Hild is on the mend but Mara may need a rest very soon. Meanwhile Hagall and Lucifer plot to unseat the thrones of Heaven and of Niflheim.

Once more critical reviews welcome.

As always, I do not own the rights to "Oh! My Goddess!" "Sailor Moon", "Tenchi Muyo" or any other properties that readers may recognize.

Sick Days Chapter 9: Field Trip

"Wow!" Megumi Morisato said looking over the grounds of the temple. "You guys really went all out here!"

""Thank you Megumi!" Belldandy said cheerfully. "And thank you for helping out also!"

"No problem!" Megumi replied. Her brother chuckled.

"Luckily you and the guys at the club all volunteered to help us set up. We didn't get much warning that we were going to be hosting a shrine convention."

"Yeah." Megumi agreed. "I wonder why they chose Tarikihongan Temple anyway? I mean before you and Belldandy came here, the temple was in ruins wasn't it?" She looked around. "Anyway, I've always wanted to know why this temple has Buddhist statues and Shinto markers as well."

"Oh! The priests who came to talk to us about hosting the convention told us about that!" Belldandy told her.

Keichii nodded. "Katsuhito san said that during the war, the monks invited other temples and shrines to keep their most sacred artifacts here for safe keeping. Shrine bells, statues, and other items were being carted off for scrap but the monks here protected many treasures and provided a place for both Buddhists and Shinto worshipers to pray together... Unfortunately the temple was damaged in March 1945. The monks and priests were able to save the temple but there just weren't resources to repair the damages. When the war ended, the smaller shrines and temples took most of their treasures back and some of the original fittings were taken too. The monks who ran the temple left except for the one we met who moved in about four years ago to reflect and begin fixing the temple."

"Katsuhito san and Hino san said they studied at this temple during the war and when Hino san saw Tarikihongan restored he suggested this year's convention be held here in celebration." Belldandy added.

"Well the stall vendors are setting up." Urd said with an amused look on her face. "Selling cheap love charms... Of course I'll be selling the real thing!" She grinned holding up a small bottle of one of her potions.

"Uh oh...." Keichii murmured to himself.


In Niflheim:

"Excuse me exalted Tsunami." Mara informed her temporary supreme overlord and mistress. "I need to depart for Earth. It's time for me to pick up Mistress Hild's doctor."

"Oh!" Tsunami responded agreeably. "Then just wait a moment and I want to check in on our class 458753. I have a small matter I need to attend to and I think they should take a field trip!"

"Uh..." Mara answered. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Of course!" Tsunami replied cheerfully. Mara followed with apprehension as Tsunami rose from the throne and headed to the training creche. When they arrived Mara nearly fainted.

"Oh! You are all so Kawaii!" Tsunami said looking at the seven young demons who were all dressed in bunny suits except the youngest two who had kitty ears and tails. "Truly a wonderful job!"

They all beamed with their Mistress's approval.

"And for doing such a wonderful job, I am taking all of you on a field trip to Earth!"

"Thank you Mistress Tsunami!" The class answered in excitement.

Oh Kami... Mara thought. I know I'm not exactly on your good side but please help me...?

Suddenly Tsunami paused. Mara's spirits soared. Kami really DOES listen!

Tsunami snapped her fingers. "I just remembered!" She said summoning an oddly designed garment. "You've been such a help Mara! I want to give you your new uniform now just to show how much I really appreciate your efforts!" The Goddess enthusiastically told her.

With shaking hand, Mara took the garment from the goddess.

Thanks for nothing Kami...


At the Hikawa shrine, Ami Mizuno closed the book she had been studying as she noted Usagi's arrival. Somehow Usagi seemed confused as Rei did not immediately scold her. Instead the shrine maiden merely smiled.

"Glad you could make it!"

"Gomen nasai! I'm sorry I'm late Rei! I really tried to get here on time!" Rei had been insistent that her friends come with her to the shrine convention. To Usagi it seemed like the makings of a boring day, but it was important to Rei. So that made it important.

"It's okay... We don't need to leave for another ten minutes." Rei grinned.

"Huh?" Usagi asked now totally perplexed.

"I lied about you needing to be ready by seven. We just needed to be ready by eight and here you are! Ten minutes early!"

Usagi mumbled something under her breathe but then shrugged. "So has anyone heard anything new about what caused the explosion at school?" She said referring to the late night fire two weeks earlier that had heavily damaged Juuban High School. Fortunately no one had been injured but the student body was now being broken up and sent to other schools until further notice.

The other girls shook their heads no.

"We're lucky!" Mina said. "I heard some kids got transferred to Furinkan High!"

"Ouch!" Usagi observed. "I've heard so many stories about that place! At least our new school is letting us keep our Juuban High uniforms!"

"So Ami? I hear you have a rival now?" Rei said conversationally.

Ami smiled. "Chiyo Mihama is only eleven Rei." In truth Ami welcomed the presence of the young prodigy. Ami had talked to her a couple of times and was glad to see the young Chiyo chan seemed to have a good circle of friends.

"Besides that's nothing compared to the rivalry between Mina and Tomo Takino!" Makoto put in. Mina sweat dropped. From the outset the outspoken Tomo seemed determined to make everything into a competition...

Rei looked at her watch. "Well let's get going!" She smiled.

"And minna... Thanks for coming."


Meantime; just outside Juuban Hospital, Mara appeared waiting for Doctor Mizuno to arrive. I hope she's on time! She thought. Gads! She sighed. I can't believe I'm wearing this thing! She could feel the odd stares from passers by.

"What are YOU looking at?!!" Mara snarled at one man whose eyes seem to linger too long. Her eyes flared red and the man hurried on his way in fear.

Oh Hild! Why have thou foresaken me?


To Be Continued...