Hello, it´s more than two years I´ve started this story and it has gone to parts I have not dream,
yet there is still too much to say. I hope you like this so far, so please comment.
I would be delighted to hear from you, my dear reader.
The order of the Mortal Knights
By Elnauhual
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XXXVI
In the beginning...
Ghadril looked toward the horizon where the sun was beginning to set. Among the wonders of the mortal world she had discovered, the sunset was still her favorite, perhaps because it reminded her of the mortal with whom she had shared it for the first time. She knew it was just a star that was hidden behind the planet, yet she recognized it had a beauty that rivaled the most beautiful things from her world.
The sun slowly slide over the horizon, its reddish rays seemed unwilling to leave behind the earth as if they refused to die and with lifelike tenacity they seemed to cling to the shadows of objects in a last attempt to not disappear. Suddenly for a brief moment a green flash appeared over the glowing red circle of the sun before it could be completely concealed. Ghadril smiled, Takashi had told her about the rare phenomenon of the green flash and that there was a chance it could be seen in this place. She fixed the experience in her memory, she wanted to share it with Takashi so she could feel his emotion, which was a new pleasure she had discovered. But now it was time to continue her mission.
Only then did she pay attention to the man behind her, waiting respectfully until the goddess finished what seemed a strange ritual. It was a man in his forties but the hardships of life make him look older, he wore ragged clothes. The man had his eyes fixed on the horizon and with awed voice said:
- I had heard about the green flash, but I thought it was just a legend. My Goddess, is that a message of your own? Now I understand your true power and...
Ghadril raised her hand and the man became silent with fear. The goddess wondered if she should explain to him that the green flash was only a natural phenomenon that occurred under certain atmospheric conditions and had nothing to do with gods. She looked at the man with curiosity and saw how he shivered under her gaze. The day before Ghadril had searched into his soul to verify if it was safe to release him and knew what that man had done in the past. This mortal had been cruel, had taken lives in his hands regardless of whether they were men, women or children convinced he was doing the right thing and thinking that would please his god. Also she knew that now he would never do that again, but would that make him a different man? He was still the same man and his past actions had not gone away, even now that he had seen his past actions through the eyes of some of his former victims and had recognized that he had become the very evil that he thought he was fighting. The man looked at her waiting for words of reproach, but only saw in her a look of curiosity, so he dared to speak.
- My Goddess, you have told me that you are not one of my gods and so you will not judge me, but I know I'm guilty of many sins. I know you can look inside me and see that I speak the truth, and now my life will be dedicated only to correcting my past mistakes and will die for...
Ghadril interrupted him with a gesture of reproach.
- Do not talk about death. You've already have taken too many innocent lives and giving yours in vain would not recover them. For now you must live, dedicate your life and not your death to repair the damage you've caused. At the end of your life your will be your own judge and I'm sure you will be a severe judge - The man began to cry at her words, Ghadril ignored him and asked- ... Are you ready now?
The man knelt before the goddess, still sobbing. Ghadril attempted to understand this phenomenon. Takashi, the mortal who had promised to share his life with her had opened to her many secrets of the human soul, still human nature seemed even stranger than she could imagine. This man had an immense potential for good or evil, yet the difference seemed so thin, Hearing his sobs she felt something strange and interrogated herself, what was that strange feeling? ... That was the same emotions she had felt with the other men she had transported earlier. Suddenly she could recognize that feeling. She felt compassion for the man, despite knowing that his past actions condemned him, she felt compassion...
Ghadril meditated for a moment and decided that it was a strange feeling to be valued; it was a new thing to share. She closed her eyes to assimilate it and then moved toward the man. She touched him on the head and he shivered ... then a warm light covered them and both disappeared.
xxx
At the contact of the goddess Belldandy, Myr felt as if he were about to faint, his knees felt weak and fell prostrated sobbing like a child. His guilt was large and he did not deserve the forgiveness of the goddess. At that moment he was no longer the great god, the senior member of the council, he felt he was just a coward who had concealed his crime all these years. Then Myr suddenly realized the goddess had placed her hands on his temples and was gently forcing him to raise his gaze to meet hers. When their eyes met, the goddess said:
- It´s been a long time since I knew the reason for your absence.
Myr shuddered hearing those words:
- Did you know it? Then why didn't you denounce me? It was the right thing to do.
Belldandy sighed sadly, she wished there would be enough time to talk to Myr and slowly help him to repair centuries of regret and misplaced guilt, but there was no time for that, she needed him urgently. She spoke kindly, as if talking to a frightened child:
- Listen, I know you never would have gone against my parents. I knew you felt guilty but I knew their death was an unavoidable accident and I never blamed you for it. I expected you would overcome it, instead your guilt became stronger, and then you disappeared for many centuries. I just wished you had been with us after their death.
Myr attempted to shun the gaze of the goddess.
- But I'm guilty! I tried to confront your mother with Hild so she could understand what your father was really like, so I convinced the board to send your parents as ambassadors before Hild, it was then when something happened and they were intercepted by a rebel group...
- Myr! - Belldandy interrupted with impatience - I always knew you loved my mother and that you would never have done anything to hurt her. I know all you have done. You were not responsible for her death. At that time I knew it with my heart, but now I know for certain that no matter what you would have done they already were sentenced to death by a force much greater than you and me, even before you had decided anything and you had no power to stop it...
- Sentenced to death? - Exclaimed Myr as a chill ran down his body- How can it be possible...?
Belldandy, who still had her hands on his temples, looked at him and whispered softly,
- I apologize in advance for what I am going to do...
The goddess whispered an ancient and forbidden spell. Myr was terrified at feeling how Belldandy´s mind barged into his own, he tried to fight but that mind was not the sweet and delicate Belldandy he had known, it was a powerful mind, relentlessly and unceremoniously penetrating deep into his soul...
Myr felt the weight of centuries of guilt vanished, still he tried to fight but the mind of the goddess completely dominated him, he felt how the goddess was examining and manipulating his memories. His precious feelings, his deepest intimacy was all bare as he was completely defenseless against her. Was she really his loving and sweet niece? For a moment he recalled a brief encounter he had with Hild, in which she had forced her mind on him to try to manipulate him...
Then he stopped fighting, what he had perceived as a cold mind began to transform into a mind full of warmth and he felt relived as the weight of guilt disappeared, the bad memories were being diminished and the most beautiful of his memories surface to the light. He remembered the brief and precious moments he had spent with Belldandy´s mother and his heart became full of excitement for those treasured memories. Then he recalled his bitter rivalry with his brother Tyr and now it seemed like a merely childish matter. He recalled the incident in which they had died and now he could clearly realized that he was innocent, now he wondered how he could have any doubts. Now he began to remember the joys of his life and those were becoming more present, while the sad moments were diminished. Then his mind become flooded with more recent images. They were those images of the young and beautiful goddess he had just met, the goddess Peorth; they were warm and vivid memories. He was thrilled at seeing how she was bright, emotional, tenacious, capable but also feminine and seductive. He saw other memories of her that he knew did not come from his own mind, he realized that he was seeing her through the memories of Belldandy, but he did not care since his heart was now filled with excitement to meet her again and maybe ... maybe there was a chance to be happy again...
Belldandy released the temples of Chancellor Myr and he fell to his knees in ecstasy. His sad eyes were now full of life and he tried made a humble reverence before the goddess and cried.
- Belldandy, my goddess, I will no longer call you Kamisama but Megamisama, the goddess among gods. You've given me back my life and I will give my life for you...
Myr was not aware of Belldandy´s expression, he would be astonished if he had realized her eyes were filled with tears and her face wore an expression mixing fear and disgust, the goddess whispered to her.
- What have I become! - She looked at the sky that stretched outside the huge window to hide her tears from Myr and said to herself- But it does not matter, I will do everything to protect Keiichi and my people.
xxx
In his cluttered office, Dr Edoardo Amaldi sat before the computer screen and went once more through the news websites as if he hoped that everything he had seen was not real. He stopped at an article, there it was a close up of Shugahara face and the article provided information, to be precise, it provided too much information about him. There it was, Shugahara career, his academic work on ancient magic and its relation with ancient runes in detail. There were blurry pictures of him, on the town taken by the terrorists' faction. Also there was an interview with a man named Professor Jan Krogh Danielsen about an ancient manuscript he had shared with Shugahara. Equally disturbing was that it mentioned that Shugahara had been seen at the D'orly Airport before he had disappeared. How they could find out so much? He dropped the mouse and released a long sigh, then he took out from his desk drawer a small bottle of liquor, he took a few sips before taking the phone. He dialed a number he had memorized after using it so many times that day.
- Do you have any news about Dr Shugahara?
- No, - answered a worried voice - the authorities insist that there are no records of his departure at the airport. A guard said that a group of men took him out of the press conference, just as the article says, then no one saw him again. We thought it might be terrorists, maybe some faction that refused to surrender and maybe...
- I understand - Amaldi interrupted impatiently. - Please let me know if there is some real news.
He hung up too abruptly betraying his nervousness. He drummed his fingers on the desk as he was trying to think on his next move, finally he making a decision, He reach back to the phone, but suddenly stopped. Again he took out the small bottle ...the shook it to verify it´s content. It had less than half of what it had in the morning, made a grimace of disgust and took a long sip. He waited a moment until he could feel the alcohol through his bloodstream and then returned to pick up the phone. He dialed slowly while thinking his next course of action, and then he spoke...
- Professor Nambu?
- I was waiting for your call, are you ready to move forward with our plans?
- Do you know what that means?
- Yes, it means we will not be able to get back. We had discussed that possibility with Shugahara in case something went wrong.
- Well, it is not you who is risking his neck. But I have realized there is no other way, I will summon an emergency meeting between the scientific centers involved and will contact the people Shugahara asked, so they may began their part. We may need to speed up our plans. Has the Primates organization made contact with you? Will they participate in the meeting?
- Yes, and they have very interesting ideas, they have more experience than us in dealing with the garden variety people. In some communities they already have begun to plant legends and myths about the existence of gods and demons to observe its effects on them. They have to be careful not to confront the established religions, we do not want start a new religion ... although I confess that I think that could simplify our problems.
- Please do not make jokes about that! You are a scientist...
- Sorry, I just was thinking out loud, but listening to our colleagues in the humanities and social science makes me see the world differently.
- I understand, but we still have a serious problem to overcome. The people handling the power are not exactly rational, they listen to us when we promise prosperity, wealth and power, but they turn away at the uncomfortable truths. How can we make them listen to us without causing hysterical reactions?
- I do not know, but it's time to look for experts in that field and find out.
- Have you delivered the news to Shugahara´s young friend ... I do not remember his name?
- Keiichi Morisato. Not yet, I wanted to make sure it was not just a false alarm. By the way, it is not without irony that this young man lives in a temple; it is good to remember that gods and demons are on our side. I have never prayed... maybe it time to do it.
- God´s and Demons on our side? That is precisely what worries me...!
xxx
Hild observed with critical eye the reports that were materialized in front of her. She smiled slightly and leaned against the cushioned back of her throne in a studied pose of boredom. Of course, that boredom was only apparent, she had reviewed the report carefully and she was concerned that the damages caused by the possessed demons was worse than expected, but also knew the repairs were progressing much faster now they could use magic thanks to the bracelets made by mortals.
She raised her arm and examined with some distaste at the bracelet she wore. She closed her eyes and felt the power emanating from it... She did not like the slight and strange taste it had, she could recognize the taste of the human world, but Hild had not stayed in power by having a closed mind and had ordered that all the demons should use only the energy emanating from the bracelets. Since then not a single one had been reported infected. She returned to her carefree pose and with a dismissive gesture she dissolved the reports screens. Finally she addressed the young demon that was at standing her side.
- The report is acceptable, my dear Walharen. - After a short pause Hild added. - You have done an excellent job.
Walharen shuddered, in Hell to be praised by Hild, was... "Unnatural", so he just assented with his head.
- Is the cure working well?
Walharen spoke enthusiastically
- Yes Hild-Sama, we located the invasive code that causes the madness. The problem was that it was using variable encryption techniques and it hid separating it´s fragments and intermingled them with the code of infected demons, not only that, it created dummy copies that made us believe we were attacking it , so it had the opportunity to hide better. In order to use the cure we have to freeze the execution of the infected code using some of Urd´s magic potions so...
Hild gave an impatient cough and Walharen stopped immediately...
- Thanks, but I do not require all the details, Urd had been eager to explain more that I wanted to know, I just need to know if it really works.
- Yes, it works, but the process is laborious, we can only cure a few demons at a time. It will take a long time to heal all the infected demons, but since no one else is getting infected thanks to the bracelets, I think we can cure them all.
- Did you send the information to heaven? That was the agreement with Belldandy.
- Yes, Hild-Sama, but I'm not sure they will use it. The gods to whom I spoke did not seem very interested, they have complied with the agreement to receive and give me in exchange information of their own cases, but the information they sent me was practically useless. I think they hid the most important information, probably for fear that we can use in against him, however, I can confirm you it is the same infection.
Hild smiled.
- That was to be expected, I think Belldandy did not understand her own people, they will hardly accept a cure that comes from us, their pride is too big - Hild smiled- It´s even bigger than ours.
- Then they will not use it? - Said an amazed Walharen ... suddenly he saw a shade of irritation on Hild's face, he quickly realized his mistake and hurriedly added - Ahhh "Hild-Sama"!
Hild smiled, she liked the enthusiasm of the young demon, but she could not afford any familiarity. Still he deserved some explanation; he had proved he could be more useful when he was well informed.
- My informants tell me that Belldandy had to give direct orders as Kamisama to force the gods to wear the bracelets; otherwise they would not accept something that came directly from mortals, so it´s not strange they won't use something that comes from us. It will be interesting to see how far the authority of Belldandy can go. It could be a real test for her authority. I am tempted to take this opportunity, the gods are weakened by their own pride and refuse the solutions they are being offered. Unfortunately we have other priorities; we have to rebuild our world. Any information on the infection at Nidhogg?
Walharen coughed nervously ... - Hild's guessed the answer.
- No, it is hidden too deep in the most basic functions of Nidhogg, and every attempt to locate just makes it to move to another place. I think our attempts to detect it are only worsening the infection. At least we have detected the way it infected us, so we have to rely on the bracelets and use Nidhogg resources as little as possible, we cannot rely on its operation.
- Have you any idea how to destroy the infection?
Walharen looked scared at Hild. He had an idea, but it was too crazy and was based on confidential information provided by Hild, information that could cost his life if it were disclosed. His fear was evident and Hild looked at him curiously, she could guess he had a solution and it had to be something wild, Walharen looked around and then whispered to Hild.
- We can talk in private?
Hild looked at him intensely, the young demon was so scared that he had forgotten the "Hild-Sama", she smiled. The solution had to be really interesting! With a slight gesture with her hand she created a physical barrier around them; no power in Hell would be able to spy on them. It was like an invisible sphere that completely isolated them from the world.
- You can talk now - Hild said almost in whisper, but the sound contained in the area seemed too loud. Walharen looked around, he knew no one could hear him, except Hild, which did nothing but scare him more.
- According to the files that you allowed me to access, I know that Yggdrasil and Nidhogg are actually twin systems created by the same architect...
Walharen could see a menacing expression in Hild´s face. Walharen had confirmed what he already suspected, but no god or demon would accept. He knew that in the beginning gods and demons descended from the same people. The war between gods and demons had been actually a war between brothers...
Hild whispered menacingly...
- Continue please...
- So ... ah ... then ... - he stuttered - If we could superimpose one system against the other and synchronize their functions it would be very easy to detect the anomalies between them and identify them ... but...
Hild interrupted him an uncontrollable laugh that made him shudder ... he could not understand why, but somehow it made his blood run cold. Then Hild casually commented...
- Are you saying that the only way to free us from the intruder is to take complete control of Yggdrasil and Nidhogg? So, in order to save us and the gods, we only need to invade them and take control. I like your plan...!
Walharen took back a few steps scared... His plan? To declare war on the gods?
- We must began to review your plan, I wish to see Urd's face when I tell her the only way to save her beloved gods is ... to invade them.- Hild let out a chilling laught.
Walharen felt he was about to faint, Hild spoke to herself for a while, later Walharen could barely remember anything.
xxx
Myr was astonished as the information displayed on the myriad of screens that Belldandy had materialized. He was an expert and had not required much explanation, he quickly stepped into the info and soon started to feel a cold that gripped his soul, he could hardly believe the level of manipulation that his world had been subject to, he was familiar with some episodes that he had considered mere lucky coincidences, until he got to the logs that with cold logic explained the reason for the deaths of Belldandy parents. For the ADX software they had been only a dangerous anomaly that could destabilize their world. The pain paralyzed him, but somehow the manipulation that Belldandy had done his mind prevented him from diving much into the painful memories so he could recover quickly. He continued examining the logs. Finally he reached the last record; it was Keiichi's file and fell in awe of what he had just learned. He had met the young mortal and knew he was special but this file showed him how special he was.
Meanwhile Belldandy had been watching him, she knew that Myr was now unable to question the way she had handled him and knew that she had just learned to manipulate anyone so he would give his life for her and could not help but be horrified at the idea. It was against all principles on which she had believed but it was too late to turn back and decided not think about what she had done, at this moment it was time to act. She spoke to Myr:
- Those are all the records I could find, but there must be more, however I have failed to recover them. Will you help me? You are one of the oldest gods who knows the system.
Myr looked at her with a mixture of fear and awe.
- I never imagined that the ADX series could be so powerful, for eons it has been manipulating us to shape our world, all based on what our ancestors thought was best for us.
- Belldandy nodded, yet she could not understand the terror in Myr´s face.
- And yet, something, a strange entity has been able to destroy all the presence of every single piece of ADX code in Yggdrasil, this strange presence is hidden, lurking in the system, and has been gradually corrupting the gods with madness. Do you realize the power it has? I think it could have destroyed us anytime, yet it didn't, there must be a reason. It's like instead of destroying us, it´s just playing with us to see us suffer and slowly bring us down.
Belldandy was left petrified by the idea; she had been so obsessed looking for information to protect Keiichi from her nightmares, that she had missed the obvious questions: the reasons behind their anonymous attackers. Myr continued
- Megamisama, our world is in danger, while the ADX series has been manipulating us in a relentless way, it was trying to preserve our world, but this new entity it is completely hostile to us. What does it want? Why has it not destroyed us? Who is behing it? Moreover, I think Nieghood must also be infected in the same way, for the madness that affects the hell is identical to the one affecting us. I have seen the information they sent us.
Belldandy suddenly felt as if she was waking from a fever dream, she remembered that the madness had also infected Hell, Urd was there, fighting against it in Hell, and she knew nothing about her.
- Urd! Have you heard anything about Urd? She was working on the cure.
- The reports that we have received from Hell are very strange, I have some doubts about them, while Urd is mentioned I do not think...
Belldandy abruptly interrupted him.
- Please explain me! Why do you doubt its veracity?
- They say they found a cure, but the circumstances make me it hard for me to believe it, they mentioned that Urd led a team of scholars from Hell alongside a group of mortals! ... Mortals working with demons? That's impossible! Demons would never do such thing. Our greatest scholars have failed to even come close to something like a cure, much less a group of demons and mortals.
- So they found a cure and sent us the information! - Belldandy was amazed - Why I was not informed?
- But Megamisama! - Myr protested at the unexpected Goddess reaction - That's impossible. Urd's potions are not real magic and mortals would never be able to understand...
Belldandy frowned, then spoke to Myr in way he felt like a child being admonished after being caught cheating on his homework and felt miserable. There were few things that could annoy Belldandy and one of them was doubting her sisters capacity.
- You do not know the real power of Urd's potions. And she has been working on earth along a mortal sage named Shugahara-san, a man who has taught Urd to make her potions even more powerful. If Urd says she has found a cure, it must be true. Did you try to check it?
Myr lowered his gaze ... somehow he felt he would have preferred Hild´s wrath than confront Belldandy´s annoyance.
- Megamisama, - he said humbly - I did not read the full report, I found it was something so incredible... - then in order to correct his mistake with a magical gesture he materialized an information screen and requested access these confidential files ... His experienced eye began to inspect the reports in depth, then his opened his mouth in amazement ... a shiver ran through him as he realized his huge mistake and exclaimed in a whisper voice:
- The cure is real …! - His hands trembled, he looked at Belldandy, the cure was real but there was something else but he did not dare to say it... but he had to speak -... yes, the cure is real but I think no god would accept being treated with it.
Belldandy had been reading the report along with him, and shook her head sadly, she knew Myr was right. Even a god as open minded as Myr had rejected the existence of the cure being based on Urd's potions, so they would refuse to use something that involved almost everything they reject: potions, demons magic and mortal knowledge! , simply the vast majority of the gods would refuse to use it. Even her with all her power she would not be able to force them to use that cure. Belldandy felt as if a great weight fell on her, it seemed that all her efforts to help her people involved would go against their will. She addressed Myr, as if afraid to ask him the question.
- How many gods have been infected?
- Until you ordered everyone to use these bracelets, one in five had been infected, since then there has not been a single case. There are many gods who are against the use of bracelets, they do not want to be contaminated with something manufactured by mortals, but your orders were direct and so far nobody has dared to disobey.
- So, even with such a threat as the madness, you think they would refuse a cure developed in Hell?
- I know they will refuse - Myr knew that even he would hesitate to use it - We must look for another option; maybe with this our sages could develop our own cure, but so far they have refused to have anything to do with them.
Belldandy sighed, and walked slowly toward a huge window where she could see her beautiful world, with sad eyes she swept the landscape and her beautiful face showed deep concern, she was committed to preserve all this beautiful world , even if its inhabitants seemed to reject all her efforts. Minutes passed as the Goddess meditated in silence, then without turning to see Myr she said.
- I know another way to cure them. The avatar of my father was infected and for a moment I could heal him but ultimately he was destroyed by it, however after reading the reports sent from Hell, I think I there is a way to use all my new powers to purify the infection without killing...
Belldandy then advanced toward Myr, he was exhilarated, and the idea of a cure that emanated from Belldandy looked so wonderful. The goddess stood before him and gently touched his face, Myr was awed as Belldandy transmitted to him her thoughts and memories about what had happened to her father and the possibilities about using the same cure... After she broke the telepathic contact with Myr, he showed fear, his face was pale and said shaking.
- The cure you used on your father almost destroyed you, and you are planning to use it on one million gods! It would destroy you!
- If this is the only way I can heal them, then I will do it. But now, you at this moment you help me to realize there is something even more important. You've showed me that the gods are not the only ones who are in danger. We must inform about the danger. We must talk to Hild and show her everything we know.
Myr gasped at the goddess words, and then he grabbed her by the shoulders and said:
- You cannot share this information with Hild, you would have to give away many of our secrets, secrets that only a few gods are authorized to learn...
- Still, Hild must know everything; we're not just talking about a threat to our world. Listen! - Belldandy spoke almost begging - Myr, I trust in you, and you must trust in me. Thousands of Millions of lives are at stake, you must help me!
The petition of the goddess shook him, for him it was more compelling than a direct order. He would give his life away for her.
- I will summon an emergency council meeting, they must approve the terms and then we will organize...
- The council must not know about this - Belldandy spoke with determination- I know for certain they will not approve, instead they will know in advance about our plans and they will block them.
- Megamisama, you know that if the council founds out you are going to contact with Hild and deliver her secret info, even if now you've controlled by force, they will unite against you.
Belldandy answered - What we have discovered also involves Hell. We must share with them.
- But all this - said Myr, pointing to all the information surrounding them - is so sensitive and ... and...
- Myr - Belldandy smiled sadly - Somehow I've begun to feel that I can rely more on Hild than on my own people. I do not want the council to know this or the will stop me. Listen, this concerns not only gods, but demons and even mortals. It's time to end the secrets.
xxx
The place was a closed room without windows. It was evenly lit by fluorescent lights embedded in the ceiling that gave the place sense of sterility. The room had a gray carpet and walls covered with panels of synthetic material painted in a nondescript gray that resembled a modern office building, but there was no furniture, just a folding bed in one corner, and on it the body of a man.
The body appeared to have the rigidity of death, but a closer examination one could observe his chest was moving at a very weak and slow pace. The man was immersed in a deep coma almost near death.
Suddenly his face contorted into a grimace of pain to relax again, for a while nothing more happened. Then slowly his breathing began to speed up and the body began to lose its rigidity. A rattle began to emerge from his throat and a rictus of pain crossed the man's face, then he convulsed. He appeared to return to the coma when suddenly he opened his eyes. The man tried to speak but from his mouth just came out a hoarse sound. His face showed he was struggling to move yet he barely moved at all, as time passed he slowly managed to control his body. Finally after a great struggle, he managed to regain control and sat on the bed, his glassy eyes gradually began to have life. Dr Shugahara had finally regained consciousness.
He sat for a while, trying to overcome the weakness of his body, he raised one arm and approached his hand to his eyes, he watched at his fingers as he tried to move them , then spoke as if discussing with one of his students about some patient.
- Tingling in the fingertips, metallic taste in the mouth, partially paralyzed muscles ... I should have been administered with tetrodotoxin or other neurotoxic substance ... judging by the weakness and hunger I must have been in a catatonic state for several days. - He looked around trying to identify the place, and saw a security camera on a wall, watching him an impertinent eye. He breathed depth and with great effort he stood up and walked stumbling toward the camera. Each step involved a great effort ... finally he went close and stared at the camera and spoke:
- I was given a very dangerous drug; you must be people with little respect to human life. - He closed his eyes waiting for an answer, then opened them again and continued talking. - But I think you do not want me dead. I'm so thirsty; at least you could give me some water.
He barely managed to say that when fell unconscious again...
He never knew how much time he stayed unconscious, but his next awakening was less painful. Thirst and hunger had gone. He felt something in his arm and smiled ... they were giving him now glucose and serum to stabilize him. He heard voices around him but his head still hurt too much to try to make the effort to turn it so he chose to close their eyes again. Then he hear a female voice, it was very friendly and was saying his name.
- Dr Shugahara, Dr Shugahara, please wake up, I hope you feel better now.
Shugahara reluctantly opened his eyes and saw before him an attractive western woman in her thirties, she was dressed with and immaculate white coat, she pulled a small flashlight and he growled when the woman forced his eyelids open while throwing a ray of light against his eyes . The woman proceeded to give him a thorough review. She appeared to be a competent physician.
During the examination Shugahara took the opportunity to look around, he now seemed to be in the room of a modern hospital. He was in a comfortable bed surrounded by curtains that prevented him from seeing the rest of the room, he could only see a table, a heart monitor and a stand for bottles of serum. But his watchful eyes could not help but notice the ceiling; he realized that it was the same office like room where he had awakened. It was a hoax!
The woman spoke softly.
- I hope you feel much better. I am going to inject you with a pain killer, your head soon will be all right - she took a small syringe from the table and injected it´s content in the serum- I want to apologize for the way we have treated you, I was worried, you were delivered to me very drugged and we ignored when you would wake, but now we are doing everything possible for your speedy recovery.
Shugahara looked inquisitively at the woman, he knew she was lying. By the way he had previously regained consciousness; he knew his body had been dumped in a bed without any medical monitoring, no serum and no one had been watching for him, he surely had awakened too early without giving them time to mount this elaborate hoax. At that moment he realized he still had a headache and felt how his thinking became more and more difficult, that increased his suspicions, he had been administered some drug to alter his mind. He ran his tongue over his parched lips, and spoke hoarsely.
- Who are you and what do you want from me? You do not need to pretend to be kind. By the symptoms I had, your men gave me a cocktail of very dangerous drugs; I would bet it was a cocktail of blow-fish liver and some Caribbean herbs. It is a very special potion used by the Bokor Voodoo priests and it was used to create the legend of zombies. You just wanted to weaken my will ... - he closed his eyes after he experienced a spasm of pain, then continued talking - but I have to warn you, I have been in contact with some substances that have made me resistant to this kind of magic, so if you want to get information from me, I'm afraid that this method will not work. Then abruptly and with great effort, Shugahara took the tube that fed with, and pulled to get the serum stand and before the woman could react, he threw it against the curtains that blocked the view.
On curtain collapsed and revealed the presence of half a dozen men; they were dressed in those expensive suits that proclaimed them as senior executives of some big company. Then a group of men who appeared to be their bodyguards went running to hide their faces from him then hurried them out of the room, all except one, who refused to leave. With a dismissive signal, he sent away a bodyguard, then he stared at the scene with intense curiosity, yet he stayed silent.
Shugahara then paid attention to the woman. Her friendly woman smile disappeared as if by magic, her face became hard with an evil glint in her eyes, and then she spoke with a cold and menacing tone.
- I expected no less from the famous Dr Shugahara, the great specialist in Ethnobotany who has been in contact with witches, shamans and healers all around the world - she outlined an evil grin and said - So you seem to be immune to one of my favorite drugs. Too bad, we will have to use more traditional methods for information - she uttered a sadistic laugh that contrasted with her beautiful face and ominously added - I hate to get my clothes dirty...!
Shugahara laughed at the threatening words of women, she looked at him puzzled and said:
- I do not know if you're brave or just stupid...
Shugahara look at her and kept smiling.
- I have met the queen of the underworld and believe me, you are just an amateur. Also I must inform you that there is a simpler method to obtain information that works in most cases...
- And what is this wonderful method - the woman said scornfully.
- You could say, "Please."
xxx
Keiichi walked back and forth in the crowded main hall of the Tarikihongan temple, suddenly he stopped and asked aloud.
- Galileo, have you any news about Dr Shugahara? - Galileo's voice came out of his phone and said clearly.
- No. I have searched all networks and nothing; he must be isolated and separated from any computer connected to any network. I also have also penetrated multiple Intel sites and …
Keiichi coughed theatrically to interrupt him, it was not a good idea to announce that they have been hacking into the intelligence networks of some governments, so he added hastily:
- No need to give me the details just let me know if you find anything.
Keiichi nervously looked around, it was not the first time that the temple was crowded, but this time they were not the young members of the "motor club" but people of a much higher level. He was just an engineer, but he knew some of the personalities who were there. It was a miracle he had managed to summon them at Belldandys request, fortunately Shugahara had left a list of contacts of people that would be part of this plans, Ghadril had been busy bringing them from all around the world. While some of them already knew about the gods and demons, others were still awed.
It was exhilarating, just meeting the CERNS director in person had left him speechless. Keiichi had to smile, first demons, then gods and now great earth personalities, it was like taking a crash course in interdimensional diplomacy! Yes, here in the hall were personalities from many fields of science and humanities, some of the best minds of mankind were there under his roof and protection. He relaxed a little at the thought that they could not be safer. Beautiful and imposing in her dress uniform, was Ghadril, she was in a corner with attentive eyes, besides, the warrior goddess had built a powerful magic shield, so at least they were protected against any human threat and most non-human threats. Beside her, no less imposing, was Sgt Valois in his best uniform, but his eyes seemed to watch just one person, a certain young woman who was hard to see because she was completely surrounded by people who listened to every word she said in amazement. Keiichi had a vague idea of what she was speaking and knew that in the last days she had been crossing frontiers he did not even suspected existed, a brief shiver ran through his body, he was not sure if that knowledge would be used for good or bad, but Shugahara had always told him that it was always more dangerous not to know.
Keiichi looked at his watch. The hour was approaching. His heart raced, he missed Belldandy so much. He stared at the clock´s hand and mentally started to count.
Exactly at the count of zero the world became darker and a powerful force was felt around them. Keiichi already knew what to expect but was not surprised when he heard fearful exclamations around him. Even those who had never felt a magic force felt that a powerful being was approaching...
At Keiichi signal Ghadril acted immediately. She walked a few steps and in the middle of the room she hit her battle axe against a magic circle that was traced on the floor. The circle brightened and became a solid mass of tangible light. The mortals were awed at the sight of the power of a goddess. Ghadril was creating a more powerful version of the physical barrier that the gods used to protect themselves. This was powerful enough to contain the stray magic created by the magical portal... Contained by the magic circle appeared a magical portal. This was much more powerful that the one that had brought the demons a few days before, it was Hild's portal. Ghadril was using all her power to hide its presence outside the temple. Hild´s magic was so powerful that heaven's supervisors have no problem to find each time Hild went to earth... but not this time.
The portal appeared just a fraction of time and soon vanished. Hild appeared, magnificent, sensual and powerful. Most mortals felt the need to avoid looking at her directly, her presence was overwhelming.
Keiichi advanced in front of her, he put one knee on the floor, bowed his head and formally announced:
I Keiichi, judge of the Order of the Mortal Knights, offer my welcome to the great Daimakaicho, the great lady and ruler of Hell to Tarikihongan temple, neutral ground for the three universes. The representatives of the mortal world are ready for you.
- Keiichi-chan, I see your manners have improved. - Hild offered a sly smile. - I look forward to having some tea. I think that drink could be enough reason to invade the mortal world. - Keiichi just nodded, He knew she did not expected any answer and would be foolish to offer one, Hild looked around at her audience in disgust, she could not understand why Belldandy had insisted on the presence of those mortals. ..
Keiichi realized that and whispered...
- Some of those mortals are responsible for the bracelets and...
Hild angrily hit the floor with her foot and hissed:
- No need to remind me. I recognize that I have a debt with them but do not ever mention it-. Keiichi nodded and decided to change the subject; it was enough Hild recognized her debt...
- Hild-Sama, I have not heard from Urd, it is very important I could talk to her; I have grave news for her.
Hild raised her eyebrows in disdain and corrected:
- "Urd Sama" is still recovering from ... some problems we had,- then added in a softer tone and a proud smile - But I do not think we can hold her longer, she craves so much to see that mortal called Shugahara? Where is he? I have some unfinished business with him and do not want to postpone it for too long.
Keiichi could not answer, he suspected Shugahara's disappearance could bring Hild´s wrath and that could mean problems for earth... but fortunately they were interrupted.
A new portal appeared, it´s energy was equally powerful, but much more carefully controlled and not as threatening as Hild's portal, Ghadril repeated the same maneuver. The great heavenly council would never know that the supreme god of their world was making an unauthorized visit to earth. For Keiichi, the world stopped when his eyes met the beautiful blue eyes of his goddess.
Keiichi was supposed to follow the same protocol: with his knee on the ground, he had to proclaim the arrival of Megamisama, the great ruler of heaven, and then introduce her to the audiences ... but at the sight of those heavenly blue eyes he did forget absolutely everything. Belldandy and Keiichi rushed into each other arms and joined their lips into a passionate kiss.
Later several volumes of the heavens protocol would have to rewritten to include that kind of circumstances...
xxx
Dr Shugahara groaned when he felt another blow snapping against his ribs, his naked body already showed bruises in several places. He was hanging by the wrists tied by a rope that went to the ceiling, his feet barely touched the floor and exhaustion prevented him from tensing muscles to withstand the blows. In front of him a muscular man was holding a rubber hose filled with sand. There was a pause and an angry female voice said.
- We can go on for hours. I have received orders not to cause permanent damage, but I am authorized to cause all the pain I wish, without causing you to lose consciousness, and I can assure you that I have a great experience in that area. So I must insist. Tell me the whole truth!
Shugahara took a deep breath and said with effort:
- From the beginning I have told you the truth.
- The truth? That you have meet a goddess, and she has taught you to do magic?, Do you believe we are stupid, We know you must have found some unknown fragments from the manuscript of an ancient and mysterious sage called Urth and thus learned to control the medallions. You must give us those fragments. The power of these medallions does not belong to you but to those from Urth´s brotherhood. You should not have those secrets. Only we should have that power.
Shugahara attempt straightening, he gritted his teeth to overcome the pain and finally said:
- So that is what you really want? Urth´s notebook? You must have begun with that. I can give to you the full notebook, not just fragments.
The woman looked at him open-mouthed...
- You claim to have the secret book of Urth..? That's impossible, we know the original was lost centuries ago, it contains great secrets that you are not able to understand, if you really...
At that moment, the man in the suit, which had been only a spectator spoke interrupting the women. His voice had a strange accent, perhaps Central Europe; his voice had an intense emotion
- You claim to have the manuscript? How is it possible? Please show it to me.
The woman attempted to protest at the interruption, but the man stopped her with an energetic gesture and said - That manuscript is very important to us, Even if it´s only a possibility we must investigate.
Shugahara spoke hoarsely:
- You can find a copy on my laptop along with a partial translation of the text, of course you will needed my password- and added with a forced smile - or you can wait a few months when it will come out published, I have been told the first edition will be small, perhaps only two thousand copies, but I guess it will have to be reprinted, after all It´s the oldest known writing in Norse language, it will get a lot of interest.
Shugahara was rewarded with an incredulous look from the man and he could not help a smile. It was a small satisfaction for what he had received.
- What! YOU ARE GOING TO PUBLISH THE MANUSCRIPT! - Cried the man - You are completely crazy! That manuscript has big secrets ... - he stopped when he saw the Shugahara smiling face - Is that another one of your lies?
- From the beginning I have told you the truth; I have no reason to lie about that. - Shugahara coughed to clear his throat then spat blood on the floor - I am very interested in getting to know the members of Urth's sisterhood, it amazes me they still exists, I have great news for them.
The man looked at him with contempt and said coldly:
- And you think to be worthy of being with the sages of the great Brotherhood of Urth? Show me something to back your words.
Shugahara looked at a table where he recognized his belongings: there was his laptop, and also his small metal box with his potions, he thought about what to do and said.
- Please open that metal case; there are small medicine paper patches in it. Please take one of those marked in blue and put it on my skin. And do not worry; I have no intention of committing suicide.
The man in suit nodded, the woman took the case, and she examined with curiosity, then opened it and sniffed at the contents. Her face reflected a look of surprise ... then whisper to herself - "magic potions" - she took the indicated patch, with intense curiosity she peeled the backing paper and placed it in Shugahara arm, then stepped back scared at the result.
Shugahara body began to emit a soft bluish glow, and the hit´s bruises began to disappear, the weakness on his face disappeared, Shugahara then finally said firmly.
- I think it´s you that do not know about the wisdom contained in pages of Urth notebook, this is real magic, not an old voodoo potion.
The man in suit gasped at the transformation, and then ordered his bodyguards.
- Summon the Inner circle; we will have a special meeting. Free mister Shugahara and make him comfortable. - He looked at the doctor and after some thoughts he added- you have my word that you will not suffer more pain, but also you must know that that your death will be quick and painless if you do not gives us the notebook with the secrets of Urth.
Dr Shugahara watched the man walk away, now as his strength began to return to his body and with a clear mind, he began to doubt whether he had spoken too much, but at least he had an opportunity to live another day.
xxx
The scene has an dreamlike quality. On a long table, a great demon lady and a great goddess were chatting friendly with a group of humans as if they were old friend, or at least it seemed like that. Some casual remarks Hild had caused more than a chill between the mortals, just to be soothed by the kind words of the beautiful goddess. Finally, with an imperceptible gesture Belldandy dissolved away the food and food service from the table and hinted that it was time to start talks.
- I've have called all of you because there is a danger that threatens our three universes - an absolute silence followed her words. This time it was the goddess who caused a chill on all of them. Now that Belldandy had their full attention she continued.
- There is a strange entity that has invaded the large computer systems that keep heaven and Hell functioning. Never before have we faced an enemy that could penetrate our defenses so easily, make so much damage and still we know it can make more harm. It evens seems as if it enjoys making us suffer, - then the goddess addressed directly the great demon lady - Hild, that's why we need to work together.
- My dear Bell-chan, I am aware not all your dear gods agree with you, what guarantee do you gave that is worth joining forces with you?
Without hesitation, Belldandy took a crystal from of one of her earrings and levitated it towards Hild. She received it in the palm of her hand and looked at it curiously, it was a single information crystal, she looked at the goddess with curiosity and then with magical sign she opened it. With surprise she noticed it had no protections, so she opened a screen to display its contents, as she began to examine its content, she gasped in amazement and quickly closed it, then she look stunned at Belldandy and spoke with incredulity in her words
- This crystal has secrets from your world, secrets that I have sought for a long time. With this information I could go through your defenses and invade the Heavens ... is this a trap? Even as Kamisama, you are not free to give something like this.
- Hild Sama, believe it or not, I have learned to trust you and I know you will do the right thing to save and protect your world and your people, no matter the price to pay. The price I ask, is that we will not hide anything from each other and I am making the first step. I also have my sources of information and I know you've been doing something that would involve invading my world, but I am certain you will not do it once you realize the threat to our worlds is bigger and we must act together. Consider the information in that crystal, take it to your sages and then you will realize how big it is. We will have to join forces to fight against it.
Hild closed the crystal and stared at Belldandy but the goddess did not falter at her gaze, finally Hild smiled and bowed in a gesture of respect.
- Bell Chan ... - Hild hesitated, then looked at Belldandy´s serene face meditating, finally she spoke again but this time she dropped her condescending tone - No, you're are not Bell Chan anymore. You've become a very wise and daring goddess. No god would have the courage to do what you're doing - The Goddess and demoness stared at each other, both acknowledged the strenght of each other and bowed, Hild then looked around and wondered...
- Now tell me, why did you called the mortals? It is true that their intervention has helped us, but if what you have told me is true, they are thousands of years too young to be of any help.
Belldandy looked at the expectant faces of the mortals around them and spoke gravelly. - Their universe is also in danger, not onlyy do they have the right to know but also they have shown us they can help us.
At these words, one of the mortals, an old man, solemnly stood up from his seat and asked with reverence.
- Goddess Belldandy, I do not know if that is how I should call you, but by your words, I understand there is something that threatens your world, but how can it affects us? Why we are in danger? And what can we do? You seem to be so powerful that you deserved to be called gods. Still, if you have an enemy, why would it have interest in us?
Belldandy smiled sweetly and commented. - Do you know the Fermi paradox?
The man looked at her with surprise; I was a question that seemed to be out of place, so he recited from memory
- As far as I remember, it´s an old argument that says that the apparent size and age of the universe suggest that many technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations ought to exist. However, this hypothesis seems inconsistent with the lack of observational evidence to support it.
- Well, I can tell you that you will not find any extraterrestrial civilizations; the earth is the only planet in this universe that contains inteligent life. Some of your scientist have already pointed out that most of the universe is extremely hostile to life, and this planet would have no life if it were not for...
- If there were not for a fine adjustment of laws of the universe? - The man interrupted as he seemed to understand where Belldandy´s reasoning was heading.
- Yes, - he nodded Belldandy- We have altered some properties of your universe in order for life to be possible, and these properties should be continuously adjusted...
An awed murmur filled the room, Belldandy continued explaining-
- Yes, the universe needs a constant fine tuning so that life can exist. We are responsible for it and if something happens to us, you, the human beings, the only living beings who have reached consciousness in this universe, would eventually cease to exist.
A at that moment, a young woman´s voice was heard from the other side of the hall...
- But I think you are also getting something in return. From what I've learned thanks to Galileo, the world of the gods and world demons are in Multiverses with 10 spatial dimensions and we know that it´s impossible for a universe with more than 4 spacial/time dimensions to be stable. Are you getting that stability from our universe?
Keiichi saw the curiosity in Belldandy´s eyes and explained:
- She is Miss Jenny Rosenthal, she collaborated in the development of the crystalline structure of the bracelets and currently she is developing some theories I cannot understand about the Multiverses.
Belldandy smiled and nodded a greeting.
- You're right, we are taking something from your universe which allows us to give stability to our universes, and in return we adjust its properties so it can maintain life, also we grant some wishes to mortals, something we agreed with Gaia.
- Gaia? - said the old man in surprise- That is the Greek name for Mother Earth...
- That it the name we gave to an entity in this universe, is extremely powerful, but it has no consciousness, at least not in the way we can understand, maybe Nirvana would be the closest description to its state. Is the entity that nourishes your world and helps your planet harbor life, his power exceeds ours, but Gaia does not perceive the reality in the same way we do, so all communication with that entity is limited, however some humans appear to be connected to it. Maybe one day see you will discover it´s nature, but I can tell that Gaia seems to care for you and it allows to extract stability from this universe as long as we grant some wishes or desires to some humans. We do not know why but seems Gaia likes that.
A low murmur filled the room, the mortals were whispering, trying not to interrupt the conversation.
- Are there other any other universes?
- That knowledge has been forgotten, when our ancestors discovered that our universe is unstable they sought ways to contact other worlds, until they discovered this universe and what it could do for us, It seems they stop searching after that, there are virtually no records of it, maybe they discovered other universes but the information is now lost. Most of the early records of our history have been destroyed.
Jenny blinked in amazement, the gods did not know everything and even that powerful goddess recognized her ignorance, her mind began to soar full of ideas ... then began to think aloud.
- Maybe if we could measure gravitational waves with more accuracy...
An enthusiastic voice interrupted her::
- We already have tried that and it did not work, we have no ways to do it directly, but maybe through the B polarization modes of gravitational radiation we could get...
With a wide grin Belldandy interrupted the exchange of ideas.
- You see? You can help, that curiosity and passion for learning is something gods and demons have lost, and you are a young race eager to learn. Some of you helped the sages from the demon world to find a cure to the madness and others have helped to create these bracelets that help to prevent the infection. That is why I want you as allies.
The old man, the one who spoke first was very moved by the goddess words and asked.
- But why us? You should have asked to meet with our leaders, we are mere scholars and scientists and we have no power nor are we representatives of humanity, we cannot speak for earth.
Belldandy stood up and looked at the old mortal, then to all the men and women around her, she bowed her head in respect and spoke:
- Most of your leaders would not understand what is happening and would prefer to hide everything, I know that Dr Shugahara is planning to reveal our existence to all mankind and I approve. He is a wise person, help him. I trust him and I know I can also trust on you. Keiichi knew well when he choosed you, I can see in my heart that you are all worthy representatives of humanity. I have seen in your hearts that you are capable of putting the good of your people before your personal desires, which is why gods and demons will recognize you as representatives of humanity and maybe sooner than we think, we may need your help. Demons and gods have agreed to recognize this temple is a sacred place and I hope you will do the same. We will seal this pact to start a new era for our universes.
The words of the goddess went deep into the hearts everyone. The responsibility that was being deposited on them was immense. They were asked to help to save three universes, and transform humanity so it could accept the existence of gods and demons.
At that moment the goddess raised her hands and began to sing. The Mortals could not understand the lyrics, yet they could feel what it was about, a solemn magical chant that would seal their alliance. No human pact ever signed was more solid and permanent than this chant would make.
Meanwhile Hild, who had been watching the exchange with an enigmatic smile, was pondering about the possible consequences and came to the conclusion that what Belldandy was doing would disrupt profoundly the world of the gods, and decided she liked that. As result after she heard Belldandy´s song she made a gesture of resignation and rose from her seat to add her contralto voice to the magical melody, but it was not the same as Belldandy's theme, but a contrapuntal theme filled with the rhythms of Hell.
Shortly afterward a third was voice was incorporated, it was Ghadril's voice and the harmony resulting from these celestial and demonic voices went deep in the hearts of men. Some of them tried to hum the complex melody, and timidly began to try to add their own harmonies, but it was not until the old man added his own baritone voice that the earth theme started to be part of the grand music.
And then from the entrance of the temple a new voice was added, it started a shy whisper, but Belldandy heard it and turned to see where the voice came from, her eyes filled with tears, it was Lind´s voice, since she was no longer a goddess so Lind no longer wore her uniform but a simple dress that had belonged to Belldandy. The dress gave Lind a femininity that the warrior goddess had always kept hidden. Lind advance toward the goddess with slow and somewhat uncertain steps. Finally she stood in front of Belldandy, and tried to kneel before her but Belldandy did not allow it, instead she embraced her. Then Belldandy stepped back and without words, she took Lind among the group of mortals and Lind understood that she still could serve Belldandy, even if she were not a goddess. Lind's voice took the mortals melody and help them to shape it´s harmony. Her voice embraced the old man's baritone voice and the mortal theme became as important as the heavenly and demonic parts. The grand music began to fill the place with magic and sealed a pact that would forever change the history of three universes.
End of Chapter XXXVI
Notes:
- The green flash: Green flashes and green rays are optical phenomena that sometimes occur right after sunset or right before sunrise. When the conditions are right, a green spot is visible above the upper rim of the disk of the sun. The green appearance usually lasts for no more than a second or two. Sometimes (rarely) the green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset (or sunrise) point. Green flashes occur because the atmosphere can cause the light from the sun to separate out into different colors. Green flashes are a group of phenomena which stem from slightly different causes, and therefore some types of green flashes are more common than others
-Megamisama- Traditionally the word kami has no female and male form, so the same goes to Kami-Sama, but in later decades the word Megamisama has became the female equivalent of Kamisama. Sometimes in the Oh My goddess magazine, Megamisama has been translated as goddess among gods, so I am using this form.
- Fermi Paradox: The Fermi paradox is the contradiction between the estimates claim that there is a high probability of existence of intelligent civilizations in the universe, and the absence of evidence of such civilizations. Tries to answer the question: "Are we humans the only advanced civilization in the universe?