The Order of the Mortal Knights
by Elnauhual

Fan fiction, based on the characters and universe of "Oh my goddess" by Kōsuke Fujishima.

Chapter VIII
Primates and love

The elegant auditorium of the University of Chiba was full of activity. Inside there was the most diverse collection of human specimens that one could imagine. People of all races and nationalities, were arguing cheerfully in a dozen languages as they walked to their seats. It had already been announced soon would begin the keynote address. However, there was a commotion among the first rows. People refused to move away from there, everyone had heard rumors and wanted to check personally about them.

The reason for the tumult of course, was Urd. Today her attire was not as revealing as usual, but it was impossible for her to go unnoticed. She wore an elegant gown and with her usual fashion sense, it enhanced her figure and beauty. Dr. Shugahara was also uncomfortable being the center of attention. All wanted to know about the woman who seemed to have made it to the heart of the doctor.

But Urd´s beauty was not the only reason about everyone curiosity. Her presentation badge, and idea of Shugahara, also caused interest:

- Urd: Enchantress. Specialist in Nordic magic spells and remedies.

Besides being the center of attention, there was another reason for the nervousness of the doctor. He could not help thinking that technically this was their first date. Of course for many people, to invite a beautiful woman to something called "Fifth International Congress of Ethnobotany, ethno pharmacology and phytochemistry" could hardly be called a date. But the enthusiasm displayed by Urd, showed the doctor it have been a good idea. Still he had not expected to cause such uproar.

The doctor knew about these conferences, and had hoped to pass unnoticed among some of its most striking colleagues, as these scientists were not common kind. Ethnobotany is a relatively new science, a mixture of anthropology, ethnography, botany and pharmacology, and has brought together a strange mix of people. Indeed, some of them just seemed to come out right of the set of an Indiana Jones movie. Dr. David Winston even was wearing a fedora. If it were not for the Japanese authorities who are extremely sensitive and strict about weapons he would not have hesitated to bring his trusty "six-shooter".

Yet it really was inevitable attention. The room was filled with colleagues and friends he knew from long time, and although some came from places across the world in this era of e-mail and Twitter, rumors run at speed of light. So the news that the sober and correct Dr. Shugahara had finally found someone special, was for them an event.

Urd in turn, was fascinated with this diverse human fauna. The opportunity to meet specialists in medicine, magic and medicinal plants from five continents had seemed fascinating, but she also had an interest in meeting with the primates. After Dr. Shugahara had explained to her the purpose of the primates, she was sure to be able to recognize them by their auras and now watched around with interest.

After the tumult had calm down, Dr. Shugahara was able to point to her some of the more interesting characters, yet the list seemed endless. Indeed there was, wearing a flowered shirt, Dr. Tamimi, a specialist on plants from Hawaii. Dr. David Winston, who despite the name, was a real Cherokee healer with a PhD in phytochemistry and wore a striking necklace of bones and feathers. Also with an eye-catching clothes and wide turban was Mr. Shubashini Sripathi specialist on healing traditions of India.

Among the crowd, Urd saw a small man who seemed he was not used to wearing clothes. Those he had were old and worn. She asked about his identity. She laughed when the Doctor simulated a spider with his hands and then pointed to his mouth... Yes, it was Amasina, Amazonian shaman, chef and special guest of Dr. Shugahara.

In this place the titles of doctor, chemist, biochemist, pharmacologist and anthropologist, mingled with the shaman, healer, witch and... Now, enchantress.

There was last an announce and the inaugural speech of the congress began, headed by Sir Richard Evans Schultes himself, which some participants jokingly called "El Padre", as the founder of this area of research.

The old researcher was proud of his two titles. MBBS and Amazonian shaman. It took him several years of living in the jungle to get this last title and it boasted it with pride. Dr. Evans had a great personality, and did not dislike the nickname given by his colleagues.

The speech was short, but substantial. They were still a relatively small community, and practically everyone knew each other, so formalities were unnecessary.

Exactly this was something that Urd found interesting, this heterogeneous mix of humanity, had a great camaraderie and it showed on their auras. Rarely had she been able to observe such collection of beautiful human auras. But he had to admit, none of them was as beautiful as the doctor´s.

There was also a small group of people who did not belong to this community. They were from the university who wanted to meet the woman who had bewitched the doctor. While everyone was convinced that only a special woman could have so much in the doctor, Urd´s presence had its effect. To many it seemed incredible that the doctor was with such a beautiful woman, so rumors about the magical abilities of the Dr. began to spread

At this point, Urd had to admit that she was still not sure about her feelings towards the Doctor, they had met just two weeks ago, yet somehow it seemed a lifetime.

The long sessions of collaboration between the two had been unexpected fruits. Completely opposite views, strangely had converged on the same points. Keiichi had told her jokingly, finally he would know what would happen if an irresistible force met an immovable body, and she had to accept on several occasions the doctor had driven her to the border of explosion, only to disarm her with some unexpected humorous remark. The confrontation Keiichi was waiting never happened. Instead they began to share vulnerabilities and slowly they had come much closer.

Urd had learned what can be accomplished a methodical work, and some of her potions were now true precision instruments, much more powerful than some verbal spells. The doctor had understood the value of intuition and spontaneity.

But maybe what really moved Urd was the subject of the primates. A couple of days ago, a discussion had begun about a substance the Doctor had been particularly insistent on simplifying a process of synthesis. Urd vividly recalled the conversation:

- Kenji, why you insist on simplify so much the synthesis procedure? I can do it without any difficulty and you can synthesize it in your lab.

- Yes, but in the way you do it, there is no one else who could reproduce your method. And I have only been able to make a few milligrams with my method. What I want is something that any laboratory can synthesize without problems.

- But why do you want to do it? I do not understand your insistence...

Dr. Shugahara doubted ... from the look on his eyes it was clear he wanted to explain but he felt insecure...

- I know this is a minor compound in your potions, but for me it is very important, it's a small molecule. That means it can easily penetrate through almost any tissue in the human body, but more important. Part of the molecular chain can be modified to be attracted only by certain cells and in other part of the molecule; different compounds can be attached so the molecule act as a carrier.

- And what will you do with that?

He took a model of the molecule done with plastic spheres and explained to Urd. - For example, I can make this part of the molecule to be attracted to elements of cancer cells, and attach here a molecule that destroys them. In medicine there is an old concept called the "magic bullet", about substances that only target bacteria, now instead of bullet, this is a kind of molecular missile, that search a target and drops it´s load to destroy it. That the idea, this salt, this small molecule could be the cure to many cancers in parts of the body that where our medicines cannot reach.

Urd laugh at the idea - So instead of a magic bullet you want a guided missile? That is a very interesting idea. Kenji, why did you not tell me that is what you wanted? I can prepare it for you in all the quantities you want.

- Urd, I know, but there is only one of you. If we simplify the process, any laboratory anywhere in the world would be able to synthesize it. It is best if we teach how to make it and many more will have access to it.

- And then, you would sell it to pharmaceutical companies? They have paid you for other formulas.

Dr. Shugahara laugh nervously, it was obvious he wanted to say something and did not knew where to start.

- Yes, I have sold them some salts I have obtained in my researches. But the big pharmaceutical companies earn more with the OTC formulas, formulas they can sell in large quantities. They can earn much more with a remedy for indigestion than one that will cure cancer and would take ten years more of research before it will be approved. I have a better future for this; I will channel it through the primates.

- What! The Primates...? Kenji! I think you should explain it from the beginning

The doctor took a deep breath, Urd already knew the symptoms. He wanted to say one of his stories.

- Years ago, when I began to learn the history of Urth, I loved the concept of the sisterhood she created, where women were taught to heal and so multiplied what she could do. I dreamed to do the same- Urd felt a rush on her heart at this declaration - I talked privately to colleagues and friends that I knew had similar dreams and finally we create a kind of organization.

- And I guess it was your idea that name. Primates? It really sounds like your sense of humor.

The doctor smiled shyly, he had suggested the name and his colleagues were delighted.

- Yes it was my idea. We are just beginning; we organized small laboratories in the neediest parts of the world. They manufactured some essential medicines and formulas and are distributed by noncommercial channels. Most of them are designed to be use in a very simple form, and we teach a lot of people how to use them we know what the big pharmaceutical companies want, I already gave them very special medicines much more powerful than anything they got. They are happy with them. We can provide them and yet kept the more special things for us. But also, we look for people like Amasima who us using traditional medicines, they can share knowledge with us. And we can return it; we can teach them new uses for what they know and how to use modern medicine when available. While they have old remedies, we can make them more powerful. Amasima already know that antibiotics are more powerful against infections than any of his remedies, and no traditional medicine so far works against cancer. And I am going to prove it to him. I invited him to Japan, because he has cancer and I am going to cure him. - The doctor spoke this with fire in his eyes, she could see his aura grow with the emotion, and already was feeling it´s warmth - I'm sure it will be possible, but also, and maybe more important, I want him to learn how to do it by himself, and in turn teach to others. But in a way he did not need a modern laboratory, out of the reach of many people. We are working somehow like the old sisterhood, but there is no one at the front. I do not consider myself better than any other member. That is my dream, and we're working on making it real. - He looked at Urd like a student seeking the approval of his teacher. It was the first time she saw him so insecure. Urd began to understand why he admired "Urth" - I hope you do not seem too Utopian dream...

Urd's eyes were wet; she recalled her former life and her dreams of helping mortals... Would it be possible to revive that feeling?

- Kenji, why did you not tell me that before?

- Maybe because I'm used that only few share my dreams, maybe because to a lot of people sound childish, maybe because... - He look at her eyes but never finished his words.

Urd thought for a moment and then her eyes lit up with an inner fire, not very different to the one she saw in the doctor´s eyes. The doctor was providing her with a new purpose and a new challenge! She already felt tears were about to form, so with resolution she answered.

- Kenji, we are losing time. We will repeat the procedure from the beginning. I'm sure we can greatly simplify it - and both continued to work, with their hearths joined to the same goal.

Now in the hall of the university, Urd was almost sure to have identified the members of the brotherhood of primates. The aura of a dreamer is unmistakable.

To see them and know what they intended to do remind her of her old dreams.

She closed her eyes while thinking on the women she had taught. She could still remember their names. All of them had died long time ago, but they had spread some of her teachings and as Belldandy had told her, they had spread far beyond her expectations. Those women had respected her, but also, she had to admit that some had feared her and never managed to turn friends.

But now she had learned and changed, and humanity as well. Maybe... now things could be so different. She felt that this small group of men and women that wanted to create this new fraternity could make a difference. Maybe they could see her as one more of this group, not as a distant deity.

Suddenly a powerful voice distracted from her thoughts ... It was "El padre"

- Doctor Shugahara is a pleasure to see you again.

- Doctor Evans-San, I am very pleased to meet you again. Welcome to my university. I would like to introduce you to Urd-san - The doctor could not avoid to be overwhelmed by the expansive personality of Dr. Evans.

- Shugahara, you are always so formal, does not matter if you're in college or in the middle of the Amazon jungle. Urd! Such a beautiful name! Is a name of a Goddess, if I recall correctly. - The old man took the hand of Urd, and with an elegant and spontaneous gesture, kissed her hand. - You are extremely beautiful; certainly you look like a goddess, or at least as an enchantress. I'm sure is not the first time you heard that, but if what I heard about you is true, behind your beauty there is also a great wisdom. It is a pleasure to meet you. Doctor, let me took her from your side. I will exercise the prerogatives of an old man!

Urd smiled at that old fox, who enjoyed his role as scientific patriarch and counterattacked...

- Sensei Evans, if half the things I've heard from you are true. You are a living legend.

- Hear that "Kenji-sama" - The old man smiled seeing the Doctor reaction at his perfectly calculated wrong use of the Japanese honorifics - Now I understand how this young woman put a spell on you. Please young lady, come with me and will introduce you to some of my colleagues from our gang of primates, I believe Dr. Shugahara already has talked to you about them. The doctor is very selfish if he want to deprive us of your company.

The old man took her hand and put it in his arm to take her away. She smiled as the bewildered Dr. Shugahara was dismissed. She gestured a Bye-bye with her hand.

Dr. Evans began a casual conversation, intermixing some comments on some exotic plants and their properties, and then waiting for Urd´s comments. She knew that he was testing her. But he did not feel offended. Urd realized how much he appreciate Dr. Shugahara. He was just making sure she was up to the doctor and not just a pretty face. Urd soon pass the "examination" of the old man and was presented to several of the more exotic characters from that meeting.

The last one was the Shaman of the Amazon. Urd impressed everyone speaking a perfect Guaraní. Amasima proved to be very pleasant and spoke wonders about the doctor. Then he took a small bundle and took form it some plants and began to explain their properties, Urd took them and analyze with her extraordinary senses and began explain the properties he did not know about them. Then Urd spoke a few inaudible words with Amasima, she put her hand on his chest, and began a strange chant. Almost no one noticed. Urd used her magic and soon had her own diagnostic. Yes, it was cancer, still was small, it was a tribute to Dr. Shugahara to detect it so early, so it would be easily cured. She looked at Amasima´s eyes; he smiled, put his hand on his chest and nodded to Urd. He looked relieved, he already knew about it, but he was happy to have "a second opinion". Amasima was fascinated with this white woman, this witch, who not only spoke his language so beautifully, but she had real magic and could understand his plants. So he took his pack of plants and offered it to her.

That started the whole confusion. Suddenly everyone wanted to offer her some exotic plant, as a token to that beautiful woman who seemed to know much about them. Urd was really having a lot of fun, she not only appreciate those plants, since there were many new to her, but she felt identified with this collection of mortals and commented:

- Thanks, I wish I could show you my lab in exchange...

Hearing this, some took the proposal as an offer. A voice said:

- Yes, please, I would like to know the place of genuine enchantress.

Soon there was a lot of requests, Urd began to think, why not? It was time that she also had some fun. She raised her voice so doctor Shugahara could listen.

- Kenji, let's invite them, I think that there is no problem and it will be fun

"Kenji?"... There was a general exclamation of astonishment and all eyes turned to see Dr. Shugahara, who despite his tan, this time his change of color was easily observed. The doctor nodded not daring to say anything.

Dr. Evans saved Dr. Shugahara from feeling more uncomfortable diverting the general attention. With a gesture he silenced them, and looked around with disapproval. Then commented

- We should not force their hospitality. What can you offer in exchange?

And then he heard several voices answering.

- I have a bottle of whiskey!

- And I have tequila!

A varied listing was heard: Absinthe, rum, vodka, Ranco, Palinka, Maotai and other drinks with more exotic names. Certainly this bunch of people had special tastes. The varied alcoholic menu finally convinced Urd.

- Okay, We'll go to my lab - There was a general cheer, Urd had to raise her arms to silence them - Those who do not know the place of Tarikihongan temple, may follow Dr. Shugahara´s car, we will meet there.

An hour later, a noisy gang of anthropoids invaded the tranquility of the Tarikihongan temple. Aided by local talents from the Chiba University, some managed to go faster than the tiny car of the doctor.

Unfortunately, the welcoming committee was in charge of Banpei Kun, the guardian robot, who tried to stop the invasion, but the numerical superiority and the high IQ of the invaders, were too much for the android, yet there were some minor casualties, vodka had to be taken out of the menu.

Belldandy and Keiichi suddenly felt overwhelmed by the invasion, but fortunately Urd and Dr. arrived in time to explain what it was. Belldandy was delighted to meet the new friends of her sister. Fortunately she and Keiichi had experiences with the unexpected visits by the Motor Club gang. Belldandy, as if by magic, prepared snacks and food for everyone. The invaders were fascinated by this new pretty young enchantress. Fortunately the invaders, despite the loud noises they made, were mostly adults and could take care of themselves, so despite the apparent confusion, the young couple did not have to work too hard.

Keiichi already had a deep respect for "Sensei Shugahara", so he did everything possible to help. Due to the size of the horde, Urd had to divide her guests and arrange "tours" to her lab to show some her potions. She even organized some magic demonstrations that were acclaimed. But after a while it became a bit monotonous, so she commissioned Keiichi as director of the Tour, even taught him to use some magic potions to make the demonstrations. Keiichi was happy at the idea. Usually Urd did not like anyone to touch her potions, so to be able to do some magic fascinated him.

While attending his duties as director of entertainment, Keiichi suddenly found three specimens that appeared to be from a different species if not a different genus. Short-sleeved shirt, tie ridiculously thins, but above all, the pocket protector, the universal symbol of the Nerd. Keiichi recognize those were his brother engineers, but from the computing subspecies. Two were very young; the older seemed to be their Sensei. He approached him and with a nod spoke:

- Sorry for the inconvenience, I'm Dr. Izuka Kawazu, I hope not to be impertinent, but when we knew people would come to this place we decide to join the group. Could you tell you where to find Skuld-san? For my students and me would be an honor to meet her.

Keiichi opened his mouth without daring to say anything. This man was another personality that he had heard about. Finally managed to respond:

- Of course, please come here, I am sure she would be very happy to meet you- He took them to Skuld's room and knocked the door...

- Skuld you have important visits.

Keiichi felt happy when he saw the face full wonder of Skuld at meeting Dr. Kawazu and his students. Despite everything, he liked her to be happy. Skuld was very possessive towards Belldandy since she was almost her substitute mother. This put Keiichi in the uncomfortable place of "aspiring step father", that was the main reason of her hostility toward him. But the kind heart of Keiichi was willing keep trying.

Meanwhile Urd was with the main group. She had not expected them to be so many, so the group had to split in smaller portions and spread to the garden. She was having fun being the host, went from group to group, chatting, exchanging views, e-mails, cards and above all drinks. Of course she was not giving her goddess card, but her enchantress card, yet she felt happy about that title since she felt more deserving of her abilities.

Suddenly she heard a familiar voice, a voice that caused a stir of emotion. But it was impossible... - That voice? She turned around and saw a man, facing away from her, talking to others. His appearance was more formal because unlike most, wore an elegant suit, but this could not hide a well-formed and muscular body, also had a long blond hair. Urd slowly approached the group where the man was. His companions became silent when they saw her approach, and the man turned around to her. Seeing her, exclaimed in surprise:

- Urd Hétueina, Darraðarljóð?

Those words, this aristocratic face, the nose slightly aquiline. Could it really be Fafnir? Urd felt weak and about to faint. But suddenly she felt supported by arms surrounding her and bringing her comfort. Dr. Shugahara was holding her and said worried.

- Urd you feel bad? ... There is something you upsetting you?

Urd took the doctor's hand, her warmth brought her peace.

- Thanks, I feel better now, I just wanted to know...

She looked to see that man. There was no way it could be Fafnir! But who was him? The doctor saw her questioning look and hurried a comment.

- Let me introduce you to Professor Jan Krogh Danielsen from the University of Oslo, European specialist in ancient languages, he is in charge of the digital reconstruction of the palimpsest of Urth.

If Urd was impressed, it was clear that man too. But ultimately he was able to speak.

- You even more beautiful than Dr. Shugahara told me: Nottvardtbae, Norn kvómo Thaeröð lingial drerums kopos:

Urd sighed to hear those words. She had heard Fafnir singing this poem. But this man was not Fafnir, maybe he could speak Old Norse, but it was clear this was not his native language. The impact slowly began to dissolve as she began to see the subtle, but important differences between this man and Fafnir, after a short pause, she replied.

- Bannfy lki Saturday, frægs tantruth, okbuðlunga, bestþikkia. . Yes, it's one of my favorite poems. Professor Danielsen, Are you really a warrior who invokes the Norns protection?

- What a beautiful accent you have. I spent years studying and yet never could say that way, exactly as must have sounded. Pardon the rudeness, but I think I've seen you before?

Doctor Shugahara interrupted the dialogue to clarify.

- Professor Danielsen´s family has a long lineage that can lead to the descendants of the dynasty of Widukind. If you had seen something of the Old Norse and Saxon art, you find a strong resemblance with those old images of the family.

Urd closed her eyes and meditate for a moment, could be that this man was a descendant of Fafnir´s family, and that by a twist of fate he would have been so similar.

- That that should be the reason. If I had met you in person, I could never forget about it. - Suddenly, Urd exclaimed - Come on Kenji, there are some guests I want to know.

Professor Danielsen stayed still while the couple went away ... He said not a word, but was obviously very upset, and ignored their colleagues who tried to distract him.

While walking away, again Urd was kidnapped by Dr. Evans, who wanted to speak with her. She allowed him since she was still thinking about Prof. Danielsen. Also Dr. Shugahara was trying to analyze what had happened. He knew there was something going between Professor Danielsen and Urd, but he could not understand. Meanwhile, Urd was not listening to Dr. Evans, she was trying to analyze her feelings. That man was almost identical with Fafnir, maybe a few weeks ago she had run into his arms driven by the pain of their loss. But now she knew it was not in the arms of that man where she would feel comfortable. She looked at Dr. Shugahara, who was at the other end of the room. He still carried a glass of sake that she had served him more than an hour ago. She knew he still was not used to drink it, yet he would drink with her, it was a simple gesture that meant a lot to her. Finally she took a decision, said goodbye to Dr. Evan and went to meet Dr. Shugahara.

He met her gaze and knew it was time to talk. He looked at the glass of sake and took a big sip. The taste of alcohol stimulated him, He need it, and then heard the voice of Urd speaking so that everyone could hear:

- Dr. Shugahara Kenji. I have to say something ... I hate your tie!

There was a round of applause. Most agreed, although it was because many had not used one in decades, not because they possessed a high sense of aesthetics.

Urd stood in front of an astonished doctor and with a studied coquetry, began to untie the knot.

There was a general silence; the slow and deliberate movements of Urd had a big load of sensuality that impressed everybody. She took the two ends of the tie and rolled them in her hands, then began to attract him. He had no chance of escape, and exclaimed:

- But I think I like you!

There was general sigh, and murmurs of approval. Dr. Shugahara recovered and counterattacked:

- Urd, You are my passion, my life and my love.

A general "ah!" was heard. Then a brief applause when the Doctor, going against his instincts, placed his hands on the hips of Urd.

- Kenji, I know I'll make you suffer - while she attracted him more towards her.

- Urd! I give my life for you - He got little closer to those lips that quivered in anticipation.

There was applause, but the noise caused the doctor to lose his confidence, he remembered he was in public. For a traditional Japanese, to kiss in public is as bad as walking naked into the street. Fortunately, the queer sense of humor of the doctor saved him. - "Kenji" - thought to himself - "These are your colleagues and many of them have already see you naked..." - He smiled mischievously at the thought and then covered those last few centimeters.

Their lips met slowly, while giving time to their senses to become intoxicated by the others presence. In the room was complete silence. They simply could not speak; it was felt as it were a sacrilege to interrupt. The doctor lost track of time, he could not say if the kiss had lasted seconds or centuries. But he had no doubt he wanted to repeat the experience. Meanwhile, none of the spectators had moved, it would be like interrupting a sacred ritual.

Dr. Evans finally reacted and started signaling. It seemed a general leading a group of soldiers, it was easy, many of them had experience in the jungle and knew how to avoid make noise. In absolute silence the pick up everything and left the room. The two lovers never knew when finally they were alone. When the group was out, in absolute silence of the temple, Urd´s voice reached them.

- Kenji. I also hate your suit...

- Sensei, Sensei, good morning.

The doctor heard a sweet and distant voice. But he could not understand what she was saying.

- Sensei, Sensei. Your bath is ready.

The voice was heard nearer, would he be dreaming? ... It was like déjà vu, he had the feelingthat happened before. He opened his eyes and saw a very soft light, like the one before dawn. All was surrounded by soft red glow as if the first rays of the sun would like to announce his impending arrival.

And then he began to remember. Not this time he had no headache, on the contrary, he felt more energy than ever, and that soft oppression he felt on his chest, he knew very well what it was. He could feel Urd´s naked body against his own body.

Turning toward the voice and spoke cheerfully:

- Ohio Belldandy-san.

- Sensei, I see you feel great.

- Better than ever.

The doctor straightened up slowly and very gently moved Urd to the futon, taking care not to wake her. He put aside the blanket, and was shocked with admiration to see Urd´s perfect nude body.

- Sensei, you can come with me.

The doctor was getting up, when turned to see Urd and saw those lips that had intoxicate his soul. Instead of listening to Belldandy, he approached and gave them a gentle kiss. He was learning to follow his feelings. Urd woke up and placed his arms around the Doctor and gave him a long kiss, then the doctor joyfully commented:

- So the old legends are true, a kiss can wake up a sleeping beauty...

- Kenji, you are a dangerous man, you learn too quickly! - Then she turned to see Belldandy, and with a mischievous voice told her:

- Doctor Shugahara still does not have permission to leave.

The doctor smiled, remembering the words of Belldandy: "my sister would not let anything happen that she does not want" ... and now I understand perfectly.

Belldandy smiled shyly before the couple and left quietly. But outside of the room, dropped to the floor and began to cry.

It was late afternoon when Doctor Shugahara got back to his apartment. His appearance was unrecognizable. His inseparable tie had gone, his shirt was not completely buttoned, and brought his jacket hanging from one shoulder. He walked slowly, lost in thoughts. Somehow, even he even looked younger.

He climbed the stairs slowly, not because he was tired, but because he simply wanted to enjoy walking. He turned around to see everything as if it was the first time, his world view had been changed, and everything that once was familiar, had acquired a new meaning. He got to the hallway where his department was, and in the front door, he saw a man huddled on the floor...

- Professor Danielsen? What are you doing here?

- Dr. Shugahara! Thank God you come! Your administrator was about to call the police, I could not make it clear to him.

Dr. Shugahara quickly opened his department to let Prof Danielsen to get in. He seemed deeply upset and looked he needed rest.

- Please come, what can I offer to you?

- Do you have something to drink?

- Do you want tea?

- No! Something ... Something stronger, you know... alcohol!

- Ah! I do not usually drink. Let me see... I remember, I have something here, it was a gift from a colleague years ago.

From a shelf he took a dusty bottle with a decorative container that did not augur much about its content, it was one of those bottles of sake that are sold to tourists, but for Professor Danielsen was more than enough. Generously poured it´s content into a glass and emptied quickly. He grimaced at the taste; it seemed he would have preferred something stronger. Still, he seemed relieved.

- Now would you tell me you what are you doing here?

- I tried your cell phone, but was dead, and then phone to your house but nobody answered me. The university authorities reluctantly agreed to give me your address.

- But what is the reason for all this, last night you could have talked to me.

- Last night I did not expect to feel like I do today. I could not I gave an important question to do. Dr. Shugahara, please tell me the truth, who is Urd?

Dr. Shugahara smiled, he had wondered about that for weeks.

- Professor Danielsen. If you ask me as a scientist, I must say I do not know. There are many mysteries in Urd.

- And what is your opinion as a man.

- That Urd is an extraordinary woman. Professor breathed relieved, but after a short pause, Dr. Shugahara continued speaking: - But I am also convinced that she is the goddess Urth.

After the last statement Professor Danielsen was white and seemed about to collapse.

- Doctor, from what know about you, an assumption of yours is worth more than the facts of most men. But I cannot accept it. She? A goddess? The same woman or enchantress that was here 1,200 years ago?

- That's exactly what I think, but I accept have no real proof, and yet I do not longer care.

- You love her so much?

- More than I thought it would be possible.

- So you think it's true? I have never expected that picture in the palimpsest would become something so real and tangible.

- She is very real - Said the Doctor, remembering her trembling lips.

- But I do not want to accept it. Last night I met many of your colleagues. It seems they are willing to accept fantasies like magic, spells and pagan gods.

- Dr. Shugahara expressed discomfort at this statement about his colleagues. He stared at the professor, put his hand on the shoulder and told him.

- A famous scientist wrote: "A sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"

- Technology?

- Yes, I have studied what you call "Magic", I accept not all claims are real, but there some that is real, I've been able to see it in action, measure it, and even replicate and predict its effects. Like a good scientist has to do.

- I cannot accept it. I am a scientist and goes against my religion. But... - He paused, as if afraid of his own doubts - But if it were true, then I have to give you this.

He took two packages he was carrying in his briefcase. Put on the table and began to unpack them while explaining.

- I come from a family that values our ancient roots and traditions. When I turned 18, my father took me to the vault at the bank where we keep the family objects of value, and gave me a key. I opened the safe box up and among its contents; my father showed me this and told me. "This belongs to the goddess Urth. If she would reappear, you must return this to her. You're the new guardian, and when you have your own children, you must give the same instructions to them."

- I did not believe it; I thought it was just an eccentricity, an old family ritual. But it was the family tradition and did not say anything. With time, forgot about the box, yet it leaved some trace, it stimulated my curiosity and eventually I became a specialist in history and antiquities of my people.

One of the packages, turn to be a sober wooden box, it seemed very old and showed signs of wear from prolonged use.

- What is in that box?

- I'm sure you would recognize this; I read its description in your book.

In the box there were three beautiful medallions. They had an intricate maze of runes inscribed along its surface. He examined it carefully. They should have taken a long time to make, and these runes were not in Old Norse, they seemed like spells. Indeed, he had described them so he had no doubt of their identity.

- The medallions of the sisterhood of Urth! They were used to identify and protect themselves. How is it possible that they even exist?

- I think the answer is in the manuscript. In my family there are many legends. One of them told they have powers. But I think it's just a legend. And also there is this - The other package was an old manuscript that had runes and Latin letters, that run for hundreds of pages.

- What is all this? ...

- I think this are notes to decipher the runes in the Urth´s palimpsest. I didn't knew they were so old... Imagine, I dreamed to find the oldest runes, and I already had them in the family vault. Just a few weeks ago, I remembered this family heirloom. When I began to restore the writing, I found several symbols that I looked familiar to me, finally remembered this manuscript and took it out of the vault. The writing coincides with some notes of the Palimpsest. Both were held by the same person. But there are things that I found; I do not want to talk.

- But, your instructions were to give this to Urd... why me?

- I was not sure who she was, and now I dare not see her again. Yesterday when I saw her, I shivered at her presence. As if I had known her for long, I had that feeling since the first time I saw that picture in the palimpsest, but I dismiss it. I knew that was impossible. But then that vision became a reality! But I do not know more. I found a drawing in the manuscript that, I...! I do not understand! I do neither dare to see her again nor these objects. All this scares me. I hope you to make good use of these objects.

- But, Do you not want to translate the palimpsest?

- I do not know, maybe I will leave the project at the hands of my students. When you look at the manuscript you will understand. Now I retire, I consider to have fulfilled my family duty and I do not want to know more.

Professor Danielsen rose abruptly and left, without even looking back. Dr. Shugahara was amazed. He had never imagined that a scientist could be so afraid of new knowledge and didn't want to learn something new. He could not imagine what could be the cause of such attitude.

He breathed deeply and then proceeded to examine the medallions. Despite the time were very well-preserved. Then he went through the manuscript, and gave a surprised exclamation when discovered a picture in one of the pages. Doctor Shugahara pondered its implications and then began to review all that had happened in the last weeks. The palimpsest, knowing Urd, and now having these medallions and this new manuscript. He wondered if fate really exists.

He would have been very surprised and fascinated had he knew the true answer to his question.

End of Chapter VIII rev 3

Notes:

Ethnobotany: The founder of this area was actually Dr. David Winston, now deceased. I hope not to offend anyone in his brief cameo in this Fanfic, nor about the claims did I make about his behavior. I have also referred to various personalities of this area of science, including Amasima, a true shaman who works with ethno botanist. Sometimes reality exceeds imagination.

Fedora: For those who are not fans of Indiana Jones, this is the model of hat he wears, and by strange coincidence, is very popular among the anthropologists and archaeologists who still wear hats. Look for "Indy Spirit Awards, archeology" in Google or search for "Junius Bird."

A sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic: I hope you acknowledge A.C. Clarke's third law. Certainly he was not a scientist, but a science fiction writer. Yet so it sounds more dramatic this way.