Author's Notes
First: Sorry that it took so long to update. I am very slow at typing and also busy with work most of the time. As it is, I have written chapter 3 as well, and it is in the process of being proofed, so I will be adding it as soon as possible, too. As it is, the first chapter was written as a one-shot initially, but that changed as I was in the process of typing it up - it just didn't feel finished for what I wanted. I also wanted to address a few things having to do with his family and certain actions of theirs, which you will understand once you read the story.
Second: I am sorry if the characters seem a little cliched at some points, but I know where I was wanting to take the story, just not entirely sure the route it would take. I just hope that I threw enough of a twist on the subject to keep your attention.
Third: There is some OOC, perhaps more than I really see myself in looking at it as the author, but there are reasons. As seen in the first chapter, the 'accident' changed the group at least some, as it would anyone. However, there are a few more changes due to the revelations in this and the last chapter. Still in all, the main base qualities and beliefs remain for each character, I think.
Fourth: I am not following the movie story with this fic, as I have some specific ways I wish for the story to progress. You should recognize them as you read. Also, I have not included the Demon Realm arc for the same reasons, as Fujishima is now progressing the story himself now.
Finally : I do not own any rights to the Ah! / Oh! My Goddess universe, images, characters, etc. This is purely a way to show my love for the manga and anime.
Chapter 2 - Revelations
Part 1
...And he sang with all his heart. For the first time in his life, Keiichi was on key, perfectly on pitch, even though he had never sang the song before. But, why was he so driven to join in this time?
The once-mortal man could feel something happening within him, deep down. He also saw how startled and surprised the other residents of the Tariki Hongan Temple were - Urd and Skuld, along with their respective angels, stopped their own practicing to stare with open mouths. Even Belldandy and Holy Bell nearly faltered in their singing of the restoration song they were using. All three goddesses focused their gazes directly on Keiichi.
Self-conscious, the young man continued singing, more determined than ever to finish what he had begun. He could understand the confusion - he had never done this before, let alone on pitch.
At that moment, Welsper and Wasp of the Blue Lance, rounded the corner of the building that served as everyone's living quarters on the temple grounds. The cat demon took one look at Keiichi... and fainted dead away. The angel, Wasp, on the other hand, smiled broadly and raced toward the human. To his great surprise, Keiichi was not her focus, her destination, but somewhere above him. Curious, he stole a quick peek behind and above himself.
There hung the largest angel he had ever seen. It was easily half again as large as Holy Bell, with powerful arms like tree trunks, and black hair that waved to and fro in the wind, almost like a halo. Runes ran the length of his arms, some glowing a faint emerald color, some amethyst, others gold. His eyes were pools of liquid turquoise, with a sadness within them that pulled at the heart. The angel was singing along with Keiichi, bolstering his song, it's strong male voice weaving a counterbalance to Keiichi.
So surprised was Keiichi, that he jumped in the air, spinning around, breaking off his own song. His sudden actions caused the angel to stop singing as well, due to being roughly carried along as the man twisted this way and that, trying to get a clear look at this powerful, beautiful creature protruding from his back.
What is going on here? I shouldn't have an angel! It didn't work out so well for me the last time, with Wasp; and I only just managed a short time with Cool Mint. Both times drained me considerably. Only the love of all the goddesses made those two instances possible.
And then, this particular angel appears male, though I guess there's no rule against that. I know so little about the Heavenly Realm. I've been told that the angel is a reflection of the host, but I assumed it pertained more to the personality than anything else.
There was a light touch on his arm, and the man jumped again, startled out of his inward musings.
All three goddesses and the four angels were crowded around the pair by this point, vying for his attention. Belldandy soon realized the situation that was quickly developing - how nervous Keiichi was becoming; the slightly frantic, trapped-animal look on the angel's face. Attempting to stave off the inevitable, she closed her blue eyes, drew a deep breath, and Commanded:
"Everyone calm down and give them space!"
When she again opened her eyes, the impromptu mob was laying on the ground, hands held over their ears, stunned. The angels had all backed off about ten feet, holding on to each other, cowering in shock and fear.
The two who were so recently the center of much attention were nowhere to be seen. Panicked, Belldandy looked to Holy Bell, who only smiled sheepishly, amused - and pointed straight...
...UP!
With a gasp, the goddess of the present raised her head to the sky. There, clearly as surprised and disconcerted as she, hung Keiichi, her love, wrapped in the powerful arms of the strange angel, about thirty or forty feet in the air, the sigils and runes upon it's body glowing brightly. The angel itself was shining almost blindingly, stinging her eyes as she looked at him. His wingspan dwarfed the other angels', and shown with an iridescence that rippled through the rainbow as they moved.
Shielding her eyes, Belldandy and Holy Bell ascended to the hovering pair with their arms outstretched, trying to calm them and bring them back to the earth.
Reluctantly, the massive angel acquiesced, alighting on the ground, reducing its glow to a dim pulsing. A little shaky in the knee, Keiichi stepped away a foot or two, just as the others began to regain their wits.
"I think... we had better go back inside," the azure-eyed girl announced, a twinkle in her eyes. With a new found openness, she wrapped her arm in Keiicchi's, and guided him toward the entryway door. The angel slowly folded it's wings and drew itself back into it's host as they approached the still open door.
A blush played across the once-mortal's face, not used to the current freedoms of contact with the girl who held his heart - even if it was very enjoyable. After all, it was only yesterday that he had talked with Skuld, and last night that he was able to sit so peacefully against Belldandy under the stars.
"Nee-san," the middle girl called without turning. "Please get on the phone with Heaven, while I make some tea and then begin breakfast. I have a feeling that we will need the sustenance, as this promises to be quite the eventful day."
They entered the residence and walked to the Tea Room. Belldandy maneuvered Keiichi to the low table in the middle of the room and helped him settle there on one side. Welsper, the cat demon, trotted in right after them, hopped onto the TV, and promptly sat down. He looked at Keiichi as he did so, never taking his eyes off of him.
"Keiichi-san, please have a seat and rest. You are not yet fully healed, still weak. I will return with your tea shortly."
She flashed the man she adored a warm, loving smile for him alone. Behind them, Skuld gave a small growl, frowning in jealousy and anger, then breaking off and tensing. Belldandy shot her younger sister a warning look over her shoulder, then gradually smiled at her, remembering that it was only yesterday that the stipulations were put into place.
"Skuld, I haven't forgotten about you, either. Please come and sit. I believe things are about to become... interesting, for all of us."
Ten minutes later, Skuld and Keiichi sat across the table from each other, staring uncomfortably over the tea Belldandy had served them. She had since moved back to the kitchen to begin their breakfast, and they could hear her moving about, humming and singing contentedly to herself. The smells wafting through the door that separated the two rooms tantalized their noses and made their mouths water. She was thoroughly enjoying the act of cooking for everyone, especially Keiichi-san. It always lifted her spirits when he praised her cooking, something that she found both relaxing and fulfilling at the same time.
Urd opened the opposite door and walked in from the hallway. She was as white as a sheet as she pulled it closed again, her violet eyes furrowed in an intense frown. Her gaze was drawn inevitably to Keiichi's face.
"What's wrong, Nee-san?" asked a suddenly worried Skuld. "What did you find out?"
"Nothing. They had me on hold the whole time, only to come back and tell me someone would be contacting us shortly. Then they hung up on me without further word. I have a sneaky feeling..."
Her voice trailed off as she sat down between Skuld and Keiichi, her purple eyes never leaving Keiichi's. He began fidgeting with his shirt, looking everywhere but at the two goddesses.
How did I miss the changes? Did they come about overnight; and if so, how? But to happen so quickly, so drastically! True his aura is still just as beautiful as before, but there are now undercurrents of such power that have never shown up before.
Shortly, Belldandy emerged from the kitchen, arms laden down with dishes, and began setting the table for everyone, including an extra setting, as if expecting a visitor. She returned to the adjoining room, then came back out carrying the food and started portioning it out.
Just as she began, the front door flew open, and the sound of someone running through the residence could be made out clearly. They all looked at the sliding door as it was flung open, to reveal a wildly- haggard Lind standing there, panting.
He smiled, sadly.
So, it is time, is it. I knew this day would eventually come, but not this soon, with this person. I hope you are prepared for the revelations that await you, young one.
He turned, looked out the window that stood open, the warm breeze carrying the smells of the summer day to Him, the sounds of the birds singing their lilting songs, and industry in the surrounding buildings. A small, almost apologetic, sigh escaped, to be followed by three words as He turned back to the great desk before Him:
"LIND, ATTEND ME!"
"Is it true? Has he awakened, is he back?"
"Good morning, Lind!" Belldandy exclaimed, as if not noticing her physical appearance or hearing her questions. "Would you care to join us for breakfast? I've made more than enough, in anticipation of this."
She gestured to the table where there were indeed five settings, instead of the usual four. Her smiling greeting caught the most powerful Valkyrie in the Realms off guard. Lind's face betrayed her incredulity, while around the table two heads smacked the smooth surface audibly, and Urd lowered hers into her palm in disbelief.
Trust Belldandy, she thought, laughing.
"Um, sure," replied the Valkyrie, almost absentmindedly.
"Oh, good! Then, afterward, I hope you can clear up this little matter."
Her warm, bright smile widened further, disarmingly. Lind took her seat, not entirely sure how to take the girl's actions or remarks. Belldandy finished doling out the food, dropped the empty dishes back in the kitchen, then took her place beside Keiichi.
They all ate, almost mechanically, while staring pointedly at Keiichi - who for his part was becoming more self-conscious by the moment. He constantly looked from one goddess or angel to another. The only one not staring at him was Belldandy, who had knelt beside him, her hips brushing his, smiling contentedly and humming to herself. He could feel her warmth through that tactile contact, and could also feel the warmth that spread up his neck, to his ears, and across his cheeks as he began to turn red. Belldandy, for her part, seemed totally oblivious to the odd expressions of her table-mates.
When all had finished eating, an uncomfortable silence befell the room. Into this silence, Belldandy's voice broke forth, loud as a thunderclap, though she spoke normally.
"Keiichi-san, please stay here, while the rest of us clear the table. Skuld, Nee-san, please accompany me, so that we can discuss this the sooner. Lind, if you would, keep him company until we finish."
She rose, along with her two sisters, to go about the task at hand. The other two goddesses moved about mechanically, not saying a word. Urd didn't even protest to the manual labor she was being subjected to, the domestic chores, she was so distracted.
Keiichi was left alone in the room with Lind. He could tell that the usually calm, collected woman was bursting with questions, but she held them in check. Perhaps she recognized the same tell-tale signs within him - that of wanting answers not easily given - which pointed to the conclusion that this "he" was not present, at least not yet.
The three sisters filed back into the room, resuming their positions without a comment. Belldandy even went so far as to clasping Keiichi's hand in hers, the usual smile in place, her voice carrying it's usual cheery air.
"Now then, would you kindly fill us in on the morning's activities in Heaven, Lind? I'm pretty sure you have much to tell us, considering your arrival a little while ago." Her smile only broadened, her beautiful blue eyes gleaming with mischief. "I suspect I know the gist of it, but please, fill in the details, if you will."
Her two sisters gawked at her, while Lind stared in disbelief. Slowly, the disbelief melted enough for her to chuckle, then finally break out in laughter.
"I almost forgot, Belldandy, what you are privy to, in your unique position. I know you work for the Goddess Help Line, but you also know some of our histories and lore, since you also hold a Valkyrie license.
"Right, then. I'll begin from the events of this morning, early."
Her eyes danced with mirth, but her demeanor and voice sobered as she began.
"I awoke this morning, ready for my typical day of training and exercises for myself and the recruits (Chrono is coming along magnificently, by the way). I had my breakfast (thank you again for making me another - I had already worked mine off), and was on my way to our training grounds..."
Lind moved through open corridors and over platforms that would become busy soon. At the moment, though, there was hardly a soul about to be spectator to the normally brooding warrior who silently passed, moving with a studied grace, with purpose. She wore the uniform of the Valkyries - a white body suit with ribbing running over it. In this case, that ribbing was blue, whist a few others wore suits with red, purple, or gold ribbing.
Most knew her as "One-Winged Lind", or "One-Winged Valkyrie" - few knew the truth. Before her encounter with the mortal known as Morisato Keiichi, she was only obsessed with attaining power, feeling as if she was lacking in some way, since her angel only had one wing. Because angels were a reflection of their hosts, she concluded that there was some shortcoming within herself that caused Cool Mint to be missing one wing. The truth was, however, that she was host to two angels - Cool Mint and Spear Mint. Cool Mint had a right wing but no left, while Spear Mint had a left wing and no right. Keiichi had opened her eyes to the truth of the matter, and for the first time in her life, she had allowed both angels out at the same time, to meet face to face. She came to know that the shortcoming was her own doubts, not a lack of power.
The warrior goddess continued to a large floating platform and moved to the middle. Speaking to the gate, she stepped through the symbols that appeared, glowing in mid-air. As she stepped out the other side, they glowed brighter for a split-second, then vanished completely. She moved a short way to the side, to make room for the recruits who would be arriving shortly.
Lind began her warm-up routine, preparing for the rigors that would follow over the next few hours. Although she pushed the recruits hard, she always trained twice as hard, always pushing herself. No longer did she fear she was too weak, though - not since the incident with the Angel Eater. Keiichi opened her eyes to some truths that she had not wanted to see.
Without him, things would surely be different now. Most likely worse, she thought, smiling in spite of herself at the thought of her Lifelong Friend. And smiling, that's something I had not done in a long time, before meeting him and Belldandy.
Soon enough, the gate opened again, spilling the recruits forth onto the open floor. They, likewise, moved out of the way and began their own exercises, Chrono among them.
There's another one that mortal - no, once-mortal, now - has helped, along with Belldandy and her sisters.
She allowed them some time to prepare themselves, before starting them through the Gauntlet, as many came to refer to her training regimen. Still, there were many who clamored to train under her, as her trainees routinely ended up being superior to the other warriors.
A couple of hours later, the group was steadily working it's way through yet another grueling round of obstacles, when:
"LIND, ATTEND ME!" -
- Those listening to the narrative gasped, knowing of who uttered those three words. The summons struck fear in their hearts for the Valkyrie.
"You're fearful? Imagine my horror. Three words spoken throughout the Realm - no messenger, no phone call, just a direct summons!"
She grimaced at the memory for a moment, then continued. -
- Lind moved as fast as she could to His office, without running into anyone. That task was made the easier because everyone had heard the summons, and moved out of her way when they caught sight of her.
She arrived at the appropriate building and moved toward the young goddess acting as receptionist. This one, in turn, shook her head, pointing to the set of doors that were across the marble floor. She admonished her to enter right away.
The warrior entered the double doors, closed them behind herself, then moved to the center of the room before kneeling with her head down.
"You summoned me, Kami-sama?"
He didn't answer right away, instead continuing in His study of an ancient-looking parchment in His hands. After a minute, without looking at her, He said:
"Yes, Lind. It is time. Unlocking Privileged Information, code..."
The warrior burst through the double doors of His office, startling the poor, young receptionist. She paused only long enough to close the doors and fire an apology to the goddess, before rushing off on her task, to the gate that led to Earth.
She spoke the requisite words quickly, yet precisely, and the familiar runes and sigils of the gate glowed into being around her. A beam of energy enveloped her and she flew through the gate to the Earth Realm as fast as she could.
High above the courtyard of Tariki Hongan Temple, an identical set of runes came into being, within a circle of energy. A similar beam of energy shot forth, straight down to the ground. Out of this light stepped Lind, who quickly rushed to the entry door. She stopped only long enough to observe the courtesy of removing her boots (I am sorry for not knocking) before continuing at a run through the halls. She sped to the Tea Room, concluding they were all there since she hadn't seen them about the grounds and the smells of Belldandy's cooking were floating upon the air. Throwing open the door, the Valkyrie with blue hair and three blue dots upon her forehead managed to gasp out:
"Is it true? Has he awakened?"
"Who? Has who awakened?" blurted out an irritated Skuld. "You keep saying 'he'. Who is this 'he' you are referring to?"
With an apologetic look, Lind answered: "I can't say. Not only is it a surprise that He has reserved for Himself to unlock, but it falls under the Privileged Information clause. So, no matter how much I want to, or may try to, I really can't say anything."
Everyone stared at Lind, Keiichi included. They had all dealt with things that fell under the jurisdiction of that particular clause before. Belldandy thought of the time that her sister's demon half had been transferred to a clone, and how her voice locked up every time she attempted to speak of the consequences. Each other person present was reminded of one time or other when they met some restriction pertaining to that clause.
Lind broke into their musings.
"I was sent to bring all of you - and I do mean all of you - back with me."
She fixed a meaningful gaze on the lone human in the room.
"Umm, me, too?" Gulp. " How would I get there?"
"We would bring you. Normally, humans would be denied entrance, at least while still alive; however, due to the circumstances, you have been granted special permission, something that hasn't been done in a very, very long time.
"Now, I am aware that you have not yet healed completely, so we will be taking the return journey much more carefully than my trip here. Now, please, gather yourselves together outside within the hour. That should allow you time to make any necessary preparations. Remember who you are about to stand before, and that making Him wait is not a good thing."
The group stood outside, assembled loosely within the circles and symbols glowing upon the ground. Three of the goddesses were arranged in a circle about the fourth goddess and the human. Belldandy stood in the center of the group, her arms wrapped about Keiichi tightly. Her face was only inches from his, and his own face and neck were burning fiercely as he stared deeply into her azure eyes. Her light brown hair cascaded down her back and swirled around her as she stood there holding Keiichi.
All of the goddesses had opted to change back into the uniforms of their stations - Belldandy in her familiar white dress with the blue over-cloak, Skuld in her red and white uniform, and Lind in her Valkyrie attire. Only Urd wore something different - her purple dress that was cut far down the front, scandalously displaying her ample cleavage, and cut all the way up her thigh to her hip. The two older goddesses gave knowing grins to each other over the young couple within the circle, while the youngest goddess glowered.
"Stand ready. Gate, open to admit us upon high!"
A bright light flashed around them, a cylinder of photonic particles that reached high into the sky. The five travelers within began their ascent, eventually reaching the gate and transferring to Heaven. All the while, Belldandy clung to a fiercely blushing Keiichi.
And then they were there, standing upon the same large platform Lind had stepped onto just a little over two hours before, Earth time. By Heaven's time, only a few minutes had passed.
The couple parted, though Belldandy remained entwined with Keiichi's arm. Gently, he placed his hand over hers and squeezed, smiling a little shyly, only slightly blushed now that they had parted a bit.
Not that I minded - in fact I enjoyed it very much, but... He saw her look back at him quickly and smile oh-so-innocently. Yeah, she read my mind just then. He sighed once again.
They filed off the platform and into a long, open walkway that was covered by an intricately designed arching trellis. It seemed to flow from the landscape, rather than intrude upon it. They walked for a while, maybe half an hour, before turning toward a large, round building with a long entrance on one end. It was toward this entry that they were headed. Urd and Belldandy looked at each other as they recognized their destination.
Lind strode slightly ahead of the entourage, head held high, back ramrod straight, her step almost proud. This only served to heighten the general atmosphere of apprehension within the party - the human especially, as he had never been here before.
They began to pass more and more divine beings along the way - gods, goddesses, a few spirits, and more than a few fairies - and started receiving an increased number of odd looks, both open and surreptitious. Sure, it had been over three years since all three sisters strolled anywhere up here - less in Heaven's time - but what likely drew their attention was Belldandy wrapped around Keiichi's arm so possessively, a smile so beauteous that it showed brighter than anything he had yet seen, on Earth or here.
As they approached the Grand Audience Hall, all but Lind held back, looking about expectantly. When she noticed that they were lagging behind, she gestured curtly for them to catch up.
"But Lind, we can't skip ahead of those others awaiting their own audience with Kami-sama," Belldandy said, noting the other beings loitering outside.
"No, you don't understand. He's here," she waved her hand in the general direction of the main chamber, "for you!" and she gestured to Keiichi.
"What? Me, why?" and he tried to shrink away.
"Oh, no you don't!" Lind exclaimed, smiling like a fool. "It's not bad, I promise. I just can't say anything more than that."
With Belldandy wrapped around one arm, and Lind the other, both smiling like idiots, the once-mortal had no choice but to proceed. Skuld and Urd trailed after, at a loss over the Valkyrie's completely unprecedented, un-Lind-like behavior.
She strode up to the massive stone doors and pushed them open, seemingly effortlessly. They swung wide, stopping only upon impact with the walls, causing quite the racket. As the entourage passed by, Keiichi noted that they were about six inches thick and solid marble. He looked to the warrior flanking him with new respect.
Keiichi turned his attention back to the hallway they had just entered. Two rows of massive columns ran the length of the hall, some two hundred fifty yards, then split to ring the circular chamber at the end, which could easily house the largest of Nekomi Tech's buildings. From the looks of things, the entire structure was made from great slabs of marble, meticulously fitted together to hide any seams if at all possible. It was polished to a high gloss, shining in the rays of light filtering down through windows set high in the walls. Tiers of seats ringed the central hall, he noticed when he peered ahead, most filled with beings. His eyes were again drawn to each pillar as he passed, his mind swimming with the onrush of new and exotic stimuli. The first thing he noticed was that each column was smooth on the side that faced the walls and rows of seats; however, on the side facing them and the central chamber was depicted the form of a being, which appeared to grow from the pillar - some god or goddess of yore, most likely, with their angel. His vision settled on one column in particular, dawning realization hitting, and he nearly stumbled over his own feet. He drew a sharp breath, causing Belldandy to turn her attention to him, worrying that he had somehow injured himself again so soon after the worst of his injuries had healed. She followed his gaze as his hand tightened on hers reflexively. She nodded once and gave a small, lilting giggle, when she saw the object of his attention.
The young man heard the giggle, looked to Belldandy, and saw her grin at him.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he whispered at her urgently. You probably already knew, considering your actions all morning. When were you planning on letting me in on it? he thought with a bit of acidity in his voice, stinging inside. Belldandy only looked at him oddly, catching the tone of his thoughts as well as the words, and shrugged noncommittally, refusing to rise to his challenge.
Lind led them all directly into the central chamber, stopping about a quarter of the way through. The others followed suit, and then knelt as a door off to the side opened to admit a new being. Power emanated from him in waves, almost an oppressive force all it's own. He strolled purposefully to the exact center of the space, looked at the kneeling figures, smiled warmly, and startled all with His rolling laughter.
So this is Kami-sama. The power He radiates, even with all those limiters, is frightening, to say the least!
"I have called you to these hallowed halls for a singular, momentous occasion. Long ago, a great god was sent into exile, never to have a body of his own again, doomed to wander until an important lesson was learned. That lesson - humility, compassion, self-sacrifice, and love of others - is the basis of our society, our true power. He forgot that in his arrogance, and caused much pain and sorrow, all in the name of 'glory'.
"However, this one god has learned these lessons, and once more stands among us. The body he now co-inhabits may appear small, frail, but the person who owns it has time and again proven his worth. We remember this god's deeds of yore, his prowess.
"Please stand, all of you. That includes you, Lind, my daughters - Urd, Belldandy, and Skuld - and the current host, Morisato Keiichi. Stand, and be recognized, as I invoke the Privileged Information Clause, unlocking it with the code - Alpha, 3, 7, Beta, Beta, 2, 2, 1!"
Something clicked within Keiichi as he was rising, power flooding through his body; new, strange memories pouring forth; and a sadness deep and bottomless as the empty spaces of Infinite Space. He recalled a life he knew nothing of - a home among the gods, battles across countless realms and ages, the admiration of his peers. His feet left the floor as he began to levitate, wind, water, and electricity slowly swirling about him - finally coalescing into a thunder cloud centered above the man's head, spinning casually.
Slowly, gently, he settled back to the floor, his hand still in that of his love's. He reopened his eyes, looking about, as if for the first time in ages. A tear escaped his control, to roll unchecked down his face, falling to the floor.
"I reintroduce you to Thor, god of thunder, and to Mjolnir, his mighty Hammer!"
As His voice rang throughout the chambers, the angel burst from Keiichi'e back, spreading his mighty, iridescent wings, scattering glowing white feathers across the floor. Deafening applause and cheering accompanied his appearance, so loud as to drown out all thought, welcoming home one of their own. Keiichi came back to himself, face burning with self-conscious embarrassment at all the attention. He tried to hide himself among the goddesses round about him, but Belldandy giggled at his discomfort and side-stepped lithely. Urd regained her senses after the initial shock, grinned evilly, and propelled Keiichi forward several steps so that he was wholly visible to the assemblage. When he glared back at her, she was rocking on her heels, hands clasped behind her back, and staring at him with a 'Who,me? What did I do? I'm completely innocent!' expression.
Keiichi/Thor sat on the edge of the bed, not wanting to meet the gazes of those around him. He felt out of place in this Realm, even with all his friends with him, not to mention all the memories still spinning within his mind that belonged to the being that resided within him.
"I have all these memories of living here, going there, doing this, battling that," he was trying to explain, "yet, they don't feel like me, if you can understand. I mean, I know that they belong to Thor, and he is a part of me and all, but... I just don't know.
"That life, down on Earth, at the temple with the four of us and everyone else, that's me, not all this..." and he spread his arms and waggled his hands at a loss for words. "That's what I know, where I'm comfortable. I'm not that way here, at this point in time." He was becoming agitated, but brought himself back under control with an effort and a heavy sigh. "Maybe some time in the future, down the road a bit, but at this point in time - that's just the way I feel, and I can't help it."
Urd had been watching the young man with an understanding expression, while Skuld looked like she couldn't understand why anyone would pass up the opportunity to live in Heaven. Belldandy moved over to the bed to sit beside him, placing her hand on his arm in sympathy.
"It's quite the difficult decision, considering the differences between the two Realms - not to mention the differences in both ways of life. You are welcomed to choose whichever you are most comfortable with," she told him quietly. "You are not a god, nor are you a mortal. True, you carry the angel, Mjolnir, and the spirit of Thor, but you are not bound by our laws, since you are not of either Realm anymore. You are a human who has been given two tremendous gifts."
"The problem arises that everyone around us here looks at me and sees one of two things - a mortal who has gained immortality and the angel and spirit of a once-great god, but deserves neither and doesn't belong; or this great and wonderful god, this accomplished warrior and hero returned. Frankly, it disturbs me either way. I know that all of you either live here," at which point he looked at Lind, "or lived here until recently," and his look swept over the other occupants of the room, lingering longest on the one he loved dearly. "I can't ask you to return with me. I admit, after all this time it would pain me to return alone, but I feel... I must return to Earth.
"And then there's my parents and the circumstances surrounding my birth. I have questions for them that require some answers. I believe they would have the answers I need." Not to mention who they are, at least one of them. And now that I think about it, I am pretty sure I know which one I need to talk to.
Belldandy studied him for a moment, trying to think of something to help the man she cared for, especially after hearing the thoughts he spoke to himself. She was still searching for some encouraging word for him when there came a knock at the door, followed by it's opening a moment later.
Those assembled within fell to their knees automatically as Kami-sama entered the room, then turned and pointedly closed the door.
"All right, now. Stop that! You may all stand up again, or return to whatever you were doing. It's just us here, so relax - I know I intend to for a few minutes."
They stared at Him, open-mouthed, still kneeling, but no longer facing the floor. He dropped His serious expression for one more akin to a comical 'what's wrong, now' look.
"What, am I not allowed a few minutes peace and relaxation in the company of my daughters and friends? Especially when one of those is someone I have not seen in ages."
They got to their feet and resumed their positions, still nervous.
"Um, Kami-sama?" Keiichi began quietly. "I do not wish to offend you, but may I ask a few questions?"
He stared at Keiichi for a moment through slightly narrowed eyes, then an amused chuckle rolled from him.
"You most certainly may, though I refuse to answer all of them. I believe your plan of a few minutes past is a good one, and that many of your current questions should be directed elsewhere - namely to your parents. However, I will answer some of them. I approve of many of the recent changes I have seen in you, but it's not my place to fill you in on everything pertaining to those changes."
"You... know of my plans, my wishes, already?"
"I do. I would wish that you would remain among us, here, but I will not force you at this point. Morisato-kun, you are and yet are not Thor. Look at it like this: Mjolnir chose you as the current host. He did this once before, but the man went mad with the power almost immediately. I will not elaborate, other than to say that it did not end well.
"As I said, Mjolnir selected you, as a child. When he entered your body, he carried with him the spirit, if you will, of Thor, in a dream-like state. Thor had already traveled through the ages in this fashion, able to perceive everything going on, as if through a dream, but unable to interact. He had to watch, to learn the lessons I wanted him to. But, learning to change how one views things is not an easy task. Humans have an easier time of it than many races, but even then, as you know from experience, it can be a daunting prospect.
"As it was, Mjolnir carried Thor to hosts who already showed, or were inclined to show, those qualities I wished him to emulate. He watched over him, ready to awaken him at the right time, to join him to a host. I knew some time ago that you had been chosen. Your compassion for others, your self-sacrificing spirit, your caring attitude - they all prove that Mjolnir made a wise decision." He made a face at that point, a slight grimace. "However, there are a few things I could wish changed, such as your penchant for keeping those... items... in the back of your third drawer. That's a little... embarrassing, considering your wish for my daughter and all, don't you think? But then again, you are a man, after all."
Keiichi was beet-red, bug-eyed at the comment. He had never really thought about what Belldandy's father might think of those certain items. Belldandy, for her part, just looked between the two, seemingly confused, though she had a hunch she knew of what they spoke. She had found his magazines one day while doing a major cleaning of the house, while Keiichi was recovering.
"Excuse me, father, but does this mean that my Keiichi-san will disappear forever now, to be replaced by Thor?"
She looked to Keiichi with a pained expression, clearly upset by the direction her thoughts had taken.
"No, child. It is the spirit of Thor that now inhabits the body of Morisato-kun. However, he may not oust the owner of the body. He has been forbidden to ever again have a physical body of his own. He can, and will, provide power and experience to the host, for the host's benefit. If the situation is desperate enough, he may act to preserve you, without consent, but he may go no further than that.
"As for Mjolnir, he is much like any other angel in most respects, though you will notice a few... differences. You'll find that he is a little more independent than other angels, and possibly a might more willful than some - mostly due to the role he has played since Thor's sentencing and the length of time he's played said role. Also, while most angels feed off of the compassion of the host exclusively, Mjolnir and Thor share a symbiotic relationship, both providing sustenance to the other. He still needs the host's compassion, but not solely.
"I ask that you accept them into your life, form a close bond with them. Learn from their experiences, as much as they need to learn from yours."
The goddesses looked to Keiichi, who was once again studying the hands folded in his lap. He sat there, silent, thinking.
"When did all this happen? I don't ever remember anything out of the ordinary."
"Actually, when you were born. As I told you, there are things best left to others to explain. This is one thing that your parents should reveal to you, not me."
Kami-sama's expression softened a bit more into a warming smile. With a grunt, He stood and faced the exit.
"I must take my leave of you, now, for I am a very busy person most of the time. I wish you a safe trip back, as I know you are not fully healed." He looked at his middle daughter longest, then at her two sisters. "Watch over him, as I leave him in your obviously capable care - seeing as you do have a vested interest in his well-being." He smiled again at Belldandy, watching as her cheeks reddened, then looked over his shoulder, addressing the man his daughter had given her heart to: "And you, please watch over them, in the trials that will most assuredly face you down the road. I know all will not be easy, and problems will arise, but continue loving my daughters and caring for them as you have already.
"I'll leave you now with the following admonition: consider well what I have said, take it to heart. Also, please return more often, all of you. Do not alienate us here."
With that He swept out of the room, leaving all within in awe. After a minute, Lind approached Keiichi, who was oblivious to his surroundings, and waited for him to register her presence.
"Morisato-kun, you must now wear these at all times, never removing them except under direct permission from Kami-sama or a representative of his. You didn't need them before, as Thor and Mjolnir's powers were sealed away, dormant. Now, however..." she shrugged.
"I understand. Can I at least choose the form that the limiters take? I mean, Belldandy's are in the form of an earring, Urd's is her bracelets, Kami-sama's got so many different types. Can't I choose something a little less... conspicuous?"
She smiled slightly. "Afraid not. As with the naming of Mjolnir, this one is kind of out of your hands, so to speak. These particular limiters kind of go with your new station. There is no choice in the matter."
Keiichi sighed and closed his eyes. This is going to be so obvious, not to mention awkward. He accepted the twin bracers held out to him, studying the objects in his hands, admiring the fine filigree in the platinum, traced with gold detailing. Intertwining knot work designs wrapped their way around the bands that fit over his forearms, interspersed with stylized beasts - including Jormungard, Fafnir, and others.
Sighing again, the once-mortal slipped the metal over his arms, wondering at the size of them, as they were obviously intended for a larger, more muscular being. His silent questions were answered a moment later as they began to warm up - almost uncomfortably so - then re-size themselves to fit his forearms perfectly.
"Um, about this, what about bathing? How do I clean under them?" he asked, holding up his now metal-encapsulated arms. He suddenly had a vision of some strange,flesh-eating disease rotting away his arms from not being able to wash them, and he frowned. Off to his side he heard a light giggle, and he looked to see Belldandy trying to hide her smile with her hand - though her eyes gave away the fact that it was her - and then giggled again at the image she had picked up from his mind , as his frown deepened. Her laughter was infectious, and he couldn't help but smile as well - causing everyone else to wonder at the sanity of the young couple.
"These limiters have a unique ability, considering the way they fit. If you focus your thoughts, you can remove them just long enough to bathe; but they will return to their original place within a short time - say about twenty minutes to a half hour, or so."
Before long, they were all marching their way back to the gate. The whole way, Keiichi was lost in thought, not really paying attention to where he was going. Belldandy was right beside him, keeping an eye on him, worried. It was not like him to be so quiet, so introspective. More than once she had to correct his wayward wanderings so that he stayed with the group. He would smile at her absentmindedly, then turn his attention back to his personal thoughts.
He's changed since Skuld's attack,. It's not bad, really, just disconcerting. He does more looking into himself, quietly, than before. Sure, he would get this way once in a while, before that, but now...
She caught a few stray thoughts from him as they walked, as he attempted to sort out all the new information he had to deal with, not to mention his new circumstances. It had become much easier to read his thoughts now, seeing how long they had been together, but she tried not to do so that often. It just didn't seem right, for some reason, without permission or in extreme circumstances.
They continued to the gate and disappeared in a brilliant flash of light.
Another week had passed before the doctors pronounced him fit for any kind of travel, and that only because the goddesses had worked tirelessly to speed his recovery. Even with their assistance, it was a long, slow process - and draining for the two goddesses. He was given permission to ride his bike on the fourteen plus hour trip to Kushiro, in the Hokkaido Region, to visit his parents, with the proviso that he take the trip slow, stopping often. That would certainly increase the amount of time it took to get there, but, oh well.
Since he was still forbidden from returning to work, he decided to go ahead and pay a visit to his mother and father. Belldandy was given leave by Chihiro-san to join him - 'for safety's sake' - due to how hard she had been working at Whirlwind of late. The pair set off that Friday at about six o'clock to have that talk, apprehension gnawing at Keiichi's gut, as memories of that other early morning departure that led to the ill-fated vacation came to the surface. Keiichi shook himself mentally at the memories.
This time, the couple decided to hold nothing back. There was too much going on to try dancing around the truth anymore, so Keiichi said to divulge everything. Besides, he was pretty sure one was already aware of the truth, or at least suspected it, about the women that he resided with.
"Keiichi-san? Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine, Belldandy. Just... remembering the last time the two of us took a trip, and the problems it led to."
"I am always here for you, if you need to talk, Keiichi-san, as long as you wish for me to stay by your side," she replied, placing her hand upon his arm. His face burned slightly as he smiled back at her, acknowledging her statement.
They made the slow trek toward Koshiro, stopping often because of his lack of endurance after the explosion, the broken bones, and various other injuries - not to mention the lack of exercise afterwards. Still, they made good time to the home of his birth.
"Keiichi-kun! It's so good to see you up and about. It broke my heart to see you there in the hospital, covered in bandages and in such a condition. How are you feeling now? Do you need to sit?"
"That would be appreciated, mom! It was quite the ride up here on a bike so soon after the... accident," he commented, happy to see his mother for the first time since the hospital. His parents had needed to return not long after, but he didn't begrudge them that.
Belldandy smiled that winning smile of hers as she greeted the other woman warmly, her eyes the only thing betraying her secret to Keiichi, confirming his suspicions.
"Would you two like some tea? I was just getting ready to sit down myself, but I can easily prepare some quickly enough."
"Do you mind if I help you, Takano-san?" Belldandy asked as they entered the family room, guiding Keiichi to one of the chairs.
"Thank you, dear! Keiichi-kun has certainly found himself a rare treasure in you. I'm truly happy for the two of you!"
The young man settled himself with great care, still stiff and painful. The two women moved to the kitchen in tandem to start the herbal brew.
"...and Skuld proceeded to devour the store's entire supply of ice cream! I've never seen anyone drop their jaws as wide as I did that day! I laughed so hard after we left."
The trio sat around the table in the family room, sipping their tea, reminiscing about times gone by. Takano was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, her black hair bouncing in time with every guffaw.
Now's the perfect time to broach the subject. We're already discussing the past, so...
Before Keiichi could finish his train of thought, Belldandy broke in.
"When you visited us the first time at the temple, we had a wager between us, Takano-san. Now, Keiichi-san lost that race, which obliged me to reveal to you who I really am, where I'm from. No, Keiichi-san, don't interrupt me," she held up her hand to forestall the usual objections, which were only habit after so long. "We already agreed to tell all. Besides, I made a promise and must honor it."
Turning back to Takano, she stood and took a breath, held it a moment, then let it out as she morphed her clothes to her original Goddess Relief Office attire.
"My name is Belldandy, Goddess First Class, Category Two, Unlimited. I came to grant Morisato Keiichi a wish, as directed by Heaven, but have since grown to love him, pledging to walk beside him until the end of life." Belldandy called out Holy Bell. "This is my angel, Holy Bell. But, then again, you were aware of that, weren't you? I know that you saw the wings that night, when you gifted the glass feathers to my sisters and I. You knew even before that, too, didn't you?"
Takano sat silently, her eyes closed, contemplating the current situation. She had, of course, known who and what Belldandy and her sisters were from the beginning, when she visited the temple, though she had wondered why she was with Keiichi-kun. She figured that the most likely reason included a contract of some sort, considering the fact that most gods and goddesses had very little to do with mortals if they didn't need to, especially on such a personal and long-term basis. Besides, she had heard the young goddess's comments to Keima, about how she would walk with her son until life ends, as was carried to her on the wind.
"You are correct. I did know. I also recall the incident you speak of. The cat - a demon, if I'm not mistaken - tried to mask our memory of the event, and it mostly worked on Keima-kun and a short time on myself, but I quickly regained my memories. I admit, I am a little surprised to see three goddesses living with a mortal, not to mention a demon."
"I will explain about the circumstances a little later regarding Welsper, Takano. The rest we were going to discuss anyway," Keiichi answered quickly.
"So be it then. I guess I should introduce myself formally, then. My name is Takano, Wind Spirit Second Class, Rank 2, Limited." With that, her birthright markings faded into view - twin chevrons of jade on her forehead and an intricate patterning that accentuated the sides of her eyes and twined to her ears and down her cheeks. "How did you finally figure it out?"
"Well, Takano-san, we sat down and analyzed the actions of both you and Keima-san. We both came to the same conclusion, albeit separately. Of course, I have a few more means at my disposal then my beloved Keiichi-san. I must say that you did a magnificent job of masking your true identity, by the way, that first meeting. Later, though, I suspected when I considered Keima-san's actions that time.
"Keima-san was afraid to get too close to any woman except you or your daughter, Megumi-san, and then of course myself - even if he didn't know why," Belldandy explained.
"It's kind of like me, Takano-san. After living with the three of them for over three years now, I've learned a few things about those other than mortals. I mean, even if she is a goddess, Belldandy has a jealous streak, which she didn't realize she had for some time, and she is downright scary when she gets mad or jealous." He rubbed the back of his head while smiling apologetically to his beloved. "Sorry, Belldandy, but you do, and are. Don't get upset, it's just a matter of fact. I feel the same about you, regardless of - or maybe because of - this fact. I had put two and two together and concluded that you were more than you ever let on, than I had imagined. You see, I now know that dad is afraid of your jealousy storms."
"And then there were other small signs. You knew what Keima-san and I talked about, even without being anywhere near the two of us. You repeated my answer to him word for word, when he asked if I would walk with Keiichi-san. I told him : 'Till the end of life', and you quoted that back to me.
"And there were other things, as well."
Takano chuckled at the couple's deductive reasoning. She smiled brightly at them as she continued.
"It is true, I have a very large jealous side. For such a long time I refused to see or believe it, not wanting to be like so many humans. However, it began to rear it's ugly head once I met Keima-kun. Small things began to occur - tea would suddenly boil over, lights break unexpectedly, things like that. It soon began to escalate, get worse - wind storms, lightning strikes (even to him once or twice), and a few explosions. I had to finally face the fact that I had these emotions and feelings, then I had to learn to control them.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not a demon - I already told you my true identity. I believe that that might be why your father and I love racing so much. He always was a masterful rider, but we both love to race each other, both as a team and against one another. There's nothing like that feeling of the wind blowing in such an intimate way as that. I also suspect that this is where you get your own love of racing - especially motorcycles. You've not only human blood in you, but that of a wind spirit, as well."
She chuckled lightly once more as she revealed this tiny bit to the couple.
"Actually, mom, there is more. First, though, do you recall anything out of the ordinary about your pregnancy with me or my birth, or shortly thereafter."
She sat back, closing her eyes, trying to remember if anything stood out about that time. Nervousness began to creep into her voice as she replied.
"Nothing that I can think of. Why?"
"I just got back from Heaven a couple weeks ago," her face blanched and she almost dropped her cup. "I am not just your son, Keiichi, anymore. I now host a spirit within me - the spirit of Thor - as well as that of his angel, Mjolnir."
At his name, Mjolnir slowly extended his wings from Keiichi, mindful not to knock into his surroundings. Takano only stared, a single tear rolling down her face unheeded.
With extreme care and deliberateness, she set her cup upon the table, then asked, her voice even:
"When did this happen?"
"Mjolnir revealed himself a few weeks back, and I was immediately summoned to an audience with Kami-sama. The spirit of Thor awoke within me at that time. It's a little weird, let me tell you," he said, again massaging the back of his neck, with a nervous laugh.
While looking off to the side : "He's behaving himself this time, isn't he?"
"He hasn't done or said much of anything, though I am still on the mend with everyone's aid. As it is, I only just got permission to travel, with the proviso that I take it slow and easy. I still can't return to work. I'm hoping that comes soon, however.
"Anyway, no, he hasn't done anything odd or out of the ordinary. I only got access to a few of his memories as he reawakened."
She studied her son for a moment in silence, then nodded her head as if she was making up her mind on something.
"Let me tell you a story about Thor, how I learned about him. This is something he may try to gloss over or omit entirely if he were the one relaying the tale."
The couple shifted uncomfortably. Mjolnir, for his part, only retracted his wings back into his host. Takano continued.
"I am far older than you think, goddess-child. In fact, I remember the fanfare surrounding the birth of your older sister, and even then, I had been around for a while. At the time, I was involved with a minor god, and spent all the free time I had up there in his presence - after my own duties were taken care of first, of course. I reveled in the stories he would relate to me every time we were together, as he had many from his maintenance of the records. He would often times entertain me with the more interesting, the more juicy, tales he uncovered in those same records. I was the eager listener, he the willing and able storyteller.
"At one point, just prior to your birth, he was recounting stories involving the Nobles, the Aesir. He would leave out certain details, or skip over whole sections of the tale, in the telling - mostly names and places. So, my interest piqued, I pushed and pushed for the missing details - over and over, until he finally caved in."
Her eyes grew pained and began to moisten at the memories.
"Thor had been a great hero, though at that point, his name was a forbidden subject. Battle after battle, Realm after Realm, he proved victorious. With Mjolnir at his side, there were few who could stand before his might. This all happened before the Doublet or Limiter Systems were instituted, mind you, so the battles were vicious, all-encompassing.
"His renown grew, as did his popularity. As they grew, so did his ego," and her voice hardened dangerously at the last four words., "causing him to become ever more reckless, less caring. He also began using less and less restraint in his battles, the destruction caused - unmentionable. That was when it happened.
"There had been a period of prolonged peace, even if it was uneasy. Thor - only out for the next battle, the next opponent - was looking for a fight, as that had become his only joy in life, the fight. Problem was, he had defeated anyone who ever stood a chance at facing him, some multiple times over. There was no one left with the power or the will to face him. In his restlessness, Thor disobeyed Kami-sama, and challenged the up-and-coming Hild-sama, who was next in line as the Daimakaicho. Considering her power, even back then, it's a good thing she didn't accept his challenge herself. She sent a champion in her stead, who met Thor on the field of battle.
"By this point, he had become completely self-absorbed, caring only for his own gratification - nothing and noone else mattered. Hild-sama had bet on this, and planned accordingly. The battle occurred above another Realm's reigning civilization. Thor and the demon both held nothing back, fighting with a maniacal intensity, with everything at their disposal, each refusing to give an inch. All they thought about was the 'glory'," and she snorted, making the word a curse, "that they would receive by defeating the other. By the end of the battle, there was no trace remaining of the once-proud and expansive civilization of that Realm - no cities, no towers, not even the mountains round about. They had all been reduced to nothingness. Even the ocean that rushed in to reclaim the vacated space where the continent had once been was a poisoned mire that could no longer sustain life. The two had irreversibly destroyed not only the land and seas, but the weather, the air, as well. The Realm would never again see life within.
"There were a few survivors, who applied to Kami-sama for succor, not many, but they could never go home. Their home's environment is completely inimical to life. Kami-sama did take care of them, though, and transplanted them to another realm suitable to them.
"As for Thor, Kami-sama pronounced judgement on the spot. He would never again have a physical body of his own, forever dependent on others. Mjolnir was tasked with carrying his spirit unto the next host, and the next, and the next - charged with choosing a host containing the qualities that Thor had forsaken. Thor would watch and learn, in a waking dream, until he once again displayed humility, self-sacrifice, and compassion. When that happened, Mjolnir would awaken his spirit within the appropriate host. The host had to display those qualities in abundance.
"I guess I should be happy that the person chosen happened to be you, as it shows that Keima-kun and I did our jobs as parents in raising you. However, I warn you, Thor was awakened once before, and I will only say that the results were disastrous. The host and he tried to regain his former 'glory'. So, I beg you, don't give in to the temptations that will undoubtedly face you once Hild-sama and the other demons realize that Thor has been reawakened."
"What happened to the god you were with, the one who revealed all this to you?" the quiet, infinitely sad voice of Belldandy inquired.
Almost too quiet for the couple to hear, Takano replied: "I don't know. Apparently, the events and the name of Thor had become forbidden subjects, until now. Even his name was forbidden to be uttered. As soon as he finished his tale, Kami-sama's voice shook the room we were in, summoning him to audience, enraged. I never heard from nor saw him again."
She fell silent, tears tracing paths down her face. At that moment, Keima walked in, saw his wife's state, and rushed to her side. He shot an accusing scowl at the young couple.
"What have you done? What did you say?"
"No, stop, Keima-kun! It's not their fault. Keiichi-kun has important news, not to mention that I now have a few answers about Belldandy."
She gave a weak smile as she gathered her emotions back under control.
"What do you mean?"
Belldandy spoke up before anyone else had the opportunity.
"I am Belldandy, Goddess First Class, Rank Two, Unlimited. Keiichi-san and I have come seeking answers to his past, as there have been certain... developments."
"A goddess, huh? How did this come about? I was under the impression, from what Takano-kun told me of gods' and goddess' interactions with mortals, that you kept the contact as short as possible normally."
"Keiichi-san had earned the right to one wish being granted from Heaven. Originally, thinking that it was a joke being played upon him by his sempais Otaki-san and Tamiya-san, he made a rash request. You are aware, I am sure, of how little luck he has had, especially with girls?" she gave Keiichi a warm smile while his parents nodded. "Well, his one wish, rash and unthinking, was for me to stay by his side forever."
His parents gawked at their son, amazed at his nerve, as utter silence filled the room. The shock at the sheer notion of binding a goddess to himself was almost too much for them to wrap their minds around. Then, the absurdity of it all caught up to their shock, and they burst out in laughter. Keiichi turned bright red in embarrassment, though he joined in , too.
"So, the reason... you stay... with him.. is because... of the contract... between the two of you?" Takano said, trying to bring her mirth back under control.
"Oh, no!" Belldandy quickly exclaimed, laying her hand over her beloved's. "I now stay because I wish to, because he asked of me. I truly love him with all that I am! I could have returned any number of times since the initial contract was made, as it had been made void several times - and I was even ordered to at one point - but I chose to stay by his side, for as long as he would have me. I have since made a promise of my own to him, to stay with him of my own accord, and I mean to fulfill it, because I want to."
"HM! The Morisato family tends to have that affect, doesn't it dear heart," and his parents stared at each other in the eye, a loving look exchanged in silence.
"And those other... women... at the temple?"
Belldandy smiled at Keima's inquiry, remembering the craziness of that evening.
"Two were my sisters - Urd, my older sister, and Skuld, my younger. Then, there was another goddess, Peorth, and the robots Banpei-kun and Sigil-chan."
At the mention of Peorth, Takano dropped her head into her palm, groaning dramatically.
"I'm sorry. I forgot about Peorth being there. No wonder you had an episode, Keima-kun! She is known for her ... blatant... dress and actions - as is Urd, if I'm not much mistaken."
"Yes, they are - more times than I care to remember," Keiichi remarked drily, remembering how each had treated him in the past.
"Anyway, back to the reason we are here. Do you recall any unusual circumstances surrounding your wife's pregnancy, or shortly after the birth of Keiichi-san?"
His eyes lost focus for a few minutes as he thought back to that time over twenty years in the past. He was quiet for several minutes; then, finally: "There was something, just give me a few more minutes, please. It's hard to remember that far back."
The young immortal looked at his love, then stood.
"Perhaps we should step outside for a minute."
Are you positive you wish to do this, child?
Keiichi stopped, surprised. Belldandy grasped his arm, worried he had hurt himself again. This was the first time that the spirit of Thor had spoken directly with Keiichi, of his own accord.
There really is no point in hiding the truth from them, especially now. They would find out soon enough, when they realize that I am not aging like they are - well, as my father is - as a human. Better to be honest with them now rather than trying to explain later, and probably dealing with the pain and resentment of them feeling betrayed by my lack of honesty and trust.
So be it, once-mortal.
Keiichi suddenly returned Belldandy's grasp, then proceeded to lead the quartet outside, glad for the relative privacy of their home. He closed his eyes, breathed in, and...
"Um, Belldandy? A little help, please?"
"Oh! I understand! Just ask, let him know your desire."
"Okay, then. Here goes."
Keima looked between the two, confused. His son once more had his eyes closed in concentration, aiming his thoughts to the angel that had disappeared into his back some time before.
Mjolnir, please come forth, but gently. It's a good bet that dad has never seen an angel before, so I want to startle him as little as possible. No need to frighten him more than need be.
Slowly, the massive angel drew out of his back, rising to his full height before stretching his arms and unfurling his great wings. Only the quick actions of Takano kept her husband from falling to the ground, though her own amazement was plain on her features.
"He's so... large! I've seen the angels of a few other gods and goddesses, but never one this immense!"
"The angel is a reflection of the host, most of the time. Mjolnir is a unique instance," Belldandy explained. "He is his own entity, still tied to the spirit of Thor, but independent in that he carries the spirit until he finds a suitable host. However, he does still take on a few characteristics of the host - in this case, part of his size is tied to the size of Keiichi-san's heart, his compassion for others, as well as his overwhelming desire to protect those that are dear to his heart. My own angel," and Holy bell appeared, " is a reflection of me. Despite all my own compassion and love, however, she would never reach the same stature as Mjolnir. Few have, or ever will I would wager.
"Angels also feed on compassion - again, usually drawn from their host. Holy Bell draws upon mine, as well as Keichi-san's , since we are bound together. Mjolnir, on the other hand, fed on Thor's before his downfall, and countless others since. Now that he is in Keiichi-san, he is fed by not only my beloved, but that of yourselves, me, my sisters, and countless other goddesses and beings that he has had a personal affect on.
"That love, and the willingness and desire to give of one's self to protect another is where true power comes from. That was the lesson Thor was to learn, and Keiichi is the personification of that. I can't begin to count how many times he has gone out of his way to help someone in need, to protect someone he cares about - often from themselves, myself included - all without regard for his own safety or health."
Holy Bell floated over to Mjolnir, placing her hands gently on his arm in compassion. He peered into her eyes, gave a deep, sad smile of gratitude, a haunted expression in his weary eyes, which were little more than pools of liquid turquoise within his downcast face. He began to furl his great, iridescent wings as if he could make himself smaller just by shear force of will, and then sink back into the young man. He was ashamed of his past offenses, as well as those committed by his former host, Thor, not wanting to face anyone, fearing recriminations. He began to sink back into Keiichi.
Please wait! Keiichi called in his mind, knowing the angel would hear. Simultaneously:
"Mjolnir, wait! Don't go! You made mistakes in the past, yes, as did Thor. Past misdeeds cannot be righted, but you can't carry that guilt forever. Sometime you will need to forgive yourself, as we do you. We have all done things that we regret - that we wish we could undo - but we have to learn to move on after learning from the pain and guilt. That is where healing and redemption begin.
"I beg you, please don't hide away anymore. I need your strength and experience, as much as you are dependent on me. The only way to accomplish that is to begin anew, cooperating for the common good."
Keiichi reached over his shoulder to emphasize his speech, his request.
"He's right, you know," Takano began, studying her feet. "I admit, I was prejudiced by the stories I had heard. It's true, though - even I have done things I regret, that I would change if I could. The poor god I pushed too far, other things that still pain me at times - all things I wish I had never done. I have to live with my decisions, move on. I would beg you to forgive me for my harsh words earlier, my poor judgement, leaping to conclusions without all the facts."
Mjolnir looked up at Takano, his eyes infinitely sad, but no longer despairing. He swept forward and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently kissing the top of her bowed head in acceptance of her wish. She began to cry in gratitude of his show if goodwill, and drew him into an embrace, which he tentatively returned. Keima walked over and wrapped his own arms about the duo, followed only a split-second later by Keiichi and Belldandy. Finally, Holy Bell joined them, enveloping the knot of souls in her wings, radiating love into that same. They held that tableau for what seemed an eternity, but was in actuality only a few minutes, letting their emotions flow and healing to begin.
As they pulled apart, Keiichi's father spoke up in a gruff voice: "There was an instance, a few month's after Keiichi-kun's birth. I thought it a dream at the time, though now I'm pretty certain it wasn't. I saw this fellow, " and he nodded to Mjolnir, "looking down on the sleeping Keiichi-kun with a very sad look. He reached down and brushed a lock of hair out of your face, then looked at me as if trying to convey something. I had no idea what he wanted, but he seemed satisfied. Next thing I know, he had transformed into an egg, or something like that, and descended into you.
"As I said, I thought it was a dream at the time. I should have said something, I know now, been used to the odd and unusual by then."
"It's okay, dear. So Mjolnir's been inside Keiichi-kun this whole time?" Takano asked.
The angel in question nodded, then began to explain, as Keiichi passed on what he said.
Yes, I have. Both Thor and I watched from inside you - dormant, but able to watch and learn. Such is our existence now. We are the reason Wasp of the Blue Lance and Cool Mint could not stay within you, why you could not support them. If we were not within you, you could have supported either one amply.
That last statement required a little clarification with his parents, but they accepted the explanation in stride, considering all the other revelations that had come that day. Then, he broke the news to them that he was now immortal, which elicited another round of questions to be answered as the quartet returned to the house. They talked over dinner, and into the night. Finally, the older Morisatos convinced them to stay the night with them and then make the roughly fourteen hour drive back to the temple starting in the morning. They then turned in for the evening, with Belldandy in Megumi's old room and Keiichi in his original room, much going through everyone's minds about the day's information.
