Chapter 11
Conversing with Angels
Yggdrasil Control
Normally the Yggdrasil control room is full of activity as gods and goddesses go about tending to the world computer. There were always discussions going on, wither discussing some new line of code or the latest bug, to discussions on what one goddess got from the mall. Today was different though. If a pin was dropped, all present would hear it. All activities in Yggdrasil Control had ground to a halt in light of the current situation. All had their eyes on the gray haired visitors, 2 males and a female. Urd and Peorth looked down at them from the SysOps chair. For the most part, the visitors paid no mind to the attention that they had drawn, attention in the form of 70 well armed Valkyries. They had simply stated their request and then waited. The doors to Yggdrasil then burst open as a fully armored Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Touji, Skuld, Mara, and Sayoko walked in.
"What's going on?" shouted Asuka. "We were told to come..." Asuka's voice trailed off as she took in the visitors. She then tightened her grip on her staff. "Never mind.I see the reason."
The female shifted slightly under Asuka's gaze. One of the males stepped forward, causing all the Valkyries to raise their staffs.
"It has been many years Second Child." the man said, his red eyes staring at Asuka.
"I remember you." said Shinji quietly, "You were the 17th Angel. Kaoru Nagisa."
The Angel smiled. "Yes Third Child, that was the name I went by when I infiltrated NERV. But my true name is Tabris."
The doors opened again allowing Belldandy to enter, followed by Faust, Otaru, and the Marionettes. Belldandy motioned for them to wait as she continued towards the Angels. The Valkyries parted as she walked past them, finally stopping 5 feet from Tabris. At the sight of Belldandy, the female Angel took several steps back. Tabris glanced at her briefly before turning back to Belldandy.
"I suppose you have been informed of our request?" he asked.
"I have." replied Belldandy, "But I would like to hear your reasons."
"As would I." Everyone turned to see Kami-sama entering the room, followed by Lime and Yui. Kami-sama walked straight up to Tabris. "What brings you back here Tabris?"
Tabris didn't back down from Kami-sama. "As I told the SysOp, we wish to rejoin the heavens."
Kami-sama crossed his arms, "And why should we accept you back? I seem to recall you trying to take over heaven once and try to destroy the mortals twice."
"I cannot change the past," replied Tabris, "But believe me when I say that we..regret the actions we took long ago. By rejoining we intend to try to.make amends."
Kami-sama stared for a long time at Tabris and the other Angels, his mind searching the Angel's minds, trying to find anything to show that they were lying, that this was a rouse to get into the heavens before they once again betrayed it.
He found nothing but truth.
Kami-sama turned and looked at the assembled Valkyries. "You are dismissed."
Several Valkyries gasped, as did many of the gods and goddesses present. "Sir?"
"You heard me." replied Kami-sama, "You are dismissed. Return to your regular duties."
"Yes sir." the assembled Valkyries quickly dispersed.
Kami-sama then turned to Belldandy, "I want to see you in my office now." He then looked over at the Guardians, "Asuka, continue to plan your operation." His gaze then fell onto the Angels. "Please, come with me."
The Angels followed Kami-sama out of the control room with the female Angel giving Belldandy and Asuka as much room as possible. Belldandy turned to Asuka. "Have Yui take them to my house. I will be there as soon as I'm finished here." Asuka nodded and watched as Belldandy left.
"Yui?"
Yui quickly walked over to her mother, "Yes Mom?"
"You heard what she said?"
"Yes Mom."
"Then get to it."
Yui nodded and walked over to Otaru, Faust and the marionettes. They then left in a large group. Asuka then turned and looked at the other Guardians.
"Alright, we have a mission to plan."
"What about us?" asked Skuld, Sayoko right next to her.
"I don't think your help will be required Skuld." said Asuka.
"Auntie maybe you should follow Yui and help Dad with the visitors." said Sayoko.
Asuka sent a silent thought to each of the Guardians, all agreed and then looked to her. Asuka closed her eyes and silently counted to 10 before turning to Sayoko. "Sayoko, maybe you should go with your Aunt."
Sayoko turned and looked at Asuka stunned. "What did you say?"
"Go home."
"WHY?!" Sayoko shouted.
Asuka winced before she continued. "Sayoko, your not as strong as us. Even Yui has more power then you and she's only 12. These are the Angels we'll be fighting."
"That's why I should be with you!" replied Sayoko. She looked to the other Guardians for support. Touji and Shinji looked down at the ground, refusing to meet her face. Sayoko then looked at Rei. "Rei?"
"I'm sorry Sayoko." Rei said quietly, "But Asuka is right."
Sayoko's face took on the look of one who had been betrayed. Her face then went neutral.
"Very well." She said, "You do what you feel you have to, just like I will."
Sayoko then turned and stormed out of the building.
Rei turned and looked at Skuld. "You think we made the right choice?"
Skuld shrugged, "It's not my decision. But I do agree, you four are the most powerful here. She just wants to help."
"I wish she could help us." said Asuka. "We should go and make our plans." Asuka turned and looked to Mara. "Come on. You know hell better then any of us. You should be there."
Mara nodded. Then she and the Guardians left. Skuld found herself alone with her thoughts until she was interrupted.
"You know..there is a way that Sayoko could help them."
Skuld turned to see Urd standing behind her. "How? They're right. She doesn't have the power to fight an Angel. None of us do."
Urd shook her head, "You forget, Sayoko DID defeat 2 Angels, without her powers."
Skuld looked confused, "I don't remember her doing.." suddenly Skuld's eyes widened in recognition. "You don't mean..?" Urd nodded. "But.they're all long gone!!"
Urd smiled, "One remains. Come on, let's talk to Father and then I'll take you to it."
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3 hours later.
"Lime, where were you?" asked Otaru.
"I'm sorry Otaru." said Lime, who was sitting next to Otaru, "I got distracted by a bird and followed it. Then I got to meet Yui and Grandpa!"
They, along with the others from Terra 2, were currently sitting inside the home of Keiichi and Belldandy. The fairly large home was located in the Norse section of heaven, but on the edge, allowing the house to have a rather large garden surrounding it. Keiichi, was moving about with the help of Yui, Sigel, and a robot named Banpei offering refreshments. Cherry and Bloodberry were moving along the wall, looking at the pictures and memorabilia assembled there.
Otaru looked at Lime confused, "You mean the Shogun?"
"No! I mean Grandpa!"
Cherry glanced over at Lime, "You found the Shogun here?"
Lime looked at Otaru and Cherry frustrated, "No! I mean Grandpa!"
Bloodberry looked up at Yui who had just walked back into the room, "Do you know who she's calling 'Grandpa'?"
Yui let out a sigh, "She crashed into Kami-sama in the garden and has called him that ever since."
Bloodberry stopped dead in her tracks. "Lime, you are calling Kami-sama, the Almighty, Lord of the Heavens and Universe 'GRANDPA'?!?"
"He said I could!" replied Lime.
"But he's Kami-sama!"
"Just let it go." said Otaru, "If he doesn't mind then it must be alright."
"Who wouldn't mind?" asked Keiichi as he entered the room.
"Lime calling Kami-sama Grandpa."
Keiichi shrugged, "There's only one person I know who calls him Grandpa and that is Sayoko. First time she called him that he was actually seen dancing in the streets."
Faust looked up at Keiichi, "He was that happy?"
"Well," said Keiichi, "you have to remember that day in and day out he's called either Kami-sama, Lord, Boss, among other things. The only ones that call him Father that I know of are Belldandy and her sisters. I suppose being called Grandpa is a refreshing change."
The front door opened then.
"I'm home." came Belldandy's tired voice. She walked in and dropped into an empty seat.
Keiichi came out and handed Belldandy a cup of tea. "How did it go?" he asked.
Belldandy sipped the tea, "The Angels are telling the truth. They truly wish to help us. There even is another Angel that stayed behind to spy for us. Tabris left afterwards to assist the Guardians." Belldandy glanced over at Yui. "That reminds me, your staying here tonight. Your parents are going with Mara and Tabris down to Hell to talk to Hild." Yui nodded.
"So what are they going to do about Lorelei?" asked Faust. The others turned their attention to Belldandy, waiting for her answer.
Belldandy closed her eyes and sighed, "Rescuing Lorelei is now a secondary concern. The Angels that are working with the demons are our number one priority."
"But what about Lorelei?!" asked Bloodberry, "We're just going to leave her there?!"
"I don't like it anymore then you," said Belldandy, "but all we can do right now is hope for the best."
"This sucks!" shouted Bloodberry, pounding her fist on the wall. The house trembled under her blow, causing several pictures to jump off the wall and fall towards the floor. Cherry and Tiger started to leap to catch the pictures when a white blur flew past them, collecting the falling pictures. Everyone followed the blur to see a winged girl floating off to the side, the pictures in her arms.
"What is that?" asked Otaru, pointing to the girl. The girl frowned at Otaru.
"My angel," said Belldandy, "Blessed Bell."
"Like the ones that your so worried about?" asked Otaru.
"No. Those were given the name 'Angels' by mortals. Blessed Bell is a true angel."
Lime walked closer to Blessed Bell. "You're pretty." She said.
Blessed Bell positively beamed with joy at Lime. She then flew over and replaced the pictures before vanishing into Belldandy's back. Luchs looked over at Keiichi and Yui.
"You two have an Angel as well?"
Keiichi shook his head, "No. I'm not even a god. I can't have an angel."
"Guardians don't get angels," said Yui, "I don't know why but we don't."
"Does Sayoko and Skuld have angels?" asked Lime.
Belldandy nodded, "Of course."
"How come we never saw them?" said Tiger.
"They probably didn't need to use them." replied Belldandy, "Besides, they tend to draw attention to us when we would least want it."
"Where are Sayoko and Skuld?" asked Lime. "Don't they live here?"
"Yes they live here. Urd thought of something that might help the guardians and went with Skuld to talk to Kami-sama about it." Belldandy shrugged, "I don't know what though."
"Where's Sayoko?"
"I don't know." replied Belldandy. "I haven't seen her since the Angel's arrived."
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Sayoko had gone straight towards the Goddess Relief Office, where her mother had once worked long ago. She had then walked down a hallway and exited the building. Continuing along the path, she reached a point where the path vanished at a ledge. Sayoko had stepped to the edge and looked down. Far below, faint ripples of water could be seen. Sayoko had then stepped off and floated downward, the scenery of heaven floating up past her as entered the darkness. She set down on the surface of the water and stopped, her feet barely making a ripple. There she had stood for 3 hours, lost in her thoughts, floating just over the surface of the lake. She had reluctantly come to the conclusion that Asuka had been right. She could do nothing against the Angels. But that didn't make it any easier for her. She was preparing to leave when she realized she was not alone. Sayoko whirled about to see another figure on the lakes surface behind her. The female Angel. Sayoko looked about, but saw no sign of any Valkyrie or any of the Guardians. The Angel had her eyes shut and seemed calm. Sayoko slowly approached the Angel.
"What brings you here?" asked Sayoko, trying to keep her voice neutral.
"I remembered this place from long ago," replied the Angel, her eyes still closed, "It's very peaceful here, and allows one to reflect."
"Shouldn't you be with the others?"
"Tabris knows all that is needed to help the Guardian's." The Angel hesitated before continuing, "Armisael's and my presence is not required." The Angel opened her eyes and started to turn towards Sayoko, "It has been so long since I was here last that..." The Angel's voice trailed off as her eyes met Sayoko. "Fifth Child!" The Angel began to float away from Sayoko. Sayoko looked at the Angel confused.
"Have I met you before?"
"I am Arael." said the Angel. Seeing that Sayoko was still confused, the Angel added nervously, "....I was what the lilim referred to as the '15th Angel'."
Suddenly it clicked. Sayoko now realized why this Angel had been acting strange around Asuka, her mother, and herself when they had seen her in the control room.
"You're afraid of me." Sayoko said.
Arael froze. She then slowly turned to look at Sayoko, her eyes opened wide.
"Why?" asked Sayoko, "Shouldn't be the other way around?"
"Because I was in contact with you and the second," said Areal slowly, "when I was..defeated, the resulting break of contact caused me to retain all of those memories that you were experiencing."
Sayoko went through the events that surrounded the 15th's Attack in her mind.
"You forced us to relive the worst moments of our lives." said Sayoko, her voice shaking, "And you're saying that when you were defeated, you got stuck with them?"
Arael nodded.
Sayoko looked away from the Angel.
"That is why I could not work with the Second, and was trying to avoid you, and your mother." said Arael, "I spent 500 years in limbo experiencing your memories over and over. When I was brought back, the memories stayed with me. Seeing you, the Second, and your mother.I."
"You feel guilty." finished Sayoko quietly.
"I know I do not deserve your forgiveness. There is nothing I can do to undo what I have done." Arael turned and looked at Sayoko, "But I can try."
Sayoko remained quiet for several moments before speaking.
"If I had been like Asuka before you attacked back in 2015, I would say that there is nothing you can do to make this up to us, that you don't deserve to be forgiven."
Arael looked downward. "I understand. I should be going..." She started to leave.
"I'm not finished." said Sayoko quietly. Arael froze and turned to look back at Sayoko.
Sayoko continued, "I said if I had been like Asuka, but I'm not. I was raised differently. That is why I can forgive you."
Arael stared wide-eyed at Sayoko, "You.you.forgive me?"
"I'm a goddess." said Sayoko, "It is my place to forgive those who seek it." Sayoko then smiled, "You had it easy this time. Asuka will not be as forgiving."
"I understand." said Arael.
* Sayoko *
Sayoko looked upwards before replying. * Yes Auntie Urd? *
* Get over to the Yggdrasil Building, Sublevel 40. *
Sayoko frowned. 'Sublevel 40? What the ..' * What are you up to? *
* Skuld and I convinced Kami-sama of a way to help the Guardians. But we want your opinion on it. *
* Alright, I'm on my way. *
Sayoko started to leave when she remembered Arael. The Angel was still there, now looking off away from Sayoko.
"What do you plan on doing?" asked Sayoko.
Arael turned back to the goddess. "I was just going to stay here. It is very nice and peaceful."
".and it's also secluded." added Sayoko, "You realize you can't avoid everyone forever." Sayoko then made a decision. "Come with me."
Arael looked up, "No. I shouldn't."
Sayoko floated over to Arael, "You wanted to rejoin the heavens. That means you have to live and work with the rest of us, even the Guardians. This is your chance to start fresh. Will you come with me?"
Arael hesitated for several moments. Finally she decided.
"Alright."
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Mara, Hild, the Guardians, and Tabris stood around a large display table in the control room for Hell's computer. Hild was staring across the display at Tabris.
"Remind me again why that," she pointed at Tabris, " is here."
"He is here because he knows exactly where the other Angels are." said Asuka. She then looked over at Tabris, "But I would like to know why the other 2 didn't come down with us."
Tabris shrugged, "Both would feel uncomfortable working in this environment."
"With the demons?" asked Shinji.
"No." Tabris looked up, "With the First and Second."
Asuka and Rei looked confused.
"Why wouldn't they want to work with us?" asked Asuka.
Tabris looked back down at the display. "They...faced off against each of you."
Asuka and Rei glanced at each other
"Which ones were they?" asked Rei quietly.
"Does it matter?" asked Tabris, "There will be time for that later." He turned and pointed to a spot on the display. "The Demons you seek are located here."
Hild's eyes narrowed, "That's at the bottom of hell."
Shinji looked up at Hild, "What's kept down there?"
"Only the most heinous of mortals." replied Hild, "The further down into hell you go, the worse the examples of humanity you will find. Only fitting that he would set up down there."
"How do we get there?" asked Asuka.
Hild brought up another display, "Each level of Hell is connected to another. You can reach each level by either the caves that link each section, or by the shaft that goes straight down from top to bottom."
"Let's see it."
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"So..It is true." said Sachiel, quietly, "Once again, we are betrayed."
He and 4 of the other Angels stood around a display. On the display, they watched as Tabris walked beside the Guardians.
"Traitorous fool." said Bardiel, "He must pay."
"He is not the only one." The Angels looked up as Israfel entered, "Arael and Armisael are missing as well."
"This does pose a problem to us." The Angels turned towards Draco, who had remained quiet until this point. "We might be able to fight the Guardians and win. But with your brethren on their side..."
"Then we must distract them." said Sachiel, "You said they would come here after the lilim female, yet they now seem to hurry due to our presence."
Draco nodded, "That seems to be the case. What do you suggest?"
"The lilim female," said Sachiel, "Where is she from?"
"The Planet is known as Terra 2."
"Then Terra 2 is where we shall strike."
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Sayoko and Arael rounded a corner and spotted Urd and Skuld standing in front of a large door. Both Urd and Skuld frowned slightly when they saw the Angel with Sayoko.
"Why is she here?" asked Urd.
"She is here because I asked her to be." said Sayoko.
"I thought you would keep better company."
Sayoko crossed her arms, "I remember someone saying the same thing about Rei. Yet she and I became very good friends and still are."
Urd was about to reply, when Skuld cut her off, "Sayoko, it is of course your choice who you associate with." Skuld then looked at Arael, "You must forgive my sister, she is still adjusting to your presence."
Arael only nodded. Sayoko then turned towards the door.
"Alright. What can we do to help the Guardians and why are we meeting here?"
Urd turned and waved her hand, opening the giant door. "See for yourself."
Sayoko stepped forward, followed by Arael. Both found themselves on a large catwalk, overlooking a large dark room. A sudden sense of déjà vu hit her as she looked over the railing, trying to see the object hidden by the darkness. Skuld stepped onto the catwalk, followed shortly there after by Urd.
"Where is it?" asked Skuld.
Urd walked over to a panel by the door. "Hold on."
All four squinted as the lights came on. When their vision cleared, the object was revealed, a large figure in silver and red armor. Arael let out a gasp of surprise and fear and took several steps back. Sayoko just stared in shock, coming face to face with something she hadn't seen in over 500 years.
"How?"
"It's been regenerating," replied Urd, "ever since we brought it here."
"Does it work?"
"If it doesn't, we know who can make it work."
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Terra 2
The people of Gartlant went about their lives as if nothing was wrong. It had been a year since Lord Faust had been overthrown. Life was slowly improving for the people. They were eating better, living better, and were being treated better. The homeless now had homes, and jobless had jobs, everything was moving smoothly.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. A bump lay in the road to prosperity for Gartlant.
A bump that was in the shape of an enormous floating blue diamond and a massive figure with sharp ribbon arms.
The Angels had arrived on Terra 2.
Conversing with Angels
Yggdrasil Control
Normally the Yggdrasil control room is full of activity as gods and goddesses go about tending to the world computer. There were always discussions going on, wither discussing some new line of code or the latest bug, to discussions on what one goddess got from the mall. Today was different though. If a pin was dropped, all present would hear it. All activities in Yggdrasil Control had ground to a halt in light of the current situation. All had their eyes on the gray haired visitors, 2 males and a female. Urd and Peorth looked down at them from the SysOps chair. For the most part, the visitors paid no mind to the attention that they had drawn, attention in the form of 70 well armed Valkyries. They had simply stated their request and then waited. The doors to Yggdrasil then burst open as a fully armored Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Touji, Skuld, Mara, and Sayoko walked in.
"What's going on?" shouted Asuka. "We were told to come..." Asuka's voice trailed off as she took in the visitors. She then tightened her grip on her staff. "Never mind.I see the reason."
The female shifted slightly under Asuka's gaze. One of the males stepped forward, causing all the Valkyries to raise their staffs.
"It has been many years Second Child." the man said, his red eyes staring at Asuka.
"I remember you." said Shinji quietly, "You were the 17th Angel. Kaoru Nagisa."
The Angel smiled. "Yes Third Child, that was the name I went by when I infiltrated NERV. But my true name is Tabris."
The doors opened again allowing Belldandy to enter, followed by Faust, Otaru, and the Marionettes. Belldandy motioned for them to wait as she continued towards the Angels. The Valkyries parted as she walked past them, finally stopping 5 feet from Tabris. At the sight of Belldandy, the female Angel took several steps back. Tabris glanced at her briefly before turning back to Belldandy.
"I suppose you have been informed of our request?" he asked.
"I have." replied Belldandy, "But I would like to hear your reasons."
"As would I." Everyone turned to see Kami-sama entering the room, followed by Lime and Yui. Kami-sama walked straight up to Tabris. "What brings you back here Tabris?"
Tabris didn't back down from Kami-sama. "As I told the SysOp, we wish to rejoin the heavens."
Kami-sama crossed his arms, "And why should we accept you back? I seem to recall you trying to take over heaven once and try to destroy the mortals twice."
"I cannot change the past," replied Tabris, "But believe me when I say that we..regret the actions we took long ago. By rejoining we intend to try to.make amends."
Kami-sama stared for a long time at Tabris and the other Angels, his mind searching the Angel's minds, trying to find anything to show that they were lying, that this was a rouse to get into the heavens before they once again betrayed it.
He found nothing but truth.
Kami-sama turned and looked at the assembled Valkyries. "You are dismissed."
Several Valkyries gasped, as did many of the gods and goddesses present. "Sir?"
"You heard me." replied Kami-sama, "You are dismissed. Return to your regular duties."
"Yes sir." the assembled Valkyries quickly dispersed.
Kami-sama then turned to Belldandy, "I want to see you in my office now." He then looked over at the Guardians, "Asuka, continue to plan your operation." His gaze then fell onto the Angels. "Please, come with me."
The Angels followed Kami-sama out of the control room with the female Angel giving Belldandy and Asuka as much room as possible. Belldandy turned to Asuka. "Have Yui take them to my house. I will be there as soon as I'm finished here." Asuka nodded and watched as Belldandy left.
"Yui?"
Yui quickly walked over to her mother, "Yes Mom?"
"You heard what she said?"
"Yes Mom."
"Then get to it."
Yui nodded and walked over to Otaru, Faust and the marionettes. They then left in a large group. Asuka then turned and looked at the other Guardians.
"Alright, we have a mission to plan."
"What about us?" asked Skuld, Sayoko right next to her.
"I don't think your help will be required Skuld." said Asuka.
"Auntie maybe you should follow Yui and help Dad with the visitors." said Sayoko.
Asuka sent a silent thought to each of the Guardians, all agreed and then looked to her. Asuka closed her eyes and silently counted to 10 before turning to Sayoko. "Sayoko, maybe you should go with your Aunt."
Sayoko turned and looked at Asuka stunned. "What did you say?"
"Go home."
"WHY?!" Sayoko shouted.
Asuka winced before she continued. "Sayoko, your not as strong as us. Even Yui has more power then you and she's only 12. These are the Angels we'll be fighting."
"That's why I should be with you!" replied Sayoko. She looked to the other Guardians for support. Touji and Shinji looked down at the ground, refusing to meet her face. Sayoko then looked at Rei. "Rei?"
"I'm sorry Sayoko." Rei said quietly, "But Asuka is right."
Sayoko's face took on the look of one who had been betrayed. Her face then went neutral.
"Very well." She said, "You do what you feel you have to, just like I will."
Sayoko then turned and stormed out of the building.
Rei turned and looked at Skuld. "You think we made the right choice?"
Skuld shrugged, "It's not my decision. But I do agree, you four are the most powerful here. She just wants to help."
"I wish she could help us." said Asuka. "We should go and make our plans." Asuka turned and looked to Mara. "Come on. You know hell better then any of us. You should be there."
Mara nodded. Then she and the Guardians left. Skuld found herself alone with her thoughts until she was interrupted.
"You know..there is a way that Sayoko could help them."
Skuld turned to see Urd standing behind her. "How? They're right. She doesn't have the power to fight an Angel. None of us do."
Urd shook her head, "You forget, Sayoko DID defeat 2 Angels, without her powers."
Skuld looked confused, "I don't remember her doing.." suddenly Skuld's eyes widened in recognition. "You don't mean..?" Urd nodded. "But.they're all long gone!!"
Urd smiled, "One remains. Come on, let's talk to Father and then I'll take you to it."
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3 hours later.
"Lime, where were you?" asked Otaru.
"I'm sorry Otaru." said Lime, who was sitting next to Otaru, "I got distracted by a bird and followed it. Then I got to meet Yui and Grandpa!"
They, along with the others from Terra 2, were currently sitting inside the home of Keiichi and Belldandy. The fairly large home was located in the Norse section of heaven, but on the edge, allowing the house to have a rather large garden surrounding it. Keiichi, was moving about with the help of Yui, Sigel, and a robot named Banpei offering refreshments. Cherry and Bloodberry were moving along the wall, looking at the pictures and memorabilia assembled there.
Otaru looked at Lime confused, "You mean the Shogun?"
"No! I mean Grandpa!"
Cherry glanced over at Lime, "You found the Shogun here?"
Lime looked at Otaru and Cherry frustrated, "No! I mean Grandpa!"
Bloodberry looked up at Yui who had just walked back into the room, "Do you know who she's calling 'Grandpa'?"
Yui let out a sigh, "She crashed into Kami-sama in the garden and has called him that ever since."
Bloodberry stopped dead in her tracks. "Lime, you are calling Kami-sama, the Almighty, Lord of the Heavens and Universe 'GRANDPA'?!?"
"He said I could!" replied Lime.
"But he's Kami-sama!"
"Just let it go." said Otaru, "If he doesn't mind then it must be alright."
"Who wouldn't mind?" asked Keiichi as he entered the room.
"Lime calling Kami-sama Grandpa."
Keiichi shrugged, "There's only one person I know who calls him Grandpa and that is Sayoko. First time she called him that he was actually seen dancing in the streets."
Faust looked up at Keiichi, "He was that happy?"
"Well," said Keiichi, "you have to remember that day in and day out he's called either Kami-sama, Lord, Boss, among other things. The only ones that call him Father that I know of are Belldandy and her sisters. I suppose being called Grandpa is a refreshing change."
The front door opened then.
"I'm home." came Belldandy's tired voice. She walked in and dropped into an empty seat.
Keiichi came out and handed Belldandy a cup of tea. "How did it go?" he asked.
Belldandy sipped the tea, "The Angels are telling the truth. They truly wish to help us. There even is another Angel that stayed behind to spy for us. Tabris left afterwards to assist the Guardians." Belldandy glanced over at Yui. "That reminds me, your staying here tonight. Your parents are going with Mara and Tabris down to Hell to talk to Hild." Yui nodded.
"So what are they going to do about Lorelei?" asked Faust. The others turned their attention to Belldandy, waiting for her answer.
Belldandy closed her eyes and sighed, "Rescuing Lorelei is now a secondary concern. The Angels that are working with the demons are our number one priority."
"But what about Lorelei?!" asked Bloodberry, "We're just going to leave her there?!"
"I don't like it anymore then you," said Belldandy, "but all we can do right now is hope for the best."
"This sucks!" shouted Bloodberry, pounding her fist on the wall. The house trembled under her blow, causing several pictures to jump off the wall and fall towards the floor. Cherry and Tiger started to leap to catch the pictures when a white blur flew past them, collecting the falling pictures. Everyone followed the blur to see a winged girl floating off to the side, the pictures in her arms.
"What is that?" asked Otaru, pointing to the girl. The girl frowned at Otaru.
"My angel," said Belldandy, "Blessed Bell."
"Like the ones that your so worried about?" asked Otaru.
"No. Those were given the name 'Angels' by mortals. Blessed Bell is a true angel."
Lime walked closer to Blessed Bell. "You're pretty." She said.
Blessed Bell positively beamed with joy at Lime. She then flew over and replaced the pictures before vanishing into Belldandy's back. Luchs looked over at Keiichi and Yui.
"You two have an Angel as well?"
Keiichi shook his head, "No. I'm not even a god. I can't have an angel."
"Guardians don't get angels," said Yui, "I don't know why but we don't."
"Does Sayoko and Skuld have angels?" asked Lime.
Belldandy nodded, "Of course."
"How come we never saw them?" said Tiger.
"They probably didn't need to use them." replied Belldandy, "Besides, they tend to draw attention to us when we would least want it."
"Where are Sayoko and Skuld?" asked Lime. "Don't they live here?"
"Yes they live here. Urd thought of something that might help the guardians and went with Skuld to talk to Kami-sama about it." Belldandy shrugged, "I don't know what though."
"Where's Sayoko?"
"I don't know." replied Belldandy. "I haven't seen her since the Angel's arrived."
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Sayoko had gone straight towards the Goddess Relief Office, where her mother had once worked long ago. She had then walked down a hallway and exited the building. Continuing along the path, she reached a point where the path vanished at a ledge. Sayoko had stepped to the edge and looked down. Far below, faint ripples of water could be seen. Sayoko had then stepped off and floated downward, the scenery of heaven floating up past her as entered the darkness. She set down on the surface of the water and stopped, her feet barely making a ripple. There she had stood for 3 hours, lost in her thoughts, floating just over the surface of the lake. She had reluctantly come to the conclusion that Asuka had been right. She could do nothing against the Angels. But that didn't make it any easier for her. She was preparing to leave when she realized she was not alone. Sayoko whirled about to see another figure on the lakes surface behind her. The female Angel. Sayoko looked about, but saw no sign of any Valkyrie or any of the Guardians. The Angel had her eyes shut and seemed calm. Sayoko slowly approached the Angel.
"What brings you here?" asked Sayoko, trying to keep her voice neutral.
"I remembered this place from long ago," replied the Angel, her eyes still closed, "It's very peaceful here, and allows one to reflect."
"Shouldn't you be with the others?"
"Tabris knows all that is needed to help the Guardian's." The Angel hesitated before continuing, "Armisael's and my presence is not required." The Angel opened her eyes and started to turn towards Sayoko, "It has been so long since I was here last that..." The Angel's voice trailed off as her eyes met Sayoko. "Fifth Child!" The Angel began to float away from Sayoko. Sayoko looked at the Angel confused.
"Have I met you before?"
"I am Arael." said the Angel. Seeing that Sayoko was still confused, the Angel added nervously, "....I was what the lilim referred to as the '15th Angel'."
Suddenly it clicked. Sayoko now realized why this Angel had been acting strange around Asuka, her mother, and herself when they had seen her in the control room.
"You're afraid of me." Sayoko said.
Arael froze. She then slowly turned to look at Sayoko, her eyes opened wide.
"Why?" asked Sayoko, "Shouldn't be the other way around?"
"Because I was in contact with you and the second," said Areal slowly, "when I was..defeated, the resulting break of contact caused me to retain all of those memories that you were experiencing."
Sayoko went through the events that surrounded the 15th's Attack in her mind.
"You forced us to relive the worst moments of our lives." said Sayoko, her voice shaking, "And you're saying that when you were defeated, you got stuck with them?"
Arael nodded.
Sayoko looked away from the Angel.
"That is why I could not work with the Second, and was trying to avoid you, and your mother." said Arael, "I spent 500 years in limbo experiencing your memories over and over. When I was brought back, the memories stayed with me. Seeing you, the Second, and your mother.I."
"You feel guilty." finished Sayoko quietly.
"I know I do not deserve your forgiveness. There is nothing I can do to undo what I have done." Arael turned and looked at Sayoko, "But I can try."
Sayoko remained quiet for several moments before speaking.
"If I had been like Asuka before you attacked back in 2015, I would say that there is nothing you can do to make this up to us, that you don't deserve to be forgiven."
Arael looked downward. "I understand. I should be going..." She started to leave.
"I'm not finished." said Sayoko quietly. Arael froze and turned to look back at Sayoko.
Sayoko continued, "I said if I had been like Asuka, but I'm not. I was raised differently. That is why I can forgive you."
Arael stared wide-eyed at Sayoko, "You.you.forgive me?"
"I'm a goddess." said Sayoko, "It is my place to forgive those who seek it." Sayoko then smiled, "You had it easy this time. Asuka will not be as forgiving."
"I understand." said Arael.
* Sayoko *
Sayoko looked upwards before replying. * Yes Auntie Urd? *
* Get over to the Yggdrasil Building, Sublevel 40. *
Sayoko frowned. 'Sublevel 40? What the ..' * What are you up to? *
* Skuld and I convinced Kami-sama of a way to help the Guardians. But we want your opinion on it. *
* Alright, I'm on my way. *
Sayoko started to leave when she remembered Arael. The Angel was still there, now looking off away from Sayoko.
"What do you plan on doing?" asked Sayoko.
Arael turned back to the goddess. "I was just going to stay here. It is very nice and peaceful."
".and it's also secluded." added Sayoko, "You realize you can't avoid everyone forever." Sayoko then made a decision. "Come with me."
Arael looked up, "No. I shouldn't."
Sayoko floated over to Arael, "You wanted to rejoin the heavens. That means you have to live and work with the rest of us, even the Guardians. This is your chance to start fresh. Will you come with me?"
Arael hesitated for several moments. Finally she decided.
"Alright."
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Mara, Hild, the Guardians, and Tabris stood around a large display table in the control room for Hell's computer. Hild was staring across the display at Tabris.
"Remind me again why that," she pointed at Tabris, " is here."
"He is here because he knows exactly where the other Angels are." said Asuka. She then looked over at Tabris, "But I would like to know why the other 2 didn't come down with us."
Tabris shrugged, "Both would feel uncomfortable working in this environment."
"With the demons?" asked Shinji.
"No." Tabris looked up, "With the First and Second."
Asuka and Rei looked confused.
"Why wouldn't they want to work with us?" asked Asuka.
Tabris looked back down at the display. "They...faced off against each of you."
Asuka and Rei glanced at each other
"Which ones were they?" asked Rei quietly.
"Does it matter?" asked Tabris, "There will be time for that later." He turned and pointed to a spot on the display. "The Demons you seek are located here."
Hild's eyes narrowed, "That's at the bottom of hell."
Shinji looked up at Hild, "What's kept down there?"
"Only the most heinous of mortals." replied Hild, "The further down into hell you go, the worse the examples of humanity you will find. Only fitting that he would set up down there."
"How do we get there?" asked Asuka.
Hild brought up another display, "Each level of Hell is connected to another. You can reach each level by either the caves that link each section, or by the shaft that goes straight down from top to bottom."
"Let's see it."
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"So..It is true." said Sachiel, quietly, "Once again, we are betrayed."
He and 4 of the other Angels stood around a display. On the display, they watched as Tabris walked beside the Guardians.
"Traitorous fool." said Bardiel, "He must pay."
"He is not the only one." The Angels looked up as Israfel entered, "Arael and Armisael are missing as well."
"This does pose a problem to us." The Angels turned towards Draco, who had remained quiet until this point. "We might be able to fight the Guardians and win. But with your brethren on their side..."
"Then we must distract them." said Sachiel, "You said they would come here after the lilim female, yet they now seem to hurry due to our presence."
Draco nodded, "That seems to be the case. What do you suggest?"
"The lilim female," said Sachiel, "Where is she from?"
"The Planet is known as Terra 2."
"Then Terra 2 is where we shall strike."
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Sayoko and Arael rounded a corner and spotted Urd and Skuld standing in front of a large door. Both Urd and Skuld frowned slightly when they saw the Angel with Sayoko.
"Why is she here?" asked Urd.
"She is here because I asked her to be." said Sayoko.
"I thought you would keep better company."
Sayoko crossed her arms, "I remember someone saying the same thing about Rei. Yet she and I became very good friends and still are."
Urd was about to reply, when Skuld cut her off, "Sayoko, it is of course your choice who you associate with." Skuld then looked at Arael, "You must forgive my sister, she is still adjusting to your presence."
Arael only nodded. Sayoko then turned towards the door.
"Alright. What can we do to help the Guardians and why are we meeting here?"
Urd turned and waved her hand, opening the giant door. "See for yourself."
Sayoko stepped forward, followed by Arael. Both found themselves on a large catwalk, overlooking a large dark room. A sudden sense of déjà vu hit her as she looked over the railing, trying to see the object hidden by the darkness. Skuld stepped onto the catwalk, followed shortly there after by Urd.
"Where is it?" asked Skuld.
Urd walked over to a panel by the door. "Hold on."
All four squinted as the lights came on. When their vision cleared, the object was revealed, a large figure in silver and red armor. Arael let out a gasp of surprise and fear and took several steps back. Sayoko just stared in shock, coming face to face with something she hadn't seen in over 500 years.
"How?"
"It's been regenerating," replied Urd, "ever since we brought it here."
"Does it work?"
"If it doesn't, we know who can make it work."
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Terra 2
The people of Gartlant went about their lives as if nothing was wrong. It had been a year since Lord Faust had been overthrown. Life was slowly improving for the people. They were eating better, living better, and were being treated better. The homeless now had homes, and jobless had jobs, everything was moving smoothly.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. A bump lay in the road to prosperity for Gartlant.
A bump that was in the shape of an enormous floating blue diamond and a massive figure with sharp ribbon arms.
The Angels had arrived on Terra 2.