Chapter 9
A Rock Too Far
Jago could barely refrain from laughing during the meeting. Apparently, what had happened was Bob had got himself into a bust-up with a group of the worst bullies in the school. Two broken jaws, a broken nose and five black eyes in return for just one. How Jago, Skuld and Noble Scarlet had managed to remained strait faced through that meeting was a real mystery, especially when the two girls were mistaken for Bob's sisters. However, the discussion on the way back home was far from comical.
"Right" said Jago. "What did those three do that warranted such a beating?"
"They were making fun of me for being a foreigner" said Bob. "That and my hair". Jago nodded and sighed.
"Well, I always said it would cause you problems". He sat in silence for a while and eventually, Skuld spoke up.
"Well at least you did more damage than they did. In fact, I'm impressed that you managed to beat three of them with just a black eye in return". Bob gave her a sheepish grin.
"Thanks" he said. Jago smiled but then returned to being serious.
"Aye, it was good but it still shows me one thing; we still need to work on controlling your temper". Tapped his chin with his free hand and then turned slightly to face Bob. "Basically, what you need is some anger management" he said.
"Anger management?"
"Aye, you need some way of letting off steam without completely losing your top". He paused and scratched his head. "And while we're at it, why don't I teach you how to fight and also, more importantly when and when not to fight. Not proper fighting with blades and shit but rather than just going in with flailing fists and a raging temper, I could get you to the point so that if you do need lamp someone, they will stay down". Bob's face brightened at this and he nodded.
"That sounds like it may work".
"Good" said Jago and Bob was about to say something when he raised a hand to stop him. "However, it won't be easy. Early mornings, lots of exercise, school, coming home to more exercise and possibly helping me in the forge and then it will be fighting training. You're gonna be bloody knackered by the end of the day but it should hopefully help you get a handle on that anger of yours. Now, does this sound like a fair plan to you?" Bob nodded.
"Ok, I'll give it a try" he said. "To be honest, I'm tired of being so easy to wind up and I'm willing to try anything".
"Alright" said Jago. "I must warn you though; I probably won't be the only one to help train you. I'm going to ask Lind and Mara to help train you. Possibly Chrono too". Bob turned slightly red at this last bit but Jago chose to ignore it. He had heard from Holybell that Bob may be keen on Chrono but he knew better than to push things. After all, he was only a little squirt!
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"May the lord protect me and save me" thought Jago, as he took a bite out of the piece of fish. He was surprised, for while it was salty and fairly rubbery, it tasted alright. He was surprised as this was Lind's cooking and from experience, he knew that it was a bad idea to ever let her into the kitchen. Not after that incident with the spaghetti! Lind gave him a hopeful look.
"Well?" she asked.
"It's good" said Jago and with a collective sigh of relief, they all tucked in. Lind had decided that in order to stay on Earth for any length of time, she would need to learn to cook. Unfortunately, that meant that Jago had been designated the taste-tester for any of her experiments before anyone else would eat them. Luckily, it seemed that this one had turned out well. That is to say, it hadn't tried to attack anyone yet and it didn't appear to be poisonous. Lind was positively glowing with pride as they praised her and her cooking as it not often that a Valkyrie was appreciated for her work. It was after dinner that Jago decided that he would make his announcement.
"Ok everyone, I need your attention" he said. "As you may have heard, little Bob here has been getting himself in trouble again. As such, I think that it is about time that I try and sort out his anger management. As such, I would like some of you to help me. Mara, Lind, Chrono, you three are the most capable fighters here and I would appreciate it if you could help me teach him to fight". Lind and Chrono nodded.
"That sounds fair" said Lind but Mara seemed unconvinced.
"Why should I help you?" she asked, folding her arms. "Sure you let me live here but other than that, you've never done anything for me. So why should I help?" Jago grinned.
"Well, I thought it wouldn't hurt for him to learn from the best and who better than a first class demon? On the other hand, if you don't help, I'll be forced to set Damascus on you". Mara balked as she glanced at the devil who gave her an impish grin, baring her fangs.
"Ok, ok, I'll do it!" she said, scurrying backward to hide behind her own devil.
"Splendid!" said Jago and he then turned to Skuld. "Now lass, I believe that you owe me an answer" he said. "Will you take the job?" Belldandy cocked her head.
"What job is this?" she asked.
"Well, Master offered Skuld and Noble Scarlet the opportunity to become his apprentices" said Lamb. "He thought that it might be good experience for them". Belldandy nodded.
"That sounds like a good idea" she said happily, clapping her hands.
"Well Skuld?" Jago asked. "Will you take the job?" Skuld and Noble Scarlet looked at each other. They nodded.
"Ok" said Skuld. "We'll do it".
"But there's a condition" said Noble Scarlet.
"And what might that be?" asked Damascus, making the smaller angel flinch.
"Well…"said Skuld, tapping her fingers together, "There's something that we… that is Noble Scarlet and want to learn at the same time…". She looked sheepish but eventually she summoned up the courage to say it. "We want you to also teach us how to fight!" she said, almost at a shout. Jago and Urd were taken aback and Belldandy gave a little gasp.
"But why Skuld?" she asked. "Why would you want something like that?"
"Well," said Noble Scarlet, "The thing is, my Mistress and I aren't very good at magic and we know that we would never be able to join either the GRO or the EHC (*1) even if we trained forever".
"And so," said Skuld, "We've decided to join the Valkyries". Even the usually unshakeable Lind was surprised by this latest announcement.
"My little sister…. Wants to be a Valkyrie?" said Urd, barely able to believe her ears. "But why?"
"Well, we know that we can't stay on Earth forever" said Skuld, "And we feel that when we get back there, being system administrators or debuggers for all of eternity just wouldn't be fulfilling".
"And so, we thought that becoming a Valkyrie would be the best option". Jago was the first to speak.
"Well I have no problem with it" he said. "In fact, it seems logical. You work for me, learning a skill and developing some strength and discipline and while I don't know about becoming a Valkyrie, I can certainly train you to fight". Lamb nodded.
"I agree with Master. I may not have known you for very long but I think that you are definitely Valkyrie material".
"Thank you" said Skuld, looking pleased.
"But Skuld…" said Belldandy with concern. "Becoming a full Valkyrie is incredibly difficult and dangerous. If you do succeed, you will be a completely different person and we may never see you again".
"Not only that" said Lind, her arms folded, "But the Valkyrie selection process is incredibly vigorous and brutal. Do you remember that cage fight in Crash Palace? Well at the lowest level of selection, you would have to fight like that but against up to twenty other trainees".
"It's true" said Chrono. "They will only take the two strongest from each match and then they will make you fight other trainees until one of you is defeated. And that's just to be accepted! After that, you would be given to a full-fledged Valkyrie to oversee the rest of your training. That's when it gets really tough. One in ten trainees are killed during training and of those that survive; only about a third will ever become full Valkyries".
"Is it really that brutal?" asked Jago.
"Yes" said Lind.
"Wow. I've just developed yet another level of respect for you" he said. "Valkyries are now officially the second toughest fighters in the world".
"Who are the first?" Jago shrugged.
"Ghurkhas". Lind was about to protest but then thought better of it. Ghurkhas were trained almost as hard as Valkyries even though, physically they were only human, which meant that they had to be phenomenally tough.
"Well, I know all this" said Skuld, "And my mind is made up. I want to become a Valkyrie and I am determined to make it, no matter what".
"That's very noble" said Lamb.
"Alright" said Jago. "I don't know about becoming a Valkyrie but I can certainly train you for combat, especially if I have to train Bob as well". He turned to the resident fighters. "Would you be willing to train her as well?" Chrono nodded and Lind sighed.
"I will help" she said, "But only if Belldandy agrees to this. I should also warn you that as I am no longer a Valkyrie, I will be unable to take Skuld as an apprentice". She turned to Belldandy. "Well Bell? What do you say?" Belldandy sat quietly. She looked unsure and a little sad.
"Are you sure Skuld?" she asked. "Do you really want to become a Valkyrie?" Skuld nodded.
"This is something I have to do, Big Sis. I know that you have always been against fighting but this is something that I must do!" Belldandy sighed and nodded.
"Ok Skuld" she said sadly. "If you really feel that this is something you have to do then I will support you". Skuld smiled and hugged her sister.
"Thank you Big Sis!" she said happily.
"Right then" said Jago. "In that case, might I suggest early nights all rounds? Gonna be an early morning tomorrow and we all gonna need a good night's sleep".
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The sound of snores emanated from Bob's room. He slept peacefully, with nothing to disturb his dreams. Nothing except Jago's air horn. The noise cut through his dreams and he rocketed out of bed, yelping as he went.
"Mornin' sleeping beauty! Come on, get up! Hands off cocks, on with socks, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!" Jago boomed, loud enough to shake the cobwebs from his mind. "Come on! Lind's expecting you in front of the temple in ten minutes so get dressed and head on out. I suggest a coat for the cold and some running shoes!"
Skuld yawned sleepily as they stood in the yard, in front of the main temple building. She, Noble Scarlet, Bob, Chrono and Heart of Stirling Silver were all standing in the cool morning sun, waiting for Lind to join them.
"So what do we do first?" Bob asked.
"Well" said Chrono, "We usually start with a run and then back in time for breakfast. Or hopefully at least. Take too long and no breakfast. After that, Lind will give us our task for the day and she will expect it done by the time she returns from work. When she gets back, either she or Jago will give us some combat training". She saw Bob's slightly concerned look and smiled.
"Don't worry" she said. "You two will only have light exercises compared to me. As I'm a final year trainee, I'm going to be busy all day while you guys will probably be able to take the afternoon off, once your day's task has been completed". She smiled. "With luck, you'll be working in the forge. I know it's what I occasionally have to do".
"So that's how Jago will have me working then" said Skuld. It was at this time that Lind arrived. She was dressed in a pair of navy blue jogging bottoms, a pair of trainers and a grey tank-top with her name embossed across the middle. Her angels followed her out, dressed in the same way, except without the names. Bob couldn't help but stare, until Lind cocked an eyebrow and he looked down apologetically.
"Right then" she said. "I suggest that we start with some warm up exercises" she said and then led them through a series of stretches to loosen their muscles. After a few minutes, Lind called a halt. "Ok" she said. "Chrono, standard route and procedure" she said and the younger Valkyrie nodded, heading off accompanied by Spear Mint and her own angel. Lind then turned to Bob, Skuld and Noble Scarlet. "Ok you two, here's the plan; each of you will be accompanied by either myself or Cool Mint. We will be running for about three miles and it shouldn't take longer than an hour and a half. You can set your own pace but I must warn you that if you take too long, we will miss breakfast. And I will warn you now: if either Cool Mint or I miss breakfast because of you, there will be some serious repercussions". The glint in her eye told them that she wasn't joking. "Alright then" she said, "Skuld and Noble Scarlet, you are with Cool Mint, Bob is with me". She turned to leave and indicated that they should follow.
Bob ran for about fifteen minutes before he was forced to slow. He paused, panting and look across at Lind who had yet to even work up a sweat. She gave him a look.
"Don't tell me you're winded already?" she asked. Bob shook his head.
"No, I just need to take it a bit slower for now". Lind nodded and they set off again. They ran silently for a while, until Bob became curious. "So Lind, would you mind if I ask you something?" he said.
"Can you talk and run?" she asked. Bob nodded. "Alright then; ask away".
"How did you and my brother meet? I mean, I know you two are sleeping together but how did you two come together?" Lind blushed.
"Well, I used to be a Valkyrie and I was supposed to recover your brother's angel when she was attacked".
"You mean Lamb?"
"Yes, Astrakhan Lamb" she said. "Anyway, I failed, I decided that it would be best if I stayed to ensure that they were coping with one another and unfortunately, it turns out that I can't hold my liquor very well".
"That's fair enough" said Bob. "I'm a bit of a lightweight myself". He paused and they ran on for a while, until he thought of something else. "So, I remember you saying that you are an ex-Valkyrie. What does that make you now? And how do you become an ex-Valkyrie anyway?"
"To answer the second question, it was a combination of two things. Firstly: I failed to recover your brother's Arch and so I lost Heaven a valuable and powerful asset. Secondly: all Valkyries must be virgins and as you and you brother-", she cut herself off.
"You mean that my brother made you lose your job?"
"Yes" said Lind. "However, I don't begrudge him. I had had enough of my life as a Valkyrie and I needed a change of pace anyway".
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I was the Captain of the elite first cohort, the special operations and rapid response unit of the Valkyries. Commander Lind". She snorted. "The best of the Valkyries. And now what was I supposed to do? Join the Praetorians and end up like my mother? No chance!"
"What are the Praetorians?" Bob asked.
"The elite security forces of Heaven. My mother is the Captain for their fourth cohort. They never leave Heaven, they rarely fight and they live the most dull, boring lives of any soldiers in all of existence".
"Wow" said Bob. "I can see why you wanted out".
"Exactly. As for your second question, I'm not entirely sure what you would class me as in terms of power. I still technically have a first class licence and while I have had my powers limited, I can still use the same use the kind of power as Belldandy". Bob nodded and they continued running. After a while, he became curious about one more thing.
"I don't know if I should ask this but there is one thing I would like to know".
"What now?" she said, sounding exasperated. "The phone number for the ruler of Hell? Your brother's favourite sexual position?" Bob turned red but shook his head.
"No. It's actually about Chrono" he said. Before he could ask anything, Lind spoke.
"I wouldn't recommend it" said Lind. "She is a final year Valkyrie student and as such, she will have no time for boys. Especially as she would be banned from their ranks if it was discovered that she was no longer a virgin". Bob looked dismayed but Lind gave him a rare smile. "Don't worry" she said. "If you can master your anger then I'm sure you can find yourself a nice woman. Or man, if your tastes run that way".
"No chance!" said Bob. "I'm not gay!"
"You shouldn't be so defensive then. It makes it sound like you are and are trying to hide it". She almost laughed at the look on Bob's face. "I don't know if you know this but there are nearly ten times as many goddesses in Heaven as gods so lesbian relationships are common. We have a very open stance on homosexuality and to be honest, we can't understand why you can't be more open about it on Earth". Bob just nodded and then smiled, blushing.
"Does that mean that you have ever, er… been with another goddess?" Lind snorted.
"No. If I had, I would never have met your brother" she said with some finality. Bob knew better than to continue to ask this powerful ex-Valkyrie questions. He certainty didn't want her displeasure now that they were sharing a house. They ran on in silence for a while until Lind called a halt. By this time, Bob was panting heavily and had worked up a heavy sweat. Lind by comparison looked like the work out had barely affected her. "We've come far enough" she said. "We should rest for a few minutes before we start back". Bob couldn't answer, he just looked at her. She gave him another half-smile. "Don't worry; you've done well for your first time". Bob gave her a weak smile and she gave him a few minutes to recover. At last he was ready and they set of back up the way they had come.
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The wind howled, sending blinding waves of snow into the faces of the half-dozen Valkyries as they sped over the high mountains of Jötunnheim. They were a covert strike team; battle hardened warriors on a mission, to recover Bifrost from the Jötunns. They flew in a lose "V" formation, weapons stowed for greater speed and alert to threats.
"Thirty seconds out!" called the leader, Kayrune, glancing over her shoulder. "Get tactical ladies!" The formation dived steeply, heading for the deck to begin a nap-of-the-earth approach to the enemy stronghold. They were ready for this. It was simple; the Jötunns were strong but they had no air-defence so they Valkyries would be able to simply fly to the fortress, land and then it would be a simple task of finding Bifrost and evacuating before they were overwhelmed. Total mission time; less than twenty minutes. Or at least that was the plan. It was then that the scream came. Kayrune looked back around and saw that the rearmost Valkyrie on the left side was missing. "Where's Hava?" she asked. The others shrugged, unsure themselves. Then two more screams sounded, this time to the left. They looked around and the two Valkyries who should have been there were also gone. "Byran? Alalpha?" asked Kayrune and looked back over her shoulder to check on her two remaining comrades. She was just in time to see a pair of dark shapes come crashing down from above and saw them slam into the two remaining Valkyries, bearing them to the ground. She swung around, summoning her trident as she turned to face this new threat. But what was it? The Jötunns had no air force, no way to fly. How were they being attacked from above? Then she spotted the shapes circling above. She summoned her angel and they took a combat stance as four of them detached themselves from the group and began to dive towards her. Whatever they were, they would pay for the death of her comrades. She charged them, her weapon held high but then she balked. It couldn't be but those were-. She never finished that thought as she sensed the attack from behind. She was fast, even for a Valkyrie but even she couldn't match the speed of her assailant. No-body could. She felt the blade bite home. "I'm sorry my Lord. We were betrayed" she whispered and then her attacker released her, allowing her body to plummet to ground far below.
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Bob was completely exhausted by the time that he and Lind had returned to the temple. The return journey had been harder and had taken longer because it was all uphill. At least now, they were home. Chrono and Spear Mint were waiting for them on the temple steps when they got there.
"So how did you do?" Chrono asked Bob with a cheerful smile. In return all he could do was pant, his tongue lolling.
"If you must know, he successfully completed his three mile trek without any problems" said Lind.
"Three miles? Was that all it was?" asked Bob, between breaths. Lind nodded.
"Don't worry, for a human of your age three miles in the time you did it is reasonable. If you were training at the same level as Chrono here you would be expected to complete twenty-five miles in the same amount of time". Bob nearly collapsed at the thought of this.
"Twenty five?" he asked. "You really ran twenty-five miles?" he asked Chrono who smiled at him and gave him a nod. "Wow" he said simply, before he doubled over in pants again.
"Now all we have to do is wait for Skuld and Noble Scarlet" said Lind, looking down the road. Before long, she could make out the approaching shapes of the three figures as they came up the road. Cool Mint was the first to arrive and she gave her Mistress a smile.
"Five miles even, Mistress" she said and Lind gave her a nod before turning to the other two. Both Skuld and Noble Scarlet looked like they were about to collapse. They were drenched in sweat, their hair was lank and they were barely able to place one foot in front of the other.
"I'm disappointed in you two" said Lind, folding her arms. "If you even want to be considered for Valkyrie training then you are going to need to be able complete a five mile run without feeling any effects. As it is, you wouldn't even last through the first selection heat". Both Noble Scarlet and Skuld hung their heads, dismayed and for a second Lind felt a little pity for them. However, she then hardened her resolve again. They had asked her to train them and she would do, to at least the bare minimum standard to pass. She turned about and headed towards the temple. "Come on" she said. "We'll be late for breakfast".
After the morning meal, Lind gave them each their morning task. Chrono was to practice her combat spells, while Bob and Skuld were to help Jago in the forge. They made their way to the large building and could see that Jago was preparing for his first job of the day. He smiled when he saw them and waved them over.
"Well, how did it go?" he asked.
"It was exhausting" said Bob.
"I don't think I have ever run that far in my life!" said Skuld. Jago chuckled.
"Well I hope you're not too tired" he said. "Got work to do!" Each of them was given a separate job. Bob was tasked to shovel coal into the furnace while Skuld and Noble Scarlet would each man one of the huge bellows that would supply the fire with air. Jago and Lamb would take it in turns to heat and shape the metal while Damascus worked on the intricate bits; sharpening, polishing, making handles. To begin with, Bob and Skuld's jobs didn't seem too difficult but they soon realised how much effort was needed to maintain this forge at a constant heat, especially after Jago explained that even a minor drop in temperature at any point along a tool or blade before it was ready, would result in a weak point that was liable to fracture if hit with sufficient force. It was several hours before Jago called a rest. They all sat down around the water butt, as Jago mopped his brow with a handkerchief.
"I'm impressed with you three" he said. "You've done well for you first day on the job". Bob, Skuld and Noble Scarlet beamed. The ached but they felt good for what they had done. Jago smiled. "I must warn you though; this is just you first day. It's going to get a lot tougher". They nodded and with that, Jago pulled a small object from the front pocket of his leather apron. "Now who wants a piece of caramel?" he asked, pulling out his knife and cutting the sweet into small pieces. They each took a piece and began to suck them greedily. Being young, Skuld and Noble Scarlet finished theirs far too quickly.
"Are there any more?" they asked. Jago shook his head.
"Sorry, just one a day. It's the rule you see; I can live without the essentials in life provided I have the little luxuries and as such, I have had to ration my caramels".
"You ration your caramels?"
"Oh aye. Can't find them anywhere! Go to any garage in Britain and you will be guaranteed to find three things; caramels, Kit-Kats and pies. Here, what you get is sea-food which has been lightly killed and then put in a bag. So in the end, I have to ration them". After the caramel break, Jago decided that it would be ok for them to stop for the afternoon and so they had some peace until the others returned home. However, when they were back, it was time for the most difficult task of the day; combat training.
Bob was given the best possible opponent for his first session for he would be fighting against Lamb. She may be many times stronger than he was as well as much faster and more experienced but she also had the greatest control over her strength. If it had been Mara or even Lind, he would likely have ended the session with a severe injury but as it was, she went slow and allowed him a fair chance of winning. Skuld and Noble Scarlet however were given a much more difficult task, as they had to fight Mara and her devil, Beautiful Chaos.
Bob staggered backward from the blow to his chest. Lamb gave a concerned look, afraid she had punched too hard but then he was back again, with a frenzy of attacks.
"Good" she said, "but haven't thought this through. You're going to wind yourself without landing many hits". She took a step back and aimed a blow at his stomach. It connected and he feel to one knee, growling with rage. He had never fought someone as good as this and he didn't like the feeling of being beaten! However, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into Lamb's smiling face. "Not bad" she said and helped to his feet. "Now let's try something else" she said. She took a stance a preceded through a series of slow, graceful moves. "You saw what I did right?" she asked. "Well now I want you to copy what I just did". Bob started to do so but she stopped him part way through. "No, like this" she said, showing him what to do. He nodded and he tried again. She gave her approval. "Good but now I want you to do it faster!" He did. "Faster!" He did. "FASTER!" He did. He was panting by the time she let him stop. She gave him an approving smile. "You learn fast",
"Why would you make me do something like that?" he asked.
"You need to learn control. By having you repeat the same set of steps but gradually increasing the speed, it eventually becomes ingrained in you. You can then learn to apply that in combat: when to stop, when to attack, when to block and when to dodge". Bob nodded and they sat on the step, joined shortly by Skuld and Noble Scarlet. Unlike Bob, they were heavily bruised, having received a severe beating but they looked pleased. "How did you do?" asked Lamb. Skuld grinned.
"We were pretty badly beaten but we almost landed some hits".
"So basically, you got your arses handed to you" said Damascus from behind them. They jumped and Lamb gave her a disapproving look.
"That was uncalled-for" she said.
"But true" said Damascus. "If that was the best they have, then they will never become Valkyries". Skuld and Noble Scarlet looked despondent and Lamb and Damascus were staring daggers at one another so Bob decided to break some of the tension.
"So Damascus, why don't you take part in the training? I mean you are supposed to be pretty powerful". Damascus was taken aback but then she snorted.
"Me? Fight? I'm a magic specialist, not a fighter. I have no need to fight".
"But what about if magic doesn't work? What would you do then?"
"Well that is a secret. If I needed to though, I can use combat spells to deadly effect".
"Really? That's pretty cool!" At this point they were interrupted by a series of loud crashes. Across the courtyard, Chrono and Heart of Sterling Silver's training had switched from un-armed fighting against Lind to weapons training with Jago. He was using two weapons; his huge claymore in his right hand and his khukuri in is his left while they fought back with poleaxes. The pair were good, clearly fast and stronger but somehow he was able to constantly dodge their attacks and was in fact forcing them on the defensive. As they watched, the three became a blur of motion, exchanging blows faster than the normal human eye could follow.
"I knew my brother was good but how the hell is he keeping up with her? They must be going a mile a minute!"
"Not quite" said Lind who had come to join them. "But I do agree, he is exceptionally good at fighting. Honestly don't think that there is another human being who could keep up with a Valkyrie in close combat, even one who isn't fully certified. To answer your question, part of his skill has come from Lamb. She has certainly boosted his speed and power and when they are together, they can would be a match for even the best of fighters. Even I struggle against them. But that isn't the entire story, I'm sure. There's something about him that means that no matter how tough an opponent is, he can find a way to beat it". At that moment, there was almighty clatter and Chrono's poleaxe came arching through the air to impale itself in the roof of the temple. Jago stood in front of her, blades raised and held against her throat. They grinned at one another.
"You're better than last time" he said.
"Still can't beat you though" she quipped. He withdrew his weapons and nodded to her.
"Don't worry" he said and he mopped his brow. "You got me sweating this time. Maybe next time you might actually land a hit".
"I hope not" she chuckled. "If you were injured fighting me then Mistress Lind would have both our hides!"
"What was that?" said Lind in a calm voice, having quietly come up behind her.
"AH! Nothing Mistress!" Chrono said, looking guilty and she and her angel gave a respectful bow. Lind simply raised an eyebrow and then signalled for her to retrieve her poleaxe. She then turned to the others.
"We haven't finished yet you know" she said. "It's still an hour till dark and I want each of you to have completed at least one more sparing match before then". There was a collective groan from those involved. Jago though was up with a grin.
"Come on, no time to moan! Lind's the boss!"
"Thank you Jago" she said.
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The training continued for several days. Skuld was now beginning to show some promise and quietly, between some of the older temple residents, it was now looking like good odds that she would soon be at a level where an application to the Valkyries would be possible. Bob's was more sporadic than that of the others as he had to be at school during the day. However, he was still required to both fight and work when he got home. Then one day, it was decided to test the two in what at the time, seemed the most obvious way: they would fight one-another. Not good.
In theory, the two should have been fairly evenly matched. Bob was more experienced and was physically stronger, while Skuld would have the support of Noble Scarlet meaning that effectively, Bob would be fighting two people at the same time. However, they had reckoned without Bob's temper.
All of the t temple residents were gathered to watch the match. They were all cheering and offering support to the tri as they stepped up, Bob on the left, Skuld and Noble Scarlet on the right. Lamb took up a position between them and nodded.
"Ok, let's make this a nice clean match" she said. "No eyes, no crotch-shots and no weapons. Lind, Belldandy and Master will judge and referee the match. Points will be awarded to hits scored and also for good dodges or blocks. When it becomes clear that one of you is winning, we will call an end to the match. And please, no permanent damage! Now, are you ready?" she said to Bob. He raised his fists and nodded. "Ready?" Skuld and Noble Scarlet glanced at each-other and then nodded. "Ok and….. FIGHT!"
Skuld attacked first, aiming for Bob's stomach. He side stepped and dodged but was caught in the ribs by Noble Scarlet as she followed her Mistress. He grunted and shrugged off the blow, turning rapidly to attack the angel. His fist connected with her shoulder and he then managed a hard kick to her side. He gasped and staggered back, just in time for Skuld to recover and begin her second attack. She caught Bob a stinging blow to the cheek, followed by rapid series of body shots. However, as he fell back from the first hit, he had the sense to raise his arms and was able to block most of the remaining hits. By now, Noble Scarlet had joined her mistress and together they redoubled their efforts. Bob however was managing to match them blow for blow, able to block almost as many hits as they could throw.
"Who's winning?" Keiichi asked Urd. She looked thoughtfully at him and then at the fighters.
"Hard to say really. He seems to be able to match them with almost every move they make. The thing is, he can only match most of their attacks and doesn't land so many himself so normally I would say Skuld. However, he seems to be making up for this with brute strength. See? Every hit he scores is about as telling as their two or three. Basically it means that this isn't so much a fight as more a war of attrition".
"A war of attrition?"
"Yes. Who can last the longest under constant punishment". Keiichi whistled through his teeth.
"So how long do you think they can last?"
"Not too much longer. They're only small after all".
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As it turned out, Urd was wrong and the fight continued for nearly half an hour. By this point, it had turned form a serious fight into more of a slug-fest. In fact, it was becoming so brutal that Belldandy had wanted to end it. Lind and Jago though decided to keep it going just a little longer. If there was no clear winner by then, they would end the match with a draw. It would be for the best, in fact a draw would be the best result as it might encourage some competition between them when they were training usually. Chrono though had spotted something that the others hadn't; Bob was reaching the end of his tether. She had once pushed him over the edge in a fight and now she could see it coming. If a winner wasn't declared soon, then Bob would go completely ape.
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Skuld was exhausted. She and her angel were battered and bruised beyond belief. They had known that Jago's brother was a good fighter from the start but they had never thought that he would be able to match them as a pair. He was strong and fast. He had skill. And she could feel their strength fading. It wouldn't be too much longer and they would have to give in. She frantically back peddled, trying to put some distance between him and them. She knew she had just enough energy for one more attack. If only she could find an opening. She kept dodging and mock-attacking, hoping to find a chink in his guard. He came forward, left fist swinging and then she saw it, his lower stomach would be unprotected for a fraction of a second if she could just get inside his reach. A long shot but she had to do it. She stepped in. She swung. She hit.
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Bob's rage was building. No-one had ever made him work so hard to win. Whenever he had fought before, he had either won quickly or had taken his beating but nothing compared to this. It felt like they were taunting him. He didn't understand that they were evenly matched, that they were as tired as he was. They kept backing away, trying to keep out of his range and the fact that they were now always just out of range infuriated him. How could he win! They were mocking him! Teasing him! He had to win! Had to! Skuld stopped retreating for a second and he saw his chance to strike as Noble Scarlet was just out her attack reach and couldn't support her. He had them! He brought his left fist around in a powerful haymaker, scything towards Skuld's cheek. Yes! Yes! Yes! He was going to do it! He had won! Then he felt Skuld's punch connect with his left side. He gasped and the force of the blow spun him half around and forced him to one knee. He heard Jago's voice call out.
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"Match point! Skuld's win!" There was cheering and he heard them congratulating her. How could they? How could she? He should have won! It wasn't fair! If he had just landed that last hit, the win would have been his! A vale of red mist descended and his hearing dimmed. He hissed through his teeth and growled. He would show her! This was his win! He didn't remember picking up the rock. It was in his hand before he knew what was happening. He was up and he turned to them. He would show her!
"BOB! NO!" came Chrono's voice. It cut through his vale of rage like a razor. He realised what he had done and knew he had gone too far. He wished he could take it back but it was too late, the rock was already flying. Belldandy wasn't fast enough to cast a spell. Neither Lamb or Lind, even with their Valkyrie reactions could have caught it and Chrono was too far away. Bob watched in dismay as the stone arched through the air straight for its target. At the last second, Noble Scarlet gave her Mistress a shove and sent the young goddess sprawling. She was less lucky though. The stone struck her on the left temple and a jet of dark red blood shot from her head, turning white as it left the influence of the perception filter spell. The assembled goddess's closed ranks around the angel but Jago was remained routed to the spot. His face had lost its usual grin and all of its colour had drained away.
"You little bastard!" he hissed through his teeth and then he shouted: "YOU LITTLE BASTARD!" He crossed the distance to his little brother at an astonishing speed and before Bob could react, he had drawn back his right fist and then thumped Bob so hard in the face, that he felt one of Jago's fingers break. Jago however didn't seem to notice, just landing blow after blow on the smaller man. At last, the beating ended and Jago grabbed the front of Bob's shirt, lifting him to his feet and then suspending him at Jago's eye level. "You little bastard!" he swore. "You had to go and fuck it up didn't you! You had to go and lose it! Now look at what you have done! You have shamed me!" He threw Bob to the floor and he spat. "GET OUT OF HERE! DON'T COME BACK!" he shouted and with tears in his eyes, Bob nodded and set off at a run, bolting past Chrono who tried to stop him.
"No Bob! Come back!" she called but he was gone before she could stop him. She turned to Jago, her eyes imploring. He was busy checking on Noble Scarlet, examining her head and apologising with a grim expression. At last though, she managed to catch his eye. He raised an eyebrow and Chrono nodded. With a grunt, Jago jerked his head in the direction that Bob had gone. She smiled a little and took off after him. She would catch him. She must! She needed to talk to him.
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Several hours had passed since the incident. Noble Scarlet was fine, the small cut she had received having been healed by Belldandy and now only her pride was hurt. Urd and Skuld had wanted to go after Bob, seeking some divine justice but Jago had stopped them. He may have beaten his brother viciously and he may have been disgraced by him but he was still his brother. When Bob got back, he would sort him out himself but until then, he would just let Chrono find him and then go from there. For now though, he had another problem.
"Damnit!" he swore, clapping his free hand to the bloody scratch just below his right sideburn. A single drop ran down his cheek and splashed onto his bare shoulder. Lind poked her head around the doorway to the bathroom, looking concerned.
"Are you ok?"
"Aye" Jago said simply. "Just having problems with my razor". Lind sighed at this. Jago insisted on using an old-fashioned cut-throat razor to shave with. Unfortunately, he was right handed and that meant that when he had broken his finger on Bob's face, he was forced to use his weaker hand to shave. Lind stepped into the bathroom wearing her almost see-through nightdress and took the razor from him.
"Here, let me" she said. Jago nodded and then stood still as she gently ran the blade down the side of his face. "It would be a lot simpler if you had just let Peorth fix your finger like she offered to".
"You know I can't do that" said Jago. "It's not that much of a problem really. It's splinted, it's set, it will heal. Lamb can cover for me in the forge and my left hand is still strong enough to use a hammer".
"But you can't shave yourself" said Lind. Jago snorted. She eventually finished and set the razor down, blade pointing north, like Jago had taught her. "Now are you coming to bed?" she asked him, whispering into his ear. He managed a weak smile.
"Give me a minute" he said. She nodded.
"Don't be too long" she said and turned to leave the bathroom.
"Lind…" he said and she turned back around. "Was I wrong Lind? I thought he was ready but was I wrong? Is it my fault that he did that to Little Red?" Lind walked forward and laid a hand on his shoulder which he reached around and grasped but without turning away from the mirror. "I should have known better than that. I'm his brother! I should have known that he would lose it! Why didn't I realise that I wasn't doing any good? What should I have done? Maybe if I-"but he was cut off when he felt Lind wrap her arms around him and she rested her head on his back.
"Don't beat yourself up. Wasn't it you who once said "What's done is done, there's no going back"?" She tightened her grip a little and gently rubbed her head against him. "Yeah you cocked up. But it's not the end of the world. Noble Scarlet's fine, Chrono will find your brother and tomorrow, we can sort things out. For now though, please just stop worrying. It really doesn't suit you. I thought I was supposed to be the sad/serious one in this relationship". Jago managed a proper smile and he looked down at his goddess's beautiful face, her eyes closed and a half-smile on her lips. He wrapped one of his bear like arms around her and pulled her tight. His goddess? He had never thought of her like that before.
"I thought I was supposed to be the comforting one" he said and ran his free hand through his hair. "I must be getting old". Lind looked up at him, a stand of her powder blue hair falling across her face and she gave him one of her rarest smiles, the ones that were truly warming to this man's tarnished heart.
"How do you think I feel?" she asked him. "Your nineteen, I've lost count of how many years I've been around". Jago snorted.
"Come now my girl, you could pass for twenty" he said, brushing the errant strand from her face. She snorted back.
"Flattery will get you nowhere!" Jago smiled, bent and scooped her up in his arms, causing her to give a little giggle.
"You sure about that?" he said, carrying her into the bedroom. She kissed him gently as he set her down on the bed.
"Well, it's always worth a shot you know" she whispered, playfully.
"Then let's just see where it gets me to then" Jago whispered back.
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Bob had run for hours. His chest burned. He could barely see, with one eye swollen almost shut and the other was caked in blood. In fact his whole face was just one bruised and bloody mess, both from the fight and then from Jago's beating. And still he ran. He had failed! He had disgraced his brother! How could he show his face back there now? After what he had done to poor Noble Scarlet? He was ashamed. His temper had caused his downfall and now he could never face his brother again. And so he ran. It was dark when he reached Nekomi and it was growing cold. What would he do now? He hadn't thought to bring any money or even a coat and now he was alone in a city he didn't know, with a language he didn't understand. Perhaps it would be best if he would just die? Just crawl away and find some hole and never come out. But no, he was too much a coward for that. He wasn't sure what he would do but he knew one thing; he couldn't go back. It started to rain. Just what he needed. He would work out what to do later. For now, what he needed was some shelter.
He sat crouched and shivering under the old road bridge, his cloths and hair soaked through. It was freezing and windy but at least now; he had a chance to dry off. He still didn't know what he was going to do tomorrow though. There was no way he could face his brother, Keiichi or the goddesses after what he had done. His stomach growled and he placed a hand across his belly. He wished he had some food or at least some money to buy some food. But all he had was a few Bulgarian notes which would be next to useless here. And now there was something else. What was it? Someone coming? Yes, defiantly the sound of running footsteps. They were getting closer and Bob's mind was suddenly filled with images of thieves and psycos, the kind who preyed on the lost. Well, this was one person they wouldn't take! He may be disgraced but whoever they were would certainly have to fight if they wanted to steal from him. He pulled his one possession from his pocket, a tiny folding knife that Jago had given to him many years ago. It was old and rusted but the blade still held a keen edge. He was ready. He then saw the figure, silhouetted against the backdrop of the rain. He tensed, ready to strike and then the person called out to him.
"Bob? Is that you?"
"Chrono!" said Bob with relief, stowing his knife. "What are you doing here?"
"I followed you" she said. "After the er… thing at the temple, I was worried you might try something stupid and I thought it would be best if I kept an eye on you". Bob's face fell.
"You shouldn't have" he said. "There's no way I can go back now". They stood in silence for a while until Chrono cleared her throat.
"Well would you mind if I join you under there? It's cold and wet out here". Bob shrugged,
"Why not? It's a free country". He sat back down, with his knees tucked up to his chin and looking at his feet. Chrono sat next to him and took the same position.
"At least it's dry under here" she said. Bob simply nodded. "Cold?" Bob shivered but shook his head. Chrono sighed. "You know, what you did back there was pretty terrible". Bob didn't even glance at her. "But I once did something worse". This time he did look across at her. She yawned and stretched her arms behind her. "I was asked by Peorth to bring an object of great importance to Belldandy, a sphere that contained all of the world's songs. The problem was, this was the first time I had been to Earth and I am incredibly clumsy".
"So what happened?" asked Bob with a bare hint of interest.
"I dropped it" said Chrono. "Or to be more exact, I flew into an electric pylon and was blown out of the sky. If Keiichi hadn't been there to catch me, I would have been in serious trouble". She looked across at Bob. "In fact, I was in trouble anyway because when I dropped the sphere, it shattered and all the songs escaped. In fact, I was in far more trouble than you are".
"How can that be?"
"Well, if those songs weren't sung within a certain length of time then the world would have fallen apart". Bob whistled.
"That bad huh?"
"Yep. Luckily, I had someone there to help me. Two someone's in fact; Keiichi and Belldandy. If it hadn't been for them then I never would have found all of the songs in time. It was because of them that I was able to restore the sphere and now the Earth is how it should be". Bob sighed.
"Chrono".
"I can see what you're trying to do and I thank you but I have to ask you, how can I face my Brother or Skuld and Noble Scarlet for that matter after what I did? I mean, I have never seen my brother more angry than that. It was scary. I was sure that he was going to kill me. And he told me to leave and never come back. How can I show my face there after this?" Chrono nodded.
"I can see your problem" she said. "What you did was pretty awful. I mean, throwing a stone at an unarmed opponent after a match has been officially ended! What kind of person does that?" Bob winced and Chrono grinned apologetically. "Sorry, that wasn't very kind was it?"
"No but it was fair" said Bob.
"Possibly. But I feel that it would be better to go back and face them than to just run forever and be forever branded a coward. At least you can try and apologise to Skuld and Noble Scarlet, try and mend things. If that doesn't work or even if it does but you don't think you can stay then you can always go back to Bulgaria". Bob glanced across at her.
"But what would I tell my mum? What would I say?"
"Just tell her that Jago tried to help but it didn't work. Like I said, it's an option if you want it. However" and she blushed a little, "I would prefer if you stayed". Bob blushed a little too but didn't say anything. For a while they just sat there, listening to the rain. However, their peace was interrupted by the rumblings of Bob's stomach. Bob grinned sheepishly at Chrono's puzzled look.
"Sorry" he said. "Not eaten for a while". Chrono nodded in sympathy and then reached into her pocket.
"Here" she said, offering the sweet to Bob. "But if you dare tell your brother that I've been stealing his caramels then I'll give you such a pinch!" Bob was about to take the sweet but stopped just short.
"I'm sorry, I can't take this" he said.
"Why not?"
"Well, it's yours and you have to be at least as hungry as I am". Chrono sighed and grabbed his wrist. Before he could react, she had shoved the sweet into his palm and then forced his hand closed so he couldn't let it go.
"Eat it you stupid fool!" she said. They glared at one another for a while until Bob finally nodded.
"Ok. One condition though" he said and he pulled out his little knife. "You have to eat half of it".
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Bob slept quietly, his head resting against Chrono's shoulder. She sat quietly, running her fingers through his hair.
"What a pain he is" she thought. "Still, I think I can see in him what Mistress Lind must see in Jago. He just needs to learn some control". At least she knew that he was safe now. She barely registered the arrival of Heart of Stirling Silver as the angel came in out of the rain. She shook out her wings, having forgone camouflage in favour of the speed they provided. She smiled at her Mistress.
"How is he?" she asked.
"He's fine" said Chrono. "Sad, hungry, tired more than anything. He wasn't sure he would be able to face coming back but I think I have convinced him otherwise. How's Noble Scarlet?"
"She's fine. Just a scratch. Belldandy took care of it in no time". Chrono nodded.
"Good, good". She spotted the thing that her angel was carrying. "What's that?" she asked.
"It's a wax-cotton jacket" said Heart of Stirling Silver, holding it out to her. "Master Jago thought that he might need it". Chrono nodded and took the jacket and wrapped around herself and Bob. It stank of paraffin wax but at least it was warm and dry.
"Tell Jago I said thank you" she said. "We should be back by morning". The angel nodded and departed, leaving the two alone. Chrono sighed. Tomorrow was going to be a trial.
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Lind woke early the next morning. She sat up and stretched, allowing her muscles to release their night's tension. She glanced across at her two angels who were sleeping quietly and smiled to herself. Then she looked across at Jago. She screamed.
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Urd sighed as she listened to Bob's heartfelt apology. She could tell he was truly sorry. He was on his knees in front of the temple goddesses, tears streaming down his face. As the eldest of the temple dwellers, it had been decided that it was her call on whether he could stay. She glanced around at assembled group. One-by-one, they slowly nodded. Even Skuld and Noble Scarlet agreed.
"Alright" said Urd at last. "You are free to stay by our account". Bob's face brightened.
"However" said Peorth, raising a hand, "If there are any more incidents like that then you are banished from her forever!" Bob grinned and bowed.
"Thank you!" he said smiling.
"Now that that's settled" said Belldandy, "How about some breakfast?" They all nodded and started to file into the tea room. It was while breakfast was just being served that the door was thrown. Lind stepped through the door in he nearly see-through night dress and quickly looked around.
"Belldandy! Come quick!" she said.
"Lind? Why? What is-"
"It's Jago!" said Lind. "He's sick!"
*1 The Goddess Relief Office and the Earth Help Centre
