I do not own Ah! My Goddess or any of its related characters or copyrights. These are the property of Kosuke Fujishima, Kodasha's Afternoon and their respective affiliates
Between Mountain and Sea
Chapter 1: Advent of Shadows
The darkness wavered, swam, grew translucent then finally resolved into the familiar sight of the ceiling. Soft brown eyes turned with a small sigh to find the light of morning seeping through the window. A soft smile moulded his lips as he reclined deeper into the warm quilt; a sweet lethargy tempting back towards the world of dreams until a small thought brought him back. It was Friday. Yes, it was Friday and his day off which, until Chihiro decided otherwise, effectively gave him a long weekend but it was not this that drew his concern. On Thursday, with a gentle smile, Belldandy had suggested having dinner in their garden the next day; a treat which would involve some of her finest recipes, permitting that the weather was agreeable. This event was the point of his concern as a lunch would mean that all members of their household would be present, including Skuld; Bell's temperamental younger sister who had not spoken or had avoided him since Tuesday……..His features grew weary as a groan escaped; testament to the memory of his latest close encounter with the youngest goddess and the cause of his apprehension. Oh yes,…….Tuesday…..
In truth it had not been a particularly exceptional day to begin with; work went well and he came home as usual. Dinner was delicious, Belldandy's mastery never failing to satisfy him, but it was when he helped in returning the dishes to the kitchen that he thanked her. He recalled a faint warmth creeping into her cheeks as she thanked him then, quickly, kissed him gently upon the cheek. His visage growing crimson while his heart rumbled within, Keiichi smiled then left to collect a pack of batteries left in the tea room. This event, unfortunately, for him had not gone unseen as Skuld had been passing just in time to see Keiichi say something; Belldandy's kiss surreptitiously watched from behind a door. Her passions inflamed, the angered and suspicious deity had then followed the young man back to his room; her trademark bug hammer in hand. It was as he opened his door that she struck. Accusations on her lips, the long instrument bounced off his head and he fell with a cry which softened into a confused moan. The indignant goddess would have struck a second time had not the sudden rush and unfurling of ebony wings stopped the arc of the weapon; black, armoured fingers closing around the shaft then gently, but firmly, lifting it away from her. Skuld spluttered in shock then jumped back to look upon the winged being that had intervened.
Nearly three months ago, at the behest of the Daimakaichou, the Hasatan had dispatched a great demon to Nekomi. Mephistopheles, of vast power and calculating mien, had almost destroyed the union between Bell and himself; a fact not helped by his willing participation under a deep enchantment. It was during this strange and dark time that the demon had bequeathed a gift to assist in the goddesses defeat; an angel, touched by darkness and remade in a demonic vision. This spirit he named Virtues Apostate and it was Keiichi to whom she had bonded as her egg passed his lips. This angel, though steeped in shadow, had yet retained some of her former grace in the five centuries since she had been torn from her original Valkyrie partner and now dwelled within the mortal; a dark angel of fearsome visage yet gentle, if perhaps a little sterner, mien. The same angel met Skuld's gaze with a questioning look; angelic and demonic eyes peering at her like a teacher with a disruptive pupil. Skuld, having seemingly forgotten of K1's new companion, forgot herself.
"K..Keiich!!??? How dare you!...you….you….that's not fair! You can't do this!..."
It was this, a sudden spark of fear and alarm, that brought Noble Scarlet out; a swirl of ivory feathers and dancing blonde locks before the smaller angel rose up and forward. She cruised towards the source of her partner's consternation; closing the distance before she stopped. The anger of her partner echoed in indignation as she glared up at the larger angel, who turned her stern gaze towards the cherubic being. Noble Scarlet, having matured with her goddess, had grown greatly but was still only half the size of a fully matured angel, as seen in the creature that now hovered before a groaning, disorientated Keiichi. This difficult situation endured for several minutes, like gunfighters of the old west, as they peered at each other down the corridor until, halfway between them, a door slid open and the platinum haired Norn peered out, asking what all the noise had been about. Slowly her gaze turned from one angel to the other as both exchanged hostile scrutiny before Urd fell back into her room, the house filled with rich, deep laughter; the hilarity drawing tears from perfect blue eyes. That had ended the apparent stand off, if it had been that, and he did return the hammer but Skuld had taken it to heart; her silence perhaps being once of the reasons behind Bell's idea for Friday. He groaned once more before rising, rubbing the back of his neck while hoping that Skuld had gotten it out of her system before it stained their already tempestuous relationship.
The day passed without any particular problems. Urd spent some time lounging in front of her favoured soaps before returning to her room while Belldandy hung out washing under a warm blue sky; the sun's radiance seeming to infuse the weaving linen. Later she left on an errand down to Nekomi to pick up several sweet pastries while Keiichi, growing anxious as the clock ticked towards dinner, occupied himself with his bike's maintenance. Skuld had been seen little and was now in occupied in her own room; her countenance still bearing a certain cold discontent. Some time later, Bell returned and soon the rich fragrances food being prepared crept out of the kitchen; scents that K1 found familiar as his anxiety grew still. It would seem silly to be so flustered over a meal, which he should be looking forward to, but he wondered if perhaps he had broken some rule about their……..his winged companion to so anger the goddess of the future. Had he been the one to forget himself in that pained moment?, or maybe Skuld had frightened herself in how quickly things spiralled beyond what she had wanted. Yesterday he had asked Bell if he should make the first move, despite Skuld's actions, but she had advised against it; understanding that her young sister must see through her own misdeed or as Urd put it, injecting her own precise view, that Skuld couldn't bop people around as she once did. Though both agreed that the next day would be a good opportunity to clear the air. Yes…yes, he hoped things would go well; the recent spat with Skuld being cosmetic in comparison to what had transpired since the conflict with the dread Mephistopheles. Rising, he washed oily residue from himself before walking around to the front of their home. Peering out beyond the walls of Tarikihogan, Nekomi lay under the firmament with deceptive tranquillity; the latter afforded by distance while the wind occasionally bore the bustling ambience up to the temple. The first bronze had begun to creep into the sun's golden visage as he let his mind wonder for a moment knowing that the world beyond, seemingly unchanging in almost four years, had in truth been a shifting realm, especially now. Things were not as they were for them since the Daimakaichou had, seemingly, invited another dark power to Nekomi. This alliance, borne of an old friendship, now invited the Magnum Infernalis Imperium to contend against the goddesses with equal claim and authority; the Mephistophilis clad in the mantle of the Infernal Empire, bearing the will of the Hasatan. And so, they had not one, but two great enemies; the seeming peace rich with the promise of further trouble from Nifilheim and the Empire. He leant against a wooden beam; his eyes pensive as he understood that the prospect of future encounters would unnerve many, Skuld's brittle mood perhaps just one way of dealing with that fear and, of course, there was his own predicament………He sighed and turned from the panorama; hopefully this peace would last and if not, then they would overcome…….hopefully.
The afternoon was drawing to a close when Bell asked the others to make preparations for their meal; Keiichi trying to ease the sudden knot of tension in his stomach as he eased on a new shirt. Moving through the house, he found that the goddesses had already made their way outside; a path he followed with some trepidation until the garden opened before him. In the shadow of their home, a large round table had been set with all appropriate utensils; his attention drawn to the tempting delicacies upon it, sweet rich scents blending with the familiar ambience of the temple garden. Belldandy was seating herself as Urd had already taken her place and, inevitably, there was Skuld; the goddesses present, as were their angels…… Trying to hide his surprise, he approached with a disarming smile; Belldandy delighted as he beheld the rich variety before him. Holy Bell seemed to echo these thoughts with a sweet smile.
"Belldandy it……it's wonderful; you've outdone yourself today, thank you."
"My thanks, dear. Please sit and enjoy, though the beef may be a bit hot."
He sat and was ready to begin when something odd stirred him to thought. Looking around, he found his girlfriend peering at him with a warm, expectant expression. His eyes found Skuld, who seemed to be focused on nothing in particular then Urd; her gaze more questioning than expectant while Keiichi wondered what was wrong. Embarrassment beginning to creep into his cheeks, Belldandy availed him of the problem; her voice soft like spring breeze.
"Keiichi, my dear, would Virtues Apostate not also like to share in our company; I'm sure she would enjoy meeting the others."
A seemingly obvious fact drew his attention and his embarrassment grew deeper before he uttered his reply; the question of etiquette hurrying to be corrected, though anxiety only seemed to creep higher."
"Ah…aha….of course, sorry, Bell I'd forgotten. I think that would be a nice idea."
For a moment he seemed unsure of how to do it then, with a flurry of purple-tipped, ebony feathers, a visage framed with tresses looked down upon them; dimorphic eyes gliding over the assemblage before a soft smile warmed her lips. Despite the marked juxtapose between the dark angel and her partner, Belldandy was a vision of sincerity.
"She is beautiful, Keiichi. Though light is often hard to see, it is there. I am happy for you two." Holy Bell's eyes, sparkling and warm, spoke of welcome. Urd, who in truth had been waiting for this moment, smiled and greeted the angelic entity. The goddess's intrigue was matched in World of Elegance who smiled and nodded, their estimation of her not as quick as Belldandy. Skuld and Noble Scarlet offered a quiet welcome, though distracted. Soon after, they eat well beneath a sky of burgeoning orange and violet; conversation warm, though Skuld had remained reserved as she made her way through two courses. By the third course, a rich gateaux with strawberries, things had started to ease as Skuld spoke with Urd, then vied with her for a second helping. As they crossed swords…….or rather spoons, Bell quietly pointed out to K1 an emerging star in the heavens. The meal had gone well so far, though his heart jumped when Skuld turned to him and spoke; her features passive before softening.
"Keiichi, I….I'm sorry that I struck you and let things get out of hand. We are both sorry but….but…but I forgot what I was doing and didn't think. We apologize."
With that she bowed her head slightly as her angel followed. K1, taken aback at how easily it had come, was quick to accept. Relieved that the tension of previous days had passed he answered.
"I accept, Skuld, and I know that I….I mean, we didn't mean to frighten you, it's just that you…eh…kinda took me by surprise and I'm still learning myself." Turning his hand back, he knew that the ebony winged angel agreed and he smiled.
"We know that what happened got a bit out of control, so please don't fret over it."
She nodded as Urd smiled softly as she raised a glass of sake to her lips; affording a small wink to K1 as the liquid splashed across her palette. Turning, Belldandy was pleased as her sister had continued to mature. Keiichi met her eyes and his heart began to dance.
"Thank you, I know that Skuld can be difficult but she does occasionally need a guiding hand. I'm sorry if the last few days have been uncomfortable; I know that you have felt a little apprehensive with your angel."
Angel. That word still caused a little wonder at how he had changed, and without any difficulties as he had seen in the past, as partner to a symbiotic sprit. He nodded in agreement.
"I know Bell, it's just that sometimes I forget; that…that sweet warmth within really does blend in once you experience it for a time. I hope we do what's best for her; I know that bonding isn't the easiest thing to do……"
The goddess glanced at the angel and smiled; her expression knowing as K1 wondered what she had seen.
"I think you may be closer than you first imagine."
"But how would…I….oh…" His utterances subsided as the testament to Bell's words were found. It was so close that he had missed it; a seemingly natural reaction that he hadn't noticed until now. As he spoke to Skuld he had raised his left hand while the angel lowered hers, entwining as he accepted the goddess's apology on their behalf. His eyes fell on their embrace and he was quietly surprised, it had seemed almost instinctive a few minutes ago as he could now feel the warmth of her fingers. His eyes turned back to Bell, her gaze quietly joyous; her words a melody of insight.
"One body, one heart, my love……………………………"
The dinner had been a success as all testified, and both K1 and Skuld had managed to patch up their relationship until, of course, Skuld felt her protective passions start to boil again. Once they had cleaned and packed away the dishes, Urd spoke of going out to get one or two herbs from a late night pharmacy, while Skuld would be taking Banpei over to see Sentaro. Belldandy would also be going out later and it was as she watched Skuld leave that her eyes rose to the sky; the fading light conjuring forth a rich crimson, the sky, land and sea enveloped in blood…….She turned, wondering if Keiichi would like to go for a morning walk tomorrow, when something stirred her attention. Lending her senses to the air, a faint sound met her ears; distant but growing. The sound seemed to be a rapid crackling, like hail stones striking a road or nails dropped on a wooden floor…..closer and closer, faster and faster until it came to her……..She spun, her tresses dancing, to find...nothing. Only the path to the gate met her scrutiny and she sighed, the first concern darkening her brow.
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There is darkness. A voice, harsh and resonant, fills it. The darkness stirs and rises up, assuming three forms; their eyes luminous like radiant gems. The voice speaks, bequeathing instruction to these shadows; their wholly purpose malign.
"Seek them out. Harry them, war with them and lure them forth to the place of my choosing. Bring them to me……….."
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The evening progressed; the crimson mantle cast by the fading light yielding to the black of night as stars twinkled in the clear heavens. Making her way back through the suburbs in which Urd had found the convenient little shop, a small bag testifying to her purchase, she let her mind wonder if a particular show would be cancelled, then if Skuld had learned something from her recent spat………..and of course there was Keiichi . Her thoughts dancing as she turned down a street; the houses on either side familiar as she often arrived and departed from here, it was the thought of K1 and his, seeming, angel which intrigued her. Alone in her journey, she wondered how the demon had done such……or rather why. The poisonous logic of his machinations had been apparent for some time, in that this strange union may serve another purpose…..or at least she suspected. If……
It was then that her senses availed her of something that had been pestering for maybe five, nearly ten minutes. It had been ineffable at first, a thing she could dismiss, but as she continued it could no longer be denied. The world around her had changed, and not by her own will. It was relatively late in the evening but silence held sway; the street devoid of people. The sound of traffic seemed distant, almost muffled and even the air seemed to grow still; her steps the only break in the silence. She did not allow her concern to show as her eyes scrutinized the shadows, trying to discern the origin of this most subtle enchantment. It was then that something stirred someway behind her and her ears picked up another's step; the rhythm heavy and sharp. The sound gaining, she continued walking; her thoughts curious as to what or who would be following her and if she should defend herself. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowed to her pursuer; her bronze visage questioning the shadows until it emerged.
The sound had become clearer, seeming to strangely echo, as the shadows yielded to an extraordinary, and withering, sight. The creature seemed to be a horse, though entirely devoid of flesh; a living, moving skeleton with eyes of luminous crimson. The great mount's bone contrasted with the rider; a figure atop a harness, clad in armour like the knights of old Europe, the metal black. The helmet's visor was closed, but from within two purple eyes beheld her; the goddess's attention drawn to the long lance held in one armoured hand. Her gaze flicked back to the armoured countenance as the creature stopped and for a moment only the sound of her breath met her ears. The silence was broken was the Norn spoke out, a tension building as she tried to discover why it was here, though the weapon spoke of little otherwise.
"What are you?...Why have you been following me?" Her queries were answered; the voice a hollow, empty rasp from behind the visor as the rider returned with its own question.
"Thou art Urd, Norn of the past, kin to Belldandy and Skuld?" Her eyes narrowed in suspicion; her flesh tense as she prepared herself...
"Yes, I am." The sound bereft of warmth.
It was then the great mount rose up suddenly, a cry cutting through the urban valley, as the long jaw opened. Descending, the pair launched into a charge; the figure levelling its weapon upon the goddess. Urd's reaction was swift as her enemy was upon her in moments; missing the thrust of the weapon by jumping back, she then vaulted up over the creature. Her satisfaction momentary as, with fearful speed, the tip swung up and over in an arc before emitting a burst of energy; the shot grazing her before the top of a street lamp vanished in a purple explosion. Landing close by, she grimaced before the arc of fingers yielded lighting. The power struck, but not before it raised the long weapon as a shield. The shot's impact forced it back, though most of it had been expended on the rider's weapon; smoke rising from both the mount and rider as they steadied then charged, opening fire. Urd managed to catch the first two with a shield, dodge the third then attack; her own anger sparking.
"Okay, if you want to throw that thing around so badly then I'll happily oblige!"
Raising her fist as she narrowly dodged a blast, the sky ruptured and a jagged thunder bolt fell upon the creature as it advanced; a explosion, flash and a veil of smoke yielding to find her enemy scattered in the ground. The lance had been sunk at an angle into the road, the rider lay motionless nearby and the bony mount was, literally, in pieces. Urd afforded herself a brief smile before surveying her opponent. Victorious, she was weary of further attack. When no other attackers appeared, she turned quickly and was about to take flight when a sharp, metallic sound caught her ear. Turning with narrow eyes, she gritted her teeth. A hand was moving, opening, closing until suddenly the rider sat up; those purple eyes fixed on her as the horse's bones rose up, weaving together before the mount was again moving. A unseen force plucked the lance from the round to return it to the rider and in one, swift movement, it was seated; swinging the mount around before coming at her again.
"You gotta be kidding me on" Her whispered frustration lost to the air as she hovered before her attacker, then flew back and, spying another small street, whizzed down it; the sound of clattering hooves not far behind. Her platinum locks dancing in the air, she hurriedly put together a plan; she couldn't leave this thing around to cause havoc. Trying to figure out why it was here, she resolved to lead it away from the suburbs………..
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Skuld's cheeks felt hot; a sweet flame seeming untouched by the cool night air. The world slipping past seemed strangely invigorating as her hair danced in the wind, her heart taking flight amongst the distant stars. Yes…..tonight had been very, very nice. They had kissed…….well….not exactly….he had kissed her on the cheek, but very close to the lips; warm and soft as he leant over slightly from his bike. She grinned…..yes, it had been a wonderful evening. Turning, Banpei rolled down through a path not far from the Mahara shrine, a favoured spot when they went out. The path wasn't too narrow, with uncultivated land all around; trees and bushes that followed her all the way down. Stopping for a moment, Skuld quickly began to input commands; the necessary variations to make Banpei ready for urban travel seen as the tyres lowered, suspension increased and the seat rose. She was about to go when a sound flowed down the path with the wind, a harsh, low rasp. With a sudden curiosity, she turned and beheld nothing. The path was empty and quiet. Skuld turned back and something startled her; the bushes weaving as the sound of movement soon found a deep, angry snarl meeting her ears. Skuld cried out then, with wide eyes, saw two brilliant pools returning her gaze. It was then that, with a great force, she hit the accelerator and sped down the path. Peering over her shoulder, she gasped with fear as a shape emerged, then started to bound after her; its eyes fixed upon the speeding goddess and robot. Afraid, no, increasingly terrified as she thrust onward; her mind a hundred fragments as she tried to identify the creature……what was it? What had she done to be chased? Why was it here? She glanced over her shoulder through streaming locks and found it…………..gone? Fixing her eyes on the path, she was about to turn towards home when the world suddenly sprang out at her; her heart seizing within. In the moments she had to turn, she beheld it.
It was huge. A lithe, powerful form beneath a rich fur, like a tiger though the head was a tapering reptilian beak, fangs flashing, while the crest was a pair of slender, curving horns. It bore down upon her with a roar…….
She cried and rent the steering; narrowly avoiding it as she shot from the path into the trees. Shuddering as Banpei crossed the uneven ground, she clenched the steering, avoiding trees and ploughing through shrubbery; losing sight of the path as her enemy's cry echoed through the darkness. Onwards she sped, trying to lose the creature as she zigzagged through the darkness, the moon's radiance lost beneath the canopy, pressing the small, but powerful engine for thrust. Her breath caught when she saw it approaching; a predator who marked its prey with luminous eyes. As it neared she turned swiftly, clipping a branch before rising then falling. They rumbled onwards as suddenly the trees thinned out and a small outcrop jutted out over a small clearing. With no real option, a wide eyed Skuld soared through the air with a cry before landing, suspension groaning, then scooting off further. After a short time, the scooter slowed, then stopped. Skuld tried to catch her breath; her thoughts composed enough to wonder if the creature had been lost; the last she had seen of it being before her impromptu flight. In the distance, the trees yielded to a road which she knew passed through the suburbs and adjacent to a dried canal bed
. The solution at hand, the young deity was suddenly drawn to a flashing symbol upon the control screen; the image followed with a sharp bleeping sound. The message clear and familiar.
PROXIMITY WARNING…………..PROXIMITY WARNING...PROX
She spun, eyes wide to find nothing. Confounded, a piece of bark clattering against Banpei's helmet offered the answer; her lips trembling as she realised. Her eyes shot up the tree next to her and found it, the beast with a luminous gaze, latched on to the side of the trunk many feet up. It snarled and Skuld took flight again, the thing pouncing off its perch to follow. Soon they broke though the trees and hit the road. The creature, advancing, was met with a shrill cry.
"Banpei! Smoke screen port fire!"
Upon her words, a canister shot open and all behind them vanished in a thick, black screen. Her eyes finding no movement, she was caught with a start as the cloud was suddenly engulfed by flame. The creature emerging unstopped as a long gout of fire shot from its jaws. Her features twisted in shock, she took Banpei off the road; the pair landing in the dry canal bed as they continued on, their pursuer hot on their tracks.
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The goddess of the present was locking up a silent "Whirl-Wind" with a melody on her lips; Chihiro's small request to set up new pamphlets in the reception now complete. Turning the keys, she turned and stepped down as a faint breeze danced through her locks. Looking up, she smiled softly at the moon's radiance; Luna's light casting shadows across the neighbourhood. Leaving, it was a soft, almost ineffable sensation that slowed her step until she stood motionless. Her senses seemed ill at ease as the silence endured; a remarkable thing despite the lateness of the hour. The intrigue shifted to concern as this serenity seemed out of place; a fact she allowed her power to probe before she walked further.
It had been watching her, following her every movement since it arrived and continued its secret scrutiny even as a soft power danced through the air.
The wind resonated with her curious thoughts and her gaze rose to a line of power cables which crossed above the road, not far from her. Her eyes found nothing, and yet a momentary flicker of power sparked a closer scrutiny; her lips whispering forth a crackle of power which stirred something as the air shimmered then resolved itself. A shape hung from the line, akin to a huge bat, wings folded, while its face was lost to deeper shadow; four bright eyes peering down, her suspicions confirmed. She was cautious as the creature must know that it has been spotted, her mind preparing for the worst if it could not be avoided. Then a light flickered in the darkness around the head and a thin beam of energy scarred concrete before she quickly dodged it. A second beam faltered on a shield as she turned her gaze to this strange being. Rising up slightly, her words were borne of a tempered resolve.
"Why do you watch me? What have I done to merit this attack?" Her questions were not answered and it was only as the creatures wings unfurled, taking flight above that the true appearance was revealed. Great wings sloped down into a wolves head, yet the ears were much longer and slender; the body powerful, though slim with arms and digitigrades legs. Four eyes did not leave her, a fifth the apparent source of that powerful beam. Rising further, its wings drew back further then quickly closed; the attack a cutting wind which the goddess vanished in. Materialising in flight, still desiring to know why this strange being was so intent on attack, she gestured and a sudden energy shot was narrowly missed as it soared higher. Retorting with a beam, she knew that it could be the work of another; her defence slipping into a gust of wind which sent it tumbling back, down then shooting up. Suspicious, she watched as the entity turned and flew off before resolving to follow; intent on ensuring that no others would be harmed in this latest encounter.
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Beneath a clear sky each sought to overcome their adversary. Through the night, streaming light and dancing shadows, they each tried to understand what was transpiring as hundreds of possibilities raced behind focused eyes and wind caressed faces. Their enemies, of strange purpose and fearsome mien, were unrelenting as they followed their tasks to completion. As the goddesses were taken further away, each one intently focused, it was Belldandy who soared beneath ebony skies wondering if this was but a gesture, a prelude before other more fearful things.
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The darkness lingers here, but not as absolute as it once was. The shadows are stretched by three images of dancing sound and light; windows upon the three harried deities and their enemies as they weave through the town, a secret audience in which only one is privy to a greater design. Reclined upon a dark throne, a sole figure surveys the pursuits with a growing satisfaction; closer and closer until the purpose of their flight will become clear. Now is not the time yet and it continues to watch, with eyes like dancing flame………….
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Finally the maze of suburbia ended; the uniform homes yielding to another structure far greater that those it over shadowed in day and night. The shopping centre Ginsei Kyuuden, not far from the more commercial districts, rose up before her. Darting across a canal bridge which led into the complexes main car park; passing over a gate as her eyes caught the armour clad rider close behind. Urd groaned in frustration before lowering herself, her slender form sliding to a halt before a faint, but familiar energy caught her senses; a distant but sharp sound driving her onward. Painfully aware of the approaching danger, her heels landed at an entrance, the large glass and steel rimmed doors broken open; darkness beyond disturbed by bestial sounds.
Momentarily perplexed, her thoughts a fusillade until a disturbingly familiar sound rose on the wind. The ominous sound of hooves and the emerging silhouette of the rider advancing up a nearby ramp sparked her anger, though first she had to find the cause of this entry; its identity painfully clear. Rising, her hovering form disappeared beyond the dark threshold, her enemy following as it ground the broken glass beneath their weight. As she landed the goddess cast a weary eye around the gallery of shops and stalls. Her senses acute, she wondered what she had heard before being forced to enter. Quickly moving through the shadows, the wide row of shops eventually yielded to an opening, the plaza familiar as her gaze met the water fountain in the centre. The only sound her steps and the rippling water, Urd wondered, with a sigh, why she would be here when she spied it; an answer as it sat still against a doorway. Banpei, still locked into Moped mode, could give no testimony as his battery cell was drained, her eyes narrowing in curiosity before turning to the centre. The silence afforded a strength to the darkness; the centre, usually seen as a bustling maze of glass, sound and light, was now lifeless beneath the dark sky outside; its hallways and levels seemingly desolate as a tomb. It was then that the water rippled, drew up and bequeathed Skuld to the world.; Urd Swinging around in fright from the sudden surge of energy.
"Urd!!!...Urd, you came…..it's been terrible; I've been chased through-"
"Wait, wait, wait…..Skuld why in heaven are you here? Why did you break in and why were you hiding in a fountain?"
"Urd, something's been chasing me halfway through Nekomi; a big, reptile headed cat that breathes fire!. It almost got me coming back from Sentaro's and chased me through the suburbs before I got here."
"Wha….you..you mean you met something too; I was almost skewered by a creature not long ago, its why I'm here too."
"You were attacked!!? But..but why? "
"I don't know, just a horseman taking pot shots at me all evening; I wanted to lure it here and figure out why it wanted me. It could be Demons at play tonight……"
Not far away and high above the complex, Belldandy pursued the enemy as it tried to seemingly loose her; its rolls ascents and speed all met by the goddess, as were the occasional energy beam. Her hair streaming like the tail of a comet, she watched it swoop down towards the glistening glass and steel structure, its cold contours reflective of the moon's light, before it landed on the roof and was gone; vanishing into centre within. She regarded it suspiciously then felt the familiar presence of kin; her intrigue and fear growing as she followed the creature's path then vanished to descend on a walkway overlooking a plaza. The creature's presence secondary as she whisked through the dark corridors before descending past an elevator shaft and landing on the first floor. Her eyes passing through the shadows until she found both Urd and Skuld in a hallway, looking respectively frustrated and angered.
"Urd! Skuld! Thank goodness, a winged spirit attacked then took flight near "Whirl-Wind" before vanishing. I assume that something has also compelled you here?..."
"I'm afraid so, Bell. I had a close encounter with a knight in not so shining armour and Skuld was chased by a fire breathing feline. I guess you weren't so different? I smell something wrong here; this was all contrived."
"I fear so, this was not random; we were lured here for a reason. Another power is at work here; its nature demonic though I cannot divine its purpose."
"So what can we do?" Skuld groaned with an anxious expression. "Those things are here but we can't sense them."
"Yeah, so any ideas what it might be?" Belldandy pondered for a moment before answering; her sapphire eyes grave in promise."
"I can only guess but we mustn't linger here."
Turning, a strange sound echoed through the cavernous depths of the building; the sound alike the growl that had drawn Urd in here. Skuld's eyes growing wide with fear, the goddesses made their way through the shadows until they passed into the main gallery leading to the main plaza. Traversing through the empty chamber, the trio parted the remaining doors and came to a quick halt; their gaze's drawn as the sudden appearance of their enemies held them. They beheld the things which had so warred with them; three abreast as the rider and mount lay in the centre, the beast snarled beside it and the winged creature fluttered on the opposite flank. The assembled menagerie met their stillness with luminous pools then, strangely, a power flowed through the shadows and the terrifying group dispersed falling back then apparently crumbling away; their forms eroding into weaving masses, which resonated like insects wings, before rising and melting away. The goddesses were still before peering into the darkness with a deep suspicion. Their steps brought them to another opening and, trepidation rising, they felt something stir in the darkness. Their gazes drawn to the highest level of the complex, a mass of shadow drew itself up upon the handrail; a rich, deep fluttering like a swarm of insects. The form coalesced into a great figure, perched with inhuman grace upon the barrier, then as eyes suddenly sparked, it turned to peer down at the divine trinity below.
"So this was the purpose of our trials; the creatures did not retreat, or concede defeat but withdrew, because they were commanded to; bidden by the power which now forms above, a demonic power……."
These thoughts weaved like a chilled breeze through Belldandy's mind as her eyes met the shadowed creature high above; its gaze fixed upon them with some design not yet known. The purpose of their nocturnal flight now clear, a summoned audience for this apparition, she spoke.
"Why have you harried us? Why did you bring us here like this, demon?"
The darkness was still then, at the seeming behest of her divine indignation, the power spoke; its voice harsh and resonant.
"Thou would know my nature, but not my name, goddess? Very well………"
With these words it left the railing to descend; its mantle billowing and dancing as it gracefully descended, the goddesses preparing themselves for the thing's arrival. The silent tranquillity of its flight was ended as it landed, barely touching the floor before the world was torn apart. The ground was rent from beneath as it shattered; the windows of the various stores were blown outward while high above a portion of the glass ceiling imploded; a torrent of rubble, glass and plastic which was met with a quick force field around the trio as the storm subsided before silence returned amid the desolation wrought. The moon's cold light, unimpeded by glass, flooded downward into the plaza. The entity emerged, taller than the trio and swathed in an almost elegant, flowing coat of rich purple with a motif of white flames, seeming to shimmer in the light. A jewel of deep orange was worn at the throat before yielding to a high and elaborate collar. Its face was scrutinising under darkly blond locks; its eyes luminous like a dancing flame. It spoke and the goddesses looked on.
"I am the elect of the seven crowns, I am the elect of the lordship of the mists; demon of the first hierarchy."
"I am Beelzebub..."
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Hi there. It's been some time since I've written on Ah! My Goddess but while I've been busy, I've considered how best to continue the plot raised in my first OMG! Fan fic, Lights Nemesis, back in late 06. Following on the events of that fic, please enjoy Between Mountain and Sea.
Yours sincerely
Sorcerer's Familiar
