Chapter 4
Later at Dinner, Skuld brought in a map with several areas marked.
"These are all the spots where something abnormal and strange have occurred." said Skuld, "The bug that brought Asuka here could be located near one of these spots."
"But what can we do now?" asked Keiichi, "The bug could be long gone by now."
"Even if it's gone now, we can still track it to where it might be." said Skuld, "4 of these spots are on Nekomi Tech's campus. You and Belldandy can investigate those tomorrow." Skuld then handed Urd a sheet, "Urd, you'll investigate these spots."
Urd looked over the sheet then looked at her sister. "And what will you be doing?"
Skuld brought up a several more sheets, "Asuka and I will be out too." Skuld then glanced at the clock. "Ohh My show's on!" She turned and grabbed Asuka's arm. "Come on! You'll love it!"
The others watched as Asuka was pulled out into the living room by the youngest goddess.
"Skuld seems to have made a friend." said Keiichi.
"It seems that way." said Urd quietly.
Keiichi looked at Urd, "What's wrong?"
"It's Asuka. We know nothing about her, yet she knows everything about us. It's just weird." Urd turned and looked at Belldandy, "And then there's this mysterious Sayoko."
Belldandy shrugged, "I haven't heard of any Goddess with that name. It's possible that the goddess hasn't been born or created yet. Asuka hasn't told us what time she's from..."
"In a way she has." said Urd, "She said the last time she had seen Skuld, she was 30. That means anytime from 2018 and up. I just don't like the fact that a Goddess is hiding from us."
"She probably has a good reason to Urd." said Belldandy, "We don't know how this Goddess was trained. She is probably doing what she thinks is right."
Unknown to the 3, the topic of their conversation was just down the hall. Sayoko was busy reading through file after file from Yggdrasil, after she had logged on using the username and password of an old friend.
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Heaven
"Already logged on?!" Peorth shouted. "What do you mean already logged on?!?!?"
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That night.
Once again the slumber of the temple residents was interrupted by the cries of the German teen. Keiichi slumbered on, thanks to a spell from Belldandy. She, Skuld and Urd had gone into Asuka's room.
Belldandy sat next to the bed, quietly singing to Asuka, who continued to mumble in her sleep, tears coming from her eyes.
"What do you think is wrong with her?" asked Skuld.
"I don't know Skuld." said Urd quietly, "All mortals dream and can have nightmares. Sometimes the nightmares are the result of a traumatic experience." Urd then glanced over at Belldandy. "Keiichi had them after Christmas. He'd wake up in the night thinking Belldandy was gone."
Skuld looked over at Belldandy. Her sister was still singing, but her face had taken on a saddened look at the reminder of her aborted recall. Belldandy shook her head as if to clear her thoughts, then turned to Urd.
"I'm going to read her mind."
"WHAT?!" Urd stared at Belldandy stunned, "WHY?!"
"She didn't want to tell me what she dreamt of last night." said Belldandy, "If I can see her dream, maybe I can help her."
"This isn't like back at Christmas when you brought Keiichi back Bell," said Urd, "Asuka doesn't want to talk about her dreams for a reason, we should respect her wishes."
"But I just can't let her suffer." Belldandy began to lean her head over Asuka's.
"Bell.." Urd started to get up, but a look from Belldandy stopped her.
"Please Urd, let me help her."
Urd sighed, "Alright. But don't blame me when she founds out."
Belldandy leaned over and pressed her forehead to Asuka's. As Belldandy started to see her first glimpses of Asuka's dreams, Skuld returned to her room. There, Sayoko sat waiting, still in her mini form.
"What happened?" asked Sayoko.
"Asuka had another nightmare." said Skuld, "Belldandy is trying to enter her mind to see if she can help."
Sayoko's eyes widened in shock, "SHE'S WHAT!! SHE CAN'T!!!"
"What?" asked Skuld, "Why not?"
"I'll explain later." said Sayoko and she raced to the door, "Right now I have to stop her!"
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Belldandy found herself in a darkened corridor.
"What is this place?" she asked as she looked around.
"Mama! Look at me Mama!" came the voice of a girl.
Belldandy turned to see a young red headed girl of 4 or 5 running down the corridor towards her.
"Look at me Mama! I'm a Pilot!" The girl ran right through Belldandy and headed towards a door. "Mama!"
The girl flung the door open and then froze. Belldandy walked silently up behind the girl to see what was in the room. She wished she hadn't. Hanging from the ceiling was a woman, apparently the girl's mother. Hanging next to her was a doll with red yarn hair.
"Mama..." the girl said quietly.
Belldandy started to reach for the girl when the view changed to a funeral. A coffin was slowly being lowered into the ground. Nearby, the red haired girl stood and watched. Unlike the others present, no tears came from the girl's eyes. A woman beside the girl leaned down and spoke to her.
"Asuka, it's ok to cry."
"I won't cry!" said the young Asuka, "Crying is for the weak. I am not weak!"
The scenery changed again to an enclosed space, almost tube like. Seated in an almost cockpit like seat next to Belldandy was Asuka, struggling with the controls. A bright white light filled the chamber from the screen that surrounded the seat.
"NO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!" shouted Asuka, "DON'T SHOW ME THAT!!!"
Belldandy was about to turn and see what the source of the light was when all went dark. Asuka and the cockpit vanished. Suddenly Belldandy found herself on a cliff, overlooking a large city. She had never seen such a sight. She walked up and placed her hands on the railing that ran along the cliff edge taking in the view.
"Beautiful isn't it?" came a voice.
Belldandy turned and saw a figure sitting on a bench. She was dressed as a Goddess, but her face was hidden beneath the hood of a dark blue cloak.
"This is the city where I met Asuka. A city built for one purpose, now gone forever." the figure said quietly. "You know you should not have entered her mind."
"It was the only way I know of to help her." replied Belldandy.
The other Goddess let out a sigh, "I have known Asuka for 4 years. Believe me, this is not the help she needs. Asuka's demons run deep. It has only been by the help of her friends and loved ones that she has made it this far." The figure turned her head slightly. "Entering her mind will just hurt her that much more."
Belldandy moved closer, trying to see the face under the hood. "Who are you?"
The figure shifted, keeping her face from view, "I am the Goddess Sayoko."
"If you are a Goddess, you should be helping her." replied Belldandy, "Can't you see the pain she has."
"I have." replied the figure, "And I am helping her, by returning her as quickly as I can to her loved ones. I have promised her that."
"How can you help her and yet not be there for her?"
"I am here for her, but when I am not..... I trust Skuld to watch over her."
Belldandy looked confused, "Why Skuld?"
"Because she is the only other whom Asuka is comfortable with."
"Why do you hide your face?" asked Belldandy.
The figure turned towards Belldandy, but her face remained obscured, "You should leave now, and never try to enter Asuka's mind again. To her, it is the most horrific act, one which both Skuld and I have promised to never do to her."
"Wait!" shouted Belldandy, "Why don't you come to the temple? We have more then enough room for...."
"Believe me when I say I hold you in the highest regards." said Sayoko, "And please forgive me for this...."
Sayoko raised her hands and sent forth a force ball. Belldandy, caught by surprise, was hit full in the chest.
She was thrown backwards, her head slamming hard into the wood floor. Wood floor?
"BELLDANDY!!" shouted Urd, racing to her sister's side, "What happened?"
Belldandy sat up slowly and looked around. She was back in the temple. In front of her, Asuka lay on the bed, sleeping peacefully.
"I was inside Asuka's mind." said Belldandy, "I saw horrible things...and then.... I was no longer there. The other goddess, Sayoko, interrupted me and then....flung me out of Asuka's mind." Belldandy looked at Urd. "Did you feel anything?"
Urd nodded, "Just before you got knocked away, I felt a surge of power. Definitely heavenly in nature, at least a Class 1."
Belldandy nodded, then looked at stirring Asuka. "We should go. We can discuss this with her tomorrow."
Urd nodded. Both goddesses left the room, leaving Asuka quietly sleeping on the floor. A small figure dropped from the ceiling. As it fell, smoke engulfed it and expanded. When the smoke vanished, Sayoko now knelt at full size next to Asuka. She brought her hand up and held it against Asuka's head.
"Sleep peacefully Asuka." whispered Sayoko, "I will return you to Shinji. I promise."
Asuka shifted slightly and let out a contented sigh.
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The next morning when Asuka entered the dining room, she immediately noticed something different. Belldandy was sitting down at the table, holding an icepack to the back of her head. Urd was moving about in the kitchen, trying to make breakfast with Keiichi's help. Skuld sat across from Belldandy, trying not to stare at her sister, and failing miserably.
"What happened to you?" asked Asuka, staring at the ice pack.
Belldandy was about to speak when Urd interrupted, "She fell and hit her head last night. Now here you go." Urd placed two plates in front of both Asuka and Skuld. Both of them looked at the food, then at Urd.
"Well go on." urged Urd, "Eat."
Both took a bite of the food. Asuka's eyes shot open as the food hit her taste buds. It was awful. Misato's cooking was even better then this, but to be nice, she swallowed, feeling as if it was scraping away layers of her throat all the way down.
"Well?" asked Urd, "How is it?"
Skuld replied for Asuka. She got up and ran for the bathroom. Sounds of someone getting sick soon followed. Keiichi came out and noticed the empty chair. As he opened his mouth to ask where Skuld was, more gagging sounds came from the bathroom.
"Oh come on!" shouted Urd, "It's not that bad!" Urd then took a big mouthful of food. Asuka watched as Urd's left eye shot open, and her eyebrow began to twitch.
"Ok...." muttered Urd, "maybe it is."
A slightly green Skuld came back to the dining room. Asuka got up and grabbed her arm.
"We'll get something while we're out searching. Bye!" Asuka quickly exited the Temple, Skuld right behind her.
Belldandy glanced at Urd, "Why didn't you let me talk to her?"
"Remember what you said last night?" asked Urd, "About Skuld and Asuka?"
"Yes." replied Belldandy, "I do."
"I don't." said Keiichi, "What's going on?"
"Apparently Sayoko trusts Skuld more with Asuka then the rest of us." replied Urd, "That is making me wonder."
"What do you mean Urd?" asked Belldandy.
Urd looked at Belldandy and Keiichi, "When Skuld met Keiichi, what was her reaction?"
"Let's see," began Keiichi, "she called me a pervert, hit me with a mallet, accused me of trying to steal Belldandy away from her..."
"Basically she hated you."
"Well....yeah that sums it up." said Keiichi.
"And you remember her reaction to Megumi..."
"She got into an argument and then started to bomb her," Belldandy frowned, "She still hasn't apologized for shocking Megumi after that robot competition."
"Exactly." said Urd, "Skuld does not go well with mortals. And yet ever since Asuka told us where she is from, Skuld hasn't been the same."
"Not exactly," said Belldandy, "She seemed alright after breakfast before she went to the electronics store."
Urd frowned, "Skuld went to the Electronics store yesterday?"
"Yes. She came back in when Asuka did. Why?"
"Because she still hasn't run out of parts from the last time she went." replied Urd, "I wonder why she said she went."
"Oh she didn't say it. Asuka did."
"Did she lie?"
Belldandy looked down at the table, "I didn't check to see if she was truthful. I've been conserving power incase Mara comes along."
"Regardless," said Urd, "I think something is going on. Skuld is too friendly with Asuka." Urd sat down and sighed, "And then there's this Sayoko."
"What about her?" asked Keiichi.
"Sayoko is the reason your girlfriend has an icepack on her head."
Keiichi looked at Belldandy stunned, "What happened?"
"I tried to help Asuka by seeing what was causing her nightmares." replied Belldandy, "But Sayoko interrupted me and threw me out." She started to rub her head at that point.
"But....Why?" asked Keiichi, "Why would a goddess do that to another?"
"She claimed to be protecting Asuka." replied Belldandy.
"You talked to her?" asked Keiichi.
"Briefly," said Belldandy, "But I never saw her face."
"I'm going to call heaven and see what they say." said Urd.
"What should we do?" asked Keiichi.
"Go to class." said Urd, "And check those locations out that Skuld gave you. The sooner we send Asuka back, the sooner this Sayoko goes away."
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Skuld and Asuka walked quickly down the street in downtown Nekomi, heading towards the first location on their list. Asuka kept looking around the city.
"It's just so...so..."
Skuld looked to see what Asuka was looking at. "Impressive?"
"OLD!" said Asuka, "I mean, compared to Tokyo-2, these buildings are ancient."
Skuld looked at Asuka questioningly, "Tokyo-2?"
Asuka covered her mouth, "Shiest! I did it again."
"I knew you had a big mouth Asuka, but jeez I didn't think it was this big."
Skuld and Asuka froze at the voice. Both turned around to see Sayoko standing behind them, dressed in a t-shirt and blue jeans. A baseball cap had been pulled over her head, low enough to cover the goddess marking on her forehead. She had also stuffed her hair up underneath the cap.
"Dammit Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "You learned that from Rei didn't you?"
Sayoko smiled, "You'd be surprised what that girl knows about sneaking around. How are you feeling this morning?"
Asuka looked at Sayoko confused, "What do you mean?"
"Asuka, I know you had the dream. I saw a bit of it."
Asuka's face darkened, "You went into my mind." She said softly.
"Asuka I had too. Belldandy was trying to probe your dream and..."
"You went into my mind." Asuka repeated.
"...and I stopped her from seeing your dream."
Skuld looked over, "How did you stop her?"
Sayoko looked down at the ground, "I sort of....forced her out."
"Is that why she has an icepack on her head?"
Sayoko seemed to shrink a bit, "I pushed a little to hard."
"YOU SENT HER FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM!"
"I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO! I DID IT FOR ASUKA!"
"You did?" Both goddesses turned to Asuka. She was staring at Sayoko. "You attacked your mom......for me?"
Sayoko paled, "I wouldn't use the word attack....."
Skuld crossed her arms, "Oh really? What word would you use?"
Sayoko was about to reply when a new voice interrupted her. "Hey Belldandy, Skuld. Where's Keiichi and who's your friend?"
Sayoko froze, as did Asuka. Both recognized the voice. Skuld looked at the newcomer.
"Keiichi is in class Megumi," replied Skuld, "this is our friend Asuka."
Asuka turned to Megumi, "Hi there. I'm just visiting for a while."
Megumi smiled at Asuka, "Well I hope you enjoy your visit." Megumi then turned and looked at Sayoko. "What's with the outfit Belldandy? And when did you decide to change your hair color? It looks like a close match to mine."
"I...uhh...," Sayoko stuttered, "Well..Megumi, I just got tired of being followed around by Aoshima and the others. Keiichi's the only one for me." Skuld let out a snort which caused Sayoko to turn and glare at her.
Megumi took a few steps back. 'Since when does Belldandy glare like that?' "Well, I uhh will see you later. Oh! Let Keiichi know that Tamiya and Otaki are looking for him. Something about a race this weekend." Megumi then turned and headed up the street.
Sayoko waited until Megumi was out of hearing before turning back to Skuld, "What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me?" asked Skuld, "What's wrong with YOU?! How dare you suggest that Keiichi is the only one for Belldandy!"
"Skuld," said Sayoko quietly, "Have you ever really thought about that wish?"
"What do you mean?"
"Has a wish like that ever been seen or granted before?"
"Well," Skuld thought about it, "No."
"And if Grand...Kami-sama thought the wish was bad and improper for a goddess, wouldn't he have ended it right away?"
Skuld looked down at the ground, "Well, yeah. Daddy would do that."
"So if he hasn't ended it yet....." Sayoko looked at Skuld.
"....he must approve of it." said Skuld, looking dejectedly at the ground.
Sayoko wrapped an arm around Skuld, something made easier by the fact Skuld was 12 instead of 30. "Don't worry. After I was born, you stayed pretty much on planet helping out with me. You're the only one I trust besides my friends and Grandpa." When she said 'friends' she put her arm around Asuka. "Now come on. Let's find that bug!"
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Keiichi held his head as he sat in the cafeteria of the Nekomi Tech. Belldandy sat across from him. Finally he looked up.
"How do I get roped into these things?" he asked.
Belldandy smiled, "Because your friends think you are the best driver in the club. And I agree with them."
Keiichi smiled back at her. He started to lean over to give her a kiss when...
"Hey K!"
Keiichi sat back down quickly, blushing as he turned to his sister. "Hi Megumi."
Megumi smiled, "Guess I came in at the wrong moment again." She then looked over at Belldandy and her face turned to one of confusion. "How did you do that?"
Belldandy looked up at Megumi, "How did I do what?"
"Change your clothes and hair color so quickly."
Keiichi frowned at Megumi, "What do you mean? She's been wearing the same outfit all day."
Megumi looked at Keiichi, "No she hasn't. I saw her just an hour or so ago with Skuld and that other girl, Asuka."
"Megumi," Keiichi said quietly, "Belldandy has been in class with me for the past 2 hours. It couldn't have been Belldandy."
Megumi look confused, "But....it had to be! She looked just like Belldandy, had the same tattoos on her face and everything. She even talked like Belldandy. The only difference was that her hair was the same brown as mine."
Belldandy turned and looked at Megumi, "Don't worry about it. We'll check it out. Maybe Urd was playing a joke on you."
"I don't know," said Megumi, "She looked just like you, almost as if she was your twin, or your daughter."
Both Keiichi and Belldandy blushed at that. Megumi smiled.
"So K...Should I tell Mom to expect Grand Kids any time soon?"
"No..I mean..." Keiichi looked nervously at Megumi, "We haven't...I didn't..."
"Don't worry K," said Megumi, "I understand." She then got up and left, but the smile remained on her face.
Keiichi looked over at Belldandy, still blushing. "Sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for." said Belldandy, "Kids are nice though."
Keiichi stared at Belldandy stunned. Then he decided to change the topic. Quickly. "Who do you think Megumi saw?"
"I'm not sure." replied Belldandy, "She was telling the truth when she said she thought it was me. I checked."
Keiichi was quiet a for a moment, "How common are your markings?"
"All Goddess's have these markings." said Belldandy pointing to her cheeks, "But the one on my forehead is unique to me and my domain of the present. No other goddess has it."
"So who was the girl?"
"I don't know." said Belldandy, starting to stand up, "But I want to find out. I'm going to call Urd."
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Urd picked up the phone right away.
"Megumi said WHAT?"
"She ran into a someone who answered to my name. Megumi said she looked and even sounded like me. The only difference was the hair color."
"So someone who looks like you is running around Nekomi with Skuld and Asuka?"
"Apparently so Urd." replied Belldandy, "I don't like this. It's too weird."
"Well, you're not gonna like this then. Peorth said someone entered Yggdrasil yesterday using her confidential user ID and password."
"Was anything changed?"
"No. Nothing was changed, apparently they went straight to the historical files, including those that are Kami-sama's eyes only."
Belldandy gasped in surprise, "But....No one has access to those except for Kami-sama! And the codes are too complicated to hack apart."
"That's the scary thing Bell, whoever it was didn't hack into those, they knew the correct passwords."
Belldandy was quiet for several seconds. "Was there anything else?"
"Yeah, I asked Peorth if they detected anything unusual in the last several days. She said that two nights ago, alarms went off all over Yggdrasil, yet they could find no reason for them to. I also told them of the situation with Asuka and about that Goddess friend of hers, Sayoko. Peorth said until Yggdrasil is back up, we're on our own."
Belldandy let out a sigh, "We need to talk to Skuld and Asuka about this. Keiichi and I will head directly home after our last class."
"Oh! One more thing. Tell Keiichi Tamiya and Otaki were here. They dropped off what appears to be a motorcycle."
Belldandy frowned, "What do you mean appears to be?"
"Because its in pieces, just like the time when Skuld arrived"
Belldandy glanced over to where Keiichi sat, "I'll tell him Urd. See you later."
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Sayoko looked about at the buildings, then down at the sheet of paper.
"That way." She pointed.
Skuld looked at Sayoko surprised, "It's weird. It's like you've been here before." Skuld immediately headed towards the location, which appeared to be in a park.
Sayoko glanced at Skuld for a second before turning away.
"I have." She said quietly. She felt some one place their hand on her. She looked to see Asuka next to her.
"Don't worry. We'll get back I know it."
Sayoko smiled, "Shouldn't I be the one to say that to you?"
Asuka just smiled and followed Skuld.
All three entered the park and walked for another 5 minutes before Skuld stopped them.
"Ok, this is the spot."
The three looked around to see if anything seemed out of place.
"Why is this place on the list anyway?" asked Sayoko.
"News story." replied Skuld, "Something about mutated species as the result of contact with hazardous waste materials."
Both Asuka and Sayoko turned and looked at Skuld. "WHAT?!"
"It was in the Japanese version of the National Enquirer." said Skuld.
Sayoko stared wide eyed at Skuld, "You....are basing our search....off of something you found...in a supermarket tabloid?!?!?!"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Skuld."
"Yes Sayoko?"
"If it wasn't for the fact you are..or will be...or even could be my favorite Aunt.....I would hurt you now." Sayoko glared at Skuld, her eyes glowing softly.
"Eeep." Skuld took several steps away from Sayoko.
"SAYOKO! SKULD! OVER HERE!!"
Both turned to see Asuka jumping up and down and pointing at something. Both ran quickly to her side.
"What?" asked Skuld.
"Over there, under the bush." Asuka said, pointing.
Just within view from under the bush, a white fuzzy object could be seen.
"Is that it?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko looked at Skuld who shrugged. "I dunno."
It was then the object moved, revealing 8 legs.
Sayoko's eyes widened and a large net flashed into existence in her hands. "THAT'S IT!" She quickly took off after the bug.
Asuka watched Sayoko for a second until something was shoved into her hands. She looked down to see a net in her hands. She looked up at Skuld who carried an identical net in her hands.
"What the hell is this for?"
"You think you just came along for the fun conversation?" asked Skuld, "Get to work. It's gonna take all of us to get that bug."
As if to add emphasis on the point, the bug raced past them with Sayoko, and her Angel, Morning Bell in hot pursuit. Skuld got a slightly depressed look on her face when she saw the angel but quickly shook it off and moved to try and cut off the bug. Asuka watched the 3 race around after the bug for several moments, before she joined in. The bug raced back and forth around the clearing, several times doubling back towards the girls, causing them to collide with each other. Suddenly the bug swerved, getting close to Asuka. Asuka leaped at the bug holding the net in front of her. The bug moved at the last second, causing Asuka to crash to the ground empty handed. Before Asuka could get up she was sent to the ground again as Skuld landed on top of her, having also tried to dive at the bug. The bug quickly began to take off towards the park entrance.
"I'll get it!" shouted Sayoko as she raced off after the bug, Morning Bell right behind her. Sayoko began to rapidly close the distance between her and the bug. Morning Bell was also getting within striking distance when she realized that she was getting dangerously close to being seen by pedestrians on the sidewalk. She immediately broke off pursuit and slowed to a stop. Sayoko was rapidly approaching the entrance of the gate when she leaped at the bug. The bug hit the pavement and quickly shifted direction. Sayoko slammed hard onto the concrete, smacking her head into the sidewalk. Dazed, Sayoko raised her head to see where the bug went. She stared in horror as the bug continued onward, right into the path of a speeding truck.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" shouted Sayoko, bringing her hands up to try and save the bug. She was too slow.
The truck's large wheels ran over the bug, causing it to be flattened to the pavement. The truck continued onward, oblivious to what it had hit. Sayoko stared at the flattened bug as it sat there for a second, before it let out a pop and vanished in a cloud of smoke. Sayoko stared at the spot from where she lay on the pavement, too stunned to move. Behind her, Asuka and Skuld had caught up to Morning Bell. Asuka was about to head to Sayoko when she noticed something odd about the angel. The look on the angel's face was so full of pain and despair, Asuka nearly cried just looking at it. Skuld, remembering what Belldandy had said about angels, approached the angel's owner with caution.
"Sayoko? What happened?"
Sayoko continued to stare at the street. Skuld looked to Asuka and shrugged. Asuka walked over to Sayoko and pulled her up onto her knees. She then let out a gasp when she saw Sayoko's face. Her impact on the pavement had left a nasty cut on her forehead. Blood had slowly dripped down the side of her face, yet Sayoko seemed not to notice.
"Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "Look at me! What happened? Where did it go?"
"It's gone..."
"What?"
"It's gone." repeated Sayoko, "It got hit by a truck and it's gone."
Skuld closed her eyes, immediately understanding. Asuka didn't.
"What do you mean it got hit by a truck? If it did we should see its corpse or something left of it!"
"Asuka," said Skuld quietly, "When bugs get hit in a certain way, they vanish. Completely, as if they were never there."
Asuka turned and stared at Skuld, "What are you saying?"
"She's saying..." Sayoko said, finally looking at Asuka, her eyes full of despair, "is that we are stuck here."
Later at Dinner, Skuld brought in a map with several areas marked.
"These are all the spots where something abnormal and strange have occurred." said Skuld, "The bug that brought Asuka here could be located near one of these spots."
"But what can we do now?" asked Keiichi, "The bug could be long gone by now."
"Even if it's gone now, we can still track it to where it might be." said Skuld, "4 of these spots are on Nekomi Tech's campus. You and Belldandy can investigate those tomorrow." Skuld then handed Urd a sheet, "Urd, you'll investigate these spots."
Urd looked over the sheet then looked at her sister. "And what will you be doing?"
Skuld brought up a several more sheets, "Asuka and I will be out too." Skuld then glanced at the clock. "Ohh My show's on!" She turned and grabbed Asuka's arm. "Come on! You'll love it!"
The others watched as Asuka was pulled out into the living room by the youngest goddess.
"Skuld seems to have made a friend." said Keiichi.
"It seems that way." said Urd quietly.
Keiichi looked at Urd, "What's wrong?"
"It's Asuka. We know nothing about her, yet she knows everything about us. It's just weird." Urd turned and looked at Belldandy, "And then there's this mysterious Sayoko."
Belldandy shrugged, "I haven't heard of any Goddess with that name. It's possible that the goddess hasn't been born or created yet. Asuka hasn't told us what time she's from..."
"In a way she has." said Urd, "She said the last time she had seen Skuld, she was 30. That means anytime from 2018 and up. I just don't like the fact that a Goddess is hiding from us."
"She probably has a good reason to Urd." said Belldandy, "We don't know how this Goddess was trained. She is probably doing what she thinks is right."
Unknown to the 3, the topic of their conversation was just down the hall. Sayoko was busy reading through file after file from Yggdrasil, after she had logged on using the username and password of an old friend.
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Heaven
"Already logged on?!" Peorth shouted. "What do you mean already logged on?!?!?"
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That night.
Once again the slumber of the temple residents was interrupted by the cries of the German teen. Keiichi slumbered on, thanks to a spell from Belldandy. She, Skuld and Urd had gone into Asuka's room.
Belldandy sat next to the bed, quietly singing to Asuka, who continued to mumble in her sleep, tears coming from her eyes.
"What do you think is wrong with her?" asked Skuld.
"I don't know Skuld." said Urd quietly, "All mortals dream and can have nightmares. Sometimes the nightmares are the result of a traumatic experience." Urd then glanced over at Belldandy. "Keiichi had them after Christmas. He'd wake up in the night thinking Belldandy was gone."
Skuld looked over at Belldandy. Her sister was still singing, but her face had taken on a saddened look at the reminder of her aborted recall. Belldandy shook her head as if to clear her thoughts, then turned to Urd.
"I'm going to read her mind."
"WHAT?!" Urd stared at Belldandy stunned, "WHY?!"
"She didn't want to tell me what she dreamt of last night." said Belldandy, "If I can see her dream, maybe I can help her."
"This isn't like back at Christmas when you brought Keiichi back Bell," said Urd, "Asuka doesn't want to talk about her dreams for a reason, we should respect her wishes."
"But I just can't let her suffer." Belldandy began to lean her head over Asuka's.
"Bell.." Urd started to get up, but a look from Belldandy stopped her.
"Please Urd, let me help her."
Urd sighed, "Alright. But don't blame me when she founds out."
Belldandy leaned over and pressed her forehead to Asuka's. As Belldandy started to see her first glimpses of Asuka's dreams, Skuld returned to her room. There, Sayoko sat waiting, still in her mini form.
"What happened?" asked Sayoko.
"Asuka had another nightmare." said Skuld, "Belldandy is trying to enter her mind to see if she can help."
Sayoko's eyes widened in shock, "SHE'S WHAT!! SHE CAN'T!!!"
"What?" asked Skuld, "Why not?"
"I'll explain later." said Sayoko and she raced to the door, "Right now I have to stop her!"
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Belldandy found herself in a darkened corridor.
"What is this place?" she asked as she looked around.
"Mama! Look at me Mama!" came the voice of a girl.
Belldandy turned to see a young red headed girl of 4 or 5 running down the corridor towards her.
"Look at me Mama! I'm a Pilot!" The girl ran right through Belldandy and headed towards a door. "Mama!"
The girl flung the door open and then froze. Belldandy walked silently up behind the girl to see what was in the room. She wished she hadn't. Hanging from the ceiling was a woman, apparently the girl's mother. Hanging next to her was a doll with red yarn hair.
"Mama..." the girl said quietly.
Belldandy started to reach for the girl when the view changed to a funeral. A coffin was slowly being lowered into the ground. Nearby, the red haired girl stood and watched. Unlike the others present, no tears came from the girl's eyes. A woman beside the girl leaned down and spoke to her.
"Asuka, it's ok to cry."
"I won't cry!" said the young Asuka, "Crying is for the weak. I am not weak!"
The scenery changed again to an enclosed space, almost tube like. Seated in an almost cockpit like seat next to Belldandy was Asuka, struggling with the controls. A bright white light filled the chamber from the screen that surrounded the seat.
"NO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!" shouted Asuka, "DON'T SHOW ME THAT!!!"
Belldandy was about to turn and see what the source of the light was when all went dark. Asuka and the cockpit vanished. Suddenly Belldandy found herself on a cliff, overlooking a large city. She had never seen such a sight. She walked up and placed her hands on the railing that ran along the cliff edge taking in the view.
"Beautiful isn't it?" came a voice.
Belldandy turned and saw a figure sitting on a bench. She was dressed as a Goddess, but her face was hidden beneath the hood of a dark blue cloak.
"This is the city where I met Asuka. A city built for one purpose, now gone forever." the figure said quietly. "You know you should not have entered her mind."
"It was the only way I know of to help her." replied Belldandy.
The other Goddess let out a sigh, "I have known Asuka for 4 years. Believe me, this is not the help she needs. Asuka's demons run deep. It has only been by the help of her friends and loved ones that she has made it this far." The figure turned her head slightly. "Entering her mind will just hurt her that much more."
Belldandy moved closer, trying to see the face under the hood. "Who are you?"
The figure shifted, keeping her face from view, "I am the Goddess Sayoko."
"If you are a Goddess, you should be helping her." replied Belldandy, "Can't you see the pain she has."
"I have." replied the figure, "And I am helping her, by returning her as quickly as I can to her loved ones. I have promised her that."
"How can you help her and yet not be there for her?"
"I am here for her, but when I am not..... I trust Skuld to watch over her."
Belldandy looked confused, "Why Skuld?"
"Because she is the only other whom Asuka is comfortable with."
"Why do you hide your face?" asked Belldandy.
The figure turned towards Belldandy, but her face remained obscured, "You should leave now, and never try to enter Asuka's mind again. To her, it is the most horrific act, one which both Skuld and I have promised to never do to her."
"Wait!" shouted Belldandy, "Why don't you come to the temple? We have more then enough room for...."
"Believe me when I say I hold you in the highest regards." said Sayoko, "And please forgive me for this...."
Sayoko raised her hands and sent forth a force ball. Belldandy, caught by surprise, was hit full in the chest.
She was thrown backwards, her head slamming hard into the wood floor. Wood floor?
"BELLDANDY!!" shouted Urd, racing to her sister's side, "What happened?"
Belldandy sat up slowly and looked around. She was back in the temple. In front of her, Asuka lay on the bed, sleeping peacefully.
"I was inside Asuka's mind." said Belldandy, "I saw horrible things...and then.... I was no longer there. The other goddess, Sayoko, interrupted me and then....flung me out of Asuka's mind." Belldandy looked at Urd. "Did you feel anything?"
Urd nodded, "Just before you got knocked away, I felt a surge of power. Definitely heavenly in nature, at least a Class 1."
Belldandy nodded, then looked at stirring Asuka. "We should go. We can discuss this with her tomorrow."
Urd nodded. Both goddesses left the room, leaving Asuka quietly sleeping on the floor. A small figure dropped from the ceiling. As it fell, smoke engulfed it and expanded. When the smoke vanished, Sayoko now knelt at full size next to Asuka. She brought her hand up and held it against Asuka's head.
"Sleep peacefully Asuka." whispered Sayoko, "I will return you to Shinji. I promise."
Asuka shifted slightly and let out a contented sigh.
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The next morning when Asuka entered the dining room, she immediately noticed something different. Belldandy was sitting down at the table, holding an icepack to the back of her head. Urd was moving about in the kitchen, trying to make breakfast with Keiichi's help. Skuld sat across from Belldandy, trying not to stare at her sister, and failing miserably.
"What happened to you?" asked Asuka, staring at the ice pack.
Belldandy was about to speak when Urd interrupted, "She fell and hit her head last night. Now here you go." Urd placed two plates in front of both Asuka and Skuld. Both of them looked at the food, then at Urd.
"Well go on." urged Urd, "Eat."
Both took a bite of the food. Asuka's eyes shot open as the food hit her taste buds. It was awful. Misato's cooking was even better then this, but to be nice, she swallowed, feeling as if it was scraping away layers of her throat all the way down.
"Well?" asked Urd, "How is it?"
Skuld replied for Asuka. She got up and ran for the bathroom. Sounds of someone getting sick soon followed. Keiichi came out and noticed the empty chair. As he opened his mouth to ask where Skuld was, more gagging sounds came from the bathroom.
"Oh come on!" shouted Urd, "It's not that bad!" Urd then took a big mouthful of food. Asuka watched as Urd's left eye shot open, and her eyebrow began to twitch.
"Ok...." muttered Urd, "maybe it is."
A slightly green Skuld came back to the dining room. Asuka got up and grabbed her arm.
"We'll get something while we're out searching. Bye!" Asuka quickly exited the Temple, Skuld right behind her.
Belldandy glanced at Urd, "Why didn't you let me talk to her?"
"Remember what you said last night?" asked Urd, "About Skuld and Asuka?"
"Yes." replied Belldandy, "I do."
"I don't." said Keiichi, "What's going on?"
"Apparently Sayoko trusts Skuld more with Asuka then the rest of us." replied Urd, "That is making me wonder."
"What do you mean Urd?" asked Belldandy.
Urd looked at Belldandy and Keiichi, "When Skuld met Keiichi, what was her reaction?"
"Let's see," began Keiichi, "she called me a pervert, hit me with a mallet, accused me of trying to steal Belldandy away from her..."
"Basically she hated you."
"Well....yeah that sums it up." said Keiichi.
"And you remember her reaction to Megumi..."
"She got into an argument and then started to bomb her," Belldandy frowned, "She still hasn't apologized for shocking Megumi after that robot competition."
"Exactly." said Urd, "Skuld does not go well with mortals. And yet ever since Asuka told us where she is from, Skuld hasn't been the same."
"Not exactly," said Belldandy, "She seemed alright after breakfast before she went to the electronics store."
Urd frowned, "Skuld went to the Electronics store yesterday?"
"Yes. She came back in when Asuka did. Why?"
"Because she still hasn't run out of parts from the last time she went." replied Urd, "I wonder why she said she went."
"Oh she didn't say it. Asuka did."
"Did she lie?"
Belldandy looked down at the table, "I didn't check to see if she was truthful. I've been conserving power incase Mara comes along."
"Regardless," said Urd, "I think something is going on. Skuld is too friendly with Asuka." Urd sat down and sighed, "And then there's this Sayoko."
"What about her?" asked Keiichi.
"Sayoko is the reason your girlfriend has an icepack on her head."
Keiichi looked at Belldandy stunned, "What happened?"
"I tried to help Asuka by seeing what was causing her nightmares." replied Belldandy, "But Sayoko interrupted me and threw me out." She started to rub her head at that point.
"But....Why?" asked Keiichi, "Why would a goddess do that to another?"
"She claimed to be protecting Asuka." replied Belldandy.
"You talked to her?" asked Keiichi.
"Briefly," said Belldandy, "But I never saw her face."
"I'm going to call heaven and see what they say." said Urd.
"What should we do?" asked Keiichi.
"Go to class." said Urd, "And check those locations out that Skuld gave you. The sooner we send Asuka back, the sooner this Sayoko goes away."
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Skuld and Asuka walked quickly down the street in downtown Nekomi, heading towards the first location on their list. Asuka kept looking around the city.
"It's just so...so..."
Skuld looked to see what Asuka was looking at. "Impressive?"
"OLD!" said Asuka, "I mean, compared to Tokyo-2, these buildings are ancient."
Skuld looked at Asuka questioningly, "Tokyo-2?"
Asuka covered her mouth, "Shiest! I did it again."
"I knew you had a big mouth Asuka, but jeez I didn't think it was this big."
Skuld and Asuka froze at the voice. Both turned around to see Sayoko standing behind them, dressed in a t-shirt and blue jeans. A baseball cap had been pulled over her head, low enough to cover the goddess marking on her forehead. She had also stuffed her hair up underneath the cap.
"Dammit Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "You learned that from Rei didn't you?"
Sayoko smiled, "You'd be surprised what that girl knows about sneaking around. How are you feeling this morning?"
Asuka looked at Sayoko confused, "What do you mean?"
"Asuka, I know you had the dream. I saw a bit of it."
Asuka's face darkened, "You went into my mind." She said softly.
"Asuka I had too. Belldandy was trying to probe your dream and..."
"You went into my mind." Asuka repeated.
"...and I stopped her from seeing your dream."
Skuld looked over, "How did you stop her?"
Sayoko looked down at the ground, "I sort of....forced her out."
"Is that why she has an icepack on her head?"
Sayoko seemed to shrink a bit, "I pushed a little to hard."
"YOU SENT HER FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM!"
"I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO! I DID IT FOR ASUKA!"
"You did?" Both goddesses turned to Asuka. She was staring at Sayoko. "You attacked your mom......for me?"
Sayoko paled, "I wouldn't use the word attack....."
Skuld crossed her arms, "Oh really? What word would you use?"
Sayoko was about to reply when a new voice interrupted her. "Hey Belldandy, Skuld. Where's Keiichi and who's your friend?"
Sayoko froze, as did Asuka. Both recognized the voice. Skuld looked at the newcomer.
"Keiichi is in class Megumi," replied Skuld, "this is our friend Asuka."
Asuka turned to Megumi, "Hi there. I'm just visiting for a while."
Megumi smiled at Asuka, "Well I hope you enjoy your visit." Megumi then turned and looked at Sayoko. "What's with the outfit Belldandy? And when did you decide to change your hair color? It looks like a close match to mine."
"I...uhh...," Sayoko stuttered, "Well..Megumi, I just got tired of being followed around by Aoshima and the others. Keiichi's the only one for me." Skuld let out a snort which caused Sayoko to turn and glare at her.
Megumi took a few steps back. 'Since when does Belldandy glare like that?' "Well, I uhh will see you later. Oh! Let Keiichi know that Tamiya and Otaki are looking for him. Something about a race this weekend." Megumi then turned and headed up the street.
Sayoko waited until Megumi was out of hearing before turning back to Skuld, "What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me?" asked Skuld, "What's wrong with YOU?! How dare you suggest that Keiichi is the only one for Belldandy!"
"Skuld," said Sayoko quietly, "Have you ever really thought about that wish?"
"What do you mean?"
"Has a wish like that ever been seen or granted before?"
"Well," Skuld thought about it, "No."
"And if Grand...Kami-sama thought the wish was bad and improper for a goddess, wouldn't he have ended it right away?"
Skuld looked down at the ground, "Well, yeah. Daddy would do that."
"So if he hasn't ended it yet....." Sayoko looked at Skuld.
"....he must approve of it." said Skuld, looking dejectedly at the ground.
Sayoko wrapped an arm around Skuld, something made easier by the fact Skuld was 12 instead of 30. "Don't worry. After I was born, you stayed pretty much on planet helping out with me. You're the only one I trust besides my friends and Grandpa." When she said 'friends' she put her arm around Asuka. "Now come on. Let's find that bug!"
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Keiichi held his head as he sat in the cafeteria of the Nekomi Tech. Belldandy sat across from him. Finally he looked up.
"How do I get roped into these things?" he asked.
Belldandy smiled, "Because your friends think you are the best driver in the club. And I agree with them."
Keiichi smiled back at her. He started to lean over to give her a kiss when...
"Hey K!"
Keiichi sat back down quickly, blushing as he turned to his sister. "Hi Megumi."
Megumi smiled, "Guess I came in at the wrong moment again." She then looked over at Belldandy and her face turned to one of confusion. "How did you do that?"
Belldandy looked up at Megumi, "How did I do what?"
"Change your clothes and hair color so quickly."
Keiichi frowned at Megumi, "What do you mean? She's been wearing the same outfit all day."
Megumi looked at Keiichi, "No she hasn't. I saw her just an hour or so ago with Skuld and that other girl, Asuka."
"Megumi," Keiichi said quietly, "Belldandy has been in class with me for the past 2 hours. It couldn't have been Belldandy."
Megumi look confused, "But....it had to be! She looked just like Belldandy, had the same tattoos on her face and everything. She even talked like Belldandy. The only difference was that her hair was the same brown as mine."
Belldandy turned and looked at Megumi, "Don't worry about it. We'll check it out. Maybe Urd was playing a joke on you."
"I don't know," said Megumi, "She looked just like you, almost as if she was your twin, or your daughter."
Both Keiichi and Belldandy blushed at that. Megumi smiled.
"So K...Should I tell Mom to expect Grand Kids any time soon?"
"No..I mean..." Keiichi looked nervously at Megumi, "We haven't...I didn't..."
"Don't worry K," said Megumi, "I understand." She then got up and left, but the smile remained on her face.
Keiichi looked over at Belldandy, still blushing. "Sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for." said Belldandy, "Kids are nice though."
Keiichi stared at Belldandy stunned. Then he decided to change the topic. Quickly. "Who do you think Megumi saw?"
"I'm not sure." replied Belldandy, "She was telling the truth when she said she thought it was me. I checked."
Keiichi was quiet a for a moment, "How common are your markings?"
"All Goddess's have these markings." said Belldandy pointing to her cheeks, "But the one on my forehead is unique to me and my domain of the present. No other goddess has it."
"So who was the girl?"
"I don't know." said Belldandy, starting to stand up, "But I want to find out. I'm going to call Urd."
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Urd picked up the phone right away.
"Megumi said WHAT?"
"She ran into a someone who answered to my name. Megumi said she looked and even sounded like me. The only difference was the hair color."
"So someone who looks like you is running around Nekomi with Skuld and Asuka?"
"Apparently so Urd." replied Belldandy, "I don't like this. It's too weird."
"Well, you're not gonna like this then. Peorth said someone entered Yggdrasil yesterday using her confidential user ID and password."
"Was anything changed?"
"No. Nothing was changed, apparently they went straight to the historical files, including those that are Kami-sama's eyes only."
Belldandy gasped in surprise, "But....No one has access to those except for Kami-sama! And the codes are too complicated to hack apart."
"That's the scary thing Bell, whoever it was didn't hack into those, they knew the correct passwords."
Belldandy was quiet for several seconds. "Was there anything else?"
"Yeah, I asked Peorth if they detected anything unusual in the last several days. She said that two nights ago, alarms went off all over Yggdrasil, yet they could find no reason for them to. I also told them of the situation with Asuka and about that Goddess friend of hers, Sayoko. Peorth said until Yggdrasil is back up, we're on our own."
Belldandy let out a sigh, "We need to talk to Skuld and Asuka about this. Keiichi and I will head directly home after our last class."
"Oh! One more thing. Tell Keiichi Tamiya and Otaki were here. They dropped off what appears to be a motorcycle."
Belldandy frowned, "What do you mean appears to be?"
"Because its in pieces, just like the time when Skuld arrived"
Belldandy glanced over to where Keiichi sat, "I'll tell him Urd. See you later."
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Sayoko looked about at the buildings, then down at the sheet of paper.
"That way." She pointed.
Skuld looked at Sayoko surprised, "It's weird. It's like you've been here before." Skuld immediately headed towards the location, which appeared to be in a park.
Sayoko glanced at Skuld for a second before turning away.
"I have." She said quietly. She felt some one place their hand on her. She looked to see Asuka next to her.
"Don't worry. We'll get back I know it."
Sayoko smiled, "Shouldn't I be the one to say that to you?"
Asuka just smiled and followed Skuld.
All three entered the park and walked for another 5 minutes before Skuld stopped them.
"Ok, this is the spot."
The three looked around to see if anything seemed out of place.
"Why is this place on the list anyway?" asked Sayoko.
"News story." replied Skuld, "Something about mutated species as the result of contact with hazardous waste materials."
Both Asuka and Sayoko turned and looked at Skuld. "WHAT?!"
"It was in the Japanese version of the National Enquirer." said Skuld.
Sayoko stared wide eyed at Skuld, "You....are basing our search....off of something you found...in a supermarket tabloid?!?!?!"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Skuld."
"Yes Sayoko?"
"If it wasn't for the fact you are..or will be...or even could be my favorite Aunt.....I would hurt you now." Sayoko glared at Skuld, her eyes glowing softly.
"Eeep." Skuld took several steps away from Sayoko.
"SAYOKO! SKULD! OVER HERE!!"
Both turned to see Asuka jumping up and down and pointing at something. Both ran quickly to her side.
"What?" asked Skuld.
"Over there, under the bush." Asuka said, pointing.
Just within view from under the bush, a white fuzzy object could be seen.
"Is that it?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko looked at Skuld who shrugged. "I dunno."
It was then the object moved, revealing 8 legs.
Sayoko's eyes widened and a large net flashed into existence in her hands. "THAT'S IT!" She quickly took off after the bug.
Asuka watched Sayoko for a second until something was shoved into her hands. She looked down to see a net in her hands. She looked up at Skuld who carried an identical net in her hands.
"What the hell is this for?"
"You think you just came along for the fun conversation?" asked Skuld, "Get to work. It's gonna take all of us to get that bug."
As if to add emphasis on the point, the bug raced past them with Sayoko, and her Angel, Morning Bell in hot pursuit. Skuld got a slightly depressed look on her face when she saw the angel but quickly shook it off and moved to try and cut off the bug. Asuka watched the 3 race around after the bug for several moments, before she joined in. The bug raced back and forth around the clearing, several times doubling back towards the girls, causing them to collide with each other. Suddenly the bug swerved, getting close to Asuka. Asuka leaped at the bug holding the net in front of her. The bug moved at the last second, causing Asuka to crash to the ground empty handed. Before Asuka could get up she was sent to the ground again as Skuld landed on top of her, having also tried to dive at the bug. The bug quickly began to take off towards the park entrance.
"I'll get it!" shouted Sayoko as she raced off after the bug, Morning Bell right behind her. Sayoko began to rapidly close the distance between her and the bug. Morning Bell was also getting within striking distance when she realized that she was getting dangerously close to being seen by pedestrians on the sidewalk. She immediately broke off pursuit and slowed to a stop. Sayoko was rapidly approaching the entrance of the gate when she leaped at the bug. The bug hit the pavement and quickly shifted direction. Sayoko slammed hard onto the concrete, smacking her head into the sidewalk. Dazed, Sayoko raised her head to see where the bug went. She stared in horror as the bug continued onward, right into the path of a speeding truck.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" shouted Sayoko, bringing her hands up to try and save the bug. She was too slow.
The truck's large wheels ran over the bug, causing it to be flattened to the pavement. The truck continued onward, oblivious to what it had hit. Sayoko stared at the flattened bug as it sat there for a second, before it let out a pop and vanished in a cloud of smoke. Sayoko stared at the spot from where she lay on the pavement, too stunned to move. Behind her, Asuka and Skuld had caught up to Morning Bell. Asuka was about to head to Sayoko when she noticed something odd about the angel. The look on the angel's face was so full of pain and despair, Asuka nearly cried just looking at it. Skuld, remembering what Belldandy had said about angels, approached the angel's owner with caution.
"Sayoko? What happened?"
Sayoko continued to stare at the street. Skuld looked to Asuka and shrugged. Asuka walked over to Sayoko and pulled her up onto her knees. She then let out a gasp when she saw Sayoko's face. Her impact on the pavement had left a nasty cut on her forehead. Blood had slowly dripped down the side of her face, yet Sayoko seemed not to notice.
"Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "Look at me! What happened? Where did it go?"
"It's gone..."
"What?"
"It's gone." repeated Sayoko, "It got hit by a truck and it's gone."
Skuld closed her eyes, immediately understanding. Asuka didn't.
"What do you mean it got hit by a truck? If it did we should see its corpse or something left of it!"
"Asuka," said Skuld quietly, "When bugs get hit in a certain way, they vanish. Completely, as if they were never there."
Asuka turned and stared at Skuld, "What are you saying?"
"She's saying..." Sayoko said, finally looking at Asuka, her eyes full of despair, "is that we are stuck here."