Chapter 7
That night when Keiichi and Belldandy arrived home, they were rewarded with the sight of a completed Motorcycle. Keiichi immediately began looking it over. After several minutes he stepped back.
"Well?" asked Megumi.
"It looks great." said Keiichi, "Umm.... Skuld didn't add anything did she?"
Skuld frowned at Keiichi and started to reach into her shirt. "Skuld bom..."
Sayoko quickly grabbed the bomb before Skuld could toss it. "No, Skuld did not tweak it."
"It did get the goddess treatment though." said Megumi.
Keiichi looked at Megumi confused before looking at the bike again. Painted on the bike just forward of the seat was a pair of wings, one on each side of the bike.
"What are they?" Keiichi asked.
"Angel wings of course!" said Sayoko.
"Oh."
"I think they look wonderful." said Belldandy, "I'll go make a quick dinner for us. Afterwards we should go to sleep. It's going to be a big day tomorrow and Keiichi needs his rest."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that night.
Sayoko sat quietly on the porch, staring at the stars. The rest of the house was dark and quiet as everyone was asleep.
"Want some company?"
Well, almost everyone was asleep. Sayoko turned to see Asuka standing in the doorway. Sayoko shrugged and Asuka walked over and sat down next to her.
"Why are you still up?" Asuka asked.
"Couldn't sleep." replied Sayoko, "I'm kinda excited about tomorrow."
"The race?"
"Yeah." Sayoko turned and looked towards the sky. "Dad and Mom told me stories about the races they were in. I even have some pictures of them at races. But I never got to see one, they always left me at home with Skuld."
They were quiet for several moments.
"There is one thing that might bother me about the race though." said Sayoko suddenly.
"What's that?" asked Asuka.
"A man by the name of Aoshima."
"What's wrong with him?"
"You'll find out for yourself tomorrow."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning Belldandy got up early as she always did to make breakfast. As she was finishing setting breakfast on the table, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Sayoko entering the dinning room in a school uniform, much like the one Asuka had arrived in.
"You're going to wear that to the race?" asked Belldandy.
Sayoko shrugged, "What's wrong with it?"
Belldandy smiled, "As a 'Morisato' you should dress to support the Auto Club. Don't you agree?"
"Uhhh..well..."
Belldandy grabbed Sayoko's hand and pulled towards her room. "Come with me. I have the perfect outfit for you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The others were finishing up their breakfast when Belldandy walked back in.
"What have you been doing?" asked Keiichi, "The Sempais will be here any minute to get the bike and take us to the track."
"Just some last minute changes." said Belldandy, "How do I look?" She was wearing the mini-skirt and Motor Club jacket that she had worn months ago at the drag race.
"You look good, as always."
"Where's Sayoko?" asked Megumi. She was also wearing a Motor Club jacket.
"She'll be out in a bit." replied Belldandy.
"HEY MORISATO!"
Keiichi cringed as he turned toward the door. "In here Sempai."
Lumbering through the door was massive form of Tamiya, followed by Otaki.
"MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "ARE YOU READY TO HONOR OUR FANS BY DRIVING TO VICTORY?!"
"Uh yeah...Sure..." said Keiichi.
"WHAT!!" shouted Tamiya, "WHERE IS YOUR ENTHUSIAISM MORISATO!?!? THINK OF OUR FANS! THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU!"
Asuka stared in shock at the large man. "Who are you?"
Tamiya turned and looked at Asuka, then whirled about and grabbed Keiichi in a headlock. Keiichi struggled futility against his muscular prison.
"MORISATO! HOW DARE YOU!" shouted Tamiya, "YOU ALREADY HAVE THE BEST LOOKING GIRL ON CAMPUS AND HER SISTERS! NOW YOU HAVE ANOTHER!"
"But..." gasped Keiichi, "Sempai! She's a......friend of Skuld!"
Tamiya turned and looked at Skuld and Asuka. "Is she?"
Both Skuld and Asuka quickly nodded their heads.
"OH WELL IN THAT CASE...." Tamiya quickly released Keiichi, who fell to the floor gasping. Belldandy quickly went to his side.
"COME ON MORISATO!! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!" Tamiya then turned and went with Otaki to load the motorcycle onto their truck.
Asuka looked at Skuld, "Sayoko never told me about these guys."
Skuld shrugged, "It may not seem like it, but they really are nice guys."
Keiichi stood up then, with the help of Belldandy. "Alright, Tamiya has enough room for 3 of you. Bell will ride in the side car, while the remaining person rides behind me on the bike."
"I'll take Tamiya." said Urd quickly.
"Truck." said Skuld.
"No motorcycle for me." said Asuka.
"Well, I guess Sayoko rides on it then." said Keiichi.
"Awwww." said Urd with a smile, "All the Morisatos together."
Keiichi and Belldandy blushed.
"Umm...speaking of Sayoko," said Asuka, "Where is she?"
"Ohh" said Belldandy, "I almost forgot." She turned towards the hallway. "Come on out Sayoko. We're going."
"I can't believe you want me to go out like this." came Sayoko's reply.
"You look good. Come on out."
"I don't know...."
"FIFTH CHILD!" shouted Asuka, "GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"
With a sigh, Sayoko exited Belldandy's room. Everyone's jaws hit the floor while a large smile appeared on Belldandy's face.
"Isn't she cute?"
Sayoko was dressed up in exactly the same outfit as Belldandy. In fact, other then the color of their hair, they looked exactly alike. Sayoko looked at Asuka with pleading eyes.
"Help me." She squeaked.
Asuka, trying hard not to laugh, glanced at Belldandy's happy face, then turned back to her friend. "She seems happy. Just put up with it for today."
"I swear Asuka if you tell Auntie about this...."
"HEY MORISATO! WE HAVE TO GO!" came Tamiya's bellow.
"Coming." replied Keiichi, "Let's go Bell."
He and Belldandy then house. Just after they left, Skuld, Urd, and Megumi burst out into laughter. Sayoko was not amused.
"You think this is funny?"
"Well....lemme think." said Urd, "YES!"
"You look like Belldandy's twin." said Skuld.
"Belldandy Jr." added Megumi.
"Sayoko! We're leaving!" came Belldandy's voice from outside.
"You heard big sister." said Skuld, "Better hurry."
"And no fighting over Keiichi, Belldandy Jr." added Urd with a smile.
Sayoko made a face as she left.
"Fight over.....Ewwwww."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keiichi, Belldandy, and Sayoko arrived at the track without incident. After the arrival of the rest of the team, and the teams reaction to seeing 2 Belldandys ( "THAT JUST MEANS WE HAVE THAT MUCH MORE LUCK!" boasted Tamiya), they proceeded to their tent to do the final checks on the bike. Sayoko sat in a chair next to Asuka watching the team work. Skuld, Urd, and Megumi had gone with Keiichi and Belldandy to find out which time trial Keiichi would race in first. Sayoko was busy discussing with Asuka the race from what she knew.
"There are going to be 6 time trials." Sayoko said, "From those 6 they will take the top 5 finishers from each trial. Those 30 will then compete in the final race."
"How do think Keiichi will do?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko sat back in her chair. "From what Auntie has told me. He rarely lost a race. Some of it had to do with the fact he had 3 Goddesses watching over him." She added with a smile.
Asuka returned the smile, "So today he has 4. So Keiichi will win easily."
"I think not." came a male voice.
Sayoko and Asuka turned to see a man standing in the doorway of the tent. Sayoko recognized him immediately from pictures. The dark hair, the glasses, the arrogant attitude. It could only be Toshiyuki Aoshima.
"Excuse me?" said Asuka, "Who the hell are you?"
"My my." said Aoshima, "Such vulgar language from such a beautiful young girl. Maybe you'll grow out of it as you get older." He then turned and began to walk towards Tamiya.
Asuka's face turned a deep red and she started to move after Aoshima. Sayoko noticed this and quickly placed a restraining hand on Asuka.
"Cool off." She said, "He's not worth it."
"What do you want?" growled Tamiya.
"Just wished to see what the Losing team has put together this year." replied Aoshima, "Which scrap yard did you scavenge this year?"
Tamiya snarled and started to move towards Aoshima. Half the club leaped to their feet to hold back their leader. Aoshima just smiled at his reaction.
"You're lucky. I would hate to resort to violence in front of the lovely Belldandy."
Tamiya looked around. "Uhh...where?"
Aoshima chuckled and walked towards Sayoko, grabbing her hand.
"Ignore these simpletons my dear." He said, "This will be the year I rescue you from this...club...and take you to a real racing team." He then kissed her hand.
"I think I'm going to be sick." said Asuka.
Aoshima ignored Asuka and glanced at Tamiya. "Same bet?"
"Uhhhh." Tamiya looked around at the other club members present.
"Hold on." said Sayoko, "What bet?"
"Why...The same bet as before." replied Aoshima, "We win, you will join my racing team. They win, they get to keep you until next time."
"Oh I see." Sayoko said with a smile. "How about this: You get your slimy paws off of me, and leave this tent now."
Aoshima just smiled, "You must be kidding Belldandy dear."
"I'm not kidding 'dear'." replied Sayoko, "Go now before I remove you myself."
"Such a fiery spirit. I've never seen you like this before Belldandy. I like it. Perhaps being around riffraff such as Morisato hasn't been all that bad."
The glare that appeared on Sayoko's face caused Aoshima to stop smiling.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keiichi, Megumi, and the 3 goddesses were on their way back from the Official Tent. Keiichi was busy going over the trial list.
"According to this, we're in the 4th trial. Aoshima's team is in the 5th."
"Great. Just what we need." said Urd, "Aoshima hanging around trying to get Belldandy again."
"Hey K?" asked Megumi, "Did Tamiya make another bet with Aoshima?"
Keiichi froze in his tracks. "I don't know. We'd better hurry to make sure he doesn't."
The four were nearing the team's tent when they heard a lot of shouting. Suddenly Aoshima flew out of the team's tent, landing on his back several feet away. The 4 stood stunned, staring at Aoshima.
"Tamiya wouldn't.....he couldn't...." Keiichi stuttered, "The team would stop him."
"Then who....?" Megumi started to ask before she saw the answer.
Sayoko stepped out of the tent, glaring at Aoshima.
"The bet is off this year." Sayoko stated, "Now get the hell away from here!"
"Yes Ma'am." said Aoshima quickly. He got up and started to leave when he notice Keiichi, Megumi, and the goddesses. Specifically, he started at Belldandy, before turning and looking back at Sayoko, then back to Belldandy.
"2.....2......2 Belldandys?!?" he said. "I must have been hit harder then I thought." He quickly ran off.
Urd, Skuld, and Megumi quickly grabbed Sayoko and pulled her back into the tent. As she entered, the Motor Club burst into cheers, much to Sayoko's embarrassment.
"Alright! What happened?" asked Urd.
"Aoshima thought I was Mo....Belldandy." said Sayoko, "He then mentioned a bet with Tamiya."
"And you hit him for that?"
"No. He kissed my hand, insulted Dad, then I punched him. Can I go dip my hand in acid now? I need to remove the Aoshima germs." Sayoko turned and hurried off, Asuka right behind her, leaving Megumi, Urd, and Skuld to ponder this development.
"What are they training these goddesses in the future?" asked Urd.
"I don't know." said Skuld, "But I like it."
"Amen." added Megumi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"That was interesting." said Asuka after Keiichi had finished his time trial and the 5th got under way..
"How so?" asked Sayoko.
She, Asuka, Megumi, Belldandy, Skuld, and Urd had watched the trial from the stands while the rest of the Motor club waited in the pits. Urd had since wondered off in search of a drink. Belldandy and Skuld remained behind with Asuka and Sayoko.
"I never realized how much went on during a race." said Asuka, "Figuring out how much gas you have, deciding how to enter the turns. Even drafting the person in front of you to try and gain their position. It's...exciting."
"Yeah well...." said Sayoko, "It's not all fun and games."
"What do you mean?"
"It requires a lot of concentration on the part of the driver." said Sayoko, "One wrong move and...."
A loud roar went up from the crowd at that moment. Sayoko and Asuka turned to the main screen to see what had happened. A motorcycle had gone into the turn to sharply and hit the curb. The result was a riderless bike, and a cyclist tumbling along the pavement at 70 mph.
"....one wrong move and you're a skin graft recipient." finished Sayoko.
Asuka winced. "Ouch."
Sayoko watched as a Med Team went out to the fallen biker. Through the corner of her eye, she saw Belldandy watching as well, a worried look on her face. She then turned and hurried off in the direction of the pits.
"She worries everytime Keiichi races." said Skuld. "She's afraid he'll get hurt and she won't be there for him. The only time she doesn't seem to worry is when she's racing with him."
Sayoko was quiet for several moments.
Asuka noticed. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." replied Sayoko, "Just thinking."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 years into the future, one universe over.
Ritsuko looked at Skuld questioningly. "You sure you know what you're doing?"
They, along with Urd, Peorth, and Misato, were standing inside the room that contained the 3 NORN computer banks. The Verdandi computer was turned off and had been since the accident.
"I hope so." said Skuld. She then turned to Misato. "I thought Shinji and Rei wanted to be here?"
"They did." replied Misato. "I sent them to school and told their friends to keep and eye on them. The last thing they need to is for you 3 to screw up and they end up watching an electrocution again."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Skuld then walked over to Urd.
Urd looked at her worriedly, "You sure you want to do this?"
"I have to Urd. I'm the only one that can."
"Just make sure you come back. I don't want to be the last sister standing." Urd then reached into a pocket and pulled out two bracelets. "You'll need these if the connection here is broken."
Skuld took the bracelets and looked them over. "Moon rocks?"
"Hardly," said Urd with a smile, "These aren't like the bracelets Keiichi made for us. These babies will act as Mini-Yggdrasils, providing you with approx 3 months worth of power. If you use your power heavily, you can expect at the most a weeks worth of power."
Skuld nodded. "I stopped by R&D before coming here. Picked up some of the new equipment."
"The Valkyrie Helmets? Why?"
Skuld shrugged. "Just in case. We have no idea what time Yoko and Asuka ended up in."
"Good point."
"Excuse me?" interrupted Ritsuko, "How much longer is this going to take?"
The three goddesses frowned at her.
"Why you in a hurry to get rid of us?" asked Peorth.
"No. Its just people are going to wonder why this room is closed off and I don't think you want to reveal your heavenly nature to them."
"Good point." Peorth turned and handed Skuld a data pad. "This has all the information you need to set up the return Mandela, along with the times when we'll start the spell on this end. All you need to do is enter the approx year you're in." Peorth then let out a sigh. "Well then. I guess its time."
Skuld nodded. "Yep."
Peorth grabbed Skuld in a hug. "You'd better come back with them. It's been too quiet without Sayoko." She released Skuld. "Besides.......Someone has to keep Urd in line."
"HEY!" shouted Urd.
Skuld smiled and then walked over to the front of the Verdandi core.
"OK. Now what?" asked Skuld.
"Now we hit your general area with the required voltage." said Peorth.
"And how are we doing this?"
The sound of Urd chanting reached Skuld's ears. She turned to Urd floating above the ground, the beginning of a lightning Mandela appearing over her.
Skuld's eyes widened in shock. "YOU CAN'T BE SERIO....."
"URD BOLT!" Urd brought her hand downward. The Mandela flashed and emitted a powerful lightning blot that slammed into Skuld.
Skuld let out a cry of shock before bright light filled the room, followed by a tearing sound. Urd turned back after the light had faded. Skuld was nowhere to be seen. Peorth quickly walked over with a scanning device. After several moments she turned to face the others.
"The gate is gone. She's on her own now."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 years in the past, one universe over.
"Attention! Attention! Will all competing teams please move into position for the start."
Keiichi looked up towards the announcer's booth before turning to look at the others.
"That's my cue." He said, looking at the others.
Megumi smiled, "Good luck K. Show'em what a Morisato can do!"
Keiichi smiled, "I've got 4 goddesses on my side. I feel really lucky right now."
"MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "WE HAVE TO GO TO THE STARTING GRID!"
"Coming!" shouted Keiichi. He then turned and faced Belldandy. "I'll see you after the race."
Keiichi started to turn to leave when Belldandy grabbed him.
"Wait. You forgot something." She leaned in closer to him. "For Luck." She then kissed him. Keiichi and Belldandy remained that way for several moments. When they finally separated, they were greeted by catcalls and hollers from the rest of the team.
"Stay safe." said Belldandy, "I'll be waiting for you at the finish." She then turned and hurried off to join her sisters.
Keiichi remained in place for several moments more before turning and helping the team to move the bike out.
Sayoko and Asuka walked to where the team would watch the race from the pits.
"You think he'll win?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko smiled, "I know he will."
She had taken a few more steps when the sky rumbled with thunder. At the same moment, Sayoko felt something snap within her. She was so surprised she stumbled to the ground.
"Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "Are you alright?"
"I think so." Sayoko looked around slightly stunned and confused, "What just happened?"
"You tell me. One minute you're walking next to me, and then you jumped at the sound of thunder."
Sayoko frowned and looked upwards. "It doesn't look like it will rain. And I felt something weird."
"What do you mean?"
"Can't really explain it. I never felt it before. Maybe..."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE..(etc etc)"
"Nevermind." said Sayoko. She grabbed Asuka's arm and began running toward the pit area. "The race is starting."
That night when Keiichi and Belldandy arrived home, they were rewarded with the sight of a completed Motorcycle. Keiichi immediately began looking it over. After several minutes he stepped back.
"Well?" asked Megumi.
"It looks great." said Keiichi, "Umm.... Skuld didn't add anything did she?"
Skuld frowned at Keiichi and started to reach into her shirt. "Skuld bom..."
Sayoko quickly grabbed the bomb before Skuld could toss it. "No, Skuld did not tweak it."
"It did get the goddess treatment though." said Megumi.
Keiichi looked at Megumi confused before looking at the bike again. Painted on the bike just forward of the seat was a pair of wings, one on each side of the bike.
"What are they?" Keiichi asked.
"Angel wings of course!" said Sayoko.
"Oh."
"I think they look wonderful." said Belldandy, "I'll go make a quick dinner for us. Afterwards we should go to sleep. It's going to be a big day tomorrow and Keiichi needs his rest."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that night.
Sayoko sat quietly on the porch, staring at the stars. The rest of the house was dark and quiet as everyone was asleep.
"Want some company?"
Well, almost everyone was asleep. Sayoko turned to see Asuka standing in the doorway. Sayoko shrugged and Asuka walked over and sat down next to her.
"Why are you still up?" Asuka asked.
"Couldn't sleep." replied Sayoko, "I'm kinda excited about tomorrow."
"The race?"
"Yeah." Sayoko turned and looked towards the sky. "Dad and Mom told me stories about the races they were in. I even have some pictures of them at races. But I never got to see one, they always left me at home with Skuld."
They were quiet for several moments.
"There is one thing that might bother me about the race though." said Sayoko suddenly.
"What's that?" asked Asuka.
"A man by the name of Aoshima."
"What's wrong with him?"
"You'll find out for yourself tomorrow."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning Belldandy got up early as she always did to make breakfast. As she was finishing setting breakfast on the table, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Sayoko entering the dinning room in a school uniform, much like the one Asuka had arrived in.
"You're going to wear that to the race?" asked Belldandy.
Sayoko shrugged, "What's wrong with it?"
Belldandy smiled, "As a 'Morisato' you should dress to support the Auto Club. Don't you agree?"
"Uhhh..well..."
Belldandy grabbed Sayoko's hand and pulled towards her room. "Come with me. I have the perfect outfit for you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The others were finishing up their breakfast when Belldandy walked back in.
"What have you been doing?" asked Keiichi, "The Sempais will be here any minute to get the bike and take us to the track."
"Just some last minute changes." said Belldandy, "How do I look?" She was wearing the mini-skirt and Motor Club jacket that she had worn months ago at the drag race.
"You look good, as always."
"Where's Sayoko?" asked Megumi. She was also wearing a Motor Club jacket.
"She'll be out in a bit." replied Belldandy.
"HEY MORISATO!"
Keiichi cringed as he turned toward the door. "In here Sempai."
Lumbering through the door was massive form of Tamiya, followed by Otaki.
"MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "ARE YOU READY TO HONOR OUR FANS BY DRIVING TO VICTORY?!"
"Uh yeah...Sure..." said Keiichi.
"WHAT!!" shouted Tamiya, "WHERE IS YOUR ENTHUSIAISM MORISATO!?!? THINK OF OUR FANS! THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU!"
Asuka stared in shock at the large man. "Who are you?"
Tamiya turned and looked at Asuka, then whirled about and grabbed Keiichi in a headlock. Keiichi struggled futility against his muscular prison.
"MORISATO! HOW DARE YOU!" shouted Tamiya, "YOU ALREADY HAVE THE BEST LOOKING GIRL ON CAMPUS AND HER SISTERS! NOW YOU HAVE ANOTHER!"
"But..." gasped Keiichi, "Sempai! She's a......friend of Skuld!"
Tamiya turned and looked at Skuld and Asuka. "Is she?"
Both Skuld and Asuka quickly nodded their heads.
"OH WELL IN THAT CASE...." Tamiya quickly released Keiichi, who fell to the floor gasping. Belldandy quickly went to his side.
"COME ON MORISATO!! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!" Tamiya then turned and went with Otaki to load the motorcycle onto their truck.
Asuka looked at Skuld, "Sayoko never told me about these guys."
Skuld shrugged, "It may not seem like it, but they really are nice guys."
Keiichi stood up then, with the help of Belldandy. "Alright, Tamiya has enough room for 3 of you. Bell will ride in the side car, while the remaining person rides behind me on the bike."
"I'll take Tamiya." said Urd quickly.
"Truck." said Skuld.
"No motorcycle for me." said Asuka.
"Well, I guess Sayoko rides on it then." said Keiichi.
"Awwww." said Urd with a smile, "All the Morisatos together."
Keiichi and Belldandy blushed.
"Umm...speaking of Sayoko," said Asuka, "Where is she?"
"Ohh" said Belldandy, "I almost forgot." She turned towards the hallway. "Come on out Sayoko. We're going."
"I can't believe you want me to go out like this." came Sayoko's reply.
"You look good. Come on out."
"I don't know...."
"FIFTH CHILD!" shouted Asuka, "GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"
With a sigh, Sayoko exited Belldandy's room. Everyone's jaws hit the floor while a large smile appeared on Belldandy's face.
"Isn't she cute?"
Sayoko was dressed up in exactly the same outfit as Belldandy. In fact, other then the color of their hair, they looked exactly alike. Sayoko looked at Asuka with pleading eyes.
"Help me." She squeaked.
Asuka, trying hard not to laugh, glanced at Belldandy's happy face, then turned back to her friend. "She seems happy. Just put up with it for today."
"I swear Asuka if you tell Auntie about this...."
"HEY MORISATO! WE HAVE TO GO!" came Tamiya's bellow.
"Coming." replied Keiichi, "Let's go Bell."
He and Belldandy then house. Just after they left, Skuld, Urd, and Megumi burst out into laughter. Sayoko was not amused.
"You think this is funny?"
"Well....lemme think." said Urd, "YES!"
"You look like Belldandy's twin." said Skuld.
"Belldandy Jr." added Megumi.
"Sayoko! We're leaving!" came Belldandy's voice from outside.
"You heard big sister." said Skuld, "Better hurry."
"And no fighting over Keiichi, Belldandy Jr." added Urd with a smile.
Sayoko made a face as she left.
"Fight over.....Ewwwww."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keiichi, Belldandy, and Sayoko arrived at the track without incident. After the arrival of the rest of the team, and the teams reaction to seeing 2 Belldandys ( "THAT JUST MEANS WE HAVE THAT MUCH MORE LUCK!" boasted Tamiya), they proceeded to their tent to do the final checks on the bike. Sayoko sat in a chair next to Asuka watching the team work. Skuld, Urd, and Megumi had gone with Keiichi and Belldandy to find out which time trial Keiichi would race in first. Sayoko was busy discussing with Asuka the race from what she knew.
"There are going to be 6 time trials." Sayoko said, "From those 6 they will take the top 5 finishers from each trial. Those 30 will then compete in the final race."
"How do think Keiichi will do?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko sat back in her chair. "From what Auntie has told me. He rarely lost a race. Some of it had to do with the fact he had 3 Goddesses watching over him." She added with a smile.
Asuka returned the smile, "So today he has 4. So Keiichi will win easily."
"I think not." came a male voice.
Sayoko and Asuka turned to see a man standing in the doorway of the tent. Sayoko recognized him immediately from pictures. The dark hair, the glasses, the arrogant attitude. It could only be Toshiyuki Aoshima.
"Excuse me?" said Asuka, "Who the hell are you?"
"My my." said Aoshima, "Such vulgar language from such a beautiful young girl. Maybe you'll grow out of it as you get older." He then turned and began to walk towards Tamiya.
Asuka's face turned a deep red and she started to move after Aoshima. Sayoko noticed this and quickly placed a restraining hand on Asuka.
"Cool off." She said, "He's not worth it."
"What do you want?" growled Tamiya.
"Just wished to see what the Losing team has put together this year." replied Aoshima, "Which scrap yard did you scavenge this year?"
Tamiya snarled and started to move towards Aoshima. Half the club leaped to their feet to hold back their leader. Aoshima just smiled at his reaction.
"You're lucky. I would hate to resort to violence in front of the lovely Belldandy."
Tamiya looked around. "Uhh...where?"
Aoshima chuckled and walked towards Sayoko, grabbing her hand.
"Ignore these simpletons my dear." He said, "This will be the year I rescue you from this...club...and take you to a real racing team." He then kissed her hand.
"I think I'm going to be sick." said Asuka.
Aoshima ignored Asuka and glanced at Tamiya. "Same bet?"
"Uhhhh." Tamiya looked around at the other club members present.
"Hold on." said Sayoko, "What bet?"
"Why...The same bet as before." replied Aoshima, "We win, you will join my racing team. They win, they get to keep you until next time."
"Oh I see." Sayoko said with a smile. "How about this: You get your slimy paws off of me, and leave this tent now."
Aoshima just smiled, "You must be kidding Belldandy dear."
"I'm not kidding 'dear'." replied Sayoko, "Go now before I remove you myself."
"Such a fiery spirit. I've never seen you like this before Belldandy. I like it. Perhaps being around riffraff such as Morisato hasn't been all that bad."
The glare that appeared on Sayoko's face caused Aoshima to stop smiling.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keiichi, Megumi, and the 3 goddesses were on their way back from the Official Tent. Keiichi was busy going over the trial list.
"According to this, we're in the 4th trial. Aoshima's team is in the 5th."
"Great. Just what we need." said Urd, "Aoshima hanging around trying to get Belldandy again."
"Hey K?" asked Megumi, "Did Tamiya make another bet with Aoshima?"
Keiichi froze in his tracks. "I don't know. We'd better hurry to make sure he doesn't."
The four were nearing the team's tent when they heard a lot of shouting. Suddenly Aoshima flew out of the team's tent, landing on his back several feet away. The 4 stood stunned, staring at Aoshima.
"Tamiya wouldn't.....he couldn't...." Keiichi stuttered, "The team would stop him."
"Then who....?" Megumi started to ask before she saw the answer.
Sayoko stepped out of the tent, glaring at Aoshima.
"The bet is off this year." Sayoko stated, "Now get the hell away from here!"
"Yes Ma'am." said Aoshima quickly. He got up and started to leave when he notice Keiichi, Megumi, and the goddesses. Specifically, he started at Belldandy, before turning and looking back at Sayoko, then back to Belldandy.
"2.....2......2 Belldandys?!?" he said. "I must have been hit harder then I thought." He quickly ran off.
Urd, Skuld, and Megumi quickly grabbed Sayoko and pulled her back into the tent. As she entered, the Motor Club burst into cheers, much to Sayoko's embarrassment.
"Alright! What happened?" asked Urd.
"Aoshima thought I was Mo....Belldandy." said Sayoko, "He then mentioned a bet with Tamiya."
"And you hit him for that?"
"No. He kissed my hand, insulted Dad, then I punched him. Can I go dip my hand in acid now? I need to remove the Aoshima germs." Sayoko turned and hurried off, Asuka right behind her, leaving Megumi, Urd, and Skuld to ponder this development.
"What are they training these goddesses in the future?" asked Urd.
"I don't know." said Skuld, "But I like it."
"Amen." added Megumi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"That was interesting." said Asuka after Keiichi had finished his time trial and the 5th got under way..
"How so?" asked Sayoko.
She, Asuka, Megumi, Belldandy, Skuld, and Urd had watched the trial from the stands while the rest of the Motor club waited in the pits. Urd had since wondered off in search of a drink. Belldandy and Skuld remained behind with Asuka and Sayoko.
"I never realized how much went on during a race." said Asuka, "Figuring out how much gas you have, deciding how to enter the turns. Even drafting the person in front of you to try and gain their position. It's...exciting."
"Yeah well...." said Sayoko, "It's not all fun and games."
"What do you mean?"
"It requires a lot of concentration on the part of the driver." said Sayoko, "One wrong move and...."
A loud roar went up from the crowd at that moment. Sayoko and Asuka turned to the main screen to see what had happened. A motorcycle had gone into the turn to sharply and hit the curb. The result was a riderless bike, and a cyclist tumbling along the pavement at 70 mph.
"....one wrong move and you're a skin graft recipient." finished Sayoko.
Asuka winced. "Ouch."
Sayoko watched as a Med Team went out to the fallen biker. Through the corner of her eye, she saw Belldandy watching as well, a worried look on her face. She then turned and hurried off in the direction of the pits.
"She worries everytime Keiichi races." said Skuld. "She's afraid he'll get hurt and she won't be there for him. The only time she doesn't seem to worry is when she's racing with him."
Sayoko was quiet for several moments.
Asuka noticed. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." replied Sayoko, "Just thinking."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 years into the future, one universe over.
Ritsuko looked at Skuld questioningly. "You sure you know what you're doing?"
They, along with Urd, Peorth, and Misato, were standing inside the room that contained the 3 NORN computer banks. The Verdandi computer was turned off and had been since the accident.
"I hope so." said Skuld. She then turned to Misato. "I thought Shinji and Rei wanted to be here?"
"They did." replied Misato. "I sent them to school and told their friends to keep and eye on them. The last thing they need to is for you 3 to screw up and they end up watching an electrocution again."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Skuld then walked over to Urd.
Urd looked at her worriedly, "You sure you want to do this?"
"I have to Urd. I'm the only one that can."
"Just make sure you come back. I don't want to be the last sister standing." Urd then reached into a pocket and pulled out two bracelets. "You'll need these if the connection here is broken."
Skuld took the bracelets and looked them over. "Moon rocks?"
"Hardly," said Urd with a smile, "These aren't like the bracelets Keiichi made for us. These babies will act as Mini-Yggdrasils, providing you with approx 3 months worth of power. If you use your power heavily, you can expect at the most a weeks worth of power."
Skuld nodded. "I stopped by R&D before coming here. Picked up some of the new equipment."
"The Valkyrie Helmets? Why?"
Skuld shrugged. "Just in case. We have no idea what time Yoko and Asuka ended up in."
"Good point."
"Excuse me?" interrupted Ritsuko, "How much longer is this going to take?"
The three goddesses frowned at her.
"Why you in a hurry to get rid of us?" asked Peorth.
"No. Its just people are going to wonder why this room is closed off and I don't think you want to reveal your heavenly nature to them."
"Good point." Peorth turned and handed Skuld a data pad. "This has all the information you need to set up the return Mandela, along with the times when we'll start the spell on this end. All you need to do is enter the approx year you're in." Peorth then let out a sigh. "Well then. I guess its time."
Skuld nodded. "Yep."
Peorth grabbed Skuld in a hug. "You'd better come back with them. It's been too quiet without Sayoko." She released Skuld. "Besides.......Someone has to keep Urd in line."
"HEY!" shouted Urd.
Skuld smiled and then walked over to the front of the Verdandi core.
"OK. Now what?" asked Skuld.
"Now we hit your general area with the required voltage." said Peorth.
"And how are we doing this?"
The sound of Urd chanting reached Skuld's ears. She turned to Urd floating above the ground, the beginning of a lightning Mandela appearing over her.
Skuld's eyes widened in shock. "YOU CAN'T BE SERIO....."
"URD BOLT!" Urd brought her hand downward. The Mandela flashed and emitted a powerful lightning blot that slammed into Skuld.
Skuld let out a cry of shock before bright light filled the room, followed by a tearing sound. Urd turned back after the light had faded. Skuld was nowhere to be seen. Peorth quickly walked over with a scanning device. After several moments she turned to face the others.
"The gate is gone. She's on her own now."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 years in the past, one universe over.
"Attention! Attention! Will all competing teams please move into position for the start."
Keiichi looked up towards the announcer's booth before turning to look at the others.
"That's my cue." He said, looking at the others.
Megumi smiled, "Good luck K. Show'em what a Morisato can do!"
Keiichi smiled, "I've got 4 goddesses on my side. I feel really lucky right now."
"MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "WE HAVE TO GO TO THE STARTING GRID!"
"Coming!" shouted Keiichi. He then turned and faced Belldandy. "I'll see you after the race."
Keiichi started to turn to leave when Belldandy grabbed him.
"Wait. You forgot something." She leaned in closer to him. "For Luck." She then kissed him. Keiichi and Belldandy remained that way for several moments. When they finally separated, they were greeted by catcalls and hollers from the rest of the team.
"Stay safe." said Belldandy, "I'll be waiting for you at the finish." She then turned and hurried off to join her sisters.
Keiichi remained in place for several moments more before turning and helping the team to move the bike out.
Sayoko and Asuka walked to where the team would watch the race from the pits.
"You think he'll win?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko smiled, "I know he will."
She had taken a few more steps when the sky rumbled with thunder. At the same moment, Sayoko felt something snap within her. She was so surprised she stumbled to the ground.
"Sayoko!" shouted Asuka, "Are you alright?"
"I think so." Sayoko looked around slightly stunned and confused, "What just happened?"
"You tell me. One minute you're walking next to me, and then you jumped at the sound of thunder."
Sayoko frowned and looked upwards. "It doesn't look like it will rain. And I felt something weird."
"What do you mean?"
"Can't really explain it. I never felt it before. Maybe..."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE..(etc etc)"
"Nevermind." said Sayoko. She grabbed Asuka's arm and began running toward the pit area. "The race is starting."