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 4: Tangled they stand
The world passing by in a stream of wind and shadows, his thoughts were fixed upon what lay on the small piece of paper; the heavy, quick rhythm of the engine warmly familiar as what he knew became alien, uncertain and fearful. Folded in the recesses of his jacket, a flicker of pre-emptive guilt seemed to burn his cheeks from within as he still agonised over the meaning the small letter would have; a fear which had kept its existence from Bell just now. Rising, the streets soon yielded to higher road and Nekomi stretched out beyond; its nocturnal beauty, like a sprinkling of brilliance across the valley, was lost upon those now so occupied with other things. K1, having noticed Bell's occasional glances, forced himself to relax slightly; his visage easing from its strain as the letter seemed to cut his thoughts, not desiring to alarm Bell anymore than what would inevitably follow. Belldandy was concerned as K1 seemed brittle in his posture; his feelings tumultuous as she wondered what had caused this sudden change. Her thoughts darkening as work or stress seemed more unlikely a cause, she pondered if the demon's presence had burrowed deeper that she had first felt; a worry that she would seek to reassure once they spoke. Both strained minds drew a little relief from the oncoming sights of home; the high trees and homes soon opening to the walls of the temple and they passed through to the small garage. Leaning back, K1 dismounted with a small smile as Belldandy allowed herself a little pause to quickly look upon K1 before turning with him into the house; thoughts heavy behind sapphire eyes. It was while she reclined in the tea room that K1 entered with a impassive expression that her concern grew finer. Sitting, K1's body stiff as he softly looked at Bell, his lips trembled with unborn words before Urd arrived with information for both; their gazes drawn away to her thoughtful expression.
"Oh, hi there. Did everything go well then? Nothing too unexpected down there I hope?" Bell smiled softly while K1 suppressed the jagged memory swelling in his mind, though he too feigned a smile.
"No, things were quite pleasant; more so if not for the circumstances upon us. Beyond this, a wonderful time was had by all, I think." The elder norn smiled softly as her thoughts jumped to other, more pressing matters; her words borne of many thoughtful hours as she sighed.
"That's good to hear Bell, but I would like you two to be here soon; I have information regarding our opponent and with good news and bad news. Once I have made my last checks on what was sent down, I'll set things out for us. Skuld will come too once Banpei is out on the night watch, so be here in 15 minutes, okay."
With that she turned quietly and left down the hallway, leaving Bell and K1 with sombre expectation as to what Peorth had discovered at Urd's requests. Bell peered over as K1 felt his fear creep higher at Urd's words. The coming revelation having bent his thoughts to the enemies beyond and to those who might usurp their life with the power now held in a, largely, stranger's hands. He looked up at Bell and forced a nod. Senses curious, her eyes drew closer with a knowing, soft smile.
"Keiichi, what's the matter. I understand what dwells amongst us is an enemy but you seem winded since our ride home. Did something happen at the meeting?"
Her eyes portals of blue sincerity, the man smiled softly as the time of revelation had come; to understand that their secret had fully escaped into the mind of another, their intentions not fully known. He sighed, sadness fluttering in his chest, as words flowed out.
"Belldandy, something did happen and I….I think it might help if you are the first to know. I think someone may have come to understand what actually has happened here these past few years." He punctuated his words by slipping a letter from his pocket, its tongue open, and held it for Belldandy. The face addressed to him, Bell took it with a questioning visage and gently eased the letter out; its white length opening beneath still eyes and silent lips. She quickly read before pausing, her hand sinking slightly, as troubled eyes turned dark with comprehension. Her voice was soft, though tinged with foreboding.
"I fear that this may not bode well for us, Keiichi. If what they say is true, then the magnitude may be terribly great……"
--
After many tense moments of conversation, the clock hand swept by and soon Skuld parted the screen; tense eyes growing narrow as she spied the closeness of the couple's hands across the table. This she rectified by greeting the two and planting herself between them, K1 withdrawing himself a little from habit as Belldandy seemed distant, a fact which tamed the old flicker of jealousy as her gaze softened slightly. The wait was tinged with anticipation as all three dwelled upon their enemy, the lovers seemingly distracted with equal strength as Skuld wondered if, perhaps, something had happened between the two. This reflection was nipped as Urd slipped in; her expression plain, though steel blue eyes were weighed with insight. Peering at the assembly, she padded forward and sat to rest bronze hands upon the table. After a moment's silence, a lean smile drew her lips up and she drew breath.
"After speaking with Peorth and going over Yggdrasil's reports, I have good news and bad news. We have found my suspicions were on target and that Legion had hidden something when it arrived here after……they agreed to team up. So far, from what we've seen and Peorth's analysis, our enemies have planted energy seeds attuned to a elemental force. Our tussle with the demon last night saw it activate a well of energy; the eruption we saw was pure, unfocused power born of the earth. Having triggered the well, we know that there are four others hidden around the area. Also, having been awoken, the well is still active but would need a powerful nudge to again explode like last night. Also, unfortunately, we are at a loss as to why the system would so randomly scatter fragments around the region, but hopefully we can put something together soon once we understand more.
As expected the reaction was mute as K1 and Skuld sighed and Bell seemed distant. A few moments of reflection was quickly ended as Urd moved on to the other half of her findings; her voice gaining a familiar energy as the others turned once again to listen.
"Now, though, we do understand that neither Nidhegg or Legion can locate the seeds as they would have sunk into the natural world. Now, it gives no advantages but they will have to search to claim them before dipping into the accumulated power. Also, it seems we have something that may help greatly if the reports are correct. Once we find them, wherever they may be, we can render the energy neutral before they bring it back to their side. It's not what I would like, but Peorth and I think it will be enough to at least prevent them getting it."
Urd noticed a slight rise in their spirits as Skuld braved a weak smile, though Bell and K1 seemed strained by this seemingly good news. It worried her, thoughts weaving behind impassive eyes, before Bell spoke.
"If we can locate the fragments as quickly as possible, perhaps we can frustrate their designs, but I wonder why the Empire would do such a thing. Their system is already here and functional, thus a need for energy seems strange to one already powerful." Skuld reflected for a moment before agreeing while Urd concurred; Bell's query having lingered in her own thoughts for sometime.
"Yes, you hit the nail on the head there, Bell. Peorth is still running an investigation and, aside from what we've already seen and know, it's a mystery why they've gone to such an effort around here." The elder norn's words sparked a curiosity in K1 as he turned questioning eyes upon Urd.
"So..if its not really needed, why would they do something that impedes them; I mean, if you've already got plenty of energy why risk losing some you've just created."
"I know, K1. It simply doesn't make sense. What the Empire has done is like having a large, well stocked garden then simply scattering seeds without looking around. The process was well hidden and, after last night, it makes it all the more important to find out what they want them for now."
The silence was pregnant with foreboding before Belldandy spoke; her words soft and thankful, though tinged with a lingering anxiety.
"Thank you, though I know our adversary will have his designs, I am thankful we at least know what he covets. That thought alone allows us to draw strength." Urd smiled, appreciating her sisters soft touch in matters often dark.
"Thanks, Bell. It's something to go by, at least before we dig deeper into this." The norn of the present nodded before, with cool conviction, she looked at K1; the mortal nodding in recognition before Bell turned to Urd with knowing eyes.
"Urd, I fear that what we have discovered of our enemies may not be the only problem before us." Her words seeming to plant some cold stone in her chest, Urd's eyes narrowed with discovery at her sister's words.
"We…we…have another one? If your expression is anything to go by, I have a feeling this will make me either laugh or cry or both…." The deity's sardonic words were followed by Bell nodding to Keiichi who, to Skuld's curious eyes, withdrew a letter from his pocket and reached over to Urd. A bemused expression met the small piece of paper and she took it. Noticing the name on the face, she withdrew the letter and read. Slowly, an eyebrow rose in grim discovery as her eyes grew dark with smothered, rich frustration. Her expression yielded to words which no one had doubted would come eventually.
"I won't ask if this is some really, really bad joke, but if it isn't then I already feel like zapping the writer……."
--
Belldandy cast her eyes, now dark with concern, at her love; her sisters having taken to the discovery as one would with a sudden, shocking realisation. Skuld was mute yet seemed fearful for her beloved older sister while Urd, face stiff with frustration and anger, rubbed her visage slowly, deeply before returning narrow eyes to the letter; the paper laid out in the middle of the table as if some dangerous material only to be handled with care. She sighed and, with a heavy gaze, turned to K1; the man looking back with a shadow of guilt in his soft features. Turning back to the letter, she sighed; revelation having skewed any plan they might have had so far as they were again faced with a new threat. Rubbing her eyes, she closed them to think. Unfortunately, despite her best wishes for this whole scenario to disappear, she glanced down to find the letter still there; the words on the creased paper adding weight to an already precarious situation. Looking up, she found equal concern around the table.
"Now that's a troublesome thing, isn't it?..." Her dull humour lost amid the detached expressions, K1 spoke; his words tense as the past hours bore down upon him.
"I know….I doubted it, but too much of it's true. If she knew this much for so long
then me and Bell never had the slightest idea; we couldn't have guessed she could know this much after arriving so soon." He turned to Bell, now seemingly in thought, as she peered at the parchment. Looking up, she spoke; her words born of deep reflection.
"I'm sorry Urd, but as I can recall, I have never had suspicions or felt anything from Saki since I met her; I haven't felt any power from her and if she does possess some ability, then I assume it may be shielded or suppressed. Beyond this, it's a mystery unless……" Urd twisted her lips in a grim smile, a suspicion on the tip of her tongue.
"Yeah….unless she's linked to our fiery eyed friend, it would appear she realised it herself, or maybe she's been listening to Aoshima; the guy's seen plenty himself but has kept a lid on it so far, so maybe he's found a willing accomplice in whatever he's doing now." Her words were met with grim nodding; the possibility that Saki could be part of some scheme brought back a few unpleasant memories as the possibility of betrayal loomed large.
"So it could be a set up or, at worst, a trap…" the young man intoned quietly; the image of Aoshima hoping to reveal Bell to the world yielding to the demon lord of his dream, pressed down on his thoughts.
"So we are kind of stuck for choice about what to do" Keiichi sighed as he looked over at Bell; the goddess drawing the others attention as she drew the letter close and extended her hand; palm shadowing it as she closed her eyes. In moments, a soft energy seemed to grow between the paper and her hand; the sight drawing curious looks from K1 and Skuld as Urd raised an eyebrow. The energy faded and she turned to the others. Her eyes holding some new knowledge that lifted her concerned visage.
"Yes, your fears are justified, yet I do not believe that is the only answer. I sense these words were written sincerely as I cannot find any coercion or deception in the vestigial energy left. If what I have felt is true, then she may wish to know further of what she has seen or understands."
Urd smiled softly, her sister's empathic power nothing short of remarkable, yet her suspicion still lingered.
"If that's true, then how exactly down we fill her in on what she may, or, may not know." Keiichi lingered on the problem for a few moments before rubbing his temple, words creeping from tentative lips.
"Well…it's..difficult. We can't just ignore it, and I mean it's not like we can drag her in for interrogation either." His words seemed to resonate with Urd; the goddess seeming thoughtful until, to K1's relief, she nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, that wouldn't be practical. Though we still have to find out more about our curious Saki…."
Her words lingering amongst the group, Belldandy regarded the letter once more before glancing at K1; her love curious at her expression before she spoke.
"Maybe we should grant her request. Though I'm concerned at what this may bring, I feel that if we understand her then, perhaps, we can avoid any trouble beyond what we can handle. And still, if she does know of our nature, she may have to be told of the demon, lest she fall prey to it unknowingly."
The group was silent for a long moment; the reasoning of Bell's words drawing anxious, fearful thoughts from behind weary eyes. The astute summation turned Urd to reflection and she sighed; her answer tempered by experience.
"That's true, Bell, but first we have to decide if we're going to pull up the curtain for this girl and, if we do, can we bear the weight of what she knows beyond our control?" Her sister nodded, dwelling on what this could mean for K1 and their home. The problems abundant, she knew that an answer would soon be needed in what could be an opportunity to perhaps gain more leeway on earth….or walk into the jaws of a demon waiting in the night.
"This weighs heavily upon us and must be handled with the utmost care so I advise caution, though as K1 is greatly endangered, I must know what he feel's."
Keiichi, though expectant that a solution must come quickly, felt a flicker of guilt; having Belldandy pushed further by this sudden discovery, from within and beyond, stirred too many memories of past betrayals, memories that still echoed in his thoughts even now. Though ill inclined to put anyone else in danger, the options open tonight left them with little sure footing and, though intensely suspicious of what had transpired, would need him to choose.
"Bell…I..know that this is sudden and far to close for a coincidence, though if she simply wishes to speak about what she already knows then….then maybe, as she hasn't revealed anything, we can ask her to keep things quiet. I mean, if she's as we think, then maybe we can let her know."
"That's a big if, K1, and on the other hand, if we have to deal with a trap, then we will have strolled into the lion's den. But, maybe if we can lay some ground rules then we can prevent things from spiralling out of control." The elder norn's words meeting with cautious agreement before Skuld aired a tense idea to her sisters.
"Well…why can't we simply rewrite her memories? If she does have some power we don't know about, then maybe we can suppress it until the threat passes. I know it's not particularly nice, but we've done it in the past when we had to and this more than calls for it." The gathering was mixed, though Belldandy considered for a moment before slowly shaking her head, her eyes finding a path through her sister's words.
"I understand Skuld, but even if we did I cannot foretell the consequences; if she understands what we are then she may already know of our power and, if so, I don't want to force her hand. So, we must negotiate, if that is possible…….." Urd eyed her sister with some reserve before Skuld resigned herself with an anxious expression. Belldandy regarded the letter before quietly handing it to a grim K1, her eyes holding a small hope.
"As we have considered, I believe that this may be our most cautious choice in contacting her." Her words lifting his lips slightly, K1 reread it before peering at Bell. The others quietly agreed, with some reservation, and his girlfriend nodded softly. He concurred and rose. He let his eyes fall to the numbers etched near the end of the paper and, with a heavy heart, padded down the hall to the phone. Under the waiting gaze of the divine trio, he dialled the number and waited. For some time it rang and, when he thought it might not be answered, it was finally picked up. A familiar voice was heard and his own wavering lips answered. After a few minutes he nodded with a sigh and the receiver was lowered. He peered back at the group before returning to them; his expression less than promising.
"I got in touch and told her I understood. She told me she would like to meet tonight, if that's okay."
"She wants to meet you just now?...tonight?" Urd intoned with a cold voice as Skuld seemed questioning and Bell contemplated his words; the mortal glancing at the goddess before answering.
"I'm afraid so. She told me where she would like to meet in a few hours. The entrance to the Inokura campus." The trio was silent before Bell looked upon her siblings and returned to Keiichi with a small smile.
"It is suspicious, but if the location is open then maybe we can move with some precautions."
"You're actually agreeing to go!?" Urd groaned before she sighed; leaning back slightly in contemplation, she eyed Bell with narrow eyes.
"If she wants to meet then maybe we can do that, but I don't think you should be with K1; if this is some demonic trap to get you away from the temple then, perhaps, we could play it safe by letting K1 go alone……" The words sparked a fear in Bell that was smothered slightly as K1, his expression tight, offered his agreement.
"Well, yeah…Bell, if I'm the one to arrive, it'll be a test of her intentions. It's safer that way and you'll still be able to see me if anything goes wrong." His words wavered, but were tempered by a resolve that drew a warmth into her eyes. After a few minutes of thought, she slowly agreed.
"Very well, though it doesn't sit well with me, K1 will go to meet her and we shall keep watch from here, but if the need arises I shall be with him instantly. Does every one agree?" The others grudgingly agreed, Urd distrustful and Skuld pensive, as Bell smiled at K1; the young man wondering, behind bemused eyes, if he could carry the bravery of his words tonight.
--
Beneath a bright moon he rode through the night. The air dashing around him as shadows loomed large on his way; the road weaving out under the bike's light as a tension began to grow in his stomach. Drawing close to the meeting place, the roads growing smaller and higher as he sped from Nekomi, his thoughts grew sharp as imagination lent form to myriad fears; wondering if what he may meet would be the woman of recollection, or the monster from his dream. The thought of Bell watching was a slight comfort as he rumbled on through the darkness, but the mystery of this woman's request left him fearful; his seeming vulnerability echoed between the trees, the sky and mountains around. If things turned dangerous then, in truth, he was not entirely alone, though a great hesitation lingered if he should decide to put her in harm's way. A faint resonance within drew a small smile, thankful for her strength, as he drove farther along the high road; his thoughts turning to what the others might be feeling just now as they watched from Tarikihogan. The icy breath of the night wind brought him back and his path stretched out into shadows; his mind upon the place of the meeting as the silent heavens looked on.
His journey nearing its end, the distant lights of the Inokura campus peeked above the distant rock face. Drawing nearer, caution dictating his movements, he turned into the small valley made in the rock face to approach the entrance not far from the cross roads; the sound of the engine suddenly too loud as discretion vied with fear before he passed into the compound proper. The buildings of the Inokura campus loomed beyond, a few windows still lit, when he turned through the car park and beyond into the surrounding area. Approaching, he found the outcrop overlooking the forests and mountains beyond with an unnatural shape catching his eye; an expected sight drawing his chest tight and eyes hard. A car, caught in the moonlight, was found; its body half lost to shadow as a figure lingered near. Their gaze turned to the world beyond, the moonlight splashing across their form, as K1 uneasily and slowly dismounted. His lips suddenly dry, he pressed forward; breath heavy as trepidation turned every shadow into some frightful enemy. His tread drew close and the figure turned, brushing a stray lock from their face, with a small smile lost to shadows. Her eyes lingered on him before lips parted with hesitant words.
"I…I'm sure that you've got many questions. Some more pertinent that others, I expect….." The man couldn't speak for a moment, but soon his thoughts were heard; the sound almost as tentative as her own.
"Saki, I understand what you gave me and I just want to make sure you know what you may have seen……em…that's sounds strange but it's the reason why I'm here, so to speak." She sighed, her answer waited upon with a jumping heart.
"Yes. I know I could have handled that a bit better than simply a letter on your bike, but I didn't wish to cause any more trouble that was necessary. Calling you out here was…..I'll admit….a suspicious thing, though it seemed the right place to meet. I didn't want to appear suddenly at your door and I didn't want to appear as if I was luring you somewhere out of the way, so I choose here. Though I….do think I understand what I have seen. I understand that Belldandy is not all she seems and neither are her sisters."
"What do you think she is then?" His words clumsy between his teeth. The young woman peered at him with impassive eyes and answered.
"I understand that Belldandy is a powerful goddess. She descended from heaven and appeared before you. It was to her that you uttered a wish and she follows you, hand in hand, to this very day." He swallowed hard and smothered the recognition that flickered in his eyes but a new understanding had been born in that moment.
"I don't want to seem like I'm trying to dismiss you, but when did you first…em.. believe…that?"
"Believe? I, at first, didn't understand it myself but as I looked closer, I could see and even feel her power. Her nature, benevolence and harmony with all things seems to be divine; the purity of her energy leaves little for the imagination beyond that…." He seemed to hesitate for a moment before smiling softly, knowing that she had seen something more than others had beheld, even closely, in Bell.
"Not trying to be brisk…but how long have you known?"
"Since before I arrived at Nekomi Tech. Since before then I've been able to…..well…..I have some understanding of the world we can't usually see or feel." Her enigmatic answer drew his eyes narrow, curious as to what she may be speaking of.
"You can see these entities….then, maybe, your psychic or have some power?..." She smiled softly, the reaction about what she hoped to expect as her own secret was revealed to another.
"Yes. You could call it that or maybe some affliction, but I do see them. Spirits, ghosts, entities and other things I don't doubt you've had some experience with too. That's how I fell on you and Belldandy at the university." His suspicions still lingering around her, he softened as he drew closer. The mystery of this woman giving rise to questions.
"That's true, in many, many ways. Though I don't know quite what to say. If…." His tentative utterances dwindled as she smiled and shook her head softly.
"No, Keiichi. I'm not here to blackmail you or drag your secret out for the world. From what I've seen, there's still much to learn and understand of them, but I know that we can't always do it in peace." He recognised what she was referring to. The myriad obstacles, threats and adversities that had arrived here over the years colouring his thoughts.
"You've heard about the other ones too? Well…..yes. Life has been hectic, sometimes literally, but we've managed so far. Though, I'm amazed you knew about what happened here……"
"I know. It was strange to hear them speak…..echo the past between each other, but when I arrived in Nekomi, I found things sometimes too fantastic to believe. Though you're right to be weary, because I'm still not entirely sure sometimes what I see or feel; sadly, far from being an expert in how I handle this……aptitude, you might say."
"Well…I can agree there. But what you might see, along with knowing about...well……..demons, can also be very dangerous. There are things that can jump out at you before you know it. Speaking from all the strange encounters we have had, you have to be very careful…….especially now…." His words feeling misbegotten as they danced around his head, he found a knowing look in Saki's contemplative eyes.
"There is fact in what you say. It's because of something jumping out at me that I'm this way now; not long ago, it was a close encounter with one of them that, you might say, gifted me this ability, though at the time I had no idea what had happened.
"You met one of them? Was it a spirit or a demon?..." A curious expression eased his features as an eyebrow rose in bewilderment.
"Yes, well…..I still don't know what it was; I often wonder precisely what the creature was, but it meeting me was the beginning of everything. At home one night, as I was getting ready to sleep, I happened upon something…….. strange. The air grew cold and the shadows seemed to deepen. A essence, some twisting, weaving energy crept through the room; the apparition growing larger as it rose up. It seemed to linger for a moment before it turned and I thought to hear a voice, but it was too faint, too distorted too listen. With one motion, I met its face, or rather what may have been a face, and its eyes……..like stars as they watched me. I remember the energy seemed to extend out; the creature gesturing to me. I don't know if it meant something or was trying to communicate, though the energy sunk back to it slowly. After this it turned and stalked away, vanishing into a wall and the world returned to what I knew. My breath was cold, a sudden sickness passing through me and I fell. I remember gasping, sweating terribly as I crawled away; my senses distorted as I pulled my self into my room and bound myself in the bed sheets. I didn't sleep and terror followed every thought that night."
Keiichi listened intently, his eyes still as his skin felt tight; phantoms rising as his imagination played with the tale. His lips dry, he sighed and drew his jacket tighter before curiosity spoke.
"That's a disturbing sight. So it…. gave you something; changed you as it tried to touch?" She thought for a moment before answering.
"I think it did that night. But I found that nothing really changed in the world, only that I could see what I could not previously; feel and sense things that had always been there, but imperceptible to most people. In truth, at first I didn't know anything was different. I passed it off as a hallucination or a bad dream, though soon I began to see things, hear things and sense changes in the world around me. I…I could see auras, sense energies and watch spirits; I could hear them speak with each other understand what they felt. I could feel other things too, the ebb and flow of nature, the energy and voice of artificial creations and even know of the dimensions beyond our own. At first I thought I was having a breakdown or even possessed but soon I realised I could filter these as I liked. But I can say, it was not these things that brought me here. Believe me, I was just getting used to….this….. before I encountered a divine being, trying to live quietly on earth with the man who wished for her company." K1 nodded in agreement, intrigued and concerned by the strange events that had visited themselves on this woman.
"I could say the same, when this started for me, and I remember the fear like a gust of wind. If you know about the other places and worlds, I wouldn't grudge you some discretion. Though, I'm sorry for trying to peel you open. It's just that on top of all the things we've had going on, your…em…your boyfriend Aoshima has made himself a pretty big thorn from time to time; though he tries again and again, I realise he has some inkling that Belldandy isn't all she seems, and has occasionally tried to woo her too, or even reveal her unearthly activities. The same goes for his cousin, Sayoko Mishima, in that respect."
"I know, Keiichi. I had my suspicions about him and Aoshima has spoken about Belldandy, but he has nothing substantial. Don't worry; I know what he thinks and he's no closer to her secret, but he isn't entirely as others see him, you know. A victim of his parents and family, really…."
"I see he's still curious then?"
"Well, to a great extent, yes but he seems to have ceased pursuing it for now. I think that may be due to me." Her words, only half in jest, brought a smile before she continued; her inflection growing cooler.
"I know that's something of a help to you guys, especially with what you've got to deal with just now." The man's ears perked up and a realisation dawned; her words touching on their predicament.
"You know about that….then…..you've felt it, realised what it truly is….."
"Yes. It's a demon, isn't it? A strong one too. Very, very strong. I can't quite pin it down, but its here. Like a shadow on the sun. It stretches out, touching all things; in the sky, the earth, day and night. A great power, terrible and deep, that has a purpose. It's….searching…reaching out…..thinking….isn't it?" Knowing eyes turned and found an intrigued gaze; his words echoing her own suspicions.
"You could say that; from what I've heard it's looking for something here, but I don't really know what it is." His guarded words found affirmation as she nodded; her eyes bearing some unspoken discovery."
"I think so too. It searches for something that was once whole, some power that came from far away. It inserted itself here…but…somehow…it shattered, broke into many pieces and fell away. I feel that is what this thing is searching for so deeply." Her words resonating with the concerned, pensive faces back home, he tried to smother the accuracy of her insight as his features struggled to remain impassive. But if she knew, if she understood, then what would this mean for their current problem, beyond her agreeable gestures so far as she spoke.
"Keiichi, what I've told you tonight is, as far as can tell, the truth. It is the reason I slipped you that letter earlier and asked you come here. I have come to understand that the world can be more unpredictable than I ever imagined; what I've seen, heard and felt testifies to that. But also, I know that the problems you've got are great, even with Belldandy and her sisters. In this strange circumstance we've fallen into, perhaps some help on your side would make things go easier." His eyes grew and his lips moved tentatively, understanding the point of her question.
"You…you want to help us?" The thought twisted as he wondered what to say. What should he say to this enigmatic woman and the account she had given: her insights bridging one world and another. He was silent for a few moments, trying to weigh the opinions of those not present, but doubtless watching. Carefully, he answered.
"Saki…this…this is dangerous, even when things aren't like this, there can be times when even the smallest encounter can spell trouble for everyone; believe me, I've found myself hard pressed more times than I want to remember, and I don't know what this thing, it or him really wants…." She took his words quietly; her eyes knowing as she nodded.
"I would be lying if I said that was my first choice, Keiichi. The prospect of facing a demon, a true infernal spirit, doesn't gather too much interest and if I could avoid it…then maybe I would try harder. But, because I can see them, I doubt they'll simply ignore me like most people. As it comes deeper into the world, I..I'm afraid of what it may do and I would like to try and contain it, if that's possible, rather than fall beneath its power."
"I understand, it's just that it's a lot to take on and I really don't want to get anymore involved than needs to be, for your own sake. But thanks for the offer, maybe we can do something more, once I know what the others feel about it...I mean this problem, and try to understand it."
"Yes, that's being careful. You need to talk it over and I'm grateful you will. Also, thanks for having me on this bizarre night, especially when I know you don't need more on your mind, and Belldandy's too with my strange requests. It's getting late to be out here, so maybe I should get going." She smiled then trod over to her car and fished out the keys. Opening the door, she seemed to linger for a moment before turning to him again, the night air ruffling her locks as she spoke.
"Keiichi, I think this will sound like the novice telling the master how to practise their art, but please be careful. The more I get into this, the more I think that we have to be weary of the other beings, especially as we always seem to come out on the painful side of things. Have a safe journey." With that she ducked into the vehicle and the engine eased into life. The car reversing before turning, moon light dancing across the windscreen. Saki gave a little nod to the watching man and then pulled away back to the car park. In moments, he heard her pass away down the road and into the night. The sound having faded, he noticed that almost all of the lights had gone out over on the campus. Alone now, his thoughts brimming with questions, doubts and puzzles, he cast tired eyes to the valley beyond. The wind sighed, a cool breath that skimmed his cheeks, before peering at the heavens; the stars glittering amid the cold sky and the moon shining bright. A great Cheshire grin, as if finding some humour in the problems of the mortals below.
--
For the waiting others, gathered around the tea room table, their attention had been rooted, with various feelings of suspicion, on the ball of light in the centre; the vision of K1 standing alone under the stars within its border being their portal onto the outside world. Their expressions wavering, the vigil was almost over; thoughts turning to what must come next, but what? Belldandy sat with solemn visage before the vision of her love as he slowly mounted and drove from the almost silent campus; her thoughts pondering what to make of Saki and her entreaties in such a hard time for them. Skuld sat impassively, acutely suspicious of this woman; especially her charming, cool mien with K1. Her mind lingering on Belldandy and what they might do with this peculiar person. Urd, chin sunk in her palm, had been attentive but remained focused upon the words that fell from the woman's lips; considering that perhaps Bell might have been right with Saki being sincere, but still suspecting deception from this sudden appearance. As they observed him depart down the road to Nekomi, their voices broke a heavy silence; the tension having ebbed and flowed as K1 made his night ride.
"Well, that was certainly odd." Urd intoned, with some reservation. Belldandy lingered upon the image of K1 for a moment before agreeing.
"I am doubtful, very doubtful but I sense fear and trepidation in her; her words were soft, but not easily spoken, her power…..if it is that, weighs heavily upon her spirit. I understand that this is much too sudden to be a coincidence, but if she understands what is transpiring then we must consider what she offers." Skuld was not wholly convinced, despite her sister's careful words, and sighed.
"If she knows so much, then maybe we could watch her; see what she's up to before we start speaking with her. I mean, we can't trust her just like that and she could be hiding something else, maybe just using K1 to get at us….." Bell nodded and Urd's gaze narrowed; both sister's having valid points though the sudden appearance of this woman could be more than what it first seemed. If she was telling the truth, no matter how doubtful, then maybe the demon's presence hadn't gone unnoticed by others after all but, if she was something else, they would have to be careful of her presence in this; weary that she may already have been demonically influenced earlier, her vision ringing very familiar alarm bells from a few of Mara's exploits. She peered at Belldandy with curious eyes.
"Skuld has a point there. We can't really take her at word, even if she does know about us, and there's no guarantee she might not be something trying to use him for her own gain. We can't simply ignore her presence, but getting too cosy in a situation like this is asking for trouble; maybe if we could figure out a solution that keeps everyone safe, then we can focus on the problems without having K1 pulled in two directions.
Belldandy reflected upon her sisters worries with a knowing mind. With K1 on his way back, they would speak on this strange matter, but the question of Saki and her possible link with their current problem would have to be considered, as would her seemingly free request to help the embattled goddesses. Once they had discussed it, a decision would be required, and soon. She believed that there may be some link to the demon lord's arrival and thus must be approached cautiously. But, if her powers lent themselves to their cause then the whereabouts of the seeds, now gestating great elemental power, may be found quicker, but exposing an almost unknown person to the, often terrifying, world beyond wasn't something they could do easily; and, if this was done, what then? What if she had some agenda known only to herself? It was a vexing and dangerous problem…..
"I think we must speak with K1 and consider what must be done. I understand that she may not be all she seems, and we cannot wholly trust her words, but if she is sincere then we may have an ally against our enemy's plot. Also, if she can help us find these fragments, the weight lifted would allow us more strength to counter the demon, if need be. I realise we must be very careful and perhaps, if K1 agrees, we can keep in touch with her in trying to unravel this design. This isn't the most favoured choice, in the circumstances, but we must keep our options open and proceed with an open mind." Her sisters took the view as they did. Skuld was still pensive and Urd understood that caution on all fronts would be vital, though she had her doubts.
"I've got a few reservations about this, but I'll go with that," Urd nodded, combing a platinum lock as Skuld added her voice.
"The danger we're already isn't going to get any better, but maybe if we can work something out with her, we could keep both problems at bay, so I'll go with onee-sama." Belldandy lent a thankful smile as she continued.
"Maybe later, something else can be worked out, but for now let us be considerate in our plans." They offered a tired acknowledgment and Belldandy eyed the clock, the hands drawing the hour further into the night. Keiichi was on his way home and could be spoken with then; his feelings important before they moved.
"Bell, I going to try and establish some correlations in this elemental pattern; our best bet to working some checklist out before we go after them. I'll be trying Peorth again if you need me." Urd nodded and padded out into the hall as Skuld, aired her solution.
"I'll think of something to locate these fragments; I'm thinking they must have at least some signature, no matter how submerged they have become. Trying to differentiate will probably need scanning ability and a full spectrum analysis. I'll take awhile, but I can maybe modify Sigil and Banpei to help. Hopefully we can speed things up then." Her disquiet face suddenly grew surprised as Bell reached over to take Skuld's hand in her own; a word of thanks and a familiar faith bolstering her young sister's spirits. Skuld too left for her rooms, her eyes tired but ready for the challenge to come tonight. Belldandy too, would prepare, once Keiichi got home and gave his feelings on this whole exploit. For a moment, she dwelled in silence; her thoughts turning to the news of Ginsei Kyuuden. The confrontation and the destruction it left behind had been explained as a power surge which had overloaded underground wires before exploding. This accident was followed by a fire which had caused much more damage. An investigation was underway, but Belldandy knew they would not find or feel what truly lay in the bowels of that place. It was that thought of great power, suddenly unleashed that drew a fear into her mind; the myriad problems, adversaries and the demon lord's machinations bringing their world into jeopardy once again. Returning soon, Keiichi would bring his thoughts on how things had gone and what they could do, but despite all the solutions they thought of, she dwelled upon his safety for the future. A new day would come soon, a new beginning with morning's dawn, but still her thoughts were no brighter, the demon's hidden desires holding sway in her heart.
--
Hi again. This chapter has taken longer than I first planned, the intentions I originally had made harder by a cold, hardware failure and some inconveniences along the way. But with things going almost normally now, we can get things going again.
Thanks,
Sorcerer's Familiar.
.