" So, will you go out with me babe?" Keiichi Morrisato asked, gently putting an arm around a flustered, and large chested Tenchi Masaki. Giving a look of infinite annoyance, the now she shrugged it off.
" For the last time, I'm not a girl." Tenchi groaned. " And you have a girlfriend." Tenchi the girl gave a flustered sound and pointed to Belldandy. Belldandy, now a girl little older then Sasami, sighed gently as she watched Keiichi stare at her, without the slightest recognition. It was because of that that she had volunteered to look after the unconcious Sasami. Skuld sat by her side, giving her support and pretty much everyone else had made it over there, getting tired of Keiichi's clumsy attempts to pick up Tenchi.
" I've never seen her before." Keiichi said. Belldandy looked like she might cry. Skuld huffed, with a glare at Keiichi.
" Stupid Keiichi." She said, giving him a mean look. He just looked confused. Skuld stood up and walked quickly over to Washu. The genius girl was reclining on a pillow, as Skuld approached. She lazily looked up while typing, but smiled when she saw Skuld.
" What's up, kid?"
" Have you found a way in yet?" She said, referring to the forcefield
surrounding the onsen, put up by Peorth and Urd after they cursed everyone.
" If Keiichi keeps hitting on Tenchi, I'm going to neuter him." Washu barked out a laugh.
" Yes actually." She said. Everyone, especially Belldandy, cheered. And Washu said, in her perkiest, cutest voice and biggest smile " Are you surprised? I am the greatest scientist in the universe, it was reallly only a matter time." Everyone cheered again. " Of course, it'll take an hour or two." Washu shrugged, as everyone's jaw fell open. " Sorry, best I could do. That's when the shield recycles itself, and the only time I can force it open." Noboyuki swore in some strange middle engligh, and Belldandy sighed and fell onto her back. Skuld looked over her screen, trying to make sense of what Washu was doing, but even to her it was just incomprehensible gibberish. Finally she gave up.
" Just please do your best." Skuld sighed. Not able to help Washu, she could only think of one thing to do. She walked over a few feet and, with her hands on her hips like a scolding mother, and stared seriously at Keiichi.
" Can I help you, little girl?" Keiichi asked, after an awkward minute or two. Skuld grabbed him by the sleeve and tried to pull him.
" Keiichi, you are going to go and sit with Belldandy until she gets better. It's the least you could do as her boyfriend." She said, as Keiichi dug his heels in, and grimaced.
" But she's not my girlfriend. I'm not like that." He panicked, and struggled against the young girls surprisingly strong pull. Although as he struggled, his eyes fell on the sullen Belldandy, clutching her legs and looking at him forlornly over her knees.
" Skuld." She said. Skuld turned. Belldandy's eyes were tight with pain, as she watched Keiichi. But now she was looking at Skuld, and her sad eyes held a commanding look, and Skuld didn't have to ask why. Without protest she let go of Keiichi and went back to Belldandy. " I'm sorry Skuld, it's just Keiichi just needs time alone. He doesn't remember me, so please, don't make him suffer anymore."
" He's your boyfriend, he should be with you."
" It's because he's taller." Belldandy said, bizarrely and with an odd nostalgic smile, like she was remembering happier times. " When we first met, after I received his call, Keiichi told me that he had never had luck with women, because he was so short. Now, he's as tall as he was as a college student, but with a younger mind. And since Tenchi as a girl is younger then him, and shorter too, he feels more confident around her without realizing why. So please Skuld, if he can find happiness for a time, just let him have it, even without me." She said, but her voice cracked like she was going to cry.
" All right, Belldandy, but it's still..." She went to stare menacingly at Keiichi again... but he wasn't there. Tenchi sat next to his father. Keiichi was no where to be seen.
" You're too young to be that sad." Keiichi said, sitting down next to Belldandy.
" Oh... Keiichi!" Belldandy said. Smiling even as Keiichi smiled back.
" I just can't stand to see a little girl so depressed." He smiled.
" So I guess I have to cheer you up. Let's see..." He thought for a moment, stroking his chin. " Did you hear the one about the chicken and the magic sarrow..." He tried to go on, but Belldandy was already laughing so hard she nearly cried. " No, wait, I haven't told the joke yet and it's really funny." Belldandy bit her bottom lip.
" oh yes Keiichi, please tell me your joke." With a smile, Keiichi told his joke.
_______________:
" I'm bored Washu. Are you done yet?" Mihoshi said. She lay sprawled on the path. She yawned, then sat up and looked expectantly at Washu.
" Isn't Cupid and the sailor scouts on right now?" Washu snorted, not taking her eyes off the computer, and the countdown. 60. 59. 58...
" I don't like that show anymore." She whined. She stood up and wandered over towards Washu. " I 'm getting tired of this. I'm just going to destroy this stupid force field." With a deft motion, she reached into her side holster, and brought out her blaster. A quick flash shot out and hit the force field, rebounded off and flew straight at Washu's head.
" Washu!" Tenchi cried out, but before the words left his mouth the shot hit. Hit the forcefield Washu had erected, and bounced harmlessly off into the forest. Washu didn't even look up.
" Thou hast attempted that technique once before, and the effect was similar." Noboyuki said, sounding oddly sage like. " Honestly, milady, I dost believe thou art ev'n more absent minded then previous."
" Whoopsy. Sorry about that Washu." She said. Already however, she stood looking over Washu's shoulder. " Um...Can I play with your computer, Washu?" Apparently she believed Washu would say yes because she was already pushing buttons. Washu slapped her hands away, but Mihoshi would not take the hint and continued until Tenchi grabbed her arm and dragged her off.
" Too be truthful, Milady Washu, I too doth wish to end this curse. How long be it till you can open the barrier." Noboyuki asked.
" Miss Washu? Is everything all right?" Belldandy said. It was the first thing in half an hour to draw her attention off Keiichi.
" Sure. Everythings fine." Washu finally said. She looked at her computer as if it sprouted wings.. " Wow, normally screws up these things."
_______________:
" Mmmmmm. I wish Keiichi would take us to the onsen more. I love this. I envy you so much, having one right here." Urd mused, smiling lazily at Peorth. Peorth's head rested gently on Urd's shoulder, her beautiful hair falling down Urd's naked chest, draping one of her breasts.
" I know. I wish you could stay here. With me." Urd toyed with her hair, wrapping and unwrapping it around her finger. Her head lifted as an idea struck her. " Why can't you stay here Urd? I'm sure we can convince Tenchi to let you stay."
" I.. think I'd like that Peorth." She said, staring deeply into the other's eyes. " But Belldandy..."
" Will be fine. She's a goddess first class, and can handle anything that comes her way. But you... I think you could use my protection." Urd smiled at the thin joke. " And after what they were saying about you out there..." She trailed off, mouth drifting closer and closer Urd's, until...
" Oh... oh Urd. I had no idea." Startled, and greatly annoyed and having their moment interrupted, they broke their kiss. " You and Peorth?"
" Belldandy?" Urd said, staring at her tiny sister. Belldandy stood wide eyed, in front of their stripped off clothes. Her clothes were literally falling off her, and in many places had been rolled up or tied in knots. Urd started to get up and realized she and Peorth must look even stranger. Completely naked, Urd was almost sitting in Peorth's lap, and Peorth had her arm around her, tracing circles on Urd's slender forearm.
" So cuuuuuute." Peorth said. " Were you that cute as a child, Urd?"
" Please, not now Peorth." She said, lightly taking Peorth's arm off her, but holding it and lightly massaging it. " Belldandy please tell me what happened to you?"
" I'm sorry. I'm happy for you Urd, I guess, but this has gone to far. Whatever you did, you have to undo it. Keiichi doesn't remember me and Tenchi's a girl and..."
" That's enough, Belldandy." Peorth said. She stood up and put herself between the sisters, leaning lightly on Urd. " We came in here to get away from wild accusations. Your own sister, without any evidence at all." She stood up, and left the onsen to give Urd a supporting hug. " How could you believe she would put something in your drinks. And Keichi too, you must teach him some manners. Urd would never do anything like that."
_______________:
" Hey, has anyone seen Ayeka?" Ryoko said. Heads turned as she appeared suddenly in the air, and hovered a few feet above them as she spoke. Below her Tenchi got up, shielding his eyes from the now setting sun, and with a strange jiggle.
" She's been missing for a while. Ryoko get down here, we need to talk." She landed with a gentle tap. Tenchi explained what was going on, about Urd and Peorth. He asked her what had happened to her. He didn't ask specifically, but Ryoko saw his eyes glance at her tattered clothing. Ryoko was just glad that her bruises were gone by now, or else she wouldn't have been able to get away with a brief vague mumbling.
" Belldandy thought it best that we all stay together right now, and I guess she'd know more about this then I do. So would you stay here?" she said.
Ryoko threw a worried glance over her shoulder. Ayeka was still out there. But maybe sometime alone would do some good...
" I guess I could wait." Unless they'd done something to Ayeka too... " No I should go find Ayeka. If she's got some weird affect she could be in trouble." She pulled away. " I have to find her."
" Wait," she felt Tenchi grab her skirt hem as she flew up. " There they are now. Just wait a moment, we can ask them how she'd be affected." Reluctantly, she waited. Belldandy, Urd, and Peorth appeared at the door to the onsen. Oddly, Urd and Peorth were holding hands.
_______________:
" So this demon must be really something to take on four goddess like she did." Mihoshi tapped the glass again. Everyone from the onsen had gathered in Washu's lab, in a small room with a few couches, a bookshelf on one wall, but a nice view through three walls and a ceiling of holographic projectors showing a deep sea scene. At least, Tenchi hoped it was a hologram. Otherwise Mihoshi would be really annoying that giant squid currently sucking on the window.
It was Skuld that had suggested they go to Washu's lab. Washu hadn't seemed happy about it, but after Skuld finished telling them all about, from what she'd heard from Washu, Peorth, Belldandy, and Urd had all insisted. It had magic defenses Tenchi had never even guessed. So they had made their way back to the house, and Tenchi practically dragged Ryoko back. She was not happy having to stay, but all the goddess' insisted. Someone alone, even as strong as Ryoko, was vulnerable alone.
So she could only pace back and forth near the door. Tenchi watched her, waiting for the inevitable moment she would bolt run for it. They'd left Sasami in a stasis tube, where Washu assured them she would safe.
" Only really foolish." Urd replied. She and Peorth, unfortunately the best at potions, were currently working together to try and cure them all.
" To attack members of the Jurain Royal family, she must have a death wish." Peorth said, with a cynical smile. " If legends are true, they still haven't found all the pieces of the last one to try that."
" Oh. Really. I hadn't heard that." Mihoshi smiled, or more like grimaced. " I mean, Tsunami is supposed to be benevolent, and kind to everyone. She'd never actually kill anyone... right?"
" I've heard similar stories too..." Belldandy said. " She is very protective of her chosen people. That's what I've heard, at least. Are you all right Miss Mihoshi, you look kind of pale. Have there been other effects?"
" No. I'm fine." She said, although she did look a little pale. " I'm going to go look for Ayeka. It's not really safe for her to be out there." She started walking quickly towards the door. An arm reached out and grabbed her, and Mihsohi screamed like someone ripped it off. Ryoko recoiled in shock.
" Cut it out!" Ryoko smacked Mihoshi. " Geeez, I just wanted to say I'm coming with you. You're too high strung."
" Sorry." Mihoshi mumbled.
" Ryoko, it's too dangerous." Tenchi said. Ryoko looked at him coldly. " It's not just strength Ryoko. What could you do against magic?"
" Tenchi." She said. " Ever since you became a girl you've lost your balls. This is your house, but you only listen too them. You've faced people who could have destroyed planets, so why are you so afraid of someone who turns people into girls? I'm certainly not. Hell, Washu could do that that easily, and she's on your side." Ryoko said flatly. " I'm taking Mihoshi and we're going to go out and find Ayeka. Come with me if you feel like being a man." She grabbed Mihoshi's arm again and marched out the door, and right into Ayeka.
" Ryoko, don't talk about my fiancé like that." The whole room held their breath, as Ryoko suddenly bolted forward, showering Ayeka with kisses, although she was careful to avoid kissing her lips, keeping herself to Ayeka's cheek and neck.
" Ooooh, girl on girl action." Keiichi said, with a rather dim smile. Which only increased as he saw who was behind her. " And twins!"
" Pervert." Skuld said, smacking him across the head with a rubber mallet. " You don't deserve Belldandy. We should set her up with Tenchi."
" Now Skuld..." Belldandy said. " Miss Mihoshi, is this another effect?"
" No way! She's... she's..." Mihoshi bellowed, pointing an angry finger at her double, it's effect lost completely as she cowered behind Ayeka.
" Ryoko, what are you doing?" Tenchi asked, watching Ryoko hug Ayeka life a she was drowning. Ayeka could only tremble slightly, with rage or shock Tenchi never knew, as Ryoko so publicly revealed her affection.
" Tenchi, I'm sorry, but my heart belongs to... wait, why ARE there two Mihsoshi?"
" Oh, it should be obvious, Ryoko. It seems the demon we've been looking has been regerde elle traivellies this whole time." Peorth said, gently putting down the potion she'd been concocting with Urd, and ever so lightly started popping her knuckles.
" Indeed." Urd said, doing the same. " Good. I've been sitting around too long, I could use some action. Belldandy, please stay out of this. You're too weak right now, let Peorth and I handle this." She walked over and stood next to Peorth, and whispered in her ear. " It's so cute how you talk in French like that."
" You really think so, mon adoree? Everyone else around here seems annoyed by it."
" Of course, my love." They shared a quick kiss.
" Wow. That Cupid's arrow is really something." One of the Mihoshi's murmured. Then froze as she realized she had said it out loud. " I said nothing. Hey look, shinies!" She pointed, and started wandering away. Towards the door.
" I never thought I'd say this, but not even Mihoshi's that stupid." Ryoko said. Ayeka had finally come together and given her a firm shove away.
" That's right, Ryoko." Mihoshi said, from behind Ayeka. " You're under arrest for assaulting an officer of the galactic police, impersonating a galactic police officer, kidnapping a galactic police officer, and... and maybe some other things. Now come over here and let me arrest you!"
" No! You're the demon. You... you..." The demon sighed. " You're not buying this are you?"
" Nope." Ryoko said.
" Not really." Tenchi said.
" Mara, what made you attack the Jurain royal family? I never would have expected that from you?" Belldandy said. Next to her, Keiichi watched with bland disinterest, having given up trying to understand a long time ago.
" I just wanted... wait, you think I'm Mara?"
" You're not? Oh." Belldandy said. " It's just that Mara always seems to be the one bothering us. I just thought..." But the demon was in her own little world.
" Yes, yes, yes!" she said, twirling like a school girl in love. " I impressed them, they think I'm a high level demon. I did it! I did it!"
" Does she know we're going to beat her senseless for what she did?" Ryoko asked. To Ayeka's disgust, Ryoko wouldn't take a hint, and was clutching at her again.
" Someone please. We found who was causing this now will someone please cure Ryoko!" Ayeka shoved her away again. " Beat the cure out of the demon. I don't care, just do something." The demon was still dancing about.
" Let me arrest you already!" Mihoshi shouted.
" Oh hey Tsunami!" Urd cheerfully waved, and Tenchi looked around, trying to find the elder goddess.
" Tsunami? Where? Where?" The demon girl suddenly tensed.
" So you do realize how stupid you've been. Just wondering. Tsunami's not here right now," Peorth said, putting on a friendly smile, and putting an arm around. " But if you don't tell me exactly what you're doing, I will personally wrap you in ribbons and direct mail you to her office in Jurai's Yggdrasil." Peorth was smiling directly in her face and had the look of a cat toying with a mouse.
" You wouldn't... You would... but it's only my first day!" the girl said " Okay, maybe more like 5th week but still... you wouldn't do it to a demon third class. I mean, I'm just a kid." She reached up into her hair, and removed a pin. As she did, a wind cascaded down her and the illusion fell apart.
She was just a bit shorter then Mihoshi, with raven black hair, and pale skin like the goddess', and marks like theirs on her face too. Her thin red lips formed into a rictus smile as Peorth stared at her.
" My name is Lufn. I'm only a demon third class. I only wanted to make a name for myself, and they assigned me to make trouble for Peorth. I tried to avoid doing anything to the princesses. I honestly did!" She smiled nervously under Peorth's icy gaze.
" You sicked this demented creature on me, and you tried to do nothing to me?" Ayeka fumed. Ryoko clung to her again, and she shoved her off again.
" Now fix her so she'll leave me alone." Ryoko looked embarrassed as everyone focused on her, realizing finally what her concern for Ayeka had meant. Tenchi looked sick.
" but I don't think I did anything to her yet..." Lufn said, regarding Ryoko curiously as she found a place on the floor, away in a corner, never taking her eyes off Ayeka. " I was thinking about making her... never mind." She finished hastily, under the goddess' glare. " The only thing that could have effected her was the cupid's arrow, but..."
" You!" Washu shouted, standing near her computer and pointing accusingly at Lufn. " I just realized it, but you've been trying to kill Noboyuki!" Everyone gasped again, even Lufn this time.
" But of course! Thou hast been covertly hidden amongst us since the beginning!" Noboyuki said, taking a step back form her like she would bite...
" Of course, Keiichi told me that Demons make trouble for people who get wishes, but he never said anything about murder." Tenchi said. Suddenly he was on his feet, ready to fight, but the stunned demon could hardly speak
" But I... I really didn't..." She said.
" Lufn, how could you! Murder is strictly forbidden, even by demon laws." Belldandy recoiled in horror at the demon, who would break even the most sacred laws. " Murdering Noboyuki would have made you a name as an infamous demon, looked down on by all."
" Um, no I mean..." She tried to start again.
" Unbelievable. Do you crave fame so badly you would be willing to be outcast from the demon tribe?" Urd said. Peorth nodded solemnly in agreement.
" But I didn't do anything. I only got here..." She was cut off by a shower of sparks, that seemed to take even her by surprise. She quickly became transparent, and then she was completely gone.
" Damn." Peorth said, already running for the door. " She must have had a spell of some kind on her. I should have seen her use it."
" Washu, can you find her?" Tenchi said. Surprisingly Washu was already at her computer, typing away.
" Quick, lady Washu, if we hurry we should still be able to follow her magic resonance." Skuld said, running to her side. Washu didn't seem to notice, as she typed furiously on her computer. Peorth and Urd were already out the door, running out of the lab.
" I think... maybe... No, she must have teleported again. I've lost her." Washu said, sighing gently in frustration. Or maybe not.
_______________:
They searched the entire shrine, but found no trace of Lufn. Eventually, as dusk turned into night, they finally gave up. But by then Urd and Peorth had searched through Ryoko's crypt, and had a pretty good idea what she had used, and how to counteract it. Noboyuki was cured easily, as were Tenchi and Keiichi, although they would still suffer effects for a few days. It took Belldandy an hour or so to get back to normal. The real Mihoshi had been just fine, and although no one seemed to know what happened to Sasami, but she seemed to cure herself just fine. The only problem was Peorth.
" Urd, I am insulted. I am a goddess first class unlimited," she said, stressing 'first class', as if trying to make Urd seem less important " To think a simple love potion could affect me so... Do you doubt my love so?"
" It's not that, Peorth." Urd assured her, as the soaked in the spring. Peorth had insisted they finish their baths, and arrogantly refused to believe she could be effected by a love potion. Urd had more practical experience though, and knew how such things could effect even a goddess. Especially since she'd used one on Peorth a while back, when she'd come to stay with Keiichi for a while, not that she'd tell Peorth that. So she'd had to follow her to the baths, and cuddled with her again, trying to reason with her.
" I know you love me, Peorth. I love you too, but I want to know our love is real Peorth. So please, just drink this." She held up a silver vile to Peorth's lips."
" No." She said flatly, turning her head away like a stubborn child, and Urd half hoped Skuld would turn out better. But even arrogant as she was, everything she did still seemed so cute.
" It's chocolate flavored." Urd didn't think it would work, and it didn't. Peorth scoughed at the weak attempt, and scooted a few inches further away, sticking up her chin. Urd sighed weakly. " Well I for one want to certain of my feelings are true." Urd offered the flask to Peorth one more time. She seemed to examine it, but then stuck her chin away again. Urd shrugged, putting it to her lips and drinking it all. " I love you though." She said weakly. She put her lips to Peorth's and kissed her. Peorth seemed a little reluctant, resisting at first, but then seemed to forgive Urd and returned it.
And then Urd shoved the fluid into her mouth. She quickly brought her hands up and sealed her mouth.
" I bet you didn't know I can talk with my mouth full of liquid. It's an acquired skill." Urd said, with a tight smile. Peorth struggled, but Urd's hands were on tight, and she had to swallow it. She looked indignantly at Urd, as the younger goddess removed her hands. " Sorry about that, love, but I couldn't let you live a lie. You'll understand soon." She kissed her again. As she sat back down, she saw tears beginning to form in Peorth's eyes, the goddess first class kissed Urd one last time.
_______________:
" I hate this." Ryoko muttered. She sat on the rock on top of her former crypt. She's been there for what seemed like hours, sitting quietly, curled up in a ball, until Washu came. " I hate it I hate it I hate it."
" Hate what?" Washu said, climbing the rock. Ryoko cursed, and slammed her fist into the rock, spraying pebbles everywhere.
" Love." Ryoko said the name like it was a curse, her face twisted. " Love. I love Ayeka, from the bottom of my soul, but she hates me, and always will." She started to cry. " Every time she glares at me, I feel like she's ripping my heart out. I want to throw myself on her, but.. the way she looks at me. Washu, please tell me there's some cure for this. I don't want to be in love like this."
" You're lucky." Washu said. She sat down next to her daughter. Reaching into a pocket in her uniform, she pulled out a silver flask, identical to the one Urd had held. " I'm ashamed to say, no science can stop cure, but those goddess' magic can. This fake love at least." She held it towards Ryoko, who reached for it greedily. She ripped out the stopper, and gulped the fluid down.
" Believe it or not, I know what it's like to love someone, and hate that you love them." Washu said.
" You mean the guy you..." Ryoko said, clutching the vial to her chest, near her heart, as she started to feel it's first effects.
" Married. Him, and others. People who betrayed me, but I can't hate for it. I can only tell you, Ryoko, the pain will go away now." Washu said, she stood up, and in a surprisingly motherly fashion, brushed Ryoko's hair aside, and kissed her on the forehead. " Feel better soon." She turned and walked off a little. But Ryoko's had grabbed her shoulder before she got too far.
" Washu. What if, after whatever this is wears off, I love Tenchi again. But in the end, he hates me too."
" Tenchi could never hate you. And even if he loves Ayeka, well you'll live a long time. Like me." She smirked. " And when you stop loving someone, you'll find someone else. Form new connections, new friends." She added a silent 'like me'. " But don't think about it just yet. Tenchi won't decide for a long time. And until then, you should fight to keep what you've got. Do whatever you have to do..."
" Washu?" Ryoko said, noticing a strange tone in her voice.
" Nothing. Just thinking." Washu gently removed her daughters hand from her shoulder. And kissed it. " Did I ever tell you I love you, daughter?"
So there it is! My second story arc. Please R&R. I think I'll take a little break, before I start with the final and longest story arc. The next chapter I write for this will probably just be a one shot, although it might not be for a little bit since I'm going to put a couple of chapters onto my Ayeka fic before it's out. Check it out. The next chapter will just deal with everyone recuperating after this, and will be much more light hearted as well. And about they'll be playing a little game... heh heh. It should be familiar to Oh, My goddess readers. That's all I'm going to say, because I suck at being subtle. As if you didn't know.
PS: wow, you must be really devoted to keep reading after all this. For that, you get a cookie, and a secret. Lofn was a real figure in Norse mythology, like Skuld, Urd, and Belldandy (Verdand). And what was she, you ask? Why, goddess of forbidden love :)
" For the last time, I'm not a girl." Tenchi groaned. " And you have a girlfriend." Tenchi the girl gave a flustered sound and pointed to Belldandy. Belldandy, now a girl little older then Sasami, sighed gently as she watched Keiichi stare at her, without the slightest recognition. It was because of that that she had volunteered to look after the unconcious Sasami. Skuld sat by her side, giving her support and pretty much everyone else had made it over there, getting tired of Keiichi's clumsy attempts to pick up Tenchi.
" I've never seen her before." Keiichi said. Belldandy looked like she might cry. Skuld huffed, with a glare at Keiichi.
" Stupid Keiichi." She said, giving him a mean look. He just looked confused. Skuld stood up and walked quickly over to Washu. The genius girl was reclining on a pillow, as Skuld approached. She lazily looked up while typing, but smiled when she saw Skuld.
" What's up, kid?"
" Have you found a way in yet?" She said, referring to the forcefield
surrounding the onsen, put up by Peorth and Urd after they cursed everyone.
" If Keiichi keeps hitting on Tenchi, I'm going to neuter him." Washu barked out a laugh.
" Yes actually." She said. Everyone, especially Belldandy, cheered. And Washu said, in her perkiest, cutest voice and biggest smile " Are you surprised? I am the greatest scientist in the universe, it was reallly only a matter time." Everyone cheered again. " Of course, it'll take an hour or two." Washu shrugged, as everyone's jaw fell open. " Sorry, best I could do. That's when the shield recycles itself, and the only time I can force it open." Noboyuki swore in some strange middle engligh, and Belldandy sighed and fell onto her back. Skuld looked over her screen, trying to make sense of what Washu was doing, but even to her it was just incomprehensible gibberish. Finally she gave up.
" Just please do your best." Skuld sighed. Not able to help Washu, she could only think of one thing to do. She walked over a few feet and, with her hands on her hips like a scolding mother, and stared seriously at Keiichi.
" Can I help you, little girl?" Keiichi asked, after an awkward minute or two. Skuld grabbed him by the sleeve and tried to pull him.
" Keiichi, you are going to go and sit with Belldandy until she gets better. It's the least you could do as her boyfriend." She said, as Keiichi dug his heels in, and grimaced.
" But she's not my girlfriend. I'm not like that." He panicked, and struggled against the young girls surprisingly strong pull. Although as he struggled, his eyes fell on the sullen Belldandy, clutching her legs and looking at him forlornly over her knees.
" Skuld." She said. Skuld turned. Belldandy's eyes were tight with pain, as she watched Keiichi. But now she was looking at Skuld, and her sad eyes held a commanding look, and Skuld didn't have to ask why. Without protest she let go of Keiichi and went back to Belldandy. " I'm sorry Skuld, it's just Keiichi just needs time alone. He doesn't remember me, so please, don't make him suffer anymore."
" He's your boyfriend, he should be with you."
" It's because he's taller." Belldandy said, bizarrely and with an odd nostalgic smile, like she was remembering happier times. " When we first met, after I received his call, Keiichi told me that he had never had luck with women, because he was so short. Now, he's as tall as he was as a college student, but with a younger mind. And since Tenchi as a girl is younger then him, and shorter too, he feels more confident around her without realizing why. So please Skuld, if he can find happiness for a time, just let him have it, even without me." She said, but her voice cracked like she was going to cry.
" All right, Belldandy, but it's still..." She went to stare menacingly at Keiichi again... but he wasn't there. Tenchi sat next to his father. Keiichi was no where to be seen.
" You're too young to be that sad." Keiichi said, sitting down next to Belldandy.
" Oh... Keiichi!" Belldandy said. Smiling even as Keiichi smiled back.
" I just can't stand to see a little girl so depressed." He smiled.
" So I guess I have to cheer you up. Let's see..." He thought for a moment, stroking his chin. " Did you hear the one about the chicken and the magic sarrow..." He tried to go on, but Belldandy was already laughing so hard she nearly cried. " No, wait, I haven't told the joke yet and it's really funny." Belldandy bit her bottom lip.
" oh yes Keiichi, please tell me your joke." With a smile, Keiichi told his joke.
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" I'm bored Washu. Are you done yet?" Mihoshi said. She lay sprawled on the path. She yawned, then sat up and looked expectantly at Washu.
" Isn't Cupid and the sailor scouts on right now?" Washu snorted, not taking her eyes off the computer, and the countdown. 60. 59. 58...
" I don't like that show anymore." She whined. She stood up and wandered over towards Washu. " I 'm getting tired of this. I'm just going to destroy this stupid force field." With a deft motion, she reached into her side holster, and brought out her blaster. A quick flash shot out and hit the force field, rebounded off and flew straight at Washu's head.
" Washu!" Tenchi cried out, but before the words left his mouth the shot hit. Hit the forcefield Washu had erected, and bounced harmlessly off into the forest. Washu didn't even look up.
" Thou hast attempted that technique once before, and the effect was similar." Noboyuki said, sounding oddly sage like. " Honestly, milady, I dost believe thou art ev'n more absent minded then previous."
" Whoopsy. Sorry about that Washu." She said. Already however, she stood looking over Washu's shoulder. " Um...Can I play with your computer, Washu?" Apparently she believed Washu would say yes because she was already pushing buttons. Washu slapped her hands away, but Mihoshi would not take the hint and continued until Tenchi grabbed her arm and dragged her off.
" Too be truthful, Milady Washu, I too doth wish to end this curse. How long be it till you can open the barrier." Noboyuki asked.
" Miss Washu? Is everything all right?" Belldandy said. It was the first thing in half an hour to draw her attention off Keiichi.
" Sure. Everythings fine." Washu finally said. She looked at her computer as if it sprouted wings.. " Wow, normally screws up these things."
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" Mmmmmm. I wish Keiichi would take us to the onsen more. I love this. I envy you so much, having one right here." Urd mused, smiling lazily at Peorth. Peorth's head rested gently on Urd's shoulder, her beautiful hair falling down Urd's naked chest, draping one of her breasts.
" I know. I wish you could stay here. With me." Urd toyed with her hair, wrapping and unwrapping it around her finger. Her head lifted as an idea struck her. " Why can't you stay here Urd? I'm sure we can convince Tenchi to let you stay."
" I.. think I'd like that Peorth." She said, staring deeply into the other's eyes. " But Belldandy..."
" Will be fine. She's a goddess first class, and can handle anything that comes her way. But you... I think you could use my protection." Urd smiled at the thin joke. " And after what they were saying about you out there..." She trailed off, mouth drifting closer and closer Urd's, until...
" Oh... oh Urd. I had no idea." Startled, and greatly annoyed and having their moment interrupted, they broke their kiss. " You and Peorth?"
" Belldandy?" Urd said, staring at her tiny sister. Belldandy stood wide eyed, in front of their stripped off clothes. Her clothes were literally falling off her, and in many places had been rolled up or tied in knots. Urd started to get up and realized she and Peorth must look even stranger. Completely naked, Urd was almost sitting in Peorth's lap, and Peorth had her arm around her, tracing circles on Urd's slender forearm.
" So cuuuuuute." Peorth said. " Were you that cute as a child, Urd?"
" Please, not now Peorth." She said, lightly taking Peorth's arm off her, but holding it and lightly massaging it. " Belldandy please tell me what happened to you?"
" I'm sorry. I'm happy for you Urd, I guess, but this has gone to far. Whatever you did, you have to undo it. Keiichi doesn't remember me and Tenchi's a girl and..."
" That's enough, Belldandy." Peorth said. She stood up and put herself between the sisters, leaning lightly on Urd. " We came in here to get away from wild accusations. Your own sister, without any evidence at all." She stood up, and left the onsen to give Urd a supporting hug. " How could you believe she would put something in your drinks. And Keichi too, you must teach him some manners. Urd would never do anything like that."
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" Hey, has anyone seen Ayeka?" Ryoko said. Heads turned as she appeared suddenly in the air, and hovered a few feet above them as she spoke. Below her Tenchi got up, shielding his eyes from the now setting sun, and with a strange jiggle.
" She's been missing for a while. Ryoko get down here, we need to talk." She landed with a gentle tap. Tenchi explained what was going on, about Urd and Peorth. He asked her what had happened to her. He didn't ask specifically, but Ryoko saw his eyes glance at her tattered clothing. Ryoko was just glad that her bruises were gone by now, or else she wouldn't have been able to get away with a brief vague mumbling.
" Belldandy thought it best that we all stay together right now, and I guess she'd know more about this then I do. So would you stay here?" she said.
Ryoko threw a worried glance over her shoulder. Ayeka was still out there. But maybe sometime alone would do some good...
" I guess I could wait." Unless they'd done something to Ayeka too... " No I should go find Ayeka. If she's got some weird affect she could be in trouble." She pulled away. " I have to find her."
" Wait," she felt Tenchi grab her skirt hem as she flew up. " There they are now. Just wait a moment, we can ask them how she'd be affected." Reluctantly, she waited. Belldandy, Urd, and Peorth appeared at the door to the onsen. Oddly, Urd and Peorth were holding hands.
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" So this demon must be really something to take on four goddess like she did." Mihoshi tapped the glass again. Everyone from the onsen had gathered in Washu's lab, in a small room with a few couches, a bookshelf on one wall, but a nice view through three walls and a ceiling of holographic projectors showing a deep sea scene. At least, Tenchi hoped it was a hologram. Otherwise Mihoshi would be really annoying that giant squid currently sucking on the window.
It was Skuld that had suggested they go to Washu's lab. Washu hadn't seemed happy about it, but after Skuld finished telling them all about, from what she'd heard from Washu, Peorth, Belldandy, and Urd had all insisted. It had magic defenses Tenchi had never even guessed. So they had made their way back to the house, and Tenchi practically dragged Ryoko back. She was not happy having to stay, but all the goddess' insisted. Someone alone, even as strong as Ryoko, was vulnerable alone.
So she could only pace back and forth near the door. Tenchi watched her, waiting for the inevitable moment she would bolt run for it. They'd left Sasami in a stasis tube, where Washu assured them she would safe.
" Only really foolish." Urd replied. She and Peorth, unfortunately the best at potions, were currently working together to try and cure them all.
" To attack members of the Jurain Royal family, she must have a death wish." Peorth said, with a cynical smile. " If legends are true, they still haven't found all the pieces of the last one to try that."
" Oh. Really. I hadn't heard that." Mihoshi smiled, or more like grimaced. " I mean, Tsunami is supposed to be benevolent, and kind to everyone. She'd never actually kill anyone... right?"
" I've heard similar stories too..." Belldandy said. " She is very protective of her chosen people. That's what I've heard, at least. Are you all right Miss Mihoshi, you look kind of pale. Have there been other effects?"
" No. I'm fine." She said, although she did look a little pale. " I'm going to go look for Ayeka. It's not really safe for her to be out there." She started walking quickly towards the door. An arm reached out and grabbed her, and Mihsohi screamed like someone ripped it off. Ryoko recoiled in shock.
" Cut it out!" Ryoko smacked Mihoshi. " Geeez, I just wanted to say I'm coming with you. You're too high strung."
" Sorry." Mihoshi mumbled.
" Ryoko, it's too dangerous." Tenchi said. Ryoko looked at him coldly. " It's not just strength Ryoko. What could you do against magic?"
" Tenchi." She said. " Ever since you became a girl you've lost your balls. This is your house, but you only listen too them. You've faced people who could have destroyed planets, so why are you so afraid of someone who turns people into girls? I'm certainly not. Hell, Washu could do that that easily, and she's on your side." Ryoko said flatly. " I'm taking Mihoshi and we're going to go out and find Ayeka. Come with me if you feel like being a man." She grabbed Mihoshi's arm again and marched out the door, and right into Ayeka.
" Ryoko, don't talk about my fiancé like that." The whole room held their breath, as Ryoko suddenly bolted forward, showering Ayeka with kisses, although she was careful to avoid kissing her lips, keeping herself to Ayeka's cheek and neck.
" Ooooh, girl on girl action." Keiichi said, with a rather dim smile. Which only increased as he saw who was behind her. " And twins!"
" Pervert." Skuld said, smacking him across the head with a rubber mallet. " You don't deserve Belldandy. We should set her up with Tenchi."
" Now Skuld..." Belldandy said. " Miss Mihoshi, is this another effect?"
" No way! She's... she's..." Mihoshi bellowed, pointing an angry finger at her double, it's effect lost completely as she cowered behind Ayeka.
" Ryoko, what are you doing?" Tenchi asked, watching Ryoko hug Ayeka life a she was drowning. Ayeka could only tremble slightly, with rage or shock Tenchi never knew, as Ryoko so publicly revealed her affection.
" Tenchi, I'm sorry, but my heart belongs to... wait, why ARE there two Mihsoshi?"
" Oh, it should be obvious, Ryoko. It seems the demon we've been looking has been regerde elle traivellies this whole time." Peorth said, gently putting down the potion she'd been concocting with Urd, and ever so lightly started popping her knuckles.
" Indeed." Urd said, doing the same. " Good. I've been sitting around too long, I could use some action. Belldandy, please stay out of this. You're too weak right now, let Peorth and I handle this." She walked over and stood next to Peorth, and whispered in her ear. " It's so cute how you talk in French like that."
" You really think so, mon adoree? Everyone else around here seems annoyed by it."
" Of course, my love." They shared a quick kiss.
" Wow. That Cupid's arrow is really something." One of the Mihoshi's murmured. Then froze as she realized she had said it out loud. " I said nothing. Hey look, shinies!" She pointed, and started wandering away. Towards the door.
" I never thought I'd say this, but not even Mihoshi's that stupid." Ryoko said. Ayeka had finally come together and given her a firm shove away.
" That's right, Ryoko." Mihoshi said, from behind Ayeka. " You're under arrest for assaulting an officer of the galactic police, impersonating a galactic police officer, kidnapping a galactic police officer, and... and maybe some other things. Now come over here and let me arrest you!"
" No! You're the demon. You... you..." The demon sighed. " You're not buying this are you?"
" Nope." Ryoko said.
" Not really." Tenchi said.
" Mara, what made you attack the Jurain royal family? I never would have expected that from you?" Belldandy said. Next to her, Keiichi watched with bland disinterest, having given up trying to understand a long time ago.
" I just wanted... wait, you think I'm Mara?"
" You're not? Oh." Belldandy said. " It's just that Mara always seems to be the one bothering us. I just thought..." But the demon was in her own little world.
" Yes, yes, yes!" she said, twirling like a school girl in love. " I impressed them, they think I'm a high level demon. I did it! I did it!"
" Does she know we're going to beat her senseless for what she did?" Ryoko asked. To Ayeka's disgust, Ryoko wouldn't take a hint, and was clutching at her again.
" Someone please. We found who was causing this now will someone please cure Ryoko!" Ayeka shoved her away again. " Beat the cure out of the demon. I don't care, just do something." The demon was still dancing about.
" Let me arrest you already!" Mihoshi shouted.
" Oh hey Tsunami!" Urd cheerfully waved, and Tenchi looked around, trying to find the elder goddess.
" Tsunami? Where? Where?" The demon girl suddenly tensed.
" So you do realize how stupid you've been. Just wondering. Tsunami's not here right now," Peorth said, putting on a friendly smile, and putting an arm around. " But if you don't tell me exactly what you're doing, I will personally wrap you in ribbons and direct mail you to her office in Jurai's Yggdrasil." Peorth was smiling directly in her face and had the look of a cat toying with a mouse.
" You wouldn't... You would... but it's only my first day!" the girl said " Okay, maybe more like 5th week but still... you wouldn't do it to a demon third class. I mean, I'm just a kid." She reached up into her hair, and removed a pin. As she did, a wind cascaded down her and the illusion fell apart.
She was just a bit shorter then Mihoshi, with raven black hair, and pale skin like the goddess', and marks like theirs on her face too. Her thin red lips formed into a rictus smile as Peorth stared at her.
" My name is Lufn. I'm only a demon third class. I only wanted to make a name for myself, and they assigned me to make trouble for Peorth. I tried to avoid doing anything to the princesses. I honestly did!" She smiled nervously under Peorth's icy gaze.
" You sicked this demented creature on me, and you tried to do nothing to me?" Ayeka fumed. Ryoko clung to her again, and she shoved her off again.
" Now fix her so she'll leave me alone." Ryoko looked embarrassed as everyone focused on her, realizing finally what her concern for Ayeka had meant. Tenchi looked sick.
" but I don't think I did anything to her yet..." Lufn said, regarding Ryoko curiously as she found a place on the floor, away in a corner, never taking her eyes off Ayeka. " I was thinking about making her... never mind." She finished hastily, under the goddess' glare. " The only thing that could have effected her was the cupid's arrow, but..."
" You!" Washu shouted, standing near her computer and pointing accusingly at Lufn. " I just realized it, but you've been trying to kill Noboyuki!" Everyone gasped again, even Lufn this time.
" But of course! Thou hast been covertly hidden amongst us since the beginning!" Noboyuki said, taking a step back form her like she would bite...
" Of course, Keiichi told me that Demons make trouble for people who get wishes, but he never said anything about murder." Tenchi said. Suddenly he was on his feet, ready to fight, but the stunned demon could hardly speak
" But I... I really didn't..." She said.
" Lufn, how could you! Murder is strictly forbidden, even by demon laws." Belldandy recoiled in horror at the demon, who would break even the most sacred laws. " Murdering Noboyuki would have made you a name as an infamous demon, looked down on by all."
" Um, no I mean..." She tried to start again.
" Unbelievable. Do you crave fame so badly you would be willing to be outcast from the demon tribe?" Urd said. Peorth nodded solemnly in agreement.
" But I didn't do anything. I only got here..." She was cut off by a shower of sparks, that seemed to take even her by surprise. She quickly became transparent, and then she was completely gone.
" Damn." Peorth said, already running for the door. " She must have had a spell of some kind on her. I should have seen her use it."
" Washu, can you find her?" Tenchi said. Surprisingly Washu was already at her computer, typing away.
" Quick, lady Washu, if we hurry we should still be able to follow her magic resonance." Skuld said, running to her side. Washu didn't seem to notice, as she typed furiously on her computer. Peorth and Urd were already out the door, running out of the lab.
" I think... maybe... No, she must have teleported again. I've lost her." Washu said, sighing gently in frustration. Or maybe not.
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They searched the entire shrine, but found no trace of Lufn. Eventually, as dusk turned into night, they finally gave up. But by then Urd and Peorth had searched through Ryoko's crypt, and had a pretty good idea what she had used, and how to counteract it. Noboyuki was cured easily, as were Tenchi and Keiichi, although they would still suffer effects for a few days. It took Belldandy an hour or so to get back to normal. The real Mihoshi had been just fine, and although no one seemed to know what happened to Sasami, but she seemed to cure herself just fine. The only problem was Peorth.
" Urd, I am insulted. I am a goddess first class unlimited," she said, stressing 'first class', as if trying to make Urd seem less important " To think a simple love potion could affect me so... Do you doubt my love so?"
" It's not that, Peorth." Urd assured her, as the soaked in the spring. Peorth had insisted they finish their baths, and arrogantly refused to believe she could be effected by a love potion. Urd had more practical experience though, and knew how such things could effect even a goddess. Especially since she'd used one on Peorth a while back, when she'd come to stay with Keiichi for a while, not that she'd tell Peorth that. So she'd had to follow her to the baths, and cuddled with her again, trying to reason with her.
" I know you love me, Peorth. I love you too, but I want to know our love is real Peorth. So please, just drink this." She held up a silver vile to Peorth's lips."
" No." She said flatly, turning her head away like a stubborn child, and Urd half hoped Skuld would turn out better. But even arrogant as she was, everything she did still seemed so cute.
" It's chocolate flavored." Urd didn't think it would work, and it didn't. Peorth scoughed at the weak attempt, and scooted a few inches further away, sticking up her chin. Urd sighed weakly. " Well I for one want to certain of my feelings are true." Urd offered the flask to Peorth one more time. She seemed to examine it, but then stuck her chin away again. Urd shrugged, putting it to her lips and drinking it all. " I love you though." She said weakly. She put her lips to Peorth's and kissed her. Peorth seemed a little reluctant, resisting at first, but then seemed to forgive Urd and returned it.
And then Urd shoved the fluid into her mouth. She quickly brought her hands up and sealed her mouth.
" I bet you didn't know I can talk with my mouth full of liquid. It's an acquired skill." Urd said, with a tight smile. Peorth struggled, but Urd's hands were on tight, and she had to swallow it. She looked indignantly at Urd, as the younger goddess removed her hands. " Sorry about that, love, but I couldn't let you live a lie. You'll understand soon." She kissed her again. As she sat back down, she saw tears beginning to form in Peorth's eyes, the goddess first class kissed Urd one last time.
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" I hate this." Ryoko muttered. She sat on the rock on top of her former crypt. She's been there for what seemed like hours, sitting quietly, curled up in a ball, until Washu came. " I hate it I hate it I hate it."
" Hate what?" Washu said, climbing the rock. Ryoko cursed, and slammed her fist into the rock, spraying pebbles everywhere.
" Love." Ryoko said the name like it was a curse, her face twisted. " Love. I love Ayeka, from the bottom of my soul, but she hates me, and always will." She started to cry. " Every time she glares at me, I feel like she's ripping my heart out. I want to throw myself on her, but.. the way she looks at me. Washu, please tell me there's some cure for this. I don't want to be in love like this."
" You're lucky." Washu said. She sat down next to her daughter. Reaching into a pocket in her uniform, she pulled out a silver flask, identical to the one Urd had held. " I'm ashamed to say, no science can stop cure, but those goddess' magic can. This fake love at least." She held it towards Ryoko, who reached for it greedily. She ripped out the stopper, and gulped the fluid down.
" Believe it or not, I know what it's like to love someone, and hate that you love them." Washu said.
" You mean the guy you..." Ryoko said, clutching the vial to her chest, near her heart, as she started to feel it's first effects.
" Married. Him, and others. People who betrayed me, but I can't hate for it. I can only tell you, Ryoko, the pain will go away now." Washu said, she stood up, and in a surprisingly motherly fashion, brushed Ryoko's hair aside, and kissed her on the forehead. " Feel better soon." She turned and walked off a little. But Ryoko's had grabbed her shoulder before she got too far.
" Washu. What if, after whatever this is wears off, I love Tenchi again. But in the end, he hates me too."
" Tenchi could never hate you. And even if he loves Ayeka, well you'll live a long time. Like me." She smirked. " And when you stop loving someone, you'll find someone else. Form new connections, new friends." She added a silent 'like me'. " But don't think about it just yet. Tenchi won't decide for a long time. And until then, you should fight to keep what you've got. Do whatever you have to do..."
" Washu?" Ryoko said, noticing a strange tone in her voice.
" Nothing. Just thinking." Washu gently removed her daughters hand from her shoulder. And kissed it. " Did I ever tell you I love you, daughter?"
So there it is! My second story arc. Please R&R. I think I'll take a little break, before I start with the final and longest story arc. The next chapter I write for this will probably just be a one shot, although it might not be for a little bit since I'm going to put a couple of chapters onto my Ayeka fic before it's out. Check it out. The next chapter will just deal with everyone recuperating after this, and will be much more light hearted as well. And about they'll be playing a little game... heh heh. It should be familiar to Oh, My goddess readers. That's all I'm going to say, because I suck at being subtle. As if you didn't know.
PS: wow, you must be really devoted to keep reading after all this. For that, you get a cookie, and a secret. Lofn was a real figure in Norse mythology, like Skuld, Urd, and Belldandy (Verdand). And what was she, you ask? Why, goddess of forbidden love :)