It was a quiet day for once in Nekomi, Japan. The sun was shining and the birds were singing, but all this would change as two people arrived in the city, two people that were similar yet opposite and would cause many ripples to spread through this world and the rest.
((I wasn't looking to play here, but fine.))
Ian McGovern, in fresh from the coast of Maine on a full free ride at Nakomi Tech prepared to find the school. His Japanese was very basic, and he was having more problems than he cared for at this point. Wearing a Red Sox Cap, a Bobby Orr Bruins sweater, and blue jeans, with his entire life in two sea bags really made him stand out. He, however, had no idea just why he was here, or what fated him to be in Japan in the first place.
(I thought it would be easier than making a new rp)
Walking out of a train station, Kazi Carter, or Z as he preferred to be known as, looked around at the small town and smirked. He could feel the magic lingering in the air and he looked at the address on the paper in his hand that was the home of the person he had come to see.
(I invited people to come)
((Okay. This is post marriage, by the way.))
Lind made sure that he was misdirected properly and arrived at the temple at a time where there would be no return bus to get him back on track. He was dumped outside the temple steps, forlorn and lost as to what to do next.
(who was misdirected?)
((Ian.))
the teen walked up to the temple gates and closed his eyes, feeling the abundance of holy energies that filled the grounds of the old temple. some energies were old, like a lingering scent from a flower, while others were vibrant and new, like an air freshener had just been sprayed.
"this is the place," siad the teen.
Ian whirled around in shock, and then sighed and said, "Oh, God!" He tried, "You caught me by surprise," in Japanese, but it was real rough.
"Greetings," said Z in slightly accented Japanese, "Do you live here?"
He looked at him oddly, Scot-Irish in all his glory, standing out like a sore thumb. "Um...no?" he said, in English this time, "Lost?" and making signs like he was looking around and confused.
Z chuckled and spoke in fluent american English, "I've heard that odd people have been about the town, so I just thought I'd ask. I'm looking for the residents of this place."
"This?" he said, hiking his thumb towards the entrance, "Looks like an old abandoned park to me. I don't even know where I am, or what's in there. Kinda looking for a phone or map, or something. Trying to get to Nakomi Tech before things close up there and get myself registered and in the dorms."
"The college is just down that street," said Z, "though it's about an hour by car."
Suddenly mechanical footsteps were heard and a strange robot walked up.
Ian's eyes went wide, and he said, "Okay... Different!"
He tried his Japanese again, saying, "Lost. Need help."
The robot glanced at Ian before glaring at Z. Suddenly missile launchers emerged from the robot and fired at the cambion. Z barely managed to dodge.
"EASE UP THERE, GORDY!" he shouted, (referring to Gordy Howe,) "Two minutes for high sticking!"
The robot fired again, but Z shot a fireball that blew up the missiles.
Ian, now frightened out of his wits, dropped his things, grabbed Z, and got the HE double hockey sticks out of there!
"You alright?" asked Z as soon as they stopped running.
"WILL SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT IN THE NAME OF COMMON SENSE JUST HAPPENED!" was the only thing he could reply.
"I told you odd folk live at that temple," said Z.
He sighed and said, "Look, just hang out here, okay? It didn't seem so upset at me. I'll go check it out and find whoever you're looking for and explain your plight. Besides, I have to retrieve my things."
With that, he went back, cautiously this time.
"Ask for Urd and tell her her brother wants to talk," said Z as Ian left.
He nodded and went back to the gate, grabbed his things, and headed up the stairs very carefully, hoping not to get ambushed again.
The robot was simply sweeping up.
"Um...ah...speak Engurish?" he said in his bad broken Japanese.
the robot cocked it's head at him.
"Oh, Tonamondeal!" he said, speaking a phrase in Gaelic, "Hello?" he shouted, hoping someone could hear him.
A young girl rolled up as if she was wearing skates.
He remembered his manners and, though she looked Western, he also knew some Japanese looked almost Western and bowed, saying, "Konichiwa...um...me lost...look person...ugh...um...friend help..." he gave up and said, "Do you speak English at all? Please say yes."
"I speak some english," said the girl, "I am Sigel."
"Thank God," he said, "Um, look, if there is an Urd living here..." and told all that just happened and who it was looking for Urd.
"Miss Urd is out at the moment," said Sigl, "and I didn't know she had any brothers. At least, none that would cause Bampei-kun to react."
"Well, is there anyone here I can talk to? Kinda lost myself."
"Everyone's out right now," said Sigel.
((Really? Where would they be?))
"Nuts!" he said, "I've got someone some psychopath robot is trying to kill, I'm lost, and with no place to go until morning. Now what!"
((Bed time calls. Catch you later.))
(urd: getting sake, Kei and Bell: out together, Skuld: either getting ice cream or spying on her brother in law.)
"But banpei doesn't attack humans," said Sigel, "why did he attack your friend?"
"Honestly?" he said, "I just don't know. I am at a loss. Nothing is making sense today."
((I think I have Bell and K1. Do you have Urd?))
(no, but I think I can manage her.)
Sigel shrugged, "sorry about that."
Sounds of an approaching motorcycle could be heard, and he wondered if he was now going to get in trouble for tresspassing.
"That would be them now," said Sigel.
He just watied until they came up and Bell said, "Oh, Keiichi. It appears that we have a guest."
Sigel wheeled off to finish cleaning up after Banpei.
(since Urd is out drinking, she'll be back later)
Seeing that he was a westerner, he said, "You speak Japanese?"
"Not well at all," was his answer.
"I can fix that," said Belldandy, and began to say, "Many words of many tongues do set a mind confused. But let us all hear as we should, so our thoughts won't be misused."
Suddenly, though Ian spoke English, Kei heard it as Japanese, and vice versa. "Wait, how can I uunderstand you?"
"Oh, that is because I put a language spell out," she said, and Kei, who was normally fast on catching things like this, now did not know what to say. Ian, desperate for help, said, "Um, look..." and told all that went down. "Urd has a brother?" she asked, and went outside to see what was the matter. She was anle to find Z and said, "Hello. May I help you?"
Z glanced at Belldandy and raised an eyebrow, "you really do give off that sweet and happy aura. I guess I owe mom ten bucks. I'm Z, Urd's little brother."
She cocked her head and said, "But, I was unaware that she had a brother, for I have no brother as well, and she is my sister."
"Oh, I'm not your brother," said Z with a smile, "just Urd's."
"Oh, so you are a demon, or a god?"
"I guess you could say...neither," said Z cheekily.
"I do not understand," she said.
"I'm not a god," said Z, "but I'm not quite a demon either. I am Urd's brother though. Try and figure it out."
"Well, let's see... Eitherrr you're like Urd, or you are another kind of hybrid, with something in you Banpei is not programmed to like."
"Pin pon," said Z, "I am a hybrid."
"Really?" she said, "Oh, that means Hild had a human husband at some point. Is he still alive?"
"Tch," grumbled Z as he frowned, "don't know, don't really care. I never knew him. Mom raised me."
"Oh, I see. So, what brings you here?"
"I'm here to see my sister," said Z, "I want to meet her."
"Oh, well, I think that can be arranged, but we must make sure Banpei understands that you are welcome. If you could pleace follow me."
"Lead on," said Z as he got off the park bench he was sitting on.
She came to the gate and called for Banpei.
Banpei rolled up...and promptly aimed weapons at Z.
"Banpei," she scolded mildly, "This is Urd's brother. He came to visit her, so he is a welcome guest today. Please, let him pass."
Banpei hesitated, sensing the demonic energies that Z had, but relented, as Skuld had programed him to obey Belldandy.
"It is alright now," she said, "You may now enter."
Z walked in with his bag and looked around.
In another room the tv glowed and Urd emerged with sake in her hand.
"Oh Urd," said Belldandy, "I have someone here to see you."
"who is it Bell?" asked Urd, "and if its Troubador again, tell him to leave before I blast him to Hell and back."
"It is someone who claims to be your borther."
"I don't have a brother," said Urd as she walked in.
"Actually you do," said Z with a smile, "hello, onee-san. I'm Z."
Urd looked at Z's mismatched eyes, white streak, and slightly tanned skin and realized how they were related, "...this kid's not my brother."
Bell then said, "Oh dear... He said that his father was human and his motther was Hild, so I assumed..."
"I don't doubt he was telling the truth, but he's not my brother," said Urd, "just like that woman isn't my mother."
Belldandy looed a bit saddened and said, "I am sorry, Mr. Z, but I do not think she wishes to speak to you."
"Mom did warn me about that," sighed Z.
She smiled and said, "But, if you are hungry, I was about to start dinner. You are welcome to stay for at least that."
Then she looked at Ian and said, "And that counts for you as well. You are welcome for dinner."
'Thanks but, I still need a place to stay for the night, and I need to get on it beofe it gets dark. I start at Nakomi tech tomorrow, and I need to meet a Mrs. Lind. She's my sponsor."
"Wait, Lind?" asked Urd, "She's your sponsor?"
Z sighed, "Maybe I should be on my way. I need to find a place to spend the night before I go and find where mom is staying."
"Uh, yeah," said Ian, "She's the one that came to our place, offered me the scholarship, was going to get me set up here. She even gave me this."
He pulled out a white laptop with a screen that could be detached and used as a tablet. He said, "it's an off brand, but this thing is probably the fastest computer I've ever seen. Not only is it lighning fast, but the memory on both parts are seemingly endless."
The emblem had the Ygdrassil emblem on it, which would explain much.
"Oh, but you must stay," said Belldandy, "I could not think of you going off into the night without a good meal."
"Long blue hair? Pale skin? Athletic build?" asked Urd.
Z shook his head, "I don't want to be any trouble. I just hoped to connect with my sister, but mom did warn me that she wouldn't want to affiliate with me because of our relationship."
"Yep," he said, "And some interesting birthmarks on her face...kind of like you. Are you related?"
"It will not be any trouble," she said, "This is my home, and my husband Keiichi's. We can welcome whomever we like."
"Not really," said Urd, "but I do know her."
"I don't want to make Nee-san feel uncomfortable," said Z.
"Nonsense," said Bell, "Urd, could you have two extra places set out? We've having company for dinner."
"Small world," he said, "But I suppose if this place is close to the school, and she's around it, your paths may have crossed."
"I think I could do that," said Urd, "and Lind should be by eventually."
With that they headed to the main house, and Ian said to Z, "You coming?"
Z shrugged, "I guess I could."
With that, they all retired to the house.
((Can you do Skuld? I've got Lind and Hild.))
Skuld walked in, "Big sis? what's going on?"
"Oh, hi Skuld," said Bell, giving her a hug, "Can you help with the rice? We hve guests tonight."
"Sure," said Skuld, "Who are the guests?"
"One Mr. Ian McGovern, and one Karzi Carter." said Belldandy, "One is going to be going to nakomi Tech, and the other is here to see his mother and Urd."
"Why would he come to see Urd?" asked Skuld.
"Because they both have the same mother," said Bell, as honest as she was.
"wait, his mother is HILD?" yelled Skuld, "Why is he still here?"
Ian looked shocked at the forwardness of the young girl, and he was forced to ask, "Who is this HIld everyone seems to be repulsed by?"
"She's the ruler of Hell!" said Skuld.
"She's not all bad," protested Z, "she's a great mom!"
"Hell!" said Ian, all worried, "As in, the place where bad people go to get punished?"
"It's not quite like that," said Z, "it's more for people who didn't make a significant impact in life."
He looked incredulous at that and said, "And how would you know?"|
"She's my mom," said Z, "I grew up there."
"Hhhhho=kkkk-ayyyy," he said, and then whispered to Urd, "You'd better call the happy wagon. This one's three fries short of a Happy Meal!"
"He probably telling the truth," said Urd.
Belldandy was now bringing out the first courses of the meal when she felt the tension in the room, and saw Ian a deathly pale white. She then said, "Um, is everything okay?"
"He just heard that my mom rules hell," said z.
"Oh, then he must know that we are goddesses," she casually offered, to which Ian stated, "You people are bat dookie crazy! I'm getting out of here before you offer me to some idol or somethig!'
"she's not crazy," said Z, "in fact she can't lie if she wanted to."
But Ian wasn't sticking around to hear the rest. He was sprinting for the door, hoping he hadn't drank poison from the coffee he was offered.
Z sighed, "I guess he's not staying for dinner."
Urd frowned and chopped his head.
"Owww. Onee-san!" groaned Z.
"Your not my brother," said Urd.
"Well, we have to stop him before he blurts it all over the neighborhood!" shouted Kei.
Skuld pulled out a tracking device, "On it!"
However, Bell had a better idea. Ian now found himself hovering over the floor in the foyer, legs going but not moving anywhere.
"What's up?" asked Z as he walked up.
He just hung there in the air and said, "ha-ha" very sarcastically.
"So, I hear the food here is pretty good, if you're sticking around."
He was suddenly spun around and brought back, as Belldandy sheepishly said, "I suppose this must prove what we say now?"
Z walked behind him.
"Okay, what's going on," he said blankly as Belldandy explained the whole thing.
"Still think they're crazy?"
"No," he said, "Just confused. I mean, I always believed there had to be higher powers, but I never thought I'd meet them. Shouldn't I bow or something?"
"If you want," teased Urd, "I wouldn't mind."
Not joking, he said, "I would think Deities would deserve such respect, don't you? After all, you all control the fate of the universe."
"Actually Yggdrasil controls all that," said Urd.
"I shall explain," said Belldandy, and told him all about that, and the structure of the beings in Heaven, and so forth. He then said, "So, in reality, my culture would consider you angels and archangels: still very powerful, but created, not creators."
"That sounds about right," said Urd.
"This is so freaky," said Ian, "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd meet with such."
"But," added Kei, "you can't tell anyone."
"Why not?" said Ian, "She seemed eagar to say something."
"That is because I am not able to lie," said Belldandy, "It is only in me to tell the truth."
"think about it," said Urd, "what was your reaction when you learned about this?"
He looked at her and said, "Let's...not go there, shall we?"
"That's what others would think of you if you spread the word," said Urd.
"Yeah, good point," Ian had to concede, and then began to realize something, "But, does that put Lind in with your crowd?"
"She's the leader of the fighting wings: the Valkyrie forces."
"Then..." he pondered, "Could it be she wanted you and I to meet?"
"It is possible," said Z from where he was leaning against a wall.
"But, why?" he asked, "And why me? How do I play into any of this?"
"That I don't know," said Z.
He pulled out the laptop because he wanted to see if things were still in there, like his acceptance to school and stuff, to make sure he had not been pranked, and he flipped open the lid to where everyone could see the Yggdrasil emblem on it, though he had no idea that that was what the emblem was.
"That's..." gasped Urd.
"The Yggdrasil system emblem," said Z.
Confused, Ian tipped it down, looked at it, and said, "Funny...I thought it some off-brand company."
((And Skuld says nothing?))
(she's busy in her lab)
There was a small boom and Skuld ran out covered in smoke.
"I finished my latest anti-demon precaution!" she yelled, "if any demon comes in without any divine powers to counter, this will defeat them."
Suddenly the device beeps and starts to blare death metal, causing Z to go rigid and fall to the ground.
"Hold on,' he said, "He's something demonic?"
Urd switched off the device and Z looked around, "why am I on the floor?"
He pointed to Skuld and said, "She zapped you somehow."
"Did someone play death metal?" asked Z as he got up.
They all pointed to Skuld.
Z groaned, "Please never do that again. I go rigid and black out when I hear that kind of music."
Ian was now backed away as far as he could in the room and not leave it, surprised he had web access, and was now trying to e-mail Lind.
"You feeling alright?" asked Z.
"I'm trying to E-mail Lind!' he said, "I want to know just why she'd do this to me!"
"How would you email a Valkyrie?" mused Z.
"She gave me her email: mintangelgir@yggdrasli.com."
Z blinked, "...okay."
"Oh, that sounds like mine," said Belldandy gleefully, "holybellbuddy@yggdrasil.com."
"You actually have email in heaven?" said Z.
Belldandy said gleefully, "Oh, yes! It took a while for the IT to get it all together, but Yggdrasil is a large enough server to be able to, and it makes it eaier to contact those in need. Now, not only can we land line, but now we can cell phone, and e-mail! Does not that sound effcient?"
"...ok," said Z, not knowing what else to say.
"Great," the e-mail came back, "Somehow, they bollocked the whole thing! Well, I got you where I wanted you, and I'll be right over." and she emoticon'd :neg:
((What's her method of transport?))
(I don't know? flashy magic circle?)
((Found it...))
There was now a rattling in the freezer, and out of the compartment fell Lind, not happy having to come out that way. Ian yelled, but Lind froze him in position. "Fear not," she said, "I shall explain all, since this crew can't keep it together long enough to not scare the wits out of someone!"
Z chuckled, "It was kind of funny."
"Look," she said, all serious, "Can you just finish your dinner, and we can all retire to the living room and talk."
She looked at Ian and said, "Ian, I am sorry it went like this. I figured Belldandy would take you in and ease you into things enough to let you know of certain things about your past you know nothing about, but it is high time you knew now."
She loosened him up a bit and said, "What choice do I have? You all hold the cards."
Belldandy heard his concern, as if he was now in some kind of trouble he could not fight, and she said, "Oh, please Ian, we won't hurt you, honestly. If Lind is involved, you have to know she will look out for you. Please, we are your friends, right?"
She looked around at everyone to make sure they understood they had to handle this right. Keiichi then said, "Sure! We would think it nice to have a new friend."
"We don't have a lot of sleeping space," pointed out Urd as she glanced at Keiichi and Belldandy, "some of us might need to double up."
"YOU'RE NOT SLEEPING WITH BIG SIS!" Skuld yelled at Keiichi.
"Um...their married," said Ian, "I think that's permitted?"
((*tap,tap* Hello?))
(sorry. gotta go take a bath.)
Skuld huffed and turned away.
"Uh oh," said Ian, "Someone's become the little green eyed monster..."
Urd sighed and dragged Skuld away.
Lind said as she did, "We need her too; this pertains to her as well."
She looked to the others and beckoned to the living room.
Z waited as the group gathered.
Once everyone was set down, Lind began to speak, "Ian, the reason why you are here is that you have a greater relationship with everyone here than you think. Ian, I know you had a rough time coming up. You were teased and hated because you were the sensitive type, and committed the cardinal sin of showing weakness to your peers as a young boy. That made you the laughing stock and teasing target for every bully and classmate there was. Though you did learn to fight, and became a confidant for some, you were never quite accepted, were you?"
His face proverbially turned ashen gray as he said, "Yes...all of that is true."
Urd frowned as she heard all of this and even Skuld was upset.
"However, have you ever wondered why school was so easy for you, and that you had this natural wisdom beyond your years that did make people come to you for advice?"
"Sort of," he said, "I mean, I just thought I studied hard, and, even though I was an outcast in a way, it always made me feel good to help others. This is why I am going for a Ph.D in psychology, and studying philosophy."
"And, have you ever wondered how it was so easy for you to be the physical specimen you are now?"
"I just thought it was all that time in Hockey practice," he answered.
"Urd," said Lind, "You know how Tyr has a wandering eye, how he has an eye for human ladies, right?"
"Boy do I know it," muttered Urd before gasping, "you don't mean?!"
Lind just nodded. She then looked at Ian to see if he figured it out, but he was kind of lost.
"Is he really...?" asked Skuld.
"Okay, someone want to fill me in?" said Ian.
"Lind," said Belldandy, I must then assume that our father, and his father, are one and the same?"
She nodded, and pointed at Ian, "He, is a demigod."
They stared at Ian, waiting for his reaction.
He was now staring blankly, having already seen and been through a lot this day, and now indeed was showing signs of shock...medical kind of shock!
Urd waved her hand in front of his face and gave him a minor shock with a lightning spell
(Not smart with someone in shock!)
This was the wrong move, as now his heart stopped beating, and he fell over.
((Shock needs him to be wrapped in warm blankets with his feet elevated and a hot compress on his forehead.))
(mixed up medical shock with mental shock)
Urd laid him down and turned around to see Z with a bottle in hand, "this will help."
Urd took it and looked it over. Seeing that is was a healing potion, nothing dangerous, she let a few drops fall in Ian's mouth, letting the magic do its work.
This was followed by a loud gasp of air, heavy breathing, and he finally relaxed, but now moaned, "Oh...my head hurts!"
"Be careful," said URd.
He lifted off the floor as a futon came under him, blankets wrapped him up, and this was followed by a warm compress, as Belldandy said, "Just relax. You are going to be just fine. You are among friends here."
Keiichi then asked, "So, why does he not look like them?"
"Late bloomer, I guess," she answered, "Normally, he would have awoken to his powers already, but he has yet to. However, he should real soon, and we have to help him adjust."
Z raised an eyebrow as he listened. His mother would be intrigued at this.
"So, why send him here?" asked Keiichi.
Lind sighed and said, "I have been assigned to protect him, but, because you are family with him, you need to teach him his abilities."
Z turned to leave.
Bell then asked, "Where are you going, Z?"
"I'm not the best person to help, so I'm going to see about finding a more permanent place to live."
Belldandy's instinct was to always try to make a friend out of a potential enemy, but with Ian in his situation at that point, there was not much protest that could be made, and certainly, Urd was not going to do anything to stop it.
"Don't worry," said Z, "I'll be around."
As he left, the attention now turned to Ian, trying to help him recover from the shock.
Once Z left the temple grounds, He heard a familiar voice say, "And you really thought she'd take you in?"
"I did have the hope," said Z, "she's still family to me."
Hild then said, "By acknowledging you as brother, it would acknowledge me as her mother by default, and turned her into one of us completely. This, she would never risk."
"You did warn me," sadi Z.
"So," she asked, "What are you going to do now?"
"Think I could move in, Mom?"
"Of course," she said, slyly, "At least someone knows who his mother is."
"You raised me when that man abandoned me. You'll always be my Mom."
She put an arm around him and said, "Now, come on, little one...mommy gonna tuck you in and tell you a good bedtime story with some nice, hot cocoa."
Z chuckled, "You know I'm too old for that stuff now."
She hugged him and said, "You will always be my baby boy..."
(Doing some FPS. Be on later.)
"Just don't treat me like a baby," said Z, "and I have some interesting news."
"Really?" she said, "Do tell."
"let's get home first," said Z, "to avoid wandering ears."
*two ears go running by looking lost, going in every direction.
(I know, poor word choice.)
"So where are you staying mom?" Z asked Hild.
(she's in avatar form, right?)
((Currently.))
"Follow me," she said, "There is an old abandonded arcade I and Mara are in right now."
"Mara?" asked Z.
((Man...I forgot demon dumb-dumb's name!))
(It's Mara or Marler in japanese. Z just doesn't know her yet.)
"Oh, you haven't met Mara?" she asked, "No big loss, but you will."
"I'm sure I will," said Z, "It'll be fun to catch up."
(Meanwhile, back at the temple...)
"A demigod?" he said starting to come round, "I don't understand."
"It's why your life has been topsy-turvy," said Lind, "It was hard for you to relate because you were born different, in a good special kind of way."
Kei then said, "What does this mean? How does something like this happen?"
"Well," said Urd with a sly smile, "it happens when a deity has a child with a human. So if you and Bell had kids, they'd be demigods."
The pair turned beat red, knowing that that was something they had been trying for, but now wondered just what would come of it. "So, who is my father," said Ian.
Lind pointed at the norns and said, "Their father."
"So he's our brother?" asked Skuld?
"Essentially, yes," was her basic answer.
(gotta go in a bit)
"We have a new baby brother," said Urd.
"Congrats," said Lind, "You are to train his magic, I am to teach him fighting."
"I guess that means you're out Skuld," teased URd.
"SHUT UP!" yelled Skuld.
"Please don't yell," pleaded Ian with a moan, "My head still hurts."
"She started it," muttered Skuld.
He sighed, gathered his patience, and said to Skuld, "I don't think you're out of it. If you are like them, and my sister, I guess, I bet there are ways you can help me that they know nothing about, I I look forward to getting to know you better."
He the said to everyone, "But, if I am as you say, then why can't I do anything... you know, like all of you?"
"You just need practice," said Urd, "we didn't get this good overnight."
((Nothing from Skuld for the nice compliment?))
"Plus, he hasn't awakened to them yet," added Lind, "I'm glad he knows ahead of time, though. If they started to manifest themselves at the wrong time without him knowing, it could make things awkward for him. At least now he can be among friends when it happens."
(she knows she won't be much help, so she's silent)
"What can we do to help?" asked Skuld.
"Make him feel at home," said Lind, "His recent medical exam shows he's on the edge of awakening, so he needs to be watched and escorted wherever he goes right now. This even means on campus as well. Once he does, you can put a seal on him so he can keep under control, and then we start teaching him."
"I could put together something to help us monitor his power," said Skuld.
meanwhile at the arcade
Z leaned against the wall after telling Hild about the new demigod.
Ian smiled and said, "See? You can contribute."
Belldandy gave her a hug and a kiss on the top of the head, saying, "That is the spirit."
"Really?" she said, "Tyr just can't keep away from human women, can he?"
"In any case," she added, "This has potential. Apparently, he figured Midgard needed a new hero again. That would kill our shares. This must be dealt with"
Skuld smiled and hugged her back.
"What do you have in mind mom?"
"First," said Kei, "We'll have to get you some space. There's an old caretaker's house not being used. It has a kitchen/living space with a bedroom and bath. You're welcome to that. It has to be fixed up, though."
"I'm not sure yet," she answered, "But, there's also the issue of him being naive about this world, so we could start by taking a chance and befriending him."
"We've met already if that helps," said Z.
"I'll get Banpei to clean it up!" said Skuld.
"That's a start," she answered, "What will he be doing while here?"
He was beginning to like Skuld more and more. And though she was technically older than him, he began to see a kid sister in her and was willing to let her do what she could to help. He then said, "Thank you so much. You are such a big help!"
Skuld beamed.
"Don't give her a big head," said URd.
"Probably learning about his powers and adjusting to his family," said Z, "same as when I was a kid."
Belldandy said, "You have a way with youth."
"I came to college to learn about psychology, and I aim to work with youth as a doctor."
"What I mean is, what is his purpose for being in Japan besides this? Surely he did not know what he was before he got here."
Z winced, "I think Lind the Valkyrie wanted him here."
"Really?" said Urd, "I have a background in medicine to some extent."
"Yes," he said, "But I'm talking about psychothearpy."
"But, what's he doing here? Is it to get a job, go to school, climb Mt. Fuji? What?"
"Not quite sure," said Z, "I didn't want to stick around with Lind there."
"Interesting," said Urd.
"I think it is wonderful that you wish to work with children," said Belldandy, "I just love children."
Keichii turned beat red at that comment.
"Then, whenever he leaves the temple, follow him. I want to know what he is up to."
"As you wish, mother," said Z
"You could always talk to Kei about that," said Urd, "I wouldn't mind having a niece or nephew."
Now both he and bell were beat red and Kei was bleeding at the nose a bit.
Urd cracked up, while Skuld was fuming.
Ian could not understand, "Skuld, you could be an aunt one day."
"She doesn't like the idea of Kei sleeping with her big sister," said Urd.
He screwed up his face for a moment, and then said, "Kid, their married. It's allowed. I love you, but, I have to say in the most clinical and psychoanalytic way I know how: deal with it."
Skuld stormed out of the room.
Urd sighed, "you have to remember, she's still a little kid who idolizes her big sister. She doesn't want to share her with Kei."
"Give me time," he said, "I'll get her to come around. I think she just has to get used to the idea. And, if that's the case, she was obviously in a power struggle for affection from her sister and lost to an 'outsider'. She's still upset about that. Deep down, subconsciously, she feel's she's not loved anymore. Maybe a sister's day out, with no boys involved, might help her to understand she's still loved and valued. That's all a kid wants sometimes: that reassurance."
"Maybe," said Urd, "but let's focus on getting you situated."
He conceded the point and let them set up a room until the care taker's house was set up. Lind then said she would just bring the paperwork he needed here and let him sign up for his classes on line. Lind then looked at Urd and said, "I'm surprised you didn't recognize the markings on his laptop."
"I was suspicious," said Urd, "but I wasn't sure."
"Yes," she said, "It's from the computer shop in the mall in heaven."
She said, "It's hooked right up to the Yggdrasil mainframe so you'll always have internet access, even on the surface of Pluto! Plus, the battery power is eternal. I only gave you a charger just to make sure you didn't suspect anything before it was time for you to know. You have one of the best study tools on the planet."
"How come I never could get one of those?" said Urd.
"I dunno," said Lind with a shrug, "Maybe you never held onto your allowance from your father to buy one? He gets one because he needs it. Besides, you worked in that mainframe. You had access to anything you wanted."
Urd sighed, "well what should we do with the kid?"
He looked at her a little cross and said, "'The Kid' is sitting right in front of you, and has a name, you know! It's Ian. Ian McGovern."
"right," said Urd, "sorry Ian."
"He'll live on these grounds and go to school," said Lind, "You can teach him potions, Bell can teach him magic, once we find out what his magic area is, and Skuld can help him with heaven tech. I'll teach him fighting our style along with what he knows, considering his role as a future superhero."
"SUPERHERO!" he said.
"Of course," said Lind, "What else would Tyr have intended by creating you? Thor started that way."
"this should be fun," said Urd, "you gonna sick around to visit, Lind?"
"Nah," she said, "Gotta get back, but I'll be back for a short time tomorrow to drop off the paperwork."
Urd sighed, "right, paperwork."
Lind rolled her eyes and said, "I meant his school paperwork? Honestly, you must be physically allergic to work!"
"I do work!" protested Urd.
Lind smirked and laughed a bit, letting it go, (this being one of the rare moments she ever gave the hint of a smile,) letting it go and said, "I'll see you tomorrow," going back as she had come in, opening the fridge and going back as if it was the door straight to heaven.
Once she had gone, Urd sighed, "at least she didn't clean anything this time."
"What do you mean?" asked Ian.
"Lind has trouble with cleaning spells," said Urd, "they tend to do more damage than help."
Belldandy had her old room all done up by this point and said, "Your room is ready, little brother."
Her matronly smile and her peaceful spirit put him at ease, making him feel at home. He then said, "I think I might just hit the hay now. I am exhausted after all that, and the jet lag is catching up to me."
With that he retired. Belldandy then said, "Oh, I am so excited that we have a new baby brother!"
"As am I," said URd.
"I'm a bit confused," said Kei, "What did she mean by 'superhero'?"
"Demigods are usually champions selected by Tyr to help in some time of crisis," explained URd.
(I've got an idea for the crisis.)
"So, who is this Thor she mentioned?" he asked, "I thought he was a god?"
((Sure, but we have to keep it somewhat funny.))
(I was thinking Surtur arises and Hell and Heaven have to form a wary truce)
(and I'm not sure where you're going with Thor)
"I'll get Bell to explain," said Urd, "she's better at that stuff."
"Thor started off as a demigod, and earned full godhood," said Belldandy, "He was a great hero, and Earth always needs great heros."
"That's where you come in," said Urd.
"Me?" asked Kei, "How do I play into that?"
Urd smiled, "people like you help save humankind, but they need help, and that's why demigods are around."
"Soooo... He slept with his mother on purpose? How does Bell's mother feel about that?"
Urd's eye twitched, "let's not talk about father's wandering eye."
((The next day...))
Ian woke up, feeling better, but still a bit woozy, but soon the smell of the best coffee he ever smelled had him out of bed and heading for the kitchen. He was in a "Bruins Pride" tee-shirt, chekered sleep pants, and slippers. After a detour to the toilet, he found Belldandy up before everyone else preparing breakfast.
Skuld walked in a bit bleary in pjs that were pattered with gears and wrenches.
Ian grinned and said, "Good morning, Miss Skuld," not wanting to use a nickname, and wanting to be respectful, considering he just met her.
"Eh?" said Skuld as she noticed his presence, "Who are you again?"
He smiled and said, "I'm Ian. Remember? I was here last night, and I'm your new big little brother."
Skuld shook the cobwebs from her brain and refocused on Ian, "oh right. I forgot."
He chuckled a bit and said, "I see you aren't a morning person, miss Skuld."
Skuld blushed, "not really."
Belldandy smiled at the exchange and said, "I am curious. Why are you calling her 'Miss Skuld'?"
"Because we just met, and it isn't polite to talk in such familiar terms because of that."
"Thanks Ian," beamed Skuld, "but you can just call me Skuld."
He could see her insecurities a mile a way, and he knew the best way into her heart was to treat her with the utmost respect and kindness. "And you may call me Belldandy, or just Bell. After all, we are family now."
"Yeah..." he said, rubbing his neck, "Still trying to wrap my head around that one."
Urd chose that moment to walk in wearing a nightgown, "yo. what smells good?"
"Good morning, Miss Urd, I mean, sister, I mean...ugh...this is so odd."
"Oh, hey kiddo," said Urd as she went to grab a bottle of sake to start the day.
"Whoa!" he said, "Hitting the sauce early?"
"she always drinks," said Skuld, "it's her way of recharging her energy."
"And getting absolutely snookered in the process?"
"I don't think she gets drunk," said Skuld.
"Well,I guess it has to be the case, being what you are...I am...ugh,this is so confusing."
"Belldandy get's drunk though," said Urd, "so keep her away from the cola."
Bell turned beat red and started to focus on the breakfast as Ian just shook his head and groaned.
There was an explosion from the yard and Z's voice yelling, "GET THIS DAMNED ROBOT AWAY FROM ME!"
Belldandy was swift to be outside to see what was going on.
Z was there dodging missiles from Banpei.
Bell did not immediately call off the troops, but she asked, "Goodness, Z: what brings you here this morning?"
"Oh you know," said Z as he blew up a missile with a fireball, "I wanted to visit my sister, even if she denies it."
"Oh, okay," she said, sending an avatar to Skuld and asking her to call off Banpei.
"I don't like having to let a demon in," said Skuld.
"Now, now Skuld," the avatar mildly scolded, "He is Urd's brother and if he wants to visit, he can, though I do wish he would have warned us he was coming ahead of time."
"I still don't like it," said Skuld but she called off the killer robot.
With that, Bell returned to breakfast.
Z walked in with a box, "hello. I come bearing a gift."
Belldandy sounded pleased to hear this, and this was as Lind came out of the fridge with Ian's entry paperwork. Having taken the entrance exams online before coming over, and passing with flying colors, (something which the Japanese could not believe that a Yankee could score that high,) all he had to do was finish the paper work. She would have him tour the campus later.
Z faltered somewhat at seeing Lind. He remembered seeing videos of her fighting the angel eater and really didn't want to get on the valkyrie's bad side.
"He emerges, (pointing to Ian,) and you all come out of the woodwork," she snarled, "Be happy that direct demonic combat is forbidden on holy ground."
((Just my head cannon.))
"I don't want any trouble," said Z, "I just wanted to meet the rest of my family."
"She's in her room with her Saki," said Ian, "I'd say she's getting hammered, but it seems alcohol doesn't effect her."
"That's not surprising from what I've heard," said Z, "I'll leave this for her."
"Oh, but why not give it to her yourself," she said, "Urd!" she sang, "You have company!"
"Who is it?" asked Urd as she walked out.
"He who claims to be your brother." said Lind.
Urd sighed, "Why is he here again?"
"Is it not wonderful," said Belldandy, "He has a gift for you."
Z handed it to her, "I swear on both your father and my mother that this is not a trick."
Urd opened the box and found that it contained a dusty bottle of Shackleton Whiskey.
"I heard you liked to drink, so I thought I'd give you my bottle."
Now everyone looked impressed and Ian was surprised a demon, or anything related to demons, could be so generous.
"I just want to connect with what family I have left," said Z, "the man who should have been my father didn't give a shit about me, so I only had my mother growing up. When I heard I had a sister, I wanted to meet her. I know you can't acknowledge me without acknowledging your demonic roots, but can we at least be friends?"
Ian's psychiatry side kicked in and he said, "Now, Urd, I think he's being sincere...surprisingly...and he is reaching out. He has offered a good compromise and doesn't want to be hostile. You need to at least acknowledge his kindness."
"I guess we could try," said Urd, "but if I find out you're using this for her schemes, then all bets are off."
"Oh, wonderful," Belldandy said, clapping, "We have a new friend."
Z smiled, "thank you. I should get going. I only wanted to extend that olive branch and I need to look for a job somewhere in this city."
They all watched to see what Urd's reaction would be.
"Good luck," said Urd, "and if you're going to visit again, please call in advance so we can prepare a spot for you."
Belldandy was all happy, Kei not sure, but Lind still watched him like a hawk.
Z walked out, being careful to avoid banpei and pulled out a newspaper's classified add, reading it as he walked...and walked into a pole due to not looking where he was going.
Ian finished the paperwork and handed it over to Lind, who told him classes would start in two weeks. She then said to the norns, "Keep someone with him at all times. If he starts to show signs of awakening, bring him right back hear as fast as you can."
"Will do," said Urd.
Lind left with the paperwork, and Ian said, "Well, what do I do with the rest of the day?"
"I could show you my inventions," said Skuld.
"Sure," he said, happy that she and he were getting along. He grabbed his laptop and went with her.
skuld led him into her lab.
"Look at all this stuff!" he said, amazed, "You built all this?"
"Yup!" said skuld, "I'm a genius."
"Well, you don't show my anything that would tell me otherwise," he answered, "Which one are you the proudest of?"
"that would be Banpei," said Skuld.
"Oh, that robot?" he said, "Well, it is quite lifelike, as well as that girl on the skates. She looked real at first."
"Well, Sygil wasn't created by me. I just put an AI in a pre made greeting robot Banpei fell in love with."
"I would normally find it odd that any machine had sentience, but since you are a goddess, I should expect you could do that."
In all his talking to her, he always looked her in the eye, got to eye level, and talked to her like an adult, not a child."
"I created Banpei to help fight off the demons that occasionally attacked the temple," said Skuld, "He has great weapons and even helped us fight in hell."
"I guess some don't understand the concept of 'truce' do they?"
He then had to ask, "Do you like it here?"
Skuld nodded, "It's really fun and there's big sis and Ice Cream!"
"You love your big sister that much?" he said, "I never had any brothers or sisters...until now...you should feel real lucky."
"you have three sisters now," said Skuld.
"So, you consider me a brother? A total stranger?"
"We're related by blood," said Skuld.
He took a seat and said, "Well, true, but, you know, most people still aren't as welcoming to those they don't know. And yet you're ready to accept me right away. That shows such a big heart."
Skuld blushed lightly, "thanks."
"Hey, I know what we can do," he said, "Let's look at that old caretaker house and see what we can do to it!"
"All right!" said Skuld, "I'll get my tools."
"Take your time," he said, "I'm going to get cleaned up and meet you there."
Skuld went to grab her toolkit.
20 minutes later, he came out in some jeans and an Patriots Jersey that looked like it had seen better days and met up with Skuld.
"you're gonna need better clothes," said Urd.
"These are my working clothes," he said, "Things I'm not worried about messing up. We're going to be cleaning and seeing what we can do to make this place livable."
"Cleaning's easy with a few good spells," said Urd.
He looked at Skuld and whispered to her, "Should we trust her?"
"She is right," said Skuld, "that's how we fix things up after a demon attack."
"Well, look..." he said, confused, "I just wanted to help, but, I'll let you to go to town if you want."
"We would like to know how you want the place decorated," said Skuld.
He shrugged and said, "Well, a couch with a comfortable hide-a-bed in case I have a guest, an easy chair, a TV with a good stereo I can hook up my computer to listen to music if I want, decent appliances, a place for my clothes and at least a full-sized bed with a lamp and night stand."
Skuld was noting all this down.
"Oh, and a TV. Forgot about that."
"anything else?" asked Skuld.
"That should do it," he answered.
"You want a traditional or modern bath?"
"Well, I understand the Japanese have a way of bathing: shower first, or sit on and bench, scrub and hose down, and then a real hot bath to open the pores," he said, "Is that what you mean by traditional?"
Skuld nodded, "If you want that, we could fix it up, or we can go with a fancy western bathing room."
"Let's go traditional," he answered, "This is Japan after all."
"ok," said Skuld as she jotted notes down, "do you want a kitchenette?"
"Well, I'm sure all it needs is it's appliances. It already has that, it just needs new gear, I'm sure."
"Ok then," said Skuld, "I'll get to work immediately."
He ddin't want to let what he still saw as a little girl work alone, so he asked, "What can I do to help?"
"Well," said Skuld, "I'll need some parts and it would help if you could get them for me."
"Well, what exactly would you need, and where would I find it?"
Skuld handed him a list, "I think most of it could be found at whirlwind."
Not sure what she meant by that, he looked at the list, (trying to estimate the price tag.)
it was all spare auto parts so it would come to around 5000 yen.
(5 yen is 5 cents right?)
(About right.)
"Okay, I'll have someone show me where this is and I'll go there."
"why not catch a ride with keiichi?" asked Urd as she walked in, "he works there."
After some arrangements were made, he went in with them and got the parts. Since they were told he could not be left unsupervised, Bell brought the parts back herself.
Skuld was hard at work building a machine.
Belldandy soon arrived and gave the parts to Skuld.
Skuld thanked her and finished the machine, "all right. Let's get started."
She started the machine and it began to glow and move toward the house.
Kei returned Ian at lunch so he could get settled in, depending on what Skuld was doing.
Soon the machine powered off.
"Done," said Skuld.
"Well," he said, entering in, "What did you get done," thinking it would take time to get things done, and looking up, he saw...
the inside of the house was actually larger than the outside and had everything ian had wanted. The tv was almost an entire wall with speakers built into the walls and ceiling for surround sound and there was even several plush armchairs.
If this had been some kind of Loony Toons, Ian's jaw would have hit the floor. When he finally gathered himself, he finally sputtered out, "What in the world did you build? A TARDIS?"
(sort of :smug:)
"I just used some magic to remodel," said Skuld, "This way it's easy to clean up if something happens."
"Remodel?" he asked, "More like recreate! I mean how did you..."
But he stopped himself and said, reminding himself, "You're a goddess... That's why."
Skuld nodded, "I just created a pocket dimensional space in the house."
"Sounds like you made a safe haven to flee to."
"how so?"
"Well, I mean, if there is dangers out there, it can't effect in here because it's a pocket dimension...I guess...?"
"It's tied to the house, so it can be damaged."
He started to explore the place a bit, trying to get a feel for it.
It wasn't all that large, but it was well furnished with things that would normally cost a small fortune to install.
"How about internet?" he said, "You got that?"
"You have a direct link to the Yggdrasil system through your laptop," said Skuld
,"Oh, that's right," he said, sighing as he sat down, "This is so overwhelming."
"Only the best for our brother."
"i appreciate what you've done, don't get me wrong, but, I'll say it like this: I'm either amazed or impressed the love you show for me, as if I've been with you for ages, and you show such love."
Emotion kicked in as a tear rolled down his cheek as he said, "No one's ever been this kind, except for my mother, of course, to me."
"You're family," said Skuld as if that was all the explanation needed.
"Well, you're right, but, aren't I still a total stranger, more or less?"
"I trust you," said Skuld.
"You're one of few," he said, "Outside of family, what is it about me that makes you trust me? Did you build some special trust detecting machine and test me while I slept?"
"Lind vouched for you," said Skuld, "She doesn't do that for just anyone."
"And just who is she, anyway?"
"she's the leader of the fighting wings. the valkyries."
"Alright then," he said, "I get the trust part now. But, why would someone like that be assigned to me...if that is what that is...I guess... Ugh, there is so much to know."
"We don't completely understand either," said Skuld.
Trying to return some normalcy to things, he said, "Well, I guess I'd better settle in," going for his bags and beginning to unpack.
"We'll call you for dinner," said Skuld.
"Thanks," he said, "You're one of a kind."
"so are you," joked Skuld
He went to his tasks while she went off, truly being smitten by the kid, and she really made him feel she was a kid sister.
Once Skuld returned, Bell said, "So, how did it go?"
"Great, big sis." said Skuld, "Ian is all settled in."
"Oh, so good!" she said, "You are such the little helper. Now, if you could, could you go to the store and get a few things for me? I have looked up some on his native land's foods, and I want to make a big dinner for him to help him feel at home with us. Could you get these things for me?"
It was a long list, mostly seafood, along with corned beef and cabbage for some reason, and potatoes. It was a lot of stuff, and she would need some help.
"I think I can do that," said Skuld, "I'll be right back."
It was an elaborate list: potatoes, carrots, a head of cabbage, corn beef, clams, about 18 lobsters, and tools for eating said lobsters, as well as some butter and rolls.
Skuld ran out with her banpei bike.
As she started to shop, she bumped into Hild, looking as if she was there to shop herself.
"H-h-hild!" exclaimed Skuld.
"Oh, fancy meeting you here," she said, "Oh, you are such an adorable child."
She gave her a hug and said, "You look so much like your mother. So, how are things going," talking as if there was no animosity between them and they were all just good friends.
"What are you doing here?" asked Skuld.
(is she an avatar or her real self?)
((It is the avatar, and I know she's a bit more aggressive and a bit more hostile towards the crew, but she does owe them for them helping right at the end of the manga's run.))
"Same as you," she said, "I'm shopping. What else would I be doing in a store?"
"riiight," said Skuld, "I figured you'd get Mara to do that."
"But sometimes, this can be fun..." she stopped, and said, all giddy, and pointed at some man in a trench coat, walking around and grabbing things and hiding them them in the coat, making sure he is not seen, "Look, that's what I'm talking about. Come on! Watch how we gain shares sometimes without even trying."
She pulled her off to the side to watch the action. "Watch what happens when he gets over here. His aura shows stupidity, and he's about to rise to the level of his own incompetence."
"We should stop him!" sadi Skuld as she reached for a bomb.
"Oh, relax," she said, "The shares are not going to comne from him stealing. It will come from karma on him. Watch..."
He eventually came over to the lobster tank, and he looked around, managed to open the too, grabbed at a lobster, and as he did, she cause the band around one of the claws to break. He pulled it out, and seeing he had nowhere else to put it, stuffed it down the front of his pants without thought.
(ouch)
Skuld winced and turned away.
((Trust me: this actually happened as listed in the Darwin Awards.))
He went down the way, turned a corner, and then the screams could be heard throughout the store.
people rushed to help him.
"Yessssss..." she said, pumping her fist, as first aid people rushed in and began to stop the heavy bleeding. She looked at SKuld and said, "He'll live, we get shares, and his stupidity prevents him from breeding. Not a bad day's work."
"See?" said Hild, "Justice done. What do you think?"
skuld looked rather ill at the moment.
Hild paid it no mind and said, "So, how's that new brother of yours?"
"He's fine...wait, how do you know about him?"
"My son," she said, "I mean, he's staying with me, and all he did was tell me about his day. He mentioned him."
"grrr, I knew it was a bad idea to trust a demon," grumbled Skuld.
"What," she said, surprised, "You didn't think we'd find out eventually?"
"I should've let banpei blow him up," muttered Skuld.
"Oh, don't be angry, darling. We'd have found out anyway. Besides, don't think this won't go unchallenged. Having a hero like this to hurt are shares will be dealt with. Ta-ta..." and she vanished.
Skuld yet out a yell of frustration and ran back to the house.
Bell was surprised at how quickly she had returned, looking to see if she had gotten the stuff.
"Big news!" said Skuld.
((She didn't bring anything back, did she?))
"Oh?" said Belldandy, "And what would that be?"
(nope, she was angry and distracted)
"Hild knows about Ian!"
Bell thought nothing of it and said, "Well, I am sure she would have learned about that in time. You sound concerned."
"That half demon told her."
"She laughed and shook her head, saying, "Eve if he had not, it still would not have been hidden. Besides, there really is not anything to hide. What are you afraid of?"
"He betrayed us!" said Skuld, "we have to protect Ian."
"Someone needs to calm down. He did not betray us. We would have said something anyway. Besides, what danger doo you think Ian is in?"
"Hild practically said that our 'hero' would be dealt with!"
"That could be anything," she said, "Including finding his doublet."
"I still don't trust her," said Skuld.
"Well, nonetheless, we must all keep a close eye on him," she answered, "And...someone forgot some groceries..."
Skuld blushed and ran out to get them.
((TS to when she has it all.))
Eventually skuld came back with her arms full of groceries.
Before she started, she said a little prayer over the lobsters that they would be reborn as something better as a reward for their sacrifice for the meal they were about ot eat. She then started off by setting a large boiling pot to a simmer and putting in the cabbage and the corn beef and put a lid on it. She prepared the clams and started to steam them, saving the lobsters for later. She then asked Skuld to started to peel and cut the potatoes and carrots, chopping them up and adding them in intervals to the pot with the corn beef.
Skuld nodded and did so.
meanwhile, Z was going to a certain auto parts store to apply as a cashier.
(you want to be chihiro?)
She was tending to things as Kei worked in the back on a couple of vehicles when she saw Z and greeted him warmly.
The smells permeated the house.
"Hey," said Z, "I was looking for a job and saw you had an opening."
Urd came out of her lab with her mouth watering.
The roast was slow cooking while she worked the clams, but she looked like she was having trouble. She had the large pot of boiling water, but looked reluctant to toss live lobsters into it. She looked at Urd pleadingly.
She nodded and handed him an application.
Urd sighed and did the deed for her.
Z smiled and quickly filled it out and handed it back with a resume.
She smiled and said, "I'll have my partner interview you."
She hit the intercom and said, "Keiichi-kun, could you come in here for a minute?"
Keiichi came in as she said, "I need you to interview a candidate," and his jaw hit the floor when she saw who it was.
She got far away while Urd did it, not wanting to hear the screams of the lobsters.
"we meet again k1," said Z, saying Keiichi's name in english.
"It's done," said Urd.
"Wait," he said, "Why are you applying here?"
She was shivering, saying, "Why do they have to be cooked that way?"
"It's just how it's done," said Urd.
"I needed a job," said Z simply, "and I'm good at being a cashier and stock boy if needed."
"But, you're Hild's son," he said, "How do I know you won't be trying mess with me like your mother always does?"
She nodded and said, "I guess I'll leave that to you and see how Ian's doing."
"That might be best," said Urd.
Z shrugged, "I actually do need the work, as I don't want to be living off of my mother. I want to be able to buy things that I need, so I won't do anything to jeopardize my work here. besides, if I wanted to prank you, I'd do it outside of the working area."
He was just frank and said, "I feel like I'm nestling a viper in my chest."
"I'm still going to apply," said Z.
"Well...okay, what makes you think that this is the right field for you?"
"I'm good at customer service and know how to use a cash register to quickly ring up customers," said Z, "I'm also decent in math so I can give out change quickly."
"What do you know about motorcycle and auto parts? Also, what do you know about mechanics? They may have questions and need to be sure this or that is the right thing."
"What I don't know I'm willing to learn," said Z, "and I've read up a bit about moterbikes and such before coming to nekomi."
He nodded and then started to bring different parts and started to ask them what they were and to what vehicle they belonged.
Z answered each of his questions correctly.
"Though it's against my better judgment, you're hired. Chihiro will give you your schedule."
"Thanks," said Z, "and tell urd that if she would like, I know a guy who can make amazing replicas of some high end alcohol."
Chihiro printed out a schedule and when he was expected to report.
"I promise I won't disappoint, ma'am."
Keiichi still had an uneasy feeling about this.
Things were almost ready, and the smell permeated the house.
Skuld went to get Ian.
Z checked the schedule to see when was his first day.
He was to start his orientation the next day.
She found him just finishng putting away his things, still amazed at what he saw, often taking a moment just to look around. However, when she came in, she could see it. It was extremely faint, and really the light had to hit it just right to be noticed, but marks started showing up on his face: thin and long trapezoids on his cheeks, and what looked like a lettter "T" with a long top part, and all pointy at the end.
Z smiled and headed home.
"Hey brother," said Skuld, "it's nearly time for dinner."
Kei was not sure what to expect now as he got ready to head home.
"Alright," he said, and then added, "Hey, y'all got any asperin? I've picked up a sight headache."
"I think Urd might have something," said Skuld.
Z headed back to the arcade.
Ian came in and asked Urd for some headache medicine, and in the light was seen the very, very faint marks on his face.
"Not sure it'll help," said Urd, "you're awakening, kid."
He looked at her funny and said, "What?"
"Your powers," elaborated Urd, "they're awakening."
"I...don't...feel any different," he answered, not sure where this was going, "I don't feel any different, 'cept for this slight headache."
"We'll have to watch and wait," said URd.
Belldandy was all happy. She said, "Oh, it is so good to see that! Your powers won't hit immedately, but they will start to grow gradually. So, be careful right now for what you wish, because something might manifest you did not intend."
And yet, his thoughts were broken by the smell, and he looked around to see a huge feast: fried clams and lobsters, and New England Broiled dinner. He was instantly drooling at the sight.
"I'll go call Lind," said Urd, "so she knows about this."
He nodded, but paid attention to the spread. "This is fantastic," he noted, "It's just like what my grandmother would have made! You even have the melted butter for the lobster!"
"I wanted to make a traditional meal from your homeland," said Belldandy.
"I think you've succeeded in spades!" he said, forgetting his headache and ready to dive in.
"Really," she said to Urd, "Well, don't expect much right away. But, the stronger the marks get, the stronger he becomes, and in many ways. It may take some days, but, once he's full bloom, we'll need to seal his power. Otherwise, for him, he'd have to live in a world like everything is made of cardboard."
"He mentioned a headache," said Urd.
"That's normal," she said, "His brain is adjusting to the abilities that have been locked away until now, as well as his body. He'll feel like he just got a Tetanus booster along with a flu shot eventually, but then he'll feel as strong as an elephant, and be more as strong as Superman. At that point we'll have to seal him until he controls his magic before he speaks some abomination into existence."
"I'll keep you posted," said Urd, "if you ever care to join us for dinner, bell always makes more than enough."
"Thanks, " she said, "I'd take you up on it tonight, but I've got are duty tonight."
"Alright," said Urd, "I'll keep in touch."
By this point, Kei had come home, and his nose practically led him to the dining room.
Urd walked to the dining room holding the bottle Z gave her, "how about a toast to the awakening of our new brother?"
This was all agreed to, but Ian was doing all he could to keep from getting overwhelmed by the speed by which it was all happening.
Urd poured them a small drink from the bottle.
He looked at it, and ten said, "I've never really drank alcohol."
"it's the good stuff," said Urd.
"No, I mean, I don't jknow if I should!"
"How old are you again?" asked Urd.
"I'm 18, and never having had liquor before, I'm not sure this is wise."
"You should be fine," said Urd, "it's barely a shot."
He wrinkled his nose at the smell, as if his nose wanted no part of it. He just bottomed the glass and then was shocked at how it went down. He felt like his throat was on fire and he reacted badly. All he could say was, "And people drink this?"
"I personally prefer sake," said URd.
He the glass down and said,"Well, that's enough to put me off drinking for life!"
"too bad," said Urd, "this is the good stuff."
"I'll take your word for it," he said, sighed, and loaded his plate. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see a soft drink unique to his region: Moxie. His eyes went wide and he said, "Where did you get this! This is awesome!"
"I just traveled through a mirror to your hometown after I got some American currency and was able to obtain this. I see I was not mistaken on my choice."
"No, you weren't!" he said, and he looked around and said, "It is kind of like a home made root beer with sarsaparilla and a hint of black licorice flavor. Thing about this stuff is, either you like it or you hate it. There is no in between and no 'acquiring' a taste to it. From what I understand, it mixes well with mixed drinks, and I do know it makes a killer ice cream float...that is, if you like it."
Skuld perked up at the mention of ice cream.
"Well, first, see if you like the drink."
They all took a glass and sipped.
((Not sure who would like what.))
(I think they'd all like it. But bell's reaction would be the best. it is somewhat cola)
((Not really. It is as I have described.))
(trying to make a funny scene. Bell gets drunk from cola, so I thought other soda drinks would do the same)
((How about as potent as beer?))
(I don't understand your question)
((In other words, let's have different alcoholic drinks have different levels of effects as if different kinds of alcohol. For example, Coca Cola is like Bacardi 151, or make root beer like Budweiser, or something like that.))
(It's actually not potency if that's what you mean. She can out drink anyone, but cola gets her drunk like a lightweight.)
((I get that, but I was saying that different kinds of soft drinks have different potency for her. I think that funnier.))
(oh. ok then.)
((So, let's make Moxie like a good German Beer...three times the potency of an American beer.))
Bell really liked it's unique taste and said, "This is divine."
"And it's great on a hot day; it's real thirst quenching."
"It's not bad," said Skuld.
"Do we have ice cream?" asked Ian, and Kei went to a special spot in the freezer Skuld was unaware of so that they could have ice cream from time to time as well and came back with a large glass and a scoop. It was just vanilla, but he said, "Here you go Skuld, give it a try."
Skuld glared at Keiichi for hiding some of the ice cream but eagerly devoured the snack.
He poured a glass for himself, got a scoop out, and plopped in in, and started in on it, saying, "Ah, the nectar of the gods."
This was as Kei said to Skuld for the glare, "Hey, we'd like to have some ice cream too from time to time."
"Ask then," pouted Skuld.
However, there was one thing of note: he was wolfing down food more than normal. He was on his third plate.
"You ok?" asked Urd.
"I'm actually rather good," he said, "I don't know where I'm putting it, but I just feel hungry."
"Don't go overboard," said Urd.
What they didn't understand, and what Hold was failing to mention, was that his body was going to prepare for the changes, and the extra desire for food was a part of it.
(hold?)
Urd drank down more Sake as they enjoyed the good food.
(Hild))
After it was all over, Ian still felt energy, and felt he had to do something, and he threw himself in helping with the clean up.
Skuld went back to her lab to work.
Once done, he still felt energetic, but hungry again--not as bad, but still. He then said, "Where's skuld. I was kind of hoping to hit Baskin-Robins..."
She suddenly appeared as if those words summoned her forth.
"I'd love to thank you for your help," he said, "Besides, I wish there was a Ben & Jerry's around here. I'd love to introduce you to a sundae called the Vermonster."
she grabbed his hand and literally dragged him out the door.
"So, you're saying Japan HAS Ben & Jerry's..." he said, as his voice trailed off and they were out the door.
Soon they arrived at the place.
(do you still play star trek online?)
((Haven't played that in ages... Wait, they DO have Ben and Jerry's?))
(actually, I think they do.)
"You have a nose for these places, don't you?"
"I'm a regular," said Skuld.
"Then, you are aware of the Vermonster?'
Skuld shook her head.
"As many times as you've been here and you've never looked at the menu? We'll have to fix that!"
He took her inside, put her on his shoulders so she could see the board, and there in it's own spot was the description of the Vermonster.
http://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/vermonster-sundaes
Skuld had stars in her eyes and looked like she had fallen in love.
He walked up and ordered the banana split, and said, "And I think she wants the Vermonster."
They looked at her incredulously, not sure she could handle something like that.
(http://img11.deviantart.net/7ab1/i/2015/296/3/d/rwby_i_can_haz_fish_meme_by_dustiniz117-d9e3h9r.jpg)
(this is her face)
:lmao:
"Um...tell the nice lady what you want in it..."
"skuld began naming all the flavors on the current menu."
"It's best you stick with four or five flavors," she said, "you don't want one to overwhelm the other."
"Cinnamon Buns, Phish food, S'mores, Truffle Trifecta, Vanilla," said Skuld.
She put that in and then mentioned all that went with as far as toppings went.
Skuld named what she wanted.
She then had the pleasure of watching them put the thing together.
((I can almost hear the sexy, seductive music as she watches it all come together in slow motion.))
(yeah)
And when it was done, it was as if light from heaven was shining down on it and a choir of angels and goddesses was singing.
He paid the lady and walked them to the table as she held the sundae of the gods aloft as it it was Simba in the Lion King.
Skuld grabbed it and hugged it to her chest.
He set her down and took a seat, preparing to eat his own dessert.
Skuld began to devour the treat.
He looked at her and said, "Girl, where are you putting it!"
she didn't answer and continued to eat.
"What are you: goddess or piranha?"
She finished the sunday and shrugged, "I like ice cream. Can I get another?"
He stared at her for a few moments and then said, "One, I have to assume it's because you are what you are that you can do that, and second, you DO realize those aren't cheap, right?"
She gave him a kicked puppy look.
He looked into his wallet and sighed, saying, "It looks like I'll have to get that job sooner than I would have liked..."
Skuld hugged him, "Thank you, onii-san."
He forked it over and whimpered as she went to get it.
Skuld squealed as she got another of those sundaes from god.
He sat there as he watched some of the money his mother gave him to settle in go down the drain!
when skuld finished she thanked him with a huge smile.
He smiled and said, "You're welcome," but wincing, knowing what this cost him.
"want to head back?"
"Sounds good," he said, knowing he would have to start a job search after his orientation the next day.
"Maybe Onee-sama can do a prayer for you."
"How did you know what I was thinking."
"I didn't," said Skuld, "i suggested it so you could find better luck with job hunting and school."
"So, you're saying she can manipulate some folks to giving me a job?"
"Of course not," said Skuld, "but she can make good fortune come your way in that area."
"Well, I guess it's worth a try," he said, "Though, actually consulting some kind of deity is new to me. I mean, I've always believed there was something out there, but now to be experiencing that first hand? that's mind blowing.:
"I heard Keiichi was just as shocked when he met onee-sama.
"I would imagine," he said, "This whole thing has been an experience. I'm surprised I have not gone through sensory overload."
"You'll get used to it,"
He put her on his shoulders again and said, "With a little big sister like you, I think I can manage."
Skuld smiled and hugged him.
((TS to the next day.))
It was his first day, and he went through his orientation. His appetite had not subsided, because his body was preparing for the changes. The marks had come a bit more clear, and Lind escorted him through the first day in case there was any kind of supernatural emergence not expected. Bell came and escorted him home, and they talked, he being grateful to her for her making it pretty instantaneous to learn the Japanese language, which would make it easier to find a job. In addition, because of her blessings, he was able to find a job working part time driving a pallet jack and assembling orders for a coffee company to their stores across Japan. He was still feeling dizzy, but he hoped this would clear up as he came out more, happy he had a few days before he had to start work. He came back to the temple, all happy he now had an income.
It was later that day that Z stopped by for another visit, getting nearly blasted by Banpei again.
Man greeted Z and asked Banpei to back off.
Banpei looked a bit confused at the order as he fired missiles at Z.
"Banpei, you can stop shooting at him. I don't think he's here to cause trouble."
Skuld ran out, "what's going on?"
"I think Z wants to visit Urd, and Banpei won't listen to me."
"I told him not to let him in," scowled Skuld, "he told hild about you!"
"Who is this Hold, and what is the danger?"
"She's the queen of hell and the ruler of demonkind!"
"But, I thought you were all goddesses. I would have thought there was safety here."
"We can't be everywhere," said Skuld, "and he put a target on your head."
"It isn't as bad as you make it sound," said Z, "and call off the robot before I blast him."
That made Ian a bit cross as he said, "...which means you DO have something in mind! I'm not sure how much to trust you now. Banpei...I don't know...send him to Abu Dabi or something."
"Oh come on!" said Z, "wouldn't you tell your mother important things?"
"Not when it sounds like your mother wants to kill me or something!"
"She wouldn't do that!" said Z as he threw a fireball at banpei, "Killing is a no-no. There's always the risk of the doublet system or Tyr striking back."
"What do you mean 'doublet'. I don't know what you're talking about."
"A system to prevent death on both sides," said Z, "ask bell if you want more. she can't lie."
At this, Full Hild popped in and froze Banpei in his tracks for the moment, saying, "Goodness, such a racket! Ah, yes, the doublet system. Indeed, once you awaken all the way, it is something that must happen. Considering what Tyr intends, I would almost demand it happen as soon as possible. In addition, (as much as it pains me to admit this,) would keep my hands, or anyone's for that matter, off you, for risk of what can happen. Skuld, could you fill him in on the doublet system?"
Skuld glared at hild but told Ian everything about the doublet while Z went over to say hi to Hild.
She hugged and kissed her son, and Ian said, "So this keeps a balance I imagine?"
"Indeed, it does," she said, "Everyone has their places."
"I have no desire to cause conflict," said Z, "I do care for my sister and my mother and conflict will tear us apart."
"That IS an issue, Skuld," he said, "You have to admit."
(should we wait for Auir?)
((You mean, let him catch up on reading and then jump in?))
(it seems fair)
Skuld just glared at Z.
"So, what you're saying is that they have a doublet for me?" asked Ian.
"They may already," she said "Or they may not. There is a ceremony where you meet your doublet, and you are then bound, but then the thing is wiped from your memory, so that, the very god or supernatural being you harm could be that one, and if you do harm that one, it will be inflicted equally on you."
Ian pondered it, and then he said, "That means that, instead of going after one another, considering that we are, in reality, foes, you go after those that are adherents to one side or another."
Hild shuddered, realizing that he had hit the nail on the head, but also seemed to call her out as to what might be her purpose in all this. However, she said, "What gave you that impression."
"Apparently, someone that looks like a younger you wants to get her mitts on me," he answered.
She groaned and said, "Oh, my avatar presence in this world; she can be such a pain."
"Avatars?" he asked.
"kind of a split body thing," said Z, "a fraction of the power in a fraction of the form."
"Will I be able to do that?" asked Ian.
"Eventually," said Hild, "Though not nearly as powerful. After all, you are limited in your abilities to some extent as compared to, say, I, Tyr, or the Norns here..."
Taking a moment to tease her a bit, said, "...that is, once Skuld fills out a bit..." also referring to anatomy.
Skuld was literally steaming with anger.
"I can't even manage one," muttered z.
Ian thought about it a bit, and he then said, "Considering what I've been told I've been slated for, then what is your interest in me?"
"Well, I am just going to be honest," said Hild, "You are going to take major shares from us."
Ian's brow furrowed as he said, "No... Considering the battle that you wish to push in the two worlds, using innocent humans as your pawns, you can't stand the fact that someone like me, even if I was not what I am, would do all he could to quell the pain and suffering you would cause!"
Hild smirked and said, "Feisty, aren't we. Well, for me to get in your way is not my way of doing things. Fear not from me. As far as I am concerned, you're just part of the game. My avatar, however, may not be so nice. In fact, if you ever see her, watch your back. Her intentions won't be to harm you, but... Well, let's just say that you need to stay close to your books on psychology."
She looked at Z and said, "Son, be careful: Chibi Hild might use you as bait."
With that, she was gone, and Banpei was active again, but she was very enigmatic of exactly what Chibi Hild had in mind for Ian.
Z sighed, "I'm going to need to be extra cautious at home now."
Ian wondered if Banpei was going to kick in again, and said, "From what I guess, they're going to try to convert me to their cause."
Banpei tried to shoot Z but the cambion blasted him with a lightning bolt as his eye twitched in irritation.
Belldandy finally came out and said, "My, my, my, what is all this racket today?"
"Just visiting," said Z with a smile as Skuld tried to throw bombs at him, only for him to catch them and throw them back.
Frustrated, she froze everyone, including Ian, and said, "That will do. Now everyone needs to calm down and talk about this. There has been enough fussing as it is."
Z would have frowned and crossed his arms stubbornly if he could move.
"Banpei, now you have to promise to be nice while we talk, okay?" she said to the robot.
(Z blew up the robot)
((Would will now have to kill him, you know!))
(he's been destroyed before. Skuld can rebuild him.)
She bloomed at Would and said, "Now, are you going to behave?"
((Sorry: tablet is stupid.))
She then turned to Skuld and said, "Now, are you going to behave so we can talk?"
"Fine," said Skuld.
"You can fix Banpei later. Now, what is all the fuss about? Why all the fighting, and why do I sense Hild's aura as if she had just been here?"
"Mom just left," said Z.
"Yeah, she spoke something about the doublet system," said Ian, "But I also suspect something called her avatar is going to try to turn me before I can fully awake."
"She'd look like a version of Mom that's Skuld's age," said Z.
"Oh yes, she can be a problem, but, what danger is it that you fear from her?"
"She might use me a bait and try to seal him," said Z.
"Seal?" said Ian, "I thought she would try to make me make a heel turn."
"Oh that too," said Z, "but if she can't, then she'd seal you away. she's really kind of scary."
Ian then said, "I'd really think then she's trying to prevent what dad intends."
Lind then appeared and said, "I hear there's been a threat to Ian. Looks like I'll have to live here 24/7 for a time, until he's strong enough."
Z paled slightly and would have backed away quickly from the valkyrie if he wasn't frozen.
((Um...they were unfrozen.))
"Well, there is a concern that Hild's avatar is going to try to convert Ian to her side..."
Lind's eyes widened, and she said, "Okay, that's enough for me!"
Valkyrie appeared out of every direction, a military garrison suddenly appeared on the grounds, and large walls were erected. They were taking posts all around the walls, Ian was snatched up, put in his cottage and surrounded by guards as Lind said, "Don't worry, Ian. We'll let nothing happen to you, and we'll arrange it so that you can take your classes online."
((No response?))
(sorry)
Z practically eeped and tried to teleport out.
Confused, Belldandy said, "I am certain all this is quite unecessary..." but Lind cut in and said, "Sorry, Bell, but I can't take any chances."
Some of the Valkyrie techs were on top of Banpei, giving him one major military upgrade, and Lind then looked over at Z and said, "YOU!"
Z paled, "I don't want any trouble," he squeaked.
"No," she said, "But you tell that little brat that she'd better not try, or she'll have heaven to pay!"
"You want me to order my mom's avatar around?" asked Z incredulously, "Are you trying to get me fried?"
"NO, YOU ARE TO SEND HER A MESSAGE...LEAVE...IAN...ALONE!!! You're lucky we don't imprison you, demon spawn!"
Z flinched back, "fine whatever. maybe I was better off before I knew I had a sister. Don't expect to see me here again, and don't bother visiting if I end up in a hospital when her avatar is done with me."
Z vanished in a swirl of flames, leaving a scorched magic circle where he stood.
((Hey, you made him a demon spawn. And, unless you want him to be a bitter enemy, you have to find a way to smooth things over, unless you have a plot in mind.))
Belldandy went and examined the circle to see what it said, considering most have runes, or the patterns are familiar.
(he has been trying to keep things peaceful, but calling him a demon spawn is a hurtful term to him. it makes him sound like some kind of monster.)
It was just a standard teleport array.
((In other words, I blew it and we lost Z as a friend forever?))
(no, but they will have to reach out to him now. he is hurting inside due to his sister rejecting him and Lind's insult.)
((I'm just having Lind overreact.))
(I know, but it still hurt him.)
Belldandy was worried, seeing how upset he was, and went to find Urd to tell her what happened and what was going on. Meanwhile, Kei came home and freaked out at the new fortress that was the temple now, complete with steel walls and guard towers, with armed Valkkryie lining the walls. He tried to pull his bike in, but he was met by guards demanding two forms of I.D. and other pertinent information. After about five minutes of rigmarole, they let him in. Meanwhile they retturned Banpei to Skuld with some major ugrades in weaponry.
Urd was sitting in her lab working on a new potion.
"Um...Urd...I think wenhave some problems."
"does it have to do with the Valkyries turning the place into fort knox?"
"Yes...that..." she answered, "And Z was chased out, all sad and angry."
Urd looked up, "what happened?"
She relayed back the story and said, "And that's what happened."
Meanwhile, sounds of marching and platoons running double-time and chanting cadence could be heard going by occaisonally as Kei walked in and shouted, "What is going on here? We've got Valkeryie everywhere, the place looks like a military base, complete with barricks in all the free space, a chow hall, and even a gym and sports field1"
"I see," sighed Urd, "I guess this was bound to happen eventually."
"What was inevitable?" asked Kei, "that this place gets turned into a U.S. Marine Corps base!"
"No," siad Urd, "Z realizing the truth and leaving."
Bell looked all sad and said, "You hate him that much? How sad. He must be all torn apart inside."
"I don't hate him," said Urd, "but he had to know that he could never be my brother. we're from opposite sides of this fight."
"Yet, could it be that we now have created a vicious enemy?" answered Bell, "I mean, why give Chibi Hild motivation?"
"She...did...WHAT!" was her response when Z returned.
Z flinched away from his mom's avatar, "Don't shoot the messanger."
"I didn't mean for it to erupt like this!"
"How could she do this," she said, "And how could your own sister treat you like that! Ooh, we need to make a plan to trap Ian. The arcade is almost ready. We can start by offering him a job here."
"But now look," said Kei, "The place looks like a war zone...literally!"
"Um," said Z, "if we get close to him, we'll have the fighting wings at our throats."
"Lind is being cautious,"
"I'd say paranoid," answered Keiichi, "We have to calm her down somehow."
"We just disguise ourselves," she answered, "Sooner or later, Ian wil be itching to get off the temple grounds and go do something, earn some money. He won't want to take all his classes on line for ever."
"I don't think I can disguise myself to fool a Valkyrie," said z.
"I nominate you,"
"Yeah, right!" he said, "Like they'd listen to me!"
"Then I nominate Bell."
"Trust me," said Chibi Hild, "Once the heat blows over, we can try again."
"We can go together," said Belldandy, "You, me, and Kei-hime."
(hime means princess)
Keiichi gulped.
"I don't know," said Z.
((I thought I had Kei...and I also thought it was a term of endearment, though maybe not for a male. Maybe you can fill me in on this.))
"Well, we can always talk to them," said Bell, "Perhaps we can get something worked out.
"Just know that I have not thrown in the towel on this."
Z nodded.
(kun would be more appropriate for a guy. hime literally means princess so its mainly for girls. and sorry, you do have kei.)
URd sighed.
By now, the place was an established military base not too dissimilar to a combination of the way it would be constructed in heaven and Fort Hood. Lind was in her commander's office, complete with a Heaven flag and pole and unit emblem on the side. Belldandy said, "It looks like she's setting in for the long haul. Shall we go in?"
URd nodded.
They were met by a secretary who blandly said, "Can I help you?"
"we need to speak to Lind," said Urd.
Not looking up from her typing, she said, "Do you have an appointment?"
((I've answered elsewhere...))
"no."
"You can only see the commander by appointment." And went back to her typing.
"you're saying we can't see our guests in our house?"
She started spouting a bunch of legal babble and military regulation codes amounting to this now being temporarily requisitioned military land, and hence, government controlled until such time major celestial dangers have been removed from Tyr's son, and they being allowed to stay on post was a courtesy extended to the residents for the use of the ground. Yet, for the time being, this now belonged to heaven as holy ground and THEY were now the guests. She finished by saying, "Of course, this is all temporary, and it will be returned to you at that time. Now, shall I pencil you in to see Lind."
Of course, Lind was oblivious to this, on the line to heaven and her lookouts, not knowing the legal wranglings going on outside her office, and having forgotten to give them the leeway they needed to use their own home along with the extra facilities now temporarily placed on site.
Urd had a vein throbbing in her head as lightning sparked around her and her eye twitched in irritation.
Lind came out with a clipboard and spotted the crew and said, "Oh, hi all."
"Mind explaining why we need an appointment to visit you?" said URd.
"A...point...ment? Oh..." She looked at the secretary and said, "It's okay. They're my friends."
"Whatever," she said, turning back to her typing.
"Sorry about the red tape. Hey, I hope Skuld appcreiated e enhancements on Banpei," talking as if everything was normal.
"I'm sure she did," said URd, "but did you have to remodel so much?"
"Standard military base," she said nonchalantly, "Everything will be back to normal when we go. Oh, to prevent confusion later..."
Base passes appeared on everyone, including Skuld, with their names, pictures and allowances for entrances to all common areas on the post.
Banpei now looked like a cross between his normal self and Optimus Prime!
Skuld was looking him over and taking notes.
URd sighed and glanced at bell.
Bell just smiled and said, "Well, I guess we'll just have to make the best of it. The more the merrier, I say."
Urd facepalmed at her sister's cheeryness.
"Now," she said, "If you'll excuse me, I need to go see how Ian's doing and get his training schedule set. I have one of my best DI's coming to aid us."
While this was happening, Z was sitting on the edge of a tall building, contemplating how his life and alliances have become so twisted.
((I...don't know what to do for Z at this moment..))
(have bell send a mini to talk to him.)
Remembering how angry Z was, she decided to pop in on him. As he sat there, her avatar popped up on his shoulder, saying, "Oh dear, you do seem sad."
"Surprised to see you here," said Z, "though from what I heard, I guess I shouldn't be."
"Oh come now," she consoled, "Some may portray our two worlds as enemies, but in reality, we are both important. You know that. We just have our jobs to do."
"I get that part," said Z, "it's just that...mom's all I had growing up. When I heard I had a sister, I was so happy, and now..."
"You must understand Urd's choices," she answered, "She had the choice between Asgard and Nifilheim, and she chose our side of it. Yet, because of her connection, if she acknowledges any member of her family on the other side, she defaults her position and is forced into the other world."
"My mom's avatar doesn't care like mom does and my sister won't acknowledge me," sighed z, "and I can't even visit now that the Valkyrie have taken over."
"But, you can see how your sister is in a bind, can you not?"
"I can," said Z with a sigh, "doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."
"I bet you, if she could, she would tell you both how much she loves you, but the rules are what the rules are."
"Like i said," said Z, "doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."
A single tear fell from his eye as he said this.
She hugged his neck, (as best she could,) and said, "Well, if it helps, I do not hate you."
"I know," said Z, "sometimes I wish I wasn't what I am."
"And why should you be?" she asked, "You should be happy in your own skin."
"I'm a half-breed," sighed Z, "my mom's the only demon that likes me and my sister won't accept me. Also, my father left before I was born. I don't see what's so great."
"I can," she said, cheerfully, "Because no one is allowed to come into existence by my father that does not hold some use for him. For that, you should be happy. Moreover, it is not how you start, but how you finish. It should never be that your past defines you, because your past is not today."
"Whatever," sighed Z before catching a tear in a vial and handing it to Belldandy, "give this to your sister. I read one of her books and saw that a demon tear is a valuable ingredient."
She took the vial, but she was a little adamant and said, "No, stop! It is not 'whatever'! You have value! If Daddy did not want you around, he would not have let you happen. What happened to you in the past does not define who you are now! You are the sum total of all your decisions...all your decisions. You make your own way. You take the lemons you were given and make some nice and sour-sweet, tasty lemonade!"
She then took a very motherly stance and said, "And I will not go away until I know you've been cheered up."
"I don't think your dad has control over everything mom does," said Z.
"Well, no," she said, "But he does have more than she would care to let on. Besides, if your existence meant far too many unfair shares for her, he would never allow it. Yet, the existence of those like you and Ian serve a purpose, and Ian would not be if you were not, and you would not be if Ian were not. My father and your mother worked it out so that both of you could be, and that means you have a purpose. Be proud of that."
"But what?" exclaimed Z, "It's not like Ian's case! Demon's don't really like humans so someone like me is not liked or accepted that much."
She sighed, wondering how she was failing. She always knew how to cheer someone up, but she was failing this.
((Really, she can do this! I don't know what to say here.))
(Oh she can. If she could get Lind to apologize sincerely then that might help. The 'demon spawn' thing really hurt.)
((Oh...getting Lind to admit error? Now THAT would be a miracle!))
(yeahhhhh...well it is what's at the root of all this.)
She then asked, "What would make you feel better?"
"If Lind didn't mean what she said earlier," said Z softly.
"What she...oh..." said Bell, "That is harsh. Hmm... She indeed is someone who can let her emotions override her words and say things she does not mean. Well, if you give me a chance, maybe I can talk to her. Or... I wonder of the defense mechanisms would be tripped if you sent in your avatar?"
"I'd rather not risk that," shuddered Z, "last time my avatar got in trouble I had nightmares about being sealed for a week."
"Then it would sound to me as if you would have to get Lind to step outside the post."
"I'm not going anywhere near that place," said Z in a panicked voice, "I have a healthy fear of the Fighting Wings thank you very much."
"Sounds like someone made them a little mad," answered Bell knowingly, "And just, what might that have been?"
"I didn't do anything! Mom just showed me the Angel Eater battle and said, 'don't piss off the Valkyrie."'
"Oh dear," she said, remembering, and then said, "Well, considering Ian's importance to his father, when you hinted at anything close to putting him in danger, I think Lind remembered that and acted accordingly."
"It was never my intention to seal him, but you try arguing with the daimonkaicho when she's also your mom!"
"Ian seems to think your mother's avatar wants to turn him to her side."
"She kinda does," said Z, "but that's kind of her job, right?"
She thought for a moment and then said, "Um, not really. That is her avatar, after all, though it is rather independent. Your actual mother really does not seem all that interested in Ian."
"which is why I prefer to hang around her than her copy," said Z.
"Oh, I wish there was something I could do," she pouted.
"I just want a sincere apology," said Z, "I have no interest in the machinations of my mother's avatar other than gathering the occasional shares for our side. I prefer to be friendly to all of you, or neutral at the least."
Her little avatar gave him a little kiss on the cheek to cheer him up and said, "Let me see what I can do," and disappeared.
Z shrugged and laid back on the roof, looking at the clouds.
((We'll get back to him.))
(ok.)
She then, once her avatar was back, went to find Urd with the vial.
Urd was currently arguing with a valkyrie that was posted outside her lab.
((You mentioned the argument, so you have to say what they are saying.))
Bell came up with the vial.
"I'm sorry," said the Valkyrie guard, "but I need to see credentials before I let you into a secure area."
"This is my lab!" yelled Urd, "I don't need credentials!"
Belldandy came up and said, "You can just show them the badge Lind gave you."
"I did!" said Urd, "but she said I need special credentials to access areas with potential security risks, like a potion lab!"
Bell had alreay sent her avatar to get Lind, who sent her avatar in exchange, now scolding the guard, saying that, one, she is a resident here, and that she has the right to access things that belong to her, including the lab, and two, however disasterous some of her experiemets can get from time to time, (for her reputation must have indeed proceeded her,) she still has the right to access what belongs to her. The direct order was then given to allow her access.
Urd sighed and headed into her lab to continue her work on a potion that could suppress demonic power.
Belldandy came in and handed Urd a vial and said, "I cannot say who gave this to me, but I can say that in it is demon tears, which I have been informed is valuable in potions and chemical making."
"How would you get demon tears?" asked URd.
"Please, forgive me, but, it seems, considering the hot situation we are in, it is better you not know at this time where they came from, but do know it was a sincere gift from the heart, and from someone who loves you."
"I can guess where they came from," sighed Urd, "what happened?"
Bell sighed as well and said, "He is sad you two cannot be together, and that he really does not mean ill for Ian or anyone, save maybe those that have done wrong and are going to reap anyway...you know, coming in and gaining shares because of their own wrong. He just, at least, wants to be friends and loves you. All he has is his mother, and her avatar, for whom the latter he cares very little for. I know, you have to deny him, but he is real hurt right now, especially since he got called a demon spawn."
"yeah," said Urd, "that was kinda harsh."
"I do think Lind's task of protecting Ian she is taking perhaps a little too seriously. I think she spoke in the heat of the moment. Right now, Z does not feel loved. He feels so alone, wishing he had never been born what he is."
Urd winced, knowing what that is like, "well what can I do?"
"She shrugged and said, "At least be his friend?"
"I can do that," said Urd, "but what about Lind?"
"That is going to be some work," she answered, "She has to be convinced Z is not a threat."
"any suggestions?
"He may have to just go against something in his nature and help Ian in some way."
"That will be hard," said Urd, "and Hild will punish him for that."
She pondered it for a moment, and then said, "Unless...both sides somehow benefit?"
"how so?"
"Perhaps we can find someone that needs help from someone whose actions, when he is stopped, will give shares to the other side for his misfortune?"
"how would that work?"
(I'm thinking the rich, bratty pair.))
(ah, though sayoko has turned over a new leaf. Aoshima, though, deserves worse than whatever hell can give him.)
((Aha! We can have him rope her into his scheme and that be something to work out.))
(sounds good.)
((However, Ian has to be trusted outside the temple. Besides, he hasn't fully awoken, though it's growing...))
(aye, there's the rub.)
((We'll get it there. Let's deal with the awakening first.))
While all this was going on, Ian was in his cottage, laying down on his couch, but feeling dizzy and sick to his stomach.
Skuld knocked on his door.
He moaned but said, "Come in."
"I brought some medicine."
His markings were more prominent than ever, but not quite all the way there. His build had become more chiseled for certain. He smiled at her weakly and said, "How did you know I wasn't feeling well?"
"The groaning gave it away," she said.
He groaned again, went to stand, and tip of the arm of the couch ended up crushed in his hand. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, "What is happening to me?"
"It's complicated," said Skuld as she passed him a glass with a dissolved pill in it.
However, he went for the glass, but stopped, remembered the couch, and gingerly grabbed the glass, which was straining not to break even with that, and carefully picked it up and drank it, hoping it didn't taste nasty.
it tasted like water, but his body quickly felt much better.
He sighed with some relief as he went to set the cup down, but this time he squeezed it too hard and it shattered in his hand.
Banpei immediately came in and swept up the shards.
He checked his hand, and, to his surprise, he was not cut at all. "Would you look at that," he said, and then, seeing Banpei, said, "Why does Banpi look like Optimus Prime?"
"He got an upgrade," said Skuld.
He stood up, steadied himself, grabbed the doorknob, and promptly ripped the door off its hinges. "I think I have a problem," he mumbled.
"things are going to be complicated," said Skuld, "but I promise you'll learn to adjust?"
(is chrono going to have a crush on him again?)
((Of course.))
"Sorry about the door," he said, "I suddenly feel like I'm living in a world where everything is made of Styrofoam."
She smiled, "I thought the line was 'a world made of cardboard?'"
He just sighed, not liking what what happening, and a trooper came up and said, "Second Class Skuld: what is the status of our charge?" referring to Ian.
"He's doing better," said Skuld, "but his strength is hard to control."
"Hmm..." she said, "Take him to the infirmary. I think his awakening is almost done. We'll need some kind of resident medic that has observed his change from the start to advise."
"I'll call urd," said Skuld.
With that, Ian was escorted to the infirmary for observation, and to be sure he transfers well.
Urd walked into the infirmary with her hair tied back.
He saw Urd and said, "What's going on?"
"Your body is going through some changes," said Urd.
"I already went through puberty," he protested.
"this is more like magical puberty," said Urd.
"So, what are you here to do?" he asked, "Ease me through it or something?"
"that and make sure you get through this safely," said Urd.
"Well, what's the danger?" he moaned as it was hitting him again, the marks darker and almost all the way in.
"Your powers are emerging," said Urd as she brought out a potion, "there might be some spillage."
"Okay," he said, "Define 'spillage.'"
"Magical power that you can't initially contain," said Urd, "drink this."
He sniffed it, not sure what it was.
((I await your response.))
"this will help you make the transition," said Urd, "it's one of my potions."
He raised an eyebrow at her, saying, "A certain little brunette goddess warned me about your potions."
"That's if they're misused," said Urd.
He shrugged and then drank up.
he didn't feel very different, but the doctors began to work to prepare for his transition.
((To make sure we're moving the plot along, considering the doctors, what shall we say is going to happen that warrants the need for such doctors?))
(I was thinking that when he begins the final transition, he will have a surge of magic and his mortal body will start shifting to become divine, so the doctors are there to make sure he doesn't injure himself during that process, as it will be somewhat painful.)
((Will he start flailing or trying to wreck everything? Plus, was the formula to help ease up the power surge?))
(he might, and the formula was to ease the pain and allow the power to transition easier without bleeding through too much. think of the 10th doctor's regeneration. without the potion, the power will spill out and damage things.)
((Then I know what to do.))
The doctors laid him down and strapped his torso to the bed. Belldandy and Lind's Avatars were sitting on Urd's shoulders to observe, and Bell asked, "Is it soon to happen?"
"Any moment now," said Urd, "if you two could erect a level 9 barrier around this room, just in case."
"Of course," said Lind, as the pair acted, "THis could get pretty spectacular."
Ian was a bit confused, but then felt...something...hitting him, as if he was about to have one massive muscle spasm, and it was about to hit and building up to it. He lay still, eyes wide open, mouth slightly agape, and then it hit.
((And cue that transformation you just mentioned.))
magical energy began to pour out of his body, and the doctors used their spells to syphon it back into his body so that it wouldn't destroy the room. his body was hit with a slight burning feeling as his mortal body was changed to that of a demigod.
((Should he be out cold after this?))
(unfortunately not at first. when the process is done, he'll pass out from overexertion.)
It stopped as abruptly as it started, and Ian started to speak, but then passed out. He looked as he normally would have, save that his hair looked a slight bit more "godly" and the marks on his face were clear and dark.
"He'll need to rest now," said Urd.
"Oh, he looks so handsome," said Belldandy.
"And, we'll need to seal him before he awakes," said Lind, as a doctor put on him the same kind of ear decorations that Bell wore.
"Lind," said Urd, glancing at Bell, "can we talk?"
"Sure," she said, as Bell said, "I'll talk with the doctors and see what Ian will need in the next few days."
She poofed out of there and Lind appeared full form in the room.
"Look," said Urd, "while I may not accept that he's in any way related to me, you hurt Z a lot with that comment of yours."
"Well, he is the offspring of a demon, is he not?" she answered, "And did not he provide himself at that moment to be a conduit through which a threat against my charge be carried out?"
"I'm just asking to give him a chance before labeling him," said Urd, "after all, I'm half demon too, and, even though his mother might be the queen of hell, he still is part human and has the heart of one."
"Then, if he is not a threat, he needs to dissociate with elements that would lend him being used to corrupting Ian in any way. From what intelligence tells me, Hild has no interest in Ian, but her avatar does."
((Hi, remember this?))
"Hild is his mother," said URd, "and the only family he has left. Also her avatar won't hesitate to punish him if he is deemed disloyal."
"Talk about being between a rock and a hard place," said Lind, "Still, the all-father tasked me to protect Ian, and as long as Chibi-Hild is living nearby with any of her minions, Ian is under a huge threat, and I am not going to fail to protect him. Sorry, Urd, t as long as he is under hwer beckoned command, he counts as a minion. Unless he ceases to be a threat, he stays out."
"I'm not asking for you to let him in," said urd, "I'm asking you to apologise."
"Oh goodness," she sighed, "His mother is the queen of demons, he spawned from that. Are you telling me he has a hard time handling the truth?"
"the way you said it to him was like calling a black person the n word in his eyes,"
She groaned and rolled her eyes, knowing she wasn't going to win this fight, and she said, "Because of his relationship to you, I suppose I can say something."
"that's all he wants," said URd, "and what if he could do his primary job in a way that benifits all of us?"
"And just how would that be?"
"He helps someone and causes misfortune to the aggressor and fortune to the victim,"
She thought about it, and then got this smirk on her face, "They win shares, but so do we. That's really counterproductive in a sense for Hild, because she loses at the same time she gains. I'm surprised Chibi Hild hasn't caught onto that. Yet, that could be useful. Imagine turning the tables on Chibi Hild..."
She then started to ponder.
"If you think it will work, then you know where to find me."
"Whoa, wait!" she said, "You talk like that doesn't work."
"It works," said Urd, "but will you condone this plan? Z himself has no ill intentions toward Ian, and his mother doesn't either. Her avatar doesn't have his best interests at heart and he actually dislikes her."
"Sure," she said, "If I knew it would work to everyone's best interest...except the enemie's that is."
"Both sides would benifit," said Urd, "and I'm sure we can work out making this temple a neutral ground for both sides."
"Only when we are certain the threat has been removed," said Lind, "Then the defenses will be taken out and everything will be back to normal."
"and of the proposed plan?"
"I suppose I have to apologze first for it to work?" she sighed.
"It's just an apology."
"I'm still not sure what I said to make him so mad," she answered, "Save maybe in the way I said it. Heat of the moment; he needs to act like a big boy. I've been called far worse."
"yeah, it was like when you were tormented for having one wing."
"*Sigh* well I do have two now...in a sense...but was what I said as bad as that?
"From what I've seen he dislikes having to cause misfortune to others," said Urd, "he's still part human and embraces both sides of what he is, but calling him a demon spawn makes it sound like he's an abomination or something. it's the 'spawn' part that bothers him."
"Alright, alright!" she said, frustrated, "But if you expect Belldandy out of me, ain't happening."
"Of course not," said URd, "just be less icy."
She smirked and then used her normal medium of travel to find Z.
Z was humming a tune as he lay on a rooftop watching the clouds pass by.
She emerged and came up behind him.
Z saw her, jumped up and nearly fell off the roof, "w-w-w-w-w-w-what are you doing here?"
"Don't be foolish," she said, "I am unarmed and I did not come here to hurt you. It seems there has been a...misunderstanding...and...well... Let's find someplace to talk."
"Um, alright," said Z.
"Where do you feel safest? We shall go there."
"can we not?" asked Z, as the place in question was the arcade
"Like I'd be allowed in there," she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"did you just read my mind?"
"No," she said, "I'm just saying we need to find a place to talk without interference."
"This place will work with a few wards."
"Leave that to me," she said, casting and having Spear Mint and Cool Mint provide the extra security.
"So," said Z when this was done, "what did you need ma'am?"
She rubbed her neck, tried to speak a few times, failed, and said, "Look, I...I said some things before that...well...it didn't come out the way it should have...and...well...you know...ugh...this is hard!"
Z glanced at her oddly.
"Look, I got mad because Ian was threatened," she said, "You seemed like the conduit for it, and... I'm...I'msorry...."
Z stopped and shook his head, thinking he heard wrong, "wh-what did you say?"
"I'm...I'msorry..."
"I must be dreaming," said Z, "or I got drugged somehow."
"Look, face it...you are the spawn of someone as I am the spawn of someone. You happen to be the child of a demon, okay? I it just was misconstrued, or came out wrong, and...well, for that...I'm sorry, alright?"
"Apology accepted," said Z, "I really don't have any wish to quarrel with you."
"But you have that avatar calling the shots for you, and she's got her crosshairs on Ian."
"You ever tried disagreeing with her?" sighed Z, "she'd likely punish me painfully for opposing her."
"Then you've gotta work around it," she answered, "Find ways to get shares where both sides benefit. Urd even offered to make the temple a neutral ground, but it has to remain a fortress right now until I am certain Ian is safe. You do realize he awoke to day..."
Z slapped his head, "It would have been better if you didn't tell me that."
"Why's that?"
"What I don't know I can't be forced to divulge."
"So, she doesn't know I told you."
"No," said z.
"Good," she said frankly, "Keep it that way."
"And if she forces it out?"
"First of all, she would do that to you? And second, what would cause her to suspect that she would have the need to extract anything?"
"Mothers always know things," said Z, "and while mom wouldn't, her avatar isn't as nice."
"Hmm..." she pondered, "THen what do you suggest we do?"
"I really don't know," said Z.
(hello?)
"Then, you;re kind of stuck, aren't you?" she said, "you can't come with me and you can't go home."
"Story of my life," said Z, "but in gratitude for the apology, which seemed kinda hard, I can give you some information that will be useful."
"Okay, I'm all ears," she said, "What do you have?"
Z rolled up his sleeve to show her an ouroboros tattoo that circled his arm, "This. this isn't a normal tattoo. This is a special seal that limits my powers to the point that I can adapt to their growth. Ian will need one two if he chooses to embrace the divine side of his heritage."
She nodded, but then said, "We use someting similar, and not based on that. Ours are more removable when needs be. Your mother, for example. Ever wonder why she wears a ton of jewelry when she comes into this world?"
"I'm not talking about those seals," said Z, "I actually have one of those. This seal is designed for cambions only and can be modified for demigods. but pure demons and divine beings can't use it."
"Pardon me," she said, "But why would cambions or demis need an extra seal? After all, you're powerful, but not more than us."
"It's not about power," said Z, "it's about potential. We may be half demon, but we're also half human. And the human potential for growth is near infinite. add that with the growth of my powers, and I needed this seal to keep my powers from overwhelming me. It keeps the powers limited so my body can adjust to their growth. If Ian accepts the divine side of his life, then he'll be faced with a similar problem."
"I'm still no following. Overwhelm you in what way?"
"Without this seal, my powers would grow faster than my body can adapt to them," said Z, "if I wasn't a half blood, then such growth wouldn't be an issue, but my human half means that the influx of power can cause me to lose control and injure myself with my own magic."
"So, until you're body catches up, you have to inhibit your magical growth?"
"Pretty much," said Z, "it's like how a person has to develop the coordination and balance to walk before actually doing so. I have the power, but my current state of growth can't contain or control it. It would be like Skuld suddenly getting First Class level powers."
"Knowing the prodigy Skuld is, she just might be able to handle it," answered Lind, "But, I get your point. So, how is this applied?"
"That I don't really know," said Z, "I was sedated when the ritual took place, and it might have to be adjusted for divine magic. You can study my seal if it helps."
"That means you'd have to come on base, which also means you'd have to be given diplomatic immunity to do so."
"I guess it isn't a good idea," sighed Z.
"Who said?" she answered, "Give me a minute."
With that, she vanished, and after about 10 minutes, she returned with a badge that had Hild's symbol on it set inside a white flag. She said, "Wear this. It is a talisman that both prevents you from acting on base, but will also act to insure you cannot be and will not be attacked. It is your diplomatic immunity. Not even Banpei can act. IF he tries, he will freeze up until you are out of sight."
"Um, Ok," said Z as he put the badge on.
She then began to fly and said, "Believe me, that took some wrangling to get...about three days in fact."
"Wait, what?" asked Z as he tried to fly after her.
"Time/space...dimensions and differentials...a lot to explain..."
"right," said Z, "I won't ask then."
"Well, it's wibbly-wobbly...timey-wimey..."
"You watch that show?" asked Z in surprise.
"Watch what show?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"Dr. Who," said Z, "the 10th doctor uses that term."
"Never heard of it," she said as they went along, being dead serious as she went.
"Oh," said Z before shutting up to avoid ticking off the valkyrie leader.
Lind approached the now steel-walled temple with Z, and initially, the guards perked up, but then backed off when they saw the badge. She knew if Banpei tried to attack, he would freeze in his tracks. He escorted him right to Urd's lab/room and said, "Z has something to say about Ian's condition and how to help."
Z looked away nervously and explained what he had told URd.
"That is...troubling," said Urd, "I'd never heard of this."
"There aren't a lot of demigods," said Z.
"It's a regulator, from what I gather, that it allows the body to adjust to the growth of his magic without harming him."
Z nodded, "but he'll only need it if he chooses to accept and embrace his divine heritage."
"He doesn't seem to be to be the kind to refuse his power."
"It depends on whether he values his human life over what the powers can offer him," said Z, "for me, the choice was easy, as I only had mom, but he might have a family and human friends. He will have to limit contact with them."
"He really only has his mom, though she's human, but well aware of his situation. Knowing her, she'd probably want to slap him upside his head for him even suggesting that he not take it."
"then he'll need this," said Z as urd examined the spellwork of his seal.
"This is impressive," said Urd, "there are several layers of spells imbedded here to allow a controlled release of his powers."
"How will that affect Ian initially? I mean, as soon as he comes to, he'll be feeling so on top of the world with all this newfound energy, and then to have it slammed shut just that fast? That's gotta hurt."
"It feels weird at first," said Z, "but after a day or so, you feel like it's natural. like getting new glasses."
"I think it would make him sick," said Lind, "What do you think, Urd?"
"I might think so," said Urd, "but from the looks of this, we could apply it in layers so that Ian can adjust to the power loss."
"Then that would mean a longer stay in the infirmary. Well, let's see if he's awake and talk to him."
"I can wait here," said Z, "if you want."
"If it's all the same, we need you to come. Even with the pass, the system would detect you as unescorted, and that would cause an alarm. Sorry, but it's just part of how Yggdrasil tracks action here. Kinda out of my hands."
"I kinda understand," sadi Z, "just so long as I don't get attacked...again."
"That's a truce badge; they can't touch you," said Lind assuredly, and they went to see Ian. Once there, Belldandy was already there in a nurse's outfit, looking like an adorablly cute nurse, (not sexy, but cute and pretty, which would have still given Kei a nosebleed,) and all smiles as Ian lay in bed seeming to be brimming with energy, but with a bandage blindfold on his eyes. Bell then said, "He seems to be doing real well, except for controlling his vision. It seems he's seeing all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum uncontrollably."
She giggled in that cute girl anime way and said, "In fact, I walked in, he looked at me, turned beat red, and closed his eyes real fast."
Z chuckled, "I can imagine why."
One of the rails on the side of the bed was bent, and he said, "I am afraid to even move!"
Z gave him a sympathetic look, "I know the feeling."
"The first thing we need to do is seal him," said Lind, and she handed Urd the standard ear jewelry, but somewhat more masculine looking for him.
Z stepped back.
"Well, Urd, you know right how to place them. It will help him feel normal again."
Urd nodded, "this will hurt a bit."
She walked up and applied the seals.
"What are you...OW!" he said, not ever having his ear pierced before, "HEY! THAT HURT!"
"I warned you," said Urd, "but how do you feel now?"
"I feel...better...normal, like I was," he answered, "But..."
He grabbed a mirror and said, "Really? I look like a metrosexual!"
"A what?" asked Z.
"It's a man who is perfectly straight, but is always worried about the latest fashion, look, trend, usually urban, always flashy, that kind of thing."
Z burst out laughing.
"Sorry, kid," said Lind, "That's part of the deal. But, we have to ask you a crucial question."
"And that would be?"
Z waited.
(what was the question again?)
((Did he want his powers or not.))
(thanks)
Urd looked at Ian seriously, "you're facing a crossroad, kid. You can either choose to have your powers sealed and live as a human, or accept them and your heritage as a demigod."
"Okay, sis," he said frankly, "Tell me exactly what has happened to me."
"Your demigod powers have awakened," said Urd, "that's why you felt so powerful. The magic boosted all your natural abilities beyond human limits."
"Okay, I get that," he said, "And you had already made me aware of this coming, but, what do you mean by 'choice'? I mean, this is how I was born, wasn't it? You can't change destiny."
"The choice," said Urd, "Is whether you want to live as a human with your friends and family back home, or whether you want to become a demigod."
He thought about it, and Lind added, "Trust me: your mother is privy to what has happened to you. She's not afraid and will support you no matter what your choice is."
He said, almost to no one, "That's my mom for you," and then said more to Urd, "I have few friends, no family other than you and my mother; you sound like I'd be leaving something behind. I can't really miss what I never had."
"That's why I made my choice," said Z from the side.
"Care to enlighten us?" said Ian.
"I chose to embrace my heritage," said Z, "because I had no friends and no human family worth noting."
"That and you were born in hell," added Urd.
"That too," nodded Z.
"Rub that salt in deeper, why dontcha?" said Ian to Urd sarcastically with a slightly angry face.
"I don't understand," said Z.
"I just don't like how she emphasized you being born in Hell, as if that was some kind of important factor or anything."
"Oh," said z, "it's not all that bad. I actually kind of liked it there. the decor was decent and Mom was always around."
"I thought hell was supposed to be a place no one wanted to go, where people suffer."
"Technically, I was born in Nifflheim," said z, "the dead don't go there. That's a whole other dimension."
"Well, isn't there some place of punishment?"
"That's located somewhere else," said Z, "to me it was home."
"Oh, well, anyway, it's sad you have to be on the other side...technically; you don't seem that bad a guy."
"I'm not," said Z, "I'm just a kid who wants a family."
He looked at Urd and said, "There has to be something that can be done. I mean, it's not fair he was born what he was, and he's too nice to be treated badly. I think he's seen enough suffering. Believe me, I know how he feels."
"there actually isn't," said Z, "if nee-sama accepts me, she is also accepting mom and her demon side, compromising her divine half."
"It's true," said Urd.
((Dude, that sucks. I don't want him to feel unwanted and out.))
(I get it, but what can be done? He at least still has Hild.)
((Yeah, true, but you've kind of pigeonholed the character now.))
(I know. He has a sad life, but he's learned to live with it. like I said, what can be done?)
Lind said, "As much as this may seem cruel to say, it is, however, and undeniable truth; he is of the other side of things and there is no avoiding it, as much as you seem to have a desire to fix it."
"At least I have mom and can come visit," said Z with a smile.
"No offense," said Ian, "But I do not envy you your life."
Z shrugged.
Lind then said, "It sounds to me like you want this?"
"Well, why not?" he said, "In truth, I'm just starting out in life, and, boy, what a way to start!"
"It's going to be quite the adventure," said Urd.
Lind then said, "Ian, it sounds to me like you want to do this because, well, being new to life anyway, it would just seem like a natural progression of sorts."
"'Bout the side of it," he answered.
"Just remember," said URd, "there will be no going back."
"And as I said, back to what?" he asked, "A pauper's life with few friends outside your mother and no ability to make a mark in this world at all?"
"Then, is that an official yes?" asked Lind, "It has to be official."
He sighed, hating all these formalities and said, "Yes, I officially say, 'yes'. Geesh! How many times does a guy have to say it?"
Urd nodded we should begin then
Lind then said, "Ian, I just want you to lay back and relax as best you can, okay?"
He nodded, a bit nervously, and did so, closing his eyes, but his heart was still racing.
Urd called her angel out to help.
Lind called for hers and said, "Should we get Bell and Skuld to help?"
"I think we can handle this seal," said Urd, "just put a barrier over the door."
(hello?)
((Been on vacation, as I said in another place.))
She nodded and she with her angels did so.
Urd began to work with the new seal, the barrier keeping the magic from bleeding out.
((What's Man supposed to be feeling?"
(it's a bit uncomfortable.)
Now, Ian began to feel a bit weak and a little sick. He had just been endued with great power, and now it was being dampened. It felt like he had a bad migraine, and he wanted to throw up.
"It'll be over soon," said Z.
"It feels like I'm being robbed of something," he moaned.
"it's better than the alternative."
"You all act like I am as fragile as a baby."
"You have the powers of a god," said Z, "but right now, your body is still mostly human."
"You don't understand," he said, "For the first time in my life, I felt so much better, and in many different ways. Not only did I feel real good, my whole outlook to life just suddenly went awesome! For the first time in a long time, I felt like I wanted to get up in the morning and face the day; like I actually mattered in this world and had worth."
"Give it a few years," said Z, "your body has to adjust to the power you possess so it doesn't grow too fast and burn you from the inside out. after that, the seal can come off."
Lind, catching his statement, went over and did something to him that, considering her demeanor, would never had been expected; she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, saying, "Never think you never had worth, ever. You are, and have always been, highly loved. Your peers treated you real bad, haven't they?"
Suddenly, and quite out of the blue, he frowned and his face went ashen. Tears started to flow like Niagara Falls. She then said, "You've always been there for others and given them advice, even fought for some, but they still treated you like dog feces, didn't they?"
He started to cry harder, and more audibly now, and Lind said, "Yet, you held back your sadness for a long time. You held it back because you thought no one would care."
His hand came up to his face, and he was trembling now.
Figuring he wasn't needed, Z stepped into a shadow and teleported out of the room.
((Urd's not going to say anything?))
"there's a whole new world waiting for you, Ian," said Urd.
He started seething, speaking through his teeth, but slowly getting louder, "They were so mean to me. Just because I didn't act or think the way they did didn't mean they had to treat me like scum! What did I ever do to them!?! I NEVER DID ANYTHING TO THEM! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO DESERVE THAT! WHAT RIGHT...WHAT RIGHT DID THEY HAVE TO DO THAT TO ME? All I wanted to do was help people and be nice to them...AND TEY TREATED ME LIKE SCUM! I'M NOT A BAD BOY I'M NOT...I'M NOT...not.." And he started sobbing again, now too drained to find any more words to say, except muttering, "Why...why..."
Urd leaned in and gave him a gentle hug now that the seal was applied. it took the form of a tree of life diagram on his back.
"You don't have to worry about them anymore."
"Ian," said Lind, "Everything has a purpose. It didn't kill you, so it only could make you stronger. Tell me: do you want revenge?"
He shook his head, and she said, "Why?"
He just shrugged.
"That's a good sign," said Urd, "revenge won't help you heal."
"I'll tell you why," answered Lind, "Because that kind of thing is not in you. It never has been. Besides, you should act now like you have a fresh start. Ian is dead. Ian lives again, a new Ian."
However, a third presence was now sensed in the room, hugging him as well. "You poor, poor thing," this presence said, "Leave it to me, and I'll help you become a new person."
Urd glanced at the new presence.
There was a younger looking Valkyrie with her arms around his waist with white, long, curly hair.
(chrono?)
((Yep! Told you she was coming back. I had to time it right.))
"Chrono?" said Urd in surprise, "what brings you here kiddo?"
"This poor, hands...*cough, cough*...um, sad, fellow deity just, you know...moral support?"
"Sounds like someone has a crush," said Urd.
She turned as red as a tomato and said, "Well, um, that is, I don't, but, you see, er..."
Lind, however, was a bit less sympathetic and said, "Chrono, why are you not at your post at Yggdrasil."
Chrono's eyes started to dart here and there.
Urd chuckled as she watched the young valkyrie.
"Um...right...that...Um...gottago!" and she beat a retreat.
"Who was that?" asked Jean-Claude.
"That was one of the Valkyrie and an admin of Ygddrasil, Chrono," said Urd.
"Wait," she said, "Does she have anything to do with time? And, what was that hug all about?"
"Not sure," said Urd, "and as for the hug, she seems to have a bit of a crush. By the way, where's Z?"
Everyone looked around, and Lind went to a comm and said, "This is not an emergency, but I need a base sweep. Z has disappeared, and we just need to be sure he left the compound."
With that, cameras started sweeping the area and patrols started moving around. Ian then said, "A crush? I don't get why... Well, I don't get how; I've never met her."
"Love works in strange ways," said Urd.
The base sweep confirmed that Z had left.
She gave a command to go back to standard operations, and now Lind said, "One more night here and you can be released."
She looked at Urd and said, "Where do we take it now?"
"I mean, what's next for Ian?"
(sorry)
Urd sighed, "he'll need to learn like we all did when we started off."
"Hmmm... Then I think we need to set up a regimen in between his class schedule. Oh, and I almost forgot."
She went to a phone and made a call, and out of a panel in a wall came what looked like a ring case and she pulled it out. She handed it over to Urd and said, "I think you and your sisters should be the one to give him this. Right now, let's let him get a nap in. He looks exhausted."
Indeed, he was already asleep on the bed.
"Let's give him some room then," said Urd as she drew the blinds to dim the lights.
Meanwhile, Z appeared back at the arcade with a bag from the convinence store Mara worked at. she gave him good rates due to him being her boss's son, so he often went and got a katsudon bowl there.
"Well, where have you been?" asked Chibi-Hild, seeing him come through the door, "Up to mischief, I hope."
"Visiting family, grabbing dinner," said z, "we really need a kitchenette here."
"Give me time," she said, "I've been busy, you know."
The altered rats were tending to his things and putting them away.
She handed Urd the box and said, "He needs to start wearing that as soon as possible."
"a limiter?" asked URd.
"I wonder if we could make this place a business again?" mused Z, "it would be a good way to raise shares."
"No," she said, "You already put those on him. Open it up."
"How?" she asked, "People amusing themselves is going to build their shares?"
Urd opened the box.
Z pulled out a book titled Children of the Lamp, "in this series, evil djinn that are charged with getting energy from human misfortune open casinos where people play and lose. if we made an arcade with games that are rather difficult but very enticing, we'd get shares from all the frustration from the people that couldn't win and keep coming back! Add in the fact that those who do win will add to the other side's shares, means heaven can't really object that much."
Inside was a little white egg on a chain.
"Hmm... So, in other words, set up a carnival situation but with arcade games, draw in the marks as we act as heels, allowing a babyface or two to win to sucker in the marks, and the games are our gimmick to get that?"
"oh," said Urd, "that."
"that sounds about right," said Z, "it's amazing the ideas you can find in human literature."
"He gets one just like the rest," she said, "And with him being an adult, it might charge faster."
"How long do you think it would be to get people in?"
"True," said Urd, "it's an important part."
"It depends on how long it takes to get this place up and running," said Z, "I can handle the advertisement and as long as opening day works out, we'll draw them in. we could even do a fake gambling table where people use chips to only buy prizes, so the police won't close us down."
"I think you three presenting it to him might make him cherish it more."
"Sounds good," she said, "And for the nostalgia buffs, bring in some of those old classic games where you have no continue options! That will frustrate them no end. They'll spend hours trying to get good enough to stay in the game!"
"we will," said URd.
"I'm glad you approve," said z.
"Well, I'm off to do some inspections. Take care, and I have to straighten out a certain little goddess."
Speaking like she's Jean-Luke Piccard, she said, "Make it so, number one."
"go easy on her," said Urd.
Z nodded and vanished to get things ready.
She smirked and said, "i will, but I also wouldn't discourage her too much. A friend from our realm wouldn't be a bad thing for him."
"Agreed," said Urd.
(TS?)
((Yes))
The next day the people of the town found flyers in the mail about a new arcade/youth club that was opening soon.
At that moment, they released Ian, who was feeling better, and headed to the house for breakfast and to see the others.
"Ian," said URd, "we need to talk to you."
"Um, okay," he answered as he sat, and Bell said, "Oh, don't worry; it's something wonderful!"
Urd handed him the box.
He took it, saying, "Don't I already have enough metal in my ear?" as he opened it and saw the little egg on the chain. He took it out and said, "Um, an egg?"
"this is an angel's egg," said Urd, "if you keep it with you at all times, it will one day hatch into your angel and will be your companion and friend."
He looked at them all as if they were high, and he said, flatly, "What?"
Holy Bell emerged from Bell and he gave a yelp of fright. "Oh, don't be scared," she said, "She is as much a part of me as she is her own being. She helps me in many ways."
Urd and Skuld summoned World of Elegance and Noble Scarlet as well, "an angel is your constant companion. born from your soul, he or she is a literal part of you."
"Are you saying it's my soul manifested in bodily form?"
"More like an aspect of it with its own life and personality," said Urd, "but one that is a true reflection of you."
"That's creepy," he said, not so sure about this, "Already, I look like a metrosexual with an odd tattoo on my back, given godlike powers, only to have them shut down, and now this? I'm surprised I haven't gone into sensory overload."
"It will be a while before the egg is ready," said Urd, "so you have time to adjust."
he sighed heavily and said, "Well, I just wish we could turn this place back to what it was. I didn't think myself that valuable an asset."
"Bell, would you speak with Lind about that?" asked URd.
"Oh certainly," she said, "But, Ian, please, do not feel so...I believe you Americans say, 'the odd man out'? You are family to us. We want you to feel welcome. You have already made great friends with Skuld. Please, you can let us in. I shall talk to Lind. I feel things must be made to feel normal for you before you start 'training'."
Urd nodded, "This will be a great experience for you."
"Enjoy breakfast," she said, "I shall find Lind and speak with her."
the other two goddesses nodded and began to eat, not noticing that a certain cambion had joined them and was eating a portion as well.
"Well, I have got to get online," he said, finishing, "I have to get to classwork I've missed and get caught up."
"I can help with that," said Skuld.
He smiled and said, "Thanks. I've always been able to count on you."
Skuld gave a big smile.
"Looks like you have a little sister," said Z, making them jump.
"How did you sneak past the guards?" asked Ian.
Z showed him the badge Lind gave him, "who needs to sneak in?"
"I thought that was temporary," asked Ian.
"seemed to still work," said Z.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Belldandy's cooking," z said simply
He looked at him, but had nothing to say. He looked at Urd and shrugged.
"it's actually a valid reason." said URd.
"It often brings warring factions to peace," half-joked Keichii.
"Cheers," said Z as he had some grilled fish.
Bell then excused herself while she went to talk to Lind and bring her some breakfast.
"Oh right," said Z, "I have fliers for you. a new arcade is opening up."
"An old fashion arcade?" said Ian, "I thought these things went the way of the dinosaur. Nowadays, it's gaming and coffee cafes."
"A little bit of old fashioned mixed with some modern flair," said Z, "come check it out."
"I may have to," he said, "If my bodyguards let me near you..."
Z laughed nervously, "riiiight."
"Although I think Bell is dealing with that right now."
Z breathed a sigh of relief.
After about 30 minutes, the entire base disappeared in an instant, but was reestablished in a nearby vacant lot...just in case...
"I'd better be going," said Z, "I have to get to work."
"Well, have fun with that," said Ian, "and I think something has been resolved."
"If you ever need a job," said Z, "the arcade could use help."
"I'd take your offer, but I think Lind might protest."
Z sweatdropped, "right, forgot about her."
"Well, the base is gone, so I think that pass is not needed," said Ian, "But, I'd watch out for Banpei. I'm not sue if he went back to normal or not.
All the "Gundam" stuff was off Banpei as the Valkyrie returned him to what he was.
Z sped out of there before banpei could shoot at him.
With that, Ian looked to get caught up on his studies, but he held the egg, pondering how things were going.
He would notice an attractive girl wearing a cute devil outfit passing out fliers.
((He's not at school...and who is that?))
(edited. and you'll see.)
((Move ahead?))
(have him talk to her first.)
((He actually has to go to class for that. he's back at home, catching up online.))
(ok move ahead)
It was the next day, and he went to class, knowing that the next day, his day off, he would be training with Lind and the other norns.
A girl with a devil outfit and white hair with black tips was handing out fliers.
Curious, he went up, but as he did, he turned red a bit, some wondering about the ear bling he was wearing.
The girl smiled and handed him a flier, not making a sound.
He shrugged and looked at the flier.
It was an add for the new arcade.
"They're really pushing for this," he thought.
The girl gave him a wave, and he could almost swear her wings flapped a bit.
"Okay, this is weird," he mumbled, and headed to class.
Once the girl finished her task, she vanished in a burst of light.
"Okay, that's real suspicious!" he said, and someone nearby said, "What's suspicious?"
"Um...nothing," he said, and went to class. However, once this happened, Chrono appeared beside him, going, "A threat! Ah, now, as is my duty as a Valkyrie, I must guard you!"
She was, of course, not wearing her uniform, but wearing civilian clothes fitting her look of age, though not that age. She strode beside him, on the lookout, and he sighed and went his way, knowing there was nothing he could do about it.
(not sure what I can do.)
((Any human cannon characters you want to run?))
(sayoko or Aoshima?)
((Which would you prefer? How would each one take him? Because, if you go that route, I'll go like this...))
Those on campus seeing this were asking Ian if that was his kid sister, and she said, "Kid! I'll have you know I've got shoes older than you!"
a sportscar drove past him and a man in an expensive suit got out with a girl on his arm.
"Watch out for those two!" said Chrono, "I've kept a watch on them for some time because of him and his attitude towards Belldandy. He's been miffed since she and Kei got married, and he's still trying to pursue her!"
The man noticed Chrono and headed over.
Ian gave him a smile and nod, seeing what he would do. Sayoko looked at him, smirked, and then tilted her head. "You look familiar somehow," she said as perfect an English as could be expected.
"Ian MacGovern," he said, "Good to meet you."
The man (aoshima) walked over to Chrono with a charming smile, "Well hello. What is your name, miss?"
"Chrono," she said, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. Sayoko then asked, "Your sister," but Chrono said, "NO!" before he could answer.
"If you're new, I could show you around," offered Aoshima.
"Oh, dearheart," said Sayoko, "Don't you think I could do that."
Indeed, she was hinting that Ian was starting to become her latest prey.
Aoshima ignored her and turned to Chrono, "What do you say, miss?"
She got close to Ian, not liking the perv scent coming off him, and saying, "Ian knows his way around!" sticking her tongue out.
"I think I could show you more," said Aoshima, "after all, I've been here longer."
Sayoko then said, "Um, darling, she looks no more than 14."
(ian not going to step in?)
((Oh, he is.))
"Um, excuse me," he said, "I think the young lady has voiced her mind."
"Oh?" asked Aoshima, "and who are you supposed to be? Her brother?"
"Let's just say, family friend," he answered, "And she wants to hang out with me. Tell him."
She gave Aoshima a dirty look and got close to Ian.
"You'd hang out with this Gaijin and not me?" he asked, "fine, you deserve him."
"Ah, excuse me," he said, "I don't know what you just called me, but I really didn't like the tone of that. First of all, I've never met you to offend you, and second, what's your beef?"
"Nothing a Gaijin like you should worry about," said Aoshima as he turned to leave.
"Okay, slant," he said, seeing how he liked being called a racial slur.
"Slant?" he asked.
"Yeah," he said, "You called me...what you called me, so I thought since using racial slurs were okay, I called you one, Slant."
He then pulled the skin around his eyes tight to look oriental, and he said, "Doesn't feel so nice when someone does that to you, does it? Give me a little respect, and I'll give it to you. I don't like using terms like that because all they do is spread hate and evil. As an educated, and I assume, wealthy, man, I would have expected better from you. The little lady said she doesn't need the likes of you, and by your actions, I can see why. Besides, where is your mind when someone wants to get with a child? That's sick, sir. Go ahead and march off in a huff, but, if you have any conscience, I hope by the gods the words I've said today stay rooted in your mind and give you no peace until you change your ways."
He put his hand on Chrono's back and said, "Come on, we don't need to be around the likes of him."
Sayoko just watched the whole thing, loving how Aoshima was being put in his place, and seeing a very handsome, strong, and wise man. Indeed, he would have to become another notch on her belt, so to speak.
Aoshima growled and stormed off.
(I just had a thought. What if lind hears of this and punishes Aoshima for his attempt on her student?)
((Eventually...))
"Well, you sure handled him," she said, "A strong and wise Yankee like you doesn't need to be around the likes of him."
"And you're any better!" said Chrono, slyly.
She just looked at her and said, "And you have a razor-like tongue as well."
Ignoring her, she just smiled sexily and said, "See you around campus," and sauntered off.
(not sure what to put)
Sayoko caught up with Aoshima and said, "Well, sounds like you have competition."
Everything went fine in class, except that Chrono stayed with him...just in case that demon girl came back. They then went back to the temple, and she then said, "Okay, if it happens again, I'm bringing more. Reporting to Lind."
With that, she went back to her position in heaven.
(demon...sayoko or the devil?)
"So how was your day?" asked Urd.
(should megumi meet him?)
((One is a demon, and one is a dragon lady! LOL!))
"Oh, met some odd individuals," he answered.
((I planed on them meeting, to build the triangle.))
(cool)
"Tell me about them."
He spoke of all three, and how, on the first one--the demon girl--Chrono showed up to "protect" him. Then he spoke of the couple, one who was hitting on him, and the other perv who was hitting on Chrono.
"that does sound like Aoshima and Sayoko," said Urd, "but what was that about a demon girl?"
"Yeah, some girl with colored hair and demon wings was handing out fliers for the new arcade your broth...that Z is working at."
"Did she have blond hair?"
"White hair with black tips, actually."
Urd frowned, "did she look similar to this?"
she called forth world of elegance.
(she did, just younger and dressed as a chibi-devil)
"Yes, just younger and a chibi she-devil."
Urd sighed, "I have a pretty good idea who that was then."
"Care to enlighten me?"
"You know how we told you about angels?"
"Yeah," he said, dangling the egg necklace before her.
"demons have their own version," said Urd, "devil-familiars."
"Then I can only imagine that was Z's?"
"probably," said URd.
The sounds of a motorcycle entering the temple grounds was soon heard.
"Sounds like Kei's home," said Urd.
However, it was not his voice they heard. "Hey-ho!" came a female voice down the hall, "Hey Kei! Ain't seen you in a few days! Where you at?"
"Megumi," called out Urd, "your brother is at work right now."
She came in and said, "Oh, that's okay, I'll wait... Hello? And who might you be?"
"Ian McGovern," he answered, "I'm here on scholarship, and I am Urd's brother."
"Ian," said Urd, "meet Megumi Morisato. Keiichi's sister."
She smiled and gave him the once over, trying to greet him in English, but he put up a hand and said, "It's cool. I speak your language, though I am amazed on how quickly I was able to pick it up."
"Pick it up?" she asked in surprise, "You speak it like you were born here."
"he's a special case," said URd.
"Well, glad to see you around," answered Megumi, "Funny; you never mentioned a brother."
"we just got re-aquainted."
"Oh, separated, I see," she answered, "Well, good to see you together."
She was really examining him as another motorcycle could be heard.
"that sounds like your brother and sister-in-law," said Urd.
"Cool," she said, but acted like that was not important and said, "So, how long will you be staying here?"
"At least until I have my degree," he said, "Studying psychology and philosophy at Nakomi Tech, along with logic as a minor."
"Oh, I'm a senior at NT," she said, "Cool! We go to school together."
She was starting to warm to him and it was clear as day.
Urd chuckled at the little romance that was blooming
Chrono was up at her station in Yggdrasil, fuming!
"so maybe you could show Ian around campus?" Urd asked Megumi.
"I'd love to!" she said, and then calmed, saying, "Well, that is, if you don't mind."
"I don't have class tomorrow, so, maybe?" he asked, "Well, after some things I have to do early."
Urd smiled and went to find the good sake.
About this time, the couple entered and saw Megumi and Ian talking. Belldandy could sense the chemistry taking place and smiled, saying, "Oh good! We have someone else for dinner!"
Skuld walked in, "Big-sis, you're home!"
"Hi, looks like we have a guest tonight," pointing to Megumi, who, by the way the pair stood and talked, Megumi was warming to Ian.
There was a knock at the door.
Kei answered it.
Z was standing there, "heloooo."
Kei was confused, saying, "Okay, how is it that Banpei is letting you by now. The garrison is long gone."
"I snuck past while he was flirting with sigyl."
"Glad to know he is ever vigilant," said Ian sarcastically, "Anyway, you never mentioned a sister."
Megumi went to Bell, Urd, and Kei, whispering, "And you never mentioned they had such a hunky brother."
Z walked in and sat at the table, "I got you a present, nee-sama."
"Don't call me that," said Urd.
Bell excused herself to start supper, and Kei went to the two remaining sisters saying, "It seems like someone's got the hots for Ian," referring to Megumi.
"Seems like it," smirked Urd.
"Wait, really?" asked Skuld.
"Sure," he said to Skuld and pointing, "Look."
He pointed to the pair who did not seem to be taking their eyes off each other, though making common conversation as if no one else was there.
"Chrono will love this," commented Z.
Indeed, Chrono was watching the whole thing, red faced, steam rolling out of her ears.
Skuld shrugged and glared at Z, wondering how he snuck in.
Soon, the house was filled with the scent of Bell's cooking, and mouths were indeed watering. Ian mentioned where he was staying, and she said, "Can I see it?"
"Sure," answered Ian, "Thanks to Skuld, I live in the lap of luxury."
Skuld beamed with pride.
Megumi went with him, and Ian looked back at Skuld and said, "You want to show her all you did?"
Skuld smiled and jumped up.
With that, they went to his pad on the grounds. Going in, Megumi said, "Wow! This was once an old smelly guesthouse! Look what's been done to it!"
"It's not that much," said Skuld proudly.
He looked at her oddly and said, "Are you kidding? The fridge is so quiet you don't even know it's there. I never am able to burn dinner with her oven, and I've tried, just to see if I could! The bath and shower are always perfect. I sleep like a rock on that bed, and the TV acts 3-D without glasses. I mean, I found a replay of the Bruins season opener, and I felt like I was actually at Boston Gardens!'
"don't forget the adjuster in the lights and thermostat that keep light and temperature levels at a comfortable level," skuld added.
"That too," he said, and Megumi the said, as she tousled Skuld's hair, "You can't beat the kid genius!"
"I'm not a kid," she pouted.
Megumi gave a slight snort of laugh and said, "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, honey."
Skuld huffed.
"So, let's have a seat," he said, leading her to the living area and the couch, and they both sat down, Megumi wanting to know more about where he came from and why he was here.
Skuld went off to check on Banpei.
"Don't want to stick around, squirt?" said Ian.
"I need to check on Banpei," said skuld, "somehow that demon got through again."
"Yeah, that is a concern," said Ian, "Somehow, he turned that temporary pass into some kind of hall pass."
Skuld nodded and ran off.
And before long, it was supper time. Megumi and Ian had spent the whole time talking, and indeed, a bond was growing between them of, at least at this time, friendship.
Urd was strangely absent from the dining room table, but Z was sitting there chatting with Keiichi.
"Dinner is ready!" Bell called out.
"Mind if I stay?" asked Z, "convenience store take out can't beat a home cooked meal."
"Well, of course," said Bell, smiling brightly, "The more the merrier, I say. Urd, please come. Supper is ready."
Urd staggered in holding a dusty bottle.
"At least wait till after dinner nee-sama," said Z.
"Whoa!" said Ian, "I never saw it that hitting the sauce ever affected you!"
Z smiled, "It's an old and special bottle. Took some doing to get my hands on it."
"Good stuff," said Urd as she sat down, "couldn't stop drinking."
Ian rolled his eyes and sat down as Bell served.
Skuld came in soon after washing up from her work.
"Oh, good," said Bell, "I have your place all ready for you."
"thank's Onee-sama." she said before shooting a glare at Z
...at which, after glaring, the open spot for her was right next to him!
She sat next to him, still glaring.
"Anything wrong?" asked Z innocently.
At this, they all stared at Skuld, seeking what she would answer.
"why are you here?" she asked.
"I came for dinner," said Z.
"And apparently he figured out how to slip by Banpei...something about him flirting with Sigel."
Skuld facepalmed.
"Well, you're the one that gave them personalities," protested Kei.
Skuld began to mutter darkly.
Ian then waxed philosophical and said, "We are, each one of us, the sum total of every decision we've ever made."
"I'd like to think so," said Z as he glanced at Urd.
"Therefore, consequences have actions," said Ian, "And so, we should always try to think two to three moves ahead on any decision."
"Remind me never to play chess with you," said Z
"Ah, but chess teaches people how to think critically."
"I'm more of a wing it guy."
"Can't see how that gets you far in life."
"you'd be surprised."
Dinner went on, and Bell went for dessert. The whole time, Megumi was getting to know Ian well.
After dessert, Z thanked them for the meal and vanished with a teleport.
"Wow, he gets around," said Ian, but Megumi just stared, in mid-bite, her food eventually slipping out of her sticks without her saying anything.
((She's not in the know.))
(I know. Z still likes to cause trouble. He is half devil after all.)
Urd facepalmed.
"Uhhhh....." was all she could utter.
"Damn that kid," grumbled Urd.
When she finally found her speech, she mumbled, "What just happened?"
"It's hard to explain," said Urd.
Belldandy giggled and said, "Oh, it is all easy to explain. I am a Goddess First Class, second category, unlimited."
Megumi just stared harder.
"...or not," sighed Urd, "I'm going to get that kid for this. Him and his mom."
Ici then said, "Megumi, let's you and I talk...alone please?"
She got up and followed her brother.
Urd stormed out.
Ian just sat there feeling awkward, not knowing what to do.
"...want some ice cream?" asked Skuld.
"Might as well," he said, "This night went straight to hell."
"worst pun ever," said Skuld.
"Wasn't even trying," he said, guiding her out as Bell said, "Have fun, you two!"
Meanwhile, storm clouds were brewing over the arcade due to one angry goddess.
At the arcade, Chibi-Hild looked at Z and said, "What did you do?"
"I teleported out in front of Kei's sister."
"You are aware Megumi knows nothing."
"Thought it would be fun to cause trouble." said Z sheepishly.
She smirked and patted him on the head, saying, "Good boy."
Z smiled as Urd stormed in.
"KAZI!"
Chibi-Hild then said, "You made the mess, you fix it," and disappeared.
Z's smile became forced and he began to sweat as an irate half goddess half demon walked in.
All the scientist rats then went, "Uh-oh..." and cleared out as fast as they could.
"Hi sis," said Z.
"WHAT THE #*$% WERE YOU THINKING!"
"Um," said Z, "I figured she would learn eventually?"
Urd's glare intensified and Z gulped.
"You gonna bash him now?" Urd heard in a whisper.
She stopped and looked around.
It was Chibi-Hild's Chibi on her shoulder who whispered, "Oh, this would be fun to watch some sibling rivalry."
"we're not siblings."
"I'm you mom; I'm his mom...what more do you want?"
"no you're not."
"Anyway, you came all the way here. So, get on with the donnybrook already."
Urd sighed, "why must you cause trouble?"
"Was anyone hurt?" asked Z.
"Well no..."
"Then, what is the issue?" said Chibi-chibi Hild, "What trouble does this cause?"
Urd groaned, "you two! Why do you have this need to cause trouble?"
The avatar disappeared and Chibi-Hild came in, saying, "You really have to ask?"
Urd sighed, "just nothing to chaotic."
(we gonna do the Sutur arc)
(refresh my memory.))
(An arc I suggested for the previous rp. Sutur awakens from slumber and decides to bring about ragnarok, forcing heaven and hell to join forces in a truce to defeat him. This could also pave the way for Urd being more accepting about Z and Hild, as a truce could remove the consequences of accepting that half of herself)
((Hmm... Is there a way to keep that in the romantic comedy side of A!MG?))
(I'm open to ideas. Romantic comedy isn't my strong suit)
((If I recall, Ragnarock is to usher in a new world led by Odin's two sons.))
(yeah, so how would it work? I'm thinking they fight to prevent it.)
((I'm thinking maybe Loki gets a wild hair and decides he's going to bring it about before it's time, sort of like Randal Flagg.))
(I think we could work with that.)
Kei and Megumi came back from the walk and she was settled, but still unsure about the whole thing. She was now staring around at the folks in the room, going, "Gods and goddesses... Really... And he's a demigod..."
She shook her head, still unsure. "I don't know what to do with this," and she was wondering now if her and Ian could work.
Chrono was watching from Yggdrasil, smirking, saying, "That's right, honey; he's out of your league!"
Urd walked back into the temple.
Knowing the truth now and seeing Urd, she did what any mortal would do upon seeing divinity; she dropped to her knees in worship before Urd.
"Please," said Urd, "none of that Megumi."
Confused, she said, "But...but you're a goddess, and I'm a mere human. I don't want to make you angry, or, something like that...."
"Just treat us like your inlaws." said Urd, "we're family after all."
"Yeah, that is a bit...different," she said, "But, don't you deserve some respect?'
"Do I act like I do?" she asked as she got a sake bottle out, "just treat us like usual."
She got scared that she just now had made her mad and quietly said, "Please forgive my impertinence."
"I'm not mad, Megumi," laughed Urd, "seriously, just treat me like your sister in-law."
Bell came in and said, "Really, it is okay, Megumi. Yes, it is true that there is some kind of respect due, but, we have made you our friend, so it is okay to speak to us in familiar terms. We are now family, after all."
"though if you see the brat that teleported out, feel free to deck him," said Urd.
Megumi giggled, then looked at Ian, then at Kei, and she gasped, "Wait, mom and dad don't know about this! What do we tell them?"
"Don't tell them too much," said Urd, "we can't let this get out."
"Well, yeah, but mom's going to be real mad to know they got married and she knew nothing of it! Where did this happen, and how?"
Kei then said, "Um, Bell's mom did the ceremony, and it was kind of a heaven on earth kind of thing."
"But, that might mean we'd have to do it the earth way, or else mom and dad are going to have a fit!"
"Of course," said Urd.
Kei groaned as Bell was all agog! "Oh, would not that be wonderful? I have always wanted to experience how humans do such things."
"I don't know," said Skuld.
"You could be the flower girl," said Urd.
"I'm in."
"But, really?" said Kei, "I mean, we've already settled in, and..."
But Bell just gave him that smile and bright eyes, and he caved immediately.
"So, that settles it," said Bell, "We do it here!"
Megumi then said, "But, we have to bring the folks over to hear you two announce this, and daddy is going to want to meet her parents."
"Um...that, might be a bit hard?" said Kei, "You know, considering..."
"We've never met your parents, Kei," said URd.
((I do believe they did?))
(really?)
((Yes. Kei's dad was terribly shy around other females except for his wife and daughter. Belldandy is the only stranger female he ever opened up to on friendly terms. He does not like being called "father" and much prefers his given name: Keima. He is a mechanical genius like his son. Tanako, (mom) is far more outgoing and is a master of mahjong.))
"Actually we met them, Urd." said skuld.
"Oh right," said URd.
"I just wonder what a meeting of the in-laws would be like," stated Kei.
Urd imagined Tyr and Anzasu meeting the Morisatos
"Yeah, that is going to be odd," admitted Megumi.
"You have no idea," said Skuld.
The next day was a non-class day, and Ian was there to begin his training in fighting, then in powers use. They had to find out what his element was. Belldandy also had something from Lind to show him before he arrived. She worked on breakfast while Lind went to get Ian out of bed.
Skuld was working to improve their anti demon defenses.
After some "persuading," Ian staggered out and was in sweats. Lind said, "Okay, what do you know about fighting?"
"Aside from hockey fights," he pondered, "I am a master of Abir Quesheth."
She gave Ian a funny look, never having heard of it.
(not much I can post.)
((Would Urd get involved? Maybe Skuld observe?))
Urd watched this.
He told how it was an ancient Israelite form with a series of moves based on the Hebrew alphabet, and twelve kata based on the animals that represented the 12 tribes. He started shaping the letters out with his hands, "Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth..." and then explained that each letter had seven things you could do: defensive, initiated, a choke, a lock, a throw, reactive strike, and combination of the other six. Lind was impressed, then swung at him. he formed the Aleph, and blocked the strike, then grabbed her wrist and then yanked her off balance, whipping her onto her back, and then she found the aleph forming a chop inches above her throat.
"Impressive," said Urd.
"That was unique!" she said, "Surprised we've never employed that. Show me one of the animals."
With that, he did the kata for the tribe of Judah--a lion. It looked like a dance, but it was all strikes and blocks. At one point, he looked like he had put a foe on the ground and was now clawing at him, roaring. With that, Chrono appeared and said, "Dancing and fighting? I can get into that."
"What are you doing here!" snapped lind.
"My shift's over," she answered, "I can be here, and you have to admit, I'd learn from this as a Valkyrie."
Lind had to concede the point, though she knew her being there indeed had ulterior motives. Bell had been watching as some things simmered and said, "Oh, if it is a dance, I certainly could learn that easily."
"Sure," he said, all happy.
With that, the two goddesses lined up next to him and started learning the various kata. However, Lind, at first, was not happy her training was being disrupted, but she had to concede that he already knew how to fight, and what's more, they were learning something. Chrono was really getting into it as well.
"Looks like they're having fun," URd said to Lind.
"Chrono's got a crush on him, but, hey, a new fighting style could help her. I just hope she keeps her priorities straight and realizes that she has some stiff competition.
"And who would that be?"
"Megumi," she said, "Don't think I don't know what happened last night."
"That was that half-demon's fault."
"Well, he is what he is," said Lind, "But, no real damage was done."
"That's...not the response I expected," said Urd, "but it's true."
"What? You want me to go smash him or something?"
"I meant that as Lind, the feared leader of the Valkyrie, I expected you to be a little less understanding."
"You don't get to be a leader without understanding," she answered, "But you do have to pick and choose your battles. Ever read Sun-Tzu's Art of War? Very eye opening."
"I never read it," said Urd, "it looked boring."
She sighed and said, "Well, one thing he taught was to know how to pick and choose your battles."
Urd shrugged.
"Meaning what he did was not worth an all-out war."
"I never said it was."
"I'm saying that every single action does not require a reprimand no matter how hard you want it. Now, if you care to act, that's your choice."
"Fine," sighed URd.
"Oh, this is such an awesome system!" said Chrono, "Beating your foes alphabetically!"
Urd chuckled.
Jean-Claude chuckled, and Lind nudged Urd, saying, "Have you give him the egg yet?"
"We did," said URd.
She shook her head and said, "Ian, go get the egg."
"Why?" he asked.
"You have to wear it at all times," said Lind, "If you want that to come out, it has to absorb as much of your essence as it can."
"I look dorky with an egg around my neck!"
"Keep it under your shirt," said URd.
"And don't speak badly of it," said Lind, "It absorbs energy of you, and that means all kinds. It might think you don't like her."
"Her?" he said, "It has a gender already?"
"Angels are mostly female," said URd.
He rubbed the back of the neck, but Bell kindly assured him, "It is alright. All of this is still new to you, but you shall get used to it in time."
Lind would then feel a slight demonic presence mixed with a human aura.
She went stiff and started looking around.
If she could feel auras like belldandy, she would feel a distinct sense of fear from the presence.
"CHRONO!" she snapped, "BATTLE STATIONS!"
There was an 'eep' and the presence vanished.
They stood down and Lind said, "That was weird."
"what was?" asked URd
Lind mentioned what just transpired and said, "Never seen or heard anything like that."
"I have," sighed URd.
"Care to enlighten us?"
"The half demon we were just talking about?"
"Was he just now spying on us?"
"He probably came to visit, but was scared off by you."
"He really has an obsession with you. What are you going to do with that?"
"I can understand how he feels," sighed Urd, "he wants me to be his sister, but I can never be that for him."
"What I don't get is not being able to acknowledge both sides of yourself and still being able to be a good goddess, being able to choose what you want."
"I dont know if I can."
"What gave you the impression you couldn't?"
heaven and hell are enemies.
"Welll, yeah, but you're a child of both worlds."
"I was told I had to pick one"
"But you did," she said, "You can hate the things they do, but that doesn't mean you hate the person."
"I was told that accepting her would mean giving strength to my other half."
"Again, who told you that: your mother, your father, some imp?"
"Father."
"I don't think that was Tyr," she said, "I think he's got more...discretion than that."
"then who?" asked URd.
"Give me a bit," she said, "I'll give it some research."
With that, she turned her attention back to Ian and said, "Okay, let's see what you three have been working on."
Urd nodded as she watched. What if all that was wrong? Could she accept her other half?
Bell came over and said, "Why do you not join us? This is so fun, and you look so down."
"I'm just realizing, I could be wrong about so much."
"Oh, but that should never be something bad," said Bell, "Once you know the truth, you will not be wrong anymore, and you can be happy."
"I just have a lot to get my head around."
Soon, Bell went off to start lunch and the session ended. Chrono commented on and complimented on Ian's fighting style and how effective it seemed. She tried to strike up more of a conversation, but Lind snatched her by the collar and hauled her off, saying, "He's got homework, Juliet, and you have work to do."
With that, they were gone and Ian started to look around the grounds, stumbling onto Skuld working on Banpei.
Skuld had several tools out as she worked.
"Hey, Squirt," he said with a kind smile, (such that he indeed physically showed he was related to them,) "Watcha up to?"
"Trying to improve Banpei's anti-demon abilities."
"Hey, no one's perfect," he said, "But I do believe there is an old addage that the Russians use when things are needed to be effective: 'the best' is the enemy of 'good enough'. You catch my meaning?"
"good enough wasn't enough to keep out that demon."
"You misunderstand me," said Ian, "What I mean is, sometimes we work so hard in making something so perfect that we end up putting in more flaws than we tried to prevent. Sometimes, making sure the most important components of something or of a system are online and doing exactly as they should before we start adding bells and whistles to it."
"then how did he get past so easily?"
(I'm making it so she dislikes Z while Urd is coming around)
"Dunno," he said, "I am nowhere near as tech savvy as you. I guess you might try reverse engineering it. In other words, walk it back form this point to the moment the failure happened. Can Banpei record events?"
She nodded and pulled up a holo-recording.
"Okay, now, go backwards and see what he was observing and some of the data from his sensors."
IT was mostly images of Sigel.
Ian smirked and said, "I think that's most of your problem. Is there a way to know if these...lapses...coincide with security breaches?"
"Only some it seems," said Skuld.
"Well, that's part of your problems. Now, let's look at what he was doing when the other breaches took place."
Other times he was deacitvated.
"Hmm..." pondered Ian, "Along with getting his eyes off her, we also have to find a way to grant him unlimited power."
"I could do that," said Skuld, "well the power part. I saw this cool movie involving a man with a robot suit and a metal heart."
"You're not talking about Iron Man, are you?"
"How'd you know?"
"Um... It's been a hit move series for years now, with two three Avengers moves and more to come?"
"you mean they made more?"
He now stared at her, stunned, and said, "You don't get out much, do you?"
"Not really."
He looked at his watch and said, "Okay, you're coming to my place right now! Tell Bell that you and I are ordering pizza and having a movie marathon!"
"Cool!" said Skuld.
"I discovered that Heaven has 'Valhallaflix' on the Yggdrasil servers, so I think we can call up the needed films."
Skuld ran off to tell Belldandy.
"I didn't know Yggdrasil has netflix," said a voice from behind him.
((I made that up, just for the fun of the story.))
(I know.)
He wheeled around to see who was speaking.
Z was floating behind him, "yo,"
He was about to belt him when he realized who it was and said, "Dude, you almost got clobbered."
"I'd heal," shrugged Z, "I've felt worse."
"Well, what brings you here now?"
"Just visiting now that the Valkyrie aren't around," said Z, "they really scare me."
"They guard against you," said Ian, "I think it should make you nervous."
"I haven't done anything wrong!" protested Z.
"It's not what you did, it's what you are," he answered, "Apparently, to Heaven, I'm some precious commodity to be protected at all costs."
"Lucky you," said Z, "half bloods aren't really liked in hell. and I don't really cause so much trouble. It's more of a cause and effect thing. I meddle and watch bad things happen to bad people."
Ian seemed annoyed at this and said, "You sound like you enjoy watching other's misery. Man, talk about schadenfreude."
"I enjoy watching bad people get what's coming," corrected Z, "I don't like when innocent people have to suffer...and what in the name of niffleheim is a schadenfreude?"
"It's a word in German that has no single word equivalent. It roughly means, 'Gaining pleasure at the expense of other people's misfortune."
"I see," said Z, "anyway, I mean you all no harm."
"I think, to keep the valks off your back, you need to prove that in more than just words."
"It's not just that," said Z, "I'm flat out terrified of them. I saw Lind fighting mom and the Angel Eater!"
"Angel eater?" he asked, "What was that about?"
"Mom released a monster that ripped the angels out of Urd and belldandy," said Z, "Lind beat it back with Skuld and Keiichi's help, and Lind fought my mom and the beast, blasting it back to hell."
"Did you have a part in that?"
"Of course not!" said Z, "I knew better than to mess with a valkyrie, and afterward, mom showed me the footage and said, 'don't tick off the valkyrie.'"
"Well duh!" he muttered, "But I think they're still sore about you mom and her mini-self having designs on me only made things worse."
"That doesn't mean I'm always a part of her plans," huffed Z, "I just want us to be a family for once."
"Well, from what I can gather, that ain't happening," said Ian, not privy to the conversation the two goddesses had earlier, "And, if you give me a chance, maybe I can talk some sense into Lind."
"Good luck with that," said Z as he floated in mid air, looking like he was lying on an invisible bed.
"She trusts me...I think...and I think I can get a good rapport with her."
"sure she trusts you, but I'm certain she loathes me," said Z, "you're about as likely to convince the leader of the Fighting Wings to trust me as I'm likely to get my mom and sister to reconcile."
"The only reason she's like this is that she thinks your...Chibi-mom...I think that's how you say it...tried to use you as a tool to get at me."
"I'm not always a part of her plans," said Z.
"That's not what I mean," she said, "She tried to use you as bait without you knowing what her real intentions were."
"That was chibi-hild's plan," said Z, "Mom's a lot nicer than that."
"Well, it sounds to me like you have a case. Look, let me talk to her. It will be the day after tomorrow, because I have classes. But, I'll talk to her and talk her into a truce of some sort, at least for that moment."
Z nodded, "Thanks for that. I guess I won't ask how your powers are growing then."
"They clamped them down, so I don't really know," he said, "The goofy earring and chain make me as a normal human because the fear me not being able to control it yet."
Z showed him the ring on his middle finger attached to a bracelet on his wrist by a chain, "we all wear those."
"But, your abilities are not completely sealed, are they?"
"They were initially," said Z, "but I grew with my powers and eventually I was able to handle them while confined by a standard limiter."
"So, you've known what you are for a lot longer than me."
"I was born in niffleheim," said Z simply
"So you've been around the constantly."
"for most of my childhood," said Z.
"Well, that explains all your understanding and control. Kinda new turf for me."
"You'll get used to it," said Z.
"Okay, but, for now, why did you come today?"
"the same reason I always stop by," said Z, "to visit Urd."
He sighed and said, "You KNOW how that's going to go."
"I can hope right?" said Z.
"You know what it's a mark of when you do something over and over expecting the same result, right?"
"So?" asked Z, "Being sane is no fun."
"Yeah, well, it's not going to do you any good, but..."
he looked around and whispered to Z, "But while we were messing around, she and Lind were talking. It may well be that this whole admitting family ties thing was all a ruse by someone. I bet, if you can find out the truth of that, you just might be able to do something worthwhile."
"What can I do?" asked Z, "I have a limited license and even more limited access to Niddhog."
He looked around again and said, "Let's pick a neutral turf and talk about this. I'll meet you there."
"Where would be neutral?"
"How about the KFC downtown. Could use a bit of all-American cooking myself."
"You obviously haven't eaten enough of belldandy's cooking," said Z.
"That's not the point," he said, "It's neutral ground where anyone could go. If I'm there and you, the Valks ain't going to come down and trash the place for the sake of the souls in there."
"Fine," said z, "meet me in one hour."
with that he teleported away.
He just sighed, realizing that what he actually wanted was her cooking, but who could ever turn that down!
(not...completely untrue XD)
Z grabbed some things from his room at the arcade and set out.
Ian was always amused about the fascination with KFC in Japan as he entered, yet, he had to remind himself that, in the same way Americans see oriental food as exotic, so the Japanese see uniquely american fare to be just as exotic.
Z was sitting in a booth waiting while sampling some of the crispy tenders.
Ian came over with his three piece meal and sat down with him.
"So what's up?" asked Z.
"Well, as I said before, it may be that Urd was told a fib about admitting her heritage."
"Is this information reliable?"
"Well, that's why I'm talking to you," he answered, "I figured that if you could find out the truth, and it IS true, you can give this info to your sister and then she could acknowledge you, as well as have your eternal gratitude."
"And how would I do that?" asked Z, "I don't have access to Yggdrasil and my license doesn't allow me access to those kinds of files in Niddhog."
He smiled and pulled out the laptop given to him by Lind with the Yggdrasil symbol on the cover. He connected to the local Wi-Fi and said, "But I have that access, and being who dad is, I have quite the access to both! Since it's under my name, you can fish around and no one would be the wiser. You can even deep web on this thing and not have repercussions."
He then turned the computer to him with the Yggdrasil search engine ready to go and said, "Have at it."
Z nodded and cracked his knuckles before typing into the laptop, his fingers becoming a blur across the keyboard.
"Remind me to ask for one of these from mom for my next birthday," he muttered.
"Well, I'm not sure she can get access to this brand," he answered, "Maybe one from your side has it's own brand?"
"That's what I meant," said Z as he continued to type, "drat,"
Ian looked at what he was doing and asked, "Why are you typing 'drat'?"
(I meant he said 'drat')
"What did you do?"
"I think I found the file," said Z, "but if I access it, I'll have about .005 seconds to run before the Valkyrie storm this place."
"Remember, this is under my name, I have access, and they won't be the wiser."
"Yeeeeah," said z, "well the file isn't something even your access shouldn't get into. I think it's a level Omega 10 clearance level. The only one with access other than Tyr, would be Lind."
"Hmm..." he pondered, "Well, are you sure that what you seek would be in there? What we're wanting to know is who told Urd that saying Hild was her mother would turn her full demon."
"I was very specific with my search," said Z.
"Well, that's where you have to start asking around," he answered, "If you can't get direct access to the file, then find ways around it."
"there is one person I can ask, but I'm not sure how truthful she'll be."
"Who? Your mom?"
Z nodded.
"Let me ask you this: if she could get closer to Urd, would she do what it took?"
"Yeah," said z, "and that's what worries me."
"In other words," said Ian, "If she did, that would break apart the fates and produce chaos."
((Just remembered: in the first arc of A!MG, did Urd go full demon because of the vase, or was it related to this?))
(it was the vase...why?)
((I just wanted to be sure it was not some admittance or something. It would blow this to smithereens.
(nah, it was a scheme mara had to bring out Urd's demon side. ...at least I think it was Mara.)
((Oh, it was Mara!))
"Maybe we can start by talking to everyone that could gain from Urd thinking she could not speak of her demon side."
"That rules out most of hell," said Z.
"No one in Hell could gain from that?"
"If anything, having nee-san embrace both sides would benefit us, as it would mean that we'd have an easier time dealing with Tyr."
"True," said Ian, "That means it would be on our side of things that the issue would come up. For me, that narrows it down to Lind, Tyr, or if I have my pantheon right, another who would do something just to be mischievous."
"Loki?" asked Z, "wasn't he sealed away a century ago?"
"I always thought he was just tossed out of Valhalla for causing too much trouble."
"I guess I didn't get the full story."
"That means he's wandering about. Plus, he is, if the legends hold right, my and Urd's brother. It would not be anything for a little brother to be so pesky."
"what can we do then?"
"Find out if Loki is involved."
"I might have to pull some strings."
"We'd have to find him first."
Z nodded, "that won't be easy."
"I hear he's pretty tricky.
"We'll have to outwit him."
"Best place to start is with my new sisters," he said, "They'd know the most about him."
"I'll do some digging on my end," said Z, "I'm going to ask mom if I can get something like your laptop."
"I could not see why not," he said, "Your database has to have just as much knowledge as mine."
"Right," said Z, "and if you need money, stop by the arcade. we could use help."
"Come on," he answered, "You know Lind wouldn't let me near that place."
"You're right," sighed Z, "but finding good help is hard."
"Well, don't make it Nidhogg on Earth and you'll do fine."
"Oi," protested Z, "Nidhogg isn't that bad. There's great architecture and nice tech."
"Isn't your home a place for the bad people to suffer for their sins?'
"No," said Z, "that's Hel. Different dimension altogether. Ruled by one scary ass bitch of a goddess."
"Then, what role does your home play in the afterlife?"
"It is the yang to heaven's yin," said Z, "we help keep the balance between fortune and misfortune. If only good things happened to people, chaos would ensue. Just as it would if only bad things happened to people."
"Then, who ends up there after death?"
"Nobody," said Z, "dead souls go to Hel."
"Then, what's the purpose of Nid and Nifel? Is it just your home?"
"Niddhog is our version of the Yggdrasil computer system, monitoring all our shares and holdings," said Z, "Niffleheim is our home...well, mom's anyway."
"Okay, I get it," he said, "Well, I guess we have some work to do," as she shoveled in the last of his meal.
Z put the bones from his meal to the side of his tray.
"Maybe I can start with Bell?" he said, "She seems to be level-headed enough to know how to deal with Loki."
"But she can't keep a secret," sighed Z.
"We're not necessarily asking her to keep a secret," he answered, "We're trying to get information."
"I guess," said Z
"We'll see what we can do," said Ian, "Well, I think that covers things."
Z nodded, "I should get home."
"Yep," he answered, "I have class in the morning, and Megumi insists she be the one to get me to class."
Z smirked, "sounds like you have an admirer."
"Like I have two," said Ian, "I'm not blind to what's happening. Megumi seems to want a boyfriend more than most, and Chrono has a major crush on me."
"Sounds like you're pretty lucky," said Z.
"I don't know if I'd call it luck," he chuckled, "I only fear one doesn't get jealous and try something on the other."
"...I would say that would be bad, but I'd be lying in several different ways."
"I think that's something I could also discuss with both Urd and Bell. I think both their opinions are valuable."
"Good luck," said Z sincerely, "whomever you choose, I offer this advice, a relationship separated by realms is hard to maintain."
"Well, catch you later," and he was off to the temple.
Z nodded and headed off.
Back at the temple, Ian was looking for Belldandy and Urd.
Urd was sitting on the porch with a bottle of sake.
Z arrived at the arcade and looked around.
Chibi-Hild came out and said, "So, where have you been, Mayhem?"
Belldandy came out and sat beside her as Ian came up. He then said, "Say, what do you know about some brother of yours named Loki?"
"not really," said Z, "say mom, can I ask you something?"
"Haven't heard that bastard's name in a while," said Urd, "why do you ask?"
"Oh, Urd, don't be so harsh," she said, "He's just a joker, and he is our brother."
"What?"
"Um, can I have something like what Ian has to connect to Yggdrasil, except for Niddhog?"
"You do remember he was behind that one incident where he switched out our shampoo with hair dye and our soap with paint?"
"What do you mean?" she said, "He has access to their home computer...AND YOU DIDN'T TRY TO TAKE IT?"
"well," said Z nervously, "the valkyrie are always around."
"Well, I can easily give you what you ask and let you keep it," she said, "IF...you can use it to hack Ian's laptop and get into Yggdrasil."
"I might be able to," said Z, "but I'll need a secure connection that even skuld and the valkyrie can't trace."
"Then I have the perfect helper for you," she said, "I'll be back," and disappeared.
(bell's not going to answer Urd?)
Z nodded and sat on a chair.
She later came back with a laptop and standing beside here was a smirking Hrungnir.
"Well, it seemed bad at the time, but your hair did turn out a pretty shade of lavender for time, and we did get a bit of a laugh out of it."
"I wasn't laughing," siad URd, "and your hair was lavender. Mine was green."
"You're the one with the weird mask, right?" asked Z.
"Oh? I thought it had been the other way around."
She put her little fists on her hips and said, "It isn't funny," giving him a "Xp" with a finger pulling down an eyelid.
"Sure it is," said Z with a smirk.
"Nope," said Urd.
"Still, it was funny when you think about it. It does keep things light."
"Anyway, she can help you hack. You can get with Ian, and he does not know her, and maybe you can trick him into linking in or something. She can do the rest."
"Ok then," said Z, "I'm also working on a special project."
"Well," said Ian, "I'm investigating something. It's going to take finding Loki to get the answers."
"And what might that be?" she asked Z.
"It's a surprise," said Z.
"He won't be easy to find," said Urd.
"Well, does he know about me?" he asked them, "I mean, if he did, don't you think he'd jump at the chance to have some fun with his new half brother?"
"I don't like surprises!"
"Dunno," said Urd.
"If it works, I promise you'll like it," said Z.
"Well, you ever hear of the term, 'Speak of the Devil'? Well... Who knows; talking about him might get his attention."
She left them together and looked over her shoulder as she walked out, saying, "You'd better."
Z nodded, "so," he said to the other demon, "about that thing. Can I get it in tablet form?"
She rolled her eyes and groaned, saying, "Boy are we pushy! Okay, where are your spare parts? I'll have to build it."
All this did not escape the attention of one particular figure lurking in a corner in avatar form, chuckling and saying, "Oh, this could be some fun!"
Urd sighed, "if you're lucky, you'll find him."
Z nodded and pointed to one of the rooms that was filled with odds and ends.
As swiftly as Skuld, she had it whipped together and functioning. However, unlike Skuld, (who treated every inanimate object as if it was a living thing,) she had no regard for what she gutted out and tossed it aside like so much trash.
Luckily the stuff was junk anyway and Z quickly powered up the device.
It hooked up to the wi-fi and was a better OS than Android.
"can I get a wireless uplink so I can remotely hack the laptop?"
"Ugh..." she said, snatching it back and powering it down, mercilessly ripping it open, "Now I have to start over!"
in about 15 minutes, it was as good as new with a 4G satellite hookup.
"encrypted and untraceable?"
She stared blankly at her and snatched it from his hands, hooking into his laptop and saying, "Honestly, the laptop could have done that, but noOOOOOOooo...you have to get fancy," downloading the apps needed.
Z shrugged, "a tablet is fancier and more portable."
She was now done, but before she handed it over, she said, "Anything else, prince charming?"
"that's all for now."
She handed it back over and said, "You have Google Play on there, but don't load it up. You need the space for what you're trying to do."
"thanks," said z.
"Now, is that it from me, or do you need something else?"
"well, the arcade machines could use repairs," said Z cheekily
She gave the ol' o-0 look and said, "Hild brought me here for this, and now you want me to be your employee or something? Really..."
"You did ask id I needed anything else," said Z with a smirk worthy of his mother, "of course, if it's too difficult, I can see if I can persuade skuld to come and fix things. Should only take 20 tubs of ice cream."
"THAT HACK?" she snapped, "She'd just mess it all up by putting too much than what's needed! No way! I'll show YOU whose better!" she snapped and went at it with relish.
'Too easy,' thought Z as he logged into his tablet, 'mom was right. it is fun to manipulate people.'
Within 20 minutes, it looked so good they looked and operated as if they were brand new, but now with LCD displays. Smugly, she said, "Howzzat! And I have full digital screens so you don't have the old CRT problems of images being burned into the screen when it is off."
"Thanks," said Z as he went through the files on Gods and Demons to find any files on halflings, "I knew you could do it."
"Hey, what's that you're lookin' at?"
"Just some files in Niddhog," said Z as he scrolled through the pages.
(if your curious I wanted a tablet because of Tokumei Sentai GoBusters. The two lieutenants of the main villain, have a laptop and a tablet respectively they use to create monsters. Since ian has a laptop, I wanted a tablet)
((Um...okay.))
"Hmm...let's see...halflings? Are you lookin' up stuff on yourself or Lord of the Rings?"
"My sister," said Z.
"So?" she said, "You know what she is. So what?"
"It's just a project I'm working on. If things go well, mom will be happy."
"Really? How so?"
"It's a secret," said Z.
"No fair!" she pouted, "I can keep a secret!"
"what if mom orders you to talk?"
"Well, that's different, isn't it?"
"That's why I wont' tell," said Z.
"But, why hide it from her?"
"I don't want her to be sad if it doesn't work."
"*sigh* well if I KNEW what this was, I could maybe help?"
Z was hesitant, but he sighed, "I want to bring my family together."
"Good luck with that one!" she said, rolling her eyes, starting to play "Tempest" to test out the machine.
Z nodded and continued to go through his tablet.
((Back at the temple...))
As they were talking, Urd began to notice some shading being cast over her for some strange reason.
"What's going on?" asked Urd.
Just as she asked that, she heard a rumble, and it was raining on her, though all around her was a sunny day.
"Something's really up," siad Urd as she headed inside.
The cloud followed her until she got inside and waited at the door, looking like a little anvilhead storm cloud.
Urd got a tick on her temple, "LOKI!"
Behind a tree, hysterical laughter could be heard.
"I SUMMON LIGHTING!" yelled urd as she blasted the tree.
"EEEEYYYEEEEOOOW!" was now heard as Loki popped out. He was wearing a straw hat, sunglasses, Hawaiian shirt, sandals and shorts.
Urd was pissed and her hands were sparking, "you have three seconds to run."
He put up a shield that looked like a birthday present and said, "Aw, c'mon, sis! I heard we have a new little brother, and I wanted to meet him!"
URd blasted him.
A shield came up over him provided by Belldandy, saying, "You shall all now stop this fighting."
"Damnit Bell."
"Your spats can get destructive, and I tire of having to fix the place over and over."
Urd sighed and called Ian.
Ian came and before anyone could act, he said, "Hey, my bro!" and gave him a big friendly hug.
Urd watched him carefully.
"Um, hi?" he said, looking over at Urd with a look in his eyes that seemed to say, "You know what this is about?"
she shook her head.
"Um...who are you?" he asked.
"I'm your brother Loki!" he said, all pleased as punch, "What? They never spoke of me?"
"Not much," he answered, to which he looked over to his sisters, annoyed.
"What'd you expect?" asked Urd as she wrung out her hair.
"Aw, c'mon," he pouted, "I'm only having a little fun."
"Next time, have your 'fun' with a demon or something."
"They always take it the wrong way!" he protested, "One little miff and you get chucked out of Valhalla!"
"you're smart," said Urd, "you'll find a way."
"Hey, if pop can't take a joke, do you think Hild would for one moment?"
Urd simply smiled.
"Besides all that, word is on the street that this kid wanted to see me," said Loki, "So, what's up?"
"Let's go to the guesthouse where I have my pad," he said, "We can talk there. It's a private matter."
"Why not talk here?" asked Urd.
"It's..." Ian started to say, but then pondered, "Um...well, if this works, you'll love what I have to say...after we talk."
"fine," sighed URd.
"I wonder what it is they wish to discuss?" asked Belldandy as the two walked off, "Loki seemed very friendly, and not even trickster-like with Ian."
"Dunno," said Urd, "I'm suspicious."
After a time, they came out, nothing the different, and Ian said, "Loki was actually very helpful. I'm going to consult with another source, and things are looking up."
Loki then said, "So, are you up for it?"
"Oh yes!" he blurted out, "She'll never see it coming, nor from whom!"
Urd frowned.
Ian winked and smiled at Urd and said, "So, you can have the hide-a-bed for the next few days while we work it out. I'll be back."
He went his way while Loki smirked at Urd.
"Hide a bed?" she asked.
"You know," he said, "The kind of a bed you can fold up in a sofa?"
Urd nodded in understanding.
"In the meantime," said Loki, "Know this: the mother of all gags is afoot, and there is no telling who or where it will strike!"
He then went over to Bell, they talked quietly, and she giggled, saying, "But, is that right for me?"
"Trust me," he said, "You'll know you're in it."
"Well, I mean what you are saying does involve some subterfuge," she said, "And you know I cannot lie."
"True," he answered, "Doesn't mean you have to say anything though."
((Okay, this is the old "I'm making like I'm getting ready to do one major gag on you, you don't know where or when, but it will happen," but it never does!))
(Ok)
Urd sighed and went to grab her bottle of sake.
"Loki then said, "I bet I could prank everyone here before 48 hours passed."
"don't make me fry you again," said Urd as she came out with a bottle.
"Seriously," he said, "I think I can prank you all within 48 hours...but no using powers to stop it."
"Why not?" asked urd.
"That would ruin the challenge," he said, "The challenge of trying to stop me otherwise. In fact, I won't use powers to pull off the pranks."
"Touch my sake and all bets are off."
"Fine," he groaned, "No Saki. Oh, is Skuld around? I think it's only fair to let her know."
"the kid's in her lab." said Urd.
He went to see her and said, "Hey, kiddo! What neat gadgets are you working on?"
Skuld turned around, "who's there?"
she was wearing dark goggles.
Loki saw that and swallowed a laugh as best he could, saying, "It's your fun loving big brother!"
She lifted her goggles and squawked, "LOKI! Banpei, battle mode!"
"And you'd zap me and not get in on the ultimate prank on Urd?"
"which is?"
"Bell and Ian are in on this. I have to make it look like I pranked everyone in 48 hours, but you only act like it. I'll get any others who frequent here on a daily basis and watch how paranoid she gets. I'm not going to prank her, but we're going to watch her squirm for that time, then break the news to her at the end of it all."
"So you're not really going to prank me?"
"No," he said, "I think this would be a great one to pull on Urd. She needs to loosen up a bit."
"If you say so,"
"But, hey, I'm letting you in on it. What do you say?"
"Fine," said Skuld.
He looked puzzled and said, "you don't sound too enthused."
"I don't trust you."
he sighed and looked down, "You're my sister, and you hate me that much."
"I don't hate you. I don't trust you," elaborated Skuld, "You once replaced my chocolate ice cream with kimchi natto flavored ice cream."
"What's wrong?" he said, "You don't like spicy with sweet."
He then looked at her and said, "And you know you would have done something like that to me or Urd in a heartbeat if you could have."
"True," said Skuld, "but nobody touches my ice cream and natto is disgusting!"
"*Sigh* why can't people just loosen up a bit?"
"sometimes I wonder," said a voice from behind him.
He swung around, hoping it wasn't Urd, and if so, that she didn't hear about the scheme.
It was an attractive teenage girl with black vine like designs on her pale skin and white hair with a black streak through it. she wore a black dress and had black angel wings on her back.
"Not sure I know you?" he said.
"I'd be surprised if you did," said the woman, "my master usually keeps me close by."
"Wait? What?" he said, "You master? Am I missing something here?"
"Mou," said the girl as she pointed to her wings, "I thought it would be obvious."
((remind me of this character.))
(she's a new one. She's Z's devil familiar.)
((Like an angel/demon thingy?))
(like what Wasp of the Blue Lance was before Belldandy turned her into an angel.)
"And Banpei didn't try to rip your head off?"
"He's not programed to recognize me," said the girl, causing Skuld to storm off.
He did not trust her and said, "What do you want?"
"Just stopping in to say hi, and to see how Ian's doing," said the Devil, "I'm Shadow of Dawn, by the way."
(note: Keiichi won't understand her. Only divine/demonic folk can understand angels/devils.)
"How do you know him?" he asked.
((Yeah, how DOES she know him? Can't remember.))
(she shares a soul with Z. she knows what he knows.)
She gave him a deadpan look, "I know everything master knows."
"I didn't think you could act independent of your master."
"Devils are quite different from Angels," said Shadow of Dawn, "and the ones that are born from a hybrid soul are even more unique."
"Well, what would you want with him?"
"We just want to check on a project he's working on."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"Didn't he tell you?"
"He told me something about a rumor that someone might have made it up when she was told she could never accept Hild as her mother."
"that's the one," said Shadow with a smile.
Looking at her oddly, he said, "And why do you want to know?"
"If my master can bridge the gap, he'll be happy," said Shadow.
"But, the question is, does SHE desire to make that acknowledgement?"
Shadow shrugged, "if it's possible, it will be easier to convince her and Elegance-oneesama."
"That's not my point," he said, "Do we have any proof at all that Urd has any desire to show affection to Hild?'
"may~be," said Shadow.
"If she doesn't want to, we don't say a word," he said in a very serious tone.
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Because if she does not want to get close to Hild, then we do not force her, that's why. it's only right not to meddle if it would be something to hurt her. I may be a joker, but she IS my sister, after all!"
Shadow shrugged, "Fine fine. But I look out for my master's happiness."
"Of course you do," he answered, "But he has to be asked if he ever considered Urd's willingness to accept Hild into her life."
"Oh, he's been asked," said Shadow, "he just wants a family that isn't broken."
"But SHE has to want that."
"SHE isn't the one I answer to," said Shadow.
"What are you saying? Are you willing to tear this family apart for the sake of yours?'
Shadow laughed, "who knows."
"I personally would rather things not get worse than they are!"
"One thing you should remember," said Shadow, "as my master's devil, I represent his darker side, so a little chaos sounds fun."
"Chaos is my middle name," said Loki, "But it's not fun when folks get hurt!"
"Aw," pouted Shadow before she brightened, "how about a compromise then?"
"you act like you know something I don't"
"that's because I do,"
"Oh really? And just what is that?"
"It's a secret,"
He stared at her, wondering just how much she really DID know, and did she know about HIS involvement with this.
Shadow laughed and then vanished.
He then thought, "I can't let on my stupid joke cost Urd her relationship with her mother. She'd kill me!"
Meanwhile, Z knocked on Ian's door.
Ian looked out the special electronic peephole that Skuld had made and then let him in.
"Any luck?" asked Z as he discretly tapped the screen of his new tablet.
"Not much," he said, "Haven't been able to find out the source of what Urd had been told about her and her mother."
"I've not found evidence about rules preventing her and her mother from being family in Niddhog," said Z as he looked at his tablet and pulled up a server connection screen.
"Okay, well shouldn't that settle it?" he said, "I mean, if you can prove it that way, who needs to know about who said what?"
"that doesn't mean there isn't a law in yggdrasil," said z
"Oh, well, then maybe I wasn't looking in the right place," he said, pulling out his laptop and plugging in to the server.
while his back was turned, Z checked the uplink Hrungnir had installed.
It took a few seconds due to coverage being slightly interfered with since the Yggdrasil signal was very strong over the temple, but it did eventually hook up.
"Any luck?" asked Z.
"Just getting started," he said as he punched up "Demon/Goddess relationship rules and regulations."
"Am I allowed to read this?" asked Z.
"Hey," he said, "I'm the new guy in all this."
"Good point," siad Z.
"Let's see...ah...look up on yours something about goddess/demon hybrid world and loyalty choices."
"On it," said Z as he tapped the screen of his tablet.
And, of course, as it is with most laws, there was a lot of pages on definitions and who is who in this and that.
Z began searching for laws on cross faction procreation.
He then came across article 7: choice of family. It read, "The party of the first part, (the child,) when of age, can make the conscious choice of being of the party of the second part or the party of the third part. Once choice is made, the party of the first part will thus and irrevocably be of the essence of the party chosen, and will be thus forever linked into the duties and responsibilities spelled out in ALS Law 12, Article 4, clauses 7-13."
"It doesn't look good," sadi Z.
"Why? What do you have."
Z showed him.
"Don't see it," he said, "Seems it just says that, once you choose a side, then that is your side."
"Does that mean she can't acknowledge mom or does it mean she won't be effected if she does?"
"It looks to me like it says that, if you have chosen a side, you are locked into that side, and it cannot be consciously changed."
"Then why would she be told that she could switch alignments?"
(what if Loki hacked yggdrasil, which is why she can go demon at times?)
((Actually, I have something in mind.))
(ok)
"I don't know," he said, "That's out of my league. I'm the newbie here, remember?"
"Should we tell her?"
He pondered and said, "Actually...no. Let's ask someone who might know more than he lets on."
"You mean Loki?" asked Z.
"It would be my guess," answered Ian, "Considering his panache for mischief."
"How do you want to approach him?" asked Z.
"In this case, directly," he answered, "It seems he's here for a reason, otherwise, he wouldn't get within an astronomical unit of his sister, it seems."
"Though, I assume going all hell's fury on him for what he did isn't advised?"
"That depends on what he did," said Ian, "But we need to get him to confess he did anything and find out why he did it."
"then let's go."
Loki was trying to put together his "mother of all pranks" against Urd with everyone's help when Ian approached and said, "Say, Loki. Been looking up on hybrid souls and such. Interesting reading."
"Okay," he said, with a shrug, "And?"
Kazi walked in and flicked his wrist, placing a barrier around the room that would block teleportation or any other means of exit. Loki would be able to disarm it, but it would take a few minutes.
"Yeah, and we read something about, once a choice is made for one side, that's permanent," he added.
"Well, true," he then said.
"So, what's this stuff about acknowledging the other side will change you?"
Loki stood silent, now not knowing what to say.
"I suggest you answer honestly," said Kazi.
"I'm just wondering what that has to do with the cost of tea in China."
"wait...what?"
((Loki said that. He was referring to Ian's question about what the talk was that acknowledging the genetic heritage from the side you didn't choose meant becoming wholly the other side.))
"You know about my little project," said Kazi, "Shadow of Dawn told you."
"I know what you're wanting," he said, "And, truth be told..." and then let out a big sigh. He then said, "Urd can acknowledge her mother. That was never an issue."
"Then why did you tell her otherwise?" asked Kazi angrily.
"Whose to say I did?" he said, defensively.
"Did you or didn't you?" asked Kazi.
"Did I or didn't I what?"
"did you tell Urd that she can't see my mother as her mother?"
"Why is that important to know at this point?"
"BECAUSE I WANT A FAMILY!"
"And your mother and that side of things is not enough of a family for you?" he said, knowing how he himself felt about that, and being exiled from Valhalla.
"I want family that isn't broken."
He looked at him coldly and said, "You ain't the only one!"
Z glared back.
Ian jumped in and said, "Guys, dump some hormones here! Look, Loki, if you told Urd this, there must be some reason, and by the way you said what you said, you feared losing your sister, didn't you?"
His gaze went from intense to sad and ashen.
Z sighed and Dawn Shadow emerged from his back to give him a comforting hug.
"I...I already lost much when dad threw me out," he said with a tear, "I didn't wan to lose Urd."
"I don't want to lose her either," said Kazi, "but this way, she can have a chance to accept the both of us."
"But, if she knew I fibbed..." he said, sadder, "She'll definitely hate me forever."
"What do I do?"
"Tell the truth and apologize," said Kazi.
"And, she won't forgive me," he said, "I know she never would."
"She would hate you even more if she found out you were keeping it from her," said Kazi, "and I can't believe I'm giving moral advice."
Ian smirked and said, "Being what you are, if that benefits you, I don't see that out of character for you. Tell you what; let me go talk to Urd."
He left the two and went to the main house and to Urd's room to see if she was there.
Urd was watching her soap opera.
Ian waited for her program to end and then knocked on her doorjamb.
"Come on in, Ian," said Urd.
"Thanks," he said, looking for a place to sit down and saying, "You know, since I've been here, I think you are the only one of my 'long lost' sisters I really haven't had a chance to talk with."
"You want to talk now, kiddo?"
He sat down and smiled gently and said, "Well, if it's okay. I mean, I know you like your time and seem very busy and all. But, to know we are family and I know so little about you and yet living in near proximity of one another is not good."
"What do you want to know?" asked Urd.
"Well, for starters, what do you think of the family you have. You know, are you happy with what you have?"
"I'd have to say so," said Urd, "wouldn't trade them for the world."
"Well, I just hope I'm not a nuisance to you," he said, feigning a bit of fear so as to see how much she actually might love him, testing where she stood.
Urd pulled him into a headlock and noogied him, "no way in hell."
Instead of protesting, he laughed at this, but pressed a pressure point on her hip just enough to get her to let go.
Urd let go with a smile.
After calming, he said, "Thanks. But, um, I was just curious. When you say you wouldn't trade them for the world, does that include Loki, even though he's been a bit of the proverbial thorn in the flesh?"
"I guess. when it comes down to it. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I was curious if that also included Loki?"
"But what brought that about?"
"Well, I think he really cares about you," he said, "Despite all his pranks, he loves you."
"that's not an answer to my question," said Urd, "what made you ask about Loki?"
"Well, he's been missing you," he said, "And he's been moping about feeling like he's afraid of losing his sister. I thought maybe you could help ease some of his fears."
"I guess," said Urd, "any idea where he is?"
"Well, he's in my place," he said, "But, I want to ask you something: if you were scared of losing your whole family, and someone you cared about deeply, to what extent would you go to keep that person around?"
"that's a tough question," said Urd, "and sometimes the answer I find scares me."
Ian nodded thoughtfully and then said, "Well, The thing is, I think Loki loves his whole family, and doesn't want to lose any one of you. From what I gather, he knew about your background, and when he and you were very young, he was scared he'd lose you. He loved Bell dearly and doted over an infant Skuld, though he did have his mischievous streak even then. Tell me, did you two ever pull off a prank together?"
"Not to the best of my recollection," said Urd.
"Well, I'm surprised," he said, "He always wanted you to be in on it. In any case, he looked up to your independent spirit, and admired you, from what he said, and feared losing you."
"I never thought of it that way"
He followed her out of the house, still talking to her, and he said, "But, I still need to know; what would you be willing to do or say to guarantee that you'd never ever lose the ones you loved, even if it may seem foolish; remember that we are considering a childlike mentality."
"Why are you talking about this?"
He had been trying to cushion what she was about to hear from Loki, knowing now that she had a temper. He finally could skirt about it no more and said, "Because he wants to confess something, but you have to promise to look at it the right way and not get mad, or else you can't come into my house. He feels guilty about something from when you were children and wants to make it right. Keep those words in mind: wants to make it right. He loves you, and all of us, no matter how pesky he can be, and does not want to hurt anyone."
"Fine," said Urd.
He led her to the guesthouse, let her go in, and then waited outside, figuring that this needed to be between them.
"What do you want, Loki?"
"You know I love you, right?"
"Of course," said urd.
He swallowed hard and told her, "Then, I have to tell you, when we were kids, I told you something that wasn't true, because I was scared I'd lose my big sister."
"Which was?"
"You couldn't acknowledge Hild as your mother. You made your choice, and it was essentially etched in stone, but I, as a naive child, was scared it wouldn't work, and I told you that because I didn't want to lose you. I lied. You can acknowledge Hild as your mother."
"What are you saying?" asked Urd slowly.
"You can call Hild "mother" with no fear, I'm sorry, I hurt you, I want to make it right."
"This is a lot to take in," said Urd.
"you have every right to be mad," she said, "I kept you from other family."
"In fairness, Hild wasn't much of a mother."
"But, there is one that desperately wants to be family with you," he answered, "And because of that... Well, for the kid's sake, and ours, he asked me to tell the truth. He wants a sister."
Urd sighed, "yeah, I guess he isn't all that bad."
Now he was confused. "I...don't get it. I just bared my soul to you and I expected you would half kill me."
"I promised I would hear you out," said Urd, "and a certain pair of brothers of mine make me think that what you did was just out of fear for your family."
A tear rolled down his cheek and he said, "You four here are all I have left."
Urd gave him a quick hug, "Don't worry, we're not leaving."
A tear ran down his cheek as he hugged her. He then said, "Well, I guess you can go to your brother, and your mother. Yet, the funny thing is, Why didn't Hild tell you any of this?"
"I would never have believed her," siad Urd, "and she knew it."
He sighed and said, "Or, it won her side shares. Don't know, really."
"Either way, she didn't tell me."
"So, what are you going to do now?"
Urd sighed, "I think I might need to think things over."
He was going to let her go, but he said, "Oh by the way...check your back."
She did so.
It was a sign, but instead of it saying, "Kick me." it said, "Sober me up," because of all the sake she drank.
"sleep with one eye open," warned urd.
He smirked and sang, "I gotta be me...I gotta be me..."
Urd sighed.
With that, he said, "So, are you going to find your kid brother?"
"I would," said Urd, "but he's listening at the door."
After a moment, Loki started a soft giggle that gradually grew into a crescendo of hysterical laughter at his antics.
Urd chuckled as well.
Ian was coming back from the house after checking on something and saw that. He got behind him quietly and then shouted and sang, "SOOOOOOOO! You'd better be good, for goodness sake. Whoa-ah-whoa, somebody's coming, somebody's coming to town."
Kazi jumped and knocked down the door on accident.
Loki saw that, and now was gasping for air in his laughter.
Kazi glared at him.
Inbetween laughs and gasps of air, he said, "Ian, I couldn't have done better! Well done!"
"enough," said Urd, "don't embarrass him, that's his sister's job."
"What did you say?" asked Kazi hopefully.
Ian smiled, hearing what she had said.
Urd hugged him and Kazi burst into tears.
Ian felt good, knowing that his choice of counselling was his future, because he felt so good about the peace he helped bring. He took in a deep breath and let it go, saying, "It's good to be helping."
Urd smiled at ian.
((Where do you want to take this next?))
(not sure.)
((We have the love interest thing to work on.))
The next day, Ian was preparing for class, and, of course, Megumi was right there to pick him up.
"Have fun you two," said Urd.
Belldandy waved bye to them and was gleefully grinning as she was wont to do and said, "It is so nice to have a new brother, but you know, really, only Skuld has gotten to know him well. We seem to have been so busy that we have never really tried, I think. I think we need to have some kind of a family fun time and really make him feel part of the family."
"What do you have in mind, bell?" asked URd
"Well, he once spoke of something called a clam bake," she said, "It's something they do in the summer on the beach. Considering it's not quite spring, I'm not sure we could do it...unless we went to Okinawa or some such place."
"I could help with that," said Kazi from next to urd, causing said goddess to jump.
"Goodness," said Bell, "And where did you come from?"
"I've been here for the last five minutes," said Kazi, "I like your cooking."
"Oh, thank you," she said with a happy smile, "I like to cook the human way so much."
"Certainly beats take out dinners from the convenience store Mara works at," said Kazi.
"We're doing something for Ian, and he talked about this from his home."
"I could arrange time at a beach, per say," said Kazi.
"But, it is cold," she said, "It would not be much fun cold."
"I never said it would be a physical beach," said Kazi.
Bell pouted and said, "But it would not be the same."
"The beach you use to De-bug yggdrasill was real enough."
"Are you sure?" asked Belldandy, "I mean, if it works, it works, but, baking clams on a beach? How does one go about that?"
"I'm not sure," said Urd.
"Perhaps we need to do some research," said Bell.
"Might be best," said Urd.
"Let us call home and see if they cannot give us access to the Yggdrasil database and surf the intergalactic web," said Belldandy, "Ian is the only one with a computer linked to the system, and he is in class."
"I have a tablet hooked to niddhogg," said Kazi.
"I am afraid we cannot use it," said Bell, "But I am sure you can look up a clam bake."
Kazi nodded.
"Then, will you look up how one does a clambake?"
Kazi pulled out his tablet and began to search.
((Go ahead and google it. See what it tells you and go with it.))
"
A typical clam bake (or clambake) begins with gathering seaweed (traditionally rockweed – Ascophyllum nodosum) at the shoreline; seaweed is an important adjunct to cooking the food. To keep the seaweed fresh, it is necessary to have a container large enough to hold both the seaweed and a fair amount of sea water.
Lastly, like most other methods of steaming, a cover is necessary to allow the trapped heat and steam to thoroughly cook the food. Canvas tarps or potato sacks soaked in sea water are often used for this purpose.
Once the stones and seaweed have been collected, a fire pit is prepared. Some prefer to simply start a fire within the pit, while others line the edges with flat stones to provide support for a metal grill on which the stones may be placed.
The stones used for cooking are then placed in the center of the pit and a wood fire is started, although the exact method of heating the stones varies. The fire must burn until the stones are glowing hot. Care must be taken to ensure that the fire will burn out shortly after this optimal cooking temperature is achieved. The ashes are then swept off the stones and raked between them to form an insulating "bed." A layer of wet seaweed is placed over the stones, followed by traditional regional foods such as steamers, mussels, quahogs, and lobsters. Side dishes usually include, corn on the cob, carrots, and onions. Alternating layers of seaweed and food are piled on top and the entire mound is covered with canvas that has been drenched in water to seal in the heat and prevent the canvas from burning. The food is allowed to steam for several hours.
Since many locales outlaw building fires on beaches, and in order to accommodate the dish in homes or backyards, this dish is often prepared in a large pot. This is known as a New England clam boil. Some caterers specialize in clam bakes on the beach."
Bell's eyes widened and said, "Oh that sounds like marvelous fun to prepare!"
"Where would we get the seafood?" asked Urd, "I don't think the de-bugging beach had fish."
"Oh, silly," she giggled, "We would buy it and then go to this beach."
"Wouldn't it be better fresh caught?" asked Skuld.
Bell jumped a bit, not having seen Skuld come in, and she said, "I did not know you were here. I am sorry not to notice you."
"It's alright, onee-sama. By the way, where did you get your tablet, Kazi?"
((You have to answer that.))
"That mask weirdo made it," said Kazi.
"Her?!" growled Skuld.
"In any case," said Bell, "we should either go to a real beach, or maybe we can create a beach here at the temple and invite our friends?"
"I can help with that," said Skuld.
"You mean, you could create summer, a beach, and good beach weather here?" asked Bell.
"shouldn't be too hard," said Skuld.
"Oh, this would be wonderful," she said, "Perhaps we can invite friends and let him meet all of us, to expand his social circles."
"maybe he could add Kei's sister as a Plus one," said URd.
"How about all our former classmates, and both Lind and Chrono?"
"Can I bring a date?" asked Kazi.
"I do not foresee any problems with that," said Bell.
"Cool," said Kazi.
"Then, let us begin to acquire what we need for the clambake!" said Bell, "I shall to this place Ian calls Maine and see about the lobsters."
"I'll get on it," said Skuld.
Meanwhile, at class, Belldandy sent an avatar to Ian and asked him, "Oh, I was curious? Where in Maine is some good lobster?"
"Oh, you can go to just about anywhere there is fishing," he answered, "But near where I live is a place called Boothbay Harbor. They've got a fisherman's co-op there and you can get catch of the day for dirt cheap...many dollars less than in a store."
"Thank you," she said, to which Ian asked, "Um...why do you ask?"
Suddenly realizing she may spoil the surprise, she said, "Uh...I was thinking of having it for dinner one of these days," which was not a lie, but it was not the whole truth, but it was enough of the truth to get away with it.
Skuld got to work in her lab, trying to create an invention to simulate a beach night in summer.
Lind dropped in at that point to find out when Ian was going to be free for their next training session and saw Skuld at work. "What are you working on, kiddo?"
"I'm trying to improve upon my pocket space generator."
"Okay," said Lind, "But why? What are you going to do with it?"
"we're gonna have a beach party for Ian."
"Really?" she asked, "And just why is that?"
"Big sis wanted to," said Skuld.
"And what kind of a beach party is this?" she asked, "Day, night, surfing? What?"
"It's gonna be a nighttime clam bake."
"From what I understand, those are an all-day affair, with many beach activities involved."
"That's right," said Skuld as she pulled out a strangely shaped tool.
Lind now watched closely, wondering just what she was about to do.
she began to adjust some sort of conduit, "could you hold the lever on the other side?"
"Um...okay?" she said, grabbing it as she asked.
"keep it steady," said Skuld, "but don't let it move down."
She nodded, holding rock steady, afraid it might blow up the world or something.
"Not so firm," said Skuld.
Lind just held rock steady, scared to death.
"and done," said Skuld.
Lind was still afraid to let go.
"you can let go now,"
Lind swallowed and slowly let go.
"Good," said Skuld, "now to decouple the fusion reactor."
"FUSION REACTOR!" exclaimed Lind, "Humans don't even have this, do you think it's smart to have it in this world?"
"I was just joking" said Skuld
She just groaned, never knowing when the kid was kidding. Bell came soon after and said, "How is it going, Skuld?"
"It's almost done," said Skuld.
"He is going to be so surprised," said a joyful Bell, "I cannot wait to help him feel part of the family."
"I just wish that demon wasn't coming," said Skuld
"Now. now," Bell gently scolded, "This is neutral ground, and he wants to be with sister."
"I don't trust him," said Skuld.
"Don't blame you," said Lind, "But now that the cat's out the bag between him and Urd, he's probably going to be welcome here."
"What about any demons he brings along?"
"Hmm... True, but, I would think Banpei is up to the task, right?"
"I hope so," said Skuld.
"Don't worry," said Lind, "I'll have a few Valkyrie in plain clothes around just in case."
"Ok then," said Skuld.
"Curious," asked Lind, "If I am not mistaken, lobster is a part of this thing. How is Bell going to take it when she finds out how you're supposed to cook them?"
"I never thought of that," muttered Skuld.
"Yeah," said LInd, "Is she going to be able to handle that? She has to cook them live."
"who's gonna tell her?"
"Better be someone who can break it to her easy," answered Lind, "I mean, could she bring herself to steam a bunch of lobsters to death?"
"Keiichi then?"
"What? Keiichi tell her or he does the cooking?"
"Have him tell her."
"Um..okay." she pondered, "I'll leave you to this and go talk to him."
With that, she went and found Kei, and she said, "Um...we have to talk."
Skuld got back to work.
((Who has Kei?))
(I think you do.)
((Gotta have some kind of interaction along with this.))
(could just skip over it)
((I think Bell would be horrified over the prospect.))
(I can post for Kazi in a second scene while this goes on.)
((But how WOULD Bell react to this news? Need to react right.))
(quite horrified. she might even want to call off the whole thing.)
((That's what I figured...))
She was bawling her eyes out, saying, "We cannot! We just cannot! Skuld! Call it off! We have to call off the whole thing!"
"Big sister," said Skuld, "you don't have to be the one to do it."
"No, it is just that it is sad to have to cook to death those poor lobsters at all!" she sobbed, "Is there not some more humane way of doing that?"
"I don't know."
At this point, Chrono entered the room, having been relieved, and said, "Hey, how's it all going?"
"We're having a bit of a crisis," said Skuld.
"A crisis?" she said, "Doesn't look like much of a crisis here."
"Big sis just found out how to cook lobster."
"Oh?.... Oooohhhh...." she answered, "For me, hey, circle of life thing, but... Yeah, I can see the issue."
"Yeah," sighed Skuld.
"Hey," she said, "Why don't I cook? Oh, and why the reason for the party? Who or what is it for?"
((Hello?))
"We're trying to make a crab bake like JC had back home," said Kazi from behind her.
"Who is J-C?" asked Chrono, "And I thought it was a clam bake?"
"Wait," said Kazi, "I meant Ian. and I guess I misspoke."
"Why are you even here?" asked Skuld as she glared at the Cambion.
Chrono made her weapon appear and said, "Wait, is he causing you danger?" acting like a naive child.
"I can't come and visit?" pouted Kazi.
Lind then said, "I do believe he has permission as long as this is permitted to be neutral ground. The second one side or the other violates it, then that's that."
Kazi jumped when he realized she was there and carefully put some distance between them
((She'd been there the whole time.))
"Chillax," said Lind, "Remember, this is neutral ground now. There is no fighting unless one of us tries, and that could bring something ugly."
"In all honesty," said Kazi, "you scare me."
"Good," she said with a smirk, "Means I haven't lost my edge."
"Lovely," said Kazi as he took a step back.
She giggled and said, "Will you relax? We're at peace here. Nothing to fear."
Kazi glanced at her, "Mom showed me the files of the Angel Eater Battle. You scare the shit out of me."
"*sigh* Look, that wasn't the best of situations, but that does not mean I act like that all the time."
"Doesn't mean you don't intimidate me," said Kazi.
"So, would you like to cook the lobsters?" she asked, "I'm sure the clams and the corn could be handled by Bell."
"I've never done it before," said Kazi, "but I can follow directions."
"It's not hard," she said, "Trust me."
Kazi nodded, "tell me exactly what to do and I'll do it."
"Dig the hole, put a hot but smoldering fire in the bottom and make sure it can get oxygen, put a pot of water on top of it on a gridiron and let that turn to hot steam. Put some seaweed over that, lay out the clams, another layer, lobster, another layer, the corn on the cob, another layer, cover with a cloth, cover with some sand and mark with a flag so you remember where it is. Let it slow cook all day long and come back before sunset and serve."
"Couldn't I just use magic to make the fire?"
Chrono rolled her eyes and said, "Does it matter how you make the fire? Just put it in the bake pit!"
"Ok then."
And so, the day passed, and Bell then asked, "Should we ask our friends to be a part as well?"
"I don't see why not," said Urd.
"Good!" she said, as several invitations appeared and then flew off to their targets, "It shall be good for Ian to make many good friends."
"We're not inviting the muscle brains, are we?" asked Skuld.
"But, are they not friends of ours?" asked Bell, confused.
"They are," said Urd, "but they can be a bit..."
"Stupid?" suggested Skuld.
"No," said Urd, "I was going for thick headed."
"Is not Ian studying psychology?" she asked, "I could think he could see if they start playing games with him."
"IF you say so," siad URd.
"He just might fit in with them," added Bell.
"That'll be the day," chuckled Kazi, "can mom come?"
"No." said Urd.
"Are you sure it is good to leave her out?" asked Bell, "Her exclusion may anger her."
"I don't trust her," said URd.
"Who really does?" asked Lind.
"But, should we invite her?" asked Bell, "What say you all?"
"No thank you," said Skuld.
Both Chrono and Lind shook their heads.
Kazi sighed.
"Sorry," said Chrono, "We don't know what she's like in a party mood and what she'd try to do."
"She's not that bad," said Kazi, "my last birthday was a real hit."
"Oh really?" said Lind, "And what happened there?"
"Huge event," said Kazi, "mom bought out a restaurant and we feasted like they do in valhala."
Lind rolled her eyes and said, "Mockingly, I bet. Did anything get destroyed?"
"No," said Kazi.
Bell pondered, and then said, "If you can convince her to respect the neutrality pact here on the temple grounds, I shall allow you to invite her...and even Mara."
Chrono and Lind looked shocked.
"Are you serious Bell?" asked Urd.
She stood very matronly, holding up her finger and said, "If she has any respect for the neutrality, she shall behave herself."
"I think she will," said Kazi.
"You promise?" asked Urd.
"I don't make promises I might not keep," said Kazi.
Lind then said to Urd, "I have something I want you to give to Ian."
She pulled out a jewel box and said, "I think he's ready to receive this. Open it and look."
"an egg?" asked Urd.
"Of course," she said, "Why do you look so surprised? He is one of us...well one of us enough for it."
"It just seems so soon."
"He has to get started charging the thing as soon as possible," she responded, "You had all your time since childhood. He has some catching up to do."
"true," said Urd.
"I thought you should be the one to present it to him and tell him what he needs to know about it," she said, "Considering that, of you three, you've spent the least amount of time getting to know him. I think it would be nice for you two to bond. You are brother and sister, after all."
"I'll do so," said Urd.
((Let's jump to the party.))
The invitations were sent and the whole crew showed up.
((Say what Skuld concocted for the "beach."))
skuld had rigged up a pocket dimension generator that deposited them at a tropical beach at twilight
"I always thought these things were in the day," said Lind, "You think this will work?"
"A beach party at night is always fun," said Skuld.
"Yeah," she said, "But the surf dies down at night, so surfing is out, and isn't it dangerous to swim in the ocean at night?"
"well there are other things to do on the beach at night."
"Then again, you're creating this," said Lind, "I think you could make it safe for swimming and surfing."
Skuld nodded, "I can."
"you might need a bikini, Lind," smirked Urd before she went to Ian.
She turned beat red and walked off, embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Ian came home from classes, walked in, and everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!"
"Welcome to the party, little brother," said Urd.
"What, why, I don't..." he said all confused, "What is going on?"
"we wanted to give you a piece of home," said Urd, "so we're having a crab bake."
"I think you mean 'clambake,'" he said grinning and with a bit of a chuckle, "And how did you do this? Is this all some kind of a hologram? I don't think you swim in that, and if you can, water off Maine's coast is quite cold!"
"It's a pocket dimension," said skuld.
he blinked, shook his head, and said, "There is so much about my other half I don't yet understand. I don't know what will."
"Welcome to my world," muttered Z.
"This doesn't seem so bad," he answered.
"So," said Urd, "let's party."
"I brought drinks," said Kazi as he held up a bottle of sake and a bottle of whiskey.
Ian shook his head, saying, "Can't stand the stuff."
"The sake's for Nee-san," said Kazi.
All of their friends started coming over and welcoming him, guiding him to the celebration. He noticed the flag in the sand, thought, and then said, "Is that what I think it is?'
(flag?)
((Marks where the food is cooking. Remember: it's buried in the sand.))
(Z was cooking the lobster, right?)
((Everything, I'd imagine.))
Kazi snapped his fingers and a chef's hat and an apron that said 'Kiss the Cambion' on it, appeared on his person, "That is is. I'm cooking the food myself actually."
"Bell usually does that," he answered, "How did you get her away from the task? I figured she would insist."
"she learned how to cook lobster," said Kazi, "suffice it to say, she wasn't thrilled."
"What's the issue," he said, confused, "It's just lobster."
"The fact that they're cooked live," said Kazi, "she couldn't stand dropping a living thing into a pot to boil it alive. Luckily, I wasn't raised with such hesitations."
"Another reason I don't like your mother," muttered Urd.
"Denial is a river in Egypt," retorted Kazi.
"I thought you got that 'your mother' business settled," answered Ian, "I thought you could now acknowledge her?"
"Doesn't mean I like her," said Urd, "she tried to seal away my sisters and one of her minion's schemes gave me a split personality when my two halves were separated and re-merged. She never really apologized for that."
"I wouldn't know how likely that is to happen, considering the little bits of her personality I have seen," answered Ian, "But, back to this, whose idea was it for a clambake?"
"It was Bell's idea," said Urd.
He smiled as he betrayed a slight tear, saying, "I don't think anyone has ever cared about me like this before."
"Your our brother," said Urd, "why wouldn't we care?"
He got quiet and said, "You are the first real family I've ever had outside my mother...and the only real friends I've ever had."
"Happy to have you," said Urd.
He was now thinking about his past, the abuse of others because he was so beyond their years, how they would look to him for help with advice and bully protection, but still kept him at arms length and talked bad about him. Joy, anger, excitement, and rage hit him all at once and he crouched down, tears now flowing freely."
Urd pulled him into a hug.
He returned the embrace, but now he was letting it out. Everyone got quiet and watched. "How dare they treat me like that! I never did anything bad to them! All the help I gave them and this is how it was! IT'S NOT FAIR! WHY! WHY DID ALL THIS HAPPEN. I DID NOTHING TO THEM!! THEY HAD NO RIGHT!!!"
And on he went, and those with the godly touch to them could see something the mortals could not; much in negative energy was lifting off his body and rising off like vapors. It was a dirty looking aura, and seemed thick and burdensome.
"Oh that's not good," said Kazi, "you might want to step back."
He held out his hand and a magic circle appeared under Ian that began to syphon off the excess negative energy and channeled it into the cambion.
Belldandy chimed in and said, "He's going through Catharsis. This is good for him. Keep siphoning it off."
He now had his face buried into Urd's shoulder, beyond words now, sobbing like a baby. Her shoulder was well wet and slimed.
Urd held him tight.
"Working on it," said Kazi, "luckily I'm more compatible with negative energies than a god or goddess."
((Apparently, she doesn't mind getting slicked up like that! LOL!))
He eventually began to quiet, feeling spent, but appearing really purged.
(it's for her brother's sake so...yeah)
Kazi was breathing hard from maintaining the spell for that long, "Oh good. It's over."
He looked up a mess, looking a bit drained, but looking better. Belldandy then said, "How do you feel?"
"A bit spent," he answered, "But I feel like a great weight came off me."
"Tell me," she then asked, "How do you feel about the past now? Can you change it?"
He shook his head as she then asked, "Do you wish they would apologize?"
"I don't think they would," he answered, sniffling a bit, "I even think they'd look at me oddly if I demanded it. I don't think they'd even acknowledge they did anything wrong."
"Good," said Urd, "it's not healthy to have regrets about things you can't change."
"So, what are you going to do?" asked Belldandy.
"Forgive, let it go, and move on," he answered.
While this touching moment was going on, Kazi checked on the food, with the help of a familiar girl in a chibi-devil outfit.
It still needed some time. Meanwhile, Ian noticed the jewel box in Urd's hand. "What's that?" he asked.
(wow, nobody questions the new girl dressed like a devil. )
"This is something special that we think you're ready for," said Urd as she opened it to reveal an egg.
"An egg?" he asked, confused.
((We'll get around to her.))
"It's an angel's egg," said Urd, "It's about time you have one too."
"Angel?" he said, confused, "Explain this one to me?"
Urd summoned World of Elegance and showed Ian, "this is my angel."
He nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight.
"An angel is the constant companion to a God or Goddess," said Urd, "they become a part of us, bonding with our soul."
He held up the egg and said, "And this has to do what with it?"
"This egg will one day become your angel."
"Okaaaaaay," he said, "Treat me like an alien from another world and know nothing about this. How does all that work?"
"The egg absorbs your magic aura over time," said Kazi from where he had set up a charcoal grill, "when it's absorbed enough, you swallow it and your angel emerges from your back."
He stroked his chin, and then said, "I qualify?....What are you grilling? I thought you were doing the clambake."
Kazi pointed to the girl in a devil costume who was watching the clam bake, "Got it covered. I also figured a beach party isn't right without burgers and dogs. And as for the angel, you have divine blood, so yeah."
"So, I wear it?" he asked Urd, "These odd ear bling is odd enough."
"It's a necklace," said Urd, "wear it under your shirt."
He nodded and put it on, giving Urd another hug and said, "Thank you...um...who's the chick in the devil suit?"
Kazi smirked, "What? You didn't think Demons had an equivalent?"
The girl walked over and smiled, the wings on her costume growing and becoming more life-like, "Meet my Devil Familiar, Shadow of Dawn."
The girl, no, the Devil, curtsied in front of them.
Lind cringed and muttered, "Neutral ground, neutral ground, neutral ground..."
The two of them took a step away from her.
Lind just walked away, embarrassed in being in that bathing suit.
Kazi shrugged and flipped some burgers while his familiar checked the seafood.
Belldandy then said, "And you, Ian, need to get more beach looking. Go on; go change."
He nodded and a few minutes later came out in some flip-flops, a towel around his neck and red Speedos
He was also built like a bodybuilder.
"Not bad," said Urd.
All the ladies were now looking at him, and both Chrono and Kei's sister were staring.
J-C laid out his towel and headed towards the waves. That brought up a cheer from the folks and they followed.
Kazi smirked and went back to cooking.
After some swimming, volleyball, and some other things, the clambake was now ready.
Kazi and Shadow began to serve the food.
Ian got his food and said, "Okay, ladies and gents, there is no dainty way to eat one of these."
He took up the lobster and ripped off a leg, pulling the joints apart, and he began to chew out the meat from the leg, one leg part at a time. Chrono cringed but then followed suit, while Lind dove right in.
Kazi and Urd easily did the same, with Kazi's Devil merging with him again.
It was beginning to look like a slob feast as those not used to this were becoming a royal mess and laughing all the way.
"This is nice," said Kazi. he was sitting away from Lind of course.
Bell looked a bit queasy at the barbaric display, and winced as Ian ripped off the tail.
"So," said Urd, "how's school been, Ian?"
"Interesting to say the least," he answered, cracking the tail open, "Between classes and Lind's training, things have been whipping by. Even with these 'restraints' on my ears, I have to be so careful. I mean, with them, It's kind of okay, but without them, I feel like I'm living in a world made of cardboard."
"Superman?" asked Urd.
"It's the only equivalent I could think of," he answered, "Lind said I should read up on my old superheroes: Superman, Thor, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman..."
((No answer in Karin?))
"You could probably meet Thor," mused Kazi, "I wonder how he'd react to Marvel Comics? Hell, I wonder how present company would react to depictions of the Asgardians?"
"Trust me...not well," he answered, "It makes playing hockey a challenge. I'm always afraid I'm going to knock someone through the sideboards."
Kazi shrugged.
"She also said something else about finding out what magic is my forte," he said, "I should be able to use that, and to pass from place to place with that."
"why is it gods and goddesses need a medium to teleport?" asked Kazi.
Ian shrugged and pointed to the Norns, saying, "They'd be able to answer better than I."
Kazi turned to them.
((I wouldn't know the answer to that.))
(make something up.)
"It is not a need," answered Bell, "But having a medium makes it easier and swifter."
"Demons don't seem to have that problem," he mused.
"Is it a problem, or is it a benefit to have a swifter mode of travel at hand?" asked Ian.
"Demons can travel at similar speeds without a medium," said Kazi.
Chrono then said snidely, "So, you are mocking us?"
"Just intellectual curiosity," said KAzi
Chrono looked at him suspiciously and said, "Hey, no taking notes about us on neutral ground!"
Lind sighed and said, "What's the fuss."
"He's trying to find dirt on us to use against us!" pouted Chrono with an accusatory finger at Z.
Lind rolled her eyes and said, "Eat your clams, kid, and chill already."
"Which kid you talking about?" smirked Urd.
She sighed, pulling her robe tighter around her bikini, and said, "I was referring to Chrono."
Urd chuckled, "C'mon Lind. Don't go getting all modest now."
"Not comfortable with this," she grumbled and shrunk a bit in her chair. Meanwhile, the two big boys of the auto club were chowing down on the lobsters in absolute extacy, piles of shell and carapace before them.
"So," said Kazi, looking to change the subject, "I got watermelons."
The two brutes hollered their approval, looking a frightful mess. Chrono then muttered, "Thor has better manners than that, and that's saying something."
Kazi pulled a wooden sword out of...somewhere and tossed the melon onto the sand, "let's get started."
Skuld was in her room, listening to j-pop while reading a magazine titled 'Popular Mechanics!'. She had just spent the day tidying up her room to the point where it could pass as "organized". Banpei-kun was stationed outside her door as usual, being the ever alert robot it was.
Ian was looking around and wondered where Skuld was. After all, she'd set up the whole shindig, and he'd really taken a liking to her. Though she was older, he still saw her as a sweet kid sister. He slipped out and found her, asking, "Hey, um...why aren't you out having fun with us? You set this up, for which I am ever grateful, and I think you'd enjoy this. I mean, there's lots you've done to help me, and I owe you a lot. Come on out, and I'll hang out with you, if you like."
Skuld poked her nose up from the magazine.
"Eeeeh? Alright, since you're the one who's asking. The host can't get a break huh?"
Skuld set aside her magazine and hopped to her feet.
"Alright, let's do this!" She gestured toward the front door while tiptoeing behind him.
Kazi offered out a blindfold and the sword.
"You know, this is something I've never really experienced," he said to Skuld, "I mean, I've never had a family, close friends... It's so different. It's like, 'I know this is good, and 'it's okay', but it also has a tinge of, 'I don't have a right to this, to be happy like this..."
His hand went up and it looked like he was wiping away a tear.
They all shouted and readied for a show.
Kazi shrugged and put on the blindfold.
(so you familiar with the watermelon game?)
(no)
(It's basically a piñata game. one person is blindfolded and they have to find a watermelon placed on the sand and split it with a wooden sword.)
"Whaat? Hey, big guy. Don't cry, there there." Skuld reached up and started patting him on the head.
"You have us now, and Keiichi and co, and everyone else."
He swept her up and gave her a big hug, saying, "For some reason, out of all of you, you seem to get me the most; even more than Bell. Thank you."
Everyone cheered and asked who would go first.
Kazi held out the blindfold and sword, "how about chrono?"
She quickly and happily went up to take the gear and give it a go.
Kazi tied the blindfold on her and spun her around before placing the wooden sword in her hand.
This, she did not expect and started flailing around looking for it as if she was a man who jumped on his horse and rode off madly in all directions.
Kazi jumped back with a smile, "good luck."
Everyone was heading for cover as she was flailing wildly and getting close to where the snacks were!
"Turn around," siad Kazi, "bearing 180"
She wheeled around and almost hit Vesper!"
Kazi chuckled, "to the left."
Someone cried, "Time's up! Who is next?"
Kazi chuckled.
She trudged in where the others were all pouty that she couldn't get it done. "Who is next?" was hollered.
Someone hollered and suggested Urd.
"Wait, what?" said Urd.
"Thanks, now don't get too sappy on me big guy. You're a man." she laughed, patting him on the back and returning the hug.
"Yeah, you," said one of the guys, "You're just as much part of the party as everyone else."
Urd shrugged and took the blindfold, "if this is a prank, I'm gonna zap you." she told Kazi.
They spun her around real good and let her go.
Urd took a few swings, causing several 'assets' to bounce.
All the guys were cheering loudly and giving whistles to the sight.
Skuld crossed her arms disapprovingly at the sight.
"Hmph, show off."
"Am I close?" asked URd.
Ian set Skuld down and said, "Hey, what's this game?"
Someone described it for him and he said, "Well, that sounds like pin the tail on the watermelon."
"It's more like a pinyata than that," said Kazi.
Time had passed for Urd, but she was putting on such a show that the boys didn't tell her.
"Is my turn over yet?" asked Urd.
Belldandy cheerfully chirped and said, "Well, it was over a little bit ago, but these young men were so kind as to give you more time to be able to hit it."
((FanFiction.net has gone all whacky. I can't get anything to post.))
Urd took off her blindfold and frowned at them.
(same here)
"Who's next?" someone hollered, and some suggested Skuld, some suggested Ian.
"Why not Ian?" asked Urd.
"Yeah, I think Ian should go. I don't want to get my shirt dirty." said Skuld, pulling on her shirt for emphasis.
He shrugged and prepared to take the blindfold, but before he did, he walked up and looked at the watermelon. He then casually strolled a few steps away and turned around slowly, seeming to take it in. He then took a sniff here and there just as they put the blindfold on him. The spun him round, but he stood there a few moments before moving. He turned a bit one way, took a few steps, took one mighty swing, and struck it on the first try.
The group applauded at his accuracy and skill.
"Eep!" Skuld hid behind one of the guys to avoid the splatter of watermelon guts.
"How'd you do that, Yankee?" asked one, and he answered, "Well, I'm from Yankeeville, as we Mainers are told we 'talk Yankee,' so I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway. I saw what you were doing, and I put some logic to it. I first measured the distance of the bat before I walked back. Then I counted my paces from there. I then got a feel for the sounds and smells around me, getting a feel where everything was before you blindfolded me and spun me around. Once that was done, I regained myself, got oriented based on that, counted off the steps, and gave it a go. Truth is, it wasn't an exact science, since I still could have been off, and it would have been huge guessing time, but I got a bit lucky, and there you go."
"You'd be a hit at parties," joked Kazi
What could be salvaged was quickly descended upon, and someone brought out the karaoke machine.
Some were calling for Belldandy to sing something, others were calling for all three sisters to blend their voices, considering that they knew how good all three were.
"Nee-sama, do you want to sing something together?" asked Skuld with sparkly eyes.
"Let us get Urd to sing with us as well," said Belldandy, "But if Ian also joins us, we may not need the machine for the first song. Ian, I do believe you play, yes?"
Ian nodded and took the hint as he fetched his guitar. He then said, "Urd, you want to join us?"
"I don't see why not," said Urd.
Ian came back with the guitar and Bell asked Ian what he wanted to sing. He then said, "Do you know Pete Seeger's version of 'Turn, Turn, Turn'?
Bell smiled brightly and said, "I sang that as a young goddess! It is a wonderful song!"
Ian then said, "Then lead us in as I play and then we'll join in harmonies."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRg9NkIdjVs
"Lead on little bro," said URd.
"To everything~ Turn~ Turn~ Turn~" Skuld sang along earnestly.
he started to play and Bell started to sing. She sang the refrain and then Ian joined in. Their voices blended, and he proved his demigod pedigree by being quite the voice.
Urd joined in on the chorus, adding her own voice to the mix.
The overly attatched Skuld glued herself to Belldandy while singing.
The four of them in four-part harmony was starting to cast a warm and peaceful atmosphere on the party, as if being elevated to a higher and spiritual level.
Kazi winced slightly at the holy aura.
"There is a season~ Turn, turn, turn~ And a time for every purpose, under Heaven..." as they finished, Skuld did a little curtsy.
Kazi gave a light, almost unnoticable sigh.
In addition, their angels, (save for Ian, for his was just getting started in the egg,) also bowed. However, everyone was in such a euphoric state, it all seemed normal to them, as they all applauded wildly.
"Sooo," siad Kazi once the applause was done, "what's next?"
"Can you sing?" asked Belldandy.
"A bit," said Kazi, "What's the song?"
Skuld pulled up a random song name generator on her cell phone and held it out.
"Close your eyes and pick."
"Sure," said Kazi as he closed his eyes.
"Ooh," said Ian, "Suicide Karaoke."
"That name does not fill me with confidence," said Kazi.
"It means you pick a song, or a song gets picked for you, and you try to sing it whether or not you know it," answered Ian.
"...ok then," said Kazi nervously.
"Well? Come ooon, you know you want too~" urged Skuld.
Kazi sighed and picked a song.
The song he picked was, "Forever in Blue Jeans," totally at random.
"When you finish, I want one," said Ian, "I'll give this a whirl," and others were liking this idea of Suicide Karaoke.
"Money talks...But it don't sing and dance...And it don't walk," sang Z, his voice picking up the beat and tone perfectly.
His singing didn't give off the same sweet air that the goddesses had, but it was nice overall.
When he finished, Ian took a turn and they chose something at random. He looked at it, smiled, pulled over a keyboard, set it to piano, and when it played, he played with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VAPHFJXdWo
"He's good," said Urd.
Belldandy whispered To Urd, "It is his other half helping. He was already talented in music, but now he could take on the best musicians in the world."
"Ah," said Urd, "that makes sense."
Everyone was dancing around, loving the rhythm and the pace of the song, whooping it up as they went. Once done, someone passed the hat, and Skuld was picked next for Suicide karaoke. "Remember," said someone, "Whatever song gets picked, you have to sing it, whether you know it or not."
"Oh boy...." Skuld drew in a breath sharply, closed her eyes and picked a song.
She wound up picking this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqWYHVfLW-E
"Ehhh? Hmm."
Skuld started tapping her foot to the rhythm of the song, getting a feel for the tune.
"... Dananananana... I road my bicycle, there's no window last night~"
Ian stifled a chuckle as she sang "There's no window," instead of "Past your window." He wondered if this was going to deteriorate, or if she was going to nail the song. Belldandy, however, looked right at her and gave her the loving look of confidence that Skuld had always leaned on for centuries.
And deteriorate it did, however spurred on by Belldandy's confident look Skuld paid no mind to it and continued.
"You got something for me... Oh! I got a brand new pair of bowling skates while you get a brand new key..."
When she was done, she took a bow with a brightly flushed red face.
Everyone there began to get the snickers and getting ready to laugh but was quickly stifled with a glare from Belldandy to the rest of them. Nonetheless, they all politely applauded, but the snickers, elbowing, and pointing was still going on. Ian, who had previously been amused, now saw how the crowd was reacting and didn't like it much at all, hoping they didin't burst out in laughter, especially the biggest one there. Pondering for a minute, he walks over and says, "Toraichi, you're next!"
He nodded, a song was picked for him, and he began to sing it with his usual macho gusto, overly-dramatic...and badly, singing how he was going to swing from the chandeliers.
Skuld scooted up next to Ian with a slightly pouty face while watching Toraichi sing.
"You didn't have to do that you know?"
He got down to her at eye level and said, "I really didn't like how they were laughing at you. You have such a nice voice, but maybe it just wasn't your song. I think you're quite special."
He had that smile on his face that would have been like Bell's had he been female and gave her a light loving stroke on the nose as he said that.
"Aw, gee... Thanks." said Skuld, rubbing her nose.
"Go try some of the punch, I made it using a secret recipe myself."
He smiled and said, "Okay...and, if it's that good, I'll take you to Ben & Jerry's after class tomorrow."
"Yaay, ice cream!" Skuld smiled cheerily.
He smiled back and went to try the punch.
It was an interesting flavor to say the least. The punch was there, but there was also hints of cool aid and pocari sweat too.
Kazi walked over and took a sip, "What kind of punch is this?"
"This stuff is delicious!" said Ian, not knowing that sweat was an ingredient, "Looks like that Ben & Jerry's trip is on for tomorrow afternoon!"
"Eheh, it's my secret recipe! Hawaiian fruit punch, red cool aid and pocari sweat! Full of electrolytes." grinned Skuld.
"Alright! I'm looking forward to it!"
Ian stopped mid-swallow and stared at her. He choked the mouthfull down and said, "Sweat, you say... Um... Yeahhhhh... Never would have thought sweat was an ingredient in punch."
Meanwhile, everyone else in earshot was looking for a place to toss their cookies as Ian did not renege on his promise. He then said, "Well, I said if it tasted good, you'd get what I promised, and, interestingly enough, it did taste good...(explains the slight saltiness...) so, it will be Ben and Jerry's tomorrow."
"Pokari Sweat is a soft drink brand," said Kazi, "it's basically juice."
Everyone sighed in relief, only having heard the word "Sweat", and Ian just kept it covered up, saying, "Skuld, I really love you, kiddo."
He turned to his sisters saying, "Thank all of you. For the first time in my life, I really feel like I have a family..."
However, something happened. He started to cry, but then started to let it out. He started to yell and rant about what had happened to him, the people and the way they made him feel, how it wasn't right, and what gave them the right, and he was letting it all out. All folks could do was just stare, at a loss for what to say or to do. This went on for a good eight minutes before he was on his knees, spent, much quieter, but somehow, there was an air of peace about him.
Urd smiled and gave him a hug, "you're our family now, kiddo."
He smiled and began to laugh a bit, saying, "Catharsis...now? How do you like that?"
"Cat what now?" asked Z.
"Catharsis," said Belldandy, "A cleansing. I am so glad to see that you have let it all go."
He nodded and said, "It's all in the past. I can't change it. I can't make them change. I could exact revenge from them, but, what good would it do? They'd never acknowledge what they had done. They wouldn't even remember. it's foolish to hold a grudge."
"And that is what you were holding," answered Bell, "I could read it in your aura. It's all clean now. You are free."
"I think I should go," said Kazi, "I have some things to do."
"And I can move on and start my own future," said Ian, to which Belldandy nodded and smiled. She then noticed Kazi and said, "Oh, but why go? We are having such a wonderful time."
"This is a family moment," said Kazi, "and I still have some things to do at home."
"Who says!" said Ian, "The surf's up! Let's hit it!"
He then grabbed a board and headed for the beach.
Kazi didn't follow, "...can't swim." he muttered.
"Neither can Skuld," said Bell's avatar on his shoulder, "But you can still play in the surf. But, what is really bothering you?"
"It's nothing," lied Kazi as he looked away.
After a moment to think, she said, "Do you feel you cannot be close to your family...on your mother's side?"
"You really are perceptive," muttered Kazi.
"Of course," she said with a happy smile, "I am a goddess after all, and part of my job is to look over the present. I must be perceptive. I am certain she loves you, but there is something I must reveal to you about...for the lack of a better term...those like you who are halflings, as Ian is. In truth, it is something that gives you an advantage over the gods. You have a freedom we do not have but your sister does because she, technically, is a halfling as you."
"I just want a happy family," sighed Kazi, "Growing up in hell was tough. I mean sure I had mom, but most of the other demons looked down on me every chance they could get away with it."
Confused, she said, kindly, "I am sorry, but please excuse my asking...did you just hear anything I said?"
"I heard," said Kazi, "but it doesn't mean anything if my sister won't acknowledge me."
((I thought she had. I thought we went through this.))
"Okay then," she said, "What I meant is, unlike gods and demons, you have a choice which side of yourself you serve. Ian is not bound to us. He can be of us, or choose to be human, though he would still have to control his powers. You can do that do. Urd could choose to be of us or of your side. We do not have that choice."
"I guess I'm just jealous of you,"
"It is us that should be jealous of you," she answered, "You can choose which way you wish to go, your mother cannot. Mind you, I do not think she would want this different, but, at the same time, I think she is a bit jealous of you as well and of Urd because of the ability to choose which side you wish to be on."
"I've chosen my side," said Kazi, "I could never be just a human."
"Your mother does love you," said Belldandy, "As does your sister. Moreover, the way is made clear for Urd to say so, so why do you not try?"
"I'm scared, I guess," said KAzi.
"Sooo, are we still going to the beach?" asked Skuld, looking at the group expectantly.
"You fear rejection," she said with a smile, "Well, know this: if that ever happened, you can make the other choice and be with us. Tell me, have you had the bonding ceremony yet? If not, the option would still be there."
Ian put her on his shoulders and said, "Just get ready to ride this surf board with me."
"Bonding Ceremony?" asked Kazi curiously.
"you know," she said, "It is where you have a mutual bond made with the other side where, if you try to attack and hurt one of our own, it could kill a demon, and vice versa, and it may even be yourself. The reason for that is the whole ceremony, once done, is wiped from your mind. Therefore, you do not know with whom you are bonded. It is called the Doubling System. In fact, you may have already had the Doubling Ceremony, you just do not remember. This system keeps one side from trying to annihilate one another."
"I don't recall," said KAzi.
"If it has happened, you will not remember," she said, "But the point is that, if that ceremony has happened, then there is no changing sides, or there is not without grave consequences."
"I don't think I'd want to change sides," said Kazi, "Mom raised me and took care of me, I can't just leave."
"Whoa there big bro, on your shoulders?!" exclaimed Skuld, latching on for dear life.
"Yeah," he answered, "Or you can just lay flat on the board and let me do the work."
He grabbed a big borad more akin to what they used in the sixties where she could lay on the front and get a thrill. "Just trust me to balance, and we'll have some fun!"
He thought for a moment and said, "And if you are that trusting, when I take you to Ben & Jerry's tomorrow, we can share their ultimate dessert: the Vermonster!"
Bell smiled and said, "I understand, but, as long as this is neutral ground, you have a haven here if you ever need it."
Kazi shook his head, "too many valkyries."
"But, that is why it is neutral ground," said Bell, "And, besides, only two come here normally: Lind, to train Ian, and Chrono, who I think, well, let us face it, has a crush on Ian."
"Doesn't mean I feel comfortable being around the one wing valkyrie," said Kazi, "if I ever tick her off, she can take me apart without breaking a sweat."
(Are we gonna do the Surtr arc I suggested?)
"Father would never wish that," she said, "For it would be our side breaking the rules. However, you never know what Yggdrasil has up its sleeve. The 'Tree' of fate has a funny way of bringing things together."
"I guess," said Kazi.
"Then have a good night," she said, "And I shall let the others know you had some things to tend to."
Kazi nodded and teleported away.
When he returned, he found his mother there reading the latest newspaper from Nifelheim. "So, how was the party?" she said without even looking up.
"It was fun," said Kazi.
"I'm sure she spoiled you rotten," she said, again not looking up, she knowing he would understand to whom she referred.
"She was as sweet and kind as always," said Kazi, "made me itch."
Skuld paused and weighed her options. Nodding with resolution she said, "Alright, I trust you. Let's do this!"
He smiled and led Skuld out to where she was waist deep and allowed her on the front of the board. "Hang on tight to the front of the board and don't move too erratically," he said.
He then laid down behind her, his chest just between her lower legs, head up, turned the board towards the surf and started paddling his way out.
"Made you itch, eh?" she said glancing up, "She has the tendency do to that."
Looking back down to the news, she said, "Then I would have to guess she tried to plant some seeds into your head, proverbially speaking?"
"Somewhat," said Kazi, "though it was nice to be around people other than family that actually cared."
"She cares about everyone," answered Hild, "And that is both their benefit and detriment. When it comes time to act, they could hesitate at the moment of execution. Yet, it is good. It maintains the balance. That is what we are here for; to keep them in check."
She set the paper down before him, leaving out an article that he could see if he cared to pick up the paper, and then said, "And just what kind of seeds did she plant, or try to?"
Kazi glanced at the paper, "Just that if I chose my other half, I'd have a place at the temple."
"I thought the place was neutral ground," she answered, looking at some of the lab experiments the intelligent rats were running.
((I wanted to have that paper there so that he would see the first inklings of problems attached to your story arc that you want to do brewing. She wants to see if he notices it.))
"It is," said Kazi as he frowned at the article, "but she was saying that, if I chose my human side over my demon side, I could stay with them. Mom, what is this article from? If I'm reading this correctly, then Niddhog has detected the flames of Muspelheim growing in strength."
"And what choice have you made?" she asked, looking to deal with the article once he answered.
"The same one I made when I found out about my father," said Kazi, "I'm your son. You raised me and cared for me when no one else did. I'll always be by your side, mom."
"That's my boy," she said, smiling and kissing him on the cheek, "And a keen eye for detail. What to you make of the article?"
"I have two theories," said Kazi, "one bad, one really bad."
Skuld nodded and hugged the board tightly.
"You don't do anything too crazy too o-okay?"
"Really?" she asked, "What are they?"
He gave a quick reassuring squeeze to her shoulder and said, "You can trust me."
At that moment, on the front of the board, was a small avatar of Belldandy in her own wet suit, smiling at Skuld, and saying, "Fear not, for I am with you. This shall be much fun!"
"One," said Kazi, "the fire giants are planning something unsavory. My other theory...is the ragnarok is beginning."
"Could it be both?" she asked, "Or could those two idiots be trying to cause something before it is time?"
"If they are, then we have a huge problem."
"Another test," she said, "What do you foresee as the outcome if case #3 is the truth?"
"Then," said Kazi, "the end of all things is coming sooner than I thought."
"Not really," she said, "Tyr would have let me know. Yet, they are trying to do something I read in a great human book."
"which book was that?" asked Kazi.
"Curious," she said, "Have you ever read, 'The Stand', the unabridged version?"
"I don't believe I did," said Kazi.
"Seems to connect," she said, "You have a demon who tries to bring judgment day before it was called for."
"Oh," said Kazi, "well if that's what's happening here, then we're in a lot of trouble, right?"
"Indeed," she said, "And we are going to need all the help we can get."
"We calling in Marler, and those girls that tried to oust you?" asked Kazi
"We'll need more than just that, I'm afraid," she said, "But, let's let them finish their little party before we talk to them. We do have that much time at least."
"do you think I'll have to release my limiters?" asked Kazi, "Last time I ended up blowing up an extinct volcano."
"That, as always, is a last resort," she said, "This is because, if all involved did this, then the world would split into five easy pieces."
Kazi nodded, "What do we need to do, mom?"
"Explain this to the other side and get their help," she answered, "We have no choice."
"Right," said Kazi, "is it urgent, or can I wait till after the party? Don't want to rain on their good time."
"We have time," she said, "But I wouldn't wait more than a few days."
Kazi nodded, "want me to cook tonight?"
"As if I needed to eat," she said as she chuckled, "But, if you wish, you may."
"Onee-sama!" chirped Skuld.
"Ok, let's go for a big one!"
He stroked his way out to the prime spot, and then faced the board towards the shore but just sat up and let one pass, two, three... They were getting bigger and bigger each time, Skuld facing nose first and then being rocked upward, facing up, and then rolling back down level again until the next wave, and it repeated, but bigger.
(Negima season 2 came out. :O)
Skuld was feeling her heart leap every time a wave went by. She clutched the board more fiercely now.
"S-so, just how big do these waves get?"
"Well, you created this reality," he answered, "And by the looks of it, they can be seven or eight footers...average. Oh, here we go!"
He had felt out the set and knew this was it. He flopped down and started to paddle frantically, getting up to speed, and then standing up and cutting left. They were now shooting down the line, and he was doing gentle turns and board walking. Belldandy shouted "WEEEEEE!" as they went along.
Kazi smiled and headed to the kitchen in their home.
"My specialty is in the futurweeeee!" screeched Skuld as they shot down the tube.
Indeed, at one point in the ride, they were indeed "shooting the tube" as the wave was arcing over them, but not hitting them; it was essentially a water tunnel. Ian was actually able to reach out and let his hand drag a bit through the passing water.
Skuld also reached out to touch the wave, a smile slowly appearing over her face.
They soon emerged and found the wave closing out. Since they had reached shallow water, Ian hopped off and steadied the board, waist deep. He then said, "Well, what do you think?"
"Whew! I think I can get addicted to that!" said Skuld, her face still lit up by the ride.
"Then, let's catch another wave and see if you can stand this time," he answered, "I'll hold you steady."
"Hoo, standing? Yeah, let's do it!"
Skuld straddled the board and got ready.
Ian took them out and started again the same process, but then said, "When I say, 'now', come to your feet, and I'll steady you. Keep your arms out for balance and just allow your feet to go up and down with the move of the board. I'll be steering it."
"Keep my arms out for balance? You better keep a tight grip on me then!" nodded Skuld, still clutching onto the board.
"I'll have your waist," he assured her, "Just trust in me and yourself. If you can learn this, maybe, one day, you can surf on your own."
The right wave hit, and he said, "Paddle."
Once up to speed, he said, "Now!" holding her waist and helping her up.
Skuld, more unnerved at the fact that she was being held up, panicked a little and almost lost her footing. She grabbed one of his arms firmly and steadied herself.
"OooOOoohkay!"
"C'mon!" he said excitedly, "Lets ride this out!"
Feeling a bit more courageous now, Skuld let go of his arm and held out her arms to maintain balance.
"A-are we doing it?"
Their staying just ahead of the tube was an answer in itself. The breeze was exhilarating.
Skuld's heart was thumping from the adrenaline rushing through her veins. Feeling the wind flowing through her hair, she drew in deeply and tasted the slightly salty seawater mist before letting out a cry.
"Whooooohooooooo!"
"One day, you could do this by yourself!" he shouted over the roar of the ocean.
"Definitely!" replied Skuld.
"One day, I'll definitely do it!" At that last exclamation, her right foot slipped past the board...
This started them to lose it. They started to tip and Ian instinctively grabbed Skuld to steady her. He knew of her deathly fear of water and didn't want this to spoil it, and all he could think of was, "Got to stay out of the water..."
Except, they weren't going into the water. The wave splashed them and kept going, but there they were, floating in the air! Indeed, slowly but surely Ian's demigod side was awakening, but this was new!
(dum de dum)
((I gotta get this thing done with Auir, and then we can continue.))
"I-Ian? Are you doing this?!" gasped Skuld, her eyes wide with amazement.
"I...I think so..." he said, wishing to have himself back on shore and then beginning to drift to it, all the partiers now stopping to watch in stunned amazement, some on surfboards falling into the water.
Skuld quickly turned to her sister.
"Nee-san! I think it's almost time..."
Lind, then said, "It's time. You've pushed this off but now you must have this."
She then stuck the ear jewelry on his ears akin to the Norns and suddenly he felt less giddy. "What is this?" he asked.
"Limiters," she answered, "I told you about this. You're powers are now almost fully grown. You've been playing with them somewhat in training, but now you have to find out what your specific medium of magic is."
He looked at Skuld and said, "What does she mean?"
Hild went to her son and said, "The demigod has fully awoken. It is now going to be time to tell them what is happening and that they will be needed."
"I'll head over immediately, mom," said Kazi as he summoned a magic circle to teleport him to the beach simulation.
The Goddesses would see him emerge from the magic circle over the water...and promptly fall in.
((Skuld, Ian and Lind are busy))
Bell saw this and immediately levitated what fell in the water out.
"Thanks," said Kazi, "gotta work on my aim."
"I thought you had gone home?" she asked.
"I did," said Kazi, "but mom got some news that I think you'll want to hear."
Bell signaled Urd to meet her inside.
"What is it bell?" asked Urd as she walked in, "wait, what are you doing back?"
"I think he has something to tell us," answered Bell, "And I sense it is something important."
"It is," said Kazi, "from reports about events in the nine realms, my mother and I think that the Fire Giants are rising, and we all know what that means."
"It can't be," answered Bell, "Father never mentioned anything towards the final battle."
"It's far too early," said Urd, "but with Ian emerging, there has to be a connection."
"Meaning that his final development has completed?"
"I hope not," said urd, "that would mean the end of all things."
"But, it's premature," she answered, "Father said nothing about this."
"Mother agrees," said Kazi, "which is why we need help."
"Our help?" she asked, "I figured you'd want to be on their side...considering..."
"Considering what?" asked Kazi, "if Ragnarok happens, everything ends. That means Nifflheim suffers as much as Heaven."
"But, would they not fail, considering it is not yet time?" she asked again.
"Surtr would not discriminate," said Kazi, "or so I've been told."
"But, father most certainly would say something," she stated, "...would he not?"
"When was the last time we called him?" asked Urd.
"Well it was the last time we saw him," she answered, "When Keichi and I were wed."
"That was quite the ceremony," said Urd with a smile.
Bell blushed and then said, "We should give him a call."
She then went to the phone and gave a call.
Kazi stood to the side.
"Heaven, switchboard speaking," came the response.
"This is Belldandy," she said, giving her creds. There was a quick connect, they knowing daddy would want to talk to her little girl.
(who has tyr?)
((I don't think anyone claimed him. You can if you want.))
"Belldandy," said Tyr, "what prompted this call?"
"Oh father," she pouted, "I fear there is grave danger for all of us," and proceeded to tell all she knew, and finished with, "...and all before it is supposed to be."
"That is most unsettling," said Tyr, "Hild would never joke about such matters, so we must take the news seriously."
"What are we to do?" she said, all worried, "Is Ian ready for this kind of thing yet?"
"Is he ready to face Surtr?" repeated Tyr, "I would highly doubt it. We only have two options. Fall...or form an alliance with Hell."
"Goodness," she said, quietly, "And the Valkyries? Shall we expect them?"
"I will send word to Lind," said Tyr, "expect her soon."
"Yes, Father," she answered, And I shall do all I can to insure Ian does not get involved."
"And Belldandy," said Tyr, "be careful. Against Surtr, you'll need your full power."
"Oh dear," she muttered, "I shall have to put Keichii in a protective dimension to protect him."
"If surtur attacks, most of midgard will need that,"
"Hmm... Lind has been training Ian," she added, "But I would say he has not yet learned what his medium of travel is; me with mirrors and Skuld with water, for example, or what his magic specialty is. However, he learned how to fly today."
"Really?" asked Tyr, "how is he with that?"
"Well, he already knows what he is," answered Belldandy, "But he was kind of surprised at it, but he seems to be taking it in stride."
"Interesting," said Tyr, "most demigods have trouble learning to fly initially."
"I think he stumbled upon it," she said, "Skuld set up a beach setting here, complete with surfing. Everyone is having a good time, but Skuld almost fell in, and Ian instinctively grabbed her, and there they floated."
"I see," said Tyr before changing the subject, "so, am I to expect grandchildren soon?"
Bell turned beat red, mumbling much incoherently as she tried to explain some things.
((Side note: should we have had them have their honeymoon yet and, how do we say, consummated the thing?))
(don't see why not. they were married a while ago.)
She was stifled, not sure how to answer, highly embarrassed.
Tyr chuckled, "Just remember that I'll want pictures. and so will your mother."
With that the line went dead.
"Well, father knows now, Urd," she said, still red-faced.
"Well he is the almighty one," said Urd.
She then said, "He, um, also asked about grandchildren..."
Urd smirked, "sorry, I didn't quite catch that."
A little louder, she said, "He..asked about...grandchildren."
"Well it's bound to happen," chuckled Urd, "you two have done it, right?"
((I have to go there!))
"Well, we've done this and that, but..." she got quiet, quieter than before, "but..."
She whispered as she ran her words together, "...Ialwaysgethimoverexcitedandhelosesitbeforethecangetthatfar..."
Beat red and sad, she said, "Indeed, virginity can be a curse to men."
((She's saying, "I always get him over excited and he loses it before he can get that far.))
(simple yes or no would have been fine)
Urd burst out laughing, "Well give it time."
((I didn't want to lose the comedic effect of the moment. Sorry...writers quirk.))
She pouted now, all sad that she was laughing, she thinking this was all her fault.
"It's not your fault Bell," said Urd, "but if you want, I could give you some tips."
"Um...and how do you mean, 'tips'?" she asked, not sure she liked where this was going.
"Oh you know," said Urd, "Goddess of love after all."
Bell brightened and got a smirk, saying, "Love, or something else?"
"Yes and yes," said Urd.
She sweat dropped and rubbed the back of her neck, not sure about this, but then said, "Well, um, I think we need to deal with the current crisis first?"
"Right," said Urd as she got serious again, "you think I should talk to...hild?"
"I do believe that is why your brother is here," she answered, "Or was. I haven't seen him."
"I'm right here," said Z from behind her.
She turned about, startled. "My, but you gave me a start," said Bell, though more in a relieved and happy way.
"It's a gift," said Kazi with a smile, "have you talked with the almighty one?"
"Yes," she answered, "I just spoke with him. It seems that a talk with Hild is in order, and perhaps I can persuade him to be there. He also thinks Ian must stay out of this."
"I can call her if you want," said Kazi, "but why keep ian out? He's very powerful."
"I have no idea," she answered, "Unless..."
She pondered, and then said, "I wonder if daddy thinks he is going to lose another child?"
"Surtr is a dangerous enemy," pointed out Urd.
She added, "I mean, he lost me to Keichii, sort of, but he now has a son of both worlds. Do you think he fears losing him?"
"I don't know," admitted URd.
"But I always thought the emergence of a demigod would mean that he was to be a hero," she answered.
"Many stories end with the hero facing a tragic fate," said Urd
"Oh dear," worried Bell, "Daddy wanted a son like him, from what we understand, for the very purpose of hero work, and yet now he gets cold feet?"
"It's hard for a parent to lose a child," said Kazi.
"Don't even try kid," sighed Urd.
"Shall we tell Lind," asked Bell, "I mean, after what father just said..."
"I think she should know," said URd.
"I already know," came a voice out of nowhere, "And because of that, I now have strict orders to watch over Ian."
Kazi 'eeped' and hid behind URd.
She smirked and said, "What a scaredy cat!'
"Mom told me to avoid Lind of the valkyries and to never piss her off," said Kazi, "she was VERY clear on that."
"Hasn't happened yet," she said, "Must not have pushed my buttons."
"She also showed me the Angel Eater fight," said Kazi.
"Oh...uh...well...you do what you have to... '-_-"
"Which is why I'm scared," said Kazi.
"Then, try to get over it, because we're going to have to work together."
"Right," said Kazi nervously.
"Father even considers having Ian go to heaven for a bit, just to keep him safe," she added.
"How skilled is he at fighting?"
"Now that amazed me a bit," she said, "He is expert in a form of fighting I thought had died since ancient of days. It's called Abir."
"Really?" asked Urd in surprise.
"What's ibir?" asked Kazi, mispronouncing the name.
"Ah-bir," she said so he could catch it, "It is from ancient Hebrews. A Jewish man in his hometown taught him when he was a kid to overcome bullies. It deals with 12 katas, and the moves from them, based on the 12 animals that symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, and maneuvers with the hands based on the 22 letter Hebrew Alphabet. Each letter has seven things you can do from them: initiated attack, defense, a choke, a throw, a lock, a counterattack, and combinations of the other six. You can also combine maneuvers with the other letters."
"I see," said kazi
"So, he can fight," was her answer further.
"I never said he couldn't" said the cambion.
"However, he has not learned how to fight on our level yet, and he doesn't even know what his specialty in magic is yet. tyr never voiced it to me, but I think that he fears this lack could get him hurt."
"True," said Urd "but if we fail, he will not be safe."
"No one will be," said Bell, "And we have to find Ian's specialty as soon as possible."
"Can I help?" asked KAzi.
"How so?" asked Lind, looking at him from the corner of her eye.
Kazi flinched but continued, "well, I have unlocked my element and have experience with using my powers, so..."
"And just how did you unlock it?"
"Same way as anyone else," said Kazi, "I tried different spells and found the element that clicked."
"So, what do you suggest for this?"
"he can do low level magic, right?" asked Kazi.
"Not really," she said, "He's dabbled with flight, but just now had it fully activate."
"You think he's ready to try some bottom tier formulas?"
"You sound like a chemist all of a sudden," said Lind.
"What do you mean?" asked Kazi, "Everyone knows magic is basically tenth level mathemagical equations."
"Well he is quite the mathematician," she said, "I don't think it would take much to cross him over."
"If he tries several different low-level spells, then maybe you can see which one he does best at."
"That will be indicated by finding what element or compound is easiest for him to teleport through."
Kazi shrugged, "that's also another way."
"Okay, we'll start there," she answered, "As I observe."
Kazi nodded, "I should mention, I don't use a medium to teleport."
"Then I'll have to help," said Lind.
"I never said you wouldn't," said Kazi
"Then we'll start first thing tomorrow," she answered, "Meanwhile, the Norns should talk with Hild. We need to get as much intel as we can and make a game plan."
"I can call her," said Kazi.
"Okay, sounds like we have a plan," she said, "Now, let's see how that beach party is going? I am sure it's got to be winding down by now."
"It's been going great," said Urd, "too bad you didn't join in. You'd look great in a swimsuit."
She began to stumble over her words, trying to keep the serious demeanor, but turning beat red in the process.
Urd smirked, "I mean, you have a great figure. You got it, so flaunt it."
She just gave him that look...that kind that comes from under the brow.
(him?)
((Kazi))
(urd was the one talking.)
((Oh...))
She just gave Urd a look that said, "You've got to be kidding me."
Urd gave her one back that said, 'remember who you're talking to. :P '
By this point, the revelers were around the karaoke machine, singing and drinking, arm and arm.
"Ooh" said Kazi, "there's Karaoke!"
"And quite inebriated karaoke at that," added Lind.
"Yikes," said Kazi, "maybe not then."
Then came the usual complaints about some female being taken for a child all the time and not an adult, how she really did have breasts and was willing to expose them.
((P.S. Don't watch the first equestria Girls film until you watch the season three finale. That's kind of a parenthetical insert between seasons three and four.))
Kazi blinked, "...ok."
Belldandy sighed and said, "I shall go calm her down."
"Maybe I should leave," said Kazi.
"You don't like being around that stuff?" asked Lind.
"Despite mom and Urd's choices in dress, I have a more reserved side," said Kazi
Lind smirked and said, "You're an introvert?"
"Not an introvert," said Kazi, "but not the most sociably apt."
"Then I'd guess the best way to learn is to get out amongst them," said Lind.
"Do I have to?" asked Kazi.
"Not unless you want to be a recluse the rest of your life," answered Lind.
"Is that a bad thing?" asked Kazi, "I'd have thought the leader of the Fighting Wings would like a cambion to avoid socializing too much."
"We can't stop how you interact in the human world," she answered, "There is the balance to consider, and only really act when something moves in to disrupt that balance, as in the situation we now prepare for. There has to be a reason for you being here, and that, I can only conclude to be the existence of Ian."
"Yes and no," said Kazi, "I'm here because of Urd, but I've been sticking around because of Ian."
"I mean, the fact that you exist at all," she said, "But, what do you mean, 'You're here for Ian'? What's your interest in him?"
"Oh," said Kazi, "I exist because mom had a fling with a guy who up and left before sunrise. and I mean that I want to see how another half-blood grows. I grew up in niffleheim so not much human interaction."
"Whereas Ian has had little interaction with our world," answered Lind, "that is a fitting contrast I ever saw it. However, I wonder if that motivated Tyr to get with his mother."
"Why not ask?" asked Kazi.
"I never thought about it," she pondered, "Didn't think it prudent."
"Sometimes you gotta ask," said Kazi.
((We need Auir now. We have to move this along. Perhaps I can message him.))