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The order of the Mortal Knights

By Javier Delgado Rosas

Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.

Chapter XXIV

Betrayal

Hild´s throne room offered the same aspect it had held over the millennia. It was no longer littered with the unconscious bodies of the demons who had lent their power to Hild. Their powers had been restored by Marller using Hild´s crystal and had now been appointed as new members of the council replacing missing members. Hild was on her throne as she had been there during those millennia, but something about her had changed. This time she was not surrounded by those screens flowing with information she used to keep a vigilant eye on her own people. Her ingratiating smile was gone, instead she bore a deep look of concern. The world she had built so painstakingly over aeons, was facing an unknown threat, however for the first time in her long life, she knew she was not alone: she had found new allies among the demon-kind, she had the faithful Marller at her side, but more important to her, after millennia, Urd was now back with her.

Never mind that Urd had become something that was not a demon or god, or that she had sworn her stay in Hell would only be temporary. Finally her daughter was with her and with that she did not care if the universe was against her. Perhaps the future she had long planned so long ago was still possible. If she could play her cards properly, there was still a possibility she could make it true.

Suddenly she was distracted from her meditation by a powerful presence, Urd was coming! Hild was not yet sure of the scope of Urd´s new powers, but they could be felt at distance. She would need learn to control them or it would be a nuisance. She straightened on her throne and assumed her usual pose; again she turned back into the beautiful, frightening and enigmatic Daimakaicho.

A few seconds later, Urd arrived accompanied by Marller. Her outfit had changed, her long silky white hair now fall in cascades contrasting with a tight dress with a red shade eerily similar to human blood. It was similar to the one Hild wore, since it held the color and symbols that marked her ancestry. She was a royal princess after all, and as with Hild´s dress it was full of knots and magical seals that not only helped her to contain and control her power but also announced how powerful she was. But Urd had added some extra elements to her new outfit, they were symbols and colors that were not part of original design. Her dress had elements foreign to the world of Hell, they announced she was a first class goddess, a Norn, and even more, a Valkyrie. Urd could not have chosen symbols that brought more hate than those. Hild could not help bearing a faint smile, she had to admit that she would have done the same: to challenge any authority that dared to contradict her. Urd was worthy of being her daughter, if she managed to survive. This time, Urd had accepted her mixed heritage and would not try to hide it. Urd-sama: Goddess and Demon.

Urd also felt Hild's powerful presence, but her feelings about her were not clear. As a child she had admired her, feared her and later hated her. Hild was now smiling at her, but Urd knew that her seductive and friendly smile, was usually just a mask. Hild was a master of manipulation and she knew well that the contrast between her sometimes kind and flattering words, and her unbound anger was one of the reasons she had managed to survive with her incomplete powers. As she approached her, Hild was the first to speak.

- Urd Chan – she said with a condescending voice - I hope you had found everything as you remember, I took special care to seal your room with a preserver spell in anticipation of your return ... Even if I never expected it would take so long - Hild made a slight pause before uttering the last sentence in a tone strangely different. That slight hesitation allowed Urd to guess something. Her mother had missed her.

Yet she had her doubts. She could have imagined it, then looked her mother as she made a subtle blink, stared briefly at the door that connected to the council room and nodded with an almost imperceptible movement ... That was her answer, more intrigues!. It was very possible that they were being spied on. Hild would never express her real feelings if they could be used against her. Urd nodded her head slightly then looked at Marller. With a subtle gesture confirmed her thoughts.

Urd sighed, she would have to be very careful, She could be very powerful, but she was not invulnerable to intrigue.

Hild put on her face her most charming smile and walked to the council room door. Urd went along with her. Marller without thinking took her former place behind Hild, but she showed a flash of anger in her eyes, then put her hand on Marller´s shoulder and whispered very quietly:

- No one would trust my new Druhting if she acts as a servant. You should always be by at my side as my right arm; they will have to respect and fear you as if you were me.

Marller humbly bowed her head, then closed her eyes and concentrated. It was hard to abandon centuries of simulation. She muttered a small spell and immediately her attitude and demeanor changed, her eyes were now filled with fire, her face hardened and proud. Hild smiled with satisfaction. Then Hild stood in front of the door, called Marller on her right, Urd at her left. With an imperceptible gesture, threw a nonverbal spell directed to their aura, it combined them as if were one, so nobody would guess who was more powerful. Marller as Druhting was now above a first-class demon, Hild was the most powerful of this world, and goddess-demon Urd added even more power to the mix. The mixture of the three auras projected a thrilling sense of power, despite this the appearance of the three women had not changed; their presence was now imposing and majestic. Hild raised her hand and the huge door opened.

Before her was the sumptuous hall of great council of Hell. A huge underground hall, which announced with its ornate splendor that this was the center of power in this world, or at least, pretended to be. As the doors opened slowly and majestically, They began to hear the sound of hundreds voices arguing angrily. Before their eyes appeared a multicolored crowd composed of the highest ranking demons of this world along with their servants and followers.

Urd could feel how their combined aura spread around the room, lightly touching every demon that was immediately left frozen in surprise.

One by one the demons turned around to see the three women and the murmur of voices became a silence where the sense of fear almost could be touched. Hild had returned, now with her daughter at her side and with a powerful new Druhting! Few recognized in that haughty woman the scorned old Marller. Gradually the fear began to fill the hearts of those present, but in some of them, fear tinged with another feeling: "hate." A small group of very senior demons were in the middle of the room. There was fear in their eyes, but also there was defiance.

The three women moved majestically to their seat at the board. Urd could not help but notice that after her back whispers were heard. The words goddess, Norn and Valkyrie were whispered with hate. Urd smiled with satisfaction.

Hild came to her throne in the council, showed a perfectly calculated expression of disapproval and disgust. With a lazy gesture she materialized two sumptuous thrones next to hers. A cold air seemed to blow on the assembly. Hild was making official the designations of the two women, without consulting them.

Finally she sat down and smiled with satisfaction, she looked around slowly and was delighted no one dared to meet her gaze, then spoke in her most condescending tone: -Because most of you were hiding like rats when the crisis started, I made some decisions that you already know and therefore I will not discuss them with you. Now we must face this threat together, so I will listen to your proposals.- She waited until her words sank on everyone heart then continued - Now we will start a free assembly - at these words, Hell unleashed.

Hundreds of demons screamed and tried to talk at once, the most powerful tried to dominate over the lower ranks to get their words heard. During one of the rare "free assemblies" there was a tacit agreement that what was said before the Daimakaicho would not bring retaliation from her. It was an opportunity that no one could waste. But only the strongest voices were heard. As things were done in Hell, this represented a considerable saving of time.

Urd looked and listened with deep disgust at the confusion, she should be working on a cure. She listened to accusations questioning her place at the council calling her a traitor and a goddess, but that was expected. What she found infuriating was the criticism toward her mother, after all, she knew better, soon a dangerous glow began to flow through her fingers while she turned to face her mother. Then she realized Hild was not observing the confusion, but instead was watching her with amusement. It was as if she enjoyed her anger, the she leaned toward her and whispered softly so only she could hear: - I have promised not to intervene during these discussions, but you have not, you are part of the council and you can intervene. You enjoyed these meetings when you were a little brat and wished to grow enough to participate. . Now you are old enough, just remember that this is not Heaven where you have to pretend to be kind to others.

Urd looked dumbfounded at her mother, somehow her words lifted a weight from her, and could not help but smirk at recalling old memories. No one payed attention when she rose from her throne, or at her slow and deliberate progress towards the group that argued with more force, nor to the dangerous gleam between her fingers. They would soon realize their terrible mistake.

Lind observed with utmost concern the transformation that had taken place in Belldandy´s face. Along with defiance she had a hardened expression. It was difficult to imagine she was the gentlest of all goddesses. Belldandy rose slowly toward the center of the building and stretched her arms. She began a magical intonation of great power, slowly the great throne room was transformed when the lines of the stone filigree began to glow with fiery lights. They were revealed to be power lines. Without Yggdrasil she had been relying on Keiichi bracelets to prevent the loss of her power, so she had not really needed much more, especially since the building had been rebuilt with all the gods power, but now she felt she needed more and now the building began to provide her with at a level unimaginable. Kamisama had ordered a large amount of energy to be stored as an emergency measure and was only available to him. Now Belldandy´s song ordered the building to release that energy for her. Gradually thin power lines began to acquire an incandescent tone as the energy flow grew and grew.

Lind looked with suspicion at this action, that was information that only the old Kamisama and she knew. She had been saving that energy for an emergency when Belldandy would be ready to receive it, and did not understand how it was that Belldandy had managed to free it for her. She did not dare to interrupt her, that would have been extremely dangerous.

Belldandy now floated in the midst of a furious dance of lines of light that converged toward her and wrapped her, while each line connected her to a hidden reservoir of energy and gave up its precious treasure of magic and power.

Belldandy's face contorted into a sort of grimace of pleasure when she was invaded by such power. And without realizing it, other things besides power and magic got into her... She closed her eyes and felt pleasure when her doubts were overwritten by new codes. Belldandy's body was now wrapped in a cocoon of light.

And suddenly with a jerk command, Belldandy disrupted the flow and it bursted burst uncontrolled at the suddenness of the order. Belldandy's body trembled with a sensation of pain, which somehow caused a smile of pleasure. She had enough energy, and did not want to lose more time. It was time to teach everyone to respect her.

Suddenly without saying a word Belldandy floated towards the great central node of Yggdrasil that was under attack. Lind did not follow her, she was still wondering about the changes she had perceived in Belldandy and felt that something was very wrong. Something must have happened. One of the Valkyries approached her with a questioning look. They were waiting for orders to follow Belldandy. Lind hesitated, all her life had accepted orders without questioning, but now she felt restlessness and did not know why. She pressed her fists furiously to her sides, finally signaling her squad to follow Belldandy and ordering Othala to take command. The warriors rose rapidly towards Belldandy and took their place around her in battle formation.

Lind however, did not follow them, she needed to get information about the situation. Yggdrasil was slowly being restored and some of its functions were now operating. Using her high level access she requested the logs of the last activity at the building, her face frowned as the info was displayed. Several holographic displays showed the frantic activity she had witnessed, but not all. Some of the activity had not been logged. She felt a chill, there should not be any info hidden from her. She then blew a communication spell on her hand. It was a tiny crystal that could hold an encrypted message and search for the destined person to deliver it. She put it into input command mode.

- Receiver : Commander Othala, Priority top one, encryption level III. Status: Confidential. Deliver immediately. Othala: Under no circumstance utilize energy from Yggdrasil. Resort only to the bracelets. You will need to minimize your energy use until we get replacements or make sure Yggdrasil's energy is safe. Distribute all bracelets you can among the new recruits and withhold from activity those without them; also put tracers on them to monitor their activity. This order should only be known by the elite. Everyone else should comply without any further explanation. Contact Peorth to create an emergency portal to earth, send Chrono for replacement. –Lind Hesitated, she was unsure about her next order, then she continued - DO not inform Belldandy!. Repeat: DO not inform Belldandy!. I am invoking a security exception level III, Verification command word: Jörmungandr. Confirm reception. End command sequence.

Finally Lind gently blew on it and it disappeared, A few minutes later it reappeared with a confirmation message. Lind sighted in relief. She looked at her bracelet, once again offering thanks to the mortals.

Outside, Belldandy was flying over the magnificent city. If possible, it was even more beautiful than before the cataclysm thanks to the participation of all gods. But there was something new that did not exist before. Breaking with the perfect order in many parts of the city were small trees full of flowers. Belldandy looked down and ignored them, but the once the Valkyrie approached one of them, they understood their meaning. They had ribbons with inscriptions hanging from their branches. They had been planted in honor of the fallen during the great catastrophe brought by Hannus suicide. The Valkyries offered signs of respect to those they found on their path, but Belldandy remained undaunted. It was as if they had no meaning for her. She had closed herself to any external feelings.

Finally they reached a wide area designed to bring out a low yet beautifully designed building. This was not the delicate, slender filigree of most of Heavens buildings, but a compact pyramid, resembling an ancient ziggurat. Here was housed the central node of the most powerful computer of the multiverses, not even Nidhogg, it´s counterpart on hell was as powerful. There was a link between both systems but Yggdrasil was the party responsible for maintaining the stability of the multiverses.

That is why the place did not have as many defenses. No demon would dare to attack this node since his own world depended on their operation.

But now that place was being attacked by the gods themselves. About Five hundred gods, of every rank, age and sex with an empty look, were attacking the place, using all their power to destroy it. The building already showed signs of great havoc, but now a hundred Valkyries were protecting it to prevent further damage. Many of them were very young, they were just recruits who had not completed their training.

But this was no time for doubts, all were fighting to the best of their capabilities. Young or not, they were warrior goddesses to which no common god or demon should be able to overcome. Unfortunately those goddesses had a warrant that decreased their efficiency. They Should NOT harm the attackers.

Belldandy slowly descended to the ground, and slowly walked along a path that led to the entrance of the building. The squad followed her and found before them a senior god, with eyes full of rage and madness, who was preparing a terrible magic against a young Valkyrie who still did not have her degrees. He was chanting a long and complex spell that normally would not be used in combat, but since the Valkyries could not retaliate against the attackers, they had time to use complex magic.

The great god launched his attack on the young recruit. Soon she was screaming in pain, as the powerful and ancient magic of a great god tore her defense. Belldandy watched the attack imperturbable as if it were not her concern. The Valkyries around her watched in horror as the magic began to burn the young recruits skin blackening her body, but they could not intervene without a direct order from Belldandy.

Suddenly one of them broke formation and knelt before Belldandy and said.

- Please my lady, give the order to intervene. If we do not, she will die!

Belldandy flickered, as if waking from a dream, noted with curiosity the scene, and made a gesture of disgust, she lifted her hand and in a towering voice just said - "Enough!" ...

This time her power was immeasurably greater than a first class goddess. The elements suddenly exploded with anger and a powerful hurricane formed around the older god, the wind howled furiously as the sound of a thousand angry beasts. The condensed air in it made it looked like a solid wall and violently impacted the god engulfing him and disrupting his magic, they could hear his screams of terror and pain as Belldandy´s powerful magic merciless tore his body in a hundred different directions and finally crashed him into the ground.

The young Valkyrie who had been under attack cried with a mixture of terror and relief from the awful sight of that powerful magic and then crashed into the ground senseless unable to bear more pain. Her body suffered extensive burns that allowed the divine energy to slowly dissipate.

Without changing her haughty expression, Belldandy added, pointing to the fallen god - Seal him - and then continued walking the path to the building ignoring the raging battle around her. The Valkyries looked confused at each other. Othala the healer, gave them an order and they flew to protect Belldandy with their barriers, as she was heading to the young recruit. Maybe she could save her life.

Meanwhile Lind still remained in the great council hall. She was staring a screen in disbelief at Belldandy´s merciless behavior. The goddess appeared as if possessed by an alien spirit, but the terrible action of the goddess, had been seen by everyone in this realm and Lind could feel a wave of feelings that overwhelmed the previous one of hate. Now a new thought was spreading around the gods. Belldandy was now powerful, she was now "Belldandy the conqueror". This world approved the actions of the goddess. As the new feeling spread around, Lind began feeling an emotion that always been alien to her: Terror.

Dr. Shugahara Kenji laughed merrily- I would like to see that!

In front of him was Urd, but the transparency of the image and its fuzzy edges betrayed that it was not real. It was a projection that floated in Keiichi's room.

The Urd image frowned in surprise and then with a fun attitude said mockingly - Am I actually talking to Dr. Shugahara Kenji?, the respected professor at Chiba University?. I wasn't expecting you would approve my actions

Kenji stopped laughing, still there was the shining of a smile in his eyes : - I'm sorry, maybe is the tension of recent days, but after hearing you I imagined a powerful and elegant demon being electrocuted by the angry bolt of a beautiful girl, is simply hilarious, that is something I wish I had witnessed. - Then added in more serious tone - I hope you have not seriously injured him, I really should not laugh at the suffering of another being.

Seeing his now worried expression, this time Urd was that the one who broke out into laughter. The sound of that laughter brought warmth and joy to Kenji´s heart. There was nothing else he could enjoy more than listening to her laugh, then she answered merrily - Don't worry, these are the customs of Hell, demons are educated to show their power, and accept the possible consequences, but I admit that I lost control. And he was a difficult patient, he thought I was going to attack him again. You really should have to see his face when he realized I was healing him with my magic potions, he has more respect for me and my potions. Now I have an ally who respects me. Seems I really needed to impose myself on the council. Now many of them fear me and respect me. Some of them also hate me, but for now I can ignore it, at least they will let me work. Seems everybody saw my point"

But Kenji realized there was more behind Urd´s words...

- Is everything all right?, I feel there is something else you are not telling me...

Urd's image stared at the mortal that seemed to know her better than herself. That mortal who gave up everything for her. With that mortal she could now speak with a frankness that would have been difficult even with Belldandy

- You are right. For long I have struggled to contain my frustration and my anger. Those are powerful feelings that in heaven always caused me problems, even if Belldandy helped me to vent some of it. But here, Hild, my mother encouraged me to let it out ... - Urd paused before confessing - ... and I enjoy it, you have no idea how much, and now that I think about it, I'm afraid that if Hild had not sent a spell to distract me, I could have killed him. I am scared about this power I have now because I know I can lose control. "

Kenji stretched his hand, trying to touch Urd´s image, but his hand went through it. so he instead looked tenderly into Urd´s eyes and sighed. After a pause he told her:.

- If you have anger in you, you must not deny it. If you deny your feelings they will eventually dominate you and if your will fails, they will overcome you.

- Are you saying I should act under the influence of wrath…?

- No, only that you should not refuse it exists. Instead you must use it against something more useful than thunder demons. I have worked with you, and I know your anger can become your biggest asset. - then he opened his mouth, but there was no sound, as if he could not find the correct words, instead he bit his lips not sure how to continue, but then said slowly. - When we worked together. More than once I pushed you until your anger was evident, and then I... I guided you to use it directed to a goal, so I know how powerful it is. - Urd winced at his confession, he had manipulated her!.- Now we have an enemy to conquer, let me help to guide your anger against it. I know we can do it. Trust me and trust in yourself.

Urd looked at him, while she resented that she had been manipulated, also she was relieved. She knew he was right:

- Thanks Kenji, thanks. I wish you were here, I need you. - Kenji was relieved, then smiled and said:

- Despite me being only a mortal and you a goddess? - Urd laughed at these words

- After all we have gone together, do you still need to ask me?

Kenji offered a shy smile as answer. If Urd was being honest with him, he should be doing the same:

- Yes, I needed to hear it. Even now, after all I have experienced, I can hardly accept everything that has happened. Even if I sought you and dreamed with you for more than a decade, I still have doubts that this is real and ... I have fear, I fear that I could awake just to find myself alone again ...

Urd could felt some wetness in her eyes, and smiled at this mortal: - Kenji, I'm more real than your own reality. - then Urd laughed, but the moistness in her eyes betrayed her emotion. - Listen to me Kenji. Now you are more than mortal, for you have touched the heart of a goddess, and you will live forever in it.

Dr Kenji Shugahara bowed his head, then looked at himself. His life had been completely disrupted by the encounter. His old-fashioned suit, and his tie had disappeared for a more conventional clothing. His face now had marks, almost imperceptible to other mortals, but they remind him of his new status. An even more, he felt many years younger and full of energy and passion. His thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly heard Urd speaking in a very formal tone ...

- Listen to me, Dr Shugahara Kenji, you are now more than mortal. You are now one of the great judges along with Keiichi and Sentaro. Before you, I am "only" a goddess ...

Kenji looked at Urd awed ... But found there was a twinkle in her eyes that belied her formal tone and could not help to start laughing and Urd accompanied him. They were like two kids who suddenly have realized they had achieved something they never expected ...

Finally they stopped laughing and looked one into another eyes and then without the need of words, they knew there was work to do and it was time to devote to it.

- Kenji, I need your help, I have been examining those that suffering from this madness and I cannot find the cause. I tried the magic potions that seemed most appropriate, but it only works temporarily, it does not touch the root of the problem so it came back. I need ideas to work.

- Urd, do remember the epidemiological research protocols we discussed?, I know you do not like them, but it´s the only way to get information that can be verified. At least that will prevent you from proceeding blindly. That kind of methodical approach is slow, but it will avoid to jump from one idea to another. Keiichi will help me get the information Skuld would get from heaven. I seem she does not like the idea either, but we could convince her. And we will need to be constantly in touch with you. I will contact with epidemiological experts to help me develop a better plan ...

Kenji went on, outlining a research plan and Urd listened carefully and then discussed it with him to get more instructions and tips. She knew about his methodical character that was so alien to her, but she had seen what could be done with it. When Kenji was finished, she thought for a moment and added, gesturing around her image.

- Thanks to this we can work together ... - And could not help a flirtatious wink full of sensuality - but we cannot touch each other ... - Kenji gulped nervously and she enjoyed his discomfort, then she changed for a more serious tone- But this is also something that worries me. Keiichi told me that this computer - She signaled Keiichi´s battered desktop- is the host of a copy of adx-654. He doesn't know, but that is the code name the Predictive Defense Program. It´s one of the most complex pieces of software ever done. It´s impossible that kind of software could run on it. Simply there is no way... and even more, he has no idea how it got there.

- According to Skuld only a small part of that software is being executed, only its most basic routines. The complete software seems to be in a compressed package, but Skuld could not find out more. The software refused to communicate with her.

- Refused? Are you sure? Skuld is a genius at that. Her magic is directed towards machines, even if she does not realize she is using it. She should have been able to examine it without problems.

- Maybe if she could have more time, But when Lind sent us a messages reporting it was safe for Skuld to go to Heaven to help to restore Yggdrasil, she had to leave. Skuld only could find, the software seems to be damaged, especially its external I / O routines, so the software has to resort to low level communication. It's like those idiots geniuses, which can be extremely bright in one area, but unable to communicate, . Skuld told us,it uses our primitive routines to communicate.

- An "idiot savant"?, That would explain how it has managed to establish a direct communication channel to my personal room, one of the safest places in Hell, and going over all our security measures. Walharen almost suffered a panic attack when he heard about this, but I ordered him not to block this channel, or try to intercept it. Seems to be a very sleazy piece of software.

- That is something beyond me, I am not an expert. But i know that although we provided it with the codes Marller gave us to contact Nidhogg, it refused to use them and simply bypassed all security, it´s like if it were afraid!.

- Afraid? - Urd exclaimed in surprise. Kenji, It's just a piece of software!

- I am not sure, I think if I could speak to it, it could pass the Turing test, I believe this software is sentient.

- An artificial intelligence with conscience! - Urd exclaimed incredulous- Impossible. I know this program, and it should not be capable of that. As most software from Yggdrasil, It has special locks to prevent developing consciousness. There is something very strange. If it´s really adx-654, it could have been damaged. Please, be careful with it.

- That is why we will try to fix it. Skuld told us how much computing capacity we need in order to decompress the main program. ... - Urd arched an eyebrow in disbelief.

- Kenji, No machine on earth is capable of such feat. It´s a really complex piece of software, one that is even able to manipulate fate. That is my area and I know what I mean ...

Kenji smiled in delight... - It seems mortals can offer a few surprises. There is a supercomputer with that capacity, and its under construction. If I manipulate the proper channels I think we can use it when it´s finished. After all, now I am famous, and I can use that reputation to access it.

- So is it true? You have you revealed our existence to mortals? In other circumstances you would have a squad of Valkyries trying to erase your memory and all traces ...

Kenji smiled and commented delighted ...

- You mean the Valkyries to which I gave cooking classes.

Urd burst out laughing ... – Did you really do it? How is that Lind accepted?.

-I think she was looking for something to keep them occupied.

Urd sighed and looked at that curious and strange mortal she loved

- Yes Kenji, those Valkyries would still be willing to erase your memory if they were instructed to do it.

- Well, maybe it´s already too late for that. I´ts not something I had planned, but after Hild appeared, my colleagues began to send all the information they were gathering. Professor Nambu put a general meeting at CERN, and sent it to scientists all around the world, so I do not thing it would be easy to stop it now.

Urd heard Kenji in disbelief, that was really a mayor breach in security, even in normal circumstances, the whole squad would had been able to fix it, but now.

- But, haven´t done anything to prevent this either.

- No, I have spoken to Professor Nambu and agreed to continue. Soon I would spoke to scientist around the world and tell them everything I know.

Urd close her eyes, this was a mayor event in the history of the universes.

- Seems you are determinate to be a legend. You have changed heaven and Hell destiny and you are going to do the same to earth.

- Do you think Valkyries would still try to wipe my memory?

- Now you are one of the judges and you are beyond their reach, not even Hild and Belldandy have now authority on you, in the unlikely event they wish to do so. Still I do not like it. I think your realm cannot handle that knowledge.

- Urd, I think that the only harmful knowledge it the one you do not have. I know this will be a source of great conflicts, but it is something that should not be hidden any longer. Many people are helping us, and some have put their lives at risk, I cannot deny them to know why.

- Maybe your right. Maybe humans have grown enough to handle it. No matter what happens, I trust you, you have shown great wisdom. But I have the felling terrible times for our universes will come. But you must be careful with Ghadril, I do not know her, but she has fame to be an old fashioned Valkyrie, and a very strict one. Even so, I saw you have won their trust. Speak to her with honesty. Now I will start to work. Time is running out,

Urd and Kenji looked into their eyes. Urd touched her lips and blew a kiss to the mortal she loved then her image flickered faded.

The real Urd was in her room and saw the image faded, she stayed still, then sighed and proceed to work. Her room had been radically changed, she had preferred to use that familiar place as her workplace, here she knew all the hiding places and secret passages. She felt safe there.

She went to one of the walls, where a strange container had been placed. It seemed made of glass, but was actually almost pure energy, which acted as an impenetrable seal that contained almost a thousand floating discs. Each disc had a demon that had been sealed. The seal was one the extreme forms of punishment, consciousness was not lost, yet the body was dissolved so any kind of movement was impossible. Urd shuddered at the thought of the effects on an already crazy mind but under the circumstances, there seemed to be no other alternative.

She drew in the air a magical symbol that held an encryption key that only she, her mother and Marller knew, that opened the container and extracted one disk. She placed it in the center of the room where she had carefully drawn a magic circle, she had designed it to securely contain a demon. She did not know how dangerous it could be, so she had to be careful. Even a low-level demon such as the one she had chosen could be dangerous if she became careless.

She spread her hands and drew a cutting symbol that broke the seal. Suddenly a powerful demon appeared, it was not what she expected. This was a demon from the combat divisions!. Urd uttered some very unladylike words... She had made a stupid mistake at reading the codes.

The demon was strangely still, moving only his eyes while examining their environment. He was not a stupid soldier but a high rank with the ability to evaluate and command. He began to move slowly, stretching his powerful muscles, after reading his demon marks, Urd uttered another furious curse. This being had a magical shield on his skin that gave him powerful protection against magic, it would be difficult to keep him under control. The Demon looked at her and his face lit up in an evil smile. He stretched his powerful hands and crossed the container field as if it were not there. Urd felt a chill on her back. This demon seemed determined to cause trouble, she proceeded to reinforce the container field, and began to sing a higher container spell.

Suddenly the demon emitted a vicious growl and lunged at her with all his fury, Urd was in the middle of a spell, so could not react, so she prepared to receive the impact while planning a counterattack.

Suddenly she heard a thunderous sound, and perceived a blurred image that crossed her vision, and before she realized what was happening, the demon was prostrate on the ground and Bragg was on top of him, ready to launch another blow on him.

Urd was speechless, she had never seen Bragg in action and didn´t know he could move so fast. She recalled Marller´s words about him being an elite fighter. Bragg made sure the demon was left innocuous. He had knocked him out with just one swoop. Then turned to see Urd and looked at her as if she were just a naughty child.

- Princess is okay? You should be careful. Next time tell Bragg. Do you want him in circle? Will reinforce containment field with a battle spell.

Urd sighted, this rough being knew his business very well. She had underestimated him and forgot he was there. Now she understood why she had never managed to escape from him when she was a child.

- Thanks Bragg. Please put him in the circle and... - Urd did not finish the sentence, she had an idea. Maybe she could make Bragg be even more useful. She went to her potion cabinet and soon found what she wanted. Then returned to Bragg who was waiting patiently and ordered him. - ... And please open your mouth.

Without questioning the guard opened his mouth and Urd throw a pill at his throat. Bragg closed his mouth without a word, he calmly looked at Urd waiting for further orders, but after a few seconds, there was something different in his eyes. His eyes began to scan the room, while his stupid expression disappeared to be replaced by an expression of curiosity.

Kenji stayed still for a moment as the image of Urd was dissolved and tried to keep it in his memory. Then turned around to look at Keiichi. He had been mute witness, and now asked him.

- So you are really determined to reveal all?, The people at Chiba already know too much, but now you are planning to speak to people all around the world and tell them... That the gods exist, but they are not the gods they believe in.!

- This is correct, Keiichi. I am determined. All my life I have worked to gain knowledge and spread it. I shall not begin to hide it.

- But this is much more than giving out a medicine ... "I..." I had never really thought about this. I have been so happy with Belldandy, that I've forgotten how strange and incomprehensible it can be for other people. Several times friends and acquaintances at the university have been witnesses of the goddesses magic, but they preferred to pretend that they had seen nothing. Now I can understand, we can prefer to be blind to strange events, if they go against our logic. And now you plan to change all that. - Keiichi was thoughtful and his face showed his own doubts.

- Keiichi, you are extremely mature for your age. You are right. People prefer to reject what they cannot understand. But we cannot keep the truth hidden. It's much worse to discover that you have lived in ignorance.

Keiichi looked at the man. As a Japanese, respect for his seniors was deeply rooted in him, so he had a hard time daring question Dr Shugahara. He straightened and used a formal tone.

- Sensei, I'm just an engineering student, I am not a scholar nor a scientist like you. But I have lived with ordinary people and I have fear for them, I wish you could think more about this.

Shugahara smiled at this young man who spoke in all sincerity: - Keiichi, thanks for telling me your thoughts. I really know about ordinary people, and I also have fear, but even so, I cannot back down. Therefore I ask you and Sentaro to be with me. You will be my conscience, my heart and my eyes if I become blind to all this. I trust you.

Keiichi laughed nervously and scratched his head, trying to find the words, finally said.

- We'll be together. We are the order of mortal knights, and nothing will separate us.

The two men face each other and then shook hands. Keiichi then remarked with a smile:

- So, if you really want to continue with this, Dr Shugahara, then we must hurry. People are waiting for you outside. Apparently a group of mad scientists from all around the world have a few thousand questions to ask you.

A few minutes later, Dr. Shugahara, Keiichi and Sentaro went out together into the garden of the temple. There they were greeted by a dozen of very tired yet enthusiastic people; most were familiar faces from Chiba University. Shugahara stopped and took a depth breath. The events of the previous day still seemed like a dream. The sun shone in all its intensity, but there was still something of the freshness of the morning. He did not felt tired, but he knew it was due to Urd´s potion. There was so much to do, so he knew he would need them again.

Several colleagues from Chiba University went to meet him cheerfully, and then he saw Dr. Takashi Yoshida,

As he approached to talk with him, Kenji suddenly was shocked ...

Dr Takashi came by the hand of an attractive young woman who came dressed in an outfit almost identical as the one he used. Also their body attitude implied there much more than a friendship between them, but his surprise was greater when discerned the identity of the young woman:

- Ghadril?

As the couple approached him, she dropped Takashi´s hand and acquired a formal pose that left no doubts of her identity, finally when she arrived in front of Shugahara, she placed a knee on the ground, bowed her head and spoke formally.

- Sensei Shugahara. Commander Ghadril, Valkyrie Elite class, is reporting to you. I have been instructed to follow your orders. Until Kamisama or Lind returns or I get orders to return to heaven, you, the three judges are my direct superiors. I await your instructions.

Shugahara could not speak, he stared from Ghadril to Takashi and back. It was Keiichi who reacted first and with a shy voice, replied.

- Hey!, Ghadril, you can get up, you do not need to do that ... - The Valkyrie raised her face in puzzlement, and slowly got up.

Dr Takashi rushed to comment.

- Everything is ready for the WebCast transmission. When you are ready, give us 20 minutes to warn everyone. Our audience covers the whole world and all time zones, they will appreciate that we give them time to react.

Finally recovered, Shugahara thanked Dr Takashi and went face the Valkyrie, an important issue had to be resolved first, he need to think carefully. He knew that thanks to magic, Valkyries could speak his language, but also he had learned that words could be the same, but not the meaning. So he spoke trying to choose his words carefully.

-Commander Ghadril, please correct my if I am wrong. Excluding those mortals who have a contract with gods or demons, the current policy at Hell and Heaven has been to hide the gods and demons existence from humans.

- In general terms, that is correct, in practice it´s more complex. There is a treaty that allows a certain flexibility- She looked around - That is how Lind was able to temporary reveal ourselves to so many mortals.

- Temporary?- said Shugahara puzzled, then continued- Ghadril, what happens when mortals accidentally learn the truth about gods or demons?

- A special team is sent. Usually it is part of Valkyries duty. I myself have been part of the cleaning squad and had to contain several instances of leaks.

- What is your opinion now that so many mortals have knowledge about the gods... err... temporarily?.

Without hesitation Ghadril answered:

- Lind agreed that a small group of mortals would learn about us, but she expected that their memories would be erased after their services would no longer be necessary.

Shugahara gulped, he had not expected an answer so direct, but he was her superior so she spoke in all truth, then he thought for a moment and continued.

- I am planning to publicize the existence of gods and demons to the whole world, does it enters into conflict with your instructions?

Despite her impassive demeanor, Ghadril could not help but show some surprise, she looked into Dr Shugahara´s eyes and became convinced of his sincerity and his will to do it, then spoke slowly.

- That is... affirmative, that goes completely against my current orders

- Ghadril, I need to do it, please, I am not speaking as your superior, but as a friend. I need your help.

The impassive Valkyrie softened her gaze. To be called friend by one of the judges was a great honor. She bowed at Shugahara and with a gently tone, that contrasted with her previous attitude explained:

- You, the judges, are now my superiors, so you now have the authority on earth to give me a counter order before I proceed. I do not wish to erase your memories nor Takashi´s memories, they are precious to me. I have a duty, so If you are really going to do it, please give the counter-order.

Shugahara breathed relieved, he had feared a major conflict with the Valkyrie, despite Urd´s words.

- Very well then. My new orders are that the previous policy of concealment is suspended. I invoke my authority on you as a judge.

Ghadril looked ant Dr Takashi and allow the shadow of a smile, then look to Shugahara, bowed before him and simply said:

- I accept your new orders. Now I await further commands.

- thank you commander Ghadril. Now, I will need your help. I'm glad you are wearing mortal clothes today, they will call less attention to you. But soon we are going to make a web broadcast to many mortals around the world, so I ask you to use your uniform again, and stay ready, maybe I will ask you to perform any demonstration of your powers.

Before anyone could react, Ghadril nodded again, and without any hesitation, she dissolved her clothes and then reintegrated them into her usual combat uniform. The goddess was magnificent in her uniform, but that did not erase her temporary state from everyone's mind. The goddess slowly looked around, even she could see that all the men around her were petrified, yet she could not understand the reason. She looked at Dr Shugahara in search of an answer and asked in a formal tone:

- Is there a problem?, Or do you prefer dress uniform, I can change it easily - she lifted her hand to proceed, but an alarmed Shugahara stopped her.

- No!, wait …! - Shugahara gulped nervous trying to think how to explain the situation to the Valkyrie - Ghadril, huh!. As the next order, I will ask you not to change your clothes in public. The lack of clothing in our culture is considered a private act or part of the intimacy of a couple and it is considered inappropriate in public.

Ghadril quietly heard her new orders. She had seen many cultures, so the order made sense to her.

- Sensei Shugahara, I understand and will abide your orders, I will learn more about your culture to prevent further violations of your customs - then slowly turned towards Takashi and with a respectful bow told him: - Takashi-san, from now on, I will reserve the absence of clothes for you, I am deeply sorry if my previous behavior was inappropriate. -

As was reported later in some blogs, Dr Takashi Yoshida´s face took a long time to regain his habitual colorimetry. The congratulations from his colleagues contributed to the delay.

Hervieux Adlène walked aimlessly through the halls of the main building at CERN. He went by ignoring his colleague's greetings. That was not really surprising. Everywhere around the building, groups of people were heatedly discussing what they had seen. They knew it was just the tip of greater disclosure and some people preferred to be lonely thinking about the issue, so it seem natural if he just walk and walk thinking. Everyone had plenty to think about. Adléne was a grown man, about 52 years old, his French accent had a curious intonation that a trained ear could recognize he didn´t came from mainland France but from " the colonies" as some say still insist to say. He was a veteran of CERN, his face showed some toughness that suggested he had gone through difficult situations and maybe there was a hint of bitterness. His slow gait suggested a meticulous person with little patience for those who disagreed with him.

He saw with a distant air discussions and speculation running through all departments of the building, especially since the "runs" were suspended. Virtually all the staff was free, only those attending to the large supercomputer were working, while the giant machine devoured billions of numbers for the second, product of previous experiments.

Adlène's thoughts were very different from those his fellow colleagues. He felt a deep fear in his heart due to the previous revelations. His religious beliefs were now in deep conflict, and he wasn´t sure which way he need to go. And he was torn apart between two loyalties. He was almost completely devoted to the community of his colleagues in science, and this place was almost home for him, he had help to build it. But his congregation also required loyalty. People in his village had made sacrifices so that he managed to attend college and eventually came to this place. He had tried to correspond as best as possible, but knew that his people expected still more from him. And this was the circumstances, when the loyalty to his people had to be paid. If it was true what they had told him, with that knowledge the powerful countries would be much more powerful and his own people ... could disappear in an instant.

He was aware that people around him, his colleagues, would never seek to hurt his people, but he did not trust politicians. A few years before, his angry letters demanding that governments fulfill their commitments to treaties with his people had resulted in an arrest and a year in jail. He had been accused of nothing less than terrorism, and just because he wrote some letters.

Terrorist! If he really wished, he could do more harm than any of these so called terrorists ... His anger began to grow as he recalled his ignominious arrest, only his position at the prestigious CERN as a scientist and the support from the authorities at the center, had allowed him to be released from jail, but that did not prevent his anger. Had he been an ordinary person he would not be free.

He kept walking up and down the corridors of the center. Suddenly he saw a familiar figure. A slim and petite girl, walking along a stocky gunman. Yes!, that was the young girl that professor Nambu had mentioned. Suddenly he had an idea, then tried to remember ... What was her name?

- Hey!, Excuse me Mademoiselle ... I Forgot your name.

Jenny turned to see the newcomer with an intense curiosity and replied kindly, she was fascinated with the list of personalities that she had found around the place.

- There is no problem, I'm Jenny Rosenthal from the Argonne National Laboratory.

- Yes that's it, you're the girl that was introduced by Professor Nambu. It is a pleasure to meet you, I'm the Doctor Adlène Hervieux and I…

Jenny opened her eyes excited!.

- Yes, I know you. You are in charge of the experiment LHCf. I have read every article for your group, I find it so fascinating; I am delighted to meet you. I hope we have the chance to discuss your work; there are many aspects that I would like to know more thoroughly.

Hervieux looked surprised at the girl. He did not expect to find someone with so much passion about his own work. He gulped nervously, but decided it was not the time to feel guilty.

- It´s a pleasure to meet you. I hope to know more about your own work. From professor Nambu words, it seems to be very impressive, but I guess you cannot tell anything until it gets published.

Jenny looked nervously at her guardian and he negated with his head.

- I am sorry, but I have been asked not to mention any of this ahead of time.

- It's a shame, but I would ask a favor, could I take a picture with you.

- with me?, but you are a renowned scientist. Why me?

- In some ways I'm just a bureaucrat of science that only makes some routine work. But you, you will be famous and it will be an honor for me to have a photograph with you.

Sergeant Valois interrupted.

- Mademoiselle Rosenthal, I think it is not appropriate - and added a few hurried words in French to the man.

But Jenny was delighted: - I am sure that nothing wrong can happen. For me it would be an honor to have a picture along Dr. Hervieux.

Sergeant Valois doubted but finally nodded, this was a famous scientist and she seemed so pleased.

Dr. Hervieux pulled out his cell phone and instructed Sergeant Valois to take the picture, finally he stood beside the girl and put his arm over her shoulder. She felt nervous and delighted. For her, he was the celebrity, and barely noticed when the picture was taken. Finally the sergeant handed the phone to Dr Hervieux. After a brief farewell, Jenny retired while she tried to explain the work of Dr. Hervieux to Sergeant Valois. The sergeant laughed merrily at his inability to understand barely any word from the explanation of the young enthusiast.

Dr. Hervieux leaned against the wall and could not avoid a chill, a cold sweat came over him and he felt nauseous, but finally made his decision, slowly, almost like a robot, he went to his cubicle, turned on his personal computer, seeking information he had received, and began to type furiously. After an hour, he reviewed his work, then took his cell phone to downloaded Jenny´s picture form it and append it to the file. Once completed, he proceeded to compress and encrypt all files with a military-grade algorithm. Then he looked at his e-mail and skillfully extracted some numbers that came scattered on a family letter. The numbers were an IP address and a password to access a server in China, probably it had been hacked by his people and he knew it would be impossible to trace. He used an old-fashioned ftp client to connect to the server and uploaded the file, then waited a few minutes more. Finally he proceeded to delete all the files on his computer, and after that, started to run a routine to completely erase the hard drive. He looked unflinching at the screen as the routine filled slowly his hard drive with rows of zeros and ones, to overwrite any files that could still existed there. About an hour later, the routine reported his hard drive was unrecoverable, so he reached out and grabbed the phone on his desk.

Slowly and deliberately began to dial a number, a female voice answered.

- I am the personal secretary of the CEO, what I can do for you.

The man smiled bitterly, and breathed slowly.

- I'm the Doctor Adlène Hervieux, currently in charge of the LHCf experiment. I need to speak immediately with the general director Esbardo Amallad.

- I think it will be impossible, you know that we are in a critical situation and the director Amallad is very busy. Is it possible that you can postpone your call?

- Impossible, is related to the current crisis Please tell him...- he felt weak, but son recovered- Please tell him that I have a confession to make ...

End of Chapter XXIV

Comments:

- I thank to Howard Shore for his magnificent music: "The Lord of the Rings - Complete Symphony". He provided me with inspiration to write this chapter

LHCf: Stands for Large Hadron Collider forward

ftp client: Stands for File Transfer Protocol, it´s one of the oldest way´s to send a file to a server and it´s really not the safest way to do it...