Warning:
I must warn you. English is not my native language, so from time to time you will find some peculiar (as in outrageous) uses of the English language. Please, be tolerant and let me now to fix them. Then, try to enjoy the Story.
The order of the Mortal Knights.
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XVI
The Order
The room was huge, slender columns whose geometries seemed impossible supported it; the ceiling seemed to be lost in the heights. The walls were decorated with illustrations done in soft colors, also there were delicate carvings made from materials like marble that gave the place an ethereal and graceful aspect. The light came through large windows with colorful glass that stained the interior with the soft colors of the rainbow. It looked like a Gothic cathedral built on dreams. The floor was decorated with intricate geometric shapes and lines that converged at the center in a design reminiscent of a mandala.
On the spacious room a gentle stream or air of went through indentation on the wall, producing soft musical tones, creating a soft symphony barely audible but able to induce relaxation. The place was designed to inspire peace, with geometric designs to help to focus the mind and achieve a state of meditation, but at this time, it was far from fulfilling its role.
In the center of the room was a solitary figure, in the midst of this immense place the figure should look tiny, but he had such a presence that seemed to fill the room.
In human terms it would have looked like a man of mature age, long brown hair tied in knots. His face was hard to describe. He had a soft glow that prevented to look at him directly. His clothing was simple, but intricate detail was engraved on it, also it was filled with ribbons, and tie knots. They were magical seals that helped him control his power. The large number of seals was a sign of his enormous power.
The man was looking at the beautiful and complex design of the floor immersed on his toughs. The intricate mandala had always had helped him to focus. That design had been perfected along millennium to be perfectly tuned to a complex mind. However, this time it did not bring peace.
Under normal circumstances, nothing could have distracted him from his meditation, but now he could clearly hear the rustling of clothes of approaching members of the general council. However, he did not turned around to see them. He still needed a little more time to think and chose to ignore them.
The newcomers were four gods. Their clothes and their seals denoted a high rank. Unlike Hell where the council was made up of hundreds of demons, the structure of this world was vertical. In these five beings resided most of the power of this universe.
There was no way of knowing their real age, but their clothes, ornaments and seals indicated high rank and power. One of them had a stern demeanor that suggested an older age.
However, despite their high-ranking, they did not dare to interrupt the man who was concentrated on the mandala and waited patiently until he noticed their presence.
Finally, the man closed his eyes and then opened slowly as if waking from a dream. The gods put a knee on the ground to show respect and waited in silence to speak.
The god made a slight and elegant hand gesture and suddenly he was surrounded by floating displays of complex information. He read them with a fast glance, looked to the gods and then spoke in a stern voice.
- The situation is serious, the truce between then universes seem to be broken. The Norns were attacked and at least two of them might not survive. Nevertheless, that is not the main problem. We have a deep problem here in the council. The fighter squadron that should have been there to help them when the alarms detected a large imbalance of power on earth was retained and even now, the requested healers had not been sent. Who is responsible?
The gods could not avoid a surprised exclamation. Kamisama had spoken and he was not pleased. After a few seconds of silence, the stern-faced god spoke:
- I, Hannus, as a member of the high council and second in line of succession, was the one who made that decision and therefore I take full responsibility.
His three companions looked shocked; his words were a confirmation of a serious contempt to the highest authority in this universe. Kamisama watch him, and show a flicker of emotion, but it was more than enough, and then spoke with the authority of the most powerful being in this universe:
- Explain your actions. You have put the lives of gods and mortals in danger
However, Hannus was not impressed, he knew that his power was very close to the current Kamisama, and it was a matter of time to take his place.
- I took decisions that nobody else would dare to take, but they are for the best of our world. For some time the situation at Nifelheim, has become unstable. Every day there is more opposition to Hild´s rule and we knew that a confrontation was inevitable. Today a high-level communication between Nidhogg, and Yggdrasil was established to request a temporary suspension of the doublet system, invoking 235.45 Protocol. I imposed my authority and force the system to approve it, without informing the council.
A cry of surprise close to the horror was heard from the other gods
- That is the execution protocol! It´s only invoked to punish a criminal who should be executed. It is one of the few times when the doublet system can be temporarily suspended, and it requires the approval of 3 out of 4 members of the high council. That is treason.
Hannus looked at them with some contempt.
- I hoped you could understand, but apparently, you are filled with fear. It was a unique opportunity. The doublet system has only brought a shameful peace. I was informed that there were two names to be disassociated from their doublet: Anang-Reng and Hild. - He paused to see the effect of his words. With increased satisfaction, he saw the fear growing on their faces at this information. - This could only mean one thing. A trial of power was about to take place, and I know that Hild would not accept it unless Anang-Reng would challenge her authority in a way that Hild could avoid. We knew that Hild had been avoiding such trials, even if in the past they had been common. Nevertheless, we all know there is something Hild could not tolerate. A direct attack on her daughter, even if she had been disown by her mother, she is still a candidate to the Daimakaichō tittle.
One of the members of the council, a god named Huldar questioned him. - You mean that is the reason to the attack on the Norns?. You knew it would happen!. Are you a fool? Are you not able to understand what it means? This confirms your betrayal. You have filled with shame this council.
Hannus answered him with fury.
- No, you are then ones that betrayed our people. A peace based on fear cannot be peace. Think about it, if Hild is defeated, Anang Rene would try to cancel the system and we now have a fair case to declare war. He is so arrogant that he would be an easy adversary. If Hild wins, she would be too weak and we could launch a preemptive strike, the number of casualties could be kept to a minimum. In any case, we must order the élite fighter squadron to return here to be ready for the war; we cannot hold it back on taking care of those pitty goddesses...
Kamisama looked at him trying to penetrate his thoughts, but the power of this god was close to his own power, he could not penetrate his defenses. He spoke with a calmness, which contrasted with the turmoil of the council members.
- Your arguments seem logical, but you kept your true motives hidden. You know that your aspiration to be the second in line of succession can be challenged by the goddess Belldandy. By birth and by her potential, she has been raised and prepared to be able to take my place.
- Belldandy? Ah! How to forget that insane plan! But let's face it, Belldandy is far from having the necessary power and for the rest of the plan, Urd would never be the Daimakaichō and the little goddess Skuld has not even been able to develop real magic so she take refuge on her mechanical toys. - Then god spoke mockingly: "Urð hétu eina, aðra Verðandi, Skuld ina þriðju; þær lög lögðu, þær líf kuru alda börnum, örlög seggja". That is a ridiculous prophecy. Never mind that if was planned by two of the greater gods. Our worlds will never have peace that way. You all know reason is at my side.
The other three gods retreated in fear of those words, even if the felt the same they feared the possible consequences.
- I knew Kamisama would not approve it, so I acted on my own, now we have a justification to make a preventive attack, and we must do before the winner of the trial can regain his strength. At this point Nifelheim is vulnerable. As a member of High Council, I demand a vote to ratify my actions. It´s time to end millions of years of an embarrassing...
Kamisama interrupted abruptly. Finally, he showed emotion on his voice.
- Enough! I heard enough! The doublete system may seem embarrassing, but it has allowed us to live in peace. Now I understand many incidents have been occurring. I should have let Lind investigate the anomalies that were reported by Urd at Yggdrasil. Now it is unnecessary. More gods must be involved. Nevertheless, is your right to have your vote. It will be granted. After that I will act.
Hannus went pale; he had hoped to avoid a direct confrontation with Kamisama. Then faced the other council members in challenging attitude
- We must regain our dignity as gods. I had spoken with you and I know you feel the same. It is time to act.
One of the gods walked slowly and bowed to him. It was a vote on his behalf, but the other two were in doubt. Deep on their hearts, they agreed with Hannus, but they remembered and feared the war. Then slowly turned them back to Hannus.
Hannus shout - No, do not betray me- He knew what that meant. He had been so sure about their vote and really believed he had their approval. - Please, Do not disown me. I know you think like me! - One of the gods replied, without looking at him.
- There is a difference between what we want to do and what we must do. Your actions have caused unnecessary harm. Now, tell us who else conspires with you?
Then Kamisama spoke, while extending his arm to Hannus.
- You have your vote, two to one, and you must now respond to the charge of treason against the order we have worked so hard to achieve. You must also disclose the names of your accomplices.
Kamisama's hand began to shine while extending his hand to the god, with the intention of confine him with a magical seal, but he was faster. From his robe, he pulled out a small amulet. It seemed harmless but the others shouted in recognition. It was ancient magic; crude, primitive, but deadly.
Hannus knew that his punishment would to be condemned to the dissolution of his conscience, and he considered worsth than death, so he had no doubts. He took the amulet and ordered - immolation! - The Amulet grew a brightness that spread around his body, and then began to break the containment fields that gave him physical form.
A flash of nova intensity dissolved the place, when the body of the god released, in an orgy of destruction, all the magical energy accumulated over millions of years.
Lind watched with attention to the little mortal that devoured a bowl of cereal. His aura glowed in a strange yet beautiful way, but she did not understand what it meant. She had seen how Gaia had given sustenance to his body, but she knew the boy could not be aware of it.
Eventually the child finished, he still looked a little pale but soon would be fine. He leaved the plate and nervously looked at the Valkyrie. He felt intimidated by her presence, but he had to ask.
- Madam, I feel better. Please, Can I return with others? I need to know how they are and try to do something for them.
- Soon, you will return with them, but first I need to know what happened here. Please let me take out your memories.
The child swallowed nervously, he did not know what she meant by it but it did not sound nice.
- You must remove my memories. Will you use magic? Would not be better that I just tell you all?
- I will not hurt you if that is what you fear, but if I can, I draw your memories directly then I would observe events that have no meaning to you. If you want to help the goddesses, is the best way.
The boy got up, his fear of the unknown could be seen, yet he approached Lind and said:
- Then do it, I'll do whatever it takes to help
Lind smiled imperceptibly at the resolution of the child. He put her hand on his temples and invoked the magic needed to extract his memories. Lind saw everything the child had witnessed. The demons, the struggle and despair of the goddesses and Keiichi´s courage, and the decisive intervention of the Doctor. Strategy, courage and sacrifice were the highest ideals for her, and she found them.
She finished storing the memories of the child, then looked at him seriously and to the surprise of the child, knelt on the ground, and made a reverence to the child and spoke with deep respect that would make his words remain engraved forever on his young heart.
- Sentarō Kawanishi-san is an honor to meet you. Three goddesses and three mortal have faced and overpowering force and were victorious. No matter what happens, your name will be recorded among the annals of the history of the immortals. The battle of the temple Tarikihongan would become part of our legends.
Sentarō did not know how to react, he sensed that Lind was a powerful goddess, yet she spoke to him with respect. He was filled with mixed feelings, those words made him feel full of pride, but also felt he had done so little to deserve it. Lind could see his inner struggle and approved. The mark of a true hero is the one that does not accepted himself as such. Before he could react, she led him into Urd´s room with the others. The room was dim, very little light came through the windows because of the clouds surrounding the temple, but a soft glow lit up the whole place.
Sentarō was nervous and was startled by what he saw: Skuld, Keiichi and Dr. Shugahara were unconscious and attended by a goddess with a stern face. At the other extreme of the room, were Urd and Belldandy. Two Valkyries took care of each goddess. Their arms outstretched, chanting incomprehensible words in a monotone voice. Their hands emanated a glow that stretched along the goddesses like a blanket of wrapping light. That was the source of the glow that illuminated the room. Sentarō cried at the vision of their bruised and burned bodies.
- Belldandy, Urd! What happened to them? What are you doing to them?
He tried to run towards them, but Lind stopped him.
- Their bodies received major damages from combat. My squad is trying to stabilize them or otherwise their physical form will disperse and their consciousness will dissolve forever. Soon specialized healers will come to treat them, since we cannot keep them indefinitely this way because we are only warriors and we do not have advanced healing abilities. You should not try to touch them, you could interfere with the container field and it could become unstable.
Sentarō turned to see Skuld and the two men. They did not seem to have been wounded so much, but they were strangely still. He felt the desire to run along Skuld but the presence of the goddess of severe aspect seemed to imply that was not a good idea. He looked at Lind with despair, and she explained:
- Skuld is very weak, but otherwise she is not harmed. She used much of her energy to generate the field that protected you and is a young goddess. She is not in immediate danger, but will not wake up until her body recovers a minimum of energy. Keiichi and this man are also very weak, but we think the will soon be well, like you. It seems Gaia is nurturing them, the same as did it you.
- Who is Gaia?
- Gaia is the spirit and life force of the earth, it gives energy to all living beings on this planet, but I cannot say more. I do not understand much
Lind took the mortal child along Skuld and with a gesture; she indicated it was fine to touch her. Sentarō at by Skuld and took her hand. She did not reacted, he tried to speak to her, but to no avail, He look at the goddess who attended her with pleading eyes and were beginning to fill with tears.
Madam, Will she be okay? She does not react at all.
- You can call me Othala - replied, with a softness that belied her stern face. - She will be fine, but it would take time. We cannot help her here on earth.
Lind put her hand on Sentarō`s shoulder, then asked the healer.
- Othala, What is the status?
- The Mortals are slowly regaining their vital energy. It looks as it is the same as the mortal child, I do not understand but we know it works. They soon will recover consciousness, after that they will only need a stock of chemical energy. Until then I will attend to their wounds. They pose no danger.
Hearing these words, Sentarō gasped in surprise, just remember Urd's instructions. He got up and ran to where Keiichi was unconscious; looking through his clothes and pull out a metal case, then hastened back to give it to Ghadril.
- Madame ... errr.. Othala. Urd gave us this, They are magic potions if we were wounded, she marked white for mortals, blue for the goddesses. We should apply to them all.
Othala took the case intrigued and exclaimed:
- Magic potions for healing? I am not sure that is most appropriate, especially if they are from Urd, I always found childish her fondness for these substances.
Lind interrupted.
- I have already seen what they can do. Urd has managed to turn the use of potions into a powerful science.
Despite being her superior, she did not seem to convince Othala, her prejudice against the potions was entrenched.
- I think we should wait for the healers. They should be here soon. - Then she raised her voice -I there any news yet?
They were interrupted by Chrono. The young goddess stood in front of Lind, her nervousness and concern was evident.
- Madame, I tried to contact Heaven to find out about the healers, but the only response I had been "code crimson". It came in the highest security encryption. I have no doubt it is authentic.
Lind received the notice with disbelief and had to struggle to appear calm. This mission was becoming a nightmare.
Crimson Code: meant full communications silence, full interruption of power flow from Yggdrasil, suspension of all magical activity, go into stealth mode and go unnoticed until they received the counter-command.
It meant only one thing... Serious problems in Heaven, either the defense system should be inoperative or Yggdrasil itself. Therefore, they were vulnerable. All communication should cease to avoid any possibility of Hell knowing about it. Lind clenched her fists with a sense of helplessness. Her presence was needed in heaven, but she could not return. Never before that code had been used. For the first time since they had established the inter-dimensional bridges, Heaven had voluntarily cut off all contact with other universes in order to repair the damage that may have suffered. There was no information about what happened; there was no way to find out how much time could pass before communications were restored. A serious problem could amount to years or centuries in human terms.
- Any other message?
Chrono hesitated before answering.
- I was not exactly a message. Only the code, and then ... - The girl paused ...- and then a prayer.
For only answer, Lind nodded and then sat on the floor, crossed her legs and went into a meditation trance. The situation was serious and need to coldly evaluate all possible actions. Her squadron stood respectfully awaiting any decision that could their superior would take. They had full confidence in her.
Lind evaluated the facts: The most serious, they would receive no power from Yggdrasil to replace the energy they had been using. That would mean to rely on local energy sources, but they were very limited. The orders also imply not to use of magic that could bring attention to them and they should try to pass as humans until further notice. That meant a death condemn to the goddesses since she would have to suspend the stabilizer field. That was unacceptable, but she could not ask her squad to keep that energy expenditure or soon all would be unarmed. She needed high power alternative sources of energy, since she was responsible of the lives of her squad. She could not count on having help from heaven; the events should had been of such urgency that the life of a squad of Valkyries would not be a priority. Her only alternative was to seek help from earth, from mortals. Suddenly she opened her eyes and gave an order:
- Othala, apply the potion to the mortals, we need them to wake up. Keiichi knows more about this world and he knows about gods, maybe he can help us obtain other sources of energy. Watch how the potion works on them and then try it on Urd and Belldandy. We cannot hold them much time in the container field.
Othala tried to protest, but realized she had no choice. It was a direct order, not a suggestion. She took the metal box and examined the contents suspiciously. It appeared to contain only pieces of paper.
- How do I use this? This seems to be a joke. It is unlike any potion I know.
Sentarō answer her:
- Urd explained to me that the potion goes directly through the skin, it is a system she perfected with the help of doctor Shugahara. Just place one of the white adhesive patches on the skin. She told me with this we would not need to drink.
Othala just raised an eyebrow intrigued by the idea. It seemed a convenient way to implement it. - A mortal helped her? - She was still skeptic. She approached the men, and they applied the adhesive paper patch on the arm.
A slow reaction began, but it was gradually speeding up, a soft glow began to grow along their bodies, they shuddered and then relaxed, and Ghadril notice the difference immediately. They were going from a depth comma to a natural state of sleep. Then watched as Keiichi's wounds began to heal Keiichi, along the scrapes and cuts that the other man had on the skin. She smiled satisfied with the result and looked at the child.
- Impressive! Urd would have to explain me how it works. Now Young Sentarō, We should give you one to treat those bruises.
Sentarō refused- First give it to Urd and Belldandy, they are more important than I am - Othala shocked her head.
- Belldandy and Urd in critical condition, I need more tests - she took a patch and applied it on her skin. She closed her eyes and concentrated to feel the potion's effects. She had no injuries, but felt how the magic spread across her body. The effect was powerful, but not enough. Her face darkened. She turned to speak with Lind. - This will not work. It is a very powerful potion, but not enough to help them. To apply it we would have to release them from the stabilizing field, but they would not survive long enough for the potion to take effect and...
She was interrupted by a moan. Keiichi was the first to react, he opened his eyes slowly, and Lind came and gently knelt beside him. Keiichi looked at her confused; he seemed to have trouble recognizing her, suddenly exclaimed:
- Lind! What are you doing here? What happened here?
Lind gave sigh of relief, to the surprise of her squad; she took Keiichi's hand and held it.
-Keiichi, my friend, you soon you will be fine. I am here to help you.
Keiichi attempted to get up, but was very weak. Lind gently put her hand on his chest to avoid him to get up.
- Do not try to get up, you are still very weak. You used most of your vital energy in battle; it is remarkable feat that you are still alive.
- The Battle! - Keiichi exclaimed while he began to remember. - Where is Belldandy? What happened to her?
Lind pressed his hand a bit harder - At this moment you cannot do anything for her. Her condition is critical but stable.
Keiichi again attempted to get up, but his body still did not respond. He was extremely weak and could barely move. He made a gesture of despair at the betrayal of his own body, then implored to Lind.
- I need to see her! Please help me!
Lind nodded, then lifted him in her arms like a little boy and took him to see Belldandy and Urd. Keiichi cried when he saw her broken and wounded body.
What happened to her? What are you doing to her?
Lind spoke, there was certain awe on her tone - Belldandy faced an enemy immensely more powerful than her, but never gave up. She was willing to give her live to save you and almost died, but you saved her. With the amulet you have, you were able share your vital energy and both created a very powerful shield. Both were very close to death. Unfortunately, Belldandy is not yet out of danger. Her body sustained terrible damage, and not only her earthly body, which is what you see, but her multidimensional body, which is now unstable. Her true body is like a container that holds her essence and her personal code, if it fails, she would disappear and her Goddess heart would get lost. We will do not let that happen. They are keeping her multidimensional body stable until we can take them to heaven.
Keiichi cried, he felt anger, sadness and helplessness for not being able to help his loved one. He tried to touch her defenseless body, but Lind took him away and told him sternly.
- Keiichi, the field is very fragile; do not try to touch it. You have already have done more than any mortal or god could. Now use that anger to recover yourself.
Then Sentarō approached him, he could not contain his feelings and embraced Keiichi.
- We beat them. Miss Urd did something extraordinary. She defeated the demons and the chief fled. He was trying to kill Belldandy and Urd stopped him, and then vanished in one of these tunnels, that is the last thing I remember.
Keiichi looked puzzled to Lind.
- Urd told me that only a Valkyrie would be able to cope with a tribune, and not even a Valkyrie could face a Shaikh. How was possible for Urd to beat him.
Lind asked intrigued:
- From the beginning you knew were facing immeasurably superior forces?
- We knew and preferred to fight.
- I do not know where she got the power to defeat them. Nevertheless, it was not just her, you all helped. Keiichi, I knew you were a very special mortal, you have proven once again that you are able to give everything for what you love. Now we must help this other mortal. Who is and what is he doing here?
- He is Doctor Shugahara Kenji. It is a very wise man- Keiichi hesitated, and then looked at the doctor - and he is here because he loves Urd deeply. He warned us that there could be danger after he confirmed the murder of the goddess Giörel, so we were prepared.
Lind left Keiichi on the futon and went to examine the Doctor.
- He knew about Giörel? How a mortal could find out?
- For many years, he has been studying magic. He has helped Urd with her potions and together they have made many discoveries. He loves her and I have seen he willingly would give his life for her.
- He seems to be a special mortal deadly, like you two - pointing to Keiichi and Sentarō.
Chrono came nearby and Keiichi recognized her. She had been before on earth as part the Yggdrasil system assistant.
Chrono is it really you? You are a now Valkyrie. I am glad.
- Keiichi-san do you still remember me? It was an honor to be on earth with Belldandy and you. I will do everything I can to help. - She turned around and said to Lind:
- Madame, the stabilizing field is becoming weaker.
Lind looked anxiously at the Valkyries who were in charge of Urd and Belldandy and asked:
- Ghadril, how long can they hold the stabilizer field without the support of Yggdrasil?
Ghadril approached the Valkyries and extended her hands to feel their energy, her face darkened, and with concern, oh her voice said:
- I do not think they could hold it more than four earth hours. The field consumes a lot of energy. Maybe we could take turns, but then all we would be helpless. Without contact with Yggdrasil, we cannot recover our energy and...
They were distracted by a noise; Dr. Shugahara began his regaining consciousness. Lind called Sentarō to help him and step back. As a warrior, she knew waking before an unknown face would be unsettling.
Gradually, the Doctor began to regain consciousness. Keiichi and Sentarō proceeded inform him about the situation, while the Doctor looked fascinated at the strange squad of women. Valkyries no less! Certainty they did not look like the mythological ones, he was sure they were the real ones and his curiosity was exacerbated. He felt awe after he realized he had just meet Valkyries AFTER a fierce battle! His heart was pounding with emotion. When he heard, that Urd was unconscious and wounded, he also insisted on seeing her. Again, Lind was responsible for helping to fulfill his wish. Lind later explained them his weakness was a lack of chemical energy on their bodies and they simply needed to eat.
The doctor did not want to get away from Urd. He instructed Ghadril to search among Urd´s ingredients for a jar with glucose and dissolved it on water. Keiichi and the doctor took the sweet liquid and quickly regaining their energy. Soon the two men were standing while Ghadril noted with approval, this man seemed to know what was doing.
Lind consulted briefly with Othala, who indicated they were a good condition. Now it was time to find solutions.
- Doctor Shugahara Kenji, where did you get this? - Showing one of the medallions - Sentarō-san told me you gave them to Keiichi and him. This is advanced magic, and yet seems designed to be used by mortals, there should be nothing like this.
The doctor looked hesitant to Lind. Her appearance coincided perfectly with the story of Somasindhu. He knew she had tried to erase the memory of the young Hindu and did not want to risk that. Keiichi noticed his indecision.
- Doctor, can we trust Lind, I have in very special bond with her.
The man looked surprised at Keiichi.
- A bond with her? What kind of man are you? I hope we can talk later; there are thousands of questions that would like to make you. - His look at the extraordinary scene around him, there was really a world of gods! - I had already accepted Urd as a goddess, but all this confuses me.
The doctor still could not really accept the battle he had witnessed. Everything was so fantastic that it would have been easier to accept it as a hallucination. He had really participated in a battle between gods and demons and was now surrounded by the mythological Valkyries. No doubt, those beautiful women were goddesses, and by their pose, it was clear that her trade was war. He looked at Lind, she was equally beautiful and seemed young, but had an air of authority and security that could not come from someone who looked so young. Keiichi understood the man's confusion; he recalled his confusion when he met Belldandy for the first time. He put his hand on the doctor´s shoulder. By then he was no longer his sempai, an older and wiser person, he was just a confused man.
- Yes doctor, all this is real. They are really goddesses, and we owe you our lives to your warning. You saved our lives!
The doctor approached Lind, who had patiently observed the scene, greeting her with a respectful bow. There was a difference between examining ancient documents to deal with reality.
Then he remembered the Crystal and what he had offer in exchange. If Lind was indeed a goddess, and the crystal came from her enemies, it might be wise not mention it. Took a deep breath as his mind was adapted to this new situation, and then began to speak:
- Lind, Valkyrie, first class goddess and commander of the special force division, I have heard about you. - Lind looked into his eyes with expectation, that was an extraordinary statement - I heard of you through a Hindu boy, to whom you tried to block his memory.
- Somasindhu? ¿His memory has been released. How much else do you know?
- From him, I knew about the death of the goddess Giörel, so I warned Belldandy and Urd about the danger. As Keiichi told me, that saved their lives, as they were prepared to fight. Not sure how, but from the Somasindhu story, seems you forgot to take an object left by Giörel which contained something special and that is what help him to regain his memory.
- Then it was our mistake. Nevertheless, a fortunate mistake. I was not authorized to reveal anything but tried to prevent Urd.
The doctor nodded, and then Lind asked: - What is the origin of these medallions?
- About 1200 years ago, Urd lived on earth and...- Lind interrupted.
- Yes, I remember - there was a slight hint of a smile on Lind- We had some problems with her.
The doctor froze for a moment. This unexpected confirmation Urd´s history was making all this more fantastic.
- She formed a sisterhood with women from that era, to give them teaching and knowledge...
- Urd did that? Did she really give knowledge to mortals? Had it been known at that time, her punishment would have been more severe.
The doctor now understood some of Urd´s action. She had acted against the authorities of her world. He took a moment to assimilate the information and continued.
- She created those medallions so the women of the sisterhood could communicate and protect themselves. The medallions were lost over time, but I was able to recover these three.
Lind examined one of the medallions. Indeed, she could recognize the Urd´s work on them. It was a beautiful and complex piece of magic. Urd had broken many rules on their elaboration and because of it, they had an extraordinary power in the hands of mortals. She turned to see the helpless body of the goddess. Her former protégé had won several points of respect, even though she had broken many rules on it.
- Do you understand how they work?
This time Keiichi answered.
- I think I understand. They are a kind of catalysts. Once I gave my energy to your angel, those medallions are able to extract energy from us in the same way, and they can create a protection shield. They were made for defense. However, I think they can do more.
- Yes, they are much more than that. I saw the shields; they were a mixture of mortal and divine energy. I never thought it possible. However, that does not help me to save them.
Keiichi and the doctor were startled by Lind´s words. Keiichi was the first to ask:
- Save the, what is happening? You told us that they were stable; I thought you would take them to Heaven to your healers.
- That was my intentions, but now is now impossible, we are isolated here, we are in the middle of a crisis on Heaven and we cannot return. Yggdrasil would not let us return until the alert is canceled, and if we continue like this, my squad will run out of energy to keep the stabilizer field. Without this field they will die. We need an alternate source of energy to keep it running.
To the surprise of Lind and Dr., Keiichi jumped in surprise.
- Energy? Yggdrasil is not providing power and you need alternative energy? I have a solution for that!
Before they had time to ask, Keiichi ran from the room, they heard the sound of drawers being opened and items were thrown to the floor. Keiichi soon was back with a box containing what looked like bracelets, but they were not made from metal, but something like a dark stone. He offered them to Lind, who took one of them and asked:
- What is this?
- This Bracelets are made from artificial moonstones. It is not the first time it happens that Yggdrasil cannot provide energy to Belldandy and the goddesses. On one of those occasions, I manufactured these bracelets. Each one can provide some energy and I can make more, but takes time.
Lind took one of the bracelets with curiosity and put it on. She knew about moonstones, but artificial moonstones made by mortals. She felt the energy flow from it, I was not at the same level than the flow from Yggdrasil, but it may be enough. She took it off immediately. She was the most powerful from the squad; the others may need this energy. This would give them extra time. She called the healer:
- Ghadril the energy from these bracelets will support us. They are moonstones. Distribute them among those in need and give me a new estimate of the time.
The warrior who had witnessed the exchange made no further questions; it was almost a miracle to have moonstones here, in this place. She used one to estimate the energy that could provide then she put two of them at each one of the goddesses who created the containment field. The goddesses had already begun to show signs of fatigue, but soon recovered with the bracelets. Ghadril wait a moment to confirm the effect, and then reported.
- They really work, you were right; these mortals have knowledge unknown to us. I never tough they could manufacture them. With the available bracelets, we have 12 hours. The bracelets will give us 12 hours extra time.
- Will the extra energy be enough so you can apply the Urdu potion?
- The risk is too high. We need to release the container field to use it, implement it, but if the potion fails and not restored in time, it would be fatal.
- What is the solution?
- We need to increase the power of the field by several orders of magnitude to provide stability to their bodies permanently, only then we can apply the healing potion and close their wounds. The bracelets cannot give us so much energy, still they will give us time, perhaps enough to establish contact with Yggdrasil, but we need more of these...
Doctor Shugahara interrupted.
- Keiichi, what to you need to make more? Can we increase their energy?
The young man thought for a moment. I made them sneaking into the lab at Nekomi Tech. By trial and error, I managed to increase its power, but the equipment at the Nekomi Lab is not enough.
- The components are easy to get, but I need a high pressure and high temperature press to simulate the conditions of the early moon. Maybe if we get better equipment.
- The equipment from the materials laboratory at the University of Chiba is more advanced, and if that is not enough we will search another one. In addition, we can use it openly and maybe my colleagues will help us to improve the procedure. Explain me procedure, I am not an engineer, but I know people who can help us.
The young engineer and scientist began a discussion. Abstract knowledge of the doctor and the practical knowledge of the engineer were supplemented with the knowledge both have been learning from Heaven. They gradually came to an agreement.
Lind had observed the exchange with curiosity. The vocabulary Earth did not make much sense for her, although the concepts behind it were trivial for a goddess: Subatomic particles, high-energy beams, multidimensional crystalline structures, particle collider. However, it seemed that there were alternatives and her frustration began to disappear. Keiichi finally spoke to Lind, his eyes were glowing with barely contained emotion, and he had discovered could use his knowledge and skills to help Belldandy and Urd.
- I think we can manufacture the bracelets with more energy, but will take time. We have to organize a manufacturing process and gradually increase power. Maybe we could get enough power. In theory is possible!
- This place you have spoken, the University of Chiba. We will need a communication link, since we cannot use magic. Chrono will go with you. You must teach her how to travel as a mortal.
Keiichi smiled, it would be easier for her pose as a common girl. - She cannot go dressed like this. Maybe we can use some clothes from Belldandy and Skuld.
Upon hearing, this Sentarō interrupted.
- I also want to help. - The young man was infected by the enthusiasm of Doctor Shugahara and Keiichi. The doctor smiled and said to the child.
- You have every right to be with us. The three of us are willing to do anything for them. You will not separate from us until they recover. Let me talk to your parents, maybe they will hear the request from a sensei.
The cries of joy from the boy resonate at the temple taking away the ominous feelings that had invaded it.
Anang-Reng regained consciousness. It was a strange feeling. Demons do not need to sleep while the have enough energy sources and Anang-Reng knew he had not been sleeping. His return to consciousness was instant, as if suddenly someone had driven a light switch.
He tried to get up, but nothing happened. It was very disconcerting. Not that he had been tied or restrained, at least he did not feel anything on his body His brain had given the order to his body and felt as if he had moved, however nothing happened. He felt as if he had not changed his position. He felt his body, it did not feel paralyzed, and yet he did not move.
Everything was dark; he neither saw nor heard anything. He stretched out his arms, he felt them, and then tried to touch his body, and felt nothing. He was shocked and attempted to scream but no sound came out. He had not found anything; his body simply did not exist.
He needed to see what was happening, threw a simple spell to create light and disperse the darkness, but nothing happened. He tried other spells, each on more powerful than before, but nothing happened. It was as his was just a conscious with ghost body. He realizes there was absolutely no sound, no light, as if those senses had never existed.
Suddenly a sound penetrated his brain. It was a sound that seemed to pierce trough his thoughts, a pure sound. So pure it hurts and with intensity, he had never imagined. The sound began to change in tone and intensity. It went all over the scale of his senses and even beyond them, hearing sound he never imagined could exist. Slowly the sound ceased to be painful; it even seemed to become pleasant compared to the absolute silence in which he was previously submerged. Finally, the sound became a soft white noise and with a barely audible volume.
Then came a blinding white pure light, so powerful he felt pain, then light began to diminish in intensity until it stopped hurting. The light became a pure blue tone, so pure he could not believe it could exist, and then started to change colors.
Finally, Anang-Reng understood what was happening and felt fear. These pure sounds and pure lights could only mean something, his brain was being connected directly to artificial senses and he was going through a calibration routine.
As a confirmation, several complex images appeared, they were test patterns. Suddenly everything went black, and then he heard a voice, but it was speaking an unknown language. Normally Nidhogg provided demons with an almost instantaneous knowledge for any known language. That meant he was no longer connection with the Hell supercomputer that controlled their universe.
Then the voice began to laugh, he did not need understanding of the language to shudder at the cruelty of that laughter. Then he felt his brain was manipulated, as if new information was introduced in it and now he could understand the voice.
- Poor Shaikh Anang-Reng, we gave you every opportunity you could dream on and still failed. We should have not even bothered to save your consciousness.
Anang-Reng attempted to answer, but no sound came out from his nonexistent throat.
- I can see all your thoughts perfectly; there is no need to talk. Perhaps we can find some use for you. You still have some useful knowledge.
Then Anang-Reng heard another voice.
- My lord, it would be easier to simply get rid of his conscious mind and integrate its knowledge directly to the database. The mind structure would not suffer so much stress.
Again heard cruel laughter.
Yes, it would be easier, but it would not be so fun. The Lord of Jötunheimr also needs some entertainment.
Anang-Reng recognized the name and knew the real meaning of terror.
Keiichi, Dr. Shugahara and Sentarō were standing in a desolate landscape. The ground was still warm, but the atmosphere was breathable, thanks to the work of the Valkyries who had been trying to restore the place, but now they had ceased their work to save energy. The flow of lava was now solidified and the sand garden was now solid glass. The sunset colored the landscape with ominous red tones, giving it an even more desolate aspect.
Keiichi felt a deep sorrow at the destruction. He imagined what would feel Belldandy, the temple had been surrounded by a grove and Belldandy knew by name all the life forms that inhabited it. Every tree, every bush and every little self, were her friends, and now none of that existed. His motorcycle should have been turned into a puddle of molten metal, and probably the same with Bampei-kun, the Skuld's android. She knew that she would suffer with his demise. He had almost come to regard him as a living being, since he shared Skuld's love for machines.
The three mortals could hardly believe they had survived this level of destruction. Just a few hours before had been fighting for their lives along the goddesses. That knowledge had formed a bond between the three that would never break.
Suddenly Doctor Shugahara spoke in a low voice to Keiichi:
- Keiichi, I understand that between you and Lind there is a bond of friendship, yet I felt you have not told her everything - The young man smiled, the doctor seemed to have guessed something. He already felt guilty for hiding something to Lind.
- It is true, perhaps by accident, but I have direct access to Yggdrasil and I have learned many things I do not think the Heavens would approve. Even if we are friend, she has her duty. I do not want to put her in a predicament. However, I think you also did not told her everything, I think you have something to do with the way Urd defeated the Shaikh. Am I right?
- You guessed it. I have also gained knowledge about the world of Hell, I am sure Lind would approve. We have put together our knowledge. Doctor Shugahara sighted, and then looked at the dying sun, and while Keiichi could not discern his face, he felt the emotion on his voice. - When I discovered the blog of this young Indian, I was sure that we as mortals would hardly be able to intervene with the affairs of gods and demons. What happened here has shown me that we can make a difference.
Sentarō hastened to add.
- Lind told me that the battle of Tarikihongan temple would be remembered by the gods, and even told me that the gods would know my name.
Keiichi put his arm on Sentarō's shoulder; he shared the same feeling as the doctor, and told the boy: - Lind is a first class goddess, she does not lie.
- So, it is true, we will be legend. like the legends of the knights who fought for their ladies?
Doctor Shugahara laughed at the idea. He knew so many legends about knights, but there was a difference, so he could not avoid yoking about it.
- Sentarō-san, we do not fight for mere women, they are goddesses after all. They are our goddesses. - But then he thought about it and in a more serious tone added - and I am willing to give my live for her. Keiichi approved his words. He took the doctor by his arm, and when their gaze meet, Keiichi simple made a slight bow. They understood each other. Meanwhile Sentarō had been pondering also those words.
- So, we are like those knights.
- Yes, Sentarō-san, I guess you could say we are.
- Please, do not call me that, you are a sensei.
The doctor looked at the boy, adopted a serious expression and said:
- At this time, Sentarō-san, I consider my equal. You fought bravely, like Keiichi. In a way if we are like those old knights and we are united by a common purpose so we are equal. I do not want you to call doctor again, for you and for Keiichi; I am Kenji and consider me as your brother.
The child looked the doctor in amazement; first Lind had treated him with respect and now the doctor... I cannot imagine treating you like an equal.
At that time, the doctor recalled medallions and took out the one he had.
- Do you have the medallions with you?
They took them out to show him.
- Urd created these medallions for her sisterhood. These medallions had protected us so I think is proper to use them. We will be joined by them and be a brotherhood dedicated to protect and care for our goddesses.
Keiichi examined the medallion, and said.
- Yes, we will defend our Goddesses with our lives. These medallions will seal our fate.
Sentarō looked at the medallion while his imagination was flying.
- Are we going to be like one of those orders of knighthood from the stories?
The doctor looked at the boy and said:
- You two have shown more courage and bravery that some of the real knights from the stories, so be it, we will be like a knighthood.
Sentarō was thrilled. He had expected to be laughed at, but they seem to be taken him seriously. - What name we will use?
The doctor put his hand on the child's shoulder and said.
- We are three mortal bound to defend three immortals. Then we will be knonw as the order of mortal knights. The boy looked excited, and wondered.
- Yes!, the order of mortal knight, I like it. - then he got an idea - Should not we make an oath or something like that?
The doctor thought for a moment - Yes an knights order cannot be real without and oath - and then extended his hand. The others placed their hands on.
- We swear to defend our Goddesses with all our knowledge, with all our will and even with our own lives
The three exclaimed:
-I swear!
They had no way of knowing over that oath would rely the fate of three universes.
End of chapter XVI
notes:
moonstones: In the manga, after Yggdrasil crashed, the goddesses needed an alternative source of energy in order to function from day-to-day life.
The answer? The moon has power, so for a while, the goddesses had to wear Moon Rock Bracelets. I, this story I used "moonstones". I think it sound better.