Chapter Two: Denial

Captain Aldeen, fully recovered mere hours after he initially awoke, was already planning an escape. Running through his mind were the Marines who would never see their families again, and he knew he didn't deserve to live. Just like always, however, he'd keep moving, because to kill himself would be to dis-respect them by making their deaths worthless. A quick glance around the room, which seemed to be in a distinctly un-military design, confirmed his gear wasn't in the room.

Thanking whatever god did exist, Danny found that they had neglected to take the pistols on his body. Danny was certain these women, or at least the one who called herself Belldandy, had to be insane. After all, she called herself a Goddess. There was no way there was such a thing as a Goddess, and even if there was why would she be on Earth? Giving a slight snort, Danny drew his pistol and opened the door

Standing there, was the woman with white hair and she seemed completely un-surprised to find Danny standing there. Her face seemed almost bored as she leaned on the hallway wall, even as Danny's pistol rested on her head. She smiled slightly, and after sizing him up deemed it fit to speak.

"So, soldier boy is ready to move then? Well, thats fantastic. I hope you weren't planning on shooting us, I'd hate to find out if a hidden one's powers stay on after initial activation."

"What..Powers? Hidden One? Initial Activation? Okay, you all are officially insane, now where is my gear, I'm leaving and I'm doing so now."

"I'm sorry but I can't allow that. The Almighty demanded you stay with us, and I'd rather not get a License suspension."

"Are these chicks completely off the deep end?"

Even as Danny thought this, the woman seemed to react, feigning an offended expression and declaring.

"We are not crazy! You just don't understand what we are."

"Wel-..wait a minute did you just read my mind?"

"Well of course I did! I am a Goddess after all, it really isn't that hard."

Now growing scared, Danny took a step back, and then he heard footsteps coming down the hall. The Marine's instincts took over and he whipped out the second pistol, aiming at the footsteps. Keeping one eye on the silver-haired woman, the other glanced over to see it was Belldandy standing there.

"Urd...why is he aiming his weapons?"

"Because, sister dear, he doesn't trust us. I can't say that I blame him either, after all we did just kidnap him and inform him that we're taking him from any life he may have."

This seemed to bother Belldandy and she turned to Daniel, exclaiming.

"I'm sorry! I really didn't want to make you stay here, but the Almighty One was insistent that you stay!"

"Okay, thats it, I'm sneaking out tonight, 4 A.M , I won't be a part of this insanity!"

Belldandy reacted to his thoughts this time, saying quickly.

"I am sorry, but I can't let you leave tonight! I know this may not be the best situation, and you have every right to be upset or even to hate my sisters and I, but we trust the Almighty One's judgement."

Daniel blinked in shock, she could read his thoughts too? That would mean that they were telling the truth when they called themselves Goddesses and if they were Goddesses then what was that woman he had killed?

"Wait...so...if you really ARE goddesses...who...who."

Tears began to roll down Daniel's face as he recalled the painful memory, finishing his sentence more quietly.

"Who killed my men?"

The silver haired Goddess, evidently Urd, paused for a second and said

"The Leader of all Demons, Hild."

Danny holstered his weapons then and scooted over so he was against a wall, and then sat down. Drawing his knees to his chest and burying his head in them to cry softly, Daniel waited. Some words that he didn't bother to listen to reached his ears, and he heard one Goddess leave while the other sat next to him.

"I'm sorry about your soldiers...and your younger brother...but they are in a much better place now, I've seen it myself! It's a beautiful place, and they can live in peace there away from all the wars and suffering."

Belldandy's voice reached Danny's ears, piercing his wall of sadness rather well. Danny looked up then, taking some small comfort in this, and bit down on his lip. He wasn't quite sure to react to these words, and so simply gave a small nod. She looked to him and seemed to want to ask something, so Danny pre-empted her.

"What is it...you wanted to know?"

She seemed emberassed that he had noticed and said quickly

"Oh...I was...wondering...could you explain this Marine Corps to me?"

This was a rather odd question, since Danny figured if anyone knew about the Marine it would be a Goddess, but he decided to explain anyhow.

"Well...we are a branch of the United States Military, we're the first ones to fight no matter where in the world it is. We are all expert riflemen, and we go through intense training so we are at our best mind and body. We live by a strict code, Marines respect other Marines and care for them. Loyalty is...very important to all Marines."

Belldandy seemed to ponder this, staring at the Marine Corps emblem on Danny's shoulder, before looking to his face and asking softly

"What does it feel like...when you see Marines die?"

Danny paused, surprise further by this question, but slowly managed to say.

"It feels...horrifying. You get hit by waves of depression and guilt, you wonder why you lived and they didn't. Most of all, you miss them horribly, knowing you won't ever talk to them, laugh with them again. And you know, they left behind a life, friends who'll never speak to him again, wives and husbands who've lost the one they love and kids who may never know their father or mother."

Belldandy seemed to think for a moment, before she began to speak softly

"I understand missing them, and mourning their lost lives, I truly do. However, I do not understand the depression and guilt. You didn't kill them, and they wouldn't want you to be sad or guilty. Thus, isn't it more respectful to them to move on and be happy?"

Danny, who hadn't ever thought of it like that before, began to ponder this. Her words made so much sense, and he wasn't that surprised granted that she was, based on all evidence, truly a Goddess. He nodded his head slightly and looked at her now, taking in her strangely concerned expression. She seemed to sense his confusion that she was worried and she said softly.

"You've got a good heart Mr. Daniel Aldeen, but you don't believe that you do. I've seen the record of your whole life, Mr. Daniel Aldeen. You protected kids from bullys in elementary school and through your whole life. You started working early just to provide more for your family. You never dated, because no girl thought the man who wanted only to be a Marine was good enough. Your heart is pure, Mr. Daniel Aldeen, and the power in your soul is great! You know, later in the day, after we've gotten the chance for you to speak with all my sisters, I've got someone I want you to meet. Someone I know you'll get along with."

With that, she stood and gently helped him up, then had him follow her. When they arrived, he found the other two Goddesses seated already. Belldandy sat next to them on the couch and began to speak.

"Mr. Daniel Aldeen, I know you wanted to know what a Hidden One is, and I want to tell you, so please stay quiet while I explain."

Daniel nodded slowly and let her speak as she pondered how to say it, eventually beginning.

"Some humans are born with a very powerful Destiny. I'm sure you are well aware of what a soulmate is, the one your soul is matched to. Well, sometimes, a Human soul is matched to a Goddess, and this creates a Hidden One. The Hidden Ones are humans with the power of a God within them, only stronger. When fused with the innate power of a Human Soul, the power of a God doubles and even triples, and that is what you are. Mr. Daniel Aldeen, the key to unlocking your power is to find the one you are matched with, so that you may prove it to her and she will unlock your full power. That is quite some time in the future, however, and as I said there is someone you should meet."

With that, she began to sing. It was a beautiful, haunting melody, that seemed to draw Danny in as her sisters, the young child and Urd, joined in. Daniel began to grow worried, then, as he felt something within him. It felt almost like something waking up, and he instinctively glanced down, to find he was glowing again. Only this time, it wasn't faint, it was bright and lit the rather subdued living room with a brilliant blue light. It was then that he FELT something, first as a very warm feeling in his chest, which grew as his combat instincts caused him to face behind him, detecting someone there. Behind him was a tall woman, wearing what seemed to be a white and blue Marine Corps Uniform, with the name tab reading "Eternal Duty". Glaring at her, he identified her to be a brunette with long hair, and she wore a massive smile. She surged forward and wrapped her arms around Daniel in a massive, loving hug. It was then that the song ended and Belldandy spoke softly, saying

"She's been within you your whole life, Mr. Daniel Aldeen. She is your angel, one destined to protect you. More than this, she is a reflection of your true self. You seem confused, if it is because she is a woman, don't worry. It doesn't mean anything, all Angels are women."

The Angel continued to fiercly hug Daniel for a moment before floating back behind him slightly. It was only then that he noticed her wings, extended to either side of her. They were long and primarily white, however they had a gunmetal grey undertone. Turning to Belldandy, he noticed she wore a massive smile as she spoke.

"Her name is Eternal Duty, and she will never leave you so long as you live."