I have just realized I started to write this story more than a year ago. In this time many things have happened. My father died almost a year ago, and still seems like yesterday, since we just recently buried his ashes under his favorite three "to help him grow" as he requested.
And at the same time I can see my older daughter and realize in just two years she will be at the University. Fortunately she still admires his crazy father who decided to start to write fan-fiction.
Many things happen in a year, yet this story had still many places to go, before it reaches the end I have envisioned. So I wish the best for those that have followed my so far. I will put my best effort to make it worth.
This chapter has little action, but i think there were many things that needed to be said before continue. So, please keep reading.
Javier Delgado
The order of the Mortal Knights.
By Javier Delgado Rosas
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XVIII
Preparations
-Dr., Dr. Shugahara. Good morning
The doctor heard a sweet and distant voice. But he could not understand what she was saying.
- Dr. Shugahara is time to wake up.
The voice came closer, could he be dreaming? The voice was unfamiliar. He tried to open his eyes, but instead of darkness, he felt like a great flood of light was invading his brain.
- Ah! My head, what is this pain?
He heard his own groan as if he had shouted, his body ached, and his head ached, where was he? It was strange, he remembered that he had asked that question before, but the headache did not let him think, and then heard the voice again.
-Please wait, you have abused some of your body, let me help you.
Whose voice was that? He did not recognize her. Suddenly he felt warm and delicate hands touching his head. He had a déjà vu, that it had happened before and then the woman began to sing something that sounded like a prayer, it was monotonous and yet mesmerizing. It was something familiar.
Gradually, his headache began to dissipate. But his confusion remained.
He tried to open his eyes again, slowly since he feared the flash would appear again, but instead perceived the penumbra that precedes dawn. All was surrounded by soft red glow as if the first rays of the sun were trying to announce his impending arrival.
Finally, in the shadows he began to distinguish a feminine silhouette, he exclaimed - Urd! - Then tried to get up but was weak, then realized the women had very short hair, so different from the beautiful long white hair of his Goddess. Finally he recognized her and then everything came to his mind. His body shuddered as the memories of the past few days were mixed together: the battle, the sight of wounded and battered Urd, waking in the middle of a squadron of Valkyries, having been ready to die for touching the structure of space-time...
It was so hard to accept that all that had happened. His world had turned upside down.
He now realized that this woman could not be Urd. She also had a beautiful female form but did not move with Urd´s flirtation and sensuality; instead had an almost military stiffness in her movements was difficult to decipher her expression.
- You are Othala! What happened? Why am I here?
He heard a sigh of relief from the women, his body ached but realized it was only because he had overslept; slowly the fatigue was fading away. As his body began to relax a familiar feeling invaded him, it was the total relaxation after a stressful experience.
- Doctor Shugahara, calm down, you will soon be well; I began to understand how your bodies work. A little more magic would have helped but we must avoid using it. I had to use one of Urd's potions to make you sleep. When Urd recovers, I will have a long talk with her, my opinion about potions has changed.
Potions? - Potions? Urd? - He just remembered to have given the bracelets to Lind, and then nothing.
- Urd! How is she?
- She is stable, thanks to you. You arrived just in time, we now have enough energy for several days and thanks to you, we do not have to worry about running out of energy. You're people assured us that we have a constant supply.
- My people? Have you talked with people from the University?
Othala could not help smiling at his concern, the situation promised to be interesting.
- Those people respect you; several young people came to see how you were and also wanted to know about Chrono´s health. Lind was not very pleased, her commands are to pass unnoticed, but could not refuse their visit. They are very interesting mortals. Their curiosity and their passion is moving. I hope to see them again. But you will have to talk with Lind; she thinks everything is out of control. She is a great warrior but all this is outside her experience.
Shugahara tried to imagine what would have been that meeting between lot of curious scientists and warrior goddesses. But it might be the best, I feel we can trust them and we need allies. Here was something he had to take note, Othala spoke with great familiarity about Lind, and apparently she was not directly under her command. That would greatly facilitate communications. Then he remembered that he had a painful question to ask.
- So the new bracelets have worked?
Othala nodded but still she some expressed concern that Dr. Shugahara interpret correctly
- But ... Still, not enough is it?
- True, bracelets provide us with a lot of energy, even more than I expected, but still not enough to repair their containment field. But you must be more careful. We never imagined what you would intend to do, or that mortals had such skills. What Chrono told us is impressive.
- How is she? That brave young girl saved our lives. We were fortunate to have her with us.
- Still weak, but stable. You did well in placing the bracelets immediately. Fortunately, her body was not damaged, despite having used all their energy. If the fields that support ourselves in this universe begin to weaken it could eventually collapse. She also owes you her life.
Dr. Shugahara tried to get up, but his body still refused. It was as having run a marathon, and in a way he had.
- What happened to me? I cannot remember. We brought the bracelets to Lind, I was very tired and then I cannot remember more.
Othala finally helped him to get up.
- You were happy, but exhausted; none of you were yet fully recovered from your last experience and were abusing your bodies. So I decided to use one of Urd's potions, simply I could not convince you to rest...
- How much time has passed?
- A complete rotation of your planet, what you call a day, just enough for you to recover properly. And I do not accept protests. I am the healer of this team and you are now under my care.
The Doctor wished to complain but this woman spoke with authority, then his stomach made an unkind sound and he felt ashamed.
- That's a good sign, let me take you with Keiichi, he is already waiting.
- Wait, what about Skuld. If I recall, she was just exhausted. She had no physical damage.
Othala serene expression changed to one of concern.
- She is already well, but I thought it would be better not to wake up her yet. Her world is shattered. Her two sisters are wounded and their lives in danger, part of the place she considers home is destroyed, the connection with Yggdrasil is broken - Othala paused, as if searching for the right words - And those two droids, that the young Sentaro was explained to me she regarded almost as living beings, are destroyed.
Othala put a strange emphasis on the word "droid" and "alive". It was as if she found it disturbing. Shugahara mentally filed the information, but was not sure what the problem was.
- Yeah, I remember her androids had artificial intelligence and I think they might have passed the Turing test without problems. - Then paused trying to remembering. - The people of Fuzzy Logic Institute had been working with Skuld; perhaps they have a backup of their memories. Maybe it could be possible to restore their consciences.
Othala got a little stiff, there was something she disliked.
- They are synthetic intelligences. I cannot understand how to you accept so calmly. Skuld should have not been allowed to create them.
The Dr. was surprised at the categorical rejection from Othala, but was too tired to pursue the subject; there was something more important and decided to change the subject.
- Please, Can I see Urd?
At that time, several Valkyries arrived at the room surrounding him driven by curiosity. They were very beautiful and youthful-looking women but also bore a proud and dignified poise. For the first time since he had met them, he had the luxury of examining them in greater detail. It was evident their apparent age was an illusion. While they looked young he realized their ways suggested they were much older.
They moved with ease and security, their movements were precise and elegant, he found femininity but no sign of weakness. After witnessing what the young Chrono had done, he had no doubt that they should were true warrior goddesses.
He felt strange at being the center of their attention, he felt ashamed before these beings that looked powerful and perfect. Beings who may regard him as a smelly and sweaty primate. But then he remembered Urd´s love. Knowing a goddess, the beautiful Urd was able to love him, gave him courage to face these goddesses.
He breathed deep and faced them; he could feel their curiosity but also sensed a certain attitude of respect for him. Suddenly one of them approached him and touched his face. Another one touched his clothes and then felt his muscles, and then the others came and began to examine him.
However, he perceived no offensive attitude, they were just curious; apparently they didn't know many humans. Finally one of them commented:
- So this is a mortal! I had never touched one. Your skin feels strange; I had never touched anything like it. I thought you would be more fragile, and never imagined that mortals would able to develop their own magic. As Chrono told us, is crude and primitive, yet powerful.
The first one, who had touched his face, commented:
- Shugahara-san, you have a beautiful aura. Even between gods, few have one as beautiful. It´s like the aura of those other two mortals. I'm beginning to understand Belldandy and Urd.
Shugahara could not help but blushing at the words of this beautiful being. Othala looked angry.
- Leave him alone, he's my patient.
But Dr. Shugahara realized there was only curiosity on them.
- Othala, please let them be, I know they are here to help us and if I serve to satisfy their curiosity, then that would be a small contribution from me.
One of them commented:
- We only know of mortals from out studies and simulations and it´s not the same as meet one. And Othala did not allowed us to be near the other two.
- Okay, but only a few moments, they are more fragile than us.
One of them asked abruptly.
- Knowing that your life is so short, is it not scary?
Dr. turned to see a serious-looking young woman, he guessed from her demeanor she could be one of the older ones.
- Of course it scares us, which is the reason why we have invented so many religions and philosophies. But I think most of us have accepted it as a natural consequence of our existence.
- You look so fragile and yet your life seems so full of experiences and emotions, I think I feel a certain envy for you.
The doctor stayed thoughtful for a moment and commented - Perhaps knowing our lives are so short it makes us live more intensely.
Another of the Valkyries, with a younger attitude commented - I have lived a thousand times more than you, and yet I found some wisdom emanates from your words. I hope to have a chance to talk more about it.
Othala then interrupted them.
-You will have time to talk and admire him later, now he should eat, and you also have to learn to do it.
The one that had been touching the Doctor´s face turned around and said with some indignation.
- Eat? That is a strange way of absorbing energy. I thought that with the bracelets we would not need to. The last time I ate something, it took months before I could forget it.
Othala could not help but laughing.
- The Emergency ration pack from a Valkyrie is not the best example of food that can be. What mortals use to eat actually tastes better? You are fortunate, in the early times, when it was easy to be isolate from Yggdrasil sometimes we had to eat stranger things - Then she turned to the doctor and he told him. - Dr., I will help you to go to Keiichi's room and arrange your feeding.
- Othala, Please, I want to see Urd first.
A soft murmur of approval emanated from the group of Valkyries and before he could protest, Othala carried him in her arms as if he weighed little more than a baby and took him along with Urd. He spent some time speaking to the beautiful figure lying unconscious. He knew she could not hear him, but he could not find another way to let out his feelings. He felt as if had failed, but still was not defeated. So, having the group of Valkyries as silent witnesses he vowed to continue fighting while he had life left.
Othala finally interrupted him and took him to the kitchen, where Keiichi was. He could not help thinking how fragile that he should appear before these goddesses yet he was resolute on his vow. As he left the room he heard one of them commenting. - I have never seen feelings so deep, even if mortals are so fragile. I am beginning to understand why so few gods are allowed to be near them.
Lind looked with disapproval at the group. At least her first goal, which had been to take away the fear from the minds of the younger Valkyries, had been met, but the part about fighting without magic was a disaster.
Lind acknowledged that she had never taken very seriously the idea of fighting without using magic. Instead, each day she had tried to fight with more powerful magic, but now the ban on magic could put her squadron in a serious setback, since she had never contemplated how dependent on the magic they were.
In the desolate courtyard that had been the gardens of the temple, she had established a perimeter of cancellation of magic where they could not use their powers even if they wanted, the use of magic was so natural for them that it was difficult to avoid.
She had divided her squad in pairs, and they were trying to fight each other, with much enthusiasm but with little success. After several encounters where both opponents on both sides fell to the ground, even the taciturn Lind had to turn away to avoid laughing. She would have to find another way to get her squad into shape.
But this simple exercise had worried her. She had been reviewing the Urd´s magazines and other materials that were in the temple and everything seemed incomprehensible. To stay unnoticed in the world of mortals promised to be the most difficult mission on her life and there was the problem that already many people who knew about their presence. The people of that place called "University" knew too much, and also the presence of these young mortals could lead to problems with some members of her squadron. But it was too late to erase their tracks.
She felt out of her element and that was something she disliked. Sooner or later they would have to leave the temple, but the thought of dispersing her squadron in the world of mortals was not very attractive, and she was sure that the incident at the University would quickly attract the attention of more mortals.
She finally decided to change tactics, and look for answers. She turned around and gave an order to her squad to finish the exercise.
- We have much to learn, but it's enough for now. We must now work to rebuild this place. Remember, we cannot use magic. This was a beautiful garden and her owner is going to feel very bad when she sees it, we will try to rebuild it. Get out your weapons, you have to remove and pulverize rocks, level the floor, and then look for vegetation to cover it. I remember this place as it was, it had some special magic and can be our home for a while. Go on.
At least that seemed to work better. To attack the lava and reduce it to the sand and gravel would give her time to plan the next step.
She sat meditating, while ignoring the noise around her. While she was careful not to show it, she had been worried about Chrono, especially when the mortal had arrived with the unconscious girl. Othala would have said she was becoming soft and maybe she was right. In this place her goal for getting more powerful and stronger had been met when she had been able to reunite her twin angels, thanks to Keiichi and Belldandy. Now she saw the young faces of her squad. Only a few of her original squad had survived the wars of the chaos and most of them had left to try to heal their deeper scars. Only Othala and she had stayed. The women of her squad were very powerful, they were the best between goddesses, yet they none of them had seen real war. They were proud and would have been surprised if they knew that Lind regards them as her girls... And she was fond on the younger one, Chrono, who fortunately was not in danger. That girl had acted bravely.
Then she remembered with mixed feelings the explanation of what had happened. It was a shock that mortals had bruised with such energies at its disposal, she must forbid them to try that again, but then she remembered something. She should be in heaven helping to solve any possible crisis. Then she had a wild thought, Could these mortals help her to return?
Meanwhile, in a suburb of Nekomi, the screams of frustration of a woman could be heard.
They came from an abandoned building where Marler had made her headquarters. Surrounded by a magic shield was a strange room. The place was full of objects that she had taken from many parts of this world; it seems everything inspired her curiosity. It was a bewildering mixture of objects, some of them could be classified as junk, and others as works of art, but for the owner there seem to be no difference. Gaming machines, along with ancient vases, broken down electronic equipment along incunabula and old manuscripts with manga and comics. Everything seemed to be equally important to the collector of all this.
The owner was sitting in what looked like a throne. Marler was reviewing all the data Walharen had sent her, and so far they were completely useless for her. She was surrounded by a dozen screens of information that quickly appeared and vanished with new data. The young demon had been particularly adept at obtaining the information; unfortunately none of it had been useful.
In addition, the detectors at the temple, showed no signs of life. There was also no record that the Norns had gone to heaven. She had even considerate the idea of traveling to heaven and humiliate before their enemies, in order to get Urd´s help, but even now seemed impossible, communication with the Heaven was suspended. Only a few low-level communications with Heaven seemed to be working, but everything else was blocked, she had never seen a communications blackout at this level. Something very important should be happening. Right at this moment Hild was dying and not even their enemies could be reached.
She felt as if a crushing weight were over her as her range of options became smaller. Hild´s disappearance was seeing with increasing suspicion and could not be hide much longer. Even now, aspirants to her position were already beginning to form factions. The resulting chaos could be dangerous. She uttered a new cry born from her frustration, since even if her options seemed to be exhausted, she could not afford to give up. She didn't know her cries would be answered in the most unexpected way.
Doctor Shugahara finished eating, it had not been a great meal, but hunger was a good seasoning and he was used to eating strange food. He smiled gratefully at Keiichi, who smiled back with some timidity. It was clear that to be a competent engineer did not imply to be a good cook. But he thought that could be solved, this young man learned quickly, and with a sight remembered there was a website dedicated to teaching cooking to engineers.
Fortunately for Keiichi's self-esteem, there were also three Valkyries who seemed to enjoy the culinary efforts of the young men. It has been more difficult to teach them how to eat those foods using chopsticks and the proper etiquette. Shugahara contributed with his Anthropology studies as he explained the different cultural elements associated with the way humans eat. The goddesses listened incredulously as they discovered food imply more than simply recharge energy... If these women expected to move into the world of humans, they needed to learn much more, Dr Shugahara smiled at the thought that this was not be very different from the Amazonian Shaman going through the streets of Tokyo.
Finally the Valkyries left, they seemed happy after learning "how to eat". They had discovered the experience was not unpleasant. Dr Shugahara could not refrain to smile that if they were happy after testing Keiichi´s cooking, he did not want to taste their "emergency rations"
Finally the two men finished washing the dishes and left the kitchen as clean as possible, this was the Belldandy´ favorite place and both felt it was like her personal shrine.
They avoided speaking about the current events until they were in Keiichi´s room. While both appreciate Lind´s efforts, they knew they would have to do things she would not approve. They sat for a while and stayed silent for a while, finally Shugahara asked
- How is Sentaro? I had promised to take him with his parents, I feel bad for not keeping my promise.
- His parents were here. Fortunately they arrived at the same time as the people from the university. The presence of the scientists and a group of women that look like as if they came from some strange military department, convince them that something important was happening here... They will allow Sentaro be here all the time it takes. He will be here after classes. I told them about how great their son they have, but of course I did not tell them everything. I do not think they are ready to accept the reality.
Dr. Shugahara nodded approvingly, Keiichi turned out to be a more mature person than he had expected.
- So let's summarize what we know. The story you told in the lab helped me to understand, but it´s not enough. So we know there are three different universes and beings we call gods and demons. One of them seems to be the one which gave rise to the legends of what we call "heaven" and the other world, its rival, is what originated the concept of the underworld. But I do not really think they have that much to do with our legends and myths. Actually they are two universe and they compete for a share of our world. However, I do not understand why those beings we call gods and demons may have an interest in our world.
Keiichi thought for a moment and recalled the explanation Hild had given about contracts between the demons. He tried to collect his thoughts...
- The world of Hell has a leader...
- Her name is Hild? - Interrupted Shugahara.
How did you know? - asked a surprised Keiichi.
- It´s mentioned in Urd´s palimpsest, seems Hild is a very important figure for her. But I do not understand what her relationship with Urd
Keiichi hesitate before speaking, somehow it was almost like a bad joke to tell him that the mother of the woman he loved was a real demon, and nothing less than their leader.
- Hild is Urd´s mother. Urd is half god and half demon. But she chose to become a goddess.
For the first time since he knew the Dr, Keiichi saw him lose his composure ... but he quickly recovered.
- Urd is half demon? How is that possible? Gods and demons are from different universes.
He became silent for a moment, he felt flooded by ideas, the news was absolutely fantastic, it seemed impossible and against all logic.
- They must belong to two different universes, so they should be completely different species. They should n´t be able to ... Even more, How is it that Urd could choose to be God and not a demon?
Keiichi began to understand what the doctor was pointing out, and remembered something important.
- There was an occasion when Belldandy became a demon for a while...
- How? - Exclaimed in surprise ... Belldandy became a demon?
- There is a great super computer that governs Heaven and even some aspects of our universe.
- You mean Yggdrasil? In the old norm legend is a giant tree but in the manuscripts is describes like a supercomputer.
Yes. Once it was jammed and Belldandy was assigned with a demon license instead of Goddess, so she was bound to act like a demon.
- So the system could assign her to become a demon? - The doctor closed his eyes, and meditates a moment ...- That means that gods and demons must have a common origin and that is why they are so similar. But why they attacked Urd and Belldandy? Did Hild attempt to kill her own daughter?
- I knew Hild, she is a terrible person and inspires fear, and she does not have many qualms about attacking someone, but this was not her doing. Once Hild helped us when Urd requested and she only asked for something in return.
- What she asked?
- To be called "mother" by Urd. It seems it´s very important for her. - Kenji digested this information; he had read about Hild in the Palimpsest, but that as a distant figure, to perceive that fearsome figure as Urd´s mother was difficult to assimilate. Keiichi had made a pause to allow Kenji to digest this information, and then he continued. - Urd is now a goddess, but Hild wants her heir back. I am sure Hild is not behind this attack, Urd commented it was more like a rebellion against Hild. Even the demons that attacked us said something about to set an example against Hild's actions.
- But could it be that those rebels were the same that killed the Giörel? According the testimony of the young Indian, her murderers were not demons. Keiichi was truck back by the question, he had assume they were the same, but then remembered even Lind agreed Giörel murders were not demons. If that was true there could still be danger. But at least, this time Lind was with them. Something really strange was happening. Kenji closed his eyes while pondering all he knew info, the opened them, they have a fierce intensity. - It doesn't matter. In either case we need to contact Urd's mother. The crystal that saved us belongs to Hild. I am a sure her mother has the power to help us.
- But Urd does not love her mother, and Hild may ask for Urd to became a full demon.
Kenji was surprised by this new bit of info - Can Urd be transformed from goddess to a full demon?
- I do not quite understand, but seems that if Urd calls Hild as "mother" then she will lose her goddess part and become a full demon. I think there is a program set into Urd. - A Program? - Yes, magic spells are really programs set to alter the structure of the universe and run by Yggdrasil. Gods and demons are code, and programs can be put into them. They can even be encrypted to avoid detection.
Then Shugahara was stirred; he remembered his dialogue with the inhuman intelligence residing in the crystal. It had asked: "do you wanted to remove the seal?"...
- Keiichi, you know what is a seal between the demons?
Keiichi thought a moment and commented. - Gods or demons have seals to avoid using their full power, but also can be used to block or hold a prisoner, like the disk we used to seal the demons that attacked us. - So those were seals? Yes, there are seals, and also limiters that prevent them from using their full powers. Belldandy is so powerful she could destroy the earth by accident, so she uses limiters to hold her power. The earrings she uses are her limiters, and she neither must nor remove them without permission or under great danger, like the last battle. If we have contact with heaven again, she will be questioned, but now that's the least of my worries.
Kenji swallowed hard; he had realized the meaning of the crystal question.
- When he implored to the crystal to save Urd, it had asked to remove a block. Could it be to remove her goddess limiters? That gave him great power to Urd. Was that her goddess limiters?
Keiichi corrected. - Urd was already a first class goddess and she had removed her limiters, but still was not enough
First class goddess? I remember Skuld told me Urd was a second class goddess. What does it means?
- When Urd went to heaven, Lind temporarily assigned her to be first class goddess, as if Lind knew something. And during the battle Urd removed her limiters.
- So if she was already a first class goddess, those extra powers...
- Were her demon powers, perhaps Urd is now a demon... - The doctor shuddered at the possibility, but something told him it was not the case?
- Maybe she has access to full demon powers ... still I believe she has not become a demon. When the crystal acted I could perceive her feelings, at that time I did not understood, but now I know better. I could perceive her inner struggles between her goddess and demons part. She is really a very strong woman. I know she is still a goddess, but then she has now demons powers.
- So, Hild put a block on Urd, probably "mother" was the keyword. If Hild finds that the lock is broken and she is not a demon, it will be harder to convince her to help us. Moreover, you must not forget this crystal has tied you to a contract, and there is no way to break it.
- What is a contract? - Kenji had a sudden image of piece of parchment written in blood... But then remembered Keechi's contract with Belldandy. Like the one between you and Belldandy?
- Something similar, but being a contract with gods, I am not demanding anything in return, yours is a contract with a demon, and that is similar to a commercial contract. You will have to return back something equivalent to the gift you were given.
- So I'm tied to a contract with Hild...? She is the owner of the crystal.
The doctor closed his eyes trying to understand the implications
- Then I can ask to Hild to complete my full request which was to save Urd.
Keiichi blinked at that bold statement- I do not think it will be so easy. What on earth could you offer to Hild which is equivalent to Urd´s life?
- But she is her mother ... In any case, perhaps we can negotiate something.
- Negotiate? Demons are very strict. Using that crystal you are committed to giving something back to Hild. I do not think you're in a position to negotiate.
Keiichi felt some exasperation; it seemed as if Kenji could not grasp the situation.
Kenji smiled back and said - Believe me, I have some ideas. Maybe they are wild, but I think they can work. But first we have to contact Hild. How can we contact with Hell?
Keiichi realized that Kenji would never quit, while he still had doubts his respect for his senior did not allow him to express them. So he thought for a moment. There was the telephone line. He knew the goddesses could communicate with heaven and Urd has used to communicate with Hild, but communications with heaven were down, and he doubted Lind would let them try. Yet he had another idea. Maybe it was as wild that Kenji´s ideas...
- There is a possibility, but is dangerous and I am not sure if it´s possible.
- You know there is no danger I would not face for Urd´s sake! Now, tell me your idea.
- There is a demon, called Marler.
- Marler? Isn´t she the demon who was with Lind investigating the Giörel´s death.
Keiichi nodded.
- Exactly, she is the representative on earth on behalf of Hild and as such she is Belldandy and Urd´s enemy.
- So, does she hate them...?
- It's more complicated than that, Urd and Marler were friends as children. It is not hate; it has more to do with the duty.
- They are rivals because of duty? It's an interesting concept. But how can we contact Marler? Perhaps Lind could communicate with her; I think she has the capacity to call her.
- NO, Lind would not help on that. She is a warrior, and we are in an emergency situation She would not trust Marler. We'll have to look for her on out won, but I think there is something that can help us... But first I have to repair the temple´s power lines and phone, and then I will try to communicate with Heaven.
- But how will you do that? You told me Lind cannot do it.
Keiichi searched under his clothes and took out Urd´s medallion of Urd. He put his fingers on the signs and said:
- This is the language of Yggdrasil, and now I can read it without problems. I found It´s so easy, that I had not realized I was reading and alien language, I have been thinking a lot about it and I think the cause is there.
He taped on his old computer.
- This computer, due to something Urd did to it, was able to contact with Yggdrasil.
The first time I enter, could not read the language, but something happened, something was downloaded to my computer and then it did something to me. Now I can understand ancient languages. I am sure there is something there, in this machine and it has magic.
- Magic, yes, technology so advanced we call it magic. So you think we can find the solution in that machine?
- This machine gave me access to personal information about Belldandy, I learned so much about her, that I cannot understand why she is with me. The same way Urd was meant to be the ruler of Hell, Belldandy was chosen before birth to be Kamisama, the ruler of Heaven. I think this machine still has contact with Yggdrasil, and maybe it could help us to contact Marler. It has shown me so many marvelous things, that i am sure it will work. So today I will spend the day repairing the electric and telephone lines.
Kenji was relieved, Keiichi was giving alternatives.
- Excellent, we must kept trying ... Then; as you made repairing I will use rest of the day to do something important...
- Important? Like what?
- I think here are many people here that need cooking lessons...
That answer to Keiichi left speechless ... for a moment he thought Kenji was out of his mind, until he saw his wide smile and recalled his uncommon sense of humor, that sense of humor that seemed to have been his secret way to Urd´s hearth, then booth look directly to each other and the two men began to laugh. After those overwhelming days it was like a dam overflowing, all that was needed was a laugh that let them release the tension from the past days. . Finally they managed to stop laughing, and they embraced. Both had a common goal, and both were willing to give everything, if they had to face the great leader of Hell, it would no matter, and they would do it.
Their world seemed a little brighter.
End of Chapter XVIII
Notes:
"Cooking for engineers": This is a real website, maybe with the help of this site; Keiichi could become really a good cook.
Incunabula: I imagined that for someone alien to our world, the first books printed, and the latest manga, would have the same value. I accept this is not a very original idea, but I imagined Mara´s place, not very different from wall-E store room.