Here is where we continue from the old Ayeka's Bliss site.
Mod edit:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bgbhdwrm1at9hsc (http://www.mediafire.com/?bgbhdwrm1at9hsc)
(File to past rp)
(continuing...)
Ian headed for the house ready for class and breakfast.
Z also went inside to get ready.
Malek checked his phone when he heard it made the noise that he received a message.
When he checked it, he smiled.
'Gonna have to check on Deberk to make sure he isn't breaking any rules or laws.' Malek thought.
The team was all there, and Ian wished he could be there to watch the 500 mile test.
"ready for class Ian?" asked Z walking up.
"Yeah...I just wish I could be there to watch the 500 mile test."
"Maybe you could offer a prayer for good fortune like belldandy does." Z suggested.
"Uh...if that's magic, I haven't learned that one yet."
"well we can ask Belldandy if you want."
"I think she would do so already, considering who's driving."
"and who's forcing him to drive."
"He kinda chose to drive, or that is, I think it defaulted to him."
"didn't those two muscleheads graduate already?"
"I think they're working to get their masters degree or something." Urd said.
"Yeah," said Keiichi, "Though I think they only did it to stay connected to the Auto Club, though Bell and I are graduated ourselves. Personally, I don't think they trusted anyone else."
"Well, good luck K1," said Z
"Hey, I'm actually enjoying it," he said, "But, just doing 500 miles is going to be a bit dull. What I need is actual time against a few other stock cars to get the feel for that."
"Why not aks Skuld to build some racing drones to race against?"
"Would that be safe," asked Keiichi knowingly.
"good point," said Z, "I could place you in an illusion of racing, but that would have to wait."
"Of course it'd be safe, just leave it to me." said Skuld.
"That's what I'm afraid of..." he said, "Knowing you, you'll have them ready for today."
"Heh heh, don't worry. They're ready." she said as she pulled out a giant RC remote control.
Everyone just stared at her, as Belldandy said, "Um...that is...very...um...clever of you..."
"Don'cha have a camera on the drone so that you can see from its POV?" Urd asked.
"Yeah, right here." she said, tapping on the RC remote control. There was a screen in the middle linked up to a camera on the front of the car.
"I think I'm going to regret this."
(The scenes can take place at the track this time.)
(what do you mean?)
(Unless something interesting happens at class, they don't have much to do.)
(ah)
(Stepping out for a bit. BBL.)
(So wait, they're at the track right now?)
(Not yet, I was saying that the track should be the area of attention, though we could run both that and classes together.)
(So, okay. Where is everyone right now?)
(The temple, getting breakfast and getting ready to go, Tamiya and the crew with Chihiro are at the track waiting.)
(kk, and are they doing anything tomorrow?)
There was also a variety of other buttons on the RC remote too. Some of them with images on them. A parachute, spilled oil, an explosion, rockets.
"This will put your racing skills to the test! You can count on it!" she beamed.
"Skuld, this is Nascar not Mario Cart" said Z
(Working on that one...)
"I just want to test how I do against that style of racing...it is different than motorcycles, rally racing, or open-wheeled racers.
(I listed the tournament as 'a few days' [If I recall correctly] how about we make that tomorrow?)
"So, no rocket boost?"
"Um...I don't think the NASCAR officials would allow that on the circuit."
(Sure.)
"No oil slick? Parachutes? Self-destruct?"
"you want us to win, right?" said Z
"No, no, and no..."
Ian pulled out his laptop and pulled up some NASCAR racing on line for her to see.
"Ehh, that's it? So can I keep the modifications on or do I have to remove them?"
"One, you have to lose them, and two, did you put any on the car?"
"No, just the drones."
"Well, there is one thing," said K1, "Maybe a crash or two with the drones so we can practice avoiding that, and we need a pace car as well."
"A pace car?"
"Yes," said Keiichi, "When we start, all the cars are two by two, and a car is in front of them at a lower speed keeping them in line. Then, just before the green flag, the pace car ducks into the pits, and the race is on. If there is a wreck, the cars can continue to race until they come back to the start finish line, and then line up two by two behind the pace car under a yellow flag and stays there until the hazards are gone. Also, you have to put pit stops in for the drones. Nothing has to change, but just have them in there for the average times expected for a pit."
"Okay." she nodded.
"That way, we can simulate a race."
"Alright, so you need it done by afternoon right?'
"As soon as you can."
"Okay, well I'm getting to work. I want to tweak around with it a bit before letting you race against it."
"One, or several?"
"Several." she said before leaving.
"Well, that will keep her out of our hair for a while," Whispered Kei.
Malek arrived at the arcade.
'Probably should see Hild before I go find out what Deberk is doing...' Malek thought.
Chibi Hild was pouring over paperwork, surprised such an endeavor would take so much effort.
Malek walked in and said, "How goes everything, Hild?"
(I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry...alerts have not been working!) :-[
"I though I had a lot of paperwork!"
(It's alright.)
"Just letting you know, Z's doing well and I'll be helping him learn a few variations on the Shield spell." Malek said, with a slighltly annoyed look on his brow.
"Something wrong?"
"From what I've learned, Deberk is doing something in the basement of the arcade, that is getting us an excessive amount of energy." Malek said. "Thing is, there's no deal associated with it."
She raised an eyebrow, and then went to investigate.
In the basement, Deberk was with a small group.
There was a dark elf that could pass as a twin of Urd. There was also three gremlins and a troll.
All of the group were using laptops that were hooked up to a large computer tower.
Deberk noticed Chibi-Hild and said, "Hello, Lady Hild."
"What are you doing!"
"Well, since it seems like so many people put so much energy and emotion in making all sorts of comments on the internet, I put together a group to collect some of the enrgy that's just flouting around online." Deberk said.
"...You do realize you're collecting a vast amount of energy that's associated with hateful, stupid comments that's posted all over the internet?" Malek said from the doorway.
"Yes, so in an odd way, we have a theoretical infinite supply of energy." Deberk said.
"That's all well and good, but shut your operation down." Malek said. "however, in an emergency, this might very well be the first thing we turn to for help."
"What do we do with what we have?"
(how am I supposed to have Deberk answer? I'm a bit stumped.)
(You're the one that came up with this idea, and then told him to stop.)
Before Deberk could say anything, Malek spoke up.
"Deberk, Think about it from Heaven's perspective. Imagine you just discovered that a demon has found out a way to gain far more energy then you or anyone else expected to." Malek said.
"But I just wanted to help..." Deberk said.
"But you found a way that gives strength to the gods that want to re-start the wars between gods and demons." Malek said.
"how so?" Deberk asked.
"When the enemy grows more powerful faster then one expected them to, it is a bit of a good idea to attack before the enemy becomes far too powerful." Malek said.
"But all I was doing was giving us another way to get energy..." Deberk said.
"We're in a bit of a cold war with Asgard." Malek said. "Your method, while it doesn't screw anyone over, threatens to destroy whatever peace we have."
Deberk became depressed.
"You make sense," she said, "Regardless, he has gathered extra energy we must then disperse somehow."
"Doubt we we could give it to Asgard as a sign of good will." Malek muttered. He then chuckled a bit as he said, "Imagine how that conversation would go. 'Hey, here's some energy that was with some hateful internet comments!'"
The dark elf then said, "Maybe you could use the energy to fuel a fireworks spell during the next meeting? There should be extra energy for one of the energy-intensive castings."
"To what end: scare the wits out of them?"
The dark elf shrugged.
"That's only if you cast a grande fireworks spell too close to the meeting and are dealing with the faint-hearted. As for what end, perhaps claim you felt like doing something flashy and extravagant for the meeting as a reason for the fireworks spell," The dark elf said. "After all, doesn't it take like a few months to usually gather the energy for a Grande fireworks spell? We have enough extra energy for a spectacular casting."
Malek silently chuckled as he shook his head.
'As if Hild needs any help at being showy and flashy...' Malek thought.
"Well, in two days is the doublet merging. Maybe then..."
"Well, Throwing a party to celebrate the fact that Z will protected by Doublet would be a bit expected of you, Lady Hild." Malek said.
Malek then faced Deberk's group.
"Pack up the device you made. I'll assist you in giving it and any information about it to the Energy Collection Division." Malek said.
"We're not in trouble, are we?" A gremlin asked, a bit nervously.
"You might have come close to getting into trouble, but you've certainly have made a device that we could very well be using in the future. Chances are that if you're looking for a job in either Energy collection or the Research division, you'd be likely to get a job." Malek said.
The group cheered a bit and began to get the device ready for transport.
'My friends get rewarded and I'm probably going to get punished. Typical of the old man to find more ways to punish me.' Deberk thought, as he began to help shut down the device.
"Right then," she said, "What kind of mayhem can we cause today?"
'I wonder how long it'll be before she decides to try to form a team to beat Keiichi and his friends in their upcoming race? Probably an hour or two. Sooner if she' gets bored.' Malek thought.
"So, what has been up with our Keiichi-kun lately? I hear something about an auto race."
"They're going to be in a race. NASCAR, If I remember correctly," Malek said. "Z's going to be helping them it seems. But it doesn't very fair that one team gets help from a few goddesses, a demi-god, and a semi-demon, does it?"
She raised an eyebrow to this. She had an idea what he was suggesting, but she wanted to hear it from him. She then said, "So, are you suggesting we put our own car in?"
"Either that or offer a bit of support to a team," Malek said. "It'd be a nice change of pace to let the goddesses escalate things for once. Skuld or Urd would be a bit easy to trick for that purpose."
"We're ready to bring the device to the energy collection division, Mr. Malek." A gremlin said.
"Just wait a bit and I'll be ready to go with you all," Malek told the gremlin.
"We can't use the Four Wheels club," she said, already considering it, "They are doing a rare cooperative with the auto club, considering how expensive this all is, and how there would be a driver from Japan for the first time in the race. They may be bitter enemies, but, for the sake of Japan, they would do this. So, who could we use? Perhaps we can find someone in America to give them some trouble."
"Yes, that is a good question..." Malek muttered.
(Should we make a team up or use one from another work of fiction? Or should we use the team that Aoshima used waaay back in the beginning of the manga? Not the four wheels club, but the couple from America in chapter 22.)
(We can use them independent, looking for revenge.)
"Well, I'll be back in an hour to help you with that matter," Malek said, before he and the group teleported away.
(So if we can't think of a group, we'll use them? Personally, I'd like to go on something different instead of the couple seeking revenge. Yes, they seem like jerks, but revenge seeking? I kinda doubt they'd be the type, even for one-shot characters. Personally, I like to go with Keiichi and the gang keep thinking the couple is out for revenge, but the couple are the type that become nicer if you beat them in a competition. Make them into the "mean to newbies" character type. Yeas, that eliminates some conflict, but it prevents us from re-treading the story that the manga did.)
----
In an asteroid, a timer of a prison seal finished counting down. When the door that the seal was on opened, there was the sound of a little girl giggling.
(That way, it can blow up in the demon's faces.)
With that she went back to her paperwork.
(That's if you view the demons' purpose for helping a group as defeating Keiichi and the gang. Malek doing it for another purpose entirely. Should I tell you now or let you find out later?)
(I want it to be part of the fun if you say nothing right now.)
(Alright, but there have been a few hints for it in a few things that Malek said. Timeskip an hour or two?)
(Sure.)
Malek then returned.
He walked to Hild's office/room and knocked.
"I've returned." Malek said.
By this point, she had finished, and had out the NASCAR rule book and was learning about that world.
Malek knocked again.
"Come in."
Malek walked in.
"The device that Deberk and his friends built is being looked at. It's surprising how much energy it collected, even though it is a prototype." Malek said.
"Too much hi-tech with the youth these days," she mumbled, and then said, "Can you believe how rich the history of this is?" holding up the book.
"So you're seeing a bit what Ian and Keiichi see in it?" Malek asked.
"Well, there is the thrill and risk thing," she said, "Can you believe this actually started with the rum runners in the Great Depression?"
"I can believe it. Always is fascinating to discover how things get their start, isn't it?" Malek said
"Yes, and they started challenging each other in who had the faster car, and it just grew from there."
"Sort of like how the broom races between gods and demons came to be?" Malek asked
"Refresh me on that," she said, "I never got into it."
"Sort of the same, except with messengers and scouts instead of bootleggers. And didn't you have a broom race with Belldandy awhile back?" Malek asked.
(287 chapters...a little hard to remember everything!) ;)
(It's alright. While I remember they had a race, I couldn't quite remember what it was about until I looked up some information about the chapter. There was the expected 'If Bell lost, She would have to leave Keiichi from Chibi-Hild, Bell had to win to get information about why Velsper has polka-dots on his fur.)
(Okay...)
"Well, the reasons were quite different."
"So are you going to allow Z to continue helping them, get him to stop, or tell him he must make a deal with one of them to continue working with them? He does have the energy storage orbs that I gave him so he can make a deal with one of them." Malek said.
"Z has made his decision. He has to deal with the consequences of that. He stays with them."
"Another way of looking at Z's choice is that regardless of whether the team we support wins or Keiichi's team wins, our side has a hand in victory." Malek said.
"Strange, isn't it?"
"Not really strange. I actually prefer all paths leading to victory." Malek said with a slight shrug.
"Well, we need a driver. Have any ideas?"
"What about that Team that Keiichi and Belldandy drove against in their go-kart race? Diana Lockheed and her boyfriend, David Proter?" Malek asked. "Didn't one of them place third in the Daytona 500?"
"Proter," she said, "I'm sure he's itching for another chance."
"Most likely. I'm certain they'll accept our help, once we tell them that Belldandy and her sisters are goddesses. We'll have to provide proof, but I'm certain they'll accept." Malek said. "After all, how fair is it when gods and goddesses choose to help one side with in a friendly competition?"
Malek stopped for a moment. as he remembered something about that race. he snapped his fingers.
"When Aoshima stops his car, it will then fall apart. I may be a demon, but I despise cheaters." Malek said.
"One, are you seeking to make a contract with them, and two, are you talking about Keiichi's car. After all, Aoshima is a sponsor."
"I aimed the spell at Aoshima's personal car. The one with the license plate of "Smarm-E"." Malek said. "As for Proter, I think the chance of a fair race between him and Keiichi will be a good offer for a contract. Problem is, what do we ask for our help?"
"Oh, I think you can figure that out," she said, "You are a senior demon after all."
"Due to how we're seen in the west, I believe it might be a good idea to go easy on the deal for once." Malek said. "After all, a repeat customer is better then a one-time customer. So probably I might get an appointment at some high class restaurant, paid out of Proter's wallet."
"Of course...I leave you liberty to do what you need to."
"I will and I'll be leaving now." Malek said, before teleporting away.
She went back to the books and decided to send an avatar to check on K1 and the race crew.
(what'd I miss)
(They're getting ready for K1 to race Skuld's drones, and there is something involving excess energy that was grabbed by Malek when it should not have been, and a discussion of what to do with it, also recruiting someone to race against K1 in the Daytona 500, and involving you helping to recruit them without knowing you were aiding the demon side. Something to that effect.)
"Final tests complete... Drones are ready to go." smiled Skuld as she got out from underneath the car. The head of the car looked like the head of a giant teddy bear. The tail bumper had a small puffy tail and the side-view mirrors were ears.
(Is that one the pace care, and, I am surprised the rest don't look like Banpei. ;))
Kei got in line and prepared to let the pace car lead the pack.
The other two drones drove up next to him. Each one looked like a Banpei on wheels.
"She has a distinct style," said Z.
"Indeed she does...Okay," said Belldandy, "They take three laps, and as soon as the come out of turn four over there, the pace car is to pull away. Tamiya will wave the green flag, and then it is open racing."
(Auir, really, you need to address how the Tenchi RP has been approached, and one of the posts to see if that was okay for him to do.)
"Heh heh..." grinned Skuld as she sat on the bleachers, holding onto the large remote control. Banpei was next to her, also holding onto a large remote control.
"Ready when you are!"
They finally came around to the third lap and they waited for the pace car to roll away.
The pace car rolled away and immediately the drones sped forward.
"Okay, time to see what this baby can do!" she grinned as she pushed the joystick all the way to the top.
The green flag went and Keiichi tore off with the others. The race was on!
Banpei one decelerated as they came around the corner while Banpei two didn't and was skidding alongside the edge.
K1 decelerated and drafted behind B1 to avoid colliding with the skidding car.
As soon as they cleared the curve, the accelerated again.
K1 was just keeping pace, doing the kind of pack racing for which NASCAR is known.
They began decelerating again as they came near the corner.
K1 didn't make a move yet. He was waiting for the backstretch to make his move.
Once cleared and they floored it. Or rather, pushed it.
Kei kept pace and tried to make a pass before the next turn.
Skuld clenched her teeth with frustration as she watched Keiichi pass by her.
'I wonder if Skuld managed to resist her urge to put in self-destruct devices in anything she builds?' Urd thought, as she watched the race.
He was now leading the pack, but he also knew they could be hot on his heels. Knowing Skuld, there could be a few tricks up her sleeve yet.
"Grr, take this!" she punched a button and Banpei #1 suddenly had an extra burst of speed.
"Boost!"
Someone from the auto club asked, "Isn't that cheating?"
"Actually, no," answered Otaki, "In every car is something called an overtake button. However, you are limited to so many presses in a race."
Banpei #1 was in the lead now, followed by Keiichi and finally Banpei #2.
They were soon in a line, zooming around, lap after lap, K1 and Bell chattering back and forth instructions. What Keiichi wondered was if those cars had a learning program...they learned what to do as they advanced. That could make strategy sticky, but more realistic, as humans are far more unpredictable.
Skuld and Banpei sat on the sidelines, remote controlling the two Banpeis.
(Who has Chihiro?)
(I don't remember.)
Chihiro came up and said, "They should be coming up for their first pit...fuel and tires. Do you have something for that?"
"Ehh? Why would my Advanced Banpei bot X220 need fuel and tires? I built them to be long lasting!" said Skuld.
"Well, you can simulate it...put them in for the average time a pit in NASCAR is done. You've watched them practice, so you know how long...just make it random how long."
"Ehh, fine..." said Skuld as she began driving Banpei into the pit.
K1 took the hint as he saw this and ducked in himself. Chihiro then said, "Have the other car pit on the next lap. I want to see what he does with that."
(who should control David Proter?)
"Fine fine, got it. Heard that Banpei-kun?" asked Skuld. Banpei nodded.
Keiichi pulled in and saw the other car still going. He growled, but he knew he could catch up when it did finally have to duck in.
After waiting for some time, Skuld sped Banpei out of the pit and back onto the track.
K1's pit crew was a bit slower in that, so now he was behind, with Banpei 2 way out in front.
It was now Banpei#2 in lead, followed by Banpei#1 and Keiichi.
Kei was itching to go for the overtake button, but Bell said, "Save them for later. You may need it, knowing the tricks Skuld has up her sleeve."
Chihiro then said, "Okay, pull the next car in and see how they handle it."
Banpei pulled in Banpei #2 and had it sit in the pit stop.
Kei tried to time his move to that and approached Banpei 1
"Eh? You're not going to get past me!" Skuld tried to move Banpei #1 in front of Keiichi.
Tamiya saw that, and radioed to her, "Careful: had you made it look like you were going to let him by and then cut him off, that would be called blocking, and you would have been penalized."
Kei saw the move and just pulled in right behind her bumper, trying to draft on her, and use that to slingshot past when they came out of the next turn.
"Tch..." she then maneuvered the car so she could stay in front of his car.
"Kiddo," said Chihiro, "There are rules to racing, because it is so dangerous. One wrong move, and it could mean death for a driver, even something that seems minor. It is what killed Dale Earnheart the very next year after he had finally won the Daytona after so many second place finishes."
"Oh..." said Skuld, realizing that while she may be safe on the bleachers, Keiichi wasn't.
"He swerved into the wall on the last lap and hit it just right. It snapped his neck!"
"I get it." said Skuld.
"It's not like playing a game, it's really dangerous for him out there on the track. I'll be careful."
"So, you understand how vital this training is. He won't be facing two other cars, there will be 35 others on that super speedway, and it will be pack racing, because on a track like that, the rules people have them put governors on the cars, not permitting the cars above 200 mph for fear they may leave the track and flip."
"Hmm... So, we have to train him to where he can safely drive pass a pile-up?" asked Skuld.
"Well, it can happen. Sometimes, in a close race, if a young and inexperienced driver loses it, he can cause a chain reaction wreck that drivers often call 'the big one.' If that, happens, he has to try to get past that, even if he gets bumped. Even if he gets hit hard, if his car can still operate, he can get back into the race, but he has to know how to get through that mess. However, there are only three cars, and I am wondering just how you can simulate 'the big one.'"
"Simple, like this!" she pressed a button. The back of Banpei #1 opened up to reveal a salvo of rockets.
"Heh heh, and fire!" she said as the rockets were launched into the air. They struck the ground randomly and exploded into green and red clouds that quickly solidified into gel.
"WHAAAAA!" cried Kei as Bell cried out in fear. He then had to do some quick maneuvering to get out of the way. Tamiya then waived the yellow flag, which meant the pace car would come out and they could keep racing until the reached the start/finish line. They would then have to line up in the order they were when they crossed it.
"My instant-solidifying-jello-rockets!" beamed Skuld proudly.
The bear-faced pace car came out again.
However, the team were assessing the situation, and considering the amount of stuff on the track, Tamyia then flew the red flag, which meant, normally, they were to pull into the pits until the track was clear. However, because they had already pulled out, the pace car was to stop them, and they were to stay there, in their cars, until the hazard was cleared.
"You can clear them away by hosing them down. They melt upon contact with water, pretty nifty huh?" said Skuld.
"Um...then we have to wait for the track to dry," said Chihiro, "We still have to put the red flag out...though something like that can happen in a race: a severe enough hazard that will not allow cars to run during the fix."
"Well, we better get started then!" said Skuld, jumping to her feet.
"Let's grab the hoses."
Everyone just stared at the odd girl, robotic ally handing her a hose as they followed with a couple more and with buckets of water.
Skuld turned on the hose and began to water down the giant jellos.
The substance cleared down the drain, but the track was still wet.
Now they had to wait for it to dry.
"Is there any way to dry it faster?" asked Sayo.
Belldandy started to mutter, and a warm breeze began to blow over the track.
Skuld and Banpei returned to the bleachers.
The track dried surprisingly fast, and Tamiya put the yellow flag back out, meaning they could proceed.
They drove Banpei #1 and Banpei #2 out onto the track.
They thus proceeded in line behind the pace car and Chihiro said, "Okay, on the third lap, pull away the pace car. Tamiya will wave the green."
Once they finished the third lap, the pace car pulled away and the Banpei models sped forward.
Bell shouted into the radio, "GREEN, GREEN, GREEN!" and Keiichi floored it.
And thus the race was on!
Lap after lap, stop after stop, they went on, K1 spending most of his time drafting the other cars, not trying to beat them.
"He's not going to do anything?" wondered Skuld out loud as she played with the joysticks.
Chihiro smirked and said, "He is...but not what you want him to do. He's biding his time. He knows this is a 500 mile race. He doesn't have to push his car all that hard if he does not want to."
"Eeh, that sounds boring. Are all races this long?"
"Some are 400 miles, some 250...it all depends on the race and the track. Believe me, when there are 36 cars out on the track at the same time, it can get pretty exciting.
"Hmm... 36 cars right?" asked Skuld.
"Yes...typically."
"Okay, better start getting to work tonight then. We want Keiichi to win don't we? And that means lots and lots of practice."
"What are you going to work on?"
"Building lots and lots of Banpeis! So Keiichi can really race like he was in nascar right?"
"Whoa...you could have that ready for tomorrow?"
"Well, no. But I'll have it done by the end of this week!"
After a minute or two, she said, "Can you do virtual personalities?"
"Of course, I made Banpei-kun here didn't I?" she beamed as she proudly patted Banpei's shoulder.
"Then look up the personalities and driving styles of the following drivers:"
She gave her a list that included Richard Petty, Cale Yaburrough, Mario Andretti, Dale Earnheardt senior and Junior, and some others of note. She then said, "Program each car with one of these to give him a real challenge!"
"That's going to be a bit hard... But I'll see what I can do." frowned Skuld while thinking and considering the odds.
"Good, because if he can learn to race against them, he can stomp what is there now!"
"Yeah!" Cheered Skuld. Banpei did too, but it's other hand moved and accidentally pressed the launch rocket volley button on the remote control.
Keiici screamed and started to lose control of the car, heading right for the wall.
Urd, a bit glad she was sitting behind everyone, silently used a spell that would temporarily give the car a mind of its own, along with giving it the mission to not crash into the wall.
The car suddenly swerved from the wall and started to dodge the things on its own.
'Chances are he'll thank Bell for it.' Urd thought as she disengaged the spell.
The red flag came out again, and essentially would put an end to the day's practice due to the large craters now on the track.
Urd sighed as she shook her head.
'Skuld's not Skuld unless something goes boom. Probably would like Mythbusters.' Urd thought with a smile.
"Great..." said Chihiro, "It's going to take a week before we can use the track again!"
"Uhhh, oops?" said Skuld quietly.
"At least Keiichi will be able to race against a full set of 36 by the time we can use the track again! Hahahaha...."
"And first, you are going to build a device that repairs all the damage you did," said Belldandy with love, but firmly also.
"*sigh* Yes onee-sama..." sighed Skuld with her head down.
Belldandy felt a little twinge, but she knew that she still had to discipline her, though one observing could never have seen it that way, knowing the amount of love that exuded from her, and from the way she dealt with it. Yet, then she added, "Because, if you are a good girl, and fix what you broke, there could be lots of ice cream in your future."
'Hopefully Skuld will have enough time to make that device I asked her for. I got the ice cream payment for it hidden away in my fridge.' Urd thought . Then a slight grin appeared on her face. 'Then I'll use it to find out Malek's musical weakness.'
"Haa, onee-sama! Daisuki!" squealed Skuld as she ran over and hugged Belldandy.
"But, you must fix it, and say you are sorry to Keiichi and the others."
"Just leave it to me!" nodded Skuld as she began mentally planning on the device.
With that, they put the car away and all went home.
By the temple's front door was what looked like a 10-year old girl. She was dressed in ripped-up clothing.
Belldandy immediately went to the child.
"Hello. Who are you?" the little girl asked.
"I am the goddess Belldandy, first-class second category unlimited. I live in this temple."
"I am Kakarine. I've been alone for a very long time." The girl replied.
"what's going on?" asked Z walking up.
"Oh, you poor thing," answered Belldandy, "She is a girl that has been alone for a long time, Z. Dear, are you hungry?"
Z's face softened, "hello," he said kindly kneeling down, "my name is Z. What's yours?"
"My name is Kakarine." Kakarine said. "And I think that I'm hungry."
"that's a nice name," said Z, "you know I was alone for a good part of my life too."
"Oh, you poor thing," and she was scooped up right away and brought in, Belldandy intending to put a full meal into the girl.
Z followed them in, feeling a sort of kinship with the child.
"This Kakarine girl... Something in her eyes is telling me that she is up to something. Something that I don't like...' Urd thought as she followed Belldandy.
Belldandy set her in the kitchen and started to use her magic to speed cook dinner. (As we all know, she never shies away from using her magic openly.)
"So why did you come to our temple?" asked Z
"I wandered around and I felt like coming here." Kakarine replied.
"so you've been living on the street?"
(night)
"No, I've been sealed for some time." Kakarine replied.
(Night)
Everyone in the room but Belldandy shuddered at the word "sealed."
Meanwhile Skuld was in her room, working on both devices.
K1 then said, "Sealed...does that mean that...you know...you're a...um..."
"Goddess? Demon? Neither. I am of the Pah 'reeni race. Perhaps the Pah 'reeni are an offshoot species of either the Divine or the Demonic, perhaps not." Kakarine replied with a shrug.
Bell was near tears as she said, "Who could have been so cruel to seal you off like that?"
"I do not know. Whoever did it, they were well hidden when they sealed me." Kakarine said.
"But why," asked Ian.
"I played one too many pranks. I guess whoever sealed me was an old fuddy-duddy that didn't like anyone having fun that wasn't allowed by them." Kakarine answered.
'That's a bit believable. I've met too many beings in Asgard that never appreciated my pranks.' Urd thought.
"So, you know Loki?" she asked.
Kakarine stopped and thought about it.
"Only from rumors." Kakarine answered.
"Well, tell me your story, please?"
"I'd like to hear it too" Z said
"Pride is a bit of the cause why I've been alone. The Pah 'reeni accidentally used a bad gem batch that wound up draining the life of whoever wore them over a long period of time and they were too proud to even think of asking for help. And since I've been alone, I've played pranks on anyone I could find." Kakarine said.
"And why didn't you ask for help, before you were sealed?" Urd asked.
"I guess I was too proud as well." Kakarine replied.
"Wait," asked Kei, "Who are the Pah' reeni?"
"The Pah' reeni created magical items. I guess you could claim the items allowed any beings to have an additional ability. Other then that, they are another race that's pretty much extinct because of their pride." Kakarine said.
"Oh, you poor thing," said Belldandy, giving her a hug.
"So, have you come to us for help, sweetie?"
"I'm just merely traveling around, seeing what has been changed since I was sealed." Kakarine said.
"This going to seem like a dumb question, but, when was that?"
"I would guess... about 800 years ago?" Kakarine answered.
Silence from the mortals. Keiichi then said, "Much has changed. Technology has advanced greatly, and we are no longer a feudal society. We are actually a free people with a republic governed by the rule of law."
"I've noticed. After all, isn't one of the rules when dealing with something new is to observe and learn before taking action?" Kakarine said, as she snapped her fingers to use a spell that restored her clothes back to their shinto priestess look.
Everyone stepped back a touch from this, and Belldandy said, slyly, "You were not really a lost waif, were you?"
"I am lost. I merely remembered that my clothes were torn. Being sealed does sometimes give the sealed one some problems with memory and awareness, especially when the seal was illegally extended from its usual length of 500 years, does it not?" Kakarine asked.
"Wait, you were held longer than they said you were supposed to be?" asked Keiichi, "Who did this to you!"
"Like I said before, I do not know who." Kakarine said.
"Then...we must find out at once!" said Belldandy, "They must be punished because they did you wrong."
"If you want to find out who, then go ahead. I don't have any interest in finding out." Kakarine said. "As for why, I'm the last of the Pah 'reeni. The sealing gave me a bit of an extension of my life, in an odd way."
"So, you are mortal."
"Not everyone has a supercomputer supporting them." Kakarine said, with a touch of bitterness in her voice. "At most, I can create a ring that can make the wearer immortal, but immortality does not imply eternal youth, as Tithonus learned."
"It seems then you are looking for a place to stay?" she asked as Kei sighed.
"No, I only came by to see how the latest relationship between a divine and a human is going." Kakarine said.
"Well, I can say that the test was not easy, but worth going through!" said K1.
"I heard a little bit about it." Kakarine said.
"Oh, where?" Urd asked.
"From a few conversations in the nearby dimensional pockets of magic communities." Kakarine said.
"But now...we have consummated the new contract," said Belldandy, "We are one now!"
Kakarine then lightly smiled.
It brought chills down Urd's spine, because it was a similar smile that Hild often had when she was about to partially ruin something for someone for no real reason.
Kakarine opened her mouth but didn't say a word before closing it. Urd had gotten off her seat and was standing right next to Kakarine. Urd was holding an Urdbolt a few inches away from Kakarine's head. Urd also had a look of anger on her face.
"What?" Kakarine asked.
"What are you going to do?" Urd asked, through gritted teeth.
"I was going to ask a question, before you had gotten up to threaten me." Kakarine replied.
Belldandy observed the child's aura, for, if she was lying just now, it would show.
It was chaotic. that meant either she was scared or was using a small series of magical pulses to hide any intention she has.
"My, oh my, Belldandy. It seems that I was wrongly told about your hospitality towards guests, if you're allowing Urd to hold one of her Urdbolts right next to my head." Kakarine muttered.
"Normally, I would protest," she said, "But your aura is all in a tither...I cannot tell if you are scared, or just covering something, which makes me wonder if Urd is partially justified."
"I choose a third option. I prefer having some privacy when it comes to my intentions." Kakarine said.
"Now Urd...we need to give her the benefit of the doubt."
Urd slowly did as Belldandy asked and returned to her seat. Urd continued to glare at Kakarine.
"Shall I ask my question that I intended on asking?" Kakarine asked.
"Of course."
"I realize that I actually have two questions. Do you or Keiichi plan on having any children in the future? I'm curious." Kakarine asked.
"We were thinking about it until we met Z and Ian," she said.
"You talk like it's a bad thing, sis," said Ian.
"Oh, please forgive me," she said, "It was nothing like that. I mean, to bring in a demigod to the world is not something that you do with happenstance. Something like that has to be carefully planned. We are waiting for that one."
"And there's also the fact that if any child of yours has the slightest possibility of a destiny to be a hero, you will be forced to leave your child, so as to prevent you from interfering with their destiny." Kakarine said.
"But...that is not necessarily true," said Belldandy, "It all depends on the need."
Ian cocked his head, not sure what that meant.
Kakarine tilted her head a little.
"But just about all Demi-gods have great destinies. It's very likely that you will have to leave Keiichi and your possible child, to prevent you from standing in the way of your possible child's destiny." Kakarine said. "At the most, you would be only able to help your possible child in the most indirect of ways."
'Just give me the word, Bell, and I'll throw Kaka-jerk out the door.' Urd thought-sent to Belldandy.
Belldandy was starting to become upset at this...something she knew was not entirely true...and outside, it suddenly turned stormy...
Kakarine looked out the window.
"And what's happening outside can be used as proof for you to leave your possible child." Kakarine said. "Keep it up and you might not even be allowed to help indirectly."
"No...NO!!!!" she screamed as she ran out of the house, crying, and it began to rain...general rainfall that would inspire poets to write sorrowful sonnets.
Without a moment's hesitation, Urd hit Kakarine with a supercharged Greater UrdBolt.
Kakarine was sent flying until she hit a nearby building, then she fell off the side of the building.
As she hit the ground, Kakarine's slight smile grew bigger.
"She definitely is your daughter, Hild." Kakarine said.
---
Urd picked up Keiichi and then flew after Belldandy.
"What, hey...WHOA!" said Keiichi as they went off. Ian, now left with Skuld, felt he had a job to do. All he had mastered is force push and shields along with a force whip, but all he had was his personal abilities. He felt he would have to finish the job for the sake of the family--not kill her, but subdue her until something could be figured out as what to do. He took off the tags, pocketed them, and felt a surge of energy. He then said, "Father, give me your wisdom as what to do here, for I go to confront the little monster! No wonder she was sealed!"
He then proceeded outside.
Kakarine waved goodbye at Ian.
"See you later. At the moment, my job is done." Kakarine said, before teleporting back to her home dimension.
---
Urd landed near Belldandy and then loudly said, "Bell!"
He just screamed out, "I'M WATCHING FOR YOU! HURT MY FAMILY AGAIN AND I'LL MAKE SURE YOU PAY DEARLY!"
"COOL YOUR JETS!" was heard from behind. He wheeled around to see Lind and she said, "You are not prepared for that! High marks for ambition, an F for wisdom, and F- on procedure!"
______________________________
She was in a tree, the leaves forming over her to keep her dry as she cried.
A mini-Malek landed near Lind and Ian.
"I came too late..." Mini-Malek muttered.
---
Urd let go of Keiichi and then she began to walk over to Belldandy.
"Bell... Me and Kei are here..." Urd said.
Keiichi lifted off the ground and was drawn to Belldandy, who then caught him and held him tight in an embrace. "Tell me this isn't true! Oh, my love, tell me this is not true!" she bawled.
______________________________
Lind was cross with him and said, "You know, you have to get a catch on your temper! It is odd someone that grew up as you did with the heart for people you have, and to have such a short temper...that is dangerous, young demigod!"
He hung his head, and he said, "I...I just felt...well, Aren't I supposed to protect..."
"Stop," she said, "How did you feel when you leaped up?"
"Well, powerful...it felt...invigorating..."
"...and I see you feel shame for that, don't you?"
He could now only nod. She said, "Come inside to your shack, and we can talk. Malek, I sense you. Oddly enough, we could use your input on this, because there is a great danger for both sides if we don't deal with this."
"I agree." Mini-Malek said, as he floated into view and followed them.
---
'Damn it! We can't use the method of sealing off Bell's powers and memories to make sure that Bell wouldn't interfere with any of her possible kids' destinies because Bell would be too irresistible of a target for Hild because of all the skills, knowledge and abilities that Bell has acquired over the years.' Urd thought to herself. 'It's kinda ironic. All the effort that Bell put into making sure that she would meet with Keiichi, might very well wind up keeping her away from him in the future until their possible kids can reach their destinies.'
A thought came to Urd, but she banished it from her mind as soon as it came to her.
'I refuse to believe that Hild would try to use Belldandy's love for Keiichi to get Bell to switch sides.' Urd thought to herself.
(Yeah, I made a slight reference to my "jealousy makes 'em fall" fic.)
Once inside, she used a simple spell to dry them off and she started coffee going, saying, "There is much to discuss."
___________________________
"Tell me you won't let them take our children! Please, I beg you."
All he could do was hold her right then.
Urd closed her eyes and meditated.
'Alright, Help us out here!' Urd thought-sent to the mental representation of her demonic half.
'Tell her to adopt. The wording of the rules that state Belldandy would have to leave her kids only applies if the kids are Demi-gods and/or Demi-goddesses. ' Urd's demonic half Thought-sent back.
'...Why are you so helpful at the moment?' Urd Thought-sent.
'Hey, I care about our family.' Urd's demonic half thought-sent back.
Urd shook herself out of the meditation.
"I think that I might have a bit of a solution..." Urd said
----
"So what happened while she was here?" Mini-Malek asked Ian.
She looked up, her eyes all red and puffy from crying.
_______________________
He relayed what happened, and Lind said, "And he wanted to go play Siegfried."
"The rules state you would have to leave your demi-god children. You can work around it if you adopt human kids or any other race. They just can't be demi-gods." Urd said.
----
"The seal used on Kakarine wasn't illegal at the time, but it required numerous forms to be filled out by a single being before the seal could be used." Mini-Malek said. "It was one of the few times that Hild truly terrified me. While she was filling out the forms and then using the seal on Kakarine, Hild was.... cold and detached all through it. Then again, considering what Kakarine did, I guess it was I was expecting a loud roaring rampage from Hild instead."
"But...I never heard of such rules!" she said, followed by a clap of thunder.
______________________________
"What exactly did she do?" asked Lind, bringing over the coffee for Ian the way he liked it.
"Think of all the gods and Goddesses who had children with humans. As soon as the kids were able to face their destiny, The divine parents immediately appeared." Urd said. "If it's there's no rule, then whatever it is concerning the situation about divine parents and their demi-god offspring comes pretty damn close to one."
------
"Frigga and Hild had, and still have, a similar relationship that Skuld and Urd have. This was before Hild or Frigga married Odin, mind you. One of Kakarine's pranks severely wounded Frigga. " Mini-Malek said. "As for why Hild didn't blast Kakarine off the face of existence... I'm not sure... My theory is that Frigga used her power of prophecy and told Hild to avoid killing Kakarine to avoid setting off a deadman's switch."
"But...why? Why does it have to be that way? It should not be! What would be wrong about us raising them right? If anyone can, I know my Keiichi can."
_____________________
"...."
"How so?"
"Keiichi would raise your possible kids the right way. That I do not doubt." Urd said. "But we're taking about you being forced away from Keiichi and your possible kids. Yes, we know that you know when to help and when to stand back, but the same argument can be used for Father and the matter about Ian."
---
"How so what?" Mini-Malek asked.
(Is this REALLY the rule?)
_____________________
"What's this thing about a deadman switch?"
(I think we should talk about if there should be a rule concerning the matter in the coffee house before continuing. I'll be able to post later. I'm heading off to bed.)
(Let's do that.)
(...What did I miss?)
(Quite a bit.)
"We need to call one of the offices and see if we can schedule the trials to see if you'll be permitted to stay with your kids." Urd said. "Kakarine only pointed out the worst possible even happening and we panicked."
----
"Stop and think from a troublemaker's perspective. If you're going to do something that would really piss off the head of Hell, wouldn't you want there to be some insurance for your safety or at least make sure that you take your killer with you?" Mini-Malek asked.
"Wait," said Lind, "Was that an attempt to get Urd off kilter?"
Mini-Malek shrugged.
"Possibly, possibly not." Mini-Malek said. "It'd be best for all of us to keep on guard."
---
"When you've calmed down, Bell... We can call and see if we can schedule the trials at a time that you feel ready for them." Urd said.
"And what Bell was told was not entirely true. It is true that they passed their tests, but if they want a child, there are certain sanctions and more trials they must face. Ian, considering what you faced, I think you know what that might entail..."
"That would be bad...very bad."
_________________________
She nodded, but Keiichi asked, "Uh...trial?"
"But as difficult as the test and the trial might be, even if she has her powers sealed to the point where she's no stronger then a human, she does have many beings around her that are willing to protect her and her hypothetical kids." Mini-Malek said.
---
"A test and a trial to determine what will happen to Bell, should she and you have kids." Urd said.
"Well, she has me, Ian...once I have him trained, her sisters, Ace...hmmm, yes, it could work."
_______________________
"No, I do not wish to put you through it!"
"Oh, Bell, if it's for you, I'd undergo another trial in Hell if it meant we could be together."
"Oh, Keiichi!" she said, embracing him tightly.
"When we're done here, I'll let Hild know of the situation." Mini-Malek said.
---
"Let's go back to the temple." Urd said.
"Check...and Ian...remember...don't dive in like that when you are not prepared!"
_________________________
She nodded and picked up Kei to go home .
"Because next time, she might take you to her dimension.. And then things will get bad in a real hurry." Mini-Malek said. "Lind, it might be a good idea for us to inspect the temple and see if Kakarine left anyone one of her...'Gifts'...."
----
Urd followed them.
She looked at him and said, "Gifts?"
"As in the extremely bad kind. Like cursed items or magical items that have too high a cost." Mini-Malek said.
"Then let's get looking. I'll find Ace: we need his nose."
"Right. I'll go check Keiichi's beemer, since Z made a bit of a prophecy about it. " Mini-Malek said. "Ian, go tell the others that a search is being done."
-----
Ace was sleeping outside, under a tree.
He nodded and saw Ace, saying what was up.
"It has been awhile since I've been on a case." Ace said, before starting to sniff out for any foreign magical energy signatures.
---
Once reaching the beemer, Mini-Malek had split into even tinier Maleks and began to look inside the beemer.
Ian followed closely.
After some searching, one of the tiny Malek found an odd clip near the beemer's seat. He did a scan spell on it.
'The charm would have gone off tomorrow. It would have reversed the beemer's luck and would have caused the beemer to get into an accident. A darn good way to get pass the Utlimate force.' Tiny-Malek thought.
----
(Time skip about thirty minutes? Feel free to make any magical items that would have done more harm than good.)
In the kitchen, Ian noticed a charm by the thawing chicken.
"Found another one? That's now four we found in this room alone." Ace said. "Let's see... First one was making food spoil faster. Second was similar, but for drinks. The third did both."
Ace then did a scan spell on the charm Ian just found.
(It was a meat spoiler.)
"A meat spoiler charm. " Ace said. "Bell will definitely not like what Kakarine has left..."
"Is all the food bad, or was this to be tripped?"
"My sense of smell tells me that the food is still fairly good to eat." Ace said.
(When do they get back?)
(Urd's following Keiichi and Bell. You're the one that decides when they get back.)
They landed to see them all doing their thing.
"We've found a number of trinkets from Kakarine, located all over the temple, each designed to annoy you." Ace said.
----
the tiny Maleks was still looking throughout the beemer.
'That now makes 15 bad luck clips found in the beemer...' Mini-Malek thought, as he looked at the small pile of clips in the bag that disabled any magic within it.
"The little brat played us like a harp," snarled Keiichi.
"I guess we have to be thankful that she has an excess amount of pride and showed herself. Otherwise, we might not have found these." Ace said. he then sniffed the air. "Malek is still in the garage."
They all headed there.
"Hello, everyone." Mini-Malek said.
Besides Mini-Malek was a bag with some unusual symbols on it. The Beemer was still being inspected by the tiny-Maleks.
"What in the world happened to my bike?"
"I'm looking for traps, charms, bugs, and whatever else might be harmful." Mini-Malek said. "The rest of the room is clean. Only the Beemer was meddled with."
"Is it all safe now?"
"I'm still looking through the beemer. What I found... isn't very pleasant..." Mini Malek said.
"Do tell," said K1 sarcastically.
"Kakarine placed bad luck clips on your beemer. One merely makes it a bit more likely for anyone on the beemer to get in an accident. Adding more bad luck clips increases the probability and the severity of the accident happening." Mini-Malek said. "I've found 16 and I suspect there may be more."
The clouds started to form again, as she said, "She wanted to hurt my Keiichi!"
"Or anyone riding on the beemer tomorrow. The clips aren't attuned specifically to anyone." Mini-Malek said. When he was handed another bad luck clip, Mini-Malek sighed as he put it in the bag. He then asked, "Do you plan on going anyplace tomorrow, Mr. Morisato?"
"Well, only to the track to see what we can do to rebuild the damage...right Skuld?" as he eyed her.
After getting another clip from a tiny Malek, Mini-Malek said, "Due to the possible number of the clips and magical residue due to the possible large number of clips, you might not be able to use the beemer tomorrow, due to how long the purification spell is. But I offer a deal if the Beemer can't be used in time."
"Well, I can always ride in with the fellas...they'll be by to see us anyway."
"Oh, yes. The fellows who get in trouble and then tell you that it's your fault and that you need to bail them out." Mini-Malek sarcastically said. "Surely, they won't use the ride to try to give you their support by threatening you."
Another clip was put into the bag.
He just looked a little steamed and then said, "I think they'll understand if I tell them the bike is under the weather?"
Mini-Malek looked at Keiichi as he put another clip in the bag.
"With the amount of talent that they know you have with riding and repairing vehicles? Do you really think they'll believe that?" Mini-Malek asked.
"Oh, and what do you think they'll say?"
"I suspect they'll pass it off like it was a joke that you told them and then they'll tell you to get your beemer." Mini-Malek said.
"Behave yourself, Malek, or get out. Lind, Bell, or I could look through the beemer and take out all the bad luck clips ourselves." Urd said, with a slight glare.
"Considering some of your pasts guests, I thought was was behaving. I haven't called anyone any names. I haven't threatened anyone. I'm also doing a task, free of charge, that's saving Keiichi's life by defusing a trap." Malek said.
"You're insulting Keiichi's friends." Urd said, crossing her arms.
"The same people, who while they might be handy and helpful during a emergency, will sign Keiichi up for a race without telling him. And then either threaten Keiichi into doing it or they go tell Belldandy that they made a promise and then Belldandy makes Keiichi fulfill a promise that he never made." Mini-Malek said.
"Hey!" said Lind, "Remember, you are also a guest here, which means giving common courtesy to the host."
"I apologize for my attitude. People like Tamiya and Otaki, even if I talk about them, tend to give me a quick temper." Mini-Malek said.
"Wow, you actually sound like a demon cares about the well being of a human," said Ian, still not up on how the whole thing worked.
Mini-Malek shrugged before putting another clip in the bag.
"So I have a bit of a fondness for humans. Does it matter? I still do my duties as a demon." Mini-Malek asked.
"It seems you are doing part of it now," said Lind, "Trying to get them riled beyond what is needed."
"To be honest, I expected to work while being observed that I don't try to cause a bit of mischief of my own." Mini-Malek said. "I wasn't expecting to get into an argument about Keiichi's friends."
"You seemed to succeed."
"Mischief and arguments are not the same thing." Mini-Malek said.
"They can cause mischief."
"Only if the ones arguing are too childish to argue correctly." Mini-Malek said.
"In any case, what do you suggest Keiichi say?"
(G2G...catch you tomorrow.)
"Actually, he was arguing correctly, and I argued incorrectly by attacking his friends' characters." Mini-Malek said. He then faced Keiichi. "Mr. Morisato, I apologize for that."
"Well...uh...I guess it's okay, considering you're trying to fix my bike and all. I'm surprised the engine trolls didn't clean things out. I mean, they're German, after all, and pretty efficient at that."
"The clips don't interfere with the Engine Trolls' work, so they get ignored." Mini-Malek said.
"They know the bike. Maybe they can help."
"Perhaps. I'll tell my tinier selves to ask for help from any engine trolls they meet up with." Mini-Malek said.
"How long is this going to take?"
"Probably until tomorrow morning. I want to make sure that all the bad luck clips are removed."
"I bet you're going to leave one or two behind, aren't you?" Urd muttered.
"I will not leave any behind. I said I would clean the beemer of the bad luck clips and I will do it. I will not half-ass a task, just to cause some trouble." Mini-Malek said.
"And your payment in return is...?" asked K1, a touch suspicious.
"I'll be taking the clips." Mini-Malek said.
"AH-HA! You're going to be using them in a future task against us, aren't you?!?" Urd said, as she pointed at Malek.
"... You really are suspicious of me aren't you?" Mini-Malek muttered.
Urd said nothing.
"Bad luck clips aren't my thing. I'd rather use non-magic stuff to cause people some mischief." Mini-Malek said.
Lind took a moment to say to Ian, "Remember: don't go after something before you know what it can do, okay?"
He sighed and nodded.
Skuld popped her head in, wondering what the scene was about.
"Hey, Skuld. Malek's removing the bad luck clip that our recent 'guest' left in the beemer." Urd said.
They explained to her about the girl that tormented Bell and left all the trinkets behind that could cause harm to K1, especially the seeming endless number of them in his bike.
"Just letting you know, making a vaccum to remove them would be bad. some of the bad luck clips might break while they were being sucked out, their magical energy then would enter the beemer, and the purification spell would then be extended." Mini-Malek said.
"How many are there?" Urd asked, clearly getting annoyed at Mini-Malek. "I'm beginning to think you're purposely working slow."
"I'm being cautious and making sure there aren't any other traps." Mini-Malek said. "But if you feel I'm working too slow, feel free to help."
"Oh, that's great." she nodded.
"By the way, I have your device ready."
"Good. Let's go to your room, so you can tell me how it works." Urd said, as she summoned the two cartons of ice cream that she promised Skuld. The two cartons appeared in a bag that Urd was holding.
Her eyes instantly lit up when she saw the ice cream.
"This way!" she said and disappeared. All that could be heard was a thudding of footsteps fading away into the house.
"Doesn't take much to make that girl happy," said Ian.
Urd followed after Skuld.
There was a large machine on the floor and cables connecting to a Banpei cap.
"Is this it?" Urd asked.
"Yep! The scanner is actually wireless, you can detach it." said Skuld, holding up the Banpei cap. With a pop*, she removed the cables attached to it.
"Now we'll have an ace in the hole against Malek." Urd said as she handed Skuld the ice cream.
Keiichi passed by and said, "Don't forget the drones, and the repairs of the track."
Several depression lines hung over Skuld's head while looking down at her feet.
"I know..."
The smells of dinner began to waft through the house.
"Better put the ice cream away for after dinner, Skuld." Urd said. "Oh, and how does the scanner work?"
"Oh, simple. You put in on the demon's head and it'll scan their musical weakness." said Skuld.
"You could just point it at them, but the signal will be really weak. You're going to have to hold it there for 5 minutes straight."
Urd thought for a few seconds as she looked at the device.
"Let's see.... I could ask him if I can talk with him in private. Once I get him away from his tiny selves, I'll use a sleeping potion on him." Urd said. "If I use a sleeping potion on him, will it effect the results?"
"It should work." said Skuld after a moment's hesitation.
"Well... I'll Ask Malek after Dinner. Why don't you be with me when I use your device on him? That way, you can make sure that it works." Urd said.
"Okay." she nodded.
"Let's go see what's for dinner." Urd said, heading off to the kitchen.
She was preparing a general stir-fry.
Skuld sat down in her seat, swinging her legs back and forth.
"So," asked Belldandy, "How has your magic practice been going?"
Z walked in and sat at the table for dinner.
"Where have you been?" asked Ian.
"working on a draft of a story for english class." said Z.
"We met a little creep that made Bell cry and also put a trap In Keiichi's Beemer to kill Keiichi." Urd said. "Malek is taking apart the trap."
"If you find her can I send her into her worst nightmare?" asked Z with an evil look.
"Sure." Urd said.
"You'd have to get that one past her," whispered Ian.
"What do you mean?" asked Z
"Bell," he whispered, "She may want to see justice, but that girl doesn't have a vindictive bone in her body!"
Z sighed, "you're probably right. I wonder what will happen if they create a new Demigod?"
"Um..." he whispered, "Not so loud on that one. There may be issues with that."
"I see," said Z, "so how's your magic training coming along?"
Returning to normal tones, "Well, I have shields mastered, and figured out how to make force whips."
"force whips?"
"I learned how to shape the shields and use them as bludgeoning whips." he answered, to which Lind said, "Which begins to lend to what may be your central magic. Each of us have an area where we specialize: Belldandy uses wind, Urd uses electricity, Skuld is a techno-mage. I am wondering about Ian, though, but I now have a guess."
"When will you test him, Lind-sama?" asked Z
"Once I figure out what his central gifts are, and train him in that direction."
(has the doublet already taken place?)
"I wonder if mr. Malek can help me with a spell I'm working on?"
"Go and ask him. A portion of him is in the garage, removing some bad luck clips from the Beemer." Urd said.
"Wait, isn't that doublet-thingy tomorrow?" asked Ian.
"Come to think of it, you're right," said Lind, "I forgot!"
"Which means you'll forget about each other when it's done." Urd said.
"Not necessarily," she said, "All they will forget was that they were paired. Even then, it won't be long for them to get reacquainted."
"wait so will we forget each other or not?" Z asked confused
"You should not, because you are going to be in close quarters with each other, and only forget that a ceremony took place at all. However, if you do forget, since you two have not known each other all that long, it would not be long before you two would come reacquainted, with no memory of what had happened, so there is nothing lost."
"Ok," said Z, "I'm going to go find Mr. Malek. Call me when dinner is ready."
Z headed to the garage.
In the meantime, Lind said, "I am beginning to wonder if psychology was not your calling, Ian/"
"What do you mean?" he asked, with an odd look on his face.
"I mean, I have a guess that your ability falls in the area of chemistry," she answered. This only brought a curiouser look to his face.
"Mr malek are you in?" asked Z as he entered the garage.
"Hello, Z." Mini-Malek said, as he put another clip in the anti-magic bag.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I think your skills lean more towards Alchemy...but on a manipulative way, not the way Urd does it."
"I was wondering if you could help me with a spell I'm working on." said Z, "it involves using lightning to charge and shape a fire blast into a beam form."
"It sounds like you are trying to create a spell that has a high cost but low payout. What you seem to describe is a flamethrower spell with a secondary effect of lightning, but done in a complicated way." Mini-malek said. "It'd be easier to use a laser spell with a secondary effect of either fire or lightning. Not both, but only because the payout isn't very good when you compare the energy output to the energy cost."
"In a laser spell, is it possible to alter the direction of the beams?" asked Z
"Yes and there are three ways. Just add a secondary effect of increased accuracy, a homing ability, or a remote guiding effect." Mini-Malek said. "Keep in mind that they do increase the energy cost of the spell. The increased Accuracy effect is the cheapest, but all it does is increase the accuracy of the spell. The homing effect makes the spell seek out your target, but it can be tricked by a decoy flare spell. The remote guiding effect is the most expensive, but you guide the spell's direction by concentrating on a target."
"so how would I add a remote guiding effect?" asked Z
"I can't teach you here. Sort of for security reasons. The sesson will have to be at the arcade." Mini-Malek said.
"ok," said Z, "anything I can help you with?"
"If you know how to split yourself and be able to see things that humans can't, then you can help me remove the bad luck clips. To humans, it looks like there are only a few clips in the beemer. In reality, there's close to five hundred, with most of the clips hidden from human eyes by a special seal embedded on the clips." Mini-Malek said. "I have to be careful. The clips are attached to each other and arranged in a way that it is incredibly easy to break a clip."
Mini-Malek sighed.
"I strongly suspect that Kakarine might simply be gunning to ruin Belldandy's happiness by any means. But I am not going to rule out that that might simply be a ruse to cover whatever Kakarine is really planning." Mini-Malek said.
Z removed his limiter, "Hmmm, I see about 487 clips left. How do we remove them?"
"By removing them very carefully by hand. Trying to remove them by summoning them might wind up releasing the bad luck magic early." Mini-Malek said. "My scans earlier showed that the clips are on a timer. they won't activate until noon tomorrow. I can get them all removed by morning. Then either I or one of the goddesse will have to do a purification spell, just to make sure that the beemer wasn't tainted by the vast number of clips."
"May I help?" asked Z
"Like I said before, If you know how to split yourself and be able to see things that humans can't, then you can help me remove the bad luck clips." Mini-Malek said.
Z frowned, "no one taught me to split, but unsealed I can see the clips."
"Ordinarily, I'd say go ahead and unseal yourself to help, but don't you have work tomorrow?" Mini-Malek asked.
"I have slight insomnia so a tiring activity will do me good," said z, "and I'm already unsealed."
"Then be careful when you take out any clips. Better to be slow and cautious instead of fast and careless." Mini-Malek said. "My tiny selves are working on the inside of the beemer."
"got it," said Z getting to work on the exterior, "so how does one split oneself?"
"By willing a part of yourself to leave the majority of yourself, sort of like a drop of water leaving the ocean." Mini-Malek said. "And to return, just will the fragment to rejoin the majority, like a crop of water returning to the ocean."
Z concentrated and managed to create two mini selves. "Let's get to work."
Mini-Malek nodded.
"Should you feel like you need help with a spell and I'm unavailable, My son, Deberk can help." Mini-Malek said.
"Thanks," said Z.
(what now?)
(I'm heading to bed, but tomorrow I am going to have Urd try to find out Malek's musical weakness.)
(what if they accidentally find out Z's musical weakness too?)
(I think that's up to Auir about whether or not Skuld's device can detect Z's musical weakness.
Considering that Urd has a musical weakness, It might be a good idea for you to make a musical weakness for Z, if you haven't already. As for why Demons have musical weaknesses, Paladin313 and I talked about it a long time ago. I think we decided on that the Demons made a tradeoff in the past. They have more basic power then the gods, but it came with the price of a musical weakness.
So think of a style of music and what it makes Z do against his will when he hears it.)
(I was thinking Death Metal music causes Z to be paralyzed)
(There'll be some error when reading Z's. Maybe it'll say 'rock' or something else similar to Death Metal.)
(sounds interesting. maybe death metal can somehow come on and affect him?)
(So, they think ____ affects him but it's wrong due to the error. Then while scrolling through the list of music, they come across death metal and he starts dancing?)
(Actually it affects him by paralyzing him from the neck down, causing him to collapse.)
(kk)
(Is the dinner done yet at the temple?)
(Maybe. wo could just skip it if nobody minds.)
Bell's singing kind of voice called to everyone that dinner was ready.
"Can't wait~" said Skuld as she sat at her spot, waiting for dinner to be served.
(Did you fix your computer?)
Everyone was there, ready to eat, yet, something seemed different.
(It was a corrupted program I removed, and now everything is okay again. Oh, and a question is going to the Coffee House.)
"Hm?" Skuld looked around, wondering about the odd thing that stood out.
Mini-Malek was still in the garage.
----
Urd looked at the food. some of it was undercooked, some of it was overcooked.
"Bell, If you had wanted to take the night off to collect yourself, you could have." Urd said.
"I am...fine..." she said, but with a quiver to her voice.
"Nee-sama, are you sure you don't want to rest for a bit?" asked Skuld.
"I am...fine...it is just...why...cannot they...leave us...alone..."
Tears were starting to flow anew.
Skuld got up and buried her face into Belldandy.
"Don't cry onee-sama.."
"They...they might want to take my children away...fear of destroying them...I cannot stand it!"
"We'll figure out a way... We always do, right onee-sama?"
Lind then said, "If they want to both be there for their children, they will have to undergo a test not to dissimilar to what they faced in Niflheim when your mother came to test if they could stay together in the new contract."
"No matter the situation, we overcome it. You'll be there for Keiichi and your kids, Bell." Urd said.
---
Mini-Malek began secretly telepathically communicating with Chibi-Hild.
'Lady Hild, I have some news to tell.' Mini-Malek thought-sent.
"Test...trials...this is all getting old hat," grumbled Keiichi.
Belldandy looked horrified and said, "Does that mean I weary you!"
"NONONONO!" he said very quickly, "Look, if it's for you, I'd go to Hell and back...come to think of it, I did do that...but then you know that I would. Whatever it takes. I was just saying that, well, how many times is something like this going to happen?"
"Once for every kid, if I remember right." Urd said.
"What..." said Keiichi. ???
"unless they changed the rule, Bell will have to go through the test and the trial every time she decides to have a kid." Urd said. "I'm pretty sure that it changed though. I'll have to check later.
"But, why would we have many?" asked Keiichi, "One is fine, if that's what Bell wants."
"Well, you know it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind," she answered with a weak smile.
'Lady Hild, come in. Where are you?' Mini-Malek thought sent. Mini-Malek was still in the garage.
"*sigh* yes...what's going on?"
'Kakarine appeared at the temple, made Belldandy cry, and set up a trap to kill Keiichi. Z and I are currently taking apart the trap.' Malek thought-sent.
"Really...and how was she made to cry."
'Kakarine talked as if Bell was going to have to leave her children, should she have any.' Malek said.
"Ooh...low blow...but not entirely true."
'True, but sensitive topics and emotions tend to make that fact about anything easy to ignore.' Mini-Malek thought-sent. 'My main self is either still looking for Proter, or has found him and waiting for the right time to make the offer.'
(Who should play Proter?)
(It's been a while since we touched that plotline. Please refresh me on that one?)
(David Proter appeared in Chapter 22 of the manga. In the OMG universe, he placed third in the Dayona 500. His girlfriend was the All-USA kart champ. He and his girlfriend wanted to see how good Belldandy and Keiichi were when Aoshima claimed that Belldandy and Keiichi were the unofficial champions of the Japanese go-kart circuit.)
(Ohh...that's right...you take Proter, since that was your idea.)
(Well, I kinda was hoping that someone else would take him, but alright, I'll play him.)
(You know the character, so it would be useless for me to do so.)
(Actually, I think you'd still do a better job then me. As for characterization, he's mostly a blank slate. Little was done with the character in the manga in the sole chapter that he appeared in. Other then the fact that his girlfriend raced Belldandy and the bit about the Daytona 500, he only had three lines. Shall I type up the conversation that he had with Aoshima?)
(*sigh* no...I'll take him, and make him a typical American racer...southern redneck.)
(I'm sorry. It's just that I know very little about sports and I fear that I might screw something up with the character.)
"Well, how do you think he'd deal with Keiichi racing?"
'From the memories that my main self sent me, he seems like the kinda guy likes to face challenges. He also seems to share a few traits with his girlfriend. Quick to taunt their opponents, but plays fair.' Mini-Malek thought-sent.
"Okay, are you going to have him compete, or help?"
'I believe Proter is competing. My main self plans on offering Proter the ability to temporarily hear any vehicle that he touches as a way to even things up with Keiichi, since Keiichi will be having the supernatural help of Skuld and Belldandy.' Mini-Malek thought-sent.
"Odd you say that," she said, "I always knew her to be one of fair play...Bell, that is...and she only used it to counter foul play."
'I don't know what my main self is intending. For all we know, he might be intends on making it look like we're using magic to cheat, so that Belldandy will try to use her magic to make things fair, only to find out too late that we weren't cheating at all.' Mini-Malek thought-sent.
"Ooh...that would be fun!"
'Yes, it does sound like quite a bit of fun. But what do we do if she doesn't fall for it? Ask her what would have happened if it wasn't a trick, but in a way that makes her feel bad? It'd be a good idea to go with a plan that guarantees that no matter we win or lose, we walk away with a victory.' Mini-Malek Thought-sent.
"Well, do you think you can handle that?"
'My main self is the one handling the thing with Proter. For all I know, My main self might simply only be there to see if he can make a deal with Proter, and then later ask Belldandy just how fair is it that Keiichi and only a few others in the race receive supernatural help that no one else is getting.' Mini-Malek Thought-sent.'Honestly, I'm not even sure if my main self is even considering the thought of trying to trick Belldandy into cheating. Shall I try to contact my main self?'
"Well, I would be coordinating."
"That's good to know.' Mini-Malek thought-sent. He then sent out a contact thought to Malek
'Yes, what is it?' Malek thought-sent.
'Are you setting up a plan to trick Belldandy into cheating?" Mini-Malek thought-sent.
'In my opinion, there's no point in it.' Malek thought-sent.
'Why?' Mini-Malek thought-sent.
'Because if it fails, it fails and we gain nothing out of it.' Malek thought-sent.
"Well, what about this racer? Could we make it look like we were cheating? Belldandy always acts to counter such things, but if she is caught, we destroy her reputation, threaten her license, and even maybe split the pair up, though by the new contract, their binding is a bit more solid."
'The Racer is a bit of a Jerk, but seems to obeys the rules. I have a bit of a suspicion that Proter and Keiichi might wind up becoming friends after all is said and done. That's why I plan on offering an ability that is more useful out of the race, for our side to at least walk away with something.' Malek thought-sent. 'As for making it look like we were cheating, that plan is more or less doomed to fail. Ms. Happy Hippie seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to anything dealing with Keiichi or competitions. Besides, if we were to make it look like we were cheating, Urd or Skuld are more likely to counter-cheat to try to make things fair.
But if Belldandy were to be caught cheating, I'd put my money on her powers being heavily restricted, instead of anything else. And considering how little magic she uses for doing chores, it's not much of a punishment for her. I'd also put my money on the punishment being lifted the moment we try anything against the temple or its inhabitants. '
"Then you have to talk some sense to your avatars, because they seem to think up foolish things."
'Yes, They do. I think that may be a sign that I never should have stepped down from your personal security forces. I'm getting bored enough that my avatars are becoming silly. Ah well, live and learn.' Malek thought-sent. 'Oh, when I make the deal, is there any particular restaurant that you want a reservation for, Lady Hild?'
"Only the finest five-star Japanese restaurant," she said, "Complete with the cooks and grill at the table."
'I'll make sure that will be the price for the offer. After all, when one stops to ponder it, The ability to listen to vehicles simply by touching the vehicle for the price of a reservation at a restaurant is a pretty good offer from a human's perspective.' Malek thought-sent.
'How did you come up with the offer? Mini-Malek thought-sent.
'When the auto club was trying to put together an airplane that they discovered was buried under their college in pieces, Belldandy gave Keiichi the ability to hear the plane. The plane told him where to find its parts. That gave me the inspiration for the deal.' Malek thought-sent.
(Yeah, Malek is mimicking something that Belldandy did and he's doing it to further Hell's agenda. I find it amusing.)
"I just may have Hild Prime be there...to better things."
'Alright.' Malek thought-sent.
(I'm going to bed. See you later.)
(anyone on?)
(I am.)
(so what now?)
(hello?)
(It's doublet time!)
(what about the musical weakness event?)
(When is that supposed to take place?)
(after dinner the night before the Doublet.)
(Then that's on you guys...I wouldn't be involved with that.)
(where's Katz?)
(???)
(any idea when he's usually on?)
(He comes on when he comes on.)
(so what do you think, will Z and Ian remember each other or not?)
(Still haven't worked that one out yet.)
(well either choice would add flavor to the plot.)
(I say...not remember each other.)
(cool. looks like they'll meet twice.)
(Sorry, had to finish a few things. I thought The doublet thing was going to happen the next day and I need Auir to play Skuld for the musical weakness thingy-ma-bob.)
(I guess we wait. so how is the machine supposed to work?)
(Either from a distance for a potentially inaccurate scan or do a scan close up for an accurate scan. Unless Auir changed his mind about it.)
(um Auir if you're there can we continue?)
(anyone there TT_TT)
(I am, But I'm heading off to bed.)
(maybe tomorrow then?)
(Your choice. Either inaccurate long distance scan or accurate scan. Thin of something that would allow them to put the hat on him.)
(Should we skip ahead to after dinner?)
(I'm game)
*Lines up Trace in his crosshairs...BANG!*
(You said you were game...) :P
(Where were we?)
(we were thinking of skiping to after dinner. *activates barrier to deflect bullet*)
Finally, dinner was over.
"That was a great meal," said Z
(we might have to stall until Auir and Katz are on)
(Once they see some activity, they may.)
Bell was better, but a bit shaken still.
"Things are rarely as bad as you think they will be," said Z.
Ian said, "You know, for a demon's son, you're not half bad."
(Well, I have to hit the sack, but I will be here most of the day tomorrow. Nite!)
(night)
"Thanks," said Z, "I am an oddity in that way."
"Well, Skuld and I gotta go talk to Malek in private" Urd said, as she got up.
"I have something to ask when your're done too," said Z
"Alright, Z." Urd said. She then faced Skuld "Ready, Skuld?"
(anyone there?)
(I'm here.)
"so Ian," said Z, "nervous about tomorrow?"
"I'm really not sure how I am supposed to feel..."
"I'm actually nervous about if we would be able to rebuild our friendship if we completely forget."
"That is...if we even forget each other at all. I was told it was possible that we would only forget the meeting, but it's the whole memory erasure thing that gets to me."
"Yeah," said Z, "I hope it won't make me a jerk or something. though mom might like that."
"Well, I don't think that we are going to lose our personalities."
"I just mean that the experiences that shaped my personality might be erased."
"Dude! They're not going to erase us back to diapers!"
"But I did only meet everyone just recently, and lived a hard life alone before that."
"The only thing we will forget at the worst is that you and I know each other, and even then, I don't think that would matter, considering we work with each other, and we won't even have a memory of one another to regret that we forgot we knew one another. I don't think we'd stay apart for long. It's like we'll just meet anew, and go on as normal."
"Thanks," said Z, "I was just a bit paranoid. So what's Nee-sama and Skuld up to with Mr Malek?"
He just shrugged and said, "Beats me. The less I know in some regards, the better off I am."
"I just hope they don't damage the house."
"What ARE they doing?"
Z shrugged.
"Well, it's time for work," he answered, "Besides, if disaster does strike in what they are doing, at least we won't be here, but at work!"
"I'll catch up," said Z, "I need to speak with Mr Malek anyway, so I'll teleport there when I'm done."
He nodded and headed to the arcade.
"How is everything?" Deberk asked, when Ian came in.
(anyone know where Auir is?)
(sorry but no)
"As normal as can be expected," said Ian, "The doublet thingy is tomorrow, and it seems so odd, but not so bad. It does keep me in check, knowing someone might suffer if I sought to harm someone on my divine side, possibly myself if it was my partner. Z seems shook by it, but I just figured that, since we haven't known each other long, there is not much to forget, and we'll be friends again anyway, and not even remember or even care about what's going to happen tomorrow."
"Even if your memories of your friendship with Z are taken away by doublet, the feeling of friendship remain. So there'll be feeling of trust that'll help you become friends again." Deberk said.
"That's why I'm not making much of a fuss," said Ian, "But Z seems shook. Anyway, the only beef with me is that I get to go to heaven without dying, and I won't remember it!"
"My old man's been to Heaven on a few diplomatic missions. He said it's nice, a bit too gaudy for his tastes, but nice." Deberk said with a shrug. "Then again, he's preferred the wilderness over anything else."
"From what I understand there, the wilderness is perfect. Even the dirt is clean."
"I'm not a fan of the great outdoors. You'd have to ask Malek for why he doesn't seem to think much of Heaven's wilderness." Deberk replied.
"Well, I'm off to do my duty."
"Have fun." Deberk said.
(I told Auir. He's here.)
"Ready, Skuld?" Urd asked.
"Ready!" whispered Skuld into the earpiece. She was in her room, the only light coming from the dozens of computer screens.
Urd walked in the room where Mini-Malek was in.
"Hey, Malek. I want to speak with you in private somewhere else in the temple." Urd said.
"Isn't here a good place?" Mini-Malek asked.
"No, not really, especially when you consider your tiny selves undoing the trap on Keiichi's beemer." Urd said.
Mini-Malek shrugged. he followed Urd into a storage room, where she immediately threw a sleeping potion at Mini-Malek. When he passed out, Urd said, "Time for your part, Skuld."
"Alright, just put the thing on his head and let it work my magic!" said Skuld over the headpiece.
Urd did as Skuld said.
"Let me know when you've found his musical weakness." Urd asked.
(I'm going with the theory about AMG that a long time ago, Demons made a deal that granted them more power then a god, but it came with the price of a musical weakness. When Malek was young, he had an operation done that took away his musical weakness, but also took away the additional power that came with it.)
"Okay! Leave it to me!" said Skuld as she began typing into the computer. There was a scanning bar on the bottom of her screen. 10%... 11%... 12%....
Urd smirked.
'It's not like you've found a way to get rid of your musical weakness, Malek. You've probably hidden your musical weakness well, but Skuld's machine will find it.' Urd thought.
50%.... 51%... 52%....
"Hm..." Skuld sat there, swinging her legs as she watched the bar inch toward the finish. She brought her glass of ice tea to her lips and slurped, only to find that it was empty. She hopped off her chair and headed toward the kitchen.
"I take it that he hid his musical weakness well?" Urd asked.
"Hm? Oh, no. It's just that it plays all the frequencies and sees which ones gets a reaction. There's a lot so it may take some time." said Skuld while pouring out a new glass of iced tea.
(I thought Skuld's invention would be playing various musical Frequencies and songs to see what effects Malek.)
(Oh, I'll change it.)
When Skuld got back, she frowned and stared at the screen.
100%
"Huh? No way, there must be an error somewhere..." muttered Skuld.
(actually, Malek doesn't have one. I put a bit of info a few posts back about why he doesn't have one.)
(Changed)
(Thanks. I'm sorry that I was a bit annoying.)
"What? is it some genre not invented on earth yet?" Urd asked.
"No, we just played everything. And nothing affects him. Hod on, I'll run another test." said Skuld as she typed into the comuter.
(It's fine.)
Urd's face paled for a second.
"Y-Yeah. that might be a good idea." Urd said.
A few minutes later, Skuld's voice came through.
"I don't know... I don't know what's wrong... There can't be anything wrong with my device... It keeps saying he has none."
Z knocked on the door, "can I interrupt for a second? I need to ask Mr. Malek something and head to work."
"Uh, yeah, just a second!" Urd said, before taking Skuld's device off Mini-Malek and hiding it.
She then shook Mini-Malek awake.
"Huh, wha..." Mini-Malek muttered, as he rubbed his eyes.
"Z wants to talk with you." Urd said. "You can come in, Z!"
"I was wondering if you could teach me a spell to create randomly moving drone targets for a spell I'm working on?" Z asked walking in, "Um what's that Nee-sama?"
"I'll tell you later. I gotta go see Skuld." Urd said, before leaving.
"Yes, I do know such a spell. So does Deberk. Unlike most of the beginner spells, it requires a few specific hand gestures to program them. How about after the doublet ceremony, either I or Deberk teach you it?" Mini-Malek said, as he took something out of his pocket. It was a Tiny-Malek. After Mini-Malek absorbed it, Mini-Malek smiled and muttered, "So that's what Urd was trying to do..."
(I also have to remember what happens in the ceremony and what needs to be said...)
"What was she doing?" asked Z
(I'll check tomorrow around the Welsper chapters for that info, Paladin313.)
"The device was something to discover musical weaknesses." Mini-Malek said. "She had knocked me out with a sleeping potion, but didn't factor in that I'm one paranoid git."
(Thanks.)
"Ok," said Z, "I need to get to work," he said walking out.
(I was thinking he bumps into urd or skuld and the helmet lands on his head.)
(or he confronts Urd and Skuld for doing something sneaky and underhanded towards Malek, especially while he's helping them. Urd says it was to have an ace in the hole in case of a major problem later. Z asks to see the device and wants to know if it even works.)
(good Idea)
Z walked over to the room Urd and Skuld were in.
"Nee-sama, Skuld, may I ask why you tried to trick Malek and find out his weakness when he has done nothing wrong?"
"E-eh? What do you mean?" asked Skuld, feigning innocence.
"I was wondering why Mr Malek said you put him to sleep and tried to scan his weakness." Z said angrily.
"A few times, Hild and Mara attacked the temple. Once, she even even removed Bell's, Peorth's, and My angels for a little bit. If Malek decided to join a future attack, We would at least have an advantage against him." Urd said.
Behind Z, Mini-Malek was slowly clapping.
"Had she been in your position, your mother would have done the same thing you just done." Mini-Malek said.
"I am not Hild." Urd said, while trying to stay calm. Only her hands betrayed her. They trembled a little bit, either in fear, or showing that she was getting ready to throw an Urdbolt at Mini-Malek.
Z sighed, "can we not fight? besides, I'm curious to if the device actually works. May I try it?"
Skuld looked up at Urd as if asking what to do.
"Go ahead." Urd said.
Z placed the device on his head, "so how does it work?"
(are we going to continue?)
"It works by playing ll the different frequencies and forming them together into patterns. When you start reacting to one of them is when I'll know what kind of music you're weak to."
"Let's start then," said Z
Skuld nodded and went into her room to prep the machine.
Z sat down and waited.
Skuld turned on the machine and yelled through the house.
"Okay! Put it on!"
"It's on," said Z, "what next?"
"Nothing! It'll start playing and you'll start reacting when it hits your musical weakness!" she yelled.
Z listened to a few songs waiting for a reaction. When Death Metal music came on he fell to the floor, limp.
"Damnit turn it off!" Z yelled, "I cant feel my body from the neck down!"
There was no reply for a few seconds.
"It's picking up something! Are you reacting?" Skuld called out.
"I'M PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN! WHAT DO YOU THINK?!"
"Skuld tends to get distracted when she has a new invention that succeeds." Urd said, as she began to use a scan spell to make sure that Z didn't injure himself when he fell.
A few moments later, it shut off. She ran into the room enthusiastically.
"Did it work? It worked didn't it?!"
"Yeah it worked," said Z geting up, "what did the readout say?"
She plugged her mp3 into a miniature speaker and pressed play. Death metal began to play throughout the room.
Urd pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Z gets paralyzed to that genre of music, Skuld." Urd said.
"Z, should you ever decide to move, there's always a place at the arcade's apartment half for you." Mini-Malek said.
"Turn that music off and I won't melt your Ice cream!" Z said from the floor.
"Oh, I wanted to see him dance..." she shut it off.
"Well, you react to death metal apparently."
Urd held out a hand to Z to help him up.
Z took Urd's hand and got up, "not everyone reacts the same. Mara dances, Nee-sama falls asleep, I get paralyzed." said Z, "now I have to get to work. ciao."
Z then teleported to the arcade.
(so should we skip to the doublet?)
(Malek and Hild have a task to do in America first.)
(ok then)
Z got to the arcade and got to work
"Hello, Z." Deberk said, as he was carrying some paint cans and heading towards the basement.
"You're Debrek, right?" said Z, "Mr. Malek told me about you."
"Yes, I'm Deberk. Do you have any questions or do you wish to say something?" Deberk asked. Deberk's tone was polite and curious.
"not really," said Z, "just a request that Death Metal be banned from being played while I'm here."
"Alright, I'll let Mara and Hild know." Deberk said, before walking off.
(I'm heading off to bed. good night.)
"thanks," said Z.
(night)
Deberk decided to find Mara and Hild first before going back on his task.
Z went to his station
(so what now?)
(Need to work out the scenario Katz had in mind.)
(which one?)
(Where Hild and Malek bribe a couple of racers to try to beat Kei in the big race coming.)
(I see. So what's the problem?)
(We need HotelKatz to RP the scene.)
(isn't he on now?)
(I don't know!)
(I just meant the site says he's online.)
(Not what I just saw.)
(oh. I guess he just got off)
(I'm back. Shall we work out the details here or in the coffee house?)
(Details on what?)
(Never mind. I was distracted.)
Malek was on a building, waiting for Hild.
Hild arrived and said, "Okay, where are they?"
Malek pointed at a nearby parking lot.
"I've been waiting until they've gotten a moment alone." Malek said.
"Well then, let's make our proposal."
Malek smiled and nodded.
He then teleported to an alley nearby Proter. Malek then walked out and called out, "Hello there!"
He just looked at him for a moment and went back to his car.
"Do you recall a couple of people by the name of Keiichi Morisato and Belldandy?" Malek asked, as he walked towards Proter.
"'scuse me...who the H$@* are you?"
"Why I'm here to reveal a few facts about that go-kart race from so long ago and to make a deal with you." Malek replied.
"Wait, just how the f$%# do you know about that?"
"I tend to keep an eye out for beings like Belldandy." Malek said.
He picked up a 3/4 inch ratchet and said, "You have about two seconds to extract yourself before you get hurt."
"Do you think that it's fair that Morisato has some magical beings to bail him out of a loss in a race?" Malek asked, unafraid of being threatened.
He stopped and said, "You wanna run that by me again, boy?"
(My fighting team in Blacklight Retribution is practicing now. Be on later.)
"Belldandy and her sisters have used their powers to insure that Keiichi has a better chance at winning his races. While technically not against the rules because no one ever considered it, he's the only one that usually has a bit of magical support." Malek said.
"Now, why should a listen to an oddly dressed nut case like you? Magic...ain't no such thing boy!"
With a gesture of his hand, Malek created a glowing ball about the size of a basketball that was showing the go-kart race that was mentioned earlier.
"Need more proof?" Malek asked.
(I'm going to bed. See you all later.)
"Holy fart knockers!"
'I believe there is a 75 percent chance he is impressed by the orb viewer spell. 25 percent chance is that Hild used a wind spell to blow a winning lottery ticket in front of him for reasons known only to her.' Malek thought.
He was still amazed, and then some sensibility hit him and he said, "So...wait...are y'all sayin' they cheated?"
"It depends on your point of view. If something is not specifically against the rules, but no one else is using it, is it cheating?" Malek asked.
"Still seems dishonest...what does this have to do with me now?"
"Are you competing in the upcoming Daytona?" Malek asked.
"Yeah...so?"
"Keiichi will be competing as well." Malek said. "Though in all honesty, I probably should tell you of the magic spell that was using during the go-kart race and what Belldandy did during her race with your girlfriend, before we go any further."
"you mean...he's...aw...S%$#! Let one foreigner win that race, (referring to Mario Andretti,) and now everyone thinks they can come over here and race our race! Yeah...tell me all about it!"
"During Belldandy's race with your girlfriends, Belldandy used her magical mathematical abilities to calculate the best way to make a new course record. As for Keiichi.... Well, it's more like countercheating for that moment in time, due to that Aoshima fellow's actions..." Malek said.
(Proter referred to Aoshima as 'Tosh' and buddy in the manga chapter. I guess they might have been in contact and somewhat-acquaintances before the go-kart race. I get the feeling I might be putting too much thought into this.)
"Bottom line...you say they don't play fair."
"It all depends on the point of view. No where in the rules is it said that magic is illegal, but no one else besides Keiichi's team is using it. For the most part, Most of the magic Belldandy uses is a little bit of her compelling voice to make Keiichi calm down when he panics before a race." Malek said. "But for the upcoming race, Keiichi's team has someone who is magically gifted when it comes to anything to do with technology."
(I'm trying to make Malek be as honest as possible, but also having him not mentioning any extra info more then necessary. If I make a mistake, Let me know.)
"So, watcha proposin', boy?"
"I'm not going to be so stupid as to offer you a definite victory. That's something that neither one of us wants to have in a deal." Malek said. "Instead, I offer you the ability to hear the voice of vehicles like they were another human."
"...."
"Still not sure I like it. If I want to beat someone, I want it fair and square."
Malek nodded.
"I understand. That's why I offer an ability that has no effect on your driving performance." Malek said.
"Still kinda cheatin' Besides, been driving so long that the car can tell me without no magic what's wrong with her!"
"On top of that, what do you get out of this?"
"As for what I get out of this.... Well, I'm doing this to give a lovely lady a reservation at a restaurant of her choosing." Malek said.
"Who would that be?"
"I would assume myself," said Chibi-Hild, now standing with them.
"She usually looks like this." Malek said, as he produced a poster of Hild Prime.
"Are you her daughter?"
Not quite, but we ARE closely related.
"We have the ability to change how we look." Malek replied.
"She's a knockout!"
Malek then made the poster disappear.
"As for the ability I offer, It works on all vehicles. Imagine impressing your friends when they have car trouble by simply putting your hand on their car. The car will then tell you what's wrong with it and you can relay it to your friends, by claiming that you have a gut feeling about what the problem might be." Malek said.
(I was tempted to have Malek throwing in the poster as part of the deal, but I felt that was making him look a bit pathetic.)
"...."
"As long as I can use it on everyone...including that Morisato kid. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to be right about it!"
Malek nodded.
"I have no problems with that." Malek replied. "Do we have a deal?"
"Deal, partner."
"Alright, the payment for the ability is a reservation at a the finest five-star Japanese restaurant, complete with the cooks and grill at the table." Malek said. He then pointed at Chibi-Hild. "She was the one that decided that should be the price."
"Not much to ask...uh...who is paying?"
"You are, Proter, if you want the ability." Malek said.
He frowned, but knew he could pay, and said, "Let me get my better threads on."
"Very well." Malek said.
(I'm heading to bed.)
With that, he headed to his place and changed.
Chibi-Hild's cellphone rang.
She thought that odd and answered it.
"Hello, It's Deberk. Z requested that Death Metal be banned from being played at the arcade." Deberk said.
"Why? Well, I know Mara's weakness to Rock and Roll in general...is that the issue with Z?"
"Probably." Deberk replied.
"Well, it's sad we have to cut that out as well...what do we fill it with...disco...ABBA?"
"I'm not in charge of the music. I just make sure everything is working right... Come to think of it, who is in charge of the music?" Deberk asked.
"I don't think we ever figured that out...I thought we would just by the MUZAK system and pick the station we need."
"I'll purchase and install it later after we close." Deberk said.
"Okay...it shouldn't cost that much for a subscription."
"There's plenty of room in the budget for it, considering how much gold we sold that belonged to some of the thieves and robbers that are being punished." Deberk replied. "Anything else before I hang up?"
"No, just keep things together while away. Ta-ta!"
"I will do my best." Deberk said, before hanging up.
"Well, Malek, what should I wear? Maybe a nice kimono for the Japanese restaurant?"
Malek thought for a few seconds.
"I don't see why not. Any particular kimono you plan on wearing? It's been awhile since you've worn the one with the black and gold colors." Malek asked.
"Oh, that would be perfect!"
"Shall we continue to wait for Proter or go find him?" Malek asked.
"We'll meet him there."
"Well, I'll teleport after you." Malek replied.
She nodded, instantly changing her clothes in the blink of an eye and went there.
Malek then teleported.
Proter was there, wearing a sports jacket, slacks, cowboy boots and hat, and a sting tie.
"Shall we make the transaction?" Malek asked.
The matre d' stopped them and said, "I am sorry, but your friend cannot enter without a tie."
(Wait, I thought they were in America?)
(They are, and some five-star places still demand formal wear.)
(Ah, my bad. I'm a bit absentminded today)
Malek put his hand at his throat and then made his had go down, making a tie appear.
"I'm a magician in my spare time." Malek said.
"What about him?" he said, not recognizing a string tie as a tie.
"Surely, you'll let it slide this one time?" Malek asked, secretly using a spell to add a slight compelling effect to his voice.
Before it took effect, Proter said, "Ain't you never seen no string tie, boy! I is wearin' a tie, and perfectly formal for the good ol' south. Now you gonna let me in, or do I have to break a few teeth!"
Malek de-activated the spell on his voice.
"Mr. Proter, there's no need to get physical. " Malek said. Malek turned back on the spell before saying. "Maitre d', will you overlook it just this once?"
Whether it was his approach or Proter, they were let in.
"It's been awhile since I've been in this kind of restaurant" Malek muttered.
They were guided to a table, and, yes, on the floor, but elevated enough to be at the right place in front of the grill while the chef spun his blades.
(I've never been in this kind of restaurant, so I have no idea what to do.)
(They cook it right there at your table, and the chef has all kinds of Japanese cooking blades and spins them as he chops and cooks. It's like cooking and a show at the same time. Picture the movie "Cocktails" but with a chef in white and not so much dancing.)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktb77Sv1JGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktb77Sv1JGM))
(that looks like Tanaka of Tokyo)
As Malek watched the chef show off their skill, Malek thought, 'I don't care what the gods or demons like to claim, any work done without an ounce of magic is just good, if not better, than anything done with magic.'
"I always thought them fancy tricks they had was neat!" said Proter.
"Such skill is always to be admired, in my opinion." Malek replied.
Chibi Hild had some fun and made it so he could go super fast without hurting himself.
"Please behave, Hild." Malek quietly muttered
"Oh really? You tell ME what to do?"
Now all the chefs were doing this.
Malek pinched the bridge of his nose.
'We're in middle of a deal. Didn't you give a speech last year to keep your eye on the ball when making deals or helping others make their deals? The speech you forced me to go to?' Malek thought.
Soon, everyone calmed, and things were back to normal as she said, "You are such a party pooper."
"Perhaps." Malek replied.
Soon, the chef had a few bite-sized pieces, and he said, "Ready!" flipping one off the gril, and Chibi Hild caught it right away.
Malek caught one as well.
One landed on Proter's nose.
"Napkin?" Malek asked as he produced one.
"Boy needs to work on his aim," he said, taking it.
"Accidents happen." Malek replied.
"So...you say that boy's comin here to race, huh?"
"Yes, and Aoshima is helping him." Malek replied.
(I'm going to bed.)
"Hmm...."
He was now lost in thought.
"Something the matter?" Malek asked.
---
Deberk was in the basement of the arcade, painting some special symbols on the walls.
Deciding that a little background noise couldn't hurt, he turned on the tv down there.
~click~ "If your drill says 'Binford'...GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, TOOLS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO TALK TO YOU!"
"Nah, some other time." Deberk muttered to himself.
~click~ "Gangs of old ladies attacking fit, defenseless young men."
"That'll do." Deberk said with a smile, before getting back to work.
"You say that girl gonna be there?"
"You mean Belldandy? Yes." Malek replied.
"Yeah...I know one way that ain't cheatin that might help..."
"What is it?" Malek asked.
"I don't mean that someone take his girl, but just show kindness and interest in her. Knowing the way she is, from what I remember, she will not suspect anything, treat him well, and put the green-eyed monster in her boyfriend. Do that, he gets distracted, and cannot focus on the race enough to win it."
"I suspect Aoshima might be planning on doing that, despite the fact that he's working with Morisato at the moment. Perhaps he's hoping that Belldandy somehow decide to leave Keiichi, if Keiichi doesn't do well. Belldandy was one of the few to reject Aoshima's advances." Malek said.
"Well, perhaps we can kill two birds with one stone here."
"Perhaps. I'll have to send someone to spy on Aoshima to see if he's trying anything like what I mentioned." Malek replied.
"It would be interesting to see if there was something we can work out in that," said Chibi Hild.
"Yes, it could." Malek replied.
"Let's see what we can do with that."
"I'll start on it tomorrow." Malek said. "Mr. Proter, would you like your new ability now or when get get out to the parking lot?"
"Um...outside."
"Alright, After when we're done here, then." Malek replied.
After they dined well, they went out.
"Any questions before I give you the ability?" Malek asked.
"What do I need to know?"
"The ability only will work when you're in contact with a vehicle." Malek said, as he made waved his hands around. There was a quick flash of light. Malek then said, "Alright, that's it. You can now hear the voices of any vehicle when you touch them."
He touched his own car.
He heard a voice humming a song that had played earlier on the car's radio.
(I'm heading to bed early tonight.)
He was amazed.
"Go ahead, let your car know that you can hear it now." Malek said.
"Um...Hi car? I can hear you now?"
"...Wait. you can hear me now? ....I'm.... not sure what to say... I've never thought this would ever happen..." The car replied.
"This is...different..."
"Yeah..." The car replied.
"Should you wish to call for any future deals, here is my business card." Malek said as he handed a business card to Proter.
He took the card and went back to his house, having one awkward conversation with the car, but also realizing that, when his time was done in racing, he could have the best repair shop in town.
"Well, I thought the deal went well. Your thoughts, Hild?" Malek asked.
"This is going to be one crazy race in a few months. I just wonder how the kid inventor is doing with her drones getting Kei ready."
"One of my spies told me that she was a bit disappointed that she couldn't go all out with her planned upgrades." Malek said.
"I do not think she has the concept of a stock car race."
"I think it's more like she doesn't like the idea of limits." Malek replied.
"She's going to be trouble if she does not learn."
"Luckily, she has Urd and Belldandy to reign her in." Malek replied. "Shall we head back to the arcade? I believe Deberk has finished the project I told him to complete."
"Lets."
Malek teleported back to the arcade's roof.
(anyone on?)
(Yeah.)
Malek began walking down to the basement, hoping that Hild would soon follow.
"Hello, Z." Malek said as he passed by Z.
Z had split himself into five mini selves to do more work, "ah, hello Mr. Malek. is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything is alright." Malek replied. "How is everything with you?"
"Things are going normally," said one of the chibi Zs, "though, the prize booth is running short on hellhound plushies."
"Well, if there aren't extras in the storage room, just order some." MAlek said. "I suspect the crafting division will be pleased to hear that their favorite product is starting to be popular.They might personally deliver some by tomorrow, should they hear about it."
"that's good to know," said Z, "so where did you and mom go?"
"To America and it was to make a deal." Malek replied.
"I assume it has to do with the upcoming race?" said Z, "and don't worry, I may live with three goddesses and a demigod, but I can still keep secrets from them."
"Somewhat. At most, it has a very loose connection with the race." Malek replied.
"I see," said Z, "I was wondering, does the doublet always happen in heaven or does it rotate between heaven and hell?"
"It actually takes place in a special area that is the only direct connection between Heaven and Hell." Malek said.
"Well that would explain a lot," said Z, "so when tomorrow does it happen?"
"I believe so. Hild would know the specifics better than I do." Malek replied.
(I'm going to bed.)
(ciao)
(anyone on?)
(Shall we go on to that?)
(that?)
(the doublet ceremony.)
(Don't mind)
(You don't mind having a doublet ceremony?) ;D
(Errh, don't mind skipping to that part. >>)
(If Trace comes on, we're going to do that one.)
(the doublet?)
(yeeeeeeeeeees! *sigh* Let's get to the next day.)
Z was waiting outside the Temple wearing black robes with red trim and gold designs.
Ian came out wearing what Lind gave him, feeling dorky in it. The others came out wearing their goddess outfits, saying, "I know this is going to be special!"
"Too bad we won't remember it," said Ian.
Bell then said, "Oh, but you shall get to see others in the future."
"Let's get this over with," said Z, "then I will be less nervous."
With that, Chibi Hild arrived and said, "Don't start this party without me."
"Of course not mom," said Z, "and thanks for the new outfit."
"Of course!" she said, "Oh...I love how you call me that...doesn't it sound nice, Urd?"
Skuld walked in, checking if she had everything on right.
"Good luck!" she said to Ian.
He tousled her hair and said, "I am just glad you'll be there with me."
The ritual then started to transport everyone to the neutral grounds.
'I wonder what the neutral grounds will look like?' wondered Z
(Man, we need Katz!)
(yeah)
(I've sent a PM...hopefully, he gets it.)
(I'm here. For some reason, I'm not getting notices)
(Also, wouldn't the only ones that would be allowed in the neutral grounds would be Z and Ian at the moment?)
(Because of the precedence being set, would not witness be called for...or maybe they can all come, but only they enter the chamber.)
(I think it'd be better for the gods to go to Heaven's entrance to the Neutral grounds and the Demons to go to hell's Entrance to the Neutral grounds. The scene in the manga showed no witnesses, probably because it's a very private ceremony.)
(Right, then they would take them to the entrance to the neutral, stay out, and then retrieve their unconscious forms.)
Belldandy then said, "Ian...feel privileged. You get to see the gates of your future home. Keiichi...I am sorry that you cannot come."
"It's okay...I understand the importance of the situation."
Hild looked at Z and asked, "Are you ready to see home? Oh, I so like hearing 'mother'...isn't that a good thing for a mother to hear, URdie?"
Urd mumbled, "Let's just get on with it."
"last time I was in hell I was being exiled to earth because of my dislike for causing misfortune to people," said Z, "nobody's going to be mad this time, right?"
"Oh of course not!" she said, "You'll get to see the good part this time."
"Z, you are now willing to cause a little bit of misfortune, but it will be to help people prepare for far worse emergencies. I think you'll be alright." Malek said.
With that, they were both whisked off to their respective entrance points.
"Do you know what words to say?" Urd asked Ian.
---
"Do you know what words to say?" Malek asked Z.
"Please refresh my memory."
Urd handed Ian a card with the words on it.
"We're too close to the place and I don't want to risk setting the system off early." Urd said.
He took the card and kept it handy.
"not really," said Z, "I don't have the best memory."
(what's with the notifications?! I missed a lot of posts!)
"Due to the proximity, I cannot verbally tell you, But this note has the words." Malek said ,as he handed a note to Z.
(Here is a re-posting of the words, along with some instructions.
If the words are not in color, it is said by both. Otherwise, Red for demon, blue for god/goddess
---
You who are together with me.
The closest strangers.
The furthest twins.
You who are together with me, you who protect the darkness.
You who protect the light. You who are together with me.
Until the light disappears, Until the darkness disappears, Darkness will protect the light, Light will protect the darkness.
Making our life one, sharing our life.
For the gods, I ------ , do swear
For the demons, I ------ , do swear.
)
(I made some changes in your settings Trace. You should be getting notifications now. Hotel, are you still having problems with notifications?)
(no problems at the moment.)
(Thanks Auir)
Z pocketed the card, "Thanks, I'm ready now."
"Wow...heaven IS beautiful..."
"But...entering comes later," said Belldandy, "I think Father wants to watch you on earth for a while."
Hell's entrance to the neutral area had a bit of a Greco-Roman flair to it.
"From what I remember of the neutral area, it's kinda bland and empty." Malek said.
"I like the look of the entrance," said Z
He swallowed, nodded, and went through.
"I never did get to show you what I made Deberk add to the arcade, Hild." Malek said.
"Well, why don't we look while we wait for the two."
Malek created a Mini-Malek, who then teleported to the Arcade.
Hild followed
Z walken into the room
In the basement of the arcade. Mini-Malek put his hand against a large eye symbol on the wall.
A good deal of the basement was taken up by a holographic scale simulation of the surrounding area around the arcade. If one were to look closely at the holographic scale model, they could spot holographic representations of people running about.
"I had Deberk put this in. Unlike a scan spell, this won't set off any warning bells to anyone looking for any spells being cast. That's because this is purely passive." Mini-Malek said. "But it will only work with demonic energy charging the symbol."
"So...what are you looking to do with this?"
__________________________
Ian suddenly was feeling the weight of the situation, in his special robes, all alone in this seeming limbo, seeing Z as he entered. He then said, "Are you ready?"
(Here are our words again...)
You who are together with me.
The closest strangers.
The furthest twins.
You who are together with me, you who protect the darkness.
You who protect the light. You who are together with me.
Until the light disappears, Until the darkness disappears, Darkness will protect the light, Light will protect the darkness.
Making our life one, sharing our life.
For the gods, I ------ , do swear
For the demons, I ------ , do swear.
"Area scan spells often let other magical beings know that someone is looking for them. This doesn't have that effect," Mini-Malek said. "There's also a setting for this to detect enchanted items. They blink red on the model."
Z nodded and took a breath
"You who are together with me.
The closest strangers.
The furthest twins."
He said the same, adding, "You who are together with me, you who protect the darkness."
"You who protect the light. You who are together with me." Z said next
Ian continued with the shared words, "Until the light disappears, Until the darkness disappears, Darkness will protect the light, Light will protect the darkness.
Making our life one, sharing our life."
Z repeated what he said while adding, "For the demons, I Kazi Carter, do swear."
"For the Gods, I, Ian MacGovern, do swear."
(I can't remember what happens now. Do they both pass out?)
(let's say they do)
As they both went out, they were transported back to their respective places, Hild catching Z in time and had a bed brought over for him. Ian arrived at heaven's gates, and a cloud caught him.
"Mom, what happened?" said Z groggily.
"You...took a short nap, but its okay. What would you like to do with the rest of the day?"
(We are looking to advance the story up to a month before the race, but Katz wants to work out the training thing you two have going.)
(I wouldn't mind a timeskip. We can just say Z finished his training.)
"Well Mr. Malek said he would hemp me with a new spell," said Z
(Did you catch that, Katz?)
"The deflect shield spell is willing the magical energy that makes up your shield to spin around. That will give it a bit of a defective property." Malek said. "Having a firm grasp of geometry helps with deciding where the deflected shot goes."
Ian slept deeply, and Belldandy smiled, saying, "Sleep on, dear brother. You shall awake as if nothing happened, and I hope you and Z can be friends again."
Z nodded, "It should come in handy with my next project. I need to create drone targets that fly in random patterns so I can test a new laser spell I've been working on that changes direction according to my thoughts and has a lightning element. the shield should protect me from misfires."
"You're thinking of Barrier spells. Shield spells are stronger, but protect from one direction. When a Shield spell overlaps with another shield spell, both get stronger. Barrier spell protect from all directions, but aren't as strong." Malek. "And using more than one shield spell is foolish. The energy drain outweighs any benefits."
"I see," said Z, "can you teach me before I head back?"
"to use a Barrier Spell, Will your magical energy to form a bubble around you." Malek said. " Your first attempts will create a weak bubble, but the more you use the spell, the thicker the bubble becomes. Same goes for the shield spell."
"and what about the remote drone spell you said you would teach me?"
"To use that spell, it requires a few hand gestures. Here is how to do them," Malek said, as he started a few hand gestures. When he was done, a small flying ball with a smiley face appeared.
Z made the hand signs and created a smily face sphere. "so it will move at random patterns right?" asked Z
"You'll have to tell it 'Training mode, random patterns' or do a few more hand signs for it to do it right off the bat." Malek answered.
"okay, training mode, random patterns" said Z causing the drone to fly around.
Z pointed his hand with his palm forward, "ryūsei he said firing a beam of energy that repeatedly changed directions to follow and strike the drone.
"You should probably train somewhere else besides the entrance to the neutral area." Malek said. "I'll put in a request for a space increaser for use in the arcade."
"Thank you," said Z, "I'd better get back to the temple before the others worry and start dinner."
Ian was just coming to, and he was greeted warmly by the others. He then said, "Strange...I remember going to the gates of heaven with you, but why and what happened after is a blank to me. I wake up in my bed as if everything is okay."
Z teleported to the temple gate. "I wonder what Belldandy is cooking tonight?"
"Hello, Z." Urd said, as she was sitting on the roof of the temple.
Ian walked out, spotted Z, and then said, "Um, Hi...I know you?"
"No, I don't recall seeing you before," said Z to Ian, "where do you live?"
"I live here in a guesthouse," he said, "I just recently found out I had sisters living here."
He went up and said, "Name's Ian MacGovern."
"My name is Kazi Carter, but please call me Z." said Z, "And actually I live here too and have a sister here too."
"Really? Surprised we have not met."
"Yeah, it's kind of strange," said Z.
"Hey, Urd...Why have you never introduced us?"
"I figured it'd be better if you did it on your own." Urd said.
"Well, I guess, but, did you sneak him through the back?" he joked.
"Nah, he teleported here." Urd said.
He hesitated for a moment, and then remembered 'sister,' which would make him a brother of sorts, and he said, "Oh, so you're a god like them?"
"I'm actually more of a semi demon," said Z.
"Whaa!" he said, saying, "What is the other half? (Keeping Urd's condition in mind.)"
"human," said Z, "I'm Urd-nee-sama's half brother."
However, his recollection of what he now knew about demons came to mind, and he then said, "Do you fall to the mischief side, or Urd's side?"
"I guess I am a middle point," said Z, "I cause misfortune, but only to help others in the long run."
"Oh...well...I guess that's cool," he said, "Well, how long have you been with us?"
Urd wondered what would happen, either the two would get a strong feeling not to investigate the matter further, or they would simply forget the last few minutes.
(Hey Trace, a few weeks ago, I discovered the term for semi-demon is Cambion.)
(cool)
"I have a gut feeling that we should drop this," said Z, "but it's nice to meet you Ian."
For some reason he did not know, he agreed, and went in to see what dinner involved.
Z followed Ian inside.
(Do you think now would be a good point for the time skip?)
(yup)
It was now early February at Daytona Beach Florida. Chihiro decided to let the team have a day at the beach itself before actually starting practice on the tri-oval.
Z was sitting on a towel in the shade of an umbrella, reading a thick science fiction book.
Ian was looking at the beach and said, "And to think the Daytona 500 used to be held right here on this beach."
"Learn something new every day," commented Z.
Belldandy then said, "Well, how did they do that?"
K1, being up on racing as he was, said, "Well, the sand on this beach is packed pretty hard, so you can drive cars on it with little problem. The cars would go down this stretch of beach here, then turn over there, go down route A1A, turn over there, and then come back down the beach. They could go medium fast on the sand, really fast on the hard top, but it was the turns that things got real treacherous."
"sounds fun," said Z, "I wonder how it would compare to broom races?"
"Oh, there would be no comparison," answered Bell, "They are in the air, and the cars are on the ground."
"mom once let me ride Dragon Death Heart," said Z, "Of course I had trouble controlling the speeds so I ended up crashing after 300 miles."
"How high off the ground were you?"
"40 feet," said Z
Kei shuddered and said, "That landing must have hurt!"
"being a Cambion helped me survive with only a few broken bones that were healed by magic." said Z
"Sounds as dangerous as what we car drivers do."
"yeah, but the injuries will be worse if you crash,"
"Well...anyway, it would have been interesting to have actually seen one of those early races in person."
A mini-Malek was secretly watching the group several miles away.
He vaguely wondered if Belldandy met up with Proter, if she would be able to sense that Proter made a deal with his main self.
'And of course with Demon-client confidentiality, she can only figure it out from whatever clues she can find. I wonder if it'll make her decide to cheat in Keiichi's favor even further?' Mini-Malek thought.'Doubt it, but it'll be fun to watch her squirm for a bit.'
Not too far down from them came Proter with his entire pit crew--some with dates, some not--setting up for a day at the beach not 75 yards from them.
Somewhere else in Datona Beach, Deberk was busy using a device that he and his friends had built at Malek's request. The device looked like the PKE meter from ghostbusters, but it was made to detect any magical items that Kakarine made.
(I'm heading to bed early today. I'm sorry about that, guys.)
Proter looked over and happened to notice Belldandy.
the device Deberk had went off.
"Funny, there's multiple signs... Guess she's been busy..." Deberk muttered, as he examined the screen.
He nudged three of his single teammates and pointed out Belldandy to them. They then went over and introduced themselves, asking her name, where she was from, noting she was new around there... She smiled as she always did and introduced herself, "I am the goddess Belldandy, First Class, Second Category, Unlimited."
That threw them off, but one said, "But you sure are as pretty as a goddess!"
She smiled, giggled, and turned a touch red. Kei was starting to take notice and get a bit miffed.
'So much for trying to keep a low profile about our divinity...' Urd thought with a frown.
Kei came up and put an arm around her, saying...in Japanese..."Is there a problem, babe?"
"Oh no," she said, "These friendly men were making us feel welcome!"
"Hey, that's funny talk!" said one who was indeed a redneck.
Deberk's investigations led him to a few people who were going to race in the upcoming race.
"Guess this means trouble..." Deberk muttered. He then chuckled a bit as he said, "Kinda amusing that Kakarine is seemingly ripping off one of our ideas..."
(Where is Urd?)
(Nearby Bell and the others.)
Z looked over at the group.
(Urd has nothing to say?)
"Hey, kid...where are you from," said the redneck in a way that made one think Keiichi was deaf and retarded.
Z overheard and closed his book and began to walk over.
Keiichi's English wasn't too bad at this point, and he said back in the same way, "I am from Japan!"
The man turned cross and said, "You mocking me, boy?"
"Hey Kei, is something up?" asked Z in japanese, walking up to the group
Belldandy, ever the peacemaker, said, "Oh, please, boys...let us not fight. There is no reason for this."
"Is that your girl?" he asked, ignoring Bell.
"She is my fiance!" he said with a glare.
He looked at Bell and said, "You can do better. Why don't you come sit with us...come and meet the crew."
"Well, that would be nice," she said, "But you see, there are..."
However, they started to sweep her up in the group and take her to their spot, not knowing what awaited them.
Z quickly removed the man's hands from belldandy and put him in a painful finger lock, "I believe the lady was declining you," he said in a sweet yet dangerous voice.
"You wanna fight, boy?" he said, and gave him a right cross with his free hand.
Z blocked the punch and used a subtle illusion to make the man pass out.
The others were now getting hostile, and both Tamiya and Otaki were up and ready now, and even Ian as well.
Z cast another illusion that diminished hostile feelings within a 5 meeter radius.
Everyone became docile and went back to their own camps.
Z sighed, "What happened K1?" Z asked Keiichi after the illusion wore off and hostilities diminished.
"They came up, belittled me, and tried to take Bell."
"I see," said Z, "then I guess you'll beat them in the race, because you were the better person and didn't willingly start things, and they always say: 'may the better man win'" ;)
Proter observed the whole thing, knowing what just happened, came up, and said, "Long time no see, Morisato."
"Old friend?" Z asked Keiichi.
"More like rival," he grumbled.
Proter then said, "You can stop with the hiding thing, because I know all about your girl. I won't say you used her magic to beat me, but I do say this: don't be doin' any of that junk in the race! I want it clean, and I am sure you want a chance to win clean."
"magic?" said Z acting naive.
"Don't play dumb, boy," he said with a side-wards glance, "Some woman that can do magic named Hild told me the whole truth. Even gave me a neat trick that I can do, so don't play dumb. I know the score."
"I should've known mom would enter the race too," sighed Z, "so what was the compensation for the contract?"
"Waddaya mean by that?"
"What did mom ask from you when she gave you the 'power'"
"Yeah, I'm curious as well." Urd said.
(Sorry about not adding. I went off to bed around that time.)
(Ugh...brain fart...what DID Malek ask from him?)
(A meal from a restaraunt.)
"All she wanted was for me to treat her to a five-star Japanese restaurant, and I did."
Z laughed, "figures," he said.
"All I'm telling you is keep away from the funny business, because I want to whoop your a@# fair and square," he said, walking back to the others, and said over his shoulder, "And if you value her, you'd better not take your eye off her for one second...plenty of handsome men around here."
"this could be trouble," sighed Z
"On one hand, It seems odd for Hild to be playing this kind of hand. On the other hand, it's just like her to do something unexpected." Urd muttered to herself.
"Well, Bell. With Hild supporting Proter, we have to be a bit more careful." Urd said to Belldandy.
"About what?" said Bell, to which Ian, the psyche student, spoke up and said, "It's pretty obvious. He's going to try to race clean, but that doesn't mean that he can't create distractions. He's trying to get Belldandy to fall for one of his single boys to distract Kei and throw him off his game."
"I guess we should be extra careful." said Z
"Steal...me...?" and then Belldandy started to laugh and said, "Oh, they are so silly! There is nothing that can separate me from him!"
"won't stop them from trying," said Z
"I was only talking about the race." Urd said to Belldandy and Keiichi. "I don't think we need to worry about anyone trying to separate you from from each other."
"Besides all that, the way the new contract is, the System Force would never allow that."
"I still have a weird feeling in my gut about this," said Z
"Well, if we worry too much about it, we'll fall into whatever scheme Hild is trying to pull." Urd said.
"true"
"What would she gain by that?" asked Ian.
"Hild's kinda like an internet troll at times. If you let her actions bother you, she wins. If you don't let them bother you, she just continues until either she gets bored or her actions start to bother you." Urd said.
"I can relate," said Z.
"Then, I just have to stay focused," said Kei
Belldandy then said, "Well, then let me try..." as she was starting to cast, but he said, "No...he wants it clean, I want it clean. It's the best way."
"try his then," said Z holding out a charm.
(the kind you get in shrines)
"don't worry I didn't enchant it."
"Does that mean we shouldn't have contacted the engine Trolls for their help a month ago, Kei?" Urd asked.
"Well, I am not sure, but, with you guys around, that was hard not to do, for seeing such things are just natural for you," said Kei, to which Belldandy said, "And I think what Proter got from your mother had to involve magic, so, doing what we did kind of balances things out."
"I wonder what mom gave that guy?" asked z
"You could ask her, Z. Me and Bell can't." Urd said. "It's one of those dealie things. Gods and goddesses have to respect Demon-client confidentiality, while any demons have to respect Goddess-client confidentiality. While it prevents us from asking directly or using spells to figure it out, we can look for clues and work from there."
"something tells me she won't tell my till after the race is over, due to me being drafted onto your team"
"And if you try to put any pressure about it, even unintentionally, she might decide to punish you severely." Urd said
Z winced remembering what happened when he got chibi hild mad.
"whoops. Sorry about dredging up bad memories, Z." Urd said, when she noticed Z's expression.
"no problem," said Z, "but remind me to NEVER make mom mad."
"There is also the System Force that would protect such knowledge." added Bell.
"Heh... well, Let's just have fun for now." Urd said.
(I'm going to bed.)
"agreed," said Z
"Are you saying you WANT to see what happens?" asked Kei.
"Here's a thought- What if Hild wants us to overreact to whatever she has in store? What if she wants us to get paranoid to the point where we can't enjoy our lives?" Urd asked.
"Isn't that par for the course?" asked Kei with a side-wards glance.
"Especially if she wants to come in and make a deal." Urd replied.
"A deal with who?"
Z wondered when he should tell the goddesses about the storage orbs that Malek gave him and that he might need payment for helping in the race due to demon rules.
"I was speaking metaphorically and not actually picking out a person for Hild to make a deal with. " Urd said. "Look, I was more or less pointing out that if we were in serious trouble, she might offer some help at a steep price. But since you're in a competition and you're getting our help, Hild's decided to offer someone else her assistance, to make things a bit more even, so to speak."
Urd pondered something for a few seconds.
"I wonder what Hild gave Proter for the price of a meal?" Urd quietly said to herself.
(I'm going to bed.)
Proter went back to his spot, thinking, "No one is going to have a finer tuned car than me!"
Deberk took our his cellphone and called Chibi-Hild.
"Hell-o," she said, answering the phone.
"Hello, it's Deberk. I found some magical energy reading that seem to suggest that Kakarine is helping a few racers by giving them a few magical parts for their racecar." Deberk said.
(hey paladin, what happened to your chibi vampire forum?)
(It died...and...I really have had no enthusiasm for it. You see, after writing five novel-length fan fics with that character, and then trying to reboot it in RP...I guess I just got burned out on it.)
"Oh really? And who has done this?" she asked, "All I did was give Proter the ability to talk to the spirit of any car he contacts."
"Um Belldandy, nee-sama, can I talk to you in private?" asked Z
"Some of the less savory racers. I'll need to watch over them for the next few days to see if they actually had made a deal with Kakarine or if she secretly replaced a part on their cars without their knowledge." Deberk said.
"I just wonder what stake she thinks she has in this."
"You and Malek are the thinkers and theorizers. All I do is either spy, build, or repair." Deberk said.
(didn't Z ask to speak with Belldandy?)
(and urd)
"Sure, Where to?" Urd asked.
Z led them away from the group and put up a silencing spell.
"the thing is, as a demon I might have to take payment for helping with the race. So I would need a bit of energy which I would store in this orb and transform into neutral energy." Z explained holding out the orb Malek gave him.
"Well, Bell... Should you or I donate this time?" Urd asked.
"Well, Kei needs me, so, could you help?"
Urd put her hand on one of the energy storage orbs and put some energy in.
"That oughta do it," Urd said.
"thanks" said Z
Belldandy said, "Come on, Kei! Let us enjoy the water. We only have to go in so far!"
He sighed, smiled, and went with her.
"I'm going to read a book in the shade," said Z, "I never liked swimming in the ocean."
...and the day went on. The next day would bring their first test by a time trial on the tri-oval.
(timeskip?)
(Yes.)
The next day was the time trials for placement in the race.
Z was making sure the car was in good condition with the help of some of the crew.
The engine trolls said, "We got it today! Just make sure that this thing is rigged for speed!"
"It's all set," said Z finishing up.
Tamiya and Oktai made sure the spoiler was low enough to allow for more speed, but not so much that the car would lose the track. Keiichi looked at the high banks on turns one and three and said, "My goodness...how is the car going to keep the road!"
"Just be careful and remember that Belldandy is able to heal you but would prefer not to have to." said Z
"Interesting track--semi banked at the tri-oval and the straights leading to it, high in the turns, flat in the backstretch..."
Z just looked confused at what was said.
As he waited his turn, other teams were passing by and laughing, razzing him for being the rookie, some saying to be careful, because this was not Tokyo Drift.
'if those fools only knew what K1 has done' smirked Z
Soon, they were called, and all the ESPN cameras were on them now. He got in and they fired it up. He caught the pace car and off they went.
"How do you think he'll do?" Z asked Belldandy.
"He shall do well...I know my Keiichi."
"Let's hope he can beat the pros," said Z
They announced his name, that he was a rookie driver, and where he was from. The crowd let up a good cheer, showing some good southern hospitality.
Z watched and got ready to do his part.
After one lap, the pace car pulled away and he took off. He had the throttle up high, hoping to get a good time. He knew that he'd only get a couple of chances at this so he wanted to make sure he had it right. If he found the track hard, he had the other trial, and then the sprint 175 to earn his starting place.
Skuld took a position beside Belldandy to watch the race.
(Sorry about not posting earlier, I didn't receive any alerts.)
Urd was thinking about how some of the other racers' cars seemed to perform a bit better than she expected them to, but was otherwise concentrating on Keiichi's current efforts.
Belldandy said, "What did you do exactly, Skuld, to ready the car for the time trials?"
Z walked over to Urd, "if K1 wins the race, then I know a place that has cheap yakiniku and good Sake."
"Well, we'll see," said Chihiro, "Right now, this is just time trials: running the track solo as fast as you can to get a good starting spot in the actual race itself. The race itself is not for another three weeks. They still have two short races they are going to run that will also help determine one's starting spot. They are called the Daytona Sprint 175s: two races that are 175 miles long. Your finishing spot is given points that are added to points he is trying to get now. The top point gainer shall be in the pole position: the front row spot closest to the inside of the track. Number two point gainer shall go beside him, then number three. The next row shall be made of 4,5, and 6, and so forth."
"Sounds good, Z." Urd said.
"Do you think he has a good chance?" asked Z, "I mean he is going to be racing the pros on their own turf."
"I pulled off an all-nighter." yawned Skuld, stretching out her arms.
"He has our support, Of course he'll do well." Urd replied.
"the support of three goddesses, one demigod, and one cambion is a powerful thing."
He was already ripping into turn one, averaging about 187 mph, and people were cheering wildly: he was matching the drivers in the top seven of the time trials. However, he seemed to come out of the turn into the backstretch a bit high. He had to compensate and slowed a bit, but got it right back halfway down the backstretch. An older fellow came up with a bushy mustache, sunglasses, and a cowboy hat and said to them, "Yeehaw...that boy has a lot of heart. Not bad for a first run on the tri-oval."
"who are you?" asked Z.
"Sorry, should have introduced myself: some call me 'The King.'"
"what does everyone else call you" joked Z
However, Tamiya, Otaki, and Chihiro knew who this was and said, "Richard Petty as I live and breathe!"
"I really got to get out more," sighed Z as he still had no idea who he was.
Chihiro said, "You're telling me you don't recognize the single most successful driver in NASCAR history?"
"I didn't even know the rules until Ian explained them to me so I could understand," deadpanned Z
"So, what brings you here?"
He said, "I'm here with my own team, but I heard we had a Japanese rookie, and I wanted to see how he handled the track?"
"Doing pretty well, isn't he?" Urd asked.
As Kei hit the far turn--lower this time--he said, "Well, went into the bank turn too high the first time, that's what threw him off in the backstretch. I think he got it now. Let's see how he does on the second lap."
He was rocketing by the start/finish line as he was saying that, heading into the second of two laps.
"So how would you rate Kei's performance all things considered, mr King?" asked Z
He chuckled at the "king" thing, and he said, "Not shabby for a rookie, but he still needs some seasoning. We'll see how he does in the sprints."
"agreed," said Z, "though I don't know much about professional racing."
"Then...how'd you get on the team?"
"We pretty much give moral support." Urd said.
"technically I was drafted while eating dinner." sighed Z
He was doing better, averaging 189 on this second lap.
"looks like K1's doing well" said Z
"Well, he looks a little loose. You need to tighten up the back axle a bit. If he's payin' attention, he should catch that."
"Advice from the opposition?" asked Ian.
He chuckled and said, "Nah...things are really only competitive when yer on the track. We're all good ol' boys off it. We don't wanna see anyone hurt, and him losin control of the car don't help him or anyone else, especially with all the cars havin governors for the race."
"ya'know, you're all right, mr king." said Z offering his hand to shake.
He stuck his hand out to shake it and said, "Good luck, hope y'all do well..."
He then winked and said, "...but not quite as well as my boy!"
He then took his leave as K1 was pulling into the pit at the end of his run. Ian said, "Advice from Richard Petty: you can't get any better than that!"
Z immediately got to work, following the directions of the rest of the pit crew as they got Keiichi's car ready for another round.
"Keep it up guys! We're aiming for the fastest!" cheered Skuld off to the side.
They all came up and patted him on the back, and Belldandy said, "Oh, a nice Mr. Petty came up and wished us luck!"
"Petty...as in Richard Petty?" said Keiichi all bright-eyed.
"I think that was his name," said Z
"Wow!" he said, "What did he have to say?"
"I think it was something about tightening up the back axle." said Z trying to remember
"Yeah," said Otaki, "He said you were looking loose out there."
"Hmm..." he thought, "It did seem to want to fishtail a bit. We only have one more chance at this today before the sprints in a few days. Can we get it done before the next go round?"
"HAI!" the team thundered, and started to push the car behind the pits.
'we might just win this,' thought Z, 'hope mom won't be too mad'
In the meantime, cameras were coming up to the group and a female reporter with a mic was approaching.
Z was busy working on the car so he didn't see them.
The reporter began, "Well, Jim, I'm here at pit row, hoping to get a word with the rookie driver that just came off the track, Keiichi Morisato, fresh from Japan! He is one of a handful of rookies, but the first Japanese driver ever to try for the Daytona. Mr. Morisato, could we have a word with you?"
Z tapped Keiichi on he shoulder to let him know about the reporters.
He bowed and said "Hello." His English was passable enough, but you could tell it was not his first language. "Well, I hear you used to do motorcycles and rally racing up to this point. What made you decide on NASCAR?"
"Well, it was more of my friends' idea," he answered, "They saw it as a new challenge, and they are always looking for new areas in which to succeed."
"How different is this from rally?" she asked.
"Well, much different," he said, "Rally is all-terrain, and you race the clock, not each other. Plus, there are no banks out there like that you see here!"
"How have you practiced for this?"
"We have special tech that made programmed drones, and we went on a mile track to test my skills."
"Who is this tech?"
"A child prodigy," he said, pointing to Skuld, and he signaled her over.
Skuld looked around and pointed at herself with a ??? face. She then took off her headset and jogged over.
"So, I hear you have been very helpful in helping Mr. Morisato in preparing for this. I hear you actually created drones to do it! Can you tell us some about it?"
She then aimed the mic at her.
"Why it was simple! I used spare parts around the house to create a vehicle capable of matching the speed of a car. During the training I just installed an AI into their on board CPU to take care of all the microadjustments required while racing. Meanwhile I was remote controlling the car from far away to provide that unpredictableness of a human and the skills of a professional driver." boasted Skuld proudly.
"Um...artificial intelligence?" she said with a quizzical look on her face, "Uh...not even the best scientists in the world have succeeded at this."
"Fu fu, which is why I'm a prodigy." she grinned with her arms crossed.
"Well, careful how loud you brag that," she joked, "Certain folks in the Pentagon might find that very useful."
"Heh, I'm not afraid of them. My inventions are all backed up with a fail safe that will explode if it detects intrusion!"
The reporter was shocked. She was now not sure what to do with her, and Keiichi cut in, saying, "In other words, its not for sale, and she has some diplomatic immunity: we don't want to start a war, do we?"
"Uh...well, anyway, do you work on the car as well?"
"Yes, but only maintenance. He wouldn't let me make any modifications." she replied.
"Well, NASCAR is very strict with the rules. Did you get the chance to read them before working on the car?"
"Yeeees, I did." said Skuld.
"Well, boys, we have a feisty one here," she said, "What mods did you want to make that were within the rules?"
"Well, I couldn't make any of the modifications I wanted due to the rules. No overdrives, no forced induction, no use special alloys for the chassis... That took out half the fun."
"and made things a whole lot safer," mumbled Z as he worked under the car.
"Well, perhaps you could work with some of the American La Mans teams that will be on the track tomorrow," she said, "They are going to be doing the 24 hours at Daytona, and such things are part of the race."
"That's tomorrow?" said Kei excitedly, "Wow! I'd love to watch that!"
The reporter then said, "Well, after this is seen, they may just ask you to help."
"I'd love to." she grinned.
"Well just have to see," she said with a smile, and going back to Keiichi, she asked, "So, how did it feel to you?"
"Well, the high banks were a new thing for me, but after understanding the physics of it, I was able to compensate and get it on my second lap. I hope to get another chance later on."
"What do you think the odds of you winning are?"
"Well, rookies winning here are rare, but I'll give it my best shot, see how it goes, and if we score well, we'll have to see if we'll race the rest of the season."
'Hopefully Hild isn't trying to get Belldandy to reveal to the humans that Bell is a goddess. Recent rules were made to ensure that our presence among the humans is to remain a quiet one.' Urd thought.
(Heading to bed. I'm sorry I didn't post more today.)
"Wow!" said Ian, "Looks like you're going to be one of the watched tomorrow."
At this point, behind pit row, about six sets of six kinds of cars each were now unloading their cars and crews.
"no pressure K1," joked Z
"Oh no," he said, "That's a whole different class. That is the American La Mans series."
"I meant about what Ian said," said Z.
"Hey, it's cool. I mean, I'm the novelty here after all."
"you're unique alright," laughed Z, "especially considering present company."
He wondered what Skuld was thinking of all the different makes in the series: three prototype models, GT Porsche, GTX...
Z was no expert on cars but even he was impressed.
"Well, Skuld, an engineer's delight over there."
Skuld was running from car to car, looking under the hood and sneaking a peek here and there.
There were a few parts in a few cars that seemed to have a magical aura around them, but the aura was only noticeable to magical beings.
"do you think those parts would pose a problem?" Z asked Urd
"That would explain the odd performance of those cars. As for any problems, I dunno... Maybe..." Urd said.
"we'd better keep an eye out."
Urd nodded.
One of the drivers of the GTX class noticed Skuld, and he had just watched the interviewer, and he said, "Hey, aren't you that genius kid?"
"Hm? Yep!" she smiled proudly.
"Cool!" he said, "Say, are you familiar with this kind of racing?"
"Not really. But I'm interested." she replied.
"Well, there are five classes: three different prototype cars, one class of strictly Porsche, and GTX, where it's 'pick your weapon,' so to speak. We race for 6, 12, or 24 hours, and all five classes race at the same time. Now, I grant you, we all mainly race against our class of car, but there is also an overall winner. The prototypes win overall the most, but we all also have a win from time to time."
"Prototype?" asked Skuld, the word perking her interest.
"What are the rules for prototype cars?"
He gave her this in a book:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Mans_Prototype
"Hmm... Hmm.. Hm.... Uuuoooohh, does this mean I can modify the engine however I like? And maybe the axle system too?" she asked, excited.
"As long as its in the rules," he said, "Although, with our class of car, its pretty much 'choose your weapon.' Each of these cars are basically sports cars that you could buy and drive on the street, but designed for the Autobahn in Germany. We have a lot more leeway in the rules. The only rules are, are that the car has to have a roll cage, and only have in it what would be street legal. Other than that, anything goes."
"Hm.." Skuld grinned from all the ideas that were popping into her head.
"So as long as it's street legal? As in the laws of Germany? Or...?"
"As in 'would I get pulled over by a cop for putting this in my car.' I mean, you can't use nitro, anything that the car would not normally come with, or could be put in at the dealership...that kind of thing. It can't be anything that gives you a gross advantage over the others."
(You'll have to confirm this...can't find the rules for the GTC or GT Porsche.)
"Hmm, got it." nodded Skuld.
"So...are you joining us, or someone else?"
"...Joining? Oh, I'm sorry. Am I suppose to find a team to join?" she asked.
"Well, you wanted to lend your aid, but you really can't lend it to everyone, unless you give the same thing to everyone."
"Then... Do you mind if I joined yours?" she asked.
"Sure!" he said, "At least for this race."
He led her to their car, and it was a Ford Cobra...the 2011 model Martin Shelby designed before he died, with a hard top.
Skuld reached out to see if the spirit in it was still awake.
It was alive and kicking!
"I'll be working with you today. Let's do our best to win this!" she said mentally.
"Hey, we ain't won yet, and this would be great to do so!" he said back.
"Hmm, first. I'm going to bring my tools over and see what adjustments I can make."
"Okay!" he said, "I just want to show those cocky prototypes that even we stock cars can whoop them!"
A few moments later, she came back with a large toolbox on wheels that was following her around.
"Let's get to work!" she said,putting on her goggles.
The head mechanic gave a thumb's up and opened the hood.
"Hmm...." she began tweaking around the engine and the components. Cleaning up grease built up and checking all the bolts were secure.
Despite all that, the engine looked as if it was brand new, and rigged to even change it during the race if need be.
"Hmm... Street-legal huh?" she began to make some modifications, rigging it with a supercharger compressor and a intercooler.
"Yep," he said, "There's no law about a quick engine switch."
"Hmm... Can we change the wheels too?" she asked.
"Well, we can't use mag wheels...too dangerous if we wreck. They could catch fire, shatter, scatter on the crowd..."
"Hmm... What about carbon fiber?"
(Not sure about that one...)
(Rare, but they exist. And I'm not sure either...)
(Let's say yes.)
"Let's use carbon fiber instead. It's just as strong and a lot lighter."
"Well, I suppose...nothing saying we can't..."
"Alright, help me prop up the car. We'll change it and see how it goes."
They came up and asked her how she was doing.
"Great, things are going smoothly!" she said.
"If I had more time, I'd change the material of the chassis too. But this'll do for now."
"You know, the engine is brand new, but if I wasn't mistaken, I would almost say it is sparkling now!"
"Heh heh, thanks." she grinned.
"Well, once you're done, come here tomorrow at about 9 o'clock. That's when the race starts."
"Roger!" she replied.
"We'll need you, because we'll need to know how to fix it if there are repairs needed. We're going to be on the track for 24 hours, you know."
"You can count on me." she nodded.
They then announced Kei's next time trial.
"Hey, Skuld. When you looked around the other cars, did you notice the magic parts, the ones that only magical beings could tell from ordinary parts?" Urd asked.
"Are you so certain that any of them had such parts?" asked Bell.
"I noticed the parts also," said Z, "they had an aura unlike demon or goddess magic."
"So, if they had them, who was supplying them?"
"I don't know," said Z, "what other magical beings are there that could do this?"
"What I mean is, are you so certain that everyone is cheating like that?"
"I don't know about cheating but most cars have an enchanted part installed"
"All cars?"
"A good deal of them..." Urd muttered. "Most seem to either slightly increase the performance of the car."
"But, I mean, how do they get in there from the factory? Who does this?"
"It's possible a third party gave them add ons that the mechanics in the pits installed themselves," suggested Z
"Sounds to me like someone slips them in."
"It's not like we know someone paranoid enough to spy on the various teams, but also is someone that we could get information out of easily..." Urd said.
---
Across the city, Deberk sneezed.
"Hmmm, I could go talk to him," suggested Z, "but I'll probably need to compensate him for the deal. any Ideas."
"In other words...there is a demon afoot that wants to cause mischief here during Speed Week!"
(For those who live in Rio Linda, Speed week is a week of racing at Daytona: the 24 Hours at Daytona, the SCCA race, motorcycle races, the Daytona Sprint 175s, and finishing with the 500.)
"I doubt it's something Hild is doing.... She's more the type to compete herself..." Urd said.
"which she is" Z pointed out
"Then...maybe some young demon who works for her that thinks he or she is making her happy? Mara maybe?"
"Who?" asked Z
"My gut feeling tells me that Hild isn't responsible for the magical parts in the cars...." Urd said.
"Then who?"
(I'll try to get Auir in here.)
"um who's mara?" asked Z confused.
(since she was released after Z left hell and was living on earth, he never met her)
"She is a demon that had caused us nothing but grief in the past, but for some reason had warmed to us, and yet still plays pranks."
"She's not a bad person, just has a lousy job or two." Urd replied. "Z, go find the guy you were talking about and see if he knows anything."
Z nodded and teleported to where he thought he might find Debrek.
(he would be at the arcade right?)
(More than likely. Told Auir. We could have him as Skuld start to investigate.)
(Actually, Deberk is at Daytona beach, assisting Hild and Malek in whatever tasks he is given.)
There was a low-magic powered full sized Deberk avatar at the arcade.
"Yes? Is something the matter?" it asked.
"I was wondering if you could help me with something?" said Z, "some of the drivers at daytona have enchanted parts in their cars that might prove problematic. I was wondering if you could help both us and Mom's team by finding out how and why the parts are there."
"My main self would be of better help. he's somewhere in Daytona." Deberk's avatar replied.
(I'm heading to bed. Sorry about it, but it's been a long day.)
Skuld was taking a break by the stands, sipping on a bottle of cold water.
(Someone bring her in?)
Bell came over and said, "Skuld, when you worked on that man's car, did you detect anything magic in it?"
"Mm, magic? I don't think so... But the spirit in it was pretty lively onee-sama."
"Well, a competitive car would be, but there is a problem. We think that someone has been planting magic helping devices in some of the cars and bikes. That is cheating, you know, and we must put an end to it."
"What?!" she exclaimed.
"We have to go check!"
"yes, we must...let us do this together!"
Skuld rushed to the place where the cars are and reached out to them.
It was clear that about 3/4 of everything that was brought to the track for that week was so treated, but not Kei's car.
"This is bad, what should we do onee-sama?" asked Skuld.
"Hmm...let us talk it over with Urd later."
(This will allow HotelKatz to get in when he comes back. we can hold it for now.)
Z teleported to where hild and the others were. "Hi mom" he said appearing
Deberk was silent for a moment, as he gathered information from his avatar at the arcade.
"I assume mr debrek knows why I'm here," said Z
"You and the others discovered that some cars have special parts. You can rest assured that we had nothing to do with it." Deberk said. "We discovered the parts a while back."
"I was wondering if you could help us look into the problem," said Z, "I will compensate you to the best of my abilities and it might help even things out for the race."
"Alright, I'll help you look into it, but don't expect me to assist you in dealing with the threat. That a separate matter entirely." Deberk said.
"thank you," said Z, "so what do I owe you in compensation?"
"What do you have to offer?" Deberk asked
"I have some neutral energy I received not to long ago, tickets to a new amusement park that I won in a lottery a week ago, a copy of Hamet, first edition in good condition, and 100 yen." said Z
"The neutral energy sounds like a good deal." Deberk replied.
Z handed him the storage orb.
(is urd going to talk with Bell and Skuld?)
Deberk then brought out his storage orb and transferred the energy. Once he was done, he gave Z back Z's storage orb.
---
"Let's wait until Z gets back before we do anything." Urd said.
Z thanked Debrek and teleported back to K1's group
Deberk then followed him.
"So it's what's his name..." Urd said.
"My name is Deberk." Deberk replied, getting a bit annoyed.
"So, Debrek.." Urd said, enjoying the reaction.
"It is Deberk, not Debrek." Deberk said, getting even more annoyed.
"Whatever. So what's your info?" Urd asked.
"Kakarine is the cause of the magical parts. I still do not know if the drivers know about the parts." Deberk said.
"But, why would she be doing this?"
"Beats me. Dunno anything about her." Deberk replied.
"I bet her scheme is just to mess around with us and make us paranoid." Urd said.
"how dangerous are the parts," asked z
"My scans showed they only seemed to magically enhance the car a little bit." Urd said.
"There's a time-delay reaction spell command in the parts that will turn them into ordinary parts that's set to occur during the upcoming race." Deberk said.
"what would that accomplish," said Z, "would anything bad happen if the car suddenly stopped being magically enhanced?"
"Not too smart," said Ian, "For, if it caused the car to not perform, it could be a disaster. You see, on these super-speedways, NASCAR has all the cars put governors on the engines. That caps the maximum speed, but makes for tight pack racing. 36 cars three abreast, bumper to bumper, and one mistake..."
"oh," said Z realizing the situation.
"Racers call that 'The Big One,' and it is not pretty."
"Got a list of the parts and the racers that have them, Deberk?" Urd asked.
Deberk produced a paper and handed it to Urd. Urd looked it over.
"You might be able to replace the magic parts with regular ones within about three days, if you don't mind sneaking about during the night." Deberk said.
"That's the only way..."
"Well, I'm off." Deberk said, getting ready to teleport.
"Wait, aren't you going to help us?" Urd asked.
"The deal was for me to help you look into the problem, nothing more." Deberk answered.
"Sounds like you want disaster to happen."
"I don't want disaster to happen. I'm only keeping my end of the deal." Deberk said.
"Something's rotten in Denmark," said Ian.
"Would you work for more than what you agreed for, without an increase in payment?" Deberk asked.
"I'm not talking about you," said Ian, "Something stinks about the whole car thing."
"Oh..." Deberk said. "Well... I'll ask Malek if he has any ideas about what might Kakarine be scheming for. I'll let you guys know if he has anything speculated."
"Say "Hi' to the gang at the arcade for me," he said in return.
"I'll tell my avatar there to tell them." Deberk said, before teleporting away.
(Heading to bed. See you tomorrow.)
"any ideas?" said Z.
"Well, it's going to have to be a time when the drivers are not there...no one really...but there will be guards to prevent saboteurs from coming in and messing with the cars."
"I can deal with the guards," said Z
"A few sleep spells, a handful of area-of-effect illusion spells ... We'll get the job done." Urd said.
"Illusions are my forte," nodded Z
"this ought to be interesting..."
"with the company K1 keeps, interesting is normal." said Z
Kei was just now pulling in after finishing his run, averaging 192 mph...not bad for a rookie.
"Looks like K1 did well," said Z looking at the results.
"He might make middle of the pack," said Chihiro, "We now have to ready him for one of the two short races that will determine his position on the start."
"what do I need to do?" asked Z
"Just be ready to do your pit stuff, although there's only really going to be two stops at most...one if we trick it out right. Yet, in race conditions, it's good practice."
"Got it, boss," said Z.
(We're going to shift now to the point where the parts get confiscated and replaced or deactivated.)
(got it)
Z closed his eyes and reached out to the minds of some of the guards that were watching the cars with enchanted parts. He cast an illusion on their minds that made them oblivious to what would happen.
And thus, they paid no mind to the newcomer.
(we should wait for katz)
(Check...I have to go soon anyway.)
(Sorry about not replying earlier, I'm current playing an MMORPG.)
Urd brought along the list. She checked the part listed on it for the car.
"Info's good. Who can replace the part?" Urd asked.
One of Z's avatars ran up carrying a wagon of parts from an auto store.
Urd then used a switch-around spell to replace the magic part with an ordinary one.
"Let's keep this and study it." Urd said, holding the magic part.
"agreed," said Z, "plus it would make good payment if we need something from mom or one of her subordinates."
"According to Deberk's info, it might not last long enough for that. It'll transform into an ordinary part in one of the races." Urd said.
"good point," said Z, "though I would like to learn more about the spell that was put on the parts."
"We'll find out when we have some time to study it. Let's head back." Urd said.
Z nodded and followed Urd back.
When Urd scanned the part, she learned it would have made the car accelerate a bit faster than normal.
"Huh, this woulda made the car accelerate faster." Urd said.
"then when it stoppes working the car would slam into the one behind it and so on until there is a giant pile up of cars." Z said.
"Actually, only the effect would only go away. The part would still work, but without the magic effect." Urd said.
"what I meant is that if the car suddenly loses speed while another car is close behind, a crash will happen."
"Yeah, That would have had a good chance of happening." Urd said.
(did they get all the parts?)
(it would take a few days. We can have it be done in the background with their mini-selves.)
(got it)
Z sent his avatar with instructions to secretly switch out the enchanted parts and headed back to the group.
Urd created some mini-Urds to go help Z's avatar before following Z.
(Meanwhile, in Japan....)
Mara had been out of touch with the others for a bit, and decided to sneak to the temple to see what was going on. When she found everyone gone--even Banpei and Sigel--she was worried. After some fleeting about, she discovered the Daytona race brochures and some flight information. She was livid that they had gone and not asked her if she could go with them. In a flash, she used her own travel method and appeared in the pits at that very moment! The guards then shouted, "HEY! WHO ARE YOU!"
Back at the arcade, Deberk's avatar shook his head.
"I tried telling her at dinner over the last few nights, but she refused to listen..." He muttered.
Z saw mara when he was walking back. casting and illusion over the guards to make them forget about this, he grabbed Ma.ra's arm and draged her away, "Who exactly are you?" he demanded.
"Hey, don't you touch me, pervert," and slapped him.
"Who are you calling a pervert?!" growled Z, "I just helped you. Even a semi-demon should know not to teleport into the midst of a group of gaurds."
"I didn't even know what was going on! It's only a bunch of cars! What's the big deal?"
Z explained to her about the Daytona race that was going on and K1's part in it.
"So? What's with all the guards and cloak and dagger stuff!"
"A troublesome being rigged the cars with magic parts that might cause problems during the race," said Z, "Nee-sama and I are removing them."
"Hey! Don't look at me!"
"We're not. From what Deberk told us, the one behind it is some girl by the name of Kakarine." Urd said, as she showed up.
"Wait...let me think and see if that sounds familiar..."
"What's your name, miss?" Z asked politely.
"Me? Name's Mara."
"so you're the Mara urd-nee-sama and the others told me about." said Z
"Uh... :o What did they tell you?"
"they said you were a nice person who means well despite your actions."
(did she notice that Z called urd big sister?)
"Well, wait me nice? Wait...did you say older sister?"
(Gotta go, and have to hit the sack as soon as I get home. I have to be up at 5 AM pacific...early work day.)
"yeah," said Z, "Hild is my mom so Urd is my big sister."
"I think I told you about him once or twice, Mara." Urd said.
"Well...it's hard to keep track of all the new people that keep showing up!" said Mara, "Give me a break!"
"also, I'M NOT A PERVERT!" >:(
"You've been reading too many mangas with Tsunderes, Mara." Urd said.
"Well, why do you even care about all this?"
"what do you mean?" asked Z
"I mean, if they wreck, they wreck. More goodies for our side...wait, don't tell my you're trying to HELP Keiichi."
"this is why I left hell," sighed Z, "most demons only want to cause misfortune without helping someone by doing so."
"You...you're crazy! How does helping someone bring misfortune!"
"Simple. A little bit of misfortune can be a warning sign to help avoid future disasters." Urd said.
"like forcing someone to be late so they avoid an accident" said Z
"But...don't you see, they may have been late, but the fortune of missing the accident far outweighs the being late thing! Are you sure you're half demon?"
"yes," said Z irritated, "I don't think I could have gotten a demon license if I wasn't. I just happen to be an oddball."
"When you stop to consider a few things, the valkyries are not likely to seal away someone who does things like Z is doing. Think of it as a form of self-preservation." Urd said.
"Humph...it wasn't the Valkyrie that sealed me away the last time anyway! Remember!" she said, glaring at Urd.
"You went a little too far." Urd said with a shrug.
(Still haven't seen the anime. Was there any specifics about how Mara was sealed?)
(She was sealed in a CD, like in the Manga.)
Z shrugged, "I see what I do as using misfortune to help."
"Geez...wait...did you say Kei was in this race?"
"Yes, and Z's helping us. A deal was made." Urd said.
"I took compensation," Z reassured Mara.
"Reeeeeeeealy," she said, getting that look on her face, "Um...thanksforthechatgottabegoing," and she took off.
"Mom's group is that way," Z called out while pointing towards Hild's group.
Deberk was looking at a menu for some restaurant, planning on visiting it later for take-out.
Indeed, she heard that and headed that way.
"She seems...interesting," said Z
"She has her good days and bad days." Urd said. "I'm kinda surprised you haven't met her before this day. You and Ian work at the arcade where she lives at."
---
"Hey, Mara." Deberk said.
"I see. so do you know what's next on our team's agenda?"
She wheeled around and said, "Where did YOU come from!"
(GOD NO! OBAMA WON...GOD HELP US ALL!)
(You need a bit more context, Paladin. Is it Chihiro speaking or Mara? and to whom?)
(Whoever spoke to her...I thought it was Debrek...)
(my bad. A bit absentminded at the moment.)
"Where did we come from? Well, when a male demon and a female demon love each other very much..." Deberk said.
"NO, YOU IDIOT! Why are you here in Daytona!"
(Catch you tomorrow.)
(See you tomorrow.)
"Spying on the goddesses. looking to cause a bit of trouble here and there. Malek is making sure that one of his clients is doing well." Deberk said.
"Really? Whose that?"
"Dunno." Deberk said, with a shrug. "I'm just waiting for Malek to show up. Due to how long he was a spy for Hild, he'll only be found when he wants to be found."
"Well, I wanna meet this person with whom you are working."
"I'm not working with the person. Malek is." Deberk said, returning to look at the menu.
"This is all confusing! I need to go stir things up!" and she left, looking for the opportunity to cause some trouble.
"Just what trouble are you considering to stir up, Mara?" Malek as as he faded into view in the shadows.
"Um...I'll figure that out as soon as I know what Belldandy is up to."
"She's supporting Keiichi and watching him race at the moment." Malek said.
"Him...In the race? Hmm..."
"Don't be too hasty to run off to commit mischief. Kakarine is seemingly doing a plan, similar to one of mine that I considered a failure." Malek said. "Quite a few racers have some magical parts that increase the performance of their cars. I think that perhaps she's trying to make Belldandy a little bit paranoid by seemingly putting the lives of those around Keiichi into danger."
"Kakarine...do I know her?"
"No, probably not. She appeared roughly a month ago, made Belldandy cry, and also placed a trap to kill Keiichi. I diffused the trap and took the parts as payment." Malek said.
"Kill Kei! HEY, I'd never go that far...although there was the Lord or Terror thing...but...well, that kind of got out of control..."
"Yes, things did get out of hand for Heaven as well in that incident." Malek said. "Mara, the magic items inspection division is has studied the bad luck clips that Kakarine made. They may have made a trinket for you that makes you immune to anything that brings good luck."
"Really!" she said all wide-eyed, "Gimmie!"
Malek took out a simple bracelet out out his pocket and handed it to Mara.
She was all giddy! She couldn't wait to have some fun now! She then said, "Still, I would rather not see the kind of misfortune that she wants, but at the same time, I can't stop the shares from coming in...what do I do?"
"Focus less on the goddesses for now, concentrate on some other targets. If the goddesses wind up in trouble they might not be able to handle well on their own, offer some help at a price." Malek said.
"Is the race tomorrow?"
(It's the American Le Mans series, and not Kei.)
(how should I make Malek answer?)
(Just tell her what's racing...she'l take it from there.)
"I believe it's American Le Mans series..." Malek said with a shrug.
"Um...what's that?"
Around them were specialized cars, Porsche, BMW, Fords, Lotus, Rolls Royce...and all itching for a long haul. The track itself was altered. Barriers were put up at certain points, which guided the cars onto side tracks that went into the infield, full of switchbacks and chicanes, making the track longer than the standard tri-oval, and more of a challenge.
"A series of endurance and sprint races, created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans." Male replied.
"So, they'll be doing this for 24 hours? Insane!"
"More like 10 hours." Malek said.
(I'm getting my info from wikipedia. I'm sorry about it, but I don't know much about racing.)
(This is the 24 hours at Daytona.)
(I'm thinking about stopping playing in the rp for awhile. From my POV, it's starting to stray from OMG and heading into Car racing fanficion. I know that a good part of OMG is about racing, but I thought it served to show how much Belldandy and Keiich cared for each other and supported each other.)
(It will, it will...just...do you want me to skip to the race, where things like that happen?)
(No, it's alright. I'm just going to take a few days off. Maybe I'm just burned out about the Rp.)
(A few days is fine...)
(I'll still be here when I have a part to play)
(You don't have to stop playing. You can still continue without me.)
(It's just my OC isn't the focus right now.)
(I keep getting lost.)
(are we going to continue?)
(I do want to continue, but HotelKatz thinks we are straying from the whole theme of OMG. I don't see it, but I had something planned with Auir, but now he thinks it might be advisable to just go to at least the sprint 175s so we can get the focus back on Kei and Bell.)
(whatever you want. I enjoy this forum and don't want it to die.) :)
(Well, with Katz taking a break, we can continue with Auir. I mean, she was going to help a team with their car at the 24 hrs at Daytona, and maybe you can get in?)
(ok. but how would I get in on that?)
(Well, its a 24 hour race, and I was going to have Mara cause some problems.)
(I'm sorta back. I only took a break because at the time, the rp didn't seem very fun, and it didn't seem to have the whimsy-ness of OMG. I'll still be here, but I'll kinda stay in the background until the whole race thing is done.)
(*evil grin* can Z zap mara?)
(What's the plan?)
(To get back to the humor of the series and stay with the story line. We start with Skuld at her little story.)
(Well, we left off with Skuld and Belldandy talking about what to do. Where do we pick up?)
(What to do has been done by Z and Katz's character, so now we go to about 6 AM for race prep and a drop of the flag at 9 AM.)
Skuld was in the 'garage' and doing last-minute adjustments.
"Kid, I don't know what you did to this car, but if it was any faster and better tuned, and wings, it would fly!"
Z was in a empty shed going over the enchanted part list with his familiar Dusk's Light.
"Bell then said, "What have you found?"
"Heh, I am a prodigy after all." she grinned while working under the car.
Soon it was time for the race to start, and all the cars were lined up on the pit row, and all the drivers were standing across from it, looking like they were getting ready to run rather than drive.
Skuld was in the pit, drinking from her bottle of gatorade.
A gun sounded and they all dashed to their cars, hoping to get them started right away and then take off. After about five others, their car was on its way. The pit crews were already preparing for the first stop. The crew chief put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Be ready, anything can happen in the next 24 hours."
"Mm!" she nodded with determination.
Keiichi eventually caught up and said, "So, how's it going, kiddo?"
(Gotta go... If I don't see you tonight, I'll catch you tomorrow.)
"Great, hope it wins with the modifications I made."
"Um...just out of sheer curiosity...what DID you do for mods," knowing this crew knew nothing about her...mods.
(who was bell talking too?)
"Oh simple things here and there. I switched the rims to carbon fiber, switched the engine to a forced-induction type, added a supercharger compressor, and a intercooler. I actually wanted to put in a reaction engine instead but I wasn't sure how well NASCAR would accept a jet engine in a car..."
"Well, this isn't NASCAR, and I don't think either league would accept that! Are you sure what you added matches what Amercian La Mans would allow?" he asked as it was heard over the radio, "MY GOD...THIS THING IS HANDLING LIKE ONE OF THE PROTOTYPES!"
(Bell was talking to Z...separate conversation.)
"Let's see," said Z, "we've removed and replaced enchanted parts ranging from mufflers to compressors that do various things ranging from speed enhancement to storing heat from engines so they won't overheat till the part stopps working."
"Yes yes, I'm sure. Street-legal correct?"
"Street legal...yes."
Placing a spell over the parts so that they would be hidden, Z went out to see how Skuld was doing.
Bell followed, looking for Kei.
"Then we have nothing to worry about."
"Hey Skuld," said Z walking up, "how're the cars doing under your care?"
This was just as the announcer said, "Amazing...the Ford GP is leading the entire field, as well as its own class! If this keeps up, we may have a first in a long time, but we have a long way to go."
"Great, I'm just hoping the driver can handle it." she replied.
"Please tell me you didn't add the tubo engines," Z sighed
The crew chief said, "Amazingly enough, it passed the officials, and it's all street legal, though the driver is still having issues in the turns. If it had wings, it would fly."
"Ehehe.... Don't worry. Those things are outdated, I added a supercharger."
As time passed, he was staying just ahead of the three prototype classes, and staying way ahead of all the GTX and GT Porsche classes. Soon, it was time for the first pit. People were cheering and amazed at the lead he had. The car then pulled up. They said to her, "You can give him a drink and a snack if he requests."
She nodded and went up.
"Do you need anything?"
The driver was wide-eyed and white-knuckled as he had a death grip on the steering wheel, and he yelped, "Nope," as the other two drivers that would take over for him later wondered just what they were in for.
(I haven't been getting alerts :'( )
(Sometimes you have to unnotify on the whole set of threads and then click on "notify" again.)
"So skuld," said Z, "want me to take a commemorative photo for you to show to that Sentaro boy nee-sama told me about?"
"Oh that would be cool! Quick, while they're doing the pit stop!"
(who just responded?)
(Oh...sorry...I don't know why I answered for Auir...he runs Skuld.)
She held up a peace sign and smiled widely.
Z snapped the photograph.
"You really like that boy don't you," said Z
"I-idiot!" she snapped.
"W-we're just. Really good friends, that's all." said Skuld, turning a bit red.
"That's not what I heard," said Z teasingly.
"Geez, just send me that photo when you can!" she turned around and headed back to her seat.
"Nee-sama was right," laughed Z, "teasing skuld was fun."
The picture had her doing that with the zombified driver, who then tore off back into the race.
Z went to sit with the others.
...and on the race went. Hours passed, and soon the second driver came and took over. The other driver had calmed some, but he looked at the girl and said, "What did you do to the car? It practically drives itself."
"Installed and replaced some components here and there. Nothing major." she replied innocently.
He gave the eyebrow and said, "Like...what?"
"Well, I switched the engine to a forced-induction type to give it more kick, and I used carbon fiber for the rims to make it less heavier for a few."
"Force...induction? That's street legal?"
"It should be."
As he was talking, the crew was looking over the rules...frantically. It would be rare in a race this length that a GTX model would be leading as such, and they now had a 1/2 hour lead on the pack
_______________________
"Oh, Keiichi, has not Skuld done a wonderful job?"
"Oh my goodness..." mumbled Keiichi, hoping there was not some kind of self-destruct on the car.
"Isn't enhancing their car hurting your chances of winning?" asked Z, "Or am I misreading the rules again?"
"No...but if it is perceived that we gained some kind of unfair advantage..."
As he said, that, a car at the rear their car was about to lap caught the wall, swerved, and started a horrifying flip through the air, heading right for their car.
Z cast a spell and caused their car to swerve off the track and out of the path of the flying car.
The driver screamed at suddenly having his car wrenched from his control and he started to spin.
"Um, a little help would be nice," Z whispered to belldandy.
When everything was still, Skuld ran over to the driver.
"Are you alright?!"
"It felt like someone shoved the car out of the way!" he said as the caution flag came out and the pace car followed.
Z was breathing hard on the side, "that was too close," he mumbled, "what was I thinking trying to force a large, heavy, fast moving object to move?!"
"At least you're alright.
"Uh, yeah," he said, and started, but then he said, "Uh-oh..."
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Sounds like the axel cracked. We're gong to have to pit and replace it. Good thing we have a half hour on the rest."
"Alright, we'll wheel it in." said Skuld as she went to get the others.
The crew was ready when the wire came in, and as she returned, they said, "Kid, how fast can you get that new axel on?"
"In an instant if you guys help out." she said.
"This'll be great, I wanted to try installing one made of carbon-fiber. It'll take off another few pounds."
"We don't want it too light...it might leave the track and flip if we go as fast as we have been."
"It's just a few pounds, it's still well within the risks of optimizing your speed."
They sighed, knowing they could not resist such a cute face, and said, "Whatever she tells you, do it."
"Yes, let's do it!" she said, holding up the new axles.
"We have a half hour lead. Let's stay within that time frame!"
And they got to work.
Over the speakers could be heard, "And the Ford team have pulled it behind the pits. Reports are of a broken axel."
"I shall return, Kei...I want to check on Skuld."
With that, she went through a mirror compact and out the car mirror.
"Hm? Onee-sama!" said Skuld, seeing Belldandy.
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to check upon your progress. How is it going being a pt chief?"
"Great! At this rate, it's guaranteed that we'll win!"
"As long as you play by the rules, now...we have discussed this kind of thing before. You know what mother would say."
"Yeeees, I know..." she replied.
"But don't worry, it's all within the rules."
"From what Keiichi tells me, it should not be possible for this kind of car to keep up with the prototypes, though it happens every once and a while."
"But regular people drive these kind of cars on the streets! They're just really expensive."
"That is true, but there must be something about what you are doing. I..."
As she was saying that, officials were coming up to the pit and asking questions.
"Yes?" asked Skuld when she saw them.
"Okay, we'd like to know what you are doing to this car, because, frankly, it seems almost otherworldly that this car could be performing like a prototype!"
"I only added top grade modifications of what any street racer would use."
"All street Legal?
"Isn't almost anything legal on the street," asked Z
"Yes, it's all legal. Albeit expensive, but legal."
"but are those parts legal here?"
"The parts, when the car crashes, cannot present a hazard to other drivers or the spectators. Also, we were going to say that if the other drivers are not aware of what you are doing, it could be seen as a form of cheating, especially if we do not know that's what you are doing. If we know, at least, it's not your fault if they were too dumb not to use what you use."
"It passed the officials okay and were deemed street-legal. The other cars were designed by multi-billionare companies with a team of engineers. I used the ideas and concepts of street-racers who grew up racing on the streets."
"So they don't present a hazard if there is a crash? You know, shards and sharp flying parts...that kind of thing?"
"Nope, they don't." she replied.
"Well then...this is going to be hard to hear, but, because you failed to inform the officials of the change, you are still going to have to pay a fine of one hour off the track."
"What?! The officials themselves said it was street legal when they checked it!" she exclaimed.
"It was the fact that you did not inform us that you were actually going to use them, just if they were legal. We have to know so that, when the other teams protest, we can say something. All we could tell them was that you had inquired."
(Go with this...catching up adds drama.)
"Grr!" She stormed off angrily.
The coach swept her aside reassuringly, and Bell was kneeling before her. The man said, "You did nothing wrong. We should have said something. We're already 1/2 hour ahead. That will get us only 45 minutes behind because of the axle, but with the way you did that car, we can make that up. We have the chance to still win at least the class, but if all goes well, the whole race."
Bell chimed in and said, "It shall be okay. I know you can shape the future the right way in this. I am so proud of you and what you have done. I know you can help them win."
"Thank you onee-sama." said Skuld as she hugged her tightly. Her voice still had a bit of anger in it but she was calming down.
"Shh...shh...it's okay. They want to be nasty...I know it shall all go well with you being there."
______________________
Near the entrance to the officials box, the man said, "Thank you for telling us...miss Mara is it?...They'll learn to play by the rules."
"he...he...heeee..."
Z looked up from the runic divination he was doing to pass time, "I think I should go to have a talk with Mara," he said before walking away.
"Now...I wonder what I can do to hinder the new leader! Oh, the shares are going to skyrocket today!"
"Hello Mara," said Z walking up, "I would like to know why you are planning to mess with the drivers?"
(Um...wrong race...this is NOT the Daytona 500. That's not until the Sunday of that week. This is called the 24 hours at Daytona: a whole different class--Amercian LaMans series--that happens during something called Sped Week. First are the 500 time trials, then this race, then a motorcycle race, then two 175 mile races that help determine starting position for the 500, and then the 500 itself.)
(edited)
"Oh...hey...gotta get shares up somehow..."
"Yes, now I have a question. I'm new at this so does misfortune that demons suffer from improve shares too? or is it just human misfortune?" said Z innocently.
"Um...well...I'm not...I've never really asked or pondered...that...hmmm"
She was truly perplexed. This was something she had never pondered before.
"I guess I'll have to find out," said Z, "LIGHTNING" he yelled calling down a bolt on mara
"YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
(In honesty, I don't know if that would help Hild.)
(probably not, but It would make Z feel better.)
"YOU LITTLE RUNT...I'M GOING TO SLAP YOU SILLY FOR THAT."
"You'll try," said Z in a dangerous voice.
She started to cause thunder and electricity danced on her fingers.
Z simply snapped his fingers, causing the world around her to shatter like glass, leaving Mara floating in a black void.
"you are in my illusion now" boomed Z's voice from all around before thousands of blades began to circle her and aim at vital points "die here and you die for real"
"Hey, that's not playing fair...and...besides...you kill me, and I could just wind up killing you!"
"I'm a demon," said Z, "I don't play fair."
The blades turned into metal snakes that wrapped themselves around mara.
"HEY...KNOCK IT OFF...WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!"
"because I want to and because you messed with my friends" said Z casually before dispelling the illusion.
"They're your friends? Aw C'mon! Release your inner demon!"
"I just did," said Z, "besides, I recall that the goddesses have helped you in the past and you accepted their hospitality."
"But that's...there's a difference between business and personal. Can't you tell the difference?'
"I can," said Z, "but I am part human and because of that it is not in my nature to hurt without reason. I'm alos willing to be friends with you if you try to only cause the minimum of misfortune to my friends."
"Are you saying you're going to babysit them?"
"No." said Z, "They give me a home and a family. I enjoy their company."
"Hey...they're some of the best people to work with! Besides...all I have done hasn't split them but made them closer. If anything, you should thank me!"
"true," said Z, "how about this: if you keep your messing with my friends to a minimum, I'll talk with Belldandy and the others about you coming over for dinner once and a while. Belldandy makes great food and always makes a lot."
"Yeah...she sure does...and she'll stuff you silly!" she said, telling on herself.
"so do we have a deal?" asked Z extending his hand.
"Well I...wait...that is dirty pool!"
"How so?" asked Z innocently, "you can cause all the misfortune you want as long as my friends get the minimum and you get to eat Belldandy's cooking. I think the deal is actually in your favor."
"But...but...what I do gives me the most shares!" she said fidgeting. In a sense, they had somehow become friends, though she knew Chibi Hild would never approve such a deal. But then...
"...on one condition: she and Urd promise to apologize for sealing me up and saying that they were wrong for doing so!"
Z frowned, "I'll talk to them about it. Though Belldandy will probably agree in a heartbeat, Nee-sama might need some convincing. I'll try though."
"Right...now to cause some real problems!"
"Ciao," said Z walking off to go and find Urd.
After they took the hour penalty, the car took off to try to get the lead back.
"Hey, Z." Urd said.
"Hey nee-sama, I recently talked with mara and worked out a deal i need to talk with you about."
"Well, what is it?" Urd asked.
"well I got mara to agree to cause us less misfortune on the condition that she can come over for dinner once in a while and that you and belldandy apologize for sealing her and admit that you were wrong," said Z wincing
Urd was silent for a few moments.
"...Nah, I'm not gonna apologize or admit I was wrong." Urd said.
"you do know that means she will be free to cause us as much misfortune as she wants and will probably step up her game in anger of the deal being rejected."
"What about the possibility that Hild would have probably reject the deal, simply out of spite towards Belldandy? She does have a final say in a lot of deals about whether they are approved or not." Urd asked. "She might even decide that because of this deal, you'll be forced to move into the arcade."
"there is that," sighed Z, "sometimes I wish things were easier for me, but I made my choice about my path in life."
"Hopefully, things will either get better of easier for all of us. But whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." Urd said. "But I'd be careful around Hild for a bit, if I were you. Mara's liable to blame you for the deal failing and she might do whatever she can to slander you in Hild's eyes."
(I'm going to bed.)
"Great," groaned Z, "first her avatar, now the real mom will be mad at me. T_T)
"If I remember right, Malek did calm down Hild by getting you to re-join her forces. Maybe you should see if you can get him to support you, just in case Mara tries anything?" Urd asked.
"I will, thanks Nee-sama," said Z before teleporting to Malek's location.
Mara saw Bell and Kei in the crowd, and she disguised herself and went into the stands. She came up like some tourist and said, "Say, ain't you that Japanese driver? Can I have your autograph?"
Suddenly, people started swelling around them, he tried to humbly deal with it, but Belldandy was getting lost in the crowd.
Z arrived at Hild's group and began to look for Malek
Malek was sitting in a corner, reading something on a Kindle.
(Sorry for not posting yesterday. Yesterday and today were hectic, but I'll be able to post more tomorrow.)
"excuse me Mr. Malek, but I need a favor," said Z
"what is it and how may I be of help?" Malek asked, facing Z.
"I tried to make a deal with Mara, but I couldn't fulfill one of her conditions despite my best efforts and I'm worried mara will blame me and use this to make me look bad in mom's eyes. I need your help in preventing that." said Z looking down.
"Alright, I'll defend you, should Mara decide to start something to get Hild to punish you." Malek said.
"so what do you want in return?" asked Z, "I mean you would need to be compensated, right?"
"There is no need. If anything happens, it will be something along an argument or a debate. I enjoy those." Malek said.
"thank you," said Z bowing, "I hope our teams can have a fair and somewhat clean race."
"I believe they will." Malek said.
Deberk then walked up to Z.
"When you go back to your team, I'd like to tell what I've gotten from Malek." Deberk said to Z.
"Sure," said Z, "do you want to tell them in person or should I relay the message?"
"I'll come along." Deberk said.
"then follow me," said Z before teleporting them both to the camp
It was getting harder and harder to stay together as Keiichi was now being mobbed, and Belldandy feared the worst. Ever since the new contract, and passing the judgment gate, she knew the System Force had never been tested on a contract such as this. She had no idea now just how it would react.
"Hey, Z." Urd said, upon seeing Z. When Urd saw Deberk, Urd said, "So you work fast. What information do you have about what Kakarine is doing?"
"Hello, Urd." Deberk said. "I've talked with Malek. At the current moment, all he has is a theory."
"So.. you have nothing." Urd said, in an annoyed tone.
#Hey, Malek came up with the theory after looking over the evidence of from when Kakarine showed up at your temple and from looking over the cars that had magical parts in them.# Deberk said, in a language that sounded like hisses and whispers, in order to hide the conversation from human ears.
#So what's the theory?# Urd replied in the same language.
#That Kakarine is targeting Belldandy in a way that doesn't cause the System Force to cause her schemes to fail. The reason why is unknown at the time.# Deberk said.
#There's no need to worry. Kakarine won't be able to separate Bell and Kei.#" Urd said, in a dismissive tone.
#When did I say that Kakarine was trying to separate them? All I said was that Malek thinks that Kakarine is trying to target Belldandy for an unknown reason.# Deberk said.
Urd thought about that for a few seconds.
"Shit...." Urd hissed.
"what's wrong," said Z tensing up.
"According to Malek, Kakarine is targeting Bell in a way that doesn't set off the system force." Urd said.
"That's bad," said Z, "even with the system force there are a lot of things she can do to hurt Belldandy."
At that instant, a swarm of bees decided it would be good to go into the stands, and they started to sting all the people around Kei, but not Kei.
Z noticed the bees and immediately shrieked and put more distance between him and them, fear written across his face.
The people were now panicking, swatting and running, and it looked like a riot was about to start. "Man, this worked out better than I thought!" thought Mara.
"KEEP THEM AWAY!" yelled Z shooting a blast of magic that caused the bees to drop dead.
At this, Kei and Bell had come together, but the crowd was now moving like a bunch of spooked cattle.
Z began to recover, but was still breathing hard.
Bell had to act fast before a riot started. She started to mutter something, and then the announcer said, "So, folks, let's have some music to keep us going through this long, grueling race!"
At that, Simon and Garfunkel's "Baby Driver" could be heard with a good rhythm and rock beat. People started to get into the grove, and started to settle down, treating their bee stings. However, there was the unintended effect, considering that they had no idea Mara was around. She started to grove to the beat and get out of control, screaming in pain.
"I hate bees," said Z
"CURSE YOU BELLDANDY!" She screamed, "HOW DID YOU KNOW I WAS HERE!"
"Did you hear something, Keiichi?" she asked.
"Nothing but your lovely voice," he answered, and they kissed passionately, and flowers started growing all around the infield.
Z stormed over to mara, "so you caused the bees to appear" he said with an evil voice, "you're gonna pay for that!"
"No! I didn't cause the bees!" she screamed, helpless, "They came on their own! All I did was cause attention to Morisato!"
"then where did they come from? Bees dont attack unless provoked."
She was fishing for an answer, and then she remembered something... "It must have been the System Force!" she said, "It must have seen them being to forcibly separated against their will. It reacts like that...Oh, stop this music!"
Z stuck a pair of ear plugs in her ears
"That's kinda strange... The deal that would have resulted in this is dissolved. The New deal is doesn't have that little detail" Urd said.
(It doesn't? You know something past chapter 290 that we don't?)
(No, I'm just going by some details I noticed. in chapter 278, the contract where separating Bell and Keiichi would bring about the wraith of the system force was cancelled. The only thing about the new contact that we know of is that Keiichi has to face any challenges brought in front of him. If he doesn't succeed in facing the challenges (Doesn't matter if he wins or loses, only thing that matters is that he faces them) , he and Bell get separated. With that in mind, I realized I might have made an error by thinking that the new contract has the same little detail of separating Kei and bell being a bad thing to consider.)
(I figured that, now that the contract was stronger, and no longer had the libido thing going...well...it would still be in place.)
(Going by the wording of the new contract, it seems that anything that threatens their relationship would bring about the system force. So I guess it only means any one that tries to dis-join Belldandy and Keiichi's relationship would be stymied by the system force. So a crowd being between Keiichi and Belldandy wouldn't threaten anything, unless they were trying to seduce Bell or Kei. So let's go with a different reason for the Bees. Hild being a internet troll by using an action that only seems like the system force's actions.)
(Okay, but why would she mimic that?)
(To make it seem like the system force went wonky and over-reactive. Besides, does she really need a valid reason to mess with people?)
(True...)
Hild watched the chaos with her son and Mara, as well as in the crowd, watching her shares marker tick up. She knew this would be good. She also knew that, once the rivalry built between Kei and Proter, (as well as some of his boys trying to woo away Bell,) the shares would go through the roof, and maybe even actually motivate Kei to win. The loss in shares for that win would be greater than what she was soon to gain, so she knew this could be huge.
"wait," said Z, "can somebody fill me in on the contract between them?"
"Keiichi and Bell cancelled their first contract a little while ago to defeat a demon named Hagal. Keiichi and Bell then made a new contract that joined them together, kinda like a marriage, provided that he face any challenge. If he fails to face the challenge, then neither Bell nor Keiichi can contact each other." Urd said.
--
"I do have to ask. Have you sent Keiichi a nightmare or two about his friends, Tamiya and Otaki, offering a stupidly insane challenge to him, Keiichi refuses it, and then Belldandy having to leave Keiichi forever because Keiichi did not face a challenge that was put in front of him?" Malek asked Hild.
"Hmm...Hard to keep track of it all. I'm trying to remember."
"If you haven't, it'd be something fun to do. Heck, one can even reason it as a lesson to teach Keiichi the downsides of a deal that sounds romantic and brave on paper." Malek said.
"Now that WOULD be fun...watching him squirm..."
"Yes, but I'd advise giving Keiichi the dreams over a slow period of time, so as to hide our efforts from the goddesses and watching him squirm longer around his two friends." Malek said. He pondered a bit before saying, "If we do it for the reason of warning Keiichi and no other reason, the System Force would actually help us. That'd really stick in some of Heaven's technicians' craws. "
"Causing chaos in heaven? hehehehe....Chrono would pull pwetty, white hair wright out of her pwecious wittle head...."
"I think the dream scheme is worth the effort, especially for the entertainment value. Shall I prepare a dream for Morisato?" Malek asked.
"Oh absolutely...and right before the big race? How delicious!"
"I'll go get one dream prepared for the night." Malek said, before teleporting away.
She sat there pondering this, and thought, "Pressure from Proter, and now the dreams...Keiichi, you were once a precious commodity to me before Bell showed up and snuffed out the star of misfortune. You were a glutton for punishment that kept coming back for more and built my shares. I WILL get you back! All I have to do is turn you coward once, and then you are all mine!"
When that new contract was made, maintaining it became greater, though the dividends were higher for Kei. Yet, now, he had more to lose. She was going to test that mettle now.
"I see," said Z to urd, "sounds like something mom would want to mess with."
"Yeah, the question is how she'll do it." Urd said. "I suggest being careful on how you help us. If you help us to the point where you're actually going against Hild's will, She'll probably demote you down to a fourth-class demon and force you to return to Hell."
(I'm assuming there's more than first and second class licenses for both Heaven and Hell. Also, I'm going to bed.)
Z shrugged, "If it's mom's plan, you're on your own. I don't want her mad at me."
Urd nodded.
"I'm glad you're honest about it." Urd said
"yeah," said Z, "I'll still help as long as I don't have to oppose mom."
(Were you all waiting for me?)
(i guess)
(Sorry.)
Soon, it was nightfall, and the endurance race that this was was making itself shown.
"so, what's the rules for this race?" asked Z
A teammember said, "They race for 24 hours. The one with the biggest lead in his class wins his class, and the one with the biggest lead over all wins the overall race."
"I see," said Z.
(so who's racing?)
(This is the race known as the 24 hours at Daytona. It is the first race in something called Speed Week. It starts with the Daytona 500 time trials, then it is the La Mans series of cars who will race races anywhere from 6 to 24 hours. It is not laps as it is time: who can create the biggest lead within that time. There are several classes of cars, each with about six cars: Prototype classes 1,2, and 3, GT Porsche, (where all the cars are Porsche,) and GTX, which is any make or model that the team thinks can win. This is followed the day after by motorcycle races over the same course, then three days before the Daytona 500, there is the Daytona 175 mile races that help determine one's starting spot in the 500, combined with points scored in the time trials. Both races are in the same day. Finally, that Sunday, comes the one they've been waiting for: the Daytona 500. It is in one of the two 175 mile races, and in the 500 in which Keiichi shall be racing.)
(thanks)
"good luck" said Z
(Going forward.)
By this point, the sun was set, and the lights were on the track, but as the night wore on, there were not many left in the crowd considering the late hour.
Z watched the drivers race.
As it was normal, fatigue was setting in on other teams, and a horrendous crash occurred with one of the prototype cars, with the upper hull shattering to pieces, leaving only the roll cage and lower chassis intact, flipping several times.
"looks bad" said Z
(AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGGG! HE ISN'T RACING YET. THAT WON'T BE FOR ANOTHER THREE DAYS!)
Several of the pit crew ran over to check if things were alright. Meanwhile Skuld began to mutter a prayer in hopes of the driver's safety.
(sorry. edited. It's kind of confusing.)
The red flag came out not too long after the ambulance arrived in the infield where the car fell. Things became deathly quiet, as, sadly, her prayers were not answered, and a sheet was pulled over the stretcher.
Skuld stifled a gasp and fell against Belldandy, holding onto her.
Belldandy did what she could, trying to console her, assuring her that it was his time, and that heaven was taking good care of him now, but now she had a tear herself. She knew that, in a few days, Keiichi would be doing a short race with the big boys for the first time preparing for that race on Sunday. Now, she was not so certain she wanted Kei out there at all.
"Keiichi-onii is going to be racing like this too isn't he?" said Skuld.
A mini-Malek that was hidden and observing, thought to himself, 'Even now, something like that is still hard to watch.'
---
Urd crossed her arms in a bit of a hug.
'I really hope Keiichi won't end up like that... No one deserves to end up like that' Urd thought.
She could feel Belldandy shiver, and she said, "He'll be in tight packs, moving at about 250 kph...all because of his friends...why did I ever let him commit to this!"
She was crying more now, afraid of what could happen.
"It'll be alright onee-sama. He's good at this. It won't happen." said Skuld, trying to reassure Belldandy.
The announcement was then made about what happened, and a moment of silence was demanded for the fallen driver.
The crowds fell silent as they each offered their respects to the driver.
It took a good 30 minutes to resolve the action, and once done, the race was back on. Fatalities did occur in this kind of racing, and more often than people would care to know. Yet, in this kind of racing, it was also true that, for the memory of that driver, or any driver, they would race on, knowing that it would be what he wanted. The roar of the cars could be heard again, and though it was announced that the team Skuld was helping was leading in class and overall, Belldandy was more concerned about Kei to even care.
Skuld looked up at Belldandy's worried face.
"I'll go get us something." she said, leaving her seat to find a vendor.
However, Bell did not want to seem to let her go. She wanted to hold someone, but it was late, and she wanted her Kei to sleep well. He wanted to come to watch the cyclists the next day, and hoped he would be fully alert to watch the racing he truly loved.
(We'll skip that race and go right to the 175 races after this La Mans Series is over.)
A few minutes later, Skuld returned with two drinks in her hands.
"Here." she said, handing Bellndandy one.
(Should I post what the Dream Malek had in store for Keiichi now or later?)
(Oh...this might fit in with what's going on! Go for it!)
She took the drink, but with an ashen face.
In Keiichi's dream, Belldandy and Keiichi were back at the temple, having Breakfast. When all of a sudden, Tamiya and Otaki bursted in the room.
"Keiichi, we need you to compete in a challenge we just made with Aoshima!" Otaki said.
With a great amount of nervousness, Keiichi asked, "What did you guys agree on?"
"A Blindfolded motorcycle obstacle course!" Tamiya crowed, puffing out his chest.
Moments passed before Keiichi said, "I-I'm going to have to pass on it."
Belldandy then got up and said with tears in her eyes. "Keiichi, because you did not meet a challenge that was put before you, I am required to leave."
She then ran out the room. When Keiichi tried following her, he was unable to find her. When he checked Belldandy's room, Skuld's room, and Urd's room, all evidence of the goddesses living there was gone.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" he screamed, but then woke up in a cold sweat.
(By the way, this is challenges SHE gives him that cannot be refused, but if he doesn't recognize that...so much the better for the plot!)
(I went back and checked, it says he has to face any challenge. There's no specification that it's just challenges from Belldandy.)
(oh...that's what I gathered, but okay.)
Urd ran to Keiichi's room and slammed open the door, looking for whever might be attacking Keiichi. When she saw no one, Urd asked, "What happened? What's going on?"
He then explained what he had dreamed, and then said, "I wonder what would have happened if I refused this race?"
"what's going on?" yawned Z, walking in, "I heard a yell."
Urd had a slightly scared look on her face when she contemplated it..
"Probably something similar to your dream. I shudder to think that you might just be forced to do whatever challenges that pop up in Tamiya and Otaki's heads in order to stay with Bell." Urd said.
She faced Z.
"Keiichi had a bad dream. Almost a nightmare." Urd told Z.
----
Wherever Hild and Malek were...
"Well, Keiichi gotten the dream." Malek said.
Z closed his eyes, "I can sense faint traces of demonic magic in his mind," he said opening his eyes, "seems like Mom or one of her subordinates has decided to make trouble."
"Hmm...let's stir up the pot. Let's compel Tamyia and Okati to start pouring the challenges on! Eventually, there's going to be something he just can't fulfill!"
"Spells and hexs that do that will set off the system force. If you do want to do something that increases the likelihood of Tamiya and Otaki giving out inane challenges, suggest it to them while they're drunk off their ass. It will only increase the chances a little, but it won't set off the system force." Malek said. "Slow and steady won the race, after all."
He then created a viewing orb showing what was happening at wherever Keiichi and the others were.
"I do believe we're about to see what Heaven's reaction to finding out that a demon just used the system force to avoid detection from the goddesses." Malek said.
---
"I'm going to call Heaven and see why the System force didn't give us a small little blip to warn us that some trouble was caused here." Urd said, pulling out her cellphone and calling a number in Heaven.
"Heaven here, Chrono speaking...how may I direct your call?"
"Hey, Chrono. Why didn't the System force send out a small warning that a demon was doing something to Keiichi last night?" Urd asked.
---
'Because the dream was a warning of the downside of the new deal between Belldandy and Keiichi. Thus, it was protected by the system force, regardless of how nightmare-ish the dream was.' Malek thought with a smirk.
"Well, it actually benefited him," she said, going over Yggrasil's records of the event, "It warned him of what could happen, and put him on defense for it. However, the source was blocked. I wonder who managed to hack the system to do that?"
"Wait... Are you saying that Hild or someone working under her.... was protected by the System Force? And the System was hacked?" Urd said. "Shit... That ain't good..."
---
"I don't recall hacking..." Malek said. "Did you hack their system, Hild? Or could it have been the System Force, somehow trying to pay me a favor?"
"Well, I don't know if it was hacked...hard to tell when one's tracks have been covered. Anyway, that's why the system was never tripped. By the way...how's that hunky brother of yours?"
"He's doing alright. He's having a bit of trouble getting into the hang of things, but that;s to be expected." Urd said.
(I'm heading to bed. Good night.)
"I imagine...*sigh*...I wish I could help him more, though..."
"I kinda wish we had gotten to him sooner. It'd have been easier for him to accept some of the weirder things we can do." Urd said.
"Yeah..." she said, dreamily, imagining growing up side-by-side with him, picnics, the beach, other things...
"Well, I'll call if anything odd happens." Urd said.
She snapped herself out of it, and said, "Oh...um...yeah...we'll put a monitor on Morisato to see what is going on."
"Thanks, Chrono." Urd said.
"Oh and give a big hug, kiss, and blo...*cough, cough*...hug and a kiss to Ian from me!" and she hung up.
Urd put away her phone with a sigh.
"I really don't think she has a chance with him..." Urd muttered to herself.
She then faced Keiichi.
"A demon was responsible for your dream last night, and they somehow used the system force to evade detection from us." Urd said.
"They put that in my head?" he asked, "But why? That thing scared me to death! I couldn't get back to sleep at all!"
"I guess to warn you? As for why, I have no clue." Urd said.
---
"Oh, please. I made certain to leave out the scary part." Malek muttered to himself.
Indeed the sun was coming up now, and only a few hours remained in the Le Mans race. Several times, the car had to come in for a part or two, but Skuld's team was up to the task, getting their man back out on the track looking to pull a rare victory for the GTX class. The other GTX teams knew there was no way of catching him for the class win, but they all started to throw their support behind Skuld's team as it appeared that the GTX class may have the chance to take the overall race and show the prototypes that they can't bully the others around.
"Skuld is doing well," said Z
"I just wonder how awake she is."
"did she get any sleep" asked Z
"That is what I wonder," asked Bell, "I mean, she's been with those men for the whole race, and she has been fixing problems for them one after the other."
Z sighed, "Is there an Ice Cream stand nearby?"
"Oh, there are all kinds of vendors peddling wares, and, I do believe there are some around."
"how much american money do you have currently?" asked Z, "I think your sister needs a pick-me-up treat"
"Oh, plenty...it always seems we have enough whenever there is a need."
"How much do you think will two tubs cost?" asked Z
"Oh...that would be..."
(I'm not sure...what DO two tubs cost?)
(Since I never buy that much, let's say $1000)
(Not even that much! I'd go about $40 tops.)
(I'm not talking about supermarket tubs. I'm talking about the ones the size of large buckets that ice cream parlors serve out of)
(Like I said, $40 a piece, tops. If that were the case, Baskin-Robbins would go out of business.)
(It's roughly 30$ per tub. And 47-55 cents per scoop.)
(Sounds like you worked for them or something.)
(Nah, btw generic brands are a lot cheaper. 5$ for 1.5-2.25 gallon tubs. But they come in limited flavors. What I said down there was for premium 3-gallon tubs. Convert that to yen and it's 410 and 2464 yen.)
(thanks man :D )
(Waiting on you and Skuld, then.)
Z took some money and bought two large tubs of Neapolitan Ice Cream and carried them over to skuld.
(Okay, cue Skuld!)
Skuld's tired eyes immediately lit up when she saw the ice cream tubs. She pointed at it with one hand, and then pointed at herself with the other.
"Wow, you suddenly woke up, kid!"
"Yes it's all for you," said Z, "figured you needed an energy boost."
"Thank you!" exclaimed Skuld as she ran forward and grabbed the tubs out of his hands.
"no problem," said Z
"Hey, kid! Slow down with that stuff! You'll give yourself a bellyache!"
She was eating it in large spoonfuls.
"This much is no problem for me." she said in-between bites.
They all just stared at her stunned and not sure what to say.
Z smiled and headed back to belldandy, "she'll be fine."
A tiny-Malek that was well-hidden shook his head.
'I wonder if Keiichi is now worrying that Skuld's help, as useful as it may be, is coming close to blowing her and her sisters' idenities as goddesses. The dream my main self had sent may have increased the chances of it.' tiny-Malek thought.
Keiichi was eating his breakfast, pondering the dream, and hoping that watching the motorcycle races later might calm him. He knew Belldandy would have her hands full with getting Skuld to bed and making her get her rest, so he was going to let her get done what she needed and ponder some things.
Z decided to go and explore, this is his first trip to Daytona.
The race was now coming into its last half hour, but deep behind the pits the motorcycles were gearing up. There would be a series of qualifying races, with the final dash at the end of the day.
Z headed to the food stands to see if one sold japanese snacks.
Sadly, not one did. They were all good ol' American fare for sporting events.
Z sighed and decided to look for a nacho stand.
Finally, the announcement came of who was going to take the checkered flag, and it was Skuld's team she was assisting to win that came in first.
"looks like that girl is doing well," Z said to himself before heading to Hild's location to see how she's doing.
Someone even scooped up Skuld in joy, bouncing around with her all happy.
"Yo" said Z walking up to Hild's group.
"Hello, Z." Malek said. "How is Keiichi?"
"nervous," smirked Z, "do you know anything about that?"
"A little bit, but you aren't allowed to tell that to him, Ian, or the goddesses..." Malek answered. "I do wonder when Keiichi will realize that should he become more famous, the more likely that the world will find out that Bellldandy and her sisters are goddesses."
He leaned back in his chair a little bit
He then continued, "Should the secret get out, Keiichi will be swamped by a variety of challenges, from the fun challenges to the dumb challenges, all from people who believe either they deserve Belldandy more than he or that she is too good for him. If he even refuses a single one, he loses Belldandy. But since both Heaven and Hell both want to keep a low profile on Earth and Keiichi has done quite a bit for both sides, I suspect that should the secret somehow gets out, time might be rewound to the point before Keiichi can get into this race, but he will be forbidden from entering."
"who said anything about me telling them?" smirked Z, "I personally think that keeping K1 on his guard is a good thing. Though I do worry about their secret, and possibly ours, getting out to the general public. I mean K1's family, like that Megumi girl, should know as Belldandy will probably be marrying K1 sometime in the foreseeable future."
"Perhaps Keiichi was worried that Megumi would do one of two things; fear Bellldandy for the rest of her life or try to profit off of Belldandy being a goddess. It's what I think he thought." Malek said. "He really should have told her, at least then he might have a sympathetic ear for his troubles with the supernatural. If he tells her now, she'll see it as two things; That he doesn't trust as much as she thought or that he still thinks of her as a little kid."
"Well I tried to reveal things to her when I first arrived, but she passed out and the others decided to pretend that she just dreamed it," said Z
Malek shook his head a little when he heard that.
"And an incident like that will only make it worse when she does find out. From what I've seen of her, she seems to have an excellent control of her temper, but the length of time that Keiichi kept the goddesses' secret from her will definitely look like a betrayal." Malek said. "If I were Keiichi, I'd steer clear of her for a few days, should she ever find out."
"So how are things with you guys?"
"Fairly well, from my point of view." Malek replied.
"Is Proter doing well in the races?"
"I want to say yes, but Hild would know the answer." Malek said. "Hild, how well is Proter doing?"
"If I fail to accept a challenge...its all over," he pondered, getting his seat reserved for the cycle races that day, hoping it would calm him, "I accepted this, but, if I win, would I be challenged to join the tour? Otaki and Tamiya would jump at the chance I fear..."
"yo," said Z seeing hild and waving.
Hild nodded to Z and she said, "His team can't believe it. In fact, they have even said they have never seen a driver be so in tune with his car before."
(has the race between Proter and Keiichi happened yet?)
(No.)
(thanks)
"I'm sure he's looking forward to racing K1," said Z
"Are you kidding?" she said, "He looks forward to getting Kei back for Belldandy's help. He doesn't consider what we gave him to be cheating, because Belldandy is here this time, and he just knows something is going to happen to involve her. Even if he loses, if he beats him, he has won as far as he's concerned. He figures that, with that help, it's even Steven."
"This should be an interesting race," laughed Z
"The thing is, I received my compensation, but, what he does not realize is the fact that he's now at my beckoned command. In other words, if we need him for whatever cause we have, all I have to do is dangle this over his head and say that we'll expose him if he does not do as we tell him."
Z laughed, "wow, you really got him good mom," said Z
"Oh, I fully hope to capitalize on the shares that this shall get us!" she said, "You know there are ALWAYS strings attached to our deals."
"Of course," said Z, "it's part of being a demon."
Malek sighed.
'I really should learn not to bring Hild along when I go to make a deal. Then again, I'm usually too honest with my deals.' Malek thought.
"Oh if you ever want to send a dream to K1, try making one about the something currently happening so he thinks he is awake." said Z
Hild noted the sigh, and she said, "Oh come now: you didn't think I'd actually let him benefit completely. After all, that would give shares to the other side and not to us."
She noted what Z just said and then said, "Well, now THAT could make for some fun! And here I thought you had gone all soft on me, Z."
"As long as it doesn't cause something REALLY bad to happen like K1 leaving Belldandy, I'm fine with helping," shrugged Z.
"Hild, any deals we make only benefit our side and not Heaven, regardless of whether or not the deals help or hinder the client. If they didn't, we would be profiting from all the troubles that naturally come to Keiichi by him simply being near Belldandy, Urd, or Skuld and we wouldn't have to do a thing." Malek said.
"Oh, this won't hinder him per se, but, my dear Malek, you have no foresight to just how far we can ride this horse. I mean, this was THIS deal. We let him off easy THIS TIME. We did him the favor, and though the meal was the payment for this deal, that does not mean he is out of reach for us in other things. Now that we have this involvement with him, he is our tool. Joining us is like joining the mob: once you are a part, you can never leave!"
She got that look in her eye and smile that she was known for.
Having as known Hild as long as he has, the look had little effect on Malek at the moment.
"And pushing him too hard for extra deals will result in him becoming a mole for Heaven." Malek said. "If I were a god who was aiming to save both Proter and anyone else who had gotten a bad deal from Hell, I'd be on the lookout, searching for Proter to walk away from you while having a despondent expression on his face, just so I could offer him a chance to save himself and others."
"You sound a bit too paranoid, Old man..." Deberk muttered.
"Who said I'd ride him constantly?" she said, not understanding the resistance, "He could go for 30 years, or however long I want, thinking he'd never see us again, but when the need calls, we have him. He would owe us, and he would know it!"
She got into Malek's face with that evil look and said, "Have we forgotten who I am?"
"You're someone who's angry at a lot of things, but hides it well." Malek calmly said.
She chuckled softly as she smirked and said in a low voice, "You have no idea!"
(Remember, I have to keep her the antagonist.)
(I know. I'm just playing Malek as something like a spy who seems forever stuck in the Cold War, or as close as I can play him to. So he's just a bit more paranoid than he should be)
"Hild... I do have some idea..." Malek said, briefly remembering of the incident with Dionysus that happened long, long ago. The only sign that showed that Malek was thinking of it was a brief moment of cold fury in his eyes.
"Ah...so you have woken up a bit, have you? Or, do you remember who and what you were born to be?"
"Just merely remembering a reason of why I despise gods..." Malek said.
"Okay...so...your issues with my plans are...well...?"
"Merely that we should be planning on making him be alright with how we do things, rather than planning on blackmail." Malek said. "In my opinion, blackmail should always be a last resort when it comes to increasing the shares of Hell, not the second move."
"Oh, of course," she said in a sing-song way, "You well know we are crafty enough to make what we do look like a gain for the client without them knowing just how they are being used."
"And the big trick is to get them to the point where if they find out they're being used, they won't mind it at all." Malek said.
"Again, I wouldn't have it any other way!" she said in mock surprise to his suggesting that, "I mean, you give these greedy beings enough goodies and they won't care what you do, or what you do to them--as long as their happy little world is not shattered."
(Sounds like the current atmosphere in America today...can you say "Fahrenheit 451"?)
Malek was about to say something when he remembered something.
"Do you remember back when Ian first moved into the temple, I replaced one of the nails in the ceiling with a similar nail, but it was made of a material that would allow Mara to enter Ian's dreams, even if she was in the arcade?" Malek asked.
"Sure...are you planning to mess with him as well? I mean, he has embraced his heavenly side, so, turning him to us is going to be much harder than before, especially with that mutt looking over him!"
She screwed up her face and then said, "He fully understands the reasons why things happened the way they did, he has come to terms with it, and is comfortable with that fact; not to mention the fact that that harpy named Lind is watching over him. The fact that Chrono has the hots for him make things harder, because she would also come to his aid in a New York minute!"
"No plans at the moment, just making sure that you remembered." Malek said. "And besides, they can't look into his dreams all the time."
"What would block that?"
"Well, him sleeping anywhere but his room." Malek said.
(I'm heading to bed. Good night.)
"Ah...well, he's been quiet lately. I wonder what he's been up to? I haven't checked him lately."
"From my records, he still trains with the basic spells. The comment that he made about mastering the shield spell 'inspired' Urd to put his shield through one of her tests. After she broke through his shield a few times, she said something along the lines of 'You can make the shield, but you gotta learn to increase its strength' or something along those lines." Malek said.
"So, was he discouraged by this, or did it make him practice harder?"
Malek thought about it.
"Neither, really. He was a bit sheepish at getting a big head after performing a spell for the first time," Malek said
"Hmm...that is in his personality. It will inspire him to be cautious from now on, which means, cautious towards offers from us."
".... How is being cautious over being too cocky over doing something new is being cautious towards us? Unless you're planning on offering him power, I don't see the connection." Malek said.
"Even though he's gone through the doublet ritual, I still plan on winning him over to us."
"how so?" asked Z
"Haven't thought of that one yet, but give me time. He's a psyche student, so getting BS past him is going to be hard."
"Maybe offer him portions of the truth, instead of BS?" suggested Z
She was about to chastise him, but then said, "Well, the truth can be more fun, depending on how you use it...hmm...give me an example, dear boy."
"bring up how the almighty one manipulates people to help his goals, like how he forced Ian to take the divine path by giving him his angel egg."
"Careful," she said, "Because, (and this is why I think we truly lost our argument at the hearing, though it was never mentioned,) that can be turned on us: we manipulate FAR more than he."
"true," said Z, "I guess what I meant was revealing truths that put us in a good light, while witholding those that don't."
"Well...of course...that's par for the course. I mean, we get people to destroy themselves by not showing the end result of their bad behavior, which is deserved anyway. They are bad, we just hasten along their demise. Yet, it's always fun when you can get one from the other side every once and a while."
"Glad to help," said Z.
She kissed his cheek and said, "Oh, I am so glad you haven't let your sweet mommy down and joined the other side like your wayward sister."
"I do have a semi-demon license," said Z, "so I will help out once in a while."
"Good boy," she said, "At least one of my children want to stay close. Perhaps we could make a brother out of that Ian."
"that would be interesting," said Z.
"Well, let's keep our focus, though," she said, "We still have to do the race. In fact, tomorrow, Keiichi does his first sprint, and that will set his qualifying spot, and give him the taste of full out NASCAR racing. However, Proter is in the second sprint. Yet, if we can put the fear of God into him during Kei's turn, perhaps we could scare him out of the race or become too risky to succeed. I mean, with those nightmares, he knows he must answer the call no matter what danger he faces. Having no experience in head to head auto racing, especially this kind, ups the danger and plays into our hands."
"just don't kill him," said Z, "that wouldn't sit well with the others. Plus you'll lose your chances to cause him misfortune."
"Why bite the hand that feeds me?"
"good point," said Z
(Gotta get Auir in on this.)
(yeah)
(I want his reaction to the Le Mans race and how they were dealing with Skuld before we go on, so, keep an eye open on this.)
(ok)
(Wait, how far back is Skuld?)
(Page 114, responses 1704 or thereabouts.)
(Geezus)
Skuld was also laughing joyfully, holding her arms out and feeling the air flow through her fingers.
The car came in and the driver hopped out, kissing her on the cheek.
She laughed gleefully and rubbed her cheek while saying,
"We did it! We did it!"
The owner of the team came up and said, "Kid, you're great! Hey, we could use you in Nevada! Sign this contract and we make you a member of the pit crew!"
"Really?!" she asked, her face shining.
"But, I have to ask my sister first... Is that alright?"
"You're...sister? Oh...I guess she could come along as well," not stopping to think about her age, or her guardian.
"Luckily, she's over eighteen, right? Otherwise, we might get in some serious trouble with the labor laws." a random member of the pit crew said.
"Yeah...hey, kid...how old are you?"
"Uhhh, 14." she said, quickly making up an age.
As if a scene of a comedy, she was promptly set outside that team's pit rather rudely and they acted like she wasn't even there.
"H-hey, what was that for?!" exclaimed Skuld as she waved her arms around.
But, they were gone, lest someone came along and asked questions about why a minor was doing such a job without a permit, though someone did come along and stuff about two stacks into her hand and said, "You were never here."
Urd walked over to Skuld.
"What happened, Skuld? you didn't try to SkuldBomb someone, did you?" Urd asked.
(Story note: two stacks means $2,000.)
"H-huh?" she looked at the money and was confused.
"No. We were all happy, and they offered me a contract. He asked me my age and all of a sudden I was kicked out...." answered Skuld.
Ian was about, trying to find where everyone went, and he said, "Hi, sis squared...what's wrong...and where'd you get that stack of cash!"
A Mini-Z walked up, "where'd you get the cash, Skuld? sell one of your inventions?"
"I guess they wanted to cover their ass in case a surprise inspection showed up. I went to the library and discovered that the child labor laws around here kinda forbid minors from working around operating motor vehicles, unless you have a waiver from a public school or the Child Labor Compliance, graduated from an accredited high school, hold a high school equivalency diploma, served in the U.S. armed forces, are in a high school work program, or are married. So I came to pick you up." Urd said. "Wanna go get some ice cream?"
(I'm heading to bed. I'm sorry about going to bed so early lately.)
"Well, all that's true," he said, "They would face major fines if word came out a minor helped in the race. Despite that, you got paid, girl. That's 2 large! That's a nice chunk of change!"
"You ok, skuld?" asked chibi-Z
"Sure...." she replied, a bit miffed.
"Well, I guess this means you can work with me and Z at removing Kakarine's magic parts from the cars at night." Urd said.
"Wait, that means that she'll either have not to be detected during the big race or lie about her age," said Ian.
"Z and I do it under the cover of night, secretly. A simple exchange spell with an ordinary part does the job." Urd said.
chibi-Z nodded, "having someone who knows a lot about cars would help us identify the parts."
"We currently doing it through scan spells, but having someone with actual knowledge would be helpful." Urd said
Chibi-Z nodded in agreement
"Yeah, but, on race day, she can't be seen working on the car. She can be around as a guest, but they can't catch her on the car, or they may disqualify Kei."
Chibi-Z snapped his fingers and Skild looked like her adult self, "how's this for skuld's big sister?"
"I think you're misunderstanding something. We're going to be doing our job at night, and when there's as few people around as possible, using as many illusion spells to hide ourselves. Our job is removing magical parts from the cars and placing regular parts in their place. We're not going to be working on Kei's car unless Kakarine messed with it." Urd said.
"Skuld could keep the parts when the spell wear off," said Chibi-Z after dispelling the illusion on skuld
"So, you're saying Skuld is NOT going to be there on race day?"
"She'll be there as a guest. Our work will be under the cover of night." Urd said.
"Well, I'm sure that's going to disappoint Kei. I mean, I am sure her help on the car would have been welcome."
"welcome, but illegal," said Chibi-Z
"Well, Z and Skuld could work up a disguise if she really wants to work on the car. All she needs to do is work up a cover story, let her claim to be a cousin of Kei or something." Urd said with a shrug.
(Trying to get Auir in on this.)
"I could do that," said Z
"It sounds fine to me." said Skuld, sitting down cross-legged.
"So...you'd want to be made to look like an adult?" he asked.
(Oh, and how was the latest chapter?)
"W-well, looking like an adult is fine too...." she replied, scratching her cheek. She was too embarrassed to admit that she'd actually like it.
(It was good. I'm not use to the writing style but the storyline is good.)
"Well, don't take too much advantage of it, kiddo," he answered, "You might find yourself in something you can't get away from all that easily."
(How would you describe my writing style? I'm curious about that. Is it too descriptive, less, could be more flowery, less...not sure. Been told my stories read like a movie script.)
"Don't worry about that, I'm fully aware of how things turned out last time." she laughed.
(It depends. Some parts are too descriptive. In others, you repeated yourself. Accidental run-ons. Missing a word, added an extra word. I usually read those novels you find for 50 cents at bookstores so don't take my advice for the standard.)
(What you read are rough drafts in actuality. Haven't had a chance to clean them up. Besides...nothing wrong with description. Just read Poe, and you feel like you are there!)
"Hey, you're still a great kid sister to have...though, technically, you're older than me...I mean, you were born before me...man, this is awkward."
(Ah, well that's classic.)
"It's fine." she said, patting him on the head.
(I try.)
"Hey, you must be tired," he said, "You've been up all night. Let me at least get you to the trailer so you can get some sleep."
"Yeah, Skuld. Either get some sleep or I can use one of my potions that has the same restoring effect as sleeping for 12 hours. Your choice," Urd said.
(I'm going to bed. See you all later.)
"Alright, I am pretty tired anyway." she yawned.
"I'll get some sleep." she gave Urd the 'I-don't-trust-you' face.
Ian picked her up and said, "I'll get you to the trailer."
As he walked, he looked at her wad and said, "Man...two stacks...not bad pay for the work you did."
"Heh, thanks. Let's all go out somewhere to eat after this okay?" she said.
"It's a date!" he said, and gave her a brotherly peck on the cheek.
"Heh heh." she grinned. Meanwhile a group of passerbyers were staring at him as if he was some kind of creep.
He looked at them and said, "Hey...it's my kid sister! Get your minds out of the gutter...Geez!"
They shook their heads and quickly left. Meanwhile Skuld let out a burst of laughter.
He put her on his shoulders and said, "What's so funny?"
"N-nothing. Hahaha. It's just that face you made!" she giggled.
"You just gotta know how to handle busybodies."
"Hee hee..." she sat back on his shoulder.
He returned to the trailer, and Bell was right there, helping him with her, and saying, "You've had a busy day, little lady, and I am so proud of you."
"Thanks onee-sama." smiled Skuld, hugging her tight.
she kissed her cheek and got her ready for sleep. However, she still was a bit upset about what she heard about the dream Kei had.
"Night onee-sama." yawned Skuld, getting into bed.
She chuckled lightly at that, knowing it was just 10 in the morning.
With that, she fell asleep.
Chibi-Z smiled before transfering his memories to the original.
"Looks like Skuld will be helping me and Urd-nee-sama." said Z to hild.
"Well, I'm going to find Kei and see how he's doing," said Ian.
(Bedtime for Bonzo. Catch you all tomorrow.)
Z dispelled Chibi-Z
"I'm going to head back to the others mom," Z told Hild
Kei was taking his seat just in time for the preliminary races, and he said, "I don't know why they didn't put me in for this. Motorcycles are more my thing."
"I hear you can race anything that has an engine," said Ian in return.
"I think some people have been speaking legends about me," he joked.
"Not so much legends," said Z, "you have flown a plane, drove a go cart, and you own motercycle that your boss custom built."
"Well, okay, I do know my way around a bike...I am an engineer after all, but, to think me a racing legend...you equate me to Mario Andretti."
"Well, how many drivers have done what you've done," said Z
"Aside from the guy I mentioned, I don't really know," he said, as the flag dropped and the cycles roared out of the blocks.
"So how are things between you and Belldandy?" asked Z with a smile.
"Well, to be honest, Bell's worried about the nightmare I had."
"I don't know much about dreams," said Z, "but I do know that they become mere memories when you wake up. I would concentrate on the races before you end up crashing and burning."
"Uh...yeah...right," he said as the bikes zipped past, knowing his first sprint race lay but 24 hours away.
Z laughed, "and after the race you can propose to Belldandy."
"Hey...ease up! I'm still working on that one!"
"sure you are," laughed Z, "maybe I could get Nee-sama's help in brewing something to help you along..."
His eyes almost fell out of his head as he said, "Absolutely not!"
"just kidding," said Z, "...sort of"
Now he was paranoid! He wasn't sure if he was going to sit up all night saying, "Can't fall asleep, clowns will eat me!"
"So how are things with you Ian?" asked Z.
"Well, now that things have become more regular, it feels like it was before I knew...things."
"I envy you," said Z
"I don't understand why or how..."
"What you consider abnormal is to me an essential part of my life. I never experienced what most people see as a normal childhood." said Z
"Really? You've never told me your story."
"When I was born, I was taken to Hell to be trained to use my powers. I didn't like causing misfortune at the time so I was sent to earth when I was 14, and when I was 17 I received a demigod license and decided to travel to japan to meet my big sister, Urd. What happened after that is everything from me arriving to now." said Z
"But now what? I mean I really don't recall meeting you until we just left for Daytona."
(Remember the doublet thing.)
(I remember.)
Z shrugged, "I smoothed things over with mom and now I am officially a cambion. I alo have been living at the temple for a while. I was there when everybody was 'drafted' for this race."
(Sorry about not posting. I didn't get any alerts. And I'm also sorry this is my only post before I go to bed today.)
Urd muttered to herself, "The potion would have worked," As she went to go read some cheesy tabloid.
"Something's been bugging me," said Z to ian, "if we've been living in the temple from before the race, why didn't we meet till the race?"
"Yeah, that is strange...maybe because the grounds are so big. I mean, I have that guesthouse to myself, the grounds are big, all the woods behind it..."
"I've been living in the spare room in the main house."
"The two of you are going about a topic that will leave you knocked out for a few minutes and wind up missing an hour in your memories. I'd advise leaving the subject alone." Urd said.
Ian looked at her funny, not sure what she meant by that, having no memory of the ceremony.
"Huh, you two should be getting a feeling that you're talking about something a bit forbidden..." Urd said.
"Well, I wasn't sure what I was feeling, but it is a bit creepy."
"Yeah, just trust in that feeling. It's usually a good warning to avoid something." Urd said.
He shrugged his shoulders and looked over to Keiichi, who seemed to be watching the race, but was more pondering both the dream, and the race the next day.
Z sighed, "It's just frustrating. Like a gap in your memory."
"Yeah, but, hey, doesn't that happen to everyone?"
(Shall we jump to the midnight raid?)
(sure)
(Katz...what about you?)
(I'm here.)
"And we're down to the last third," Urd said, as she put up an flight/invisibilty spell.
Z was keeping an illusion around them to keep people away, "which cars are left?"
Urd handed the list over to Z.
(I'll be honest, I wasn't expected the midnight raid to be anything more than a background event, So I'm a bit unprepared. Also, is Skuld a part of the raid or no?)
Z looked over the list, "this might take a while,"
(Well, Auir is not here, so I suppose we can gloss over this.)
(Some stuff happened. nothing bad, but I won't be able to log on until tomorrow.)
"Piece of cake if we all pitch in." said Skuld.
"Good to hear. Remember that the magic car parts will become ordinary parts in a few days." Urd said. "As for the danger of that, imagine racing along, you're about to finish, when all of a sudden, some parts of your car instantly change into some inferior parts."
Z nodded, "if these parts give, say a boost in speed, then, when they change, the car might crash from the sudden deceleration and cause a large accident."
"Then we just have to remove them don't we?"
"That's why we're here." said Z
"There's a car that gonna be unguarded for about 15 minutes. Let's get to it!" Urd said.
Z nodded and cast an illusion to hide them
(I'll admit, I know nothing about cars. So if I make a mistake, I'm sorry for using wikipedia. I tried to take an automotive class, but some stuff back then made me drop out of the class.)
"Alright, Skuld, the magic part is increasing the car's ability to accelerate, so it should be somewhere near the throttle valve or might be the valve itself." Urd said.
"Alright, I'm looking for it now...." said Skuld as she closed her eyes and expanded her mind outwards to probe the interior of the car.
(Paladin, I think you know more about Cars in the current race more than I do, So what part might be a good part neat the throttle to be an enchanted part? I'm sorry to put more responsibility on you.)
(The throttle body helps control fuel intake, and thus, the efficiency of the engine to burn fuel in an economic manner and still get the same results. For those in Rio Linda, that means the car can go farther burning less fuel at any given moment. This involves throttle lever, fuel pump, injectors, and how much of a pure oxygen mix there is in the combustion chamber. The more pure, the more fire, the less fuel needed to create the burst that moves the piston. All of those would give the car better acceleration, and allow for the car to stay on the track longer.)
(wow 0_0)
So Auir, you get to choose. Either throttle lever, fuel pump, injectors, or piston. Which will be the magic part?)
"Hmm, something's wrong in the injectors...." said Skuld.
"Magic or normal?" Urd asked.
"I'm not sure. If it's magic, it's really well hidden. But the output is definitely too extreme."
"If it's giving off a signal, even if it's faint or false, better to be safe than sorry and replace it" Urd said.
(I'm heading to bed.)
"Let's replace it then. I need my multi-purpose wrench."
Z handed her the wrench
"Can't use a drill here, too loud." she began to manually take out the spark plug.
"what do you need a drill for?" asked Z
"You can fit change the heads to fit the screw and take it out in just a few seconds." she said.
"why don't you just use telekinesis?" asked Z
She stopped for a few seconds, visibly annoyed.
"Because I'm not that good at it yet!" she almost shouted but covered her mouth just in time.
Z sighed, "why don't you tell me which screws need to be removed and I'll do it. I should be decent enough with telekinesis to move them."
"Here, here, here. After that, I need you to lift this plate off and the spark plug should be right there." said Skuld, pointing it out.
Z summoned Dusk's Light and they removed the screws and lifted the plate off.
"Alright, and remove the 6 cylinders over here. And over there are the 6 spark plugs. Remove those, and insert these in." said Skuld.
With Dusk's Light's help Z was able to do as skuld said.
"And, we're done!"
"Well, if the rest get done this fast, we might be able to finish the list during this night," Urd said.
"good," said Z, "these late nights are really taking their toll on me,"
"Onto the next one then..." said Skuld.
Z recalled his familiar, "which car is next?"
Skuld looked toward Urd as if asking which one was next.
"About a few meters that way," Urd pointed. "But due to the guards, we might need to wait a bit or use a energy intensive illusion to hide ourselves."
(Sorry about being a bit late at posting.)
(no problem)
Z smiled and cast a powerful illusion that made it seem to the guards that they weren't there even if they bump into them. "Nee-sama, you might need to do the screws this time," said Z, "this illusion will need my concentration to maintain."
"Alright, I will," Urd said, as she looked over the list. "According to the list, this part will be the kingpin on the right side. How fast do you think you can switch it out with a regular kingpin, Skuld?"
"Hmm...." she looked at the socket wrench and thought to herself, making little gestures with her hands here and there.
"5 minutes, tops."
"Think you can hold out that long, Z?" Urd asked.
"yeah," said Z, "I'll need a big breakfast though,"
"Alright, let's switch the kingpins, Skuld. Just tell me what to do." Urd said.
"Take the baseplate off and remove all the washers or bushings. And then we're going need to hammer out the kingpin from the baseplate. After that, just hammer in the new kingpin."
With a few carefully used spells, Urd took the baseplate off and removed the bushings. A quick telekinesis push got the magic kingpin out and a few controlled telekinesis pushes got the ordinary one in. She then put the bushing and baseplate back on.
(another part-switching thing or skip it? I'm kind having fun with this. Are you guys having fun?)
(i'm having fun)
(Good with me. ^^)
"It's done, which car is next?" whispered Skuld.
Urd looked at the list.
"Front right steel wheel, a few meters away at that unguarded place." Urd said. "I'll use a visual illusion spell and an limited-area sound suppression spell to hide us when we get there."
Z nodded and dispelled his illusion when they were far enough away.
Urd put up the spells when they got near the car.
Skuld got out the socket wrench and went to work.
'I bet Bell's both proud of us working together and jealous at the same time,' Urd thought.
Belldandy was laying beside Kei, saying, "zzzzzzzzzzzzz" softly.
After popping it out and fitting another one in, Skuld whispered to them that it was done.
"Alright, next one is over there, There's no guards nearby it, and it's the gauges." Urd said, as she disabled the spells.
---
"Shall I send another warning dream to Keiichi or do you want to give it a shot, Hild?" Malek asked.
(I'm heading to bed. I'm sorry to cut it short again.)
"Oh, go ahead," she said to Malek, "Tomorrow is his sprint race, and I would be interested to see how he handled it."
"Since the previous one went well, I'll re-use it and merely change the challenge specified in the dream," Malek said. "Any idea for a challenge so dangerous that only a fool would accept it, Deberk?"
"How about a race with welded-on solid fuel booster rockets on the roofs of the cars?" Deberk asked.
"That's a bit lazy, taking ideas from a song," Malek replied, shaking his head a little.
"Eh, you did say use whatever can work." Deberk replied with a shrug.
"Are you still miffed about yesterday when I tried to convince you that Vaughn Monroe and the Sons of the Pioneers did a better version of Ghost riders in the sky better than Burl Ives?" Malek asked.
"Your reasoning was that Monroe sounded like an old cowpoke telling a tale." Deberk replied, focusing on preparing a cup of coffee for himself.
"So what? That's what I think. Why do you think Burl Ives did a better job?" Malek asked.
"Bit of the same reason as you. Burl Ives sounds like an old cowpoke telling a tale," Deberk replied.
"How about putting Keiichi in an old west setting and have him challenged to a gunfight?"
"I guess I can focus on the car then," said Z
"Sure, why not?" Malek said before disappearing.
(Shall I write the dream? or shall we just see the aftereffects?)
----
"I'll put up the spells up again." Urd said as she put up the spells when they go to the car.
"Ok Skuld," said Z, "what do you need me to do?"
(Write it up! I'd love to see with what you come up.)
(I included some pictures for Keiichi's hat and Belldandy's dress. Just click the words down below and you see what I kinda envision for the clothes.)
In his dream, Keiichi and Belldandy were riding on a stagecoach into a old western-styled town. Above the doors of the stagecoach was the word, "Whirlwind".
Keiichi was wearing canvas trousers, a cotton shirt, a cowboy hat (http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=140-08&type=store&category=6100) and a serape. Currently, he was the stage driver and was guiding the stagecoach. Riding shotgun was Chihiro, who was wearing something similar to Keiichi.
"Well, we can stop here for a day or two and we'll still be on time," Chihiro said.
"Good, I have someone to see and try to get to join us." Keiichi said.
"Are they a good cook?" Chihiro asked.
"One of the best, if not the best..." Keiichi replied, as he brought the stagecoach to a stop.
"I have no complaints then," Chihiro replied.
Before Keiichi could say anything more, someone yelled, "Hey you! On the Whirlwind stagecoach!"
Keiichi looked in the direction of the voice.
The owner of the voice was some kinda handsome guy who had the marks of a second-class god on his face. He was wearing some black clothes that looked like something out of a western parody.
"What do you want?" Keiichi asked, as he got off the stagecoach.
"I wanna challenge you to a gunfight! Right here and Right now!" The challenger yelled.
"I'm going to have to refuse," Keiichi said.
"Oh no...." A quiet, yet shocked voice said from above.
Keiichi looked up and saw Belldandy standing by a window on the second floor of a building. She was dressed in an Edwardian Ensemble (http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=CL2935&type=store&category=4130). She had her mouth covered by her hands in shock.
"I.... I... I'm sorry, but I must go...." Belldandy said, before rushing out of view. Keiichi heard the telltale sound of the Belldandy going through a mirror.
"Damn! Guess the great Dionysus is gonna just settle for killing you!" The challenger said, making Keiichi look back at him. Dionysus quickly took out his pistol. Before Keiichi could do anything, Dionysus pulled the trigger. The dream ended with the sound of a bang.
The gunshot snapped him up straight in a cold sweat, his heart pounding. Bell was sleeping peacefully beside him, and he was now at a loss. Had he bitten off more than he could chew with the new contract? Did their desperation put them in a perilous situation where he was slave to her and his situation. He lay back down, but had a hard time staying asleep, his mind now swirling in 16 different directions in thought about this.
Malek then re-appeared.
"So how'd it go?" Deberk asked.
"Fairly well. I even included a bit of an extra warning." Malek said, smiling a little. However, it wasn't the smile normally seen on Malek nowadays. It was the smile normally know to be on him back when he worked in Hild's personal security forces. It was a cruel smile that said, 'I've started a plan and there's no way to stop it'.
"So, apparently," said Hild, "You think you just might be scaring Keiichi out of his relationship? Odd? Never would have figured him a coward.
"Let's see, it's just gauges right? Can you phase things through metal?" she asked.
"Oh no, you misunderstand. I have no intention of scaring Keiichi out of his relationship with Belldandy. The plan I am using actually hinges on them staying together for a bit longer, at least until after we all get back to Japan. And even then, it would take a few days for my plan succeed at its goal." Malek said.
"So what's your plan then?" Deberk asked.
"Ah-ah! You all have to wait, otherwise it would spoil the surprise!" Malek said, waving his pointer finger.
Hild just smirked, knowing that, at the very least, some good chaos can come out of this.
"Can you phase the gauges or shall I, Z?" Urd asked.
"I never learned how to phase things yet," said Z, "you go ahead"
After using some spells, Urd got out the gauges.
"And now we put these ones in." said Skuld, taking out the new ones.
"you really got to teach me how to phase things," said Z
Urd the put the new gauges on.
"Either me or Malek. He seems to be your tutor in a way." Urd said.
"true," said Z, "it's kind of funny how I am friendly with both sides."
"I worry that it might change in the future." Urd said. "Well, We have another steel wheel. This time it's the left and it's right nest to us. The current spells I have up will be able to keep us quiet."
"Let's go then," said Z
"You wanna handle this like last time, Skuld?" Urd asked.
"Sure." she nodded, getting the required tools ready.
"what do you need me to do?" asked Z
"Well, nothing at the moment, So rest a little bit before we go onto the next car." Urd said. She then made a large lunchbox appear. "I brought along some regular soda, if you need something to help you keep awake."
"Thanks," said Z, taking the drink.
Meanwhile Skuld got to work with changing the steel wheel.
(Just a reminder: there are 35 cars in this.)
(I'm kinda glad I never mentioned a number then. Also, I apologize for saying the RP was straying from OMG. I guess I was in a bad mood back then.)
"I think we have about five cars left." Urd said. "Shall we handle then tonight or tomorrow night?"
"tomorrow night please," yawned Z.
"Skuld?" Urd asked.
(The next day is the first sprint races.)
(good point)
"Now that i think about it, we should try to finish up tonight so tomorrow's race will be safe," said Z
"Fine with me." nodded Skuld.
"I was just getting a bit tired too."
(Should we go through with the car thing until its done or skip it?)
(skip)
The next day followed, and Belldandy was all worried. Keiichi had dark circles under his eyes, not having gotten much sleep after the nightmare. She said, "Perhaps you should skip this one?"
"No," he answered, "Its all part of qualifying. If I don't race, we lose everything!"
Z looked over keiichi, "looks like he had another bad dream," said Z, "Belldandy, will a spell ease his fatigue and anxiety?"
"Here, this'll boost you right up!" said Skuld, handing him a bottle of Aquarios.
"If it was a nightmare, you wanna talk about it, Kei-man?" Urd asked, a bit worried.
He took the can, not thinking, and cracked it open as he told the dream. He then drank the beverage.
The bottle cap flew off when he cracked it open. Skuld caught it so he could screw it back on later.
"your dream sounds...interesting," said Z, "but I would focus on the race today and not on the possible future."
"Yeah, that's for sure...175 miles and probably one pit stop, if we can stretch the fuel. If we can do that, I can stay out there and not pit at all, but I risk stalling."
With that, he went bottom's up.
"what exactly did you give him?" Z asked Skuld
(night)
"Huh... Now the dream's definitely a clue that Hild or someone working under her is trying something." Urd said, as she went to the phone and called Heaven.
"Hello, it's Urd. I need someone to check the status of the Ultimate force."
"...."
"Well, last night, Keiichi received another nightmare. This time we're certain that it came from a demon. Is the Ultimate Force still working?"
Urd gained a shocked expression on her face as she heard the response.
"What do you mean.... Look, I'll call you later."
Urd hung up the phone.
"It's a protein and carbohydrate rich energy drink." she replied.
"I brought it here from Japan, sold nowhere else in the world."
(What kind of effect would it have?)
(Idk, energy drinks never really did work for me. It's like gatorade except it tastes like a fruit drink. It's supposed to 'Boost your energy' and 'Recover your muscles')
(Probably restore electrolytes and thus give a refreshing boost.)
He did feel better, and Belldandy had a big breakfast ready, having calculated just how many calories are spent on the track for that long, making sure he had the right nutrients. She then went to Urd and secretly asked, "What about these dreams?"
"Whoever's doing it is doing it for the purpose of keeping you and Kei together. Loophole abuse and such." Urd said.
"I...don't understand. I mean, I fear for him that he might try to hurt himself in keeping this...or that they may constantly put challenges to him...oh goodness...Urd, what have I done to him!"
Z yawned, "do you know any place that sells coffee?" Z asked Skuld.
"There's free coffee in the lounge." she said.
"Thanks," said Z, heading off
Keiichi then said, "Hey, it did help some. Thanks, Skuld...now it's time to suit up!"
"Good luck Keiichi-nii!" she grinned, giving him the thumbs up.
With that, he was in the sleeping compartment of the trailer, first putting on his fire resistant one-piece undergarment, fire retardant coveralls, heavy duty boots, fingerless gloves, and he grabbed his helmet and put on a ball cap. He came out, decked in the colors of Whirlwind, with their logo, and Ayoshima Motors--both being sponsors--and said, "Let's win this and get the best qualifying spot!"
"Look, Bell... You and Keiichi did what you thought was best at the time, but it's not your fault. It's Hild's fault for finding a loophole to cause Kei and you some misfortune." Urd said. "I guess we better be on our guard, now that it seems like Hild found a way to get back her 'lost' misfortune shares."
"They...they just need to leave him alone!" she started to cry, "He has suffered enough in life! He deserves so much better!"
"He does, Bell, he does." Urd said, as she placed a hand on Belldandy's shoulder. "We'll find a way through this, like we always have."
---
Malek was idly watching the scene through a viewing orb. He had a large bowl of spicy popcorn chicken.
"If she were to renounce being a goddess, we couldn't touch her or Keiichi, but neither could Heaven. I doubt she'd throw away being with her sisters, just so that Keiichi would be safe from us." Malek muttered, as he ate some popcorn chicken.
Then, a reassuring hand came on her shoulder, accompanied by a voice that said, "It's okay, Bell...you know I'd go to Hell and back for you. In fact, I think I did! ;D I'd do it all, if it meant being with you."
She wheeled around to stare at him briefly, tears streaming, and then almost knocked him over as they embraced.
Z walked back with a cup of coffee, "looks like everything's ok."
Urd smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
'Leave it to Hild to find a way to wreck things, even if it's just a little. If it was a bowl of punch, she'd definitely spike it with something...' Urd thought.
(Personally, I think the bowl of punch thing is off. Urd would have spiked a bowl of punch long before Hild would have. The difference would be what they would spike it with.)
(LOL!)
With that, the crew left the trailer and headed for the car. The team was already over the thing, and Chihiro said, "Well, because there will only be 18 of the 36 cars for this race, there will be no restricter plate, so, pedal to the metal!"
Z drained his cup and threw it away, "anything you need me to do?" he asked.
"Be ready in the pit like you've been," said Chihiro, "If we pit, we may only need it once, but it is important to see how we do under actual race conditions. This preliminary race is only 175 miles, and used to determine where Keiichi will start in the big race on Sunday. This is a good test for all of us."
"got it," said z
Everyone was heading out, but Ian was worried about Skuld. Yes, she had a pass. Yes, she could be there, but she could not bee seen helping with the car. He wondered if they were going to adult her.
Z was wondering the same thing, he knew he could cast an illusion over skuld to make her look older or Urd could give her a 24hour aging potion, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
(are 18 year olds allowed with the crew?)
(That's the minimum age.)
(good)
Z walked over to Ian, "so what should we do if Skuld is discovered?"
"Well, we have to see if she wants the disguise."
Z nodded.
(you sill on the Karin forum?)
(Just answered.)
(thanks)
"I prefer the aging potion." said Skuld when asked.
Z pulled a pill from his pocket and tossed it to her. "I prefer to be prepared and have confidence in my Nee-sama's potions," he said when they stared at him.
Keiichi rolled his eyes and said, "you might want to think about it, Skuld."
"I l-like being big, there's nothing wrong with that. Right?" she replied, defending herself.
"I seem to recall hearing about the last time you were an adult from Nee-sama," smirked Z, "you're not gonna make a move on K1 are you?"
"N-no! He's like my big brother, how could I ever do that?" she responded with a flat-out denial, crossing her arms.
"I already have someone I like."
"Oh? is ti that sentaro kid?" teased Z
Keiichi let out a wink when Skuld's back was turned.
Z handed Skuld a glass of water, "dissolve it in this and take the potion."
"Thanks." she accepted the glass and mixed in the potion. She swirled it around like a martini and downed the thing in a few gulps.
Z cast an illusion over her and handed her a bag, "forgot to tell you, your clothes don't change with you," he said averting his eyes.
Kei turned red as Ian snickered.
"That's why you should either invest in some magic clothing that can alter itself, should you ever change; or invent a bracelet that can fix clothing." Urd said.
Z nodded.
"Or master the clothing spell." Urd said.
"how do you use that spell anyway?" Z wondered.
"It's a bit of an intermediate spell for the divine side, but a high-level beginner for your side. You alter clothing with a spell, but it can be a bit energy-intensive, depending on how much you alter." Urd said.
"sounds like something I should ask Mr. Malek about." said Z
"That'd be a good idea." Urd said.
"How about you stop chatting and help me out with that clothing spell?!" said Skuld while covering herself with the bag.
(the bag had clothes in it -_-)
Urd snapped her fingers. Some underwear, a shirt, and a pair of jeans appeared near Skuld.
"And here I thought the bag had clothes." Urd said.
(Oops... >///<)
"Thanks." she said as she quickly got dressed.
"No problem," said Z, dropping the illusion when she was done.
Meanwhile, Keiichi made sure to use the toilet, and then got into the car. They strapped him into the driver's seat with the five point belt system and began to go over the car, point by point.
'I hope mom doesn't cause something dangerous,' thought Z
"I'm ready to go." grinned Skuld, going into an almost narcissistic state glancing down at herself every few minutes.
Z sighed, "Please concentrate on your work and not your body Skuld."
Chihiro then said, "Okay, get on the checklist and see how the car is doing. Belldandy, get on the headsets...I need you in constant communication with Keiichi."
The pace was picking up with the adrenaline, and the seriousness of this was now coming to the fore. However, there seemed to be a uniform complaint from all the other pits that none of their cars were seeming to work to the efficiency that they had been during the time trials, and they all seemed to be in the same area of the car.
"Right!" she went to get the checklist and began an inspection on the car.
Z stood back. his limited knowledge would be a hinderance.
After this was done, a call for the cars to go onto the track was given, everyone in their pit order. Keiichi then pulled out and took his place as the pace car kept everyone in line while circling the track.
She checked off the last box on the list and said, 'Done!".
Bell said to Skuld, "Get on some headsets, because, if there are mechanical issues, you'd be able to decipher what he was saying."
"Yes onee-sama!" she nodded, getting a pair of headphones. She lowered the mic to her mouth and said, "Testing. Testing."
"Hey!" said Kei, "Good to have you on board! Are you ready to win this thing?"
"Yep! Just rely on me, we'll definitely win this!"
"Well, this is just for better starting position on Sunday, so, winning would be good, but, placing well is just as good. Oh, and because this is a shorter race with only 18 cars, we have no restrictor plates, so, when you go to tweak the car, keep that in mind when you install it."
"Restrictor plates, got it. And be safe out there okay? Onee-sama's worried."
Indeed she was. Keiichi took this challenge only because she knew he had to. This was going through her head as the pace car ducked off and the green dropped, starting the 175 mile race.
"It's going to be fine," Z told Belldandy.
Keiichi suddenly found himself in the front five as they pulled away. Keiichi said, "She's practically driving herself! The trolls really must be on their game!"
Meanwhile, there were general complaints around that were such that, though the cars were all at top efficiency, for some reason, they were not performing like they had been before this time.
"looks like they noticed the absence of the magic," sighed Z
"Well, they don't know that it was magic," said Ian, "All they knew was their cars were over-performing, and now they are more like what they should be."
"Won't that raise suspicions with the judges?" asked Skuld.
"things are fair now. they can protest but we can point out how they have nothing different in the car's inner workings" said Z
"That's what I worry about," said Ian, "Especially if Kei comes in first, and he's the only one that has not complained."
"His car wasn't magically enhanced, it's all normal. Sort of...." said Skuld.
"Sort of?" he said, "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, it's just tip top maintenance and a rally for the engine trolls right?"
"I thought all cars had engine trolls."
"They do, but ours was the only ones that came into contact with goddesses right?"
"True, but I don't see how that affects things too much."
Keiichi was flying, staying with the lead pack, just waiting his turn, seemingly enjoying the whole thing.
"Well, as long as they don't start to suspect us." she said while watching the race.
However, Proter, who was in the second race, drifted up and was standing next to them, watching.
"What is this guy doing?" thought Skuld.
hey guys, want to join me and Paladin on a Chibi vampire/Karin forum?
"Well, your boy seems to be doing pretty well!" he said, "I would certainly hate to think magic was involved."
"It wasn't." she said flatly.
(I haven't watched it yet.)
"Well, from what the other cars are showing me, there WAS some there, but not now. I just didn't check Morisato's car."
"Check it if you want, there's nothing abnormal about it."
"Hmm...just as long as its so. I want to beat him fair and square..." and he drifted off. Meanwhile, three had pulled into the lead, and Keiichi was with them.
It was starting to get tense, who would win?
'I don't know who to root for,' Z groaned Mentally
"How's the fuel holding?" she asked.
"It's holding okay, still have 3/4 of a tank," he answered, "When are they looking to pit?"
"It all depends. Some may not come in and try to ride out the tank."
Hearing that, Chihiro said, "Tell him to stay out if they come in. I think his tank can hold."
"let's hope it does," said Z
"Note to self: fuel tank expansion." said Skuld.
Chihiro then said, "Can't do that...all tanks have to be the same size."
"Note to self: Install new fuel-efficient spark plugs."
"Now that we can do."
Z was getting a bit stressed wondering weather he should support hild and upset Urd, or support Urd and upset hild
(support Hild and upset Urd, or SUPPORT HILD AND UPSET URD...I think he's made up his mind.) :sus:
(edited)
"Something on your mind, Z?" Urd asked.
"it's a bit of a touchy topic," said Z
(I'm going to bed. I ate too much at dinner.)
"Well, whatever it is, I wish you well." Urd said.
"I wish it was that simple" sighed Z
Keiichi was biding his time, drafting behind the lead two and trying to conserve his fuel. If it went right, he could push it and stay out the whole race while everyone else had to pit.
"So will he pit at all this race?" asked Z
"He may not have to," said Chihiro, "Right now, he's trying to save fuel by drafting behind another car. The other car cuts wind resistance, meaning the less fuel the engine has to burn to work. If he does it right, he can stay out there, but he risks running out of gas if he does so and miscalculates."
"What if the car he's drafting pulls into the pits?"
Then we'll have to gauge it. If it happens, we'll try to build as much of a lead as we can and then pit so not much ground is lost. Remember: when you're in the pit, people can take your place if they stay out there.
"I just wanted to understand more," said Z, "thank you."
And on they thundered round the track. When it was 3/4 over, some cars started ducking into the pit, and eventually, the two with Kei ducked in as well. Bell shouted, "This is your chance. They wasted fuel, now go for it!"
Z watched with anticipation
Kei tore off while the others ducked in for fuel and a couple of tires. Kei floored it and began to get that "go" fever when one senses a win.
"Looks like he's in the zone," said Z
He had built about 2/3 of a lap on them as the others closed to take over the spots they left.
(proter isn't racing now, right?)
(Next race. They go back to back.)
(then Z can root for K1 now)
"Go for it Kei!" yelled Z
However, with five laps to go, Kei then said, "I have to fuel...have the right tires ready."
Belldandy said, "Okay, team, he has to come in! Fast fuel and two right tires!"
Not but 15 seconds later, Kei came in.
(No Karin?)
(I posted)
Z helped out with what he could
In came the car, and Tamiya yelled, "Z, swab the windshield and squegee!"
The rest leaped out and went to work. They only had two tires to change, and gave him just enough fuel to finish the race to speed up the pit.
Z smiled and discreetly used his demon powers to move faster as he did his job.
Once his screen was clear, he was off like a shot, but now trailing the other two he had put behind him when they pitted. However, Chihiro said, "The gamble worked. He can stay close and win on the last lap, or at least finish in the top three for a good starting spot on Sunday."
"great" said Z
Coming through the last lap, Kei got half a car length in the lead, went high in the bank, and was pulling away into the trioval when the 2nd place car accidentally hit his rear bumper and sent him spinning. He skidded across the finish line for a 2nd place, but then was bumped by another car trying to get out of the way, sent spinning into the infield, and started to barrel roll, side over side, and did so about 14 times before coming to rest on the tires of his car. Belldandy screamed and was about to leap into the air to rush to him.
Z jumped up and rushed over to K1's car. He pulled the door open and dragged Keiichi out and onto the grass.
The ambulance was already there, and as is manditory, no matter how good the driver seemed, he would get checked in the ambulance and then they would make the determination whether or not to go to the hospital.
(G2G BBL)
'My, my.... I wonder if his stress from the dreams had anything to do with this?' Malek thought, as he watched the events from the orb.
(I'm a bit curious, Paladin313. Have you read chapter 3 of my OMG:What if?)
(I don't think I've even seen it.)
He was badly shaken, and a touch sore, but the doctors were all over it, checking for broken limbs and a concussion.
(Keiichi gets into a car accident in that chapter. the situation the rp is in reminded me of it.)
Urd hoped that Keiichi would be alright.
They were asking him all kinds of questions, but he seemed to be okay. They opened up the ambulance, and Keiichi was thankful for the safety gear. No sooner had he stepped out when he was glomped by a worried Bell.
"Are you alright?!" asked Skuld, right behind her.
"Hey, the safety gear did what it was supposed to. It kept me still and part of the car as it spun, and the roll cage kept me safe. I just got a good spin."
He then looked at the car and said, "The car doesn't look too good though..."
"Don't worry about the car. It can always be fixed. But, you Keiichi. You can't, you had us worried so much!"
"Please," begged Belldandy, "I don't want you to do this anymore! You're more important to me than this silly race!"
"It's because I love you that I am going to do this," said Keiichi, "I was issued a challenge...I have to follow through."
"Oh...why...why did I do this to you!"
"Bell, if I was asked to climb Everest, for you, I would do it naked!"
"Oh Keiichi!" she bawled, and then kissed him. Instantly, the infield was covered with flowers, and everyone was applauding.
"What the hell? Where'd all the flowers come from?" Some guy yelled as he was looking at the flowers.
---
"Well, it seems Belldandy may have broke the 'keep Heaven's presence as hidden as possible' policy..."Malek said with a smirk.
Chihiro then said, "Can we have the car race ready by Sunday, though...there's a lot of body damage, and damage to the frame and alignment. The engine is going to need a looking at as well."
"What do you think Skuld?" asked Z, "Is she salvageable?"
"Seriously, did anyone notice the flowers appearing?" The guy asked.
"I have it recorded on my camera. I think the hottie and the guy who was in the accident had something to do with it!" Another guy said.
"Yeah, the car's salvageable. Don't underestimate me." said Skuld.
(I don't think Bell has ever held to that policy, because she has to tell the truth always.)
"Well, it may have had something to do with me," she said, "I am the goddess Belldandy, second category, first class."
____________________
She then whispered, "Then, we'll sneak you in tonight. The faster we have this car ready, the better."
"Hmm, it'll be a great chance to make some adjustments too...." said Skuld.
"Well, remember to read the NASCAR rulebook and go by that. Also, you're going to have to put in the restrictor plate or sunday's race."
"Um about these flowers," said Z
(karin?)
(I'm going with there has to be a reason why both Heaven and Hell have to keep themselves a bit of a secret from the human world. Probably to allow humans to believe whatever they want to believe for religion.)
The two guys stared at her.
"Youtube?" the first guy asked the other guy.
"Whatever place we can upload the video." The other guy said, pressing some buttons on his smartphone.
Kei whispered to Urd, "Can you do something about this?"
Z smirked and a small electric charge shorted out the phone, 'just modify the memories and I'll deal with the flowers' Z told urd mentaly
(WOW! I'm trying to play DC ONline at the same time, but everyone has shown up in every RP I have! Yikes!)
"I'll follow the rules....." she replied in a tone a kid would use with their parents.
Chihiro gave her the eye and said, "That better be an honest, 'Yes, ma'am,' because, if I find out you rigged this thing against the rules, I am going to insure you never work at the shop on any more cars and bikes ever again!"
(I'm playing Star trek online)
"The hell!" One of the guys said.
Urd took out a potion and threw it at the guys feet. The potion exploded, letting out a sleeping gas. the two guys fell asleep almost instantly.
She then walked over ans took the smartphone. After using a restoration spell. she then began pressing a few button,
"They didn't upload it yet." Urd said. "There... Got rid of it."
She put the smartphone back down and did a quick memory alteration spell.
"You do realize that if Hild or one of her lackeys was watching , they will use this event in the hearing, right? Even if we did stop it in time." Urd asked, as she walked back to Keiichi and Belldandy.
----
"Lacky? I'm no lacky..." Malek muttered with a frown.
(What hearing? I thought we went through all that?)
(I gave up. I have this, two in Auir's room, and three on FF that all want my attention.)
(I'm referring to the hearing about if Belldandy and Keiichi should be allowed to have children.)
(Gave up on what?)
(I don't remember that one. Are you referring to one here that I don't remember setting up, or in the manga itself.)
(Gave up on playing DC Online tonight. Too many people want my attention.)
(Something in the rp that was talked about a few times. One judge in the hearing will be represent heaven, one will represent Hell, and one will represent a neutral side.)
(That was so long ago, and it is hard for me to keep track of the six rp's that I currently play.)
(Bedtime calls. Catch you tomorrow.)
(it kinda sounds like you're a bit over-rp'd or something.)
(I could be, but I don't want to bail on my friends.)
(I could take over Hild if you want to lighten your workload a bit. I'd be playing her as "could go and easily win if she actually wants, but chooses not to", I'd still play her as antagonistic towards the goddesses)
(Nah...I'll be okay.)
"let's try and be more careful," said Z
The tow truck came up and hooked to the car, towing it behind the pits, and the audience applauded that Kei was alright. Once done, the second race prepared and started to circle the track behind the pace car.
Z sat back and tried to calm his nerves after the accident.
Kei himself was still a little rattled, never having experienced an accident that severe before.
(Do you think his parents would fly in to watch the race?)
(might make things interesting,)
(Refresh me...dad is uncomfortable around women except for his daughter and wife, and his wife is all gung-ho type-A personality?)
(I think so, though K1's father is fine around belldandy.)
As they came to the trailers, (where Bell fully expected to bathe him and give him a good rub down,) a white-haired man looking stern and concerned stood at the door.
"who are you?" asked Z upon seeing the man.
Kei sighed and said, "Hi, dad..."
"he's your father?" asked Z
"Yeah," he said, "Dad, what are you doing here? I..."
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" he snapped.
"I'm guessing you saw the race," deadpanned Z
"But dad...I,"
"Where was your head? I mean, you cut in too soon and he felt like you were crowding him. He bumped you out of the way! You have to use the momentum of the turn to slingshot you through and THEN you pass!"
"..." Z was rendered speechless.
Kei looked at Z and said, rubbing the back of his head, "Well...he was kind of my inspiration..."
Another voice, female, came out all happy, "Wow, son...that was one spectacular crash! It would have been even neater if you had pinwheeled!"
"I'm guessing you're his mom?" said Z weakly.
She gave him a firm handshake and said, "Boy, you sure can make friends, Kei. I don't believe we've met?"
"Z Carter," said Z, "nice to meet you."
"Well, anyway, I knew he would be alright...with Bell here by his side."
"what do you mean by that?" asked Z curiously
"Oh, she just seems to be his good luck charm. He never seems to be in bad shape when she's around!"
'you have no idea of the trouble he get's into,' thought Z, "It's good to know K1's parents approve of his potential fiance."
They both stopped, looked over, and they were both shocked in different ways: dad, because he was not told, and mom, though not told, was happy her son had finally gotten some intestinal fortitude to propose to the girl. He, on the other hand, turned pale as a sheet.
"oh? so Kei hasn't told you about it," smirked z
(I'm assuming that they are pretty much engaged by now,)
"Ah, are these Keichi-nii's parents?"said Skuld as she joined the group.
His father turned pale as well and then went inside the trailer quickly.
(BBL...just a few hours.)
Z laughed
"Eh? Did something happen?" she blinked.
"seems like mr. Morisato has Gynophobia," said Z
"Actually, it's heterophobia," said Kei.
"You mean he hates.... Straight people?" asked Skuld.
"I thought he had Gynophobia?" Urd asked.
"Well, whatever is the fear of the opposite sex."
"That'd be either Gynophobia or Sexophobia. They're the same thing in Keima's case." Urd said.
"Well, nevermind him for now," said his mother, " Let's get Keiichi fed, cleaned, and bedded. I'm sure you'll be getting to work on that car as soon as possible. If my son is going to be the first Japanese racer to win the Daytona 500, we have to have that thing at the best it can be!"
(I thought he had Gynophobia: fear of females?)
(Keima does. But his wife, Takano, can knock him out of it for a little while by hitting him with a judo chop to the head.)
"Yeah, sure. Leave it to me, we'll have that car just like new before the race." said Skuld.
"Now, ladies, we need to, how shall we say, 'effect repairs' on the race boy."
When Belldandy looked oddly at this, she said, "You and I will get his food going. Urd, can you draw his bath? Skuld, do...whatever it is...you do."
"Whatever it is... I do?
....
I'll, go check on the car."
With that, she looked at Urd and said, "I trust you with Kei. Bell, we have an army to feed! Let's fire up the barbecue!"
"Hold it!" said Ian, "Barbecue is man's dominion. I'll deal with it!"
"Then, today, you have help," she whacked him on the back and said, "Then you can start by getting the barbecue going!"
Urd went to do what Belldandy asked.
(Sorry, but I won't be on much tonight.)
"Wait, YOU'RE going to...oh no..." said Kei, looking at Urd.
"Oh, come on. are you really going to pass up a chance to have someone like me wash you up?" Urd asked with a naught grin. "But I'm a bit curious why Bell gave me this job. You'd think that with the recent event with your nightmares and how she feels about you, she'd keep this job to herself."
Z went to go and talk to Malek.
(Happy New Year ;D)
(Happy new year!)
"Yes'm?" Malek asked, as he put down the viewing orb.
"I have two reasons for being here," said Z, "one is to wish your team luck. the other is to ask if you could teach me the clothing spell and maybe some others after this is all over."
"Thanks for the wish of luck." Malek said. "As for the clothing spell, there are two variations. One creates or alters clothes out of what you're currently wearing, and the other switches your current clothes with some other clothing that you preselected as replacements."
"can i learn both?"
"Yes. The replacement version is simpler, so we'll start off with that." Malek said. "First, you'll need to go back home and place an easy-to-remember invisible symbol on some clothing there. Once you do that, come back here and I'll explain the next step. "
Z nodded and placed a symbol on one of his shirts.
(Did he travel?)
(yes)
(just making sure.)
"Now place a different symbol on your current clothes." Malek said.
Z placed a symbol on the red and blue shirt he was wearing.
"Now perform a swap spell and use the symbols as an anchor to switch the clothing." Malek said.
Z did as he was told and his red and blue shirt changed into a red shirt with a depiction of the Yggdrasil tree.
"You did well, but next time, choose a shirt that won't get Hild a bit annoyed." Malek said.
"good point," said Z, changing the shirt back, "I bought it before I met her again on earth. I found it Ironic"
"The other version requires re-making the clothes." Malek said. he snapped his fingers and a pile of clothes appeared on the table. "You'll use these as practice. After all, there's no sense in ruining a good shirt during practice. But since it will take quite some time learning to re-weaving the clothes from the ground up, do you want to wait and practice when you have a day free?"
"sounds like a plan," said Z, "so what do I owe you for this?"
"Nothing, I enjoy teaching the utility spells. Most demons and a growing number of gods nowadays only use the flashier spells of their sides and ignore the utility spells." Malek said
Z shrugged, "there's powerful and then there's Practical."
"And each skill and spell has its place." Malek said. "Well, anything else?"
"now that you mention it, I was wondering if you guys were involved with the crash K1 got into?" said Z
"Neither I or Deberk were involved. You'll have to ask Hild or Mara if they were." Malek said.
"I doubt mom did it, because Keiichi's death would make it impossible to gain more misfortune from his natural unluckiness, though Mara might be involved, I'd need to find her."
The pace car pulled away, and Proter tore off, he wanted that pole position, and because he could now read the car so well, they were almost one unit. However, he was also aware that the other cars were complaining that there were some strange people messing with all the cars the night before, yet, his own car told him it was a device added by a demon to enhance all the cars--except for Keiichi's--which would be cheating, and he wanted this to be an honest race. He wanted to win straight up.
Z headed back to his trailer
The pace car peeled away and the second race began, Proter taking the early lead.
Z got back to where his team was.
Many of the team was watching the second race, trying to get a feel for the other drivers.
Z began to mark the rest of the clothes he brought for the race so he could use the spell on them.
The race went on, and Proter was dominating with some of the other young talent dominating NASCAR as of recent years. Yet, Proter was making them earn their supper. Then, somewhere in the middle, Proter ducked into the pits and took a splash of fuel. The pit took all of eight seconds, and he tore off again, causing many to scratch their heads. He was a half lap behind now. Everyone was wondering what he was doing. Yet, some of the lead drivers opened throttle and tried to gain more on him and the others.
Z walked out and noticed Proter's race, "looks like that 'gift' is doing him good,"
About 3/4 of the way through the race, cars started to duck into the pits, and by this point, Proter had almost gained back all the distance he lost, and now opened throttle as the others went into the pit. By the time they all came out, (those who pitted,) he was 3/4 of a lap ahead, and was comfortably in the lead when the checkered came down. Soon, calculations were being made, and race positions for Sunday were being announced. It turned out that Proter got the pole position, but Keiichi was given the third spot, front row, on the outside of the track.
Z sighed, "looks like I'll have a hard time deciding who to cheer for tomorrow,"
The barbecue was cooking its share, and everyone on the team was cheering when the announcement was made. Kei may have not got the pole, but he was in the front row to start the race. If he played his cards right, he could take the early lead.
Z went to join them with a troubled look on his face.
Ian and Kei's mom were working the barbecue as Ian saw Z. He flipped a couple of steaks and said, "Why so glum, chum?"
(I believe Keiichi's mother's name is Takano)
(Thank you.)
"I don't know whether to support my mom's team or Keiichi's," Z sighed
"Well, I thought you were working for our pit crew?"
"yes, but I'm truly afraid to think how mom would react if I supported her opponents." said Z, "she's scary when she's angry."
"Who's to say she'd be angry. From what I can tell, she's kind of playing both sides and attempting to have it all to her advantage."
"I don't know," said Z, "part of me doesn't want to disappoint her, but the rest of me is loyal to my friends. It's like having two conflicting personalities."
"How about just being yourself and letting the chips fall where they may?"
"I am being myself," said Z, "in all honesty I would prefer to remain neutral."
"Then do it. Recuse yourself from the team and go watch in the stands. Root for who you want. I don't see any chains around you."
"you know, I might just do that. thanks Ian," said Z before teleporting away
He shrugged and went back to the food.
Z chose a seat and watched the race.
Ian looked up at the now empty stands and wondered why he was sitting up there, wondering if he was going to sit there for a day and a half before the 500.
From the stands Z teleported to hild's camp to spend some time with her.
Hild was talking with Proter, and Hild said, "Well, I see that you and your friends made sure that this was going to be a fair race."
Z nodded, "some being jinxed some of the car's parts so we replaced them."
"Yes, well, what I want to know is, who jinxed them? I mean, I have said that this would be a clean race, and someone goes and does that."
"that I'm not to sure about," said Z, "but the energy readings weren't divine or demonic."
"Really? Interesting. It had to be something supernatural."
"Aren't we considered supernatural?" said Z
"Well, of course, what I mean is...no alignment behind the act is odd. If anything, someone has a selfish motive.":
Z nodded, "congratulations on winning Proter," said Z
"yeah," he said, "but that was only to get the pole. Anyway, the car suggested a splash of fuel, and said the tires would hold the race. By getting that splash, we were able to take advantage of the other pit stops they were making."
"Ah, so that's the gift mom gave you," said Z.
"Yeah, the car literally speaks to me. I mean, the gauges and the feel of the car as I drive it tell me about the same thing, but this is more direct."
Z shrugged, "i wonder who will win" he mused, "it's going to be close."
"Not Kei...he's a rookie, and we saw rookie mistakes today."
(who said that)
(I'm guessing Proter)
(Proter said it.)
Z smirked, "Kei may have made some mistakes, but with his team, he could match you in racing."
"We'll see...but with the restrictor plates, its going to be bumper to bumper for 500 miles."
"I'll be sure to watch," said Z
(Shall we move to sunday?"
(sure)
Butterflies were bouncing all around Kei's stomack, nervous about the race.
Z bought some food and headed to watch the race
"Well, Hild. I do believe I figured out a possible reason why Kakarine placed the parts in the cars." Malek said.
"Oh...so THAT'S who it was. What did you find out?"
"...I believe I told you a few days ago..." Malek said. he then sighed as he muttered quietly, "I really should stop trying to tell you anything when your soaps are on...."
"Judging by how fast the magical energy of the parts were decaying, Kakarine put the parts in to cause a good deal of the racers to crash during an important part of the race. Due to how her first scheme went, I believe it was to cause Belldandy some more emotional distress. I'm willing to bet that if Belldandy confronted Kakarine about it, Kakarine would probably say something like if Belldandy had never stayed with Keiichi, the racers would never have been a target for Kakarine." Malek explained.
"The problem with that is, if it happened during the 500, it could be fatal, and not just for him, but for the 20 or so other cars that would get involved with him! She apparently does not realize what the restrictor plates do to the cars."
"I don't think Kakarine really cares as long as the end result causes Belldandy distress." Malek said.
"Even if it means killing Keiichi? This girl needs to be straightened out! You saw what happened to him today."
"Kakarine's a Pah 'reeni. When they were still around, they looked down on everyone. I imagine the incident that wound up leaving her the last Pah 'reeni left her a bit unhinged." Malek said.
"It would me."
(Please explain that one...the history of that, I mean.)
(A batch of trinkets using materials from a faulty gem vein in the Pah 'reeni dimension wound up draining the lifeforce of the majority of Kakarine's race. Due to how the looked down on other races, they refused to seek help and their population shrank until Kakarine was the last one left.)
"I'm still a bit surprised that Belldandy told Urd to wash Keiichi, especially when you considering that the last time Keiichi was in an accident, Mara had managed to severely dampen Belldandy's power to the point where she couldn't command a drop of water and all Belldandy could do was watch the truck that Keiichi was in continue to burn. At least until that spirit fellow showed up and hleped reveal Mara's presence." Malek said. "You'd think that Belldandy would stick onto Keiichi like glue. But she instead just handed him off to Urd."
(Keiichi got into an accident in chapter 45 in the manga.)
"Maybe she was so shook by what happened she didn't know what to think."
Malek shrugged.
"Or she instinctively blocked the memory of the last time to avoid creating a hurricane, caused by her emotions." Malek said.
"Not everyone is a self-control freak like you, old man..." Deberk muttered under his breath, as he was frying some spam.
"Did you complete my request for the arcade?" Malek asked Deberk.
"Yes, the arcade now has of insulation and central heating, so we don't have to buy a heater for each room like everyone else in Japan." Deberk answered with some annoyance in his voice.
"Good." Malek said.
(I recently read a few articles that most buildings in Japan don't have of insulation and central heating. Sorta explains why a good deal of manga and anime have stories that center around a kotatsu. here's one of the articles http://www.wideislandview.com/2009/11/the-japanese-way-no-insulation-no-central-heating/ )
(They are so behind in the times.)
"Well then, the race starts soon. I just wonder how Belldandy is? After seeing Kei wreck like that, and then when she sees how tight all 36 cars are going to be, she just might be tempted to use her powers to protect him."
"And yet if she does, she'll be attacking Keiichi's pride as a racer." Malek said. "Her love of competition will prevent any action like you suggested."
"Was there any hidden reason for the request, Malek?" Deberk asked.
"Yes. When winter comes, the insulation and central heating would be a nice temptation for Z to want to move into the arcade and out of the temple." Malek said. "Due to how the temple is constructed, there's no way to insulate the place while preventing water damage in the summer and there's no way to provide central heating without costing more money than what Keiichi and Belldandy can make."
"Ah...so you think we can win him over, do you?"
"....Win who over?" Malek asked.
"Z," she said, "Isn't it obvious that, if he is around us long enough, he could embrace what he truly is? It's the old saying: you hang around horse thieves long enough, you eventually become one."
___________________________
"I talked him into joining us about a month ago." Malek said. "I pointed out that with Runic Divination, he can know where to cause misfortune to help people. for example, most people would choose to be a bit late to their job, instead of getting into an accident. Runic Divination can help Z know when to cause a car to stall when it starts up."
"Well, still, I would rather him around us. Knowing Belldandy, she could talk him into not being like that and find some other way he can use his powers, and not for our gain."
"And if she did that, it'd be inviting you to cause Keiichi some seriously bad misfortune, wouldn't it?" Malek asked.
"Well...it DOES kind of open the door to that..."
"And Belldandy does what she can to avoid unnecessary trouble for Keiichi. So she'll avoid trying to talk Z into doing anything that incurs your wraith towards Keiichi." Malek said.
"That could make things even MORE interesting!"
"What? The idea that having Z around the temple eats at Belldandy a little because she knows that she could talk Z into doing a bit more good, but it'd come at the cost of you going after Keiichi with more vindictiveness than she's ever seen before?" Malek asked.
"So, is that your intent for getting Z to move in?"
"No, my intention for Z to move into the arcade is more-or-less a gift to you." Malek said.
"Oh...well...please forgive me for thinking business so much. You have to understand."
Malek smiled.
"Why did you think I retired from the spy game? I was starting to let work get into every single thought I had." Malek said, leaning back in his chair a little. "A bit of a vacation does wonders for the soul. Perhaps you should consider one for yourself?"
"And let Niflheim slip in to chaos? Who would I leave in charge...Hagal?"
"As good as she is at the day-to-day stuff with following your orders, she's proven that she can't handle being in your position." Malek said. "I suggest leaving a fraction of yourself in command. When you finish your vacation, let the fraction have her vacation."
"Hmm...that would mean Chibi-Hild, and who would run the arcade?"
__________________
"Deberk's doing a fairly good job at it." Malek said.
"All I do is repair stuff..." Deberk said.
"But the fraction of yourself at the arcade at the moment is doing a fine job at running the arcade." Malek said. "It may be a full-sized, low magic fraction; but it's doing well."
"Hmm...perhaps we could go to Disneyworld after all this is done?"
______________
"You can if you want. I'm going to go camping." Malek said.
"You don't like crowds, do you?" Deberk asked. Malek shrugged.
"I think Disneyworld is overrated." Malek answered.
"Camping...where?"
Malek pondered it for a few seconds.
"I haven't decided. Perhaps one of the medieval-ish realms where the humans are able to use low levels of magic." Malek replied. "Plenty of fun creatures to fight in one of those places."
"Ah...an extra-dimensional vacation, eh?"
"It's been awhile." Malek replied.
"Which dimension?"
"Like I said, one of the Medieval-ish dimensions where humans have access to low-level magic. I've been thinking about getting a yeti skin throw rug." Malek said.
(heading to bed. Good night.)
"Well...I may have to come with you."
"Keep in mind that on these kinds of vacations, I restrict my usage of magic even more than we usually do, to the point where I'm about on the level with the magic-using humans, just for that extra bit of challenge. Think you can do the same?" Malek asked.
"Well, it might be hard, but, I can sure try..."
"I'll be sure to loan you some equipment for it." Malek said.
"Now, there's a race about to start, and we don't want to leave our little Proter behind, do we?"
"I think he'll do fine, but checking on him won't hurt." Malek said.
In the meantime the cars were all lined up in the pit in their starting order, and the command to start engines was given. Tamiya stuck his face in and said, "Alright Morisato! We have the car fixed and ready! The honor of Japan and the Auto Club rides on your shoulders! Bring us back glory!"
With a hard swat to the helmet that almost knocked him silly, the cars all rolled onto the track, and the pace car was escorting the pack around, preparing for the start of the race. Belldandy had on the headset, but she was not satisfied with that. She reached up to her earring and pulled off one metal chunk. She threw it and suddenly, on his shoulder, appeared a tiny Belldandy in a matching racing suit."
"Gah! What are you doing here?"
"I cannot stand that you are out here like this. I wish to be with you," she said, but Kei said, "You can't use your gifts to help me."
"Then...just think of this as good communication between the pit and us," she said, "Now, let us go forth and achieve victory.
Meanwhile, Kei's father was at Belldandy's side, all concerned and looking to coach his son in this treacherous race.
Z created two tiny selves to go and observe kei and proter's teams.
After three laps, the pace car pulled off, open throttle, and the flag came down...500 miles...200 laps. However, because of the restrictor plates on every car, there was only so fast they could go. As a result, you had 36 cars, bumper to bumper, all jockeying for that top spot at high speeds. In fact, in the first five laps Kei and Proter moved from the front, to the middle, and back the front about three times. It was gut-wrenching, white knuckle stuff.
Tiny Z1 went over to where hild was and greeted her, "hi mom. ;D"
"Ahh! Oh, hello darling," she said, "Hmm...really tense stuff this. You almost wonder, not if, but when it's all going to hit the fan."
Z nodded, "but win or lose, proter has made a contract and therefore you have some hold over him."
"He seems to be fulfilling it."
Indeed, he was racing hard, Kei and him going door to door a couple of times. "Ooh, he is so rude, bumping you like that!" muttered Bell.
"No, that's called rubbing. Rubbing's racing," he responded.
"Boy's holding his own," said his father.
"Still, it is so frightening to see them like that," she said, "One wrong move by someone..."
"so what's new on your side?" asked Z
"I'm actually thinking about taking a vacation."
"really? to where?" asked Z
___________________________________________________________________
tiny Z2 was observing Keiichi's pit crew while hiding from sight
"Oh...some other dimension, sort of medieval magic realm..."
_____________________-
The race had been clean thus far, and the calls for pit stops came. Tamiya tried to take the lead, but Kei's dad pretty much took over, barking orders, and actually getting the crew to move more efficiently. Within 22 seconds, Kei was out and on the track, trying to gain some ground over the pack.
"Sounds like fun," said Z, "can you get me a souvenir?"
"I think we'll go to Eberron." Malek said. "I've bought some nice magical artifacts from there in the past. Do you want a magical or non-magical souvenir, Z?"
"depends what the magical things do," said Z
"Well, if you're a good little boy and look after things at the arcade while we're away, we'll see what we can do!" she said, pinching his cheeks.
"I'll make sure the place doesn't burn down," said tiny Z1, "so, you going to see proter?"
"Only after the race. This is something he has to settle on his own."
Proter's team was up to the task and chasing Kei down.
"what will the price be if he wins?" asked Z
"Well, it's like the mob: he's always on the payroll whether he likes it or not. Being the case, we can call in favors from him whenever we like."
Z laughed, "you really got him good."
"Just don't go too far too fast, Hild. I'd like to keep him from wanting to seek help from you-know-who." Malek said.
"Oh, of course," she said, "He's in my back pocket."
"Good." Malek replied. "I'll let you know when I'll start preparing for the vacation."
(Heading to bed. good night.)
Because of the way the pits went, and because it had been so clean, there was the main pack, and about seven cars alone in a pack, Kei and Proter among them.
"Another way to answer your question, Z, I suspect that in time, Proter might open up an automotive shop. We might be able to use that to look for people desperate enough to make a deal with us. We migh be able to do that by getting Proter to let Mokkurkalfi work there. Skill-level-wise, she's Skuld's rival when it comes to machines." Malek said. "So there's no cost at the moment."
"you mean the girl with the weird mask?" asked Z
Malek nodded.
"so she's Skuld's rival..."
"Unofficial rival. Nothing has been declared." Malek said.
"Oh, I just remembered," said Z, "I'm going to need another seal. I noticed my magic has been growing recently."
Malek produced a catalog and handed to Z.
"This has a variety of seals. Look through it and choose one. I'll bring it to you by the end of the day." Malek said. "If you want something resembling military dog tags, they're around the middle of the catalog."
Z picked out one that looked like a gold chain mail bracelet
"Ah, I'll have that one ready within an hour." Malek said, before teleporting away.
Z resumed observing things from Hild's shoulder.
1/3 of the race was done, still no wrecks, and the lead pack was exchanging leads constantly.
"I wonder who will win?" mused Z
"I'm just waiting for the first big wreck...and it WILL happen."
Z nodded.
Not four laps later, in the main pack, a rookie in the front made a rookie mistake and started a chain reaction wreck. Bell was about to respond, but his father took off her headset and said, "Go High and go past it! It should all have rolled to the bottom of the track by then."
"Roger," he said, and took the lead. The others lined up behind them and shot past the wreck. Just as they did, the red flag came out, and all the cars were to stop where they were.
Chibi Z2 was impressed by Keiichi's father's judgement.
Belldandy looked sad, saying, "I...would not have known to say that."
(Not sure of his father's reaction to that.)
(he could reassure her. also isn't Chihiro there? She's a woman so how would he react?)
(Chihiro would be down on the ground with a headset. Those two are in an observation tower that allows view of the whole track.)
"Hey, it's okay," he assured her, "This is new to all of you. We'll get him there, I promise."
(ah, ok)
There was about a 20 minute delay as they took cars off the track, and by the time it was done, the yellow came out, as did the pace car, and the pace laps started again. However, everyone pitted because of the fuel they spent idling.
"looks like it's getting good," said Z
They were back out on the track in a flash, and now there was about 17 good cars left.
"so," said Z, "who do you think will win?"
"Hard to say," said Hild, "With the pack as tight as it is, anyone can still win this."
"so, I was considering moving into the arcade..." said Z
"Touchdown!" she thought, "And what brought this on?"
"It's getting hard to juggle being a demon and living with goddesses at the same time," sighed Z, "It's like trying to please two people who have opposite views."
"Well, there's always room for you at the arcade, you know that."
"Thanks," said Z, "when this is all over I'll move in, if that's alright with you guys."
"Absolutely!" she said, kissing him on the cheek.
Z laughed, "I look forward to it," said Z.
Meanwhile, the team was ecstatic that Kei was doing so well, staying right with Proter, while Proter was getting angry how he couldn't shake the kid.
tiny Z2 watched K1's team as they worked to keep in the race
2/3 of the way came another pit time, and Chihiro said, "Come on...if we work fast enough, we can get him away from the pack...LET'S GO!"
Z watched from the stands and ate some food. He wondered how his Tiny-selves were doing.
The team again worked swiftly, and again, he was out in about 21 seconds, and in a lead pack of five.
"K1 is doing well," said the Tiny Z with hild
"We'll see," she said.
by the time it came down to the last two laps, there was only three cars in the lead pack: Kei, Proter, and another racer. They came across the line and the white flag dropped...LAST LAP!"
"think there will be another accident or some dirty play?" asked Z
"Possibly," Malek said, as he held a small box. "Here's your new seal, Z. Since the seal place had a few extra spare gold chain mail bracelets, it only took a few seconds to adjust one to you."
"thanks," said Z taking it and putting it on
However, the third man wiped out, which brought out the caution, but because they had already started the lap, then, by rule, they could continue to race until they got back to the start/finish line. However, since this was the last lap, it was for all the marbles, and they were the only two now in contention. The team was ecstatic and on the edge, while Bell was all nervous.
"showdown time," said Z, "who will win?"
The two were door to door, fighting each other all the way, by the time they got to the backstretch, Kei took the lead, Proter right on his bumper, scowling all the way.
in the stands Z watched with anticipation
Proter rode him all the way, knowing Kei was not a rookie, but he was a rookie to this kind of racing. Yet, Proter had a chance at legend, and he was not to be denied. The car was telling him to keep drafting, and wait for the turn."
They headed into the last big turn before the tri-oval, and Kei went high: exactly what Proter was waiting for. He used the bank and the draft to slingshot past Kei, but Kei understood what was happening and managed to stay at Proter's side. They were so close, in fact, they could not tell who was in front, and they rocketed past the finish line as the checkered flag came down. The crowd roared, but then began to mutter as to who crossed first. The announcer then said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are reviewing the finish, and we shall have the decision for you soon."
Z summoned his tiny selves back to him
They then put on the big board what the reviewer was seeing. It was moving very slowly, and it seems Proter was slowly edging his way up, and only had his bumper in front of Kei when they came across the line, but that was enough. Proter was declared the winner.
Z smiled at the result and headed off to prepare for his move.
They came around and Kei went into the pit, all dejected while Proter was given the checkered flag for the victory lap.
Z appeared at a special hole in the wall store and used an illusion to purchase an expensive, high quality, bottle of sake.
"Look at it this way, Kei. If you had won, more stupid people would be challenging you." Urd said.
(sorry about not posting earlier, but I wasn't getting alerts. I'm heading to bed now.)
Z went to the temple and left the bottle with a note on Urd's desk. it said
"I'm sorry that I couldn't face you in person, but I had to realize that living in the temple was causing a turmoil in my heart. I hope you will understand and if you need to talk i'll be at the arcade.
Z
ps. the sake is a going away present.
Proter pulled into the winner's circle to get the trophy and the press attention, but many of the other racers were coming up and congratulating Keiichi for the best finish of any Japanese racer in the Daytona 500, and that they should be proud of what they had done.
Z arrived at the arcade and began to move into one of the spare rooms.
Before long, a camera had come up with a small crew and some reporters wanting some words with Keiichi.
Z sent a chibi self to hild
Hild was loving this. She now knew the man would have to help her if she asked, and she had a useful tool if she needed one. She filed that away and let Proter think it was all done. It may be years before she calls in a favor, but at least she had him.
"Y'know, I half-suspected you to somehow slip Belldandy some cola, just so she could drunkenly ruin Keiichi's meeting with the reporters, Hild." Malek said.
"Nah," she said, "Too easy. Let him have the spotlight for now."
______________________-
"We're here with Keiichi Morisato and team Whirlwind, who have just gotten the second place position for today's Daytona 500, and the best finish by a Japanese driver in the history of the race. Keiichi, well, I see a lot of long faces...how do you feel?"
Belldandy translated, and it came back, "Well we are a bit disappointed, knowing that we came that close to winning one of races biggest prizes."
"How are things?" asked chibi-Z as he walked up to hild
"Oh, just fine," she said, "I was about to go visit Proter."
"My main self finished moving in," said Z
"Excellent," she said, "I look forward to helping your gifts grow!"
"thank you," said Z.
"Well you have to be happy to know that you go back the best Japanese racer ever to take on Daytona."
"Well, yes, that is good, and I am sure I shall enjoy it once the sting of the close loss wears off. I..."
However, Tamiya and Otaki were looking like they were ready to cut into the conversation and say something outrageous.
"looks like the muscleheads are going to do something stupid," said Z looking over at Keiichi's team
(this is where I look for Urd to jump in.)
(so what's the next arc going to look like?)
(Hashing it out. We need a good conflict and to develop Ian some more.)
(hmmm, what if Z loses control of his demon side and causes trouble and attacks? kind of like the time urd lost control in the Hagal arc.)
(It can't be sudden. That would have to be gradual.)
(true)
(We'll wait for Katz)
(For a clear villain to use, there's Kakarine and the enchanted trinkets she makes. Each one of use has an excuse to create a somewhat-threat that some almost out of nowhere. A person puts one on, gets crazed with power, and they get stopped soon after. Sorry about quitting early, but I came down with a nasty cold that came out of nowhere.)
(so is urd going to stop the two muscleheads?)
Urd was looking at a watch.
"Five... four... three... Hope they can find a bathroom in time...." Urd muttered, as she secretly teleported a empty potion bottle away.
"Bah! Keiichi's the best racer in the world!" thundered Tamiya.
"If it has an engine, he can race it!" thundered Otaki.
The interviewer then said, "So, are you saying there may be more from him?"
Tamiya then said, "We'll answer...answer...uh...answer..." suddenly started to dance around a bit, and then both he and Otaki sprinted for the nearest toilet, nearly killing each other to squeeze in. The reporter looked at Kei and said, "We'll answer that question another time, once we've had time to talk about it."
"Well, congratulations on a good run. Back to the booth."
"you sure nee-sama is against misfortune," Z asked hild
Belldandy gave a sigh of relief. She said, "I am certain they were getting ready to say that Keiichi was going to enter this."
She held up a flier for the Indianapolis 500.
"I'm pretty sure that all Keiichi wants at the moment is to go home and relax in peace and quiet." Urd said.
"Not to mention the paycheck he's taking home!" said Chihiro, walking up for a future payment voucher of 1.1 million dollars.
"Hild, About that book that future-Urd gave Deberk, about the section concerning Ian... I believe it was a prank played on you by Future-Urd." Malek said.
"Really?" she asked, "What gives you that idea?"
(What was written about Ian?)
(That he held off a bit before making a choice to be a demi-god.)
"First, the Ian part was in english, while the rest of the book was in Japanese. Second, IMLYING is spelled out by the first letter of seven consecutive lines along the left margin." Malek said.
"But, my question is, why would she do that?"
"If you knew a way to both prank someone and protect another, would you do it? This prank did make you wait a bit when it came to Ian before the hearing. Deberk told me you said to not try to make Ian hold off on making his decision, when it was a prime time to make him join our side." Malek said.
"So you think she did it to trick me into backing off enough so Ian could be what he now is?"
chibi-Z stood by hild and listened to the conversation
"Perhaps, Perhaps not..." Malek said with a shrug. "For all we know, it may have been something she decided to do because writing the plans, locations, and reasons of those wanting to try to overthrow you was getting a bit samey. Speaking of that, most of them simply needed a vacation or someone to talk to. I enlisted a number telepaths of several species to help with that."
"I wonder if they will vacation now?"
(BTW: did you see the check Kei was going to get? BBL...got to go to eye doc and get my glasses ordered.)
"Going by what I know of Keiichi.... Probably somewhere where he would have taken a vacation if no money had been won. The amount of stuff in his home that's old, but taken care of is proof that he'll most likely save the money for emergencies." Malek said. "I don't envy him, for I suspect the vacation will be cut short, and we won't have to do a thing."
"he really draws bad luck to himself, doesn't he." Z sighed
"Yes, the amount of people looking for a handout from him or wanting to challenge him will definitely put a damper on his vacation." Malek said. "His hope for a peaceful life has been put on hold because of this race."
"and it will help our shares right?"
"It is quite possible, though, after everyone gets paid a share, and the expenses of doing this race, he'll still be able to keep about $100 large."
(For those in Rio Linda, $100 large is $100,000 dollars.)
"At least he could get a better computer," joked Z
"Not him," said Hild, "He is so frugal, when he gets something, it's a lifetime contract."
"true," said Z, "though he could use one."
"You are right," she said, "He'll probably just fix a few things, put the rest in the bank, and let the interest build for the future family they're going to make."
"though, with his rate of progress, that'll take a while," Z smirked
"Well, with the blocks off... Let us just say that they have already done the nasty, and Skuld has discovered a new set of 'toys'."
"ok. I look forward to getting home," said chibi-Z
"Deberk's put a few things in the arcade's basement that you might not know about, Z. Ask him later about them." Malek said.
(Major time skip?)
(sure, I wonder how Keiichi and the gang will react to Z's move?)
(I'm going to have Urd respect Z's move. And go ahead with the time skip, but put to to when they just get back to the temple.)
(What I had planned.)
The whole brood was now there for the return, exhausted.
Z was hooking up a computer his room of the arcade
A note at the door said, "Thank you so much! You have helped the company. Sales and shop work are out of this world! Take two weeks to recover...you've earned it! Chihiro."
"Hi there!" A voice called out from the roof.
When Urd looked up, she groaned.
"What do you want, Dionysus?" Urd said, in a manner that showed she did not like the Greek god of wine.
"I'd like to ask Miss Belldandy and Keiichi for permission to stay here!" Dionysus said as he leapt down.
(Remember, Malek sent Keiichi a dream that ended with Dionysus killing Keiichi)
Z finished with the computer and went to find debrek
Keiichi saw him and screamed!
Deberk was making sure there were enough cleaning supplies.
----
"What the hell did you ever do to Keiichi?" Urd yelled, preparing two UrdBolts.
"Nothing!" Dionysus said, making placating gestures while backing away.
(I'm heading to bed.)
"Mr. Debrek," said Z, "Mr. Malek told me to ask you about new things in the basement."
"I...I had a dream!" he said, telling what happened.
"I say we refuse to let Dionysus even stay in the city!" Urd asked, getting ready to blast Dionysus.
"Please help me! I need protection until I'm unbanished from Heaven!" Dionysus pleaded, getting on his hands and knees.
---
"Follow me," Deberk said, as he walked to the basement.
Z nodded and followed Debrek
Kei was sneaking away, lest he got challenged by this person.
Once in the basement, Deberk placed his hand on a symbol on the wall and charged it a bit with magical energy.
A scale model of the surrounding city blocks appeared in the center of the room. It even included the temple.
"This model can also function as a bit of a radar." Deberk said. He then pointed to a large number 8 on the floor "This is a special communicator. Charge it up with magical energy, stand in one of the circles, and you can contact someone who is standing near a similar symbol. It'll blink on their end to let them know you want to talk. Once it's active on their end, it'll create an illusion of the other person on your end and an illusion of you on their end. A nice way of talking to someone, if you are unable to use a phone for some reason."
---
"Miss Belldandy, please let me stay!" Dionysus pleaded.
"You poor thing! What has happened to you."
"A demon was responsible for my banishment from Heaven." Dionysus said.
"Ah, so Malek recording what you said while drunk at a neutral side's bar did punish you!" Urd said, grinning a bit at Dionysus's misfortune.
(To those that can't remember, Dionysus got drunk and told some of Heaven's secrets at a Neutral side's bar. Malek brought this up at the hearing about Ian. Odin said he'll look into it.)
(Check! This should be fun.)
Feeling a touch responsible, remembering the hearing, Belldandy said, "Sure you can stay! My old bedroom is open, now that I am in with Kei-kun."
Z turned to debrek, "what if you made it so it had real-time tracking of people and their misfortune levels?"
"It's passive. Any more than that and we might upset the other side, due to Hild declaring part of the arcade as neutral territory." Deberk said.
---
"Thank you, Miss Belldandy!" Dionysus said.
"You sure, Bell?" Urd said.
"Oh, but the poor thing is homeless because of that hearing. You remember what was said, do you not? We are a bit responsible for this."
"True," said Z nodding, "can it zoom in on locations?"
"Why not use a mini-self?" Deberk asked.
----
"Malek's responsible, not us." Urd said.
"Then, we can still take care of him. Perhaps we can talk Father out of this."
"Going by how many secrets he revealed, I doubt it. It was enough to get him sealed." Urd said. "I think getting demoted to a second class and banished was Father going easy on him."
"I guess that would work," said Z
"Still, he should not be homeless, and should be with people he knows."
"...He does one wrong move and I throw him out myself." Urd said, before walking to her room.
Belldandy said, "Please come with me, and I shall show you to your room."
"Yeah. As for why I made it, it was because Malek wanted something that could detect Kakarine's trinkets in the city, should the need arise," Deberk said.
---
Dionysus followed her.
---
Malek was watching the temple from a nearby rooftop. he had on an illusion spell that made him invisible to humans, but not to anything supernatural.
Malek didn't have his normal, bored expression on his face. Instead, he had an angry, but patient, expression.
"That imp has issues," sighed Z
"Tell me about it. Malek theorized last night that her attacks directed at Belldandy are somehow indirect attacks aimed at Hild. I told him that I thought that his theory made no sense." Deberk said.
She showed him the room and got a futon and sheets for him, saying, "Ever since we have been allowed, we have shared the same room. Now, I must find Keiichi."
"Oh, he is hiding in the building with the big Buddah!" said their rat friend, (forgot his name,) "I can show you."
A mini-Bell appeared beside him and said, "Please, lead the way."
(the rat's name is Gan-chan)
"So the relationship with Mr. Keiichi is going well?" Dionysus asked.
"Oh yes," she said, "After passing the Judgment Gate, we were allowed license to do as we wish."
Her eyes twinkled thinking about their coming wedding day, whenever that may be.
__________________________
Gan pointed and said, "There he is, Miss Belldandy."
He was squished behind the Buddah, and she hopped up on his shoulder and said, "Oh, my dear Keiichi, what is wrong?"
He explained the dreams he had been having, and in all of them came with a fear of failing to accept any challenge given to him for fear of losing her, and then what their newcomer meant in his dream. She was horrified, and her main self excused herself and went to find Urd.
"Yeah, Bell?" Urd asked.
(When will Urd find Z's note and the sake?)
She then relayed all Kei told her mini-self, and why he was so scared.
"Damn.... On one hand, I want to use it as an excuse to throw Dionysus out. On the other hand, the dreams were from a Demon who somehow manipulated the ultimate force into helping them." Urd growled as she walked in a circle as she pondered what to do.
"Whatever your choice is, Bell, I'll support it." Urd said, when she made her decision.
"Well, Dionysus was not to blame for the dreams, so I cannot push him out for that. However, do you fear him doing the things Kei dreamed?"
"The worse Dionysus usually does nowadays is throw parties and create wine, since he's a pro at that spell. At one point, he did have a fondness for using an insanity spell on humans for trying to ruin his fun," Urd said. "So I don't think Dionysus will kill Kei. He might try to get him drunk, though."
"Oh that could be bad!" she said, "They might get wasted, and then odd challenges may come up... Oh dear!"
She then shouted so the whole house could hear, "No more alcohol for anyone in this house for the time being! I, Belldandy, First-Class, second category unlimited, forbid it!"
A burst of energy went over the whole of the temple grounds, as if a spell had just been cast.
"NNOOOOO!!!!" Urd cried out, as all the booze she had bought or gotten as a gift either vanished or turned into water.
(Oops! Forgot about Z's gift! I am sure old Dino there ain't going to like this!)
She sighed and said, "That takes care of that danger."
Urd was hugging her empty sake bottles and was crying in a bit of a comical manner.
She slid open the door and said, "Sister, are you alright... Oh..."
Urd was too busy mourning the loss of her booze to notice.
She then checked in on Dino.
Dionysus was looking out the window, staring at some birds.
"So, are you settled in?"
"Pretty much." Dionysus said. "I detected a prohibition spell. did you cast it?"
"Yes," she said, and relayed what she had told Urd, and her fears.
"Why would I want to harm your human?" Dionysus asked.
"My...human... Oh, silly...he's not my pet," she answered with a grin.
"Call him what you want. He's yours." Dionysus replied.
"I don't think you would harm him, but what if you challenged him when he and you have 'had a few'? He would have to keep that challenge or lose me."
"The only way I'd make that challenge if if I get drunk off of beer. And after getting banished, it's safe to say I'm staying far away from beer as long as possible." Dionysus said.
without the bottle to hold it down, Z's note flew off urd's desk and smacked her in the face
"Yet, sometimes I feel I may have put too much on him, because now he is locked to this."
"Well, All I can say is hope for the best, and pray the worst never happens." Dionysus said.
---
Urd read the note.
"And his gift is gone because Bell decided this would be a clean house...." Urd muttered. "Even though Keiichi had more to fear from the two dunderheads than from a booze bet..."
She sighed for a bit.
"Well, I wish you well, Z." Urd said.
Z was working on the arcade machines.
(Sorry...I forgot about the Sake, but then again, it would be the kind of thing that happens in this! LOL!)
"I wonder if that is what it is like to be human with uncertainties."
"You could always ask for a power limiter that puts you down to the level of a human. While they're mostly made for heaven's prisoners that aren't meant to be sealed, the experience could be a bit of an eye-opener in your relationship." Dionysus said with a slight grin.
"But, if Mara attacks again, or another being, how could I protect him?"
"Doesn't Lind live here to insure Ian's training?" Dionysus asked.
"No, she only comes during those times. She does not live here."
"Pity. Ask her to stay for an extended time, then." Dionysus said.
"Yet...I don't know if I should do that. I need to ask Kei."
"It'd make him feel safer around me," Dionysus said.
"It would make him feel safer if I was sealed?"
"No, having Lind around." Dionysus said.
She pondered it and said, "I'll be right back," and went to the phone.
Z turned to Debrek, "You think mom would mind if I occasionally visited the temple for a dinner cooked by belldandy? I mean, I can cook but her food is heavenly...no pun intended."
"It depends on when you ask her." Deberk said. "As for around here, I do the cooking, except when Malek feels like cooking. He likes to make really spicy food that burns going in and burns going out. Or anything with sauerkraut. I have no idea why he likes the stuff."
"I like spicy foods," said Z, "but not sauerkraut. Curry is my favorite."
"I tend to stick with weak-to-mild spicy level foods, myself." Deberk said. "As for favorites... Buffalo style chicken pizza."
"I heard of a stand in vegas that sells three flavors of wings: mild, spicy, and suicide." laughed Z
"Huh... When I get the chance and the urge to, I'll have to go check it out." Deberk said.
Z nodded, "so does the arcade use electricity or is it powered by energy spells to make it energy efficient and environmentally friendly?"
"A little of both, actually." Deberk said.
"cool," said Z, "so where do you get the arcade games?"
"They're old arcade games from Hell. Some had to be modified, so they wouldn't harm humans, like the Polybius game. That one kinda plays kinda like Tempest." Deberk said.
"Yes, hello...Belldandy, First Class, second category, unlimited...yes...oh nothing much...oh it was an exciting race--we have a lot of that money stuff now...use it?...Oh, Kei just wanted to use it to fix a few things, save for something special, and put the rest into a bank...something about investing it...him?...the crash didn't seem to affect him at all...yes...anyway, I...oh...yes...Dino is here...what?...oh, but he has been quite humbled...oh no, I cast a prohibition spell while he's here...Urd?...she has not said anything about it, though she was crying over some bottle earlier...what?...did you tell a funny joke? Everyone is laughing on that side...Why I called?...oh yes, well, it does have something to do with Dino and a dream...(after dream explanation,) and that was the reason for the spell...yes, it is the challenge thing...it was suggested that Lind come and police the place...she's unavailable? She can only come to train Ian?...oh...what?...Chrono is available to move in?...She has proven herself I take it...oh...she passed her second class unlimited Valkyrie...oh, that is so good to hear...then we shall be expecting her...yes...yes...and give love to daddy...bye-bye."
She then hung up the phone and told everyone that Chrono would be moving in.
Malek continued to watch from his spot on top of a nearby building.
"It is so wonderful that Chrono is coming," said Belldandy, "She is going to be such fun, and she seems to get along with Ian so well."
"...Yeah, and she can call for help in case of an emergency..." Urd said, in a depressed voice.
"Urd, why do you sound saddened?"
"...All that booze.... gone..." Urd muttered.
"I could rig up a Virtual Reality game using my illusions." said Z
"Just make sure it can't harm humans if an accident occurs, alright?" Deberk said.
"Well...it is for our good! If neither of them become inebriated, then they can remain in their right minds and he shall not challenge Keiichi."
"It'll be just like a dream," said Z, "I just need some chairs and a set of headsets connected to a single server."
"Then shouldn't you ban him from seeing Tamiya and Otaki? They make stupid challenges all the time. And why don't you ban him from riding his beemer or leaving the temple? He might just get into an accident!" Urd said, in a slightly angry voice.
---
"Call this requisitions office." Deberk said, handing over a business card. "Malek set this one up, so you can expect them to be honest with you."
"o dear, you are right," she said, and looked about to do all those things.
"Bell..." Urd said, as she grabbed Belldandy's shoulder. "Wouldn't Keiichi see it as you trying to baby him?"
Z pulled out a cell phone and called the number
"Hello, this is Netherworld plot no. 23 requisitions office. How may we be of help?" a genderless creepy voice asked.
"I need a set of office chairs and a set of headsets complete with earphones and HUD screens that can be hooked up to a single server. the server in question needs to be able to be charged with a number of pre set illusion spells. can you get that for me?" asked Z
".... We'll have your order teleported to the basement of the arcade in a few minutes." The voice said.
"great," said Z, "what will this cost me?"
"But...I put him in this...I cannot let them hurt him...or split us!"
"Either help catalog the inventory here for a few hours when you have the chance or if you have a computer, you could hook it to our systems to use some of your computer processes to help scan magical artifacts whose origin and purposes have long been forgotten by history." The voice said.
---
"Bell, you and Kei made a choice. Have some faith in yourself and him to be able to stay together." Urd said.
"I'll take the second one," said Z
"Alright, A flashdrive with the necessary programs will be teleported along with your order. Just install it and that will be all." the voice said.
"thank you," said Z, hanging up and heading to the basement.
The stuff that Z ordered was there, in boxes. The flashdrive was on top of boxes.
Z pocketed the flash drive and created some chibi selves to help speed up the installation.
The program was one that worked in the background and could show what was being scanned at the moment. Currently, it was some cup made of stone.
Z turned away from his computer and gazed at the finished VR machine. It was seven chairs in a circle with their backs facing the center. in the center was the server which had spell runes set into it and wireless headsets sitting on the chairs.
"Still...I think we should refrain from alcohol...for now."
Urd then grumbled as she walked away to her room.
(What is Chrono's medium for travel?)
(I don't think she has one.)
(Then I'll make one befitting her name.)
Once in her room, her clock face started to glow, followed by what looked like two energy blocks emerging, which then popped out, landed, and turned out to be two big pieces of luggage.
(didn't she come out of a clock during the angel egg argument?)
Z installed an illusion into the server so it would allow those who use it to enter one of three illusions: a Sci fi adventure, a fantasy adventure, or a high seas adventure.
"Just make sure it isn't too realistic or addictive. Last thing we want is an army of lawyers breathing down our necks or people trying to steal the device." Deberk said.
(Um... Luggage just popped out of Urd's clock.)
"when it is used, a person actually will think they are in the game." explained Z, "It's just an Artificial Reality. It's not addictive, and all injuries hurt less than they normally would and there is no gore."
"I hope so...." Deberk said.
After the luggage appeared before Urd, grunting sounds could be heard as something else was coming through the face of the clock.
'Doubt it's booze...' Urd thought as she looked on.
Before long, it could be seen as Chrono, who now had both hands on the clock face, fighting her way out, saying, "Did you have to have such a small clock?"
"The one in the kitchen is larger, so why did you choose this one?" Urd asked.
"For some reason...*ugh...POP*...the system said this was quicker access! Well, here I am!"
"There's a spare room. Need help with your luggage?" Urd asked.
"Oh, come now!" she said, "First class unlimited...I can handle it," and the luggage floated off the floor and followed her out the door."
Urd shrugged before deciding to try mixing up a new potion.
(I'm going to bed. Good night, folks!)
"Don't worry," said Z, "I made sure to make this safe for all ages to bring in more customers."
"The pain aspect will have a chance of driving off the kids who aren't used to feeling pain during a game." Deberk said
Belldandy was happy to see Chrono and greeted her warmly, going into some girl talk as Bell helped her settle in.
"It's just a small sting, less than the pain from shot." said Z
"Alright, just making sure..." Deberk said. "I should let you know that two things the arcade has over the temple during the winter, insulation and centralized heating. While centralized heating might be able to be put into the temple, it'd come at the cost of devices that stick out like a sore thumb. Insulation can't be done there because of how the walls are. That and also Belldandy doesn't seem like the type to avoid snuggling up close with Keiichi at a kotatsu."
"That's good," said Z, "I like to stay warm in cold weather. Do you think we could install a Laser Tag arena into the arcade?"
"...We don't have the room for it at the moment. You'd have to ask Hild if I can have permission to expand the arcade for a LazerTag arena." Deberk said.
"I'll do that next time I see her." said Z.
"Alright. If you do get permission, let me know and I'll build the arena." Deberk said with a touch of pride in his voice and a smile. "After all, I was able to get the arcade up to code in a few days."
Z nodded, "how do people pay for these things."
"What do you mean? If it's about what people use to play the arcade machines, they take yen." Deberk said.
"Do people win prizes?"
"The standard stuff you can find in either grabberclaw machines or at any arcade for turning in arcade tickets. " Deberk said.
"I've been meaning to ask, is there a shower here or do we go to the public bath?"
"There's a shower and a hot tub in the apartment section of the Arcade." Deberk said. "They're on the second floor."
"thanks," said Z, "I'm going to head out and do some things."
"Have fun." Deberk said.
(I'm going to bed.)
Z headed to whirlwind to pick up some things
'So, Chrono was sent here. She might now have that signal seal on her to call other Valkyries, should she get into situations over her head. I guess that means when it's time for my operation, I should be as fast as possible.' Malek thought.
Z walked into whirlwind, "hello, I need a few spark plugs."
With the use of magic, she quickly had her room done up, and she changed, and came out, dressed to kill, saying, "Okay, where's that hunky brother of yours! It's time to show him some culinary skills!"
Urd hid a smirk when she saw Chrono's dress.
'Ian's too down to earth to be easily won over with something like that. He'll give out a complement or two though.' Urd thought.
An apron appeared on the outfit and she strode off to the guesthouse.
(Don't you have control of Chihiro, Paladin? Z went to whirlwind to buy something.)
Chirhiro was opening the shop, putting up new pictures of the race, the car, the team, and whatnot, to help promote the place.
"Yo," said Z, "looks like you guys did well out there."
"Keiichi got second!" she said, "They said it was the best finish for a Japanese driver or team ever in that race! I guess, in a sense, that's a win."
Z nodded, "hey, do you guys sell spark plugs? I need them for a project."
"Oh, whatever you need: standard, platinum, split fire. Name your poison."
"Standard will work," said Z, "also a cooling system would be nice."
"Well, that one, I'll have to go into the back and see if we have one in stock. How big do you need it?"
"smaller would be better"
"So is it for a small car, a motorcycle?"
"neither," said Z, "it's for a special project of mine. The parts i need will help me finish it."
"Hmmm... Well, in order to know what you should get, I need a feel for what you are trying to do."
"I am endeavoring to create a sustainable energy source that will power certain machines, using magic and spare parts." Z said with a straight face
"Ah, more for like a generator. Come to the computer, would you?"
Z nodded and followed her
She brought up generator cooling systems of various sizes and she said, "Tell me which one fits your need."
Z pointed to one, "that will work."
"Okay, oh, we don't carry that one in stock, but I can have it ordered for you."
"call me at this address," said Z handing her the arcade business card
"Well, how soon do you want it?"
"as soon as possible," said Z, "if that's not too much trouble. I can pick it up."
"Well, we can have it sent next-day, but it would cost a bit extra."
"how much?" asked Z
She put it about an extra $10 to the overall cost.
"how much altogether?"
(Not sure how much to charge...probably at most $200.)
Z pulled out a the money he needed, "Looks like I'm broke again," he sighed mentally.
She thanked him, took the card, and said, "What time would you like me to call?"
"whenever is fine with you."
She rang it through all smiles and said, "Thank you. let others know about us!"
"sure thing," said Z, "tell Keiichi and the others I said hi."
"NO problem."
Z smiled and headed back to the arcade.
In the meantime, Ian's jaw hit the floor when she marched in and took over his kitchen without so much as a "hello".
Z arrived at the arcade.
"Ah," said Chibi Hild, "Are you ready for your shift?"
Z nodded, "I even installed a new attraction and was wondering if we could install a laser tag arena."
"Laser tag?" she said, "Did not that go out with big hair and shoulder pads?"
"actually it's quite popular," said Z, "there are a few places in america where you can compete for top scores."
"Really? Tch...humans are so violent."
"why do you think they enjoy football and boxing?" Z shrugged.
"Well, how much of the misery index would we get if we built this?"
"all those who don't make the top scores will be disappointed and people would be very competitive," said Z
"Oh? Is it that addictive?"
"it's fun to run around in a dim arena wielding a gun like a video game fighter. plus the people are competing for the most kills an bases captured. It's kind of like being in a first person shooter." said Z
"Don't let Skuld catch wind of that," she said, "You know what she'd do to it if she got hold of it."
"what do you mean?" asked Z
"Well, you know her and technology," she said, "She might make it more real than that for which people would care.
Z nodded, "I won't tell her. I'm also trying to create a small generator that runs on my electricity spells. if i get it to work, i can create a bigger one to power the arcade and eliminate our electricity bills."
"Oh, now that would be absolutely divine!"
"interesting choice of words," Z smirked
"Then go ahead and roll with that," she said, "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when our shares skyrocket!"
"thanks," said z heading to his shift and sending a tiny-self to tell debrek to start building.
"Alright, but I overheard you wanting to eliminate the electricity costs of the arcade. The reason I don't do something like that is to leave a bill trail for the inspectors. If there were no bill trail, they would suspect that we are stealing electricity from our neighbors and thus would investigate more around here than necessary." Deberk said, before going off to order supplies and hire some manpower from the requisitions office that he had given Z the number to.
"The generator wouldn't be powerful enough to totally eliminate costs. It would be used to power some of our games like the VR game." said Z
"Alright, but you did say something to the effect of 'eliminating our electricity bills' to Lady Hild, so I worried a little." Deberk said, as he typed away on a computer. He then read the page when it refreshed. "Looks like the job will be done over the weekend. We'll close the arcade during that time."
"It could eliminate all of them, but I'd need the help of someone as smart as Skuld and at least 10 1st class beings with lightning powers." said Z
"Or just use properly placed Parabolic troughs to get power from the sun. We'd even get money for excess power, but that plan is something better placed in the countryside." Deberk said.
"I think I'll stick to powering the more energy consuming items only" said tiny-Z
Deberk then made a book appear. It looked like an art book, but the title was "Beginner's guide to disguised magic symbols.
"I used this to create magic symbols that act like better versions of Parabolic troughs. That's why I added a few seemingly innocent idyllic paintings of gardens, mountains, and generic space fight scenes on the outside of the arcade." Deberk said. "Take a look and then tell me later what you want to add to the outside of the Lazer tag arena when its completed.
tiny-Z nodded and took the book to his main self.
Ian was twitching his lip, and he said, "That's um...an interesting...uh...choice of clothes?"
"Oh, you like it?" she said all hopeful.
Z began to look through the book while he watched the moniters
"Um...I'll be right back?" he said, and went to the house, saying, "Um, did Chrono flip her wig?"
Z selected a few discrete seals and sent a mini-self to tell debrek.
"I'll be sure to add them when the addition is done." Deberk said.
He started looking around for someone who could help him with his...problem.
Urd was in her room, trying to brew a potion that cleaned better than the storebought cleaners without having the price of its components being too expensive.
Ian declared again, "Can anyone tell my why Chrono is in my place, dressed loke a whore, and trying to cook me dinner?"
(Urd's too busy focusing to hear Ian. If he wants her help, he has to knock at her door.)
Hers was the first room he found, so he knocked on Urd's door.
"Come in." Urd said.
Z sent a Chibi self to visit ian
"Hey, Urd, Can anyone tell my why Chrono is in my place, dressed loke a whore, and trying to cook me dinner?"
"First off, do you think that calling a Valkyrie-in-training a whore is a smart idea? Second, don't you realize that she's trying to make you fall in love or lust with her?" Urd asked.
"One, I only said she was dressed that way, not that she is one. Second, I am kind of getting that hint, which is why I asked if she's a few clowns short of a circus."
"She has a crush on you." Urd said.
"Yes, and it seems she's got it bad!"
"So explain to her that you don't feel that way. 'Cause if you don't, it'll make things worse down the line," Urd said
"The problem is, I don't know how I feel for her," he said, "She's nice girl and all, and there might be a chance, but I don't think she should be trying so hard."
"You better find out soon, because Lind kinda sees Chrono as a little sister at times." Urd said.
"Ugh...in other words, if I don't show some kind of affection to her, even as just a friend, there could be trouble?"
"More like... if it seems like you're just leading her on with no intention of actually starting a relationship, you'll be in some serious trouble." Urd said.
Chibi-Z snickered as he watched from the rafters.
"Oh...ohh... Hmm... Looks like I'll let her make supper, and when she sits to eat, I'll talk to her, but some reinforcements would help...like maybe Belldandy as well."
"I'll help if I can..." Urd said.
(I'm going off to eat dinner in a little bit. See you guys later tonight.)
(See you then.)
Chibi-Z jumped down, "hi guys," he said
(Watched some videos from this site over dinner http://sfdebris.com/ )
"Hey, Z. I got your gift, but Bell turned it into water." Urd said.
Z sighed, "I knew I should have gone for the potion ingredients. Anyway, I hear Ian has girl troubles."
"Girl troubles?" he said, "How do you see it that way?"
"Let's see, you're having a problem involving Chrono. Chrono is a female. Thus you are having a problem with a girl. Girl troubles." said Z
"you make it sound like we are an item."
"I figure you will be, eventually." said Z.
"Nah.. I figure Megumi is a better match for him." Urd said.
"Yeah, that's another thing," he said, "Should I even be pursuing a relationship right now? Don't I have enough on my plate as it is?"
"It'd be someone who you can go to, for matters you can't talk to us about." Urd said.
"you're lucky that you have two girls who love you for you," said Z
"Then, I could do that with either one," he said, not realizing the love triangle he was establishing.
"Don't worry, Z. you'll find someone. Just don't tell Hild you're lonely or she might decide to set you up with someone." Urd said. "And Ian, be careful, or you might wind up in a situation where nothing good will happen to you."
"Isn't that the way it is with something like this. I just want to avoid a cat fight."
"It really depends on how mature Chrono is. You might have to call Lind and explain the situation to her, or risk a despondent Chrono blowing things out of proportions." Urd said.
"Then I think I need to go back to the house and eat what she makes me. Otherwise she's going to get ideas."
"Shall I come along, or do you need more time to think about how you feel about her?" Urd asked.
"Please, come along," she said, "I am sure she is making more than enough the way she was going."
"Then I shall come as well," said Bell.
"When you get in here, Bell?" Urd asked.
"Oh, I've been around doing chores. When did Chrono arrive?"
"In the kitchen, making a meal for Ian, and dressed to seduce him." Urd said.
"Oh dear," she said, "Is she not here for a purpose?"
"You were the one that called for help, in case something happens. You'd know better than me if she's doing it right." Urd said.
"Then, let us go to the guesthouse," she said, "We must be sure she will not be foolish, or they could suspend her."
"Yeah, best to tell her to cool her heels for a little bit." Urd said.
(I'm heading to bed.)
"Let us be nice, though," she said, "She seems to be trying so hard."
Z sighed, "I don't want to be set up, I want to find someone I can be happy with."
(I haven't been getting notices.)
(Try pressing the unnotify button and then press the notify button. It'll fix it for a little bit.)
"Fine, then tell her to ease up a bit because we got back from Daytona." Urd said. "Z, the reason I said not to tell Hild that you're lonely, is because she likes to meddle when she gets bored. And she get bored very easily."
"which is why she doesn't know, yet."
(any ideas for a paring for Z)
(Either wait for something to pop up or create a love interest for your character.)
"And I'll keep quiet about it around Hild." Urd said.
"thanks," said Z, " stop by the arcade when you can, I installed a VR system and we're building a Laser Tag arena."
Back at the house, a big spread was ready. It wasn't Bell, but it was done by a goddess, so it was still smelling good. She said, "I have all Maine delicacies ready for you: lobster, baked beans, biscuits, New England Broiled Dinner, and... Wait, who invited them?"
"I did," said Ian, "They are sisters, after all."
She sat down disappointed.
Z smirked and teleported to the arcade
"I'll tell Skuld about it. She'll enjoy the place more than I will." Urd said, Before Z left. She then headed off to the dinner.
When Urd came in, she saw Ian and Bell seated with a dejected Chrono.
Urd sat down, deciding to listen first before entering the discussion.
Z arrived back at the arcade and looked for debrek
Ian was complimenting her on the food and thanking her while Belldandy said, "This is all so good!"
Chrono just sighed and said, "I guess I should have expected this."
Deberk was frying up some chicken in the kitchen of the arcade.
"Hey, Z. I'm starting dinner. Want anything in particular?" Deberk asked.
"Can you make takoyaki?" asked Z
"I can," Deberk said, creating three mini-Deberks to go make the takoyaki. "As for Malek, I'm making some spaghetti and sausage for him. I'm gonna have to teleport it to him because he's too busy with something. Can you go find out what Lady Hild wants for dinner?"
Z nodded and walked off to find Hild
"Say, Chrono, why were you dressed like that, anyway?"
"I was kind of hoping we could go out and do what you college age people do: find a good club."
"mom you there?" asked Z
Of course, it was Chibi Hild, playing and old version of Tekken, and seeming to have a ball.
"um, I was sent to find out what you want for dinner?" said Z
"TAKE THIS, TAKE THAT, TAKE THIS...just pizza tonight...I AM THE CHAMPION."
Having heard Chbi-hild's answer through a mini-Deberk, Deberk then started to prepare a cheese pizza.
"Meaty and spicy...KILL."
With a slight shaking of his head, he began to prepare the pizza to a meaty and spicy one.
"You want to go out tonight?" asked Bell, "Why we can be a group! I can get Keiichi to go with it. It shall be a wonderful time."
Z chuckled and headed to his room to work on some things with Dusk's Light's help. He sent a chibi self to go help debrek
(anyone on?)
I am, but I am working another scene, and not much to do until the pizza is done.
(true)
Once the food was done, Deberk placed it on the table, and rang a bell.
Chibi Hild managed to break away from her game and come to eat. Of course, in this form, she was a bit more childish, but she was Hild nonetheless. She vaulted the chair and sat down.
___________________________________
Chrono was a bit purturbed and said, "I was kind of hoping for just Ian I."
"Oh, don't be silly!" said Belldandy gleefully, "The more the merrier, I always say. Urd, are you coming?"
Z headed to get food too
"Nah, I have some things to do." Urd said.
---
Deberk teleported Malek's food to him. Deberk then sat down and began eating.
Chibi Hild tore in with relish. She was so happy to be getting pizza.
____________________________
(Kinda hard to do that trip out by myself.)
(See if Auir wants to bring Skuld into it)
----
Deberk was proud of his pizza-making skills. It had been a long, trying, process to learn how to make a spicy pizza, where the spicyiness did not overpower the rest of the pizza, but still remain spicy.
(Skuld go clubbing?)
______________________________
She bit in and got giddy, saying, "Just the right amount of kick!"
(Chrono looks to be about the age of Skuld.)
(But she is older than that!)
(I didn't get that impression in the manga.)
(Is she even old enough to be pursuing Ian, then?)
(I would say no.)
(Just did some research: she is just barely college age, but looks young.)
Z began to eat his takoyaki, "do we have any dead or alive games?"
(Could you put up the link?)
"We mostly have games from Hell, but also a few earth arcade games that a few demons got in a deal. You might have to check to see if we have it." Deberk said. "All I did was make sure they work properly."
(I don't have one specific link, and none give an age, but they all speak of her childhood in the past tense, referring, for example, her trauma over cats, because of bad experiences as a child with one as a pet. It seems by that they are all saying she is no longer a child, but in her late teens. Hey, some Japanese women who are 19 look 13.)
"I rather like realistic fighting games," said Z, "maybe I should put some in the VR."
(I still consider her to be about 15-17 years old)
"Just be careful not to infringe on any copyrights. Some of the laws and how they are written are reaching the skill level of our legal branch's works." Deberk said.
(Ian is late 18, so not too far off.)
Ian then said, "Um...you DO realize, Chono, that because of your age, or at least how old you look, they'd never let you into the club."
An evil smirk quickly crossed Urd's face before disappearing.
"But Bell, they have alcohol at nightclubs. Since there's a bit of a ban on booze here, aren't you being a bit hypocritical by going to such a place?" Urd asked, hoping to get the ban lifted.
"it would be an original game using interactive illusions," said Z
"Oh, well, considering what Ian said, maybe a simple trip to a fun place might be in order," said Belldandy. Then Ian said, "Hey, I can show you the old time arcade where I work. I've got an off night, so we can go there!"
She sighed, looked glum and said, "Oh good-ee..."
"What about people who are missing an arm or a leg? Or those with injuries that prevent movement in their arms or legs?" Deberk asked.
---
"Should I get Skuld?" Urd asked.
"Sure," said Belldandy, "I am certain she wants to get to know her brother better."
(When Auir comes on, I'll mention this. Oh, and keep the bottle. She will eventually lift the embargo.)
Urd then walked to Skuld's room and knocked at the door.
"it would all be in their mind so as long as they're sane it will be fine"
"If you say so. Will there be an emergency disconnect that won't hurt anyone?" Deberk asked.
"I set it up so cutting the power will safely return people to reality. Just don't mess with the spell seals on the server." said Z
"Gotcha. did you make sure to add a few privacy seals so that the seals on the server can't be seen or messed with by humans?" Deberk asked.
Z nodded
"Ah, good." Deberk said.
"do you have any tonkatsu sauce and mayonnaise?" asked Z,looking at his takoyaki
Deberk snapped his fingers and some tonkatsu sauce and mayonnaise appeared on the table.
"Heh, I'm glad I chose to learn those culinary spells." Deberk said.
"thanks," said Z poring it onto his takoyaki.
"So where's Mara?" Deberk asked, as he started to eat his chicken.
(Not sure what to do with Mara right now.)
(she could pop in for dinner.)
(At work at the convenience store? You could have her call to ask for some food to be sent to her.)
(Really haven't had any plot lines for her. Have any ideas?)
(you could have her either fight against or get duped by Kakarine)
(The second one sounds about Mara.)
(cool)
At the convenience store, Kakarine appeared by Mara.
"Hello!" Kakarine said in an all-too-cutesy voice.
Mara rolled her eyes and said, "Well, look what the cat dragged in."
"Better to be me and free than to be you, you halfwitted servant." Kakarine said.
"Hey! You're just lucky lady Hild hasn't decided to come after you yet! Just give it time!"
"And she'll probably send Malek after me. After all, he hurt Belldandy far more than you did, and in one scheme." Kakarine said. "And to make matters worse, he wanted to fail, only he wound up succeeding! How many schemes have you gone though, hoping to win, only to wind up failing?"
(Kakarine is referring to the personality reversal potion incident that happen earlier in the RP. Though, that was more of a scheme that Hild-prime came up and Malek merely finished the final steps. After Belldandy and Skuld was cured of the potion, She and Skuld hid in their respective rooms and cried.)
"Hey! At least I tried!"
"And I made her cry as well, using only words. And while my two schemes towards Keiichi technically were foiled, they served their purpose in worrying Belldandy. When you failed, you made their relationship even stronger." Kakarine said. "Are you sure you're a demon? I think you're more of a misguided goddess, who wants to be a demon."
"HEY! DON'T YOU DARE INSULT ME LIKE THAT!"
Kakarine smiled.
"Are you sure you should be angry at me? Malek's the one that showed up and outclassed you on a mission that you were sent on." Kakarine said.
"Grr...he IS a butt-in-ski! I'd love to get back my spot!"
"He's spying on the goddesses, on the roof of a building across the street." Kakarine said. "He'd never see an attack coming."
"Are you proposing we take him down?"
"I'm too busy." Kakarine said, before vanishing.
"HEY, WAIT, COME BACK HERE! DON'T LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THAT!"
A small 'tink' noise was a ring falling on the ground where Kakarine stood.
---
Malek was where Kakarine said he was. Unlike how Mara and Hild usually spied, he was standing on the building, not even bothering to hide.
He had on a spell that made him invisible to any humans, but not to anything of magical blood.
Mara went to go investigate the tink.
It was a ring. The inscription on the inside was "Power booster - 3 seconds".
She knew nothing about how something like that worked, so she put it in her pocket, hoping to ask Hild later on.
The phone near Mara rang.
"Um...Moshi-moshi! Sunny yen convenience store!"
"It's Deberk. What do you want for dinner?"
"Oh...um...what are you all having?"
"I'm having fried chicken, Hild is having A spicy meaty pizza, and Z is having takoyaki." Deberk said.
"Uh...I might be here late."
"I'll have a small chocolate cake made for you. I'll put it in a container with preservation seals, so that it will still be warm when you eat it." Deberk said
"Oh thank you...um...for a demon, you sure care a lot."
"We're allies. We kinda have to look out for each other. If our side was full of backstabbers, our organization would have fallen apart long ago." Deberk said.
"Thanks," she answered, "I guess Ill just have to settle for what's here."
"....So you don't want me to make you a small chocolate cake?" Deberk asked.
"Oh, I didn't say that," she said, "I was just saying that I was going to eat dinner here, and have that for dessert."
"Alright, See you later." Deberk said, before hanging up
"I hope she doesn't get on my case about my method of causing misfortune again," sighed Z
"Just point out that while you move slow, you produce good results for our side." Deberk said.
Z nodded, "she kind of gets on my nerves though."
"She's not that bad, she just had a long sting of failures." Deberk said, "But I still think she need a bit of an attitude adjustment."
(Going to bed.)
"agreed," said Z
(night)
"You can probably expect dessert will be a small chocolate cake for everyone. If you can't finish it, I'll give you a container that will keep it preserved until you are ready to finish it." Deberk said.
"thanks," said Z, "where is Mr. Malek?"
"He said something about spying on the new guest at the temple." Deberk said.
"new guest?"
"I didn't ask, but Malek had this odd look in his eyes. Whoever the guest is, they did something to tick Malek off a long time ago." Deberk said.
"i didn't think he god angry,"
"I didn't think Malek could get angry either. In a few events that happened recently, Malek spoke to Odin and Hild, got them angry, and acted like they were just talking about the weather." Deberk said. "So, I'm going to avoid going near the temple, if only to avoid being in the line of fire."
"good idea" said Z
(wouldn't this be a good time for Hild to excuse herself from the dinner table to make sure that Malek won't hurt Urd in any way in his current scheme?)
(Sorry...here I am!)
As they were preparing to go out, Chibi Hild appeared behind Malek and said, "So, what catches your attention?"
Z finished up and volunteered to do the dishes.
"Dionysus has sought help from the goddesses. When one of three situations occurs, I will capture him." Malek said.
--
"Alright, thanks, Z." Deberk said. "I need to go switch with my full-sized mini-self that's still manning the arcade."
Z took the dishes and summoned two mini selves to handle drying and putting things away while he washed.
Deberk switched with his full-sized miniself and manned the arcade counter. The Miniself then secretly re-joined its mainself.
"Oh really? And why would you want to do that?"
Z finished the dishes and teleported to the VR machine to finish it up before it was opened to the public.
"Simple. In a matter of days, he'll grow jealous of Belldandy and Keiichi's relationship. He'll then try to attack Keiichi with his special ability to drive humans insane. The moment it seems like he'll try something like it, I will barge in the temple and seal him up. The effect of this will have is simple. Dionysus is a bit of a popular god in heaven, a bit of a celebrity known for throwing parties that usually end with everyone drunk off their ass. Imagine the chaos in heaven when they discover one of its celebrities is sealed up, and done with the help of Heaven's ultimate force," Malek said. "The other two possibilities are if he leaves the temple by his own will, or if he is throw out. Both still end with him being sealed."
"Okay, so, why seal him?"
"So he can't escape before I bring him in for... interrogation." Malek said, with a slightly dark chuckle.
She gave him the look of "We are not amused."
"...Fine, the real reason is I want revenge. I want him to huuuurrrttttt...." Malek said, with the last part being more or less growled out.
"Again, I don't get it. What did he ever do to you?"
"Back a few hundred years ago, when you and Odin were sorta-dating, I decided to wander one of the medieval human realms. I became friends with a group of humans that were wandering about in one dimension. It's where I learned to appreciate the potential good and evil in humans." Malek said with a lighthearted chuckle.
He then sighed.
"Then one day, I volunteered to go hunting for food. When I came back, Dionysus had used his ability to drive the group insane. He laughed at me before running back to Heaven. I tried to undo the effects myself, but the ^#@%$ had passworded it. I then tried to ask Heaven to get him to undo it, but he claimed I did it to the humans and the messengers chose to believe the words of a god over a demon. I spent the rest of the group's life, making sure they at least had a comfortable existence. Since they were part of a religion that believed in reincarnation, I can only hope they have a good time in their next life." Malek explained.
(I'm going with ^#@%$ is a swearword that can't be pronounced or written in the human languages.)
"Oh, well, that's different. Carry on," she said, disappearing."
(I think we're kinda stuck until Auir comes back.)
(Weekends are not so good for him.)
(So, everyone take a break until Monday?)
(We'll see how tomorrow goes.)
As Malek was watching the temple, he thought, 'I'm not even trying to hide, and they still haven't noticed me. Belldandy is even in an overprotective mode over Keiichi, for crying out loud. Then again, Deberk thinks I'm overly paranoid, so maybe he has a point.'
Skuld was in her room, working on a few projects.
"Hey, Skuld. Ian wants us to go visit the arcade. The one that was declared a neutral ground!" Urd said.
"An arcade? Sure, when?" she asked.
"Right now." Urd said.
"Give me a sec." she said, getting ready.
"I'll see you out front." Urd said.
She then walked to the door of the room that Dionysus was in.
"Hey, scumbag. We're going to the arcade. Wanna come with?" Urd asked.
"Sure! just just give me a few seconds." Dionysus replied.
Urd then went to the front of the temple and waited.
Soon, Ian was out front with a bit of a dejected Chrono, things not turning out the way she wanted.
"Skuld will be out when she has a few things done," Urd said.
Z finished with the VR machine and went back to his post, leaving a chibi Avatar to run it.
Dionysus was about to step out the front door.
"How long be... fore..." Dionysus said, as he was looking up across the road. A look of pure terror appeared on his face. He then ran as fast as he could back to his room.
Z continued to read a book on spell equations
She came out dressed in casual wear with a laptop bag and a small tool bag.
Belldandy then said, "Everyone ready for some fun?"
"Oh yeah!" said Ian.
"Good stuff," said Keiichi.
"Whoop-ee," mumbled Chrono.
Z alternated between watching te security feed and reading
"Are we taking a car?" asked Skuld, looking at all the people.
Urd was a bit worried at Dionysus just running back into his room.
"It's within a few blocks, we can walk it... Anyone know why Dionysus ran into his room like a hellhound was after him?" Urd said.
(I got back from eating dinner and watching Superman: Doomsday with some family.)
Everyone shrugged as they began walking.
Z sent another chibi self to wait for them at the arcade entrance
When the group got there, Deberk greeted them.
"Hello and welcome to Lil'Devil's arcade." Deberk said from behind the prize counter.
Those in the know smirked at the name of the place, and Ian said, "This place is filled with all the old school games and some of the newer VR."
Chibi-Z bowed, "I hope you enjoy your time here. The VR experience has just been opened to the public."
"How does that work?" asked Chrono, inquisitively."
"It uses a combination of technology and illusion magic to draw the user's mind into an illusionary environment where they can do many things, depending on the scenario selected," said Chibi-Z
(who is in the group again?)
Urd recognized one game that was popular in Hell that she and Mara had played quite a bit. it played a bit similar to Tetris.
"It's been awhile since I've played this." Urd said to herself. When she saw the high score screen and saw her and Mara's names on it, she muttered with a small smile, "Damn... like a bit of childhood coming back to say hi."
(Urd, Ian, Belldandy, Keiichi, Skuld, and Chrono.)
Mara came in at this point, tired from work, finishing her take-out, and saw Urd next to the game.
"feel free to try the VR," said Z, "the first run is free, but the rest cost 5 yen per minute."
Urd saw her and grinned.
"Wanna play?" Urd asked, as she got ready to put in a coin to start playing. She waited for Mara's answer before putting it in.
She was on it like white on rice.
(anyone going to try the VR?)
(Eventually, but I want Skuld in on it. Auir is posting when he can, but he has exams to prepare for, so he won't be posting as much this week.)
Urd then started to play.
---
Deberk smiled at Mara and Urd playing on the tetris-like machine.
'It'd been a bit of a tough fight to find that particular arcade machine, but the smile that it brings to Urd's and Mara's smiles makes the effort worth it.' Deberk thought.
(Hey Auir, only post when you can. Real life stuff is more important!)
However, Mara's smile was more devilish as she started to play with relish.
Urd was able to match Mara move-for-move.
"Been awhile since we've played this," Urd said, with a smirk.
"And I will beat you this time!"
"I'd like to see you try!" Urd declared.
With that, she redoubled her efforts, and now it was drawing a small crowd.
And like the last few matches they had in the past on the machine, it came to a draw.
"Wanna go again?" Urd asked, as she put in another coin.
"Interesting...." thought Skuld as she secretly made observed the machines and tampered with them off to the side.
Deberk quickly stood behind Skuld.
"And what do you think you are doing?" Deberk asked.
"um, please don't tamper with the machines," said a nervous chibi-Z, "they're sensitive and you might make the illusion spells dangerous to humans."
Ian took Chrono over to the pinball machines and said, "This is MY forte."
"I-I understand." she nodded, trying to stand in front of her equipment.
"you are free to try the virtual experience," said Chibi-Z
After their pinball, Ian said, "Yeah, let's try that. How does it work?"
"If you want to help upgrade the VR machine, you're gonna have to wait until the arcade closes in a few days for maintenance and possible repairs. And even then, you're gonna have to tell us what you plan on upgrading and how you're planning on doing it, miss Skuld." Deberk said.
(who was ian talking to?)
(The one who walked up and told him about the VR.)
Chibi-Z bowed, "you simply place the headset on your head and choose from the HUD options."
"Want to try it, Chrono?" he asked.
She just sighed and conceded.
(This is where Skuld can get some ideas how to make it seem VERY real!)
(Deberk is kinda in the way of preventing it, unless she made some really fast modifications, and Deberk is kinda preventing her from placing some safeguards for them)
Chibi-Z handed two headsets to them
"Hmm...." Skuld was coming up with new ideas and concepts for the VR machine. She went to a corner and pulled out her laptop and rapidly typed away into it.
(just remember, the machine is a meld of technology and magic and shouldn't be tampered wit by someone who can't use both skillfully.)
Chrono and Ian were just putting on the goggles when Belldandy came up with Keiichi.
"will anyone else be trying it? " asked chibi-Z
"Bell, I know you aren't much for guns," said, Kei.
"Oh, but this is different," she said, "It looks like fun."
"We'll try."
chibi-Z handed out two more headsets.
They put them on and Ian asked, "So, what do we do?"
"do you all want a shared experience or separate?"
"How about we take each other on: two on two!" said Chrono with a gleam in her eye.
"very well," said chibi-Z, " what will the teams be?"
"Ian and I against you two!" she said, wanting revenge for their buttinski-ness.
Chibi-z nodded, "Link Start!"
They soon found themselves in a vast plain with armor and weapons floating around them.
"please select your equipment or choose to fight unarmed"
(Are they melee weapons for firearms?)
(both)
Chrono went for a G-36, while Ian went for an lee-Enfield SMLE. Belldandy just took a smaller one, an M-4 carbine, not sure she could handle something big, and Keiichi, not knowing anything about weapons, just grabbed whatever, not realizing it was an AK-47!
Four health bars appeared in the sky
" begin"
(How big is the map and how far apart are they?)
(The map is as big as a football field and they are all three meters apart)
(I figured they would be at either end.)
(good Idea. lets make it so each team is on either end. the arena is a wide open space)
(Make sure there is plenty of terrain features. Then there are the options: capture the flag, seize and hold, deathmatch...)
(it has scattered boulders, the occasional tree, a few bushes and a dirt floor. the match is deathmatch.)
With that, Chrono got a look in her eye and said, "Okay, you have a good cover weapon. Cover my advance, and when I signal you, move up."
With that, he got behind a rock for cover and watched down lane. Meanwhile, Belldandy said, "I do not normally condone the use of guns, but considering no one is going to get hurt, this could be fun."
"Are you sure?" asked Kei, "This all seems too real."
Bullets whizzed by their heads, and they both hit the deck. Kei spotted Chrono trying to advance, while Ian was putting out enough lead from the Enfield to rival a semi-automatic rifle, though it was a bolt action. He had his thumb and forefinger on the bolt lever while working the trigger with his middle finger. Because the bolt throw was so smooth, and short, he could fire rapidly and not break his aim. Chrono was now taking shots where she could, and Kei tried to fire a burst. Immediately, he was on his back, finding out the reputation for kick that that the AK-47 had.
Part of Keiichi's health bar disappeared
"Just for falling down?" he yelled, as bullets hit the ground at his feet. He scrambled to cover, firing without really aiming, and hoping to hit her. Ian was making his way up behind them, and Chrono was moving in for the kill. However, Belldandy went, "So I look through this, right? And I point it, and..."
She let off a four round burst that hit Chrono squarely in the chest.
A good three fourths of chrono's health vanished and she felt a sting where the shots connected
"Hey, wait a minute, that actually hurt a bit!" she said, a bit miffed, to which Bell said, "Oh, I am sorry! I did not know that would happen."
Ian took advantage of this, not hearing the conversation, and aimed for her head and pulled the trigger.
belldandy's health bar vanished and she was removed from the game, waking up in the chair.
"Oh dear," she said, "What happened?'
_________________________
Keiichi went ballistic! He started turning into Rambo, spraying anything that moved. Both Ian and Chrono screamed as they were rained with bullets.
Chrono, having less health, was quickly defeated while Ian was able to hold out, but was still getting hit
He dove for cover, and tried to find a more tenable position despite the hail of lead. Eventually, he came up and fired and hit Kei just as Kei hit him.
Both of them were eliminated and the match was a draw.
Kei immediately went to see if Bell was alright. meanwhile Chrono was in Z's face, asking him why it caused pain.
"it is only a slight sting to make the game more realistic and to help identify when the players have been injured," said Chibi-Z with a shrug, "it shouldn't hurt much at all."
"That's no fun!" she pouted.
"you're a valkyrie, right?" said Chibi-Z, "the level of pain in the game should be nothing to you."
"Besides, it was over too quick. We need more terrain, goals, a platoon of people!"
Chibi-Z took notes and used a spell to upgrade the illusions, "I've added NPCs to fight in certain scenarios. the reason there weren't goals last time, was because it was set to deathmatch."
"Well, give us an opbjective!" said Chrono. Meanwhile, Kei was begging Bell not to do it again, but she said, "But I can see the challenge, now. Urd would love this. Urd... Would you like to play with us?"
Chibi Z nodded and began to work with the illusions.
(I want to get Katz in on this.)
(me too)
"Hey, Z. I think Skuld may have done a few modification to your device." Deberk said.
"SKULD!" yelled chibi-Z. Fire and electricity were dancing around him, "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
"I think she might have only tampered with it a little, but my knowledge of computers do say that one wrong line of code can wreck the whole program." Deberk said.
(I'm not going to be posting as much as I like for the next few days because of the latest chapter of my OMG:what if. The chapter that I'm writing is the second one about Keiichi being able to hold and keep Blue lance. I'm trying to keep it on Keiichi and Blue lance, but the story keeps refocusing onto Urd. I almost want to yell in the Author's note, "Stop stealing the spotlight, Urd!" because of it.)
"The spell equations were perfectly set!" groaned chibi-Z, "one wrong rune and the game could become fatal!"
"Erhh.... I can fix this!" she replied as she rapidly typed away at her computer. It suddenly sparked and began to smoke.
"Uh oh..."
And this just as our combatants reentered the room for a second round, and an army of bots on each side to boot!
"Don't worry, don't worry. I didn't modify the parts that could make it fatal, I think..." said Skuld uneasily.
Chibi Z walked over to the server and yanked out a device, ending the program, "I should put more defences on the machine."
They chose weapons again. This time, Ian chose one that looked like starship troopers: the Styer AUG, and Chrono said, "I'm feeling French," and took the FAMAS. Bell stuck with the M-4, and Keiichi, leery of picking anything with that much punch, settled on what looked like a smaller AK, which turned out to be the AK-74--much more user friendly.
(z activated the forced shutdown,is it not working ?"
(Hold one.)
Suddenly, everything went blank, and they stepped out disappointed.
chibi-z vanished and real Z appeared, "I should fry you for messing with the system and shutting down the safeties!"
Belldandy looked and said, "Skuld, what did you do?"
When the current match ended, Urd said, "Hold on Mara. I need to listen to this and see if I'm needed."
The look on Urd's face was one of concern.
"Skuld, did you work on electronics that were not yours?"
"Um.... Sorry, onee-sama." said Skuld, bowing her head.
"If you want to make alterations to the spell-tech that I installed, ASK FIRST!!!" growled Z as lightning sparked around his fists
"Whoa, calm down, Z. Surely you and skuld can work something out for her punishment?" Deberk said. He then used a spell to whisper to Z, 'Don't force Urd to choose between you and Skuld. She's watching us.'
Bell then said, "What then shall you do to say your sorry, Skuld?"
"U-umm, I'll... Temporary work part-time at the store!"
"I guess that would be fins," sighed Z, "just know that you could have killed, not only the players, but three demons that were linked through doublet as well."
"Then I expect you to be here with Ian promptly tomorrow when he goes to work," said Belldandy.
"Yes onee-sama!"
Z sighed, "I'm going to have to shut down the server till I can determine what exactly she did to it and how to fix it,"
Ian pulled out enough money for everyone to have what would be the equivalent to 10 worth in quarters and said, "Ah, come on, let's just go have some fun! That "Joust" game: I always liked that one! Let's play!"
"have fun," said Z before turning to the VR and doing a spell-diagnostic.
Mara was challenging Urd and Ian said, "They have air hockey here. Wanna take me on, Skuld?"
"Alright, let's get back to me whooping you," Urd said, as she put in another coin in the machine.
----
"Just to let you know, Miss Belldandy, The arcade will be shut down over the weekend, so that I can add a Lazer Tag arena. The only other one in Japan that I can think of is located at Yokota Air Base. During that time, Skuld doesn't have to come in, since she'll have nothing to do. Unless you want her to look over catalogs of arcade prizes and pick what ones would catch people's eyes." Deberk said. "And before you suggest us having Skuld checking over the machines, The former owners of the machines will be coming by to check on them and giving them repairs if they need them."
Z finished his scan and sighed, it was going to be a lot of work. He went to see if he could find someone to help him write new seals onto the machine.
Deberk went back to the counter.
Z walked up to debrek, "mr debrek, how good are you with seals?"
"I like to think of myself as fairly good when it comes to seals." Deberk said.
"I need some help fixing and upgrading the seals that skuld messed with so the game will be just a game again."
"Alright, I'll send a mini-deberk to help you when we close up for the night." Deberk said.
Z nodded and went to his post.
Urd said, "Just name the game!"
_____________________
Belldandy said, "She shall be given to you the first working day."
Z opened a book on seals to find ones that will help.
(paladin, you put Urd instead of Mara in you last post.)
"Let's go with one of the shooting games." Urd said.
---
"Alright, Monday would be a good day for Skuld to start." Deberk said.
"Right" said Mara, finding what looked like something from the old west.
_____________________________
"Very good," as she looked at Skuld, saying, "Now, be a good girl and work hard. If you do a real good job, there might be a trip to an amusement part and ice cream store waiting."
The game was called 'Super Amazing Wagon Adventure." Some sort of shooting game very loosely based on the Oregon Trail.
---
"It's Thursday, So she has three days free, no need to start work now." Deberk said.
Mara took the shotgun and said, "Let's get it on!"
(I'm basing the game on the flash game of the same game. In that game, the farther you go, the worse it gets, On example is you're facing Buffalos that are lit on fire, while you are dodging fires on the planes, which the buffalos started to kill you.)
Urd grabbed the rifle and smirked.
(here's a let's play of the flash game)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPrENIN34xw&list=PLTvwKQHVid4a8wDByYkwKNodL5gzCoODF&index=1
(I'm just hoping the graphics are far better than the Atari 2600-looking graphics and gameplay!)
(Let's have there be a toggle that can change the graphics. At the moment, it's modern-ish graphics, slightly better than what's on the market.)
"So the first part is shooting deer, squirrels, and rabbits." Urd muttered to herself.
"Well, why do you think I grabbed the shotgun, silly!"
Then bandits showed up.
"And this is why I picked the rifle." Urd said, as she scored a few headshot kills.
However, Mara was cleaning up the ones she missed.
(I'll be alternating between you and DC Universe online.)
There was a bandit with a gatling gun, but Urd and Mara working together took short work of him.
"Shall we ford the river or jump it?" Urd asked.
(I'm going to go eat. See you all in a few hours.)
"YEEEHAW!" was her answer as she urged the team on.
Z watched them with a security camera, "they look like they're having fun," he said to himelf
"Wait til they get to the tornado with the flying buffalo. That'll kill anyone who works poorly with others." A mini-Deberk said to Z.
"sounds funny" said Z
"When watching, yes. When playing... it's one damn hard level..." Deberk said
Mara was starting to get aggravated by the insane increasing difficulty.
"Stupid boulders..." Urd said, as the wagon left the river. When the Buffalo event started, she muttered, "Aw shit..."
Mara was going nuts, firing at anything that moved.
And indeed, it was hard to fire a shot without hitting a buffalo.
Urd kept firing as well, not even bothering to aim.
Then the 'even more buffalo appeared' event happened. Thankfully, the wagon slowed down to avoid crashing into a buffalo.
"WHO INVENTED SUCH A PSYCHOTIC GAME!"
Then the 'Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo' event happened. Even more buffalo appeared!
"Someone who likes to see people lose, apparently..." Urd said.
Mara was firing away, suddenly wishing she had a machine gun.
(This game... o.o)
"Yes onee-sama." nodded Skuld.
(There was a link a few posts back that showed off the game. Should I re-post it?)
Urd spotted a machine gun powerup, but it was in the middle of a large clump of Buffalo. Getting it would mean hitting the buffalo with the wagon.
"Shall we risk it?" Urd asked.
(Yes, because I didn't see the whole thing through.)
"What happens if we do?"
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPrENIN34xw&list=PLTvwKQHVid4a8wDByYkwKNodL5gzCoODF&index=1 )
"If we go to take the powerup, we get hit and lose some of our characters' health because there's too many buffalo around it for us to clear away. If we avoid the powerup, we don't get a machinegun upgrade." Urd said.
(LOL)
"We have to risk it!"
(The controls on those games are so blocky, ugghh! >.<)
Meanwhile Skuld was watching them play the game, already scheming up new things.
(Just letting you know, Auir, the one in our RP's arcade has better graphics, but there a toggle to change it to the blockyness.)
"Before you even think of going to secretly 'upgrade' our machines, miss Skuld, run it by me first. These are on loan from a few friends of mine and I'd like to keep them in their current condition as much as possible." Deberk said from behind the counter.
----
As Urd predicted, The character lost some health, but gained the machinegun upgrade.
"Alright, you walking steakhouse!" she started, "Take this!"
She turned into Scarface as she shouted, "Say hello to my little friend!"
Then the "Angry Buffalo attacks!" even happened. The buffalo charged at the wagon in groups of four.
"Precision is better at the moment." Urd said, as she shot at the buffalo that were in directly in front of the wagon.
"This is the craziest thing I have ever seen!"
(kk)
"Well... I was thinking about adding a new game. Here, this is a famous bullet-hell game that's going crazy across Japan right now. A few hot-wiring and you can add this to your machine too." she flipped open her laptop and started up a little game icon.
http://www.youtube.com/v/BQLIaZUOnBU
(http://kotaku.com/5799247/a-pc-game-so-popular-its-appearing-in-japanese-arcades)
"A place in Akihabara is currently doing something like that, but doesn't charge money to play. If we were to do something similar and charge money to play, we'd run into copyright issues with the owners of Touhou project." Deberk said. "Besides, a much simpler solution is buying an arcade cabinet with a PC capable of running MAME, and work Touhou into the launcher before MAME loads."
"But all it'd take is an upgrade to the memory chip, rewrite some of the programming and then you can play multiple games on your machines." she said.
"And, we could simply rewrite the programming of Touhou and make it our own type of bullet-hell, and make it much harder! The forbidden undodgable danmaku!" she grinned with gleaming eyes.
(Owner, it's a 1 man team.)
"And Lego fell into some legal problems when their free flash games were found to have some Megaman Battle network assets within Lego's LEGO Ninjago: Spinjitzu Smash flash game. Even though I'm a demon, I do try to avoid unnecessary problems." Deberk said. "If you want, I can see if I can find a few Arcade machines with MAME and let you put whatever game you want on them, as long as its legal. If it's Touhou, we're going with what that place in Akihabara did and not charge money for playing them."
"Aww... Stupid... Legal... Systems.... Let's build our own, a VR 3D bullet-hell game! We make it original so we can charge people for it."
"Ah... Then you have to go make designs for the Player character, the enemy characters, locations, projectiles, power-ups, and anything else you can think of.
You'd also have to test for bugs, checking to make sure you aren't ripping anyone off, and making sure that the game is fun for other people besides yourself. I once heard a tale of some Air force General tried to make a game. He found the game fun, but it had too many controls and buttons for anyone else to have fun. Then again, he did try to make it as realistic as possible, but failed to remember that the average arcade goer tends to lack the knowledge of how to fly an actual jet." Deberk said.
"Ahh, this is so complicated!
... Do you know how to program? Because I can build the machine just fine...."
"From what you asking, you need someone that can program from the ground-up. I don't have that kind of skills." Deberk said.
"And I don't know human computer languages..." she muttered.
"What about Urd?" Deberk asked.
"Like she would know anything about electronics." she scoffed.
"Really? So she wasn't Heaven's head programmer?" Deberk asked.
"Well..... You know what I mean, geez... Go ask her yourself." she mumbled.
"Shouldn't you, since it's your arcade cabinet?" Deberk asked.
(I'm heading to bed.)
"Fine, I'll ask her next time."
"nee-sama and Mara seem to be getting along," said Z
(having trouble getting to sleep, so I'll post a bit more.)
"They were, and still are, friends. They just have a different way of showing it." Mini-Deberk said.
----
"Alright." Deberk said to Skuld.
"maybe this place can help them connect better?" mused Z
"Friendly competition in general does it." Mini-Deberk said.
"maybe this can help nee-sama accept her demon roots?"
"From what Malek told me, she accepts that they are a part of her, but she chooses to be a goddess." Mini-Deberk said.
"kind of the opposite of me," sighed Z
"But you and her seem to still have a peaceful relationship. There doesn't seem to be any hate or distrust." Mini-deberk said.
"I just meant that while she chose her goddess half I chose the demon path and even moved out of the temple," said Z, "that's probably why Dusk's Light looks like World of Elegance: it's because of my inner turmoil."
By this point, only the most elite soldiers could have hacked it, and now Mara was saying things like, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends! Cry 'Havoc', and let us slip the dogs of war! I was there on Saint Crispian's Day! God and Texas: Liberty or Death! We shall fight them in France, we shall fight them in England; we shall fight them with ever growing confidence in the air! We shall fight them on the beaches and on the landing grounds! We shall fight them in the city and in the country! We shall NEVER surrender!"
And then the wagon and its riders were destroyed by a wave of giant ants.
"NO! NO! WE HAD THEM! WE HAD THEM!"
"Ah well. Better to die there than to die on the river while facing boulders, crocodiles, and bandits. Nothing sucks more than being mere fingertips away from victory and then losing." Urd said, as she was amused at how far she and Mara had gotten..
"And to think that we...actually worked together! YOU TRICKED ME! YOU HAD ME WORK WITH YOU! Goddesses and demons are supposed to compete, not be friends!"
"*cough* neutral ground *cough, cough,*" said Ian.
"Technically, the only competition in the game is high scores. Annddd..." Urd said as she looked at the scores. "We're dead even. Huh... Funny that...."
"Grr! I'll beat you one of these days," she grumbled as she walked away, shouting, "Where's that cake."
"In the kitchen, on the counter. It will be in a see-though container." Deberk said.
Deberk was a bit proud of his cake-making ability. The ones he made tonight was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips baked into the cake.
When she got there, she turned all happy crazy, "CHOCOLATE!" which, as we know, is the mood-bringer-upper of any girl.
"So what? you put a happy potion in the cake?" Urd asked.
Deberk looked a bit miffed, like Urd had insulted him.
"No, the cake is potion-free. Using such potions in comfort food is a sign of uncertainty of one's cooking abilities." Deberk replied.
Urd's eyes then narrowed.
"Are you saying I'm uncertain of my cooking abilities?" Urd asked.
"No." Deberk answered.
"I think you are." Urd growled.
"The only way you might think that is if you used potions to cheat your way through cooking." Deberk said.
"I don't need this. I'm gonna go kill zombies." Urd said, as she wandered over to a another shooting game.
Mara came back down munching on a good sized piece, looking like a happy little girl.
"Good to see that you enjoy it." Deberk said.
"Yeff!" she said with thumb's up, "Weal goof."
"who holds the high score for that game?" Z asked debrek
"Which game?" Deberk asked.
"the one Urd and Mara are playing?"
"Whoever had the high score simply put in AAAA. I guess they were too angry to put in their actual name." Deberk said. "Then again, the common theme in that game is 'and then it got worse!' I almost think a demon made that game."
Z thought for a while, "do you have Time Crisis?"
"Take a look around. Either you'll find it or a demon arcade equivalent." Deberk said.
Z created an avatar to sit at his post, "before I go, how about adding a feature to the laser tag arena that allows you to use guns modeled after real guns to shoot and add in a dual wielding option?"
"Using lazer tag gun modeled after real guns would probably get us in trouble with the law. That's why so many toy guns are brightly colored or have bright orange tips nowadays. As for dual wielding.... I'd say set up special days for that. so we can avoid people coming up and yelling that the other guy cheated because he had two guns." Deberk said.
"I meant the guns would look like toy versions of real guns and shoot the same way, like shotguns and machine guns. not replicas."
"As long as they still look fake in the dark." Deberk said. "And by shotgun, do you mean 'Video game shotgun' or 'Real life shotgun'? Because the real-life shotgun has nowhere near the spread of the video game ones. The video game ones have a spread closer to a blunderbuss."
Mara was finishing her cake, hoping to get her tied up in another game. Chrono looked depressed, and Ian went over and said, "What's wrong?"
"This is about as much fun as a root canal," she said, "Or so I've heard. We don't have dental problems."
He sat down beside her and said, "You try way too hard."
She looked at him oddly and said, "You want to explain that?"
"It's clearly obvious why you are doing this," he answered, "But, look, you don't have to work so hard. Ever try being yourself?"
Now she really looked at him, and he said, "If you really want a chance, try being my friend first. Try to get to know me and see if you really want to have something happen."
"But...but I'm a goddess," she answered, "I can offer so much more than a human."
"You can offer something different than what a human can offer."
"You lost me."
"Just because a human is what a human is, that does not mean that a human cannot offer certain things. I tell you, I bet there are ways that a human can please a person the gods know nothing about."
"I highly doubt that."
"There are things you can offer a human can't, but that does not mean that either one is not special and cannot make a person attractive. If you want to beat out Megumi...I assume...of whom I have not committed either, try being my friend first. That's what Megumi is doing."
Now Chrono sat in thought. Could it be that she had been foolish?
"video game of course," said Z, "we could also add in auto-turrets for bases and sniper rifles and vantage points for said guns,"
"That's getting a bit away from lazer tag...." Deberk said.
"sorry," said Z, "I was just dreaming of the ultimate game arena. we should still keep the scoring and ranking system though. we could even have people pay to have parties here."
"Something to think about for special events." Deberk said. "I plan on making the arena be a bit modular, for easy redesign."
"what's the theme? Urban? Sci Fi? Fantasy?"
"Whatever we feel like. At the moment, I'm sticking with no real theme." Deberk said.
"sounds like fun," said Z, "now I'm going to try Time Crisis while my avatar runs things here."
"Have fun." Deberk said.
Z went to look for time crisis
(anyone on?)
('m here, but not sure what to do, unless we go forward in time.)
(I can live with that)
Chrono apologized for being so forward, and she said, "Let's give it time then. I think we can go home now."
______________________
(The next day.)
It was a class day, and Megumi stopped by to pick up Ian for class.
Z woke up early and grabbed some breakfast to eat on the way to school.
Megumi saw Chrono, and she was not happy, but Chrono didn't seem aggresive or clingy on Ian, so she was taken aback. She was even more so when Chrono said, "Hey, can I catch a ride with you guys? I have some computer tech classes at your school."
As Z walked, he mentally went over the material that would be on his literature test.
"You don't want to ride with us Z?" Ian asked.
(wasn't Z living at the arcade?)
(Let's say they pass him and offer a ride?)
(ok)
"that would be nice," said Z, "thanks."
(car or bike?)
(Car.)
"Hop in so you won't be late."
Z opened a door and slid in. "Hope I don't get in trouble from mom about being so friendly with you." joked Z
Megumi looked at them oddly for that, and Ian said, "Just be cool. Everything is going to be okay."
"So what are you majoring in?" Z asked the group.
"Engineering," said Megumi
"Computer tech," said Chrono.
"Psychology, minor in Philosophy," said Ian.
"English, with a minor in Computer Science" said Z
After some quiet, Megumi asked, "So, why the sudden want for classes."
_________________________
"I can better maintain the Yggdrasil system that way," she answered.
"Oh, that's that new company that made Ian's laptop."
"New, we've been around for...mmmmph!"
"Nothing gets past you, "said Ian, covering Chrono's mouth.
Z was laughing at the predicament, "What she means is the company has been around for years but the computer branch that built the laptop was born recently."
Ian gave her the look of, "Hey, she doesn't know." Chrono nodded and Ian let her go. Ian then said, "So, have you thought about what I said about the existence of God via Thomas Aquinas?"
"Well, yes, but, I still scratch my head over it."
"you really memorize that stuff easily" sighed Z
"I'm an engineer," said Megumi, "I have to have a sharp mind."
"I guess that's why those classes were hard for me," said Z, "now art and english were a snap. I just had to bring my mind's images into the real world."
"You have to have a good imagination for literature," said Ian, "I dabble with writing, but I know I'm not a novelist, or esle Id already be writing now."
"I'm actually working on a fiction story that combines the norse religion and the modern world," said Z, "I want to show my professor and get his opinion."
(does the story sound familiar?)
"Can I see any of it?"
(who asked?)
(Ian)
Z handed him the manuscript.
(basically it's a novelization of the Ah! My Goddess anime, including Fighting Wings.)
After scanning it over, he looked at Z with a raised eyebrow, saying sarcastically, "Gee: I wonder what your inspiration was!"
"Whatever do you mean?" asked Z in a false innocent voice, "none of it is real...riiight?"
She smirked and said, "Yes...very original," handing it back.
Z laughed, "I one day hope to write a best seller novel, but this is a start."
"For some reason, I don't think it will be hard."
"So what about you guys?" said Z, "what are your goals?"
"I'm going to be a shrink."
"I want to work for BMW"
"To be able to better the system and become a great valkyrie."
"A what?" said Megumi.
"one of the fighting wings that protect heaven," Z said casually.
"Um...Ian, you may have your first patients!"
Z shrugged, " what if I'm completely sane?"
"Well, all this talk of gods and goddesses lately, and how some of you talk as if you were actually members of the heavenly host. I'm still debating whether or not there is a god."
"Well I'm definitely not of heaven," smirked Z.
"No God? What do you mean there's no God!" protested Chrono.
"there's a god alright," said Z, "and a hell too."
"Yeah right," said Megumi, "And I'm a fairy princess!"
"You don't have wings," stated Z
"Ian, I know how you feel, but I still need solid proof," she said, parking the car in the school lot."
"I could easily prove it to her," Z said to Ian and Chrono
Ian faced him and whispered, "I don't think she's ready for the truth yet."
"Ian," said Z, "with Keiichi and Belldandy's relationship, she will HAVE to find out eventually and the sooner the better. The longer the secret is kept, the more hurt she will feel from what she might deem as a lack of trust mixed with being lied to for so long."
"Really?" he asked, "And don't you think Kei would want to be the one to tell her?"
"true, but knowing him, he might wait till it's too late." sighed Z
"Then we corner him and Bell tonight and talk reason to them."
Z nodded, "you in chrono?"
"It would help."
"so what do you say?" asked Z
(night)
"We all corner them at dinner and convince them that she has to know. If it comes down to it, we make it a challenge, and he would be obligated."
Deberk was manning the arcade counter. Most of the current players were business men who had some free time.
'I think I prefer the teens. The teens are a bit rowdier, but they stare at each other with less hate when they lose.' Deberk thought.
---
a mini-Deberk was in the kitchen, currently making sure that the materials for the lazer tag arena were being sent."
Chrono sent back a mini-self to Urd and said, "Me, Ian, and Z have talked it over, and we realize that, if they are to wed, Megumi is going to have to know all the truth, and the sooner the better. We're going to corner the couple at dinner tonight and talk some sense into them. If that doesn't work, we can issue Keiichi a challenge to tell Megumi. Then then he'll have to say something."
"And here I thought last night I told Keiichi that the longer he holds on telling Megumi about us, the more hurt she will feel when she does learn of it." Urd said
"It took a little convincing for Ian, but, he saw the psychological merit for it."
(Bed calls. Catch you tomorrow.)
(See you later.)
"Ah. Well in any case, Megumi will be a bit pissed off, and she'll have the right to be. All we can do is tell her and then wait a few days for her to calm down." Urd said.
Z went to his classroom and got out his notes.
(TS to that night, but we'll need Katz.)
(ok)
(I'm here)
Z left a note for explaining to Hild that he would be out tonight and headed to the Temple.
(You wanna know what I find funny? Malek is not even bothering to hide and it seems no one has spotted him yet. Dionysus is hiding, and Belldandy has yet to ask him what is he so scared of)
(that's kind of true)
(Sorry... Apparently, you have a story scenario you want played out. Would you like to deal with that first before we do this? If yes, then we put a halt to all of this and deal with yours first. I say that, because, if we don't and we deal with this, he will be forgotten again.)
(We'll deal with it when the group gets back from dinner. Don't worry, I'll remind you all.)
(They were going to do it at the house, so, before that time, this is what I do...)
As Belldandy was hanging the laundry, both Banpei and Sigal came up and yanked her skirt nervously. When she asked the problem, the pointed to the man watching them. She set down the basket and flew to him, saying, "Can I help you?"
"I've been watching this place for two days, and only now do you notice me. Your Valkyrie teachers would be ashamed of your awareness abilities, Belldandy." Malek said. "As for why I'm here, I'm after your guest."
(The location where malek is is across the street from the temple, on top of a building, while using a spell that makes him invisible to humans.)
Z walked up to the Temple, and headed to Urd's room to visit.
(he used a different entrance than the one Malek is at.)
(To humans, but not to goddesses and demon detecting robots.)
"But, we know you, and you have never posed a threat to us, which is why I said nothing. Did you mean harm? Banpei would have attacked you if you did, and by your statement, you do not. Why is it that you are after him? What has he done to you that is so bad?"
"Hey, Z" Urd said, when she heard Z step nearby.
----
"He used a password-locked madness spell on some human friends of mine centuries ago. He refused leaven Heaven and remove it, so I had to take care of them while their minds were gone. I kept trying to ask Heaven to get him to remove it, but Dionysus claimed I used the madness spell on them. So Heaven's guards refused my requests, no matter how much I asked. Because my friends meant a lot to me, I took care of them until they died." Malek said.
----
Dionysus knocked on Keiichi's door.
"Keiichi? Do you have a minute?" Dionysus asked.
"I just thought I'd pay a visit," said Z, "how's things?"
"But that means...KEIICHI!" she spotted the bind turn mirror on the curb and used it for quick access to Kei.
________________________
A little leery, Kei said, "Okay, can I help you?" just as Bell was emerging from his mirror in his room.
"It's alright at the moment. I suspect that Megumi will be pissed off later, considering that in the past, she's been transformed into a car, lost, her memory for a day, possessed by Mara and was part of a scheme where Keiichi nearly died, fell under the effects of a love potion where she tried to force herself on Keiichi, and probably a few other things that we kinda used a spell to make her think was a dream." Urd said.
---
"What's wrong?" Dionysus asked.
Being the truthful woman she is, she stood in a protective stance before Keiichi and told him everything she just heard. She then said, "You shall not harm my Keiichi. URD!"
"Yeah, Bell?" Urd asked, after she rushed over.
Bell filled her in on everything.
Z heard the shout and also rushed over. he unsealed his power on the way just in case.
"Time to leave, dumbass!" Urd said, as she used a paralysis spell on Dionysus. She then grabbed one of Dionysus's ears and started to drag him to the front door. "My only regret is not being able to see what Malek's gonna do to you!"
"YOU SAID I COULD STAY HERE!" Dionysus yelled. Terror and fear were showing in every motion of his body. "He's gonna do things to me! Bad things! Scary things!"
"What about what YOU did to those people!" shouted Bell, "What would you have done to my Keiichi just now! You had better talk quickly or it is going to be bad for you! I'll get daddy and Lind here!"
"What exactly did he do?" asked Z
Bell also filled him in to what Malek told her.
While Urd was still dragging Dionysus to the front door, Dionysus yelled "They were consorting with a demon! I was justified!"
"Oh? And what were they conspiring to do? If they make a contract, they do so by choice!"
"I don't know if they even had a contract set up. I asked them to stay away from him for their own good, and they refused, claiming that he was a trustworthy friend. I tried bribing them, they refused, so I punished them." Dionysus said.
The expression on Urd's face grew cold.
"Out you go!" Urd yelled, as she tossed Dionysus out the front door.
Malek then quickly caught Dionysus and teleported back to Hell.
Now Bell said, "Do you believe Malek was telling the truth? I'm calling father."
She picked up the phone and called back to heaven, telling daddy everything that just happened.
"If i see him again," growled Z, "I'll show him true insanity."
(What would her father know, and how would he react. I am not sure.)
(Dionysus was banished from Heaven for reveling defense secrets while drunk on beer and for a party that got way outta hand. As for if Malek is telling the truth or not, he is. As for if Odin knows, the guards that Malek tried talking to decided to simply say that a demon came to the gates and then left. They were bribed by Dionysus to keep it a secret as much as possible. So he might know a part of it at the moment, but not the full extent.)
"A part of me wants to believe Malek is telling the truth, but I'd have to talk to him to see if he's lying or not." Urd said.
---
Dionysus was shivering in fear, as Malek dragged him to the Intelligence and interrogations headquarters.
"I've waited so long for this.... I tried to follow those rules that you gods put out, the ones where I go and ask politely without trying any tricks." Malek said in a low tone, almost reminiscent of a blade being sharpened. "And I get told, 'you're a demon, you're obviously planning something.'"
"P-p-p-please release me! I'm sorry!" Dionysus said, now crying in fear.
"And what of the humans that you robbed of their minds because the refused to go with you?" Malek asked.
"If I ever m-m-m-m-meet them again, I'll apologize to them too!" Dionysus cried.
"They're long gone. Their religion is slightly based around reincarnation. I may be a demon, but robbing a person of their mind is something I can't forgive." Malek said. A group of demon quickly appeared in front of Malek.
"Malek, We'll take it from here." A interrogations demon said, as they brought a small squad with them.
Malek stared at them fora few moments and took a deep breath.....
And handed Dionysus over to them.
As the squad was taking Dionysus away, The interrogations demon said, "I thought for sure that you'd try telling us that he's yours...."
"I'm too emotionally involved at the moment." Malek said, with only a slight tremble of anger in his voice. "I am not going to throw away my former career over him."
"If you want, you can re-join. There's always a spot open." the interrogations demon replied.
"I'll think about it." Malek said. He then walked away to vent his anger safely without scaring anyone.
On the other side, an immedate tribunal was requested. Once Hild heard Malek had gone off the reservation, she immediately agreed, and the temple was declared a neutral site. Immediately, a courtroom scene was plopped onto the temple grounds out of nowhere, and it was requested that Malek, Dionysus, Hild, Urd, Bell, Kei, and anyone else that was now involved be brought or come.
(I wonder where you're going with this?)
Dionysus was wrapped in special chains and the squad had brought him. Malek had also appeared.
Urd had also appeared.
(Because everyone has their day in court, and, to keep Malek from becoming a vigilante, this is to be settled once and for all. It is some kind of punishment or sealing, because the doublet system means that a demon would die if Dionysus died. That would definitely warrant Hild's attention. You started it, this is my reaction. You wanted to play it out, I'm playing it out!)
Hild and Odin sat in the judges position, though Hild shivered being in close proximity of her ex, having to work with him.
(Ah.)
"Thank heavens! I thought I was gonna die." Dionysus cheered.
"Don't be absurb. I had no intention of killing you." Malek said.
Odin then said, "Don't be so cheery. If what you are accused of is true, you may wish you were dead."
Hild added, "If people take contracts of demons, they do so of their own free will, not because they are forced. If they cannot see the danger, it is their fault, not the demon's."
"If we offer contracts," said Odin, "Then there is the necessary evil of allowing the other side the privilege. However, we are going to determine just what happened here, and get both sides of the story, for, if the demons were wrong for what they did, then that shall be taken into account. However, if your actions were extreme in trying to prevent them from making a mistake, then, despite preventing a disaster, you still may have crossed the line. If what I heard from my daughter is true, then what you did would be the same as dropping nuclear bomb to get rid of a hornet's nest at one's house."
"But-but-but demon are evil!" Dionysus said in shock.
"Please. No being is pure good or evil." Malek said.
(I apologize for the fact I'm going to be posting a bit slow today. Star Trek Online is running a special event.)
"Do you not think people do not know that, if we are evil?" asked Hild, "Do they not make the choice? I call in the demon who was supposedly to hurt the people you claim to protect to the stand."
"Yes'm?" Malek said, after he teleported to the stand.
"YOU were the demon?" asked Odin.
"Judging by your reaction, I take it you might need to have a few words with the gate guards." Malek said.
"Possibly," he answered, "But let us start with you. Considering the fate of this god here, you now must disclose what the deal was that you offered. We need your side, and then we will get his. I'll get to the gate guards soon enough."
"As for the humans, I decided to befriend them while I was on vacation. Since the realm they lived in was quite like something akin to a dungeons and dragons scenario, the aimless quest we were on was quite amusing. One day, I was sent out to go get some supplies, and I came back to discover that Dionysus had used a password-protected madness spell on them. I demanded that he undo the spell. He laughed and ran back to Heaven." Malek said.
"And why do you think he was justified in doing that to them? Was it something he misinterpreted? Was it something you did to them and didn't tell them? What is your guess why he did this?"
Z watched and listened
"Do I think he was justified in doing that to them? No. Was it something he misinterpreted? I don't know, I never asked him. Was it something I did to them and didn't tell them? The only thing I can think of that I didn't tell them was that I was a demon, but that was because they never asked. What is my guess why he did this? He doesn't like not being the center of attention." Malek answered.
"Thank you," said Odin, "I shall call you back after we hear from Dionysus. I call Dionysus to the stand."
The interrogation squad grabbed the chains and carried Dionysus to the stand.
"Okay," said Hild, "What did Malek do you thought was so bad that you did what you did to those people?"
"Well.... He's a demon. He had to do something evil to those people!" Dionysus said, while refusing to look at Hild.
Z's eyebrow was twitching, "we're not all that bad." he muttered
"So, you assumed that he was doing something bad," asked Hild, "Do you have any proof?"
"When I told them that he was a demon and I was a god, they refused to believe me! Even after I tried to offer them a lifetime of the multiverse's finest wine!" Dionysus exclaimed.
(Heading to dinner.)
"Is it not then their choice as to whether they believed or not?" asked Odin, "In fact, because you presented this and they refused to believe, then it falls on their heads if disaster struck them. They had a chance for mercy, and they made a choice. When I created all, I gave sentient creatures something I did not give anything else: free will. If they refused the aid and mercy of a god, then they chose their own fate."
Hild was forced to agree and she said, "Therefore, doing what you did to them went beyond even bounds Odin would not cross, though he or I would have every right. What made you think your judgment was more sound than what either I or Odin would have done?"
'It kinda seems that Dionysus is like Aoshima....' Urd thought.
---
"But... But.... They insulted me by refusing to believe me!" Dionysus said.
"I am insulted when they don't believe me, but it is their choice," said Odin, who then said, "Stand down, but I may call you back."
Hild then called from Niflheim the souls of those people and had them come to the stand. She then asked them, "Do you know these two?"
(I thought it was stated that the souls were reincarnated.)
(Oops...their testimony would have been helpful.)
(character witnesses like Ian and Z could be called to validate Malek's credibility)
(We could use the old 'take them out of a moment in time, have them do their thing, erase their memories, then send them back' trick.)
(Let's do that, and we can call the others as character witnesses.)
With that, they appeared.
Hild then asked, "Tell us: do you know these two?"
The two humans were wearing some armor that wouldn't look out of place in some Fantasy rpg manga.
Dionysus shook his head and said, "Not really."
"Wha? Where are we?" The Female adventurer asked.
"Tikalo,... Listen, you and Harrkis were brought to the future to help in a hearing." Malek answered.
"Malek? What's going on?" Tikalo replied. She then spotted Dionysus. "Hey! That's the Asswipe that tried to bribe us with booze to leave you. He even said you were a demon. Even said he was going to attack our minds if we don't do what he wanted us to do."
"But I am a demon. A bit of an equivalent exchange demon type, if you want to get technical." Malek replied.
".... Why didn't you tell us?" The male adventurer asked.
"Nether you nor Tikalo ever asked, and there never seemed to be a good time to bring it up, Harrkis." Malek answered.
"By 'equivalent exchange demon' what do you mean?" Tikalo asked.
"I uphold my end of the deal to the exact wording." Malek answered. "You guys aren't mad?"
"A little bit, but nothing that will last a day or two." Harrkis replied.
"I bet we have all sorts of adventures after Drunko is dealt with, eh, Malek?" Tikalo asked.
Malek smiled in a way that those that knew him best would know that he's feeling a lot of pain inside. The interrogation squad noticed this and quickly used some of the chains that were keeping Dionysus in place as a gag to silence Dionysus.
"We three do spend a lot of time together afterwords," Malek answered. (technically not a lie, but not the answer she was looking for.)
Z closed his eyes. he was trying to control the urge to use his illusions to drive the wine god past the brink of total insanity.
A demon guard tapped Z on the shoulder.
"What was it that 'Drunko' as you call him, wanted you to do?" asked Hild.
"Renounce Malek as a friend." Tikalo replied.
"yes?" Z asked the guard
"So, you consider Malek a friend?" asked Odin, "Tell me, what was the deal you made, and what was it that he wanted from you, and what did he promise you?"
"Do you wish to leave the place for a bit to calm down?" The guard asked.
----
"The closest thing Malek ever made to a deal with us is when he first met us. he asked if we wanted another adventurer and we said yes. He replied that as long as he gets his share of any treasures we might find, he'll stay with us." Harrkis said.
"It depends on what he called his fair share," said Hild, "Yet, nonetheless, by your own witness, there seemed to be no strings attached to this."
Hild then looked at Dionysus and asked, "So, was doing what you did to them worth it, or is there something else we don't know that was not said?"
"I bet they're lying to protect him." Dionysus pouted.
Tikalo brought out a war hammer that seemed to be brimming with the fire of a volcano.
"Can I take a whack at'im, pleeeasssee?" Tikalo asked.
Odin asked, "Do you have reason to lie. Remember to whom you speak, because I can cast a truth spell on you."
Tikalo then gained a slighlty sinister smirk as she remember a lesson her teacher once told her.
"A well-placed truth is more effective than a perfect lie. beard-o." Tikalo said.
(Tikalo and Harrkis have no idea who Odin is at the moment.)
He drummed his fingers, and then cast a truth spell on them to see if they were telling all or concealing something.
The two adventurers were telling the truth and weren't concealing anything.
Hild then said, "Please tell me you've said everything, because I would hate to have to extract the truth from you," a gleam in her eye.
(Whose Hild talking to? Dionysus or Malek's friends?)
Hild was talking to Malek.
"I've told the truth as far as I know." Malek said.
Odin then said, "Dionysus, you had better have a good explanation for this, or things are going to get very bad for you!"
"He's a demon! Anything he does is obviously evil!" Dionysus said.
"So, are you saying that I am evil?" thundered Odin, "There are times that I allow demons to act for the greater good of all! Does that make ME evil! What if what you call evil is the right thing to do?"
"Er.... uh..." Dionysus muttered before fainting.
Odin pointed to the guards and said, "Revive him!"
"I'll be fine," said Z
(Will the 'temple being declared neutral territory' end when the trials does? otherwise, Hild just shot herself in the foot.)
Dionysus was quickly woken up.
(that would make things really interesting. though it would allow some of the demons to enjoy belldandy's cooking.)
(Any demon could before Hild declared it neutral territory. They just had to follow the rules while they were over.)
(and how often have they done that? usually a demon sighting means a fight.)
(I haven't seen the anime, but usually Mara and Chibi-Hild are in the middle of a scheme against the goddesses and they do something to provoke an attack. When Hild first appeared in the manga could be considered an example of appearing at the temple and not being attacked.
(pretty much the same in the anime. For example, once Mara stayed for dinner and when she got back Chibi-Hild convinced her to try and beat the goddesses again.)
(Well, I kinda have to make it neutral now that the trial has taken place there. It once was for a short time when Gate was allowed to work there for a time.)
"So, are you saying that I am evil?" Odin said again, calmer this time, "There are times that I allow demons to act for the greater good of all! Does that make ME evil! What if what you call evil is the right thing to do?"
Z winced at Odin's tone, 'he's screwed' he thought
(Really? what page in the manga does this occur on?)
"I misunderstood the situation back then. I should have realized that the humans wanted to stay friends with trash." Dionysus said.
Tikalo and Harrkis looked like they wanted to smash in Dionysus's head.
Odin thanked them for their testimony and sent them back under the conditions that they did not remember what had just happened as was agreed upon, and he then looked at Dionysus after conferring with Hild, and he said, "We have heard enough testimony. Here is our judgment. Dionysus will be stripped of every power and gift except for immortality. He is to now be the slaves of Keiichi and Belldandy until such time we feel he has learned his lesson. I cannot leave him to Malek, because I am not certain what he might do to him. Belldandy, when he went into Kei's room, did you suspect harm to him?"
"I did," she said.
"Dionysus, what were you going to ask of Keiichi?" he asked.
"I was going to ask if he wanted a few special charm trinkets that will warn him if he's a bout to get drunk enough to actually consider making a challenge that might force Belldandy to leave if he fails." Dionysus said.
(I now kinda think that a spell to see if someone is telling the truth or not seems a bit invasive of one's privacy.)
(Top deity's prerogative. When you're top of the food chain, you can do what you want, and don't think Hild would not hesitate to do the same if it benefited her.)
Odin stroked his chin and said, "Then this confirms our judgment; you have the chance to redeem yourself. Malek should find what we have decided sufficient enough."
"So what about me and Harrkis?" Tikalo asked.
(Time to send them back.)
"You go back," he said, "And you will not remember any of this.
With a wave of the hand, they were gone. Odin said, "Dinoysus, Give me your license."
"Guys, could you let me free?" Dionysus said to the Interrogation squad. The squad took off the chains and then teleported to Hell, seeing that Dionysus wasn't going to be sent there.
Dionysus then handed Odin his license.
"Hold on a damn minute!" Urd yelled.
Odin gave her an odd look and said, "Why does my daughter protest? Is this not sufficient?"
"I think that you've forgotten what a madness spell does to a person." Urd siaid. "Don't you remember that it robs a person of their mind? That their memories and thoughts get scrambled? Only occasionally allowing them a faint glimmer of sanity?"
"Then, what do YOU think should be his punishment, considering you are technically a neutral party to this?"
"Seal him up in a tiny box." Urd said.
"Then, he shall be sealed for a time, and then be enslaved to whomever would be suitable."
"You can't be serious..." Dionysus said.
(I'm heading to bed.)
"You stuck your nose in where it did not belong and in a horrible way! Prepare for sealing!"
(Now that I had had a good night's rest, I have to ask one thing. Why would Hild run to get help from Odin instead of confronting Malek? Running to Odin instead of dealing with the problem on her own is kinda out of character for Hild.)
(She'll deal with Malek on her own, but Dinoysus is a god, so it was not her jurisdiction completely. She wasn't running for help, she was following the mutual rules. Had it been strictly a demon affair, she would not have given two thoughts to Odin. She was involved because it did involve one of her own. She may be headstrong and "damn the torpedoes full speed ahead" sometimes, but she also does have an heir of sensibility about her that makes her play by the rules. Besides, if she feels she can get something out of it by doing so, she will. She figures there is something to be gained by this, and so she went with it. Chibi Hild, on the other hand is a whole different creature!)
(Thing is, back during Daytona, Malek implied he would use a plan that would cause a bit of chaos in Heaven, while using Heaven's Ultimate force. Dionysus being banished kinda meant he had far less protection than normal, which kinda meant that Heaven would have its hands a bit tied if any forces of Hell captured him. A number of gods and goddess would panic a bit if they realized that a clever Demon could use the Ultimate force to capture them. Hild pretty much ruined Malek's plan.)
(In other words, I ruined the plot line you were trying out.)
(Yeah. So next time, I should let you know ahead of time what I'll be doing?)
(The problem is, this is an RP. This means that everyone reacts to what goes on. They may not react how you expect. Moreover, every writer interprets characters differently, though there is cannon to consider. Even if they stay in cannon, they still may interpret differently. I did what I thought was logical. You have to be prepared to be flexible. If you wanted it to go a certain way, in an RP, you can't force it. If you were writing a story by yourself, then it would have happened. If you want to go a certain direction in an RP, you have to think like a chess player and see all possible outcomes, and plan for each one so it does go the way you want.)
(I'm going to need a day or two to realize where I want to go from this point.)
(That's fine. Look at the board and process your candidate moves to see how you can get this to go the way you wanted, but be prepared for the unexpected.)
(so what now? are we still gonna have megumi find out?)
(Eventually, but it seems a story line Katz wanted to do, I didn't go in the direction he wanted, because there were things he wanted to do with his character development. Yet, what I told him was that, this is an RP: people are going to react how they will, and it may not be how you expect it or want it, but you have to be able to adjust to it. So, he's taking time to think through how to get it where he wanted it and still stay within the parameters of what people do. In other words, since my reaction with Hild, for example, was not what he thought it should have been, he was lost. Yet, I thought what I wrote was perfectly in character.)
(ok)
(Won't be able to post for long today.)
Dionysus screamed as he was being sealed away.
After some whispering, Hild spoke up and said, "We have discussed it, and we have decided that the punishment should fit the crime. After his time of sealing, Malek, how would you like a slave?"
"I would, but it'd be better to unseal him after our vacation, Lady Hild." Malek said in a calm tone. "Emotions too raw and such."
"Oh, most certainly. Let him sweat it out while we are away."
Odin then spoke, "And because I had the trial here, I must now declare this place neutral ground. Demons and Gods shall be allowed to be here, but none shall attack one another at all!"
(You do realize that you stopped a good number of possible storylines that involve demons attacking the temple, right? Wouldn't a better thing to do is merely declare the temple to be a neutral ground for a month or two? My reasoning for this is if The temple is forever off limits, Keiichi's friends and family suddenly become big targets for demons.)
(Look, can you please trust me a bit that I know what I am doing. I know you have ideas, and I will try to incorporate them the best I can. But I have ideas also, and ultimately, as the mod, I have final say on scenarios. Tell you what: give me the thumbnail sketch of how you think this ought to be going--I guess how you would be writing this story--I'll look at it, then tell you where I am going, and maybe between the two of us, we can get something accomplished. However, it can't be strictly my way or your way. Furthermore, this is our universe. Characters, even cannon characters, will develop and grow, and hence, change some from cannon. Therefore, if it doesn't quite follow to the letter precisely and exactly what you might see in the manga, please forgive me, but this is OUR version of this universe, and it is the way WE want it.)
(Let's talk in the coffee shop.)
Z got up after the trial ended.
Everything was cleared out, and now the temple was declared neutral ground for the time being. Hild and Malek were taking their indefinite vacation, and things were settling down. Finally, the group could sit down and have a good meal, but there was the matter that night of getting Megumi to understand just what was going on.
"so what's the plan?" asked Z
"We just have to ask them about the future, and then present the conflict with Megumi that would cause. It's already going to shake things up that she's been kept in the dark for this long."
"sounds like a plan," said Z, "if she wants solid proof I could summon Dusk's Light."
"One thing we have to ask Keiichi is how she would react if we told her right away."
"true," said Z, "so when do we start?"
"Belldandy is starting supper. We can catch her then."
"let's go then."
Before long, dinner was served, and everyone, including Chrono, was there.
"I missed Belldandy's cooking," said Z
"Well, you are always welcome here!" she said with a smile as she served. Ian then said, "You know, you two are going to be together for some time. In fact, I know marriage has been tossed around between you two."
Keiichi turned red and shuddered. He had indeed bought a ring, but he had wanted to deal with that at the right time.
"we were wondering if you would ever tell megumi about belldandy's perents." said Z
Keiichi began to hedge, but Belldandy was far more sensible, and said, "Well, we should say something. After all, we have been together all this time, and it looks like it is a forever thing now, so she is going to have to know."
"But does she?" he asked, "I mean, she's been okay so far, and, I am not sure how she would react after being left in the dark for so long."
"Keiichi," said Z seriously, "what would be worse for her, telling her now, or having her learn about it later? Do you think she will be less mad that you kept her in the dark and lied to her for so long?"
"I was kind of hoping she would never have to know," he said weakly.
"What if you have kids?" asked Ian, which caused him to start thinking, considering what sat before him.
"she will learn eventually," said Z, "I mean, stuff happens here."
"Especially when their children discover their abilities, and, as children do, play with them."
Z nodded
"Well, this seems so sudden," said Keiichi, "But I... Give me a second."
With that, he got up and stepped out for a moment, coming back about a minute later.
"well?"
He got on one knee and pulled out a box and opened it. Inside was a large diamond that looked like it cost about $5,000.
Z watched
Belldandy's eyes went wide with delight as Urd said, "You sly dog, Keiichi!"
Ian's eyes went over to Skuld, not certain of her reaction.
(This is where we need Auir. I've already sent a message.)
Skuld was shocked and stunned more than she should have. However a few seconds later her facial expression melted and a joyful smile replaced it.
"Congradualtions, onee-sama!"
She already knew the words that were coming, and he said, "Belldandy, would you marry me?"
"Yes, yes, oh yes!" she said, now practically tackling him and smothering him with kisses. Urd looked at Skuld and said, "You seemed to take that better than I thought."
"so what now?" said Z
"I have to tell Megumi, and then I have to tell everyone about the wedding."
"agreed. the sooner the better."
"I will most certainly marry you and take you as my husband!" she said, "No matter how judgment gate said it, we control our destinies."
"So when do we tell megumi?"
"Neither of us have class tomorrow, and I train with Lind, so I would think tomorrow would be good."
"Well... It was only a matter of time I guess. Heh heh, I guess we're officially a family now aren't we?" smiled Skuld.
"Yeah," said Kei, "It looks like your my little sister-in-law."
"Which is why you do have to explain to Megumi in case the in-laws ever decided to pop by."
"I'll be there to," said Z
"She should be coming over for breakfast tomorrow," said Kei, "We should tell her then."
"got it," said Z
(ts?)
(Yep)
It was the next morning, and Lind was already out early putting Ian through his paces.
Z arrived early to visit.
The smells of breakfast were already filling the grounds.
Z walked in, "smells good, miss Belldandy."
"Thank you," she said, stopping occasionally to admire the ring, "I am making all of Megumi's favorites."
"that should help," said Z
Soon, it was breakfast time, and Ian came in, bathed in sweat, saying, "I feel like I've been in the Olympics."
"you lok like an Olympian" said Z
"That's partly to his genetics," said Lind, "Though he still needs to maintain it."
"it's good to see you again Lind-sama," said Z, bowing respectfully.
"I understand there is going to be some fireworks here today," stated Lind.
"that's the best case scenario," sighed Z, "you can be present when all is revealed, it will make for less explanations later."
"Moreover," said Ian, "She's a staunch atheist, so we have to overcome that first."
"we could always show her some angels," suggested Z
"That would be a sight," said Ian.
"Then they can revive her when she passes out," said an unsure Lind.
"sounds like what happened last time," sighed Z
"Last time?" asked Ian, "Please refresh my memory?"
"last time I showed her magic to get her to realize the truth, she passed out and thought it was a dream."
"Then we have to keep reviving her and showing her until she stomachs it," said Lind, "There's no other way."
"I agree," said Z
No sooner had they said that when the sounds of a motorcycle could be heard.
"she's here."
Because she was regular, she just opened the door, said, "Hi," and started to take off her boots.
"Yo," said Z, "come on in."
She came in to see the crowd and said, "Wow, big crowd to day...uh...Chrono?"
"please sit down," said Z, "your brother has something to talk to you about."
She sat with a awkward look on her face, and she said, "You all act like someone died."
"Nobody died," said Z
"Then why all the serious..." and she spotted the ring, "Oh, that's pretty... *gasp* Keiichi, you sly dog, you! It's about time you popped the question!"
He rubbed the back of his neck as she said, "You always take, like, forever to do things like this. Man, come to think of it, Bell, I've never met your folks."
"That is a part of what we wish to tell you," said Belldandy, "My parents are not average."
"With someone like you, that's pretty obvious."
"not as obvious as you think," said Z
"What?" she said, "You act like they're criminals or something."
Z burst out laughing, "they are definitely not criminals,"
"Megumi," said Kei, "You know how Belldandy keeps saying that she is a goddess...?"
"Yyyyyyyyyyes?" said Megumi cautiously.
"That wasn't a joke," answered Kei. Everyone was staring at her now seriously, and Megumi started with a snort, a restrained chortle, and then was busting a gut.
"I don't see what's so amusing." said Z
"Oh wow!" she said between laughs and fights for air, "You all must have been planning this one for while! This is so good!"
She was on her back as she laughed, and then suddenly stopped as a mini-Urd stood on her chest, tapping her forehead, and asked, "Is there something funny about this?"
"I was wondering the same thing," said Z, "good to see you, nee-sama."
Megumi stared at this, and then screamed as the mini-Urd went flying as Megumi was now crawling on her back.
"do you believe us now?"
"Get away from me!" she said, thinking they were monsters, and Kei said, "Megumi, it's okay! They're still them!"
"AND YOU NEVER TOLD ME!" she said, grabbing his arm and saying, "I have to get you out of here."
"They're not monsters," said Z, "they are goddesses."
"Megumi, stop it!" she said, but Megumi was trying to get out of there, when Holy bell appeared before them, smiling with outstretched arms.
Z waited to see if she would faint
And indeed she did, and Holy Bell was there to catch her and lay her down gently.
Z sighed and waited for her to wake up.
They had laid her down in Bell and Kei's room and she came to, saw Kei's face, and said, "Hey, K1! I just had the funniest dream..."
And her eyes turned to see both Bell and Holy Bell over her, looking with some concern. Bell quickly reached out her hand and touched her forehead so she wouldn't pass out again.
Z sat and waited for them to return.
"This is so weird," she said, "There is no god!"
"Um, I think you'll have to change your attitude on that," said Kei, "I've met him."
"sounds like she woke up," mused Z
"You've met god?" she said, now pale of skin.
'wonder how she'll react when she finds out he met the devil and lives with her daughter?' mused Z
"Megumi, it's a long story. Let me explain," and he told the story of how they all met.
after the story was over Z knocked on the door and asked if they could come back to the tea room so they all could talk about this.
"Can you sit up?" asked Bell.
Megumi nodded and walked with help weakly back to the tea room.
"welcome back," said Z, "tea?" he said offering a cup.
"Uh-Uh," she said shaking her head, "This is all so...so..."
"unbelievable?" supplied Z, "not so much."
"There is a god, my brother's met him, he's marrying a goddess..." and Bell cut her off saying, "Um...and the almighty is my father."
She stared at her, and then said, "Sure, why not!"
"don't forget that you're in love with a demigod," said Z.
"Dem-i..." she said, and Ian waved weakly at her, while Chrono glared the "he's-my-man" at her.
"also your sister in law is a half demon half goddess."
"Demons too," she said, now monotone, and Ian said, "Sensory overload!"
Z used an illusion to calm her mind
After she finally took the tea, she then said, "I'm just curious: though I'm not mad anymore, why did you wait so long to tell me?"
"You see how your acting," said Kei, "And I wasn't fully settled into my situation just yet as well."
" we had to convince him," said Z
"Well, now that we are getting married, I thought we should tell you everything."
"that means I can tell you I'm a cambion" said Z
"What's that?" she asked, not sure she wanted to know.
"half demon half human."
"Wait, why would demons and gods be hanging out? I thought you were all enemies?"
"recently the temple was declared neutral ground." said Z " besides, I enjoy visiting my sister."
"So you are enemies, but act like... This is so confusing."
"Demons and gods are not what the humans think they are," added Belldandy.
Z nodded
She began to explain the whole structure, and finished with, "Their ends are somewhat selfish at times I do admit, but each side understands the need for the other, and the need for balance. Because of that, we are not foes."
"usually,"said Z
"Well, I mean there are conflicts of interest from time to time," added Urd, "And that has caused us to clash a bit, but, for the most part, we work together."
"true," said Z
"Wait, you act like we're toys!" she snapped, "How is THIS right?"
"when did we say you are toys?"
"Well, you cause us fortune and misfortune at your little whim, not caring how we feel about it! Is that fair?"
"hey!" said Z in offense, "I only cause misfortune that benefits people in the long run."
Belldandy stepped in as the force of reason and said, "It is not that. Sometimes, fortune and misfortune happen by natural occurrence. Furthermore, misfortune and fortune are no respecter of persons. People ask why bad things happen to good people, but the truth is, bad things happen to bad people just as much, it is just you do not always see it that way. When bad things happen to bad people, people call it their just desserts. Yet, fortunes do not care about good or bad. What we do is provide a balance in all that. Sometimes misfortune proves to make you stronger, and fortune can teach one to be humble. In your brother's case, you have to know the star of misfortune shined on him far more than what should have."
"I can remember that," she said, "All that seemed to change with you."
Belldandy smiled and said, "Yes, because I was a part of the Goddess Relief Office. Our job is to offer wishes to those like your brother. However, in watching him, no matter what happened to him, he always looked for the positive and never lashed out. He made do and did all he could to be happy despite that. Not only did I want to help him, his heart made me fall in love with him. Therefore, when the time came, I was more than happy to grant his wish, but it ended up more than for what I could have hoped, and everything I had wished."
"Well, you did seem to want to get out of it at first, wanting to call home to see why this had been approved," Kei added.
"True, but it just seemed it was unusual that such would be granted," she answered.
"Still, I did ask for a goddess like you."
"There is no other goddess like her," answered Urd, "Therefore, it had to be her."
Kei looked at Bell and said, "You're right: no one could replace her!"
Z chuckled
"So, you're saying gods can fall in love?"
"how do you think ian and I were born," said Z, "though my mom is far from a god."
"But...what would their children be like?"
"look at ian and you'll get your answer."
She just sat there, taking it all in and she said, "This is all so wild. I have so many weird questions, and then feel foolish, because they would be questioning the will of the gods."
"just ask them," said Z, "no such thing as a stupid question."
"Well, for one, why does the almighty allow so much suffering?"
"It's balance," said Z, "though the gods and goddesses maintain fortune, if that was all there was, things wouldn't be good. there wouldn't be things that could have been made through mistakes. The telephone would have been made much later because the creator wouldn't have spilled acid on his pants, forcing him to test the headset to call his aide. Cancer and radiation might not have been discovered because Marie Curie wouldn't have been injured by the radiation she was experimenting with. Martin Luther King Jr wouldn't be famos because there would be no need for a civil rights movement. the world needs balance."
"Yep, humans wouldn't be able to grow and become stronger if everything was fine for them." Skuld added in.
"It also has a lot to do with the almighty allowing mankind free will," he answered, "He created beings to love him because they chose to, not because they had to, but in allowing that, he had to make allowance for bad choices."
"remember, where there is good, there will always be evil."
"Evil should never prevail, but good intentions can be turned evil if we let them," answered Ian.
Z nodded.
"So, you just make sure everyone plays by the rules, eh?" she asked.
"that's one way of putting it." said Z
"Wow," she said quietly, "All the times I thought you three sisters were crazy, I feel so bad I said that."
Z wondered how they'd respond.
"Don't worry, it's fine. It should be expected." said Skuld.
"So, you're going to be my sister-in-law?" asked megumi to Skuld.
"Yep!" she nodded.
She smiled and gave Skuld a big hug. Belldandy joined in as did Holy Bell.
Z stood back and watched.
After a few moments of hugging, she let go.
Belldandy said, "We are one big happy family now!"
Megumi began to eye Ian a bit differently now, a smirk on her lips, and Chrono said, "Hey, don't get ideas!"
Z laughed at that.
"Then, let us finish breakfast, shall we?" said Belldandy.
"Yeah, and then back to work for you, Ian," said Lind with a smirk.
Z chucked and picked up a bowl
When they did, Chrono was going to show Megumi what she could do while Ian trained.
Skuld returned to her spot.
Z smiled, "I should get going. I need to finish the VR machine's upgrades."
"Ah, that is right," said Belldandy, "Skuld, do you not owe them some work? Can she help you?"
"Yes onee-sama." nodded Skuld.
"Be there in a minute." she said as she ran into her room to grab some stuff.
Urd then said, "I'll help you clean up, but, one more thing... The alcohol ban?"
"Oh yes," she said, and waved her hand.
Z got up and thanked everyone for the meal.
She went into her room, and the bottle of Saki she had been given as a gift was back to normal. A squeal of delight could be heard through the house.
Z smiled when he heard that. "You coming Skuld?" Z called out.
She was arm and leg hugging it, crying, saying, "I love you, I love you! Let's never fight again!"
(we need Auir)
"Coming!" came the reply as she ran down the hall with her laptop bag and tool bag.
"let's get going" said Z heading out.
She put on her shoes and followed.
When they got to the arcade Z led her to the back room where the VR machine was, "the machine is built with a mix of science and magic but some of the mechanisms are acting up. can you look at them?"
"Sure." she nodded, opening up her bag. She began unscrewing the screws keeping the back cover on to take a look inside.
The inside was a mass of cables connecting to a sphere that had glowing runes on it.
She took out her laptop and several wires with patched ends. She powered it up and stuck it to the sphere.
(the sphere is the illusion core that creates the VR experience. It s filled with illusion spells)
Several magical runes appeared around the wires linking up to the sphere.
"Converting to calculable data now...." she muttered.
Specifics on the spells and illusions used appeared on the screen along with a diagnostic of the device. there were some problems with the interface connecting with the magic but the right upgrades would fix that.
"Hmm... All it needs is a little tune up on the human interface systems." said Skuld as she rummaged around in her tool bag.
"can you fix it?" asked Z as he worked on the power core.
(gtg.)
"Yeah, it shouldn't be that big of a problem." she replied as she got to work.
(back)
"thanks," said Z, "just make sure to ask before you tamper with the runes."
"I get it, I get it."
"Ok then," said Z before fiddling with the power core.
Some time passes before she spoke up.
"I need to tamper with the runes..."
Z walked over, "just avoid these three, unless absolutely necessary," said Z pointing out some runes, "they are the safety runes that make the game only a game."
"Understood." she nodded and got to work with the runes.
"do you have a 10th dimensional adapter?"
"Not with me."
"If i install one into the power core it will make the distribution of energy smoother."
"I'll make sure to bring one with me next time."
"thanks," said Z
She returned to working on the machine.
Z closed up the panel he was working on and began to check the condition of the main server.
Everything was running much more smoothly now and nearing optimal efficiency.
"Looks like we're done here for now," said Z, "you can go check on the other games if you want."
"Haai~" she replied as she hastily threw her tools into her bag and scurried to the other machines.
Z went to check on the laser tag arena.
(I'm thinking about pushing into the wedding.)
(sounds good. will Hild and Odin attend?)
(Odin, yes, Hild, not sure. I mean, she's supportive, but at the same time there is this sense that she wished she could be the one in the wedding dress.)
(true, but she won't cause trouble if Lind and Odin are there to watch her.)
(No problems? Aw come on! That would be half the fun. Well, maybe Chibi Hild might.)
(also Z would like some family to be there. It might make Urd a bit friendlier to Hild)
(Yes, but there is also the sense of defeat to face.)
(oh, yeah. Too bad, things would be interesting.)
(That's the whole point--they WILL be! *insert evil cackle here.*)
(sounds like fun then)
Before long, and because of the rock on her hand, word spread among the gang like wildfire. Naturally, Bell's arch rival was not that pleased.
Z was practicing his magic in the Arcade.
(Bedtime.)
Everyone was a twitter, congratulating the couple, and Chihiro could not have been more pleased.
Z got Keiichi a set of tools from the machiners as a wedding gift.
Chihiro then asked, "Have you set a date yet?"
"At least a couple of weeks from now," answered Kei, "We have to let my folks know, set up for it, get invitations out...oh, and who is doing the ceremony?"
Z went to look for a wedding gift for Belldandy
"That is a good question," said Bell, knowing that something like this had not been seen in millennia. She sent two chibis of herself out: one to Z and one to Urd.
Z was just finishing wrapping an expensive tea set when the chibi appeared. "GAH! Belldandy, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, hi," she said, "Did I interrupt something?"
"no," said Z as he hid the box behind him, "so what brings you?"
"Oh, well, you have been up on the latest trends," she said, "When the wedding takes place, considering my status, who shall run the ceremony?"
"well, your father would work."
"Well, that IS true," she said, "I mean, we just cannot go to a common person to have this done, though Kei said something about a justice of the peace."
"the problem with a human is that half the guests won't be human and the bride is the norn of the present."
"Well, I suppose I could ask them to remember where they are, but, I know brother Thor would want to come..."
"I meant that it would be odd for a human to perform the wedding ceremony for a goddess."
"Hmm... I guess you are right, but, there are going to be humans present."
Z nodded, "ultimately the decision is yours and Keiichi's so choose well,"
However, Gate popped in and said, "Oh good, there's no one else but you two."
"what are you doing here?"
"My job," she said, converting herself and allowing someone through, and someone that made Bell brighten when she emerged.
Z looked on as the person arrived.
"Mother!" said Bell as she emerged and Gate went away. She then said, "Oh, who is your friend?"
(She's the one that looks most like Skuld.)
"Uh, hello," said Z, extremely nervous at being face to face with a goddess of her authority, "I'm Kazi Carter, but please call me Z. I swear I'm not causing misfortune at the moment, I was just buying something with my hard earned money."
She patted him on the head and said, "Oh, I was not thinking that. I just came to help plan the wedding."
"that's a relief," said Z, "I guess I panicked because of my alignment."
"Oh, come now," she said, "Do not think I do not know the game, child. Now, where is your central self, Bell?"
"Out gown shopping with Kei," she answered.
"You brought him?" she gasped, "Oh, no, no! That must be a surprise! I'll be right there!"
Z laughed, "so who's planing the shower?" he asked
"Hmm... I'll ask Skuld about that," and sent off an avatar to her.
Z nodded, "so do you need anything else?"
"Oh, it's good," she said as the two left.
_________________________
Her mother's Avatar appeared on Skuld's latest piece of equipment.
"Geh! Geez, you surprised me mom. What is it?" she asked.
"I have come to help plan for the wedding, darling," she said, "And maybe you can help me plan for the wedding shower."
Z finished wrapping the gift and sent it to his room in the arcade.
"Really? I'd love to!"
"Now, please show me around. This is the first time I have been in this house, and I need to know with what we deal, how many guests we shall have, and how much room," she answered, hopping on Skuld's shoulder.
"Okay~" she began giving a tour of the temple.
"This is the kitchen, here's the living room, there's the garage..."
"Well, I would say, there is plenty of room. It is fitting for a goddess. Where does Bell sleep?"
"She sleeps in here." she said, leading her to another room.
She smiled, but was then horrified to see two pillows on the futon. She said, "Are you telling me they sleep together!"
"Y-yeah..."
"They have not... *gulp* ...known each other yet, have they?"
"No! At least, not on my watch..."
"Yet, they are in the same bed!" she said, "They are not yet wed! How can you allow that?"
"I didn't, but onee-sama kept telling me that I don't need to worry about her."
She pondered for a moment, and calmed. She knew how things had changed. She said, "Well, I suppose... I mean, now that the libido guards are off, I thought he might jump at the chance. I must figure your sister, my daughter, has enough sense to keep it pure until that time. You've done well."
She then kissed her cheek. She then said, "Come with me to the bridal house. I have to divert Keiichi and leave the wedding dress hunting to Bell and I. I need you to keep him busy. After all, a dress like that should be a surprise. I have to take her to the Goddess Mall."
"Haaai~" she nodded.
The Avatar said, "Just go through the water and you shall see me there."
She went to the sink, plugged it, and turned on the water before jumping through.
Her mother's Avatar appeared when she did in the ladies room and said, "I'll go to my full self. Meet me in the gown section."
With that, she was gone.
(Need help on the character stat sheet and the number of points I have on the stats.)
(what do you mean?)
(Sorry, that was for Auir.)
"Okay." nodded Skuld as she went to find the gown section.
When she got there, Keiichi was surprised to see Anzasu, (Skuld and Bell's mom,) standing there, mildly scolding Belldandy for not calling her about the wedding dress, and bringing the groom, of all things.
"Oh! Keiichi-nii, did onee-sama bring you along?" she frowned, looking at the scene.
Before either could protest, Anzusa said, "Come, Belldandy, you are coming with me to the Goddess Mall and shop for a proper dress. Skuld, please tend to Kei."
Before Kei could say anything, Gate was gone with both of them.
"Umm, shall we pick out a suit for you?" suggested Skuld, trying to break the silence.
"Well, I guess, but I was more thinking a tux."
"A tux... Well, there should be a suit broker somewhere here. I'm sure they'll have a tux for you." she smiled.
"Well, we might as well go, considering your mom swept Bell away. Something else though: this means she's going to be my mother-in-law, and the Almighty my father-in-law."
"Mmhmm, and I'll be your new sister."
As they went, he shuddered a bit and said, "Well, I hope your mother likes me. I mean, after all, there is an old saying: behind every successful man is a surprised mother-in-law."
"Haha, I'm sure she'll like you. Don't worry about it."
"What about your dad?" she said, "I mean, gods or not--dads tend to be protective of his daughters."
She patted him on the back.
"Good luck Keiichi-nii!"
"Why does that not make me feel easy?" he said, now beginning to feel he now had to do all he could to please his daughters lest he find a bolt of lightning hit his head!
They arrived at a suit broker and entered.
"So, what should I wear? I mean, this is a wedding that will be attended by gods and goddesses. Do I just wear a normal tux?"
"Well, if this were back in the old days... Do you remember Thor used to wear?"
"Well, I... Oh my..." he said, picturing himself in armor and a viking helmet.
"But just go with what you want to go with, it's fine." she laughed.
"Okay, well, you seem to have a good eye: what do you suggest?"
"Hmmm, how about this one?" she pulled off a suit out of the seemingly identical row of suits.
He giggled and said, "So, what makes that different than the rest?"
"Mmm, the size." she stated.
"I would say so," he said with a smile, and found one with the tails, white tie and vest, and said, "What about this?"
"That looks good, all you're missing is a rose."
"Oh, should it be white?"
"No, that's bee too much white. A red rose."
"Okay. How about we find a good between what you found and what I found?"
"A white suit with a red bow-tie and a rose between the teeth." pondered Skuld out loud.
"How about a red rose on the lapel, with top hat and cane?"
"Do you really need a top hat and a cane?"
"I thought it would round it off just so."
"Then.... I get to call you Mr. Peanut okay?"
He laughed and said, "Mr. Peanut! Oh my goodness!"
"Let's go find you that top hat!" she winked.
He agreed and took the tux with them.
Next they arrived at the accessories section.
"Okay, let's get them in white like before," he said, "Man, you remind me so much when Megumi and I did this as kids."
"Really? Hee hee." she giggled.
"This one looks nice." she said, picking out a fancy ribbon.
"What's the ribbon for?"
"This silly." and she threw it over his shoulder, wrapped it around and tied it into a bow tie.
"I didn't know you knew how to tie a tie like that. The bow tie is not easy for guys."
"It was something I picked up while I was bored."
"I take it heaven doesn't have a lot your age to play with, do they?"
"Geez, I wasn't that bored while in heaven, I learned it while on Earth. I'm always busy looking for bugs."
"Oh, well, did you go to school, have any playmates when in heaven? I know you don't right now."
"Yeah I went to school while in heaven. Seizu Girls' Academy. Though I preferred to work alone than with others."
"Seems to me you look like you have fun when you are with others your age."
"Now you're just making yourself sound old."
"Well, I AM in my mid-twenties now," he said, "I'm not a kid anymore."
"Still, it doesn't mean you have to treat me like a kid." she nudged.
He nudged back with a laugh and said, "Then act your age?"
"Then you act your age too." she giggled.
"Hey, I like being a kid every once and a while."
"I know I know. Come on, let's look for something else. How about this? It's a pretty neat handkerchief." she said, picking up a white one with intricate designs along the side.
He laughed again and said, "I've become a giant Ken doll!"
"Yep!" she giggled.
"You know, just to kill boredom, you really should consider enrolling to the same school as Sentaro--you know, just for the kicks of it."
"Nah, then I won't have any time at all for my projects."
"...unless you started a Project or Inventor club..."
"Still not enough time. Besides, what would they teach me? I'd be the one teaching them."
"Now wouldn't THAT be something: you becoming a teacher!"
(I smell a plot point! LOL!)
"Yes, all the students would drive me nuts with their questions."
"Well, what would the odds of some school taking someone that looks as young as you as a teacher?"
"I don't know. Top prestigious school graduate teachers are a dime a dozen nowadays."
"Teachers YOUR age?"
"No, not my age."
"Well, then, you'd be a first," said Kei.
"Hmm, convince me to do it."
"How could I do that?" he said, "Besides, like I said, they'd never take you--you're just a kid to them."
"That's true. I know, how about I be your personal tutor?"
"Um... I graduated college with an engineering degree..."
"Go get your masters."
"You really want to teach, don't you?"
"It sounds fun now that you brought it up."
"Well, you'll have to show some proof that you can teach, and then pass an interview, find the right school..."
"Well we can skip all that if it's private right?"
"Not sure how that works."
"Your very own private tutor."
"Okay, you seem very anxious to teach me. Any reason why?"
"Just seemed interesting all of a sudden."
"So, you think you can teach me enough to qualify for a master's eh? We'll have to see about that."
"Who knows, maybe one day you'll be able to build Mega Banpei-kun."
They were going to pay for the purchase when Bell and her mother appeared again, saying, "Well, she was a bit fussy, but all is well. By the way..."
Bell looked down and said, "Mother insists we do not sleep in the same bed until it is official."
She gave Kei the same look Skuld would if it had been her making the request.
She looked at them and then at him before pointing at herself with a ??? look.
"No, no. It wasn't me." she said, waving her hands.
Her mother smiled and said, "Oh, I don't blame you, darling. I know you kept them from consummating things before it was time. What I have requested is they do not even touch each other until the wedding day. Can you help with that?"
Kei turned pale.
"Errh, y-yeah. You can leave it to me."
She kissed her on the top of the head and said, "Now be a good girl for me and listen to Bell, okay? I'll be back in a few days to help decorate the temple."
With that, Gate took her back to Azgard.
"Haai~" she nodded. When she was gone, Skuld turned around to look at them.
"Well, looks like I'm your chaperone."
Belldandy smiled cheerfully while Kei just sighed, exasperated. Bell said, "Worry not, Keiichi. In 10 days, we shall be wed. We can wait until then."
"Too much info!" exclaimed Skuld, waving her hand and going ><!
Keiichi got a smirk and said, "I thought you were a grown woman. What do you think we're going to do when we wed--look at each other's eyes lovingly?"
"There's a limit to what you can say in public." she scolded.
"Things like that happens and stays in the bedroom."
"When you get older, you shall understand," said a smiling Belldandy.
"You two are just off in your own little world." she sighed with a small laugh.
"Well, did you get a dress?" he asked.
"Of course," she said, "But only Skuld gets to see it when she gets home!"
"Hee hee." giggled Skuld as she stuck out a tongue at him behind Belldandy's back.
With that, they were headed back to the temple. Ian and Z were working on homework with Chrono, she serving tea in-between.
"hey guys," said z, "how'd the shopping go?"
"Great, look forward to it during the wedding! Though I was surprised for a Japanese man to pick white, it still looks great anyway!" said Skuld cheerily.
"i prefer black suits myself," said Z,
"Well, you suggested white, and I liked the white tie and tails thing, so we compromised."
"So, what are you two doing?"
"We're doing our studies," said Ian, "We had class today, and we are working our assignments."
"Okay." she grabbed Belldandy's hand.
"Come on, I want to see your wedding dress."
It was similar to her normal goddess outfit, but all white and more billowy yet not gaudy, and her headpiece included a veil.
"Wow, it's so pretty!" she squealed.
"Mother said, that I should wear a dress befitting a goddess, and she would not relent on this."
"It suits you very well onee-sama!" she smiled.
"Mother had very good taste.'
"She said something horrible, though," she said, "I think she wants Keiichi to be bilnded by this dress."
She let out a laugh.
"Why would it?"
"She said she wanted me to pick a dress that would knock his eyes out! How horrible!"
""Geh, I didn't know onee-sama was this behind on the times...."
"Nono, that just means she wants to pick something that will make him so surprised that it's like knocking out his eyes..."
"Well, as long as they stay in his head," she said, "That would be horrible."
"Y-yeah, they stay in his head." she replied with a ^~^'.
A familiar voice came from behind and said, "What your mother means is that she wants you to look so beautiful and excites K1 so much that he'll want to peel you out of that dress the first chance he gets."
Z looked up when he heard the voice.
It was Urd with a sly look on her face.
"hi nee-sama"
"It looks like Bell's mother created a good woody for Keiichi," said Urd. Belldandy didn't know what that was, but Holy Bell popped out for a moment and whispered in her ear. She went back in as Bell said, "Oh...my..." and turned red.
Z chuckled, "belldandy's a bit innocent."
Ian called back and said, "Hey, your studies won't get themselves done, man! We have work tonight!"
Z sighed and went back to his homework
As they worked, Chibi Hild was watching intently. Though she was essentially Hild, Chibi Hild was her own person, and whatever Hild was was amplified by in Chibi Hild, though she held only 1/1000 of the original's power. Hild had some feelings for Kei, but Chibi Hild more so. While Hild was on holiday, she wondered if she could take some time to cause some mischief. She did not recall getting an invitation, though she knew Hild was not going to because she was off on a trip. Bell was going to ask Z about that, but Chibi Hild was not invited. She wanted to show them that the life of the party should not be ignored.
"Ian," said Z, "what was the theorem they used in class?"
He started to go over the theorem while Chibi Hild went over the ways she could cause problems.
Bell had changed back and came out and asked Z, "Should Hild Prime get an invitation? I mean, she is off on her trip, and I wanted to be sure that she was not left out."
Z began to sweat, "well...it would be polite."
"Okay, could you get it to her, then?" handing him the invite.
Chibi Hild thought, "And what am I--chopped liver?"
"what about her avatar?" asked Z
"Oh, I forgot about her," said Belldandy, but Urd said, "Um... Do you think that's wise? I mean, she has tried to steal Kei from you before, and moreover, I think she still wants him."
Z went back to his work, hoping not to be the one who decides if hild is invited.
Ian thought and said, "Better to have the quote, unquote 'enemy' where we can see her, rather than off somewhere planning who knows what."
"That is a good point," said Urd, "Yes, send her one."
"Rats!" she thought, "They know me better than I thought."
"sounds like it will be fun,"
"Well, we can give that to her when we see her tonight," said Ian.
(Auir, no comment about the sex reference Urd made to Bell?)
Z nodded
(I'm not here! >.<)
"Fine but I'll be keeping an eye on her. The same goes for you too, hentai!" she glared at Urd.
"Hentai!" said Urd, "Where do you get off calling me Hentai!"
"Because, you are one. Skimpy clothing, that look, your attraction toward innocent young men." she listed them off from her fingers.
She grabbed her cheeks and said, "...and when you're not so much of a kid anymore, you'll understand why!"
"Hauhh haauhhh huaa ifff!" she cried.
She then stopped and said, "By the way: what WOULD you know about Hentai. Have you been reading it?" smirking and looking at her out of the corner of her eye.
(Hentai means pervert)
(I know, but she was wanting to see just how far this girl's knowledge goes! :smug:)
"Eh? N-no! T-they don't sell those anyway..." she stammered and blushed.
She grinned with narrowed eyes and got right in her face, saying, "Oh, come now... You know you can get them other ways--find them tossed out, borrow, someone leaves them out to be seen. Just what has our little Skuld been up to?"
She stood up in mock gushing, saying, "Oh, our little Skuld is growing up so fast. I wonder just what she's been teaching Sentaro!"
She watched Skuld to see if the boiling point was popping off!
"Hhnnnnnngggg, baakaa!" she yelled and stormed away.
Urd just belly laughed, knowing she had gotten her goat once again. To her, it didn't matter anyway: she had to learn sooner or later. Belldandy said, "She has not really been into--that--has she?"
"Nah," she said, "And even if she was, what does it matter? She'll learn about the adult ways one way or another. Besides, I think she already knows the facts of life, but she is still too innocent to understand the pleasures of it."
"Then, I need to speak to her," she said, "Because, well, it WILL be a fact of life after the wedding."
With that, she went to Skuld's room and knocked.
"Go away!" came the answer.
"It is Belldandy," she said, very gently.
The door slowly slid open.
"What is it onee-sama?"
"Can we talk?" she said, "Let us take a bath. I wish to clean up before I start dinner."
"Yeah, sure." she said as the door slid all the way open.
"I'll get my clothes."
She smiled and went to prepare the bath. She had to, at the least, get her feelings on this.
She arrived in the bathroom a few moments later.
Bell was already washed and getting into the tub.
Skuld blinked in surprise at her quickness but began to wash herself.
She waited until she was done and got into the tub before she spoke to her.
"Soo, what did you want to talk about onee-sama?"
"Well, I was wondering how you felt about everything that has been happening between Keiichi and I?"
(I learned about Japanese bathing habits by watching 'Mr. Baseball.' There was the classic scene of him after his first practice where everyone was sitting on the benches washing, and he just walked in and got right into the tub. Everyone was staring in silence, and his other American teammate said, 'First you wash, THEN you bathe,' and one of his Japanese teammates said in a heavy accent, 'It likeu jerking off befoah sex!'")
(Watching Sgt. Frog right now!)
"Eh? Well, I'm pretty happy for you two." she smiled.
(That is not always necessarily true. Sometimes people will bathe first before washing. When they do, the younger one is always expected to get out with the older one and offer to wash their backs. Afterwards, they go back into the bath.)
"Well, I was wondering if you would be comfortable with the--living arrangements--as well."
(Well, it still go a big laugh from me! It was like his American teammate was trying to get him used to things and he said, "Calm down, Hammer. It's not like you have to teach me how to take a crap or something," as he opened the stall door and saw the squat toilet in the floor. He then said, "Hammer, you have to come and teach me how to take a crap." ROFLMBO!)
"Living arrangements? You're not kicking me out to make room for the baby are you?"
She giggled and said, "No, I mean, are you comfortable with Keiichi and I--knowing--each other in that way. I know mother already taught you the facts of life, but you have always seemed uncomfortable talking about the subject."
"Oh, no no! You don't have to worry about that. I understand. It's people like Urd I can't tolerate."
"Oh, and what is it that you mean?" she asked, knowing letting her get it off her chest would help her have more peace.
"She's just so... Ugh, what's the word? Like she treats it as if it were nothing."
Belldandy smiled and said, "So, you think that something like that is special?"
"Of course! It's sacred."
She hugged her and said, "Oh, it is so good you see it that way. Yet, you must remember, adults are more open about it with other adults, and Urd sees you as one who is close to that point. I am not sure she sees you see it as something normal and healthy--to be sexual, I mean. However, you are an adolescent: the essence of adulthood. There comes a point where grown-up talk becomes a norm, and I know it can be hard to adjust and hear that around you as just normal conversation."
"I-I see..." she nodded.
"However, some people can deal with the subject a bit better, I think," she said, "Some are too casual about it, while some make more ado than needed."
"Urd's waay too casual."
"Urd is very experienced, sadly," she said with slight regret in her voice, "And I am forced to think that, those who lack respect for sex like that are the ones more open in casual speech about it. I think too much experience takes away from it."
"Yes, so that's bad."
"It can be," she said, "But, it also can't be so taboo that you fear it, or avoid what could be very special moments between two people."
"I know onee-sama. But that happens only in the bedroom right?"
"The bedroom, the forest... Anywhere two are alone and feel--that way."
"Th-th-the forest! Outside?!"
"Sure," she said, "If alone. I mean, you should be deep in the forest by yourselves before you do, though. From what I understand, the fresh air feels good. I... have had to observe some behavior like that as a part of the relief office, but what I can tell you is this: what you might see in pornography is not how people truly do that kind of thing. Normally, it is passionate, but slow, loving, subtle..." her eyes now had a far off look, knowing that this was going to be her and Kei, "It's actually rather beautiful, not ugly like some people make in movies."
"O-okay...." she nodded, a little shaken.
"What makes you feel uneasy about that?" she asked, "Love can hit anywhere. Maybe it is their own house, but it is late, the backyard is such that on one can see in, they go for a swim, feel romantic... Or maybe in a hot tub? That can happen. It is actually rather natural."
"N-natural... Hot tub... Awawawa...."
She giggled and said, "What's scary about that? Couples often find ways to make sex interesting. It is more than just, 'Let us join and make a baby,' it is how they grow closer to one another."
"O-okay, I think I get what you're trying to tell me."
"Well, that kind of thing is supposed to be a binding force," she answered, "You see, like Keiichi and I, people build a relationship and not only get to know one another, they also learn how to trust one another. When they come together at last, it is the ultimate way of saying you trust the other, because you telling the other person that you are trusting them with the most sacred possession you have: your own body. You are trusting them they shall not do anything to harm you, and that you are willing to give yourself over fully to the other for their use. That takes a lot of trust, and it builds trust in a marriage. Coming together like that is a reaffirmation of that trust over and over again, and it is sweet."
"And... It will happen to me one day too?"
"Maybe," she said, "That right god comes along and sweeps you off your feet. I think your point of view would change greatly."
"I see..."
"Keep your eye on Sentaro, though," she said, "He seems like a nice boy."
"O-oneesama!" she blushed.
"Aha, I knew you liked him," she teased.
She blushed and sank down into the water to blow bubbles.
She playfully pulled her back up and said, "Oh, that is nothing over which to be ashamed."
"It's just embarrassing. Geez."
Z finished up his essay and began to pack up.
"I would like to know why its embarrassing?"
Jean-Claude then said, "Hmm... She's been in that bath for a bit."
Chrono then said, "I know, I can at least start it for her."
Z got up, "I'd better be off, I have some adjustments to the VR I need to make,"
"Onee-sama!" she protested, flustered.
"We are girls here, and we can be open and honest with one another. You do not have to make it dirty, but I would like you to talk about your feelings on this. It is clear by your squirming that you do like Sentaro more than a friend. What makes him stand out?"
"I don't know, he... Plays with me I guess."
"Well, does he do things that you like? Does he say things in ways that others do not, and make you want to be around him?"
"Yeah, he's really sweet and kind." she blushed.
She pulled her close as a mother would her daughter and reclined, saying, "Then, that is love. You have interests that match, you both like doing them, but he says things in ways that want to make you be with him, and go out of your way for him. You love Sentaro, and there is nothing at all to be ashamed of. I know it seems like you are just friends, and that is fine, because some of the best loves in history started as friendship. Give it time, and you might like where it goes."
"Okay onee-sama..." she smiled, hugging Belldandy's arms.
She sniffed and said, "Well, it seems someone has started cooking without me. Come one, let us go help."
"Hai, onee-sama." she got out and began to dress.
She arrived into the kitchen surprised to see Chrono cooking, saying, "You're not the only one who can cook!"
"The food's not going to come alive and try to eat me right?" said Skuld.
Chrono got huffy and said, "That's not nice. I'm actually a good cook!"
"We'll let tonight be the moment of judging."
"Oh now Skuld," Belldandy mildly scolded, "I am just thankful she wanted to help."
She put on her apron and looked at where Chrono was and started to help her out.
Z arrived back at the arcade and went to cook himself some dinner.
Ian arrived with the invitation. Chibi Hild took it with mild irritation, knowing she had been thwared...for now...
"so, what will you wear?" Z asked Chibi-Hild?
Skuld grabbed an apron too and began to help Belldandy.
"not a thing if I have my way," she said, steam pouring out of her ears.
Bell said, "My, you have improved since I was last home."
"You can do much when you have the right motivation," answered Chrono, thinking lovingly of Ian, adding a sigh.
Z shuddered, "can you not put those images in my head, I mean you're my mom! I'm not into incest!"
"I just... How can we sit by and allow this? I mean, they passed Judgment Gate, but, how wrong can this be?"
"I honestly don't know," said Z, "the situation is precarious."
"Yes," she answered, "A goddess being with a human, and now marrying one? Unprecedented..."
"it is new to me," said Z
(isn't Ian there too?)
(He's in a different area.)
"Well, sorry to say, you are the result of a fling," she said, "I mean, I wanted you to be here, but I didn't want the hang up of a marriage, especially with an ephemeral human."
"I see" said Z, a tad insulted.
"Well don't look so offended, darling," she said, "After all, they only live but a speck of time, and you and I live forever."
"true," said Z, "so do demigods live as long?"
"You're immortal."
(Z was inquiring if Ian would be immortal too.)
"...as is Ian."
"I wonder what Megumi would make of that?" mused Z, "She's in love with a man who will outlive her."
"Which is why I think Chrono and he would be a better match."
"I wonder how she'll react to finding out that she never had a chance of beating her?" asked Z.
(hint hint)
"Well, now that she knows about us, we can go back to work. The star of misfortune over her was such that I planned to have her be an old maid all her life."
Z nodded, "misfortune must run in the family."
"One of them was robbed from us, so, we have to fill in the gap."
"I see," said Z, "so what's your plan,"
"Do all we can to encourage the relationship between Chrono and Ian."
"Hmmm, that might lead to Megumi finding happyness with someone else," said Z, "why not try and have her keep being in love with Ian so she pursues him to the end even if it is meaningless?"
"That might work, though that is a risk. Belldandy might catch on."
"then we should make sure to occupy her,"
"That won't be easy. She may seem naive, but she's got eyes in the back of her head."
"plus she has enough power to beat down all your forces,"
"Only if she unseals, and only if she is given permission."
"and she just might unseal to fight us. especially if we target her sister in law."
"But that would be a win for us as well," she said, "If that were to happen, she would be stripped of all her powers, left without them for centuries, or even turned mortal."
"so what do you think we should do?"
"Foster the relationship between Chrono and Ian, of course."
"you're the boss," said Z
Ian came back and said, "Well, I just checked the machines, and they are loaded with coins! I never thought this kind of acrade could be popular again!"
"we do have a lot of unique games," said Z
She eyed him and said, "Ian, darling: what do you think of Chrono-Chan."
"She's a nice kid," he said, "A bit misguided, but nice."
"I think she really likes you," said Z, "you should feel lucky,"
"Well, that's cool," he said, "I'm not used to that, but, she's trying too hard, and Megumi doesn't seem to try enough."
"well she is young and inexperienced, somewhat." said Z, "I doubt she's had a boyfriend before."
"I've never had a girlfriend," he answered.
"Oh, come now!" said Chibi-Hild, "A big strong boy like you with no girlfriend?"
"Long story," he mumbled.
"we have time," said Z
"You really want to hear about the teasing and torment I went through as a kid? Not the most edifying subject..."
"try being tormented by demons. It's a lot worse."
"Literal or figurative, what's the difference?"
"they use their powers to torment the half breed that doesn't think like a true demon," said Z
"They use their mouths to constantly torment the kid that always seems to be different, nice, outgoing, a good study, of which they are jealous. The tongue can cut as deeply as a sword."
"that may be," said Z, "but the sword still hurts,"
"Physical pain goes away, but mental pain can last long after the cut."
"who said it was just physical pain," mumbled Z
"Look, I'm not going to sit here and judge who had it worse!" he grumbled, "That's not worth it! But if you want the whole story..."
"not really," said Z, "it's not important."
Chibi-Hild was loving this: getting him emotional and then open to suggestion. She then said, "Yes, it is hard when people treat you like that to get anyone to love you, poor thing."
Z nodded.
"But now all that is changed. What you are has come out all the way, and now two women vie for your hand. The question is, are you going to ignore it or are you going to pursue what is right in front of you?"
Z also wanted an answer
"I...don't know, I..." he rubbed the back of his neck, "Look, I have to worry about my studies. Getting a doctorate one day is going to take much of my focus. I don't know if getting into a relationship right now is wise."
"when something's important, you make the time," said Z
"But, what I am saying is, I don't know if it is important right now," he said, "I have to keep priorities straight."
Z nodded
"Therefore, they have to remain friends until I am sure that a relationship wouldn't get in the way," he concluded.
"All work and no play makes Jackie a dull boy," said Chibi-Hild.
"All sunshine makes a desert, so the Arabs say," responded Ian.
Z sighed
"You sure are a man of convictions," said Chibi-Hild, walking away but taking Z by the arm and leading him out.
"what is it?" Z asked when they were out of earshot
"This is going to be harder than I thought. We have to give him some reason or motivation."
Z shrugged, "I've never been in a relationship so I have no ideas."
She rolled her eyes and said, "So old and both so naive."
"I'm only 18," protested Z
"No better time to start."
"who would date a half demon like me?"
"Don't tell them, dummy!" she said with a light slap to the back of his head.
"It always comes up eventually," said Z
"Lie to them," she said, "You're half demon. What stops you?"
"Part of it is that the girls that hung out with me, for a while, were pure demons," Z shrugged.
"There has to be SOME cute demon that would not dislike you for your heritage, especially when they know who your mother is."
"If there is I haven't met her yet," said Z
"Hmm... Gonna have to talk to some of them."
"...why" asked Z suspiciously
"That they would snub my son? That's insulting to me."
"I'm going to get to work," said Z
She let him go, wondering what was wrong with the youth today.
Before long, dinner was ready, and it was small, seeing it would be just the Norns, K1, and Chrono.
Z was at his desk thinking about what hild said
(Next day?)
(sure, I was also thinking of making an OC love interest for Z)
(Now that could help. About the time for a story transformation.)
A girl with long purple hair walked into the arcade and looked for Hild
Chibi-Hild was in her office, more trying to scheme how to stir up a good love triangle than anything else.
The girl walked in, "Lady Hild, are you in?"
"Sort of," she said, writing flow charts and not looking up.
"I was in the neighborhood and wondered if I could bunk here? I can work,"
"Tell me," she asked, "What is your license and class now?"
"first class unlimited,"
A smirk curled her lip and said, "Ah, so you have authority to be out. So, why have you come? Is there a special mischief request you have?"
"I hear that one of our prime subjects has been lost," she said
"To which do you refer?" she asked.
"the young man that now lives with the norns."
"Yes, that is true. The Goddess Relief Office stepped in, but he made a wish no one would have expected, and it was honored."
Kara sighed, "so can I bunk here in exchange for helping your plans?"
"Plans for what?" she asked, not sure where this was going.
"You must have some plan to raise our shares," she said
"Oh yes," she said, "But not with Kei. We've written him off."
"understandable," said Kara, "so how can I help?"
"I'm not sure," she said, "Right now, it focuses on his sister: Megumi."
"I'm interested," said Kara, "what's her deal? She in love with a man she can never have?"
"More like she has always been unlucky in love," she answered, "Because she is the cycle queen of Nakomi Tech, boys are intimidated by her. They won't date her, though they would rather be her buddy. Ian has shown a bit of interest, and she in him, but they are taking it slow. Now, add to the mix a goddess, and a low-ranking valkyrie at that. She worships the ground he walks on, and he's interested, but wished she wouldn't try so hard. That makes for some interesting situations, don't you think?"
"I would love to help," said Kara.
(what day is it?)
(Wednesday.)
"But, how would you?" she asked, "Are you saying you would try to be a third option in the mix?"
"I have my psychic powers and can make some...suggestions," said Kara
Z then walked in, "I'm headin...K-Kara?"
"Kazi?" said Kara in surprise.
Chibi-Hild raised an eyebrow to the sight, thinking, "Well this is interesting!"
Kara then blasted Z with a lightning bolt sending him into a wall, "YOU LEAVE OUT OF THE BLUE AND DON'T SAY GOODBYE! NOW I FIND YOU HERE AND YOU NEVER BOTHERED TO TELL ME?!"
"I was exiled," said Z, "I didn't mean to hurt you. I still have feelings for you!"
"Baka," she said with a blush
They both froze as stiff as statues as Chibi-Hild said, "Children, I shall not have you tearing apart this arcade."
"S-sorry mom," said Z
"Sorry milady," said Kara.
She floated them over to two chairs, sat them, and then released them, saying, "Want to tell me what's going on?"
"We were in a relationship," said Z meekly.
(I can't post on Fanfiction!)
(Nor can I.)
"Oh?" she said, "And I thought no one would speak to you."
"...forgot?" said Z causing Kara to glare at him.
"So, you lied about her?"
"No, I really forgot," protested Z, "a lot has been happening lately."
"You don't just forget a love affair!"
(Yin can post for some reason, but we cannot!)
"It wasn't really an affair," blushed Z, "we were just really close friends."
She looked at her and said, "Is that how YOU saw it?"
Kara blushed but remained silent.
"I didn't lie," said Z, "I did think she disliked me due to my ideals at the time,"
"Oh, was that when you were confused by your human half about what you should be doing?"
"Yeah," said Z, "when I disliked causing misfortune."
"I never cared about that," said Kara, "you were still you, and I liked that,"
"See, there WAS someone that liked you!"
"I guess you're right," said Z.
"Well, then, I assign you two to work together on our latest project: Operation Love Triangle."
"which is?" asked Z
"Cause Ian to fall for Chrono, and break Megumi's heart."
"I can deal with that," said Z.
(At night? Man, you have trouble keeping up with the clock! LOL!)
(edited)
"So where can I stay?" asked Kara.
"There are extra beds in the basement with Mara's intelligent rats."
"You're staying here?" asked Z in surprise.
"of course" said Kara causing Z to blush scarlet
"Like I said, that's where the beds are. Just speak to the rats. They'll help you."
Kara nodded and walked off.
Mara was getting ready for bed herself after a hard day at work.
Kara walked in, "Hello."
"Oh, are you new help?" she asked, not maliciously, but not having seen her before.
"you could say that," said Kara, "I am Kara, demon first class, unlimited license"
"Mara... same thing."
"I'm going to be living here for a while,"
"Really? What's your mission, then?"
"I'm going to help one of Lady Hild's plans alongside Kazi," said Kara
"Really? This must be something new. I haven't heard this one."
"she calls it operation love triangle," said Kara.
"Oh? So, who is she throwing at Keiichi?" misunderstanding the intent.
"She said she was giving up on Keiichi," said Kara, "the target is his sister."
"ooh...nasty!"
"what do you expect from lady hild?"
"Well, welcome to the team!" she said, "Boys, prepare a bed!"
"On it!" the rats shouted, and started to prepare a bed.
"I might have to enrol at nekomi tech," mused Kara
"What will be your study?"
"automotive," she smirked
"Hmm... If it's automotive, you'll definitely get close to Megumi."
"exactly," said Kara.
"So, what does Lady Hild have planned."
"play matchmaker for Ian and chrono and break megimi's heart,"
"Yes... Even better! Anything to put a bad shadow on the 'happy couple' of Belldandy and Keiichi!"
"so what do you do around here?"
"Well, I help Lady Hild cause problems for people wherever I can. I'm her right hand!"
(As they sang in the Boxer: lie la lie, lie la lie lie lie lie lie, lie la lie!)
"I think I'll get a job here,"
"Well, you can work here, or, you can work where I work. I'm manager there."
"I think I'll apply at your place"
"Good," she said, "It's sad to admit that Belldandy got me the job, but it has worked out. You should see the misery I can cause: sorry, sir, we're out of aspirin. I know you need milk, but the truck won't be in until tomorrow morning."
Kara laughed, "you and I will get along fine. So what can you tell me about Kazi?"
"Oh, a confused kid! He wasn't sure what way to go, but he's starting to see the darkness now. He's come over to our side completely!"
"it's good that he found his way,"
"What's so great is he has the complete trust of those at the temple!"
"really now?" said Kara in surprise
"Yes," she said, "This was when he was still trying to get his head on straight, and he was befriended by them. That was when he met the demigod."
"I see, he get's more interesting every year."
"Well, I'm going to get some rest. I have to open the shop tomorrow. After you register for classes, come by and I'll get you in."
She nodded.
(TS?)
(Yes.)
It was just before sunrise, and Ian was starting to get used to the early training sessions, but this time, he awoke to the smell of a good breakfast and coffee in his kitchenette. He staggered out in his robe to find that Chrono was fixing his breakfast, saying, "I knew you would be up for Lind, and since I was training with her as well, I thought I'd get your breakfast going."
Her grin was pleasant enough, and he seemed happy that she didn't seem to be as aggressive as she was normally. He smiled and said, "Well, I would say this is a pleasant way to wake up. Thank you."
Z was getting up and making a simple breakfast of eggs and sausage for himself before he went to meet Ian to go to school. For some reason, he didn't feel that bad about hurting Megumi to cause misfortune. He dismissed it and added some dill weed to his eggs.
(Thursday...no class for Ian. Maybe for Z, depending on his schedule.)
"I figured you would do better with some more energy," she said, "Considering the amount of time that you would have today to learn stuff, you'd need a good feed."
Indeed, she was right, as he did feel more awake and ready to face the day. As he finished, a simple spell caused all the dishes to be cleaned and racked, and he went out just in time to meet Lind.
(Z would have class)
Z finished cooking and began to eat. Unknown to him, Kara was enrolling at his school at that very moment as a transfer student.
(what happened to Malek and Debrek?)
(I don't know. Considering that Katz ran them, we have to assume they went their way, as Malek and Hild are on holiday.)
(ok)
Z finished up and rushed to catch the bus to Nekomi Tech.
The thunder of a motorcycle heading that direction was heard coming.
Z turned when he heard the sound
Megumi could be seen rocketing to her classes as she shot past the bus.
Z smirked as he pulled out the story he was working on and continued to write it.
Megumi arrived and prepared for class. There was the normal greetings and hellos, but, as usual, nothing greater than buddy level.
Z got off the bus and headed to his first class, which he happened to have with megumi.
"Oh, Hi Z," she said, all happy, "See you didn't go to the temple either."
"I had no reason to today," said Z, "I wasn't meeting Ian and I'm not going to hang around when I need to get to class."
"Oh, well, I just don't all the time either. I figure I need to give them a break sometimes. Besides, when they do get married in about a week and a half, they're going to want their privacy."
Z nodded, "so how's Ian?"
"Well, not really sure," she said, "Haven't seen him in a few, so, not sure. Is that Chrono chick still there?"
"Probably," said Z, "she is helping protect them as a trained Valkyrie"
"Don't see why," she said, "Now that I know what I know, you have three goddesses there, a demigod, and a kick-butt robot. What else do they need?"
"Well considering what the demons have achieved in the past with all of them there, a Valkyrie guard wouldn't hurt,"
"Well, I suppose..." she said, but then said, "But, the way she's going, if she keeps pushing the way she is, she'll push Ian right out of the picture."
Z nodded as the bell rang and class started
(gtg bbl)
Megumi got out her notebook and got ready.
"Class," said the teacher, "we have a new Transfer student joining us today,"
"This is interesting," said Megumi, "She has to be a senior, since this is a senior class."
The door opened and Kara walked in, causing Z's jaw to drop and his eyes to bug out.
"Hello, I'm Kara Hellen. Nice to meet all of you."
Megumi gave a friendly wave.
"I should have expected this," sighed Z
All the boys were staring at her with grins.
Kara walked over to where Z was sitting and took the seat next to him.
All the boys began to mutter how lucky he was.
Z sighed, he hoped the male population of the school wouldn't try to kill him. A lot of unexplained deaths would be strange.
"Right, then," he said, "Let us continue from yesterday's lecture about bore and stroke potential...bla,bla,bla..."
(ts to lunch?)
(Sure.)
Megumi pulled out her bento as she sat on the tables and benches that were put outside the vending machines.
"so you enrolled here?" z asked Kara as he ate a bowl of curry.
"yup"
(Megumi sat on her own. Did they join her?)
(yeah)
"Oh, hi you two! You act like you know each other."
"we're old friends," said Z
"I would say more than friends," said Kara
She looked back and forth at them, smirked her famous smirk, and she said, "Oh, old broken up lovers that decided to stay good friends?"
"who said we broke up?" asked Z
"Oh?" she said, looking over at her.
"things happened and we separated for a while," said Kara
"Well, that's good to see you two back together."
"I never caught your name," said Kara
"Oh, Hi... I'm Morisato Megumi," using the Japanese tradition of surname first.
"it's nice to meet you," said Kara
Meanwhile, more of the boys were moving closer to get a good look at her and maybe even meet her, and Megumi mused how this was an issue for Belldandy and K1 at first.
Kara noticed this and leaned against Z. She figured a few heartbreaks would add to the shares nicely
There were looks of disappointment and grief, as well as anger. It was like getting a dollar from each one, but it was adding up.
"so what do you know about your brother's friends?" asked Kara
She looked at Z, not knowing how much she knew.
"Kara knows about heaven and hell," said Z
"Well, I know my brother loves a goddess and her sisters live with them. They're actually getting married in 10 days!"
"that sounds great," said Kara.
"Yeah, well, now it seems there is a long-lost half brother living in the guesthouse with them, and there is some, valkee, val... whatever you call her, living there as well."
"there used to be two half brothers living with them," commented Z
"Who is that?" she asked, not realizing this was Z, because he and Urd were related.
"me," said Z
"You're related to Bell and Skuld?"
"No. I'm related to Urd." said Z
"Then, you're not half brother to him at all."
"I never said I was," said Z
"You said two half brothers. I thought you referred to Bell."
"I meant two half brothers off the residents."
"Oh, 'kay. So, that means you moved out. Why?"
"I decided that a demon has no place living with goddesses."
"You... Your demons?" she said, still not certain how to take that concept.
"half." said Z, "I thought I told you that?"
"No, I mean you and her," pointing.
"I'm a full demon," said KAra
"I still don't like the concept," she said, "Especially when the people who suffer from you is us."
"I told you, it's about balance." said Z
"Yeah, but no one likes to suffer, and it's made worse when you actually meet the source of suffering!"
"I'll leave the philosophical debate to Ian," sighed Z
"So, how do you plan on hurting me, since you're both talking to me," she said, frowning.
"Is it too hard to believe that we want to be your friend?" asked Z
"You're demons!" she said, "That means you always have ulterior motives to help you and hurt us."
"that really hurts," said Z, "you weren't this mean before K1 told you everything."
"That's cause I didn't know what you were, and besides, you're going to tell me what I said isn't true?"
(Remember: she's a clever girl.)
"It isn't," said z
"Okay, let's try this again. You are a demon, and...sort of one. Your main goal in life is causing as much misery for us as possible. Despite that, you want to be friends? Something isn't clicking here."
"I'm half human and attending a human college. I would like to have some friends to hang out with."
"Well, it makes it hard when you would wish ill for me in the long run," looking at the both of them.
"we don't wish ill on anyone," said Kara.
"We consider causing misery ill will. There was a word Ian used--schadenfreude."
Z sighed and got up, "this is getting tedious. If you want to hate us for being what we are then do so."
With that he and Kara left.
"Wait, no, I'm trying to understand...ugh!"
Z got his books together and headed to class.
(She WAS trying to understand. Remember: humans are going to mistrust demons because of their purpose, no matter how nice they are, because they would suspect a double-cross at every turn.)
(I understand, but she was saying some hurtful things and judging them just because they're demons. She knows Z and knows that he can be a very nice guy.)
(She's human and all humans have been told Demons, bad, Angels good. Because of that, his good nature has been misinterpreted, and if he really wants her friendship, he's going to have to prove to her that everything she knows is wrong. This is going to be interesting considering what Chibi Hild wants him to do concerning her.)
(Z will follow orders, but he does want her to understand his position,)
(Then you have some work to do!)
(yeah)
Z split up from Kara and went to his english class
The more Megumi thought about it, the less she liked. She just KNEW they were trying to set her up for something. Why else be nice to creatures you are seeking to hurt?
Kara opened the door to the room Megumi was in.
(Still in school...)
It was a class on quadratic equations.
(wouldn't the teacher introduce the new student?)
Soon, she was introduced, though many of the people there had many of the same classes as she.
Kara took a seat and began to take notes.
Megumi gave her a sidewards glance and concentrated on class.
Kara subtly used her psychic powers to make Megumi a little more open minded towards demons. She made sure Megumi was none the wiser though.
(Not sure how to act that she is being manipulated.)
(she'll just be more friendly to them and not judge them just because they are demons.)
For some reason, she felt wrong about what she had said earlier.
Kara smiled and continued to take notes
(TS?)
(sure)
After Class, Megumi was packing the bike and getting ready to head over to the temple to see how things were there.
(is the temple close to the arcade?)
(Yes.)
Z walked up to megumi, "can I get a ride?"
"Sure," she said, all friendly, "Hop on!"
Z hopped on the bike and held on.
With that, she tore off down the road, proving why she was the cycle queen.
Z held on as they zoomed off. He may not die from an accident, but it would still hurt.
She was cutting tight turns and zipping in and out of traffic.
Z was a bit nervous about the ride and was holding on for dear life.
"Where did you want to go?" she shouted over the wind.
"drop me at the temple and I'll walk home," said Z
"Sounds Good!"
(Nite.)
Z then closed his eyes. the bike was making him remember the time he rode Hild's broom and ended up in a small crater very very sore..
Megumi pulled onto the grounds and parked her bike next to Kei's and hopped off as if the incident at lunch never happened.
Z thanked her and began to walk to the aarcade
"You take care of yourself," she said with a smile, "And sorry about the mistrust thing. You're only doing your jobs after all."
"don't worry about it," said Z, "tell Ian I said hi."
"Sure will," she said, heading to the main house. About that time a bedraggled Ian came up to meet him and said, "Lind almost killed me today with training!"
"you're the one who wanted training from the top valkyrie," shrugged Z, "she even gives mom a hard time."
"We've been moving on to offense, but to do that, I have to find that to which I have a knack. I've had a hard time isolating that, and that's what wore me out."
"what do you mean to which?" asked Z
"I'm trying to learn offensive spells, but in order to do that, I have to know in what I am naturally slated as a demigod. Bell is wind, Urd is electricity, Skuld is a technomage, get what I'm saying?"
Z nodded, "I specialize in illusions and have fire/electric abilities, though I found that out at a young age."
"See?" he said, "So we tried a bunch of different things but nothing seems to isolate what my gift is."
"did you try soul delving?" asked Z
"She said that was out of my league right now."
"I know something similar that might work," said Z, "but you'll owe me."
"What are you talking about?"
"I can use my illusions to send you into your psyche to find your specialty, but as a cambion, I am required to take a price."
"*sigh* what's the price?"
Z handed him the calculations for a complex spell array, "I need one drawn for me to copy onto the VR."
"I don't understand. What would you want me to do?"
"I just want you to have skuld make a magic array for my machine in exchange for this procedure."
"Doesn't seem too bad, but isn't the cost of someone like you more beneficial to you and a touch of a detriment to me? Isn't that how it normally works?"
"I believe in equivalent exchange," said Z
"Is that because you have a human side as I?"
"probably," said Z, "I dont like to cheat people, but I will ask for payment,"
"Well, Megumi needs to be careful," he answered, "Not all demons are bad, but she still needs to stay on her toes. Some demon who is not so kind may take advantage of her trust."
"true," said Z, "so how are things with the two of you?"
"It's there," he said, "I mean, she's a blue collar girl, so we relate. I come from a blue collar town, if you know what I mean by that term."
"I do," said Z, "what about you and chrono?"
"She's a nice kid, but tries too hard. She doesn't know that she's not really being herself. If I could see the true her, maybe..."
Z nodds, "I see. so shall we start?"
"We have to get Skuld's approval first. She may not want to make that machine, though, she is supposed to be working with us at the arcade for a week to make up for her naughty."
(I'll get Auir.)
"It's not a machine," said Z, "just a complex spell array that I don't have the ability to draw myself."
"yes, but, since she'd be the one doing it, I can't force her."
Z nodded.
(Waiting on Auir.)
Skuld sneezed.
"Ugg, is someone talking about me?" she wondered.
Bell gave her a bento and said, "Do you not have somewhere to go?"
"Yeah, on my way. Thanks, see you!" said Skuld, giving her a quick peck on the cheeks before heading out.
Ian said, "Hey, kiddo? Ready for another day?"
"Mmhmm!" nodded Skuld.
"Just in time," said Z, "we need your help."
"What is it?" she asked.
"I need a spell insignia drawn using the precise calculations on the paper ian's holding in exchange for helping Ian in his training."
"You need a spell insignia drawn... On where?"
"On the VR illusion core," said Z, "it's to serve as mortality fail safes to ensure that people who use it wont die if they die inside or if the machine shuts down while they are using it,"
"Alright, it'll be a good chance to practice my magic..." she said.
"great," said Z, "so shall we begin Ian?"
"Can we do this after work?" he said, "Won't it take some time?"
"actually it will take about a minute,"
"Okay, I'll give it a go."
(Bedtime, folks. Catch you tomorrow.)
"just sit comfortably and look into my eyes," said Z as he sat down.
She went over to the VR machine and began to work on it.
With caution, he did as Z asked.
he then found himself in a vast void.
"this is your inner soul," said Z's voice, "you must focus on finding your power within here."
He concentrated, looked, and he described what he was seeing, "I see the Earth. Now I zoom in. I see things going from solid to liquid to gas. I see simple elements jumping the table and becoming others."
"Sounds like mater manipulation," said Z
(As in "Tow" Mater...lol!)
"Matter, manip...what is that?" he said, coming to.
"You can control matter and change it's forms," said Z, "I assume you know what Matter is?"
"Done!" said Skuld from under the machine.
"That's a stupid question," he said, looking at Skuld and saw the tool in her hand. He saw it and tried to move the molecules faster in it, thus heating it up.
Z got up and stretched.
"Ow!" Skuld dropped the tool and immediately grabbed her earlobe.
"Hey," said Ian, "It worked! Hey Skuld, I think I just discovered my gift!"
She crumbled up a nearby piece of paper and threw it at him.
He used his shield spell to deflect it and then slowed the molecules in it as much as he could. It shattered when it hit the ground. "Wow, this is so neat!"
"it seems you control the physical while I control the imaginary," said Z
"I just wonder how far I can take it!"
"not here," said Z, "I live upstairs."
"No," he said, "I mean, can I take things to Absolute Zero? Can I bring it to the fourth state of matter--Plasma?"
"like I said, test it out, but away from here." said Z
"What do you fear happening?"
"this building getting destroyed when you do something like creating plasma indoors."
He sighed and said, "Skuld, what could be the danger?"
"Given the proper containment spells, nothing." said Skuld, giving a little smirk towards Z when Ian wasn't looking.
"Well, what would happen if I tried just one drop of water into plasma?"
"It would explode."
Looking at her, he said, "Could you contain it?"
"Yeah, I guess I could try."
He went to the water fountain and got a drop of water. He placed it on the concrete floor and started to concentrate. It quickly boiled and turned to steam.
"Okay, now try it again with more. You only turned it into gas."
He put enough down to make some steam plasma and went for it.
The drop of water went out in a spark of light and heat.
"Whoa! I've never seen water burn!"
"Too much energy. It's the same end for anything in plasma state."
He got quiet and said, "That's... that's a lot of power."
"Is... Something the matter?" she frowned.
"I just thought about all I could do, and what could happen if it ever got out of control."
"Oh, well that's why you're practicing now right? So you won't get out of control." she smiled.
"Well, that's true, but, I wonder if I've been shown too much too soon, like a Jedi shown stuff he's not ready to see yet."
"I guess it might be a little too much. But that depends on your teacher over there."
"at least do it outside," sighed Z, "I don't want any accidents."
"I think I need to stop messing with it for now," he said, "I don't know much of how to control it yet."
"it will take some time," said Z, "It took me a few years to master my powers, and that's not including the elemental magic."
"Come to think of it, mine is a bit elemental, because I saw something about shifting simple atoms up or down the periodic table."
"when I say elemental, I mean powers over earth, fire, wind, or water."
"When I say elemental, I mean just that--the real elements--all 118 of them."
Z nodded, "I'm just saying that all goddesses and Demons can manipulate an element. In some cases, like Lind-sama, some manipulate two to create a new one."
"Looks like my element control is quite literally that! However, I wouldn't dare try to convert Uranium to Plutonium. The results might be a bit explosive, or Hydrogen to Helium!"
Z nodded, "mom's going to flip when she learns about your power," said Z
(what time is it in the RP?)
(Late afternoon.)
"Why would she be upset?"
"just that you're a VERY powerful Demigod that's not on her side."
"You may say that, but...." he thought about it, and then he said, "My strength has been gaining day by day. At this rate..."
And he used something like this as an explanation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rduneqAB2w
(I remember that scene)
Z nodded, "which is why we wear seals to make us semi human."
"Well, even semi-human, I am becoming several times stronger than the average person. I'm becoming Captain Marvel."
(Bedtime. See you later on.)
"comes with having a divine/demon parent," said Z
He nodded and went to work, thinking about what he said.
Z went to his post and sent an avatar to man the VR machine for customers.
(Next morning?)
(how about evening first. I was thinking of Ian meeting Z's 'girlfriend'.)
(Oh, okay. We'll get Auir in on this. Skuld hasn't met her.)
Ian went about his business systematically, slowly coming to grips with it, but still lost a touch in his thoughts.
The door of the arcade opened and Kara walked in, "hello," she said cheerfully.
Jean-Claude was tending to putting a bag in a trash can and greeted her.
(wouldn't he notice her demon marks on her face?)
(he notices the marks but not what they mean. He doesn't know the difference between the two yet.)
"Is Kazi around?" she asked
"Sure, he's maintaining the machines over there with that black haired girl."
"so who are you?"
"Oh, sorry," he said, "My name's Ian."
(He also has marks: triangles on the cheeks and a tapered "t" on his forehead.)
(Z's seals cause his to be hidden.)
"nice to meet you," she said, "so you're a demigod?"
"Well, that was pretty straight," he said, "I am always surprised how open you all are about this. Yes, I am."
"why are you surprised?" asked kara
"I'm still not used to this," he said, "I figured that people wouldn't be comfortable with such openness. I mean, I tell you, humans don't like knowing that, walking among them are people who are more powerful than them and control their lives.
"I don't see a reason to hide who I am."
"Well, I just mentioned why..."
"and I don't see why I should hide what I am because humans are scared,"
"Yeah," he said, "And they'd haul me off to the funny farm if I started making certain statements, albeit true ones."
"then bust out,"
"That's not the point. I want to be able to function in society."
"people will notice that you don't age,"
"You mean, I'm immortal? No one mentioned that yet."
"you may be a demigod, but you will age like a god,"
"Man, double-whammy today," referencing how he got is gift figured out, and then to hear that.
Kara shrugged and went to his room
He went over to Z and asked, "Whe was that?"
"That was Kara," said Z, "she's an old friend that is staying here and working for Mara at the store."
"She finds it strange that I would want to conceal the other half of myself.
"She's a demon so she cares less of how humans view her," said Z.
"No offense," said Jean-Claude, "But sometimes, your deals, no matter how good they are, seem to have those strings attached to them. I mean, you didn't demand much of me, but the consequences of me knowing has me access of things to which maybe I should not have known yet."
"I can assure you, my deals aren't filled with hidden motives." said Z, "and it's better to know early and begin training to be ready later."
"I didn't say they were," he said, "But the nature of what is offered doesn't come with a description of the possible outcome of what happens when you get what you want."
"the future isn't set in stone, so how can we tell people exactly what to expect when they choose to make bargans?"
"Certainly, even granting people what they want can bring misery."
"and giving people what they want is the job of goddesses and demons. we just get different things from the deals."
"But so do they."
"what do you mean?" asked Z
"From what I can gather, goddesses give them what they wish for, demons give them what they thought they wanted."
"We give people what they ask for. if someone asks for something, they get it. we just don't mention what could happen if they get it."
"And that's how you cause misery," he said, "And dare I say, it is instinctive."
"I'll take that as a compliment," said Z.
He sighed and said, "Sadly, you may make more enemies than friends over time, depending on what you do."
"I'll deal with that when the time comes," said z
"What amazes me was Megumi," he said, "At first, he thought not so good about demons, but suddenly, she turned around and is all cool with you guys. What happened?"
"We discussed things with her and she began to see the importance of the balance between good and evil," said Z
(Liar, liar, pants on fire!)
"Really? Must have been some kind of talk!"
(Z's not going to say the real reason :P)
Z nodded, "I think you're rubbing off on me."
He shrugged and smiled.
"looks like your shift is almost over," said Z, "please give everyone my best when you see them."
He gathered his things and said, "I will."
"oh and give this to Urd-nee-sama," said Z handing a small bottle to Ian
He didn't open the bag. He just said, "Okay," and put it with his things.
"thanks," said Z
With that, he was on his way back.
(TS, but to what?)
(Next Day?)
(Early morning training before class.)
The next day, as usual, Chrono had breakfast ready, and it was certain an attempt to get him used to the sight. She indeed was going to take it slow.
Z stopped by the Temple to see if he could participate in training. Malek, Hild-Prime, and Debrek were busy, and Chibi-Hild said it was ok.
By this point, Lind had already arrived, and she thundered, "HE DID WHAT!"
Z winced
"It wasn't like he asked me to slay my first-born!"
"That's not the point!" she snapped, "No matter the small price, with them, there is always strings attached! Even if you were ready to know your gift, it is too soon for you to be messing with it! I would have rathered you learned in a far more controlled environment. *sigh* This is why it is dangerous to cut deals with demons. It is their nature to cause mischief, even if good intentions are meant! They are always loose with rules and feel they can do what they want when they want, and though he meant no harm, because it is his nature not to see the long road of action because of how they are, there is always strings attached. If it was a malicious demon, it is 100 times worse. I am warning you now, you have to remember: we can be friendly with them, but they are indeed the enemy, always! They always seek to cause trouble for heaven whether they like it or not!"
"maybe it was a bad Idea to come here," sighed Z
"He's a friend," he protested, "One of the few I ever had..."
"He is half demon!" she said, "Demons always try to paint a good picture of themselves, but ultimately, they always think for themselves, and how they can gain from anything. You can't completely trust them, period!"
"Z was starting to get offended by this.
"I have no choice," she said, "I'm going to have to lock off your memory of your gifts until you are ready to handle them."
(Cue Z)
"am I interrupting?" Z asked as he walked in with a miffed look on his face.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" she yelled, "What in the world were you thinking? He's just barely learned anything about this world. What you did... That's like leaving a three year-old child with a pistol unsupervised, with his friends!"
"sorry?" said Z
"Leave my charges alone!" she said, "You are not to teach magic, cut deals, or do anything that might tie him into the demon realm, got it? Ever since Hild's first play on him to turn him, I've been leery of your side! I am sure she hasn't given up on that!"
"Fine," said Z, "next time I want to help, I won't,"
Lind was taking a protective stance is is wont for Valkyrie to do. Being a Valkyrie, she had little trust for demons from the start, and she was given charge by Tyr/Odin himself to watch over the boy--something she was not going to take lightly.
(You understand the bias he's going to have to face, right. It's just in the nature of what he is, and the bad rep too many demons had given their kind.)
(I know.)
Z backed up a bit, he might be able to take chrono if he tried and was unsealed, but One winged Lind of the fighting wings woould win without breaking a sweat
"Keep your friendship human!" she commanded, "Stop taking advantage of what he doesn't know, like you know it."
Z's expression turned cold, "fine then, but if you ever need help, don't ask."
(That's not what she meant. She meant keep it on the human sides of the two.)
(Edited)
"Never would think it," said Lind, who then turned to Jean-Claude and said, "I'm glad you know your gift, but now it will be time to jump ahead in your lessons and teach you control right away. Unleashed, your power would be incredible, but if you don't know restraint, you could blow up the planet if you set of the right chain reaction."
"I was going to ask to train with you, but I see I'm not welcome,"
"I can't shoo you off since this is neutral ground. However, why would you want to learn from the likes of me?"
"my usual tutors are busy and you are someone I respect," said Z, " you're one of the strongest goddesses and the strongest of the Valkyrie."
She paced a bit and stroked her chin, saying, "I set the terms of such a deal. This would be a contract of sorts, though not based on a wish. I have to get approval to even offer this, but, contained in the offer is that what you learn you can never ever use against heaven, especially anyone who lives on these grounds. If you do, the System Force will not be kind with you. Further, the contract will contain something that states that you are not permitted to teach this to anything even remotely related to something demonic."
"I didn't want to learn Valkyrie fighting secrets," said Z, "I just want to practice magic."
"It would be the same deal there as well."
"even if you are just helping me working spells I already know?"
"If it is something commonly know already between the two, then that is fine."
"just fire and lightning offensive spells," said Z, "and a custom spell I made."
"Then that would be the one, because that is the only thing that is not mutually known."
As soon as she said that, her symbol glowed, she lifted off the ground and a beam of light went up to the heavens.
"I guess that's a yes," said Z, "I hope mon doesn't flip now that I made a contract with a goddess."
"Done," she said, "You must stay to the terms. I have to say, it was only because of your human half that this was allowed."
"I will stick to the terms," said Z.
"Then, alright you three, let's get to work."
Z nodded and removed a seal, causing his brown eye to change to match his violet eye and for his demon marks to appear.
Ian took off the dog tags and set them aside.
"Ready when you are," said Z
"Alright, we start with warm-ups...blocking drills..." and on they went.
Z enjoyed the training, he knew he needed to improve and welcomed the oportunity.
By the time the sun rose, the smells of breakfast were wafting over the ground as Belldandy worked on the food.
By that time, Z was practicing his magic abilities with the help of Dusk's Light, his devil.
They had just finished skills, and Chrono and Ian were sparring when Lind said, "Okay, that's enough for today. Bell probably has breakfast ready for us."
"I'll be off then," said Z.
"You're not going to stay for that?"
"I didn't know if a half demon would be welcome at a goddesses table," said Z sheepeshly
"This is neutral ground, remember?"
"doesn't mean I'm always greeted nicely," said z
"Who hates you here? I didn't think anyone did?"
(Check out the coffee house.)
(I saw)
"You seemed pretty angry earlier."
"It's better now."
"thank you," said Z, "I think I'll join you then,"
Urd was just stirring, and had not looked into the bag. She now opened it up to see what Z had given her.
It was a small bottle containing a rare potion ingredient from hell that she was looking for.
"Ah, that dear boy, risking that for me," she said as she went out to breakfast.
Z was sitting at the table.
Urd stood behind him and said, "Okay, you, stand up, face me."
Z got up and turned around, "did I do something wrong?"
She pecked his lips and hugged him.
Z hugged her back, "is this because of the gift?"
"That's one reason!"
"and the others?" asked Z
"Because you are a risk-taker for those you care about."
(Work calls. Catch you later.)
"well, you and mom are the only family i have left." said Z
(I just realized, while Ian is a bridge between heaven and earth, Z is kind of a bridge between heaven and hell.)
She hugged him again.
"thanks, nee-sama," said Z with a smile.
With that, Bell had everyone sit for breakfast.
Z sat back down with a smile on his face.
Just as they had sat, Megumi had arrived, and Chrono shuddered, but kept her composure this time.
"how are you doing megumi?" asked Z
"Oh, Hi!" she said, "I'm doing great! How about you, Z?"
"fine," said Z, "Lind-sama allowed me to train with her and Ian today,"
"Oh, that's good," she said, "I am glad to see both sides trust each other."
Lind gave her a look, and then looked at her aura and thought, "Something's not right with the girl."
Z began to eat, "I missed Belldandy's cooking,"
Lind started to probe, and she said, "Megumi, do you feel anything different about you?"
She looked at her odd and said, "What's that supposed to mean?"
(would she find anything if all it was was a mental suggestion that has already faded, yet changed her opinion?)
(Her aura would have changed--not that she's under a spell, but that what she would normally exude would be noticeable in her emotions. She showed that slight tint of hostility and stand-offishness to demons, and now it's gone. Yes, that would be noticed, but she does not know what it is specifically that happened. There's no way to know that without asking people.)
(ok)
Z took a sip of his tea and continued to eat.
"Well, let's just say, when I first saw you, there was some hostility to demons, now it seems gone," she probed.
"Well, it's strange," she said, "At first, I did--you know, the stigma attached to them. But, for some reason, after a bit, I, well, had a change of heart. I mean, I guess, I don't have to dislike them personally, I just don't have to do business with them. I can still like them as people."
Z continued to eat
"Well, it's just rare to see such a quick change of heart," said Lind, eating, but suspicious. Urd began to look at Z a touch.
"is something wrong?" asked Z noticing Urd's look.
She smiled and said, "Say, Z, can we talk for a moment?"
"sure," said Z getting up.
Once she got him out of earshot, Urd said, "You know, that was a quick change of heart if what I understand of Megumi's reluctance of demons is correct. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
"not really," said Z, "and I assure you I had nothing to do with it."
(both true. Z doesn't know what Kara did, he just suspects, and he personally did nothing. It was Kara.)
(Thanks, that helps.)
His aura said he was telling the truth, and she asked, "Was there anyone else around that could have affected her, even if it was just a reasonable talk, even Ian? I mean, the boy does have a good head on his shoulders, and is very logical."
"well, an old friend is living at the arcade now," said Z with a blush, "she's also attending Nekomi Tech."
"Old friend, eh?" said Urd, "Would I know her? I mean, is she human, or..."
"actually, you might," said Z, "did you know a Kara before you started living in heaven?"
(Not sure about that.)
(she probably doesn't, but what Z said indicates she isn't from heaven.)
"Oh, so she's a demon?" she asked, "Did she and Megumi get into it?"
"what do you mean 'get into it?'"
"Well, did they talk, at least?"
Z nodded.
"Aaaaaaaand..."
"we argued a bit about the reasons for what demons do,"
"And I take it that Megumi reacted in the typical way a human would..."
Z nodded
"So, how is it she's okay now?"
Z shrugged, "she might have felt bad for all the hings she said and decided to give us a chance,"
"Not that fast: this is Megumi we're talking about."
"true," said Z, "but I swear is wasn't me."
"Then, I'd like to know who did. That wasn't very nice to mess with her head!"
"I don't know for certain who did it," said Z.
"Hmm... Maybe I should meet this girlfriend of yours."
(Z is needed in Karin.)
Z blushed crimson, "I wouldn't say she's my girlfriend. though I'd like that"
"You sound like you know her well. Who is she to you?"
"she's the only girl that liked me for me and not for who my parent was. She didn't care about my heritage and we became close friends."
"She's a girl, she's your friend, that makes her your girlfriend."
steam was now rising from Z's crimson head
She smirked and said, "Are you mad, or embarrassed?"
"embarrassed," muttered Z
"Why should you be embarrassed?"
"well, I've never been in this kind of relationship and it's kind of uncomfortable to talk about."
She looked at him out of the corner of her eye with a sly look and said, "Aw, you're just like a 12 year-old just discovering girls for the first time! Sooooooooooo cute!'
"I'm almost 19!" protested Z, "besides, I didn't have much of a childhood."
"That means you're seven years behind," she said, "And it's time for big sister to help you catch up!"
(Dum da dum dum DUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!)
Z gulped and his face paled.
"Now, let's meet the young lady after your classes today. I would also love to know what she and Megumi talked of."
"sure," said Z.
Ian came out and said, "Ready for class Z?"
Megumi came out and said, "Who wants to get on my cycle!"
Z paled, "I think I'll get there by bus,"
"I'll ride..." he started to say, but Chrono came out and said, "...the bus...mmmfffgggrrrglw..." as Lind covered her mouth. Ian said, "I'll ride with you! Geez, Chrono, your just like a little sister... Kinda see you that way. Well, catch you all later!"
Chrono looked crushed.
Z headed to the bus stop.
However, a Chibi Urd hopped into his book bag. She wanted to see this for herself.
Z waited at the bus stop for the bus to school
Urd kept quiet, not wanting him to know she was there yet."
The bus arrived and Z got on.
She started to look around for this said demon. She wanted to know just what she was all about.
Once they got off the bus, Z walked over to Kara and hugged her.
She examined her, looked at her facial patterns and tried to get an idea of what she was.
She had a red diamond on her forehead and red circles on her cheeks below her eyes
She began to ponder if such symbols were familiar to her, or if it gave indication to her station in Niflheim.
The two of the, headed off to class, amongst jealous glares.
As things progressed, Urd hoped to hear some give and take between the two of them, hoping to hear something of Megumi in this.
Unfortunately Kara and Z had started using psychic communication to avoid suspission.
(They don't even know she's there.)
Soon, Megumi showed up with a charged Ian and Megumi waved at the couple, all happy to see them.
(it's to keep humans from hearing,)
They waved back
"So, how are the love birds today?"
"fine," said Kara while Z blushed
"Hey, I just wanted to say sorry. I just don't know what came over me yesterday. I mean, just because you have a job to do doesn't make you bad. I mean, I don't have to accept offers from you. And if someone does, aren't they the foolish ones, knowing with whom they deal?"
"no hard feelings," said Kara
"Nah," she said, all friendly. Urd saw that as natural--to anyone not familiar with that world. Indeed, people can have a change of heart in that time, but Megumi is a stubborn one. Something didn't seem right.
"shall we get to class?" asked Z
"Well, this is going to be boring," thought Urd, "What could be learned from that!"
Kara nodded and they headed off
(TS to lunch?)
(sure)
Soon it was lunch, and Ian was surprised by Megumi when she presented him with a bento. Urd thought, "Good girl--the Japanese way of showing you like a boy...make him lunch!"
(Had a real Japanese bento for the first time yesterday. God it was good!)
Z pulled out a boxed lunch of his own
He looked at it and said, "Wow! You are going to fatten me, girl!"
"Nothing wrong with a little Sumo on you!" she giggled.
"Have to work that off on the ice this afternoon!"
However, Urd noticed another chibi presence by the bag, and it was Chrono, muttering, "And I make him a small breakfast every morning to face his training! He never treated me like that! Little sister? Come on!"
Z was handed a bento by Kara and he thanked her, "looks like you two are getting along well," said Z
Ian blushed a touch, as did Megumi, and he said, "I could get used to this."
Steam was pouring out Chrono's ears.
Z chuckled at how things were going, but inwardly he was a bit worried about his mother's plan.
"Now, Chrono, don't get stupid, or Lind will tell you to leave."
She was starting to climb out of the bag, but hearing that stopped her. She then said, "I will DEFINITELY be at his hockey practice!"
"I'd like to see you play," said Z
"Sure," he said, but Megumi said, "Well, I can't. I have a report to finish, but maybe next time."
"Yesssssssssssss", said Chrono with a fist pump."
"good luck on that," said Z.
He now knew that Chrono at least had tagged along as he had heard her soft exclamations.
Chibi Urd disappeared and then appeared out of sight and came up, saying, "So, how's my little brother today?"
"Fine, though spying's a bad habit, and tell chrono that she's too loud."
"What!" said Chrono as the Chibi disappeared and acted as the conduit for her to appear.
"every time you exclaimed in victory or defeat, I heard you," said Z, "so why are you here?" he asked Urd
"Oh, just wanted to meet the new girl," she said.
Chrono looked sheepish, not knowing what to say, as Ian tousled her hair and said, "That's my kid sis."
"Nice to meet you," Kara said to Urd, "I'm Kara, demon first-class, unlimited license."
"I'm Urd," she said, leaving it at that, not wanting to show her hand on her credentials just yet...what little there were.
"You're Lady Hild's Daughter right?" asked Kara.
"Um... Yeah..."
Kara laughed, "it was obvious since you're a goddess and you are related to Z here who is a cambion."
Ian was scratching his head, and said, "This is better than an episode of 'As The World Twirls,' or something."
"You watch that?" asked Z
"No," he said, "There was only one soap that I liked, and that was one men wouldn't be ashamed of watching: Dark Shadows."
"I'm more into Japanese Dramas," said Z
Chrono wasn't liking being ignored as she snapped, "Why does everyone treat me like a kid!"
"because you act like one," said Kara.
"I do not," she said, arms crossed and all pouty.
"you are right now," said Kara.
"How old are you?" asked Ian, and when she said, he was stunned. He then said, "You look so young."
"Why thank you," she said, all happy, not understanding what he meant by that.
"immortal," Z shrugged.
"No, what I mean is, you're older than what Skuld said about her age, and yet she looks 12. You look about 14 or 15."
Z sat down and listened.
"Yes, how does that work," asked Megumi.
(I don't know. Hoping you would answer.)
(I believe their age is based on their maturity and powers.)
(Neat... So, she is full grown, but she has much to learn... Hmm...)
(it's like how skuld is a child because her magic has yet to bloom and because she is mentally a child.)
(What I was considering was having Chrono grow some by this.)
(that would be logical as her powers are fueled by love.)
(I was talking about Chrono.)
(so was I)
(Hmm, then, who could be her life coach?)
(Ian?)
(Oh... That could bring them together.)
(yup)
"from what I've heard, goddesses age as their powers and personalities mature." said Z, "Is that correct Nee-sama?"
"That's true," she said, "Our physical aging is based on our advances, especially in love. When we gain, then we gain a body that becomes more of something adults will connect to."
"That explains why skuld seems to be slowly getting older," said Z, "that Sentaro kid is helping her grow."
"Sounds like Chrono needs a life coach," said Urd, and Ian said, "Wait... I have a class project coming up that has me learn to observe people using some of the things I learned in class, and make suggestions: practice in psychoanalyzing. Maybe Chrono could be my subject."
"that's a great idea," said Z, "it could help you understand each other."
Stars filled her eyes and she said, "That would be wonderful!"
"Looks like we have a deal," said Ian, "We start tomorrow!"
Urd looked at Megumi to see what she was doing. She was smiling, and saying, "Hey, that could be helpful."
She seemed to be fine, including her aura.
(wouldn't she be a bit jealous?)
(She doesn't see her as a threat... Yet...)
(ah.)
"so what would the project involve?" asked Kara
"Well, basically, we get in a homey, comfortable environment, and we start a dialogue, her mostly talking about herself and getting to know her. I can't say the rest because it would affect the actual analysis."
"sounds interesting," said Z.
"Hey, anything to help a kid grow," she said, to which Chrono said, "I am NOT a kid!"
But as she said that, Ian jotted down something on a notepad.
"actually, you currently are," smirked Kara.
"But, you... ooohhh!!!"
Ian jotted some more.
Kara laughed, "I'm what?"
"You just live to antagonize goddesses, don't you!" she snapped, and Ian jotted, and a bit more frantically.
"it's kind of my job,"
"Well, I'll have you know I'm a member of the Valkyrie!" she said, "They don't let children into that!"
"Oh, this is going to be soooo good," muttered Ian as he kept jotting notes.
"You may be a Valkyrie but I bet you're still new and thus, not as strong as the others."
Ian jumped in before it could get bad and said, "Okay, everyone, that's enough. This is spilling over from good-natured ribbing to bullying. Chrono, we can talk about this tomorrow, because she knows what your buttons are, and pushing them."
Kara smiled sweetly, "I have to get ready for my next class. Thanks for the company." she then headed to her next class.
Urd was not satisfied, and caught up to her, putting her arm around her shoulder. She'd seen this kind of thing before. She said, "So, what kind of devious thing is Hild having you do?" all sweet and smiley.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," said Kara with a straight face
"Weeeel," she said, "Your sudden appearance, Megumi's flip-flop, and your seeming interest in the relationships of Ian. What's going on?"
"that file has been classified," said Kara.
She just told on herself. "Ah, so you DID do something," she said, whipping herself around in front of her, saying, "Leave them alone unless you want an all-out war led by me!"
She said the last one with a sinister grin right up in her face.
Kara shrugged and walked past her.
(hild is a lot scarier than Urd so Kara would follow hild instead of listen to Urd)
(She'll still try to protect her loved ones, know that.)
(of course.)
"Is something wrong?" asked Z walking up to Urd
"She's planning something," she said, "It indeed involves everyone there."
"I doubt it involves everyone," said Z
"Oh? And what would you know about that?"
"I just mean that involving a demigod and a goddess that are apprentices to Lind of the Fighting Wings would be stupid and suicide." said Z, "probably only Mara would be stupid enough to do that."
"But it seems like that's exactly what she's doing. Furthermore, does she know Mara?"
"they room together in the arcade, but they never met before."
"That's what worries me," she said, "If she has certain intentions, she could manipulate Mara into a number of things."
"that would be bad," said Z, "I don't like someone stupid enough to continuously attack a temple guarded by three goddesses who know her weaknesses."
"And if she has intentions, what do you think she's asking Mara about?"
"probably about the job at the convenience store that Mara got her," said Z truthfully.
"Well, don't you think that's coming?"
"not really," said Z, "Kara wouldn't involve Mara unless ordered to do so."
"Ordered? So Hild IS planning something... Boy, you are a treasure trove of information. I think Ian would call these Freudian Slips?"
"I never said mother was planning anything," smiled Z, "I simply gave a" hypothetical scenario.
"Riiiiight," she said, "You're a terrible liar."
"I'll work on that then," said Z still smiling.
"You're my brother," she said, "But my sisters and our friends are important to me. You harm them in any way, and I forget you are a brother."
"I'll remember that," said Z, his aura now a bit sad, but his voice not showing it.
"Oh, don't be surprised on that. Relationships mean nothing to me when someone in it tries to hurt someone I love. In other words, you don't get a free pass for that."
"Urd," said Z, "do you remember when we met? how my magic was having problems and how my familiar resembled your angel?"
"I believe so," she said, "What are you saying?"
"I recently realized why that was so. I was unsure of who I was. I didn't know wether to embrace my demon half or to follow my beliefs and oppose them. I recently found my path in life. Urd, I will fight if i have to, but I hope from the bottom of my heart that things will never come to that. You and mom are my only family and I don't want to lose you."
"Nor I you, but, understand, it may come to it: you choosing between what you are told to do or family, which makes it hard, because the one telling you what to do IS family acting against family. She loves me, but can't stand the fact that I won't embrace that half of me."
"I hope we at least have a few centuries before it comes to that," said Z, "and I'm sure I would lose, as I can't use some of my more recent spells against you due to a contract Lind made with me in exchange for letting me train with her and Ian."
"Smart," she said, "Then that means you are out of that much. I love you: watch your step."
"love you two," said Z before going to his next class.
"That boy has put himself in deeper than he wants," she muttered walking away.
(if heaven and hell ever fight, Z will be screwed.)
(Fast Forward to hockey...)
Z was watching Ian practice from the stands
Megumi was loving it, and Chrono was seeing it more from a military aspect. She also said, "This reminds me so much of Air Bandy back home."
Z was watching the stances and movements of the enforcers. He found their job interesting
Indeed, Ian was one of them, shepherding the puck man, keeping the goons off them. However, as a defenseman, he was aggressive, and liked to be on offense as much as defense, and he was fast enough to play both ends of the ice, making his team that much more effective on offense.
Z watched inintrested
The first break was called where the club captain talked about what was working, what was not, and some strategy. This was followed by a ten-minute break before the next practice session. Chrono went down to the bench and was all agog about the game, rambling on about all the things she liked.
Z was taking notes for a possible VR game
Once the practice was over, Chrono and Megumi awaited him outside the dressing room, as did Urd.
Z walked up too.
He stepped out and said, "Whoa! Hey, no autographs, please!"
Z laughed, "looked like you were having fun."
"I love the game!" he said, "They're really catching on to the Canadian/American style of play."
"do you think you could help me design a Hockey game for the VR?"
"Sure," he said, "That would be cool!"
"what would be better? roller or Ice?"
"Ice, of course."
Z took some notes down, "should there be an option to play against NPCs?"
"Well, if this is ice hockey, there's going to be hitting."
"understandable," said Z, "I'll just tweak the settings to avoid serious injury."
"Well, you could adjust it to what the guest like."
Z nodded, "that's a good idea,"
"Well, hey, always play to the tastes of the customers."
Z nodded, "any more ideas?"
"Why not go for a sports array?"
"sports array?"
"Give them a whole bunch of different sports."
"anything i should leave out?" asked Z, "I'm thinking jousting is out, but I'll include things like fencing, javelin throwing and hammer throwing."
"Um...very few people 'joust' anymore," he answered dryly, "But anything else would be cool."
"I wanted to add variety that other games don't have."
"Well, there are plenty of sports out there that are not regular for everyone: Cricket, Rugby, Rounders, Bandy, different kinds of bowling other than tenpin..."
Z nodded, "these are all great ideas. I'll have to see if i can install them."
After stepping away from Chrono, he said, "Boy, that girl has given me some notes to work with!"
Z chuckled, "have fun, I have to get home and work on some things."
"Well, see you at work later."
Z nodded and teleported away.
(TS obviously, but to where?)
(depends what the current arc is)
(We're only days out from the wedding, and the temple has to be set up. Hmm... That means Urd and Skuld will have designs on the set up and the reception after, as well as Keiichi's mother and father coming to visit, wanting to meet the father of the bride, that kind of thing. I am sure there is much in that fashion. Guests that are coming from a long way off may want to have lodging, tough Kei's parents will have a mobile home.)
(how about we jump to the arrival of the guests?)
(Let's set it about four days out from the wedding. I would also like to pause until I can talk to Auir and let him know where we are, and if he wants to let Skuld's mischief rule over the set up of the wedding.)
(sounds good)
(He just posted, and I let him know.)
It was four days out from the wedding, and the place was a pack of activity.
(who from the arcade has been invited)
(Hild, of course, Z, and, oddly enough, Mara!)
(thanks,)
Z was waiting for Hild Prime to get home so he could deliver her invitation.
Chibi Hild said, "Why can't I just go? I am her, after all."
Z shrugged, "I didn't make the invitations, I'm just a messenger ."
Before she could answer, the ceiling began to swirl with purple-pink clouds and sparks of electricity. Any loose paper in the room was swirling in the mix.
"Speak of the devil," said Z before laughing at his joke.
Out from the cloud came Hild, wearing medieval garb, saying, "Hello my lovelies! Why is the place a mess?"
"your entrance made things fly around," said Z, "oh and I have something for you," he said handing her the invitation.
She took it, and Chibi Hild turned to energy and joined back with her, (solving that problem.) She then smiled, but her lip twitched, as she said, "Well, so soon..."
Z shrugged, "they have been dating for a while."
"No... I mean, so soon after the trial," she answered, "They work quick!"
"I missed that trial so I'll just agree."
"Well, I wonder how the planning is going?" she said, as a broom appeared and she got ready to go over there.
"I'd like to know as well."
With that, she was off like a shot.
Z opted to just teleport there.
When she arrived, the place was a bee hive of activity. It was then a large RV was pulling onto the grounds.
Z appeared and walked up, "who's in the RV?"
Keiichi recognized it and said, "My parents..."
"oh," said Z
"I just wonder what they're going to think about the in-laws."
"could be worse," said Z
"Hm? in-laws?" said Skuld, walking into the scene.
"Belldandy's parents," said Z.
"You've met them before, Skuld, I know you have."
"Ah, the parents." she nodded thoughtfully.
"So where is everyone going to stay?" asked Z
"Well, it's clear that mom and dad will stay in the RV, but I'm not sure about the rest. We're thinking of setting up some partitions in the big temple building and having people stay in there."
His mother, all energy, came out and said, "Oh, my baby is all grown up!"
She gave him a huge hug and kiss and said, "Hello, Skuld! Wow, you look like you're busy!"
Z stepped back and watched the happy scene.
"Oh it's really nothing." she replied, a bit bashfully.
Kei's mom went to see what Skuld had been doing to set up. "So, you're that child prodigy I've heard so much about."
There were several holographic installments and other machinery that might not be needed.
"Well, this is very--interesting," she said, "Although, I would say, it looks more like you are planning for Queen to play here rather than a wedding."
Urd came up and said, "Really, Skuld, is all this needed?"
"Entertainment! And all the special effects too." she said with a :3.
"I... I assume that is for the reception, right?" asked Kei's mom nervously.
"Mmhmm. It'll be the best you ever had! It's like being inside the movie."
"Um... What movie? And, you ARE talking about JUST the reception, right?"
"Yeah yeah. And I meant the movie that'll be playing for entertainment. Maybe one of those big hotshot American ones with all the explosions and cars..."
She sweetly stroked her head and said, "I--think we can do without a movie, but some quiet mood colors and effects could work much better..."
Urd was blunter and said, "This is a wedding, not Cirque de Soleil!"
"Aww..." she pouted but secretly stuck out a tongue at Urd.
Feeling her own motherly instincts kick in, (and maybe to protect her offspring,) said, "Come on, honey: show me everything you have planned, and see if we can do it, but a bit more subtle and romantic. After all, this is supposed to be about love."
"Alright." she smiled and began giving her a tour of all the little machination she installed everywhere. It was all designed to make the sensations as real as possible. Everything from fog machines to scent emitters.
"Hmm..." she pondered, "And when you say, 'Sensations,' what is it that you are hoping people sense?"
"Oh, like you feel like you're actually inside a forest. The sounds, the smells, the humidity."
"Oh, well, that would actually be very good!" she said, Urd being surprised by the response, "And, as you know, the woods are peaceful and tranquil. If you could capture that feel, it would add to the wedding!"
"Soo.... You want me to set it to a woodland setting?"
"Well, if that was the feel you said you intended..."
"Well, allright..."
"Well, I mean, if you wanted to make it like a forest setting, go whole hog!" she said with a smile and sweep of her arm, "Most weddings have one theme like that, and if it stays consistent all the way from start to finish, people will remember it more, and, it will make it even more fun. Then they will say, 'Boy, that Skuld is sure a clever girl! She did all this herself! What a pleasant time we had!'"
Urd smiled and shook her head, knowing that mommy logic was being employed on Skuld.
"Mm, okay. I'll just reset the settings and it'll have the woodlands setting. I hope onee-sama will like it!"
"Oh, I'm sure she'll feel all the love you are putting into this," she said, and then looked at her interestingly enough, saying, "You know, I do remember you, and you have grown some since I last saw you."
Urd said, "She's about the same height."
She gave Urd a knowing look and said, "I don't mean that way!"
She leaned in and whispered in her ear, "She looks older."
Skuld looked at them and twitched her to the side, looking at them with a ???.
Urd whispered to her, saying, "Because of the love you have been showing in all this, your body has matured, which means your magic must have as well."
"My magic? Still not showing much progress. I practiced and practiced and I got to the point of writing words in mid air."
"Yes, but a goddess grow in age and power when she can demonstrate her love! That's what you are doing now, and lately, you've been more than you've ever been!"
Skuld nodded and took this in.
"In fact, we may have to get you fitted for a bra."
(Got go to. Catch you tomorrow.)
"Eh?! Really?!" she looked down and grabbed her chest.
"Yes! They're finally getting bigger!"
"So what now mom?" Z asked Hild
"Let's go see how the wedding prep is going," she said, "We can't have it without my touch, now can we."
Belldandy came up just as Skuld reached up, and said awkwardly, "Well... uh... yes, I see you've... um... noticed, Skuld."
"sounds like a plan mom," said Z
She hopped on a broom and she was on her way.
Z flew after her.
It wasn't long before she was at the grounds, and noticing all the rigmarole, wondering if "the other side" had something to do with it, considering that, traditionally, the father of the bride pays for the wedding.
Z chuckled, "well they'd have more than enough money then."
"It seems that Skuld's signature is all over this," said Hild as she descended unseen to the temple grounds.
"I could have helped with this," said Z a bit miffed, "my illusions would have worked wonders.
"Well, there's still a few days to cause mis...*ahem*...help out."
"so true," said Z, "though we are on neutral ground..."
"Oh, but of course!" she said all sing-song.
"you have a new plan?"
"Not really," she said, the wheels turning.
"but you're thinking of one?"
"O come now," she said, "Why would I spoil this great day! I'm just thinking of little minor things to liven up the party--you know, create good memories!"
"Such as..." smirked z
"Oh, what happens with dance floors, pieces of cake, corks of champaign..."
"Go on," said Z with a smile,
"...or what can happen when latches on dresses decide to come undone."
Z laughed, "I'm sure K1 would secretly love that."
Urd saw them walk up, just as Skuld was discovering "a pair of new friends," and said, "So... What brings you here?"
"Oh, you just can't plan a wedding with out me," she said, and joked, "I just wonder where Skuld is planning the orgy after the wedding?"
"I came to visit," said Z.
"*choke* *cough* What?!"
"Well, this IS going to be traditional Norse wedding, right?"
"Awawawawa, no, no! That's not my department!" she protested, her face flushed from embarrassment.
Urd decided to have some fun and said, "Well, considering who the father of the bride is, and who is doing the ceremony..."
"Norse wedding it is then," said Z
Belldandy's eyes went wide and said, "Do you understand what that involves! That would call for us to consummate the marriage before everyone present, and then as we do, they join in! I would never have that!"
"Yeah! And I'm too young..." she said under her breath, blushing madly.
"Maybe not," said Z, "Kara would castrate me if she ever found out. then heal me and do it again."
"I was just suggesting..." said Hild in a teasing way.
Z shuddered at the thought of what would happen to him.
"By the way, Mrs Morisato," said Hild, "Have you had the chance to meet the parents of the bride?"
"You know, come to think of it, I really haven't," she responded, but then said, "But, being foreigners, I'm sure visiting would be a hard thing."
"I guess you could call the foreigners," said Z
Mr. Morisato spied Belldandy, and that put him at ease as he finally decided to come out of the RV. He started to greet everyone when Hild spotted him and said, "Oh, and just who is this DARLING man?"
He turned white and charged back into the trailer!
"still has gynophobia i see," deadpanned Z
"Really?" said Hild, "Well, this ought to be interesting..."
"seems he can only be around Belldandy and his wife," said Z
Belldandy said kindly, "He's...got to get to know you. It takes time and patience, and you really have to take your time with him. He is really a sweet man."
Z nodded
Mrs. Morisato went back to the RV to try to console her husband, and meanwhile, Urd said, "Skuld, I think it's time to take you bra shopping!"
Belldandy examined her and said, "Yes, I too think it is time. I shall come as well."
Z's eye twitched, "i'll pretend I never heard that"
Urd smirked and said, "Hey, when you finally have kids, you won't be so embarrassed, especially if you have daughters!"
"true, but I'm 18 right now,"
"Well, besides, if you and her get married, dealing with her underwear is going to be commonplace, so get used to it!"
A blushed and a bit of blod dripped from his nose
She laughed as she put an arm around his shoulder and said, "You are too easy!"
"I need to forget that before seeing her again," said Z
(Just waiting on Auir.)
(*nods*)
"Haaaai, let me just get myself freshened up." she went inside, washed her face, grabbed her stuff, before coming out.
Belldandy then was all smiles, saying, "My little Skuld is growing up," gushing with all kinds of pride. She glowed as if she were Skuld's mom. As they left the grounds to head for the store, Belldandy started schooling her on the bra and why women need one. She asked, "So, do you know why you need one?"
Z shook his head and turned to Keiichi, "I'd be happy to help with the decorations, i know a few tricks that might make the forest setting practically real..."
"Because of social formalities and cultural preferences. There is no medical necessities to wear bras but are recommended for large-breasted women for support. Some workplaces actually require females to wear bras also they hide the nipples if they become erect." said Skuld using the textbook statement.
"Sure," said Kei, as his father crept out saying, "Are they gone?"
Hild, however, checked on other things, knowing that she could have some fun with him.
Urd chimed in and said, "I think I can answer that. You see, Skuld, there is also the issue of Earth gravity. In heaven, this wouldn't be much of a problem. Yet, here, if you don't start early, gravity can play a part. I am sure you've seen pictures of what humans call primitive peoples? Well, have you noticed the women? They walk around topless, but their breasts are as flat as pancakes unless they are nursing. That's because they have nothing to keep them up, and gravity is stretching them out. Being knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals as I am, (OOC...yes, she is,) I've had my exposure to doctor talk. They speak of something called 'Cooper's Droop.' How or why it is named that, I have no clue. Yet, what they say is that gravity plays a part, and, if you can hold a pencil under your breast, that's not good. The question is, do you want to have two flat breasts hanging off you?"
"Thanks" said Z,
http://www.007b.com/why_wear_bras.php (http://www.007b.com/why_wear_bras.php)
"No..." she replied.
"So we wear bras for support? No matter what?"
(That website is an opinion, not all facts. Dad was a doctor. I've heard it both ways, but that one picture of the woman with nasty looking breasts and the caption told me a lot: they just don't care about appearance. But it is true: A and maybe B cups don't really suffer the Cooper's Droop. I looked it up. It deals with the Cooper's ligaments that do relax as a woman gets older, and that does cause sagging, but big breasted women will feel the stress in the ligaments and in the back area.)
"Well, small girls don't have to worry about it so much," said Urd, "But someone like me it's more for comfort. Some girls who are small just wear a camisole with minor support and that's okay. They are good if you are doing athletics. Ancient women wore bra-like cloth to keep them out of the way for working. Believe me: if you turn out like me or your sister, you'll find the convenience of it. We just have to be sure you are fitted correctly, or else there will be problems. Perhaps we should start with something simple. As you size, you'll know whether or not you want to wear one."
"so what would you like me to de?" Z asked Keiichi
"I don't know? What are you best at?"
"Small girls huh....?" glared Skuld.
"Just you wait, I'll grow up to be just as- no, bigger than you!"
"I can create realistic illusions," said Z, "I could create any effects or decoration you want for the wedding,"
"Well, Skuld and mom suggest a forest motif. Her equipment is going to do that throughout the wedding and reception, but what about the feel and smell? Should it be a Japanese forest, Amazon Rain Forest, White Pine forest of Maine, Redwood forest of California?"
Belldandy chuckled and said, "I know some women see her breasts as her defining mark of maturity and womanhood, but, some women with big breasts wish they were smaller. For them, some say they get in the way. They feel them impractical."
"hmmm, a humid environment would be uncomfortable, as would a brisk one, perhaps the redwood forest with the sounds of spring?"
"Sure, that sounds good. I've smelt Redwood, and it is very fragrant. Had a student bring a hunk he got from a relative visiting California, and it had a neat smell."
Z snapped his fingers and they found themselves in the Yellowstone Redwood forest in spring, with the sounds of forest life around them.
Keiichi started snapping his head around and fretting. He was wondering if they were actually there, or if he had just converted the grounds to be like that. He started looking for the temple and the RV.
(Are you sure you don't mean Yosemite? I didn't know there were Redwood in Wyoming.)
(actually there are. Yellowstone Park has redwood trees)
"don't worry," said Z, "we're still at the temple, just in an illusion bubble."
"But, isn't this a bit too much? I mean, people who know the place know there are only a few trees on the temple grounds would come in and freak to see a huge coniferous forest has sprung up!"
"This is just an example," said Z, "I'll just use the sounds and smells here, at the wedding."
"Well, that will be... Wait... What's it going to cost me..." he said with a sigh.
"Just get rid of the colorful eyesore you call a suit," said Z, "also, two tickets to the local amusement park would be nice."
"The tickets I can do," he answered, "But, what's the problem with the suit?"
"It's hideous," said Z flatly.
"What color?" he asked, "It's a white tux. What's wrong with that?"
(Z was talking about the green suit he wore when he first asked Sayoko out. That suit was defiantly an eyesore.)
He laughed and said, "Oh, that thing! That happened so long ago... Hey, maybe for the bachelor party, we can burn it!"
As if he had just cast a summoning spell, there was the sounds of lamenting from what sounded like two large, gruff men.
"That would be fun to watch," said Z, "by the way, do you hear crying?"
Keiichi turned around to see a crying Tamiya and Otaki along with former and present members of the Auto Club in tow. "He's forsaking us!" lamented Tamiya.
"Our Keiichi has grown so fast!" added Otaki.
"I see you haven't changed," sighed Z
"You dare leave the realms of bacherlorhood?" protested Tamiya, "You have forsaken us!"
"*Sigh* I haven't forsaken you!" he answered, "But, don't you think after all this time this should be happening?"
"But, you'll be tied down... Henpecked..." protested Otaki.
"Idiots," said Z, "as if you were never in love."
Otaki turned red a touch, thinking about the girlfriend he had. Tamiya also said, "...and you haven't even gotten a best man yet!" hinting that Tamiya should have been the first one asked for the privilege.
"that is true," admitted Z, "you will need to decide that,"
"Well, it's obvious who he picked!" grumbled Tamiya, "I just hope I look good standing up there. I'm not much of a tux guy."
"how are you so certain it's you?" asked Z
He had pulled Keiichi in tight with what he would have called a brotherly hug, but it looked more like a headlock as he said, "His best bud from college? How could he not?"
Z sighed
Keiichi was trying to answer, but he found it hard with that big mitt about his mouth. However, Otaki said, "Wait, I thought I was going to be best man?"
"I knew this would happen," sighed Z
"What are you talkin' about," Protested Tamiya, "I'm the one who gave him the chance in the Auto Club!"
"I suggested he stay in the dorm with us!" said Otaki.
The pair started to look like they were about to go to Fist City.
Z stepped back
Hild froze the both of them and said, "Boys, this is not the way to settle this. Though I would be amused at the chaos this would cause, for the sake of my children I can't allow this. Now, how to settle this..."
However, Keiichi had not decided on a best man yet, and thus he was wondering who, other than that pair, would be more fitting than that pair to be his best man.
"Wrestling?" suggested Z
"Oh, that would be perfect!" she said. They then disappeared and appeared in the large temple building, a pro wrestling ring was in there and what seemed to be stands and stands of cheering rats with popcorn, soda, and whatnot. Of course, everyone was Chibi.
Z floated to a seat and waited
Both men were lost. Why were they in this? Moreover, why were the rats as large as they? What was even more surprising was, in Tamiya's corner was Gan-Chan, wearing a hoodie and a towel around his neck, saying, "Alright, son... The Best Man title is in your grasp. You can do it!"
"Let's make this interesting," said Z, snapping his fingers and causing a cage to form around the ring.
"Oh, a cage match!" said Gan. He then looked at Tamiya and said, "Well, this is simple enough. Get out of the cage before him, and it's settled."
"Now this will be fun," said Z
However, as Hild took the announcer position, the two just stared at each other, wondering why this was happening, and how.
Z chuckled
Hild was wearing a tux-style leotard with fishnets and high heels. She held a mic and screamed, "LAAAAAADIEEEEEEEEEEEEEES AND GENTLE RATS! LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLET"S GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Z cheereed
Ai's sharp voiced pierced the air around Otaki. She was wearing a traditional white robe with a black slash around her waist.
"White-demon wannabe. I do not know how I was dragged into this but it looks like I am your second. You are not to leave that cage as long as squinty-eyes over there is still standing, understand!"
'white demon?' thought Z in confusion
"Wait!" protested Tamiya, "I didn't ask for this?"
Hild was not letting up, and she said, "In this corner, wieghing in at 265 lbs, the Auto Club Terror, Tamiya!"
Z smiled and cheered.
"And in this corner, weighing 220 pounds the Cosplay Wildman of NIT, Otaki!" both were still highly confused, and were not sure why any of this was happening. Hild then said, "This is a steel cage match to the finish. No holds barred! The first over the top or to the ring floor wins the title of best man at Keiichi's wedding!"
The rats all cheered their approval, the bell rang, and everyone vacated the ring. However, the pair stared at each other, not sure what to do.
"Otaki! Do it or I'll bring you with me the next time I go train!" snapped Ai.
"But, we're friends," he sputtered, "I mean, we disagreed about wanting to be best man, but we didn't really want to beat each other up. A normal wrestling match would have been okay..."
Meanwhile, they crowd started to boo for the lack of action, some shouting, "Fight, you cowardly humans!"
"Yeah," another yelled, "We payed good cheese for these seats!"
(I just had to get a little Adventures of the Mini-Goddesses in here from time to time! :smug:)
At the store, Urd was surprised to see what they were having for training bras now. Sure, they had the standard halter top that was designed for just getting used to it, but they also now had special measured ones with proper cups, and some with under-wire. She said, "Well, the girls of Earth are becoming more--savvy? I'm not even sure that's the right word!"
Belldandy frowned at some of the sexier ones and said, "Oh my! Some of this is just way too older person for children!"
"at least make it look good" yelled Z
"But they're in my size...." frowned Skuld, picking one up.
Urd sighed and said, "Skuld, what she means is that this is more for older girls..."
"...But they are more comfortable," said a sales clerk who came over to help, "I'm sure you remember how tender your breasts were when you first developed. This helps, but I have a better recommendation."
She brought over one that had the cups, but were designed to give underwire support without underwire. The strap around the chest was soft, cottony, and looked snug, but not tight. The insides of the cup were very soft. She said, "I'm a fitter here for such things, and I wear one that is meant for women my age. I love it so much. I feel free, but supported and secure."
She blushed a touch and said, "I feel like I'm being cuddled."
Urd then said, "Can you show me some of those?"
"Sure," she said, "But let's get our little miss fitted, shall we?"
"E-eh? O-ohkay!" she nodded.
"What do I need to do?"
"Aww," she said, "So cute when they get fitted for the first time! They are so lost in what is happening. Well, don't worry, honey. Just follow me into the changing room."
As they did, she grabbed a seamstress tape measure. She wanted to be sure she had this right.
"So... Do I start undressing?" she asked, unsure what to do. She was looking around left to right.
She smiled and said, "Just go into the booth and strip to your waist."
She then pointed to the wall where a white, light cloth jacket hung and said, "When the measuring is done, I'll have you put that on, and I'll go select a few different kinds of bras for you and we'll have you try them. You can then decide which ones you like and are the most comfortable."
Skuld slipped off her shirt and dropped it to the side.
"Okay, do I just measure it now?" she asked from inside the booth.
"Where do I start?"
But the woman came in wearing a white jacket and rubber gloves as if she was a doctor. She then held the tape measure and said, "Okay now face your back to me, okay? I'm going to get your chest size, which will also tell us how big a strap you'll need."
"O-okay..." she nodded, frowning at the sight. She turned around and lifted her arms up.
She brought the tape around and set the top of it just under her developing breasts and said, "Okay, now set your arms down."
After a few seconds and the sound of scribbling, she then said, slackening the tape, "Okay, now I want you to take the tape and lay it across the largest part of your bust. I'd normally do that if you were wearing a bra, but, since this is your first, we'll have to do it this way for now. I know this seems awkward, seeing that this is your first time, but, this is normal for women. It's okay. I won't hurt you, and I won't try anything funny, okay?"
"o-okay..." she nodded. She took the tape and wrapped it around her bust, blushing as she did.
"I-it's cold..."
She giggled and said, "It's okay, honey: consider this a rite of passage. There we go! Okay..."
She took down that white jacket and said, "Okay, put this on and I'll be right back with a few different ones and see what you like. I'll also have a few instructions for you."
As she stepped out, a Chibi Bell stood on her shoulder and said, "So, how is it going?"
"Alright." she replied as she slipped on the jacket. She zipped it up, her face blushing from the sensation. She began to look around while she waited.
"You seem real nervous. Is everything okay?" she said, "What did she do? I know she measured you."
"Hm? Oh, no I'm not nervous." she replied.
As she came back, Chibi Bell hid in Skuld's pocket and she came back in with several different kinds. She set them on a table and sat down herself. She then handed her a chart and said, "Okay, the first measurement was to find out your chest size, and the second was your bust line. Between those two, we find your cup size. That chart will help you later on to figure out how much you've grown, and what you would need. Each one of these has a very soft cup, and are designed to fit you. Tell me, are they real tender right now?"
"U-uhh.. .Yeah..." she blushed, reminding herself that they were all girls here.
She smiled and said, "That's normal. They'll be that way for a short time, but after that, it will feel normal--like your own hands. Now, here are some different kinds. This is just the run-of-the-mill bra, and this should let you feel what it is like to wear one, and how to put one on right."
She picked it up and said, "Now, take off the jacket and bend over. This is the right way to put one on. You'll put your arms through it and then I'll clasp the back, and then you stand up."
"Okay...." she nodded, bending over. She slid them on and repositioned the straps.
The woman clasped it shut and asked her to stand. She then stood in front of her and said, "Think of this like a physical. I'm just going to move the breasts so the sit in the cups correctly," and started to reach in, carefully and softly, but to reach in.
"E-eh? D-do we have to?!" she protested passively.
"Hnn!"
But before she could protest further, she had already adjusted, and now it seemed more comfortable, and actually, accommodating. She then went to the sliders on she shoulder straps and said, "Okay, I'm going to tug on them lightly. Tell me when it pulls a touch too much. When it does, I'll lower them a touch. You shouldn't feel constricted or pinching. They should be as if someone was gently holding them in place and comfortable. What I showed you is how you should always put on a bra."
"It's a little too much...." said Skuld when she felt that she pulled a little past the comfort zone.
She slid them down and asked, "Let me know when it just feels like support. That's all you should have. Does it pinch anywhere?"
"No.... There, that's fine." she said once it reached a more comfortable spot.
She smiled at her, turned her to face the mirror and said, "There. Say, would you like to look?"
Urd came in with Bell and Urd said, "Not bad, kid!"
Bell was gushing with pride, (her avatar already rejoining her,) and said, "Oh, you look so grown up!"
"Thanks." she smiled, her face a little red with embarrassment.
"You won't ever look at yourself as a little girl again," said the woman with a smile, and started showing her different kinds, saying, "Okay, try some of these, and see which one's you like."
"Mm." she nodded, taking them and going into the dressing room. She came out a few minutes later with a white frilly one, and a blue striped one, and a pink dotted one.
"These look good."
They looked to see what kinds of bras they were, (pre-cupped, underwire, non-underwire,) making sure they were ones that would be comfortable on her. They also asked, "Did they feel right on you?"
They were all pre-cupped ones.
"Yeah, they're okay." she nodded.
"Those are some of the best," said the woman, "They pre-fit, and allow some movement and still support you."
She showed her another that had the cup, was very soft, and had about 3/4 of an inch in strapping under the cup that provided what an underwire would, but without the cutting edge, and she said, "This is what I wear. When you fill out some, this might be good. It almost feels as if I'm wearing nothing at all, and at the same time, I feel like I'm being cuddled."
Her face turned a touch red with that last statement. Urd heard that and got a few for herself, as did Belldandy. The woman then said, "Just give me the tag, and you can wear the one you like the best right now, and you can pay for all of it at the counter."
Belldandy smiled and hugged Skuld saying, "Go ahead and put your top back on. It is all okay. My little sister is becoming so grown!"
"Okay onee-sama!" she smiled, putting on her top. She took the tag and placed it on top of the rest.
The clerk was all smiles and said, "I'm so glad you like them. By looking at your sisters, I think you'll be a regular customer with us!"
Urd then flashed back to the time when Skuld was an adult for a day and remembered that, indeed, puberty was very kind to her.
"Thanks."
She looked over at them, wondering who was paying and whether or not she needs to break out her coin bag.
Still having the race winnings, Belldandy was able to pay for them all as the others paid for theirs, and Bell looked as if she was getting something lacy and slinky, and more than just a bra.
"Nee-sama..." said Skuld, staring at the garments Belldandy was buying.
Ask the clerk was bagging it, she smiled and said, "Yes, Skuld?" as if there was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Nothing..."
She looked down at the bag, then at Skuld, and thought she understood. She said, "Is it this that disturbs you?" holding it up a little.
"No, no." she replied, shaking her head.
"Then what is it?" she asked, "Surely you know for what purpose I get these things, yes?'
She blinked several times, confused at where this was going.
"Yeess?"
"Then, I was wondering why you were so surprised to see me buying it," she answered, "Or is it that I was not so discreet about it?"
"Ahhuhh.. No, I wasn't that surprised... Just, surprised..." she said, waving her hands.
As they were going out, she said, "Well, I do have to think about these things. I mean, after this, there is the honeymoon, as the humans call it, and there is some consummating that normally happens. I do believe that this is what I am supposed to wear for this."
Urd was trying to stifle a laugh at her sort-of naivete, in that, she was not ignorant of adult things, but was still slightly a babe in the woods.
"Ahhhh-I get it! I get it!" she quickly replied to stop from hearing more.
(Let's shift back to the temple and get them involved in the wrestling match.)
(Them as in Belldandy and Skuld or them as in the two musclemen?)
(I'm back)
(Welcome back.)
(Them as in the goddesses who have no idea right now what Hild is trying to pull. I would wonder if they would cheer it on or try to stop it.)
(Looking at the Chibi versions... They would probably cheer it on.)
(Oh, this will be good!)
As the approached the temple, Holy Bell emerged and whispered something in Belldandy's ear and then retracted. "Oh dear!" said Belldandy, "I fear there is a fight going on!"
Z was watching the fight between Tamiya and Otaki, if you could call it that.
"But... But...we don't want to fight!" protested Tamiya.
"Yeah," said Otaki, "I know you don't want to get hurt."
"Whaddaya mean!" said Tamiya, "You, hurt me? I'm bigger than you!"
"Size doesn't matter in wrestling now," protested Otaki, "It's speed in agility!"
"OH REALLY!"
"YOU WANT PROOF?"
Now the crowd was cheering, because there would now soon be action.
"Finally," groaned Z, "this was getting boring."
"A fight? Where?" asked Skuld, frowning.
"In the main building of all places!" she said, all concerned, and she took off like a shot.
"Sounds like someone's coming," Z commented.
By the time she got there, she saw the chibi ring, players, and the rats in the makeshift stadium. She also spotted Gan-chan decked out as some kind of manager, and Hild swallowed hard when she saw who was there. Urd then said, "Hild, what are you... Gan-Chan, you look so cute!"
She chibi-fied herself and and appeared by Gan-chan, saying, "What's going on?"
Z started to get a bit worried.
"Oh, this?" he said, "This is the 'Best Man' championship, where they're deciding who gets to be Keiichi's best man."
Z went back to watching the muscleheads argue.
(I'm going to wait on Auir for this one.)
"'Best Man' championship? Are those two going to fight for it?" she asked, leaning over to the right to get a better view.
They were in a steel cage match, as if it was New Japan Pro Wrestling, dressed in trunks and boots, now both being in a Greco-Roman knuckle lock. The rules were simple: anything goes, and first over the top to the ring floor or through the door of the cage to the floor won. No pinfalls. Belldandy worried that they were going to be hurt, and Belldandy chibi-fied herself to get close to the action.
Z pulled out some snacks and sat back to watch the show.
"Gan-chan, what are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm managing Tamiya," he said, "This is going to be great!"
"But, they might get hurt!" she worried.
Hild then stood there, now wearing a referee's outfit, saying, "Oh, don't worry your pretty head. If anyone gets hurt, we can heal them easily!"
"That's true." said chibi-Skuld, jumping into the scene.
The two struggled in the ring, and Urd said, "Oh, this is going to be good!"
At this, Urd appeared at a ringside table with a headset with mic on it, and television cameras appeared with, "RBC" on it, (Rat Broadcasting Company,) and she said, "And we're just underway, as the champion shall be the best man of the wedding! Who shall it be!"
Belldandy appeared right beside her, ready to do some color commentary.
(Skuld can do the same if she wants, or whatever you like.)
Z was glad they were taking this so well.
(If you've seen anything of "Adventures of the Mini-Goddesses," then you'd know this is how it would go down!)
(actually I didn't)
(Look them up on Youtube. They're a riot!)
(ok)
Z pulled out a video camera to record the fight.
(A riot... Interesting choice of words.)
Chibi-Skuld plopped down on the benches with a bowl of popcorn.
And on it went. The pair were throwing each other around like rag dolls, neither getting the edge. It was actually turning entertaining. Snapmare, suplex, body slam, headlock takeovers... They were pulling out all the stops. The crowd was going nuts. Several times they both made for the door or tried to go over the top, only to be pulled back in as if crabs in a pot.
Chibi-Skuld stood up and went to refill her popcorn bowl. She came back a few seconds later, hoping that she didn't miss the finale.
"My goodness, what a grueling match!" shouted Urd, "There is no way of knowing who can win this one!"
"Indeed," added Bell, "Exquisite displays of expert grappling skills have thrilled the audience immensely!"
Urd looked over at Bell, saying, "Um... Kinda flowery words for a wrestling match, don't you think?"
"I'm keeping this video alright."
Hild was loving every bit of it. The spit an vinegar that the pair were putting out was off the scale. She knew that the misery index would skyrocket. She just knew that their friendship would be over after this.
Z hoped that the fight wouldn't cause too much damage to the temple.
"Nah, it's just like onee-sama." smiled Skuld off to the side.
Before long, both were exhausted, not sure if they could go on. They then started to try to climb out again. "Ah, and now, its a race!" shouted Urd, "Both men want out, and now, it's who can get to the ring floor first."
"With great chagrin and immense effort, the pair struggle to the pinnacle of their confines to attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat!" added Bell, to which Urd answered, "You really have to work on your color commentary."
Z cheered for either one.
(chibi vampire paladin?)
Both men crested the edge of the cage, and now were making their way down.
(Waiting on you to fill that scene of you following someone. I have a point where I will enter, but I am waiting for the right moment.)
(ok)
Skuld was watching intently at the match, seeing who would land first. She secretly muttered a light spell, hoping that both of them would land at the same time.
Yet, the spell caught Tamiya by surprise and he slipped, letting go of the cage. He hit the floor before Otaki and the bell rang to the cheers of the crowd.
"looks like Otaki won," said Z
"Tch..." she snapped.
Hild raised his hand in victory, and then turned into the ring announcer and was about to announce the win when Tamiya shouted, "Stop! I didn't win right! It was only because I slipped."
Otaki tried to protest, but they talked, and Tamiya wanted his good friend to have the honor, and hugged as the good buddies they were. "Oh, what a wonderful outcome!" shouted Bell, "Such sportsmanship and friendship! Everyone wins today!"
Hild, however, was not so happy. This was not the outcome for which she hoped.
Z sighed, "we'll they're still friends,"
"That's good..." Skuld sighed in unison.
Z closed his video camera and headed off to work on the film. He dispelled the cage illusion before he left.
In an instant, everyone was back outside for the wedding prep, and everything was back to normal. Otaki then went to find Keiichi.
Skuld began to set up the holographic projectors.
Keiichi was talking to his mother about the menu when Otaki showed up and said, "It's decided: I'm your best man!"
He looked exasperated and said, "Glad I had a say in that."
(Chibi Vampire?)
Z came back and helped skuld by synchronizing his illusions with her holograms
"Hmmm, alright. Hey, Z is it possible for you to strengthen the light particles being projected for it to give off light resistance when touched?" asked Skuld.
"it will take a bit of consentration but I can get it to work."
"Okay, let me just get the last piece of equipment set up and test it out." she lugged the thing over to the corner of the room and connected the plug. Pulling out her laptop, she began sending a signal for all the machines to turn on. The room shimmered and turned into a forest. The faint chirping of birds in the distance and the smell of pine was in the air.
"looks good," said Z
"Let's see if it'll work, try it Z."
Z concentrated and soon his illusions began to create the desired effect.
Skuld tapped the trees and could feel a slight resistance. It felt just like the real thing except that with enough pressure, the hand would go through.
"I'm going to have to inscribe some runes here and there to provide a constant illusion."
"Sounds great. And we're done." she nodded, looking around at the fruits of her effort.
"This will be an interesting wedding."
Before Keiichi could protest, a chibi-Urd appeared on his shoulder and whispered, "Come now, Kei... I mean, who else was there to ask?"
"Otaki," he said, "I'm just trying to picture you in a tux."
Z got to work on some runes to tape up around the area.
(Okay, do we do bridal shower and bachelor party?)
(sure)
It was now the day before, Otaki got a tux, and he looked extremely nervous wearing it. This was odd for him. Meanwhile, Kei's dad was starting to relax more as he got to know people, but there was the thunder of a Harley pulling up to the temple grounds.
Z was wearing a suit with a white shirt and blue tie and was looking forward to the event.
They were all dressed up because it was the rehearsal for the wedding that morning, and the girls were going to get together for a bridal shower. Meanwhile the sound of the Harley was getting louder.
"who's bike is that?" asked Z
Bell smiled as Urd brightened, saying, "Oh, he got the invitation."
Wearing his biker spats, jeans, leather boots, leather vest with arms like tree trunks, long, shaggy red hair and beard, sunglasses, viking helmet, and a large hammer strapped to his back came the fun of the party. He turned off the bike, hopped off, and said, "The fun has arrived! Now, where are my sisters!"
Z's eye twitched a bit, "they invited Thor,"
He came stomping up and smacked Tamiya on the back, nearly knocking him down, saying, "How ya been, big guy! Hey, Z, how you been! When's the bachelor party!"
"I'm fine," said Z, "as for the bachelor party, I'm not sure yet. Try asking Tamiya and Otaki. I'm sure they are planning something."
"Oh, I will," he said, "Where's my sisters?"
Out of nowhere came Urd, who leaped through the air and Thor caught her in a loving bear hug. Bell came up, but wondered if Skuld would do what normally happened with her when he showed up, be nowhere to be seen!
Z smiled and stepped out of the way.
"Hey Skuld!" he declared, "Where are you, you little snot!" with a big smile on his face.
(are we waiting on auir?)
(Yes, because Thor loves the kid, and to her, he's the smelly, beer swilling uncle you hope never shows up for thanksgiving dinner.)
"Thor!" came the surprised cry. Skuld came running over and gave a running-jump hug.
He easily caught her, and said, "Well, I'm surprised! Normally, you do all you can to avoid me!"
"Well how else am I supposed to give you a present like this?" she smiled into his ear, slapping something onto the back of his neck before jumping off. There was a small 'tick' 'tick' 'tick' sound going on.
(Did I say uncle? I meant to say big brother, but it works...)
"Hey what's that supposed to... Wait..." as he reached back to find out what she had done.
It was a Skuld bomb. A second later there was a poof and the area was filled with heavy smell of sweat and beer.
Sitting on his fanny, all blackened and his hair more a frizz than before, he suddenly burst out laughing.
Z began to laugh as well
"That Skuld... Always a kidder! Well, when's the bachelor party! Time to have some fun!"
Z turned to tamiya and otaki
"Oh, that's tomorrow night!" said Tamiya, "We've got the thing planned to a T."
"great," said Z
"That means I'd better get to work," he said, getting up, "I need to get some honey, some jugs..." and muttered to himself as he went to gather what he needed.
"Make the Mead strong," said Z
He smiled and said, "Ah...so you know what I'm going to make, eh? Oh, don't worry. This is heaven's special brand, with a Heaven's Hellraisers extra thrown in!"
"sweet," said Z
"And sweet it shall be, though, I wonder how these mortals are going to take it? I am not sure they could handle it!"
"Probably not," said Z, "but it will be interesting to watch."
With that, he went to procure what he needed for the mead.
(To that party?)
(sure. also waiting in Karin)
(Waiting on Chibi, for we need her to continue the scene.)
And so, Kei had just finished eating and stepped outside while Belldandy contented herself with cleaning, and that's when he was jumped and covered with a cloth, being taken away by a certain crew.
Z was waiting when he arrived.
He was shouting and protesting all the way. However, when they took off the sheet, there were all his friends, many of Heaven's Hellraisers, and signs all around, saying, "Congratulations, sucker!", "Last Nights of Freedom: Make the Most!", "Good-bye Bachelordom!" and pictures of girls in various states of dress all over the place. Along with that was a spread of wings, chips and salsa with bean dip, as well as typical Japanese treats for such occasions, and things typical for Vikings.
"Glad you could make it," said Z
Kei was confused, not certain what was going on, saying, "But, Bell is going to worry..."
"Bell is being kept busy by Urd," said Thor, "This is no place for women right now. This is to celebrate your last two nights of freedom before taking on the ol' ball and chain!"
"Ball and...oh no, Bell is nothing like that," protested Kei, "Besides..." but Tamiya shoved a beer in his hand and said, "Hey, are you going to let down your best buddies? Have some fun!"
Thor then added, "Besides, that motorcycle test you went through was crazy! Dad was just being the jealous, overprotective father not wanting to let go one of his little 'angels.' You really showed some stuff there to do what you did! But for now, forget you have anyone and just enjoy one more good night with the boys!"
"Beer or mead?" asked Z
"Um...what's mead," he asked, uneasy about the whole ordeal, wondering just what stupidity Tamiya had in store.
Z handed him a pint of golden liquid, "nectar of the gods and demons" said Z
"Um...okay..." he said, with reluctance, took a sip, and his eyes were opened! He started to gulp it a couple of times, and said, "Wow! This stuff is awesome!"
Belldandy's eyes went wide and she said, "Urd! Where's Keiichi! Something doesn't feel right!"
Z took a swig from his cup, "you got that right."
Urd said, "Oh, don't worry about it! Everything is fine! Say, why not look at some of my new potions!"
It didn't take long for it to start to put a good buzz on Kei, and he was saying, "Hey, this ain't so bad!"
Otaki then said, "Hit the music," and the music started to play, and they rolled out the karaoke machine for later.
"Let's rock!" said Z.
"No, I know that he's in trouble! I have to check!" she said, but Urd was saying, "Just let him be! It's okay. He's with friends right now."
Considering that Thor was involved, she said, "That is what worries me!"
"He's in good hands," she said, "Besides, when you wed, he won't have as many chances to be with them, so..."
But Bell had reached up to her earring and yanked off one of the metal tines on it, throwing it out. Urd then groaned, saying, "Oh no..."
Thor stiffened, realizing he felt a familiar presence.
Z sensed it too and swore.
Keiichi was starting to feel good, and was on the karaoke machine now, trying his best to entertain everyone. Bell came in and sat on Z's shoulder, as it sounded like storm clouds forming overhead, saying, "What have you done to my Keiichi? And what is with that massive cake in the corner?"
Z paled and began to sweat, "well, this is a tradition for men that are going to be married. Tamiya and Otaki planned it."
"It is?" she said, "What is this tradition? What normally goes on... And why are there half naked women and naked women pictured everywhere?"
"It is called a bachelor party, as for the decor, it was Tamiya and Otaki who planned and probably decorated." said Z
"A bachelor party? Why was I not invited? Why are there only men here?"
"It's a men only party," said Z, "the women tend to have a similar party called a bridal shower."
"But, I am to have one tomorrow, but we do not have liquor or dirty pictures of men to put up. What are you planning for him?"
She was REALLY now eyeballing that cake.
"I am not sure as I didn't plan this," said Z nervously, thinking of some way to make a quick escape, "try asking one of the others."
"I must see how they made that cake," she said, getting ready to go over and check it out, "I want to be sure they did not put something in it that might make him do something foolish!"
She made her way over, and Thor put out his hand as her chibi form passed by the mead and said, "Little sister, you are not supposed to be here."
Z teleported back to the arcade, "that was too close,"
Hild was there, tending to things, and said, "You're back early? Did something go wrong with the party?"
"Belldandy showed up in chibi form and started inquiring about the 'decor' and the 'large cake'" groaned Z
There was a glint now in Hild's eyes and she said, "She doesn't know... Oh, that's rich! Oh... Oh, this I have to see for myself!"
With that, she sent forth a chibi of her own, but much smaller than what she normally would have left.
"I'm glad I got out of there before she inspected the cake."
"You don't want to know what happens?"
He was holding her as if he was King Kong, and he said, "That's all up to Keiichi, although the mead..."
The thunder got louder as she said, "You gave him some mead--some of YOUR mead!"
"I do, but not while in the blast radius," said Z, "hell hath no fury as an angry belldandy"
"Yes, there is some storm clouds forming over that place..."
"What are you doing to him?" she said, desperate.
"Giving him what any bachelor in his right mind would want right before he commits his life to one woman for the rest of his life, or eternity in this case..."
She disappeared and appeared on the cake. By this point, Kei, and everyone else, was now feeling REALLY good because of the mead, and the food was being consumed rapidly, slowing the process, but not succeeding entirely.
"I'm betting lightning will strike before the end of the day," sighed Z, "and the mead was good too."
Hild arrived just as Belldandy landed on the cake, but just as THAT was happening, Tamiya and Otaki staggered over and started to play music called "The Stripper." When the cake was moved, Bell fell over and realized that it was not a real cake at all. Just as she pondered this, the top opened and out hopped Peorth in some very sexy lingerie, dancing very lustily to the catcalls of every male there, but eyeing Kei in the process. Around her was a ribbon that said, "Every man's wish." She stopped before she hit the floor and watched as Peorth removed her bra to the cheers of everyone there and floated out of the cake, heading right for Keiichi. Now it was pouring and lightning was striking everywhere outside. She went forward, but Thor again stopped her, saying, "Let it be: this has to happen!"
"can you tell me how it went?" asked z
Hild arrived on Kei's shoulder and started to whisper into his ear as if the little devil of cartoon and say, "Isn't she pretty? Isn't she sexy? Look at her garters, her silk socks, her big...tracks of land! And look at her: she seems willing to give you something Belldandy not only wanted to deny you, but purposely locked down your libedo for all that time and never told you or why? Forget her, and take what is being given, what she denied you all this time!"
Peorth came up, and squeezed his face to her breasts, saying, "You can kiss them if you like, taste of them. Partake of the milk of love. I can give you everything she never could, or never would."
Now it sounded like a typhoon was rolling through Tokyo. Kei was helpless, drunk, and Thor was doing everything to let it happen, she fought, but he was keeping her from disappearing. She was bawling now, worried that he was about to lose him forever.
Z cast a few spells to protect the arcade from the growing storm.
He looked as if he was about to latch on to one of the nipples, but suddenly, he started to push her away, and said, in a very slurred and drunken state, "No... No... I c..c..couldn't do thhhhhat to Dellbandy."
"Oh come now," she said, "One night with me. I could teach you some techniques that could keep her happy forever!"
All the men were encouraging him, some saying, "Go on! She'll never know! You ain't married yet!"
Waves were now crashing on the harbor, and Belldandy prime was already on her way.
Z turned to Hild, "this place can survive a super storm, right?"
He pushed her away and said, "No... I...uh... khhhhant do that. If I do thththththsomething like that, it just hhhas to be Dellbandy..."
She smiled and said, "Good boy: because I was sent by her father to test you one last time, and you passed with flying colors. Even when offered to you without limits, you did not take it. I'm impressed."
Hild's eyes went wide. How could he have just waked from that, especially drunk off his keester, where he would not be able to think rationally. Too many men would have succumbed, and he did not! Peorth went back to her dance, entertaining the boys, and looking for one who she could have a fling with. Suddenly, outside, the storm stopped.
Hild, at the arcade, looked ready to throw a rod!
Z stepped back.
Belldandy went home as her chibi form was streaming tears and smiling. Thor said, "Maybe it was good you were here. You're marrying one good man!"
"I assume things went well for them," said Z
She grumbled, hating the fact that everything that could have happened to break them up did happen, and he wouldn't take it! "Who is this man!" she snapped, "I can't believe there could be someone so pious that he would be so benevolent! Never have I ever met a human whose price I could not pay!"
"Is he truly human?" wondered Z
"I would love to know!"
"he is different from every other human I have met. perhaps he is not a pure human," said Z
She said nothing, but headed for her room.
(We can go to the wedding shower, but I want to get Auir in on that one.)
(ok)
Z frowned, "I'll have to look into this theory. If keiichi isn't human then things must be done."
"Bri~dal~ shower~" hummed Skuld as she flipped the pages on her notepad.
"What~ to~ do~~~"
The next day...
The ladies they all knew gathered at the house, bringing cakes, coffee and tea, and presents. It was an all-girl affair, and like the bachelor party the night before, (over which every single one of them were severely hung over from Thor's mead,) no guys allowed. However, Kei was in their room ice pack on his head, and easy access to the bathroom just in case. Bell was going to call it off, but Kei insisted she go on with things.
Z was at a computer going through Niddhog's files on Keiichi.
(What are you expecting to find? I don't think anything happens to him unless something happens to him after this trial he's currently going through in the manga.)
(until all that is confirmed, Z will be investigating on the side. it has been theorized that K1 is no normal human.)
(That's what all the fans seem to think.)
(wonder what the truth is?)
(Well, waiting on Auir now. He's had some exams to do, so he's been busy.)
Skuld peeked into the living room and saw the guests. Feeling like doing something, she went to find Belldandy.
"Onee-sama? Do you want me to get them tea or something?"
"Oh that would be sweet of you," she said, "One of the guests brought some ready to go, and if you would like, you may pour out."
"Alright." she nodded, going into the kitchen to get some cups.
In the meantime, the women started to chatter as women do in something like this, and a couple of the first gifts were presented to Belldandy.
Z sent a tiny avatar to observe the shower out of curiosity.
Skuld brought out a tray of iced tea.
This was just as Belldandy opened a gift that was a lacy, see through robe. "Oh, this will go so nice with what I bought the other day!"
Chibi Z grabbed his nose to prevent the flow of blood and tried to think of non-erotic thoughts.
Skuld ran over and quickly threw the wrapping paper over the robe.
"Onee-sama!" she protested.
All the women in the room started to giggle and mutter a bit, loving the sweet innocent child. Belldandy smiled and said, "Now, Skuld: I thought we talked about this. Besides, there are only women here. No one else is going to see."
"No one else but Keiichi," said another woman, seductively.
"But still...." she said, her face blushing.
"Do girls usually... Discuss it as openly as this?"
"Of course," said another adult, "We're grown-ups. Grown-ups talk about things like this."
Another looked at Skuld and said, "And, by the looks of things, you'll be joining our ranks soon enough, so you learning about things like this should not be odd."
(Really! Sometimes, women can be more graphic than guys!)
Her face turned one shade redder.
"Then... I-... Guess I'll join you." she said, interested in what they were talking about.
(I know that more than I would like to... T_T)
"Then, please fetch the finger food if you would, Skuld," said Belldandy, "And I shall let you watch as I open the other presents."
"Finger... Food?" she frowned.
"The hors d'oeuvres," she said, "The small snacks and sandwiches?"
"Ah, there's some chips and cookies in the cup boards. But did we have any sandwiches?"
"Oh, they are in the refrigerator," she said, "I made some, and the girls all brought a little something as well."
"Alright, I'll go get them." Skuld stood up and headed to the kitchen. She grabbed a couple plates and carefully placed the sandwiches on them in neat rows. She ripped open a bag of chips and poured them onto a plate before bringing it all out.
As she did, Belldandy had opened a few others: a spice set, some new cutlery, some perfumes, a couple of nice outfits, and and odd looking purple thing that had the rough shape of something that maybe Skuld would rather not have seen.
Skuld was staring hard at it, unsure what to think.
"... Onee-sama.... What.... Is that?" she asked, unsure whether or not she really wanted to know.
"Um... Something I shall tell you about another time," taking it and covering it with some cloth, "It is grown up, but something I think you need to be older to understand."
(Yes, it's a vibrator.)
(Fun weird fact: the slums area of Japan makes those for approx 50 cents USD. And then sell it for a higher price.)
"O-okay..." she gulped.
One of the ladies said, "Oh, come now, Bell: she has to learn sometime."
Much to Bell's chagrin, the woman said, "Honey, it's a vibrator."
"Vib- you mean those things that you stick up....?" her voice trailing off.
"Um... Bell, haven't you and hear had that 'little talk?'"
"Oh, no, yes, we did." said Skuld, quickly cutting her off.
Belldandy sighed and said, "Yes, it is for that purpose, but it is something I would have rather you found out in a different way."
The woman who spoke now looked a bit saddened that she had even now brought it up. She was growing, but had more growing to do.
Another woman, to chance the subject, said to Skuld, "I hear you're quite the inventor--a regular Thomas Edison."
She broke into a smile hearing this.
"Yep! I can show you some of my inventions if you'd like!"
"Um...sure," said another, "Do you have any special for women--you know: housekeeping, helping with babies, cooking... That kind of thing."
"Mmm, how my multi-function service robot? With a little refining it can cook, clean, and be a door guard at the same time!"
As if on cue, Banpei walked in, working on minor chores, dutifully picking up wrapping paper. They all began to gush at the mechanical marvel.
"Meet Banpei-kun!" beamed Skuld.
Banpei stopped, looked, and waved at the women who were all impressed. At that point, Segal came in and said, "Banpei, you know this is an all-girl thing!"
"Ahh, it's fine. We'll let it pass for now. Besides, all it takes is one little tweak." sad Skuld.
Now the women were gushing over Segal, saying how sweet and cute she looked, asking if she was also a domestic as Banpei. "Hey, what's all the fuss?" answered Segal, all confused.
"Hmm, you might be getting a new owner." said Skuld nonchalantly while making dollar calculations.
"Wait, what?" protested Segal, "You're not going to get rid of me!"
Her face was all worried.
"I'm joking, I'm joking." she laughed.
"You're not going anywhere. But there is a possibility of you getting a new little brother or sister."
"Okay I... What? Wait... Banpei, stop giving me that look!"
"Huh... The hormonal simulator is actually working... Interesting.. Interesting..." said Skuld, jotting down notes.
The women were all delighted that the robot seemed to have a soul to where it could actually have feelings, especially for romance.
"Well? Segal, aren't you going to respond?" asked Skuld.
"Hor-mon-al," she said, then looked at Banpei, screamed and scooted out of there, Banpei in hot pursuit.
Skuld out a laugh.
The ladies weren't done yet. They saved a couple of big ones for last. The first was in another room, and the brought Belldandy in. It was a front-loading washer and new dryer. Though she liked it, Bell thought the dryer might not get much use; she liked air drying on the line because, in her view, the spirits of the forest and air could freshen things better and give them a great odor. Then she was handed a box, and in it was a cruise to Hawaii, all expenses paid. One woman said, "For the honeymoon!"
(It's usually because we feel that the dryer is a wasted extra electricity bill.^^')
Skuld peeked in the box to see how many tickets were in there.
As should have been expected, there was only two: one for Kei, and one for Bell.
(I smell stowaway scenario!)
"Onee-sama, when does this take place?" she asked.
"It shows that it will be the day after the wedding. The wedding is the day after tomorrow, so, three days."
"Three days huh... Alright, got it." she nodded with determination.
"Yes, and I know between you, Urd, Ian, Banpei, and Segal, everything shall be tended to well."
Welsper, curled up in the corner, mumbled, "Belldandy: still naive over all these years?"
"Just leave it to me!" she smiled and thumped her chest.
Welsper walked by, the women all taking a moment to stroke his back as he passed, (loving it all...) and gave Skuld the eye as they passed. He went up to mini-Z and said, "So, are you thinking Skuld might do what it seems?"
(That second part was for Trace when he comes on. You're still involved.)
She frowned at this and made note of it.
"What's next?" asked Skuld, looking for any other presents.
Someone broke out some cards and chips, saying, "How about a little poker?"
Skuld looked over to Belldandy to see if she wanted to play.
"I have never been good at that," she said, always believing the honesty of others, and never being able to bluff, but Urd said, "Come on, Skuld, I'm sure you and I can hold up the family name."
"Mmm, under one condition. They're not allowed to ask about our hand." said Skuld.
"Of course not," the woman said, "This is Texas Hold 'Em."
"Okay, I'm in." said Skuld.
"Well, we're playing for money," she said, "Do you have the 2000 yen buy in?"
"Hold on." she ran to her room and started to flip tables and look underneath mats for any spare change. Finally gathering 2000 yen, she came back.
"Here."
Urd said, "Deal me in!" with a devilish look in her eyes.
Their cards were dealt. Skuld looked at hers and eyed the others.
She was dealt pocket kings.
(Familiar with Texas Hold 'Em?)
(Not as much as regular poker.)
She looked at the cars on the table.
http://www.youtube.com/v/y1Li3SEJEA8
She matched the bet as was required and waited.
Urd looked at hers, no expression, and put in a big raise, and all but one folded.
"Ehk!" said Skuld mentally. She stared hard at her cards and waited for the community cards to be dealt.
However, She said "Raise, call, or fold?"
"Umm, I'll call." she said.
After she put down her call to match the raise, the flop came down: King of Hearts, 9 of spades, 5 of diamonds.
"So you knew I was here the whole time?" said Chibi-Z to welsper.
"Ooh, I might have a chance..." though Skuld.
Urd tapped the table, meaning "Check."
"I see more than others," he said, "Besides, do you see what I see in reference to the cruise that Belldandy was just given as a gift for a honeymoon?"
"I see an opportunity to raise shares," said Chibi-Z.
Welsper said, "I like the way you think, especially since there was only two tickets, and Skuld didn't seem to like it."
"I'm thinking we pull some strings so Skuld can get on the same cruise as the happy couple and see how things go."
"Bet." said Skuld and put in whatever remaining money she had.
"Skuld goes all in," someone announced, causing Urd to frown, and folds.
Skuld looked around to see who was left.
Everyone had folded the hand, and the pot was shoved to her.
"Heh heh." smiled Skuld with a ^_^ V.
"V for victory! Again?"
The woman and Urd grumbled, and the cards came out. This time, she had an ace of spades and an eight of diamonds.
"Hmm..." she decided to wait and call.
"Skuld-chan checks," said the dealer, two folded, two more checks, and Urd said, "I'll bet," and placed in about 500 yen. It came to Skuld, "Call, raise, or fold?"
"I'll call." she said.
"do you think this card game could be more interesting?" Z asked Welsper.
"Put in 500," she was told as the flop came down. It was 8 of clubs, four of diamonds, Jack of hearts. The betting started, a few more folded, Urd then said, "400 yen."
Chibi-Z dispelled and the real Z went to find Hild.
"i'm sure it could," said Welsper before he went.
"Mom, you there," called out Z
Hild was playing a shooting game. She had wanted to see what the fuss was about it, but now, for some reason, just could not break away. "I'm over here," she answered in between, "Die, you vicious jerk!"
"Just the words every son wants to hear from his mother," joked Z, "I believe a certain pussy cat and I have cooked up a scheme that might use belldandy and K1's wedding to our advantage."
"Oh really? How so. HA! GOT YOU!"
"I sent an avater to observe her bridal shower. sort of a turnabout for her visiting the bachelor party." said Z, "one of the gifts she got was two tickets for a cruise to hawaii, and skuld seemed to be interested in exactly when the trip would take place."
She stopped, looked at him, and said, "Oh really?" getting this devilish look on her face.
"I was thinking we pull some strings so Skuld gets a room on the cruise...right next to the happy couple"
"Now, really: how are you going to pull that off. Belldandy would do something to send her back the first moment she could...I mean, I would..."
"would she send her back if she won a trip for her and sentaro that just happened to be on the same day?" asked Z
"Could Sentaro get out of school enough to do that, much less take a trip like that without a chaperone?"
"that is a good point," said Z, "though I still wonder if belldandy would cut short her sister's trip if she actually had a ticket and was a passenger due to some legitimate circumstances."
"Hmm... You know, knowing her, she just might step forward and volunteer to chaperone the pair, and I am sure, much to Kei's displeasure!"
"I believe I can get the tickets to the kids with Kara's help," said Z, "all I need is to book the rooms anonymously and discrete mental suggestions will do the rest."
"Excellent. Make it so. I'll also send Chibi Hild on this, and if you can disguise yourself, she can act as a daughter, and you can keep tabs on the situation."
"I believe I can create sufficient illusion charms to fool belldandy," said Z, "this could be like a date for Kara and me."
"Are you saying she would go with us?"
"Well a daughter would be more convincing with two parents, and three sets of eyes can see more," said Z
"So, just how do you plan to 'ruin' their honeymoon?"
"I'm going to just have skuld there as a sort of third wheel," said Z, "you know how she feels about their relationship."
"I thought she eased up now that they are getting married and doing it properly."
"she might have, but if belldandy chaperones them, then she has less time to spend with K1."
"Well, that will only work if Skuld makes an utter pest of herself."
"true. any ideas?"
"We have to constantly have things going on that forces them to be together, and where Bell will feel obligated to participate. Maybe throw in a small challenge or two."
"any ideas on what?"
"Not yet, but let's get your plan going first and take it one step at a time."
Z nodded and pulled out his phone and sent an avatar to secure the tickets.
Now, all they had to do is wait for the wedding. This was going to be fun.
Z called Kara and they began to make preparations.
(We'll have to finish the poker game now, and then go to the wedding.)
"Hmm, I'll fold." said Skuld after looking back and forth from her had to the flop a couple times.
Urd was the only one left, and she took the pot, not happy that there was not much in it because of the early outs of people. It also seemed she was trying to put Skuld out early, with a greedy look in her eye.
Skuld looked around, wondering if they were going to go again.
"What's wrong, Skuld?" challenged Urd, "Can't hang with the big girls? I thought a mind like yours would be able to take us easily. *sigh* I guess it was all a myth..."
"Hmph! An udder-brain like you can't possible understand that this is a game of pure luck! I'm not going to fall for your taunts this time! Another round!" scoffed Skuld, putting down her money.
And so the game went on, and it seemed that more and more of the women were falling by the wayside, and it was indeed coming down to Urd and Skuld.
Alas, it was now down to those two. With a pot big enough to buy a moth's worth of snacks, everything came down to the hands they had.
The cards came down for head to head play. Skuld got two aces: pocket rockets!
she silently squealed and smirked, looking over at Urd.
Welsper looked at Skuld in a way Urd could not see and mouthed, "Careful: you'll give away your hand!"
Urd was not certain about the smirk, wondering if it was a bluff, looked at her cards, had no expression, and bet about 2,000 yen: her original buy-in, (seeing that the both had about 6,000 yen between the two of them.)
She matched and added 1000 to that.
"Call," said Urd, as they flopped two tens and a duce.
"Hmm..." Skuld frowned and looked at the flop.
"Call." she said.
Urd knew she had to have some kind of edge. Another ace came out on the turn, and Urd bet half her pot.
Skuld matched it and added a bit more.
"Call," said Urd, and the river came down. It was a king, and Urd said, "all in."
"All in." said Skuld, hoping that her confidence in her hand won't fail her.
Urd turned over two kings, "Hah! Full House, Kings over tens! Beat that!"
"Full house, Aces over tens!" said Skuld, throwing down her hand.
Urd looked like a shocked statue. She couldn't believe she had been beaten, and she said, "No, you had to have tricked me somehow!"
"That was pretty fun. Heh heh." grinned Skuld as she pulled the money in.
All the women were stunned as this little girl was raking in 12,000 yen! Belldandy then came up and said, "What do you plan to do with all that?"
"Hmm... I guess I'll save it for now. It's nowhere near enough for the parts I need." said Skuld out loud. She then thought that it'd be a great idea to use it to buy lots of souvenirs from her little trip.
(Trace, want to be the delivery man with the tickets for her?)
(Actually I was thinking sentaro would get them from a lottery while shopping and give ont to skuld. It would seem more realistic that way and less obvious as a demon plot.)
(Do you have Sentaro or me?)
(I don't have him.)
(Looks like it's me.)
Within moments, Sentaro came in all happy and shouting!
"Hm? What's all that yelling?" Skuld poked her head out.
"Sentaro?"
"Hey, Skuld! You're not going to believe this!" he said, holding up the two tickets for the same cruise.
"Where'd you get those?!" she said in surprise.
"It was a contest at a convenience store!" he said, "The ball came up for me out of the thing and there it was!"
"Wow! Congratulations!"
"But there are two tickets. For some reason, the school closed for some kind of repair during the time, and Mom said if I had someone go with me, I could choose whoever I wanted to come!"
"Ehh, isn't that great? So who are you taking with you?" she stated more than asked.
"Uh, well..." he turned a touch red and shy, and seemed to be measuring his words as he said, "I, uh, was thinking about you..."
"Great!" She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"I'll see you then!" she said, running to her room to pack. Completely forgetting what she just did.
He stood there, blankly staring for a good five minutes.
_______
Bell came in and said, "Skuld, what are you doing?"
"Oh! Umm, Sentaro just won some tickets to this event thingy. I'm sorry but it's on the same day as your honeymoon so I won't be able to see you off." she apologized.
As it turned out, it was the same cruise the honeymoon was on, though Skuld didn't know this. Bell then said, "Well, who is supervising you?"
"Supervising? Well... Umm.... Urd is! If she says yes...."
She heard this and came in, saying, "What are you scheming!"
"Scheming? It's just that I didn't know we were supposed to have someone supervising us. So I just thought of the first person that popped into my head."
"Oh, and like I have a ticket? How would I get on?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I just can't come on the ship with you. I also have to have a ticket."
She started to get cute and go, "Let's see, where is my ticket? Not here... Nope... Nope," pretending to look around for the ticket.
(Wait, Urd is speaking?)
"Uuuu.... I'll buy one for you...." said Skuld a bit dejectedly.
"Riiiiiiight! And are you going to use the money you won, because it's going to cost you a good chunk of it."
"Yeess...." she sighed.
"Do not worry," said Belldandy, "I am certain I can give you some spending money for the trip."
"Odd, though," added Urd, "To have two cruise ships leaving the same day," also not knowing the soon coming storm!
"Yeah, it must be some sort of dual refueling or something." she added.
Before long, the party was over, and it was time for the clean-up, with which Sentaro helped. Noble Scarlet was also helping, and whispered into Skuld's ear, "Are you really sure this cruise is okay?"
"Yeah, it's all going according to plan." she snickered.
She looked at her oddly as if to say, "What have you got cooked up?"
She decided to save telling her for later.
Noble Scarlet wagged her finger at her with a knowing look and went back to helping clean. Sentaro said, "That's so neat. I wish I had an angel."
"I am sorry, Sentaro," said Belldandy, "But Skuld has not yet been approved for granting wishes."
"Oh!" Skuld suddenly blushed.
"Approved for granting wishes?" he said, confused, "I guess that means it costs money, and we're only kids, he-he."
"That's... I'll tell you when we get older..." said Skuld.
(I think it is time to move onto the wedding?)
(Sure.)
(Wel'll need Trace then. We have to wait for him.)
(I'm here)
(Okay then, this is where our imaginations can have some fun! This is an OMG wedding, so let's have fun.)
(does that mean the goddesses, Hild, and Z can wear their divine/demonic robes?)
(Oh, you KNOW they'd do that regardless!)
(should they release at least some of their seals for the ceremony and is the almighty one going to wed them?)
(No one is busting a seal, but Tyr is going to do the honors.)
(ok)
Z arrived at the temple wearing his formal demon robes, which looked like a male version of what Hild Prime wore, except that it covered more. He had come early to help set things up for the ceremony.
However, most of the mortal guests could not believe the revealing outfits that both Hild AND Urd were wearing.
"Those two are more alike than Urd will admit," sighed Z as he checked over the illusions that would be placed over the reception.
And now they were looking for Skuld, to see what she would wear.
She was wearing her goddess clothing.
Kei waited at the end of the aisle while waiting for Bell to come out.
Z finished his checks and went to sit next to Hild, "I know we oppose this, but I still think that it's about time they tied the knot." he said to Hild
"Don't worry," she said, "If your little plan works, they might be filing for divorce after the cruise!"
"All's well that ends well," said Z
"Well for who?" she asked with a sinister look on her face.
"us, of course,"
However, Tyr seemed annoyed that he would be doing the honors, especially how Kei stole his baby from him.
Z sat back and waited for the ceremony to begin.
Otkai was in a tux, but really did not look comfortable in it. The music started, and then every eye in the place was on Belldandy as she entered. Even if no one knew she was a goddess, they thought her one at that point, if even only for the wedding.
Z stood along with the others when the bride entered.
Everyone muttered as she entered, Hild scowled at Tyr, but Tyr, upon seeing this, suddenly said, "No! You can't have my daughter, human! I just can't allow this!" and a barrier appeared all around her.
"Daddy, NO!" she protested, but she started to rise off the ground.
Z raised an eyebrow, "looks like someone has decided to speak now and not forever hold his peace."
"She just smirked and said, "I knew someone couldn't go through with it!"
Meanwhile, Thor and Urd were both protesting this action. "Daddy, the system force!" said Urd.
"Overrode!" he said back.
"He can override the system force," deadpanned Z
"Well, he does run heaven," said Hild, "I suppose he can allow or dissolve contracts as he wishes."
(We need Auir.)
"I'll remember that," said Z
(Ah, yes. What am I doing?)
(You were the ring bearer, and you are looking at what happened.)
Skuld started to investigate what was happening.
Apparently Tyr called for a recall beam to take Belldandy back, because, the jealous father that he was, wasn't going to let go of his baby girl that easily.
"What? Wait, what?!" Skuld booked it back to heaven the first chance she had.
Back in heaven, En, Ex, and Chrono were trying to keep it together. For some reason, Yggdrasil was trying to reject the alfather's override.
Skuld arrived in the midst of it.
"What's going on?"
"The system force tried to pull Bell away, but something is trying to override it. It has the authority, but for some reason, Yggdrasil itself is fighting it!"
Z stood up, "If we're done here I'm going to go pack,"
Urd looked at him and snarled, "And is that all you have to say!"
"Do we know why?"
"Sorry," said Z, "I might have something that can help."
"Remember," said Chrono, "The system was considered by mortals to be the tree of life. Okay, so it's not a tree, but, there is some truth to vitalization. Its as if its gotten used to human/divine direct interaction: Z and Ian, for example, and somehow thinks anything separating what would be the norm to be an anomaly and it's trying to stop it. That's my guess."
Z held up a CD, "This program I worked on might work."
"A: what does it do? B: what do you think the problem is?"
"the problem is the almighty one trying to override the contract, this program is one use only and is incomplete. It will allow me to safely transfer Belldandy and Keiichi's contract to nidhogg for no more than 3 days. While it's there, you need to convince your father to change his mind," said Z
"Something else," said Lind, "I'm getting communication from Chrono," and told her theory to them. (See post.)
(wait, where are lind and chrono and was Urd talking to Z?)
(Lind: at wedding. Chrono: at Yggdrasil doing her job. Lind mentioned her communication that she was getting from Chrono. She said:
Remember," said Chrono, "The system was considered by mortals to be the tree of life. Okay, so it's not a tree, but, there is some truth to vitalization. Its as if its gotten used to human/divine direct interaction: Z and Ian, for example, and somehow thinks anything separating what would be the norm to be an anomaly and it's trying to stop it. That's my guess."
This is what Lind is now telling Z in overhearing the conversation between Urd and Z)
(ok.)
"There is one catch to my plan" said Z
"What's that," said Lind, and Urd said, "Remember: Skuld is up there now working with Chrono."
"The program has to be installed and authorized by the leader of the fighting wings and a Yggdrasil admin." said Z
"That would be me," said Lind, "And you would have Ex, En, Chrono, and Skuld to choose from: they are all authorized admins."
"...ok then," said Z, a bit surprised that they agreed so quickly, "here."
he handed her the disk, "scan it if you must, but I swear on the Daimakaicho that is safe."
"That's quite an oath," she said, but just as that was said, Mom was in Tyr's face, and they were bickering about the whole thing. Because of that, Bell looked like a slow moving yo-yo. She went up, she came back, and Yggdrasil was "internally hemorrhaging" at this point. For Hild, she was watching shares tack off the scale. A better state of chaos could not have been created!
"you'd bust hurry," said Z.
Because of the fight going on, anomalies started to crop up. People were turning into zoo animals. The bride and groom on the cake started to waltz. Ace looked like Richard Nixon.
(We have to get Auir in on this.)
"This is bad," commented Z, "if this keeps up, the universe will collapse."
Skuld was busy working with Chrono.
Thor came up and said, "Come on, Z--I can give you the pass you need. Come help us," and ushered him into Yggdrasil with the program.
"Is there anything we can do about the bugs?" growled Skuld as she typed away at the keyboard.
"Wait... I'm getting word that Thor is coming in with Z who claims to have an aiding program. We'll decide then."
(We'll need Trace for this.)
Z walked in, "I am honored to be here," he said.
"So what's this about an aiding program?" demanded Skuld.
"It will allow belldandy's contract to be temporarily moved out of Yggdrasil so you can convince the almighty one to stop trying to delete it." said Z
"I'm convincing papa? Alright, leave to me to save the day. Is that thing safe?"
"Yes," said Z, "belldandy's contract will return automatically after three days. there will be no virus or phantom program uploaded."
"Hmm..." she frowned and stared at him.
"Alright, I'll trust you for now. Give me it."
Z handed her the program, "all that's needed is the approval code of the leader of the Valkyrie and a Yggdrasil admin."
"There's my approval. We need Lind." she nodded.
Chrono said, "Hey, I'm a Valkyrie! I can do that!"
Z shook his head, "It needs the authority of the leader of the fighting wings. Otherwise the system would reject it."
"Yep. Valkerie leader? Valkerie leader? I don't see one." said Skuld, deliberately looking over Chrono's head.
She picked up the phone and called Lind, who, after answering, said, "I'm having a hard time getting back."
"Is there a problem?" asked Skuld.
"Yes," she said, "Right now, everything looks like a Van Gogh painting, and made of gelatin. I keep trying to come back, but keep bouncing around."
"Did you try using the backdoors?"
"Well I can, but right now, eww.. Ian has limbs drifting off, and Kei is turning into a penguin."
"Then ignore it and just come!"
She acknowledged and tried, but she came out the other end looking like Bozo the Clown.
"Ehg- it's worse than I thought. Quickly, plug it in. I'll give me authorization and then you give yours!"
"Right!" she said, hitting her with a pie and then seltzer water, "Just keep laughing!"
She wiped her face off and quickly installed the program. She gave her authorization and waited for Lind.
"Hey, can you get the game on this thing!" she said, fiddling with the controls and causing the three there to freak out, trying to get her off the machine.
"What's the most simple way the machine will accept an authorization?" exclaimed Skuld as she tried to restrain her.
"That would be me!" said Lind-zo, "So, what do you want authority for?"
"Authorize the use of the program!"
"Which one?" she asked, "We have a bunch!"
"The one Z just offered!"
"I have a counter offer!"
(You KNOW this isn't going to go that easy, LOL!)
"Uugghh! What is this counter offer?!" she groaned, going along with it.
"I'll give you two programs with a word processor!"
"... Heeey... Do you like pie?" she asked nicely and slowly.
"Pie? I love Pie... Let me have it!"
"Nah uh uh. I need you to do something very important first. Do you think you can do that?" she asked, still speaking in a slow manner.
(Oh, I thought she was going to get the cream pie!)
She got all pouty and said, "You're no fun! What do you want me to do?)
(pardon me?)
"Just place your hand here gently. Don't do it too rough, it's my first time as well. I'll slide my hand here too okay? It might feel a little weird at first but it'll turn out better later okay?" she gently whispered.
"Just a little more.... And.... Done!" the computer beeped and spoke
'Authorizations accepted.'
(You know...the gag pie to the face?)
"Right, I did it! Now the pie. Let me have it!"
Z chuckled, "Belldandy's contract has been moved."
The bugs began to clear.
She and a robot swung an entire volley of pies at her until she was buried under a mountain of them.
"There, that should keep her occupied..."
"Things should calm down in a bit," said Z, "you have 72 hours to fix things before the contract will be sent back."
Lind had changed back by this point and pushed her way out, steaming, saying, "Why am I covered with pies!"
"Oh, you know. Glitches in the system." whistled Skuld.
"Well, we'd better get back. Bell's parents were in a sharp fight while we were away. No telling where that's going to go."
"I think I'll be leaving," said Z, "I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome."
"That's true, let's go."
By the time they returned, Bell was on the ground, but still shielded as the couple bickered about her fate.
"They're still going at it?" sighed Skuld.
"Seems so,"
As they walked up, they heard, "...and he passed the test! How can you do this?"
"I...I... Look, I don't want to lose her!" he said, becoming a bit quiet, "I feel like I'm losing a part of me--like someone is taking my other eye."
"You only have one eye anyway..." muttered Skuld off to the side.
"Dear, you want her happy, right?"
"Well, of course..."
"How would heaven be with her moping around sad all the time?"
"Well..."
"Daddy... Let go..."
He sighed and said, "Honey, forgive me. I love you so much."
The cone went away and she embraced her father, saying, "Thank you for showing me how much you care."
Tyr made everyone freeze, and then went to Kei and said, "I just have one stipulation for you. Take care of my daughter. Do her no harm. I know you shall do as husband and wife do, but understand--do not hurt her. You like that Beamer, right?"
"Oh sure," answered Kei, "She's my baby."
"Hmm... Okay, then, how would you feel if someone took a key right across the gas tank, and then cut the seat with it."
"I'd be angry! I don't know what I'd do."
"Good, Kei, you understand--don't key my daughter!"
He swallowed hard and sweatdropped, saying, "Yes, sir..." now realizing where Skuld had gotten in over all these years.
After that, he waived his hand, and everyone forgot all that had just happened, and went on with the ceremony.
And so the joyous ceremony continued on its path. Full of happy tears and quiet sniffles.
They got to the part where Tyr said, "If there is any who can show just cause why these two should not be wed, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace."
The crowd was quiet.
Kei looked at Skuld out of the corner of his eye while Sayoko and Toshiyuki looked like they were both starting to stand as to speak.
She was sitting quietly in a chair, not facing the ceremony. She was holding a flower in her hand and plucking off petals one by one.
Not realizing it, both Sayoko and Toshiyuki were starting to move up to the front to speak.
(Warning? And Skuld doesn't care for any of this?)
"Hm?" Skuld plucked off the last petal and looked up. She saw Sayoko and Toshiyuki moving up and went to intercept them.
"What are you doing?"
"Is there an objection?" asked Tyr.
"I'll say there is!" they both said in stereo.
She stared at them and frowned.
"This girl is not a national," she said, "and can provide nothing for him! Note how poor they've always been! She can never give to him what he needs!
"Nor could he give to her what I could give," protested Toshiyuki, "I can provide for her all her needs! He can give her no future! We protest!"
"Then if Belldandy-nee and Kei-nii can prove that they can provide for each other, will you step down?" Skuld spoke out loud.
"But once they wed, then it's too late to protest!" said Sayoko, "How can they prove it here and now?"
"Will you accept my word then? As One who sees into the Future?"
They looked at each other, then at her, and said, "What are you talking about?"
Sayoko whispered to Skuld, "Are you some kind of witch like your sister?"
"No, not witch. You can see it like this. I am of the future while Belldandy is the present. Will you accept my word that they will be able to provide for each other?"
"No!" said Toshiyuki, "I want my dear Belldandy!"
Z raised an eyebrow at his antics, 'the idiot doesn't realize that his goal is unreachable for someone like him.'
Sayoko shoved him aside and said, "I'll take the challenge. What do I have to do?"
(Been waiting for an answer, Trace!)
(isn't skuld giving the challenge?)
(I thought Z was. Let me ask.)
(Skuld was giving a challenge?)
(There was something about accepting her word as goddess of the future. Sayoko thinks its a challenge, for some reason, and egotistically accepts it.)
(Huh... Alright, let me think of something.)
Skuld came back with several VR machines.
"With my latest invention we shall now simulate the future! All four of you will be placed 20 years into the future and we shall see if who's able to care for each respective simulated partner! This machine will take into account all your personalities. Remember there are happiness, stress, and physical health gauges to take care of so it's not just some 2nd rate sim game."
(OH, I LOVE IT!!! VERY LIKE SKULD!)
Sayoko very proudly strapped on the device, and when Toshiyuki resisted, she wrestled him down and forced it on him. She then said to Skuld, "Let her rip!"
There was a brief tunnel of light like the warp images from windows media player before their surroundings changed. Each of the four were sleeping in a little humble room. A second later, the computer generated their respective sleeping partner next to them. The alarm clock began to ring, signaling the time to wake up.
(So it's 4 diff VRs where
Sayoko > Keiichi
Belldandy > Keiichi
Toshiyki > Belldandy
Keiichi > Belldandy)
(I get it: For Sayoko, it will show the difference between Kei and Sayoko vs Bell and Kei; and for Toshiyuki, the same thing. Remember, though, both Sayoko and Toshiyuki have money, so their abodes wouldn't be so humble.)
(Yes. They'll be in houses then.)
(Okay, let her rip)
(They're not waking?)
The s-Belldandys got up and turned off the alarm. Immediately they headed to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast.
(s-Bell=Sayoko's vision?)
(s-Bell = Keiichi and Toshiyuki's vision. S-kei = Belldandy's and Sayoko's vision.)
Toshiyuki awoke in his silk pajamas in his silk sheets, looking like he just had another night of conquest, and as energetic as any man who had just bumped uglies the night before.
"Good morning dear." smiled s-Belldandy.
"Breakfast is ready, would you like to come down and eat?"
"Of course, my pet," he said, sitting down.
(I'm going to try to keep him in character, considering that he looked at women more as trophies than he did as people.)
As he read the paper, however, he was wondering if his lunchtime "message" would be ready in the office.
She came up with a tray.
"Here." she smiled, setting down the legs and resting it over his legs. Eggs, toast, jam, sausage, and honeymilk.
"Ah, ever the angel," he said, "But, why don't you let the servants take care of that? You're rich, now. You don't have to do that anymore."
"If that is what you wish my dear." she smiled.
"Still, none of them could cook like you," he said, talking sweetly, but seeing her more as her mistress and maid.
"Then shall I continue to cook from time to time?" she asked.
"Oh no," he said, "I want my wife to cook all the time, because she loves it so much."
"Hai." she smiled and went back down. Meanwhile in Sayoko's...
The alarm was still ringing.
(I'm not getting alerts)
(They've been coming off and on for me.)
Sayoko woke up in her see-thru nighty in her silk sheets and kissed Kei Passionately.
(still off for me)
s-Kei smiled and returned the kiss. After a brief moment, he broke it and got up.
"Morning. Have to get ready for work."
(Check your junk file and make sure you didn't accidentally put it there.)
"Oh, you know you don't have to do that anymore," she said, "Didn't father's gift of a motorcycle company satisfy you?"
(found them)
(can everyone see the feed?)
"I still have to run it." he chuckled.
"Where's my suit?"
"Uwaa, this is bad." said Skuld, looking at it all from the main screen.
"They're all gaining points steadily. At least Keii-nii and onee-chan aren't falling behind. Urd, any ideas?"
"They both have them like trophies," she said, "When it comes to a matter where true love is to be extended, it might make it different. Toshiyuki has a greater weakness: women in general. What would Bell do if she found out he was messing around with other women?"
"Bad things..." shuddered Skuld from the bad memories.
"My money's on Belldandy and Keiichi." said Z.
"Well, would you think he would have a woman on the side?"
"Yes. He has to call it though. Let's see if things will change around noon."
"I'm banking on it!" said Urd, "As for Sayoko, you have to do something to show her she really doesn't love him, but that Kei was just a prize to her all along."
"A prize... So she also has to be caught cheating. Maybe at night? I can't really interfere with the program. But I can fast forward the times."
(The alerts stopped again)
"Jump it to just before lunch," she said, "That is one place where execs like to mess around."
"Alright, skipping to lunch..." said Skuld, fastforwarding the program.
The board meeting was finished and now it was time for lunch. Being the boss, he could take all the time he wanted. With that, he locked the door, and there was his "masseuse" wearing nothing but a silk robe, a smile, and plenty of ambition. He began to disrobe, and... Do I have to say?
"Looks like he's gonna fall behind," said z
There came a knock on the door.
"Darling? Are you there?" asked s-Belldandy.
His eyes went wide! He was in the middle of a bit of felatio, and his lover was shocked to see him go limp in an instant. He did not respond right away, but had the woman hide in a closet as he quickly put his clothes back on and said, "Come in, darling."
"The door is locked dear." came the reply.
"Oh, sorry," he said, unlocking the door and saying, "Had something on which to concentrate. I was not wanting to be disturbed by the workers--but you can anytime!"
"I see." she smiled.
"I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with me?"
He swallowed and said, "Sure," though he looked a touch disheveled.
"Is something wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"Oh no," he said, a touch nervous, "I just have been struggling with a few numbers, and maybe a good lunch break might help. Could you excuse me a minute while I shut a few things down?" ushering her outside his office.
"Oh, okay." she said, a bit surprised after being ushered outside.
"He's hard at work I see." she giggled.
He sighed a heavy sigh and then went to his lover and said, "Sorry: we'll have to pick up on this tomorrow. Wait about ten minutes after I am gone, and then leave."
Belldandy was waiting for him with a picnic basket.
"Since it's such a nice day outside, let's have a picnic." she smiled.
His lip twitched, and he said, "Sure: there are nice plots of grass under the trees nearby."
(Trust me: this is going to get interesting!)
"Yes." she smiled happily.
"Shall we go?"
He nodded and followed her out the building.
(Get ready for lovers to pass by!)
She began to hum while on their way.
"It certainly is a beautiful day outside."
"Oh yes... Oh, right there is a good spot."
"Hai." she nodded and reached into the basket for a large tablecloth. After spreading it out evenly on the ground she began to take out the dishes.
As he sat down, people strolled by, admiring the cute couple, and then a woman passed, spotted Toshiyuki, and said, "Oh, hi Toshi-chan," all sexy.
S-Belldandy looked at her.
"Are you a friend of Toshi-kun?"
She giggled and said, "You could say that," as she walked away. Toshiyuki was sweating bullets and said, "Um... We did business before, yeah... An important business deal."
"An important business? A co-worker?"
"Oh no," he said, "She works for another firm--you know--business partners, yeah... She deals in... Selling... Yes, that's it--selling the product we have."
"Selling.... Okay." her face went back to being a smile.
"Here, sit here dear." she said, patting the spot next to her.
He sat down, feeling relieved, hoping there would be no more of that.
"Things are progressing pretty smoothly." said Skuld with a :3.
Then a woman with a walker containing a baby marched up, steam pouring out of her ears, and screamed, "There you are, you two-timing masher? Who's she: your latest conquest?"
His face went pale.
"Conquest?" she looked toward him, face full of confusion.
Toshiyuki was doing what he could to signal her not to go on but she kept it up. "Oh, you don't know? Honey, this man goes with anything female that spreads her legs to him, and I was one of them. Oh, Toshiyuki, meet your daughter!"
"Is this true?" asked s-Belldandy with a pained expression.
"I...I...I don't know her!" he shouted, "No, that's not my child!"
"Oh, yes it is, you scumbag!" she said, "Remember that late night meet-up nine months ago?"
"I'll...I'll take you to court over this!" he shouted, "I'll prove that's not my child."
"Then, you'd consent to a blood test?"
"Well...uh...that is...um..."
He was sweating Niagara Falls now.
S-Belldandy began to cry. She left the basket and everything else and ran away.
"No, wait!" he yelled, scowling at the woman, and rushed after her. Sadly, as he did, he got greeted by the odd woman here and there.
(Yes, he is that much of a scumbag!)
"That takes care of him, now let's check up on Sayoko and s-Keiichi." said Skuld.
He was suiting up to go to the office and discuss a new cycle design.
"I wonder, what will come her way this time?" pondered Skuld.
As she watched him leave, she smiled, but then felt an emptiness. Sure, she had finally beaten Belldandy, and she was even more happy she would be with a womanizing two-timer, knowing it would destroy her rival even more. However, suddenly, it didn't feel like such a victory anymore. She had won, and now what? She now even wondered if she got him because she loved him, or because he was just a part of a bigger picture of revenge. With that, she went to the liquor cabinet she had visited the day before, but took a few more shots than she had that day before.
S-Keiichi looked at the clock.
"It's getting late, better wrap up this meeting and go home soon."
However, her few turned into about five, then seven, and by the time he got home, she had finished the bottle of JD.
"Honey, I'm home!" s-Keiichi called out when he entered the house.
"You," she slurred, "Great, my trophy husband has finally arrived!"
"Yes, he has arrived. You had one too many to drink didn't you?" he laughed, walking over.
"I'm ferfetcly pine," she said, wreaking of Jack, "Tell me: do you love me?"
"Of course." he smiled.
She wagged her finger and said, "N... n... no... You don't get it. Do you love me--really love me?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?" he whispered softly into her ear.
"Come on, let's get you to bed." s-Keiichi picked her up princess-style and carried her upstairs.
"You love me more than losing Bell?" she asked.
(Just got called into work. I have to go!)
"I left Bell because I realize I loved you more. Why, is something wrong?"
"It.. unh... washn't my feminimimim... my feminimim... You think me shexy?"
"Of course you are." he chucked, giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"I... *burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp* mean, it wasn't my looks?"
"You're the most beautiful woman on the planet okay? Now come on, let's get you to bed."
"No, you don't understand," she said, tears now flowing, "Would you die for me?"
"Through heaven and hell." he smiled.
She then started to cry harder now, knowing that she really now did not feel that for him, now realizing she had only married him for superficial reasons, and didn't know how to tell him, even in this state of mind.
"Hey hey, what's wrong?" he asked, setting her down and looking into her eyes.
"Hey, tell me. What happened?"
"I, I," she said, "I can't say it! I already hurt too many people!"
"It's okay, just tell me. What happened?"
"I married you, and destroyed Belldandy! Okay? I don't even know if I love you like you love me!"
He gave her a smile and hugged her gently.
"If that's what you were worrying about then I have nothing to worry about." he whispered.
"You know... Keiichi's kindness might be a bad thing here..." said Skuld.
She was shocked, somehow sobering some, and said, "How can you say that? Don't you understand? I married you as revenge against Belldandy. I stole you from her to hurt you. You were a prize to me..." saying the last thing quietly, ashamed.
He smiled a bit sadly and said,
"But that just means I haven't completely won your heart over right? Tell me honestly, do you like me even just a little?"
She did smile a bit and said, "You make it hard NOT to like you. I must admit there is a charm about you that is attractive."
"Then there's no worry. In fact, I should be the one worrying. I have to work harder." he winked.
She smiled and said, "I married a real good man. How could I not see that in you?"
She embraced and kissed him, growing closer and beginning to undress him...
And a censor came over the computer screen Skuld was viewing.
"Ah- come on! Darn anti-mature content restrictions..."
It seemed the pair were becoming closer, and the Sayoko of this world started to smirk, while Toshiyuki looked terrified. This was starting to backfire in one of them badly.
"Let's... Check up on how Belldandy-nee and Kei-nii are doing..." said Skuld.
When they ran off, he was in hot pursuit of Belldandy.
s-Belldandy was crying under a bridge.
When he found her, though he was still a womanizer, he suddenly felt in his gut a great guilt. The reason was because of her beauty and poise, that she had never done anything to hurt him, and now this. He started saying, "What have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE! I'M A MONSTER! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
With that, he ran screaming to the road of the bridge and got to the edge, preparing to jump off.
He felt two arms wrap around his mid-section, preventing him from jumping off.
"No, please don't!" cried s-Belldandy.
"NO! I'M A MONSTER! I HURT YOU! I DON'T DESERVE YOU!"
"Please, suicide is never the answer!" she cried, holding him back.
"Don't you understand?" he said, "You suddenly look like such a goddess, and I hurt you, over and over, with so many women, and I hurt you. I DON'T DESERVE TO LIVE! Worse, you don't realize how Sayoko and I did what we did to get you away from Keiichi and into her arms, AND INTO MINE! YOU WERE DUPED!"
"I know! I know! But I can't change how I feel! I love you, even if chase after other women I still love you!" cried s-Belldandy, holding onto him tight and sobbing.
"Wow... This is just like one of those Korean dramas. All we're missing is the rain and possibly a gunshot wound." said Skuld.
He stopped and turned around, saying, "But, you love Keiichi--or you did. How can you love me when he is a saint?"
"Why do people fall in love?" she sniffed.
"Need there be a reason?"
"Nevermind, Bollywood movie." said Skuld.
http://www.youtube.com/v/UJWcrRgQse4
(Skip to 2:12 if you want the description on a Bollywood movie. I recommend the whole thing, it's funny. >.<)
"Can you help me?" he said, "Help me see no other woman but you. Keiichi was a fool to lose you. Help mm-m-mee-e-ee..."
He then leans on her shoulder and cries.
"Yes. Yes, of course." she smiled, patting him.
He looked up, into her beautiful eyes, and prepared to kiss her.
In this realm, Sayoko thought she was winning with the now pornographic show, but Toshiyuki was now realizing that, maybe, he should change his ways and leave Kei alone.
"Do you think we have enough data?" asked Skuld towards Urd.
"Here's the problem:" she said, "Sayoko is still going to protest, saying that she deserves Kei more, but Toshiyuki will give up his pursuit."
"Well, we knocked off one at least." she replied.
"Maybe we can just leave her in here forever...?"
"Um...no," she said, "But, do you truly think they could be happy forever? Think: how could Sayoko mess this up?"
"I suppose cheat?"
"And how could you get her to cheat?"
"I don't know... I can't do anything except influence the time stream."
"Then, she's going to protest that they should not wed and try to convince Kei not to wed, unless..."
"we keep her in there forever."
"No," she said, "We free her and turn Toshiyuki loose on Sayoko... Let the cancer eat itself."
"Turn him loose? You mean let him convince her here?"
"Well, let him back her off and they'll bi$%# at each other outside while the wedding continues."
"Oh, alright. Sounds good. Ejecting program now.." said Skuld.
"I knew it!" she said, "You aren't fit to..."
"NO, let it go!" said Toshiyuki, "They are meant for each other!"
"What are you talking about!" she snapped, "He's such a great guy, and she doesn't deserve him!"
Thor had had it and said, "Alright you two, out you go!"
He picked them up by the scruff of the neck and took them outside to bicker, sticking his head back in and saying, "Do continue..."
"Whew...." Skuld sat back down.
With that, the vows took place, and every woman was crying over the beauty of the tenderness of the vows. "And, by the power invested in me--by me--I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Kei then lifted the veil and prepared to kiss.
Skuld held her breath.
But, because the seal was now off, they were able to share the kiss, and it was long and tender as everyone applauded.
Skuld started applauding too and had all the cameras she planted start to take pictures.
It now looked like a sports venue with all the flashbulbs going off. They separated, and Try announced, "I now introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Morisato!"
"Yay!" cheered Skuld.
"Congratulations!"
Then, it was off to the reception, and Ian had the band ready.
It was a joyous event with all the guests spoiling them with congratulations.
It was then time for the first dance, and Ian asked Skuld, "What would you suggest as the song. Usually, that song is the one they'll remember for the rest of their lives."
"Th-the song? Hold on, this is too big a responsibility! Springing something like that out of nowhere!"
"Well, this is their first dance; this has to be special."
"Uhh, uhh, do you know what they like?
"Wait, I know," he said, "Can you get your mechanical band backing me to do, "The Last Farewell?"
http://www.youtube.com/v/s4TA1Wzg2BY
"Yeah, of course!" she said, typing it into her laptop. The band stopped and changed songs.
(I happen to love this song.)
Ian then took the lead in the vocals as the MC announced the first dance of the couple. everyone backed off while they danced.
(Farewell at a wedding?)
Skuld smiled a bit as she watched from the side.
(They're going on a cruise?)
Halfway through, the others were allowed to join them, and Sentaro said, "Skuld... Um, you want to dance?"
(I guess that's true.)
Skuld, still caught up in the mood, smiled and took his hand.
With that, they took to the floor, and Urd made sure to get plenty of pictures of the two dancing, liking what she saw.
Skuld let out a giggle during the middle of their dance.
"We look like we're married don't we?"
He suddenly turned beat red, and started to lose his rhythm a bit at the thought.
She laughed a bit.
"Don't stumble on me now."
Bell and Kei had stopped by this point, and they were loving the two kids as they danced.
By the time Skuld noticed she was already too engrossed in the dance.
"Hey, look. Everyone's looking at us." she blushed.
Sentaro got bold, and gave her a quick peck on the lips as everyone went "Aww!"
She almost froze, surprised. Her face turned beet red and she began to mumble.
"Not here... Stupid."
"I'm sorry I... I just couldn't resist... For you are--beautiful; and I have loved you dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell."
Her face was completely red now. She stood there, not moving. After a few seconds she let out a small sound and ran away.
Sentaro looked sad, but Bell came up and said, "Don't worry: I'll go talk to her," with a big smile.
In her room, Noble Scarlet was asking why she ran? What was the problem?
She found the nearest soft thing and squealed into it.
There was a soft knock at the door, and she heard, "Skuld, may I come in?"
"Yes." came the muffled reply.
Belldandy slid in as the music could be heard resuming behind them with the rest of the festivities. She assumed what was happening, and she said, "It feels good, does it not?"
She was hugging a pillow and rolling around. She nodded slightly.
She knelt down and said, "But, please, now you must gather yourself and come out. You must understand: boys are fragile of heart, and he may think that you are angry, or that he has done something wrong."
"Muff.... Ifff ffooo feffefing!"
(LOL! Could you translate for me?)
(But... I'm so embarrassing!)
"You may think that now, but everyone does not think it silly. In fact, they think that it is nice. It reminds older people of what it was like to fall in love for the first time, and they love watching young people as yourself discover love for the first time. It makes them feel young."
"Really? But how do I face him now? Is he angry?" asked Skuld, still hugging the pillow.
"No, but he is sitting at the table, poking at his meal, thinking he made you mad. I think a little talk is in order. This is where you need to be strong, Skuld. Boys act all tough, but in reality they are real... How do Americans say it now? Ah yes: they are real big wubbies--big softies when you get down to it. You have to let him know he did nothing wrong. It will make him feel much better."
"Nothing wrong? O-okay.... Umm.... Can you help me with what to say?"
"Believe it or not, when you see him, I think your own heart will know what to say to him. Please, come with me."
"Okay...." she followed her outside.
When they went back to the party, everyone was having a good time, but Sentaro looked sad in a way you just wanted to reach out and comfort him. He was sitting at the table but not really eating, with a chair on the other side facing him.
"Hi... Sentaro." said Skuld quietly.
He looked up wide-eyed, and now looked scared that she was about to lid into him. However, Belldandy sat Skuld in the chair before him.
"Umm.... Geez, don't just sit there looking all depressed. Come on!" she took his hand and pulled him outside.
"But, I thought..." he mumbled, going with it, but more confused.
She began to drag him all over the place, showing him things and having him try some of the food.
Bell was hoping they would talk, but she let it go. Sentaro said, "But, I thought you were mad at me. You... You're not?"
She finally stopped.
"Of course I'm not. Geez."
"But, you ran off, and I thought I offended you, and..."
"I wasn't offended! I was just..." she turned red and began fidgeting.
He took her hand and said, "It's okay. You're my friend. You can tell me."
(Bedtime. Catch you later.)
"I was just... You know... Shy about those kinds of things. Warn me beforehand next time okay?"
He stirred his foot on the ground and said, "Well, I guess we don't have to be so shy about it anymore, right?"
"Yeah, I guess." she replied, fidgeting around.
He smiled and just leaned his forehead on hers, just happy to be together.
Skuld smiled and looked up at him, blushing a bit.
"Aww, ain't dat sweet," said Urd, observing, and then going back to the reception.
The reception was proceeding smoothly.
(Skip to the leaving for the cruise?)
(Sure.)
The next morning, Belldandy was up before everyone else, packing for the trip, humming happily. They, in fact, didn't do the deed yet because she wanted to wait for the cruise.
However, Skuld was secretly packing her stuff as well. Surveillance drones and cameras. A bunch of gadgets. A miniature robot.
Z was at the arcade packing for his trip.
(Oh God... Consummating this marriage is going to be Hell!)
Keiichi was ready to pack, but was surprised Belldandy already had it done. He slipped his hands around her waist and kissed her tenderly, and said, "Wow, a whole month free from cares and just us two!"
"*snicker* *snicker* You will never escape us...." snickered Skuld to herself while she packed.
"mom, the glamor charm is ready," said Z
"Okay," she said, "A lovely cruise: I haven't had so much fun since I prepared to ride on the Titanic."
"were you involved with it sinking?" asked Z
"Well, not directly, " she said, "All I did was mess with the ego of the captain, and the rest took care of itself. They kind of laid their own trap anyway, and it could have been better if they had prepared better. Think about it: they challenged our realm by declaring it a boat that God could not sink. Well, this was one of the few times Heaven and I worked together. All I did was stroke the ego of the captain, and their greedy, pride filled natures took over. The loss of life was far worse than what should have been, but they did that to themselves."
"I see," said Z, "please don't Sink this ship, if all goes well, I might try to acquire the ship to use in future schemes."
"I wouldn't even try to," she said, "Belldandy would just find a way to stop it."
"true," said Z, tossing her a ring, "this charm will hide your powers and demonic presence from all. A simple transformation will do the rest."
She winked and put it on, changing herself into a beautiful blonde
The couple was all set to go, and Belldandy said, "Skuld, are you ready for your trip as well?"
"Yes, I'm ready!" said Skuld, giving one final tug on the zipper while pushing down with all her weight.
As they went to get the bus to the docks, Kei said, "It's interesting we're leaving out from the same place and at the same time."
"Yeah! It is, isn't it?" laughed Skuld dryly.
At the next stop, Sentaro got on board, all happy for the cruise. "Your guest?" asked Belldandy.
(wasn't hild going to masquerade as Z and Kara's daughter ?)
(Oh, been a while.)
As the bus came to the arcade, this is when Sentaro came on, and Kei said, "Isn't that Z?"
"My guest? O-oh! Yeah, guest!" said Skuld.
"Hi" he said, all excited, "This is going to be so much fun!"
"Yeahletsgofindourship." she said, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him into a crowd.
(We need Trace now.)
(z and his companions are disguised)
Hild got on the bus, looking like a 12 year old pretty blonde.
Z and Kara got on with hild, looking like a middle aged blonde couple.
Once at the port, there was only one ship there: the S.S. Verthandi.
"the name is ironic," thought Z
"That's an interesting name," said Sentaro, "Beru-dandi...why does that sound familiar?"
"Ahaha, don't worry about it don't worry about it." said Skuld.
"Come on, let's check in."
But as they did, it seemed that they were all getting on the same cruise ship! "Wait," said Kei, "Let me check that ticket!"
"Ehh... Here...." said Skuld, hesitantly handing him the ticket.
Indeed, it was a ticket for the same cruise. But before he could get rid of it, the ticket taker snatched all their tickets and said, "Welcome aboard."
Kei groaned, knowing that this was not what he expected on his honeymoon. Belldandy just smiled and said, "Well, the more, the merrier, I always say."
Kei looked at her and said, "Dear, a honeymoon is supposed to be just us. We're supposed to get together and become closer, not act as guardians!"
"Oh, is that the custom of this honey-moon?"
A small Urd head popped out of Skuld's bag growled, vanished, and then appeared with her own ticket and bag, as she thought, "Time to keep Skuld so busy with Sentaro she won't stand a chance to get in the way." but that was Hild's entire mission!
"Don't worry Keii-nii, we'll be the guardians on this trip! So just have fun!" said Skuld before pulling Sentaro on-board and loosing themselves in the crowd.
Urd was in hot pursuit as Kei tried to find their cabin.
(Bedtime, See you later.)
"Let's see here.... Ahh, our room should be down this hall." said Skuld, reading off the ticket.
Z watched from afar
When they got there, Sentaro opened the door, and there was only one bed--a double!
"Oh my...." said Skuld, seeing the dilemma.
"There doesn't even seem to be a couch to sleep on," he answered, lost.
Z walked into his room.
"Well, this looks nice," he said, "don't you think, Mei?
"It sure does, Alex," said Kara.
(their aliases are Mei and Alexander Drake. You can think up an alias for Hild.)
"U-umm... Want to take turns sleeping?" she laughed weakly.
Helga said, "Cool enough... Where's the pool?"
"Tell you what: you can sleep under the sheets, and I'll sleep between them, if it will help."
"Let me take you there," said Mei with a smile.
She snapped her fingers and had on the hottest bathing suit that a girl her age could wear.
"ara ara," said Mei, "you do have good taste."
Mei then changed her appearance as well.
(http://images.wikia.com/deadoralive/images/4/47/DOAX2CamuCamu.jpg (http://images.wikia.com/deadoralive/images/4/47/DOAX2CamuCamu.jpg))
"Let's stop by the kid's room and see if they want to come," she said, "I think the way I manipulated the ticket for the room they have might make things interesting for them, and I want to see how it's going."
"Sure," said Mei.
They walked up to Skuld and Sentaro's door and knocked.
(Now we wait for Auir, who is back, as you can see.)
"Won't you be cold?"
"Well, I have the blanket and comforter, but I should be okay," he said, as Hild in disguise--a girl looking about Skuld's age, looked in and said, "Hi..." spied Sentaro, and said, "Hellooooo."
She batted her eyes a couple of times, posed a bit, and said, "Well, people my age. I'm... heading to the pool... would you... care to join me?" sounding like Marilyn Monroe. "See you there," she said, slinking away one hip at a time. He stared that way a few seconds, shook his head, and started to adjust his shorts, and it could be seen why.
"Ahem..." coughed Skuld.
He then looked at her, and turned both beat red and ashamed. However, because Noble Scarlet was what she was, she came out and whispered something into Skuld's ear. "What's Noble Scarlet saying?" he asked.
(She's whispering that's really Hild in disguise, and that Z is also aboard. Bedtime.)
"Oh, just that old frenemies are on board." replied Skuld.
"frenemies?" he said, "What's that? I don't get it."
"Sometimes friends sometimes enemies. Frenemies."
Noble Scarlet nodded and smiled in agreement. The sight of her calmed him down and he said, "Wow, I know she's a part of you, which makes me confident that I'm getting two pretty girls for the price of one!"
Noble Scarlet blushed as he said, "Well, I'm getting on my swim trunks," as he went into the bathroom, "Wanna go to the pool?"
"Sure!" she smiled.
"I'll change after you."
When he closed the door, Noble Scarlet said something about what a perfect boy he was.
"Yes he is." she smiled. Skuld began to unpack her luggage.
She descended back into Skuld as he changed. He then came back out wearing some jams and said, "Okay, I'm ready."
"I'l only be a minute." she said, takin her clothes and going in.
He sat and sighed happy while Hild was on deck at the pool, sunning herself with a drinking vinegar cocktail with an umbrella in it, heart shaped sunglasses.
Mei was sitting under an umbrella with Alex.
Bel and Kei came up, and Kei looked bummed. He hoped they could get to action right away, but Skuld kind of spoiled the mood.
"I'm done." said Skuld, coming out of the bathroom in a one-piece.
"What do you think?"
It was simple, but for some reason, it seemed to make her look better than Hild, (who he didn't know was Hild,) because of who it was that wore it, much the same way that the same would have done with Bell and Kei. He was more fixated on Skuld than the other one.
"Well?" she asked again.
"There's something so... so..." he said, "I don't think the words for 'pretty' people use would work. I don't think a word exists. Maybe, 'pretty' more than the spoken word can tell?"
She giggled a bit and took his arm.
"Thanks, shall we go?"
"S-s-s-sure!" he said, grinning ear to ear as they went.
She put on her hat and grabbed a towel with her other hand before going out hand in hand.
Once at poolside, there was Hild, trying to look as sexy as a 13-year old body could look, Kei was in the shallow end with Bell, (because he STILL can't swim!) but, suddenly, every male eye turned to see the vision of goddess loveliness and lust that is Urd. Suddenly, she had no need to buy anything for herself, because she had plenty of volunteers.
"Ehh.... Why don't we go to the less crowded side of the pool..." said Skuld after giving it one look.
"Hey, let me go to the board!" said Sentaro, and climbed up the 3m springboard. He ran out, hit it, tucked, and did a nice 1 1/2 before straightening out and entering the water.
"Good job!" applauded Skuld. She walked over to the side, sat down, and slipped her feet in.
He swam up to her and hung on the side, saying, "Don't you swim?"
(Yes, I know she can't, which is ironic, because that is her means of fast travel.)
"Ehehe, not really..." she laughed a bit dryly.
"Can you teach me?"
"Oh sure!" he said, swimming to the lifeguard, explaining, and the lifeguard handed him a kick board. He then said, "Meet me at the shallow end."
She nodded and stood up. Making sure not to run, she went to the other side and sliiped in.
He then put the kick board in front of her and told her to grab it. He then started to show her how to kick and float. Bell saw that, and started to do the same with Kei. Urd then slipped up to her mother's group and said, "So, you just couldn't stay out of this, could you?"
She grabbed it and began kicking as instructed.
Without warning, he let go, but stayed with her, knowing she would start to move.
The moment he let go, she began to sink.
He quickly grabbed her and said, "Okay. Well, I guess teaching you how to float would be better. Let's start with treading water."
"How do you do that?"
"What do you mean?" Z asked Urd
"Oh, don't think I see through those disguises," she said, "I know who you are."
"It's how you stay afloat in deep water," he said, drifting out to deeper water while she stood in the shallow. He was not sinking. "What I'm doing is kicking my legs slowly and moving my arms back and forth. This pushes against the water and keeps my head up."
"Well then," said Z, "we're just on a relaxing trip. Nothing bad."
She eyeballed Hild eyeballing Sentaro, and she said, "With her around, it's never a 'relaxing' anything."
Z picked up a glass with a virgin martini, "Au contraire, I am quite relaxed."
She pointed at Hild and said, "So, why is she eyeing Sentaro so much."
Z shrugged, "She is pretending to be a teen."
"Yeah," said Urd, "And Skuld does just happen to like the boy."
She got in real close and said, "AND, she is my kid sister! I would protect her to the ends of the universe!"
"I understand," said Z, "besides, he is too young."
She sighed and said, "Okay, let me explain: she is the Diamanchenko--on par with the Almighty in her realm! She can be whatever she wants to be, including that age! What does this mean? Well, it means she can cause misfortune by splitting them up, then dump him after she's bored, and laugh the whole way. If ever there was the definition of schadenfreude, she is it! Her picture is probably in the dictionary right next to the definition!"
"I agree," said Z, "but I can't tell her what to do for that same reason. She is not only my mother, she is kinda my boss too and bad things will happen if i tick her off."
"Well I don't care if she is my...she is who she is to me!" she said, "I will stick up for Skuld!"
"I'm going to enjoy this vacation," said Z with a smile, "It's practically my first family trip."
Z dropped his emotional adult facade for a second and seemed to be the teen he really was before raising the walls again, "So why are you here and how did you get a ticket?"
"Why I am here is because I found out who was on the cruise," she said, not mentioning how she sent a chibi of herself to spy, and then saw Hild! "How I got the ticket...none of your business."
"Fine," said Z, "care for a drink?"
"Oh, don't mind if I do."
Z handed her a bottle of sherry that a server had brought.
"Nope," she said, "Steward...Sake please!"
"Yes Madam."
The steward soon returned with a bottle of Sake and a cup.
She set down, the cup, uncapped it, and just used the bottle, as people stared, stunned.
Z chuckled and sipped his drink. He smiled as he glanced at Kara as she was resting.
(We have to wait now. P.S. I just started a Romulan Character on STOL. Still godzilla313, character: Constantine. Ship: R.W.W. Perseus. Heading there shortly.)
(I'll be on later, I'm not sure when, but I don't have a romulan file.)
(Does that mean you can't friend anyway?)
(The game is on my pc that stays at home, I mainly use my mac and won't be online till probably next week due to things that I have to do.)
(I'm online now)
(I am too, but I am not in ST. I'm trying to get some things done. I also have a new ship as a Romulan: R.W.W. Gilan...I believe that's how it was spelled.)
(I can't find a Kodai@godzilla313 on the friend list.)
(I thought you were friending me?)
(that's what I'm trying to do. I'm looking for your character and handle.)
(I have two characters, but Kodai was the first. Try godzilla212. It might be under that.)
(done)
(Okay, so, the next time I am in as that character, will I see it?)
(i think so)
(Okay, how long shall you be in game? If I get this done, I might be able to join you.)
(for the rest of the day.)
(I'll see if I can get in, but I have to get this typed out...what I'm working on.)
(ok)
(Soo.... What happened why I had my internet blackout?)
(Okay, the ship is out to see, and Sentaro is helping Skuld learn to swim as Bell is helping Kei. Urd is confronting Hild and Z, knowing that their presence is only meant for mischief.)
(alrighty)
Skuld was doing her best to follow Sentaro's instructions.
"One thing that will help," he said, "is if you learn how to tread water."
"are you going to report us?" Kara asked Urd.
She had a fashion magazine on resting over her eyes as she reclined in the chair.
"Report you for what?" she asked, not knowing what that meant.
"being here," said Kara, "you aren't going to tell the others are you?"
"That's where you kick and you somehow float right? Never got the hang of that."
"Not sure," she said, "I just might have to..."
But before she could speak, Hild made a gesture, and Urd found herself back on shore. She was gone. A few minutes later, she came through the TV in her room came back out and said, "I get the point. If I try, I end up in Denver next time, right?"
He stepped back to a spot just beyond his reach and said, "All you have to do is swing your arms back and forth while kicking your legs. If you had some goggles, you could look underwater and see what I am doing."
Kara laughed, "ara ara, let's all have a relaxing trip."
"Just leave everyone alone!" snapped Urd as she stomped off towards the bar.
"It's fine." she said, taking in a deep breath before plunging underwater.
Z sighed, "this will be an interesting trip."
Hild then started to watch the little swimming lesson, pondering what to do next.
Sentaro began to do the treading water and hoped it would be easy to tell what to do.
"Alright, I'll try it." she said after surfacing. She began to tread, but rather awkwardly. She was up to her neck but somehow managed to stay afloat.
Sentaro looked underwater himself to see just what she was doing.
She was kicking and swaying just as he instructed.
"Okay, you seem to have your head above water. How does it feel?"
"Like I could sink any moment." she replied with effort.
"It takes practice," he said, "But you're doing fine. Just back up to where you can touch bottom if you feel tired."
"Okay, I'll go later." she said, still practicing her treading.
"Well, don't do it too long," he said, "You're head will burn in the sun. Once you feel good about that, we can start with just staying afloat, and then we can start with the doggie paddle."
"Doggie paddle?" she went back to the shallow end.
"It's where you paddle like a dog right?"
"Yeah," he answered, "But first, you have to know how to float. Let me show you the deadman's float."
He held his breath and went face first into the water. He just let his arms and legs hang, and he looked liked dead man floating in the water.
"My turn." she said. She held her breath and began floating.
He was impressed she was catching on, but remembered how smart she was. He then waited for her to surface.
Z got up, "I'm going to get a bite to eat."
Urd spied him, and taking the Sake with her, followed him.
(Sorry I can't stay long. Maybe tomorrow night.)
Z headed to a buffet.
Urd slipped in line behind him and said, "I really don't understand what you see in Hild to be following her lead to get into mischief. You're getting as bad as Loki."
"she's my mother," said Z, "she's the only parent I have. You have the almighty one, imagine if for most of your life you had no connection to either of your parents."
"I have no connection to one of them..." she answered, trailing off.
After a minute, she finally stopped and surfaced.
"Well, you have that down," he answered, "Before long, I'll have you swimming in no time."
He then swam to the other side of the pool, (still in the shallow end,) and said, "Okay, try the doggie paddle and come to me. If you don't feel confident and begin to sink, remember you can just put your feet down and be okay. Alright?"
"Sink, put feet down. Got it." she nodded and began to doggie paddle toward him.
"At least you have one," said Z, "I spent the majority of my life living on my own with no parental support."
She sighed, took a swig, and then said, "Look, I know it had to be rough, and the fact that ANY of your parents want to spend time with you is a joyous thing. But, well, you KNOW what she does. Remember what she said about the Titanic? There are times she wears that one as a badge of honor."
"Look at you!" he exclaimed, "Your swimming!"
Bel let go of Kei and squealed with delight, "Oh Skuld! I'm so happy for you," and then had to pull Kei up before he drown.
"I know what she's done," said Z, "and I can't say that I'm 100% fine with it, but I also know that I'm expected to do things too so I shouldn't judge too harshly. And she promised not to sink this ship."
"I-I am onee-sama!" said Skuld happily as she paddled along.
"That doesn't mean other disasters can't befall us. Look up the Morro Castle."
"Keep it up!" said Sentaro, all smiles. Now Kei felt challenged and started to do it himself, and now Bell squealed with joy.
Z frowned, "good point"
She stopped and stood up when she reached him.
"I did it!"
He gave her a mighty hug and said, "I am so proud of you! You can swim!"
"You see, she only promised not to SINK the ship. *sigh* looks like you're going to have to learn about her the hard way."
She laughed and hugged him back joyfully.
"The next thing to learn is the... Okay, I'm going to call it the frog stroke, because I'm not sure how you'll react to the real name of it."
"You do know that my license might require me to help,"
"Frog stroke? Don't you mean breaststroke?"
(In Japanese, breaststroke isn't a compound word.)
(No... How would it come back to us in English once put into Japanese? I mean, the sound--stroking the breast--if said the wrong way, could get one slapped. LOL!)
(There's no 'breast' in the Japanese word for 'breaststroke' and I'm assuming they're speaking Japanese. And there's no such thing as 'frogstroke' in Japanese.)
(Sorry... Then, what do they call that stroke?)
(Hiraoyogi. It is a single word made up of 3 characters. 'Flat' 'Swimming' and 'gi' which is just a letter of the alphabet.)
(Okay... Hitting rewind...)
"Next, I can teach you Hiraoyogi."
"I'm ready, what do I do?" she asked full of enthusiasm.
"Well, are you tired? Would you like a break?"
"Nah, I'll learn this in a day!"
"Oh, okay," he said, "Now, watch me."
Hild was eyeing this with delight, waiting to make her move.
She nodded and watched closely, making mental notes.
"Okay, wanna try?" he asked at the moment Hild decided she wanted to take a dip.
"Alright, I think I have the gist of it." she nodded and began doing the breaststroke. Rather clumsyly.
(I think saying to imitate a frog would not be off the mark here?)
(Going by the reason why it's called frogstroke, yes. Going by the reason she is trying to perform the 'flat swimming gi', no.)
(Well, he can tell her to just imitate a frog...)
Yes, she was trying to imitate a frog.
He watched to see what the problem was, but, before it could go on further, the white haired girl about their age, (Hild), suddenly started to scream and look like she was drowning. She then said, "Help! Oh, Help! Is there not some strong boy who could help me!"
Skuld stopped and stood up.
"Hild?!"
"Oh, some brave boy..." and the life guards were trying to move, but they looked stuck to their seats. Instantaneously, Sentaro charged for her.
"Wai-" Skuld called out but she was too late. All she could do was stare and wonder what Hild was planning.
However, before he could get there, Belldandy was muttering, "Spirit of the waterspout, I call on you. Whirl and whirl. Extract the poor child from watery grave, and set her gently at shore."
Around Hild, a small column of water was forming and lifting her up. People watched stunned as it moved across the pool and set her gently on the deck. Bell sighed a bit tired, but smiled, knowing she was safe. Hild, on the other hand seemed fit to be tied!
"Onee-sama!" Skuld waded to her sister's side.
"Oh, it is okay, Skuld," she said, "But I think we should see if she is okay?"
"That's Hild!" she whispered.
"That is..." she started to say, but then she began to turn cross, remembering what she heard, and she said, "Skuld, you must stay by Sentaro's side as much as you can. She is..."
But before she could finish, Sentaro was already there with a towel, seeing if she was alright.
"I guess I better play along for now..." she said and quickly went over.
And now Bell was worried. She could see what Hild's plan was: cause mischief by separating Sentaro from Skuld!
"Are you okay?" asked Skuld, kneeling down next to Sentaro to check up on her.
But as she did, Hild was trying to cuddle up to Sentaro, thanking him for being such a gentleman.
"Hey, we should report this to the lifeguards right? Regulations and all." coughed Skuld.
"Oh, right," he said, "I'll bring them over here," and went off to get them.
She took this chance to stare daggers at Hild.
"Don't think I'll just sit by idle."
"Ooh, tough little girl," She said with an evil grin, "So you think you can go 15 rounds with Mohammed Hild, child?"
"I'll go 16." she grred.
She stood up and patted her on the head, saying, "Siwwy baby: you have so much to wearn," using baby talk and pinching her cheek like a cute kid as the lifeguards came up.
"Hi, I think she's fine." said Skuld, standing up and dusting off her swimsuit even though there wasn't dust.
"Well, could you come with us, young lady, (referring to Hild,) and tell us just what happened?"
She went with him and said, "Ta-ta... Keep your little friend close, because puppy love is such a fleeting thing."
She chewed her lip uneasily as she watched her go.
"Sentaro, do you want to check the rest of the ship out? I think I had too much swimming for one day."
"Um... Okay, but, gee--a minute ago, I couldn't get you out of the water..."
"Well, after seeing that... You know." she replied a bit uneasily.
"After seeing what?" he asked, genuinely confused at her reaction.
"You know, the other side of swimming."
"What, drowning?" he said, "Oh no: I'd never let that happen to you. I wouldn't leave you alone in the water!"
"Geez, I'm not a little kid anymore."
"Well, no, but, that doesn't mean you still don't get scared. I don't want you to be scared," turning a touch red.
"Th-thanks." she smiled a bit, also red herself.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" came an announcement over the speakers, "In the theater, our ship players are putting on a production of Godspell later this afternoon. Don't be late to reserve your spot!"
"That sounds like fun, want to go watch later?" she asked.
"Sure!" he said, "I heard it was a fun show."
"Let's go reserve our spot."
"Okay!" he said, taking her hand.
They went to find the nearest staff to ask where to reserve a spot.
The Steward pointed them to a ticket outlet and said, "While you wait, since you're in your bathing suits, did you know we have water slides on ship?"
(Gotta go. We can do more tomorrow.)
"There are? Where?" asked Skuld.
She pointed to a spot behind the stack not far from the pool itself.
"Cool, let's go Sentaro!"
Z finished his meal and decided to check on Kara and Hild.
After securing their seats for later, he took off with her.
Hild had just finished filling out the reports, very cross.
"what's wrong?" asked Z
She raced to the top of the slides, having one of the lifeguards yell at them in the process.
"Come on!" she said, jumping into the tunnel.
"Now this is a ride I like!" he exclaimed with a good "Yippie!"
"That little brat really thinks she can take on the Diamenchenko?"
(I know, I misspelled it. You know what I mean.)
"Wee!" she squealed as she went down.
Sentaro was not too far behind her, enjoying the snot out of his life at that point.
(Actually, I don't know what you mean. Is it a famous waterslide?)
Skuld tucked in her legs as she came flying out.
(No, I was just saying he was having a good time.)
However Sentaro didn't realize how close they were, and swept into her--not hard enough to hurt her--but enough as to where they went tail over head and landed with him laying on her in a not-so-innocent position, face to face.
(I meant the 'Diamenchenko')
However due to the 360 degrees of direction in the water, Skuld was already separating herself by pushing herself away and trying to surface.
He, trying to steady himself, accidentally pulled her down, and when they stopped, she was sitting on his torso.
(That is supposed to be the title of Hild--lead demon of Nifelheim. I know I misspelled it, but that was what it was.)
(I see.)
A 'Hya!' burst from her mouth as she quickly stood up.
He was red-faced with a slight nose bleed, and something*ahem*definitely came up!
"I wouldn't worry about her," said Z ,"it's her older sisters that scare me."
"W-w-w-let's go do something else." she stammered.
"But, we just got here," he said, trying to calm down, "Let's get on another slide!"
"Y-yeah, let's." she nodded.
With that, he took her hand, and led her to the turbo slide.
Skuld blushed at this but kept quiet about it and followed along.
Once at the top, he jumped in and said, "Here I go!"
This was followed by a half terrified and half joyful scream, followed by the sound of splashdown, and a "Okay, that don't feel so good."
"Tat was... Intense." commented Skuld.
He hollered back up the tube, "Careful how you come down... Unless you want a power wedgie."
"Okay!" came the reply. She held in her arms and legs and jumped in.
By this point, he had already stepped out of the landing pool and he was adjusting his shorts.
She came out of the other end and went into the water.
*splash*
He had just got things together when she landed, hoping she was able to protect herself.
She came out rubbing her behind.
"Ow."
He watched her get out, hoping the same thing didn't happen.
It didn't. Instead she sort of landed on her behind underwater.
"Wow," he said, "That thing moves!"
His tummy grumbled at him at this point, and he said, "Gee, I guess it must be time for lunch."
"I wonder what kind of food they have on here?"
"On a cruise ship?" he asked, curiously, "They have all kinds, and normally some nice eats too. Most of the meals are covered by the ticket, but that would be more like a cafeteria thing. For nicer, they would ask for a touch more, or a lot more, depending on what you wanted."
"Oh, like those bars we always see on movies right? I guess the drinks aren't free but we don't have to worry about that do we? Haha."
"Well, I'm talking the stuff their getting in first class. I mean, if we want that, we'll have to pay lots. We can get fast food cheap, or eat in the cafeteria for free, though on a ship, that stuff ain't bad either."
"They have fast food on this ship? What, like McDonalds?" she giggled.
"Well, not a McDonald's," he answered, "But whatever they would consider that stuff."
(I don't think that would be on board, but, as big as they are now, well, who knows?)
(Well, Subway just overtook McDonalds so does that mean there'd be a subway there too?)
"Hmm... Do you think it's Japanese or foreigner food?"
(What I am saying is that I don't think that they actually would have name brand restaurants on these things, unless I am mistaken.)
(It's usually all-you-can-eat buffets practically 24/7 with extra nominal fees for fine dining. So, is this a family-centered cruise or a single/couples-centered cruise?)
(Well, I think more family centered, but I am sure Honeymooning couples use it too. I knew they would have such a buffet, but I am sure they might get treated to something nicer later on.)
(Fine dining, extra charge. But I'm pretty sure they splurged on this didn't they?)
(Well, he still has a good chunk from his race winnings, but I don't know about Skuld, unless Kei gave her some money. Let's say he did.)
"Let's see...." Skuld went to her bag and took out a pamphlet.
"There's the buffet... And then there's the fine dining. What do you want to go to?"
"How about we save the nice stuff for after the show?"
"Buffet it is then, let's go." she said, folding it into her bag.
"Wanna go put on some regular clothes, first?" he asked.
She looked down at herself.
"I guess it'd be pretty rude if we brought our wet selves into a dry room huh? Let's go shower and change."
He smiled, looking like he was having the time of his life.
(Hey, even the buffet in this are quite good quality!)
(Depends on which cruise. I hear some of them go with the 'quantity is quality' mindset.)
She went back and got in the shower first. Afterwards, she came out and quickly got dressed.
"Your turn."
(I sure hope it wasn't in front of him!)
He grabbed his clothes, undies, and went in himself.
While she waited, she took out the pamphlet and began to read more about the cruise and what services it offered.
In the pamphlet, there was spas, a few bowling alleys, (open if the sea is calm enough,) gyms, movie theatres, shows, an arcade, and even shopping duty free.
She kept on reading and waiting for Sentaro.
He came out in his usual fare and said, "Okay, let's get some lunch."
"Right, let's go." she got off her seat and headed toward the door.
He followed her. In the cafeteria, it was buffet style, but the food there was very good looking, and many different kinds.
"Wow, look at all the different kinds of fruit!" said Skuld.
Sentaro went for the fruits and rolls, considering it was a hot day, and he really didn't want anything heavy on his stomach.
Skuld went for the watermelon and bananas.
"Have to have watermelon on a hot day."
"I think I agree," he said, having a huge slice for himself!
"Let's not eat too much, we still have plenty of the ship left to explore."
"Oh yeah," he said, "But we do have to remember the show later."
"Yeah, that too. What time was it again?"
"At about 4 PM," he answered, looking at his watch.
(Going to the store. BBL.)
"So we have plenty of time then."
"About three hours I'd say," he answered, "But we have to be sure to get there at the right time for good seats."
"Alright, we'll go 15 minutes before it starts then."
"Well, there's so much to do. Where do we start?"
"Hmm, I really want to go see the engine room. I wonder if they give a tour of that place?"
"Well, I think there's a general tour of the ship in the bridge, crew operations, and the engine room. Maybe we can get into that."
"Alright, let's see if fits our schedule."
He looked at the pamphlet and said, "One starts in ten minutes on the promenade."
"We better hurry!"
With that, he excitedly took her hand and let her on. Noble Scarlet popped out for a second and whispered something about him and her with a contract if it kept up like this.
"A contract? Don't be silly." she whispered back as she followed along.
Noble Scarlet then asked what she planned to do if Daddy, (Tyr,) set her up with a 1st class license that would allow such.
A chibi Z was watching them.
Hild, getting ready for her spa treatment, said, "So, what are they up to now?"
"if skuld had the qualifications, we might have another contract problem."
"Hmm, I wouldn't know. I'll think about it when the time comes, I've got more present matters."
"Has he wished anything on her yet?"
Soon, they were at the promenade, and the guide began telling all about the ship, how big it was, how fast it was and its range. He said, "Okay, now we come to the bridge."
Skuld was listening was great interest.
They were led into a large room, and it was what you would find in our time, but still kind of a star trek layout: bridge chair, navigation, helm, engineering console, but all computerized, radar screens, Doppler radar for weather, GPS, and so forth.
(The star trek layout was based off of the standard bridge design of our naval ships.)
Skuld was coming up with new ideas in her head.
"thankfully no."
"And this is the most high tech thing around for cruise ships. Now, over here is a special detector used if we are in a particular location of the world. Any guess what it is and why it would only work in certain locations?"
"Don't worry," she said, "We'll have to work on things to make sure that never happens."
Z nodded, "so you like the cruise?"
"Oh, of course," she said, "But, I wonder what they would do if their navigation system put them in the wrong place?"
"Let's not," said Z, "I'm looking forward to hawaii and Kara bought a new swimsuit."
"We'll get there," she said, "I just want a slight detour."
"to where?"
"A global positioning system. It doesn't always work due to ionosphere and troposphere delays, multi-paths, receiver clock errors, poor satellite orbits, interference from objects, and not enough svisible satellites."
"Oh, some place trashy."
"Actually, that is not even connected to all that," he said, and then asked Skuld, "You have heard of the Titanic, yes?"
She nodded.
"okay, can you tell me what happened?"
"trashy how?"
"It struck an iceberg and after 2 hours of water leaking in, it finally sunk."
"Right," he said, "Now, why were they even near an iceberg field?"
"Well, I'm only thinking of something to do with a vortex."
"Because they miscalculated their location?"
"Partly, but no one was really trying to keep shipping lanes out. It was because they could not see the oncoming ice mountain that hurt them the most! Now, the shipping lanes are farther south, but, many icebergs now have placed on them a device that, if we are drifting too close to the field, and near one, this will detect the transmitters miles before we reach it and correct the course."
She kept listening.
"This is the reason for that device. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to get lost on the ocean."
"Unless your device breaks down of course."
"Well," he said, "That's why we keep this just in case."
He opened a cabinet and pulled out charts, a pair of clocks, and a sextant. "These still work just as well as the electronics."
The crowd nodded in acknowledgement.
"Have you ever seen, these, sweetie?" he said to Skuld.
"I've read about them. Hadn't had the time to see one up close."
He then spread out the charts, showed her the clocks, and told her how to determine longitude by the clocks, and latitude by the sextant.
"Um, are you sure this won't be holding up the tour?"
"Oh no," he said, This is part of it. We like to show the old way of doing it, and even allow someone like you a chance to try it. It's around noon, so, it's the perfect time for the sextant and clock. We know it is noon, because the sun is at it's highest point. The one clock is set to Greenwich Mean Time. The other can be adjusted to match local time, so we can know the longitude. The Sextant is a bit more involved, but I am sure you can handle that by your interest in the gadgets on the bridge."
She nodded and listened.
"Okay, so adjust the second clock to noon, and then use the sextant with the sun to find out where we are on the chart."
She took up the sextant and adjusted it according to the directions and then pointed it at the sun.
"Okay, once you have it set right, look at the arrow on the curved section on the bottom and show us all where we are."
"Hmm..." she made several looks and looked down at the map. At least she pointed at a location.
"Here."
The captain and navigator were stunned. "Well, I'm impressed! No one has ever pinpointed our location exactly like that, outside of the crew, that is."
"I'm a genius when it comes to these things after all." she said proudly.
They took them all over: to the galley, crew quarters, how they made fresh water, and so forth. Finally, they were in engineering.
And here is where Skuld's eyes shined the most.
He then started to go over the basic aspects of the engine: its stroke and bore, and how fast it could propel the ship, and how it doubled as a power generator for the rest of the vessel.
Meanwhile Skuld was taking down notes about all of this.
That caught the captain's attention, and he said, "Um, why are you jotting all this down?" and then joked, "Planning to build your own cruise ship?"
"Maybe if I can get my hands on enough scrap metal." she replied without looking up.
Thunderous silence now filled the room, save for the sounds of the room. It was not so much what she said, but how serious she sounded about it.
"... Hm? Did something happen?" she looked up, confused.
The Captain said, uneasy, "Ambitious little thing, aren't we? Well, I guess it's okay to have big dreams."
"Big dreams? Something like this shouldn't be that difficult. It would take me 2-3 months at most." she replied.
Again, there was another awkward silence, and the Captain then joked, "I suppose you want to see the schematics, right?" thinking she would be lost on it. Navigation was one thing; engineering physics was something else.
"Oh, that would be so much more helpful." she smiled.
He looked pale, not sure how to deal with this. An engineer overhearing this laughed and pulled out the schematics for her, figuring she would be lost in them, saying, "Well, see if you can make this out."
"Hm... Can I take a picture of this?" she asked, holding up her cellphone.
Now this was crossing lines. He then pulled them away, now fearing she was some kind of terrorist, and he was wondering if he should call security.
(So the terrorist paranoia reached Japan too?)
"W-wait, what's going on?!"
(Hey, they've been hit by loonies before. Remember the Temple Solaris Sarin attacks on Japanese subway trains?)
"Kid, who are you?" said the Captain sternly, "Asking details on the engines, wanting see plans, take pictures! Very suspicious, young lady!"
Sentaro got it and whispered, "He thinks you're a terrorist!"
(Not that it made any significant impact on their laws and regulations. Many of the changes were custom tailored just for that specific group and no-one else.)
"Well you offered!" she protested.
"That was before we knew how far you were taking things!" he snapped, "Where is your guardian?"
"On the pool deck." she replied.
"And what are you talking about how far? What about all the other people that asked about things on other cruises?! Is it because they're university engineering majors and I'm not?!"
"No," she said, "It's because you're only 12 years old and all that is beyond your age! Of course I'm going to be suspicious. What is her name and where is she?"
"Hmph, her name's Urd and she's on the pool deck. You can be sure to expect a bad review on your score."
After about 15 minutes, Urd came down, mad she was pulled away from her sunbathing, saying, "Okay, Skuld, what have you done this time!"
"I don't know, all I was doing was asking some questions and this guy thought I was a terrorist or something. Personally I think he's working for Hild or something and she's trying to cause us problems."
She sighed, and she said, "I am so sorry. You have to understand: she's a child prodigy, and she has a vivid imagination. What did she ask for?"
"To photo the engine schematics."
"Okay, I can see how that would make you suspicious. Trust me: it would further her education. It's okay."
He sighed, and they brought them out again, and Urd said to Skuld, "You owe me!"
Skuld stuck out a tongue at Urd behind her back.
"This is definitely a non-Japanese owned cruise liner." she muttered.
"Well, kid, do your thing."
She took out her cellphone and took a couple snapshots of the schematics.
Soon, the tour was over, and it was time for the show.
Skuld, still a bit sour from the event, went toward the theater.
"Hey, it was a simple misunderstanding," he said, "I mean, you being a goddess and all, they wouldn't understand."
"Still, accusing me of being a terrorist? How- how did that even crossed their minds?"
"Well, I guess they don't trust anyone, what with the global paranoia about them now. I mean, knock down two skyscrapers with jets, and what do you think is going to happen?"
"Global paranoia? If they're going to change their mindset why not start with the airports instead of cruise liners? Not many people in Japan even knew about 911."
(Really! I saw all those international headlines the day it happened!)
"Well, let's not talk about that. We have a good show to see."
By that point, Kei and Bell were there, dressed nicely for the show.
(Yes but it did not really affect the Far East. No regulations or anti-terrorism laws were passed in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China as far as I know. I hardly expect the others would do something. They're far more concerned about pandemics and natural disasters.)
"Alright, I hope it'll help make me forget." she said, entering.
When they came in, it was a theatre in the round. There seemed to be no visible scenery, and he asked, "I wonder what kind of show this is?"
"i'm not sure, but I keep hearing rumors about how good it is." said Skuld.
(Here is a montage of the latest Broadway Revival)
http://www.youtube.com/v/NL4aFn1DxGE
(Here is the opening scene of the movie)
http://www.youtube.com/v/YeYKgDcKCkc
"vortex?"
When it was done, she gave a round of applause.
"Wow!" said Sentaro, "That was so much fun! I might want to see it again during the cruise!"
"Are you aware of the great pacific trash vortex?"
"Again? Wow, you must have really liked it." said Skuld.
"Well, it was so fun and uplifting."
"Are you going to wait for the DVD version?" she joked.
"Maybe," he said, "But this was done in the 70s, and there is already a movie version of it."
"That's great, we can watch it again we get back home." she smiled.
"Yeah," he answered, "I hear that they filmed it in NYC!"
"Wow, was it a high budget film?" she asked.
"I don't think so, but I don't think it needed to be. It was filmed all over the city in already existing venues."
"So all they had to do was act the parts. Very good." she commented.
"Yes!" he said, "And from what I understand, they had a ball doing it. It almost seemed like they were becoming like children as if to tell the story as a little child might."
"Yeah, back in the days when everything was happy and there were no worries."
"Well, that's kind of what I saw here in what they did."
"Hm?"
"Well, It looked like they did the same thing in the show we just saw."
(Hitting the shower.)
"Well, they are the same show."
"True," he said, "But the costumes and sets are all different."
Bell then said, "I do believe this was designed to be left open to interpretation."
"Ohh, I see onee-sama."
"So, are you two ready to eat?" asked Belldandy, "The captain heard we were honeymooners, and invited us to the captain's table tonight, and I am sure he would allow for you two. He is a nice man."
"Of course, onee-sama!" she said, hugging her.
"Then, you two put on your best, because it is going to be formal."
"Formal?! Awawa, did I pack anything that formal?"
"Why not go to the shop on board," said Bell, "We can help you find something."
Kei sighed, wondering if all his winnings were about to disappear.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to use up all your money."
"Well, I still have a big chunk in the bank, and I can't think a cocktail dress and nice suit would cost all that much."
"Okay.. Thanks Keiichi-nii!"
(Z asked Hild something)
"Come," she said, "We still have time."
(Trace, I answered in post # 5753.)
"Let's go."
They arrived at the duty-free shops shortly. Skuld ran into the shop and began to sort trough the dresses for something she liked.
"no," said Z
Bell smiled while Kei groaned a bit.
"Then read this:"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pacific_garbage_patch
"Hmm...." Skuld picked through several dresses before finding the perfect one for her.
"This one!"
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQsMpdp6Y3a2H2gk1owwilOpTF5oSbhz4LY29hzGT5sbxe5YffG)
"just don't sink the ship," said Z
"What a lovely selection," said Bell, but Sentaro was a bit more reluctant. He really was not comfortable with suits.
"I wouldn't think it," she said, "I just want to see how they deal with this."
"Are you having trouble?" asked Skuld, looking over Sentaro's shoulder.
"I'm not really a suit guy."
"I'm sure you'll find something that you like." she smiled.
"How about this one?" she pulled out a vest with a bow tie.
"Eh... It makes me look like I'm getting married."
"M-m-married?" she stammered, blushing.
"fine then" said Z, "should be interesting."
Keiichi said, "Maybe a nice jacket and regular tie?"
"Y-yeah, that's good." agreed Skuld.
He sighed as Kei helped him and got him a sensible business suit.
Skuld began looking at herself in the mirror while waiting for them, admiring her own dress.
He came out wearing a fine two-piece black suit with cordovan shoes and a nice paisley tie to match. However, he looked awfully uncomfortable in it.
Skuld giggled a bit.
"Not used to it?" she asked.
"There's a reason why I call it a monkey suit," he said.
"Because everyone who wears it are monkeys?"
"Well, I think it's what monkeys on organ grinders wear."
"....What?" she blinked.
Belldandy then said, "There used to be people who would play an instrument called an organ grinder, and they had a little monkey with a suit of some sort on and a cute hat bounce around with a cup and collect money for the player."
Z was taking Kara to a nice restaurant in the ship for a meal/date.
"Ooh, I see." she nodded.
Hild was upset she was left alone, so she split off two chibis: one to watch the date, and one to check in on the tecnobrat.
Z and Kara were sitting at a table for two enjoying some H'orderves.
the Hild Chibi waited until they were starting to get cozy.
"so Kara," said Z, "how do you like the trip?"
"It's great," said Kara, "maybe next time we can go as ourselves?"
"Shall we get going?" smiled Skuld, taking Sentaro's hand.
"Never!" thought Hild, "I'm always watching!"
He blushed a bit, now taking her hand. She felt his tension at first, but as she got a good hold of his hand, he relaxed, as if the touch of her hand brought him peace.
(what was hild thinking that about?)
(You two going anywhere alone.)
Skuld let out a little smile and began leading him to the dinner area.
(ah. she is an overprotective mother, no?)
The waiter arrived with their Entrées
(They are not in the captain's dinner, are they Trace?)
(they could be if that would make things interesting)
(Kina at what I aimed.)
(ok then)
With that, they entered the room, and Bell had the kids seat next to them.
Z and Kara were enjoying their food.
Hild thought it would be time for some fun. She popped out and forged an invitation that could not be caught as one, put on a cocktail dress befitting for her age, and yet a bit sexy, and sauntered into the room one hip at a time.
Z noticed her and went back to his meal.
Skuld sat down and patted down her dress. She followed what she knew about etiquette and placed the napkin on her lap.
Hild then took the seat right next to Sentaro and said, "Hi, sweetie! Good to see you again!"
"Tch. Hi, are you okay? Were you hurt?" asked Skuld through a forced smile.
"Oh no," she said, "That weird--phenomenon--(though fully knowing it was Belldandy's handiwork,) saved me. Your little friend here was such a gentleman to me."
"It must have been a terrifying experience. I'm glad Sentaro could help."
"Yes," she said, "I owe you something," giving him the eyes.
"Your thoughts are enough." smiled Skuld with gritted teeth.
She chuckled inside while Sentaro went over the menu. He was lost on half of it, and Hild said, "Oh, let me help you decide," getting in real close as she looked at the menu with him, going over what each item was. Sentaro was not minding this, as Hild also showed him how to spread out his napkin.
"Ah, Sentaro. Do you have any kind of things you like specifically?" asked Skuld, getting in close too.
He was now becoming aware of how close the two were to him, swallowed, and he said, "Well, I like pork and beef..."
"How about the steak? We rarely get to eat it." suggested Skuld, pointing at the menu.
Hild moved in closer and said, "Well, how about the pork steak? That's real juicy and flavorful."
"Aw, we can get pork any day back home. Let's go with the fancier steak." said Skuld, practically right next to Sentaro's face now.
Hild squeeze in herself, and Sentaro fell over, being pushed out of the way by the two competing girls.
"Ah, Sentaro!" Skuld quickly got out of her seat to help Sentaro up.
Hild exclaimed, "Sweetie pie!" and was on the other arm helping him.
"He doesn't need your help." glared Skuld.
"Ooh," she said, "What's wrong? I'm only trying to help."
"He's fine.." Skuld pulled him up to his feet and dusted him off.
"With my help."
Sentaro was becoming a bit miffed and said, "Hey, you two! Would you just calm down? What is wrong with you two?"
"Ah- sorry Sentaro..."
Hild got all polite and said, "Oh, don't let that pushy girl get to you."
She sat him down and said, "Now, let's get back to the..."
"She's not pushy!" he said with a bit of a scowl, "Competitive, yes, but not pushy. In fact, I like her because she likes to compete in things!"
Hild sighed and sat down. "Okay," she thought, "You win this round, but I know how to go from here."
"Sentaro." thought Skuld with warmth in her heart.
The MC came out and said, "Welcome to the cruise, and the captain hopes you all have a real good time"
Everyone applauded as the jazz band struck up and some people took to the small dance floor.
Z and Kara smiled and got up to dance.
"Sentaro. D-do you want to dance?" she asked, recollecting herself.
"Um..." he thought, "Well, you taught me so well at the wedding, I hope I can keep up."
"Don't worry, this isn't that fast of a song anyway." she smiled, holding out her hand.
Sentaro went out with her as Kei and Bell did too, leaving Hild seething.
"This is kind of romantic isn't it?" said Skuld while dancing.
His heart was racing and his face was flush, feeling things for her in a way he had never felt it before. All he could do is nod. Bell drifted over with Kei and smiled as she whispered, "Go easy on him. He looks ready to pass out!"
Skuld nodded silently and stayed quiet, only briefly having direct eye contact with him.
He then leaned his forehead on him. His hormones were raging, but he kept it under control.
Skuld looked up at him and gave him a little smile.
He whispered, "Did you ever have the feeling that there is something we should do, but you don't know what that is?"
"Mmm, yeah. Sometimes." she whispered back.
"I mean, I feel I want to do something with you, but I don't know just what," he said. It was not that he was naive, for such sexual curiosity hit the mind of a child this age, yet, at this age, it was still treated as a forbidden subject, and something someone his age just wasn't supposed to do. He knew it had to be more than a kiss, but even "fooling around" felt taboo. He then said, "I feel like we are supposed to do something, but, I don't know what the right thing to do would be."
(Gotta head out. BBL.)
"Supposed? D-do you mean a kiss?" her face reddened.
"Well, yeah, and, well, whatever is okay," he said, still not sure where all this was heading.
"A k-kiss is fine..."
He moved in to do this, but not sure just what she wanted in a kiss, just pressing his lips against hers.
She stood on her toes to reach his.
He was unaware about French kissing, but he did pull her in close.
It was a sweet and cute, lip on lip with no tongue kiss.
His heart was racing now, and something she could certainly feel--among other things. He just did not want to let go. Over this "Unchained Melody" started to play.
Seconds ticked away until the need to breath was no longer bearable.
He pulled back, but didn't let her go.
"Haah. Guess we forgot to breath huh?" joked Skuld.
The sounds of Unchained Melody were making many feel chummy.
Skuld just continued to dance, gazing into Sentaro's eyes.
As they danced, however, he seemed to jostle a bit, as though a touch uncomfortable, but not sure if he should stop. It was not that he was trying to move around, but it was more that he just wasn't sure what to do with what was clearly arousal. He knew one way, but this was not the time or place.
"Is something wrong? You're dancing funny." she giggled.
He turned red, not sure what to say. "I... Uh... You see..." he answered, not sure how tell her he had a raging hard on, (what she had to clearly feel,) and the close dancing wasn't helping matters! Yet, he didn't want to break the mood by saying anything. This would be where he might excuse himself to the bathroom and take care of business, but he couldn't do much. Kei whispered to Bell, "Boy needs a cold shower!"
Hild smirked, thinking, "I'd have him in bed by now! The little fool doesn't know what to do."
By now, Skuld began to notice it too.
"U-umm... If you want, we can go outside for some fresh air." she suggested.
"Um... Yes, that would be good," he said, liking how that gave him an out before something very embarrassing happened.
She nodded and broke the embrace.
"This way." she said and smiled as she led him toward the balconies.
He tried to subtly adjust his undies without being noticed.
Skuld took a deep breath of the outside air and leaned against the railing to look out at the ocean.
After some awkward moments, he slid his hand along the rail until it was on hers. He then had the courage to ask, "Um... Skuld... Did Bell and you ever have the, *gulp*, talk?"
"Talk?" she looked confused for a bit and saw Sentaro's before breaking into a grin.
"Explain."
You want to talk someone sweating bullets? He was Niagra Falls!
"Don't worry, I know what you're talking about. Who gets 'talks' nowadays anyway?" she giggled after seeing his reaction.
After a few other awkward moments, he finally swallowed hard and said, "Please don't be mad, but I have to admit something: when we were dancing... Okay, you must have known... But, it felt weird, and, for some reason, I didn't want it to stop."
"I-it's fine." said Skuld, blushing a bit.
"You can't help it."
"What do you mean?" he said, "I mean, that will happen every time we get close? Is that good?"
"Well, it's normal. For you... Umm, do you know... How to take care of it though?"
Now his face went red, and his nose started to bleed. He knew, and discovered it by accident one day, but he said, (trying to staunch the blood,) "Do you really have to know."
This was not an embarrassment of something cutesy or lovey, but more like something he felt like was a dirty secret he didn't want to tell anyone, not sure what they would say to him.
"W-well, as long as you know how... Then it should be fine right?" said Skuld, looking away and up at the sky with her eyes wandering all over the place.
"Well, I guess..." he said, trailing off, but then he said, "But, it never feels like, well, what it just felt like, um... well... I mean... oh no..." now now sure if he said too much.
"Felt... Like?" she was confused for a moment but blushed bright red.
"O-oh! Well... Umm...." she also trailed off, not knowing what to say.
"I mean, it felt good--I guess--better than when I... fix it," and he stopped, not wanting to say just what it was that it felt better than!
"Y-yeah, I understand." she said while looking away to hide her embarrassment.
"I wonder..." he said, "...what it is like..."
(Stop it! I'm trying to go!)
(>.< You could... Stop replying.)
"U-umm, I wouldn't be sure..." she said while scratching the side of her face to hide the blushing.
"I want to know..." he said, but then he said, "But I don't know if it is right..."
"If it is right...?"
"Well, I mean, if I were to ask you...*gulp*" but he stopped short and said, "But, we're really not old enough for all that, are we?"
"N-n-no! W-we aren't.... I think...." she was blushing madly, and twirling her hair with her finger.
"You think?" he said, calming a bit as a more rational mind on the subject was overtaking him, calming him a bit, "How can we know?"
"Well... It's not... It's against the law right?"
"Well, we're out to sea, so, what would that mean?" he asked, now suddenly sweating again, wondering where Skuld was taking this, "I mean, I suppose no one could say anything. We're not in a country or anything."
"Well... It's... Against customs right? The news warn us of, these things."
He laughed and said, "What are we transporting? And besides, we're the same age..."
He stopped and said, "Wait, you... well, you aren't--suggesting we... try something?"
He started to sweat again.
"N-no no! Of course not! W-we're too young.... To be doing... That sort of thing..."
"But are we?" he said, "I mean, what says we aren't"
"I say it," said a familiar voice from behind, and it was not Bell.
"Who's that?" said Skuld, sounding serious. She looked around Sentaro to get a better look.
A hand came on each shoulder, and it was the hands of Urd, saying, "Come on to the sun deck. I think we three need to talk."
"T-talk?" gulped Skuld.
She sighed and grinned, saying, "No, neither of you are in trouble, but I think we need to talk. I think it's time."
"It's time...?"
"It's time that you both know in better detail the facts of life," she said, "What you do after that is up to you, but I think you need to know, because if you two go back to your room tonight, I guarantee you you are both going to do some things you will both later regret, because you don't understand fully what's going on."
"Wait... Don't tell me this is going to be the 'talk'?"
"Yes, it is," she said, "But it's more for him than you. Yet, you both need to hear it together."
"Nonononono, please no." she shook her head while waving her hands.
Sentaro was more coming, but Urd was kind of dragging Skuld, saying, "You knew this day would come. Let's go."
Z watched Urd drag her off chuckling.
"Noooo, I don't waannnaaa!" more horrified by the embarrassment of receiving the talk than anything else.
Once on the empty sun deck, Sentaro sat down, while Urd held her in place.
Skuld finally stopped struggling and just sat there, sulking.
"Okay," said Urd, and then began to describe all the mechanics of sex, and how it was done, even some of the things lovers do to please one another. However, she then said, "But, at your age, I don't think that is wise."
"Why not?" asked Sentaro, who had now undressed both Skuld and Urd with his eyes.
"Because sex makes babies and it'd be hard to take care of one at our age." said Skuld while looking down at her feet.
"Oh," he said, "Well, I can see how that would be a problem."
Urd then said, "That doesn't mean you can't use protection, but, there are other things involved. I guess what I am trying to say is, if you two do anything, understand the risks. Take it where it is sensible, but don't do anything anyone is not ready for. You're both growing up, and your hormones are screaming at you for release. But, you have to be smart about it, okay? By the way, Bell might protest if you two did anything, but I won't say a word about this talk. I'll let you two decide what to do, and not interfere. Be smart: that's all I ask. Ta-ta."
With that, she took her leave. Sentaro was now looking at her, and saying, "Well?"
"W-what do you mean well?!" exclaimed Skuld whose cheeks were madly red during the entire talk.
"That was horrifying!"
"Yeah, it was kind of--graphic," he said, "But, if it's so horrifying, then why do people do it?"
"N-no, I meant my own sister giving me the talk! You learn all about sex from friends, TV, and the internet nowadays!" she clasped her hand over her mouth afterwards.
He suddenly got a sly look and said, "Have you been watching things you ought not?"
"No." she said defiantly.
"Then, how do you know that the internet is what you should use?"
"What I should use...?" she frowned.
"Well, now that we know everything, what do we do with it?" was his main concern. He then said, "But, you know, after that, for some reason, you look more pretty now than you did before?" not saying it in a pervy way.
"Ahh, geez. This is all your fault for not discovering sex on your own! Geez... That was so embarrassing...." she complained.
"Do what you want, hmph!"
He sat down beside her and said, very tenderly, "I want you to be happy. I want to make you happy."
She had crossed her arms and was facing the other way. When she heard this, she cracked open one eye to look at him.
"You better make it up to me for that."
"How do I do that?" he asked, now having an "I'm sorry" in his voice.
"Only pay attention to me okay? Don't look at other girls." she said quietly.
He then looked ashamed because of that funny white-haired girl. He then said, "I am sorry. Can you help me make it so I want to look only at you?"
"I-I guess I could... S-should be no problem for a genius like me."
"Please, don't build some machine," he said, "I know you can by yourself."
"I know! Even without machines, I can still do it!" she said with firm resolve.
He pulled her in and said, "I know you can," and started to move in for a kiss when they heard a sweet voice say, "There you two are! We wondered what happened to you!"
"Huh?" Skuld looked toward the source.
It was Bell, smiling, and Kei, as Kei said, "Yeah, you two disappeared after dinner, and we wanted to be sure you were okay."
"Ah, yeah. We were okay." said Skuld.
"Ah, dinner! I hope we didn't miss it! We left right after we made our orders!"
"Oh no," she said, "They allowed for some time of talk and dancing. They're about to serve. If you hurry, we can get to them."
"Let's hurry back, Sentaro." smiled Skuld.
His mind suddenly taken off his throbbing libedo, said, "Yeah," and dashed back with her, holding her hand.
They made it back just as the waiters began coming out with their orders.
Hild tried to say, "Hi" in a sexy way, but he just said, "Oh, hi," with barely a glance, and back on Skuld.
Skuld gave him a smile and a tongue at Hild behind his back.
She seethed, and thought, "Time for plan B!"
They were seated and here came their orders.
"Waah, it looks so good." said Skuld.
"Wow!" said Sentaro, "I've never seen anything like this!"
There were asparagus on the plate, and Hild, knowing how things were going, said, "Oh, I bet you haven't heard what kind of an aphrodisiac asparagus are!"
"Aphro...what?" said Sentaro, never having heard the word.
"Things that helps increase one's sexual desires." said Skuld quickly, butting in.
"But that's generally not true, it's all in the mind."
"I believe the Japanese word for it is 'byaku,' and it makes you all 'kakushitsu'," she answered, and his face got all red.
A straw was stuck into Sentaro's mouth. Skuld was holding his glass of coke next to his face with a displeased look.
"I wasn't looking at her," he mumbled through the straw, "Honest I wasn't. I just wish she wouldn't talk like that."
The look turned into a smile.
"Good boy." she said.
Hild, to be mean, then said, "So, a boy at your age... What or who do you think about when you, (she, using the Japanese,) jii koui?"
He looked at Skuld, and then grabbed a napkin to his nose.
(Shall I translate that for you?)
(Yes please. Since this isn't romanticized.)
"W-wha-" Skuld began.
(Sorry: I found an English to Romanji site. Do you understand Japanese? She used the Japanese for "masturbate." I didn't know if there was Japanese slang for that.)
"Perv!" she said with a ><!
Hild just chuckled, and then said, "You know, when I popped my head in this morning, I noticed that there was only one bed in there and no couch big enough to sleep on. How inconvenient. Whatever shall you two do?"
"W-w-we're old enough to sleep together in the same bed!" she protested.
"Yeah," he said, uneasy, "We're going to be wearing PJs, so no big deal..." and then he looked at Skuld, "...r-r-r-right?"
"Yyeah! Pjs..."
"Oh," said Hild, "So, he'll never get to know just how soft and warm the skin of a woman is."
Though he was keeping his eyes off her, she reached over and gently rubbed the back of her hand on the back of his. Though is was an awkward feeling and did not hurt, it was awkward enough that he quickly pulled his hand away, and now, once again, feeling like he had to "fix it."
"Mmmf, don't you think that's invading his bubble of privacy?" said Skuld
"You don't seem to have a problem with it," retorted Hild.
He snuffed, saying, "Because I want her to!"
"Ooh, feisty," she said, knowing he said more than for what he intended.
"Sentaro. It's rude to bother others while eating."
(One, who said that? Two, he was saying that in reference to Skuld being allowed to break that personal space bubble.)
(Ah, sorry)
"It's rude to bother others while eating." said Skuld toward Hild, intent on getting her to leave them alone.
Into her mind she heard Hild say, "You challenged me like the fool you are--a second-class goddess with limited license and little ability to use magic against the ruler of the underworld. You messed with the bull. Now you're going to get the horns!"
"Bring it!" she shot her a mental glare.
"Oh, you are in such big, big trouble, child," she answered, "Besides, your naive sister, Belldandy, is so caught up in the euphoria of her honeymoon, she does not even recognize me for who I am. Knowing you, you'll just go crying like a little baby to hide behind her."
She mentally gulped but was determined not to show any weakness.
"Never in a thousand years!"
All she heard was a soft cackle as Hild finished her dinner and left, thinking, "I have that little fool right where I want her now! Her pride will get the better of her, and she'll mess up so bad Tyr will strip her license and call her back! Then I'll make Sentaro one of my minions!"
"Sentaro, do you want to try a piece of my steak?" she asked while watching Hild leave.
He snapped to and said, "Uh, sure... Gee, what was she on about? She's creepy!"
"I don't know. Sentaro, she's a very bad girl. Stay away from her." she said as if a parent would speak to a child. She cut off a piece of her steak and made sure to soak it in the juices before giving it to him.
"Is that that au-jus sauce I've heard about?"
"I'm not sure, I guess it is? Let's try it." she said, cutting off a piece and popping it into her mouth.
Indeed it was, and it added a good beefy and salty flavor for the meat.
"It's good! Try it, come on. Here." she stabbed it with the fork and raised it to his lips. Her hand was below it to catch any falling juices.
He gladly took it, and Urd, watching, said, "Aw, ain't dat cuuuuuuuuute!"
Belldandy smiled sweetly, and thought into Skuld's head, "I am so proud of you! The love emanating from you is going to allow you to use your powers so much better now. Do this right, and I might see if you can take your first-class test."
"Onee-sama, you don't need to poor so many good things on me. It'll get bland." she giggled silently.
(Shall we move on past dinner?)
When she got back, she said to Z, "Z, if you were in my position, what would you suggest to do to steal a boy from a bratty goddess that needs to be put in her place?"
(Sure. To where?)
(Bedtime?)
Skuld was standing there at the door of the bathroom, her hands behind her back and looking down.
"This is it... It's bedtime..." she thought, her face flushed.
Sentaro took advantage of this, putting on his PJ's: the kind with shorts and short sleeve for warmer weather. He then slipped under the sheets.
Skuld inched over to the bed and slid in it too.
However, he lay there, staring straight up, stiff as a board, as "the talk" came back, with something else as stiff as a board, and unbeknownst to him, poking a bit out of its home.
(You post just as I have to go. If it goes well, I might be able to post later.)
"S-so... We're j-just sleeping alright? Nothing's going to happen!" she stammered.
"Um, I don't think something happens unless we make it happen," he muttered back, "I think its only if we want it to happen."
"Alright, yeah. Only if we want to...." she drifted off.
Indeed the pure exhaustion of the day caused him to drift off as well, he probably not having enough energy to try anything anyway.
(Hi. the site stopped notifying me again. what did I miss?)
(The sexual tensions of two now just becoming sexually aware, Hild not helping matters, and seeking to shame Skuld for even challenging her, and Urd giving those two "the talk.")
(thanks)
Z thought about it, "I would use subtle manipulations to have her cause her own downfall."
"Okay, what do you suggest?"
"Play a few mind games with her that will lead to her ruining the relationship by her own hand," said Z, "things like pointing out the problems with a human and a goddess falling in love, aging, mortality, occupation, the fact that she is centuries older than him."
"Though those are not without merit," she said, "Don't you think she already watched Belldandy go through that and pass with flying colors?"
"That is true," said Z, "but she is young, sort of, and if you could sow the seeds of doubt into the two of them, then they might end their relationship on their own. Maybe if Skuld used her magic to help Sentaro, but he wanted to do the thing using his own natural talents."
"Okay," she said, "Set me a scenario that might work on this cruise."
Z thought about it, "well, there is a couples race where the winners get a to eat free at an ice cream buffet,"
"How does that involve dealing with the mortal/goddess conflict you wish to create?"
"Sentaro might want to win the contest for skuld, and she might want to help him with her magic. when she does, he will think it's a hollow and unfair victory and the reward won't be as sweet. therefore planting the first seed."
"Ah, that IS right! His sense of fair play... That means you have to find kids that are his equal or a bit better. Question, though, what kind of a race can you have on a cruise ship?"
Z gave her a brochure. it was a scavenger hunt around the ship. the first team to find each item and return to the starting point wins.
"Okay, that seems feasible. However, I'm wondering if their young minds have led them to fool around at least a little... You know, experimenting..."
She sent a chibi, but when she got there, she saw two dead tired kids sawing some serious wood!
"So did they?" asked Z, "I heard that nee-sama gave them 'the talk'"
"Fortunately, no," she answered, "They were both so tired from their day they were both dead to the world."
Z chuckled.
(We can jump to the morning, then.)
By the morning, they had flopped into each other's arms instinctively, going back to some primal thing of primates or something like that, the natural instinct of wanting to feel the security of another around.
(we need Auir)
(I know. He posts when he posts. It will be all three of us on this one.)
Skuld was clinging onto Sentaro like a Koala on a tree. She stirred a bit and her eyes peeked open a little. There was a scream and a very loud smack in the next few moments.
Sentaro, (who was still asleep,) made a combination of moans, snorts, attempts to make rational speech, and much flailing, as he eventually wound up on his butt on the floor. If there had been any romantic overtones in his heart that second, it was as if someone dumped a bucket of ice water on him. Gaining his faculties, (and feeling the sting on his face,) snapped, "Who, what, where! What was that!"
Skuld was sitting on the bed, gripping the bedsheets tightly to cover herself staring at him with the look of a girl being jumped by hoodlums in a dark alley.
"Hey, what's wrong with you!" he said, beginning to get the feel she was the reason for why his face was now red and stinging.
"You scared me!" she cried.
"Sssscared you?" he said, "Now how did I do that?" being that he was deep asleep, and unaware of how the two were clinging to each other."
"Well, when I woke up. I saw this guy right next to me as if he was leaning in for a kiss. I panicked and well..."
"But, it was me!" he said, "Would I hurt you? And... Besides... What would be wrong about me kissing you?"
"I didn't know, that's why I panicked! Wouldn't you panick if you saw some random stranger so close to you, leaning in for a kiss?"
"But who else was in here but us?" he asked, "We must have snuggled up in the night."
"I didn't know, do you always wake up calmly and clearly and aware of everything in your surroundings?"
"No, but I'm not so paranoid that someone's going to attack me in the night. I mean, did that happen to you once or something?"
"If you woke up, thinking you were in your room. And suddenly, there's somebody next to you. A complete stranger. What would you do?"
"*Sigh* alright, alright! I'd be upset, but that didn't answer my question! You are paranoid! Someone who is not a complete stranger is sleeping in the same bed with you, and you know that! So, what? I guess I'm a complete stranger to you, eh? Is that how you think of me?"
It was clear he was upset and offended by the statement.
(Yes, we're more paranoid about being attacked in our sleep than terrorist attacks.)
"I didn't know... Arrg, you're so difficult!" she slipped on her slippers and ran outside.
Sentaro just sat back down on the bed and moped, thinking, "Why are girls so complicated!"
Skuld was walking along the side of the ship, watching the waves.
(You know... With the amount of public security cameras there are, it's like a reverse 1984.)
Belldandy emerged from her cabin as Kei slept, wearing a beautiful long silk nightgown and see-through robe, proverbially glowing like a 1000-watt bulb, in a seeming happy trance near where Skuld was. She was so euphoric that she started to sing her song, Holy Bell emerging to sing with her, also looking in the same way.
Skuld stopped when she heard Belldandy's singing and listened.
When she was done, she almost drifted over to Skuld, picked her up, and danced around with her in a loving greeting hug.
"Ah, onee-sama. What's the occasion?" she laughed.
"Oh, Skuld!" she said as she set her down, obviously in afterglow, "I never knew human relations could be so good!"
"So good? *laugh* You've been in one for so long long."
"Oh my sister," she said, starry-eyed, "This was the ultimate experience! I feel like every part of me is tingling!"
"Wait, you mean that was your first time?" she blinked.
"Well, yes," she said, curious as to how Skuld didn't know this, "I have not met other gods or people with whom I have been this intimate, but now, I do not know of any other that could do what he did. I am amazed that he lasted past experience #12. I mean, with a bit of magic, he was doing well, but he finally just passed out from sheer exhaustion."
(She basically became insatiable and boffed his brains out!)
"Uwaa, it was you first time and you took him to above base 12..."
"Well," she said, "He said something about 'coming' but why? He was right there the whole night! He said he 'came' about 12 times, though he never left the room, and then, after that, he said he 'could not get it up' anymore, though he never did tell me what 'it' was. That was when he fell asleep."
"ONee-sama, please come with me." said Skuld, pulling her along.
"Oh, okay," she said, confused as to her sudden change of mood.
Skuld spent the next 10 minutes using paper and pencil to teach her about words and terms.
At first, she was taking it in, but then began to realize what some of the things he had said the night before, and suddenly felt awkward, and even a touch embarrassed that Skuld knew more about these things than she did. Uneasy, she said, "Um, where did you learn all this?"
"Where? Not sure, it's common knowledge for us. I guess we picked it up while talking." she shrugged.
"But that's not the problem. You should know these things onee-sama!"
"I--guess you are right," she said, a bit ashamed at her naivety, and to change the subject, she asked, "So, why are you out here?"
"I... Well..." she told her what happened.
"Oh dear..." said Belldandy, "Skuld, I think you owe him an apology."
"I know... But he said that he though he meant nothing to me, that made me really mad."
"Well, he must have thought you thought him someone that would try to hurt you," she said, "After all, you told him you thought someone was attacking you, and you two were the only ones there. Besides, if that happened, would you not think he would have tried to stop it? You see, he feels he is your protector, and that he would keep you safe. If you then act like he would hurt you, or that he would let someone hurt you, to him, you have told him you do not trust him. I think he really wants to to trust him. Your hitting him and saying that was the same as telling him he cannot be trusted. Do you not think that would hurt?"
"Well, I didn't know he was there. I thought I was back in my room, sleeping. And then the first thing that popped in my head after seeing someone was that I forgot to lock the windows."
"But, you still hurt his heart," she said, "You have to think differently now. I know you are used to thinking for yourself, but, if you are going to be a first-class goddess, you have to learn to think for others more than for yourself, and that is meeting his needs as he seeks to meet yours. In that, Skuld, is love embodied."
"It's not like I wouldn't apologize if I accidentally scared him. I guess I'd have to apologize in both scenarios huh?"
"Actually, you do, because he did nothing wrong," she answered, "Now, you have the job of showing him that you trust him as well as apologizing. Sometimes, an apology is more than words. If you have done something wrong, you have to make it right."
(This is the Nips where're talking about here, they're way more apologetic. If they apologize for you opening the door to enter their restaurant/store, they'll apologize to scaring someone.)
"I know, I said I'd have to apologize."
(I know, but they are not Japanese, so I just went into it for the sake of the story.)
"Now," she asked, "How do you think you should make it right for him?"
"Hmm... I don't know.... Do you have any ideas onee-sama?"
"Well... Hmm... I know. Let us go back to your room. I have an idea."
She nodded and followed.
She knocked on the door and said, "May I come in?"
He brightened to hear it was Belldandy, and seemed so when she walked in. But when Skuld followed, he began to sulk again. Belldandy then said, "Sentaro, Skuld has something to tell you."
"I'm sorry for hitting you..." apologized Skuld.
"Yeah," he said, "I just wish you would trust me. I wouldn't let anything happen to you when I'm around. At least I would try."
"Maybe I can show you she does," interjected Belldandy.
"How?" he asked.
"Sentaro, would you stand right here?" she asked, and he did so.
"Now, Skuld," she then said, "I want you to stand here and turn your back to him."
"Okay." she turned around.
"Now, Skuld, what I want you to do is close your eyes, cross your arms and touch your shoulders, and fall straight back."
"Fall straight back." she crossed her arms and tipped backwards.
He was surprised she so quickly complied, and instinctively caught her and set her upright. He said, "You--you trusted me to catch you!"
"And I know you trust her just as much," said Bell in reply.
"Of course. Do you want a tougher version? I'll meet you on the roof." she giggled.
"Boy, that is a lot of trust!" he said, "So, please, could you just feel safe when I am around? I want you to feel safe. I mean, I didn't feel that, when I know my own girlfriend is a goddess after all. How could I not feel safe in your arms?"
"Of course I'll feel safe when you're around."
"Then, no more being scared when we wake up, please?" he pleaded, rubbing his face, "If we hold each other, remember, it is just me."
"Haha, I'll try. I'm not much of a morning person and can be rather disoriented." she laughed.
"Gee, being your husband would be a challenge, that's for sure," he said teasingly, though it didn't seem it at first.
"Husband?" her cheeks reddened a bit as she poked her two index fingers together.
He laughed and said, "Oh, like we're going to book a chapel anytime soon!"
"D-do you want to get a western wedding or an eastern one?" she asked shyly, still staring at her fingers.
"What... Wait? I'm not talking about right away!" he said with a smile, "I was just sayin'."
"O-oh, yeah. That's right, just saying..." she nodded.
"Now," said Belldandy, "I think you two need to clean up and be ready for breakfast. I hear that the cafeteria has American-styled breakfast, and I am anxious to sample some after such a long time. After that, I hear there is an activity you two can get into to have fun today."
"Really? Let's get ready then!" said Skuld.
"I'll let you go first," said Sentaro, trying to be the gentleman.
"Thank you." she curtsied and went into the bathroom to freshen up.
(TS to breakfast?)
(Sure)
Once in the cafeteria, there were biscuits and gravy, sausages and eggs, pancakes, bacon, ham--everything you would normally see in American fare.
Z was at a table reading a stack of papers while eating from a plate with some of everything.
"Wow, it looks so good!" said Skuld, taking everything in and sniffing in the scents.
"Wow, this biscuits and gravy look good!" said Sentaro, seeing how others did it. He opened and laid out two biscuits into a square and poured over the sausage filled gravy. He then got some bacon and eggs fried hard.
Skuld was getting the pancakes, bacon, and ham drizzled with maple syrup.
Kei was all lost on it, saying, "Well, if this is as good as it looks, I may have to ask you to make these kinds of things every once and awhile."
He was full of pep, and Belldandy was clinging to him and against him like a happy kitten, saying, "Whatever my husband wishes."
"Those two sure look happy." smiled Skuld.
Bell dragged Kei where Z was and said, "So, what is this you are doing? I would think a cruise would mean you could relax."
"I have been trying to," said Z, "I especially plan to when this ship reaches hawaii. How has your trip been going?"
Their body english was of two people who had the sex of the century: she was like a kitten on him, and he was full of energy.
"Boy, the Americans sure know how to have breakfast! Hey, try this biscuits and gravy! It's real good."
"I take that it has gone well," said Z, "congrats. I hope you two were careful."
"Alright." she said, taking the bisquit.
"Wow, it's so fluffy! It's very dry though, different from our bread."
"Oh yeah," he said in a way a guy could understand. Into this came Hild, seeing what they were doing.
He put some of the gravy on it and said, "This will soften it up and make it taste even better."
"Sauce for a bread. I like it."
(Ever have Biscuits and Gravy, southern style! Good stuff. Cracker Barrel does it right.)
(love the stuff)
"That's good," said Z.
Hild saw what they were eating, and let them get their fill of it before she did her next bit of mischief.
(Yes when I was working at a summer camp.)
(You do know what else it is called, right?)
(Nope, I had my hands full trying to take care of 16 10 year olds. Which when surprisingly and considerably well and better than last year.)
(Think "SoS" and what those letters could mean.)
"Well, it looks like you two like your... Oops, I almost said something I should not have."
(... It's not... Something akin to a 'soggy waffle' is it...? Besides Shiz on a shingle and save our stomachs...)
"Oh you!" said Skud.
"Yeah, what is it?" he said, and she leaned in and whispered it--*BLEEP* on a shingle, and he turned green.
"Still thinking you wanted to know?" laughed Skuld.
He then was out of the room with a quickness, and over the gunnels with an awful load of chum.
"Oh wow. I better go check up on him." Skuld put down her utensils and followed.
*HUUUUUGHAAAAAAH!*
Skuld just stood there with a ^_^; and was patting his back.
"We'll get something later," he moaned.
"Hai hai." she said.
"You feeling better now?"
He nodded as an announcement came up about the day's kids event.
"Let's see, what should we do here?"
The contest was for a ship-wide scavenger hunt. There would be teams of two and the ones who found the most items would then win a prize.
"That sounds fun! Wanna try it Sentaro?"
"Yeah, that sounds like fun!" he said, "With a goddess as my partner, how can we lose?"
"Yeah! Hold on, I got just the thing for this!" she said, heading back to the room.
He scratched his head, not sure where she was going with it.
She took out a bunch of robotic surveillance mice from her suitcase.
"With these, it'd be like having 15 pairs of eyes!"
He raised his hand and said, "Wait a minute. Would everyone else get to use those?"
"Well, I didn't bring that many controllers. Only us. Why?"
"Oh, come on!" he said, "I want to win this honestly. We have to compete like everyone else."
"Eeeh? Fine. We'll search the old-fashion way."
Chibi Hild was watching this, thinking, "All according to plan... Now, let's make their list harder than anyone else's."
"Alright, let's go get the list and get started!"
(We need Trace for this, because he suggested this plot.)
(stupid site stopped emailing me again)
The teams lined up at the starting line, "Ready set GO!" yelled the announcer, causing everyone to run off to find their items.
the first thing on the list that Skuld and Sentaro had was a length of VGA cable.
(What is VCH cable. Oh, and remember, Hild deliberately made their list harder than everyone elses.)
(sorry meant VGA)
"Great, where are we going to find that, unless you have some," said Sentaro, "That wouldn't be cheating."
"Geh! Pretty sure I had some... I'd have to snip it off though..."
"Snip it off from what?" he asked, "What did you bring that used that?"
"My laptop obviously."
"You'd tear up your laptop for this?"
"Well, how badly do you want to win Sentaro?"
"Well, I always want to win, but I always thought your machines your friends? I mean, look at the way you treat Banpei and Segal?"
"This is a cord, not a machine. I wonder if we can turn it in as the entire thing?"
"Let me look in the rules..."
(Again, we need Trace.)
The rules were quite specific, the exact item was needed to win.
"It's up to you," he said, "Maybe they'll let you have it back when this is done."
"Well, alright. I'll go get it." she said, running off to her room.
While she was gone, he looked to what was next on the list.
it was an original copy of Hamlet, first edition.
"You've got to be kidding me!" he said, "Where in the world would I find that!"
She came back with the VGA cable.
"Hm? What's wrong Sentaro?"
He showed her what was next on the list with some horror--a first-edition copy of "Hamlet"!
"Hamlet?! Wha..."
He started looking down the list to see what else they were supposed to be finding.
there was: a vinyl record, a Sega Genesis, a bottle of Juyondai Sake, a cubic zirconium ring, an AI unit and a laser light emitter.
"Okay, some, yeah, but some no!" he said, "A AI unit! Only you would have something like that, Skuld. Because it came from you, that would not be cheating. How are we going to get everything else! We're gonna lose!"
Indeed, it even looked as if there was no other way but by the power of a goddess this was going to work.
"An antiques collector, a retro gaming otaku, an alcoholic, a newly wed couple, me, and a random accessory from a random person." counted Skuld off the tip of her hand.
"Then...we CAN do this!" he said, "Hey, let's see if we can't find the ship's passenger log and find out who is who! We can do this fair and square!"
"I wonder..." said Skuld with a ^_^' and following along.
With that, they found the ship's captain, who smiled at first, but then shuddered at the sight of Skuld, and then said, "How can I help you kids today?"
"... Never mind, let's go." said Skuld the moment she saw the catain.
"But--whoa!" he said, being dragged off, and he asked Skuld, "What are you doing? I was going to get access to the ship's roster and see about finding the people you mentioned. Besides, one thing we can get is the couple on honeymoon--your own sister."
"I wonder if Keiichi-nii gave her a zirconium ring? They're quite expensive... And we can find those people on our own without the log! besides, it'd be cheating right?"
"I'm not sure," he said, "But I thought Zirconium was supposed to be a fake diamond substitute, and not the real thing."
"It's a type of metal that's a substitute for titanium." said Skuld.
"Still, I don't think Keiichi-san would be that cheap, would he?"
"It's cheap and just as good as titanium."
"No," he said, "I mean, he would not be so cheap to give the woman he loves a fake diamond."
"It's not a fake diamond, it's a metal not a stone. And I'm not sure. I do know that if he has the money, he would absolutely get it."
"Well, anyway, we can start with your sister."
"Okay, let's ask." Skuld nodded, going off to find her sister.
The pair was at the water slides, considering that he was still learning to swim.
"Onee-sama! Keiichi-nii!" waved Skuld, trying to get their attention.
They both came down the big slide together and came to the fence, asking, "So, how goes the scavenger hunt?"
"Well, truthfully...." she told them what happened and why they needed the ring.
"Oh, but I would most certainly help you," she said, "And I do believe we have the beverage you seek as well."
Sentaro gave Keiichi the, "You cheapskate!" look.
"Wow, thanks onee-sama!" she smiled.
With that, she went to fetch the things, and once out of earshot, Sentaro said, "You couldn't afford a carbon diamond with your race winnings?"
"They're really expensive Sentaro, a single carat can go for thousands! Unless he went with an uncut. Those are really cheap." said Skuld.
"You say that girls don't care anymore?" asked Sentaro.
"It's the thought that counts. Besides, most girls don't wear wedding rings." (In Japan)
(that's another one that surprises me! When I was growing up, the wedding right was always worn and right over the engagement diamond.)
(It tends to drive American(H)-Japanese(W) couples crazy. One wants the other to wear it, the other sees no sense in wearing it.)
(isn't that always the thing?)
Before long, she was back with what they needed, but now Sentaro wondered where they would find the rest.
"Let's go to the clubroom or whatever it's called. They might have a classic phonograph there."
"What are the odds of that?" he asked.
"Well, if it's fancy enough. They might have one on display. And possibly the record."
"Well, let's check it out," he said, knowing they were racing against the other kids.
She nodded and raced toward the clubhouse.
Once there, a maitre'd met them at the door, and she asked, "Can I help you kids?"
"Yeah, you see. It's the ship-wide scavenger hunt. And we need a vinyl record and we were wondering if you had one." smiled Skuld innocently.
"Hmm... Wait, I know!" she said, aware of the scavenger hunt, "Follow me!"
She nodded confidently to Sentaro and followed.
She went into the DJ booth and opened a cabinet, and it had several shelves of old records. She said, "We keep them for oldies or disco era nights, just to give the authentic feel. I think we can live without this one for now, just be sure to bring it back when this is done."
She handed them an old Village People record.
"Thank you!" bowed Skuld.
"Alright, come on. Let's go look for the next one Sentaro!"
Quote from: Trace Carter on August 17, 2013, 04:05:08 PM
there was: a vinyl record, a Sega Genesis, a bottle of Juyondai Sake, a cubic zirconium ring, an AI unit and a laser light emitter.
He went back over the list, checking off what they had found.
"We're almost done! All we need is a laser light emitter and a Sega Genesis. I think I can salvage out a laser from one of my robots. Let's go do that first." said Skuld.
He nodded, but the Sega would be a tough call.
They reached their room and Skuld began to work on taking apart one of the robots and removing the laser pointer. After that, she grabbed her ai unit and stuffed that in the bag too.
"Now... What do we do about the Sega?"
With that the hunt began. There was nothing in the gift shop, so that was out. And, who would use something like that now? Chibi Hild, observing all this, was surprised at the versatility of Skuld, and impressed she had not tried to use her magic in all of this to try to help Sentaro--something he would never tolerate. Yet, she thought, "You won't find that thing! You'll have to act now!"
Yet, before that could happen, a smell began to permeate the air, and it was a bad one!
"Gah, this is hopeless. The only thing I can think of right now is reconstructing one from scrap parts. Do you think we have enough time?" sighed Skuld.
However, the stench hit her nose as well, and everything seemed to stop.
"!!!" Skuld was on her guard for anything.
A HUGE pile of trash was floating on the water, surrounded by an oily sheen, the water being loaded with plastic particles, and boy did it wreak!
"Ugh, what is that?!" she exclaimed.
The captain and the navigator were coming down to talk to the gathering crowd, bickering how they had gone of course, and wondering who was to blame.
"Did hear anything about this in the news?" asked Skuld toward Sentaro.
"No," he answered, as the captain announced, "Our deepest apologies to our guests. It seems that our navigational computers have messed up and put us off course, and we are now currently in the Great Pacific Trash Vortex."
"Oh wow, we REALLY went off course." she commented.
"However," he continued, "Until we can fix the computers, there is not much else we can do. But, don't worry: pockets of trash like this are actually rare, so as soon as it drifts off, we should get rid of the smell. But we are kind of stuck."
"Let's... Head somewhere inside." said Skuld.
He agreed, but then noticed something sitting on the pile. "Wait: look on the pile! Is that what I think it is?"
It was hard to see without binoculars, but it did have a familiar shape.
"It can't be..." Skuld ran into the room and came back out with binoculars.
Sitting on the pile was an original model of the Genesis! However, it was out of reach.
"Sentaro, let's get some rope. We'll go down and get it."
The captain, overhearing that, said, "Wait a minute, little girl! It's too dangerous to do something like that!"
"Then... Captain, do you happen to have a harpoon on board?"
He laughed and said, "The only thing like that is an old-time whaling harpoon as part of the decorations in the dining room you were in last night..."
"Eh.... Then do you have a net?" she asked.
"Well, it is set on top of an old fishing net on the wall..."
"Can we borrow the net? Or any other nets you might have?"
"Do you really think you can reach it with that? Good luck, but you can have it for now. Just be sure to wash it when you're done. It's part of the decor."
"No problem!" she said.
"Sentaro, do you have a strong arm?"
"Of course!" she said, "What can I do?"
"I have a plan."
She first went to get the net. Then she filled up her duffel bag with as many heavy things as she could find and tied it to the net. Afterwards, they went back to the side again.
"Okay, just like in the movies. Can you swing this thing around until it gets enough momentum and throw toward the Sega?"
"Okay," he said, spinning and spinning, but the weight caused him to get out of control like a throwing hammer man who loses it, and net went over--with him still attached!
"Eek!" Skuld grabbed onto the net and planted her feet against the side of the ship.
"C-can you pull yourself up?!"
"I think so," he said, "Wait: I think I can reach it. Hold tight!"
He started using then net, ran on the hull, ran the other way, and started to swing wider each side.
"G-geh, pull yourself not swing yourself!" protested Skuld.
"I have a plan!" he said. When he thought he had enough momentum, he kicked off and swung towards the pile, reaching out for the Genesis.
Skuld had to let out some net for him to reach it and clamped down on it as soon it was enough.
He grabbed it, but the sudden shift on the net caused him now to swing close to the filthy water. He yelled as he scrambled to get up the net enough not to go in.
"Can you reach it now?!" shouted Skuld.
It was in his hand, and now he was scrambling up the net if he could enough to avoid contact with the filthy water.
Skuld pulled with all her strength to help.
He was now just inches above the water, and began climbing, wondering if she could hold it.
She wrapped it several times around her hand and held.
Before long, over the gunnels came the Genesis, followed by Sentaro who tossed it over. He then rolled onto the deck, exhausted.
"Whew.... We did it...." sighed Skuld.
Because everyone had stopped to hear the announcement, and to see what Sentaro was doing, they were actually the first to finish their list.
"Let's go turn it in!" said Skuld, picking herself up.
With that, they turned it in, and they were declared the winners.
"We did it!" high fived Sentaro.
"Yeah, and I'm beat," he said, as the captain and navigator were perplexed on how to get the nav going again.
"Let's find something to eat."
"I Dunno if I can eat with this smell!" he said, "I wish we could get out of here."
The prize was a brand-new skateboard, a new laptop with all the latest stuff, captain's hats, and another dinner with the captain.
"Well..." she sighed and marched right on over to the bridge.
They were going over and over things, and nothing seemed to be solving the matter.
She went right over to the navigation system and began to run a troubleshoot.
Her technomagic popped a word before her face: FUBAR.
"Geck, how did it end up like this?!"
Upon deeper probing, there was magic involved!
"Sabotage?" she thought.
"We need to completely replace this thing..."
Z was mentally cursing behind a calm and collected mask. How had two children done the impossible and without cheating or magic? It just infuriated him.
Unbeknownst to Z, his brown human eye was slowly changing to match his violet eye and the seals on his powers began to weaken.
Hild was not happy either. She had been so easily thwarted! This just could not stand. With that...
The man asked her, "What do you have?"
Then, it seemed like the small pockets of trash and individual floating pieces were all starting to come to where they were, and the smell was getting worse.
Z got up and headed to his cabin to plan.
Hild was there, and she seemed in concentration.
"I'm sorry that I failed," said Z
"Your navigation system is completely broken beyond repair. You'd have to get a new one."
"Right!" he said, "Do you know how long that will take before it gets here? Oh, GOD, that stench!"
"I could try to build you a new one with whatever electronics that are salvageable."
Z sat down and rubbed his head which had started to ache.
his ring-seal on his hand cracked a bit.
Hild said, "Wait, what is going on with you!"
"Well, we can salvage it, but, where is all this new garbage coming from!"
The captain could see it beginning to surround the ship. He said, "Hey, remember when you showed how you used the sextant and clocks? If you could do that again so we could set our course and get out of here, and then we can worry about fixing things..."
"It's just a headache," said Z, "probably stress,"
"But, your seals are breaking!" she said.
"what?" said Z in surprise.
He turned toward her and she could see his human eye was half violet and half brown
"Why would my seals be breaking."
(Z's demon powers are growing out of his control due to his constant use of his demon side.)
Hild began to smirk and said, "Well, it is about time you embraced that side of yourself. Maybe now you can cause more trouble for them than before."
"So my powers are getting stronger?" said Z, "That's kinda cool. Let's see."
Z sent out a spell that reached into the passenger's minds and made them more irritable. Soon random passengers began to complain about the smell and how their trips were ruined. Arguments began to break out.
"I thought you guys were professionals?" she said with a ;3.
"We are," he said, "But not old time mariners. If you can help, please."
"And hurry!" added the captain, "the passengers are starting to riot."
Belldandy and Urd were trying to do what they could to keep the passengers calm. Belldandy said, "Music might help."
A few members of the ship's musicians came together with a couple of guitars and she said, "Do you know 'Come The Day'?"
"Like the back of my hand, miss."
http://www.youtube.com/v/rvJkt3FzSjk
Z smiled, the spell wouldn't be stopped that easily. Nor could it be traced back to him.
The music was starting to spill over the crowd, and now could be heard in the ship's speakers, including where Z was, and Skuld."
Z smirked. His spell was special. he placed a sub spell in the crew's emotions that acted like magnetic poles, causing the crew to disagree and argue due to the poles repelling each other. to top it off, he placed the core of the spell in an object on the ship so the spell would hold as long as that object is left alone.
Thus, though the passengers were beginning to calm, the crew were now in the bridge, bickering whether or not to trust a little girl with primitive navigation tools.
"what do you think?" Z asked Hild, his demon side completely in control now.
She was joyous now, and said, "Excellent. They'll be so busy bickering as I call in more and more trash from the vortex that we may even have a brawl! Oh, what a wonderful disaster this will make in history!"
Z chuckled, "I'm glad you like it mother."
Kara walked in, "Ara ara, did you start the fun without moi?"
"Well, what can you contribute?" she said.
Kara smiled and sent a psychic command into the crew's minds.
soon a fight broke out and blows were being traded.
(Okay, now we need Auir, becuase Skuld is on the bridge.)
"Alright, destination?" she asked, picking up the tools.
(Did you see the song Bell was singing to keep the people calm?)
However, there was now a brawl going on on the bridge, and anywhere the music was not being heard, brawls were breaking out.
(What about it?)
"Is that a fight breaking out?!" she exclaimed.
(I just wondered if you thought it good, and about Bell's speed.)
Yes, it was, and it was over her being involved.
(It's decent though I shouldn't be one to judge. Not my type. And what do you mean Bell's speed?)
"Oh, do it yourself then!" she shouted.
(Meaning, is that the kind of thing she would sing.)
And so, because she would not act, the ship was stranded, trash kept piling up, and now people were getting hurt.
(I'd think she'd sing something Japanese but aside from the cultural bias, a vocal. Something more smooth. And possibly bagpipes.)
Meanwhile Skuld took out her cellphone and opened up the GPS.
"That way you dolts!"
They all stopped, looked at her, and now looked all sheepish as they thought, "That's what WE should have done."
With that, they got the engines started and the ship started to come about, just as Bell broke into...
http://www.youtube.com/v/VRg9NkIdjVs
Skud let out a sigh of relief and enjoyed the song.
Holy Bell was helping now, as Urd was on the hunt for Hild and Z. Only they could have done this. Everyone calmed as the ship began to move.
After a minute of rest, she thought of the same thing.
"I'm going back to my sister." she said, leaving the bridge.
Urd was on the hunt while Bell was happy to see everything calming down, but then the reports of people being badly hurt came in.
Skuld came across one of these people.
"Oh no! Medic! Nurse! Doctor! Anybody?!" she called out.
People with medical experience were moving in and out, helping who they could, and a nurse answered Skuld's call. Indeed, this trip was turning out to be miserable.
Hild sat back watching the misery reports roll in.
Skuld went looking for Urd.
Eventually, she found Urd, casting detections spells, looking for the only person that could have been responsible for this.
"Any clues?" she asked.
"There's only one person responsible for this!" she snapped, "Worse, pockets of hostility keep breaking out, which means they have cast a spell on some object on ship that is causing the unrest."
"This is bad, I'll help!" she said, running off to her room to get the robot mice controller.
Belldandy had an idea what was going on as well as they were leaving the trash behind, and she started to sing a ship-wide healing spell.
"Found it! Booting main node. Accessing all manipulable outputs..." muttered Skuld as she set the robotic mice loose.
Skuld could feel Bell's energy, but there was also a danger in how much she was using.
"Hey, isn't this a bit much with her seals on?" wondered Skuld out loud. She began to look for her sister.
She just got onto the deck when she passed out.
"Onee-sama!" cried Skuld as she ran over.
"So...much...misery," she moaned, "Must...stop..."
"She can feel their misery?!" she exclaimed.
"Urd! I need your help! Onee-sama has collapsed!"
Urd appeared out of an ad monitor and said, "Oh no! She's tried to heal everyone! I'll put her to bed. Track down the sources of this!"
"On it!" said Skuld has she began searching with her robotic mice.
(We're going to have to hold since Trace is hip deep in the problems!)
(I'm back)
Z chuckled, "they'll never find it and if they do, it won't help."
(I've thought of an ingenious object to hide the spell in.)
(She's using her mice, so I'll let you two work out the action there.)
("Good, now tell us whe-" jk)
Skuld's mice began to run down every corridor and enter every room, looking for some kind of object that emitted an aura.
(it's belldandy's ring)
One of the mice began to pick up something.
"Urd! I'm picking up a signal! It's coming from the room where the scavenger hunt was staged and started!"
Urd then said, "But that's just where I'm sitting!" being Belldandy's room, and she started to sweep the room, trying to detect a curse.
the sweep came up positive on belldandy's wedding ring.
Now Urd was livid! The sound of "HILD!" echoed through the ship.
"Oh dear," said Z.
"What is it?!" asked SKuld as she rushed into the room. She gasped when she saw what it was.
Urd proverbially had steam rolling out of her ears as she snarled, "Where is that witch Hild! I am going to kill her myself!"
"I suddenly have a bad feeling," said Z to hild, "is that normal."
But Hild was gone. She knew the gig was up, and was now preparing to abandon ship.
"Oh dear," said Kara, "and I was looking forward to hawaii."
Z and Kara teleported away as well.
(Oh no! Everyone is bailing on Z)
(Z left as well)
The question was, could they dispel the curse.
It would be impossible to dispel the curse without destroying the ring, BUT if powerful goddess magic was used, the curse could be transferred to another object that could be destroyed.
Urd was not sure what to do now. She was powerful enough, but it might go against all the rules.
(what rules?)
(It may not be permitted for a 2nd class goddess.)
(belldandy could do it. or Skuld could try and pool her magic with urd's)
(Let's go three-way.)
(my thoughts exactly)
"Any ideas?" asked Skuld.
"It's going to take the work of all three of us at midnight when the moon is highest."
"But, do you think onee-sama can actually do it in her state?"
"No," said Urd, "She's going to need rest. In the meantime, we have to put the ring in some kind of containment to keep it from causing further trouble.
"So we need to set up a temporary containment field first."
She removed the ring and said, "That's where we start."
"Can you set up the field? I don't know how."
"Actually, I need you to create a device we can put it in, and then I can do the sealing."
"A device? Alright, I'll see what I can do." she said as she began scrounging around for spare parts.
As she did, Noble Scarlet emerged and quickly tapped Skuld on the shoulder, all worried.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Noble Scarlet indicated that she needed to get to Sentaro, and fast!
She nodded and ran out the room, looking for Sentaro.
By the time she got there, a big boy had badly beaten Sentaro, accusing him of cheating, and took away his prize skateboard.
"Sentaro!" gasped Skuld as she ran to his side.
"You're not badly hurt are you?!"
His breathing was labored, and he was coughing up blood. But, before he could answer, the big bully pushed her down and said, "Leave the little wuss alone! Let him suffer! Hey, wait: you're his teammate, you cheater! Now, I'm going to beat YOU up for that computer that should have been MINE!"
(Don't angels usually come out in danger like this?)
(What can they do?)
"H-hey, we won fair and square!"
The emotions of hostility were still there, thus, there was no help in sight. However, because of her love for Sentaro, Noble Scarlet was pumping new energy into her, power of magic that could help.
(But she's horrible at magic...)
Skuld began to write dozens of 'Baka' on his face and also chucked them at him.
(I looked it up: in a situation like this, angels help empower a goddess when love is involved. Because of that, she just might find herself with spurts of needed power, like now. I mean, unless she really doesn't love Sentaro, who now has a broken nose, split lip, and two broken ribs...)
(This is skill, not power.)
(Okay, she's being powered, but act with the lack of skill, because, if she does not, she could also find herself in sick bay!)
(Well, she's chucking words at him.... Maybe really heavy words because of the power up? >.>)
(How about this...)
The boy now found himself literally pasted to the bulkhead behind her word, screaming and complaining for him to be let go, and partly shocked that something like that happened. His toadies, however, got scared and started to back off.
"back! Or else you'll get it too!" she warned.
All of the boys suddenly remembered urgent appointments elsewhere while the bully was begging for forgiveness and to be let go.
"You'll be let go when you learn your mistake!" she said as she tried to help Sentaro up.
"Come on, we're heading towards the nurse."
He yelled in pain, grabbing his side.
Skuld got under his arm.
"Here, lean on me." she said.
"Other side, other side!" he said. Noble Scarlet helped as well, and then noted that he had two broken ribs.
Skuld shifted her position to avoid putting him in pain.
"Come on, let's go."
Fights were being build and broke up, and there was no peace on the ship. This was turning into the Voyage of Misfortune.
Skuld made haste and brought Sentaro over to one of the temporary set up medical stations.
Even though they jumped up to take care of him, there were constant minor arguments between the medical staff that was causing issues and slowing care. Whatever Hild and Z did, it was vicious.
Skuld just tried to reassure Sentaro.
"You're going to be okay."
He gave a weak smile through his fat, stitched lip and mumbled, "It will be, if I have a goddess like you," eerily sounding like something Kei would have said to Bell.
She just smiled and brushed aside a lock of hair.
A Chibi Urd hopped up and said, "He should be okay, but I need you right now!"
"sorry, I got to go. You're back in the room right?" she asked as she got up.
"Yes," she said, "Waiting for the parts."
"I'll bring them over immediately. It may be a little unstable but it's all we got." she said as she ran off.
As she went, bickering and fighting were a common sight, and over the most petty things.
Skuld quickened her pace after seeing that.
(why didn't she teleport?)
(She teleports by water.)
(and all the cabins have a bathroom and they are on a boat.)
She ran into someone else's room, said a 'Excuse me!', plugged the sink, turned on the water, and came out of a toi glass of water in Belldandy's room.
(Changed her mind mid-stream... Literally!)
"Good," she said, "Get to building that device so we can stop the fighting."
"Got it!" she began to rip apart anything electronic in the room looking for parts. After destroying one hairdryer, a tv, a mini-fridge, 24 feet of wall circuits, an alarm clock, and 2 lamps... She finally came up with the device.
(ROFLMBO!!! You have Skuld down to a T!)
With that Urd gave her the ring and said, "Okay, put it in there and turn it on. It should block the effects and give the ship time to recover."
She placed the ring in and shut the lid. After some whirring and what sounded like a microwave 'ding!', it stopped.
"It's stabilized."
"Good: we keep it there until Belldandy is well enough for the ritual."
"Got it."
"In the meantime," said Urd, "We have to heal and help where we can, because I do not sense Hild or her cronies anymore. They jumped ship."
"I'll do the best I can." she replied a bit unsurely.
"What's wrong?" asked Urd, "Certainly you've been practicing your magic like you're supposed to... riiiiiiiiiiiiight?"
"Y-yes! I have! I... Just haven't been practicing much, RECENTLY! Yes, recently!."
She gave her a "sure you have" look, and said, "Well, guess what: time to practice! Now that things are under control, we have to do what Bell cannot do right now."
"Heal the crew huh...? *gulp* Isn't a live practice a bit extreme for the first time?"
"Just follow me to the highest point of the ship, to the crow's nest," she said, "I need you to run the calculations for a healing circle."
"Alright! that shouldn't be too hard."
"Draw it here in the base of the crow's nest, then I'll tell you what to do next."
"Alright, I'll signal you when I'm done." she said, running off to find the crow's nest.
Urd sighed, grabbed her, and flew up to it!
Skuld got down, sulked, and began to do draw the seal while sulking.
As Urd watched, she said, "Why so mopey?"
"I did not need your help getting here!"
"You were looking for something that was right over your head," she said, "We didn't have all day, you know."
"It's called climbing. There, it'd done."
"Good," she said, landing with her, she then said, "Grab my hands and concentrate. Sing what I sing just one measure behind me."
She began to sing, and World of Elegance emerged and started to work with them.
She started singing too, calling upon Noble Scarlet for help.
She immediately hopped out and sang a harmony with her, indicating to Skuld to keep her focus.
Skuld concentrated her magic and tried to focus.
Before long, the area began to glow and the ship began to have cascading rainbow energy covering the ship and bringing peace and healing to everyone. However, before long, another voice began to join them, and very familiar.
(Me and Trace are running a Rosario+Vampire RP on FF if you're interested. I'm actually running the Kaiju monsters in it!)
(The monster monsters in it? This should be interesting...)
"Onee-sama?!" thought Skuld.
(Kaiju... as in DaiKaiju-eiga... Godzilla and such? Anyways, it's called RosarioVampire Capu 3 if you're interested.)
It was Belldandy! The spell had helped her too, and now she was lending her aid.
(Kaiju means monster. Dai kaiju means big monster or great monster.)
Skuld smiled and tried harder than ever.
Now, not only was everyone being healed, it seemed they were actually wiping the minds of all the bad things that happened, and leaving only good things, even during the bad times.
(Well, like I said, if your interested... I'm running the Dai Kaiju as the children of the known: Godzilla Junior, (Minya,) Mothra, Rodana, Kong, Anguirus, (who they call Spike,) Caesarea, and Trace has Prince Ghidorah.)
"Whew... That's good." she sighed in relief.
(So chikaiju. Do you have a link?)
( http://www.fanfiction.net/forum/RosarioVampire-Capu-3/139764/ )
Soon, Belldandy came to the top where they were and said, "Oh, I am so glad to see you all well."
"And me too onee-sama!" she said as she glomped her.
"Come, and let us see if we can enjoy the rest of the trip!" she said.
"Mm!" she nodded.
From the crow's nest, Sentaro could be seen all better, and looking for Skuld.
"I have to go talk to him. Excuse me." she said.
"Skuld? Skuld! Hey, they've got a great arcade here!"
"You sure you're well enough to be playing?"
"Well enough?" looking at her oddly, "I feel fine. All I remember is the contest and the short nap. I hope you like your new laptop. I can't wait to get home and try this new board."
She let out a sigh of relief and nodded.
"Yeah, although it's not as great as my current one. It's good enough."
Apparently, the spell had worked. No one could remember the unpleasantries, and they were now back on course to Hawaii.
(In Hawaii...)
Hild was looking to muck about again!
Z was relaxing on a beach with Kara.
Hild was only inches of fabric away from indecent exposure, sunning herself, so happy she had made so many shares, and so many more were yet to come.
Kara was wearing a red sling bikini that was only barely more decent than hild's.
Z wore a t-shirt and red trunks.
(are they still in disguise?)
(Not right now.)
"Son, I am so proud of you," said Hild, "You really serve our cause well. *sigh* if only I could get my daughter to me..."
"I try mom," said Z
he had had his seals modified so he no longer had a human-like appearance and had the same hair and eyes as his mother.
(So, I guess you want him to be an adversary?)
"It's so good you take after your mother."
(he probably will be at this point unless the goddesses can re-seal his demon half so his human side takes control with its morals and conscience.)
(Plot point. We have to wait for Auir now.)
(Computer problems + Uni. Srry)
Meanwhile Skuld was acing away at the arcade and racking up a rather incredible score.
They also had an area that allowed you to play your favorite online games with friends, Call of Duty center stage.
Skuld looked to see if it was console or pc based.
They were actually console based. They were, in fact, all Xbox based.
She was surprised they weren't playstations but decided to challenge the game anyway.
It was a first person shooter, and Sentaro was surprised she'd be interested.
(I'm going to answer your posts and then hit the sack. Sorry.)
"Do you play these games?" she asked toward Sentaro.
"Well, sure," he said, "But I thought shoot-em-ups only boys liked."
"What are you talking about, girls can like shoot-em-ups too you know. And this is a first person shooter."
(Did you know the xbox is really unpopuar in Japan?)
(Oh... Playstation it is then?) :uhaul:
"Well, I thought girls like cute things," he said, not sure, "I mean, you like this?"
(Have you heard of the console wars? Nintendo and Sony are like the archnemesis of Microsoft.)
"You don't think it's cute?" she asked, referring to the console.
"Well, I mean the playstation is cool," he said, "But, well... I might as well ask: Are you playing the game they have here--MW3--and if so, what's your web name?"
"Well, no. But I'm going to try it out right now." she said.
"Let's do it together," he said, punching up his web information, "You use that screen right next to me!"
"Okay, hold on. Lemme make an account."
Sentaro hung back, waiting for her to put it together, getting ready to "take her to school!"
"Done! Logging in."
He put on the headset with mic and said, "Can you hear me? Are you ready to get shot up, noob!"
"I'll make you regret saying that." she laughed.
"Let's do this!"
With that, the map switched to a bombed out city in team deathmatch, and the computer situated them on different teams. Since Sentaro was playing for some time, he was running around with a G11 and an AA-12 while Skuld, just starting, had the basic M-16 with iron sights, but she did have a grenade launcher on her weapon. Sentaro charged out, using cover, hoping to catch people off guard, using the G11 for distance, and the AA-12 at close range.
And in came flying a series of grenades and flashbangs. Skuld was emptying her entire support arsenal.
"Whoa!" he shouted trying to maneuver, "How did you spot me? I didn't even see you!"
Staggering around from the flashbang now, he couldn't get any weapon level now, and one of Skuld's teammates tagged him, and he respawned at the base. Worse, he was aggravated he had not caught her web name.
"Did I get you?" asked Skuld over the mic.
"Or was that one of your team mates?"
"that was one of your teammates!" he said, noting the assist she got on the score chart, "Now, it's on like Donkey Kong!"
Skuld was hiding in a corner, camping the doorway and making regular checks between the door and the stairway.
This time, Sentaro was being more careful, trying to find targets, but also looking for Skuld specifically, though he had not yet discovered the handle she was using.
Skuld was getting impatient, tapping her feet while waiting for someone to fall into her trap.
Sentaro entered that building, and then he crouched and moved forward, not wanting to give away his position and creeped up the stairs, grenade in hand. He got to a turn on the stairs and prepared to throw.
And Skuld shot him.
He had the marty nade setting on, and it exploded, taking her with him, and he respawned, looking to see who it was he got, not yet knowing it was her.
Sentaroslover1337 was -grenaded- by Sentaro.
"Wow! I just got taken out by some kind of suicide attack." said Skuld over the mic.
The name was "Gojira122" that got her, and it was followed by him snickering, but then turning read to see her handle.
(Her handle?)
(Handle=web name... At least to me. It's how I understand it better.)
(Huh, interesting.)
Skuld waited to respawn.
She spawned back in her HQ, and now Sentaro knew just who to find.
Again she chucked all her supports in the direction of the enemy HQ before running to find a new spot.
He growled, but gained himself, knowing now her tactics. He started to head her way and gave chase.
She climbed to a window sill, set to kneeling position and spied.
Sentaro could be seen making his way across the open area, going from debris pile to debris pile, dodging gunfire, and trying to get close, returning fire when he could.
She fired everytime he popped out, ducking and reloading when out of ammunition.
On her next volley, he fell, and the "headshot" indicator scrolled by on the kill list. He growled, wondering how she was doing this.
"Time to switch positions." she thought and went down. After some scouting, she found a nice little spot between a car and a wall. She went prone and spied the intersection.
She was plugging targets well, but after a handful of kills, she got knifed in the back by "Gojira122".
"Oi! Who was that?!" she watched the killcam.
It was Gojira122 (Sentaro) who crept up from behind and did her in.
"Alright Mr. Gojira122. Prepare to be terminated." she said, waiting to respawn.
The spawns had flipped by this time, (hence, why he snuck up,) and now she had the clearing to cross.
Skuld began to check every spot that she used to camp people.
Sentaro could not believe the kdr she was racking up, and text was coming across complaining about the "camping noob" that had not skill, and even voice that said, "Come on, lover! Get some skill!"
She began to snicker at the text, seeing them as simply people who don't know how to check blind spots.
(Thanks! I can use that against such complaints in COD4 and Combat Arms!)
Sentaro was breaking even, now using the AA-12 in close quarters and was too into it when he rounded the corner right in front of Skuld.
Skuld immediately whipped out the pistol and fired.
She scored another headshot, and he yelped, and it turned out the winning kill for her team in that round.
"Yes!" Skuld raised her arms into the air.
He stared at her in disbelief, and then decided to make some changes. He went to the AK and the M-4, and said, "Okay, you got me this time, but not next."
However, the next round started, and the computer put them on the same team. A new name entered the other team: Divine Enchantress <3.
Skuld was fitting out a sniper's build.
With that, the round started in a suburban neighborhood. However, right away, this "Divine Enchantress" was becoming a nuisance. No one could kill her, and calls of "hacker" were coming up.
Skuld started a ban tally.
However, some were saying, "No, I've heard of her. She doesn't hack, but she does have some skill!"
Indeed, she was being killed, but her kdr was more like 2 to 1.
Skuld was more cautious this time, double-checking debris and hiding spots before moving on.
Before long, someone with an M-60 came along, and lit up a car with it--the very one behind which she hid. It blew up, taking Skuld with it, and it showed the Divine Enchantress credited with the kill. Sentaro followed right behind in being killed.
"Grr..." Skuld asked one of her teammates to cover and went to the highest building with a window to take full advantage of her build.
However, this was only a suburban setting, and that would be a two-story house with a chimney.
(Elsewhere in the room...)
Urd, (The Divine Enchantress,) was chuckling to herself, "Oh, they are in for some fun!"
Skuld sniped anyone who came into her view.
Urd then pulled out an M-14 and whispered, "Fish in a barrel," taking aim at Skuld, but missed.
Chunks of brick flew up from the chimney behind which she hid, and all she saw was a muzzle flash.
Skuld threw her flash bangs in that general direction, jumped off and ran toward that area with the pistol.
It was too far a throw, but Urd did not see her leave her spot and kept aim.
The moment Skuld saw the shape of a person, she opened fired several times.
Back on Hawaii, Z pulled out a laptop that he had linked to the ships servers with a demon program. With a smirk, he uploaded a program into the game.
(they're playing call of duty right?)
At the same time, she saw her target fall, and Sentaro was poised to stab her. "Rats," he said, "You got her first."
This was just as a grenade landed from Urd, because the spawns had flipped, blowing them up.
(Yes.,)
(which game?)
"Where'd that come from!?" she watched the kill cam.
Because the spawns had flipped, it put the Divine Enchantress close to them, and she was able to chuck the nade. (MW3)
Skuld began to comb the map for the Divine Enchantress.
She was wasting more of her team, with her back to skuld.
Suddenly the game world was filled with static and bugs started to pop out and attack.
(the kind that were in the yggdrasil system)
Skuld practically went mad, clicking as fast as she could.
the bugs began to multiply.
"WHAT IN THE WORLD!" yelled Sentaro, trying to get out of the session.
he couldn't log out.
(SAO)
Skuld took off her headset and reached for her laptop. She connected it to the network and began a system-wide scan.
A laughing skull appeared on her screen.
"Wha-- Oh, let's see how you like this! I'm the Yggdrasil head debugger!" she injected several codes into it, designed at shutting down parts of the network to isolate the bugs.
That shut down the game server.
"Rebooting network now, starting initial database scan. Running troubleshooter." she said as she typed away at her laptop.
the program had been purged...along with all the save data in the game.
"Well, good news. The bugs are gone and the game can run smoothly now. Bad news, all the save data is gone." she said.
Sentaro then said, "But, does that mean I have to start over?"
"For this match. Your profile shouldn't really be affected.
I think....."
He went into his profile to see if his rank and exp were still there.
it wasn't
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" was his response!
"You could always start over?" she said with a ^^'.
"Um..." he said, "Let's find something else to do..."
Elswhere in the room, Urd was weeping, "Divine Enchantress... My Divine Enchantress..."
"how do the shares look?" Z asked Hild.
"It depends," she said, "How far did you reach with that bug?"
"to fix it, she erased all the game data so the players lost their scores, profiles, and data."
"Well, was this global, or local?"
"global" said Z.
She checked out the shares, and they were huge! Not only did everyone lose all their gaming data, but the amount of complaints going into Activision for this were melting their switchboard and crashing their forum servers.
Z raised a glass of lemonade, "cheers."
"Keep it up," she said, "And we will try to find a way to rid you of that burdensome human half of you."
Z nodded.
"Why... Don't we go take pictures or something? Did you bring a camera?"
"Yeah," she said, "In our room."
"All that work," muttered Urd, "Down the drain!"
"Let's go get it. We'll take a couple photos to commemorate this trip okay?"
"Okay," he said, following behind her as they passed by Urd, "Gone... All gone..."
"I wonder what she was mumbling about?" thought Skuld as they headed back to their room.
(LOL! Perfect!)
(Shall we jump to Hawaii? This seems to be running its course.)
(sure)
(Okay.)
After what had to be described as an interesting trip, the ship pulled into Hawaii at last. K1 was looking her over, and Urd teased, Are you imagining her in a grass skirt?"
He, turning red, cause Bell to giggle, but Sentaro began to look at Skuld and wonder what she would look like in a grass skirt.
Z sat up in his room that he shared with Kara, "mom, they're here" he sent to Hild.
"Yes," she said back out loud but through thought, "And both boys are dreaming of seeing their respective squeezes in grass skirts."
"well I've already seen Kara in one so I don't need to dream" said Z, blushing a bit at the memory.
"When they visit the volcanoes, that's when we can have some fun!"
"Of course."
She saw his look, blushed, and gave him a 'In your dreams' look.
"Well, I wonder how different surfing is from skateboarding."
"It looks a lot harder. Why don't you give it a try?" she asked.
"Once we are in the hotel," corrected Belldandy, "We must settle in, first"
"Hai, onee-sama." she smiled cheerily.
Once clearing U.S. Customs, they were met by women in flower dresses, putting real flower necklaces on them. Urd, teasing, "Skuld, you mind that Sentaro is getting lai'd by another woman?"
"Urd!" she protested.
"Well he is," she said, "Look," as they were putting a lai on him.
"Well, it's fine if it's only a lei...." she said grumpily.
She chuckled as they went to get their bags.
(At the hotel...)
It was an upscale affair, complete with bell boys. One tried to take Skuld's bags.
"Oh, thanks." she said, surprised.
They were ushered into their rooms, and this time, there were two beds for the kids.
She let out a mental sigh of relief.
In fact, they were both king beds, and the fridge was packed with sodas, all free, gourmet coffee, even the little mint chocolate on the pillow.
"Wow, lots of condiments." said Skuld, picking up a gourmet coffee pack and reading the back.
It was Gevalia dark blend. He said, "From what I understand, if you just wanted a room, you'd have to pay about $1,000 a night. I couldn't sleep! I'd have to jump up and down on the bed, play the TV, drink as much of the complimentary stuff I could--get my money's worth out of it!"
"Or just simply enjoy it." she replied.
He opened the curtains, and there was the Pipeline, just begging for them!
"You want to go?" asked Skuld, coming up from behind.
"Sure," he said, "I just hope we can get a board!"
"I'm sure there are shops that rent out boards around here." she said, looking in the brochure.
Indeed there were, and some of the best prices were from the locals right on the beach.
"When do you want to go?" she asked.
"Right now!" he said, all excited.
"Hai hai, I knew you were going to say that." she said, snapping the brochure shut.
"Let's go."
He went into the bathroom and changed. He cam out in a tee-shirt, jams, and sandals.
Skuld decided to go with what she was already wearing, shorts and a flowery shirt.
Urd was already on the beach, grass skirt, top, lai, and flower in her hair that showed she was available.
"Come on, the shop's this way." said Skuld, pulling him along.
"You really want to see me out there!" he said, all surprised.
"Yes, those waves are nothing for you." she said, half-concentrated on the conversation, a quarter pushing him along, and a quarter staring daggers at Urd.
Urd just knew Skuld was jealous, and didn't like her vamping. The waves, however, looked huge.
(Gotta call it. Catch you next time.)
"Here, how much do you need?" she asked, while still diverting half her attention at Urd.
(are they on hawaii or oahu?)
(Wherever the pipeline is.)
Many of the rentals were pricey, and even though Kei had the funds, he was still watching it. Then, on the beach, one of the locals had some boards for real cheap, and they were useable, but they did show their use.
Z was heading t 99 Ranch for a bite to eat.
(The pipeline is in Ouahu, also known as the Banzai Pipeline.)
He got the board and watched some of the other riders, and then looked stunned at the size of the waves.
(Great, I know lots about that island)
Z left the food court and headed to North Shore.
Sentaro was having second thoughts now, not sure if he could handle the waves.
Z walked up and noticed them. He cast a disguise spell over himself and walked past with a rental board.
Sentaro just watched him to see what he would do.
Z got in the water and paddled out. When a wave came, he got up and began tube-riding.
It seemed easy enough, and a local said, "Better get out there while the tide is high. You'll have about six or seven feet of water between you and the coral when you wipe out."
He looked at him oddly and said, "When?"
He swallowed hard, but headed out into the surf.
Z was having the time of his life as he caught another wave.
Sentaro felt the power of the wave behind him, but someone said, "No, wait until one set goes by to know when the biggest wave goes by, then catch one of the last three. Thy the third from the last for someone just starting."
He thus sat on the board and waited. On the next set, he started to paddle hard, picked up speed, was able to balance, and then turned into the direction of the wave's movement. At first he was okay, but the speed was greater than that he had ever experienced, and so, he went over. he went back out to the spot where he was, tried again, and again...and again!
Z noticed and chuckled.
(There's a 99 Ranch in Hawaii?)
Skuld watched from the shore.
Belldandy came up and said, "Skuld, who are you watching?"
(You'd have to ask Trace about that.)
"Sentaro. He's surfing for the first time."
(you bet there is. great food. if by hawaii you mean o'ahu.)
Z caught another wave.
"I wonder why he cannot stay on his board?" she asked, and then began to say, "O wind and son of the breeze, steady our loved one as he seeks to enjoy your cooling touch."
Suddenly, Sentaro seemed very steady, and no matter what happened, he was able to stay up, and now got a huge smile on his face.
Z raised an eyebrow and noticed the others had arrived.
(Huh... Guess it's true that Hawaii has a large Asian/Pacific Islander group.)
"Onee-sama, isn't that cheating?"
(That's why there's so many japanese stores and restaurants.)
(99 Ranch is chinese though. I believe a third of the population in Hawaii has chinese ancestry.)
(really? it's just a giant food court with lots of different foods. sushi, curry, Vietnamese, local, japanese...)
"No," she said, "To teach him balance. Before long, he shall not need the aid."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99_Ranch_Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99_Ranch_Market) Yeah, depending on the store, they have really small or really big food courts. Sometimes with space rented out.)
"Will it really?" she wondered.
Before long, he was not tipping any, and was riding the wave on his own. In fact, he was starting to do stuff he'd do on his skateboard, eyes wide, and grinning all the way.
http://tastyislandhawaii.com/2008/10/04/lunch-at-99-ranch-markets-food-court/
Z paddled to shore and went to dry off, watching the goddesses warily.
(How does one learn how to balance when the thing they're standing on won't let them be unbalanced? Isn't muscle memory developed through countless series of overcompensations?)
Meanwhile Skuld watched proudly from the shore.
(I was thinking, if he started to fall one way, he'd feel it, start to compensate, but the wind would then push him up as he did, teaching him. It is more to build his confidence.)
(But when the wind disappears? Wouldn't he be used to surfing with the wind helping him?)
Skuld went looking for a stand to buy him a drink as a reward.
(Like I said, the wind began to back off the more he began to get it. In other words, it helped, but did not do it for him entirely. The more control he had, the less the wind aided him to where he was doing it all by himself.)
(So training wheels that causes one to tip.)
Skuld ordered two coconut juices and brought them back with her.
(I guess--just set off the ground enough to where you have to balance, but not so far up that it lets you fall until you don't even rely on them anymore.)
As she went back, there was a stand selling something called shave ice.
"Oh, they have shaved ice here? I wonder if they have red bean." she said as she made her way to it.
The local overheard her excitement, and he kindly corrected her and said, "We call it shave ice here, and it is the best when it comes from the home of it! What can I get you today?"
"The home? But shaved ice was brought here from Japan." she said.
"Well, yes and no," he said, "Shaved ice is different from shave ice. If it came from Japan, we perfected and reinvented it. Shaved ice still has chunks in it. Watch what we do."
He did a sample for her, and the shave ice he was making was like a fine powder snow. He spread pineapple on it and it all instantly absorbed into the shave ice, and he was thus able to add more flavor. He handed the sample to her and said, "This way, you don't even need a straw!"
(There is a difference. I looked it up. Shaved Ice came from Japan while Shave Ice is considered strictly Hawaiian.)
(Snow cones have ice chunks in them. Shaved ice was so revolutionary because it was so finely ground. Even the traditional flavors are Japanese. To say shave ice is strictly Hawaiian is like saying hot dogs aren't frankfurts.)
"Why would you eat it with a straw?" she frowned.
"to get the flavor from the bottom," said a disguised Z as he walked up, "one rainbow shave ice please."
"It sinks to the bottom? What are you using? The bottom is azuki beans isn't it?"
Z looked at her funny, "it's ground ice with syrup and toppings. Why would there be azuki beans on the bottom?"
"Because that's what shave ice is. Shaved, not ground ice topped with fruit, drizzled with condensed milk with azuki beans on the bottom. Properly made shave ice shouldn't have juice pooling at the bottom at all."
"This is hawaii," said Z, "while we do shave the ice, we have our own way of eating it. that's why shave ice is also called Hawaiian Shave Ice."
(That was Hawaiian 'Shave Ice'.)
(I've been to many shave ice places on o'ahu and they are all as I described. only one was different but that one had a lot of japanese toppings like pudding and mochi-balls.)
(Those places are concentrated at the Northern end of the O'ahu. But it's really common on the big island. Even though they're called Japanese style (Which is simply adding the red beans), it's exactly the same except for the toppings and flavoring.)
(I was just going by the descriptions I found on line, and, from what I understand, the Hawaiians will say theirs is not the same as Japan's. In fact, some would say their's is unique to them.)
He did up rainbow, and did hers as well.
(16% of the population is Japanese. The methods and texture are the same. Only the toppings are different. Hawaiian style would be all the tropical fruits. American is.... Whatever they put on snow cones. Japanese style is what I just described down there. http://www.wikiwikishaveice.com/ (http://www.wikiwikishaveice.com/))
(I looked it up and we're both correct. The hawaiian style is what you described, but I also have been to many places on oahu that serve it how I described.)
He looked at Skuld and said, "Okay, what would you like again?"
"Li-Hing and lychee with condensed milk please."
(What would be a good Hawaiian slang for "cute little girl?")
He nodded and put it all together for her.
(I wouldn't know. I specialize in East Asian history and culture.)
Skuld counted out the coins and dollars.
"Here."
He smiled, gave the change, and said, "Here you go, Nani Waheini!"
(Work. Back about 9:30 PM Pacific.)
Z chuckled.
(I find it funny that they knew he was on the ship, but didn't recognize him just now)
"Thanks!" she said as she took it and went looking for Sentaro.
He was just coming in, all smiles, pumped up and sitting on double go.
Z turned to leave.
"Here, cool yourself off." she said, handing him the coconut juice.
This brought him round, and he said, "Oh gee, thanks!" and took it readily. "It was awesome out there," he said, "I kept losing my balance, but before long, it felt like someone was giving me help--showing me how to compensate my weight and deal with the speed."
"Make sure you thank them later on then." she laughed.
"Thank what?" he joked, "I don't even know what it was that helped me feel it out! I only wish your swimming was stronger. Then you could try."
"Nah, that looks a bit too extreme for me."
"But, there is such a rush!" he said, "It's so much more exhilarating than skateboards."
A local with a long board said, "I have a way."
"A way?" she asked.
"Yes," he said, "I can take you out there on this board, and all you have to do is stay on your stomach while I steer."
"Nah, I'm fine." she said with a ^_^'.
Belldandy then said, "How safe is it?"
"Oh, real safe," said the local, "Look out there."
Where he pointed, there was a father with his two small children shooting the tube with them.
"I hope you enjoy the island," said Z as he walked away.
"Well, it's not really my thing..."
"Oh, come on, Skuld!" said Sentaro, "I want you to feel this. He said you'd be safe."
"Well..." she looked at him and then the waves.
"I guess I can try it, just a little."
Z left the beach, 'funny, I thought they would recognize me.' he thought.
"Eh? That person...." she frowned mentally.
The local said, "Don't worry: the board is stable, and you're going to love it!"
"Alright, alright."
He got her waist deep and then told her to lay on her stomach and perfectly still at the front of the board. He lay right behind her, just over her buttocks, but not touching her and began to paddle out.
She hung on with every last bit of strength she had while trying to maintain a cool composure.
Z headed to the hotel.
(Sorry, Z, but we'll get to you.)
He then turned the tail end to the waves, and waited for his set. About five waves went by, each one getting bigger.
"Hey uhh, aren't we getting a bit higher each time?" she asked.
"That's the point, Nani Wahini!" he said, "We have to have it big enough to ride!"
"Eeeeehhh?!"
He let the sixth one go, hoping it was not the last in the set, and then he smiled to see #7 the perfect wave. He smiled and said, "Hold on, little one!" and started to paddle fast as the wave rolled under them.
She held on with all her might.
He stood up, and because the board was so big, it was actually rather stable. He then turned the board and rode the wave. Because it was so big, the movement of it was broad and gentle.
Skuld was practically glaring at the board, not believing that it was stable and tensing for any notion of falling off.
"Relax, Keiki," he said to her, "Just feel the breeze and the cooling spray the water!"
She nodded and tried to relax a little.
She couldn't hear Sentaro cheering, but Noble Scarlet gave a quick whisper that he was doing so, just as they were beginning a tube run.
Skuld gulped as she braced for it.
The man was keeping them just inside the wave tube, but not to where it would wash them out. Everything took a bluish hue as he was running his fingers through the water of the wave. There was an exhilaration to it all, and yet a weird kind of peace and safety.
"Wow..." she though, looking at the water.
They then slowly emerged, and turned the board into the wave as it closed out, sat down, and paddled back to shore.
Skuld's heart was pounding from the adrenaline.
They were in waist-deep water, and he said, "Okay, you can hop off now. How was it?"
"It was a bit scary, but beautiful at the same time."
"Ah, that's the essence of surfing, keiki!" he said it, "You should get a board and learn!"
"I'm fine. Going on once was enough for me." she said with a ^^'.
Sentaro was diving into the water, all excited, saying, "Wow! That was awesome! You were really shooting the tube!"
"Gee, thanks." said Skuld, blushing.
As the man left, he warned that he only really had about two good hours of surfing left before the tide went out.
"What happens then?" he asked.
"The five to seven feet of water that separated you from the coral when you fell becomes about 18 inches. Only the best pros go out at that point.
"That sounds dangerous." said Skuld toward Sentaro.
"Well, I guess it would be better not to then," he said, "In fact, I think I'll turn in the board for the day, and we can just have some fun in the surf."
"Sounds good." she smiled.
Belldandy heard this, and both she and Kei wanted to hang out with them, considering that they've been left alone for so long.
(It's been a long day at work, and I'm going to check out for some stress relief. I hope you understand. Combat Arms, Here I come!)
(It's fine. I was playing Crysis during the rp.)
"Oh, hi onee-sama." waved Skuld, just noticing her.
She came up with Kei, and she said, "We thought it would be good to spend some time with you today."
"Okay." she smiled.
"We were just going to the surf."
"We shall come with you!" she said, going with her.
(I feel a bit left out)
(Tell you what: we can jump ahead to a visit to the big island...)
(I know less about there but ok)
(So... Skip?)
(Sounds good to me. Oh, and where did you get that rather salty film clip from, and where is that from?)
(The administrator is messing around with my profile. So I don't know, you'd have to ask him. I'm changing it back after they have their laugh.)
The next day was a visit to Volcanoes National Park, where there were two erupting volcanos that they could explore: Kilauea and Pu'u O'o. It also contained Mona Loa, which was also active, but had not put forth lava since 1984.
Z was with hild, "when does the mountain go boom?"
"It depends on where they go in the park," she said, "You have two vents already putting forth lava, and one that has not in decades. The question is, what would cause the most chaos."
"use both," said Z
explained Skuld as she read from the brochure detailing the volcanoes.
"Neat," said Sentaro, "So we get to see actually erupting volcanoes? Wouldn't they keep us from getting near the lava flows?"
"I'm sure they have some kind of safety precaution. Otherwise they wouldn't open it to the public. The Americans are really picky about these things you know?" said Skuld.
"There are special guided tours," said Kei, "So I think we might be in for a time!"
"Well, Z, Perhaps we should consult with Pele on this."
"You're excited." she chuckled.
"She exists?" said Z, "though considering what we are, I shouldn't be surprised."
"Well, if we're talking about popping earth corks, we kind of need permission first?"
"Well, these are things you don't see every day," said Kei.
"good point."
She made a call, and there was a shaking to follow, followed by her emerging from a rock display in their room.
Z stepped back.
She was there in a racy Hawaiian dress, looked Hawaiian, and was not happy.
"Lady Pele," said Z with a bow.
"Please tell me this is something important," she sighed.
Z turned to Hild.
"Yes," she said, "We have some people we'd like to make miserable."
"And you expect me, a goddess to do that," she answered back with a raised eyebrow.
"Possibly," said Z
"I make eruptions to build the land," she stated, "If people get in the way, they foolishly chose to."
"then build more land," said Z, "the people that will suffer are just in the way."
"What, now?" she said, confused, "I already have two vents rolling right now."
"You do have a third one," said Z
"Mona Loa, of course; but it has been ages since I had that one release."
"I'd say it's overdue," said Z
"Now, I want to know why you are so interested in this."
Z turned to hild
"Let us just say that, though it is not really your intention to do this, you do help our shares. There is a tour going through the park today, and when they get to Mona Loa, go ahead and pop the cork there."
"I am not going to kill..."
"Just do it enough to where they are in danger, but not where you are deliberately trying to hurt them. After all, they are there and in the way by choice..."
She sighed and said, "What's in it for me?"
"what do you want?" asked Z
"Make the area where Mona Loa spreads a fertile and prosperous land."
"Is that fine with you?" Z asked Hild.
She sighed and said, "I would have preferred magnificent desolation, but I'll deal with it."
"Good," she said, "Then I shall watch them and act at the right time."
"thank you," said z
"Well, let's not keep you waiting them." she joked and they went.
With that, they were on their way.
They were in the bus, and they were being given the whole show, and came to a spot where it was a walking tour. They walked down the road, and ran what looked like a frozen lava run!
Skuld read the brochure about this.
Apparently this area was inhabited before things got going, and the road was a part of it, but now covered by the lava flow. The guide then said, "Here, we have two different examples of lava: pahoehoe and a a."
Skuld listened quietly.
"The Pahoehoe is this smooth, rolling lava that looks like ropes, and it is fitting that its name means 'rope like.'"
She picked up some pieces of aa and handed it to Skuld. It was pointy and sharp. She then said, "I bet you can tell me why they call this 'aa'."
(Pronounce ah-ah.)
"Because it's sharp and might poke someone?"
"You can say that!" said the guide, "Imagine being barefoot and discovering the hard way a field of this. What would you say?"
"Hiii?"
"If someone told you to step on this a-a, what would you tell them?"
"No?"
Everyone laughed as the guide said, "If I accidentally walked on this, a-a would probably be what I would be saying as I jumped around in pain--ah! ah! ah!"
She even pretended to be trying to get off it as fast as she could.
"Really? You sure it's not a siiiiiiiiiiihh?"
Everyone was laughing again, and the guided said, "All I am saying in a humorous way is that aa is named this because of what I just said. Besides, if you told me to walk on it, I'd say, no, or, 'ah-ah!' as well!"
("Ah-ah, is being said in a "nuh-uh!" kind of way.)
(is fanfiction giving you guys problems?)
She nodded and laughed.
"I understand."
"This whole area used to be an inhabited area until Mona Loa had its eruption back in 1984. Ahead of us is the two active vents of Kilauea. We can get pretty close. We have just built a new observation point, so we should be okay. Be ready, though, because the smell is great. If you feel sick or overwhelmed, go inside the building on the grounds."
She nodded and followed the group.
As they approached, they could smell that sulfur smell, and it was getting hotter.
Skuld fanned herself and drank a bit from her water bottle.
Sentaro was pinching his nose and said, "Boy, it smells like rotten eggs!"
"Yeah, it smells doesn't it?" agreed Skuld.
They got to a point and found a red, hot, glowing river of molten rock moving fast.
Skuld took a picture.
She started commenting on how a volcano works, the vent on which the island sits, the six volcanoes of the island if you include the new vent, but there seemed to be a Hawaiian woman standing a bit a part from them, watching.
Skuld didn't notice the women, as since it wasn't in her current field of interest.
Belldandy caught a quick glance before she disappeared and muttered, "Pele?"
"Did you see someone onee-sama?" asked Skuld obliviously.
"Odd," she said, "I thought I saw the goddess Pele standing here a moment ago."
"Really?' Skuld looked toward where Belldandy mentioned.
She wasn't there now, but Bell said, "I guess it would make sense for her to be here, considering at what we gaze."
"Who was she again?" she frowned.
"She is the goddess of earth building." she answered, "She brings up the ground to the surface and builds land masses."
"That would make sense..." her voice trailed off as she paid closer attention to her surroundings.
The guide then said, "We will now take a look at Mona Loa."
Skuld looked.
They all got back on the tour bus, but when they did, the ground shook hard, and on Mona Loa, an explosion of red could be seen.
"Wow, it's erupting!" said Skuld.
...and erupting violently. The guide was shocked, and surprised as a river of lava cut them off!
"Geh, this doesn't look too good...."
Z watched this, hidden, and chuckled.
The guide was shouting, "Off the bus! We have to have high ground quickly!"
Belldandy was trying to assess what to do.
Z smirked at the chaos.
Skuld followed the crowd to high ground.
Lava was going everywhere, but what was odd was that the lava was only going to the area where they were and flowing nowhere else.
"Very peculiar land formation." said Skuld.
They found a small hill, and now they were on a land island surrounded by lava, but it was not such a big hill that, if they were stuck there, the hill would melt away. It was as if they had been hearded there... They even watched the tour bus go by, and melt into the rock. Women were crying, and holding tight their frightened children.
(whoa whoa whoa, land doesn't 'melt' away. >.>)
Skuld huddled closer to the group.
(Wouldn't flowing lava slowly wear away their small hill? It is not that big, and they are all packed on it and huddled together. I should have mentioned that.)
(Lava is around (Cooling)700 to (Fresh)1,200 °C. Remember for most of that lava to remain molten, that energy must remain in that lava. To 'melt' land, it would have to give up more than half its energy, dropping it to >600 where you already have quartz, K-feldspar, Na-plagioclase, micas, etc. forming. Since there's no real melting point for soil, to 'melt' mud or very fine sand, the temperature of the mud itself would have to be at at least 1650°C.
If it was a small hill and the lava flow was large enough, it would simply flow over it not melt it away.)
"the share will be huge," said Z with glee.
(Essentially, they are trapped.)
Yet, the lava kept flowing, and there was a danger that it would start to get higher as the flow was not stopping at all!
(How's that?)
(would the Lava be able to kill the goddesses?)
"Onee-sama, what should we do?" asked Skuld as she pulled herself closer to the group.
"I cannot fly everyone out!" she said, "I do not know what to do!"
Yet, as an answer to prayer, out of one of the hardened pieces of rock came Ian! (remember him?) As everyone stared, shocked, he said, "Lind helped me find my mode of travel, and what kind of things I can control, and I wanted to come and tell you... Uh, this doesn't look right."
"dang, forgot about the demigod," said Z, "mom's not going to be happy."
"No, so do something about it already!" said Skuld.
"Hmm," he said, "Well, let's see if I remember what I was taught..."
He put out his hands and started to try to cool the lava into a wall. He build a ledge, but it was only going to do so much. He then formed a wall, but he said, "Well, if it gets higher, I can go higher, but then we have another problem if the eruption does not stop."
Pele arrived and said, "Well, there is a way."
"Don't block it! Divert the flow! A earth wall is more than enough to divert it!"
"Whoa!" he said, "Never tried anything that big!"
"I said there is a way," answered Pele, "Sacrifice a virgin maid to me."
"We're not into sacrifice, just make a small hollow triangle near the front of the flow, it'll divert it into two."
Bell then said, "But there is not virgin maid here, except..." and she stopped, realizing what she was saying. Pele smirked, looked at Skuld, and said, "Well, just fling her into the lava and all will be well. Even if he builds the wedge, even that can become overflown, and it is not going to stop until I say and get what I want."
"Whoa whoa whoa, wait. How can that be overflown? For that to be overflown, this entire island'd be covered by lava by now and the ash so thick you can't see 2 feet in front of you!" she protested.
Pele said, "My intent is to get my virgin, and I control the lava, little big mouth! Unless I get my virgin, I won't stop. He is only a demigod. What can he do to stop me if I want to do this?"
She chucked a rock at her face.
She got mad, but Belldandy got in her face and said, "Pele, you are a goddess! What are you doing?"
"I have the right to do this as I wish, and, if people get in the way, it is not my problem," she answered, "You know the rules: virgin sacrifice, or no stopping the eruption. Don't worry. She'll be well taken care of after as one of my servants."
"Ian! Whatever you learned during your training you better do it now!"
He threw everything into it and formed a huge wedge which was indeed diverting the rock, but the level around it was still rising. He then tried to use his elements control and cool the rock. It created a much larger land mass, but that was all. He then passed out from exhaustion.
Skuld looked all around.
"If the level of it so much as rises a couple inches, then the lava flow would be putting the nearby cities in danger."
"That has never been my worry," said Pele, "If they got in the way, they should have known better."
By this point, news and rescue choppers were moving in, trying to get close and not succeeding. By this point, Urd showed up, and screeched, "Pel-Pel!"
"Urdie!" she called back, and they hugged, "It's been so long since school!"
"Why aren't they dropping ladders?" frowned Skuld.
"They can't get close enough," said Sentaro, as the little class reunion was going on. Urd then said, "When you popped a cork, I knew you had to be nearby. So, what's going on here? Why are we in this?"
"Oh, you know, the usual thing--virgin sacrifice or I wipe everything out."
"The people who train everyday to get close enough to lift off people in danger can't get close enough? Grr..."
"Oh, I'm just sending up hot air to keep them there," said Pele, but Urd said, "I hate to break the news to you, but they don't sacrifice virgins anymore."
"They... they don't," she said, "No wonder they keep letting eruptions happen. Why would they not follow protocol?"
"note to self:," said Z, "ask Pele for embarresing stories about Urd."
"How much hot air is being sent up to prevent a helicopter from hovering a low altitudes? It's not like it's a hot air balloon..." she frowned.
"*sigh* I'm a goddess, future sacrifice! I can do what I want!"
"So what, I'm a goddess too! What're you doing, levitating those helicopters?!"
"Grr! That's it... I'm throwing her in myself!"
Urd suddenly went, "Wait, that's my little sister!"
"That's... your..." and she looked embarrassed, "Well, I, uh..."
(It's Gensokyo. Logic no longer works. >.<!)
Skuld crossed her arms and glared.
(Sorry, did I do something wrong? I was just trying to make it humorous...)
She sighed and said, "Alright, I'll let it go this time. But I want something out of the deal, after all I do to build land and all..."
She vanished, and the eruption stopped.
(Nono, it's fine. I only know this stuff because I'd spend 4-5 hours researching before writing anything down. >.> I have so much free time sometimes....)
"Whew..." she let out a sigh of relief.
(Besides, when it comes to this crew, does logic EVER play in a lot?)
Pele popped back in and said, "Oh, and Skuld, here's something for you..."
She handed her a lifetime pass for free shave ice anywhere in Hawaii she wanted it for the rest of her life as a way of saying sorry, and said to Urd, "Meet me at the Pipeline beach later. There's a luau there tonight, and we can go over old times. Oh, and I'd tend to that brother of yours on the ground there," and popped out.
She stared at the ticket, a bit stunned by the sudden change of mood.
After she was gone, Urd said, "She always was a weird one," but Belldandy was trying to revive Ian.
Noticing Ian, she rushed over to check his condition.
He looked spent, as if almost all his life force went into helping them. Apparently, he had more growing to do, and it was more than he could handle at one time at this point.
Skuld tried to transfer some of her energy to him.
He was down enough where it was sucking it up like a sponge, and she had to be careful it did not drain her!
Z scowled at the development and teleported away.
Hild was not happy either. Once again, those goddesses ruined her fun. Oh, the chaos they caused. Now, they rescue workers were in aiding people, and their share gains began to drop for the day.
"I'm really sorry mom," said Z
"Well, it's not your fault," she said, "I mean, after all, how could we know that those two were in goddess high school together! I mean..."
And with smoke, fire, and sulfur, one angry Pele popped in!
"and I can feel the burn already," said Z
"YOU TRIED TO GET ME TO HURT MY BEST FRIEND'S KID SISTER!"
Z winced.
"Pele, let me explain," she started, and said, "You'd better get back to Niflheim and deal with some interesting developments there! I HOPE YOU LIKE YOUR NEW MOUNTAIN!"
*POOF* and she was gone.
Z paled.
"We have to check this out," she said, knowing what this might mean.
(Gotta go.)
Z nodded.
She cut it off when it was getting dangerous. She looked up at her sister with weary eyes.
"Onee-sama, you need to help him."
He was groggy now, coming back to life more and more, and Urd came over and said, "Well, he's definitely our brother! Come on, Bell--we have enough power combined."
With that, they touched him, and both began to sing, and Urd said, "Can you sing at least, Skuld?"
"I can try." she said.
"Thought I'm not as good as onee-sama."
Z teleported to niffleheim to see what Pele did.
They sang and worked, and he soon recovered, though a touch weak. Her sisters were as well, but, they were going to be okay.
A large volcano was now erupting in the middle of Niflheim.
"Aw man," groaned Z, "how are we gonna fix this?"
"Whew.... What now?" asked Skuld, exhausted.
The choppers were soon able to land and pick them up to take them to a hospital to make sure they were all okay, and then to send them back to their hotel.
Skuld crashed into the bed the moment they got back.
"I'm tired...."
Sentaro had to say it. He flopped onto the other bed and said, "It seems like we have a few ounces of fun, followed by the daily disaster that tries to kill us! What gives with that? I thought vacations were supposed to be relaxing and fun?"
She giggled a bit.
"In a way, it was kind of exciting." she said.
"And doesn't it make relaxing afterwards all the more enjoyable?"
"Maybe," he said, "But I'd kind of like it more if I didn't have to fear for my life everyday."
"Aww, where's your sense of adventure?" she joked.
"I have it," he said, "But I like it when the odds are more in my favor of coming out alive!"
She laughed.
"Don't worry, as long as I'm here. You'll be fine."
He smiled and said, "Yeah, it's real good to know a person has a real goddess as a friend."
She smiled brightly.
(The next day...)
Now that Ian had recovered, Kei suggested a guy's and girl's day--all the guys get together and do something, (Ian, Kei, and Sentaro,) and the girls get together and do something. Belldandy saw adds for a hula class and suggested it.
"Ehh? Why hula?" asked Skuld, who was siting on the floor cross-legged and rocking back and forth.
"It is a beautiful native dance," said Belldandy, "And they tell a story with each move."
"Come on, kiddo," said Urd, "This could be fun."
"It's a religious dance that was popularized by the dancers and turned into something completely different by outside viewers." she mumbled.
"And it is still very lovely," said Belldandy, "And it looks like a lot of fun. The boys are out hiking, and I thought some time with my sisters would be nice."
"But, isn't it a bit embarrassing? I mean I get swimsuits. But..." she trailed off and turned red.
"There shall be all girls there," said Belldandy, "So there shall be no prying eyes."
"... You're going right? You are going right? You're not going to leave me behind at the last second because you forgot to do something right?" she said.
She giggled and said, "What would make you think I would do that?"
"Well.. I... Just-" she mumbled indiscernible words.
"I shall be there," she said, putting on the outfit.
"Oh-, oh- fine. I'll do it." she said, putting on the outfit too.
This consisted of a red, flowered top, a grass skirt that went around the hips below the navel, a flower ring for her head, and grass wraps for the wrists and ankles.
"So... Breezy." she commented.
Belldandy wore the same thing, as was Urd, but one, Urd looked sexy in it as usual, and second, no one knew she was going "regimental" under the skirt as the Scots would say.
"W-well, let's go already." said Skuld, trying to cover herself up.
Luckily, the lessons were on the hotel grounds outside, and a native girl with a pretty smile awaited them dressed the same way, welcoming them warmly.
The location brought a little relief to Skuld but the outfit itself still made her uneasy.
The woman gave a brief story on the history of the dance, and then had them all space themselves preparing to teach them a basic dance.
(Work calls. See ya.)
Skuld got into line and watched the instructor.
"Now, follow as best you can and have fun," she said, as the steel guitar started to play a slow tune and she started to go through the steps and arm movements.
Skuld did try her best, but just wasn't cut out for it.
Belldandy was moving like she was born to it, while Urd looked like she could cause an entire battleship of sailors to ground the ship just to get to her.
Which miffed Skuld a bit.
The instructor looked at her and, smiling, said, "A bit more slide and sway. Just think about someone in front of whom you know would like to see this."
"But I wouldn't want anybody to see this..." she mumbled, blushing a bit.
She smiled knowingly and said, "Oh? Is there not some boy that has stolen your heart as of yet? I figure you would be a little heart breaker in your school."
She blushed even more.
"None of your business."
Belldandy said, "Skuld, that was rude!"
"But it is!" she protested.
Things had stopped as they spoke. She said, "Skuld, I know you can do this. As a goddess, you can tap into the love you possess and help you to do the dance moves. Just think how I do it and tap into that love. Ask Noble Scarlet to help you."
She asked Noble Scarlet for help.
Noble was infusing her with energy and positive vibes, while telling her how pretty she looked and that she could do this.
Skuld began to dance well.
"There you go!" said the instructor as Belldandy said, "Oh, you look so beautiful, and so much like a young woman.
"Thank you onee-sama."
The teacher isolated the three after the class and said, "You did so well. You should wear that for the luau tonight!"
"I would love to." said Skuld.
Urd came up and said, "And I am sure Sentaro would love it too!"
"Oh I really do hope so too!"
(FF to luau.)
It was outdoors near the beach, the drums beating fast as the dinner was being prepared.
Skuld was in the outfit, and still in lovely mode.
Z was sitting in the audience with Kara, surprised at who was dancing. he also felt something akin to fear at the thought of what Urd would do to him when she found out about what he did on the ship.
Sentaro was amazed at how pretty she looked, and could not stop looking at her.
Urd was already finding her place at the luau, and spotted Z
(is she dancing too?)
Z didn't notice and was talking with Kara.
(Dancing hasn't started yet.)
"Oh, there you are!" she said, standing over them.
Z started and turned around, "oh, hello Urd. How are you enjoying hawaii?"
"Oh, I'm loving it," she said, "The closest thing to home on Earth. Say, I heard Nephilim has an odd problem right now."
"don't remind me," grimaced Z.
"So what brings you to our table?" asked Kara.
Urd might have also noticed that Z stopped calling her Nee-sama and that his appearance was more like their mother's.
"I just wanted to say hi to brother dear... Hmm... Interesting red marks on your face..."
"Why thank you," said Z, "I thought so too."
"Hmm..." she said examining him, "So much demon showing right now..."
"Why so surprised?" asked Z
"No," she said, "I mean, I cannot detect any humanity in you..."
"It's there," said Z, "it's just not in control any more."
She now stared at him blankly, saying, "Sold your soul to Hell, eh?"
"I was born there," said Z
"...."
"What HAVE you been up to?" she said, with an accusing eye as she walked away.
"I was bonding with mom," said Z casually, "that and rescuing a few personal possessions from a lava flow."
"A lava flow? Now, how did that happen, unless..."
It dawned on her what may have taken place, and why Pele was anywhere near. Her eyes narrowed, and she said, "I'll be back!"
Z sighed, "oh dear."
She took off, found a computer monitor, and jumped through it.
Z shrugged and went back to what he was doing.
After some time, she came back, steam pouring out of her ears, and loudly screaming Z's full name! Lightning cracked in the sky, and people feared the luau was going to be ruined.
Z winced, "I think it's time to go,"
He got up and quickly headed to the exit.
Hosts of Chibi-Urd were blocking the exits! Urd was going to deal with this! They were all pointing, "There he is! There he is!"
Z swore in a few languages and looked for a way out.
However, standing before him was one p***ed off Urd, who grabbed him by the shirt and took off with him.
Z struggled a bit.
Once down the beach, she snapped, "YOU'VE GOT HELL TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID!"
"Interesting choice of words," said Z
Lightning hit him, as she screamed, "YOU TRIED TO HURT MY FAMILY!"
Z screamed in pain and fell to his knees, "that was not my intention." he gasped out.
"Oh really?" she said, electricity crackling off his fingers, "SHE DEMANDED SKULD BE SACRIFICED AS A VIRGIN TO STOP HER! THINK ABOUT WHO YOU EMBRACE!"
She tagged him again.
Z screamed again, "I didn't think that would happen. I know that our side would suffer from death too!" he gasped, "I know the basics of the doublet!"
"She didn't know it was my sister!" she snapped, "She thought her a mortal at first! If that had happened..."
"I don't want us to be enemies," said Z.
"Then you should have thought of that before selling out to mo... ugh... Hild!" she snapped, "She's going to corrupt you completely and turn you against us! She may play nice, but she is also our enemy!"
"what do you mean our enemy?" asked Z, "I'm a Cambion, not a demigod."
"Then...YOU'RE MY ENEMY NOW!" she screamed, blowing him down the beach, "Z WAS MY BROTHER! I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!"
Z tried to get to his feet, but his body had taken a lot of damage from her attacks.
She knew not to kill him, because he was family despite her statement, and she knew the doublet system would cost some demigod out there to lose his life, (not being permitted to remember he was paired with Ian.)
Z's skin was burnt and he was barely able to get to his knees, "it's a shame,"
"What is a shame--he who looks and acts like my brother but is not!"
"I always thought of you as my sister," said Z, "even now, you and mom are the only family I have left. It's a shame it has to be this way. I hoped we could be a family one day if even for a moment."
"You don't understand the danger of that!" she spat, "If I were to acknowledge Hild for what she is, then I would completely turn to the demon-side, and the fates will be out of whack! I would lose my sisters! All Hell would literally break loose on this world! I have seen what I would be if that happened...and I never want to again. For us to be a family, I would have to acknowledge certain things about Hild and me, and that would spell the end of the world as we know it. It is never going to happen."
Z tried to get to his feet but his legs gave way and he fell to his knees again, "I liked the time we spent together."
"Its not too late," she said, "Come back to us, and we can be your family."
"I'm a demon," said Z, "I don't have a place among the divine."
(though they can try and seal his demonic side again, making him less powerful, but awakening his human conscience.)
"Look," she said, "I have a demon side as well. It is sealed off. We have to seal it and get you back in touch with your human side."
She smiled at him and asked, "How do I look?"
"what if I like my demon side?" said Z as he struggled to a seiza.
"Um..." he said, trying to find the words, "The only thing that comes to mind is, you look like a goddess!"
"But, look what it is doing to you? Look how it is splitting us up..."
Hild appeared in the swirly clouds and said, "That could change, Urdie, by you saying one simple confession."
"Thanks."
A knock came at the door, and, "Skuld? Are you ready for the party?"
"Yes." she answered.
When they came out, she said, "It is strange: I have not seen Urd for a while. I wonder where she is?"
"Oh she's probably doing something fun." said Skuld.
(LOL!)
"Well, hopefully we shall see her there."
"I'm sure we'll see her there."
(We have to wait for Trace now.)
Z looked a bit torn and his power began to fluctuate, "damnit!" he growled grabbing his head, "I thought I beat you," he said to nobody.
"Hild, what are you doing..."
But lightning hit her, and she said, "I have a son back; do not deprive me of that, wayward daughter. We could be a complete family if you just..."
"NEVER!" and she fired back, to no avail.
Z's power continued to fluctuate and a translucent figure appeared next to him. it was Z when he had his demonic side sealed and looked somewhat human.
"Damn you," growled Z(demon).
"You can't beat yourself," said Z(human)
"You're not who I AM!" yelled Z(demon)
Skuld was walking with Sentaro towards their destination.
Urd: "That's right, he and you are what both make up a complete you. My goodness: this is something right out of Star Trek."
Hild: "Don't listen: that human was just the shell that held you. What you are now is the real you!:
When they got there, fast drums and music was being played, and some native girls were up there doing the speed hula, hips snapping and spinning around at a fast pace. Sentaro looked at them, and then began to look Skuld up and down.
Z(demon) screamed with frustration and his seals cracked as he released a large amount of power in the form of a blast.
(I'm not really sure what is happening here.)
(Z's two halves have split into two separate personalities and the clash of wills is causing his magic to go out of control.)
(So, how is this affecting things around them, and can this be heard over the pounding music?)
(It can't be heard cause they are far enough away, but it's like a bomb going off in terms of blast strength and he is releasing a lot of wild and unrestrained demonic power.)
"Hild, what have you done!" she snapped.
"Set him free!" she retorted, "Now he can be what he was meant to be, and now you get to see the power you could have and deny yourself!"
Z's other half had vanished but it was still talking in his head.
"You can't fight what you are."
"You are human."
"ACCEPT IT"
"Look at yourself," she said, "You are not a demon, but something special! I had to learn to accept that for myself as well. It was how I learned to love World of Elegance! Stop trying to be something you are not!"
"You are a demon, boy!" retorted Hild, "You and I could reign, and keep the gods on their toes for eternity! Think of the power, money, prestige, women, possessions..."
The sky started to be streaked with lighting.
Everyone was now worried the luau was about to be ruined.
"I don't know" said Z softly
Urd tried to move towards him, but Hild got in the way saying, "You want him? You get through me first! But, to do that, you would have to break YOUR seals, and that would bring the wrath of your ingrate father on you!"
Z was curled in a ball as the storm died down.
Hild was ready to fight tooth and nail for him while Urd stood on the edge of a decision that could get her made a surface trainee for a millenium.
Z was torn. he wanted to be with Urd again but he didn't want to ruin his relationship with his mother either.
Urd started to reach for her bracelets...
(And that's not going to make him act?)
"STOP!" said Z, "I don't want any more fighting. If there is a way we could end this with everyone being happy, I choose that."
"Come with me," said the two in stereo, followed by, "No, not her, me!"
"Isn't there a way to meet in the middle?" asked Z
Again in stereo, "No, there isn't...will you stop talking over me?"
Z sighed, "then seal me." he said.
"What!" said Hild, "You've been set free! Don't do this to yourself!"
"I love you both," said Z, "but I can't choose between you."
Urd managed to dodge past Hild and held onto him, saying, "That demon is only half of you, but you can learn to use that half for good things. It will give you strength to do things most gods, goddesses, and demis can't or won't do because of who they are. I can because of who I am. I've learned to embraced that half, but it doesn't have to rule me. You rule it. Believe me, Z, the Z that is you can be its master!"
"I just don't want you two to fight because of me."
"Never mind that," said Hild, "Do you really believe that drivel she said about controlling the demon in you? Come on, now: just because she sold me out doesn't mean you have to."
"Can't you two even try to get along?"
"If you only knew the history, child," said Hild, "Her father corrupted her against me."
"That's not true at all and you know it!" she retorted, "You dumped me off with him and disappeared!"
"I'm not saying you have to acknowledge your being related," said Z, "I just want you two to at least be polite to each other."
They both said at the same time, "Her first...no...you!"
Z sighed.
Indeed, this just might require some reinforcements.
(reinforcements?)
(Belldandy, maybe?)
(how would he get her help?)
(He could go get her?)
Z subtly sent a chibi self to go find belldandy.
The dancing was still going on, and the food was being served.
The tiny Z flew up to belldandy and said in her ear, "this is Z, I need your help."
She quickly extracted herself and then flew.
The tiny Z fused back with Z.
He saw the two stubborn women bickering, and she said, "I demand to know what is going on!"
Z stepped back.
"He's coming with me!" they both said, "No, he isn't!"
"Wait, why are you fighting over him as if he was property," she said, "Z, what is it that you wish?"
"I want to be able to keep both of them in my life."
"If you go with Urd, your access to me will be limited," warned Hild.
"I know," said Z, "and if I go with you my access to Urd will be limited as well. I just can't choose."
"Did not Persephone face this dilemma?" she said, "And how did she resolve it?"
"She alternated," said Z
"Then, spend six months with your sister, and six months with your mother," she answered, "Now, was that so hard?"
"who get's which months?"
They pondered, and Hild said, "I get winter; I can cause more misery with you that way."
"That would work," said Z, "can I still visit the one I'm not living with?"
"Hmm... Good question... We'd have to limit the visit time so it would not appear a violation of this--thing--were setting up," answered Hild.
Z nodded.
Urd paced and said, "You care to be used like that for six mnths?"
Z shrugged, "I would get to keep seeing both of you,"
"You don't mind causing strife?" she said, looking at him oddly.
"I'm half demon," said Z, "it's in my blood. but I don't have your goddess blood to counter it."
"You have your human blood," said Belldandy, "That should be enough."
"humans have the capacity for misfortune too, just not as powerful," said Z, "by blood just gives me a conscience."
"But, the conscience is the moral guide that helps to choose the right thing, and that is a good thing," said Belldandy, "That is what you must use, and use wisely."
Z sighed, "that's why my two halves are always fighting."
his appearance was somewhere between his human and demon forms.
Belldandy came over and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek, saying, "But this is what makes you so special to us."
Z sighed, "I've just been so confused."
Z's devil emerged from his back and gave him a comforting hug.
Z gave a small smile, "it's also the reason, Dusk's Light is colored like World of Elegance."
"Then, you must find ways to embrace both halves as Urd has," she answered, "Can you not cause mischief for those deserving, and build gains for both sides?"
Z thought about it, "would that work?"
Hild growled, not liking how there would be a balance of gains from both sides, but knew it was possible. She said nothing, but it seemed her face betrayed her.
"If I chose that, would you still treat me like you do now?" Z asked hild
"Nothing will be gained," she said, "But..."
"But," said Belldandy, as if to continue Hild's sentence, "...gaining a son, which is more important, do you not think?"
Hild grinned, and said, "Yes, you are correct. And I would say, this indeed seems to put me in an interesting position. You paid back the debt you owed me when you gave me back my rulership, and if this happens, I suppose I shall owe you one."
Z smiled and hugged Hild.
(what time of the year is t currently?)
(I think I had set this during summer break.)
(so Z would be with the goddesses.)
"So I'll be staying with Urd-nee-sama said Z, "at least until the end of summer."
"*sigh*, if I want my son, and some peace, I will have to let it be," she said, "Besides, I have a little lava problem to fix back home right now."
Z winced, "Forget about that. I lost some stuff in to the Lava."
"Well, what did you lose?" she asked, "Maybe I can replace it? Besides, it has not stopped. Pele doesn't seem to be happy."
"I lost a few limited edition books on rune magic," said Z, "and my notebook with spell notes."
"Well, tell me the titles, but I can't do much about the notes."
"Runes 101, Lost Glyphs of power, and translation of ancient languages."
"Oh, I can find those," she said, "Now, if you excuse me, I have to find a way to counter Pele."
Z nodded.
And with a pink whirlwind, she was gone. Urd now came over and hugged him.
Z hugged her back and sent a chibi to tell Kara about what had happened.
"Let us go back to the feast," said Belldandy, "I think they were about to serve Poi."
"I'd like to sit with my date though."
"Of course," said Urd, "I would never deny you that."
"even though she's a demoness?"
"We have kept company with demons before," said Belldandy, "We do not have to fight, do we?"
"I'd hope not," said Z
With that, they went back to the luau.
At the luau, the male dancers were taking their turn, using double-ended torches as part of the show.
"Wow, they are quite skilled aren't they?" commented Skuld.
"I'm amazed they don't burn themselves. That's so crazy!"
Z sat with Kara and they enjoyed the show. She wasn't happy about what happened, but she knew he'd be all hers half of the year and whenever he visited.
"Years of experience of being burned."
A chibi-Z landed at their table.
"Ah! What's that!" said Sentaro, pointing at what hopped on the table
"I don't know, let's ask one of the locals." said Skuld.
"I'm not a local thing, Skuld," said chibi-Z
"'Oh, it talked! What a sweet little thing."
"Damnit Skuld," said chibi-Z, "it' me, Z!"
"Z?" said Sentaro, confused, "How'd you get so small?"
"My, how ever did you get so small?" she asked.
"this is merely a chibi-avatar. my true body is enjoying the show with his girlfriend."
"Avatar?" he said, "Can you do that, Skuld?"
"Why yes, I suppose I can."
"Have you ever tried?"
"Yes, a couple times."
"That's neat! Never seen you do it, though. Anyway, why are you here, Z?"
"I wanted to spend some time with my sister and her sisters during the show. Also I wanted to give them the address of the Hotel I'm staying at."
"I wouldn't see a problem with that," said Z, not knowing his involvement.
(Z?)
(Sorry.... "...said Sentaro.")
Chibi-Z smiled and flew onto Urd's shoulder.
"It's good to have you back, brother."
"Hello Urd-neesan."
"good to be back," said Z, "is my old room still open?"
"Of course," said Urd, "Belldandy somehow just knew you would be back, and kept it maintained as if you would come back the next day."
Chibi-Z smiled, "It will be good to be back."
Bell was feeling frisky and decided to jump up and join the fast dancing. The movement of her hips were similar to that of a belly dancer, and every man in the place had their eyes fixed on her.
Z was still watching the other dancers. He already had a girlfriend that could blast him if he ogled another woman.
(Really had nothing to say... Waiting on Auir.)
(got it)
(waiting on you. >.> I've got nothing.)
(skip then?)
(okay, what else can they do in Hawaii?)
(there's the museums, the water park, the pearl harbor memorial.)
(Would Pearl Harbor be good? Is there anything special about the water park beyond what is in an average water park?)
(just some cool rides, like the Shaka or the clifhanger)
(Sadly, I am not sure how the Japanese would take the memorial.)
(good point. the water park is quite nice during the summer.)
(Okay, the water park, then.)
Z was waiting at the gate to Wet and wild.
"Wow, this is tons bigger than what was on the boat!" said Sentaro.
"There's more space here," said Z, "and it's perfect for summer heat."
"We will very much enjoy ourselves here." said Skuld.
Z nodded, "let's go."
With that, the entire gang, (including Ian,) charged in.
(Now is the time for everyone to get creative, because there is so much opportunity for high comedy here!)
(High comedy?)
Skuld went directly to the pools first.
(#1, what kind of pool? #2, maybe not high comedy, but some real hilarious situations.)
(have someone drag Z to the cliffhanger. there will be a bit of a scene)
(A... Shallow, pool?)
(that would be water world or the keiki cove)
(I take it you know the park well.)
(been there a lot.)
(So, they're going to water world.)
(http://www.wetnwildhawaii.com/Rides--and--Attractions/Water-World-Playground.asp (http://www.wetnwildhawaii.com/Rides--and--Attractions/Water-World-Playground.asp))
Z looked around, "where to go first?"
Skuld, out of lovely mode now, pointed to the pools and slides area.
"Hey, Sentaro. Let's go there."
"Wow, you're sure full of energy today, Skuld," answered Sentaro.
"Urd-nee," said Z, "where are you going first?"
She was in a leisure pool already, in her skimpy bikini, laying on a floating chair while all the men drooled.
Z shrugged and headed to the water slides.
"I just has the most horrible 24 hour experience of my life, I want to let go." she said.
"Yeah, that lava thing was not so much fun," he said going with her, "What was all that 'throw the virgin to the lava' thing about anyway?"
"They're more of the conservative deities. It's part of their tradition."
He gave her a quizzical look and said, "Slaying virgins is conservative? I certainly hope you're not cool with all that!"
"You know, they're old fashioned. We're much more sophisticated than that."
"Gee..." he said, "This is a different world you live in. You know, I've always wondered, I mean, do you have schools where you are from, or parks or things like that?"
Z continued to look around.
"Yeah, they're schools. And, I guess you could call them parks. Not really. It's similar though."
"Must be real neat," he said, and then said out of his naivety, "It would sure be neat to visit your home."
"Ehh, you... Will, one day." she said.
"Really!" he said, all excited, "Do you have some kind of trip planned?"
"Maybe..."
"Oh, I hope I get to go with you! It's so neat being with you."
"Don't worry, you'll get to go with me." she smiled.
"So, which one do you want to try first!"
"Well, I wanted to go have a dip in the pool first and maybe just float around, letting go."
"Oh, and maybe you can practice your swimming a bit," he said, "I know you can get better and better."
"Oh, turning play into work are you?"
(I feel left out)
(How could you, making Trace Carter feel left out. :jap:)
(I want to play. :( )
(In truth, I miss the days where rping requires at least a 5 sentence paragraph per post. Where characters took a beating and events were two way. When the players had shared control over NPCs and lead their own stories while following the main one. It was literally a new book being written by many authors.)
(I am so sorry I have disappointed you.) :jap:
(sorry.)
(It's not you, it's you younglings these days. This generation of rping. My style's oldschool.)
(I'll do the best I can, but, if only one is talking, it's kind of hard, unless you want someone to be long-winded. Now, let's find a way to get Z into this.)
(Any ideas for Z? We're trying to go with comedy here right? Since we're at a water park, there's the usual water park comedy effects.)
(like i said, get him on the cliffhanger. he doesn't like that kind of ride.)
(Of course. Right now, Bell and Kei are doing what they would normally do, Urd is playing eye candy, and we know what our little pair is doing.)
(what about ian?)
(Well, I sent Ian back because he was a cameo, and we can deal with him after the trip.)
(oh.)
(Oooh, the cliffhanger is a ride? I thought t was... Well, the plot device version. >.<)
(it's a hike to the top of an artificial mountain where you get to go down a practically vertical slide to the bottom of the mountain.)
(So... A 95-100 degree slide? How tall is this thing? 0.o)
(six stories)
(That will sting a lot, even if it's feet first.)
(the water cushions the fall.)
(The water itself will sting. Falling flat into water from 20 stories will result in broken bones and fractures.)
(it is curved at the bottom so you slow down and don't injure yourself. you end up lying down at the bottom parallel to the ground in shallow water.)
"Hey," said Sentaro, "Look at that huge one over there!"
Z walked up, "that's the cliffhanger slide."
"Really?" he asked, "Whats that one all about."
"A long drop," said z
"Sounds great!" said Sentaro, "Hey Skuld! Let's try it out with Z!"
"E-ehh? You know what, I think I'm a little tired.... I'm just going to go have a sit over there...." said Skuld after taking one look at the thing.
Z paled, "oh no. I'm not riding that thing."
Sentaro looked disappointed, but this was as Urd walked up and said, "Oh, look at that slide. I just must try it."
She then looked at Skuld to see how she would react. Sentaro said, as Urd walked away, "Gee, if she can handle it, I know you sure can."
"Geh... Y-yeah, of course I can handle it! Hahaha!" she forced a laugh.
"Come on!" said Sentaro, taking both Skuld and Z by the hand, "Besides, the only way to conquer fears is to face them head on!"
By this point, Urd was in line, and she was waving at the men, and wondering why they weren't trying. They then turned red as their manhood was now challenged. Many then reluctantly got into line.
Z was white as sheet as they climbed the ride to the top.
"It's not about fear, it's just I don't liiiike iiiiiiiiiit." cried Skuld, her voice fading off into the distance as she was dragged away.
"please don't make me ride that!" said Z, "please! I'll do anything!"
"No one is making you ride anything," said Urd as she ascended the stairs, "I just got on, and all these boys just got some courage."
Indeed, she had challenged their manhood, and now they were trying to cowboy up and go up the slide.
"It's complecated." sighed Skuld as she walked up the stairs to her doom.
Each person was going down the shoot with a look of going to their executions. Then it was Sentaro's turn. He was all excited and said, "Here goes nothing!"
He went down the chute, yelling all the way. A splash came up the tunnel, and then, "WHOA! Atomic Wedgie!"
Skuld pulled on her swimwear a bit before taking a deep breath and jumping in.
"KIIIIIIIIYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
Sentaro had already pulled the wad of cloth out of his butt cheeks and was rubbing it a bit. It had been fun, but he definitely did not like the landing. He hoped Skuld was going to be okay.
She came flying out at the bottom and landed into the water, screaming all the way.
Sentaro was looking for her in the splash. He was hoping she was okay. She was either going to be ecstatic, or want to kill him.
She bubbled to the surface.
"I'm not doing that again." she said with a -.-.
Z went down screaming. when he hit the water he jumped up and ran to kiss the ground.
Sentaro looked at Skuld, hoping she was not hurt, or hoped she had no wardrobe malfunctions. Now it was Urd's turn. Through the tunnel, a "WEEEEEEEEEE" could be heard. She landed as if she was okay, and hopped out, saying, "How refreshing. I felt like I was wearing nothing at all."
However, every male around had their eyes bugging out, their soldiers at attention, tongues dragging, and some Asian men with nosebleeds. The fact was, she felt like that, because she wasn't wearing anything, accented by her bikini catching up to her moments after she stood. She said, "Why is everyone staring?" as one boy pointed and said, "Ooh, natural hair color."
"Urd!" Skuld chucked a towel at her face.
"Cover yourself!"
Z got up shakily and immediately did an about face when he saw what everyone was staring at, "Um, nee-san, look down." he said with a slightly pink face.
She did, turned red, quickly gathered her suit, panicked and dove back into the tunnel to try to change, and immediately met another person coming out. They both went tail over head through the landing pool, Urd landing on top of him. He sighed and passed out.
"Urd, go change in the changing room!"
Men were all volunteering towels for her, and she could have started a store with the amount offered. She grabbed one, wrapped herself up, and went to the room.
Skuld sighed and slumped into the water.
"I saw nothing," Z kept muttering as if trying to convince himself.
Now, after seeing that, Sentaro was looking over Skuld, even undressing her with his eyes, wondering what she would look like at Urd's age.
Z went to find another ride.
"What are you looking at?" she mumbled, blowing bubbles in the water.
"Oh, I'm sorry, It's just, well..."
At that, Noble Scarlet whispered something about admiring her beauty and wondering what she would look like all grown up.
Skuld blushed, crossed her arms and looked away.
"I-it's fine. I guess...."
"But... Well, I DO think you're pretty and all, but you're not like other girls. I mean, you're not vain and empty-headed. You know what you want and let nothing stop you. I like that. You're warm and generous. What boy wouldn't want to have you around?"
"Stop, you're making me blush."
"You look prettier when you do," he said, and the atmosphere was becoming thick with romance.
(Remind me: I know the outer physical growth of a goddess is based on how much love she feels and expresses. Would Skuld age any in this trip?)
(Love feels and expresses to everyone in general. Meaning, how mature she is. Which is something only time can do. I'm going to assume this would be at the same rate as Sentaro to avoid age gaps.)
"Th-thanks." she said, blushing heavily and looking away.
(Just wanted to be clear on that. How old would Sentaro be? 12? 10?)
(I can't remember.)
(Let's say 12, and let's say she's developed a bit more in the chest area. We already went through the training bra thing, so we don't have to repeat that. Oh, and going to do some hygiene. I'll be out for about a half-hour or so. But I'll be back.)
(kk. I'll have to leave for class at 2 though.)
He said, "Please don't take this the wrong way, but, you seem to have grown--more curvy--since we left? I don't know if that's the right words..."
She chucked a wet towel at his face.
"I'm saying that you're pretty," he said, "That's supposed to be a compliment."
"Uwah, Sentaro-kun's a pervert. He's no different from all the other boys."
"No, wait! What's wrong? Can't I say that my girlfriend is pretty?"
He then stopped and said, "I just called you my girlfriend."
(Considered to be vulgar if one talks like that in public.)
(The sight of Urd just dumbstruck him. Besides, he just came to the realization he spoke of her as a girlfriend for the first time.)
(kk)
She made a weird sound and quickly covered her mouth, blushing.
He looked down and got a goofy grin. He then said, "I... I guess I really do like you. I... I hope you feel the same..." stirring his foot on the ground.
Which couldn't really be seen since they were in the pool.
"Th-thanks... I- uh..... feel the same..."
He took her hand and said, "Um, let's go to the wave pool. It's shallow enough there..."
She nodded.
Urd came out just in time to see this, and she went to get Bell. When they came back, they caught up to them at the wave pool. Bell gushed, "They're holding hands!"
Bell got behind them and she said, "Oh it is so good to see the two of you getting along so well!"
Z walked up, "Feeling better nee-san?"
"O-onee-sama!" she blushed.
"I have never been so embarrassed in my life," grumbled Urd.
"So, where is it that you two are going?"
"The shallow pool." she replied.
Z chuckled, "I never thought I'd hear you say that."
"Oh, we are going to the wave pool," said Belldandy.
"Well, I did not do that intentionally!" she snapped.
"I know," said Z, "but with the outfits you wear, I was a bit surprised that you were that embarrassed."
"Want to go?" asked Skuld.
"Well, I know, but," she pondered it, and then said, "Well, I just... It wasn't the right moment for... You know what it means when someone says, 'pick your spots'?"
"Oh, well, sure. I thought that that's where we were heading."
"um, not really," said Z
"It means that there is a time and place for everything, and that was not it!"
"ah, I get it," said Z
She let out a heavy sigh, and she said, "Well, what else is there to do in this insane place?"
"there's the flowrider." said Z
"Okay, what's that all about?"
"It's a bodyboard ride where you can either surf standing or lying down.
"Well, I meant... Together... Only..."
"Oh, A surf pool!" she said, "I think Sentaro might like that, and even Skuld, since she can't swim, and there is only inches of water."
Belldandy smiled and said, "I understand. Come, darling, and let us find another ride."
She took Kei's hand and led him away. Sentaro then said, "Well... I guess we're alone?"
"want ti invite them?"
"Well, let me check," she said. She reached up and pulled off a tiny ingot off her earring and let it fly.
An avatar of Urd landed on Skuld's shoulder and said, "Hey, Skuld..." telling her about the surf pool, that it was only a few inches, and designed to let people surf in place.
"I know what it is!" she whispered.
"Yeah, well, Z invited you two there..." she said, not knowing how Bell had made a way for those two to be alone.
"Y-yeah...." she said, scratching her face while blushing.
"Wait, I thought you said you wanted to be alone with me?" asked a confused Sentaro.
"Oooooh," teased Chibi-Urd, "You wanna take him somewhere and make out?"
Skuld grabbed the chibi-Urd, wrapped her in a towel, and chucked her somewhere else.
"Y-yeah, I-I did..." she said, fidgeting.
A muffled scream could be heard as she flew away, and Sentaro asked, "What did she mean by 'make out'?"
Urd then said to Z, "Um, I think they want to be alone."
Z chuckled, "young love."
"O-oh, I-it's well... Umm.... K-ki... Ki...."
"Well, let's hit the surf!" said Urd, leading the way.
"Ki... Ki... " he was repeating, "Kick up your heels?"
">.<! Y-yeah, kick up your heels."
Z smiled and followed her.
"So, does that mean we go somewhere there is music and dance or something"
At the pool, Urd took a board, all male eyes on her from earlier, and all the women staring daggers into her.
"Y-yeah..." she replied.
"How long miss?" asked the attendant.
(you have to pay)
"Well, I wonder if there is music at the wave pool, let's go" he shouted, pulling her along.
(Skuld dodged a bullet there!)
"I'll take an hour."
"so one ride only?"
"I thought you asked me how long. One hour is one ride? What if I fall off?"
"you pay per ride, one is $5, $9 is unlimited body boarding, $14 is unlimited stand up and body boarding,"
"Fine," she said, slapping down $14, and said, "Give me the board."
The man handed her a board.
With that, she got started, and was actually doing fairly well. Her days of riding broomsticks had served her well.
Z watched.
Now all the boys were captivated, and just wanted to get in there with her, kind of shoving Z out fo the way.
Z gave them a small subtle zap with his powers.
"OTL" thought Skuld as she followed along.
(Trace: how did he zap them. Auir: that does OTL mean?)
(Small lightning spell that he emitted. feels like a static shock and stings a bit.)
(To the people watching or the people surfing?)
(the people that were shoving him)
(What does it look like? Hint, the 'O' is a person's head.)
(Out to lunch?)
The wave pool was large, and did roll in like the surf at the beach. There was the shallow part at the front, but also got deeper the further you go. Along with that were large floaty rings for people to play on the waves. "Neat!" he said to the sight.
They all screamed and rubbed their fannies as they looked around to see how this happened.
( man kneeling down)
Z watched Urd innocently.
"Yeah, artificial waves."
Some sixties surf music was playing and Sentaro asked, "Do you want to get a raft or do you just want to go in?"
Still, the boys were mesmerized as she was doing cutbacks and kickout flyaways.
Z shrugged. As long as they were respecting his personal space, he was fine. He watched Urd do her tricks with a smile, 'I guess it runs in the family," he thought.
She then tried to shoot the tube as best she could considering the confined space she had.
(what tube?)
(Oh, so there is no arc to the water?)
"Let's get a raft, might be fun."
There were the floaty rings with the two handles on it, and there was one meant for two. After paying the rental, he selected the one that holds two for them.
Skuld, ever being the competitive one, got in first and almost fell off.
"Hey," he said, "It's made for both of us! At least wait until I get on!"
"I was waiting, and almost fell off while at it."
"He steadied it for them to get on at the same time, and he said, "Okay, one, two, three!"
(not really)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXmuqqJ37U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXmuqqJ37U)
(Gotcha...)
She was shredding so well, some of the locals said, "Man, I could only dream to shred like that!"
Z chuckled.
Skuld got on.
"Okay, start to paddle out to the middle, and then turn in it to a sitting position facing back towards the front."
Of course, the water was creating a watery rollercoaster for them.
"Right!" said Skuld as she began to paddle really hard.
They made their way along and Sentaro was laughing all the way. He then said, "Okay, sit down facing the front!"
"What?" said Skuld as she stopped.
"Sit in such a fashion to face toward where we came from and let the waves take us."
"Ooh." she turned around and faced the place where they came from.
The waves kicked a little higher, and they started to move forward. They would go for a stretch, and the wave would then go under them, they'd go into the trough, and it would happen again.
"Whoa. This is pretty fun." said Skuld.
"Do they have anything like this where you live? What do you do for fun there?"
"Maybe, but not like this."
"What do you do for fun there?"
"Well, usually we're too busy to play. But sometimes I'd go cloud surfing."
"Cloud... surfing..." he pondered. He was not sure just what she meant by that, considering the fact that, though he knew she called herself a goddess and believed it, he was not quite sure what that truly meant.
"It's nice, these waves... Isn't it?"
"Man, this is like an ongoing water roller coaster!" he answered, "And the hills are never the same twice... Whoa!" as the next went past and they shot forward. Soon, they were back where they started and he said, "Okay, let's hit it again!"
"Heh heh, okay!" laughed Skuld as she began to paddle really hard again, determined to be the first one out there.
"Careful," he said, "We don't want to go too far. If we go to the deep part, well, you just learned how to tread water and dog paddle..."
Skuld shot him a stare and kept on paddling.
"Sorry," he said, "I don't want to see you drown," not stopping to think that she was immortal, and could either used the water to teleport somewhere else, or just walk out.
Once they reached a certain distance, she stopped.
"Okay, here we go again!" he said, loving every minute of it, and feeling it was that much more special with Skuld by his side.
Urd finished, handed off the board and said, "Okay, little brother, go for it!"
Z smiled and got on. He was doing almost as good as Urd had. Z did a few tricks while riding the wave.
She sat there and enjoyed the slow, rhythmic motion of the waves.
However, there were more eyes fix on Urd than on him.
The music system had been playing surf music, and just got done with "Surfin USA," and now was playing the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" romantic ballad.
Z was enjoying himself and didn't mind that Urd had all the attention.
(So, where do we go with the plot next, everyone?)
(The moon.)
(Interesting...what do you have in mind?)
(No no, don't take my word for it. Most of my rp ideas are pulled out randomly. But, if you want...
Moon spirits.
Moon's orbit around Earth is getting bigger every year.
Going to leave Earth soon.)
(Which would wreck tides and cause great destruction and such. This would be Ian's first chance to play hero.)
(Yes, there's a plot.)
(Okay, so, let's have them coming back from the trip. Is there a Norse god or Goddess that governs the moon?)
(Mani)
(Sounds cool.)
(Okay, I'll start it, but I'll need help to push the plot.)
The bus dropped off the crew at the temple, and Sentaro looked at Skuld and said, "That was so much fun. Thank you for taking me. I only wish you came to my school."
Z went to his room to begin to unpack.
(he just wished. will there be a contract? *wink wink*)
(She has to be a 1st class goddess for a contract to be formed. That is the rules.)
Urd knocked on the doorjamb and asked, "So, how is it going?"
(oh well.)
Z opened the door, "I've accumulated a lot more things so I have to re organize everything."
She came in and said, "That's not what I am talking about. Are you liking this deal?"
"I get to be with my remaining family without cutting ties with either of them," said Z, "what's not to like?
"Having to move every six months and spending the other six causing people trouble."
"It's not so bad," said Z, "at least I have a home now."
"Are you saying you never had a home before this?"
"Before I met you, I wandered around a lot. I didn't want to go back to Niffleheim and I didn't know anyone on earth."
"Since you wanted to be with Hild so much, why did you want to leave Nifelheim?"
"I wasn't liked very much there due to my human ideals," said Z, "a demon who dislikes causing misfortune isn't welcome much."
"Yeah," she said, "But, for six months, you know Hild is going to be riding you."
(And that she's in the completely wrong department.)
"Maybe someday when I have free time, I'll visit you okay?"
Z shrugged, "Ever since my two halves have balanced, I've been at peace. As long as you don't hate me for it, I'll do what mom asks because I'm her son."
"That might be cool," he said, "I always wondered: where do you go to school?"
At this, a tiny Hild showed up and said, "Oh, Urdie... Trying to turn him on me already?"
"Oh, I work actually." she replied.
Z's familiar came out and continued to unpack while Z talked.
"Hi mom, what brings you?"
(Now, I do understand situations can arise where a kid can't go to school and has to work, right?)
"I just wanted to see how you were settling in," she said, "And being sure that some certain daughter doesn't upset the deal we agreed to."
Z chuckled.
Hild then said, "Urd, after all these centuries, and you discredit me so much. You know I am not really evil--you have to know this."
Z stepped back and watched.
(Isn't that rather common? My parents grew up this way.)
(Well, I didn't know how common that is in Japan. I know in the US that it is not as frequent anymore, as people encourage kids to stay in school. I think once one reaches 9th grade or something, they can drop out, but I think that varies from state to state.)
(After world war 2, very common. U.S. troops stationed everywhere, especially problematic in Okinawa. Their mixed-heritage descendants resented by the Japanese. This being the common case was Japanese bar girls that had to work to provide money for their families. It was legalized prostitution. Before that, it was mass rape.)
(That helps. That way, I can react right.)
"Well, that's too bad," said Sentaro, "School can be real fun. I wish you could see it for yourself."
Urd sighed and had to admit she was right. Hild was not evil or bitter by nature. When she was not focused on mission, she could be real polite and kind.
(This is what I have seen, anyway.)
(she is crafty though.)
Z decided to finish unpacking.
"Well, I used to go to school. But I graduated so don't worry, I understand." she smiled.
He stared at her and said, "You have a high school diploma already! Wow! How'd you pull that off--I mean, I know you're incredibly smart, but that's so cool!"
"Hild," she said, "Look, I know who you are. I also know that, though you are this, you never miss an opportunity..."
"Ehh, well. We don't exactly follow the same school system. Think more college level." she said with a sense of pride.
"That's right, you're from a different country," he remembered, "I guess school would be different."
"If you have any trouble with school, you can ask me."
"Oh, I will!" he said, "Well, here's my bus."
Of course, there was the awkward moment of not knowing just how to say good-bye. He knew what he wanted to do, but was not sure how she would react.
She also stood there, a bit uncomfortably and not knowing how to act.
Belldandy smiled, and cause a breeze to nudge her into Sentaro, and their lips met.
Her eyes opened in surprised and she pulled away while blushing.
Z sighed, hoping Urd and hild wouldn't argue again.
He was blushing as well, and said, "Oh, I guess this is okay then," thinking she had initiated, and gave her a better kiss before getting on the bus.
"I have to admit that is true," she said, "but I am not a killer. I have to reign in some demons, and even my Chibi self from time to time, because they become more ambitious than they ought to be. Remember that attempted coup not long ago? I had no problem with asking you for help, because I knew you knew we were a part of all that is important to keeping the universe together. I was very grateful to you for the help. Think about it: yes, it caused mischief that helped our goal, but, if I had not, would Bell and Kei be where they are now? Would they not be continuing to live a lie?"
Urd remained silent, and Hild then said, "I am not your enemy. You have to believe me when I say this."
"B-bye!" she waved.
Bell came up and put her hand on Skuld's shoulder as the bus pulled away and said, "You really do love him, don't you?"
"O-onee-sama! Y-yes..." she murmured.
Z watched.
"Oh, that is so wonderful!" she answered, "I cannot wait to test and see how you and your magic have grown!"
"Honey, I don't hate any of you. Just play the game, okay? Know that I would never mean harm to any of you."
"W-wha... Onee-sams, you don't have to!"
"Well, remember how the power of a goddess grow. As your love for others grows, so do you."
Z smiled and hugged them both.
"I know..." she replied.
"So, how would I know how much unless I tested your spell casting skills?"
(Since she's a techie and all, and a techno-mage, why not have her powers as quantum kind of things?)
Urd sighed and hugged them back, and Hild kissed Z, saying, "I'll see you in six months. Mara is in charge of the arcade now, so, be careful. She has to learn control."
Z sighed, "I don't think our last encounter ended well."
"Oh, yes..." she said, remembering she was the one involved, and she said, "Just let me talk to her. I can settle it."
Z laughed nervously, "yeah, maybe she'll get over the fact that I zapped her and put her in a illusion for a bit because we were argueing."
"We'll see..." she said, pondering.
(She's more mechanical, specializing in robotics. More affinity divine powers, not spell casting type. Quantum is physics. Two different fields.)
"Well, I'm not really good at casting."
"I guess that wasn't the smartest thing to do," siad Z
"But, it DID help out Skuld, in a sense," she answered, "They got closer, didn't they?"
"It did," said Z, "I was thinking of Mara."
"Yes, well, give me a chance with her," she said, "I'll calm her down."
"Well, certainly, your ability to create things must have improved," she said, considering her gifts.
Z nodded, "alright"
"I've improved then." she smiled.
"Good," she said, and then pulled out a package and handed it to Skuld. She said, "This is from Pele."
"Hm? What's this?" she looked at it and began to open it.
Inside was a beautiful obsidian stone carved to look like Belldandy on a pure golden chain with a note that read, "My sincerest apology for what happened in Hawaii. I hope you can accept this and forgive my actions. Love, Pele."
(paladin, I'll be on Star trek Online for a while.)
(That's fine.)
(You gonna go online?)
(Not today. I have some writing to do.)
(kk)
"Ehh...." Skuld stared at it with mixed emotions. But satisfaction won and she pocketed it.
They had not been settled in long before they got an unexpected visitor show up out of the ground, all worried.
(What was the norse moon goddess again?)
(Máni)
"Oh good, you're back," she said, all worried.
"Mani?" asked Belldandy.
"In the flesh," she said, "We have a big problem!"
Z heard the commotion and decided to send an avatar to see what was happening.
When his avatar arrive, it was the goddess Mani standing there in all her beauty.
"What's going on?" asked Chibi-Z
"It is the moon!" she said, all worried, "We have some problems that could mean great disaster for all of Midgard."
"What's happening with the moon?" asked Skuld.
"Something is making the moon drift from the Earth!" she said, "And it may spin off into space!"
"MOM!" yelled Z
"Wha...?" said Mani, as the sky swirled and the wind picked up, indicating Hild's entrance.
Z waited for her to appear,
Skuld was on guard.
"Well," Hild said to Z, "That didn't take long for you to call for help. What's the issue now?"
"Did you cause the moon to spin out of orbit?" sighed Z
"Oh, come now!" she said, "There are some things I am not involved with. The moon spinning out of orbit? This is new to me."
"oh that's good," said Z
"How badly is it out of line?" asked Hild.
Belldandy looked at Skuld and said, "How bad is it?"
Ian gave her his Yggdrasil laptop to access the main system.
Z looked at the laptop surprised, "nice tech," said Z
She logged in and started typing away.
"It's moving away at a speed of 21 kilometers per second."
Ian then said, "It was a gift from Lind. This was before I knew what was going on. She just said it was a good system. She never said what it really was."
Chronon hit her back and said, "Indeed, that is very fast! Ex and En and myself are now trying to lock down a cause. Triangulate with me and let's see if we can pin this down!"
"Lind gave you a gift? Cool." said Z
"She said she wanted me to have something to help me, and now I know why; I have something to contact heaven now."
"Alright!" nodded Skuld.
"Okay," said Chrono, "I've locked in the trajectory. See if you can't peg down a source of movement--what's making it move."
"Anything I can do?" asked Z
"Who said that?" asked Chonon on the computer, being that the built in camera was not facing him.
"It's Z," said Z
"There's an anti-gravitational flux ring between the Earth and the moon! It's causing extreme fluctuations in the Earth's orbital gravitational pull."
"what about creating a reverse polarity field to negate the effect of the ring?" said Z
Skuld shook her head.
"The ring doesn't have any charges nor is it spinning. I can't tell where it's originating from. It's not natural."
"So Yggdrasil can't pinpoint it?"
"Clearly not," said Hild, "Which makes me ask two questions: one, is the source here on Midgard, and two, why would someone or something want to do this?"
"It's not that it can't pinpoint it, it's just not showing up. There's no source. It's as if the ring is the source."
"Is that possible?" asked Z, "can I see a readout of the ring?"
"Yeah." she showed him the laptop. There was an outline of a ring around the Earth, parallel to the moon's orbital trajectory. The levels were highest in the outline and gradually dimmed as it went farther and farther away.
"It's like a force of energy from the earth forcing the moon away," said Ian, "As if it wants to occupy that space."
(G2G BCNU)
"Do you think that the ring could be negated if we could pinpoint the frequency and the amplitude?" asked Z
"Yes, in theory it's possible." she frowned.
"Mom, I need a favor," said Z.
"Really?" she said, "You know favors with me carry a price tag, right?"
"I know that," said Z
"Then, what is the favor?"
"Could you use Niddhog's computer system and work with heaven, just this once, to solve this crisis?" said Z, "If the earth is destroyed, shares will eventually stagnate due to the lack of humans to cause misfortune to."
"That is true," she said, "I do have a stake in this. Okay, then let's sync up, but..."
She pondered, and then said, "But, I think this is more than a computer issue, and we may have to actively intervene."
"What else could it be besides a computer issue?" frowned Skuld.
Mali then said, "I sense a mind behind it. Something or someone wants this to happen!"
"A powerful entity that has the power to push the moon out of orbit?" siad Z
"Not necessarily," she said, "If he has pushed himself into the system in some fashion, it could amply the power one has."
Hild then said, "I certainly have that power, as does Belldandy and Urd. If it was not for their seals, they could do far more than the little you have seen here."
Kei thought back to the day that Ragnarock was almost unleashed upon the Earth, and Bell broke her seals and unleashed her full power to contend with the foe. After it was done, she used that power to repair all the damage that had been done, and that did not take long. In fact, she even admitted that only took a small fraction of her power. After all, she was a deity, and allowing great restraints to keep her from accidentally destroying the Earth if she miscast something.
(Which if you read more closely, would require a great deal of effort at her full power mode. As destroying the Earth requires more power than the sun.)
"Then we just need to forcibly reject him from the system right?" said Skuld.
(Well, I know that Hild could easily do it herself, hence all the bling she wears! She has to, or else her just arriving could destroy the island of Japan at the very least.)
"That would require us entering the system ourselves," said Belldandy, "And that would require Skuld to guide us through."
(Yeah, she's Hild though. >.<)
"I never guided so many people at once though, I'm not sure about this." she said uneasily.
"Wait," said Kei, "Are you saying we're going to be digitized and fight this one in cyberspace?"
"Sort of. No, it's not like that movie Tron. But you can think of it that way." said Skuld.
(Okay, now we're making a great plot!)
Kei started looking up and down at Bell, trying to imagine her Tron-ified.
Catching this, she sighed.
"You'll be disappointed if you keep thinking like that." she said.
"I can set up a temporary relay station here. Just tell me when you're ready to go in."
Ian then said, "Do I have to sit this one out again?"
"No, you should come," said Belldandy, "It would be good for you. I shall help you."
(G2G. BCNU.)
"Yeah, it'll be fun." she grinned.
"good luck," said Z
"Z, you're not coming?" asked Ian, "I figured..."
"It's fine, let's go."
"I'm a cambion," said Z, "do you really think I'd be allowed into heaven's main computer?"
Ian raised an eyebrow and he said, "Boy, you seem anxious to digitize us!"
"I thought that was what needed to be done," said Z, "either way, I wouldn't be allowed in heaven so unless you're staying here, I wish you good luck."
Skuld nodded and non-verbally gestured to agree with what Z was saying.
Belldandy then said, "Ian, take off the dog tags. Being that you are half human, you need to have your divine side showing."
Kei then said, "That means I can't come?"
"Anything we can do?" Z asked Hild
"Well, no. Not really..." said Skuld.
"Fear not," she said to Kei, "I shall return to you."
Hild looked at Ian and said, "I guess I get to see you in action, son."
"I guess so," he said, "Well, Skuld, do the voodoo you do do so well."
"I've never seen you at full power, Ian," said Z, "it should be interesting."
"Voodoo?" she arced an eyebrow. Pulling out the laptop, she began to type away. Their world shimmered around them and was replaced by darkness. In the center of the group was a large, round, blue and green sphere with wisps of white across it.
"Safe mode." said a computerized voice.
"System shutdown. Exception core services. It is now safe to resume."
"cool," said Z
"Well, there you have it. Even in safe mode, the ring is still there. Either there's a really powerful entity behind all this, or there's a really good computer psych behind this." she frowned.
"Maybe even better than me." she muttered.
"how is this possible?" asked Z
"I don't know. Aside from the two possible reasons I just stated, this is the anomaly of the millennium."
"There are nine realms right?" said Z, "perhaps a force from one is doing this,"
"Yes, that brings us to theory number one and two. Somebody else is behind this. And either they're really powerful or they're really smart."
"how powerful?"
"Either powerful enough to cause something like this and manage to be untraceable or powerful enough to cause something like this and mask his presence."
"but that person would have to be at least as powerful as belldandy unsealed, right?" said Z
"And probably a lot more dangerous... We were never trained to use our powers that way."
Z nodded, "so whois it and where are they from?"
"I wonder if there's any clues they've left behind?"
Hild spoke out and said, "Okay, we're in here, now what?"
Z shrugged.
"We look for clues as to how and who did this."
"alright then," said Z, "where do we look first?"
"I think Hild wants to know where in the system you want us to go," Belldandy spoke out from inside with the rest, "What can we do to assist?"
(Anybody? ^_^')
"Well, let's start with the ring first? I can't figure out anything, you got any ideas?"
They pondered as they looked at each other to see what being digitized looked like. Ian then asked, "Oh, and just how do we travel around in this place?"
(who was digitized?)
(The goddesses, the devils, and the halfling.)
They looked like as they were except in a slightly corporeal, transparent form.
"No idea," said Z
(Belldandy, Ian, Hild, and Urd are in the computer.)
(oh, so Z isn't?)
(I thought you said you could not go in? I thought you said you didn't want to?)
(sorry, I got confused.)
(So, do you want him in there?)
(my issue was that he wouldn't be allowed due to him being a demon. if he's allowed then I'd like him to be in.)
(Okay, we'll see how Auir answers. Oh, and put something in the Coffee House.)
(got it.)
(I said the devils and halflings are in.)
(Bell and Urd were also supposed to be in.)
(They're all in. >.> Scroll down.)
(That means Z if he wants to be.)
They began to look around to find out where they were supposed to go or how to get there.
They were gathered in a group. Their environment was dark except for the millions of small lights. In the center, below them was a large blue and green sphere with wisps of white across it.
Belldandy went to the sphere and began to examine it.
It was Earth. The large blue and green sphere with wisps of white was Earth. A sunny day over Japan.
"It looks like we are flying over Earth in outer space," said Ian.
(G2G)
"Can we see a readout of the nine realms?" asked Z
Skuld type into the computer and they came to a large crossroad. Each path of light leading off to a different realm.
"can you trace the ring to one of the realms?"
"I'm trying, there's a lot of ghosts feedback leading to everyone of them. I'll try to pinpoint it." she said.
"It would almost seem we would have to explore every trail otherwise."
"That would take time we don't have."
"I think I can pinpoint it down to three... But that's the closest I can get. Menn, Jotnar, and Nair." said Skuld.
"the land of the giants, the land of the elves and earth," mused Z, "I guess that makes it simpler."
"Corpses, not elves." said Skuld.
"oh right," said Z, "is Nair related to Niffleheim?"
"It is... The other world of the dead. A location known as Hel."
"I'm assuming mom doesn't have any authority there," said Z
"No, she does not... It is the place where one of the signals for Ragnorak will come..."
"that's not good,"
"That area," Hild said, "Is for the baddest of the bad. I just send them there, and that is that. Believe me, Tyr is involved with such decisions as well."
Skuld frowned.
"That's not part of the deal. No one sends people into Hel."
"Why?" asked Z
"Because, it's Hel. I don't know, if we accidently do something, It might set off Ragnorak earlier."
"didn't that almost already happen?" asked Z, "I mean with Fenrir and Jörmungandr appearing,"
"That's the key, almost. We don't want it really happening."
"Well, you are right somewhat," said Hild, "People kind of do send themselves."
"do you think that is where the source is?"
"It seems like the most likely. If not a resident from that area, someone's hiding there."
"So how do we stop it?"
"*sigh*... We.... Go there ourselves."
Z's face turned grim, "which side would have a better chance to make it out alive? Demon or Divine?"
"Six of one, half dozen of another," said Hild, shrugging.
"Um could you elaborate?"
"In other words, the place plays no favorites, as far as I know," she answered, "But remember who runs Hel."
(If I recall Hel is run by a demon of the same name, and female.)
Z nodded, "I see. I volunteer to go and try to investigate."
(To be exact, Loki's daughter.)
Skuld grabbed Z on the shoulder an dlooked up into his face.
"Good luck!"
"thank you," said Z
(Ew... This could get interesting...)
Ian tried to add levity and said, "Well, I guess I can say I've been through Hel and back."
"I guess you could," said Z
"Haahaa." she laughed dryly.
"how would I get in?" asked Z
"Ehhh, the easiest way is to go to heaven and go from there..."
"Don't we need some kind of invite?" asked Urd, "Or we could ask Loki for help."
"Loki?" said Z, "Also I'm not very welcome in heaven."
"Yeah... That's the problem."
"Loki is Hel's dad," said Urd.
"oh," said Z, "I assume he won't help."
"This is Loki," said Urd, "He might help if only to get a laugh out of it."
"I see,"
"Or to play some kind of prank..."
"I can work with that."
Hild then said, "Couldn't Tyr give us a visa, considering the circumstances?"
Skuld giggled at that.
"Ha, a visa."
"Well, if getting in has to be through Yggdrasil," she said, "And heaven won't let us in..."
"Not necessarily," said Belldandy, "Did not Mara get in when the mistake on my license took place?"
"she did?"
"But... That was an accident, this time we're conscious about it."
"so what to do?"
"One of us is going to have to take the fire for this..." she mumbled.
"In other words, its up to Heaven's crew?" asked Ian.
"seems so,"
"I'll do it, I'll get you guys in." said Skuld.
"Thank you," said Z, "I'll owe you big time."
"Okay, Skuld, we're in your hands," said Ian.
She gulped and nodded. Skuld pulled out her laptop again and began typing into it. A few minutes later, she gave them a holographic card.
"Here."
Z took it, "so any last instructions?"
"Act natural."
"...alright. so how does this work?"
"Hold on, let me finish the final steps."
Their demon markings suddenly turned into goddes markings.
Hild was impressed and said, "Well, you do reflect the skill of your mother."
Ian then said, "My laptop is a Yggdrasil model. Perhaps you would want to connect them?"
"Yeah, sure." said Skuld, pulling out a transparent halo cable and plugging it into Ian's laptop.
"So, are we going into the Matrix?" asked Ian, "Or are we going up first?"
An e-mail came through from Chrono: "Skuld, what's the delay?"
She quickly replied,
"Oh, nothing. Sorry, doing it now."
She turned toward the others.
"You know how you usually travel? Use that, you'll find that you can enter heaven now."
Z nodded and teleported to heaven.
Ian took the boulder outside while Urd used the TV, and Bell a mirror.
Skuld could do nothing but whisper a 'Forgive me Father.' before putting on her headphones.
Z looked around hoping nobody recognized him.
"Psst, testing. Testing. Don't answer. Softly click if you can hear me." said Skuld.
Z did so.
Ian wondered just what he was supposed to click.
".... Your tongue if you didn't know." she said as if answering his question.
He did so, saying, "So this is Heaven? Wow..."
"Alright, everyone who doesn't know listen carefully. You're looking for the rainbow bridge. Act busy, briefly say hi and keep going should anyone ask."
Z nodded, 'now where would I find a rainbow bridge?'
"Look for the place with the most people, and the most security."
Before long, they were at a place of dazzling color, Valkyrie guarding the entrance, checking passes and credentials.
"I think I can hear them. Show them your pass, and go without any further word."
At that point Lind was checking the troops, and Hild said, "Uh-oh, this could be a problem."
"What, what's going on?" asked Skuld.
"Lind is inspecting the troops," said Urd, "We need to keep her distracted."
"Tch... Does she look like she'll take long?"
"this is Lind we're talking about, she's very thorough."
"Urd-neesan. Do you think you can distract her?" asked Skuld.
She was about to, but Lind piped up, "Ian! Say, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, well, there's this issue with the moon, and Mari..." he said, pulling her aside, and filling her in. Urd signaled for everyone to go on and show their passes to go in.
Z showed his pass and prayed that Lind wouldn't recognize him.
"Ehk, is he really telling her everything?" asked Skuld.
"seems like it" said Z, "I don't know if that's good or bad."
"Let's hope it's good. Quickly, go through the bridge. It'll take you to Hel. Be careful, I don't know if my signal can reach that far."
"Skuld, if I make it back, I'll get you as much ice cream as you want." said Z before running through the bridge.
Their bodies was wrapped in rainbow colored light and they vanished. They reappeared on a dark, desolate world. There was a sense of tiredness and sleepiness in the air, as if one just wanted to lie down and take a nice long rest.
Z shook his head and cast an illusion over their minds to block the realm's affect.
Surrounding them were tall, secluded mountains. There was no sound except for the low wind. But after looking more closely, one could see that the mountains were actually pillar and high above was no night sky but a rocky ceiling.
"Skuld, are you there?"
There was a faint static. It looks like the signal wasn't getting through.
"We're on our own," said Z, "my powers are limited at the moment, so we have a limited time before my illusion fails and the realm begins to affect us again."
Ian showed up and said, "Yeah, Lind said she'd have the troops ready just in case... Man, what a horrible place! So sleepy..."
Z cast the illusion over him to block the affects.
"Okay, now what?" he asked as Bell kept trying to get in contact with Skuld.
"We find the source of the ring," said Z
She nodded, but was distracted with trying to contact Skuld. However, Hild said, "We'd better get moving before the shadows start asking questions."
"I wouldn't want that," said Z with a shiver.
With that, the horde started on their way.
"Any idea what we're looking for?"
"With us cut off from Skuld, there's no telling," said Urd.
Chrono was trying to keep in contact with Skuld, saying, "Keep trying: we have to reestablish the link. I'd never forgive myself if we lost my baby... Uh... I mean, Ian... Er, I mean, everyone is in danger."
Z looked around the desolate realm.
"Riiight. Anyway, the signal strength isn't strong enough. We need some way to boost it..."
"Is Ian's laptop still there?" asked Chrono.
(It should be.)
"My question is," asked Urd, "What direction should we be heading? It all seems so aimless."
"That's the point, daughter dear," said Hild, "It is supposed to cause you not to feel, to want, just the desire to sleep and perhaps dream to try to remember life as it was to escape this."
"Maybe we need a map."
"I'm not sure, did he take it with him?" asked Skuld.
"Let me check," she said, hitting a few buttons where she was and said, "No, in fact, it's in the same room with you, on the coffee table."
"I don't really see any tourist stands," said Ian sarcastically.
"ha. ha." said z
"Great, what do we do now?" she said.
"Use that laptop," she said, "I'll give you access. It's essentially a laptop version of Yggdrasil, and he doesn't know this, but with many areas blocked for him, because he wouldn't know how to use it right. It would prevent a disaster. However, you know all the access codes, so, between the two of us, we can keep track of them. They're lost without that!"
Z created some avatars and had them scatter to search.
"Alright, let's give it a try." said Skuld, patching a signal through.
The main computer linked up with it, and now a map of all realms to connect to came up.
"Connecting to them now...." she said.
"Hello? Testing, testing."
"skuld?"
"Yes, we hear you!" said a relieved Belldandy, "It is hard to tell direction here. We need your guidance."
"I can pinpoint the location now with this laptop. It's coming from a cave quite a bit way ahead of you." she said.
"Okay," said Urd, "Just point us the right direction and we're on our way."
"Head relative Northeast from your position."
"Well, there's no sun here," said Ian, "Kinda hard to gauge relative north."
"Relative Northeast means you're facing North now."
"ok," said Z and he headed in the direction
THey turned to where that should have been and went on the move.
"any landmarks?"
"You should see some sort of pillar." said Skuld. And sure enough, they could see a pillar. A rather phallus-like pillar.
Z raised an eyebrow.
Some time later, Skuld spoke again.
"There should be a group of boulders up ahead." And when they got there, what they saw was two boulders in the shape of someone's rear.
"we see it."
"Good, you're on the right track then. Keep going forward, it's not far now." said Skuld.
Everyone stared as Belldandy blushed a bit. Hild just smirked.
"so she can blush," said Z
As they went on, their feet suddenly trudged into something squishy and slimy. There was a faint smell of sweet apple pie drifting up too.
"I don't want to know," muttered Z
"Hm? Did something happen? I'm only getting a birds-eye view of you guys." said Skuld.
"My my," said Hild, "It smells like pie."
She then stood rock steady, being sure they were not in some quagmire or quicksand.
It did not sink, but it made walking VERY difficult.
Ian said, "Skuld, what IS this stuff?"
"What are you talking about? Did you step in something?"
"We are in some very stick ground that smells like apple pie," said Belldandy.
"Apple pie? Really? That's, no. That's just weird no matter how you look at it. It's like somebody's pranking you."
"Loki maybe," Groaned Urd, hoping never to have seen that straw hat and Hawaiian shirt any time soon.
"Do I have permission to get him back when earth is not in danger?" asked Z eagerly
"Yes, you you do." said Skuld.
"it's right up ahead. The source is originating from something up ahead."
Z smiled, "this will be fun. But back on topic."
Z looked for something that could be causing the effect.
Meanwhile, some of the souls were waking, telling them to shush, and wish they would just lie down like the rest of them and not disturb them.
Up ahead. They saw a large device with complex controls and a large keypad.
Z looked over the device.
It was a large machine similar to those typical doomsday devices built by mad scientists in superhero movies. There was a small screen showing the outline of the Earth and a ring around it. There was a single line of text saying,
"Deactivate anti-gravitational ring? Y/N"
"I don't like it," said Ian, "This is way too easy."
It just kept flashing that single line, steadily and without stop.
"What? What does it say? What is it?" asked Skuld.
"It's asking us if we want to turn it off."
"... Wait, what?" she said in disbelief.
"It's too easy," said Z, "the moon may break out of orbit or fall from the sky."
"I'm starting to be convinced that it really was Loki. Is there anything else?"
Ian described the machine, and then said, "It keeps asking if we wish to deactivate the anti-gravity ring. Like I said, that's just too easy. I'd be afraid that, if we did, the moon may have already moved away too far to have earth's gravity to keep it in place."
(Bedtime for Bonzo. BCNU.)
"I wish I was there... Maybe then I could take a closer look at it."
"I wish I could do something."
A new message suddenly popped up.
"Moon reaching critical orbit in 4 minutes.
Deactivate anti-gravitational ring? Y/N"
Z swore, "ok, we need to do something NOW."
"U-umm! I-Is there some kind of off-switch?" she panicked.
Z looked at the machine.
(wasn't this Ian's time to shine?)
(Yeah, it is.)
It didn't have an off-switch.
"Well shit."
(Let's leave this for when he comes back.)
"Chrono! Any ideas?!" asked Skuld.
She started to try to hack into the device itself, hoping to find the off switch for the whole thing. Ian then said, "Why not just reverse the process just enough to pull it back and then repulse enough to equalize?"
"Yes, you do that!" said Skuld.
"I'm not a computer programmer!" he said, "I wouldn't know my HUD from a hole in the ground!"
"I know a bit," said Z
"Just destroy the thing!" said Skuld.
"Wouldn't that send the moon into a tailspin or something?"
"The thing's stopping Earth's gravity from reaching the moon. We have to stop it before anything else!"
"Right!" he said, and because of the strength granted him by what he is, with a couple of massive smashes, his Superman-like strength turned it into a pile of twisted metal.
As soon as the machine was destroyed, a thick pungent gas was let out. It didn't have any affect on them other than that it stuck worse than a skunk and clung worse than a skunk.
Meanwhile on the screen of Skuld's laptop, the ring was shown to slowly fade away.
"Whew.... The moon stopped drifting and is now only drifting at normal speeds. Now comes to problem of how to get it back."
Urd was torched and angry, and both she and Hild said at the same time, "If we find Loki, were going to kill him!"
"After I make him suffer," said Z
"I'll start working on a device that'll bring the moon back. But for now, the crisis is over." said Skuld.
"How do we get back to midgard?"
"Teleport to heaven. Then use the bridge from there to reach midgard."
"Ok then," said Z before teleporting.
"I'm sorry," said Hild, "I just don't like this. This was too easy. Something's going to happen."
She was moving cautiously, looking over her shoulder, not sure where it was coming from.
(is she still in hel?)
Meanwhile... Amidst the rubble, a single CD clattered against the ground. Unknowingly, Ian had destroyed the seal that kept a certain destruction protocol sealed away. A seal that could only be broken by someone pure of heart. A mysterious, gloved hand picked up the CD and disappeared.
The deed done, they cautiously moved on and back home.
Z arrived back at the temple and went to his room to plan to prank Loki.
When everyone returned to their respective homes, Ian was still muttering, "I just don't like it. Why was it so easy to do that?"
A chibi-Z floated up, "Maybe it was a bad joke?"
"No," said Urd, "Loki would not seek for wanton destruction of the Earth."
"Perhaps someone meant for us to go to Hel to find the machine?"
"That doesn't make any sense," said Ian, "What would be the point of that?"
"I don't know much about the powers of Hel, but what if entering and leaving allowed someone or something to follow?"
"Again, why would anyone want to follow us there?" he said, not sure about how the world beyond Earth worked, because he he still had much to learn.
"To escape," said Z
"Not many live people enter Hel. So it is a possibility that someone may have used you guys entering as a distraction to get in." said Skuld.
"but who?"
"And why," he said, "I'm still lost on this, and, why it was so easy to fix this. Something stinks."
"You mean besides how much you stink right now?" joked Skuld.
"Yeah," he said, going back to his cottage on the grounds, "I need a bath!"
"Did any of you notice anything else that was suspicious when you left?" asked Skuld.
Chibi Z shook his head, "aside from the weird land marks, nothing."
"Hrrmmm....." she frowned while folding her arms.
"All I know is that he smashed it," said Urd, "And that was that. Seeing nothing else, we came back."
"Did you see anything in the rubble?" she asked.
"No more than twisted wires and metal," responded Urd.
"Mmmm, anyone have any ideas what to make of this?"
Chibi-Z shrugged.
"Not really," said Urd, "But... I'll be back."
With that, she jumped through the screen on Ian's monitor. Her face then appeared and said, "I'm going to talk to Chrono and link her through."
Within a few minutes, both Urd and Chrono appeared on screen in the Yggdrasil control room.
An explosion could be heard from Z's room.
Everyone quickly rushed over to see what had happened.
Z was coughing while smoke came from his room. there were rune designs around his room and a broken beaker in his hand as well as numerous vials and tubes with chemicals in them.
"well that mixture don't work,"
"What happened?" frowned Skuld, looking at all the vials and tubes.
"I found out what doesn't mix to create a nice adhesive stink solution."
"... Why were you trying to make an adhesive stink solution."
"I was going to prank Loki."
"... You're trying to outprank. the prank god..."
"Yeah."
"... Good luck."
Z wiped the soot off his face and started mixing potions again.
Curious, Skuld looked at what he was using as ingrediants.
volcanic stone, hairs from sleipnir and fenrir, some scales from Jörmungandr, a weird yellow liquid, and liquids and crystals of other colors.
"Where are you getting all theses super-rare-dangerous items from?!" she jumped back, surprised.
"Birthday gift from mom."
Urd, upon hearing that, started to bust a gut.
"Want to help, nee-san?"
"And you think I could outfox Loki?" she said, "No one can!"
"We'll just have to see."
"I can try to help," she said, "But good luck in trying to use it on him."
"alright then," said Z
"I'll help too, just because I'm interested in if you can actually pull it off." said Skuld.
"great," said Z
Urd then said, "Then, come to my lab. I have far more chemicals than this."
"Your witch house you mean." said Skuld, following.
"alright," said Z
"Witch house!" she said in protest, "There are many good and quality pharmaceuticals in here, good for medicinal purposes."
Z chuckled.
"More like sleeping gas and anesthetic."
"Well, those ARE used in surgery," she snuffed.
"Add aphrodisiac to that list."
"You make aphrodisiacs?"
"Yep, she does. Every night, she goes out to capture unsuspecting young men. And every night, drags them back to her lair where she has her way with them. *wink* *wink*"
"I DO NOT!" she yelled, chasing after Skuld.
Z's eye twitched, "I did not need that image."
She ran away, squealing with laughter.
Small sparks shot past her, saying, "I'm going to make you regret those words!"
"You want to play that way do you?!" she said, throwing back Skuld bombs.
Z sighed, "I hope they don't damage the house."
As the bombs and lightning went back and forth, K1 said, "*sigh* get used to it. This is the way they always play."
"...I see."
Half an hour later....
Z sighed as he looked at the amount of destruction their fight caused.
It looked like a week's worth of cleaning.
Z sighed.
Belldandy arrived with mops, buckets, cleaning supplies, tools, and so forth, with a big, bright grin on her face, and she said, "Well, now that the fun is done, it is time to now clean up after our games."
Z got some supplies and made some chibi selves to help.
"Good," said Belldandy, "Okay, Skuld, you have to scrub the burn marks."
"Okaaay...." she sighed, dejectedl.
"Urd, you should fix the holes you made."
She sighed, but knew they had to fix things.
Z got to work.
And, of course, Belldandy was all sing-song happy as she did what she did.
Skuld dragged her feet through the whole thing.
"Come along," said Bell, "I know you can make this place look pretty."
Banpei came up and started to help.
"I'lll trrrry." she said.
Sigel came up and said, "Come on, Skuld! We can do better than everyone else!"
"Tell me that after you've drained your batteries." said Skuld as she got to work.
Belldandy then said, "okay, Skuld, what is wrong? Why are you so glum?"
"..." she gestured at the wanton destruction she and Urd have caused during their all-out burst.
"Well, you have sown the seeds, and this is the harvest of your seeds."
"Yep..."
"So, it is time for some good seeds," she said, "And, if you do well, there is some ice cream at the end of it."
"Really?!" Skuld perked up.
"Sure!" said Belldandy with a cheery grin, "All good girls should be rewarded for hard work."
She began working twice as hard.
"Honestly," said Sigel, working beside her, "I think ice cream is like a drug to you!"
Skuld didn't respond and instead worked diligently.
Sigel just sighed and jumped in.
After some time, they were able to restore things, (with a few magic pushes from big sis.)
Z sighed and merged with his avatars.
(happy thanksgiving)
"We're done!" said Skuld, collapsing on the ground completely exhausted.
"Thank goodness," said z
Before long, the place was spic and span, and Belldandy said, "Well then, where shall we go?"
"Bed that's what." said Skuld.
"Oh?" she said, "I guess you want ice cream another day?"
She lifted up an arm and watched it flop back down.
Belldandy kneeled down and hugged her, saying, "I am so proud that you worked so hard today. Would you rather I get you the ice cream? What flavor would you like?"
"Nono, I can get it myself." she said, pushing herself up and heading toward the kitchen.
Belldandy scooped her up and said, "Oh no: you worked hard, so you deserve to be served now."
Yet, the kitchen began to smell of pizza.
"why do I smell pizza?" asked Z
She sniffed the air.
"American, European, or Japanese?"
"not sure."
It was Papa John's, and Ian was standing there, saying, "You all worked so hard, and I figured you would be hungry, so..."
"You thought right," said Z, "what kind of toppings did you get?"
"Oh, I got plenty of different kinds; combo, meat, veggie, pepperoni, and six cheese, with plenty of pepperoncini," he said, biting down on one of the pepperoncini.
"any anchovies?"
"Oh... I didn't think about that. Most folks don't like that kind of stuff, so I, well..."
"don't worry about it," said Z as he took a slice.
"Whoa! You went over to Korea to get that?!" said Skuld.
"Well, a simple trip through some rocks," he said, knowing that Lind had helped him learn his teleport medium, "A visit to an exchange... This demigod stuff has its benefits."
"cool," said Z as he reached for a second slice.
"You're learning fast! Good job!"
"It's freaky," he said, "And yet, seems so natural. I mean, all this should seem scary to me, and yet, it feels right."
"You get used to it eventually," said Z, "Once you accept your heritage, it becomes easier."
"Well, what's everyone waiting for? Dig in!"
"I am," said Z
"I think I'll have a slice." said Skuld.
...and so the feasted.
(Okay, anyone have any ideas for the next arc?)
(Well, the arc after this, the return of the Lord of Terror arc.)
(Oh, that's right...there's more to this one. Okay, to the next day?)
(I'm game)
(BANG!!! He is shot by a hunting rifle!)
(It's not Carter Season. It's Duck season, Fire!)
(>.>)
(Let's do a bit more briefing, Elmer...)
(Shhh, be vewy vewy quiet. I'm hunting Trace Carter. heheheheh.)
(I guess what I'm saying is, we need to get to the next plot point about the disk being taken and whatnot.)
(disk?)
(So no intermission?)
(Well, you came up with the idea. You want a fun side adventure or something?"
(Well I leave gaps in my ideas for intermissions in case anybody wanted to do something.)
(How about visiting his home in Maine?)
(anything works for me.)
(Sure.)
"I guess once this is done, we can all return to some sense of normalcy?"
(who said that?)
(Ian)
"What would be considered normal around here?" asked Z
"You tell me," he said, "I haven't been around here as long as they."
"Well, I guess what you're going through now is normal." said Skuld.
"*Sigh* ANd I thought just coming to Japan would disrupt things in life."
"I find it refreshing," said Z
(The next day...)
It was Popham Beach, on the mouth of the Kennebec River, that she arrived. She looked around and was not satisfied with all of what she considered blight along the coast. She saw the summer homes of many rich people set in a fashion that she knew would eventually crash into the ocean due to erosion. As she moved up the coast, she saw the piers, fishing villages, and whatnot, and she said, "This is affecting everything. It all has to go."
She eventually came to the shipyard just up the Kennebec, and she was horrified at the sight of all the cranes and steel, and she worried just what was getting dumped into the water. "Oh this all has to go!"
(who?)
(I need the Norse deity of nature. Not sure who that is.)
(Jörð)
(Pronounced "Yord"? Male or female?)
(call her Jord. she is the personification of the earth.)
(Okay, well, she's the one doing all this.)
(what about the others?)
Z woke up in his room.
(Others what?)
(the others at the temple and arcade.)
(I was just setting up the next arc.)
(ok)
Z stretched and went to wash up. once inside the bathroom he released his devil and helped her clean up before bathing himself.
Soon, the others stirred for another day. Ian started breakfast and turned on the news, and it came to a report about a slight rise in the sea levels around the gulf of Maine. What was odd was that it was limited to the Maine coastline. He thought nothing of it and figured he'd mention it to the others when he had a chance.
Z walked into the tea room with Dusk's Light out toweling his hair for him.
Kei had the same news report on, and there were some people on the beach, looking things over, and a brief glimpse of a very beautiful woman.
"Hi," said Z as he walked in.
"Hey, did you hear any of that report?" he asked,
Z shook his head.
Kei repeated it and said, "Odd, eh?"
(Supper.)
"yeah, odd." said Z suspiciously.
Belldandy walked in and said, "Good morning all. I hoped you slept well."
"I did," said Z
"What are you talking about right now," said belldandy, having heard part of their conversation.
"just a news report," said Z
"Oh, well, I shall ready breakfast," she said, just as there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," said Z
Skuld walked in, following the smell of breakfast.
As she did, a repeat of the headlines, including the report from Maine, came through.
Z opened the door.
She didn't pay any attention to the news and waltzed into the kitchen.
Lind was at the door, all concerned. "There's trouble in Ian's old home."
"What kind of trouble, miss Lind?" asked Z
"What trouble?" said Skuld, poking her head out.
"The coastal waters off the shores of New England are rising, and they alone! Something's not right!"
"that was on the news," said Z
"Just New England? That's strange."
"Can any of you come with me and check this out? I think Ian would be concerned, especially since his mother lives there."
"Yeah, on my way!" she said, running to the sink and turning on the faucet.
Z went to tell Ian about the problem.
"Mom!" was all he could say, and he then said, "We have to get to Maine, NOW!"
"Then let's go," said Z, "we all can teleport and Belldandy can take K1 along."
Skuld arrived on the scene, in the water, and looked around.
It was high tide, and from where she was standing, she could see a debris field under the water that normally gets washed onto a beach at high tide, but the edge of the water itself was about 3 feet past where the line normally was. Jean-Claude came out of a rock nearby on the same beach.
Z appeared and looked around, "I wonder if the cause is divine or demonic?"
"3 feet past?!" Skuld looked up to see just how many miles inland did the sea go.
In whole it was only a small gain, but a notable gain so quickly on a general basis. They were standing on the mouth of the Kennebec river that opened up to the Atlantic.
"Any ideas?" asked Z
He shrugged as there was not the sense of demonic, but actually divine.
"Can you make a levy?" asked Z
(http://www.nrcm.org/images/kennebunkport.jpg)
"Well, at least the damage isn't THAT bad." said Skuld, looking around.
"But we still have to do something quick."
"Well, it doesn't seem to be going further than that right now," he said, "It seems to be staying steady."
Urd and Bell showed up with Kei, she looked around, and she said, "Oh dear, is she feeling slighted again?"
"She? Who she? Which she?" asked Skuld.
"Skuld, have you ever had the chance to meet Jord?" asked Belldandy.
"Jord? Sounds familiar...."
Urd added, "She's the goddess of nature. She's a real tree hugger."
"I don't think I talked to her. Why? Is she behind this?"
"Well, she hates abuse of nature, and if she perceives that someone has gone far," said Belldandy, "She will use nature to stop it."
(By the way, you were a bit south on the coastline of Maine there from where they are at, but I get the idea.)
"Oh, I see how that's a problem."
"We then must explore this coastline and find out what it is that she is angry at, and see if we can find her. She'll usually take her time on this, so we do have a bit of time."
"Alright, just let me at her. I'll give her a taste of progress!"
Belldandy chuckled and said, "Easy now: sometimes, she is justified in what she does. We just have to find out what she has seen."
"We can do that by just going up river here to my hometown," said Jean-Claude, "Bath: the City of Ships."
"Okay." she nodded.
"By the way, where did Ian go?"
(Sorry, I meant Ian. Rolling so many RP responses at once right now...)
(It's fine.)
Belldandy cast an air spell to carry them up the river to see his home.
Skuld did her best and tried to fly.
The wind spell aided her greatly, and from the air, there was vast amounts of green from the forest lands round about, but, there was some towns and such along the way.
"We're there." said Skuld, pointing at the city of Bath. The rising waters had damaged many of the docked ships.
(How fast do you think the waters are rising? It is going to be slow and gradual over many days. By the way, it's "Bath," not Baths. It is called the City of Ships because, at one time, it was a major shipbuilding city, and still has one major shipyard that builds naval ships.)
(I don't know, but if it already risen 3 feet then the ships in the harbors would be affected along with shoreline buildings. If you mean 3 feet a day, then it might have risen a bit more. Maybe a couple millimeters or two.)
(I was saying that the water had crept three feet past the normal high tide line.)
(That map showed where 3 feet of water would reach.)
(Okay, maybe I went to far. I just wanted to show there was a change without significant damage yet.)
(x<or=to 1 feet would be alarming but without significant damage.)
(Check... So things wouldn't be too bad. Here's some info on the town...)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Maine
(I was doing a brief geographic research on it.)
(that link will get you familiar with the town.)
(I now know... Its' history and census?)
(What else would you like to know?)
(I think I know enough.)
As they came up river, they came to a 90 degree bend, went on for about 500 yard, and then turned back again 90 degrees. There was a small lighthouse on the second bend about 12 feet tall, but looked like a full-sized lighthouse, and he said, "That's Doubling Point Light."
"Does it still work?" asked Z
"Oh yes," he said, "It's a Coast Guard ran official lighthouse because of this bend in the river."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubling_Point_Light
"this is the first working lighthouse I've seen."
"You're kidding. They're all over the world."
"I haven't been all over the world."
"Strategically placed too." nodded Skuld.
When they came out, the shipyard was clearly seen, along with the two bridges. Ian said, "The one with the towers used to be a combination road and train bridge. They then built that modern one beside it, and only use the old one for trains."
They then saw Big Bertha, which dominated the skyline.
https://www.google.com/search?q=bath+iron+works+crane&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS512US516&espv=210&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qPKtUuefN83yoAS0uILICQ&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=924
"Any Idea how to stop the water?" asked Z
"Simple," said Lind, "We have to find Jord and talk her out of whatever she's doing."
"I meant how do we contain the tide until then?"
"How do you contain millions of gallons of water?"
"Build a dam or a levy...or a dike for that mater," said Z.
"Um...you gonna put a bulwark over the whole coast?"
"Tell me," said Z, "how skilled are you with your earth powers? You think you could make some Tsunami walls?"
"I can only pass through rock," he answered, "I control elemental states only right now: solid, liquid, and gas. I haven't mastered plasma yet; I had some--how would you say--explosive results with that?"
"I see," said Z, "can you explain what you mean by controlling elemental states? can you transmute?"
"I haven't been able to change elemental spots on the table if that's what you mean," he responded, "Adding and removing electrons and protons is yet a bit beyond me. Besides all that, if I tried to take away, or worse, add to the nucleus right now..."
Urd chimed in and said, "How would you like to see Tokyo go up in a mushroom cloud?"
"I see," said Z, "so much for that idea,"
"Adding and removing electrons won't exactly result in a nuclear explosion you know? The material you're using isn't exactly unstable." said Skuld.
"I was talking about particles in the nucleus," he said, "That means I could probably do some neat experiments in time, but I cannot, say, change lead to gold yet without disastrous results--at least Lind says not to mess with it yet."
"Even if in the nucleus, the materials here are neither packed nor are they unstable. It's perfectly safe."
"Well... I'm going to trust my teacher," said Ian, as Belldandy set them all down in a park on the waterfront.
"Alright, but it's physics we're talking about here." she shrugged.
Ian looked at it and said, "Yes... The water is higher than normal. It's like a spring high tide after a lot of rain."
"But why would Ford target here of all places?"
"...because of how all this is hurting the land," came a voice from behind.
She whisked around to see who it was. The background darkening and a look of shock and surprise overcoming her face. Her hand raised, almost covering her mouth and her flabbergasted eyes wide. In the background, one could almost hear a DUN DUN DUN!
And all it was, was a very pretty goddess, dressed in the colors of nature, with a nice smile.
"Who are you again?" she asked, cocking her head to the side with a question mark above her face.
"I am Jord--goddess of nature!" she said with a slight bow.
"And why here and nowhere else?" she asked, still in the same pose.
"Well, I haven't checked the rest of the coast yet," she said, "I'll tend to that once this area is cleansed. Oh, but don't worry: I'm doing it nice and slow to give villagers time enough to leave the area."
This she said with a cute smile, as if this was no problem.
"You mean you're going to destroy the land and the things on it, just because of the humans impact on nature?" asked Z, "are you sure you're a goddess? 'Cause that would cause a lot of misfortune for the Niddhog shares."
"Eh, what are you going to do about all the pollution then? Cars, buildings... Those things aren't going to disappear you know?"
"Hmm... That's a good point," she said, "Well, I suppose I can halt the water for the moment, and find a way to purge all that."
With glee, not even considering what Z had said about shares to the other side, she skipped off, and now, the leaves that were turning golden were coming back green. The grass seemed real healthy as well, and a bit thicker.
Z sighed, "at least the water is stopped."
However, now the stone paths were starting to sprout.
(what do you mean sprout?)
(Grass growing in places where it normally would not.)
(oh.)
"Um is that normal?" asked Z
"Ehh..." Skuld could do nothing but stare.
Urd then said, "I think I know what she means by 'purging,'" as her lip twitched. Ian asked, "Can she do this?"
"She does have certain liberties," said Bell, "She has the right to protect the Earth as she sees fit, and she is not the kind to just let wanton destruction happen. This is why she is taking her time, trying to give people a chance to move. Yet, is she right?"
Ian rubbed his chin and said, "Well, in the past, it was once a problem. I mean, the shipyard used to dump lots of junk into the water, and the old Gilmore's fishery up river a bit was not all that neat. But, measures were taken to protect things. I just don't know what she is seeing."
"Well, this is her field. She can feel things we can't. But...."
"but what?" asked Z
"But as in emphasizing my skepticism." said Skuld, going meta.
"alright," said Z, "so I assume we have to find the problem."
"Yeah, all we need to do is plant a couple skuld bombs under her bed..." she began, fishing her hand into a bag with a giant skull on it.
"For a genius, that's a pretty stupid idea," said Z, "this goddess has the power to control nature itself. bomb her in her sleep and she might use her power to ruin all your inventions and have bugs infest your ice cream stock."
Belldandy put her hand on her shoulder and said, "No, that is not the way. We have to know what she is seeing and feeling. Perhaps there are other ways to fix it that she might not be seeing."
"She's an obstacle to progress! What she's asking for practically pushes back technology a hundred years!"
"But, father gave her a job, and she does do a good one," she said, "We just have to remind her of her work her in this country with Mr. Pinchnot."
"Ehh.... Fine." she grumbled.
The grass was getting thicker, and Ian went to find his mother.
Skuld tagged along not far behind, grumbling about the road.
They soon came to the main drag...Front Street. It seemed like a mix of the modern and going back to 1895.
"Greaaat. Well, convinced yet?" said Skuld.
"Excuse me!" said Ian, "But this is my hometown! I grew up here, and I find it rather quaint and homey!"
"Then you should care more if someone's doing this to your home."
"I do," he said a bit through his teeth, "That's why I'm going to find mother."
"And then stop that goddess from doing anymore harm."
He wheeled around and said, "I want to see if mother is okay, okay!"
She grew quiet, and her face was replaced with a concerned look.
They got to a door on a three-story apartment and he took them all up three flights. He unlocked the door, saying, "Hi, mom! Came by for a visit with friends."
Entering, every plant in the house was VERY healthy. It looked more like a greenhouse now.
"Wow, it looks like a greenhouse." said Skuld, looking around.
She came out from behind the leaves and said, "Hi, honey! Yeah! things started growing like crazy!"
"Good morning." greeted Skuld.
"Who is..."
"They are the ones I told you about."
"Oh..." she then got all hospitable and said, "Hi! Ian told me all about you!"
she just smiled and stood beside her sister.
"Mom, I can't stay long," she said, "But there is trouble, and I want to get you somewhere safe."
Meanwhile Skuld was taking a look around, not leaving her sister's side.
It was a humble little apartment with a living room area, a small dining area right next to it with a kitchenette, bath and two bedrooms."
"I guess she doesn't have to pack much. That's good."
"Danger?" she asked, "What's wrong?"
"In the case the waters reach here and the need for evacuation comes. I hope it doesn't get that far."
(I want to get Trace in on this.)
(hi. sup?)
Z looked around the apartment, "maybe I can talk to Jord about helping me grow some plants."
Urd then said, "I think she's trying to grow out all the plant life to cleanse the land of pollutants before she floods.
"Why is she so intent on flooding things?" asked Z
"She thinks mankind is ruining the coast and hurting nature, so, she's passing judgment."
"Is this really the best way to do it?" asked Z
"That's HER way of doing it," answered Urd, "Are you going to argue with a goddess?"
"No," said Z, "I don't want to be blasted again."
"We'll have to convince her that things are not as bad as she thinks," said Ian.
"How do we do that?" asked Urd.
"Well, I wish we had a sub. We could go into the river and coastal areas to see what she sees from underwater, where most of any damage might be seen."
"Do demigods, Cambions, and Goddesses need to breathe?" wondered Z
"Mysteriously, yes." said Skuld.
"ok then," said Z, "Ian, how much raw ore can you create with your powers?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Ian, "First of all, I can't 'create' anything. I can manipulate existing material."
"Can you get us some raw ore? Like call it to the surface or something?"
"Now, that I can do--good Maine granite. Why?"
"If we can get some metal, I'm sure skuld can build a sub for us."
"..." stared Skuld.
"I'll see you all in a couple months."
(months?)
(To build a sub)
(She built a scythe that could cut tenth dimensional chains covering the gate of hell in hours at most! and she only had the scraps of the temple and a hammer! She can build a mini-sub easy.)
(But isn't that a scythe imbued with magical qualities? Forge the blade, attach it to the grip, imbue, and done. A miniature submarine take ten of thousands of different nuts and bolts, tons of metal plating, not to mention all the electronic systems. How long did it take for her to build the robot in the robot wars?)
(who said it needs to be a mundane sub? and what's harder to make, a submersible vehicle made out of whatever materials they can gather with two goddesses and two halflings to help, or a magic scythe that has the power to cut the chains that bind the gates of hell, using the remains of a Buddhist temple and no help from anyone?)
(A submarine? How comlpex is a scythe compared to a submarine?
A scythe requires 1-2 pounds of metal. A warped wood piece of wood. And then the divine magical seals and properties that need to be imbued into it for it to slice through the chains of hell. Half an hour to put the pieces together, and the rest of the hours to calculate the magical frequencies of the chains on the gates of hell and imbue the right magical frequencies onto the blade so it could cut them.
Now then, a midget submarine. The smallest class of submarines, anything smaller than 150 tons. For example, let's use the X-3 WW2 midget submarine by the British Royal Navy. Recommended crew size is 4 people or less. Requires at least 27 tons of metal. Those 27 tons of metals, no need for refining, needs to be separated and specialized into all the different nuts and bolts used for construction. A submarine being built at full industrial capacity (where every single resource was poured into it) took 9 months. Factoring Skuld's engineering ingeniousness, 4 and a half months.)
(is a sub harder to make than Bampei, Sigl, a giant virus eating machine, bombs, a VR helmet, a magic amplifier, a giant battle Bampei, a rubber band tank, a chainsaw, and a magic tracking device? remember she only had what was around the temple.)
(It's not harder, it's more complex and requires more time to build. The sheer amount of resources required to build one and the time to put it all together. You get any engineering team, give them the directions and blueprints to something, and they can build a robot in a matter of days.
(http://www.hsgalleries.com/gallery04/images/xcraftexpo2005_4.jpg)
^This is the sub. That is small enough right?)
(fine)
"Maybe that wasn't the best idea," siad Z
(I'm sorry, it's just that if we're going the hard sci-fi/fantasy route here [at least that's what I'm getting from paladin], then it really does require that much time.)
"Well, if all you want to do is just go underwater and look.. You could either get the materials for me and I'll built some scuba equipment for you. Or we can buy some from a local shop." said Skuld.
"don't those things require training?"
"Well, yeah. Unless you want to do it the really old fashion way and use a tube?"
"I'm just saying, do we have time to be trained?"
"No, just go in untrained. It's not like a dive operator won't let you scuba dive at vacation spots just because you're not certified. Well, no reputable ones that is."
"isn't that dangerous?"
"Well, if we're not going under too far... I'll just say this, you have more of a chance of getting hit by a car than dying from scuba diving."
"Not making me feel any better," said Z
"It's fine, it's fine. Don't sweat the small stuff." she said with a ^_^.
"Wait... Where are you going?"
"I'm going somewhere?"
(Sorry... Didn't track the dialogue.)
"Wait, if you want to build a boat, what a better place to do it than in the City of Ships?" said Ian, "There's a whole shipyard right over there. They already have the parts you want, you just have to put them in the right configuration."
"No no, that's not the problem. It's the time. 4 months is the fastest I can go." said Skuld.
He pondered, and then said, "Not unless we do something magical to convince the builders to give us what we want. Then, we can have a sub in a matter of days."
"I can do that."
"With Skuld's help," said Urd, "And the workers, it then could be a matter of hours."
"A submarine being built at the fastest speed possible with a full construction team takes 9 months. 4 months is adding in my help. At normal speeds it takes 2 to 5 years."
"What if I helped," asked Belldandy, "Perhaps I could gain the aid of some of Heaven's builders. I am certain they could get the job done."
"Well, 4 months is with a 24 hour construction day. If they can fly, that'll cut down the time by maybe 25%?"
(You're not going to let me have the sub, are you?)
"Look," Said Ian, "With the swiftness of the current, we'd be swept down river quicker than you can think if we tried to scuba."
(A submarine. In a river. The pollution it causes. One direction line of sight. This is supposed to be hard sci-fi/fantasy isn't it?)
"Hmm, how fast is the current?"
"Why don't you just turn bampei into an amphibious unit?"
"Yeah, I can do that." she nodded.
"Give me a few hours and I'll be done."
"Be sure to add a camera."
"Of course! With direct live feed too!"
"Now THAT could work," said Ian, "Send him in as a drone and do some filming."
"Shall I start on it now?"
"How long would it take to convert Banpei?"
"A few hours at most."
"awesome," said z
"Then please do so," said Ian, "The sooner the better, before this whole town turns into a rain forest."
She nodded and went to find the nearest source of water.
...which was the river itself.
She jumped in and teleported back.
Everyone freaked at the park there for a few moments, and then were confused at how she disappeared with nary a splash.
Skuld found Banpei and got to work immediately.
Sigel came up and said, "Hi! Whatcha doin?"
"Giving Banpei-kun an upgrade." she replied.
"Really?" she asked, "Are you taking him? Where have you been?"
"Yeah, I'm taking him. I was in the United States a moment ago."
"Ooh... Why so far away? It's been lonely around here lately."
"There's been trouble. And Banpei-kun is going to help fix it." she said, fully engrossed in her work.
"Well... Can't I be of use?"
"Hmm, yeah. Can you hand me that blowtorch?"
She sighed and handed over the torch, hoping more that she would have asked her to come.
Work progressed smoothly.
"Sooooooooooooo..... Am I going to have to stay and watch things again?"
"Well, somebody has to watch the house right?" she said while installing a dorsal fin.
"I suppose," she said, "It's just boring without my friends around."
a chibi Z floated up, "hi, what's going on with my main self?"
"Why not go make new friends?" she asked.
"Um hello?" said chibi Z
"Hm?" she looked up from her work.
"Oh, hey. Sorry, I didn't notice you." she apologized.
"Don't you have some kind of empathetic link with your main self? Are you completely self-autonomous?"
"I don't know what he's doing until I merge with him again. I was just working on a small project."
"I didn't think I was allowed to leave the grounds, master," she said, "Hey, who said that?"
Chibi-Z waved, "hello."
"Hey, why are you so small?"
"What kind of project? Erh. And I mean you could try to be friends with the other things on the temple right?" said Skuld, trying to hold two different conversations at the same time.
"I'm trying to work on an upgrade to the VR machine in the arcade." said chibi-Z, "I'm a chibi avatar of the real Z"
"Well, apparently, your original is in America somewhere," said Sigel.
"Oh, that sounds interesting. How is it coming so far?"
Chibi-Z shrugged, "and I'm stuck here, "It's going well. I just need to work on using runes to replicate and enhance my illusion powers."
"Sounds like it's a hassle."
"kind of," said Chibi-Z
"Whew, there and done." said Skuld, standing back to admire her work.
"How do you feel Banpei-kun?"
"what are you doing?" asked Chibi-Z
"I'm turning Banpei-kun into an amphibious drone." said Skuld.
"is this because of the flooding?"
"Yes."
"I see."
"So... Are you leaving me again," asked a dejected Sigel.
"Listen, Sigil..."
-Fine, you can come
-I'm sorry, but someone has to watch over the house
-How about this, I'll let you you leave the temple grounds but you must make sure the temple is safe
(Am I to pick one of those responses?)
(Yes)
(I wasn't seeking for her to come, but she does have to whine a little... I have to keep it in character.)
(I know)
(Let it be the second response, then.)
"I'm sorry but someone has to watch over the house Sigil. You wouldn't want to come back to a home in disarray do you?"
"*Sigh* no, I guess not..." she said moping and with a little foot shuffle, "You guys just seem to have all the fun..."
"Maybe some other time." she said.
She then looked at Banpei, knowing how he felt about her, and teased, "Still, he looks good like that--immobile on land," (referring to how he chased after her from time to time.)
"Oh, Banpei. Still waiting on that diagnostic."
Banpei just looked cross at Sigel for that slight, and then gave indication as to where they were going and then what she wanted done.
"Alright, so the modifications are working perfectly then. Let's go!"
He put out his legs so he could move, but was restricted due to the boat-like way she had fixed him.
"Oh, right. Here, I'll take you." she stuck her hand in the sink and grabbed onto Banpei before teleporting.
They then found themselves back at Waterfront Park on the river's edge. It was brackish water, and the water flowed according to the tide--inland when coming in, and to the ocean when going out.
"Alright, stay here. I'll go get the others." said Skuld.
In the meantime, things were starting to get greener, even a bit of grass starting to grow on the street.
"Running out of time..." she muttered and doubled her pace.
Z looked at her "good to see you."
Chibi-Z floated over to Sigel, "I can keep you company."
"Hey, I'm done."
"So he's ready?" said Z
"Yep, we can start observing the underwater world now."
"alright then."
Banpei looked at the pace of the river and then back at Skuld looking askance at her.
"I suppose..." she said, moping and getting on with the chores.
"Alrighty then!" she took out a giant remote control.
"Let's get to it!"
Chibi-Z floated over to help.
She pointed at Chibi Z and the remote and said, "What is that?"
Skuld started her laptop and began to remote control Banpei.
"Okay, where do you want to look?"
(what remote?)
Ian said, "Start by the two bridges over there, and then bring him by the shipyard."
"I believe that's a television remote" said Chibi-Z
(Where is Z and Chibi-Z right now so I can know who's doing what?)
(Z is in maine, and chibi-Z is helping sigel at the temple.)
"Alright." she nodded and ordered Banpei toward the two bridges.
As he went, there was plenty of straight green and thick grass-like plants, and plenty of bluefish and pogies. It wasn't quite seaweed, because it was brackish water, (a mix of fresh water and salt,) but there was life. However, there was also plenty of old wooden ship debris that would make any archaeologist happy to dig around for a while, and parts of old ship ways where the wooden ships once slid into the water. Therefore, before the bridge, there seemed no clear evidence that life was being harmed, and that nature had taken over what had been dropped there 100 to 150 years ago. However, at the bridge, there was plenty of debris left behind from the construction of the newer of the two bridges, with the older one having a semi-buried debris field from its construction in the 30's, but again, nature had well washed out all pollutants from what had happened. So far, there was not much to see.
"Well, aside from the debris... There's not much to see." said Skuld.
"Where shall we probe next?"
"Go over to the shipyard," he said, "If there is any issues, it would be there."
"Got it." she nodded and directed Banpei towards the shipyard. After passing the initial obstructions, it came into view.
Though it looked like precautions were being taken, oli. bilge, and runoff from the ships and the construction was clearly seen. A certain radius from the yard was indeed barren. Yet, this seemed to be the only area around that part of the coast that had issues.
"Well, the damage is controlled. Is this really the reason? This spot must be really important to her then." said Skuld.
"But," said Ian, "She mentioned the whole coast. I bet you, if we went to Portland--a big city--we might see something there."
"Then shall we head over to Portland this time?"
"We should," said Z
"We'll have to get the car from mom and drive there. It's 40 miles away."
"We could try to find a secluded place and teleport." said Skuld, remembering her past blunder.
"that would work," said Z, "but we'd need a Tv and a mirror there."
"Well, how did they get here in the first place?"
"I meant we need them to teleport your sisters."
"Yeah, how did my sisters get here in the first place?"
"so you can guarantee that there will be a secluded area with what you need?"
"No no, I'm asking how they got here in the first place. Where are those items now?"
"Well, this is a city," said Jean-Claude, "There's plenty of places they could have come in without issue. Besides, do they have to come on this one?"
"Not really, it's up to them."
"Well, let's just get there," he said, "That is, can you get there?"
"Of course I can get there!" and she ran out the door.
"With Banpei?" he shouted as she went.
"Yeah!" she said, jumping into the water for Banpei.
He went over to some rocks and said, "I'll meet you there."
Z used his on demonic teleportation to get there.
They met up a bit later at the city. Skuld was sitting on a pier, dangling her legs over the edge.
Z walked up, "you do know how dirty those are?"
"Which is why I'm not touching it." she said.
"It's going to take weeks to wash Banpei after this."
"Well, plop him in and let's see what we have," he said, "This is a busy port, so he needs to stay under far enough not to collide with anything. There are cargo ships, fishing boats, oil tankers and such."
"Don't worry about that, it's rather hard for a submersible to collide with a ship on accident." said Skuld, taking out her laptop and typing away.
At this, it went forward, and this time, it was a big difference. It was nothing but barren rock and mud underneath, and despite what looked like good efforts to keep it clean, there were still some levels of things in the water that were not good, though the EPA might have called it acceptable. Maybe to the EPA, but not to Jorg.
"Well, it's pretty devoid of life down here." said Skuld.
"how are the contaminates in the water?"
"Hold on, the results are coming in now..." she said, looking at the screen. It said...
Z looked.
Though the EPA might say "acceptable" what was there indeed had destroyed life in the water, and it was vast, becoming worse closer to the shore and oil storage drums.
"I see," said Z, "the water here is very polluted. I wonder if cleansing spells would work?"
"Maybe, it is possible." said Skuld.
"I'm sure there are spots like this all up and down the coast, and not just in Maine," said Ian, "I wonder if this is what is making Jorg so upset?"
"You might need to cast a spell with your angels"
"Well, what other reason could there be?"
As the looked, the grass was growing there as well, as well as plants, and the grass was just now starting to get thick enough to be a slipping hazard on the roads. Ian said, "But, how do we fix this enough to where she stops greening everything to purify it and then submerge this?"
"That I don't know," said Z, "I would recommend a powerful cleansing and something put in place to prevent it form occurring again."
"What do we put in place of it?"
Z shrugged.
"That means we'll have to corner her and find out what it would take to appease her."
Z nodded, "that I might be able to help with."
"Alright, let's go find her then. Shouldn't be too hard right?"
Z created some avatars and had them start to draw runic equations.
"Get her here and she won't run."
"Run from who?" came a voice from behind.
Z sighed, "so much for that."
"Hey, can you come here for a second?" asked Skuld.
Jorg was standing behind them, all smiles, saying, "Isn't this beautiful? I'll grow it all out, let the plants purify the land, and then flood it all out and start to get life going in the water again once I pull the waters back. Hopefully, the wasteful humans will learn to take care of things better."
Z pulled out a smartphone with a sigl in place of the company logo, "due to minor accidents due to the increased plant growth, demonic shares are increasing steadily."
"I see, I see. That's great, hey why don't chat and walk? I mean, you want to feel the grass and the good earth under your feet right?" said Skuld as she ushered her along.
"Oh sure!" she said, not catching her intentions, and said to Z, "Oh, don't fuss; it will balance back out once all is done."
"That all depends," said Z
"Yep! Hey, doesn't the wind feel nice? The smell of the air too,it's improving isn't it?" smiled Skuld as she ushered every ounce of niceness she had.
"Oh yes!" she said, "I need to ramp this up!"
With that, within moments, the grass was now three inches high, and people could hear it growing.
Z glared at skuld.
"Wow, that's quite impressive. Why don't we stop here and enjoy the view?" she said while shooting looks at Z.
"don't make her grow faster!" Z sent mentaly.
"Do your thing!" she shot back.
"if you mean trap her, give me five minutes."
"Oh no," she said, "Let's start to get decorative!"
Street signs began to have vines grow on it, buildings framed by flowers, lamp posts becoming lamp trees...
Z's avatars continued to set up runes.
"It's getting quite beautiful isn't it? Hohohoho."
Z finally finished and a spell array appeared under their feet, locking Jord in a barrier and keeping her from teleporting or using her powers.
"damn, that might be my best work yet," siad Z
"Hey, wait? What are you doing!" she said, all upset and pouty.
"We need to talk," said Z, "without you running away."
"Alright, now we can talk." Skuld pulled over a table with a single lamp on it.
"Talk?" she said, "Talk about what?"
Somehow during this time she had changed to a brown overcoat and was wearing reflective dark sunglasses. She took one of the two seats on the other side of the table and patted the next one.
Jord was confused on the intent on the other side, confused on what was going on.
Skuld began to shoot glances at Z and go 'pst!' while patting the seat beside her.
Z shrugged and sat down.
(what happened to your profile?)
(If you're asking about the picture, the administrator loves to tease me.)
"Now then, I understand that you've been flooding the coasts? May I ask.. Why...?" said Skuld.
"The humans have been destroying the life on it, and under the water," she said, upset, "They are hurting the life balance, and though you think Hell's shares are going up by what I do, in reality, they are going up more for them by what they are doing. They have to be taught a lesson. Have you never heard of divine judgment?"
"why punish them?" asked Z, "why not clean things up?"
"I've tried to convince them!" she protested, "But they won't listen! They forced my hand!"
"Humans can't force you to do anything," said Z, "It was your choice, and yours alone."
"No," she protested, "I sent them people to teach them, but they would not listen. I tried again and again. I tried to give them grace, but they abused it. Yes, I chose to do it, but only because they would not listen the ways that did not involve this. It is my prerogative to do this if they will not listen and accept the grace I gave them. They danced to the tune, now it's time to pay the piper."
"There are many other ways to do it, why have you not tried those?" she asked.
"I've sent teachers, scientists, philosophers, politicians, even took out a few public service announcements. What else?"
She pointed at her.
"You. It's you, you're the one that wants to see change happen right? No one else can do that but you. And, you must do it in human form."
"In human form? Why?"
"Because, trust is a two way thing."
"Are you saying I have to introduce myself to the humans and tell them why I am upset?"
"wouldn't hurt."
"Well, something like that."
"How would they listen to me? What would make me saying it different?"
"They won't, and it makes all the difference. You can't talk to them on another level, that'll only scare them and drive them further. But this way, you'll have a chance."
She frowned and said, "But... But... But what about a goddess' prerogative to judge when the humans have been naughty?"
Z shrugged, "I never heard about that."
"We live in the present now, it's time to move on."
"Nonononononono," she insisted, "There is still a place for divine retribution."
"To err is human and to forgive: divine." said Z
"Yes, what he said." nodded Skuld confidently.
"You also reap what you sow..." she added.
"by killing humans, what will you sow?"
"Well, I'm sure nobody has died yet." said Skuld with a ^_^'.
"Yet," emphasized Z.
"And nobody has to," she said, "Which is why I was trying to do things slow and gradual, to give them time to relocate before I purified the land."
"And where would a group this large go on such short notice?" asked z.
(waiting for you in karin)
"There's plenty of room to resettle upstate."
"you really don't know how much trouble it is for a person to up and move to a new home," said Z, "it can take months for things to be ready for one person and much longer for a large group such as this."
"Ah, the blessings of a goddess," said Jord, "If you give me a chance, I can do what I can to ease their pains."
"You can give an entire population a new home without displacing others?" said z
She then said, "With humans, as always, it is always their final choice to do as they wish. However, I can provide the means and point the way. They have to choose."
"I have a bad feeling about this..." whispered Skuld.
"...And this means my right, as a goddess, to enact something that has the potential to benefit all, but the most benefit comes to those who make the right choice. Times of testing can bring out the best, and worst, in humans, but this also shows us just who is who."
"Except that the world is changing. It's advancing too fast that the ways of the old simply won't cut it. What will they learn from this? When they have no more escape, they'll bring their machines and rebuild. They'll see that the pollution is gone and won't hold back at all. If they knew it was you who was doing this, they're very trigger-happy you know?"
Ian then added to this, "Add to this the fact that this is a somewhat atheistic society."
"Secular, not atheistic." corrected Skuld.
"So please, reconsider what you're trying to do. Find another way."
She turned a bit firm and said, "That would be the same as saying, 'Just tolerate people abusing and breaking your inventions for another couple hundred years,' after you've begged people to stop! Put yourself in my shoes! You care about your toys; think about your toys like nature, and then look at how people have treated them, no matter how much you protest. There comes a point were you say, 'ENOUGH' and allow for divine retribution to have her way!"
"And fall to their level? By seeking retribution?"
"You didn't answer the question. Answer mine first and then I might answer yours."
"That is my answer. That's why we're goddesses. That's what separates us from them. To continue doing what you do now, that'd make you no more different from them." said Skuld with a slight undertone connotation toward Z in addition to humans.
"Gee, thanks a lot, sis!" grumbled Ian as Jorg said, "So, we made this world, they are lower than us, and yet we cannot stop them when they go to far? What sense does that make?"
"Because we made them along with the world. Everything they do are as part of it as the tree that's growing out of that car right now."
"But they are not playing by the rules WE made," she protested, "They have to learn."
"Even rules change over time. You can stay in your old ways and be left behind, or you can follow us into the future."
"Oh... This is so stupid!" she protested, "We create all this and then just sit back and let the humans--the humans WE made--defecate all over it with no repercussions! Then, what is the point of us even existing? Without us, the universe would go spinning off into chaos! They have sown to the wind, but you tell me they shall NOT reap the whirlwind?"
(Come on! She has a point!)
"They're not defecating anything. If they were somehow messing everything up, we would have already used Yggdrasil to fix it. Problems are fixed from the source, not the surface."
"What?" she said, "I've been replaced by a machine?"
"What? You don't know about Yggdrasil? Well, it was upgraded so I wouldn't say you were replaced by a machine."
"Then, it's not doing it's job!" she snuffed.
"If it were in any way broken or bugged, it'd be fixed immediately by me!"
"Then why is all this happening?" she protested, "If Yggdrasil was doing as it should, this would not be a problem!"
"That's it, it's not a problem."
She pointed out towards the harbor and pleaded, "But, but, you've seen..."
"It's not me who decides things. I'm only the debugger."
"Then... Then I demand to talk to whoever is supposed to be watching these things! Someone is asleep at the wheel!"
Z stood to the side and watched the exchange.
"Yggdrasil, the World Tree."
"talk to a computer?" she said, "I want to talk to the one to whom the warnings from Yggdrasil were supposed to be detected and did nothing to correct it!"
"Well that's the problem, there was no warning. Yggdrasil has self-autonomy."
"Then, we have to find out what is going on and get Yggdrasil to correct the problem."
"Umm... Okaay?"
(Well, it is a burp in the system...)
(It's the sudden 180 in friend and foe.)
(Meaning...)
("'We?' Wait, what? I though- Nevermind...")
(Okay, what's confusing. Maybe we can figure this out.)
(She thought the goddess was her enemy and was surprised by the 'we'.)
(She's not the enemy. She is the goddess of nature, and does not like how the humans are proverbially defecating in her face.)
(To Skuld, the goddess of the future who is very techno, she is.)
"Don't you realize all life comes from the sea," she protested, "You upset that balance out there, and it will do far more and in a shorter time than anything anyone could to to the Amazon Rain Forests... about which I am also a bit miffed!"
"Well I believe with sufficient technology, there will be no need for all that." said Skuld with her arms crossed.
"Machines fail, but nature never does!" she answered, crossing her arms in the same way.
"Girls, please, this won't get anything done!" protested Ian.
"Oh yeah? What do you suggest then?" she snapped.
"stopping the flooding and plant growth until this is settled," said Z, "a swamp is starting to form."
"Hey, I'm new the divine game," answered Ian, "I wouldn't know what to suggest, unless you two found some way to marry your ideas together."
"Working with someone as old fashioned as her? Hmph." she crossed her arms and turned her head away.
Jorg matched her, and Ian sighed, saying, "I think this place is about to become a real urban jungle!"
Z pulled out an Ipad with a picture of a dragon coiled around the roots of a tree in place of the apple and pulled up the recent shares, "misfortune is rising."
But Jorg said, "The humans brought that on themselves. I won't budge!"
Z shrugged, "just letting you know that the plants are growing so much that they'll soon drain the land dry."
"Oh," she said, starting a light rain.
Z shook his head, "the plants will die anyway when the rising salt water permeates the earth."
"And they shall fertilize the soil once the purging is over and I rescind the seas," she said, as if to say, "Duh!"
"It's called the circle of life, dummy!"
"so you're saying that the high levels of salt that will be absorbed into the soil will not prevent future plants from absorbing nutrients and damage the soil structure?"
She looked at him oddly, and she said, "Of course not. The right amount of salts can actually act as a fertilizer."
(She is right: salt, in the right amounts, will aid growth. Too much would prevent it.)
(and submerging the soil in several feet of ocean water is not too much?)
(Not really, because ground that has surfaced from the oceans has been shown to be quite fertile, depending on what is grown in it. You have more than salt in it, but also the decomposing of both plant and animal life in the soil, which would feed plants.)
(Grounds that have surfaced from the oceans and that has been shown to be quite fertile is due to all the saline content being washed away by years of rain. Land based plants were never meant to grow in salted soil.)
(And she could accelerate that process once things are done.)
(it just makes me think of sewing salt into the earth. I mean a city will be submerged under the ocean long enough to remove the taint. that would allow the seawater to permeate the earth to the point where no land plants will grow.)
(But once exposed to the rain, then the salt can be washed out.)
(Then it would have to be at monsoon levels of rain for years.)
"Fertilizer? See, this is why you need technology! Natural salts immediately kills vegetation due to the sodium ions in them. Only non-sodium salts can be used as fertilizer and for that you need technology!" countered Skuld.
Ian rolled with it and said, "There you go! You two CAN work together. Maybe the two of you can clean things up to the point where, no matter what humans do, they won't wreck everything."
"What does that have to do with us working together?"
"Combine the best of what the two of you can do," said Ian, "That way, you can fix things and not have to cause widespread destruction to do it."
"... Please understand the monumental task you're speak of here. Which does not require her in the picture." she said while shooting a sideways glance at the goddess.
"I think it does," said Ian, "Considering she is the goddess of nature, and this kind of area is her responsibility."
"We're talking about artificially converting the entire ocean from sodium-chloride salt to Epsom or monopotassium phosphate salt."
"*Sigh*, no, we are talking about keeping things as they are, but cleaning up the mess and putting things in place to keep the mess from coming back."
"I think we're on different pages."
"I like how he thinks," said Jorg, "Yet, there still has to be a lesson learned."
As she said this, through a car mirror came Belldandy with a picnic basket, saying, "Ah, there you are. I thought you all were getting hungry... What is with the desk and containment on Jorg?"
"It's...complicated," said Z, "I estimate that the rising water and increased plant life will begin to adversely affect the foundation of the human buildings in about 2 hours."
"Oh boi, that's bad.
Wait, how do I help in all this?" said Skuld, still unclear at what Ian was getting at.
Belldandy set the basket on the desk and said, "Skuld, is there a problem?"
"Yes, what did Ian mean when he said I could help out."
She gave a curious look to Ian, and he explained all that had happened. "Oh, I see," said Belldandy, "And it is science versus nature right now?"
"That's pretty much it," he answered.
She looked at the two of them and said, "Oh dear. Come now: both of you are smart. But, if you work together, you could solve problems. Jorg, you have every right to protect nature, for that is your job. But, the last time this was needed, there was far less people on Earth, so it was not as bad. Now, there are billions, and 300 million in America alone. To do things the old way is not good. You have to find new ways to accomplish the same things."
Jorg looked surprised and said, "But, she's your sister! Of course you would side with her!"
"I still don't get what I said that led to the idea of us working together."
"*sigh* nobody said it," said a frustrated Ian, "I suggested it--I said it! You two seem to be fussing about nature versus technology--whose way of handling man's foolishness is better. Jorg thinks divine retribution, you say use machines to fix everything. Am I right about that or wrong?"
"Yes, so what led to that idea."
"Because of the way neither of you were making headway," said Ian, "What I saw was an example of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. You know what has to happen at that point, right?"
She folded her arms and looked the other way.
"to put it simply," said Z, "to save the humans and purify the land so they won't corrupt it again, you need to work together to create a solution using technology that will help nature also."
Belldandy was disappointed and said, "Now Skuld, that is not the way to act before your fellow goddess."
"Well... As long as I get to use technology."
Jorg looked at Belldandy and said, "Do you really think nature could mix with that?"
"Of course," she said with a smile, always the voice of reason, "Anything is possible as long as you have the imagination to see it in your mind."
Jorg thought for a moment, and she said, "An organic machine to preserve the balance? Could she pull something like that off?"
"With your help, I am sure of it," Bell said gleefully.
"An organic machine...?"
"Basically, bionics. Combine your technology in such a fashion that nature can maintain it. It thus becomes self-sufficient, and keeps things the way they are supposed to be. Could you make a machine out of organic material: living plants, rock, that kind of thing."
Urd knew what to say and then said, "Nah, no way. There no WAY she could EVER do anything like that. That's way beyond her. It's far too complicated for a little kid like her to even try."
"Techo organics," mused Z, "that gives me some ideas."
Skuld shot a glare at Urd.
"This is completely outside of my area of expertise. Organic machinery is completely different from the technological path I, no, this entire world has chosen. I'm going to have to start from ground zero."
Jorg seemed lost in thought, and said, "But I was a part of the framing of nature, so, maybe we could do this together if I started with you?"
Suddenly, all the plants began to stop growing, and the water stopped rising. Neither were receding, but it seemed they were on a holding pattern. Jorg actually seemed interested in giving this a shot, and Belldandy said, "Now THAT is the spirit!"
"Oh? What will you do then? The first thing I need to do is crack the genome sequence. And then re-engineer everything and show it to the humans so that they replace their machinery with it."
"That should be easy," said Jorg, using her magic to literally peel away one cell from a piece of kelp and transported it to them. She then began to say, "What is small to our eyes, open up to us with great surprise; what is both young and old, open to us and reveal the code."
The cell began to expand until it was big enough to cover the desk, looking like a large, clear crate with green balls moving around in it, along with other things common to plant cells. A tunnel to the nucleus then opened, and what looked like a twisty link chain came up and then coiled before Skuld. "There you go," she said, "And large enough for now to pick up and look over."
"That's not cracking the genome sequence. Anybody can see it, it's reading it that's the problem." she said, opening her laptop and running up a couple programs.
"I need a laboratory. We're going to have to test all 81,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 combinations and see what they do. Coffee or soda?"
Urd then said, "Why don't the two of you come back to the temple with me? Use my lab. I'll show you which chemicals to use."
"Really? I thought all you knew how to make were aphrodisiacs and sleeping potions." said Skuld while snickering.
She furrowed her eyes and said, "Which would constitute knowing something about chemistry?"
Jorg seemed happy now, and everything suddenly started to recede.
"I'd like to help if I can," said Z as he deactivated the sealing array."
"Fine, fine." she said, holding her hands up.
"I think I can shorten the time needed to examine everything if I have some help with the runic arrays in my project."
"Then, let's get everyone back," said Urd, and Ian said, "I'll catch up as I say goodbye to mom...and pick something up I've been craving."
Z nodded and cleaned the array from the ground. "So, who here is skilled with runes at a masters level?"
Urd smiled and said, "You're looking at her."
"This is going to take some time."
"great," said Z, "I'm trying to use a runic array coupled with my illusions to create a simulated time displacement field where a person's perception of the passage of time as altered to make it seem that time around them is slowing down when actually they are accelerating so work can be finished faster."
"Mmm, ahh psychics. I'm not good with that stuff."
"But is that not Keiichi's area?" asked Belldandy.
"That's mechanics. Which is my area too."
"Yes, but, physics and engineering go hand in hand."
(Remember: Keiichi went to school and got an engineering degree.)
"This is black hole dynamics and space-time flow physics, not robotics."
(Wrong area of studies)
(You understand what I am trying to do, right? In this, we are only limited by our imaginations.)
(If Keiichi is able to crack classical Eisenstein physics, find its coexistence ground with quantum physics, and develop the Grand Unified Theory that has plagued scientists ever since the beginnings of modern science... Then yes, I'll go with it if this is no longer had sci-fi/fantasy but a mix with soft.)
(Oh, I was talking about just the goddesses. I figured a deity could do far more than a human. I mean, they MADE the laws of nature, and can affect them, AND we've seen what they can do when unleashed!)
"I don't think my project has to do with black holes," said Z meekly.
"Black holes and time alteration goes hand in hand apparently. I don't know, I saw it in some science magazine somewhere." said Skuld.
(Oh, that's fine then. Just keep Sanderson's Law in mind.)
"It's not time alteration per say," said Z, "it's more the alteration of the perception of time to the extent that you speed up."
(Sanderson's Law?)
Jorg was drumming her fingers and saying, "I think we're straying off track."
"Oh, then I have no idea."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Sanderson#Sanderson.27s_Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Sanderson#Sanderson.27s_Laws))
(So, which way on those laws do you wish to swing?)
(Way? I'm fine with anything as long as I understand what style we're doing from the beginning.)
(Well, let's let divine magic have its way, mixing in the laws of science where appropriate.)
(So soft then.)
(Not too soft. I don't want it to become ridiculous.)
After they arrive at Urd's room, Skuld stopped.
"Actually, I'm going to need a computer. A really really big and powerful one."
"Why is that?" asked Z
"I don't think I can use Yggdrasil for these kind of things."
"I see," said Z.
Ian brought in his iDrassil (TM) laptop he got as a gift when he first met Lind and learned the truth about his heritage and said, "Here, sis. Isn't this a laptop version of Yggdrasil, and hooked up to the HWW?"
(the (TM) is my little joke, and HWW means Heaven Wide Web.)
She took the laptop and looked up at him.
"You know this'll be in your name right?"
"What would be the problem in that?" he asked, not sure what the danger was.
"Weeeeell... I've been scolded one too many times for improper use of Yggdrasil."
"For example...." he said, looking at her out to the corner of his eye.
"No need for the details. Let's do this." she said quickly.
"And just how do you think you'll get in trouble for this?" he asked not dropping the issue.
"Well, it's not exactly proper use."
"We're trying to do something good. How's that improper?"
"Yggdrasil is supposed to be fixing things. What we're doing isn't that."
"I wonder if Mom would let me access Nidhogg for this?" mused Z as he pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number.
"Then, that must mean that the system has some bugs," said Ian, "Then, wouldn't you be fixing that?"
This was as Z got the switchboard of Nidhogg.
"May I speak to Hild?" asked Z, "This is her son, Z."
"Hold one please," she said, as the muzak came on, and happened to hit the Rolling Stone's "Sympathy for the Devil" at that moment.
Z chuckled and waited.
"...Pleased to meet you; hope you guess my na** Hello, Hild speaking."
"Hi mom," said Z
"Well, to what do I owe this pleasure?" she asked, "You could call a bit more often, you know," (sounding like most moms.)
"Things are happening," said Z, "I actually need a favor."
"Oh really, and what does my male Persephone need?" (her referring to his six months with her and six months with Bell.)
Z explained what had been happening, "so I'd like to help clean things up by letting them tap into Nidhogg temporarily."
"Ooh, tricky," said Hild, "Who is it that will have access?"
"...Skuld," said Z carefully.
Silence. Then she said, "And you would REALLY trust her in our systems?"
"You could set up a restricted access to keep her out of the sensitive systems," said Z.
"SHe's a hacker," she answered dryly, "She'd worm and trojan horse her way through."
"I could make her swear through a contract," offered Z, remembering the contract he was forced into with Lind.
"No, but I have a better idea. Be prepared to receive a guest."
"um, ok." said Z
At that moment, Skuld got a ring on her cell.
"Hello?" she answered.
And out came Hrungnir, saying, "I hear you need more computer power."
Z gave a slight bow, "Hrungnir-sama."
She bowed back.
"Errh, yeah." she replied.
"Isn't it interesting how life works," said Hrungnir, "Before, we fought each other, and now, we work together. Hild sent me because we would be mutually accessing each other's systems, so this way there won't be funny stuff. You don't hack ours, I don't hack yours. Second, since this would be a mutual effort, then use of the systems in the way we intend shouldn't be an issue. Now, let's get to work. I understand we're attempting to make organic machines. Interesting challenge!"
"Yes yes, I'm sure your side would live it since it breaks every moral code out there...
Well, we shouldn't waste any time. Let's get to work."
Z turned to Urd, "If you'll help me I could try and finish my time displacement runes to speed the work up."
"Later," she said, "I have to be here to make sure they use the right chemicals, and then to keep them from fussing. They are rivals after all."
"I understand," said Z, "I'll get started in the meantime."
Sure enough, it didn't take long... "Come on, Skuld! You coddle your machines way too much! The tubes have to grow circular. The way you're doing that, they're going to clog!"
Z could hear them argue from his room and plugged in some earbuds.
"If they are all circular, they're just going to end up circling each other forever and ever you backwater freesh!" argued Skuld.
"Backwater Freesh!" she shouted, "You're one to talk, tech nerd who never leaves her room and has no life!"
"At least I leave it more than you! You probably haven't talked to another being until now!"
Meanwhile the technique was already discovered so the point of their argument turned out to be of personal taste than actual progress.
...but that is the sad thing about rivals sometimes: you make great progress in getting nowhere. "Oh yeah!" she said, all pouty, "You act like I have no friends!"
"Oh, so you did?" she asked, putting her hand up to her eyes and looked around.
"Well... Not here, of course!" she snuffed, just as Belldandy came in and said, "I have some ice cream for my hard working girls!"
"We'll finish this later." whispered Skuld.
"Ice cream!"
However, Hrungnir was just as enthusiastic, "Yeah! Ice Cream!"
"I'm glad you are happy!" answered Belldandy in return.
While eating the bowl of ice cream, a thought came across Skuld's mind.
"So how are we going to release this. I mean this is pretty revolutionary."
"Well, the bay in which the problem is would be a good place to start," she said, "Any experiment has to start small."
"So just give the technology to the people at the bay?"
"No," she said, "We have to do it in secret, because, knowing humans, they would..."
And then she remembered the calamity that could be caused if humans used this and somehow twisted it so that it could be used to harm one another. Shares for Niflheim would skyrocket. She then said, "...would do fine. In fact, sure! Let's give it to them and tell them every last thing it would do. They would spread it, and the whole world could be saved."
"Ehh, alright." she took the dis out from her laptop.
"So what, just drop this off at the nearest research lab?"
"Strange you're so trusting with the humans," said Urd to Hrungnir, "Don't you think they'd find a way to abuse this? This IS kind of beyond them for tech..."
"Don't worry about." said Skuld with a =.= while waving her hand.
A chibi-Z floated in, "how's it going?"
Hrungnir let out a quiet little evil chuckle and rubbed her hands as Skuld was buying it hook, line, and sinker. "You trust a demon," questioned Urd, "You trust a demon to help us without strings attached to benefit them?"
"Hey, that's not fair!" pouted Hrungnir.
"Life isn't fair," pointed out Chibi-Z
"No, it's just that it'll be really hard for the humans to mess this up with this technology. Like... Getting a full unlock clear on the fist play though of a game on insane difficulty."
Jorg was not as skeptical and said, "I'd trust Hild about as far as I could throw her."
"Alright, what do we do with this then?"
Chibi-Z floated to sit on Urd's shoulder to watch.
"Do it secretly," said Jorg.
"Tell the humans," said Hrungnir.
"I agree with Jorg," answered Ian.
"What do you know, half-breed freak!" snapped Hrungnir.
"Now, Hrungnir," mildly scolded Belldandy, "That was not nice."
"Alright alright, how do we do it secretly. It's impossible. This is architectural technique, a blueprint, a way to build new things. Unless we secretly switch out all the machinery in the world for this in one night..."
"I also take offense to the half-breed comment," scowled Z.
"But how would we keep them from finding some way of making this a diabolical weapon?" asked Ian, "Too often, that has been the end result of... mphfff."
Hrungnir was on his back, trying to cover his mouth, as if that was some dirty secret he should not be telling.
"Well, tell me. How would we make this a diabolical weapon?"
Hrungnir: "Don'tlistentohimhedoesn'tknowwhathe'stalkingabout, hehehehehe.....OW! STOP BITING MY FINGER!"
Ian: "*gasp* I don't know how, but man always finds a way!"
(Gee, and I thought this was a funny scene. *sigh* epic fail again...)
(I think we have different views on humor. ^_^')
"Well, so I guess we'll just apply it to this town then?"
(I just thought it odd Skuld didn't notice any of that.)
(Any of what?)
(I thought it was funny.)
Z knew what hrungnir was planning but kept silent because, he wanted Skuld to figure it out. that and if he pointed it out, his mother would punish him.
(Any of Hrungnir leaping on the back of Ian and trying to stop him from revealing her true intentions as she covered his mouth.)
(I liked that scene)
(Well, my sense of confusion takes place before my sense of humor.)
Ian finally said, "Skuld, it's a trick! She's trying to cause it so your invention causes more problems than it solves, and getting more shares for hell!"
"Is that really what you're so worried about? I suppose cracking the code can bring about bad things but I'm pretty sure the benefits over-weigh the risks." said Skuld, scratching her head while staring at the disc.
"Like I said, it'll be pretty hard for them to mess things up. I mean, instead of building machines or constructing buildings. They literally grow them now. Living cars and ships, biological computers. Do you think the constructs would WANT to cause problems?" she asked.
Urd then said, "I don't think humans are ready for all that. Besides, we'd need to test it ourselves to see if what you made worked. Then, if it did, we could then start installing it in all the cesspools of pollution all over the world and let things take care of themselves."
(I wasn't looking to go that far.)
(In terms of organic machinery, technology would be that far.)
"Install it in cesspools? All that work and it's for cesspools?" she said in disbelief.
Chibi Z chuckled, "using it on Landfills would work too."
Belldandy said, "I do not think he meant literal cesspools. I think he was speaking metaphorically about places where pollution is bad, as in the port you saw today."
"So... We rebuild all the ships and replace all the machinery?"
"I thought you were building something to filter out the pollution in the harbors and waters and keep it clean?" asked Urd.
"No, it was organic machinery remember?"
(Organic machinery to clean up the water. That was what I thought I said.)
(It doesn't need to be organic to clean up the water. A regular machine can do that rather efficiently. For it to be organic requires a tremendous high level of technology.)
(But you can hide it better--a lot better--if it looks like the rest of the environment. I just wanted to come up with a neat plot device and give Skuld something to do. Was that such a bad thing?)
(No, it's not. It's just the technology needed for organic machinery. We have radio towers that look like trees, purifiers hidden in nature, etc. already.)
(I was just trying to take it one step beyond and give Skuld a challenge I thought she would relish, being that she loves a good challenge like that.)
(Yes, she loves to accept challenges to her ego.)
(Then, making devices like that to clean up the water, that maintain themselves because they are organic, and blend in because they are technically alive was the intent of the whole thing. I am sorry I didn't make that clear enough.)
(That was what she made. Well,she only got the code/blueprints for it, she hasn't made it yet.)
Hrungnir jumped down and snuffed, saying, "Okay, you designed it, but good luck thinking you can actually make something like that. I'm going home. None of you are that much fun anyway."
And before she left, she said to Skuld, "And I still make better stuff than you," and vanished.
"I was hoping she could drop off the most recent issue of the Nifflheim JUMP comics." sighed Z, "I know she's a closet fan."
"Ehh, she's kind of right. Urd-nee, how good is your laboratory?"
"It's top notch," she said, "You know that. I have all the microscopes and Bunsen burners, tubes and beakers you need," as a small cloud formed and the issues dropped on Z's head that he had missed.
chibi-Z grabbed the issues and flew to his room.
"Well, most of all I need organic matter and an incubation chamber."
"what kind of organic matter?"
"Any, doesn't matter"
"would plant matter work?
"Yes, it should work."
"I have some samples of aquatic plant life."
"I'm going to need a lot of organic matter though. How much samples do you have?"
"Lots," said Z, "I keep it in a pocket dimension."
"Alright, I'm going to need at least a couple hundred pounds of it."
Z handed her a bag with runes sewn in.
"take as much as you need."
(the bag is like mary poppin's bag.)
She took the bag and looked at him.
"Can you take me to your pocket dimension?"
"Um, I think I can."
"Alright, let's get to it."
Z pulled out some chalk and drew an array on the ground and then tied a rope to his and skuld's waist and anchored it to the ground.
She stared at all this and had to ask.
"It's not going to hurt or anything is it?"
"No, but there's a reason I summon things with magic instead of entering physically. the rope is to ensure we can find our way out again. it's like the thread used in the labyrinth."
"I see..." she nodded, not a bit eased.
"I'll be right back," said Ian, going to the rock garden. He then went through it, went back to Maine in Reid State Park, got about four kinds of seaweed, and came back. "Will this work, sis?"
"Well, yeah. Anything organic would work. I just need roughly over a hundred pounds of it."
"ready?" asked Z
"Yeah." she nodded, mentally preparing herself for whatever was about to happen.
Z led her to the array and they passed through it like water to find themselves in a large warehouse having entered though a door.
"Wow, nice place." said Skuld, looking around.
"thank you," said Z, "I believe the plant samples were this way."
"Alright." she nodded and followed him
Z led her to a large greenhouse area with numerous sealed tubes that had runes on them to preserve the plants inside.
"Wow, you really do have a lot. What do you do with all this?" she asked.
"I practice potion making with human ingredients with the hope that humans can make them one day with the right push."
"So... Basically herbal medicine huh?" she said as she began to gather the plants.
"some of it," said Z
After gathering a rather large sack, she tied it up and hefted it onto her back.
"Okay, this should be enough."
"alright then," said Z as they followed the rope back and emerged from the runic array.
"Alright, next we need an incubation chamber built. So we start growing this machine."
"You're the techie," said Z
"Give me a few hours while I remodel Urd's room then." she said, quickly finding the nearest body of water.
"She's not going to like that," muttered Z
She teleported back to the house and headed into Urd's room. Almost immediately, the sounds of bolts being mechanically screwed in and welding could be heard.
Urd was engrossed in another soap opera.
Z decided to join her.
The hours passed by quickly and Skuld came out of Urd's room with a black and sooty face.
"Okay! Everything's ready!"
Urd watched the last show, stretched, and went to her room to await Belldandy's call for supper.
Her room had turned into some kind of mad scientist's laboratory.
Urd walked in, and the scream caused even Banpei and Segal to look around at what it was they heard.
Z activated wards around his room to protect it then headed over.
(http://www.dominicqwek.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Set_HyperionLab_03.jpg)
"It's magnificent isn't it?" said Skuld smugly.
"I'd run if i were you,"
"What...did...you...do...TO...MY...ROOM!" she thundered.
"I upgraded it. Now we can carry out the experiments." said Skuld, walking in and putting on a lab coat.
"IN MY ROOM!" she shouted with a question, "OOOOOHHHHH!!!! GET READY FOR SOME DIVINE RETRIBUTION, CHILD!"
Z sighed, "please don't destroy the temple,"
"Eek!" she made a run for it.
"But you said we could do it at your room! I found it a bit lacking so I made a few adjustments~~~" she said while running.
As she chased her out, she shouted, "When I catch you, the useless machines I'll make you build will last for 300 years!"
"That is i- .... No problem!" she said while running down the hall. She rounded the corner, shut the door, and ran outside into the yard.
"What? What's that supposed to... Ugh!" She said, being stopped by the closing door.
Skuld looked for the nearest body of water, jumped in and teleported away.
"I'll come back later when she's calmed down. Now then, ice cream~ ice cream~"
Z sighed, "so what are we going to do without her?"
She walked in, looking for anything that was hers, her library, scrolls, spellbooks, chemicals, formulas...
There was a cardboard box in the corner labeled "Urd's stuff".
Nervous, she slowly opened the box to see what was left.
It was literally all her stuff but crammed together. At least the chemicals were stored in jars.
Yet, everything was just there! She sat there and whimpered, "All my organization! All my equipment, all my cataloging! I'M GOING TO KILL HER!"
Meanwhile...
Skuld came out of the convenience store with an ice cream bar.
(Later...)
It was now dinner time, and Urd sat at the table with the others, steam pouring out of her ears. Belldandy was wondering where Skuld was.
Skuld popped in and sat down at the opposite and farthest end of Urd.
She stared at Skuld and chewed slowly, saying nothing. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Meanwhile Skuld was eating quickly, as if trying to get out of there as fast as possible.
Urd then said, "And guess who has the duty of setting my things back in their proper places after dinner tonight?"
"But we haven't even started!" said Skuld.
She drummed her fingers on the table and said, "I mean, I want my stuff put SOMEWHERE in there as it was. I figure there is room now for that, or did you have total disregard for my things and my space again?"
She had to admit, the equipment would come in handy for her use, so she was not about to tell her to take it apart, but for her, is was as if Skuld was trying to tell her to move out or something.
"Well, I put them all in that box." said Skuld, mentioning the larger-than-space box.
"I WANT MY LAB BACK!" she snapped, "I live here too, you know. What would think if I turned your room into a boudoir?"
"Move next door." she said, sticking her tongue out.
"Hey, that's my house!" protested Ian, thinking that she just might do it.
"Well it's fine isn't it? You have room for on more." she replied, mentally grinning and going along with it.
"Well, I..."
"NO!" cut in Urd, "This is MY home, too! For once, I would like to see a little respect for your older sister!"
"Well then maybe you have to earn it, old hag."
A ball of energy crackled in her hand, saying, "WHO YOU CALLING 'OLD HAG'! THIS FOR SOMEONE STILL IN A TRAINING BRA!"
Belldandy stepped in, saying, "Please, girls, let us not fight at the dinner table..."
Z ate some rice, "at least take it outside so we're not caught in the crossfire."
"Training bra?! Well at least I don't have to deal with sags reaching the tips of my toes when I get old!" Skuld snapped back, challenge accepted.
Two balls of energy encircled the pair, took them outside, as Belldandy said firmly, "If you insist on this behavior, please take it outside."
"Belldandy-neesan!" protested Skuld.
"I cannot have you destroying the kitchen while we are trying to eat," she said, "If you two must play rough, please do it outside."
"Tch..." she sulked back into the house.
Urd grumbled too, and sat herself, going back to eating and staring at her, plotting her next move.
After Skuld finished her dinner, she cleared her plate away and headed toward Urd's room.
"I'm going to start working on it."
Urd sent a chibi to see just what "it" was she worked on.
She was powering up machinery left and right. Machines whirred and giant glass tanks were filled with strange liquid. It looked like some kind of mad scientist at their work.
Urd was miffed. She was supposed to set her things back out. Even if she left the equipment, (which was okay by Urd,) she wanted her things back, in order, properly catalogued and arranged as they had been. She would not be able to find anything she had otherwise.
She continued the experimentations.
"Curious," she said, "When you put my shelves back up somewhere in this, you DO have it cataloged what went where, right?... Riiiiiiiiiiiiight?"
She thought for a moment before replying.
"No."
The proverbial sound of her jaw hitting the floor was monstrous!
'Now stop bothering me, I need to concentrate."
She came up from behind, knuckles in each of Skuld's temples, angry, saying, "DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WORK YOU WRECKED! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF I MESSED WITH BANPEI?"
"Owowowowow, I'll just fix him then! owowowow!"
Belldandy heard the commotion, and said, "You know, Urd does have a point. You did not exactly treat her things nicely when she gave you permission to use her lab. I know what you are doing is extremely important, but what she does is important to her as well. I think you owe her an apology, and need to find a way to put her things back right before you continue."
"The lab is fine as it is," said Urd, "I would have just liked it if certain individuals... *grind, grind, grind the temples* ...would have had my things in mind when she built this."
"Owow, it's not like you had much to begin with! *mumble* *mumble*I'msorry*mumble *mumble*"
"Oh, did I hear, 'I'm sorry'?" *grinding less severe*
"Yes! Alright, I'm sorry! There, I said it."
"Right then," she said, "Don't ever understand why I have to extract that kind of thing out of you."
She let go and went to her things, pulling them out and starting to categorize them all over again.
Z walked over with two chibi selves to help her.
Meanwhile SKuld returned to the experimentation.
Jorg came in to check on the progress.
Floating inside a incubation tank full of a green liquid was some kind of organic mass.
"Ooh..." she said, "Interesting. I never saw plant life quite like that."
Meanwhile, Urd could be heard to say, "Ugh, the labels are gone! Is this the laxative, or the one that makes body hair grow..."
"Will we have to test each one?" asked Z
"It's not plant life. It's the seed to a factory." said Skuld.
Jorg looked at her like a calf looking at a new gate.
"What? Test them on you?"
"No!" said Z, "I meant use equipment and chemical reactions to test what the contents are."
"With this, the entire manufacturing process can be done by this little thing. Of course it'll grow to be rather big. By using an air-carbon filtration system, it can use the carbon dioxide in the air and reconfigure them into whatever is required." said Skuld.
"Oh marvellous!" said Jorg, bouncing up and down with a cute little clap.
"Hey, Skuld? Where's the vent hoods? I have to do some tests to find out what these are."
"What vent hoods. This is a biochemical laboratory, not a chemistry lab. Everything is done behind incubation chambers." said Skuld.
"Well, I just can't test some of this in here without that," she said, "What if this was some kind of aphrodisiac? Could you imagine what that would do?"
Skuld walked into a small decontamination room and came out with a full HAZMAT suit.
(LOL!)
Jorg was confused and asked what that was all about.
She broke out into a mischievous grin.
"No no, nothing's wrong. This is just standard procedure for what I'm doing. You should stick around near them."
Jorg backed off, a bit frightened at her intentions. Urd took the things in question and took them outside to test.
Z followed to help his sister.
Skuld returned to er experiments.
(Wanna jump forward a bit?)
:night:
(sure)
(Sure.)
With hours of work and nearly getting high on her own stuff, she had everything set up. Jorg was constantly asking what Skuld had gotten done.
Skuld took out the pulsing thing and sealed it inside a jar.
"Okay, now all we need to do is plant this into the ground and it'll grow into an organic factory."
"So, this will help keep harbors clean and no one will know?" she asked.
"Well, all we need to do is to replace those factories and you just stopped a major source of pollution. And then we'll grow some filters too to clean up the waste."
"Replacing whole factories?" she said, scratching her head, "I though all you were doing was creating underwater filters that were organic, self-maintaining, that no one would know was there, keeping things clean."
"That's my sister," said Urd, "Always going above and beyond the call of duty."
"Which you suck at by the way." said Skuld, sticking her tongue out.
"Anyway, the underwater filter seeds are being grown right now and should be done in 22 hours."
Jorg was happy, but was at a loss with the factories. She had not asked for that.
Urd then said, "All it means is you go way overboard!"
"Not way overboard, the technology and stuff is all there. There are seeds being grown for cars, ships, and even planes."
Jorg was shocked, now not knowing what do do, and said, "What have I done!"
"Hm? Thought you wanted something like this. No machines polluting your precious nature right?"
"Well, I, that is..." she was muttering, but she now realized there was a find line between keeping things right and forcing things down other people's throat.
(I'm guessing she really didn't do the cars and factory thing, but was trying to teach Jord a lesson?)
"Well, think about it. If you really want everything to be like the way you said, just press this button and the organic mass will undergo transformation." said Skuld.
"Well, I mean, not to that extent!" she said, "Besides, the humans would have to learn to control it, for, because it grows, it would keep growing and growing, and they may lose control of it. I mean, I just wanted to clean up the waters, not create what could turn into a Frankenstein's monster!"
A Chibi Urd hopped onto Skuld's shoulder and whispered, "You don't often get it right, but when you do, you rock, kid!"
She stared at her.
"Humans start out small and grow big right? What stops them from growing?"
Chibi Urd then whispered, "Um, I think she's rethinking the whole thing. I think you're teaching her she was going too far in what she was doing, or at least that seems the results of this..."
Z chuckled, "This was all quite amusing and now I have funny stories to tell mom in a few months."
Jorg looked at Skuld and said, "Have I really been that foolish?"
"Well, yes. If you can't even understand what I just made." she mumbled, not particular happy because her intelligence was just insulted.
And truth was, she really didn't understand. She was not used to following tech, being the nature goddess and all. Urd then whispered, "Perhaps you should put it in terms she can understand."
"This." she said, pointing to the incubation chamber.
"Is the epitome of biological engineering. If one can learn and even comprehend how to use this, then that person would be way too smart to mess it up. What I was warning you about wasn't that humans could mess this up and create some sort of freakish monster, no. If they can comprehend this, they'd be too smart for that.
No, the real problem is what comes with this knowledge. The ethical and moral ground rules that would be completely trampled by this. At this level, they are able to completely biologically engineer a human being into any way they wish. From body physique to mental thought patterns to even emotions. With. Complete. Knowledge. Over all of it. Those madmen with dreams of creating a race of super humans will be possible."
Jorg was now horrified! She, in her overzeal, almost granted the power of the gods to mankind. "NONONONO! You mustn't give any of that to them! Oh dear! What I have I done!"
Chibi-Urd smiled and whispered to Skuld, "Kid, ya done good! You should be proud of yourself."
Skuld let out a sigh and folded her arms.
"So, I leave things to you. I did all the work of making this, if you regret it you better tear it down with your own hands."
She cringed at the though of having to do this, and was about to back down when the phone rang. Belldandy answered and said, "Jorg, It is my father. He wishes to speak with you."
Jorg let out a peep of fear, and went white-faced to the phone.
(do you want me to be Tyr?)
(Sure... Daddy's not happy with her taking matters into her own hand about the sea coast thing.)
"Jorg," said the voice of the almighty one, sounding like he was restraining his anger, "what's this I hear about flooding the coast?"
"B..b..but...they made things nasty and filthy! They were hurting fishies and cute duckies! They had no appreciation for how hard I worked to make things clean and pretty," sounding a lot like Fluttershy.
"That did not give you the authority to cause trouble to the humans by flooding them out of their homes."
"But I did it slowly enough that they could move... They could have relocated..."
"Why did you think that you could make that decision?"
"I'm the goddess of nature. I have to protect my little friends," she answered all pouty.
"nevertheless, you will be disciplined and given time to think over what you could have caused."
"OOooooooOOOOOhhhh," she said, all whiny, looking back towards the lab she may now have to dismantle.
"I'm going to limit your powers and you will be grounded, so to speak. you'll have a chance to see how the humans live. now if you could hand the phone over to Belldandy."
She sighed with an ashen face as she hands over the phone. Belldandy looked all happy as she said, "Yes, daddy?"
"Jorg will be staying with you for a while. Her powers will be restricted to what a 2nd class goddess will have by seals that are next to the phone."
earrings like belldandy's were next to the phone.
"Oh, well then, I sure hope we can find the room for her," said Belldandy, "I suppose she can have my old room before I went in with Keiichi."
"Thank you," said Tyr, "please take care of her."
"I shall, but I think she is upset at having to disassemble the interesting laboratory that Skuld created."
"Laboratory?" asked Tyr
"Oh yes..." and she described everything that happened.
"that is interesting," said Tyr.
(this could prompt him to send the muses.)
"So, you see, Skuld taught her a fine lesson on this. Oh, she is growing so well!"
"I believe the muses would like to see this."
"You mean, from the Relief Office, Greek Division?"
"the same," said Tyr, "they gave the greek devision head, Zeus, a hard time because they didn't get time off to see your wedding. I never want to hear blues sang off key so badly again. Or poetry so bad your skin crawls."
"Oh, well, it might be fun to have them visit!" she said all happily, "I hope Terpsichore is doing well. It has been a long time since we had a good girl's night out!"
(Terpsichore: Greek for Pinkie Pie!)
"they will arrive tomorrow," said Tyr.
"Oh, excellent, I shall let everyone know! Love you, daddy!"
"I love you too my daughter."
"Bye-bye," she said, and spread the news. Skuld was a bit peeved, considering all the work she did was going to get dismantled, but Belldandy said, "Oh, fear not: the muses are coming to see it."
"The muses?" said Urd, her lip twitching, "That bundle of drama? You're not serious, are you?"
"Very much so," said Belldandy with her normal cheerful look.
"Who are the Muses?" asked Z as he walked in.
"They are cousins and goddesses from the relief office, Greek division," said Belldandy, to which Urd added glumly, "And all act like they are in high school."
"Sounds...interesting," said Z with a sweatdrop.
(Why does My Little Pony come to mind? I'm no Brony, but I know enough that they actually improved it a lot from the original, and the ponies they have I am familiar with.)
"Oh, you shall love them," she said, "They are goddesses that grant artisans and scientists wishes and inspiration to achieve the great things they do."
(I have no idea,)
"Hmm," said Z, "I knew the norse gods and goddesses existed, along with the devils, but I didn't know about other religions."
"Well, we dominate," said Urd, "but they are actually all a part of us, and we kind of work together. In fact, some of us are called by different names in those cultures."
"I see," said Z, "So they're coming tomorrow?"
"Oh yes," said Belldandy, "And they want to look at Skuld's work. They seemed impressed."
Skuld brightened, feeling good to know that someone was appreciating her hard work.
"Cool," said Z, "so why are there seals by the phone?"
"Oh..." she said taking them up and telling them about what was going on with Jorg, who immediately pouted and teared up.
Z shrugged and went to grab a soda from the fridge.
Ian was pleased to learn more about the other half of his heritage.
z came back with hi drink, "do we have work today?" he asked Ian.
"Yeah," he said, "Tomorrow's off from work but I have classes."
"I'll head out then," said Z, "I'll tell mom you said hi, Urd-nee-sama."
"Uh...right," she said, not wanting to say 'Mom" herself.
Z chuckled and headed out the door.
(TS? Or did you have something in mind?)
(ts. I was thinking they arrive while Z and Ian were at work so the existance of a demigod and a cambion surprises them when they come home, and Z can explain about the arcade.)
(Okay, but I thought they would be there the next day.)
(good point. Ts then.)
(They can be at class, if you want.)
(perfect)
The boys were off to class, and Jorg was tending to the garden as Belldandy was out with the wash on the line.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and a happy voice called out, "HIIIIIII"
Urd was happy she was on commercial break and got up to answer the door.
Nine women were standing at the door. The first wore university robes and had brown hair and carried a book under her arm.
The second had a blue suit and glasses and also had brown hair.
the third had a pink blouse with the face of comedy on it and had a blue skirt and red hair.
the fourth was dressed like a goth, complete with the black clothes, mascara, and jet black hair. she only lacked the piercings.
the fifth wore bubblegum pink clothes that matched her hair.
the sixth wore a traditional indigo kimono with a blue obi that matched her hair.
The seventh wore a white dress and held a lyre. her black hair was braided in a single braid down her back.
the eight wore pink pajamas with stars on them and had a sleepy look along with messy blond hair.
the ninth was dressed in a formal black suit and stood in the lead.
"Good day, Urd," said the one in the suit.
"Uhh..." she said, "Bell is around the back," hiking her thumb over her shoulder.
"We will head there then," she said,
"Oh, do tell," said the one in the kimono, "how was the wedding?"
"Um...interesting," said Urd, remembering Mara's interference.
"Ooh," she squealed, "I want details."
"We weren't even invited," said the goth.
"Um..well...talk to Tyr...yeah... He kinda made the whole ordeal a bit sudden..."
the goth sighed.
"So where is bell-chan?" asked the one in pink.
She led them to the back where Bell was hanging laundry and singing.
"My what a wonderful melody," said the one with the lyre.
"oh, why thank you...Oh, you are here," she said, brightening and running up to meet them.
"Greetings," said the lead one, "I am Calliope, and these are, the muses, Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, and Ourania."
(introduced them in that order.)
"Greetings all!" she said, "And to you, Terpy! It has been a long time since I have seen you! Was it not at my coming out party? Were not all of you there?'
"we would have been there, but we were busy and couldn't get time off," said Terpsichore.
"Nobody cared," said Melpomene.
"Well, welcome all!" she said, "I shall start some tea. Please have a seat at the tables in the shade of the trees! The others should be home soon!"
The muses found seats at the table, well eight of them did. Ourania went to take a nap in the corner.
Before long, tea was served, and this was about the time Chrono arrived. Seeing Belldandy, she greeted her warmly and said the dossier she had was Ian's quarterly demigod progress test review Lind wanted him to go over so he would be ready. "Oh, I shall make sure he has it," she said with a smile as she began to serve out the tea.
"Um...sorry, but Lind entrusted me to be sure that it goes straight to his hand, so it's always best that I be the one to give it," she said in a formal way. Of course, she knew Bell was trustworthy enough to give this over, but she just wanted the excuse to see Ian again
"So," said Calliope, "How are things?"
"Oh, it has been wonderful!" she said, "This marriage concept is beautiful. I do not know why, but I feel so...how do the humans say it...completed? It is as if a new piece has been added to me."
"That's wonderful," said Erato, "how was the wedding?"
"It was special," she said, "There was absolute electricity in the room, except for one little bumpy spot..."
"Pray tell what that was," said Euterpe
"Well..." she pondered, and then said, "There was a pair of people who thought things would be better off if we had been split and each had been with them."
Skuld puffed her chest and said, "Yeah...but I straightened them out!"
"What did you do?" asked Polymnia
"It was all thanks to my special Banpei virtual reality vision device! I forced them to see what their fates would be with them, and how it might not be what they thought would happen! They quickly changed their minds!"
"a virtual reality device?" asked Calliope curiously.
"Oh yeah," she said nonchalantly, "As real as it gets!"
"May we see it?"
"Um...I took it apart once it was done," she said, a bit sheepishly.
"That is a pity," said Clio
"Oh, its not like I didn't reproduce it," she answered, "You should ask Z about that when he gets home with my big little brother."
"You have a brother?" asked Clio.
"Oh, did Bell and Kei go that far already?" asked Thalia.
Bell blushed and Skuld was flustered, knowing that they were now doing--that--but could do nothing to stop it, but Skuld then said, "No, silly...well, he's more a half brother. You know how daddy can be with women sometimes..."
"Aw," said Thalia, "and here I wanted to be the godmother."
"Anyway," said Calliope, "Who is this Z you mentioned?"
Urd then did a lip twitch and said, "Um...Hild kind of did the same thing..."
"...Wait," said Clio, "so a cambion is coming here?"
"Well, I do believe that's what you call that..." she said, sweat dropping. "And, Ian isn't exactly a god..."
"So a demigod and a cambion are living here?"
"Oh yes," said Belldandy, "They are all part of the family."
"Even the cambion?" asked Clio.
"Well, he IS related to me," said Urd.
Belldandy then said, "But, we do treat him like family."
"I see," said Clio.
This is when a motorcycle was heard to pull in, and it was Megumi returning with Ian riding pillion.
Z soon arrived via teleportation. "Hi Urd. Who are your guests?"
"Z...the muses..." and she pointed. Megumi came in with Ian, and immediately, Chrono turned a bit ugly and stiff.
Erato got a look in her eyes that said, "ooh, looks like a triangle."
"Pleased to meet you," said Z.
"Likewise," said Calliope, "You are quite polite considering your heritage."
"Oh," said Z, "I struggled with whether to cause misfortune or not, but made an arrangement similar to the one persephone made. I spend half the year with my sister and the other half with my mother."
"Ugh," said Urd, "Sephy was always a flaky girl. Can't make up her mind if she wants Hild's cousin, Hades, or to hang out with Demeter."
Z frowned, "does that make her my aunt?"
Urd scratched her head and said, "Not really sure how that works..."
Chrono handed over the file but was staring daggers into Megumi.
"So why are you here?" Z asked the Muses.
"Well, we came to look into the new biotech that was developed and we are also interested in Skuld's VR device."
"Oh really!" she said, brightening now being the center of attention and having her work appreciated.
"Yes, the science behind biotech and a VR machine is quite interesting. how did you accomplish it?" asked Clio
"Well, it was nothing really..." going into how she built it.
Clio took out a notepad and took notes.
Of course, everyone else was lost on what she was saying.
"sooo," said Z to urd, "how's the potions?"
"Back in order if they know what's good for them..."
Chrono got all sweet in front of Ian and she said, "Have any songs to sing today. I just love your singing."
Z chuckled.
"Well, I guess..." he said, but Bell then said, "Oh, some music would be lovely for the tea!"
He shrugged and got his guitar. Chrono looked at Megumi with a sneer as if she just won some big victory, and Megumi just smiled and shrugged. He came back and said, "Hmm... How about an old Irish tune--tap into my mother's heritage..."
"May I Join in?" asked Polymnia
"Um... Okay... Here's a little reel called, 'I'll Tell Me Ma.'"
https://www.youtube.com/v/XukA3XrjsjE
(can't see the video)
(Working on it. Trying to remember what to alter using the flash player insert.)
(ok, then)
(Do you know how?)
(Got it!)
Polymnia kept up with the beat with her lyre, the instrument playing the string section along with him.
Bell was so inspired that she picked up the corners of her skirt and started doing a nice skipping dance.
Z smiled and his familiar came out of his body and began clapping to the beat.
Megumi then yipped, having never seen that before.
"Oh right," said Z, "you never met Dusk's Light."
But she was too terrified of the sight, being that she knew nothing of the truth of things.
Z sighed and his familiar returned to his body.
"But...how...and...you...where..."
"It's a very long story," said Z
Chrono said, "You two should go somewhere and talk. you'll spoil the party."
Meanwhile, Skuld said, "Bah...I can do better. BANPEI!"
He walked up and said, "High Tech Irish!"
Speakers came out, and he played this:
https://www.youtube.com/v/J-S68QDmRMA
Z chuckled at skuld's antics.
(Is Z going to take her away?)
"Okay," said Ian, "Now... Hmm... This one is a bit sad, but it is one they sing on ANZAC day in Australia...their Memorial day."
(I hoped you saw the whole Sham Rock video!)
https://www.youtube.com/v/cZqN1glz4JY
(If she wants.)
(Then this is how she will learn the truth. Oh, and that next song? The Pogues reduced an audience of punks and skinheads to tears with this one.)
(i dislike songs that make me sad)
Z looked at megumi, "want an explanation?"
(Sorry, but one of the muses would have glommed onto it.)
She just nodded, a bit in shock.
(oh. Melpomene, right?)
"Follow me," said Z as he got up.
(Yes.)
She followed robotically.
Melpomnene was enraptured by the song, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin.
Z took her to his room in the temple, which doubled as his workshop where he worked on combining runes with technology.
He went into the last lyrics...
"And now, every April, I sit on my porch;
and I watch the parade pass before me.
And I see my old comrades--how proudly they march;
reliving their days of past glory.
I see my old comrades as they march before:
The tired old heroes of a forgotten war.
And the young people ask me, "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question.
And the band played Waltzing Matilda;
And the old men still answer the call.
But year after year, they get fewer and fewer;
One day, no one will march there at all.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda;
Who'll go a'Waltzing Matilda with me?
And their ghosts may be heard, as they march by the billabong;
Singing, "Who'll go a'Waltzing Matilda with me..."
"I don't get it!" she said, "What is my brother into!"
"I liked that song," said Melpomnene.
It's complicated," said Z, "let me start at the begining. I'm not human...well not completely human."
"Well, every once and a while I like things that make you think."
"Yeah! No S$%^ Sherlock!"
"Indeed, " said Clio.
"do you believe in heaven and hell?"
"Here's a fun one..."
https://www.youtube.com/v/-XEDkVHrUWk
"I'm an atheist."
Terpsichore did a little jig to the music.
"Whew!" he said, "I could go on like this for hours!... Oh, here comes Keiichi. Here's one for him..."
He pulled up to hear this welcome...
https://www.youtube.com/v/=WKiMFGK2Mrc
"That's right, I'm an atheist," she said.
(sorry missed it.)
"Well they exist," said Z, "Your brother and his wife and her sisters actually have been to hell and back. Heck, I was born there."
She started to pace, saying, "Nonononononono.... There is a logical, scientific explanation for all this!"
"I believe that was your brothers reaction when Belldandy emerged from a mirror."
K1 smiled and said, "That was quite a greeting. Having a tea party with some goddess friends, Bell-hime?"
"Wha... You need to start from the beginning."
Z began to tell her the story.
(basically the plot of the series.)
Skuld idled around and did things in her room.
"Oh, Keiichi! I would like you to meet friends of mine from the Greek division: the Muses. Introduce yourselves, ladies!"
She sat stunned, and then she asked, "And you're saying he's kept this secret for all this time?"
"greetings," said Calliope, "We are the nine muses. I am Calliope, and these are the muses, Clio, Eruerpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, and Ourania."
Z nodded.
"Oh...Right...arts and science, I presume?"
She was growing a bit miffed, "And he never told me... Ooh, that little creep! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!"
Skuld popped her head in.
"Kei-nii, who're they?" she asked while sucking on a Popsicle.
"well, he figured you would never have believed him and thought him crazy," said Z.
"Of course" said Calliope.
"Oh, Skuld: they wish to see your lab."
With steam coming out of her ears, she started to march her way back to the temple.
"Oh dear," said Z, "Please don't do anything rash."
"My lab? Sure, why?" she replied.
"because of the biotech." said Clio.
Megumi finally got back to the temple just as the muses were talking to Skuld, and even looking over Banpei and Sigel with curiosity.
"Well, that's fine. You can take a look."
"lead the way," said Clio
Z followed megumi into the tea room with a worried look on his face.
"urd, megumi just found out about your sister's secret heritage and is going to tear k1 a new one possibly." he sent to his sister.
"Oh dookie!" she said in return!
"Sorry about that," said Z mentally, "she was bound to find out eventually."
She stomped up the steps and hollered, "KEIICHI MORISATO!"
"I really hope belldandy can calm her down," muttered Z
Skuld nodded and led them to Urd's room.
"Well, it's nothing much."
"this is quite impressive," said Clio.
"KEIICHI! HOW DARE YOU AND BELLDANDY LIE TO ME ALL THESE YEARS!"
"But, I have never lied," said Belldandy, "I have always said that I am a Goddess, first-class license, second category."
"That's not...oh...well, you have, but... Okay, so you let Keiichi cover for..."
She pondered, "KEIICHI! HOW DARE YOU LIE TO ME ABOUT BELLDANDY ALL THESE YEARS!"
Z put earplugs in his ears so he wouldn't go deaf from all the shouting.
"Oh no, what did Kei-nii do this time?"
"Megumi found out about you three being goddesses," said Z
"Look, Megumi!" keiichi tried to explain, "How do you tell people the truth and then they not want to put you in the funny farm?"
"That's not the point!" she snapped, "I mean... Okay, what is the point? Well, why would you hide it from me, your sister? Do you think I would call you crazy?"
Keiichi gave her the "really?" look.
Z sighed and watched all this.
"Ooh, I see.... Hehe. Good luck." ribbed Skuld toward Keiichi.
Megumi fidgeted and then said, "Well, okay, maybe I would, but, come on, bro! Like, this is the best secret of the century, and you wouldn't tell your little sis?"
"Oh?" answered Keiichi, "Like the time I asked you not to say anything about accidentally denting dad's Harley, and before I knew, NHK news was practically broadcasting it!"
Megumi turned red.
Z watched all of this and chuckled a bit.
"How could you even think something like this was the same!" she shouted, but Belldandy said, "Please, Megumi, know that I did not try to deliberately deceive you. If it seemed I yet made a lie, forgive me."
"Why don't we all calm down," said Polymnia, "I'm sure we can talk without all this yelling."
"WHOSE YELLING?" she yelled.
Polymnia looked at Megumi and smiled sweetly, sending a chill down her spine for some reason, "let's solve this without yelling."
http://youtu.be/dCcky2Y-hwk
"Um...yeah..." she said, feeling a chill.
"good," said Polymnia.
"OMG!" she said, "There is deities?"
"And demons," said Z, getting a glare from some of the Muses.
"Yeah," she said, uneasy due to demons' reps in the minds of humans, "You did mention that..."
Z shrugged, "demons aren't all bad."
"But... But, are you two going to have kids?" she asked, "What would they be?"
Z smiled, "they'd be just like Ian."
"You did mention something about that, didn't you?"
Z nodded, "Ian is a demigod."
"Um... Whose the dad?"
(Help me! I decided to watch a few episodes of MLP Friendship is Magic, and now I am hooked! They're turning me into a brony HELP!)
"the almighty one," said Z
"Whoa, that's the big one!"
(What, no comment?)
(sorry, didn't know what to say...and still don't)
Z nodded, "he's your brother's father in-law as well."
"Okay, this is getting ultra weird."
(Some people think you are weird if you like MLP as a guy.)
(I don't like it, but I won't judge.)
Z shrugged, "depends how you look at it."
"I mean, how did my brother ever land a goddess?"
"I don't know all the details."
Keiichi sighed and told her the whole story, including the wedding that was done by the goddesses before what they had done at the temple. She was stunned.
"So that's what happened," said Z.
She sat, shocked at this, and then said, "This really is not right, and yet, why do I feel such peace around here?"
"It's the company," Clio.
She looked around and said, "And just how many of you are of the divine nature?"
"Me and my companions are, as well as Belldandy, her sisters, and Ian," said Calliope.
She gave the "Eh?" look and said, "Ian's a god?"
"he's a demigod," said Z
"Okay, refresh my memory: what is that exactly?"
"father's a god, mom was a human," said Z
"Wow," she said, "He's like a Hercules, or Thor."
Z nodded, "that's right."
"So....is this like a gateway to heaven or something?"
"I don't think so," said Z, "if it was, I probably wouldn't be allowed here."
Belldandy came up with some tea and said, "We may be what we are, but you know us: there is little that differ us from you personality-wise..."
Z smiled, "gods and demons are even mortal, they just don't age like humans do."
"I guess this will take some getting used to," she said, "I thought Ian was just some hunky guy I just might have a chance with, but now, I'm not so sure."
*Somewhere up in Yggdrasil Central Control, a certain goddess is going , "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"*
Z shrugged, "there's always a chance."
"I agree," said Erato, "there is always a chance when true love is involved."
"But, what could he see in me?"
Chrono frowns and said, "What's Erato doing? He's mine!"
"That's something you'd have to ask him yourself," said Erato.
"Well, maybe I should, but not right now." she said, "I have to let all this settle in."
Erato nodded, "I understand."
Z got up, "I'm going to my room to work on my rune projects."
"Besides, why are you interested in my love life? We've only just met."
"I'm the muse that proctors over love, love poetry, and weddings," said Erato.
"Oh, so you're a matchmaker?"
"I prefer the term, romantic."
She looked at the others to see if this was going to grow into a problem.
The other muses were treating this as if this was a normal occurrence.
Suddenly there was a loud boom from Z's room and a string of curses followed.
Urd went in to see what was happening.
Z was dousing a fire on one of his rune arrays, "alright, who tried to organize my rune arrays? they mixed up the rune for combustion with the rune for ignite."
"Well don't look at me," said Urd, "I know better than to mess with peoples things."
"that leaves, Skuld, K1, Belldandy, or Ian," said Z
"Blame them, haven't got enough energy left from the last ordeal." said Skuld.
Z frowned.
(I was thinking it would be belldandy, but she didn't mean it and was just straightening up)
"Come now," said Urd, "Do you REALLY think any of them would be foolish enough to mess with things?"
"It might have been unintentional," said Z
"Hm, so it's the case of who went by Z's room isn't it..."
Urd looked at Skuld and said, "Please don't turn this into a daytime soap opera...ugh!"
Z sighed, "I'd just like to know who it was."
"Banpei-Kun, did you see anything?" Skuld called out down the hallway.
Banpei didn't answer, staring at Sigel doing chores.
"Oi! Banpei-kun!" shouted Skuld this time.
His head swiveled around this time and stared blankly at Skuld.
"Did you see anybody enter Z's room besides Z?"
Banpei started running through his databanks, seeing if he indeed did see anyone.
(I'm thinking it would have been belldandy trying to tidy things up.)
Banpei then beeped and burbled, and Belldandy said, "Oh, he said that Z needs to keep a cleaner room. It was such a mess, and he was worried I would work too hard cleaning it."
Z sighed, "there was a method to the madness. I actually knew exactly where everything was the way it was organized."
"Well, perhaps I could help you," said Belldandy, having the spell in mind.
"How do you mean?" asked Z
She goes to the room and starts to concentrate. She then sings:
Oh spirit of restoration, allow what was;
to be again, and this is because;
the work, that was lost, it must be all found;
that what Z so makes, may prosper and resound.
Things then started to lift and fly about.
Z looked around as the things began to re arrange themselves.
It looked like a Disney movie as things were dancing merrily to their spots, except that things were going back to the disorder they were, rather than nice and neat.
"thank you," said Z
Once done, she then examined the state of the room.
It was a mess, to the untrained eye. Z had things in a manor that would allow him to find what he needed.
"I have always been told that it is the mark of a thinking mind."
"I just thought it was because I was too lazy to clean so I memorized where things were." said Z
"As long as you don't allow squalor or any mildew to form."
"Of course not," said Z, "that would interfere with the potions I use."
"Good," she said, "So, I suppose I should get supper started, considering the guests we have."
"thank you for the help," said Z
"Oh it was no problem," she said, "I live to help."
"I'll remember that," said Z
By the time they came back, indeed, both Megumi and Chrono were vying for Ian's attention.
(Where are the Muses?)
The muses had gone to look at Urd and skuld's workshops.
Urd was now bossing around Jorg, telling her where to put what as she was now dismantling things as a part of her punishment.
The muses were examining the biotech equipment.
(We need auir.)
(yeah)
(Ahh, sorry sorry. Working full time and going to school full time.)
"Well, what do you think?" asked Skuld, showing them around the biochemistry lab that Jorg was in the middle of taking apart.
"Indeed," said Euterpe, "this is quite the impressive set of equipment."
"Yeah," said Terpsichore, "the stuff here is way beyond the level that we've seen the humans use. How did you build all of it? Is it completely sustainable? Can it be implemented in heaven? Could Demons use it? Ooh, that would be bad. We might have to make some deals with Niflheim to prevent the misuse of this stuff."
"If Hell got a hold of this stuff, they might have the tech to take control of the shares and possibly hack yggdrasill and take down heaven," sighed Melpomene, "just great."
"Please calm yourself," said Polymina, "this is a great breakthrough. We should tell the higher ups about this so this feat can be recognized."
"Whoa, one question at a time please." said Skuld with a ^_^' face. She finished the rest of her snack and threw away her trash before answering.
"No, it's not technically sustainable. But its power source is ridiculously long so you needn't worry about that. And I didn't build these machines with any restrictions."
"I'd assume that the higher ups would be quite impressed," said Caliope
"Ehh... I wouldn't know about that... I'd think they'd be rather furious..." said Skuld a little nervously.
"Why would that be?" asked Polymnia
"Well, considering how... This equipment here could be used to... Biologically engineer the human race... Ehe... he he..." she laughed dryly.
"Why would you create something like that?" asked Caliope.
Skuld point at Jorg.
"She started it."
"that does not answer my question."
Jorg harumphed and kept working.
"Well, she wanted purely biological machines that could purify the earth and what not... The same technology needed to make those, well. Could turn humans into a sort of super race."
"...I see,"
"So, let's keep quiet about this okay?" she winked.
"we'll see,"
An avatar of Mara sat in a quiet corner and said, "Really? Well, I'll have to tell Hild about this..." and started to try to slip out.
"Soo, was there anything else you wanted to see?"
Mara went back and told Hild, who then said, "So, what is little Skuld up to?" With that, she sent a summon to her half-son.
(half-son? Do you mean Z?)
"I believe we'd like to see the VR technology," said Calliope.
(Yep, Z)
"VR Technology? Alright, sure. Right this way." said Skuld as she led them to another room.
"Here, you'll have to put these on." she said, handing them half helmets with dark visors.
They put them on.
Z got the message and teleported to her location
Hild was sitting on a couch and patted the one spot next to her.
Z smiled and sat next to her, "what's up, Mom?"
She hugged him and gave him a kiss, saying, "Darling, Mara informs me that they have some interesting tech there right now, or something Skuld could build."
Z frowned, wondering how Mara got by Bampei, "they're in the process of dismantling it. Its a new form of bio-tech that is more organic than mechanical."
"Oh really?" she said, "And, why didn't you tell me about such a marvel?"
"I forgot," said Z in an embarrassed voice, "also it was being dismantled so I figured it wouldn't matter."
"What? NO! *ahem* uh, I mean, that's too bad. Hmm. What do you think Skuld would like if she were to rebuild it for me?"
"No offense," said Z, "but I don't think she'd be willing to do anything for you considering your history with the goddesses and K1."
"Oh, but they're married now," she said, "It's all peaceable again, don't you think? Tell you what, tell her I have an ice cream party ready, just for the two of us, all she can eat."
"I'll tell her," said Z, sending an avatar to talk to Skuld, "by the way, we have the muses over for a visit."
"THe muses are here? Ugh... I smell trouble..."
"Why is that?" asked Z
"Well, you do realize how...well...flaky they are."
"they have quirks," said Z, "I haven't hung around them that much though."
"Do you think they'd stop her? Or do you think they would love to see Skuld try to recreate what she did?"
"I don' think they would stop her," said Z, "though, the almighty one might."
"Hmm... Yes, Tyr does tend to stick his nose in where... Could we try to keep it under the radar scope?"
"how will we do that?"
"I don't know," she said, "But he gets so possessive of things like that, as if he didn't want to share such knowledge."
"well it does have the potential to recreate the human race."
"And?" she asked, "Why should he have all the exclusive rights? I mean, okay, to let the humans have that is not so good, but why would he not trust us?"
Z thought for a bit, "what are we going to use it for?"
"Oh, I'll think of something," she said, "Perhaps we should give a crack at it. After all, why should all humans be HIS humans?"
Z shrugged, "I wonder how the machine would effect halflings?"
"Well, I don't...wait... What does that have to do with anything?"
"The machines can effect humans, so what will they do to demigods and Cambions?"
(hello?)
"Hmm...never stopped to think about that..."
"I'd rather not be effected by this device in any way," said Z.
"Then, we'll have to talk to Skuld about it," she said, "Bribe her in some way to tell us how this thing works."
"I wonder how much ice cream I'd need?"
"Better contact Baskin Robbins," she sighed.
(I may not have rapid fire answers to day, but I will be here.)
(ok.)
"maybe a continuous month long supply?"
"I've sometimes wondered if she has some kind of point of singularity in her stomach and only for ice cream."
"Maybe its goddess magic," said Z.
"And full magic potential she hasn't tapped," she said, "But it needs an outlet, and I would dare say it finds its own outlet through her tech."
"Didn't she beat that techhead of Hagal's?" asked Z
"You are correct in this."
"If thats what she can do without her powers, I wouldn't want to face her if she masters them."
"Well, nonetheless, we do have to make it worth her while to recreate that thing here. Perhaps you should go talk to her."
"Indeed," said Z, "but the muses give me a weird vibe. It's like they're waiting for me to slip up because of what I am."
"Why are they being so nosy, anyway? Why don't they go inspire some artist or scientist?"
"the biotech and the VR tech interests them," said Z.
(what if they popped in to see the VR in the arcade?)
(Nice!) :sas2:
Suddenly there was a knock at the door to the arcade.
"Wait," said Hild, "I thought the place was closed."
"It is," said Z, "should I check to see who it is?"
"Yes, find out, please."
Z walked to the front of the arcade and unlocked the door. When he opened the door, he saw the nine muses standing there.
"Um, hi," said Z, "May I help you?"
"Yes," said Calliope, "we heard about the VR game experience that you have here and wanted to see it."
Hild could not believe it. She fidgeted and said, "Oh, lovely to see you. How's Zeus been doing?"
"Last we saw, Hera had him in the doghouse again," said Clio, "it was for the usual reasons."
"Heh...reminds me of someone I know," Muttered Hild in return.
Z chuckled, "if you want to see the VR game, then I can show it to you."
"Thank you," said Clio.
Hild followed, afraid these girls will cause disaster.
Z showed them the machine, "I built it with spare parts and used runes to infuse it with some of my illusion casting powers to create a VR experience," he explained as the muses examined the machine.
"Most interesting," said Euterpe, "what is the power source?"
"A magical core," said Z
Hild began to sweatdrop a bit, wondering just why they were interested in such things, and what they would do with such knowledge.
"Why did you build it?" asked Pollymnia.
"I thought it would bring in customers," shrugged Z, "and it did."
"And, oh, the emotions they exert in their efforts," said Hild, "The shares it builds..."
the muses glanced at her, "normally we couldn't allow something like this to remain in the hands of Hell."
Her face went white, and her fingers crackled, ready if they decided to act.
"However," said Calliope, "we are willing to cut a deal."
She calmed and said, "What do you have in mind."
"If you give us the blueprints for the VR machine and allow our side to work with them, we compensate you."
"*sigh* the whole balance thing," she sighed, "I can never get an edge."
"that's how its supposed to work," said Calliope.
"You guys are no fun," she pouted.
"I resent that," said Thalia and Terpsichore.
"No, I mean it always seems your side never lets me have any fun!"
"Last time you had 'fun' you brought the Angel Eater to earth," Calliope reminded her.
"Well...you know...things happen..."
"and before that was the ultimate destruction program," she continued.
"Now, wait, that wasn't all my doing..." she sweatdropped more.
"but you were involved?"
"*sigh* so a girl makes some mistakes, okay? It doesn't mean THIS would turn out bad."
"We'd rather err on the side of caution," said Calliope.
Skuld sneezed and rubbed her nose.
"Ugh, I wonder if someone is thinking about me."
"Hey, look!" she said, pointing outside, "Is that a one-man band?"
the gave her a 'seriously?' look.
She was hoping to distract them, but she then said, "Um...well, why don't you go and look at Z's nice new toys he made while I send him on an errand?"
They accepted this and Z made a chibi avatar to explain the technicalities to them while he was away.
(I turned 21 today! )
She whispered to Z, "Go get Skuld. Remember the bribes."
(*sigh* and it's all downhill from there!) :bravo:
Z nodded and headed to the temple.
Skuld was sitting on the porch, idling about.
Z landed in front of her...badly.
"gotta work on that," he said as he climbed out of the small crater he left.
"*cough* *cough* You better work on that. And you better fix that too." coughed Skuld as she waved the dust away.
Z looked at it, "I never was good at earth magic. But I came because I need your help."
"*grumble* Don't think that means I'm letting you off... *grumble* So what do you need that requires my help?"
"I'd like to see the plans for the bio tech. I was thinking of using it in the VR machine."
"You mean the incubation chamber, program, and Yggdrasil?"
"Yeah," said Z, "just without Yggdrasil thrown in. I wanted to see if bio-tech would enhance the abilities of the VR machine and allow me to make it a more realistic experience."
(reminds me of SAO...that is where I got the idea though.)
"Well... All I really did was write a program, link it up to Yggdrasil's CPU, and build a molecular re-compiler. Which one do you want, the program or the molecular re-compiler."
"can I get both?" asked Z
"Sure... though you have to go check if the molecular re-compiler was already scrapped by earthy."
Jorg poked her head out at that point, saying, "I'm ready to take apart the compiler thingy, but I'm not sure which wires to pull. I mean, the funny machine with the funny black and yellow circle on the yellow sign has me confused..."
(The warning: radioactive sign.)
"Please don't take it apart," said Z, "I was going to use it."
"Mmmm, yeah. That thing, just pull out the plugs. Zee wants it. Oh yeah, the program..." Skuld pulled out her laptop and ejected a disc before waving it in front of him.
"Here's your program. Not sure how nanotechnology can help with your biotechnology thing but there it is."
"Okay, but I did pull one wire from it, and for some reason, the temperature thingy is going up faster and faster..."
(I assume you know what is happening?)
(nuclear meltdown? 0.0)
Z was getting nervous about that.
"You pulled out one wire.. ONE wire... What did you pull out the coolant hose?!" growled Skuld as she jumped onto her feet and rushed to the machine.
Alarms were now sounding, and a sign, "Warning: reactor near meltdown. Cool immediately."
Skuld immediately filled a bucket with water and stuck one foot into it while holding onto the machine with her hand, teleporting away.
Meanwhile 4,000 miles away in the arctic...
It was cooling down now, and it seemed that she pulled out the wires that regulated the operation of the coolant system.
Z breathed a sigh of relief, "I don't think even I could have handled that and survived."
"Demons won't die from some radiation poisoning will they?" commented a dripping wet Skuld.
"Yo.. I'm back."
"I'm not a full demon," Z reminded her, "and I'm also not immune to a nuclear explosion."
When she had returned, Urd was scolding Jorg, who protested, "They didn't teach me anything about nuclear engineering at nature school!"
"I could offer an alternative," said z
"A nuclear reactor doesn't explode when it meltsdown. A nuclear meltdown is exactly what is sounds like, the inside components melt down and lethal amounts of radiation leaks out. No explosion takes place." lectured Skuld.
"too much radiation hurts," said Z
"Hmm...." Skuld wrote that down.
"so, do you want my alternative or not?"
"Tell me what your alternative is first, then I'll consider."
"I could give you the specifications for the magi-tech core that powers the VR system and the arcade."
"In exchange for the nanotech atomic-recompiler and the Rosetta Stone." After a brief moment of awkward silence, Skuld spoke up.
"I named the atomic structure alphabet the Rosetta Stone."
"agreed," said Z, "though you'll need Urd-nee-sama's help to charge it initially."
"Alright, I'll make due. Here's the disc, and the device is in the kitchen."
"thanks," said Z as he headed to get it.
Skuld returned to idling about.
Z came back with the devices and tossed a usb to skuld.
She caught it and said a quick thanks before heading back to her room to check it out.
once she was gone, Z teleported to the arcade.
Hild was pleased, but then said, "Wait, where's Skuld? I thought I said you were to bring her to help as well..."
"I have most of the equipment," said Z, "I sort of forgot to ask her, but I think its better that way. she thinks this is to make the arcade more sustainable."
"And you think you can set it up as good?"
"I think I can figure it out and compensate for what I don't know with what I do know," said Z, "all I had to give in exchange was my plans for the magi-tech energy core that powers the VR machine.
"Um, copy that for me, would you?" she said, "I want to give Hrungnir a look at that..."
"as long as she doesn't steal my ideas," said Z
"Well, we need someone with Skuld's level of expertise to help."
"fine," said Z, "but she's still weird."
As if she had been summoned, Hrungnir appeared where Skuld was, setting off Banpei's anti-demon alarms, and Hrungnir said, "Hi. Whatcha doin'?"
(I thought they were at the arcade and skuld was at the temple?)
((Skuld is at the temple, but Hrungnir stopped off at the temple before going to the arcade.))
(ah)
(Soo, what's next?)
(Hrungnir was talking to skuld)
(Hrungnir is getting involved with what Skuld built, which can mean some interesting things. She's going to the arcade to see what Hild wants her to do with what Skuld built, but she decided to visit Skuld to see what she was up to.)
Skuld was lying on her back with her upper body under some machine she was tinkering with. Upon hearing the alarms, a thunk could be heard from under the machine, some groaning, and a very furious Skuld coming out.
"What's the idea?!"
"Oh, well, Hild wanted me to stop by the arcade; sumpthin bout some neat bio-tech you built, so I came by here first to see what you were up to."
"Bio-tech... *sigh* That machine has nothing to do with bio-tech... It's much more advanced than that." she sighed.
"I'm building a VR machine right now. You interested?"
"Well that's kind of why I'm here. Hild wants me to take sumpthin she got from some goddess and try to recreate it."
"So you came here to openly steal something and forge it..."
"No!" she protested with crossed arms, a stomp, and a tossed back head, as if to say, "How dare you suggest I steal," and she said, "it was already sumpthin she got, and I'm gonna go play with it!"
Skuld looked around her and then asked, "Well, what is it you're taking?"
She grumbled, "I not takin' anything here. I'm takin' what Hild got from another goddess! Geez, pay attention a bit better!"
"Your fault for being so ambiguous. Hmph." Skuld crossed her arms.
""Run along then if you have no business with me."
"Well I think I do!" she demanded, "Hild said that what she was given had something to do with you, and all this!"
Skuld was tapped her fingers, getting a bit impatient.
"Alright, what do you need?"
"Well, I mean that what she was given was supposed to be connected to some kind of sim, but also, it was connected to this bio-tech, thingy stuff here, and she was interested in working that some as well. But, I've never played with that stuff before, and well, I need help with it."
The last part sounded down, considering that was basically her conceding there was something that Skuld was better at; the last thing she ever wanted to admit.
"Oho...? So the self-proclaimed great and mighty have come to me for help? Well then..." she took on a more friendly tone.
"How can I help?"
"Ugh! Just come with me and I'll show you what's going on!"
Skuld smiled smugly to herself and followed along.
They got to the arcade and Hrungnir shouted, "Lady HIIIiiild, I brought SkUUUUuuuld!"
Hild came out all gushy and said, "SKUUUUUUULD! My charming little child!" pinching both cheeks.
Z facepalmed, 'I didn't think that she'd bring her here.' Z sighed and went back to working on the project with biotech that his mother wanted him to work on.
She then took her into the kitchen, and it suddenly looked like someone opened a Ben & Jerry's shop right there, and she said to Skuld, "You have free reign in here. Have fun!"
Kara floated into the kitchen and grabbed a pint cup, "The Cinnamon Buns flavor is mine."
Skuld was still rubbing her reddened cheeks, miffed from the pinching. But the sight of ice cream did help in turning her mood around.
"Just don't hog it all to yourself!" said Skuld as she grabbed a bowl.
"Don't order me, little girl," said Kara as she floated away
Skuld stuck her tongue out at Kara's back.
Kara just floated away, "don't leave a mess."
(Who is Kara again?)
(Z's demoness girlfriend)
Hrungnir started loading up, trying to build a better sundae than Skuld.
Skuld ended up building something like this.
(http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/ht_giant_sundae_kb_120808_wmain.jpg)
Z sent a chibi self to keep an eye on her as he pulled on a pair of goggles and began to work with an acetylene torch.
Hrungnir then made something akin to a Vermonster.
"So. *nom* What did you need me here for?" asked Skuld between bites.
Hild then said, "Well, we were keenly interested in the biotech stuff you did, and we'd like a demonstration."
"... Right. What do you want me to make?" she asked.
"Well, from what I understand, you made organic machines. Since this is an arcade, maybe a game?"
"A game huh... Well then, this'll be a lot easier without the machine..." she mumbled.
"I'll need scrap metal. Junk, whatever you got. Give it."
Z walked in, "could you help me with the VR machine?"
"Me first," said Hild, like an upset child.
Z chuckled, "it's weird to see my own mom act like a child."
"VR machine, what's wrong with it?"
Hild pouted, having been so rudely ignored.
And Skuld continued to ignore her, more interested in machines than a queen demoness.
"I think it can wait," said Z, "i'm just trying to enhance the interface with biotech."
"So, the arcade machine first right? Let's see..." Skuld mumbled as she went on a quest to find scrap.
"I meant you should help mom first," said Z
"Yeah, didn't she want some kind of game? An arcade game?"
"actually, I'm not completely sure," said Z, "I've been working to try and improve the VR machine, so i've not been able to get out much. That thing is our biggest source of income and there is even a waiting list for the usage. I'm considering whether I should try and see If i can get it mass produced to earn more income."
"Mass produced.. You mean with human factories and all that? Or do you have a demon sweatshop in Hell somewhere?"
Z smiled, "all I'd need is a few golems programmed correctly. the original device is fairly simple compared to most divine and demonic technology. the core is the hardest part to make, as it involves runic magic to imbue the device with my illusion powers while powering it with magic mixed with normal electricity."
"I see, well sorry to break the news but. That machine you guys pawned off me isn't biotech. It's nanotech... With a complete encyclopedia of biology attached."
"I can work with that," said Z
"Yes, a molecular assembler to be more precise. In the words of K. Eric Drexler it 'guides chemical reactions by positioning reactive molecules with atomic precision'."
"tell me more," said Z as he took notes on possible uses.
"The theory is simple, the machinery so miniscule yet so difficult to make, and the possibilities are endless. Though, you're better off using it as a sort of molecular factory rather than trying to build a normal sized object from it. But some materials have to be built from this kind of thing.
Whatever you want, as long as you have the materials. This machine can make it."
"so I could use this to build the parts for my machine?"
"Of course, as long as you can provide the basic atomic materials, it can make it. It can also separate an object into its basic atoms too."
Z was instantly hugging her with stars in his eyes, "THANK YOU! SOON THE VR SHALL HIT THE MARKET. SO LONG NINTENDO! BWAHAHAHAH!"
"H-hey now." said Skuld with a ^_^' look.
"Don't forget about Sony."
"YES!" laughed Z maniacally, "SONY, PLAYSTATION, XBOX, SEGA, WILL ALL FALL TO THE MIGHT OF THE NEW AGE! BEHOLD THE AGE OF VIRTUAL REALITY GAMING BWAHAHAHAHA!"
"Right, umm.. Good luck." said Skuld, wondering how long could Z go without having his product fall to corporate espionage.
Z walked off, still laughing as he went to perfect the machine.
However, Hild was also taking notes, in a chibi form in the corner with a few of her scientist rats, drooling over all the possibilities of what she really had in mind for this. "Ooh!" she giggled silently, "this is BETTER than what she could have given me. I just hope Hrungnir can handle this!"
"Just what is this lot up to...." she sighed and wondered.
She then sent them back to start exploring ways to find out the potential of what could come out of this. After that, she went back to normal, entered the room, and then said, "Well, what have you crazy kids been up to?"
"I think I just sparked the 9th console war." said Skuld.
Z's insane laughter could be heard in his makeshift workshop as he worked on the VR machine to make it ready for mass production.
"Uh...one moment dear," she said to Skuld as she went into check on Z.
Z was working with the core of the VR machine, checking the power output and the runework with a smile on his face.
"So," she said, "Are you at last seeing the diabolical potential for this device?"
"Of course!" said Z, "Once this hits the market, I'll OWN the video game industry! I'll have enough money to buy out half of tokyo with only pocket change!"
"Right, make the guest wait... *sigh*" Skuld made herself comfortable and found somewhere comfy to sit before pulling out a mp3 player and plugging some earbuds in.
"Eh..." she mumbled, and then said, "Um, aiming a bit low, are we?"
"How so?" asked Z, "Once this thing kicks off, I will OWN Tokyo! Then, I just need to establish Nifflheim on earth!"
"Ah, that's more like it," she said with a smile, came out and said, "Sorry, dear. More ice cream?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Sure." nodded Skuld, turning down the volume on her mp3 player.
Hrungnir was fiddling with some device when she saw another awesome sundae appear before Skuld, and said, "Hey! Why does she get another!"
"Oh, believe me," said Hild, "She has earned it."
"Sweet!" Skuld whipped out a spoon and began digging in.
"She earned it?" she stammered angrily, "She slapped together a few plants and motherboards, and now you think that's worth something, like you can...*MMMPH!!!*"
Hild had grabbed Hrungnir and put a hand over her mouth, saying, "That's quite enough from you."
She looked at Skuld and said, "Pay her no mind. She's just jealous, as always."
A chibi Z floated into the room, grabbed an energy drink from the fridge, and turned to leave.
"Thank you, Skuld," said Hild, "You have no idea just how much of a help you have been!"
"Mom," said Chibi-Z, "do you know where I put my tablet with my runes database on it?"
"I'm not sure I really like the sound of that, but I'll let it go this time because of the ice cream." smiled Skuld happily.
Some clothes moved aside and a tablet came out and floated to him.
______________________
Hrungnir said, "Yeah, but I could do much better with it than you!"
"Thanks," said Chibi-Z as he left.
Skuld looked at the rest of the ice cream and asked,
"Can I get this as a to-go?"
"Oh, certainly dear," she answered, "You've done excellently. You won't believe how much you have accomplished," to which Hrungnir whispered in a mutter, "But you'll find out soon enough."
Z came out of his room with a wide grin on his face, "I think it's ready for production!"
Hild waited until Skuld was gone and out of earshot, and when she was, she got this slightly evil smirk, and said, "Yes, now, let us increase some shares!"
"All right," said Z, "maybe a little subliminal hypnosis installed into the VR system that would make humans a little nastier?"
"That's a start," she said, "And, at the same time, let's see what kind of plant-based chaos we can do with it?"
"wha kind of plant based?" asked Z
"Well, remember all the organic tech I got picked out of Skuld's brain--you know, the stuff they used to build organic water cleaning machines in that city in the United States? Well, now that we have it, I was hoping that we could use that to increase shares.
"If we find a way to secretly integrate it into normal plantlife, we could try to control it and cause misfortune."
"I love your thinking," she said, "Can you do this?"
"I can work on the basic theory and runework, but I'll need Hrungnir's help to put it into production," said Z, "I hate to admit it, but that masked weirdo will be needed."
"She's all yours."
"I think I can get it to work then," said Z, "what kind of chaos do you want?"
Skuld went back to the temple and, a bit bored now, went to check up on Keichi.
"Kei-nii, are you busy?" she asked, poking her head into the room.
"Hmm...start small; some recreational gardeners and gardens," she said.
With his ever warm smile he said, "Oh, hi! I was just sharpening Ian's hockey skates. He says I make them work really well. What's up?"
"I meant, do you want something along the lines of plant monster movie, or something simple like instant rainforest?"
"Nothing. Since I wasn't preoccupied with anything, I decided to come check up on you."
"Let's do rainforest," she said, "I'd love to see what it attracts."
He laughed and said, "And I need checking on? You know that Bell and I are rightfully husband and wife now. What's there for me to misbehave on for you to watch?"
"With the weirdo's help, I think I can start by tomorrow," said Z
"Gee, never knew such indecent thoughts went through that head of yours. Just came to check up on my brother in law because I was bored." said Skuld, plopping down on the floor and gluing the bottom of her feat against each other.
"Good," she said, "I can't wait to see what you have going on in that head of yours."
"Sorry," he said, "Just going by past things. So, why so bored? With someone with such an active mind as yours, I figured you'd be out building some magnificent device or something."
"Love you mom," said Z
"Call it a mechanic's block. I just don't really feel like making anything new. Well, that's it. I can't think of something new." she sighed, leaning back and plopping onto the floor.
Keiichi put what he was doing on the table and said, "Well, maybe spending a day in town might jog something up. I know when I've been lost in that kind of haze, a day off to just have fun gets the juices flowing. Plus, you still really haven't gotten to know your new big little brother, Ian, and I bet he doesn't know the town as well. Maybe the three of us can just go out and have some fun today."
Z was hard at work with Hrungnir to create a delivery system for their little project. They planned to make it look completely natural before the plants would grow like crazy.
Of course, all the while, Hrungnir was pestering him all the while, telling him how he was messing up this or that, wondering where he got his learning, other things, stuffing her hands in to make it a certain way when she felt he wasn't listening.
Z was refraining from blasting her with a fireball, but was slowly losing his patience, "so," he ground out, "how should we deliver the initial seeds?"
"Really? That'd be cool." said Skuld, sitting back up.
"Where is he now? I'll go get him while you get ready."
When she got to the guesthouse she had converted into a home for Ian some months back, he was on his guitar, playing and singing this song with Belldandy:
https://www.youtube.com/v/VRg9NkIdjVs
Holy Bell had emerged to sing harmonies with Ian, and Ian's egg was glowing slightly.
After a lot of work, and a lot of restraint, the machine was done.
"Excellent!" she said, "Now, according to one of Mara's rats, it seems that Skuld has a little outing planned with Keiichi and Ian. Let's see how much fun we can have with this."
Z held up a jar with what looked like dust, "we just need to spread these on the breeze."
"Track them," she said, "And when you feel the time is right, let it loose."
"Yes mother," said Z as he sent a chibi self with a camera out while he set up the machines. the seeds would be scattered on the wind and the clouds would be seeded so that it would rain down the fertilizing nutrients to cause the seeds to turn into an instant jungle.
Skuld waited for the song to finish before walking in and applauding.
"That was really good!"
"Thanks, short stuff," he said, though not in a mean way, "You're sister has such a great voice."
a cool breeze blew by them, bringing the scents of the season.
Meanwhile, Z was prepping the machine to seed the clouds without making it too obvious the weather was acting abnormal. Kara was using her power as well to make mundane people believe it was a natural rainstorm.
"Yeah, she should go into show biz shouldn't she?" she smiled, taking a seat near them.
"Oh Skuld," said Bellandy, giving her a gentle hug, and Ian said, "And I bet you're a pretty good singer as well, Skuld."
"Me? No no, I'm no good at all." said Skuld, shaking her head.
"Oh, that is not true at all, Skuld," said Belldandy, "You do have a good voice for someone your age."
"My age? What age is that..."
Z was fiddling with the machinery, "mom, want to press the button to start this off?"
"Um...the number of years you've been alive?" he said, not certain why she even asked.
"Let's wait until they get their nice little outing going."
"alright," said Z.
(Ah, how old is she? I always thought she was like thousands of years old since she's a goddess.)
((She is, but she's still childlike, and he's still not got a grip on that, or a handle on the fact that he will be just as immortal.))
(Okay)
Skuld crossed her arms and looked at him expectantly.
Not sure what she was implying, he said, "So, for a young girl your age, you have a nice voice."
"Haa, whatever. Are you two fellows ready to go?" she asked, chirping up.
"Sure," said Ian as Belldandy put an assuring arm around Skuld.