Chapter 6
Belldandy sat at the table, holding her hands over a CD while chanting. The CD hovered a few inches above the table and glowed. Off to the side, Urd, Megumi, and Asuka watched Belldandy work.
"What is she doing?" asked Megumi.
"She searching for Mara." replied Urd, "That CD is the catalyst, Mara used it to first enter this world. Belldandy's trying to use it to detect where Mara is now."
The CD began to spark and wobble slightly. Belldandy narrowed her eyes and continued to chant. Suddenly the CD spat out flames, causing Belldandy to jump back in surprise. The CD immediately stopped glowing and dropped to the table. Belldandy sat back up, breathing heavily.
"I...I.....I can't..." Belldandy looked at the others sadly, "I can't find her."
Urd closed her eyes and sigh. Megumi stared at them.
"What? That's it?!" she said, "You're giving up?!?"
Belldandy looked up at Megumi, "Mara has cast a spell that blocks me from searching for her using the CD. We have to figure out another way to..." Belldandy stopped speaking as the phone began to ring. Urd walked over and picked it up.
"Hello, Morisato Resi..."
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?!?!?!"
Urd yanked the phone away from her ear. Everyone else present winced as the shout echoed throughout the temple. After several moments Urd once again placed the phone to her ear.
"Peorth?"
"Yes it's me!" shouted Peorth, "Now what are you doing down there?!"
"Belldandy's client has been kidnapped by a demon." replied Urd, "She has been using the demon catalyst to...."
"NOT THAT!" shouted Peorth, "We detected a massive amount of power being used on the planet somewhere in Japan. We don't have exact specifics considering Yggdrasil's current status, but it was definitely Heavenly in nature. Considering you 3 aren't at full, we think it was the other Goddess you were telling us about."
"Why the alarm then?" asked Urd, "She's a Goddess."
"Urd..." Peorth voice was shaky, "you said she was a Class 1."
"Yeah, so?"
"The power levels we detected are much stronger then any of the current levels for a Class 1. The only way for this level of power is for an upgrade in power levels, which won't happen until the Apocalypse starts. Just how far ahead into the future is she?"
Urd fell to the floor stunned.
"Urd? Are you there Urd?"
"What's wrong Urd?" asked Belldandy. Megumi came up from behind Belldandy and peered down at Urd. Asuka was..........
"ASUKA!" shouted Urd.
"What?" asked Asuka.
"Did something happen in your past? Something bad?"
Asuka looked at Urd confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"URD!"
Urd raised the phone back to her head, "I'll call you back Peorth." She then hung up, cutting off the protest from Peorth. "Asuka, did something happen in the past in your world? Something majorly bad?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Megumi.
"Yggdrasil detected the power signature of a Goddess." said Urd, "But the levels are too strong to be one of our 1st class goddesses. The only way to reach those kind of levels is for something like the apocalypse to occur."
Megumi stared wide-eyed, "The Apocalypse?"
Asuka paled slightly. Belldandy and Urd noticed.
"What happened Asuka? Was there something like that?" asked Belldandy.
Asuka nodded. She began to open her mouth to speak when she noticed the mirror on the wall. It had begun to glow. She immediately raised her hand and pointed. Everyone turned in the direction she indicated and spotted the mirror. Before they could say anything, 3 figures burst forth from it. Two were immediately recognized.
"SKULD! KEIICHI!!" screamed Belldandy as she grabbed the 2 into an embrace.
"Uh...Hi Bell." replied Keiichi, returning the hug. Skuld didn't say a thing, and just held onto her sister. Urd was so happy to see Skuld and Keiichi she grabbed Megumi and began hugging her. Asuka however, had her eyes on the third figure. She immediately walked straight to her.
Sayoko stood up and looked sheepishly at Asuka. "Umm.... Hi."
Asuka glared at Sayoko.
"Look...Asuka, I'm sorry." began Sayoko, "When I saw the bug vanish I...."
Asuka held up her hand cutting off Sayoko. "Belldandy explained to me how important promises are to her. Considering she trained Skuld, and Skuld trained you and how you reacted when the bug went poof, I understand why you did it." Asuka then grabbed Sayoko in a hug. "Just don't do that ever again."
Sayoko remained frozen for several seconds before returning the hug.
"Oh...my.... She...she looks like..."
Asuka and Sayoko turned to see Urd staring stunned at Sayoko. Megumi was right next to her looking at Belldandy, then at Sayoko, then back at Belldandy. Even Belldandy looked confused.
"Who are you?" asked Urd.
"I'm Sayoko, Goddess of the Present, 1st Class, Type 2, Unlimited." replied Sayoko.
"But..." Keiichi looked at Belldandy, "Belldandy's domain is the present."
Belldandy looked back at Sayoko, "How can you have the same domain as me?"
"And why do you look like her?" asked Urd.
"Well....." Sayoko looked over at Asuka, "You see......"
"She takes after her mother." replied Asuka with a smile.
"Ehh?" Urd looked at Asuka, then at Sayoko, "Who's her mother?"
Recognition began to dawn Keiichi. "You mean your mother is.." he turned and looked at Belldandy. Belldandy looked back at Keiichi stunned.
Sayoko nodded, "Belldandy Morisato was my mother."
"Belldandy Morisato?!" Megumi looked down at Keiichi, "That means your father is..."
"Keiichi Morisato."
Keiichi and Belldandy stared stunned at their 'daughter'. Urd blinked several times before smiling and grabbing Keiichi and Belldandy in a hug.
"Congratulations!!" she shouted, "It's a girl!"
Keiichi and Belldandy immediately fainted. Skuld looked up at Sayoko.
"They took it better then I thought." said Sayoko.
"You think?" replied Skuld.
Urd and Megumi glared at Skuld.
"You knew?!?!" shouted Urd.
"Well.... Yeah."
"Why you little!" sparks began to fly from Urd's hands, "I'll show you!"
"No you won't."
Urd looked over at Sayoko. "Huh?"
Sayoko stood arms crossed staring at Urd, her eyes narrowed. " I said 'No you won't.' Skuld did nothing wrong. I told her not to tell you."
Urd tried to glare back, but Sayoko didn't budge an inch. They stared at each other for several long minutes before Urd gave up.
"All right! You win!" Urd turned and left the room, "Geez, this is freaky! It's like trying to stare down Belldandy."
Megumi stared at Sayoko, "This is weird. You're my Niece, but you're what? 17? 19?"
"18." replied Sayoko.
"That's 2 years younger then me!" replied Megumi, "So...... Who do I end up with?!"
"I'm not telling. You'll find out on your own."
"Come on! I'm your Aunt!"
Sayoko threw her hands up into the air, "You 'will' be my Aunt, or 'could' be, or even 'might' be. This is an alternate version of the past from my view." Sayoko held head in her hands. "Damn, now I'm getting confused."
Megumi sighed and then looked at her brother and Belldandy. "Think we should put them to bed?"
Sayoko nodded, "You and Asuka get Keiichi to his room."
"Why do we have to move him?" asked Asuka, "Why don't you?"
Sayoko waved her hand, causing Belldandy's unconscious form to float off the ground.
"Because Skuld and I are moving 'Mom'."
Skuld turned and looked at Sayoko, "Do you have to call her 'Mom'?"
"Technically she is." replied Sayoko as she and Skuld walked down the hallway, Belldandy's body floating along right behind them.
Asuka and Megumi turned and looked at each other.
"Did I mention this is weird?" said Megumi.
"Yes, now grab an arm."
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21 years into the future, one universe over.
Skuld stared out the window looking out into Tokyo-2. Behind her, Misato waited patiently on the couch.
"What the hell are they waiting for?" muttered Misato.
"They said they had to double check a few things and then they would come here." Skuld turned from the window and looked at Misato. "Besides, Shinji and Rei should be here to hear it as well."
The front door was then heard opening.
"We're home." came a rather quiet female voice.
Rei, followed by a downcast Shinji, exited the hallway and entered the living room. Shinji started to head towards his room when Misato called out to him.
"Wait a second Shinji."
Shinji stopped and turned to look at Misato. His eyes seemed dull and lifeless.
"What?"
"Urd and Peorth may have found something." said Skuld.
"Oh....That's nice." Shinji turned and started to walk towards his room. Unnoticed by him, Shinji floated a few inches off the ground and began to float back into the living room. Misato found it hard not to chuckle at the site of Shinji walking in the air trying to get to his room. Shinji only noticed he had been floating when Skuld released him and dropped him on the couch.
"HEY!" he shouted indignantly.
"Yeah yeah." Skuld looked at Rei, "Well? Are you going to sit? Or am I going to have to seat you myself?"
Rei quickly moved over to a chair and sat down.
"Good. Now if Peorth and Urd will show up."
"You called?" said Peorth, popping out of nowhere.
Everyone present jumped.
"How the hell did you do that?" asked Skuld.
"Hidden camera in the kitchen."
Misato frowned, "I thought I got the last one."
"Anyway....." Skuld turned to Peorth. "What's going on?"
Peorth ignored Skuld and walked to the TV and turned it on. Within seconds Urd was standing next to her.
"Thanks. I wondered what the hold up was."
Skuld began tapping her foot. "I'm waiting."
"As are we." said Misato. Rei watched the 2 goddesses while Shinji seemed to take close interest in the floor.
Peorth turned to face them. "Basically to sum it up. We found them."
That got everyone's attention.
"WHERE?!?!" asked the four simultaneously.
Peorth produced a large chart. "For the past few days, Yggdrasil apparently developed a power spike."
"What does that have to do with Sayoko and Asuka?" asked Skuld.
"The spike has nothing to do with Asuka, but it has everything to do with Sayoko."
"You see," began Urd, "all gods and goddesses are linked to Yggdrasil via the Power Distribution System."
"I know that." said Skuld.
"They don't." replied Urd, pointing to Misato, Rei, and Shinji.
"Anyway," continued Peorth, "During certain times, Yggdrasil's power spiked at the same time there was a drain on the PDS. The drain went to one specific user account."
"Sayoko?" asked Skuld.
Peorth nodded, then pointed at the chart. "Somehow, Yggdrasil is still linked to Sayoko, but it's intermittent. Periodically, it sends a burst of energy to her, thus the power spike. This means where ever she is, she still has complete access to her powers."
"How?"
Urd flipped the chart over to show a graphic. "What we think is that the gate that Asuka and Sayoko were pulled into is still open. We think it's the Yggdrasil connection that is keeping it open. We believe we know the energy amounts involved in opening this gate, and might be able to send someone along the power connection to bring them back."
"What's the catch?" asked Misato.
Urd and Peorth looked at each other before continuing.
"First," said Urd, "if the energy amount is incorrect, the person we send back could just end up fried."
"Second," added Peorth, "it's been several days. We don't know if Sayoko and Asuka are even in the same spot anymore or if the gate on the other end has moved."
"Third," continued Urd, "Whoever we send back will have to bring their own power supply. We believe sending another person through will collapse this gate. This will cut them and Sayoko off from Yggdrasil."
"Wait..." said Skuld, "Without the gate, how do we bring them back?"
"We have created a program that should do it." said Peorth, "It's based off of the Ultimate Magic Circle of Warding. It requires a few changes to the circle, but it also requires the power of two 1st Class Goddesses, one there, one here in the present. One can pull it off, but its better if there is two."
"The circle spell must be set off at the same time." finished Urd, "The one here and the one where ever they are. Synchronization is a must for it to work correctly."
"So.... " asked Misato, "Who is going?"
"It has to be a God or Goddess of the 1st Class," said Peorth, "None of the lower classes has the power to do this successfully."
"Who is going?"
"We don't know yet." replied Urd, "We're trying to find a suitable candidate and..."
"I'll go." said Skuld softly.
Urd shook her head, "No you can't. You're needed here."
"For what?" Skuld asked, "My only duties here have been to take care of Sayoko, who is one of the reasons this mission is taking place, and to watch the Evas, which haven't moved in years. I'm a 1st Class Goddess. I've been around Sayoko more then any of the rest of you, I know how she thinks and what she can do. I have to be the one to go."
Urd looked at Peorth for help. She didn't get it.
"If it's what you want," said Peorth, "I'll tell the Boss." Peorth vanished into the hidden camera.
Misato quickly stood up and removed the camera, crushing it under her foot. "Got it."
Urd glanced at Skuld, "You realize how dangerous this is."
"Yes, I do." said Skuld, "But Sayoko is my responsibility."
"I can't talk you out of it?"
"Nope."
Urd sighed, "I didn't think so."
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21 years in the past, one universe over.
Keiichi wondered out into the dining room the next morning. Urd was already sitting at the table while Belldandy moved about the kitchen making breakfast. Keiichi sat down and sighed.
"Good Morning."
Urd glared at him before looking away. "Like hell it is."
Keiichi was taken aback by Urd's response. "What happened?"
"Someone hid my booze."
"Oh." Keiichi remained quiet for a bit before continuing. "I had the weirdest dream."
Urd glanced over at him, "Oh?"
"Yeah, I dreamed that Skuld and I had been kidnapped by Mara and then I was rescued by a goddess who claimed to be my daughter from the future."
A plate crashed to the floor in the kitchen causing Keiichi and Urd to look up.
"Are you alright Belldandy?" asked Keiichi.
"I'm fine." replied Belldandy from the kitchen, "Everything's fine."
"That's the second dish this morning." said Urd quietly.
"Second?" Keiichi looked back at the kitchen concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Look outside."
Keiichi looked at Urd confused, but went to look anyway.
Outside sat the pieces of the motorcycle. Megumi and Skuld were already busy working on it, along with another girl who had her back to Keiichi. Megumi looked up to see her brother watching.
"Oh! Morning Keiichi."
Skuld, surprisingly, also offered a pleasant 'Good Morning' to him. Then the girl turned around.
"Hello."
Keiichi's eyes widened slightly as he realized that it had not been a dream, and that his 'daughter' was really there.
"Umm, Good Morning." Keiichi then turned around and went back into the dining room.
Megumi looked back at Sayoko, "I think he's still in shock."
"So is Belldandy." said Skuld, "She got up this morning to start making her morning tea. Sayoko came in and asked for a cup. Onee-sama dropped a dish in surprise."
Sayoko shrugged, "Look at it from my view. I haven't seen my parents in 14 years. It's still kinda weird to see them. Especially this young. Even you two are in your thirties in my time."
"Ugh...." said Megumi with a grimace, "I don't want to think about me at 30 or older." Megumi then frowned. "Wait a second... What do you mean you haven't seen them in 14 years?"
"Because...." Sayoko said sadly, "They died." She then got up and walked away.
Back inside, Keiichi sat back down at the table. Asuka choose that moment to arrive.
"Guten Morgen." said Asuka cheerfully.
"Grrrrrrrrr." replied Urd.
Asuka took a few steps back. "Ok.... I recognize the look. No Beer?"
"Sake." replied Urd, "Someone hid all my sake."
"Who?"
"Normally, I would have said Skuld. But she wouldn't dare hide it on me. So that leaves either Megumi, Belldandy, or Sayoko. I know Belldandy wouldn't and Megumi doesn't know where I hide it. That leaves Sayoko."
Asuka sat down at the table. "Based off her past I'm not surprised she did."
Urd leaned a bit closer to Asuka. "Why don't you enlighten us? I still didn't hear your answer about why Sayoko has access to upgraded power."
Keiichi turned and stared at Urd, "She has what?"
"She has more power then she should have for a 1st Class goddess." replied Urd, "And she still has an intact seal on her ear so that means its normal for her." Urd turned and looked at Asuka, "Well?"
Asuka sighed, "You should really ask Sayoko. I really don't know anything about that."
"Ask her what?"
Everyone turned to see Megumi and Skuld standing in the doorway.
"We were going to ask why she has so much power available to her." replied Urd
"What do you mean too much?" asked Skuld.
Belldandy stepped out of the kitchen, "What she means is that at the first indication of the Apocalypse, all gods and goddesses get a power upgrade, without having to resort to breaking their seals. Sayoko apparently has access to those added powers." She then looked around. "Where is she?"
"She walked away from us." replied Megumi, "I said something that upset her."
Asuka narrowed her eyes at that point, "What did you say?"
"I asked her what she meant when she said she hadn't seen her parents in 14 years."
Asuka put her head in her hands, "Scheisse. That would do it."
"I'll go talk to her." said Belldandy, "Breakfast is ready. Skuld, would you mind serving?"
"Ok." Skuld got up and headed into the kitchen while Belldandy walked outside.
Everyone immediately looked at Asuka.
"Alright, Explain." said Urd.
"Yeah, how could they have died?" asked Megumi.
"We're dead?" asked Keiichi.
Asuka let out a sigh.
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Belldandy looked around the yard. Other then the motorcycle parts and the partially assembled motorcycle, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Belldandy then closed her eyes and reached out with her senses. She easily detected her sisters as well as Keiichi, his sister, and Asuka. Reaching out a bit further, she detected the missing goddess. Belldandy opened her eyes and began to head towards the goddess. As she walked, she realized exactly where she was headed.
'Please don't let it be that tree.' thought Belldandy, 'Any place but that tree.'
Her silent prayers were not answered. Sitting on the ground against the tree was Sayoko. She had her arms wrapped around her legs and her head buried in her knees. Belldandy slowly approached the goddess. She had just stared to open her mouth to speak when she heard Sayoko.
"I know you don't like the tree..........but it was the only place that felt familiar to me."
Belldandy sat down next to Sayoko. "What do you mean?"
"When I was younger," said Sayoko, "this is where I came when I was depressed and started thinking about my parents. This is hard for me. Technically, you are my mom. But in another way you aren't." Sayoko finally lifted her head and looked at Belldandy. "You have only been here on earth for one year. She experienced 9 years on this planet. Everything that happened in that time changed her into the person I knew. While you basically are her, you aren't."
"I know I'm not your mother." replied Belldandy, "But I would like to understand what is troubling you."
"What's troubling me is that you remind me of her." said Sayoko, tears beginning to form, "The way you walk, talk, cook, everything you do reminds me of her!" tears began to fall freely from her eyes, "...and how much I miss her and dad."
Belldandy wrapped her arms around Sayoko and pulled her into a hug. Sayoko sat there for several moments before slowly putting her arms around Belldandy. They remained that way for several minutes.
"Thank you." Sayoko said softly.
Belldandy smiled.
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"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL US?!?!" shouted Urd.
Asuka had been trying unsuccessfully for most of breakfast to avoid answering any questions about her past and their possible future. Unfortunately, Urd was not taking no for an answer.
"I'm referring to what Sayoko told me." said Asuka, "And she said not to tell you anything about the future."
Urd started to rise, lightning crackling in her hands. "Why you little......"
Keiichi and Skuld quickly dove for cover. Megumi saw the lightning, and then saw her 2 tables mates dive for cover. She quickly followed. Within seconds there was a bright flash followed by a thunder clap. A loud cry of pain followed, only it wasn't Asuka's. Keiichi, Skuld, and Megumi slowly peered from under the table to see Urd sitting stunned, her hair and clothes frazzled and scorched. She slowly turned her head towards the doorway were a shocked Belldandy stood next to Sayoko. A bright white glow slowly faded from Sayoko's eyes, returning them to her normal blue.
"Don't you even think of zapping Asuka." said Sayoko, "She was obeying my request." Sayoko walked over and sat down next to Asuka. "And while I'm thinking of it leave Skuld alone too."
A small smile began to appear on Skuld's face. The smile vanished when Sayoko shot her a glare.
"And don't you even think of doing anything to provoke her."
Skuld took another look at Urd before nodding her head in agreement. Belldandy had by that point had gotten over her shock and had sat down next to Keiichi.
"Sayoko, if you don't mind us asking," began Belldandy, "We do have some questions for you."
"It depends on the questions." replied Sayoko.
"Well, for one thing, you seem to have a bit more power then a 1st Class should have. Why is that?"
"Actually, I don't. Auntie Skuld is more powerful then me."
Urd stared at Sayoko, "Skuld has more power then you? But how? Why?"
"What she means is," said Belldandy, "It appears that you have gotten a power upgrade that is only to be released at the time of the Apocalypse."
"We experienced a 'world changing' event." replied Sayoko, "Due to the..... parties involved, Kami-sama ordered the powers released."
"What is classified as a world changing event?" asked Megumi.
Sayoko turned to face Megumi, "The loss of half the world's population for starters."
The room plunged into total silence for several minutes.
Urd looked over at Asuka, "Please tell me she's kidding."
Asuka shook her head.
Skuld then spoke, "How did your parents die?"
Sayoko closed her eyes, "I was 4 when it happened. They were on a airplane flying somewhere for the Auto club when the plane crashed. They didn't survive."
Both Keiichi and Belldandy reached out and grabbed each others hand as they heard of their 'deaths'.
"But Belldandy is a Goddess!" said Urd. "She can't die! And Keiichi would have gone right to heaven!"
Sayoko opened her eyes and looked at Urd, "I waited with Aunt Megumi while Auntie Skuld and Aunt Urd went up to the heavens to check on them. Even with Yggdrasil's help, they were not found."
"That's not possible." said Urd quietly.
"Impossible or not, it happened." said Sayoko, "Afterward, I was raised by Auntie Skuld."
"What happened to me?" asked Megumi.
"You left. Urd got recalled by Grandpa."
"Grandpa?" the three goddesses asked wide-eyed.
Sayoko frowned, "Yes Grandpa. He said I could and he loves it when I call him that."
Keiichi and Megumi looked at the stunned goddesses before looking at Sayoko and Asuka.
"Who's Grandpa?" asked Megumi.
"Kami-sama." replied Sayoko, "Dad and Aunt Megumi's parents died in the Second Impact."
Keiichi and Megumi stared at Sayoko stunned. "They died?"
Asuka stood up. "OK! I think that's more then enough of a future history lesson."
"I agree." said Belldandy quietly.
"What I want to know is how do we send us back to our future?" asked Asuka.
"With Yggdrasil down I'm not sure." Belldandy replied. "We can check the physical archives to see if there is any information there, but that will take time. I'll call the heavens and have them start looking."
Sayoko looked over at Asuka. "Looks like we'll be staying awhile longer."
Asuka sighed, "I was afraid of that." She then glanced over at a clock. "Say Keiichi, don't you have class?"
Keiichi looked over at the clock. His eyes went wide.
"BELL! WE'RE LATE!!" Keiichi ran through the house and grabbed his school work. Belldandy quickly grabbed her stuff as well and headed out to the motorcycle. Keiichi soon flew by, running towards his bike. Megumi followed to the door.
"Don't worry K!" she shouted, "We'll keep working on the bike!"
"Thanks!" he replied as he started the bike and quickly drove off.
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Several hours later.
"You know Megumi," said Asuka, "You took the existence of Goddesses pretty well."
Megumi pick up another part and moved it into place on the bike. "It actually explains a few things. That weird dream I had were I was turned into a car, how my apartment seems to be protected by some kind of spirit, why Skuld said she arrived by through the bathroom. Even why Keiichi always freaks out when someone mentions how Belldandy is so nice she must be a goddess." Megumi glanced over at Asuka. "So how did you find out about them?"
Asuka looked over the motorcycle plans for the next part. "My Boyfriend Shinji and I were being chased by some morons. Sayoko popped out and scared them off, but not before they tossed Shinji off a cliff. She jumped over the cliff edge and went after him. She floated back over with him with her wings out. Back at our apartment, she explained everything about her to us. We met Skuld when she popped in a bit later."
The sound of arguing could then be heard.
"Urd still trying to get her sake back?" asked Megumi.
A bright flash lit up the inside of the house, followed by a thunderclap.
"I think Sayoko just turned her down again." said Asuka with a smile.
"She doesn't seem at all to be like Belldandy." said Megumi, "Are you sure she's related to her?"
"She tries hard to hide it." Asuka smiled, "Her Aunt Skuld says Sayoko hates it when people compare her to her mom. That's why she acts like that."
"What's wrong with being compared to Belldandy?"
"From what I've gotten from Skuld, Belldandy was one of the best Goddesses in the heavens. There wasn't anything she couldn't handle. So when Sayoko came along and became a 1st Class goddess at a younger age then Belldandy did....."
"......They assumed she would be exactly like Belldandy." Megumi finished, "Must be hard on her."
Another thunderclap echoed from within the house.
"I think she's handled it well." replied Asuka.
Asuka and Megumi looked up to see Sayoko and Skuld exiting the house.
"What happened?" asked Asuka.
"Urd refused to accept no for an answer." said Skuld.
"And then I denied her an appeal." finished Sayoko.
"O....k....." Megumi turned and tried to attach a part to the motorcycle, "Damn, I need a different sized wrench."
"I'll get it." said Sayoko. She started to walk towards the shed, and then turned to Skuld. "Umm.. I can't remember where he put the wrenches. Can you help me Auntie Skuld?"
Skuld flushed red, "Don't call me Auntie!" She then followed Skuld to the shed.
Asuka chuckled, "At least something's don't seem to change."
Megumi and Asuka worked quietly for another minute or two before Megumi broke the silence.
"Why does Sayoko refer to Skuld as Auntie, but Urd and me as Aunt?"
"Sayoko is closer to Skuld then anyone else, even closer then she is to Kami-sama." Asuka attached a part to the engine. "I suppose its because Skuld has not only been her Aunt, but her guardian."
"Do you know what happened to me?" asked Megumi, "I don't see me leaving my niece behind."
"From what I know, after the second impact, her Megumi had a lot of questions that only the goddesses could answer. After her parents,...... went away, her Megumi got mad at Urd and Skuld and left. She returned 4 years ago, and has been there for her ever since."
Megumi smiled, "Glad to see I came to my senses."
"Maybe not." Megumi and Asuka looked up to see Sayoko smiling over them, with Skuld next to her.
"What do you mean?" asked Megumi.
"Currently, you're teaching me how to ride a motorcycle."
Asuka frowned, "Megumi's teaching you to ride a motorcycle? Since when and why didn't you tell us?"
Sayoko shrugged, "Since I was old enough to. 'All Morisatos need to know how to ride a motorcycle.' is what Aunt Megumi told me. And I figured I'd tell you when I drove up on Dad's cycle." Sayoko then looked at the motorcycle they were working on. "Why aren't you working? We need to finish this bike by tomorrow!"
Belldandy sat at the table, holding her hands over a CD while chanting. The CD hovered a few inches above the table and glowed. Off to the side, Urd, Megumi, and Asuka watched Belldandy work.
"What is she doing?" asked Megumi.
"She searching for Mara." replied Urd, "That CD is the catalyst, Mara used it to first enter this world. Belldandy's trying to use it to detect where Mara is now."
The CD began to spark and wobble slightly. Belldandy narrowed her eyes and continued to chant. Suddenly the CD spat out flames, causing Belldandy to jump back in surprise. The CD immediately stopped glowing and dropped to the table. Belldandy sat back up, breathing heavily.
"I...I.....I can't..." Belldandy looked at the others sadly, "I can't find her."
Urd closed her eyes and sigh. Megumi stared at them.
"What? That's it?!" she said, "You're giving up?!?"
Belldandy looked up at Megumi, "Mara has cast a spell that blocks me from searching for her using the CD. We have to figure out another way to..." Belldandy stopped speaking as the phone began to ring. Urd walked over and picked it up.
"Hello, Morisato Resi..."
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?!?!?!"
Urd yanked the phone away from her ear. Everyone else present winced as the shout echoed throughout the temple. After several moments Urd once again placed the phone to her ear.
"Peorth?"
"Yes it's me!" shouted Peorth, "Now what are you doing down there?!"
"Belldandy's client has been kidnapped by a demon." replied Urd, "She has been using the demon catalyst to...."
"NOT THAT!" shouted Peorth, "We detected a massive amount of power being used on the planet somewhere in Japan. We don't have exact specifics considering Yggdrasil's current status, but it was definitely Heavenly in nature. Considering you 3 aren't at full, we think it was the other Goddess you were telling us about."
"Why the alarm then?" asked Urd, "She's a Goddess."
"Urd..." Peorth voice was shaky, "you said she was a Class 1."
"Yeah, so?"
"The power levels we detected are much stronger then any of the current levels for a Class 1. The only way for this level of power is for an upgrade in power levels, which won't happen until the Apocalypse starts. Just how far ahead into the future is she?"
Urd fell to the floor stunned.
"Urd? Are you there Urd?"
"What's wrong Urd?" asked Belldandy. Megumi came up from behind Belldandy and peered down at Urd. Asuka was..........
"ASUKA!" shouted Urd.
"What?" asked Asuka.
"Did something happen in your past? Something bad?"
Asuka looked at Urd confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"URD!"
Urd raised the phone back to her head, "I'll call you back Peorth." She then hung up, cutting off the protest from Peorth. "Asuka, did something happen in the past in your world? Something majorly bad?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Megumi.
"Yggdrasil detected the power signature of a Goddess." said Urd, "But the levels are too strong to be one of our 1st class goddesses. The only way to reach those kind of levels is for something like the apocalypse to occur."
Megumi stared wide-eyed, "The Apocalypse?"
Asuka paled slightly. Belldandy and Urd noticed.
"What happened Asuka? Was there something like that?" asked Belldandy.
Asuka nodded. She began to open her mouth to speak when she noticed the mirror on the wall. It had begun to glow. She immediately raised her hand and pointed. Everyone turned in the direction she indicated and spotted the mirror. Before they could say anything, 3 figures burst forth from it. Two were immediately recognized.
"SKULD! KEIICHI!!" screamed Belldandy as she grabbed the 2 into an embrace.
"Uh...Hi Bell." replied Keiichi, returning the hug. Skuld didn't say a thing, and just held onto her sister. Urd was so happy to see Skuld and Keiichi she grabbed Megumi and began hugging her. Asuka however, had her eyes on the third figure. She immediately walked straight to her.
Sayoko stood up and looked sheepishly at Asuka. "Umm.... Hi."
Asuka glared at Sayoko.
"Look...Asuka, I'm sorry." began Sayoko, "When I saw the bug vanish I...."
Asuka held up her hand cutting off Sayoko. "Belldandy explained to me how important promises are to her. Considering she trained Skuld, and Skuld trained you and how you reacted when the bug went poof, I understand why you did it." Asuka then grabbed Sayoko in a hug. "Just don't do that ever again."
Sayoko remained frozen for several seconds before returning the hug.
"Oh...my.... She...she looks like..."
Asuka and Sayoko turned to see Urd staring stunned at Sayoko. Megumi was right next to her looking at Belldandy, then at Sayoko, then back at Belldandy. Even Belldandy looked confused.
"Who are you?" asked Urd.
"I'm Sayoko, Goddess of the Present, 1st Class, Type 2, Unlimited." replied Sayoko.
"But..." Keiichi looked at Belldandy, "Belldandy's domain is the present."
Belldandy looked back at Sayoko, "How can you have the same domain as me?"
"And why do you look like her?" asked Urd.
"Well....." Sayoko looked over at Asuka, "You see......"
"She takes after her mother." replied Asuka with a smile.
"Ehh?" Urd looked at Asuka, then at Sayoko, "Who's her mother?"
Recognition began to dawn Keiichi. "You mean your mother is.." he turned and looked at Belldandy. Belldandy looked back at Keiichi stunned.
Sayoko nodded, "Belldandy Morisato was my mother."
"Belldandy Morisato?!" Megumi looked down at Keiichi, "That means your father is..."
"Keiichi Morisato."
Keiichi and Belldandy stared stunned at their 'daughter'. Urd blinked several times before smiling and grabbing Keiichi and Belldandy in a hug.
"Congratulations!!" she shouted, "It's a girl!"
Keiichi and Belldandy immediately fainted. Skuld looked up at Sayoko.
"They took it better then I thought." said Sayoko.
"You think?" replied Skuld.
Urd and Megumi glared at Skuld.
"You knew?!?!" shouted Urd.
"Well.... Yeah."
"Why you little!" sparks began to fly from Urd's hands, "I'll show you!"
"No you won't."
Urd looked over at Sayoko. "Huh?"
Sayoko stood arms crossed staring at Urd, her eyes narrowed. " I said 'No you won't.' Skuld did nothing wrong. I told her not to tell you."
Urd tried to glare back, but Sayoko didn't budge an inch. They stared at each other for several long minutes before Urd gave up.
"All right! You win!" Urd turned and left the room, "Geez, this is freaky! It's like trying to stare down Belldandy."
Megumi stared at Sayoko, "This is weird. You're my Niece, but you're what? 17? 19?"
"18." replied Sayoko.
"That's 2 years younger then me!" replied Megumi, "So...... Who do I end up with?!"
"I'm not telling. You'll find out on your own."
"Come on! I'm your Aunt!"
Sayoko threw her hands up into the air, "You 'will' be my Aunt, or 'could' be, or even 'might' be. This is an alternate version of the past from my view." Sayoko held head in her hands. "Damn, now I'm getting confused."
Megumi sighed and then looked at her brother and Belldandy. "Think we should put them to bed?"
Sayoko nodded, "You and Asuka get Keiichi to his room."
"Why do we have to move him?" asked Asuka, "Why don't you?"
Sayoko waved her hand, causing Belldandy's unconscious form to float off the ground.
"Because Skuld and I are moving 'Mom'."
Skuld turned and looked at Sayoko, "Do you have to call her 'Mom'?"
"Technically she is." replied Sayoko as she and Skuld walked down the hallway, Belldandy's body floating along right behind them.
Asuka and Megumi turned and looked at each other.
"Did I mention this is weird?" said Megumi.
"Yes, now grab an arm."
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21 years into the future, one universe over.
Skuld stared out the window looking out into Tokyo-2. Behind her, Misato waited patiently on the couch.
"What the hell are they waiting for?" muttered Misato.
"They said they had to double check a few things and then they would come here." Skuld turned from the window and looked at Misato. "Besides, Shinji and Rei should be here to hear it as well."
The front door was then heard opening.
"We're home." came a rather quiet female voice.
Rei, followed by a downcast Shinji, exited the hallway and entered the living room. Shinji started to head towards his room when Misato called out to him.
"Wait a second Shinji."
Shinji stopped and turned to look at Misato. His eyes seemed dull and lifeless.
"What?"
"Urd and Peorth may have found something." said Skuld.
"Oh....That's nice." Shinji turned and started to walk towards his room. Unnoticed by him, Shinji floated a few inches off the ground and began to float back into the living room. Misato found it hard not to chuckle at the site of Shinji walking in the air trying to get to his room. Shinji only noticed he had been floating when Skuld released him and dropped him on the couch.
"HEY!" he shouted indignantly.
"Yeah yeah." Skuld looked at Rei, "Well? Are you going to sit? Or am I going to have to seat you myself?"
Rei quickly moved over to a chair and sat down.
"Good. Now if Peorth and Urd will show up."
"You called?" said Peorth, popping out of nowhere.
Everyone present jumped.
"How the hell did you do that?" asked Skuld.
"Hidden camera in the kitchen."
Misato frowned, "I thought I got the last one."
"Anyway....." Skuld turned to Peorth. "What's going on?"
Peorth ignored Skuld and walked to the TV and turned it on. Within seconds Urd was standing next to her.
"Thanks. I wondered what the hold up was."
Skuld began tapping her foot. "I'm waiting."
"As are we." said Misato. Rei watched the 2 goddesses while Shinji seemed to take close interest in the floor.
Peorth turned to face them. "Basically to sum it up. We found them."
That got everyone's attention.
"WHERE?!?!" asked the four simultaneously.
Peorth produced a large chart. "For the past few days, Yggdrasil apparently developed a power spike."
"What does that have to do with Sayoko and Asuka?" asked Skuld.
"The spike has nothing to do with Asuka, but it has everything to do with Sayoko."
"You see," began Urd, "all gods and goddesses are linked to Yggdrasil via the Power Distribution System."
"I know that." said Skuld.
"They don't." replied Urd, pointing to Misato, Rei, and Shinji.
"Anyway," continued Peorth, "During certain times, Yggdrasil's power spiked at the same time there was a drain on the PDS. The drain went to one specific user account."
"Sayoko?" asked Skuld.
Peorth nodded, then pointed at the chart. "Somehow, Yggdrasil is still linked to Sayoko, but it's intermittent. Periodically, it sends a burst of energy to her, thus the power spike. This means where ever she is, she still has complete access to her powers."
"How?"
Urd flipped the chart over to show a graphic. "What we think is that the gate that Asuka and Sayoko were pulled into is still open. We think it's the Yggdrasil connection that is keeping it open. We believe we know the energy amounts involved in opening this gate, and might be able to send someone along the power connection to bring them back."
"What's the catch?" asked Misato.
Urd and Peorth looked at each other before continuing.
"First," said Urd, "if the energy amount is incorrect, the person we send back could just end up fried."
"Second," added Peorth, "it's been several days. We don't know if Sayoko and Asuka are even in the same spot anymore or if the gate on the other end has moved."
"Third," continued Urd, "Whoever we send back will have to bring their own power supply. We believe sending another person through will collapse this gate. This will cut them and Sayoko off from Yggdrasil."
"Wait..." said Skuld, "Without the gate, how do we bring them back?"
"We have created a program that should do it." said Peorth, "It's based off of the Ultimate Magic Circle of Warding. It requires a few changes to the circle, but it also requires the power of two 1st Class Goddesses, one there, one here in the present. One can pull it off, but its better if there is two."
"The circle spell must be set off at the same time." finished Urd, "The one here and the one where ever they are. Synchronization is a must for it to work correctly."
"So.... " asked Misato, "Who is going?"
"It has to be a God or Goddess of the 1st Class," said Peorth, "None of the lower classes has the power to do this successfully."
"Who is going?"
"We don't know yet." replied Urd, "We're trying to find a suitable candidate and..."
"I'll go." said Skuld softly.
Urd shook her head, "No you can't. You're needed here."
"For what?" Skuld asked, "My only duties here have been to take care of Sayoko, who is one of the reasons this mission is taking place, and to watch the Evas, which haven't moved in years. I'm a 1st Class Goddess. I've been around Sayoko more then any of the rest of you, I know how she thinks and what she can do. I have to be the one to go."
Urd looked at Peorth for help. She didn't get it.
"If it's what you want," said Peorth, "I'll tell the Boss." Peorth vanished into the hidden camera.
Misato quickly stood up and removed the camera, crushing it under her foot. "Got it."
Urd glanced at Skuld, "You realize how dangerous this is."
"Yes, I do." said Skuld, "But Sayoko is my responsibility."
"I can't talk you out of it?"
"Nope."
Urd sighed, "I didn't think so."
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21 years in the past, one universe over.
Keiichi wondered out into the dining room the next morning. Urd was already sitting at the table while Belldandy moved about the kitchen making breakfast. Keiichi sat down and sighed.
"Good Morning."
Urd glared at him before looking away. "Like hell it is."
Keiichi was taken aback by Urd's response. "What happened?"
"Someone hid my booze."
"Oh." Keiichi remained quiet for a bit before continuing. "I had the weirdest dream."
Urd glanced over at him, "Oh?"
"Yeah, I dreamed that Skuld and I had been kidnapped by Mara and then I was rescued by a goddess who claimed to be my daughter from the future."
A plate crashed to the floor in the kitchen causing Keiichi and Urd to look up.
"Are you alright Belldandy?" asked Keiichi.
"I'm fine." replied Belldandy from the kitchen, "Everything's fine."
"That's the second dish this morning." said Urd quietly.
"Second?" Keiichi looked back at the kitchen concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Look outside."
Keiichi looked at Urd confused, but went to look anyway.
Outside sat the pieces of the motorcycle. Megumi and Skuld were already busy working on it, along with another girl who had her back to Keiichi. Megumi looked up to see her brother watching.
"Oh! Morning Keiichi."
Skuld, surprisingly, also offered a pleasant 'Good Morning' to him. Then the girl turned around.
"Hello."
Keiichi's eyes widened slightly as he realized that it had not been a dream, and that his 'daughter' was really there.
"Umm, Good Morning." Keiichi then turned around and went back into the dining room.
Megumi looked back at Sayoko, "I think he's still in shock."
"So is Belldandy." said Skuld, "She got up this morning to start making her morning tea. Sayoko came in and asked for a cup. Onee-sama dropped a dish in surprise."
Sayoko shrugged, "Look at it from my view. I haven't seen my parents in 14 years. It's still kinda weird to see them. Especially this young. Even you two are in your thirties in my time."
"Ugh...." said Megumi with a grimace, "I don't want to think about me at 30 or older." Megumi then frowned. "Wait a second... What do you mean you haven't seen them in 14 years?"
"Because...." Sayoko said sadly, "They died." She then got up and walked away.
Back inside, Keiichi sat back down at the table. Asuka choose that moment to arrive.
"Guten Morgen." said Asuka cheerfully.
"Grrrrrrrrr." replied Urd.
Asuka took a few steps back. "Ok.... I recognize the look. No Beer?"
"Sake." replied Urd, "Someone hid all my sake."
"Who?"
"Normally, I would have said Skuld. But she wouldn't dare hide it on me. So that leaves either Megumi, Belldandy, or Sayoko. I know Belldandy wouldn't and Megumi doesn't know where I hide it. That leaves Sayoko."
Asuka sat down at the table. "Based off her past I'm not surprised she did."
Urd leaned a bit closer to Asuka. "Why don't you enlighten us? I still didn't hear your answer about why Sayoko has access to upgraded power."
Keiichi turned and stared at Urd, "She has what?"
"She has more power then she should have for a 1st Class goddess." replied Urd, "And she still has an intact seal on her ear so that means its normal for her." Urd turned and looked at Asuka, "Well?"
Asuka sighed, "You should really ask Sayoko. I really don't know anything about that."
"Ask her what?"
Everyone turned to see Megumi and Skuld standing in the doorway.
"We were going to ask why she has so much power available to her." replied Urd
"What do you mean too much?" asked Skuld.
Belldandy stepped out of the kitchen, "What she means is that at the first indication of the Apocalypse, all gods and goddesses get a power upgrade, without having to resort to breaking their seals. Sayoko apparently has access to those added powers." She then looked around. "Where is she?"
"She walked away from us." replied Megumi, "I said something that upset her."
Asuka narrowed her eyes at that point, "What did you say?"
"I asked her what she meant when she said she hadn't seen her parents in 14 years."
Asuka put her head in her hands, "Scheisse. That would do it."
"I'll go talk to her." said Belldandy, "Breakfast is ready. Skuld, would you mind serving?"
"Ok." Skuld got up and headed into the kitchen while Belldandy walked outside.
Everyone immediately looked at Asuka.
"Alright, Explain." said Urd.
"Yeah, how could they have died?" asked Megumi.
"We're dead?" asked Keiichi.
Asuka let out a sigh.
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Belldandy looked around the yard. Other then the motorcycle parts and the partially assembled motorcycle, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Belldandy then closed her eyes and reached out with her senses. She easily detected her sisters as well as Keiichi, his sister, and Asuka. Reaching out a bit further, she detected the missing goddess. Belldandy opened her eyes and began to head towards the goddess. As she walked, she realized exactly where she was headed.
'Please don't let it be that tree.' thought Belldandy, 'Any place but that tree.'
Her silent prayers were not answered. Sitting on the ground against the tree was Sayoko. She had her arms wrapped around her legs and her head buried in her knees. Belldandy slowly approached the goddess. She had just stared to open her mouth to speak when she heard Sayoko.
"I know you don't like the tree..........but it was the only place that felt familiar to me."
Belldandy sat down next to Sayoko. "What do you mean?"
"When I was younger," said Sayoko, "this is where I came when I was depressed and started thinking about my parents. This is hard for me. Technically, you are my mom. But in another way you aren't." Sayoko finally lifted her head and looked at Belldandy. "You have only been here on earth for one year. She experienced 9 years on this planet. Everything that happened in that time changed her into the person I knew. While you basically are her, you aren't."
"I know I'm not your mother." replied Belldandy, "But I would like to understand what is troubling you."
"What's troubling me is that you remind me of her." said Sayoko, tears beginning to form, "The way you walk, talk, cook, everything you do reminds me of her!" tears began to fall freely from her eyes, "...and how much I miss her and dad."
Belldandy wrapped her arms around Sayoko and pulled her into a hug. Sayoko sat there for several moments before slowly putting her arms around Belldandy. They remained that way for several minutes.
"Thank you." Sayoko said softly.
Belldandy smiled.
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"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL US?!?!" shouted Urd.
Asuka had been trying unsuccessfully for most of breakfast to avoid answering any questions about her past and their possible future. Unfortunately, Urd was not taking no for an answer.
"I'm referring to what Sayoko told me." said Asuka, "And she said not to tell you anything about the future."
Urd started to rise, lightning crackling in her hands. "Why you little......"
Keiichi and Skuld quickly dove for cover. Megumi saw the lightning, and then saw her 2 tables mates dive for cover. She quickly followed. Within seconds there was a bright flash followed by a thunder clap. A loud cry of pain followed, only it wasn't Asuka's. Keiichi, Skuld, and Megumi slowly peered from under the table to see Urd sitting stunned, her hair and clothes frazzled and scorched. She slowly turned her head towards the doorway were a shocked Belldandy stood next to Sayoko. A bright white glow slowly faded from Sayoko's eyes, returning them to her normal blue.
"Don't you even think of zapping Asuka." said Sayoko, "She was obeying my request." Sayoko walked over and sat down next to Asuka. "And while I'm thinking of it leave Skuld alone too."
A small smile began to appear on Skuld's face. The smile vanished when Sayoko shot her a glare.
"And don't you even think of doing anything to provoke her."
Skuld took another look at Urd before nodding her head in agreement. Belldandy had by that point had gotten over her shock and had sat down next to Keiichi.
"Sayoko, if you don't mind us asking," began Belldandy, "We do have some questions for you."
"It depends on the questions." replied Sayoko.
"Well, for one thing, you seem to have a bit more power then a 1st Class should have. Why is that?"
"Actually, I don't. Auntie Skuld is more powerful then me."
Urd stared at Sayoko, "Skuld has more power then you? But how? Why?"
"What she means is," said Belldandy, "It appears that you have gotten a power upgrade that is only to be released at the time of the Apocalypse."
"We experienced a 'world changing' event." replied Sayoko, "Due to the..... parties involved, Kami-sama ordered the powers released."
"What is classified as a world changing event?" asked Megumi.
Sayoko turned to face Megumi, "The loss of half the world's population for starters."
The room plunged into total silence for several minutes.
Urd looked over at Asuka, "Please tell me she's kidding."
Asuka shook her head.
Skuld then spoke, "How did your parents die?"
Sayoko closed her eyes, "I was 4 when it happened. They were on a airplane flying somewhere for the Auto club when the plane crashed. They didn't survive."
Both Keiichi and Belldandy reached out and grabbed each others hand as they heard of their 'deaths'.
"But Belldandy is a Goddess!" said Urd. "She can't die! And Keiichi would have gone right to heaven!"
Sayoko opened her eyes and looked at Urd, "I waited with Aunt Megumi while Auntie Skuld and Aunt Urd went up to the heavens to check on them. Even with Yggdrasil's help, they were not found."
"That's not possible." said Urd quietly.
"Impossible or not, it happened." said Sayoko, "Afterward, I was raised by Auntie Skuld."
"What happened to me?" asked Megumi.
"You left. Urd got recalled by Grandpa."
"Grandpa?" the three goddesses asked wide-eyed.
Sayoko frowned, "Yes Grandpa. He said I could and he loves it when I call him that."
Keiichi and Megumi looked at the stunned goddesses before looking at Sayoko and Asuka.
"Who's Grandpa?" asked Megumi.
"Kami-sama." replied Sayoko, "Dad and Aunt Megumi's parents died in the Second Impact."
Keiichi and Megumi stared at Sayoko stunned. "They died?"
Asuka stood up. "OK! I think that's more then enough of a future history lesson."
"I agree." said Belldandy quietly.
"What I want to know is how do we send us back to our future?" asked Asuka.
"With Yggdrasil down I'm not sure." Belldandy replied. "We can check the physical archives to see if there is any information there, but that will take time. I'll call the heavens and have them start looking."
Sayoko looked over at Asuka. "Looks like we'll be staying awhile longer."
Asuka sighed, "I was afraid of that." She then glanced over at a clock. "Say Keiichi, don't you have class?"
Keiichi looked over at the clock. His eyes went wide.
"BELL! WE'RE LATE!!" Keiichi ran through the house and grabbed his school work. Belldandy quickly grabbed her stuff as well and headed out to the motorcycle. Keiichi soon flew by, running towards his bike. Megumi followed to the door.
"Don't worry K!" she shouted, "We'll keep working on the bike!"
"Thanks!" he replied as he started the bike and quickly drove off.
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Several hours later.
"You know Megumi," said Asuka, "You took the existence of Goddesses pretty well."
Megumi pick up another part and moved it into place on the bike. "It actually explains a few things. That weird dream I had were I was turned into a car, how my apartment seems to be protected by some kind of spirit, why Skuld said she arrived by through the bathroom. Even why Keiichi always freaks out when someone mentions how Belldandy is so nice she must be a goddess." Megumi glanced over at Asuka. "So how did you find out about them?"
Asuka looked over the motorcycle plans for the next part. "My Boyfriend Shinji and I were being chased by some morons. Sayoko popped out and scared them off, but not before they tossed Shinji off a cliff. She jumped over the cliff edge and went after him. She floated back over with him with her wings out. Back at our apartment, she explained everything about her to us. We met Skuld when she popped in a bit later."
The sound of arguing could then be heard.
"Urd still trying to get her sake back?" asked Megumi.
A bright flash lit up the inside of the house, followed by a thunderclap.
"I think Sayoko just turned her down again." said Asuka with a smile.
"She doesn't seem at all to be like Belldandy." said Megumi, "Are you sure she's related to her?"
"She tries hard to hide it." Asuka smiled, "Her Aunt Skuld says Sayoko hates it when people compare her to her mom. That's why she acts like that."
"What's wrong with being compared to Belldandy?"
"From what I've gotten from Skuld, Belldandy was one of the best Goddesses in the heavens. There wasn't anything she couldn't handle. So when Sayoko came along and became a 1st Class goddess at a younger age then Belldandy did....."
"......They assumed she would be exactly like Belldandy." Megumi finished, "Must be hard on her."
Another thunderclap echoed from within the house.
"I think she's handled it well." replied Asuka.
Asuka and Megumi looked up to see Sayoko and Skuld exiting the house.
"What happened?" asked Asuka.
"Urd refused to accept no for an answer." said Skuld.
"And then I denied her an appeal." finished Sayoko.
"O....k....." Megumi turned and tried to attach a part to the motorcycle, "Damn, I need a different sized wrench."
"I'll get it." said Sayoko. She started to walk towards the shed, and then turned to Skuld. "Umm.. I can't remember where he put the wrenches. Can you help me Auntie Skuld?"
Skuld flushed red, "Don't call me Auntie!" She then followed Skuld to the shed.
Asuka chuckled, "At least something's don't seem to change."
Megumi and Asuka worked quietly for another minute or two before Megumi broke the silence.
"Why does Sayoko refer to Skuld as Auntie, but Urd and me as Aunt?"
"Sayoko is closer to Skuld then anyone else, even closer then she is to Kami-sama." Asuka attached a part to the engine. "I suppose its because Skuld has not only been her Aunt, but her guardian."
"Do you know what happened to me?" asked Megumi, "I don't see me leaving my niece behind."
"From what I know, after the second impact, her Megumi had a lot of questions that only the goddesses could answer. After her parents,...... went away, her Megumi got mad at Urd and Skuld and left. She returned 4 years ago, and has been there for her ever since."
Megumi smiled, "Glad to see I came to my senses."
"Maybe not." Megumi and Asuka looked up to see Sayoko smiling over them, with Skuld next to her.
"What do you mean?" asked Megumi.
"Currently, you're teaching me how to ride a motorcycle."
Asuka frowned, "Megumi's teaching you to ride a motorcycle? Since when and why didn't you tell us?"
Sayoko shrugged, "Since I was old enough to. 'All Morisatos need to know how to ride a motorcycle.' is what Aunt Megumi told me. And I figured I'd tell you when I drove up on Dad's cycle." Sayoko then looked at the motorcycle they were working on. "Why aren't you working? We need to finish this bike by tomorrow!"