Chapter 10
Angels return
Alarms blared all over the heavens.
"STATUS!" screamed Peorth.
"Yggdrasil still online!" shouted back Chronos. "No sign of any failure!"
"TURN OFF THAT CURSED ALARM!"
Within seconds the alarm was silenced, much to the relief of all around.
"Scan the system." ordered Peorth, "I want to make sure there is no chance of a crash"
"Yes ma'am." Chronos, Erie and X quickly worked their consoles. "There is no sign of any disturbance."
"Except the ringing in my ears." muttered Urd.
Peorth smiled but continued watching the main screen, "Serves you right for trying to drink Misato under the table."
Urd let the comment slide, "Any sign of any disturbances anywhere?"
"No ma'am." came the reply.
Urd looked at Peorth, "Somehow, the 'Angels' just woke up from the dead, and we have no clue where?"
"Ma'am?" Urd and Peorth looked down to see a Class 2 Goddess with a red phone. "I have a call for you Lady Urd."
Urd picked up the phone, "Urd Goddess 2nd Class."
"Knock off the goddess stuff." came a slightly irritated voice. " You know I hate it."
A frown appeared on Urd's face. "If I knew it was you I wouldn't have said it..Mother."
"Why Urd-chan, are you mad at me? Awwww"
"Is there a reason your calling?"
"Yes. I'm assuming you just detected the presence of the Angels?"
"Detected? Are you kidding?!" Urd shivered at the memory, "What about them?"
"I believe I know where they are."
Urd quickly waved Peorth over and press the speaker button on the phone. "Where are they?"
"A cross explosion just wiped out several of my security forces that were about to apprehend the traitor."
Urd eyes widened, "They're in hell?"
"They are. And I'd appreciate it if you could send someone to get rid of them."
Urd glanced at Peorth who nodded, "Of course we will. We're recalling the Guardians from Terra 2 right now."
"Thank you."
The phone clicked as the connection was broken. Peorth quickly picked up the phone and typed in a new number. "Ma'am. We found them..."
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"A recall?!" shouted Asuka, "Why are they recalling us? We still have a job here!"
"Look," said Skuld, "I told them that. But the Angels take priority here. Need I remind you what happened last time?"
"But what about Lorelei?"
"I haven't forgotten about her, neither has Belldandy. In fact she wishes to speak with the mortals and the marionettes."
Otaru looked up, "What was that?"
Skuld looked over to where Otaru was sitting, "You and the others will be coming with us to heaven."
"When?"
"Right now. Come on, we have to get the others."
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Skuld and Sayoko were busy drawing a massive circle upon the ground in the courtyard just outside the castle. Sigel stood with them given assistance when it was required.. The mortals and the marionettes watched curiously.
"What the heck are they doing?" asked Panther, "I thought we were going to heaven, not drawing doodles."
Mara frowned at the Saber Doll, "They are not doodling. That is a teleportation circle, used to transport large groups."
"But they're Goddesses! Why don't they just teleport us themselves?"
"Because they can't teleport that many people on their own, hence the circle." replied Mara.
"Oh."
Off to the side, Rei, Shinji, Touji, and Asuka were talking.
"So we're going to be fighting the Angels again." said Touji quietly.
"Yeah," replied Asuka, "I thought we got rid of them years ago."
"From what I was told," said Shinji, "the Angels were detected when the demons went to apprehend Draco."
"You think that Draco has something to do with the Angels?"
Shinji nodded, "Its too much of a coincidence that the demon security forces were about to get him when they got caught in the cross explosion." Shinji glanced over at Rei. Rei had not spoken since the Angels had been detected. "What's wrong Rei?"
Rei looked up at the others, "This will be our first time fighting something as powerful as the Angels on our own."
Asuka frowned at Rei, "We defeated the Angels before."
"We had Evas then." replied Rei, "We don't have them now."
"What about Unit 01?" asked Touji, "That still exists doesn't it?"
Rei shook her head, "When the Lance hit the core, it killed Unit 01. All that's left of it is the armor, a skeleton and a shattered core. We can't even begin to regenerate it."
"We defeated Unit 01 on our own." said Shinji, "We can defeat the Angels as well."
"Done!"
Everyone glanced over to Skuld and Sayoko. Before them was an intricate design, a large circle with various lines running through it. Along the edge of several of the lines and along the edge of the circle was writing, or at least, it looked like writing. The Guardian's easily recognized it as the god's language. Outside the large circle were two smaller ones, also containing writing along the edge.
"Alright," said Skuld, "Everyone get into the large circle. Do not disturb any of the lines."
Everyone obey Skuld's orders and entered the circle. Then Skuld and Sayoko stepped into the smaller circles. Both began to chant in a harsh language. Lime leaned over to Rei.
"What are they saying?" she whispered.
"It's part of the circle activation," replied Rei, "Right now they're speaking in old Norse to power up the circle, then they'll go to god's language to actually teleport us."
The circle around them began to glow bright white, startling the others. Skuld and Sayoko then began to speak in a softer, but still not understandable language. The lines flared even brighter, with several beams of light blasting out towards the sky. Skuld and Sayoko were now floating a foot above the ground, their robes being blown about. Then with a flash, the entire group vanished.
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Meanwhile
Dr. Taltamir stepped out into the hallway to where Draco waited patiently with Lorelei.
"Well Doctor?" asked Draco.
"My Lord," said Taltamir, "They are now fully conscious and they each have a functioning S2 core."
"What of their memories?"
"They remember everything." replied Taltamir, "From the day of their creation, to the moment of their death."
"What are they doing right now?"
"They are currently going through the historical archive of the Hell computer system. They wanted to know exactly what happened after they were...defeated."
"Excellent. I think I'll have a word with them." Draco turned and headed towards the door, Lorelei right behind him.
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"The Lilim have come far since we last set eyes on them." said Tabris quietly.
The 13 Angels sat around a table. A large screen at one end displayed information as it was brought up from a terminal.
"Yet they are still petty and foolish." replied Ramiel, "They still fight amongst them selves."
"Not on the planet of their birth," said Tabris, "The only major conflict among the Lilim has been on the planet known as Terra 2. And that conflict has since been resolved."
"Humph." Zeruel turned away from the screen, "I care not what the Lilim have done. What I seek is revenge against those who prevented us from returning to the father."
"And we will have it." said Sachiel, "For the ones who defeated us still exist."
"WHAT?!" the other Angels stared at Sachiel.
"That cannot be!" shouted Armisael, "Lilim only live for so long! They should have long since turned to dust!"
"You must me the Goddess and mother." said Ramiel, "The Lilim we faced have long since left this world."
"Yes, the Goddess and mother live," replied Sachiel, "But so do those that piloted the alter egos of father." Sachiel pressed a button on the terminal. On the screen came the images of Shinji, Asuka, and Touji. "They, and mother, have become like Kami-sama. Not as powerful as him, but with greater power then any deity in either heaven or hell."
"Perhaps that is why we have been brought back." said Shamshel, "to do what no god or demon can do, defeat them."
"That will be the day." said Zeruel, "The children of Adam fighting for the demons."
"Speaking of which." Tabris turned and looked towards the door, the others following his actions. The door opened, admitting Draco and Lorelei.
"Greetings Friends." Draco said with a smile.
"I see no friends.." said Zeruel, "I see only a Demon and a Lilim, both of which I have reason to hate."
"Now now Zeruel," said Sachiel quietly, "Let us see what they have to say."
"You need not worry about the mortal," said Draco, "Your business is with me alone."
"Then you are the one that we must ask the question," said Sachiel, "Why have you brought us back? And where are our missing brethren?"
"Your missing brethren could not be recovered. Sandalphon was lost to a volcano, Ireul was lost when the MAGI successfully defeated him. The first, Adam, was lost when 3rd Impact failed. And of course, you know where your mother Lilith is." "Draco indicated the screen which now had an image of Rei on it."
"Yet you do not answer our question," said Sachiel, "Why have you brought us back?"
"I represent a group of Demons who wish to return to the ways of old, where Demon and God fought on equal ground. As it stands, we cannot do this. The Guardians are as strong as the greatest of demons. You have been brought back to defeat them."
"And what makes you think we will do this?"
Draco smiled, "For revenge of course. Then after you can retake the earth, or whichever mortal planets you prefer."
Sachiel looked at his brethren, "What you ask cannot be taken lightly. We must confer amongst ourselves."
Draco nodded, "Of course. But time is running short. The Guardians will be coming here in the very near future." Draco indicated Lorelei, "That is her purpose. I await your decision."
Draco then turned and left the room, Lorelei right at his heels.
"How could those be Angels?" she asked, "They look human to me."
Draco glanced at Lorelei as he continued to walk. "I don't remember saying that you could ask questions."
"You said that those were the Angels. Those did not look like the Angels I saw in history class!"
"Appearances can be deceiving," replied Draco, "But those were indeed the Angels."
"But the Angels that attacked earth were several hundred feet tall!"
Draco stopped and looked at Lorelei, "That was the form the attack in. While that size is very useful in attacking their foes, it is not useful for walking through corridors such as this." He indicated the hallway around them. "They were created by Kami-sama for the purpose of driving us from the earth. During that time they could and did roam the corridors of heaven. They did so in the form you see them in now. Believe me, though they lack in size right now, they are anything but powerless."
Draco then continued on his way.
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Otaru blinked several times, trying to clear the after image of the flash. When his vision finally cleared, he was awed by a breath taking sight. They had arrived on some sort of large balcony, overlooking a large city. Beyond the city borders where rolling fields of green. The sky above was a brilliant blue, with a few clouds here and there. Even Faust and the marionettes were stunned by its beauty.
"Never have I seen such a sight," said Faust, "neither on Terra 2 or on earth."
"I think that's way they call it heaven." said Bloodberry.
Skuld smiled, "This way."
With Skuld, Sayoko, and the Guardians in the lead, they were taken into the building. They entered and found themselves in a large 4 story corridor, with smaller ones leading off towards other areas. Otaru had seen nothing like it. Faust searched his memory, and the only thing her felt that could come close to this was the Vatican in Rome. Paintings and statues lined the corridors. Gods and Goddesses moved quickly about their business, paying no attention to the group. Also along the corridors stood women in full armor, complete with helmets, and carrying staffs. All followed the group with an expression that, while not friendly, it wasn't exactly hateful either. They had just reached one of the intersections when several more guards stepped out. One stepped forward. Unlike the other guards they had seen, she did not wear a helmet.
"Lady Skuld, Lady Sayoko." she said formally, "Your presence along with those of the Guardians is requested by Kami-sama."
"But Mist, I was to take these people to my sister." replied Skuld.
"I am sorry, but my orders are to escort you to Kami-sama."
Skuld frowned, then turned to Sigel, "Sigel, take them to Belldandy's office. Tell her where we are going and that we'll meet her as soon as we get done."
"Yes Skuld-sama." replied Sigel with a bow.
"The rest of you stay with Sigel." said Skuld, "It is very easy to get lost in this building, and the Valkyries don't take kindly to people wondering about."
Skuld, Sayoko, and the Guardians then went off with the Valkyries. Sigel then turned to the group.
"Alright, you heard Skuld-sama. I will lead you to Belldandy-sama's office. Please stay close."
The group began to follow when Cherry let out a gasp. Everyone stopped and looked at her.
"What is it Cherry?" asked Otaru.
"Lime isn't here!" said Cherry.
Everyone looked about. The dark haired marionette was no where to be seen.
"But she was with us on the balcony," said Tiger, "I know I saw her!"
"We have to look for her!" Otaru turned and started to head back the way they came when a hand grabbed his arm. Otaru looked down to see Sigel holding on to him.
"You can't."
"WHY NOT?!" asked Otaru angrily.
"Umm, Otaru," said Bloodberry nervously, "Maybe you should keep it down."
Otaru turned to ask Bloodberry why when he saw the reason. The Valkyries lining the wall had turned and were all staring at him. Otaru gulped and gave a small wave. He then turned back to Sigel and spoke much quieter.
"Why not?"
"This complex is huge." replied Sigel, "Without knowing where you're going you could become easily lost for days. We must get to Belldandy-sama's office. She can help us find her."
Otaru was about to protest when Cherry placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to her Master Otaru, she's right. Even my sensors can't sort out this place."
Otaru finally gave in, "Alright...let's go."
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What happened to Lime.
Upon arriving, Lime like the others was awed by the beauty off heaven, and like any curious child, she wanted to explore, but she held back. She had been following them into the building when she had noticed a funny looking bird. It looked like a blue bird, but with an antenna looping off its head with a puff ball at the end. The bird flew up and hovered just in front of Lime.
"Ooooo You're pretty!" said Lime.
The bird looked at Lime for a bit more before flying off.
"Hey wait up!"
Lime looked around and spotted a walk way that went around the building in the direction that the bird had gone. She quickly took off in pursuit.
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Skuld, Sayoko, Asuka, Shinji, Touji, and Rei all knelt down on one knee before the desk of Kami-sama. Mara stood quietly towards the back, looking nervously around the office.
"You sent for us my Lord?" said Skuld.
"First," began Kami-sama, "I would like to say 'Welcome back.' to Guardian Rei. Your presence was missed."
"Thank you My Lord." replied Rei.
"Now, as to the current situation. I have talked to Hild. We are in agreement that the Angels must be dealt with. As such that becomes your number one priority."
Rei looked up, "And what of Lorelei?"
The others present glanced at Rei, shocked by her sudden lack of protocol. Kami-sama ignored it.
"Right now Lorelei is a separate issue. The Angels are a clearly a threat to us."
Rei looked as if she was about to argue further, but then decided against it and turned her face to the ground. Kami-sama waited several moments before continuing.
"When you arrive in hell, Hild will assist you in your preparations," said Kami-sama, "As will you Mara?" Mara nodded from where she stood. "I am placing this mission under the command of Guardian Asuka." The others turned their heads and looked at Asuka in surprise. Asuka looked up at Kami- sama questioningly. "I trust in your abilities. That is all."
The Guardian's and Goddess's bowed to Kami-sama then turned to leave. Mara gave one more nervous look around the office before giving Kami-sama a small wave and quickly leaving. Kami-sama let out a sigh and turned his chair to look out the window.
'My first great creations...and my first great failures..'
Kami-sama was about turn back around to his terminal when motion caught his eye in the garden. A dark haired girl in a black body suit and white top was running rather quickly through it. Kami-sama looked curiously at the girl.
'I don't remember any goddess with an outfit like that' he thought. He turned towards his desk and pressed a button. "Hold all my calls. I'm stepping out for a moment."
"Yes sir." Came the reply.
Kami-sama then waved his hand and vanished from his office.
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Tabris sat in a chair, alone in the chamber where the Angels had met, his mind still digesting what had been said.
"I say we fight!" Zeruel had said, "Defeat those who denied us our reuniting with the father."
"I agree." Bardiel said. "Then after, we resume our battle with Kami-sama!"
"Save your thoughts of after until we have accomplished our task." Sachiel said. "Only after the Guardians are defeated shall we plan our next step."
"I wonder," Tabris said, "if we choose the right course."
The other Angels had stared at him.
"What do you mean?" Sachiel asked.
Tabris leaned forward, "Our mother sided with the lilim in our battle. She actively fought against us."
"She was used as a puppet by the lilim." replied Matatriel, "She had no say in the matter."
"Yet she herself was at the core of the 'Third Impact'." said Tabris, "She could have decided the fate of the lilim, yet she gave up that choice to the lilim. Having seen what they have accomplished since, perhaps she was right."
"Your time spent among the lilim has made you soft!" shouted Bardiel, "We must fight!"
"We will fight." said Sachiel, staring at Tabris, "I hope you clouded mind clears when the time comes."
Tabris now leaned back in his chair, looking around the empty room.
'What will I do?' he thought. 'When the time comes, will I fight beside the others?'
The sound of a door opening brought Tabris out of his thoughts. Turning, he saw Areal and Armisael returning to the room.
"We would speak with you." said Areal.
"You remained silent before." replied Tabris, "What makes now different?"
Areal looked over at Armisael before she continued, "I have had time to think and to discuss my thoughts with Armisael."
"And those thoughts are?"
"Perhaps mother was right," said Areal, "we should end our feud with the lilim...and Kami-sama."
Tabris stared at Areal and Armisael, "You both have decided this."
The other Angels nodded.
"And what caused you to go against the others?"
"We 3 have had more contact with the lilim then any of the others, save possibly Leliel." replied Areal, "You spent time living among them, associating with them. I had mental contact with both a lilim and a goddess. Armisael had physical and mental contact with mother before she...eliminated contact through the destruction of Adam's alter ego. Because of this, I feel that this course of action is correct."
"The question is what shall we do now?" asked Armisael.
"We shall talk to Leliel and listen to his views." replied Tabris, "We will decide a course of action after."
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Lime dashed about the garden trying to catch up with the bird. She had almost reach it when she collided with something.
"OW!" came a voice.
Lime fell to the ground along with the person she had run into. Both lay still for several moments before the Lime felt the other person moving about.
"Would you mind getting off me?"
"Sorry!" Lime carefully stood up and looked down to see a red haired girl. The girl looked up at Lime curiously.
"Who are you?" she asked, "I've never seen you around here before."
"My name's Lime." replied Lime, "Who are you?"
"I'm Yui," replied the girl. She then looked closer at Lime, noticing the lines around Lime's arm for the vent covers. "What are you?"
"I'm a marionette."
"A marionette!" Yui looked at Lime startled, "How did you get here?"
"I came up with Otaru, Cherry, Bloodberry, Tiger, Luchs..."
Yui shook her head, "No, I don't mean who you came with, I mean how? The only way to get up here is either by your death or if a goddess brought you."
Lime shook her head, "Yep that's what happened. I came here with Rei, Sayoko, Skuld and some others." Lime then looked down at Yui, "You know you look like one of them."
Yui crossed her arms, "I'm daughter of the Guardians Shinji and Asuka. Rei is my Aunt. Now what are you doing out here? You shouldn't be out here if they brought you up. This garden is forbidden to all but those who live here in heaven."
"I didn't mean too." said Lime looking down at the ground, "I saw this cute bird and followed it."
Yui then looked around, "So where are the others?"
Lime kicked at the ground, "I sorta lost them."
"Do you know where they were being taken?"
"Oh Yeah! They were going to see..uhh..ummm," Lime scrunched up her face as she thought, "Uhh.it was.Bell something."
Yui's eyes widened, "Belldandy?"
Lime's face brightened, "YEAH! That was it! Belldandy!"
"I know where her office is." said Yui, pointing, "It's that way."
"Alright!" Lime quickly took off in the direction that Yui had indicated.
"WAIT! LIME STOP!" shouted Yui, jumping off the ground and flying after Lime. Lime however proved to be quicker and vanished from view. Then the sound of a collision reached her ears along with the sound of someone going "Ooooff!" Yui quickly flew to the spot.
"Lime, you shouldn't have.." Yui's eyes widened when she saw who Lime had run into. "K.K.K..ka..ka..ka.." Yui just stared and pointed. "Ka..ka.ka."
Lime stood up and then offered the man a hand, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run into you."
The man looked up at Lime, "That's alright. I should have been paying more attention." He took her hand and was helped onto his feet by Lime.
"Otaru has told me that I should always watch out for the elderly."
"Elderly!?" the man laughed, "My dear, I'm positively ancient!"
"Ka..ka.ka.ka."
Lime and the man looked over at Yui.
"I think she's broken." said Lime, "Can you fix her?"
"Can I fix her?!" the man's smile got bigger. "She's not a marionette like you my dear. I think she's a little bit stunned to see me here."
"Who are you?" asked Lime.
"Well, you've met Sayoko right?" Lime nodded, "I'm her grandfather."
"Oh!" said Lime, "Can I call you Grandpa?"
'Grandpa' smiled, "I like that!. So very few people called that." 'Grandpa' then looked off to the distance, "In fact, only one person calls me Grandpa."
"Ka.ka.ka...ka.ka."
'Grandpa' looked over at Yui, "Oh come now Yui. You can stop that now. Everything is alright." He then looked over at Lime, "So where were you headed so quickly?"
"I was going to Belldandy's office." said Lime, "Otaru is there. Belldandy is gonna help us get Lorelei back!"
"Well then, let's get you to them." replied 'Grandpa', "But let's walk this time, hmmm?"
Lime nodded, "Ok."
"Follow me." 'Grandpa' started walking before he stopped and looked back at Yui. "You can come with us Yui." He then continued walking.
Lime reached over and grabbed Yui's arm, "Come on Yui! Grandpa said you could come!"
Lime started to pull Yui in the direction that 'Grandpa' had gone when Yui grabbed Lime's arm and spun her around.
"Do you have any idea who that was?!?!?"
Lime cocked her head to the side and looked at Yui, "Yeah, that's Grandpa."
"THAT WAS KAMI-SAMA!! YOU CAN'T CALL HIM THAT!!"
"Why not?"
"Because..because.." Yui felt her head spinning, ".BECAUSE IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT!"
Lime shrugged, "He said I could." She then turned and started walking. Yui stared at her for several moments before following.
'This is not going to go over well.' She thought.
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Back to the others
Sigel led the group through the building towards their destination. As they walked, Otaru noticed that the décor of the corridor had changed. He mentioned it to Faust. Faust took a moment to look about.
"Your right. Luchs?"
Luchs scanned the corridor, "According to my scans, the artwork in this corridor is from an old northern European religion."
Otaru glanced at Luchs, "How do you know that?"
"I have a lot of data of earth from the Gartlant Computers in my memory bank." replied Luchs.
Sigel turned and entered a corridor that ended at a pair of large doors. Four paintings lined the corridor, two on either side. Cherry looked up at one and let out a gasp. The other turned back and looked at Cherry.
"What is it?" asked Otaru. Cherry pointed at the painting.
The painting had a girl on it of approx. 12 years of age. She wore a white skirt with a red and white lap type coat over it and was leaning against a mallet. Her face is what caught everyone's attention. Blue markings were on each of her cheeks, with a circular blue mark on her forehead. Bloodberry looked at the name plate that had been mounted on the lower part of the frame.
" 'Skuld, Norn Goddess of the Past.' " Bloodberry read aloud. "Isn't that the one the brought us here?"
Panther nodded, "Yeah, but she's a kid here."
"The paintings were made several hundred years ago." said Sigel, "Each of the four Norns are here."
Otaru looked confused, "What's a Norn?"
Luchs supplied the answer, "The Norns come from that old northern European religion. The Norns controlled the fates of all mortals. There was a Norn of the past, the present, and the future."
"Wait, if there's only suppose to be three Norns, How can there be four here?"
Sigel smiled, "All will be revealed shortly."
"Here's the past." said Tiger looking at the painting across from Skuld. This painted had a much older woman in a very sultry pose with long platinum blond hair. A blue triangle was upon her forehead. The plate on the frame named the woman as 'Urd, Norn Goddess of the Past'
"She kind reminds me of Bloodberry." said Cherry.
Bloodberry glared at Cherry, "What is that supposed to mean?!" She looked at Otaru. "Otaru, you don't think. Otaru? Hey Otaru?!"
Cherry looked over to see Otaru staring at the painting. "Master Otaru!"
"Gah!" What?" Otaru looked at the two very unhappy marionettes.
"Hmph." Bloodberry turned and walked towards the next paintings, leaving Otaru and Cherry. Cherry looked as if she was about to cry.
"Cherry I." began Otaru.
Cherry turned and walked to where Bloodberry was staring at the next painting. Otaru let out a sigh before looking at the others present. The Saber Dolls shrugged and followed Cherry and Bloodberry.
"Don't worry," said Faust, "They will forgive you eventually."
Otaru sighed and nodded before moving to the next painting. On it was the other Goddess they had met, Sayoko. Where as the other two paintings backgrounds was of a forest, the background of Sayoko's was a city. One of the buildings had half a red leaf painted on it, but nothing more could be seen of it. The plate stated 'Sayoko, Norn Goddess of the Present'.
Finally they looked at the last painting. All of them were awed by the Goddess pictured. She had long light brown hair and wore blue and white Goddesses robes, much like Sayoko's. What really surprised them was that she looked like a much older Sayoko. Just off to the side and behind her stood a man. Unlike most of the gods they had seen, he had no markings on his face at all. His clothing looked like that of old earth. The plate underneath stated 'Belldandy, Norn Goddess of the Present'.
"THAT is Belldandy?!" asked Cherry.
"Yes," replied Sigel, "This way."
Sigel headed to the doors which opened for her. The group quickly followed her in. The office, while not very large, was impressive. Shelves lined 2 of the walls, filled with books and other items. One wall contained many framed pictures. The last wall behind the desk was a floor to ceiling window, showing the heavens beyond. Sitting patiently at the desk was the person they had seen in the painting just moments ago. Belldandy watched them as they entered, her presence had a calming effect on all present.
"So.." she said quietly, "at last we meet Otaru Maimya, Gerhard Von Faust, and your Marionettes. But where is my sister, daughter, and the guardians?"
"Skuld-sama and the others were called in to see Kami-sama." replied Sigel.
Belldandy nodded, "Very well. Would you mind heading home and telling Keiichi that I will be late today."
Sigel nodded, "Yes Belldandy-sama." She then turned and left the room.
"Now," said Belldandy, "I suppose you are wondering why I had you brought here."
Receiving nods from them, Belldandy continued. "You see, I am in charge of the office that oversees everything related to Terra 2. There is nothing that happens on your planet that I don't know about."
"Rei already told us about how you've been watching us." said Faust, "But why are we here now? And what are we going to do about Lorelei?"
Belldandy looked glanced down at her desk, "I have not forgotten about her. But the current situation is complex.."
"You mean the Angels." said Otaru.
Belldandy nodded, "The Angels are very powerful, almost as strong as Kami- sama himself. We almost lost against them the first time. It was only by making a deal with Lilith that we were able to stop them. The second time man fought and defeated them, again with help from Lilith. We thought that would be the last time we would ever see them."
"Until now." said Luchs, "Can't you make a deal with Lilith again?"
Belldandy shook her head, "No. Lilith is no longer an Angel. She is Rei now, one of the Guardians. The Guardians are our only hope of defeating the.." Belldandy's voice trailed off as she seemed to lose her train of thought. Suddenly loud alarms blared, causing all but Belldandy to jump.
"What's going on?" asked Cherry.
Belldandy ignored them and hit a button on her desk. The hologram of a woman's head soon appeared on it.
"Where are they?" Belldandy asked.
"Yggdrasil Control." replied the hologram.
"Urd, please tell me your kidding."
"I wish I was Bell." replied Urd, "The Valkyries have them surrounded, but you know.."
"...They don't stand a chance." finished Belldandy, "I assume the Guardians are on their way?"
Urd nodded, "As is Kami-sama." Urd's image then leaned closer to Belldandy, "They have made a request."
"And that is?"
"To join us."
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Author's note: As I was writing this chapter, something happened. I was halfway through writing it, when Columbia and its crew flew from this world and on to the next. This event showed us once again that space travel is very dangerous, and should never be thought of as routine. These people flew into space with the hope of a better future for all of us. For two weeks, they saw us all from a view that only a select few have seen in person, the world as it is, with no borders separating countries or ethnicities. They came from different backgrounds and countries, yet all were united together in a common cause, the peaceful exploration space.
This accident has been a set back in that cause, yet it will go on. For that is the best way to honor their sacrifice, to continue their work.
May God have mercy on them and welcome them home with his open arms.
Alarms blared all over the heavens.
"STATUS!" screamed Peorth.
"Yggdrasil still online!" shouted back Chronos. "No sign of any failure!"
"TURN OFF THAT CURSED ALARM!"
Within seconds the alarm was silenced, much to the relief of all around.
"Scan the system." ordered Peorth, "I want to make sure there is no chance of a crash"
"Yes ma'am." Chronos, Erie and X quickly worked their consoles. "There is no sign of any disturbance."
"Except the ringing in my ears." muttered Urd.
Peorth smiled but continued watching the main screen, "Serves you right for trying to drink Misato under the table."
Urd let the comment slide, "Any sign of any disturbances anywhere?"
"No ma'am." came the reply.
Urd looked at Peorth, "Somehow, the 'Angels' just woke up from the dead, and we have no clue where?"
"Ma'am?" Urd and Peorth looked down to see a Class 2 Goddess with a red phone. "I have a call for you Lady Urd."
Urd picked up the phone, "Urd Goddess 2nd Class."
"Knock off the goddess stuff." came a slightly irritated voice. " You know I hate it."
A frown appeared on Urd's face. "If I knew it was you I wouldn't have said it..Mother."
"Why Urd-chan, are you mad at me? Awwww"
"Is there a reason your calling?"
"Yes. I'm assuming you just detected the presence of the Angels?"
"Detected? Are you kidding?!" Urd shivered at the memory, "What about them?"
"I believe I know where they are."
Urd quickly waved Peorth over and press the speaker button on the phone. "Where are they?"
"A cross explosion just wiped out several of my security forces that were about to apprehend the traitor."
Urd eyes widened, "They're in hell?"
"They are. And I'd appreciate it if you could send someone to get rid of them."
Urd glanced at Peorth who nodded, "Of course we will. We're recalling the Guardians from Terra 2 right now."
"Thank you."
The phone clicked as the connection was broken. Peorth quickly picked up the phone and typed in a new number. "Ma'am. We found them..."
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"A recall?!" shouted Asuka, "Why are they recalling us? We still have a job here!"
"Look," said Skuld, "I told them that. But the Angels take priority here. Need I remind you what happened last time?"
"But what about Lorelei?"
"I haven't forgotten about her, neither has Belldandy. In fact she wishes to speak with the mortals and the marionettes."
Otaru looked up, "What was that?"
Skuld looked over to where Otaru was sitting, "You and the others will be coming with us to heaven."
"When?"
"Right now. Come on, we have to get the others."
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Skuld and Sayoko were busy drawing a massive circle upon the ground in the courtyard just outside the castle. Sigel stood with them given assistance when it was required.. The mortals and the marionettes watched curiously.
"What the heck are they doing?" asked Panther, "I thought we were going to heaven, not drawing doodles."
Mara frowned at the Saber Doll, "They are not doodling. That is a teleportation circle, used to transport large groups."
"But they're Goddesses! Why don't they just teleport us themselves?"
"Because they can't teleport that many people on their own, hence the circle." replied Mara.
"Oh."
Off to the side, Rei, Shinji, Touji, and Asuka were talking.
"So we're going to be fighting the Angels again." said Touji quietly.
"Yeah," replied Asuka, "I thought we got rid of them years ago."
"From what I was told," said Shinji, "the Angels were detected when the demons went to apprehend Draco."
"You think that Draco has something to do with the Angels?"
Shinji nodded, "Its too much of a coincidence that the demon security forces were about to get him when they got caught in the cross explosion." Shinji glanced over at Rei. Rei had not spoken since the Angels had been detected. "What's wrong Rei?"
Rei looked up at the others, "This will be our first time fighting something as powerful as the Angels on our own."
Asuka frowned at Rei, "We defeated the Angels before."
"We had Evas then." replied Rei, "We don't have them now."
"What about Unit 01?" asked Touji, "That still exists doesn't it?"
Rei shook her head, "When the Lance hit the core, it killed Unit 01. All that's left of it is the armor, a skeleton and a shattered core. We can't even begin to regenerate it."
"We defeated Unit 01 on our own." said Shinji, "We can defeat the Angels as well."
"Done!"
Everyone glanced over to Skuld and Sayoko. Before them was an intricate design, a large circle with various lines running through it. Along the edge of several of the lines and along the edge of the circle was writing, or at least, it looked like writing. The Guardian's easily recognized it as the god's language. Outside the large circle were two smaller ones, also containing writing along the edge.
"Alright," said Skuld, "Everyone get into the large circle. Do not disturb any of the lines."
Everyone obey Skuld's orders and entered the circle. Then Skuld and Sayoko stepped into the smaller circles. Both began to chant in a harsh language. Lime leaned over to Rei.
"What are they saying?" she whispered.
"It's part of the circle activation," replied Rei, "Right now they're speaking in old Norse to power up the circle, then they'll go to god's language to actually teleport us."
The circle around them began to glow bright white, startling the others. Skuld and Sayoko then began to speak in a softer, but still not understandable language. The lines flared even brighter, with several beams of light blasting out towards the sky. Skuld and Sayoko were now floating a foot above the ground, their robes being blown about. Then with a flash, the entire group vanished.
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Meanwhile
Dr. Taltamir stepped out into the hallway to where Draco waited patiently with Lorelei.
"Well Doctor?" asked Draco.
"My Lord," said Taltamir, "They are now fully conscious and they each have a functioning S2 core."
"What of their memories?"
"They remember everything." replied Taltamir, "From the day of their creation, to the moment of their death."
"What are they doing right now?"
"They are currently going through the historical archive of the Hell computer system. They wanted to know exactly what happened after they were...defeated."
"Excellent. I think I'll have a word with them." Draco turned and headed towards the door, Lorelei right behind him.
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"The Lilim have come far since we last set eyes on them." said Tabris quietly.
The 13 Angels sat around a table. A large screen at one end displayed information as it was brought up from a terminal.
"Yet they are still petty and foolish." replied Ramiel, "They still fight amongst them selves."
"Not on the planet of their birth," said Tabris, "The only major conflict among the Lilim has been on the planet known as Terra 2. And that conflict has since been resolved."
"Humph." Zeruel turned away from the screen, "I care not what the Lilim have done. What I seek is revenge against those who prevented us from returning to the father."
"And we will have it." said Sachiel, "For the ones who defeated us still exist."
"WHAT?!" the other Angels stared at Sachiel.
"That cannot be!" shouted Armisael, "Lilim only live for so long! They should have long since turned to dust!"
"You must me the Goddess and mother." said Ramiel, "The Lilim we faced have long since left this world."
"Yes, the Goddess and mother live," replied Sachiel, "But so do those that piloted the alter egos of father." Sachiel pressed a button on the terminal. On the screen came the images of Shinji, Asuka, and Touji. "They, and mother, have become like Kami-sama. Not as powerful as him, but with greater power then any deity in either heaven or hell."
"Perhaps that is why we have been brought back." said Shamshel, "to do what no god or demon can do, defeat them."
"That will be the day." said Zeruel, "The children of Adam fighting for the demons."
"Speaking of which." Tabris turned and looked towards the door, the others following his actions. The door opened, admitting Draco and Lorelei.
"Greetings Friends." Draco said with a smile.
"I see no friends.." said Zeruel, "I see only a Demon and a Lilim, both of which I have reason to hate."
"Now now Zeruel," said Sachiel quietly, "Let us see what they have to say."
"You need not worry about the mortal," said Draco, "Your business is with me alone."
"Then you are the one that we must ask the question," said Sachiel, "Why have you brought us back? And where are our missing brethren?"
"Your missing brethren could not be recovered. Sandalphon was lost to a volcano, Ireul was lost when the MAGI successfully defeated him. The first, Adam, was lost when 3rd Impact failed. And of course, you know where your mother Lilith is." "Draco indicated the screen which now had an image of Rei on it."
"Yet you do not answer our question," said Sachiel, "Why have you brought us back?"
"I represent a group of Demons who wish to return to the ways of old, where Demon and God fought on equal ground. As it stands, we cannot do this. The Guardians are as strong as the greatest of demons. You have been brought back to defeat them."
"And what makes you think we will do this?"
Draco smiled, "For revenge of course. Then after you can retake the earth, or whichever mortal planets you prefer."
Sachiel looked at his brethren, "What you ask cannot be taken lightly. We must confer amongst ourselves."
Draco nodded, "Of course. But time is running short. The Guardians will be coming here in the very near future." Draco indicated Lorelei, "That is her purpose. I await your decision."
Draco then turned and left the room, Lorelei right at his heels.
"How could those be Angels?" she asked, "They look human to me."
Draco glanced at Lorelei as he continued to walk. "I don't remember saying that you could ask questions."
"You said that those were the Angels. Those did not look like the Angels I saw in history class!"
"Appearances can be deceiving," replied Draco, "But those were indeed the Angels."
"But the Angels that attacked earth were several hundred feet tall!"
Draco stopped and looked at Lorelei, "That was the form the attack in. While that size is very useful in attacking their foes, it is not useful for walking through corridors such as this." He indicated the hallway around them. "They were created by Kami-sama for the purpose of driving us from the earth. During that time they could and did roam the corridors of heaven. They did so in the form you see them in now. Believe me, though they lack in size right now, they are anything but powerless."
Draco then continued on his way.
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Otaru blinked several times, trying to clear the after image of the flash. When his vision finally cleared, he was awed by a breath taking sight. They had arrived on some sort of large balcony, overlooking a large city. Beyond the city borders where rolling fields of green. The sky above was a brilliant blue, with a few clouds here and there. Even Faust and the marionettes were stunned by its beauty.
"Never have I seen such a sight," said Faust, "neither on Terra 2 or on earth."
"I think that's way they call it heaven." said Bloodberry.
Skuld smiled, "This way."
With Skuld, Sayoko, and the Guardians in the lead, they were taken into the building. They entered and found themselves in a large 4 story corridor, with smaller ones leading off towards other areas. Otaru had seen nothing like it. Faust searched his memory, and the only thing her felt that could come close to this was the Vatican in Rome. Paintings and statues lined the corridors. Gods and Goddesses moved quickly about their business, paying no attention to the group. Also along the corridors stood women in full armor, complete with helmets, and carrying staffs. All followed the group with an expression that, while not friendly, it wasn't exactly hateful either. They had just reached one of the intersections when several more guards stepped out. One stepped forward. Unlike the other guards they had seen, she did not wear a helmet.
"Lady Skuld, Lady Sayoko." she said formally, "Your presence along with those of the Guardians is requested by Kami-sama."
"But Mist, I was to take these people to my sister." replied Skuld.
"I am sorry, but my orders are to escort you to Kami-sama."
Skuld frowned, then turned to Sigel, "Sigel, take them to Belldandy's office. Tell her where we are going and that we'll meet her as soon as we get done."
"Yes Skuld-sama." replied Sigel with a bow.
"The rest of you stay with Sigel." said Skuld, "It is very easy to get lost in this building, and the Valkyries don't take kindly to people wondering about."
Skuld, Sayoko, and the Guardians then went off with the Valkyries. Sigel then turned to the group.
"Alright, you heard Skuld-sama. I will lead you to Belldandy-sama's office. Please stay close."
The group began to follow when Cherry let out a gasp. Everyone stopped and looked at her.
"What is it Cherry?" asked Otaru.
"Lime isn't here!" said Cherry.
Everyone looked about. The dark haired marionette was no where to be seen.
"But she was with us on the balcony," said Tiger, "I know I saw her!"
"We have to look for her!" Otaru turned and started to head back the way they came when a hand grabbed his arm. Otaru looked down to see Sigel holding on to him.
"You can't."
"WHY NOT?!" asked Otaru angrily.
"Umm, Otaru," said Bloodberry nervously, "Maybe you should keep it down."
Otaru turned to ask Bloodberry why when he saw the reason. The Valkyries lining the wall had turned and were all staring at him. Otaru gulped and gave a small wave. He then turned back to Sigel and spoke much quieter.
"Why not?"
"This complex is huge." replied Sigel, "Without knowing where you're going you could become easily lost for days. We must get to Belldandy-sama's office. She can help us find her."
Otaru was about to protest when Cherry placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to her Master Otaru, she's right. Even my sensors can't sort out this place."
Otaru finally gave in, "Alright...let's go."
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What happened to Lime.
Upon arriving, Lime like the others was awed by the beauty off heaven, and like any curious child, she wanted to explore, but she held back. She had been following them into the building when she had noticed a funny looking bird. It looked like a blue bird, but with an antenna looping off its head with a puff ball at the end. The bird flew up and hovered just in front of Lime.
"Ooooo You're pretty!" said Lime.
The bird looked at Lime for a bit more before flying off.
"Hey wait up!"
Lime looked around and spotted a walk way that went around the building in the direction that the bird had gone. She quickly took off in pursuit.
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Skuld, Sayoko, Asuka, Shinji, Touji, and Rei all knelt down on one knee before the desk of Kami-sama. Mara stood quietly towards the back, looking nervously around the office.
"You sent for us my Lord?" said Skuld.
"First," began Kami-sama, "I would like to say 'Welcome back.' to Guardian Rei. Your presence was missed."
"Thank you My Lord." replied Rei.
"Now, as to the current situation. I have talked to Hild. We are in agreement that the Angels must be dealt with. As such that becomes your number one priority."
Rei looked up, "And what of Lorelei?"
The others present glanced at Rei, shocked by her sudden lack of protocol. Kami-sama ignored it.
"Right now Lorelei is a separate issue. The Angels are a clearly a threat to us."
Rei looked as if she was about to argue further, but then decided against it and turned her face to the ground. Kami-sama waited several moments before continuing.
"When you arrive in hell, Hild will assist you in your preparations," said Kami-sama, "As will you Mara?" Mara nodded from where she stood. "I am placing this mission under the command of Guardian Asuka." The others turned their heads and looked at Asuka in surprise. Asuka looked up at Kami- sama questioningly. "I trust in your abilities. That is all."
The Guardian's and Goddess's bowed to Kami-sama then turned to leave. Mara gave one more nervous look around the office before giving Kami-sama a small wave and quickly leaving. Kami-sama let out a sigh and turned his chair to look out the window.
'My first great creations...and my first great failures..'
Kami-sama was about turn back around to his terminal when motion caught his eye in the garden. A dark haired girl in a black body suit and white top was running rather quickly through it. Kami-sama looked curiously at the girl.
'I don't remember any goddess with an outfit like that' he thought. He turned towards his desk and pressed a button. "Hold all my calls. I'm stepping out for a moment."
"Yes sir." Came the reply.
Kami-sama then waved his hand and vanished from his office.
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Tabris sat in a chair, alone in the chamber where the Angels had met, his mind still digesting what had been said.
"I say we fight!" Zeruel had said, "Defeat those who denied us our reuniting with the father."
"I agree." Bardiel said. "Then after, we resume our battle with Kami-sama!"
"Save your thoughts of after until we have accomplished our task." Sachiel said. "Only after the Guardians are defeated shall we plan our next step."
"I wonder," Tabris said, "if we choose the right course."
The other Angels had stared at him.
"What do you mean?" Sachiel asked.
Tabris leaned forward, "Our mother sided with the lilim in our battle. She actively fought against us."
"She was used as a puppet by the lilim." replied Matatriel, "She had no say in the matter."
"Yet she herself was at the core of the 'Third Impact'." said Tabris, "She could have decided the fate of the lilim, yet she gave up that choice to the lilim. Having seen what they have accomplished since, perhaps she was right."
"Your time spent among the lilim has made you soft!" shouted Bardiel, "We must fight!"
"We will fight." said Sachiel, staring at Tabris, "I hope you clouded mind clears when the time comes."
Tabris now leaned back in his chair, looking around the empty room.
'What will I do?' he thought. 'When the time comes, will I fight beside the others?'
The sound of a door opening brought Tabris out of his thoughts. Turning, he saw Areal and Armisael returning to the room.
"We would speak with you." said Areal.
"You remained silent before." replied Tabris, "What makes now different?"
Areal looked over at Armisael before she continued, "I have had time to think and to discuss my thoughts with Armisael."
"And those thoughts are?"
"Perhaps mother was right," said Areal, "we should end our feud with the lilim...and Kami-sama."
Tabris stared at Areal and Armisael, "You both have decided this."
The other Angels nodded.
"And what caused you to go against the others?"
"We 3 have had more contact with the lilim then any of the others, save possibly Leliel." replied Areal, "You spent time living among them, associating with them. I had mental contact with both a lilim and a goddess. Armisael had physical and mental contact with mother before she...eliminated contact through the destruction of Adam's alter ego. Because of this, I feel that this course of action is correct."
"The question is what shall we do now?" asked Armisael.
"We shall talk to Leliel and listen to his views." replied Tabris, "We will decide a course of action after."
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Lime dashed about the garden trying to catch up with the bird. She had almost reach it when she collided with something.
"OW!" came a voice.
Lime fell to the ground along with the person she had run into. Both lay still for several moments before the Lime felt the other person moving about.
"Would you mind getting off me?"
"Sorry!" Lime carefully stood up and looked down to see a red haired girl. The girl looked up at Lime curiously.
"Who are you?" she asked, "I've never seen you around here before."
"My name's Lime." replied Lime, "Who are you?"
"I'm Yui," replied the girl. She then looked closer at Lime, noticing the lines around Lime's arm for the vent covers. "What are you?"
"I'm a marionette."
"A marionette!" Yui looked at Lime startled, "How did you get here?"
"I came up with Otaru, Cherry, Bloodberry, Tiger, Luchs..."
Yui shook her head, "No, I don't mean who you came with, I mean how? The only way to get up here is either by your death or if a goddess brought you."
Lime shook her head, "Yep that's what happened. I came here with Rei, Sayoko, Skuld and some others." Lime then looked down at Yui, "You know you look like one of them."
Yui crossed her arms, "I'm daughter of the Guardians Shinji and Asuka. Rei is my Aunt. Now what are you doing out here? You shouldn't be out here if they brought you up. This garden is forbidden to all but those who live here in heaven."
"I didn't mean too." said Lime looking down at the ground, "I saw this cute bird and followed it."
Yui then looked around, "So where are the others?"
Lime kicked at the ground, "I sorta lost them."
"Do you know where they were being taken?"
"Oh Yeah! They were going to see..uhh..ummm," Lime scrunched up her face as she thought, "Uhh.it was.Bell something."
Yui's eyes widened, "Belldandy?"
Lime's face brightened, "YEAH! That was it! Belldandy!"
"I know where her office is." said Yui, pointing, "It's that way."
"Alright!" Lime quickly took off in the direction that Yui had indicated.
"WAIT! LIME STOP!" shouted Yui, jumping off the ground and flying after Lime. Lime however proved to be quicker and vanished from view. Then the sound of a collision reached her ears along with the sound of someone going "Ooooff!" Yui quickly flew to the spot.
"Lime, you shouldn't have.." Yui's eyes widened when she saw who Lime had run into. "K.K.K..ka..ka..ka.." Yui just stared and pointed. "Ka..ka.ka."
Lime stood up and then offered the man a hand, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run into you."
The man looked up at Lime, "That's alright. I should have been paying more attention." He took her hand and was helped onto his feet by Lime.
"Otaru has told me that I should always watch out for the elderly."
"Elderly!?" the man laughed, "My dear, I'm positively ancient!"
"Ka..ka.ka.ka."
Lime and the man looked over at Yui.
"I think she's broken." said Lime, "Can you fix her?"
"Can I fix her?!" the man's smile got bigger. "She's not a marionette like you my dear. I think she's a little bit stunned to see me here."
"Who are you?" asked Lime.
"Well, you've met Sayoko right?" Lime nodded, "I'm her grandfather."
"Oh!" said Lime, "Can I call you Grandpa?"
'Grandpa' smiled, "I like that!. So very few people called that." 'Grandpa' then looked off to the distance, "In fact, only one person calls me Grandpa."
"Ka.ka.ka...ka.ka."
'Grandpa' looked over at Yui, "Oh come now Yui. You can stop that now. Everything is alright." He then looked over at Lime, "So where were you headed so quickly?"
"I was going to Belldandy's office." said Lime, "Otaru is there. Belldandy is gonna help us get Lorelei back!"
"Well then, let's get you to them." replied 'Grandpa', "But let's walk this time, hmmm?"
Lime nodded, "Ok."
"Follow me." 'Grandpa' started walking before he stopped and looked back at Yui. "You can come with us Yui." He then continued walking.
Lime reached over and grabbed Yui's arm, "Come on Yui! Grandpa said you could come!"
Lime started to pull Yui in the direction that 'Grandpa' had gone when Yui grabbed Lime's arm and spun her around.
"Do you have any idea who that was?!?!?"
Lime cocked her head to the side and looked at Yui, "Yeah, that's Grandpa."
"THAT WAS KAMI-SAMA!! YOU CAN'T CALL HIM THAT!!"
"Why not?"
"Because..because.." Yui felt her head spinning, ".BECAUSE IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT!"
Lime shrugged, "He said I could." She then turned and started walking. Yui stared at her for several moments before following.
'This is not going to go over well.' She thought.
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Back to the others
Sigel led the group through the building towards their destination. As they walked, Otaru noticed that the décor of the corridor had changed. He mentioned it to Faust. Faust took a moment to look about.
"Your right. Luchs?"
Luchs scanned the corridor, "According to my scans, the artwork in this corridor is from an old northern European religion."
Otaru glanced at Luchs, "How do you know that?"
"I have a lot of data of earth from the Gartlant Computers in my memory bank." replied Luchs.
Sigel turned and entered a corridor that ended at a pair of large doors. Four paintings lined the corridor, two on either side. Cherry looked up at one and let out a gasp. The other turned back and looked at Cherry.
"What is it?" asked Otaru. Cherry pointed at the painting.
The painting had a girl on it of approx. 12 years of age. She wore a white skirt with a red and white lap type coat over it and was leaning against a mallet. Her face is what caught everyone's attention. Blue markings were on each of her cheeks, with a circular blue mark on her forehead. Bloodberry looked at the name plate that had been mounted on the lower part of the frame.
" 'Skuld, Norn Goddess of the Past.' " Bloodberry read aloud. "Isn't that the one the brought us here?"
Panther nodded, "Yeah, but she's a kid here."
"The paintings were made several hundred years ago." said Sigel, "Each of the four Norns are here."
Otaru looked confused, "What's a Norn?"
Luchs supplied the answer, "The Norns come from that old northern European religion. The Norns controlled the fates of all mortals. There was a Norn of the past, the present, and the future."
"Wait, if there's only suppose to be three Norns, How can there be four here?"
Sigel smiled, "All will be revealed shortly."
"Here's the past." said Tiger looking at the painting across from Skuld. This painted had a much older woman in a very sultry pose with long platinum blond hair. A blue triangle was upon her forehead. The plate on the frame named the woman as 'Urd, Norn Goddess of the Past'
"She kind reminds me of Bloodberry." said Cherry.
Bloodberry glared at Cherry, "What is that supposed to mean?!" She looked at Otaru. "Otaru, you don't think. Otaru? Hey Otaru?!"
Cherry looked over to see Otaru staring at the painting. "Master Otaru!"
"Gah!" What?" Otaru looked at the two very unhappy marionettes.
"Hmph." Bloodberry turned and walked towards the next paintings, leaving Otaru and Cherry. Cherry looked as if she was about to cry.
"Cherry I." began Otaru.
Cherry turned and walked to where Bloodberry was staring at the next painting. Otaru let out a sigh before looking at the others present. The Saber Dolls shrugged and followed Cherry and Bloodberry.
"Don't worry," said Faust, "They will forgive you eventually."
Otaru sighed and nodded before moving to the next painting. On it was the other Goddess they had met, Sayoko. Where as the other two paintings backgrounds was of a forest, the background of Sayoko's was a city. One of the buildings had half a red leaf painted on it, but nothing more could be seen of it. The plate stated 'Sayoko, Norn Goddess of the Present'.
Finally they looked at the last painting. All of them were awed by the Goddess pictured. She had long light brown hair and wore blue and white Goddesses robes, much like Sayoko's. What really surprised them was that she looked like a much older Sayoko. Just off to the side and behind her stood a man. Unlike most of the gods they had seen, he had no markings on his face at all. His clothing looked like that of old earth. The plate underneath stated 'Belldandy, Norn Goddess of the Present'.
"THAT is Belldandy?!" asked Cherry.
"Yes," replied Sigel, "This way."
Sigel headed to the doors which opened for her. The group quickly followed her in. The office, while not very large, was impressive. Shelves lined 2 of the walls, filled with books and other items. One wall contained many framed pictures. The last wall behind the desk was a floor to ceiling window, showing the heavens beyond. Sitting patiently at the desk was the person they had seen in the painting just moments ago. Belldandy watched them as they entered, her presence had a calming effect on all present.
"So.." she said quietly, "at last we meet Otaru Maimya, Gerhard Von Faust, and your Marionettes. But where is my sister, daughter, and the guardians?"
"Skuld-sama and the others were called in to see Kami-sama." replied Sigel.
Belldandy nodded, "Very well. Would you mind heading home and telling Keiichi that I will be late today."
Sigel nodded, "Yes Belldandy-sama." She then turned and left the room.
"Now," said Belldandy, "I suppose you are wondering why I had you brought here."
Receiving nods from them, Belldandy continued. "You see, I am in charge of the office that oversees everything related to Terra 2. There is nothing that happens on your planet that I don't know about."
"Rei already told us about how you've been watching us." said Faust, "But why are we here now? And what are we going to do about Lorelei?"
Belldandy looked glanced down at her desk, "I have not forgotten about her. But the current situation is complex.."
"You mean the Angels." said Otaru.
Belldandy nodded, "The Angels are very powerful, almost as strong as Kami- sama himself. We almost lost against them the first time. It was only by making a deal with Lilith that we were able to stop them. The second time man fought and defeated them, again with help from Lilith. We thought that would be the last time we would ever see them."
"Until now." said Luchs, "Can't you make a deal with Lilith again?"
Belldandy shook her head, "No. Lilith is no longer an Angel. She is Rei now, one of the Guardians. The Guardians are our only hope of defeating the.." Belldandy's voice trailed off as she seemed to lose her train of thought. Suddenly loud alarms blared, causing all but Belldandy to jump.
"What's going on?" asked Cherry.
Belldandy ignored them and hit a button on her desk. The hologram of a woman's head soon appeared on it.
"Where are they?" Belldandy asked.
"Yggdrasil Control." replied the hologram.
"Urd, please tell me your kidding."
"I wish I was Bell." replied Urd, "The Valkyries have them surrounded, but you know.."
"...They don't stand a chance." finished Belldandy, "I assume the Guardians are on their way?"
Urd nodded, "As is Kami-sama." Urd's image then leaned closer to Belldandy, "They have made a request."
"And that is?"
"To join us."
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Author's note: As I was writing this chapter, something happened. I was halfway through writing it, when Columbia and its crew flew from this world and on to the next. This event showed us once again that space travel is very dangerous, and should never be thought of as routine. These people flew into space with the hope of a better future for all of us. For two weeks, they saw us all from a view that only a select few have seen in person, the world as it is, with no borders separating countries or ethnicities. They came from different backgrounds and countries, yet all were united together in a common cause, the peaceful exploration space.
This accident has been a set back in that cause, yet it will go on. For that is the best way to honor their sacrifice, to continue their work.
May God have mercy on them and welcome them home with his open arms.