keiichi said, "We've all heard it before. And the answer is always the same."

 

"Aoshima....." Everyone turned as Belldandy took a step forward. "This team has something that yours will never have. And I doubt it ever will."

 

"And that is?" Aoshima asked.

 

"True friends." The Goddess replied, "Those who will stay by your side during both the good and bad times. Without them, you will fail in the race that is life." She then turned to Keiichi. "Let's go home."

 

The Motor Club walked away, some pushing their car as they went. Soon Aoshima was standing alone on track.

 

Well...not entirely.

 

Lind remained on the track, staring intently at the mortal before her.

 

"Yes?" Aoshima asked.

 

Moments later Aoshima found himself staring at the sky, his jaw crying out in pain.

 

 

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The party that night at the Temple, while not a victory celebration, was still quite lively.

 

Tamiya was currently torturing....err......entertaining everyone by singing karaoke. Others were either joining in, or trying to drawn out the noise with booze. Urd was definitely in the later.

 

Belldandy allowed a small smile to appear on her face as she watched her friends enjoy themselves. The smile vanished as she noticed three people missing.

 

Keiichi, Skuld, and Lind were nowhere in sight.

 

Belldandy walked over to an inebriated Megumi.

 

:Have you seen Keiichi?" The Goddess asked.

 

"K....?" Megumi slurred, "Wha didja lose him?"

 

"Well...yes."

 

"Ahhh.....shouldn't be worried." Megumi smiled and wrapped her arm around Belldandy. "You know he wouldn't leave ya. He loves ya too much."

 

Belldandy smiled. "Thank you, but where is he?"

 

"Try the porch." Megumi answered, "I saw him walk out the.....HEY TAMIYA!!!" Megumi turned and walked towards the singer. "That's not how you sing that!"

 

Belldandy let out a sigh. She was definitely going to have words with the Motor Club about the alcohol consumption. It was getting to be a bit much.

 

Belldandy headed towards the door and slowly slid it open. There sitting on the edge of the porch, much like that first party at the temple so long ago, was Keiichi. The Goddess stepped outside and closed the door, before moving to Keiichi's side.

 

"Mind if I join you?" she asked softly.

 

"Not at all." Keiichi replied with a smile.

 

The two sat silently, watching the stars above while the sounds of the party went on behind them. Belldandy closed her eyes, and let out a soft sigh as Keiichi moved his arm around her. Just as she had the last time, she allowed her head to slowly come to a rest on his shoulder.

 

"Hey Bell." Keiichi said softly.

 

"Hmm?" The Goddess lifted her head and looked at him.

 

"I have a slight confession to make."

 

"Oh?"

 

"I wasn't entirely truthful with you the other day, about where Skuld and I were."

 

Belldandy sat up straighter and stared neutrally at Keiichi.

 

"You lied." Her voice was flat and emotionless. She was confused. Keiichi had never lied to her, nor had she ever sensed anything but the truth from him.

"No." Keiichi answered, "I did tell the truth, for the most part. I did meet a man there and he did have a hand in the creation of some very special people."

 

Belldandy blinked.

 

"People?"

 

Keiichi nodded, slowly rising to his feet.

 

"I met that man to ask him a question, one that he answered quite positively."

 

A small frown appeared on Belldandy's face as she tried to figure out what Keiichi was talking about.

 

"What question?" she asked.

 

Keiichi smiled.

 

"Bell, we've been together for three years now." He began, "We've our good time and hard times, but I have never ever regretted the wish I made to you that day in the dorm."

 

Belldandy face was now one of confusion. Just what was Keiichi doing?

 

"Belldandy, you've filled up a place in my life.....my heart.....my soul. I've told you how much I love you, not as a Goddess, but as a woman. But sometimes actions can speak louder then words."

 

Keiichi dropped down to one knee before the Goddess.

 

Belldandy's eyes went wide as she recognized the significance of what Keiichi was about to do.

 

"Belldandy," Keiichi said, pulled out a small box, "Will you marry me?"

 

 

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Skuld and Lind peered around the corner and watched as Keiichi knelt before Belldandy.

 

"What's he doing?" Lind asked softly, "Worshipping her?"

 

"Not exactly." Skuld answered, "He's asking her a question."

 

"On his knee?"

 

"Mortals usually ask a question like this on their knees."

 

"What question?"

 

"Marriage."

 

Lind blinked. "Ahh....."

 

Skuld watched as her favorite sister stared at the box that sat in Keiichi outstretched hand. She couldn't hear exactly what was being said due to the party. But she figured out what her sister's reply was when she fell to her knees in front of Keiichi and wrapped her arms around him, sobbing. He held her tenderly in his arms, before gently separating her from him long enough to slip the ring onto her finger, joining the promise ring from the Christmas of two years ago.

 

Skuld glanced at Lind, then looked back to her sister and soon to be brother-in-law. She then did something she never thought she would due if this situation had occurred a year ago.

 

Skuld pumped her fist.

 

"Yessssss!!" she hissed.

 

 

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Kami-sama stared silently at the image floating before him of his daughter and her now fiance. The young couple were now sitting on the ground outside the temple, arms around each other and looking at the stars.

 

But Kami-sama wasn't alone in watching the couple. Mist and Blitz both stood behind him. They had watched the proposal in complete silence.

 

Unlike the person who was standing in front of his desk.

 

"Il ne peut pas tre." Peorth murmured, "Ce n'est pas possible."

 

"I assure you it is." Kami-sama said, "He asked for my permission and I gave it."

 

"Je vois." Peorth said, "What does the council say?"

 

"They do not know. Yet."

 

"And when they do?"

 

Kami-sama looked back at the image of his daughter.

 

"They'll have a fight on their hands the like of which they have never witnessed before."

 

 

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"What will we do about this......." The first asked as he stared at the image of Goddess and Mortal together.

 

"For now......nothing." the secondanswered. "This has happened before. This event was not unexpected. They did make it through the gate after all." He turned and faced the first figure. "For now we'll let them be and let nature run it's course. Historically, these relationships end rather tragically, usually with the death of the mortal."

 

"And if it doesn't end Loki?"

 

Loki smirked.

 

"Ah but you forget Saturn," he raised a finger, "The Demons. No mortal in recent memory has been the target for so many demon attacks. He's even attracted the attention of the Queen."

 

"And he's survived all of them." Saturn pointed out.

 

"Yes. He has." Loki said. He looked back to the image. "But nothing lasts forever."

Due to my now infrequent postings of chapters, I realized that I completely forgot to mention something with the last chapter I posted. (time flies I guess.)

 

For those who didn't know, Ah! My Goddess first appeared as a full fledge Manga on August 25,1988.

 

To date, it now has over 200 Chapters, or 34 Volumes.

 

Assuming Belldandy was 21 in 1988, she's now in her forties and still looking fine.

(Now if Keiichi will finally ask her that question...........)

 

Happy 20th Anniversary Ah! My Goddess and thank you Kosuke Fujishima

 

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Chapter 7

 

 

"Have you heard?"

 

Yes....I have.....

 

"I can't believe her and Morisato!"

 

Believe it......

 

"Dammit! Now I'll never have a chance at Belldandy!"

 

...Like you ever had one before......

 

"If Belldandy is getting married, who'll the new Campus Queen be?"

 

.........

 

"Think it'll be Mishima?"

 

"Nah. She's a fridged bitch. No one in their right mind would vote for...."

 

SLAM!

 

Sayoko Mishima stepped away from the bar and with as much dignity as she could, stumbled outside.

 

 

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"You're staring at it again."

 

Belldandy glanced at her elder sister. "Hmm?"

 

Urd pointed. "The ring. You're staring at it again."

 

Belldandy looked back down at her hand. She moved it slightly, watching as the diamond sparkled in the light.

 

"Yes." She said, "I suppose I am."

 

Urd sighed. "The most important thing I'd ever get to see, my little sister getting proposed to.......and I missed it."

 

"Well if you hadn't been drinking." Skuld said as she walked into the room. "You wouldn't have missed it."

 

Urd glared at Skuld. "I don't need you telling me what I should and shouldn't be doing."

 

"Well someone should." Skuld snapped back, "And if they had you might have been a 1st class by now."

 

Sparks began to spit from between Urd's clenched fists.

 

"Why you little...."

 

"Stop!" Belldandy moved between her sisters. She stared at each one in turn. "Must you always fight?"

 

"She started it!" Urd and Skuld said at the same time.

 

The Goddess of the Present closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. She then turned and left for the kitchen. The second the middle goddess was out of hearing, Urd whirled around on Skuld.

 

"See what you did brat!"

 

"What I did?!" Skuld snapped back. "What did I do!?"

 

"You upset Belldandy." Urd answered, placing her hands on her hips. "She was in a good mood until you wrecked it!"

 

"I wrecked it!?!?!" Skuld repeated incredulously.

 

Urd let out a triumphant smirk.

 

"See! You admit it!" she then turned and left for her bedroom, leaving a sputtering Skuld behind.

 

"GRRRR!" Skuld growled before flopping down at the table.

 

She was still grumbling when Keiichi entered the room.

 

"Lemme guess." Keiichi said as he sat down beside the goddess. "Urd."

 

"She's been almost impossible to live with lately." Skuld grumbled. "She's either drinking, drunk, or hung-over."

 

"I'm going to assume you and Bell have tried talking to her about it and failed."

 

Skuld nodded her head.

 

"Blows us off."

 

Keiichi shrugged.

 

"As much as I hate to say it.....she is a grown Goddess." He then added a bit lower. "Even if she doesn't act like it most of the time."

 

Skuld smirked at Keiichi's comment..

 

"So where's Bell?"

 

"Kitchen." Skuld answered, "Probably staring at the ring again."

 

Keiichi smiled. It had been a week now since he proposed. In that time he had lost count of how many times Belldandy had been caught silently gazing at the ring.

 

"Well I had help picking it out." Keiichi replied.

 

"You've thanked me enough." Skuld said smiling, "And yes it's a very nice ring, but that's not why she's staring at it."

 

"Oh? And what reason does the Goddess of the Future have for the Goddess of the Present to be staring at an engagement ring?"

 

Skuld smirked at Keiichi. "Emotional echo. She can sense the emotions left in an object remember? I'm pretty sure she's getting a buzz off of all those feelings you have for her."

 

Keiichi shrugged. "Can't help it. I love her."

 

"Guess you're doomed to married life then."

 

"Guess so." Keiichi then looked around the room. "Where's Lind?"

 

"Working out." Skuld replied. "She is the fighting Goddess after all."

 

"But she's on vacation."

 

Skuld gave Keiichi a look.

 

"You really think she's down here just for a vacation?"

 

Keiichi sighed. "Wishful thinking I suppose." He then turned to face the young Goddess. "You think Mara knows?"

 

"At this point? Oh yeah."

 

 

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Mara stared silently at the image before her.

 

She'd laid low for several days after the race, hoping to avoid the four Goddesses that currently resided in Nekomi. When she had resurfaced, she kept feeling like she was being watched. Yet when she looked around, she couldn't see anyone that was visibly taking an interest in her. She had finally decided she was getting a bit paranoid.

 

Returning to her hideout, she'd discovered one of her tracking demons had returned. She'd used them from time to time to keep an eye on the temple. Such low level demonic creatures would hardly set off the wards at the temple, or set off that obnoxious little robot.

 

It had been playing back the images it had taken for her while she paced about the room. The pictures contained mostly mundane things. Belldandy doing the laundry. Skuld working on one of her robots. The mortal working on his motorcycle. Urd flirting with the mortal. Skuld throwing a bomb at Urd, missing and hitting the mortal. Belldandy in a panic. Mara had sighed. She'd seen similar images for the past few years.

 

Then she hit the image that had caused all her mental processes to come to a halt.

 

The mortal was on his knees before Belldandy, offering her a ring.

 

Mara had spent enough time on the mortal world to know exactly what was going on in the image before her.

 

"Shit." The Demoness swore before vanishing in a poof.

 

 

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"So your sister is getting married?"

 

"Yep."

 

"Cool."

 

Skuld and Sentaro were riding their bikes along the park trails. Occasionally, Sentaro went off the path to jump a rock or zip over the seat of a bench.

 

"So...." Sentaro finally said.

 

"What?"

 

"You gonna be in the wedding?"

 

"It's my sister's." Skuld answered. "I would hope so."

 

"You gonna wear a dress?"

 

Skuld slammed on the brakes and stared at her friend.

 

"What do you mean by that?"

 

Sentaro shrugged. "Never seen you in a dress before."

 

Skuld blushed. "You've seen me in a skirt."

 

"Not the same thing."

 

Skuld's blush grew brighter.

 

"You gonna be a bride's maid?" Sentaro then grinned. "Or Flower girl?"

 

"Flower girl?!" Skuld glared at Sentaro who quickly took off down the path laughing. "SENTARO!!! I'LL GET YOU FOR THAT!!!"

 

 

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"Marriage?"

 

Mara was kneeling in the throne room before the Queen of Hell. There were a few other demons present as well, but only one other was truly paying attention to the conversation between Mara and Hild. The rest had learned long ago to ignore such things. You tended to remain healthy in the long run.

 

"He...proposed to Belldandy?" Hild asked again.

 

"Yes my Queen." Mara replied.

 

Hild leaned back on the throne.

 

"This is unexpected." She murmured. "Yet....not unforeseen."

 

"It should not have gotten this far." The other demon present grumbled.

 

Hild glanced at the Demon.

 

"The situation is quite unusual nephew." She said, "Morisato is quite an unusual mortal."

 

"Then kill him and be done with him."

 

"I never took you for a fool Barbas." Hild hissed. "This isn't just any mortal! He is favored by a daughter of Kami-sama! You think the Heavens will just sit by and let us kill him?!"

 

Barbas remained silent. Hild glared at her nephew for a moment more, then looked back to Mara.

 

"Your task is still the same." Hild stated, "Drive them apart."

 

"Yes my Queen." Mara answered, bowing low before rising and leaving the room.

 

"She'll fail."

 

Hild's head snapped back to her nephew.

 

"Failure is a fact of life." Hild said, "Yes, this may end up to be a lost cause. But the pain and suffering Mara causes them in her attempt will last a lifetime."

 

 

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"Ooo that's a nice one." Sora said, pointing at a picture in a wedding magazine.

 

"But this is even nicer!" Megumi held up another magazine.

 

Skuld frowned as she stared at the picture.

 

"Isn't that a bit......well....Japanese?"

 

"Skuld..." Belldandy scolded softly, as she flipped through her own magazine, "I talked to Keiichi and we both decided to have a traditional Japanese wedding. Meaning kimonos. Father won't mind."

 

"And you score points with my parents." Megumi said with a smirk. "Course Mom already likes you."

 

"Having the mother-in-law on your side is always a good thing." Sora added.

 

Belldandy smiled, then turned her gaze down at the magazine in her lap. Keiichi was working late at the Whirlwind. Sora and Megumi had come over just after dinner with the Wedding magazines. Belldandy had gotten through a few more pages when Megumi spoke up again.

 

"So where is Urd these days?" she asked, "Figured she'd be helping you look......" Her voice trailed off as she noticed Belldandy had tensed up.

 

"Urd and Belldandy aren't getting along exactly right now." Skuld said.

 

"What did Urd say now?"

 

"She was questioning if a white dress was needed." Belldandy stated, her eyes still locked on her magazine.

 

Both Sora and Megumi winced.

 

"Urd's out somewhere with Lind." Skuld whispered to the two mortals. "They need some time apart from each other to cool...."

 

"Skuld......." Came the soft scold.

 

Skuld slowly turned to find her sister's blue eyes locked on hers.

 

"Unless you'd rather me pick a different Maid of Honor, I would suggest you drop it."Belldandy then let a small smile appear on her face. "You would make a lovely Flower Girl."

 

Skuld went completely pale.

 

Belldandy rose from the table and moved off into the kitchen. The sounds of a kettle beginning to boil reached their ears.

 

"Sora."

 

"Yes Megumi?"

 

"Remind me to never....ever...get on Belldandy's bad side."

 

"I didn't think Belldandy-sempei had a bad side."

 

"She does." Skuld whispered, "And it...."

 

"Skuld....." came the scold from the kitchen.

 

 

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"....can't take a joke..." Urd grumbled as she and Lind walked through the shopping district of Nekomi. "I think planning the wedding is getting to Belldandy."

 

"And here I believed it was your comments." Lind replied.

 

Urd stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

 

"I was just trying to get her to lighten up!"

 

"...by suggesting that she was no longer pure?"

 

"...." Urd turned and resumed walking down the street, muttering all the way. She finally stopped at the corner and impatiently began to tap her foot as she waited for the light to change. As she waited, she looked around.

 

At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. People were going about their business, shopping, talking with each other, window shopping. But it was only after she really looked at the street that something clicked in Urd's head.

 

Being a college town, Nekomi attracted a lot of people from all over Japan, as well as foreign students. So seeing foreigners in Nekomi wasn't all that unusual (especially since Urd was considered one herself). The fact that there seemed to be more foreigners then normal, and that they were all female didn't raise alarms either.

 

It was the fact that every female foreigner she saw had blue markings on their cheeks, just below the eyes.

 

These weren't foreigners. These were Gods. And given that everyone that she saw was female told Urd all that she needed to know.

 

"Why are the Valkyries down here?" Urd asked Lind.

 

Lind blinked, then looked around herself.

 

"I don't know." Lind answered, "But I know who we can ask."

 

 

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Sayoko stumbled out of yet another bar and began the slow process of walking home.

 

Ever since Morisato had turned her down for that....that......witch, Sayoko had begun to fill her lonely nights with trips out to the bars and nightclubs of Nekomi. She didn't go every night, that would have been silly. But once she'd found out about the engagement, that rule had been tossed out. Every day since she'd found out had ended with a nightly bar trip, and then the lonely walk home.

 

This night though was not going to end like the others.

 

Sayoko had only gotten a block from the bar when an arm pulled her off the street and into an alley.

 

Sayoko felt herself being pressed up against the wall and something cold and metallic held at her neck.

 

"I'm not carrying any money!" she cried out.

 

"Well now that's too bad." A voice said, "But I'm not really out here for money."

 

"Then what do you want?!"

 

"Oh," the man said, "I think you know......"

 

Sayoko's eyes went wide as she felt his hand sliding down her body and moving between her legs. She let out a whimper as the man's hand moved under her skirt.

 

"Seen you around campus....." the man said, "Never thought I'd have a chance at you...."

 

"And you never will." A new voice hissed.

 

Suddenly the pressure was gone, and Sayoko found herself sitting at the base of the alley wall. Further in the alley, she heard the sounds of fighting, followed by the man's howls of pain. Sayoko pulled up her legs and wrapped her arms around them, pulling them tight to her body. She then began to sob as the full weight of what had almost happened hit her. She continued to sob until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

 

Sayoko leaped from the contact.

 

"Don't hurt me!" she cried out.

 

"Easy. Easy." The voice said. Sayoko slowly turned her head to see a blonde woman kneeling beside her. It was hard to see in the darkness of the alley, but Sayoko could have sworn that the woman had the same tattoos on her cheeks that Belldandy had.

 

"I won't hurt you." The woman said, "And neither will he." She then looked Sayoko over. "Are you hurt?"

 

"I...don't think so..." Sayoko said.

 

The woman gave a smile, then rose and held out her hand.

 

"Come on, I'll walk you home."

 

Sayoko stared at the hand a moment before taking it. The woman pulled Sayoko to her feet and led her out of the alley.

 

"What about....?" Sayoko nervously glanced back at the alley.

 

"Don't worry about him." The woman said, "He's been taken care of."

 

"Oh."

 

"Hey Blitz!"

 

The Blond turned and looked behind them. Sayoko followed her gaze to see a brunette walking towards them.

 

"Where you going?" the brunette asked.

 

"Just going to walk Miss Mishima here home." Blitz answered, "You and Stratus just wait and I'll meet you back here."

 

The brunette shook her head.

 

"Got orders." She said, "Urd spotted us and now she and the others want an explanation."

 

Blitz sighed. "The things we do for Belldandy." She glanced at Sayoko. "Come on Miss Mishima. There's a nice bed waiting for you at your home."

 

 

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Meanwhile at a nearby Police station, the Night Duty Officer was trying to come up with an explanation on how a man had suddenly appeared in their jail cell with the word rapist' written across his forehead.

 

 

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Keiichi stretched as he walked from the small shed he parked his bike in towards the house. It had been a long day, stretching well into the evening, but it was worth it if he could insure that the wedding would be perfect.

 

Not that he expected anything to go wrong, but..... it was always good to be prepared given Mara's interference time and again.

 

He paused for a moment. Then added Urd to his mental list just under Mara's name. After all, Urd DID make a cooked turkey come to life during that date now so long ago.

 

Keiichi entered the house and was about to announce his presence when he noticed his sister and Sora on their knees peering through into the room that was marked by the Everyone's Tearoom' sign.

 

His curiosity peaked, Keiichi moved up silently behind the two girls and tapped Megumi on the shoulder.

 

Megumi let out a yelp and leaped, followed shortly by Sora.

 

"You trying to give me a heart attack?!?!" Megumi whispered harshly.

 

"What are you two doing peering into Belldandy's room?" Keiichi asked.

 

"Trying to eavesdrop." Sora replied, "Not working though."

 

"Why?"

 

"Well they aren't speaking Japanese....."

 

"No..." Keiichi interrupted, shaking his head, "Why are you eavesdropping?"

 

"Urd came back with Lind all annoyed." Megumi explained, "She snapped something at Belldandy in whatever language they speak, then went to the phone. Belldandy and Skuld starting questioning Lind while Urd yelled at whoever she called."

 

"About thirty minutes or so later three women showed up." Sora picked up the story, "They all had markings like Sempei and her sisters."

 

"More goddesses?" Keiichi asked.

 

"Maybe." Megumi said, "Whoever they are, your fiance has been talking with the one I think is their leader."

 

"And she isn't happy." Sora added with a shiver.

 

Keiichi moved to where the girls had been kneeling and peered through the barely cracked door into the room.

 

Belldandy, Urd, and Skuld were on one side of the table. On the other side where three women, a blond and two brunettes. The blond seemed to be the leader of the three. Lind was standing against the wall silently.

 

Keiichi strand his ears and could just make out Belldandy's voice. She wasn't speaking Japanese, that was for sure. But he had heard this language before.

 

The language of the Heavens.

 

The language itself was melodious, and it flowed from Belldandy's mouth as if she was singing it. And though he could not understand what she was saying, he had to agree with Sora.

 

Belldandy was not happy at all.

 

Keiichi turned to his sister and Sora.

 

"You two should head home." He said, "I'll let you know what happens."

 

"But K...." Megumi began before Keiichi raised his hand.

 

"What ever it is has gotten Bell worked up." He stated, "And you know how difficult it is to do that to her. Just for tonight....let it go."

 

 

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Keiichi lay on his futon staring at the ceiling. Megumi and Sora had left after his convincing. He'd gone to the kitchen for a quick bite to eat. Heading towards his room, he could still hear the Goddesses talking. He noted that Belldandy sounded resigned as she spoke, as if she'd given up on something.

 

That brought him to now. He'd been unable to sleep, his thoughts drifting to what could possibly be going on.

 

Then his door opened and closed.

 

Keiichi sat up and turned just in time to catch Belldandy in his lap. Her face quickly buried itself into his shoulder and her arms wrapped around him tightly. Not knowing what had been said, he did the only thing he could and begun to rub his fiance's back. After several moments, the tension seemed to leave his Goddess, but only barely.

 

"Is it that bad?" he asked.

 

"Not really." She mumbled, "It's just.....frustrating."

 

"Can you tell me about it?" Keiichi asked softly.

 

Belldandy slowly pulled herself away from Keiichi, but kept her eyes locked on his.

 

"We have....other visitors."

 

"Oh?"

 

"Father has sent down Valkyries to Nekomi." Belldandy said, "Mostly to keep an eye on us."

 

Keiichi blinked. "You mean to spy?"

 

"Not exactly......more to protect us."

 

"Meaning Mara."

 

"Or others like her, yes." Belldandy looked away, "A goddess marrying a mortal is going to attract a lot of attention. Not all of it positive."

 

Keiichi gently reached out and turned her face back to his.

 

"I knew what I was getting into when I proposed." Keiichi said softly, "Even with all the risks, you are still the woman I want to be my wife, now and forever."

 

Belldandy's eyes filled with tears as she all but leapt back into his arms.

 

 

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All of your troubles, are a product of yourself, Mara, and your own personal demons.'

 

Sayoko stood silently in her bathroom the next morning.

 

Staring back at her from the mirror was a woman she couldn't recognized.

 

Limp hair, red puffy eyes, defeated posture, gone was the proud woman that had once been the envy of the entire campus.

 

All that remained was the broken creature before her.

 

All of your troubles, are a product of yourself, Mara, and your own personal demons.'

 

Belldandy's words rang through her head again as she stared at the mirror. The attempted rape had opened her eyes. She'd been helpless, at the mercy of that man.

 

And then she'd been rescued by a witc....a Goddess.

 

It hadn't been the first time either.

 

There had been several times in the past she'd been saved by either Belldandy, her sisters, or Keiichi.

 

He even cares about you, regardless what you have done to him.....or what you have done to me.'

 

It was true, she realized, despite what she had done to him, Keiichi had never held it against her. Nor had Belldandy.

 

I forgive you for everything you've said about me.'

 

She'd even been forgiven for her actions.

 

Sayoko leaned closer towards the mirror, looking deeply into her reflection's eyes. They were dull and lifeless.

 

Heed my warning. Should you continue on this path, you will only destroy yourself.'

 

Sayoko stood back from the mirror, but kept her eyes upon it.

 

The old Sayoko, the Campus Queen, was gone, never to return. A new Sayoko was needed.

 

But first the creature before her had to go.

 

Sayoko left the bathroom and walked quickly and determinedly towards the kitchen. There she opened a cabinet and stared a moment.

 

Several bottle of alcohol stared back at her.

 

Slowly, Sayoko reached out and removed the bottle. With practiced ease, she removed the cap. A scent of the liquor within began to fill the air.

 

Sayoko inhaled deeply, the smell causing her to feel light headed. She then determinedly turned and poured the bottle out into the sink.

 

Setting the bottle so that it would continue to drain, Sayoko returned to the cabinet and withdrew another. Soon her sink was filled the sight of bottles slowly draining their contents.

 

As she watched, Sayoko felt a bit of peace come over her as one of her demons drained its life's blood out.

 

Chapter 8

 

 

 

Keiichi sat in the shed, idly twirling a wrench in his hand while staring at his bike. Working on his bike usually helped him to relieve tension. Unfortunately though, today his bike was in top shape already and had been for the past week.

 

Even more unfortunate, his tension level had gotten higher as the wedding day grew closer.

 

He wasn't worried about his parents. They loved Belldandy. His father, Keima, was actually able to stand sitting beside Belldandy without leaping out of the room. And his mother, Takano, well...... When he told her, he essentially got well it's about time.'

 

Surprisingly, he wasn't worried about Sayoko Mishima.

 

Wait, scratch that. He WAS worried about Sayoko, but not in the way he was expecting. He'd expected her to cause all sorts of problems, cumulating with possibly interrupting the wedding ceremony itself. Yet, the former Campus Queen had been strangely quiet. He'd seen her several times at school, but every time he'd spotted her, she'd gotten an odd look on her face and immediately turned away.

 

He was worried about Mara for the obvious reason: She had made it a goal in her life to disrupt Belldandy and his in theirs. Obviously she would try and disrupt the wedding, even with a large group of Valkyries running around in Nekomi.

 

But even Mara paled when the thought of what the Sempeis were planning for his bachelor party.

 

Not that he was really all that eager to have one, but he knew they would insist.

 

Keiichi had gone out of his way to avoid being seen anywhere near either Tamiya or Otaki. Even Chihiro had helped him, a surprise considering her mischievous streak. He'd also gotten help from Skuld. He'd heard Tamiya was still trying to figure out how he'd gotten out of the men's restroom without going past him.

 

Skuld had told him that Urd was planning Belldandy's bachelorette party, along with help from Megumi and Chihiro. Skuld had all but been told she wasn't going to be a part of that party, not that she was all that eager to see a man gyrating as he took his clothes off. Belldandy apparently was so engrossed in her bridal and bridesmaid's dresses that she was clueless about her bachelorette party.

 

Footsteps outside the shed brought Keiichi out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Skuld quietly entering the shed.

 

"What's up?" he asked.

 

Skuld shrugged. "Urd has set her evil plan in motion."

 

"Ah.... the party." Keiichi tossed the wrench into his toolbox. "Guess it's you, me and Lind tonight."

 

"No." Skuld shook her head. "You and me. Lind got dragged into the party as well."

 

Keiichi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

 

"Hey! Not every God and Goddess in Heaven is like Belldandy."

 

"Yeah." He agreed, "For every Belldandy there are probably a few Peorths, Linds, and Skulds." He then went pale. "Unless they are outnumbered by Urds."

 

Skuld shivered. "One Urd is more then enough thank you."

 

"Amen." Keiichi rose to his feet. "Movie and Pizza night?"

 

"I get to pick the movie!" Skuld shouted as she raced back to the house.

 

Keiichi smiled as he followed her in.

 

 

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Three blocks away, Mara watched through binoculars on a rooftop. A smirk appeared on her face.

 

No Belldandy.

 

No Urd.

 

No Lind.

 

Just a kid, her robots, and then the mortal was hers.

 

"You will fail you know."

 

Mara frowned and looked behind her. Barbas was leaning against an air conditioning unit, idly picking at a nail.

 

"How do you know that sir?" Mara hissed the last word.

 

Barbas pointed. Mara looked in the direction he had indicated. Walking down the sidewalk of a nearby street were three women. Not unusual for Nekomi. What was unusual was that two of the women seemed to be slowly scanning the other pedestrians. Mara frowned and raised her binoculars to her eyes. Her face went pale as she noticed the blue markings on the women's cheeks. Barbas smirked at her expression.

 

"Try and take the mortal all you want." He said, "You'll never be able to take him out from under the watch of the Valkyires."

 

Mara lowered the binoculars with a frown. He had a point. Though a kid, the brat did have some nasty explosives, not to mention that damn robot.

 

Then a thought hit her.

 

"Barbas....." she said, "You still have a bone to pick with Mist don't you?"

 

Barbas frowned. A few hundred years before, he had fought and lost a mortal soul to Mist, now leader of the Valkyries.

 

"What of it?" he growled.

 

"How'd you like to get back at her?"

 

 

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"The mortal world has change a lot hasn't it?" Stratus said.

 

"Yeah," Katrina murmured, "Not as many horses on the streets."

 

"Some things remain the same." Blitz answered.

 

"Such as?"

 

Blitz indicated the crowd. "They go about their lives, working, raising their young, not knowing when the end will come. Very few know what is truly out there amongst them."

 

"...you mean demons?" Stratus asked, an odd tone in her voice.

 

"Naturally."

 

"I think a few more know." Blitz turned to see Stratus looking down a street. She followed the other Valkyries gaze to see a large man standing a block away from them. Her eyes widened as she took in the red markings on his face, which was staring right at her. It was a face she recognized.

 

"Barbas." Blitz hissed.

 

Barbas gave them a small wave, before grabbing a nearby mortal and tossing him headfirst into a shop window. Blitz was already moving even before the sound of shattering glass reached her. Stratus and Katrina followed just behind.

 

 

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Women screamed throughout the club as the man on stage continued to gyrate to the sounds of thumping music. The screams grew louder as he removed his shirt and tossed it out into the crowd.

 

Chihiro couldn't decide wither to join in with the screaming, or laugh at the expression on Belldandy's face. The Goddess really had no clue where they were until the first dancer had taken his pants off. Her eyes had then grown wide and her cheeks had gone completely red. That's pretty much how she remained since. She'd nod her head slowly to questions and would drink anything set before her (All had quickly made an agreement not to give Belldandy soda) but that was the extent of Belldandy's participation in her party.

 

Chihiro had thought it was a Goddess thing, they being pure beings and all, but Urd and Lind had been cheering right along with everyone else.

 

Obviously it was a Belldandy thing.

 

Speaking of Lind..... Chihiro noticed that she had suddenly gone quiet and was cocking her head slightly, almost like she was listening to something. A frown appeared on her face.

 

"What is it?" she asked the Goddess.

 

Lind glanced at Chihiro and shook her head.

 

"Valkyries have spotted a Demon." She said, "He's nowhere near us or the Temple though."

 

"So we shouldn't be worried?" Chihiro asked.

 

"It's a Demon." Lind stated, "We should always be worried."

 

 

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The three Valkyries raced after the Demon, who had fled after tossing the mortal through the window. As they ran, five more Valkyries joined up with them.

 

They paused at an intersection. Across the street was a large park. Blitz cocked her head slightly. She could smell the barest hint of sulfur leading into the park. The Valkyire raised her right hand, flashed three fingers and pointed to the right. She then raised her left hand, again flashed three fingers and pointed the left. Three Valkyires quickly headed in each direction, leaving only Blitz and Stratus behind. The two immediately headed across the street and into the park.

 

 

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Keiichi and Skuld sat in front of the TV chuckling as they watched the movie. It was something Keiichi never expected to happen.

 

The times do change.......

 

Instead of being on the receiving end of a Skuld bomb, he was now enjoying a bowl of popcorn with her.

 

Senbei and Segal were out patrolling the yard keeping watch.

 

All together it was turning into a rather pleasant evening.

 

"Why Morisato...I never expected you to be into the kiddies." Came a voice the two knew all to well. "There's hope for you yet!"

 

Keiichi and Skuld leaped to their feet and turned around. Mara was leaning against the doorway, chuckling softly to herself.

 

"So kids." Mara said, "It looks like it's just the three of us."

 

Skuld tossed her hammer to Keiichi and pulled out a Skuld bomb. Keiichi caught the hammer and held it menacingly over his head.

 

"Don't know how you got in here Mara," Skuld hissed, "But you'd better leave now."

 

"Or what?" Mara asked, "Your little robot will hurt me?" She tossed bits of something in Skuld's direction.

 

Skuld's eyes widened as she took in the broken remains of electronic chips and wires.

 

"I believe your robots are experiencing technical difficulties." Mara chuckled. She then raised a hand. A red ball of energy formed within her palm. "Let the fun commence."

 

 

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Blitz stopped in a small clearing and slowly looked around. Behind her, Stratus mirrored her movements.

 

"Anything?" Blitz asked softly.

 

"Nothing." Stratus replied, "What is he doing here anyway?"

 

"He's been to earth several times." Came the reply, "As to what he does......we suspect, but we aren't sure."

 

Stratus looked at Blitz curiously. "Suspect what?"

 

Blitz shook her head. "It's rumors only. We have no definitive proof, but we think he kills mortals after having fun' with them."

 

Stratus' eyes widened. "If we have suspected, why haven't we tried to stop him?"

 

"We have." Blitz turned and looked back at Stratus. "It's hard to fight a foe that picks and chooses where he will strike. The world is a vast place." Blitz then shook her head. "Doesn't matter. He's here now."

 

Stratus held her arms out. "But where?"

 

"AIIEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

 

Both were startled as a body hurtled through the air over their heads before slamming hard into a nearby tree. The tree shuddered hard from the impact, and then with a groan, fell over. The two quickly raced over to the body.

 

"It's Katrina!" Stratus said.

 

"And?" Blitz asked impatiently.

 

".....did someone get the number of that horse cart that hit me?" came a weak voice.

 

"She's alive."

 

Blitz nodded. "Get her back upstairs." She then turned and headed in the direction Katrina had come from.

 

"Where are you going?"

 

"To get some payback."

 

 

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Barbas smirked as he slammed the face of a Valkyrie into a rock. He heard a loud snap as the Valkyrie's nose broke, followed by her cry of pain. He then tossed the deity to the side, joining her unconscious comrade at the base of a tree.

 

"Pathetic." Barbas growled, "I expected more from the fable warriors of Valhalla."

 

"You haven't face me yet." Barbas turned to see Blitz standing just a short distance away.

 

The Demon grinned evilly.

 

"Finally," he growled,"A Challenge."

 

 

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"I love a challenge." Chihiro said.

 

"Somehow I don't think she'd appreciate it." Megumi replied.

 

"She'll love it!"

 

"Is that why she's almost catatonic right now?"

 

"It's the booze!"

 

"She doesn't get drunk off of booze."

 

"We'll ask Urd then!" Chihiro turned, "Urd! Would....hey! Where's Urd?"

 

Lind pointed. Chihiro looked over to see the Goddess of the Past sitting right at the edge of the stage, her head following the exact movement of the dancer's......

 

"Oh...wow..." Chihiro murmured, "......is that even legal?"

 

"...Don't know...." Megumi murmured, wiping the corner of her mouth. "But....damn."

 

"He's quite......flexible...." Lind added.

 

"I wonder what....." Chihiro turned and glanced at Belldandy. The Goddess of the Present remained in the exact same pose as when the dancing had begun and was pretty much out of it. "Oh well.... Guess that's a no on the lap dance then."

 

 

 

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The temple shuddered as explosion after explosion erupted inside. Then with a mighty blast, the wall to the temple shattered into fragments as a body was blasted out into the yard. The body slammed into the ground and began to tumble. It's tumble finally ended with it flipping up the small steps to the massive bell, which let out a loud DONG! as the figure's head met metal.

 

Mara grabbed her head in pain. Not only did it hurt from the impact, but the damn thing was holy. Not exactly the kind of thing a Demon likes to touch. She looked up as a figure moved into the hole her body had just made in the house.

 

"Aww to heck with it..." Mara swore before vanishing with a puff of smoke.

 

 

 

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Thunder echoed throughout the park as Blitz and Barbas fought.

 

Neither was able to get an edge on the other, and the park clearing suffered from their efforts.

 

Suddenly a battered Mara appeared just off to the side.

 

"Let's go!" she shouted.

 

"I'm a bit occupied at the moment." Barbas snapped back, "Did you succeed?"

 

"Well you see......"

 

"Failure." Barbas growled, "Typical." He whipped his hand off to the side, then brought it back.

 

Blitz frowned at the motion, then a loud snapping noise to the side caused her to look in that direction. Her eyes widened as a large boulder hurtled towards her. She was only just able to duck out of the way as it tumbled past her.

 

Returning to her feet, Blitz turned to face Barbas again.

 

But the Demon was no longer there.

 

Nor was Mara.

 

Blitz let out a snarl and brought her fist violent down into her palm.

 

"We will meet again." She hissed.

 

 

 

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"Well it did answer one thought I had." Chihiro declared as they walked their way back to the temple.

 

"What was that?" Megumi asked as she attempted to help an intoxicated Urd to walk a straight path on the sidewalk.

 

"Belldandy and Keiichi have actually been sleeping at night."

 

"That's something I really don't want to picture Chihiro. He is my brother."

 

"Not that it's any of your business what Keiichi and I do at night....." came a faint voice.

 

"She speaks!" Chihiro glanced over to where Lind had been leading a drunk Sora and a catatonic Goddess of the Present home. Belldandy's eyes had lost their glazed look and were currently glaring in her direction.

 

"Enjoy the show?" Chihiro asked with a smirk.

 

The glare went away as Belldandy paled slightly.

 

"You liked it and you know it."

 

"I did not...." Belldandy began.

 

"I imagine she wished it was Keiichi up there." Lind stated.

 

Belldandy gave the Fighting Goddess a look of betrayal.

 

"Ohh...good point Lind." Chihiro's smirk had now become a full grin. "So Bell? Tonight you going to ask Keiichi to give you a private show? Or are you going to ask for it on your wedding night?"

 

"...again the mental images of my brother are not needed." A green Megumi called out.

 

"Hey!" Sora suddenly shouted, "Iz that smoke?"

 

Everyone stopped and looked up the hill towards the Temple. Smoke could be seen rising from just beyond the Temple ground walls.

 

"Keiichi....." Belldandy whispered before she literally flew up the hill, the others running just behind her.

 

 

 

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Belldandy hurried through the gate and onto the Temple grounds. She ran past the broken Sigel and Banpei and rounded the corner to the front of the house. A large hole met her eyes. It was this that was the source of the smoke. The Goddess quickly moved towards the hole.

 

"Keiichi!!" she called out, "Skuld!!"

 

"In here!" came a tired male voice from inside the house.

 

Belldandy hurried through the opening, expecting the worse. What she got froze her in her tracks.

 

Sitting bruised and battered on the floor with gallon of ice cream between them, surrounded by debris that had been furniture as well as the walls and ceiling of the temple, was Keiichi and Skuld. Each had a spoon in their hands and, from the look of the ice cream container, had been there for sometime.

 

"Hiya Onee-sama!" Skuld called out waving her hand.

 

"Wha....what happened here?" Belldandy asked, her eyes taking in the damage. The others had by this time had caught up to Belldandy.

 

"Keiichi and I did some bonding by beating the crap outta Mara!" Skuld said with a smile.

 

"Nani?" Belldandy cocked her head slightly in confusion. "Mara?!"

 

"Mara attacked earlier." Keiichi explained, "Skuld and I drove her off, and I got out the ice cream because she was a bit tired from using her powers."

 

"Sugar high?" Megumi asked, pointing at Skuld.

 

"Yes/No." Keiichi and Skuld said together.

 

"Are you two alright?" Belldandy asked.

 

"Nothing a bath and a good night's sleep won't fix." Keiichi replied.

 

"Then tomorrow you can help me fix my hammer." Skuld stated.

 

Lind raised an eyebrow. "Your Hammer broke?"

 

Keiichi reached around behind him and lifted up Skuld's hammer, minus a little over half of the handle.

 

"I think I debugged Mara a little too hard." Keiichi said.

 

"Right in the kisser!" Skuld exclaimed.

 

"I think that's enough ice cream for now Skuld." Belldandy said, still looking over the damage.

 

"Awww....." Skuld pouted.

 

Keiichi patted the Goddess of the Future on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll do this again."

 

"You'll what?!" Belldandy's head snapped back towards her fiance.

 

"Minus the Mara part of course." Keiichi added.

 

 

 

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Lind and Belldandy quickly restored the house back to it's previously undamaged state. After making sure that Chihiro, Sora, and Megumi were settled for the night (it was far to late for anyone to be walking home), Belldandy slipped into the room she shared with her love.

 

Keiichi was already in bed when she entered. Arms behind his head, he seemed lost in thought as he stared at the ceiling. Soon Belldandy was slipping under the covers beside him.

 

"Are you really alright?" she asked softly.

 

"I'm fine Bell." Keiichi said, "Really."

 

Belldandy wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest.

 

"I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you." Came her muffled voice.

 

"You didn't lose me." Keiichi said softly, running his hand over her back. "Skuld was with me and.....I mean it IS Mara after all."

 

Belldandy lifted her head slightly and gave Keiichi a curious look.

 

"Just how did you drive Mara off?" she asked, "She's not really affected by Skuld's bombs anymore and both Sigel and Banpei were non-functional."

 

"Ah." Keiichi smiled, "It's bothering you isn't it?"

 

"Keiichi."Belldandy sat up. "There's been very few times where Urd and I have been able to drive Mara off together, much less alone. Without the robots and her bombs...." Belldandy fell silent as Keiichi placed a finger on her lips.

 

"You're forgetting Skuld blasting Urd down the hall."

 

Belldandy's eyes went wide.

 

"You mean.....?"

 

Keiichi nodded and pulled Belldandy back down beside him.

 

"I'd say Urd is in for a surprise the next time she picks on Skuld."

 

"........Keiichi..."

 

"Yes Bell?"

 

"That thought isn't exactly making me feel any better."

 

"Oh...Well I know something that might distract you from it."

 

"What do you ...Muph!" Her question was cut off as Keiichi placed his lips against hers. Her eyes fluttered as the kiss deepened. After several moments, Keiichi pulled away slightly.

 

"How was that?" he asked.

 

"I don't know." Belldandy said, a slight grin appearing on her face. "I think we were talking about Skuld and...."

 

Keiichi laughed and soon they were done with talking for the night.

Chapter 9

 

 

 

"Morisato."

 

Keiichi froze at the voice. Then with a sigh of resignation, he sat the wrench down carefully on the floor of the shed and slowly turned around. Blocking the entrance were the Sempeis, Tamiya and Otaki. Behind them were the rest of the male members of the Motor Club.

 

"Umm...Hi guys." Keiichi said nervously.

 

"Morisato." Tamiya rumbled, "It is time for your final rite of passage before marriage!"

 

"Could I take a rain check?"

 

"Get him!"

 

"....I didn't think so...."

 

 

 

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Belldandy looked up from the dishes at the sounds of a commotion from outside. She walked over to the door in time to see the Motor Club carrying a bound and gagged Keiichi out of the shed over their shoulders.

 

"What's going on?" Belldandy asked.

 

"Club event Miss Belldandy." Otaki called out, "Mandatory for all Male members."

 

"We'll make sure he gets home after." Tamiya added.

 

"Oh." Belldandy smiled, "Well have fun." She then turned and reentered the house. Before she could get back to the kitchen, a voice spoke up from the living room.

 

"What was that about?"

 

Belldandy turned to face the voice. Skuld was seated in front of the TV, idly changing the channels.

 

"Keiichi was going out with the Motor Club." The elder goddess answered.

 

Skuld was on her feet in moments, the TV remote flying through the air.

 

"The Motor Club?!" Skuld repeated, "Keiichi left willingly with them?"

 

"Well they are his friends. Of course he'd go with them." Belldandy replied, "Though it was rather odd that they'd tie him up."

 

Skuld stared at her sister. "They tied him up?!"

 

"It kind of reminded me of that retreat they went to a few years back." Belldandy said wistfully, "Keiichi wasn't all that interested in going then either. But it turned out for the best." She then turned and reentered the kitchen.

 

Skuld stared blankly at the kitchen entrance for a moment before racing towards her room.

 

"Keiichi," she muttered to herself, "There are times I really do wonder what you see in my sister."

 

 

 

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"Gimmie another."

 

The bartender raised an eyebrow at the request, but in the end he poured the drink. He could never turn down a request from a lady.

 

Especially one that looked like her.

 

Urd swirled the drink about in her glass as she stared at the mirror on the other side of the bar.

 

The Urd in the mirror stared back.

 

It was her fourth drink in the past fifteen minutes, but she barely felt a buzz. And boy did she wished the buzz was there. But there were things that were halting her from doing so.

 

First was that damned mirror.

 

Well not the mirror directly, but the person that could use it to spy on her. Not that the person would intentionally do that. Urd smirked. The day Belldandy did that would be the same day that Urd gave up booze. No, Belldandy would watch from the mirror if only to make sure she was alright. She was the Good' sister after all.

 

The led to the second item: the brat.

 

Technically, they were equal in rank. But it was that little tag at the end of their title that separated them.

 

Urd, Goddess Second Class Limited.

 

Skuld, Goddess Second Class Limited.

 

Urd, limited because for all her power, she had control issues.

 

Skuld, limited because, for the most part, she had no powers.

 

Until recently.

 

Urd gulped down her drink and motioned to the bartender for a refill.

 

The brat had taken on Mara.........and won.

 

Well, the brat AND Keiichi had taken on Mara and won. But then there were limits to what Keiichi could do.

 

Blasting Mara through a wall was a bit beyond him.

 

Urd turned her eyes down from the mirror to the glass before her. She could believe Skuld had the power now. She did send Urd hurtling down the hallway. Given the circumstances, blasting Mara was possible.

 

Urd rolled her eyes at the mirror again. Her eyes then narrowed as the reflection before her.

 

Speak of the devil.

 

 

 

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Mara winced as she sat down in the corner booth. She was still sore, both from the fight, and the aftermath.

 

Barbas was not a very forgiving Demon. Especially to those he considered failures.

 

Like herself.

 

Mara sighed as she leaned back in her seat, allowing herself to be obscured by the shadows, her other reason for choosing the corner. Other then the bartender, no one would pay her much attention.

 

"Well well well, just who do we have here?"

 

Mara let out a low groan.

 

Someone out there really had it in for her.

 

"What do you want Urd?" The Demoness grumbled.

 

Urd sat down across from her.

 

"Can't I have a drink with an old friend?" she asked.

 

Mara stared at Urd.

 

"You're kidding right?"

 

"Aww come on." Urd said, "We've sat and had drinks socially before." The Goddess then shrugged. "Of course you had a scheme in the works, but still......."

 

Mara eyed Urd. "And just what do you have in mind?"

 

"Nothing." The Goddess said, "Tonight, I don't want to talk shop, no Yggdrasil, no Nidheg." She then smirked, "So how about them Giants?"

 

Mara blinked. "San Francisco?"

 

"No. Yomiuri."

 

"Are you actually trying to talk baseball with me Urd?"

 

Urd shrugged, "It isn't shop. So?"

 

"I'm more of a Hanshin Tigers fan."

 

Urd's eyes narrowed.

 

"You would be......"

 

 

 

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"Sit down!" Keiichi had barely heard the words before two very powerful hands had forced him back into his seat.

 

He'd been trying to escape the Motor Club ever since they'd arrived at the strip club. Unfortunately now that they had him, Tamiya and Otaki were very reluctant to let him out of their sight.

 

"I need to use the restroom." Keiichi stated.

 

"Well why didn't you say so?" Tamiya asked. He nodded towards Otaki and together they took hold of Keiichi's arms and carried him towards the restrooms.

 

Arriving there, Tamiya had gone inside first, verifying that there were no windows or other means to escape. He returned and gave Keiichi a slight shove into the restroom before closing the door. He and Otaki then took station on either side, waiting for their friends return.

 

Keiichi stared at the door a moment before walking up to the sink and staring into the mirror.

 

"Bell?" he called out softly, "Bell? Are you there?"

 

"What do you see in her?" came a slightly tinny voice.

 

Keiichi blinked and looked around.

 

"Down here!"

 

Keiichi looked down into the sink. There, reflecting back at him from the few remaining drops of water in the basin was Skuld.

 

"What do you mean what do I see in her?" He asked, slightly annoyed.

 

"In a moment," Skuld answered, "You mind?"

 

"Huh? Oh!" Keiichi turned on the sink, filling the basin. Then with a flash, Skuld appeared in the restroom.

 

The Young Goddess took a moment to look around, then scrunched her face up.

 

"Ewww, what is that smell?" she gagged.

 

"I don't think you want me to answer that." Keiichi said.

 

Skuld raised an eyebrow as she glanced at Keiichi.

 

"Right..... you ready to go? Or would you rather stay here?"

 

Keiichi wrapped his arms quickly around Skuld.

 

"You saved me! My Hero!!"

 

"Hey! Cut that out!"

 

Outside the restroom, Tamiya and Otaki glanced at each other.

 

"You hear that?" Otaki asked.

 

"Yeah." Tamiya turned and opened the restroom door. "Morisato?"

 

They received no answer.

 

The two entered and looked carefully around the restroom, yet they could find no sign of their friend.

 

"How does he do that?" Otaki asked.

 

Tamiya frowned for a moment, then his eyes widened in understanding.

 

"The Goddesses." He stated.

 

"Which one?" Otaki asked, "Miss Belldandy didn't have any problem with us taking him."

 

"Miss Urd wasn't there." Tamiya scratched his chin, "Even if she was, she'd go along with it. Remember what Hasegawa said."

 

"Lind was there too." Otaki added as an after thought.

 

Both frowned for a moment, then turned and said as one.

 

"SKULD!!!"

 

 

 

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"Have I told you thank you' yet?"

 

"Yes, repeatedly. But feel free to continue."

 

Skuld and Keiichi walked down the hall towards the living room. Reaching there, Skuld picked up the remote and began to flip through the channels.

 

"Think the Sempeis have figured it out yet?" Keiichi asked.

 

Skuld shrugged. "They aren't exactly stupid, just slow at times." She glanced back at Keiichi. "I think I can handle them."

 

"Handle who?" Belldandy asked as she entered the room. She then gave Keiichi a curious look. "Didn't you go off with the Motor Club?"

 

"I did." Keiichi answered, "But I wasn't all into the strip club idea."

 

Belldandy's eyes went wide, then narrowed.

 

"Oh." She said softly, "I see....." She turned and left the room. Moments later the sounds of loud chopping could be heard coming from the kitchen.

 

Keiichi and Skuld looked towards the kitchen, then turned and looked at each other.

 

"Suddenly I fear for the Sempeis." Keiichi whispered.

 

Skuld only nodded her head vigorously.

 

 

 

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"I really wonder about those two." Urd said wistfully.

 

Mara stared blankly at the Goddess.

 

"If Keiichi is banging the kid there's hope for him yet."

 

"No!" Urd snapped, slamming her glass down. "That's disgusting and even you have to agree K-boy isn't like that."

 

"True." Mara waved her hand, "But what do you mean?"

 

"When the brat got down here she, she didn't like Keiichi." Urd explained, "Even went so far as to try and drive them apart. She calmed down some after meeting Sentaro, but she still tried to keep them separated."

 

"So what?" Mara grumbled, swirling her glass about, "The kid don't like the mortal getting so close to her Onee-sama'."

 

"But that's changed." Urd leaned forward, "The brat and Keiichi get along very well now. As I'm sure you noticed."

 

Mara grumbled something under her breath and rubbed her head. "He's got a good swing. Kid surprised me too."

 

"From what I get, they talked." Urd explained. She continued as Mara took a drink. "Before that race. I don't know what they talked about, but shortly after I found out Keiichi and Belldandy were sleeping together."

 

"PHBBTTT!!!" Urd leaned to the side, avoiding the spray coming from the demon's mouth.

 

"They WHAT!?!?!" Mara spluttered, "Are you....?

 

Urd shrugged, "I honestly don't know cause when I tried to look the brat blasted me down the hall."

 

"She on her way to being a First Class?" Mara regretted saying it the moment the words left her mouth. Urd's face was suddenly one of fury.

 

"There is no way in hell that brat is going to become a First Class before me!" She hissed. She then rose to her feet and stormed out of the bar.

 

Mara stared at the retreating form of the Goddess. She then leaned back further into the darkness of the booth, thoughts on how to exploit this apparent disharmony in the Goddesses of fate sisterhood.

 

 

 

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Skuld watched silently as the Motor Club put up the wedding decorations under the watchful eyes of Belldandy. Tamiya and Otaki had volunteered' the services of the club after Belldandy had gone to see them regarding Keiichi's party.

 

Oh to have been a fly on the wall to that discussion.

 

"She is not leaving anything to chance is she?"

 

Skuld turned her head slightly towards Keiichi.

 

"After everything you two have been through, do you blame her?" she asked.

 

A small smile appeared on Keiichi's face.

 

"No." he answered, "Guess I can't." He then chuckled as Tamiya and Otaki had begun to argue about how a decoration was supposed to be hung, only to fall silent as an eyebrow rose on Belldandy's forehead. "I don't think Belldandy will let them forget that little discussion anytime soon." "He glanced at Skuld. "They say anything to you?"

 

"Tamiya started to." Skuld replied, "But I gave him the look' and he ended up asking about motorcycles."

 

Keiichi frowned. "'The look'?"

 

Skuld's eyes suddenly went wide and watery as her lower lip stuck out and visibly quivered. Keiichi suddenly felt rather guilty and felt the need to make Skuld happy, anything to drive that look from her face.

 

Just as quickly, Skuld's face returned to normal.

 

"That look'." She stated.

 

Keiichi stared at the young Goddess for a moment.

 

"I'll remember that look the next time you really want me to get you a computer gadget or magazine."

 

"What!?" Skuld gasped, "But....but....but.... you asked and I was just showing you and......"

 

"Skuld." Keiichi cut her off. "I was kidding."

 

"Meanie."

 

 

 

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Lind chuckled as the mortal stuck his tongue out at Skuld.The antics of these two had brought her much amusement in her time on the planet, something her life had been lacking until recently. The mortal himself was instrumental in allowing both of her Angels to be released at the same time, all because of trust. It was that trust that allowed Keiichi to use Cool Mint, one of her angels. The fact he could even hold an angel within him, and use it successfully spoke volumes of Keiichi.

 

Lind openly laughed as Skuld, taking exception to Keiichi sticking his tongue at her, began to chase him around the Temple grounds. Unlike in times past however, both mortal and goddess were laughing, a sign of just how much the relationship had changed between the two. Even Belldandy took notice and allowed a small smile to appear on her face.

 

There was one sour face, though she remained just out of view in the shadows of the porch. Urd attitude had darkened recently in regards to her youngest sister.Where as before there had been light hearted teasing, now more hurtful comments had begun to slip in. Not even Belldandy had been spared. Keiichi and Lind had seemed to be the only ones spared Urd's tongue.

 

The only theory anyone had was Keiichi's: Urd was jealous.

 

Urd, the eldest sister, had had several relationships in the past. All had failed.

 

Belldandy, the middle sister, had found her true love with a simple phone call.

 

Skuld, the youngest, seemed to be having a good relationship as well with Sentaro, despite their constant denials.

 

Lind let out a sigh. After tomorrow, everything would change.

 

"Salut."

 

Lind glanced over as Peorth moved beside her.

 

"You're here early." Lind muttered, looking back to the others.

 

"Peut-tre." Peorth replied, "and then again I might be on time."

 

Lind frowned slightly.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

The Goddess of Forever nodded to where Urd was standing in the shadows.

 

"You think Skuld and her will survive being alone together when K and Belldandy leave for their Honeymoon?"

 

"I'll still be here." Lind pointed out.

 

"But you haven't been around those two as much as I have." Peorth smirked, "I'm a calming influence on them."

 

Lind snorted. "I think your influence is hardly calming."

 

Peorth frowned at the fighting Goddess. "Where did you get that idea from?"

 

"Keiichi mostly."

 

"Pourquoi dirait-il telles choses?" Peorth muttered.

 

"He didn't." Lind stated, "I read' between the lines, so to speak."

 

Peorth scowled.

 

The two remained silent for a few moments, then Peorth spoke again.

 

"I did have another reason for coming. I brought your trainee."

 

Lind turned and looked at Peorth confused.

 

"Trainee?"

 

"Trainee, student, apprentice," Peorth nodded to the side, "I was told to bring her to you."

 

Lind looked to where Peorth had indicated. Standing just out of view of the others was a Goddess. She appeared to be in her late teens and wore red and white robes. She had blond hair with a few purple streaks running through it.

 

"Selene, Goddess Second Class Special Duty Limited." Peorth stated, motioning the new Goddess to join them. "Until Belldandy and Keiichi return from their Honeymoon, you'll be training her here at the Temple."

 

"Right." Lind turned to Selene, "Do you have any idea what your about to get yourself into?"

 

"Yes." Selene stated, "And I asked to be trained by the best. Apparently, that is you."

 

"Oooo this is going to be fun." Peorth snickered as Lind frowned.

 

It was around this time that Keiichi noticed the new arrival. He slowly came to a stop and stared. Within seconds, Skuld slammed into his back, sending them both to the ground.

 

"Got you!" Skuld shouted.

 

"Skuld?" came Keiichi's voice from under her, "Who is that?"

 

"Who is...?" Skuld looked up and spotted the new Goddess. "Another one?"

 

"Six..." Keiichi murmured, "What am I? A Goddess magnet?"

 

 

 

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The Next Day

 

 

 

Belldandy sat before a mirror, staring at her reflection.

 

Today was it. The moment she had been waiting for so long.

 

Her wedding to Keiichi.

 

A few had been surprised when she'd chosen a traditional Japanese wedding, but no one could deny how beautiful she looked in the kimono.

 

Now if they could just get through the day without Mara, Aoshima, and Sayoko trying to ruin everything, it would be perfect.

 

"I wouldn't worry about that."

 

Belldandy turned her head to see Kami-sama standing in the doorway.

 

"Father!" Belldandy moved to bow before him, but was stopped by a hand.

 

"I think we can forgo that today." Kami-sama said with a smile. "You look beautiful my Belldandy."

 

Belldandy smiled. "Thank you Father."

 

"Shino hmm?" Kami-sama smiled as Belldandy started to explain, but he waved her off. "I don't have any issues with that. I believe the saying is When in Rome....', but don't even think of telling Saturn I said that." He added with a wink.

 

Belldandy let out a laugh and wrapped her father in a hug, one he graciously returned.

 

 

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

Mara sat on a rooftop that was nearly on the other side of Nekomi from the temple. The closest she could get to the temple this day was by the binoculars she was currently using to watch the wedding.

 

Not even the Queen would dare get nearer.

 

It wasn't the presence of the Goddesses, now numbering ten or so (Belldandy did have other friends in the Heavens) nor the several Gods present. Nor was it the presence of several dozen Valkyire, including their Commander and second Command.

 

It was because of Him.

 

He probably knew she was watching, she'd actually seen him looking her way several times. But she had done nothing, thus he would not act.

 

She turned her gaze to Urd.

 

The Eldest Norn was smiling, but Mara knew that it was only for show. She'd met Urd several times in the past few weeks, always at the table in the corner of the bar. Each time Urd would drink heavily, venting and letting a few things slip that she normally would have kept silent on. The result was that Mara had reached the same conclusion that Keiichi had: Urd was jealous.

 

Being a Demon, Mara used those fears of Urd and subtly reinforced them. Thus tensions that might normally have relaxed in time were continuing to simmer. Each time they met at the bar, Mara raised the temperature just a bit more. While it would be some time before the boiling point would be reached, it would also not be noticed until it was too late.

 

Mara let out a cackle.

 

The wait would be worth it to see the look on Belldandy's face when Urd finally erupted, shattering their little family'.

 

 

 

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Mist watched again as Kami-sama's gaze drifted from the wedding to look off toward the city.

 

"Milord?" she asked softly. "What is it?"

 

"I'm not entirely sure." Kami-sama frowned, then looked to Mist. "The Demoness is still in Nekomi is she not?"

 

Mist started to rise. "I can go and..."

 

Kami-sama shook his head and motioned the Valkyrie Commander back down.

 

"No, " he said, "We won't interrupt their day. Belldandy has desired this and I won't darken it."

 

"And if the Demoness does?" Mist asked.

 

Kami-sama looked to where Belldandy and Keiichi stood before the Shinto Priest, both dressed in Tradition Japanese wedding Kimonos.

 

"The Demon won't do anything this day." Kami-sama stated.

 

"And tomorrow?" Mist asked.

 

Kami-sama took in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

 

"There will always be Darkness," he finally said, "And it will always be in conflict with the light." He then turned to Mist, "Whatever this Demoness is plotting, it will eventually make itself known, and we will do what we always have done." He then turned back. "This day, we celebrate." A thoughtful look then came over his face as the ceremony ended and the couple turned to face friends and family. "And let's make sure Thor doesn't get too carried away this time?"

 

"Yes sir."

 

 

 

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"Oceanic Airlines Flight 1516, now boarding at gate 23."

 

Belldandy briefly glanced up as she listened to the P.A. announcement before returning her gaze to the magazine in her lap. The magazine was one of those touristy types, full of articles covering various tourist spots in countries. This particular one covered Northern Europe.

 

It had been a surprise to both Keiichi and herself when his parents had presented them with a honeymoon in Europe. The couple had planned on staying within Japan. Belldandy still wasn't quite sure how his parents had picked Europe of all places. No one, not Keiichi, herself, her sister, or anyone in the Motor Club had told Keiichi's parents just who their son was marrying. Then there was the fact that the area of Europe they were flying to was once Norse country. Maybe her Father had something to do with it.

 

Either way, Keiichi didn't seem to mind.

 

Belldandy glanced to her right. Keiichi was dozing in the seat beside her. Belldandy blushed as she remembered just why Keiichi was so tired. They'd stayed awake late the night before, and this time it wasn't from talking.

 

When they had left for the airport this morning, Skuld couldn't look either of them in the face without blushing. Urd, for the first time in a while, was her normal self and just walked around with a smirk on her face. When questioned , Urd's response had left Belldandy thoroughly embarrassed.

 

Look into a Soundproofing spell sister dear.' The Eldest Norn had said, It's been confirmed you're a screamer.'

 

Urd had even gone so far as to greet Keiichi with a Hey stud!'.

 

Thankfully, Lind and Selene had said nothing.

 

Though,' as Belldandy thought about it, Lind did give me a rather envious look."

 

"Nippon Airways Flight 4815 to Stockholm, is now ready to begin the pre-boarding process......."

 

Belldandy gave Keiichi a light nudge.

 

"K," she said softly, "That's our flight."

 

Keiichi stretched and let out a yawn. He then looked at his wife and smiled.

 

"Well Mrs. Morisato," he said, "Are you ready to tour Europe?"

 

"I've been ready forever Mr. Morisato." Belldandy replied with her own smile.

 

 

Chapter 10

 

 

August 4th 2000

 

 

Belldandy poked at her breakfast.

 

Keiichi frowned at this.

 

There was nothing wrong with it. She had prepared it correctly. It wasn't burnt. He himself had even taken seconds, as had Skuld. Urd was hiding in her room, either hung-over or sleeping off a shift as the SysOp for Yggdrasil. There was no way he was going in there to check.

 

It had been a remarkable couple of years since the wedding.

 

Keiichi had gotten a job at an engineering firm. The job paid well and he was still able to assist the Motor Club and the Whirlwind on weekends. The only major issue was separation from Belldandy. Apparently the Ultimate Force was humbled by the Firm and was unable to get Belldandy a job there.

 

Belldandy herself kept busy by taking care of the house while still working at the Whirlwind. Chihiro welcomed the help, though she felt it was because Belldandy was a bit lonely. Recent developments had left the Temple very quiet during the day.

 

Urd, as had been stated earlier, was once again working as an Yggdrasil SysOp. And she worked Heaven hours, meaning they didn't translate very well to Earth time. This had the unexpected side affect of lowering tensions in the Temple.

 

If you don't see much of the person, it's really hard to stay mad at them.

 

Skuld was also in Heaven frequently. Due to her increase in power, she had to undergo a series of tests regarding her license. She also began to resume de-bugging duties. While not exactly a job with a set schedule, there had been several bug outbreaks which left no evidence of their cause. Clean-up took time, and a few extra Gods and Goddesses made sure that time was short.

 

The Young Goddess of the Future was also spending time with her He is not my boyfriend' Sentaro. Both Belldandy and Urd believed something was going on there, but that Skuld and Sentaro were still unsure of each other's feelings.

 

They were 14 after all.

 

Belldandy was now pushing her eggs around on her plate.

 

"Bell?" Keiichi asked softly, "Are you alright?"

 

"I feel.....off." Belldandy replied, staring at her plate. "I should be hungry.....but I don't feel like eating at all."

 

Keiichi frowned and glanced at Skuld.

 

"Think she has a virus?" he asked.

 

Skuld shrugged. "It's possible. Urd does have......"

 

"No." Keiichi and Belldandy both stated firmly together.

 

Skuld blinked. She knew things had been strained between Onee-sama and Urd, but to out right refuse her help.........

 

"The last time we went with Urd's medicine I grew boobs." Keiichi pointed out.

 

......oh yeah. Forgot about that.

 

"Urd's been busy with Yggdrasil." Belldandy said, "As have you. I don't wish to be a bother."

 

"You're hardly a bother Onee-sama." Skuld stated.

 

"I'll just go up to the Healers." Belldandy continued, "It has been some time since I was fully checked out."

 

"...by a Healer." Skuld stated, smirking slightly as she glanced at Keiichi.

 

Belldandy frowned at Skuld's comment, not completely understanding it. She did noticed when Keiichi's face went completely red and he began to sputter.

 

"K?" Belldandy asked, "Are you alright? Your face is all red."

 

"I'm....fine." Keiichi spluttered out.

 

"Are you sure? Maybe you're catching what I have?"

 

"No ...seriously...Bell..I'm fine...."

 

"But Keiichi!"

 

"What the hell is going on?" a voice whispered in Skuld's ear.

 

Skuld's eyes glanced to the side to see Urd kneeling beside her.

 

"Not much." Skuld answered, "Just as some things change.......they remain the same."

 

"Bell! I don't need a thermometer! I'm fine!"

 

 

 

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A few hours later, Belldandy was sitting calmly in a waiting room just inside the Healing area of the Yggdrasil building. The Healer had poked, prodded, and scanned her, then repeated it all a second time. Now apparently he was reviewing all the information he had gathered.

 

Just how long did it take to a person they had a virus anyway?

 

Belldandy looked up as the Healer entered the waiting area, a curious look on his face.

 

"Come with me." He stated, and then headed out of the room.

 

Belldandy frowned, but followed.

 

They walked through the numerous hallways and walkways of the Main building. I wasn't long before Belldandy realized just where they were headed.

 

The Office of Kami-sama.

 

They approached the massive doors to his office. On either side stood a fully armored Valkyrie. They made no move to stop either Healer or Goddess though as the massive doors opened and admitted them. The two continued forward until they were a few paces from the desk. Then together, both fell to bended knee before the Creator of the Universe.

 

"Rise." Kami-sama waved his hand, "Imhotep, you wished to see me in regards to my daughter?"

 

The Healer nodded. "Milord, I have examined upon her request. At the time, she believed she was under the influence of a virus."

 

"I assume by your words then that she is not?" Kami-sama asked.

 

"No Milord." Imhotep replied.

 

"Then...?"

 

"The Lady Belldandy is with child." The Healer stated, causing Belldandy's eyes to go wide. "In nine months time, you shall be a Grandfather......again."

 

"I see." Kami-sama said, looking at his daughter. "Do you foresee any difficulties?"

 

"Not at this time Milord." Imhotep said, "However, as this will be her first, I would like to go over with Lady Belldandy some things she can expect."

 

"Of course. You may go."

 

Imhotep bowed deeply, then turned and left the office.

 

Kami-sama turned his attention to his child. The Goddess of the Present appeared to be in a state of shock, her hands now holding on to her stomach, while her mind looked to that which was not her domain, the Future.

 

"I assume by the look upon your face that you were not expecting this?" Kami-sama asked, bringing his daughter back to the present.

 

"No Father." She said, "But I am not.......upset by this either."

 

"Nor should you be." Kami-sama rose to his feet and stood before his daughter a moment. He then reached out and tenderly pulled her into a hug, one which she returned.

 

"I am proud of you my child." He said softly, "No one could ask for a kinder mother."

 

"Thank you Father." Belldandy whispered.

 

Kami-sama slowly drew away, but kept his hands on her shoulders.

 

"Now then, I expect you wish to return to the surface and inform my son-in-law of his new status?"

 

Belldandy's face lit up with joy.

 

"Yes Father! Thank you Father!" She then turned and practically ran out of the room. She returned a second later, bowed deeply, then ran back out of the room.

 

Kami-sama turned and walked slowly back toward his desk. He paused before it, and then began to dance in joy.

 

He was still dancing when Mist entered the room. The Valkyrie Commander stared at the Almighty one doing the Electric Slide. She quickly looked to the side and coughed. She then slowly counted to ten, and when she looked back, Kami-sama was sitting in a very dignified manor behind his desk.

 

"Yes Commander?"

 

"Milord," Mist began, "You wished to be alerted if Mortals took interest in certain areas?"

 

"Indeed." Kami-sama answered with a nod. There had been numerous areas all over the Earth and beyond. Europeans discovering North and South America had been one such alert. The last such alert had occurred when a small rover had landed on Mars. "What is the alert this time?"

 

"An area of Antarctica." Mist answered, "A group of mortals calling itself the Katsuragi Expedition has begun digging on the ice continent."

 

"I see." Kami-sama's face became very grave.

 

Mist frowned at his reaction. "Should I have them experience an act?"

 

"No..." Kami-sama answered, "No Act of God nor Goddess at this time." He then turned his chair to face the windows behind him. "That will be all."

 

"Yes Milord." Mist quickly bowed and left the office.

 

Kami-sama stared out the windows, but saw nothing of the Heavens. His gaze was directed at the memories that now flooded his thoughts.

 

"Those that lay forgotten for so long," He murmured, "Do you come to haunt us again?"

 

 

 

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Keiichi arrived home to a very quiet temple.

 

It was very unnerving.

 

The Temple complex, despite it's deceptive meditative atmosphere, was usually a very active place. Even without the bickering of Urd and Skuld, followed by the usual explosions, there were still the sounds of Belldandy humming to herself as she made busy in the kitchen.

 

Nothing but silence reached Keiichi's ears.

 

He slid open the front door and as he took of his shoes called out.

 

"I'm home!"

 

"Welcome home." Came Belldandy's soft reply.

 

Keiichi moved towards the dining area, but stopped short when he spotted the door to their bedroom open. Belldandy was sitting quietly at the small desk, scribbling away at a piece of paper a moment before pausing to stare at it.

 

"What are you up to?" Keiichi asked, moving to sit beside her. She didn't look at him, her gaze remained on the paper before her.

 

"Thinking." Was the reply.

 

"About?" Keiichi looked down at the paper.

 

On it were written a list of names.

 

Hope.

 

Anata.

 

Kou.

 

Keima.

 

Takano.

 

"Names?" Keiichi asked.

 

"Yes....." Belldandy answered, her finger tapped lightly on the desktop.

 

Keiichi frowned.

 

Why would she be writing a list of names? His parents were listed on there. The others he'd never heard of.

 

Suddenly Belldandy stopped tapping as she wrote another name.

 

Eir.

 

Her finger then resumed it's tapping.

 

Keiichi's frown grew larger.

 

Who was Eir? He didn't know of anyone by that name. It didn't even look Japanese. It must be someone that Belldandy knows. But then that would make them a Goddess wouldn't it? Why would Belldandy be making a list of Gods and Goddesses, and add his parents on it as well? Plus she really seemed to be putting a lot of effort into coming up with these names. Why would she........

 

Keiichi's eyes went wide as a thought hit him.

 

Beside him, Belldandy paused in mid tap. She could feel the change that had just occurred beside her. Confusion had turned to shock. She slowly turned her head to look her husband in the face.

 

"Bell......" Keiichi said softly, "Do you have something to tell me?"

 

Belldandy slowly moved back from the desk and turned to face Keiichi.

 

"I went to the Healer today." She began, "To find out if I had a virus." She looked down at her hands. "I don't have a virus........but...."

 

"But?" Keiichi moved his hands out to take hers. She grasped them tightly in her own.

 

"K," she said, looking up at his face. Tears had begun to fall from her eyes. "You're going to be a father."

 

 

 

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Kami-sama sat behind his desk, staring at a monitor before him. Mist was present as well, but she remained on the opposite side of the desk. She could hear the soft sounds of talking coming from the monitor, but could neither see, nor understand what was being said.

 

At least until a loud WAHOO!' exploded from the monitor.

 

Mist blinked at the sound. She then watched as Kami-sama began to laugh.

 

Just what was he watching anyway?

 

 

 

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Keiichi had Belldandy wrapped in his arms, spinning slowly about the room.

 

"I'm going to be a father!" Keiichi called out, "A child Bell! Our child!" He then paused a moment in their spinning. "Who else knows?"

 

"Father does," Belldandy said, "And the Healer of course."Hour

 

"What about your sisters?" Keiichi asked, "Don't they know?"

 

"No."

 

"No? We need to tell them! We need to tell Megumi she's going to be an Aunt! Ohhh....Takano is going to just flip when she finds out she's going to be a Grandmother! I wonder if Keima will....."

 

"Keiichi....."

 

Keiichi paused in his ramblings and looked at Belldandy. She was looking back at him apprehensively.

 

"What's wrong Bell?" he asked.

 

"K," she began, "You know I'm not mortal. Our child won't be one either."

 

Keiichi blinked. "You mean it could be a God."

 

"No......" Belldandy turned from him and looked towards the window. "It's not certain if it will be a God."

 

Keiichi frowned. "But you just said it won't be a mortal."

 

"I did."

 

"So which is it? Will it be a God or a mortal?"

 

"It will be neither, and yet...both." Belldandy turned back to Keiichi. "Children of the Gods and Mortals, while rare, do exist. Some are born as Gods with full markings and powers. Other are born mortals, no markings, yet they have abilities that set them apart from the average mortal."

 

"What kind of abilities?" Keiichi asked.

 

"Well....Hercules was one such child."

 

"Oh." Keiichi was quiet a moment.

 

Belldandy walked up to him.

 

"I'm sorry I can't provide you with a normal child." She said softly.

 

"That doesn't matter." Keiichi replied. He then wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "Bell, marrying you was one of the happiest moments of my life. Knowing that I'm the father of your kid as well........."

 

"It's not just mine." Belldandy said, "It's yours too."

 

"Yeah." Keiichi said, a smile appearing across his face. "Our kid. Mortal or God, it'll be our child."

 

The two remained wrapped in each other's arms.

 

"What do we tell Urd, Skuld, and Megumi?" Belldandy asked.

 

"It'll be at least a month or two before you start showing." Keiichi said, "We have plenty of time to figure out what to tell them." He then smiled. "And when we do, they'll be just as happy as we are."

 

Belldandy then smiled. "They'll tell the Motor club."

 

Keiichi let out a groan. "And they will want to throw a very large and loud party."

 

"It could be fun."

 

"Oh yeah....it'll be a blast."

 

 

 

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September 13, 2000

 

 

 

Keiichi stood up and faced the assembled family members. It had taken Bell and himself a few weeks of quiet talks before they decided to tell the their sisters, both the Goddesses and the mortal. Then it had been another few weeks before everyone's schedule allowed the gathering. Now the moment was here.

 

"I'd like to thank you all for coming today." Keiichi began, "Belldandy and I would like to make an announcement"

 

Megumi spoke, "Comon K......Tell us."

 

"Yeah," added Urd, " What's going on? You and Bell call and want Skuld and me to drop what we're doing and to come for dinner."

 

"We know you two are busy with Yggdrasil Urd, but I asked Father if it would be alright." said Belldandy.

 

Skuld was shocked, "Wait......... You told Daddy before us? Is that why he was smiling like that?"

 

"Yeah the last time I saw him grinning like that was when Skuld was ........." Urd held on to that thought for a second......... "No way....."

 

Skuld and Megumi looked at Urd. Keiichi and Belldandy began to smile as they realized Urd had figured it out.

 

"When I was what?? What Urd? When I was what?" Skuld asked.

 

Urd's only reply was to get a very large grin on her face.

 

Skuld turned to Belldandy, "What is going on?"

 

"Well Skuld.... You see..."

 

That was as far as she got. In the next second, all three Goddesses were on the ground and in pain.

 

Both Keiichi and Megumi jumped up. "BELLDANDY!!! SKULD!!!! URD!!!!"

 

Keiichi raced to Belldandy's side, "Bell... What's wrong?"

 

Keiichi heard Belldandy mumble something. He moved his head closer to Belldandy, "What?"

 

What he heard only confused him more, "They've awaken........"

 

Keiichi's next question went unsaid as a bright light flashed outside, Keiichi and Megumi went out and watched as the sky took on an unearthly glow, spreading from the south.

 

"What the hell is that?" was the only thing said........... And then the ground shook.

 

 

 

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Alarms screamed throughout the Yggdrasil control room.

 

But then so did explosions.

 

All over the room, control panels exploded unexpectedly and violently, sending God and Goddess alike tumbling to the floor. Valkyires in full battle gear ran about, helping some while trying to prepare a defense in case it was a Demon attack. Peorth shouted out orders to the Admins while standing upon a scorched and sparking SysOp platform. Before them the Main screen flashes error message after error message.

 

"Primary system failure!" Erie shouted out, "Ultimate Force is down! PDS is crashing!

 

"Reroute!" Peorth shouted, "Keep the PDS online!"

 

"Attempting to reroute!" Chronos answered back. She then cringed as the Admin console beside her exploded, sending Erie screaming to the floor.

 

"Healer!" Ex called out, kneeling beside the fallen Admin.

 

"Reroute completed!" Chronos called out, "PDS is stabilizing."

 

"Show me the Earth!" Peorth ordered, "I want to know what happened and how we can........" Peorth's voice trailed off as the main screen flickered to life with a view of the planet.

 

Shockwaves could still be seen moving across the planet.

 

Their point of origin: Antarctica.

 

Rising from the now shattered continent were a pair of massive, white wings.

 

"What in the name of Kami-sama is that?" Peorth whispered.

 

"Something that was buried and forgotten." Peorth and those that were still on their feet turned to see Kami-sama entering the control room, followed by a few members of the Council. All had very grim looks on their faces. "Our greatest triumph......and failure."

 

"Sir?" Peorth asked.

 

"Adam has awoken." Kami-sama stated, stepping forward to stare at the screen.

 

"The Messengers have returned."

Chapter 11

 

 

The Nightmare

 

 

 

It was difficult to open her eyes.

 

It seemed that they didn't want to.

 

Reaching up, she rubbed them, wiping out a lot of grit that had accumulated. Apparently she'd been out for a while.

 

With her eyes finally open, Belldandy took a look around. She was in her bedroom and had been dressed in her nightgown. She looked to the alarm clock, but it was blank. She glanced at the window to see an eerie red light coming through. Which meant it was either early morning or late evening.

 

Belldandy frowned and looked down at the bed a moment. How did she get here? She last remembered she was........

 

Belldandy's eyes went wide and she leaped to her feet. Slamming the door open she raced out into the hall.

 

"Keiichi?!" she called out.

 

"Bell?" Keiichi appeared at the far end of the hall. "You're awa......."

 

"KEIICHI!" Belldandy shouted as she raced towards him.

 

Keiichi let out a grunt as the goddess slammed into him and wrapped him in a tight hug. He stood stunned for a moment, then placed his arms around her.

 

"It's alright Bell." He said softly, "It's alright."

 

 

 

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Keiichi led Belldandy into the dining area. Megumi looked up from where she was sitting. The Goddess was taken aback for a moment at the look her sister-in-law gave her. While not a glare, it was hardly friendly. Megumi stared at the Goddess a moment more before turning back to the radio that sat on the table.

 

".....reports are still coming in from all over the world." The radio said, "For the first time ever, the UN has declared martial law across the globe in response to riots as well as the attack on Tokyo. World Leaders have been in constant communication since the Meteor strike a week ago....."

 

"Meteor?" Belldandy asked as Keiichi helped her sit down.

 

"Apparently, a meteor hit Antarctica." Keiichi explained, as he sat beside her. "It's caused widespread destruction and chaos." He gave a small smirk. "Mara must be loving this."

 

"But I felt...." Belldandy began before her voice cut out. Her eyes widened slightly. "It was the......" Again her voice cut out. She frowned in frustration.

 

"Protection program?" Keiichi asked.

 

Belldandy could only nod.

 

"What is a protection program?" Megumi asked. Her voice had a curious tone to it, but there was something else lurking in the background.

 

"It is a way to keep information secret." Belldandy said softly, "To keep it out of the wrong hands. As a result, I am unable to speak of it."

 

"Wrong hands huh?" Megumi stared at Belldandy angrily. There was no mistaking about that look. "A whole lot of people died because of this secret Bell! If the Heavens knew about it, why didn't they stop it?"

 

"I don't know." Belldandy replied looking at the tabletop, "Keiichi and I have been discussing the baby. I haven't been able to keep up to date with what is occurring in Heaven."

 

Megumi leaped to her feet.

 

"A lot of good you are." She growled, "Even the radio knows more then you and that really isn't saying a lot." She then stormed outside.

 

Belldandy stared wide eyed at the retreating mortal before turning back to Keiichi.

 

"It's not you." He said, "It's the whole situation. No one new what exactly had happened at first, then we are told it was a meteor, and then......." Keiichi closed his eyes.

 

"Then what?" Belldandy asked.

 

"Tokyo was destroyed by a bomb." Keiichi said, causing Belldandy to gasp. "It was some kind of nuclear weapon. What's left of the Government is in chaos, so there is not much information getting out." He then turned and looked at his wife. "The phones are also out, so we don't know if my parents survived or not."

 

"Oh Keiichi." Belldandy quickly wrapped her arms around him.

 

After several moments of simply sitting there, Belldandy pulled back enough to look Keiichi in the face. "My sisters? Where are they? Have they tried to......."

 

"They're here." Keiichi said, "And they were still unconscious earlier today."

 

Belldandy nodded. She reluctantly released Keiichi andslowly got to her feet.

 

"I need to make a phone call." She said.

 

Keiichi frowned. "But the phones are out."

 

Belldandy gave Keiichi a small smile.

 

"Not to the number I'm calling."

 

"Huh? Oh!" Keiichi exclaimed, realizing who she was about to call.

 

 

 

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"Main system is at 20 percent and holding."Ex called out.

 

"PDS is stable." Chrono stated. "For now." She added under her breath.

 

Peorth sighed. She was sitting at what was left of the SysOp chair. The console was pretty much useless at this point. So were most of the consoles across the entire room, including the shattered and vacant Admin spot before her. Erie was still in the Healer area, as were many Gods and Goddesses from all over.

 

As a First Class Goddess, she knew of the Messengers. She knew they had been created by Heaven to drive the Demons from the mortal world, but in the end had turned on their creator. She also knew they had been defeated, but knew not where they had been imprisoned.

 

She also had no clue why Yggdrasil had been affected so. But she was damn sure she was going to figure out how to keep it from happening again.

 

Peorth was brought out of her musings by the ringing of the phone beside her. She stared at it a moment, surprised it was actually working. She then tentatively picked it up.

 

"Hello?"

 

"........Peorth?....." came the static filled reply.

 

Peorth's eyes widened. "Bell? Are you alright? Is Keiichi alright?"

 

".....We're both fine. ......My sisters are unconscious though......."

 

"Thank Goddess." Peorth murmured. "Bell, how much do you know about the situation?"

 

".......The Mortals are reporting a meteor strike in Antarctica.............Tokyo has apparently been destroyed by a nuclear weapon.........."

 

Peorth quickly turned to the Admins. "Chronos! Confirm Tokyo's status!"

 

"Confirming Tokyo's............." Chrono's eyes went wide. "...It's.....gone!"

 

".........There's alot of chaos down here......" Belldandy continued.

 

"It's the same Bell." Peorth said with a sigh. "The Main system has been heavily compromised and is barely functioning. The Valkyries are at, to use the mortal phrase, DEFCON 2. They think the Demons might us this opportunity to attack."

 

"................The Gates?............"

 

"Out."

 

"..........Peorth.......It wasn't a meteor........."

 

"We know." Peorth confirmed.

 

"........What are we doing about it?.............."

 

"The Council is in emergency session." Peorth replied. "We'll know soon enough."

 

 

 

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"We must attack!" Saturn pounded on the table. "The signs are there! A precision strike at Hell......."

 

"Is unnecessary." Anubis pointed out from across the table, "The Messengers are the issue, not the Demons."

 

"Only one was awoken. The rest remain dormant."

 

"Do they?" Anubis asked, "Was it not Adam that was awakened? Is he not the Leader of the Messengers? Is it not his word that commanded them?"

 

"He was destroyed within moments of his awakening!" Saturn snapped back. "There has been no sign of him since the event! What other reason can their be?"

 

"But was he destroyed? We don't know."

 

"Gentlemen." Kami-sama spoke up, cutting off Saturn before he could respond, much to the relief of the other Council members. "Whether Adam has survived or not, it is no longer up to us." He rose from his seat and looked over the assembled. "By Mortal hand was Adam awakened. Thus they have set in motion the trial that is to come."

 

"One which could lead to their destruction." Athena pointed out.

 

"That is a possible outcome, yes." Kami-sama said with a nod. "But it could also lead to a new age for them."

 

"But that is in the future." Loki spoke up. "We must deal with the now. And now we have severe issues."

 

"And you would suggest?" Anubis asked.

 

Loki stared at the table top a moment, tapping a finger on it's surface.

 

"The Angels, while not a problem now, will be one in the future." Loki looked up. Anubis' face was inquisitive, while Saturn looked shocked. "As the Almighty has stated, it is, for now, a mortal problem. But should the mortals fail.......then it becomes ours."

 

"But we do have a Demon issue that is more immediate." Loki continued. "As unlikely as we may think it, Hell could launch Ragnarok. We must be prepared for such a possibility."

 

"The Valkyries are on a high state of alert." Thor pointed out, "There are others preparing as well."

 

"That is true." Loki replied, "But we could do more." He looked to Kami-sama. "I propose the End of World powers be released."

 

"What?" Many in the council were stunned. Others nodded in agreement.

 

"The world hasn't ended yet!" Athena shouted.

 

"Yet there has already been much loss of life there." Anubis pointed out, "And several conflicts did break out."

 

"My fellow Deities," Loki began, "We are at the beginning of a very delicate time. Yggdrasil is functioning at a minimal of normal. The Messengers have been disturbed after a millennia of rest. The Mortal have experienced much death and destruction and are in Chaos." He then raised his finger. "And Chaos is something that the Demons thrive upon." He slowly looked at everyone present. "With all of these things against us, the End of World powers must be released."

 

 

 

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"What were you thinking?!?!" Saturn practically snarled later in Loki's office. "That was the perfect chance we had to start a war with........"

 

"Idiot." Loki snapped, causing Saturn to fall silent.

 

"What?" The stunned Roman god asked.

 

"We can't fight a war now." Loki snapped. "Even if Kami-sama agreed with you, the Main system has been disrupted too much with Adam's awakening." Loki spun his chair around, facing away from Saturn. "Have you forgotten the Doublet system? It remains active."

 

"We would end it before striking at Hell." Saturn declared.

 

"End it how?" Loki asked. "Only Kami-sama or Hild may end it, and both are happy' with the status quo." He slowly turned his chair until his eye could just catch Saturn's face. "Until Yggdrasil is more stabilized, we can do nothing to push against the Demons."

 

"The Messengers?" Saturn asked.

 

"They should have been destroyed long ago." Loki answered, "But, the Almighty has a soft spot for his creations. Lady Verdandi let him get away with it."

 

Saturn nodded. "I wonder what the Lady would think of things now."

 

Loki waved his hand in dismissal. "She isn't coming back, and neither are any of the others." He let out a sigh. "For now we can do nothing but watch and wait."

 

 

 

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Skuld and Urd were in shock.

 

They had awakened two days after Belldandy and had just been told of everything that had happened while they had been unconscious. Within moments of hearing about damage and deaths in Nekomi and the outlining areas, Skuld had immediately leaped to her feet and raced outside.

 

By the time her sisters had followed, all they could see was Skuld's back as she pedaled off on her bike.

 

"Where is she going?" Urd asked.

 

Belldandy let out a sigh.

 

"I believe I know." She said.

 

 

 

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Skuld's bike skidded to a stop before falling to the ground as the young Goddess leaped off of it. She stared blankly at the shattered home before her.

 

Even a week later, water lay in large puddles around and inside the remaining bits of the structure. The house, like it's neighbors, appeared to have been smashed by a giant fist that came from the ocean.

 

"Sad isn't it?"

 

Skuld turned to see a woman standing behind her.

 

"First the Earthquakes caused damage to the sea walls and shorted out the alert system." The woman said, "Then the Tsunami did the rest." She looked to the side. "Hardly anyone made it out of these homes. Those that did got washed away by the waves." The woman looked at the home before her again. "Their son had a bright future too. So tragic."

 

Skuld couldn't bear to hear anymore. She quickly hopped back on her bike and raced away.

 

 

 

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Skuld remained in her room for the next week, refusing to leave or speak with anyone. Belldandy would stop by occasionally, trying to get her to speak with her, but left after when her efforts failed. The result was an unhappy Goddess of the Present. She became even more unhappy when Urd acted indifferent towards Skuld's actions.

 

Needless to say it was a bit before either sister spoke civilly with the other.

 

Skuld did finally begin to speak towards the end of the week, surprisingly it began with Keiichi. He'd brought her a tub of her favorite ice cream, and she finally spoke her first word since her self-imposed exile.

 

"Thank-you."

 

Shortly thereafter, she finally began speaking with Belldandy.

 

She flat out ignored Urd.

 

After a week and a half, Skuld finally decided to leave her room. She planned to simply walk into the dining room and join her sisters and Keiichi, and hopefully everything would begin to return to normal.

 

Her plans were tossed out, though, when angry words reached her ears as opened her bedroom door.

 

".....EY'RE DEAD.........WHAT.......GODDESS ARE YOU?!?!......HYPOCRITICAL........THAT THIS IS ALL........."

 

Skuld eyes widened as she realized who was yelling. It was Megumi.

 

"...sorry...." Came a very soft reply. "...beyond........must believe.......Kami-sama knows ......."

 

"Bullshit!" came the sudden snapped reply.

 

The Tea room door suddenly flew open and a very angry Megumi stormed out and down the hallway. Keiichi followed a moment later, giving Skuld a weak smile before calling after his sister.

 

Skuld walked quietly down the hall, and found Belldandy in the Tea Room, sitting with her back to the door, head bowed as she appeared to be looking at the tabletop.

 

"What happened?" Skuld asked.

 

Belldandy didn't even move.

 

"Keima and Takano are dead." The middle Goddess' voice was heavy with sorrow. "They died from the Impact..........Megumi blames us."

 

Skuld blinked. "But we didn't have anything to do with it!"

 

"Not simply us." Belldandy replied, "But us....as in all Gods and Goddesses. She feels.......we let down everyone......" The middle Goddess finally turned and looked at her youngest sister with tear filled eyes. :"And in a way.....she's right."

 

"What?" Skuld shouted.

 

"The Mortal's look to us for guidance, for protection from harm......" Belldandy sighed, "We failed."

 

"But we were here!" Skuld stated, "We didn't know until the Impact happened."

 

Belldandy's eyes suddenly went wide open and she rose to her feet.

 

"I must speak with Father." She stated.

 

"Why?" Skuld asked confused.

 

"If anyone could have seen this coming, it would be he."

 

"I'll come with!"

 

Belldandy smiled at her younger sister.

 

"Do you remember that sudden outbreak of Bugs Yggdrasil experienced a year or so ago?"

 

Skuld's eyes widened slightly. She then became rather pale. "Umm...yes. What about them?"

 

Belldandy leaned forward and looked Skuld straight in the eye.

 

"They know who did it."

 

Skuld gulped. "They do?"

 

"Yes." The middle Norn answered. "And that person must stay on the surface for the time being."

 

Skuld turned her face downward.

 

"Oh...."

 

Belldandy pattered her on the shoulder.

 

"Don't worry Skuld." She said, "You'll be allowed back in time. Meanwhile, there's no one else I'd rather have down here watching Keiichi."

 

Skuld looked up and gave a small smile.

 

"Thank you Onee-sama."

 

 

 

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About a half-hour later

 

 

Belldandy silently entered the Yggdrasil control room. It had been awhile since she'd last been in this room. It would probably be awhile before the room even began to resemble the room from her memory. Terminals were missing in spots, lights were out, and scorch marks were everywhere. The three great spirals that dominated the center of the room still rotated, though two did so more slowly then the third, and groaned when they made contact.

 

Standing upon the SysOp platform was Urd. Belldandy approached the platform.

 

"Our sister finally left her room." Belldandy stated.

 

"She was bound to do it eventually." Urd replied, keeping her eyes on the main screen.

 

"You should say something to her."

 

Urd looked at Belldandy from the corner of her eye.

 

"When I see her I will."

 

Belldandy frowned slightly.

 

"Will you be here for much longer?"

 

"Yggdrasil is kind of a mess right now." Urd answered, "Peorth is taking a much needed rest and I'm one of the few experienced SysOps that can cover for her." She finally turned to face her sister. "I might be home tomorrow. I'll talk to the brat then."

 

Belldandy nodded, knowing that this was the best she could expect from Urd. She then turned and left the room.

 

 

 

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Kami-sama sat silently facing the large windows behind his desk. From here, he could see across the heavens, yet gaze was not directed towards the exterior, but within.

 

Much had happened in the past month. The events of September 13th were still echoing across the Earth and Heavens.

 

The repercussions would have lasting implications upon the future.

 

Speaking of which..............

 

The door to his office opened and closed. Soft footsteps could only just be heard approaching his desk before falling silent.

 

Kami-sama knew exactly who it was. If asked how he knew, he'd have smiled and simply said, I know.'

 

It also helped that the windows did reflect his office a bit.

 

"I've told you before, you don't have to kneel before me my Child."

 

"I feel I must for what I am about to do." Was the reply.

 

Kami-sama slowly turned his chair around until he was facing the still kneeling form of Belldandy. Her gaze remained firmly directed towards the floor.

 

"What is it you wish to do?" he asked.

Belldandy lifted her face towards him. For a moment, he was stunned. Only once before had he seen such a serious look on his daughter's face, and that had been when she was preparing to defend her mortal love from

 

"I want to know about the Messengers." Belldandy stated.

 

Kami-sama remained silent.

 

"I must know Father." The Goddess said, "For the safety of my family, I must know!"

 

Kami-sama sighed.

 

"They were our greatest weapons..........and our greatest failures. They were locked and hidden away, to be forgotten forever." He turned and looked out the window. "But the Demons never forgot them. Why should they? It was because of the Messengers that they were driven from the Earth."

 

"If they were hidden," Belldandy asked, "How did the Mortals find them?"

 

Kami-sama slowly turned to face his daughter.

 

"Nothing remains hidden forever." He stated, "It was known that someday, the Messengers would awaken." He waved his hand and a book appeared upon his desk. He indicated it. "Your mother believed it would be by mortal hands. The end result was......"

 

"You made it a test didn't you." It wasn't a question.

 

"There have been many tests over the centuries." Kami-sama stated, "Each time humanity passed, or was set back a few years."

 

"The Dark Ages Father?"

 

Kami-sama raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. But humanity came back afterward much stronger."

 

Belldandy frowned. "But this time is different."

 

Kami-sama nodded grimly. "It is."

 

"In what way?"

 

"Lilith had a hand in the creation of humanity, or the Lilim as she called them. Thus in a way humanity is as much a creation of the Messengers as they are mine. Should Adam return to power, it will be the end of humanity."

 

Belldandy's eyes widened.

 

"How do we stop him?" she asked.

 

"We don't"

 

"WHAT!?!?" Belldandy's shriek cracked several panes of glass in the windows behind Kami-sama.

 

"As you said, it is a test for the mortals." Kami-sama answered, "The solution lies with them."

 

"How can.....Why would...." Belldandy spluttered. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "When?"

 

Kami-sama indicated the book. "Your mother believed it to be in fifteen years"

 

"2015." Belldandy murmured.

 

Kami-sama turned his chair back towards the windows.

 

"I know you hate the idea of the tests." He said softly, "But once begun, it cannot be stopped." He could see Belldandy's face reflected off one of the cracked panes.

 

She was not a happy Goddess.

 

Kami-sama sighed and closed his eyes.

 

"However," he continued, "Just because the mortals must find the solution doesn't mean that they can't receive some..........assistance."

 

Belldandy blinked. "Father?"

 

"Take the book." He stated, "It contains all of your mother's writings on the Messengers. Perhaps it will give you the answers you seek."

 

Belldandy lifted the book off the desk and held it to her chest. She then bowed and left the office.

 

Kami-sama remained still for some time after his daughter had left. Finally he lifted and hand waved it towards the cracked window panes. The cracks began to fix themselves one by one. As the final pane started to fix itself, Kami-sama closed his fist, stopping it.

 

"I pray you find the answers you seek my Daughter." Kami-sama said softly, "For the sake of yourself, your husband, and my Grand daughter."