Chapter Two: Quest of the Gods
Taiho Shichau Zo!(You're Under Arrest!)Is copyrighted to Kosuke Fujishima.
Dan heeded the Crystal Palace's advice. Fortunately, the members of GMT-1 were willing to give the moral support that he needed. Taking turns, they spent most of the time talking about his world, holding hands and held him in their arms. By nightfall he was exhausted and fell fast asleep.
The next day, Dan awoke to a soft query made by Belldandy. He sat up in bed, then stared at the brown haired goddess. She asked him if he'd like breakfast, to which he just nodded. She smiled, patted his knee while giving him an encouraging smile, then left the room. Dan took this as a queue to slip out of bed and get ready for the day. He had a job to do, after all. He couldn't save Earth from the Lucifer Hawk, and god knows whatever else for that matter, by just lying in bed.
Upon entering the bathroom, he discovered that there was a shower, a small tub that could easily fit two people, a sink and a toilet. There was a small mirror sitting above the sink. On the sink was a bar of soap, an unused comb and some dental hygiene products. He sighed, stripped off his clothes and entered the shower.
As Dan showered, Elinor walked down to the first floor. There she found Belldandy making an honest to goodness meal for them. Elinor blinked, then smiled apologetically.
"You really don't have to do that." She replied. Belldandy blinked, then turned to smile at the Guardsman.
"You can't live on food from the replicator all the time." She grinned.
"Sorry," Elinor shook her head, then smiled. "I wasn't talking about using the replicator. Do you mind if I give you a hand?"
"Ah. I see," Belldandy beamed, then nodded. "Of course you may. Is this for Daniel?"
"Its for my team," Elinor shrugged, then grinned sheepishly. "Its for him, too."
Belldandy smiled.
Twenty minutes later, Dan and Edith walked into the kitchen. Dan looked concerned and Edith had an arm around his shoulder as she consoled him.
"Problems?" Elinor inquired as Edith lead him to the dining table.
"Hai," Edith sighed, then gazed at her, then at Belldandy. "Could you..."
"I can finish this," Belldandy smiled, not looking at Elinor. "Go to him."
Elinor nodded, then left the stove as Dan sat down. Edith sat on his right and wrapped an arm around his right.
"What's up?" She inquired. Edith sighed, then gestured for her to sit. Elinor nodded, sat on Dan's left and gave him a smile.
"Its about my brother," Dan uttered, then shook his head. "My family as a whole, too. Yeah they maybe gone...but...still..."
"I...my parents...passed away before this," Dan mumbled, then looked down at his feet. "My dad passed away in 1995, my mom passed away in 1999. Dad died rather quickly...from cardiac arrest. Mom...died more slowly...from cancer. After that I moved to Texas. My brother lived there after all and I wanted to be closer to him."
They nodded.
"I settled in," Dan muttered, then shook his head. "After that I became lazy. I had goals, I had dreams...but I just kept on putting those goals off because I had a sort of good job at a local movie theater. I made a promise to mom that I'd continue my education. Now...I'm not so sure that promise means anything anymore."
Edith sighed, then blinked when Elinor laid a hand on his arm.
"Don't be so sure about that," Elinor smiled. "I think, if you join Toratotaka, that you'll keep that promise."
"Eh?" Dan uttered "How?"
"Simple," Edith smiled. "Toratotaka will not only give you on the job training, it'll insist that you get a mixture of history and economics...plus whatever you want to make of you're life. If you want to do music, go with that. If you want to study CS...go for it. Toratotaka won't stop you. It's you're life after all."
"Huh." Dan uttered, then crossed his arms. "Do I have to work while I study?"
"Iie." Elinor smiled. "Studying comes first. Job second."
Dan blinked, then grinned. Not a full-blown smile, he was still a little depressed for that, just a grin.
"Sounds good." Dan said, then his face fell slightly. "Still...its kinda hard."
"Why? Elinor asked.
"I...don't have a family here." Dan murmured, and his lips trembled. "No one to turn to."
"That's not entirely true," Edith shook her head. "You do have someone to turn to now, Dan."
"You?" He said hopefully.
"Hai." Elinor nodded. Dan nodded, then sobbed as he wrapped his arms around his chest. The guardsmen leaned over and gave him a hug. As they did, Karen and Lucy walked into the kitchen. They sighed when they saw Dan being consoled by their teammates.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Karen inquired as the rest of GMT-1 sat down at the table.
"Well," Lucy hummed. "You can always count on us, and I don't mean just Elinor and Edith. You have a problem, just talk to anyone of us. We won't bite."
Karen nodded.
"Thanks." Dan uttered. Then another sob, a louder one this time, escaped him. "Gods, you guys are so good to me...reminds me...reminds me of the last time this sort of thing happened."
"Eh?" Karen uttered. "What do you mean?"
"You mean you've been asked by another goddess to save the world?!" Lucy asked.
"Not...really," Dan shook his head. "More like a wish. After that wish was granted I went on this big adventure that lasted for a year and a half. But I really don't want to talk about it just now. It wasn't a terrible experience, mind you. I just don't want to think about it now."
"That's quite alright," Edith smiled while Lucy and Karen got out of their chairs. "Take your time. But sooner or later you're going to have to tell us about that part of your life. But for now...just let all the pain out. We're right here for you, okay?"
"T-thanks," Dan mumbled, then sobbed as the four women brought him into a group hug.
Belldandy glanced back, smiled, then turned back to making their meal.
At that same moment, Katsumi Liquer was sitting in a hotel room in Mega-Tokyo. Her mind was reeling with new information. In her hands was a sheathed short sword. Yesterday she met with Nicole McTavish, her Obaa-sama. The co-owner of Toratotaka had some startling news for Katsumi. She informed Katsumi that a Lucifer Hawk killed her mother, Fuyuka Liquer.
Katsumi knew her mother was a sorceress, but she never thought she would face one of those -monsters-. She asked why her mother fought with that -thing.-
Nicole gave her the answer. Her father, Gigelf Liquer, was a sorcerer and he hunted the Lucifer Hawk down for a living. In 1999, the two of them met during a brief encounter in Tokyo then fell in love. During that encounter she learned of Gigelf's powers and met the Guild.
Her father! A sorcerer!
She knew little about her father, since he died just after she was born. Was he too killed by a Lucifer Hawk? Nicole nodded gravely at that rumination and Katsumi slumped in her chair.
Both of her parents were dead. Was she to follow in their footsteps? Fight those monsters valiantly until she too was killed by a more superior foe? But then, she could be killed by a more terrestrial foe like...a cyberdroid built by GENOM for example.
Sylia's proposal also sent her mind reeling.
She didn't know if she had the heart to fight boomers, or anything else for that matter. Sylia, being Sylia understood her concerns yet was waiting for an answer. Which is why she was sitting on a couch in the middle of the hotel room...thinking things out.
There was a knock on the door.
"Hai?" She called out.
"Room service," A woman called back. Katsumi nodded, then turned to see the door open. Linna, dressed as a steward, pushed a tray into the room. Katsumi glanced at the short sword in her hand, sighed then put it on the end table next to the couch. "Here's your breakfast, ma'am."
"Thanks," Katsumi murmured, then grinned at Linna. "I was wondering when you'd show."
"We're busy this year," Linna said conversationally while handing Katsumi the tray. Of course it was a white lie, for Linna didn't know how busy this hotel really was.
"Ah," Katsumi said as she took the tray from Linna. "Thanks again."
"No problem," Linna replied, then bowed.
"No," Katsumi replied, then winked at her. "I mean it, thanks."
"Of course ma'am," Linna nodded, then smiled as she wheeled her cart around. "Excuse me please."
"See you." Katsumi nodded, then turned her attention towards her meal. In a fifty story apartment complex, Priss, in a soft-suit and Sylia dressed in her street clothes watched Katsumi's surroundings. Priss hummed a bit, then looked to Sylia.
"Why are we looking after her?" Priss asked.
"Simple," Sylia sighed. "There has been a slight increase of dimensional incursions since Katsumi came here last night. They're attracted to her for some reason."
"What type?" Priss asked, her gaze flicked from the screen to her hardsuit that had a curious adaptation on it. First, it had a small tank that was perfect for holding a mercury-like liquid. A thick, insulated hose emerged from the bottom of the tank and was attached to small forearm shield with a manipulator.
"Second class mostly," Sylia sighed. "Megumi-neechan and Chikage has also informed us that a First class Lucifer Hawk is also in the area. They're tracking his movements now."
"Fair enough," Priss sighed, then looked back at her suit. "Are you sure this new B.B 2000 thing will work? This is the first time its been put to use."
"Well," Sylia smiled. "We could use the Gatling Cannon attachment, demo it would be rather unwieldy in closed spaces."
"But not so if we go out," Priss sighed, then looked back at the screen. "Its not like Katsumi's going to stay here forever. She does have a meeting with an ADP bigwig, right? She'll be protected then, right?"
"Hai," Sylia nodded, then gazed at Priss thoughtfully when the singer frowned. "What?"
"Can't that girl, Chikage, look after her?" Priss asked.
"She is," Sylia sighed. "Hiring us is a way to protect a close friend. Chikage-chan can't be in two places at once."
"What does that girl do anyway?" Priss asked.
"Ever heard of the Spiral?" Sylia asked.
"The Wha?" Priss uttered.
"It's a tall spire surrounded by looping rings," Sylia replied. "It's north, northwest of the GENOM tower To most people it's 'The Tower That Never Was'."
"Oh," Priss nodded "Yeah...I've seen that before. So it hasn't been finished?"
"No," Sylia replied "It has."
"Wha," Priss uttered. "What do you mean? It isn't finished. I've seen that...that...incomplete thing dozens of times."
"What you are seeing," Sylia smiled. "Is an illusion. The Spiral has a secret purpose."
"What would that be?" Priss blurted.
"In layman's terms," Sylia hummed "It ensures that the souls of those who died in the Second Kanto Earthquake are at ease with what is going on in the world. From what Chikage tells me...they are very, very concerned about the Lucifer Hawk's presence."
"She can talk with the dead?" Priss asked.
"Hai," Sylia nodded. "She lives at the Spiral which allows her to keep in touch with the undead."
"Weird." Priss blinked, then picked up a can of soda. She took a sip and looked at Sylia. "Next thing I know you'll tell me that those Kuromoroboshi are actually boomers."
"Actually they are." Sylia said idly. Priss sprayed one of the monitors with her beverage. "Priss, be -careful- ! Do you know how much this equipment costs?!"
The day passed smoothly without a Lucifer Hawk showing up on Katsumi's doorstep. This proved to be boring to Priss but it gave Sylia a faintest glimmer of hope that the Lucifer Hawk weren't really interested in Katsumi. At Seven PM, Nene and Linna took over for them. Without a word, Sylia slipped out of the room. This caused some speculation between the girls. But that was lost when Priss slipped on a reddish brown wig. Linna wondered if Priss would be cordial enough to be a waitress. Nene snorted and commented that the ape-woman couldn't be cordial if she tried. Priss fumed, much to the delight of her teammates.
At that same moment, Dan was soaking in a medium sized tub of hot water. Physically, Dan looked like a mess. His eyes were red and his face was slightly blotchy. He had spent most of the day crying his eyes out over the loss of his co-workers, family and friends. Mentally, he was spent. Didn't feel like crying anymore. All he wanted now was to put his mind at ease, to relax. Fortunately, the heat and the steam-laden air from the bath were doing just that.
Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Dan asked who it was and smiled when Elinor answered back. She asked if she could enter his bathroom and Dan pondered about that for a moment. He shrugged, said it was okay and was treated with the sight of Elinor in a black housecoat and a towel wrapped around her head.
"Good evening." She murmured.
"Evening," Dan nodded, then gazed at her. "What's up?"
"I was wondering if I could join you." Elinor smiled. Dan blushed unconsciously
"If that's a problem, I can leave."
"No," Dan replied. "You can stay."
"Thank you," Elinor smiled and pulled off the towel on top of her head. Her damp hair fell to her shoulders as she folded up the towel. "I have to let you know that I've bathed already."
"I can tell," Dan replied. She plucked the bifocals off of the bridge of her nose and put them next to the towel. She untied the tie and slipped her bathrobe off of her imposing frame. Dan swallowed as he took in the beautiful visage that stood before him. Elinor was tall, about six foot seven or so, and she had smooth, unblemished pale skin. She had sleek, well-defined arms and legs, not to mention a pair of full breasts and firm buttocks.
Elinor nodded, then slipped into the tub. She relaxed against its tiled walls, then smiled at Dan's reaction at the sight of her body. He was blushing from head to toe and he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Elinor smiled, got up then sat down next to him. Dan swallowed audibly, which caused the Guardsman to chuckle. She held out her right arm, looked at him and grinned at him.
"Touch it," Elinor murmured. Dan gaped at her, which caused her chuckle once more. "Go on Dan, touch my arm. I'm not going to bite you."
Dan gazed at her for a moment, turned and slowly laid his left hand on her arm. He ran his fingers across her triceps, then found himself caressing her right bicep. He did so for a half a minute, then stopped before he pressed matters further. She was being friendly and he didn't want to take advantage of that.
She draped the same arm across his shoulder.
"Well," She purred, her Scottish accent becoming a little thicker. "Was that so bad, Dan?"
"Not really," Dan muttered, then absently rubbed his cheek. "Gah. I haven't shaven for a few days. I must look terrible."
"No," Elinor murmured. "You look rather manly with that two day beard, Dan."
"Mm," Dan murmured "How can I look so manly if I'm just skin and bones?"
"You need to eat more," Elinor mused, then nodded. "Thankfully you seem to be willing to eat everything on your plate. Do you eat Beef by any chance?"
"Once in a while," Dan said, then sighed. "After my father died of a heart attack my family switched to chicken and pork as a replacement."
"Have you tried fish?" She asked. "They're a good source of protein, too."
"No," Dan replied. "Mom didn't like the smell of fish."
"Ah," Elinor nodded at that, then stared at Dan. "Lucy and Karen went to visit the commander and heavy weapons officer of GMT-3. So we have the apartment all to ourselves, Dan."
"Oh?" He uttered.
There was a knock and Dan hummed who it was. Edith, wearing a housecoat, opened the door opened the door and strolled into the bathroom. She slipped the garment off of her frame. Dan noted that Edith was just as attractive as her commander. She slipped into the water and gazed at them.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Spent." Dan muttered.
"Understandable," Edith nodded, then grinned at her commander. "Claiming him already are we?"
"Too early for that, Edith." Elinor shrugged.
"I hear you." Edith smiled. "Though I must confess you have wonderful taste."
"I wonder," Elinor hummed. "If your taste in men is as good as mine?"
"Oh I think so," Edith growled. "I, for one, like handsome young men who open and honest with themselves. Of course I also like sexy, silver haired women who can cook up a storm, reads for hours and hours, but is willing to sit in front of a computer and surf the net for an hour or two."
"Hm," Elinor smirked. "I really don't know who you're talking about. You must introduce me to her sometime."
"Look in the mirror next time," Edith said sweetly. "You'll meet her then, love."
"Well," Elinor grinned, then winked. "I'd love to introduce you to a woman that loves to get her hands dirty while gardening, works on computers and listens to classical music."
"Love to meet her." Edith said, then looked longingly into Elinor's eyes. Dan blinked then nodded.
"I can leave," Dan offered. "If you want."
"No," Elinor shook her head. "Please stay."
"Hai," Edith nodded "You remind us of someone we know as well."
"Oh?" Dan asked.
"Yeah," Edith nodded "He's quite tall, good looking and very emotional."
"He's also into Anime," Elinor smiled. "He's curious about computers, willing to give his education a second chance."
"He's also attracted to muscular women as well." Edith added, then winked at Dan.
"Flirting are we?" He smiled. They looked at each other, then back at him.
"Oh?!" They uttered, then chimed. "Kettle calling the pot black?"
Dan blinked, then smiled apologetically at them. They grinned, stood up and then offered their hands. Dan blinked then took their hands. They brought him to his feet, then drew him out of the bath. The trio dried off, then walked into Dan's bedroom.
"So, what now?" Dan wondered. Edith smiled and draped an arm over his shoulder.
"Well," She hummed, then suggested "We could get to know each other a little better?"
Okay," Dan sighed, then grinned. "Where do we start?"
"We'll start out slow," Edith said, then smiled as Elinor drew back the covers and propped up the pillows. "Like holding hands, hugging and tender caresses."
Dan blinked, then blushed as Elinor sat down on the right side of the bed.
"W-Well," Dan stammered, then smiled. "I guess it's all right. Its not like I have a girlfriend or anything."
Elinor grinned as Edith led Dan to the other side of the bed.
* * *
9:00PM. December 20, 2032AD.
Nerima, Greenwood Apartments.
Headlights flicker off as A chrome-black sports coupe pulls up alongside a 2030 Harley Davidson. The driver cut the engine, then stepped out of the vehicle and stared at the one story bungalow. She was medium in height, had blue eyes and jet-black hair pulled into a ponytail. A small sports bag was draped over her shoulder. She was dressed in a heavy turtleneck sweater, an ankle length skirt, brown boots and a black gabardine jacket.
"I didn't know Kaneko-san had a '30 Cruiser," Her passenger mused, then sighed as they retrieved a pair of sports bags from the back. The coupe's driver stared at her. The passenger was slightly shorter than her, had neck length brown hair, brown eyes and was dressed in a dark jeans, a tan sweater, and a black bomber jacket and sneakers. "Did you know, Miyuki-san?"
"Hai Natsumi-san," Miyuki nodded to her passenger, then gave it the once over. "Its still in good shape, I see. Still has a good coat of wax on it too. Wonder if she wants any customization on it? You know...for work and leisure."
"There you go again!" Natsumi sighed in exasperation, then shook her head. "We're here to visit...not to talk her into buying expensive modifications, Miyuki."
"They won't be expensive," Miyuki shook her head, then gazed back at the Hog. "Just a few tweaks to her engine, that's all."
"You're hopeless," Natsumi sighed, smiled, then cocked her head. "Well if you want to bore her to death then go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you."
"Un," Miyuki nodded to her friend co-worker, she hummed, then walked up the front door. "Strange. Yoriko-san isn't here yet. She's always the first one to come to our gatherings. I wonder if anything's wrong."
"Don't count her out," Natsumi dismissively, then gazed at Miyuki. "She's probably caught up in traffic that's all. What about Aoi-chan?"
"She said she's not going to show," Miyuki admitted, then knocked on the door. "She's spending the night with a male escort. It struck me odd at first. I mean Aoi-chan is a police officer after all. Demo, she has needs as much as we do, Natsumi-san."
"I...see." Natsumi stuttered. She really didn't know how to respond to that.
"Hard to swallow, ne?" Miyuki hummed compassionately, then smiled when a brunette answered the door. "Good evening Kaneko-san!"
"Good evening minna," Kaneko smiled, then waved them in. "Come on in. I've already got two bags of popcorn in the microwave. Do you have the DVDs, Natsumi?"
"You better believe it," Natsumi smiled at Kaneko as they entered her abode. "I've even got a rare 'Replicants Live' DVD too on hand. Interested?"
"Sure." Kaneko nodded to Natsumi, slid open a closet door, then helped them with their coats and put their bags down on the floor. "Yoriko called a few minutes earlier. She says she won't be able to make it."
"Doshite?" Miyuki and Nastumi inquired.
"There a boomer rampage in district three," Kaneko nods, then shook her head. "Our Captain needed her and some others to block of a few roads redirect traffic."
"I see," Natsumi sighed, then slipped off her shoes. "I hope she makes it through this one. ADPOLICE isn't the only one that gets roughed up in a boomer incident."
"Un," Miyuki nodded, looked a bit pensive, then stared at Kaneko as Natsumi put on a pair of slippers. "Is it a 55C or a prototype, Kaneko-san?"
"Standard 55C from what I've heard," Kaneko nodded, then sighed. "But from what I hear, Leon-Kicho is going to try to make short work of him with a pair of K suits and a few traps in the area."
"I'm not surprised," Miyuki nodded, slipped off her shoes, and then slipped on a pair of slippers. "Given the fact that the first production model massacred Daley-Kicho's Mobile Unit in September."
"Un," Kaneko nodded at that, then angled a thumb at her living room. "I've got a police scrambler here. Want to listen in?"
"Uh..." Miyuki and Nastumi chorused, stared at each other, then shook their heads. "Iie."
"Very well," Kaneko smiled, then angled a thumb at the living room. "Come on in. I'll be right back with some refreshments."
Kaneko strode off, then rounded a corner into a kitchenette. Her co-workers
walked in, sat down and then stretched there arms and legs. After the stretch, Natsumi gazed at Miyuki.
"So what do you think of my cruiser, Miyuki-san?" Kaneko called out.
"Eh?" Miyuki uttered, then smiled. "Well, its in great physical condition. How's it running?"
"Thanks," Kaneko grinned, then walked in to the room. A couple of soda bottles were in on hand. A bowl of popcorn was in the other. "She's running fine by the way. She's only two years old, so all she really needs is a regular tune up and the right mix of fluids."
"Do you have a professional do that?" Miyuki wondered as she took the cans
from her hostess.
"Iie," Kaneko smiles, then nods as Miyuki handed a can to Natsumi. "I do it myself."
"Soo ka," Miyuki nodded, then winked at Kaneko. "Let me know if you want any tips to increase your bikes performance, ne?"
"What did I tell you," Natsumi grinned, then shrugged. "Ah well, at least you two will have something to talk about."
"That's not true," Kaneko smiled, put the bowl down, then sat opposite of her guests. "I'd love to hear stories about you're mother and father, Natsumi."
"Really," Natsumi blinked, then smiled at Kaneko. "That'll be cool. If Miyuki doesn't mind."
"I don't have a problem with it." Miyuki smiles. "I wouldn't mind hearing some of them myself. Seeing as how some of her attacks saved the day a few times."
Natsumi blinked, then grinned at Miyuki. Miyuki returned the smile, then reached over to squeeze Natsumi's shoulder. Seeing this, Kaneko smiles then gestures to the entertainment center.
"Shall we get this party started, then?" Kaneko asked, then grinned when her guests nodded. "Alright! What shall we watch first?!"
* * *
Dan's guest apartment, 11:30PM.
It was a cold wintry night, but the inhabitants of apartment Twenty Two B paid no mind. Their thoughts were elsewhere.
"Wow," Dan gasped as Elinor slipped off of him. He blearily gazed at her. Her hair was limp, and she was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. She felt his eyes
upon her and weakly grinned at Dan. "So that's what its like, eh?"
"Hai," The captain of GMT-1 nodded, then lay next to him. "Was that...your first time, Dan?"
"Hai," Dan nodded to Elinor, then pecked her cheek. "Wish I would have done it sooner. Felt great."
"Is that so," Edith called out from the bathroom, then sashayed into the bedroom. "Then may I ask if you want another go at it? I want to do something special for you, love."
"Well..." Dan uttered, thought for a moment, then nodded to her. "I guess that would be all right."
"Okay," Edith nodded, then climbed onto the bed. "Now I want you to relax. This won't work if you're tense and all."
"Eh?" Dan uttered, sat up, then gazed stared at her. "What are you going to do?"
"Oh," She hummed, then knelt in front of him. "You'll find out in a moment."
"Eh?" Dan blinked at Edith's answer, then gasped as he felt a silky sensation between his legs. "E...Edith! Y-you don't have to do that, you know!"
"That looks like fun," Elinor sat up, then wrapped her muscular arms around his chest and his right arm. "I think I'll help her by keeping you in place."
"Oh Elinor," Dan moaned, reached up with his left hand, then began to paw Elinor's cheek. "This is putting me over the edge. I'm not so sure if I can take it."
"I think you can," Elinor nodded, seized his hand in her left, then popped his index finger into her mouth.
"What are you doing?" Dan murmured as she sucked on his digit.
"Nothing much," Elinor hummed, slipped his finger out of her mouth, then began to paw his cheek. "Just cleaning the vaginal discharge off of your index finger."
Moments later, Edith came up for air and wiped her mouth off. She gazed at Dan, then nodded at his 'predicament'.
"You look comfortable," She hummed, then grinned. "Do strong muscular limbs turn you on?"
"Not just that," He sighed, kissed Elinor's neck, then groaned. "It's the mere thought of being surrounded by that's driving me up the wall.
"Soo ka," Edith nodded, then gazed at Elinor. "So that's why his love rod was standing at attention for the last minute or so."
"I wouldn't know," Elinor shrugged, then nodded. "I was busy cleaning his finger off."
"I see," Edith grinned, shifted her body off of his legs, sat up, then straddled his thighs. "Well then...I think its time we turned up the heat a bit, don't you think?"
"But Edith," Dan muttered, then sighed. "We've already done that, you know."
"That she did," Edith said airily, then smiled hungrily at him. "But she just gave your merchandise a test drive. I think its time we gave it the endurance test. What do you think?"
"Okay," Dan sighed, then saw the hungry look in Edith's eyes. "I may regret this."
Laughter filled the room, but was quickly replaced by moans and sighs...
At that same moment, Lucy and her friend was relaxing in apartment Twenty Two B's living room. Lucy was sitting cross-legged on the floor. She was trying to read a novel. But the heavy weapons specialist of GMT-1 couldn't concentrate, not with the sounds of passionate lovemaking echoing down a flight of steps.
Her friend took notice then sighed at her discomfiture.
"Do you want to join them?" Her friend inquired. "I wouldn't mind if you did Lucy. I know you care about him."
Lucy gazed at her friend. She was a muscular, dark haired woman dressed in a milk white hooded kimono. She was sitting in seiza on the floor. Balanced on her knees was a large melee weapon. Next to her knees was a sword maintenance kit. It was now closed.
Just then a deep male voice cried out. Lucy blushed then shook her head.
"No Joyce," Lucy shook her head, then gazed at the speaker. "I think Elinor and Edith are doing a fine job of helping him."
"I see," Joyce hummed, lifted the large melee weapon off of her legs, set it on the table, the then gave Lucy a come-hither look. "Then do you mind giving me a go? I'm done cleaning and sharpening Yamazaki-ken's blade now."
Lucy stared at her, blinked twice, then overtook her in one fell swoop.
"I'll take that as a yes." Joyce murmured softly, then moaned as Lucy fondled her heavy breasts.
The next morning, Dan awoke and found that he was not alone. Elinor was on his left and Edith was on his right. Their arms and legs wrapped around his body. Dan blinked, then used his left hand to shake Elinor awake. Elinor opened her eyes, then smiled at Dan.
"Good morning." She said, then sighed. "Feeling better?"
"Maybe." Dan sighed, then blushed. "I must admit that I did have a good time last night. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Elinor nodded, then untangled herself from Dan's body. She sat up, gazed at Edith then nudged her friend awake. "Come on, lass. Time to face the day."
Edith snuggled closer to Dan, pressing her breasts up against his back. She sighed, then laid her head on his shoulder.
"G'morning love," She purred then kissed his cheek. "Time to get up."
"Yeah." Dan nodded, and sighed when Edith unwrapped her arms from his torso. He sat up and watched Elinor and Edith slip on their housecoats. He let out a noisy breath, then smiled as they handed him a housecoat of his own. He stood up, slipped it on and tied a knot in its belt. Just then, someone knocked on the door and Elinor strolled up to answer it. She opened the door and allowed Belldandy to enter.
"Good morning," She said, then smiled. "Sleep well?"
"Morning." Dan smiled, shrugged then nodded to Elinor and Edith. "Yeah, I slept well. Thanks to them, that is."
"Heh," Edith said, then nudged him with her elbow. "We did more than just sleep, Dan."
Belldandy blinked, then blushed at Edith's admission.
"I...see," She murmured, sighed then then smiled. "I've started breakfast. It should be ready in thirty minutes."
"All right," Elinor nodded to her. "We'll be ready. All we need is a quick shower."
"Good," She nodded, turned then smiled at Dan. "Its good to see you smile, Dan. Excuse me please."
"Thanks." Dan nodded, then reached out toward her. "Belldandy?"
"Yes?" she said, then blinked at Dan. "What is it?"
"I..." Dan uttered, then grimaced. "Don't really know what you want me to do."
"Your task," She said, then sighed. "Is to stop a mass invasion from Nemesis. IF they do invade...all hope...for this civilization is lost. Wakaru?"
Elinor hummed at this revelation, then looked at Edith who whistled.
Dan blinked, thanked her with a nod and told her that he would do his best to do so.
"Ganbatte." Belldandy smiled, then left the room.
"Damn," Dan sighed, then looked a little beat. "That's not gonna be easy."
"You can say that again." Edith hummed, then gazed at Dan. "What are you going to do, Dan?"
"Dunno," He uttered, slouched over to the bed, leaned forward, then fell face first on the comfortable box spring bed. "I just dunno."
Edith and Elinor sighed, then sat next to him.
"Its all right," Elinor soothed, leaned forward, then began to tussle his curly hair. "I'm sure you'll come up with something."
"I'd better," Dan sighed, then groaned. "Or we're all in a world of hurt."
Elinor and Edith nodded.
End Chapter Two.
Taiho Shichau Zo!(You're Under Arrest!)Is copyrighted to Kosuke Fujishima.
Dan heeded the Crystal Palace's advice. Fortunately, the members of GMT-1 were willing to give the moral support that he needed. Taking turns, they spent most of the time talking about his world, holding hands and held him in their arms. By nightfall he was exhausted and fell fast asleep.
The next day, Dan awoke to a soft query made by Belldandy. He sat up in bed, then stared at the brown haired goddess. She asked him if he'd like breakfast, to which he just nodded. She smiled, patted his knee while giving him an encouraging smile, then left the room. Dan took this as a queue to slip out of bed and get ready for the day. He had a job to do, after all. He couldn't save Earth from the Lucifer Hawk, and god knows whatever else for that matter, by just lying in bed.
Upon entering the bathroom, he discovered that there was a shower, a small tub that could easily fit two people, a sink and a toilet. There was a small mirror sitting above the sink. On the sink was a bar of soap, an unused comb and some dental hygiene products. He sighed, stripped off his clothes and entered the shower.
As Dan showered, Elinor walked down to the first floor. There she found Belldandy making an honest to goodness meal for them. Elinor blinked, then smiled apologetically.
"You really don't have to do that." She replied. Belldandy blinked, then turned to smile at the Guardsman.
"You can't live on food from the replicator all the time." She grinned.
"Sorry," Elinor shook her head, then smiled. "I wasn't talking about using the replicator. Do you mind if I give you a hand?"
"Ah. I see," Belldandy beamed, then nodded. "Of course you may. Is this for Daniel?"
"Its for my team," Elinor shrugged, then grinned sheepishly. "Its for him, too."
Belldandy smiled.
Twenty minutes later, Dan and Edith walked into the kitchen. Dan looked concerned and Edith had an arm around his shoulder as she consoled him.
"Problems?" Elinor inquired as Edith lead him to the dining table.
"Hai," Edith sighed, then gazed at her, then at Belldandy. "Could you..."
"I can finish this," Belldandy smiled, not looking at Elinor. "Go to him."
Elinor nodded, then left the stove as Dan sat down. Edith sat on his right and wrapped an arm around his right.
"What's up?" She inquired. Edith sighed, then gestured for her to sit. Elinor nodded, sat on Dan's left and gave him a smile.
"Its about my brother," Dan uttered, then shook his head. "My family as a whole, too. Yeah they maybe gone...but...still..."
"I...my parents...passed away before this," Dan mumbled, then looked down at his feet. "My dad passed away in 1995, my mom passed away in 1999. Dad died rather quickly...from cardiac arrest. Mom...died more slowly...from cancer. After that I moved to Texas. My brother lived there after all and I wanted to be closer to him."
They nodded.
"I settled in," Dan muttered, then shook his head. "After that I became lazy. I had goals, I had dreams...but I just kept on putting those goals off because I had a sort of good job at a local movie theater. I made a promise to mom that I'd continue my education. Now...I'm not so sure that promise means anything anymore."
Edith sighed, then blinked when Elinor laid a hand on his arm.
"Don't be so sure about that," Elinor smiled. "I think, if you join Toratotaka, that you'll keep that promise."
"Eh?" Dan uttered "How?"
"Simple," Edith smiled. "Toratotaka will not only give you on the job training, it'll insist that you get a mixture of history and economics...plus whatever you want to make of you're life. If you want to do music, go with that. If you want to study CS...go for it. Toratotaka won't stop you. It's you're life after all."
"Huh." Dan uttered, then crossed his arms. "Do I have to work while I study?"
"Iie." Elinor smiled. "Studying comes first. Job second."
Dan blinked, then grinned. Not a full-blown smile, he was still a little depressed for that, just a grin.
"Sounds good." Dan said, then his face fell slightly. "Still...its kinda hard."
"Why? Elinor asked.
"I...don't have a family here." Dan murmured, and his lips trembled. "No one to turn to."
"That's not entirely true," Edith shook her head. "You do have someone to turn to now, Dan."
"You?" He said hopefully.
"Hai." Elinor nodded. Dan nodded, then sobbed as he wrapped his arms around his chest. The guardsmen leaned over and gave him a hug. As they did, Karen and Lucy walked into the kitchen. They sighed when they saw Dan being consoled by their teammates.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Karen inquired as the rest of GMT-1 sat down at the table.
"Well," Lucy hummed. "You can always count on us, and I don't mean just Elinor and Edith. You have a problem, just talk to anyone of us. We won't bite."
Karen nodded.
"Thanks." Dan uttered. Then another sob, a louder one this time, escaped him. "Gods, you guys are so good to me...reminds me...reminds me of the last time this sort of thing happened."
"Eh?" Karen uttered. "What do you mean?"
"You mean you've been asked by another goddess to save the world?!" Lucy asked.
"Not...really," Dan shook his head. "More like a wish. After that wish was granted I went on this big adventure that lasted for a year and a half. But I really don't want to talk about it just now. It wasn't a terrible experience, mind you. I just don't want to think about it now."
"That's quite alright," Edith smiled while Lucy and Karen got out of their chairs. "Take your time. But sooner or later you're going to have to tell us about that part of your life. But for now...just let all the pain out. We're right here for you, okay?"
"T-thanks," Dan mumbled, then sobbed as the four women brought him into a group hug.
Belldandy glanced back, smiled, then turned back to making their meal.
At that same moment, Katsumi Liquer was sitting in a hotel room in Mega-Tokyo. Her mind was reeling with new information. In her hands was a sheathed short sword. Yesterday she met with Nicole McTavish, her Obaa-sama. The co-owner of Toratotaka had some startling news for Katsumi. She informed Katsumi that a Lucifer Hawk killed her mother, Fuyuka Liquer.
Katsumi knew her mother was a sorceress, but she never thought she would face one of those -monsters-. She asked why her mother fought with that -thing.-
Nicole gave her the answer. Her father, Gigelf Liquer, was a sorcerer and he hunted the Lucifer Hawk down for a living. In 1999, the two of them met during a brief encounter in Tokyo then fell in love. During that encounter she learned of Gigelf's powers and met the Guild.
Her father! A sorcerer!
She knew little about her father, since he died just after she was born. Was he too killed by a Lucifer Hawk? Nicole nodded gravely at that rumination and Katsumi slumped in her chair.
Both of her parents were dead. Was she to follow in their footsteps? Fight those monsters valiantly until she too was killed by a more superior foe? But then, she could be killed by a more terrestrial foe like...a cyberdroid built by GENOM for example.
Sylia's proposal also sent her mind reeling.
She didn't know if she had the heart to fight boomers, or anything else for that matter. Sylia, being Sylia understood her concerns yet was waiting for an answer. Which is why she was sitting on a couch in the middle of the hotel room...thinking things out.
There was a knock on the door.
"Hai?" She called out.
"Room service," A woman called back. Katsumi nodded, then turned to see the door open. Linna, dressed as a steward, pushed a tray into the room. Katsumi glanced at the short sword in her hand, sighed then put it on the end table next to the couch. "Here's your breakfast, ma'am."
"Thanks," Katsumi murmured, then grinned at Linna. "I was wondering when you'd show."
"We're busy this year," Linna said conversationally while handing Katsumi the tray. Of course it was a white lie, for Linna didn't know how busy this hotel really was.
"Ah," Katsumi said as she took the tray from Linna. "Thanks again."
"No problem," Linna replied, then bowed.
"No," Katsumi replied, then winked at her. "I mean it, thanks."
"Of course ma'am," Linna nodded, then smiled as she wheeled her cart around. "Excuse me please."
"See you." Katsumi nodded, then turned her attention towards her meal. In a fifty story apartment complex, Priss, in a soft-suit and Sylia dressed in her street clothes watched Katsumi's surroundings. Priss hummed a bit, then looked to Sylia.
"Why are we looking after her?" Priss asked.
"Simple," Sylia sighed. "There has been a slight increase of dimensional incursions since Katsumi came here last night. They're attracted to her for some reason."
"What type?" Priss asked, her gaze flicked from the screen to her hardsuit that had a curious adaptation on it. First, it had a small tank that was perfect for holding a mercury-like liquid. A thick, insulated hose emerged from the bottom of the tank and was attached to small forearm shield with a manipulator.
"Second class mostly," Sylia sighed. "Megumi-neechan and Chikage has also informed us that a First class Lucifer Hawk is also in the area. They're tracking his movements now."
"Fair enough," Priss sighed, then looked back at her suit. "Are you sure this new B.B 2000 thing will work? This is the first time its been put to use."
"Well," Sylia smiled. "We could use the Gatling Cannon attachment, demo it would be rather unwieldy in closed spaces."
"But not so if we go out," Priss sighed, then looked back at the screen. "Its not like Katsumi's going to stay here forever. She does have a meeting with an ADP bigwig, right? She'll be protected then, right?"
"Hai," Sylia nodded, then gazed at Priss thoughtfully when the singer frowned. "What?"
"Can't that girl, Chikage, look after her?" Priss asked.
"She is," Sylia sighed. "Hiring us is a way to protect a close friend. Chikage-chan can't be in two places at once."
"What does that girl do anyway?" Priss asked.
"Ever heard of the Spiral?" Sylia asked.
"The Wha?" Priss uttered.
"It's a tall spire surrounded by looping rings," Sylia replied. "It's north, northwest of the GENOM tower To most people it's 'The Tower That Never Was'."
"Oh," Priss nodded "Yeah...I've seen that before. So it hasn't been finished?"
"No," Sylia replied "It has."
"Wha," Priss uttered. "What do you mean? It isn't finished. I've seen that...that...incomplete thing dozens of times."
"What you are seeing," Sylia smiled. "Is an illusion. The Spiral has a secret purpose."
"What would that be?" Priss blurted.
"In layman's terms," Sylia hummed "It ensures that the souls of those who died in the Second Kanto Earthquake are at ease with what is going on in the world. From what Chikage tells me...they are very, very concerned about the Lucifer Hawk's presence."
"She can talk with the dead?" Priss asked.
"Hai," Sylia nodded. "She lives at the Spiral which allows her to keep in touch with the undead."
"Weird." Priss blinked, then picked up a can of soda. She took a sip and looked at Sylia. "Next thing I know you'll tell me that those Kuromoroboshi are actually boomers."
"Actually they are." Sylia said idly. Priss sprayed one of the monitors with her beverage. "Priss, be -careful- ! Do you know how much this equipment costs?!"
The day passed smoothly without a Lucifer Hawk showing up on Katsumi's doorstep. This proved to be boring to Priss but it gave Sylia a faintest glimmer of hope that the Lucifer Hawk weren't really interested in Katsumi. At Seven PM, Nene and Linna took over for them. Without a word, Sylia slipped out of the room. This caused some speculation between the girls. But that was lost when Priss slipped on a reddish brown wig. Linna wondered if Priss would be cordial enough to be a waitress. Nene snorted and commented that the ape-woman couldn't be cordial if she tried. Priss fumed, much to the delight of her teammates.
At that same moment, Dan was soaking in a medium sized tub of hot water. Physically, Dan looked like a mess. His eyes were red and his face was slightly blotchy. He had spent most of the day crying his eyes out over the loss of his co-workers, family and friends. Mentally, he was spent. Didn't feel like crying anymore. All he wanted now was to put his mind at ease, to relax. Fortunately, the heat and the steam-laden air from the bath were doing just that.
Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Dan asked who it was and smiled when Elinor answered back. She asked if she could enter his bathroom and Dan pondered about that for a moment. He shrugged, said it was okay and was treated with the sight of Elinor in a black housecoat and a towel wrapped around her head.
"Good evening." She murmured.
"Evening," Dan nodded, then gazed at her. "What's up?"
"I was wondering if I could join you." Elinor smiled. Dan blushed unconsciously
"If that's a problem, I can leave."
"No," Dan replied. "You can stay."
"Thank you," Elinor smiled and pulled off the towel on top of her head. Her damp hair fell to her shoulders as she folded up the towel. "I have to let you know that I've bathed already."
"I can tell," Dan replied. She plucked the bifocals off of the bridge of her nose and put them next to the towel. She untied the tie and slipped her bathrobe off of her imposing frame. Dan swallowed as he took in the beautiful visage that stood before him. Elinor was tall, about six foot seven or so, and she had smooth, unblemished pale skin. She had sleek, well-defined arms and legs, not to mention a pair of full breasts and firm buttocks.
Elinor nodded, then slipped into the tub. She relaxed against its tiled walls, then smiled at Dan's reaction at the sight of her body. He was blushing from head to toe and he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Elinor smiled, got up then sat down next to him. Dan swallowed audibly, which caused the Guardsman to chuckle. She held out her right arm, looked at him and grinned at him.
"Touch it," Elinor murmured. Dan gaped at her, which caused her chuckle once more. "Go on Dan, touch my arm. I'm not going to bite you."
Dan gazed at her for a moment, turned and slowly laid his left hand on her arm. He ran his fingers across her triceps, then found himself caressing her right bicep. He did so for a half a minute, then stopped before he pressed matters further. She was being friendly and he didn't want to take advantage of that.
She draped the same arm across his shoulder.
"Well," She purred, her Scottish accent becoming a little thicker. "Was that so bad, Dan?"
"Not really," Dan muttered, then absently rubbed his cheek. "Gah. I haven't shaven for a few days. I must look terrible."
"No," Elinor murmured. "You look rather manly with that two day beard, Dan."
"Mm," Dan murmured "How can I look so manly if I'm just skin and bones?"
"You need to eat more," Elinor mused, then nodded. "Thankfully you seem to be willing to eat everything on your plate. Do you eat Beef by any chance?"
"Once in a while," Dan said, then sighed. "After my father died of a heart attack my family switched to chicken and pork as a replacement."
"Have you tried fish?" She asked. "They're a good source of protein, too."
"No," Dan replied. "Mom didn't like the smell of fish."
"Ah," Elinor nodded at that, then stared at Dan. "Lucy and Karen went to visit the commander and heavy weapons officer of GMT-3. So we have the apartment all to ourselves, Dan."
"Oh?" He uttered.
There was a knock and Dan hummed who it was. Edith, wearing a housecoat, opened the door opened the door and strolled into the bathroom. She slipped the garment off of her frame. Dan noted that Edith was just as attractive as her commander. She slipped into the water and gazed at them.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Spent." Dan muttered.
"Understandable," Edith nodded, then grinned at her commander. "Claiming him already are we?"
"Too early for that, Edith." Elinor shrugged.
"I hear you." Edith smiled. "Though I must confess you have wonderful taste."
"I wonder," Elinor hummed. "If your taste in men is as good as mine?"
"Oh I think so," Edith growled. "I, for one, like handsome young men who open and honest with themselves. Of course I also like sexy, silver haired women who can cook up a storm, reads for hours and hours, but is willing to sit in front of a computer and surf the net for an hour or two."
"Hm," Elinor smirked. "I really don't know who you're talking about. You must introduce me to her sometime."
"Look in the mirror next time," Edith said sweetly. "You'll meet her then, love."
"Well," Elinor grinned, then winked. "I'd love to introduce you to a woman that loves to get her hands dirty while gardening, works on computers and listens to classical music."
"Love to meet her." Edith said, then looked longingly into Elinor's eyes. Dan blinked then nodded.
"I can leave," Dan offered. "If you want."
"No," Elinor shook her head. "Please stay."
"Hai," Edith nodded "You remind us of someone we know as well."
"Oh?" Dan asked.
"Yeah," Edith nodded "He's quite tall, good looking and very emotional."
"He's also into Anime," Elinor smiled. "He's curious about computers, willing to give his education a second chance."
"He's also attracted to muscular women as well." Edith added, then winked at Dan.
"Flirting are we?" He smiled. They looked at each other, then back at him.
"Oh?!" They uttered, then chimed. "Kettle calling the pot black?"
Dan blinked, then smiled apologetically at them. They grinned, stood up and then offered their hands. Dan blinked then took their hands. They brought him to his feet, then drew him out of the bath. The trio dried off, then walked into Dan's bedroom.
"So, what now?" Dan wondered. Edith smiled and draped an arm over his shoulder.
"Well," She hummed, then suggested "We could get to know each other a little better?"
Okay," Dan sighed, then grinned. "Where do we start?"
"We'll start out slow," Edith said, then smiled as Elinor drew back the covers and propped up the pillows. "Like holding hands, hugging and tender caresses."
Dan blinked, then blushed as Elinor sat down on the right side of the bed.
"W-Well," Dan stammered, then smiled. "I guess it's all right. Its not like I have a girlfriend or anything."
Elinor grinned as Edith led Dan to the other side of the bed.
* * *
9:00PM. December 20, 2032AD.
Nerima, Greenwood Apartments.
Headlights flicker off as A chrome-black sports coupe pulls up alongside a 2030 Harley Davidson. The driver cut the engine, then stepped out of the vehicle and stared at the one story bungalow. She was medium in height, had blue eyes and jet-black hair pulled into a ponytail. A small sports bag was draped over her shoulder. She was dressed in a heavy turtleneck sweater, an ankle length skirt, brown boots and a black gabardine jacket.
"I didn't know Kaneko-san had a '30 Cruiser," Her passenger mused, then sighed as they retrieved a pair of sports bags from the back. The coupe's driver stared at her. The passenger was slightly shorter than her, had neck length brown hair, brown eyes and was dressed in a dark jeans, a tan sweater, and a black bomber jacket and sneakers. "Did you know, Miyuki-san?"
"Hai Natsumi-san," Miyuki nodded to her passenger, then gave it the once over. "Its still in good shape, I see. Still has a good coat of wax on it too. Wonder if she wants any customization on it? You know...for work and leisure."
"There you go again!" Natsumi sighed in exasperation, then shook her head. "We're here to visit...not to talk her into buying expensive modifications, Miyuki."
"They won't be expensive," Miyuki shook her head, then gazed back at the Hog. "Just a few tweaks to her engine, that's all."
"You're hopeless," Natsumi sighed, smiled, then cocked her head. "Well if you want to bore her to death then go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you."
"Un," Miyuki nodded to her friend co-worker, she hummed, then walked up the front door. "Strange. Yoriko-san isn't here yet. She's always the first one to come to our gatherings. I wonder if anything's wrong."
"Don't count her out," Natsumi dismissively, then gazed at Miyuki. "She's probably caught up in traffic that's all. What about Aoi-chan?"
"She said she's not going to show," Miyuki admitted, then knocked on the door. "She's spending the night with a male escort. It struck me odd at first. I mean Aoi-chan is a police officer after all. Demo, she has needs as much as we do, Natsumi-san."
"I...see." Natsumi stuttered. She really didn't know how to respond to that.
"Hard to swallow, ne?" Miyuki hummed compassionately, then smiled when a brunette answered the door. "Good evening Kaneko-san!"
"Good evening minna," Kaneko smiled, then waved them in. "Come on in. I've already got two bags of popcorn in the microwave. Do you have the DVDs, Natsumi?"
"You better believe it," Natsumi smiled at Kaneko as they entered her abode. "I've even got a rare 'Replicants Live' DVD too on hand. Interested?"
"Sure." Kaneko nodded to Natsumi, slid open a closet door, then helped them with their coats and put their bags down on the floor. "Yoriko called a few minutes earlier. She says she won't be able to make it."
"Doshite?" Miyuki and Nastumi inquired.
"There a boomer rampage in district three," Kaneko nods, then shook her head. "Our Captain needed her and some others to block of a few roads redirect traffic."
"I see," Natsumi sighed, then slipped off her shoes. "I hope she makes it through this one. ADPOLICE isn't the only one that gets roughed up in a boomer incident."
"Un," Miyuki nodded, looked a bit pensive, then stared at Kaneko as Natsumi put on a pair of slippers. "Is it a 55C or a prototype, Kaneko-san?"
"Standard 55C from what I've heard," Kaneko nodded, then sighed. "But from what I hear, Leon-Kicho is going to try to make short work of him with a pair of K suits and a few traps in the area."
"I'm not surprised," Miyuki nodded, slipped off her shoes, and then slipped on a pair of slippers. "Given the fact that the first production model massacred Daley-Kicho's Mobile Unit in September."
"Un," Kaneko nodded at that, then angled a thumb at her living room. "I've got a police scrambler here. Want to listen in?"
"Uh..." Miyuki and Nastumi chorused, stared at each other, then shook their heads. "Iie."
"Very well," Kaneko smiled, then angled a thumb at the living room. "Come on in. I'll be right back with some refreshments."
Kaneko strode off, then rounded a corner into a kitchenette. Her co-workers
walked in, sat down and then stretched there arms and legs. After the stretch, Natsumi gazed at Miyuki.
"So what do you think of my cruiser, Miyuki-san?" Kaneko called out.
"Eh?" Miyuki uttered, then smiled. "Well, its in great physical condition. How's it running?"
"Thanks," Kaneko grinned, then walked in to the room. A couple of soda bottles were in on hand. A bowl of popcorn was in the other. "She's running fine by the way. She's only two years old, so all she really needs is a regular tune up and the right mix of fluids."
"Do you have a professional do that?" Miyuki wondered as she took the cans
from her hostess.
"Iie," Kaneko smiles, then nods as Miyuki handed a can to Natsumi. "I do it myself."
"Soo ka," Miyuki nodded, then winked at Kaneko. "Let me know if you want any tips to increase your bikes performance, ne?"
"What did I tell you," Natsumi grinned, then shrugged. "Ah well, at least you two will have something to talk about."
"That's not true," Kaneko smiled, put the bowl down, then sat opposite of her guests. "I'd love to hear stories about you're mother and father, Natsumi."
"Really," Natsumi blinked, then smiled at Kaneko. "That'll be cool. If Miyuki doesn't mind."
"I don't have a problem with it." Miyuki smiles. "I wouldn't mind hearing some of them myself. Seeing as how some of her attacks saved the day a few times."
Natsumi blinked, then grinned at Miyuki. Miyuki returned the smile, then reached over to squeeze Natsumi's shoulder. Seeing this, Kaneko smiles then gestures to the entertainment center.
"Shall we get this party started, then?" Kaneko asked, then grinned when her guests nodded. "Alright! What shall we watch first?!"
* * *
Dan's guest apartment, 11:30PM.
It was a cold wintry night, but the inhabitants of apartment Twenty Two B paid no mind. Their thoughts were elsewhere.
"Wow," Dan gasped as Elinor slipped off of him. He blearily gazed at her. Her hair was limp, and she was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. She felt his eyes
upon her and weakly grinned at Dan. "So that's what its like, eh?"
"Hai," The captain of GMT-1 nodded, then lay next to him. "Was that...your first time, Dan?"
"Hai," Dan nodded to Elinor, then pecked her cheek. "Wish I would have done it sooner. Felt great."
"Is that so," Edith called out from the bathroom, then sashayed into the bedroom. "Then may I ask if you want another go at it? I want to do something special for you, love."
"Well..." Dan uttered, thought for a moment, then nodded to her. "I guess that would be all right."
"Okay," Edith nodded, then climbed onto the bed. "Now I want you to relax. This won't work if you're tense and all."
"Eh?" Dan uttered, sat up, then gazed stared at her. "What are you going to do?"
"Oh," She hummed, then knelt in front of him. "You'll find out in a moment."
"Eh?" Dan blinked at Edith's answer, then gasped as he felt a silky sensation between his legs. "E...Edith! Y-you don't have to do that, you know!"
"That looks like fun," Elinor sat up, then wrapped her muscular arms around his chest and his right arm. "I think I'll help her by keeping you in place."
"Oh Elinor," Dan moaned, reached up with his left hand, then began to paw Elinor's cheek. "This is putting me over the edge. I'm not so sure if I can take it."
"I think you can," Elinor nodded, seized his hand in her left, then popped his index finger into her mouth.
"What are you doing?" Dan murmured as she sucked on his digit.
"Nothing much," Elinor hummed, slipped his finger out of her mouth, then began to paw his cheek. "Just cleaning the vaginal discharge off of your index finger."
Moments later, Edith came up for air and wiped her mouth off. She gazed at Dan, then nodded at his 'predicament'.
"You look comfortable," She hummed, then grinned. "Do strong muscular limbs turn you on?"
"Not just that," He sighed, kissed Elinor's neck, then groaned. "It's the mere thought of being surrounded by that's driving me up the wall.
"Soo ka," Edith nodded, then gazed at Elinor. "So that's why his love rod was standing at attention for the last minute or so."
"I wouldn't know," Elinor shrugged, then nodded. "I was busy cleaning his finger off."
"I see," Edith grinned, shifted her body off of his legs, sat up, then straddled his thighs. "Well then...I think its time we turned up the heat a bit, don't you think?"
"But Edith," Dan muttered, then sighed. "We've already done that, you know."
"That she did," Edith said airily, then smiled hungrily at him. "But she just gave your merchandise a test drive. I think its time we gave it the endurance test. What do you think?"
"Okay," Dan sighed, then saw the hungry look in Edith's eyes. "I may regret this."
Laughter filled the room, but was quickly replaced by moans and sighs...
At that same moment, Lucy and her friend was relaxing in apartment Twenty Two B's living room. Lucy was sitting cross-legged on the floor. She was trying to read a novel. But the heavy weapons specialist of GMT-1 couldn't concentrate, not with the sounds of passionate lovemaking echoing down a flight of steps.
Her friend took notice then sighed at her discomfiture.
"Do you want to join them?" Her friend inquired. "I wouldn't mind if you did Lucy. I know you care about him."
Lucy gazed at her friend. She was a muscular, dark haired woman dressed in a milk white hooded kimono. She was sitting in seiza on the floor. Balanced on her knees was a large melee weapon. Next to her knees was a sword maintenance kit. It was now closed.
Just then a deep male voice cried out. Lucy blushed then shook her head.
"No Joyce," Lucy shook her head, then gazed at the speaker. "I think Elinor and Edith are doing a fine job of helping him."
"I see," Joyce hummed, lifted the large melee weapon off of her legs, set it on the table, the then gave Lucy a come-hither look. "Then do you mind giving me a go? I'm done cleaning and sharpening Yamazaki-ken's blade now."
Lucy stared at her, blinked twice, then overtook her in one fell swoop.
"I'll take that as a yes." Joyce murmured softly, then moaned as Lucy fondled her heavy breasts.
The next morning, Dan awoke and found that he was not alone. Elinor was on his left and Edith was on his right. Their arms and legs wrapped around his body. Dan blinked, then used his left hand to shake Elinor awake. Elinor opened her eyes, then smiled at Dan.
"Good morning." She said, then sighed. "Feeling better?"
"Maybe." Dan sighed, then blushed. "I must admit that I did have a good time last night. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Elinor nodded, then untangled herself from Dan's body. She sat up, gazed at Edith then nudged her friend awake. "Come on, lass. Time to face the day."
Edith snuggled closer to Dan, pressing her breasts up against his back. She sighed, then laid her head on his shoulder.
"G'morning love," She purred then kissed his cheek. "Time to get up."
"Yeah." Dan nodded, and sighed when Edith unwrapped her arms from his torso. He sat up and watched Elinor and Edith slip on their housecoats. He let out a noisy breath, then smiled as they handed him a housecoat of his own. He stood up, slipped it on and tied a knot in its belt. Just then, someone knocked on the door and Elinor strolled up to answer it. She opened the door and allowed Belldandy to enter.
"Good morning," She said, then smiled. "Sleep well?"
"Morning." Dan smiled, shrugged then nodded to Elinor and Edith. "Yeah, I slept well. Thanks to them, that is."
"Heh," Edith said, then nudged him with her elbow. "We did more than just sleep, Dan."
Belldandy blinked, then blushed at Edith's admission.
"I...see," She murmured, sighed then then smiled. "I've started breakfast. It should be ready in thirty minutes."
"All right," Elinor nodded to her. "We'll be ready. All we need is a quick shower."
"Good," She nodded, turned then smiled at Dan. "Its good to see you smile, Dan. Excuse me please."
"Thanks." Dan nodded, then reached out toward her. "Belldandy?"
"Yes?" she said, then blinked at Dan. "What is it?"
"I..." Dan uttered, then grimaced. "Don't really know what you want me to do."
"Your task," She said, then sighed. "Is to stop a mass invasion from Nemesis. IF they do invade...all hope...for this civilization is lost. Wakaru?"
Elinor hummed at this revelation, then looked at Edith who whistled.
Dan blinked, thanked her with a nod and told her that he would do his best to do so.
"Ganbatte." Belldandy smiled, then left the room.
"Damn," Dan sighed, then looked a little beat. "That's not gonna be easy."
"You can say that again." Edith hummed, then gazed at Dan. "What are you going to do, Dan?"
"Dunno," He uttered, slouched over to the bed, leaned forward, then fell face first on the comfortable box spring bed. "I just dunno."
Edith and Elinor sighed, then sat next to him.
"Its all right," Elinor soothed, leaned forward, then began to tussle his curly hair. "I'm sure you'll come up with something."
"I'd better," Dan sighed, then groaned. "Or we're all in a world of hurt."
Elinor and Edith nodded.
End Chapter Two.