Chapter 25

Divine Altercations

Skuld woke to the bells ringing softly in her head. She initially thought it was a dream. She decided against that thought and proceeded down the large hall filled with white and yellow light, softly illuminating the way. She was in a beautiful gown of light pink with a large train of fabric following close behind her. She approached the hall midway and stopped. She quietly turned to see who might be following her, but found no one in view of her gaze. She slowly resumed her silent walk to the end of the hall, which was only pronounced by the flood of light at the end. As she approached that light, she hesitated to walk into the warmth that emanated before her. She simply stopped and reflected on her life experiences that had been a part of her training while with Belldandy and Urd on earth. They helped her immensely as she approached her 18th birthday. Had it not been for their love and support she might not have passed her 1st class status tests. Even Peorth, of all goddesses, wanted to see Skuld make the grade. Even her father, the Almighty, was exceptionally proud of Skuld's achievements. She prepared her self for the light set before her. She knew in the back of her mind what this was going to be about, but would it mark her end as a 1st class goddess? Or even her service as a goddess all together? She stood stern, staring into the light as she slowly took a step and quietly disappeared into the warmth that beckoned her.

Skuld felt strangely numb as her sight was no longer of use in the bright warm light that cradled her body softly. Then as she carefully closed her eyes, she could feel as though she were being transported somewhere. As soon as the light had carried her to her destination, darkness consumed her surroundings. It was the darkest black of night, the essence of space without any starlight. Suddenly, a tiny speck of light appeared, and the form appeared before her with such a sad face. She silently shook her head back and forth at Skuld as if she were a mother scolding her child. She extended her hand to her, and motioned for her to grasp it. Skuld gently grasped her hand as she led her into an antechamber of dim light. It was welcome to her sight and her senses for the moment. Until she realized where it was that the Trinity Angel had brought her. Skuld became very nervous and even a little shaky. It wasn't that Skuld had never seen her father the Almighty before. But he had never had visitor's to his Chambers before. Not even Belldandy, had seen the Almighty in his sacred chamber before. And it was well known that Bell was Father's Golden Child, so to speak. Skuld felt as if she were going to hyperventilate. The Spectre of the Guard showed Skuld to a nice comfortable chair that sat in front of an enormous table. This table Skuld knew well, it was the table of the Almighty and his staff. They made all of the major decisions of the fate of the universe here. This made Skuld very uncomfortable. She squirmed in her seat as the Spectre announced to her that his presence would be here shortly. That she should relax until then. To relax before meeting the Almighty was next to impossible.

Skuld's mind was wandering as she quietly waited for her elocution with her father. As she began to think of what to say to his eminence, trumpets softly sounded, and a pair of guards opened the doors at the back of the chamber. His presence into the room caused the lighting to increase a few levels as Skuld stood to kneel before him as he approached the table's large chair at the end. As he reached the chair, he suddenly turned from it and softly walked toward Skuld. Skuld was aware of this and quickly fell to both knees, knelt over and weeping softly. Waiting for the judgement that likely waited for her. Her father gently touched her shoulder and softly spoke.

"Why are thee afraid of my presence my child Skuld?"

"I, I'm sorry for my behavior father. Please forgive my actions."

"Then stand before me, for I have questions to be answered duly in my presence."

Skuld slowly rose before her father, his figure immense and weathered. He wore a large white and gold trimmed robe, with a beard of white, like soft clouds of cotton, and sandaled feet. His hair was prominently white, with a tinge of a darker brown or red in places. His features commanded respect and admiration. Although his voice was soft, it was stern and very commanding.

"I believe you know why you are here now my child, do you not?"

"Yes father, i. I'm aware why I am here."

"Then you know what dilemma I must have with your actions in the past month."

"Father, I, I know what I have done is not within my duties as a Goddess. I am prepared for the consequences of my actions. I have no other excuse than I have failed you as a Goddess and a servant of Yggdrasil."

"You are aware of the conflict I have as your father with the punishment that should be placed upon you. I have no desire to subject you to torture such as that, but I must place a discipline upon you for your recent actions with the mortal known as Will."

"Father, Please! Please spare Will any repercussions of his actions. It should be all burdened to myself. It is I who failed to follow the creed of the goddess servitude. I must bear all the burden of punishment myself alone."

"SILENCE CHILD! You shall not question my awareness of who shall carry the burden of punishment. I will NOT HAVE YOU MOCK ME!"

Skuld began to cry as the tears ran down her cheeks and onto the floor before her. She waited for the announcement of her punishment as she sobbed, shaking on the floor before the Almighty. His voice was now stern and loud.

"SKULD! I now announce the punishment for your actions. This shall be recorded into your permanent record and set immediately to your service. For the charge of fornication with a non contractual mortal of the Earthen realm I hereby sentence you to…" The Almighty was interrupted by his servant and advised of an objection to her punishment.

"FATHER. Please might I have a word with you. I beg of you, please hear my words."

"Belldandy? I must conclude my sentence with Skuld before I may talk with you."
"NO FATHER! I must speak with you NOW!"

"YOU DARE RAISE THY VOICE IN MY PRESENCE CHILD?"

"Father, please. I wish to consult with you on her punishment."

"Belldandy, please don't interfere with my punishment. It's all my fault. I should be totally responsible."

"Quiet My sister. Father. I only request a moment of your time before her sentencing."

"Speak, Belldandy. I will hear your words. Please make haste, this is NOT something I enjoy doing to my children of servitude."

Belldandy talked with her father for a few moments as a languid expression fell across his face. Belldandy was stern with her father but very polite and apologetic.

"I see, my child. I must take this into consideration."

"Thank you father. Our respect and love for you is unending."

"You must leave now while I give sentence to your sister."

"Yes your Eminence."

Belldandy smiled at Skuld as she walked by, not speaking as Skuld looked at her with a solemn face.

"Skuld. It has been brought to my attention of your desire for this mortal, um."

The Almighty was reminded of his name by his servant.

"This, mortal Will Harrmon. He is of great importance to you?"

Skuld was unsure of what to say. Stepping carefully around her words as she spoke to him.

"Father. I love this mortal with all that I am. I cannot lie of this fault."

"But to retract any punishment is not plausible in such a serious case as yours. Belldandy has enlightened me as to the reasons for your actions, and while they are commendable in regards of a goddess' duties. They are however, punishable by the code that is set forth in your service to Yggdrasil. Since this has been deemed a service to mortal expectations not bound by contract, it is however, expected service of a goddess to provide to a mortals well being."

The Almighty stood and looked at the trembling Skuld before her and quietly chuckled.

"Your sister, she is very influential on you at this age is she not?"

"Belldandy? Yes I love Belldandy, she has taught me well on earth."

"I am referring to URD. My child."

"U-urd? But father, yes I have learned quite a lot from Urd as well."

"For this I am suspending your sentence, but your punishment shall be restricted powers while on earth. For a period of six months, after which I shall evaluate and reinstate your goddess powers as first class. Your powers are hereby limited to your self preservation and those close to you. From that you shall perform as your sister's duties to the mortal Keiichi Morrisato, to this mortal Will which you have claimed."

"Thank you Father!"

"Wait! That is not quite all child. It has come to my attention that this Will fellow, does not believe."

"Father? Believe what?"

"He is a non believer of the system. He has no qualms of the higher plane."

"Father, I. I was unaware of this. Why is this important? Is it not you that said "let all that live in the mortal plane be wary of their own existence, and their own fate?"

"Yes, but the challenge before you, is to convince him of your status as a goddess, then and only then, can your thoughts of being with this mortal forever, become a reality. This is the test that must be made before you are allowed to the eternal gate of life."

"Father? I shall do as you command. (Skuld was smiling happily at this time)"

"Go now child. I have many other pressing things to tend to. Please, continue on the path of the great goddess' before you, as you have shown much promise."

Skuld knelt before the Almighty as he left to his private room. The Spectre of the guard led her back to the forward chamber of the Yggrasil, and she woke in a cold sweat in her own bed. She assumed all of this to be a dream, until she noticed the scroll next to her in bed. It was official. But why does she have to convince Will that she's a goddess? She assumed this wasn't going to be a challenge. She'd just come right out and tell him. But is it really going to be that easy?

That next morning Skuld woke to Belldandy's presence on the side of her bed. She was still groggy with sleep in her eyes and trying to focus on Belldandy, and what she was saying.

Bell: "Morning Skuld. You feel ok?"

Skuld: "Yes, I'm just tired. Bell, last night. Was that for real?"

Bell: "Yes. I took a chance at changing father's outlook on your punishment."

Skuld: "I know, but why didn't you just let me face his wrath alone. You took a very big chance just for me?"

Bell: "Because I love you so Skuld. You're my sister, I don't wish anything horrible to happen to you. Actually, neither does Urd , or father for that matter."

Skuld: "But I have to tell Will? I still don't understand that part. That won't be hard will it?"

Bell: "Will may not be that easy to tell. Skuld, I have found that he doesn't believe in the supernatural, or any of the religions here on earth."

Skuld: "You mean, he probably wouldn't believe if I told him I was a goddess and even showed him the use of powers or anything? Why would he not believe?"

Bell: "I don't really know too much Skuld. But I would approach it with caution. You don't want to startle him into being afraid of you. If you approach it too quickly, he may think it's a joke, or worse he would dislike you for lying to him about your identity and not telling him soon enough."

Skuld: "I guess I'll have to just take it slow. I don't want to push him away. I'm so afraid of loosing him. I've never felt this way before about anyone. It's what I get for making fun of you and Kei so much when I was younger I guess."

Bell simply laughed at her comment.

Regina woke up and stumbled out of bed, she walked past Will's room and found him still asleep and decided to "wake" him up. She quietly stepped close to his bed and suddenly jumped onto him in bed.

Regina: "GET UP SLEEPY HEAD!"

Will grabbed her by her hair in a lazy motion.

Will: "Regina, don't do that please."

Regina: "Hey leggo my hair! I'm sorry, I was just playing around with you!"

Will: "Well, I'm up now. What did you want?"

Regina: "Skuld called a little while ago. You were asleep so we talked a while."

Will: "Damn, why didn't you get me up when she called?"

Regina: "She said not to wake you. To just tell you to call her when you got woke up good."
Will: "Oh. Ok. I'll call her after I eat and shower."

Regina: "Well hurry up and fix us some breakfast then!"

Will: "What's wrong with you doing it? You're getting really damn lazy you know that?"

Regina: "I'll help you ok?"

Will: "Oh. Alright. Lemme get some shorts on."

Regina: "Ok. Hurry up. You ain't got nothing I ain't seen before. Nothing Skuld hasn't seen either, at least on you.. hehehehe!"

Will: 'Very funny, you're a sick perv aren't you?"

Regina: "No, just stating a fact. Boy you should hear her talk about you, you must have been her…"

Will: "DON'T even go there Regina."

Regina: "Ok,ok. I'll leave you alone."

Will: "I'll be down in a minute."

Regina: "Ok."

Sora and Megumi were lying on they're beds in the spare room at Kei's house when Sora started a conversation about the car club that Regina was talking about the day prior. Megumi just sat in silence and listened to her comments at first, pretending like she were still asleep.

Sora: "I think it would be a fun idea to do all the things we talked about yesterday evening. Don't you Megumi?"

Megumi: "Huh? Yeah I guess it would."

Sora: "Why do you suppose Will doesn't like the idea of a club?"

Megumi: "You got me. Some people just aren't into organized things like clubs I guess."

Sora: "That's sad. I bet he could attract a lot of people to the club. Everybody here knows him and looks up to him. Don't you think?"

Megumi: "Yeah. Maybe that's why he doesn't want to get too involved in one."

Sora: 'Well I hope Skuld talks him into it to be honest."

Megumi: "She might be able too. They are going together, you know. At least that's what Belldandy told me. But Skuld hasn't come right out and said it."

Sora: "What do you mean? I thought she said she was.."

Megumi: "Well I mean. You figure after that night we spent at Will's house she sure sounded like they had fun. From what I could hear, anyway."

Sora: "What? Are you serious? Now I must be the last one to know. That's my luck."

Megumi: "Hehe. Ah, it's no big deal. You always hear about stuff eventually don't you?"

Sora: 'Well yeah but still. I sure wish I had a boyfriend."

Megumi: "What about that guy you met the other night?"

Sora: "Well I asked him to call me but he hasn't yet. Guess I'm too much of a dork for him."

Megumi: "Come on Sora don't say that. It's not true. Some guys are just scared to call you know."

Sora: "Maybe. But I'm not going to worry about it too much."

Will was sitting at the table after breakfast. Regina had just finished washing the dishes and putting them away.

Regina: "So brother. Can I talk to you about something for a few minutes?"

Will: 'I guess. What's up?"

Regina: "Well. I've been thinking about a club and.." Will cut her short.

Will: "Hold it. I've already said that I have no interest in forming a local club, you KNOW that."

Regina: "Actually it was myself and Megumi's idea. We just wanted to ask your opinion on our ideas for starting up a club."

Will: "Oh if that's all then go ahead." Will was surprised that she was doing all this without him being involved.

Regina: "We both were thinking of combining a regular show and go club with Taka's drifting club. So that way we'd have enthusiast's from a lot of backgrounds. On top of it all, we were going to charge a small monthly due to help pay for a place to have meetings and stuff like that."

Will: "That doesn't sound to bad I guess. But charging for the privilege of being in the club may run some people off. But then again, if it's not much it will keep the freeloaders out."

Regina: "Next step was finding a old shop or something that we could rent. We know a couple of places, so that members would have a place to work on their cars and all. Kei is willing to pay on the place too, Belldandy and Skuld and Urd are looking forward to it all on top of that. Bell even wants to design us a club logo and everything."

Will: "Kei? Hmm. You sure he agreed to all this?"

Regina: "Yes. He's kind of excited about it all. Belldandy thinks a terrific idea, They used to have a lot of fun in their motor club back home, they actually miss having the club around for something to do in their spare time."

Will: "I guess so. Don't sound to bad to me. But I'm no expert on social gatherings either."

Regina: "Tell me about it..Hahahaha!"

Will: "Real funny Regina. Thanks a lot."

Regina: "Sorry. You said it first. The truth hurts huh?"

Will: "Well, have fun with it then."

Will got up from the table and walked out into the backyard. Regina just stared at him as he got up and walked out.

Regina: "Humph. Fine then. We'll start a club with or without your help then. God he's such an anti social bastard." Regina mumbled to herself as she picked up the phone to call Megumi and Sora.

Belldandy: "Hello? Morrisato residence."

Regina: "Hi Bell! It's Regina. Is Megumi nearby?"

Bell: "Sure. Hold on a sec and I'll get her for you."

Regina: "Thank you Bell."

Megumi: "Hello?"

Regina: "Hey Meg. We need to talk about the club today. Can I come over for a while?"

Megumi: "Sure thing Regina. You talk to Will yet?"

Regina: "Yes. What do you think he said ?"

Megumi: "Sounds like it was wasted effort huh?"

Regina: "You bet. Sorry my brother is such an anti-social person sometimes. I'll see you in a little bit ok? "

Megumi: "Ok. See you. Bye!"

Regina: "Bye!"

Next Chapter

Booze, Robots and Angels