I offer mys best wishes to Zoro50 , who help me to clean this chapter. The mistakes that may still be there, are mine.
I appreciate his great help.
Javier Delgado
The order of the Mortal Knights.
By Javier Delgado Rosas
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XXI
Kamisama!
Walharen had witnessed the arrival of the Valkyries, the relentless attack on Marler, and was petrified by their ruthless ferocity. As a demon, he was used to confrontation but he did not expect the gods to act thus against an unarmed demon. Something was not right. Lind, the legendary warrior had a reputation for being powerful, but not for being ruthless.
The magnificent holographic displays in Hild´s quarters made the scene so vivid he almost forgot she was in another realm, beyond his reach.
Fortunately his mind did not freeze. As the scene unfolded before his eyes, he was trying to find alternatives. He knew how important thee mission of Marler was and the motionless bodies around him were a ominous reminder of what was at stake. They were demons that had offered almost all their vital energy and resources to Hild, and there was also Hild's body. She had consumed all her energy to face Anang-Reng.
How could he help Marler? Even Hild's personal guard would not do any good. After seeking a post in the combat corps, he was well aware of their abilities and knew the reputation of the elite Valkyries.
Only Hild would have won against them, but now she lay helpless and devoid of her former power, yet she was full of resources, and maybe with a fraction... He turned to see the helpless body of Hild, and thought ... - "A fraction? Could that be the solution? "- Then looked at his own hands, and sighed. He shuddered at the idea that was forming in his mind, but then smiled. As a warrior his duty would have been to die for Hild, maybe he could still have a chance.
Lind dropped her battle-ax, but she was so absorbed in her rage, that she did not hear the previous concussion, she only saw something that crossed her field of vision at high speed, and it was a vision of a figure in a bike which crashed into Marler.
For some reason her brain did not work with the usual speed and she could not react in time. With horror she saw her ax fell on a human figure that now protected Marler´s body. She was only able to scream as her battle ax fell on the body of Sentaro-kun.
A mighty thunder was heard when the battle ax impacted an invisible field. In the middle of the night, a flash of light illuminated nearby buildings as if it were a powerful arc light. Lind tried to clear her mind and react. She should have responded in milliseconds, but instead, just felt like everything seemed to be moving in slow motion, even her own mind.
With amazement she saw how her battle-ax smashed into pieces, while the child clung tightly to the body of the fallen demon. She was only able to scream, powerless to stop what she saw.
Lind scream was still being heard when the light of the impact began to disappear, and the ground was still trembling due to the forces released, then she saw the silhouette of the helpless child agitated by the shock wave.
Suddenly she felt the press of arms surrounding her from some.
As she ragged, the Valkyrie tried to get rid of the being who dared to try to imprison her, but for some reason could not. Those arms began to fill her with warmth, it was gentle warmth that seemed to go into her soul, and gradually began to clear her mind.
Then a strange phenomenon occurred, from within Lind two strange winged figures emerged. Dr Shugahara, who had arrive just a few seconds behind Sentaro-kun, was reminded of the mythical angels of the Christian tradition. They were two beautiful, ethereal female figures with large immaculate white wings that gave off light flakes that at times seemed like a shower of feathers.
He remembered a mention in Urd´s palimpsest about beings that were in communion with the inner essence of a goddess, but there was something strange about these twin angels, each had a single wing.
The angels emerged and smiled to the young man who was trying to hold Lind, as one greets an old friend. Shugahara recalled Keiichi´s story about how he had been a host to an angel, and understood. Those angels knew him He listened to Keiichi greet those ethereal beings.
- Coolmint, Peppermint, I'm glad to see you again. You know I just want to help Lind. Please help me.
The twin angels nodded in their silent language and placed themselves on either sides of him. They extended their hands to embrace him and Lind, preventing her release.
Lind stopped screaming, while a part of her mind was intrigued by this strange phenomenon, she felt a body press against her body and the presence of the angels, and then heard a voice.
- Lind, please calm down, everything is fine...
Lind breath slowly to the words, "everything is fine..." as she recognized the voice and was reassured. She felt how Keiichi´s aura joined her angels. This influx grew and wrapped them with a beautiful glow. She had a thought: Where did Keiichi learn to do this? But she didn't question anything else, she suddenly felt tired. Then heard a noise in front of her and noticed how Sentaro moved and smiled to her, he seemed to be unharmed.
She tried to help him, but for some reason could not free herself from those arms. Peace began to fill her and in a flash of clarity, realized what had happened, Keiichi's aura was protecting her against the intoxication of life and her angels were helping. She breathed deeply as her mind cleared from the mists of rage and finally said.
- Now I understand. Everything is fine. Thanks Keiichi! - She took Keiichi's hands and with that she dropped to the ground, while she turned around to see him.
Keiichi was standing behind her with astonished eyes. He wasn't sure what had happened, he simply had obeyed his instinct to try to stop her, had let out all his will and projected his aura, his powerful mortal aura.
Lind still held Keiichi's hands; she knew that contact could help her to remove the fog that had been building on her mind in recent days. She needed to maintain that contact, just a little more. She looked at her angels, they said goodbye to Keiichi and returned within Lind.
It had happened so fast, still in her mind it seemed an eternity. She was distracted when she noticed how Shugahara ran to take care of Sentaro and Marler. He leaned over the two figures lying on the floor, turned around and said:
- Keiichi, I need light, can you pass the lamp? - Keiichi was interrupted by Lind who said with a loud command:
- Ghadril, Othala. Help them, and bring so light so the mortals can see.
Two of the Valkyries made a gesture and from their hands luminous spheres were produced which rose to illuminate the scene. Valkyries could see perfectly, but there were a few hours before dawn and the energies released had fused the light poles around, so it was too dark for humans.
Othala came and helped a shaky, but unharmed Sentaro to rise up. The boy put his hand on his chest to make sure he still had the medallion of Urd´s sisterhood. Othala looked at him and told him:
- You have shown your value again, Sentaro-san. - The boy was surprised at the honorific - You did not hesitate to risk your life, even for a demon that may not deserve it. - The healer frowned at the mention of the word demon. The boy tried to answer back, but was interrupted by a cry of pain.
The doctor held a semiconscious Marler in his arms, and was examining her body to assess for injuries. He had learned from watching Othala.
He produced his little metal box, and selected some patches and applied them to Marler. While he waited for a reaction, he asked Sentaro.
- Are you okay? Your action was heroic, but also reckless. Please do not do it again.
The child looked nervously to the floor at the words of his elder.
- But ... But, you told me before she was vital to save Urd and Belldandy. I could not let something happen to her.
Shugahara smiled and said.
- I'm not scolding you, you did what you had to do, but you were lucky, please remember that. Apparently the medallions are able to activate themselves, else that blow would have been mortal.
He turned to see Marler, as her body shuddered as a soft light enclosed it, the magic potion in the patches were doing their healing action. Suddenly she opened her eyes and nervously looked around. She looked at Lind, and immediately struggled to free herself from the arms of the doctor. She tried to stand up, but she was still weak, and before the man reacted she fell to the ground. Without giving up yet, she advanced, crawling to reach Lind and there, in a gesture no demons had ever used with an enemy, she knelt at her feet, with her face almost touching the ground, and with a shaky voice due to her pain, she said:
- You can kill me if you wish, but please, I must first talk to Urd, the fate of my realm depends on her. I beg you Lind.
Lind was amazed, after her challenging attitude, this was disconcerting. Never in her long existence had she seen a demon acting like this. Something extraordinary must be happening in order to overcome her pride.
Lind now was aware she had been blinded by fury and her attack had been really unnecessary. She was in an awkward position. If only Marler had reacted with fury, but now she felt shame of her actions, it had not been honorable. Her thoughts were interrupted when heard Keiichi´s voice.
- Lind, please, although I have suffered from Marler actions, this time I think we should listen to her. Also we have reason to believe she can help us to save Belldandy and Urd.
On hearing this, Marler exclaimed in a tone of despair:
- Save them? That cannot be, I need to see Urd! Her mother's life depends on it.
Lind began to realize why it was so important, then knelt and inclined her head slightly in her direction, and said something she would have never dreamed of doing:
- I think I made a mistake and I apologize. - Lind hesitated, those were hard words to say, and then continued. - Marler, listen. You cannot talk to Urd. As a result of the demons attack, she and Belldandy suffered extensive injuries and we had to put them in a stasis field to prevent their dissolution and death. Without help from someone of great power we cannot save them, and ... - she doubted, she was going to revel her weak position on earth to her enemy, but remembered Keiichi´s words about trust-... and we are isolated from Heaven so we cannot get help from there..
Suddenly they heard a voice, a voice that brought a shudder of fear to the Valkyries hearts, a voice that haunted their nightmares from eons ago.
- What happened to my daughter?
The Valkyries instinctively adopted combat positions, as a figure approached, walking slowly and even majestically.
Dr Shugahara looked at the figure in astonishment. It was a little girl! She could not have more than 8 years, yet he had noticed the fear on the Valkyries face. But there was something more. Her presence cast an air of sensuality that was impossible to come from that little body. Something was very wrong about that. He looked at Keiichi, who answered his unspoken question:
- She is Hild, the great Daimakaicho, supreme leader of the demon world, grand ruler and master of Hell.
She seemed to listen to him with curiosity and answered with a smile that froze their blood.
- Keiichi, honey, you remembered all my titles, you're a charm, I will insist that Bell-chan let me have you, you would be a nice toy.
These words were said with a poisonous sweetness, but Keiichi just smiled, it was not the first time he had heard them.
Shugahara approached Keiichi and asked in a whisper:
- Is she really Urd's mother, how can be so small? She should be millions of years old ...
- She is, but only part of her. Gods and demons can split themselves into smaller beings that look younger. She looks like a child so she must be only about a ten-thousandth or something like that of Hild. The real Hild could have destroyed the street just by her presence. But still, I think there is something wrong, she looks... so fragile, I have seen her before. She looks different.
The girl approached the group, Marler ran to meet her, and she knelt before her and said:
- My lady, I've failed you, I am not worthy to be a demon, please, I...
- Silence Ma-Chan, You've done well. - She said in a haughty voice, strange for such a little girl, Then paused, as if searching for words too difficult to say- 'You've done your duty beyond what I would expect form any demon - suddenly there was a flash of pain in her face, that was controlled immediately and returned to her haughty tone - You did not desert me, even if all seemed hopeless.
Marler stopped sobbing and looked up; she had never received so direct praise from Hild. Then Hild faced Lind and demanded:
- What happened to my daughter?
Before Lind could answer, they were interrupted by Dr. Shugahara, who approached Hild, bowed, put one knee on the ground and said.
- Powerful Hild, great Daimakaicho and Urd´s mother, I need your favor to save Urd and Belldandy. - There was determination in his voice, which made the following words more surprising - So I request to make a contract with you.
The girl looked at the man with contempt, but behind that gesture there was something else. Her breathing was ragged, as if making an effort, and there as an almost imperceptible tremor in her movements. She breathed deeply and then let her anger out:
- Mortal! Who are you? - She spoke slowly, with a tone so sweet it could make hearts tremble with fear. - How dare you believe you have the honor of making a direct contract with the Great Daimakaicho?, even a low class demons would wince at such demand.
The Doctor looked around, committing the mortal sin of ignoring Hild. He meet Sentaro´s gaze, and made a signal. The boy nodded and began to look for something in his pockets. Then, the Dr took something that was hanging around his neck. It was a small metallic cylinder. It seemed heavy for it´s size. He dared to look at Hild´s eyes, while he extended his hand to show her the cylinder and said:
- We already have a contract. I made a contract with this, and it helped me to save the Urd´s life, so I have to pay my part and deliver this to you.
He opened the cylinder and pulled out a small green crystal, which now shone with a fierce intensity in the presence of it´s true owner.
Hild gasped taken by surprise, then tried to take it, but she had lost control. She has been moving by just pure willpower, so her hand only managed to grab air as she fell to the ground, with a look of surprise at her failure.
Keiichi, who had been following the development, reacted quickly and caught her in his arms. Now he knew something was really wrong.
Marler cried, she was still weak so she could not help the little girl that was now in Keiichi´s arms. She asked in amazement.
- My lady, what happened to you?
Hild made a gesture of pain and with effort said:
- So close, yet that Crystal alone cannot save me. Ma-Chan. I'm dying; the energy I received from Walharen will not last long, he was just a second class demon. You will have to make a decision.
Marler took Hild's hands. She was amazed at her own audacity, then with bewildered wonder asked:
- But the crystal? You can take its power and save your life.
- Unfortunately it´s not enough, I will only prolongs my death a little more. Take this crystal; give its energy to the demons that helped me. Al least they can be saved. Maybe you can command them and keep our world intact. Urd, my daughter and heir is dying, and I cannot help her, that´s my shame, so you will not waste the crystal on me.
She was interrupted by a strong and challenging voice:
- That is not the voice of the great Daimakaicho, you are making a mistake. The Daimakaicho would fulfill a pending contract regardless of the circumstances and bet all odds. Take this crystal to fulfill our contract and start a new one.
The little girl looked at the doctor and for a moment her pain turned into curiosity at such a challenging tone. Only a fool or a very powerful being would utter such nonsense before her.
She hissed a warning:
- At another time those words would have resulted in a very slow and painful death. I will not make a new contract that I cannot fulfill. This lonely crystal is powerful for a demon, but it´s not enough for me, I require much more...
While Shugahara felt his heart shudder at her words, he did not hesitate: - That crystal, is just one of the countless tears of Hild, it´s not the only one. Therefore I ask you to agree to my contract, I know how you can save Urd, Belldandy and yourself.
Hild's body suffered a spasm while her face reflected pain, but brightness had returned to her eyes and asked:
- Mortal, How can you know about this? What can you know about the power of my tears, the tears of my...
Shugahara interrupted.
- The tears of your defeat! I know what they are. I know that 55 million years ago the earth was a battle field and nearly all life was destroyed. This universe and this planet in particular are very valuable for gods and demons. The prized it so much they went to war and the conflict almost destroyed it. Finally, to avoid further losses, the two great leaders; the great Kamisama and the powerful Daimakaicho fought a battle, face to face.
The battle must have been powerful beyond imagination. In Central America they left a large crater that we thought was the impact of a comet, and a lava field of thousands of square kilometers in India. Surely there are more scars upon the land which we have not discovered yet. They almost destroyed earth and themselves. -
Hild interrupted with fury that overcame her pain.
- Mortal, you are digging into the secrets of the gods and demons, you shouldn't know about this. But you're right, we almost killed ourselves.
- And you, Hild, you were defeated, and you're...
Hild continued, ignoring him, for a moment she was lost on her memories:
- And my fragments were scattered over the surface of this world.
Shugahara continued the story.
- But for Kamisama, it was also a Pyrrhic victory. He also received major injuries and lay helpless...
Hild gave a short laugh, then said in anger:
- The wretch!, it would have been better for our realms if he had just disappeared.
The Valkyrie were petrified, how could a mortal know such deep secrets? They belonged to the highest levels of security and knew more about their world than many gods, but those revelations seemed inconceivable. The great victory of Kamisama over Hild was reduced to a half truth. They looked at each other bewildered, but were unable to speak.
Yet, Lind shut her eyes with anger, then she stood proud and look at the mortal.
- Why do you bring out those stories of our past? You will only revive old grudges, that is why they should remain hidden.
Shugahara looked at Lind and realized all this was known to her, yet he knew what he was doing and retorted.
- Sometimes the occult must reappear in the strangest moments. I am just beginning to understand. I have learned that gods and demons can be fragmented and maintain awareness. So, those fragments preserved Hild's conscience, and then she was rescued by a god because ...
- Do not say it.- Hild whispered with an air of menace - That's something only I can dare to say. - She hesitated for that painful memory - yes, a god ... Took pity on me ...!
Shugahara bowed to her, he understood how difficult it must have been to say it, then continued his tale: - That god, slowly recovered most of your pieces and restored your conscience. He took care of you as you were slowly regaining your power. So you were attracted to him. Thus Urd was conceived. But that God also used some of your fragments for a task that you felt it was a betrayal and got furious...
Hild overcame her pain to cast an angry gesture:
- Yes! He used them to save the life of my mortal enemy!
A gasp came out of the Valkyries. Kamisama had been saved with energy from Hild, their hatred enemy. Kamisama ... Was contaminated!
- That god, compelled you two to agree to a truce, an armistice in order that your realms could survive. But he also devised a plan, a plan for one day...
That's enough! - Demanded Hild with suspicion. - You know too much. That knowledge could only come from someone. What is your relationship with Urd?
Shugahara bowed his head wondering what to say now. He dared to stare into Hild´s eyes. Eyes that seemed able to burn, but he did not look away. Even as she lay helpless in Keiichi's arms, she still had a commanding presence.
- I love her, and I will do anything I can to save her, even if I have to challenge the great leader of Hell. Take the crystal, save her before it's too late.
Hild looked in disbelief at this impudent mortal, but there was something in his words that convinced her and without another word she extender her hand and took the crystal. While Hild was distracted by the Crystal, Shugahara looked at Sentaro. He made him a subtle signal; the boy took a cellphone and started to write a text message.
Meanwhile, the crystal began to dissolve in Hild´s hand, it transformed into a luminous fog that engulfed Hild body. The pallor of her face disappeared as the fog got into her, and her body seemed to grow a few inches. There was sudden flash of light around her.
Her gaze changed, there was arrogance returning to her face. She looked at Keiichi who was holding in her arms, and said in naughty tone:
- I have not been in the arms of a man in eons. It feels nice, but we have to leave it for now...
Keiichi was shocked by a feeling of sensuality that came from that childish body and instinctively dropped her. She jumped nimbly and stood in front of the doctor, and a with a haughty stance she said.
- Now mortal, you have my full attention, and if you do not have what I believe you have, I will make you immortal to torture you for eternity.
Shugahara managed to get a smile then turned around and told Sentaro: -Now, send the message.- The child pressed the send key, and a few seconds later, the Valkyries reacted. With their acute senses they had perceived that something was coming. They heard the sound of various motor vehicles, some of them were known to them.
Then they saw lights approaching from various points. Soon they surrounded by half a dozen vehicles. They stopped around the group with their lights pointing towards them. From the vehicles a dozen mortals descended bringing with them several heavy boxes. Some of them approached Shugahara and greeted him
- Somasindu, Professor Sripathi, professor Takahashi-san. You have arrived on time, thank you. - And bowed to them in a respectful and elegant greeting.
- Professor Shugahara, do not bow like that, I cannot get used to your manners. Where do you want us to put this? Thankfully the folks at the university insisted on helping us, - he pointed to the other men and women who carried the boxes - We followed your orders and parked near the area. As soon as we received your GPS position we came.
The doctor greeted his colleagues, who looked with amazement at the scene. Some of them already knew the Valkyries, but for the rest of them they were a marvelous vision. Several of them, driven by their curiosity took their cell phones and discretely began to record the scene.
Shugahara heard an angry noise and remembered he had a powerful demon behind him, cut the formalities and took the box that Somasindu, the young Indian was carrying, the young indian had a terrified look and he did not dare to approach to the little girl.
Shugahara gave instructions and everyone put the boxes in front of Hild. The mortals looked with curiosity to the small girl, and also recognized there was something very special about her an began to whisper, but a gesture from Shugahara ordered them to keep silence. The girl had seen everything with growing anger, but was puzzled when Shugahara opened one of the boxes and pulled out a small case like the one that he had been holding in his neck, then said as if reciting an old poem before his class:
- Countless were Hild tears on her defeat, and every tear was immeasurable in its power. For millennium men were tempted by their power, but they could never fulfill what the tears asked in exchange for their favor, so these unfortunates were destroyed by it. But I knew what those tears were trying to do, To return to their owner, since they are actually part of her.
Suddenly heard a scream in protest as Lind seemed to appear between Shugahara and Hild, interposing herself in his way.
- Fool! What are you going to do? You do not understand what you are doing. You're going to restore to Hild, our great enemy, all her lost power. I will not allow it.
But she was now confronted by Keiichi.
- Lind, you have called my friend for all eternity. Now I will ask you to test that friendship. Please hear me, this is very important: your world is on the verge of destruction. Kamisama is dying and chaos reigns in heaven. Only you and your Valkyries can restore order. You need to return to heaven, and seems Hild is the only one that can help you to return.
Lind looked at him incredulously.
- There is no way you can know that!
- We managed to establish a link to Heaven, using a back door that was left by Urd in Yggdrasil. Please take my thoughts so you know it's true, I offer them freely.
Keiichi took Lind´s hands and placed them on his temples. Lind looked into Keiichi´s eyes; she had called him friend, and knew everything was true. So she sighed and took what was offered freely to her. She closed her eyes and murmured a short spell. She watched in horror at the images of destruction from her realm that were in Keiichi's mind ... Unable to endure more, she cut the link.
The pain was evident on her face, still a bit reluctant she said to Keiichi:
- I had declared you my friend, and I see you are true to our friendship. I trust you.
Lind slowly stepped back and looked at Hild. A tear started to run from her cheek. The Valkyries left their fighting position, bowed their heads and lowered her eyes. A tear from their leader meant too much to bear.
Hild had barely paid attention to the interchange; she was hypnotized by the small cylinder Shugahara had in his hand. She already knew what was inside, since she could feel it. After a few seconds of silence, she said coldly:
- The conditions for a new contract seem appropriate. What do you want in exchange? Power? Dominate this world?, Becoming a demigod?. You may want to be the most powerful being of this universe. What do you want in exchange for those? - She said, pointing to the boxes around her.
Keiichi and Sentaro look at Shugahara; they nodded approving what he would say. Despite Hild words, he had no doubt of his next wish.
- In return I will ask you to save your daughter's life along with her sister, and to open a dimensional portal to heaven so Lind and her Valkyries may return to their realm.
Hild's face hardened, then said.
- So it´s true. The realm of my mortal enemy is in danger. That could be a unique opportunity - Lind face frowned at those words, Hild returned her gaze and smiled, then spoke in a serious tone to Shugahara - But you do not need to ask a mother to save her daughter. You are also asking me to save the life of Belldandy, my future rival and to allow Lind to save the realm of my greatest enemies ... All that, in exchange for the opportunity to save myself and my own realm. - She paused and looked at the mortal with a stern look, then said forcefully - I think ... the price is appropriate.
Before they could react, Hild raised her arms and began a slow and elegant gesture, her body began to glow and the boxes at her feet began to get a similar glow, then she sang in a delicate whisper that sound thundering:
- Tears of my defeat, fragments of my body caught up with violence, Let us be one.
A powerful gale came from nothing, the tops of the boxes were forcefully opened and the crystals were blown by the wind, they rose, and slowly began to surround the small girl's body its brightness increased until it became intolerable.
All covered their eyes. Suddenly the glow faded and all was silent. As they opened their eyes they found instead of a girl, there was now a woman who cast an aura of power and sensuality. She was really Hild, the great Daimakaicho
The earth began to shake with the barely contained power of the great demon, and the lightning of a storm surrounding them. The elements seemed gone crazy, and a whirlwind tried to blow them away. Lind reacted and shouting over the gale, she ordered her Valkyries to protect the mortals. They formed a shield around them.
Hild laughed. Her laughter was blood-curdling then with a booming voice exclaimed:
- My power, I finally got back my real power.
Struggling against the wind, Keiichi left Lind´s protection and stood before the great Daimakaicho, then with a challenging voice yelled.
- Hild, you have your payment, now you must do your part.
Hild was enraged at these words
- Miserable mortal, you're no one to remind me, of my duty. You never will doubt Hild´s word. Now for my daughter. Where is she? I cannot perceive her?
- She is in the temple, Belldandy is shielding her presence. You cannot enter the temple unless...
Keiichi could not finish his words; Hild simply extended her arms and wrapped the group, mortals and goddesses with her powerful magic. Everything went dark and suddenly they saw that they were in Tarikihongan courtyard. They heard a thundering noise from above and the skys were shocked.
The powerful protective field that surrounded the temple was falling apart as the magic of the Daimakaicho was running uncontrolled. The invisible dome surrounding the temple began to crumble while flashes and sparks were shooting out from the fragments. Finally the simulated sky disappeared revealing the true stars behind.
Hild smiled in satisfaction at the display of power, then closed her eyes, and began to regain control of her former powers. The elements gradually began to calm down, the ground no longer shook and slowly Hild was transformed from a frightening vision, to a sensual and beautiful one.
Shugahara shuddered at the vision of that face; he saw the similarities with Urd. And for the first time he was aware of the powers that could exist in his beloved goddess.
Then Hild looked around, as if noticing for the first time she was surrounded by Valkyries and mortals. She smiled and said to her audience with a mocking flattery:
- Keiichi, honey, it's rude to keep me here waiting in the cold. Would you not invite me into your home? Besides, a cup of tea would be nice.
Keiichi scratched his head sheepishly, that was really unexpected, turned to see Shugahara and Sentaro looking for support and with a shy smile invited her to pass.
Lind looked with an impassive expression as her fearsome enemy entered the temple. She followed Keiichi, Sentaro and Shugahara, but paused briefly to give an instruction:
- Ghadril, make tea for the lady.
Ghadril opened her mouth to protest, but she knew Lind enough to know her true feelings... So she preferred to keep quiet and just said.
- Yes Madame.
Meanwhile, behind them the small group of scientists began to argue heatedly about all they had witnessed:
- Did you record it?
- With every detail, it could take years to understand what happened ... - Where all that power came from? - Maybe it´s related to the crystals we were synthesizing... The group continued their lively discussion...
Inside the temple, Keiichi led Hild to Urd's room where she saw the body of her daughter, contained in a field generated by the two Valkyries to keep her barely alive.
Hild's face seemed impassive, but Keiichi could not help noticing that there was a twinkle in her eyes, as if they were wet. Then Hild ceremoniously sat on the floor, and signaled Keiichi to accompany her. At Lind´s signals one of the Valkyries placed a low table while another brought the cups for tea. Hild looked around and said.
- Lind, Sentaro, Ma-Chan, Dr Shugahara Please join us, I think this also concerns all of you.
Lind quietly came and sat next to Keiichi, watching every move of Hild. Hild continued with a poisonous sweet voice.
- Keiichi, Honey, Now I need to know everything about what happened here. She extended her hand to reach Keiichi´s head, but was interrupted.
- No, I am the other part of the contract, take my memories instead:
Hild smiled and extended her hand toward the doctor, then abruptly closed her fist. Shugahara could not help an exclamation of distress at the violence of Hild´s magic, who made no effort to soften it.
Hild closed her eyes as she scanned the doctor memories. Finally looked towards Urd and spoke, ignoring all.
- Urd, you faced a superior enemy and defeated him. You really are my daughter. Now I understand why Anang-Reng did not have all his power. In a way you also saved my life.
Then looked with curiosity at the three mortals in front of her:
- I recognize those auras, but I never expected to see them. Three mortals like you put together. Something strange must be happening.
She was interrupted by the tea service. Hild smiled with pleasure.
- Ah, Belldandy´s blends, I recognize she is the best.
The next half hour was excruciating. While taking her tea, Hild joked and made fun of those present, knowing she was the master of the situation.
But finally she finished and abruptly she stood up. Now her face expressed decision. Completely ignoring the audience, she approached the helpless bodies of the goddesses, and with a firm gesture extended her arms. The four Valkyries, who had been attending them, were thrown violently, breaking her trance.
Hild started singing a sweet song, hypnotic, primitive:
Gengr Hildr vefa ok Hjörþrimul,
Vindum vindum vef darraðar
þann er ungr konungr átti fyrri:
fram skulum ganga ok í folk vaða
þar er vinir várir vápnum skipta.
The bodies of the goddesses began to rise, their clothes were dissolved exposing their terrible wounds. For a moment Hild's face frowned seeing how much her daughter had suffered, but continued repeating her song. And then the bodies of the goddesses seemed to dissolve. From inside them long filaments started to emerged, they looked as streams of strange symbols.
Dr Shugahara screamed in horror as the body of Urd seemed to dissolve, he was about to interrupt but was stopped by Keiichi´s grip. He told him quietly.
- It´s all right, Hild is assembling their code, I have seen that before. She must locate and repair their damaged code. -
Keiichi's voice trembled, despite his reassuring words; he was impressed by Hild´s actions. Lind witnesed along with her Valkyries, Hild´s power. It was far beyond anything they could have done. Especially the youngest were impressed by that power and that level of control. It was the power of an enemy they had learned to hate and fear for millions of years.
Hild continued her singing, while manipulating the incredibly complex code that constitutes the true body of a goddess. Her song was really a means to convey programs, control applets and data verification code. She stopped briefly to find a routine that was damaged and repaired it with skill.
At the center of those streams of codes, lay a light form, which shone like a small sphere. It was their essence. It was their heart, it was contained by the incredible power of Hild that prevented it from scattering into a vacuum.
Hild finally finished her manipulations and reversed her movements. Slowly the body of the goddesses began to take form again. But this time their bodies were perfect, with no wounds or scars. Before the astonished eyes of the mortals, the naked bodies of the goddesses were reintegrated and slowly floated down to rest gently on the floor.
Hild made a final and dramatic gesture. She remained still for a moment and finally came to meet Urd, who lay on the floor. The beautiful goddess was surrounded by her silky white hair that enhanced her beauty. Her face was calm as if sleeping and her breathing was easy. But Hild was not looking at her body, she lost her cool attitude and gasped in surprise at the sight of Urd´s face and then uttered an exclamation of surprise upon seeing her face.
Keiichi heard the Valkyries also issue contained exclamations of wonder, and then asked Lind:
- Lind! What is happening, Urd´s marks are different, what does it mean? Has she become a demon?
Lind´s worried face did not bear good news - I'm not sure- She answered with concern - I thought it was not possible, she is no longer a half demon and half goddess with a goddess license. She has the marks of a full first class god and a full first class demon. It shouldn't be possible something like that.
Hild put her hand over Urd´s face, and then traced some symbols on it as she tried to cast a spell, but then Urd's body was surrounded by an energy field, as if refusing contact. Hild exclaimed angrily.
- A demon-god shield! Even I cannot penetrate it. It´s impossible! I cannot reverse it. Her body rejects me even though she is not aware of it. Urd, now you do not belong to any of our two realms.
Hild quivered, but remained silent, then suddenly turned around to see Shugahara.
- The first part of the contract has been fulfilled; she will awaken in a few minutes. But I no longer know what will be the fate of my daughter. Maybe it would have been better not to save. From now on, she will be rejected by Heaven and Hell.
Dr. Shugahara approached Hild, keeping his eyes firmly on the grand lady of Hell and said decisively.
-Urd will not be rejected by me or by anyone who loves her. No matter what, she is still alive and will find her own destiny.
Hild looked at that man, who had dared to speak. - So be it mortal man, but do not give too much importance to your brief existence. Today you have intervened in the fate of the gods and demons. It's not something you will be able do it again.
A sound interrupted him; the goddess began to wake up. Shugahara ran with Hild, while Keiichi was running out to get blankets to cover their naked bodies.
Keiichi returned in time to see Belldandy open her eyes. The goddess gave an exclamation of joy at her loved ones presence, and before he could react, she embraced and kissed him passionately, as if her life depended on it. Keiichi was surprised still with the blanket in hand, but soon responded to her, releasing all fear and all the emotions of the last days. He closed his eyes and tried to cover her body, while continuing their passionate kiss.
Meanwhile Urd opened her eyes and looked enraptured at the mortal who was hugging her and crying. Shugahara did not care she was now a demon- goddess, for she was simply Urd, his beloved one. The lovers intertwined their hands and looked into each others eyes, Urd exclaimed.
- Thanks Kenji. Thanks for everything you have done. Every time you were with me, I would have given anything to be able to answer you.
- Did you hear me?
Urd laughed joyfully: - I listened to your every word of love and every one of your crazy plans. You have become like those heroes of the old stories that you admire so much, you have intervened in the fate of the gods and have saved your goddess. Urd laughed at an occurrence - Now I will have to create a song so that your deed will endure for centuries.
- I do not need a song, I already I have my reward... And he kissed her tenderly and with eyes soaked with tears.
They were interrupted by Hild´s voice who with calculated irony mocked them...
- You will have time to be alone, now I need to fulfill the second part of my contract. I do not want to rush you, but I have a realm to win back.
The mortals and goddess looked at her remembering they were not alone. Belldandy and Urd exclaimed almost simultaneously.
- What contract?
Urd looked at his beloved Kenji with concern.
- What else did you ask my moth...? ... Hild?
Hild walked slowly toward Urd looked at her daughter with pride.
- That is how you pay me back after saving your life? You still do not dare to say "mother"?
Urd looked angry to her mother. - Hild, you know the reason. Remember that loyalty seal you imposed on me so many years ago. You know that if I say that word, it will be activated and I will forget the people I've grown to love.
Hild laughed, and pointed to Shugahara.
- You must not worry now about that. That mortal did the task of breaking the seal, but also did something that maybe you will not be so happy about. But even now, I still consider you my daughter. No matter what happens in the future.
Urd looked at Hild, she was the woman who she had admired as a child, and hated as an adult. And she felt the emotion hidden behind those words, a flood of memories washed over her, bittersweet memories of her days with her.
She looked at Shugahara, then looked at her mother and then with the fear of losing the memories of her love, said:
- Mo ... Mother?
Hild sighed deeply at those words, and then she leaned on the couple, and barely with a perceptible voice said.
- Mortal, for eons I have dreamed to hear that word again. I have a new debt with you. But do not abuse your luck.
Meanwhile, Keiichi and Belldandy continued to embrace. There were tears of happiness in Belldandy face. Her beloved sister finally had meet peace with her mother, and with a joyful voice said:
- Urd, you have finally found peace with your past. I am so happy. Hild-Sama. I appreciate what you have done for us, even if only for a contract. But now please tell me. What is the other part of the contract you must meet?
But Hild had no opportunity to respond. A light went through the roof of the temple and flooded Belldandy. The goddess gave an exclamation of surprise and rose leaving Keiichi aside. The light surrounded her but there was still more. It was much like the code streams they had seen before. They were beautiful streams of light that went into Belldandy´s body. After recovering from his surprise, Keiichi screamed for help to Lind.
But he noticed that Lind and the other Valkyries were motionless, as if they knew what was going on. So he turned around to see his beloved.
She seemed to suffer no harm. She was staring at the complex lines of code that were being integrated on her body. There was no fear on her face, just wonder. Then she turned to look at Keiichi, trying to say something but she could not speak.
Finally the light began to fade; it was reduced to a soft glow that surrounded the Belldandy´s body. Keiichi came and took her hands. He asked with concern.
- Belldandy, what´s happening? What it was that light? He looked at the face of the goddess and noticed that something had changed. - What happened to your marks? '
But Belldandy could not answer; she was interrupted by Lind who issued a command to her squad, in a grave voice.
- Elite Valkyrie squad. Come intermediately, change to dress uniform!
All the Valkyries were rapidly entering the room, while they change their uniform. They were no longer the Spartan combat uniform, but now wore golden embroidery designs, their hair now wore beautiful silver garlands that marked their ranks. They were forming around Belldandy, who seemed unable to leave her astonishment. Lind finally took over the group; put a knee on the ground, while all other Valkyries followed her. Then she bowed before Belldandy almost touching the ground, and greeted her with all her dignity as the high lider of her squad.
- The Valkyries elite squad greets you and we offer our loyalty to you, Kamisama.
End of Chapter XXI.
notes:
Kami-sama: I could have used "megami-sama", but the word "megami" meaning female kami is a relatively recent addition to the language and is rarely, if ever, used in traditional sources since the work Kami traditionally is used for both male and female. So i preferred the traditional use.