Standard Disclaimer!
Well I thought I'd have more time to write, but I was wrong. After about two weeks of having new employees to help cover shifts.they quit. So I'm back to full time status at my 'part-time' job. Joy-of-Joy's but I'll try to write as much as I can.
Sorry for the long delay on this fic, but of all of my current projects, this one gets the least amount of reading. It's sad as its one of my fav to write. One of my pre-readers even noticed how the style is actually a lot different from my other fics.
Oh well lets get started shall we?
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Fallible Chapter 4 - Covering Up
Breakfast, which used to be a noisy mass of excitement, was unusually quite. Urd had not yet returned from her summons to the Heavens, leaving only Keiichi, Skuld, and Peorth sitting around the table.
While the two remaining Goddesses had their own thoughts as to why Urd had yet to return, they kept them silent. 'Best not to jump to conclusions yet,' both reasoned. Peorth was hoping that Belldandy's punishment would keep her away from the temple for at least a little longer. Enough time to worm her way deep enough into Keiichi's heart.
Skuld just hoped that she could see her sister soon. She loved being on earth, that was never a doubt, but she wouldn't even have come to earth if it weren't for Belldandy. She missed her already.
Eating the meal Peorth made for him, Keiichi was thinking of what to tell his classmates about Belldandy's absence, and about Belldandy herself. He figured he'd run into Tamiya, Ootaki, Hasegawa, and unfortunately possibly Aoshima. Then he'd have to go to work and explain it to Chihiro.
Unable to stand the silence anymore Skuld spoke, "So.when do you think Urd will come back?"
"When the sake wears off and she's sober probably," was Peorth's off hand comment. Their previous argument still casting a dark shape on her feelings towards the half demon Goddess.
"I doubt she'd do something like that. Maybe she just ran into somebody she knew, or she had something to do," Keiichi offered more too calm Skuld than anything. Looking at his watch with a sense of dread, "I guess I should be heading off to school."
Quickly rushing the plates to the sink, Peorth grabbed Keiichi's arm. "Shall we be off then?"
"You're going too?" Keiichi and Skuld said in unison, Keiichi more subdued while Skuld almost shrieked.
Waving a finger at the two, "I 'am' currently the Goddess of your wish, so that means I HAVE to go with you. Anyway I'm sure I'll be able to help you somehow."
To strained to fight her, "You don't mind riding in the sidecar?" His eyes also wondered over her clothing, "Oh and.you're kinda out of appropriate dress."
"Am I?" she asked posing seductively at him, smiling at how he blushed so quickly, "I guess I'll have to change first then." Saying that Peorth left the room to change into something less obscene.
Skuld and Keiichi shared a look. Both could still see the hurt in the others eye. The understanding they both shared now was rather unprecedented. Where Skuld would once call Keiichi a pervert for staring at Peorth, she held her tongue in check. Keiichi just smiled at Skuld.
Concerned for the young Goddess, K1 asked, "How you holding up?"
"Better than you," she said sticking her tongue out now in jest, "but it still hurts. You?"
"I guess I'm feeling a little better. Peorth really has helped. I just hope Belldandy comes home soon. I think we can talk about.things.now."
The pair again lapsed into silence. It was a comfortable silence that only shared experience could cause. Peorth found the two exactly the same as how she left them, grabbing Keiichi's arm the pair left the temple.
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Belldandy was slowly growing impatient. She had used to be able to think of a plan almost instantaneously, but now she couldn't think of anything but Keiichi. She had only been gone two days but she missed him to an immeasurable degree.
She wanted to talk to him, hold him, cook his food, and just be in his presence. But she was forced now to break her 'fathers' commandment and watch him using her viewing mirror. To avoid her 'father's' detection as well, she had to conceal all her use of magic, making it a lot harder to see Keiichi. What she saw wasn't pleasant in her eyes either. A cold feeling of pure raw hatred surged in her now whenever she saw her old friend Peorth.
Turning to her angelic companion, "Holy Bell how could she sleep in his bed? Doesn't she know what he means to me?"
The angel just nodded in agreement to the subconscious feelings of betrayal that Belldandy was emanating. Both were now wondering why Urd hadn't returned yet, and how they could meet Keiichi again.
"I need to think of something and fast. The longer it takes me to get back.the more likely she'll use her magic to corrupt and steal my Keiichi."
Her hands traced the outline of Keiichi's face on her mirror. The memory of the night that caused this pain returned, only this time her mind failed to remember that is wasn't really Keiichi. Her mind now saw it as truly being him.
"It was him; they just set this up to steal him. Yeah.we shared our love and they were jealous. That's why! Mara and Peorth.jealous, got father to help.but what about Urd?"
Gripping her head in frustration, Belldandy screamed silently. Part of her was trying to stop the oncoming thoughts, but it was failing. The now constant feeling of betrayal was eating away her senses. Desperately trying to stop herself from thinking her own sisters could betray her in attempts to steal her Keiichi, Belldandy turned to darker thoughts.
Reaching for a small object, she mouthed the words silently, "Where is Mara."
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Keiichi arrived at school with plenty of time to spare. He also arrived with Peorth hugging him tightly from behind. She was adamant about not sitting in the sidecar claiming it frightened her. Keiichi didn't know if she was lying or not, but the feeling of somebody close to him, a friend, was still a welcome sensation.
Disengaging from her driver, "So where do we go first?"
"Well, usually I meet up with the guys from the Automotive Club for awhile before my class. I guess we head to the club house."
Latching onto his arm again, the pair started walking towards the Nekomi Tech Automotive Club house. Embarrassed by all the looks they were receiving from the other students, Keiichi politely asked Peorth to ease off a little. To her credit, she did back off, however that wasn't enough to keep the eyes off the pair.
Many students gawked in shock. Somehow gorgeous women always surrounded that nerdy looking Morisato. Usually it was the lovely Miss-Belldandy, but today a new one. Some remembered her from before, but only a very select few. Cries of injustice rang up from the unknowing campus as the pair made their way.
Entering the building was received with no less enthusiasm. The visiting Tamiya instantly remembered the woman beside Keiichi.
Rushing over to the pair, "Miss Peorth! Hi!"
Cowering behind a human shield named Keiichi, Peorth meekly returned the man's greeting. Frankly he still scared her. Slowly the other members and ex-member Ootaki realized that Keiichi was without his constant companion Belldandy.
After the usual greetings and introduction of Peorth to the unknowing, the questions were forming in the minds of the members. 'Where was Belldandy, and why is this Peorth all over Keiichi?'
As Keiichi started the morning routine, the other members finally prompted Hasegawa, as she was still the newest member, to ask. She did so with great reluctance.
"Keiichi-sempai, where is Belldandy-sempai today?"
Frozen in place, Keiichi was hoping they wouldn't ask. Sure he made a story up to cover for her absence, he was a poor liar. His salvation came from a rather unexpected source.
Peorth answered for him, "She had to go home for a while. Something unexpected occurred and she was forced too." Her unexpected statement resulted in Keiichi locking his eyes in hers. She could feel the gratitude swelling out of him. 'He trusts me more and more,' she thought with a feeling of elation.
Hasegawa's head drooped a small amount, "When will she come back?" The other parts of the crew were all waiting for any information.
Again answering for him, "We don't know for sure. Hopefully soon." While she didn't really want that, she knew presently Keiichi did, so it wasn't a lie.
With the question of Belldandy's absence explained, the questions now turned to why Peorth was there. As Keiichi helped the less-experienced members work, Peorth answered those who asked. Her response was that she was the one that was sent to get Belldandy, and decided to stay for a while and see what college life was like.
They reasoned it possible, and most likely so let it drop. To the men, having her around was a boon. A beautiful woman that wasn't dating Keiichi meant they had a chance with her. However none would make a move as Tamiya was circling around her like a shark, keeping them all at bay.
Peorth saw the man's action and thought of a plan. She just hoped Keiichi wouldn't be to upset with her plan if the chance presented itself.
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As the time for his class drew nearer, Keiichi informed the remaining members of his leaving. To their dismay, Peorth went with him. The pair made their way towards the building where his class took place. But as they neared it, they were stopped by another acquaintance.
"Ah, Morisato. Where is the lovely Belldandy today? Hiding her from me?"
The mere sound of his voice sent chills down Keiichi's spine, "No Aoshima, she had to go home for awhile."
Shaking his head softly, he extended the flowers he kept in his hand to Peorth, "And who is the exquisite beauty?" He took Peorth's hand in his and began raising it to his lips. He was able to move her hand about a foot before she withdrew it.
"Don't you touch me," her voice concealing a deep revulsion.
Not one to be daunted at the first rejection, "But surely Miss, you'd rather spend time with a man that could show you a good time. Keiichi here."
Her voice lowering, "If you say anything about Keiichi. I'll make sure you regret it."
Smiling smugly at the two, he raised is hands in mock defeat. "Oh well. You seem to 'loose' for my taste anyway. Morisato, when Belldandy returns I'll make sure to inform her of this infadeli."
Keiichi, still trying to resist the urge to pound the man into a bloody smear, was shocked at the resounding slap. Peorth's backhand left Aoshima staggering. His look of superiority instantly drained from his face to be replaced with anger.
"How dare you strike me you." his voice died as he gazed into Peorth's eyes. With a hand gesture, he ran off.
After their adrenalin lowered they continued their walk. Thanking her meekly, Keiichi smiled at her. "I should have been the one to hit him. Not only did he." he trailed off momentarily, "But he said such horrible things about you."
Linking her arm with his, "Don't worry Mon Cher." They finished the walk in silence. Once they arrived, Keiichi was mildly shocked that Peorth said she would decline from 'bothering' him in class and would entertain herself until it ended. To that K1 was grateful, he was a bit worried about how class would have gone with her by him.
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In truth however, Peorth's intentions were far from noble. She could hardly contain the urge to punish the mortal Aoshima. 'How dare he say that 'I'm' a woman of loose morals.' Remembering her true plan for this break, she hunted down Tamiya.
She found the large man outside of 'Whirlwind.' She knew what she had to do, but that didn't mean she had to like it. Drawing out a few tears she ran to him. Startled by Peorth's suddenly running into his arms, Tamiya just stared at her.
"Ah, you ok?"
Drawing out more tears, "No.that Aoshima.he said.he said such cruel things to me!"
Not liking Aoshima in the first place, and now adding to it the fact he did something so cruel to Peorth as to make her cry. Tamiya was going to have a little 'talk' with him.
Slowly pushing Peorth away from him, he looked down at her, "Where is he?"
Drying her false tears, "I ran from him. He was last in front of the fountain in the quad."
The force of nature known as Tamiya fully removed himself from Peorth's embrace and headed towards the quad, "I'll take care of that then."
Once the man was out of sight, Peorth let out a small laugh. It wasn't much of a punishment, hardly one fitting the crime he had assisted in, but it was something. Masking her presence from the surrounding people, Peorth took to the sky. She was going to watch the smug bastard suffer.
She was not let down as Tamiya let loose a full barrage on the smaller man. Tamiya's feelings for Peorth, and his sense of pride fueling his attack. Aoshima offered only a meager resistance before being pummeled. With a satisfied sigh at the sight of the bruised boy, Peorth flew back to meet Keiichi. He didn't need to know what happened unless necessary.
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"I knew I could beat those Goddesses!" Mara claimed with a laugh.
Sinking deeper into the onsen, she was elated. Senbei was still in a very happy mood himself. For their work in regards to the Goddesses, Mara was rewarded with a month off work, and a trip to the onsen of her choice. Never one to pass up a good soak, Mara accepted graciously.
Her peace of mind would have been complete if it weren't for a small nuisance. "What's with all the damn birds?"
Emerging from his floating ramune bottle, Senbei addressed his master, "Senbei not know. But birds seem to be searching."
That triggered a thought in Mara's mind. Belldandy had power over nature. Could the Norns already be looking for her? Revenge isn't their style. To be on the safe side however she sent off a few of her demon patrols to scout out.
"Good thinking Master.what you doing?"
Examining her facial new facial marks with a small hand mirror, "Just seeing the other perks of a job well done." Smiling at herself in the mirror. 'What a beautiful demoness I am.' She traced the marks on her forehead again before setting the mirror back down by her portable CD player.
Looking at the odd assortment of gadgets his master brought with her on her vacation, puzzled the speech impaired bad-luck demon. It puzzled him so much as to prompt his asking her about them.
"Fool, isn't it obvious? I have the player in case Urd comes seeking retribution." Mara noticed the look of confusion on Senbei's face. "You do remember how Urd has to dance whenever she hears Austrian Polka right?"
The memory resurfacing in Senbei's mind, "Ah! Now me remember. Why not use now though. Stop sound of birds."
'Now I remember why I keep him around, he can be of use on occasion.' Turning the player on Mara reached for a good hard rock CD, 'Always helps re-energize me.' Flipping through a few cases, Mara found a case she never saw before, "Senbei did you put this one here?"
She looked over at the bottle and found that Senbei was now fighting with a frog; he'd be no assistance. Shrugging it off as nobody else even knew of their location, it had to be him. Opening up the case however resulted in a shock.
Mara felt the fiber of her self being torn apart. She was looking directly at the CD of the Gods. "What! HOW?" was all she was able to say before her essence was torn apart by the power of the CD. It's attraction to demonic forces literally ravaging Mara's body before sealing her within it. Senbei looked up just at the final moments and screamed.
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From her view point in Heaven, Belldandy smiled. By using her amplified powers, she was able to get animals to drag the Cd of the God's from the temple to Mara's hidden retreat. Which was easily found using her fleet of aerial spies.
Patting her Master on the back, Holy Bell was happy to see Belldandy smiling again. Using her sway over the animals of the forest again, she had them position the hand mirror close enough to the CD so she could reach through and grab it before any noticeable power trace could be registered.
Holding the captive Mara in her hand, Belldandy smiled wickedly. 'Now to find some way of hiding this before they notice her missing.'
She had to rid herself of possible blame. If Mara turned up missing, in her current situation, she would be the prime suspect. She had to keep her plans hidden from her father and her sisters.
"But how?"
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As Peorth and Keiichi arrived at school, and Belldandy's act against Mara occurred, Urd returned home. Her clothing had the reek of sake upon them, as did her breath. After her confrontation with Belldandy, she quickly wanted to forget things.
Greeted by her not so supportive sister Skuld, Urd grabbed her throbbing head. "What do you want? I just want to go to bed."
"I did what you asked. So where have you been? Drinking like Peorth thought?" to emphasis her point she wave a hand past her nose to waft the smell of alcohol away.
Her mind muddled with fatigue and drink, "I was with your sister."
'Sis is able to have visitors!' Her eyes widening, "Can I go see her too?"
If Urd was thinking clearly she would have given a moments hesitation about the request. Had her body not been about to collapse underneath her she would have wondered if it a good idea. However her attempts to banish the sights from her mind had worked.
"Knock yourself out. I'm going to bed."
Within fifteen minutes, Skuld had the bathtub full and was phasing back through it to the Heavens.
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Skulk found her sister looking better than Urd did, Belldandy's previous actions causing a momentary bout of happiness. So the only minor unkemptness about her didn't set Skuld on edge, she figured it was only natural.
Always the positive elder sister, "Why Skuld, welcome, thanks for visiting me."
Rushing into the waiting arms of her sister, Skuld cried, "Big sister, I missed you so much."
Holding her younger sister and stroking her hair, Belldandy's mind was working. "Urd told me that you were keeping a safe eye on Keiichi for me."
Nodding fiercely in agreement, Skuld said she'd keep him safe from Peorth. Belldandy saw a powerful tool. Her sister was on her side, and could help her. So after a short while of conversation and catching up, Belldandy turned to other matters.
"Skuld could you do me a favor? It's really important to me"
Not knowing the full degree of her punishment, Skuld happily agreed.
"I want you to take the CD of the God's from me. I don't think I should have it. I wouldn't want to make a mistake and do something I'd regret."
Taking the case in her hands, Skuld wondered how Belldandy got it in the first place. Wasn't it back at the temple already? "Sis?"
Noticing her sister wasn't as naive as she had thought, "I brought it with me when I left the first time. I.I was thinking of using it. That's why I want you to take it and seal it away. Don't let anybody know where you put it."
'She must be worried she'd seal Mara away and feel bad later,' again Skuld nodded, she'd help her sister in almost anything. "Well, I better be going back soon. Urd may need some help recovering."
Smiling politely at her, "You do that. And Skuld.tell Keiichi I love him," and mentally she added 'and we'll be together again soon.'
Clutching the CD to her breast like a holy talisman, "I will sis. And don't worry I won't let anything happen to him."
Waving as Skuld shut the door, "I know you won't dear.I know you won't."
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Author Notes
Well Belldandy is moving down further and further. And yes with her seal unbroken she could easily control nature from Heaven to do such an easy thing.
Hope you liked this installment and continue to support it.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com )
Well I thought I'd have more time to write, but I was wrong. After about two weeks of having new employees to help cover shifts.they quit. So I'm back to full time status at my 'part-time' job. Joy-of-Joy's but I'll try to write as much as I can.
Sorry for the long delay on this fic, but of all of my current projects, this one gets the least amount of reading. It's sad as its one of my fav to write. One of my pre-readers even noticed how the style is actually a lot different from my other fics.
Oh well lets get started shall we?
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Fallible Chapter 4 - Covering Up
Breakfast, which used to be a noisy mass of excitement, was unusually quite. Urd had not yet returned from her summons to the Heavens, leaving only Keiichi, Skuld, and Peorth sitting around the table.
While the two remaining Goddesses had their own thoughts as to why Urd had yet to return, they kept them silent. 'Best not to jump to conclusions yet,' both reasoned. Peorth was hoping that Belldandy's punishment would keep her away from the temple for at least a little longer. Enough time to worm her way deep enough into Keiichi's heart.
Skuld just hoped that she could see her sister soon. She loved being on earth, that was never a doubt, but she wouldn't even have come to earth if it weren't for Belldandy. She missed her already.
Eating the meal Peorth made for him, Keiichi was thinking of what to tell his classmates about Belldandy's absence, and about Belldandy herself. He figured he'd run into Tamiya, Ootaki, Hasegawa, and unfortunately possibly Aoshima. Then he'd have to go to work and explain it to Chihiro.
Unable to stand the silence anymore Skuld spoke, "So.when do you think Urd will come back?"
"When the sake wears off and she's sober probably," was Peorth's off hand comment. Their previous argument still casting a dark shape on her feelings towards the half demon Goddess.
"I doubt she'd do something like that. Maybe she just ran into somebody she knew, or she had something to do," Keiichi offered more too calm Skuld than anything. Looking at his watch with a sense of dread, "I guess I should be heading off to school."
Quickly rushing the plates to the sink, Peorth grabbed Keiichi's arm. "Shall we be off then?"
"You're going too?" Keiichi and Skuld said in unison, Keiichi more subdued while Skuld almost shrieked.
Waving a finger at the two, "I 'am' currently the Goddess of your wish, so that means I HAVE to go with you. Anyway I'm sure I'll be able to help you somehow."
To strained to fight her, "You don't mind riding in the sidecar?" His eyes also wondered over her clothing, "Oh and.you're kinda out of appropriate dress."
"Am I?" she asked posing seductively at him, smiling at how he blushed so quickly, "I guess I'll have to change first then." Saying that Peorth left the room to change into something less obscene.
Skuld and Keiichi shared a look. Both could still see the hurt in the others eye. The understanding they both shared now was rather unprecedented. Where Skuld would once call Keiichi a pervert for staring at Peorth, she held her tongue in check. Keiichi just smiled at Skuld.
Concerned for the young Goddess, K1 asked, "How you holding up?"
"Better than you," she said sticking her tongue out now in jest, "but it still hurts. You?"
"I guess I'm feeling a little better. Peorth really has helped. I just hope Belldandy comes home soon. I think we can talk about.things.now."
The pair again lapsed into silence. It was a comfortable silence that only shared experience could cause. Peorth found the two exactly the same as how she left them, grabbing Keiichi's arm the pair left the temple.
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Belldandy was slowly growing impatient. She had used to be able to think of a plan almost instantaneously, but now she couldn't think of anything but Keiichi. She had only been gone two days but she missed him to an immeasurable degree.
She wanted to talk to him, hold him, cook his food, and just be in his presence. But she was forced now to break her 'fathers' commandment and watch him using her viewing mirror. To avoid her 'father's' detection as well, she had to conceal all her use of magic, making it a lot harder to see Keiichi. What she saw wasn't pleasant in her eyes either. A cold feeling of pure raw hatred surged in her now whenever she saw her old friend Peorth.
Turning to her angelic companion, "Holy Bell how could she sleep in his bed? Doesn't she know what he means to me?"
The angel just nodded in agreement to the subconscious feelings of betrayal that Belldandy was emanating. Both were now wondering why Urd hadn't returned yet, and how they could meet Keiichi again.
"I need to think of something and fast. The longer it takes me to get back.the more likely she'll use her magic to corrupt and steal my Keiichi."
Her hands traced the outline of Keiichi's face on her mirror. The memory of the night that caused this pain returned, only this time her mind failed to remember that is wasn't really Keiichi. Her mind now saw it as truly being him.
"It was him; they just set this up to steal him. Yeah.we shared our love and they were jealous. That's why! Mara and Peorth.jealous, got father to help.but what about Urd?"
Gripping her head in frustration, Belldandy screamed silently. Part of her was trying to stop the oncoming thoughts, but it was failing. The now constant feeling of betrayal was eating away her senses. Desperately trying to stop herself from thinking her own sisters could betray her in attempts to steal her Keiichi, Belldandy turned to darker thoughts.
Reaching for a small object, she mouthed the words silently, "Where is Mara."
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Keiichi arrived at school with plenty of time to spare. He also arrived with Peorth hugging him tightly from behind. She was adamant about not sitting in the sidecar claiming it frightened her. Keiichi didn't know if she was lying or not, but the feeling of somebody close to him, a friend, was still a welcome sensation.
Disengaging from her driver, "So where do we go first?"
"Well, usually I meet up with the guys from the Automotive Club for awhile before my class. I guess we head to the club house."
Latching onto his arm again, the pair started walking towards the Nekomi Tech Automotive Club house. Embarrassed by all the looks they were receiving from the other students, Keiichi politely asked Peorth to ease off a little. To her credit, she did back off, however that wasn't enough to keep the eyes off the pair.
Many students gawked in shock. Somehow gorgeous women always surrounded that nerdy looking Morisato. Usually it was the lovely Miss-Belldandy, but today a new one. Some remembered her from before, but only a very select few. Cries of injustice rang up from the unknowing campus as the pair made their way.
Entering the building was received with no less enthusiasm. The visiting Tamiya instantly remembered the woman beside Keiichi.
Rushing over to the pair, "Miss Peorth! Hi!"
Cowering behind a human shield named Keiichi, Peorth meekly returned the man's greeting. Frankly he still scared her. Slowly the other members and ex-member Ootaki realized that Keiichi was without his constant companion Belldandy.
After the usual greetings and introduction of Peorth to the unknowing, the questions were forming in the minds of the members. 'Where was Belldandy, and why is this Peorth all over Keiichi?'
As Keiichi started the morning routine, the other members finally prompted Hasegawa, as she was still the newest member, to ask. She did so with great reluctance.
"Keiichi-sempai, where is Belldandy-sempai today?"
Frozen in place, Keiichi was hoping they wouldn't ask. Sure he made a story up to cover for her absence, he was a poor liar. His salvation came from a rather unexpected source.
Peorth answered for him, "She had to go home for a while. Something unexpected occurred and she was forced too." Her unexpected statement resulted in Keiichi locking his eyes in hers. She could feel the gratitude swelling out of him. 'He trusts me more and more,' she thought with a feeling of elation.
Hasegawa's head drooped a small amount, "When will she come back?" The other parts of the crew were all waiting for any information.
Again answering for him, "We don't know for sure. Hopefully soon." While she didn't really want that, she knew presently Keiichi did, so it wasn't a lie.
With the question of Belldandy's absence explained, the questions now turned to why Peorth was there. As Keiichi helped the less-experienced members work, Peorth answered those who asked. Her response was that she was the one that was sent to get Belldandy, and decided to stay for a while and see what college life was like.
They reasoned it possible, and most likely so let it drop. To the men, having her around was a boon. A beautiful woman that wasn't dating Keiichi meant they had a chance with her. However none would make a move as Tamiya was circling around her like a shark, keeping them all at bay.
Peorth saw the man's action and thought of a plan. She just hoped Keiichi wouldn't be to upset with her plan if the chance presented itself.
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As the time for his class drew nearer, Keiichi informed the remaining members of his leaving. To their dismay, Peorth went with him. The pair made their way towards the building where his class took place. But as they neared it, they were stopped by another acquaintance.
"Ah, Morisato. Where is the lovely Belldandy today? Hiding her from me?"
The mere sound of his voice sent chills down Keiichi's spine, "No Aoshima, she had to go home for awhile."
Shaking his head softly, he extended the flowers he kept in his hand to Peorth, "And who is the exquisite beauty?" He took Peorth's hand in his and began raising it to his lips. He was able to move her hand about a foot before she withdrew it.
"Don't you touch me," her voice concealing a deep revulsion.
Not one to be daunted at the first rejection, "But surely Miss, you'd rather spend time with a man that could show you a good time. Keiichi here."
Her voice lowering, "If you say anything about Keiichi. I'll make sure you regret it."
Smiling smugly at the two, he raised is hands in mock defeat. "Oh well. You seem to 'loose' for my taste anyway. Morisato, when Belldandy returns I'll make sure to inform her of this infadeli."
Keiichi, still trying to resist the urge to pound the man into a bloody smear, was shocked at the resounding slap. Peorth's backhand left Aoshima staggering. His look of superiority instantly drained from his face to be replaced with anger.
"How dare you strike me you." his voice died as he gazed into Peorth's eyes. With a hand gesture, he ran off.
After their adrenalin lowered they continued their walk. Thanking her meekly, Keiichi smiled at her. "I should have been the one to hit him. Not only did he." he trailed off momentarily, "But he said such horrible things about you."
Linking her arm with his, "Don't worry Mon Cher." They finished the walk in silence. Once they arrived, Keiichi was mildly shocked that Peorth said she would decline from 'bothering' him in class and would entertain herself until it ended. To that K1 was grateful, he was a bit worried about how class would have gone with her by him.
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In truth however, Peorth's intentions were far from noble. She could hardly contain the urge to punish the mortal Aoshima. 'How dare he say that 'I'm' a woman of loose morals.' Remembering her true plan for this break, she hunted down Tamiya.
She found the large man outside of 'Whirlwind.' She knew what she had to do, but that didn't mean she had to like it. Drawing out a few tears she ran to him. Startled by Peorth's suddenly running into his arms, Tamiya just stared at her.
"Ah, you ok?"
Drawing out more tears, "No.that Aoshima.he said.he said such cruel things to me!"
Not liking Aoshima in the first place, and now adding to it the fact he did something so cruel to Peorth as to make her cry. Tamiya was going to have a little 'talk' with him.
Slowly pushing Peorth away from him, he looked down at her, "Where is he?"
Drying her false tears, "I ran from him. He was last in front of the fountain in the quad."
The force of nature known as Tamiya fully removed himself from Peorth's embrace and headed towards the quad, "I'll take care of that then."
Once the man was out of sight, Peorth let out a small laugh. It wasn't much of a punishment, hardly one fitting the crime he had assisted in, but it was something. Masking her presence from the surrounding people, Peorth took to the sky. She was going to watch the smug bastard suffer.
She was not let down as Tamiya let loose a full barrage on the smaller man. Tamiya's feelings for Peorth, and his sense of pride fueling his attack. Aoshima offered only a meager resistance before being pummeled. With a satisfied sigh at the sight of the bruised boy, Peorth flew back to meet Keiichi. He didn't need to know what happened unless necessary.
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"I knew I could beat those Goddesses!" Mara claimed with a laugh.
Sinking deeper into the onsen, she was elated. Senbei was still in a very happy mood himself. For their work in regards to the Goddesses, Mara was rewarded with a month off work, and a trip to the onsen of her choice. Never one to pass up a good soak, Mara accepted graciously.
Her peace of mind would have been complete if it weren't for a small nuisance. "What's with all the damn birds?"
Emerging from his floating ramune bottle, Senbei addressed his master, "Senbei not know. But birds seem to be searching."
That triggered a thought in Mara's mind. Belldandy had power over nature. Could the Norns already be looking for her? Revenge isn't their style. To be on the safe side however she sent off a few of her demon patrols to scout out.
"Good thinking Master.what you doing?"
Examining her facial new facial marks with a small hand mirror, "Just seeing the other perks of a job well done." Smiling at herself in the mirror. 'What a beautiful demoness I am.' She traced the marks on her forehead again before setting the mirror back down by her portable CD player.
Looking at the odd assortment of gadgets his master brought with her on her vacation, puzzled the speech impaired bad-luck demon. It puzzled him so much as to prompt his asking her about them.
"Fool, isn't it obvious? I have the player in case Urd comes seeking retribution." Mara noticed the look of confusion on Senbei's face. "You do remember how Urd has to dance whenever she hears Austrian Polka right?"
The memory resurfacing in Senbei's mind, "Ah! Now me remember. Why not use now though. Stop sound of birds."
'Now I remember why I keep him around, he can be of use on occasion.' Turning the player on Mara reached for a good hard rock CD, 'Always helps re-energize me.' Flipping through a few cases, Mara found a case she never saw before, "Senbei did you put this one here?"
She looked over at the bottle and found that Senbei was now fighting with a frog; he'd be no assistance. Shrugging it off as nobody else even knew of their location, it had to be him. Opening up the case however resulted in a shock.
Mara felt the fiber of her self being torn apart. She was looking directly at the CD of the Gods. "What! HOW?" was all she was able to say before her essence was torn apart by the power of the CD. It's attraction to demonic forces literally ravaging Mara's body before sealing her within it. Senbei looked up just at the final moments and screamed.
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From her view point in Heaven, Belldandy smiled. By using her amplified powers, she was able to get animals to drag the Cd of the God's from the temple to Mara's hidden retreat. Which was easily found using her fleet of aerial spies.
Patting her Master on the back, Holy Bell was happy to see Belldandy smiling again. Using her sway over the animals of the forest again, she had them position the hand mirror close enough to the CD so she could reach through and grab it before any noticeable power trace could be registered.
Holding the captive Mara in her hand, Belldandy smiled wickedly. 'Now to find some way of hiding this before they notice her missing.'
She had to rid herself of possible blame. If Mara turned up missing, in her current situation, she would be the prime suspect. She had to keep her plans hidden from her father and her sisters.
"But how?"
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As Peorth and Keiichi arrived at school, and Belldandy's act against Mara occurred, Urd returned home. Her clothing had the reek of sake upon them, as did her breath. After her confrontation with Belldandy, she quickly wanted to forget things.
Greeted by her not so supportive sister Skuld, Urd grabbed her throbbing head. "What do you want? I just want to go to bed."
"I did what you asked. So where have you been? Drinking like Peorth thought?" to emphasis her point she wave a hand past her nose to waft the smell of alcohol away.
Her mind muddled with fatigue and drink, "I was with your sister."
'Sis is able to have visitors!' Her eyes widening, "Can I go see her too?"
If Urd was thinking clearly she would have given a moments hesitation about the request. Had her body not been about to collapse underneath her she would have wondered if it a good idea. However her attempts to banish the sights from her mind had worked.
"Knock yourself out. I'm going to bed."
Within fifteen minutes, Skuld had the bathtub full and was phasing back through it to the Heavens.
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Skulk found her sister looking better than Urd did, Belldandy's previous actions causing a momentary bout of happiness. So the only minor unkemptness about her didn't set Skuld on edge, she figured it was only natural.
Always the positive elder sister, "Why Skuld, welcome, thanks for visiting me."
Rushing into the waiting arms of her sister, Skuld cried, "Big sister, I missed you so much."
Holding her younger sister and stroking her hair, Belldandy's mind was working. "Urd told me that you were keeping a safe eye on Keiichi for me."
Nodding fiercely in agreement, Skuld said she'd keep him safe from Peorth. Belldandy saw a powerful tool. Her sister was on her side, and could help her. So after a short while of conversation and catching up, Belldandy turned to other matters.
"Skuld could you do me a favor? It's really important to me"
Not knowing the full degree of her punishment, Skuld happily agreed.
"I want you to take the CD of the God's from me. I don't think I should have it. I wouldn't want to make a mistake and do something I'd regret."
Taking the case in her hands, Skuld wondered how Belldandy got it in the first place. Wasn't it back at the temple already? "Sis?"
Noticing her sister wasn't as naive as she had thought, "I brought it with me when I left the first time. I.I was thinking of using it. That's why I want you to take it and seal it away. Don't let anybody know where you put it."
'She must be worried she'd seal Mara away and feel bad later,' again Skuld nodded, she'd help her sister in almost anything. "Well, I better be going back soon. Urd may need some help recovering."
Smiling politely at her, "You do that. And Skuld.tell Keiichi I love him," and mentally she added 'and we'll be together again soon.'
Clutching the CD to her breast like a holy talisman, "I will sis. And don't worry I won't let anything happen to him."
Waving as Skuld shut the door, "I know you won't dear.I know you won't."
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Author Notes
Well Belldandy is moving down further and further. And yes with her seal unbroken she could easily control nature from Heaven to do such an easy thing.
Hope you liked this installment and continue to support it.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com )