As most Fan fiction writers, I die for curiosity on hearing about your opinion.
Please! Comment! there is much more to come.
Thanks for reading.
Javier Delgado
(note: English is not my native language,
please let know if some of my English offend you aesthetic sensibilities...)
The order of the Mortal Knights.
By Javier Delgado Rosas
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XXII
Goddess among gods
Reng Anang walked slowly down a broad avenue, His eyes were full of wonder about the surroundings. Having been deprived of all sensory perception for a period of time he could not tell if it had been minutes or centuries, to be back in contact with his senses was almost like getting drunk and this was not any world.
The scene around him was beyond his wildest dreams.. He had lived in the closed spaces of Hell, so these wide open spaces, and buildings that seemed build of exquisite filigree instead of walls were completely alien to him. He was used to a world of bare rock and here there were gardens where even the livings beings were part of an aesthetic whole, smells, tastes, sensations, sounds and textures carefully crafted by an artist to produce a total experience. Everything seemed wonderful.
Intoxicated by such an assault to his senses, after the absolute negation of these, he took a lot of time before realizing where it was. This was heaven, the home of his ancestral enemies.
He stopped suddenly after being aware of his location. He looked deep into him, trying to sense the deep hatred that must had felt to this world and surprisingly found nothing. The absolute isolation of his senses had provided him with a strange inner peace.
Gradually he became aware of beings moving around. They were gods, some were arrogant, other more humble, but they all moved with a purpose in their eyes, and that purpose did not seem to have anything to do with the pursuit of power and prestige that was the norm in his world.
Anang Reng continued walking until he arrived to a park where several young gods exercised their skills in fun-filled camaraderie confusion and worry free. He soon discovered that no one seemed to pay attention to him. When a young god, in his game went through him, Anang-Reng realized that everything he saw had to be an illusion, an illusion projected directly into his mind. But for what purpose?
He tried to ignore that question and instead tried to enjoy those sensations before returning to the terrible isolation where he was sure he would be returned. He decided to continue exploring this world. It was a long time that seemed like hours. He arrived to a place where a young god was practicing what seemed a complex dance form. The movement seemed perfect, yet he still was not satisfied. Again and again repeated motion segments, and each attempt, he interrupted with a cry of anger. Anang-Reng could not help but remind his son when he practiced his combat exercises, trying to reach perfection.. Without realizing it, he remained absorbed in the contemplation of the young god, when heard a commotion behind him.
There was a majestic building, a beautiful filigree of glass, stone and other strange materials. He immediately guessed it´s purpose. The place of the great heavenly council.
But something happened, from within came a fiery glow, and the earth began to shake. There was something familiar in the phenomenon, and gave an exclamation of astonishment when recognized what he saw. It was from an ancient memory of the most terrible times of war between gods and demons. That glow was unmistakable and had hoped never to see again, as it was the energy contained in the body of an ancient god being released in a catastrophic and violent way. An old god had given his life to become himself and everything around him a funeral pyre.
In ancient days it was considered an honorable way to die rather than be defeated and at the same time, destroy as many enemies as possible. Judging by the intensity of what he saw, that must be had been a high level god.
But that was something only should occur on a battlefield, not in the middle of their own people. Anang Reng observed with a critical and expert eye as the magical defenses of the city tried to contain the destruction. The building itself had generated a field trying to retain that power, but it had been designed to defend against external attacks, not something from within. The building contained the fierce flame of destruction, but Anang-Reng knew that would not hold too much.
He looked around and saw many of the gods had also recognized the phenomenon and began to raise their physical barriers. With an inexplicable horror recalled the young man lost behind him. That God was his enemy yet he tried to warn him and scream a warning, until he remembered that he was non-existent for him.
He turn his gaze and and witnessed as the building dissolved in a fearful explosion of disintegrated matter, and vaporizing the nearby buildings of this beautiful world. He became mute with fear when the young god was swallowed by the raging plasma while screaming a painful cry of terror and surprise. Soon he saw the defenses of this world were beginning to contain the damage, but knew that many gods should have perished in the orgy of destruction.
Then realized the explosion did not caused any harm on him, as a reminding that this was just an illusion in his mind. The world around him was filled with confusion, cries of alarm, along the horror of destruction and death.
And then he heard a gruff and terrible voice that pierced his mind.
- You do not seem to be very happy. -
Then heard a laugh that filled him with pain
- What you saw really happened, it was not just an illusion in your mind. So you should be happy seeing your enemies humiliated this way ... But it was not for your pleasure, for I can not forget that you failed me. The plan was to strike down Hild and taking advantage of this confusion, so you would launch an attack on the realm of your enemies. Where I only see confused gods running, i should be seeing running gods full of terror, fleeing the wrath of the inhabitants of Hell.
The voice stopped, but now it spoke in anger, an anger terrible and frightening
- You gave failed, and are no longer useful, there are other ways to bring this world it´s knees, that maybe would provide me with more fun. Only I'll have to wait a little longer. But that can wait, now I must also plan how to make your own world suffer a punishment for having fail me.
Suddenly the scene changed, Anang-Reng was suddenly in his world, for a moment he was relieved to be back in a familiar place, but soon began to heard the cries of fear and confusion, and realized that Hell would soon to be tested on it´s ability to endure pain and suffering.
Jenny Rosenthal looked around unable to accept what she saw. With her trembling hands took a small sip from her cup of espresso, aspired to be filled with pleasure from the strong and delicious scent and tried to relax. Was this really her cubicle?
It did not seem to be very different from his previous cubicle, where surely now it had only one cup of cold coffee. But there was something different, the place of this cubicle .Then with barely contained excitement slowly spelled the sign on the door: - "CERN, LHC" ...
Her voice was choked. For a young post-graduate it was like being thrown directly in the middle of the quest for the holy grail. Not only that, here she was not a student who had to make merits. Just an hour ago, some of the greatest physicists of the world, people whose names she had only read about in scientific journals, had been questioned her in depth, with complex questions that she had answered without difficulty, so she had been congratulated !She had almost fainted, but these men and women had been accepted her into their group and the interrogation soon became a lively discussion, where string theory and quantum foam was mixed with non-dimensional universes.
Everything had been so untimely!. Just the day before she had run cold with fear in order to stop her planned experiment. She Almost spilled the hot coffee at the memories. She had failed to stop the synthesis of crystals, and surprisingly everything had worked as planned.
She was still assessing what had been done, when a group of men had almost torn her from the lab to take her to the airport with the promise to send her clothes and belongings later. She was only able to bring her laptop with the results of the synthesis and fruits of her labor. Before she could realize was was happening, She was on an special nonstop flight to Switzerland.
Gradually the fatigue and exhaustion began to take it´s toll, she barely had leaved the cup on the desktop when she fall asleep on the chair.
During her stay in the great laboratory, Jenny had been so excited, that barely had noticed a guard who followed her everywhere. The guard was a stern-looking man, his face had small scars, he was an expert who had protected politicians and celebrities. He was intrigued by this new job. From the window of the cubicle had observed as the girl fell exhausted. He entered silently and gently took her in his arms with no effort, to move her to the soft sofa in the cubicle. He stayed a while watching the serene face of the sleeping girl. Could not help a sigh wondering what secret could hold that young girl to justify the orders given to him. If necessarily he should give his life to protect her.
He turn off the light, silently left the place and took a chair to sat down, determined not to be separated from her. He was committed so under his vigilance, nothing would happen to her.
Eroviel looked at his victim as she slowly dissolved in the air; No, she was not one of "them". The prostrate figure lying on the floor, showed surprise and even sadness, as her consciousness dissipated in a vacuum leaving a just the crystallized shell of her body.
His tall, almost aristocratic figure, contrasted with his nervous face. A constant tremor in his lips betrayed his internal struggle. He knew had done something wrong, but Eroviel did not have spare time to think about it. Something told him he should not pity the dying goddess, instead he had to keep looking for "the others", no matter the cost. A blind hatred make him to look around him. In the distance saw a moving figure. It seemed harmless and defenseless, but would not be cheated, the voice in his brain told him that the enemy could take any form. He tried to calm down since he knew his clothes that identified him as a mentor would inspire confidence
He prepare his weapon and hidden it behind his body. It had stolen from a museum form the ancient times. This way he did´nt need to use his magic that would allow to trace him. He prepared to stalk the small approaching figure . She saw him with fear, but he smiled, the voice in his head told him he should hide his hatred. The small figure, a very young goddess, almost a child, saw his smile and sighed, then gratefully approached him. The man put his hand on his concealed weapon, he was lucky since he only had to wait until she get a little closer.
Suddenly the sky lit up, and the ground began to shake, while a powerful aura pervaded everything. Someone of great power should be approaching. Looked around in surprise, while the little goddess ran out scared to seek shelter. He ignored the little goddess and went looking for the origin of the phenomenon.
Then saw a magnificent spectacle even by the standards of a god. A great portal, which by its size announced the arrival of a powerful being, was opening in the sky. Inside it were dancing magical symbols that stabilized the space-time bridge between multiverses. He read the symbols, it was a multiverse portal connecting to the mortal world.
Eroviel smiled, it was a further proof of the invasion. From that damn place nothing good could come. Still, could not help shuddering in wonder at what he saw.
From the portal emerged a formation of warrior goddesses, with their angels floating in ceremonial pose. Finally in the position of honor there was a splendid goddess. He perceived she should be a powerful goddess, judging by her powerful aura and the rank of the warriors of her escort. They sang a slow and sublime hymn.
The sense of power emanating from the group was overwhelming. The goddess wore a blue and white gown, with lots of knots to hold what should be a great power, the warriors wore white dress uniform, adorned with the badges of their rank in the colors of the goddess: silver and blue.
The entrance to the goddess had been perceived by many, among the buildings slowly began to emerge figures dtill filled with fear, who looked upon the newcomer, their slow song filled them with hope, yet they did not dare to approach.
Eroviel was one of the closest to the group, and from within his heart a emerge a power sentiment, he felt admiration and pride about that marvelous being, yet the feeling was immediately rejected by and inner voice that demanded: - "do not be misled by the impostors."
The group descended slowly to the ground and with dignity landed on the ground. The warriors immediately moved into a formation to form an honor guard, and presented their weapons with admirable discipline and without loosing a single note from their singing. Their angels floated above the group emanating a continuous cascade of flakes of light, so the scene had a dreamlike quality.
Eroviel made an effort to overcome his inner feelings, and slowly approached to the great goddess. He was afraid to meet a haughty and proud face, instead found a sad face, with sad eyes and a sad smile.
It was a smile that seemed to touch his heart, something from within told him he should had to do everything possible to avert the sadness from that divine face, but soon the harsh voice reminded him to fight that feeling.
The highest ranking warrior from the group move to cross his path to the goddess, preventing his advance and asked with a stern voice:
- Who are you? , I can not see your rank and identification marks. What happened here?
Eroviel pretended to bow respectfully, and quickly tried to made up something..
- What happened to my marks? - He hesitated ordering his ideas, then his face lit up when he tough something to say.- After Yggdrasil went off line many of us lost our identities - Eroviel recalled as he had been pleased to get rid of those marks, those symbol of infection - But now the lack of marks is a good since we can distinguish ourselves from "the others".
Lind frowned at him with suspicion:
- Who are the others?
The god tried to fake fear, but his voice was unconvincing:
- We believe that there are intruders from outside, disguised with the marks of gods, so now we can identify them- suddenly the god accused- but you have marks, Who are you?
The warrior lifted her eyebrow in an attitude of disbelief. How could anyone in her world did not know about her? Something very strange was happening. She examined the god looking for some clues, then said.
- I'm just Belldandy´s servant, She the goddess among gods, who has returned to assume her place into our world.
Eroviel glanced at Belldandy with wonder, then ignoring Lind moved around her to approach the beautiful goddess, while the voice in his mind told him, "she must be of the others you have to end her." Lind let him to approach, she had her instructions, but signaled the Valkyries to watch him. Eroviel stood up before the great goddess and suddenly, screamed and drew his concealed weapon, a weapon from the first ones, feared by gods and demons, a weapon that could crystallize the body of a god and dissolve his mind. The weapon awakened and created what looked like a thin sheet of lace,it was designed to penetrate the body of a god and destroy his codes so that he could not regenerate ...
He was about to strike when his looked a the goddess eyes, but instead of fear, he saw sadness and piety. The goddess felt piety on him. Her look froze him, then she raised her hand, made a gentle movement and before he could react, his weapon had been dissolved. A split second later, his body was trapped by the magic of the Valkyries. The warriors had created a energy filed than imprisoned without possibility of escape
Lind slowly approached him and coldly commented:
- Do you really thought could cause her any harm? Do you still do not understand who she is?
Then the powerful goddess gave an order.
-Lind, release him, let him get closer to me.
Lind's eyes shone briefly and turned her face to confirm the order she had received, but seeing the face of Belldandy, and without hesitation gave the order to release him.
The god looked incredulous to the powerful goddess who had so easily disarmed him. He went at an arms length and was so startled by his growing motions that he began to ignore the voice that tried to control him. He saw in her beautiful and limpid blue eyes a tear and shuddered . He knew he was the culprit for that tear The goddess said:
- "Poor child, confused and afraid, please give me those feelings that weigh on your heart."
And the goddess extended her hand and put in the god´s breast, who cried when the suffering and guilt from the last days surfaced. He was now certain, he was guilty for that divine tear.
He expired all his breath and then then breathed violently, like a swimmer that reaches suddenly to the surface. He shivered from head to toe like a shrub shaken by the wind, he was breathing deeply, the mad look in his eyes had gone and cried in wonder:
- You are Belldandy!, Do you remember me?, I was one of your tutors , now you are... - He stared at Belldandy´s face in amazement, then fall on his knees and began to mourn. He hided his face and wept uncontrollably while saying- I knew it was your destiny, Goddess among Gods, I am so sorry, I've done terrible things, I have taken lives, please!, take my life just before the madness returns to me!. His body shook uncontrollably as he remembered what he had done. Then he felt something soft on his shoulder, it was the gentle touch of the goddess, and yet it was so irresistible that forced him to stand up and face Belldandy.
- Taking your life will not bring back those lives, I have seen the madness that was into you and I promise it will not to return, I have trapped in me - She touched him again and his body shuddered at the power of the goddess. His gods marks appear again, and said Eroviel, license first class god, medium level tutor. Belldandy read him like a book, her new status allowed access to all levels of information. The young goddess was took a few seconds before asking to the god:
- Eroviel, help us to save lives, be our guide to locate those who had the madness. With that you can pay your debt.
The god cried in happiness, his eyes had glowed as he was committed to his new duty, and said:
- My goddess, I will offer my life to fulfill your orders and repay my debt. Use my life as you see fit. I know where you will find most of the possessed, the voice was calling us to destroy Yggdrasil control nodes, and i think they succeed, but there must be one left, that's where you will find them. They should be attacking now the main control center.
Lind looked questioningly at Belldandy , and she nodded. Belldandy trusted that god since she had touched his heart. Lind smiled, she had no doubts on Belldandy. No she call some of the Valkyries form the squadron.
- Go to our headquarters, summon all the squads, even call the recruits and applicants. We need all available, but be careful. I suspect this madness could affect anyone including us, so seal them immediately if you found something suspicious. Later we will have time to verify, but we must prevent further dangers. From the headquarters follow Eroviel to prevent further damages to Yggdrasil. We will met you there.
Lind turned to see the god, who was looking expectantly, eager to help..
- Guide them, and tell them everything you know about this madness. Our lives may depend on it.
The god was grateful for this opportunity. He knelt before Lind, and Belldandy, then rose in the air, and prepared to guide the Valkyries. After the group left, Lind looked questioningly at Belldandy, and said:
- You should´t do that again. I could feel how you became weaker by absorbing his madness, you used your own vital energy, even if Yggdrasil comes fully on line again, it will take time to get your full power as Kamisama.
Belldandy closed her wet eyes and sighted, then replied:
- If I have no other choice, I will do it each and everyone who has this madness. I have tasted it and felt how much pain can cause. Perhaps Urd could help us with her potions, but has a mission to fulfill first. The information that came from Hell also spoke of the madness that pervaded the inhabitants. If she manages to find a cure for them, it will help us.
Belldandy's eyes narrowed as decision was formed in her mind.
- We can not have been more deaths, I command you to capture all who had this madness and bring them to me. Keiichi has taught me that although he is only a mortal, he always gives everything he can to help others, I can do no less.
Lind wished to protest, but knew that Belldandy has already decided, and the would no way to change her mind. For an instant she let her face to show her emotions and her concern, but soon recovered so turned to speak to her squad.
- Kamisama has spoken. You already had seen this madness and know how to identify it, capture all who had been possessed in our way and bring them to Kamisama to be healed.
The Valkyries nodded accepting orders and rose in the air to look for those possessed by the madness. Lind looked around, noting the general destruction, she seemed unmoved, but all who knew her could feel her suffering, she allowed a slight sigh and commented to Belldandy
- Keiichi's reports were correct in every detail. Keiichi-san seems to know our world better than we do. He must have a high-level access, I hope to see he soon to know how he got it. I never expected that I could trust so much in a mortal.
Belldandy shuddered at the name of her beloved, she also wished to see him soon:
- Do you think he will be safe? This madness has already invaded heaven and Hell, can affect the mortal realm?
Lind allowed himself a slight smile:
- The order of mortal knights will know hot to defend themselves Even without magic they have done so much for our world. Ghadril is with them and would teach them to use their weapons. Few are able to face the weapons of the first born, Kamisama.
Kamisama!, That title again, Belldandy could not accept that she was referring to her. She realized that even if before birth she was predestined to bear that title, somehow she had hoped to avoid it.
Kamisama! That word sounded strange and distant. Belldandy as in the middle of a dream began to remember what had happened after Lind had proclaimed the loyalty of her squadron.
She looked around, everywhere she could see destruction and was sure that death lay beneath the ruins. Her face filled with tears for those who had perished and knew it was her responsibility to prevent any more deaths. She would not fail them!, No matter how many sacrifices she had to do. She closed his eyes for a moment and recapitulated the events of the last hours while that word was still echoing in her mind.
Kamisama!
Belldandy saw again the moment when Lind had made the pledge of loyalty from the Valkyries squad. She was standing in the middle of the room, covered only with a blanket, surrounded by a squad of warriors in full dress uniform, trying to accept that word was meant to her: "Kamisama". The silent was overwhelming, but it was broken by Hild.
- So the little goddess finally fulfilled her destiny. But my dear Bell-chan, you would not expect me to call you with that ridiculous title. I really do not think a goddess so delicate and inexperienced like you would be able to sustained it for long.
Hild's words felt like a bucket of cold water into the group, but Belldandy appreciated them, since they helped her to react. She knew her goddess code had been reconfigured, but it was not Yggdrasil, but an emergency subsystem. From her childhood she had been instructed on this process, but this was not accord those plans, so she was not sure what to expect. She could feel how her goddess powers were increasing, far beyond a first class goddess, so soon she would need limiters to control it.
It was hard to focus with all these new sensations and the already it was to control her current power. She tried to forget about her and concentrated on the situation around her. Shugahara-san and Urd were still embraced, and she could feel Skuld awakening, and how Sentaro-kun was overjoyed. There was Lind and her squad, awaiting her orders. And the demon energy form Hild and Marler. She extended her perception and felt a group of mortals outside the temple. But something was missing. She could not feel Yggdrasil!
There was more energy coming into her, she extended her arms to feel it and taste it, and realized that something was wrong. There should be a flow of information and knowledge explaining her everything. So that was it, Yggdrasil was only partially operational. So what authority had risen her to Kamisama? So it was really an emergency procedure, without ceremony or notice. She shuddered at the conclusion. that only mean one thing. Kamisama and the main heavenly council were dead or disabled, son they were not able to appoint a successor. A really desperate measure. She gave a questioning look at Keiichi and asked:
- Keiichi what happened? This should not be happening yet. - Pointing to her new marks.
Keiichi scratched his head, How much would Belldandy have change?, but Belldandy just looked at him and he realized she was still the same. He tried to explain the situation:
-Belldandy, Kamisama is dying, all the council members are dead, and the main Yggdrasil core has been deactivated by a series of attacks to the most important control nodes ...
Belldandy was left dumbfounded, then looked at Hild with suspicion.
- Does it have have something to do with the second wish from Shugahara Sensei?
Again it was Keiichi who answered.
- After Yggdrasil failed, all communication with the earth and Heaven was cut, I thinks it´s called Crimson alert- Belldandy gave a short cry in surprise, never before that alert had been issued. - and Lind was trapped in the earth, but I ... - Keiichi stopped, he was not comfortable at revealing his source of information, but this was too important - I was able to contact heaven. Urd leaved a back door access to Yggdrasil on my computer.
He was interrupted by Urd
- Keiichi, how on earth did you found out!
- I prefer not to disclose that now, but I managed to contact Peorth. She explained my everything. I was able to contact the sky was looking for help to save you, contact Peorth who I mean everything,
Belldandy have not doubt about Keiichi´s word, but still it was son incredible, she needed to try it. Maybe she could not feel Yggdrasil because the blockade. Belldandy spread her hands, with her new status she had authority to cancel any blockage. She chanted an counter spell and felt how the communication barriers were shattered, she would no longer required to use the phone line to access Yggdrasil, But still, she could not found Yggdrasil, nor any communication channel, only the low-level functions that were increasing her power. They were only automatic and independent functions. She was now Kamisama and yet could not communicated with heaven, yet, Keiichi, a mortal, had done it. He had contacted directly to her realm.
Was this the reason that the system had protected Keiichi so much? Because it had anticipated the combination of opportunities, talents and motivations that one day would give Keiichi this decisive capability? If so, the future that she dreaded was under way. That future where Keiichi would die in terrible circumstances. At the memory of that awful vision, Belldandy felt week.
Keiichi, who had been watching her, hastened to support it, completely ignoring the reaction of the Valkyries who instinctively made ready to defend her, but froze before a forceful gesture of Lind.
- Belldandy, are you okay?
The contact with Keiichi reassured her. She took a depth breathed in order to recover, she could not afford to be weak and never in her life she had given up. She had been trained hard all her life for this moment and Keiichi would need her. She now was Belldandy , goddess among gods, no matter what happened, countless lived depend on her actions. She looked at the young man who was holding her and gave the most honest answer she could.
- Keiichi Sorry, it's just that I'm still confused. There are dire implications for what is happening- she took Keiichi´s hand and look at him with her limpid blue eyes, goddess ´s eyes that despite everything that had happened, maintained their innocence and trust in others.
She concentrated to dissipate her confusion and left behind those fears, but suddenly she felt embarrassment in Keiichi, who looked flushed and nervous. Then realized she had let slip the blanket that covered her partially allowing her body to be shown and could not help smiling at his reaction. Keiichi was more affected by her woman´s body than her new status. A trivial fact, yet important to her, and this led her to considered she would need a new dress. A dress that she would need to contain the energy that still was flowing into her, the dress of a Kamisama. She touched gently Keiichi's face and forced him to see her, then stole him a fleeting and delicate kiss, wish left Keiichi astonished.
Belldandy had always lived in a world of rules, and always had obeyed them, until she found now difference between her own wishes and those rules. But now she feel different, maybe it was the euphoria of the moment and for all her new powers, but she felt that those rules were a thing of a nebulous past.
Now Belldandy took a few steps back and with a brief gesture she dissolved the blanket offering Keiichi a brief glimpse of her goddess body before a new outfit covered her. This new outfit was completely different from anything he had seen before. It had some of the style of the ceremonial dress of a goddess, but at the same time was much more rich and elaborated. The white cloth had barely visible subtle prints full of magical language and throughout the body, it had magical seals that would help her control the powerful magic of her title. Blue ornaments and silver thought that dress complemented and enhanced her elegance and dignity.
Belldandy tried to analyzed her new self. It was not only her new role, there was more. She realized that before she had met Keiichi, she would had accepted this fate as inevitable, just another step in her long list of duties. But with Keiichi a new feeling had been growing, a feeling of rebellion against the roles that had been assigned to her before birth. She looked at Urd and a new empathy bond formed between them. She could now understand the rebellious feelings of her sister.
She looked into Keiichi´s eyes again, delighted in his shy smile and treasure it. Her new rebellious self, realized that the old Belldandy, would never had took the luxury of devoting a few seconds to her love before assuming their duties.
Finally straightened and her posture acquired a new dignity, and addressed Hild and took her duty.
- Hild-Sama, great Daimakaicho, as Kamisama I have the authority to ask you for a change in the second part of your contract with Sensei Shugahara. The vision of the great leader of Hell breaking out by force into Heaven, leading a squadron of Valkyries could create the wrong impression ...
Hild laugh lively at the statement ...
- You are thinking now as a lider. I really wished to enjoy that moment. Usually I would have declined that offer, but I am curious about what you have in mind.
Keiichi reacted in terror, he had not thought of that ...
- Belldandy, I am sorry, I did not imagine something like this could...
- Keiichi-san, No need to apologize, it was the only option you had. A desperate measure for desperate time. After the initial shock my people would have been grateful to you, but now it´s unnecessary, soon I will have the power to do it myself. But something puzzles me. How did you convince Hild to accept all this? A contract with a demon requires something of similar value in return. I do not imagine what you could offer to Hild.
Urd and Shugahara still were embraced, but on hearing this, the doctor break away from his beloved and spoke:
- We offered Hild to return her full powers. Powers she lost in the great battle with Kamisama 50 million years ago.
Belldandy put her hand over her mouth in an involuntary gesture of surprise. No god or demon could have offered something similar. Only a strange combination of circumstances could have given a mortal such capacity, and as with Keiichi, that could not be a coincidence. The doctor continued ...
- But also, something happened in Hell, for Hild was on the verge of death. So what we really gave to lady Hild was the chance to save her life, the life of her daughter and I guess the chance to save her world.
Hild uttered an indignation cry and with an almost imperceptible movement caste a spell designed to punish such insolence. Belldandy raise her hand to block the spell, but before she had the opportunity, a furious lightning strike, dissolving it into a harmless puff of smoke. Urd exclaimed with deep anger in her voice:
- Mother!, never again you would try something similar. I will not allow it.
Hild could not help showing surprise.
- Urd, your power has grown far beyond a first class goddess, I'm impressed ...
Urd was prepared to face her mother, but before she could say anything else, and imposing an authoritative voice exclaimed:
- Stop!, Hild-sama I do not want more games, it's time to talk.
For a brief instant the powerful Hild felt like a scolded child, such was the new power Belldandy´s voice. she look surprised at the kind goddess who now continued in a solemn tone
- Have you realized what's happening? Our two realms are in danger at the same time. That can not be a coincidence.
Hild was left for a moment without speech, she realized Belldandy was right. It was too coincidental, and worst, she was oblivious to what was happening in her own realm.
Belldandy realized she had touched a nerve, but still needed to push harder ...
Tell me, do you really know what is happening in your realm right now?
Hild attempt to appear calm, but Belldandy felt that it was another sore spot. Suddenly the goddess had a start, when realized was she was trying to do. She was trying to manipulate Hild using the circumstances and her ego. It was not like her, to play a game to this kind. Could something else had been added into he code to make her Kamisama? But it was too late to turn back. She had to finish that game, but should became more aware of her own actions ...
Hild, was annoyed by her own ignorance, She ordered:
- Marler, return to Hell, I need a full report the situation. I can´t - She hesitated at revealing a weakness- I can´t have direct contact.
Marler rushed to kneel Hild´s feet, her battered suit and her still clumsy movements betrayed her recent meeting with Lind. Still, her voice left no doubt of her commitment to her duty.
- Yes my lady
And hurried to leave, but a gesture of Hild stopped her.
- Wait, I need to take control of my bodyguard, and the army. They would not obey to the clumsy and inept Marler.
Marler stayed silent but her face revealed her shame. She was nothing after all.
But Hild smiled and extended her hand to touch Marler forehead then proclaimed:
- Marler the inept, the buffoon, Urd´s covert guardian should stop to exists now.
She traced some magic symbols and Marler´s inverted triangle disappeared to be replaced by a polygon, then her battered clothes disappeared to be replaced by a rich and ornamented uniform. Marler trembled at a surge of power that went into her.
- You are now, Hild´s Druhting, my guards and my armies will now obey you.
Marler touch her face amazed, and commented ...
- Druhting! But that title has´nt been used in eons!
- For eons there has been no one I could trust as you. Now, be prepared to serve me, take this ...
Hild closed her hands and hummed softly. After opening them again, there was a small green crystal. It was identical to those, that mortals had named Hild's tears, but this time Hild was no crying. She looked at Marler in a solemn tone temporarily abandoning her usual mocking tone.
- Take this and restore the energy to those that have been faithful to our realm. You were right, I can not do everything alone You have the authority to organize them. Now go.
There was a new brightness in Marler´s eyes. All had been completely unexpected, then overcoming her emotion she barely could say - I will fulfill your orders.
She put a knee on the ground and bowed to Hild, but her servile attitude had gone, it had been a heavy and painful disguise she had to worn, but it was no longer necessary. She bowed with respect, then without another word she walked away. She had to return to her headquarters where there was a portal to Hell.
Belldandy was about to talk when heard an inconsolable cry ... - Skuld? Had something happened to her? As a response she was nearly toppled when the little goddess jumped on her inconsolable crying ...
- Bampei! ... - She barely could talk between sobs - Bampei and Siegel were destroyed! It's not fair.
Suddenly, she felt Hild presence who looked at her with a mocking attitude. Skuld reacted violently.
- She!, She is the culprit!, we were attacked by demons, she must have know it!
The little goddess produce one of her infamous bombs, that she seemed to have in an unlimited quantity, and prepare to throw it. But Belldandy took her hand and the bomb simply fade away, and then hug her sister, while spoke in a soothing tone to her.
- Siegel and Bampei were faithful to you until their last moments. We owe our eternal gratitude, and their essence has been reintegrated with the cosmos, keep them in your goddess heart and they will live within you, we can not do more. Hild is not the culprit, Urd and me owe her our lives. She is now a guest of honor and you must respect her.
Skuld sob for a while, ignoring Hild impatience, but gradually calmed down, finally left her sister arms, and for the first time realized about her new marks and was stunned by the surprise.
- Belldandy those marks... How is it possible ...? What happened to you?
Belldandy gently placed his finger on Skuld´s lips, and told her:
- Please, have a little patience, Sentaro kun will be able to explain what happened, and I must told you, he fought valiantly along with Keiichi-san and Shugahara Sensei to defend us. You must be proud of having him as a friend. Go with him. He will be glad to tell you his story. Right know, I need to attend to our guest, the lives of many depend on it.
Skuld looked shyly towards Sentaro -kun and blushed then went with him. Meanwhile Belldandy faced an irritated Hild:
- Hild-sama, I think it would be wise to wait for news from your realm, meanwhile we need to talk and forget all about political considerations and diplomacy. We need the truth. Your words toward Marler have shown to me your real hearth. I've always known your attitude is just a shield, You really care about your people and I know you will do everything possible to protect them. At this time our worlds are vulnerable, and we cannot afford to attack each other. I propose a "magna truce" between our two worlds.
Hild gaped and looked incredulous to the goddess. "Magna Truce"? that is a word not heard in millions of years ...
- For a newbie in this job you are taking big risks. I doubt the heavenly council would approve it, not even the old Kamisama would have been able to impose his will on this subject. Nor I see a reason for it. We can take care of our own worlds. Name one reason I would want a Magna Truce.
Belldandy looked at Hild with the expression of a teacher who needs to explain something to a student.
- Hild-sama, the great heavenly council no longer exists. So i just need to convince you, and there is a reason you need to consider: "The doublet system" ...
Keiichi had been attentive to the conversation. Since he had been looking for information about Belldandy he had learned lot of heavenly history, and understood Belldandy´s words, unable to contain himself intervened:
- Yes!, Many gods have died, but since because Yggdrasil is down, the doublet system has not been enforced, but when the system would be restored many demons would be executed.
Hild was silent, she had already consider a truce since she knew her position was weak, but there was no way she could invoke her alone. She would need to convince her people, but that would have been like publicly accept her weakness, instead the fear from death due to the doublet system was a big argument, not even she was exempted from the system. Then she had a hunch and looked with new respect to Belldandy.
- Was that your intention all along? You were caring about my people?. You will gain little on this truce. If the old Kamisama had proposed it, I would have doubted his purpose. But you are incredibly naive and honest, so I know I can trust you.
They were interrupted by a commotion from outside, Marler had returned but she was not alone. A young demon came with her, along with two of Hild´s bodyguards. Behind them the two big demons with hypertrophied muscles and blank stare, were completely covering the entrance. The Valkyries adopted combat position, blocking their path. Suddenly the tension in the room had risen.
Marler looked at Hild, there was concern on her face, so ignoring the Valkyries she began to report:
- Hild-sama, madness has invaded Hell. There are fights and riots, many believe there is an imminent invasion and infiltrators among us. You're absence had made things worst. We must act before the situation deteriorates.
Belldandy gently commented:
- Lind let them pass, Marler I think the guards should stay out, the take up too much space, maybe we can offer them some tea.
The word tea related to the big demons bought a smile on everyone and the tension was defused instantly..
Marler bought Walharen before Hild. The young demons was very nervous, he had never been out of her realm, and now was surrounded not only by Hild but by his most powerful and fearsome enemies. He looked awed at Lind and Belldandy, swallowed and started his report. Hild's face hardened as she heard the news..
The situation seemed eerily similar to what was going on on heaven. What had started a rebellion against Hild from some of Anang Reng allies, had been become chaos, everyone fought each other. Fortunately Nidhogg was intact and Marler had issued orders to protect it, however the chaos seemed to increase exponentially, the demons were affected by a strange madness, regardless of gender, age or rank.
Hild look at Belldandy said wryly:
- Bell chan, it seems you were right. Ans seems the grand council of Hell has also been dissolved or rendered unusable, so I would need not their approval. Now we need something more. The Magna Truce was established in the early days, when there were other races that could arbitrate, Who take their place?
Belldandy took her hand to her mouth, she still had not thought that part. She had forgotten that part of the ceremony. She need three judges, three beings with an aura of wisdom, then realized there three mortals with and special aura among them. Was it that?, Keiichi-san was about to fulfill his destiny and take the first step toward his death?. She looked at the young mortal, How could she protect him and keep him from that fate?. And how about the other mortals Shugahara-san and Sentaro Kun?. What forces could have put them together? Would they share Keiichi´s destiny? Belldandy had now answers and for a moment felt weak. Belldandy fought to recovered her poise sighted and finally proclaimed in a ceremonial tone.
-Here we have our three judges, as tradition demands. I invoke the names of Morisato Keiichi, Shugahara Kenji, and Kawanishi Sentaro as our judges.
Even the disciplined Valkyries could not restrain an astonished exclamation. The named mortals, slowly approached and stood before Belldandy. They were not sure what they would be required to to, but they were ready to do it, they realize it was important. Kenji was the first to speak.
- I'm not sure what to do, but voluntarily we offer ourselves to any task you ask. I think I speak for the three of us. Keiichi and Sentaro nodded in approval.
Hild slowly approached examining with a critical eye the three mortals.
- Three mortal as judges? Even though their auras meet the requirements , they have no power. They must have power to support their authority ...
Belldandy was thinking along the same lines. As Kamisama maybe she could gave them power, but that would go against the protocols, suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by Lind.
- We can provide them with power to meet the truce protocols. Urd, the last time we meet, I gave something to you I was not sure what prompted me to do that, maybe it was a premonition, but it will be suitable for this.
Urd looked incredulously at Lind, - Lind, is this really you. Have they won your trust to that point? Lind offered a faint smile as answer and bowed to the mortals, then spoke: - I felt Keiichi´s aura. I know i can trust him, as much as you trust Shugahara-san, and i have seen Sentaro-san courage. They are deserve our trust. Urd smiled and answered.
- I also trust them, still I am not sure which is more insane Lind or Belldandy, but these are desperate times. It will fun to find out how it works. Urd paused and changed her tone to address her mother: - Hild, do you think the weapons of the first born will be enough power for you?
Hild´s astonishment soon spread to all. The weapons of the first born. The weapons of their ancestors before becoming gods, symbols of a past lost in the mists of time even in the almost eternal memory of the gods. Hild soon recovered and spoke with seriousness:
- It is acceptable, but only because I still have an open contract with one of these mortals.
Urd bowed to her mother, accepting her decision and continued:
- Now we need to proceed with the ceremony. -She approached Keiichi, and in a solemn attitude Keiichi had never seen in Urd, especially addressed to him, Urd told him:
- Morisato Keiichi. You are the appointed guardian of the temple Tarikihongan. This place has been considered sacred by your people, now I ask your permission to also make this temple land sacred to gods and demons ...
Keiichi was caught out of guard, ha had never thought this place he now called home could be considered under his custody. He looked nervously around looking for help, but Belldandy smiled at him, and nodded. Keiichi understood, he gulped and finally tried to speak using the solemn tone Urd had used. Belldandy.
- I, Morisato Keiichi, as assigned guardian of the Tarikihongan temple, accept your request.
- Thanks Keiichi. - Urd looked at his mother and Belldandy. - To be honest, this ceremony is so ancient, i never expected to be part of it, yet everything is fitting and it had been written and prepared beforehand. So lets go on. Belldandy and Hild should purify themselves and then proceed to the sacred ritual. Since i am no longer a Demon or a Goddess I can appoint the judges.
- Lind and ... - Urd hesitated, looking at Marler she felt nervous. She had not been her enemy, but her covert guardian. How appropriate that she would have to work with Lind, who had also been her guardian, so nodded to Marler trying to convey the new respect she had for the demon.
- Lind and Marler will offer laterto the judges the level 3 access codes for Yggdrassil and Níðhög, as the protocol demands, so they can verify the terms of the truce are being held.
The three mortals looked nervously to each other, the were not sure what would be expected from them. Lind and Marler left the room, including all the Valkyries. After their departure, Kenji looked nervous to Urd and asked:
- What is happening ? What will happen now?
Urd approached, took his hand and to reassure him:
- Kenji, trust me. Soon I will explain everything. Currently you only have to worry about giving me a name for refer you as judges..
Sentaro suddenly interrupted.
- We already have a name, We are ″the order of the mortal knights″.
Skuld, still with eyes red from crying, took Sentaro´s hand and said:
- That´s a wonderful name!
Urd looked at Kenji, as if ready to hear one of Shugahara jokes.
- Was that your idea?
Shugahara said sheepishly: - In fact the credit goes to Sentaro.
- Then that will do it. From now on, the order of the mortal knights will be recognized with respect by gods and demons. Starting today, your name will be legend.
End of Chapter XXII
notes:
Druhting; The old saxon word for seneschal ,or steward . I chose this title as it sounds more archaic.